Title: I'll Never Forget Author: Drusilla Email: Drus1lla@hotmail.com Rating: NC-17 in parts Disclaimer: I do not own the characters used within this story, they are the property of Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, FOX, and anyone else who actually has a piece of them. See cuz if I owned them, they would get the happy endings I always give them! Also the lyrics to the song "I Knew I Loved You" belong to the extremely talented writers in the group Savage Garden ( I love their songs! ) Author's Notes: I know, another of my extremely long fics, I can't help myself sometimes. This came to me after the crossover, see I thought she should remember. Plus a few little added bonuses there. Please with the feedback, I really love it, and this one took me a really long time to write. Also I must acknowledge my support group, you guys know who you are. Without them, I wouldn't have kept writing this! Summary: After the Angel Episode "I Will Remember You" that's all I'm going to say. Buffy stood near the doorway of Angel's office, uncertain of why she'd even come in the first place. She should've just let it go, he hadn't wanted her to know he had come to Sunnydale. But maybe that's what bothered her the most, that he didn't think she could handle his presence. It was hard being around him, especially since he had left her, but she dealt with the pain of his loss every day. She couldn't lie to herself, it hurt that he had let the others know he was there to protect her, everyone knew but her. But she did know, inside. She could feel it when he was near. And so she stood there, and she told him that. And suddenly, everything was different. "Forget?" he asked her. "Yea," she replied. Somehow she felt as if she had said that to him before, as if they had had this very conversation before. "So I'm gonna go, start forgetting." They both turned around as a green-skinned demon came crashing through the window. Angel grabbed the clock from his desk, took a step forward, and smashed the jewel in the middle of the demon's forehead. A blinding light flashed, filling the room as the demon slowly died. Angel looked up at Buffy, Cordelia and Doyle taking that moment to burst through the door. He couldn't understand the expression on Buffy's face, it was like she was there but she wasn't. The images flashing through her mind were unbelievable, there was no way any of this could have possibly happened. Angel and she had been tracking the demon, they had split up, and then he was walking towards her in broad daylight. "Buffy are you okay?" Cordelia's voice cut into her reverie. She shook her head, putting her hands to her temples. "I'm fine," she managed to murmur. "Are you sure?" Angel asked. "Dream," she answered, still trying to pull her thoughts together. "But you're awake," Cordelia observed. "Fine, a vision." Angel noticed she still had that confused look on her face. Whatever she had seen had obviously bothered her. "Do yours come with mind-numbing migraines too?" Doyle asked, trying to ease the tension in the room. The Slayer shook her head, the same expression still on her face. "I should," she started moving away from the wall she had been leaning on. Buffy stumbled forward, she felt dizzy and would've fallen if Angel hadn't reached out and taken her arm. She looked up at him, and then the memory of him kissing her, making love to her on a kitchen table, flashed before her eyes once more. "So you basically had a daydream?" Cordelia asked. "I've had them before," she whispered. "You sure you're okay?" Angel asked, letting her arm go. "Oh right," Cordelia replied, remembering. "That time when that ghost was haunting the school, and we tried Willow's mangled triangle thingie but those wasps surrounded the school. Then you went back and you," she said turning towards Angel. She saw the uncomfortable looks on their faces and bit down on her lip. "Shy away from the topic," she whispered to herself. "I'll see you guys around," Buffy murmured, quickly making her way out the door. "Cordelia," Angel whispered. "I'll go," she said, following Buffy out the door. She stepped out into the daylight, looking up and down the sidewalk. She saw Buffy leaning against the building, breathing hard. "Buffy? Did something happen in there, with the demon?" Buffy still didn't know how to describe what she was seeing in her head. She was at a complete loss for words. "There was a flash of light, and it's like I'm remembering things." "What do you mean?" "I'm seeing things, that happened. But there's no possible way they could have, because I just got here twenty minutes ago. It's like this whole day that happened, but didn't." "Maybe we should go back inside." "No. I'm going home. Don't tell him, please?" "I promise." Angel looked away from the incredulous look on Doyle's face. "You what?" the half- demon asked. "You had the one thing you wanted in your unnaturally long life and you gave it back?! I would've chosen the pleasures of the flesh over duty and honor any day of the week. How could you do that?" "The Oracles said she would die." "She's gonna die anyway man. She's the Slayer, they don't live long lives." "You started the day over knowing you would remember everything that happened?!" Cordelia practically yelled. Doyle and Angel looked up at her, they hadn't heard her come in. "Buffy?" Angel asked. "She left. She's okay. Just the light coming out of that demon, messed with her head. She's fine. And going back to my outburst for a moment, how could you do that?" "We would've both ended up dead." "And once again you took it upon yourself to make all the decisions that you guys should've made together. I mean, I can totally see why she was mad at you for lurking around Sunnydale. I understand how much you guys care for each other, I was there remember? You were human, and uy what is it with guys?!" She turned and stormed out of the office. Willow handed Buffy a tissue and a glass of water. She took it gratefully, rinsing the horrible taste in her mouth away. She closed her eyes as another wave of nausea threatened to overwhelm her. "I hate the flu." "That's so not it," Willow cut her off. "And you know it. Buff, it's been almost three months since you went to LA. I think we both know what's really happening here." "What am I gonna do Will?" "First, we're gonna double check. We'll go buy one of those drugstore tests, we'll wait for the results, and then we'll talk to Giles." "I didn't tell him what happened with the demon. How can I face him? What do I say? I think I'm pregnant by my vampire ex-lover?" "He was kinda human at that point." "I'm not even supposed to remember what happened that day Will. But I do, and every day and every night when I go to sleep, I dream about it." The tears started to stream down Buffy's cheeks. "How am I supposed to go on?" Willow put her arm around Buffy, gently leading her back to their dorm room. She had thought Buffy had been through a lot before with Angel, she didn't know how she was going to help her best friend through this as well. For a while the two of them had something to relate to, the heart-breaking anguish they had each experienced had helped them to become even closer if that were possible. But Buffy was hurting so much more now, and Willow was at a loss how she could help. "Let's get Spike and go patrol. We'll beat the crap out of some vampires, it'll make you feel better." "I think we better hit the drugstore first," Buffy whispered through her tears. Willow nodded, picking up her coat as they walked out the door. The two of them slowly made their way across the campus, savoring the silence that had fallen. "Hey Buffy, Willow, wait up!" Both girls turned to look as Riley came running up to them. Buffy had to admit to herself that the guy was kind of cute, but he could never compare to Angel. He had been really nice to her, but from the moment she had remembered the cherished day with her true love she couldn't stand the thought of another man touching her. "Are you feeling okay? You don't look so good." "I'm fine," Buffy answered. "Will, I'm gonna," she began, motioning with her hands. "I'll meet you there." Willow smiled sadly at her friend, watching as she disappeared into the darkness. "Is she okay?" Riley asked. "I've been trying to work up the nerve to ask her out. She hasn't been the same since Thanksgiving, was it holiday blues?" "You could call it that," Willow stammered. "I know before, I was encouraging you asking Buffy out, sometime. Right now though, I think she needs her space. Something happened when she went to see her Dad at Thanksgiving, then Christmas came, and now school again and other stuff. There's just a lot going on right now." "Maybe I could help." "There's only one person who can do anything, and he's kinda not here. I'm just saying don't push. I gotta catch up to her now. See you in class tomorrow." The two girls sat in their dorm room and stared at the stick. "It's definitely bluish," Willow managed to squeak out. "What am I gonna do?" Buffy groaned, sinking back onto her bed. "I think it's time for that Giles talk." "I don't want to have to go through this a bunch of times," Buffy began, her arm draped across her face, covering her eyes. "Scooby Gang assembles. I'll call the others, tell them to meet at Giles' place." "Angel Investigations," Cordelia answered the phone on the second ring. "Don't say my name out loud, it's Willow." "Hey," she managed. "Are you alone?" "No," she answered, looking up at Doyle and Angel. "I need you to do something for me. Do you have the Book of Kelsor?" "Down in the library." "Get it, and then call me back at this number." Cordelia scribbled furiously, nodding her head and making small sounds of agreement. Angel and Doyle exchanged curious glances, wondering whom she was talking to. "Call you back in five minutes." She hung up the phone, then quickly made her way downstairs to Angel's library. She returned not a few moments later, toting the book Willow had asked for. "What're you doing?" Angel asked her. "Research for a friend." She continued to write things on the pad of paper, her gaze shifting from the written words in the book to the ink flowing from her pen. When she was finally done she picked up the phone. "Ready?" She hadn't even asked for a person, she had known who would answer. "Tell me the ingredients." "Sage, lavender, mugwort, sandalwood, myrrh, and heliotrope." "The incantation." "We beseech access to the knowing ones." Doyle and Angel both walked towards her when they heard that. "Set it on fire. Don't forget the gift. Meet you in an hour. No, I'll come to you." She looked up at the two men in front of her. "No," she said, her gaze locking with Doyle's. "I'm sure. One hour." She hung up the phone, stuck the pad she had been writing on in her bag, grabbed a notebook from her desk, and headed for the door. "What is going on?" Angel demanded. "Someone needs help." "So they ask you how to contact the Oracles?" Doyle asked. "Look, if I could tell you more I would. I can't, I promised." She switched her purse to the other shoulder, then walked out the door. "Can we get there without going into the daylight?" "It'll take longer." "I want to know who's there." Buffy watched as Willow dumped the herbs into the brazier in front of the Gateway for Lost Souls. Anya handed her the box of matches as Willow recited the incantation Cordelia had given her. Buffy took the small velvet bag the former demon handed her, then all three girls watched as the flame rose and the Gateway opened. "Go in," Anya began, "ask your questions, get out. They always tell you the truth, there's no reason to doubt what they say. They usually refer to those who call them as lower beings, but you're their Champion. Remember that. I've put the gift in there. We'll wait for you here, only the warrior can enter." Buffy nodded at her friends, then walked into the light. As she walked through the mist her mind fell back onto what had brought her here. Xander, Anya, and Spike had been waiting for her and Willow at Giles' place. "What's up pet?" Spike had broken the silence. Buffy was nervous, but she knew if she was going to get through this she was going to need the support of her friends. "I have something to tell you guys, about when I went to LA." "Something happen with you and the pouf?" "You could say that. This is going to sound really insane, but hear me out okay?" "Of course, Buffy," Giles said, trying to be supportive. "I was talking with Angel when we were attacked by a Mohra demon." Anya stood up when she heard that. "They're powerful assassins, soldiers of darkness. Their veins run with the blood of eternity, it's regenerative." "How do you know that?" Xander asked. "I was a vengeance demon, we hear things." "Yea, so we were there and Angel smashed the jewel in the middle of its forehead and killed it." "It doesn't sound very eventful Buffy," Giles took his glasses off. "Not anything we'd need to know about." "I'm pregnant." "But that is." "Guys," Willow began, "this is the crazy sounding part." "Angel's the father." Spike couldn't help but scoff at that remark. "Vampires can't have kids. From what you've just said, you two didn't have time to shag. And we all know what happens when you two do, Angelus comes back." "When Angel killed Mohra I started to remember things. The day had happened before. The demon had gotten away and we went to track it." Willow squeezed Buffy's hand, showing her she was there for her. "We split up and Angel fought it alone. The demon's blood mixed with his." "He was human?!" Anya's eyes widened as she blurted it out. "What?!" Xander and Spike shouted. "The demon's blood made him human?" Giles asked. Buffy nodded. "But the demon also regenerated itself. Angel went to kill it, and got hurt. Mohra said that more were coming, that the end of days had begun. I killed it. Angel went to see the Oracles again, he asked them to change him back. So they folded time and he was the only one who was supposed to remember the day had ever happened. They sent us back so Angel could kill Mohra before its blood made him mortal." Spike went to stand in front of the Slayer. "He was mortal, he had what he wanted with you, why would he want to be changed back into what we are?" "The Oracles told him that when the soldiers of darkness came, I would die." "But you remember the day, and as a result of that day you're going to have a child," Giles summed up. "That's pretty much it. I just don't know what to do now. Whether to tell him or not. And if I do tell him, then what happens?" "I think you need to see the Oracles," Anya suggested. "They're the only ones who'll know why you remember a day that never happened, but obviously did." "We don't know where they are," Giles pointed out. "I know where the Gateway is. I don't remember all of the necessary herbs while reciting the incantation, but I remember where to find it. We'll need a copy of the Book of Kelsor." "Sadly, I don't have one," Giles said replacing his glasses. "Is that the same book that talks about the Mohra demon?" Buffy asked. "It should," Anya replied. "Then I know who can get us the information." And so here she was, walking into the unknown. On a road trip with a former vengeance demon and her best friend. They had gotten Cordelia's help and they would be meeting her later. "Come before us Chosen One," a voice called out. "What have you brought us?" a female voice asked. Buffy looked at the two figures before her. Their bodies were gold, painted with blue leaves. They were dressed in black togas, and she couldn't help but think she was in some cross between ancient Rome and Star Trek. She opened the bag Anya had given her and withdrew a Claddagh ring. "A token of love," the woman said. She held out her hand and the ring flew across the room. She examined the bit of silver, then looked back to the Slayer. "A symbol very much like one given to you." "I want to know how a day that wasn't supposed to happen left me with a child." "If it has happened, it was meant to be." "Could you vague that up a little?" The woman approached Buffy. "You and your soulmate created a new life with your love. There is nothing vague about it." "Why do I remember?" "You were meant to remember. He gave up every drop of human happiness and love he had ever known to keep you safe. He proved he was not a lower being by asking to be a demon with a soul once more. Your love is his redemption, and his soul cannot be torn from him again." The man came to stand next to his sister before the Slayer. "He is still a demon, he is your equal, but not a vampire. Not all demons are dedicated to the destruction of all life." The two smiled at one another, and the woman spoke again. "You cannot raise your child alone. This child is the salvation of innocence. It will bring balance to the scales in the fight between good and evil." "So what now, I go to him and tell him this? Cuz remember, according to you two, I'm not supposed to remember." "He is on his way to see us now. We will tell him. He will come to you later. You are released from your fealty." Buffy stepped through the gateway where Willow and Anya were waiting. They looked at her expectantly. "We have to go." Anya turned when she heard footsteps. "Someone's coming." "We've got to go meet Cordelia anyway," Willow told the other two. "Let's move." The three girls quickly made their way through the gate and up the steps. They disappeared just as Angel and Doyle entered the chamber. "Whoever was here's long gone man," Doyle said, looking into the brazier. "They were here recently though. Musta left just before we got here." White light flashed through the room and the gateway to the Oracles opened. Angel and Doyle both turned to look at the open gate. "I'll be right back," Angel called. "Welcome once again," the male Oracle called. "Why am I here?" "The Slayer needs your help," he answered. "She's in danger?" "No, she needs you," his sister replied. "But we can't be together." "We have changed your demon." The woman told him, walking around the chamber. "You are no longer a vampire, your soul cannot be taken from you. Go to the Slayer." "I'm not a mortal man, but not a vampire either?" "You are still a warrior, and you can protect her as well as be with her. Go now, she is waiting." Buffy walked with the others in silence, her mind wandering back to the last time she was at this beach. Her mind kept showing her the image of Angel walking towards her in the sunlight. Of Angel's arms wrapping around her and kissing her with all the passion and longing they felt for each other. "So what'd they say?" Willow asked. "That my child is some sort of balance between good and evil. And that Angel's not a vampire anymore." "That's good right?" Cordelia interrupted. "You guys can be together." "They said he would come to me later. I can't help but think it's some kind of new torment for me. I had exactly what I wanted, I felt his heart beat, and he's been taken away from me so many times." Anya, Willow, and Cordelia didn't know what to say. They'd all been heartbroken, but never this badly. Anya looked at the people who were becoming her friends. "So we came to see the Oracles, they gave you answers. What do you want to do now?" "Let's just go home." "What if he asks me stuff? He and Doyle were so ready to pounce on me when I was leaving." Cordelia brushed her hair out of her face, waiting for an answer. "Don't tell him about the baby. Make something up, I don't care." "Buffy," Willow's voice stopped her from walking away. "Shouldn't we stick around so you can tell him? That was part of the reason we came. I know it's hard, but he should know." "I can't go through that right now Will. I just want to go home. I mean yea the Oracles said he'd come, but he left. The last time I was here, he thinks I don't remember anything." "Well Buffy, maybe the Oracles will tell him that you know." Cordelia looked at her friend, hoping she was right. "He told Doyle, and I overheard, but he's been really suffering since that day. He knows what it's like to have something and lose it too. You're not the only one who was hurt by that decision. He's living with those memories every day, and the fact that he thinks you don't remember it hurts him even more." "I know," Buffy whispered. "And I know I should go to him and tell him everything, but it still hurts. He hasn't exactly called or come by in the last three months either. And that hurts too. So I just want to go home, where I know that my crazy life makes just a little bit of sense." Buffy brushed at the tears that had started running down her cheeks, wiping them away. "Then we'll go home," Anya said, looking at Willow. "Please don't say anything," Buffy whispered as she and Cordelia hugged. "Okay, I promise." She bid the three of them farewell, then headed back to the office. "Where is she?" Angel demanded when Cordelia walked through the door. "Where's who?" she sighed. She had known this was coming. Now she would see if she was as good an actress as she hoped she was. "Buffy." "How would I know? For all I know she's in Sunnydale getting on with her life like you told her to." "You were talking to her on the phone earlier, where can I find her?" "I wasn't talking to her, I was talking to Willow," Cordy rolled her eyes, shutting the door behind her. "Well then where's Willow?" "She's gone by now." She dropped her purse on the floor and walked over to the couch. She sank down onto the sofa, closing her eyes. "I can't tell you everything, not that I don't want to. So just get in your car and drive to Sunnydale. That's all I'm gonna say." He knew he wouldn't get anything else out of her, so Angel picked up his coat and walked out the door. *"I couldn't tell you." Angel wrapped his arms around her, trying to ease her pain. "I wasn't sure I could do it if I woke up with you one more morning." "I understand," Buffy whispered, her face buried against his chest. "So what happens now?" "The Oracles are giving us back the day, turning back time so I can kill Mohra before his blood makes me mortal." "When?" Angel looked up at the clock. "Another minute." "A minute? No, no it's not enough time." "We don't have a choice, it's done." "How am I supposed to go on with my life knowing what we had, what we could've had?" "You won't. No one will know but me." "Everything we did." "It never happened." Buffy shook her head, not believing what she was hearing. "It did, it did. I know it did." She couldn't help the tears that were streaming down her face as she raised her hand to his chest. "I felt your heart beat." "Buffy." She looked up at him again, then wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her lips to his. They broke apart, and she looked back at the clock. They only had five seconds left. "Oh God, it's not enough time." "Shh, please." Angel wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close to him. "Please. Please." The tears started streaming down his face. "I'll never forget. I'll never forget. I'll never forget." She kept repeating the words over and over again, willing them to be true.* "Buffy?" She looked up and saw Riley gazing down at her. "I don't think I've ever seen anybody stare into space for so long." "I said I wouldn't forget, and I didn't." "Come again?" he asked as he sat down next to her. She was sitting outside her dorm room underneath one of the huge oak trees. He had seen her there, staring at nothing for a long time before he finally cut into her thoughts. She couldn't help the small laugh that escaped her throat. "I didn't forget." "Forget what?" "The best day of my life," she answered. "When was that?" Riley asked. "About three months ago." "Haven't had a better day since?" "Not like that one. It was perfect. Have you ever had a day like that?" "I think I've had a few that come close, but not exactly like that," he told her. "A perfect day would be?" "It's a day that you just don't want it to end. That you want it to go on forever," she sighed, resting her head on her knees. "So we were talking about having a picnic," Riley said, changing the topic. Buffy raised an eyebrow. "We were?" "Sorry, I think that was one of my practice conversations." "You practice talking to me?" What kind of crazy idiot was he? "I don't know how you'll react, so I have to be prepared. I mean, when you like somebody, you want to get to know them better. Conversation is key." "Oh," Buffy didn't know what else to say. She hadn't really thought of Riley as anything other than a friend. "I, well. The thing is." "I'll bring all the food, you just show up and eat." "I really appreciate it, but I can't." "How come?" "I'm kind of..." "Seeing someone else?" Riley had never really thought about the fact that she would've started dating someone else. He thought he had a pretty good chance with her for a while, but after Thanksgiving she hadn't really looked to date anyone that he had noticed. "No," Buffy answered, then thought again, "but yes. I mean, we're apart." "Then you're free? You guys broke up?" "It's complicated." "I didn't think you and Parker were that serious about each other." Buffy stifled a laugh. "Parker? Whatever made you think it was him?" "Well, he's really the only guy I know you've, kind of dated. Or I guess your other friend." "Xander?!" Buffy's eyes widened in shock. Her and Xander? "Well, I mean I saw you guys together at that party." "Xander's one of my best friends, and Parker was definitely a rebound, I'm suffering terribly kind of mistake." "So, I guess it was a pretty intense relationship?" Buffy thought back on her memories with Angel. Intense was one way of putting it. She didn't even know why she was talking to Riley about any of this, that's what she had Willow for. But with Willow being in class right now, it felt good to be talking to someone. Especially after what she had learned earlier this morning, that Angel was no longer a vampire. Then what was she doing here? She should be in LA, telling him how much she still loved him, that she remembered their one day together, and that she was going to have his child. "Intense is one way of putting it." "Do you want to talk about it?" The corner of her mouth twitched up in a half-smile, her head shaking no. "I need to go back to LA is all. There are some things he needs to know." "Back?" "Yea, we didn't have class this morning so Willow, Anya, and I went to visit our friend Cordelia." "Do you want any company? Not a long trip but it can get tiring." "Thanks for the offer, but no. I'll be fine." Buffy stood up, brushing the dirt and blades of grass off her slacks. "I'll see you in class tomorrow." As she started to walk away the feeling inside her that told her when Angel was near washed over her body. She stopped where she was, hoping that if she turned around to look behind her that he would be there. "Hey you okay?" Riley called. Buffy turned around, looking past him at something or someone else. He turned, his eyes falling on a man walking towards them. He was tall, dressed entirely in black, his long and determined strides bringing him closer to Buffy. Angel stopped in front of her, she looked even more beautiful than he had remembered. One hand reached out to caress her cheek, the other one bringing her closer to his body, and then his mouth claimed hers. Buffy's entire body came alive when Angel's lips touched hers. She felt like she was one giant bundle of nerves, she was so sensitive to his touches. His mouth continued to move over hers, tasting every inch of her lips. Her hands brushed over his cheeks and his neck, wanting to touch every inch of his skin that she could. Angel's arms tightened around her, trying to pull her even closer. She felt her feet come off the ground as his mouth continued to ravish hers. The both of them could feel other people watching them, eyes boring into the backs of their heads, curious as to why these two people were kissing each other so desperately. Buffy couldn't help the small whine of disappointment that escaped her lips when Angel's mouth left hers. At the same time she was glad, his kiss had left her breathless and her chest was heaving as her lungs drew in air. Angel carefully set her back on the ground, his forehead pressing against hers as he merely gazed into her eyes. "Hey," he whispered, his own lungs desperately drawing in now needed air. "I missed you," she said, her voice so soft, her breath caressing his skin. They were so close, his arms were around her, and nothing could ruin this moment. The sun shone down, warming their skin with its light. "I was on my way to see you." "Really?" Buffy could only nod, her hands still pressed to either side of his face. Angel looked down at her, at her mouth so close to his own. He couldn't be so near to her and not taste her once more. She understood the look in his eyes, she knew it mirrored her own. Very gently Buffy pulled his mouth down to meet hers once more. Riley had known from the moment that Buffy had spoken her mind to Professor Walsh that she was a woman of passion. He had grown to like her even more from that moment on. She was loyal to her friends, anyone could see that about her in the way she stood up for Willow. He had hoped that she would respond to him in some way, and that he would be able to witness that passion inside her first-hand. But now as he stood and watched her in another man's arms, he knew that he never would. The two people in front of him had been kissing each other so desperately, as if they had been apart for years instead of what he was guessing were only a few months. Even when they had broken apart, their hands never left one another's bodies. It was almost as if they were afraid they were dreaming, and if that contact were broken then they would wake. Somehow he knew that when she had been talking to him earlier about the man she was seeing, that this was him. She had said she was going to go to him, to talk to him. Obviously he needed her as much as she needed him. When Riley had heard her talking about this unknown person, he should've known he had no chance with her then. But seeing her now, her entire body lit up at his presence, he was absolutely certain that if she ever looked at him again it would be as nothing more than a friend. No matter how much he told himself to leave, that witnessing their reunion would only make the hurt he was beginning to feel get worse, he couldn't make his feet move. He was seeing what he wanted to see, Buffy completely and totally lost in someone's eyes. Only he had hoped when he had seen it, it would be himself that she was looking at. The two of them were speaking softly, and Riley stood there, straining to hear their words. If seeing her in another man's arms had begun to crush his heart, then the words he heard her speak next shattered it completely. "I love you," Buffy breathed against Angel's lips, before they claimed hers again. Angel answered her by crushing her body to his and leaving her breathless once more. When they broke apart again he couldn't help but reply, "I love you." Angel's heart leapt with joy when he heard her say those three words they hadn't been allowed to say often enough. Now he would be able not only to tell her, but to show her how much he loved her. "I have so much to tell you," Buffy whispered, her hands continuing to caress his face. "Angel, I didn't forget." He looked at her in confusion for a moment, then realized what she meant. "You remember everything?" "Everything. I told you I wouldn't forget." Buffy suddenly looked at their surroundings, out in the middle of the campus. She leaned up and whispered in his ear, "I've got a carton of cookie dough fudge-mint chip in the freezer at home, and mom's out of town." Angel couldn't help the huge grin that broke over his face at her words. He kissed her once more, then with her hand in his, led her to where his car waited. The two lovers only had eyes for each other as they walked away, leaving a completely heart-broken Riley Finn in their wake. Buffy felt like she was floating, like she was in heaven, and they hadn't even gotten inside the house yet. The moment they had gotten out of the car Angel had pulled her into his arms again, kissing her in that passionate, longing way he always had. Once again she felt her feet leave the ground, Angel slowly making his way to the front door, his lips never leaving hers. She loved it when he lifted her up into his arms, when her body was supported so completely by his. When they were finally inside Angel waited for Buffy to make the first move. He wanted to take his time in worshipping her, now that he knew they had the time to do it. Her hands were unfastening the buttons of his shirt as she kissed him, slowly making their way down to where the black silk disappeared into his pants. Buffy pressed her lips to his chest, her tongue moving over his nipples, savoring the taste of his flesh. She could hear his breath coming in shaky gasps, the way hers used to when he had kissed away all thoughts but the two of them together. She slowly moved her way down to his abdomen, her hands moving ahead to unbuckle his belt and push his pants down and over his hips. She gently nuzzled her face against his stomach, then looked up into his eyes. Angel quickly pulled her up into his arms, crushing her lips under his. He slipped his hands under her sweater, pulling it up and over her head. Neither one of them said a single word, they just felt. Nothing they could say seemed right at this moment. They were together once more, that was all that mattered to either one of them. One of his hands reached up to cup her face, the other caressing her back, leaving a trail of fire along her skin. Buffy turned her face into his palm, breathing in the scent that was uniquely his. God how she loved his hands, the way they made her feel so completely safe whenever they touched her. Their bodies were pressed together, their skin touching, aching to merge once more. He knelt down in front of her, slipping his hands into the waistband of her pants, pulling the fabric away from her skin. Angel kissed her stomach, the sensitive spot right below her belly button. He smiled when he felt her body tremble, loved that he could make her feel that way. When he saw the hunger in her eyes he lifted her up, kissing her as he carried her up to her bed. Spike opened the front door to the Summers' home, peeking around inside before motioning Willow to follow him. They both looked at each other when they saw the discarded clothing on the floor. "I'd say we found her pet." "I know I shouldn't have listened to Riley, but with the way she was acting earlier I just wanted to check up on her." "Well the Fish Boy's jealous," Spike observed. "She's with Angel, she's fine." "Do you think she told him yet?" "That I'm going to be a big brother? Who knows. Can't wait to see how he takes it though. Since we're here, let's see if her mum stocked up on the hot chocolate." He led her into the kitchen, hoping to find the little marshmallows he loved. Buffy raised her head from where it was resting on Angel's chest. She was certain she'd heard the front door open. She slipped out of her lover's arms, then pulled her robe on and headed down the stairs. The light in the kitchen was on, and she distinctly heard Willow and Spike laughing about something. There was a long silence, so Buffy pushed open the kitchen door. Willow was in Spike's arms, crying softly against his chest. He was lightly stroking her hair, whispering softly in her ear. "Hey," Buffy whispered. They both quickly looked up at her, Willow backing away from the blond vampire. "You okay?" Buffy couldn't help but be concerned, Willow hadn't been the same since Oz had left. "I'm good," the redhead replied. "How about you? If what Riley was blabbering about is correct, I'm assuming Angel's upstairs." "She's blushing," Spike observed, "he's up there. So did you tell him yet?" "Tell me what?" Angel asked, coming in behind them. "Spike, what're you doing here?" "Sorry about that whole torture thing mate, things have changed a little since we last saw each other." "You tortured him?" Buffy crossed her arms over her chest, glaring at Spike. "I helped a little," Spike began, "he had my ring. I knew you'd send it." "This is gonna be a really huge awkward moment, isn't it?" Willow commented. "Let's skip the awkward. Buffy I just wanted to make sure you were okay, road trip this morning and all. You two need to talk." "Yea looks like they didn't get much talking done before," Spike quipped. "Can I hit him?" Angel asked his girlfriend. "No hitting the poor defenseless creature," Buffy and Willow said at the same time. "We kind of agreed," Willow added. "But we'll leave you two to talk. Come on Spike, walk me back to the dorms." "What am I, your puppy?" he asked, as he followed her outside. "What did she mean?" Angel looked down at Buffy, "We need to talk?" "A lot happened since the last time I saw you. I remember everything, for starters. I was in LA today." "I know, you guys went to see the Oracles. I saw them too. They told me you needed me, that I needed to be with you." Buffy nodded, wrapping her arms around his waist, snuggling up next to him. She felt nervous about telling him about the baby, she didn't know why. But she had to tell him, he had to know. "There's something else, you need to know why I went to see them." "I need to ask you something first." "Ask me?" She looked at him as he slowly knelt before her. Her heart started to race as she realized what he was going to do. "Buffy will you marry me?" Willow and Buffy sat next to each other in Psychology class, both trying to concentrate on Professor Walsh's lecture. Willow's eyes kept drifting to her best friend's left hand, and for the umpteenth time that day she grabbed Buffy's hand to look at the ring on her ring finger. At first glance Buffy's engagement ring looked to be a simple silver band with a diamond just like any other. When Willow looked at it more closely she could see that the two carat emerald cut diamond was set on a platinum band that looked like it was made specifically for Buffy's hand. There were smaller diamonds on either side, catching the lights overhead, and once more she slipped the ring off Buffy's finger to see the engraving on the inside. Always. That one word sent shivers of delight up her spine. She slipped the ring back onto Buffy's finger, quickly jotting down more of Professor Walsh's ramblings. She couldn't wait to hear the details of the moment when Angel had proposed to Buffy, and she knew Buffy would want to know why Spike had been holding her. That had been a new experience, and a very pleasant one at that. They had been talking in the kitchen, Willow extremely happy that her best friend and Angel were together once again. "It's great," she told Spike," that after everything that happened they're finally together. They deserve to be happy. If what I'm thinking is right, they got plenty happy." They had both laughed at that, and then her thoughts had turned to Oz. Angel had come back to Buffy, they were together. And she was still alone. Oz had left her much in the same way that Angel had left Buffy. For her own good, whatever that meant. She hadn't known when the tears started, but then Spike had pulled her into his arms, soothing away the hurt. When she had been in his embrace the ache in her chest had subsided, and she had really looked at him. She had never noticed before how blue his eyes were, or the tiny scar over his left eye, how had he gotten that? When his fingertips had come up to brush away her tears, electricity had shot through her entire body. The most amazing sensations had started to course through her veins, and then Buffy had walked in the kitchen. She had to keep telling herself that this was Spike, Spike!!!! A vampire who'd tried to kill her. But then he was a vampire that had also saved her. When the commandos had invaded their dorm, right after he told her he'd bite her in a heartbeat, he had saved her from them. And he had such an amazing memory, he remembered lilac. Most boys would've just said purple. But he remembered, something as simple as lilac. "Will?" "Huh?" She looked up at her best friend. "What, huh?" "Class is over," Buffy smiled down at her friend. The two girls quickly made their way out into the hallway before bursting into a fit of giggles. They wrapped their arms around each other, hugging fiercely. Willow grabbed Buffy's hand again, gazing at the diamond on her finger. "Did he kneel down, or was he standing? When did he get it?! You have to tell me everything!" "And I will," Buffy answered, as the two of them made their way out of the hall. "Just as soon as you tell me what was that with you and Spike?" Willow blushed, her face turning a color very similar to that of her hair. "Your news is much more important," she tried to change the subject. They laughed together, as they continued their walk. Riley watched the two girls from his short distance away. He had seen the rock on Buffy's finger when she walked into class that morning, that was the only way to describe her ring, it was huge. She had been positively glowing when she strode into the room, taking her seat next to Willow. Willow had smiled at her, then her gaze had fallen on Buffy's hand as well. She had practically shrieked in her excitement, and they were about to start talking when Professor Walsh had begun her lecture. All throughout the class, the both of them had continued to look at the ring on Buffy's finger. There was even something inscribed on the band, for Willow had sighed when she looked at it. They had taken off immediately after lecture was over, and he had been left to torture himself with the newfound information that Buffy was obviously engaged now. Whoever this guy was that had walked back into her life yesterday, she obviously loved him very much. The new piece of jewelry on her hand was like a huge symbol, this beautiful vibrant woman belonged to someone. Someone she obviously wanted to belong to, or it wouldn't be there. When he caught up with the two girls who were still laughing together, he called out her name and they stopped. "Oh hey Riley," her voice was pleasant, and she didn't seem as down as she had been the last couple months. She looked happier than he'd ever seen her. "Hey," was all he could seem to muster. "Didn't really get a chance to say goodbye to you yesterday." A slight blush stained her cheeks as she smiled with the memories of yesterday. "Sorry about that," Buffy replied. "It was rude. I'd love to stay and chat, but Willow has important information she needs to drag out of me." "I'd say that goes both ways," Willow added. "See you later Riley." He watched them go, unable to voice the indescribable pain that was beginning to consume him. "So," Buffy asked, bringing the spoon of Mint Chocolate Cookie to her lips. "What's with you and Spike?" "I don't know how to describe it exactly." Willow dipped her own spoon into the carton of ice cream that sat between them on the floor of their dorm room. "Ever since Oz left, you guys have been like, you have to bear through the pain. Sometimes it just hurts too much. Spike sees that. I know you know what it's like, that feeling like half of you is gone. Angel came back to you though, and last night I just couldn't stop thinking about Oz. Spike was just holding me while I was crying." "There's more to it than that Will. I saw the way you two were looking at each other." "He is kinda cute, and he does have the whole accent thing going for him." "It's pretty sexy," Buffy admitted. Willow smothered her giggle with a spoonful of ice cream. "So, he proposed, and I need details." "He asked Giles' permission first, can you believe it?" "He did what?!" "Kind of old fashioned, I know, but that's Angel." Angel stood nervously in front of Giles' front door. He had the engagement ring he'd gotten for Buffy in the pocket of his coat. He could offer her a life now, a real life. He could take care of her, for the rest of their lives. So he had stopped on his way to Sunnydale and entered the jewelry store. The gentleman who owned the shop had asked about the woman he was to marry, then produced the most beautiful engagement ring he'd ever seen. Once they were married he'd planned on giving her his mother's wedding band, but the engagement ring should be hers, something that had never belonged to anybody else. "Angel," Giles was slightly shocked to see him standing in front of his apartment in the middle of the day. "Giles." "I'd say things have changed slightly." He ushered him inside, shutting the door behind them. "Did Buffy see you earlier today?" "No, but I know she was there. I went to see the Oracles, they released me from my duty. They told me that Buffy needed me." "I'd say she does, I'd say you need each other." "That's why I'm here. I know her father's not that far away, but she always told me that you were more of a father to her than he was. I'd like your permission to marry her." Giles stood up in shock. "Marriage? She's only eighteen years old." Silently he reminded himself that they were already going to have a child. But Angel obviously didn't know about that yet, and he was here asking to be with her simply because he loved her. They needed no other reason than that. He looked at the man sitting before him, then pushed his glasses back up the bridge of his nose. The two of them had been through so much together, literally hell. If anybody deserved to be happy, it was them. "Of course you have my blessing." "That is so romantic," Willow sighed, falling backwards onto the rug. "Then what?" "Well, he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him." "And you hadn't told him about the baby yet?" "No, I told him after he asked. Of course I said yes, and then he put the ring on my finger. Isn't it beautiful?" "It's gorgeous, it's huge! But I want to know how he took the news he's going to be a daddy. I mean he was a vampire for 240 some years, here he thinks he'll never have kids and then boom, instant family." "Oh Angel, Yes!" Buffy breathed, tears beginning to well up in her eyes. She looked from the ring he had slipped onto her finger, back to his face. He took her into his arms, his mouth instantly covering hers. When they broke apart, she couldn't help but smile. "I have something to tell you. I just don't know how to say it." "Buffy we're together, that's all that matters to me." "Well," she looked up at him. Her hands were resting on his chest, his arms were still holding her in his safe embrace. "When I went to see you and we were together. Well you remember you told me that one day I'd want children?" "I remember." "Well, I'm pregnant." He took her chin in his hand, raising her gaze so she was looking at him again. "We're going to have a baby?" "Yes." She nodded her head as she said it. We, he had said we. Not you, but we. He didn't doubt for an instant that the child was his. He kissed her so softly then, almost reverently. Then he had gone on his knees once more in front of her. He looked up at her as he parted the fabric of her robe, then softly caressed her stomach before gently brushing her skin with his lips. "Oh my Goddess," Willow breathed, sighing loudly. She turned her head to look at Buffy who was lying on the rug next to her. "Buffy I'm so happy for you." "Thanks Will. I just can't help but wonder how my parents are going to take this. Mom goes out of town for business and comes back to find her daughter engaged and pregnant." "Well she adjusted to the whole Slayer deal, she'll adjust to this too." "I'm remembering her reaction when she found out I was the Slayer, that's what scares me." "Buffy we've all changed since then. Your mom knows how much you and Angel love each other, she'll come around. And besides, we're your family too, we'll be there for you guys. Speaking of Angel," Willow rolled up into a sitting position. "I figured you guys would be spending the day together, you know in that big empty house, all alone." Both girls laughed, then returned to the ice cream in front of them. "He wanted to start looking for a place today. An apartment for now. He's moving back here to Sunnydale, so I can finish school and we can be with you guys." "Plus there's always some big brewin' evil to fight here." "There is that." "What about the people he was helping in LA?" Willow asked. "Well Cordy and Doyle are still there, they're doing their part." "True." They had finally reached the bottom of the carton, but they still sat on the floor, talking like they hadn't in a long time. "Don't want to play Devil's Advocate or anything, but the whole supporting a family thing," Willow trailed off. "He told me not to worry about anything, that everything's under control." "Okay. So when are you gonna go see Giles so he knows you said yes. I mean I'm sure he knows, but you guys should still go see him." "Angel's gonna pick me up later, we'll go see him then." "I can't wait to see Xander's reaction. He took you being pregnant surprisingly well, no snide remarks about the fact that you guys had, well you know." "Maybe he's grown up more than we thought," Buffy replied. "So I need more Spike details." "There's nothing to detail. He was just being friendly. Which is okay, it's Spike I know, but oh his eyes." "Demons, it's a lifestyle choice we all must make." Spike ran his hands over his face once again, trying to clear the thought of Willow in his arms from his mind. He hadn't known what possessed him to try and console her when she began crying, for some reason he just couldn't stand to see her hurting. There was something about her, he didn't know what it was. She was strong, she was brave, she was all the things she didn't think she was. He had seen that before, when she was going to do that blasted spell for him. When he had attacked her in the dorm room, afterwards the banter between them had been almost friendly. She hadn't even acted like he'd just tried to kill her. Then the night before, she had looked at him, looked at him as something other than just another vampire. What was he thinking? He knew what that look was, he had seen it before. She had looked at him the way Buffy and Angel looked at each other. The way Dru used to look at him, the way he used to look at her. Like everything else in the world had disappeared and only the two of them existed. And he had looked at Willow exactly the same way. The world around them could go to bloody hell for all he cared, all that had mattered in that moment was the girl in his arms. He couldn't understand the feelings he was having for her. He had always found her attractive, he had all but told her so. True she had been dating a werewolf, but there was no way she would ever see him as anything more than maybe, well friend was probably hoping for too much. Spike looked up from the book in front of him, looking around the room at the Slayer's friends. He wouldn't go so far as to call them his friends right now, well maybe he'd call Willow a friend, but they were getting along for once. The front door opened and she was there. The Slayer and Angel were with her, but he barely noticed them. His gaze was fixed on the redhead who had just walked in, wearing his favorite color on her, lilac. As soon as she walked through the door, Willow looked to see if he was there. He was sitting on the couch, staring at her. She felt her heart begin to slowly speed up, just with the look he was giving her. She didn't think he could've possibly felt anything for her, but the way he was watching her now, she had hope. Buffy smiled to herself when she saw Willow and Spike watching each other. She wasn't the only one who noticed the look that passed between the vampire and the witch, Xander saw it as well. His brow furrowed when he thought of what it might mean, but then he dismissed it. Willow would know better, she had to know better. Buffy had gotten involved with a vampire and look how miserable she had been. Well now she was pregnant by said vampire, who no longer was a vampire but instead something else. And from the smiles on both their faces, and the huge ring on Buffy's finger there was more to it as well. He watched and listened in silence as Buffy and Angel announced their engagement, giving his nod of approval. Giles and Buffy hugged one another, but still his eyes kept going back to Willow. Anya was chattering in his ear about something, he couldn't remember what. She was sitting across the room from Spike, every now and then her eyes would drift up to watch him. The puzzling thing was, he was doing the exact same thing. The two of them sat there, pretending not to watch each other. What was going on? "Xander," Anya interrupted. "What?" "Let's go." "Oh, right. See you guys later. Oh yea, when's the wedding?" "In a month," Buffy answered. "Just close friends, we went through all this already." "Geez," Willow sighed, "haven't you been paying attention?" "Paying attention, I got it." He stood up, waved goodbye, then he and Anya walked out the door. The others watched in amusement as Xander followed his girlfriend out the door. He hadn't really been there, he had been looking around the room, watching everybody. Not paying attention at all. "Well," Willow stood up, "I'm gonna head back to the dorms. There's lots to do." "We'll drive you back," Angel offered. "I'll walk with you pet," Spike interjected. He was met with raised eye-browed looks from Angel and Giles, and a smirk from Buffy. He looked at Buffy and Angel when he spoke. "You two have been so busy trying to keep your hands off each other, and I want to get out. Hence, the offer." Well at least Buffy had the decency to blush, he thought to himself. He could almost feel his heart start to beat at the thought of being alone with her, just him and Willow. She smiled at him, then waved to the others as they left. Buffy snuggled against Angel's body as she drifted towards sleep. "I love this," she whispered. "I love having your arms around me, falling asleep together." "Me too," he replied. "This time we will get more tomorrows, I promise." "My mom comes home tomorrow," she raised her head to look at him. "She's not going to be too happy to see me." "What makes you say that?" "Before I left," he began, "she kinda came to see me." "Oh, she did?" Buffy wasn't sure she wanted to hear this, hoping that her mother hadn't told Angel to cause all the hurt she had experienced. She lay back down, resting her head on his chest. He reached a hand up, gently stroking her hair, caressing her neck with his fingertips. "She said stuff to you? About us?" "Yes," came the whispered reply. She was silent for a long time, then finally she found her voice. "Are you thinking about it again? About leaving?" "No," he answered immediately. "I don't ever want us to be apart again. Being away from you, well it's the worst kind of torture there is." She smiled up at him, then finally allowed sleep to overtake her. Angel kissed the top of her head, then fell asleep alongside her, holding her in his arms. Joyce Summers frowned when she saw the car in the driveway. She hoped Buffy hadn't had some party while she was away, or that she'd had some guy over. She opened the front door, setting her suitcase on the floor. The smell of food cooking reached her nose, and she could hear someone moving around in the kitchen. Buffy walked slowly down the steps, smiling to herself. She stopped at the bottom of the stairs when she saw her mother, and her smile slowly faded. "Mom, hi." "Buffy," she greeted her daughter. Angel took that moment to come and wake his fiancée. "Buffy," he began to call. "Breakfast is ready," he finished when he saw her standing with her mother. "Hi Joyce." Joyce looked from her daughter to the man who was standing by the table. He was wearing black pants like she had always seen him in, but he had no shirt on. Her daughter was dressed in a very large black shirt and a pair of shorts. It didn't take a genius to see what had been going on between the two of them. "I am going to go take my bags upstairs," she looked from Buffy to Angel. "When I come down, we're gonna sit and talk, and you're gonna explain to me what's been going on. And hopefully you'll both be dressed," she added, walking up to her bedroom. To say she was upset was putting it mildly. She had just found out her eighteen-year-old daughter was pregnant by her former lover. They were obviously still lovers. But Buffy seemed truly happy sitting there next to the former vampire. He was being honorable, he had proposed marriage, and what meant even more to Joyce, was that he loved her. Buffy needed that. She watched them in silence, their bodies pressed close together on the sofa across from her. She didn't want a repeat of the summer Buffy had run away from home, this time she needed to know that her mother would be there for her. "So, when were you planning the wedding for?" Buffy smiled at her mother, then up at Angel as she breathed a sigh of relief. "We were hoping for a month," she answered. Willow stirred in her sleep, moving her arms to stretch as she slowly woke up. Something felt different this morning. She looked across to Buffy's bed, it was empty. She turned her head on the pillow, and found herself face to face with Spike. "Oh boy," she whispered to herself. Spike opened his eyes and found Willow staring at him. His arms were still wrapped around her, and her body was pressed closely to his. "Morning luv," he greeted her. She stared at the vampire who was holding her. She couldn't quite remember how they had come to be lying on her bed, but she knew that she didn't want to be anywhere else. If she could, she knew she would stay like this in his arms forever. She felt her heartbeat begin to quicken, and her breaths were coming in shorter little gasps. "Calm down pet," Spike whispered, gently caressing her cheek. "You have class or anything today?" "No," she answered. "Good, daytime and all. I wouldn't have fancied being here all day without you." Willow couldn't help but smile at those words. He was watching the emotions play across her face. Still holding her in his arms, pressed close to him. She suddenly saw her own hand reaching up to trace the scar over his eye, feeling his cool skin below her fingertips. "Did we um," she trailed off, unsure even of what she was asking him. "We just fell asleep Willow. Nothing happened," he answered. "So we just slept here together all night?" she asked. He nodded his head, and she smiled at him. "That's really kind of romantic, um or not I mean." "I think it was. Ranks high on my romance meter." "Did we talk about stuff last night?" "You don't remember?" "I'm kind of fuzzy-headed when I first wake up." "I'll remember that. But yea, we talked. It'll come back to you." "But I'd like to remember, especially if I did anything to embarrass myself." Spike smiled at her then, again touching her cheek with his fingertips. "Well we did do this a little," he whispered, before he gently brushed his lips over hers. His lips were cool over hers, but she never thought she would ever feel fire coursing through her like it was now. Willow melted against him almost instantly, feeling his body against hers, running her hands over his arms as his mouth consumed hers. "Wow," she whispered when she came up for air. "That's what I thought too," Spike grinned. They both turned their heads when the door to the dorm room opened, Buffy and Xander on the other side. Buffy took in the sight of Willow in Spike's arms, smiling at them both. Xander on the other hand, wasn't quite as pleased. "What the hell is going on?!" "Knock it off Xander," Buffy immediately spoke up. "What, knock what off? You can't mean to tell me that this is okay with you?" Buffy looked up at him. "Hello, it's not up to us." "Thank you Slayer," Spike spoke up. "Now, Annoying Boy, sod off." "No, you'd think that you guys might've learned something when Buffy and Angel got pelvic with each other!" "Hey!" three voices all rose in anger at Xander's words. Buffy turned to Xander, her anger evident. "Leave me and Angel out of this." Willow and Spike both stood up, getting off the bed. "Spike doesn't have a soul to lose in the first place, and second we didn't do anything." "What she said," Spike added. "That's what makes it worse, he's a blood-sucking fiend with no conscience!" Willow went to stand in front of the boy who had been her best friend since they were five. "Look, if anything happens between me and Spike, it'll be because we both want it to. You don't get a say in my life. That's just the way it is. If you don't like it, that's tough." "To hell with words," Spike fumed, drawing back his fist and hitting Xander square in the face. "What Willow and I do or don't do is none of your business. Go have your jollies with your ex-demon girlfriend and stay out of what doesn't concern you." Xander slowly got to his feet, rubbing the sore spot on his jaw. He looked from Willow, to Spike who was holding his head at the intense pain hitting Xander had caused. Buffy sighed, then went to pick up her books from her desk. She had only stopped by before class to check on Willow. "I'll see you two after I get out of class, " she directed to her best friend and Spike. "Xander, I'll talk to you later." With that she walked out of the dorm room and headed off for the lecture hall of the day. "Xander you better go," Willow said, then led Spike back to her bed to lie down. She gently rubbed his temples, trying to make him feel better. Xander watched them, then with a sigh of disgust left the room. "You okay?" Willow asked the blonde vampire. "All better thanks to you Luv," he whispered. "Now where were we?" he asked, before bringing her mouth down to his once more. Buffy slowly made her way across the campus, her thoughts on anything but the class she had just had to sit through. She couldn't wait to see the new apartment Angel had finally decided on, and do other things within its walls. "Oh excuse me," she apologized to the person she just bumped into. Parker Abrams was delighted to hear a female voice, wondering how long it would take him to get into this girl's pants. "No, it's my fault," he said before looking up. Buffy started laughing when she saw Parker, recognizing that look in his eyes. "Parker, how ya doing?" "Oh, Buffy. Um," he began to stutter. Buffy could still picture him after she had saved him from the fire. The memory of hitting him over the head with a stick immediately brought a smile to her lips. "So how's your head?" "Nice shirt," a familiar voice whispered in her ear. Parker noticed the way she smiled when she heard that voice. He had once been on the receiving end of that smile, and been stupid enough to let her get away. "Well of course you like it," she said, turning around and putting her arms around his neck. "It's yours." "Thought I recognized it," Angel whispered, lightly brushing his lips over hers. Buffy turned back to Parker, Angel's arms still wrapped around her. "Angel, this is Parker. Parker, this is my fiancée Angel." "Fiancée?" Parker asked, looking from Buffy to the man behind her. Angel's smile quickly faded, his gaze turning hard. "So you're Parker?" Buffy heard the low tone of his voice, could feel the anger that was building within him. She had told Angel what had happened, and had been relieved when he hadn't been mad at her for sleeping with someone else. He had been more than understanding, she had been beating herself up with guilt. She knew that if there was any of Angelus left in him, it was probably about to come to the surface. "Parker Abrams," he said, sticking out his hand. He wasn't prepared for what literally hit him. He flew backwards as Angel's fist smashed into his face, landing in the dirt. "Nice to meet you," Angel coldly replied, before taking Buffy's hand and leading her away. "I can't believe you did that," she pretended to scold him as they walked to the car. He looked down at her, completely serious. "Nobody treats you like that and gets away with it. He'll think twice before he does that to another girl again." Willow gazed down at Spike's unconscious form, looking from the bandage on the back of his head to the small chip in her hand. She handed it to Giles, who gazed at it for a moment before giving it back to her. "You understand electronic devices better than I do," he mumbled. "So that little thing is what was keeping him from killing us?" Buffy mused. "I don't know exactly how it works," Willow explained. "I could take it apart and study it, but I don't know how far I'll get." "How'd you find it Will?" Buffy asked. Willow blushed furiously before she looked back up at the others. "Well we were, it was at the back of his head and I kind of felt it. Kind of a strategic spot if you think about it, by the spinal chord." "I can't believe he let you cut into him," Angel observed. "He said he trusts me. And we talked before I took it out. We've got a truce thing going here. No harm no foul, kinda thing." "Plus the fact that you two are getting all touchy feely doesn't exactly encourage him to hurt us," Xander added. "Give it a rest Xander," Anya scolded. She looked up at Buffy and Willow before picking up her keys. "Well, we gonna shop or what?" The three girls picked up their purses before heading for the door of Giles' apartment. "The only thing missing from this little excursion is Cordelia," Buffy said quietly. "Did I hear my name?" an extremely cheerful voice asked. Buffy looked up and saw Cordelia and Doyle walking into the courtyard outside Giles' place. The men watched in silence as all four girls hugged, then began to talk excitedly over Buffy's engagement ring. They left the building to begin their shopping trip, they had a wedding to plan. Riley Finn made his way along the main street of Sunnydale. He walked absent- mindedly, not paying attention to where he was headed. He found himself standing in front of a store window with a wedding dress in it. His head snapped up when he heard a familiar laugh, and through the glass he saw Buffy, Willow, and two other girls looking at the dresses in the store. Buffy was standing in front of the full-length mirrors in a beautiful white gown. The empire style dress would make fittings easier, seeing as her pregnancy would soon start to show. The bodice and sleeves were covered in sequins and beads, ending at the wide sash that tied just below her breasts. The skirt was full, flowing down to the floor before lying in a pool at her feet. Cordelia held up a headpiece for her to see, and she shook her head and pointed at the one next to it. Anya and Willow stood looking over the bridesmaids' dresses, searching for the lavender color Buffy had decided on. Riley continued to watch as an older woman approached her, he guessed her mother. She handed Buffy a veil, then carefully helped her place it on her head. Willow looked at her for a moment before making a face and shaking her head. She pointed at the veil, motioning with her hands for Buffy to pull the blusher over her face. He almost swore he could hear all the women sigh when they saw her standing there in her wedding dress. He felt like sighing himself, seeing her this way. He almost imagined that she was there getting ready for the day she would become his. Reality intruded immediately when he saw Buffy's fiancée, her friend Xander, and two other men walking towards the dress shop. The five women emerged from the store, happy grins on all their faces. But Buffy was obviously the happiest of all. When she saw Angel she threw herself into his arms, wrapping her arms around his neck as he kissed her hello. The other people with them looked on in amusement. Riley saw Buffy look up suddenly, then she took Angel's hand and placed it on her stomach. Riley's brow creased in confusion for a moment, then it dawned on him. Buffy was pregnant. She stood there in Angel's arms, her hand lingering over his, as together they felt their child kick. The group of people all laughed together, their excitement and happiness evident. Riley watched them, envied them. He knew he would never have what they had, never feel this all-encompassing love that they were now experiencing. The only person he had envisioned himself experiencing that with was taken. She belonged to someone else. The pain he felt when he saw her in another man's arms began to rise in him again, but this time it was worse. Having seen her there in her wedding dress, and now the knowledge that she was going to have a child, made her that much more unattainable to him. She was happy, truly happy in a way no one other than this man could ever make her feel. He turned away then, not wanting to see anymore what he could not have. Spike walked along the grounds of UC Sunnydale. He felt good, more than good he felt bloody wonderful! The pain in his head was gone, and all he had to do now was find the right person to pounce upon and see if the thing Willow had found was what had caused it. He spied the boy he had seen Buffy with upon his return to Sunnydale. He remembered the way he had used the Slayer, hurt her. Not that he cared if the Slayer's feelings were hurt, but he knew this boy had also made a move on Willow. He had tried to use her in the same way he had used Buffy and there was no way he was going to get away with it. Although, he admitted to himself, he did care a little about the Slayer. She could have just killed him when he came to her for help, but she hadn't. Parker stood talking to a girl, using all his charms to get her up to his bed. He was sporting a black eye, courtesy of Angel. Well at least his sire had defended the woman he loved, acted like a man. Now it was his turn, and Spike was going to love the revenge he would have. The girl got up to leave, leaving Parker alone outside his dorm. He didn't hear anyone come up behind him until he felt himself being dragged into the brush. "I know you," he said, recognizing the English guy he had seen at one of the frat parties on campus. "Right, you do," Spike replied. "What do you want?" "Well you see," Spike said, clamping his hand down upon the boy's shoulder. "I'm hungry and I thought you could be of some help." "Me?" Parker asked, fear beginning to creep into his voice. "Yeah, you. First a question." "Sure, okay." "When you tried your little act on Willow, she didn't fall for it did she?" Parker raised his eyebrows, remembering that Willow hadn't been fooled for a second. He would try again with her though, there had never been a girl to get away from him. "At first no, but I'm gonna take another crack at her," he admitted. "Never gonna happen mate," Spike growled, changing into his demonic visage, "she's mine." He yanked Parker off the ground, then buried his fangs in his neck, sucking him dry like a juice box. He tossed the body to the ground, wiping the remaining blood from his lips. "Guess I'm all better now," he mused, walking away into the night. The sun was beginning its descent into the sky as the night prepared to take over. Angel looked out at the sky, anticipating what tonight would bring. Tonight Buffy would become his wife. The last month had been busy, getting ready for today. He had hardly seen her at all, and now all he had to do was wait a few more minutes before their life together would begin. The mansion on Crawford Street looked much more cheerful than anybody could ever remember seeing it. Out in the garden, chairs were set up on either side of a red carpet that had been laid out to serve as the aisle. The few people that had been invited had taken their seats and were waiting for the bride and groom to appear. "Is it time yet?" Spike asked, coming up towards Angel. Angel turned to look at the vampire, his childe. Spike was wearing a tuxedo, but true to form black faded nail polish was still on his fingers. "Can we get on with it or what?" "We go out there now and you'll be a pile of dust man," Doyle answered. "You have the ring?" Angel asked the half-demon. "Right here in my pocket Angel, calm down a bit yea?" "I still can't believe you chose him to be best man over me," Spike muttered. "One of the last times I saw you was when you had another vampire torturing me. You're lucky you're in the wedding." The three men smiled at each other, then turned as Joyce walked into the room. "It's time." Buffy stood patiently as Cordelia arranged the last curl on her hair. "Are you done yet?" "Okay, you're good. Willow, you have the veil?" "Right here," Willow answered, then carefully arranged the gauze material over Buffy's face. "I can't believe you're getting married tonight." "I can't believe I have to walk down the aisle afterwards with Spike," Cordelia whined. A knock sounded on the door, and Giles came inside. He looked up at Buffy, completely at a loss for words. "Buffy you look amazing," he finally managed. "Thank you Giles." "Well then, are you ready?" "Definitely." Riley sat in the back row of chairs, watching as first Cordelia, then Willow walked up the aisle towards the priest. White lights were entwined in the trees, and candelabras were set up all around the garden, casting a soft glow over the guests. He sucked in his breath when he saw Buffy walking down the aisle on Giles' arm. He could see the huge smile on her face as she made her way towards the man she loved. "Who gives this woman to be married to this man?" the priest asked. "I do," Giles answered, then kissed Buffy's cheek before handing her arm to Angel. The priest smiled at the couple before him, at the two people who were so obviously in love. "We are here tonight to participate in a most joyous occasion, to celebrate one of life's greatest moments, by acknowledging the wedding of Angel and Buffy. Angel and Buffy, you have come here today to celebrate the love which you have for each other. We share in this with you by giving recognition of your decision to accept each other as husband and wife. Into this state of marriage you now come to be united. True marriage is more than joining the bonds of marriage of two persons. In its right relation, it is the uniting of two souls already attuned to each other. When such a true bond already exists between man and woman, it is fitting that an outer acknowledgment be made. This acknowledgment is the prime object of this gathering and this ceremony. We are here to bear witness to the entry into the closer relationship of husband and wife of these beloved friends who are already one in spirit." Willow couldn't help the huge grin that broke across her face. If ever two people were one in spirit it was Angel and her best friend. They had been through so much to get to this moment, and it was finally here. "Angel, do you take Buffy, to be your lawful wedded wife? Do you promise to love, honor, and protect her? Share the good times and achievements as well as the hard times and disappointments? Keep her in sickness and in sorrow and to be faithful forevermore?" "I do," he answered, unable to tear his gaze away from her. Buffy watched Angel's face the entire time, answering the priest's question, listening to Angel as he repeated his vows to her. "Buffy," the priest began, "repeat after me..." "I Buffy, take you Angel, to be my partner in life. I will cherish our friendship and love you today, tomorrow, and forever. I will trust you and honor you. I will love you faithfully through the best and the worst, through the difficult and the easy. What may come I will always be there. As I have given you my hand to hold, so I give you my life to keep." "Do you have a ring?" Angel took the ring from Doyle, as Willow handed one to Buffy, then both were placed in the priest's hand. "Angel and Buffy, as these circles are designed without an ending, they speak of eternity. May the incorruptible substance of these rings represent a love glowing with increasing luster through the years. May God bless these rings which you give to each other as the sign of your love, trust, and faithfulness. Angel, place the ring on Buffy's finger, and repeat after me." "This ring I give you, in token of my devotion and love. And with my heart I pledge to you, all that I am. With this ring I marry you, and join my life to yours." Joyce wiped at the tears running down her face as she watched her daughter place the ring on Angel's ring finger. Hank sat on one side of her, Giles on the other, both looking proudly at the young woman before them. "These two lives are now joined in one unbroken circle. Wherever they go, may they always return to one another in their togetherness. May these two find in each other the love for which all men and women long. May they grow in understanding and compassion. May the home that they establish be such a place of sanctuary that man will find there a friend. And may these two rings symbolize the spirit of undying love in the hearts of both of them. I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride." Angel lifted the veil from Buffy's face, then gently pressed his lips to hers. They continued to kiss as the people looking on applauded and cheered. His arms wrapped around her body, as their lips met again and again. They finally broke apart, then grinned at each other, their foreheads lightly touching. He took her hand in his, then together they walked down the aisle towards the living room where they were going to have pictures taken. Willow and Doyle followed them, as well as Cordelia and Spike who were both unhappy about whom they were paired with. Riley wandered about the rooms of the mansion, watching as Buffy and her husband stood having their picture taken together, as well as with the other members of their wedding party and her parents. Tables were set out in the garden and dinner was served, the bride and groom never taking their eyes off one another. The DJ announced that the couple was going to share their first dance and the song that Buffy and Angel had chosen began to resound throughout the mansion. Maybe it's intuition, But some things you just don't question Like in your eyes, I see my future in an instant And there it goes, I think I've found my best friend I know that it might sound more than a little crazy, but I believe I knew I loved you before I met you I think I dreamed you into life I knew I loved you before I met you I have been waiting all my life Buffy looked up at her husband as they made their way out to the small dance floor. Angel took her hand in his, leading her in their first dance as husband and wife. She couldn't believe he was really and truly here in her arms, that they were married. Now they would be together forever. There's just no rhyme or reason Only this sense of completion And in your eyes I see the missing pieces I'm searching for, I think I've found my way home I know that it might sound more than a little crazy, but I believe I knew I loved you before I met you I think I dreamed you into life I knew I loved you before I met you I have been waiting all my life Angel looked down into his wife's eyes, smiling at the love he saw emanating from her gaze. As their bodies swayed together to the music, he closed his eyes and tenderly kissed her lips. Her mouth broadened into a smile, then she laid her head against his chest as everyone in the room just seemed to disappear. As far as they were concerned, they were the only two people who existed. A thousand angels dance around you I am complete now that I've found you I knew I loved you before I met you I think I dreamed you into life I knew I loved you before I met you I have been waiting all my life I knew I loved you before I met you I think I dreamed you into life I knew I loved you before I met you I have been waiting all my life As the song slowly wound to its close Buffy pulled Angel's lips down to hers again. It was almost as if she could never kiss him enough, she never tired of it. She loved the feel of his lips brushing against hers, and the fact that they were now married gave the small act of their lips touching seem that much more special. Time seemed to fly by so quickly, and before she knew it Buffy was standing with her back turned to a group of single women who were striving to catch her bouquet. She spotted Willow and Cordelia standing off to the side, talking quietly, and aimed straight for them. Cordy and Willow were facing each other, talking about how they were going to prepare the mansion to surprise the newlyweds when they returned from their honeymoon. The next thing they knew, Buffy's bouquet was resting in Willow's outstretched hands. A chair was set up in the middle of the dance floor, Buffy sat down Angel kneeling on the floor in front of her as all the single guys surrounded them. Spike and Xander stood near the front, both urging Angel to lift Buffy's dress higher as he slipped the garter down her leg. Riley Finn stood at the back, leaning against the fireplace. He half-listened to the shouts and catcalls of the other men as he realized Buffy's garter was about to be thrown. Suddenly, the circular band of blue satin and white lace was resting in his hand. Riley found himself next to Buffy, her husband, and Willow, having their picture taken. Joyce had insisted on dozens of pictures, and the photographer and his assistants were being extra careful not to risk the wrath of the bride's crazy mother. He and Buffy danced to a slow song, but he could tell her attention was elsewhere. She wasn't really listening to a thing he was saying, and then Angel took her from his arms and he found himself dancing with Willow. He had to keep himself content with the knowledge that he had shared one dance with her, but the fact that he had the lace garter in his pocket, something that had touched a part of her flesh that he would never get to, brought the ache back into his chest. Willow lifted her head up from where it was resting on Spike's chest, his arms were still loosely around her as they swayed gently to the soft music. She looked up at him, a smile immediately covering her face. "What's that for?" he asked, smoothing a wayward strand of hair out of her eyes. "I don't know that I've ever been this happy before," she answered. "I make you happy?" "Yeah," she whispered. "I mean today has just been perfect. Buffy and Angel got married today, they're happier than I've ever seen them. Right now they're getting on a plane to go on their honeymoon, and I can't think of anywhere else I'd rather be than right here." "Right here?" "In your arms. I know that it's all been moving really quickly, you and me." "I wouldn't change things Willow. I like having you here in my arms, I'm where I want to be too." She smiled at him again, then lay her head back against his shoulder as another song began. Buffy looked out the window of the small plane, gazing at the lush green land below. They would be in Galway soon, after having spent the night in Dublin while waiting for the plane that would take them to the place where Angel grew up. She took his hand in hers, their fingers lacing together as she turned to look at him. Angel smiled at her, the grin that started on one side of his mouth and slowly spread til his eyes lit up. She loved that, it was a look he had only for her. He raised their joined hands to his face, gently brushing her skin with his lips. "We're almost there," he whispered. "We didn't have to come here, I know how hard it is for you." "Nothing's difficult for me when I have you. Besides, I've wanted to bring you here for a long time. It should be now, our honeymoon." She smiled at him, then leaned over and brushed her lips over his. The plane began its slow descent before landing on the airstrip. They gathered their bags together, then hailed a taxi to take them to their hotel. The car pulled up in front of the castle, and Buffy gazed at it nearly breathless. "It's beautiful," she said, awe in her voice. As they stood at the counter, Angel checking them in, Buffy took in the sight of everything. The people were friendly, and two bellboys quickly picked up their luggage. "Enjoy your stay with us Mr. and Mrs. O'Connor." Buffy walked beside Angel, hand in hand, smiling at the sound of her last name. Angel's name. She never tired of hearing it. The door to the honeymoon suite was opened, and Buffy found herself lifted into her husband's arms, being carried across the threshold. She kissed him, then went to explore the room as he tipped the bellboys who quickly left the newlyweds alone. Angel walked into the bedroom, finding his wife on the balcony, staring out at the sea. He came up behind her, slipping his arms around her waist. Buffy closed her eyes when she felt Angel's arms wrap around her. She leaned back against him, her hands sliding over his to rest on her belly. She turned her face towards his, his lips claiming hers softly. "Tired?" he whispered. "Never that tired," she replied. He smiled at her, then began kissing her neck. She turned so that her body was pressed against his, tipping her head back so he could continue to kiss her. Angel lifted her up, walking into the bedroom until he fell backwards on the bed, Buffy on top of him. They just lay there together for several moments, their lips brushing against one another. Buffy finally slid her hands underneath his sweater, lifting the material away from his skin. Angel raised his body slightly off the bed, tossing the garment across the room. His own hands found their way to the zipper of her dress, sliding it down, then removing it completely. Their skin came into contact once more, and he couldn't help but let out a sigh of pleasure. Her tongue gently slid across his lips, tasting every inch of his mouth. His hands were everywhere, removing the remnants of their clothing from both their bodies. Buffy let out a shaky breath, rolling her body so that her husband was above her. She looked up into his eyes, running her hands over his arms, his back, every inch of his flesh that she could reach. Angel pressed his lips to her throat, trailing kisses down her neck to her breast. His lips fastened around one, her hands immediately burying themselves in his hair, her body arching towards his. His lips were everywhere on her body, taking in large mouthfuls of her flesh as their passion increased. Suddenly he was above her again, sliding his arms underneath her back, resting his weight on his forearms. His mouth swooped down to claim hers again as he moved his body between her legs. Buffy moaned into his mouth, wrapping her arms around his shoulders as he slid inside her. They lay still for a few moments, gazing into one another's eyes, savoring the feeling of being as close as they possibly could be. They began moving together, slowly at first. Buffy closed her eyes, letting herself go to the sensations building up inside her. She heard herself moaning softly, calling out Angel's name. The tidal wave of pleasure she always experienced with him came upon her quickly, and she clenched her body around his, gasping for air. She looked up at him, a slight sheen of sweat covering his face, as he called out her name and shuddered against her. Angel buried his face against her neck, tasting her skin, feeling her hands caress his flesh. He rolled over so that her body was resting on top of his. He looked up at his wife, gazing at her with all the love he felt. "I love you," he whispered, before pulling her head down to his chest. Buffy snuggled against him, drifting off to sleep in the arms of the man she loved. The final rays of the sun were disappearing into the horizon, painting the sky in a mixture of breathtaking colors. Angel stood, looking out at the sea, at the land, at the familiar city of Galway that had, yet hadn't changed at all. He had often dreamed of coming back to Ireland, and every time he had dreamt of it Buffy had always been with him. It was almost surprising that this time it was actually real, that it wasn't just another dream. He turned to look at her, sleeping soundly in the large bed. His wife. The thought always sent little thrills of pleasure up his spine. He closed the balcony door, removed his robe, then climbed back underneath the blankets. She moved closer to him, whispering her love for him in her sleep. Buffy held Angel's hand in her own, gazing up at the buildings that surrounded them. He hadn't told her why they were here in this particular town, only that he had to buy her something and it could only come from this town. He smiled at her, then led her into a jewelry shop. The man behind the counter smiled at the couple before him. He loved tourists. Then the man began to speak in Gaelic, he was looking for a gift for his bride. The shop owner nodded, then went over to a cabinet. He removed a blue velvet box, then presented it to the couple. Angel looked down at his wife, then held the box out to her. "You've already given me enough you know. I have you." He smiled at her, kissing her softly. "Open it." Buffy lifted the lid on its hinges, gazing at the ring inside. It was a platinum claddagh, but it looked different from the first one Angel had given her. Set in the heart was an exquisite diamond. "Angel, I already have a wedding ring." "I know," he smiled again. "But I wanted you to have another one. This one had to actually come from Claddagh though." "I don't know what to say." "Put it on." "No," she shook her head. She smiled at his confused look. "You put it on me." He slid the ring onto the ring finger of her right hand, the heart pointing towards her. She hugged him to her fiercely, kissing him passionately before turning towards the shopkeeper. "He needs one too," she said softly. The man smiled at them, before producing another ring identical to Buffy's. Angel paid for the rings, then they left the shop happily. They walked through the streets of Claddagh, while Angel told Buffy the origins of the ring. The three weeks they had spent in Galway had passed by so quickly, and the next day they would be heading back home to the Hellmouth. Angel carried Buffy across the threshold of the mansion, his lips never leaving hers. He set her down in the living room, the two of them gazing around at all the new furnishings. A card rested on the mantle, and Buffy immediately went to pick it up. She smiled as she read the note from her friends. Willow, Cordelia, Anya, and Joyce had bossed Spike, Xander, Doyle and Giles around for the entire time they had been gone, working to get Buffy and Angel's new home ready in time for their return. There was a small note at the bottom from her mother. *I left the nursery for you to do, I know you'll have as much fun getting it ready for your child as I had getting yours ready for you. Love, Mom.* Buffy slowly started unbuttoning Angel's shirt, kissing his flesh as she exposed it. "What're you doing?" he asked her happily, knowing full well what she was thinking. "There's a lot of rooms in this place," she whispered against his chest. "We better get started." He captured her mouth with his own as they sank to the floor, beginning their new life as a family. The End
Text file Source (historic): geocities.com/drus1lla
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