The lack of response stirred her anxious feelings. I'm sorry but I have no choice Angel. Buffy reached for the shiny brass knob and with one swift move she broke the lock that separated her from the other world.

A sudden wave of familiarity engulfed her. She felt safe and close to him all at once. Everything in the apartment was Angel. He had spent so much time there isolated that it held his essence. The look and feel of the place reflected his nature. For an instant she could almost imagine him there with her as though the whole Rain incident hadn't occurred. But she snapped back into reality, like someone waking up from a wonderful dream to face their bittersweet existence.

A quick survey of the room indicated that it was deserted. She glanced at the clock on the wall, half past four in the morning. Letting go a frustrated growl she sat down on the lone armchair. I'll wait for him. It's almost sunrise, he'll be back. She glanced at the phone. Her first instinct was to call Willow cause she needed to talk to someone. But she resisted the urge. Will deserves rest and not to be awakened by a hysterical friend with guy problems.

After approximately five minutes or so Buffy found the waiting excruciatingly painful. Where is he? This always seemed the case with their relationship. They would move a step forward than two steps backwards. But when they were together Buffy felt complete, like she could face anything as long as Angel was in her corner. It was strange how he appeared out of nowhere on that dark night in the alley to warn her about the Hellmouth. He was in a way, her guardian angel.

As she sat waiting for him to come home, she reflected on their relationship. The ups that more than made up for all the downs. The stolen kisses, meaningful looks that passed between them, how he made her feel so safe in with his strong arms around her...... When they were together the outside world magically disappeared. It had been less than a year since they met but it was if they had known each other forever. Soulmates. That's the word.

While she sat lost in their memories the clock ticked on. Buffy didn't notice her resolve weaken as the weariness and need for sleep took hold.

*****

Random rays of sunlight leaked through the windows of the library hitting the face of the sleeping man. His face wore a peaceful expression, something that did not accompany his line of work. Looking at him Willow could not help but smile at the picture of peace he presented. Around him there lay countless volumes of old texts that held the keys to the past and the evils that have haunted man throughout time.

Giles often spent his nights trapped in the library. However it was rare that he feel asleep on the job. He'd probably lecture himself for being so irresponsible Willow thought to herself smiling. She hated to disturb him but she was worried about Buffy. She and Buffy had shopping plans but when she dropped by Buffy's she was nowhere to be found. Her bed didn't even look slept in. That set off Willow's red alert button and she headed to library to gather the troops and search for the slayer.

Lightly tapping Giles, as to not to frighten him, she attempted to wake him. With a start Giles became wide awake. He looked disheveled and was not quite sure where he was. It took a moment for him to snap into regular Giles form. He cleared his throat, looking slightly embarrassed. The peace that was with him was now just a fleeting memory.

"Um, Willow, good morning. I must have fallen asleep." The blush remained in his cheeks. "What are you doing here? Isn't it Saturday?" He glanced around at the quite surroundings.

"Buffy's missing." she stated as calmly as she could.

"Missing?" Giles repeated. A look of concern instantly appeared on his face. "How long has she been unaccounted for?"

"I'm not sure Giles, but her bed wasn't slept in. It isn't like Buffy not to come home after making the rounds." Willow submitted.

"Yes, that does seem odd. Did her mother say anything about Buffy missing?" The detective in Giles took over.

"No. Her mom said that Buffy mentioned yesterday that she was going early to the mall, so she didn't think anything of her not being there when she woke up. Plus, she fell asleep waiting up for Buffy, so she didn't hear her come in at night, which I don't think she did." explained the worried girl.

"Um, Willow, did you try calling Angel? Perhaps he knows where she is, or perhaps she's there." Once again the blush appeared on his face, he didn't know exactly what he was implying but he knew it wasn't covered in the watcher's handbook.

"I did, but there was no answer. Giles where could she be? You don't think that...." Her words hung in the air, neither of them willing to even express the idea that she may be dead.

Suddenly the doors of the library swung open. Both Willow and Giles turned to see had entered. Looks of relief appeared on both of their faces, it was Buffy. The look of worry on her face signaled that something was wrong.

"Buffy!" Willow exclaimed, giving her friend a big hug. "You're alright!" Buffy looked slightly confused but was glad for a comforting hug from a friend.

"Will I'm fine. Why? Did you guys hear anything from Angel?" asked Buffy anxiously.

"Angel, no. Why Buffy is there something the matter?" Giles asked concerned. The worry that began to build inside of him over Buffy subsided.

"Nothing that has to do with slaying Giles, so you don't have to worry. It's just that Angel and I had a, a misunderstanding and he disappeared before I could explain." Buffy explained. Boy would this be easier without Giles here.

"Oh Buffy, I'm sure if you just give him some time he'll show up." Willow said reassuringly.

"Yes Buffy, I agree with Willow. Angel will show up eventually." Giles added.

"You're probably right, but he didn't go home last night. I waited at his place and he.." Buffy stopped mid-sentence as Xander entered.

"Hey who called a Scooby meeting and forgot about me? Why the worried faces gang?" Xander asked.

"Angel's missing." answered Willow.

"And that's a bad thing?" Xander joked. "I mean with the bloodboy gone I can stop wearing garlic aftershave." smiled Xander. He looked around and noticed no one appreciated his humor. "Geez, tough room." Xander lamented plopping done in a chair.

"I'm going to look around Sunnydale. If he calls or shows up page me." Buffy said as she turned around to leave. Before she could take a step forward Willow placed a hand on her arm.

"Buffy maybe you should go home and get some sleep or eat something. You look exhausted. Besides, Angel can't get around with the sun being up. You should wait until later tonight." reasoned the quiet girl.

"Okay, I guess you're right Will. I am kind of hungry. I'll go back to his place later and check the Bronze." Buffy sighed.

"Then perhaps you three can help me do some research on...." Giles started picking up a book.

"Sorry Giles, I've gotta go eat or something." Buffy said with a look to Willow.

"I'd help you too Giles, but I've got plans with Buffy." Willow added.

"Yep, me too." Xander chimed in.

Before the befuddled librarian could say anything the teens disappeared out the doors with a collective 'bye' and waves.

"Alone with my books. What's new?" sighed Giles.

*****

The sun set as it always does and the moon rose to take it's place. The night claimed Sunnydale once again and the peaceful calm from the previous nights was absent. A restless spirit was wandering through Sunnydale. It was looking for peace to make amends with it's past. It found itself at the Bronze, he knew she would be there.

*****

Rain entered the crowded room. His eyes searched the crowd for the beautiful girl. He needed to find her, to somehow explain to her his feelings. He had never met anyone who had such a hold over his heart. She was unlike anyone he had ever known. He knew that the guy he met the other night and her were some how involved. A mere technicality to overcome. A connection like his and Buffy's was rare and he was not going to let it go.

"Hello there. I don't believe you've had the pleasure of meeting me. I'm Cordelia Chase." The introduction was made and a hand offered. This young woman was certainly attractive, yet there was a aristocratic way in which she held herself that reminded him of an ice princess. Rain pasted a smile on his face and took the hand she offered.

"Tonight's your lucky night, I've picked you to dance with me." She said in a confident tone.

Suddenly dropping her hand he replied, "Thank you, but no thank you." Then he turned away and walked off not wanting to hear the little tantrum that followed.

"Geez, this Prince Charming gig is hard. I've lost the Princess." Rain sighed.

Rain stood alone amongst the other Bronzers. He wouldn't leave tonight without securing the hand of the fair maiden, er, one too many fairy tales. Correction, I won't leave tonight without asking her to the Winter Ball.

Too caught up in his plans woo Buffy he didn't notice that another, more well hidden person, was lurking about to see Buffy too.

*****

I hope Willow's right about this. Angel will show at the Bronze. Buffy silently prayed as she headed towards the loud music club. This was one of her favourite places to go unwind, to be a normal teenager. "Whatever that means anymore" she sighed.

As she entered the club she noted that one of her favourite songs was being played, 4 am by Our Lady Peace. The song soothed her in a way, reminding her to focus on the important things. Angel, I've got to find him. Buffy began to sing softly along with the song, so quietly that it could be only heard by her.

"And if I don't make it, know that I've loved you all along.........."

Turning around to get a better view of the club she bumped right into a hovering Rain. Immediately both of them turned red. As Buffy tried to get her equilibrium back Rain held her by the waist, not exactly wanting to let go of the treasure that fell into his reach. Taking a chance, before she could recover for the awkward situation, he seized the moment and leaned in for a kiss. It was like a moment in a fairy tale brought to life. Two souls reconnected with this single act experienced by millions everyday.

The kiss was unlike either had experienced before. It was like finding a piece of yourself in someone else. Their lips met and danced a soft and slow number. Buffy caught her breath as she broke away. The kiss was not like those between her and Angel. Rain had stirred in her something that she did not know existed. It was new, exciting and took hold of her.

*****

The passionate encounter was witnessed by many in the Bronze which started a rumour that spread like wild fire amongst the Bronzers. They found it quite amusing to gossip and speculate about. One person in particular didn't have to speculate. He knew what was happening, he was losing the one true love that he had ever had because of something that happened centuries ago. Unable to bear the heartache of watching the one you love with someone else, Angel silently slipped out of the noisy club into the empty night.

*****

What am I doing? Buffy asked herself as she was release by Rain's hold. God I come here to look for Angel and end up exchanging smoochies with Rain. Composing herself she looked up at Rain. They say the eyes are the windows to the soul, and at that moment she saw that she had captured Rain's soul. Everything is a mess........her heart cried divided. I can't do this, not until I see Angel. Angel..... Buffy could feel the tears filling her eyes.

"I'm sorry" she whispered. "I can't do this, not now." She ran out of the club leaving behind a confused young man who didn't get a chance to stop her. The hot tears ran down her face as she tore through Sunnydale. The heart is a strange thing, Buffy never thought that she could feel so strongly for anyone but Angel. Then she met Rain.

*****

Buffy flicked on the lights in her room. Her eyes were puffy from the crying and her heart heavy from the war going on inside. Luckily her mom went to bed before she got home, she didn't feel like trying to explain something that she didn't understand herself. After quietly changing into her pjs, Buffy headed to her warm bed where she could perhaps find some peace. But her eyes fell on an envelope on her pillow. The only word written on it was her name in black that contrasted the creamy colour of the paper. She knew instantly that it was from Angel. But what she didn't know was this letter would change her life.

END of Part 3

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