Love Immortal

By Jennyd

Disclaimer: ALL CHARACTERS WITH THE EXCEPTIONOF DANA SCULLY ARE PROPERTIES OF JOSS WHEDON. DANA SCULLY IS OWNED BY THE GUYS WHO THOUGHT UP THE X-FILES SERIES. PLS. DON'T SUE. DO E-MAIL ME ON YOUR THOUGHTS RE: THIS STORY. MORIAH_100@YAHOO.COM

PART I

Even now , the miracle of being able to stand in the sunlight continued to amaze him. A miracle considering that six years ago, even the slightest contact with the sun's rays would’ve meant certain death .

Now gazing at the open sky as he and the rest of the Scooby Gang drove thorugh the streets of the Big Apple , Angel remembered the miracle that had given him this second chance at a normal life. Well almost normal, considering that his dark half, his vampire persona still came to life at night. This time though, the demon within no longer threatened his humanity.

She had saved him..Ironically, Buffy Summers.had done the imposible. She had let him take her life force , a part of her very soul, to make him human. But she never had the chance to see him enjoy his re-birth. Right after the ritual, on his first morning on earth, Buffy had quietly slipped out of Sunnydale without so much as a goodbye.

He had not wanted to return to Los Angeles.. Her departure had worried him and the rest of the gang. They had to know if she was all right. But Buffy had done a good job of staying out of sight. In the past seven years, all they had to go by was a short note for Giles that gave them an idea for the sudden disappearance.

“That battle with the mayor. That was the turning point.” Giles had said thoughtfully, turning to the group that summer day of her departure.: “ It scarred her, I think. She’s afraid. She believes her presence endangers us all…leaves us open targets for her enemies.”

Angel refused to accept his reasoning “ And as for you…” Giles turned to the vampire-man his student had loved.“She knows you now have a chance to live again…truly live.” Giles sighed”She doesn’t want to take any risks. She’s making sure you don’t lose your soul to the undead once again. It’s actually quite logical. Vampire slayers are like magnets to the lost ones. Its inevitable that she cross paths with them regularly during her lifetime.”

“But she can’t do this alone!” Xander shook his head in frustration, silently cursing himself for not seeing the signs of change in Buffy earlier on.

“I agree. But right now, our opinions don’t matter much in this case…” Giles concluded.

And so, the group had gone on their separate way. But the years did not cut the bond of friendship among them, as each one kept in touch with the rest.

The years have shown each one the path they were to take. Xander had gone into the music industry right after college, and had done pretty well for himself in L.A. Willow had put her computer savvy to good use, with Caltech hiring her as a systems troubleshooter for the firm. Giles had changed the least, preferring to keep a low profile as librarian and lecturer at Sunnydale College.

Angel returned to the city of angels to help his friend Whistler. But even there her memories continud to haunt him. The pain of losing her had nearly driven him to madness. Fortunately for Angel, help came in the most unlikely person. Xander, whom he had once considered a rival for Buffy's affections, had been a true friend, visiting him and taking him out to see Willow and the others. Angel believed his ulterior motive was to win Cordelia back, still he was gratefull for Xander's presence.

Now they were all here, brought together by a simple invitation from Willow. It had taken a while, but finally, the shy computer expert was settling down with long-time fiancee Oz. And as fate would’ve had it, just a few weeks earlier, Willow had traced Buffy’s whereabouts.

“She’s been in New York all along. I called her up and told her about the wedding” Willow had gone into detail about her meeting with Buffy when she picked them up at the airport.

“A fed! I should’ve known she’d put those slayer skills to productive use” Xander joked.

Angel was listening to Willow’s story with interest.

“Seems Buffy entered the FBI training program a few months after graduation. She’s formally been with the department for more than two years now.”

Now the four of them were on route 55, a few minutes away from a street café rendezvous with Oz and Buffy.

Willow noted Angel’s silence during the trip. She knew he was nervous. In her heart, Willow prayed things would go well between them. “It’ll be OK” she looked at him in understanding then frowned. “ I’m supposed to be the one having the butterflies in the stomach experience,” she smiled.

“Thanks, Will,” Angel replied gratefully. “ I just …don’t know what to expect…”

“Don’t tell me you’re getting cold feet a few days before the big event?” Xander teased the dark haired -girl.

“Day-before jitters are normal” Giles remarked. “ I’m sure you’ll be in good hands with Oz.”

“Perfect parking Mr. Harris…” Willow said as the car approached the café entrance.

“Well, where is she?” Xander asked impatiently as the group gathered around the nearest table to take their seats.

“She should be her any mo…Oh there she is, right on time!” Willow waved to a motorcycle rider heading their way.

Angel held his breath in anticipation. The rider was wearing a helmet with a visor that kept her face hidden from view. As Buffy Summers parket her street bike alongside the group’s table, everyone suddenly became silent.

The slayer mounted off her bike and walked to the group, removing her helmet in the process.


Angel drank in the view. She had changed, If anything she had become even more beautiful than he remembered. No longer a young girl, she now stood before him an attractive young woman, her trim figure covered in a white blouse and jeans, her long hair bundled in a neat ponytail, a short jacket, her only protection from the elements.

“Hey, the gang’s all…” Buffy smiled widely as the group approached her for a hug. She stopped in mid-sentence as she caught sight of Angel. Each moved toward the other, uncertain of how to act.

“You’re looking good..” Angel came forward.

“Angel…I ..uh…”she was at a loss for words. She wasn’t ready for this. She wasn’t ready for him. “I finally get to see it..but I still can’t believe it. You’re here…in the sunlight…” she stammered then quickly regained her composure.

“I never got to thank you…you made it happen..” Angel answered as he pulled her into a possessive embrace.

PART 2

Something akin to a mild electric jolt coursed through her body at his touch. An embrace that bridged the six years that they had been apart. Buffy still could not believe the miracle of seeing him bathed in the morning sunlight. In her heart the slayer gave a silent prayer of thanks for Angel’s second chance at life.

Buffy felt herself drowning under Angel’s penetrating gaze. His eyes glowed with so much love for her that in that she felt herself grow weak physically. Only Xander’s deliberate coughing snapped them back to reality.

The dark vampire held her tightly, as his mind tried to absorb the fact that finally they were together.

But as the slayer returned the gesture, she remembered why she had left them and broke free.

:I’m glad to see you…” she looked up at Angel before turning to her friends. “All of you.” She smiled again.“So , Will, three days to the big day…what’s on the agenda?” Buffy attempted to make light conversation, aware that her friends were observing the exchange between her and Angel.

Angel was surprised at the sudden change in her attitude and at how casually she appeared to take their meeting. But if he was bothered by it, he said nothing. He could sense her fear, her uneasiness. He would wait for a better time to talk.

“Where’s Oz?” Buffy asked

As if in response, Oz’s red jeep pulled into the parking lot. Willow’s fiancee waved to the rest of the Scooby Gang. “Hey!”.

They were all here , Buffy thought. Her friends. Angel. The people she cherished most in the world . And as she sat down to catch up on the goings-on in the lives of each one, the slayer realized just how much she missed their company. In the next few days, she promised herself, she would enjoy being with them . But she reminded herself not to let too much of her emotions show lest her enemies find out.


“The FBI. Hmm… somehow, it is a fitting career choice..” Giles smiled fondly at Buffy. He had been her mentor, her Watcher throughout her early years as a slayer. As he made a silent appraisal of the young woman across the table, Giles could only thank the heavens she had stayed alive up to now.

“Yeah, perfect cover for your real job…” Xander joked.

“Must be exciting , being an agent and all!: Willow said dreamily. “Oz and I never get to do any heart-stopping action anymore.”

“It’s ok for I day-job , I guess.” Buffy admitted,. “But not as exciting as the movies make it out to be. Most of the time I end up doing research . I ‘m assigned to what they call “X-files” cases…mostly supernatural, unexplainable…weird stuff…so yeah…it ‘s not far from what I’ve pretty much been doing the past years.”

“You’ve lost weight.” Angel obseved, concern evident in his voice.

“Can’t be helped.” Buffy replied, wanting more than anything else to avoid those eyes that seemed to always be on her.”Between the morning rush and the evening patrols…time for getting a full-course meal is a luxury in itself.”

“So how are tthe wedding preparations coming along?” she switched the topic so quickly, Angel sensed the evasive tactic immediately.

“Well, we’re off to the caterers” Willow sighed in resignation, “Mom wants to add more dishes to the menu.”

“And guess who’s the designated chauffeur for the day…" Oz added, his lips curling into a mock frown.

“Problems with the in-laws already?” Xander teased , ducking quickly as Willow threatened to throw a handful of paper napkins his way.

A low ringing sound interrupted the conversation. Buffy took a cellphone from her jacket pocket. Yes? I see.” She lowered her voice, unaware that her friends were listening in. “Ok. No, I can be there in 30 minutes .” She snapped the receiver shut and turned to the group.“Guys, I hate to run, but something’s come up. A major lead on a case.” She stood up and picked up her helmet.

“Where are you headed?” Xander asked.

“Other side of town,” she replied, hopping on her bike.

“Why, our hotel’s on the way. We’re staying around that area," Giles replied, barely hiding the excitement in his voice.

“So, what are we waiting for?” Xander asked.

Angel stood up and stood beside her. Buffy looked at him first, before turning to the others. “We? What do you mean we…” She knew full well what her friends were trying to say.

“Aw, c’mon slayer…we’ll be good…” Xander pleaded

“No!” Buffy shot back . “ No…no…no…Look, there’s very real danger there..” Buffy protested, shaking her head.

“Since when did that ever stop us?” Angel challenged.

“Besides, you never know…you just might need us,” Willow added

Buffy turned to Oz for support but Willow’s fiancee just raised his hands in a “don’t ask me “ pose. The slayer knew she was out-voted.”Ok..ok..” Buffy sighed in resignation. “but you guys stay out of trouble..”

The Scooby gang raised their right hands in a mock promises.

PART 3

"What’s the status?" Buffy turned to her partner. Agent Dana Scully still could not believe she had allowed Agent Summers to bring a group of civilians to the raid.

The stake out on the old warehouse had been going on for more than two hours and dusk was about to set in.

Dana had known of Buffy’s other life as the slayer, but had been sworn to secrecy. She had been seen just how her partner’s slaying skills had saved their comrades in the bureau. It was the least she could do. It was for this reason that she trusted the young woman’s decision to have her friends help out.

“No word from the head office…except Mulder says the two kids have been sighted there. Oh and they got this from one of the suspects earlier." Scully handed her a piece of paper with latin writing on it. “Any idea what this is?”

“No,”Buffy glanced at the writing.. “But maybe…..” She passed the note to Angel. After he was a master of the language.

“It’s an invitation for an old ritual…” Angel turned to the slayer. “The blood of these children will be used to resurrect a vampire king.”

“You know him?” Giles asked.

“No, but I’ve heard of Venger.” Angel frowned. “He’s not someone you’d like to have around…believe me.”

Buffy looked at the sky. The bright orange orb had already set. Darkness was beginning to envelop the area.

“Then, they should be up right about…” Scully would’ve said more had not a dozen vampires descended on the small group.

For the Scooby gang, the next few minutes almost seemed a tback to the old days at Sunnydale. Good thing, Buffy came prepared, Dana thought as she wrestled with one of the vamps.

The slayer had grabbed a handful of stakes from her backpack and tossed one to each of her friends before moving swiftly to take on as many as she could.

Buffy had to admit that Angel was particularly helpful. The night had restored his dark powrers, enabling the vampire to battle his evil counterparts with ease.

“Go, find the children…” Buffy called to Willow, Oz and Xander as she fought of one of the vamps that had been trying to choke the life out of Dana.

She was as sharp as ever, Guiles observed, noting how Buffy disposed of her enemies as one would flies with a swatter.

“Buffy, look out!: Angel shouted the warning as a vamp came up behind her.

The slayer turned just in time to drive a stake into the chest of her attacker, not giving the matter a second thought as the creature exploded into ashes.

It wasn’t long before the vamp army was defeated.

“Buffy..the children…” Willow shouted from insde the warehouse. The others rushed into the old abandoned structure. “I tried to open it, but the door’s solid steel and it’s bolted shut.. Oz pointed to a huge metal door.

“Let’s hope they’re ok.” Dana checked the door.

“What do we do now?” Xander eas worried.

“Stand back, that’s what.” Buffy responded , whipping out a magnum .45 from her shoulder holster.

“Woah…now that’s what I call fun..’ Xander looked at the gun covetously.

“Children…get away from the door!” Dana shouted hoping the kids could hear the warning. Buffy aimed for the lock and fired several shouts in succession, before kicking the door open .

Inside, a five-year old boy and a three year old girl, sat huddled in a corner. Upon seeing the group, the kids ran towards Buffy and Angel and hugged them in gratitude.

PART 4

The jarring ring of the alarm clock had startled her out of a deep slumber.

Buffy sat up, disoriented at first, and then smiled, as she remembered yesterday's adventure with the Scooby gang.

She had to admit, she was grateful for their help. Seeing those kids back in the custody of their parents was worth all the risk.

A pizza dinner at a nearby fastfood joint capped the day's activities with everyone promising to come on time for the wedding rehearsal the next day. Willow had asked for a few moments to speak with her, not wanting to lose the opportunity to find out if Buffy and Angel still had a chance. Buffy had been hesitant, but decided to try and open up for fear of hurting her best friend if she rejected the offer.

“He’s been looking for you for the longest time you…” Willow explained. “When you left, he was devastated….you should’ve seen him Buffy…it was like a part of him died.” She looked her straight in the eye, trying to gauge her friend’s reaction.

“He couldn’t understand…we didn’t either. I mean , your leaving was so sudden.. Remember when he returned from LA just a few months after the battle with the Mayor…and how that ritual let him walk in the light again? Well, we were all just so wigged that you left wthout a word. Why? Angel’ was free…You two, you had a chance…why did you throw it away ?”

Buffy turned away, not wanting Willow to see her pain.“You know…you don’t have to ask.” Was her whispered reply.

“We’re your friends…we’ve been friends forever…do you think that little of us that you don’t want us to help? “ Willow pleaded for understanding.

“I just don’t want---- I don’t know what I want anymore…” Buffy replied, confused .”All I know is that I don’t want any of you to get hurt…”

“Buffy, you owe him an explanation. He’s been through so much….if you have even an iota of love for him, face him and tell him what‘s in your heart.”


She had tried to avoid him. He knew she would . But he had to see her. He had to let her know he wasn’t giving up on their love.

The slayer had tried all the excuses in the book, but Angel wasn’t buying it. He had called Willow immediately after reaching the hotel to get directions to Buffy’s home.

He’s wait for her all day if needed. Giles and Xander had asked if there was anything they could do to help. But Angel knew this was something he had to do without them.

He was at her home at the crack of dawm. He had stood outside her door, waiting for the slayer to come out. He knew she would be up early.

He had had a fitful sleep. He had wanted to take her home the night before, impatient to find out why she had avoided him. But she had asked for some time to rest. Her sad eyes convinced him then it wasn't time for a heart-to-heart talk. But there was somthing about her eyes, the way she looked at him during their meeting that morning, something that told him all was not lost. His muscles tensed as he saw her coming out of the door.

The sky was beginning to lighten as the first rays of dawn broke across the horizon.

She came out and stood in the doorway for a moment, breathing in the morning air., the faded jeans and blue sweatshirt blending well with her long blond hair.She looked so tired, so sad, so lost, Angel thought as he walked silently to where the young woman was. Buffy bent down to pick up the newspaper left at her doorstep. More than anything else right now, he hwanted to hold her in his arms, to tell her he was there. He would care for her, if she would have him.

“Good morning.” She was startled by his greeting.

Angel approached her , his eyes locking with her own.

“I thought we were all supposed to meet later?” Buffy avoided his gaze, fearing just how much he might know from them.

“I couldn’t wait.” He was standing so close, she could almost feel his heart beat. She turned away.“ You want to come in for coffee or something?” She walked back to the door.

Angel blocked her path. “ No.. let’s talk out here. Looks like it’s going to be a beautfiul morning.”He turned to her briefly before gazing out at the quiet suburban neighborhood. He didn';t realize such a place existed in this city. One would almost think they were back in Sunnydale. Tree-lined streets and white picket fences. He remembered her telling him that it was in such a place where she would’ve wanted to live.

“So, what ‘s the what/” Buffy wanted to get this over with. She was afraid of breaking down. She couldn’t and would not risk it. She had to make him go away.

“I wanted to talk about us. Why…why did you stay away ? “ Angel gently turned her to face him.

“Don’t you get it yet? You deserve a normal life.” Her voice softened. “You’ve been through so much.. As long as I’m the slayer, those around me will always be exposed to danger. I don't want ..I can't have your lives on my conscience.” she said matter of factly. "You should be glad I did this…" she tried to reason with him. "Now, you can have a chance to live…and love and be happy!" She began to walk away.

“Do you think I ever really lived all this time I was away from you?” Angel shot back. “ I never did.“

“But I can’t be part of your ife.” Buffy replied quietly as she faced him once more. “You have your destiny. Mine has already been decided for me. I’m a slayer. This…" she pulled out a stake from a back pocket "Is what I have to live for. Everywhere I go, everyone I become close to will always be at risk. I have to do this… there’s no other way.”

He was getting exasperated at her stubborn refusal to listen .“Then you might as well kill me slayer…” Angel challenged.

Buffy looked at him in surprise. “Are you crazy?” She exclaimed, her temper beginning to rise. Now he was getting to be difficult..

“I’ve never been more serious….” he replied quietly, reaching out to hold her.

She turned and started to walk away from him “You’d better go…”

“No, not this time. I won’t leave. I won’t let you walk away…” Two short strides was all it took for him to overtake her.He had to make her understand. “Kill me “ he repeated the challenge. “That’s the only way you can get me out of you life.”

He held her by her shoulders. She tried to break loose but he wouldn’t let her . “You want a fight? …Alright , I ‘ll give you a fight…but if I win, you go!” She replied.

Buffy swung at him, but he was too swift. Angel tried to hold her but she moved out of his reach. They were well matched She had underestimated him. How could he be this good? She was the slayer. Why was he so difficult to overpower?

As if he could read her mind, Angel answered. “ You forget slayer, you’re not fighting more than just a vampire. You’re fighting a man…. A man in love…"”

A few more rounds and the two former lovers were breathing heavily from exhaustion. “Give up!” Buffy shouted.

“I won’t! “ Angel replied.

Buffy was tired. She couldn’t do this anymore. She didn’t want to fight him again. “Please….” She went down on her knees and sat on the ground, too tied to look at him . She feared the trears would fall.

Angel closed the gap and sat in front of her. He held both her hands with his own. “ I love you…” He begged for understanding. “Give us a chance…. Give yourself a chance…to love.” he raised her chin to see her face.

“I ‘m afraid… for you and me…for what lies ahead…” she looked at him boldly now, the tears beginning to stream down her face. He brushed each tear away as he held her face in his hands.

“Whatever it is, let me be there for you. We’ll face it together…” Angel knew he was finally getting through. “Because what ever the future holds, there’ll always be hope for us as long as we don’t go through it alone.”

That broke her. She loved him, this man-vampire who had given her his heart. She embraced him tightly, as a flood of emotions, joy, love, relief washed over her soul. “I can’t do this anymore….” She sobbed.

Angel held her close to him , and let her head rest on his chest.

“Shh…I’m here…” he soothed, carressing her hair.

“I love you.. I love you… I always have. I never stopped loving you" he whispered.

"I love you , too.” She finally admitted. “ I always have.”

“Then let’s share this life….it’s much to precious to waste. “ Angel murmured as he pulled her away gently, and captured her lips with a kiss.

The daw had broken. And as the slayer and her lover stood wrapped in each other ‘s arms, each felt themselves complete, finally knowing all would be well.


Willow’s wedding had its share of bloopers and blunders. Xander had gotten ink spilled on his tuxedo. The band had lost their sheet music and the caterers had gotten a tongue-lashing from Mrs. Rosenberg after they put the wrong menu together.

But the mood was light and everyone was happy. The Scooby Gang had good reason to be, Finally, their friends Angel and Buffy were together at last.

The wedding march was being played. Willow looked radiant . Angel and Xander who were standing beside the groom couldn’t help but tease.

“Better watch her man…” Xander said. “She’s quite a catch…”

“Yeah…” Oz could only sigh in admiration.

But Angel was preoccupied. His eyes were following the movements of her bridesmaid. He breathed in sharply as she moved closer. She was a sight to behold. The simmple white gown made her look like a fairy princess. Angel thought of the day when he too would see her walk down the aisle.And as she turned to wink at him he whispered “I love you”… she blushed and smiled.



“Hey, you’re hogging the sky!” Buffy complained as Angel 's kite got entangled with her own.

“Think you can take me?’ he teased his wife, his eyes softening with love as after she kissed him lightly on the nose and pulled her kite away from his.

They were finally together. Their wedding had taken place just two months after that of Willow" s and the garden ceremony was just as they had planned it to be. Their friends were all in attendance. And when they said their vows of love, Angel knew that it was finally for real. No longer a dream, but a life to be lived.

Angel still found it hard to believe she was finally his. But there she was, laughing and smiling…her ring on his finger. Everything was as it should be. Even the weather was cooperative. The summer sun provided the perfect setting for the picnic that Willow and Oz had prepared for the Scooby Gang reunion.

“Hey, you guys…if you don’t stop being all lovey dovey over there…you won’t get any food!” Xander shouted, his hand already on a pizza slice.

“Race you to the picnic basket!” Buffy offered the challenge, mischievous twinkle in her eyes. “Loser gets to do the dishes tonight…that’s you by the way!”

Angel smiled and with one sweep, carried her into his arms. “Don’t bet on it!” He smiled as they joined the others

And above them the clear sky signalled the beginning of a beautiful summer ahead.

The End