Can't Let You Go Disclaimer:-Yeah, I own them. (in my dreams). Just borrowing them for a while. Spoliers: None at all. Totally AU. Rating:- PG-15 Pairings: Buffy/Angelus Summary: Buffy and Angelus are getting divorces . Is their any hope for our favorite couple? AN:- A lot of this story is told in flashback. I hope I've made those parts clear. ************************************ CHAPTER 1 Buffy turned away from the cash desk and walked straight into a chest. Slowly she looked up, knowing full well whom she was going to see there. She looked up into two deep brown eyes but the expression was one she still wasn't used to. It was cold and hard. A face he used to use only on other people, now he used it on her too. Buffy knew she should speak, at least apologise for bumping into thim but she couldn't. The words wouldn't form. "Excuse me." HE bit out, as he stepped around her and walked off. Buffy looked after him until he was out of sight, he didn't even look back. With a heavy heart she decided a caffine boost was needed and headed for the closest coffee shop. Dumping he shopping bags she ordered a coffee and took a seat outside where she could smoke. SHe took a cigar out of its wrapping and lit it. She didn't used to smoke. but he didd an dshe grew to love the smell fo his cigars. SHe found that now, at the painful times she could fool her body slightly with the smell of them. She took a long puff and left the cigar in the ashtray to burn. He always smoked Hoyo de Monterrey Excalibur at $8.72 each. BUffy just bought the miniature ones at $6.95 for 20. It hadn't always been this way. once it had been perfect. Buffy sipped her coffee wondering where things had gone so wrong. There was a hundred problems she decided, she couldn't possibly have fixed them all, even if she had know what they were. But that wasn't true. There was only one problem. There had only ever been one as far as Buffy was concerned. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Buffy pulled into the driveway to see Angelus' silve Ford Taurus parked in the driveway. She smiled. He hadn't been making it home very early these days. There was also another car, a blue BMW so Buffy assumed they had company for dnner. it often happened that he'd bring a client home with him, usually out of towners so they could feel at home instead of having to eat at their hotel. And of course this made them more likely to do buisness with Angelus. She walked into the house, hung her coat and went in search of them. They weren't in usual places like the study or library. In fact they were nowhere on the ground floor. Buffy wondered if he had taken the guest on a tour of the gardens or something. They had just been re-landscaped. She would find them eventually she thought as she headed upstairs to change. He heart cracked as she rounded the corner on the stairs. Draped across the top two steps was a stocking. She swallowed, not sure if she wanted to venture any further but also compelled to see for herself. A collection of clothes led her to ehr bedroom door, like a breadcrumb trail. She heard low moans coming through the door, which was opened a crack. She wanted to run, get out, be anywhere than outside that door. but she didn't she couldn't. SHe pushed the door open to see her husband writhing about on the bed with a brunette woman. Her heart didn't quite break then. Not until she let out a small gasp and he noticed her. He looked over to her, grinning like a predator. That smug smirk she hated. He was pleased with himself. He didn't even have the decency to be ashamed. As Buffy's heart shattered in to a million peices, she turned and fled, amazed when she reached the lower level without having fallen and broken her neck on the stairs. She headed straight for the front door and ran out onto the driveway. She stood by her car, trying in vain to get her fingers to work and allow her to use the key to open her car door. She stood a moment, taking deep lungfulls of freash air. it didn't help the pain but her nerves calmed enough to allow her to open her door. She quickly sped off down the long driveway. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ `~ ~` BUffy still didn't know why he had done that. She guessed she never would now. _____________________________________ Chapter 2 Angelus stormed into his office,causeing his two secretaires to share a knowing look, this afternoon was going to be difficult. Mind you, no one could accuse Angelus of being in a good mood for at least six months. not since his wife left him. The inercom beeped. "Cindy, cancel my meetings." His disembodied voice snapped. Cindy hesitated before pressing the reply button. "But the Morcom executives have flown in specially." "I said cancel my meetings!" He snapped back. "Yes sir." Angelus walked over to the bar in his office and poured a large brandy. Taking a deep breath he headed over to the leather sofa and sank into it. He shoudn't let her get to him like that. one two second meeting and he was useless for the rest of the day. It was her fault, looking up at him with those big, green eyes. Looking so innocent and hurt but still as sexy as the first time he saw her. Yes, this was her fault. All of it. Buffy walked into her shop and brewed the coffee, the staff would be in soon and everyone liked a fresh pot. Her eyes were heavy this morning thanks to getting very little sleep. but then seh often didn't get much sleep these days. Every letter from his lawyer, every approaching appointment to discuss dividing the assets, they all kept her awake worrying. He was trying to take her shop from her, basically leave her with nothing, not even alimony if he could help it. Buffy didn't want his money but she didn know where to hurt him. His wallet. If she could get a substancial share of his fortune she might just stand a chance of hurting him as much as he hurt her. And no way in hell was he getting his hands on her shop. he had helped her set it up but she had paid his company the loans back. She owed him nothing and she was damned if she was going to sacrifice all her work along with ehr marriage. Slowly Buffy turned and sureyed her shop, so different from the way it had looked at first. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~~ ~ ~ "Can I take it off yet?" moaned Buffy, fiddling with the blindfold. "Just be patient. We're nearly there." He said as he guided her towards the door. Buffy heard the clicks on her heals become sharper as they went inside. "Are we here yet?" "Yes you can take it off." Buffy removed the blindfold to see Angelus smiling at her. his eyes full of warmth and joy. She turned to look around. "It's a shop." SHe said confused. "It's your shop." "My.. This is for me?" She asked, teh excitement evident in her voice. "All for you." Buffy ran at him and he whisked her off her feet, twirling her around as she squealed in delight. Putting her on the ground again he bagan to explain why he chose the shop. "I know it's a mess right now." He said referring to the debris lying aroudn and the battered looking walls. "But we can soon fix that up. I figure we can partition that back off about here and you can use that as your workshop to cut and make dresses, then out here we can have the ready made outfits. You can do some fantastic displays in the windows too." Buffy followed him around, sharing his glee. "This is amazing. Thanks you so much." SHe said kissing him. "But I can't accept." "What? Why?" he asked confused. "Becasue it woudn't be mine. It's lovely, really. But I don;t want to bleed you dry." "This will hardly bankrupt me Buffy." "I know. I just.. I'll need too much money to fill this place and buy material and mannequins. It just feels weird, you know, taking so much money from you?" Angelus nodded. He did know how she didn't like charity. He should have realised. "OK, how about a loan, once business to another. I'll ask my accountant for a reasonable rate and he can draw up the repayment schedule." Buffy eyes lit up. "A fair interest rate?" "Of course." Buffy squealed and ran into his arms again. "I love it. Thank you so much." "Don't thank me, just make it work." HE said, grinning like a schoolboy. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ "Hey Buffy." Buffy looked up. "Oh, hey Will. How are you?" "Better than you. You look like crap." "Thanks, just what every girl wants to hear." "You know what I mean." Said Willow, getting two mugs out for the coffee. "What's he done this time?" "He wants all the matial assets." "What! All of them." "Yup, including this place." "It'll never happen Buffy, a judge will never allow that." "Yeah, in theory. Doesn't stop me from worrying though." Willow nodded her understanding. She had been with Buffy from the beginning and seen the high and low of the relationship. That was singular because up until Angelus cheated on her there were no lows but every day since had been a low. Willow handed her a mug of coffee. "So, what's up for today?" asked Buffy. "Sarah Cull is coming in for the final fitting on her wedding dress, mrs Klein is coming in after lunch for some new outfits and Jeannette Simmons is collecting her dress for the Ice Ball." Buffy groaned. "When is the Ice Ball agian?" "Tomorrow night." Buffy shook her head and took her seat, looking thoroughly dejected. "He may not be there." Offered Willow. "Yeah, 'cos he's gonne miss a chance to rub his latest conquest in my face." " Well maybe you could not go." "I have to Will, once of our dresses is on auction, we have to promote it and stuff. besides it's for charity. And I'll have you there." "That's the spirit, don't let him get to you." "I won't." Good." "Yeah." ________________________________________ CHAPTER 3 As it turned out Angelus didn't have a string of conquests since Buffy. Just Dru, the woman he had been caught with. SHe was easy, she was used to him and she put up with his mood swings. She was also crazy at times but he didn't see her often, just enough to rub Buffy's nose into it. That's what tonight was about, showing Dru off to Buffy. Of course she paled in comparison to Buffy, no one had her luminance, charm, grace and beauty but Dry was a close second. When she wasn't rambling that is. He tied his bowtie and checked it in the mirrow. The car with Dru wasn't here yet so he had a chance for a drink and a cigar before he left. He sat in the study facing the fireplace. Buffy loved the fireplace in here. Often times they would curl up on the sofa in here and just watch it all evening, soft music playing in the backround. He never lit the fire anymore; it hadn't been on once since BUffy left. But he couldn't help sitting here, staring at it. Dru knew never to come in here with him, this was his space now and heaven help anyone who tried to share it. "Sir?" Angelus looked towards Henry, once of his servants. Buffy had never called them that though, she said it was demeaning. he was an emplyee and his wife the housekeeper. "Yes." He answered wearily. "The car is here sir." "They can wait." "Very good sir." While Buffy was here, Sir was never used. buffy didn't like it so he called Henry by his name and vice versa. Now she was gone though, it was back to servant and SIr. Angelus finished his cigar and swallowed the last sip of brandy before heading out to the car. "Is he here?" asked Willow. BUffy looked at her. "How an I supposed to foget him if you keep reminding me?" "Ooh, sorry." Buffy shook her head. "I'm going to the bar, want something?" "Wine please." "Sure." Buffy wandered over to the bar and ordered the drinks. They were all free at a charity event like this. Of course the guests had paid a huge donation for the privlege of dining here and being able to bid for the items on sale. Buffy's ticket was free though since the dress she was donating would sell for a maximum of $1000 in any other circumstances. "Two what wines please." She smiled at the bar tender. He nodded and went to prepare them. She smelt him before she saw him. his aroma was so farmiliar, Joop aftershave and Excalibar cigars. So welcoming. Except that he didn't welcome her anymore, he shunned her. 'Don't turn around, don't turn around. Don't look.' The brunette stood next to her at the bar. "Buffy isn't it?" she asked in that annoying English accent of hers. "Yes." She said, not looking at the other woman. "I heard about your divorce." "I guess you have since your sleeping with my husband." "Ooh, mean." Dru said. 'God what does he see in that crazy bitch.' Buffy wondered. "Everything ok ladies?" said Angelus. "She was mean." Replied Dru. Buffy took the wine glasses from the bartender and turned to face th eahppy couple. "I guess we're even then." She smiled sweetly. "have a nice evening." She walked away, back to the saftey of her best friend. Angelus didn't really care if BUffy had been mean to Dru. She didn't realy have it in her anyway; Dru was just being childlike again, making something out of nothing. "Whiskey, on the rocks." He said to the bar tender before turning around to scan the crowd. He spotted Buffy instantly. he was like one of those seals on a crowded island that always recognised it's mother. He would never forget Buffy and he was attuned for her. it also helped that she wore a stunning red, backless, halter neck dress. He could spot her anywhere. He wondered it that would ever go away. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Buffy had been working in a coffee shop when he first met her. Every day before work he went ot he same shop for coffee and for the last three weeks she had always been there. Today there was a lull in customers and he decided to make his move. "Hi." He smiled sweetly. "Black Italian roast?" Said Buffy, knowing his preferance by now. "Yeah. And if you're free, how about a date tonight." He flashed his most charming smile. "Thanks but I'm working." "It's just gone 8am so if it's a 12 hour shirt you'd be free by 8." Buffy handed him the Styrofoam mug and began cleaning the counter surfaces,not liking this conversation. Sure, he was gorgeous, charming, and rich. But those types of men only wanted one thing from women like Buffy. And she sure as hell wasn't going to be used. Best case senerio, she'd end up his mistress, be set up with an apartment and an allowance. but that wan't Buffy's style. "I'm not working here." "Two jobs? I like ambition in my women." "Thanks." "So how about some other night?" "I'm busy." "Doing what?" "My other job." "Which is?" Buffy had run out of surfaces to wipe. She looked oer to him and sighed. "Dress making. I design dresses." "Really? Where?" "From my apartment right now, mainly for family and friends. Why do you think I work here? But hopefully I'll get a boutique one day." "So do you have a backround in design?" He was gradually wearing her down with his charm. "A design degree." "Wow, so you just graduated?" "A couple of months ago." He smiled. "So is that really a no for tonight?" She couldn't help smiling back. "I'm afraid it is. I do have a dress to finish." "Well, have a nice day, I'll see you some other time." "Yeah, you too." Buffy realised she had butterflies in her stomach as he left. She grabbed the counter top to steady herself and took some deep breaths. He returned that afternoon, just before Buffy went off her shift. She couldn't help but smile at him. "What do you want?" she asked playfully. She captivated Angelus. her face and hair was damp with steam but instead of making her look dowdy, she glowed. "I wondered if you'd heard of the Reichman Show on tomorrow night. i head they're quite an innovative house." Buffy chuckled. "Who hasn't heard of them." Angelus smirked. "Well I have two tickets but I can't find anyone to go with me." He brandished two tickes and BUffys eyes went wide as she took them. "Oh wow." She said as she read them and confirmed they were indeed two tickets for that show, front row. "This is... Wow. But I can't accept." She said, her smile faltering. "I'm sorry." She handed the tickets back. "Why not?" Buffy took a deep breath. "Look, you're a perfectly nice guy but I think you want something I'm not prepared to give. It's best if we just leave things as they are. Now she really had him. Being turned down once was unusual; being turned down twice was impossible. unbeknownst to Buffy, she had just captured his heart. "Please." He said sincerely. "You can meet me there and mak eyour own way home. I wouldn't do anything to make you uncomfortable." "Meet you there?" "Yeah." He handed her one ticket. "It's up to you." HE said flashing her one last smile leaving. "Was that Angelus asking you out?" asked Kelly, one of the other waitresses." Buffy issued a breathless. "Yeah." "So are you going?" asked Willow that evening. "Pass me the pins." Asked Buffy as she considered her answer. "I don't know. I mean it's not something I could get tickets to alone. but what if he does want more than a date." "I think you should go." Said Willow. "It's a once in a lifetime thing, you probably won't get a chance to go again, And who knows they may offer you a job." Buffy smiled at her friends enthusiasm. "Yeah, and pigs might fly." "Look, Oz and I will drop you off and pick you up, how does that sound?" "Mmm." "No temptation there at all." Buffy pursed her lips. "I dunno." "Look, you're going. If only because I want to hear all about it." "Yes, Ma'am." She said playfully before her expression fell. "Oh god, what and I going to wear." ~ ~~~~~~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~~ ~ Buffy returned to Willow and gave her the drink. "He's watching you." Said Willow. "I figured." "Theres been some interest in the dress." Said Willow, trying to distract Buffy. "Who from?" "Mrs. Shand and Mr HOdder. I think he's going to win the bidding. He wants a new dress for his wife as their anniversary present." Buffy smiled. "You reallt should have been in sales Will." "Nah, these babies sell themselves." She joked refering to the portfolio of sketches on show. "I wish." Buffy turned to survey the crowd. "Good turnout." "Yeah. The meals in a few minutes, wanna go to the table?" "Sure." ________________________________________ CHAPTER 4 Buffy sat through a boring meal with three couples she knew only socially. All three women were housewives, born to money who could speak of mothing but their latest holiday or purchase while the husbands sat almost silently. buffy knew that later they would all group up somewhere and discuss business, women and wine In that order. Buffy heard a glass being tapped with a knife and turned to the stage. "Ladies and gentlement, if I could have your attention please. The final bids for the items on offer are in. we are all here for the children of course. As you all know the proceeds from tonight will be going to the HOP trust for underprivlages kids so before I begin I'd like to think all of you for your support tonight." HE was handed a while envilope, which he opened. "Nerve wracking isn't it?" he joke as he pulled the sheets of paper out. the crowd laughed politely. He bagan reading each item out and the winnign bid. The donator of each item and the bidder then stood up to receive applause and be photographed. "Next... An exclusive dress designed by SUmmers Fashions goes for ... $1774/ Mrs Buffy O'Connor donated the dress and the winning bid comes fomr.. Oh my.. Mr O'Connor." Buffy looked to Willow. "What the hell is he doing?" She asked through clenched teeth. Willow shrugged. "Aww, come one, don't be shy, stand up and take the applause." Buffy fixed a faux smiled on her face and stood up as the cameras began snapping her and her estranged husband. She made sure not to look over at him. "Next we have a set of six boating lessons donated by.." Buffy sat down and gulped her wine down wondering what the hell he was playing at. Angelus wasn't sure why he bid on the dress. Sure, it deserved to go for a fair price but it surely would have anyway. He didn't wan to contact the bitch, that was for sure. He supposed it was protecting his investment. yes, that was it. When he got control of the shop he wanted it to be doing well and that little stunt would provide some free publicity. Angelus pulled a cigar out and got up from the table. He didn't even bother telling Dru where he was going. She didn't seem to notice him leave. He walked out through the hotel lobbly into one of its bars and took a seat at the bar. He ordered a drink and sat there smoking his cigar. "want some company?" asked a pleasant female voice. "Not right now." He said staring straight ahead. "Aww, come on, might be fun. Save you looking so depressed at least." Angelus turned to the woman. SHe was a typical hopefull, looking for somone rich to marry and trying to look like she was in the same class. She almost succeeded except for the slightly too much makeup and a dress at least two sizes too tight. Buffy never even tried to look like she was rich but she had a class that couldn't be denied. SHe didn't even have to try. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Buffy was nervous as she arrived for the fashion show. She handed her ticket to the doorman and walking into the hotel lobby. Angelu spotted her immediately as she scanned the crowd for him. She wore a simple black, sleaveless, knee length dress and couples it with a crouchet deep red cardigan. He hair was swept up in a simple French pleat. She looked stunning. He walked over to her and her face lit up in a smile as she spotted a friendly face. He snatched two glasses of champagne from a passing waited and handed her one. "Hi." She smiled. "I'm glad you made it." They eventually settled in their seats to watch the show but Angelus was more interested in watching her, sneaking sidelong glances at her while she watched the models. As the event drew to a close he tried to invite her to dinner or drinks but she begged off. "My friends are picling me up, I'm sorry." He took it gracefully. "Maybe we can do it again sometime." Buffy hesitated. 'Sure, I'd like that." "Let me wait with you until your friends come." "OK." They stood by the roadside together, huddles against the chilld of the night air. "Who's picking you up?" he asked. "Willow, my best friend and her boyfriend Oz," "If it's out of their way I can have a car drive you." "Thanks, but Oz has a gig fairly close by." "He's a musician?" "Yeah, pretty good too." Finally a battered can pulled up. "Thats them." Said Buffy, turning to him. "Thanks for the nice evening." She said, giving him a small kiss on the cheek before ducking into the van. Angelus was a little shocked to see a can picking her up but she didn't seen to even notice. The doorman shot dirty looks at the can and Buffy as she climed into the back but she just smiled at Angelus and waved until the door was pulled closed. ~~~~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ "I'm fine. Really." Said Angelus, looking back at the woman beside him. She took the bar stool ext to him anyway. "Whiskey and water." She said to the barman, expecting Angelus to offer to pick up the tab. he didn't and she paid cash. She was indetered though and turned to him. "So, what brings you here?" 'Like you don't know.' Thought Angelus. these things always attracted her type. They would wait around outside, looking for anyone with some money. "I'm here for the charity auction." He replied simply. "Ooh, sounds fun. Did you bid on anything?" "One of my wife's dresses." Her face froze a second. "That's nice. Where is your wife?" She asked trying to sound nonchalant. "Still in there." "Well, if you was my man I wouldn't be leaving you alone, I can promise you that." "But I'm not. And she won't be my wife for long. She's divorcing me." "Aww, honey, thats too bad." "No, it's not. SHe killed my child." Her features froze again. "She what?" "Killed my child. Aborted it." "Oh you poor soul." "I'll live." "But still that has to hurt." "Hence the divorce." He turned to her. "And if you don't mind I'd like to be alone. I really don't want another gold digger right now." The woman actually looked hurt. "I'm sorry. I was only trying to be nice." She turned on her stool and stood up. "Sorry if I bothered you." Angelus looked back to his drink. He had been a little harsh on her but he couldn't care right now. She had drenched up memories he tried to suppress and they occupied him right now. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ "What's this?" asked Angelus looking at the black and while photo of Buffy. "That's Buffy and that's an abortion clinic." Said Penn. "What are you saying?" "I;m saying that Buffy didn't loose her baby, she aborted it and if hse hadn't started bleeding out from complications she would never have told you." "No." He whispered. "Yes. I'm sorry Angelus but she killed your baby. Your son." He looked up into Penn's eyes. "It was a boy?" He nodded. "we were able to bribe some people there to get more information. She was having your son." Angelus looked back at the photo, unable to deny the truth. Tears stung his eyes but he refused to give in to them. He picked up a glass paperweight from his desk and hurled it against the wall, shattering it in a million peices. ~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ ~ _______________________________________ CHAPTER 5 Buffy collected her coat at the end of the evening and turned to see Angelus behind her. his features were initially pained but soon masked by the anger she was growing used to. She didn't speak; she didn't know what to say to him so she simply went to walk past him. He grabbed her arm and turned to face him. "What!" she asked scared bu his sudden gesture. "Why?" he almost growled. "I didn;t sleep with the whore, ask yourself that question." SHe spat back, yanking her arm out of his grip and walking away. She did her best not to look back at him; she wouldn't give him that satisfaction. SHe turned the corner and saw Willow walking towards her. Willow quickened her pace as she saw the pain on Buffy's face. "Buffy. What's wrong?" she asked as Buffy's tears overflowed. "He hates me." She sobbed. Willow couldn't argue, she simply pulled Buffy into a hug and waited until her tears abated. Buffy lay in bed that evening knowing sleep would be elusive again. Nine months ago things had been wonderful. SHe had a husband who loved her, a thriving business and good friends. Two months later they had been perfact. She had discovered she was pregnant. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Buffy was in heaven. Almost. Her doctor had confirmed she was pregnant that morning. the only thing spoiling her mood was her history. Or rather, her mother's history. Her mother had tried for children many times; Buffy was the only one that resulted in a birth though. SHe knew she was at risk from suffering the same fate so she decided to wait until the end of the first trimested before she told Angelus. As the days ticked by Buffy grew more hopeful that she would carry the baby to term, her mother had always miscarried before the third month so each day brought her closer to the baby she and Angelus craved. Then, in the eleventh week, disaster struck. She lay in bed with Angelus, curled on his chest, as she usually was when she felt the cramp. It wasn't bad at first but it gradually became more painful. Not wanted to wake Angelus she carefully detached herself from him and headed for the bathroom. That was where she noticed the blood. SH ebroke down sobbing on the bathroom floor. She didin't know why she hadn't called an ambulance herself. Sh eshoudl have. She was just too crushed to think clearly. Angelus appeared a few moment later, wondering what she was crying about. he took one look at her and called 911. He stayed with her at the hospital and held her hand the whole time. Needless to say she was devastated. She could tell Angelus was upset too but he kept strong for her. he was always there her. She cried on his shoulder many nights and suffered terrible mood swings. he accepted it all and asked nothinf from her. Until she found him in bed with Dru. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Buffy still wondered if she had pushed him away if he moods and her crying drove him to her. There was no other ecplanation she could think of. Still, when she found him with Dru, there had been no signs. none, except, a strange woman in her bed with ehr husband. Was she really so blind she couldn't see it coming? Angelus wandered into Buffy's shop to see Willow serving. He smiled that cold smil at her. "Can I help you?" Asked Willow. "I came to see about the dress." He said, holdig the voucher he bid for up. Willow nodded. "I'll get the design book for you to look through." "I want Buffy. She's the designer." "If you bothered to find out you'd see that I'm also listed as a designer now too." "Don't care. i want her." "She's not here." "Yes she is." "She isn't. SHe's gone to teh clinic downtown to see a client." "What clinic?" Angelu asked. The only downtown clinic he knew was the aborthion clinic, called King and partners. "I'm not at liberty to say." Said Willow, a determined look on her face. "Who's bastard is she aborting now." He spat. Willow's features creased into horrow. "Get out!" she said, coming round the counter to show him to the door. "How couldn you ever think she would do that! That' sjust evil!" She succeeded in pushing him out of the door and shut it behind him, locking the top bolt into place. She leaned against the door, breathing heavily. How couldl he insinuate that Buffy would do anythign liek tat? Especially after her recent miscarriage. "Bastard!" She shouted through the door but he was no longer there to hear her. Her temper under control again Willwo went through to the back. "What an idiot!" she said to Buffy. Buffy was pouring two mugs of coffe. "Yeah." She said dejectedly. She sat at eh table and looked up at Willow. "Why does he hate me so much? What could have made him say those things about me?" "I don't know Buffy. He''s just a lonely, bitter, twisted man who thinks everyone else is as immoral as he is." Buffy sighed. She didn't really have a better explanation. _____________________________________________________ Chapter 6 Angelus sat outside the clinic, waiting to see Buffy come out. His face was pure thunder. How could she do this to him and now someone else? He had never thought her a whore before but now he began to wonder. Two abortions in eight months. Something was up with that. He waited and waited but she never came out. At 6pm the doctors and nurses began to leave, the office lights slowly went out until the last doctor to leave locked up behind herself. Angelus got out if his car and walked over to her, determined to get some answers. She jumped as she turned and faced him. "Can I help you?" she asked. "Yes. Why was Buffy O'Connor here?" "Buffy who?" "Buffy O'Connor. Or she might have used the name Summers." Her face lit up in recognition. "The designer. Yes, I know her. Lovely girl." "Why was she here?" The doctor looked confused. "She wasn't. Not today." "Then try six months ago. Was she here for an abortion?" "Sir, I don't know who you are but.." Angelus stopped her, holding a hand up in front of her face. "I don't give a fuck about patient confidentiality. Tell me why she was here." "I.. I cant. Buffy isn't a patient here." "What?" he asked. Surely this was some cover up. "Why was she here then. I have proof she came here." "I don't know, I swear. She does some dresses for Dr Val sometimes. Maybe that's why." "Val?" he growled. "V.. Valerie Lycette. She's a partner in the practice." "How do you know she isn't a patient?" asked Angelus. His world, for the last six months now falling apart. "Because she told me her gynaecologist was someone called Mark Dudley." "You knew she was pregnant?" "Yes. S.. She was so happy about it, couldn't stop talking about it." "She was happy?" "Yes. She said she only had a week to go then she would tell her husband." "Why a week?" "I think she worried she might miscarry. She didn't want to get his hopes up too soon." Angelus stepped back from the lady and she sighed in relief. "You aren't lying to me?" "No. I swear." "How do you know so much if she was here to see Val?" "Val was with a patient so Buffy waited in the doctors lounge until she was free. I was in there, caught her looking through our pregnancy books." It all sounded so plausible. "Where can I reach this Valerie Lycette?" "I. I don't have her number." She lied. Angelus stepped forward again. "Tell me." "S.. She's having dinner tonight with her husband. I d. d. don't know where though." "Her phone number?" "We don't know them. We also do some abortions here and if out phone numbers get out the anti abortion people harass us day and night." "Where does she live!" Angelus was quickly loosing his patience. "Somewhere in Park Vale. I don't know where." Angelus punched his fist into the glass door. His fist didn't break the toughened glass but it hurt like hell and spurred the doctor into action. She ran off into the parking lot. Angelus didn't follow. "Buffy, how are you." "I'm fine thanks Val. You after a new dress?" "No, I'm calling to warn you." Buffy looked perplexed. "Warn me?" Willow looked over to Buffy as she spoke on the phone, concern etched on her face. "Yes, one of my doctors was threatened by someone last night, they were asking questions about you." "Let me guess, about 6'1", dark hair, dark eyes?" "Pretty much. She didn't recognise him but it sounded like the picture you had of your husband in your shop." Buffy sighed. "I'm so sorry Val." "Don't worry about it, no one was hurt. I just thought you'd want to know." "I do, thanks. What was he asking?" "About an abortion. He said you came here for one six months ago." "What? That's rediculic." her thoughts wandered back to the day of the miscarriage. "Oh god, he thinks I killed it!" "Buffy? Are you OK?" asked Val. "Uh, yeah. Look, I'm sorry. I'll try and stop him coming back." "Just take care Buffy." "I will." She hung up and related the conversation to Willow. _______________________________________________ ********************************** Chapter 7 Valerie Lycette was interrupted from her consultation by shouting in the reception area. "Excuse me Mrs Henderson, I'll be right back." She said heading for the door that led to the reception. "If you don't let me see her I'll tear this place apart looking!" shouted Buffy's husband at the receptionist. "You will do no such thing." Said Val. Angelus looked over to her. "Mr O'Connor I presume." He nodded. "I was half expecting you. I'm sure you understand that I'm with a patient right now but if you'd' care to take a seat in the staff room I'll come and see you when I'm done." Angelus glowered at her. He supposed as long as she agreed to speak to him he was getting somewhere. "Fine." "Right this way." Val gestured to a doorway next to the reception desk. Angelus walked towards it as Val went to the frightened receptionist. "You ok?" She brunette nodded. "Yeah." Val smiled at her and followed Angelus through the doorway. Angelus paced in the small staff room for another twenty minutes until the doctor returned. She took a diet coke from the fridge and sat in a chair, looking at him. Angelus swallowed before beginning. "Why did Buffy Summers come to see you?" The doctor regarded him for a second. "I suppose there's no harm, the was designing three dresses for me." "She doesn't do house calls." "Not usually no. It happened that my husband sprung a week in Paris on me for our anniversary. I was swamped here trying to prepare but I needed three new dresses. Buffy was kind enough to stop by and see me." Angelus regarded her now. "Can you prove this?" "I don't see why I should." Angelus pulled the photo of Buffy entering the clinic from his jacket pocket. "Because I have this evidence she came to see you that day. The day she lost our baby." Val took the picture. "I'd say you have all the proof you need." She said handing the picture back. "What's that supposed to mean?" The doctor smiled a condescending smile. "You are her husband, I would expect you to recognise the bad she's carrying." He looked at the photo again. Over her shoulder she carried a large carpetbag. "Her swatch bag." He said breathlessly. "Exactly. Now if you'll excuse me, have patients to see. You can show yourself out." She walked towards the door but turned back before she left. "It'd be nice if you apologised to my receptionist as well, she isn't used to being threatened." Angelus breathed deeply, trying to assimilate this new information. If Buffy didn't have an abortion, how did Penn get those photos? More importantly, why was he taking them and why did he lie? _________________________________________ Chapter 8 Buffy sat alone in her apartment sketching some outlines for new designs. Willow was out with Oz leaving Buffy alone to draw. Bach played softly in the background as she sketched her latest offering. She was interrupted by the doorbell and opened it to see Angelus standing there. His features were a mixture of horror and sadness. He coughed. "Can I come in?" Buffy regarded him slowly. "Please Buffy, I need to speak to you." "Fine." Buffy opened the door wide and he stepped inside. He turned back to her as she closed the door. "I've been doing some digging into some things." He began. Buffy knew but kept quiet. "Someone told me something. I believed them." "They told you I aborted our baby." She said. "How did you know?" "It wasn't hard to figure out. Besides, Val called me, told me what you said." Angelus looked sheepishly at the floor. "I'm sorry." Buffy didn't reply. "Anyway, I know it's a lie now." "So?" "I.. I don't know." "You want to go on like nothing happened. You want me to take you in my arms and tell you it's all OK." Angelus swallowed. She was always so insightful when it came to him. "I'm sorry Angelus but it's gone too far for that now." "Please." He said, tears shining in his eyes. Buffy felt his pain but she couldn't just sweep things under the carpet. Not any more. Trying to keep the emotion from her voice she opened the door. "I'm sorry Angelus, I have nothing more to say." Angelus nodded, knowing it couldn't be so easy. Not after everything he had done for her. "I understand," he croaked. He took an envelope from his jacket pocket and handed it to Buffy. "What's this?" "It's a new settlement agreement giving you fifty percent of everything and saying you own the shop outright." Buffy looked down at the envelope. "I don't want your money." "I know. But it's yours. To make sure you're OK." Buffy handed the envelope back. "Keep it." He said. "At the very least you have it in writing that I have no hold over the shop." Buffy nodded. "Thank you." "There are other issues here." "Like what?" "Like who set you up. Who wanted us apart and why?" He was right; they did need to find out who had done this. She just didn't want to go into it here. "Tomorrow, meet me at Alberto's for lunch, we'll discuss it then." He nodded and headed for the door, pausing before going through but not looking at her. "I love you." He said softly. "I love you too but it's not enough any more." She closed the door behind him, wiping at her un-spilled tears and headed to the kitchen, she needed a drink. Sitting back down on the sofa she thought back to their life together. She had been the only person he had ever opened up to. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Buffy and Angelus had been dating for a three months before he even began opening up to her. They sat in his garden, looking up at the moon. Buffy was curious as to why he had never mention his family to her and decided now was the time to ask. He didn't answer immediately. In fact he didn't answer for about five minutes. "They're dead." He said simply. "I'm so sorry." Said Buffy, reaching out and taking his hand. "I'm not." That remark puzzled Buffy but she knew better than to push for answers. "They weren't nice people." He said. "They fought a lot. He was abusive. It was a relief when they died." "How old were you?" "Fifteen." Slowly, through out the rest of their relationship she began to learn other snippets about his childhood. His father hadn't just been abusive to his wife; he had also taken it out on his son from time to time. Gradually Buffy understood why he kept everyone at such a distance. If his own parents didn't love him, how could anyone else? She was sure he had never told her the full extent of his childhood horror but his body was testament enough to that. As the relationship progressed she began to notice things. An odd scar here and there and there. He'd mention breaking a bone but never say when. He knew how painful dislocating a shoulder was but wouldn't tell her how he had done it. Slowly Buffy formed a picture of his home life. Brutal, unloving and poor. At 18 he was out of foster care with nothing but a GED behind him. With determination, scrimping and hard work he had gone on to get a degree then start his own business as a financial advisor. From there he had built up a company that grew like wildfire and he began to branch out into other businesses. He had single-handedly freed himself from one aspect of his childhood; poverty. But he could never escape the rest. Until Buffy his life was a whirlwind of work and meaningless relationships. He had never loved anyone; he felt he was incapable of it. It took months but slowly Buffy began breaking his barriers down and was rewarded with a side of him no one had ever seen before. He was sweet, kind, romantic and caring. That was the side Buffy fell in love with. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Buffy sighed, missing that side of him. She wanted nothing more than to go to him right now, have him kiss away her pain. But he had caused that pain himself. Why hadn't he just come to her and spoken to her. They could have talked things out. But no, he had to try and hurt her. She understood that was how he worked, if he was hurt, he lashed out. But he had never lashed out on her before, he had never scared her, never threatened her or been cruel to her and she was totally unprepared for it when it happened. That made it hurt all the more. Buffy took a cigar from her purse and lit it, needing both the nicotine and the memory right now. ------_________________________________________________ Chapter 9 Buffy awoke in the morning to an empty bed. Her heart quickened, had he left her having got what he wanted? No. No, he couldn't. Could he? Not after.. It had been wonderful; even better the next two times. She pulled on a terry towelling robe and went to look for him. "Morning." He said looking up from the stove. His hair was wet and his decency only protected by a towel. "Hope you don't mind, I used your shower." "Uh, no." said Buffy trying to drag her gaze from his chest to his face. "I made pancakes. Thought we could use the energy." He winked at her conspiratorially. Buffy blushed but she was starved. "Thanks." She poured some coffee and sat at the island as Angelus handed her a plate of pancakes. "You trying to make me fat?" she asked. "Never." He returned to the stove to fill his plate then joined her to eat. They sat in silence for a while, neither knowing what to say. As Angelus finished his plate he decided he had to know something. "Buffy. Did I ruin things last night?" Buffy smiled and shook her head. "No. It's me." His heart pounded as he thought she was about to deliver the 'it's not you, it's me,' dumping line. "I'm sorry I just.. I'm new at this and I got a little freaked out. Please be patient with me." He smiled, relived not to have been given his marching orders. "Do you want some space?" he asked. As he saw Buffy's expression cloud he realised he'd probably said that wrong. "I mean.. What I mean is, I'd love to spent the day with you, but if you want to be alone, I don't mind." Buffy smiled coyly. "I could go for some company." She turned from the island and switched the radio on. "Lets see what the weather forecast is. More coffee?" "No, sit with me." Buffy took her seat again and they chatted as Shakira sung about clothes and territory. "I feel like a lazy day." Said Buffy. "Something along the lines of sunbathing and sangria?" "Something like that. We could cook a bar." Buffy stopped as she noticed Angelus looking towards the radio, not paying her any attention. "In news headlines. A college freshman is attacked, house prices set to rise, and the governor announces a clamp down on the anti smoking laws." "What?" asked Buffy. Angelus looked back and smiled sheepishly. "Sorry, just the college freshman story, old habits." "You worried?" He shook his head. "I'm sure the campus police already have someone." He missed the rest of the story but he supposed that was no bad thing. "And in weather, it's going to be a gorgeous day, sunny, around about 30 degrees and with slight, westerly winds." "Looks like we got our wish." Said Buffy. The rest of the day was spent relaxing in the sun and sipping wine. Angelus cooked a barbeque once the heat abated slightly and he spent the night again. _________________________________________________ Chapter 10 "Well, someone looks happy today." Remarked Sally, the History professor. Buffy blushed slightly. "Cant a girl be happy now?" "Not without giving me the details. Who is he, what does he do, how long has this been going on and when can I met him?" Buffy smiled. "Some other time. Promise." Sally looked downtrodden. "Yeah yeah, that's what they all say." She teased. "Stop it, I have a class." Sally stepped out of the way and as Buffy left se called out. "I will find out you know." Everyone seemed to notice the new, happier Buffy and Buffy wasn't sure she liked it. Still, she supposed if she didn't like the attention, she should stop grinning like a maniac. She returned to her office after her last class and as she entered the office she was grabbed from behind. "What do you want?" she asked. "You." He said kissing her neck. "My boyfriend gets possessive when people do that." "We wont tell him." Angelus assured her. Buffy turned to face him, smiling. "I should be mad, making me jump after what I went through." "You knew it was me." Buffy tried to frown at him but was only half successful. "And how would you know that." "Because I knew it was you coming." He said returning his attention to her neck. "Ooh," she moaned before getting back on track. "This is my office anyway, who else would it be?" it was getting harder and harder to think clearly. As Angelus picked her up and sat her on the edge of the desk she gave up, there was no way she could fight him off, mainly because she didn't want to. "Buffy?" called Sally as Buffy and Angelus left together. Buffy groaned inwardly but turned to her with a smile. "Hi." "So, is this him?" she said eyeing Angelus. Buffy decided against lying. "Yes, this is him." Sally stuck her hand out. "Pleased to meet you." "Likewise." "Buffy's told us absolutely nothing about you, what do you do?" "I'm in between things right now." "Oh." Sally said, she expression clouding. Buffy didn't like it. "He used to work for the LAPD, he's now working as an artist until he gets his PI licence." "Oh, how lovely." "We have to go." Said Buffy turning and pulling Angelus with her. "Wait, there was a reason I stopped you. Here." She said handing Buffy a flyer. "Everyone's supposed to have one." "Thanks." "What is it?" asked Angelus as Buffy read the leaflet. "It's about safety on campus." She said absently putting it in her purse. "You know Buffy, you don't need to defend me, I really don't care what that woman thinks of me not working right now." "I know. I'm sorry. She just looked so.. Like she looked down on you, I didn't like it." "Buffy." He said stopping. She turned back to him. "What?" "Are you ashamed of me?" Buffy's face fell. "NO! How could you say such a thing?" "It's just, I'm not as educated as you, I don't have a job right now. I can't even be a police officer very well." He said indicating his cane. Buffy closed the space between them. "Angelus, I don't care what degrees you have or don't have or what you have in the bank or how many bad guys you get. I.. I love you, end of story. You will never be anything but wonderful as far as I'm concerned." He smiled back. "I love you too." Angelus sat reading the paper the next morning. The freshman attack was the second in three weeks. He was worried. It wasn't rational; this guy was going after students, not teachers. Still, he was concerned for Buffy. _________________________________________ ************************* Chapter 11 Buffy felt weird entering her old home again, she hadn't been here since she picked up the last of her clothes, over five months ago. Now she was a guest here, not an occupant. She waited in the hall as Angelus closed the door after them. Henry came out to see them. "Miss Summers." He said smiling. His smile faltered when he saw her face. "Are you alright?" "Buffy, please Henry." Said Buffy hugging him. "And I'm fine, just a few bruises." Henry released the hug quickly; Angelus wouldn't like shows of affection like that from his staff. He hadn't liked much since Buffy left. "Can I get you anything Ma'am?" "It's Buffy and no, I'm fine thank you." Henry nodded. "I'll leave you be." "Night Henry." Buffy called after him. "Good night Miss Summers." Buffy rolled her eyes. It had taken months to get him to call her Buffy, looked like it would take months again. "Come on." said Angelus taking her coat and leading her to the study. Buffy walked into what had been her favourite room in the house, always so welcoming and homely. It didn't feel that way tonight though. It was cold and unfriendly. Angelus knelt in front of the fire and began to build it as Buffy perched on the sofa. "Where's Dru?" she asked before she knew what she was doing. Angelus stiffened momentarily. "Gone. It's over." "Just like that?" "Just like that." Buffy nodded wondering of he had ever cared for Dru at all or if she was just a convenient weapon to use against her. Angelus lit the kindling and placed a few small logs on it. He went over to the bar and poured two large brandies. Buffy noticed the work files over the coffee table and picked one up. It was the Weathers renewal policy for Angelus' insurance business. Normally he wouldn't handle it personally but Weathers and Co were one of the USA's top employment agencies and their policy was worth millions in commission alone. Angelus handed her a drink, which she took. "Thanks." He sat beside her. "Have you gone over these?" she asked. "No, I was about to when the call from the hospital came though." Not a total lie. "Lets do it now." Said Buffy. She really didn't want anything other than a professional relationship at the moment. Her wounds, both physical and psychological, were too raw. "OK," Angelus picked up another file and began reading. By one in the morning they had been through all the files and found nothing. Buffy lay back on the sofa and closed her eyes. "Tired?" "No, I couldn't sleep if I tried right now." Said Buffy. "My eyes just hurt." "I probably have a sleeping tablet you can take, if you want?" "I'll be fine." She sighed. After consuming three more brandies through out the evening she was feeling slightly wistful. He hadn't smoked this evening but she could smell the cigars, and his cologne. Her body wanted to relax and enjoy the sensations and, thanks to the alcohol, her mind was loosing its ability to stop her. "What happened to us?" Buffy asked rhetorically. They both knew exactly what had happened. Angelus shrugged. "How, in less than a year, can a couple go from totally in love to at each others throats?" again, rhetorical. She opened her eyes and looked towards Angelus, he looked back, knowing full well this was his fault. "I missed you." He said softly. "You had Dru." "I had no one. Before you I had no one and after you I had nothing." Buffy felt sorry for him. It was so hard for him to open up. He had no real friends and trusted very few people. She was probably the only person he had ever trusted. 'But not enough to come to you with the pictures.' She thought. "Angelus?" "What?" "Why didn't you come to me with the pictures?" Angelus closed his eyes and rubbed the lids. "I don't know. I guess it hurt too much. First loosing the baby, then finding out you lied.." "I didn't lie." "I know. But think about it from my perspective. You never told me about the baby then my best friend gives me those pictures. I was hurt enough from loosing the baby; the thought that it had been you who killed it was too much. I just.. I just couldn't think. There was too much going on inside." "You never said you were sorry about loosing the baby." "I thought I should be strong for you. I thought that was what you wanted." "I just wanted you. I wanted you to love the baby as much as I had. I began to wonder if you hadn't wanted it." Angelus looked into her eyes. "I wanted it. I wanted our family. More than anything in this life. I.. I." Tears began to form I his eyes. He rarely cried but on a few occasions he had with Buffy. And it was too much for her to bear. She scooted across the sofa and took his hand. "I wondered if my mood swings and driven you away. That maybe you thought I was nuts or something and that's why I found you with Dru." He shook his head, his tears falling as he hugged Buffy. "I screwed everything up didn't I? Everything's ruined because of my stupid need for revenge." He had said something similar to her years ago, Buffy remembered, after one of their fights. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ "How dare you insinuate that I only want your money!" said Buffy. "I don't want a dime if you earned it!" "You know, I'm not believing this." Said Angelus from across his desk. Buffy tore the cheque up and tossed it at him. "You can't buy me. I'm not for sale." She stormed out of the office. Over the next week Buffy's life began crumbling. Every morning he came in for his coffee but now he chatted Sarah up, he wouldn't even look at Buffy even though they had been dating for over three months. On the Friday she was fired. It wasn't too much of a hardship, she was making a little money off her dresses now but it made life harder. Not to mention that she knew he had something to do with it. Then, the next Monday, she and Willow were served an eviction notice. That was the final straw and she drove straight over to his office. He hadn't told security to keep her out so she walked straight in, up to his floor and past his secretaries, into his office. "What the hell is this?" she said, slamming the eviction document down on his desk. He looked up, surprised to see her. Calmly he took the letter and read it. "It's a notice to quit." "I know that, why do I think you had something to do with it?" "I have no idea." He said, waving his secretaries away from the doorway. Buffy sat opposite him, glaring at him. "Why? Just because I don't want your stupid money? You take that as a rejection and now, not only do I have to pay for your insecurities, my best friend does too." Angelus licked his lips but didn't reply. "Why did you even send me that cheque? Is that what your other girlfriends expected?" "No, it.. it just made life easier." "It's easier to own people than to love them." Angelus didn't reply. Buffy sighed, her anger too strong to sustain for long. "Why didn't you come after me? Sure, I was insulted but it hurt a hell of a lot more when you started flirting with Sarah. Why just leave it? Do I mean nothing to you?" "No." "Then what? Why try and hurt me? We had a fight, big deal. Normal people get over it and move on." "I've just always been better at revenge than love." He said quietly. "You.." "I love you." "Then treat me like it. Please." "I'm sorry. I've never felt this way. It's.. Scary." He said, remembering how he had opened up to her the other evening, telling her about his parents. He had never told anyone that before. That was why he sent the cheque, he knew it was insulting. Most of the women he dated kept the money; if Buffy did too then she would be an employee, not a girlfriend. Buffy walked around he desk and knelt on the floor, cupping his face with her hand. "But you don't have to face it alone. Love means you have someone else to help you." "Are you saying.?" "Yes. I love you too." ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ "I've just always been better at revenge than love." Said Buffy quietly. "What?" he asked. "Something you said to me once." "It's true." "I know, I've been there." Angelus sat up and looked into her eyes. "Please, lets try again." Buffy may have been slightly drunk but not that drunk. "We'll see. I can't just erase the last few months." "I know." He closed his eyes and put his head in his hands. "I'm such a jerk." "Sometimes." "Most of the time." Buffy softened. "No. You're not. You're wonderful, sweet, kind, caring. I know you loved me, I know you still do. I just need some time. I need to remember the man I fell in love with, not the man who wanted to destroy me." Angelus pulled her to him and she folded into his embrace as she had done a thousand times before. They lay there, silently. _______________________________________________ Chapter 12 Buffy awoke in the spare bedroom the next morning. Or to be more accurate, one of the spare bedrooms. Angelus must have carried her up here. Her face hurt and she padded to the ensuite bathroom to survey the damage. It wasn't pretty. Her black eye was dark and swollen, her cut looked about the same but her cheek was purple and angry. Hopefully makeup would cover i t. Willow had agreed to look after the shop today. Buffy wasn't sure if she's be in today but even if she was, she wasn't greeting customers like this. "Buffy." "Come in." she called, poking her head out of the bathroom door. "Ooh," said Angelus as he saw her. "That does not look good." "Just what every girl wants to hear." "I didn't mean.." Buffy held her hand up and smiled. "I know, I was teasing." "Anyway, I brought you some breakfast." He said laying a breakfast tray dow n on the bed. "I also thought we should go over things again today, see if we cant figure out what's going on with those pictures." Now the shock of last night had work off and she wasn't quite so angry with Angelus she thought it was a very good idea. "Sure. I need to change at so me point though. My clothes from last night have blood on them." "I asked Willow to pack you an over night bag, Henry picked it up this morn ing. I'll bring it up in a sec." "Thanks." Angelus left and Buffy explored the contents of the breakfast tray. There w ere pastries, cereals and an omelette with hash browns. Then there was coff ee, tea and juice. He had covered all bases. Buffy picked up a croissant an d began eating. Later that morning, both Buffy and Angelus recounted their tails of the mis carriage. Buffy hadn't seen anyone suspicious watching her or noticed anyth ing unusual. Angelus also had no further clues as to where Penn got the photos. "So, what now?" asked Buffy. Angelus looked at the notes he had made. Nothing but dates. He chewed his l ower lip for a second. "Tell me about last night." "You heard everything." Said Buffy. "You didn't recognise anything about them?" "No. Why?" "I was just thinking. What if they're coming at me through you? First they get incriminating photos of you. It must have taken them a few weeks to fig ure out a use for them though because Penn didn't come to me for a while." "And." "Then you and I make friends again." "I wouldn't have called us friends." She saw a hurt look pass over his feat ures. "Then, I mean. We only had lunch yesterday. Wasn't until last night w e.. Communicated." "But to the casual observer, wouldn't the lunch look like we were friends a gain. At least making steps to a reconciliation?" "I guess." "Then you get attacked and your rings taken." "But that brought us closer." "Only because they called me. If they had called Willow would you have told me what happened?" "Probably not." "Well who ever, they most likely expected you to have changed your contact in emergency person by now." "So how does hurting me fit into splitting us up?" Angelus laced his fingers together as he thought. "Well with the rings gone that could serve to upset me, especially if I thought you'd just gotten ri d of them." ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Buffy noticed Angelus was acting oddly, nervous even. She had never seen hi m nervous. Reaching over the table she took his hand. "Are you going to sit there like a cat on a hot tin roof all evening or are you going to tell me what wrong?" she asked. "Nothing's wrong." "Something's up." Well, thought Angelus, it's now or never, sink or swim. He released Buffy's hand and took the seat next to her at the table. "I wan ted to ask you something." He began. "Ok." Reaching a hand into his pocket he traced the outline of the ring. "I. Will you marry me?" he asked. Buffy looked at him, her features blank. Surely he hadn't just said that? N ot the commitment phobic man she had been dating for over a year. "You.." "I want to marry you." He grew concerned as she didn't answer. Then he real ised he still had the ring in his pocket, weren't you supposed to show that to the bride to be? He pulled the ring out and asked again. "Will you marr y me?" "Yes!" she blurted out. "It's just, so." Angelus smiled and slipped the ring on her finger. "Oh, it's beautiful." She said, noticing it for the first time. It was plat inum with a diamond heart held by two hands and with a crown on top. He had n't been holding it before, had he? "It's a claddagh." He explained. "There's a legend in Ireland. In the early 16th Century, a fishing boat set out one morning from the village of Cladd agh in Galway. Pirates set upon the boat and took them as slaves to Spain. One man, Richard Joyce was in the crew and was to be married that week. His fiancée was desolated at the loss of him. Years passed by and Richard be came a master in the trade of goldsmithing. He created a ring that was tota lly unique for the woman he could never forget at home. The design was insp ired by their love. The heart in the centre symbolises love, the hands repr esent friendship and faith and the crown represented loyalty and fidelity. After eight years he escaped and returned to Claddagh, elated to find that his love had never married. He gave her the ring and they never separated a gain." "That's beautiful." Angelus leaned across and kissed her. "Your beautiful." He murmured. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Buffy shook her head slowly, casting the memory off. The ring was special b ut it wasn't a good enough reason to mug someone over. "I don't buy it." "It is a bit thin. Nothing you recognise about them? Anything at all?" "No. Sorry." That afternoon Buffy and Angelus sat having coffee, taking a break from rec ent, unpleasant events, when the door went. Henry came in shortly afterward s with a uniformed officer and a plain clothed man. "Angelus O'Neil?" asked the plain clothed one. "Yes." "I'm arresting you on conspiracy to commit assault. You have the right to r emain silent, anything.." His words soon drowned out as Buffy and Angelus locked eyes. Buffy's expres sion one of horror, Angelus' much the same. Angelus was hauled to his feet, cuffed and led away. Buffy watched them go, unable to follow them. _____________________________________ Chapter 13 Angelus wasn't too worried about the charges. He had good lawyers, not to mention that the charges were completely false. He could post almost any bail amount so he felt ok about being freed soon. He didn't feel OK about Buffy. She was alone and probably thinking this was some sick ploy to get her back. "O'Neil." "Yeah." He said, standing in his small cell and facing the guard at the bars. "Visitor." He said opening the cell door. He beckoned someone from down the hall and Buffy stepped into view and into the cell. The guard closed the door saying, "Holler if you need me." "Buffy." Her eyes looked tear stained. "You have to know, it wasn't me." "I know." She nodded. "At first I thought how could he but I soon realised you aren't that good an actor. It couldn't be you, not after what you said last night." Angelus breathed a sigh of relief and held his arms open, leaving the choice of hugging him up to Buffy. She stepped into his embrace. After a few moments they pulled apart. "I spoke to the police." She began. "They said they picked up one of the thugs and he fingered you as the person who paid him to mug me." "Who is it?" "He's called Johnny Davies. Doesn't mean anything to me." "Nor me." "Anyway, he wouldn't give his partner up. I think there's something off there. He fingers you, the person he says paid him but he won't finger his partner." "I agree. At least we have a name now." "Yeah. They also told me he said the reason for the mugging was so you could get your rings back. You hated me having them after.. You know." Angelus nodded. "Reasonable story." "Not to me, you had no idea I was wearing the rings." "But it sounds good to a jury." "I'll testify for you. Nothing is going to happen to you. I wont let it." "Did they get the rings back?" Buffy nodded. "They wont let me have them yet though, they're evidence." Angelus sat on the small bunk; Buffy sat beside him and took his hand. "Any idea how long you'll be here?" "My lawyer should be here soon. I doubt I'll be here long, he's good." Buffy nodded and rested her head on his shoulder. "When I find out who's doing this they are dead." She said softly. "I guess this was the culmination of the scheme." "Probably. Hasn't worked though." "That might mean they'll try again." "Maybe, I'll be.." "O'Neil, your lawyer's here." Said the guard, reappearing. Buffy stood. "I'll wait at home for you." "Be careful." "I will." Buffy was asleep on the sofa in the study when Angelus returned home. He watched her for a few moments before bending down and gently kissing her. "Buffy. Buffy." He called. She groggily opened her eyes and smiled as she saw him. "How'd it go?" "I got bail." Buffy sat up and stretched. "What time is it?" "9pm. Have you eaten?" "No." "Chinese?" "Sounds good." "I'll order." Buffy smiled and yawned. Thirty minutes later they sat eating a selection of dishes. Angelus finished and put his plate on the coffee table. He looked apprehensive. Buffy finished her food, put her plate down and turned to him. "What is it?" she asked. "Nothing." "Spill." Angelus sighed. "My lawyer. He suggested that this could be.. That it could be an ex partner setting us up." Buffy understood his discomfort. He hated hearing about her ex-boyfriends almost as much as he hated talking about his past relationships. Buffy went and poured them some large drinks. She had learnt that Angelus as most likely to open up to her when he was well oiled. They sat silently for a while, drinking. Buffy wasn't sure if it was better for Angelus or herself to go first, both would be painful for Angelus. Angelus finished his drink and Buffy poured him another. "You go first." He said. Hearing about her past loves was the hardest thing for him. Knowing someone else had lover her and that she had loved them. It was like torture to him. "Sure?" "Yeah." "OK." Angelus picked a pad up and prepared to write. "Your taking notes?" "Best way to keep track." "Fine. OK, first there was Owen. One date in high school. He was a bit too, um, enthusiastic for my tastes. Then.." "Wait, did he try anything?" "Not enthusiastic that way, he was just too full on, too excitable, I was trying to study hard and I didn't have time for that. And no, he never tried anything." She paused. "Then came Scott. Again, nothing much, a few dates. He broke it off, said I wasn't fun any more." "Then?" "Parker. Wanted sex, didn't get it, I dropped him." "He could be upset." Buffy smiled. "Nah, I saw him with someone else later that day, and someone different the next day. I don't think I crushed him." "OK, next." Said Angelus. He was hating every moment of this. "Riley was next. We dated most of college." "What happened?" "I.. I didn't want to, you know. He obviously couldn't wait. I went to his dorm room and found him in bed with another woman." "That's all?" "That's all. Now hand me the pad." Angelus handed her the pad. "You sure that's all?" "All my boyfriends, of course I'm sure." Angelus realised she had been a virgin when he slept with her, he just found it hard to believe there hadn't been more interest in her. Boys these days must be blind. "So come on, spill." Prompted Buffy. She was grinning. "You're enjoying this." He grumbled. "Finally I get a detailed history on one part of your life, of course I'm enjoying it." She paused. "Plus, I get to see you squirm." "OK. First there was.." The list was huge. It appeared before Buffy came along his life was a succession of short, meaningless relationships. For the moment she just recorded the name and length of the relationship, along with the age Angelus had been. . Name / duration / age Kate Shaw, 2 mths, 14 Sally Jenkins, 1 week, 15 Kelly ???, 1 week, 15 ish Angela Fox, 1 mth, 15ish Sarah spada, 1, night stand, 17 Jessica ??? 1 night stand, 17ish Claire ??? 1 night stand, 18, Julie Swan, 2 weeks, 18 Terrie ??? one night stand Sherrie ??? one night stand Georgina ??? one night stand 18 - 19 Faye Maclean one night stand Patricia Russell one night stand Drucilla Hughes, six months, 18 - 19 Andy Lynn, 2 weeks, 19 Vickie ??? 1 night stand 19 Julie ??? one night stand 19 Jackie Paul one night stand 19 Elaine ??? one night stand 19ish Jo E??? one night stand 20 ??? one night stands 20-21 Darla Holtz 1 year 22 One night stands for three years from 23 - 26 Drucilla Hughes six months 26 Claire Hill 3 mths Buffy put the pad down. "Wow." "I'm sorry." He said, hanging his head. There was a reason he had never told her about most of his relationships. "No, don't be, it's just a big list." "I know." "Why don't we stop here for now, if we come up with nothing, we'll carry on." "Sounds good." He said, glad for his reprieve, however temporary it might be. ________________________ Chapter 14 Buffy went downstairs in the morning to find Angelus on the phone. He smiled as she entered the office. Buffy sat opposite until he hung up. "Who was that?" she asked. "My Lawyer. We have a list of contacts for our mugger. Known associates, friends." He said holding up a sheet of paper. "He got all that?" asked Buffy as she looked at the detailed information. "Yeah, though not exactly legally." Buffy didn't mind how the information had been discovered. "When do we leave?" She asked. "I. It's probably best if I check these out alone." "Why?" "These aren't nice guys Buffy. I just think you'd be safer here." Buffy smiled. "Probably. I'd be even safer in a padded cell but I'm not doing that either." Angelus was about to speak but Buffy held her hand up. "It was me who was mugged and punched and kicked so if you think for a second that I'm letting you go alone you are sorely mistaken." Angelus had anticipated her reaction and sighed. "OK, but take this." He withdrew a small handgun from his desk and handed it to her. "You remember how to use it?" "Sure." ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ "But why?" asked Buffy. "Because I'm not always here and I want you to be protected." "This place is like a fortress, no one's going to even get near the house." Angelus sighed. "Please, just do it for me. I'd be much happier knowing you can defend yourself when I'm not here." Buffy looked at the small handgun she was holding. She didn't like guns but he wasn't asking her to carry it or anything, just to learn to use it. What harm could there be in that if it made him feel better. "OK, fine." Angelus smiled and stepped up behind her. "OK, spread your leg slightly." Buffy complied. "Now, relax your knees." He said. Lightly pressing on her shoulders. "Good. You feel secure?" "Uh huh." "Good, now aim the gun at the first can. Take your time. Two hand hold like we discussed." Buffy raised the gun. "That's it, take it slow. Line it up and squeeze gently." The gun went off missing the target and blowing Buffy back into Angelus. He caught her before she fell. "That was good." "I totally missed." "Everyone does. You'll get used to it. This time try and relax more, absorb the force from the gun." Buffy raised the gun again and took aim. She took two deep breaths and tried to relax her arms and legs. She gently squeezed the trigger again. The can flew off the wall. "Great!" Angelus wrapped his hands around her waist and kissed her neck. "Stop it, we're supposed to be practicing." "I can't help it, a beautiful woman with a big gun. Gets me every time." "Maybe it isn't a good idea to piss of a woman with a gun." She joked, leaning back into him. "Maybe, but it's worth the risk." He said, lavishing attention on her neck. Buffy caved, placing the gun on the table next to her and turning to capture his mouth in a heated kiss. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Buffy snapped out of the memory as Angelus opened his door. Grabbing her bag with the gun in she got out and met Angelus at the kerb. This was the fourth place they had tried today. The first man claimed to know nothing, the second wasn't home or wasn't answering and the third was in jail, due to be released on bail later today. "You ready?" he asked. "Lets do it." Buffy had covered her bruises with concealer and dark makeup. If angelus hadn't known she was hurt he probably wouldn't have guessed. Lenny was roused from sleep by banging at his door. "Wait, wait a sec." He called, finding some pants to pull on and stumbling to the door. He opened it to find a tall man and a blonde woman standing there. "Yeah?" he asked. "Lenny Gee?" asked the man. "Maybe, what's it to you?" "I got a hundred dollars with your name on if you let us in. More if you talk to us." Lenny looked them over, they didn't look like police. "Sure." He said opening the door wide as they stepped into the apartment. "Where's the money?" he asked. Angelus flashed a wad of twenties. "When you talk." Lenny sat down. "OK, so what do yous want to know?" "You know Jonny Davies?" "Might do?" "There's no money in a might do." "OK, sure, I know him." "He's in jail right now, mugging." Lenny nodded. "I heard." He said, looking at the blonde in a leering way. Buffy tried not to notice and looked around the apartment instead. It was a mess and Buffy could see a few traces of white lines on the coffee table. Probably explained why Lenny looked so hung over and was willing to talk for easy cash. "You know anything about that?" asked Angelus. "What's this about?" "Your friend is trying to frame someone, saying he was paid to do the mugging. I want to know why." "OK, maybe I know something." "Like what?" "Maybe I know he was hired." "Maybe doesn't get us anything. Who hired him?" "This guy a friend of yours? The one being fingered." "A friend of mine." Buffy chimed in. He looked her over again, wondering if he should help the pretty woman out. A pretty woman had often been his weakness. "It'll cost ya?" "How much?" asked Angelus. He considered the offer. "$500." "Deal, as long as you tell us everything you know." Lenny licked his lips. "OK, so Johnny comes to me, says he got this great offer to do this bitch over." He glanced at Buffy, "No offence." "None taken." "So, he says he's been offered like two thousand dollars for it but he wants some help." "You say yes or no?" asked Angelus. "I won't lie, I considered it. My cut was $500." "Why not 50/50?" "'Cos he said he had to do some jail time so he got more." "Why would he have to do jail time?" "I dunno, I didn't ask. Anyways, he offers it to me. I think it sounds off, like a set up or something so I tell him no." "What'd he do then?" "Nothin', he left it." "He ever tell you who paid him?" "Nah, said he couldn't." "You have any idea who did help him?" Lenny licked his lips. "It'll stay between us." Lenny didn't answer. "One thousand if you tell me who helped him." Lenny licked his lips again. "OK, he got this dude, Carl to help him." "Carl who?" "I honestly don't know. He's kind of new in these parts, young, about 20. Major addict, I guess he needed the cash quick." "Any idea where this Carl hangs out." Lenny licked his lips again. Angelus pulled the money out of his pocket again and flashed it. "He hangs out at this bar, a few blocks over, the Stallion." "And a description?" "Bout 20, long black hair, pulled into a pony tail. Aint much else about him." "Clothes?" "Jeans and a leather jacket. Yeah, come to think of it, he likes the jacket. It's designer, got this big picture of an eagle on the back." Angelus counted out a thousand and handed it to Lenny. Lenny reached for it but Angelus held the money fast. "This stays between us." "Sure man." "I mean it. I find out you tipped this Carl off, I'm going to come looking for you." Lenny smiled but it was cold and chilling. "You can trust me man." "I hope so." He said, releasing his grip on the money. __________________________ Chapter 15 Buffy and Angelus waited opposite the bar for Carl. It was before midday but the bar was buzzing. "Can you imagine being wasted at this time of day?" said Buffy idly as she watched one of the patrons stagger out. "It numbs the pain of life. I could see why some people need it." "You didn't need it." "I saw it for what it really was." "What?" "A lie. Sure, it makes you happy for the first few glasses but then it changes you, you become someone different. Usually not a better different." "Your parents?" Angelus didn't answer. "I'm sorry." He remained silent but Buffy took his hand. He looked from their entwined hands to her face and smiled. Buffy smiled back. "Is that him?" said Angelus. Buffy turned to look and saw a man with an eagle on his jacket entering the bar. "I'd say so. Wait until he comes out?" "Yeah. I don't think we'd be welcome in there." Having seen the patrons Buffy had to agree. Carl stayed in there for four hours until they saw him again. He exited with another man and they went into an alley at the side of the bar. "Get your gun." Said angelus, exiting the car. Buffy followed, gun in hand. "Pleasure doing business with you man." Said the man Carl left with. "Yeah, just gimme it." Said Carl Angelus placed Buffy's gun at the first mans head. "Drugs, I hate drugs." "What's it to you?" he asked. "Nothing. It's your client I want to speak to." Angelus pointed the gun at Carl. "Go, while you have the chance to. The dealer fled and Angelus faced Carl, pointing the gun at him. "Yo man, jus leave me alone." "Cant do that." Angelus noticed he was perspiring and shaking slightly. He would be willing to bet that Carl needed his next fix badly. He looked at the paper bag Carl was holding. "Drop it." "I aint doing shit!" Angelus shot the wall beside his head. "OK, OK man." He dropped the bag. "Kick it over." Carl did so and Angelus carefully picked the bag up. "If you want what's in here you'll talk to me. If you don't." he held the bad over a large drain, implying he would drop it down there. "What ever you say man, just don't do it." "You Carl." "Yeah." Hi eyes were fixed on his purchase. "Let me see your licence." "What?" "Throw your wallet over to me." Carl looked at the gun then to Angelus' face. Angelus expressed no emotion. "OK," he took the wallet out and threw it at Angelus' feet. Angelus reached down and opened it, withdrawing the licence. The name on it was Carl Lenthall. Angelus pocketed the licence and threw the wallet to the ground. "You mugged someone the other night didn't you?" he asked. "Yeah, I did and I'm sorry, alright?" "No. I need more from you, I need to know who paid you." "No one, that the point of mugging." "I think we have out wires crossed. You and Jonny Davies were paid to mug a blonde woman, who paid you?" Carl was silent, eyeing the package. Angelus let the drugs slip slightly before catching them. "Tell me." "OK OK! Some guy Johnny knew. He comes to Johnny saying he needs a number done on his ex. She needs working over." "Who was he?" "I dunno, I never asked his name. But I saw him with Johnny." "What does he look like?" "About 6'2, light brown hair, wiry." "Go on." "There's nothing more to tell." Angelus let the drugs slip again. "OK, after we's worked her over Johnny was supposed to get caught and frame this other guy." "Who?" "Her husband. I dunno his name. Please, I swear, that all I know." Angelus considered it a moment. He seemed sincere, not to mention too strung out to lie well. He put the gun away and walked over to him handing the drugs back. Carl reached for them and Angelus floored him with a punch to his face. He looked at the pathetic specimen lying on the ground. "Man, what you do that for?" Angelus kicked him in he ribs. "You'll find out soon." He said, tossing the drugs to the ground next to Carl. "So, still no where." Said Buffy. She wondered if he was holding out on her to protect her, but she doubted it. "We have a description." "But nothing to compare it to." She was right, they didn't have much. "Lets get something to eat, then we can discuss out next move. ********************************* Chapter 16 "Should we give this information to the police?" asked Buffy tucking into her bagel. "Not yet, once they arrest him he's out of our reach. I want him where we can talk to him again." "So what now then?" Angelus sighed. "I guess we try and match someone to the description he gave." "But light brown hair and about 6 foot, could be anyone." Angelus nodded. "And that's always assuming the person who hired them wasn't hired himself." "We have to start somewhere so lets assume he didn't hire anyone else to do the dirty work." Angelus nodded. "So, lets start with your secretaries, ask them if they know anyone you've had dealings with who matched that description." "Then what? We still have no proof." "True, but if we can get pictures we can show them to this Carl." "Assuming it is someone I've had business dealings with." "OK, once we've asked them to do that, we can go through the lists we made the other night, see if anyone matches from my list or if any of your girlfriends knew anyone similar looking." "Buffy.. I, I didn't really know most of them that well. I couldn't even tell you the last names of some of them." "I know but where else do we go?" "OK, I'll call the office when we get back." "How'd they take the request?" asked Buffy. "Puzzled but they'll do it. They were more worried about when I'm going back in." "Cant blame them, it isn't like you to take time off, especially without telling anyone. They're probably worried." Angelus nodded. "How'd you get on with your list?" Buffy looked down at the paper listing her boyfriends. "No one sticks out." "No one 6 footish and with brown hair?" "Owen maybe but he was more blonde and he was shorter. Scott, too short again, Riley, he fits but he would never do anything like this and the rest don't match at all." "Tell me more about Riley?" "There isn't much to tell. We dated for most of college, he cheated on me, we broke up." "Why did he cheat?" "I wanted to wait to have sex, he seemed ok about it but then I walked in on him in his dorm room so I guess he wasn't as OK as I thought." "You walked I on them?" "Yeah. Spike, who also had a crush on me, he told me I had to see something. I go in and there they are, all naked and together." "Did he try and explain?" "Explain? Well he said I shut him out of my life, wouldn't let him in or something. He said the other girls needed him." "Anything else?" "He said he wanted to try again if I was willing to give more. ME! I wasn't the one screwing around. I didn't want to give it another go so I told him where he could shove it." "He take it OK?" "Yeah, he called a few times, mostly willow answered, told him I wasn't there but once I shunned him, he did the same back, like he was punishing me." "You think it could be him? Even a little?" Buffy thought. "It could be but I don't see why? It was years ago and he just moved on to the next woman. What about your list?" "I don't remember anyone who matched the description being with those women." He paused. "Do you have a picture of this Riley?" "Yeah, in my college photo's. Somewhere." "Try and find it. At the very least we can rule him out." "It's at Willows. I guess I should go back there, she's probably worried sick by now." "Ar.. Are you coming back?" "Here?" "Yeah. What I'm trying to say is, I want you to come home." "I know you do. I just don't want to rush things." "I won't rush, you can stay in the spare room. I would have given you the master bedroom but I thought you wouldn't like that." "You were right." "So will you come back?" Buffy thought a moment. "For now. I'm not moving in or anything but it's best if we're together right now while this is going on." "OK." Buffy arrived back at the house to see Angelus waiting for her at the door. "Hey." She said. "I was getting concerned." "I had a lot to explain to Willow. Sorry I'm so late." "Don't worry about it." He saw the small case Buffy was carrying. "Can I take that for you?" "It's fine. I'll be down in a few minutes." She said, heading for the stairs. Angelus retreated to the study where he lit a fire and poured two brandies. "Just like old times." Said Buffy as she returned. Angelus didn't answer, he just handed her a drink and sat down. "Have you eaten?" he asked. "Grabbed something at Will's." He nodded and silence ruled for a beat. "Did you hear from your secretaries?" Buffy asked. "Yeah, they have some ideas but they're still trying to track a few photos down. They're going to Fed Ex what they have over tomorrow morning." Buffy nodded and sipped her drink. "They must be working late." "Triple time." "And they say loyalty in employment is dead." Buffy joked. Angelus smiled. "Did you get the picture?" he asked. "Of Riley? Yeah, it's quite old now though." Neither spoke for a while. Buffy missed the way she used to feel in this room, safe and warm. Now she felt uncomfortable. "So, what's been going on in your life?" Angelus asked. "Not much, just work really. Which is going excellently. We finally turned upstairs into a cutting and sewing room and took on a fulltime cutter and seamstress for the ready to wear clothes. Willow is designing more things, I even added her to the stationary. Things are really beginning to take off." Angelus knew all this he had been keeping close tabs on her. "I'm glad." He said. "So how about you? What's been happening in your life?" "Nothing." "Come on, something must have happened?" "No, after you left I lost my drive. The business had just been ticking over and the only social functions I went to were those you were at." "Wow. You need a hobby." Buffy joked. Angelus smiled. They ended up taking for hours about nothing important and Buffy eventually went to bed sorry that the evening had to end. For just a moment it had been like old times again. *************************** Chapter 17 Buffy awoke in the morning with a slight hangover. Holding her head she ventured down stairs and found Angelus hard at work in the study. He was going through the photos that had been sent. She hated the way he never had a hangover. "Hey." She said, disturbing him. "Morning. You sleep OK?" "Sleep wasn't the problem. The hangover is." Angelus smiled. That was classic Buffy, three glasses of wine and she'd have a hangover. He missed the little things like that. "Here." He said tossing her some Advil he kept in his desk draw. "Thanks." She retreated to the kitchen to get a drink and take the pills then returned to Angelus. "The bruising has gone down." He said, regarding her face. Buffy touched the bruised areas. "Haven't had the guts to face a mirror yet." "You look beautiful. You always do." Buffy couldn't help but smile. "So, find any viable suspects in those pictures?" "No one pops out. We'll show them all to Carl, let him pick the guy out." "You have his address?" "I took his drivers licence." Buffy nodded. "Is that legal?" "Do you care?" After what had happened to her she had to admit she didn't care. She shrugged. "So what if the person we're after isn't in those pictures though?" Angelus thought a second. "I really don't know." "Any word on Penn yet?" "No, nothing." "OK, gimme half an hour to change then we'll go see Carl." They came away from Carls empty handed. He had looked through every picture but nothing. They had both watched him closely for any signs of recognition but his face remained impassive. Carl hadn't been willing to help, of course, but the gun helped his community spirit. Buffy leaned against the car and sighed. Angelus took the spot next to her. "What now?" asked Buffy. Angelus looked around. He spotted a convenience store a little way down. "I could use a soda. You?" "Hershey bar if they have it. Then no more dodging, ok?" Angelus walked towards the store, waiving her comments away with his hand. Buffy climbed into the car and waited. She truly had no idea where to go now. No one had heard from Penn, the guy in custody was sticking to his story that Angelus paid him, the photo's has turned up a blank and Buffy couldn't think of anything else they could do. She sighed and leaned back in her seat, trying to think of anything that would be a way forward. She first saw him from a distance but didn't really notice him. As her gaze passed over him again she took notice. About 6' foot, light brown hair, wiry. Penn. "Jesus!" exclaimed Buffy, how could they have missed that? She watched him as he entered the apartments that Carl lived in. When he was out of sight she looked for Angelus. She couldn't see him. She looked from the apartment building to the convenience store and back again. It was now or never. Getting out of the car she ran across the street and back into the apartment block. She headed straight for the apartment they had just come from, Carl's. She slowed, as she got close, hoping to hear something. Soon she could make out raised voices. Slowly they began to form words as she approached the door. "SHIT!" Exclaimed Penn. "Man, I din do nothin'" "Do you have any idea who that big guy is? The one you just told me you've been speaking to? That's the guy you two were supposed to frame. And this blonde, I'm willing to bet that was your victim, Buffy... Jesus!" "Yo, man, it din look like that broad to me." "Let me guess you were the one holding her from behind?" "Yeah." "THEN HOW THE FUCK COULD YOU TELL! Man!" "Hey dude, chill, they din show me no pictures of you. You're in the clear." There was silence for a moment but Penn's voice was full of venom when he spoke again. "You have no idea what's going on so don't explain things to me." "Sorry dude. Maybe if you'd kept me in the picture I'd have known what to say." "It's too late for that now." Said Penn. "What's that mean?" Once again Penn's voice was calm, controlled but menacing. "It means you have one chance to leave town. If you don't, I'll kill you." "OK, OK, chill. I'll go. I'll be gone by tonight." "Good." "Dude, what makes this dude and his broad so important to you?" There was silence for a moment. "None of your concern. Be gone by tonight." Buffy thought that sounded like a leaving sentence and bolted from the door and down the stairs. She ran out into the street, hoping Penn wouldn't see her. She spotted Angelus by the car and gestured for him to get down as she ran towards him. He looked at her and shrugged. Buffy reached him and hauled him down behind the car. Peaking through the window she looked towards the entrance of the apartments and gestured for Angelus to do the same. Thirty seconds later he understood why as Penn walked out of the building. "We have to have him arrested." Said Buffy. "If we don't he'll be gone soon." "OK, make the call." Said Angelus. "But do it from a pay phone, anonymous tip. I don't want to be answering questions about this with the police." "OK, drop. Drop me off a the next intersection then you carry on." They were tailing Penn right now, Angelus determined to find out how and why he was doing this. They were held up at the nest lights and Buffy climbed out. "Be careful." She called. "You too." Angelus watched her until the light changed and continued following Penn. He was upset about the stunt she pulled earlier but had to admit they had more information thanks to it. He just prayed she made it home in one peace now. ************************ Chapter 18 Buffy paced the floor as she waited for him. He had been gone three hours now. Her phone rang and Buffy bolted to pick it up. "Angelus?" she asked. "No Ma'am, this is sergeant Graves. I'm calling to let you know we arrested the second mugger in your attack." "Really? How?" she asked, trying to sound surprised. "We had a tip off and arrested him earlier. I just through you'd like to know." "Thank you Sergeant. Has he said anything about my husband?" "Like what?" "That he didn't do it, he didn't pay those men." The sergeant sighed like this was a story he heard every day. Battered women refusing to press charges. Which he probably did hear but that didn't make Angelus guilty. "I cant disclose that Ma'am, sorry." "It's OK. Thank you for telling me." Buffy guessed he probably hadn't cleared Angelus' name. Penn truly scared Carl this morning; he wouldn't be divulging information if he didn't have to. And Angelus was still out there. He hadn't even called in. Her mind ran through all the awful possibilities of what could have happed to him when the small mobile rang again. "Hello?" "Buffy. I'm safe but I'll be a while. Sorry. Can't talk right now. I love you." He hung up. Buffy stared at the phone, wondering what the hell that was about. It al made sense to Angelus now. Everything. As he listened to them talk the pieces just fell into place. "Noooooooo! This cant be happening." Said Dru. "It isn't true." "It's true Drucilla. He's back with her. They're living together." "No. He wouldn't. Not after what she did." Penn sighed. The crazy bitch. It was like explaining things to a child. "She didn't do anything to him remember? The baby miscarried." "But we have pictures." "We have pictures of her seeing a client. A lucky coincidence for us. We were bound to get something to use if we followed her long enough." "She wouldn't take him back. She wouldn't." Penn sighed again and left her. Trying to reason with her was as much use as trying to get blood from a stone. Penn needed him. He could help him make the next move. Angelus listened from the window outside Dru's house. He heard Penn walk away and crept to the next window. Looking back now, he knew exactly why he called Dru that day. Why her and not one of the others. They had set it up. They must have. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Buffy held his arm as they went into the ballroom. "You sure you're up to this?" he asked, concerned. "It's been seven weeks. I have to venture out into polite society some time." "If you want to leave, just tell me." "I will." They mingled and chatted to people. Most didn't mention her miscarriage and Buffy was grateful. She didn't want pity, she wanted to forget. "Angelus?" They turned to face Drucilla. Buffy felt him stiffen. "Dru, good to see you. What are you doing here?" "Moved back. I live here now. Daddy's house is empty so I'm living there." "That's great," said Angelus with a faux smile on his lips. He hated running into his ex's when he was with Buffy. Last he heard of Dru she had moved to New York, which was fine with him. The further the better. "It's been good to see you again Angelus." She said, stepping closer. She kissed him on the cheek. "Call me, we'll do lunch." "Bitch" hissed Buffy as Dru left. "Sorry hunny. Lets get out of here." ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ They cleverly managed meeting the week before Penn came to see him, that was the reason he called Dru. They let him know she was there, she was available and that Buffy hated her. Whoever was behind this was good. Possibly better than Angelus himself. ************************** Chapter 19 Angelus followed Penn to the next window and watched as he picked the phone up and dialled. He only heard one side of the conversation but he gathered it wasn't what Penn wanted to hear though. "Sir, you cant ask me that!" Penn said, loosing his cool. "I can ask what ever I want. It might do you well to remember that you're in this up to your neck." "Assault is one thing, murder is another." "I know you have your own reasons for being in this Penn, but let me assure you I intend to destroy Angelus. You are either along for the ride or you'll get trampled on the way." Penn sighed. He couldn't kill Buffy. He didn't resent Angelus that much. And Buffy was a sweet women. OK, she had always treated him like dirt but he knew he deserved that. "Is that silence an agreement?" asked the man on the phone. "NO!" "Very well, I suggest we meet and discuss this in person." Penn took a deep breath. "OK, when and where." Angelus watched as Penn wrote what he assumes to be a date, time and place down. He had to have that information. The call mentioned murder. Since Buffy had been the focus of all the attacks so far he had to assume she was the target. He couldn't let anything happen to her. Penn hung up the phone and rubbed his face before tearing the sheet of paper off the pad and leaving. Angelus heard the front door slam and waited until he heard his car leave. It was a tough decision, to follow Penn or see if he could get the second sheet of paper Penn had written on. He opted to stay. If he followed Penn he would have to watch him all the time, leaving Buffy vulnerable. If he got the sheet of paper, he could be back with her that evening, protecting her. Dru heard the knock on the door and thought it was Penn, coming back. He hadn't said goodbye after all. She opened the door to se Angelus there, he looked fraught. "Angelus my dear, what's wrong." Angelus walked past her, into the house. "I don't know. I'm so confused." He said, running his hand through his hair. "What can I do?" "Drink. I need a drink." He said, heading for the study where Penn had made the phone call from. Dru followed him as he headed for the drinks cabinet. "Sit." She commanded. "I'll get it." Angelus sighed and turned back to her. "Of course, it's your house. Sorry." Dru walked past him and Angelus quickly removed the next sheet of paper from the pad, slipping it into his pocket. He turned to see Dru still getting his drink. She came over with a glass for him and he took it. "Thanks." He looked at it like it was poison. Which it could be. Though if she had put anything in, it would probably be a sleeping potion of some kind. "What troubles you so Angelus?" Angelus looked at her and reached his hand out to caress her cheek. "So pretty." He whispered. Dru smiled. Angelus looked around the room and back to Dru. "I cant. I cant." He said, putting his drink down and heading for the door. "Angelus?" "I'm sorry, I cant do this." He said, not turning back. Then he was out the front door and heading down the drive. He didn't turn back but he thought he could feel Dru staring after him. Hopefully he had convinced her he was there for sex but too conflicted to act. Hopefully. Buffy was going crazy with worry. Why hadn't he called back? Was he safe? After the phone call she decided to take a bath. They usually relaxed her and she needed relaxing right now. She headed for the master bedroom, ran the water in the huge tub and relaxed into it. It didn't work; she was still jumpy. He had been gone for five hours now. Three hours since his phone call. Why hadn't he called again? She got out of the tub and dried her wrinkled body off, hoping he wouldn't mind her using his bathroom. It was her favourite. Dressed in a towel she went back into the master bedroom. The bed stood in front of her, mocking her with memories of Dru in it. It didn't trouble her so much today though, she had more important things to worry about. Going over to the dressing table she picked up his aftershave bottle and sprayed a little on her wrist. She missed the scent so much. It's amazing how many small things you miss, not the big things like having someone sleep beside you, the little details like how they smelt, how they dressed, a phrase or word that only they said in their own way. Buffy put the bottle down and sighed. If he wasn't dead, she was sure as hell going to kill him when he got back for making her worry like this. She stood up and noticed one of his blue silk shirts lying over a chair. She had worn them so often at one time, that he had even relinquished ownership of some because she liked them so much. She smiled at the memory, wishing she could do the same now. But things had changed. It wasn't that he would be mad, he wouldn't, in fact he would take it as a sign that they were on the way to getting back together. She couldn't give him that hope though. She did love him, undoubtedly. And she was falling for him again, if that was possible. She just didn't quite have what it took to get over that last mental hurdle and forgive him. Sighing, she left the room to change into her own clothes. ************************** Chapter 20 As Angelus waited for the results on the paper he had stolen, he called Buffy. He should have called her sooner but he was too wrapped up in finding out who was behind this. "Angelus?" she answered the phone." "It's me." "Oh, thank god. You had me so worried." "I'm sorry, lost track of things." "Where are you?" "In a lab, downtown. I have an imprint of a message I want retrieved, they're working on it now." "Will you be long?" "Not much longer. I'll be home soon." Buffy breathed a sigh of relief. "Good. Just take care." "I will. I love you." "I. Take care." Buffy hung up. Angelus stared at the phone. He couldn't really blame her, he had caused her pain. And it didn't matter who had tricked him, or how, the simple fact was, he had been the one to go after Buffy with a vengeance. His only hope was that she would one day forgive him, life wasn't worth it without her. "Sir?" Angelus turned to the lab assistant. "We have it." he said, handing an envelope over. "That was quick." "Relatively easy process. Pay at the front desk." "Thanks, I appreciate this." He said, opening the envelope. Buffy wasn't sure whether to be mad or happy as Angelus' car pulled up. She was mad that he had made her worry so much. But that was also her fault, because she still cared enough to worry. She was happy because she knew he was safe. Because they still had time. If he had been taken from her then things would have been lift unfinished. Buffy doubted she could have lived knowing their relationship had never been resolved. She stood by the door and waited for him, her anger dissolving when she saw him. He looked so tired and worn out. "Hey." She said softly. "You had me worried." Angelus pulled her into an embrace and kissed the top of her head. "I know, I'm sorry. Are you OK?" Buffy pulled back slightly to look at him. "Isn't that my line?" she smiled. He had always put her ahead of his own needs. "I'm fine." "You look tired." "Long day. But I'm OK. You?" "I think I aged a decade or two but I'm OK. And I heard from the police, they arrested the second mugger but he hasn't cleared your name." Angelus nodded. "Didn't think so." He kissed her forehead. "Why don't you get us some drinks, I'll be in in a second." Buffy stepped away, out of his embrace, suddenly feeling alone, like something was missing. Angelus entered the study to see Buffy waiting for him. She still looked worried which pleased him. It meant she still cared. "So, what did you find?" she asked as he sat next to her. Angelus withdrew the note and handed it to Buffy. "It looks like wwp, 10am, 19th." She said, reading the enhanced imprint. "Doesn't mean much to me." He said. "10 am must be the time of the meeting but wwp and 19th don't make much sense. I should have followed Penn." "No, you cant watch him all the time. We'll figure it out." Buffy reassured him, taking his hand. "Now, who is this meeting with?" Angelus explained the one side of the conversation he heard. "Someone wants to kill me?" "That's what it sounded like. I'm sorry." Buffy shook her head, this was all just so unreal. "So the meeting is tomorrow, right?" "Yeah." "But that's the 8th so the 19th cant be the date. It could be the date he's supposed to try killing me." "Or it could be something else." "True. Wwp." She mused. "A place? A code maybe?" she sighed. "This isn't getting us anywhere." "I know." "Lets head off to bed. Maybe we'll think more clearly in the morning." "Sure. I just need to check my messages first." She hugged him good night and went over to his desk, sitting down and taking out a pad. She dialled her work number and entered the code to retrieve the messages. Three from clients, Buffy jotted their name and message down. One from Sarah, the new cutter, she was calling to say her son was sick and she might be late the next day. The final message was from Lucy Steel, Buffy's lawyer, to see if they could have a lunch meeting. She proposed a place and time which Buffy jotted down. Buffy saved all the messages except Lucy's so Willow could hear them in the morning. She hung up, her feelings in turmoil. Should she tell Lucy the divorce was off? Or just carry on with it? Or maybe ask for a delay, see what happened. Could you even have a delay in a divorce? Buffy didn't know, she'd have to call Lucy tomorrow and talk about it. At least the business was OK but she would have to go back to work soon. Willow was a great designer but she couldn't do two peoples work for ever. Stretching she stood up from the chair and headed for bed. She stopped halfway to the office door. Something important just happened. She had missed something. Slowly Buffy turned, looking around the study, wondering what had given her the feeling. Nothing looked different. Slowly she walked back to the desk, afraid that sudden moments might scare the idea away or something. Nothing struck her as she walked back but the feeling that she had missed something wouldn't leave her. She sat back down, looking over the office again. Nothing. What ever was niggling at her brain wasn't ready to form a coherent thought yet. Buffy sighed, she would never get to sleep now, whatever was bugging her would bug her all night. She buried her face in her hands, trying to make the idea form through willpower alone. It didn't form though. Buffy rubbed her temples for a moment. ! That was it. Lucy Steel, 12pm, Valentinos. Wwp, 10am, 19th. Could it be wwp was the person Penn was meeting, 10am was the time and 19th was the place? But19th could be anything. A street, a house number, a club. Wwp could be the initials of the person Penn was meeting. Wwp, wwp, wwp.
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