graphic by Isis

Somewhere In Between

Author:August528@aol.com
Disclaimer: Only the plot is mine.
Distribution: My site only so far.
Rating: PG-13/some NC-17 moments
Summary: Set a few years after the Buffy series ended. Buffy and Angel run into one another and discover that he has been rewarded by the PTB. Spike is
alive and is now cursed with the visions and just as B/A are finding happiness he has a horrible vision that something big is about to happen that might tear them apart.

Chapter One:

Buffy was relieved that Giles had agreed that the whole gang deserved a vacation from their work. It had taken them three whole years to get the new council set up. This included electing the new council members and finding the ones who had survived the explosion and determining which to trust for the new council. Then they had make discreet locations for each home office they kept all over the world. They didn’t want just one location. This way it would be harder to destroy them. Then there were the slayers themselves. They had to out and find them and then discuss their futures with them. Buffy didn’t believe in forcing them toward their destiny. She felt that if their heart weren’t in it then they would die quick. She didn’t want that on her conscience. Plus she knew what it was like having the burdens of the world put on your shoulders with out even a choice.

Then they began locating research items and other magic’s that they needed to keep contained from the rest of the world. That was Willow’s specialty. She loved hunting the relics down. Then they had to make training locations as well as training guides. Then there was the debate over the whole “watcher” prospect. Giles made that his responsibility. He was very selective on who he would trust with a slayer. He did thorough background checks and even put them under one of Willow’s “honesty” spells when he interviews them. Then he made a guidebook for them.

Rules, rules, and more rules seem to be the motto when it came to remaking their version of the close to perfect council. None of them would admit it but they did enjoy it. Still, three years of non-stop work was starting to drive them with madness and frustration. Each of them had planned their own vacations. Buffy was the only one who was actually going to L.A. to visit her little sister Dawn at college. She was so relieved that she had persuaded Dawn to go to college and then if she still were driven on becoming a watcher Buffy would not say anything against it. She wanted Dawn to have some real life experiences before she gave her life up for the council.

The only problem with this trip for her was the fact that Angel was still in L.A. She had not seen him in over two years. The last time they had spoken he had needed some help in order to take down some law firm that had some sort of problems with. Buffy had been a bit confused about the entire situation but she did what he asked with out asking. He had been so excited to learn that she had survived the battle at Sunnydale. When the town disappeared the gang on the bus wasn’t sure where to go. Buffy suggested they go see Angel and see if he could help them out for a while until they could make a game plan. He had given them full reign of the hotel since his gang was staying in their own places at this point.

They had discussed what had happened to Spike and Angel could see that it had hurt deeply loosing Spike. Buffy had been straight up with him and admitted she told Spike she loved him but he didn’t believe her. Of course Angel answered the same way. She told Angel that Spike had did so much for her. She did love him but not the way she loved Angel. He had just simply smiled and said he understood all too well. Angel had found away to get them some money through the company he worked for to get them started. Buffy had half wondered at the time if he did it to get them as far apart as possible or if he just wanted to help them out?

Either way they had left for England where they had started the whole process then moved the main office back to America. They wanted everything to be different and yet somewhat the same. The purpose was the same but the way they reacted and trained was the opposite of the old council.

Buffy thought back to the day when Angel had broken down confessing to her about Connor and what he had done to save his son the pain he had been buried in. Buffy was totally shocked by the whole Vampire/Vampire having a child to begin with. Then to learn that Cordelia had slept with his son and had a child that was a grown woman. Buffy knew he had been put through his own hell. Both agreed that since they had been apart so much had changed between them. They were both growing up in a sense. Except Angel wasn’t wrinkling.

Buffy arrived at the small apartment that Dawn shared with a roommate, Leisa. Buffy knew Dawn would be so excited to see her. When she knocked on the door a cute dark hair boy answered the door with his shirt unbutton and ruffled hair.

“Can I help you?” He asks as his eyes glance up and down over Buffy’s body.

“I’m here to see Dawn.” Buffy answered as she frowned at him.

“Dawn!” The boy shouted as he stood leaning against the doorway.

She heard someone cussing under the breath and then a few seconds later her sister comes to the door with a robe that she was obviously just slipping on. Buffy looked at the boy and then at her half dressed sister and knew what had been going on before she interrupted.

“Buffy! OH! Wow! I thought you weren’t due until next week.” Dawn pushed a loose piece of hair out of her face and blushed.

“Hey, that’s okay if you want me to come back then.” Buffy teased her.

“NOOO! Come in.” Dawn grabbed her arm and pulled her inside.

The young boy seemed to not be as happy about Buffy’s early arrival as Dawn was.

“I’m so glad your back.” Dawn wrapped her arms around her sister and hugs her tightly.

“Look, I can come back later if you need some more time.” Buffy glances slightly to the guy sitting on the couch staring at the two women.

“He can wait.” Dawn rolled her eyes.

“Hello I’m in the room.” The guy snaps at Dawn.

“I know. Which reminds me don’t you have class in like twenty minutes.” Dawn reminded him.

“Yeah, what ever.” The boy buttons up his shirt and grabs his shoes.

“I admit I don’t have much room here for you.” Dawn frowns as she looks around the small apartment she shared.

“Oh, don’t worry I thought I would get a hotel room where I could just lay about and eat chocolates.” Buffy smiled warmly at her.

“Well, you deserve it.” Dawn giggled as she hugged her again.

“Dawn, can you walk me out?” The guy asks with a hurt look in his dark brown eyes.

“Sure.” Dawn smiles at her sister and steps out side of the apartment.

A few minutes later she returns.

“So who is that?” Buffy asks curiously.

“That is Joel. We’ve been dating for nearly six months. He is nice and all but I don’t see myself getting too involved with him.” Dawn confesses as she sits on the couch across from her sister.

“Looks like you already have.” Buffy touches the silky robe.

“Well….last night …well… it was our first night.” Dawn explains slightly embarrassed.

“And here I come barging in the next morning pushing him out the door.” Buffy laughs.

“I didn’t see it like that and neither did he. He was just wanting to make sure everything had been fine between us.” Dawn explained with a giggle of happiness.

“So which hotels are the hippest to stay at these days?” Buffy asks.

“Actually there is one called the Hudson’s. It supposedly has all the movie stars in it.” Dawn answered.

“Hand me the phone while I try to get a room and you go shower and change clothes.” Buffy took the phone while Dawn ran to the bathroom.

Chapter Two:

Buffy was lucky to get a room according to the young man on the other end of the phone. Something about a big convention going on in town. Buffy really didn’t care. She wasn’t going to think about demons, vampires or even witches while on vacation. She just wanted to rest. Dawn and Buffy had gone to breakfast and then Dawn left for classes. Buffy told her not to worry about her she was going to be there for a month before she headed back to head quarters.

Buffy went to check in and was escorted to her room by a bellhop. She saw her room and was impressed. She gave the young man a tip before he left. She then opens the drawers and put all her things up. She would be here for sometime she told her self. Then she opens her purse and pulled out the visa card that Giles had given her and knew it was time to shop. She had not bought any new clothes in forever.

She went to all the stores she once went to with her mother when she had been alive. It had been hard at first then she smiled as she thought of the happy moments they had spent. She had found several good buys and was heading back to her room with bags in her hands when she saw something that was odd. Peeking around the corner in the alley she saw a guy wearing a long black duster walking in the shadows. She couldn’t help but instantly wonder if was Angel? Shaking the thought from her mind she went back to her room. Dawn had a left a message that she would be over in the morning that she had a sorority gig to do tonight.

Buffy smiled at the thought of Dawn being in such a girly little click. Buffy took a long hot bubble bath and slipped on one of her new out fits and thought to her self that she deserved to go to a club and dance like she used to do in the old days. She asked one of the employees where the hot clubs were located and then headed out for the night. She felt sexy and full of energy. She had wore a pair of new black leather pants with a gorgeous red blouse that wrapped around neck leaving her shoulders and back bare. She had worn her long hair down and sprayed her favorite perfume on her neck and wrists. She slipped on the new cute but affordable black boots she found on sale. She almost felt eighteen again.

She was let into the club with out a problem. She really felt like she was on fire now. Stepping inside the room of the club “69” she felt her slayer senses going off. Pushing them out of her head she told her self she was not here to slay but she was here to have fun. She went to the bar and got a drink. Before she could pay for it a cute hunk had put a fifty-dollar bill down on the counter and insisted he would buy it for her. Buffy wasn’t impressed but she was enjoying the attention. They danced for a while until another guy hit on her and she went in his direction. The music, the drinks, the guys it was all making her feel that burning ache in the pit of her stomach grow rapidly by the second. She had not been to bed with a man in so long she was sure she would hurt the first guy she did sleep with.

BuffBuffy felt a hand touch her shoulder. Tingling. Heat. Vibrations. All of these things ran up and down her spine and were swimming in the pit of her stomach from the simple contact. She knew who it was but didn’t want to look at him. Still, she didn’t want to seem rude to the man who had helped them get their business started.

“Angel.” Buffy said out loud before she turn to look into the eyes of the one man who would always have her heart.

“Buffy, I thought it was you but I just couldn’t let my eyes believe it.” Angel confessed as he gulped hard as he stared at the sexy little out fit she was wearing.

“Me too.” Buffy replied hoarsely.

“Why are you here?” Angel looks around the club in disgust.

“I am here on vacation. I wanted a break from my normal life.” Buffy replied guilty.

“I see. Going back down memory lane.” Angel states knowingly.

“Something like that. What about you?” Buffy asks with a twinkle in her eyes.

“I was actually suppose to be here to meet a client but she didn’t show.” Angel answers.

“Oh.” Buffy sighed heavily as she felt herself melting into his eyes.

“Did you want me to leave so you can finish what you started?” Angel looked over at the guy whom she had been dancing so closely to earlier.

“No, I would rather be with you.” Buffy answered. She blushed as she realized what she had just said.

“Me too.” Angel agrees as he takes her hand in his.

Buffy figures he is about to lead her to the dance floor instead he leads her out of the club. Buffy looks back and sees that her guy is pissed off. She blows him a kiss and he smiles slightly. Buffy feels bad for him. He had been buying her drinks and showering her with tons of attention and now she was abandoning him. He probably thought that Angel was her boyfriend or husband. Buffy was starting to feel the affects of drinking. She was always a light drinker.

“Where are we going?” Buffy asks as they step out of the club and into the cool night air. She shivers slightly.

Angel notices and pulls off his jacket and puts it over her shoulders.

Buffy just smiles up at him with eyes full of love that Angel feels as if his heart would explode. He had not expected to run into her tonight. Although he knew according to Lorne that things were about to change in his life. Angel had been humming a month ago with Lorne had pick up on something and warn Angel that he wasn’t sure exactly what but something big was about to walk into his life and change it. Angel wondered if Lorne was referring to Buffy?

“Where are you staying at?” Angel asks.

“At the Hudson.” Buffy replied as she noticed how he had put his hands in his pockets as they walked side by side.

“What about you?” Buffy asks.

“I bought a house finally. I am running the hotel as a hotel. Actually Wesley hired someone to run it for us. We have an office to run the investigation firm out of. Would you like to see the house?” Angel asks.

“Sure. How far?” Buffy frowns as she realizes they have walked up to a car. Angel pulls out a key ring and turns the alarm off as he opens the door for her.

“Wow, where did you get this baby?” Buffy was impressed with the black jag he was driving these days.

“It had been one of the perks of working with Wolfram and Hart.” Angel admits with a cocky grin.

“So how far?” Buffy asks curiously as she notices they are heading out of town.

“Just about ten minutes out of town. I thought it was best that I lived far away from the office so it keeps danger away from my private home.” Angel explained.

“I see.” Buffy said as she leans over and turns the radio on.

Angel inhales deeply and smells her perfume mixed with sweat. Licking his lips he fought back the urge to pull the car over and pulled her into his lap. He was so excited to tell her about his great news. He had wanted to call her but he feared that the timing might not be right and he felt if they were destine to be together she would show up again. Here she was. Tonight would be the night he told her. He knew she might be a bit mad at first that he had held such information from her for so long but he felt stupid calling her and telling her on the phone. It would be obvious why he was calling to tell her such a thing. He didn’t want her to think that was all he wanted from her.

They finally arrived at the gates of his house. He put in a code and the doors open as they drove through.

“Damn Angel! You really did take Wolfram and Hart’s money.” Buffy says impressed with the way Angel always manage to screw his enemies over so cleverly.

“Yeah, well they owed me.” Angel replied with a smug grin.

He parked the car in the garage and then walked to the door that opens into his house.

Buffy wanted to faint as she saw how enormous the house was. She had always been impressed with his taste in things. He was a fabulous decorator.

“You know this is gorgeous. You make me sick.” Buffy said with an impressed look clearly on her face.

“Thanks. I thought you might like it here. You should stay here and cancel your room at the Hudson. Dawn can come over and visit too.” Angel offered the invitation.

Buffy looked at him with a hard stare. Something was wrong with this picture? Something was going on in that sexy head of his. Something big she told her self.

Chapter Three:

Angel took her to the living room area and made them both a drink as they sit down on the leather couch facing the fireplace.

“You always have to have a fire place.” Buffy noted out loud.

“Yeah, I guess growing up with them as a human made me want them even as a demon.” Angel replied sadly.

“Angel what is going on?” Buffy asks as she sips on the drink he made her.

Angel watched her face and knew it was too soon to tell her such a life changing revelation. He knew he was acting like a chicken but he was still scared that the truth might have a catch. He had been given a small part of his redemption by getting rid of Wolfram and Hart. The powers that be had cursed his soul permanently to him. Which meant he could have a normal sex life and not fear turning into a horrible monster if he slept with Buffy.

“Nothing. I’m just so blown away seeing you tonight.” Angel answered half truthfully.

“Does it feel strange to you?” Buffy asks suddenly wondering why she asked that?

“What?” Angel looks deep into her eyes.

“Does it feel like we have grown so far apart?” Buffy figured the alcohol was giving her more courage than she normally would have had by being so blunt honest with Angel.

“No.” Angel shook his head in disagreement.

“I mean, I still feel the connection between us but something else is different.” Buffy frowns as she starts yawning.

“Maybe you should stay the night and get some sleep.” Angel offered.

“You know you might be right.” Buffy agreed as her vision grew slightly blurry and she felt rather lightheaded.

“Let me take you to a room.” Angel offered as they headed for the stairs.

“Do you sleep up here?” Buffy asks curiously.

“Yes I do. The windows are made so that sunlight does not touch me. I can see out of it and it doesn’t hurt me.” Angel smiled proudly.

“Another perk I gather from Wolfram and Hart.” Buffy smiles slyly.

“Yep.” Angel agrees with a chuckle.

“Angel?” Buffy stops on the stairs.

“Yeah?” Angel looks down at her.

“Can you carry me?” Buffy looks at him with a weak smile.

“Sure.” Angel lifts her up in his arms and carries her to the guest room and takes her straight to the bed where he pulls the covers back with one hand and then slips her down under them.

“There.” Angel looks at her with a warm smile on his face.

“Thank you.” Buffy yawns.

“We will talk more tomorrow.” Angel promises as he kisses her on top of the forehead before leaving her to sleep. Angel goes to the room next door and crawls into his own bed. He barely sleeps. He can’t help but think about Buffy who just mysteriously pops up in his life again. The same woman whom he was free to have a relationship with and yet he was terrified to tell her so.

Chapter Four:

Buffy had awakened to the smell of fresh coffee brewing and bacon sizzling in the frying pan. Rubbing her eyes she yawn loudly. She told her self she was lucky that Angel had showed up and stopped her from drinking anymore than she had. It had been many, many years ago when she had too many drinks and she could still remember the morning after from that fiasco.

Buffy looked down at her wrinkled nightclub clothes and laughed at the image she knew she presented. She didn’t even bother to look for a mirror. She was used to the lack of those little vanity objects that vampires did not need around. That had to be one of the major top ten down falls for a female to be changed into a vampire. NO mirrors? How would you know if your hair was fixed right or your make up was even? It was a scary thought to Buffy as she stomps down the stairs with heavy feet. She was still pretty exhausted from her flight over and then the late night up. Still, she couldn’t wait to see Angel this morning.

“You always were thoughtful.” Buffy smiles lazily as she enters the beautiful state of the art kitchen.

“You know me always noble.” Angel rolled his eyes with a sarcastic smile.

“Tell me what are the odds that you would show up at the exact club that I had just happen to stumble across?” Buffy asks as she sits at the bar leaning her head on her hand.

“Pretty slim. I rarely meet in clubs anymore. I try to keep all visits restricted to the office. It is safer that way.” Angel replies as he puts the bacon on the plate with two slices of toast. He sits the plate in front of her along with butter and jelly. She smiles happily as she picks up the silverware he had already placed down for her. He then makes her a cup of coffee just the way she liked it. Sitting in before her he then sits down across from her and watches as she eats with his own cup of coffee in his hand.

“I would imagine it would be.” Buffy thinks out loud.

“Well, what I am referring to his the alarm system we set up. I have a demon detector in case someone tries to present him or herself as human. It makes it easier on the other guys. They can’t detect it like I can.” Angel bragged.

“Oh if we all could have a smelling device like yours.” Buffy chuckles as she sips on her hot coffee.

“As I recall you hated that factor of us vampires.” Angel teased her.

“I do. I think it is just gross that you can smell other people on me.” Buffy shook her body making an eww face.

“You don’t like it because you can’t cheat on a vampire.” Angel smiled as he took another drink.

“Oh that is so not why I hate it.” Buffy rolled her eyes as she finish off the last piece of bacon.

“Enough with the smelling. How are you?” Angel laughed, as he looked deep into her eyes to see if she was telling him the truth or not.

“I’m fine. Just glad to have a vacation at last.” Buffy admits.

“I imagine reforming a new council has been quite hard on you.” Angel says.

“It is. Let me tell you. I never realized how much work goes into it. I mean being a slayer comes naturally but having to train slayers, watchers, and then turn around and write rules as we need to then turn around and hunt down relics it’s a long days work.” Buffy sighs heavily.

“You love it though.” Angel smiles knowingly.

“Yeah, I do.” Buffy grins.

“I can see it. I’m glad. But you’re right you did need a break. I try to take one at least once a year when I can. I have come to realize I am no good to the others if I am burnt out.” Angel commented wisely.

“I agree.” Buffy sighed as she taps her fingernails on the counter.

“What’s wrong?” Angel frowns at her.

“Nothing. I was just thinking how useful you and your team would be to the council.” Buffy brought up the old subject that they had went over in the past.

“Buffy, you know that L.A. needs me.” Angel smiled softly at her.

“Yeah but I… we need you too.” Buffy blushed from her accident of words.

“When it is time I will join forces with you.” Angel compromises.

“Really?” Buffy looks at him with doubt in her eyes.

“I swear.” Angel puts up his hand as if he was taking a oath.

“Cool.” Buffy grins victoriously.

“So what are your plans for this vacation and why in the world would you come here?” Angel rolls his eyes at the thought of choosing this town for a vacation of any sorts when she had the money to go anywhere in the world.

“I wanted to visit Dawn and see for myself that she is truly adapting to a somewhat sane world.” Buffy confessed.

“You were just being big sister uh.” Angel laughed.

“Yeah, pretty much.” Buffy admits.

“I would have thought you would have people watching her and reporting back to you.” Angel watches her closely.

“I do. Okay. You can never tell her that. I just wanted to see with my own eyes.” Buffy confesses with a blush once again.

“It’s okay. I can totally relate.” Angel thought out loud as he remembered the reason he had went to work for Wolfram and Hart to begin with. It had been the only reason. He had given Connor a chance for a normal happy human life. Although it pained him that Connor would never remember him nor know of him he made the sacrifice for his son’s happiness. He did not regret it either. He just missed the boy. Of course like Buffy he had sent out people who could report to him if Connor ever needed him.

“So what do you suggest we do with our day?” Buffy asks as she looks outside at the beautiful California sky.

“I guess we could go have a picnic.” Angel suggested.

“Your kidding right.” Buffy laughs.

“No, I go at least once a week.” Angel looked at her seriously.

“How?” Buffy frowns nervously up at him.

“Buffy, I have so much to tell you.” Angel grins from ear to ear as he led her to the front door of the house.

Chapter Five:

Buffy felt as if she couldn’t breathe as Angel held her hand leading her to the front door where dangerous sunrays would burn his skin. She couldn’t imagine what had changed in the last few years that would make him capable of walking in sunlight and if this was some sort of joke she found it quite disgusting. Which of course wasn’t like Angel at all and that worried her.

Angel turns the knob when Buffy pulled him away from the front door and stood with her back against it.

“Are you out of your mind?” Buffy shouts at him.

“Buffy it’s okay.” Angel says softly.

“Hello? NO it isn’t. You will fry like KFC chicken.” Buffy continues to shout at him with a furious glare at him.

“Hello? Do you think I would ever put my life in jeopardy?” Angel rolls his eyes at her as he places his hands on his hips staring into her eyes.

“No, I guess not.” Buffy takes a second to breathe before she moves away from the door.

“You better not be playing with me. I won’t even spit on you if you start burning.” Buffy warns him as she moves out of his way.

“Gees, where did the trust go?” Angel shakes his head as he grabs the knob once again and turns it. Opening the front door he steps out and lifts his hands above his head.

“Come on Buffy. It smells so good.” Angel shouts as he inhales the air outside.

“Holy shit! How is this possible? I thought you got rid of the ring?” Buffy said as she refers to the ring she had sent him years ago that he called to say he had destroyed it.

“You see when you do good deeds and make sacrifices you are rewarded by the Powers That Be.” Angel replied as he turns around to face her.

“See no need to even spit on me.” Angel spins around the front yard.

Buffy felt several different emotions whirl around her head. She could not believe she was seeing this. Angel in the light. In her light. No more light versus the darkness theme that they once struggled with. He looked like anyone else you might see on the street. No one would know he was a vampire. That was creepy if he was a bad guy but luckily he wasn’t.

“How in the world did you gain this?” Buffy stares at him with amazement as she walks closer to him.

“When I took Wolfram and Hart down there were several rewards. I just didn’t know it right away. When I came across them I went to see the powers that be and they explained it to me. They assured me no one or anything could take it away. I’m so close to redeeming my humanity back.” Angel lifts her in his arms and swings her around. Buffy laughs happily as she holds on tightly to him. She is completely amazed at this remarkable discovery. She can’t believe he hadn’t told her before this.

Angel stops spinning her and sets her back down on her own two feet.

“Why didn’t you tell me this?” Buffy looks at him happily.

“You didn’t believe me earlier do you really think you would have believed it over the phone?” Angel asks.

“True.” Buffy had to give him that.

“You were speaking of other rewards.” Buffy looks up at him curiously.

“I would rather wait and show you. I can see that you trust actions more than words.” Angel smiled crookedly at her as he took her back inside the house where they made preparations for a picnic and to have someone pick up her clothes from the hotel so she could change.

Buffy took a shower as she waited for her clothes to be brought to her. Good to his word when she finishes her shower her baggage was sitting at the foot of the bed waiting for her.

“Incredible man.” Buffy says out loud as she takes her clothes out and starts unpacking them.

After she gets dressed she heads back down stairs to find Angel finished with the picnic preparations.

“Where are we headed too?” Buffy asks curiously.

“I remember you saying once that you loved horses but really never got the chance to ride much. We are going to the stables.” Angel smiles excited.

“Oh Angel I don’t know. Buffy and cars don’t mix well but horses and Buffy well they come in close to the car match. You know what I mean?” Buffy bites down on her lower lip nervously.

“Don’t worry you can ride with me if you are chicken.” Angel challenged her.

“Oh no you didn’t. You did not call me chicken.” Buffy punches him playfully in the arm.

“Lets go. I’m so anxious to spend the day with you.” Angel grins at her.

Buffy shivers slightly as she follows him out of the house. She can’t explain it but they almost felt like a normal every day couple rather the truth of the matter. She was a slayer and he was a vampire. The curse was still there and that was just a fact. Nothing could change that. As long as the curse was intact there was no future for them. She would never risk having Angelus released again. He was too dangerous. He had nearly killed her. She didn’t want to go against that enemy again. Angel turns on the radio as they drove to the small quaint stables where Angel had bought a few horses to be stored there. He had never considered a day when he could bring Buffy here with him. Hell, he wasn’t sure if she would be alive from day to day. Her life was dangerous. Unlike him she was immortal. It scared the hell out of him considering that he might get that call again that tells him she was really gone this time. He hated even imagining it. It made him sick to his stomach.

Chapter Six:

Buffy and Angel had their horses and were riding down the path that the owner told them was a good spot for a picnic. Buffy was trying to keep her horse at the slowest pace possible with out looking like a pure wuss. It was hard cause she was totally terrified of the horse. Angel had given her the speech where she was not supposed to fear the horse it would know. She had to let the horse know she was in charge or some kind of bullshit like that she laughed out loud.

“You are riding like you’re on the back of a snail.” Angel had rode back to where she was.

“Look, I am doing my best. And I’m NOT riding your horse.” Buffy pointed out.

“You are such a fraidy cat.” Angel teased her.

“Fine lets go.” Buffy kicks the horse to pick up the pace. The horse began to race against Angels. Buffy felt her stomach tightening up with fear. She knew she would be fine if the horse threw her but it was still a scary thought. A few minutes later she looked to her side and Angel was smiling proudly as her as she kept up a fast pace along with him. Buffy felt so alive. This entire scene was phenomenal to her brain and heart. She would never have predicted that she and Angel would be able to share a day like this. She wasn’t sure why but she was worried about all of this. It just seems too good to be true. She wondered if she was in some sort of coma where she was just dreaming all of this and would wake up to find that this was not real. Biting down on her tongue she force her self to feel the pain and know that this was reality. She told her brain to just shut up and enjoy this opportunity. So she did. Angel nodded for her to follow him. They ended up stopping by a beautiful creek where a large willow tree sat beside it. Angel went over to help aid her getting off the horse.

“Thanks.” Buffy smiled knowingly. He knew she feared getting off the horse. It had been the most difficult thing to get her even on it to begin with.

“I must say it’s nice to see you’re not perfect. I mean you are but even you have fears.” Angel laughs as she pulls out the stuff from the saddlebag.

“You knew I was imperfect before today.” Buffy frowns up at him.

“I’m not talking about your weakness when it comes to being a slayer I meant as a woman. It’s nice to see that riding a horse causes you to get goose bumps.” Angel explained as he knelt on his knees pulling out the food for them. He patted the blanket.

“Sit.” Angel ordered.

“What did you make us?” Buffy asks curiously as she leans her head over to see what was inside of the basket.

“I have peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with chips, strawberries, and two bottle waters.” Angel answered.

“PBJ’s. Oh now I really feel young again.” Buffy cried out as she took her sandwich from him.

“Sorry, it was all I had in the house.” Angel was relieved to see that she didn’t mind the food he brought.

“Its great.” Buffy mumbles with her mouth full of sandwich.

“So I guess your still stunned by this whole new ordeal.” Angel leans back on his hands as he lets the sun shine down on his face.

“You know what I should have notice the tan. Why didn’t I see that?” Buffy frowns at her lack of ability of picking up on the obvious observation.

“It was dark and you were hammered.” Angel reminds her of the stage she was in when he found her.

“But this morning.” Buffy frowns as she opens the bag of chips.

“You were too busy feeling so strange to be around me that you weren’t aware of any details. Besides that you are on vacation not on an investigation.” Angel chuckles at her.

“True.” Buffy decides to accept that answer and let it go.

“Look, even I wouldn’t let myself believe it was real. I was so scared it was some sort of trick. The others kept pushing me until finally one morning I woke up and I walked out to watch the sun come up. It was the most glorious day of my life. I almost felt human again. Then I grew real scared of feeling happy when I discovered there is no longer a curse on me. I am free. I am truly for the first time since I was cursed a free man. Do you know what that means?” Angel sits up and stares straight into Buffy’s eyes.

Buffy swallow the chips and then wiped her hands on her pants. She was letting the words replay in her mind a couple of times before she could form words to answer.

“When you say curse you mean no more Angelus?” Buffy’s lower lip trembles as her eyes start glowing with hope.

“No more Angelus. He is gone. Vanished. There is no demon in me but my own. I am still a vampire. I still have the powerful abilities. I just happen to be able to be more like a normal man now. I can walk in the sun. I can make love to a woman.” Angel stopped and watched her.

He could hear her heart beating rapidly in her chest. She started to breathe heavily.

“Are you okay?” Angel asks.

“Am I okay? Well, …no…I mean my soul mate has just confessed to me that he can make love to a woman and walk around the world during day or night. He actually has a life now he can share with me besides the pointy teeth issue. I am a bit thrown off my game.” Buffy jump up and began to pace back and forth under the tree. She glances down at Angel with a bewildered look. Angel could see the pain, excitement, fear and doubt in her eyes. He had experienced the same thing.

“Have you tested the theory on making love to a woman?” Buffy asks as she fidgets with her hands nervously.

“Do you mean have I made love to a woman since I was told I could?” Angel looks up at her with a nervous grin.

“Yeah. I don’t mean to pry in your business. Really I don’t. It’s just that you know I’m not exactly any woman. Not that I am bragging on myself by no means. It’s just that we both know how I brought out the worst in you.” Buffy explains as she walks back and forth.

Angel jumps up and stops her.

“Stop. Your making me dizzy.” Angel laughs softly as he keeps a grip on her arms.

He pushes her slightly causing her to lean up against the tree. Both eyes were locked wondering and praying for the same thing.

“I don’t know Buffy. I haven’t tried it out. I ask the Powers That Be if it meant I could…well have you. They said yes. I know it sounds a bit presumptuous of me to ask them such a question but at the time it seemed really pertinent that I do so.” Angel replies as he licks his dry lips.

Buffy stared at his lips. Buffy feels the pit of her stomach starting to burn and ache with desire that only Angel could cause. Sure she had been turn on in the past but none of her lovers could make her feel such tremendous pain and wanting like he did. Their love was unlike anything she had ever known. She had looked for a replica of it but always came up short-handed. She wanted to believe what he was telling her. She wanted it to be so real and so right. She wanted him to make love to her right there where they were to prove to her that they truly had a chance at being together in every way that counted. She was tired of the misery and heartache that they had caused on both of them in order to push one another way before they lost control of their passion. Was it possible? Was it worth the chance to try? Would it change them forever if they did it and failed?

Angel’s lips covered hers and there were no more questions in her mind. Her head was like a blank page. She didn’t care nor wanted to consider the consequences. For once in their life they would both go on faith that what Angel had been told was true. Each giving in to the pleasures of the flesh that had been denied to them both for way too long. Both fearing they might crush the other with the tremendous amount of desire and passion that had been built up for this very moment. To finally have their just rewards.

Chapter Seven:

Buffy laid half naked staring up at the bright sun above her. She was breathless. She was complete. She felt whole again. What they had just done and shared had filled a hole in her that she thought would always be empty. Love. They had just made love outside in the wilderness and nothing bad had happen. It was totally terrifying for her. She was not use to this side of things. Good things happen to other people. Not her. She kept waiting for the big bad to pop up. Sitting up she turn to look down at Angel who was smiling from ear to ear.

“Please tell me your still you.” Buffy whispers.

“I am.” Angel answered.

“Who are you?” Buffy still unconvinced its really Angel next to her.

“I am Angel. Not Angelus but just plain old Angel.” Angel sat up and stared deep into her eyes.

She saw the intense look of love and happiness in his eyes. It was then and only then she could really smile after what they had just shared together.

“What a relief.” Buffy sighs.

“Buffy, I feared I had died and gone to heaven.” Angel agrees with her.

“Me too.” Buffy smiles warmly at him as her hand reaches out to take a leaf out of his hair.

“Want to do that again?” Angel suggests.

“Haha. Maybe we should wait until we get to your house.” Buffy laughs at his eagerness.

Angel glances around and realizes she might be right to wait until they have a bit more privacy.

“Fair enough.” Angel kisses her on the cheek as he hands her, her clothes.

“Besides I need to call Dawn and let her know where I am. I’m afraid you will have to share me on this vacation with my sister.” Buffy reminds him of her true purpose for the trip.

“I can live with that.” Angel helps her up as they finish getting dressed.

“I will race you back.” Buffy challenges. She felt as if there was nothing she couldn’t do at this point. She was high on love. It was an exhilarating feeling for the both of them.

“Your on. The looser has to wash my car.” Angel makes a wager.

“Deal. But if I win I get to drive it.” Buffy smiles wickedly.

“Thank God I have great insurance on it.” Angel jokes as they both jump on their horses and rush back to the stables.

When they return to the stables Buffy was titled the champ. Angel secretly let her win. He wanted to see her try and drive his new car. He was so excited to be with her. He had not planned any of this. That was what made it seem so incredible.

When they got in his car there was a message on Buffy’s cell phone.

“I need to check it.” Buffy plays the message.

Her face turns suddenly pale. Angel is driving out of the stable yard when he glances over and sees the expression on her face.

“What’s wrong Buffy?” Angel asks. He can see the pain on her face.

“One of our slayers was killed.” Buffy answers sadly.

“I’m so sorry. Do you need to go back?” Angel asks.

“No, the mother has already buried her. She was not aware of what her daughter did. So we didn’t know about her death until after she was buried. Willow was a close friend with her watcher, Sabrina. Apparently the girl was killed due to a motorcycle accident. No demons were involved.” Buffy explains as she sits the phone down in her lap.

“I’m really sorry Buffy.” Angel patted her arm gently.

“She was only sixteen. She just got her license.” Buffy remembered the excitement on the little Italian girls face. She was ready to take on the world. Buffy had reminded her that she was due for her final testing before they would let her go on bigger jobs. She had happily informed Buffy if she could pass the drivers test she could pass any test that came her way. Buffy hoped that Giles remember to send the girls family some money for their loss. It was part of their new plan for the girls. If they died they sent the family money in order to help for the cost of the funeral or what ever else they needed. It was the least they could do for all the work their daughters did to keep the world safe.

“Damn, that was young.” Angel sighed heavily.

“Yeah, well time is starting to catch up with me I’m afraid.” Buffy touch her face where she had found a wrinkle just a week earlier.

“You’ll always be beautiful to me.” Angel promised her as he squeezes her hand.

“Thank you. Thank you for today. It was the most beautiful day. I will always remember this day.” Buffy vowed as she squeeze his hand back.

“Me too.” Angel vowed as they drove back to his house in complete silence.

Chapter Eight::

Angel had taken both Buffy and Dawn out for dinner that night in hopes of putting Buffy in a better mood. Angel knew how much responsibility she felt for those girls. They were kindred spirits the two of them. Both having so much in common and yet both were totally the opposite. It was ironic when he thought about it. The both of them wanting the same things in life. Buffy wanted to help save the world while being given some breaks for all the hard work she put in. Angel wanted to save the world while gaining his redemption for all the pain he had once inflicted upon that same world.

Angel had offered to take Dawn back to his house where she could spend the night but she explained she had plans already. Buffy knew that the word “plan” involved a boy and couldn’t blame her. She was happy for Dawn. Dawn truly seem to accept this world that she was force to go back too. Dawn didn’t say it but Buffy saw it in her eyes that Dawn was glad that Buffy made her do this. Buffy was starting to relax as they drove back to his house. Angel turns on the radio. Buffy listen to the song that came on and couldn’t believe how the song related to the situation she was in at the moment. She always thought it was so cool when a song was made that one could totally relate to in some situation in her life. It made the song mean more to a person. Listening to this one made her think of how she had felt earlier this morning when she woke up to find Angel cooking her breakfast.

The entire day had been so much like a dream. Then of course she got the bad news but this evening had went smoothly and now she was headed back to the house with Angel where she knew what the two of them would do before they fell asleep exhausted in Angel’s bed.

I can't meet

Losing sleep over this

No I can't

And now I cannot stop pacing

Give me a few hours

I'll have this all sorted out

If my mind would just stop racing

Cause I cannot stand still

I can’t be this unsturdy

This cannot be happening

This is over my head

But underneath my feet

Cause by tomorrow morning I'll have this thing beat

And everything will be back to the way that it was

I wish that it were just that easy

Cause I'm waiting for tonight

Been waiting for tomorrow

I'm somewhere in between

What is real?

Just a dream

What is real?

Just a dream

What is real?

Just a dream

Would you catch me if I fall out of what I fell in?

Don’t be surprised if I collapse down at your feet again

I don't want to run away from this

I know that I just don't need this

Cause I cannot stand still

I can be this unsturdy

This cannot be happening

Cause I'm waiting for tonight

Been waiting for tomorrow

And I'm somewhere in between

What is real?

Just a dream

What is real?

Just a dream

What is real?

Just a dream

What is real just a dream?

Buffy sighed as the song ended Angel parked the car and ran over to her side to help her out. She wondered if he had never known pure hell if he would have been the same man today? Something told her that he wouldn’t be. Angel kisses the back of her hand as he closes the door behind her. Then with out any words spoken between them he picks her up and took her inside the house. Not able to wait a moment longer he laid on her the couch where he help undress them both and took his time making love to her body the way he had imagine he would do if he ever had the chance again. He savors every moment, every second, every touch and every movement that they shared between them. Closing his eyes he climaxed deep down with in the very core of her body. When he opens his eyes he saw that she too had felt the tremendous release of passion that had exploded between them. Both had sweat dripping from their bodies and neither caring about it. Angel climb up on the couch behind her, both of them lying on their sides they fell asleep holding on to the moment. Both wondering if all of this could truly be real or at least somewhere in between.

Chapter Nine:

“The only depressing part of this new career is that I am no longer allowed to go out and do patrolling. Giles and the others informed me that I am needed to make vital decisions and to continue training the others. So in away it’s nice to take a break from having my life in constant danger but on the other hand I hate letting other girls go out and put their lives on the line while I sit behind a desk. You know what I mean.” Buffy chews on the strawberry while Angel pours her another glass of champagne.

Angel watches as she devours the strawberry wearing only his silky black shirt. Her hair was a mess but it made her look even more real in his eyes. He loved her no matter what she wore or if she had mud all over her. She would always be perfect in his eyes.

“Yeah, I do. Sometimes the gang gets a bit protective of me. They are still dealing with me being able to go out during the day to investigate when it used to be their job. Still, I love the night action just as much as I always had.” Angel sighs as he takes a drink from his glass.

“I know what you mean. Sometimes I slip out and do a little fighting. I can’t help it. I don’t want to get out of practice and then one day be stuck in a situation where I am old and rusty.” Buffy sighs as she grabs another strawberry from the plate.

“I could see why that would be a fear.” Angel agrees.

“So tell me how does it feel now that Cordelia has moved on with her life?” Buffy watches his reaction closely.

“It…It was weird at first. I felt extremely guilty for the coma she was in but when she woke up she made the decision to leave us. I didn’t stop her. I know she was hoping for me too. I just couldn’t do it. Things had changed between us and there was no going back to the way it once was for us.” Angel admits with a slight sad look in his eyes.

“Did you love her?” Buffy holds her breath.

“I loved her in a friend sort of way. It’s just that at that one point in time I had misunderstood the root of the love I felt for her. We were both just lonely and had shared Connor when he was a baby. We felt like we were his parents. So it was easy to slip in to the act and feeling as if we were married and he was our son. Luckily we realized early enough that neither of us really wanted each other before it got way out of hand.” Angel answers honestly.

“Where did she go?” Buffy asks curiously.

“She moved back to New York where she had some family. I hope she is doing well. I had requested that the Powers That Be take her visions back. They agreed to do so since she was abused by one of their own. They put them in my head instead. Let me tell you it was a lot of fun at first. Now I can deal with them.” Angel answers.

“You know now that your life style has changed you really should join our council. I mean come on Angel we need you. You’re the best of the best.” Buffy pleaded as she lean over and kissed him on the lips.

“Buffy, I wish I could come but I can’t. Not yet. I promise that once I am told to go to you I will.” Angel reminded her of his compromise earlier.

“Why do you have to wait to be told?” Buffy looks at him with disappointment on her face.

“It’s just the way it is. You know what it is like to follow rules.” Angel reminds her of her own past.

“Yeah, and I also remember how refreshing it was to break free from those rules.” Buffy stuck her tongue out at him as she poured her self one more glass of the sweet bubbly liquid.

“Do you realize it is like ten o’clock in the morning and we are sitting around here eating and having champagne? We are pretty lazy.” Angel laughed at the sight they would make if some one were to walk in on them.

“I’m on vacation. I don’t know what you are doing.” Buffy defends her laziness.

“Your right. I need to call in and check with Wes on our case load.” Angel jump up and went in search of his phone. After retrieving it he dial the office number. It only took two rings before the phone was answered.

“Angel Investigations.” Wesley answered with a distracted voice.

“Hey Wes, it’s me Angel.” Angel answered as he went back to the living room where he sat back down in front of Buffy.

“Where in bloody hell have you been?” Wesley snaps at him.

“I’m sorry I ran into Buffy and we are spending some time together.” Angel answered happily.

“Well that is great and all but we…did you …I mean was it true? Was the curse really lifted?” Wesley asks as he blushes slightly for being so rude.

“Yep.” Angel agrees with out giving any details.

“That is so great. I mean you can now even have that. God, I can’t believe I have been here to see all of this happen for you. I am so happy for you.” Wesley smiled softly.

“Me too. Thanks. Hey which reminds me do you need me for the next few days?” Angel asks.

“Well…no. We can manage. I will only call you in case we need well needed back up.” Wesley answered as he looked across the kitchen table at Fred who was frowning at him.

“Okay but don’t hesitate to call me if you need me.” Angel states firmly.

“I won’t. Have a great time with Buffy. Give her my love.” Wesley hung up the phone with a big grin on his face.

“What are you so happy about?” Fred asks curiously.

“Angel is able to have sex at last.” Wesley blurts out.

“Uh. I mean how would you know that and with who?” Fred stares at him with a frown.

“Buffy is visiting him. Of course his biggest fear had been he could have sex with anyone but her because she was the one he lost his soul too. Any other woman he slept with it didn’t happen. He just confirms that the curse was truly lifted. We don’t have to worry about Angelus returning just because Angel and Buffy have urges.” Wesley sighed with relief.

“I’m glad to hear that he has now found some happiness.” Fred smiled warmly at her husband.

“Me too.” Wesley agrees as he gets up and walks around the table to rub his wife’s growing stomach. They were expecting their first child with in weeks. Both were anxious to find out what they were having and to bring home their bundle of joy.

Chapter 10:

Buffy had slipped into a hot bubble bath while Angel ran a few errands. Buffy had the radio blaring through out the house and was enjoying her self. Buffy was lying there with her eyes closed when she felt this strange sensation whirling around her stomach and shooting sparks up to her brain. Buffy’s eyes popped wide open and there before her stood someone that couldn’t be there. Buffy immediately sat up covering her breast with her hands and pushing bubbles over her other private part.

“What is going on?” Buffy shouts at the image before her.

“Hello. Long time no see.” Spike leans against the counter staring at her with sparkles in his eyes.

“This can’t be real. You are not real.” Buffy shook her head furiously.

“Why not? You think making love to Angel and him not going all grrr on you is real. Why can’t I be real?” Spike asks her with a sarcastic smile on his face.

“You died. I saw you burning up before I left. You are not real.” Buffy argued as she shivered slightly from a cool breeze that hit her.

“Define real.” Spike challenge her.

“What? Why am I seeing you then?” Buffy frowns as she looks around the room wondering if Angel had return yet.

“Maybe because you wanted to see me.” Spike shrugs his shoulders as he looks at his hands in front of his face.

“Why would I want to see you now?” Buffy asks with a bewildered expression.

“Maybe everything is going so great that you feel guilty that I am not here to be a part of it. I mean after all I did sacrifice myself so you girls could continue fighting my fellow demons. I mean had Angel been there or you would the world still be a better place? Would you have been able to go on and work so hard if it had been Angel who died that day? I doubt it.” Spike gives her a look of disgust.

“I don’t know. It wasn’t Angel who died. It was you. Are you like a figment of my imagination?” Buffy asks him with a sudden clarity.

“I don’t know about your imagination but perhaps your heart.” Spike kneels down in front of the tub.

“Are you a ghost?” Buffy wonders as she extends her hand out of the tub to reach toward him. Just as she is about to touch his shirt he moves back.

“No, I don’t think you should know what I am yet. Maybe you should suffer as I have.” Spike smiled evilly at her.

“How could you have suffered? You have been dead. I would have thought your sacrifice would have gained you a ticket to heaven.” Buffy cries out defensively.

“I need to go. Peaches is on his way in the house. I can hear him singing away. You really did rock his world upside down.” Spike groan as he walked out of the bathroom.

Buffy gulps hard. Then jumps out of the tub not considering that she is covered in bubbles she reaches out for a towel and begins to run in the direction that Spike went toward. She had to find him. She had to see how he got out of the house. That would give her a clue as to what he was. He wasn’t real. He couldn’t be real. He had to be a ghost or something like that because she would never, ever dream of an imaginary Spike to talk to. It was just ludicrous. Impossible. Angel was singing as he walks up the stairs.

“What are you doing?” Angel chuckles as he looks at her like she is crazy.

Buffy turn to see that she had made a mess where she had fled from the bathroom.

“I…I…thought I heard someone and …went to check but…there was no one.” Buffy answered as she closed her eyes to force the image and the voice of Spike out of her head.

She had too much to drink this morning and not enough of sleep. That had to be the reason she had dreamed of him. Yeah, that was the answer. He had been just a dream.

“Are you finished?” Angel asks.

“No, I need to shave and I will be out.” Buffy laughs nervously as she heads back to the bathroom.

Angel looks in the direction that Buffy had been staring at and then headed back down stairs to put up the groceries he had bought for her. Then he called to confirm their appointment for this evening. After that he headed back upstairs to jump in the shower. By that time Buffy had finished with her bath and was getting dressed. He couldn’t help but wonder what had caused her earlier to look so scared? It wasn’t like her to be scared of a possible burglar. He figured he would let it go for now but if she kept acting weird he would get to the bottom of it.

Chapter 11

Their evening out had gone smoothly. Buffy had acted normal. Well normal for her. When they headed back to the house Buffy had fallen asleep. Angel smiled as he watch her sleeping. He liked having her in a car with him even if she was sleeping. Their whole relationship was starting to come together like a normal relationship should be. They were going to eat together, riding horses in the daytime, talking about their problems with one another. There was nothing they couldn’t do together now. It was so perfect. Almost too perfect.

Like Buffy, Angel couldn’t shake the feeling that this whole ordeal was too good to be true. He kept waiting for something horrible to happen to tear them apart again. Still, each second went by and everything had gone smoothly. He told him self to quit being negative and enjoy the time he had with her. In a few weeks she would be returning to the council while he went back to his old life again.

Except this time he would miss her even more. Now that they had been able to live out their fantasies together with out it costing either one of them their lives he couldn’t help but wonder how he would get through a day with out her? Would they be able to see one another enough to continue their relationship? Was this just some kind of fling they were sharing? He didn’t like where his head was going with this so he told him self to just shut up and enjoy it.

Picking up Buffy he took her in the house and placed her in his bed. On the way back down stairs he thought he heard something. He walked down the hallway and scan the rooms. He didn’t see anything that would cause him to be worried. Yet he walk back through all the rooms once more before he felt comfortable enough to go downstairs.

He went downstairs to check for messages. He heard the usual crap and then the last call was the one that struck a raw nerve in him.

“Hey Buddy ole pal. It’s Spike. I’m glad you and Buffy finally found away to be together. I hope it lasts. Just wanted you to know that thanks to you I am doing so much better. Thanks for all your help. I hope to repay you some day.” Spike laughs and then hung up the phone.

Angel looks around the downstairs rooms. He isn’t sure why but he feels fear sinking into his stomach. Something about the way Spike knew that Buffy and he were together made him worry. He knew how Spike had felt about Buffy. He had hoped by giving Spike a second chance to live again that he might forget about those feelings and go on to do better things with his time. It would have appeared that he had been around the last few days. He didn’t like that at all. Especially since he had not told Buffy about Spike’s return. Like Angel he worked for the Powers That Be. Angel had needed the help and they had return him from hell to be their servant for good. Spike had been in extreme shock when they brought him back. Then as he grew use to being back in this world he quickly became the man they had all hated.

Spike had sent him out on a mission and it was at that location that he found some girl who had stolen his heart. Angel was relieved to see that Spike could still love after being tortured in hell for all these years. He was also relieved to see that Spike’s soul was still intact. Why was he back suddenly? What would he do now that he knew Buffy was there? Would he show him self to Buffy? Angel suddenly knew he needed to tell Buffy about Spike. Just in case there was any danger she needed to be aware of. Some how he didn’t see Spike being cruel to Buffy. After all he had sacrificed his life for her. Surely he loved her enough to not make her feel guilty for letting him die for her? Then he remembered who he was talking about. Spike would do anything to win sympathy points with the slayer.

Angel dialed Wes’s home number. Angel asks Wes if Spike has been by the office. Wesley explains that Spike had a vision of Angel and Buffy together and returns to LA. He wasn’t sure what the vision was supposed to mean. Rather it was good or bad. Angel questions why Wes had not called him to inform him of this? Wes apologizes and explains that Spike just return to town today. He was going to call him in the morning. Angel hangs up the phone and starts to head toward his room when he stops dead in his tracks. Buffy is standing there with her hands on her hips and her face shows the pain she is feeling.

“Spike is alive and you didn’t tell me?” Buffy looks at him with disappointment on her face.

“How is that possible?” Buffy demands.

“When I let Cordelia go the Powers That Be needed a new host. I had offered myself but they said no. I was a warrior not a visionary. So I recommended they use Spike. I explained how he had sacrificed him self for the mission. They agreed that he sounded like a great candidate. I didn’t want some new demon that I didn’t know well enough to trust with visions. They brought him back. At first we weren’t sure if he would survive. It took him six months before he even left the room we gave him. Then he slowly started to readjust to our world. Then he began giving us visions. About a year ago he met a girl from one of those visions and he fell in love with her. I wasn’t sure how you would react if you knew he was alive.” Angel confesses to her as he drops his head with a guilty look on his face.

“NO, you were afraid of having competition with Spike. Which was stupid and very selfish of you. He was my friend. He helped me when the others had turn their back on me. Of course I loved him. I loved the way he made me feel about myself. When I couldn’t see who I was anymore he would show me. He stuck by me no matter what. I will always have him in my heart but you are my soul mate. I knew this couldn’t last. I knew there wasn’t something you were hiding from me.” Buffy storms past Angel grabbing her jacket and leaves out the front door.

“Great. Now the fun stuff begins.” Angel sighed heavily as he told him self-not to follow her. He would let her have some time to herself to think about what he had jus told her.

Chapter 12:

Buffy had not reached the gates before she felt Spike’s presences near her.

“I know you’re not a ghost.” Buffy shouted out dryly.

“So Angel told you did he.” Spike was impressed that the man had the guts to admit that he knew Spike was alive all this time and hadn’t breathe a word to her about it.

“Yes, he did.”

“So why are you so pissed off for?” Spike asks as his eyes narrow in on her face as he approaches her.

“He doesn’t know that I saw you earlier today. I found out because he was listening to a message you purposely left and then he called Wesley to ask about you.” Buffy explains as she walks through the gate and heads down the hillside.

“Where are you going?” Spike frowns at the mood she is in.

“I don’t know.” Buffy sighs heavily as she runs her hands through her hair.

“Look, don’t be so mad at him. I had a vision of you two. I wasn’t sure if the vision was good or bad. I just saw a few things that made my skin crawl.” Spike shivers slightly as he walks beside her.

“You went to hell didn’t you.” Buffy stated with a cold voice.

“Yes, I did.” Spike admits as he head hangs in shame.

“I can’t believe they would send you there after how much you had helped me.” Buffy replies softly.

“Not all of us have lived a clean life like you did.” Spike answers remembering that when Buffy had died the second time she had been sent to Heaven.

“Still, what about regrets and repenting your sins. I thought you would have been worthy enough for heaven.” Buffy cries out angrily.

“Calm down. It’s okay. Maybe next time I will get in.” Spike grabs her by the arms to stop her from walking and turns her to face him.

“Why are you really so mad?” Spike stares deep into her eyes.

“It’s just not fair. I mean…I feel…so guilty. I mean I was able to move on. I would think you of course and I would feel sad but I wasn’t miserable. You did a lot for me. Doesn’t that make me selfish somehow?” Buffy questions her self as tears begin to sting her eyes.

“No, it makes you bloody human. I was a good friend Buffy. I wasn’t your soul mate. You didn’t loose your other half. There is a big difference.” Spike says hoping to soothe her pain.

“Isn’t this what you wanted? Didn’t you come to punish me?” Buffy argues with him.

“No, I would never punish you Buffy. You were the very reason I sacrificed my life. You would have done it for me. That is the kind of person you are. I have tried so hard to be the kind of guy you would be proud of. I know you will never love me the way you do Angel. I’m at peace with that now. I even have a girl of my own.” Spike smiled proudly.

“I just wanted you to know the truth. I know how you hate when things are withheld from you. Plus like I said my vision showed the two of you.” Spike reach out and touch her hair. It was still as soft and silky as he remembered.

“Tell me more about this vision.” Buffy gulps as she tries to change the subject.

“The visions show you two…boinking one another. Then it showed Angel lying on the ground holding his stomach as if he was in terrible pain. You were screaming and hollering trying to get to him but Wes was holding you back. I feared that Angelus was returning once the vision was over. Now I see that isn’t the case.” Spike revealed.

“Strange.” Buffy chews on her lower lip wondering what the vision was trying to show them?

“You better get inside before you drive him crazy with guilt.” Spike saw the front light of the house coming on.

“I know. I’m glad you are okay. I am so happy you are back.” Buffy wraps her arms around squeezing him tightly to make sure he is real.

“By the way you ever show up again while I’m in the bath I will kick your ass.” Buffy warns him as crooked smile appears on her face as she walks away from him.

“I will remember that.” Spike watches her walk back up the hill and toward Angel’s house. He can’t help but conjure up the memories of the two of them together. She was one hell of a woman he said to him self. Angel was one lucky man but on the other hand so was Spike. Spike had been given a chance to make amends for his wrong doings. He intended on doing that. Jumping on his motorcycle he headed toward the office where he would stay until they knew more about the visions purpose.

Chapter 13:

Buffy had found Angel sitting on the couch staring into the fire.

“Hey, I’m back.” Buffy called out to him as she hung her jacket up in the closet.

Angel sits still just staring into the fire.

“Did you hear me?” Buffy asks as she walks around to stand in front of him.

“Yes, I heard you.” Angel replies with a blank face.

“I’m not mad. I’m not in love with Spike. Spike is not in love with me. We were two good friends who once stood beside one another when no one else believed in us. WE both learn a lot from one another. It made us better people. Other than that there was nothing more to it. He will always be a good friend to me. Just as Xander and Willow are. You my darling are my soul mate. No one can fill your place in my heart.” Buffy kneels down in front of him taking his hands and holding them.

“What about the vision?” Angel asks with a numb tone.

“The vision doesn’t mean anything yet. There could be a million different reasons why I would be screaming to help you. Maybe you get into a fight with a demon and I come in to find you. I don’t know. At least we know there is no chance of you becoming Angelus again.” Buffy assured him as she kissed his hands.

“I don’t want to loose you again.” Angel cups her face between his hands as he leans down to kiss her passionately.

“You never will.” Buffy moans as she climbs up to straddle his lap. They are both still kissing and grinding against one another. Both feeling the fear of the limit of time they have left together. Both planning to make the most of that precious time they have.

Clothes fly around the room as they make love once again right there on the couch. When both of their needs are satisfied they lay on the floor staring at the ceiling above them.

“You wear me out.” Angel sighs happily.

“You too.” Buffy agrees with a smile on her face.

“Thank God you are a slayer or else I would think you were some sort of freak.” Angel teases her about the stamina she has in the sack.

“Thank God you’re a vampire who can handle my stamina.” Buffy laughs.

“I love you.” Angel rolls over and looks down at her face.

‘I love you too.” Buffy answers back as her eyes glow with love.

“So what are we going to do tomorrow?” Angel asks.

“I don’t know. I would like to go shopping.” Buffy suggests.

“You know that is a good ideal. I need some new clothes.” Angel thought out loud. His wardrobe was starting to shrink a bit since some of his clothes get damaged when he battles.

“Cool. We are going to go to the mall!” Buffy squeals excitedly.

“Can we get one of those pretzels? I love their pretzels.” Angel asks her.

“Honey we will get anything you want.” Buffy promises him as she rolls him over on his back. Straddling him once again that night she rides him like a horse. Except this time he enjoys the slow pace.

The following day they went to the mall where Dawn met with them. The three of them had a blast shopping for them selves. Afterwards they went to the zoo and Angel was amazed at how much fun he was having with the girls. Then the sun started to go down and they all knew how dangerous it would be soon. Dawn informs Buffy that day she had decided to finish college and then she would decide what she wanted from her future. Buffy told her she could take as much time as she wanted before she became a watcher. Buffy assured her there would always be a spot for her back home. Dawn was thrilled.

Angel got a page to come to the office. Buffy and Angel stared deep into one another’s eyes knowing that the vision had showed them being in his office when the incident happens that causes Angel to be in pain.

“Are you sure you want to go there?” Buffy asks as she bites down on her tongue.

“No, but we have to face our fears.” Angel remarked.

“But do we have to face them now?” Buffy frowns at him.

“Better now than later.” Angel sighs as he turns the car on and drives to the office.

On the way there the both of them wonder if this is the moment they discover what the vision was trying to predict to them? Both feared that all the fun they were having might halt after this night. Buffy prayed that Angel stay alive no matter what they came up against. She could handle anything but his death.

Chapter 14

When they arrived at the office they saw nothing that looked threatening to either of them.

“Wesley what is wrong?” Angel demanded as soon as he steps into the office.

“I needed you to sign a few checks. Plus I have a few new clients that I wanted to go over with you. I wanted to get your input on them.” Wesley explained as he noticed the scared looks on the couples face.

“That’s all?” Angel looked relieved and yet pissed off at the same time.

“Sure. Why did you think something was wrong?” Wesley look between the couple.

“Not exactly. Spike told us about the vision he had with Angel being here in the office looking like he was in a lot of pain and I was screaming out his name while you held me.” Buffy explained.

“I’m so sorry guys. I didn’t even think about it.” Wesley looked guilty at Angel.

“It’s okay. Buffy do you mind?” Angel asks.

“Not at all.” Buffy finds a seat and picks up a magazine while she waits for them to finish up their business together.

An hour and half later Angel walks out of the office wearing a amused expression on his face.

“What are you smiling at?” Buffy asks curiously.

“Here we were worried and it was nothing at all.” Angel replied as he pulled her into his arms and kissed the top of her head.

“I love you Angel.” Buffy mumbles into his hard chest.

“I love you too baby.” Angel tilts her head back and places a soft tender kiss on her lips.

“Let’s get out of here.” Angel groans as he feels his manhood hardening from the mere contact of their lips.

“Yes, lets do that.” Buffy agrees as her own stomach starts to burn and churn with intense need.

The two of them were heading out of the office when a elderly man entered the office.

“Excuse me are they still open?” The gray hair man asks in a raspy voice.

“Yes they are. Wesley!” Angel shouts at to his partner who walks out with a book in his hand.

“Yeah.” Wesley keeps his eyes glue to the words in the books.

“Wesley you have a client here.” Angel informs him.

“Oh! Sorry. Come on in.” Wesley waved at the couple as they left once they knew that Wesley would help the old man.

TBC!

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