The Birthday Blues
"Angel, I'm gone!" Cordelia called through the office as she headed for the door. Her hand on the doorknob, she stopped, listening for any response from within the office. "Angel?"
Cordelia glanced at her watch with a sigh and made her way to the elevator. When she reached the lower level, she pushed open the gate and called out again, "Angel?"
She noticed him sitting on his couch and approached him with an annoyed sigh, her arms crossed over her chest. "Well, I see that you've given up on moping in the office and have decided to move to your apartment. I guess it's an improvement."
Angel closed the book that he had been reading and looked up at her. "What are you talking about?"
"Not that I'm complaining or anything because, believe me, it was quite nice, but you haven't said one thing today. Now, I realize that being Mr. Broody, you have this image to uphold and everything, but at least you normally insult the coffee in the morning. I didn't even hear one protest as you drank two-day old coffee this morning."
Angel raised an eyebrow at her as he replied, "That coffee was HOW old?"
Cordelia shrugged in response. "That's not the point. The point is... well, I'm not sure what the point is anymore, but whatever has been bugging you lately, get over it. It'll make MY life a whole lot better."
Angel turned back to his book as he mumbled, "Today's Buffy's birthday."
"So, Buffy turns the big one-nine today, huh?" she replied with a slight grin. "Wow, how time flies when you're fighting evil, huh?" She sighed as she continued, "So, is that what's got you all moody? Buffy's birthday? So, she's having a birthday. Big deal. She'll have plenty more."
"But this is the first birthday where I won't be able to celebrate with her."
"No offense, Angel, but I, for one, am overjoyed about that. I remember what happened the last time you and Buffy CELEBRATED a birthday together. All we don't need is you two getting all horizontal with each other again."
Angel frowned up at her as he replied, "I always appreciate your perspective on things, Cordelia," he replied sarcastically.
Cordelia shrugged as she sat down next to him. "Hey, I'm not here to please." She patted him gently on the knee as she said, "Look, I know Buffy meant a lot to you and all, but don't you think it's time you get over it? I mean, I'm sure Buffy has probably moved on."
Angel's frown deepened in response.
"Sorry," Cordelia replied, smiling sheepishly. "I'm just saying. You need to get out there and play the field, you know?"
"Play the field?"
"Date. Go out and party. Just get out of the office for once. Of course, I don't need you having TOO much fun. All I don't need in my life right now is the return of Angelus."
"Cordy...."
"Yeah, I know that's a lot to ask of you, Mr. Dark and Moody, but it's a human thing to do to go out and have fun."
"I'm NOT human."
"Let's just overlook that simple fact for now, okay?"
"Cordelia, just stop, okay? I don't date, and I don't do parties. I just like to sit in silence and enjoy a good book every once and a while."
Cordelia scoffed in response. "Okay, GRANDPA, but this is SO not healthy. You moping around over some girl who YOU dumped by the way."
"I did not DUMP Buffy."
"Okay, I don't know what YOUR definiton of 'dumped' is Angel, but when a guy moves to a completely different city to get away from me, I tend to think he just dumped me."
"It wasn't like that. You just don't understand. I couldn't be around her anymore."
"Please, Angel, I know the story. Blah blah blah forbidden love blah blah blah. I've heard it a million times, okay? What I'm talking about NOW is you forming some kind of life for yourself, minus the whole Buffy factor. I mean, would it kill you to go out to a bar every once and a while?"
"You never know, it could."
"Very funny," Cordelia frowned. "I mean, I could make you a hit at the bars. Change your wardrobe. Do something with that hair. Really make you approachable. Women would be dying to talk to you."
"You don't listen to me at all, do you?"
"Not usually."
"Cordelia, I appreciate the offer, but I don't want that. I'm not... I'm not that good with people, especially people I barely know."
"Fine, we'll start with people you do know," Cordelia replied as Angel groaned in frustration. "How about Kate?"
"KATE?" Angel asked, laughing lightly. "Kate's barely talking to me anymore."
"Okay, so maybe Kate wasn't the best example to use." She snapped her fingers happily as she added, "But you guys were good there for a while. Before that whole vampire thing and her dad's death and all. So, see, you do have SOME people skills."
"Cordelia, could we just drop this already?" Angel pleaded.
Ignoring him yet again, Cordelia continued, "Well, let's see. After Kate we have... well..." She frowned as she realized Kate was the end of her list. "Okay, so one person makes for a REALLY short list, but... it's a start!"
"Cordelia, why do you even care if I start dating or not?"
"I try not to mention this around a lot of people, Angel, but, sadly, I consider you a good friend. The only friend I have in this city really. And as a friend, it is my duty to make sure my friends, as well as myself, are happy."
"I appreciate the gesture and everything, Cordy, but really, I'm fine. I'm happy. I just..."
"Miss Buffy," Cordelia replied with an understanding nod.
"Yeah."
Cordelia smiled softly as she said, "Yeah, sorry, but I can't help you out there, but just think about what I said. About going out and meeting people. You never know, it may just help you." She patted his knee once more and stood.
"Thanks, Cordelia. I'll keep that in mind."
"No problem. Hey, look, I was just about to go rent a couple of movies to watch with Phantom Dennis tonight. I mean, you're welcome to come if you have nothing better to do..." She smirked as she added, "Which, obviously, you don't."
Angel opened his book again as he replied, "That's okay. I think I'll just stay in."
Cordelia shrugged. "Okay. Just trying to be friendly. However, I would like to state for the record, that I am a little insulted that you turned down my invitation." She shrugged once more as she made her way to the elevator. "I guess I'll see you tomorrow morning then."
As Cordelia began to close the elevator gate, Angel jumped to his feet, suddenly having a change of heart. Maybe Cordelia was right. He needed to get out and experience life, and what would be a better way to start than to watch a movie with his best friend in LA? "You know what, Cordelia? Maybe you're right. Maybe I do need to get out more."
Cordeila smiled smugly as she crossed her arms over her chest. "Oh, so suddenly watching a couple of movies with me and Phantom Dennis doesn't seem like such a boring night after all, huh?"
Angel tossed the book onto the couch and walked over to the elevator, smiling. "Just consider this my BABY STEPS into the world of socializing."
"FINALLY," Cordelia said as she pushed open the gate to allow him into the elevator with her. "Welcome to my world. So, I guess this means you're in?"
Angel stepped into the elevator with a nod. As the doors began to close, he said, "Yeah, I'm in. Just as long as you don't rent 'Interview with a Vampire'."
Cordelia smiled and rolled her eyes at him in response.