Each Time We Meet
By JennyD

DISCLAIMER: All characters belong to Joss Whedon yada, yada, yada...

Author's note: This story was written on the premise that it will take a much longer period of time before Buffy and Angel are truly reunited for good. The main characters see each other every now and then, when circumstances bring them together. Both however, wait for the day when they can finally share a future. For comments or feedback, please e-mail me at moriah_100@yahoo.com

"Buffy."

He said her name quietly, his eyes locking with her own.

She had grown even more beautiful than he had last remembered. As the Slayer, having been alive for 31 years had made Buffy Summers somewhat of a legend, considering that no other with the same calling lived even half as long. Her hair was now cropped short, in a boyish cut that made her look five years younger. The hazel eyes which had so often held his own mesmerized, twinkled as a brief, sad smile crossed her lips. A gesture which tugged at Angel's heart.

Memories flooded his mind as he gazed into the face of the one woman he cherished for all of his 257 years on earth. He had lived that long as an immortal only to realize that there could never be another love in his life. He had been watching her, ever since the day she was first called to her destiny as the Slayer, the one girl in all her generation with the strength and skill to vanquish the vampires, demons and other forces of evil. He was her guardian, friend and lover. She was his passion and inspiration and he was hers.

If only she had been born in his time, or he in hers, maybe things would have been different. Fate had not been kind, forcing them to live separate lives for nearly 13 years. It was a hard decision to make. He knew he had broken her heart the day he said goodbye, but they both understood that it was the best.

For years, he had been haunted by dreams of her. At night, when he roamed the streets of Los Angeles, he would find himself thinking of her, wanting more than anything else to have her by his side. She was more than a lover, she had been his best friend. She had given him hope when there seemed none to be found. Love, when all he received from humans was hate.Understanding when no one else would. And friendship in a dark world where greed and distrust were about the only things constant. She made him smile, laugh and believe in a brighter future. Then he left her, only to realize life without her did not mean much else.

And now she was here, once again, so close he was tempted to just pull her in his arms to make sure she wasn't an illusion.

"Angel."

One name. The one she had kept in her heart. She had dared not speak it, ever afraid of the memories it brought back. She said it now, tentatively.

"I thought I was dreaming." After what seemed like an eternity, Angel stepped forward to embrace her but stopped after the Slayer moved a few steps back.

She sighed and bit her lip, unsure of how to react to yet another unexpected meeting. Buffy knew there was a chance they would see each other here in Los Angeles, but she had always believed fate would not be so unkind as to let them cross paths once again. Not when each meeting brought only painful memories and regrets over what could never be. She had deliberately shut herself away from love -- such emotions were too complicated for her to carry around specially for one with her calling. As the Slayer, she could ill afford to let feelings to distract her from her duty. She had many times before, and had seen the tragic consequences of doing so. Loved ones had died, those left behind grieved, and she…she who could have done more … had been too weak to do anything at all.

Now, seeing him again, Buffy fought to control the emotions threatening to spill out of her soul.

"Buffy, I …"

"It's Anne now," she replied, her voice almost a whisper.

He shook his head, smiling slightly. "You'll always be Buffy to me."

She smiled back, not knowing how to react.

"You doing OK?" His eyes never left her face as he spoke, searching for a sign, any sign that there was still something to hope for.

"Right as rain, I always say. And you?"

"The same."

He didn't need to ask her why she was there. Angel knew right now that wasn't important.

Another time, another place, and yet they were together again. They had said their goodbyes all too often, only to see each other once more. With each meeting, Angel realized his passion for her had never died.

"Ever get the feeling we're in some kind of loop?" she said dryly, shaking her head at the thought of the many times they ran into each other, only to say goodbye afterwards. She was right of course, he thought. They'd been through this scene much too often.

"Must mean we're really meant for each other. How else can you explain it?" he agreed.

She laughed at his odd conclusion, then fell silent, just enjoying the moment.

She slipped her arm through his and they walked side by side, each one in step with the other.

"It's hard. Us. This. Our destiny." She spoke quietly, the short sentences punctuated by one brief silence after another.

"Yes, it's never been easy," he replied, knowing full well what she meant. If there was one thing the separation had taught them, it was the acceptance of what must be. But they were just as aware of the fact that the bond between them was something that could never be broken.

Slayer and Immortal. They were different and yet the same. Driven by the same passion. To help make the world a better place. To give hope to a dying world.

They walked along the shore, the night breeze a welcome presence. From a distance, they made an arresting vision. The petite blonde was clad in a white long sleeved blouse and brown skirt, a hooded cloak, her only protection from the cool night wind. Her companion was an imposing figure, all in black, with his ebony colored duster lending a mysterious aura to his ruggedly handsome features.

"It'll be alright. I keep telling myself that. But it never is." Angel spoke bitterly . Buffy stopped in her tracks as he turned her to face him.

"I feel what you feel." Frustration. Despair. Yes, they do seem to linger too often Buffy thought to
herself, as she acknowledged his next statement with a nod.

"But we do what we must, because that's why we're here. This is the reason why we exist. For others. Not only for ourselves. You taught me that." She looked at him lovingly. No more masks this time, Buffy reminded herself.

"Angel, one day, it'll all be over. Everything WILL be alright." She put one hand to his cheek, her fingers, gently tracing the outline of his jaw. "But until that time comes, we have to be strong…for others and…"

He nodded, gazing at the Slayer with all the love in his heart. He took both of her small hands in his.

"And for ourselves." He brought her hands to his lips and kissed them gently.

Buffy cupped his face with her hands. His eyes were brimming with unshed tears.

"I tried to stay away. But I can't. " Angel confessed, sighing deeply as he gathered her into his arms. "I love you…" he murmured as her held her fiercely, not wanting to let her go again.

"And I , you," she replied, as her slim arms encircled his waist. She knew how hard it was for him. The separation was just as difficult for her, but it was necessary.

They just stood there for what seemed like the longest time, just holding on to each other, savoring the moment. They had been through so much. Their love tested so many times in their lifetime and yet, the bond between them remained.

They knew they were meant to be. Not now, but both waited for the day when they could finally and truly be together. Without the complications, without the fears and the tears of what their union would bring.

"I'm letting you go…" Angel said softly "for now." He looked at his beloved with determination.

"But I will never lose hope and I will wait…" he added firmly "for that day when I can finally have
you with me, forever." And then he kissed her oh so sweetly, a kiss that sealed his promise of eternal love.

"And you'll always be here…" Buffy held his right hand and brought it to her heart. "And when that day comes…" she spoke almost reverently, as the tears began to fall " I'll be ready."

Angel's heart was breaking as he saw the sadness clouding over her countenance. "No…" he said gently "no more tears, my love" He embraced her once more, knowing it will be awhile before they meet again.

"So, I'll see you when I see you?" she asked, smiling through her tears.

"When you need me, I'll be there!" he vowed, as he wiped each tear away with one hand.

A last kiss, and he watched her walk into the night. But this time, Angel released her with hope in his heart. Hope that one day, they would finally be together.

The End