Cander (Cordy/Xander)

The Gift

It was a beautiful night, as Cordelia parked her car in Buffy's driveway. Okay. Technically it was Angel's convertible. After all, he purchased it and paid the insurance on it. But anyway, she was back in Sunnydale, CA. Her hometown. She knew what would happen soon, since she had had a vision. That was why she was here.

She walked up to the door and knocked a few times. Because it was dark, it wasn't Buffy that answered.

"Hello," the girl said to her.

"Hi. I'm Cordelia Chase. You're Dawn?"

"Yes. I am. Why are you here?"

"I have visions now. I had a vision. May I come in, Dawn?"

"Sure."

Dawn stepped aside so she could come in, and then shut the door behind her.

"Buffy isn't here, is she?" the Seer said.

"No. She's not. She's slaying," Dawn confirmed.

"Well, when does she normally get home?"

"I don't know. Really late. I'm usually asleep when she comes home."

"If you don't mind Dawn, I'd like to stay here and wait for her. I'll call a meeting after she gets home."

"Sure. You can stay."

"Thanks. And Dawn, if I suddenly scream in pain, I'm having a vision."

"Okay. Well, I'm going to bed now. See you tomorrow, Cordelia."

"Good night, Dawn."

"Same to you, Cordelia."

The Seer watched Buff's sister disappear up the stairs and into her room, and then sat down. She looked around to see what to do while she waited. It was only ten. She saw that nothing in the house had changed. Everything was the same. Almost. There were a few more pictures strewn around than what she remembered there used to be. Most of the new ones were of Buffy and Riley. It amazed her. Buffy still had pictures out of Riley, even after he had left. One picture in particular caught her eye.

She stood up and walked over by the TV. The picture was back when they had all been sophomores. It had her and Xander together. They had been smiling when it had been taken. Xander wore his baggy blue jeans and a plain buttoned down shirt. She wore a red tank top and a short, blue skirt. That picture brought back so many memories. She touched it gently where Xander was. He had been so geeky, but also lovable and cute. She picked it up and hugged it to her chest. She put it back. It felt like high school had been too long ago, but she knew it hadn't. Truth be told, she still loved Xander.

She walked over to the end table by the couch. The first one was Xander and Anya. They looked happy. Not like she and Xander did. It was mature happiness. The second one was of Willow. She was with another girl. Cordelia didn't know the girl, but she looked happy with her. She moved on to the last few. There was one of Buffy and Riley. She had her arms around him. They were smiling happily, but there was a way in the picture that showed protectiveness. Protectiveness of each other. The last one was an old one. Buffy and Angel. Angel obviously didn't smile, but Buffy did. In a way, the picture showed how her and Angel had been met for each other back then.

After a few minutes, the Drama Queen turned the lights off and layed on the couch, looking at the picture from her wallet. It was her and Xander in junior year. It was right before her family lost everything. They were having fun in the picture. They were smiling and laughing all at once, as they went on tickling each other in the sides. They had been in so much love. She let the silent tears fall, as she remembered their past through the picture and her memories. She would forever remember those past memories. Most of all, she would remember the fights and broom closets. Back in the beginning, before anybody knew of their love relationship, they would share intense words and gropy kisses. She missed those times.