Shadows of The Heart

Author: august528@aol.com

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters nor make any money from them.
Distribution: It will go on my site once I have time to put it on there and a great pic to go with it.
(www.geocities.com/august528/Hearts_On_Fire.html)

Rating: NC-17-R
Couples: B/S, B/A W/O and X/C

Summary: Buffy and Spike have been together for a year and when the new guy arrives Buffy finds her self quite attractive to the bad boy. Although she cares about Spike she can't help her self from wanting to stay in Angel's bed.

WARNING: There will be some explicit sex scenes later on in this story. If you don't like this then do not read. :)
Authors Note: This is based on a challenge by Balover214.  The challenge will be listed at the end of the series.
Authors Note2: There will be two songs in this fic. I will post them later on. 1st Song (challenge requirement): Meredith Brooks: What Would Happen If?
Feedback: Please let me know if you are enjoying this story or if you are hating it.

            Chapter One:

            Buffy was so excited about the first day of school. It was the first time in all her years of attending school that she was ever excited about it. It was due to the fact that she was finally a senior. She was in the class of the top dogs and after this year she would finally be considered an adult. Which meant her mother had to let her drive and her father had to buy her a car like he promised. Buffy was so psyched that she had goose bumps up and down her arms and back as she entered the halls of Sunnydale High.

            There wasn’t anything new or exciting about it except the fact that she was going to leave here in less than a year and never return again.

            “Buffy!” Willow cried out with a shock look on her face.

            “Hey Will, what’s up?” Buffy smiled from ear to ear.

            “Nothing yet. I mean…okay…like you are never early or on time for the first day of school what gives?” Willow smiles with a puzzled frown.

            “It’s the first day of the last year of this stinking school. I can’t wait to get it over with.” Buffy shouts out loud.

            Several kids turn to look in her directions with amused expressions.

            “True. I should have known that was your motivation.” Willow chuckles.

            Unlike Buffy, Willow enjoyed her years in Sunnydale High. She loved education and the constant absorption of knowledge that she had gotten from this place. 

            “I love that sweater. I told you it would look great on you.” Buffy noticed the soft rose color sweater that Willow had chose to wear for her first day. Buffy and Willow had gone shopping for the perfect senior outfits for practically the whole last month of their summer.

            “Thanks. My Mom even noticed it.” Willow replied with a weak smile.

            Buffy knew how absorbed Willow’s parents were in their careers and were rarely home to even notice how brilliant and grown up their daughter had become.

            “That’s cool.” Buffy smiled.

            “No, darling what is cool is these sexy tight leather pants you are wearing.” William whistled as he walked up behind his wife and wrapped his arms around her waist. He leans around and kissed the back of her neck causing her to shiver slightly from the tingling sensation.

            “William, we don’t need to go to the principal’s office today of all days.” Buffy reminds him as she giggles.

            “True. I say we make this year the best year ever.” William turns her around to look at him in the eyes.

            Buffy sees his silent meaning in his eyes as they sparkle with teenage lust. Buffy wishes she could give in to her desires the way all of her other friends had. Buffy just wasn’t quite ready to give in to that game yet. It was a tricky game and she had seen many people loose their futures due to having sex while in High School. She didn’t want to end up pregnant or worse getting some disease that everyone in school discovers.

            Still, she did love William with all her heart and they had dated steady for a year now. But there were moments when she worried that she was a trophy piece to William rather than his first true love. He was after all the star quarterback for the football team and he didn’t quite live in the best of neighborhoods. So some of the girls wouldn’t date him in the beginning because he wasn’t rich enough for their taste. Buffy however had seen the gentleness and loneliness in his eyes that he thought he was hiding from everyone else. She didn’t care if some of her friends not she was dating beneath her self. She adored William and thus far he had not given her any reason to regret giving him a chance to be loved by her.

            “So who is the new guy?” Cordelia Chase walks up staring out at the student parking lot where a silver BMW pulls up into the parking lot with a rather gorgeous looking guy getting out of it.

            All eyes were glued on the young teenager who was wearing the latest fashions and had slightly spiked hair. Buffy couldn’t help but think he looked like he belongs on a cover of magazine rather than at their high school.

            “Don’t know and don’t care.” Buffy replies flippantly.

            “Of course not.” Cordelia rolls her eyes as she glances sideways at William holding Buffy’s hand.

            “Aren’t you supposed to be meeting Xander in home room?” Willow reminds the little snobby princess who was practically drooling as she stared hard at the new guy who was about to walk into the school and run smack into them.

            “Oh…I guess.” Cordelia sighs with regret as she turns on her heels and walks toward class.

            “We need to go too.” William turns Buffy away from the door as they both headed to their homeroom.

            Willow was still standing there however when the new guy walked in.

            Willow noted that he seem to be a bit lost.

            “Can I help you?” Willow offers with a sweet smile.

            “Which way to the office?” Angel asks as he smiles with relief that there was someone close by to ask before he began searching the school like a lost puppy.

            “Straight down this hall, turn to the left and you will run smack into it.” Willow answers.

            “Thanks so much.” Angel smiles genuinely at her as he walks away.

            Willow can’t resist it but look at the nice ass he had as he strolled away with a confident stride. Willow suspected that this new guy was going to stir up things around here and she couldn’t wait to see who fell prey to this bad boy.

            Chapter Two:

            Buffy couldn’t believe her luck as she looked out the front doors of the school at the end of the day to see it pouring down like cats and dogs. Willow was staying late for some school council gig and William of course was at football practice. The coach didn’t care if rained or hail they would have practice. Then there was Cordelia who she knew was at Cheerleading practice. This left her with no other possible option for a ride home in this horrible crap. Putting her notebook over her head she started out the door and through the parking lot. She just hoped that the usual three blocks wouldn’t seem as long since she was walking as fast as she could with out actually running.

            She heard the rev of a motor as it pulled up next to the curb where she was walking. Turning her head slightly she tried to see through the raindrops to see who was showing mercy on her and possibly giving her a ride home.

            Buffy gasp as she saw that it was the silver BMW that had stopped.

            Angel rolled down his window half way.

            “Would you like a ride home?” He offered with an honest smile.

            “Uh…well…” Buffy gulps hard as she considers the consequences if she gets in that car with him. If anyone spots her getting in it then rumors would fly tomorrow and if she didn’t then she would run the risk of running of her notebook and her new boots.

            “Look, I don’t bite.” Angel frowns at her hesitancy to get in the car with him.

            “Okay.” Buffy agrees.

            Angel pops the door open as she climbs in.

            She knew her hair was damp and probably look a fright but she reminded her self that she wasn’t here to impress the gorgeous, muscular rescuer.

            “Thanks.” Buffy said as she situated her books in the floorboard and tried to attempt to fix her hair.

            “No problem. So where do you live?” Angel asks.

            “Oh, two more blocks down and turn left and then the fourth house on the right.” Buffy gave him the directions.

            “Cool.” Angel put the car in drive and sped down the rainy road.

            “I’m afraid that I might have gotten your seat rather wet.” Buffy thought out loud.

            “It’s okay. Its just a car.” Angel answered casually.

            Buffy could smell the enticing cologne he wore. It had an earthy but clean smell to it. It was similar to Spikes but stronger.

            “So my name is Buffy and you are?” Buffy asks although she had already heard much about the new guy.

            “Angel. I came from L.A. and my parents were transfer to this area and that is why I am attending this school. I didn’t do time and I’m not into drugs.” Angel stated knowing that everyone was talking about him.

            “Haha.” Buffy laughed knowing what he was doing.

            “You see this isn’t my first time being new.” Angel explained as he actually broke into a smile.

            “I see. Well, I have been here since the seventh grade when my mother bought the local art gallery. I also don’t do drugs and I have a boyfriend.” Buffy answered. She wondered why she brought up that last fact?

            “I’m sure he is a lucky guy.” Angel glanced at the tight leather pants she wore with the Victorian white blouse that was slightly wet and quite revealing of the lacy little bra she was wearing.

            “Thanks. I think he is.” Buffy teased.

            “So tell me Buffy where can a guy get a good cup of coffee in this town?” Angel asks curiously.

            “Joe’s Shack has the best coffee.” Buffy answers.

            “Where is it?” Buffy gave him the directions just as he pulled up in front of her house.

            “Thanks Buffy. It was nice meeting you. I hope we can be friends. I mean I don’t have any yet and I would love to have at least one my senior year.” Angel looked at her with tender eyes.

            Buffy thought how sexy his eyes were. They were a light brown and it looked as if there were small gold specks in them. She also noted that he had a strong jaw line. His body was definitely muscular which made her wonder if he worked out. Then she realized she had just been staring at him for several moments.

            “I’m sorry. I’m just a bit out of it. I would love to be your friend. Tomorrow you can hang out with me..us.. at lunch if you like and I can introduce you to the gang.” Buffy answered with a soft blush to her cheeks.

            “Sounds great. Thanks.” Angel smiled.

            Buffy started to get out of the car when she looked at the distance between the driveway and the front porch.

            “Oh here.” Angel reaches behind his seat and headed her a silver umbrella.

            “Thanks. I will give it back to you tomorrow.” Buffy replied.

            “No problem.” Angel answered.

            Buffy stepped out of the car and pop open the umbrella and run up to the front porch. Closing the umbrella she unlock the front door and turn around to see if he had gone already which he had not. He was waiting for her to get inside safely she assumed. Going in the house she shut the door behind her. She stood there next to the door feeling her heart thumping so hard that she wondered if he had heard it over the motor of his car?

            Angel started to pull out of the driveway when he noticed that she had left one of her books in the floorboard. He debated on whether to take it to her or keep it to give him another chance to talk to her. She was the first thing he had found so far that he liked about this small town. Driving away he couldn’t help but sniff the floral scent of her perfume that still linger in his car and smile wickedly.

            Chapter Three:

            Buffy had been correct about her fears the day before about getting a simple ride home from Angel. Rumors were flying rapidly around the school that she was going to break up with William and start dating the new guy. Luckily she had called William that evening when he got home from his after school job to inform him of what had occurred and what exactly was said between the two of them so he would not get jealous or mad at her.

            “You were right.” William chuckles nervously as he had already the rumors by second period.

            “I’m sorry darling.” Buffy kisses him on the cheek.

            “It’s not your fault people are that lame or bored.” William smiled tenderly at her as he stroke her cheek with the back of his hand.

            Buffy smiled happily that he trusted her enough to believe in her rather than the rest of the school gossipers.

            “Hi Buffy.” Angel walked up to the couple standing next to a locker.

            “HI Angel.” Buffy’s voice squeal slightly with nervousness as the new guy stood in front of her boyfriend.

            “Hi, my name is William. Thanks for giving my girl a ride yesterday.” William says with a polite smile.

            “No problem. I just couldn’t stand seeing someone walking with books over their heads. Which reminds me, you left this one in my car.” Angel handed her the book.

            “Thanks. I thought I had left it in class.” Buffy takes the book from him.

            “We were just about to head to lunch, would you like to join us?” William asks politely.

            “Sure.” Angel glances at Buffy to see if she was really okay with this and she seemed pleased with Williams’s politeness so he followed the couple.

            “Buffy said you went to L.A. High. I heard that was a tough school.” William comments.

            “It can be.” Angel agrees.

            “So what do your parents do that brings them here?” William asks.

            “They work for Prescott and Thompson ad agency. They just open up a new office here and my parents are the head of it.” Angel answered.

            “Cool.” William understood how Angel’s parents could afford such an expensive car for a young kid.

            “What about you? Have you lived here all your life?” Angel asks casually as they get in line to grab something to eat.

            “No, I was born in England but we moved over here when I was about five years old. We lived in New York for a few years and then my mother brought here when I was in sixth grade.” William answers with a brief look of sadness in his eyes.

            “I’m sure most of these students have lived here all their lives though.” Angel stated.

            “Yep. In fact you are about to meet two of those students.” Buffy stated as they both reach out to grab the same apple from the fruit basket.

            “Here.” Angel handed it to her. He wondered why she was staring so oddly at him.

            Buffy wondered why she had felt such a spark run up her arm from just a mere touch of their fingers?

            “Thanks.” Buffy answered as she exhaled deeply.

            They paid for their food and sat down with the gang.

            “Hey everyone this is Angel.” Buffy introduces him to the four other people sitting at the usual spot.

            “Hi Angel.” They all said in union.

            “This is Willow and Oz and Xander and Cordelia.” Buffy finish the introduction.

            “Dude that is such a wicked car you have.” Xander started up.

            “Thanks. It was actually my dad’s and he gave it to me when he decided that he would rather drive a Harley to work.” Angel explained.

            “Your dad drives a Harley?” William cries out with disbelief.

            “Yeah, he is a bit on the wild side. You wouldn’t know it if you saw him at work.” Angel chuckles at the memories of the parties they would have and whenever their co-workers came over how shock they were at the difference of Liam the cool executive and Liam the party animal.

            “Your dad sounds cool.” Oz answers as he sips on his fruit punch.

            “He can be but like any other dad he can also be a pain in the ass.” Angel replied as he bit into his apple.

            “True.” The group agreed with that theory about parents.

            “Oh, Angel I am having a party after the game Friday night and you have to come.” Cordelia cries out.

            “Honey calm down. It’s just a party.” Xander teases his girlfriend about her over zealous behavior when it came to parties.

            “Excuse me? It’s not JUST a party. It’s MY party.” Cordelia stares him down.

            “Your right dear.” Xander gulps at the look of rage in her dark brown eyes. He had intentionally insulted her popularity status of throwing the best parties in Sunnydale.

            “Sounds great.” Angel agrees as he cracks a smile at the fear on Xander’s face.

            “Damn.” Oz sighs, as the bell rings letting them all know it was back to class.

            Angel watch as each of the couples gave each other a quick kiss on the cheek as they stood up holding hands with their partners. Angel suddenly really felt like the outsider. However he did notice that Buffy was the only one who seems to look embarrassed when William kissed her cheek. He wondered if she was just afraid of them getting in trouble or just didn’t like public display of affection?

            “See you later.” William smiles tenderly at her as he leaves with Oz and Xander who all three have the next class together.

            “What is your next class?” Buffy asks Angel.

            “I actually changed it yesterday I now have History this period.” Angel answers.

            “Really. Well then follow me. We are in the same class.” Buffy ignores the looks of her two girlfriends who are watching them like hawks with amused expressions on their face.

            “You know she better watch her step.” Cordelia whispers to Willow once the couple are out of hearing range.

            “What do you mean?” Willow frowns.

            “What I mean is that those two have some major sparkage going on. I mean look at them as they walk off. They look more of a match than Buffy and William. Not that I don’t like William I’m just pointing out what others are saying and will be thinking.” Cordelia warned her.

            “Buffy loves William. Besides you know she doesn’t go for guys just cause they have money.” Willow pointed out as they walk to class together.

            “Come on Willow look at the guy. No one would care if he lived on the streets with that body and face. Anyone would want to be on his arm, money or not.” Cordelia sighs heavily.

            “Are you one of those people?” Willow stares at Cordelia with a curious frown.

            “No, I can honestly say that I love my Xander.” Cordelia answers honestly.

            “Good.” Willow sighs with relief as they enter the classroom with all thoughts of Angel and Buffy out of their minds.

            Chapter Four:

            Angel saw that Buffy was heading home again by foot. He wondered why a girl her age wasn’t driving some sort of vehicle? Angel called out to her before she headed out of the parking area.

            “Buffy!”

            “Yeah,” Buffy called back as she walked toward him.

            “Why do you walk home?” Angel asks curiously.

            “Cause I need to loose the weight? Duh, don’t have a car.” Buffy teases him.

            “Why not?” Angel frowns at her.

            “My parents don’t think I am mature enough to drive yet. I had a little accident during drivers Ed and ever since they won’t let me drive by myself.” Buffy blushed from the embarrassing truth.

            “That sucks.” Angel rolls his eyes.

            “Yeah, well that’s my parents for you.” Buffy shakes her head sadly.

            “Let me give you a ride home.” Angel offers.

            “I don’t know Angel.” Buffy glances around the students filling into the parking lot leaving school for the day.

            “What are you afraid of the rumors?” Angel asks.

            “You have heard uh?” Buffy exhaled.

            “Yeah, of course I have. Trust me I have no intentions of doing anything to break you and William up. I just hate to see you walk when you can ride with me.” Angel stated with a charming smile that no one could resist.

            “Oh…alright.” Buffy agrees as she climbs into the car.

            “But I must discuss this with William before I do this again. I mean I don’t want him to get all jealous and pissed off.” Buffy warns Angel.

            “Sounds fair.” Angel nods his head in agreement as he puts the keys into the ignition.

            “But before we go home I must take you to get coffee. It’s the least I can do for you allowing me to have lunch with your friends. Plus I’m bored as hell.” Angel answers with a sheepish grin.

            “I hate you.” Buffy says with a serious face.

            “What?” Angel looks stunned.

            “I’m so addicted to the stuff and I can not resist.” Buffy cracks into a wide grin causing Angel to sigh with relief.

            “You had me there for a second.” Angel shakes his head back and forth.

            “I’m sure you have been had before.” Buffy replies and then realizes how that might have sounded wrong for what she intended it to mean.

            “Oh I have.” Angel smiles wickedly from ear to ear as he turns the radio on and drives them silently to the coffee shop.

            Buffy feels the pit of her stomach just drop like mud on a hard surface.

            She liked him. She knew instinctively that he was dangerous but she couldn’t stop her self from being drawn into the fire. She liked it too much and it was something new for a change.

            They walked into the coffee shop where several other students had arrived and all eyes were glued on them. They took a table outside hoping to get away from the eyes.

            “So what are your plans after this year?” Angel asks casually trying to find something to talk to her about. Normally when he was with a girl they did less talking and more action. How ever he knew the boundaries to this relationship and for once he was going to stick to them. He liked Buffy. He liked her friends. For once he would see what it was like to be with in a group instead of the outsider with the bad boy reputation. He knew his so called friends back in L.A. would totally whig out if they knew he was a hot girl like Buffy and no intentions of seducing those sexy little pants right off of her.

            “Nothing so far. I hate how everyone keeps asking that of me. Not you but my family and William. I mean how do I know I will even live to see tomorrow? I just…well…honestly I just want to enjoy my last year of care free youth.” Buffy replies.

            “So in other words you have no ideal what you want to do with your future and you don’t want to be pushed or pressure into doing something that someone else wants you to do until you know what is that makes YOU happy.” Angel answers with a knowing look in his eyes.

            “Yeah..” Buffy whispered with wide eyes staring at him with sudden admiration.

            “I know. I was going over the same problem over the summer. My parents each have their own dream for me and so do my grandparents. I have a hard enough time just picking out which clothes to wear every morning with out trying to plan out my entire future. I mean I have seen people start out in life thinking they know what they want and pursuing it just to find them selves stuck in a lousy career that as they matured realized it wasn’t what they really wanted after all. Of course they think at that point in time in their lives it is too late to change it.” Angel pauses as he sips his coffee.

            “So they stay in the sinking pit of hell until their life just depressingly passes them by.” Angel finishes.

            “Wow, you have really thought this out.” Buffy chuckles as she looks at him with a sudden clarity that she had not seen before. Angel was remarkably wiser than he looked. She wondered what sort of life style he led before coming to this small neck of the woods? She also felt tremendously more relaxed around him since she knew that he felt the same way she did about the whole future issue.

            “I had time on my hands.” Angel smiles crookedly.

            “It would appear so.” Buffy answers.

            “Well, I better get you home before the whole town thinks we are planning our future together.” Angel jokes.

            Buffy just smiles warmly at him and follows him back to his car.

            Chapter Five:

            “You know I don’t mind you having male friends Buffy but why him?” William asks with a worried look in his dark blue eyes.

            “He is new for starters. Secondly he has been polite and understanding. He knows that you and I are a couple and he respects it. I mean he has never hit on me or flirted with me at any point that we have been alone together?” Buffy vows as she grabs Williams hand and holds it as they sit in her bed both in Indian style.

            “I know what your saying sounds perfect but trust me darling that is another way to play.” William sighs.

            “Play?” Buffy frowns at him.

            “Yeah, look I think he is cool so far but guys like him are major players Buffy. They don’t date nice girls like you with out the intention of scoring and leaving. Now, Angel here he is making you feel totally relaxed and unconcern that he is trying to break us up so that once you guard is down he will attack.” William answers with a solemn look.

            “Oh God! You think every guy wants to have sex with me.” Buffy rolls her eyes and snorts and his remarks.

            “Trust me they do.” William’s eyes widen.

            “William, don’t you trust me. I mean look if I’m totally in love with you, which I am, and I don’t sleep with you what in the world makes you think that I would screw the first bad boy who rides into town?” Buffy asks.

            “It’s not that I don’t trust you baby but guys like that…well…never mind.” William shakes his head with frustration.

            “NO! Tell me what you were going to say.” Buffy glares at him.

            “Buffy, you know I wasn’t such a nice guy before I met you. I mean I was a tab bit like Angel. We both know I’m not a virgin. Okay. I know the game. I just haven’t played it in along time. But I still know the general rules.” William explained with a guilty smile.

            “Oh.” Buffy gulps hard as she remembers how popular William use to be with the sort of girls who were easy.

            “I’m sorry to bring up my past but I just…well…damn it I see it in him.” William cries out frustrated.

            “Okay, calm down. We don’t need my mother coming up here.” Buffy quiets him with a soft tender kiss on the lips.

            “No we don’t.” William grins as the innocent kiss gradually turns into a small simmering fire. Wrapping their bodies around one another they lay on her bed and start making out until the alarm goes off next to her bed. It was their signal that it was time for William to go home before her mother came upstairs to tell them. Buffy knew if her mother ever caught them making out she wouldn’t allow them in the room anymore so she tried to prevent that from happening. Although she knew her mother suspected what they did upstairs but as long she didn’t see it then it wasn’t a problem.

            “I need to get home and soak my knee.” William rubbed his right knee.

            “It still hurts uh.” Buffy asks with sympathy.

            “Yeah, I just hope I make it through this season with out any injury. I mean I don’t exactly have the perfect grades to earn myself a scholarship for college. I have to get it through one of my sports.” William was referring to the three sports he played in every year.

            “I will pray for your knee to feel better.” Buffy’s eyes sparkle with amusement as she kisses him one more time on the mouth before they head down stairs together.

            “Oh there you are. I was just about to come up and tell Buffy it was time for her company to go home.” Joyce smiles warmly at William.

            “I need to get home and finish some more homework and soak my knee.” William replied politely.

            “I hope the surgery improved it.” Joyce referred to the surgery he had during the summer.

            “Yeah, the doctors said it might take time for it to fully heal and feel like it’s old self.” William replies.

            “If it continues to bother you, you might want to go for a follow up.” Joyce answers with a motherly look on her face.

            “Thank you Mrs. Summers.” William answers.

            “Night William.” Joyce walks away.

            “Your mother is so sweet.” William looks into Buffy’s eyes and an image of Buffy being the mother of his children flashes across his mind and he likes the fantasy.

            “You don’t live with her.” Buffy teased.

            “I will be by in the morning to pick you up. Don’t be late.” William warns her about her constant tardiness.

            “Yes, sir.” Buffy salutes to him as she closes the door behind him.

            “Buffy, dear who was the guy you were seen with at the coffee shop today?” Joyce asks as she suddenly reappears in the entryway.

            Buffy jumps.

            “MOM!” Buffy covers her chest with her hand.

            “Sorry.” Joyce laughs at the fright she had accidentally caused.

            “How did you know I had coffee with Angel?” Buffy frowns at her mother.

            “It’s a small town sweetie.” Joyce reminds her as she walks back to the living room and sits down to work on her crocheting.

            “Still, you’re an adult. You mean adults gossip about us kids?” Buffy looks at her mother with a mixture of shock and disgust.

            “You’re my daughter. I have a right to know everything about you.” Joyce reminds her with a cocky smile.

            “So his name is Angel?” Joyce looks amused.

            “Let’s not go there Mom. You did name me Buffy.” Buffy rolls her eyes as she sits across from her mother.

            “He is just a new guy that help give me a ride the day it stormed really bad. I invited him to the gang and he offered me a cup of coffee for showing him some needed friendship. Nothing else. William and I have just finished discussing that topic.” Buffy sighs heavily.

            “I can’t blame the boy for being jealous. I heard this new guy, Angel, is quite the hunk.” Joyce smiles.

            “MOM! Teenage boys are not supposed to be hunks to you.” Buffy cries out with terror.

            “Haha. Calm down. It was the way he was describe to me by someone else.” Joyce laughs at the tormented look on her daughters face.

            “Well, people need to find a life if they are following me around and describing guys I talk to.” Buffy snorts as she jumps up and heads to her room, ending the awkward conversation before she heard more stuff she didn’t want to know about.

            Chapter Six:

            Buffy had been heading to study hall when she caught site of Angel standing in the hall talking to a blond headed girl. She could tell even from as far back where she stood that he was interested in this girl. The way he smiled at her. Then Buffy heard the girl’s laughter and wanted to vomit. It was Harmony Dupree’s fake laugh.

            Buffy wondered if William had been right all along about Angel. Everyone knew that Harmony was an easy piece of ass. She was so gullible. She also knew that William had been one of her many lovers. Buffy knew that was the main source of her pure hatred toward the stupid bimbo. However she felt slightly sorry for the girl because Harmony thought it was the only way to get a guys attention was to sleep with them.

            Buffy knew girls like that were usually miserable for the rest of their lives. Buffy was about to walk away when she saw Harmony flip her hair back and laugh again and then she saw Angel reach out and push a loose piece of hair from her face. Buffy suddenly felt angry. Her cheeks were hot. She felt as if she would pass out with the intense anger she was experiencing. How could he be that stupid she wondered?

            How could a guy as gorgeous as him lower his standards for a whore like that she asked her self? Then with out another second to think about it she fled to class. She found Willow at once seated close to the windows and flop in the seat next to her.

            Willow knew when her best friend in the world was upset and Buffy was definitely upset about something.

            “What is wrong?” Willow asks fearful.

            “Nothing. Just nothing.” Buffy sighs heavily as she tells her self to calm down. She had no reason to be jealous of Harmony and she had no right to judge either of them. Yet it was driving her crazy to think of Angel kissing or touching Harmony. Why? Buffy wanted to confide to Willow what she had seen and how she felt but she knew that Willow would be disappointed in her so she kept quiet and buried her head in the stupid book she needed to have read before the end of the week.

            At the end of the day she hoped to slip out before Angel reach his car and located her but she was unlucky twice in one day. Angel called out to her. Buffy turn to see that he was leaning against his car and talking to Harmony of all people. Buffy exhaled deeply as she headed in their direction. Buffy spotted their hands touching the second she was upon them. Angel dropped Harmony’s hand as she stood next to them.

            “Hey Buffy.” Harmony smiled nervously at Buffy.

            “Harmony.” Buffy replies back coolly as she glances away from her.

            Angel picks up on the deep intense tension between these two young ladies.

            “I need to head to practice.” Harmony smiled seductively at him as she turns to walk away. Buffy how ever didn’t get such a sweet smile but instead receive an icy cold stare. She didn’t threaten Buffy in the least.

            “Are you ready?” Angel asks as he runs to her side of the car and opens the door for her. Buffy is totally confused by this guy. Why is he acting so nice to her when he is definitely hitting on Harmony? Why did he want to be her friend when it was obvious with his wealth, looks, and charms he could have tons of friends?

            “Why so quiet today?” Angel asks curiously.

            “I’m just tired.” Buffy lied as she stared out the passenger window.

            “Did I make you mad?” Angel asks sadly.

            “No.”

            “You don’t like Harmony.” Angel states with a guilty look.

            “It’s not that I don’t like her, it’s that I don’t like what she does in order to get a guy.” Buffy answers softly with her face still turn away from him.

            “I see.” Angel frowns as he wonders how he can get her to act like the girl that he enjoys spending the afternoons with?

            “Do you?” Buffy glances at him with a sharp look.

            “No.” Angel confesses with a weak smile.

            “I hate the fact that she thinks she has to sleep with a guy in order to get him to keep dating her.” Buffy says with pure disgust in her voice and eyes as she stares hard at him.

            “So your saying that you think I am interested in Harmony simply for sex?” Angel asks with a mixture of feelings racing through his head.

            “Yes, I do.” Buffy states honestly.

            “It’s true that if it is possible to have sex with a girl I would not turn it down. However I do like to get to know the girl before I have sex with her.” Angel replied with a casual tone.

            “Angel, are you a player?” Buffy asks curiously.

            “What?” Angel glances at her with a slight shock smile.

            “I was told that you fit the profile of a player. You know the kind of guy who is out to seduce any girl?” Buffy answers as she watches him closely for his reaction.

            “Buffy, who is putting this stuff in your head? I mean, if this is because I like spending time with you then I will stop doing it. I don’t want to cause any unnecessary problems.” Angel frowns.

            “I like spending time with you. It’s not a problem for me. I am just curious if you are the sort of person who uses girls?” Buffy answers honestly.

            “Buffy, I date. I’m a teenage guy. It’s the thing we do. I don’t make commitments or promises that I can’t keep. I don’t go back on my word. When I do have sex with a girl she knows she is taking the chance that things might not work out in the long run for us. Just like you and William. You might be doing great now as a couple but you don’t know how long it will last? Nothing in life not even love is a guaranteed.” Angel answered defensively.

            “I see.”

            “Do you?”

            “Sure.” Buffy stepped out of the car as he parked.

            “Buffy, wait up.” Angel jumps out of the car and followed her up to the front door.

            “Yes?” Buffy looks at him with a innocent face.

            “Do you think I’m some horrible guy?” Angel asks with a hurt look in his eyes.

            “No, I think your right about being normal. I’m sure most of the guys in school feel the same way you do.” Buffy answers as she unlocks the door and steps inside.

            “Oh, but not WILLIAM.” Angel sighed with a sarcastic tone.

            “I’m not saying that he hasn’t went through the same phase as you are going through. Luckily, he got passed it.” Buffy says as she stares at him with pride on her face.

            “How did he get passed it? Are you saying that you and him don’t have sex?” Angel looked stunned at this sudden revelation.

            “That is none of your business.”  Buffy replies with a snappy tone.

            “But it is your business to know whether or not I sleep with girls that I date?” Angel pointed out with a cocky smile.

            “Fine. No. I don’t have sex with William.” Buffy sighs. She wraps her hands around her chest.

            “Whom do you have sex with?” Angel teases her.

            “Funny. I don’t have sex at all.” Buffy rolls her eyes.

            “Really?” Angel cries out in disbelief.

            “REALLY.” Buffy feels her cheeks starting to burn with embarrassment.

            “I’m sorry. I mean…I just…surprised. You’re the first girl I met that is still a virgin at your age.” Angel confessed.

            “A first?” Buffy frowns.

            “I have never met a girl like you who…well…you know.” Angel blushes softly.

            “No, a girl like me? What do you mean? Why would a girl like me not sleep with any guy she dates?” Buffy glares at him.

            “You are taking this all wrong Buffy. I’m just saying a girl like you, who is beautiful, smart, and classy could have any guy she wanted.” Angel explained.

            “Oh.” Buffy feels suddenly flattered and awkward at the same time.

            “What’s wrong now? What did I say wrong?” Angel sighs frustrated.

            “Nothing. I was just surprised that you saw me as those things.” Buffy gulps.

            “Are you kidding me? You know that guys envy William for having you as a girlfriend.” Angel rolls his eyes.

            “I’m not all that special. In fact if they knew that I was a virgin I doubt they would all line up to have a chance with me.” Buffy answers a bit sad.

            “I think it makes you even more desirable that you are not easy.” Angel confesses.

            “Really.” Buffy chews on her lower lip nervously.

            “Yeah, it has to be comforting to William to know that he doesn’t have to worry about you sleeping around.” Angel stated.

            “Yes, but even if we were intimate I would hope that he would be able to trust me enough to know I would not jump into any guys bed just for a quickie.” Buffy rolled her eyes with loathing.

            “It is easy for you to talk about sex as if it is dirty and what you would do or wouldn’t do since you have no experience in that area.” Angel remarked as he began to leave.

            “What’s that suppose to mean?” Buffy shouts at him angrily.

            “Come on Buffy you know as well as I do that no one knows what they would do or wouldn’t do unless they were in that predicament. We can assume what we hope we would do but that doesn’t necessarily mean we would.” Angel shrugs his shoulders nonchalantly.

            “So you think that because of my lack of experience that I don’t know my self well enough when it comes to having sex?” Buffy asks.

            “Exactly. How could you make any promises or declarations until you even know what sex is?” Angel answered.

            “I …never mind.” Buffy threw her arms up in the air with a defeated sigh.

            “Exactly. I will see you later.” Angel flashes a wicked smile as he leaves the house.

            Buffy stares at the doorway wondering if she was playing with fire after all? Angel was a sexy and quite sensual young man. What would she accomplish by being his friend? Would she loose more out of this potential friendship or would she gain something that might help influence her future? Either way she sensed that he was very dangerous to her and to her relationship with William and yet she couldn’t resist him. She didn’t want too she heard the small voice say inside her head.

            Chapter 7:

            Friday night’s game went well and of course their team won. Buffy was relieved of course cause she knew how cranky and hard on himself, William could be when the team lost. Since school had started they had not spent much alone time together due to his practices and part time job while she worked on her studies and hung out with friends. She missed having some private time together.

            William had to stay after the game to shower and change clothes. He offered to give Buffy a ride if she wanted to wait or she could go with Willow and Oz and he would meet up at Cordelia’s party afterwards. Buffy wasn’t too keen on sitting and waiting so she opted for the ride. When they walked to the half empty parking lot to locate Oz’s van they ran into Angel and Harmony who were deep in conversation when they walked by.

            “Hey guys!” Angel called out to them.

            Willow and Buffy gave each other a knowing glance before they smiled politely in his direction while Oz just said “Hi”.

            “Are you guys heading to Cordelia’s party?” Angel asks.

            “Yep.” Oz answers while the girls just look around nervously.

            “Where is William?” Angel asks curiously.

            “He has to shower and change.” Harmony spoke up.

            Buffy glared at Harmony with a vulgar word soaring through her head but she stay silent and nodded her head.

            “Oh, well I can give you a ride Buffy.” Angel offered.

            “Umm…that is okay I will ride with Oz and Willow. Thanks.” Buffy answered as she glances back and forth between Harmony and Angel.

            “Are you sure? Harmony is riding with some friends and I have plenty of room in my car.” Angel offers. It wasn’t lost on Buffy that he mention how Harmony wasn’t riding with him in case that was her reason for not taking him up on his offer.

            “Really I think its best that I ride with them. After all that is what I told William I was doing.” Buffy licked her dried lips as she caught the venom in Harmony’s eyes.

            “See ya at the party.” Buffy waved as she pulled Willow in the direction of the van.

            Oz said nothing but he knew the bad history between Harmony and Buffy. He also knew he would hear Willow and Buffy sling the girls name in mud the entire trip to Cordy’s house.

            The party was going splendidly and the gang saw that Cordelia was tickled pink that her popularity status was still on top although she had chosen to date a guy who was not considered cool by her upper class friends.

            “Hey guys. I’m so glad you made it.” Cordelia smiled sincerely to the threesome.

            “Thanks Cordy. It looks great.” Buffy noted how lovely the house was and all the cute decorations that were neatly placed along with the two large buffet tables full of food and drinks.

            “Go on in and enjoy your selves.” Cordelia pointed to the food area.

            “Thanks.” Willow smiled as she held Oz’s hand in hers firmly. Oz knew how much she hated these social events where people were always staring and watching for any little mistake someone like her self might make.

            “Relax.” Oz whispered in her ear as they reach the table.

            “I’m trying.” Willow smiles weakly.

            Buffy could hear music blaring from another room in the house.

            “Damn she has a dance room. She is so lucky.” Buffy sighs as she tries to imagine having a party this large in her small house.

            “Lets dance. I know I can do that right.” Willow suggests to Oz who smiles gently at her as he lets her lead him.

            Buffy glances at her watch wondering what is taking William so long? Normally he would have already arrived by now.

            “Hey there beautiful.” Angel whispers behind her.

            Buffy turns around with a wide grin on her face until she sees that the voice she heard was not that of her boyfriend but that of Angel.

            “Oh.” Buffy’s smile fades slowly into a tight grin.

            “I know I’m not William but hey would you mind dancing with me? I must confess that I am quite bored with the girls who have been hoarding around me ever since I got here?” Angel pleaded with a pair of pouty eyes.

            “I…umm…” Buffy glanced at the front door and still no William.

            “I promise the second he arrives I will set you free.” Angel crosses his heart.

            “Okay.” Buffy giggles as she senses he really is freaked out by the tremendous amount of attention he had received since arriving at the party.

            They entered the room where the music blaring and bodies were grinding and shaking to the rhythm of the music. People noticed the couple that steps into the room together. Although no one tried to look directly in their direction they were whispering about how Buffy and Angel sure did spend enough time together. How they had seen the two of them at different places and every time there was no William around. Buffy knew what was being said and Angel suspected as well. They looked at one another with a knowing grin and stepped into the circle of the dancing couples just as a slow song began to play by request.

            “Hey everyone. WE have another request. So here is something from the past but I’m sure you guys are old enough to remember it.” The DJ chuckled as he started the requested song by Meredith Brooks.

            Angel took Buffy’s hand while she slipped her free hand on his shoulder. Angel slipped his hand in a decent area, her upper back. He knew she was taking a chance just being in this position with him and he didn’t want to do anything to hurt her reputation. She had been his one and only friend in this town. He didn’t want to loose that plus he really liked her.

Electricity, eye to eye

Hey don't I know you

I can't speak

Stripped my senses

On the spot

I've never been defenseless

I can't even make sense of this

You speak and I don't hear a word

            Buffy knew this song well. It had been one of her favorites on the CD. It had a very erotic sound to it. She knew every word to it.

What would happen if we kissed

Would your tongue slip past my lips

Would you run away, would you stay

Or would I melt into you

Mouth to mouth, lust to lust

Spontaneously combust

Buffy couldn’t help her self but she stared at his nice firm lips and wondered briefly what it might be like to kiss such a guy? Would it be any different than any other guy? How much experience did he have? Was she going mad? Why did she care how he kissed? She happen to spot Harmony in the crowd of non-happy people watching them dancing and wondered if she already had the answer to the kiss theory? Buffy gulps hard as she feels her heart ache with a pinch of jealousy. She loved William but she had never been with a guy such as Angel.

The room is spinning out of control

Act like you didn't notice

Brushed my hand

Forbidden fruit

Ring on my finger

You're such a moral, moral man

You throw it away, no question

Will I pretend I'm innocent?

Buffy could feel his heart beat against her chest. She sensed that like her self that Angel was asking himself his own questions silently in his head. She looked into the soft brown eyes that could melt any girl’s heart. Buffy broke the stare between them to look at their hands entwined together. Their hands felt as if they were scorching. Her spine began to tingle and the hairs on the back of her neck rose as she began to feel slightly dizzy. Buffy licked her dry lips and tried not to look back up at him.

What would happen if we kissed

Would your tongue slip past my lips

Would you run away, would you stay

Or would I melt into you

Mouth to mouth, lust to lust

Spontaneously combust

            She found the stares of the other people in the room more unnerving than the one she had experience with Angel. Why did everyone act as if it was a crime for her to dance with another guy? She had dance with Oz and Xander plenty of times before and after they were dating girls and she dating William. It wasn’t as if she was cheating on William by sharing a simple dance with a new friend of hers.

I struggle with myself again

Quickly the walls are crumbling

Don't know if I can turn away

Angel could sense Buffy’s mixed emotions as he held her closely to him. He wasn’t sure why but he was starting to relax in her arms and it almost felt as if they had danced a million times together. Every step was in tune and almost as if by memory. There was something odd about this whole situation that was starting to make him regret asking her to dance in order to keep off the girls. He was starting to think that maybe he had not been telling her or him self the truth for the request of this dance between them?

What would happen if we kissed

Would your tongue slip past my lips

Would you run away, would you stay

Or would I melt into you

Mouth to mouth, lust to lust

Spontaneously combust

            The song finally ended and they looked deep into one another’s eyes with a tender smile shared between them before Buffy open her fingers for Angel to release her hand. Angel realized his mistake and released her.

            “Thanks Buffy. I owe you one.” Angel states as he tries to swallow the sudden lump he felt lodge in his throat as he look at Buffy with admiration. It was as if he was really seeing her for the first time. He knew she had a boyfriend whom she was in love with and definitely committed to. However he knew how fast love came and went. For now he would try to settle for friendship but he knew within his soul that if anything happen between the couple he was not going to let the opportunity pass him by.

            “Sure no problem.” Buffy holds her hands together in front of her.

            “There is my girl.” William approaches the couple.

            “William.” Buffy squeals as her heart flutters nervously.

            “Buffy, hey Angel.” William gives him a polite smile.

            “Hey William. I just used Buffy until you got here.” Angel stated and then realized how that came out wrong.

            “I mean…she was doing me a favor by keeping the girls away until you got here.” Angel’s cheek blush slightly at the vulgar statement he had made. 

            “I see. Well, I’m afraid you’re on your own now pal. She is all mine.” William’s eyes sparkled as he looked at Buffy with an adoring face.

            “Cool. Thanks.” Angel nodded his head and put his hands in his pockets as he forced him self to walk away from the couple that was staring deep into one anothers eyes.

            “Your pure honey, honey.” William teased her as he spots several girls instantly run up to Angel.

            “I try.” Buffy smiles happily.

            “How about a dance with me?” William asks.

            “Anytime, any day.” Buffy answers as she takes his comforting hand and walks back to the dance floor.

            William holds her in his arms and Buffy leans her head on his shoulder. Buffy saw that Angel chose Harmony out of the group of girls to dance with. Buffy’s heart sank. She knew it was senseless to even care whom he was with or why he was with them. Yet here she was in her boyfriends arms wondering still what it might be like to be Angel’s girl? She shook the immoral thoughts from her head and focused on enjoying the comfortable and loving arms that were around her now.

            Angel and Harmony began dancing when she looked up at him with a confused frown on her face.

            “What’s wrong?” Angel asks.

            “You know there for a minute I was starting to think that the rumors might be true about you and Buffy.” Harmony chews on her lower lip as she considers the consequences of what she was about to discuss with him. After all he wasn’t her boyfriend and they had no ties to one another.

            “What do you mean?” Angel puts on a innocent smile.

            “Well, they say you two spend quite a bit of time alone with no one else around. If I didn’t know how pure and virginal Buffy was I might think she was having an affair with you. Then I see the way you two stare at one another and the way you dance so closely to her and it made me wonder if she was falling for you.” Harmony confesses.

            “Are you kidding me? She adores William. She thinks there is no other guy that could even come close to him. There is no way I or any other guy in this town could break up that couple.” Angel sighs with a light chuckle.

            “Funny you should see it from that view. I mean most guys would answer with “Hell no, I’m not into her.” But you…well…you sounded like you would have her in a heart beat if she was available.” Harmony licks her lips as her eyes shine with a wicked gleam.

            “Harmony, I like Buffy. That is true. How ever I am not into long-term commitments. Buffy is. We would not make for a good match.” Angel answers with a serious face.

            “Okay.” Harmony shrugs her shoulders casually and drops the subject. She senses that he doesn’t like talking about the close private friendship he shares with Buffy. She doesn’t want to ruin her chances of him taking her home later.

            Angel glances over at where Buffy and William were dancing and talking to one another and feels his heart sink momentarily. He knew that it was dangerous to want something that was unattainable. Buffy Summers was just that, unattainable. He looked down at Harmony who was wearing very revealing and tight clothes and told him self that this was attainable. This was with in his reach. He should stick with what he knew and stay out of things he did not understand nor could appreciate.

            “Are you about ready to leave this party?” Angel asks.

            “Sure.” Harmony agrees with an eager look in her eyes.

            “Lets bail.” Angel took her hand and led her out of the house and into his car where he took her up to the spot where he had heard that teenagers who wanted to make out went to. He was definitely sexually frustrated and he needed a quick release. Harmony was going to be that release even if it was a temporarily one.

            Chapter 8:

            Buffy was excited that William had agreed to spend some quality time with her. They had agreed to meet at the park to have a picnic. Buffy brought the food and William would bring his large appetite.

            “Hey Buffy.” Willow calls out as she spots Buffy sitting under the large oak tree.

            “Hey Willow. Where are you heading too?” Buffy asks.

            “I was on my way to the library. I need to start working on my English project since my partner obviously has no desire in helping.” Willow sighs frustrated.

            “Who is your partner again?” Buffy asks.

            “Owen Parker.” Willow answers.

            “Let me guess he is too involved with his athletic abilities rather than his brain.” Buffy chuckles.

            “You know it. Hey that reminds me how is William doing?” Willow sits down on the red and white plaid blanket that she had brought for the picnic.

            “He is fine.” Buffy answers.

            “Oh. Okay.” Willow frowns.

            “Why? What do you know that I don’t know?” Buffy looks a bit scared.

            “Nothing really. I just heard that his leg was acting up during the last quarter of the game. I heard that the coach is starting to think he needs to go back in for another check up on his knee.” Willow chews on her lower lip nervously as she reveals the information that she had got while discussing the English project with Owen that morning.

            “Oh. Well, he said it would take awhile for it to heal back like it use to be but he hasn’t really complained to me about it. He doesn’t seem to be in any pain when we are together.” Buffy answered with a worried frown.

            “I wouldn’t worry about it then.” Willow patted her hand.

            “So you two doing the picnic thing today.” Willow glanced at the wicket basket she assumed had food in it.

            “Yeah, I wanted to spend some lone time with him. Since football started up he has been so busy with practice and then of course you know his part job takes up his other half of the time.” Buffy explained.

            “That’s great that you two go out of your way to keep the fire burning.”

            “I try.” Buffy chuckles.

            “Oh since I’m doing the gossiping thing I should tell you that a few tongues were wagging last night about you and Angel dancing. People think that you are two timing on William with him.” Willow warns her.

            “God! I swear people need to get a life in this town. I like Angel. He is a nice guy. We are just friends. He ask me if I could help keep some of the girls away from him last night until William got there. That is the only reason we danced at all.” Buffy rolls her eyes.

            “Funny thing is that after William got there Angel took off with Harmony like he was on fire. It would seem you had him stirred up or he really couldn’t wait to get Harmony alone?” Willow smiles slyly.

            “I’m not sure if either is true.” Buffy shivered slightly at the image of Harmony and Angel making out at lovers peak.

            “Anyways, you know that I know you are a good girl and that you love William. Just warning you because I know how stupidly jealous guys can get and you should be prepared if William starts wondering about the rumors going around.” Willow explained.

            “Thanks Willow.” Buffy smiled softly at her best friend.

            “Well, I see William approaching so I’m going to head off to the library.” Willow and Buffy hug before she left.

            “Sorry I’m late.” William smiled sincerely as he lowered him self down to the ground to sit by Buffy. He leans over and kissed her on the cheek.

            “No problem. Willow kept me company. She was on her way to the library to work on her English project.” Buffy answers.

            “Cool. Well, what did you bring for us to eat?” William looks at the basket curiously.

            Buffy grins as she opens the basket to reveal several of his favorite sandwiches and a bowl full of strawberries and pineapple slices. Then she pulls out two water bottles for them.

            “Wow. You know how to feed a guy.” His eyes widen with hunger.

            “So how is your knee feeling today?” Buffy asks casually as she hands him a sandwich.

            “Fine.” William answers as he bites into his sandwich.

            “Are you sure?” Buffy watches his face closely.

            “Why does everyone keep asking me that?” William frowns as he puts the sandwich down on his lap.

            “I’m sorry it’s just that I worry about you. If you were really hurting I fear you might not tell me.” Buffy defends her self.

            “I would. Baby, I swear I’m fine. I heard that there would be a few scouts showing up at our next three games.” William changes the subject as he picks his sandwich back up.

            “Great. I saw something strange the other day I meant to tell you about. I saw my mother and Giles looking over some cruise packages. I wonder if they are starting to get serious about one another?” Buffy looks hopeful.

            “I could see it happening. Giles is a great guy and he knows how to treat a woman properly. Your mother deserves to be treated better than she has been.” William answers.

            “Me too.” Buffy agrees.

            “Speaking of strange I heard a rumor this morning that Harmony and Angel were seen at lovers peak last night. I guess he didn’t want you to hold back all the girls.” William snorted with disgust.

            “Do you think he will use Harmony?” Buffy asks curiously.

            “Hell yeah. Every guy has.” William glanced away with guilty eyes.

            “Do you regret breaking up with her?” Buffy asks.

            “NO. I mean, I do feel badly for the way I did it and then I started dating you shortly afterwards. I know she knew that I was wanting you while I was dating her.” William admits.

            “Really. You wanted me when you had her.” Buffy looks happily surprised.

            “Yes, I hated watching you from a far. It was so hard not to walk up to you and grab you into my arms and kiss you until you were deliriously happy.” William kissed the tip of her nose.

            “I love you.” Buffy smiles tenderly at him.

            “I love you too.” William smiles back.

            “Are you going to be free tonight?” Buffy asks.

            “Uh…well…I put in to work some extra hours this weekend. You know with practice and all I had to cut my hours in half during the week.” William gulps.

            “I understand. I mean you need the money.” Buffy replies with a tight lip smile.

            “Sorry baby. I thought since we got to go to Cordy’s party last night that you would be okay about us not going out tonight.” William explained.

            “Your right. Maybe you can stop by the house after you get off of work.” Buffy suggested.

            “I will try.” William answers as he glances at his watch.

            “I need to head off for work. Thank you for this wonderful lunch. I am a lucky guy to have you.” William tips her chin up and kisses her passionately.

            “I’m lucky to have you too.” Buffy stated as their lips part.

            “Call me later tonight.” Buffy calls out as William walks away.

            Buffy stares at the empty spot where he had been earlier and feels her heart break. She knew that he needed to work to help pay for his school stuff and to put toward his college fund but lately she was starting to feel neglected. If his leg was really bothering him and he wasn’t telling her she would be upset. It was bad enough that he was spending time away from her but keeping the truth from her was even worse. She was his girl and she deserved to know if he feared that his knee was not healing properly and he should get out of the game before he completely ruins his knee permanently.

            She started packing up when she heard familiar voice call out her name.

            Buffy turn her head around to spot Angel approaching her.

            “What are you doing here?” Buffy frowns up at him.

            “I was actually jogging.” Angel glances down at the work out outfit he was wearing. He panted for a minute before he caught his breath.

            “You jog?” Buffy was impressed.

            “I used to be on our Varsity track team but it took up so much of my time that I quit.” Angel replies.

            “Oh.” Buffy wished William looked at his worship of sports like that.

            “What are you doing?” Angel asks.

            “I was having a picnic with William but he had to go into work today.”

            Angel saw that she was disappointed by this fact.

            “What are you going to do now?”

            “I guess go home and work on our project.” Buffy answered with a gloomy look.

            “How about I come over too. I mean it is OUR project. I don’t have anything to do for a few hours.” Angel offered.

            “I guess that would be fine. Do you have plans for tonight?” Buffy folded up the blanket trying not to appear too curious about his plans.

            “I have a date with Harmony.” Angel answered honestly.

            “Where are you two going?” Buffy asks as she picks up the basket.

            “I was thinking of taking her to a play that my mom gave me tickets to in L.A. and then back to the Bronze for a night cap before I take her home.” Angel informed her.

            “A play. We are talking about you and Harmony right?” Buffy snickers.

            “You don’t think she would like to go to a play?” Angel frowns.

            “I think she would like to PLAY.” Buffy giggles.

            “You really do look down at her.” Angel looks disappointed at her.

            “I…do not.” Buffy scowls.

            “Uh, yeah you do.” Angel snaps at her.

            “It’s just that Harmony isn’t really into intellectual things. Okay. I’m sorry but it is true.” Buffy defends her remarks.

            “Maybe Harmony hasn’t been with the right person to enjoy such things.” Angel pointed out.

            “You could be right.” Buffy shrugs her shoulders.

            “I know I am.” Angel snickers with a teasing smile.

            “Your horrible too.” Buffy punches him playfully as he takes the basket from her.

            “Did you bring your car?” Buffy looks around.

            “No I ran from the house. We will have to walk back to you house.” Angel answers.

            Buffy considers how many people they will likely pass on the way there.

            “What’s wrong?” Angel asks as he catches the trouble look.

            “You know when we danced last night, well, people are thinking that you and I are having some sort of affair.” Buffy stared down at the ground with a nervous smile.

            “So. Who cares? Does William believe that bull shit?” Angel asks.

            “No. He trusts me.” Buffy answers quickly.

            “Then fuck the rest of them. They need to get a life.” Angel shrugs his shoulder unaffected by the lies that were being spread about them as a couple.

            “You are cool.”

            “I know.” Angel laughs. “So did you have a good time at the party?”

            “Yes I did. I heard you had more fun afterwards.” Buffy licks her lips as she fights back the temptation to scold him for acting so reckless with Harmony’s feelings.

            “I don’t know what you consider fun but I did enjoy spending some quite time with Harmony.” Angel gulps hard.

            “I hope you two work out.” Buffy half lies.

            “I don’t know about the whole “We” thing as if we might confess our endless love for one another but I can say I do enjoy spending time with her.” Angel replied as they walk in the direction to her house.

            “I know she likes you. So be careful you don’t smash her heart into a million pieces. I might not care much for Harmony but I am a girl and I feel sympathy for any girl who gets the heart and hopes smashed.” Buffy warns him.

            “I will try my best not to do anything that might disappoint you.” Angel says.

            “I’m not sure if you and I have the same definition of what is right and what is wrong.” Buffy thought out loud.

            “Surely we do.” Angel grinned crookedly as he saw her frown.

            “No, I don’t think so. Not that your lifestyle is wrong exactly but its not the one I choose as right for me. I hope you understand that I’m not downing you, I’m just not like you.” Buffy hopes her words came out in away where he would understand her point of view and not come out so rude toward his.

            “I hear ya. But I think your wrong. I think deep down inside of you, you want to be more like me. I mean not “me” but people like me. You want to kick back and be free to do what you want with whom you want. You have been pitifully stereotyped as the virginal one of the group there for you believe you must keep that role in order to keep your friends and your life, as you know it How ever! I think you want to break loose and go all crazy and say the hell with you all.” Angel confesses his earlier theory when he first met her.

            “I think you must have fallen on your head. That isn’t at all true. I know that I could do or be who ever I wanted and my friends would still accept me.” Buffy exclaims with a confident glare in her eye. Buffy stopped and put her hands on her hips as she looked at him with a urge to punch the arrogant bastard off of his feet.

            “Buffy, you have lived a pure and innocent life. I bet you have never done anything wrong.” Angel challenged her.

            Buffy tried to think of the nastiest or stupidest thing she had ever done and sadly came up empty. She didn’t want him to know however but she didn’t like to lie either.

            “This is stupid.” Buffy rolls her eyes and starts walking again.

            “Stupid or true?” Angel asks as he follows her.

            “Both.” Buffy mumbles lowly.

            “What?” Angel grabs her arm and stops her.

            “You heard me! I said both.” Buffy yanks her arm away from his grip.

            “I knew it.” Angel cries out triumphantly.

            “Your sick.” Buffy shakes her head at him as she turns on her heels and walks faster toward her house.

            “No I’m not. Okay maybe a little.” Angel chuckles.

            “Why do you find it so funny that I try to make the right and moral decisions? Why am I wrong and your right?” Buffy shouts at him.

            “That’s just it sweetheart there is no right or wrong. We are just different but yet so alike. It’s that very ideal that scares everyone.” Angel explained as his eyes soften toward her.

            Buffy sighed.

            “Why do you want me to be bad?” Buffy asks suddenly.

            “What? I never said I wanted you to be bad.” Angel frowns at her.

            “Isn’t that the point in all of this? I mean surely you were hoping to show me the light or darkness of your view life and then somehow see if you can get me to tap into that world of yours.” Buffy poked his head.

            “No, I just like for my friends to be themselves no matter how ugly it might be.” Angel sighs sadly as he turns on his heels and walks away.

            “No, Angel you want me to be like you. You want to see me let my hair down and go with the flow rather than be my own person. I don’t follow, I lead.” Buffy says.

            “Do you?” Angel stops and stares hard at her. Buffy feels goose bumps roll up her arms at the intense stare he gave her.

            “I do.” Buffy inhales deeply.

            Angel tried to hide his frustration at her proud confident air that she constantly kept throwing up in his face. He knew what he saw in her and he knew that he was the only one who could bring out the real Buffy from beneath the layers of the one she had allowed others to create in her.

            Chapter 9:

            After Angel had left Buffy’s house she received a disturbing call from William’s mother.

            “Buffy, this is Glenda and I was wondering if you had heard from William this evening?” Glenda asks as she tries to stay calm.

            “Um…well I saw him today before he left for work.” Buffy answered.

            “Oh. So you haven’t seen him since?” Glenda sighs heavily.

            “No, is something wrong Glenda?” Buffy felt her gut clenching into a tight ball as she waited for the bad news to come from his mother.

            “I’m sure it’s nothing hon. I just…well…when he didn’t call me to say he would be going to see you or what ever after work I thought I would check in on him. I called the store and they said he left an hour before I called. I tried his cell phone and I got no answer from it either. I finally got the courage up to call you now.” Glenda explained as she chewed on the fake fingernail.

            “That is strange. It’s not like him to not call you or me.” Buffy agrees with Glenda’s fear.

            “Let me try a few places and I will call you back.” Buffy suggested.

            Glenda thanked her and hung up. Buffy made a few calls but no one had seen nor heard from him all day. Buffy’s instincts began to scream out that there was something really weird about his disappearance.     

            She knew that Glenda was probably too afraid to do what she was about to do so she did it for the both of them.

            “Hello Sunnydale Hospital.” The receptionist answered.

            “Hi, I was wondering…well…you see my boyfriend hasn’t called home today and no one seems to know where he is. I know his mother is too scared to call so I thought I would and see if he might be at your hospital.” Buffy rapidly states.

            “What’s his name?” The young lady understood the fear behind the young teenage voice.

            “William Campbell. He has really blond hair, bright blue eyes, seventeen years old.” Buffy gave out the details that might help her locate him if he was there.

            “I believe we do have someone here who fits that description.” The lady answered sadly.

            “Really. What is he in there for?” Buffy gasps.

            “Well, if this is the right Mr. Campbell he was in a car accident and they brought him in about forty-five minutes ago. You said his mother didn’t know where he was?” The lady asks.

            “Yes, ma’am. She just called and was worried and I knew she didn’t want to call there. Is he okay, is he in surgery?” Buffy cries out in despair.

            “Actually he is in surgery. It seems he broke a few ribs and there was some damage to his leg.” The young lady answered.

            “NO.” Buffy just knew that the bad leg would be the very one that had caused him so much trouble last year and the same one that he hoped to get a scholarship to college with.

            “Yes, I need to call his mother or would you do that for me?” The lady asks.

            “I will call her right away.” Buffy agrees.

            “Okay, sorry about this.” The lady apologizes.

            “It’s okay, thanks.” Buffy hung up the phone and let it drop to the floor next to her. She knew that this was not going to be easy to tell Glenda. Although the lady made it sound like he was well enough to live but the women who loved William knew that this could break his very spirit if things came out poorly.

            Buffy called Glenda and gave her the quick message and both agreed to meet up at the hospital. Buffy realized that her mother was still not home and she needed a ride quick. She picks back up the phone and called Willow’s house where she just got the answering machine.

            “Damn it.” Buffy growls and then remembering the number Angel had left her just that evening in case she wanted to discuss their English paper more later. Dialing the number she hoped he wouldn’t be mad that she was asking him to come back over to pick her up and take her to the hospital.

            “Hello.” Angel replies casually.

            “Angel, it’s Buffy. Hey I just found out that William was in some sort of car accident. Could you come pick me up and take me to him?” Buffy asks.

            “Sure no problem. I’m turning around now.” Angel agreed.

            “Thanks Angel.” Buffy sighs as she hangs up the phone and goes in search of a pen and paper to let her mother know where she would be.

            Angel drove as fast as he could with out getting them both killed or a ticket. He refused to let her go in by her self and instead went with her just in case it was worse than she knew. When they arrived they saw Glenda sitting in a booth in the visitors area crying her eyes out.

            “Glenda I’m here. What’s wrong?” Buffy asks as she kneels down in front of her.

            “William. His leg…they uh…they say that the nerve damage was pretty severe. They don’t think he will be able to play sports the same way ever again. At least not for the pros.” Glenda bawled.

            Buffy wrapped her arms around the older woman and held her tightly as her own tears shed.

            Angel felt badly for the both of them and especially William. He sense that William lived for sports. This was not going to be good for any of them. If William lost the very thing he desired the most he might end up becoming a very angry and resentful young man for a while. Hopefully he would learn to get past it and find something else to devote his time and passion too.

            “What else is wrong?” Angel asks curiously.

            “He has two broken ribs and a few stitches on his forehead where some glass cut him. They said that some old man had a heart attack and went across the line and ran straight into the side of him. It was just a simple accident. The elderly man might not make it through the night. Other than the surgery on his leg they said William would be fine.” Glenda informed them both.

            “When can we see him?” Buffy asks anxiously.

            “They will be taking him to his room the second he is out of recovery.” Glenda responded as more tears pour down her face.

            “It will be fine Glenda.” Buffy tried to assure her.

            “No, you know it wont be. You know that was his only way to college. At least a good one.” Glenda cried out with a painful look on her face.

            “He can still get an education based on his grades and SAT scores.” Buffy tried to sound positive.

            “He doesn’t want to go to college unless he can play ball. It was his dream Buffy. You know it.” Glenda shook her head in disagreement.

            “Well, he will just have to make new dreams.” Buffy says sternly.

            “I hope you can help him see that. I don’t think he will listen to me.” Glenda smiled gently at the young girl who had changed her son’s life around once he began to date her. She was so relieved that William had started to worry more about his grades than just getting some girl into bed. She had also seen that his relationship with Buffy had made him want more out of life for him self and for his mother. She knew that Buffy had inspired it in her son and only Buffy would be the one to get him out of the deep depression that the doctors and the coach were sure he would be in once he discover he could no longer play football.

            “I will.” Buffy smiles weakly as she starts to feel rather nausea from the sudden stress she had put on her self due to this crisis.

            “How about we go get some coffee while we wait.” Angel suggested to Buffy.

            “Glenda?” Buffy asks.

            “Sure, you kids go get some I will stay here.” Glenda waved them off as she blew her nose.

            They had made it barely half way out of the front door when Angel grabbed Buffy before she passed out.

            “I sensed you weren’t feeling too well.” Angel sighed as he picks her up and carrying her to his car.

            “I’m okay. I can…walk.” Buffy argued with him.

            “Maybe after some coffee you can but not until then.” Angel argued back as he placed her in the passenger side. They drove in silence until they got the coffee.

            “What’s going on in that brain of yours?”

            “Glenda is right. William had this thing about football. It was an obsession to him. He thinks that his being the star quarterback is what made him popular in school and won my heart. He believes that this same sport will also be able to get him into a really great football school. His father had wanted that for him before he died of cancer a couple of years ago.” Buffy stated with a sober look.

            “Is it true? Is it the reason he won your heart?” Angel watches her face closely.

            “No. I liked him before he became so popular. He was not your typical brand of boyfriend but I liked him because of that. He was something different. He was bad but good. He treated me so good that I felt so safe and loved with him.” Buffy answered with a dreamy far away look in her eyes.

            “But now?” Angel asks curiously.

            “Now, I fear that the safety is the biggest issue that keeps us together. We both feel so safe with one another. You know like best friends. I love him but I know when he discovers his football career is over before it started he is going to be furious. He will refuse to believe it.” Buffy looks at him with tears spilling down her face.

            “He is lucky to have you.” Angel announces proudly as he holds her hand and gives it a gentle supportive squeeze before releasing it.

            “Thank you Angel. Thank you for helping me.” Buffy wipes away the tears.

            “That is what friends are for.” Angel reminded her of their status.

            “Thanks anyway.” Buffy smiled weakly as they got out of the car and headed back into the hospital.

            Two weeks went by before they would release William to go home. He was to have complete bed rest for at least another two weeks and then physical therapy for a few months until his knee was working better. Not until it was healed completely but only until it was efficiently doing what it was suppose to do. Buffy’s prediction had been right Angel realized when he saw Willow holding Buffy in the school corridor crying her eyes out.

            Angel tried to keep his desires for her hidden from not only her but everyone else as well. He would let Harmony come over to help relinquish some of that desire when she called. However the more she came over and slept with him the more he grew to hate himself. He knew what he was doing to Harmony was wrong. Buffy’s lecture about not doing anything to disappoint her kept spinning in his head until he finally just started making excuses why he couldn’t Harmony that evening and he just locked him self up in his room or talk to Buffy over the phone.

            Angel knew that William had been brought home the day before. When he caught sight of Buffy sitting alone at the lunch table he made a B-line to sit with her before the rest of the gang got there.

            “Hey.” Angel smiled warmly at her.

            “Hey.” Buffy’s sad face light up at the sight of Angel.

            “So, I hate to bring this up and all but we need to work some more on our English paper. It’s due in less than two weeks.” Angel chewed on his inside cheek feeling like such a punk for reminding her of schoolwork when she was seriously upset about William’s health.

            “No problem. How about I come over to your house tonight?” Buffy suggested.

            Angel was surprised by her sudden decision to visit him in his own environment.

            “Sure. Why the change of scene?” Angel asks curiously.

            “I just want to get out of the house.” Buffy sighs sadly.

            “Okay. Sounds fair.” Angel patted her hand.

            “Thanks Angel.” Buffy put her other hand over his and exhaled deeply.

            “Hey guys.” Xander plop down in a chair next to Buffy and gave Angel a harsh stare as he looked between the hands being held and Angel’s face.

            “Hey Xander.” Angel moved his hand away and placed it under the table as he smiled toward the others that began to flock to the table.

            “Hey Angel.” Willow called out happily.

            “Buffy, how is William doing?” Cordelia asks as she joins the group last.

            “I guess okay. He isn’t up to seeing me or anyone right now.” Buffy explains as she presses her lips together tightly.

            “Why not?” Cordelia frowns as she glances around the sad faces of her friends.

            “He is going through depression due to the fact that he can’t play football anymore.” Xander explained to his clueless girlfriend.

            “That would suck. It would be like me not being able to cheer.” Cordelia sighs with a sad frown.

            The others glance at the diva and then back at Xander who can see the same question in all of their eyes. In response he just shrugs his shoulders and smiles goofy. The gang laughs.

            “What is so funny?” Cordelia looks around at them confused.

            “Nothing.” Xander patted her tan smooth leg as the rest of them began to discuss the other stuff that was going on in their lives.

            Angel could see that Buffy was relieved that they had not stuck on the whole William subject that for just a short time she could be relaxed and do something normal.

            The lunch bell rang letting them know it was time to start the second part of the school day.

            “Buffy, would you like to just ride over with me after school?” Angel whispers to her. He doesn’t know if she wants the rest of the group to know.

            “That would probably be easier. Sure.” Buffy agrees as she flashes him a brief smile before returning her attention to Willow who is going on and on about a new band coming to the Bronze that weekend.

            Chapter 10:

Angel was relieved to see that today had been Anna’s day to clean up his room. He would have hated for Buffy to see what a complete slob he could be. Buffy glanced around the large masculine room and suddenly felt as if she was doing something wrong.

            “Here we can sit at the desk.” Angel pointed to the antique desk his father had pick up somewhere in Rome on their last vacation.

            “I…I need to call William. I want him to know where I am in case he needs anything.” Buffy explained as she frowns nervously.

            “Sure, do you have your cell or you can use my phone.” Angel pointed to the portable phone next to his bed.

            “I have my cell.” Buffy answered.

            “I will give you some privacy and go get us some snacks.” Angel offered as he smiled at her and left the room.

            Angel thought he saw a look of panic in her eyes once they step into his room. He wondered what that was all about? He had to admit that having Buffy alone in his room was slightly exciting. He had made it a point to have sex with Harmony in the guest room and not his own. Yet it had felt easy to allow her to enter his room where as with Harmony it felt wrong? What was going on in his head, in his heart he wondered?

            “Hello.” Glenda answered the phone with an exhausted voice.

            “Hi Glenda. How is William doing?” Buffy asks as she sits in the desk chair and glances around Angel’s room. She was envious; he had a room bigger than hers she thought to her self.

            “He is doing the same. Still angry, still shouting out at the world and me.” Glenda sighed.

            “I’m sorry Glenda. Do you think he might like to talk to me?” Buffy asks as shivers slightly at the fear of him rejecting her again.

            “Let me try.” Glenda prayed silently that William would start talking to Buffy again so that she might be able to get through that thick head of his that life was not over for him.

            “William, you have a call.” Glenda poke her head in the room where William laid staring at the television with a blank face.

            “Who is it?” William asked with no emotion.

            “Buffy.” Glenda answers with a weak smile.

            “Tell her I will call her later. I don’t feel so good right now.” William answered with out even glancing at his mother. His head stayed stuck into the television program he was watching.

            “Buffy, he says he will call you later. He doesn’t feel so good. It’s almost time for his next pain pill.” Glenda answers.

            “Oh, okay. Can you remind him later to call me?” Buffy asks.

            “Sure, sweetheart.” Glenda agrees.

            Buffy hangs up her phone and sits in back in her purse. Staring at the carpet her eyes fill with tears. Another rejection. Since he had left the hospital he refused to see her or even talk to her. They had argued his last day at the hospital about the other options he had to look forward too toward college or anything else that pertain to his future. William refused to see any other view or point to his situation. He had yelled at her to shut her mouth up and to leave. He told her that they were over. He thought it was best if they take a break for a while. Buffy had cried and pleaded for him to take it back but he hadn’t. He had just look at her with a cold dead face and said “No” and then turn his face away from her. Buffy had barely made it out of the room. Her entire body felt as if she had been slam against a brick wall. She couldn’t breathe, talk, or even think. All she kept hearing was William’s words stating they were over. He wanted a break. A break? What does one do when on a break she had wondered? When she spoke with Glenda the next day Glenda explained that William told her he had broke up with Buffy and that he had no plans of seeing her again.

            Buffy had prayed that with some time apart he might miss her enough to realize he was just being rebellious and silly. So far he had not changed his mind nor spoke to her. Buffy was going out of her mind with her secret. She had not told anyone about the break up yet. She was hoping that by the time he got over his anger of the situation and allows friends over that he would change his mind about them. If he didn’t then she would let him tell their friends that he broke up.

            Now she wasn’t so sure if she could keep up the charade of being a couple with William. Everyone stopped her at least once a day to ask about William. It was so hard to speak to them about him with out wanting to weep.

            “Hey, we had some Doritos and I brought us some water.” Angel showed her the two bottles he held in his hands.

            “Sounds good.” Buffy answered as she sighed heavily.

            “What is going on?” Angel asks seriously as he sits on the edge of his bed and hands Buffy her water.

            “What do you mean?” Buffy asks innocent.

            “You and William. He doesn’t want to see you and you wanted to get out of the house by coming over here rather than going to see William. That is odd. What gives?” Angel looks at her with a tender smile.

            “He is still a bit cranky with the pain and the pills.” Buffy replies casually.

            “I can understand that but not wanting to see you I can’t.” Angel sees the sadness that she had been fighting so hard to hide. Plus he saw something else. A secret. Was she keeping a secret from him? What was going on in that beautiful head of hers?

            “I know it seems harsh but really I just want to give him the space he needs to heal and get stronger.” Buffy lied.

            “I’m sorry but that just sounds like plain bull shit.” Angel replies as he stands up and strolls over to his stereo and picks out a CD to play.

            “Excuse me?” Buffy cries out angrily.

            “You heard me Buffy.” Angel answers with out even looking at her.

            “Why does that sound like bull shit to you?” Buffy asks.

            “Because I know how crazy the two of you were about one another. I was there that night remember? I heard the conversation between you and his mother. William is pushing you away. What did he do break up?” Angel snickers thinking of what a sorry little punk William was for hurting the one person who loved him the most.

            “Yes, yes! Are you happy now?” Buffy shouts as she jumps up from the chair and starts to flee out of the room.

            Angel turns just in time to grab her arm and pull her back inside the room.

            “Buffy, oh my God. I’m so sorry. I didn’t think he would go that far or I wouldn’t have brought it up.” Angel promises as he holds on tightly to her to prevent her from leaving the room.

            “Well I guess we are both fools then cause I didn’t think so either.” Buffy answers as tears spill out of her eyes, down her face, falling to the soft plush carpet below.

            “That stupid punk.” Angel swears softly.

            “What?” Buffy gulps hard as she frowns up at him.

            “He is stupid. I’m sorry that he has cause you this pain.” Angel pulls her into his arms and holds her tight against him. Buffy wanted to argue in William’s defense but she had ran out of excuses for his rude behavior and she was exhausted from thinking so damn much. It was nice to just relax and let someone else comfort her for a change.

            She knew that Angel would not tell the others about the break up and it did relieve some of the embarrassment and burden from her little shoulders.

            “Don’t tell the others please.” Buffy whispers to him as she clings to him.

            “I won’t. I promise.” Angel kisses the top of her head as he feels her body shaking from the pain that had filled her tender heart. Angel could not believe that William had pushed this tiny, delicate, little creature out of his life over a sorry ass knee. What was the boy thinking? Or was he even capable of it? He might recommend that they re-check the boy’s head.

            “Thank you.” Buffy mumbles as she leans back enough to wipe her nose with the back of her shirtsleeve.

            “No problem, that is what friends are for. Or so I was always told.” Angel chuckles.

            “Why do you say that like you have never had a friend?” Buffy frowns up at him.

            “Cause…I really …well…never had one.” Angel confesses.

            “Seriously!” Buffy was shocked.

            “Seriously. I wasn’t exactly the nicest guy in my class.” Angel unwraps his arms and leans them on the desk behind him self.

            “I can’t imagine that.” Buffy replies tenderly.

            “Oh! You have no clue what I am capable of.” Angel starts to pace back and forth in front of her.

            “You’re a great guy who has made some poor decisions. What teenager hasn’t?” Buffy rolls her eyes.

            “YOU! You always do the right thing remember.” Angel teases her.

            Buffy’s eyes sparkle with mischief as she grabs his arms and forces him to stop pacing and stand before her.

            “Angel, I’m not some angelic being. I have my own flaws and yes I do sometimes make mistakes. You make me sound like some holy figurine. Trust me I am not.” Buffy says tenderly as she stared deep into his eyes.

            He ran his hand down her arm but Buffy did not react. He leaned over, began to kiss her but her eyes did not close and her lips were unresponsive. He grabs her violently closer to him. His lips sought hers hungrily, forcing them open. He didn’t think that she might be furious with him; he was past caring. This woman was constantly in his thoughts day and night. She was always thinking that he was noble and pure. He couldn’t understand why she couldn’t see what lied beneath his skin. This pain, this ache, this neediness that he had all because of her.

            Her arms went about his neck, and her response to his kiss was eager as his. Neither cared that someone might walk in on them or that someone might get hurt due to this kiss. There was no one in that room but them two. Angel moved his lips to her neck. He wasn’t gentle. He acted as if he would devour her if at all possible.

            “Angel?” John Kingsley stands in the hallway staring at his son with some beautiful young girl in his room making out.

            Buffy opened her eyes to see an adult male standing nearby, looking shock. She suddenly remembered who and where she was.

            “I need to go.” Buffy licked her lips.

            “Sure. I understand. Let me give you a ride home.” Angel suggests as he looks awkwardly at his father.

            “Dad, this is Buffy. Buffy this is my dad.” Angel makes the introduction as he sticks his hands in his front pocket and rocks back and forth on his heels with a nervous grin.

            “Nice to meet you Buffy.” John replied.

            “You to sir.” Buffy gulps hard.

            John waited until he had passed the open door way before he cracks a smile. He had to admit at first he had been shock but then he understood Angel’s strange behavior for the past few weeks. It was a girl. Always a girl.

            “I can walk home. Really.” Buffy picks up her things.

            “I’m so sorry Buffy. I guess I just wanted you to see that I was not perfect and that I’m quite fascinated by you. I have never known a girl like you. Your great.” Angel states affectionately.

            “You’re a great guy too. I …I just …well…I just really don’t know if this could work right now. I mean I don’t even know if William and I are really broken up yet or if this is just a part of his mood swing. I mean, I owe it to him to try and make it work.” Buffy explained with passionate eyes.

            “I guess he didn’t feel the same.” Angel remarked with a sarcastic tone.

            “I’m sorry.” Angel shook his head. He didn’t want to push her away by talking badly about the guy she loved.

            “I understand. Thanks Angel.” Buffy wanted to hug him but she was scared that if they made even sort of physical contact that they might end up in the same position they were before they were interrupted. She hoped that he did not read anything major into that kiss. Sure it was great. In fact it was the most passionate and intense kiss she had ever experienced. But her love for William went far deeper than just lust. She had to keep reminding her self of that intense love all evening as she fought to keep the memory of the kiss out of her mind.

            Chapter 11:

            Buffy pulled the covers back and slipped into her bed. Lying there in the dark she wondered if she would have reacted as easily to Angel’s kiss if William had not broken up with her? Or was it possible that she would have cheated on him anyway? She started to consider if things had been going wrong before the accident? She knew they had been spending less time together and then there was the incident over the summer when she had suspected that he was seeing someone else but he swore it was all in her head. Had it been? Was that one of the reasons he was breaking up with her? Did he cheat on her this summer and now felt as if he was getting bad luck due to his betrayal to her? She laughed out loud as she knew she was trying to create more drama than there was. William would never have done that to her. He wasn’t the type.

            Buffy was about to fall asleep when she hears a strange sound coming from the tree outside of her window. Buffy sits up and listens again. Once again the same sound. Buffy puts on her pink fluffy slippers and walks over to the window where she nearly lets out a shrilling scream but throws her hand over her mouth in time to prevent it from escaping. Angel was outside of her window trying to get in. Buffy pushes the window up and lets him inside.

            “What in the hell are you doing here?” Buffy whispers harshly.

            “I was thinking about you. I was going insane with fear that you might not ever talk to me again. I needed to see you before school tomorrow so that we could clear up anything you might be upset with me about.” Angel explains as he looks at her with genuine fear in his eyes.

            “Angel we are fine. I’m not mad in the least.” Buffy tries to assure him as she instinctively takes his hand in hers and squeezes.

            “Buffy, god…” Angel felt the warmth of her hand cause sparks to shoot up and down his arm.

            “I’m sorry.” Buffy drops his hand instantly when like him she feels the tingling sensation.

            “I didn’t mean for any of this to happen. I really didn’t want to get in the way of you and William. But when I learn he had broken up with you, I just …well…I felt like a jack ass if I didn’t jump on the opportunity to show you there were other options for you. I could love you as much as William.” Angel sighs as tries to make out her face from just the light of the moon flowing into her room for light.

            “I’m sure you could. I need to think some things out and I need to talk to William. I cannot promise you that we could just start up dating right afterwards. I mean it would look badly. I don’t want to be blame for the break up and I don’t want people talking badly about you either.” Buffy explains as she chews on her lower lip.

            “I don’t care what they say.” Angel snorted.

            “I do.” Buffy smiled tenderly as she reach out and stroke his cheek with the back of her hand.

            Angel holds it against his cheek and inhales her sweet perfume.

            “Angel…I…need…” Buffy suddenly felt dizzy with desire.

            Angel saw the heat in her eyes even with the lack of light in the room. He could almost believe that he heard her heart beating rapidly against her chest or it was his own he heard? He lifted her chin and kissed her sweetly on the mouth. Suddenly her kiss turned to passion.

            “You taste so sweet.” He whispered desperately. “So sweet.”

            Her mouth to clung to his; then her lips ran along his neck. Never had she been so aggressive.

            “Angel,” she murmured, “sweet, sweet, Angel.”

            The top button to her pajama top had come loose exposing almost all of her breast. Her bare breast pushed against him, insolently and demanding. Angel’s head began to swim.

            She grips onto the front of his shirt as she pushes him up against her closet door. She straddles his leg between her thighs. Her hands clawing at his back side as she pushes her pelvis up and down in his thigh. Angel feels as if at any second he might explode into a million pieces. He would never have imagined that this innocent young girl was capable of this much passion and raw sexual energy. Sure he had seen the potential in her as a student to his teaching but something warn him that it might just come natural for Buffy. She would not need any assistance just mere encouragement.

            Buffy slid her hands up under his shirt to touch the muscular smooth skin of his chest. She allowed her hands to roam all over his bare chest, through his hair, around to his back. She just couldn’t stop her self from touching him. Her entire body felt as if a scorching fire consumed it.

            Then her hands moved lower and lower. She felt the rough denim of his jeans as she stroked his denim covered manhood. She felt the length and hardness of him. She lost her breath momentarily as she realized how big it felt. She knew that he wanted to put that big thing inside of her. She wanted it too but not now, not there. They would get caught. She had to officially end things with William and it would be awhile before she and Angel could announce their attraction to her friends.

            “Do what you wish” he says hoarsely, “Just don’t take your hand away.”

            She laughed throatily, feeling a surge of power course through her. She had control of him. But then feeling the hardness of him underneath her hands reminded her that he was the one who really had the power. She was insensible with desire. Her personal phone began to ring out loudly in the other wise quiet house. Buffy pulled away and race to the phone. She hoped it had not wakened up her mother.

            “Hello.” Buffy’s voice was hoarse from desire.

            “Buffy.” William’s voice was coarse from the anger that still ran through his veins.

            “William?” Buffy gasps in shock and guilt to hear his voice.

            Buffy glances across the room where Angel was staring at her with bewilderment.

            “Yeah. I’m sorry for calling so late. I hope I don’t upset your mother.” William spoke low.

            “I’m sure she will be fine.” Buffy answered honestly. Buffy just hoped she didn’t pop her head into the room to check on her.

            “I’m sorry Buffy if I have hurt you but I still think…no…I know this would be good for the both of us. I need to focus on my future goals and this will give you time to do the same.” William informed her as he stared at the photo album in his lap that had all their pictures together in it. Buffy had made it for him for their one-year anniversary. It had pictures of them from school, parties, gatherings, and some with just their friends hanging out.

            “I think you are wrong. But if it is what you want to do then I will accept it. I’m no longer going to beg you to stay with me.” Buffy fights back the tears that suddenly sting her eyes as she listens to the guy who had stolen her heart now break it. Buffy had turned her back toward Angel as she spoke on the phone. When she turns to see what his reaction would be to William calling her she found that he had left. She walked around her room and then to the window where she saw him walking down the street to his parked car. Buffy wanted to call out to him but realized she would see him tomorrow at school. Right now she and William had some major important things to discuss. Although she loved William and he would always hold a part of her heart she wasn’t going to wait on him to grow up and realize that life existed beyond the sport of football.

            She knew her friends would be disappointed and she also knew that if she announced she was dating Angel that they would instantly hate him thinking he was the real culprit behind hers and Williams break up. She knew in her heart he was not the reason that they were breaking up but she also knew that he made it a hell of a lot easier for her to let William go with out a harder fight.

            “Buffy, are you there?” William feels the sudden awkwardness of the quietness on her end of the phone.

            “Yeah, I’m here.” Buffy crawled up in her bed and listen to him discuss his reasoning and how they would tell their friends.

            “You mean you haven’t told them yet?” William was surprised.

            “Of course not. You know you need to tell them that you dumped me if not then it looks odd that I broke up with my boyfriend who just survived a serious car accident. No, you ended it you tell them. I suggest you do it soon.” Buffy warns him.

            “Why are you ready to date someone else?” William frowns as he feels jealousy course through him.

            “No, no one. I just hate lying to them and pretending that I’m happy when I’m not.” Buffy explains with pain clearly in her voice.

            “I will call them over tomorrow and tell them myself. Will that make it easier on you?” William offers.

            “I really thought I knew you. I guess I was wrong. Cause the William I knew wasn’t a quitter. He believed in him self and he didn’t think that his entire life revolved around a stupid game of football.” Buffy snaps angrily.

            “I know you’re angry with me. I completely understand and accept it.” William bit down on his tongue as he fought back the angry words that threaten to spill out of his mouth. He knew he had no right to take it out on her. She had no clue what he had lost. She would never understand, in fact, no one would.

            “Fine. You tell the guys and I will tell the girls.” Buffy agrees.

            “Okay. Buffy, for what it is worth I did love you. I still do. I just need some time and space to get myself together physically and emotionally.” William sighed sadly.

            “What ever. I just don’t hope you expect me to be waiting for you when you finally get your head out of your ass.” Buffy states firmly as she says good night and hangs up the phone. She places it back on the charger and then lay down in her bed. Staring up at the ceiling she knew she should feel guilty for what she and Angel had done in her room and she should be ashamed of her brazen behavior. Yet she couldn’t muster even an ounce of guilt.

            William had chosen his grief over loosing a football scholarship over their love. It was obvious to her that their relationship was not as precious to him as it had been for her. She was tired of playing the nice girl. She was not about to act pitiful and plead with him to take her back. She had more pride than that.

            She thought about how Cordelia and Willow would react when she told them the truth about her and William these last two weeks? Would they been extremely upset that she had held onto this secret for so long? Would they understand why she wasn’t going to chase after him? Would they suspect that her heart was already starting to mend due to the infatuation she had with another guy? She doubted they even sensed the attraction between her and Angel. She smiled tenderly as she thought of the way he had felt against her, the smell of his skin, the touch of his hands, and the hard muscles of his chest. She bit down on her lip as she fought back the ache that began to grow with in the pit of her stomach.

            It was happening again this horrible ache that she had no name for was starting to grow with in her. She knew that Angel could help ease the pain physically and emotionally but she had already been burnt by love and wasn’t sure if getting into any sort of relationship with Angel was really wise at this time. Yet she didn’t want to risk loosing him either. She knew several girls who would die to have had him climb in their windows. She finally felt sleep coming over her as she dreamed of Angel kissing her entire body and woke up the next morning sweating from pure lust.

            Chapter 12:

            Buffy had told her mother about the break up before she left for school the following morning. Lately her mother got home later than she did in the evenings. Buffy was wondering if Giles was the reason or if there wasn’t something else going on in Joyce’s life that she wasn’t including Buffy in on?

            Joyce of course offered to help heal her broken heart by taking her shopping that weekend. Buffy smiled at her mother knowing how much fun they had when they shop but when Buffy spotted the dark circles under her mothers eyes she suggested they wait and see how things were by then. Buffy mention that Joyce needed to get more rest. Joyce agreed and promise that once the new show was threw she was taking a week off of work maybe even two. Buffy was relieved to hear that news.

            When Buffy open her front door to head for school she was happy and surprised to see Angel pull up in the driveway.

            “You didn’t think I would let you walk to school did ya?” Angel asks with a charming smile.

            “Of course not.” Buffy giggles as she climbs into the passenger side next to him.

            “I’m sorry about last night. I mean the whole William call.” Buffy wanted to be sure he understood what exactly she was sorry about. She saw that he was relieved that it wasn’t about the intimacy they had shared. She felt a surge of excitement flow through her.

            “How did it go?” Angel asks as he glances over at her as he drives them to school.

            “Well as expected I guess. I never had a guy break up with me before. We agreed to tell our friends today. I’m going to invite the girls over this afternoon and he is going to do the same for the guys. We figured it would be better that way. We wanted them to hear it from us. I also told him that he should be the one to tell his friends he broke up with me. I don’t want to look like the selfish vain ex-girlfriend.” Buffy explained.

            “You don’t sound so sad.” Angel noted.

            “I am but I’m not. I mean he made his choice. I came in second to his future plans and his love for the sport. I had been wrong about him all along.” Buffy looked at him sadly.

            Angel held her hand and squeezed it.

            “No, darling, I truly believe he loved you. He is just going through a rough patch in his life and he is trying to make it simpler for him. When he gets it all together again he will realize what an enormous mistake he made letting you go.” Angel vowed solemnly.

            “Your so sweet.” Buffy sighed as her eyes glazed over with tears.

            Angel pulled into the parking lot and then leaning over the seat he kissed her gently on the lips.

            “No, you’re the sweet one.” Angel wipes away the single tear that had mange to escape.

            “We better get inside.” Buffy felt her heart banging against her chest.

            “I guess. If you insist.” Angel teases her.

            They walk up to the school together unaware of the blond who had spotted them sharing an intimate moment together. Harmony wanted to run after Buffy and scratch her eyes out. This was the second guy she had stolen from her. Harmony was going to make little miss Buffy pay this time. She was going to show all of them what a slut Buffy really was. She would just wait until the moment was right and they would all see her for what she truly was. A selfish, vain, heartless bitch. Harmony walked toward the school considering the right time and evidence she would need to expose Buffy for her true colors.

            Cordelia had driven them to Buffy’s house after school. The girls were sitting in the living room with snacks and soda when Buffy started to explain why she had really asked them over that afternoon. Once she finished telling them everything that involved her and William she waited for the expected questioning to begin.

            “What a asshole.” Cordelia slams her coke can down on the coffee table.

            “I’m so sorry Buffy. I really thought he would get past this obsession of football by now.” Willow cries out painfully for her friends broken heart.

            “I did too. I guess it meant more to him than I did.” Buffy smiled crookedly at them.

            “Oh sweetie he loved you. I do not doubt that for a second. I just think he is acting pitiful and stupid. He will realize real soon what a big mistake he has made once you start dating again. You are going to date?” Willow looked at Buffy with a puzzled frown.

            “Sure. Not right away of course.” Buffy agrees with them.

            “Guys can be such jerks. I mean you gave him your heart and then he threw it in your face.” Cordelia was in her own world as she thought of how stupid teenage guys could be when it came to the heart.

            “I will survive. It gives me time to work on finding my own path toward a future after school. I get to do what I want when I want with out answering to anyone.” Buffy pointed out the positive side to the break up.

            “I can’t believe your not crying like a baby?” Cordelia cries out in disbelief at Buffy’s positive attitude.

            “I already did that. I have had time to mourn over my loss.” Buffy shrugs her shoulders casually as she puts the ice cream back in the freezer. It was a ritual for them when ever something bad happen they shared a gallon of ice cream together. They were just relieved that there were not too many days or else they would be as big as cows.

            “So your really not going to try and persuade him to rethink this break up?” Willow asks curious.

            “No. I’m sorry guys I know how much you like William but I’m sure the next guy I date you will like just as much.” Buffy suggested.

            “Who are you planning on dating?” Cordelia looks at her with a hopeful grin.

            “No one. I just want to focus on my school stuff and hang out with friends for a while.” Buffy vowed.

            “Sounds smart.” Willow agrees with her theory.

            “So you’re waiting on him?” Cordelia frowns at the two of them.

            “No, I’m just not rushing into anything yet.” Buffy answers.

            “I get it.” Cordelia replies although her two female friends doubted she really did know or understand it.

            “William is telling his friends as we speak so don’t worry about how to tell Oz and Xander.” Buffy states as she licks her spoon clean before dropping it into the sink.

            “Wow! Let me guess your idea?” Willow smiles wickedly.

            “You bet. I told him I’m not going to come off as the bad guy with his friends. HE broke up not me. There for it is his responsibly to tell them not me.” Buffy smiles proudly.

            “I’m still so sorry. I know how much you too had invested in one another and how you both hoped to be together for prom and maybe even college.” Willow sighs wondering if a couple as strong as Buffy and William could break up if this meant she should work harder on her own?

            “Look guys it’s not the end of the world. I know when he returns to school it will be harder to deal. I mean seeing his face more often might make the wound sting but I am not changing my mind about this. He hurt me. I know he is going through a lot but he push me away. I can’t be in a relationship where every time things get tough his pride comes between us. I’m sorry I just can’t.” Buffy felt the tears stinging her eyes.

            “WE know. We really do. We don’t expect you to have to explain to us.” Willow reach out and hugged her while Cordelia watch with a sad expression.

            “Thanks guys. I’m glad you know that I’m not such a horrible person who would break up with her boyfriend just because he couldn’t play stupid ass foot ball.” Buffy chuckles as she wipes the tear that escapes from her eye.

            “We do!” Both of them cried out.

            “Thanks.” Buffy smiled proudly at them although inside it was really harder to say than she let on. She knew deep down that Angel being in her life had made the entire situation more livable. She knew he was the anchor that kept her calm and positive about the break up. It just meant that now she had a reason to date other guys. Guys like Angel.

            Meanwhile…

                        “Are you stupid?” Xander shouts at William.

            “Excuse me?” William growls at Xander.

            “You will never find another girl like Buffy.” Xander shook his head with a disgusted frown.

            “You almost sound like you still have a crush on her.” William looked coldly at Xander.

            “NO! It’s just that…you know she has been one of my closest friends. I know her pretty well. Trust me I have dated a few girls before I went steady with Cordy and trust me I never found like Buffy in that few. Cordy is a great girl but even she isn’t Buffy. I will lie if any of you tell her I just said that.” Xander warns the both of them as he sat down in the chair at the end of Williams’s bed.

            “I hate to say this but you just gave some guy a lucky chance with Buffy.” Oz spoke solemnly.

            “I know. I really do guys. I just…well…I can’t see myself with a girl like her and be ordinary.” William confesses.

            “Hello, I’m dating the captain of the cheerleading squad and I’m not even a foot ball player.” Xander points out.

            “Yeah, there isn’t anything spectacular about me and I won Willow’s heart.” Oz states.

            “I know what you two say is true but I just can’t accept it.” William apologized to them.

            “Too bad. Because I guarantee you when the news gets around school tomorrow that you two broke up she will be out every night of the week while your stuck in this bed for another week.” Xander snorts.

            “I’m sure there are other girls who will date me. I just can’t date her.” William gulps hard.

            “I promise you after you go back to school for one week you will be begging her to take you back.” Xander bets.

            “Perhaps but I strongly doubt it.” William chuckles low.

            “I hope you know what you are doing man. We are still your friends although you are no longer dating our girls best friend.” Xander looks at William sadly.

            “I agree.” Oz smiled between them.

            “Cool. Thanks guys.” William sighed with relief as they sat down and started discussing other things that did not pertain to his break up or the fact he was a dumb ass.

            Chapter 13:

            Buffy smiled sadly as she put everything in a box that belonged to William. She wanted to get this over with as soon as possible. She knew in her gut she was doing the best thing but her heart was still a little weary about this sudden decision. Not to mention with Angel being a part of her life if he wasn’t the main reason she was having such a easy time letting go of William? She felt guilty.

            She knocked on the front door. Glancing around the neighborhood she suddenly wondered what his reaction might be to this show of closure. Would he be relieved or would he change his mind? She suddenly found her self-hoping he didn’t want to go back on his word. She smiled sadly as Glenda open the door.

            “Hello Buffy.” Glenda looked thrilled to see her.

            “Hello Glenda. I’m sorry to just drop by but I thought I would get this over with.” Buffy explained as she glances down at the stuff in the box and then back up at her face.

            “I see.” Glenda stepped aside so she could step in the house.

            “Are you sure about this?” Glenda looked sadly at Buffy.

            “I have to be. He made this decision.” Buffy answers with a heavy sigh.

            “You know he might change his mind once he can start moving around a bit.” Glenda looked hopeful.

            “It’s too late. He hurt me.” Buffy answers softly.

            “I understand.” Glenda watch as Buffy headed to William’s room. Tapping on the door she waited for him to give permission to come in.

            “Come in.” William called out as he propped him self up in the bed.

            “Hi.” Buffy suddenly felt all her strength in this decision start to fade as she stared at the guy who had been so good to her.

            “Hey.” William coughs nervously.

            “I’m sorry for just intruding like this but I…well…I wanted to get this over with.” Buffy explains as she sits the box down in the chair at the foot of his bed.

            “My stuff.” William glances at the box sadly.

            “Yep.” Buffy nods her head.

            “I haven’t had time to gather up your stuff.” William chews on his lower lip as his gut starts to knot up.

            “I understand.” Buffy smiles politely.

            “Cool. I told the guys like you told me too.” William stares down at his bad knee then back at her face.

            “I told the girls. So everyone should know before the end of the week.” Buffy states.

            “Yeah, especially with Cordy knowing.” William chuckles.

            “True.” Buffy agrees.

            “I’m sorry about hurting you.” William looks at her with a serious face.

            “Me too.” Buffy bites down on the inside of her cheek.

            “I mean it.” William sighs.

            “I know. I need to get home. Bye.” Buffy turns to head out of the room when William calls out to her.

            “Yes,” Buffy looks at him with a frighten expression.

            “I will always love you and no matter who I am with they will never be quite like you.” William declares.

            “You too.” Buffy agrees as tears start to surface.

            “Bye.” William gulps hard.

            Buffy walks out of the room with her head up high. The second she closes the door she feels as if she would faint. It had been harder than she had imagined. A small part of her wanted to crawl up in the bed and lie next to him and never leave. Luckily the bigger part of her knew better. Her heart knew that the path that she was on with William had ended. It was time to start a new path with a new guy. Hopefully she wouldn’t be hurt as severely the next time around.

            Later that evening Buffy sat on the front porch staring out at the world with open eyes when Angel unexpectedly arrived.

            “Hey beautiful.” Angel called out to her as he walked up to her.

            Buffy blushed at the compliment.

            “Hey you.” Buffy smiled at him.

            “I came by earlier but you weren’t home.” Angel informed her.

            “I…I was at William’s house.” Buffy decides to be honest with him, although it is none of his business.

            “Oh.” Angel sits down next to her.

            “I had to give him back his stuff. I figured it would give me closure.” Buffy explains.

            “I see. How are you doing with closure?” Angel picks up her hand and holds it in his.

            “It sucks.” Buffy laughs sarcastically.

            “I imagine.” Angel feels horrible for her. He had never been in love so he had no clue how it felt when the one you loved suddenly dumped you. He knew it had to be hard however it felt.

            “What are you doing this weekend?” Angel asks.

            “I’m going shopping Saturday morning with my Mom.” Buffy answers.

            “What about Friday night?”

            “Nothing.” Buffy sighs.

            “Now you are. You and me are going to go out to the Bronze. You need a night out to dance your worries away.” Angel informs her.

            “Oh really.” Buffy grins at him.

            “Definitely. Maybe Saturday evening we can do something too.” Angel offered.

            “Are you doing all of this cause your feeling sorry for me?” Buffy asks suddenly scared that this attraction between them was only one sided.

            “NO! I told you before Buffy I wanted you the moment I met you but when I discovered that you were with William I knew there was no hope for us. Now that you are a free agent now I can hit on you.” Angel answers.

            “I am a free agent.” Buffy suddenly thought of all the possibilities that lied ahead of her now that she was single again.

            “Yes you are.” Angel showers her with a charming grin.

            “Lets do it.” Buffy agrees as she squeezes his hand tightly with a pair of excited eyes.

            “I promise Buffy that I will do my best to never hurt you.” Angel suddenly heard him self-vowing to her. He wondered where in the world that had came from?

            “I hope not.” Buffy laughs as she leans over and kisses him on the cheek.

            “Thanks for being here for me.”

            “Anytime, anyplace.” Angel answers as they sit together talking about dilemmas pertaining to school, life, and the future.

            Chapter 14:

            They dance the entire night away. They paused only long enough to get drinks for their parch throats and then they were headed back to the dance floor. Buffy was exhausted come midnight.

            “You know that was a lot of fun and one hell of a workout.” Buffy yawns as her entire body starts to feel the repercussions of all the fun they had.

            “I hear you.” Angel pants as he opens up the car door for her.

            “I imagine people were wondering what the two of us were doing together?” Angel reminded her several familiar faces that had eyed them all night long.

            “Who cares.” Buffy giggles.

            “Not me.” Angel gets in next to her.

            “Where too?” Angel asks.

            “Where you want to go.” Buffy looks at him with a seductive grin and lust shining brightly in her eyes.

            Both were feeling the attraction between them. Dancing together, touching one another, and grinding up against each other had caused an enormous amount of friction between their bodies. Both needed to find some sort of release.

            “Okay then.” Angel grins as he turns on the car and heads up to lover’s lane.

            Ten minutes later they were parked in a private area among a couple of other cars.

            Buffy suddenly realized that she had never been here before. She had heard about it but never had a reason to come here. William and her had been lucky enough to have parents who worked late or trusted them enough to leave them in a closed door room long enough to make out. Now she suddenly wondered how many times Angel had been at places like this? She felt incredibly stupid and lame. She was with a man who knew what to do and with a lot more experience than her self. He had even been with girls who more experience than her. Would he find her boring? Would he laugh at her stupidity? She suddenly felt frighten.

            “Are you okay?” Angel picks up on the sudden tension coming from her.

            “I…well…just realized I have never been here before.” Buffy answers honestly.

            “Really? I mean I know you’re a virgin but didn’t you and William ever do anything?” Angel looks at her curious.

            “I understand completely if you want to take me home. I mean I have no clue about this area of being a teenager. I know you have been with tons of girls that knew what they were doing. I feel so stupid.” Buffy scratches her head nervously.

            Angel reaches over and cups her hand in his face and turns her head so he can look straight into her eyes.

            “If you think you’re in an uncharted area let me tell you darling so am I. I have never been with a girl that is a virgin.” Angel gulps hard as he confesses his own fears to her.

            “Really?” Buffy is shock.

            “Yep.” Angel releases her face as he holds her hand.

            “Why not?” Buffy asks curiously.

            “Never had any desire for a girl like that. They were always looking for love and affection. Two things that I am incapable of making.” Angel kisses the back of her hand.

            “Why are you with me then?” Buffy feels her entire body tremble from his touch.

            “I have no clue.” Angel laughs.

            “Seriously.” Buffy rolls her eyes.

            “I don’t know Buffy. I can’t seem to get you out of my mind. There is just something about you that draws me in like a ship to the light house.” Angel answers as he glances around to see if he recognizes any of the cars parked.

            “You know I am not about one night stands.” Buffy reminds him.

            “Trust me darling I have thrown that fact into my head a million times but I can’t stop myself from wanting you.” Angel gulps hard as he reveals his true feelings about her. He normally didn’t talk this much or this in depth to a girl before.

            “What makes me so different from the other girls?” Buffy asks with an ounce of vanity in the question. She was more curious than wanting to hear compliments about herself.

            “I can’t say exactly. I mean, your real. You are what you see. That is rare to come by in this world. You seem to bring out this natural but hidden side of me that wants to protect you and comfort you. I haven’t felt like that in a long time. I just crave your attention.” Angel bites down on his lower lip to prevent him self from saying more. He didn’t want her to laugh at him. He knew all of what he had just said was true but he didn’t want her to think he was pathetic either.

            “Wow. You are incredible.” Buffy licks her dry lips as she pushes a loose lock of hair back behind her ear.

            “I think we would be incredible together.” Angel replies with passion in his eyes.

            “Me too.” Buffy agrees as butterflies swim in her stomach.

            Angel leans over to her side of the car. His hand reaches out and touches her neck. Sliding his hand up and down the smooth skin his hand locates her face where it continues to stroke her. Buffy closes her eyes and sighs. His touch was so gentle and full of grace.

            “I am scared.” Buffy suddenly heard the words fly out of her mouth.

            “Me too.” Angel stared deep into her eyes as he kisses her.

            Buffy arrives home a hour later. She fears her mother is going to kill her for being an half hour late. When she opens the door she is surprised that the house is quiet and all lights are still off. Flipping on a light switch she checks her mothers room to see if she went to bed early but finds that her bed is still made from earlier that day.

            Buffy goes back down stairs and checks for a note but comes up empty. Buffy feels suddenly ill. Was her mother in trouble? Was she okay? She saw the answering machine flashing letting her know there was a message or two on it.

            She pushes the button.

            “Buffy, this is Mom. I know I promised to take you shopping tomorrow but something important came up at the last minute. I had to run out of town but I will be back on Sunday afternoon to explain everything to you. I swear darling I am fine. Oh, I left my credit card in case you need anything. Hey maybe you and the girls can go shopping. Anyways, I love you and be cautious when using my card. We will talk Sunday.” Joyce’s voice held many emotions.

            Buffy frowned at the answering machine with a concern frown. It was not like her mother to be spontaneous or hide anything from her. What was going on behind Buffy’s back? Buffy called Giles house to confront him. She knew that Joyce being his girlfriend he would surely know something. She got his answering machine. She concluded that the two of them were probably together.           

            Then she suddenly heard another beep.

            “Buffy, it’s us. We wanted to see if you wanted to go to a movie with us. Call me when you get this message.” Willow says.

            “Great. Now I am going to have to tell her I was with Angel. Too many people saw us together.” Buffy says out loud to the empty house.

            Buffy locks the front door and heads upstairs to her room. Suddenly it hits her about the events that had happen earlier with Angel. They had made out in his car. It had been the most terrifying moment of her life and yet the most exhilarating one at the same time.

            His hands were so gentle and confident. While she trembled like a frighten animal. Every time his hands made contact with her flesh she swore her temperature was rising. Her face was flush and her entire body burns inside and out. She smiled proudly as she remembered the moans that had escaped from his mouth when she touches him as well. They were both discovering each other’s body as well as their hearts. She knew that Angel was no William. He was bolder. He knew how to make her body beg for his touch even when her head was screaming “HALT”.

            She knew that the longer they were together the closer he would get to take her virginity. She could not resist him. Her body was on constant fire when he was near her. She had never felt that intense in William’s arms or hands for that matter. Now that she had something to compare William with she realized that perhaps what she and William had shared was more of a deep friendship. Either that or she was turning into a wanton slut. She laughs out loud as she changes into her PJ’s.

            As soon as her feet slid underneath the covers the phone rings. She knows exactly who it is.

            “Hello.” Buffy feels her cheek flushing.

            “Hey, just letting you know I got home. Was your mother pissed?” Angel asks worried.

            “Nope. In fact she wasn’t even here.” Buffy laughs.

            “NO shit. Damn.” Angel laughs at their bad luck.

            “I know. Still, I think we went far enough for one night.” Buffy gulps hard at the memory of his tongue dancing inside her mouth.

            “If you say so.” Angel laughs as he looks down at his hard on in his navy silk boxers.

            “Thanks for a wonderful night.” Buffy yawns.

            “You bet. So where is your mother?” Angel suddenly wonders.

            “You know I’m glad you asked me that. My mother is a very reliable and consistent person. However lately she has been working some odd hours and strange days. Then I get home and she left a phone message that she suddenly had to go out of town and she would talk to me on Sunday when she got home. She never said where she was or whom she with. It’s not like her.” Buffy twirls a golden string of her hair around her finger.

            “That does sound odd. Did you call her boyfriend?” Angel asks curiously.

            “Yeah, and he was not home. So I’m guessing they are together where ever they are.” Buffy answers.

            “Maybe they wanted to share a last minute rendezvous together.” Angel suggested.

            “Okay, no we don’t talk about my mother and Giles like that.” Buffy made a gagging sound and then follow it up with a chuckle.

            “Seriously.” Angel laughs.

            “True. OH well. I’m going to have to tell Willow and the others I was with you tonight. They called too wondering if I wanted to go to the movies with them.” Buffy chewed on her lip nervously.

            “Oh because everyone saw us together.” Angel concludes.

            “Yep.” Buffy sighs softly.

            “What are you going to tell them?” Angel wonders.

            “Just that we, two friends, went out dancing. You wanted to cheer me up.” Buffy answers honestly.

            “So you aren’t going to tell them that your friend then took you to lovers lane?” Angel teases her.

            “Of course not. I have to keep my Virgin Mary routine.” Buffy teases back.

            “If you stay around me too long that might not happen.” Angel warns her.

            “I know.” Buffy replies so soft that it almost sounds like a whisper.

            “Well, I guess I will let you get to sleep. Call me tomorrow when you get back from shopping.” Angel asks.

            “Deal. Night.” Buffy feels her stomach twisting in knots as she wishes suddenly he was there lying next to her.

            “Night Buffy.” Angel hangs up the phone wishing he could drive over there and spend the night with her.

            Both knew that it was too soon for that sort of thing. Both wanted to take their time and enjoy the newness of the relationship and let it go on its on course. No pushing. No pressuring. Just pure enjoyment.

            Chapter 15

            Buffy started the day off by going out with the girls. She had been relieved that neither had asked so far about her events the night before. Well, at least not the first hour anyways.

            “Buffy, you look …hot…I mean like incredibly cool hot in those leather pants.” Willow cried out in dismay as Buffy stepped out of the dressing room wearing a black leather pants with a cute black see through shirt.

            “You really think so? I thought it would be my “Look who is single” outfit.” Buffy gulps hard as she turns to look at her self again in the mirror.

            “I like it.” Cordelia gave it her thumbs up.

            “Really?” Buffy looked shock at Cordelia’s approval of the outfit.

            “Yep! I must say I never really saw you as the leather type before but now I can see it.” Cordelia explains as she turns around in front of the mirror staring at her self in a two hundred dollar outfit that she knew her parents would flip about. She knew she would buy it just so she actually got to see what her parents looked like these days.

            “I hope Mom doesn’t freak out.” Buffy bits down on her lower lip as she fought back the urge to not buy it. She liked it and both of her friend’s thought it looked great she had to buy it. She smiled inwardly as she thought of Angel’s face when he saw her in this tight sexy outfit.

            “So where were you last night?” Willow asks as she glances at the ridiculous prices on the tags.

            “I …well that is something I wanted to tell you guys about. Sit down.” Buffy warns them.

            Cordelia and Willow both wondered if she was about to tell them she gotten back together with William?

            “I went to the Bronze.” Buffy blurts out.

            “With who?” Both ask with identical frowns on their faces.

            “Angel. We are friends as you both know and knew that I was really upset about the break up so he offered to give me a fun free night dancing until my bones nearly broke.” Buffy laughs as she rubs her sore thighs.

            “Are you sure that is why your body hurts?” Cordelia asks bluntly.

            “Uh hello! Yes.” Buffy rolls her eyes at the crudeness of the remark.

            “So you are just friends?” Willow looked doubtful.

            “Yes, we are just friends.” Buffy says again trying to prevent any reaction to show up on her face.

            “Well, that was awful nice of him.” Cordelia shrugs her shoulders. Both of Buffy’s friend sense there was more to it but they feared it was Angel who was trying to push his way into her pants.

            “Yeah.” Buffy agrees with a casual look.

            “So what are you doing tonight?” Willow asks as she watches Buffy’s face closely.

            “I’m going to have Angel come over and watch some movies with me. Mom is out of town. Which I still don’t know where she is and with who or why.” Buffy looks at them with a worried smile.

            “You know that is odd for her.” Willow agrees.

            “Why don’t you come out to the movies with us tonight and you can bring Angel.” Cordelia suggested.

            “What?” Buffy squeals.

            “If you guys are just friends then you won’t mind hanging out with the gang.” Willow gives Cordelia a knowing look as she smiles casually at Buffy.

            “I guess. I will have to see if he is okay with that.” Buffy gulps hard.

            “Well let’s get our purchases and go have some frozen yogurt. I’m starving.” Cordelia calls out to them as she heads to the cash register with her outfits in hand.

            “Buffy are you okay?” Willow spots the nervousness that slips into Buffy’s eyes.

            “I’m fine. I just don’t want people to read more into this thing with Angel and me.” Buffy warns.

            “You and Angel are hanging out with us. NO date.” Willow smiles politely and walks away. Buffy sensed that Willow didn’t buy her story about a strictly friendship theory between her and Angel.

            ######################################################

            Angel had been a good sport about going a long with the gang. After the movies the six of them headed down to Pete’s diner for a quick bite. Buffy had got up to head to the bathroom when Willow went along with her. The gang stared at Angel.

            “Great movie.” Angel states.

            “Yeah it was.” Xander agrees. He doesn’t want to be rude to Angel but he can’t help but wonder about his intentions toward Buffy. The gang was really protective of Buffy especially since she had just gone through such a heart-breaking event. They knew she was vulnerable and didn’t want to see a guy like Angel take advantage of it.

            “So how is yours and Buffy’s English project coming along?” Oz asks curiously.

            “Great! Yeah we are nearly done. I’m just happy to have a paper of mine turn in on time.” Angel jokes.

            “I hear you there.” Oz agrees.

            “So how long have you guys hung out together?” Angel asks hoping to start up a friendly conversation.

            “Buffy, Willow and Xander started the gang. Then of course Willow started dating me so I was added then came William and last but not least Cordelia.” Oz answered.

            “I see.” Angel notices that Xander is having a hard time making eye contact with him.

            “Are you okay Xander?” Angel confronts him.

            “Look, I’m not going to lie to you I think you are a major player when it comes to girls. If you hurt her I will personally to see your ass being kicked.” Xander warns him with a threatening look. It was unusual to see Xander angry and it caused Cordelia to be turn on.

            “What about William? He broke her heart. Did you kick his ass?” Angel asks with a sarcastic tone.

            “The boy is hurt enough.” Xander snaps.

            “Perhaps physically but he emotionally broke Buffy.” Angel snaps back.

            Oz and Cordelia are both surprised at the intense anger and protectiveness coming from both men over Buffy.

            “We know. We didn’t approve of it. But he is still our friend.” Xander emphasizes on the word friend.

            “I see.” Angel glares angrily at Xander.

            “You see what?” Buffy asks as she picks up on the tension as soon as she headed to the table.

            “I see that you guys are pretty close knit.” Angel answers as he tells him self to cool down and relax. He didn’t need their approval in order to date Buffy. As long as she was happy with him that was enough for now.

            “Look guys I’m full. Angel can you give me a ride home?” Buffy asks.

            “Sure.” Angel jumps up and pulls her chair out for her.

            “Thanks.” Buffy smiled warmly at him.

            The smile was not lost on the gang.

            “We can give you ride home.” Cordelia suggests.

            “No you guys have things to do I’m sure. Angel and I are two single people bored out of our minds. You love birds go enjoy your selves. I will call you tomorrow.” She smiles at them as she walks to the front door where Angel waits holding it open for her. Angel smiles at them before following her out.

            “He is such a jerk. What does she see in him?” Xander snorts.

            “Maybe she sees the gorgeous face and sexy body? Or maybe she likes the way he makes her feel rather than the pain and torment her ex boyfriend put her through.” Willow suggests in Buffy’s defense.

            “You can’t tell me you approve of it?” Xander cries out in shock.

            “No I don’t. But Buffy has never done anything stupid before and I don’t think being rejected by William is enough reason for her to start now.” Willow answered.

            “I don’t know Willow. I fear she might have lost all sense of right and wrong now.” Cordelia agrees with Xander on his view of the situation.

            “Nah. She is a survivor and she is smart enough to see threw the bull shit.” Oz agreed with Willow.

            “Let’s just hope there is no need for me to kick his ass.” Xander sighs as he sips on his cola.

            When he looks up at his three friends he finds them covering their mouths to prevent the laughter.

            “I could.” Xander cries out which causes them to loose it. All three of them laughed at his expression and the image of Xander trying to beat up such a tall and tough guy like Angel.

            #############################################################

            Buffy was relieved when they finally made it back to her house.

            “Did you want anything to drink?” Buffy asks as she heads to the kitchen to get her self a soda.

            “No thanks.” Angel answers.

            “So how did it go? Were they rough with you?” Buffy laughs knowingly.

            “A bit. Xander sure is serious about you.” Angel informed her.

            “He has always been like my brother. Nothing more.” Buffy warns him.

            “I believe you but I don’t think that is how he always saw you.” Angel warns her.

            “OH well it doesn’t matter. We could never be more than friends at this point in our lives.” Buffy stated as she sat down on the couch next to him.

            “By the way I have wanted to tell you all night how damn sexy you look in that outfit. I would have never dreamed of you in leather. You drove me crazy all night wiggling around in those tight ass jeans.” Angel declares as he leans over and kisses her.

            “I’m glad you like them. I must confess I never really wore anything quite like it. I mean of course I wear sexy clothes just never leather. I have to say I like the way they feel.” Buffy confesses with a soft blush.

            “I wonder how much better you would look with them off?” Angel teases her.

            “You will have to wait to see.” Buffy warns him as she bites down on her lower lip.

            “How long do you wager I will have to wait?” Angel challenges her.

            “I fear I can’t say. You are different than all of the guys I usually date. I fear you might break me down.” Buffy answers honestly as her eyes smolder over with raw passion.

            Angel feels a surge of excitement and pride surge through his veins at the thought of being her first lover.

            Angel watches her face closely as she yawn twice in the past hour. She enchanted him. Her eyes were warm, her lips sweetly curved, and her beauty was an intoxicating sight. She smiled and leaned against his shoulder. It was pleasant to be held so close again. His hand caressed her temple; then he bent and touches his lips to hers. They were warm and sweet. He had barely tasted of her when the front door was opened and two adults strolled in giggling like two young teenagers.

            Buffy and Angel both jump around to spot her mother and Giles looking rather intoxicated.

            “Mom!” Buffy shouts in confusion.

            “Buffy, oh your still up and home.” Joyce frowns as she stares at the new guy with her daughter and quite closely on the couch.

            “Yes one of us had to be here.” Buffy frowns at her mother’s odd behavior of late.

            “I’m sorry Buffy if I have made you worried. Giles and I came home early from our trip.” Joyce explains.

            Joyce glances between Angel and Buffy.  Buffy understood she was waiting on an introduction before she went further.

            “Mom, this is Angel. He and I are study buddies for English. Angel this is my Mom Joyce and her boyfriend, and our school librarian, Giles.” Buffy made the introductions as she stood up wrapping her arms around her chest with a stern look at the couple.

            “I’m sorry Buffy but before I go explaining to you what I have been doing I would prefer to be alone.” She glances between Giles and Angel.

            “I will head home. Call me later.” Angel gives her a friendly peck on the cheek.

            “It was nice to meet you finally.” Angel flashes a charming smile at Joyce who smiles back at him.

            “I will call you later.” Giles winks at her and smiles warmly at Buffy as he follow the young man out of the house.

            “So what in the hell is going on?” Buffy demands.

            “Watch your language young lady. I am your mother. Sit down and we will talk.” Joyce points to the couch. Buffy reluctantly sits down. Joyce walks into the living area and sits in a chair across from her teenage daughter.

            “Giles and I have been dealing with a few issues later. WE wanted to be closer and have more time together. Giles and I flew to Vegas Friday after work. We got…married.” Joyce announces with a nervous smile.

            “WHAT?” Buffy shouts.

            “We got married Buffy. I love Giles and he loves me. He also care deeply about you. We thought it would be a wonderful ideal to get married and have him around the house more permanently.” Joyce explains.

            “So you ran off and got married and not once considered what I might think about all of this?” Buffy looks at her mother with a painful expression.

            “Buffy, I wanted to talk to you about it but with your break up with William I wasn’t sure how you would feel toward any man. I’m sorry that you couldn’t be there.” Joyce admits as she smiles tenderly at her daughter.

            “This isn’t you. You don’t go and do spontaneous stunts.” Buffy shakes her head in denial.

            “Normally no. How ever I am an adult and I know how to make reasonable decisions with out asking my daughter for permission.” Joyce snaps at her.

            “Well, if that is how you see it then I hope you two are happy.” Buffy jumps up off the couch and storms out of the room.

            Joyce wants to call out to her but isn’t sure what she can say at this point that would ease her daughters anger and disappointment toward her. Joyce looks at the silver band on her finger and smiles contently. She knows she made the right decision and she knew in her heart that Giles was one man that would never disappoint her or abandon her or Buffy like Hank Summers had. She had followed her heart and she wouldn’t let even Buffy make her feel wrong for that.

            ########################################################

            Buffy laid on her bed staring at the ceiling wondering what in the blazes was going on in her world? Everything was changing and at a rapid pace. Just three months ago she was blissfully happy with William and her mother was always open and honest with her. Now she was lusting after the biggest bad boy in their school and her mother had eloped with her boyfriend with out consulting Buffy’s opinion on the situation. Life was changing and she couldn’t do anything about it. She was torn between feeling excited and totally terrified. Adapting to sudden changes was not one of her strengths. How ever she knew in her heart that she would get through this and much more that was in store for her in the future.

            #####################################################

THE END (OF PART ONE)

*************Thank you to all of you who have sent feedback. This story will continue to the next part of my “Heart Series”. So look for Temptations of the Heart in your mailbox for the continuation of this great story. ******************************

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