Hot Potatoes

By Old English Dave

Sequel to “Touch Paper”, please read that first, and “Fireworks”, please read that second.

Angel woke up. Cordelia lay naked by his side – her arm stretched across his chest as if to claim him. He watched her for several minutes as she slept – wanting to savour the experience.

He thought back over the last 24 hours.... a single day out of nigh on 250 years.... a day that had changed his life forever. He wanted to wake her.... for once he was eager for conversation.... for reassurance that it was all real.... that it had all happened. He’d told Cordelia he loved her and discovered that she loved him too.... a love that had been consummated in night of unalloyed passion.

Angel suddenly realised he was happy.... he was!.... he was genuinely happy for probably the first time in his life and he owed it all to her.... to Cordelia.... his Cordelia.

He wanted to wake her.... but he didn’t. Instead he gently lifted her arm, eased himself out from under it, pulled on his trousers, and made his way to the kitchen.


Cordelia awoke drowsily from her sleep.... her arm reaching out but not finding anyone.

“Angel?!”

She sat up.... suddenly wide awake.... realising he wasn’t there. Her disappointment immediately turned to joy as he walked into the bedroom, smiling as he saw her, carrying a breakfast tray - eggs, toast, grapefruit, coffee - and set it down beside her. He bent down and kissed her, then sat down next to her, preparing to watch her eat. He pointed at the tray.

“Need to keep your strength up.”

“After last night, you’re probably right!”

He hesitated.... he suddenly needed to know for certain.

“Maybe you were swept away in the heat of the moment.... I’m sure of my feelings.... I have been for some time.... I love you.... but I’d understand if you....”

“I love you, Angel.... with all my heart. I have done for so long.... I told you that last night and I meant it.”

“I can’t go out in the light.”

“I know that.”

“I can’t father any children.”

“I know that too.”

“I drink blood....”

“Stop it, Angel.... I know what you are.... I know about your past.... it doesn’t change anything. I just want to be with you.... Now, can I eat my breakfast in peace!”

Angel leaned back on the headboard and watched her work her way through the trayful of food, helping himself only to coffee. As Cordelia finished, she picked up the tray and lowered it to the floor. She turned back and grinned wickedly at Angel.

“I’ve got my strength back.... what should we do now?!”

He pulled her into his arms....

Eventually, they showered and dressed. Knowing that Wesley and Gunn would arrive soon, they debated whether or not to tell them.

“I don’t want you and I to be a secret.... it would be too difficult to keep anyway,” reasoned Angel.

“Fine.... you tell them, then.”

“Maybe you should tell them.... it’s a ‘people skills’ thing.... you’re always telling me mine are sadly lacking.”

“Big chance to improve them, then!”

The phone rang.

“Angel Investigations,” Cordelia began.

She held her hand over the mouthpiece of the phone.

“It’s Kate, you’d better not arrange another all-night surveillance for tonight.... I’ve got plans!”

She passed the phone to Angel.

“Kate!”

“Hi, Angel.”

“Need some help?”

Angel looked up to see Cordelia scowling at him.

“That’s not why I’m calling, Stupid.... how did you get on last night after our little chat?”

“Great.... better than great!”

“You’re together.... an item?”

“Yep.”

“I’m pleased for you.... really pleased.”

Kate rang off.

“What was that about?!” questioned Cordelia, looking slightly suspicious.

At that moment, Wesley and Gunn swaggered in together, giggling conspiratorily like naughty schoolboys. They stopped as they saw Angel and Cordelia.

“So, where did you get to last night?” Gunn asked Angel.

“Out on a surveillance job with Kate.”

“What, no action between you two?.... Cordelia thought you and her might be....”

“There’s nothing between Kate and I.”

“Oh well, never mind....” interrupted Wesley, “Gunn and I were out on the town.... had a great time.... bit of a late night, actually.... rather too much to drink.... that’s why we’re a bit late today.”

Cordelia moved over to sit on the side of Angel’s chair. She looked meaningfully at him and nudged him in the ribs. He took the hint.

“When I said there was nothing between Kate and I.... that was true.... but there is something.... not about Kate and I....it’s more.... well....”

“Oh for heaven’s sake, Angel and I are in love.... with each other!” Cordelia blurted out in exasperation.

Silence for several seconds.... then Gunn was the first to react.

“I’m cool with that!”

“Yes.... congratulations.... I think this calls for some tea,” chipped in Wesley, moving to put the kettle on, “when did you discover this?”

“Last night.... we didn’t want there to be any secrets between us,” explained Angel, “we’re a team, right?”

”Yes.... well said.... absolutely right.... no secrets,” remarked Wesley, looking suddenly nervous.

“No big surprise to us.... that right, English.”

“No.... quite.... we had suspected for some time even if the two of you didn’t seem to realise it.”

Another brief silence.... then.

“No secrets, huh!” An odd expression crossed Gunn’s face. He gestured to Wesley having obviously come to a decision. A look of slight panic briefly crossed Wesley’s face, then disappeared as he nodded in acquiescence. He went over and stood next to Gunn who put his arm around Wesley’s shoulder.

“Have we got some news for you!” announced Gunn.

THE ABSOLUTE END