By M&M

" Why did she do it?", she asked herself? Why couldn't she keep her passion for him to herself? She might never know those answers. As more time went by Buffy Summers began to slowly think that she may never have her Angel back. She missed him more and more, but the pain was lessening. This worried her. She had never known a love that Angel showed her before. All that she knew was that she loved him more than life itself. But the meaner and more treacherous he became the more she despised him.

The hunt was very slow that night. She was sitting in the graveyard and hadn't slayed a single vampire yet. She never really wanted to be the Slayer, but now she wanted it even less. This meant that she would have to kill her one and only love. He had hurt her so much in the past month. He had killed Theresa, tried to kill Xander and told her mother about the passionate night they had made love. But the least forgivable thing he had done so far was kill Jenny Calendar.

Giles had been unhappy in the pass week since it happened. He sulked and wasn't much help as a Watcher. He was like her father and even though she was angry with Ms.Calendar, she was Giles' girlfriend. In a sense that made her like Buffy's stepmom. A very unliked step-mom. Angel had caused Giles so much pain and suffering. How can you forgive someone who kills the love of the man who is the closest thing you have as a father and tried to kill him?

Buffy remembered the nights she and Angel had spent hunting in this same graveyard. They had shared arguments, confessions...andkissess in this place of death. She still thought about him every waking hour. Her mother could sense this and gave her her space. When she was in the graveyard she could feel that Angel was watching her. She always knew when he was near.

That night he was there just as always. He didn't try anything. He only wanted to scare her. She became less afraid of him as time went by. Finally she gave up on the hunt and decided to go home. "Goodnight, Angel." She had taken to saying goodnight to him. Just to let him know that she knew he was there. He stared at her from the dark. He didn't do anything else. Angel wasn't stupid. He knew he would have to catch her off her gaurd. He would just wait patiently until then.

***

The next day at school she went straight to the library. She always did this, but since Ms.Calendar died she never bothered to speek to Willow, Xander, Oz, Ophelia or Cordelia beforehand. This didn't bother the slayerettes. They knew what was more improtant right now. She went straight to the library check on Giles. She wasn't sure, but she thought that he probably cried himself to sleep. That's what she had done the first three weeks after she lost Angel. This was worse though. Jenny would never have a chance to come back to Giles.

She found Giles sitting at the table. She knew what he was thinking about. "How are you?", she asked. "I'm doing a little better." "I know you're not, but I'm not gonna pry.", she replied sweetly. "Find anything new?", she inquired trying to keep his mind away from Jenny. "No." "You'll figure it out. You always do." Since the incident she trid to lift Giles' spirits be complementing him.

Willow Rosenberg, Buffy's best friend, ran into the library. "I don't mean to burst in here like this, but I found something.", the net girl cried. "I was cleaning out Ms.Calendars room for Principal Snyder and I found a disk of hers. I put it in the computer and theres some Gypsy looking words on it. I'll put it in here so you guys can read it. All I know is I think that it has something to do with getting Angel his soul back. And where is Ophelia?" Buffy asked, "How do you know that and she's visiting grandma?" "The top of the page said 'Restoration Ritual'." "That would be a hint.", replied the Slayer.

Willow put the disc in the computer and it popped up on screen. "My God!", Giles replied. "Giles, do you want do this? I mean are you sure you give Angel this after what he did?", Buffy asked. "I'm sure." "I'll go get Xander and Cordelia and we'll start working on this." Buffy ran like the wind out of the library.

"You're doing this for her, aren't you?" "I would do anything just so long that she doesn't have to be unhappy anylonger.", the Watcher replied. "Well, I guess we should get started.", Willow said. "Right you are."

"So you guys found a way to get Dead Boy his soul back.", Buffy's wise cracking friend, Xander Harris replied. Without even turning around Willow said, "Hey Xander and yes, we did." "You did.", her guitarist boyfriend Oz said. "He's right Will.", Buffy said. "So, is this a good thing?", fashion feind Cordelia Chase asked. No one realy bothered to answer her. They were all used to her dense remarks. "Are you sure you want to go through with this Buffy?" Willow asked, "Are you sure you don't want to...do something else?" "Yeah." She replied, "I wanna make him suffer."

That night Willow stayed at Buffy's house with her laptop. They were busily working on the restoration ritual. They worked for eight hours straight. All they stopped for was to eat, go to the bathroom and one, thirty minute conversation.

"Buffy, before we do all this work I want to make sure that you want this." "Yes. He has to suffer. He has to suffer for all the pain he's caused Giles. And knowing him as I do, he'll definatly suffer. I'm doing this for Giles." Willow just listened intently. The she spoke, widly, "He still loves you. He'll feel it even more when he has his soul back. After that he might not pursue you, but he'll always love you." All Buffy could say was that she knew that he would always love her. She just wasn't sure if she would always love him. Willow then continued by asking Buffy a very difficult question. "Are you going to take him back?" "I don't know."

***

The next day Buffy, Willow, Xander, Cordelia and Oz didn't go to any classes. Snyder didn't seem to notice because they got away scott free. Giles found out that they neede a Thesolum Orb in order for the restoration to work. Giles remembered Jenny saying something the day she died about going to a local black majic type shop. Oz said that he would go get one. Giles insisted that Xander and Cordelia go with him. They figured it would be easier for Oz to go because he was a senior and didn't have to take every class. "I'll be happy to go. Anything to help. I didn't know Angel too well, but I'll go if you think I should.", he said. "Thanks, Oz.", his shy girlfriend replied. "No problem. I'll go right away. Xander, Cordelia are you guys gonna come with me?" "Yeah. If we can get out without Snyder catching us.", Xander said. "We will.", Cordelia added, "Besides if I get in trouble for ditching class my father will kill me. It would probably be better for me to go so that they can't find me on campus." "Cordelia, shut up and go.", Buffy said.

Oz, Cordelia and Xander all left to get the orb. That left Buffy, Giles and Willow to work out the rest of the spell. "We should get this over and done with right away. It would be for the best so that they don't suspect anything.", Buffy said. Giles replied, "Your right. Maybe if they get the orb we should try for tonight. Will it be ready by then Willow?" "Yeah, I'm almost done.", Willow said, "it should be ready in about twenty minutes." "Great. Giles you and I should start working on a plan." "Alright. Are you okay? You seem a little out of it. Do you want to wait for tomorrow night?" "No lets do it tonight and get it over with."

They worked quikly. They had never come up with a plan this fast before. Soon after they had left Xander, Oz and Cordelia walked in. Xander was carrying a round box that resembled a jewelry box. "Aren't we luky. The last Thesolin Orb left in the state.", Xander commented. "Are you guys done?", Oz asked. "Yeah, Giles and I came up with a plan. You might not like it, but too bad. Willow, can print out a translated copy of that stuff for every one?" Willow nodded. "Great. Here's how its gonna be. When I hunt in the graveyard Angel is always there watching me. He never dose any thing, he just watches. Tonight I'll do just what I always do. I want you guys to stay in Giles' car and after fifteen minutes of me fighting Angel come and start the ritual I don't care what's going on all you do is the ritual. Nothing more nothing less. Once the ritual is done Angel should be knocked out. We'll take him to his apartment and let him sleep it off. Then its up to him what he wants to do." "You're right.", Xander said. "About what." "I don't like it. I don't want to just sit there and wait. I wanna do something more." "Too bad. It's what's safest." "For who? What are you just gonna provoke an attack?", Cordelia said. "Thats exactly what I'm gonna do.", Buffy said.

***

Spike was sitting around thinking. Angel walked in and laughed at the site of Spike, who was still in his weelchair. He had taken to making fun of Spike in past weeks to keep busy during the day. "Must I remind you that I won't have this bloody chair won't be with me forever?", Spike said. "No, but as long as you do have it I'm gonna milk it for all the puns its worth.", Angel replied. "I wouldn't be talking man. You're the one who can't seem to kill the Slayer even at her weakest moments.", Spike said. "Spike, mon aimi, I think you need to shut up. What's it been five monthes since you got here. And she's still walking around...which is more than your doing,", Angel said with a chuckle.

Drusilla walked in holding Sunshine. "Are you two fighting over me again? Now, now. Sunshine doesn't like it when you two fight. It frightens her. Doesn't it sweet?" "Tell that to Angelus, love. If he had killed the Slayer right away we wouldn't in this factory. Who would want to stay in old, burnt down rubber factory anyway?" Drusilla went over to Spike and kissed him on the cheek. "Don't worry dear heart.", Dru said, "Oooh, the suns gone down.", Dru added as she looked at the clock on the wall. "Angel, I would like to spend some time with my Spike. While you go hunting, will you take Sunshine with you so that he can do his business?" "No problem, Dru. You see Spike, she still likes you. Just not as much as she likes me.", Angel replied. :Take your time pal.", Spike said sarcastically.

***

Buffy, the Watcher and the other four got to the graveyard around the time she usually did. "Okay, you guys know waht to do. Just do as I told you and nothing else. Got it?", Buffy said. "Buf-", Willow was about to say. "Just do what I said and everything will be fine."

Author's Note:Throughout the rest of this scene, starting here, imagine the song "Uninvited", by Alnis Morrissette playing. It's off the "City Of Angels" soundtrack.

Buffy walked through the graveyard. She was carrying something in her hand. Something the others hadn't noticed. She was carrying an envelope and a single red rose. As she walked by Ms.Calendar's grave she stopped and set the note and rose atop the tombstone. She closed her eyes and said softly, "This one's for you."

"Angel, come on out. I want to talk to you." She was sure that he was already there and could sense that he was grinning. He was hiding behind the moseleum, holding Sunshine on a short leash. "I know you're there, Angel. I just wanna talk." "I want to do more than talk.", Angel said. She could tell that his voice was coming from near the moseleum, but didn't go near it. She just waited for him to start the attack. "Yeah, like what?", she asked. "I want to play.", he replied. "Come on out then, we'll play. That is if you're not afraid." Angel slowly emerged from behind his hiding place. Buffy could see him holding Sunshine. "So, you've taken to walking with your own kind.", she remarked, "Come on. Can't you do it? Afraid? Shame, I thought you were more of a man than that. At least you were that night." Angel dropped Sunshine's leash and charged towards Buffy. She knew that would be all the words she needed to provoke him into a fight. She delivered a swift rounhouse kick. "Thats all you've got.", Angel retorted. "I'm just warming up.", Buffy replied. "Well you better hurry or you'll be dead before you even know it." They continued to fight. Buffy was getting very tired and didn't think she could go on much longer. She relented waiting for when she told them to begin the ritual. "Giles, start the ceramony. NOW!", she yelled. Angel hadn't heard her.

Buffy and Angel continued to fight. She was growing more and more tired. Her and Willow's all nighter had really affected her. She went in for another roundhouse. Angel was too fast for her and grabbed her ankle. She fell flat on her face. Her tired body wasn't quick enough and she couldn't recover in time. Before she knew it Angel had pulled her up to his face. She thought that he would just kill her, but instead he spoke, "I really wanted to kill all of your friends and family first, but this is a lot better." A single tear made it's way slowly down her cheek. That's the only tear that came though. She knew she was going to die in Angel's arms...the way she had wanted to ever since their first kiss. No matter how hard she fought him she could not break free from his grasp. She was too weak. He turned her neck and bit into the warm flesh.

***

While all of this going on Giles and the rest were busy with the ritual. They were just through as Angel bit Buffy. The orb was glowing and the wind was blowing feircly. He didn't notice until it was too late. He dropped to the ground taking Buffy's limp body with him. She looked as if she hadn't changed her clothes in monthes. Angel had given her a good beating. Now they were both lying on the ground. Not a single movement comeing from either of them.

Giles led the Slayerettes to the spot were Buffy and Angel had been fighting. They didn't see her. Willow looked down at the ground in horror. Oz saw the expression on her face and he looked down to see what she was so petrified of. He saw Buffy's body on the ground. Neither a jerk nor a slight movement came from her body. Oz ran over to her body and checked for a pulse. That's when evry one else noticed that she was lying there. "Oh my God. Not her too. He didn't get her too.", Giles said in a weak voice, "He couldn't have gotten her too." "I'm gonna kill him.", Xander said. Now that he's back to normal that's probably what he'll want.", Willow replied.

***

Oz was down by her body checking to see if theirwas a pulse. "Guys she's still alive." "You mean she didn't die?", Cordelia asked. "That's what he said didn't he?", Willow said. We have to get her to a hospital she's lost a lot of blood.", Giles said, "Too much. If we don't hury she will be dead. Oz will you and Xander take Angel back to his loft in your van and meet us at the hospital?" "Yeah.", Oz said. Then Xander said firmly, "No, I'm not leaving Buffy." "Xander there's nothing you can do to help her.", Giles said. "Alright, I'll go.", Xandre said. Xander and Oz picked up Angel and stuffed him into the back of Oz's van. "I really hope that this worked.", Xander sais. "I'm in total agreement, man.", Oz said. They drove off quickly.

"Cordelia go and open the back door of your car. We'll take that. It goes a lot faster than mine. Willow go get in the back seat. I'll lay Buffy back there and you moniter her pulse. Make sure to time it.", Giles said. Cordelia had already gone for the car. Giles picked Buffy up gently and carryed her to the car. Willow was already in and Giles handed Buffy to her. He quickly got in the car and they sped off towards Sunnydlae General.

Every minute Gile asked Willow how Buffy was doing. Her condition hadn't changed any. The arrived at the hospital and got her into the emrgency room. They quickly ran to get a doctor. Once they found one they placed her on a gurney and she was rushed in to a trauma room. "Willow, go call Buffy's mother.", Giles said.

Willow ran towards the payphones. She picked up the receiver of one of them and dialed the number quickly. "Hi, Mrs. Summers. It's Willow...I know Buffy's not there...She's in the hospital...She got stabbed with a pitchfork...We were worknog on a science project and Cordelia bumped into her...I don't know the doctors are still in with her...Yeah. Me, Mr. Giles and Cordelia...I think that she lost a lot of blood...Okay. I'll be here...Bye." Willow hung up the phone and walked back over to Giles and Cordelia. "She's on her way.", Willow said, "Any news?" Giles shook his head.

Xander and Oz walked in the ER and right up to the others. Oz went straight to Willow. Surprisingly to Cordelia Xander went to her and placed his arm around her waist. She had a shocked look on her face, but no one noticed. Last Buffy was in the hospital he didn't touch her. All he could think about was Buffy. This was deffinatly a switch. Joyce ran in the hospital straight to the front desk. Giles went up to her. "Mrs. Summers. We haven't received any word as to her condition yet, but we should soon.", he said trying to comfort her as well as he could. He could see the worry and stress in her eyes. "Thank you, Mr. Giles.", she said, "I called her father and he said he would drive up here tonight."

Suddenly a doctor came up to them. "Mrs. Summers? I'm Dr. Hammilton. We've stabilized Buffy, but she lost a lot of blood. She's in the ICU. She needs a blood transfusion or she won't make it. And she needs it soon." Mrs. Summers broke into tears. So did Willow. "Mrs. Summers, I hate to ask this now, but we would like to you to give some blood. She has a very rare blood type and we need to test every one we can." "Alright.", Mrs. Summers repliede softly. "I'll give some." Willow said. "How old are you?", the doctor asked. "I'm 16", she said. "I'm sorry, but you have to be at least 18 in order to give blood.", he replied. "I'm eighteen. I'll give some.", Oz said. "Thank you.", the doctor said. "I will too.", Giles said. The doctor led them to a big room and sat them down in some rather large chairs. A nurse cam and drew blood from each of them. "Thank you, Mr. Giles. You too, Oz. I'm going to call Ophelia and tell her to come home.", Joyce replied.

***

Angel was asleep in his loft. It was a restless sleep. He was dreaming. Dreaming about he and Buffy. All the times they had had together. He dreamt of each time they had encountered each other. For the first six monthes or so they were just friends helping each other out. In those monthes their relationship had grown. He fessed up to being jealeous of her and Xander's friendship and she admitted to loving him. The both knew their relationship was dangerous, but they loved each other. He only told her he loved her twice. He regreted that. He regreted that he could not control himself so that they could have more time together. He dreamt all of this. He dreamt of the night they made love. How loving she was. It amazed him that she could love him knowing that he was a vampire, soul or no soul. Suddenly his dream turned to a nightmare. He began to see the images of his altar ego's, Angelus, muredrs and tortures. He pictured every murder he commited since that night. He dreamt of the three worse things he had done. He told Mrs.Summers that he and Buffy had made love. He killed Jenny. Giles could never forgive him for that. Then the worst of all. He killed Buffy...or so he thought.

He suddenly woke up at the sound of Sunshine scratching at the door. The poor animal obviously had to be walked. Angel decided to take Sunshine for a walk. He was going to talk to Wioll, but he had to make one stop first.

***

While Angel was having his dream/nightmare Buffy was dreaming the exact same thing. She too dreamt of the times they spent together. The good...the bad. There were more good time than bad, but the bad times were less likly to be forgotten. They both knew that. Buffy dreamt especially of the noght they spent together. She had come to do that evry night since it happened. There was only one difference between Angel and Buffy's dream. She would not wake up so suddenly.

***

Willow was sitting in front of her computer. She could be found there most often. She heard a tapping noise at the outside doors of her roo. The last time she heard that noise Angel was asking her to help him track Ford. Angel only had one thing on his mind for a year. All he was comcerned about was Buffy. Even as Angelus.

Willow got up and answered the door. She wasn't sure about it. But what was the harm. It's not like a vampire could attack her. She was surprised to find Angel standing there. "Hey.", she said. "Hello." He said it with his head down in shame. He couldn't bring himself to look her in the eyes. "How have you been?", he asked. "Better. It's been a little hard since...well you know Ms.Calendar. And now woth Buffy." "I'm sorry. That's all I can say. I'm sorry." He held up his hand. In it was a small portable fish tank. Four fish were floating around inside. "I brought you these." "Thank you. Would you like to come in?", asked. "But-", he answered, but she cut him off. "It's okay. The spell we cast is lasting. Nothing can break it." "Are you sure?" "Yes. You're safe." He walked in her room hesitantly.

"I didn't mean to kill her Willow. The last thing I want to do is kill Buffy. It wasn't me. I know that's a lame excuse, but it's true. I didn't mean to kill Buffy. I'm sorry." "Angel, Buffy's alive.", Willow said. "What?! You mean I didn't kill her?!" "No. She's in a come though. She needs a blood transplant, but they can't match. Nobody knows her blood type." "I do.", Angel replied, "It's Slayer blood. The only explanation for it is in a particular book. I know Giles doesn't have it. It was burned by Nazis during World War II." "You mean in one of those book burnings?", Willow asked. "Yes. I can't remember what it is called. It says that a Slayer and a vampire have the same blood. The only difference is that a Slayers blood has the element of life in it." "Wow." Was all Willow could say. "She's at the hospital?" Willow nodded. "Willow I need your help, but I don't want you to tell anyone." "What do you need?", she asked. "I'm gonna give her my blood. We have to do it when no one else is around. Do you think you could create some kind of diversion and then give her my blood?", Angel asked. "I might need some help. I would have to draw your blood and then put it in her. We'll need more than two people. Do you mind if Oz helps?" "Can we trust him not to tell?" "Yes. Can I ask why the secrecy?" "I'm leaving after we do this. I can't stay and be a reminder of all the pain. And now it will be worse because Buffy is alive. You all will have to live with the fact that I am in town and that will not help the pain lessen." "Okay."

***

"Oz, I need you to get the nurses and doctors away from Buffy's room. Can you do that?", Angel asked. "Yeah, no prolem.", the red headed guitarist answered. He seemed to be a little froghtened by Angel. "Willow, do you have evrything you need?" "Yes. Are you ready?" "Yes.", said Angel in a tone that could barly be heard. "Oz, are you going to be okay with this? You can back out if you want.", Willow told her boyfriend. "I'm okay." "Thank you.", Angel said.

With their conversation over Oz walked towards the admissions desk. He colappsed on the ground and strted shaking violently and began to yell and scream. "No, no I won't marry Cal mother!!! I won't marry Cal!!!" It worked. All the doctors and nurses came running up to him. "What is he saying?", one asked. "I think he's talking about 'Titanic'." There were only two doctors and four nurses. All were trying to calm Oz. They couldn't touch him. They couldn't even get near the phone to call security because when they tried he plunged towards them.

Willow and Angel walked into Buffy's room. She layed there still. The only visible movement from her was the rising of her chest when she breathed. Even that wasn't much. A tear fell from Angel's eye. "How could I do this to her?" "it wasn't you. It was Angelus.", Willow replied, "We need to hurry before they call security on Oz. Willow took out a needle and drew bllod from Angel's arm. It only took a minute or so. When she was done she injected the blood into blood bag that the hospital was giving Buffy. When they were through Angel took something out of his pocket and set it on the table near Buffy's bed. It was an envelope which read 'My Dearest Buffy'.

"Are you okay?", Willow asked. "I'll be fine. I'm gonna stick around for about a week. Would you please let me know how she is doing. When I know she is alright I can leave. I won't leave until I know that." "I will." Willow was standing beside Buffy's bed. Angel was behind her. "Thank you Willow." She turned around and he was gone. She walked out of Buffy's room the comotion had died down. Oz was gone. She didn't know what had happened to him. She decided to go wait by his van for him.

"How'd it go?" It was Oz. He was waiting for her in the parking lot. "It went fine. She's gonna miss him when he's gone." "I think you're right. And again you are quite the human. I don't know a single person that would have helped him after what he did. That's what I admire about you. You forgive." He helped her in the van and gave her a small peck on the cheek and drove her home.

***

Buffy woke up slowly. No one was there. She wasn'e even sure where she was until she opened her eyes a little better. She tried to get up, but she nearly fell. As she got back into bed a nurse walked in. "Well! It's good to see you're awake. We were'nt sure if you were gonna make. I'll get your doctor." The nurse was bubbly and happy. Buffy smiled at that. It had been a while since she had seen any one that cheery.

"Miss Summers, you gave us quite the scare. This is highly unusual. It seems you don't need a blood trnsfusion after all. We called your mother. She's on her way." "What happened?", Buffy asked. "You were stabbed with a pitchfork. Apparently a friend of yours bumped into you. It was a first. I hadn't seen that before." "Will I be alright?" "As far as I can see you'll be up and at 'em in a month or so. You lost quite a bit of blood and became very weak. It'll take some time to build up that strength again. Although from your records, which indicate you were here back in March, you heal quickly. I'll let you get some rest." The doctor left the room and closed the door behind him.

Buffy reached for the phone. As she did she noticed something on the table. It was an envelope. It said: 'My Dearest Buffy'. After the past monthes she was afraid to open it. She did though. She read it slowly. It read:

Dear Buffy,

Words cannot express how sorry I am for the deeds I have done. I know you will not be able to forgive me. I expected that. You, Giles, Xander, Willow and even Cordelia should just forget me. It will be hard, but that is what I wish for you to do. I will not forget you ever. For the rest of my days. You will be my every thought, dream and hope. For Ms. Calendar , I am sorry. That is all I can say. The same for the things I told your mother.

I hope you are feeling better. I will never forgive myself for what I have done. I hate myself. I thought, 'How can they forget while I am here?'. Then it came to me. I am going back to Ireland. I was happy there before I was changed. You owe Willow your life. She saved it.

Ask her the details. All I want you to know is that I will never think of anything, but you. I will love you no matter what you do and how long I walk the earth. I will miss you and you smile. I did not get to see enough of it. Goodbye.

Love,

Angel

When she was through reading tears were streaming steadily down her face. She had to see him. She got up and tore the wires from her hands and arms. She then threw the oxygen mask off her face. She took a second to catch her breath. Once she had done that she quietly crept out of the hospital. She was surprised that she made it out without any one noticing her.

***

Five minutes or so after Buffy had left., Ophelia walked into her room at the hospital. She had gotten back from their grandmothers a few hours ago. She went to the hospital alone, because Joyce Summers was at the gallery and could not be reached at that time.

When she entered Buffy's room she confused to find that her cousin was not there. She walked out to the nurses station to inquire as to the wehereabouts of Buffy. "Excuse me. Did they take Buffy Sumers for tests or any thing?", she asked the nurse. "I don't think so, but let me check.", the nurse replied. Living on the Hellmouth, Ophelia knew better and left. She ran straight for Willow's.

***

Buffy ran through the streets like a person who a drunk too much tequila. She had to stop every three hundred feet to catch her breath. She finally reached Angel's. When she got there she knocked on the door., but the run there was too much for her. She collapsed just as he answered the door. He saw her smallfigure lying there and picked her up. He put her on the bed. And sat next to her.

***

Ophelia knocked vigerously on Willow's door. When Willow amswered she was surprised that it was Ophelia at the other side of the door. "Hey. What's wrong?", Willow asked. "Hjey. How do you always know when something's wrong?", Ophelia replied. "It's a gift. Come on in." They walked in and Oz was sitting on the sofa. "Hi, Oz.", Ophelia said. "Hey." "Willow, I can't find Buffy. The hospital called and said she woke up. I called Aunt Joyce and couldn't get a hold of her. I went to the hospital and she wasn't there." "It worked.", was all Willow said. "What worked?", Ophelia asked. "I'll explain when when we pick up Xander, ordelia and Giles. I know where she is. Can you drive us Oz?" "Sure."

***

Once they had picked every body up Willow explained what she and Angel had disscussed and the fish he had given her. She explained about Slayer blood and why Giles didn't have the book. She told them what Angel had done and how he was leaving Sunnydale. They could see how happy Xander was when he heard that Angel was leaving town.

They pulled up in front of Angel's loft and knocked on the door. "Just a second.", he said. As he was about to open the door Buffy began to wake. "Angel.", he heard her say. He quickly rushed over to her. "Angel.", she said again. He heard another knock on the door. "Just a second. Hold on Buffy. I'll be right back."

He answered the door and saw the six of them standing there. "Hi.", he whispered with his head down in shame. "Is she here?", Xander asked rudly. "Yeah." Angel could not bring himslef to look at the faces of those he had hurt so badly. Giles looked on with pain, Xander with hate and Willow with pity. Ophelia, Cordelia and Oz just looked.

They all walked in and Buffy looked up at them. She was weak and it was hard for her to lift her head. "It's okay. Jsut put your head down.", Angel told her. "What are you all doing here?", she asked. "Buffy, you should be at the hospital.", Ophelia said. "I need to talk to Angel. I'm okay. Really.", Buffy said firmly. "No. We're taking you back.", Xander said. "I'll just get up and leave again. "Buffy, it is in your best intrest that we take you back to the hospital so that you can get well.", Giles said. "No." "I don't normally say anything when you talk about this kind of stuff, but I think we should let her stay and talk to him. We can come back and get her later.", Cordelia said. "I agree.", Willow added. "Alright. We'll be back at four in the morning. That gives you about two hours.", Giles said. Then the six of them left.

"I'm sorry.", Angel said. "I know. I don't want you to leave. I can't lose you again." "I don't want to lose you either." "I can forgive, but not forget. And I want you to be here." "I'm sorry." He just held her hand and witched her fall asleep. He found himslef falling asleep with her.

***

Around four am Oz's van pulled up in front. They all got out and went in side. From the corner of a building two figures came out. It was Spike and Drusilla. Both standing. "We can't kill them now?", Dru asked. "No, my pet. Be paitient. She smiled at him and they danced in the street.

The End