Desperate Acts: Part One
by Wravyn

They're not mine, and we all know it.




Cordelia shook her head and rubbed the back of her neck. She knew, of course, the reason. Rejected by Harmony and the rest of her old group, she had openly welcomed any friendly glance sent her way. Going out with Xander had lowered her May Queen status considerably already, but being dumped by him ... she could not ignore the looks of pity she received in the halls. And to be turned down by one of her castoff boyfriends! Cordelia’s pride had taken a deep blow after that incident. She could not run to Willow or Buffy for comfort. So she had turned to Anya, who was appropriately sympathetic.

Cordelia turned to where Anya had been standing a few moments ago. she thought, annoyed. She shrugged, and looked around the quad for someone to hang with. In the distance, she saw Harmony, and made her way over to where she was standing. she decided. Straightening down her skirt, she reached Harmony’s side and opened her mouth to say hi.

Harmony raised a perfectly sculpted eyebrow when she saw Cordy approach. “Excuse me, I think you’ve got the wrong group. The Losers United are gathering over there,” she said, amidst giggles from the sheep.

Cordelia rolled her eyes at the weak insult. “Cut the crap, Harmony. You know I was temporarily insane when I went out with Xander Harris. I am so over him.”

Harmony laughed. “Please. You? With Xander? In your dreams. God knows why he says you’re his best friends, but you are so not girlfriend material! He is like way over your level.” She wrinkled her nose and eyed Cordy’s outfit with interest. “Why, Cordy ... are you showing signs of taste all of a sudden? Since when do you wear Versace?”

Cordelia looked at Harmony, confused. “What?”

Harmony ignored her, and turned back to her friends. “Wait till Willow hears this ... that is, if she’s not too busy with her loser boyfriend ... ” The group laughed at the thought and walked away, leaving Cordelia staring after them, utterly bewildered.

Suddenly, a hand grabbed her arm. “Cordy, quick,” said a heartbreakingly familiar voice, “emergency meeting at the library.” She turned around and faced Xander, who looked alarmingly cute as usual. She stared at his face, before remembering what he had done. She shook his hand off and said in the snootiest voice she could muster, “As if I’d ever go to another one of those silly meetings again. Unlike you, Xander, I have a life.”

Xander looked at her, startled. Then he nodded understandingly, his face creasing into a sad smile. “I don’t want to face them either, Cordy, but Giles needs us.” He took her arm gently and led her off in the direction of the library. Cordelia, still trying to make out what he meant, went along unprotesting.


* * *
Cordelia entered the library before Xander, and stopped in surprise. Giles was in the corner, gathering some books, and Buffy was sitting at a table, sharpening stakes. Nothing new there. But Willow ... Willow was sitting on Oz’s lap. Xander noticed where she was looking and patted her shoulder reassuringly. He took a seat across from the couple and looked away, his eyes carefully set on Giles’ face.

“So, G-Man, what’s on the news for today? A new demon on the loose? An evil vamp lord for Buffy to stake? Make it quick. It’s pizza day today, and there’s a large pepperoni and cheese waiting in the cafeteria with my name on it.” Buffy rolled her eyes at his Xanderisms but said nothing, her attention on the task before her. Willow and Oz didn’t look up from their smoochies. Giles cleared his throat and approached the table carrying a large pile of books.

“Um, y-yes. Shall we begin?” He looked over at the door, where Cordy was still standing agape. “Cordelia, d-do have a seat. This is rather important.” He gestured to the pile of books in front of him and addressed the other teenagers. “There seems to be a prophecy that will take place in a few days. It has to do with ...”

Cordelia found her voice at last, her eyes still on Willow and Oz. “What the hell is going on?”


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