Part 14

She had tried to roll away from him in the middle of the night. She hadn't known it...she was sleeping, but she had tried non the less. Angel wouldn't let her. He moved and held her in his arms. She hadn't tried again that night. It worried him though. Something was coming. Something big. He didn't know what tricks Jason had up his perfect, tailored sleeves. And he had no idea if Cordelia knew or not. If she didn't, deep down her mind picked up on what Angel's senses did. She knew something was headed for them. Ready to split up the little they had finally gotten. He ran his hand down her spirit, to the side, and over her hip. Moving down, he placed a soft kiss where the bone was. She shifted and looked down through heavy eyelids. He skipped back up, smiled, and held her to him. They both drifted off into a peaceful sleep.

***

They finally woke up and Cordelia rushed to get ready. She put on a nice, red dress that had thin spaghetti straps. Looking into the mirror, she saw the straps falling down. She leaned back into his embrace as the dress fell to the floor.

"It's gonna wrinkle." She moaned.

"So pick it up." He said, knowing damn well she wouldn't move away from his skilled hands. His fingers carressed softly down her abdomen, playing with the elastic of her panties.

"Why is it you always get like this right before I leave with Jason?"

"I get like this everytime I'm around you, Love."

"But especially when Jason's on his way." She pressed, turning to him. She played with the collar of his shirt.

"Because it reminds me who's bed you're coming home to."

"Angel. You know how I feel about you. I'm just not ready to admit it. It's too dangerous right now."

"I know. But sometimes I need to know that you know. Did that make sense?"

"Just enough." She said, pulling the dress back up. "Now, I have to go. I can't miss the filming days Angel. You know that."

"I know." He kissed her, pulling a strap back onto her shoulder. "Kick ass out there."

"I always do." She blew him a kiss and left.

***

"Miss Chase. Miss Chase." Cordelia turned to the petite blonde. "Miss Chase. Jason, I mean, Mr. Marlaney wanted me to give you a message." The woman had made Cordelia very nervous the first time she met her. She reminded her of Buffy. At first it made her feel like she would always be in the slayer's corner. But this girl was beneath her. And, she had Angel now. Had him wanting her. That said something. So did the fact that this woman just refered to her boyfriend by his first name and she didn't care.

"Really? What would that be?"

"He wanted you to meet him at this restaurant. i wrote it down...here!" She handed her the piece of notebook paper. "He said to meet him there at six."

"All right Jenny. Thanks." Cordelia walked away from the Buffy-look-alike and over to where they were shooting. She saw Jason, but her was busy talking to the director. She wanted to get this day over with. Someone came over to her and told her what they would be doing toda and she nodded. "I know," Cordelia said with a yawn. "I read my lines." She was exhausted. The only thing that was on her mind was sinking into a warm bubble bath and laying down with a certain vampire who would remain nameless.

***

The rest of the day came and went, six PM finally rolling around. She went to the restaurant and sat down, surprised when he showed up.

"You're not late."

"You sound upset."

"No. Shocked. You're always late."

"Well, I wanted to start tonight off right. Order anything you want. I want tonight to be perfect." She eyed him suspiciously.

"Why? What's so special about tonight."

"Like you don't know. Bet you thought I'd forget, huh? I didn't Cordy. I could never forget our six month anniversary." She glared at him.

"Really? Then I guess you'd know it was two weeks ago."

"I know. But don't get mad. I couldn't celebrate it then. I didn't have the money to get you my gift."

"Like the one you sent me last week?"

"No." He walked around and kneeled down in front of her. She had a look of panic on her face. No way. There is no way he's doing this. "I just didn't have enough money for this." He opened a small box and showed her the diamond solitare. "Cordelia? Will you marry me?" She looked at him, eyes wide, mouth opne.

"I, I don't know what to say." She really didn't. Not a single word was forming in her mind. He looked at her, a huge smile on her face. Her mind was drawing a blank.

"You don't have to say anything baby. That look on your face says it all." He kissed her, then hugged her tightly. She just sat there, a thought finally returning to her. Oh shit. What am I going to do about this one?

***

Cordelia walked into Angel's room. He was sitting down in the dark, his lamp on. He closed the book and looked up. She sat down at his table. With a concerned look, he moved towards her. Pulling a chair next to her, he sat down.

"What's wrong?" She didn't answer him. Just sat there, head down. "Cordelia? What's wrong?" She looked at him, a terrified and sorry look in her eyes. "Cordy-" She buried her head in her right arm, which was on the table, and showed him the ring on her left hand. He froze, grabbing her hnd and staring at the ring. "Tell me this isn't what I think it is."

"I'm sorry. I know. I wasn't exactly expecting it Angel, then...bam!"

"What did you say?" She turned her head away from him. "Cordelia. What did you tell him?"

"You think I could form a thought Angel? I mean, honestly! My mind blew a blank!"

"You didn't say anything?"

"No!"

"So what happened?"

"Well, he took my look of shock as an automatic yes and thinks I said yes!"

"Cordy!"

"Angel I'm sorry! It just happened! I don't know!" There was a long silence as the two took in the situation.

"I guess you have a choice to make, don't you?"

"What do you mean?"

"You know what I mean Cordy. What we had was fine before, but now! Cordy, you were proposed to." She wouldn't look at him. He grabbed her and and locked his lips around her finger, sliding the ring off. He placed it on the table, opposite of where he was. "You have to make a choice now Cordy. Him or me. And you need to be sure. Damn sure." He got up and walked over to his bed, laying down and re-opening his book. She looked at him, then back at the ring. She smiled and got up, walking over to Angel. She moved on top of him and kissed him. He looked up at her. "You sure? This could mean the end of your career Cordy. I don't want you to lose that unless...unless you really feel for me the way I feel for you."

"Angel. I don't need fame. I have you. I love you." He ran a hand through her hair, then cupped her face. She put a hand over his.

"That's all I needed to hear Cordy."

***

Cordelia layed down, Angel's arm wrapped around her. She kept her head on his chest. She traced a finger over his chest softly. He stirred, moving towards her touch and she smiled. It wasn't a hard decision. She didn't know why it took her so long to realize how much he meant to her.

She watched him sleep. The soft twist of his lips that was almost a smile, but not quite. His hair falling every which way on his head, all soft and fluffy. He was everything she wanted. And it wasn't scary anymore, well, not as much. But not like it was before.

She was scared now. But not of Angel being unfamiliar. She was afraid of what could happen. She put her heart on the line. And for a while, she was afraid that he would hurt her.

Cordelia stared at the sleeping face of her lover. He really did look like and Angel. And she knew, if not before then she knew now, that Angel wouldn't hurt her. And even with everything going on, they could make their relationship work.

"Relationship. Hmmm. I like the sound of that." She said to herself.

"Me too." She looked at Angel, eyebrow raised.

"You were supposed to be asleep."

"I was. You woke me up."

"Uh-huh." She buried herself into him and they both fell asleep. The last thought to enter Cordelia's mind was, How am I going to do this with Jason? It didn't matter though. She could worry about that tomorrow.

Part 15

Cordelia wanted to go home and soak in a nice, hot bath with lots and lots of bubbles and sleep pff the long day on the set that had caused her nothing but a headache. One that got bigger when she stepped in her unlocked apartment and heard a lound "Surprise!" from everyone in the room.

Co-stars, set directors, wardrobe, make-up, camera guys, they were all in her home. She knew about half, and got along with about a fourth. All here to butter up Jason, she assumed.

"What are you all doing in my house?" She asked in feign happiness. One of the lower cast members, Melanie, who was the ultimate in stuck ups came up to her. At first the young woman seemed nice, friendship material, but Cordelia could quickly tell what a fake she was.

"Jason told us that you two were engaged." She said with a big, cheesy smile, exposing her abnormally white teeth. When you're sleeping with the producer, you got to look good, right? "So, anyway, we all thought we should throw you a party. Congratulations Cordelia!" Cordy smiled, looked around and frowned.

"Where is Jason?" Melanie shrugged.

"Dunno."

"I'll be right back Malanie." She walked into her bedroom and shut the door. Digging through her purse, she found her cell phone, flipped it open and dialed the number that was permanently engraved in her mind.

"Hello?"

"Were you asleep?"

"No. Just got done training with Conner. Kid's getting too good. What's going on?"

"I need you to get down here as soon as you can. All of you. Bring the whole gang., okay?"

"But-"

"Angel, baby, please just do it. No questions right now. I just need you guys here right now."

"We'll be there in a few minutes, all right?"

"Okay. Thank you. Bye." She hung up, took a deep breath and plasted on a fake smile, ready to face the heard of sheep outside. At least if Jason was here, he could entertain him. She shook her head in disgust. The way everyone hung around him when he talked, hanging on each syllable without ever listening completely, she didn't know why she ever wanted that.

She heard the familiar knock and nearly charged the door. Behind it, Conner and Angel stood, with Wesley, Gunn, Fred and Faith. She smiled at them and addressed them in. Everyone's attention turned to them. The one Cordelia noticed quickly was Melanie's. The way her eyes raked over Angel's body made her blood boil.

"Yo Barbie, what's the issue?" She turned to the group, frowning at Angel.

"They're throwng my an engagement party."

"WHAT!" Everyone turned to Angel nd the wincing Cordelia. He noticed the reaction. "Go back to what you were doing people." He turned back to Cor. "What!" His voice was softer, but the anger and desperation was obvious.

"I don't know! I got here and all these people were here! I didn't want to be alone! I have no friends here. I can't stand any of these people."

"Well," Gunn said, rubbing his hands together. "if this is gonna be a party, it's a good thing we're here because this is..." He moved his hands around, indicating the room. "pretty damn boring."

"Yeah Cordy. It's kinda dead." Fred agreed.

"Come on girl. Let's put some life in this party." He took Fred and walked half way through the room. "You coming English? Junior? Gangsta girl?" Faith gave him the finger then dragged Wesley and Conner with her, giving Angel and Cordelia some alone time.

"Angel. Don't be mad at me."

"Didn't you tell him?"

"I was going to. But it was a long day on the set and-"

"Cordy! the man thinks you want to marry him!"

"But I don't!"

"Then maybe, just maybe, you should tell him that!" She pursed her lips together, eyes blinking as she tried to hold back the tears. She hated him being mad at her, hated him yelling at her. Especially when it was her fault.

"It's not exactly easy Angel. He thinks I want to marry him. We had good times together. I don't just want to go up to him and say, 'Jason, I know we were together for more than half a year and had really great times together, but it isn't working out.' I'm not that mean Angel." She looked at him, eyes pleading for his understanding.

"I know your not. But when are you going to tell him Cor? After the ring's on your finger and you two have been living together for five years?"

"No."

"Well, at this rate, I'm going with yeah."

"Fine! I'll do it!" He sighed and looked at her, shaking his head. "What?"

"Cordelia. I don't want you to break up with him because I'm forcing you. You know that. I want you to do it because you want to be with me."

"I do want to be with you."

"Because you love me..."

"Don't do that. Don't pull that, 'I'm having doubts in this relationship' look. I know that look Angel. And don't do it. Because it breaks my heart because you know, you know Angel" She poked him in the chest the second time she said it, "how I feel about you. And you know I love you." He looked at her.

"I know. Sometimes I need to hear Cor, but other times...other times actions do speak louder than words."

"What kind of actions were you thinking of?" She pressed againt him, whispering in his ear, other hand moving to his belt buckle and undoing it.

"I was thinking some where along the lines of you telling him you two are through."

"Uh-huh. And..." She said, feeling the growing hardness that was making his pants a lot tighter.

"Well, for now, I have another idea." He grabbed her hand and led her down the small hall, away from the crowded living room. Even though everyone was too caught up with their own buisness and the scene the other five AI members were creating in the living room.

He closed the door behind Cordelia, then pushed her against it. She reached up and kissed him, hands fumbling with the zip to his pants. He pushed her skirt up and pulled her panties down. She stepped out of them and he wrapped one leg around her. She pulled away from his mouth, needing oxygen.

"You know Angel, this is officially our first quickie." She said with a smile.

"Guess we better make it memorable, huh?"

"Oh yeah." He brought her other leg around his waist as she pushed his pants and boxers down, releasing him from them. He ran his hand down her legs and stared at the high black pumps she had on.

"These are the sexiest shoes I've ever seen."

"I thought you hated them. Every time I wore them you told me to take them off, said they were stripper shoes."

"That's because I didn't want you to know they made me crazy." He whispered into her ear. It didn't matter what he said to her when he spoke like that because it made her body bump up.

"Angel...please..." She begged, feeling his hardness rubbing against her opening.

"Be patient love."

"This is torture." She let out a moan as he rubbed himself against her.

"I've always been known for torture..." But even this was too much for him.

"Ang-" She was cut off when he thrust hard inside her. She wrapped an arm around her, getting leverage from how close she was against the door. She reached for the knob but was unable to lock it as they moved down the wall and fell on to the bed, ruffled sheets and blankets hiding them incase anyone came in. Not that they wouldn't know what they were doing. The thrusting got harder and faster with the minutes that passed, Cordelia meeting every motion.

She held onto him tightly as he moved in and out perfectly. She was built to fit him and they both knew it. They're eyes locked for a second before hers squeezed shut as the pleasure mounted.

"I love you." He whispered in her ear. She gripped him closer to her, ready to tell him the same, but was cut off when his one final thrust sent them both over.

"Love you...too." She murmered, not even sure if Angel could hear her. But he did. He lay there, her legs on either side of him. There were no more words. None were needed now. She ran her fingers threw his short hair as her breathing started to calm. "We should get out there." She said after a couple of minutes passed.

"We really should." He agreed, but neither moved or even made the attempt to move. She cupped his face and kissed him again.

"Well, maybe we could stay in here a little longer." She said as she felt him grow hard inside her again. She let out a soft sigh that made him shiver. He moved his lips to her ear, his voice low and sexy.

"How many times you think I can make you come in ten minutes?"

"Hmmm...I don't know. Maybe we should find out. Put that vampire stamina of yours to use."

"What the fuck is going on in here!" Angel moved off Cordelia, both of them still hidden by the covers as they both stares at the angry man in the door way, a group of people quickly crowding around him.

"Jason."

Part 16

"Jason! Oh my God!" Cordelia screamed, pushing her skirt down and throwing the blankets over Angel's exposed form in the process.

"Oh...God." Was the only statement that would come from his mouth.

"Wha-what are you doing here?" His shock was quickly replaced with anger.

"I came to see you! You are my fiancee after all! I am the one who threw that party!"

"I didn't expect you to actually show up!"

"I shouldn't have! Lord knows I didn't expect this! I knew you two were spending way too much time together!"

"Well, he is my boss!"

"Yeah, now you're fucking your boss!"

"It isn't like that!"

"You wouldn't even let me touch you." He looked at Angel. "You really must want that bonus, huh?" He was rewarded with a hard slap across the across the face.

"Want to know why I wouldn't sleep with you Jason? I don't know you! You're never around! Even now with this stupid party you threw me, you're just barely getting here! I'm always being put in second place, next to your work, or your friends, or whatever else you got going on! I don't put up with that! Cordelia Chase's guys are one-hundred percent devoted to her!"

"Really? And all this time I thought it was because you're a whore."

"Yeah. But not even a whore would screw you." This time she was the one slapped and knocked to the floor. She looked up at him in shock. The group of people in her home all gasped in unison. Angel ran to her side and Jason couldn't their comfortable closeness. Anger rose inn him and he threw a punch at Angel as soon as he stood up, hitting the left side of his jaw hard.

Angel staggered, then looked at the other man and charged. Jason looked like a deer caught in head-lights as Angel grabbed him by the throat and puched him against the wall. Before he could deliver the fatal blow. Gunn Wes, Faith and Conner grabbed him and pulled him away. Jason coughed, the air flowing back into his lungs.

"Let him go." Jason said, still coughing. Angel started to regain his senses.

"I'm not going to fight you Jason."

"Why not? Is the big, brave superhero scared? Afraid to get your ass kicked Angel?"

"Let me go." He growled in a menacing voice fit for Angelus.

"Let him go." Jason called again.

"Jason, you idiot! Do you want to die?" Cordelia screamed as Fred helped her get up and keep her balance. Angel saw the swelling that was already taking place and broke away.

"Oh shit." Conner muttered as Angel's fist met Jason't face, sending him flying into the same wall he his back had just hit. He looked up dazed and surprised at the other man's strength.

"Angel, no!" Cordelia went up to her angry lover, grabbing his cocked back arm.

"What?"

"Don't."

"But he hit you!"

"I know."

"You're taking his side?"

"Angel-"

"No! No fucking way! I, I can't believe you!"

"I just-"

"Don't! You know what? I'm sure you two will be very happy together!"

"I dind't mean it like that!" But he was already out the door, Conner following slowly behind. She looked over at Jason and glared. This had to end now. Blood trickled from his nose and upper lip, but the pain that spread across the right side her face increased, so she felt no sympathy.

"This wasn't going to end well. You knew that, that's why you asked me to marry you."

"I asked you to marry me because I love you."

"You odn't love me Jason. You love yourself too much to care about anyone else. You thought you were going to lose me and you couldn't stand it. So you tried to tie me down to you with a piece of gold and a diamond. But you never had me Jason. And you never will." She handed him his ring.

"You were supposed to be mine."

"I'm not property Jason. And I'm not yours. I didn't want this to hurt you, but I don't think it will. You don't feel. And if you loved me, you wouldn't have hit me. I'm with Angel now."

"Doesn't look like he wants you much."

"Yeah, that's why he broke your face for me, huh?"

"He doesn't have anything I don't."

"He's got class Jason. And he's got me."

"I thought you weren't property."

"I'm not. He doesn't treat me like I am either. Now go."

"You're going to regret this later honey. And you can kiss you're job goodbye."

"I think I can live with that. Now leave. And take your obsessive groupies with you." He left and everyone stared at her. "Yeah. You too. Go!" They left, muttering things about her. But she didn't pay attention, didn't care. These people weren't her friends. She looked at her true friends. "Think I could get a ride back to the hotel with you guys? I kind of need to talk to Angel." She said with a small smile.

"Of course." Fred said happily. "You can ride with Charles and I."

Part 17

The ride home was a long and silent one. Everyone's mind was on the Angel versus Cordelia confrontation that was sure to take place. And it was like the whole would paused for a couple minutes when they get to the hotel. Cordelia stood at the staircase, looking up. The next floor seemed to move further away when she got closer.

"Cordelia, just go up there. He already knows you're here."

"No he doesn't. He does? How?"

"I think it was when Conner yelled 'Bye Cordy!' before taking off to his friend's. But yeah, pretty sure that gave it away."

"Fred, sarcasm doesn't suit you."

"Yeah, well, staring at a staircase doesn't suit you, so go!" She said, coming behind and giving her a shove up the stairs.

"Okay! I'm going!" She walked up the stairs and down the hall, stopping in front of Angel's room. She went to knock, then pulled away.

Come on Chase. Get it together. It's just Angel. She thought to herself and took a deep breath. She raised her hand again, pulling away. Okay. Calm Down. It's fine. It'll be fine. zHe loves you, he told you so. Angel loves ME! No! COncentrate! He's mad at you. Just go in there and talk to him. Nothing sexual. That's what got you into this mess in the first place. She raised her hand one more time and was startled when she heard his voice.

"If you're going to come in, do it already." Her shoulders slumped. If she could've knocked, it probably would've helped her confidence a bit. Oh well. She walked in the room, head high.

"Hey." She said with a smile, taking a seat on the bed. Angel was in his chair.

"Hey."

"I guess we kind of need to talk, huh?"

"I guess so."

"You're pretty upset with me, aren't you?"

"No shit."

"Hey, can we watch the pissy tone please? I'm trying to apoligize."

"Maybe you should've thought of that when you stuck up for your boyfriend over there." He said, glaring at her.

"Angel, he's not my boyfriend. You are." Inside, his heart was jumping for joy. But his pride wouldn't let that show. He was still pissed off.

"You defended him over me. Why?"

"Angel, it wasn't like that. I couldn't have you adding another dead body to your list. Probably wouldn't do much for your consciance."

"I could live with it."

"I couldn't. You may not believe it, but I did it for you."

"I-" He was cut off as they heard a loud scream from downstairs. They jumped up from where they were sitting and looked over the upstairs railing. Fred was kneeling by an unconscious heep that was Conner. The rest of the group was behind her. Angel jumped over the railing, rushing to his son as Cordy ran down the steps. "What happened?" Angel demanded.

"I don't know! He just fell down! He's beat up really bad Angel." Fred said, sobbing. She was terrified. She had never seen a human beaten up this bad and alive at the same time.

"Who would do this?" Faith asked, recieving shrugs from Wesley and Gunn. That's when Fred's thoughts finally hit.

"Oh God! Angel? Is he-"

"No. He's still alive. I can hear his heart beat. But it's low. Cordy, get the keys from my jacket pocket. Start the car, I'll meet you out there. The rest of you, meet me at the hospital as soon as you can." He picked up his beaten son and carried him outside to the car. She sped them to the Los Angeles hospital.

***

Now, when Cordelia paced the floor, Angel was right next to her.

"Cordelia, Angel, please stop pacing. You're going to wear the hospital carpet thin." Wes said, rubbing his eyes. Angel's patience was wearing thin. He went up to the counter.

"Excuse me?" No answer. "Excuse me?" Still, nothing. "Hello!" The nurse turned to the dark man with an irriatated look on her face.

"Sir, I can hear you."

"Fine. When am I going to be able to see my son?"

"Sir, I don't know yet. When I know, you will."

"That's not good enough."

"Well, I'm sorry, but that's the way it works."

"Look-"

"No, you look! You'll see your son when you see him!"

"Sweetie, do not take that tone with him! Now, either you let us see Conner or you're going to need a helluva lot of security guys to keep Angel and I and everyone else here from busting through those rooms and seeing him." The nurse behind the counter rolled her eyes.

"Fine. Follow me." She led them through the white halls to a small room. Cordelia gasped when she saw Conner and couldn't enter. He looked so small and vulnerable. Almost as pale as the walls themselves, with endless wires hooked up to his body. His eyes fluttered open and struggled to focu on Angel.

"Dad?"

"I'm right here son."Angel said, kneeling at his right side. Conner groaned.

"What happened?"

"You tell me."

"I can't remember."

"Don't worry about it. Just rest." That's when Conner realized his surroundings.

"Wait a minute. Where am I?"

"Your at the hospital."

"Why?" He glanced around again. "Nah-ah. I want to go home. Dad, take me home. Please?"

"Conner. You can't leave. They have to keep a close eye on you."

"Dad..." He whined.

"Conner..." Angel returned in the same voice. "You have to stay here."

"I hate it here."

"I'm sorry. But you have to." Conner crossed his arms and huffed. After a couple of minutes, he looked at his father, showing his age and fear.

"You're going to stay here with me, right?"

"All night."

"Okay. I'll stay."

"Like you had a choice. Now go back to sleep. You need your rest." Within minutes, Conner was asleep again. Angel notcied his friends around him. "You guys should head home."

"No. WE should stay here with...you." Fred said, yawning.

"Uh-huh. Go home. It's late. You guys need sleep. I don't."

"I'm for it. Anything you need before though?" Gunn asked.

"Yeah. Can you bring my car so I can take him home in the morning. He may want to stay here tonight, but it wouldn't last. Tomorrow, he'll throught guards out of the way to get home."

"All right. We'll see you Angel."

"Bye Angel."

"Good night." The three left and Angel noticed Cordelia wasn't in the room.

"Cordy?" She stared at the young man on the bed. "Cordy, are you okay?

"God Angel, he looks so helpless and weak. He looks...dead." She choked on the word and started to cry. He gathered her in his arms and held her to him as she cried.

"Shhh. He's fine. I swear. I can hear his heartbeat Cordy, he's fine. I would know if something was wrong."

"Angel, he's like a son to me. I almost lost you tonight, now I almost lost him."

"He's fine. And you didn't almost lose me. Couples fight Cordelia. And this is just a little disagreement."

"So we're okay?"

"Yeah. We're fine." He told her and led her in the room. She sat on his lap and he held her, but she still felt as if there was something wrong.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes." They sat there, watching Conner's heavy breathing. But it was all right, because he was all right. Cordelia's words sank in. Conner was like her son. He really liked the idea of this little family.

Part 18

Angel's eyes opened slowly, taking time to adjust to the bright white lights. He felt extra weight and warmth on him and opened his eyes completely. Cordelia was sitting on his lap, head resting agaisnt his. He smiled and looked over to the bed where Conner was stirring. His face was severly bruised, he almost didn't look like himself. But he was alive and would be all right in a couple of days. Conner's eyes finally opened and he scanned the room looking for Angel. His voice was rough when he spoke.

"Can we leave now?" Angel rolled his eyes and shifted, moving Cordelia off him but not waking her up.

"You just woke up."

"So?"

"So...we have to talk to the doctor's first, find out if they can release you."

"Don't they have that thing where you can check yourself out?"

"Your not eighteen yet. I'm your father, and I could check you out. And I will, if the doctor's say it's all right."

"Fine." There was a silence.

"Conner? What happened?" Conner looked at his father. In that one look, Angel knew Conner remembered.

"Can we not talk about it right now?"

"I guess. But you're going to have to tell me soon." A nurse walked in, a big smile on her face. It was obvious she wasn't the one who had to deal with Angel and Cordelia last night, otherwise she wouldn't be so happy.

"Good morning! How are we feeling today?" She said, voice high pitched and happy. Angel winced.

"Like hell." Conner groaned. The nurse gave him a sympathetic smile.

"I'm sorry. These should help you though." She handed him a small cup with three different pills and a glass of water. Conner looked at them.

"What are those?" Angel asked.

"Just some pain relievers Sir." Conner took them, grimacing at the bitter taste.

"Can I leave now?" Angel shushed Conner and walked over to the nurse.

"Does he check out?" Once again, she gave that bright smile.

"He's perfectly healthy. Quite outstanding really. A normal person his size shouldn't be doing so well after such intense injuries. But his vitals are fine. They just want to run another test to be positive and then you can take him home."

"Thank God! I don't think I could stand another hour in here, let alone another day. I'll just get my stuff ready and-" He went to move and cried out in pain.

"Sit, child." Angel said. Conner obeyed, glaring in the ultimate rebellious teenager stlye. "You got beat up Conner. You might not be able to move for a couple days."

"Days! More like weeks! What happened to you sweetie?"

"Yeah, what happened?" Cordelia asked, yawning as she woke up from her uncomfortable sleep. She rolled the kinks out of her neck.

"I don't want to talk about it right now."

"I know. You got one more test they have to perform, then we'll take you home, okay?"

"All right. When are they doing the test?"

"Whenever you're ready." The nurse answered.

"I'm ready. I want to go home."

"All right. The doctor will be right with you." She left them and ten minutes later the doctor from the previous night walked in.

"Good morning. How are we doing?"

"I'm still alive."

"I can see. We just want to go through a normal procedure to make sure everything is normal."

"Okay."

"Would you like your parents to step outside?" Cordelia and Angel looked at each other. Parents? They exchanged a small smile.

"Yeah. But I'm warning you, you try anything and, beaten up or not, I'll kick you ass."

"Conner, behave. He's not going to do anything. He's a doctor."

"That doesn't mean anything."

"Calm down." Angel looked at the doctor. "He really hates hospitals. It's nothing personal." The doctor nodded and Angel and Cordelia stepped out.

"What are they doing?" Angel asked her. She shrugged. They waited for about another ten minutes before the doctor walked out.

"He's perfectly fine and ready to go home."

"He's been ready since he got here." The doctor smiled and left. When they entered, Conner was dressed and ready to go.

"All right." Cordy said. "We get it." They walked out the room and down the hall to the front desk. Angel checked Conner out while Cordelia brought the car to the under ground parking lot. They made their way home.

***

Conner layed down in his bed, happy o be home. He didn't mind the extra attention everyone was lavishing on him either. But after a couple of hours, Cordelia and Angel walked in. He groaned, knowing they wanted answers.

"Time for that talk?" Conner asked.

"You know it." And he did. He wasn't getting out of it this time. Angel and Conner exchanged looks, then he turned to Cordy with a pleading glance. She nodded, stood and left. Even though Angel said things were fine between them, she knew different. Things still felt very tense between them ans she had the feeling he was still angry with her. It had only been a day after all and he had only gotten an hour to himself to brood. Maybe he needed some more time to sort things out in his head.

Inside the room, Conner was still giving Angel the "Please don't make me tell you" look.

"Conner…"

"Okay, okay. So, I went to Daniel's as you know. His date stood him up and my girlfriend, you remember Judy right?"

"Yeah."

"Well, she's out of town. So, we were dateless and you can't go to a party without a date."

"Party? What party? You said you were going to Daniel's, not a party."

"Yeah, um, I know. But, we did and we were dateless. Anyway, we got there and him and I had a little too much to drink-"

"Alcohol under the legal age of twenty one, lying to your father…go on." Conner gulped.

"So, we were kind of messed up. And I saw this girl…she was gorgeous Dad. Brown hair, green eyes, leather skirt. Totally hot."

"And…"

"And…I went over to talk to her. You know, work the magic?" Angel hid his smile. "Well, I didn't know she had a boyfriend at the time."

"Conner."

"I know, I know. But she was really, really hot Dad." He tried to reason.

"So you cheat on your girlfriend?"

"No...yeah, but, but…the leather!" Angel glared. "Anyway, I got into an argument with her boyfriend. He hit me, so I had to hit him back. An hour later, I was outside talking to her and he came back. She took off and he had a bunch of other guys with him. I was hit from behind with a crow bar. They started kicking me and hit me with bats and stuff. Lord knows where they got them. Next thing I knew, I blacked out. I woke up, got myself home and passed out again. Next thing I know, I was in the hospital." He looked up at his father with pleading eyes.

"Okay, let's count your crimes." Conner frowned and leaned back in bed as Angel counted his son's actions on his fingers. "Lying to me-one. Going to a party I didn't permit you to attend-two. Drinking-three. Trying to still someone's girlfriend when you have your own-four."

"It's not my fault I have your obsession with leather!"

"Getting in a fight-five. Hmmm…you're grounded for…a month."

"A month!"

"A month!"

"But-"

"Conner, you won't be able to move, or want to, for the next two weeks. So don't complain. Now go to sleep. You're tired, I'm tired-"

"Pah-leese! You so know you're taking Cordy to your room and-"

"Finish that sentence and you die." Conner yawned and Angel walked to the door. "Go to sleep Conner." He left and leaned against the door frame. He really wouldn't mind taking Cordy to his room and…

His thoughts were interrupted when he yawned. He shook his head, walked to his room, and laid down.

Cordelia watched from the bottom steps of the stairs with a frown. Angel really was still mad at her. He didn't even look at her. She sighed. The past couple days had really sucked.

Part 19

Angel yawned and stretched when he finally woke up. He moved his arm around, eyes still closed when he realized something was missing. Someone was missing. It felt wrong to be lying there without her. He felt no warmth, flet no skin pressed against his own. It hadn't even been an entire night. In that one night, he realized he could never be away from her again.

Angel hated being dependent on anyone. When he came back from hell and had to be dependent on Buffy, it stripped his of what little manhood he had after having his ass kicked by a slayer. He wished he had stayed dead. But with Cordelia, it felt different. It felt good…right.

He stood up and stretched. He pulled on some pants, a fresh t-shirt, and some shoes. The hotel was dark and a bit chilly. It was refreshing after the scorching day. He heard the sound of soft snoring as he passed by his son's room, then Lorne's. He looked at his watch, twelve AM. He heard voices in the lobby and saw Fred and Wesley discussing the latest case. Faith was amusing herself by going in circles in Wesley's spinning chair. And Gunn was sorting through the weapons, trying to rearrange the damage Cordelia had done to them.

"Guys?"

"Hey Angel." Fred said.

"Hey. What are you guys doing up?"

"We're really close to crackin' this case." Fred said in her Texan accent. "Plus, I really ain't tired. I think it was that coffee we had."

"Starbucks always does the trick." Gunn said. "What are you doin' up Angel?"

"Couldn't go back to sleep. I'm going to patrol."

"No. You're going to go see Cordelia." Faith said knowingly. Angel smiled.

"Keep an eye on Conner for me? He's asleep. If he wakes up in pain or anything, call me." They nodded and he walked outside. There was a soft drizzle and he raised his head as he walked, the water shining on the leather coat. It felt good and his skin tingled as he thought of Cordelia. He felt like a teenager over taken by flaming hormones. He liked it, but he sure couldn't let her know that.

He made his way to her apartment and hopped up the few steps. He knocked on the door.

Inside, Cordelia was watching a sappy movie as she played out her sorrows. It was almost over when she heard the knocking on her door. Her voiced hitched. She didn't even have to open the door to know it was him. She could feel him. The way the air went electric when he came around. She took in a deep breath and stood up. She looked down at herself. Her body was suddenly on fire. She wrapped the robe tighter around her body and opened the door, a smile on her face that she couldn't help.

"Angel?"

"Hey." He said with a smile. She looked his over. His hair shone with drops of cool rain that trickles slowly down his face. She took in a shaky breath and he looked at her.

"What?" She blushed and lowered her head.

"Nothing. You want to come in?"

"In a second. It's nice out here." He grabbed her hand and pulled her out. She was on guard and he could tell, he hurt and confused her. But he could make it up. They stood against the small rail of the small patio, letting the soft rain sprinkle on them. Her robe opened slightly as she uncrossed her arms and let them rest against the rail. He didn't fight the urge to look at her and saw the red teddy that clung to her thighs.

Angel licked his lips and moved behind her. He slowly wrapped his arms around her, giving her time to protest and move away if she wished. She didn't but he felt her stiffen.

"I know you're mad at me Cordy."

"No, you're the one mad at me Angel. Because of Jason." He chuckled softly.

"I'm not mad."

"You sure?"

"Cordy, when I woke up and didn't see you by me…there is nothing that feels worse than that." She smiled softly as his head moved down and he started to lick a soft pattern down her neck. His hands gently slipped the robe off her shoulders and he tossed it inside the open door. He saw the thin material clinging to her body and his fingers twisted in the thin strap at her shoulders.

"Angel." She breathed as she felt his hips press against her backside and the bulge that made her moan. His hands reached around, touching her stomach. They slowly moved down her abdomen along the wet feel of silk. They started to move the material up and she turned around in his arms to reach up and kiss him. He backed up against the outside wall. His hands wandered, one giving her butt a healthy squeeze, the other sliding a strap down her shoulder to expose one breast.

He kneaded it, swallowing the gasp. The hand moved down, then up under the slip to the silky skin there. His fingers brushed against her, smiling to himself when he felt her legs spread for him. She clutched his back as the beginning waves of pleasure started to wash over her. His fingers played with her and she pulled her mouth away from his. Her breath came out in pants and she felt her body start to shake. "Ah..." She was close, so close then,

"Get a room!" A pedestrian driving by screamed out of the passenger's window. Cordelia looked at Angel and the two shared a laugh outside.

"Should we go in?" Giggling, she nodded. They closed the door and he pulled her in, pushing her against the door, kissing her deeply. They moved to the couch and Angel moved on top of her. Her hands quickly undid his pants and she gripped him in her hand. Just the feel of him nearly undid her.

"Are we okay?" She asked him, still not sure. She wanted to believe him, but she had to be positive. He smiled at her sweetly and it made her melt.

"We're better than all right. We're in love Cordelia." She smiled at him, holding him close with one arm, the other guiding him to her. He kissed her again, fingers running through her hair. Her other hand joined the first, legs spreading further, drawing him closer.

Angel entered her and groaned at the heat he never wanted to leave. She wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling him deeper. He moved against her, the sound of her panting breaths loud in his ears until he filled her completely. Angel wanted this time to be slow and sweet, to let her know how much she loved him. But he couldn't. She felt too good.

With every thrust, he moved faster and harder. She met him thrust for thrust, bucking, writhing, wiggling beneath him in just the right way. Her muscles clenched tight around him.

"Angel. Don't stop. God, please don't stop." He couldn't even if he wanted to. She moaned his name low in her throat, body convulsing. Her muscles gripped him and he went rigid inside her, tumbling over the edge with a primal growl. She looked up at him and smiled, placing a soft kiss to his lips. "I love you."

"I love you too baby." He rested his head down on her chest and she held his head their. He listened to the sound of her heartbeat.

"So, how long can you stay?" She asked, still panting.

"How long you want me to stay?" She smiled mischievously at him. The look alone nearly got him hard again. She was always sexy, but when she gave him that look…

"What time we gotta be at work tomorrow?" He stared at her with a smile. The way his gaze caressed her skin made her tingle with excitement. He made love to her that night as though it was her pleasure that mattered. Not his own. Cordelia had never experienced that before.

That night they lay in the bed, facing each other on their sides. His fingers traced her face. Touching, lingering, feeling the thickness of her lips. Her whole body was alive again just from the simple touch. It was singing, ripples of pleasure running through her. She had opened up to him more that night in a way she had never had before. Deep in her, he touched a nerve. A spring she had never known was there.

There was so much that could go wrong. So many problem that could happen. But it didn't matter. Because they had each other and that was all that mattered. For the first time in her life, Cordelia felt like her whole life and future was in this man's hands. It scared her, but it made her feel a warmth she had never experienced before.

Angel owned her if he wanted to take possession. And for the first time ever…it was okay.