Disclaimer: 'Angel' is the property of Joss Whedon, WB etc. It's not mine.

Spoilers: Post-season 2 of Angel; Buffy's been brought back and she and Angel had their rendezvous.

Author's notes: Dedicated to the people who miss the times when Cordelia Chase was a shallow bitch. Oh, we loved her so much back then.

He leans over her. Watching her quietly, ignoring the sound of her snoring. She has a cold and he doesn't bother to mind. His girl is beautiful to him as always.

She looks rather peaceful; a few strands of black hair fall across her sun-kissed face. Leaving alone her snoring, she is otherwise quiet in her sleep. He likes it when she makes an effort not to be annoying. He should do her a favour and not argue whilst she sleeps. He smiles at his beloved.

He puts his fingers on her cheek, attempting to brush those fine strands away. She stirs. He quickly withdraws his fingers away. He really didn't intend to disturb her. She opens her eyes slowly.

She lazily calls his name. She slightly moves her head as her eyes struggle to open and they do. Her eyes blink rapidly. She adjusted her position as if to gain comfort in the bed.

He is surprised and asks her if she had been awake all that time.

The lazy, sleepy expression is wiped away from her face. Her astonishment matches his. She vigorously asks him how long he's been here. Her tone is muffled other than from the effect of sleeping. Before his opened mouth make out words, she instantly reminds him that there is no way in hell that she will play Buffy to his Angel. He's surprised; he never expected his undead friend to be normal, but ...

She interrupts him again asking him where Angel is. He sighs quietly, understanding why everyone was so baffled at their interest in each other. She starts complaining about how she only stayed in the damn place because of him. He puts his hands on her shoulders, calming her and telling her he went for a walk. She blinks furiously asking what time it is. It's 5 AM in the morning and it's raining. She starts to 'yap' some more, asking if being in love jacks IQ points. Gunn says he wonders about the same thing and replies that it must be so because Cordelia has been acting denser than usual. Before she can hit him, she sneezes. She moans God's name and sniffs. He runs to get her the box of tissues. She thanks him and gets back at him by saying that at least some of his brain cells work. But she really doesn't want them to work full-time again because she'd miss the way he is now.

They both blush at that comment. Attempting to change the subject she asks about Fred and Wesley. He says they're doing okay and Wesley's taking care of her. She's relieved, someone has to take care of that girl. She's sure Wesley can take care of fruitcakes. He scolds her a little for saying that. She playfully teases him about cheating behind her back with Fred. They laugh.

As the brightness of their spirits illuminate their faces, he takes the chance to put his arms around her shoulders and pull her close. She tilts her head higher to reach his lips. A perfect time for her to sneeze. He quickly withdraws, wiping his face on his sleeve. She apologizes, snatching a delicate pink tissue from the box. She sniffs; he admits it doesn't really matter. They catch each others' eyes in a tender gaze. He dips his mouth in hers as she wraps her arms around his neck. She withdraws her mouth to move her face away so that she can safely sneeze. She hates being Rudolph. He admits that he kinda finds her red nose attractive. She manages to say thank you but not without cocking an eyebrow.

He tells her to lie down and get some rest. Angel will be back soon from Brooding festival. She calls his name softly, he turns back. She lifts her blanket and says she requires a bit of TLC as well to get better. She can't go to sleep without it, it's like a soothing lullaby. He smirks. She colds him, urging to avoid perversity. Besides, sex and mucus don't mix well. He thanks her for the gifting him with the image.

He finds the scenery on the bed rather tempting. Her delicate arms holding up the blanket in an inviting manner. Besides, he needs to slumber. He climbs in, hugging her. She rests her head on his chest, giving a little sigh of contentment. He kisses her head, asking her what 'big brother' will think. She doesn't really care. She wordlessly wraps herself around his figure, feeling the warmth.

The end.