"I don't see why Xander and I have to do all the work. And don't give me that 'You're stronger' bit, again, Buffy." While hauling up the christmas tree on his jeep, he and Xander both eyed Buffy and Willow, who stood to the side while sipping hot chocolate.

"You're guys. Willow and I don't want to get sappy stuff on us. You guys are used to it." With a smal pout of the lips, Buffy watched Riley roll his eyes and continue to work.

"Now," Cordelia leaned on the edge of her seat to be heard above the rush of wind. "You are going to tell Buffy and everyone else that you are there this time, right?"

"Yes, Cordelia." Angel threw over his shoulder from the driver's seat. "I have to. There's no way around it this time. She needs to know because she's involved. As are everyone else. Thats at least what you said you saw in your vision, isn't it?" Angel looked into the rearview mirror to look at her while she settled herself back into the backseat.

"Yes." She was pleased that Angel hadn't decided to take the easy way out of things and stay clear of Buffy while they visited Sunnydale on business.

"Joy to the world, the lord has come..." Giles was interupted from his singing and decorating by a knock on the door.

As he made his way to the door he called out, "Yes, yes. Who is it?"

"It's Angel."

"And Cordelia!" Piped his employee.

Giles frowned a bit at the knowledge that Angel only happened by when danger was about and quickened his pace and swiftly opened the door. "Good evening. Please, come in." As all three walked in, Wesley at the end, Giles, greeted each by name and gave a nod and smile. "Angel. Cordelia. Wesley."

"Hi, Giles!" Cordelia was more than please, aside from the reasons of her visit, that she was back in Sunnydale with another friend. Familiar grounds.

"Mr. Giles. How are you?" Wesley stood with a more awkward stance than the rest, feeling a bit out of place, he couldn't seem to remember ever being in Giles' frat before now.

"Good. Good, thank you. And you?" He knew that it must be awkward for all three, but less for Cordelia, which made him grin a bit.

"Good. Thank you. Uh...Angel?" Turning to his employer Wesley retreated from the small talk business.

"Giles, nice to see you again. I'm sorry to jump in on things but I'm not sure how much time we have. It would probably be best to talk to everyone at once. As a group. Can you get everyone together?" Angel realized that it was a little rude for his part but he kept it strict anyways.

"Yes, of course. Just give me a few minutes." When he turned another thought hit him and turned back to Angel. "Did you want me mention that you are here or to just leave it to the bare minimum?"

"Bare minimum." Angel took leave and walked around the appartment while Cordelia sat on the couch, flipping through the newspaper and Wesley meerly looked at the walls in an attempt to make the time pass more quickly.

As Buffy, Willow, Riley and Xander pulled into Buffy's drive she noticed Oz's van, Giles' car and a car of which she had never seen before were all parked in front of her house.

"I wonder whats going on." Willow put in.

Deciding to leave the tree for later, the four made their way out of the car to see everyone else exist their cars as well. Anya and Giles, Oz, and..."Angel?" Buffy's shock went further as she watched Wesley and Cordelia step out of Angel's black car.

"We all need to talk, Buffy. Please." Giles nodded towards the front door, but noticed that Buffy's eyes were locked on Angel. "Let us in."

Next Part

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