Chapter One ~ Chapter Two  ~ Chapter Three ~ Chapter Four ~ Chapter Five ~ Epilogue

Buffy’s L.A. Adventure

Written by Gia

Chapter One

Britney Spears' “Oops I did it again” echoed loudly in the empty club as Cordelia strolled out on the stage wearing her cheerleader outfit from her days at Sunnydale High, complete with sneakers. At a gesture from the blond man seated at the table in front, she began to dance - with moves that were characteristic of the precision moves of a former cheerleader.

“What the hell is this?” The older, dark haired man asked, more to himself than his companion. “She's got a great body, I'll give you that. And if I had a sports team and needed a cheerleader, I'm sure she'd be a good choice. But she doesn't have the moves for The Wilde Horse.” Steve Ryan took his job as a manager of one of the most exclusive strip clubs in LA very seriously. The Wilde Horse was famous for having the most beautiful women and the most erotic dancing anywhere in Southern California, and he personally auditioned each and every girl, not to mention each bartender and the entire wait staff.  

Justin Hanover, Steve's second in command, gestured to the DJ to stop the music. “Thank you Miss Chase. We'll be in touch.” Justin looked down at his list. “That's the last girl today.  Those rumors about the missing girls are scaring off any new auditions. And we need at least one girl before the weekend or it'll be tough to cover all the shifts.” 

Cordelia couldn't believe she was being dismissed.  They must not have been watching.  How could they not hire her?!  She was going to give them a piece of her mind! Cordelia started for the table at the center of the club where the two men sat. “DID you even watch any of my dance?” Cordelia's voice rang out in the club. “I'll have you know that I was the choreographer for most of the dance routines performed at Sunnydale High in '98 and '99.  Some of those routines are still being copied today.” 

Angel knew by the look on Cordelia's face that she was mad and ready to let someone have it. He moved quickly out of the shadows where he had been standing at the back of the club, hoping to reach Cordelia and get her out of the club before she made too much of a scene. They couldn't afford to be remembered if they wanted to investigate this club. 

“Honey, you're beautiful. And from what I can see you've got a great body - but if you can't dance, you don't work at The Wilde Horse.” Steve looked back at the papers on the table, clearly dismissing Cordelia.   

Angel reached for Cordelia's arm “Cordy, let's go.” 

Steve looked up, surprised to see someone else in the closed club. “Who are you? And how did you get in here?”  

“Oh, this is my boyfriend.  Honey, I told you that you could wait in the car.” Cordelia attempted an alibi. 

Dismissing them once again, Steve simply nodded to the man standing against the wall. “Eddie?” The enormous bouncer and former NFL lineman simply crossed his arms and gestured for them to leave. 

“And, honey - word of advice.  Don't bring your boyfriend to your auditions.  It spoils the image.”  Steve looked up once again, glancing at the couple as the left. 

****

“I still can't believe they didn't hire me.” Cordelia was still stung over her rejection from The Wilde Horse.  

“We'll find another way to get inside the club,” Angel knew it was going to be difficult to find any more information about the missing girls and the reputed demon connection to the club without someone on the inside. And Cordelia had been less than excited when they landed on the plan to have her become that person, so it might not have worked anyway. All they had now was a paper trail that linked the ownership of the strip club to Wolfram and Hart and a reputed demon sacrifice requiring beautiful girls.  Two girls that had worked at the club had already disappeared - how many more were needed and for what was still an elusive quest. 

Clearing his throat, Wesley hesitantly started “Well, um, I have a suggestion. I understand that things have been rather quiet in Sunnydale, and well, er, I'm sure that Rupert will be amenable to having Buffy come to LA for a short while.” 

“OH, please. If I can't get a job there, Buffy would never have a chance.” Cordelia indignantly snorted as she moved to pour herself more coffee. 

Wesley's words took Angel by surprise, particularly since it seemed that everyone took such great care to avoid mentioning her.  It had been two, no four years, since he had seen her. Connor was now almost 3 and she had never seen him. Did she even know about him? And his soul.  Did she know that he was given his soul permanently shortly after Connor's birth? 

Gunn had heard of Buffy, knew that she was the slayer and saw the advantages of having the added strength on their team.  “I only have two questions - is she hot and can she dance? I mean, we already know she can kick ass, right?” Knowing that she was Angel's ex, he could guess the answer to the first question so he looked at Angel for the answer to the second. 

Angel suppressed the possessive growl that rose automatically at Gunn's reference to Buffy. As he looked at the faces looking expectantly at him, memories of Buffy dancing drifted through his mind. Buffy at the Bronze, dancing with Xander to make him jealous.  Buffy at his apartment, dancing with slow but sexy movements watching him watch her before collapsing in his lap for another heated make-out session. She repeated that performance for him only once more before her 17th birthday… Angel's thoughts veered quickly away from the time he spent as Angelus.  “Yeah, she can dance.” Angel shifted in his chair, adjusting the erection that had begun rising at the memories of Buffy dancing for him and the heated embraces that followed. 

**

Buffy walked nervously into the lobby of the Hyperion Hotel. She was both terrified and excited at the prospect of seeing Angel again. The request from Giles had been such a surprise - even more so since he had encouraged her to go. Said it would be good for her to see some action since things were so quiet in Sunnydale. He didn't know much about the case - just that they needed someone to get a job at some club and then get information. “Ooh goodie, undercover work” had been Buffy's only reply. Now that she was here however, she was wishing that she had found out a little more about what she was getting into. 

“Hello. Can I help you?” A cute girl holding a toddler by the hand walked forward to meet Buffy as she continued into the hotel. “Um, I'm Buffy. I'm looking for Angel or Wesley. Maybe Cordelia?”  

“Oh, Buffy. Hi! I'm Fred.” Fred smiled broadly at Buffy. She had heard so much about Buffy that Fred honestly expected a girl both bigger and well, given Cordelia's less than flattering description, not very attractive.  But this petite blond was beautiful.  She fairly glowed with her tanned skin and golden blond hair. “Oh, and this is Connor.” Buffy smiled at the at the little boy and said hello, just as the sound of Cordelia's voice came from the stairs. “Angel, I still think this is just asking for trouble. And you're going to owe me big when I pick up the pieces again.” 

Buffy turned to see Angel, just as he and Cordelia came down the stairs. Her breath caught and held as she looked at him - he looked the same.  No, better. Was he always that tall?  He seemed taller, bigger. Her eyes skimmed over him. He was dressed in his usual black, a soft cashmere sweater that clung to his arms and chest, emphasizing the muscles in his arms and the lines of his torso.  His black pants perfectly fit over his long legs and trim hips. Just looking at him caused a warmth to swirl in her stomach, moving lower as she felt herself become aroused. 

“Buffy.” 

The sound of her name brought Buffy out of her stare. Oh god. I hope my mouth was closed and that I wasn't drooling.  Oh god. I can't believe I was getting hot just looking at him. 

“Angel.” Buffy's voice sounded slightly husky to her ears. She shifted slightly from one foot to the other, clenching the muscles in her legs hoping to quell the feelings of arousal that had been stirring. 

“Thanks for coming. How are you?” Angel's voice betrayed nothing, even though he was fighting his own feelings of excitement at seeing Buffy again. She was slightly thinner than when he had last seen her. Her hair was pulled up, so he couldn't tell how long it was, but it was a rich golden hue. She was wearing tight black slacks, high-heeled boots and a white tank top.  Over the tank top, she wore a gauzy white linen shirt that teased with its slightly see-through look. 

“I'm good. You?” Buffy gripped the handle of her bag hard, trying not to rush forward and wrap her arms around him.  Then kiss him.  Then push him to the ground and… Stop. Buffy, stop those thoughts now. 

Cordelia rolled her eyes at the two of them, as they stood rooted to the floor staring intently at each other.  “You're both good. Let's stop the Buffy and Angel show before it gets into the pain and anguish scene, ok? Wesley's in the office, Buffy.  He'll explain everything.  We're taking Connor to dinner with Mickey at Disneyland, so we'll see you later.”  Grasping Angel's hand, Cordelia pulled him forward.  

“Daddeeee” Connor rushed over to Angel as if on cue, demanding attention. Angel looked back at Buffy, seeming to want to explain something before Connor tugged on his hand, once again drawing Angel's attention. When he turned back again, Buffy had already vanished up the stairs. 

Buffy was stunned. She moved through the hotel to the office in a daze.  Was that Angel's son?  With Cordelia?  Or was it Cordelia's son and he just called Angel daddy?  What were Angel and Cordelia then?  Or was Connor Fred's son?  With Angel? Then, were Fred and Angel…? A lump in her throat was forming as the questions tumbled through her mind, accompanying the pain and heartache that Buffy felt during 9 out of 10 Angel encounters. She giggled a little at that thought effectively quelling the sadness - maybe she should conduct a study so she could define the actual numbers. 

“Hello Buffy. Thanks for coming to help out.”  Wesley voice jarred her out of her musing. Introductions were made with Buffy and Gunn, then Wesley explained the case, and what they needed her to do… 

***

Angel put Connor to bed, then went looking for Wesley. He didn't want to appear too anxious, but he wanted to know how things went with Buffy.  “So, how'd it go?  Where's Buffy?” Angel found Wesley in the office.  

“Better than expected. Buffy agreed to help. In fact, she and Gunn went to do some - well, she called it field research.  Buffy felt that she needed some, um, ideas, before trying to audition. Gunn was going to drop her off at her hotel after they checked out a few places.” 

“Didn't you offer her a room here?”  Angel was annoyed.  He knew it shouldn't matter if Buffy was out with Gunn, but long lost feelings of possessiveness had awakened at seeing Buffy again.  Hell, she could be seeing someone - or even be married - for all he knew about her life now.  Angel was frustrated with himself and his illogical feelings that resurfaced on seeing her again. He thought he had moved on, that Buffy had been tucked away in his heart to still be loved and remembered with fondness and affection, but not with passion and lust and possession.   

Wesley had offered Buffy a room at the hotel - since they had plenty - but she had already made arrangements to stay at a place close to her Dad's condo. 

“Yes, well, she mentioned that she had made other plans. She said that she was going to try to audition tomorrow afternoon and that she preferred to go alone.”  Before Angel could object, Wesley continued, “Assuming she gets the job, then each of us will take turns going to the club when she's there for backup. We'd be too conspicuous if we all went together, night after night.”  Wesley grimaced slightly at the idea of having to spend his evenings in a strip club - even if it was an upscale club. 

***

Buffy watched from backstage as Camille finished her routine. While she was nervous - very, very nervous - about her first performance as a stripper, landing the job had been a huge boost to her ego. Not to mention that she managed to get the job when Cordelia couldn't.  Well, slayer strength and flexibility should come in handy for things other than slaying…  It was sort of a titillating little fantasy to think that she' d be the object of lust to the men in the audience. And maybe to a certain, tall dark and gorgeous vampire that was just going to happen to be in the crowd tonight…? Buffy smiled when she recalled the rather heated conversation yesterday with Gunn and Angel about who was going to the club with her tonight. Admittedly, she was pleased - no, make that excited - that Angel seemed possessive and a little bit interested. She still wasn't sure about Angel's availability status, who Connor's mother was or just what relationship, if any, that she and he had…  Buffy quickly diverted her thoughts - sure that she couldn't dwell on any of those thoughts now. Camille was moving off stage, so she was up next. Luckily as one of the new girls, her routine was short and she was scheduled to perform early in the night when the club was not very crowded. 

Buffy sauntered down the stage, hips swinging exaggeratedly to the music. She wore a sheer button up top that was tied over her midriff, a pleated plaid jumper that was so short it barely reached the tops of her thighs, lace trimmed anklet socks, and patent leather shoes that laced up like oxfords - but with 5-inch spiked heels.  Buffy's hair was pulled up in two ponytails on either side of her head and to complete the pictures, she carried a lollipop.  She was the perfect picture of a naughty schoolgirl. 

Closing her mind to the leering looks, Buffy imagined that she was alone in the club with Angel. As if on cue, she sensed him. Knowing that he was watching her created a surge of heat through her body that went straight to her loins. Rocking her hips suggestively to the music, she turned her back to the crowd then slid the straps of her jumper down her arms.  Looking back suggestively over her shoulder, she moved slowly to the music rotating her hips.  Beginning at her hair, she ran her hands down her body, tracing her breasts then hips before sliding her hands down her legs to put both hands on the stage.  Slowing parting her legs and sliding them along the stage into a split, she lowered her body to the floor. Pulling her legs together, Buffy then arched into a backbend, kneeling on the floor with her weight on her shins. She continued all the way back down to the floor so that her head was resting on the floor between her feet. She then slowly unbuttoned her top. Coming up out of the backbend, she dropped her shirt on the stage leaving her topless. Taking a deep breath, Buffy slowly came to her feet then turned around once again to face the audience. Raising her arms up, she pulled the bands out of her hair then shook her hair free then strode up and down the stage, looking but not seeing the men in the audience. Stopping center stage, Buffy began rotating her hips in unhurried circles then slowly slid the skirt down her legs leaving her in only a tiny red g-string.  She kicked the skirt off and to the back of the stage, then danced up and down the stage runway one last time.  Dropping to her knees, she crawled slowly to the end of the stage then rose up to her knees, swiveling her hips exaggeratedly to the music. As the music came to a halt, Buffy arched back, dropping to the stage once again. Buffy sighed with relief - it was over and she made it through - before rolling over and coming to her feet. As casually as she could, she picked up her tips from the various locations around the stage and searched the crowd for Angel. She was sure he had been there, but he was nowhere to be seen now. Sighing once again, Buffy quickly headed back stage.  

Buffy stayed for a while, meeting the other girls and asking as casually as possible about the girls that were missing. All she was able to find out was that both girls had been eager to make some extra money on the side and that the last time either girl had been seen was just prior to attending some big-wigs party. No one really seemed to have any details, or wasn't ready to share. 

Walking to her car, Buffy thought once again about her 'performance' and about Angel. She imagined him watching her with hot, lusty eyes.  Buffy let her mind drift to a fantasy, imagining that she was crawling up to him on her hands and knees, kneeling before him before reaching up to run her hands up his thighs, then past his groin to his stomach - slowly, teasing. Not touching him where he wanted it the most. Then sliding her hands around to stroke his oh-so-gorgeous ass before nuzzling his thigh with her cheek and following the same path her hands took with her face… With a shaky breath, Buffy stopped those thoughts and laughed quietly to herself as she realized that she didn't even think to bring a vibrator with her to help ease some of her sexual frustration. 

Buffy had just reached her car door when she felt that familiar tingling sensation. She knew that someone was behind her. No, make that she knew *who* was behind her. Buffy turned slowly around to see the face that had just been in her thoughts. They stood silently, gazes locked until the headlights of a car pulling out of the parking lot illuminated them briefly. Buffy stepped forward, “How do you think it went?” her voice was a husky whisper. 

Without a word, Angel reached out and grabbed Buffy by the shoulders pulling her into his arms as he lowered his lips to hers. Hesitating only for a moment, Buffy brought her arms up around his back drawing him closer. Buffy opened her mouth luring Angel's tongue inside. She sucked it gently, then harder before releasing it and pushing her own tongue into his mouth. Whimpering softly, Buffy brought her hand up to caress Angels face just as he lifted his head. Sliding her hand into his hair, she pulled his head back down for another kiss, nipping and biting gently at his lips before pressing her lips to his. Angel shifted slightly bringing Buffy in closer contact, pressing his erection into her stomach. Angel moaned then growled low in his throat as Buffy moved closer, the sound jolting Buffy back to reality.  She pushed away from Angel abruptly, taking a step back. 

“Oh, god. Angel. Oh god. What are we doing? We can't… the curse.” Buffy panted, trying to compose herself after their heated embrace. 

“Yes. We can.” Angel started forward, ready to take Buffy into his arms again, only to be stopped by Buffy holding up her hand. Buffy stared up at his face, trying to comprehend what he meant. Thoughts tumbled through her head - what happened to the curse? What about Connor?  More specifically, what about Connor's mother? Was Angel involved with Cordelia? With Fred?  There was so much she didn't know.   

But what she did know what that she might never have another chance like this one. She'd go back to Sunnydale once this was over, Angel had his life in LA. This could be a one shot deal. The rare opportunity to have a dream come true. But she could have a memory to treasure forever. 

Decision made, Buffy reached behind her and opened the door to the back seat of her jeep. Without breaking eye contact with Angel, she pulled off her jacket and tossed it into the front seat of the car. Grabbing Angels belt she pulled him forward as she stepped backward toward the car. Standing up on tiptoes, she kissed him softly again. Staring up at him, she reached under her skirt and pulled off her panties, dropping them behind her in the car. Moving backward once again, she climbed into the car then scooted across the seat. Reclining back against the opposite door, she tugged her skirt up revealing herself completely. Angel moved closer as Buffy spread her legs, hooking one leg over the back of the seat and propping her high-heel sandal against the headrest of the front seat, exposing herself fully to his gaze. 

Angel's mouth went dry as Buffy moved her hand to glide across her clit then lower across her swollen pink flesh.  Buffy's pussy was shaved, only a small square of neatly trimmed hair remaining above her clit.  Angel thought he had never seen anything, anyone that looked so good. 

“Please…” Buffy's whisper stirred Angel to action. “I want you.” Yanking off his coat, Angel tossed it into the front seat. Unfastening his pants as he moved, Angel climbed into the car and on top of Buffy in almost one move, closing the door behind him. Guiding his cock into Buffy's wetness, he thrust forward until he was fully sheathed in her heat.  Hesitating only a moment, he began to move - slowly at first then faster. Within minutes, they were both plunging over the edge into ecstasy.  Buffy whimpered and keened softly as she came arching against him. Angel was only a moment behind her, grunting harshly as he released his seed into her. 

Angel leaned down and kissed her softly before withdrawing and sprawling on the seat next to her. Buffy opened her eyes and watched him, feelings of arousal stirring again. Her eyes moved from his face down his chest to his cock which lay against his stomach, still semi-erect and wet from their combined fluids. Licking her lips, she moved quietly to straddle his lap.  Angel opened his eyes as he felt Buffy nuzzle his face, tracing his jaw with her nose.  Planting slow wet kisses on his neck, she reached down and pulled his sweater over his head. Resuming her kisses, she traced one side of his neck then the other, stopped only to suck and bite gently at his earlobes. Their eyes met, then closed as Buffy pressed her lips to his.  They kissed for several long moments before Buffy began to glide her hips slowly, rubbing against his cock.  Angel's hand closed on her hips as she moved to lower herself on him, holding her still on his lap once he was fully inside her. Reaching up, he slid the straps of her camisole top down her arms then pulled her top down to expose her breasts.  “You're beautiful,” he murmured as he cupped her breasts gently in his hands, before lightly rubbing her nipples with his fingertips. 

Moaning softly, Buffy arched back pushing her breasts into Angels hands as she began to move slowly up and down.  Putting one hand on the back of her head, Angel pulled Buffy toward him for several soft wet kisses before sliding his mouth down her throat.  Reaching the scar - his mark - on her neck, he growled softly before licking and sucking at the mark.  Grabbing her hips, he held her still with just the tip of his erection still inside her, her nipples on level with his mouth. Leaning forward he began alternating soft kisses with wet licks to her nipples.  “Ang…el. Angel, ooh,  please… I can't… ohh.”  Buffy squirmed, trying to slide down, desperate to have him inside her again. Unwilling to let her set the pace this time, Angel continued his leisurely exploration of her breasts, nuzzling the curve near her ribs, biting the plump flesh softly and licking a wet path between them before returning his mouth to her nipples. Sucking hard on one nipple, he rolled the other nipple between his fingers.  

Angel raised his head, kissing her again passionately before guiding her hips down to meet his, raising and lowering her slowly until she kept the rhythm herself. Harder then faster, they moved together, the intensity building.  Mouths moving, kissing and licking any available flesh within reach, both too aware that they had been denied this pleasure for so long. Within minutes, Angel grasped Buffy's hips and slammed her down for two hard quick thrusts then groaned deep in his throat as he came. Buffy leaned down and sank her teeth into Angel's neck, biting hard then harder just as she too was coming, spasming hard around him before collapsing against his chest. 

Justin had seen the couple in the parking lot when he had first stepped out for his usual smoke. He had been looking in their direction, not particularly interested in them until the headlights of the exiting car exposed them clearly. Justin recognized Buffy immediately - it took him awhile longer to recall where he had seen the tall, dark haired man but eventually he recalled him as the boyfriend of the girl who auditioned on Monday night. Somehow the man had gotten past the bouncer into the closed club. He watched them kissing for several minutes before Buffy pulled the man into the jeep. Putting his cigarette out under his heel, Justin thought that the new girl was going to be just the girl that they needed for Hugh Randall's party tomorrow night. If she'd fuck one of the club patrons in the parking lot, then he doubted she'd have any objections to what he had in mind. 

Buffy lay still, crushed in Angel's arms with his face buried in her hair, her face tucked in his neck.  Sighing heavily she felt a profound sense of contentment and belonging, a feeling so intense and so rare that it touched her very soul.  Running her fingers gently through his hair and stroking the back of his neck, she wondered how she thought she could ever live without him. 

Angel shifted slightly, settling Buffy more comfortably against him as he held her, gently caressing her back. Making love to her was like no other feeling he knew, the delicious sweetness and incredible intensity bringing him a sense of deep satisfaction and completeness.  Reaching forward, he grabbed his coat from the front seat and covered them. Closing his eyes once more, he wanted nothing more than to prolong the sensations strumming through his body. 

The sound of a car door slamming woke Buffy from where she was dozing on Angel's shoulder. How long had they slept? It was - thankfully, she thought - still dark, but most of the cars were now gone from the once crowded parking lot. Oh god, how many people saw them in her car sleeping? She groaned slightly with embarrassment. 

“Angel. Angel. It'll be light soon.”  Buffy whispered before sliding off his lap and adjusting her clothes. “You need to go.” Buffy was feeling an increasing sense of panic at what had happened last night.  How could she go back to a life without him?  She had intended to have the one night to treasure, but the feelings that surfaced left her raw and exposed, wanting more. She needed some time to sort out her feelings, to tuck the memory away and deal with her emotions before they got away from her. 

Angel rubbed his eyes, surprised that he had slept in the cramped car, much less so deeply. Pulling on his own clothes, he realized that it was really close to dawn. He'd need to hurry.  “Buffy-“ There was so much he wanted to say, but so little time to say it now. 

Buffy opened the car door and climbed out, heading around to the driver's side. “Where's your car? I'll drop you.”  Buffy started up the car, then turned to Angel waiting for directions. Angel gestured to the other side of the building, then finished dressing as Buffy drove around. 

“Listen, Buffy. We-“ Angel tried again.  

“It's almost dawn. You need to go. I'm going back to my hotel for a while, you know shower, sleep. I'll come by later.”  Softening slightly, Buffy leaned back and kissed Angel softly and lingeringly before turning back around.  She didn't want him to see the tears in her eyes. 

**

Buffy turned on the radio in her hotel room, then started the shower. Turning the radio up so she could hear it, she stepped into the hot water. When Matchbox 20's song, “Bent” came on the radio, Buffy finally let go of the tears that she had been holding in check. Hot silent tears mixed with the spray of the water, running down her face. How could she be so stupid? Why did she think that she could play with fire and not get burned, again? Angel might have moved on, but she still loved him. She loved him with the same innocence and romantic dreams of the 17-year-old girl that she had been, and she loved him with the intensity and passion of the woman that she had become. Did she really think it would be so easy to get a taste of what she couldn't have, then walk away? She really should know better by now. Leaning against the wall, she cried until she had no more tears left. 

After the shower, Buffy crawled in bed and fell into an exhausted sleep. When she woke, she pulled on shorts and a t-shirt and headed out for a run.  The steady pounding of her feet on the pavement was comforting, familiar. It helped her to clear her head and make some decisions.  She resolved to *finally*move on with her life, to put her relationship - if you could even call it that - with Angel behind her.  She had made a mistake getting involved with this whole case, but she would see it through. And she had made a colossal mistake last night, but she could learn from that too.  She realized that she was angry and hurt that Angel hadn't felt it was important to tell her about his soul, about the now non-existent curse. She felt betrayed that he was involved with another woman and that he had a child with that woman, when he told her that he couldn't. She had wanted his children or none at all. The thought of him being involved with Cordelia was like a knife twisting in her stomach. Well, Cordy had always wanted him. And, maybe what hurt most of all, was the disappointment that her dream wasn't going to come true; she and Angel wouldn't live happily ever after.  It was dumb she knew, but secretly she had hoped that somehow, someway…. 

The more she thought, the more she became convinced that she really needed a change of scenery. Staying in Sunnydale meant that she wasn't free to completely break free of the past, to start over. UC Sunnydale had an exchange program - she could spend a semester or two in Europe.  Surely they had vampires there.  She smiled ruefully; there was probably even a new Scourge of Europe to deal with. Giles would understand, she'd convince him. It'd be her chance at a whole new life, a whole new Buffy.  With some time away, she was sure that she could deal. Feeling better and more confident, Buffy headed back to the hotel. 

Turning on her cell phone as she entered her room, Buffy saw that she had 3 missed calls. Two were from Angel Investigations, and one was unknown, but all left messages. Starting the shower, she called her voice mail. First message was from Angel - he wanted to make sure she was ok and hoped to see her soon.  Maybe she could come by early and they could talk? Second message was from Justin Hanover, the assistant manager at The Wilde Horse.  He knew she wasn't working tonight but wanted her to stop by. He had an opportunity that she would be just perfect for - and she could make some money on the side.  He needed to see her by 4:00 - could she stop by? Third message was from Cordelia - wanting to know what she had done to Angel. He didn't get home until almost dawn, Connor was upset that he had missed his Dad, and Angel had gone straight to bed hardly talking to her at all. And what happened to Angel's neck? It was bruised or something…  Did she always have to come to town and fuck everything up?  

Buffy pressed 3-3-7 and deleted Cordelia's message, not wanting to hear the rest. She had said all of those things and more to herself this morning, and now on top of that she was feeling guilty that she might now be “the other woman” - the one that Angel cheated with. God, how did her life get to be such a mess? Just a few days ago it wasn't this complicated. 

Pushing any further thoughts aside, Buffy hopped into the shower once more. It was already 2 o'clock - she needed to hurry. Justin's call was promising - maybe she'd get a break on their case today. 

***

Buffy called Angel Investigations on her way to The Wilde Horse, unfortunately getting Cordelia on the phone. 

“Cordy, I don't have time to talk.  I'm on my way to the club - I may have something. No, I don't know what happened to Angel last night. Yes, I saw him at the club. No, no - nothing happened that you need to worry about.” Buffy grimaced a little bit at that little bit of near truth.  “Look, just tell the others that I'll call or come by once I know what's what. Bye.” 

A few minutes later, Buffy walked into Justin's office.  “Hey - I got your message. What's up?” 

Justin looked up from his desk, his eyes roaming down her body, assessing Buffy differently today. “Buffy. Thanks for coming down so quickly. I think I have a little side job that you would be perfect for. How does the possibility of making a little extra money - say a few thousand dollars in one night - sound?” 

“Uh, wow. Sure. That'd be great. What's the what?”  

“Hugh Randall hosts parties at his house every so often. And he likes to have plenty of beautiful women in attendance. And well, an enterprising young woman like your self can make some extra money if you provide some additional entertainment for his guests. Strictly off the record of course. This is not Wilde Horse business.” 

“Uh, THE Hugh Randall? Of Randall Enterprises? Randall Multimedia? Randall other-important-stuff?  And, what type of enter-, uh, entertainment exactly are you talking about?” 

“Yes, that Hugh Randall. And, Buffy, you don't need to play the innocent with me. Just give his guests what you were giving out for free last night in the parking lot. That was for free, right? Oh, you do know he has a girlfriend, right? So many men that come in here lie about that - it's such a pity.”  

Buffy inhaled sharply, “I-I, that- it wasn't what it looked like.” 

“Forgive me. It looked like you were fucking him in the car. If it was something other than that, I'd be more than willing for you to give me a demonstration.  In fact, I think a demonstration - no, let's say audition - might be in order before I send you to Hugh's.  I'd hate to think that I wasn't delivering quality merchandise.” Justin rose, coming around the desk. 

Buffy stepped back, “No, that's ok. I mean, it was, it was what you said, but… but I don't think you, we, should… Please, the party…  I'd really like to go.”  

“Sure, Buffy. I can wait. You realize it's how you get ahead here.” Justin reached out, brushing a strand of hair back from her face before sliding his knuckles down her chest to stop on her breast. “And we have private rooms downstairs for certain types of, ah, entertainments.  Any cash you take, we split 60/40 - it's only fair that you get a larger share of the wealth; after all, you are the one doing the work. If you're giving it away for free, then I'm willing to take my share in other ways.” The look on his face combined with the fingers that were slowly tracing her nipple making his meaning crystal clear. “Of course, The Wilde Horse will deny everything if you happen to get caught, and I of course will know nothing about it. We aren't running that type of establishment here.” 

Clearly dismissing her, Justin sat back down at his desk and picked up the phone. 

“Oh, and Buffy, a limo will pick you up around 8:30 - leave the address with Eddie before you leave. I don't have to tell you to dress sexy - and it's formal.”  

Buffy swallowed hard before whirling out of the room.  Oh god, things were going from bad to worse. Why did she get involved in this again?! She couldn't leave the address of the hotel - it'd blow her cover - so she left Eddie the address of her Dads condo. And how was she going to explain this to him? 

***

“Angel, will you stop. Just sit already.” Cordelia finally had enough of Angel's pacing around the office like a caged animal. “Honestly, what is up with you? And what happened last night? You know, with Buffy.” 

Wes looked up at Angel with interest, “Yes.  Were you able to find out anything? Did Buffy, um, perform?” 

Angel rubbed absently at his temple, suppressing a smile at the wording of Wes's question. Oh yes, she performed. And what a performance… “We didn't find out anything, but it's early yet. And yes, she danced.” If Buffy had found out anything, they certainly hadn't taken the time to discuss it. Angel felt a twinge of guilt that he had ignored the case so completely. 

“Well I'll be attending the, er, show, tonight.  Although, if Buffy's not scheduled to perform perhaps it's unnecessary.” Wes was still hoping to minimize his time at the club. 

“Did she say anything else when she called earlier Cordelia?” Angel was anxious to talk to Buffy, needing to see her after last night. While he wasn't sure about everything, one thing was certain in his mind - he still loved her. Besides Connor, she was still the one person that could touch his very soul.  He wasn't sure where they would go from here, but he wanted to talk to her, to explain everything that had happened in his life in the last few years and hope that she would understand.  For the first time in a very long time, Angel contemplated the idea of a future with Buffy. 

“No, just that she was going to the club and that she might have a lead. And you're avoiding my question. What. Happened. Last. Night. I'd say that I saw teeth marks on your neck earlier. If you didn't heal so fast I would be sure. Care to explain?” Cordelia clearly wanted answers. 

Just then Connor came running through, Fred following closely behind. Angel had spent part of the morning playing with Connor before his nap, but clearly the toddler was ready for more attention from his dad. “Hey there, how's my big guy?” Angel scooped Connor up and tossed him up in the arm generating a squeal and giggles. 

“ANGEL.” Cordelia was nothing if not persistent. 

“Cordy, I went to the club. I saw Buffy. I saw her to her car. She went back to her hotel.  I don't know what you thought you saw on my neck - must have been a shadow. Look now. Nothing.”  Angel hoped that his highly edited version would be enough to satisfy her. He and Buffy needed to figure things out before anyone else got involved.  

Before she could question him further, the phone rang. Angel wanted to answer it, but Cordelia grabbed it first, shooting Angel a pointed look. 

“Angel Investigations, we help the hopeless.  Oh, it's you. Hi Buffy.”  Cordelia looked again at Angel, daring him to say something. “Uh-huh, Hugh Randall, huh? Ok. 8:30?  No, there's a Betsey Johnson on Melrose or you might find something at Decades - it's just down the street. Uh-huh. All right then. Bye.” 

Cordelia hung up the phone, “Buffy's going to some formal party tonight at Hugh Randalls - yes, the Hugh Randall.  She thinks it may be the break we're looking for. She said she has her cell and she'll call if something comes up. I guess we just sit tight in the meantime. Hey - maybe we can look into that other case.  The one where the seemingly healthy elderly people are dying suddenly.” 

“Is she coming here?” Angel sat Connor down at the desk next to him, handing him a pen and some papers on the desk to play with. 

“No, I don't think so. She said she needed to find a dress. Here Connor, draw on this instead.” Cordelia stood, handing Connor a blank pad and taking the case file away from him.  

“Well, I think we should check out Hugh Randall and see what we can find out about his guests. Perhaps there's something to connect him with Wolfram and Hart or the missing girls. Did Buffy say why she thought it might be of interest?”  Wes, ever practical, was thinking about the case. 

“Um, no.” Cordelia bit her lower lip and tilted her head, trying her best “I didn't think to ask” face. 

Angel, giving Cordelia an irritated look, picked up the phone and dialed. 

“Buffy?” Then turning his back to the group, “Can you come by? I know, but-“…“It doesn't take you that long-“…”Your Dad's?”…“You could have come here.”…“Ok.  Why do you think there's a connection?”…“I don't like you going there alone, without any backup.  What's the address?”…“How can you not know where you're going?”…“Yes, I know you do.” 

Angel wasn't happy with this turn of events, and was trying hold his temper. “Look. We're going to try to find the address, but call when you get there just in case. Keep your phone with you. And, Buffy, on.  Keep your phone on.”…“Ok.  And Buffy, we-“  The dial toned sounded in his ear.  Buffy had hung up. 

Ok, well, he didn't expect things to be easy, certainly not with his Buffy. But he was sure that he wasn't going to leave her on her own on this.  “I want that address. Wes, I don't think you'll need to go to the club. We need to be near that house tonight.” 

***

Buffy looked out the window just as the limo pulled up. Thankfully her Dad was out, so she didn't have to explain anything. She had lucked out on her shopping trip, managing to find a beaded, black strapless top, long straight skirt and best of all, a discounted pair of black ankle-strap Manolo Blahniks. The skirt was a silky crepe material with a high slit, giving it a sophisticated yet sexy appearance. She had pulled her hair up in a French twist, leaving a few strands loose around her face.  

Putting a small dagger, her cell phone and a lipstick in her tiny purse, she headed out the door. Reaching the limo, she was surprised to see several girls already inside. “Ah, hi.  Looks like a party already.”  

Hugh Randall's house was set back in Malibu, on a cliff overlooking the ocean. It was big and impressive, much as you'd expect from someone in his position. Buffy hung back as the other girls headed inside, intending to make a quick phone call.  Just as she was dialing, one of the rather large security personnel outside stepped forward and gestured for her to follow the others inside. Rather than risk being forced inside bodily - she had no doubt that if she didn't comply the burly guard would do just that - she simply slipped the phone back in her purse before asking, rather loudly and in her best dumb blond imitation, “So is this really Malibu? We must have been driving for almost 30 minutes from Los Angeles.”  She hoped that someone at AI had picked up the phone and gotten at least that much. Looking back one last time, she ended the call then stepped inside. 

***

Fred was the only one at the AI offices to hear Buffy's message. She had stayed behind with Connor as usual. The rest of the team was already on their way, having found the address - along with the information that Hugh Randall was a big client of Wolfram and Hart.  

Several rather suspicious cases against him had been dropped when witnesses recanted their testimony or simply failed to show in court. Then there was the matter of the missing art collection that was reputed to be in Hugh's possession.  The collection, which included several valuable paintings and a series of old manuscripts, was said to have vanished from a monastery in Romania. A Romanian family had attempted legal action against Hugh Randall over the collection, but had just as suddenly dropped it when their son and daughter were killed in an accident. Wolfram and Hart had, of course, handled all the litigation. Wes felt strongly that this was the connection to the rumored demon sacrifice - they just needed to figure out what was in the manuscripts. 

***

Buffy mingled with the various guests, sipping a glass of champagne and feeling somewhat ill at ease with all of the leering looks.  Clearly most, if not all, of the women here were available to entertain the guests. She just wanted to find out anything at all about the missing girls or the unknown demon then get out. Looking around to make sure that she wasn't being watched, she crept down the hall trying the doors and peeking inside. 

She had almost given up, having reached the garage when she noticed a door on the far side. That it itself wasn't particularly interesting.  The number of locks on the door, however was. Picking up a small crowbar from the workbench, Buffy headed toward the door. 

***

Angel and Gunn returned to the car where Wes and Cody waited after taking a trip around the estate to look for possible ways in. 

“This place is sealed up tighter than a convention at the UN.” Gunn nodded toward the house. “Did you see the weaponry that the security guards are packing? Not your standard issue.” 

“It's not going to be easy to get inside.” Angel, more than a little worried, was fighting to keep control and not show his demon face. 

“You have a plan?” 

“No, not yet.” Angel stalked restlessly back and forth by the car. 

***

Buffy had only gone about halfway up the dark staircase when she was hit on the back of the head, hard.  

When she came to, she was tied with her hands and feet tied together behind her back and a rag stuffed in her mouth.  She was in what appeared to be a storage room, boxes stacked around and paintings leaning against the wall.  She couldn't sit up tied in this angle, so she rolled on the floor trying to look around. There was a small round window on one wall and the one door. At least she appeared to be alone, for now. She struggled with the ropes, having no success in getting them untied.  

***

Slowly cars began to trickle out the gates, as it appeared that the guests were now starting to leave. Even several of the security guards departed.  It appeared that only a few select associates were staying on for the big event. 

Angel and team had simply waited, unable to find a way to get inside unnoticed. Apprehensive and unable to wait any longer, Angel grabbed his phone and dialed Buffy's cell number. 

***

Buffy jumped when she first heard the sound of her phone ringing. Where was it?  Rolling slightly she reached her purse, which had been dropped by her hip. Clutching the purse, she felt through the soft material until she found the phone. Groping it and pressing buttons, she finally found the one to answer. But, with the gag in her mouth she could only emit muffled groans.  She then tried tapping the phone on the ground - not very effective either. Not to mention, the caller would have no idea what was going on.  She dropped back to the floor with sigh. Her dagger!  Maybe she could get it out of her purse. 

***

Angel waited for Buffy's voice when the ringing stopped.  He almost hung up the phone thinking that he had lost the connection when he heard a slight moan and some tapping.  What the hell was going on? 

***

“Hey. Girlie. What are you doing?” The thug that had caught her and trussed her up on the floor now opened the door.  He had just been coming to retrieve her for his boss when he heard her tapping on the floor. 

***

Angel's senses kicked into overdrive and his face changed to his demon visage when he heard the man's faint question. He could just feel that Buffy was in trouble. He needed to get into that house. 

***

Buffy was thrown over the guy's shoulder as if she weighed nothing. Knowing that it might be her best hope, she grasped her purse as tightly as she could in her bound hands. 

She was taken back down the stairs, through the house and down another set of stairs into another basement of sorts.  There she wasn't surprised to see a handful of the party guests, including Hugh Randall himself as well as Justin Hanover. 

“Justin, my friend. You did tell me that the new girl would prove interesting.  How right you are.”  Hugh Randall stepped forward as Buffy was dumped unceremoniously on the floor. “My dear, had I known you were interested in my art collection you need only have asked. I would have shown it to you myself.” 

Buffy flinched and tried to pull back as Hugh moved to touch her. He was repulsive.  Watery, red-rimmed and faded blue eyes were sunk back in a fleshy, wrinkled head which was covered with a few strands of greasy, gray hair. His hands, sticking out of a burgundy smoking jacket, were swollen and red with open and weeping pustules.  His nails were yellowed, but filed carefully to points.  His teeth were darkened and yellow, and he spit as he talked to her. 

“What's the matter honey? Don't want to me to touch you?” He leaned forward and slipped his finger into her top, between her breasts. “What beautiful big eyes you have. Hazel. One of my favorites.  I just love that look, don't you? That frightened, I'll-do-anything-please-don't-hurt-me look.”  Hugh turned to his guests with a chuckle. 

***

Angel, hearing the whole muted exchange through Buffy's phone, roared and bolted for the gates only to be stopped by Gunn and Wes, both tackling him around the waist. 

“Angel, man. What's going on? What do you hear?”  Gunn panted but stayed on top of Angel unwilling to let him charge in and get killed. 

“They. Someone. Has Buffy.”  Angel struggled, trying to get Wes and Gunn off him. 

Wes pried the phone out of Angel's hand and put it to his ear, motioning the others to silence. 

***

“Hmmm. Yes, she's just perfect. Her skin just gleams.” Hugh turned back to Buffy, running his scaly fingers over her collarbone and neck.  He paused, looking curiously at the scar on her neck before running his fingers across her face. Stepping back, he gestured to the thug that brought her in to put her on the small table in the center of the room. Cutting the rope that had tied her hands and feet together, he sat her on the table.  

Ok, still tied but an improvement.  Now at least she wasn't in a backbend.  Buffy tried to concentrate, looking around for possible escape routes or anything she could use to her advantage.   

”Gentlemen. We are but one step away from our plan. We have the necessary sacrifices.” Pausing he gestured at Buffy. “All we need now is the Pestera Muierii Ruby, which I understand from very reliable sources, is now making it's way through customs. I expect my colleagues to deliver it within a few hours.” Hugh smiled broadly, his thickset lips covered with spit.  “I suggest we adjourn to my den for cigar and cocktails until he arrives.” 

While the other men filed out the door, Hugh turned once again to Buffy. Leaning in, he inhaled deeply. “Your smell is wonderful my dear. Fear and vanilla - a favorite of mine.” Slipping his finger into her top once again, he tugged it down revealing her strapless bra.  “You don't really think this is of much use, do you?” Reaching around behind her, he unhooked her bra and pulled it away exposing her breasts.  “Hmm. Lovely, just lovely. These breasts are just luscious.”   Pinching her nipples in his stubby claw-like fingers, he rolled them and tugged on them before leaning down to suck one into his mouth. Buffy whimpered against the gag. “Oh, yes. You're going to be perfect my dear.” Rubbing her chest one last time, he turned and walked out of the room. Buffy sagged against the table, breathing hard before frantically trying to get the dagger out her purse. 

***

Wesley's eyes widened as he picked up on the conversation. “Whatever he's up to, it's supposed to take place tonight. He's waiting for the arrival of a ruby. I'm assuming that the sacrifices he refers to are Buffy and the other girls.”  Looking at Angel's still angry face, Wes left off the last part of what he had heard.  

“I suggest that we capture the courier on his way in, then take his place. At least one of us, perhaps more if the person is not alone, can get inside.” 

Angel seemed to calm now that they had a plan.  “Wes, can you tell if Buffy's all right? They haven't done anything… anything to hurt her, have they?”  

“I believe she's fine right now.”  Wes lowered the phone since there appeared to be no additional conversation. 

**

A new Mercedes sedan with darkened windows slowly pulled up to the closed gates of the mansion. Just as the gates began to open, Cordelia stepped out into the road and knocked on the window. 

“Excuse me. Hello.” Smiling brightly and leaning forward to give the driver a look at her cleavage, she knocked again.  The window rolled down. 

“Have you seen my dog?” Raising two fingers behind her back, Cordelia leaned in closer to the car, checking to see if the doors were unlocked.  “He just got away again.” Wagging her fingers, she gave the others the go ahead. “Hmm… nice car. New?”  

Gunn crept silently around to the passenger door while Angel snuck up behind Cordelia. Moving together, Angel grabbed the driver while Gunn jerked open the passenger door. Within minutes, they, along with Wesley, had exchanged places with the men and were headed up to the house. 

**

“Gentlemen, to the game room.  Boys, bring out the other girls. Our package is at the gate. Soon, we'll be able to bring forth the demon Zarus, who in turn will bring us wealth and success in all matters that we so desire.  Personally, I've set my sights on success with lots of nubile young flesh. All it will require of course is a regular sacrifice.” Laughing manically, Hugh shuffled off toward the room where Buffy and now the others, waited. 

Wes and Gunn entered the house first, Gunn carrying the box and Angel following. They were shown to the basement room where the others waited. 

Buffy and the other two girls were seated on the table in the center of the room, their backs to each other.  A large circle had been drawn on the floor around them. Buffy attempted to lean forward, modestly attempting to conceal herself. The other girls were in an equal state of disrepair with torn clothing and bruises that indicated that they had been beaten. 

Hugh moved to stand next to Buffy, reaching out to idly stroke her arm with his fingernail. “Please place the box, unopened of course, in the center of these beauties.” He gestured toward the center of the table. 

Angel growled, struggling again to control his demon upon seeing Buffy and the lecherous toad that was touching her.  Buffy too had looked up, sensing that Angel was close by. Oh god. Justin was in the room. She hadn't told Angel that he had seen them last night. Desperate to draw the attention to her before Angel was noticed, she kicked her legs out hard, catching Hugh in the stomach before rolling off the table. He staggered back with an “Ooof”, before reaching down to grab her hair and slap her hard across the face. “Stupid, stupid girl. What are you trying to do?” He slapped her once more before lifting her back up on the table. 

“Wait. Hugh. This may be a trap.  I don't know about those two, but that one, he was in the club last night.” Justin pointed to Angel, Buffy's ruse too late. “Not to mention, he spent quite a bit of time in our little blondie there last night too.” 

Angel lost his temper completely and vamped out, knocking the two security guards out cold before he stopped short as Hugh pulled a knife from his belt and held it up to Buffy's throat.  The remaining three men were hesitant to approach the obviously angry vampire. Angel smiled evilly as he noticed that the odds were now decidedly in their favor.  Hugh's remaining security guard was cowering against the back wall. 

“I think that's quite enough. Unless you want to see me gut her, you'll step back to the door. This is all so very interesting. A vampire. And you were fucking him. Did you know that, my dear?  Of course you did.  You've a vampires mark.” He paused, stroking the scar on Buffy's neck.  “This is very interesting indeed.  Justin, you were right in that she was just the girl that we needed to complete the set. You see, my dear, since you have a propensity to screw demons, what's one more?” 

Hugh leaned down and licked Buffy across the neck, leaving a wet trail of saliva. “And after Zarus is done with you, I'll have my turn.”  Hugh had completely lost his grip on reality now, his greedy thoughts focused on bringing forth the demon that would give him more power. He failed to realize that his hold on Buffy was the only thing that was giving him the upper hand. 

“Now, gentlemen, bring me my box and put it where I told you.” Turning back to the others, Hugh raised his arm, motioning forward. 

Wes and Gunn hesitated, looking at each other.  

“You imbeciles. You won't stop me. I do hate to carve up such beauty, but I will do so if you don't do as I say.” To illustrate his point, Hugh sliced into Buffy's throat creating a thin but long line of blood. Buffy whimpered and her eyes eyes closed, watering. Angel looked away, then around the room, his anger barely restrained as he watched her eyes close in pain and fear and smelled her blood. 

Unfortunately, when she kicked Hugh she had lost the grip on her purse, losing any possible weapon that she might have had. 

Gunn took the box then set it behind Buffy.  Hugh began to chant, looking toward the sky and sprinkling some powdery substance on the ground.  As the ground began to move, two more of Hugh's associates ran, scrambling under the table for cover. Gunn seized the opportunity and darted forward, grabbing the box and diving to the floor. Hugh was enraged - the box was needed in that exact spot or the ritual would fail.  Lunging after Gunn, Hugh tripped on his own fleshy feet and feel forward. Lowering his arms to break his fall, he drove the knife that was still in his hand directly into Buffy's midsection. Buffy groaned, her eyes closing against the pain, the knife twisting further into her as the table tipped over spilled the women into the floor, Hugh landing on top of her. 

Angel pounced with preternatural speed, pulling Hugh off of Buffy and breaking his neck in one snap. Gunn drew his gun and pointed it at Kevin then motioned for the other two men to come out. “Hand's up, friends.” 

Angel cradled Buffy in his arms, carefully removing the knife. “Sweetheart.  Buffy. Can you hear me?” She was losing a lot of blood, the scent further agitating Angel.  Her eyes closed tightly against the pain, Angel's voice coming to her from a distance. Pulling off his coat, he covered her and pressed down, trying to stop the bleeding. 

Wes dialed 911 on his phone, then began untying the other girls.   

Angel held Buffy until the ambulance arrived, constantly checking her pulse, which was slow but strong. Wes and Gunn held Angel back when the paramedics took her away, Cordelia then led Angel away. “There's only a few hours until dawn.  One of us will go to check on her.  You need to go home.  Spend some time with Connor.”  

**

Buffy looked around groggily, her eyes settling on the beautiful red rose and orchid flower arrangement on the table next to her. A card was propped up at the base. Leaning forward to get the card, Buffy groaned as an intense wave of pain shot through her mid-section. She shuttered as she recalled Hugh Randall's lecherous pawing, then the struggle and pain. Angel talking to her, holding her was the last thing she remembered.  What had happened?  Was everyone okay? 

Opening the card, she recognized Angel's calligraphic style writing. “Hope you're feeling better soon.  A.” Well, that was certainly noncommittal. Buffy sighed, then reached for the phone to call Giles. She hated hospitals, and wanted to go home.  Maybe he could talk them into letting her go home to Sunnydale. 

***

Angel played with Connor and did what he could on a few cases, trying to keep busy until sundown. Cordelia had stopped by the hospital earlier, dropping off the flowers and checking on Buffy. She had told him that Buffy was fine, but he'd feel much better when he had a chance to see for himself.  

Buffy was dozing when he arrived, so he sat quietly in the chair next to the bed trying not to wake her. He studied her, taking inventory with his eyes trying to determine for himself the extent of her injuries. She appeared pale and delicate against the white sheets, surprising him when she opened her eyes. 

“Hey.” He leaned forward with a slight smile.  “How's my girl?” The words slipped out naturally, easily. 

Buffy had expected to see Angel.  He had always been exceptionally caring and genuine and there was that deep sense of responsibility. She would bet money that he visited each and every person - particularly female persons - that ended up hurt on any of his cases.  Which is why she tried not to read too much - make that anything - into his visit. However, none of that logic stopped her heart from doing a flip-flop at his words. 

“Me? Except for feeling like a filet o' fish, I'm good. Want to go home though.” Buffy smiled slightly. 

“What if I said that I could bust you out of this place?” Angel knew that Buffy hated hospitals, that she had called Giles earlier asking him to come get her. Giles had told him that when Angel called him. He was concerned about her health but Angel knew he could take care of her - he wanted to take care of her. 

“I'd say yes, please.” Buffy moved to sit up but Angel stopped her. 

“There's a condition.” 

Buffy looked up at him, not sure what to expect. “Um, ok what?” 

“You have to do what I tell you.  I'm not going to take you out of her only to have you risk hurting yourself. Deal?” 

“Deal.” 

***

Buffy had been at Angel's almost a week and had loved every minute of it. He was incredibly solicitous, cooking for her, taking care of her wounds, and trying to keep her entertained. They talked about everything - except themselves or what happened between them. She got to know Connor and had fallen into the routine of playing with him in the afternoons while Angel worked. The three of them had breakfast and dinner together, usually joined by one or more of the AI team. 

She was almost healed - good ol' slayer healing ability - and knew that she should get back to Sunnydale and her future.  Staying here, being around Angel was dangerous to her psyche. After some convincing and admittedly some tears (who knew Giles would give in so easily to tears?), Buffy convinced Giles that the exchange program would be good for her and had even gotten him to fill out the paperwork.  If all went according to plan, she'd leave for her semester in - Ireland? - in less than a month. When Giles had called her back to tell her, she'd been surprised to say the least but Ireland was the only program still available. And Buffy wondered if there was some karmic force at work that wanted to make sure that she would always be reminded of Angel. 

She still knew very little about Angel's life.  She had figured out that neither Cordelia or Fred were Connor's mother, but she didn't know who was.  And she had no idea about Angel's relationship with either of the two women. All she did know was that she was sleeping in Angel's bed, he was sleeping elsewhere. Sighing heavily on that thought, she moved to pack her things - which Angel had brought over from her hotel. 

When Angel entered his apartment just after sundown, he knew she was gone. The rooms were utterly still, strangely empty now that he was used to her being there. His mind was searching for an ordinary excuse why she would be gone - shopping, movie - when he spotted the note propped up on the pillow.  

He picked it up, staring at it for long moments, studying her small script. She thanked him for everything, especially her escape from the hospital. She glowingly praised his work and wished him continued success with Angel Investigations, but warned him not to work too hard. She congratulated him on Connor and said how lucky he was to have such a wonderful little boy. She would send a few things for Connor if he didn't mind. She wanted him to remember his “Aunt Buffy”. She ended the note by wishing him happiness - saying that there was no one that she knew that deserved it more. 

Angel crushed the note in his hand, knowing that he shouldn't have waited to talk to her about their future. He wanted to wait until she was well, then maybe take her out for a romantic evening.  Did anything ever go according to plan with Buffy? 

Five days passed. Angel's thoughts vacillated between letting her go and running after her. Finally, he couldn't take it anymore - he had to see her. Angel threw some of his and Connor's things into a bag.  Carrying Connor and the bag, Angel passed through the offices telling Wes and Cordelia that he was going to Sunnydale.  No, he didn't know when he'd be back.  He'd call. 

After the door closed, Cordelia cursed a blue streak.  Buffy was always trouble. Admittedly, she was disappointed too. Angel going after Buffy meant that she probably wasn't going to get another chance to snag the handsome vampire. 

***

Angel went straight to Buffy's house when he arrived in Sunnydale. There were a few lights on, but the house was quiet. Buffy's jeep was parked in the driveway behind a small Honda.  

Willow answered Angel's knock.  “Angel. And, and- this must be Connor.” 

“Willow. Hi. I need to see Buffy. Is she here?”  

“No. She went out on patrol awhile ago.” Willow stopped staring and stepped back from the door. “She should be back soon. You can come in and wait if you want.” 

Angel's first instinct was to go look for her, but he knew Connor was tired and needed his sleep. “Thanks. I'll put Connor down in her room if you don't mind.” 

Boxes and suitcases were stacked around the dimly lit room. Was Buffy packing? Where was she going? Angel took off his coat, then sat down with Connor on the bed, rocking him gently to sleep as he looked around the room - memories of the time he spent here with Buffy rushing back. Funny how her room seemed to have stayed the same, while they had both changed so much.  Angel soon dozed off with Connor, content for the moment to be among Buffy's things. 

Buffy felt the familiar sensation of Angel's presence as she entered the house. She didn't notice his car outside, but she hadn't really been paying attention when she came up the walk. She had spent the better part of the evening pouring her heart out to Spike.  She had told him everything about her trip to LA, including the job at the strip bar, the horrible Hugh Randall and finally, that she had slept with Angel - in the car, in the parking lot no less. Spike laughed, wishing he had been able to see her performance. He teased her unmercifully about it - knowing that she had told the others a highly edited version of her events in LA. He was uncharacteristically quiet when she told him about Angel - usually Spike was filled with all kinds of remarks about the “great pouf”.  While he said nothing, Spike was seething inside. Buffy was a treasure - how could Angel just let her go? But, Spike also realized that Buffy probably didn't give Angel much of a chance.  He knew that she could be cruel when cornered, and would often strike out first to hurt rather than be hurt.  Ultimately, Spike encouraged her to go to Ireland, knowing it wasn't the best place to forget Angel but it was better than Sunnydale. He'd miss her terribly, but promised to head over to Europe and show her the sites - particularly Prague. 

Buffy would miss Spike too - he understood her when the others didn't. They had a brief little fling, but it ended when they both realized that it wasn't about love, it was about loneliness and the desire to feel something besides pain and hurt. Since then, they had become great friends, often patrolling together or just hanging out. 

Buffy sat her bag down with a quiet thud and watched Angel and Connor sleeping on her bed. How many times had she wished for this? Imagined this? But why was he here? And why now?  Sighing heavily, Buffy grabbed her robe and headed into the shower hoping that the hot water would help to clear her muddled thoughts. 

As soon as she entered the bedroom after her shower, Connor jumped off the bed and shrieked “Buffeee! Buffeee”, before rushing over to grab her legs. Angel stirred as he felt the toddler climb over him and as heard his voice. 

Buffy leaned down and wrapped Connor in a big hug. “Hey you. What are you doing here?”  Meeting Angel's eyes over the toddlers head, directing the question at him. 

“Buffy. We need to talk. About us. I would have brought it up sooner, but I wanted to wait until you were well.  I had no idea you'd just take off.” 

Buffy sat on the bed, settling Connor comfortably on her lap and handed him one of her stuffed animals. “Ok.” 

Angel looked around the room at the boxes. Standing, then pacing around the room, unsure where to start, Angel waffled.  “Where are you going?” 

“That's what you came to talk about?”  Buffy wasn't sure where this conversation was going, but that wasn't what she expected. “I'm leaving in a few days for Ireland. I'm doing an exchange program there through the University.” 

“What?” Angel was clearly surprised, that answer being the last thing that he thought she'd say. “When did you- when did you decide to do that?” 

“Honestly? After I went to LA, after we-“ Buffy looked down at Connor, sitting contentedly on her lap then back at Angel's face. “After that night. I realized then that you had moved on. You made a life for yourself, you were doing things that really mattered, you had a family, friends.  And, I realized that I hadn't.  I've been pretending for 7 years.  Pretending that I was over you, pretending that I was happy, pretending that I had a normal life, pretending that you still loved me…” Buffy inhaled deeply, trying to control her emotions.  Kissing Connor lightly on the head, she continued, “Making Lo- Being with you was a mistake. I thought I was mature enough to handle it, but I'm not. It's ten times more painful now than I had ever imagined.  Besides, you cheated on Cordelia.” 

“I never meant to hurt you.” The hurt and disappointment on Angel's face was plain. 

“Angel, that's just it. You never mean to - but you always do. It's not your fault really - it's that I'm way too attached to you for my own good. And for the record, I never wanted to hurt you either.” 

“I didn't cheat on Cordelia. I'm not with her like that… anymore.” Angel looked away, knowing that Buffy need to hear the truth but unsure of her reaction.  “We were together for awhile - I was lonely, she was lonely. We were together a lot - work mostly - and there was this incident at the ballet.  Eventually we realized that it was - nice, but not love. At least not the kind of love either of us wanted.”  Pausing, Angel waited for Buffy's reaction. 

Buffy laid the now sleeping toddler on to the bed, then led Angel out of the room and downstairs to the kitchen.  “Connor's mother?” 

“Darla.” 

Buffy whirled in surprise at the name.  “But I thought…” 

“We all did. Wolfram and Hart brought her back as human.  Dru made her a vampire again. I had sex with her. I was in a bad place - I didn't care if I lost my soul. I'm not sure why or how, but she got pregnant with Connor. She staked herself when he was born.” Angel looked down at the floor then back at Buffy, his memories of the experiences with Darla still painful. 

“Oh.” Buffy turned away, trying to make sense of it all. “Your soul?” 

“It was given to me shortly after Connor's birth.  I went to the Powers and demanded it.  It was too dangerous for Connor otherwise.” 

“Why didn't you tell me?” Her voice was barely a whisper. 

“I didn't know what to say.  Or how to say it. After all, we hadn't been in touch for awhile.” 

“And you were involved with Cordelia.”  

“Yes. And I thought you had Riley.” 

“And Fred?” 

“We rescued her, she became part of the family.  She needed us.  At one time, she might have wanted something more from me, but I never- it never happened.” 

“So, what do you want now, here?”   

“I miss you. I've missed you every day. I thought it would get easier, but it hasn't. Things have been pretty bad at times. You gave me a purpose, a reason to keep fighting. I lost that for a while. Connor was the miracle that brought it back. I don't understand how or why he was given to me, but I do know that there are very few people that come into your life and make such a profound difference.” Angel stepped forward, grabbed Buffy's arms and turning her to face him. 

“You deserve him.” Buffy looked up at Angel, her heart pounding. 

“Buffy. I know that you deserve more than I can give you. You deserve the best in life.  But I-I love you.  I never stopped. I want to share my life with you. I want you to share our lives.” Angel paused, unsure of Buffy's reaction. 

“Angel. You don't know how many times I wanted to hear you say that. I've imagined it like a zillion times. But I'm not sure I trust you. What if you change your mind tomorrow and decide I deserve more? I can't have my heart ripped out again. You can hurt me too much.” 

“I know. We can't just pick up where we left off.  We'll start slow and rebuild.” 

“I can't.” Buffy swallowed hard, knowing that what she was about to say was going to be hard and painful, but it was what she had to do. 

“Angel. I love you - you know that.  But I can't be with you. Not now.  I need some time to figure out who Buffy really is - complete package, slayer, woman, whatever.  I need to define myself as a whole person - not a missing half, which is how I've felt these last few years.”

Angel stared, knowing that Buffy was right but not wanting to accept it. 

“I know that I risk losing you by leaving.  And I don't want to ask you to wait for me. But if you're willing, maybe we can get to know each other again. We can write, and e-mail - maybe even call.” Buffy forced a smile, her eyes shining brightly with tears. “And, and I'll come home for break - we can see each other then.” 

Angel pulled her close, hugging her tightly as he closed his eyes. 

Inhaling deeply, Buffy pressed close to Angel, wanting to feel him against her again. “If you… Then… When I get back, if you want… and if I… We can maybe try this again then.” Her words were uncertain, hesitant. 

Tilting her face up to look at him, Angel smiled.  “Buffy, I've waited for you for almost 250 years. I think I can wait one more. I know now - more than ever - that I want to share my life with you. I want *you* to be sure.” 

Wrapped her arms around his neck, Buffy pulled herself up on tiptoe for a kiss, unable to resist him. “I will miss you.” 

One kiss turned to several, as both Buffy and Angel pressed together longing for more contact. Angel's hands slid from her hips to her bottom, lifting her slightly to fit into his arousal.  Buffy moaned and pushed closer, one hand tugging at his hair the other clutching his shoulder. 

Breathing heavily, Buffy broke off the kiss.  “I… I… don't know… if I can do this...” 

“Sorry. I didn't-“ Releasing his hold on her, Angel stepped back. “You're doing the right thing Buffy. Connor and I will miss you, but we'll write. We'll head back to LA just after sunset, unless you need help with anything-?” 

“No, I'm good. I'll send you my address when I get there.  And I'll call.” 

***

Buffy walked Angel to his car, carrying Connor. They had enjoyed spending the day together, just the three of them.  She took tons of pictures of the two of them today, hoping that she'd have some good ones to take to Ireland.  

“Ooh, this is hard.” Buffy sighed, putting Connor in his car seat. 

Angel hugged her then kissed her neck, her earlobe and her cheek before wrapping his arms around her and pulling her into him.  “Hmmm…” burying his face in her neck and hair, he knew it was unfair of him to tease and arouse her, but he wanted to leave her with something to remember him. He stroked her hips and sides, lightly gliding his hands over the sides of her breasts before returning his hands to her waist.  “You feel so good.”   Finally his lips settled on hers, kissing her deeply. 

Buffy responded immediately to Angel's caresses, knowing that it would have to last her for a while. Damn. Maybe she should have suggested that they make love one more time… No, bad thought Buffy.  She needed to be strong. 

Angel pulled away, unwrapping Buffy's arms reluctantly from around his neck. “I'll be thinking of you, Sweetheart.” 

“Oh, and Buffy? One favor when you return? Would you mind trying on your schoolgirl outfit again? You know, the one you wore at the strip club?  I've an urge to play naughty school with you…” 

Buffy cursed as Angel drove away, desire flaring through her at his words. She knew he provoked her deliberately. 

She headed into the house to finish packing and find the academic calendar. Now when was that first break in the semester when she would be back…? 

Chapter Two

Buffy had been in Dublin for three very busy and hectic weeks. The University had a mix-up on her arrival date, but fortunately a room was available at Blackrock, the dorm where most the exchange students stayed. She'd be sharing a kitchen and living area with 3 others, but would have a single bedroom to herself. The following days had been a blur; meetings with faculty and counselors to get her courses scheduled, getting to know her roommates - Abby, Ingeborg and Carmen - and finally the onset of classes. And then there was Morgan Mullah. 

Morgan was an old friend of Giles's and had been somewhat of a mentor to a young Ripper. A friendly little man with white hair, now frail in body but with a mind still as sharp as ever. Giles had insisted that Buffy contact Morgan, wanting her to have an ally in Dublin so that she wouldn't feel completely alone - and Morgan was a great researcher and translator, with ties to the Watchers Council that might be of some help to her if needed. Buffy had made the trip to his little cottage on the edge of Dublin a few days after her arrival and liked the little man immediately. Visitors were rare to the little cottage, so Morgan was appreciative for the company. He was alone in Dublin and his health didn't allow him to get out much, so Buffy had been back to visit several times, each time helping to clean the cottage and organize the stacks and stacks of books and papers while listening as he told her stories of a young Giles, clearly proud of the man he considered somewhat of a protégé. 

On her way back to her flat after her latest visit with Morgan, Buffy stopped at a phone booth outside a small pub in Dublin and dialed Angel's number. She wanted complete privacy for this call - her roommates were nice but she wasn't comfortable enough yet to reveal too many details of her private life. And explaining Angel and their 'not-exactly-a-relationship' relationship was just a little too complicated. 

As the phone rang several times, Buffy checked the time - it would be almost 1 am in LA. No worries there, Angel should be up. Of course, he could be out working on a case. 

"Hello." When she heard the deep voice she almost jumped. It seemed like it been so long since she talked to him. During her wait at the airport in LA on her way to Ireland she had dialed Angel's number several times, but was never brave enough to complete the call, so she hadn't talked to him since he had left her in Sunnydale. She knew he was waiting for her to make the next move, which meant that any relationship of theirs would progress on her timetable for once - a thought that made her happy. 

"Angel?" Buffy smiled slightly, a little nervous but glad to hear his voice. 

"Buffy? I'm glad you called. I've been worried." 

"I'm sorry I haven't called earlier. It's just been so busy getting settled in here. My course schedule's pretty intense too." 

"How are you?" Angel was relieved to hear from her. He wanted to give her the space she needed but was worried what that could mean. 

They chatted for a while, Buffy telling him about school, her flat mates and what she had seen of Dublin so far. Angel mentioned the things about Dublin that he remembered and they compared the old to the new. Buffy told him about Morgan, the former watcher, and her visits with him. She asked about Connor and his current cases, and they spent awhile taking about the toddler's latest activities and interests. It was the beginning of getting to know each other again after a 4-year separation. 

"I'm sure this call is costing Giles a fortune, so I'd better go." Buffy was reluctant to hang up, but knew she should. And she doubted the Giles intended for her to make long transatlantic calls to Angel with his phone card when he had given it to her. But it was nice to hear a warm, friendly and familiar voice after so many new faces and places. And this was Angel - which always meant so much more to her. He had been her strength when she was young and needed reassurance, and it was comforting to be able to talk with him again much as she had then. It was so easy to confide in him, to let him back into her life. 

Angel too didn't want to end the call, but knew that they should since they had been talking for over an hour. "Be careful. And Buffy, I miss you. Call or write when you can, ok?" 

She gave him her mailing address and e-mail, then told him to give Connor a kiss for her. "You too. Be careful that is. It was really nice talking to you." 

Angel was just about to hang up the phone when he heard "Angel? I miss you too." Then the dial tone as Buffy hung up the phone. 

***

It had been just over a week since Buffy had called Angel and already she wanted to talk to him again. She was having a particularly bad day. She'd gotten only mediocre marks on her first exams and had a run in with her flat mate Carmen. Carmen was complaining about Buffy's odd hours, and had made some nasty insinuations about what she thought Buffy was doing on her nights out. 

Abby handed Buffy a letter as she walked through the door, teasing her about the return address "Angel Investigations, huh? Are you in some kind of trouble?" Abby was an unflappable New Yorker, studying in Ireland to get away from her rich but difficult family and to spend time with the handsome Irish boy she had met when he was vacationing in New York. Which also meant that Abby spent most nights at his flat, rather than her own so Buffy saw her only occasionally. Buffy practically grabbed the letter out of her hand, recognizing the handwriting instantly. 

"Oooh, from that expression I'd have to guess boyfriend? And I'll even go out on a limb and say a really hottie. Great in the sack?" Abby laughed at Buffy's huge grin. 

"I'm not sure - probably, and yes, and oh, yes definitely." Buffy's expression was unchanged, although her cheeks were slightly pink as she took her letter and headed to her room. 

Along with the letter, Angel included two pre-paid phone cards, a picture of Connor and a sketch of Buffy holding Connor that he had drawn. Buffy smiled as she studied the drawing - did she really look like that with the little toddler? For a brief moment, Buffy longed for a child of her own. What would their baby - her's and Angel's - look like? It was unlikely that another miracle would occur and hat would ever happen. On that thought, Buffy's chest constricted with feelings of pain and loss. Knowing that it wouldn't do any good to dwell on the impossible, she quickly pushed the thought away and picked up the letter. 

The letter was fairly brief - Angel asked about her, her classes and her roommates. He mentioned a few of the cases the AI team was working on, including one particularly difficult one involving a child, and asked for her thoughts. And of course, he provided some detail about Connor's latest exploits. He closed the letter by saying he missed her and thought of her often, particularly the night they made love. He wished it had been somewhere besides the cramped car but he wasn't complaining - he just would have preferred something more romantic for her. He signed the letter "Always, A." as he usually did. 

Buffy re-read the letter twice before pulling out her iBook. She'd write Angel back in e-mail. 

***

Buffy had been in Ireland almost three months. She and Angel had established a routine of writing e-mails to each other once a week and talking on the phone every other week. They were getting to know each other again, sharing their daily lives and only lately had the conversation begun to drift to anything even remotely romantic. Buffy was in fact, currently daydreaming about Angel's latest e-mail while she made the walk to Morgan's cottage. He mentioned that he was making another sketch of her - one in which she was nude and said that he'd have to compare his sketch from memory to the real thing when she returned. The thought of posing nude for Angel, made Buffy feel warm and tingly. 

Buffy heard a crash drawing her out of her reverie as she walked up the path to Morgan's cottage just seconds before the figure sprinted by her. Her vampire senses kicked into overdrive, as she realized that the fleeing person was definitely one of the undead variety. She hesitated only a moment, indecisive, before she raced into the house to see if Morgan was all right. She found him on the floor next to his desk, alive and definitely cursing. "Morgan?! What happened? Are you okay?" Buffy helped him to sit in the chair next to the desk. "Damn vampires! Those cursed creatures seem to exist just to plague me." Morgan rubbed at his head, a lump forming where the vampire had hit him. "Thieves, the lot of 'em." "What? What did they take?" Buffy glanced out the window but knew that the vampire was long gone. "Another journal. One of the ones that you brought from Rupert." 

"Another? You mean they've taken stuff before?" Buffy was now really worried, her past experiences with vampires and stolen books meaning bad things on the horizon. 

"Oh yea. Started about two years or so ago - they broke in and stole a few books. A couple of watchers journals, a harmless spell book or two, and a recipe for stew." Morgan chuckled, then groaned at the pain shooting through his head. "Always wondered what they thought o' that one." Closing his eyes, the blow on the head making him slightly dizzy, Morgan continued, "They've been back a time or two - they seem mostly interested in the journals. That and maybe the vampire chronicles that I've been preparing for archive in the Watchers library." 

"Chronicles? Wasn't that an Anne Rice thing already?" 

"My chronicles are a historical chart o' sorts that I've been preparing using data collected from the journals. It's of the few known vampires that were considered the baddest of the lot, the masters. One theory says that if these master vampires are destroyed, the entire race of them will soon follow. Without leaders, the lesser vampires will have no one to teach them all the tricks they need to survive and grow into their full abilities and powers. They will be easy for a slayer - or even a mortal - to destroy. That or they'll destroy themselves, fighting amongst their own for power." 

"Did they get this chronicle thingy?" Buffy picked up the books and papers that had been scattered when the thief searched through Morgan's things and began straightening the desk. 

"No. That document I've hidden away in the chest o'er there. Had to recreate it once when they stole an earlier version. I'll no' make that mistake again." 

"So who are these vampire thieves? Do you have any ideas?" Buffy's voice could be now be heard from the small kitchen. 

"Local hooligans are my guess." Morgan glanced at the various volumes on his shelves. "They are na' interested in the few books that I have that would truly be dangerous in the wrong hands. So, amateurs." 

"Then who are these master vampires in your chronicle? Would it be one of them?" 

"Well, I believe that there are only 5 known vampires now that are strong enough to become masters. There's Dracula of course, his reputation is widely known. Then there's Donovan, rumored to be somewhere in Australia. Gabriel, last seen in Europe around the turn of the century but not since. He's likely to be ash somewhere. Sebastian is probably in the US, and then of course," Morgan paused, knowing some of Buffy's history, wondering if there was any need to soften his next words "there's Angelus." 

"Do you believe this? About killing off these masters?" Buffy returned from the kitchen and handed Morgan a cool damp cloth for his head. Her senses were on full alert now with the mention of Angel. 

"Not really, lass, no." Morgan studied Buffy's worried expression. "The Council isna plannin' to do anything with the information. They know about your Angel's soul, his fight for good, for redemption. It wouldna' be in their best interests to change things." 

Buffy tried to smile at Morgan, but needed to know more about this. She didn't trust the council - especially when it came to Angel. "As for why other vampires might be interested? I have na' a guess." 

***

Morgan had been reading quietly at his desk when he heard the tapping on the door. 

"Come in." Morgan turned to the door, his health making it difficult for him to rise easily. 

"Morgan Mullah." Charles Barrington stepped into the tiny cottage, his height and bulk making the small place seem even smaller. 

"Charles. What brings you to Ireland?" Morgan distrusted the young man, a relatively new member to the Watchers Council. Charles was brash and impulsive; two characteristics that Morgan felt did not make for a good watcher. But, he was the youngest son of a family that had long been watchers, a fact that guaranteed him a position. 

"The Chronicles old man. I want them." Charles never felt the need to be friendly, preferring to get straight to business. Rumors had been circulating about these chronicles that Morgan had supposedly been preparing for years. No one had seen them yet, but the rumor was that destroying the vampires on the list would rid the world of their heathen kind forever. Charles, a firm believer in vigilante justice, was arguing for the establishment of a team that would do just that. Especially since the current slayers could not be trusted to do so. 

"They arena' done. And besides, I wouldna' turn them over to you anyhow. Please close the door on your way out." Morgan turned back to his reading, dismissing the younger man. 

"You will give them to me. Now or later, makes no matter. I'll come back later to see if you've changed your mind." Charles stormed out of the cottage, needing to make some plans if the old man insisted on being obstinate. 

***

Buffy started patrolling regularly after the vampire theft from Morgan's house, hoping to find a clue as to the identity of the thief. All she had found so far were rumors about something very bad in Galway. But the thing that disturbed her most was the name she had heard of that very bad something: Angelus. 

***

Buffy was working on her laptop in the library a few days later when suddenly her IM window popped up, asking her to accept a message from "Angel250". Angel? Her Angel? Using Instant Messenger? 

Angel250: Buffy? 

Bsummers: Angel! You have IM? 

Angel250: Yes. Cordy set it up. 

Buffy smiled. Well, that would explain the 250. Probably Cordy's sense of humor using his almost age. 

Bsummers: Yea! 

Angel250: How's Ireland? School? 

Bsummers: Ok. Busy. I'm worried about Morgan. 

Angel250: Giles friend? 

Bsummers: Yes. He's missing. 

Angel250: Clues? 

Bsummers: Not really - missing books. Stuff turned over. Rumors. 

Morgan's disappearance two days ago really bothered Buffy, especially after the earlier vampire book theft. The chronicles were missing, his chair was turned over and his favorite jacket was still hanging on the peg by the wall. She really liked Morgan and hoped sincerely that nothing bad had happened, although she suspected the worse. She had stepped up her patrol both nights since he disappeared, but had yet to find anything. 

Angel250: What books? 

Bsummers: Watchers journals. 

Angel250: Specific ones? 

Bsummers: Don't know for sure. 

Angel scanned her message again. 

Angel250: Rumors? 

Buffy hesitated, unsure of how much to share with Angel regarding the rumors of "Angelus". 

Bsummers: Few vamps I staked mentioned a big bad in Galway. 

Angel250: Vampire? 

Buffy took a deep breath. Well, here goes. 

Bsummers: Think so. Name of Angelus. 

Angel250: WHAT? 

Buffy smiled at the capitalization. Angel really did get this whole electronic communication thing. 

Bsummers: That's the rumor. 

Angel250: You know it's not me. Right? 

Bsummers: Yes, unless you're IM'ing me from somewhere close by. 

Buffy couldn't help but shiver as she thought back to the days when Angel was Angelus, and some of the devious tricks he had played on her. Suddenly, she wondered if she should trust him. 

Angel250: Can I help? 

Bsummers: Don't know how. 

Angel250: Let me know, okay? 

Bsummers: Ok. Gotta go. Paper due. 

Angel250: Talk soon? 

Bsummers: Yes. 

Buffy packed up her things and headed out, her feelings confused and uncertain. Was Angel here? Could he have lost his soul again? No, he said that wasn't possible anymore… Then why the name Angelus? 

Preoccupied, Buffy crashed into the tall figure standing at the library door, knocking the books out of his hand. 

"Oh. I'm so sorry." Buffy stepped back and looked down at the man's face as he knelt to pick up his books. 

"It's not a problem. I'd been trying to work up the courage to come say hello anyway. You just saved me the trip. I'm Patrick. And you are…?" Patrick stood and offered his hand. 

Buffy stared at him stupidly before catching herself and holding out her hand. "Buffy. Buffy Summers." Patrick was tall with dark, unruly hair and dark brown eyes. In any other life, Buffy would have sworn that he was Angel's brother or at least a cousin. "I'm sorry. You just look so like someone that I know." 

Patrick smiled. "In a good way, I hope. Say, can I buy you a cup of coffee or a pint? Or at least walk you somewhere?" 

Buffy returned the smile, "Thanks, but no. It was nice to meet you." 

Patrick stared at her retreating back. Buffy Summers. She was beautiful, all sunny and golden. Watching her behind, he added firm and well built to the list of adjectives. He hadn't been so affected by a girl since high school. She had said no, but he was willing to try again. He whistled a little tune as he left the library - he was known to be persistent. 

***

Angel paced around the offices in LA. He didn't understand why some other vampire would be using the name Angelus. Unless it was just a freaky coincidence that they shared the same name? No, Galway - hell, Ireland - was a small place. Angelus - he - was well known there. This had to be something else. But what could he do from here to help? 

***

Buffy decided to stay in Ireland over the Christmas break and continue her search for Morgan. It'd had been almost three weeks since he had disappeared and she was still without any additional clues. And recently, she had begun to feel like some one or some thing was watching her. She was a little bit on edge and wishing she had one of the Scoobs with her on patrol. Giles knew she wasn't coming home as planned, but she had yet to tell Angel. Not that she and Angel had discussed plans of any sort, but she wasn't sure what he was thinking. Now there's a new thought, Buffy. You don't know what Angel's thinking. Guess that means that she and Angel are right back on track with their relationship. She laughed softly at the thought before turning the corner in the quiet cemetery. 

Buffy looked around, hoping she'd get lucky tonight and find a vamp with information. Her vampire senses kicking in, she crept slowly around the headstones before leaping out and punching the figure standing nearby. Two quick kicks and another punch, and she had the vampire on the ground and held the stake to his heart. "What do you know?" 

"Hello, pet. Is this anyway to greet an old chum?" Spike smiled from his position beneath her, before squirming slightly and leering at her. "Or actually, maybe it is." 

Buffy pushed off him, snorting with disgust. "You could say hello or something, not just stalk me in the dark." 

Dusting off his jacket as he stood. "Pet, I know better than to sneak up on a slayer. I was following the bloke that had been following you." 

"What? Huh?" Buffy looked around, not seeing anyone. 

"He's gone now." Spike glanced over to where he had last seen the man. 

Buffy hugged Spike quickly, glad to see a familiar - and helpful - face. Just what she had been wishing for earlier. "What are you doing here?" 

"I couldn't let you spend the holiday here alone. Besides, I said I would come. Show you Prague and all that. From the looks of you though, I'd say you might need some help." 

Buffy looped her arm through Spikes and steered them toward the cemetery exit. "Ever been to Galway?" 

*** 

Buffy checked the time again before dialing Angel's number. It was almost dawn in LA, their usual call time. She had completed her finals earlier in the day, and was now officially on holiday break. Spike was meeting up with her later, and the two of them were heading to Galway to check things out. 

"Buffy?" Angel knew it was Buffy on the phone the minute it started to ring. Besides, who else called him just before dawn? 

"Angel. How's LA?" Buffy was a little nervous, she was going to tell him about not coming home for break and she was going to tell him about Spike. Specifically, about her previous relationship with Spike. 

"Fine. Busy. How's Ireland?" Angel glanced at the calendar, then at the small stack of Christmas gifts that he had bought for her. 

"Ok. I've got a lead on the Angelus thingy - god that sounds weird saying that to you. Spike and I are leaving tonight for Galway." Buffy took a deep breath waiting for Angel's reaction. 

"Spike? Spike's there? With you?" Angel knew about the chip in Spike's head, but still didn't trust his child. Especially with Buffy. 

"Yes. Listen, Angel. I need to tell you something." 

At her words, Angel stopped all movement and closed his eyes. If she told him now that it was over between them, he deserved it, he knew. He should never have left her in the first place. He should have called her when he found out about Connor, when he got his soul back, or a hundred other times in the last four years. He waited. 

"Angel. A few years ago I was pretty messed up. You had turned on me after the whole Faith thing. Riley left me. Willow had Tara, Xander had Anya. I felt so alone. So different from everyone else. I closed off - emotionally - from my friends." Buffy stopped and waited. When Angel didn't say anything, she continued. "I-I got involved with Spike. Sexually involved." 

"What?" Angel's eyes flew open at her words. He didn't believe that Buffy, his Buffy would get mixed up with Spike. Spike, of all - things. Angel couldn't even call him a person. 

"It wasn't about love. It wasn't even a relationship really. I needed someone to want me. I needed someone to make me feel something, anything. It didn't even have to be love. Angel, I was so scared that I couldn't feel anything anymore. I was so afraid to be hurt again, to be left behind again. And it was easy to be involved with Spike. He was there. He wanted me. He made me feel - I'm not sure what exactly - probably mostly bad stuff. But, I felt *something*." A tear slid down Buffy's cheek as she remembered that time, how difficult things had seemed then, how distant she had felt from her friends. 

"Buffy. Sweetheart." Angel knew all about the feelings that Buffy was describing, about being alone and just wanting to feel something. Connor was proof of that. "I understand. Completely. I'm sorry that you went through that. I wish I would have been there for you." 

Buffy took a deep breath. "Spike and I both realized that it wasn't love not long after it started. And we stopped, uh…having sex, but we talked a lot. He patrolled with me and we hung out. He understood my world - my not normal life - like so many people don't. It was a lot like being with you, you know, when we first met. But without maybe the sexual tension part." Buffy chuckled, hoping to break the tension. 

Angel sorted through his thoughts. He was angry and disappointed that Buffy had turned to Spike. But could he blame her? No. He still didn't trust Spike, but he had to trust Buffy. If nothing else, Buffy had always been direct and honest with him. 

When several minutes had passed and Angel hadn't said anything, Buffy ventured "Angel. Are you mad?" 

"No. Buffy, no." Angel hadn't realized that he had been thinking for so long until her heard Buffy's voice. "How could I be?" 

"I dunno. If we're going to try this - us - again - and I hope we are - I think we need to be honest with each other. I mean, Spike's here now, but only as a friend." 

"Buffy. I trust you. I don't trust Spike, and if he hurts you - in any way - I will find him and deal with him. Make sure he knows that." Angel had learned how to deal with pain and disappointment - had in fact become a master in the last 80 years or so. He'd sort out his feelings about Buffy and Spike later, alone. He was very relieved that Buffy still wanted to try to make things work between them, which brought his thoughts back to the upcoming holiday. "When are you coming home?" 

"That's the other thing I needed to tell you. I'm not." Buffy cringed, her words coming out much more harshly than she intended. "Not for Christmas anyway. I've got to use this time off to find Morgan. The longer I wait, the less chance there is that he is still alive." 

Angel was disappointed, but he understood. He knew that she had other obligations and rarely, if ever, did she shirk her responsibilities. "I had hoped to see you, but I understand." 

Buffy breathed a sigh of relief, now that the difficult parts of the conversation were over. Angel hadn't freaked out on her. Had in fact, seemed to understand. "Really? I can't wait to see you. I have something for you - a Christmas gift." 

"I guess I should get something for your too then." Angel teased, looking again at the stack of presents on the dresser. Perhaps he had gone a little overboard… 

"Hmm, well I can think of one thing that you can just wrap up and give me. Or maybe you can *unwrap* it and give it to me." Buffy's voice had dropped to a deep purr. 

They teased each other with suggestive comments for a while longer, then they covered the usual topics of work, school and Connor before finally hanging up with the promise to call or write soon. 

***

It had only taken two days in Galway before Buffy and Spike tracked down the vampire lair. Buffy peeked into the small window of the crypt, trying to determine how many vampires were inside. She'd already dusted two of the sentries that had been standing by the cemetery gates. Moving quickly, she staked the one vampire that stood by the door then moved back by the window. She only saw three left - none of which looked very big or intimidating. Opening the door, Buffy nodded to Spike then stepped inside. 

"Slayer." The tallest of the three stepped forward. "Rumor had it that you were in Ireland." 

"You got it. And you would be-?" Buffy stood ready for action, a stake in her hand, another tucked in the waistband of her pants, and a bag with additional stakes and a few other choice weapons hidden in the shrubs just outside. 

"The name's Angelus." 

Even though she half expected it, the name still took Buffy by surprise. She scanned the skinny vampire again, taking in the dark, longish hair and ponytail, the black leather pants and crimson velvet shirt. He certainly dressed like Angelus. Only this Angelus - if that was his name - was definitely not the attractive, sexy Angelus she knew. This one was tall, very thin with small beady eyes and a weak chin. His pale cheeks were pitted with scars. What little of his fangs showed between his thin lips when he talked appeared to be yellowed and far from straight. 

"Angelus, huh? Would that be the Scourge of Europe?" Buffy's was amused and curious, trying not to smile. 

"So you *have* heard of me." The vampire looked smugly at his two companions. 

"Well, let me think. Last time I saw you, your hair was shorter. Sorta spiky. It's a much better look for you, more current. This style - well it's so 1800's. Oh, and besides which, I'd have to say you looked - how should I put this - *completely*, *totally* different." 

The vampire calling himself Angelus quickly covered his surprise. He hadn't gotten this far in his charade without a fair amount of confidence and the ability to bluff. "Amusing slayer, but a lie." 

"Ok. First off, name's Buffy. Second. No lie. You are not Angelus. I know Angelus - let's just say, um, how should I put this? Quite personally." Buffy was now smiling broadly. Was this vampire really an Angelus wanna-be? As if! Wait until Angel hears about this. 

"She's got you there, mate." Spike stepped out of the shadow of the doorway and crushed his cigarette out under his toe. Glancing around at the three remaining vampires, Spike was in no way intimidated. 

"I AM Angelus. So, we've met before. Clearly it wasn't memorable." The vampire was smug. He had several of the watcher's journals on Angelus and had studied them. Assuming that Angelus had been killed or at the very least, was long gone, he had taken on Angelus's identity. Angelus's reputation along had scared off demons and vampires alike, and so the imposter had been able to run his section of Ireland unchallenged. The vampire then looked to his minions who were watching the exchange with the slayer nervously, before returning his gaze to Spike who had strolled casually into the crypt and was flipping through the boxes stacked to the side. "Who are you?" 

"I'm hurt that you don't remember your own child, *Angelus*." Spike glanced over his shoulder before lifting a book out of the box and flipping through the pages. 

"I knew it was only a matter of time before you would go running to your lover. I was smart to follow you." The stranger's voice echoed throughout the crypt as he stepped into the doorway that Spike had just vacated. He held a lethal looking crossbow in his hand that was pointed straight at the Angelus imposter. 

"What?" Buffy turned slightly, keeping her guard up and not wanting either vampire or unknown person behind her back. "Who are you?" 

"Charles Barrington, Watcher, at your service. Of course, if you weren't such a bad example of a slayer, one that consorts with vampires, you would know that. I repeatedly warned the council that they should have you exterminated. You and that awful girl, Faith. But, now I can take care of you myself. And of course, I get the bonus prize - your vampire lover." 

Buffy realized that this Charles person thought that this Angelus was the real Angelus. Well, that's fine with her if he wants to take him out, but she wasn't planning on going along. 

Suddenly, the vampire calling himself Angelus thrust one of his minions in front of him. Charles, startled at the movement, released the catch of the crossbow catching the minion right in the chest. Spike jumped in, grabbing Charles around the chest and wrestling him to the ground. Buffy exchanged blows with the vampires, but both the Angelus imposter and his cohorts managed to escape through a tiny window at the back of the crypt. Buffy then helped Spike subdue the burly watcher. 

"Figures that you would let your lover go. Bet you can't wait to spread your legs for that monstrosity again." Charles, now tied, spewed his venomous thoughts. 

Buffy ignored him while she searched through Charles pockets and found several papers that were in Morgan's handwriting, including the chronicles that he had put together so far. "How did you get these?" 

"They were given to me, you dumb bitch." 

Buffy rolled her eyes, in no way intimidated by the brawny man. "These were Morgan's papers. He would not have given them to you." 

"Yeah? Well, the old man finally saw things my way." Charles attempted to spit on Buffy, but she moved out of the way before slugging him in the head. 

"I'm not above torture. And if you know anything about my *lover*, you'll know that I learned from the best." Buffy punched him hard in the face again, breaking his nose. 

"The old man's dead, ya dumb bint. He was worthless anyway. I dumped his body in the Corrib." 

Spike, tired of listening to the arrogant watcher, cuffed him on the head with a wooden beam that had been lying on the floor, knocking him unconscious. "Well, now what?" 

"This is worse that we thought. We need to call Giles. He needs to find out what's going on with the Watchers council." Buffy's eyes were shiny with tears. She had really hoped to find Morgan alive. "Do you think he's telling the truth about Morgan? That he killed him?" 

"A bloke like that?" Spike nodded toward the unconscious man. "He'd probably kill a man for less. Sorry, pet." 

Buffy looked away, knowing that Spike was probably right. 

"What about these?" Spike pointed to the boxes of books, some of which were clearly the stolen watchers journals. 

"We'll return them to Morgan's when we go back to Dublin. For now, they're safe here." Buffy carefully gathered up all of the papers that were part of Morgan's chronicle, then she and Spike headed out. 

***

Giles called his contacts at the Watchers Council immediately after Buffy had called. They were going to send a team to collect Charles Barrington and deal with him themselves. Morgan Mullah had been liked and respected, whereas Charles had been tolerated due to his family connections. His punishment would be swift and severe. 

Giles also found out that the Council knew the theory about destroying the master vampires, and they knew that Morgan was compiling a chronicle on master vampires. But they had not seen any of it, and had no idea about the contents. They were however, anxious to get their hands on it. Did Buffy find it? 

Buffy told Giles that she had it, but begged him to tell the Council that she hadn't found it yet. She wanted to know what they planned to do with it before turning it over. 

***

Angelus, or Sean as he used to be known, could not get the blond slayer out of his mind. Was she really Angelus's lover? Angelus had a mortal *slayer* lover? It's true that Angelus had been know to fear nothing and would willingly dance with the devil - what then could be more dangerous for a vampire than sex with a slayer? Well, maybe sex in sunlight, but that was beside the point. 

The more he thought about her, the more he wanted her for himself. It would secure his position as Angelus. And, if the real Angelus *was* alive somewhere, he could use her to find and destroy him. After all, Sean was enjoying his reign as Angelus - he didn't want anything to screw it up. 

Sean had read the journal that mentioned that Angelus had his soul (not to mention, that he went by Angel) but not being particularly bright or familiar with any vampires that had souls, he had no idea that it changed Angelus in any way. 

Sean and the few minions that he could round up in short notice crept quietly back to the crypt where the slayer had discovered them earlier. They had gone there with the intent to try to track the slayer and the watcher. Since no one appeared to be around, they entered the crypt and were pleasantly surprised to find the watcher, Charles Barrington, tied up inside. 

Imposter Angelus smiled evilly and told that others that clearly his 'lover' had left a present for him. Even Charles Barrington was convinced, as those were the last words that he heard. 

Taking the few journals that were still needed for information about the real Angelus, and the vampires then fled into the night. 

When the team sent by the Watcher's Council arrived in the morning, they found the remaining books and a dead, drained Charles Barrington. 

***

Buffy toured part of Galway during the day, looking thoughtfully across the river at the village of Claddagh, the area where the famous rings were supposed to have originated. It brought back with vivid clarity the moment when Angel had given her the ring on her 17th birthday. She felt close to him, strolling through the streets where he had grown up, trying to picture what it must have been like through his eyes before he was changed. 

On impulse, she stopped in a small shop and bought a Claddagh ring for Angel. The ring was an antique, the shop proprietor said that it had come from the estate of a local family and was about, in his guess, 200 years old. As Buffy rolled the shiny silver ring in her hand, she thought that it was perfect. A new ring that came from her and from Ireland, maybe even a symbol of their new relationship. 

She stopped by a pay phone after leaving the shop and dialed Angel's number, suddenly wanting to hear his voice. She sighed when the machine picked up, and left a message. It was just as well - she'd probably only blurt out her surprise gift. Besides, she and Spike needed to get back to Dublin. 

***

When Buffy returned to her room at Blackrock, Carmen informed her snidely that her boyfriends had been by to visit and that she didn't appreciate Buffy having them over to the flat in the middle of the night. Buffy stared at Carmen, sure that she didn't hear the girl correctly - boyfriends? Oh, and Buffy had a couple of messages - someone name Giles called and someone named Angel called. 

Buffy asked Carmen for the names of these boyfriends that had stopped by and Carmen only shrugged. Any details? What they looked like? Both tall, one good looking, one not. She invited them both in, both left notes - she thought - in Buffy's room. 

Buffy headed into her room, looking around cautiously. On her bed, she spotted two notes and a small bouquet of flowers. The first note was from Patrick. He still wanted to take her out - maybe to see a local Irish band. Could she please call him? The second note was a drawing of sorts, sort of a sketch of her - she guessed - but only not a very good one. It was signed with an A. But it was not the script that she was used to seeing. Buffy knew that it was from the Angelus imposter, that somehow he knew about the notes the real Angelus had left her in Sunnydale those years ago. And now he knew where she lived. Even worse, he had been invited in. Buffy thought of her roommates - just how far would this Angelus imposter take things? 

Buffy immediately left the flat, heading for a payphone on campus to call Giles. 

Giles told Buffy about Charles Barrington's death. She was a little surprised and felt a little guilty about not staying to protect the malicious Watcher. The team from the Watchers Council had also recovered Morgan's body - which they returned to the small village of Cornwall to be buried next to his long dead wife. They had also been to Morgan's house looking for the chronicles, but found nothing. For now, they assumed the document was still missing. 

Buffy glanced at her bag, which contained all the documents that Morgan had ever shown her. "Tell them I haven't found it." She wasn't sure what she was going to do with the papers yet. If she wanted to turn them in, they could always tell them that she found then later. She asked Giles again to find out what the Council knew about it - maybe under the guise of giving her some idea of what to look for. And, could he - discreetly - find out what they knew about Angel now? 

Buffy then called Angel. She told him about the events of the last few days, about Charles Barrington, about Morgan's death and about meeting the Angelus imposter. As was so often the case when she talked to him, he made her feel better about everything. He listened quietly while she filled him in, then talked to her in that rich, calming voice, soothing her fears and giving her strength. 

Before they hung up, Angel asked Buffy to tell Spike to call him. Buffy was leery, but agreed after making Angel promise that he wasn't going to blame Spike for his involvement with her. 

Though he didn't say so to Buffy, Angel was worried about his namesake imposter, especially now that he knew where Buffy lived. He had asked Wesley and Cordelia to do some research, hoping that they might turn up something that could help. And despite his words to the contrary, Angel was feeling impotent and frustrated, far away and unable to help the one other person in the world that he cared most about. 

***

Almost a month had passed since Buffy and Spike had made the trip to Galway. Ever since their return, the Angelus imposter had been stalking Buffy from afar. He had been in her room several times, leaving notes and rifling through her things, stealing the occasional piece of lingerie or picture. She even suspected that he had masturbated on her bed, a thought that made her shudder with revulsion. 

Spike had taken up patrolling around the flat at night if Buffy was home, sticking close to her otherwise when she was out at night. Angel had made it clear to Spike that he would hold him responsible if anything should happen to Buffy - detailing specifics of several things that he would happily do to the blond vampire should he fail to take care of her. Spike knew from Angel's tone of voice that he should take his Sire seriously. And, he also knew that he was likely to still get a beating from the larger vampire when they next saw each other. Spike had broken an unwritten rule between vampires when he had gotten involved with Buffy several years ago. Angel had marked her as his, Spike should have heeded the warning. Ah well, Spike was never one to follow the rules. And it had been worth it. 

He hurried to follow Buffy through the darkened cemetery, realizing that he had almost lost her in his musing. 

"Hello Lover." The vampire calling himself Angelus stepped out from behind the small shed. 

Buffy rolled her eyes at the ridiculous notion, but at the same time wondered just how much detail was really documented in those Watchers journals. Did they actually write down conversation dialog? Or how did this loser know what the real Angelus had called her? 

"I've been waiting for you. You know that I am not the real Angelus, but I know that he left you. I would never leave you. Turn you, perhaps, but not leave you." The vampire stepped forward, the grin on his face making him look like an evil clown. "Become my lover and I will help you destroy Angelus for what he did to you." Sean, of course, wanted the real Angelus destroyed. He liked the unlife he had been living - he wasn't about to give it up without a fight. And having the real Angelus out of the picture would greatly ensure that he, Sean, could continue to use the alias. 

Buffy resisted the urge to shudder with disgust. "Ewwww. No thanks." 

"Guess those journals aren't completely up to date, eh Pet?" Spike strolled casually up behind the Angelus imposter, smoking a cigarette as usual. "You see, *Angelus*, you've already reconciled somewhat with little Fluffy here. Shagged and all that." 

"Whoever you are - your days of Angelus impersonation are over." Buffy moved forward, stake in hand. 

"Join me or die. It's your choice." Looking her up and down once again, "Unless you can convince me to turn you, slayer." 

"No, not a good idea. You see the real Angelus wouldn't like that at all. Not with his slayer at any rate. He'd hunt you down." Spike stepped from behind Angelus, in full game face, and staked the vampire minion closest to him who had been inching away. "And, as much as it pains me to say this, the poof really does have way with torture. It's an art really, and he was the best." 

Buffy seized the opportunity to grab the Angelus imposter while Spike neatly took care of the other remaining vampire. 

The imposter broke down relatively quickly once Buffy had brought out the crosses and holy water. He confessed all - saying his name was Sean and that he had been impersonating Angelus for the last two years. It made for an easy living for him - most of the other vampires and demons staying out of his way thanks to Angelus' reputation. He was only interested in the journals for the information he needed to impersonate Angelus. He had seen some document called a chronicle that one of his minions had stolen long ago, but it wasn't really of interest to him. He said that he had never harmed the old man - they had needed him for information, so he was off limits. He knew though, that Charles Barrington had killed him. Sean mistakenly assumed that Buffy would let him go once he confessed all, but soon realized he was mistaken. 

"Can you believe that guy? As if he could pass as Angelus?" Buffy shook the vampire's dust from her hands as she turned to Spike. "I can't believe anyone even fell for it." 

***

When Buffy next talked to Giles, he told her that the Council was still debating what to do with the information in Morgan's Chronicles - assuming it ever surfaced. Those who believed the theory that destroying these few master would eventually destroy the entire vampire race were arguing for assembling a team to do just that. It seemed to be a very small contingent, but they existed nonetheless. As for Angel, they did know that his soul had been restored and they knew about the possibility of Shanshu. 

Buffy hadn't trusted the council since her involvement with then during high school. They let her down when she needed them to help Angel then and she doubted that he would be protected from an assassination squad if they assembled one. His soul, the possibility of Shanshu, the fact that he was a warrior for the Powers that Be, that he fought for good - none of it would matter - to them, he was still a vampire. 

"Tell them that we never found them, Giles. Not a trace." 

Later that night, Buffy watched as the documents burned in the small fireplace. She'd risked her life to protect Angel several times - her instincts in this instance were no different. 

***

The last couple of months in Ireland were quiet for Buffy and she was able to concentrate on her studies. Spike had left a couple of weeks ago, planning to tour parts of Europe before heading back to Sunnydale. They never did make it to Prague. 

Buffy was happily surprised when she opened her e-mail and found a new message from Angel. Things were definitely heating up for them - although that was never their problem - it was all the other relationshipy-type things that were the problem for them. That and Angel's obsession that she have a "normal" life. 

The beginning of Angel's message was much the same as the others. He asked about school, her time in Ireland. He was glad to hear Spike had left - he didn't say so in so many words, but Buffy could tell. This time, Angel had ventured a little farther into new territory. Buffy smiled as she read: 

I've been having this dream about you. Night after night. I thought maybe if I shared it with you, you could help me understand what it means… 

Buffy could almost see the slight smile on Angel's face as he wrote those words. 

You're standing at the large window of a suite at a hotel here in LA looking out. The lights of the city are behind you and are creating the only light in the room. You're wearing a long black strapless gown with high heels. Your hair is up, only a few tendrils loose around your face. Did I ever tell you how beautiful, how gorgeous you look with your hair up? 

Back to the dream - I walk up behind you and slide my arms around your waist, enjoying the view with you. You tilt your head to the side for me and I kiss your neck, taking my time to caress every inch of your throat with my lips and tongue. Eventually I slide my hands up your arms to your shoulders, then around to your magnificent breasts. It's not enough, so I pull your dress down so that I can see them. Your beautiful nipples are hard. I touch them and you moan, your head resting back against my chest. I caress you until I need more. I unzip your dress and slide it off. You're wearing nothing but small black lace panties and your sexy heels. I push you back against the window to kiss you. The window feels cool on your back and you shiver. I kiss my way down your body, paying special attention to your nipples before kneeling in front you of. I can smell your arousal. When I part your legs, I see the wetness on your thighs. You're so wet and ready for me. I pull your panties down your legs then lift one leg over my shoulder. You're so beautiful, open and exposed to me. I lick your sweet sticky fluid from your thighs before sliding my tongue between your legs. I keep you there, bringing you to orgasm after orgasm until you can barely stand. 

Buffy clenched her legs together and blinked, finding it hard to believe that his few words aroused her so much, so quickly. 

I always wake up right after I carry you to the bed. How do you think it ends? Do you think it means anything? 

Angel ended the letter there, telling her that he missed her and to write soon. Buffy smiled to herself, knowing that once again he gave her just enough to tease her so that she'd be thinking of him. 

***

Buffy had spent nearly all of her free time in the last three weeks in the library. Well, except for the dinner and pub visit with Patrick. He had been so persistent, and he was so nice that she finally gave in and went out with him. She also wanted to conduct a little test - if she wasn't interested in someone like Patrick, who was extremely good-looking and very nice and sweet, if he didn't make her tingle just a little bit, if his kisses didn't set her on fire - then it really was just Angel that did it for her. And, she was right. When Patrick kissed her goodnight, she felt like she was kissing Xander. Well, better than Xander, maybe more like Riley. It was nice, it was sweet, but the world didn't drop away, there was no roaring in her ears, no fire racing through her veins. None of the same sensations that she experienced just by thinking of Angel. Whoa Buffy. Slow down there. At this rate, Angel would need to fear for his undead life. Next time she saw him, she was likely to attack him. 

Deciding that she wanted a little break in studying and a fun, Buffy opened up her iBook and checked the time. And lucky for her, it also showed that Angel was online - which was a somewhat rare occurrence. 

Bsummers: Hello? Angel. 

Angel250: Hi. 

Bsummers: This is Angel, right? NOT Cordy or Wes or Fred? 

Angel250: Yes. It's me. 

Buffy hesitated. Cordy would probably lie. She wanted more proof. What could she ask that only Angel would know… Hmm. What had they talked about that only the two of them would know? Ah yes, the dream he had written to her about. 

Bsummers: Still having the same dream? 

Angel250: Yes. 

Bsummers: Does it get any farther? 

Angel250: Yes. 

Bsummers: What happens next? 

Angel250: Made it to the bed. 

Bsummers: And then? 

Angel250: Want to show you. 

Buffy smiled. Yep, this was Angel. 

Bsummers: Promise? 

Angel250: Yes. 

Bsummers: Where are you? 

Angel250: My apt. 

Bsummers: Where's Connor? 

Angel250: Sleeping. 

Bsummers: Same room? His room? 

Angel250: His. Why? 

Bsummers: Are you alone? 

Angel250: Yes. ? 

Bsummers: Play with me? 

Angel wasn't sure where she was going with this, but decided to play along. 

Angel250: ? 

Bsummers: I'm going to tell you what to do. You don't need to reply - just hit return. Ok? 

Angel250: ok. 

Bsummers: You'll do what I say right? 

Angel smiled. This should be interesting. 

Angel250: Ok. 

Bsummers: Are you thinking about me? 

Angel250: yes. 

Bsummers: Just hit return. 

Angel250: 

Bsummers: I'm thinking of you. Of touching you. Touching your cock 

Bsummers: Touch yourself for me. Slowly. Imagine it's my hand. 

Angel reclined back in the chair and separated his legs slightly. He'd had a lot of sexual experiences in his long life, but never with a computer. Always a first time for everything. Besides, this was Buffy - just thinking about her was usually all he needed to get uncomfortably aroused. 

Angel250: 

Bsummers: Are you getting hard? 

Angel250: 

Bsummers: Stroke it hard baby. Don't stop. 

Angel250: 

Bsummers: Unzip your pants. Are you wearing boxers? Your black silk boxers? 

Angel 250: 

Bsummers: Did I ever tell you how hot you look in those? How I love to touch you through them - the soft silk rubbing your hard cock… 

Angel250: 

Bsummers: Stroke yourself through the boxers baby. Run your hand up and down, slowly. Grip harder. Um. Wish I was there. 

Angel250: Buffy shifted on the chair feeling herself become aroused as she thought of Angel and what he was doing. She looked around the quiet library, hoping that no one could eavesdrop on her conversation or see the screen of her iBook. 

Bsummers: Now pull out your cock but don't stop stroking it. Feel good? 

Angel250: 

Bsummers: Harder now. Faster. When you get close to coming let me know. 

Buffy waited, imagining Angel's hand moving up and down over his cock, stroking and pulling. She closed her eyes and licked her lips, wishing she could be there. Wanting to wrap her lips around his erection and caress his balls until he begged her to stop. A few minutes later, another message popped up on the screen. 

Angel250: 

Bsummers: Come for me baby. I wish I were there to lick it up. To touch you. Kiss you. 

Angel closed his eyes, Buffy's words on the screen driving him on. He stroked his erection harder then faster, picturing her hands and mouth on him. Angel came, spurting his seed on his hand and lower part of his stomach. Grabbing the nearest towel - oops, he'd have to wash Connor's blanket asap - Angel cleaned himself up and zipped his pants. 

Angel250: :D 

Buffy laughed at the big smiley. Angel was really getting the hang of this online communication. 

Angel250: Now you? 

Bsummers: Sorry. Library. 

Angel250: Later? Tomorrow? 

Bsummers: Don't know how/where. Only have Internet connection in library. 

Angel250: Phone? 

Bsummers: Shared phone in living room. Or public pay phone in pub. Can you imagine what a sight that would be? Ha ha 

Angel250: Maybe not then. 

Angel shifted in the chair in frustration. 

Bsummers: Gotta go. Paper to write. Theology no less. Finals next week. 

Angel250: Ok. Talk soon? 

Bsummers: Definitely. Bye. 

Angel250. Bye sweetheart. 

***

On the flight home, Buffy thought back to her time in Ireland. It was a beautiful place, no doubt about it. She hoped that maybe some day she and Angel would get to visit there together. 

She knew too, that the time away had been good for her. For them. She and Angel had spent time getting to know each other again - without physical intimacy getting in the way or complicating things. Buffy was happier now than she had been in a long while. She'd have her degree in one more year and now she'd have Angel too. Yep. Things were looking really good. 

And she was more than ready to work on the next step in their relationship, the physical intimacy… 

Chapter Three

Buffy walked nervously through the house and into the kitchen, eyeing the clock and pouring herself more wine. 

“Buffy, he'll be here. Your pacing is making me nervous.” Willow opened the oven to check on the roast chicken she was making for the reunion dinner with Buffy and the gang. 

Xander, Anya and Giles had arrived earlier and were talking quietly in the living room about Xander and Anya's expected new addition to the family, now that Anya was 3 months pregnant. Spike was outside having a smoke, while Tara and Willow were preparing dinner. This would be the first time Buffy would see Angel since her return from Ireland.

“Does this look okay?” Buffy looked again at her outfit, which was the third one she had tried on so far this evening. She was wearing a pink camisole top, a light cream skirt with pink flowers and raffia ankle strap sandals. 

“You look beautiful, gorgeous even.” Willow glanced at Buffy, then at Tara who joined them in the kitchen. Tara smiled, surprised to see Buffy so nervous and curious to meet the man that she had heard so much about from the various members of the Scooby Gang.

When the doorbell rang, Buffy rushed to the mirror to check her appearance one last time. Maybe she shouldn't have put her hair up - or maybe a different color of lipstick would be better… Taking a deep breath, Buffy opened the door. “Angel.” His name came out sounding somewhere between a breathy sign and a question.

“Buffy.” Angel handed Buffy the bouquet of pink roses that he held in his hand, silently congratulating himself on his choice of color, which matched Buffy's outfit perfectly. He had debated the choice of red or pink roses and had finally settled on the pink as they seemed less showy and presumptuous. “Welcome home.” Bending down, he kissed her on the cheek.

“Hi.” Connor smiled shyly, leaning into his Dad's leg. He had grown a lot in the last 10 months and was now much more of a little boy than a toddler. 

Buffy leaned down to his level. “Hi Connor. Remember me?” 

“Yes. Buffee.” Connor held out a small beanie cow. “For you.” 

“Thank you! How sweet. You're learning early how to be a charmer, just like your father.” Buffy smiled and took the beanie before looking up at Angel, who shrugged. “He wanted to bring you something too.” 

“I love my new little cow friend. Wait until he meets Mr. Gordo. Come on in.” Taking Connor's hand, Buffy led him into the house. “Connor, I want you to meet my friends.” 

Over dinner the gang laughed and talked, Buffy filling them in about her experiences in Ireland and they updated her on all the events in Sunnydale. Spike's description of the Angelus imposter was so outlandish it had them all laughing, including Angel. Even Connor joined the conversation and told them all about LA and the team at Angel Investigations.

Several hours later, Angel relaxed in the living room chair listening to the Lenny Kravitz CD that Buffy had put on earlier. The song “Stand by My Woman” was playing and Angel was thinking that the lyrics were fittingly apropos for the moment.

“Alone-“ Buffy walked back into the living room after closing the door behind Spike who was the last to leave. The sound of the door closing upstairs as Willow and Tara went to bed was the only indication that Buffy and Angel weren't completely alone in the house. Looking toward the ceiling and smiling, Buffy altered her statement “Almost alone at last.”

Angel watched her as she walked slowly, purposefully across the room, her eyes never leaving him. “Is Connor asleep?” 

“Yes. I hate to wake him, but we'll have to head back to LA soon.” Angel reached out his hand to take hers as Buffy drew close to the chair. Despite their racy conversations in the last few months, he didn't want to assume anything about their relationship and was still willing to take things slowly. 

“Stay. At least for the weekend?” Buffy pouted slightly, not wanting her plans for the weekend interrupted. She'd been thinking about this moment for several months, had spent the day trying to anticipate any of Angel's objections so she could refute them, and was fueled by re-reading their last messages. No, he wasn't going home just yet. “I just got back and you just got here. Besides, you haven't welcomed me home properly…”

Placing her hands on his shoulders and one knee on the chair next to his hip, Buffy leaned down and kissed Angel softly. Watching his closed eyes for a moment, she then shut her own eyes as she ran her tongue across his lips, seeking entry. Mouths fused, tongues dueling and caressing, they kissed for several long moments, desire flaring hot in an instant from months of teasing and separation. 

Buffy moved her other leg into the chair to straddle Angel's lap as she wrapped her arms around his neck and deepened the kiss. Slanting her head to the side, she ran her tongue along his teeth before thrusting her tongue deeply in and out of his mouth, mimicking motions yet to come. Angel groaned slightly and sucked on Buffy's tongue, stopping her movement as he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer. 

Buffy broke off the kiss, panting slightly to catch her breath as she began planting small kisses along his nose, moving to his eyes then down one cheek to his ear. “Mmmm… you feel good. I've been thinking about this for so long.” Angel moved his head to the side giving her better access as she nibbled on his earlobe, her warm breath sending pulses of heat straight through his body to his erection.

Buffy continued a path of slow, wet kisses on his neck planning to kiss every inch of him before the night was over. “Yum. You're ice cream.” 

“Hm?” Angel, concentrated mostly on feeling - and on controlling his impulse to throw her to the floor and burying himself between her legs - didn't quite understand her statement.

Between kisses and licks, Buffy murmured “You're ice cream. You know, it's like when you want ice cream but you get yogurt instead because it's better for you - less fat and stuff. But, yogurt isn't satisfying because you really wanted ice cream.”

Now completely confused, Angel lifted his head to look at her. “What are you talking about?”

Buffy glanced up at Angel's face before returning her attention to the buttons on his shirt, pressing kisses to the chest that she exposed with each open button. “Patrick was yogurt. You're ice cream.” 

Barely controlling the jealously that shot through him at her words, Angel grabbed Buffy's shoulders to stop her movements. “Patrick?” Arching an eyebrow, Angel stared into her face.

“You know. The guy I mentioned in Ireland.” Buffy struggled to free herself from his grip, wanting to continue their amorous play.

“Mentioned, yes. But maybe you didn't tell me everything?” Feelings of desire, of anger, of lust were rushing through him. In that moment Angel wanted to possess Buffy, brand her as his and his only. He would gladly and willingly remove this Patrick from the face of the earth if he had touched her.

“I-I kissed him, that's all.   He was so like you - big, tall, strong. Dark hair, dark eyes.” Buffy studied Angel intently for a moment. “Not as gorgeous or as perfect. And you *were* making me horny with all those calls and letters…” Buffy smiled teasingly until she realized that Angel was not in the mood for it. Breaking his hold on her shoulders, she slid her arms around his neck and nuzzled his cheek. “He was sweet and nice, but he wasn't you. When he kissed me, I knew. I knew that you were the only one for me.” 

Angel looked at her intently.   Her lips were slightly swollen and glistening wetly from their kisses. Her cheeks were delicately pink, flushed with arousal, and her hazel eyes were half closed as she looked back at him through thick lashes. More disturbing to his mood was her eagerness, her willingness, how *easily* she was aroused. He couldn't know that only he affected her that way. “You let him touch you?” 

Buffy sighed, knowing that she shouldn't have brought this up now - of all times - but wanting a completely clear conscious as they started their relationship anew. “He took me to dinner, then to a local pub to hear the band. He kissed me twice - no tongue - at the end of the night. His hands in no way touched any part of me, other than maybe my arm or my back - so no intimate contact. Baby, these are only hard for you. And he was in no way close enough-“ Leaning down, Buffy rubbed her breasts and hard nipples against Angel's chest. “to feel them. Okay?”

Angel stared at Buffy's face before glancing down, the outline of her nipples evident through the thin material of her shirt. Her skirt, which had ridden up high on her thighs as she straddled his legs, was teasingly close to exposing her most intimate parts.

Sensing his uncertainty, Buffy took one of his hands and pressed it to her damp panties under her skirt.   “This is only for you baby. Only you do this to me. Only you make me hot by just thinking about you. Only you make me wet just by being in the same room. I crave you - no one else.”

Sliding his hand up to her neck, he tilted her head then murmured “mine” harshly against her lips before plunging his tongue into her mouth and kissing her hard. She responded instantly, arching into him and sucking greedily on his tongue. His hand between her legs rubbed firmly her through her silky panties, which were soaked with her juices.    

Jerking her mouth from his, Buffy panted “Oh god Angelll. Don't stop…” and began to rotate her hips against his hand. Angel stroked her harder, watching her face. 

“Are you going to come sweetheart?” His husky whisper combined with the motions of his hand as he gripped her clit through her soaked panties and squeezed, set off her orgasm. She bucked hard against his hand, biting her lip to keep from crying out as she came before collapsing against him with her eyes closed tightly. 

“Oh...Yesss…. I. Missed. You.” Buffy traced the outline of his jaw with her hand before running her fingertips over his lips. Leaning forward, she kissed him thoroughly before sliding off his lap to kneel on the floor in front of him. Resting her arms on his thighs, she began stroking the hard bulge in his pants, gently caressing then grasping it in her hand tightly and squeezing. She looked up at his face as she unfastened his pants and slowly pulled down the zipper. Still staring into his eyes, tugged on his pants, pulling both pants and boxers down his thighs.   Closing her fingers around the pulsing shaft, she moved her hand downward. Angel groaned deep in his throat as the sensation swept over him. Buffy stroked up and down, brushing her fingers over the sensitive tip, her tongue tracing her lips unconsciously as she concentrated on his pleasure. 

Angel placed his hand on her head and tugged her forward with deliberate pressure, wanting to feel her mouth on him. Holding his arousal upright, she ran her tongue around the head wetting it completely before sucking it into her mouth. Angel watched her as she moved her head up and down slowly, her lips and tongue creating an intense friction that he could feel through his entire body. Buffy began to move her head faster, using her teeth to gently scrape the tip before sucking him hard back into her throat. Unable to resist, Angel guided her head and moved his hips, sliding his erection deeper and faster in and out of her mouth. Buffy sucked harder, the ache between her legs intensifying with his thrusts.   Reaching between his legs, she caressed his testicles, rolling and squeezing them gently. Suddenly Angel came, spurting his seed down her throat as Buffy swallowed greedily. 

Resting her head on his thigh, Buffy continued to kiss and nibble his semi-hard erection with feather light kisses, waiting for Angel to stir. Long minutes later, Angel finally opened his eyes and looked down at her. Whispering huskily, he repeated her earlier words “I. Missed. You.”

Buffy smiled widely, then stood, reaching for his hand. Angel stood, pulling up his boxers and pants, then zipping them halfway before leaning down to kiss Buffy gently on the forehead, then the nose and finally settling on her lips. His mouth brushed across hers gently, his tongue tracing her lips before pushing inside. Reaching up, he traced her nipples gently through her shirt before raising his hand to slide the strap of her top off her shoulder. 

They broke apart at the sound of a door closing upstairs. Glancing at Angel, Buffy shivered with lust as she thought how sexy he looked standing in her living room with his shirt unbuttoned and his pants only half zipped. Taking his hand, she led him toward the stairs. She hadn't meant for things to go so far in the living room, and was relieved that they had not been interrupted. Now however, she wanted to ensure their privacy. 

Knowing that Connor was asleep on her bed, she guided Angel to the guest room and closed the door. Immediately wrapping his arms around her and resuming their kiss, Angel walked backward toward the bed. Buffy pushed his shirt from his shoulders as he reached to pull her camisole over her head. When the back of his legs hit the bed, Angel sat down pulling Buffy between his legs before cupping her breasts in his hands. Leaning forward, he teased one nipple with his tongue while he pinched her other nipple gently, gradually increasing the pressure. Rolling his tongue around the hard pebble, he tormented her before finally closing his mouth over the taut peak and suckled. Without lifting his head, he unzipped her skirt and slid it down her hips. Shifting his attention to her other breast, his lips and tongue once again teased the tip before he finally drew her nipple into his mouth, sucking hard. Buffy's knees buckled and she whimpered, wrapping her arms around Angel's head holding him to her breast, not wanting the delicious feeling to end. Between kisses and nibbles, Angel pulled Buffy's panties down her legs and tossed them aside. “I want to taste you.” 

Breathing heavily, Buffy pushed Angel away and leaned down to unbuckle her sandals. Angel kicked off his shoes, slid his pants and boxers off and sat back on the bed just as Buffy climbed on top of him. 

Laying back and gripping her hip, Angel nudged her forward to straddle his head. Reaching up with his tongue, he lightly grazed her clit and whispered, “I can't reach you…” Buffy whimpered and spread her legs wider, lowering herself down to his mouth. At the first sure touch of his mouth against her, she moaned loudly and grabbed the headboard of the bed to steady herself. Angel smiled slightly at the profusion of wetness evident between her legs before sliding his tongue inside her and probing gently. Moving slowly, he nibbled at her outer lips, lapping up the wetness before shifting his mouth to lick and suck at her most sensitive spot. Sliding first one, then two fingers inside her, Buffy began to grind her hips against him, mewling softly as he continued to suck her clit. Angel felt the tiny convulsions begin just seconds before she exploded, crying out his name softly. As Angel continued licking softly at her dewy wetness, Buffy attempted to pull away, the sensations too intense. “Wait…too much…” 

Whispering softly, Angel refused to release his hold on her bottom. “Never too much sweetheart.” Licking and sucking with expertise acquired through years of experience, Angel brought Buffy to orgasm twice more before finally releasing his hold on her.

“Want you… Inside me… Now.” Still panting, Buffy slid down his body. Angel steadied her as she guided the tip of his erection to her pulsing, heated entrance. Angel gritted his teeth as she lowered herself on him, her passage feeling small and tight despite the abundant lubrication. Buffy rotated her hips, lowering herself further as Angel pushed upward. She paused before moving upward until only the tip of his erection was still inside her. Pushing down again, Buffy lowered herself fully on him this time, stopping to absorb the sensation of fullness, his size stretching her. She loved the feeling of having him deep inside her. Using only her vaginal muscles, she gripped his cock, clenching and squeezing slowly until Angel groaned and expelled an unneeded breath. 

Beginning a slow, bewitching rhythm, Buffy began to glide up and down on him. Reaching up, she pulled the clip out of her hair then shook it out over her shoulders. Angel watched her through half-closed eyes, marveling at the sexy sight of her slow movements, her breasts bouncing slightly with each thrust, her dusky nipples hard and jutting toward him, begging to be touched. His eyes moved lower, down her firm abdomen to where their bodies joined, his erection disappearing between her thighs as she moved. As he watched, she opened her eyes to look down at him. Never breaking eye contact, she licked and sucked on her fingers before leaning down to rub the pads of her fingertips across his nipples. Rubbing and caressing them, she tweaked them firmly before running her hand down his chest to stop between her thighs. 

Watching her, Angel was once again filled with the inexcusable need for ownership, jealous of anyone else Buffy had ever been with, of never wanting another man to see her as she was now, to never have her look at anyone else with hot wanting eyes that stared down at him.

Rolling her beneath him, he yielded to his selfish impulse to possess her. Thrusting hard, he plunged into her over and over again wanting to mark her as his, to dominate her with an animalistic masculine impulse as old as time. “I'm sorry.” He whispered, hearing her cry out but unable to stop. She was finally his again, and he wanted to wipe away all traces of Riley, of Spike. Of anyone else she had ever been involved with.

“More...” Buffy breathed, clinging to him, relishing the weight of his strong body driving into her, “Harder…” seeming to understand him, to want what he wanted. “Want you…” Driving harder, he kissed her softly before burying his face in her neck and biting at the scar on her neck. His mark. Strong arms pulled him closer as her hips arched to meet his. His hand slid down under her bottom, pulling her into his next thrust. The frantic pace continued, until finally they both exploded, their mutual orgasm pouring over them in hot, intense waves. 

It was nearing dawn as Angel rolled Buffy on her back once again. “No more… too sore…” Buffy pressed her palms against his chest “can't… “ Despite her words, she wanted him still. They had made love most of the night, both feeling that they had lost time to make up for. At times tender and playful, other times demanding and aggressive, they pushed the limits of sensation.

Angel slid lower in the bed, touching her swollen nether lips gently. “Sweetheart, you're so small. So luscious.” Spreading her legs apart, Angel settled between them leisurely before sliding his tongue gently over her swollen flesh before dipping inside the pouting entrance. She stirred restlessly, running her fingers through his hair as his fingers gently opened her to allow him to slide his tongue in deeper. Whimpering softly, the throbbing between her legs intensifying, she began to move her hips slowly up to meet his tongue. “Please…”   Buffy begged, all previous reluctance forgotten as he soothed her with his gentle licks and delicate touches. 

Crawling up her body, Angel planted small kisses along her abdomen before stopping to nurse at her nipples once more. Sliding his erection inside her, he leaned down to kiss her, the taste of her on his mouth further adding to her desire. They made love with special tenderness, both aware of the second chance that they had finally been given. Angel heard only the faintest whisper from Buffy as she dropped off the sleep in his arms. “Angel…. love you.” Planting a soft kiss on her head, he closed his eyes and smiled. “I love you too.” 

***

They had only been sleeping for a short while when Connor burst into the room and jumped on the bed. “Daddy - daddy - daddy.” Connor chanted as he bounced on the bed, his words in time with his bounces. “Daddy-daddy-daddy.   I'm hungry.”

“Angel?” Buffy stirred at the sound of voices before snuggling her nose more firmly into his chest. Angel kissed the top of her head as he pulled the blankets up higher to ensure that she was covered.

At the sound of her voice, Connor stopped bouncing and peeked over Angel's shoulder at Buffy. “Why is Buffee in your bed? Was she scared?   I get in bed with you sometimes when I get scared.” 

Angel rolled onto his back still keeping Buffy pressed to him, and reached an arm around Connor, pulling him to lie down with them. He was trying to decide how to answer Connor's question, this being one of the few times to date that Connor had asked a question requiring something more ambiguous than complete truth. “You slept in her bed, so she slept here.” There. That was innocent enough.

“Oh.” Connor digested that for a moment, then leaned over to look at Buffy again. “I'm hungry. And we were going to play trucks.” Angel usually made Connor breakfast then they spent time together, either reading or playing. Early mornings were their time.

Angel glanced around the room at the scattered clothing, then over at the closed blinds on the window, noting that the sun was up. He had left the bag he packed - just in case, along with Buffy's Christmas presents, in the car. He'd just have to wake her and have her go get them.

“Buffy?” Angel shook her gently, smiling slightly at her nuzzling against his chest. “Buffy. Sweetheart.”

“Make love later….sleep now.” Buffy groggily responded, blissful and contented, still unaware that they had company.

“Can I make love too, Daddy?”   Connor, knowing only that he liked spending time with his Dad and Buffy, had no idea what he was asking. For all he was concerned, it was some new game. However, the innocent question brought Angel's eyes open with a snap. Oh boy. He did not want to discuss the facts of life with his 4-year old. 

”Connor, um, that's something that grown-ups do. You'll know more about it when you get older.” Much older, he hoped. “Hop up now and go wash your hands, ok?” Connor, confused by the strange request, nevertheless obeyed his dad and headed out of the room.

Angel moved quickly, rolling out of the bed and pulling on his pants before grabbing Buffy's robe out of her room. Pulling Buffy from the bed, he wrapping her in the robe and then hugged her to him. Burying his face in her neck, he murmured, “Welcome home. Again.” 

“Mmm. Thank you. That was a very, *very* nice welcoming.” Buffy wrapped her arms around Angel's neck. “And why are we up?”

“You'll learn that a four-year old can be very determined.” Angel smiled down at her just as the person in question entered the room. 

“Daddddyyy.” Connor whined. He wasn't used to competing for his Dad's attention, having been only a baby during the short time when Angel had been involved with Cordelia. 

“Connor. You know better than that. No whining.” Angel's voice was stern. “Buffy. Can you get my bag out of the car? It's a little bright out.” Angel shrugged slightly, hating to ask for favors. “You might also find some gifts in there for you…”

“Sure.” Buffy smiled, finally awake. “I just got you back, I don't want you flash-fried.” 

Buffy was back in minutes with Angel's bag and the small pile of presents. Squealing delightedly, she put the gifts on the chair then grabbed Angel, hugging him from behind. “Are these *all* for me?” 

“Maybe.” Angel laughed at her obvious happiness. “Breakfast first.”

Angel showered quickly and was making pancakes and eggs for breakfast when Willow and Tara appeared downstairs. Connor was contentedly eating and Buffy was still upstairs in the shower. 

They all ate, Buffy finally coming down to join them, talking companionably about various news items and things of interest. Buffy's face flushed bright red however, when Connor blurted out “Daddy and Bufee are going to make love later. Buffee said so.   I can't cuz it's something grown-ups do.” Willow and Tara laughed, not in the least bit surprised. Buffy made a mental note to herself to watch more closely what she said when young ears were present. 

After breakfast, Angel called LA to check in with the AI team. Luckily, things were quiet so he could stay another day without feeling guilty. Connor wanted to say hi to Cordy, so Angel put him on the phone.

“Hi Cordy.” Connor listened intently. “Yes…No. We're going to play trucks…No…Yes. Buffee slept in Daddy's bed.”

Angel turned and looked at Connor. What did Cordelia ask him? “Hey big guy, say goodbye to Cordy then give me the phone.” 

“Cordelia? What did you ask Connor?” Angel didn't think it was an appropriate topic of conversation for the 4 year old, much like the earlier comment at breakfast. (Angel had already talked to Connor about that comment, explaining that it was a *private* thing that grown-ups did, and he was not to discuss it anymore).   Cordelia said she just asked Connor where he slept, but Angel doubted her. Not knowing what else to say though, he left it at that and hung up.

“Daddy, Cordy says that Mommies and Daddies sleep together. Is Buffee's going to be my Mommy?” 

“Hum? What?” Angel was startled by Connor's question, now sure that Cordelia had said more that what she admitted to. “I don't know Connor. We'll have to wait and see.”

Later that night after Connor had gone to bed, Buffy and Angel exchanged their much belated Christmas gifts.   Angel was touched by the Claddagh ring that Buffy had bought him, as well as the antique books - one on Ireland, the other a book of poems. She was overwhelmed by the gifts he had selected for her. There was a diamond necklace and earrings, the diamond a simple round solitaire that appeared to be suspended in air. He had also given her a long strapless black dress, a pair of dainty but high heels, several vanilla scented candles (he knew she loved them), and some fuzzy bunny slippers that for some reason struck him as very Buffy when he had seen them. There were also chocolates, a couple of sweaters and various assorted items of lingerie.

Afterwards, they cuddled together on the couch, relaxed and happy. They had spent the day together as a family, playing with Connor this morning then the three of then slept the afternoon away on Buffy's bed.

“I have to go back to LA tomorrow.” Angel quietly ventured, stroking Buffy's hands that he had been holding. “I was thinking- hoping really- that maybe you'd want to come with. Maybe spend the summer.” This was the first time that they had opened up the subject of the future.

“Really?” Buffy had been wondering how they were going to manage this new relationship, but hadn't dared yet to bring it up. 

“Really.” Angel studied her expression intently, not wanting to pressure her in any way but wanting her to come back to LA with him. “Willow and Tara will take care of the house. We can work something out with Giles to keep up the patrols. You can come back to finish school, or you can transfer to UCLA - whatever you like.”

Buffy paused for only a moment before she shrieked and jumped on Angel, knocking him backward on the couch.   

“Is that a yes?” Angel murmured against her lips. 

“A definite yes.” Buffy's huge smile spoke volumes. Wrapping her arms around his neck, and coming up on tiptoe to press against him, Buffy whispered. “Angel. I love you.”

“I love you.” Angel kissed her, feeling truly blessed that they were together again. Minutes later he tossed her over his shoulder and carried her up the stairs. 

*** A few months later *** 

Buffy had only just entered the hotel lobby when Cordelia burst through at a run. 

“Gunn…. Angel… trapped….demon”   Cordy panted, trying to catch her breath and continue her run to the weapons closet. “Need bigger…. Weapon.”

Cordelia grabbed an old military rocket launcher and Buffy grabbed an axe out of the closet. Hauling it along with her usual bag of stakes and other weapons that she carried, she gestured to Cordelia. “Where?! Go. I'll follow.”

Cordelia let the way down to the pier, then to the small storage locker just to the left of a large warehouse.   As they reached the door, Cordelia was trying to figure out how to fire the rocket launcher. “Nooo!” Buffy shouted, noticing that Cordelia was aiming straight at the demon - and at Angel and Gunn. “You can't fire that thing in there. You'll blow them all up.” Buffy glanced inside, then cautioned Cordelia to watch out.

Wesley lay on the floor unconscious, Gunn and Angel were backed into the corner. Gunn's weapon had been knocked out of his hand by the exceptionally large, scaly, dragon-like demon so he stood behind Angel who was fending off the creature with the sword in his hand.

“Hey. Big ugly.” Buffy shouted at the thing before kicking at the spiny tail. The demon whirled quickly, extremely fast for it's size, and slapped her back against the wall.   Buffy rolled quickly out of reach, then swung the axe at its' leg just as Angel plunged his sword into it's neck from the opposite side. It still took the two of them, along with Gunn who had retrieved his weapon, considerable effort and quite a few more punches, kicks and stabs before the demon finally collapsed. 

Cordelia, who had been tending to Wesley, was helping him to stand now that he was conscious.

“What… was… that?” Buffy stopped, staring down at the creature.   Angel walked closer, preparing to check to see if the creature was dead. Gunn glanced at Buffy and simply stared. Her coat had come open during the struggle and now revealed her wearing a tiny plaid jumper and sheer white shirt, which teasingly revealed the dark shadows of her nipples in the dim light. She had started back to school at UC Sunnydale two weeks ago, but had cut class and come to LA two days early, having missed Angel after spending almost every day of the last two and a half months with him. She thought it would be fun to wear the outfit from her little adventure as a stripper - minus the shoes, which she had exchanged for a pair of simple white tennis shoes. Besides, he *had* asked her once to wear it for him. And now that she was back in school she thought it would be sort of fitting. She had even put her hair up in two ponytails and had a dum-dum sucker in her pocket, ready to complete the look. 

Cordelia, standing behind Buffy couldn't see what Gunn was seeing, but noticed his open-mouthed stare. “Gunn? You okay?” Angel looked up at Gunn then followed the path of his eyes.

Buffy, who had been intently watching Angel and the demon, preparing to jump in if needed, finally looked over at Gunn. It took her only a split second to realize why he was staring and to feel the cool air on her skin. The heat rushed to her cheeks, as she stared back seemingly frozen in her spot. 

Moving quietly, Angel shot Gunn a quick look before moving in front of Buffy and pulling her coat closed. “Buffy. Thanks for the help.” At the first touch of his lips on hers, Buffy wrapped her arms around his neck. Breaking off the kiss at the sound of Cordelia clearly her throat, Angel lifted his head. “I thought you weren't coming until Friday. You had classes?”

“That. Um, yeah, well. It's just intro stuff.” Buffy looked away shyly. She knew that Angel wanted her to take her education seriously and probably would not approve of her cutting classes already.

Angel whispered softly in her ear, “Now, Miss Summers. I think you should wait for me back at the hotel. We can discuss this when I return.” Kissing her again quickly, he turned back to help Gunn dispose of the demon.

When Angel returned to the hotel about an hour later, Buffy was curled up on the couch reading a textbook and Connor was in bed asleep. Buffy still had on her schoolgirl outfit, but had put on one of Angel's shirts over it. Stopping in front of her, Angel pulled her to her feet then kissed her, a hard, passionate kiss. His tongue pushed into her mouth, forcing her lips wider. Slanting his head to the side, he kissed her several times before sliding his shirt down her arms and off. Wrapping her arms around his neck, all games forgotten with his kisses, Buffy pressed closer and murmured, “Angelll… oh god… I want you.” 

“Miss Summers. Are you coming on to your instructor?” Angel unwrapped Buffy's arms from around him and held her back. 

“Angelll. Please, I'm dying for you. It's been two weeks…” Buffy whined softly, trying once again to wrap her arms around him. 

“Miss Summers. Please come here and we'll discuss your improper behavior.” Angel released her arms and walked past Buffy into the bedroom.

Buffy followed him inside.   “Close and lock the door please.”   Angel reclined in the chair next to the bed. They had learned from their exploits this summer that a locked door was, if not exactly a requirement, highly desirable.

“As your instructor, I feel responsible for your education. I believe that you had classes today and tomorrow, is that correct?” 

“Yes.”

“Yes, what?”

“Yes, sir?” Buffy fidgeted, her eyes drawn to the ridge of his arousal in his pants. She wanted nothing more than to make love to him, the last two weeks of abstinence feeling like two years after the hedonism of their summer together. 

“Very good. Are you skipping your classes?” 

“Yes. I mean, yes, sir.”

“Do you have a good reason for missing your classes Miss Summers?”

“Yes, I think so sir.”

“And what would that be?” Angel shifted in the chair, his erection growing by the minute. She looked incredibly sexy in that outfit, and he knew that she was more than a little aroused.   

“I needed to see you, sir.   I urgently need your help with a, er, subject that only you can help me with.” Buffy bit her lower lip, portraying the innocent schoolgirl act to perfection.

“I see. First, Miss Summers, let's talk about you breaking the rules. You know that you are not to wear your school uniform outside of this classroom, do you not?” 

“Um, yes sir.”

“And yet, you wore it on the bus here and down to the pier. Did anyone see you in your uniform Miss Summers?”

“Y-yes. Gunn.”

“Did anyone else see you? Anyone on the bus? Think carefully.” 

“No. No sir, I kept my coat tightly closed. It only came open during the fight with the demon.”

“Where is your bra, Miss Summers? Your nipples are clearly visible through your shirt.” Angel's voice was stern, the tone one of false prudery. “Are you trying to invite my attention?” 

“I left it in my bag sir. Oh, and ye-yes, sir. I was hoping that you would notice me.” Buffy looked shyly toward the floor.

“Your reason for being here is acceptable, Miss Summers. You will discuss missing any future classes with me, or risk being punished. You will receive demerits for shamelessly trying to attract my attention with your naughty behavior. However, you still must be punished for breaking the rules and wearing your uniform outside of class. Bend over and place your hands flat on the bed please.”

Buffy felt the heat rise within her another 10 degrees at his words. She was so hot for him now that she thought she would burst into flame. Turning to the bed, she bent over placed her palms flat on the crimson silk. This position caused her short shirt to ride up, exposing the firm globes of her ass. She was unable to see Angel, but she heard him stand up and move behind her. After only a few seconds, she heard him unbuckle and remove his belt. She tensed with anticipation, unsure what he was going to do. They had made love a lot this past summer, but they hadn't played this particular game…

Angel ran his eyes greedily over Buffy's behind and the tiny thong panties between her legs before raising the belt. Buffy flinched at the first slap of the leather against her bottom, then hissed as the belt struck her three more times. She waited tensely for the next blow, not daring to move, when she heard the belt hit the floor.

“Now Miss Summers. Please come here. I wish to discuss your wanton behavior.” Angel sat down in the chair again and gestured for Buffy to come close.

Buffy's ass burned where the belt had hit her, but it in no way compared to the fire burning inside her.   Reaching the chair where he sat, Angel grasped her hand and pulled Buffy on to his lap, seating her sideways.   Feeling the hardness of his erection under her now stinging bottom, she squirmed and tried to turn and wrap her arms around him. Grabbing both her wrists in one hand, he held her still. “No. First you must complete your lessons.”

“Angelll…” Buffy whined and pouted, wanting him inside her. Now.

Kissing her softly, teasingly, her murmured. “Lessons first. If you're very good and get an 'A' on today's lessons, you can choose your reward.”   He then removed the bands from her hair taking down her ponytails, before running his fingers through it and spreading it over her shoulders. “Any. Reward.” 

Buffy squeezed her legs together, attempting to ease the ache between her legs at his words. She knew what he meant, knew that he was offering her his exquisite talent for oral sex - something she had often selected as her prize during games played during the summer.

Sliding a hand up her leg and under her skirt, Angel felt the profusion of wetness on her thighs. “You're wet. Very wet. Is this normal for you Miss Summers?”

“No. Yes.” Buffy closed her eyes as Angel's hand reached her panties.

“Which is it?” Grasping the thin strip of material, Angel pulled it back and forth, using it to stroke across her sensitive clit.

“No, I'm not normally like this.   But I'm always like this with you, sir.” Buffy opened her eyes, wanting to tease him as much as he was teasing her. “Only with you.” 

Sliding his fingers inside her, he began to stroke slowly in and out. “Has anyone ever touched you here?”

“Yes, sir.” Arching against his fingers, her voice now as suggestive purr.

“Did you like it?” 

“Oh, yes sir.”

“Do you touch yourself Miss Summers?” Angel watched her face.

“Y-yes, sometimes.” 

“Show me.” Angel's husky whisper against her ear sent goose bumps racing through her entire body. Taking her hand, he guided it between her legs. Buffy moved her hand slowly up and down between her legs, concentrating on her clit. She flicked her clit with her fingers before squeezing it between her fingers, her hand picking up speed as she felt the beginnings of her orgasm.

“That was an excellent demonstration.” Angel stopped her hand and kissed her, a hot, intrusive kiss, his tongue moving in and out of mouth slowly. “Are you ready for your next lesson?”

Without waiting for her answer, Angel lifted Buffy to her feet, unzipped his pants and slid pants and boxers down his hips. “Take off your panties for me, Miss Summers.” Reaching out, Angel rubbed his fingers between her legs once again, sliding easily through the shiny wetness. Taking Buffy's hand once again, he guided her down on top of him, sliding his erection into her wet heat. 

Holding her still on his lap, Angel caressed her nipples through the thin fabric of her shirt, running his palms over them slowly before taking his nipples between his fingers and tugging firmly. “Your nipples are hard Miss Summers. Begging for my attentions. Were you hoping that I would touch them?”

“Yes, sir.” Buffy arched her back, pushing her breasts forward wanting him to touch them.

Unbuttoning her shirt and pushing it wide, Angel exposed her breasts to his gaze. 

“Your breasts are quite large Miss Summers. Have you been letting anyone touch them? Suck on them?” Angel stroked her breasts and nipples, caressing the soft flesh before pinching and plucking once again at the taut peaks.

“Oh no, sir.” Buffy moaned as Angel braced his feet and ground his hips into her bottom, moving slightly inside her and increasing the pressure on her sensitive clit.  Her voice was husky, seductive as she finished the sentence. “That would not be proper.” Buffy panted and thought back to their many lovemaking sessions over the summer, how Angel would often suck on her breasts until she came.

Leaning down, Angel teased one nipple with his tongue. At the sound of Buffy's whine, Angel lifted his head. “What do you want Miss Summers?”

“Please. Suck...it” Buffy was close to coming, her senses having been on fire for too long now, feeling over sensitized from their passionate game.

Nuzzling one peak gently with his lips, he teased her before closing his mouth tightly and sucking. At the first sucking pressure from his mouth, Buffy came, keening softly and bucking and arching against him. Angel held her for a few minutes, softly stroking her hair.

“Now for your extra credit assignment. Stand up.”

Buffy shook her head, not wanting to lose the delicious fullness between her legs.

“You must be an obedient and respectful student, or I won't be able to instruct you.” Angel lifted her to her feet before standing next to her. 

“Kneel down and take me in your hand Miss Summers. Place the tip in your mouth.” Angel reached down and ran his fingers through her hair, tucking it behind her ears. “Now slide it into your mouth. You'll be able to taste your sticky wetness on me.” Angel closed his eyes as Buffy's mouth closed over his cock. “Relax your throat so you can take all of it in.” Buffy's head moved slowly up and down until she was finally able to take his entire length into her mouth. Angel rocked back and forth several times, sliding in and out of her mouth. He groaned, knowing that he would soon shoot his seed down her throat if he didn't stop her.

Pulling her up by the hand, he pressed his lips to hers kissing her teasingly.

“Now Miss Summers. If you will lay back on the bed and spread your legs, I'll give you an 'A' on your lesson for today.” 

“Angel. Please. Fuck me. Now.” Angel's smile was wolfish as he crawled over Buffy and thrust inside her. Hips moving firmly, powerfully against hers in a passionate rhythm, Angel smiled against her lips and murmured. “Why Miss Summers, is that anyway to talk to your tutor?” 

***

Cordelia had heard the muffled sounds from the bedroom when she entered the apartment. Admittedly, her reason for being there was flimsy - she was dropping off a case file that she could have just as easily left on Angel's desk - but she wanted to know why Buffy was back already. Cordelia hoped that when Buffy left to go back to Sunnydale for school that she wouldn't have to see the little blond for a while. It was bad enough that she had spent the summer here.

As Cordelia heard the muffled moans from the bedroom, she shook her head. Did they ever do anything else? Much to her chagrin, she had walked in on them twice this past summer - of course, they hadn't even noticed her. 

The first time was when she was dropping off groceries after a Costco run. They had been so involved with each other that they had not even heard her enter the apartment. She stopped short, mesmerized by the site. Buffy was sprawled on the kitchen table, completely naked, her arms thrown over her head and her legs braced on Angel's shoulders. Angel stood at the end of the table, barefoot and shirtless, his head buried between her legs. As Cordelia watched, Buffy arched her hips against his face and moaned his name, clearly in the throes of orgasm. Angel raised his head and nuzzled Buffy's thigh, biting gently before saying “That was three. What was the bet again?” Buffy murmured “Ten. And you've only got 45 more minutes before Fred and Connor will be back.” before closing her eyes as Angel slid his hand between her legs and whispered “Mmm. You'll be sore by eight.” She had fled as Angel lowered his face once again to Buffy's crotch. 

Cordelia masturbated to that vision for several weeks, replacing herself for Buffy of course. And wondering the whole time what they had bet. And why she and Angel had never done that when they had been together.

The second time, she had been working late at the office, surfing the net and catching up on e-mail. She heard the door open to the office, and had heard their voices. From the sound of it, they were fighting.   Curious, and admittedly, somewhat hopeful that they were arguing, Cordelia peeked inside. Buffy was standing in front of Angel behind the desk. “Are you kidding me? You just spent the last two hours at the movie theater with your hand up my skirt, and *now* you want to check on a case?” Buffy pushed Angel down into the chair behind the desk, before reaching for his zipper. “I don't think so mister.” Buffy's head blocked her view of Angel's penis as she lowered her head and took it into her mouth. 

Cordelia closed her eyes as she recalled, vividly, every detail of Angel's erection. She had only used her mouth on him twice, it not being a particular favorite thing of hers to do, but feeling like she should return the favor. She could easily recall the pleasure that his talented mouth and long, hard length had given her. While she enjoyed sex - somewhat - Cordelia had never been the aggressor during their sexual encounters. The few times that Angel encouraged her to be on top had resulted in an unenthusiastic performance and disappointing experience for them both, so their repertoire had been pretty limited during the few short months they were involved.

Cordelia opened her eyes as Buffy moved to straddle Angel's lap, pulling up her skirt before kneeling in the chair and lowering herself on him. Angel's eyes were closed as Buffy began to move up and down, then his face was blocked from her view as Angel put his hand on the back of Buffy's head and pulled her face to his for a kiss.   Cordelia watched the couple, envious, as they made love in the office chair. They continued moving at a frenzied pace until she heard Angel growl Buffy's name and slam her hips into him. Buffy moaned, arching against him. Long minutes later, the couple finally stirred. “Where are my panties anyway?” Buffy asked, snuggled against Angel's chest, smiling. 

“I think I dropped them in the theater. I'll have to get you another pair.” Angel stood with Buffy still wrapped around him. Shifting her in his arms, he carried her down the hall. 

Cordelia wondered once again why Angel had never done that to her when they had been together. She thought the sex had been great, but it was never this uncontrollable, animalistic thing that he and Buffy seemed to have. She in fact thought that Buffy's aggressiveness would be a turn off.

Cordelia left the apartment, her expression thoughtful. She had been so happy when Buffy returned to Sunnydale to school. She never really liked Buffy, she hated seeing Buffy and Angel together and more than anything, Cordelia wanted Angel back. She'd just have to find a way to get “Miss Summers” out of their lives. Surely Angel would return to her if his precious Buffy was out of the picture… 

Chapter Four

"I wish you were here… IIII..wish you were hereee…" Buffy sang along with the radio as she drove to LA. She and Angel had been doing the semi-long-distance relationship thing for the last 4 months - alternating weekends between Sunnydale and LA as much as possible. They'd actually been able to spend every weekend together but two, and now that it was Christmas break, Buffy was looking forward to three whole weeks of uninterrupted Angel. He'd even promised to take some time off work and take the three of them to Yosemite. Connor was beyond excited at the prospect of playing in the snow.

Buffy had just exited off the freeway when she noticed a nicely dressed man standing at the entrance of a dark alley. His expensive BMW was parked on the street. That in itself was more than unusual for this neighborhood. As she looked in her rear view mirror, she saw a flash of light then the man was jerked into the alley.

"Oh, brother. Can't I just have a nice, peaceful holiday for a change." Buffy grumbled as she pulled the car over and got out to investigate. Peeking around the corner, she saw a beautiful woman - who then turned into a large, horned demon. The coarse clothing was a stark contrast to the shiny golden band around the arm of the beast. The demon had just snapped the neck of the man that he/she had apparently lured into the alley by appearing as a beautiful woman. Buffy watched as the demon picked the man's pockets.

"Great. Petty theft. During the holiday's no less." Buffy stepped forward with her crossbow aimed and ready to fire. The demon turned quickly, then began to change form. Within seconds, the demon appeared as Willow, then Xander, then Anya and even their new baby, Christina, before finally appearing as Angel. Buffy knew then that the demon was a shape shifter and had been reading through her thoughts before finally appearing as the most dominant one. Closing her eyes - after all, she was about to shoot an Angel look alike - she fired the crossbow. The demon yelled in pain, before turning back to it's earlier horned form and charging toward her. Buffy fought with the beast for quite awhile - it's strength formidable - before the clasp of the golden bracelet broke and it fell from the demons' arm. As soon as that happened, the demon's strength dropped by half, finally allowing Buffy to subdue it and snap it's neck. She slumped against the wall, blotting at the cut on her head that was bleeding into her eye. Sighing heavily, she finally moved, dragging the body farther into the dark alley before covering it with some boxes and newspaper. She'd see if Angel or Gunn could help her take care of the bodies later, right now she was exhausted and wanted a bath.

***

Buffy flinched and shot Angel a dirty look as he attempted to clean and bandage the cut on her head. Raising his eyebrow at her, he continued his ministrations while Wesley examined the bracelet that she had taken from the demon.

"Ah ha! I think I have it now. Angel, does this look at all familiar?" Wesley held up the item in question, which was so bright it was almost exuding light. It also seemed to hum with a strange energy.

Angel looked at Wesley, then the bracelet before returning his attention to Buffy. "No. Should it?" Now intent on checking her for other injuries, Angel was running his hands down her back. When she hissed as he found a cut on her back, he reached for the hem of sweater, planning to pull it over her head - without a thought about the company presently in the room. Which earned him a slap on the hand and another dirty look from Buffy.

Sighing, Angel stopped and turned to Wes. "What is it?"

"I believe this belongs to one of the Oracles. I thought maybe you would recognize it from one of your visits there." 

Angel looked more closely at the bracelet. "Could be. I don't really remember any jewelry. They did seem to have the same unusual light and energy though. Tomorrow we'll take it to them and see." Turning his back on Wesley, Angel pulled Buffy from her perch on the counter. He was intent on examining her for other injuries, whether she cooperated or not. If necessary, he knew of ways to convince her.

***

Buffy looked nervously to Angel as they stood in front of the portal to the Oracles. He had told her what to expect and had even given her another bracelet to offer as a gift if necessary.

Buffy nodded once, then stepped through the gateway.

"Slayer. Why are you here?" The two Oracles stepped forward, recognizing Buffy instantly.

"Um, I, uh, I found this bracelet. On a demon." Buffy looked around, amazed that such a place existed under a place like the deserted post office. "We thought it was yours." Buffy held out her hand with the bracelet.

"Oh, my bracelet." The female Oracle was clearly delighted as she reached out her hand and the bracelet sailed through the air to her.

"It was stolen from me days ago. I am happy to have it returned." The Oracles exchanged glances, too aware of the power of the bracelet in the wrong hands. "For returning this to me, you deserve a reward. What do you desire?" 

Clearly not expecting this, Buffy had no idea what to say, what to ask for. "Um…"

Regarding her carefully, the female Oracle said "You shall be given a gift, Slayer. Something that your heart desires." 

And with that, Buffy sailed out of the portal and into Angel who was waiting.

"Well?" 

"It was hers, Wes was right. She said something about a reward, but not what." Buffy grabbed Angel's hand, "Bracelet mystery solved. But it's Christmas Eve. We've got Connor's bike to put together for Santa delivery in the morning. Let's go home."

***

It was almost dawn when Buffy and Angel finally crawled into bed. They had assembled and wrapped the remaining gifts and now the apartment really did look like Santa had been by. The rest of the AI team was coming over later in the afternoon for dinner and gift exchanges - until then, it was just their little family. Connor was sleeping soundly and things were quiet.

The room was cast in a soft glow, illuminated only by the candles that Buffy had lit earlier. Buffy was wearing only a short red chemise, selected specifically for this evening - their first Christmas together as a couple in over 5 years. 

As Angel's lips traced a soft, slow pattern on her face, Buffy closed her eyes. "Mmm. Three weeks, uninterrupted. No school. Only a little work." She opened her eyes to look at him. "Remember - you promised."

Closing her eyes once again, she dropped her head back to the bed giving him access to her throat. His lips and tongue traced a small pattern, stopping to lick softly at her pulse which was slowly accelerating. "What do you think we can do with all that time?" he murmured against her.

"Well. Catch up on our-" Buffy gasped as Angel's teeth teased her nipple through the silky material.

"Our what, Sweetheart?" Angel looked down at her, smiling slightly before running his fingers through her hair on the pillow. Before she could answer, he pressed an open mouth kiss against her lips, his tongue caressing hers before sliding deep into her mouth.

Familiar sensations flared through her senses, heated her blood, warming her skin. How many times would they make love before it would take more than the merest touch from him, the slightest look and she was on fire with desire for him? Her response to him was showing no signs of dimming, despite the months together and hours spent making love. He only had to look at her, or she at him and it seemed that she was running wet with desire.

"You make me feel so good." Buffy purred as Angel lowered his head to torment her breasts through the thin material, sucking and biting at her nipples.

"You make me feel so-" Angel once again brushed his mouth against hers, "hard."

Returning his attentions back to her breasts, nuzzling and laving them, the material clinging wetly to the hardened peaks. Moving lower, his shoulders spread her legs with gentle pressure as he pressed his mouth to her wet center through the thin material of her gown. Delicately he caressed her through the silky material, teasing and tormenting her before finally lifting it out of the way to press his mouth to her naked flesh. Mercilessly he ate at her, using his teeth, lips and tongue to explore every inch of her hot, wet sex. As he licked a slow path down the swollen flesh her fingers tightened their grip on his hair, holding him against her as she whimpered softly. He loved the taste of her, the smell. He had long ago perfected the art of foreplay, understanding how the prolonged sensations could heighten passion to a feverish pitch. Teasing first with his tongue then closing his mouth around the taut nub of her clitoris, Angel sucked gently gradually increasing the pressure. Within minutes, Buffy gasped and came, moaning his name softly and arching against him. 

"Hmm. Now you look wet. Ready." Sliding one finger back and forth across her swollen flesh, he looked up at her with tantalizing promise in his eyes, his dark gaze provocative, sensual. "Are you ready for me?" Slowly he began rubbing circles around the now throbbing and sensitive clitoris, continue to torment her as her hips lifted in a rhythm to meet his hand.

"Yes Angel. Please…" Buffy groaned, highly sensitized and desperate to feel him inside her. 

Angel moved up her body slowly, planting soft nipping kisses and bites to her flesh along the way and sliding her chemise up her body and off. He paused to kiss her, his lips possessive and firm against hers, his tongue dueling with hers for dominance. Gripping her hips firmly, he surged forward plunging into her with barely restrained violence. Buffy's orgasmic cry ricocheted around the room as she came again with his first hard thrust. He waited for long minutes buried inside her, feeling her pulse around his hard cock. 

When she stilled, he slowly began to move his hips, thrusting with firm strokes. Nibbling at her ear and licking at his mark on her neck he whispered to her, telling her how good she felt, how he felt inside her. He promised pleasure in seductive love words that sent added spirals of heat swirling through her breasts and between her legs. Her breath now coming in little panting moans, her small hands clutched at his back and pulled him forward into her. Tiny feet slid up and down his calves, caressing, before continuing up along his thighs. Wrapping her legs around his waist, she pulled him closer, deeper.

Buffy planted small sucking kisses on Angel's neck and upper chest. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she tugged his head down for a kiss, her tongue teasing his lips before easing inside his mouth. Continuing to rock her hips against his, she slowly glided the sensitive pads of her fingers down his neck and over his broad, powerful shoulders. Palm flat and fingers splayed, she slid her hand down over the defined pectoral muscles to rest over his heart.

Suddenly Angel's eyes opened as he felt the blood surge through his body. His heart beat and he gasped for air - the first breath he had to take since the day that he was human. Buffy's eyes flew open as she felt the thumping of his heart under her hand. The orgasmic sensation now overwhelming with the added blood rushing through his body, Angel locked eyes with Buffy as he continued to plunge in and out of her body - his pace frantic and increasing. He felt her, sleek, wet and pulsing around him as he thrust deeper.

Buffy groaned as she reached her explosive climax, Angel following shortly pouring into her unchecked, each spasm riveting and acute, the world reduced to carnal physicality. Dropping his head to the pillow next to her, he clutched Buffy to him.

"Angel?" Buffy voice was soft, her hand still resting on his chest where his heart slowly ceased to beat. "Are-are you okay?" 

Leaning up, Angel kissed her tenderly. "Yes." The need to breathe now passed, his heart no longer beating - they looked at each other.

"What happened?" Buffy placed her hand on his face, soothing gently.

"I don't know." Angel was as confused as Buffy. Kissing her palm, he smiled slightly. "Maybe great sex?" He was confused himself but wanted to ease any of Buffy's fears.

Buffy tried to smile, but her face still held a worried look. "Do you think-"

Angel stopped her words with a kiss. He didn't understand what had happened in those few minutes - which now that they had passed, it was almost like he had imagined it, but he knew he didn't want Buffy to get her hopes up about the possible Shanshu. "I love you, Sweetheart. Merry Christmas." 

"I love you too Angel." Buffy sighed against him, knowing that Angel didn't want to analyze it further.

Rolling to her side, he pulled her close. Despite their contentment, it was a long while before either of them slept.

***

Squeals of delight from Connor roused Buffy and Angel early on Christmas morning as the little boy discovered his presents under the tree. They laughed at Connor's obvious enjoyment of his new bicycle (complete with training wheels) and various toys. Buffy was overwhelmed by Angel's generosity, having received several new outfits, a pair of exquisite peridot earrings (he said they reminded him of her eyes), a new pair of trendy sunglasses and a few choice lingerie items. Buffy had given Angel two new sweaters, a sword that she had picked up at an antique shop and thick silver chain.

Wesley, Fred, Cordelia, Gunn and even Lorne all arrived in the early afternoon, Angel and Buffy hosting dinner. After exchanging gifts, they all sat around talking, telling stories and watching Connor play with his new toys. Buffy missed the gang from Sunnydale, but felt a sense of utter contentment at being with Angel and his friends. 

Only Cordelia's occasional snide comments and rude remarks prevented the day from being absolutely perfect. And Buffy tired quickly, *very* quickly, of the 98 Degrees song - "The hardest thing I'll ever had to do" that Cordelia played over and over. Angel had given her the CD as a Christmas gift - and Cordelia was less than subtle in her attempts to imply that the song meant something more, that it reflected Angel's feelings for her. Little did Cordelia realize that Fred had actually picked it up for Angel - he knew nothing about their songs, only remembered that Cordy had mentioned she liked the group. Buffy had also raised her eyebrows, but to her credit said nothing, when Angel opened his gift from Cordy - boxer shorts, cologne and a "coupon" for a free day of pampering and a massage from Cordelia herself. Cordelia left no doubt that Angel could have anything he desired from her.

Later that night, after everyone had left and Connor had fallen asleep, exhausted from the events of the day, Buffy and Angel relaxed in their room.

"Oh Angel. Lookie. Another present." Buffy lifted the brightly wrapped box on the bed from somewhere on the floor. Angel lay on the bed, looking absently at a magazine while waiting for Buffy to come to bed. He smiled at her, wondering what she was up to. He had seen her bring that box in to their room earlier and hide it under the bed. 

Looking at her once again, he noticed that she was wearing his robe - which was covering her from head to toe. He frowned. That was very un-Buffy like. 

Buffy opened the box, then looked at him mischievously. Eyes sparkling, Buffy pulled out two crimson scarves. "What do we have here?" Buffy took a couple more items out of the box - a feather and two vibrators - one small one, the other slightly larger. 

"What do you have in mind?" Angel's interest was peaked.

"Well… I was thinking maybe there was one more, ummm, *thing* you might give me for Christmas." Buffy smiled coyly at Angel, moving closer to him on the bed and slowly looping one end of the scarf around his wrist and tying it snugly.

"Hmm. And what would that be?" Angel smiled slightly, his erection stirring.

"Well, I thought you might-" Buffy tugged the scarf through the slat in the headboard, pulling his wrist above his head. Straddling his chest, she pushed his other arm up and tied it with the other end of the scarf. Whispering softly against his lips "Indulge me in a little fantasy…" 

Buffy kissed him softly, teasing his lips with her tongue and nipping gently. Between kisses, Angel murmured, "I might." Sliding a pillow under his head, she kissed him again and asked "Comfy?" 

Without waiting for an answer, Buffy slid off the bed and pulled the blankets down exposing Angel's nude form. He was fully aroused, his erection lying hard against his stomach. Slowly she dropped her robe, revealing that she was wearing nothing but a silver waist chain and a matching silver choker. Angel felt a surge of lust at the sight of her. 

Picking up the other scarf, she tied it around his eyes. She knew that he was highly visual - rarely closing his eyes when they made love, preferring to watch her instead - so this would be a different experience for him.

Picking up the feather, Buffy trailed it lightly down his nose, tracing his lips before drawing a line down the middle of his chest with delicate strokes. Angel stirred, the tantalizing touch of the feather capturing his attention as he waited for the next stroke. Buffy continued to draw a path down his body, lightly caressing his stomach, his navel before moving down first one leg then the other, skipping his groin. Each time she drew near his erection with the feather, Angel tensed and pulled against the scarves holding his wrists, the anticipation heightening his senses. 

"Nuh-uh. No moving. This is my show." Buffy tapped him lightly on the hip before dropping the feather back in the box. 

Leaning down, Buffy ran her hand across Angel's chest, stroking softly with her fingertips. Leaning down, she sucked on his nipple. "You like?" 

"Not as much as you do." Angel murmured softly, knowing how much Buffy liked it when he kissed and fondled her breasts. Buffy returned her attention to his chest, continuing to torment his nipples, pulling them through her teeth before releasing them and sucking them back into her mouth harder.

Pressing kisses to his chest and stomach, Buffy reached down and lightly traced his cock with her fingertips, trailing her hand down slowly across his testicles, stopping to cup and roll them gently. Continuing on, her hand slid down between his legs to trace the sensitive flesh there. Sliding her hand up once more, she gripped his cock with forceful pressure and began moving her hand up and down stroking the velvety flesh. He grunted softly in surprise at her forceful grip before growling quietly, the sound rumbling deep within his chest. 

Licking her lips, she looked down at him. "Want me to kiss it?" 

Under the blindfold Angel closed his eyes, dropping his head to the bed. "Yess…"

"I get wet just thinking of this." Buffy murmured softly, leaving a wet trail of kisses along his body as she moved down and slid between his legs. Sitting back on her heels, she stared at his hard cock before using both hands to slowly caress and stroke every inch of his hard, smooth flesh. 

"I know." His voice soft, seductive, Angel wondered how much he would be able to take before he broke free, flipped her on her back and dived between her legs.

Opening her mouth wide, she enveloped his cock in her mouth until the tip rested against the back of her throat. Sucking softly, she moved her head up and down, sliding him deeper into her mouth, relaxing her throat muscles to swallow his entire length. Angel groaned and strained once against the bonds that held him.

"Mmm… I love your cock in my mouth. Your taste." Buffy lifted her head to look up at Angel from her position between his legs. Slowly she picked up the small vibrator and turned it on. Angel jerked at the first touch of it against his arousal. "Should I swallow it - when you come?" Without waiting for an answer, her mouth followed the path of the vibrator as she used it to caress him, planting open-mouthed wet kisses to his cock before sucking his balls into her mouth. As she ran her tongue across them, she slipped the vibrator lower and pressed it between his bottom cheeks. Slowly sliding the tip inside his asshole, she murmured, "Do like that baby?" Angel stirred and released an unneeded breath, his focus entirely on the sensations that were converging under Buffy's attentions. 

Returning her mouth to suck greedily at his cock, Buffy took it deep in to her mouth and throat. She tormented and teased him, bobbing her head as she sucked and gently moved the top vibrator slightly in and out to the same rhythm. 

"Would you want to do that to me?" Buffy's words combined with the physical sensation of her mouth and the vibrator, topped off by the imagined sight of Buffy kneeling between his legs was more than enough - Angel came - his cock twitching as he shot his seed down Buffy's throat. She sucked and licked gently for long minutes, waiting while Angel recovered from his orgasm before turning off the small vibrator and dropping it on the bed.

Climbing up his body, Buffy straddled his waist, moving so that his erection pressed against the crack of her bottom. 

"Did you like that?" Buffy murmured, leaning down to kiss him softly on the lips. Removing the blindfold, she kissed each eyelid before returning to his lips.

"Mmm. Couldn't you tell?" Angel softly whispered against her lips. "When do I get my turn?" 

"Later. Much later…" Buffy whispered huskily as she picked up the larger vibrator and turned it on. "Now watch." Staring down at him, Buffy rose to her knees. Using the vibrator, she teased her jewel-hard nipples before trailing it down her flat stomach and between her legs.

Angel's erection stiffened quickly as he thought about Buffy masturbating on top of him, his hands still tied over his head. As he watched, Buffy slid the vibrator across her clit and labia, whimpering softly. He could hear the soft squishing sounds of her wetness as she slid the vibrator between her legs, sawing back and forth across her wet cleft. Her breath coming in short pants, Buffy closed her eyes and dropped her head back, her hand moving the vibrator slow and sure between her legs. One hand reached up to squeeze her breast and pluck at her nipple before bracing herself on his chest, nails curled. With her hips moving in rhythm to the motions of her hand, Buffy pushed back against Angel's cock, now pressing firmly to the sensitive area between her bottom cheeks. Angel moved his hips slightly upward, rubbing against her as she moved. "Oh god….Angellll…" After several minutes, Buffy cried out and leaned forward, reaching her climax. "Ooooh. That was….really… ummm…" 

"Untie me." Angel murmured softly, looking down at the top of Buffy's head where she rested on top of him. Once more he pulled against the scarf that held him, testing the strength of the tie. He knew that he could tear it if he wanted to but he'd play along with her - for a while more at least.

"Ummm. No. Not yet. You're still my fuck toy." Buffy smiled teasingly and looked up at Angel as she removed the vibrator from between her legs. Holding it against his lips, she whispered "Taste…". Angel hesitated for a brief second before his tongue lapped at her juices evident on the device. As he opened his mouth, Buffy slid the vibrator slowly in and out between his lips. "Hmmm You look like you might have done this before."

Angel's eyes met Buffy's. He had done a lot of things in his long life as a demon that might surprise her. Well, he'd save that for another time - or perhaps never. He appreciated her naiveté about some things - no need to spoil it. "Maybe."

Tossing the vibrator aside, she kissed him, gradually building up pressure as she probed his mouth with her tongue and wrapped her arms around his head to hold him close. She kissed him for several long minutes before shifting up and pressing her nipple against his lips. "Lick…"

Angel swept his tongue across her nipple and aureole, laving the spiked tip roughly. "Suck…" Buffy's voice was soft, her breathing harsh and irregular. Angel obeyed, suckling fiercely at her breasts as she offered him first one then the other.

Panting heavily and close to orgasm, Buffy moved backward and slowly eased his erection inside her. Angel watched her through half-closed eyes as she moved up and down on him. "Ride me." His voice was a harsh whisper.

Outside their bedroom door, Cordelia was arguing with Gunn. "I told you - I had a vision. Buffy is going to stake him!" Gunn looked sideways at Cordelia, a little irritated and groggy since she had woken him up and dragged him down here. Not to mention that he wasn't sure he believed her story completely - he had heard more than a few lies from her in the past few months, all intended to cause trouble between Buffy and Angel. He did know one thing though - he really did not want to bust into their bedroom if they were "occupied". "Delia, are you sure? I mean 100%, absolutely sure of what you saw? And when?" 

"If you don't bust through that door right now, our friend is going to have to vacuumed up with the dust buster - I know it!" Cordelia hoped she was convincing - she wasn't telling the truth, but anything that might keep Buffy and Angel apart was good in her book. If Angel thought Buffy would stake him, then surely he'd stay away from her… 

"I'll knock - but I am *not* going in there." Gunn was adamant, particularly since he could hear soft sounds through the door. He had a pretty good idea what was going on, and was sure that both vampire and slayer would be pretty pissed off if they were interrupted. 

Cordelia shot him a dirty look, then knocked hard on the door yelling. "Angel?!"

After a few seconds, she knocked again harder. "Angel! Damn it - answer me!"

"What do you want Cordelia?" Buffy's muffled voice could be heard through the door.

"I want to talk to Angel." Cordelia put her hand on the doorknob, prepared to turn it.

"He's busy." Buffy smiled down at Angel as she rocked her hips slowly back and forth, her groin pressed firmly into his.

"Buffy. I *need* to see Angel. I had a vision." Cordelia was getting frustrated. Gunn shugged, leaning back against the wall sleepily.

"Cordy…unless it's world…in peril stuff… we'll deal..with it..tomorrow." Angel answered, his voice sounding throaty and deep and punctuated with pauses.

Gunn smiled leeringly at Cordelia, "I think they might be a little busy right now."

"But Angel. In my vision Buffy staked you." Cordelia stammered, clearly expecting that they would take her seriously - or at least stop fucking for a minute and listen… 

"Are you sure you didn't see Angel staking *me*?" Buffy smiled again, the idea of staking Angel so far removed from her mind that it didn't even seem plausible. But him staking her - well, she planned for that to keep happening.

"It was a vision Buffy. They usually do come true." Cordelia retorted. Impatient, Cordelia tried to open the door. It was locked. "Let me in."

"Let's talk about it tomorrow." Angel was trying hard to concentrate, but finding it difficult as Buffy continued her subtle movements.

"Besides, there are no stakes in here Cordy. He's safe - relatively." Buffy looked down at Angel, feeling another wave of desire at the sight of him between her legs, the crimson tie around his wrists which rested on the pillows above his head. "For now." Her last words only loud enough for Angel to hear.

"Good night Cordelia. Gunn." Angel turned his attention back to Buffy, dismissing their uninvited guests.

"I'm not leaving until I see you Angel." Cordelia was incredulous that they would ignore her.

"Then you'll be waiting until morning, Cordy." Buffy had no intention of leaving her position, happily perched on Angel's lap.

"Daddy?" Connor walked sleepily into the room behind Cordelia and Gunn, Cordelia's shouting through the door having awakened him. "What's goin' on?" 

At the sound of Connor's voice, Buffy sighed heavily and leaned down to untie Angel's wrists. "Game Over." Kissing him quickly, she climbed off him. Scooping up the sex toys strewn on the bed, she threw them into the box that she shoved under the bed. Angel pulled on his sweats as Buffy grabbed Angel's robe and put it on. 

Buffy opened the door and gave Cordelia an irritated look. "Connor honey, say good night to Daddy. He has to talk to Aunt Cordy." Buffy picked Connor up and walked over to Angel. 

"Hey big guy, you should still be in bed." Angel ruffled Connor's hair then kissed his head, noticing that the little boy was already starting to doze off in Buffy's arms. Buffy padded down the hall to Connor's room.

"This better be good." Angel turned to Cordelia, crossing his arms over his chest. Naked chest, she noticed.

"I-I, had a vision. Buffy killed you. I just thought you should know, but excuuuse me for caring." 

"I appreciate your concern Cordelia, but I don't think that there's anything to worry about."

"But, it was a vision Angel." Cordelia was insistent.

"You told me that not all your visions are clear, maybe you just misunderstood what you saw." Angel softened, he felt responsible that Cordelia had visions and he knew that they were painful for her. "Look, I appreciate your concern but there's nothing to worry about. Just go home and get some rest."

"Sorry Angel. Didn't mean to interrupt anything." Gunn smiled.

"You have no idea." Angel's expression said it all. 

"'Night." Gunn pushed away from the wall and took Cordelia's arm, leading her out. As they left, Gunn's voice could be heard clearly as he chastised Cordelia for dragging him out in the middle of the night. He had seen Buffy throw herself in front of danger time and again to protect Angel during the past few months of patrolling and fighting with her - he didn't believe that she would ever hurt him. 

Angel turned to Buffy as she walked up to him. "Now, where were we?" Wrapping his arm around her shoulder, he pulled Buffy close, nuzzling her cheek.

Buffy pouted. "They interrupted my game. And now you're untied."

Angel kissed her, whispering against her lips with a small smile. "Should we start over? Or maybe I can make it up to you… somehow…" 

Picking Buffy up in his arms, Angel headed into the bedroom, kicking the door shut with his foot. Quickly divesting them both of their clothes, Angel sat down on the bed and pulled Buffy into his lap. Kissing her heatedly, his hands roamed down her body.

"I can't get enough of you," Buffy sighed as Angel rolled her on to her back.

"I'll see what I can do" Angel murmured, his lips against her breast as he began a slow lazy rhythm with his hips, pushing her higher. Reaching down to tease her clit, Angel drew out their pleasure, Buffy coming twice more before Angel finally stiffened against her and found his release. Pressed close together, content, they slept. 

***

Buffy, Angel and Connor spent the next 4 days at Yosemite. Buffy took Connor out during the day to play in the snow, at night the three of them went on hikes through the cold and quiet valley. 

Only once did they run into any demons - Buffy yelling for Angel to take Connor back to the cabin, Angel yelling the same thing at her before he finally relented. Angel paced until Buffy returned unharmed. Even though he knew she patrolled alone in Sunnydale, he still worried about her.

It was a rare time for them - no worries, just their own little family. Angel admitted to Buffy that he was nervous about Connor's future. The little boy would be starting school soon - how would that look to have a parent that could never show to parent/teacher conferences or daytime activities? Buffy said she'd always be there to help out, that she could be surrogate mom for Connor. 

Angel studied her carefully, glad to hear her say the words that he had so wanted to hear. He had bought a ring for her several months ago - a platinum Claddagh ring that had a large heart shaped diamond in the middle. He still didn't feel that he could offer her much, but he was going to offer marriage, his heart and a pre-made family. He just wanted to wait until she finished college before proposing, not wanting to alter her immediate plans.

***

"Buf-" Angel turned toward the door at the sound of it opening, "Cordelia. I thought you might be Buffy." He had been trying to reach Buffy on her cell phone for the last hour without success. She'd gone out to run a few errands, but hadn't returned yet and he was starting to worry. It was New Year's Eve and he knew how much she was looking forward to going out tonight to celebrate. 

"Oh. She called earlier. She was just leaving the mall, so she should be in about half an hour or so." Cordelia walked slowly into the room, her hands behind her back. She had, in fact, seen Buffy parking her car outside, therefore giving her the perfect opportunity to put her next plan in motion. She'd been feeling disgruntled ever since her last plan seemed to have failed so miserably.

Angel looked up at Cordelia's words, surprised. Buffy never called on the main office phone line that Cordy answered, she always called him directly either at the apartment or on his cell phone, but if she had called there was no message in either place. 

"What's that on your shirt?" Cordy moved closer, pointing toward the collar of Angel's shirt. As she reached him, Cordelia moved her hand from behind her back and carefully smeared the lipstick from her finger on the shirt. "Oh. Lipstick. Here, let me have that - if you don't clean it properly, it won't come out." Against his subtle protestations, she unbuttoned Angel's shirt and dropped it on the back of the couch.

"Listen. Angel. I need a favor." Once his back was turned, Cordy dropped the object that she had been holding behind her back on the floor, kicked off her shoes and followed Angel into the bedroom. He was standing near the open closet. "I've got an audition tomorrow for a commercial - it's a sudden thing, the girl got sick or something. And, well - the audition requires me to kiss a guy. I'd feel better going into it if I could practice a little bit first. Would you kiss me? Just for practice."

Angel took a step backward and looked at Cordelia warily. "Uh, Cordy. You know I'd always help you with just about anything but, but- can't you ask Wes or Gunn?"

"If I asked them they'd think that I was coming on to them or something. You know how much the acting thing means to me. Please. You're the only person I could ask." Cordelia turned all every ounce of acting ability she possessed to appear both innocent and on the verge of tears. "Just one kiss? Pleeaasse? As a friend helping out another friend? Look Angel, I know you're with Buffy. No one will even have to know."

Angel always had a weakness for beautiful women, and beautiful women in distress were particularly difficult for him to resist. He was still uncertain and reluctant when Cordelia stepped forward and slid her arms around his neck. He moved back a step, but she only followed, leaning more heavily into him. "Please, Angel?" Pulling his head toward hers, she pressed her lips against him.

Buffy opened the door to the apartment and set her packages down. It had taken her longer than she had expected, but it had been worth the wait. She had a picture of her and Connor that had been taken at Christmas blown up and framed, planning to give it to Angel tonight as part of their new year celebration.

She smiled, noticing the high-heeled shoes on the floor, then Angel's shirt on the back of the couch. He was usually so meticulous that it was rare to see things strewn about. What was he up to? Walking closer, she realized that the shoes were not hers. They were at least a size 10 - much too big for her size 5 ½ feet. As she picked up the object on the floor next to them, she heard a sound from the bedroom. What she saw next made her chest constrict with pain and the smile vanished from her face.

Angel pulled away from Cordelia just seconds after she had pressed her body to his. "Cord-"

"Am I interrupting something?" Buffy's voice was calm, betraying none of the hurt and anger that she was feeling. Dangling Cordelia's panties from the tip of her finger, she held them out.

At the sound of Buffy's voice, Cordelia turned toward the door but kept her arms around Angel's neck, schooling her features into the best guilty expression she could come up with.

"Buffy. It's not what you think." Angel unwrapped Cordelia's arms from around his neck and moved past her toward Buffy.

Buffy stepped back, dropping the offensive object from her hand. "Oh. You're not planning on screwing Cordelia in our bed? Cuz that's what I'm thinking."

"It's not like we haven't done it there before, Buffy, remember it was Angel's bed-" Cordelia's voice was a contradictory mix of innocence and a sneer.

"Cordelia." Cutting her off, the anger evident in his voice, Angel's tone was enough to prevent even Cordelia from saying anything else. "Buffy-"

"Get out." Buffy stared at the brunette coldly, events of the past several months now making sense. Messages left for Angel that were never delivered, times or dates that were mixed up, clothes of hers left at the apartment that were torn or ruined without explanation… She wanted to talk to Angel, but not with Cordelia still in the apartment.

Dropping her gaze from Buffy's angry stare, Cordelia gathered her panties and shoes and left the apartment.

Turning once again to Angel, Buffy crossed her arms over her chest and waited.

"Buffy. Cordelia said she had an audition tomorrow. That she needed to practice kissing for it and asked for my help."

Buffy raised her eyebrows but said nothing, clearly skeptical of the brunette's motives.

"I wasn't going to help her, but she sort of threw herself at me before I knew what was happening. I'm not sure that I *wouldn't* have helped her. She has done a lot for me." Angel paused, waiting for Buffy's reaction.

"Go on. Why were you half dressed? And in the bedroom?" Buffy was working hard to control her emotions. "Why were her panties out here? With. Your. Shirt."

"She said I had something on my shirt - she offered to take it to have it cleaned." Buffy looked pointedly at the shirt in question, still draped over the back of the couch. Angel shrugged. "She followed me into the bedroom when I went to get another shirt. As for her underwear - I don't know. I promise you, nothing happened other than a very brief - and somewhat unpleasant - kiss." Angel held out his hands in supplication, wanting Buffy to believe him.

Buffy took a deep breath and looked away, needing a moment to collect her thoughts. What did she believe? Did she trust Angel? Did he really want Cordelia? Suddenly she was feeling a sense of déjà vu - the insecurities she felt in high school when Angel and Faith had kissed and had pretended to be together surfaced. But, they had put that behind them…

"Angel. You know I love you." Buffy quiet voice broke the long silence. "But I don't trust Cordelia." Buffy paused as Angel stepped toward her. "I think she's trying to cause trouble between us. Think about it - all the messed up messages over the last few months, my stuff getting mysteriously ruined - she has to be behind it. I don't even have to mention her 'vision' of me staking you." 

"I don't think she's intentionally causing problems, Buffy." Angel wasn't ready to see that Cordelia could still be as much of a bitch as she had ever been in high school - maybe even more. All he knew was that she had helped him out and stuck by him when he needed it. She was a dear friend to him and he loved her as such. If nothing, Angel was loyal to his friends. He couldn't abandon her. "She's had it rough - with her family losing their home, then the painful visions. She's trying hard to make it with her acting career, but it's tough. And I know she's lonely." Stepping closer, Angel pulled tried to pull Buffy into his arms. "She knows I love you. But even more importantly, *I* know that I love you. I would never cheat on you."

Buffy resisted Angel's attempts to pull her close, stepping back to look up into his face. She knew that it was going to be a challenge for her to put this behind her, but if she couldn't trust Angel then they couldn't have much of a relationship anyway. "Angel. I trust you. I have to trust you if we are going to make this - us - work. I believe you - about what happened with Cordy." Buffy looked away, finding it hard to find any more words to convey her feelings. 

Turning back to Angel, Buffy stepped into his embrace. Closing her eyes, she surrendered to Angel's kiss hoping to wash away the vision of Cordelia in his arms.

Angel kissed Buffy gently on the forehead, then her eyes and nose before finally stopping once again on her lips. "Besides, you keep me too tired out to fool around with anyone else." Smiling slightly against her lips he kissed her again, hoping to lighten her mood and reassure her of his feelings.

***

The tension was noticeable as the gang made their way to the nightclub where they had planned to spend New Years Eve. Buffy all but ignored Cordelia while Cordelia kept her constant chatter of catty comments and rude remarks. As if starting off the evening by criticizing Buffy's outfit were not bad enough, Cordelia had pushed her way in front of Buffy to slide into the middle of the front seat of the car, next to Angel. Buffy met Angel's eyes over the car's roof, clearing indicating that he needed to deal with Cordelia or she would. Angel sighed, knowing Buffy was right, but then he was never good at confrontation of this sort… 

Buffy stood out like a jewel as they entered the club, dressed in a simple turquoise slip dress, figure hugging and provocative, her blond hair flowing long and straight down her back. Many of the men in the club noticed her instantly, watching her as their group made their way to a table. The large, glowering man at her side would have done more to deter their attentions had he not had a brunette clinging closely to his arm. 

Buffy was annoyed with Angel, the earlier incident with Cordelia still fresh in her mind and now having to put up with her antics tonight. Why couldn't Angel just deal with her straight out? Why was he always making excuses and allowances for her? 

Not long after they arrived, a tall, good-looking man worked up his nerve and stepped up to Buffy and asked her to dance. Buffy looked over at Angel, expecting some reaction, but he missed the whole exchange as he was leaning down to hear something that Cordelia had to say. And Cordelia, she was taking full advantage of the opportunity and was pressing her breasts firmly against Angel's arm. In a fit of anger and frustration, Buffy accepted the invitation and headed out to the dance floor. 

Angel noticed that Buffy was no longer at the table the second he turned away from Cordelia. Thinking that perhaps she went to the ladies room, he looked around the club distractedly then back at the group seated at the table. Wes, Fred and Gunn all stared at him nervously, Fred looking at the dance floor then back again. Out of the corner of his eye, Angel caught a glimpse of the turquoise color that Buffy had been wearing. Turning his head, he expected to see her making her way back to the table. He was not expecting to see her dancing. Or smiling. At some stranger on the dance floor. Angel stood so quickly that he nearly knocked his chair over backward. As he watched, Buffy danced toward the man then leaned in to hear something he said. She smiled, shook her head, then moved back and continued to move in a manner that in his mind was rather suggestive. Angel loved to watch her dance, her movements always sensuous and seductive, but only with him. Only for him. Fred, sitting closest to Angel, wondered if he realized that he was growling. Cordelia sat back and smiled, hoping that a chasm was opening between Buffy and Angel. From all appearances, this plan was finally working. 

As the song ended, Buffy thanked Alex (she now knew his name) for the dance, then started back toward the table. As she made her way through the crowd, she was stopped several times and offered drinks or asked to dance. She politely declined all, now feeling rather childish and immature. Glancing up, she saw Angel standing at the table looking toward her, his expression rather forbidding. Suddenly feeling a momentary panic, Buffy veered left and headed toward the ladies room. Angel tracked her progress with his eyes, sniffing in irritation each time some guy stopped her or talked with her. 

As soon as Buffy exited the ladies room, Angel grabbed her wrist and pulled him behind her. "Angel. What are you doing?" Buffy tugged, but was unable to release his grip without making a complete scene.

Angel pulled Buffy into the small room storage room at the back of the club. 

"After watching so many *boys* out there pant after you, I'm feeling possessive." 

Reaching out, he slipped one strap of her dress down her shoulder. 

"Angel…" Buffy swallowed nervously, unsure of Angel's intentions.

He slipped the second strap down tracing his finger over the low décolletage of her dress before tracing the scar on her neck. "I've already marked you as mine. Maybe I need to do it again."

"Angel… what are you-" Buffy took a step back.

Deliberately he leaned into her, pressing her back against the door as he kissed her, a demanding, forceful kiss intended to lay claim and establish ownership. Raising his head slightly, he murmured against her lips "You're not going anywhere. Yet."

Holding her immobile with his weight against the door, he ran his hand up her arms and tugged her dress down, exposing her breasts to his heated gaze. Cupping her breasts, he lifted them kneading them softly before rolling her nipples between his fingers. "Perfect. Beautiful. Mine." Tugging again on her nipples, Angel swept his tongue across her lips before he sucked her lower lip into his mouth. 

After a few minutes, Buffy broke the kiss to catch her breath, dropping her head back to the door. Angel slid his hands to her waist and shifted his attention to her throat, exposed as if she were offering it to him. He nibbled softly at his mark on her neck before he sucked her skin into his mouth. Sucking harder, he intended on leaving his mark on her again - albeit a mark of a different sort. Finally lifting his head, he looked at the faint purple hickey forming and smiled slightly. That would do. For a start. "I want to fuck you senseless."

"Please Angel" she insisted breathily, her annoyance with him forgotten in the heat of passion. Her body responding to the feel of his hands on her body, the pressure of his lips on hers, the hard erection pressed into her stomach.

"Soon…" Licking the hard tip of one nipple, he slowly drew the taut tip into his mouth and sucked. "If you ask nicely."

Buffy knew she should be angry, she should reject his authoritative and primitive behavior. But with his mouth sucking firmly on her nipple, she felt nothing but the racing heat of lust as it melted through her senses. "Please Angel. Please. Now…"

Pausing, his lips still close to her skin her murmured "Good girl."

Buffy shifted against the door, desire surging through her. "What do you want me to do?" She breathed softly, shivering slightly. 

"Turn around and put your hands against the door." 

Buffy bit her lip to stifle a whimper, the pulsing between her legs intensifying at his heated suggestion.

Lifting up her skirt with one hand, he stripped the thong panties down her legs with the other, placing them in his pocket. "Spread your legs." Moving forward and unbuttoning his pants, Angel ran his hand down the curve of her behind before sliding it between her legs. "Wider."

Buffy complied with his request, spreading her legs wide as he held her skirt up on her back.

"Wet already, Sweetheart." Stroking his fingers across her clit, he teased her. With a twist of his wrist he deftly slid two fingers inside her. "Is that from dancing with that boy down there?" His voice was tinged with anger as he thought again about her dancing. 

"Hard already, lover. Is that from Cordelia whispering in your ear and pressing her boobs into your arm?" Buffy looked back over her shoulder, her voice filled with sarcastic sweetness.

Sliding the head of his erection against her bottom "Hardly." Angel snorted. "No. I only seem to want your hot little body. Your wet pussy."

Tightening his grip on her hips, he slid inside her. She moaned softly as his rigid length invaded her, filling her. Bracing her arms against the door, she pushed back against Angel as he surged forward thrusting hard, slow and deep inside her. Leaning forward, Angel pressed his chest to her back kissing her nape and whispering heatedly against her warm skin. "Do you want anyone else Buffy? Do you want another man's cock? Tell me." Each word punctuated with a firm thrust. 

"Only…you… Angel. Always…only…you" Buffy breathed in response, concentrating on the delicious feelings racing through her. She surrendered to the feeling, his body hard against hers driving into her over and over again, her breath coming in panting gasps, small whimpers escaping her lips. 

"Come for me, Sweetheart. I want to feel your sticky wetness." Angel's hands released her hips, sliding up to clamp around her breasts caressing and tugging on her nipples once more. One hand continued down her body to explore her firm stomach, then lower still to caress her clit as he continued to plunder her body. 

"You can't make any noise when you come, they'll hear you." His words, whispered harshly against her neck set off her orgasm. He continued to thrust as he felt the ripples of her climax around him. With three more deep strokes, Angel shuddered and sighed, releasing his seed into her body.

Kissing her neck softly, Angel regretted his behavior. He knew that he had acted rashly and impulsively. He only hoped that he didn't hurt her in any way. "Sweetheart, I-" Buffy pulled away from him, wrapping her arms around his neck and pressing her lips to his.

Her hands, hot, demanding and urgent began unbuttoning his shirt. She stroked his chest, possessively claiming him for her own. She felt the same irrational possessiveness that he did. "Perfect. Gorgeous. Mine." Meeting his eyes briefly, Buffy dropped to her knees. Taking his semi-erect and sticky cock in her hand, she looked up at him again before taking him into her mouth. Bobbing her head up and down, Buffy sucked voraciously before using her teeth to scrape gently across the tip. Within minutes, Angel felt himself once again close to exploding.

Reaching down, Angel pulled Buffy up meeting her eyes briefly before closing them and pressing his lips to hers. Kissing her hungrily, he walked her backward. As Angel slid his hands under her bottom and lifted her, she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and her legs around his hips. Surging forward, he slid inside her and began to move. Buffy met his hard driving rhythm with a selfish violence immune to reason, frantic and panting. Inflamed and overwrought she abruptly bit his neck. Grunting in pain, he resisted the urge to bite back, unsure if he would be able to control his demon impulses if he did.

She was so hot, tight and wet around him that Angel gritted his teeth trying to control himself and hold back. Kissing her again, he thrust his tongue into her mouth matching the rhythm of his hips as he thrust inside her. 

His mouth captured her scream as she bucked hard against him, pulsing and coming. Jerking her lips away, she sank her teeth into his neck while her nails were digging into his back through the shirt and jacket he still wore. Tension building inside him, Angel drove hard into Buffy before finally releasing a groan of his own and clutching her hard against him as he once more shot his seed inside her.

Between kisses, they fixed their clothing and talked. They both realized that they were jealous and possessive, Angel admitted that he needed to talk to Cordelia but he didn't want to hurt her feelings, Buffy finally grumbling that she didn't have either mirror or comb and hoped that she looked presentable. 

"Where have you been?" Cordelia smiled brightly as Angel walked up to the table, not realizing that his tall frame was blocking Buffy, who was close behind him with her hand tucked into his. "Were there dem- Oh." The smiled vanished from her face as she took in their appearance. Buffy was flushed, but appeared to be relaxed and languid. Her lips were slightly swollen from their passionate kisses and the bite mark on her neck was obvious. Angel's hair wasn't gelled as perfectly as it had been earlier and he too had obvious teeth marks on his neck.

"Do you guys ever do anything else?" Cordelia stomped off to the bar, needing a few more cosmopolitans to wipe the vision of Angel and Buffy out of her mind. Gunn, knowing that she already had three, stopped her and led her out to the dance floor instead.

Alex looked around the crowded club, knowing that it was getting close to midnight and hoping that he might be close to Buffy for the midnight kiss. Spotting her, he headed toward her just as she pulled Angel out on the dance floor. The countdown had only reached 8 when Buffy pulled Angel's head down to hers for a heated kiss that lasted all the way through the countdown to midnight and then some. Alex stopped short. From the looks of that kiss, he knew he didn't stand a chance. Sighing, he moved off in search of a new partner.

***

A few weeks later… 

Yawning, Buffy rubbed the sleep from her eyes. Her stomach rolled and a wave of nausea assaulted her. She knew from her experience of the past few mornings that she'd probably lose the contents of her stomach in a few minutes, but eventually the feeling would pass and she'd feel better - tired, but at least not nauseous. Groaning, she rolled quickly out of bed and headed for the bathroom.

Later that morning, Buffy sipped a cup of weak tea and examined the results of the pregnancy test that she had picked up yesterday. She could deny it no longer. All of her symptoms - including her lack of her menses since before Christmas - all pointed to one thing, which the test now confirmed. Buffy was pregnant. But how? Of course, Angel had Connor - maybe a second miracle baby? She had to believe that it could be. She was nervous and excited, all at once. She had so wanted Angel's baby. But what was his reaction going to be? 

***

Buffy made her way slowly into the hotel. She still wasn't sure how she was going to tell Angel and she was increasingly nervous about his response. And she was early. He wasn't expecting her until tomorrow - along with all her friends from Sunnydale. Angel had planned a birthday party for her in LA, so the entire gang was going to make the trip over.

"Oh, Buffy. It's you." Cordelia couldn't keep the hostility out of her voice as she saw Buffy walk into the room. They still weren't on the best of terms after New Years - in fact, they pretty much avoided each other, a situation that suited them both. Buffy knew that Angel still hadn't said anything to Cordy - the big chicken. He'd fight any demon, evil person or other creature of the night, but he was afraid to face Cordelia.

"Cordelia. What are you doing here?" Buffy walked into Angel's rooms, not expecting to find the brunette loitering about. 

"I work here, remember." Cordelia sighed, talking to Buffy as if she were a child.

"You work for Angel Investigations, which does not include this apartment. You are not Angel's personal assistant, no matter how much you might like that job Cordy. I suggest that, for health reasons, you will consider keeping your person out of these rooms in the future." Buffy's voice was pleasant, but Cordelia wasn't naïve enough not to hear the threat. 

"Buffy. You're early." Angel entered the room, clearly surprised to find both Buffy and Cordelia there. "Cordy. Did you need something?" Angel had been reserved in his dealings with Cordelia in the last few weeks, clearly not wanting her to think that he was in any way interested in her as well as annoyed with her continued sniping comments about Buffy.

"Yes. Missed you." Buffy smiled and walked over to Angel, kissing him softly but clearly establishing her position to Cordelia. 

"And. Um. We need to talk." Buffy was clearly nervous.

Cordelia rolled her eyes and left the room, but lingered by the door after hearing Buffy's words.

"What's wrong, Sweetheart? Are you okay?" Angel seemed to notice Buffy's nervousness, as well as her apparent tiredness.

"Angel. I'm pregnant." The words came out in a rush and not at all as Buffy had practiced, much less intended or hoped. She watched him anxiously, waiting for his reaction.

"What? How?" Angel was clearly surprised.

"Well, clearly you know how - since we practice that part pretty diligently. I don't really know how to explain it otherwise. I'm still a little uncertain about it myself."

"Are you sure?" The words sounded harsh, cold.

"Yes." Buffy had half-expected this reaction. If she hadn't wished this so much, she might have questioned it more aggressively herself. As it was, she knew unequivocally that it was Angel's child and that it was a miracle. For once, she thought, the Powers that Be smiled on her. Angel would believe so too.

"This is impossible." Angel blurted, his mind in confusion. "Is it-" He paused, the words difficult. "Is it mine?"

"What?! What do you mean - is it yours?" The words cut through her like sharp knives, her dream shattering. "How could you ask that?" 

Angel looked away from her, unable to meet her eyes.

Buffy waited until she could no longer stand the silence. "Of course it's yours. Unless it's an immaculate conception of some sort." She let out a somewhat hysterical giggle at the thought. This was going just great.

"It can't be."

"What do you mean - can't? Of course it can. You have Connor." A chill washed over her at his words. Buffy chided herself - Angel was the master of causing her pain. How could she have forgotten? Worse, how could she have expected things to be any different? 

"I can't believe that a miracle like that can happen twice."

"Can't? Or won't?" Buffy had held out hope that Angel would be happy for them, that he would be excited about this baby. That he would want it as much as he wanted Connor. Her hope was fading with each word. 

Angel stared at her, unsure what to say. Unwilling to believe that he would be gifted with two children and a love as strong as what he felt for Buffy in spite of all of the horrible things that he had done in his long life as Angelus. 

"Angel. We're both freaks of nature - who's to say that we can't have our share of good miracles?" 

"I do." His whispered words were harsh in the quiet room.

"You, you- don't believe me?" Buffy's eyes filled with tears, her emotions running high.

"I don't know what to believe." 

"So what? Do you think I've been screwing around in Sunnydale? I know Cordelia has spread that nasty little rumor around - Gunn told me."

Angel looked away from her. He had heard the things that Cordelia had said, but had never believed it. He honestly didn't believe it even now, but he was groping for a reason, an excuse.

His lack of response and long pause told her all she needed to know.

"I believed you when you said you weren't *fucking* Cordelia! And I caught you red-handed! WITH HER. KISSING. IN OUR *FUCKING* BEDROOM!" Buffy gulped, her voice dropping to a whisper. "But I trusted you. I believed in you. You have less than that, and yet you don't believe me?"

"It's not the same thing, Buffy."

"No Angel. It's worse."

Angel turned away from her, unsure what he believed. When he turned back around, Buffy was gone. 

Out in the hall, Cordelia smiled.

***

As Buffy waited for Willow and Tara she turned on the radio, listened absently to the stations. Quickly changing the station from Sarah McLachlan's "Angel", Buffy stopped on an 80's rock station. Sinking into the chair next to the couch, Buffy listened to the song that was playing on the radio and ironically thought it was rather fitting to her mood and the situation.

Have you ever needed someone so bad, yeah

Have you ever wanted someone you just couldn't have

Did you ever try so hard that your world just fell apart

Have you ever needed someone so bad

Every dream I dream is like

Some kinda rash 'n' reckless scene

To give out such crazy love

You must be some kinda drug

And if my time don't ever come

For me you're still the one

Damned if I don't, damned if I do

I gotta get a fix on you

Have you ever needed someone so bad, yeah

Have you ever wanted someone you just couldn't have

Did you ever try so hard that your world just fell apart

Have you ever needed someone so bad

Their arrival interrupted Buffy's musings, as Willow and Tara flopped down on the couch opposite her. 

"Buffy. I heard you come home last night." Willow looked at Tara, both of them knowing that something was wrong. They had heard Buffy just before dawn when she arrived home from LA. She *never* came home from LA that early - at least not any time in the last 8 months since she and Angel had reconciled. And with her birthday party planned for tonight in LA, they knew that something bad must have happened for her to be back in Sunnydale. 

Buffy had finally cried last night when she returned from LA. Surely every hurt that Angel inflicted was somehow etched on her soul, her feelings for him had always left her defenseless and vulnerable. He was able to touch her in ways that no once else could - the happiness greater, the pain more harsh and severe.

Noticing her pale cheeks and sad eyes, Willow ventured "Buffy - is something wrong? Did you and Angel have a fight?"

"Will. Oh god. Things are such a mess." Buffy sighed, fighting back tears. Once more in control, she looked up at Willow and Tara. "I'm pregnant."

"B-Buffy. That's great!" Tara smiled, not considering the issues and complications. "Isn't it?" But noticing that Buffy wasn't beaming.

Willow, knowing a little more of the history with Angel, realized what one problem might be. "Angel doesn't think it's his, does he?"

"But how could he not?" Tara blurted. "Oh. Vampire. No children. But, but - Connor?"

"No, he doesn't." Buffy choked back a sob, still unable to believe that her happiness of the past few months had come to such an abrupt end. A baby was supposed to be a happy event, so how could this have gone so horribly wrong? But of course, it was a Buffy birthday tradition that something bad happen - how could she have expected otherwise?

"What are you going to do?" Willow asked, just as the phone rang. Tara rose to answer it.

"I don't know yet. I wanted Angel to be happy about the baby, happy for us. I wanted him to want a baby with me. I know it's hard to accept - I mean, neither of us ever thought… But-but there has to be some reason… Willow. It is Angel's baby. You believe me, right?"

Tara came around the corner, holding her hand over the mouthpiece of the phone. "It's Angel. Do you want to talk to him?" 

"No. Tell him I'm not here." Buffy looked away, still feeling the pain from his earlier words.

Tara went back around the corner, telling Angel that she'd give Buffy a message.

"Of course I believe you. Hell-mouth here, remember? Stranger things that this have certainly happened." Willow continued. "So how far along are you? Have you been to a doctor?"

"Um, about 6 weeks. And yeah, I went yesterday." Buffy thought back to the time when she would have conceived. It would have been around Christmas… Buffy's face suddenly brightened. "Oh my god, Willow. That night. Christmas Eve. Technically I guess it was Christmas Day..." Buffy jumped up and paced around the room just as Tara re-entered. Suddenly stopping, Buffy stared.

"W-what Buffy?" Tara looked at Willow.

Taking a deep breath, Buffy began "Well, when we were making love that night Angel's heart suddenly starting beating. It was only for a few minutes - but it did beat. I know it did. I think maybe he was human for that time - human enough to father a child anyway." Buffy smiled, first timidly then more broadly - all the pieces of the puzzle were falling into place. "The timing is right as to when I would have conceived. And that was the same day that we saw the Oracles! The same Oracles that told me that they would give me a reward. Something that my heart desired. That has to be it. Somehow they must have known that I wanted Angel's baby…" Buffy's thoughts trailed off. "Of course, I didn't exactly mean I wanted a baby right *now* but better than never, right?"

"It makes sense. I think. So are you gonna tell him?" Willow shifted on the couch as Tara sat down next to her.

"I don't know Willow. Maybe. I mean I think so…" Buffy chewed thoughtfully on her lower lip. "He didn't exactly jump up for joy when I told him. I don't know if he'll believe me."

"Are we still going to the party tonight?" Tara looked from Buffy to Willow and back again. "I-I mean, we should all go, right? It is your birthday party Buffy. Although, I'm sure that everyone would understand if you didn't go under the circumstances."

"N-No. It's okay. We'll go. I'll have to face Angel again sometime." Buffy thoughts were already whirling - what was she going to say? Would Angel think she was simply grasping at any excuse to claim that the baby was his? 

***

The guests had mostly arrived - all except the guest of honor. Angel had not been able to get in touch with Buffy since she left last night. He'd tried calling her cell phone and home - leaving several messages in each place. He knew she was avoiding him and he couldn't blame her.

He felt terrible about his earlier reaction to her news. He knew that they needed to deal with this rationally, but unless she would talk to him there was no chance of that happening.

"Where's Buffy?" Angel crossed the room and met Willow and Tara as they entered the hotel. 

"She's coming." Willow glanced at Tara. "She said she needed a few minutes." Buffy had ridden to LA with Willow and Tara, wanting to use the ride as an excuse to return to Sunnydale early if necessary. Despite her earlier resolve, now that they had arrived she wasn't quite ready to face Angel again. He had planned this big birthday party for her though, and all her friends from Sunnydale and LA were coming. Even Spike insisted that even he was going to make an appearance - despite the fact that being around Angel was not his favorite thing.

Buffy sat in the car for a few more minutes, trying to catch her breath and steel her nerves to walk into the hotel.

"Well, you know how moody pregnant women are." Cordelia announced snottily to the room at large.

Everyone was silent at Cordelia's announcement. Buffy had only told him last night about her condition and from Giles surprised expression, Angel knew she hadn't told him. Or anyone else in the room - all of which were now staring at him in stunned silence. Only Willow and Tara didn't seem surprised.

"Buffy's pregnant?" Anya's voice echoed throughout the room as she turned to Xander with a whine. "She can't have a baby - we have the baby. Our baby has to be the smallest and cutest."

Angel turned to Cordelia angrily. "Cordelia. We have to talk."

Cordelia shot everyone in the room a smug look as she walked over to him and put her hand on his chest. "Yes, Angel." Her voice was syrupy sweet as she leaned close.

Whereas Angel had been going to spare her the embarrassment of speaking his mind in front of the crowd, he no longer had any such reservations. 

"Cordelia. I have been patient. I have been understanding with all your screw-ups - and there have been a lot of those. I've put up with your inept office abilities, knowing that you needed a job. I've apologized and excused your rudeness more times that I can count. I've ignored your subtle and not-so subtle attempts to seduce me, thinking that maybe you're just lonely or that maybe I was reading more into it than you intended. But NO MORE. You've shown me time and again that you are self-centered and selfish. You've tried for months to cause problems between Buffy and I, and now you've shown your lack of tact once again by blurting out something that is none of your business. I don't even have to mention that it's something that you had no way of knowing without eavesdropping on a private conversation."

Cordelia cringed in embarrassment, everyone in the room witness to her humiliation. Angel was angrier than she had ever seen him.

"You've told lie after lie about Buffy. Don't look so surprised. Yes, I know you told Gunn that she had some group sex thing with Riley and his commando buddies. You mentioned more than once to anyone that would listen that you had heard that she was sleeping her way around in Sunnydale - with demons and humans alike. I thought by dismissing it as the idle gossip of a jealous woman, it would go away. I was wrong. I know now that I should have dealt with it differently. Maybe I didn't want to believe that you would be that petty. You were supposed to be my friend."

Angel paused. "But I can't blame you entirely. It's my own lack of faith in Buffy that may have caused more damage that you ever could."

"Angel." At the soft sound from the door, Angel turned.

"Buffy." Angel walked slowly, tentatively over to Buffy, forgetting for the moment about Cordelia. "I've been trying to call you. We should talk."

Buffy forced a smile. "Yes, I know." Buffy had walked in just in time to hear Angel's last words to Cordelia and while they were a balm to her bruised heart, it wasn't yet enough. "But not tonight. I want to see my friends and have cake. And hopefully avoid another bad Buffy birthday."

"Ok. I understand. Will you stay?"

At her quizzical look, Angel amended "Here. I mean in LA tonight. So we can talk tomorrow. Or whenever you're ready."

"Buffeee! Happy Birf-daay." At that moment, Connor rushed up to Buffy wanting her to pick him up and swing him around like she usually did. At the sight of Connor, Buffy's heart softened. She swept him up and hugged him, tugging on the party hat that he wore. 

"Thank you! And look how handsome you look in your hat." Buffy smiled before setting Connor down and taking his hand. 

"We'll see Angel, ok?" Buffy was met by Giles, Anya, and Xander as she past Angel and headed into the room. 

"How could you get pregnant Buffy? We were supposed to have the only baby. Now we'll have to have another one." Anya's words were the first indication that the news was out. 

Buffy turned and shot Angel a dark look, angry that he had shared the news with everyone when they had yet to resolve things. Before she had a chance to say anything, Gunn stepped forward and hugged her. "Cordelia sort of let the news out. But hey, congratulations. And to you to, Angel." Gunn raised the drink that he held in his hand in a mock toast. 

"Um, Yes, congratulations." Wes and the others followed suit, all offering their best wishes. Neither of them heard the questions that followed - when was the baby due, what did they hope to have, where were they going to live… instead, Buffy and Angel simply stared at each other across the room. Finally Buffy broke eye contact, and simply shrugged at everyone. "Nothing's decided. This is all new, guys. Ok?"

Connor tugged on Buffy's hand, "Are you gonna have a baby?"

Buffy kneeled down to his level, "Yes."

"Is it gonna be my brother?" Buffy glanced up at Angel, unsure how exactly to answer this question.

Angel stepped forward, "Well, Connor it might be a girl. What would you think of a sister?"

Angel's words tugged at Buffy's heart. At least he wasn't denying parentage in front of their friends and Connor.

"Um, okay I guess. But I want a brother." Connor took his ball out of his pocket and headed off, having enough adult conversation for the time being.

Buffy stood up, her voice soft "Thanks."

"For…" Angel looked at her, then around the room. All the party guests had drifted away from them, Willow and Tara having quietly herded everyone away to give them a few minutes of privacy. Cordelia had vanished.

"For the party. For what you said to Cordelia. And, for-for not saying you don't believe it's your baby in front of everyone." Buffy looked away nervously. 

"Buffy. I'm sor-"

"Let's not. At least not right now. Party. Cake." Buffy turned away and walked over to Giles who was looking at them anxiously. Sighing, she was sorry Giles had to hear the news this way - she needed to make amends to him.

Chapter Five

Giles was understanding and supportive when Buffy explained about her pregnancy. She left out some of Angel's reaction - not wanting her friends to think badly of him should they manage to resolve things - but she did casually mention that Angel was a little hesitant to believe that the baby was his. Buffy thought it ironic that no one else seemed to question the paternity - everyone congratulating both of them like they were a normal couple. 

Xander however, was outraged that Angel would even have the slightest doubt and wanted to tell him so, but held back at Buffy's request. He was now shooting dirty looks at Angel when possible from the dance floor, where he and Anya had been for the last few songs. 

The birthday party was just winding down when Spike burst through the door - two vampires and a demon hot on his heels. Spying Buffy, Spike raced toward her shouting, "I hope you have a weapon handy Slayer!" 

Angel moved quickly, grabbing a sword and crossbow from the closet off to the side of the room - glad that they had the party in the hotel - while Buffy raced for her bag hoping to retrieve a stake and muttering a quick "thank you Giles" under her breath for his repeated lessons in always being prepared. 

Just as Buffy reached her bag, one of the vampires chasing Spike managed to grab her shoulder and spin her around. Spike, who had skidded to a halt next to Buffy, took a swing at the demon who was close behind, the blow causing the creature to stagger backward but hardly doing any damage to the large beast. 

Buffy managed to land one good kick before she was punched hard in the face and sent tumbling into the chairs and wall behind her. Struggling to her feet, Buffy managed to kick out behind her, knocking the vampire into Angel who had just reached them. Angel, who had lost his temper and vamped out at the sight of Buffy hitting the floor, wasted no time in turning the vamp into dust with his sword. 

Meanwhile, Gunn managed to take out the other vampire while Spike still fought with the demon. After watching for a few minutes, Buffy took the crossbow that Angel had dropped and shot the demon expertly in the heart. Spike kicked at the body before stepping over it. "Thanks." 

Angel's eyes had not left Buffy since she had fallen hard. "Buffy, are you all right? The baby-" He paused, uncertain how to continue. "You're ok, right? Both of you?" 

Buffy smiled hesitantly up at Angel. "Yes. I-I, mean I think so." She was touched at his concern. 

"I don't like you getting knocked around like that. Especially now." Angel looked at the body of the demon then back and Buffy. "We'll have to work something else out for patrols, at least until… Well, for a while." 

"Bloody hell, Pet. Knocked up?" Spike had overheard their exchange clearly and was obviously surprised and somewhat amused. "And you, Peaches. You're 250 years old - not exactly a young age to be fathering a child. Oh, and a vampire, who, by the way, are *not* supposed to have children. How is it then that you're on number two?" 

"Uh, Spike-" Buffy looked nervously at Angel, knowing that he needed little to provoke him into fighting with the blond vamp, before changing the subject. "What was this all about?" 

"Well, I was in town so I thought I'd meet up with a few old pals, play some poker…" 

"And?" Buffy raised her brows, knowing that Spike was omitting some important details. 

"And, they accused me of cheating. Which I was not, I'll have you know." Spike looked indignant. Buffy rolled her eyes, familiar with Spike's repertoire. 

"What?! I wasn't. Not then, anyway." Spike grinned, knowing that he'd been caught. 

The sound of Frank Sinatra singing "The way you look tonight" started up as Anya reset the CD player now that the excitement was over. 

"You can take care of the mess, right Spike." Angel nodded toward the demon on the floor, his tone telling Spike more than asking. Dismissing Spike he turned to Buffy, taking her hand and asking softly. "Dance with me?" 

Buffy sighed as she rested her head against Angel's chest as they danced. She never tired of being held in his arms. She pushed their problems aside and savored the moment. Fred and Gunn joined them on the dance floor, Tara and Willow already dancing along with Xander and Anya. 

As the party wrapped up and the guests headed home, Buffy looked around for Willow and Tara needing to ride back to Sunnydale with them. Fred and Gunn were cleaning up. Wes had left a while ago to see if he could find Cordelia. 

"Have you seen Willow? Tara?" Buffy asked Fred as she came back into the room. Buffy already suspected that her friends had left, Willow and Tara conspiring to force her to talk with Angel rather than giving her the excuse of needing a ride that she had planned. Buffy sighed heavily, knowing that they were right. She needed to face this. 

"Oh. Willow told me to tell you that she and Tara were staying nearby and if you really needed them to call her cell phone. But she said that you and Angel needed some time alone. I can hardly believe you're having a baby - you're still so tiny." Fred stopped her rambling and studied Buffy's face for a few minutes. "Is everything ok?" 

"I don't know, Fred." Buffy looked up as Angel crossed the room toward them, returning from putting Connor to bed, "I'm not sure about anything." 

"Thanks for helping clean up Fred. You and Gunn can take off - I'll take care of the rest tomorrow." Angel gave Fred a quick kiss on the cheek. Taking her hand, Angel pulled Buffy toward him. "Buffy. I want to show you something…" 

Buffy was quiet as Angel led her through the hotel. At the room next to Connor's, he stopped and pushed open the door. Buffy gasped in surprise, taking in the sight. Connor's old crib stood in the center of the room, filled with lavender tulips. Glancing around the room, Buffy took in the additional buckets and vases of pink, white and lavender flowers that filled the room, which was lit by the soft glow of the dozen or so candles placed along the window and the bookcase along the wall. On one small table, there was simple silver vase containing a dozen or more rich red roses. 

"What is all this?" Buffy turned to Angel, smiling slightly as she took in the sight with wide eyes. 

"I thought that this would be our daughter's - or son's - room." Angel tugged her hand, pulling her into the room. "At least when we're in LA. We can figure out the details. And you can redecorate however you like." 

Buffy looked around before returning her gaze to his face. "What are you saying?" 

"I'm saying I'm sorry. Sorry about the things I said to you, how I reacted when you told me that you were pregnant." Angel looked away, ashamed. "You told me once that I hurt you without even meaning to. I swore to myself then that I wouldn't hurt you again. Yet, I did." 

"We spent the last year rebuilding our relationship. I know it's a lot to ask, but I hope that I didn't destroy that." Angel took both Buffy's hands in his as he stopped in front of her. "Sweetheart. I love you. I know that the baby is mine. Ours." 

Buffy fumbled for words, "Well, I'm sure you were surprised…" 

"I was surprised, yes. But that's no excuse. You don't know how many times I wished I could give you a baby. When you told me that you were pregnant, it was like a dream come true - I couldn't believe it. It's hard for me to believe that I could have so much after all of the things that I've done. Every day that goes by, I wonder how I got so lucky. I don't believe that I deserve you or Connor, much less to be blessed with another baby." Angel lifted her hand and kissed it, his words obviously pained. 

"Angel, I wanted you to be happy about the baby, happy for us. I wanted you to want a baby with me. I know it's hard to accept - I mean, neither of us ever thought…" 

"Buffy. I am happy. I was confused and stupid. And you were right about Cordelia - I should have talked with her long before now." Angel looked directly into Buffy's eyes, pleading with her to forgive him. "I want this baby with you. So much." 

Buffy took a deep breath and turned away from Angel, once again looking around at the abundance of flowers. "I think I know what happened. I mean, how I got pregnant. Do you remember when we were making love on Christmas? When your heart suddenly starting beating? I know it was only for a few minutes…" Buffy paused before she turned back to Angel, wanting to see his reaction. He was watching her thoughtfully. "It would have been the night that I conceived - at least according to the doctor's calculations as to how far along I am." 

Buffy looked away briefly before returning her gaze to Angel's. "Earlier in the day we had also been to see the Oracles. To return to bracelet thingy. They said that they would give me a reward - something that I wanted. I think they knew that I wanted your baby and they helped to make that happen. I didn't exactly mean I wanted a baby right *now* but better than never, right?" 

"Anytime, Sweetheart. Anytime with you." Angel smiled slightly, his eyes wide as he too made the connection and realized the truth of what she was saying. "I still find it hard to believe that something this good could happen to me. I've done so many horrible things-" 

"Angel. You're doing good things. You've helped a lot of people. You're a good person, even if you don't believe that. You've earned your soul. That has to count for something." Buffy was never rational when it came to him - despite the pain and hurt Angel caused her, she always thought the best of him, was always supportive. 

"Are we okay?" Despite her words, Angel wasn't sure if Buffy had forgiven him. 

"Well, we're pretty low on trust right now. Believe me, I know this whole pregnancy is hard to accept - been there, done that. But I can't believe that you doubted me. That you didn't believe in me. We've been together for all this time, yet… " Buffy walked away from him, stopping to pluck a rose out of the vase and breathing in deeply to inhale the rich fragrance. "Yet your first instinct was not to believe in me. Not to trust me. And that really hurts." 

Angel was quiet, uncertain what he could say. She was right, his thoughtless actions had hurt her again. 

Buffy turned back to him again, a small smile playing on her lips. "This doesn't change that I love you. That I want to be with you. And I'm sure that you can find *some* way to make it up to me - though it might take you, say, hours or days, weeks even." 

Angel's head came up abruptly, her words bringing hope that they would be able to put the events of yesterday behind them. That Buffy might forgive him. 

Her hand idly tracing a path along the lapel of his jacket, she stopped in front of him her expression serious once again. "Angel, there will be things in the future that may threaten to tear us apart. I'm prepared to always be there for you - to believe in you, to back you up regardless, to trust you. If you can't do the same for me, then we should end this right now. I'll raise the baby in Sunnydale…" She left unsaid the rest of her thoughts - that he could participate as father or not, his choice. 

"Buffy. I know I was wrong. Even though I'm 250 years old, there are a lot of things that I'm still learning. I make mistakes just like anyone else. But I can promise you that I will never doubt you again. And *we* will raise the baby together - Sunnydale, LA, wherever." Angel stepped closer and tilted her head up to look at him. "I'm prepared to grovel as much as necessary to keep you in my life." 

"Grovel huh?" Buffy's smile widened. "And what all would this groveling include?" 

Angel smiled as he lifted her in his arms, once again wondering how a demon could be so lucky, "It's not something I can tell you. I have to *show* you." He kissed her lips softly, tentatively. As she wrapped her arms around his neck, he deepened the kiss, carrying her to their bedroom. 

Buffy swiveled her head around as Angel sat her down, taking in the additional flowers. "I bought out the florist down the street." Returning from closing the door, he answered the unasked question and shrugged, pulling her into his arms. 

"Oh, I should call Willow. Tell her I'm staying." Buffy shivered as Angel nibbled on her earlobe. 

"She knows." Angel continued planting tiny kisses down her neck. "When she threatened to stake me earlier, I told her a little about my plans." 

"She what?" Buffy tilted her head, giving him better access to her neck. He was licking delicately at the slight pulsing of her vein. 

"Let's just say she made it clear what she thought of the way I acted. She loves you - she wants you to be happy. And well cared for." Angel turned Buffy around so he could unzip her dress, lifting her hair to plant kisses along the nape of her neck. 

Her dress pooled at her feet as Angel pushed it off her shoulders. Pulling her back against his chest, he ran his hands lightly over her stomach. "What do you think - boy or girl?" 

Leaning her head back against him, Buffy closed her eyes. "Hmm… I'm not sure. Either flavor works for me." Reaching up, Buffy wrapped her arms around Angel's neck. 

Angel's hand stilled on her stomach, his fingers splayed as he resumed his gentle kisses and nibbles on her neck. "It's a girl." One hand drifted upward to cup her breast, his thumb lazily drawing circles around her silk covered nipple. 

"And you know this how?" Buffy rolled to face him, sliding her hands around his waist and pressing her mouth against the coolness of his neck. 

Unhooking her bra, he pulled it down her arms and tossed it aside. One arm encircling her waist, the other touching her check, he pulled her tight against him. Against her lips, he murmured, "I just know." 

Buffy sighed and leaned into his kiss, opening her mouth as his tongue gently traced her lips before probing inside. Angling her head, she invited his tongue deeper into her mouth, sucking it softly. Palms flat, Buffy's hands slid up his chest tracing the muscles through the silk of his shirt. As her hands reached his shoulders, she stretched upward fitting her nearly nude body against his fully clothed one. Breaking the kiss, she sighed against his lips, "You have too many clothes on." 

Unwrapping her arms from his neck, he pulled her to the bed, stopping to kiss her heatedly en route. "I've still got some *groveling* to do." Stripping her panties down her legs, he pushed her gently back on the bed. 

Buffy lay back and watched as Angel removed his shoes and shirt. She licked her lips unconsciously at the sight, Angel's sexy, half-naked body never failing to stir feelings of arousal within her. Leaving his pants on, he crawled up the bed. Gently he lifted her foot, kissing her toes and biting the pads gently. Wrapping a hand around each calf, he slid his hands upward, caressing and massaging gently. His lips followed his hands, leaving a trail of kisses along each calf and shin. Slowly he stroked her thighs, inching upward toward her as he parted her legs. Angel's tongue followed his hands, licking a slow, wet path up her thighs. Buffy stirred restlessly on the bed, her hips rising in invitation to him as his hands and mouth drew closer to her wet sex. "You're so beautiful, Sweetheart. So wet and pink." His fingers lightly traced the swollen opening, sliding easily through the wetness. "Luscious." 

Buffy's hips jerked at his teasing touches, arching toward him and desperately craving more. "Please…" 

"Wait." His tongue touched her clit, flicked softly and withdrew. Buffy whimpered softly, opening her legs wider as she braced her feet on the bed and lifted her hips. 

"That's it baby. Open wide for me." Angel's tongue licked across her wet flesh again, the leisurely pace intended to prolong the exquisite sensations. 

Buffy expelled the breath she had been holding and whined, "Angell…" 

Exploring first with his fingers, then his tongue he ate at her wet crevice, licking gently. Using his thumb, he applied pressure to the sensitive nub of her clit, stroking it firmly before sucking it into his mouth. At the first tugging pressure of his mouth, Buffy felt her orgasm begin, the sensations exploding within her. Releasing her grip on his hair, she collapsed back against the bed, panting heavily. 

Buffy opened her eyes as she felt Angel's lips gently pressing kisses to her stomach. He smiled up at her, before returning his attention to her abdomen. The slight additional firmness the only possible sign of her pregnancy. Angel moved slowly upward, kissing the plump swell of her breasts where they met her rib cage, before using his hands to stroke her breasts casually, cupping them in his large palms. Gently he kissed them, licking tenderly at the erect nipples. 

Buffy moaned softly, wanting the firm, sucking pressure of his mouth on the sensitive tips instead of the gentle licks. 

Angel continued his journey upward, kissing the curve of her shoulder, the scar on her neck, and the corner of her mouth. Settling between her legs, he slid his cock inside her, gently as if she might break. Supporting his weight on his elbows and knees, he began to move slowly, tenderly. Her erect nipples teased the hardness of his chest, her breasts moving against him as she stroked his back. 

Buffy whispered huskily, "More…" Attempting force the pace, Buffy pushed her hips insistently against his. "Harder…" 

Angel moved inside her delicately, sliding upwards and murmuring love words softly against her ear as he withdrew. Unfamiliar with making love during pregnancy, Angel was reluctant to drive into her with his usual forceful pressure. Reaching between then, he massaged her clit. Within minutes, Buffy was feverish beneath him and frantically near climax, her breathing ragged. Making sure that she was with him, Angel groaned and slid his arms under her bottom, pulling her into him. Together, they found paradise. 

***

Buffy sipped her morning - now decaf - coffee and skimmed the paper as Angel made breakfast. Connor was drawing pictures at the table next to her. 

When the phone rang, Buffy wasn't surprised that it was Willow. She was calling to say that she and Tara were going to do some shopping in LA before heading back to Sunnydale later. Buffy said that, yes, she and Angel had made up, but she'd probably still ride back with them - she still had classes on Monday, besides she'd need her car. Buffy had just hung up the phone when a weary and obviously worried Wesley burst into the room. 

"I haven't been able to find Cordelia anywhere." Wes poured himself some coffee and sat down. 

Buffy looked at Angel, suspecting another ploy. Angel was still annoyed with Cordy, but certainly didn't want anything to happen to her. "She'll show up. She's just mad right now. She needs some time to cool off. Pancake?" 

Wes declined the food. "I'm not so sure. I'm sure she never made it home last night." 

"Why do you think that?" Buffy asked between bites of food. "Connor, eat your breakfast honey. You can play with your truck after." 

"I waited there for a while, but she never showed. I tried the few other places that I know she goes, but there was no sign of her." 

"Give her a couple of days, Wes. I'm sure she'll be back like nothing happened." 

***

Angel was now beginning to worry that something had happened to Cordelia. It had been three days and there was no sign of her. Wesley was beside himself with worry - he had even been sleeping on her couch in case she returned. 

Buffy, having returned from Sunnydale, insisted on helping the AI team look for her. It just wasn't in Buffy's nature to stay behind and wait. 

"No." Angel was adamant that Buffy stay at the hotel with Fred and Connor. 

"Big girl. Super powers, remember?" Buffy ignored Angel and packed a few weapons in her bag. 

"*Pregnant* girl. Remember?" Angel looked exasperated. "Buffy, sweetheart. One fall or punch from a demon could injure you and the baby." 

"I'll be careful. Besides, cell phone." Buffy held up her phone. "At the first sign of trouble, I'll call." 

"Then I'll go with-" 

"No, because then we won't be able to cover as much ground." Buffy snuggled up to Angel, resorting to feminine wiles to get her way. "Honey, I'm already taking the area immediately around the hotel - it can't really get much safer. I'll be extra careful and I promise, no fighting. None." Buffy smiled up at him before nuzzling his neck. She refrained from mentioning the few patrols that she had done this past week in Sunnydale. 

"Be careful." Angel sighed heavily, finally relenting. He knew that they did need to cover as much ground as possible if Cordelia was really missing. "Just the surrounding blocks. Come right back after. If you see any thing, call. Don't check it out on your own." Angel gave her a quick kiss then they all went their separate ways. 

None of the AI team had noticed the pickup and camper that had been parked down the street from the hotel for the last few weeks. It was moved every few days to avoid any parking violations, but was so nondescript as to be essentially unnoticeable. The owner had parked there initially to get a few things at a nearby store, but had stayed on after catching sight of Buffy arriving at the hotel one afternoon. 

Tucker had come to LA to meet up with his cousin who was being released from jail. Then they were heading back to Montana. Tucker lived mostly off the land, avoiding people as a general rule. His cousin had been locked up for almost 7 years, having killed a man during a robbery. A loophole in the system was giving him early release. 

At first sight of the petite blond, Tucker had been star-struck. He waited, watching the hotel for any sign of her. Each time he managed to see her, he became more obsessed. He watched and he waited, but he was never able to catch her alone. She kept unusual hours, making it difficult for him to establish a pattern of her behavior. One day he'd been brave enough to enter the hotel, which is when he saw the brunette. He'd been so nervous that he fled before anyone spotted him. 

When Charlie had gotten out of jail, they'd driven him back to the hotel, Tucker wanting to show him the two women. Charlie was the one that came up with the idea to take the two girls back to Montana with them. They needed company for the long Montana winters. Wives even. Tucker was hesitant at first, but finally agreed - his desire for the blond woman overcoming any reservations. 

Buffy walked slowly along the street, but didn't see anything unusual. There were a few homeless people, drug addicts and the usual derelicts, but no sign of Cordy. Buffy was about to give up and head back when she noticed that one of the homeless women happened to have a Prada bag. Buffy approached the woman, who was muttering to herself as she huddled against the building. 

"Hi." Buffy kneeled down, noting that the woman seemed not all together there. Drugs, most likely. "Can I see your purse?" At the woman's hesitant nod, Buffy picked up the purse and opened it. Yep, it was Cordelia's. The M.A.C. cosmetics were a good indication, but Cordy's wallet and ID confirmed it. Keeping the wallet and Cordy's cell phone, Buffy took the few dollars that were left and returned the money and purse to the woman. "Where did you get this?" The woman only babbled and pointed in the general direction behind her, clearly not completely coherent. 

Buffy moved cautiously down the dark alley, looking for any additional signs that Cordelia had been there. "Ok, just a little dark and creepy." Used to handling things on her own, it didn't occur to her that Angel would consider her trip down the dark alley to be 'checking things out', so it didn't even cross her mind to call him. 

Out of the corner of her eye, Bufy thought she spotted something moving in the dark. Just as she turned to investigate, she was jumped from behind. Her vision swam as one man pressed a chloroform soaked cloth to her mouth and nose, then she blacked out. 

***

Angel paced restlessly as he and the rest of the AI team waited for Buffy to return to the hotel. She was over an hour late. "Damn it! I knew I shouldn't have let her go alone. She shouldn't even be out there." He had already been out twice in the last area looking for her. 

"C'mon, man, let's take another look around. We'll probably even meet up with her coming back." Gunn gestured to Angel, then started forward. He too was worried, but didn't want to further alarm an already agitated Angel. "Wes, why don't you wait here in case she returns?" 

Angel and Gunn found nothing, not even the homeless woman that Buffy had seen earlier. She had packed up her things and moved on. It was getting closer to daylight and Angel was now getting frantic. Gunn insisted that he go home, but Angel growled and waited until it was almost dangerously close to dawn before leaving, dialing Buffy's cell phone repeatedly, but receiving no answer. 

***

The sunlight streaming through the tiny window shone brightly in Buffy's eyes and she woke with a groan. As usual in the mornings, her stomach was rolling and unsettled and the motion of the moving camper didn't help. Buffy rubbed her head and looked around, not seeing anything she recognized until her eyes lit on a dirty and disheveled Cordelia. "Cordy?" Buffy squeaked in surprise and sat up with a start. The sudden movement wasn't the best choice for a morning-sick slayer, as she promptly lost the contents of her stomach. 

"Oh god, Buffy. You're all right. Well, you're sick but you're all right. You were so still - I thought maybe they…" Cordelia's voice was raspy, her eyes panicked. "All I could think was that Angel would REALLY kill me if you - you know, died." 

Buffy shook her head at Cordy's typical self-centered fears as she concentrated on not getting sick again. Once she was fairly certain that the nausea had passed, she looked around. "Where are we?" 

"The back of a camper." At Buffy's irritated look, Cordelia elaborated. "Well, how do you expect me to know? We've been moving for a few of hours. What are you doing here anyway?" 

Buffy's hand flew to her stomach, her eyes filled with momentary terror as she thought about the substance they used to knock her out. Hopefully it hadn't hurt the baby. She needed to get out of here. 

Looking out the small window, Buffy could see that they were clearly not on a main road. She yanked on the locked door as she wondered about jumping from the moving vehicle. "Looking for you. Who locked us in here Cordy?" 

"They're like mountain men or something. I haven't heard much, but I know that one of them came here to meet up with the other one. He's some brother or cousin or something that was getting out of jail. Then they plan on heading back to wherever they came from. Or, I guess I should say we *are* heading back there." 

Cordelia watched as Buffy looked around the small camper for something to use as a weapon. 

"Are you okay?" Buffy turned to Cordelia for the first time. 

"Gee, what do you think - I've been locked in here for two days. I haven't had a shower, I'm going to have to exfoliate for days to get rid of the grime and my ends are splitting as we speak." Buffy looked at Cordelia and shook her head. "Oh. Well, they have given me food and water. They've groped me a little, but-, but they do intend to- well, you know. Oh god, Buffy I don't want to be here." Cordelia bawled hysterically, finally giving way to panic and tears. "Bad stuff always happens to me because of you. You have to get me out of here!" 

Buffy slapped Cordelia across the face. Cordelia immediately stopped her shrieking and stared back in shock. "What- why did you do that?" 

"Because you deserved it." Buffy sighed and slumped back to the floor, finding nothing of use. 

"I so did not. When Angel finds out-" Cordelia stopped at Buffy's look. 

"Yeah? When Angel finds out what? That I found you? That I slapped you when you were getting hysterical?" Buffy stared at Cordelia in disbelief. "That his child was in danger from some mountain men? Will this be when you call him from Texas? Or wherever it is that they are taking us?" 

"Come on Buffy, no one believes that it's Angel's baby. Not even Angel." 

With one quick movement, Buffy had Cordelia pinned against the wall by the throat. "You can ask him when we get out of here. In the meantime, don't push me - you deserve much worse than a little slap for all the things that you've done. Which, if we didn't have more pressing problems such as getting out of here - I'd happily give you. And bad stuff does not happen to you because of me." 

"But, but- I just wanted… I thought- But, Angel and I…" Cordelia stammered, her hand still on her smarting cheek. "It does too." 

"Cordy, I certainly can't say I'm sorry that things didn't work out with you and Angel because I'm not. But you can still have him in your life as a friend - I'm sure he' s willing to forgive you because that's just how he is - or not at all. Your choice. But listen very closely, I will *not* tolerate any more of your bullshit. The first time that I suspect you of causing trouble, I will kick your ass. Got it?" Buffy released Cordelia and turned back, just as the door opened to a tall, scraggly-bearded man. The two women had been so involved in their own conversation that they didn't realize that they had stopped moving. 

"Hello ladies. I think it's time that we get acquainted. Hey Tuck, lookie here. It looks like we've got ourselves a cat fight." A shorter man with a potbelly and dark hair stepped up from behind and grinned, revealing yellowed and missing teeth. "You ain't fightin' over us, are ya?" 

The two men were unprepared for the kick that Buffy landed, knocking them both back away from the camper. Even though both men were strong and wiry, neither was a match for the mad slayer. She was tired, hungry and pissed off - it took her less than five minutes to knock them both out cold. With Cordelia's help, she found some rope and tied the two men up, locking them in the camper. Rifling through the men's belongings, Buffy recovered her cell phone and weapons, immediately planning on dialing Angel. 

"Oh no. Angel is gonna kill me." Buffy looked up in dismay, neither her or Cordelia's cell phone battery had a charge. "Remind me never to look for you again." 

Cordelia just sniffed. "Can we go? Or are you not finished looting?" 

Buffy and Cordelia had only driven about 5 miles back in the direction that they came from, when the truck sputtered and stalled. The gas gage still showed fuel, indicating that there must be some other problem. They simply stared under the hood for a few minutes, neither knowing the slightest bit about cars. 

"I have no idea. And from the looks of it, we're way off the freeway or any other main road. Looks like we walk it." Buffy started walking down the road in the direction of which they came, Cordelia following grudgingly behind. A few miles into the walk, Cordelia's curiosity got the best of her. "So, did you and Angel- well, are you back together?" 

"Why?" Buffy wasn't in the mood for idle chitchat. She was tired and hungry, and had no idea where they were. She knew too, that Angel would be worried since she had been gone all night and most of the day. He'd be relieved that she was okay, but she anticipated a long lecture about safety, particularly now. 

"Um, just curious." Cordelia was finally coming to the realization that maybe Angel and Buffy really were soul mates. They seemed to keep finding their way back to each other despite all odds and were probably even having a baby together - something that defied even greater odds. 

"It's none of your business." Her motives still suspect, Buffy was unwilling to open up and share any confidences with the former cheerleader. 

Cordelia dropped the subject, but couldn't stay quiet for long. She told Buffy about being grabbed the night she had stormed out of Buffy's party, how the men had kept her locked up in the camper until they managed to grab Buffy too. Once they had tossed Buffy into the camper, they had taken off, stopping only once at McDonalds to get food. 

They walked for a while longer before they reached what appeared to be a main freeway. From there it was only a matter of minutes before a car stopped to offer the two women a ride back to LA. 

Buffy dozed while Cordelia tried in vain to remove some of the dirt and dust from her face during the 3 hour drive back to LA. They couldn't have found a safer ride, the man driving was a shy businessman from the Midwest, heading to LA for a sales seminar. When they finally reached LA, Cordelia gave him directions to the hotel and he dropped them off out front. They asked him to wait, wanting to help pay for gas or something, but he declined and drove off. He was pleased that he'd be able to tell his friends that he'd rescued two beautiful women on his trip. 

They had only taken a few steps toward the hotel when Cordelia stopped. "Buffy? Look, I know I've done some pretty, um, drastic things… But, well, I mean, if anyone would understand how amazing and well, downright desirable Angel is, you would…" 

Buffy crossed her arms over her chest and sighed. "Get to the point Cordy." 

"Well, I just wanted you to know that I would rather keep Angel in my life as a friend than not at all, so-" 

Just then Fred came rushing out of the hotel "Oh Buffy! Cordelia! You're both okay! We were so worried! Angel has just been going out of his mind - he's been all growly and vampy. He'll be so glad that you're back. Both of you." Fred hugged them both, followed by Connor and Gunn who came out behind Fred at the sound of her voice. 

"You'd better get in there. He knows you're out here and, he's - well, let's just say, if you get out of his sight again before the baby is born, I'll be surprised." Gunn smiled and hugged Buffy, pushing her toward the door. 

To everyone's surprise, Wes rushed past all of them and swept Cordelia in his arms, kissing her passionately. 

"Hum, well. Who knew?" Buffy smiled at Fred and Gunn as she opened the door to the hotel - only to be grabbed herself and swept up in a pair of strong arms. Before she could catch her breath, Angel's lips descended on hers. Carrying her upstairs, he sat her down in their room gently. 

"Are you okay? Where have you been?" Angel's eyes searched her, looking for any signs of harm. Running his hands over her carefully, her continued his investigation. "What happened? Why didn't you call? Or at least answer your phone?" 

"I found Cordelia. Oh! We have to call the police! The men - the ones that kidnapped us are still - hopefully - locked up in their camper out in the desert." 

"Men? Kidnapped?" Angel's voice lowered an octave, his eyes narrowing. "Camper? Desert?" 

"Um, yea." Buffy examined her fingernails, finding them suddenly very interesting. 

"Buffy. What happened?" Putting his fingers under her chin, he lifted her head to look down into her face. Buffy could see the faintest glint of gold in Angel's eyes and could tell that he was working hard to control his emotions, anger the one currently at the forefront. 

"Well, these guys had grabbed Cordy the other night when she left here. One of them just got out of jail." 

"And?" 

"Um, well I found her purse. And when I went down the alley where the woman said she found it, um, they grabbed me too." Eyes widening, Buffy recalled the drug that they used on her. Suddenly worried, she grabbed Angel's wrist. "Do you think being knocked out with chloroform would hurt the baby? Who can we ask? Maybe Fred can find something online…" 

Before he could answer, Buffy pushed past him and rushed out of the room. Fred looked up in startled surprise as Buffy skidded to a halt in front of the desk. Within seconds, Angel appeared behind her. "Well?" 

"Fred - can you find out something?" Buffy explained the situation, then she and Angel waited anxiously while Fred researched. Finally Fred looked over at them with a timid smile, "Well, from everything that I've read I don't see any reason for you to worry. While I wouldn't recommend that you go and inhale any more of the stuff, the small amount that they used shouldn't be harmful to you or the baby." 

Buffy sighed heavily with relief. "I'll double check with my doctor just to be sure, but thanks so much Fred." 

Taking her hand, Angel sat next to Buffy. With Buffy's and the baby's health relatively assured, Angel turned back to the matter at hand. "Tell me the rest of what happened. And why you went to investigate on your own when you told me that you wouldn't. Then Gunn and I will go make sure that the men get turned over to the police."

"Angel… Shouldn't we just call the police? I mean - you don't need to go there do you?" Buffy could tell from Angel's dangerous calm that he was feeling the need to burn off some tension, which would not bode well for the two men tied up in the camper. 

"Buffy." Angel fairly growled. 

"I woke up in a moving camper with Cordy. Ok, yes, I went to investigate on my own. If by investigate you mean walked down a dark alley where say, a clue had been found, such as a purse." 

"And?" 

"And, they knocked me out and put me in the camper. Cordy says that they drove off shortly after that. I don't know because I was out cold. When they finally stopped, I managed to kick them…" Buffy cringed, remembering suddenly that she had said she wouldn't fight. But this was definitely a special circumstance; surely Angel wouldn't be upset about that. "And we locked them in the camper. We started to drive back, but the truck broke down. So, we walked until we reached the road and then we hitched a ride in with a nice, extremely safe, balding salesman from the mid-west. So, here I am. Safe and sound." 

Angel tugged Buffy to her feet and led her into the bathroom. Without a word, he turned on the water, tossed in some bath salts and undressed her. Pulling her hair up, he pinned it on top of her head with an expertise Buffy would never have suspected. After testing the water of the now full tub, he lifted Buffy up and sat her in the steamy tub. 

Massaging her shoulders, he soothed away the tension. "Where are they Buffy?" 

Buffy sighed and gave him directions to the general area. "Be careful okay? You really don't have to go there, you know. It's sort of medieval of you…"

"Stay here, soak. If the water gets too cold, then you can get out and curl up in bed. But, you'll be here or there - no where else when I get back, right?" The light stroking her collarbone, in no way fooling her that he meant business. 

***

Angel ripped the door off the small camper, startling the men inside as well as his own companions. He had seemed so calm, they had not suspected the rage that was simmering below the surface. 

The two men cringed as Angel yanked them out onto the ground. He walked slowly around them, the predator rising to the surface. 

"Gentlemen. You abducted my wife. My pregnant wife. I hate to think that she was abused or mistreated…" 

To his credit Angel untied the two men, giving them a fair chance against him. Charlie wasted no time in trying to attack, but his efforts were wasted as Angel pummeled him into the ground. Tucker held back, wanting no part of the dark haired stranger after seeing the beating that Charlie took. He whimpered and cowered at Angel's feet, begging him not to hurt him. Angel turned away in frustration, knowing he couldn't hit a man who wouldn't defend himself. 

Throwing both men back into the camper, Wes and Angel tied them back up. Gunn got the truck fixed so they drove it to the nearest gas station and called the police, leaving the men there for them to find. 

"Wife?" Gunn queried as the three men drove away. 

"Wife." Angel smiled slightly. "If she'll have me." 

"As if you'll give her a choice." Gunn grinned, glad to see that things appeared to be working out for his friends. 

When Angel arrived back at the hotel near dawn, Buffy was sound asleep. The long day had taken it's toll on her and she was exhausted. Angel sat quietly in the chair by the bed and watched her sleep, touched by the sight of her so small in his large bed. He felt overwhelmed as he thought of their coming child, and couldn't resist saying a small prayer of thanks to the Powers That Be. Content, he curled up next to Buffy and slept. 

***

While in theory Buffy and Angel continued alternating time between Los Angeles and Sunnydale, the reality was they were spending more time in Sunnydale. Angel worried about Buffy's health even though she was now only 4 months along, and he hated the thought of her making the drive. He routinely made up excuses - which lately were growing more feeble - to show up at Buffy's with Connor on Thursday nights, thus keeping her at home. She knew what he was doing, but in truth, didn't mind it. She tired easily these days, so it was nice to have a break from the drive. 

Up until two weeks ago she had seen him every week. Then he got involved in a particularly messy case and was unable to make the drive. Under no uncertain terms, he told her, was she to show up in LA. He didn't want her to get involved in this case. He couldn't deal with it and worry about her too. She argued but eventually agreed, knowing that she had midterms coming up anyway. 

Angel tucked Connor into bed, the guest room having been converted into a combined baby nursery and Connor's room, and crept silently into Buffy's room. It was just after 10:00, but Buffy was dozing with a book open on the bed next to her. Angel put the book away then studied her for a few minutes. 

Slowly he placed his hand on her gently rounded abdomen that was peeking out between her pale blue pajama bottoms and the tiny tank top. As his hand crept upward, Buffy's eyelashes fluttered. "Mmm. Hey you." 

"Hey." Angel kissed her softly, lingeringly. He had really missed her these last two weeks. She had been on his mind constantly. 

"Umm. Missed you." Buffy smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. 

He kissed her again in answer, his tongue gently probing her mouth. She had tried in vain to convince him that he needn't treat her like a china doll during sex, she wasn't fragile or breakable. In fact, she had felt considerably more amorous since her pregnancy and she really wanted, no, she needed him in his demanding, passionate form. She'd written him an explicit e-mail a few days ago detailing her wishes. Now that he was here it was only a matter of seeing what he would do. 

His hand caressed her breasts through the cotton top. Reaching the hem, he pulled the top up exposing her breasts. 

"These are bigger…" Angel traced small circles around them. 

Buffy closed her eyes, feeling a hot surge of desire. "For the baby…" 

"Mmm. And for me." Licking one nipple, Angel cupped her breasts in his hands, thinking all the while how extraordinary the changes in her body were. How rare the miracle of pregnancy in his life. 

"How do they feel?" His voice was a husky whisper against her flesh. 

"Sensitive. Tender. *Eager*." Buffy purred, pressing her breasts firmly against his lips. 

"Want me to touch them?" Angel closed his lips around one peaked tip, nibbling softly. 

"Yesss…" Buffy hissed, waiting anxiously for the firm, sucking pressure of his mouth.

She tossed restlessly on the bed while he sucked and nibbled on the sensitive tips, biting them gently with his teeth. 

Planting kisses down her stomach, he eased her pajama bottoms off. Slowly he reached between her thighs, his fingers leaving a trail of fire where they touched. Buffy whimpered as his fingertips brushed across her clit. "Please, Angel. Hard." 

Angel hesitated only a second before rubbing his thumb firmly across her clit. Buffy groaned, pushing hard against his hand as he increased the pressure and speed of his strokes. He slipped a finger inside her as he continued to manipulate her clit. Pressing his lips to hers he kissed her urgently, his tongue exploring her mouth. 

Buffy sucked hard on his tongue as she came, her hands gripping his shoulders hard and her nails digging into his flesh. "That's it baby, come for me." 

As he moved to undress, Buffy rolled to her knees and looked back at him over her shoulder. Angel groaned at the sight of her so blatantly on display for him, so obviously hot with desire for him. "Now Angel… Fuck me." Buffy's voice was a throaty purr. 

Moving quickly to the bed, he pushed slowly but firmly inside her, holding her hips still. Breaking free of his hold, Buffy began to move forcefully back against him, grinding her bottom into his groin. 

Finally relenting to Buffy's pleading cries, Angel began to thrust harder pounding against her as he gripped her hips. His eyes opened wide in alarm at her first keening cry, but relaxed when he felt her convulse against him as she came.

Following her explicit e-mailed instructions, Angel continued to force the pace wringing three more orgasms from her until her finally came, groaning and collapsing on the bed next to her. Sticky and sweaty, Angel's face buried in Buffy's hair, they slept. 

***

Connor stayed with Tara and Willow when Buffy and Angel went out on patrol the next night. A new demon had recently started terrorizing the parks on the west of town and Buffy wanted to take care of it. She insisted on fulfilling her obligations as slayer for another month or so - then they'd figure something else out. Unbeknownst to Buffy, Angel had already hired the first employee of the Sunnydale Angel Investigations office - Spike. 

Spike had been taking care of any slayage in Sunnydale, leaving only a few harmless exceptions for Buffy at Angel's request. This latest demon had been tricky, eluding Spike for weeks now, which is how word of it finally reached Buffy. Angel knew better than to argue with her as she started out on patrol, knowing that the best thing he could do was to go along and hopefully get to the demon first. 

Angel caught Buffy around the waist as she dropped into the sewer after him. The tracks that they found indicated that the demon had been down here more than a few times. It wasn't long before they came across the gray, hairy beast as he was greedily sorting through the few items he'd pilfered from nearby Sunnydale residents. 

Angel rushed forward and tackled it to the ground. The creature wasn't large, but he was exceptionally strong. They struggled for a while, until Buffy managed to throw an ax straight into the creatures spine. Blue blood spurted everywhere as the beast sagged to the ground. 

"That was bracing." Angel attempted to wipe off the creatures blood as they slowly began to retrace their steps through the sewer. 

"And incredibly nauseating." Buffy's stomach was still rolling. 

As Angel looked at Buffy's pale face, he felt an urgent need to take care of her, to protect her. It was no different than he had felt in the past, but at the same time it was crystal clear. 

"Buffy. We should talk. I know you have school and all, but- well, I think we should stay together. Permanently." Angel grimaced at the detour his words had just taken. He hadn't planned to bring this up now and certainly not that way. 

"I wonder if this blood will come out?" And he was still attempting to wipe away some of the blood splatter on his jacket. 

Buffy smiled, content with any nuance of the word permanent where Angel was concerned. 

"Well, what do you think?" Angel stopped, causing Buffy to have to stop and look at him. 

"About the blood stains or are you talking about something more personal?" Buffy was still smiling as she looked at him. 

"Something more personal." Angel was looking at her intently. 

"Oh. I like permanent. I can do permanent." Buffy stepped closer to him and placed her hand on his chest. 

"Well then?" 

"Well what? I didn't hear a question. And why do you always want to have these conversations in the sewer?" The irony wasn't lost on her. He'd broken up with her in a sewer, and now, if she wasn't mistaken, he might be proposing… 

"Marry me." There. He'd said it. Brushing a stray hair away from her face, he smiled at her. 

"Do you love me?" His proposal wasn't exactly the down-on-one-knee, romantic proposal of fairy-tales. She wanted to be sure what his reasons were. 

"I love you. I've loved you since the moment I first saw you." 

"Is this just because of the baby?" Buffy wanted to be sure he wasn't asking out of some sense of obligation. 

"No. I've had a ring for you since last summer. But I wanted to wait until after you got out of school. Now I've changed my mind. I don't want to wait anymore. What do you say?" Angel stepped closer, leaving almost no room between them. 

"Of course, yes! I love you." While she knew she wouldn't have a traditional wedding - exactly - she also didn't want to be hugely pregnant at the time. And it would take a few weeks, at least, to plans things. She hugged him happily. Tilting her head up, he kissed her. One kiss turned to several before they finally broke apart. 

"Oh, ick!" Buffy looked down at her top, now smeared with the blue blood. Angel shrugged and took her hand as the resumed their walk out of the sewer. 

As Angel helped Buffy out of the sewer, Buffy picked up their earlier conversation. "But, I want to wait after the baby is born. To get married." 

"Tomorrow." Annoyed, Angel growled softly. He wanted to marry her before the baby was born, suddenly feeling very old fashioned and traditional. He knew he should have asked her way before now, but he didn't want her to think it was just because she was pregnant. And it seemed like there was always something that came up. But now that he asked, he wanted what he wanted. 

"Let's talk about it tonight." Buffy deferred the topic, knowing that Angel was not likely to give up in his current mood. 

"Ok." Angel smiled. He was very good at persuasion in bed. 

*** Epilogue ***

Buffy and Angel compromised. They were married in a small private ceremony at the hotel the following weekend, with a larger and more formal ceremony planned for later in the year after the baby was born. 

Several months later, Angel held Buffy's hand as she screamed in pain, choosing to deliver their daughter at home naturally instead of in a hospital where there could potentially be problems for Angel getting in and out during the day. When her labor had begun, he worried, sorry that he had given in to her wishes instead of insisting that she go to the hospital. The midwives that they brought in were exceptional however, and mother and baby were both fine and healthy. 

Buffy smiled sleepily at him when he showed her their daughter. "You were right." 

"Thank you for my beautiful daughter. She looks like you, Sweetheart… " Angel smiled as Buffy's eyes closed wearily. 

Afterwards, however, Angel slumped in a chair with a cup of blood liberally laced with alcohol in his hand. He was exceptionally glad when the ordeal was over, the sight of Buffy in pain causing him no little amount of guilt at his role in her suffering. 

Buffy however, was strong and healthy, proving to him within days that she was fine and there was no need to worry. Although, several weeks later she had to overcome his concerns about her health once again when she attempted to seduce him. The weeks of abstinence however, worked in her favor and her lover was back in rare form. 

Over the next few years, Buffy and Angel divided their time between LA and Sunnydale, as well as opening up additional Angel Investigations offices in New York, Atlanta and London. Angel obtained his humanity, grateful for the chance to grow old with Buffy, something he had wanted dearly with each passing year. 

Connor doted on his little sister, Sarah, the two of them becoming inseparable, as they grew older. The Powers that Be watched over the children carefully, as they were to be the next warriors chosen to continue the fight that their parents long led. 

Cordelia and Buffy reached a tolerable level of friendship for the few years that Cordy continued to work for Angel Investigations in LA. She eventually moved to New York to run the office there. She and Wes had dated briefly, realizing quickly that they really didn't have that much in common. After her move to New York, Cordelia eventually met and married a former model, Marcus. They had two cats and a dog, but no children (yet). 

Wes returned to England and to the Watchers Council. As the director of the council, he managed to make some beneficial change to age-old policies. He eventually revealed to everyone that he was gay, and settled into a comfortable relationship with his partner, Michael, director of the Museum of Antiquities in London. 

Giles also returned to England and opened up a pub. Eventually he married a woman by the name of Olivia, the two of then traveling extensively throughout the world. Giles was never able to completely remove his watcher's hat, so many of his travels were actually research expeditions in disguise. He and Wesley got together once or twice a year to catch up on his findings as well as the latest news. 

Xander and Anya had another baby, a boy named Jaden. They sadly divorced after several years of marriage, Anya finding that she wanted more material possessions that Xander could provide. Xander was raising the kids in Sunnydale with help from Willow and Tara. Anya was rumored to have been in Europe somewhere, trying to find someone who could help her return to her former demon ways. 

Willow became a professor at UC Sunnydale, but still continued her 'technopagan' activities. Unknown to her computer science students, she became a world-renown expert with translations and interpretations of ancient prophecies - invaluable to Buffy and Angel in their work as well as the Watchers Council. Tara opened a pre-school, finding that she was exceptional with kids. 

Spike eventually moved to London and was helping the AI offices there on a part time basis. He found that he preferred his freedom to the drudgery of a fulltime job, but happily consulted on cases when he was available. 

Fred and Gunn, kept their jobs at AI in Los Angeles. They bought a small condo in Santa Monica that Gunn insisted on renovating himself. They eventually had two boys. 

** END**

Thanks for reading! This has been a fun series… 

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