Seth and Buffy sat at a table in the Bronze. Seth was chattering on about his mom being away for the weekend, but Buffy's thoughts were far, far away. She couldn't stop wondering whether Willow had been successful in restoring Angel's soul. She hoped so. Why did she even agree to go out tonight? She should be in the library, doing more...important things. She came out of her trance to see Seth looking at her, puzzled.

"Are you okay?" he asked in a concerned tone.

"I'm fine," replied Buffy. "What were you saying?" Seth started in again on his one-sided conversation, and Buffy resumed her thoughts of Angel. Her mind went back to that fateful night when she lost him...

"Buffy?" Seth asked.

"Yeah? Hi," Buffy replied, somewhat confused.

Seth took her hands in his. "You're kind of scaring me here."

"Sorry," Buffy apologized. "I have a lot of things on my mind." She felt a wave of guilt for thinking about Angel when she was out with Seth.

Then, over Seth's shoulder she saw someone coming through the door of the Bronze. It was Angel, and Buffy's heart sped up when she saw how gorgeous he looked as his eyes scanned the room for her. Willow must have been successful, for Buffy knew there was no way he could still be evil. Entranced, she rose from her seat.

"I'll be right back," Buffy told Seth, keeping her eyes on Angel. Seth turned around and with narrowed eyes watched her advance on the older man.

Buffy continued walking until she and Angel were face to face. They gazed at each other, drinking in the details and reveling in their closeness.

"Hi," said Buffy.

"Hi," Angel replied. They embraced tightly, both overwhelmed with happiness. "God, I am so sorry for everything. I've missed you so much."

"It's not your fault," said Buffy through her tears. "I can't believe it. I thought I'd lost you forever." They held each other for a moment longer, when Buffy heard a deliberate cough from behind her. "Seth..." she said, almost regretfully, parting from Angel slowly.

"You must be Angel," Seth said to him. "I've heard a lot about you." He was extremely uncomfortable, knowing that this man was the reason Buffy wouldn't date anyone for months. A couple of times his girlfriend had even called him Angel by mistake.

"That's me. Who are you?" Angel asked, threateningly.

"I'm Seth. Buffy's boyfriend." He put a hand around her waist and drew her closer to him.

Angel looked up sharply. "Really?" he said, almost growling. Angel subliminally dared him to challenge him. The two men swaggered closer to each other, about to explode. Of course Buffy knew who would end up dead. She edged her way between them.

"Stop it, you guys," she intervened.

Seth backed off. "What's with this Buffy? Tell him you're with me now."

Buffy looked back and forth between the two men.

"C'mon Buffy. Tell him to get lost." Seth said impatiently. "It's me or him, let's go."

"Damn, now I have to decide," Buffy muttered. "Okay." She walked over to Angel. "Why should I choose you?"

"I don't want to play this silly game," Angel said roughly. Then his tone became softer. "Listen. I love you more that anything in the whole world. I can't help but love you. I just...I just wanna be with you." He stroked her hair off her face. She found herself leaning into his touch, and their heads drifting closer and closer...

Then she remembered Seth. She tore herself from Angel and turned toward Seth who was watching them, glowering, with his hands on his hips.

"Okay." She shook herself back into reality. "Whadda you got?"

Without hesitation Seth grabbed her around the waist and pulled her into him. He kissed her hard and passionately. Buffy heard Angel let out a low growl from behind her. When he finally let her go they were both gasping for air. "Whoa!" said Buffy, panting.

"I thought we were having a good time," Seth said, and Buffy could see his insecurities seeping out. "I thought you were having fun. I thought you liked me. Cause...I really, really like you." His eyes pleaded with her.

"I know," Buffy whispered. She turned her head to look at Angel, who was watching patiently. When he caught her gaze, he gave a small smile. Buffy resisted the impulse to run over there and kiss those teasing lips, and she slowly turned back to Seth. "I do like you and I have been having fun...a lot of it. You're a really great guy but, I have to be with Angel."

"I get it," said Seth, avoiding her gaze. "I should never have begged you for a chance. See ya." He brushed past her, and glared at Angel as he exited the Bronze. Buffy watched him go almost regretful. But then she saw Angel, who was also looking after the heartbroken teenager and her regret melted away. She walked closer to him. Angel just stood there, watching her advance, with a tiny smile playing on his lips. She stopped centimeters from him, her hands clasped behind her back.

"You chose me," Angel said softly.

"Was there ever any doubt?" The two lovers kissed softly, sending a spark of excitement down Buffy's spine. They wrapped their arms around each other, as though holding onto life itself.

"I love you," Buffy murmured between kisses.

"I love you, too," Angel said.

Buffy pulled away from him. "Let's take a walk. Get some air." She linked her arm through his and they headed out the door into the brisk night air.

"Willow changed the curse a little this time," Angel told Buffy.

"What did she change?"

"She took out that pesky bit about one moment of happiness taking away my soul," Angel replied, looking at Buffy and flashing a seductive smile. Buffy elbowed him playfully.

She hugged him closer to her. "It's great to have you back," Buffy told him, laying a light kiss on his cheek. They lovers walked slowly down the path under the brightly shining stars.

~End~

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