Something To Sleep Too

Author: August528@aol.com
Disclaimer: I do not own nor profit from these characters.
Distribution: http://geocities.com/august528/Hearts_On_Fire.html
Couples: B/A B/S
Rating: PG-13/NC-17
Summary: Buffy had a crush on Angel for years but because he was her best friends older brother he would not ever mess around with her. Angel is a player. Then Buffy leaves for England where she meets William and brings him home. But before she does Angel discovers her true feelings for him. Now that she is back he isn't sure if doesn't love her the way she used to love him.
Feedback: Would love to have some. Been having health problems and it would cheer me up to have some.
Song: Something To Sleep Too by Michelle Branch was the inspiration for this story.


Chapter One:

Buffy stared at the empty bottle of wine next to her bed. She was hung over again. She was growing weary of this lifestyle she had been leading. It started out fun and exciting but now the one night stands and strings of lovers were growing weary on her nerves. She was starting to feel so ashamed of her behavior. It wasn’t fun anymore. She needed something to fill this void in her heart that had leaded her down this path to begin with. She knew the solution but it was not available to her. With tears streaming down her face she got up out of bed and went in search for her usual breakfast. Four aspirins and a bottle of orange juice. Then she made a pot of coffee as she sat in the kitchen with her head lying down on the table.

She had to get away from here she told herself. She could not endure this excruciating pain another day. Her life was falling apart around her and she was the only one who could put it back together. Considering her meeting yesterday with her boss she knew she had to take the opportunity he had offered. It was the only answer at this point. She would leave for England in a week to work on a project that should last a month or more. It would help her career and give her time away from the cause of all her pain.

Angel. Angel was the cause of this pain in her heart. Angel Barrett was the older brother of her best friend, Faith Barrett. She had practically grown up with them. Their families were quite close. Angel had started out as a small crush for her as a young teen then he became the big brother she needed. A few years later he became the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. He was not the sort of guy most girls would want to settle down with. Angel was gorgeous, smart, and ambitious but he was also afraid of commitment. He detested the thought of marriage. He was often referred to as the player from his friends. Some how she had became the female player in her group of friends. She had looked up to him for so long that she thought maybe he knew something that the others didn’t.

It had started out making sense when she started the whole dating more than one guy thing. Of course when one found out about the others there was always a messy scene and luckily Angel would step in and rescue her when necessary. He was a great friend. There was no doubt that he and her shared a close friendship. He was always there when she needed a shoulder to cry on or needed advice. How ever it stopped there.

One night when she was in college she had got dangerously drunk and Angel had found her alone and like a fool she came on to him. Angel seemed surprised at first then he told her sweetly that he would never sleep with her because she was his little sister’s best friend and secondly he would never use her like that. She wanted to scream “USED ME”! But instead she just passed out in his arms. After that night she began to feel this terrible void in her life. She had put half her energy in her work and the other half in the clubs and one night stands but nothing eased the ache with in her.

Looking at the clock over the sink she knew she needed to get dress. She was to attend a party this afternoon over Faith’s house. She was having some sort of cook out for all of her friends. Something about she wanted everyone to meet her new boyfriend. The one she kept secretly that everyone was curious about.

Going upstairs she finish showering and changing. Then downing one last cup of coffee and popping four more aspirins she put on her sunglasses and pick her keys. She drove with a weak smile on her face as she listens to the tunes on the radio and kept telling her self that life would be okay. She would leave for England in a week and then she would have the chance to help work on her self and her personal goals. She would exorcist Angel from her heart once and for all.

Chapter Two:

Buffy strolled into the back yard where everyone was starting to join together for drinks and barbecue. Buffy told her self to stay away from the liquor. So she picks herself up a glass of tea and walked over to Faith.

“Hey girlfriend.” Faith beamed at her best friend.

“Hello.” Buffy reach around and hug her.

“What time did you get in this morning?” Faith demanded with a scolding look.

“Damn, I don’t even live with her anymore and she still acts like my mother.” Buffy teased her. She knew that Faith knew her better than almost anyone else in the world. They had shared a dorm in college and then a small two bedroom apartment for their first year out of college before they both pick up some nice size salaries with their new jobs.

“Seriously. I called.” Faith looked at her with deep concern.

“I think around five.” Buffy sighed painfully.

“You have to stop doing this shit.” Faith warns her as she flips over a piece of meat on the grill.

“Why are you cooking?” Buffy asks with a frown. Normally Angel grilled when they had one of these get togethers.

“Angel is running late. He had to pick up his date.” Faith rolled her eyes with disgust.

“When did he start bringing dates to our gatherings?” Buffy asks with a pissed off glare.

“Since now. It seems he is grown quite fond of his latest conquest.” Faith warns her with compassion in her eyes.

Faith knew how Buffy really felt for her brother. She had once wished the two of them would get together but lately the way they both had been behaving she was relieved they hadn’t. She had wanted to Angel countless times how Buffy felt for him but she had made a solemn swear never to reveal it to him. So she kept that promise. Besides she thought Buffy was too good for her brother.

“Great.” Buffy growled as she rubbed her throbbing head.

“Out too late again.” Xander stated as he walked up behind Buffy and began to rub her head for her.

“Thanks Xander.” Buffy moan as Xander work his magic.

“So when is YOUR date arriving?” Buffy glares at Faith with suspicions.

“He should be here shortly. He had to run an errand for his mother this morning.” Faith explained with a proud smile on her face.

Buffy lean her head back to look at Xander who shared an identical smile to Buffy’s. It was so strange to see their wild girl Faith dating a guy who actually ran errands for his mother. She usually went for the looser. She seemed to want a guy she thought she could fix with her unlimited source of love. Buffy felt the pain began to ease when Angel came strolling around the gate with his arms around a blond bombshell. All the guy’s mouths were dropped why open when they got a look at her. Buffy wanted to slap them all instead she just bit down on her tongue until she tasted blood.

“Xander shut your mouth.” Buffy snarled low so no one else could hear him.

“Oh.” Xander shook his head as he tried to focus on the rest of the people there than stare at the blond that Angel held in his arms. Xander had always envied the way Angel could just take any girl he wanted. Well, he did until Angel had won the heart of the one girl that he had tried so hard to win over but failed miserably. Buffy. All her friends knew how she saw him. Sure, she had never said it out loud but they all knew. It was the only guy who could walk in a room that made Buffy seem to literally swoon. It sicken him to see her waste her love for a man she would never call her own. Still, Xander had been lucky enough to get past his infatuation with her and had moved on with his life. He just wishes she could do the same.

“Hey Angel.” Gunn called out as he walked up one of his best pals.

“Hey Gunn, I would like you to meet my friend, Darla.” Angel started the introduction.

Buffy prayed she would somehow manage to be not around by the way he made his way over by the grill. She was heading toward the kitchen to help Willow with something when Angel called out her name.

“Buffy.” Angel called out as he caught sight of Buffy heading inside.

“Yeah.” Buffy put on a fake smile as she stopped and turn to look in his direction.

“Come here.” Angel waved for her to come to him.

Buffy bit down the inside of her cheek as she force her legs to walk to him.

“Darla, this is Buffy.” Angel made the introduction. It almost sounded like he was introducing Darla to his little sister.

“Now she isn’t your sister right.” Darla frowns.

“No, Faith is. But I’ve known Buffy almost as long as I have my sister. They are best friends.” Angel explained.

“Oh. Nice to meet you.” Darla said with a fake smile.

Buffy wanted to reach out and scratch her eyes out of her little head but instead she produce a fake smile to equal Darla’s.

“It’s nice to meet you too.” Buffy replied then giving Angel a weak smile she turn and walked away.

Angel frowns at her backside. He wondered why she had seemed so upset? But before he could give it another seconds thought he had the other guys walking up to him.

Buffy entered the kitchen feeling like she couldn’t breath.

“She is pretty.” Willow states. She had watched the entire scene from the kitchen window.

“I guess so.” Buffy shrug her shoulders.

“You know Buffy, I always warn you that someday Angel would fall in love.” Willow reminds her.

“He isn’t in love with her!” Buffy cries out defensively.

“Maybe not her but someone else will fill that void he feels just like you feel.” Willow lectured.

“I don’t want to hear this. I want to meet Faith’s new boyfriend then I’m going home to start packing.” Buffy sighed heavily.

“Packing?” Willow exclaimed.

“Yeah, I’m moving to England temporarily for my work.” Buffy said with a proud smile.

“NO shit!” Willow threw her arms around her friend.

“Yeah, they want me to go to the London office and clean up the mess they made and then I can come home and possibly find myself in a new office.” Buffy replied with excitement.

“That is so great!” Willow cheered.

“I know. But I also heard a rumor that London might need someone so I might get a job offer while I’m there.” Buffy gave her the other half of the news.

“OH.” Was all Willow could say as her smile weaken.

“I know it sounds horrible but I think it might do me some good.” Buffy stated sincerely as she glanced out the window where Angel was laughing at something with his arm tightly around Darla’s waist.

“You can’t run away from your heart.” Willow warns her.

“No but I can sure as hell heal it for someone else.” Buffy answers sadly.

“I see your point.” Willow agrees.

“So who is this guy that Faith is serious about?” Buffy changes the subject.

“I honestly have no clue.” Willow admits.

“Well, I hope he is worthy of her.” Buffy sighs.

Both girls agreed that Faith deserved to have at least one true love in her life.

Chapter Three:

Buffy had just taken the paper plates to the picnic tables outside when she saw a guy come walking in with an excited Faith in his arms. Buffy nearly dropped the plates. She couldn’t believe her eyes. She prayed that this guy had a evil twin. Because if not then this guy was the same guy she had just spent the night with last night. Buffy hung her head low and wish the ground would just open up and suck her down in it. First, Angel brings a date and now Faith’s new great boyfriend was a cheating asshole that she had slept with. Could this day get any worse she asks herself.

“Everyone I would like you to meet my boyfriend, Reily Finn.” Faith announced with an enormous grin on her face. Reily glanced around with an identical smile on his face. Buffy tried to stay out of his sight. She couldn’t tell anyone about what she knew. She would get the asshole alone and then she would let him know that if he was not serious about Faith then he had better get the hell as far away from her as humanly possible.

“Hi Reily.” Everyone went up to him and shook his hand.

Buffy watch from the corner of the backyard as Angel sized up the young man and she wondered if he saw through his act? She hoped so. She didn’t want to be the one to tell Faith that the guy she thought she was finally in love with was a lieing sack of shit.

Angel spied Buffy in the corner looking as if she as if she was trying to hide from everyone. He wondered what had gotten into her lately?

Angel made his way to her. When Buffy look up at him she felt her heart starting to race.

“Hey you. What’s going on?” Angel asks sincerely as he sits next to her.

“Nothing.” Buffy said quickly.

“I know when you are lying and honey you so lying.” Angel informed her with a crooked smile.

“I…well…God, my life is so horrible.” Buffy admitted as she laid her head on the table.

Angel lifted her head up and turns it toward him.

“It can’t be that bad.” Angel looked deep in her eyes.

“Oh it is. I guess I just need a change of pace.” Buffy sighed heavily as she felt her skin starting to tingle from the contact of his hands on her face.

“Anything I can do to help you?” Angel offered.

“No. I’m afraid not.” Buffy sighed.

“What do you think of Darla?” Angel asks as he coughs nervously.

“She looks like a Barbie.” Buffy stated seriously.

“I never notice that before.” Angel chuckled at her blunt honesty.

“What is your thing with blonds?” Buffy asks as she just notice the trend of girls he went out with.

“I don’t maybe I’m a sucker for them.” Angel winks at her.

“What ever.” Buffy said under her breath.

Faith walks up holding Reily’s hand as she stood before Buffy and Angel.

“Buffy I would like you to meet Reily, Reily this is Buffy whom I am constantly talking about.” Faith rolled her eyes.

“Its…nice to meet you Buffy.” Reily swallowed hard as she recognizes the beautiful woman in front of him as the very one who shared his bed last night.

“You too.” Buffy smiled back as she too swallowed hard.

Angel was not lost at the strange exchange between the two of them as it was for Faith.

“I’m going to have him help me with the food.” Faith chuckled as she led him away.

Buffy just stared at the couple as they walk away with an agonizing look in her eyes.

“Do you two know one another?” Angel asks as he stares in the direction of his sister and her new boyfriend.

“No.” Buffy half lied. They really didn’t know much about one another. They mainly dance a few dances and then he offer to take her back to his place where there was no conversation. Just sex. The only sounds coming out of their mouths were those of passionate moans but no conversations. You had to talk to someone to technically know him or her Buffy told herself.

“Mmmm.” Angel looked puzzled.

“So did you hear Buffy is moving to England next week.” Willow announced as she set a bowl of fruit salad on the table.

“What?” Angel frowns as he glances between the two of them.

“Are you visiting?” Angel hoped he had heard the wrong word that Willow had said.

“No, I’m moving there possibly just temporary.” Buffy answered with a weak smile.

“Why?” Angel turns pale.

“Because my job has offered me the chance to clean up London’s mess and if I get lucky I might get a promotion either there or back here.” Buffy announced proudly.

“Wow! That would be so cool.” Xander walked up hearing the conversation going on at the table.

“What would be cool?” Faith asks as she and Reily walk up putting the grilled meat on the table.

“I’m going to London next week. I will be staying there possibly permanent.” Buffy explains for the third time that day.

“No, you can’t go.” Faith cries out in despair. Faith and Buffy were best friends. They were always there for one another and she just couldn’t imagine Buffy not being a short drive away from her.

“I have to go or I won’t have a job at all.” Buffy chuckled.

“Still, why London? Couldn’t they have sent you to the New York office?” Faith asks with a sad face.

“I would still be far away from you.” Buffy reminded her with a sweet smile.

“I know but I can at least fly there on a whim.” Faith answered with a pout.

“Look, like I said it might be just temporary.” Buffy reminded them.

She didn’t think her friends would take this news so hard.

“I know a few people in London.” Darla announced suddenly.

Buffy looked at her with a look of utter surprise.

“I was actually raised there half of my life before my parents death and I was sent here to be raised by my Aunt.” Darla explained.

“I could give you their numbers if you should need anything.” Darla offered sweetly.

Buffy wanted to vomit. How could this smutty bimbo be so nice to her and not even know her she asks herself?

“Thanks.” Buffy mumbled as she looked up to see Reily staring at her with a look of fear in his eyes.

“Well, lets eat before the food gets cold.” Gunn announced hating the awkward silence that filled the group.

Buffy scooted down so Darla could sit by Angel while she set on the other side of him. The meal was fabulous as usual. Buffy tried to keep her self calm as she listen to all the conversations going on around her and keep her eyes away from the guy who looked at her as if he would cry at any second. Buffy sensed that Reily was afraid that she would ruin Faith’s view of him. She wondered if he really cared for her and had just screwed up? She would find out before she left for London one way or another.

Chapter Four:

Buffy had never been so happy to leave a party before in her entire life. The seconds she could escape she had fled the place. Settling in at the house she pick up a notebook to start making her list of the important things she had to do just in case she was in London longer than expected. She looked around the cute house she had purchased with her first job and thought sadly how much she would miss it once was she gone.

She had put on her favorite black silky pajamas on. They had been a gift from Faith. The top had spaghetti straps and the bottoms were black silky boxers that went up just a bit to reveal a slight view of her round ass. She loved them. They made her feel sexy somehow.

Laughing at herself she strolled into the kitchen to pour herself another cup of coffee when the door bell rang. Glancing at the clock it was nearly ten o’clock at night. Who would be there at this time she asks herself? Tip toeing she looked out of the peephole to see Angel standing outside of her door. Pure panic filled her entire body. She was half dressed and had no time to run upstairs to change before opening the door. So with a deep breath she opens the door.

“Hey sorry it’s so late I was going ….” Angel froze in mid sentence.

He had not considered that she was dressed for bed and yet here she stood in a cute little black number. It wasn’t exactly lingerie but it might as well been. It revealed her dark silky skin in all the right places to turn a man on.

“What?” Buffy licks her dry lips as she tries not to reveal how embarrassed she is to be standing there half naked while at the same time hoping he likes what he sees.

“I was going to call.” Angel finished his sentence with a hard swallow.

“Oh, well let me go upstairs and throw a robe on. I wasn’t expecting guest.” Buffy explained for her attire.

“NO. I mean, no apology it’s my fault.” Angel coughed trying to push the lump down his throat.

Buffy looked at him puzzled before heading upstairs to her room. When she threw on the robe she made sure to barely spray it with her favorite perfume then came back down stairs wearing a matching black floor length silk robe.

“So why are you here so late?” Buffy asks as she walks past him in the direction of her kitchen.

“I was wanting to talk to you. You fled out of the party so fast I barely had time to see you.” Angel answered as he followed her.

“Would you like a cup?” Buffy offered him a cup.

“Sure.” Angel agreed as he watch her make his cup of coffee the way he liked it. It hit him suddenly how odd it was that she knew such a simple yet personal thing about him.

“What do you want to talk about?” Buffy asks as she takes her cup and leads them back to the living room where she sits on the couch with her legs underneath her. She makes sure her robe covers her modestly as she sips on her coffee staring at the man of her dreams sitting next to her.

“I was wanting to know why you really took that job in London and how do you really know Reily?” Angel decided to ask the tough questions first.

“I’m really going to London because I want the promotion and it was offered to me. I also want a change in my lifestyle. The one-night stands are not me anymore. I have grown up since college. I want something more solid. I want a relationship that makes me feel whole rather than half.” Buffy explains honestly as she sits her cup on the end table next to the couch.

“Half?” Angel frowns at her.

“Sex is only half of a relationship the other half is love and commitment. I want those things.” Buffy decided to be just as honest as possible with him.

“Oh. Those things.” Angel rolled his eyes playfully.

“Yeah, I mean I’m twenty-five years old Angel. It’s time to start considering my future.” Buffy states.

“I see.” Angel sighs.

“Do you?” Buffy asks him with a serious look.

“Yeah, I mean I knew you wouldn’t be single for the rest of your life.” Angel shrugs his shoulders.

“Nor will you.” Buffy predicts.

“What? I hope I am.” Angel shivered at the thought.

“Come on what about Barbie. You never bring dates to our gatherings.” Buffy reminded him of his rules.

“She was sort of a last minute thing. She was at my house and knew I was coming and I just didn’t have the heart to tell her she couldn’t come.” Angel explained with a weak smile.

“Right. You mean you couldn’t resist the thought of not having her there to show off as your latest trophy piece.” Buffy remarked with a bitter taste in her mouth.

“Hey! I’m not a damn caveman.” Angel looked at her with a hurt expression.

“Sure you are. You want women but you don’t want them around all the time. You like the chase. You like to conquer and then walk away.” Buffy stated with conviction.

“Ouch! I don’t remember you being so pure snow white.” Angel snapback.

“No, I’m not. That is why I’m leaving. I want a second chance. I want to wake up in the morning in the arms of a man I know his first and last name and that I know better than myself.” Buffy replies firmly.

“So was Reily one of those one night stands?” Angel asks suddenly hoping to change the subject.

“What?” Buffy’s face froze.

“He was.” Angel shook his head in disgust but it wasn’t due to her part. He had a gut feeling that Reily was not as perfect as he came off to his sister.

“How recent?” Angel looks at her with a stern face.

“I would rather not discuss my personal life with you.” Buffy goes to get up from the couch when Angel grabs her arm and yanks her back down on the couch. The force he used caused her robe to open up to reveal a half exposed breast. Angel felt his groin grow hard at the sight. He was wondering what the hell was wrong with him. He had never been this sexually stimulated by Buffy before tonight. Sure, he had found her hot and had wondered a few times over the years what she would be like as a lover but he always push those thoughts out of his mind because she deserved better than him.

“You don’t have a choice. He is involved with my sister and your best friend. It is my business.” Angel answers firmly.

Buffy wasn’t sure his eyes were filled with anger or passion. Either way she was suddenly turned on. Which when it came to Angel it wasn’t hard for him to achieve such a goal like getting her steamed up.

“I do have a choice. Faith is a grown woman. She will know if Reily is meant for her or not.” Buffy replies as she pulls her arm away from his grasp.

“Buffy I’m serious. Is this guy going to break my sisters heart or not?” Angel demands.

“I don’t know Angel. I didn’t exactly get to know they guy that well.” Buffy looks at him with pure shame in her eyes.

Angel feels like such a louse. He hadn’t consider what it had felt like for Buffy to see one of her lovers involved in a relationship with her best friend? How would he feel if he was in her shoes he asked him self?

“I’m sorry Buffy.” Angel got up and walked over to where she stood with her back toward him.

Angel slipped his arms around her waist and held her close to him. Buffy wanted to melt in that exact spot where she stood. Why was he holding her like this? Did he not know how his touch drove her mad with desire? How could he not see how much he means to her she asks herself?

“It’s okay.” Buffy whispers as she pulls away from his touch.

Angel frowns. Once again he was picking up on something wrong between them. What was going on in that adorable little head of hers he wondered?

“When do you leave?” Angel asks.

“This Friday I fly out.” Buffy answers while she picks up her empty cup and heads to the kitchen.

“Do you need me to take you to the airport?” Angel offers suddenly.

“No. I will take a cab.” Buffy replies coldly.

“What is wrong with you?” Angel asks angrily as he storms into the kitchen looking at her with frustration.

“I just don’t want to have to say good-bye at the airport. It would be too hard.” Buffy answers.

“Then why go?” Angel asks.

“I told you Angel, it’s my job.” Buffy cries out angrily.

“No, it’s something else. I can feel it.” Angel shakes his head.

“When you figure out what that mysterious feeling is let me know.” Buffy rolls her eyes at him.

“I’m going to miss you.” Angel says out of nowhere. He wonders what that brought that on?

“I will miss all of you.” Buffy didn’t want him to see how much she would personally miss him or she might break down right here in the kitchen and confess her true feelings for him. That would not be a good thing. NO. She could not put him through the embarrassment or herself.

“I hope you come home.” Angel states honestly.

“I’m sure I will.” Buffy smiled warmly at him.

“Well, it’s late and you have tons of stuff to do.” Angel remarks as he glances at the list on her notebook.

“If you need anything, I mean ANYTHING, do no hesitate to call me here or in London.” Angel tells her as he walks up and pulls her in his arms. He holds her tightly against his body and feels his body craving hers once again. He isn’t sure if it is from the feel of the silky against him or the sexy smell of her perfume? Either way he had to hurry and get out of there before he allowed himself to weaken and take her upstairs and make mad passionate love to her before she left his life.

“You be careful. Don’t break to many hearts.” Angel whispers as he kisses her forehead and then heads toward the kitchen door.

“You too.” Buffy smiles tenderly as tears fill her eyes.

The door shuts and Buffy slides to the floor, while she cries like a baby. She knew getting over Angel was going to be hell. But she had to do it. If not for herself then for him. It wasn’t fair to him that she kept pushing him away with out causing him to think he did something wrong. She was going to go to London and come back with a brand new start and a brand new out look on life or else she would never return here again she vowed.

Chapter Five:

Faith looked at her watch as she waited for Angel to show up for his own damn birthday party. She hated when he was late. She knew he was with that damn Darla chick again. Ever since Buffy left he seem to be hitch to the damn Barbie look a like. She was glad for once that Buffy wasn’t here to see it.

“I’m so sorry I was late.” Angel begs instantly for forgiveness when he arrives at the restaurant where his friends wait for him.

“Hey it’s your birthday dude.” Gunn joked.

“Where is Ba..Darla?” Faith looks at him with a cold stern look.

“She couldn’t make it tonight.” Angel lied. For some reason he just wanted to be with his friends this evening. He knew she would be at his apartment waiting for him later on dressed in something sexy and skimpy.

“You were going to call her Barbie weren’t you?” Angel looks at her with an amused expression.

“No. Okay yes.” Faith admitted with a sheepish smile.

“Its okay Buffy called her the same thing.” Angel said as he felt a sudden pain at the instant he said her name. She had only been gone for a month and already he was missing her terribly. He had never realized how much he had counted on her to be a part of his life.

“Well she usually was the first one to call it as she saw it.” Willow states with a twisted grin.

“True. She was the one who had the balls to tell you what she thought Angel.” Gunn thought as he laughed at some of the fond memories of Buffy and Angel arguing over some damn silly things where Buffy would exposed Angel for the damn player he was.

“Here open up your gifts before we all get sad.” Faith slung a gift in front of Angel. She hated discussing Buffy lately. She missed her terribly and often found her self near tears when she thought of their few conversations they had shared over the phone. It was starting to sound like Buffy was growing more and more accustom to London and missing them less and less.

Angel opens his gifts from the friends who were there. They were all great gifts. Even the gag gift Xander gave him made him laugh.

“Oh, I almost forgot Buffy sent this for you.” Willow announced as she handed him the box that was decorated with beautiful wrapping and bows.

“Oh, look she made it pretty for you.” Xander teased him.

“Shut up.” Angel rolled his eyes as he open the gift.

Inside the box was a sword. Not just any sword but an authentic sword to go with his collection. He couldn’t believe she had remembered that this was one of his favorites that he had a hard time trying to track down.

Everyone looked puzzled at his expression.

“Do you already have it?” Faith asks.

“NO. Hell no. It’s just that this is the ONE I’ve been searching for nearly two years now. I can’t believe she remembered it.” Angel gasps for air.

“Well, you remember when Buffy was dating Jack in High School she got him that expensive baseball card he always wanted.” Willow pointed out.

“Yeah but she was in love with him.” Xander cried out envious of the gift.

“Xander!” Faith and Willow both cried out in union.

“What?” Angel stared at them with a strange suspicion that they knew something he didn’t.

“Nothing.” The girls said again in union as Xander yelps as Willow kicks him under the table.

“What is going on?” Angel asks them this time more sternly.

“I think it’s time you guys tell him the truth.” Gunn stated with out a fear of either girl kicking him since he push his chair away from the table.

“Tell me WHAT?” Angel shouts.

Everyone looks stun at his outburst.

“Angel, Buffy…well…she was starting to have feelings for you.” Willow answered as she look at Faith knowing that Faith couldn’t say a word of this because of the solemn vow she had made to Buffy. Willow on the other hand had not made any such promises.

“When?” Angel looks shock as he looks around the table at his sister and all their friends.

“Damn man, you couldn’t see it?” Gunn shakes his head with a slight laugh.

“Of course I didn’t.” Angel glares angrily at him.

“Look, dude, calm down. Its no big deal now. She got passed it and has moved on.” Gunn tried to calm him down.

“What do you mean she got passed it?” Angel looks frantically at his sister.

“She has met someone in London that she is seeing quite seriously.” Faith admits.

“So, just like that she is over me? Obviously then it wasn’t anything real.” Angel argues with them.

“Oh it was serious. It was like years of serious.” Xander states seriously.

“Willow don’t kick me again.” Xander warns her.

“Why didn’t you tell me this?” Angel looks hurt as he stares at his sister.

“I made a solemn promise to her. I couldn’t break it.” Faith answers with tears in her eyes.

“So all this time all of you knew that Buffy had feelings for me and no one thought to tell me.” Angel remarks with a disgusted look.

“Angel, we thought you being a man could pick up on the vibes. I mean hell no one told me. I just knew from the way she looked at you.” Gunn explained honestly.

“It’s true she never told the guys.” Willow admits.

“Oh and that makes it okay.” Angel looks at them with immense anger.

“Yeah, cause it wasn’t our place to tell you how a girl feels about you. It was Buffy’s.” Gunn argued defensively.

“Yeah,” The rest of the group agreed.

“I see.” Angel knew they were right but he just still couldn’t shake the feelings he was experiencing at the moment.

“I need to go. Sorry guys.” Angel jump up from the table and left them behind.

Everyone noticed that he had taken only the box with the sword in it out of all the gifts.

“Man, we are so in trouble if Buffy returns.” Willow sighs heavily.

“I think we need drinks.” Xander offered.

“I second that.” Faith agrees with her own stress showing.

Chapter Six:

Six months later…

Buffy was feeling a small ounce of fear as she walked off the airplane. She knew her friends had missed her but she wasn’t sure if they would like the new her. She had changed so much in the seven months she had spent in England. She had enjoyed the country so much she had almost changed her mind about leaving. It had been even harder due to the fact that she had made so many friends there. Not to mention she had loved the job she was doing and the people she worked with. But when the offer was made for her to be promoted back home she had taken it over the one offered in England. She knew she would miss her old friends so much more than the new ones she had made.

Luckily, she was not coming home alone. William Kennington the love of her life had decided to come for a visit to America with her. He had been to New York and even L.A. but he had never been to Sunnydale. She knew he wouldn’t be too impressed with the quiet suburb area. Yet she didn’t care what he thought of her home as long as he was with her. She had met William one night while out dining alone. He just happens to be the owner of the fancy restaurant she was dining in. He had joked with her and made her feel relaxed and even sat with her so she didn’t have to eat alone. The two of them hit off at once.

Buffy however made it quite clear she wasn’t staying long in London and she took slow steady steps with their relationship. He seemed to like the slowness they took as well. He showed her around the country and she showed him how much fun life could be again. He had been divorced for nearly three years and she had learned that it had not been by his choice. He felt strongly about the vows he had made before God but his wife had not. Luckily, they had not conceived any children from their six years of marriage. How ever he had wanted them so much and she had been against it. She was sort of model and she feared that a child might cause her to loose her figure, which had made her a fortune and a name in the fashion world.

William admitted that they were child hood sweethearts. He had always seen her as the sweet little girl who had been abused by her parents. When they had ran into one another years later they had fell deeply in love. They eloped after six months of dating and from then on they rarely saw one another due to all the work she did and the fact that he had a steady job there in London with his restaurants. So it was doom from the beginning but he had tried everything under the sun to make it work but it did no good.

Buffy liked the way he talked about love and commitment and the fact that he wanted children really pleased her. Buffy had always imagined having at least four children of her own someday. William had grown up poor and made his own fortune. He was a wonderful chef who ended up opening his own restaurant and two years later it turn into a chain of restaurants all over the Europe continent. He had been considering opening one or two in America. So he said this would be sort of a business trip as well as being with her. She was pleased that he had agreed to join her. She couldn’t wait for her friends to meet him. He was remarkable. He even played instruments and sang. It was one of his part time jobs that help him earn the money for his first restaurant.

Buffy decided not to tell anyone she was coming home. She wanted to surprise them. When the cab drove them to her house she unpacked most of her things before she settled down on the couch next to William.

“So this is the cozy little house you adore so much.” He stated as he had look around while she unpack. He found the house rather appealing. It showed so much of Buffy’s own character in it.

“Yep. I know its tiny compared to your townhouse.” Buffy chuckled.

“I like it.” William announced as he pulled her closer to him so that he could kiss her.

In the entire seven months that they had dated they had not had sex yet. Buffy was too scared that once they experience such a deep intimacy that if he left her she would truly die of a heartache. It had been a world record for her to be celibate this long but she knew when they did finally made love it would be worth it.

“I like you too.” William teased her as he nibbled on her ear.

“William.” Buffy giggled.

“So which room do I sleep in?” William asks with passionate eyes.

“I have a spare room.” Buffy announces with a twinkle in her eye.

“Oh.” William laughs.

“I hope you don’t mind.” Buffy looks worried.

“Not at all. I told you that I am willing to go at your pace.” William reminded her of the agreed terms of their relationship.

“Thanks.” Buffy yawn.

“I’m tired too. Maybe we should hit the hay.” William yawn.

“Yeah that flight was a killer.” Buffy thought of the long ass trip it took to get home.

“Show me to my room.” William stood up and took her hand in his.

Buffy lead him upstairs to the room across from hers.

It felt strange that they were sleeping under the same roof. Normally she would go home or if he was at her apartment he would go home. Neither had ever shared a night in the same house.

“Good night.” William said as he pulled her in his arms and kissed her tenderly.

“Good night.” Buffy smiles warmly at him as she entered her room and shut the door.

That night had been one of the most difficult nights ever for her. She tossed and turns and tossed some more. She knew she could walk in that room and share a wonderful night with William. Yet something kept pulling her away from that. Something seemed to scream wait longer. She wasn’t sure if it was fear that was shouting in her head or gut instincts. Either way she listens to it and finally found into a peaceful sleep.

Chapter Seven:

Buffy woke up early in the morning and had called all of her girl friends to announce she was home. They were all pissed that she had not called them before today. She just laughed and said this way was better. They all agreed to come over for breakfast.

“William, you will love them.” Buffy swears.

“I’m sure I would but darling I want to go to L.A. to meet with Mr. Collins while I have a spare moment. I’m sure you will be showing me off to all of your friends every chance you get.” William teased her.

“Oh aren’t we egotistic.” Buffy laughed as she slipped her arms around him and pulled him toward her. She lick her lips as she lean her head back to allow him access to her mouth. The kiss was interrupted by the constant banging on the door.

“Bloody hell.” William frowns at the frantic sound.

“It’s just the girls being anxious.” Buffy laughed.

“Either that or the house is on fire and they want us to know.” William joked.

“Buffy! Buffy is home!” Both of her best friends cried out as they threw their arms around her the second the door was open.

William stood leaning on the staircase watching the three girls hugging madly. He understood why it had been so important for her to come home. He could see a genuine closeness between these girls. He envies her closeness to friends. He didn’t have any he could really call friends more like connections.

“Why didn’t you call us?” Willow demands then they hear a cough from behind them.

Turning slowly they see an attractive male leaning on the stairs and at once knows that this stranger is the man that Buffy talked constantly about.

“Hello.” Faith and Willow look slightly embarrassed by their earlier performance.

“Hello. Let me guess your Faith and your Willow.” William remembered the picture Buffy had sitting in her living room and on her desk.

“Yeah, and you have to be William.” Faith smiles with a wicked gleam in her eyes.

“Yep the one and only.” William jokes.

The girls look at Buffy with impressed smiles before turning back to him.

“Glad to meet you at last. I must admit I hated you for awhile when we thought Buffy wouldn’t come home because of you.” Faith bluntly states as she shakes his hand.

“You Americans are definitely blunt.” William chuckles as he smiles softly at Buffy.

“It’s nice to meet you.” Willow shook his hand next.

“Well, I will leave you ladies to catch up and talk wonderful things about me.” William winked at Buffy as he lean down to slip a soft but quick kiss on the lips as he took her car keys from her.

“Be careful.” Buffy warns him as she watches him shut the door.

“OH MY GOD! He is sexy!” Faith screams with pure envy.

“Yeah, but what is with the bleach hair?” Willow frowns slightly although other than that she found him hot.

“He likes it that way. I swore he was kin to Billy Idol when I first met him.” Buffy laughs.

“No shit.” Faith agrees.

“So come lets eat and talk.” Willow and Faith grab her arms and pull her toward the kitchen.

Each of them making their own favorite dish while discussing Buffy’s tales of life in London beyond William.

“Wow that sounds like an incredible time.” Willow sighs wishing she could take such a trip.

“It was. I must admit I almost didn’t come home. How ever I knew I would miss you more than any new friends I had made.” Buffy informs them.

“We are so glad you are home.” Faith smiles with tears in her eyes.

“Don’t cry.” Buffy hugs her.

“So tell me what have you guys been up too?” Buffy asks with curiosity. Whenever she talks to them they would mainly want to know about her life and barely spoke about anything going on here at home.

“Faith and Reily moved in together.” Willow announces for Faith.

“Really.” Buffy looks at her with a worried frown.

“We discuss his night with you and he admitted that he did not know you were a friend of mine and that he had feared commitment. He hopes that you can forgive him and that you will come to accept his love for me.” Faith announces proudly.

“Well, it seems he is serious and as long as he doesn’t cheat on you again then I will accept him.” Buffy promises.

“What about you?” Buffy looks at Willow with the most curiosity.

“Okay, Oz moved back to town. We are dating again. He has been talking about marriage and kids.” Willow twisted her fingers for luck.

“Damn, everyone is getting serious. I guess we are just getting older girls.” Buffy declared with a serious face as they burst into laughter together.

“How is Xander?” Buffy had remembered the girls mentioning him seeing someone that they actually liked.

“He and Anya are still dating. I thought I heard the words love come out of mouth the other night.” Willow confesses.

“No shit. I can’t wait to meet the girl who stole his heart.” Buffy licks her lips tasting the salsa she had poured on her omelets.

“So, it must be cool to date a guy that is a chef.” Faith asks.

“Well, he is not THE chef anymore but when he does cook God I swear I’m in heaven.” Buffy declares as her eyes roll back in her head.

“You lucky bitch.” Willow says with a smile on her face.

“I know. Luck has finally smiled me. You know the entire time I have dated William he has allowed me to be in control of the steps in our relationship.” Buffy announces to them.

“What do you mean?” Faith frowns.

“I mean, we are taking things at a snail pace. I didn’t want to ruin it. I mean sex was all I usually got from a man and then I was threw with them.” Buffy answers.

“You two haven’t slept together?” Willow cries out with disbelief.

“NO. I told him I wanted to be sure before we shared such a deep form of intimacy that we were both ready and felt the same for one another.” Buffy smiled proudly at her friends.

“You have been celibate this entire time?” Faith asks with astonishment.

“Yep. I did it girls. I broke the cycle. I got rid of all the toxic things in my life.” Buffy beams.

Faith stops smiling as it suddenly hits her that one of those toxic things was her brother.

“What’s wrong Faith?’ Buffy notices the halted smile on her face.

“What about Angel?” Faith asks with a soft tone.

“What about him?” Buffy asks with out blinking an eyelash.

“You left here sure he was suppose to be your soul mate and now your telling us that you were wrong all these years?” Faith asks.

“Yes, Faith I was wrong. I did care deeply about your brother but his feelings were not return for me. I was stupid and naïve to think that he would just one day announce he loved me.” Buffy answered with a tender smile toward Faith.

“What if he did suddenly announce it today what would you do?” Faith asks with a serious expression.

“Nothing. I would tell him it is too late.” Buffy answered honestly with out hesitation.

“Why the sudden questions about Angel?” Buffy glances between them with a frown.

“Nothing. I guess we just wanted to be sure that, that part of your life was really over.” Willow replied look at Faith with understanding.

“Anyway enough about Angel. Tell me about your jobs. How are they coming along?” Buffy changed the subject not wanting to ruin the happy moment between them.

Chapter Eight:

Angel had just finished an important lunch date with his client when his cell phone rang.

“Talk to me.” Angel answered.

“Angel, hey are you busy?” Faith asks as she chews on her lower lip.

“Never for you sis. What’s up?” Angel steps out of the restaurant as he heads toward his explorer.

“Buffy is home.” Faith decided to just say it.

Angel came to a dead stop in his tracks as he replay the statement she just announced over the phone.

“Can you say that again?” Angel gulps.

“Buffy is home.” Faith exhales deeply as she can just imagine the emotions that are washing over him at this sudden announcement.

“When did she get back?” Angel asks as he stares up at the sunny sky trying to fight back the emotions.

“Yesterday. She didn’t tell any of us. She just came home and called us girls this morning over for breakfast.” Faith answers.

“Oh.” Angel swallows and forces his lungs to breath.

“The other reason I called is because we are all meeting at her house tomorrow night for a welcome home party.” Faith informs him.

“Am I invited?” Angel asks.

“Of course you are.” Faith snaps at him.

“What are you not telling me Faith?” Angel gulps hard as he waits for the “but” part of the story.

“She brought William home with her.” Faith says softly.

“The guy she has been dating in London?” Angel cries out.

“Yes.” Faith answers.

“What time tomorrow?” Angel asks as his heart feels like it is being ripped piece by piece.

“Seven o’clock sharp.” Faith replies.

“Okay. I will be there.” Angel states casually.

“Okay.” Faith sighs.

“Bye.” Angel says he hangs up the call.

Opening his vehicle he sits behind the steering wheel gripping it as hard as he can with out bending it. He doesn’t understand why he is feeling like this? He knew six months ago that Buffy had once had feelings for him and in that time he had assured him self that it had been better that he didn’t know this fact while she had been there. He would have only disappointed her if she had told him. He didn’t see her like that he told him self a hundred times a day ever since he learn of her true feelings for him. Now that she was home and she had obviously moved on he was now feeling the full impact of what it had meant to him to know that Buffy had once loved him. Now, he should be happy for her. Now, he should be relieved that he wouldn’t have to break her heart by telling her that they could never be. Yet he was lying to him self. Cause every reason he once had for not being with her sounded lame. Why had he let her go? Why had he not wanted to be with her? These questions would never be answered because she was over him and there was no need to understand or make sense of them now. He would go to her house and meet her new love and he would be happy for her even if it killed him.

Chapter Nine:

Buffy had double check everything before her friends were due to arrive. William of course was teasing her about being so damn anal about the table setting.

“Look, you did the same thing at your restaurant.” Buffy reminds him with a smug smile.

“True. But I was going to get paid for my services.” William points out.

“Who says your not going to get paid for your services for this?” Buffy smiled seductively at him.

“You are being just bloody cruel now.” William warns her as he pulls her in his arms and inhales the sweet smelling perfume she wore.

“You know I can’t say this enough but I love you Buffy.” William says as he kisses her gently.

“I can’t hear enough either.” Buffy smiles as their lips parted.

William didn’t want to ruin her night but it hurt him that she had never actually said the words back to him. She always said something remotely close to it but not the exact words. He wondered what was holding her back? He would discuss it with her later tonight was not the time.

The doorbell rang and William returns to the kitchen to check on his food while she played the perfect hostess to her friends.

Xander and Gunn were to first to arrive. They had not seen her since she returns home.

“Holy crap you look hot!” Xander cried out as he lifted her up off the floor with a bear hug.

“You’re killing me.” Buffy giggled.

“You do look hot.” Gunn agreed as he stared at the sexy little red dress she wore for this evening.

“Everyone dresses like this in London.” She stated rolling her eyes.

“I need to go to London then.” Gunn announced.

“I’m not sure if London could handle you.” Buffy teased him as she took them to the living room and fix them each a drink.

“Where is this mystery man of yours?” Xander asks as he looks around the room.

“William is cooking our dinner.” Buffy says proudly.

“The man cooks?” Gunn look worried.

“He was a chef who started his own line of restaurants.” Buffy rolled her eyes at his caveman attitude.

The doorbell rang again and this time it was Willow and Oz who came in.

“Wow Oz you look incredible.” Buffy said honestly. The musician had definitely settled in his ways. He had a preppy haircut and a nice suit on. Nothing like what he use to wear.

“Thank you and might I add you look absolutely beautiful.” Oz smiled warmly at her.

“Yes you may.” Buffy chuckled as she hugs the both of them and took them to where the others were.

Just as she finish fixing their drinks the doorbell rang again. She didn’t know why but she was suddenly starting to panic. She knew that behind this door could be Angel. She was over him she told her self but tonight was still a test of sorts. She was going to prove to her self for once and for all she was truly beyond him.

Opening the door she saw Faith and Angel standing in front of her. Buffy wanted to weep the second her eyes fell on Angel. Although she was passed her infatuation with him it had been so hard not calling him up to discuss her problems and fears when it came to guys like she use too.

“Hey guys!” Buffy smiled happily at them both.

“You look great!” Angel told her as he instantly inhaled her sweet perfume and the memory of the last night they had shared in this house came suddenly to mind.

“You too. Come in.” Buffy took their jackets and put them on the coat rack as she followed them into the living room.

Oz had taken over the bartender part.

“I will be right back.” Buffy says as she rushes to the kitchen to catch her breath and to bring William in to meet everyone.

When she walks into the kitchen she sees that everything is ready for dinner. William was dependable. He had years of practice when it came to making sure dinner was ready on time. She smiled softly at him as he pulled off his apron and hung it up.

“Everyone here?” William asks as he picks up his glass of champagne.

“Yes, are you ready to meet the rest of the gang?” She warns him.

“You bet.” William takes her hand and squeezes it gently as he walks into the living room by her side.

The guys all exchange a look at one another and then back at the couple.

“William you have met Faith and Willow. This is Xander, Gunn, Oz, and Angel.” Buffy points to each of them.

“Guys this is William.” Buffy smiles proudly by his side as she looks up at him with tenderness.

Angel wants to bolt from the room. He doesn’t want to be here suddenly. Yet he remains seated and smiled at the man who had taken his place in Buffy’s life. The place he never knew he had.

“It’s nice to meet you all. Buffy was always bragging about you guys. I’m glad to finally meet you and I believe I understand why she chose to come home rather than stay in London with me.” William announced as he smiled down at her with tenderness that match Buffy’s.

Angel felt his stomach churn. He prayed he didn’t vomit where he sat. This was all too incredibly surreal for him. Buffy, the little girl who idolized him as a big brother and had a crush on him was suddenly a grown woman who was falling in love with a man that wasn’t him.

“If you guys are ready we can sit and eat now.” William suggested.

Everyone was in agreement on that suggestion. Buffy had been smart enough to place cards with names of each of them on it.

“Why are we so formal?” Xander frowns at the same cards.

“It’s how they do it in London.” Buffy answered with a half lie.

She also did it this way so she could sit across from William. Normally Angel sat by her no matter where they went with the group. She didn’t want that tonight. She wanted him and everyone else to know that part of her life was over.

The dinner had gone splendidly and everyone agreed that William was the best chef they had ever met.

William had been embarrassed at first but then thank then all. After dinner and desert William suggested they sit on the back porch where he had place a radio. The music was playing soft tunes and the sky was filled with stars. With their glasses of champagne they set outside either dancing or talking. Buffy was happy to watch as friends genuinely attempted to get to know William. She sat by herself when Angel walked up and set next to her.

She shivered slightly.

“Are you cold?” Angel asks he caught her shiver.

“No, I’m fine.” Buffy smiled weakly at him.

“We missed you.” Angel stated.

“I missed all of you too.” Buffy agreed.

“I missed you.” Angel said as he looks out at their friends who were circling William with questions of life in London or pressuring him to dance with them. They all seem to take to a sudden liking to him.

“I missed you too.” Buffy frowns as she turns her face toward his.

“I didn’t get the chance to thank you for my birthday present. It was perfect. Thank you.” Angel exhaled deeply.

Buffy had nearly forgotten about the gift she had looked so hard for before she began to seriously date William.

“Oh, your welcome. I had heard of a place that sold them and I thought it would be a great gift for you.” Buffy answered honestly.

“It had to cost quite a penny.” Angel remarked casually.

“You were worth it.” Buffy stated with a warm smile.

“Was I?” Angel asks seriously.

Buffy frowns at his strange behavior.

“Did I miss something while I was away?” Buffy was suddenly aware of how odd he had been acting the entire evening.

“No, I missed it.” Angel said under his breath.

“What?” Buffy asks with a puzzle look.

“I said no you didn’t miss much.” Angel lies.

“How are you and Darla doing?” Buffy asks suddenly wanting to change the subject.

“I guess she is fine. I believe she is engaged to some rich Texas oilman.” Angel shrugs his shoulder.

“What?” Buffy cries out in disbelief.

“I wouldn’t move in with her and so she said she wasn’t going to play the part of the mistress any longer and she left.” Angel explains with a silly grin.

“Mistress? How did she play that role? You weren’t married?” Buffy asks as she wonders how many brain cells she had in her head.

“Well, you see I worked and work while you were away and then when I had time I would spend it with her. She said my work had suddenly become my wife.” Angel replied with a bitter tone.

“You were married to your job!” Buffy burst into laughter. When she left Angel took cases when he felt the need too. It was the reason he open his own practice to begin with. He didn’t’ want to burn out early in his career.

“When you left I guess I was bored. So I put all my energy into my practice.” Angel explains as he stared at Faith who was dancing oddly with William.

“Why were you so bored?” Buffy asks as she sips on her drink.

“I don’t honestly know.” Angel admits as he looks at her with open eyes. She was truly beautiful, smart, classy, and not available at the moment. Why had he never seen the woman in her before now he screamed in his head?

William strolled up and asks Buffy to dance with him. Buffy just smiled as if it was her favorite thing in the world to do. Angel set and stewed in his own anger as he watch the couple danced like they had been doing it all their lives.

Chapter 10

The girls had agreed to help clean up the mess before they left so when everyone was gone it just let William and Buffy alone. They set on the couch snuggling against one another.

“Thank you William. You did a wonderful job on dinner and even better job at entertaining my friends.” Buffy giggled.

“Thanks. They are okay. I like them. I don’t think your one friend liked me much but the rest seem too.” William commented.

“Which friend?” Buffy frown.

“Angel.” William stated.

“I’m sure he does. He is just protective when it comes to me. I practically grew up with his sister and he has consider me and Willow is little sisters ever since I can remember.” Buffy explained.

“I can see that but I still felt like he dislike seeing you with me.” William answered. His gut instincts told him that Angel didn’t want any guy with Buffy. Although he didn’t know their whole history together he suspected that there had been something there between them at one time or another.

“I know what your thinking and your wrong.” Buffy smiled.

“What is that love?” William asks as he pulled her closer to him.

“I have never slept with Angel or any of my male friends.” Buffy sighed. She knew how uneasy most guys were about a girl who had male friends.

“I never accuse you of that.” William defended himself.

“I know but I could hear it rolling through that lovely head of yours.” Buffy laughed.

“You wouldn’t be the first guy I dated who thought it.” Buffy explained with a low sigh.

“I’m sorry I guess with me not having many friends and especially not female friends it does tend to drive me a bit mad.” William confessed as he kissed the back of her neck.

“I can understand that.” Buffy agreed.

“So what is next on our agenda?” William asks about their future arrangements.

“I have to start back to work on Monday so that means we will see less of one another but it will give you time to do your research.” Buffy added.

“True. How will get by with out you?” William teased her.

“You’ll manage.” Buffy giggled as he began to slide his hands up underneath her blouse. She felt his hands sliding their way up to her breasts. She had changed clothes after everyone had left and she wore nothing but a t-shirt and a pair of boxers. His hand cup one of her breast as she inhaled deeply. It had been so long since a man had touched her. She prayed she would have enough will power to stop things before they went too far. He rolled her over on her back as his lips push hers apart and they began to kiss passionately as his hand played and stroked her nipple. Buffy cried out in his mouth with pleasure. His mouth moved away from her lips to cover her nipple that really made her squirm like crazy. It was unbearable.

Buffy pulled him away and push her shirt down as she bolted up from the couch.

“I’m sorry did I go too fast?” William frown frustrated.

“No, it’s just too much. I mean…I want too…but I don’t.” Buffy panted.

“When do you think you will? I mean, I’m a patient man Buffy but even I am starting to loose my mind. Its even harder being in your house alone with you at night and not being able to make love to you.” William explains.

Buffy glanced down at the hard bulge in his pant and knew it was unfair to keep this up much longer. He was a man with needs and they had dated for seven months. It was more than enough time for them to move to the next level in their relationship. Then why was she holding off? Was this some sort of mental contest with her self? Was she trying to see just how long she could go with out sex? What ever it was she knew that if she didn’t sleep with William eventually she could loose him.

“I want it to be romantic and yet spontaneous. Right now we both have sex on the brains. Give me some time to adjust to being back home and my new position at work and then I swear if you still want me we will have sex.” Buffy looked at him with pleading eyes.

“Sounds fair enough. But I will warn you the water bill will go up in this house from all the cold showers I will have to take.” William warns her as they both burst into laughter

Chapter 11:

Angel had tossed and turns the entire night after sharing the evening at Buffy’s. He kept thinking about all the changes he saw in her. He wasn’t sure if they were always there or if they were from being in love with William. Either way they were great changes and he wanted so much to tell her. He wanted to tell her how the sun hits her hair just in away that makes it look like she wears a halo. He wanted to tell her how soft her lips were that they reminded him of a rose petal. He knew these things sounded rather corny but he truly felt it. He wanted to tell her how sorry he was that he had never noticed her love for him. That if he had he would….he knew deep down that back then if he knew he would have push her away.

So why couldn’t he do that now? Why was she jammed into his heart? Why did he want to see her, hear her voice, and smell her? She had smelt so delicious last night. Of course she always smelt good before but there was something more erotic about her last night. He knew if he talked to his sister about these feelings she would just lecture him about how stupid he had been for not seeing the signs before. He needed to see her. He kept thinking of a ton of lame reasons he could stop by her work and casually ask her to lunch or stop by her house. Either of those meant he might run into William the great. He hated the guy. He was too damn perfect.

Grabbing his car keys he handed down town to where Buffy’s office was located. When he walked in all the women looked him over and he just smiled casually at them. Normally he would feel his pride being elated at the looks he was receiving but he wasn’t concern with it today. The only woman he wanted to look at him was looking at someone else.

“Hi, I’m here to see Buffy Summers.” Angel announced to the receptionist.

“She is in room 311.” The young lady smiled happily at him.

Angel jumps on the elevator and wondered what he would say once he was face to face with her? He would just play it by ear he told him self.

Stepping off the elevator he search for the office and at last found it at the end of the hall. Knocking on the door he heard her answer out.

“Okay, Jonnie, calm down and listen to me. You can do it. Remember what I trained you before I left.” Buffy shook her head with a compassionate smile as she talked to someone with a phone tab in her ear.

“I will give William my love. Bye.” Buffy hung up the phone. Turning her chair to look toward the door she nearly fell out of her chair. Angel stood there glaring at her like a desperate man. Buffy sensed something was wrong with him. What had happen to him while she was gone? She knew she should just drop the subject that had anything to do with him but her heart reminded her that he was still a friend. Friends help friends.

“Angel.” Buffy sat up straighter as she smiled softly at him.

“Buffy, Hi.” Angel glanced around the enormous new office she was promoted too and was impressed.

“Hi. What’s wrong?” Buffy looks at him with a frown.

“Nothings wrong. I just wanted to see the new office.” Angel answered with a crooked smile.

“Okay.” Buffy glanced at her clock and felt her stomach starting to growl.

“Are you hungry?” Angel asks as he hears her stomach as well.

“Slightly.” Buffy admits with a blush to her cheeks.

“Good. How about I take you out.” Angel offered.

Buffy looks at him with a puzzled frown before answering.

“Are you sure your alright?” Buffy repeats her question.

“I’m fine.” Angel laughs.

“Okay. Cindy hold my calls. I’m going to lunch.” Buffy informed her secretary as she pick up her purse.

Angel noted the lavender skirt and jacket she wore. It was the same one had help pick out for her when she was shopping for more professional attire. It was one of his favorites. It made her look like a pro and yet feminine at the same time.

“Where are you taking me?” Buffy asks.

“You pick.” Angel answers.

Buffy notices the looks of envy on the eyes of the women they pass by. Buffy cant’ help but remember how she was once one of those women. Now, it was different. The only man she would be jealous over was William.

“How about Petey’s. I haven’t had a good greasy burger since I left for London.” Buffy thought suddenly.

“Good. Let’s take my car.” Angel opens the door for her.

Buffy got in and couldn’t help but shake this strange feeling that Angel was struggling with something that he was afraid to talk to her about. She would give him time to open up to her on his own or else she would leave it be. The car drive was filled with music that Angel had playing. It almost felt as if he needed more time to find the courage to discuss something very important to her.

Pulling into Petey’s made Buffy feel like she was sixteen again. This was the place they went to after school and after football games. Petey was famous for his heart attack food. It had a fifties style to it. They took a seat in a booth close to the back.

The waitress brought them both water and menus. But both of them already knew what they wanted. They gave their orders and then just stared across the table at one another.

“Are you really glad to be home?” Angel asks suddenly.

“Of course I am. I mean the promotion in London would have given me more international connections but my life and my friends were here. That means more to be.” Buffy vows.

“I guess I can relate to that.” Angel remembered when he was offered a job at a law firm in New York but he turned it down to be close to his sister. His dad had been terribly pissed off at the time but then a year later his father passed away from a sudden heart attack leaving him and his sister orphans. So he knew in his heart he had made the right choice to stay close to home.

“So how is your love life? You know mine already.” Buffy asks suddenly feeling quite awkward talking to him. It felt like they were strangers instead of long life friends.

“Pretty bare. I have been single since my break up with Darla.” Angel answer as he ran his hands through his hair frustrated.

“Wow, you have been celibate.” Buffy was impressed.

“Yeah, I guess I grew tired of the simple minded girls I was dating. I’m looking for someone who is more of a equal to me. I’m even considering looking for the right woman to settle down with.” Angel stated with a serious face.

Buffy felt her heart halt for a mere second before it started up again.

“Are you serious?” Buffy began to laugh.

“Yes, I am.” Angel continues to look serious.

“Angel Barrett the man who swore to me that he would never even consider marriage until after he turn thirty and then the woman had to be as close to a goddess of love as possible. This same man is now telling me he is considering settling down.” Buffy stated at him with utter amazement.

“Yes, even I can change.” Angel said with a hurt look in his eyes.

“Well of course you can. I didn’t think there was anything wrong with the old you.” Buffy frowns at him.

“Oh come on Buffy you know the old me was a hard cold player. He didn’t care about the women’s feelings or what they felt the morning after when he left their beds cold.” Angel stated with a guilty expression.

“True but you said it was the code. That all men were like that.” Buffy reminded him.

“Yeah, well they are fools.” Angel remarked just as the waitress brought them their orders.

They were silent as they dug into their food. Buffy was trying to figure out what or who had caused this sudden change of heart in Angel? She felt a slight tinge of jealousy of the power that this particular woman had over him. She must be one hell of a woman she thought as she suck on her chocolate milk shake glancing at him from time to time.

“Buffy, what if I were to tell you that I’m in love with someone but she doesn’t know it?” Angel sat his glass of coke down as he suddenly found the courage to approach the subject.

Buffy just started to swallow a drink of her coke when she spit it out all over their table.

Angel looked down at the mess and then back at her scarlet red cheeks.

“Damn I didn’t mean for you to spit at me.” Angel suddenly burst into laughter.

Buffy was embarrassed but at the same time she too began to laugh.

Chapter 12:

“I’m so sorry.” Buffy began to apologized for spitting all over his half ate meal.

“Its fine.” Angel laughed as he push his plate to the side and wipe the coke off the table.

Buffy pushed her food to the side as well.

“Why are you telling me all of this?” Buffy asks suddenly aware of what a personal subject he was sharing with her.

“I always thought you and I were the closest out of Faith’s friends.” Angel half lied.

“True but still you have Faith to talk to about these things.” Buffy reminded him.

“Faith as much as I love her wouldn’t believe a word I said. Plus you and I were more alike than the rest.” Angel reminded her of how she was once considered the female player of the gang.

“Okay I will give you that.” Buffy agrees with a guilty smile.

“Anyway, I just was wondering how do you go about telling someone that you were a fool not to notice them before? How do you tell them that the sun and moon sets on them alone?” Angel looks at her with deep emotions in his eyes.

Buffy felt her heart sink at how genuinely in love he appeared. She was glad for him but she still felt slightly off by this news. She knew that eventually it would happen to even a player like Angel but in the past it had been her dream that she was the lucky girl he fell in love with. That dream was gone. She had to stay calm and remind herself that she was with William now. He was her best friend and such a sweet man. He made her feel good about her self. He made her smile when she was so damn angry. He made her laugh at things that were morbid as hell. He was perfect for her. Yet sitting here listening to Angel confess his love for another woman made her almost wish that she had never met William. Then she told herself she would be alone and miserable while Angel would be lucky in love. If this had to happen at all this was the perfect time for it.

“So this woman has no clue you love her?” Buffy asks as she sits up straighter to try and give him all her attention and the best advice as possible.

“Not that I know of.” Angel agrees.

“Why now? Why suddenly do you love her?” Buffy asks curiously.

“I think I always did love her but I was scared of loving anyone. I wasn’t ready to settle down and I knew in my heart I would only hurt her. I didn’t want her to be another notch on my belt or as you would say another trophy on my mantle.” Angel chuckled.

“Sounds like you made the right choice by not getting involved with her back then. However am can you be so sure you have changed now? I mean, not to hurt your feelings but how does a man like you just suddenly stop wanting more and more?” Buffy inquires.

“I guess you get to a certain point where you look at the person lying next to you and you think there has to be more that this? You still feel this void, a terrible ache, after the sex is over.” Angel explains as best as he can.

“I can understand that.” Buffy licks her dry lips as she remembers her last one nightstand that happened to be Faith’s new boyfriend at the time.

“I know this sounds personal but I have to ask. When you slept with William did it feel more gratifying than a one night stand?” Angel asks. He knows that he is just curious about how deep and far their relationship has gone so far.

Buffy gulps hard at this hard question. She knows she should be completely honest with him but she feels stupid telling him that she has not slept with William and yet she claims to love him.

“I haven’t…well…you see we have not been that intimate yet.” Buffy stumbles with her words.

“What?” Angel frowns as he barely heard what she said.

“I haven’t had sex with him. I wanted to wait.” Buffy rolls her eyes as he forces her to come out and just say it.

“How long have you two been together?” Angel frowns.

“Seven months.” Buffy says knowing what is going through his mind.

“You have been celibate for seven months while dating a guy you say you love.” Angel stated rather than questions.

“Yes. Its not a crime.” Buffy snaps frustrated that everyone seem to be so shock that she could keep her legs together.

“I know it isn’t. I’m just impressed.” Angel admits with a genuine smile.

“How is he taking it?” Angel suddenly asks.

“He is growing a bit weary now that we are in the same house together.” Buffy confesses.

“Wow, I imagine.” Angel chews on his lower lip wondering if he would ever have that much will power? He smiled in his head knowing he wouldn’t. He would seduce her until she begged for him to come to her room.

“What are you smiling at?” Buffy looks at the constant smile with the far away look in his eyes combined.

“Oh nothing.” Angel shakes the thought out of his head.

“Lets bring his subject back to you. So you’re in love with a woman who you are afraid to confess your love too? Why are you scared?” Buffy asks.

“Well, you see she is seeing someone else.” Angel glances around the room nervously.

“So it’s really too late for you at this point. Maybe you should wait and see how things work out with her and this guy she is seeing before you make such a confession.” Buffy suggests with a soft smile.

“Yeah, but what if things get serious between them and I am force to regret never telling her?” Angel pointed out.

“Angel, do you think you would be the right man for her?” Buffy asks.

“Yeah.” Angel answers as he suddenly makes the decision that he would better for Buffy than that British Billy Idol look alike.

“If you are positive that you are the right man for her then maybe you should let her know and then she can choose between you and the other guy. But don’t get your hopes up. I mean, when a couple invest time and love between them its hard to pick the guy that you “might have a chance” of happiness with.” Buffy answered with honesty.

“You know your pretty damn smart.” Angel compliments her as he catches her staring at her watch.

“Let me get you back to work before you loose that fancy job of yours.” Angel pulls out a few bills and puts them on the table.

“What are you doing?” Angel looks angrily at her.

“I’m paying for my half.” Buffy answers innocently.

“Like hell.” Angel shoves her money back into her purse.

“This was my treat. My invitation.” Angel explains with a softer tone as he leads her out of the diner.

“You know you still live in that damn cave of yours.” Buffy remarks causing them both to laugh as they drove her back to work.

Chapter 13:

Buffy had come home to find tons of paper work thrown all over her living room with a fax machine hook up on the end table where she once had a vase.

“What the hell happen?” Buffy cries out with a worried frown.

“Hi love. Sorry I had some work to do. I had to go buy a bloody fax machine so Philippe could send me the paper work that he totally fuck up.” William explained with a frustrated growl.

Buffy had a gut feeling dinner would be up to her tonight. She walks into the kitchen and starts to prepare a salad for dinner since she was still feeling so full from her greasy lunch with Angel today. It was then that she really had time to think about their private conversation. She wondered who the girl was? Who had he known for sometime and who was now in a serious relationship? Not many names popped up in her head. Not to mention that he had referred to her as a friend. Then suddenly a face came to mind and her head began to spin and she felt as if her lungs had stop functioning.

Willow. Willow was the only one that she knew of that had just got into a serious relationship again. Was it possible that Angel had suddenly realized that he loved her? Was this some kind of cruel joke? Tears began to sting her eyes as she fought to remain calm. She didn’t want William to come in to check on her and see her like this. She couldn’t explain to him how Angel falling in love with Willow could hurt her so immensely.

She tried to shake the thought out of her head by telling her self she could be so wrong. Right. Picking up the phone she dialed Faith’s home number. Faith answered luckily.

“Hey, it’s Buffy.” Buffy whispered as she made her way to the back yard. She didn’t want William to accidentally overhear what she was about to ask Faith.

“Hey you. How was your first day back to work?” Faith asks.

“It was fine. I had a surprise for lunch.” Buffy says bitterly.

“A surprise?” Faith frowns as she pours a can of soup into the pot.

“Your brother showed up and took me to lunch.” Buffy stated with a tense tone.

“HE DID!” Faith throws the can in the trash and wipes her hands with the towel. Her heart began to race. Had he told her what they had accidentally confessed to him? Had he been so stupid has to tell her that he knew that she was once in love with him? If he had why would he put her through that sort of embarrassment when it was done and over and in the past?

“Yeah, you know I knew something was off about him last night but I just couldn’t put my finger on it. I thought that fate was just trying to mess with my head or put me through some kind of test to prove I was over Angel once and for all. Then the next day he shows up and invites me to lunch.” Buffy pauses as she takes a few deep breaths.

“What did he say Buffy?” Faith asks with a panic sound in the back of her throat.

“He told me he had open his eyes and suddenly realized he was in love with a woman. That he wanted to settle down with her.” Buffy nearly shouts with fury.

“Oh God! Buffy, I’m so sorry. I mean, I didn’t tell him about you. It just kinda slip up when he received the wonderful birthday gift you gave him.” Faith began to blurt out at a rapid pace.

“Uh?” Buffy asks. Buffy wonders what Faith is talking about.

“What are you talking about?” Buffy asks again.

“What are you talking about?” Faith mock.

“I’m not sure anymore. Oh, anyways he tells me that this mystery woman is involved with someone else and he asks me for my advice on whether he should tell her how he feels or not? I mean, why me?” Buffy cries out with grief as she drops her head and lets the tears slide down her face.

“I don’t know darling.” Faith is totally confused by her brother at this point. Who was this woman he suddenly was in love with and why would he be so cruel as to ask Buffy for advice when he clearly knew about her feelings for him? She was going to beat him royally when she found him.

“He mentions it was a friend. The only person I can think of that is recently involved is Willow.” Buffy bawls into the phone.

“WILLOW! Hahaha! NO Way. Sorry sweetheart but no. I would know if my brother was in love with her and he isn’t. Remember he is into blonds. He detests red heads. He says they are too smart or too much of a smart ass for his taste.” Faith laughs hysterically at the image.

“Really.” Buffy mumbles as her anger begins to dissolve and humor sets in.

“Please, I love you to death but I can swear on my life that Willow isn’t he woman who won my brother’s heart.” Faith fought back the laughter that wanted to keep going.

“Your right.” Buffy agreed with a silly smile on her face.

“Still, why would he want my advice about this situation? I mean I told him that I thought he should leave the couple alone unless he thought he was the right person for the girl. I didn’t know what else to say.” Buffy chuckled.

Faith frowns as she wonders if Angel had discover his own buried feelings for Buffy after it was exposed about her own feelings toward him. He had changed quite a bit since he discovered the news. She had just figured it was due to his break up with Darla that causes him to act grumpy and stay holed up in his office. Now, it made more sense. Angel had realized that he loved her too. Now that he couldn’t have her of course made him want her even more if she knew her brother.

“You gave good advice. So I guess it was hard for you to hear him confess love for another woman.” Faith thought out loud.

“I asked him what made him believe that he was truly ready to settle down and he just said that he knew it.” Buffy answered with disgust.

“I guess you were right and I was wrong.” Faith sighs.

“What are you talking about?” Buffy picks a rose off the bush as she listens.

“You said that one day some woman would steal his heart and settle him down.” Faith answered.

“Yeah, but I also thought it would be me.” Buffy laughs bitterly.

“True but your happier now. You said that William was the right kind of guy for you. So what if you weren’t the one.” Faith was trying to cheer her up.

“Your right. I am so lucky. Thanks Faith. Please don’t tell Willow what I thought.” Buffy laughs.

“NO problem wouldn’t want to cause her to have nightmares.” Faith giggles.

“I will catch up with you later. I need to go cook dinner. William is dealing with some sort of business fiasco.” Buffy explained.

“All right bye hon.” Faith smiled as she hung up the phone.

Chapter 14

Faith wanted to grab something and throw it straight at her brother’s big goofy looking head.

“What in God’s name were you thinking?” Faith shouted across the living room at Angel.

Reily had just come home from work and once he heard Faith’s voice rising he headed straight to their room.

“What?” Angel looked stunned at the anger directed toward him.

“Buffy just got off the phone with me.” Faith answered with a huff.

“Yeah?” Angel felt his heart start to sink as he realized she must have called Faith and revealed to his sister what was suppose to be a private conversation between them.

“She thought that the woman you were in love with was possibly Willow.” Faith stated with her hands firmly on her hips.

“Willow? Our Willow?” Angel’s head fell back as laughter roar out of his mouth.

Faith fought back her own laughter that she felt from remembering the images that she had seen when it first came up.

“Seriously Angel, why would you tell her you were in love with another woman when you know how she felt about you? I thought you were more compassionate than that?” Faith looked at her brother with disappointment clearly on her face.

“I am compassionate. I …I saw her and William together and it drove me insane last night. I don’t like him. I don’t think he is right for her.” Angel argued weakly.

“Who is then? Angel, you need to be honest with yourself and with me damn it. Are you in love with Buffy? Was she the woman you were referring too?” Faith asks him with concern in her voice as she walked up to him.

“Yes. I think I do love her.” Angel confesses as she sits on the edge of the couch looking like a man who had just been told he was fatally ill.

“What do you mean you think? You are or your not.” Faith responds as she sits on his lap.

“I am. Ever since you guys revealed her secret I haven’t been able to think of anyone or anything else other than her.” Angel confesses.

“So what sort of relationship do you see you two having?” Faith asks curious.

“I could see myself married to her with a couple of kids running around us.” Angel admits as the image of Buffy round with his child and a few running around them both makes him beam.

“You know she use to fantasized about this. She would hope that you would open your eyes one day and just see her and know you two were meant to be together.” Faith confesses hoping Buffy never kills her for revealing so much to him.

“Honestly, what are my chances with her?” Angel looks down at his sister with fear in his eyes.

“I’m not sure. She said and she seems to be over you last night. But when you mention being in love with someone that threw her for a loop. Especially when she thought that woman was Willow.” Faith replied with a chuckle.

“So you think she was jealous because I was in love with another woman period or because it was her friend?” Angel asks.

“Both. I honestly think that she has a great relationship with William but the fact that there has been no sexual relationship leaves me to think that she really sees him as more of a friend than a future husband.” Faith gives her advice.

“You know I wondered the same thing. I mean there is nothing wrong with waiting to have sex but seven months? No man in his right mind would wait that long.” Angel shivered at the thought of being in that situation.

“You wouldn’t if Buffy gave you the ultimatum?” Faith teases him.

“Okay maybe for Buffy I could. But not any other woman.” Angel shakes his head with disgust.

“Angel if your going to make your move you better do it fast. Now that Buffy thinks you’re in love with someone else she will move her relationship in a faster pace with William. Which would mean she would sleep with him.” Faith predicts.

“OH God no! Please don’t say that.” Angel looked disgusted.

“It’s true. Buffy needs to feel loved now more than ever. She believes she has lost the one man she adored and admired above all others.” Faith sighed heavily.

“What do I do? How do I tell her with out screwing up things between her and William in case we are both wrong?” Angel pleads with his sister to help with this predicament.

“Trust me once you tell her you love her there is no going back and there is no way of preventing damage between her and William or William toward you.” Faith answers with a solemn look.

“I don’t care how William feels about me. I want Buffy. I won’t loose her again.” Angel demands with a fierce look.

“I can’t believe it. And trust me Buffy will need to be persuaded to believe it. I mean, I do believe you love her now but she is going to think that its because you learn of her true feelings from us and then seeing her with someone else made your cave man instincts come out. You know how she argues that men want a woman more if another man takes her. You have to prove that you are not being a caveman for once but that you genuinely love her with all your heart and soul. That although it started out because we stupidly open our mouths it made you open your eyes in time to see what you really felt for her. This is going to be hard for the both of you and it will put a severe strain on your friendship if it doesn’t work out. Are you willing to take that chance?” Faith asks.

“Yes, I would rather loose her all together than have only half of her.” Angel declared with love pouring out of his eyes.

Faith wanted to cry from the happiness that filled her heart and soul.

Chapter Fifteen:

William had received a call after he cleaned up the fiasco back home for an interview with a very wealthy and influential businessman in New York. William wanted her to come with him but knew that her work came first so he made her promise that if he was force to stay until the end of the weekend she had to fly up for the weekend. She promised him she would try as she kissed him good-bye at the airport.

Driving home she felt an old emotion slip up on her. Loneliness. She was all a lone again. She wanted to suddenly cry. She missed William already. However she told herself this was time to get her self-prepared to take their relationship to the next level. She would be ready to have sex with him once he returns or if necessary when she flew up for the weekend. She didn’t want to loose him. She hated being alone. He was like her best friend. He knew her and understood her in away that many men never did. Only one had. Angel. Angel was no longer in the picture for her. Because she couldn’t be just friends with Angel anymore. He would be Faith’s big brother in her eyes from now on.

It made things easier and simpler that way. No one got hurt in that theory. When she arrived home she was surprised to see that the very persons she was thinking about swinging on her front porch swing.

“Hey you!” Buffy called out politely as she walked up to her porch.

“Sorry, I was wanting to talk to you and I called Faith who told me you should be home soon so I thought I would wait.” Angel explained why he was just sitting there. He knew it had to look a bit eerie.

“Oh. Yeah, I had to take William to the airport.” Buffy explained with a sad smile.

“Did he go back to London?” Angel hoped.

“No, he is meeting with Fred Winscott about opening up a few restaurants in the New York and L.A. area.” Buffy answered as they walked in the house.

“Really. Fred Winscott that is one big time tycoon.” Angel whistled with an impressed smile.

“I know.” Buffy agreed. She was still amazed at some of the famous people that William had connection with.

“Would care for something to drink?” Buffy asks politely as she strolls into the kitchen to fix her self a glass of wine. She seemed to sleep better when ever she had one right before bed.

“Sure fix me what ever you’re having.” Angel called out as he set down on the couch.

A few minutes later Buffy returned with two glasses of white wine.

“Wine?” Angel looks surprised.

“It helps me sleep better at night.” Buffy explained as she sips on hers.

“I know what use to make you sleep better.” Angel teases her.

“Stop it!” Buffy laughs at his vulgar memory. She knew he was speaking of a good night of sex. They both had shared a discussion on that topic once.

“I guess your not doing so well with sleep either.” Buffy gave him a smug smile.

“Touché.” Angel laughed.

“So why are you here?” Buffy asks as she settles down in the couch comfortably next to him.

Angel looks at her and remembers their last night together before she went to London how they had set just like this except Buffy was wearing less clothes and madly but secretly in love with him. How ironic that now the shoe was on the other foot. He was the one who was madly but secretly in love with her.

“I wanted to tell you something. I’m not sure if this is the right time or place.” Angel admits as he chews on his lower lip nervously. He kept thinking about what Faith had said. Either take the chance now or live with loosing her forever.

“You sound so sad lately. I wish you could lighten up. I miss the fun stuff we use to talk about.” Buffy suddenly said out loud. Slipping off the couch she flip on the radio so she could hear some music. She wondered what it might be like to dance with Angel? Dancing with William was like walking on air.

“I miss it too.” Angel agrees with a frown as she just abruptly interrupts him and starts up the radio. She was making it harder for him to announce his feelings for her.

“Lets dance.” Buffy shouted as she stretch out her hands in front of him.

Angel wondered how many glasses of wine she had before he got there? She was just not the same shy sweet little girl she once was. London had changed her. Or had William done this remarkable work? Either way he was enjoying it. They were laughing and dancing to a fast pace song when suddenly a slow song come on. The irony was that this particular song had played the night after he left her homecoming dinner. It had stuck in his head ever since. He felt like it was their song.

“May I have this dance?” Angel asks formally.

Buffy laughs at his teasing.

“Yes you may.” She bows.

His arms slip around her waist while hers circle around his neck. There is a decent about of room between them as they began to dance. The sound of the music, the fast pace dancing earlier and the wine she had drunk made her relax in his arms. She slowly lied her head on is chest as she listen to the words of the song.

She is his yellow brick road.
Leading him on
And letting go as far as she lets him go
Going down to nowhere
She puts on her make up the same way
she did
yesterday when everything was the same
But everything has changed.
In my mind everything we did was right.
Open your eyes and I will still be by your side.
How could I have ever been so blind
You give me something to sleep too at night

Buffy felt Angel tighten his grip pulling her closer to him. She also felt his breathe on her neck. Her hands, having a mind of their own, began to slide up and down the back of his neck.

He wakes up to the sound
So scare she is leaving
He wishes she was still asleep next to him.
Hoping she will try.
In my mind everything we did was right.
Open your eyes and I will still be by your side.
How could I have ever been so blind
You give me something to sleep too at night.
You give me something to sleep to…
All I know is
you give me something to dream to when
Tomorrow is all blue
Don’t leave me now
Don’t leave me now.

Buffy wonders what is going through his mind as his hands slowly began to move in an almost massage fashion at the small of her back. Buffy feels her heart racing as she likes the way it feels. She is starting to relax in his arms. Then she feels his lips brush across her the tip of her ear and shivers slide up and down her spine. She shivers slightly at a simple touch.

Don’t leave me now
Don’t’ Leave me now
Don’t leave me now
Don’t leave me now
Don’t leave me now
(In my mind)
In my mind everything we did was right.
Open your eyes and I will still be by your side.
How could I have ever been so blind.
You give something to sleep too.
Something to sleep too
Something to sleep too
Something to sleep to at night.

The song had ended and the local DJ began to tell everyone about the latest concert news. Buffy fear that when he released her from his hold she would fall backward. She was breathless and tingling so badly that even her knees felt weak. What had just happen between them? She almost felt as if Angel was trying to seduce her? She knew that was an insane thought when he had just sworn he was in love at last with another woman. So why was he here and why was he dancing so intimately with her?

“Buffy, I’m so sorry.” Angel replies as he keeps her in his arms looking down into her deep green eyes.

Buffy frowned at him wondering what he had to be sorry for? Filled with purpose, and more determined than he had been about anything lately, Angel leans down and barely pressed his lips against hers. It was better than he had expected, better than he dreamed. He cocked his head so their noses would not present a barrier and kissed her again. Lightly. Tentatively. Shyly.

Buffy stood stiff and motionless, but a low moan slipped from her throat.

Chapter 16:

Her dark green eyes search his light golden brown eyes. Buffy closed her eyes then open them, searching his face, hers look tormented. She seemed to be telling Angel to stop. Begging him to move away from her because she didn’t have the will power to move herself. But Angel had no intention of following her silent demand.

None. Instead he smiled boldly down at her, his heart in his eyes. Buffy claimed his lips then, and groaned anew as if holding him were the last thing in the world she wanted to do. Her mouth clung to his, warm and demanding as her tongue plundered the dark, sweet secret of his mouth, taking all that he offered.

His hands pulled her tight against him and he continued to kiss her back, again and again until she was flush and trembling and her body felt as if it could boil.

“Oh God, Angel. No. No. This isn’t right.” Her voice was tortured and barely audible. But still he didn’t release her.

Buffy’s face was hard. Harder than at any time Angel could remember. Her eyebrows were pulled down over her eyes, which were busily searching his face; seeking answers he couldn’t give her.

Gently, her hands slid down from around his neck, she pulled away from his hands that were holding her close to him. Stepping away but not far away she turn slightly so he could only see half of her face.

“Buffy,” he whispered, “listen…”

“No you listen…”

The same mindless force that had driven him to suddenly kiss her led him to move behind her and circle his arms around her waist to pull her back side against him as he lean his head down on the top of her head.

He could feel the coil resistance in her, but refused to release her.

“Angel, damn it, your not making this easy.”

Her hands started to move down to break his hold and release herself from the trap of his arms. At least that was what he thought was her intent. But instead her fingers closed over his knuckles, squeezing his hands together with such force he nearly gasp in pain. But when her hand touched his something seems to snap inside her and she relaxed, causing him to melt all the more intimately against her.

Both were shocked at how good their bodies felt so closely together.

An eternity had passed before either moved. They hardly seem to breathe. Angel would have held onto Buffy until the second coming if she had not broken free of his clasp and moved away from him. Her breath was choppy then, as though it had cost her a great deal to leave his arms. Her intense green eyes stubbornly avoided his.

“I think it would be best if we forgot that ever happen.” She said gruffly and seemed engrossed on finding a new radio station.

“I’m not going to forget it.” Angel didn’t know why he felt he had to argue with her, but he did.

“I thought you had a rule about never touching your sisters friends or another man’s woman?” Buffy stared at him with an icy glare.

“This is different.” Angel argued with a determine look in his eyes that told Buffy he was not going to just let this sacred moment pass between them.

“Angel, what in the hell is going on in that head of yours? You tell me that you’re in love with someone and now you’re over here kissing me. Please fill in the missing pieces to this bizarre puzzle.” Buffy pleaded hoarsely as she pick up her glass of wine and down it in one gulp. She made sure she kept plenty of distance between them.

Buffy felt lightheaded. She felt as if she was reliving an old fantasy she once used to have about her and Angel finding love in one another’s arms. But this was reality. And she was in love with William now.

“Its hard for me to say.” Angel admitted as he drank his glass of wine down swiftly like she had.

“I will be right back. Maybe when I return you can explain this all to me.” Buffy says as she nearly runs into the kitchen to grab the bottle of wine. Her head was still spinning and it was not from the one glass of wine she had drunk. Licking her lips she could taste the mixture of the wine and his mouth on her lips. Her hands trembled and her body grew hot as hell. Taking deep breaths in and out she went back to the living room where she found Angel standing in front of the fireplace staring down at the unused logs as if he was looking for the answer in it.

“Would you like some more wine?” Buffy asks as she pours herself another glass and sits the bottle on the table between them.

Angel notes the distance she is trying to keep between them.

He picks up the bottle and pours himself a glass full.

“Angel, what is really going on?” Buffy pleads with him.

“Buffy, when you were gone I discovered that you had feelings for me. At least before you left for England.” Angel decided to be straight up with her.

Buffy’s face turn beet red. Closing her eyes she fought the urge to scream out loud. How could Faith have told him after she vowed never too? She was pissed beyond anything she had ever experience before.

“Faith didn’t tell me.” Angel read her mind.

“Who did?” Buffy demanded angrily.

“It doesn’t matter. It sort of just came out at my birthday party when I received your gift. I was so shock that you would remember something so personal and so expensive for me. When I learn that no one else was surprised by your lovely gift I came to understand what they were trying not to say. Buffy, you were right.” Angel stopped him self as he considered his next set of words.

“Right?” Buffy frowns at him as she sits down to prevent her self from kicking something. She was that damn mad.

“If you had told me back then that you loved me I would have told you it was a mistake. Because I wasn’t ready. I would have feared breaking your heart back then. While you were away it gave me time to look at my life and our relationship. I came to realize that every reason that I would have possibly given you for why we wouldn’t work out made no sense to me. It sounded lame. The truth was and has been that I was terrified of commitment. You knew that.” Angel paused as he sipped on the wine.

“Then I began to look at you with eyes of a man looking at a young woman. Not the teenager I knew nor the wild college co-ed. You were more to me than just my little sister’s best friend. You had been my best friend too. I could share things with you that I couldn’t even tell Gunn or Xander. I trusted your judgment. Hell, I even listen to your advice before my own sister. I was already in love with you but I didn’t know that was what it was called.” Angel stopped talking. He wanted to give her time to let this all absorb in her head.

Buffy stared at the wine in her glass for a few minutes before looking up at him.

“So when I came home with another man my value increased.” Buffy stated with a cold tone.

“NO! I knew you were going to think that way. It wasn’t like that at all. When I discovered you were seeing someone else I hoped it would fail and you would return home single so I could pursue these feelings I had for you. Then I learn you were home and not a lone. I was crushed.” Angel cried out in agony.

“So once you learn that I HAD feelings for you, you suddenly began to search your heart. It sounds just too damn convenient for me.” Buffy argues with him.

“Trust me when it hit me I felt like someone had struck me with a lighting bolt. You were the woman I was talking about the other day at lunch. You said that if I thought that I was right for the woman that I should say something. Well, I am saying it. I think I am the right man for you. Not William or any other bastard.” Angel declared with a possessive look in his eyes.

Buffy felt her stomach knot up from the passion and jealousy she saw mixed in his eyes. She wanted to believe every word he said but it just could not be real. It just was not possible for him to just open his eyes suddenly and see that she was the right woman for him. Where was the catch? What was his true purpose for breaking her and William up?

“I’m sorry I can’t believe all of this. It’s just too sudden and a little too late.” Buffy shakes her head.

“I understand if you feel that way but I swear I will prove to you that my love is true and that you belong with me.” Angel vows to her as he steps closer to her.

Buffy puts her hand up in front of him to prevent him from coming any closer to her.

“Please go.” Buffy stated calmly as she looks down at the ground. She knows if she looks in his eyes she will weaken. She needed to be strong right now.

“Buffy..” Angel began.

“GO.” Buffy shouts with a painful cry.

“I will go but this is not over.” Angel promises her as he places the glass down on the table and walks to the door. Opening the door he grabs his coat.

“Buffy, trust your heart. You know that we are soul mates. You know that everyone settles down. You also know that you are not really in love with William. The love you feel for him doesn’t compare to the love you say you USED to have for me.” Angel leaves her with something to think about as he shuts the door behind him.

Buffy picks up the throw pillow by her and lays her head into it and bawls like a baby. She wanted to believe every word he said but she feared that tomorrow he would change his mind and she would be left with that ache once again. She could not afford to loose William after all the time it took her to break Angel out of her heart and soul. William had never played with her head or forced her to do something she didn’t want to do. He didn’t make her feel as extremely crazy when they kissed like Angel had but it was enough to satisfy her. Angel Barrett was insane. That had to be the reason he was doing this to her. There was just no other reasonable explanation she told herself as she fell asleep on the couch weeping.

Chapter 17 :

Buffy had called an emergency lunch request to Willow and Faith. She met with them at the small little café a block away from her office. She waited until both girls were seated before her before she began her well-prepared speech.

“Look I don’t who told Angel about my past feelings for him and honestly I don’t care. What I do care about is the fact that he shows up at my house last night and kisses me telling me that is in love with me. Now you two are going to help me fix this. Angel is not in love with me. He is in love with the thought of being in love.” Buffy gave them her theory about Angel’s sudden feelings of love toward her.

“Buffy, I hate to tell you this but I think he really is.” Faith announced as she lean back in the chair and stared at Buffy with a somber face.

“NO he can’t be. I have found a great guy and now he just suddenly falls in love with me. I’m sorry girls as much as I dreamed of this day I can’t …no…I don’t believe it.” Buffy shook her head in disagreement.

“Don’t or don’t want too?” Faith challenges her.

“What’s the bloody difference?” Buffy cried out furious.

“The difference is that my brother happens to love you. He admitted it to me. He told me he knew you would not believe this. I agreed with him. In fact I told him it was going to take a hell of lot to prove otherwise to you.” Faith confessed with a smug smile.

“Are you two serious?” Willow looks between them with bewildered eyes.

“YES!” They both shout.

“Shh…we are in a café. Do you love William more?” Willow asks curiously.

“I don’t know if I love him more but I know he really loves me.” Buffy cries out defensively.

“See right there proves my theory. If you were in love with William then you wouldn’t hesitate to say you love him more. But you did. Buffy, honey maybe you should give Angel the opportunity to prove to you that he is not acting foolish or just jealous.” Willow suggested with compassionate eyes.

Faith stared down at her glass of tea wondering if they were doing the right thing by pushing Buffy toward Angel. If they were wrong and he changed his mind then Buffy could loose William. William made her happy. They could cost her a love that she deserved.

“Faith you are awful quiet.” Buffy sighs as she looks over at her.

“I don’t know anymore. I know that when he found out about your true feelings it threw him in a loop. He started working a lot and seeing less and less of Darla. Which God knows we were all relieved. He just seem to change over night. I don’t want either of you to get hurt Buffy. I love you both. If you think that William is the right one then go for it. But if you have any doubts then take this time while William is away and let Angel show you how he feels for you.” Faith gave her advice although she was weary to do so.

“I know what your both say makes logical sense but I cant’ take another heartache due to Angel. It will kill me. It was so hard to make him leave last night.” Buffy admits with a miserable moan.

“So the kiss was great?” Willow looks at her with a twinkle in her eyes.

“It was better than great. Still, love isn’t all about sex, only half of it.” Buffy reminded them with a mature tone to her voice.

“Sure. What ever you say.” Faith chuckles.

“I guess it couldn’t hurt to let him prove to me that he is serious but I have to warn you that I am not sure if I am still truly in love with Angel anymore. William has changed my views on life and love. He is stable and loyal. He makes me feel safe.” Buffy replied with a worried frown.

“He sounds like a great pet.” Faith rolls her eyes.

“Faith.” Buffy playfully punches Faith in the arm.

“Seriously Buffy, I like William. I think he is a great guy but you have been given the chance to find out once and for all if you and Angel are truly soul mates. I think you will regret it if you walk away before then if you had given it a chance and failed.” Faith stated with conviction.

“Very well. I guess I can give him until William returns. But then I have to tell William what is going on. Either way. It’s not fair to him. Plus I feel like I am cheating on him somehow.” Buffy explains with a guilty look.

“As long as you two don’t sleep together I don’t see any way you could be cheating on him. What could be worse is that you two get married and you cheat him out of having all of your heart.” Willow said as she looked on with a heart-wrenching smile.

“Fine. You two win. But for now no one else knows about this. Promise me.” Buffy holds out both her hand with her pink crooked. Each girl slips their pinky in hers and they make a pinky swear.

“Good. Well now I have to go to work and somehow focus on my job. Faith call Angel and tell him that I will give him until William returns on Saturday to prove to me he loves me and were meant to be.” Buffy sighs heavily.

“Will do.” Faith grins from ear to ear.

“Bye Buffy.” They both call out as she leaves the café to head back to work.

“So did we do the right thing?” Willow looks suddenly worried.

“We did what we had too. I love them both. I believe in my heart that Angel has really saw Buffy as a woman rather than one of my bratty friends. I think he loves her but just didn’t know that was how deep his feelings went. Plus back then he wasn’t ready to commit himself to one person.” Faith thought out loud as she grab her cell phone and dial her brothers number to give him Buffy’s message.

Willow sat back and listen to the one sided conversation and hoped that they knew what they were doing for that couple. If not all of their friendships would be awkward when Buffy wouldn’t show up if Angel was invited and vice a versa.

Chapter 18:

Angel had started courting Buffy the second he got off the phone with Faith. Calling his favorite florist he had two- dozen stem white roses sent to her office. He remembered they were her favorite this time of the year. Then he called and left a message on her phone for a date this evening. He called and made reservations at the best restaurant and then made plans to go for a walk around the new city Park that had a small pond with ducks in it. He thought it would be romantic to walk under the moonlight plus it gave them privacy to talk. He would then walk her home and kiss her good night. That was the first nights plans.

Sitting at his desk he began to write down a few more ideals for the next four days to prove to her that he loved her and what he would need in order to do that. He was growing intensely excited with each second he planned to spend with her. Grabbing his jacket and his list he headed out of the office early to get everything prepared for the four days that he had to court her.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Buffy had just finished up with her last board meeting for the day when the receptionist called her over to the desk.

“Damn girl you have one great boyfriend.” Maggie declared as she stared at the beautifully expensive flowers that were sent to Buffy.

Buffy frowns as she opens up the box and nearly looses her breath as she stares at the roses. They were her favorite. Picking up the card with nervous hands she prayed they were not from William or she would really feel like shit. Luckily they weren’t.

Buffy,

Please be ready for a date with me this evening and dress in your finest. I want to prove to you how much I love you and know you better than anyone else.

Love Always Angel.

Buffy wanted to weep. She knew that she had agreed to this but now she was starting to regret her decision. She was supposed to be in love with William and had sensed that he might propose to her soon. How would it look to him when he return home and she explained how she and Angel tried to see if they were meant to be together while he was away and “Oh by the way we weren’t” or worse “We were I’m so sorry”. Buffy shivered as she thought of breaking Williams heart after everything he had done for her.

“Yeah, they are great.” Buffy mumble as she pick up the box and headed to her office.

“I have a lovely vase for them.” Maggie called out as she opens one of the cabinets to produce a gorgeous crystal vase perfect size for the flowers.

“Where did you get this?” Buffy asks curiously.

“I use to get flowers from my husband before he passed away. I kept the ones he sent me here at the office and then he would of course send more to the house. It was easier that way.” Maggie chuckled slightly at the fond memory.

“He sounds like he was a great man.” Buffy noted.

“He was. I was fortunate enough to get a chance to be with him before he died. We had both been married to other people for almost ten years before fate brought us together. His wife was cheating and my husband was the one she was cheating with.” Maggie explained with a silly smile on her face.

“It didn’t bother you two that you got together that way?” Buffy asks curiously.

“Nope because you see we were in love and those two dated maybe a year more after our divorce and then she cheated on my ex. So we benefited from their cruelty.” Maggie answered after she put the last rose in the vase.

“Wow, that is an amazing story.” Buffy stated.

“Love is like that. It comes when you least expect it and sometimes from the strangest places.” Maggie commented with a humorous chuckle as she left Buffy’s office.

Buffy sat there considering the irony in that statement. All these years she had yearn for Angel to see her and now he had she wish he would go blind. She was happy and content. She didn’t want to be confused and irritated. That is how she had felt in the past about her feelings for Angel. She still felt that way. With William she felt at ease and knew what to expect from him. Angel was completely different than William. Angel was constantly doing the strangest and most spontaneous things out of all their friends. She wondered if his love was just another one of those cases? She knew she would learn for sure at the end of the week.

Chapter 19:

Buffy took off of work a half hour early so she could go get her hair highlighted. She told herself she had already had this planned before the date was made with Angel. When she got home she went through her entire wardrobe and then finally decided on one of her favorites that she had bought a nice little boutique in London. It was a black sleeveless dress that went right below her knees. It had a gorgeous little rhinestones sewed into the top pat of it. It reminded her a starry night. She put on her favorite black high heels and then left her hair down. She put a rhinestone hair clip on one side. She put on her favorite diamond earring studs and a simple silver necklace that had a matching diamond on it. Nothing too fancy but it a bit more elegant than she normally would dress up on a date.

Staring at herself in the mirror she felt horribly guilty how dressed up she appeared. How long had been since she dressed up like this for William she asks her self just as the doorbell rings? Taking a favorite perfume she prayed the air and walk back and forth through it then headed down stairs.

When she opens the door she was speechless. Angel stood there wearing the sexiest down tux she had ever seen on a man before. Then she heard a sound causing her to look past him and saw a horse and carriage in her driveway.

"Holy shit." She mumbled as she looked back and forth from the carriage to him with total disbelief at what was happening.

"I hope I didn't go over board but I remember you mentioning that you always wanted to ride in a horse and carriage someday. Just like the fairy tales." Angel spoke feeling a uneasy. His stomach felt like it was in all in knots. He was nervous and then here she was standing before him looking so damn beautiful that he was truly speechless. He wasn't sure what to say to the one woman he could sit and talk about all his conquests or just bullshit with.

"No, I just…holy shit Angel." Buffy shook her head as she chuckled nervously.

"Are you ready?" Angel laughed at her shock. He hoped she was truly happily surprised.

"Sure." Buffy grab her keys and locked up the door and followed him to the carriage.

The driver jump down at once and held the door open for them. It was all Buffy could do from squealing with joy. It was so exciting for her. She wondered if this was how Cinderella felt liked?

"So where are we headed?" Buffy asks as Angel had seated him self across from her.

"You will see." Angel remarked with a sly smile.

Buffy didn't care where they went she couldn't possibly see him doing anything to top this ride off. It was a secret fantasy that had come true thanks to him. She would always cherish this memory whether or not they worked out.

"Did you enjoy the flowers?" Angel asks hoping to keep them from feeling so awkward.

"Yes, I did and once again you remembered my favorite flowers. I guess I never really thought you listen to me. I mean, sure we were friends but not the intimate romantic things that made me silly with joy." Buffy confesses as she smiles warmly at him.

"Oh, I listened. In fact I have a confession to make." Angel gulps hard before he continues.

"Sometimes I used them to win other women." Angel looked at her with a guilty face.

"I knew." Buffy confessed with a crooked smile.

"You did." Angel exclaimed.

"Of course. Why do you think I had so many one-night stands? Because you made it clear that men were after only one thing. So, I turn the tables around on them. It was fun in the beginning but then it grew old and cold. I hated what I was doing to them and cheating myself out of something that might turn into something special." Buffy informs him.

"Like William." Angel replies with a bitter taste in his mouth.

"Yeah, I took things slow and began to see the man before I saw lust or love. I enjoy his company. We both share the same views on love, business, and family. We are very compatible." Buffy explains with confidence.

"Compatible. What about passionately, madly, deeply out of your minds in love with one another?" Angel asks as he waits patiently for her next answer.

"Some people get lucky to find that sort of love. Sometimes love doesn't have to be that intense to be right. I mean not every couple who've been married for thirty or so more years still feel that crazy lust they felt for their spouse in the beginning but they have things they share together that keep them together." Buffy suggested as she glanced out of the window.

"So you would rather settle for something close to it then to keep taking the chance of finding that sort of love that makes you breathless?" Angel asks.

"It depends on the man that I am settling down WITH." Buffy remarked with a frustrated frown.

She knew what he was up too and she didn't like it. He wanted her to feel like William was just a friend and that they shared nothing more than that. That she was just in a rush to get married that she would settle for second best when the one she loved was available. She wasn't settling she was being reasonable. William was kind and loving. Men like that didn't come in the dozens.

"I see." Angel replied dryly as the carriage came to a halt. He made a mental note to mention William any further for the night. He didn't want them to argue tonight. Tonight was about proving that he was right man for her.

The driver opens the carriage and helped her out. When Buffy stepped down and looked around she was once again speechless. They were at the docks. There was a mini yacht sitting at the end of the walkway with lights on. Somehow she sensed they were going to board that yacht together.

Angel informed the driver when to return for them. Then turn his attention to Buffy who stood there looking in awe at the yacht.

"I had a client who owed me a favor." He explained as he took her hand and guided her to the yacht.

The captain smiled at the beautiful couple that came aboard. He led them to where the arrangements were made for them to dine and dance for the evening while he drove them around.

"Angel, this is gorgeous." Buffy answered softly as she looked at him with such astonishment.

"I know. I told myself what would a girl like you deserved. Restaurants come and go but this was more personal and more romantic." Angel answered happily.

"Sit." Angel pulled out a chair for her as a waiter approach them and began to sit their first course down and pouring them drinks.

"So tell me do you regret coming home?" Angel asks as she moaned from the taste of the food and drinks.

"Not a bit." Buffy admits as she rolls her eyes in the back of her head from the pleasure of tasting the meal before them.

"Good. I don't want you to ever regret coming home." Angel stated with a loving look in his eyes.

Buffy smiled as she licks her lips.

"Wow, it is just so amazing watching the stars while we eat." Buffy said with genuine pleasure.

"I'm more amaze at having you here with me like this." Angel commented as his eyes blazed with passion.

"Me too." Buffy admits half guilty.

"I know you must feel guilty and I am sorry for putting you through that but I swear that by the end of the week you will thankful for this chance to know where your heart truly lies." Angel promised her as they finished their meals and the waiter pick up everything.

"Would you care to dance?" Angel offered as he had ordered music to be played from the speakers on the boat. He had almost hired a band but feared that would be going a bit over board.

"Sure." Buffy frowns at him as she looks around for a source of music.

Angel put his thumb up and then seconds later music began to play from the speakers.

Leading her to a clear spot they began to dance underneath the stars.

Chapter 20:

Angel and Buffy felt the music, champagne, and the romance of the starry sky starting to have an intense affect on them both. Angel wanted so badly to take her to one of the rooms and make passionate love to her but he would have to refrain from those needs. He had to prove to her he loved her and not lusted after her or just wanted her due to the fact that she was unavailable to him.

The music was soft and soothing. Buffy felt so relaxed she even kick off her shoes so her feet wouldn't hurt so much. Angel laughed as she smiled up at him with a twinkle in her eyes.

"Hey you don't have to wear those things." Buffy replied as she stepped back into his arms.

A Celine Dion song began to play. Buffy was very familiar with this one. It was called I Surrender. There were times when she would be down when she would play her songs. This one was the one that always made her think of Angel. The way she would surrender everything to have him. Now here he was trying to give her what she always wanted and she was too afraid to accept it. She found it rather ironic. Laying her head on his chest she listen to the words.

There's so much life
I've left to live
And this fire's burning still
When I watch you look at me
I think I could find a way
To stand for every dream
And forsake this solid ground
And give up this fear within
Of what would happen if they end, you
I'm in love with you
'Cause I'd surrender everything
To feel the chance, to live again
I reach to you
I know you can feel it too
We'd make it through
A thousand dreams I still believe
I'd make you give them all to me
I'd hold you in my arms and never let go
I surrender
I know
I can't survive another night away from you
You're the reason I go on
And now I need to live the truth
Right now, there's no better time
From this fear, I will break free
And I'll live again with love
And know they can't take that away from me
And they will see... yeah
(I'd surrender everything)
To feel the chance, to live again
I reach to you
I know you can feel it too
We'd make it through
A thousand dreams I still believe
I'll make you give them all to me
I'll hold you in my arms and never let go
I surrender
Every night gets longer
And this voice's getting stronger baby
I'll swallow my pride
And I'll be alive
Can't you hear my call?
I surrender all...
(I'll surrender everything)
(To feel the chance, to live again)
I reach to you
I know you can feel it too
We'll make it through
A thousand dreams I still believe
I'll make you give them all to me
I'll hold you in my arms and never let go
I surrender
Right here, right now
I'd give my life to live again
I'll break free
Take me, my everything
I surrender all to you
(Right now)
Right now
(I'd give my life to live again)
I'd give my life
(I'll break free, Take me)
Take me, take me
(my everything)
My everything
(I surrender all to you, right now)
Right now
(I'd give my life to live again)
I'd give my life to you baby
I'll break free, yeah free

His hands began to glide up and down her back in a soothing way that would normally put her to sleep but instead this time it was causing a burning ache deep in the center of her core. Buffy looked up at him, and her eyes were unusually dark and solemn. The effort it cause her to smile was revealed in the in the feeble movement of her mouth.

"Buffy" Angel's voice was hoarse with desire.

She pressed her index finger across his lips so there would be no confessions or questions between them. Although she tried valiantly to prevent it, tears filled her sweet adoring eyes. Inhaling a wobbly breath, she pressed her forehead against his chest in a vain attempt to compose her self.

Angel wrapped his arms around her waist, wanting to comfort her, feeling suddenly lost as what to say or do, and not completely sure what was wrong or what was going through her mind at this precise moment.

"Honey what is it?"

She shook her head.

"Buffy, did I do something wrong?" Angel pleads to understand why she went from happy and silly to suddenly sad.

Buffy swiftly jerked her head back and forth from side to side.

"No, no… of course not." Her arms were around his middle now, her eyes dry as she could make them. But her chin quivered with the effort.

She lifted a hand and touch the side of his face, her eyes full of tenderness that it was all that Angel could do to meet her gaze.

"I'm just tired. The food, dancing, the champagne, and of course the excitement has just wore me down." Buffy answered as she smiled weakly up at him.

"If you were ready to go home I will have them take us back." Angel vowed.

"I would. I have a early day tomorrow." Buffy agreed as she released her arms that had held him tightly to her body. She felt a sudden emptiness as she stepped away from his embrace.

"I'll be right back." Angel informed her as he went to the captain.

Buffy sat down in the chair drinking one more glass of the sweet bubbling. She told her self that this was all too magical of a moment not to feel such an intense need for any man after an evening like this. Yet she longed for Angel liked she had never stopped. What did that mean? Had William not stolen her heart after all? Had he been just distraction to help her forget the love of a man she never dreamed of having? She told her self she would not cry here. She would have to stay calm. She couldn't let Angel see her weakening to his attempts to prove his love for her. She couldn't let him think that he could win her over with a few romantic gestures. She had to stay focused and remembered what love was really about. Not the kind you read about but the realistic version of it.

Chapter 21:

Buffy sat at her desk remembering last night events and how sweet Angel had been about walking her to her door and just giving her a gentle kiss on the lips before he left her. She had wanted him so bad. She knew it was partially due to the celibacy she put her self through for the past seven months. Still, if he had tried harder to seduce her into his bed she would have weaken and given in. She had no doubts about that.

It frighten her how easy it had been for Angel to stir up the old feelings she had for him. When she was in London she had rarely thought of him. She was busy with work and of course doing things with William. There were no such distractions preventing her heart from wanting Angel. She was a victim again. She hated it. It enrages her with an enormous amount of pain. Throwing her pen across the room she growl out loud just as Maggie beep into her phone to let her know she had a call on line two.

“Hello.” Buffy answered miserably.

“I take it you have missed me.” William answered on the other end.

Buffy felt her blood drain from her face at the sound of his voice.

“Of course I did.” Buffy exclaimed.

“Good. Well, I fear I will be out here longer than expected. I have met a few more potential investors. I can’t wait for you to fly out here. I have been telling them all about how incredibly sexy my girlfriend is.” William said happily.

“Girlfriend. Does that sound strange to you?” Buffy asks suddenly as she thought of all the time they had spent together it was the first time he had used that title toward her.

“No. What should I call you “perhaps the mother of my children someday”.” William teases her.

“NO of course not.” Buffy chuckles as she rolls her eyes.

“So what have you been up to while I’ve been away?” William asks.

“Not much. Just work and then hanging out with the gang.” Buffy answered half honest.

“Good. Well, let them know that if you can’t make it here with me that when I return I’m taking all of your attention for at least two days.” William warns her.

“Sounds fair enough.” Buffy smiles softly.

“Well, I will let you get back to work. Love ya.” William says.

“You too.” Buffy hangs up the phone and then lies her head face down on her desk.

Tears sting her eyes as she feels as if she is literally being ripped in half. Two men. Two different men. Two different kinds of love. Only one Buffy she told herself. How could she choose between them and be one hundred percent she was choosing the right one? She knew the answer already but she still wished there was away to be sure.

Buffy was just getting into work mode when Maggie announced she had a visitor.

“Send them in.” Buffy sighed as her stomach growled.

“Hey there.” Angel smiled from ear to ear as he stepped into her office staring around with admiration at the size of it.

“Hey you. Did we have plans for today?” Buffy looks suddenly confused to his sudden appearance.

“We do now. Maggie told me you have not had lunch. So lets go. I made us a picnic to share at the park. No arguing lets go.” Angel warns her as he waves his index finger at her.

Buffy sighs heavily as she turns her answering machine on and follows him with out attempting to argue. She was too tired and hungry too. Besides she told her self maybe some fresh air would help open up her head so when she return to work she could focus on her work.

As they walked past Maggie she just grin silly at the couple. Buffy stepped in the elevator and caught the wink that was shared between Maggie and Angel. She wondered if those two were conspiring against her? She would have to ask him later after he fed her she laughed in her head. She knew already how romantic Maggie was and she adored her with all her heart. How ever she wasn’t going to let anyone push her toward any man. Only her heart would lead her to the one she belonged too.

Chapter 22:

The picnic had been enjoyable. They had sit and discussed some silly moments about their past between them and those that involved their friends. It had been relaxing. There was no tension between them. The meal had been pleasing and then Angel informed her he was considering getting a dog.

“You want a pet?” Buffy looked astonish.

“Yeah I was thinking of picking out a puppy this afternoon. Maybe you can come help me?” Angel suggested.

“Sure. I love dogs.” Buffy agreed.

“Are you allowed to have pets at your apartment?” Buffy suddenly remembered he rented a townhouse.

“Yes and no. Since my lease is coming up I’ve been thinking of buying a house.” Angel admits.

“REALLY?” Buffy exclaims.

“Yes, what does that surprise you so much?” Angel frowns at her.

“Sorry, first you want a dog which means you have to be home to feed and water in it and play with it then your buying a house. Those are two things unlike you.” Buffy explained with a feeble smile. ‘

“Buffy I’m getting older and it would be wise for me to invest into a house rather than giving my money toward something I won’t own. The pet was something I have wanted for sometime. But remember when Faith and I had Pebbles and he died. It was so hard for me to watch him die that I had felt too guilty to consider owning another dog. I felt like I was betraying his memory. Now ten years later I think it is time that I can handle having another pet with out feeling that guilt.” Angel explained, as he looked deep into her eyes.

“Maybe you can help me pick out a house too?” Angel suggested with a sparkle in his eyes.

Buffy suddenly felt awkward. It was one thing to help him pick out a pet but helping him choose a house was a blunt hint that he wanted her to help choose a house that she might want to live in someday. She wasn’t sure if that was such a wise ideal until she was sure who she wanted.

“We will have to see.” Buffy stated simply.

“Okay. Well, I guess I better get you back to work.” Angel pick up their things putting them back into the basket.

Buffy helped as their hands accidentally made contact both froze for a brief second before they continue their task.

“You know Buffy, I had a great time last night. I was wondering if you were up for another date tonight?” Angel asks her as he helps her get up from the ground.

“I guess but I can’t be out so late.” Buffy warns him as she yawns.

“Fair.” Angel agrees.

“Angel, please don’t spend so much money. You can’t win me over with the ability to pay for romance. I need to know you really mean what you say when you say you love me.” Buffy said suddenly.

“How can I do that?” Angel inquires with a heart-wrenching look that made Buffy want to kiss him.

“I don’t know. Honestly.” Buffy admits feeling horrible.

“Okay not so extravagant. I will remember that.” Angel agrees as he walks her back to the front of her office building.

“Thank you for lunch. It was great.” Buffy states honestly.

“Just spending time with you is great.” Angel answers with a deep tender look in his eyes.

Once again he pressed his lips lightly against hers before walking away.

Buffy wasn’t sure how long she just stood there with her eyes half closed? She shook her head and prayed for the strength to be able to work today as she headed back up to her office.

Chapter 23:

When Buffy got home from work there was a message on her machine from Angel telling her to dress casual for tonight’s date. She was relieved that she didn’t have to get all dolled up. Changing into a pair of her favorite jeans and a lavender cardigan that fell off of her shoulders she slipped on a pair of loafers and headed downstairs to make a quick call to Faith. She had not talked to Faith since Angel began his attempts to prove his undying love for her. She knew that Faith would persuade her to lean toward Angel. She wanted this deal to be fair. She called her tonight because she missed her so much and she was used to telling Faith everything about her dates. Although this might be an awkward situation she told herself since the guy she was dating was Faith’s brother?

“To hell with it I’m calling her.” Buffy said out loud as she pick up the phone and dialed the number.

After a couple of rings Faith answered the phone panting into Buffy’s ear.

“What were you doing working out?” Buffy asks with a frown on her face.

“That is one way to look at it.” Faith smiled wickedly.

“OHHHH!” Buffy rolls her eyes in disgust knowing that she had just interrupted Reily and Faith while they were having sex.

“Yeah. That was what he was trying for to give me the big O.” Faith laughed as she heard Buffy gasp.

“You are so sick sometimes.” Buffy laughed.

“Yeah, well I recalled your past but we will let that go now that you have settled your ways.” Faith teased her reminding Buffy she too had a checkered and slightly kinky past.

“Truce.” Buffy cried out.

“So what’s up.” Faith asks as she puts her index finger to Reily who is looking at her with a very frustrated look. Reily can tell its Buffy she is talking to and returns to the room. He knows it might be awhile before she returns.

“Well, your brother has been remarkable I will give him that. He picks me up last night in a horse and carriage covered with flowers. Took me on a yacht where we dined and danced under the stars. Then he shows up at my work today and kidnaps me for a picnic lunch in the park. At the park he bluntly informs me that he would like my help in finding him the perfect dog which he adds will go great with the house that he wants to buy with MY help.” Buffy sighs.

“No shit! Actually he has honest to God been mentioning how lonely he is and that he wanted a dog. Also they up his rent on the townhouse and he thought it was far too much. So he could be playing fair on those two issues. Wow, a horse and a carriage. That sounds so …magical.” Faith was impressed and envious.

“Yeah, it was so unbelievable. I mean I just kept waiting to wake up.” Buffy replies.

“I imagine. I guess from the sound of your voice you two haven’t done the deed yet?” Faith smiles, as she knows how red Buffy’s face is even though she cannot see her.

“NO! I’m still dating William.” Buffy reminds her.

“But your also dating Angel.” Faith states.

“True but I’m William’s girlfriend.” Buffy answered feebly.

“What ever. Trust me you won’t be for long. I like William, I’ve told you that but he isn’t the one who has stolen your heart. It was stolen a long time ago. But I’m not going to argue with your pig headed self.” Faith replies in a soft tone.

“Good. Well, the doorbell is ringing I guess that is your brother now. Called you tomorrow.” Buffy hangs up the phone and answers the door.

“Hey! You look great.” Angel smiles warmly at her as he stands before her wearing a pair of leather pants with a dark blue silk shirt. Buffy wants to scream like a banshee. Why would he wear those pants? Those were the pants that always made her cream her panties when she saw him in those. She wondered if Faith gave him the hint about them? If so she would beat the girl to death she swore in her head.

“Where are we headed?” Buffy asks as she produces a smile and tries to keep her hands from touching the leather.

“I have us two tickets to a Celine Dion concert. Listening to that song last night made me remember how much you are a fan of hers. A client of mine had offered me tickets any time I needed them. So I called in a favor and here we go.” Angel smiled victoriously from ear to ear.

Buffy just shook her head with amazement at the lengths this man would go to please her. He knew her too well and that was starting to scare the shit out of her. Because she told herself if she was to ask William who was her favorite singer he wouldn’t have a clue or if she asked him what her favorite book was he wouldn’t know that either. There was still so much that she and William didn’t know about one another. Maybe that was why she kept putting off having sex with him she told her self? Or was it because she was not as sexually attracted to him like she was with Angel? Either way she was making up her mind tonight. No, tonight she was going to boogie down on the front row of a Celine Dion concert.

Chapter 24:

When they return home that evening both were truly exhausted from all the dancing and screaming. They went inside where Buffy went to fetch them some cold bottle water to help with their sore throats.

“That was the best concert ever. Angel, thank you so much.” Buffy thanked him as she handed him the bottle water and threw her body down next to his.

“I must say as a man I really enjoyed it.” Angel laughed as he wondered what the guys would think they had heard his confession.

Buffy laughed too because she knew how macho he always acted in front of the guys.

“Buffy, we should talk. I know you are to leave in two days to see William. I have been considering some of the things you have said and your right for fearing that I might be the wrong guy for you.” Angel changes the fun mood to serious suddenly.

Buffy stop in mid swallow as she turns to look him straight in the eyes.

“What’s wrong?” Buffy looks slightly frighten.

“I know how I feel about you. I do love you. I can’t imagine anyone who would know me or control me better than you. I how ever love you enough to step out of the way if that is what you want me to do.” Angel stated as he set his bottle on the coffee table and turns his head so he could watch her reaction.

Buffy was stunned. Normally he was so pushy and clinging on their dates and now here he was telling her he would let he go if she chose it. She knew this was some kind of reverse psychology and it was working pretty damn well. The thought of Angel walking away from her now instantly caused her feel as if alarms were going off in her head. She was frightened to be with out him. She wanted him in her life she never wanted to loose this feeling that she had with him.

Buffy placed her own bottle water down and then crawled over to Angel. Leaning over him she looked him boldly in the eyes as her face grew closer to his. She knew exactly what she was doing and she knew that this was the final test for them. She wanted to see what Angel’s reaction would be after they had made love. His conquest would be completed if they had sex. So if her theory was right then this would prove how much he really love her or not.

Their lips touch slightly as Buffy push her tongue against his lips to separate them. Instantly their tongues began to dance and the tingling that was growing at her very core began to burst. His hands pulled her closer to him and they continue to kiss again and again until they were both flushed and trembling and her blood felt as if it could boil.

“Oh Buffy, sweet Buffy, let me take you up stairs.” His voice was tortured and barely audible. But he still didn’t move.

Buffy finally broke away and stood up in front of him with her hand stretch out to help him up. He took he small delicate hand in his and as he stood up he bent slightly and swept her up in his arms. Then with a tender smile on both of their faces he took her upstairs where they would finally discover the passion that they had been denying one another all these years together.

Chapter 25:

The next morning came before either of them wanted it too. Angel rolled over and held her tightly against him. Buffy woke up first feeling so refreshed. Angel kissed her shoulder as he pushes his pelvis up against her backside. Buffy blush slightly as she felt his hardening manhood up against her. She wasn’t sure if she was able for another round so soon. They had spent the entire night making love. They had thoroughly explored one another’s bodies with their eyes, hands, mouth, and a few other parts of the anatomy.

“Good morning.” He whispered in her ear as he kissed her ear lobe.

Buffy shivered from the sensation.

“Good morning.” Buffy replied back.

“Any regrets?” Angel asks.

“None. No, there is one.” Buffy smiles.

“What?” Angel frowns.

“We waited so damn long.” Buffy answers as she giggles knowing she scared him for a second.

He begins to tickle her stomach for being so cruel to him.

Both began to laugh but stopped the second they heard the phone ring.

“Shit, it’s probably just my work.” Buffy realized as she looked at the clock and she was already ten minutes later which she was not known for. She had a world record at work for being on time. So she knew it was probably Maggie calling to see if she was coming in today. Feeling a terrible need to go to the bathroom she told Angel to answer the phone and if it was work let them know she would be shortly.

Buffy wrapped the sheet around her as she headed to the bathroom.

Angel got out of bed and found her phone and answered it.

“Hello.” Angel answered happily.

“Hello?” William looks at the phone confused wondering if he has somehow dial the wrong number.

“Can I help you?” Angel asks he starts to recognize the voice.

“It depends is this Buffy’s house?” William asks.

“Yeah, who is this?” Angel asks a bit more possessive than normal.

“This is William her boyfriend.” William snaps.

“Oh, uh..she …is in the shower at the moment.” Angel coughs nervously.

“Well I tried to call her at work and they said she had not called in and I was concern for her. Can you have her call me when she is finished with her shower?” William asks.

“Sure.” Angel agrees.

“Thanks.” William replies bitterly as he slams the hotel phone down.

Angel wonders how he should approach Buffy about what had just happen? He knew that William wasn’t stupid that Buffy was running late for work and Angel had answered the phone at eight in the morning that something was going on between them. He knew that it would kill Buffy to have to hurt William but it looked like she would have to do it no matter what if they were to be together from now on. He just hoped that she didn’t panic and change her mind. After last night with her he was even surer of wanting to spend the rest of his life with her. Their bodies seemed to be made for one another. Everything they did felt ten times better. They hadn’t done anything over the top that neither had not experience with someone else but it was still different somehow. He knew it was because they were in love and that they were soul mates. He wasn’t going to loose her now. He thought about his earlier statements before they made love about stepping out of the picture if it made her happy. He would have to break that promise.

There was no way in hell he would loose her now. Nothing and no one was going to stop him from living out the rest of his days with her by his side. Nothing.

Chapter 26:

When Buffy got finished with her shower she stepped into her room to find a note on her pillow. She stood there dripping on the carpet staring at the note. She couldn’t make her legs move if she tried. Finally after staring there long enough to shiver from the cool air she walked to the bed and pick up the note.

Buffy,

William called and wants you to call him. I hope I didn’t cause any problems between you if he is the one you have chosen for your heart. I love you. Last night was the most spectacular nights of my entire life. You are so beautiful and I don’t mean just on the outside. Your heart and compassion are the two things I’ve always admired about you. You are my soul mate. I know it with out any hesitation or doubts in my mind, heart or soul. But you need to make up your mind now which man you choose. You should go see William and let him know how you feel about him. When you return call me and let me know whether or not our future will be together. I love you, I love you, I can’s say enough and vow to tell you every day of the rest of our lives. Love Always and Eternally Angel

Buffy felt tears sting her eyes as she re-reads the note a couple more times before sitting it on her nightstand. She picks up the phone and called in to work. She let Maggie know that she would be out for the rest of the week and weekend. Maggie knew the bosses would get her a hard time since she just return from London and not even taken a day off in between projects in the past two years.

Buffy gets herself dressed and then calls the airport to get a flight to New York. She picks up her purse and heads to the front porch where she waits for the cab to come and pick her up. She goes over the events of the last night, the last few nights, hell she even goes back to when she first fell in lust with Angel. She knew in her heart that she could trust him. That he had sowed his wild oats and would make her a loyal companion.

However she wondered if that sort of love would last through all the troubled times that couples are bound to go through over the years? She considered how easy it had been to sleep with Angel and yet she had manage to restrain her self for seven months from sleeping with a guy who had treated her with respect, love, and commitment. She knew as badly as she wanted William to be the one who had won her heart that he had not. No, instead she was in love with the egotistic, sexy, and crazy Angel. Instead of the reliable, dependent, and cute William.

The cab arrived and she stepped in. The cab driver asks if she had any luggage and she informed him she wouldn’t be in New York long enough to need any.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

William stared at the jeweler in front of him wondering if he was doing the right thing by picking out a ring for Buffy so soon? His and Dru’s relationship had happen so fast but they had been sexually active from the get go unlike him and Buffy. He had wondered if this is what she was wanting before she allowed him in her bed? He knew she wasn’t trying to manipulate him with sex for a diamond ring but he knew how some women didn’t compromise their worth for just any man.

He respected her for that. How ever after having Angel answer her phone and remembering back to the times she had spoken his name and the sad look that would cross her eyes he began to wonder if Angel wasn’t trying to win Buffy over before he truly lost her to William? He couldn’t blame the man for trying but he wasn’t going down with out a fight either. He adored Buffy. She was the perfect mate for him. She wanted all the things he wanted. He looked at the ring and nodded his head. It was the biggest ring he had ever seen but knew in his heart she was worth every penny of it.

Chapter 27:

Buffy reach the hotel where William was staying when she got his room number and headed straight up to it with a well rehearse speech in her head. She would be honest to William and let him down easy. She didn’t want this relationship to be another reason he feared falling in love and having his heart crushed in the future.

She knew he would be surprised to see her since she was a day early. Knocking on his door she waited for him to answer. Eventually he came to the door and the look across his face let Buffy know that he was shock to see her standing there.

“Buffy!” He nearly squealed with joy as he wrapped his arms around her.

“Hey.” Buffy laughed half heartily as he pulled her into the room.

“I wasn’t expecting you here early. In fact I was still worried that you had not return by call this morning.” William explained as he sat her down in a chair.

“I know. I thought it would be better if I just showed up.” Buffy replied with a feeble excuse for a smile.

“Of course. I would rather have you here in person than talk over the phone with you.” William exclaimed open up the mini fridge and handed them both a bottle of water.

“I’m sure your thirsty from all those damn peanuts they passed out.” William chuckled as he handed her the bottle.

“You know those damn airlines.” Buffy agreed as she open the bottle and drank feverishly.

“Do you need another one?” William frown at how fast she had drank the bottle of water.

“No, I’m fine. I just…William I came here for a purpose. I need you to sit down.” Buffy began her speech.

“Wait before you start I have something for you.” William went to the drawer by his bed and pulled out the velvet box from Tiffany’s and then knelt in front of her.

“What are you doing?” Buffy asks with a panic look on her face.

“I’m doing what I feel is the right thing for the both of us. Buffy Anne Summers will you be my wife?” William pops open the ring box and Buffy feels the breath in her lungs to disappear. She felt as if the room was spinning. It was the largest damn diamond she had ever laid her eyes on.

“William…no…I…it’s so big.” Buffy gulps hard trying to force air in and out of her lungs. She looked at him with big tears streaming down her face.

“What is wrong?” William puts the ring down and holds her hands between his.

“I can’t marry you.” Buffy sobs.

“Why not? Do you think its moving to fast?” William looks hopeful at her.

“No, it’s not too fast. Its just that…I don’t love you the way I should.” Buffy wipes away a tear as she sniffs.

“What are you saying Buffy?” William releases her hands and stands up looking down at her.

“Come on William how many times have you declared your love for me and I return it? I was so scared to say the words because I really didn’t feel that passionate about our love. We make the best of best friends and we share some of the same likes and dislikes. But there is no passion between us.” Buffy explains.

“How do you know? You haven’t let me make love to you?” William declares as he begins to pace back and forth running his hand up and down the back of his neck nervously.

“That’s just it. I was attracted to you but I was able to restrain myself. I wanted to make love to the next guy I was with but it would have just been sex for us. I would never have made you a good wife because you wouldn’t have all of me. My heart was stolen so many years ago and I just now realized that I can’t fool myself or anyone else.” Buffy looks at him with pleading eyes.

“Angel. Your in love with Angel.” William sighs heavily.

“Yes, I am. I never thought he would return those feelings for me. When I left for England he discovered my true feelings for him, which made him, reconsider the way he looked at me. I no longer became his sister’s best friend but a woman whom he had become close friends with and knew better than anyone else. I’m so sorry William. I didn’t know this would happen when you join me back here in the states.” Buffy promised.

“No, I don’t think your that cruel hearted.” William agreed as he grabs a mini bottle of vodka and began to drink it.

“William, there is someone out there who is perfect for you. I’m just glad we found out this now than after we were married with a few children in our lives. I don’t want you to hurt but I have to be honest with you and myself.” Buffy stated with genuine pain in her eyes.

“Your right. Your bloody right.” William finished the bottle in one swallow.

“Please don’t beat your self up over this. Look at as you preventing your self from another disastrous marriage.” Buffy hoped that came out sounding positive for him.

“Your one hell of a woman Buffy. I don’t know if anyone can feel your shoes in my life.” William looked at her with a tender smile.

“They will. You will look back on this time with me and be glad that we went separate ways when we did.” Buffy predicted with a soft smile.

“So are you flying back out?” William noticed she had not brought any luggage with her.

“Yeah, I’m afraid so. I wanted to do this as soon as possible before I chicken out.” Buffy confesses.

“Look, if things don’t work out give me a call. Hell, call me anyways. I can always use an extra friend in my life.” William smiled at her.

Buffy stood up and William followed her to the door. Buffy looked into his eyes and knew she had made the right choice for all three of them.

“Thank you William for being so wonderful to me.” Buffy smiles up at him as tears slide down her face again.

William grabs her and embraces her tightly with his own tears glistening in his eyes.

“He is lucky man. Tell him I said so.” William kissed her forehead and watch as she got into the elevator before he let his own tears slide down his face.

Chapter 28:

Angel listens to his voice message machine a thousand times. He was listening to Buffy’s voice to determine what she was going to do about their future. Who was she going to pick? Maggie had informed him that she had taken off the rest of the week. He wondered why she had done that if she was just going to fly to New York to break up with William and return? Or was she?

Her message only said that he was right and she had to choose. She was flying to New York today and would call him once she returns from her trip. Angel didn’t like waiting for her to return. He wished she would call him and just tell him on the phone before she arrived so he would know rather to be waiting at the airport with roses or be on his hands and knees begging?

Faith had shown up with a silly smile on her face. She informed her brother that she and Reily were discussing marriage last night and she suspects he might propose to her soon. Angel was happy for her. He really liked Reily even though he had slept with Buffy before he knew she was Faith’s best friend. He understood the mans reasons but he didn’t like the fact that he had touched his woman.

“What is wrong with you?” Faith asks she watches Angel frustrated like hell.

“Buffy went to New York to make her choice.” Angel stated with a sober face.

“So? Did you persuade her to see how you two were meant to be together?” Faith set down while feeling suddenly worried as well.

“I hope so. I know I showed her over and over again last night.” Angel confesses.

Faith rolls her eyes knowing what he was referring too.

“Look, she made that poor bloke wait seven months and still hadn’t had sex with him and she put out to you last night. I think you’re a shoe in.” Faith spoke from the heart.

“Really?” Angel looked at her hopeful.

“Now here is what I want to know. Buffy returns home and says you’re the one, then what?” Faith had been wondering about this question ever since Angel confessed his feelings for Buffy.

“What do you mean then what?” Angel frowns at her.

“You too have known each other for ever and Buffy wants to get married and have kids and neither of you are getting younger. Do you think that could be the next step for you two?” Faith watches his face as all of starts to sink into his thick head.

“Do you think she would want to get married right away?” Angel frowns.

Not that he didn’t want to marry her but he didn’t want to jump the gun so fast after she had just broken up with a boyfriend to start a new relationship with him. They were friends forever but them being lovers was a new game for the both of them.

“I don’t know. I’m just saying that you should be prepared for that sort of commitment when you get involved with Buffy. William was prepared for that and I’m surprised he didn’t already pop the question to her.” Faith admitted.

“Shit. What if he does? I mean what if she tries to break up with him and he offers her marriage? What if she doesn’t think I’m ready for that she is?” Angel looked frighten.

“Buffy, might want marriage at this point in her life but she wants ONE marriage to last a life time. She won’t pick the first guy who pops the question.” Faith chuckles.

“Your right of course. Buffy takes marriage and family pretty strongly and serious.” Angel nods his head as his mind starts to imagine what it would be like to marry Buffy, then he sees her large and round with his seed buried inside of her. Then he sees the two of them bringing home a baby to their new home and their dog. He feels warm and happy with these images.

“I would marry her the second she got off that damn plane if she would have me.” Angel announces with a big grin on his face.

Faith nearly fell out of her seat. She smiled tenderly at her big brother and was so thrilled that her best friend was getting such a great guy like her big brother. She was also happy because she knew that Buffy would make Angel a proud wife and mother.

Chapter 29:

Buffy stepped off the plane feeling like a brand new person. The sky seem sunnier the air was fresher. She was feeling so alive. She couldn’t wait to find Angel and tell him that she wanted to spend the rest of her life with him. When she got home she tried to call him but his line was busy. So she called Faith and her line was busy. She began to call all of her friend’s numbers and they were busy or not answering at all. She wondered if something bad had happen while she was away.

Jumping in her car she headed over to Faith’s work. When she arrived they informed her that Faith had taken the day off unexpectedly. This only added to the panic she felt. Picking up her cell phone she began to call the numbers again, finally she got a ring on Faith’s line.

“Hello.” Faith answers with a mischievous smile as she sees Buffy’s number on her caller I.D.

“Hey what the hell is going on? I get home and I can’t get a hold of anyone and you aren’t at work. What happen?” Buffy screams out.

“Damn calm the shouting. Buffy, nothing is wrong. Everyone is fine. It had to be coincidences that we were not answering our phones and that I just happen to call in today. Calm down.” Faith said slowly.

“Well! What was I suppose to think?” Buffy defends her dramatic moment.

“It’s okay. I promise.” Faith chuckles.

“Why are you off of work?” Buffy asks with a frown.

“Why should I tell you? You hate when I ask what time you got home or who you were with the night before?” Faith teases her.

“Come on you know I don’t really care. What are you doing today?” Buffy asks as she drives towards Angel’s office.

“Well, I do have plans for today. I was wondering when you were coming in. I was going to ask you to join me.” Faith answers.

“Join you for what?” Buffy growls with frustration.

“I have a wedding to go to.” Faith laughs.

“A wedding?” Buffy tries to think of any of their mutual friends outside of the gang that they both know who was getting married.

“Whose wedding?” Buffy asks as she parks in front of Angel’s office.

“Mine.” Faith smiles and bites down on her lower lip as she waits for the screaming to commence again.

“WHAT! What do you mean your wedding? Where the hell are you?” Buffy demanded.

“I’m at the gazebo at the park. I was hoping you would get back in time to be my maid of honor.” Faith continues to grin.

“HOPING! What if I hadn’t come back today? You would have gotten married with out me?” Buffy cries out with a hint of pain in her voice.

“Buffy, we just thought of it last night. You didn’t exactly call me to tell me where you were going or when you would be back.” Faith reminds her.

“I know but still. We promised to be at one another’s weddings.” Buffy whined.

“Well, you will be. Meet me in fifteen minutes at the gazebo.” Faith giggled.

“Okay.” Buffy jumps out of her car and runs into the office building. She heads straight to Angel’s office, which of course is locked. She figures he is out doing something to help with the wedding. Cursing under her breath she tries his cell again. Still no answer. Running back to her car she pulls out and drives like an idiot as she roars toward downtown.

Chapter 30:

Buffy pulled into the park area and saw at once the beautiful decorations that had been placed over the gazebo. There was white roses and green ivy all over it. It almost looked identical to the carriage she and Angel had rode in. She saw several people in the area. Some were putting up chairs others were putting food on the tables, then she thought she saw some of Oz’s band setting up.

Buffy finally found a familiar face out of the crowd.

“Willow! I can not believe that Faith is doing this so fast?” Buffy cries out in disbelief but her eyes were full of happiness for her best friend.

“I know. I can’t imagine it either. “ Willow answered with sparkles in her eyes.

“Where is she?” Buffy asks as she noted the gorgeous green dress that Willow was wearing for the occasion.

“She is over there at the wedding store. They are picking out her dress and letting her change there.” Willow said as she pointed to which one.

“Okay.” Buffy smiled and headed in that direction.

When she arrived she was overwhelmed at all the beautiful dresses that surrounded her. She finally spotted Faith with the sales clerk.

“Faith, Oh MY GOD! They are so beautiful.” Buffy cries out as she looks at the dresses with such longing in her eyes.

“I know. The only problem is I don’t know which one to pick. Pick one out that you would wear today if it was you.” Faith pleaded.

“I…I don’t know about that.” Buffy hesitated.

“Please.” Faith pleaded again.

“Alright.” Buffy caved in easily.

Buffy went through the rows of dresses and then grab one that was her size and looked outside then turn back toward them.

“This one.” Buffy said firmly. The dress was sleeveless and in the center there were little white roses with green leaves that circled the waist. It was long but not too long that it would drag.

“OH that is perfect.” The sales clerks exclaimed as she looked at the scene outside and then back at the dress.

“Can you try it on for me and see if it is the right one.” Faith pleads.

Buffy looks at her with a confused frown but admit to her self it would be fun. While she is changing clothes Faith signals Angel to get inside. He steps in and waits for her to step out of the dressing room. When she steps in the room Angel feels his heart hit the ground. She looked radiant.

“Angel, hey. This isn’t what it looks like.” Buffy blushes knowing it must look odd wearing a wedding gown.

“What your not getting married today?” Angel asks with a fake confused look.

“NO! I turn William down. This is for your sister.” Buffy explained as her hands reach out to squeeze his. Buffy noticed the Tux he wore looked awesome on him.

“What if I were to tell you that this is all for you?” Angel kneels down on one knee.

Buffy looks back and forth for a sign of Faith or the salesclerk. She sees neither.

“Excuse me?” Buffy’s voice cracks.

“Buffy Summers will you be my wife today.” Angel asks as he opens the box.

“Will you be my soul mate until our dying day?” Angel asks just as she gets a glimpse at the ring. It wasn’t as large as Williams but it was gorgeous all the same. She began to cry.

“Are you serious?” Buffy asks with tears sliding down her face at a steady pace.

“Yes, I am so serious Buffy. I want to get that dog we were talking about, the house, and even a few little babies running around in the house and with our dog.” Angel vowed, as he looked deep into her eyes.

“This is ALL for us? This was a set up?” Buffy asks as it all starts to make sense to her.

“Yes, I’m afraid I couldn’t wait another day with out making you my wife. Once I learn you were flying back so soon I knew you were coming home to me.” Angel confesses.

“I love you.” Buffy cries out as she throws her arms around him.

“I will always love you and I hope I prove to you that I was worth the wait.” Angel smiles crookedly.

“Oh, you are baby. You so are worth the wait.” Buffy nods her head as she pulls him tightly against him and kisses him with all the passion that was consumed in her soul.

The others stepped in seeing the couple kissing and began to cheer.

“Okay people places to be. Lets go we have a wedding to attend.” Xander called out.

“Uh, guys you do that at the end of the wedding not before it.” Faith teased the couple that was still in a long passionate kiss holding on to one another so tight that neither could hardly breath.


The End:

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