As The Storm Clears
As The
Storm Clears
Disclaimer:
all characters belong to the evil Whedon *grr*
Pairing: B/A [main] C/X W/O
Distribution: My site [www.envy.nu/badreams/] fanficworld , who
ever, jsut let me know.
Spoilers: NONE! It's an AU fic.
Time line: Present
Rating: PG<----Pure Fluff folks [For Now]
Summary: Buffy and Angel live in a world
where Vampires, Demons and other things that go bump in the night
are legend, but that dosen't mean that the other baddies that
roam our World are gone.
Authors Notes: Buffy is 19, Angel is 20.
Buffy NEVER dated Riley or Parker. Don't fall now folks, but
she's a virgin. Everything else is explained through the story.
This story is based on my life.
Feedback: Pretty please?
Dedication: To my fellow B/A shippers!
The crisp winter wind swept
through the air, causing Buffy Summers to pull her jacket more
firmly around her slim figure. California wasn't normally this
cold, but for some reason, this winter had been unusually bitter.
Nevertheless, Buffy continued to walk up Rebello Drive to her
house. Buffy's life was simple, peaceful. She lived with her
stepfather, Giles, who married her mother two years earlier.
Unfortunately, Mrs. Summers died six moths ago after a long
battle against cancer. She passed quickly, and painlessly. Though
it didn't make Buffy's pain any less, it gave her a comfort zone,
knowing her Mother didn't feel death overcome her.
Giles immediately took full and loving care of Buffy. At one
point, prior to Mrs. Summer's death, Buffy's biological father
came to claim his daughter. After a tiresome court battle, Giles
claimed full custody of Buffy.
In any case, Buffy was like any
nineteen year old girl who was trying to find her place in the
world. She had four close friends, no more, no less. She rarely
dated, having serious trust issues with men. Not that Giles was
UN trust worthy, it was just that Buffy found it difficult to
believe that your own father could get up and leave his own
children behind, without so much as a good-bye.
Willow and Cordelia were her best
friends, having grown up together. Oz and Xander, who grew up
with the girls also, lived several houses down. The five of them
were inseparable. They gave Buffy the love, the friendship, and
the trust that she needed. Oz and Willow were dating, as so was
Cordy and Xander. Despite Oz and Xander's goofy side, the two
gave Buffy hope that there were still guys out there that were
normal, passionate, and most of all, lovable. Even though, Buffy
sometimes felt like the 'outcast' in the group. It wasn't that
she didn't want a boyfriend, it was just that she didn't need
another man related heartbreak.
Walking up the font porch, Buffy
smelled the sweet aroma of Giles's cooking. That was Giles's
Passion, cooking. That is, next to reading, and cross
referencing. Opening up the door and stepping inside Buffy threw
her book bag on a near by table. Walking into the kitchen, Buffy
saw Giles watching over a steaming pot on the stove.
"Hey Dad, what's in the pot?" Buffy asked as she came
up behind Giles.
Giles snapped his body around, almost knocking the pot off the
stove in the process. "Oh, Buffy. I didn't hear you come
in."
Chuckling, Buffy grabbed a spoon from a near by drawer and
scooped up some of the rich, red tomato soup from the pot.
Lifting it to her mouth, Buffy tasted the tangy liquid. "As
always, Giles," She gestured with her now empty spoon,"
Absolutely delicious!"
He blushed and stuttered," Why, thank you Buffy."
Turning back to the pot, he added some more oregano, and some
other ingredient from the cabinet. "So tell me how was
collage today?"
Pulling herself up on the counter, Buffy shrugged," The
same. Babbling teachers, annoying students, noisy halls. It's
good to be home."
Giving a good hearted laugh, Giles turned off the burner and
placed the top back on the pot. "Also, I should tell you
that a friend of mine, Mr. O'brian and his son will be visiting
for several weeks. They'll be staying in the guest bed."
"Have a met him?" Buffy asked, swinging her feet
casually.
"Who? Mr. O'brian or his son?" Giles asked.
Buffy considered this for a moment, "Both."
"No, this will be a new experience for you. I believe that
his son is actually your age, maybe a few months older."
Giles replied, as he began to set the table with silver ware.
Jumping off the counter, Buffy reached up into a near by cabinet
to pull out the plates, " Great, I'm always up for some fun.
So, when are they coming?"
Suddenly, the doorbell rang. Turning to face Giles, Buffy gave
him a mock-angry look," Let me guess, that would be
them?"
Choosing to ignore Buffy's question, Giles walked out of the
kitchen to answer the door. Buffy followed him, hot on his heels.
"Daddy-Giles is not in the mood for humor today," she
rambled, hoping that he didn't hear her.
With one swift movement, Giles pulled open the door and smothered
the person on the other side with a big hug, mumbling something
about 'long time, no see' The man walked into the house, and into
the light where Buffy could see better.
"Buffy, I want you to meet Mr. Wayne O'brian," Giles
said, ushering the man farther in to the house with his hand.
Mr. O'brian was without a doubt handsome. His body muscular, his
shoulders brood. He had curly, sleek, black hair and a mustache
that reminded Buffy of a criminal in the wild west Hollywood
movies. "It's nice to meet you," Buffy said politely,
extending her hand.
Mr. O'brian would have done of it. He captured her hand in his
and brought it up to his mouth where he place a single kiss on
Buffy's a pleasure to meet you also Buffy." He replied, as
he straightened back up. " Giles never informed me that his
step daughter was so beautiful."
Buffy blushed.
Giles shook his head, nothing had obviously changed since High
School. Wayne was still the same, the Charmer," So tell me,
where's that son of yours?"
"He's getting the luggage out of the car," Mr. O'brian
gestured to the open door," Always the gentlemen," he
glanced at Buffy. "Did I mention that he was single?"
Buffy blushed again.
As if on que, a young man walked through the front door with
assorted suit cases hanging off of him. Giles and Mr. O'brian
were prompt at getting the bags off, but the whole scene made
Buffy feel like she was watching a bunch of clowns at a circus.
Mr. O'brian Son, had his back to Buffy, making it impossible to
see his face. As he placed the last bag on the floor, he turned
to face her.
//Damn//
"Buffy, I would like you to meet my son, Angel." Mr.
O'brian said proudly, good-naturally slapping him on the back.
Buffy couldn't speak, she thought that Mr. O'brian was handsome?
Mr. O'brian looked like a baboon next to Angel. His brown hair,
short and spiky. His shoulders were broad and structured. His
body was toned and his face, angelic, but the quality she admired
most were his eyes. Deep pools of brown, she could easily lose
herself in, those eye that she was already lost in.
//wipe the drool of your face Buffy! //
Angel wasn't fairing any better. He was awed by her petite
figure, that he felt he could easily protect in his strong
embrace. Her hair that created a golden waterfall. Her eyes, so
much like a cats, they amazed him. She was beautiful, absolutely
//Down Angel//
Reality clicked in, and hormones were put under control. Buffy
took in upon herself to be the one to make the first step,"
Hi, I'm Buffy."
Angel swallowed roughly, "It's nice to meet you."
"You too." Buffy said, almost whispering.
Giles cleared his throat, breaking the two teenagers from their
stare-a-thon, "I believe that dinners ready."
Part Two
After a five star dinner, courtesy of Giles, Buffy and Angel were
left alone in the kitchen while Giles and Wayne discussed
baseball statistics, the stock market, and old high school
memories in the back room
The attraction between the two
teenagers was undeniable. The fact that the man sitting right
across from her was not only single, handsome, and a complete
gentlemen, but he was someone who Buffy felt she could spend the
rest of her life with. //whow, slow down// Not only did it scare
Buffy, but it gave her a taste of something she'd never had the
privilege of experiencing, love.
"So..." Angel spoke, cracking the awkwardness that hung
over the room like a fog, " I...Umm...I heard about you
mother, I'm very sorry."
Buffy smiled at him, touched by his concern and sympathy.
"Thank you."
"I know how it feels, my Mom died too." He inquired
sadly, his eyes drifting to the table top.
Buffy felt empathy with him now, the feeling of knowing another's
grief. "If you don't mind me asking, how did she die?"
Angel eyes bore into hers, "Drunk Driver."
"I'm sorry," Buffy replied, somehow she felt as if the
kitchen walls were closing in on her.
"So tell me, what do you do for fun around here?" Angel
asked, trying to lighten the heavy situation surrounding them.
Buffy laughed at his question, what was there really to do in
Sunnydale. There was the 'Bronze' but even that place grew old
after a while. "Well, there's the Bronze..."
"The what?"
"The Bronze, it's a club. Anyway, there's also the Movies,
mall, museum, Art Gallery, the beach. The selections of
entertainment in Sunnydale are limited." Buffy informed,
clearly wondering why he wanted to know the Hotspots in Sunnydale
//Maybe a date?//
Angel smiled and stood from his seat," We'll have to go
somewhere this week, just you and me."
Buffy smiled also, as Angel continued to approach her," You
mean like a date?" Buffy asked, batting her eye lashes. She
was flirting, plain and simple.
Their faces were inches apart, their lips centimeters. "Yeah
a date."
They were so close, too close. "That sounds like fun."
Angel leaned in further, as his lips were about to descend on
hers ... the doorbell rang.
Buffy groaned and stood up from her seat. "Hold that
thought."
walking through the kitchen door, Angel followed Buffy out and
into the foyer. Reaching for the knob, she opened to
find...Riley Finn.
He blinked, and smiled. Obviously trying to play in cool. He
blinked again, his hair was in his eyes. //Just cut your hair
moron//
"Hey Buffy!" Riley practically shouted as he invited
himself into the house, "Sup, girlfriend?"
//OH MY GOD//
Angel's heart broke. She had a Boyfriend.
"Riley, what the hell are you doing here?" Buffy
sneered
Or Not.
"I was grading papers from Psych and I came across yours,
and it made me think of you. So, I said what the heck, I'll come
and visit you." Riley said, then looked at Angel," Who
are you?"
"A friend," Buffy said. "And I find myself asking
again, what are you doing here Riley?"
"Oh yeah!" He smacked himself in the head //wish he did
it harder// "I came to ask you if you've reconsidered going
on a date with me?"
How should she say this, "No"
"Tomorrow?"
"No!"
"I'll pick you up at eight."
"Which part of 'NO' didn't you understand?" Buffy
asked, flabbergasted at his stupidity.
Angel couldn't help but laugh, this guy was an idiot.
"Well, If you're going to play hard to get then be that way,
I have to get back to tend my crops and feed my cows!" Riley
informed as he skipped back out the door, very much the same way
he came in.
Buffy slammed the door behind him, and turned to face Angel.
"I'm sorry about that. He's just a guy at the University who
won't stop asking me out. So, what were we doing before we were
interrupted?"
Angel remembered. "We were..." //about to kiss//
"...Talking about places that I was going to take you on our
date."
"Oh," Buffy said, disappointed. She was actually hoping
he'd say something along the lines of 'KISS ME' but no such luck.
"SO, where are you taking me?"
He stepped closer, "How about we go out for some coffee
tomorrow night?"
"Sounds good to me,"
Part Three
"So, spill Buffy, when's the date?" Cordelia demanded
as he flopped down on the couch next to Buffy and Willow. "
I mean Angel is a total hottie."
Buffy giggled,"You're telling me, and to top it all off he's
so sweet and such the gentlemen," she sighed, " the
date is tomorrow night, It's not that big of a deal. We're just
going to get coffee, we're not getting married."
Willow couldn't believe her ears," Not a big deal?" She
stood and faced Buffy, scolding her like a mother. " It is
so a big deal Miss. Summers! You haven't been out on a date for
like THREE years!"
"She's right you know." Cordelia added, "Little
Miss. Virgin."
Buffy laughed, for as long as she could remember her friends were
always hooking her up with some guy. Most of the time the date
ended so badly that Buffy would avoid Will and Cordy just so they
wouldn't ask how the date went.
"But that's the past!" Cordelia continued. "You
have a hot guy downstairs who, as far as I can tell, is falling
head over heels in love with you."
The Next Night
"It's a pretty night, I'm glad we decided to walk."
Buffy said as she and Angel strolled down her street.
Angel had to admit, it was beautiful out. The crisp winter wind,
the flickering stars. There wasn't anyone else on the roads. It
was like this night was made for him and Buffy. "So am
I."
"So, tell me. How long do you plan on staying in
Sunnydale?" Buffy causally asked, kicking a stone. She
didn't want to let herself fall head over heels //to late for
that// for the guy if he was leaving next week.
Angel smiled at her and shrugged, "I was acutely thinking of
living here. I'm going to check out UC Sunnydale on Monday."
Buffy heart filled with hope," Really, I think that's great.
You'd get along with all my friends. I have a feeling they'd
really like you."
"Why's that?" Angel inquired, as the expresso Pump came
into sight.
"Well," Buffy skipped," They're a lot like you,
really sweet and kind. I always feel like the out cast in the
group. Xander has Cordy, and Wills had Oz. It's nice to have
someone else, you know, for me to hang out with when it's date
night." Buffy blushed," not that I'm implying that you
and I are going to date, or be serious," she was a sellout.
"Oh," Angel chuckled. She was beautiful. leaning
forward he whispered into her ear, "Don't be so sure."
"So, this is nice and
awkward," Buffy confessed as she and Angel mounted the steps
to her house. "You know normally, a guy drops the girl off
at her house and goes home, but it's like you live here to. You
know what I mean?"
Angel laughed, turning to face her, "I see your point. I
mean because normally, the guy will walk the girl to the door
step, kiss her, then walk away thanking about how great it
was."
He was implying the obvious and Buffy knew it. "Are you
saying that you want to kiss me?"
He stepped closer, "More then anything."
His lips descended on hers, meeting in a single, but bittersweet
kiss.
//Her First True Kiss//
Pulling back, Angel found Buffy's cheeks completely flushed. She
must have known also, because she covered her face in her hand
and groaned. " I feel like Drew Berrymore, in Never been
Kissed."
Part Four
"So how was the date last night Buffy?" Cordelia asked
as she, Willow, and Buffy made their way across the UC Sunnydale
campus.
Buffy smiled at the memory, "It was great. There's going to
be a second."
Willow's eyes shot opened and she covered her mouth with her hand
in mock-surprise, "Buffy. A guy. A second date? What is this
world coming to?"
"I got to say, Buffy, you've really got it for Angel."
Cordelia said. "Was there a door step kiss?"
Buffy bit her bottom lip.
Willow and Cordy screamed like school girls.
"Buffy got kissed, Buffy got kissed by Angel!" Willow
chanted, jumping up and down.
"An Angel?" Xander interrupted as he made his way over
to the girls, "Buffy got kiss by an Angel?"
Willow gave him a dirty look, "No, genius. Buffy got kissed
by Angel, the guy staying a her house."
A look of understanding crossed Xander's face," I got
it." He pointed behind him, " would that be the Angel
you speak of?"
Sure enough, there was Angel walking along side Oz, making there
was over to the girls.
Buffy swallowed hard. Not only was Angel absolutely gorgeous, but
he was stirring up emotions that Buffy had well hidden deep
inside her heart.
"Hey all," Oz said as he met up with the group. "
Willow," he kissed her on the lips.
Angel smiled at Buffy, and took her hand," You'll have to
give me the grand tour of this place." He gestured around
the campus.
She barely heard his question, she was to busy focusing on the
hand of hers that he was holding. "Oh, sure. That's right
you enrolled here."
He shook his head, "Even got my own apartment."
"Well, in that case how about that tour." She tugged at
his hand, pulling him away from the group." Bronze
tonight?" She called to her friends.
"You bet, Buff. and you..." He pointed to Angel,
"better be there."
Angel laughed," Of course."
With that Buffy and Angel walked off, hand in hand.
Willow exhaled. "They SO want each-other."
"Should I wear this outfit or
this one?" Buffy asked as she stood in front of her floor
length mirror. She held up two sets of clothes. " Do I want
to go with trendy?" She showed the audience a pair of hip
hugger jeans and a low cut, gold halter top. "or,
fancy." She held up a long blue skirt and black tank top.
Oz and Giles showed signs of distress. They weren't ones for
picking out female clothes, but they were the only people Buffy
could find.
Oz shook his head, "While I do like the gold, I'm not sure
about the jeans,"
"OZ! You're not helping!" Buffy shouted," I want
to look decent when Angel sees me tonight."
Giles placed his hand on his daughters shoulders," Buffy,
what ever you wear, you look beautiful. Don't stress over
this."
Buffy smiled, "Thank you, that was sweet." The look of
frustration returned. "but you're still NOT helping."
Throwing his hands up in defeat, Giles went back to stand beside
Oz.
There was a soft knock of the door, and it opened slightly to
revel Mr. O'brian.
"Oh sorry, am I interrupting?" He apologized.
Buffy pulled the door opened further, inviting him in. "Of
course not. The guys were helping me pick out an outfit for
tonight."
Mr. O'brian Smiled. "Ah, yes. You have second date with
Angel.
Buffy blushed and continued looking through her drawers of
clothing. "Oh! I wish there was a girl here. Where's Cordy
and Will?"
"Cor had Cheer Leading, and Will went to pick her up."
Oz informed.
Buffy threw her head back, ready to scream in udder frustration.
"God! I wish Mom was here!"
The room fell silent.
Buffy turned her back to the guys, not wanting them to see her
tear filled eyes.
"If I may," Mr. O'brian stepped up behind Buffy,
"I happen to know that Angel likes the trendy look." He
pointed to the Gold Halter and Jeans.
Turning to face him, Buffy gave
him the warmest smile that she could muster. "Thank
you." She whispered.
Several stray tears fell down her face, and Mr. O'brian pushed
them away with his thumbs. "Hey, none of that. You got a hot
date tonight."
Buffy laughed.
The Bronze was relatively empty
when Buffy and Oz arrived. Scanning the small crowd, Buffy looked
for Angel. Sure enough there he was, surrounded by Harmony and
her Gang.
Bowing her head, Buffy felt her heartbreak.
Suddenly, she felt someone lifting her chin up. She met eyes with
Angel.
"Hey," She managed to say," I see you have some
groupies or new friends."
Angel put on an amused smile, "Those girls. Nah, I like
you." He kissed her softly on the lips.
Pulling, back Angel noticed that her eyes were slightly blood
shot, as if she'd been crying. "Hey, what's wrong? Your
eyes...have you been crying?"
Giving him a weak smile," A little."
He enveloped her in a big hug, kissing the crown of her head.
"Tell me, what's wrong."
Her voice was muffled by his shirt. "Later. Lets just have a
good time."
Meeting up with the gang at a near
by table, Buffy quickly took a seat next to Cordy and gestured
for Angel to sit next to her. Sure enough, he sat down and
wrapped a protective arm around her.
Slowly, Harmony and her gang walked past the table. It was so
obvious that she wanted Angel to notice her that even Oz noticed
it.
"And today we witness the biggest cry for attention the
history of the world." Oz commented.
Cordelia nodded, "Oh, that was so desperate, it was
pathetic."
Even so, Buffy felt jealously rise in her, a dangerous flame.
Grabbing Angel's hand, Buffy pulled him center floor.
//Everytime our eyes meet
This feeling inside me
Is almost more than I can take //
"Lets Dance." She murmured into his ear.
Cordelia and Willow looked at each-other, then back at Buffy and
Angel.
//Baby when you touch me
I can feel how much you love me
And it just blows me away //
Buffy and Angel begin to slow dance, her movements are very
sensual. Turning around, Buffy spooned in against Angel, pulling
his arms around her waist.
//I've never been this close to anyone or anything
I can hear your thoughts
I can see your dreams //
Slowly grinding her hips and shoulders against him, she reached
up with her hand and gently stroked Angel's face.
//I don't know how you what you do
I'm so in love with you, it just keeps getting better
I wanna spend the rest of my life with you by my side //
Harmony looked on in jealously, and disbelief. Catching Harmony's
jealous look, Buffy continued her grinding. Turning her head to
Angel, Buffy smiled. "Think she's jealous?" Angel
swallowed hard as Buffy slowly slithered around him, making sure
not to lose contact with his body.
Angel laughed and tightened his grip around her body," If
not her, then every guy in this building."
//Forever and ever
Every little thing that you do
Baby I'm amazed by you //
"Thanks for walking me
home." Buffy said as she and Angel walked up her drive way,
hand in hand.
He gave his trademark smile, "It was my pleasure."
"So, do you need any help moving into your apartment?"
Buffy asked, fumbling for her keys, that were lost somewhere in
her
purse.
"Sure, I could use all the help I can get," he
answered, retrieving her keys from the side pocket of her coat.
He handed them to her, and she blushed in embarrassment.
"Oh, I knew they were somewhere."
He pushed a piece of hair behind her ears. " What's
wrong?"
She sighed and sat down on the front step of her porch. "I
don't know. I've just been off today."
He sat down next to her," Do you want to talk about
it?"
She shrugged," No offense, but it's kind of a girl-talk type
of thing."
He took her hand, "That's, OK, but there is actually
something I want to talk to you about," he stood and
twiddled his hands nervously. "I know that you and I have
been on two dates, and I know it may seem like I'm jumping the
gun about this, but I just have to..."
"Angel, you're babbling." She cut in.
He sat back down next to her, "I'm falling in love with you,
faster then I ever thought possible. And I just want to know that
I have you, that you have me. Like we're together."
She was going to make him say it all.
He smiled," Be my girl?"
Buffy didn't answer, she just kissed him.
Two Nights Later
"And, that's the last of it." Buffy huffed, as she
placed a box filled with an assortment of Angel's belongings on
the floor in his new apartment. " I think you're set."
Angel grinned and walked over to her, placing a soft kiss on her
lips. "Thank you for helping me."
She played with the collar of his shirt, "It was no
problem."
Pushing some boxes out of the way, Angel created a seat and
gestured for Buffy to sit next to him. "I wanted to ask you
something."
Arching her eyebrows in confusion, Buffy accepted his request by
sitting next to him," I'm all ears."
He smiled as she leaned her chin on his shoulder," I was
thinking, maybe you, Xander, Cordy, Will, and Oz would like to
come to my beach house in Florida. You know, for spring
break."
Her eyes shinned with delight and she practically knocked him off
the semi-seat as she smothered him a hug. "Ohmygod! I'd love
to!" She pulled back and composed herself, "And I'm
sure the gang would love it too." She squealed again,
"This is going
to be great. When do we leave?"
He laughed at her reaction, "Friday."
"How ever shall I repay you?" She teased as she brought
her lips close to his.
He swallowed, she had this intoxicating effect on him; he loved
her. Spiritually, Mentally, physically. His first love, his first
true love. But he would wait to tell her, only because he didn't
want to push her. He knew that she had issues with trusting men,
and he wanted to prove to her that she could trust him, under any
circumstance.
"Well, how about a kiss." His breath was hot against
her lips.
With that, she surrendered to his long, passionate kiss.
"Check!"
"Bathing Suit?"
"Check!"
"Underwear?"
"XANDER!"
Upon hearing his name, Xander strolled out of the bathroom with
an evil smirk on his face. He stared at Buffy, who's glare showed
of stern, with a hint of sarcasm.
"Sorry Buff, couldn't resist." Xander explained.
"Well, learn to." Buffy ordered as she turned to zip up
her suit case. "Angel is being nice and taking us on the
trip, so don't act up!" With a swift shove, the attempted to
close the case again, No such luck. She sat on it, trying to push
it down further. The case didn't move.
Noticing her distress, Xander removed Buffy from the top of the
suitcase, and zipped it in one smooth motion, "You know
sometimes you just need man."
Buffy rolled her eyes.
"Flight 265 arriving from
Sunnydale California!"
The group of six stepped of the plane, as the warm Florida air
smothered them. The airport was crowed with hundreds of
travelers, moving in and out of the hot state.
"This is so exciting!" Cordelia wailed. "I've
always wanted to come here!"
Xander smiled at his Girlfriend, "So easily amused."
Cordelia good naturally hit him across the chest.
"Now, now you two." Buffy scolded as she took Angel's
hand in hers. "None of that, this is our spring break and
we're going to make the most of it, which means NO
violence."
Angel smiled, "Yeah, picking up pieces of my friends body
parts isn't something I'd want to do."
Willow's face contorted in disgust, "Whoa, way to much
imagery."
Walking out the front doors of the port, Oz waved down two cabs.
"So, we'll all meet at Angel's place?"
They nodded in unison, as Angel began to back the suitcases in
and on top of the cabs. "You have the address?" Angel
questioned.
Oz whipped out a piece of paper from his pocket, "way ahead
of you"
"My God Angel! This place is
amazing!" Buffy cried, in awe at the beach house. It had
three floors, with large windows on each level. The third floor
was all balcony, so you could sleep, literally, under the stars.
The colors were basic whites and peaches. The place was
absolutely beautiful.
The other four were to shocked to say words. Well, that is,
except Xander.
"So, when do we eat?"
"Thank go for Pizza. No,
Delivery." Oz said, as he devoured a third slice of pizza.
"I love spring break." Willow sighed.
"I love food." Xander added.
Buffy shook her head, holding back a laugh. It was good to see
her friends relaxed and laughing. College was great, but after a
while it took a toll on your sanity.
"You know," Cordelia swallowed her pizza. "I
remember when we were all younger, we used to dream we were
famous movie stars and lived in Florida, which didn't make much
sense because Hollywood is in Cali."
Angel smiled, and slipped down next to Buffy, allowing her to
take comfort in his presence. Buffy leaned into his embrace, and
sighed in contentment.
"You know what I remember best." Oz said, as Willow
leaned her head on his shoulder, "The Scooby gang."
A moment of laughter erupted throughout the group.
"I'm afraid to ask." Angel said, looking into Buffy's
eyes.
"Well, you see." Xander stood, "We loved Scooby
Doo when we were young, so we made the Scooby gang. We used to
solve mysteries." He quivered an eyebrow. "Reprise.
Pretended to solve mysteries. Any way, we used to hold meetings
in Buffy's tree house."
Willow giggled, "We were so naive, but it was so much
fun."
Buffy jumped in," My Mom used to help us find cases."
She frowned. "She even brought snacks to the tree house for
us. She used to call them the Scooby snacks."
Angel smiled sympathetically.
"It was..." He vision fogged. "Stupid." She
swallowed. "I'll be right back, I need some air." Buffy
quickly stood and walked out the backdoor.
Willow and Cordelia frowned, then looked at Angel. "her
Mother's death was hard on her." Willow informed. "A
lot harder then she's like to admit. Maybe you should talk to
her." She shrugged.
Mouthing 'Thank you,' Angel followed Buffy out the backdoor.
"Starlight, star bright,
first star I see tonight I wish I may, I wish I might have the
wish I wish tonight." Buffy recited the popular rhyme,
gazing at the stars.
The night air was warm and comforting. The ocean waves lapped
gently up against the cool beach. The sand felt fresh and dry on
her feet.
Suddenly, a pair of hands slipped around her waist. Buffy craned
her neck to see Angel beaming at her.
"Hey," He whispered softly against her cheek.
"Hey." She replied, nuzzled in his neck.
"You OK?" He questioned softly.
"All better now." She turned in his embrace. "It's
just hard sometimes, you know."
He shook his head, understanding completely. "I Know."
Buffy attempted to lighten the subject, "SO, what are the
plans for tomorrow?"
Angel smiled, and his eyes wondered in delight, "I'm taking
everyone out on the boat. We'll swim and go tubing. It'll be a
blast."
She kissed his chin. Then his cheeks, followed by his eyelids.
"I can't wait."
Taking her lips into his own, Angel kissed her with raw passion.
He felt her arms tighten around his neck, and he pulled her flush
up against him, intending on bringing her as close as humanly
possible. He heard her moan in response.
The Moon cast an eerie glow on the waters surface, creating the
shadows of the kissing lovers to be imprinted the sand.
Back at the beach house, on the balcony, the other two couples
watched the scene UN ravel before them.
Xander pulled up a chair, "Man, this is better then
Passions."
Part 6
The group spent the day out on
Angel's speedboat, taking a day trip to the Keys. The weather was
beautiful, and the ocean temperature was just right so everyone
could swim comfortably. Around five O'clock, Angel docked the
boat, and the gang headed in with plans for the evening...
"I got the Shower
first!!" Buffy shouted, as soon as she entered the door of
the beach-house.
Cordelia groaned and tugged at her hair, "Look at my hair,
it's a mess. All salty and icky!"
Oz set down the cooler, "Well, that's the price you pay for
having fun."
Willow smiled and began to empty the coolers of soda and the bags
of suntan lotion. She glanced up at Angel, who's face was beat
red. "Looks like someone got some sun burn."
Angel smiled, "Always the sensitive one to the sun."
Buffy walked over and lifted his shirt, exposing his broad chest.
"Looks like you got sunburn in more then one place."
She pulled his shirt off. "Guess I'm going to have to put
some aloe on it." She winked at him, then proceeded to walk
up the steps.
Oz and Xander smirked.
Cordelia rolled her eyes, "OK, now that we got our share of
PDA for the day, what's the plan for tonight?"
Angel tore his attention away from the steps, and looked at the
group. "There's a really great club about ten minutes away
from here. We could head there tonight."
"Sounds like a plan." Willow said, grabbing Cordy's
hand and pulling her up the steps. "The girls are going to
get ready. Don't you three get in any trouble."
"Us? Trouble?" Xander quipped, placing his hand over
his heart.
Two Hours Later
"Now, this is what I call a party!" Xander cried, as
the group of six entered the downtown club called 'The
Underground.' The place was based on three levels. The top level
was the place where people hung that didn't have dates, hoping to
score with a guy or girl. The middle, was where the bar was, and
the bottom, the dance floor where hundreds of lights flashed
around the room, casting lights on everyone hot, sweaty bodies.
"And I thought the Bronze was cool," Cordelia said,
smirking. "This place is like the white house. With a lot
more lights and stuff."
Buffy laughed, "Leave it to Cordy." She turned to face
her boyfriend, who was staring off into space. "Angel,
hunny, are you OK?"
He turned to her and smiled, "Yeah, I thought I saw someone
I know."
"Oh." Buffy nodded. She glanced at a near by booth,
"Do you guys want to sit down?"
At the nods of several heads, they gang sat down. Angel leaned
over and whispered into Buffy's ear, "Would you like
something to drink?"
She turned her head, capturing his lips in a fiery kiss."
Please."
With one final kiss, he got up and walked to the bar.
Cordy placed her chin in her hands, and stared at Buffy.
"Buffy's in love."
The statement caught Buffy off guard, "W-what?"
Xander laughed, moving next to her,"You're in love with him,
it's so clear."
Buffy blushed smiling nervously, "How do you know when
you're in love?"
Willow looked at Oz, who's eyes showed nothing but love, trust,
and passion. "You just know."
Buffy swallowed, was she in love with this man? The revelation of
it all was mind-blowing. Here, she sat, in Florida, with a man
she's been dating for just a month, and she was already
hopelessly in love with him. The irony of it all was that, she
didn't even know, until now.
"Oh God," she said, with the sudden urge to tell him,
be near him. She stood up and scanned the floor for him.
Sure enough she found him, but not the way she had expected to.
There he was, standing in the middle of the floor, wrapped up in
the arms with a brunette, swaying softly to the music.
She didn't feel her heartbreak, she heard it. Covering her mouth
in a muffled cry, Buffy turned and dashed out of the club.
The other four seated at the table, watched as Buffy ran. Getting
up to see what upset her, they watched as Angel unwrapped his
arms from the Brunette and Kiss her on her head.
Willow almost screamed, "That Ass hole!"
The Other three were to blow-away for words.
Slowly, Angel turned around and grabbed the hand of the women,
leading her over to the four people, who were staring at him with
such anger.
Angel stopped a foot from them, "OK, what did I do?"
Cordy smacked him across the face. "what did you DO?"
she screamed pointing to the women. "Um, hello? Dense
much!"
Angel rubbed his inflamed cheek, "What are you talking
about? This is my cousin, Jenna."
A small wave of relief washed over the group.
Oz eyes widened." Oh, God. Buffy."
Angel stared at him, then at the group, "What do you
mean?" He was frantic, "Where's Buffy."
"She saw you two dancing, then took off crying." Xander
said, pointed to the door.
Jenna covered her mouth with her hand, "Oh God, is that your
girlfriend?" Angel nodded. "She thought, you and I
were...Oh God."
Angel started running towards the door, the others followed,
"Where did she go?"
"I don't know." Xander said, hot on Angel's heels,
"Back to the house?"
Cordy frowned, "She doesn't know her way around, so she's
likely to go there."
Angel nodded, his eyes showed fear. Fear of losing his love.
The Beach House
"Stupid males," Buffy whispered as she packed her
suitcase. She sniffled again, and wiped a tear from her cheek.
"Who needs them. Not me."
//Yeah. Right// She couldn't stop the tears, or the ache that
consumed her body. She was almost sure Angel loved her, like she
loved him. //stupid Buffy. Stupid, stupid Buffy.//
Her fingers trembled as she continued to pack, her throat
constricted in pain. Buffy was pretty sure she was going to die.
Laying back on the bed, she covered her face with her hands, and
cried.
From downstairs, she heard a door open. Assuming it was her
friends, Buffy sat up and wiped her tears. She needed to be
strong Buffy, happy Buffy. Her attempt landed flat. The footsteps
up the stairs became louder, she knew they would find her.
Opening up the door, Angel found Buffy sitting on the bed, tears
running down her face. Her suitcase was open, with cloths placed
awkwardly in them. //she was going to leave//
He approached her, "Buffy, sweetie, I know what you're
thinking, but its not."
Buffy let out a sound that was a cross between a sob and a insane
laugh, Full of anger.
The door behind Angel opened, and Cody and Willow walked
in...with Jenna. Buffy's eyes flew to the girl, then back at
Angel, "You BROUGHT HER HOME?" She cried.
Angel was pretty sure that the situation couldn't get any
worse." Buffy, no. It's not what you think."
Buffy pushed passed him, to the dresser. "You already said
that."
He followed her, and grabbed her, spinning her around to face
him. "This is Jenna, my cousin. She lives in Florida, she
owns the club we went to."
"Oh, God." Buffy whispered, feeling like a complete
fool.
Jenna stepped forward, and extended her hand. "It's nice to
meet you."
Buffy accepted her hand shake, "You too. I'm sorry, I'm not
usually this high strung."
Jenna laughed, "It's OK, I would've reacted the same
way." She turned to Angel, "Listen I have to go back to
the club, it was good to see you again."
"You too," He pulled her into a hug, and kissed her
crown.
"We'll show you out." Willow said, as she grabbed Cordy
hand, dragging her out of the room.
Once the door shut, Angel approached Buffy slowly, "Are you
OK?"
Buffy offered him a weak, small smile, "I know how to make a
complete idiot out of my self."
Angel tried to take her in his arms, but she flinched. "It's
OK. If I saw you with another guy, I would've killed him."
Buffy laughed quietly, then lifted her head to meet eye contact.
"I need a few minutes to pull my self together." With
that, she turned and walked out of the room.
The full moon casted it's light
across the calm Atlantic Ocean. Sitting on the dock, Buffy let
her bare feet skim the waters surface.
She came out here over and hour ago, not having the heart to turn
and go back. She was hoping that Angel would come and sweep her
off her feet, but he didn't show.
Taking a deep breath of the cool ocean mist, Buffy relaxed her
body closing her eyes. Suddenly, she heard a loud sound. Opening
her eyes, she watched as Angel pulled his boat up to the dock and
offered his hand to her, silently inviting her in.
Clutching her small hand in his big one, Angel guided Buffy into
the boat.
They drove into the night without so much as a word, their
presence being enough. Once reaching their final destination,
Angel shut the ignition off and walked over to Buffy, who was
seated on the couch at the head of the boat.
"Come here." Angel whispered, as he lifted her up off
her feet, "dance with me." With-that he enveloped her
tiny form into his huge one.
"There's no music." She whispered, inhaling the scent
from his shirt.
He kissed her lips. "It doesn't matter." Angel
swallowed loud and nervously, "Buffy--"
She looked up at him, with her beautiful eyes, that made Angel
want to cry in joy, because she was his.
"I love you," he whispered sincerely.
A tear ran down her cheek, "I love you."
Nuzzling his nose into her neck, Angel rained it with butterfly
kisses.
Lifting his chin, Buffy met Angel's lips in a searing kiss. On
and on, Their mouth danced with such passion and desire.
Carefully, Angel lowered Buffy onto the large couch, never once
breaking the kiss....
The stars twinkled over head, as a shooting star fell across the
night's sky.
The light of dawn lurched over the
water's surface, casting brilliant colors to fan out across the
sky. Buffy squinted her eyes, trying to block out the light. When
that didn't work, she buried her face into the soft body next to
her. //Oh, God!// Snapping her eyes open, Buffy sound Angel
staring at her, smiling. He tucked a piece of hair behind her
ear, then leaned down to kiss
her.
"Morning sleepyhead." He whispered, not that here was
anyone around to hear them, they were in the middle of the ocean.
Buffy beamed, "Morning to you too." She looked at their
surroundings. "We fell asleep on the boat?" She
giggled. "I've always wanted to do that!"
He laughed and stood, pulling her with him. "We should get
to shore, Everyone will be worried."
Buffy pouted, she didn't want to leave. She never wanted to.
"I don't want to." He stomach growled, demanding food.
"But my stomach wants food, so we have to."
He took her hand in his, "Come on, I'll let you drive the
boat."
Buffy's eyes widened, like a deer caught in headlights,
"Really? Don't you know that could end in human
fatalities?"
"Well, just think, If you kill us, we'll go together."
Angel quipped.
Buffy let out a short laugh, playfully hitting him in the chest.
Unfortunately, that little hit was enough for him to lose his
balance, and topple off the edge of the boat. With a loud crash,
Angel fell into the water.
"Angel!" Buffy shouted, leaning over the boat. "Oh
my God, I'm sorry! Are you OK?"
He grinned at her, and nodded. "I'm fine. I needed a shower
anyway."
Reaching her hand down, Angel grasped it. And pulled...her down
with him. With another topple Buffy fell off the boat, and into
the water, right next to Angel.
"OHMYGOD!" She shouted, kicking rapidly in the water,
"Angel! I can't believe you did that!"
"I got lonely in here all by myself." He joked.
"Wanted some company." But when she didn't smile back,
he grew concerned. "Hey, what's wrong? I was just playing
around."
Buffy shook, not from the cold, it was straight out of fear,
"I had a drowning incident when I was younger, I haven't
been in a pool or the ocean since."
Reaching out, Angel crushed Buffy against him, "Oh God, I'm
so sorry, I didn't realize."
She trembled against his body, "You couldn't have
known."
Swimming a short distance to the boat, Angel pushed Buffy up into
the boat. After Making sure she was safe, Angel reached up and
climbed in also.
Walking over to a cabinet, Angel took two towels out, and wrapped
one tightly around Buffy.
It was obvious to Buffy that he still felt guilty, because he
didn't make eye contact.
"Hey," she tugged on his soaked shirt, yet his eyes
didn't meet hers. She grabbed his chin, and that is when she
noticed it.
Above his right eye was a large, bloody gash. "Oh,
jeez." She lightly touched it with her fingers, and he
winced in pain. "See, Angel! I told you that this would end
in fatalities."
His smile reappeared on his beautiful face," I love
you." He sealed it with a kiss.
"Then..."
"We fell back onto the sofa."
"AND..."
"We Kissed."
Cordelia threw her hand in the air, "You are the most
difficult person to information from!" She rolled her eyes
and continued to pack up her suit case.
Buffy laughed, and zipped up her bag. "If the question
you're trying to ask is 'Did you and Angel have sex' the answer
is no."
"Now was that so hard?" Cordelia quipped.
Buffy stuck her tongue at her, "You should've just
asked!"
"You'll pay for that Summers!" Cordy resorted by
throwing a pillow at Buffy's head. Luckily for Buffy, she ducked
in time.
Walking in to the room, Angel was greeted by a pillow...in his
face.
Buffy gasped in surprise, and approached the stunned Angel.
"You OK?" she giggled.
Throwing the pillow over his shoulder, Angel stared at the two
girls sternly, "What did I tell you two about throwing
pillows?"
Cordelia and Buffy stared at each other, then back at Angel.
An evil smile spread across his face, as he threw the pillow
gently at Buffy's face, "Always include me."
The War had begun.
"It'll be good to go home, I
miss Sunnydale." Buffy said as she and the gang boarded the
airplane.
Willow smirked, "Speak for your self!"
Xander draped an arm over Cordy's shoulder, "Just think, one
less day till summer vacation."
"I just hope Giles is OK." Buffy whispered, a sad smile
appearing on her face.
Angel heard the statement, and he leaned down to kiss her lips,
"I'm sure he's fine."
In the Summer's house, Giles
snores soundly as the television blares in front of him.
"I'm Amy Glass, and this is Sunnydale's news at nine. The
Residents of Sunnydale are baffled as a mysterious murderer
stalks the dark streets. Police say that the killer is armed and
Dangerous. He's killed three women in the past two weeks. All
young women should be in by dark, and travel in groups. The FBI
states that they will not sleep until the murder is behind bars.
6 Months Later
"...Women are advised to stay indoors after dark. Travel in
packs, and avoid walking alone at night. Police say that the
murder gives no mercy. His last to victims were found hung by
straight jackets in a meat locker. Their appendages were slashed
with what looked like..."
::CLICK::
"OK, That's enough of that," Buffy said as she turned
to face Cordy and Willow, who's color was drained from their
faces, "The things that they get away with saying on
television blows me away."
"Aren't you a little worried, Buffy? I mean, this guy could
be after anyone. It's dark out side, and we're alone in here and
it's creepy. We should be in the arms of our boyfriends."
"Will, we are women. The backbone of America. we don't need
to be cuddled and cooed by men at all hours of the day."
Cordy stated, flipping her hair over her shoulder causally.
"Go Cor!" Buffy chanted.
"knock, knock girls!" Giles and Mr. O'brian peeked
their heads through the door, "Can we come in?"
"Sure." Buffy said, eyeing them carefully, "When
did you suddenly become interested in girl talk?"
"A few moments ago, actually." Mr. O'brian said, taking
a seat on Buffy's bed. "We heard about the murders, and we
just want to tell you three to be double careful."
"This guys a sicko," Giles added, "and I couldn't
imagine losing another one of my Girls."
Buffy blushed and sighed, "OK, I'll stay close to
Angel." She smiled, "Not that I mind."
"Yes, well. Be good you three. We'll leave you alone."
Giles said as he dragged Mr. O'brian out of the room.
"So, how is Angel, Buff? I mean, you two have been dating
for like, what seven months?" Cordy asked, leaning her head
against the bed's headboard.
"He's fine. Cute, and funny, and great as usual." Buffy
sighed happily.
"Have you two, you know, done IT?" Willow stammered.
Buffy smiled as Willow's shyness, "No, we haven't. Not that
I don't want to. It's just that, how do you bring up a subject
like that?"
"Well," Cordy said as she stood up and sat next to
Buffy, "when Xander and I did it, it just happened. We were
fighting and then BAM, we're tearing off each other's
cloths."
"Nice visual." Buffy stated.
"Thought so."
"What about you, Will?" Buffy asked, looking in the
direction of her friend.
"Well, Oz was very, quite about the subject, I eventually
just jumped his bones."
"Little WILLOW!" Buffy shouted, "Do you kiss your
Mother with that mouth?"
"Nah, only Oz."
Buffy covered her ears, "You're ruining my moral and
values!"
"So, Is it worth it?"
Buffy asked, "I mean, what's it like?"
Cordy laughed, "Getting a little personal there, aren't
we?"
"To answer your question, Buffy" Willow said,
"Yes, it is worth it, that is, when you're ready. It's
something personal, you only share with Angel. It's
beautiful."
"OK, don't go all romance-novel on us, Will." Cordy
Joked.
"What, it's the truth!" Willow, argued. Standing up,
Willow walked over and sat next to Buffy. "Listen, if you
want to bring up a subject like this with Angel, just ask. That's
all you have to do."
Buffy shook her head in understanding. //Just ask. If I want
Angel to make love to me, All I have to do is hint him on.//
"Now, where are my favorite
ladies?" Xander asked as he walked through Buffy's bedroom
door, followed by Oz and Angel.
"Umm, that would be me!" Cordy raised her hand,
"But, I'm you favorite LADY, it's singular. Just
L-A-D-Y."
"So punctual." He said, kissing her lips.
"What's the what you three? You normally don't just barge
into my room with knocking," Buffy asked as Angel wrapped
his arms around her waist from behind.
"Mommies sent us." Oz said, grabbing Willow's hand,
"They want you all home, with the murder out."
Willow's brow furrowed, "Cordy's and my parents aren't home,
they're on businesses trips together."
Oz held up a piece of paper with an assortment of numbers,
"In all honesty, they called and told us strong boys to
protect you."
"Again with the male stereotyping." Buffy stated. She
felt Angel's hands slip under her shirt, and tighter around her
waist. She shivered with the abrupt contact, needing so much
more.
Angel leaned down and whispered into her ear," We're not
kidding. I don't want anyone touching you. And if they do, I'll
rip them apart limb by limb ... and tie..."
Buffy kissed his lips, silencing him, "I've had a hard
enough time keeping my lunch down with all the descriptive news's
casts on. Don't add fuel to the fire."
Angel smiled sadly, "I'm sorry."
"It's OK."
"You know, I hate to break up this little display of love,
But I'm taking Cordy home." Xander said, dragging Cordy by
the hand.
"Same here," Oz said, pulling Willow off the bed.
"Home would be.... Their homes, or your homes. Not that it
really matters, none of your parent are home." Buffy
smirked.
"I'm going to act like you didn't ask that question. Good-0
night B and A." Xander waved, as he left with Cordy.
"What he said," Oz pointer to Xander, then left with
Willow.
"Ladies and Gentle men. My Friends. Hold your breath, and
keep your eyes closed. It could get ugly." The sound of
laughter arouse from Angel chest in response to Buffy's remark.
Turning around to face Angel, Buffy laid a soft kiss on this
smooth chin, "Now, what is it that you wanted."
Angel chuckled and bent his head to kiss behind Buffy's ear,
"I just wanted to see the one I love."
"Have I met her?" Buffy asked as innocently as she
possibly could without laughing.
"You might have. She's smart, and witty, and beautiful. She
has long golden hair, with a smile that knocks all the guys
dead." He paused, "In a good way."
"Come here." She commanded gently, pulling his chin
down to meet his lips in a searing kiss. The kiss was slow and
gradual, but quickly escalated to greater proportions. It grew
passionate, and they clung to one another.
Pulling Angel with her, Buffy felt the her bed against the back
of her knees. Carefully, she pulled him down on top of her. A
purr arose from his chest, as he gripped her him for control.
"Buffy..." Angel groaned, as he felt her hands lift the
hem of his shirt.
"Yeah, Buffy. I really don't think you should do that."
The new voice startled both of them, and they abruptly pulled
apart.
Mr. O'brian smiled at them, "I don't think Giles would
appreciate that very much, Angel."
"Sorry, Dad." Angel said, as he turned a bright shade
of red.
"How about you two go to a movie. Cool off." Mr.
O'brian offered.
"That acutely sounds like fun." Buffy said grabbing
Angel's hand.
"I don't know if it's safe to be out so late with the murder
out." Angel said, concern evident on his face.
Buffy pouted," Please, just for a little."
Angel laughed, "Now how could I resist a face like
that."
"I'm telling you, The guy was
a hopeless romantic." Buffy argued, walking up her drive
way.
Angel smiled, and wrapped his arm around her waist, "You
think? It was just a movie, he's just an actor"
"Yes, I think. Actor or not." Buffy paused, "He's
the kind of guy who would send you flowers in the middle of work,
or cover your eyes as you walk on the beseech, just so you can
*feel* the sand beneath your feet."
Hurt crossed Angel features, "Do I qualify as one of these
guys?"
Buffy ignored him, "He's the kind of guy that would make a
fool out of himself, just to prove it's all for you. He's the
kind of guy that'll just sweep you off your feet at any given
moment."
Without warning, Angel did just that. Sweeping her off her feet,
Angel held Buffy close to his chest, "Just like that?"
Buffy nodded, "Just like that."
"Do I classify as a hopeless romantic?"
"Why?" Buffy purred, "Are you jealous?"
HE didn't answer.
"You're more then a hopeless romantic, you're MY hopeless
romantic. And I love you." Buffy said, then gently kissed
his lips.
"Good thing." He leaned his forehead against hers,
"Because I love you too."
Opening up the door to the house, The couple were greeted with a
scene they expected least.
At least five police men were casually situated through out the
house, one was pouring a cup of coffee, and others were
questioning Willow and Cordelia.
"Hey, what's going on?" Angel asked, as he and Buffy
approached Giles.
Giles turned and frowned at Angel, "A man with a mask came
to the door asking for Buffy. I told him that she wasn't here.
and he handed me a note. The police have it now."
A short, and fat officer with dark hair approached Buffy and
handed her the note.
//You Will Die,
I will know your Blood,
There's now way out,
You can't hide.//
Tears fell one by one down her face, and she clutched to Angel
for support.
"Oh, Buffy." Angel whispered, enveloping her in his
strong arms. She was trembling with fear. Sobs caught in her
throat, and she clutched him with her tiny fingers. "No,
one's going to hurt you, I promise."
She didn't answer, because she didn't believe him.
"...So as a precautionary, I
think you should move in with someone else just for the time
being." The police officer continued, "Somewhere that
wouldn't be easily found."
Mr. O'brian gently stroked Buffy's back, as Angel went to
retrieve her a glass of water. Angel returned, and handed Buffy
her water, "My place is relatively new, I mean, she can stay
there." He earned a glance from Giles, "that is, if it
is OK with Giles."
Buffy smiled up at Angel, he was always the giving one. She was
so glad that she had him, so glad that he loved her, "As
much as Giles may not like the idea, It may be the best."
"So, it's set." The officer interrupted, "Buffy
stays at Angel's until further notice."
Quitetly kicking open the front
door, Angel genltly carried Buffy into his house. The night had
been diffiuclt, packing, cleaning, fingerprinting. Buffy was
wiped, and promtly fell asleep in Angel's arms. Not having the
heart to wake her up, Angel carried her to his car, then into his
house.
Once inside the house Angel laid Buffy down on his bed, and
undressed her. As uncomfotable as the situation was, he couldn't
help the overwelming feeling of protection he was having over
Buffy. She was in his house, his bed, under his protection. It
was the simple things that filled Angel's heart with such
happiness . Quickly removing Buffy's pants and shirt, so only her
bra and panites were intact, Angel rummeged through her suit case
insearch of her Pajamas. Once finding them, he gingerly dressed
her and pulled the covers over her, tucking her in securly.
He kissed her soft lips, then sat on the chair in the corner.
Content on never leaveing her side. He hoped that tomarrow would
be easier
The first thing Buffy noticed when
she awoke was her pounding head ache, the second was the fact she
wasn't in her bed. Shooting of bed, Buffy was taken over by a
dizzy spell, "oh," She groaned as she slowly laid back
down on the bed.
"Morning sleepy head," Angel chanted as he rounded the
corner into the bedroom. He had a tray of food in one hand and a
bottle of aspirin in the other.
"Uh, Morning." Buffy moaned, squeezing her eyes closed.
"I think I'm sick."
"I Think you're right. When I came to check on you earlier,
I noticed you were pale. So I felt you're head and sure enough,
you had a fever." Angel inquired, climbing on his bed to lay
next to her, "But in any case, you picked a good day,
because it's pouring." He pointed out the window.
Sure enough, a constant flow of rain fell from the sky, landing
on the ground with a swift pitter, patter.
"I like the rain. It's pretty." Buffy said, snuggling
closer to Angel, "It's so simple. Lil' drops of water
falling from the sky, like crystals. Beautiful."
Angel leaned down and softly whispered into Buffy's ear,
"You're beautiful."
"Were you always this charming?" Buffy asked, looking
up into his eyes.
"Nah," He whispered against her lips.
Before he could kiss her, she playfully pushed him away,
"None of that today honey. I'm going to get you sick. And we
can't have that."
Angel smiled, "I guess you're right. I have to stay well, I
need to be your doctor. Now, lets eat some breakfast."
They ate breakfast in silence, just enjoying one another's
company.
Angel was grateful that Buffy was
safe, that she wasn't in the house when the murder left the note
with Giles, but what baffled him the most is why the killer KNEW
that Buffy wasn't home, other wise he wouldn't have taken the
time to write the note. It
scared him more then he wanted it to.
"Angel, honey?" Buffy said softly, finishing up her
last bit of toast.
He turned to face her, she had obviously been talking to him the
whole time, but he was to busy brooding to listen to what she was
saying.
"Did you hear anything that I just said?" Buffy asked,
upset that she's been ignored.
Angel smiled sadly, "I'm sorry, I was just thinking about
yesterday."
"Me too." Buffy agreed, snuggling into Angel's lap.
"I was thinking about what happen before, you know up in my
room." She held his eye contact, " When we were
kissing, and then we like fell on the bed..."
Angel beamed at the memory, "Yeah, I remember."
"We're you comfortable with that?" Buffy asked gently,
"I mean, it was just so sudden and you know ... we've never
really talked about it, that next step."
This was definitely going to be the longest couple of weeks in
Angel's life. She was talking to him about making love to her,
when all he could think about was just that. He want to make love
to her until she couldn't open her eyes. Endlessly, all night
long. The bittersweet thought of being intimate with Buffy in one
of the most blissful experiences in the human life, brought tears
to his eyes, "Buffy, sweetie, whenever you're ready, I'm
ready."
"You sure, because I've never you know, done it
before." Buffy blushed.
"That makes two of us."
Buffy stared at Angel with astonishment, a stud muffin like him
was still a virgin. Buffy stood up on the bed, "Are you
serious?"
Angel pulled her by the hands, back down to his lap, "Yes.
I'm serious. I was waiting for some special, someone that I truly
love, someone like you."
Buffy seized the moment with a soft kiss on his lips, "It's
moment like this you wish you weren't sick."
Angel chuckled, and returned the kiss, "Tell me about
it."
"...The latest victim, Buffy
Summers, nearly dodged another brutal attack. Inevitably, it
angered the Murder to an extent to killing one of Buffy's class
mated named Harmony Kennel. Next to the body a note was place,
with the Words : BS: U R NEXT. police..."
"SHUT UP!" Buffy screamed harshly at the television.
Strong arms came around her, in a comforting embrace, "It's
OK beloved. It's going to be OK." Angel vowed he'd do
anything to keep her safe. Even if it meant risking his own life,
" Lets do something else. Lets get your mind off of
this."
"Like what?" Buffy frowned?
"Oh, that feels good."
Buffy moaned in to a pillow, as Angel strong fingers gently
caressed her bare back. Slowly, Angel trailed his finger nails
along Buffy lower back. She moaned in response, "God, have I
told you that you're the best? I've never gotten such a great
back massage."
Angel kissed her nape of her neck, "Glad you like it."
He moved his palms in a circular motion, eliciting another moan
of contentment from Buffy. Without warning, Buffy unsnapped her
bra, giving him better access to her back. Angel felt his throat
constrict. The scene was very erotic; Buffy in his bed, topless,
not to mention him giving her a back massage.
//Oh, God//
This was going to be the longest day of Angel's life.
Three Weeks Later
Over the course of the past three weeks, the town of Sunnydale
remained quite. No murders stalking the young women, and no death
threats towards Buffy. The police believed that the murder got
scared and left town, yet Buffy didn't buy it. She believed that
he was laying low, waiting for just the right moment.
"Happy Birthday," Angel whispered to Buffy, sitting
next to her on his bed. He pulled a red, gift wrapped box out
from under the bed and handed it to her.
Slowly, Buffy unwrapped it, stealing a smile with Angel
occasionally. She unwrapped to find a platinum ring. It had two
hands holding a heart, which had a crown on the top.
"It's beautiful." Buffy whispered, gripping the ring
with her tiny fingers.
Angel moved closer, taking the small ring in his hands, "My
father gave this to my Mother after I was born, the hands
represent friendship, the crown represents loyalty, and the
heart...love. Where it with the heart pointing towards you, it
means you belong to someone." He held up his hand with the
same ring, with the heart pointing towards him, "like
this." Buffy gently grasped the hand in hers, brought it up
to her lips and kissed it, "Put it on," He requested
softly.
Sliding it on her finger, Angel looked up at Buffy, who was
sniffing softly, "You, OK?"
Life had been crazy lately, more so then usual. But this release,
the presence of Angel, reminded her that her life wasn't
horrible, and that she had friends, family, and a boyfriend that
loved her more then words, "Yeah, I'm OK. I was just
thinking about how much I love you."
"Funny," Angel said, moving into kiss her lips, "
I was thinking the same thing."
The Kiss was slow, and careful, but as usual it grew passionate,
and uncontrollable. Both of them were aware of the fact that they
were on a bed. Buffy slowly pushed Angel back down onto the bed.
She wanted this, she need this. For heaven's sake, she was almost
killed.
Her whole body was tingling with a sensation she'd never felt
before. Her soul, hands, feet, everything was alive. Buzzing with
so much electricity, that is was driving her insane with need.
she felt Angel's large hands hold her hips closer to him, needing
more contact.
Angel gently flipped Buffy onto her back, so he was hovering over
her. He broke this kiss to stare at her, silently asking for
permission to continue. She didn't respond, she just reached up
and brought his lips to hers.
Their mouths fused, over and over again. Angel continued his
butterfly kisses from Buffy's lips, across her jaw, down her
throat, to her neck. Buffy gripped Angel's back tighter, as the a
new warmth came over her. She heard Angel groan in response.
Breaking the kiss, Buffy stared up at Angel as her small hand
trailed under his shirt, up to his shoulder, then removing the
garment, tossing it to the floor.
"Angel, please," Buffy whispered, as Angel's hands
traveled up her back, then under his shirt. He started to lift it
over her head, but the action was interrupted by the ringing of
the phone.
Angel groaned, "Damn. Hold that thought." He reached
over and grabbed the phone off the receiver," Hello?"
"YOU CAN'T HIDE HER. I KNOW WHERE SHE IS. AND I DON'T THINK
DADDY WILL LIKE VERY MUCH THAT YOU'RE CORRUPTING HIS
DAUGHTER."
Angel's body went numb. He dropped the phone onto the cold tile
floor. The color of life was drained from his face, as he stood
and pulled on his shirt.
"Angel, was that..." Buffy voice trembled. She couldn't
find the power to finish the sentence. She already knew who it
was, by the expression of horror on Angel's face. Buffy stood and
grabbed Angel's hand.
The Lights went out.
Angel crushed Buffy's body into
his, when he noticed the front window was wide open. The shadow
of a body played across the floor. He watched as the silhouette
pulled on a black mask, and withdrew a knife from under his black
coat.
"Don't move." Angel whispered into Buffy's ear.
The shadow took a step closer.
"Angel, what's going on..." Buffy's voice cracked.
Angel placed a single finger on her lips, "Just do what I
say. On the count of three I'm going to push you out of the
way."
He didn't wait for an answer from her, because there wasn't
enough time. The murder dove for Buffy, and Angel pushed Buffy
into the wall. It wasn't quick enough because he heard a tearing
of flesh, and muffled scream. Buffy hit the floor.
A quick exchange of hits and punches were exchanged, and it
wasn't long before Angel got the upper hand in the fight.
With a quick blow to the stomach by Angel, the killer staggered
back. Using this to his advantage, Angel grabbed the small end
table, and broke it over the other man's head.
With a few staggered movements, the man fell to his knees, then
to his stomach, unconscious.
It only took a second for Angel to recompose himself, and dash
over to Buffy. He crouched beside her, observing the large gash
on her arm.
Buffy smiled, "It doesn't hurt that bad, really."
Her pant legs and cloths were soaked in blood. The gash was about
as big as Angel's hand. It *had* to hurt," You're a terrible
liar." He then gathered her into his strong arms, never
wanting to let go. Gently kissing the top of her head, then her
lips, he knew that it was all over, "We should call the
police before our mystery man wakes up."
She nodded in response.
The police force gathered in
Angel's apartment. Some were attending to Buffy's wounds, some
questioning Angel. Willow, Oz and Giles were standing by for
moral support, while Cordy and Xander went to get Mr. O'brian at
work.
"Are you two OK?" Giles asked, approaching both Buffy
and Angel.
Buffy smiled, still shaken, "Yeah. I just want to know who
this sicko is."
Angel nodded, keeping Buffy tight in his embrace, "Yes,
please."
Two dark haired police officers approached the trio, the taller
one spoke, "We've identified the murder, would you like to
see him?"
At the nod of heads, the officers lead the small group over to a
stretcher, where a man was covered in a white sheet up to his
face.
And all that was heard were the gasps of horror.
The group sat silently in the
Sunnydale general Hospital lobby. Buffy and Angel were being
evaluated and cleaned up from the night's events. Giles sat numb
in his corner chair. //If I had only known// //What happened?//
//I Don't understand what went wrong//
The door to room 314 opened, reveling Buffy, who had a bandage
wrapped tightly around her arm, and Angel. Giles and the others
stood to greet the newcomers.
The coming days were going to be difficult.
"...I Knew that he loved
Joyce in High School, but I didn't think he'd ever take it this
far." Giles elaborated, pacing across the living room of the
Summer's house.
"I can't believe it was Mr. O'brian." Willow repeated.
Xander rolled his eyes,"We're not coming across an
understanding at time soon, Will, are we?"
"I still don't understand." Buffy swallowed roughly,
"Why would he do something like this? I need to know, Angel
needs to know."
Giles sat down next to his daughter, "Where is he?"
Buffy pointed to the steps, "He needed some alone time, I
think he's sleeping in my room. Now, explain this to me. Stop
changing the subject."
The sternness in her voice didn't fall flat with Giles. He knew
that Buffy loved Angel more then anything, and he also knew that
Angel felt the same way. They deserved to know the truth
Giles took a deep breath and continued, "Mr. O'brian and I
both loved your Mother in High School, but she was in love with
your Father, Hank. Wayne and I bonded over the years of High
School and became close friends, but when Joyce divorced Hank,
then dated me. I felt awful. I talked to Wayne about it, but he
said he didn't love Joyce anymore and that he loved Angel's
mother."
"So, let me guess," Xander stood, "we're playing
the whole scream plot here."
"Not precisely," Giles answered, "I guess after
Angel's Mother died, and then Joyce, Wayne just lost it. I guess
he wanted revenge."
"SO killing Buffy fits into the sequence, how?" Oz
asked.
"Revenge." Cordy stated, "Flat-out. He was mad at
Giles for taking Joyce, and maybe because he couldn't have Joyce
due to her death, he went after what Giles loves just as
much."
"Which is why he went after Buffy?" Willow said softly,
"How morbid is that?"
"I need to talk to Angel. He's really confused right now and
he needs someone to talk to." Buffy said, getting up and
climbing the steps to her room.
Slowly, Buffy entered her room,
only to find Angel sitting on her bed with his head hiding in his
hands. Buffy sat down next to him and leaned into his
embrace," Are you OK?" He trembled, as if trying to
hold in a sob, "Please, Angel, talk to me."
He stood up straight, and turned away from her," You
shouldn't be near me."
Buffy stood also, "Excuse me?"
"You shouldn't be near me." Angel spun to face her,
"My father tried to kill the one person that I love more
then anything in the world, what does that say about me?"
"Is this some male ego thing, because I don't believe in
that bullshit!" She was angry now, "It doesn't say
anything about you. You aren't your father."
Angel's eyes filled with tears, and his voice softened to a
whisper, "No, I'm not. I'm a product."
Buffy approached him, taking his hand into her small one,
"No, Angel. You're wrong. Please sweetie."
He shook his head sadly, convinced that he was now unworthy of
anything that Buffy provided. Angel turned and walked out the
bedroom door, without so much as a look back.
Buffy could've let him run, could've let him walk out of her
life, but she wasn't going to. Buffy wasn't about to let the love
of her life slip through her fingers. Running out of the door,
she chased him down the stair case, yelling along the way,
"You can't run away from this Angel! I won't let you!"
He reached the front door, right about the time Buffy caught up
with him, "Don't you dare walk out of this door and act like
you're walking out of my life, because It won't work."
He heard the determination in her voice, but the desperation in
it also. Angel didn't want to lose her, he needed her, he wanted
her. Angel loved Buffy, and he almost lost her. Tears flowed down
her cheeks, and he watched her throat constrict. Angel knew that
he couldn't survive these next couple of months with her. He
broke.
Falling to his knees, Angel holds her tightly. Buffy, surprised,
by the turn of events, sinks to her knees also and envelops him
in a large hug. Angel just keeps holding her and starts to sob
into her jacket.
Muffled cries come from his mouth, begging forgiveness, "I'm
so sorry, so sorry. I can't lose you. I love you."
"Shh...it's going to be OK. You're going to be OK." She
whispered over and over into his ear.
From the living room, the group watched the two broken young
adults. Oz handed Xander a camera, "This is one of those
moments my Mom talks about, they're called Kodak moments."
Xander nodded in understanding, "So I've heard." He
took the camera, and snapped a picture of the couple. The others
stared at him like he was crazy, "What?"
Cordelia smirked and stepped away from Xander, "Not my
boyfriend."
The others, including Buffy and Angel laughed, it was over.
"Mr. O'brian, you have a
visitor." The guard attendentent said, unlocking the jail
door. The attendent shoved the door open and immeditly cuffed Mr.
O'brian.
"Who is it?" Wayne asked, following the guard out of
the cell.
"Your Son, Angel." he infomed, rounding the corner to
the visiters booth.
In the third cubical, Angel sat. He facial expressions swiching
from shock, anger, and back to a clam expression. All in a time
period of three seconds. Sitting down in the small chair, Mr.
O'brain picked up the phone. He watched as Angel did the same,
and for once in his life, Mr. O'brian was glad that there was a
pane of glass between him and his Son. //If looks could kill//
"Hello Angel." Mr. O'brian spoke into the phone, with
such an even, solid voice, it made Angel's blood boil.
"Don't act like we're friends, becasue we're not."
Angel replied coldly, " I'm only your Son right now, becasue
I have to be."
Mr. O'brain's sharp intake of breath made Angel relaize that he
hit a nerve, and it was so early in the interrigation, "Why
did you do it? Do you feel better about youself?" Angel
sneered, " Does it make you feel better that you killed over
a dozen of other women? Slowly and Painfully?"
Angel's father just swallowed roughly and looked down
"Yeah, you're such a man." Angel replied sarcastically,
"You can kill a women, but you can't give your Son a
striahgt answer."
"Is Buffy ok?" His question caught Angel off guard.
"She's Fine, why do you care?"
Mr. O'brain met eye contact for the first time with his Son,
"I didn't mean for it to go so out of control..."
"But it did!," Angel intrupped angerly.
"I know that!" Angel's father shot back, "I was
just so devestated. First Giles got Joyce, then your Mother died,
then Joyce died, and then Buffy came along." Angel's face
visably softened, " And she was a perfect reminder of what I
wanted all those years ago. I was jealos beyond reasonable means.
It scared me. So I went out trying to get dates, and ever girl
that turned me down..."
"You killed."
"Yes," Mr. O'brain answered.
"And this dosen't strike you as, esylum material?"
Angel quipped.
"Of course it does!" Mr. Obrian sohuted, " I can't
sleep at night. everytime I close my eyes, there's some poor girl
begging me to stop, and there's blood, so much blood..." He
began to weep.
Angel realized that his father had some deep, unresolved issues.
Issues that he, Angel, were completly un aware of, "I'm
sorry, but I can't let something like this just fade. You tried
to kill Buffy. I love her more then I ever thought possible, you
almost took her away from me."
The guard attendant came up behind Mr. O'brain and spoke in his
deep, harsh voice,"Time's up you two, say your
goodbyes."
Angel offered a thin smile to his father, " I guess I'll
talk to you later."
"Yeah." Wayne watched as his Son gently hung up the
phone, and stood, "Oh! Angel!" Angel turned to face his
father, "call me when you and Buffy get married."
Angel laughed and nodded, "Of course."
And he was gone.
Two Months Later
"The blue or the white dress?" Buffy asked, spinning
around to face Willow and Cordeila.
"White"
"Blue"
Buffy rolled her eyes, "You're NOT helping."
"Ok, scrach that." Cordy said, standing up, "White
is bad, becasue if you spill something on it, it's going to be
more noticeable then if you were wearing the blue."
Willow shugged, "Which is WHY you listen to me, always.
Ignore Cordy."
Cordelia smirked, and flipped her hair over her shoulder,
"Which is why, I'm Quess C and you're well not."
"That's enough you two, I want my date with Angel to be
pleasent. Which means no cleaning blood stains off of my dress
from your impending catfight. So, shut up and help me."
Buffy ordered, slipping out of her rope and into her dress.
Willow walked over and tied the straps that hold the dress up
around Buffy's neck.
"OK, ok, ok. Willow, you do the make up, I'll do the
hair." Cordelia said, pulling Buffy over to a chair.
Willow began putting on the makeup as Cordy whipped out the
hairspray. Gently, Cordy pulled Buffys hair up into a tight
french-twist, leaving a few stary hairs to frame her face.
Willow applied a small amount of blush to Buffy's cheeks, a touch
of white eye shadow, and a whisper of clear lip gloss. WIllow was
convinced that Buffy needed limited make-up due to the fact she
was already beautfiul.
Putting the final touchs on Buffy's hair, Cordy stepped back to
admire, " It looks great, definatly my best work yet. I
still can't get over the fact that you and Angel have been dating
for a year."
Willow stepped back also, " You're telling me. Oz didn't
take me out for out one year annivercery."
"And yet, he did dye his hair your favorite color on your
six month annivercery." Cordy quipped.
Willow smirked, "Hey, it looked awsome."
"Alright you two, lets see what you did to me." Buffy
said, standing to face her floor lengh mirror.
The dress was pale blue, that fell to the floor. It tied around
then neck, and from the bust line up, it was covered in little
rhimstones. Buffy smiled, Angel was going to lose it.
"Buffy are you ready? Angel is here." Giles said,
opening up her door. He stopped short when he saw his daughter.
He was stunned, "Buffy, you look amazing."
"Thanks, Giles." She said kissing him on the
cheek," But I should get going,"
The group of three followed, Buffy out the door and down the
steps to Angel. She found him looking at a picture of her, when
she was only eight years old.
"Hey." Buffy said, startling Angel.
He turned to face her, but was a lose for words.
//amazning...beautfiul...stunning...goddess...///
"...Buffy...uhh...my gods...you..uhh..."
"Translation: Buffy you look stunning." Cordy quppied,
walking down the steps and standing indetween the couple.
"You ready to go?" Buffy asked.
Unable to take his eyes off of her, Angel offered his arm and
lead her out the door. The other three followed once again,
watching them get in Angel's black convertable.
Oz and Xander, from the porche's swing, along with the others
watched as Buffy and Angel took off down Rebello drive.
"10 bucks say that Buffy won't be coming home tonight."
Xander said, flashing a ten dollar bill in the air.
"I say 15." Oz said, pulling the amount out of his
pocket.
"Willow and I double it!" Codry shouted.
Giles smirked and reached in to pocket to pull out his wallet. He
looked through and grinned, " I pull the stakes up to one
hundred dollars."
The others put away their money.
"You really didn't have to go
throught all of this for me." Buffy whispered across the
table to Angel.
"Of course I did. It's our one year annervercery and I want
it to be special." Angel replied, taking her hand in his.
Angel took Buffy to 'The Garden.' A five star italian resturant
on the shore.
"Imean it Angel, this is way to much. I would've been
satified with Chucky Cheeze." Buffy elaporated.
Angel just smiled and kissed her palm, "Happy
annevercery."
And her heart just melted.
The walk home was peaceful and
quite. No mysterious men stalking the street, no death threats,
just the late spring air that was full with the scent of blooming
flowers. the couple walked hand in hand up Rebello Drive and up
to the Summer's residence.
"Thanks for walking me home." Buffy said tuning to face
Angel.
"Of course. That's my Job you know." Angel took her in
his arms and place a sweet kiss on her soft lips.
Buffy broke the kiss, when she noticed a peice of paper taped up
on the door, "Oh, what's this?"
://:Buffy,
Had to make an emergancy run to LA,
Something to do with the art gallery
Be back by morning
Love, Giles://:
Buffy rolled her eyes, "Gotta love the meeting out of
town," She went to turn the door nob, but found it
locked."
Angel looked over her shoulder, "What's wrong?"
"Daddy Giles locked the door, and Buffy threw away the
key," At his confused face, she smiled, "I forgot my
key, so we're locked out."
He nodded in understanding," If you'd like, you could stay
at my place for the night."
"You don't mind, do you?"
Angel gathered her in his arms, " Of course not."
"I cant believe it started
raining!" Buffy screeched upon entering Angel's apartment.
Sure enough, the moment the two left the Summer's porch, it
started pouring. Sheets of rain fell from the heavens, without a
second of mercy.
Angel smiled at Buffy's childlike manner, "Its, OK, you can
wear something of mine."
"Thank you," She replied sincerely, " and for once
I'm glad that I didn't wear that white dress, because you know,
rain and white clothing don't match and...well...I'll shut-up
now."
She blushed and looked at the ground, obviously embarrassed.
Angel lifted her chin, " hey, are you going to stay in those
wet cloths, or you going to change?"
She nods and Angel gets a white sweatshirt, and a pair of black
shorts from his armoire and hands them to her.
Softly she mummers," Thanks." And walks into Angel's
bedroom.
Placing the cloths on the bed, Buffy reached up to her neck,
intending on untying the two strings that held her dress up
//Jeez, Willow really doesn't want me to actually get out of this
dress//
"Angel?" She watched as he turned around to face her,
"can you help me untie this?"
He swallowed hard and stood behind her, gently taking the small
knot into his shaking fingers, with a small tug of one end, the
knot easily fell out. Taking his time, Angel gently let his
fingers graze the bare shoulders.
Buffy's whole body heated up, with just one caress. Tuning to
face Angel, Buffy felt Angel's trembling fingers, and saw the
passion in his eyes. With one quick motion, Angel captured her
lips in his, bringing her down the soft matters.
Out side the rain continued to fall.
//After eons of war and lifetimes
She smiling' and free, nothing' left
But a cracking voice and a song, oh lord //
They layed in silence, their
bodies humming; an after shock of what just occurred. Angel's big
body hovered over Buffy's small frame, her eyes going half mast
as Angel's breath tickled her neck. Both bodies were covered in a
light mist of sweat. Angel shifted off of Buffy, bringing her so
she was spread out across his chest. Buffy's head was tucked in
the crook of her lover's neck, and she could have sworn that he
purred in satisfaction.
"That...that was..." Buffy stampeder, gazing into
Angel's eyes.
"Amazing," Angel finished, kissing behind her ear,
" It was unbelievable."
Buffy smiled and yawned, " So sleepy..."
Angel gently kissed her soft lips, " Sleep, I love
you."
"Love you too." She replied, drifting into a deep,
content sleep.
Two years drifted by with relative
ease. Buffy and Angel's relationship grew in enormous strength
each day. With graduation one day away, Buffy began to worry. She
*knew* that her relationship with Angel would never change, but
the future would. decisions were going to be made, and Buffy
wondered if Angel would make those decisions with her in or out
of his life.
"I can't believe we're
graduating in less then twelve hours!" Willow sighed
happily, making her self comfortable in Oz's lap.
"Rewind and Play," Buffy mumbled into Angel's ear
"I just *can not* believe we're graduating!" Willow
repeated.
Cordy threw popcorn at her face, " OK repet-o-girl, we got
the point when you said it, oh, twenty-seven times ago!"
"Well, think about it, Cordelia! We're all going out into
the world, we're going to meet new people, do new things, see new
things! We're not going to be in Sunnyhell anymore!" Willow
elaborated, " Who knows where we'll work, or if we stay with
our boyfriends and girlfriends! If it doesn't scare you shitless
then maybe you'd be better off in Sunnydale!"
Xander gasped, " Did Willow just curse?" He glared at
Oz," You've corrupted our little Willow."
Oz held his hands up in defense, " I had *nothing* to do
with that!"
"So, you're blaming it on herself? You just don't *become*
corrupted!"
Oz arched his eyebrows, " I'm not going to win with you am
I?"
Xander shrugged," Have you ever?"
"Good question."
"Guys! This is serious." Willow cut-in, "What if
we never see each other again."
"She has a point," Cordy said, glancing at Xander.
"Guys, you're all overreacting." Buffy stated, standing
up to face her friends and lover, " We'll always be friends,
and even if we don't live in the same state, or even country,
we'll *always* be friends. I have no doubt. We'll probably get
together for Scooby gang reunions." She turned to face
Angel, " I think the thing we have to worry about now are
our personal relationships."
He smiled in return.
The graduation ceremony went
smoothly, and the graduating class of two thousand and four were
honored for all of their hard work at the UC Sunnydale
University.
In the dimming light of the last hours of day, Buffy and Angel
stood on the hill in the 'Shady Hill' park. They were wrapped up
in each other embrace, and Angel gently stroking Buffy's back.
"You know, today was really great." Buffy whispered,
her body being warmed by the last remaining rays of light.
"It was. I'm sorry to hear about Cordy and Xander."
Angel replied, pulling Buffy tighter to his body.
Buffy frowned, "Me two. But it had to happen. With Cordy
getting a modeling contact in New York, and Xander getting a
construction Job somewhere in Atlantic City, New Jersey, They
couldn't stay together, at least not right now."
Angel nodded, "Xander was pretty bummed."
"So was Cordy, She was devested. She cried for two hours
straight. Hopefully those two will meet up again someday."
Angel smiled down at her, "I bet you they will. What about
Willow and Oz?"
Buffy shrugged and turned in his arms, " Oz is like Willow's
little puppy, he'll follow where ever she goes. It's cute, in a
clingy sort of way."
The sound of laughter rose from his chest, but Buffy couldn't
find the happiness to join in.
"I have to tell you something." Angel said, tucking her
hair behind her ears, " I got that Job I applied for, the
one at the gallery in New York."
Buffy smiled happily, but she was dying on the inside, "
Sweetie, that's great. And you're going to take it right?"
He nodded.
She felt the sting of tears in her eyes, " Which probably
means that the next step will be to break up with me."
Angel grinned, "Acutely I was kind of hoping you'd let me
marry you."
Buffy almost choked, "Excuse me?"
Getting down on one knee, Angel took out a three stone, diamond
engagement ring from his pocket, "Buffy Anne Summers, will
you marry me someday?"
Straining between hysterical laughter and sobbing, Buffy sank to
her knees, falling into Angel's warm chest cavity, "God yes.
Yes, I will."
From the distance, Four long life friends watched the scene
unravel.
"10 bucks, Xander." Oz said, laying his hand out in
front of Xander's face.
"Hey, wait a minute! That's not fair! I didn't know until
like two minutes ago that you actually went with him to pick out
the ring, other wise you wouldn've had a clue to what he was
going to do today." Xander argued.
Oz eye brows arched, "Don't make me go wolfy on you."
Xander huffed," Yeah right, Just cause we could do that in
our past life, doesn't mean that you can do it now."
"You want to try your odds?" Oz questioned, rolling up
his sleeves.
"Now, now you two." Giles said strolling up behind
them, " Let's play nice. We just did some good here, lets
not ruin the moment."
Willow grinned, as Wesley walked up behind her, followed by
Joyce, "This is like a Scooby reunion, only in a different
dimension."
Joyce nodded, "Yes, I got to say, the whole, 'Joyce is dead'
gig really was a hit here."
Cordelia turned to face Giles, " Do we really have to go
back, to a world with vampires and other things that go bump in
the night?"
Giles smiled sympathetically, " Unfortunately yes, while
things are calm here, now that Buffy and Angel are together in
this dimension, they are not in the other."
"Yet!" Willow pointed out.
"Rupert, I'm still confused here." Joyce interrupted.
"And under twenty sentences please." Xander quipped,
but Giles ignored him.
"There's a prophesy regarding Angel and his shanshu, or his
redemption, and in order to achieve it he's going to have to
balance the score between good and evil, even in different
universes, such as this one." Giles elaborated.
"But which balance between good and evil did fix here?"
Joyce asked
"His father."
Xander smirked, " Since he killed his last one."
"So how many more 'balances' does Angel have to fix? Until
the prophecy is, you know, fulfilled?" Cordy asked, watching
Buffy and Angel kiss in the distance.
"One more." Wesley answered.
"Which is? How many more evil things is it going to kill to
get a pulse?" Xander asked, pointed to his wrist for
emphasis.
"Himself. He's got to defeat his demons."
The group turned and walked away, knowing that if Buffy and Angel
can't be together in their dimension now, they can at least be
happy now.
end
Closeing Notes: *Like the little twist at the end? Anyway, I
hoped you liked my little slice of life fic.
The name of this fic came from this quote:
"In a perfect world Human beings would co-exsist
harmoniously, like a rainbow. A mulitiude of colors, each layer
vibrant and clear by itself but in unison...boundless,
breathtaking, and celestial. If you look closly, there's a story
here, with a very happy ending. After every storm-if you look
hard enough-a rainbow appears."
-Mariah Carey
So, in short, if you look hard enough into every situation, no
matter how difficult it seems, there's a light shinning through
the clouds somewhere, and if you can't see it then maybe you
aren't looking hard enough, or you just don't want to see it.
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