Hard to Say Goodbye To Yesterday

 

SERIES : the Buffy & Angelus Chronicles

PAIRING : Buffy/Angelus, Buffy/Angel (at end)

RATING : NC17

SPOILERS : major spoilers, I’ve used actual show quotes from all four seasons of Buffy & Angel season one.

DISCLAIMER : I do not own these characters. Nor do I own “Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday” (Boyz II Men).

NOTES & WARNINGS : Entire series has : rape, torture, character deaths & pain (these things are not in every part).

 

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      Light streamed in through the window and she closed the curtains as she felt a familiar presence in the room. His hands wrapped around her waist and she leaned back into him. He rested his chin on her head after kissing her gently. No words had been spoken in a day; they had slept and held each other. She hadn't been ready to talk, she had no words.

      She remained in his arms, the only place she felt truly safe. He understood what she felt, guilt, remorse, grief for what she had done, and the kind of pain that wouldn't go away. The kind of pain that twisted itself through her bones and crushed her from within. "Angel, I love you." She said as she broke the twenty-four hour silence.

      His arms held her slightly tighter and he was silent. She turned around and looked into his eyes and he pulled her close and she hugged him. She closed her eyes and put her head on his chest and just let the safe feeling take her over. "I love you too Buffy."

      "I suppose we should talk ab..." and his lips descended upon hers and their tongues dueled for territory until his won and she opened her mouth to his exploration. She wrapped her hands around his head and ran it through his hair and he pulled away.

      "We can't and it won't solve anything." He stated.

      "I know, it would make it worse, as if it could get any worse."

      "It could always be worse, I could be him."

      "I suppose, I'll shut up now. Hold me?" And he opened his arms to her again.

      "I don't want to leave here Angel. I'm afraid if I leave this room I'll go back into that darkness and I won't ever be able to come back."

      "I know." And she knew he did. "Buffy it wasn't your fault."

      She pulled away and sat on the bed. "Don't tell me it wasn't my fault Angel, you can't tell me that and then blame yourself for hurting me."

      "I did hurt you."

      "NO! If this whole thing isn't my fault, then these bruises aren't your fault. You would never hurt me, not like this. I know that now, God I know that. I feel like the past couple years have been a nightmare. The things I said, the things I did, the things I let him do..." she broke down again in tears and he rushed to her side.

      "Buffy, look at me, you didn't ask for this. No matter what you said or did, you DID NOT give him permission to hurt you, to rape you. You didn't ask for that."

      "But what about after? I should have ran so fast, why didn't I? Oh God, Riley!"

      "Riley's in the hospital, Spike took him after..."

      "After I freaked out and suffered a mental break down? You can say it, one thing I have no problem admitting is that I DO NOT have my mental health and that's okay. That's the easiest part. What about Parker?"

      "He's dead. Spike took him and left him for the Police to find."

      "He didn't deserve that, how could I? How could I do that? I'm suppose to protect people form vampires and there I was helping one. And how could I have ever told him I loved him?"

      "Because you did, you do." She looked at him and shook her head. "No Buffy, it's okay. You can say it, I understand. If you lead a thirsty horse to water, it will drink whatever you tell it to. I thought before that... I don't know, but I know now that although you said you knew the difference, you didn't."

      "But I did. I did Angel, I betrayed you, I betrayed us. I betrayed everything that I believe and everything that is sacred to me and I did it with a song in my heart. Isn't that what you said? That night that Darla attacked us, when you told me about the curse. You said I had no idea what it was like to have done the things you'd done and to care. I guess I sort of do now, huh? Only I had a choice and I choose to hurt people."

      "Buffy, you may not have had a demon inside you, but you were hurt, you were broken, that's what he does, did. That's what he wanted, he wanted to turn you, make you crazy like he did with Drusilla. You didn't have a choice, for a hundred years I perfected ways of driving people insane and I... he hit you where it hurt, your heart. He had my face and voice and he seduced you."

 

      She put her hand on his cheek and he leaned into it. Her hand was so warm, kind and timid and he could feel her pain. "How did it happen anyway? Were you cursed again?"

      He let her go and reached into his pocket. "See these? Doxymol, a happy inducing pill, simulates pure happiness."

      "Simulates?"

      "I had a drink with woman who wanted to be a vampire, so she slipped some of this in my drink to loosen me up and it activated the happiness clause and there I was chasing Cordelia and Wesley around the office. They knocked me out and chained me to the bed only the drug was still working when you came. After we... you fell asleep and I got more drugs, so I've been popping pills the past few days."

      "So what happened?"

      "I stopped taking them."

      "Why? I mean, he stopped himself, why?" He took the note from his pocket and gave it to her.

      "He wrote this, before the drug wore off, it's for you."

      "What's it say?" Just then there was a knock on the door.

      "I'll go out, you can read it."

      "Well you know what it says, you don't have to leave me alone."

      "No, the door..."

      "Oh, coming back?" She asked scared.

      "Yes." He opened the door and slipped out to find Spike standing there. "What?"

      "She okay?"

      "Why do you care?"

      "Cause she's saved me a couple times and she could dust me if she wanted. You could too, I suppose, so I came to tell you I talked with Red and little Xander and explained what went down, what you told me to say and Red said soldier boy was healing and he was going back home for a while to heal, he's leaving tomorrow."

      "Did he say anything about Buffy?"

      "She didn't say. I wouldn't imagine you'd want to see someone that watched as you and some other guy were nearly tortured to death, but..."

      "I get it."

      "Listen Peaches, I don't want to get dusted here..."

      "I'm not going to dust you, if Buffy does, that's her choice and I won't stop her, but..."

      After a moment, Spike spoke. "We've had some good times, haven't we? Lots of fun."

      "Yeah tons of fun." Angel went downstairs, his childe following him.

 

      She sat on the bed and opened the letter.

 

Dearest Buffy-

                I couldn't possible explain what I am doing, as I don't understand it and perhaps I shouldn't dissect it too much. Know that I wanted to hurt you, perhaps because of the feelings you created in my rather empty heart. I never meant to hurt you, I simply wanted to, but I have, more than I thought I could, I fear. So know that when it comes to you Buffy and love for you, Angel and I are one in the same. Be happy and know I am sorry for what it is worth.

                                                                                                                Eternally Yours,

                                                                                                                                Angelus

 

      Sorry? He's sorry for raping her? For letting her hurt people? She crumpled the letter and curled up on the bed. Her mind couldn't wrap around what had happened to her in such a short time. What had happened with her? She had changed. She had been lonely and she would be again. What happened the past few days is one more reason Angel and her could not be friends.

      She went into the bathroom and took a shower. She looked down at her body, at scars and bruises that were still trying to heal. She had so many bite marks she couldn't count them, but only one that didn't make her sick, only one that proved to whom she belonged. She toweled off and got dressed in jeans and a purple sweater. She picked up the letter once again and ran her fingers along the top.

 

      "So, it seems that since I can't fight, and can't kill, and for some reason I actually like the Slayer, it seems as though I'll have to apologize."

      "You? You don't apologize for anything, why on Earth start now?"

      "Because you get caught up in the fun of the kill and the taste of the blood, and I do thank you for that, but in the end? It doesn't matter."

      "Why Spike! You seem to be growing a heart..."

      "I know, one little chip in my head and I'm growing feelings, and for the Slayer no less. Dru was right, I'm going soft. I don't know how you do it Peaches."

      "What?"

      "Survive with this soul of yours, must be awful."

      "It is. You may not be able to kill but at least you aren't haunted by the faces of all the people you've killed."

      "So what are you going to do?" The two vampires were sitting on the table next to each other in the hall where Parker had been killed the day before.

      "Well, ultimately I'll go, I have no choice, I have to. We can't be together and it'll just hurt her more and she shouldn't have to hurt like she does."

      "Well, she seems to hurt a lot more when you're gone."

      "Yeah, but in ten years she's gonna want things I can't give her, hell in five years and it's just as well she accept that sooner than later, when there's more stuff involved." He was silent. "Hey Spike, I'm sorry about that whole hot poker thing. And I don't think you're worthless, not now, not ever. You were always a good kid Spike, a bit disobedient and annoying, but good."

      "My my, Peaches, I think I'm hearing things."

      "Yeah well, you have saved Buffy a couple times, although I know you'd rather drain her."

      "No, things wouldn't be the same without cutie, she's my favorite Slayer, none of the others were as spunky."

      "Spike you have to promise me something. Not out of duty or obligation to your Sire, but just because you want to."

      "What's that?"

 

      He had to admit the words coming from Angel meant a lot. To hear he was a good kid from Angel? Angel put his hand on Spike shoulder and they looked at each other. "You have to watch out for her as long as you've got that chip in your head. I'm not going to be here and she'll probably be dealing with what happened long after I leave and she'll be off her game, you have to watch her. Promise me you'll watch out for her and protect her."

      "I will." And he meant it.

      Angel's hands took his face and their foreheads connected. "Thank you William." It had been so long since his Sire had called him that, it was nice. At the same time Angel sensed it, he did to and the two immediately broke their contact. Spike turned to the stairs and Buffy had come down.

 

      "Hey. You're dressed." Angel stood up and went over to her and gave her a hug.

      "And showered. Impressed?" She asked walking toward the table where Spike sat.

      "Very."

      "Hi Spike."

      "Cutie, I.. I'm sorry for doing anything I did that lead to your..."

      "My break down? I think it was a long time coming, but thanks. Hell must be freezing, pigs must be flying cause Spike just apologized to the Slayer."

      "Don't rub it in." He said smiling.

      "Well, what time is it?" She asked.

      "Almost dusk, time for the ghosties to come out love."

      "Ghosties? That would be refreshing." She smiled and sat on table next to Spike as Angel sat next to her. "So I guess I should go talk to my mother and the gang."

      "Buffy, I hope you don't mind, but I sent Spike to talk to them and explain some stuff, like what happened to me with the drugs and what was going on between us and about the r..."

      "Shh... don't say it, I don't want to talk about it."

      "Buffy..."

      "With all due respect cutie you sh.." She put a hand to each side on their thighs.

      "It's okay, I'm okay. I just... I can't, please." The two nodded their heads at their Slayer. "And Riley?"

      "I talked to Red and she said he was going home for a while to recuperate."

      "Then I'm going to the hospital." She stood up. "I'll see you two at Giles' in an hour?"

      "Buffy, I don't think that's a good idea."

      "I tend to agree with Peaches there cutie."

      "I appreciate your concern, really, but I have to go and try to makes things right."

      "Tell him we're sorry."

      "I will." Angel didn't want her to go, he didn't think it would be good for her, but she felt she had to, and he could understand that. She leaned into him and grazed his lips with a gentle kiss. He was glad she didn't ask for more, he couldn't give her more, not knowing that he would leave soon, for the second time. "I'll see you later."

 

      She slowly opened the door and cried as she entered. He was sleeping and she just stared down at him and turned to leave. "Buffy!" She took a deep breath and turned around to him.

      "I wasn't sure if I should come, but I... I don't know, I wanted to apologize for what it's worth."

      "Are you okay Buffy?"

      "How can you ask me that Riley? Look at you."

      "Nothing we weren't exposed to in training."

      "Yeah but from humans not from vampires."

      "Still... are you okay?" She approached him and sat in the chair. "You, you have bruises."

      "Yeah, but they'll heal. Are you okay Riley?"

      "A few broken bones some first degree burns and some stitches. My dreams of a football career are shot, but I'll live."

      She broke down cupping her face in her hands as she cried. "God I'm so sorry Riley, I let this happen, I can't believe what I let happen, I..." She felt his hand take hers.

      "Buffy it wasn't your fault. Willow explained what happened to me, she was here earlier and I don't blame you, I'm just glad you're all right. Are you?"

      "I'm sore, but I'll live." She tried to smile.

      "So that was Angel huh? Ex-boyfriend Angel."

      "That WASN'T Angel, Angel is nothing like him. Angel is good."

      "Buffy, Angel isn't good, not just because, it's because he was forced to be by some stupid curse."

      "I know you're not his biggest fan, but he's sorry, so is Spike. Spike was just doing what he had to in order to save himself from Angelus."

      "Oh so now we split the personalities so we can keep everything separate?"

      "Riley, you couldn't possibly understand and I'm sorry, but attacking Angel isn't helping me right now, I'm sorry, I have to go." She stood up and went to the door.

      "BUFFY!" Her hand hovered over the doorknob. "Buffy, please, I... I'm leaving, I'm going back home to recover, for therapy and some home cooking."

      "I know." Her back was to him and tears were streaming down her cheeks.

      "Buffy, come with me, get away from the memories here, come with me. We could heal together, you could meet my family. I love you Buffy. Come with me. "

      "I don't." And she opened the door and slightly turned back, "I'm sorry Riley." And she left.

 

      Willow opened the door. "Angel, Spike, come in. Where's Buffy?"

      "Oh that's great Willow, invite him in, great, let's go and invite all the vampires in so we can be sure we'll all die." Xander walked up to Angel and punched him in the jaw. "You're not welcome here. Go away."

      "I..." but he had nothing he could say that would make it better, so he slinked back and hung his head. Spike advanced more daringly.

      "Hey! Little Boy... you don't know what you're talking about and you have no right to talk to him that way."

      "Defending Spike! That's rich, fight him to the death, jump on the We-Love-Angel bandwagon, help him out, then play all nice and defend him? You're not welcome either."

      "You don't kn..."

      "SPIKE!" His childe glanced at him. "Let it go. We're here to meet Buffy, she wanted us to come, she should be here soon and she doesn't need this."

      Willow advanced as Xander stormed off to the kitchen with Anya at his heels. "How is she?"

      "I'm not sure, she seems to be coming around. She insisted on going to see Riley. I don't know if that's a good idea or not, but she wanted to and I didn't want to stop her. She doesn't need orders, least of all from me."

      "Have you talked to her about what happened?"

      "Some, yes. She blames herself and she has so much pain in her eyes. And..."

      "And you're leaving again." He nodded. "When?"

      "So, what? You come back and go all evil, rape her, beat her, make her kill people and then you're going to leave now that you're all back with your soul?" Xander pushed Angel.

      "Xander, don't do that." He said. The boy was playing with fires he didn't understand.

      "NO! I WANT TO KNOW WHY YOU DO THIS TO HER? HUH? HURT HER, RAPE HER, BEAT HER, TAKE HER BLOOD AND RUN? WHY? TO PROVE WHAT A MAN YOU ARE? YOU'RE NOTHING BUT A MONSTER WHO DOESN'T DESERVE ANYTHING BUT A DECAPITATION!" He punched Angel's face and his immediate reaction was to punch him back. Things got out of control after that and he kicked Xander in the shin and he responded by elbowing his face.

      "STOP IT!" She screamed as she walked in to the scene. She ran in the middle of the fight, pushing them both back hard. "STOP IT!" She said.

      "My God Buffy, go look at yourself in the mirror and tell me why you insist on defending him."

      "Because, Xander..."

      "Because you like the feel of his dick?" Xander froze. "Buffy, I can't believe I said that. That was... I'm sorry."

      "Xander, I can't fight with you on this. This wasn't Angel's fault, he didn't knowingly do something that took his soul away, like last time, it wasn't his fault, he didn't know. The fault lies with me."

      "Buffy, I can't let you take the wrap for this, it's no ones fault, things just happened, and got out of control."

 

      She couldn't handle it, seeing everyone fighting, she'd seen enough fighting. Willow sensed that and rushed to Buffy and gave her a hug. "I was so worried about you Buffy, are you okay?"

      "I will be, in time."

      "What happened with Riley?"

      "Riley? He is gonna make someone very happy one day. He asked me to go to Iowa with him."

      "Wow. Just like that?" The two girls sat on the couch.

      "Just like that. He said we could heal together. He said he loved me."

      "What did you tell him?"

      "He said, 'I love you' and I said, 'I don't.' And then I left."

      "That's it?"

      "That's the story."

      "Was he mad?"

      "At me? I don't think so, though I don't see how he could not be, but he said it wasn't my fault and that he would heal. His knee is pretty busted, I think his career in the army is out, and he's got lots of therapy to go through and they are going to do one of those skin graft things on his arm so it doesn't look so burnt. But you know what he said? He asked if I was okay, ME, he wanted to know about me. I mean a great guy like that, and I torture him nearly to death."

      "Buffy, you didn't torture him, that was me."

      "FINALLY! AN ADMISSION OF GUILT FROM THE GUILTY MURDERER!"

      "XANDER! If you can't be nice, don't be here at all, please, I don't need this now."

      "I'm sure Riley didn't need it either Buff, but he got it because you decided you couldn't kill your demon lover. I'm sorry about what happened to you Buffy, but none of it would have if you hadn't slept with him in high school."

      "XANDER!" Angel stepped in front of him. "I wouldn't go there if I were you."

      "What are you gonna do? Break my kneecaps and burn my skin off? Hack me up with a chainsaw and suck my blood?"

      "You aren't helpin' here mate." Spike said, pushing Angel back. "If you're not here to help Buffy, then don't be here."

      "Oh this is rich Spike. YOU'RE GOING TO TELL ME ABOUT HAVING MANNERS? AND RESPECT?"

      "Xander..." Willow walked over to him and took him arm. "Xander, Spike's right, it's not helping."

      "Maybe we shouldn't help. How many times should we forgive her demon lover Will?" Just then Angel pushed Xander back and Xander swung at him.

      "STOP IT! STOP IT! STOP, PLEASE STOP!" Buffy screamed before falling to the ground.

      "BUFFY!" Angel rushed over to her. "Buffy, let me take you home." She nodded as he picked her up. He looked at Xander as he walked by.

      "That's good Dead Boy, take her home, don't loose your soul... wouldn't want your evil twin back AGAIN!"

 

      Angel walked with Spike at his side and they arrived back at the mansion. "Spike, I'm taking her up to rest. If anyone stops by, let me know."

      "Okay." He replied and sat down with the paper. He had seen a lot of people in pain before and had thought it pretty funny, but seeing the Slayer like that? He had to admit he had always liked her. She was so full of life and was strong too. He enjoyed fighting with her, having her outsmart him, he liked her. He was glad they hadn't been successful at ending the world AND having her on Angelus' side had been wrong. Maybe he liked her more than he should, what with being a vampire and all, but his Sire had done a number on her, and he was going to have to pick up the pieces. Why? Because he promised.

 

      "Here, lie down and rest." He placed her in the bed, she was shaking. "Are you cold?" She nodded. "Maybe you should change." She got up and went to her bag. He had been expecting her to ask him to leave but she took her shirt and jeans off in front of him. He winced as she revealed herself to him, the welts still looked pretty fresh. "Buffy, maybe you should go to the doctor."

      "No. I couldn't."

      "Buffy, you don't have to tell them how, but you look pretty bad." He hung his head and looked at his hands, the hands that had hurt her. He remembered the words that had been spoken, the sound of the whip hitting her skin, and how much he had enjoyed it. He cursed himself and his hands.

      "No, it's... I can't let someone touch me like that Angel."

      "Buffy, you might need stitches or something."

      "No." She walked over to him, still bare to his gaze, to his touch and she stood in front of him and took his head in her hands. "Angel, I can't. I can't." Next, she took his hands in hers and placed them on her hips. "I need you to touch me Angel."

      "Buffy..."

      "Shh..." she said, leaning to capture his lips. She unbuttoned his shirt and slipped it off his shoulders. "Angel, I need to feel your hands on me, not his, I need you to wipe it away, I need you to love me... please." Tears ran down her cheeks and he couldn't deny her this, he should, but couldn't. He slid his hands up around her back and down her arms over her shoulders. She flinched as his fingers brushed over the welts on her arm. He leaned up and kissed them gently as his hands continued running over her stomach. His hands ran up her back again and he unhooked her bra and it fell to the ground. He closed his eyes at the bite marks that adorned her beautiful skin and welt marks that accompanied them.

      "Buffy..."

      "Look at me Angel, look into my eyes." And he did.

      "You did not do this to me. You DID NOT do this to me. I know you didn't." She leaned down and took his lower lip and began gently sucking on it. Her fingers ran over his shoulders and into his hair. He knew she needed more than he could give her. He wouldn't, couldn't give her what she needed, but he would give as much as he felt was safe. Her kiss deepened as she slipped her moist tongue into his coolness. He let her take what she wanted, she prodded inside his mouth and he could feel her passion and her acceptance. The realization that it had not been him who hurt her came through her kiss. She slowly sat down in his lap and he turned her so he was partially lying on top of her on the bed.

      She trembled under his caress and he let his fingers run circles around her nipples and navel. His mouth began a trail of kisses over her body. His hands slid down over her abdomen and on her thighs and down her legs. He captured one of her nipples in his mouth, suckling lightly, kissing gently and he moved on to the next. Her back arched into his touch and she moaned. He kissed up her neck and found her soft lips once again. He looked at her beautiful face and she was crying softly. "Buffy? Are you okay?" She nodded her head while biting her lip. "Buffy, we..." She put her finger to his lips.

      "I know, but please... it won't... I need you to touch me Angel." He looked deep into her eyes and wanted to make her forget what had happened. He wanted to make them both forget. He gently kissed her forehead and her breath hit his neck, warm. He was there to make her feel loved and desired. This was about her. He wanted to bring her to orgasm as much as he could, so she knew that love did not have to hurt, that he didn't want anything from her. He kissed her deeply as his hand slid down to her thigh and spread her legs so he could have access to her warmth. He slipped his fingers under her panties and removed them. His finger slid into her and she arched into his touch. He moved his fingers in a small circular pattern until he slipped them in as far as he could.

 

      She knew they couldn't make love, she wanted to, but they couldn't. She just needed to feel HIS touch. She needed to have him touch her in the gentle way, have him worship her and make her come, to reclaim her body as his. She was sore everywhere, but his touch didn't hurt her, his kisses, his lips, were heavenly. He erased the pain and emptiness she felt.

 

      She clenched her muscles around his fingers, she was close and he looked down at her. She was beautiful, her eyes closed, her mouth slightly parted, moaning, and little gasps escaped her mouth. He wanted to see her face in the throws of her orgasm, he wanted to feel her come and see her face when she did. His efforts doubled and he felt her release as she thrust her hips up toward him.

      His fingers did not give up as he blazed a trail of cool tender kisses down over her body until his tongue reached her soft folds. He lapped at the liquids escaping her body and he licked her, running his tongue over her before pushing into her. He took his thumbs and pulled back the skin slightly and took her clit into his mouth and heard her cooing his name. She thrust into his face, and she hit orgasm after orgasm as he continued.

 

      "Angel... Angel... Angel... Angel..." she just chanted his name over and over. Just when she thought she couldn't come again, he would kiss her or caress her thigh of whisper her name into her core and she would. He finally lay dormant for a few minutes and her body relaxed, the heavy scent of her sex filled the room. She felt more kisses. "Angel... please... Angel... I can't..."

      His face resurfaced and kissed her gently. His chocolate brown eyes stared back at her, filled with love. "I love you Buffy."

      "I love you my Angel." He lay beside her and she cuddled up next to him and he covered her with the blanket.

 

      He laid there listening to her heartbeat, listening to her breathing slow and become steady at last. She was asleep. He waited, couldn't fall asleep. He wasn't sure if the familiar pain would come or not. He was hoping that the loss of his soul happened because of the solace he'd found within her and since he had not gone there, that he was safe. It became apparent that his suspicions were correct because he could smell day coming and the pain had not come.

      He was certain Buffy's healing had begun. Perhaps she would one day find some peace he could not, but he was certain it wouldn't be with him, it couldn't be. If he stayed, even for her, the temptations would be too great and the next time she was naked, he wasn't sure if he could hold his desire off as well as he had the night prior. It had been difficult, he'd wanted her so bad, but she needed that and he could give that to her, but one time was all it would take and he would be killing again. He couldn't stay with her, he had to leave again. He closed his eyes and slowly drifted off to sleep.

 

//How do I say goodbye to what we had?

The good times that made us laugh

I want them back

I thought we cared to see forever

But forever's gone away

It's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday//

 

      She slowly woke up to the sound of birds chirping outside the window. Her senses began giving her data and she felt the cold body next to her. She opened her eyes and he was sleeping, she smiled. Waking up to him had been something she hadn't been able to do before. She began to cry, she knew what would happen, what had to happen. She understood this time. He had left because he couldn't be what she needed, he couldn't give her a quasi-normal life, and she couldn't move on if he was around. He had left because she needed to heal, and he did too. He would leave again so she could get her life back in order. She needed to get back to her friends, and into her life again. He couldn't be a part of that. He left so she could be strong, and he would again for the same reason. She couldn't rely on him to solve everything. She had to be strong and she accepted that this time.

      She leaned down and kissed his chest, ran her tongue over his nipples and down to his stomach and he began laughing. "Stop that." He said through his laughter. "Morning."

      She looked up and smiled. "Good morning." They kissed. "Angel, I want to thank you for last night. I wish we could ha..."

      "Shh..." his fingers covered her lips and she knew he knew. "Buffy, I have to tell you..."

      "I know." She said. "When?"

      "Tonight would probably be best. The longer I stay, the harder it will be and..."

      "I understand. Thanks."

 

//I don't know where this road is going to lead

All I know is where's we've been

And what we've been through

If we cared to see tomorrow

I hope it's worth all the pain

It's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday//

 

      He nodded and she stood up and he took one last look at her body before she put clothes on. He threw his shirt back on and she looked out the window for an hour, as he sat on the bed and watched her. He knew this was best, she did too this time. He could see that in her eyes. She walked back over to him and they laid on the bed in each other's arms. Nothing was said. Silence said it all. Her healing had begun, but she had to finish it on her own. He couldn't fix everything for her, she had to do it on her own this time.

 

      Dusk fell and she opened the curtains and he stood behind her. She leaned into him and he held her until he mustered enough strength to walk away from her again. He pulled away and she turned and looked at him with a tear streaming down her cheek. He kissed her on the forehead and grazed her lips once more. He walked to the door and glanced back before leaving.

 

      She stood at the window and heard his car drive away. She put her jacket on and closed the door. A while later, the door at Giles' opened and she smiled as her friends embraced her.

 

//And I'll take with me the memories

To be my sunshine after the rain

It's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday//

 

      He arrived back at the office and put his feet up on the desk and leaned back as he closed his eyes.

 

//And I'll take with me the memories

To be my sunshine after the rain

It's so hard to say goodbye to yesterday//

 

 

~El Fin~

 

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