Streets of Sunnydale

Spike's hold on Lindsey's neck seemed to get stronger every second.  The ex-lawyer knew that he only had about a minute before his head was ripped from his body.  'Note to self: Not a good idea to piss off an old, strong vamp,' he thought, as his life slipped away slowly.

The other vampires were standing around the musician and their friend, with amused faces.  This night was certainly getting more interesting by the minute.

* * *

Summers' House

The pre-spell ritual that Whistler provided had finally been complete, and the Wiccans were now setting up the candles for the first spell.

"How are you ladies doing?"

"We're good, Xand.  Are the minions still MIA?"

"Yeah, seems they stood us up."

"Okay, Will, we're ready."  Tara spoke up, casting a loving glance at the girl beside her.

"Well, let's just hope this works now."  Willow said, finishing the lighting of the smelly herbs.  In the circle, the two witches were facing each other, surrounded by candles, magic powders, and incense.  Holding hands, they began their chant:

What once was captive
Now set free
By Moon and Shadows
Return to what should be!

They repeated the words over and over again, getting louder each time.  With each saying of them, a swirling light surrounding the circle rose higher and higher.  Suddenly, once the chanting stopped, the candle in the center between the girls blew out, and the light disappeared.

* * *

Streets of Sunnydale

Buffy brushed herself off, as she stood up.  Coughing, she realized that she actually killed all seventeen vamps that had fallen on top of her like she was a receiver in a football game.  'Or maybe it was a quarterback?  Who cares!!  I hate football!!'  The Slayer thought to herself as she went to follow the other vampires again.

When she reached a safe distance away from them, she couldn't believe what she saw.  Lindsey McDonald, the attorney that Angel had told her about many times, was standing in the center of the circle of the vampires and acted like he hadn't a care in the world.  He had to be losing it.  Then she saw him walk behind the circle, without any movement from the demons.  That changed when he messed up Spike's hair, sending the demon attacking the defenseless attorney.  "Now that was stupid."  She commented aloud, but very quietly.  "He should have done his homework before messing with these guys.  Spike has to things you don't mess with or make fun of: his hair and his cheekbones!!  What a dumbass!!"

She watched the altercation between the two, debating whether to give away her position and help him, or hope that she won't have to yet.  All of a sudden, her mind was made up for her.

* * *

Lindsey was feeling very faint now.  His sight was becoming blurry, and he knew that this was the end.  Suddenly, the grip on his throat got very loose, causing him to fall on the floor.

"NO!!"  He heard in the background, but then he passed out.

* * *

"NO!!!"  Drusilla yelled, running over to where her lover had just stood.

Angelus came up behind her and just shook his head.  He had never seen anything like it, and that's saying something since he's been around for two and a half centuries.  His grand-child had been ready to kill the musician that dared to mess with his greased back hair, and then, he was dust.  No explanation, no stake.  Just dust.  "Well, let's not let this ruin a perfectly good night!  There is still much fun to be had" Angelus said light-heartedly, as he started to head back towards the residential part of town, leaving Lindsey where he passed out.  The others followed him, Dru and Dawn more reluctant than the others, but if their master promised fun, he wouldn't disappoint.

* * *

Buffy watched as Angelus led the vampires towards the residential streets, and incidentally towards her.  Panicking for a moment, she realized that she had to stop them.  But how?  There was still four of them, and only one of her.  She needed help.

"Don't worry, Buffy.  It's going to be okay."

Using her Slayer speed, she turned around very quickly and couldn't believe  her eyes.

"Connor?"

Part 26

"Connor?"

"Yeah, it's me."  The ghost said soothingly.

"But how?  You. you're dead?!"  She stammered.

"I know.  The Powers heard your call for help, and they sent me."

"Really?"

"Yeah, they're actually pretty nice beings.  You know, when they aren't
screwing with people's lives."

"I can really believe that one."  Buffy replied sarcastically, causing the
ghost to chuckle.  "So, how are you supposed to help me?  I mean, you're a
ghost!"

"Well, see they gave me a plan, as long as you're up for it."

"At this point, I'll take anything I can get.  I just hope it doesn't take
long.  Angelus is about to find me."

* * *
Willow and Tara were pretty exhausted after the first spell was completed. 
They knew it had to have succeeded because the red candle finally blew out. 
The problem was that it took too long and the incense they used burned up,
so there wasn't enough left to complete the spell for Angel's soul.

"Dammit!"  Willow yelled in frustration.

"It's going to be okay, baby.  We'll figure something out."

"Hey, is something up?"  Xander asked, strolling in from the kitchen with
yet another bag of chips in his hands.  At the rate he was eating, Anya was
worried that she would have to roll him home in the morning.

"Yeah, we ran out of the black incense."  Tara said, stroking her lover's
hair.

"Need me to run to the Magic Box and pick some up?"

"Actually, yeah, that would be great!"  Willow said, her spirits lifting.

"Wait a minute, honey.  What about the minions?"

"An, they have to do the spell, so Angelus doesn't reek havoc on the city. 
Besides, I can't imagine that the minions are just running an hour and a
half late!"

"Well, yeah." His wife trailed off, contemplating his comment.

"They aren't coming."

"Will, what did you say?"

"I could sense them before, but I think they are dead now.  I can't feel
their aura anymore."

"Okay, then.  We'll be back as soon as we can."  With that, Anya pulled
Xander out the door, desperate to get him away from the food.

* * *

Angelus and his 'family' were scanning the area, when he started to sense a
presence.  Not just anyone, though, his lover.  Looking around, he spotted
her hiding behind a tree, watching them.  Pretending not to notice her, he
turned around to face the other vampires.  "You know what?  I think we
should split up.  We aren't going to be able to get much food if we have to
share it between the four of us."  The others just nodded their heads, not
sure when he started to care about anyone other than himself.  "Okay, Dawn
you go with Dru, and Cordy, you come with me.  See you back at the mansion
at sunrise."  Finishing his orders, he grabbed Cordelia's arm and pulled her
after him, heading in the direction of Buffy.

* * *

"Shit!  He's headed this way!"  The Slayer said to the ghost of her lover's
son.  "I just hope this works."

"Don't worry, Buffy.  It will.  You just have to stall Angelus for about ten
minutes for the spell to take effect."  Connor reassured, as he backed up
into the shade of a tree, where he disappeared.  "Good luck."

"Thanks."  She grumbled to herself, careful not to draw attention to
herself.  "Why is it that when I really need help the most, the Powers take
it away?"  Noticing the closeness of the vampires, Buffy started to back up
into the shadows more, praying to hold off the confrontation just a little
longer.

* * *

"Hey, we're back!"  Anya called, as she walked into the house.

"Great!  Then we can get this spell finished."

"Yeah, the sooner the better," Tara agreed with her partner.  They both knew
that they didn't have much time to complete it.  Angelus was a big threat to
everyone, especially Buffy, and they didn't know what he could be doing
right now.  Or even if their friend was still alive.

"Okay, let's get this over with."  Willow replied, setting up the incense
again.

* * *

Angelus knew that they were closing in on Buffy.  The farther they walked,
the stronger his feelings were becoming.  He didn't falter in his steps, not
fearing the tiny warrior.  She was putty in his hands all those years ago,
and he knew that she would be again.  Cordelia had been getting closer and
closer to him during the walk, even going as far as to hold his hand.  It
was starting to piss him off.  He didn't take it too well when someone
refused to listen to his orders.  "Cordelia, get the FUCK off me!!"  He
shouted, ripping his arm from her grasp.  The shock on her face actually
made him laugh, which caused a pained look on her face.  That, of course,
made him laugh so hard that he almost fell over.

"Stop it!"

"What?  You dare to question a master?"  Angelus challenged.

"You're just a fucking jackass!!"  She returned, not hiding the pain that he
rejected her again.

With that comment, he slapped her across the face, and yelled, "BITCH!! 
Don't you EVER question my authority again!!"

"Well, finally, I managed to get a reaction from the mighty Angelus!"  The
half-demon quipped, earning her another slap, at which she just chuckled. 
"Yeah, baby, do it again!" She teased, pulling him to her for a rough kiss.

* * *

Buffy watched the confrontation between the two vampires, growing more
nauseous by the moment.  'Seems they are lovers in this world too,' she
thought, a frown coming over her face.  'Well, if I going to go through with
this, I had better go now, while they're distracted.'  Pulling together all
of her resolve and inner strength, the Slayer stood up and walked out of her
cover.  This drew the attention of Angelus, whose gaze was followed by the
other vampire.  'At least that part didn't take long.'  "Hello, lover."

"Why, long time, no see, lover."

"I know.  It's really quite a shame.  I've wanted to talk to you for a long
time now."

"Oh, really?"  Angelus questioned, approaching the tiny Slayer.  "What did
you want to discuss?"

"Well, it wasn't really a message that you tell, but for you, lover, I'll
make an exception."  With that, she walked up and kicked him in the crotch,
sending him to the ground, doubled over.  "You are a fucking bastard who
should die a thousand deaths, and even that wouldn't be enough!"  She yelled
at his pained body, continuing to kick him in any place her shoe would
touch.

"Is that all you've got, Slayer?  See, I figured you'd be a little tougher
than that.  But then again, I always knew you wouldn't be able to kill me." 
The master vampire replied smugly, his hauntingly familiar half-smile
gracing his features, as he stood up.  He glanced at the other vampire and
then at Buffy, just for a brief moment before his ex-lover attacked him
again.

Suddenly, a semi-shocked Cordelia ran at the Slayer and threw her off of her
master.  "You're gonna pay for messing with my boyfriend, Bitch!"  The
half-demon screamed, charging at the other girl with lightning-like speed. 
Catching Buffy off guard, she plowed into her, knocking her across the
street and into a building.  Drifting into unconsciousness, the Slayer
barely saw the outline of the two vampires as they approached her body
before her world went dark.

* * *

With the incense in place, the Wiccans were able to start the final spell,
the one to restore Angel's soul.  Again, in a circle, with the orb of
Thesula in the center, the witches began their chants:

Through the essence of its other
And the soul of its lover
May the soul be quickly found
And that it be forever bound

After reciting the spell, the orb glowed brightly and vanished.

Part 27

Buffy lay completely still against the house, as the two vampires approached
her.  Just as they reached her, Angelus let out a pained cry and dropped to
his knees.  Cordelia panicked and fell beside him staring at his face. 
"What's wrong, love?"  She noticed a strange flicker of orange in his eyes,
not that of his demon, but something different.  It was there for only a
brief moment before it vanished, so she didn't give it another second's
thought.  The dark vampire just shook his head, and then got up, not even
bothering to answer her question.

* * *

Willow and Tara looked completely relieved when the orb vanished.  Everyone
in the house was cheering for the witches because they were responsible for
saving the world.again.  After about two minutes or so, the cheering
stopped, and three pairs of eyes flew to the shrieking Willow.  Then, they
followed her glaze down to the basket that had held the orb.

"NO!"  Xander screamed, "No, no, no, no, it can't be!!"  No one else said a
word because he spoke what they were all thinking, as they stared at the
orb, back in its place in the basket.

* * *

When Buffy finally woke up, she panicked.  The last thing she remembered was
getting cornered by Angelus and Cordelia.  Glancing around in the darkness,
she tried to recognize where she was.  It was Angel's bedroom in the
mansion.  'Shit!' she thought, as she struggled against the chains she was
tied up with against the wall.  'The spell must not have worked.  'God, I
can't do this.  I can't lose him again!'  Just as the tears started to form
in her eyes, a brilliant light flashed inside her head.  "Aaahhhh!!" 
Visions floated in her head of her friends, performing the spell.  They
quickly flashed from that to Angelus.  He was drinking her blood.  'WHAT??' 
She thought as she continued to watch the visions.  The next one was of
Angel standing in a strange white room.  If she didn't know any better, she
could swear it looked like a hospital.  Then, just as suddenly, the visions
stopped.

"What the FUCK is going on in here?"  Angelus shouted as he strolled
casually into the room.  It was only then that Buffy realized that she had
been screaming and crying the entire time.  But at least now, she knew what
she had to do.

* * *

The Scooby Gang was in serious panic mode after they realized the spell
didn't work.

"I just don't understand it.  What did we do wrong?"  Willow kept saying,
over and over again.  She and the others were continuing to research the
spell they just performed.  No one knew exactly what they were looking for,
just anything that they may have overlooked the first time around.

"Hey, I think I found something!"  Tara shouted, causing everyone to jump up
and run over to her.  "Okay it seems that Angelus must have some of his soul
mate's life essence in him to complete the ritual."

"So, you're saying that Angelus must drink Buffy's blood in order to regain
his soul?"  Xander asked.

"Well, yeah.  That's what it said.  It just means that we didn't mess up."

"That's good."  Anya commented. "But how much does he have to drain?"

"Um.it doesn't say.  I'm not really sure."

"Well, the last time a ritual called for the Slayer's blood, it required a
lot of it."  Willow said, recalling the days just prior to graduation.

"Okay, there are only two problems with this scenario.  First, how do we let
Buffy know that we need her to get her lover's demon drink her blood?  And
second, how do we keep Angelus from killing her before his soul returns?" 
His only answer was silence.

* * *

"I said, what the FUCK is going on in here?"  The vampire raged, after
receiving no answer from his hostage.

"Nothing," Buffy said as coyly and innocently as she could.  Using the
chains to her advantage, she stretched out, showing an ample amount of
cleavage through her tank top.  It felt strange to being playing the role of
the seductress, but she didn't have much choice in the matter.  He had to
drink her blood, and this was the only way she could think of to get him to
do it.  Well, without him killing her anyway.

"It certainly didn't sound like nothing."  The dark vampire countered.

"Oh, that?  Sorry, but I was trying to get someone's attention.  I have to
go to the bathroom."  She replied, doing her best to fake anything that
would get her unchained.

"Really?  Now see, I think you're lying to me, and I don't handle liars very
well."  He said, walking with dangerously slow speed to stand in front of
her.  The fear evident in her eyes was making him crazy, and he showed it
through his trademark half-smile.   As much as he despised the tiny Slayer
in front of him, she turned him on like no other woman did.  He was so hot
that he wanted to take her right then and there.

"So what if I am lying?  What are you going to do about it, hurt me?"  She
questioned, contemplating her next move.  This job was getting harder than
she thought.  Being so close to his body caused her nerve endings to ignite
like a wildfire, but her head was screaming against the entire idea.  She
had to be crazy to think she could pull this off and live to see another
day.

"Is that an invitation?"  Angelus softly trailed a finger down her cheek to
her breasts and back up, leaving a searing trail of heat in its wake. 
Looking into his eyes, she noticed the lack of emotion in them.  They were
cold and empty even though he touched her so gently.  As he reached lower on
her face, Buffy turned her head and took his pointer into her mouth, biting
on it hard.  The vampire growled in response, but was highly aroused by her
aggressiveness.  He pressed her against the wall, making certain that she
could feel his painfully large erection against her stomach.

Hearing his call to her, she bit harder on his finger, causing blood to
draw, before she released it.  "Wow, you really do think highly of yourself,
don't you?  You actually think I would want a repeat performance of *that*?"
  Remembering her 17th birthday and the way that Angelus taunted her before,
she took this moment to throw some of it back in his face.  'Let's see how
much he likes it!'  His confused look, even if it was only there for a
millisecond, was enough of an answer.

"Are you sure about that?"  He countered, successfully covering his sudden,
but brief, feelings of insecurity.  He wasn't lying though.  He could smell
her wetness so strong, it was making him light-headed.  Taking control,
Angelus let one of his hands snaked down to caress her through her pants.

"Yeah, right!"  She spat, hoping to get some power over the creature in
front of her.  It was getting really difficult, though, because what he was
doing to her felt *so* good. "*Spike* was a better fuck than you *ever*
were!!"

As soon as the words left her mouth, she knew that they would be regretted. 
Angelus immediately vamped out and very roughly grabbed her chained arms and
pulled her to him, crushing her mouth to his.  In doing so, the chains
ripped off the walls, leaving major wounds bleeding from her wrists, and his
fangs managed to pierce her tongue, causing it to bleed as well.  Buffy let
out a loud cry of pain as he jerked her over and threw her on the bed.

* * *

Cordelia was sitting down in the great room of the mansion waiting for the
rest of her family to arrive.  Angelus had specifically told her not to go
out, when he went to go check on their screaming hostage upstairs.

"What the Hell is taking him so long?"  She grumbled to the empty room. 
"All he had to do was beat the bitch up a little bit and then he could spend
some time down here with me.alone."  That's when she heard another loud
scream coming from upstairs.  This time, however, it sounded a little
differently, almost like a moan, and she didn't like it.  'Well, he never
said that I couldn't go upstairs.'  She thought, as she rose from her seat
on the couch and proceeded up the stairs of the large mansion.

* * *

After Angelus had thrown the Slayer down on the bed, he swiftly took his
clothes off and moved onto the bed beside her.  He ripped hers off in a
matter of seconds and tossed the tattered fabric behind him.  This elicited
another pained scream from Buffy.  She knew that this wasn't such a good
idea anymore.  Not only was he strong, but he was also *very* pissed off
about her comment on Spike.  He was ready to claim her, to dominate her, and
it didn't matter if he broke her in the process.  Hovering over her, Angelus
took possession of her mouth, again drawing blood with his fangs.  His hands
moved down and pulled apart her legs, allowing him entrance into her small
body.  His erection entered her quickly, not giving her a moment's time to
adjust to his size.  She felt like she was going to be split in two.  It's
not that she hadn't had sex before, of course she had, but it had been over
a month, and this demon wasn't holding back.  All she could do was hold on
to him, and pray that he bit her soon and this would all be over with.

Pulling back from her mouth, Angelus asked coolly, as he pounded into her
tiny frame, "So, do you still think Spike was better than me?"  He tightened
his hold on her hips, almost breaking them with the force of his grip,
leaving her in a breathless agony.

Taking time to get air back into her lungs, she grunted, "Definitely."  This
comment rewarded her with a slap across the face and more painful thrusts
from the dominating vampire.  Buffy screamed out again, through gritted
teeth, feeling as though she was being impaled by his relentlessness.  This
wasn't like the pleasure/pain she felt with Spike.  Even though she was
certainly responding to the fact that her soul mate's body was inside her,
the pain that was coursing through her seemed to overpower that pleasure.

"We'll just see about that."  He dipped his head down and captured one of
her nipples in his mouth, sucking on it forcefully.  For awhile, he managed
not to bite her, alternating from one breast to the other.  However, when
his orgasm was close, and since it was second nature to him anyway, Angelus
sank his teeth into her breast and began to drink her life's essence
greedily.

* * *

Cordelia followed the screams down the hallway, figuring that her lover had
decided to kill the little bitch that tried to ruin their lives.  So, when
she reached his bedroom, she happily walked in, hoping to join in on the
fun.  However, what she saw wasn't what she expected.  Her lover was
pounding the life out of the only person she ever hated.  And to make
matters worse, she watched as he sank his teeth into her and proceeded to
drain her.  Her typically brown eyes turned green with jealousy, knowing
that in no matter what lifetime, Angel would never do that to her.  Furious,
she stormed off and planned her revenge.

* * *

As the Slayer's powerful, intoxicating blood ran over his tongue, Angelus
came into her body, thrusting wildly.  Buffy felt very little of anything at
this point.  She vaguely recalled seeing Cordelia's face in the doorway, but
just as soon as she felt the demon's cold, lifeless seed flood her body, the
world went dark.

Part 28

* * *

Angelus collapsed on the unconscious Buffy, suddenly feeling a large amount
of pain coursing through his body.  His entire body hurt, and he knew it had
nothing to do with his previous 'activities'.  Something wasn't quite right
with him, but he couldn't figure what it was.  It felt like something was
trying to invade his body and mind.  "Dammit!  Not again!"  The vampire
said, just as his eyes glowed orange, and he passed out on top of his lover.

* * *

"Hey, Guys?"  Willow called into the house.  Some of the others went to get
more coffee and the others went to take a nap, knowing that there was
nothing they could do for Buffy until the sun came up.

"Tara walked into the living room and peered over her lover's shoulder.  "Oh
my God!!  It worked!!"  She shouted, hugging Willow tightly.

"What's going on?"  Xander mumbled, tugging his shirt on over his head.

"Yeah, you just interrupted our entire afterglow moment."  Anya stated
bluntly, receiving a bunch of stares from the others in the room.  "What?"

"Hey, An, did you forget our talk about private and public information?" 
Her husband asked, tenderly wrapping his arm around her shoulders.

"No, but they ruined my favorite part.  Well, except for when you."

"ANYWAY, the orb is gone!!"  The red-head cut in, not wanting to know the
rest of her statement.

"What?!!  Are you serious?!!"

"Yeah, Xand.  Do you know what this means?"

"Um.Angelus is gone for good?"

"Yeah, and Buffy's still alive!!"

"How do you know that, Will?"

"Well, he drank her blood and.oh."  The witch suddenly realized what her
friend was trying to point out.  "She would never let that happen."

"You're right, she wouldn't *let* that happen, but how much control do you
think she has over Angelus?"

"She's still alive, Xander.  She has to be."  Willow whispered the last
part, praying to anyone that would listen to her that her friend would make
it through this.

* * *

After only a moment or two, Angel lifted his pounding head, and tried to
figure out where he was and what was going on.  "Buffy?"  He asked, looking
down at her bruised and bleeding body.  When he noticed the puncture marks
on her breast, his memories came flooding back.  "Oh, God, what have I
done?"  He immediately got up and threw on whatever clothes he could find. 
Then he retrieved a t-shirt and sweats for Buffy and dressed her.  Picking
up her unconscious body, he ran into the night and to the emergency room. 
"Hang on, Buffy.  Please, hang on!!"

* * *

Drusilla and Dawn sauntered into the mansion a few hours before sunrise. 
They had some fun of their own after the split, killing three more mortals. 
At one point they ran into Lindsey again, but since they were feeding, they
decided to leave him alone.  Spike had already messed him up pretty bad, and
his blood wouldn't taste very good with dirt in it!!  Anyway, when they
walked into the great hall, Drusilla noticed her child was crying and pacing
angrily.

"Uh-oh, baby's not happy."  The crazy vampire commented.

"You're damn straight, I'm not!  That fucking bastard is going to pay for
double-crossing me!!"  Cordelia said, bounding her fists against the wall.

"What happened, Dru?"  Dawn asked, not understanding her tears.  Did
vampires cry?

"I meant nothing to him.  He bit her!!  He just fucked her and then he
fucking drank her blood!!  We were supposed to be together for all eternity,
and he didn't waste any time getting back in the Slayer's pants!!"  The
distraught demon babbled furiously.

"Are you talking about Angelus? Cuz all I can say about that is 'Duh!!'"

"Dawn, what the HELL are you talking about?  And you had better watch what
you say next because I won't be held responsible for my actions!  Got me?"

The younger vampire nodded and elaborated, "Well, you should already know
that the last time Angelus showed his face, all he could think about was my
former sister.  He was obsessed with her, and the only thing he wanted more
than killing her was to screw her.  Everyone knew that, even you, so why are
you acting so bloody stupid all of a sudden."

As soon as the words were in the air, Cordelia grabbed the closest weapon to
her, a shovel, and ran at Dawn with it.  She took a swing, and knocked the
younger vampire unconscious.

"I'm going to get him back!!  I don't care what I have to do, or kill, to
get the job done!!  So, are you with me, Dru, or do I have to take you out,
as well?"  The demon asked, raising the shovel above her head.

"Of course, I'll help you.  Especially if Daddy will come home for good this
time.  No Slayer to mess it up."

"Good!  So, here's the plan."  Cordelia set about explaining her revenge to
her crazy Sire.

* * *

"HELP!!  I need some help!!"  Angel shouted as he ran into the emergency
room, carrying Buffy in his arms.  She hadn't moved since he realized what
was going on, and it scared him.a lot.  A nurse and doctor ran up to him and
showed him where he could take her.  Once he laid her down, the doctor asked
him a few questions.

"Okay, what happened?"

"I'm not sure.  I just came home and found her like that.  It looks like
something bit her.  I don't know what.   Please, you have to help her."

"We will.  Although, from the looks of things your."

"Wife," Angel supplied.  Well, technically she was.

"She looks like she was raped."

"Raped?"  'Oh, God, no!'

"Don't worry.  We'll take care of everything, though if it is, the police
may need a statement from you.  Go ahead and take a seat.  I'll come and
talk to you as soon as I can."  With that, the doctor left to start treating
Buffy.

Angel slowly walked out of the room, his head hung down and his hands in his
pockets.  He did it again, only much worse this time.  His mind wandered
back to the day before Buffy's graduation.  He never felt as guilty in his
entire existence as he did that day.  Well, until now.  This time he not
only drank from her, but he also violated that perfect, goddess-like body of
hers.  There is no way that she will forgive him for this.  Hell, there was
no way he was going to forgive himself for this.  When he reached the pay
phone, Angel put the change in the machine and called Buffy's house.  He
knew that the gang would be there, researching or something.

"Hello?"

"Willow?"

"Angel?"

"Yeah, it's me.  I'm at the hospital."

"Is Buffy okay?"  The witch immediately knew why he was calling.  Wow.  Talk
about déjà vu.

"I don't know, but I need you guys to come up here."

"Of course, Angel.  What's wrong?"

"Nothing.  I just have some unfinished business to take care of."  As he
hung up the phone, he felt his anger for the first time.  It was coursing
through his veins, feeling almost as strong as his love's blood.  Angel knew
right then what he had to do.  If he was to ever have a relationship (of any
kind) with Buffy again, he had to take care of the bastards that started
this mess.  All he could do now, though, was wait until her friends arrived.
  The last thing he needed to add to his suffering conscience was leaving
her alone after what he did.

* * *

"Willow, who was that?"  Tara asked, as her girlfriend came back into the
living room.

"It was Angel.  Buffy's at the hospital."

"God, not again.  Doesn't Dead Boy ever learn his lesson?"

"Xander, this wasn't his fault.  Angelus was the one to drink her blood, not
Angel."

"Well, that may be true, but it was his fault that this all happened
anyway."

"Xand, honey, get over it!"  He shut up after hearing his wife's words.  She
was right, as always.

"Anyway, Angel wants us to meet him there.  Apparently, there's somewhere he
has to go, but he doesn't want to leave Buffy alone."  The Scoobies all
nodded there heads and headed for the door.

* * *

Angel sat in the waiting room, his head in his hands, waiting for the others
to arrive.  In the back of his mind somewhere he was amazed how easily
brooding came to him.  It took a couple of centuries, but he seemed to have
perfected his skills in that area.  He just shook his head, letting the
tears fall, as he recalled the doctor's words.  'Raped?  How could I do that
to her?'  He felt his loss spread throughout his body.  There was no going
back, no forgiveness this time.  He ran out of second chances.

"It's not your fault."  A voice said from across the room.

"What?"  Angel asked, looking in the direction of the sound.  Once his eyes
hit the figure, his face became even paler.  "Dear God!  Connor?"

"Yeah, Dad, it's me.  Please don't go all wiggy on me, ok?"

"Uh-huh," was his father's only reply.  The vampire was completely stunned
to see the ghost of his son standing there in front of him.

"It wasn't your fault.  She knows that."

"What?  How does she know.what?  How are you here?"  He asked, still
shocked.

"The Powers made me a messenger for you and Buffy.  They need you two
together, but it won't work if you keep blaming yourself."

"But how?"

"Dad, I don't have much time.  Just trust me okay."

"Ok, Connor.  What did you mean before?  She knows?"

"Yeah, she had a vision before Angelus came to her.  She knew that they only
way to get you back was for the demon to drink her blood."

"So, she knew?"

"Duh!  You actually think that she would just let a demon bite her?"  Angel
had to think about that for a second.  He knew that his son was right, but
why would she sacrifice her life for his?

"She loves you, Dad."  The ghost said, reading his father's mind.  "She
always has, and always will.  And you know that's true."

"That may be true, but what I've done is unforgivable.  I killed you and her
sister.  I raped her.  It's all over."  He said, his tears falling even
harder.

"Okay, I'm going to give you some advice.  Get over it!!  You had no control
over the demon.  She knows that.  I know that.  The Powers know that.  The
only one that doesn't is you."  After waiting for a reply from his father
and not getting one, Connor continued, "You don't need forgiveness from her
or me.  We did that a long time ago.  The only person you need to get it
from is you."

"It's not that easy."  Angel replied, still not having much hope in the
future.

"No, I guess not."  The ghost replied sarcastically.  "Well, I have to go
now."

"Wait!! Connor.I-I'm so sorry that I wasn't able to save you."

"It's okay, Dad.  I'm happy here.  There aren't demons chasing me around all
the time.  Besides there's this really cute girl from France that died last
month."

"Connor,"

"Sorry.  Anyway, don't worry about me now.  You have a whole world here that
needs you, and a beautiful woman who loves you.  Just take a chance and be
happy for once."

"But the curse."

"I love you, Dad."  With that, the apparition vanished.

"I love you, Connor."

It was just before eleven when the last of the Scoobies woke up.  Xander, of
course, stumbled down the stairs and headed straight for the food.

Willow noticed her best friend's actions, turned to his wife, and said, "If
you don't keep that boy's food intake in check, you'll have to go shopping
with him to get new belts and pants.  Probably tomorrow!!"

"That's not necessarily a bad thing.  In fact, that gives me more surface
area to lick when we're copulating!!"

"Ewwww!!!  God, I *SO* didn't need to know that!!!!!"  Both Tara and Willow
shrieked.

"I think the pudge look is sexy!  What's wrong with that?"

Tara piped in.  "Anya, you think anything male that breathes is sexy!"

"And some males that don't!!!"  Willow added.  The two witches busted out in
giggles, while Anya just huffed and went to join her husband in the kitchen.

"So what do you think our favorite doomed couple is doing today?"  Xander
asked, walking into the living room accompanied by his wife, and carrying a
plate of 5 waffles coated in maple syrup, butter, and fruit.

"I bet there's some serious smooching going on!!"  Willow commented, happy
that her friend will finally get what she's always wanted.

"Yeah, I agree."  Tara said, smiling at the others.  She always knew that
Buffy and Angel would end up together.  Soul mates often do, especially two
as close as they were.

"Well, I think they're probably having wild, crazy, animal sex right now." 
Anya said, a wicked grin on her face.

"Yep.  I so agree."  That's when Xander broke in song, while doing the
Snoopy Dance:  "You and me baby ain't nothin' but mammals, so let's do it
like they do on the Discovery Channel."   After his third time through the
refrain, he was pegged with pillows and cushions by the 'audience.'

"Hey, wait a sec, guys!"

"What is it, Tara?"

"Will, do they know about the changed status of Angel's soul?"

"Um.no, honey, I don't think they do.  God, that means they are probably
sitting around at opposite ends of the mansion, just trying to avoid the
temptation."

"Well, you should probably call them!"  Xander suggested.  "If I do it, I
will probably end up singing again.  Then, Deadboy will kill me for thinking
those thoughts about Buffy."

"True.  Okay, I'll do it."  Willow got up, and walked over to the phone in
the kitchen, hoping for a little privacy, so she can get any good details
out of her best friend.

* * *
Buffy woke up when she heard the phone ringing.  Moving over in the loose
embrace she found herself in to the edge of the bed, she picked it up.

"'Lo?"  The blonde said sleepily.

"Hey, Buffy!!"

"Will?  All the bad guys are dead, so whatever it is, it can wait until
tomorrow."  She grumbled, even though she noticed that it was almost noon
already.

"Oh, no bad guys here.  Actually, I called to tell you some good news."  The
red-headed witch said in her perkiest voice.

"Hmmm?"  Buffy was getting distracted by the hand that lay across her silk
clad waist.  Angel was starting to caress her stomach in his sleep, and it
was sending bolts of searing pleasure through her body.

"Well, when we did the spell on Angel's soul, the blood you gave him bound
it."

"Will, what are you saying?"

"His soul is permanent now.  So, no more grrrrr!!!!!"

"Are you serious???"  Buffy asked more loudly, seemingly shocked by the
news.

"Yep.  We're sure and serious.  But I have to go now.  Tara's getting antsy
and is irritated that I'm talking too much.  So, anyway, bye!!"

"Bye?"  Hanging up the phone, the blonde stared at it for a moment to let
everything sink in.  Then, with a grin on her face, she rolled over to
return to sleep.  However, she was met by a sparkling-eyed, happy-faced
Angel.

"Hey."

"Hey, baby."  He replied in his deep, sexy voice, as he moved a stray hair
out of her face and behind her ear.  His fingers lingered at her hairline
for a minute before tracing her jaw line.  Tilting her chin with this thumb
and forefinger, Angel placed a gentle kiss on her lips.  It was brief,
however, and he pulled away with a sheepish look on his face.  He may have
overheard the phone conversation, but that didn't necessarily mean that she
wanted him, too.

"I'm sorry.  I shouldn't have done that."  He apologized, praying that she
would tell him that she didn't mind.

"No, don't be sorry.  It was nice."

"Nice?"  He asked, a mock pout on his face.

"Yeah, nice."  She answered teasingly.

"Fine."  The sexy vampire replied as he rolled out of bed, and padded his
way to the bathroom.  While inside, he removed his dressings and inspected
the exposed wounds.  They were completely healed, except for the faint
markings that remained, which would most likely be gone in an hour or so. 
This was another one of those moments that he was happy to be a demon with
super fast healing abilities.  Now, he was not only physically capable of
being with Buffy again (since he didn't have so much pain anymore), but his
soul was also in tact!!  This day could not get any better.  Well, except
for one thing, but he was working on that at the moment.  Right now, all he
wanted to do was finish what he attempted to start a few minutes ago.  The
only problem was making sure that she was okay with it, too.  But he was
going to guarantee it with his next performance.

* * *

Buffy sat, fairly confused, on the bed, as she watched her .boyfriend?
.ex-lover? escape to the bathroom.  She was certain that he knew she was
just teasing him.  That kiss was.wow!!!  It was gentle, tender, but it was
also very passionate.  Even if it was only a brief kiss.  It was obvious
that he wanted more than just that.  Lying in his bed, in his shirt, Angel's
smell was everywhere.  The entire situation had her so wet, so hot for him,
but for some reason he left.  She just couldn't figure it out.

It was then that she heard the shower turn on.  Damn!  She could picture how
beautiful he would look in the shower. Gloriously naked with hot water
running down every inch of his body.  At this point, Buffy was more than
ready for him.  All she wanted to do was climb in there with him.  'I'll bet
he wouldn't expect that!'  She thought, as she rose from the bed.  Shedding
the silk shirt and whatever dressings he placed on her wounds last night,
the blonde walked over to the bathroom door.  It was cracked open.   Good. 
At least now, he wouldn't be able to hear her come in.  Very quietly, Buffy
gingerly stepped into the shower.  She was right.  As he was facing the
stream of hot water, rinsing soap from his face, Angel had never looked
sexier.  She approached him from behind, and without warning, slipped her
arms around his waist.  He jumped slightly, not expecting her to join him. 
This wasn't part of his plan, not that he minded at all.  Buffy started to
place open-mouthed kisses to his wet shoulder blades.  She also traced his
Griffin tattoo with one hand while the other rubbed back and forth across
his tight abdomen.  When she realized that Angel was purring, she spoke for
the first time.

"Hello, love.  Expecting me?"

Smelling her vanilla scented skin mixed with her arousal, he turned around
and answered, "Not yet, baby, but that's fine with me."  Leaning over, Angel
pulled her into his arms and kissed her thoroughly, putting all of his
pent-up lust and need for her into that long kiss in an attempt to show her
how much she meant to him.  He was already hard thinking about her lying on
his bed in his shirt, but the moment he saw her standing naked in front of
him with that dark look of passion in her eyes, his erection became much
harder and more painful.  It pressed itself into her wet, smooth abdomen,
searching for release.  When she started to need air, Angel pulled away, but
rested his forehead against hers.

Breaking the silent moment after recovering from her high, Buffy looked at
him happily, "Angel.  The curse."

He placed his fingers over her mouth.  "I know, baby.  I know."  The vampire
kissed her more deeply this time, going crazy from not holding her, touching
her for so long.  He had planned to make slow, beautiful love to her after
teasing her with thoughts of him in the shower, but from the moment she
joined him, all he wanted was to be inside her.  Slow and beautiful could
wait.  Without breaking the kiss, Angel spun them around, pushing Buffy into
the wall underneath the hot spray of water.  She gasped from the unexpected
change in position and the change in her lover.  Slowly but firmly, he began
to trail kisses down her throat, reveling in the moans he elicited from her.
  She gripped the thick hairs on the back of his head, holding on for dear
life as the fire began to ignite her entire being.  His lips continued their
path down to her chest, stopping only for a moment to suck gently on her
scar, as his hands caressed every part of the blonde's body that they could
reach.  Once he reached the valley between her breasts, Buffy threw her head
back against the hard tile.  She knew that he was very talented in all forms
of sex, but she was amazed that he could almost make her come just from his
ministrations to her breasts.  She was in a very relaxed and pleasured state
when she realized that he was no longer touching her.

"Angel, wha-?"  She started to ask when she opened her eyes, but trailed off
when she saw the tears in his brown ones.  "God, honey, what's wrong?"  Her
hand moved up to cup his cheek in its palm.  Buffy watched, as her lover's
trembling hand reached out to her left breast.  He was always amazed that
even after only one night of passion, he knew every detail and curve of her
body.  However, something had changed.  On her breast, he found a new scar:
two tiny holes just above her nipple.

"God, what have I done??"  Angel cried, dropping to his knees and looked up
at her, tears mixing in with the warm water on his face.  "I'm sorry!  I'm
so sorry!!"  He repeated over and over again, as the terrible memories of
last night returned to him.  Pressing his face into her abdomen and leaving
his left hand over the scar, he held her and allowed his tears to flow
unchecked.  Buffy was shocked.  She didn't realize that she had a scar; much
less that Angel blamed himself for it.  She tried to take a look at it, but
his hand was still covering it.  Although she knew this was a sad moment,
his palm and fingers were brushing over her nipple, and she was forced to
hold back her moans of pleasure at the friction it created on her rosy buds.

Leaning over, Buffy helped Angel back up to his feet.  Holding his head in
place, she told him, "Love, this is not your fault.  You've done nothing
wrong.  I love you."  Hearing her words, he whimpered and continued to cry,
knowing that after his previous actions, he shouldn't be here with her, that
she shouldn't love him.  "Angel, look at me."  The blonde demanded, when her
lover lowered his head and looked away, slowly losing himself to the guilt
and pain.  He raised his head and met her gaze.  She was shocked to see how
much torture he was putting himself through.  "Don't do this to yourself.  I
need you here with me.  I-I can't lose you again."  When he saw her tears
and the love in her blurry eyes, Angel realized that she was right.  As much
as he hated himself for his actions and for scarring this perfect body in
front of him, he needed her too.  Finally he removed his hand from the scar
on her breast, and leaning over, he placed a tender, loving kiss to his
mark.  From that moment on, he vowed never to let his demon ruin her life or
their relationship again.  Capturing her lips again in a searing kiss, Angel
pulled her flush up against him.  He did need her, and his body continued to
protest at how long he was waiting to be surrounded by her.  His erection
was very painful now, as he felt the lust shoot through him at the touch of
her tiny hands when they grabbed his clenched ass.  Breaking off the kiss,
he went straight for her wet, pert nipples.  Taking one in his mouth, he
nipped and suckled the bud, while his other hand fondled the neglected
breast.

"Oh, yes, Angel!!"  Buffy moaned, again marveling at the power he has over
her and her body.  He continued his ministrations to her breasts,
alternating from one to the other, for what seemed to be an eternity.  She
was desperate for release, as he dragged out her orgasm.  "Please, Angel, I
need."

"Shhh." He moved up and placed a gentle kiss to her mouth, nibbling on her
pouting lower lip.  "I love you."  He whispered in her ear, as one of his
hands snaked down to play with her curls.

"Aahhhh.love you.too."  She stuttered, slowly going crazy from his torment. 
He dropped to his knees again, which placed him at eye level with her
dripping entrance.  Separating her thighs, he plunged his face between them,
licking a sinuous path over her nether lips.  Wasting no time for he wanted
her too much, Angel searched out her pulsing clit and began to nibble on it
gently.  He thrust two fingers into her tight passage, causing her pleasure
to be too much.  She came, shouting his name, as her head thrashed about
against the tiles and her body quivered beneath his touch.  He lapped up her
honey like it was water, even as she started to come down from the ecstasy
she just experienced.  Finally, he stood up and held her close, as she
recovered from the powerful orgasm.

"Are you okay?"  He asked, several minutes later as she still held onto him.

"Mmmm.yeah, definitely okay.  More like perfect."  Her voice muffled against
his shoulder.  "Love you."

"I love you, too, baby."  He said, accentuating his words with kisses to her
neck and shoulder.  Quickly and without warning, Angel lifted her up and
thrust his steel cock into her tight, wet heat.  She moaned loudly and
wrapped her legs around his waist, locking her feet at the small of his
back.  He stayed still, giving both of them the time to adjust to the
position and the overwhelming sensations that flowed through their connected
forms.  "God, Buffy, you're so hot, so tight!"  He commented, as the
pleasure overtook him, and he began to pound gently, yet forcefully into her
core.  He pulled almost completely out of her, just to thrust back in,
bumping the mouth of her womb.  She cried out in pleasure, as she kept the
near frantic pace at which he was setting.  He was filling her completely,
touching all of her most sensitive places.  How she ever thought anyone else
could replace her first lover was beyond her at this point.  All she knew
now was the searing heat and heavenly feelings that his touch and his body
were eliciting in her.  Feeling his climax approaching and wanting her to
join him, Angel moved a hand in between their bodies.  Searching out her
clit, he rubbed and pinched the bundle of nerves, which sent her spiraling
into a pleasure-filled oblivion.  As she came, her inner muscles clenched
and gripped his cock, triggering his release as well.  They cried out
together, holding and caressing each other as their passion claimed them. 
Out of strength, Angel collapsed against her underneath the now cool stream
of water, pressing her further into the wall.

After she caught her breath and her heartbeat returned to normal, Buffy
pulled away slightly and looked at the head that was still resting against
her chest.  This was where she belonged.  Here, with her lover's body still
embedded in her own, she felt whole and at peace.  Slowly, Angel raised his
head, and looked deeply into her eyes, allowing them to have a complete
conversation without words.  Regretfully, he pulled out of her, causing a
strangled moan to be released from his goddess.  Taking her hand, he led her
out of the shower, grabbed two fluffy bath towels, and hurriedly, dried them
off.  Once that task was finished, he guided her to the bed, where they fell
asleep in each other's arms, weary from the past day's fighting and their
love making.  As soon as they closed their eyes, the lovers had nothing but
peaceful dreams about themselves and happiness.

Part 35

Angel had been awake for about an hour now.  He found himself strangely well
rested and content after the night he had been through, and decided that it
had to be his lover's presence.  Looking at her, he wondered how he ever
managed to live without this tiny Slayer for so long.  Since he had awoken,
Angel had stared at Buffy, trying to memorize how amazing she looked after
being thoroughly loved and falling deeply into sleep.  Using his left hand,
for his right arm was currently underneath the girl's body and its hand lay
across her tight stomach to hold her in place, he reached up and pulled a
stray hair out of her eyes.  As soon as his moving hand touched her, Buffy
moaned lowly and snuggled back against her vampire, who had to suppress a
laugh and a groan as she seemingly enjoyed his touch in her sleep.  It had
been way too long without her, and even though he was loathe to wake her,
Angel's body was already screaming for her to surround him and all she did
was moan.  So the hand that had moved her hair now proceeded to outline the
side of her body under the sheets.  Just slightly feeling her skin under his
fingertips, his hand worked its way down her body, over her throat, over the
swell of her perfect breast, along her ribs and hip bone, all the way to her
knee cap.  Even in her sleep, Buffy's body called to him, her arousal
starting to seep slowly from her core.  His hand ventured back up the same
path, but once he smelled her flowing juices, it veered off course, and
headed straight for the source.  He stopped at her pubic bone, just moving
back and forth along the line of curls she had there, waiting for a response
or signal to continue.  The blonde, still deep in sleep, rolled over onto
her back and spread her legs to give him access to her secrets.  Accepting
her "request," Angel slipped his hand further down, letting one nimble
finger slid down her center in a teasing fashion.

"Mmmm, Angel."  She moaned, arching into his touch.  He knew now that she
thought she was dreaming and was reacting in kind.  However, he was very
much awake and had plans to take advantage of the situation.  His hand began
to trace the outside of her plump lower lips, leaving a trail of heat and
lust in its wake.  Angel continued with feather light touches, never
entering her steaming core, until he heard her frustrated groan.  Looking at
her face, Buffy was still asleep, but seemed to be wiggling around, trying
to get his hand to rub her in the right places.  He never imagined she could
look as beautiful as she did now, nearing the edge of orgasm, and desperate
for release.  Taking pity on her, Angel slipped two fingers into her
dripping heat.  He heard Buffy's sharp gasp at the intrusion of her body,
and felt her hips as they rose in response.  Seeking her g-spot, his fingers
rubbed her mercilessly, as his thumb found her throbbing clit.

"Aaaaaahhhh!!"  She screamed, as she awoke to the overpowering ecstasy that
took control of her tiny body, sending her panting and shaking over the
edge.  Hearing her cry, Angel looked over to her, and they locked eyes. 
Leaning closely to press his lips to hers, he brought her down slowly,
occasionally teasing her with a flick to her swollen nub.

"Good morning, love."  Angel said softly, after breaking his lingering kiss.

"Mmmm.  Yeah, good morning to you, too."  Buffy answered, bestowing upon him
one of her million dollar smiles.  "Thank you."

"For what?"  The vampire asked, not understanding what he did that deserved
recognition like that.

"That has to be my favorite way to wake up in the morning."  His lover
replied, snuggling into him more deeply.

"Really?  That's your *most* favorite way to wake up?"  He questioned, never
even considering that his lack of self-control would be a good way to wake
up.  Especially since he had other ways in mind.

"Well, maybe not my most favorite, but it's certainly up there.  Besides, I
just love it when you touch me."  Buffy informed him, blushing slightly at
her own response.

Suddenly, Angel rolled over, pulling her underneath his body.  Settling his
weight between his forearms and her body, he leaned back and asked, "You
like it when I touch you, huh?"  Playfully, he ran a hand down her body,
starting at her cheek and running down its center, stopping when he landed
on her breast.  "What about when I make love to you?"  He leered, his voice
deep and seductive.  Just as she was about to reply, Angel sealed his mouth
over hers and proceeded to find out just which one she liked better.

* * *

Wesley was starting to worry.  It had been a whole 24 hours, 10 minutes, and
35 seconds since he left Sunnydale, and still there was no word from anyone.
  He sent Fred and Gunn home a long time ago, since they refused to stop
complaining and pestering him.  He couldn't understand why they thought he
was overreacting or freaking out.  He didn't know if they were still alive,
or what had happened in the hospital, once he left, which gave him good
reason to panic.  If he didn't know it before, the ex-watcher was certain of
his love for the brunette, half-demon, seer.  This new information left him
all the more paranoid, debating over whether or not to call them.  Making up
his mind, Wesley picked up the phone and called the first person he could
think of.  When there was no answer at Buffy's house, he called the only
person he never wanted to talk to.

* * *

When the phone rang in their apartment, Anya cursed and reached over to pick
it up.

"WHAT?"  She yelled into the receiver, as she looked over at her lover.

"Anya?  This is Wesley.  I need to t-talk to you."  He said, growing nervous
at the smacking sounds he could hear coming from the other line.

"This.uh.really isn't.oooohhhh.a good.time."  She forced out, not covering
up her moans.  Xander was pleasuring her in the most delightful ways, and
she had no intention on disguising her happiness.

"Yes, quite right.  However, I need to know how Cordelia is doing?"  The
ex-Watcher began to clean his glasses as the phone rested between his ear
and shoulder.  The thought of anyone having sex in his presence bothered him
tremendously, but it was a thousand times worse when the couple included
Xander.

As the smacking and grunting grew louder, Anya bluntly answered his
question.  "She's dead.  Now.OH GOD.do you mind?  XAAANNNNDDDERRR!!!" 
Wesley heard the phone drop, but didn't notice as he ran to the bathroom. 
As his stomach emptied itself, he couldn't tell if it was due to the
extremely disheartening news about his love, or if it was hearing Anya in
the midst of an orgasm with Xander.

* * *

"You were right."  Buffy sighed, as she rolled over, her breathing slowly
returning to normal.

Spooning her small frame, Angel asked confused, "About what, love?"

"I definitely like it better when you make love to me."  The comment earned
her a low, quiet growl from her mate and a series of kisses on her neck and
shoulder.

"Well, if it helps, I like it much better when I'm deep inside you, too."

"Mmmm, yeah."  She replied sleepily, as she burrowed further into the bed
and closer to the chest behind her.  Placing her hands over top of his on
her stomach, she whispered, "I love you, Angel."

"I love you, too, sweetheart."  He stayed awake just long enough to hear her
fall into a deep, peaceful slumber, before he joined her in their dreams.

Epilogue

Wesley was deeply distraught, as he paced the hotel lobby and tried to clear
his mind.  All he could think of was Cordelia and the news that she was
dead.  Maybe they could bring her back.  After all, Willow did manage to
bring Buffy back from the dead, even after three months.  She could do it
again, and bring his love back to him.  With that thought in mind, the rogue
demon hunter set off for his apartment to rest a while before calling the
gang in Sunnydale.

* * *

Buffy woke up about an hour later, never having felt this good in a very
long time.  Rolling over, she noticed that her lover was no longer in bed. 
In fact, the sheets were cold, signaling that he had been gone for quite
some time.  Getting up, she threw on one of Angel's silk shirts and walked
out in search of him.

* * *

Angel had been up for hours.  After making love to Buffy, he watched her
sleep for a while before disentangling himself from her and wandering into
one of the guest rooms.  He stood in the doorway, beholding the dust of his
lover's sister on the bed, and his guilt started to overtake him.  There had
to have been some other alternative to killing her.  He never even tried to
save her.  Instead, he just staked Dawn, without a second thought of it,
until now.  How in the world was he ever going to explain to Buffy what he
had done?  Angel knew that she would be so angry that she would leave him
again.  And he couldn't live through that another time.  Walking away from
his soul mate was one thing, but having her tell him that she hated him and
wanted him dead was another entirely different thing.  All she had to do was
say the word, and he would gladly greet the sunrise.  The creaking
floorboards alerted him to her awakened presence, and he prepared for the
worse.

* * *

Buffy found him in one of the old, unused bedrooms of the mansion.  He was
sitting on the window seat, just staring out into the morning.  Thankfully,
he was facing the wrong direction, so the sun was hitting the other side of
the window.  "Angel?"  She whispered, entering the room. Buffy was worried
the moment she found him.  He had tear stains on his face and seemed to be
deep in his brooding.  Walking over to him, she slipped her arms around his
waist and rested her head on his shoulder, so that she was looking at his
profile.  "Baby, what's wrong?"  Angel only sighed, and pulled her into a
strong embrace.

"Buffy, we need to talk."  He answered, after a drawn out silence in her
arms.  Angel knew that he needed to get this over with because delaying it
would only cause both of them more pain.

Sitting across from her lover, Buffy looked deeply into his eyes.  She saw
all of the pain he was trying to hide, but never could from her.  Whatever
it was that she was about to learn, it was not going to be good news.

"Before I tell you this, I just want you to know that I love you.  It's only
been you for the last 250 years.  And you may decide to hate me or want to
stake me, but I just wanted you to know.  What ever you decide to do, I will
accept it and."

"Angel," Buffy interrupted his ramblings.  "No matter what you have to tell
me, it could never stop me from loving you.  Never.  Do you understand?"

"But."

"No buts."  She countered, taking his hands in hers.  "I will ALWAYS love
you.  Nothing can change that." She paused for a moment, letting her words
sink in.  "So, what did you have to talk to me about?"

Calming himself down, Angel nodded in assent to her words before continuing
his explanation.  "I never got to tell you what happened once I was turned
yesterday."

"Angel, you don't."

"Yes, I do."  He said, cutting her off this time.  "You have to know this. 
Anyway, the first thing is about your scars."

"My scars?"  She questioned, raising one hand to her neck.

"Yeah.  The first one is mine.  I knew then, that I was going to leave you. 
That I had to leave you.  So, I left my mark on you, hoping that even if I
wasn't with you, I could protect you."  He stopped to wipe the tears off
Buffy's cheeks that had started to fall.  "The other one belongs to
Angelus."

"WHAT?"  She said, more forcefully than she meant.  Noticing his wince at
her outburst, Buffy placed a hand tenderly on Angel's, showing him that he
should continue.

"When Angelus came out, he was very pissed off about my attraction towards
you.  He was even more pissed off about the fact that I marked you.  So,
when you.came on to him, he decided to take advantage of the situation."

"So, you're saying that he marked me too?"  She said, her hand moving from
the scar on her neck to where the scar sat underneath the dark red shirt.

Placing his hand over hers on her silk-covered breast, Angel answered her
with a nod.  "Yes, he did.  I'm so sorry."  As tears started to form in his
eyes, Buffy leaned over and kissed him softly.

"What was that for?"  He asked, after she broke the kiss.

"I told you I love you.  That means all of you.  If Angelus wants to mark
his territory, then so be it.  He just better know that it won't happen
again."  A small smile broke out on Angel's face at her lightheartedness. 
Well, now there was only one more thing to tell her.

* * *

Wesley was finally able to fall into a restless sleep after an hour of
crying.  He really loved Cordelia and was still having a hard time dealing
with her death.  Suddenly, the room became really bright, so much so that he
had to close his eyes.  When the light faded a little, Wesley tried to open
them again.  Standing at the foot of his bed was his love, in a flowing
white dress.  She seemed to glow with this ethereal light and even had what
looked like a halo above her head.

"Cordelia?"  He asked, tentatively.

"Yeah, Wes, it's me."  She said, smiling widely.

"But how?"

"That's not important.  What is important is that I was given a choice.  The
Powers were so happy with me that I was taken to Heaven and made a Saint. 
But I decided to give that up so that I could come back as an immortal with
the visions to help Angel and to be with you.  I love you, Wesley."  As soon
as the words left her mouth, Cordelia morphed into a hideous red demon with
large, pointy horns coming out of its head and a long tail.

* * *
Angel took a deep breath before continuing.  "When I came back here, after I
took you to the hospital yesterday, I."

"You what?"  She asked, knowing for some reason that he had to tell her this
information, whatever it was.

"I killed Dawn."  He sat there, silently trying to gauge her hatred for him.
  Surprise took over his features when he realized that she was not angry at
all.  In fact, she pulled him to her and hugged him tightly.

"It's okay, baby."  She whispered into his ear, as she stroked his back
soothingly.

Pulling back forcefully, Angel yelled at her.  "How can you be so calm???  I
killed your sister!!!  I. KILLED. DAWN.  Why aren't you angry???  Be mad at
me!!!!"

Buffy was shocked by his statements, and stood up.  Calmly and quietly, she
answered, "Why should I be angry with you?  Huh?  You watched me kill your
SON, but you aren't even slightly upset with me!  I can't possibly hate you,
not even if I tried, so don't try to turn yourself into some guilt-ridden,
worthless nobody, cuz I won't help you.  I love you."  With that, Buffy
firmly held her position in front of her lover, and waited for some kind of
response.  His only reply was to lean his head against her stomach and sob
for both of their losses.

* * *

Wesley sat up in bed, covered in sweat.  The dream he had kept repeating
itself in his mind.  'Cordelia was willing to give up peace and happiness to
stay here with me and Angel?' He thought.  'She was really the devil
incarnate???'  "What the Hell???"

* * *

Buffy was getting dressed in their bedroom when the phone rang.  Since Angel
was in the shower, she walked over and picked it up.

"Hello?"

"Buffy?"

"Hey, Will!!  What's up?"

"Nothing.  We were just wondering if you and Angel wanted to join us at a
we-saved-the-world-again party at the Bronze."

"I'm sure I can talk him into it.  I can be pretty persuasive."  Buffy said,
smiling wickedly, although no one else could see her.

"I'll bet you can.  So, how does eight sound to you?"

"That'll be great.  There's only one thing we have to do first, and then
we'll be there."

"Great!  See you later then!"

"Later!"  Buffy hung up the phone, and went to finish getting ready.  As she
put her waterproof mascara on, she knew that her plan was going to be good
for both herself and Angel if they were ever going to move on.

* * *
About an hour later, the couple arrived at Restfield Cemetery.   Taking his
hand in hers, Buffy led Angel deeper into the large burial ground.  They
eventually came upon a large pond with two trees overlooking it.  Angel
slowly walked over to the trees and noticed a pair of headstones sitting
happily underneath them.

"Buffy," he almost moaned, a pained expression on his face.  She walked over
to him and held him as he looked at the resting place of his son and her
sister.

"I thought this would be good for both of us.  To know that they are in a
beautiful place now and happy."  She said, looking at the stones as well.

"You picked a perfect spot."

"Thanks.  If you want, I can leave you alone, so that you can say something
to Connor.  Or whatever."

Gripping her hand, he replied, "No.  Please stay with me."

"Always."  She stood there and watched as Angel kneeled, leaned over, and
recited something in Gaelic that she didn't understand.  He then placed a
kiss on the top of the stone and backed up to stand beside Buffy again.

"What did you say to him?"  She inquired.

"Well, I told him that he was the best son a father could ask for and that I
love him and will miss him with all my heart."

"That's beautiful." She commented, as they walked back to his car.

"I also told him that the next time I see him, he'll be grounded for hitting
on the love of my life."  Both of them broke out into laughter, finally
feeling some type of closure in their lives.

* * *

At eight o'clock sharp, Angel and Buffy walked into the Bronze.  Arriving at
their usual table, they found everyone already waiting for them, including
Wesley, Gunn, and Fred.

"Hey, guys!!  What a surprise!!"  Buffy said cheerfully, as she greeted her
newfound friends.

"Wesley was just telling us the funniest story!!!"  Fred said, cuddling with
Gunn in his chair.

"Oh, really?  Well, don't let us stop you!"  Angel said, giving the floor
back to Wesley.

"Okay, so I was just telling everybody that Cordelia appeared to me in a
dream.  She was like an angel or a Saint sent from Heaven."  This earned a
few laughs from everyone.

"Yeah, right!!!  Cordy, a Saint?!!!"  Angel burst into an uncontrollable
laughter at the thought alone.

"Anyway, she told me that she was going to give up her eternity of peace to
return to us and help with the visions.  Then she morphed into what
resembled the devil.  Or maybe Satan, I'm not sure."

"Now that I believe!!!"  Buffy said, sharing a look with Angel.  Just then,
an announcement came over the speakers.

"Good evening, everyone!!  We have a special guest tonight!!!  Straight from
LA, here's Lindsey McDonald!!!!  All of the LA crew snapped there heads
towards the stage to see the infamous ex-lawyer for Wolfram and Hart step
onto the stage, his acoustic guitar in hand.

"So that's where he's been all this time!"  Gunn said, breaking the stunned
silence of the table.

"Well, at least we know he didn't die from the fight with the circle of
vamps."  Buffy said, giving a knowing glance to her lover.  The others
didn't understand the comment, but figured they would just find out later. 
Besides, they were just dying to hear the gorgeous or talented (depending on
which person you asked) man sing.

After adjusting the mic, Lindsey began the first song.  Noticing the slow
tempo, Angel took Buffy's hand and led her to the dance floor.

I cannot help it
I couldn't stop it if I tried
The same old heartbeat fills the
emptiness I have inside
And I've heard that you can't fight love,
So I won't complain
'Cause why would I stop the fire that
keeps me going on?

'Cause when there's you, I feel whole
And there's no better feeling in the world
But without you I'm alone
And I'd rather be in love with you

Turn out the lights now
To see is to believe
I just want you near me
I just want you here with me
And I'd give up everything only for you
It's the least I could do

Buffy raised her head off of Angel's chest to stare into his deep brown
eyes.  The words to the song struck a spot in her soul, when she realized
how true they were.  Both of them have given up everything they had for the
other, and yet all they really wanted was to be together.  Just like they
were right now.  Holding each other close, with nothing standing in the way
of a happy future filled with love and hope.

'Cause when there's you, I feel whole
And there's no better feeling in the world
But without you I'm alone
And I'd rather be in love with you

And I feel you holding me

Why are we afraid to be in love?
To be loved
I can't explain it
I know it's tough to be loved

And I feel you holding me

Oh, oh
And when there's you, I feel whole
And there's no better feeling in the world
But without you I'm alone

And I'd rather be in love
Yes, I'd rather be in love
Oh, I'd rather be in love with you

When the song ended, Angel pulled back slightly and looked down at Buffy,
noticing the tears shimmering in her hazel eyes.

"Is something wrong, love?"  He asked, wiping away the tears.

"No.  It's just that that song reminded me of us.  No matter what, I'd
rather be with you than anyone one else."

"I know the feeling."  Her lover answered, placing a gentle kiss to her
lips.

"So, what are we going to do now?"  Buffy asked, as they headed back for the
table.

"We'll work it out somehow."

"But how?  I don't want to be alone anymore.  And I don't want another
meaningless relationship just because you don't think we can work it out." 
It seemed that she just needed an answer, any answer, to ensure his stay in
Sunnydale and her life.

"We'll find a way to stay together, I promise.  Love always finds a way."