Nothing says welcome to Sunnydale like a demon trying to gut you in the local 7-11, Cordelia complained as she pushed Connors stroller into the hotel room, a diaper bag draped over her shoulder.
Angel followed in behind them, carrying their luggage. Sorry about all that, he sighed as he dropped the luggage at the foot of the bed.
Cordelia smirked in response as she lifted Connor from his stroller. Hey, its not your fault. How were you supposed to know that fixing me a grape Slurpee would incite a demon riot.
I should have went with Cherry, he smiled.
Yes, you should have, Cordelia replied as she smiled at a cooing Connor.
Im sorry we missed the wedding, Angel replied, leaning against the dresser.
If we bust ass, we can still catch the reception, Cordelia suggested. Free music and food. Cant beat that. Besides, we didnt almost die in the chip aisle of a 7-11 just to go back home.
I suppose.
Cordelia approached him and handed Connor off as she said, Daddys going to watch you while Auntie Cordy changes into something less demon-slayage and more wedding-appropriate.
Angel watched as Cordelia grabbed her suitcase and disappeared into the bathroom.
**********
Cordelia stepped out of the bathroom in her lilac evening gown, a matching sheer shawl in one hand and her suitcase in the other. As she placed her suitcase upon the bed, she gave a quick glance at the baby stroller, where Connor was peacefully asleep.
She smiled as her attention turned to Angel, who had changed into his tuxedo while she had been in the bathroom. He didnt notice her approaching him as he fought with his bow tie.
Cordelia tossed her shawl on the bed with a sigh. She gently smacked Angels hands away from his neck as she took his tie in her hands.
So, she said as she fixed his disheveled tie, what are we going to tell them?
About what?
Cordelia nodded towards the stroller as she replied, The little one over there.
What do you mean? Well tell them the truth.
The truth, Cordelia replied, raising an eyebrow at him.
Yeah, the truth.
Hey guys, remember when Buffy killed that evil vampire bitch that bit her mom. Yeah? Well, long story short? An evil lawfirm raised her from the dead, vamped her in order to turn Angel evil, which they almost did, and he slept with her on one of his *dark* nights.
So, the truths out, Angel sighed.
The truth is *so* out. Cordelia paused as she finished his tie. She took a step back and smiled. *Now* you look all snazzy.
So what are we going to say when they ask?
Well, saying hes yours is just going to freak everyone out beyond words, Cordelia shrugged.
Saying hes *yours* will probably have the same effect, Angel smirked.
Cordelia crossed her arms over her chest as she replied with a smile, You know, we could have escaped the drama that *will* unfold if *someone* would have just let the others babysit for a couple of days.
Angel shrugged as he looked over at the stroller at his sleeping son. I just feel better if hes here with us. Hes safer with us.
Yeah, I guess he is, Cordelia replied, turning to look at Connor as well.
So, what are we going to tell them?
Cordelia approached the stroller with a sigh. She knelt beside it, reaching inside and gently stroking Connors cheek.
Well just see when the time comes, she said softly as she watched Connor give a little sigh.
*********
Willow was standing at the bar when she saw a familiar face enter the ballroom. The fact that Cordelia Chase had shown up at Xanders wedding didnt shock her as much as the fact that Cordelia Chase seemed to be carrying a *baby*.
Willow glanced at her half-empty glass of champagne and back to the doorway, where Cordelia stood by herself, possibly waiting for someone.
Willow looked at her glass once more before turning to the bartender and asking, This is *just* champagne, right?
The bartender gave her a weird look as he simply nodded and walked away.
Oh boy, Willow mumbled as she quickly finished off her drink and made her way to the doorway.
Cordelia? Willow asked as she approached the brunette who was busy talking softly to the baby.
Cordelia looked up at Willow with a smile. Willow, hi!
Hi, Willow replied with a nervous smile, glancing down at the baby for only a second. Its so great to see you!
You too, Cordelia replied with a warm smile. Im sure you guys didnt expect to see me here in a million years.
Willow simply nodded. After an awkward moment of silence between them, she said, I would hug you, but it seems that you have your hands a little full.
Cordelia smiled down at Connor as she replied softly, Yeah, it seems that way.
Willow shifted uncomfortably, nodding. So um hi!
Cordelia looked up at Willow with a smirk. *Hi*. I think weve already covered that area, Willow.
Yep, I guess we have.
Willow cleared her throat as silence fell between the two women again.
So, um did you come by yourself or Willow began.
At that moment, Angel entered the ballroom, the folded-up stroller under one arm and the diaper bag draped over the other shoulder.
Willows eyes grew wide as he stood next to Cordelia. Angel, hi!
Oh, hey, Willow, he smiled.
Hey *you* Wow! Angel and Cordelia *here*. Wow. So, Im gonna go over yeah. Its so good to see you guys! Willow stuttered before quickly walking away.
That was *interesting*, Angel replied, watching Willow depart.
I thought it was pretty funny myself, Cordelia grinned.
So, what did you tell her?
She never asked, Cordelia replied with a slight shrug. She looked sideways at him as she asked, What took you so long anyway?
I couldnt get the stupid stroller to fold, Angel growled.
Cordelia laughed quietly in response. Ladies and gentlemen, I present the worlds *champion*. She grabbed his arm gently with her free hand as she said, Come on, lets go sit down.
**********
Xander was in the middle of telling a joke to one of his construction buddies when Willow approached him, grabbing his arm gently.
I need to talk to you, she whispered.
Xander gave her a weird look and excused himself as she drug him off to another corner of the floor.
Willow, whats up?
Xander, I know this is supposed to be *your* big day and all, but I think youre about to be upstaged.
Is Anya acting up again? he smirked as he glanced around the ballroom for his bride.
Not by your wife. By your ex-girlfriend, Willow replied.
Cordy actually came? Xander replied, unable to hide the shock in his voice.
Boy, did she ever.
Xander smiled at his best friend as he asked, Willow, seriously, whats going on?
Cordelia has a baby.
Xander stared at Willow for a moment before laughing loudly. Oh my God! Thats hilarious! I could have sworn that I just heard you say that Cordelia has a kid, but that cant be right. Seriously, Willow, what did you mean to say?
Willow simply responded with a look.
Xanders laughter stopped in his throat, and his voice dropped to a harsh whisper as he replied, Youre serious?! Cordelia has a baby?!
Well, I dont know if its *hers*, but she brought it with her.
You dont know if its hers? Will, people dont just pick stray babies up off the sidewalk and tote them around.
Well, sorry, Willow huffed, I was a little too busy being stunned beyond words to actually form a complete thought. Besides, Angel came in with all the *baby stuff* and I just had to get away before my brain snapped.
Wait, Angels here too?
Willow shrugged. You said that she could bring a guest.
Yeah, but I was expecting Wesley, not Dead Boy You dont think? Xander asked as a thought finally came to him.
No, Willow scoffed, reading her friends mind. No way. I mean, its not even physically possible, right?
Well, Im not one of you college kids, but I think basic Biology covers the whole dead-things-dont-reproduce thing.
And besides its Cordelia Willow replied with a dismissive laugh.
And Angel, Xander added.
And they would *never*, you know. Because thats just *beyond* all human comprehension.
Exactly, Xander agreed.
Exactly!
Willow and Xander both nodded, smiling triumphantly. After a moment, the smiles faded, and Xander replied, We better find Buffy.
Yeah, before *she* finds *them*.
*********
I dont know how I should feel right now. Here I am--sitting in Sunnydale of all places, sitting here at *Xanders* wedding reception. I have yet to be approached by anyone besides Willow, and I dont know whether to be hurt or amused.
Hurt that old habits *do* die hard, that the invisible lines between them and me are still present. That the whole Cordy, the unofficial Scooby member persona still exists here. Amused because its kinda obvious why theyre avoiding me like the plague.
If only I could have videotaped Willows reaction. Oh, that would have brought me laughs for years to come. It was priceless. The look of sheer horror, the loss for words, the quick departure. Im sure she ran off to tell the others. They all have to be in on the news; its the Scooby Gang way.
Man, I really havent missed this place. Not *a lot* anyway.
I hope Angel gets back soon with that drink because Im gonna need it.
**********
Cordelia glanced around the reception with a frown. She had expected to at least see *one* face she could recognize, but apparently, she had been asking for too much.
With a sigh, she leaned over into the stroller, smiling at Connor.
At least I get to see *your* little smiling face, Cordelia smiled.
Connor grabbed onto Cordelias finger as she continued, These are the people that Auntie Cordy used to hang out with. Yes, they are. Can you say *losers*?
Connor gurgled in response.
Yeah, *losers*. Lo
What a cute baby! came the young female voice.
Cordelia looked up to see Buffys little sister standing over her shoulder.
Can I hold him? the teenage girl asked.
Cordelia gave the girl a quick once-over before replying, Are you clean?
What? Dawn asked, the confusion clearly etched on her face.
I mean, have you been hugging people, shaking hands? You could be like a giant walking germ.
Dawn tilted her head slightly, the confusion that had been on her face now replaced with annoyance. I think Im offended, she replied, crossing her arms over her chest.
Cordelia silently scolded herself for letting Angels fussy ways rub off on her.
She smiled gently at Dawn in response. Im sorry. I didnt mean it like that. I just dont want him getting exposed to a bunch of new germs.
Whatever, Dawn replied with a roll of her eyes. Jeez, with a mom like you, the kid is going to end up in a plastic bubble before he turns one, she said as she walked away.
Im not his Cordelia began to protest, but she stopped as she realized Dawn was too far away to even hear her.
Cordelia turned back to Connor with the warm smile she only showed for him or Angel. Do *you* think Mommy Cordy has the same ring to it as Auntie Cordy?
Connor smiled and cooed in response.
Yeah, me too, Cordelia sighed.
**********
Cordelia? Cordelia Chase? Buffy asked Willow and Xander in disbelief. Your *ex* Cordelia Chase?
Its not like its a common Sunnydale name, Buff, Xander replied.
Cordelia Chase has a baby, she continued. Snotty, rich, spoiled-brat Cordelia.
Yes, I think weve established that its Cordelia, Buffy, Xander smirked. Are we going to move past this point like *ever*?
Im sorry, guys, but *Cordelia*? The girl who probably doesnt have one maternal bone in her body. *She* has a baby. Am I the only one whos a little shocked here?
Were thinking of forming a support group, Willow replied with a nod.
And were positive its *hers*?
*People*, Xander sighed. Unless shes become a serial baby snatcher, I think its safe to assume that its hers.
So, whos the father? Buffy asked.
Xander and Willow merely exchanged a look.
What? Buffy responded. Im sure it cant be more shocking than the fact that she *has* a baby.
Okay, I just want to state for the record that this is *only* an assumption, Xander answered. An assumption that Willow made, he added quickly.
What?! Willow squeaked. No, I didnt. You were all, You dont think?, and I just assumed that *you* were assuming. So if anything, you made the assumption, mister.
Well, if you hadnt *assumed* that I was *assuming*, we would have never come to the assumption that we were assuming now would we?
Do you even know what youre saying anymore?
No, not really, Xander replied after a moment of thought.
Guys! Guys! Buffy finally chimed in, trying to bring her friends back to the conversation at hand. Do you mind sharing this assumption with me?
Okay, Willow sighed, nervously tucking her hair behind her ear. Were *assuming*-- and I cant stress that enough-- that the father is
Angel, Buffy mumbled.
Oh, youre *good*, Xander replied, pointing a finger at her.
Ignoring him, Buffy walked in between her friends and towards the bar where Angel was standing. Willow and Xander turned to watch her approach him.
After a moment, Willow turned to Xander with a sigh. Do you think she caught the connection?
Xander shrugged. I doubt it. You know the Buffster. When it comes to Angel, its like she puts blinders on to the rest of the world.
Willow cringed slightly as she asked, Think shell freak when she finds out?
Freak? Will, if this wasnt *my* wedding reception, I would be *so* far away from here right now.
I think I need to go sit down, Willow sighed as she walked away.
Xander smiled, patting her gently on the back as she left.
He stood by himself for a moment, not sure what to make of this eventful night. Then, he saw her. Sitting at a table by herself, Cordelia cradled a baby close to her body, talking to it.
Xander glanced around nervously for a moment before clearing his throat and starting off towards her.
**********
I think your Daddy went to another country to get my drink, Cordelia complained to Connor.
Cordelia?
Cordelia looked up and smiled when she saw Xander standing before her.
Xander, hey! How are you?
Good, Xander replied as he pulled up a chair and sat down across from her. Fantastic, actually. And you?
Im good, Cordelia nodded, smiling brightly. Congratulations, by the way.
Thanks. I think that the magnitude of the situation is still sinking in right now.
Cordelia simply smiled in response.
So, Xander said, reaching out and gently touching Connors sky blue bootie, whos this little bundle of eatin and poopin joy?
His name is Connor, Cordelia replied, glancing down at the baby.
Connor, huh? *So* who does little Connor belong to?
Hes mine, Cordelia replied without any hesitation.
Xander fell silent for a moment, not sure how to respond. Cordelia looked up at him, a slight grin forming on her face.
So, hes *yours* in the sense that his parents will be home at midnight to pick him up?
No, Xander.
Hes *yours* in the sense that you found him on the sidewalk and decided to keep him? Xander asked, a slight frown on his face.
No, Cordelia laughed despite herself. Hes not a quarter, Xander. Hes a baby.
Xander threw up his hands defensively. I just want to cover all bases here. He cleared his throat before continuing, So, hes *yours* in the sense that
Hes *mine* in the sense that hes *mine*, Xander. Im his mother.
*Okay* So I guess the bases are covered now.
Yeah, they are.
Xander shifted uncomfortably in his chair as he and Cordelia became silent.
Okay, Cordy, Xander began, breaking the silence, you can just tell me if Im out of line because I have a tendency to be, but I was just wondering Well, we were *all* kinda wondering
Who the father is, Cordelia finished.
No! Xander answered abruptly. No, because that would be rude and wrong and completely none of my business and Yes. *Yes*, we do.
You want to know if Connor is Angels.
Well, the thought might have occurred to us.
Cordelia nodded as she looked down at Connor and gently stroked his cheek. She looked back up at Xander with a confident smile as she answered, Yes, Connor is Angels son.
Xander nodded, clearing his throat. So, when you said that Connor was yours earlier, you meant that hes *yours* through association.
No, Cordelia replied, amused by how far Xanders denial seemed to stretch. He *is* mine, *and* hes Angels. Hes *ours*, Xander.
And by *ours* you mean
Xander! Cordelia sighed.
Im sorry! Im sorry! he replied anxiously. Im just Im just trying to imagine the logistics of the situation, and And now I *am* and Im kinda frightened Yeah, definitely frightened. Maybe even a little scarred for life.
Its not what you think, Xander.
Good because the thought I just had was wrong on *so* many levels.
No, Angel and I
Xander held up his hands to stop her. Hey, no. Whatever is going on between you and Dead Boy is *between* you and Dead Boy. You and Angel want to start your own demon crime-fighting family? Fine. Its a little freaky, but thats cool with me. I just
What, Xander?
Xander leaned in slightly as he asked, Is he treating you okay? I mean, were not going to have anymore Angelus-returns-and-tortures-us-all moments, are we?
I doubt it, Xander. Besides, Angel treats me better than anyone has in a *really* long time.
Should I be insulted by that statement? Xander asked, smiling slightly.
Well, lets see, Cordelia grinned. You cheated on me *and* caused me to be impaled on a large piece of metal. Ill let you think about that for a moment.
Point taken. Xander paused with a sigh. So, this whole new life is working out okay for you? The whole demon-slayer by day, mother by night deal?
Yeah, I think it is.
Good.
Yeah, Cordelia replied quietly.
Another awkward silence fell between the two as they stared at each other.
So, is that it? Cordelia replied. Is that our big meaningful conversation?
Not quite. Look, Cordelia, I know that when we went out, you thought I was still hung up on Buffy *and* Willow
Maybe because you *were*, Cordelia replied with a smirk.
And maybe I was, but I dont think I ever really showed you how much I actually cared for you.
I think were both guilty of that, Xander.
But I did care about you, *and* I still do. Youre a friend, and I just want you to know that when the time comes-- *if* the time comes-- that Angel turns back into Mr. Hyde, Ill be there to watch your back.
Cordelia remained silently awestruck for a moment, shocked by the words that had passed Xanders lips. Those words of pure friendship had been the last ones she had expected to ever hear from him.
Once she regained her voice, Cordelia replied with a stunned smile. Well, I dont think that day will *ever* come, Xander, but thank you.
Xander smiled back at her in response.
Before either could say anything else, Anya came up from behind Xander and wrapped her slender arms around her husbands neck. She leaned down and gave him a quick peck on the cheek as she said, I feel the need to do some more dancing and celebrating.
Xander looked up at her with a smile as he took one of her hands in his own. He looked back at Cordelia with the same warm smile he had just given his wife as he said, Take care of yourself, Cordy.
You too.
And remember what I said, Xander replied, getting to his feet.
I will, Cordelia replied with a nod. I promise.
Xander smiled and nodded again before turning back to Anya. The two disappeared onto the dance-floor, leaving Cordelia and Connor alone once again.
Well, Cordelia sighed, looking down into Connors dark brown eyes. I guess theyre not *all* losers after all.
**********
The bartender was handing Angel two glasses of champagne when Buffy tapped him on the shoulder. The glasses in his hands, he turned to greet her.
Buffy, he replied with a shocked smile.
Angel.
How are you doing?
Buffy shrugged in response. Still alive. You?
Still dead.
Awkward silence.
I never expected to see you back in Sunnydale.
Yeah, me neither, he replied with a soft laugh. Cordy convinced me to come with her.
Buffy studied him for a moment. Cordy?
You know, *Cordelia*, he replied, raising a curious eyebrow at her.
Yeah, I know. Its just *Cordy*? The only person I ever heard call her that was Xander.
Things change, Angel simply replied with a slight shrug.
Yeah, I guess they do.
After another awkward moment of silence, Buffy continued, So, speaking of change, what *is* the deal with Cordelia now? Xander and Willow have this wild idea that she has a baby.
Angel sipped nervously from his drink as he replied, She does.
Buffy nodded, clearing her throat uneasily. The father anyone we know, or just some random guy she met?
Angel frowned at Buffys remark, and even surprised himself as he felt a primal growl forming in the back of his throat. He coughed to quiet the anger rising up in him before replying, Cordelia isnt that kind of person.
Sorry, Buffy replied, sensing his sudden anger, I was just joking.
It wasnt funny, Angel grumbled.
Buffys frown deepened as she crossed her arms over her chest. Jeez, Angel, tone down the hatred a little. You dont have to take it so personally.
I kinda do because Connor is my son, too.
Buffy stared at him, silent. When she finally found her voice, only one word passed from her lips. What?
Seeing the disbelief on her face, Angel hesitated before continuing. After a moment of thought, he realized that it was now or never. Sooner or later, she would have to find out about Connor. There was no way around it. Sooner or later, he would have to tell her the truth. And at that moment in time, the truth was what he felt in his heart.
Connor, that baby that Willow and Xander saw Cordy with, is *ours*.
Wow, Buffy replied with an exasperated sigh. I really have been brought back to hell.
Buffy
Buffy ran a hand through her hair as she asked, How did this happen?
Its not what you think, Buffy, we
I mean, when did my world just completely tilt off its axis? Buffy continued, ignoring him. How does *she* get the happily ever after before I do? Ive paid my dues to society
And so has Cordelia, Angel replied sternly.
Buffy scoffed in response. Give me a break, Angel. What dues has she had to pay?
Angel frowned down at her. He wanted to tell her that Cordelia had paid her dues time and time again. He wanted to tell her about the painful visions and how they almost killed her. He wanted to tell her about every single moment that Cordelia put herself in harms way to help another. He wanted to tell her that, unlike herself, Cordelia had joined the good fight voluntarily. He wanted to tell Buffy all those things, but he couldnt bring himself to do it. Buffy didnt deserve to know about Cordelia, about how she had changed. If she still wanted to live in a world where Cordelia was still the rich bitch from Sunnydale, then he was going to let her. If living in her little fantasy world made her feel better, feel superior, then it wasn't worth his time to try to convince her otherwise.
Believe me, Angel finally replied, Shes paid.
I I dont even know what to say.
Im not expecting you to say anything, Buffy. I just thought you should know.
And now I do, she replied with a nod. I just dont how I should feel about all of this.
You can feel however you want to, Angel replied with a slight shrug. It still doesnt change anything.
I guess it doesnt.
So are you going to be okay?
Buffy frowned at him as she replied, Ill never be *okay* with it, Angel. You cant come in here and ask me to be *okay* with all this.
Im not asking you to be okay with it. Im asking you to just accept it.
Buffy stared angrily at him, silent. She sighed loudly as she said, Someday, I might accept it, but *not* tonight. Not tonight.
And I accept that, Angel replied with an understanding smile. Look, Buffy, I really need to get back to
Yeah, I know, Buffy replied with a dismissive wave of her hand. Your *family* is waiting and all. Yeah, go ahead. Ill be fine.
Angel simply responded with a nod and a gentle smile as he began to walk away.
Angel? Buffy called after him.
Yeah? he replied, turning back to her.
Deep down, beneath all the jealousy and the hatred, I think I might be really happy for you.
Thank you, he smiled.
Buffy simply nodded and turned to the bar, ordering herself a drink.
**********
When Angel returned to the table, he was shocked to find it empty. The stroller was still there, as well as the diaper bag, but both Cordelia and Connor were no where to be found.
Angel placed the two glasses of champagne on the table and looked around the reception, trying to pick Cordelias face from the crowd. Where could they have gone so quickly and without Angel noticing?
Angel could feel himself begin to panic despite his best attempts not to. They were, of course, in Sunnydale--the Mecca of bad things. If anything were going to happen to Cordelia or Connor, it would happen here.
Seeing Xander and Anya dancing together, Angel quickly approached them. He tapped Xander on the shoulder as he asked, Xander, have you seen Cordelia?
Xander glanced over at the table where she had been before, replying, Not since we talked. Maybe she had to go change the kids diaper.
Thanks, Angel replied as he made his way towards the ladies room.
Of course! Why hadnt he thought of that? Cordelia and Connor hadnt been abducted by some anonymous Sunnydale evil. She had simply gone to the bathroom to change him, thats all.
Angel slowly pushed open the door to the ladies' room. He eased his head through the crack as he called out quietly, Cordelia, are you in here?
He listened intently, but he found himself greeted only with silence.
*Dont panic, Angel. Maybe she went outside to get some fresh air. Dont panic.*
Angel walked out the entrance of the reception hall, his panic returning with each passing second. He noticed one of the caterers sitting on the curb, smoking a cigarette, and approached him.
Excuse me, Angel said to the man.
The man looked up at him in response.
You didnt happen to see a pretty brunette and a baby come out here recently, did you?
Buddy, the man frowned, Ive just been trying to enjoy my cigarette before my break is over. Do I look like I have time to keep an eye out for some chick and a baby?
Without hesitation, Angel grabbed the man by the back of his collar and yanked him roughly to his feet. The primal growl that he had kept under control with Buffy now escaped his throat as he turned the man to face him.
Look, *buddy*, I just asked a question, Angel growled. Did you or did you not see a woman with a baby go by?
No, the man stammered, his eyes wide with fear. No, I swear. Look, maybe she walked out back to the gazebo. I dont know.
Where would I find this gazebo? Angel replied, his grip on the mans collar never loosening.
Just go around the side of the building. You cant miss it, the man offered with a nervous smile.
Angel finally released him. He roughly straightened the mans collar as he replied, Thank you.
I need another cigarette, the man mumbled to himself, pulling another cigarette from his shirt pocket, as Angel made his way to the gazebo.
**********
Angel walked slowly towards the gazebo, and a sigh of relief passed his lips as he saw the silhouette of his seer. Sitting with her back to him, she rocked Connor gently as she sang a lullaby. Angel stopped short, taking a moment to simply watch her. A smile slowly crept upon his face as he listened to her soft voice singing to his son, to *their* son.
Baby mine, dont you cry. Baby mine, dry your eyes. Rest your head close to my heart. Never to part. Baby of mine.
Cordelia hummed a little before continuing with her song.
If they knew sweet little you. Theyd end up loving you too. All those same people who scold you. What theyd give just for the right to hold you
If Angel had been a breathing animal, he would have held his breath in awe as he stood and listened. He had heard Cordelia sing a little tune here and there, but this was different. If it were possible to hear someones soul being exposed, Angel was sure that he could see Cordelias as clear as day in her soft voice.
Little one when you play, Dont you mind what they say. Let those eyes sparkle and shine. Never a tear. Baby of mine
Cordelia? Angel asked, finally approaching the gazebo and stepping up onto it.
Hey, she replied, looking up at him with a tender smile. I didnt even hear you.
I get that a lot with you, he smiled. He removed his jacket and draped it over her bare shoulders before sitting down beside her. So what are you doing out here?
Cordelia smiled down at Connor, who was bundled up in his blanket asleep, as she replied, All the noise and commotion made us a little fussy so we decided to get away for a while. She turned to Angel, studying him for a moment, before asking, You panicked, didnt you?
No, of course not, Angel denied with a scoff.
Cordelia grinned at him. You *so* panicked.
Maybe a little, Angel admitted with a quiet laugh.
Cordelia nodded and turned back to Connor, humming her lullaby again.
So, you talked to Xander I heard.
Yeah, it went a lot better than I expected. She looked back at him as she asked, Did you talk to Buffy?
Angel simply nodded in response.
And what did you tell her?
The truth, he replied with a shrug.
Cordelia couldnt hide the shock on her face. Didnt we discuss that whole *truth* thing? You actually told her about Darla?
Angel shook his head. I told her that Connor was my son, and that youre his mother. And thats the truth.
No, Im not, Cordelia replied quietly.
Cordelia, yes, you are, Angel argued with a smile. You take care of him when I cant. You protect him when I cant. You even sing him lullabies. You *are* his mother, Cordy.
Cordelia smiled slightly and softly touched Connors nose as she asked, You think?
I *know*, Angel replied gently.
Cordelia looked up at Angel and, placing her free hand on his cheek, kissed him gently on the lips. She pulled away and smiled warmly at him. Angel returned the smile as he draped his arm around her shoulders. Cradling Connor closer to her body and leaning into Angel, Cordelia finished her lullaby for the child.
From your head down to your toes.
Youre not much, goodness knows.
But youre so precious to me.
Cute as can be.
Baby of mine
THE END