(whether it's beating or not)

by heidi
 

February 14th, and what was she doing?  Sitting at a computer, at work, going through a demon data base looking for the latest baddy shown to her by those loving Powers That Be.  Good thing she didn't have anything planned, like... oh say... a nice romantic day with her boyfriend because she didn't have a boyfriend.  Like she even had time for a boyfriend, let alone find one.

And lucky her, she had the joy of doing the research all by herself because Wesley was off with his heiress girlfriend, and Gunn got an unexpected visit from an old 'friend' the day before.

And Angel?  "Pfffft"  At least he wasn't with anyone today.  But then again, he's been a brooding mess since Adam left over a month earlier.  God forbid that he should be at least a little happy because they talk on the phone all the time, let alone the e-mail.

Sighing dramatically, she pushed those thoughts aside to get back to her work when she saw the little envelope icon blinking.  Clicking it, she saw that she had one message, and it was from Adam.

She always cheered up when the Immortal sent her e-mail, because it meant that someone was thinking about her.  Opening the message, she was slightly disappointed to see it was so short:

"Love,

Happy Valentine's Day!

Look up.

A."

Confused, Cordelia did as commanded.

Sitting on the counter in front of her was the most beautiful bouquet of roses she had ever seen sitting next to a huge box of chocolates.  Standing behind them was the old man himself.

Launching herself out of her chair, she pulled the older man into a tight hug.

She could feel him laughing, as his arms wrapped around her body.  Slapping her hand against his chest, "How long have you been standing there?"

"Ten minutes."  He laughed again.  "You certainly know how to throw yourself into your work."

She sighed dramatically.  "I'm a slave to the job."

Smiling brightly again, "It is so wonderful to see you.  When did you get in?  You didn't tell me you would be coming back so soon.  Does Angel know you are coming?  How long are you staying for this time?  Where will you be staying?"

Adam simply starred at her.

"What?"

"How do you do that?"

"What?"

"Say so much without breathing?"

"Oh that."  She waved him off.  "Lots of practice."  Giving the Immortal a conspiratorial wink.

"Well, to answer your questions:  An hour ago.  Sorry.  No, he doesn't, it's a surprise.  I'm staying, and hopefully, here."

She knew she must have looked slightly confused because of the amused expression on his face.  "Back up a minute - staying here?"

"Yes.  At the hotel if Angel will let me."

"That staying here is fine, it was the staying here before that - and are you truly serious?  Pssssssht... Of course he'll let you stay here."

"Ah, the first staying here.  That would be staying, opposite of leaving.  I closed the house in London, put most of my things in storage, and shipped a few others here.  They should be arriving in about a week."

Slowly the words sank in.  Adam would be *staying* staying.  "That is so wonderful.  Angel is going to be happy.  Oh," she reached towards Adam, "this would be the perfect time to ask for a raise."  Her smile just increased a few more degrees, making Adam laugh.

"Speaking of Angel... where is he?"

"Hello?  Vampire?  Daytime?"

Adam laughed.  "I see.  Still in bed is he?"

"Yeah.  He hasn't shown much enthusiasm for getting up lately.  He only comes to life when we're on a case."  Cordelia bit her lip for a moment, wondering if this would be a good time to ask Adam to join her at the bar for a few drinks, and a song...

"Have you had lunch yet?"

Perking up to his suggestion, "No, and I know you are dying to take me out, aren't you?"  Grabbing her purse, she took Adam's hand, dragging him to the door.

*****

Methos followed Cordelia out to Angel's classic convertible.  Digging through her purse, she pulled out a set of keys before climbing in behind the wheel.

"You coming?"

"Does Angel often let you drive his car?"

Cordelia snorted.  "There was a time he wouldn't let me near it.  But then he saw Wesley drive.  He lets me drive it when I need to get around during the daytime, and on occasion, at night ... if the reason is important enough."

Methos slid into the passenger seat.  "And what would qualify as important enough?"

"I'm not sure yet.  Still trying to figure that one out."  She smiled brightly at him.  It was obvious that this was a game between Angel and Cordelia that had been in progress for some time.

Starting the car, she pushed her sunglasses down her nose, so that she could look over them at Methos.  "So tell me, why did it take you so long to get back here?  Or was this a sudden decision?"

He watched as she pushed the glasses back into place, before pulling the car into traffic.  "No, I knew when I left at Christmas time that I would be back soon."

"You never said anything."

"I didn't know how long it would take.  The house was no problem.  Took care of that in a few days time.  I spent most of the time I was gone in Paris."

"With Mac?"

Methos could clearly see the worry on her face, mixed in with honest curiosity.

"Yes, with Mac.  I wanted him to know that I was moving to L.A., and why."

Cordelia started chewing on her lip again.  He found this action to be entirely fascinating because it was totally incongruous with the confident young woman he had come to know.  Yet, this was the second time within the last hour he had seen her do it.

"What exactly is your relationship with Mac?"

"We're friends.  Maybe more, but not sexually - if that's what you were wondering."

"Kind of.  It's just that - Angel is a little jealous of Mac.  He gets this weird look on his face whenever Mac's name comes up.  But, you did move here to be with Angel.  That should help the situation some."

Methos sat silently for a few moments, thinking about his relationship with the Highlander.  Mac was one of only a few people still alive that knew about the darker moments of his past who didn't want to kill him.  The younger Immortal had even come to accept some of the things he had done - with only a minimal amount of judgment.

Clearing his thought, he looked around where they were driving.  Not exactly the best part of town.  "So tell me, where are you taking me?"

"Oh, just someplace we came across during our investigations.  You'll love it."

A tingly wave of fear crept up his spine.  Biting his tongue, he settled back and watched the decrepit buildings pass by.

*****

The Host sat down next to Cordelia, watching the man on the stage.

"Where did you find him?"

She smiled at the Host.  "Actually, he's not mine.  He's Angel's.  What do you see?"

"Honey, I don't know what he is, but whatever it is, it's strong, and he knows how to use it.  I can't read a thing from him."

Cordelia literally drooped.  "I was hoping you would be able to help them."

The Host lifted a brow over one of his glowing red eyes.  "And how would I have been able to do that?"

She fluttered a hand towards the stage, "I just want them to be happy together."

The demon studied Cordelia for a moment, and based on what he knew about Angel from previous reading, he knew what she meant.  "Tell him with the next song to think of Angel and to let his guard down just a little."

Cordelia nodded as the Host got up and walked to some of the other guests in the demon bar.

When Adam rejoined Cordelia at their table, he had to laugh at her expression.  She actually looked a little disappointed.  "My singing wasn't that bad."

"No, you sang beautifully.  Your voice has a nice deep resonance to it."

"Thank you.  Now, care to tell me why exactly you wanted me to get on the stage and sing?  Because I'm assuming that's why you brought me to this bar for lunch."

"Yeah.  I was hoping the Host, that's the green guy over there," waving her hand to the side, "with the horns coming out of his forehead, well, he's psychic or something.  And when a person sings, he can tune into them, and find the answers that are needed."

Adam listened to her, his features becoming harsh.  It was like looking at an entirely different man.  "Why did you want him to read me?"

Hearing the harsh tone in his voice, Cordelia became even more nervous.  "I wanted you and Angel to be happy," holding her fingers up, making little quote marks around the word happy, "and I thought he might be able to provide an answer."

"What exactly did he come up with?"

"That you were different, strong, and knew how to block others out."

Nodding, Adam fiddled with his beer bottle a little.  "Okay, let's say that I would like to also know the answer?"

Noticing that Adam had relaxed back into his chair, Cordelia visibly brightened.  "He said for you to think of Angel, and let your guard down a little with the next song."

*****

Methos had learned years earlier that he needed to be careful with his quickening.  More than once, he had encountered empaths who couldn't handle everything that bombarded them when they tapped into him.  It had taken time to master the ability to block out their intrusions, but time was one thing he had plenty of.  This would be the first time that he would actually lower his shields to allow one in to his inner most thoughts, feelings, and emotions.

He stood on the stage again, looking at the screen that would feed him the words to the song he had chosen.  He figured "I Want it All" by Queen pretty much summed it up when it came to Angel.

As the music started, he began to sing, thinking of Angel and the relationship he wanted to have with the vampire.  Slowly he lowered his shields, letting it all out.

When he heard a scream from the back of the room, he knew he had revealed too much.

*****

Cordelia was watching Adam as he stood on the stage, actually fiddling.  She had no idea how old Adam was, but relative to Angel, she knew he had to be at least 300 years.  She also felt that Adam was probably a lot older.

Adam settled into his song, "I Want it All".  She laughed at his choice, but also understood why.  He had barely started when she looked around for the Host.  Spotting him by the bar, she stood to join him, only to see his eyes roll back before dropping to the ground, out cold.

Vaguely she remembered hearing a scream to her side, but she was more concerned about getting to the empathic demon.  Kneeling beside him, she gently placed her purse under his head.  Unsure of what to do next, she was relieved when she felt a hand on her shoulder, "Give him just a moment.  He'll come to."

She looked up at Adam, and smiled when she saw his confident look.  "This happen to you before?"

"Uh, yeah.  But not in a long time.  Guess I forgot how strong I am."

"Oh Lordie."  Cordelia turned her attention back to the demon on the floor.  He was rubbing his forehead, trying to rub away a nasty headache.  Now that was a feeling she knew well.

The Host sat up slowly, accepting the glass of scotch being handed to him.  "I've only met your type once before.  You pack a powerful punch."

"I'm afraid my punch may be stronger than others.  That's why I didn't lower my walls very much."

"The Host took another sip, then got to his feet, waving off the few bystanders still hanging around.  Leaning against the bar, he studied Methos a little more while speaking to Cordelia.  "Would you be a dear and wait for us at the table."  Once she was gone, he continued.  "I understand why you chose the second song, but the first has me puzzled.  Why did you choose 'Who Wants to Live Forever?' - because that's exactly what you want."

Methos leaned forward, resting both arms on the bar, his hands wrapped around his drink.  He never was one to give straight forward answers, it might give to much of himself away.  But here?  He was talking to an empathic demon.  What was the point of keeping it to himself.

"Living forever is my goal.  I am the consummate survivor.  But there are times where..." he shrugs.  "I've witnessed so many loved ones die, things change.  It'd be nice to be able to be with someone and not worry about what was to come.  Or maybe I think the song speaks out to my kind.  Or possibly I just really like Queen."  He smirked into his beer.

"Hmmmmm.  Interesting."

Methos nodded.  "How much did you see?  I just barely started the song."

"Enough to know that you are well suited for Angel.  And to know there will be no repercussions if the two of you should decide to have a complete relationship."

An eyebrow quirked.  "The curse no longer exists?"

"I didn't say that.  All I know is that you two could make wild monkey love, and Angel will not lose his soul.  I'll give you this, you and Angel will be good for each other."

Methos drank the rest of his beer before turning to the Host.  "That's good to know."  Smiling, he tipped his head to the demon before rejoining Cordelia.

"So?"

He winked at her, amused by her curiosity, and her inability to hide her excitement.

"There's nothing to worry about."

Squealing, she jumped out of her chair, throwing her arms around him.  "Oh Adam.  That's wonderful news.  We need to get back so you can tell Angel.  This will be such a wonderful Valentine's Day for him."

Putting his own arms around her, and pressing his lips to the side of her head, "Cordelia, you are an absolute gem.  A diamond in the rough."

"Pffft.  Diamonds dream about being as flawless as me."  He raised an eyebrow.  "Oh all right.  Maybe not  flawless, but they do dream about matching my brilliance."

Laughing, he draped an arm around her waist, and led her outside to Angel's car for the quick ride home.

*****

When they returned, Methos followed Cordelia into the hotel, deep in thought.  When he had returned to London, he had begun an extensive research of Roma curses.  He suspected that he had more resources available than Angel and his friends, and hoped to find an actual solution to his situation.  By the time he returned to L.A., he still had not found an answer.

He knew he would be happy enough just to be with Angel - with the opportunity to reacquaint himself with the boy he had known so long ago; to spend time with him, to hold him, to wake with him - his head always lying on Methos' chest above the heart.

But now, because of Cordelia, the relationship could move beyond what he had come to expect.  The joy he thought they would experience on the emotional and possibly spiritual level could also be attained on the physical.

Standing in front of the desk, Methos turned Cordelia to face him, his hands resting on her shoulders.  Bestowing a kiss to her forehead.  "Thank you.  This was a precious gift."  He turned and walked up the stairs to join Angel.

*****

buh-bum buh-bum buh-bum buh-bum

The steady rhythm of a beating heart stirred Angel from his sleep, lulling him awake.  With unconscious action, he pulled the body that the rhythm belonged to into a tight embrace, like a child clinging to a beloved stuffed animal.

As his mind worked itself through the fog of sleep, Angel realized that the beat was real, and resting under his left ear, and that his arms really were holding a warm body to his own.

Settling into his position, Angel sighed, not wanting to open his eyes in case he was still dreaming.  Fingers began to work through his hair, stroking him slowly, causing a purr to emanate from deep within him.

The chest below him began to shake from the owner laughing.  "Happy Valentine's Day."

Opening his eyes, he turned his head and smiled at what he saw.  "You're really here."

"Yes."

He put his head back down, and just watched Adam as the Immortal continued to play with his hair.  "When did you arrive?"

"Earlier today.  Cordelia and I went out to lunch.  She has a curious sense of what makes an appropriate meal."

Angel cringed a little, "Where did she take you?"

"A bar."

Confusion overcame Angel.  "A bar?"

"Yes, a bar.  A bar filled with demons."  Angel's eyes grew wide.  "The Host was most fascinating."

"You spoke to the Host?"

"Um hum.  Cordelia had me sing for him."

"Sing?"

Adam looked at him, amusement sparkling from his eyes.  "Yes, sing.  Actually had to sing twice.  She hadn't bothered to inform me why I was singing.  Imagine my surprise when I was asked to sing again because the Host couldn't read me because I had my shields up."

Angel was relieved to hear the humor in Adam's voice.  Without thinking, he responded, "Shields?"

This got an out and out laugh.  "First thing in the evening isn't the best time for you, is it?"

Angel laughed too.  "I don't think the timing has anything to do with it.  Just tell me already."  Turning his head, he took a mock bite of Adam's chest before putting his head back down on the rumbling chest.

"Yes, I have had problems with empaths before, and I had to develop shields to protect me from their intrusions.  So, my shields were up." Adam began to play with Angel's hair again.  "I wanted to know why Cordelia set me up.  Seems she wanted us to be happy, and thought this would be the way to find out how."

All humor left Angel.  "Cordelia had no right.  I'll talk to her."

A gentle, loving smile graced Adam's lips.  "Don't.  Her heart was in the right place.  And... it worked."

Angel sat up.  "It worked?  You found a way to deal with the curse?"

"Yes and no.  The Host informed me that we can be together," winking at Angel, "and you can have all the 'happies' you want, when you are with me, at least.  But, he said he didn't know anything else about the curse.  Just that you and me can be together, and that we would be good together."

Stunned, Angel just sat there, looking at Adam.  "We can be together?"

"Happy Valentine's Day."  Adam leaned forward and kissed his open mouth.
 

the end
 

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