Eden, Part One

Eden
by Anat

DISCLAIMER: The characters belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemies, the WB, FOX, Kuzui Enterprises and whoever else owns the copyrights. I'm only using them for the fun of writing and reading.

RATING: PG-13

SPOILERS: there are referneces to events that happened in episodes: BtVS: Passion, Becoming p.2, Graduation day p.2, The initiative. & ATS: I Will Remember You, Eternity.

AUTHOR'S NOTES: Sets right after the events of "Eternity".

Part One

Eden - (Sarah Brightman)

Did you ever think of me, As your best friend.
Did I ever think of you, I'm not complaining.
I never tried to feel.
I never tried to feel. This vibration.
I never tried to reach.
I never tried to reach.
Your eden. (Your eden. Your eden.)
Did I ever think of you, As my enemy.
Did you ever think of me,
I'm complaining.
I never tried to feel.
I never tried to feel. This vibration.
I never tried to reach.
I never tried to reach. Your eden.
(Your eden. Your eden.)I never tried to feel.
I never tried to ...(Your eden.)

Cordelia entered the office, switching the light on. She gazed at Angel who was sitting pondering in the dark, he blinked at the sudden bright light.

"So are you gonna stay here? It's safe for you to go out", She said, moving closer. "It's night already".

"I know the sun is down, I feel it", he said quietly, not even looking at her.

"So I guess that was a no", she hummed.

"No?"

"Wesley and I are going out. He says there's some international competition in some chess club or something".

"Chess club?" he glared at her.

"I know, geez. But I heard there are going to be famous people there. Maybe even real agents!"

Angel sighed. "Although it's very intriguing for me to watch two people sit around a board and... brood... I think I'll stay here".

"Are you still feeling guilty for what happened-"

"Cordelia I don't wanna talk about it", he cut her out.

"We agreed it wasn't your fault".

"I let my guard down, I should have known".

"Known what? That the woman was a psycho who wanted to drug you in order to get herself young and beautiful and famous forever?"

Angel stared at her. "Yes. If it's that simple to bring out the demon in me, then maybe I shouldn't be here at all".

"It wasn't permanent", she tried to sooth him.

"But it happened. It should never happen", he got up from his chair, turning his back at her.

"Okay, so wait until we get back from the competition and we'll stake you", she huffed and turned to leave.

"I won't be here", he said quietly.

She turned back to face him, but he still had his back to her. "What do you mean?"

"I'm leaving. I can't stay here and risk your life". He turned to her.

"You can't leave! What about 'Angel Investigation'? what happened to help the-"

"Cordelia, please. Understand me". He pleaded.

"Understand what? That you're a coward? Because one woman managed to take away your control you want to quit fighting that sacred fight of yours? What happened to redemption? To making amends?"

Angel grimaced. "I can fight alone. I don't need to risk you two".

"So you're leaving. That's great. Every time you're being afraid of something you run away. This is just like what you did to Buffy".

He raised his eyes. "Don't even bring Buffy to this. It's not the same".

"Why not? You were afraid so you left her".

"I wasn't..." he sighed. "I left to give her a better life".

Cordelia puffed. "Oh yeah. I heard all about her perfect life".

"What's that suppose to mean?"

"I talk to my high school friends here and there. I hear stuff", Cordelia shrugged.

Angel grimaced. "I feel bad", he said.

"you should be!"

"No, I mean I feel bad..." he whispered, leaning down.

"What's wrong?" she moved closer.