Time after Time
By Krystal

Disclaimer: I own nothing, everything belongs to Joss Whedon, except Harker, Mariah, and Sarah
Summary: After a spell mishap, Buffy and Angel come to terms with their relationship.
Author's Note: I re-watched the Prom and it brought back some Denial, so this is set after Prom. HID (happiness in denial.) Jyll thanks for the help, and title, Luv u.

Part 1

"Where is he?!" Buffy yelled, bracing herself against the table. The library was shaking beyond earthquake proportions, and everyone (willow, buffy, giles) was holding on for dear life.

A demon the Mayor had summoned was starting to rise from it's once dormant state atleast 10 feet from where they were standing. The demon's power alone would bring great evil and darkness onto the Earth, and with the Mayor's power nothing would survive. The only way to stop the demon from rising would be to perform the blood rites of Earth's most strongest creatures, in other words the blood of the slayer, and vampire. And the trio was frantically awaiting the arrival of Angel, they didn't have much time and if he didn't get there soon it would be hell on Earth.

"He's coming!!!" Willow yelled back, she was trying to keep the utensils for the spell intact as the shaking intensified. She was trying to keep a level head, but Willow was scared to death, not much time left, and Angel had not arrived. Even with Giles holding onto her wasn't enough to ease her.

On cue, Angel came tumbling through the library doors. The quake was only centered in the school, so it was difficult to get in. Angel got up and braced himself against the wall, his eyes fell toward Buffy, and she was still trying to stay on her feet, they made eye contact for a second silently saying they needed to get to Willow and Giles. While holding on to a shelf, Angel shakily walked towards that direction, and Buffy toddled to the table since she was closest to them. Willow and Giles had begun the spell as soon as Angel had arrived, all it needed was there blood combined. When Buffy and Angel came face to face, no words were spoken, they just concentrated on the task, and not each other. As Willow got to the end of the spell, Buffy and Angel took each others hand and held it towards the ceiling. With an onyx encrusted dagger, Giles plunged it into the combined hands of Buffy and Angel thus combining the blood of Earth's strongest creatures, and a blinding light enveloped them.

Eyes widened, "Where the hell are we?" Buffy demanded

Angel sighed, "You should be asking when are we."

"Will you drop the cryptic and answer my question." She said impatiently.

"Were in the past Buffy."

"How did that happen?!" Buffy asked in disbelief. "What did this?!"

"I don't know, something went wrong."

Buffy exhaled heavily while closing her eyes in the process. Wishing this was all a dream, she was going to wake up any minute now. She didn't. Buffy snapped her eyes open when they both heard footsteps coming toward the room.

"Mistress??" A voice called out "M'lord Craven??"

Buffy and Angel looked toward one another, neither knowing whether to answer or take off. But being the persistent one, Buffy answered. "Yes, were in here." Angel said nothing, since he was just as curious as Buffy was.

A beat later, the door opened and a girl walked into the room, she looked to be atleast 15 or 16 years old. " There you are, dinner is prepared." she said brightly

"Thank you" Buffy said swiftly.

The girl nodded and exited the room. Buffy picked up her skirt and attempted to walk to the door, when Angel didn't follow she turned around. "You coming?"

"Buffy are sure you know what your doing? This isn't are time."

"No, but were not going to get anything figured out if we stand her gawking at each other." Buffy turned back to the door and left.

Angel smiled slightly, and followed her. They followed the girl down a long hallway and into a dinning room, which was even more exquisite as the library. In the corner stood a man with a white cuff shirt and brown pants, he bowed to Buffy and pulled the chair out for her. Buffy was trying to play it cool, she honestly had no idea what she was doing, and one screw up could mean trouble. If this was the past, then there customs are completely different then hers, and she had to be careful. During those times, anything inappropriate could cause her to be hanged. Buffy slowly sat down into her chair, and pulled a napkin in her lap, tension was evident in her face.

Angel sat in the chair across from her calmly, like it was natural to him, which it was. But he could tell how tense Buffy was just by the look in her eyes, she didn't know what to do or how to act, this was all new to her.

"Mistress Elizabeth?? The man in the corner said.

Buffy turned to him at the mention of her true name, "Yes."

"Are you feeling all right Ma`am? You look quite tense this evening." He asked worriedly

Smiling slightly, "Yes, I'm fine, just tired."

Angel noticed Buffy's hand trembling, "Why don't you go rest." Angel got up from his seat and went to Buffy to escort her back to the library. "Come." He looked in her eyes, silently telling her it would be alright.

They reached the library, since that was the only room Angel and Buffy knew it's location in the massive mansion. He locked the door behind them so they would have some privacy. Buffy immediately walked to a chair and sat in it huffily, she began twitching, and pulling at the corset-like bodice she was wearing, it'd been bothering her whenever she sat. Even in her petite size, the bodice was still binding.

"How could women wear this." She stated, still trying to get comfortable in it.

Angel walked to her and motioned for her to stand up. He walked behind her, and placed his hands in the center of her back, he began pulling at the strings to loosen the bodice. His hand gently brushed her arm, when he moved from behind her, they both shivered from the contact, it had been a while since they touched each other, physically and emotionally. Since that fateful night in the sewers, neither of them knew where they stood, were they friends or not. And Buffy didn't care anyway, after her sob fest, she felt unsure about him, and his feelings toward her.

She shook off his hand and stepped away from him.

"Thanks" she said, meekly. She knew Angel could read every thought on her face, but this wasn't the right time to start with him about there relationship, the mission was to get home. Until Buffy noticed something, when she felt his hand it was warm. She grabbed his hand, and pressed it to her face, there was no coldness to it. She noticed his cheeks had a pinkish tint to it, and he was breathing. "Oh my God....Your human." She whispered, releasing his hand.

Angel tensed up, his eyes widened in realization, now that he wasn't distracted he could now tell that his heart was beating. He placed his hand over his chest, and he could feel the steady beating of his heart. It was the most wonderful feel to him, this is what he had hoped and wished for, until it dawned on him that it wouldn't last for long. His hand dropped and his shoulders slumped.

Buffy saw the pain in his eyes, and she knew immediately what was wrong. "I'm sorry." She said, no matter what tension was between them, in her heart Angel didn't deserve to have his only dream shattered, but fate was cruel, and this dream would end.

Determined to be strong, Angel held his head up. "Don't be sorry, let's just concentrate on how to get out of this time period.

Nodding. "OK." She agreed, letting the subject go. For now. " But we don't even know how we got here, there could be many reasons."

"I think it had something to do with the spell, either something went wrong or we did the wrong spell." I hope to God it stopped the demon from rising, he thought.

Part 2

In the library, Willow got up from the floor, the spell had been very powerful, alittle to powerful. She glanced around and saw Giles slowly getting up as well, but Buffy and Angel were no where to be seen. "Buffy...Angel." She called out, Willow looked around frantically they weren't there. They wouldn't have just up and left, and the glowing dagger containing their blood told her something happened. At that time, Willow noticed that the demon was still dormant, but the entryway was still open, the spell should have closed up the portal. Giles realized the situation, and tensed up.

Puzzled, Willow picked up the spell book and brought it to his attention. As they read over the book, they realized the spell, it was the wrong one.

"Dear God..." Giles said, taking his glasses off to pinch the bridge of his nose.

Willow reread the phrases. "It's a time spell."

Giles put his glasses back on, and took the book from Willow. She was right, the spell was meant to pause or teleport time for a short period.

Picking up the glowing dagger she noticed before. "Giles...I think Buffy and Angel were affected by the spell." She said meekly, Willow was still in half shock over the whole thing. Somehow Buffy and Angel got teleported through time, but where?

Angel went to sit down beside her. "Buffy were gonna have to play out these lives, so we have to..

"Pretend were husband and wife." Buffy interrupted, she saw a flicker in his eyes when she said those words, it triggered something in him, something in her as well. Being married to him would make her so happy, it would mean the world to her, if she wasn't so clouded by confusion.

"Yes," Angel replied. "Until we find way to get home."

"That shouldn't be a problem." She said, unsure about what she meant.

Angel looked into her eyes, he knew exactly what she meant even if she didn't. Buffy may have been clouded by confusion, but Angel was clouded only with a longing that intesified everytime she was near. And he didn't know how to handle it. Angel felt something else needed to be said, but a knock at the door interrupted him.

"Mistress?" The girl called. "It's Sarah."

Buffy motioned for Angel that it was time to put their acting to the test. With that, he got up and unlocked the library door to let the girl in.

Curiosity in her eyes. "Hello" she addressed Angel first, before glancing toward Buffy "Ma`am are you feeling better? Sarah asked hopefully

Glancing from Angel to Sarah. "Yes I'm fine. But I think I'll turn in early tonight."

"Of course" Sarah took Buffy's arm, and led her out the library and to and up the stairs.

Angel followed to see where Sarah was taking Buffy especially since they both knew nothing of the whereabouts of this house. Walking to the end of the hallway, they stopped in front of a double door, and Sarah opened it revealing the bedroom. As Sarah walked in, Buffy and Angel stood dead in their tracks captivated by the room's appearance. A large mahogany four poster bed dominated the room, and its sheer silk curtains had been pulled to the side. And a vanity table containing a variety of accessories, was placed diagonally from the bed. Warmness emitted the room by the fire that blazed from the fireplace ten feet from the bed, giving an unearthly glow to the room as did the moon shining through the high window, with a balcony.

Sarah looked at the couple confused, they act as if it were the first time in this room, she just passed it off, and went to Buffy's side. "I'll help you change Ma`am."

Buffy came out of her trance and looked at Angel before being led into another door near the window. It led to a closet filled with gowns and other fine articles of clothing, Buffy knew they were hers. Sarah stood behind Buffy to undo the lacing of the bodice, Buffy could finally breath freely when the dress fell to the floor. She stepped out of the dress, and glanced at her reflection in the long mirror, dressed in lacy undergarments. Sarah brought a square neck white floor length gown for Buffy to put on, looking in the mirror Buffy couldn't help but smooth the silk over her body, it had seemed to bring out a more elegant side of her that had rarely shone, not since Angel. Sarah began undoing the clips that held her hair in it's refined restraints, and the golden tresses tumbled down to her waist. Buffy hadn't noticed her hair was longer, so it was a little shocking when it surrounded her like a halo. After putting her hair into a long braid, Sarah said goodnight and exited the room. Buffy stayed in the room longer, now that their was no one to act for now, how was she to act toward Angel.

Part 3

Angel stood on the balcony admiring the view infront of him while waiting for Buffy. She'd been in their for a long time, and Sarah had left a little while ago, so he wonder what was keeping her. He'd already taken off the jacket he was wearing and unbuttoned the white shirt, so he'd be more comfortable as he watched the moon glow over the town. When Buffy didn't come out, he decided to wait for her in the bedroom. The door opened and Buffy stepped out as Angel came from the balcony. His eyes fixated on her, the silk clung to her body outlining her petite frame and Angel was once more captivated by her beauty. He wanted more than anything to hold her, to feel her heart beating to the same rhythm as his. Unknowingly, Buffy was thinking the same, she nearly gasped at the sight of Angel's flawless chest, and all she wanted was to feel his embrace. But they knew it wouldn't happen.

They looked at each other for a long moment until Buffy broke the silence. "So...What do we do now?" She said almost shyly.

Coming out of his reverie. "We should get some sleep, gotta be ready for tomorrow."

Buffy nodded in agreement and walked toward the bed, Angel followed. For the first time in 200 years Angel felt nervous, the thought of sharing a bed with Buffy was an honor to him, but he didn't feel worthy. He thought to suggest she take the bed and he the floor but if they were going to pretend to be husband and wife, they needed to act like it, and get comfortable. Angel went to one side and Buffy the other, they glared away from each other as they both pulled the satin blankets down. Buffy slowly slid into the bed first, the silk of the gown, and the bedding felt smooth and tantalizing on her skin, like a lover's touch. At that moment Buffy's eyes drifted to her once called lover, she would give anything to be his lover once more, but as much as he hurt her she wasn't sure about taking the risk. She pulled the blankets over her body, and leaned over to blow out the candle on the nightstand before she laid back, and darkness surrounded the room, except for the warm glow from the fireplace. Angel removed his shoes and gently climbed into the bed beside her on top of the covers. Angel made sure he made space between he and Buffy, afraid to get that close. He felt Buffy roll onto her side, away from him and he spent the whole night yearning for her, like he always did as he drifted into sleep's embrace.

"Willow, wake up!"

Nearly panting, "I am, what is it?" She asked

"I have good news and bad news. Good news, I've found away to bring Buffy and Angel back, the bad news is it's gonna be a couple of days."

Breathing a sigh, "How long is a couple of days Giles?" Willow asked

"5 days, until the next full moon."

Willow's eyes widened, "That's TOO long!! What if Buffy and Angel can't stay that long?"

Removing his glasses, "They have no choice."

Part 4

Angel awoke slowly, the sun beaming down on him from the high window. He rolled over onto his side to hide from the blinding light, and was amazed by the sight. Buffy laid facing toward him, her golden tresses shined in the life-giving sun. She looked so peaceful while still in the mist of sleep, that Angel wished he was with her. But at that moment, he was now grateful to be awake to enjoy this short-time of humanity, he finally got to see Buffy in the sunlight. Buffy began to stir, she blinked her eyes open and was greeted by Angel's face, a smile crawled on her face. Until the clouds of sleep left her mind and everything came back to her.

Buffy slowly sat up and stretched out her arms, she looked at Angel. "Hey."

Angel smiled slightly, "Hey, how did you sleep?"

"Fine" She said plainly

"Oh, good."

Angel glanced away from her and turned back at the sound of her voice.

"What do we do today?" Buffy asked, trying to prepare herself.

"Well, we should get dressed first, and..." Angel felt a rumble in his stomach and realized his stomach was growling. Amazing, he thought. "And get some breakfast."

Buffy smiled slightly, it was kind of funny to hear Angel's stomach growl in hunger. Angel saw her smile and couldn't help but smile too, it felt good to him to actually smile, without all the dark cloud of guilt surrounding him. He felt free. But he wondered did she feel as free as he did.

Buffy climbed out of the bed and walked to the closet door and went inside to get dressed, without even glancing at Angel, it wasn't easy. Angel eventually got out of bed and went to another closet that contained his clothes.

For some reason, Buffy had no trouble getting into her clothes. She thought it would be difficult getting into a corset-like bodice but it came simple to her, within 5 minutes she had her clothes on, and her hair brushed and pinned up. Buffy glanced in the mirror going over her ankle-length beige dress, the dress brought something out of her that she'd never see in herself before, an older, more mature look. After admiring herself, Buffy walked out of the room and into the bed room, at the same time Angel walked in. He was dressed in a white shirt with a knee length black jacket and black pants, old habits never die. Once again his breath was taken away, Buffy looked exquisite in anything.

Angel smiled, and walked over to her and held his arm out. "Shall we go?"

Buffy was still unsure about Angel, but seeing him smile cleared her mind of any confusion she had, only for the time being. A small part of her couldn't stand how happy he was, while deep down she was still in pain, even though she hid it well. She tried to hide her emotions, and nodded at him. "Yeah." She took his hand and they walked out of the bedroom, and headed to the dining room.

When they reached the dining room, the table was filled with a variety of food and drink. Fruits and bread were beautifully arranged on the table, and two pitchers of water and orange juice were set next to them, it was lovely. Angel pulled Buffy's chair out for her, before heading to his own seat across from her. Sarah came through the door smiling, she nodded toward Buffy and Angel and went to another room, a beat later she came back with two plates filled with more food. Buffy and Angel thanked her and began eating, Buffy didn't eat much she wasn't that hungry, Angel on the other hand was ravenous. He had not eaten any solid food for over 200 years, he ate everything his stomach would allow. After finishing their breakfast, Buffy and Angel sat in silence, they didn't know what to say to each other, a moment ago they were acting as if nothing was wrong, that they were a couple again. Of course they were acting, now that they were alone everything came back to them.

Sarah broke the silence when she came back into the room, she beagn clearing the table. "Excuse me, I just wanted to remind you that Madam Harker and her husband will be here for tea this afternoon." She said carrying the plates and utensils with her.

Buffy's eyes landed on Angel. "Can I see you in the library please?" She said tightly. She tossed her napkin on the table, lifting her skirt and walked toward the library, Angel followed.

When they reached for the library, Buffy locked the door and looked at Angel. "What are we gonna do now?" Acting for Sarah and the others was no problem, but now they had to really put their acting skills to the test, with friends of the people whose body they inhabited.

Angel exhaled heavily, he didn't know why she was freaking out everytime something doesn't go her way, Angel just wanted to put the past behind him and enjoy the time they had here, since they could do nothing but try to adjust and enjoy it, but she was making it a little difficult. "It's alright Buffy, we just continue what were doing, it'll be alright." He said annoyingly

She caught onto the tone his voice gave off, and she didn't like it. "That's easy for you to say, you know how to act for people." Buffy said sarcastically, in a way it came out rather coldly, and part of her at the moment felt that way toward him.

Angel knew it too, "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing" She said, she was getting agitated.

Angel wouldn't let her drop the subject, she had hit a nerve when she said those words to him, and maybe now was the time to get some things straight. "No, it was something." He said demandingly. "What did you mean?"

Buffy gave him an icy stare, "Well basically this should come naturally to you, lying, pretending for people. I mean you did it to me, so I figured...

"You had to bring that up didn't you, why are you acting like a..." Angel stopped, he was getting as agitated as she was, and was about to say something that would put him in a position he did not want to be in.

Buffy basically didn't care. "Like a what Angel? A bitch!"

"Keep your voice down!"

"No!" Buffy said plain and simple. "I brought it up because I can't stand the fact that your enjoying yourself.

"Now I can't enjoy myself." Angel said in disbelief

"Not at my expense."

Rolling his eyes, "Everything is about you isn't it, always you." Angel said coldly

"Yes, especially when I'm being hurt in the process." She said almost painfully, he was starting to get to her, and at any moment the tears would fall. "When I see you looking happy, it makes me sick. To know that your happy while I'm the one wondering why my lover doesn't want me anymore, you have no idea how much you alone can hurt me." She finally said it, what started out as a small argument, led to an emotional confession, all that pent up anger and aching, she felt as if a weight had been lifted, and now a new one took it's place.

Angel dropped his gaze to the floor, he felt guilty. He knew he hurt her, but he hoped she would get over it and do what was best. Find someone else who could love her, and give her all the things he couldn't, even though the thought of another man being with her made him crazy, he would put his feelings aside to make it happen. Breaking his heart in the process, Angel never thought that he might destroy hers also. He looked into Buffy's eyes, and wanted to run and sweep her into his arms. He wanted to hold her for all eternity, kiss her hair, her lips... But that would be too selfish of him.

"Buffy, I'm sorry.. I never wanted to hurt you as much as I did, but I did what I thought was best."

Buffy shook her head no, but Angel continued. "It's the right thing."

Tired of hearing the same speech over and over, she gave up. "I don't want to hear this. If you can't realize how much you mean to me, then we have nothing more to say." Buffy turned away from him, and walked out of the library holding her tears, and leaving him to himself and his thoughts.

Buffy rushed down the stairs, trying to put as much distance between herself and Angel, when she reached the last step, she ran right into Sarah.

"Ma`am, I was on my way to get you, Madam Harker and her husband have arrived." Sarah noticed Angel wasn't with her. "Where is M'lord Adam? She said calling Angel by his name in this time.

Buffy was confused for a second, but didn't falter. "He's coming." On cue, Angel came down the stairs, behind her. Buffy half-turned at the sound of his footsteps, but she couldn't look at him, if she did the tears would come and Buffy couldn't risk it.

Sarah nodded at Angel. "Your guest are in the study." She said before walking away, Buffy followed without even acknowledging his presence.

As she walked into the study, she saw the couple. The one who was supposedly Madam Harker, smiled when Buffy walked into the room, she lifted up the skirt of her white dress and walked to Buffy. "Elizabeth, how are you?" She said brightly hugging her.

Buffy was a little stunned, when she hugged her; when she got a good look at her face she resembled Willow, from the fire red hair, to the wisdom-ridden eyes. The woman looked at Buffy, expecting an answer, before Buffy could answer she sensed Angel had walked into the room.

"Adam, you look well, you both do, don't they Mariah?" Harker, the husband implied

Angel nodded in agreement, as did Mariah.

"I'm fine.. Mariah." Buffy said now knowing the woman's name. "I'm fine" Bowing her head slightly.

Mariah noticed this immediately, "Are you sure?"

Buffy didn't answer just nodding her head, to avoid Mariah's questioning eyes.

"Come on." Mariah said. "Let's go outside, the fresh air will do us good."

Buffy took a quick glance at Angel, showing no emotion before walking out the patio door to the garden, with Mariah.

Mariah admired the setting before glancing toward Buffy, she took her hand in hers. "Now Elizabeth, tell me what's really wrong."

"Nothing."

"Elizabeth?" Mariah said, giving her a look that quite resembled Willow's resolve face. "Is it Adam?"

Buffy nodded slowly, she needed someone to talk to and Mariah seemed to be the one she could trust. The tears she had been holding in had broke through and the tears trailed.

Mariah squeezed her hand tightly, "Talk to me."

Buffy looked in her eyes, and saw only sincerity, that's when she stopped acting. "I don't know how he feels about me anymore. "She said sniffling. "Ang..Adam told me he can't be with me anymore, that I deserve better than him and that I should find someone who can give me what I deserve."

"Why?"

"I don't know, everything was going fine until he told me, and now I'm so confused... Why doesn't he want me anymore?"

"Elizabeth, he loves you. He wants you more than anything, I see it in his eyes. Maybe Adam is afraid he can't give you what you want." Mariah said trying to rationalize.

Wiping the tears from her now red cheeks. "All I want is him, I don't care about anything else!"

"Then don't give up on him, keep trying to show him."

"I don't know if I can. He's hurt me more than anyone, and I don't know if I can handle it, if I open up to him again, raise my hopes, I'm afraid he'll hurt me more."

Mariah smiled slightly. "To love someone, you have to trust them, you have to be willing to put everything on the line for him. No matter how much he hurts you or you him. Do you love Adam that much?"

Buffy nodded, "I would die for him." She said, with no thought.

Mariah smiled.

Part 5

Angel and Harker sat at a table in study. They were richly ingrossed in their discussion about the trading market. At least Harker was, Angel had not listened to a word he said. His body was here, but his mind was on Buffy. She and Mariah had been gone for a while, he was starting to worry, and it wasn't because she was gone. It was worry about what would happen when Buffy came back, now that he knew the results of what his actions had done to Buffy, he was furious at himself. By leaving her he had hurt her more than he ever could by staying with her.

Angel knew it in his heart it would be hard to leave her, one look in her eyes and he would back down. But to give her the life she deserves, he would push all the selfishness of desperately wanting her. Angel was so wrapped up in his guilt trip, he never heard Harker calling him.

"Adam...Adam?!" Harker called, repeatedly

"What??"

Harker frowned. "Are you OK? Did you hear a word I said?"

Angel looked guilty. "I'm sorry." He said, turning his head away. "I've got other things on my mind."

"It's Elizabeth isn't it?" Harker analyzed

Angel snapped his head back to Harker, he didn't expect this man to know him so well, or the man he was trying to portray.

"What's happening between you two? Two days ago you two were inseparable, now you two act so tense around each other, as if your strangers." Harker said, wanting to know what was going on with his best friend.

"Nothing" He said, trying to drop the subject.

"It's something." Harker insisted.

Angel sighed, seeing no other way to get out of this conversation. "We had a fight." He said, resigned

"What about?"

Angel stayed silent, he wasn't used to just pouring his heart out to anyone, and he was trying very hard not too. But this man was stubborn.

Harker wouldn't take that. "Come on Adam, this me your talking too."

"I..I don't deserve her." Angel said, dropping his eyes to the ground. "I think she'd be better off without me."

"Adam, not again!" Harker replied, tossing his hands in the air. "Let's not go through this again!

Angel was now confused.

Harker breathed a sigh. "Adam, as I said before, if she didn't want you, why is she still here, why does she put up with things just to be with you."

Angel considered the man's words. "Maybe, but..."

"No buts, I swear Adam will you ever get over this insecurity, the last time you were like this was right before your wedding."

Angel frowned just a bit, he found that he and this man he portrays have a lot in common. Too much in common. Angel took Harker's advice, obviously breaking up with Buffy had not done either of them any good, he wanted her but his fears still clouded his mind.

"Adam just talk to her, you know she loves you, if she didn't want you she wouldn't put up with you, and believe me that's a hard task." Harker said, smiling

Angel couldn't help but smile.

Part 6

Mariah and Buffy decided to come back into the mansion, the sun was setting, and they had been out in the garden for a long time; long enough for them to finish their girl talk. When they walked back into the study, Buffy immediately made eye contact with Angel, and froze. All the emotions she pushed aside came rushing back, she wanted him, she wanted him to love her again, and prove that his devotion was just as great as hers. But Buffy couldn't understand what was holding him back, Angel was good at hiding his true intentions, but she could see right through him, and he was asking himself that same question.

Angel stared with a longing in his eyes, the kind of longing that never ceased; when Buffy was near. The emotions he was hiding threatened to show, as she looked at him with the same yearning Angel had for her, if only he wasn't so afraid to show his vulnerability.

Mariah saw the look Buffy and Angel were giving each other, she decided it was time for them to be alone. "Darling." She said to Harker. "I think it's time we get home."

From the look on Mariah's face, Harker knew exactly what she meant. "Yes, your right. We should be going."

Harker stood up and walked over to his wife, taking her arm. "We'll see you another time." He said, he leaned over and kissed Buffy on her cheek, and shook Angel's hand. Mariah gave her hugs and kisses as well.

Angel ever the gentlemen, escorted them to the door; Buffy followed only to the stairs and headed to the bedroom.

After Harker and Mariah exited the Mansion, Angel journeyed upstairs toward the bedroom. He paused for a second before going in, he found Buffy sitting at the vanity table brushing her golden tresses, now that it was no longer confined in it's restraints. Angel stood behind her looking at her reflection in the mirror, as well as his own. After making eye contact with Buffy, he walked out of sight and stepped onto the balcony in the night air. He had to get away from the look in her eyes, fearing the agonizing emotions in him would show. The moon glowed on Angel's face, reflecting the pain he felt, Angel was trying to come to terms with himself and the aching in his heart; he tried to ignore it, and pretend to enjoy his time here, but it wouldn't go away. Angel needed Buffy, only God knew how much, the raw emotions she evoked in him was like no other and if he couldn't control those emotions, the urges his heart demanded would intensify beyond return. No matter the desire to do so, Angel wasn't sure he wanted that to happen, but it would feel so right; now that nothing was holding them back. But their was.

A pair of arms encircling his waist, and the scent of strawberry and jasmine assaulting his senses brought Angel out of his deep thoughts. He glanced down at Buffy, their eyes locked, and the truth was evident between them. Unable to resist the question in her eyes, Angel pulled away from her, until Buffy's petite, yet strong hands grabbed his upper arm.

"Why are you doing this to us?" She asked softly

Angel pulled away roughly, and walked back into the room. The softness in her voice had unnerved him. He began to pace. "Don't ask me that."

Buffy had followed him back into the room, he looked like he was near the point of breaking down. "Why?" She demanded. "Why are you putting us through this?! After everything we've been through, why would you just break it off like this!!"

He stopped pacing and stood in front of her, his back to the fireplace, making his form glow throughout the room. "You know why Buffy, we can't be together. Not when I can still give you the life you deserve, a life without me."

"What if I don't want a life without you?! Did you ever think about what I want?"

"Buffy please, don't make this harder." Angel pleaded, he was so close to breaking down infront of her.

Buffy stared at him disbelief. "I'm making this harder?!" She looked him dead in the face and saw something she never seen before; fear. "What are you afraid of?"

Turning away from her, Angel look into the roaring fire. "Stop."

"No." Buffy's voice began to choke. "What are you afraid of !! Damn it Angel tell me!!!"

Angel turned quickly and grabbed Buffy by her upper arm, his fingers digging into her flesh. "YOU!! I'M AFRAID OF YOU!!" He confessed, tears rolled down his cheeks. "Everytime I'm around you, all I want to do is take you in my arms and claim you as mine!! That's why I'm leaving, I can't be around you and not be able to loose myself in you. And that feeling won't go away." Angel let go of her, and walked to the other side of the room, leaving Buffy to wrap her arms around herself.

He looked back at her, pain written all over his 'angelic' features. "I...I'm afraid of you." He whispered. "You're the only one who could ever make me feel like this, so vulnerable, and passionate at the same time. No one could ever make me feel the way you do, and if I stay near you any longer, I won't be able to control myself; it's even harder, now that nothing's holding us back."

Tears ran nonstop on Buffy's face, his agony was just as great as hers. She walked away from him, and sat on the edge of the bed. "I can't." She whispered, glaring up at him. "I can't control how I feel either, but that's how it's supposed to be. Isn't that what love is? Something you can't control ... you can't control what you feel Angel."

Buffy watched him as if he was a stranger in front of her, and not the Angel she once knew. But did she really know Angel as well as she thought? "Or do you feel anything at all? Do you feel anything for me? Do you love me?

Angel glared at her in shock. "You know I love you."

Raising an eyebrow. "Do I? Obviously you don't, if you truly loved me, you couldn't hurt me like this."

Angel shook his head no, and he stormed across the room; pulling her into his arms. "I do Buffy, don't you ever doubt how much I love you. I never wanted to hurt you, I wanted to do what's right for both of us." He said, trying to convince her. Buffy's belief that he didn't love her anymore, stirred a rage in him. How could she believe that he did not love her? Angel glared into her eyes, almost warningly. "You may question a lot of things Buffy, but never question my feelings for you." He may have wanted what's best for her, but Buffy will never forget that she was his girl, always. And he will never let her forget it. His possessive nature reflected in his features, Buffy knew she had gotten to him.

"Never." She replied, Angel shook his head no. He was going to make sure she knew, she was loved. To hell with everything else.

Buffy and Angel stared into each others eyes, and were both mesmerized by the utter devotion that shined through them, silencing every doubt in their minds. Looking into her eyes, Angel could no longer deny her. The uncontrollable feeling of desire and unconditional love, flared in him. He was tired of coming up with excuses, tired of doing what's right. It did them no good, they were miserable because Fate has a vendetta. But no more, it was time to take back the time Fate had stolen from them.

"Maybe we need to stop doing what's right." Angel said, he pushed his hand into her hair, and kissed her with all the pent up passion and frustration he felt. Buffy responded immediately, putting all her love and devotion into that kiss alone. That kiss promised much more, and it didn't cease until the need for air came over them.

She brought her hand up to stroke his cheek, feeling the warmth he now possessed. Angel went in for another kiss, but Buffy placed a finger over his lips to stop him, "If you ever try to leave me again, I'm gonna kick your ass." She said smiling.

Smiling back at her, Angel leaned down and lightly brushed her forehead with his lips. Pulling her chin up so he could look again to her eyes wanting her to know how truthfully he spoke. "Forgive me, I'm sorry for hurting you. I just thought that you would hate me for keeping you from the things you should have, like a normal life. I couldn't give you the things you deserve, and it killed me to know that I never could.Ó

She traced his lips lightly with her finger. "I don't care about that, all I care about is you." She gazed up at him with intense passion. " You're all I want, all I ever wanted." She smiled as he kissed her fingertips. "Its enough, knowing that you never stopped loving me ..."

Angel pulled her into a fierce kiss. The moon shone through the high window and bathed them in it's glow as the two lovers stayed locked in a passionate embrace.

Part 7

Still locked in a lover's embrace, Angel led Buffy towards the bed. He started undoing the strings to her bodice, while Buffy pulled Angel's jacket from his arms. Buffy moaned softly; as Angel began kissing a trail across her jawline. The bodice began to loosen, and fall of her shoulders. Angel raised his head looking Buffy in the eyes, silently asking did she want to continue. Tears sprang to her eyes, as she nodded her answer. It had been so long for them, and now that they could finally indulge into their passions; it was pure bliss.

"I love you." Angel whispered.

Before Buffy could reply, she was interrupted by Angel's lips on hers. Angel eased her down onto the bed as he deepened the kiss. Buffy moaned at the return of her lover's lips, and began undressing him, as he undressed her. When clothes were no longer a barrier, their souls became one, once again. The light of the moon washed over them, as the lovers lost themselves in a world of intense desire and unconditional love; the intensity ravished them to the point beyond return.

"I'm hungry" She murmured, that was one thing that needed to be said.

"Me too." Angel said, and he began kissing along her face.

Buffy smiled demurely at his teasing, but hunger was really plaguing her. "For food."

Angel nodded, he too was starving. But he could bring himself to leave the bed, and her embrace.

Eventually the lovers retreated from the bed, to dress and have breakfast together, both enjoying each others company. They didn't think about what would happen when they went back to the future and they didn't think of how their relationship would be either. Instead they concentrated on the now, and the wonderful feelings they evoked in one another.

The day was pure heaven for Buffy and Angel, time seemed to go slow for them, just to enjoy the moment. Realizing it was past breakfast time, the lovers decided to enjoy a meal outside. After telling Sarah their plans, she smiled, and went to prepare a basket of fruits, sandwiches, and bread. They went and found a secluded spot with a lake, 2 miles from the mansion. The sun shone brightly, as Angel laid the blanket out and the couple sat down, basically in each other's laps. They ate their sandwiches slowly, every so often feeding each other, and giving each other a gentle kiss.

After they were done, Angel laid back, and Buffy laid down with her head on his chest, entwining her hand with his. He wrapped his arm around her and lightly stroked her arm with his other hand.

"I love you Buffy." He said quietly.

Buffy closed her eyes, those words had given her more pleasure than any amount of intimacy they shared. "I love you." She whispered. Now was the time for peace between them, not heartache, and pain.

When they knew there food had digested, Buffy began to lure Angel into a game of cat and mouse. "How much do you love me???" Buffy said teasingly

"I can't really say...why don't I show you" Angel teased back

Moving away from where Angel sat. "You have too catch me" She sang

Angel jumped up and the chase began. Buffy and Angel forgot everything, except each other, to them they were a happily married couple.

Part 8

Giles frantically looked over all his volumes, to make sure the spell was correct. They didn't have much time, they still needed to make sure the demon would stay dormant and right now it was only frozen; for the time being. Willow came from Giles' office with a look of relief.

"I found the correct spell, it's the same as the first spell, only the wording is different, we need Buffy and Angel here; now."

Giles nodded and took off his glasses to pinch his nose, a sign that he was thinking under major stress. "Um..I think I found a way to bring Angel and Buffy back sooner than tomorrow night." Giles took a book from the other pile, and showed Willow the page. "If we perform this spell in the view of the sun, it will substitute the power of the moon.....it makes sense, the moon and sun have equal power."

"Then we have to do it now!!!" Willow said, hurriedly. "Does the spell need anything?"

"No ... we can do it now." Giles got out of his seat to light candles.

Buffy pulled away first breathless. "Should we head back?" She asked, his mouth returning to hers immediately.

Angel didn't want to speak, he wanted to enjoy the moment with Buffy. Kissing her in the sunlight, watching the sunlight glow on her skin; Angel wanted to savor every moment as he savored the feel of her in his arms. He pulled away, ready to give Buffy his answer, until a dark cloud shadowed over the sun, and the sky became a pale gray......

Taking her hand." Let's go." Angel said, pulling her from their secluded area, leaving the things theu came with and headed back toward the mansion.

Angel and Buffy began to pick up the pace, as the sky got darker. Buffy found it hard to run, she kept tripping over the skirts of her dress, and she wqas unable to hold them up like before. Angel noticed this, he stopped and picked her up into his arms; and ran back to themansion, it was in his sight.

Buffy and Angel found themselves on the floor of the library, with Willow and Giles leaning over them.

Willow scrambled next to them. "Are you guys ok??" She said, pulling them both into a fierce hug, she was worried about them, and she was glad they were safe. "I'm so glad you guys are alright."

Buffy and Angel returned the hug, while staring at each other the entire time, behind Willow's back, and the tears began to form in Buffy's eyes.

Giles breathed a sigh, when they acknowledged they were alright, he helped Willow and Buffy get up off the floor, and encased Buffy in a hug of his own. "Welcome home.." He whispered, extending his hand to Angel, for a handshake; also acknowledging the now ensouled vampire his relief of his safety as well.

"I'm sorry, I must cut this short, but the demon we originally tried to stop, isn't dormant."

Buffy and Angel looked at each other, silently and nodded. They walked toward each other and entwined their hands. Giles and Willow began performing the correct spell, as Giles chanted louder, Willow pulled out the same dagger as before, and struck their hands. As their blood mixed, and ran down the danger onto the floor, the portal closed; the demon was dormant, permanately.

Buffy pulled from Angel in tears. In the back of her mind, she had wished that she and Angel could go back to their little world, where nothing existed but them, where nothing stood between them, and their love was free. She wobbled slightly, but Giles held her up. "You alright? What's wrong?"

"Nothing, I'm just tired..." She said, avoiding his eyes, she looked to Angel and he avoided her gaze, a look of pain crossed his features. Willow noticed this as well.

Giles nodded. "That's understandable.....let's get you home; so you can rest."

Buffy nodded,and Giles and Willow helped her to the door, she was a bit wobbly. Buffy looked backed in search for Angel, but he had disappeared, without a word, and dread once again clutched Buffy's heart.

Epilogue

The next morning at the mansion, Angel sat in front of the fireplace, mesmerized by it's flames, remembering the light of the flames glowing on Buffy's face. She was on his mind heavily, and visions of her came to him every moment. He was pulled from his thoughts, when the smell of jasmine and strawberry assaulted his senses once again, Angel turned and their Buffy stood by the couch, fiddling with her hands. She didn't look so good, he face was pale, and she had black circles under her eyes. It was obvious she didn't get any sleep last night.

He stood up and walked toward her. "How are you?" He whispered

"Not good."

Angel took her hand in his. "I know." He said, pulling her in his arms, he needed to feel her in his arms.

The tears began to form again, Buffy held him tightly. When she pulled away, she looked into his eyes, and reached up to carass his face. She wondered where they were now in their relationship, now that something was holding them back.

Angel saw the questions in her eyes, and led her to sit on the couch. "Buffy......I know we have to talk, but I don't want to talk."

Buffy listened closely.

"There's nothing to talk about, I said I was never going to hurt you again, and I won't."

A smile crept on Buffy's face, through the tears. She pulled him into a hug, and breathed a sigh, she was afraid he would just dismiss there time together and leave her anyway, because it was the right thing to do. But he didn't, and she loved him even more for it.

Pulling away. "I was afraid, you would pull a 'I'm leaving for your own good' speech" She said, sniffling.

Angel wiped her tears, and kissed her on the forehead. "No...your stuck with me." Getting more serious. "Buffy those days were the happiest days of my life...well not the fighting, but spending them with you, made feel so blessed, and I'm not gonna let you go, I couldn't.Ó

"Me too." Buffy said, and she kissed him gently, and pulled him into another hug, she knew they could make it.