__A Very Merry Angel Christmas__
By Kath



As Angel came round the bend in the stairway, his mind was preoccupied with wondering who had made the coffee that day. If it was Wesley, then the vampire stood a fighting chance of surviving past the first sip, otherwise he was doomed to drinking tea...or the hot cocoa Cordelia had insisted on making lately, "in honor of the season". Why she thought anyone in Los Angeles needed to be drinking hot cocoa, was beyond him, but when he tried to protest, she had shot back with the observation that coffee was equally as hot, and that she didn't see him giving that up any time soon. Of course, Wesley had picked that particular moment to finally agree with the girl about something. *sigh* He really was going to have to remind the young demon hunter just who signed his paychecks...although, come to think of it, he didn't remember signing any lately, so Cordy had probably perfected forging his name, thus cutting out the middle man.

His foot hit the cool tile floor of the hotel lobby, and Angel looked up, prepared to greet whichever employee might be waiting for him, and found himself speechless. He rubbed his eyes, disbelievingly, but the sight remained the same. What had once been a tastefully decorated lobby setting, with friendly office decor, had somehow, overnight, been transformed into Santa's Workshop...complete with an elf??? He looked closer, and realized that, no, it wasn't an elf, but rather, his gangly British assistant, on his hands and knees, coming from behind the ....CHRISTMAS TREE?!?! It was the green sweater that had caused his confusion.

"Cordelia, are the lights all working now? Because, I'm getting stuck to death back here by all these pine need...oh, hello Angel."

Any response the stunned detective might have been able to form, would have been lost at that moment anyway, as the sound of Christmas carols literally came booming out from the cd player just then, making him jump violently.

"Too loud?!" Cordy had to shout to be heard, as she came around the corner, which should have been her first clue, but wasn't.

Angel covered both ears with his hands, in what he hoped was the universal sign for 'turn the goddam music down NOW' and continued to stare in dismay at the sight before him. Besides the tree, which had a multitude of colored lights, set to blink off and on in an infuriatingly random pattern, a green garland, with little red bows sprinkled throughout, was majestically draped along the entire length of the front desk. At the center, hung three red stockings, clearly marked - in glittery gold lettering - with the names 'Wesley', 'Angel' and 'Cordel'. (Wesley would heatedly explain later that he had been forced into the name painting project against his will, and that, in fact, the 'ia' was there, you just had to turn the stocking over.) Everywhere he looked there was some sort of 'Christmas-y' trinket or decoration: from giant candy canes to a large stuffed bear in a Santa hat. His brain didn't even want to register the giant sleigh and near-life size reindeer that filled a good portion of the space between himself and the front door. There didn't seem to be an area in the room that was not either red, green, silver or gold. Basically, it looked as though the entire holiday aisle of Wal-Mart had exploded inside his home...or maybe two Wal-Marts. Blessedly, the volume of the music finally came back down to a nearly respectable level.

Wondering why the ex-Watcher was still on the floor next to the tree, Angel shuffled over to take a closer look. It was then that he spied the track and the little train that was 'putt-putting' around the base of the tree. Wesley stood quickly, dusting imaginary dirt from his trousers, clearly embarrassed at having been 'caught' playing with toys.

"I...uh...Merry Christmas, Angel." He smiled brightly, his rosy cheeks only adding to the whole 'elf' persona.

"Oh, is it?" Seeing the way his friend's face fell, Angel quickly added "Merry Christmas to you to, Wes."

"ANGEL!" The sing-song voice of a very merry Cordelia Chase rang out from across the room, as she rushed to embrace him in a dramatic bear hug. It was all the vampire could do, not to struggle from her grasp, as he winced at the prolonged contact. Not that he didn't mind a friendly little hug now and then, but his senses were already on overload, and he hadn't even had his coffee yet.

"You like?" She flashed him her biggest smile, the one where you could count all her teeth, should you ever want to. She was wearing a silky red dress, with a green sash wrapped attractively around her waist, and little candy cane earrings dangled from her ears.

"It's, uh, very.....festive, Cordelia." He fidgeted, nervously.

"Did we surprise you?"

"Oh, *yes*, you most certainly did....Is there any cof..."

The girl had bounced away again. Wesley seemed to read his mind, for he leaned in and whispered, "Cordelia has made egg nog. I tried to tell her that it really wasn't meant for breakfast, but she just said "eggs are a breakfast food" and there was no point in arguing with her." Making a face at Angel's raised eyebrows, Wesley continued. "Even *I* know when to pick my battles, Angel. I slipped in and started the coffee when she wasn't looking. There should be a fresh pot by now. Just don't let her catch you."

Angel sent a smile of genuine gratitude towards his friend, and slipped off to the kitchen.

Cordelia emerged from the back office once more, her arms laden with brightly wrapped presents. She proceeded to neatly arrange them around the tree, then looked expectantly at Wesley. He looked back at her, in horror. "Cordelia, you never said anything about exchanging gifts. Those aren't all...."

"...for you? Pfft! As if...well, *some* of them are...for you and Angel, that is. There's a couple for Gunn too. Too bad I couldn't convince him to stop by. It's okay...you know how I like to shop...and I know you're kinda strapped for cash right now. So, where did Broody Boy go?"

"I mentioned your egg nog, and he couldn't wait to get to the kitchen." Well, it wasn't a lie, after all. Merry Christmas, Cordelia. She beamed at him and elbowed him in the ribs.

"And you said it wasn't a good idea. I should know better than to ever listen to you."

"When have you *ever* listened to me?" he mumbled, under his breath, watching as she practically skipped over towards the kitchen.

"Angel," she called out into the hallway. "While you're in there, bring out the goodies will ya. They're there on the counter." To Wesley: "I see that face you're making. I *bought* them, okay, Mr. Fussy Pants?" As Angel came out, dutifully bearing trays of cookies and snacks, she patted his cheek and took them from him. "Thanks! You're a doll."

Seeing the spreading grin on Wesley's face, Angel growled at him, as he passed by. "What? What are you smiling at?"

"Nothing...Doll."

"I haven't forgotten that 'Gorgeous' crack from before yet, Wes. You keep disrespecting me, and I'm gonna have to punish you."

"Promise?"

Angel did a double-take, as he watched the young man jauntily take off after Cordelia and the tray of crab puffs she had ordered just for him. Now what on earth had he meant by that? Angel's eyes narrowed. He was going to have to keep a closer eye on this one.

Cordy was now clapping her hands together gleefully. "It's present opening time."

"Cordelia, it's still early yet," Wesley managed to get out, around a mouthful of crab puff.

"I know, and I have places to be, people to meet. David invited me to an exclusive brunch at his club."

"David...as in Nabbit? He only invited you?" Wesley asked, suspiciously.

"Well, I told him you were busy...and he knows why Angel wouldn't want to go." She dismissed Wesley's annoyed frown with a wave of her hand, and began sorting through the packages beneath the tree.

Angel looked very uncomfortable. "I didn't get you guys anything, so...."

"Sure you did, Angel. Nice big bonuses on our last checks. Didn't I mention that?"

"Hmmmmm, no, I guess it slipped your mind," he sighed.

She handed him a thin rectangular box, decorated in green wrapping with little cheery bears all over it. He shook it experimentally. "Clothes? Let me guess...something that's *not* black."

Cordy stuck her tongue out at him, and folded her arms across her chest. "You're as bad as a little kid, Angel. Now open it."

Inside was a very bright, very red Christmas sweater....most assuredly worse than any 'anti-black' Angel could have been imagining. He lifted it gingerly with two fingers of each hand, like coming in contact with anything that bright might actually burn him.

Wesley eyed the familiar shaped package he held in his own hands and gave Cordy a sharp look. "If this is a match to that one, you can forget it. I'm sure Angel would agree, we are most definitely *not* going to run around dressed alike, just for your amusement."

Cordy's eyes were twinkling. "I'm hurt you don't trust me. Make you a deal, if that isn't the same sweater, you agree to each wear them for me, long enough to take a picture. Okay?"

Reluctantly, both men agreed. Wesley undid the paper and opened the box, and groaned. It was a twin to Angel's, only this one was bright green. Trapped, they had no choice but to comply with her demands that they change immediately.

Angel easily slipped his black sweater off, revealing his typical expanse of muscled torso. He held out his new one, to Wesley. "Are you sure you don't want the red one?" he asked, hopefully. This seemed to startle the younger man out of whatever private thoughts he'd been having. "Oh, uh...what?"

"No trades!" Cordelia declared. "Wes, stop staring at Angel's naked body and get stripped."

Wesley turned as red as Angel's sweater, and slowly began to pull his own shirt over his head. He had hoped to leave the undershirt on, but it came off at the same time. He seemed acutely self-conscious about that much of his skin showing, and Angel realized, with a start, that this was the first time he'd seen the Rogue Demon Hunter without a shirt on. He really didn't have anything to be ashamed of, Angel noted to himself, not even realizing what an appraising look he was giving his associate, until he heard Cordy's exasperated voice once again.

"Are you two going to just stand there ogling each other, or am I gonna get my picture. C'mon, I haven't got all day."

This hurried the two men along, and soon they were side by side, trying to stand close enough together without actually touching. Cordelia was playing director.

"Wesley, put your arm around Angel...."

"Cordelia! Just take the damned picture!" Wesley snapped.

"Geez, okay, Scrooge. Bah Humbug to you too." She snapped several pictures, and then insisted they each take one of her with each of them.

When it came time for her to pose with Wesley, he slipped his arm around her, and whispered quietly in her ear. "I'm sorry I was so rude earlier. There was no call for it. I hope you will forgive me." She gave him a soft peck on the cheek, just as Angel took the photo.

"It's already forgotten. I embarrassed you, so I'm sorry too." She smiled warmly at him and he smiled back.

The photo taking over with, Angel and Wesley tried not to look too eager to remove their garish garments, but didn't hesitate for a moment, when Cordelia laughingly released them with a wave of her hand. She immediately pressed two more boxes into their hands, which they eyed with open trepidation.

"It's okay, these are your *real* presents." It turned out, Wesley's was a soft, button-down, grey shirt - which Cordelia insisted matched his eyes - and a fashionable matching tie. Angel's shirt was dark maroon. "Not quite black, but not too bright either."

With a kiss on the cheek for each of them, the girl gathered her coat and purse, and headed for the door. Wesley managed to catch up to her, just in time. "Cordelia, wait....I, uh, I did get you a present. I-I just prefer to give my gifts in private. Hope you don't mind." He pressed a small box into her hand, shyly. "You can open it later, if you're in a hurry."

"In too big a hurry to open a gift? Never!" She lifted the pretty gold lid, to reveal a bracelet. As she lifted it out, she realized it was a charm bracelet, and she held it up so she could see it more clearly. On it were tiny little ballet slippers, a pair of drama masks - one comedy, one tragedy - a hairbrush, a horse, the letter 'C', and an angel, a gun, and a book. She looked at Wesley in awe. "What a beautiful bracelet , Wesley. Thank you so much. She touched the angel figure with the tip of her finger. "Here's Angel, obviously...the gun is for Gunn, I assume...I hope so anyway. The book must be you..." She grinned fondly at him.

He pointed to the horse. "That's to remember your pony 'Keanu', since you seemed so fond of him."

"Help me put it on." He did, and she gave him another quick kiss. "I hate to go now, but David sent a car for me."

"Have a nice time, Cordelia. Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas, Wesley." She disappeared out the door, and he shut it tight behind her.

Wandering back into the lobby, Wesley realized Angel had disappeared. He found his coat, and pulled another package out of the pocket. It was wrapped in plain brown paper, but did have a slim green string tied around it. Written on the top, lightly in pencil, was scrawled 'Angel'.

It didn't take him long to find the vampire in his office, scrunched down in his chair, hiding behind a book and thinking serious thoughts. "Angel, I..."

His boss looked up, perhaps surprised to find him still there. "Wes, why don't you take off too. I can call you if anything comes up."

"I don't mind staying, Angel. After all, no one wants to be alone at Christmas."

"Actually, Wes...I kinda do. I appreciate the party and everything, but I really would like a little piece and quiet. Thanks for the offer though."

Managing to hide his disappointment, Wesley's quietly said, "Oh..ah...yes, of course. Well then....ah, I'll be off." He paused at the door, to add, "Merry Christmas, Angel."

"Mmmmm, Merry Christmas, Wes." Angel didn't look up until after he'd gone, only then seeing the small, brown package sitting on the edge of his desk. It was clearly addressed to him, and obviously had been left there by Wesley.

"Oh, damn!" He jumped up, grabbed the gift and his coat, and hurried out the door.

~~~~~~~~~~~

(an hour later)

A cautious Wesley cracked open his door, baffled as to who would be calling on him. His mouth fell open as he saw Angel standing there, a sack under one arm. He quickly unfastened the chain, and pulled the door all the way open. "Angel...I didn't expect...is something wrong? Is my phone not working?"

"Whoa, slow down, Wes. Can I..."

"Oh, of course, come in." He stood aside, so the vampire could do so, and watched as he set down his parcel and removed his coat.

Angel looked around the small, yet cozy apartment, noticing the tiny Christmas tree, taking up most of the desktop. He fingered one of the miniature ornaments thoughtfully, not sure of what to say or do next.

"Er, is there something I can..." Wesley began.

"Wes," Angel interrupted. "I was really rude to you today, and I came to apologize."

"Rude? I don't know what you mean."

"I think you do." Angel sat nervously at one end of the couch.

Wesley moved to sit at the other, watching closely, as his employer pulled something out of the bag he'd carried in. It was the gift Wesley had left for him. For one heart-stopping moment, he feared Angel was going to give it back to him, unopened.

Angel fingered the brown wrapping and the green string, gently. "You wanted to spend Christmas with me, and I kicked you out of my house." His voice was so quiet, Wesley had to slide closer in order to hear him properly.

"Angel, I didn't get you something so that you would feel obligated to spend the holiday with me. I know how you value your solitude."

The vampire looked up finally, brown eyes linking with grey ones. "I value your friendship more."

Clearly startled, Wesley didn't know what else to say, other than "Oh."

Angel pulled his eyes away, somewhat reluctantly, and began to open his present. Inside was a packet of photos - approx. 40 in all. "Pictures.....of, uh.....scenery, and buildings..?" He gave up trying to guess, and looked questioningly at Wesley.

Wesley blushed. "What do you get the vampire that has had nearly 250 years to get everything he wants?... I recently began chatting on the internet, with an old college chum of mine, and, well, he happened to mention a trip he was taking to western Ireland. I asked him if he could do me a favor, and he sent me those....." Wesley looked closely at Angel, to see if he'd figured it out yet. "Those are pictures of Galway....and the surrounding countryside. I thought you might like to see what your home looks like now..." he trailed off, worried that Angel didn't like it.

Angel was speechless. He slowly looked through the photos again, studying each one carefully, looking for anything familiar. When he was through, he looked at Wesley intensely, still without speaking. Wesley began to squirm, under the unusual attention. He began to back away, when Angel's hand came up to rest at the side of his face. It's coolness felt good against his suddenly flaming cheek.

"Oh, uh...Angel?"

The vampire pulled him closer, until he could wrap his arms around the ex-Watcher, and embraced him in a long, tight hug. Just as quickly, he released him, embarrassed by his spontaneous show of emotion. He turned away and began to rummage through his bag again. "I...there weren't alot of stores open, on the way over here....but I wanted to get you something too...." He pulled it out and shoved it at Wesley, who examined it closely.

"The Power Puff Girls...why Angel, however did you know? Thank You." His joke broke the uneasiness between them, and Angel smiled at him apologetically.

"Open it," he urged.

Wesley did, perplexed at the blank pages inside the notebook. "It's..."

"It's a diary, a journal. I know you're not a Watcher officially anymore, but I thought you still might like to....it's stupid, I know..."

"NO! Angel...I love it. Really, thank you." Wesley had reached out and covered Angel's hand with one of his own. Both were aware it was there, and neither made any attempt to remove it. It was as if they were both frozen in time, neither of them sure of the next move to be made. Finally, Angel flashed a wicked grin at his companion, clearly unnerving him.

"I bought one more thing, Wes, but I'm not sure if you're gonna like it," he teased.

Wesley swallowed hard, his breath caught in his throat.

Angel held out his hand, to reveal something green and leafy, and slightly squished. He picked it up by one end, dangling it between them, his laughing eyes dancing mischievously. He lifted it higher, until it was over Wesley's head. "Mistletoe, Wes. I'm afraid I have no choice but to kiss you."

Wesley could feel his mouth drop open, and quickly clamped it shut again. He took a deep breath, and blew it out slowly, before allowing himself to smile innocently. "Well, if you must you must." Now *his* eyes were twinkling. Angel hadn't expected Wes to give in so easily, and momentarily lost his nerve, until Wesley leaned in slightly. That was all it took for Angel to pull the Watcher to him, capturing his lips with his own. It was a sweet first kiss, as romantic and gentle as it was supposed to be. They pulled apart only far enough for Wesley to breath, the younger man's hands around the back of Angel's neck, fingers in his hair, while the latter had his arms encircled tightly around the former's waist.

Angel kissed Wesley affectionately on the tip of his nose. "You were right, Wes. No one *should* be alone on Christmas."

Wesley pulled Angel into his embrace again, and began to smother his face with kisses. "You can say that again. Merry Christmas, Angel."

* * *