Buffy's head pounded. She felt hot but cold at the same time.

Suddenly she heard a twig snap from behind her. She whirled around.

"Angel!!!" she said startled. "What are you doing out so late?"

Angel gave her a questioning look. "Actually, it's kind of early." he stopped, "I mean, for me."

"Oh, vampire, right." she nodded groggily.

"What are you doing out? Willow said you were sick."

"I am, but I'm the Slayer, and as you know this town only has one so it's kind of a 24/7 deal."

"You should be inside." he said in a worried voice, "Resting."

Buffy looked up at him, sensing his concern. "I know but-" she faltered and leaned up against a bench.

"Are you okay?" Angel asked, stepping closer to her.

Before she could answer a vampire jumped out at them and knocked Buffy to the ground. She scrambled up off the ground and raised her stake. The vamp kicked it out of her hand and knocked her to the ground. Angel yanked the vampire back and hurled him to the ground. He picked up Buffy's stake and plunged it into the vampires heart. The vamp let out a scream of anguish, then turned into dust.

Angel turned and helped Buffy to her feet.

"You okay?" he asked, his eyes filled up with worry.

She nodded, "Yeah, I'm good." She said shakily. Suddenly her knees gave out and Angel caught her in his arms.

He felt her head. "You're warm."

She smiled slightly, "Maybe that's cuz you're cold."

"Can you stand?"

She nodded. He stepped back and let her go. "See." she said weakly. She faltered and Angel caught her in his arms again. "Okay maybe not."

"I'm gonna take you home."

He gently scooped her up in his arms and started towards her house.

Please send feedback!!!

Go here for more of C.j.'s stories.