"The Bargain "

Author: Gia
Email: gia@everysixseconds.com
Notes: B/Aus. For everyone who sent me such great feedback on this and my other stories - Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! It's that much easier to write when you know someone's reading! And a special thanks to Pamela for picking up all my stories on Secrets of the Slayer (http://www.destructo-girl.com/ss/ ) and a resounding "you rock" to Starkitty for not only hosting my stories, but for the new graphics and page layout! It's awesome!
Feedback: Always! Please feed the writer… gia@everysixseconds.com
Distribution: Starkitty's archive; Secrets of the Slayer; Fumbling Towards Ecstasy, anywhere else, just let me know.

Buffy rushed to gather a few things as Willow called Oz. Buffy needed a ride and Oz was one of the few with an operational vehicle.

Oz heard Buffy's shout in the background, "When can we leave? I want to leave as soon as possible. Can we go now?" along with the sound of drawers opening and closing as Buffy searched for just the right outfit.

Within half an hour the three of them were on the road to LA. It was just after midnight when they pulled up outside the office of Angel Investigations.

"Buffy, are you sure about this?" Willow noted the light on in the office in the building as they sat in the car outside.

"Yes. I mean, I think so." Buffy gave Willow a little smile then a not so assured look as she hesitated. Earlier it seemed like such a good idea, now she wasn't so sure. She checked her outfit again, wishing that she had chosen something less casual than the low-waist jeans and pale yellow t-shirt. The shirt was short enough that her trim waist was exposed, making it an incredibly sexy look - something she wasn't completely aware of.

"We'll wait here for you. Now go." Willow smiled encouragingly, then gently pushed Buffy toward the door.

After a last look at Willow, Buffy made her way inside. When Buffy reached the office only to find no one there, her spirits plummeted. But she consoled herself with the fact that they were most likely out on a case, so she could wait. She made a quick journey back to the van where Oz and Willow waited and suggested that they go back to Sunnydale. Since she wasn't sure when Angel would return, she didn't want to keep them waiting. Besides, she could take the bus later.

Buffy waited impatiently on the couch in the lobby for the next half hour while Willow and Oz waited in the van, refusing to leave her alone. She sat upright quickly when she heard the sound of the office door opening. Groaning, she smoothed her hair, hoping that she looked presentable.

"What are *you* doing here?" When Buffy stood and turned around, she was face-to-face with Cordelia, who was not at all happy to see her from the sound of the greeting.

"Um, Hi Cordelia. I came to see Angel." Buffy looked casually past Cordelia wondering if Angel would appear.

"He's not here." Cordelia refrained from saying that he hadn't been at the office for several days, that he had gone to Sunnydale against her wishes and advice.

"Do you know when he'll be back?" Buffy hated taking the submissive role with Cordelia, but she wanted the information.

"No, and if I did I wouldn't tell you." Cordelia crossed her arms over her chest, prepared to tell Buffy off once and for all.

"Oh really? And just why is that?" Buffy squared her shoulders and tilted her head, her tone somewhat impudent.

"There are more reasons than either of us have time for, so I'll just give you the highlights. You remind him of all the bad things he's done, which makes him miserable. And, since he's my friend and I don't want him to be unhappy, I'll ask you to stay away from him. Far, far away. It's like taking a knife away from a baby so they don't hurt themselves. Only you're the much bigger knife-thing."

"And Angel's the baby? Does he know about your, uh, assessment of him?" Buffy's expression was one of disbelief, even as she tried not to laugh. The insult to her was of little interest, but she couldn't believe Angel would stand for that analogy under any circumstances.

Ignoring Buffy's question, Cordelia continued. "Buffy, let me put this in words that you'll understand. Angel doesn't want to see you. He doesn't want you in his office or his life. He's moved on. I suggest that you take your pathetic little self back to Sunnydale and do the same." Noting the slight hurt look in Buffy's eyes, Cordelia continued her attack. "I don't know why you think you can just come here now, but you're not welcome."

"Just tell me where he is or when he'll be back." Despite her reservations, Buffy continued. She was here. She'd see him.

"No."

"Then I'll just sit here and wait." Buffy stubbornly held her ground.

"After the last incident in Sunnydale, I'm surprised you'd even show your face here. I would think you might be too embarrassed after your, shall we say, little performance." Taking a total shot in the dark, Cordelia scored a dead hit. Buffy blanched, wondering just how much Angel had told the brunette about what had happened between them. Her earlier thoughts that he had been disappointed at best with her reaction to Angelus returned full-blown, loud and screaming. What had he told Cordelia?

"Doyle asked me to come. To talk to Angel." Buffy forced her voice to a calm that she did not feel, anger and disappointment threatening to overcome any other feelings.

"Really?" Cordelia skeptically replied, her tone sarcastic. "I doubt that. Since you don't know him, you probably misunderstood what Doyle meant. And even if *he* did mean for you to come here, that doesn't mean *Angel* did. Get a clue, Buffy. Angel doesn't want to see *you*. Maybe you should think of someone besides yourself for a change. Just go back to Sunnydale before you hurt him again."

This time Cordelia's words hit home. Though she had lashed out at him several times unthinkingly in arguments, Buffy didn't want to hurt him. She never intentionally wanted to hurt him. Maybe Cordelia was right. Maybe it was best for everyone involved if she were to go home. Clearly he had Cordelia and perhaps even Kate still. He didn't want or need her. What had she been thinking?

Buffy chided herself for being thousand times a fool and rushing to LA on the merest hint that Angel might care. Why should she believe that things might be different just because of a simple letter? Cordelia was right in that Buffy didn't know Doyle, nor did she know if Angel would confide in Doyle.

Buffy said nothing, only walked slowly and calmly past Cordelia and out the door. Whatever Doyle's motives were in writing to her, Angel was most likely not informed of them. Not that it would have made a difference. Had Angel wanted to talk to her, he could have called.

Willow and Oz were quiet as they drove back to Sunnydale, but they knew Buffy felt jilted. Having gotten her hopes up yet again, the pain of rejection was doubly hurtful. Buffy suppressed her tears with a supreme effort and resisted the urge to give in to self-pity. She'd wasted more tears on one man than all other events in her life combined. When would she learn?

Riley and his patrol team had just crossed the alley behind Buffy's dorm when he heard a noise. Agreeing to split up and search, Riley went down the alley alone while Forrest and Graham circled around the building.

Only a few steps into the alley, Riley flicked on his flashlight and shone it in to the dark. He stopped on the back of a dark coat, a familiar figure. "Shit."

"Riley Finn." Turning, Angel met Riley's stare. He wasn't intimidated, despite Riley's warning weeks ago.

"Angel. Thought I told you not to come back." Riley sighed heavily, not looking forward to this confrontation.

"I don't take orders real well." Angel took a step toward Riley, intending to continue on his way back to Buffy's dorm to wait for her.

"You didn't by any chance go an lose that pesky soul again, did you?" Riley felt the anger rising at the thought of Buffy rushing to LA on a whim, just because of a stupid letter. She didn't realize that the Initiative was watching her, therefore he knew every little thing that went on in her room. He'd vehemently objected to the video camera that Professor Walsh wanted to hide in her dorm, knowing that the other lecherous recruits would spend all their time watching the monitors hoping for glimpses of her, preferably naked. He'd been successful so far, so all they had was audio from wiretaps.

"Don't push me, boy." Angel growled, beginning to get annoyed.

"If you did, then Buffy must be disappointed with your performance, that's all I've got to say. What did it take you? Ten minutes? Or did you do her in five?"

Still scowling, Angel attempted to walk around Riley. His purpose for returning to Sunnydale was to make peace with Buffy. Fighting with Riley wasn't likely to be a good first step.

"That'd be between me and her." Angel replied calmly, "Although I think you know better. Did all those screams of pleasure bother you, Finn? Did you get off listening to her? Wishing you had been there in my place?" Unable to resist the barb, Angel smirked.

"Haven't you hurt her enough? Why don't you just leave her alone," Riley smiled tightly, "and get out of my way?"

"You think even if you could get her that you'd be able to keep her? I doubt you have the expertise," Angel murmured, his meaning clear. "Or the stamina…"

"I suggest you walk away, vampire, while you still can."

"I'm not going to walk away from her again, Finn. Get used to the idea." Angel said dismissively and started once more to walk around.

Stepping in front of Angel, Riley held his baton in his face. "Where do you think you're going?"

"Let's not play fucking games. I am going to see her." Angel stared back at Riley, suddenly hoping for a fight.

"Oh really? And you think I'm going to let that happen?" Riley too was spoiling for a good fight. His anger at Angel for the events of weeks ago coming to the forefront, he felt he owed the vampire a good thrashing for what he had done to Buffy.

"You think you're going to stop me?" Challenge rang in every word.

"I surely do." Riley swung the baton and hit Angel squarely in the cheek and the fight was on. Several blows were exchanged before Angel was able to force Riley to his knees. From there, Angel slammed a knee into Riley's face then threw him against the dumpster near the building wall. Despite the painful blow, Riley still managed to scramble to his feet and grab his baton, taking another swing at Angel. Angel deftly stepped aside, then punched Riley in the face and knocked the baton out of his hand. Several more blows were exchanged before Riley reached into his jacket and pulled out his taser. Aiming it directly at Angel's chest, he fired sending Angel stumbling backward into the building with the force of the shock.

Growling and extremely pissed off now, Angel turned back to face Riley with his vampire face. Riley paused, flashes of the brutal fight of Angelus and the Akadian demon appearing in his mind, giving Angel time to grab Riley's wrist. Twisting his arm hard, Riley let out a brief squeak and dropped the taser. Punching him hard in the stomach, Angel heard Riley's ribs crack under the force of the blow. Angel then tossed Riley hard against the side of the building and watched as he fell to the ground, unconscious.

Angel paused briefly before he fled up the side of the building, narrowly missing being spotted by Forrest and Graham who had just raced up the alley upon hearing the commotion.

Angel walked quietly into Buffy's dorm, noting the early - or rather late - hour. He was still surprised however, when he nearly ran into a young girl with dark hair in the hallway.

"You stay here?" She looked him over carefully, her interest obvious.

"No, I'm visiting." Angel felt a bit uncomfortable, the girl looking as if she might devour him.

"You have friends here?" She smacked her gum and twirled her hair, leaning closer.

"Yes."

"Who?" Janet was known to be both promiscuous and nosy, a reputation that was not without merit.

Debating briefly whether his visit required secrecy, Angel finally decided that it didn't. "Buffy. Buffy Summers."

"Oh." Clearly disappointed, Janet knew the perky little blond. "Figures. But you don't look much like those commando boys that she's usually with. Or that other guy."

"No." Angel was growing more agitated, both at the earlier fight with Riley and with the continued reminders of her involvement with him and the Initiative. And who was this 'other guy'? Xander?

"If she ain't around - or welcoming - I'm on the 2nd floor - third door down." Janet smiled at him lingeringly, then moved off down the hall.

Angel continued down the hall to Buffy's room lost in disconcerting thoughts. What if she wasn't welcoming? What if she wouldn't see him? He was personally capable of coping with the pain - he'd perfected that skill over the years - but this was one that he didn't want to have to live with.

Willow and Oz were just leaving when they too, ran into Angel in the darkened hallway. "Angel?"

"Willow?"

"What are you doing here?" Willow couldn't keep the anger out of her voice.

"I came to see Buffy." Angel looked at her then at Oz curiously. Why were they out and about at almost 4 am? What kind of hours did the people in this dorm keep, anyway?

"I doubt she'll talk to you. She's been upset since we got back from LA. Did you follow us here or something?"

Angel was visibly surprised. "LA? What was she doing there? Did something happen with her dad-?"

"No. She was looking for you." Willow replied with irritation. "But Cordelia made sure to let her know how very interested you were in not seeing her."

"She really went to LA?" At Willows small nod, Angel continued. "I didn't know, I swear." His earlier fears evaporated. She had come to see him. Surely that was a good sign. "And we can deal with Cordelia later. Right now I just want to see Buffy."

"She's in our room." Willow stared at Angel. "Remember, what I said - I *will* stake you if-if, well, just if you leave her all upset and crying and stuff again."

Angel nodded and smiled slightly; Buffy's friends obviously loved her. But then, so did he.

Angel knocked softly, then winced at the loud sound in the quiet hall. Too hard, too loud.

"Riley?" Buffy's voice from behind the door surprised him. His jealously surged at the sound of her voice. Was she used to Riley visiting her in the middle of the night? The door opened and he almost jumped in surprise, so distracted he had been by his thoughts.

"Angel." Buffy always had a way of saying his name in that little breathy voice that just made his heart stop - had it been beating.

"Hi. Can I come in?"

"I guess." Buffy's voice was soft, revealing the hurt that she earlier felt even though she tried hard to hide it.

"Uh, I need a little more than that." Angel waited patiently, uncomfortable with the reminder of his vampire existence.

"Oh. Um, come in."

When Buffy closed the door, Angel turned to face her. It was the first sight she had of him in weeks, yet the first thing she noticed was the blood on his split lip. "You're hurt." When he said nothing, Buffy spoke again. "You want to tell me who ran your face into that doorknob?"

"Not really. It's not world-in-peril stuff." Angel was staring at her, reminded of the first time he had crept into her room at night and watched her sleep years ago. She was wearing the same kind of tiny white tank top and shorts now as she had then. Her revealing clothing did nothing to dampen the green-eyed monster of jealously growing. Had Riley seen her like this? Had they been intimate since he had left?

"Then what do you want?" Buffy's voice was cool, though he emotions were topsy-turvy. Had he followed her from LA?

Her next thought was interrupted by the sound of the door slamming against the wall as Riley burst into the room. Aiming his gun at Angel, Riley stopped and leaned heavily on Willow's desk near the wall. "I told you, you weren't coming near her."

"You've got to be kidding me. This is why you came?" Buffy glared at Angel angrily, wondering what was going on.

"No. This was accident." Angel was sincere.

"Running a car into a tree is an accident! Running your fist into somebody's face is a plan! Please, explain this to me!" Her emotions high, Buffy exploded furiously.

Calmly Angel looked at Buffy, then at Riley before deciding on a course of action. "Put that gun down."

"It's pretty much all I got left, so I'm thinking not." Riley wasn't ready to give in, not yet any way.

"He won't hurt anybody." Buffy turned to Angel insistently, "Tell him."

"Might hurt you." Angel growled, stepping toward Riley.

"Please try." Riley stepped forward as well, clutching his hurt side when he stepped away from the wall.

"Ha! Some threat. You can barely stand." Angel nearly laughed, male chauvinistic pride clearly on display.

"Trigger finger feels okay." Riley still wasn't sure what Angel was doing here and what he wanted from Buffy. Until he found out, he wasn't going to back down.

"Did you actually sleep with this guy?" His jealously roaring in his ears, Angel turned to Buffy.

Taking exception to Angel's words and tone to Buffy, Riley threw a right hook and punched Angel squarely in the face. Angel quickly retaliated.

Shoving them apart, Buffy shouted. "Okay, stop it!" Riley hit Willow's desk with a solid thud and Angel landed on Willow's bed, Buffy's strength formidable - particularly when pissed off. "Okay, that's enough! I see one more display of testosterone poisoning and I will personally put you both in the hospital!" Buffy looked between them, feeling as if she were down to her last nerve. It had been an exhausting day. It was late and she was tired, Angel showing up at her door had sent her emotions in a tailspin - she just didn't want to deal with any more. "Anybody think I'm exaggerating?"

"He started-" Angel glanced at Buffy, tilting his head toward Riley. Buffy only shot him a quick look before she turned to Riley.

"Riley." Her voice soft, Buffy glanced at the gun Riley still held in his hand.

"I'm sorry. Just wanted to know that you were safe." Riley had finally figured out how he needed to resolve this. He put his gun down as he looked at Buffy's face. "Look, I need to talk to Angel for a minute."

Buffy was startled. "What?"

"I'll be back just as soon as Angel and I settle a few things." Riley glanced at Angel who was still sitting on the bed, his elbows resting on his knees. After a moment's consideration, Angel stood and followed Riley out the door leaving Buffy staring after them in stunned surprise.

The two men stood face to face in the dark hallway, just as they had squared off earlier.

"Do you love her?" Riley asked bluntly, breaking the long silence and watching Angel's face intently as if he would be able to ascertain the truth of his answer from his expression.

"Do you?" Angel stared back at Riley, his voice sharp.

"I asked first." Riley, despite the earlier beating, still wasn't intimidated. "And no offense, but your answer matters more than mine."

"Why? You're the one that's been with her for these past weeks." Still jealous, Angel sought to determine the depth of Riley's involvement with Buffy since he had been gone.

"Why? Because for reasons I can't fathom or even begin to understand, she loves you." Riley hated to admit it, but he knew it was true. And he knew he cared more about Buffy being happy than he wanted to admit.

"What else do you know about Buffy, Finn?" Angel felt that irrational jealousy surge again at the thought of Buffy turning to Riley for comfort these past few weeks.

"What the hell are you implying?" Riley shifted his stance, wondering if they were going to come to blows again.

"I'm implying that you've been trying to get into her pants."

"You're an idiot." Riley murmured resentfully. "Do you think I'd bother talking to you if I thought I had a chance with her? I'd call the Initiative team, lock you up and forget I ever saw you. So answer me. Do you love her?"

"That's none of your business." Angel glared. He doubted Riley's ability to carry out his threats, but he knew the younger man was determined.

"I'm making it my business." Riley's tone was curt.

"I knew you wanted her." Angel spat resentfully.

"Yeah? Well, she turned me down." Riley sighed. "Believe me, I don't have any friendly feelings toward you whatsoever, but I do care about Buffy. I just don't want to see you hurt her again."

Angel studied Riley for a long moment, carefully considering his words and expression before he finally spoke. "She's easy to love, isn't she?"

"Yes, that she is. You don't know how much I envy you." Riley looked away with disappointment. But, satisfied that he'd gotten the answer he suspected, Riley turned to leave. He'd only gone a few steps down the hall, when he turned back. "And Angel? Don't fuck up again. I won't be so generous next time."

Angel smiled in the dark, then glanced at Buffy's door.

Buffy paced the floor in her room wondering what death match might be taking place outside her door. Restlessly, she looked out the window into the dark then at the clock. It would be dawn soon.

Impatiently, she straightened the room, as if it's cleanliness would somehow restore order to her chaotic life. Soothing her hair in the mirror, she sighed. Damn men, anyway. What was she doing here, waiting while they discussed things, discussed her like some commodity? With a sudden impatient anger, Buffy yanked open the door. Angel stood there alone.

"Where's Riley?" She snapped, glancing left and right as if she might still see him but the hallway was dark and silent.

"Gone. Why? Are you worried?"

"Of course I'm worried. You're not very trustworthy - among other things."

"Does he always come to your room at 4 in the morning? When you're wearing - that?"

Buffy surveyed him, her chin lifted as she took in his appearance. They hadn't come to blows again, at least. Although that didn't explain why Riley left. "That's none of your business. Actually, nothing I do is any of your business. You've made that plain a number of times now. So, what are you doing here?"

She was angry, which he'd expected. What he hadn't expected was his own inability to control his jealousy. "I hear you went to LA."

Buffy didn't answer. Instead, she turned and went back into her room. After a moment, Angel followed. After he closed the door behind him, he stopped near her dresser and picked up the letter that lay on top.

"Did Doyle write to you?" Recognizing the writing, Angel looked at the letter.

"It doesn't matter." Buffy sat on the bed, just wanting to get this painful confrontation over with.

"I didn't know you were coming. I'm sorry I wasn't there." Angel sat the letter down and turned back to face her.

"I'm sorry I went." Buffy replied sharply, her confrontation with Cordelia fresh in her mind. They'd never gotten along, and it seemed to get worse with the years. And with Cordelia's growing attraction to Angel.

Angel studied her small form on the bed, noting the tension and closed expression. So far nothing had gone the way he had hoped or planned.

"I owe you an apology. Several, as a matter of fact." Finally Angel spoke, slowly walking to stand in front of her.

"Yes." Buffy refused to look at him, bracing herself for the pain that she knew was coming.

"The reason I came to Sunnydale was to apologize to you. I'm sorry for anything and everything I've done to hurt you. There's no excuse, but I wanted you to know I was truly sorry."

"And?" Buffy shifted on the bed.

"You're not making this easy."

"Yeah? Well maybe that's because last time we were together I was too easy."

Angel's mouth quirked into a smile, the innuendo in her words bringing to mind their hours in the army bunker.

Buffy shot him a dirty look. "The sex thing with you was never a problem. Well, okay, except for the curse part of it. I'm actually talking about trusting another person, about being able to believe what someone says. I'm talking about you leaving me - twice - without so much as a goodbye. Each time you've left, you've never bothered to call or write - weeks go by without a word from you. I get it, Angel, you don't want me in your life." Buffy stood and continued her tirade, "I always trust you and I always get hurt. Every time I think things will be different, they stay the same. When you disappeared after graduation and I didn't hear anything from you, I thought the worst. It wasn't until Harmony passed along the word that you were with Cordelia in LA, that I found you. That I found out you hadn't died. Do you know how much it hurt to think you were with her? But then, you never really cared what I thought, did you? You always decided what was best for me, since I couldn't do that for myself. So you can see why I might not be in the mood to make things easy for you. In fact, I'd enjoy it if-"

"Can you, uh, put something else on?" Angel's voice was tight.

Buffy rolled her eyes in disbelief. "You've got to be kidding me. I'm yelling at you for all the awful things you've done to me and you're getting a hard-on?"

"I'm sorry." Angel smiled slightly. "But you're practically naked - and looking incredible as usual."

"And you can't carry on a conversation because all the blood that was formerly in your brain is now in your cock." Buffy stalked over to the dresser behind him, pulled out her robe and put it on. Turning back around, she crossed her arms and glared at him.

"No, Buffy. Look, I came to Sunnydale because I wanted to ask your forgiveness and because, well, because I wanted to ask you to marry me." He'd hoped to put her in a better mood before popping the question, but that was obviously failing, so he resulted to the blunt truth.

"Marry you?" Buffy echoed dumbly, Angel's words stopping her short.

"Yes." Angel watched her quietly, his nerves taut and on edge waiting for her response.

"But-" Buffy's own thoughts were whirling. Marry? Did she hear that correctly? Her heart was pounding as she looked at him, a slight smile now playing across her lips. Could he really be serious? "Have you lost your mind?"

"No."

"What about the normal life and the sunlight. And what about-" Buffy whirled around, unsure how to ask him about his feelings, his disappointment in her behavior with Angelus. She didn't even dare mention sex, or the curse.

"We'll have a normal life. As normal as a vampire and a slayer can, that is. I can't take you into the sunlight, that hasn't changed. But maybe some day… There's this little thing called Shanshu that I haven't talked to you about." Angel was ready to refute her every objection. Taking a deep unneeded breath, Angel looked down at the floor, his face filled with shame. "I know what I did to you - when I lost my soul this last time - I know it was terrible. I would give anything if I could take back the pain I caused you. I know it's not nearly enough to apologize for rape, so I'll understand if you-"

Buffy turned back to face him, his words triggering a thought as her mind jumped to that day at his little house outside Sunnydale. How he had first apologized and then wouldn't look at her. As if he were - ashamed? Was it possible that he hadn't been disgusted or disappointed in her? That instead, he had been upset at himself? And she, wallowing in her own dismay, had simply believed otherwise? Could this all be a - misunderstanding? Is that why Doyle meant when he wrote that Angel thought she hated him for what he had done?

"Wait. Are you saying that you- that you weren't - disappointed in me, in my response to you that day?" Buffy's voice was nearly a whisper.

"What are you talking about Buffy? How could I be disappointed in you, of all things? I hurt you, I fed off you - it's inexcusable." Angel looked back at Buffy in confusion.

"What if-" Buffy cleared her throat. "What if I said you didn't hurt me? What if I said, that I actually, um, enjoyed it?"

"But-" Angel searched his memory for that day. Her tiny, lithe body pressed against him. Her warmth surrounding him. Her soft cries echoing in his ear. Could it be, that he hadn't hurt her? That he had given her pleasure? "What are you saying?"

"I'm, er, uh, saying-" Buffy stopped, searching her mind for the best way to continue. "I wanted you. A lot. I couldn't stop wanting you, no matter how I tried. I thought that you-" looking away from him, she paused, "I thought that you thought horrible things about me because I wanted you. Because I wanted you as Angelus." Her last words came out in a rush.

"How could you think that Buffy? It was all my fault- I could never be disappointed with you." Angel slowly reached the same conclusion that Buffy had drawn earlier. Willow's words also came to mind - "That you're disappointed with her - or worse." He couldn't quite believe that he hadn't hurt her, but he could see how they perpetuated each other's thoughts by not communicating openly. Nor was it the first time this had happened between them.

"Gee, what a surprise, we've just had another colossal miscommunication." Buffy smiled slightly, "I wouldn't call what you did - what *we* did rape, Angel. Admittedly, there was a force aspect to it with the handcuffs and all, but for some people that's just, uh, part of the fun. Or, so I'm told. I, uh, don't know myself…" Buffy trailed off, feeling a little embarrassed. "Okay, I'll just stop talking now."

Angel watched her with interest, his eyes noting the heightened color in her cheeks. He could sense the warmth of her skin increasing, either with embarrassment or desire. She captivated him, in every sense of the word. He was reminded too, that now he could love her without restriction.

"So, you don't need to come here to ask me to marry you because you feel guilty."

"Guilty? You think that's why I'm here? Why I want to marry you?" Angel stepped toward her. "If so, then you're wrong. I want to marry you because I love you. Because I haven't stopped loving you. Because my life is empty without you in it. It just took me awhile to figure that all out. And for that, I'm sorry too." Now that he stood directly in front of her, he lifted her chin with his hand so he could see her eyes.

Buffy smiled slightly as she looked up at him. "Angel. You know I love you. That hasn't changed." His words were a balm to her bruised heart, but she was mature enough to know that it wasn't enough. Not anymore. "Which is why this is doubly hard to say, but I can't marry you. I couldn't be around you without wanting to, uh-" Blushing Buffy paused. "make love. You were right when you said that one day it would matter. I can't be around you - I'm afraid I don't have the willpower to say no - or to let you say no - and there's still the curse and-"

Angel stopped Buffy's words with a kiss, pulling her into his arms. Buffy returned his kiss wholeheartedly, then reluctantly pulled away, sighing heavily, her eyes closed. "See? No willpower. Bad Buffy."

"No, very good Buffy." His hand was moving along the lapel of her robe idly just before he tugged her back to him. "One thing that has changed…" His fingertips reached inside, stroking the inner curve of her breast as his lips brushed against her ear. "is the curse."

"What are you talking about?" Buffy's eyes flew open even as she pressed close to him. Her body's reaction to him was instinctive, that was something else that hadn't changed.

"Willow told me that she changed the curse. I can have all the perfect happiness I want, as long as that doesn't include pickles." Nuzzling her ear, then her neck his other arm slipped around behind her. "Which, I don't think will be too much of a problem."

"Willow changed the curse and didn't tell me?" Buffy closed her eyes again and arched her neck, giving him easier access. Her hands came up and rested lightly on his arms.

"Yes. I asked her to let me tell you." Angel lifted his head and looked down at Buffy's face, hoping to determine her mood.

"Hmpf. Some friend." Buffy was momentarily disgruntled. "And you - you knew all this time and you didn't tell me?"

"I just found out recently. Willow wanted to be sure first. And, of course, I thought it might be best…" Angel's husky whisper once again brushed her ear, "If I showed you."

"Angel." Buffy's voice was a soft sigh as her arms crept up around his neck, her fingertips toying with the short hairs at his nape. "I'm not sure I've forgiven you yet."

Lifting her slightly against him, he threaded his fingers in her hair as his mouth met hers hungrily. Several hot and eager kisses later, she pulled away to catch her breath and she whispered. "Still not sure…"

"I'll keep working on it until you are sure..." He smiled against her lips, just before his tongue traced the soft swell of her bottom lip. He teased her lips briefly, before he slipped his tongue into her mouth again.

"Really?" Buffy smiled when his lips moved back to her neck after quite a few more greedy kisses, his hands untying her robe and pushing it back over her shoulders.

"Yes." He kissed her lips softly, tentatively. As she wrapped her arms around his neck and rose up on her toes, he pulled her closer and deepened the kiss before finally lifting her in his arms and carrying her to the small bed. When he reached the bed, he sat her down and shrugged out of his coat, tossing it on Willow's bed.

"You left me." Buffy shivered as Angel leaned down and nibbled on her earlobe.

"I'm sorry, I couldn't stay. Every day it was harder and harder to be around you and not be able to make love to you. I know now how much you mean to me. I'd still be here today, even if Willow hadn't changed the curse. I'd rather have you in my life - any way possible - than be without you." Angel lifted his head to look down at her face, his expression serious. "I won't leave you again, sweetheart. I want you to be with me. To be my wife."

Buffy looked into his eyes, searching for the truth. Could she trust him this time? If she chose to believe him, she was jettisoning all her scruples and reservations - but promising herself that it would be for the last time. She knew that if he hurt her again, she would never recover. "If you leave me again, mister, I'll hunt you down and stake you."

"Fair enough." He sat down on the bed next to her and lifted her into his lap, facing away from him. Lifting her hair, he began to plant kisses along the nape of her neck.

She sighed. "I missed you." Buffy tilted her head, giving him better access to her neck. He was licking delicately at the slight pulsing of her vein.

"I missed you too. More than you know." His words a soft murmur against her skin, he hugged her close. Pulling her back against his chest, he ran his hands lightly over her thighs, hips and stomach. Leaning her head back against him, Buffy closed her eyes. Reaching up, she wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Willow?" Angel's hand stilled on her stomach, his fingers splayed as he resumed his gentle kisses and nibbles on her neck. One hand drifted upward to cup her breast, his thumb lazily drawing circles around her cotton covered nipple.

"Mmmm… With Oz." Buffy opened her eyes and glanced at the window noting the faint gray of the sky as it was nearing dawn. Pushing away from him, she stood and closed the blinds then walked over and locked the door. "But, just in case…" Smiling she returned and straddled his lap, pressing her mouth against the coolness of his neck.

Pulling her top over her head, he tossed it aside. One arm circled her waist and the other slid around to rest on her behind as he pulled her tight against him. Against her lips, he murmured, "Then we're alone?"

"Yess.." With her palms flat, Buffy's slid her hands up his chest, tracing the muscles through the soft cashmere of his sweater. As her hands reached his shoulders, she scooted forward to fit her nearly nude body against his fully clothed one. Feeling the ridge of his erection between her legs, she opened her legs wider to press even closer.

"Angel? Are you sure…about the curse?" Buffy sighed and leaned forward to kiss him again, opening her mouth as his tongue gently traced her lips before probing inside. Slanting her head, she invited his tongue deeper into her mouth, sucking it softly.

"Willow seemed to be sure." His reply was a soft murmur against her lips.

"Maybe we should call her, just in case." Buffy took a calming breath then reached for the phone. Squirming in Angel's lap to tease him, Buffy smiled as she waited for Willow to answer. Angel was stroking her waist, her back, his hands coming nearer to her bare breasts with each movement.

"Oz? Hey, sorry to wake you. Is Willow there."… "Hi Will. Yes... No, he's still here." … "Yes." Buffy grinned at Angel as she answered Willow's questions. "I'll tell you later. Right now-" … "Yes, how did you know?" Buffy laughed, as Willow easily guessed why she was calling now that she knew Buffy and Angel seemed to be reconciled. "So are you sure?" Grabbing his wrist, Buffy stopped Angel's hand that was now cupping her breast from reaching her nipple. She needed to concentrate. "Well, how sure?" … "Uh-huh? Well, maybe you could have everything ready for the ritual, just in case? That way, we can be really sure…" Buffy looked at Angel as she listened to Willow. "Will it do any harm if you perform it and he still has his soul?" … "How about this then? If I don't call you in say - 20 minutes?" Buffy looked at Angel who had raised his eyebrow at her time assessment. "An hour?" With her question directed at Angel rather than Willow, he gave her another raised eyebrow, making Buffy giggle. "If I don't call you by, oh-" Looking at the clock, Buffy noted the time. "Say, ten o'clock, then you should go ahead with the ritual." There - that gave them over three hours - surely even Angel would think that would be enough time and would prove out the curse. "Yes, I will." Buffy laughed again at Willow's lewd suggestion. "Thanks, Will." Still smiling, she hung up the phone.

Without hesitation, Angel pulled her head down to his and kissed her. Finally breaking the kiss, she sighed against his lips, "You have too many clothes on."

Unwrapping her arms from his neck, he flipped her around and lowered her to the bed, kissing her heatedly en route. "I've still got some *apologizing* to do." Stripping her shorts down her legs, he pushed her gently back on the bed. He stopped for a moment just to look at her, to let his eyes wander over the lush beauty of her naked body, taking in the pointed dusky pink nipples, the taut abdomen and the soft, neatly trimmed curls hiding the highly sensitive spot between her legs.

Buffy lay back and watched as Angel pulled his sweater over his head, then kicked off his shoes and socks. She licked her lips unconsciously at the sight of Angel's sexy, half-naked body. He never failed to stir feelings of arousal within her.

Laying next to her on the bed and leaning over her, Angel once more pressed his lips to hers. When he exerted a gentle pressure on her lips, she opened her mouth and let his tongue once more explore, tasting the faint minty taste of her mouth. He teased her with his tongue in a lazy probing pattern under her breathing changed and she clutched his shoulders.

Using his hands to stroke her breasts casually, he cupped them in his large palms. When he squeezed her nipple with his fingertips, Buffy gasped, the small sound acutely increasing his desire for her. Gently he kissed them, licking tenderly at the erect nipples. When his mouth closed over one peak, sucking gently then more firmly, Buffy felt the spiraling heat through her body, adding to the wetness already evident between her legs. His hands reached under her back to lift her to him as he increased the pressure of his mouth on the taut bud, sucking hard. After he had paid equal homage to her other breast, Angel moved down on the bed and knelt at Buffy's feet.

Gently he lifted her foot, kissing her toes and biting the pads gently. Wrapping a hand around each calf, he slid his hands upward, caressing and massaging gently. His lips followed his hands, leaving a trail of kisses along each calf and shin. Slowly he stroked her thighs, inching upward toward her as he parted her legs. Angel's tongue followed his hands, licking a slow, wet path up her thighs as he lay on the bed. Buffy stirred restlessly, her hips rising in invitation as his hands and mouth drew closer to her wet sex. "I love you how look, Sweetheart. So wet and pink." His fingers lightly traced the swollen opening, sliding easily through the wetness as she parted her legs further for him. "Beautiful."

"That's it baby. Open wide for me." His tongue touched her clit, flicked softly and withdrew. Buffy whimpered softly, as Angel's tongue licked across her wet flesh again, the leisurely pace intended to prolong the exquisite sensations.

Buffy expelled the breath she had been holding and whined softly, "Please…Angeeelll…" Lifting her hips, she arched toward him desperately craving more. Sliding her fingers into his hair, she attempted to tug him closer.

Exploring her first with his fingers, then his tongue, he nibbled at her wet cleft, licking gently. Using his fingers, he stroked the sensitive numb of her clit firmly before sucking it into his mouth. At the first tugging pressure of his mouth, Buffy felt beginnings of her orgasm, the sensations exploding within her. Releasing her grip on his hair, she collapsed back against the bed, her breath coming in short pants.

With deft fingers and necessary sped, Angel stripped off his pants and boxers, returning to Buffy on the bed. She opened her eyes as she felt Angel's lips gently pressing kisses to her stomach. He smiled up at her, before returning his attention to her navel. Angel continued his journey upward, kissing the plump swell of her breasts where they met her rib cage, before kissing each nipple again, followed by the curve of her shoulder, the scar on her neck, and finally the corner of her mouth. Settling between her legs, he positioned the head of his erection at the pulsing wet opening between her legs. Slowing he slid his inside her, stretching her, filling her. Buffy placed her hand on his chest to momentarily slow him as she adjusted to his size. When he was finally fully sheathed, his eyes closed, absorbing the exquisite sensation of her warmth around him. Her erect nipples teased the hardness of his chest, her breasts moving against him as she reached up to pull herself closer and to stroke his back. Just a few short weeks ago he thought he would never feel her again.

Attempting force the pace, Buffy pushed her hips adamantly against his. "Harder…"

Angel moved then, with controlled proficient strokes. She followed him easily, her hips rocking insistently in rhythm to his thrusts. Kissing a wet path up his neck, Buffy reached his ear and whispered huskily, "More…"

Angel groaned, a low deep sound of pleasure as he plunged into her slick passage. When he murmured soft love words against her ear, Buffy bucked against him and whimpered. Reaching between then, his fingers glided across her aroused flesh then pressed against her mons. With only a few strokes, Buffy was feverish beneath him and frantically near climax, her breathing ragged. Making sure that she was with him, Angel then slid his arms under her bottom and pulled her into him. When she felt the first shudder of release, she pulled his head down to her so that she could taste him again, wanting to feel him against her from head to toe. And when she screamed at the last, the sound muffled against his lips, Angel joined her in intense, shattering climax, the ferocity of his release staggering.

He was ravenous the next times he made love to her, powerful, frenzied, uncontrollable. And she welcomed him with equal fervor, out of control and passionate beyond his memory. With her last climax, Buffy dropped her head back and tugged his head to her neck. "Please… Angel… Bite…" Angel's eyes flew open in startled surprise, even as he felt a surge of lust bolt through him straight to his cock. She refused to release him when he attempted to pull back, and instead voiced her plea again as her hips continued to gyrate against his in a bewitching rhythm. Still uncertain and yet Angel could not prevent the changing of his features at her suggestion. I shouldn't, he thought even as overwhelming desire inundated his senses. Buffy smiled in pleasure and arched against him, pressing his lips firmly to her neck. When he finally relented and sank his fangs gently into the soft flesh of her neck, she cried out, not even aware of her high keening scream that echoed through the room. The world seemed to dissolve as she exploded in earth-shattering orgasm.

Angel met her breathless release with his own explosive climax, pouring into her with a fevered convulsion as the rich taste of her blood filled his mouth. He collapsed on her for a brief moment before he rolled, taking her with him not wanting to crush her with his weight. They dozed, sated and content.

Buffy and Angel were curled together in the bed, limbs intertwined when the phone began ringing just after ten. Buffy reached over and answered it, her voice slightly husky. "Hello? Hey, Will. Oh, god, I'm so sorry - no, no, everything is fine." Buffy glanced at Angel, relaxing next to her, his arms behind his head and his chest exposed as the blankets had slid to his waist. "Really, really, fine."

She listened for a few more minutes before saying goodbye and hanging up the phone. Curling up again next to Angel, Buffy smiled contentedly. "Soul still intact?"

"Yes." Angel kissed the top of Buffy's head, smiling slightly in return. He pulled the covers up over he shoulders and leaned his cheek against the softness of her hair.

"Good." Snuggling into his chest, Buffy closed her eyes. "We still have to talk, you know. About how all this will work."

Angel closed his eyes, content as Buffy nestled close. "Yes." He knew she hadn't really answered his question yet, about marriage. But he was confident he'd convince her to see things his way.

"Angel?" Buffy opened her eyes suddenly; a new worry crossing her mind. "You'll still be here when I wake up, right?"

"Yes, sweetheart. I won't leave you again." Angel shifted her more tightly against him, his arm around her back. "I promise."

She smiled sleepily against his chest. She believed him, this time.

When Angel arrived at his house just outside of Sunnydale it was still early. He'd impatiently left LA when the sun was just crossing the horizon, anxious to see Buffy again.

The Initiative had been disbanded and Adam had been gone for almost a month now, but it was Angel's first return trip to Sunnydale since he and Buffy had reconciled almost four months ago. As a huge concession to her in their make-up negotiations, he'd agreed to stay out of Sunnydale until 314 and the Initiative had been dealt with. She'd only worry about his capture too, and she didn't want that additional concern. Angel didn't like Buffy taking care of it herself, but at her refusal to give ground on the issue he finally relented. He wanted her in his life; he'd accept her conditions.

They'd met at a small resort outside LA three times, but otherwise their busy schedules had not allowed them to see each other nearly as much as they would have liked. Angel, however, was determined to change that.

Buffy had also asked him to wait and ask her again to marry him; she wanted a romantic proposal - not one that came on the heels of an apology. He relented on that as well, and had been recently giving some thought to how and when he could pop the question again.

A familiar sensation stirred within him as he opened the door, and his plans of taking a quick shower then calling Buffy changed. He shrugged out his coat and tossed it on the chair before making his way through the quiet house.

Opening the door to his bedroom, Angel came to a stop, a slow smile forming on his lips. Several candles illuminated the room, casting it in a pale golden light. "What do we have here?"

"Welcome back."

Buffy lounged on the bed nude, the jewelry he'd given her in the last few months artfully displayed on her lush form. Emerald teardrop shaped earrings hung from her ears, and the cross he had first given her lay nestled between her breasts, along with several other silver chains, a diamond pendant and a strand of pearls. Her diamond engagement ring sparkled in the light, and her wrists glittered with a diamond and sapphire bracelet that he had picked up on a whim several months ago at an auction. It had been enormously expensive, but well worth the price to see it as it was now. A delicate silver chain was wrapped around her waist, and a matching chain hung around one dainty ankle. His eyes widened when he took in the replica of his tattoo just above the silver chain on her ankle.

Bracing his hands on the doorframe, he leaned into the room, his eyes continuing their lazy surveillance. "Do you know how often I imagined you here, like that?"

"Really? Just like this?" Buffy smiled at him, glancing down at her jewels and nude form. She'd found the engagement ring in the drawer where he'd left it. Technically, he hadn't actually proposed again - but she planned on leaving no doubt in his mind about her answer. She glanced up at him again, meeting his eyes. "I have something for you."

At his hesitation, she spoke again.

"You can come closer… I won't bite." Her voice dropped an octave as her eyes swept over him. "Unless you want me to…"

Angel closed his eyes for a fraction of a second, her words dangerous to his peace of mind. When he opened them again, a visible heat burned in the rich chocolate depths.

"Come now. You have to find your gift." Her expression was hot, daring.

He didn't move or speak for a moment, his control tested at her obvious teasing display.

"Am I scaring the big vampire?" She teased, sliding one leg up on the bed slowly, gracefully.

"On the contrary." Angel smiled, "I was considering my options. I see you found your ring. Do you like it?"

"I love it. I love you." Buffy returned his smile, her body temperature increasing exponentially now that he was here, watching her. She had shivered with anticipation at the thought of what she had planned but was finding the actual event to be more of a turn-on than she expected. "Do you mind?"

He dropped his hands from the doorframe. "Of course not. Although, I hadn't officially asked you again, and you hadn't really given me an acceptance to my earlier proposal…"

"I thought it would be obvious."

His brows arched as he moved toward her. "I take nothing for granted with you."

She studied him for a moment under her lashes. He was so tall, dark and handsome. As beautiful as sin. It was unfair. An irrational part of her wanted to lock him away so that he would belong to her and her alone.

"You look beautiful." Angel murmured softly, his eyes still drawn to her as he kicked off his shoes. She was perfect from the top of her tousled blonde hair to the bottoms of her dainty feet with their perfectly painted toenails.

"I was hoping to impress you." Buffy lifted her eyes to his face again.

"And you have." He smiled, his hands moving to the buttons on his shirt.

"Can I undress you?" She rolled toward him, leaning on one elbow on the bed.

"Later." When he could stand the wait. Right now he was seriously close to ripping his shirt in his haste to get it off.

"If I were your houri, I would have to undress you." Her voice a husky whisper.

Angel's head came up sharply and he looked at her, his eyes narrowing. Her hips were rocking slowly even now. The blood surged in his erection at the thought of her game.

"Okay, my sweet houri, come then." He murmured, a rough edge to his voice. He held out his hand.

She immediately rolled from the bed and came to stand before him. He ran his hand over her shoulders, stopping to carefully remove the cross she wore. He sat it carefully on the table near the bed.

"I'm sorry." Buffy had worn the cross to show him that she still had it, intending to remove it as soon as he joined her on the bed.

His erection surged at the docility in her tone. Taking her nipples between his thumbs and fingers, he tweaked them lightly. "Don't forget again. I'd prefer not to have to discipline you."

Buffy suppressed a smile, pleased that he was willing to play. "No, my lord, I've been on my best behavior."

"We'll see." With a gentle squeeze he released her nipples. "Undress me then."

She finished unbuttoning his shirt and laid it carefully aside. When her hands returned to his belt, he stopped her.

"Kneel."

His authoritative tone brought a spark to Buffy's eyes but it disappeared as quickly as it had appeared. She squeezed her legs together tightly. She could feel the sticky wetness on her thighs already. As she lowered herself to her knees she could feel the object inside her shift and she sucked in a breath.

Angel stroked her hair as she unbuttoned his pants and slid the zipper down. His erection surged at the sight of her kneeling in front of him. "I love your smell. Your taste."

Buffy looked up at him. She felt another tremor inside her, his words flaming her desire. She knew he could smell how aroused she was already.

"Are you ready for me?" Angel smiled, noting the flush on her face, the rampant scent of her arousal, the glistening wetness on her thighs where she knelt in front of him.

"Yes." Buffy licked her lips, as she slid his pants down his thighs.

"First, I want you to take me in your mouth." His cock was so hard now that it nearly ached. And he wasn't at all sure that it was a good idea to have her lips around him, but he couldn't resist. "If you're very good, then I'll give you what you want."

"Yes, my lord."

How did she do it? Provoke him to nearly uncontrollable lust with that breathy acquiescence? Willing women had always been the norm in his life, so it wasn't the submissiveness or the compliance. Buffy rarely yielded her strength, her independence, her trust - which is what, Angel rather suspected, that aroused him to such a fever pitch.

Buffy had wrapped her hand around the long hard length of his penis and had pulled it downward, toward her mouth. When her tongue circled the tip, a breath caught in his throat. When she slid the head into her mouth, he felt the hot wet heat jar his body like he had been struck.

Tamping down a ramming speed mentality, he lightly caressed her ears, her cheeks as she took him deeper into her mouth. Her eyes lifted to look up at him, wide and filled with desire. She bobbed her head, her tongue swirling around him as she drew back, then she sucked hard before sliding him to the back of her throat.

"Deeper, sweet." Angel whispered, his fingers toying with the emeralds that dangled from her ears. When more of his long shaft had disappeared into her mouth, he nearly groaned. "Do you like sucking my cock?" His voice was hushed.

Buffy nodded, unable to reply with her mouth full.

Angel closed his eyes against the friction. "Do you want me to cum in your mouth?"

Opening her eyes again, Buffy looked up at him and shook her head. She wanted him inside her.

"Are you saying no?" Her meek submission perversely pleased him; he hadn't realized he was so tyrannical. Perhaps it was just that no other woman had so provoked his possessive impulses. He put one hand on the back of her head, holding her as he pushed further into her mouth.

Her eyes flashed in warning and he released her before she might be tempted to bite him. She sat back on her heels, her hazel-green eyes dark with passion, lust streaking through her body and her lips shiny and wet. "I want you now."

"Do you always get your way?" He smiled down at her, his earlier impulse curtailed.

"If you give me what I want now, you can have what you want… later."

"How much later?"

"Later. You still have to find your gift." Her gaze was heated.

"I thought I had." Angel grinned, lifting her into his arms. He sat her on the bed then moved her legs to sit between them. With one hand, he delicately stroked the neatly trimmed curls at the V of her legs. "Is it… here?" His fingers lightly brushed her labia, then gently parted her folds to find the taut nub of her clit. Once more his fingers dipped down, nearly sliding inside her.

She nodded, her eyes closing at the delicate caresses, his fingers increasing the aching want between her legs.

"Hmm. It must be small. Really small." His voice was a soft murmur as he surveyed her, the tips of her nipples pointed and erect, her skin warm and flushed.

Buffy whimpered, dropping her head back on the bed. Her hands clutched the blanket beneath her.

He slipped a finger inside her, then another and extracted the object. "A ring." He whispered, turning it over in his hand. It was a thick platinum band. Looking up, he smiled at her.

Reaching down, Buffy took the ring from him. She kissed his hand and slid it on his finger. Then she held her arms up for him. "Want you - now."

Without any further hesitation, Angel moved over her and guided the hard crest of his erection inside her. She clutched at his shoulders as he moved with slow, even strokes. When he dipped his head down to suck on the hard tips of her nipples, she arched her back and climaxed, pulsing hot and sleek around him. He paused for a few short seconds, waiting for her to catch her breath, then began to move again. She smiled and moved her hips in slow rocking undulation that made him groan.

Her earlier impatience now curtailed by the recent pulsing orgasm, she reached up and brushed her fingertips across his cheek. "Welcome home."

"With this welcome, I'll be sure come back more often." Reaching for her hand, he brought it to his lips, lightly kissing her fingers, her engagement ring. He continued his dexterous rhythm of penetration and withdrawal as she rocked against him.

"Good. I'll make you happy." Buffy whispered, taking his hand and kissing the ring he now wore on his ring finger, next to the Claddaugh he still wore on his middle finger. She sighed then, feeling the swelling rise of another orgasm.

"You already do, sweetheart." His hands drifted over her hips, her waist, to linger at her breasts. He kissed her again, his lips settling on hers for a lazy interval as Buffy basked in his attentions.

She sighed in blissful ecstasy as he moved, clinging to the hard strength of his body, every nerve attuned to him. Gauging her arousal carefully, he paced himself. When her next rippling climax began, he thrust hard and poured his own seed into her body with jolting spasms that he felt down to his toes.

When she could speak again, Buffy brushed a kiss across Angel's jaw. "Marry me." Her voice was a soft whisper.

He lifted his head to look at her, studying her face in the dim candlelight. He laughed then, a genuine heartfelt bark of happiness and joy. Hugging her tightly to him, he kissed her ear. "Just say when, babe, and I'll be there."

Several weeks later…

Oz, dressed as a wolf, hadn't been recognized in the mens room when Parker and his buddies came in, laughing and talking loudly. True to form, Parker was bragging to everyone that would listen about the girl he was planning to have that night.

"Just wait. I slipped a little aphrodisiac in those cosmopolitans I was pouring for the little bumblebee and her ladybug friend. I'll have bee all over my dick before the night is over, just wait and see." Parker laughed loudly and slapped a high five with his friend just before he stepped up to the urinal to take a piss. "Yep, I'll fuck that little insect every which way by morning, my friends, mark my words."

Oz made his way quietly out behind them, not wanting them to notice him. He knew that Parker had been pouring drinks for Buffy and Anya just a little while ago, and with Buffy dressed as a bumblebee and Anya as a ladybug, Oz had no doubt who Parker was referring to. Given the lewd words, he thought it best that he find Buffy and warn her before it was too late.

Oz found Willow first and told her what he had heard. She anxiously pointed in the direction where Buffy and Anya had been and Oz pushed his way through the crowd in that direction. Willow was going to make a circle the other way and swing by the ladies room, just in case they had gone that way. Regardless, they agreed that they needed to find their friends quickly.

Angel never really liked Halloween - the clichés, the costumes - he'd spent too many years lurking in the dark to really appreciate the desire to do it purposefully. Buffy had told him to wear a costume, but he'd been too busy to really come up with anything he felt comfortable wearing. And, quite honestly, he hadn't really wanted to dress up. His only concession had been to wear a scarlet silk shirt and his leather pants instead of his usual attire. She seemed to like the leather pants, so maybe that would appease her.

He walked slowly up the walk to the fraternity house where he was supposed to meet her, uncomfortable on the UC Sunnydale campus. He was also late, which meant that Buffy was likely to be annoyed with him. He'd been working on a particularly difficult case and hadn't been able to leave LA until much later than he expected.

A blond woman in a toga had spotted him just as he made his way up the walk and invited him in, saving him the usual vampire dilemma of an invitation. She complimented him enormously on his costume, saying that he made a very believable rock star. He only smiled slightly at her over-exaggeration and shrugged, making polite but reserved conversation with her as they made their way inside. Once he had politely but firmly disengaged her clinging form, he stood just inside the door and looked around for Buffy.

"Angel!" Willow waved when she spotted him just after he crossed the threshold, as she had been moving in that direction toward the ladies room. When he didn't see her, she waved again trying to attract his attention. She was more than relieved that he was finally here, even though she hadn't yet found Buffy.

Angel hadn't recognized Willow at first in her little red riding hood costume, but when he saw her waving at him he began to weave his way through the crowd toward her.

Buffy held the cool glass up to her cheek, the sensation wonderful against her heated skin. Similar in fact, to the feel of Angel against her - a thought that made her shiver briefly as she recalled again that he was coming here tonight. That they were finally going to be able to see each other more often.

She felt wonderfully warm and tingly, a curious excitement racing through her veins now at the thought of Angel. She closed her eyes, attempting to capture the memories of their last visit almost two weeks ago. When she opened her eyes again, the room seemed somehow quieter, despite the noisy crowd. Even Anya's voice, standing next to her, seemed to be coming from a great distance.

Buffy felt the familiar pang of Angel's nearness and looked up excitedly. After a few minutes of perching up on her toes and craning her neck, she saw his dark head near the door. She squealed with delight, surprising Anya who jumped, knocking her drink over. Giggling, Buffy took Anya's hand and they started toward the door. Both girls were moving with languid slowness, the drug in their drinks beginning to show it's affects.

When he first saw her, Angel stopped short and stared. She'd told him she was dressing as a bumblebee, but this - her costume - was not anything like what he had pictured in his mind. Her dress was a strapless, yellow and black striped pattern that clung to her figure and came just to the tops of her thighs. On her head, she had a headpiece had two shiny gold antenna and on her back were a pair of gold and black trimmed gossamer wings that just peeked over her shoulders. With each step she took, he got a glimpse of tanned thigh just above the thigh-high black stockings she wore and his eyebrows rose just that much higher. He wanted to throw his coat around her and hide her from all the eyes that were watching her as she made her way through the room, weaving slightly on the high black heels. His mouth was dry and impatient lust raced through him as he watched her moved toward him, a radiant and welcoming smile on her face.

It wasn't until she had almost reached him that he noticed Anya close behind her. Anya's outfit was the exact style as Buffy's yet with the red and black colors and markings of a ladybug. They were a stunning pair together, attracting more than their share of attention from the men in the room.

Parker, unaware where Buffy was headed, smiled and lewdly rubbed his hand across his crotch as he shot a glance at his friends, then fell in step behind her.

As Buffy crossed the room toward Angel, her thoughts seemed to drift through her mind in a haze. The tactile sensation of the slick material of her dress rubbing across her heated skin, her peaking nipples, only seemed to add to her rapidly building desire, as images of Angel saturated her mind. With vivid clarity, she recalled their passionate, torrid sex in the weeks past and she felt another wave of desire sweep over her.

Angel's nostrils flared as Buffy neared him, immediately recognizing the aromatic scent of her heated passions. Instantly too, he noted her dilated pupils, the slightly vacant look on her face. His anger rose, and along with it, his concern. What was going on?

When she neared him, Angel held out his hand for hers - steadying her as she walked toward him and pulling her close to him. Buffy felt the light brush of his fingertips across the skin of her hand and arm as only the mildest sensation, yet it rocked her, sending another spike of heat through her body.

"Hey, man. She's with me." Parker stepped around Anya and Buffy just as Angel took Buffy's hand. Glancing at Anya, Angel realized that she wasn't in much better shape than Buffy. Anya, in turn, licked her lips and closed her eyes. She thought of Spike, her sometime lover since Xander had enlisted in the army and left Sunnydale. She hoped she'd be able to find him tonight.

"Really?" Angel stood completely still as he looked at Parker.

"Oh good, you found… her. Them." Oz reached the group just seconds after Angel spoke, Willow close behind him.

"Parker gave something to Buffy and Anya." Willow looked accusingly at Parker.

Not being particularly bright, Parker hadn't yet realized that he might be standing in front of Buffy's boyfriend. Her very angry boyfriend. With Buffy obviously out of it, he saw no need to hide what he'd done. Instead, he unwisely decided instead to brag about it. "Yeah, I put a little opium and mandrake concoction in her cocktail. It's something I picked up in Greece. You give this to a chick man, and she's good to go - all night, if you know what I mean." Parker sniggered and looked at his friends, who had sensibly had taken a step back after taking a look at the piercing stare of the tall man in front of them.

Buffy had slipped her hand between the buttons on Angel's shirt and was caressing his chest as her hips undulated slightly against his thigh. Noting her actions, Parker adding grudgingly. "Hey man, it's cool. I'm willing to share her with you. She seems to like you. But hey - I get the first ride. I'm not much for sloppy seconds." Parker leered and winked. "Or, there's her friend if you're interested…"

"Angel?" Buffy whispered, her voice a needy whimper filled with carnal passion. She snuggled close, stepping under his arm to wrap her arm around his back, her other hand automatically reaching for his crotch as she sought, with singular focus, to ease the ache now burning inside her. And he was looking so damned fuckable in the leather pants…

"Hold on a second, sweetheart." Angel grabbed her wrist before she reached him, holding it in one hand as he brushed her hair back from her face to look into her eyes again. Automatically, she closed her eyes, lifted her face and rose up on tiptoe, attempting to press close to him for a kiss. She pouted when he refused, instead wrapping his arm around her waist to hold her tight against him.

Could you kill someone more than once? Angel wondered as he stared at Parker. His burning need for vengeance in that moment was so great that he nearly lost control of the demon inside him. His blood lust was so acute he could taste it.

He'd cut off Parker's balls first, Angel vowed silently. And, if he had time, he'd watch him bleed to death. But first he needed to take care of Buffy, who was rubbing her body against him now like a cat in heat.

Forcing his eyes away from Parker, Angel turned to Oz. "I'm taking Buffy home. Can you take Anya?"

"Hey! Wait a minute. I get my turn with the cunt." Parker still didn't get it. He didn't realize what dangerous waters he was treading in.

A tense silence had fallen over the room, the hostility palpable as Angel looked back at the boy in front of him.

"I don't share." Angel growled softly, his jaw muscle tensing and flexing as he worked hard to keep his anger in check.

"Maybe you don't have a choice." Parker looked to his friends for backup, his misplaced bravado fueled by his own stupidity and the alcohol he had consumed.

"Let me make this clear. My wife is unavailable to you. And I always have choices." Angel murmured softly, but with menace. His eyes were now flecked with gold as he struggled for control.

"Wife?" Parker squeaked, glanced at Buffy who was pressed tightly to Angel's side, now kissing his neck with her eyes closed as she concentrated on the feel of him against her. Angel's arm was wrapped around her waist, steadying her as she perched up on the toes of her high-heeled shoes to better reach him.

With preternatural speed, Angel punched Parker in the face. He slammed into the ground hard, landing awkwardly on his ass. Parker's friends backed even farther away. Wisely, they had no intention of helping him out of this one.

Angel said nothing, only glared at Parker as if daring him to stand. When Parker finally dropped his eyes from the intense and angry stare and scooted back on the floor, Angel swept Buffy up in his arms and turned and walked out. Oz and Willow led Anya behind them, and the five of them left.

Angel talked with Oz for a few minutes, recommending that they find Spike and leave Anya with him. Once again, his stomach turned in disgust at what had been done to the two girls. When he considered what might have happened had he not been there, his anger surged again. Taking a deep calming breath, he reminded himself that Buffy was supernaturally strong - even drugged it's likely that she would have been able to fight Parker off - had she wanted to, which was questionable given the nature of the drug. He growled again, vowing further revenge.

When Angel climbed into the car where Buffy waited, she immediately slid next to him on the seat - her passions increasingly urgent and becoming almost painful. "Please . . . Angel." Her voice was a husky whimper, almost a whine.

Angel debated for a moment, his raging anger still demanding action against the bastard that did this to her. Taking yet another calming breath, he forced himself to concentrate on Buffy. She needed him right now.

His hand brushed down her arm and she whimpered, the light touch seemingly stirring every nerve in her body. When he reached her breast, she groaned loudly. Fierce, uncurbed lust raced unchecked through her body culminating in a wild, pulsing throb between her legs.

Despite his abhorrence of what had been done, Angel's erection throbbed in anticipation.

When his lips met hers, Buffy opened her eyes, her feverish senses simmering. She sucked hard on his tongue when he slipped it into her mouth and reached up to hold him to her by the nape of his neck. The merest touch from him had created a frantic pulsing in the wet core of her body, a wild driving need for consummation overwhelming her brain. "Angel… please…" She murmured against his lips before kissing him eagerly again.

Angel debated his options before deciding that he would not make love to her in the car in the UC Sunnydale campus parking lot. But he could ease the tension for the drive to his house. "Spread your legs, love."

Angel nudged her thighs slightly with his hand and Buffy responded immediately. She writhed against the seat and against Angel as the feverish need continued to course like wildfire through her vagina, to the hard tips of her breasts. Lifting her hips, she arched toward him seeking a surcease of the ache that threatened to overtake her like tidal wave. She let out a soft cry of longing when his fingers brushed across the lace-clad wetness between her legs.

The black garter and stockings framed her femininity perfectly, tempting him beyond belief as he looked down at her. Muttering a small prayer for control, Angel slipped his fingers under the elastic edge of her thong. When he slid two fingers inside her, Buffy stirred fitfully against his hand, her well-lubricated passage accepting him easily. He stroked and massaged, penetrating her with his fingers as she panted heavily. Reaching up, she gripped Angel's bicep so hard she bruised him, yet she was insensible to anything but him and the voracious sexual craving overtaking her. When Angel exerted pressure on the taut and swollen nub of her clit, Buffy cried out. The agonizing pleasure tore through her body as her climax broke in a feverish display of raw, unbridled feeling.

When Buffy collapsed back against the seat, still breathing hard, Angel slowly and carefully withdrew his fingers. He couldn't resist tasting her, so he licked them clean as he started the car. Pressing hard on the accelerator, he sped out of the parking lot to his Sunnydale home.

Buffy pouted when Angel forced her to keep her hands to herself and sit next to him on the drive. She had roused shortly after they entered the freeway, her passions and craving for sex, for him, still acute and intense.

As soon as they entered the small house, Buffy turned and launched herself into Angel's arms. When he lifted her hand and kissed her palm, attempting to slow the pace, she made the softest sound, muted and low, and Angel felt it in his pulsing cock. Wrapping one arm around her, he drew her hard against him.

When he kissed her, she sighed and lifted her arms around his neck and molded herself against him in flagrant invitation. She was already beyond aroused again, her own heated passions combined with the drug she'd been given and the wait on the drive making her near frantic once again.

"Now… Please." Buffy hooked a leg around his knee and writhed against him. With her other hand, she began to pull her short dress up to her waist.

With such an overtly sexual entreaty, he could wait no longer. Angel swung them around and pressed Buffy hard against the door he had closed behind them. Swiftly unzipping his pants, he lifted her and tore the thong panties she wore from her body. He plunged inside her as she slid down, her sleek warmth closing around him with gratifying tightness.

"Yess… Angel…" Buffy dropped her head back and clutched his hair as he trailed hot kisses down her neck and throat. He was dangerously out of control himself, his hips moving insistently in a hard driving rhythm. She clung to him fiercely, meeting his strokes with her own selfish violence, immune to logic or reason, frantic and panting. The leather of his pants chafed against the soft flesh of her thigh above the stockings, but she was beyond caring.

Raising his head, Angel kissed her hungrily as he continued to pound her against the door - her arms and legs gripping him tightly. She was so hot, tight and wet around him that Angel gritted his teeth trying to control himself and hold back. Inflamed and overwrought, Buffy abruptly jerked free and bit him hard on the neck. Angel grunted in pain as his features shifted to his demon face. She seemed to delight in the feel of his fangs as she kissed him again, pushing her tongue insistently into his mouth and matching the rhythm of his hips as he continued to thrust hard inside her.

Without thought, Angel kissed a wet path across her cheek and down her throat. When he sank his teeth into her neck, she screamed and bucked hard against him, erupting in climax. Her nails dug into his back through the shirt and jacket he still wore and she clenched around him. With the tensioning building inside him and Buffy's blood filling his mouth, Angel slammed her against him with two more strokes before finally releasing a groan and clutching her tightly as he shot his seed inside her.

Licking the closing wound on her neck, Angel dropped his head against the door. He hadn't meant to take her like an animal and he certainly hadn't intended to bite her. It reminded him too much of the demon side of him that he couldn't always control. Buffy squirmed slightly, the drugs in her system spurring her passions again.

"Angel?" Her voice soft, Buffy stroked his back. She could still feel him inside her and it was adding to the lust coursing through her blood.

"Hmmm?" He couldn't think after such a shattering orgasm, he could only feel. Kissing her tenderly he finally leaned back and withdrew from her, lowering her gently to the floor. When he looked down at her he couldn't help but smile. Her antennas were lopsided now and one wing was thoroughly crushed, having been slammed against the door.

He didn't have time to consider the damage for long her as her fingers closed forcefully around his still semi-erect cock, causing him to jerk in surprise. Her hand then swept downward with sure, swift pressure bringing his focus back to pleasurable sensations of her touch. "Did you want something?" Angel teased, as Buffy concentrated on the movements of her hand, licking her lips unconsciously as she stared down at him.

"Yes. You." She glanced up at his face quickly and smiled, the returned her gaze to her hand. When she dropped to her knees in front of him, Angel felt a pure hedonistic surge of pleasure. His hands slipped into her hair as she pushed the tight leather pants aside to draw him out more fully. Her lips opened and surrounded the smooth crest as her tongue began to draw circles on his rigid erection.

His low groan as she sucked him deeper into her mouth sparked another bolt of carnal heat in Buffy's body and she clenched her legs together in anticipation. Angel held himself motionless as she bobbed her head up and down, the friction of her soft lips and tongue followed by the subtle jarring of the back of her throat, rapidly driving him toward climax.

Reaching between his legs, she caressed the twin spheres of his balls before circling her fingers around the base of his hard shaft. With increasing urgency, she licked and sucked, nibbling gently on the tip before closing her lips firmly around him again. Angel watched her under his lashes, her mouth and tongue driving him crazy as she repeated the movements again and again. Almost at the point where he could no longer restrain himself, he reached down for her. "Buffy, baby, if you keep that up, I'm going to cum..." She looked up at him with a daring glance and shook him away, darting her tongue out to swirl around the pulsing head of his erection again as she stared up at him. With slow deliberation, she continued her teasing motions.

Releasing him, she paused for only a moment and murmured, "Want you to…" before greedily sucking him back into her mouth. Long minutes later, Angel groaned and rocked toward her, as he erupted in her mouth. Buffy swallowed rapidly before lifting her head, licking her lips and taking him back into her mouth.

She licked him softly, her tongue catching every trace of fluid on him as he sighed in pleasure. After she was pleased with her efforts, she leaned back on her heels to look up at him. When Angel finally opened his eyes to look down at Buffy, a carnal and ardent expression on her face, her lips shiny and wet, her thighs, slightly parted for balance, revealing her garter and the tops of her stockings, he felt a spark of possessive lust. And once again his anger surfaced. She was his and his alone. No one would ever see her like this. He'd kill Parker for what he tried to do.

Buffy, unaware of the turn Angel's thoughts had taken, reached behind her and unzipped her dress. She pulled it over her head and tossed it aside along with her now broken antenna then sat back on the floor. "You have too many clothes on." Her voice a husky whisper, Buffy leaned back on her arms and bent her knees, drawing up her legs and opening them wantonly. With her garter, stockings and high-heels, she was a picture of pure, unadulterated lust, her thighs spread for him.

Angel took in her blatant pose with a connoisseur's interest, new life stirring in his previously content erection. His eyes never leaving her, he removed his coat and tossed it in the chair behind him.

"Hurry." Buffy reached one hand between her legs, trailing her fingertips across the wet and swollen flesh. Her eyes closed at the first touch and she arched up slightly against her fingers.

With her sprawled at his feet and masturbating, Angel was in no hurry. He watched her with interest as he slowly unbuttoned his shirt, her fingertips drumming across the nub of her clitoris to dip below and slide inside. He tossed his shirt in the general direction of his coat, unwilling to look away from her. She was lost in carnal lust, rampant desire raging in every nerve and tissue, as her motions gradually increased in both speed and pressure. Angel kicked off his boots and removed his leather pants just as she sighed, reaching another shuddering orgasm.

When she opened her eyes, he was standing over her, his fingers moving with practiced ease up and down his now hard penis.

"Are you ready?" His voice was soft, but with authority.

Buffy nodded, her eyes fixed on the motions of his hand.

"Are you wet?"

"Yes." Buffy's voice was breathy with need, despite her recent orgasm. With effort she forced her gaze past his erection to meet his eyes.

"Show me." Angel watched her fingers disappear between her legs, his erection rising higher in response as he continued his own manipulations.

When she lifted her hand to him, her fingers were drenched with glistening fluid. He joined her on the floor when she crooked her finger at him, surprising him by tumbling him on his back as soon as he reached the floor. Straddling his hips, she reached for his erection. "Mmmm… Want this…" Buffy murmured, stroking the length of his shaft.

A second later he was buried deep inside her and she was riding him in a bewitching rhythm that threatened to drive him out of his mind. She took pleasure in teasing him, moving fast then slow, stopping with only the tip of him inside her only to slam down hard, all the while not allowing him to touch her with his hands. Each time he reached for her breasts, the sight of her hard nipples jutting in front of him as she bounced up and down too tempting to resist, she slapped him away playfully. "Nuh-uh-uh. No touching."

"Really?" Angel surveyed her under his lashes, her words sparking a challenge with him. While he loved her on top of him, riding so aggressively, it wasn't his nature to be particularly subservient.

Buffy ignored him, arching back and putting her hands on his thighs as she concentrated on the delectable feel of him between her legs. When she rose up again, Angel moved quickly and gripped her waist, holding her still just above the head of his cock.

"Are you sure no touching?" His voice was soft, even as he rubbed the tip of his erection against her wet labia.

"Ngyah. Angel..." Buffy squirmed, attempting to slide down.

"If you're good, I'll let you come again." He lowered her then slightly, feeling the tightness engulf him as he began to slide up her wet channel. She bit her lip as she felt him, squirming again and hoping to force him to her pace.

When he held tight, she opened her eyes to look down at him with a half-lidded gaze. "Please, fuck me." Her words were desperate with longing.

Her plea struck him with the most fundamental surge of heated desire. He lowered on down on him again, but as soon as she was seated he rolled her under him with preternatural agility, plunging to the very depth of her body. He rode her with a brute force and ferocity that he couldn't control, wanting to possess her in the most elemental way, dominant male to submissive female.

She met him, thrust for thrust, her wildness matching his. At base, she wanted what he wanted. She clung to him with a insatiable urgency, whimpering and moaning as she spiraled toward the pinnacle of ecstasy once more.

Hot-blooded and feverish, their heated passions continued through the night. Greedy, ravenous, Buffy often set the pace and Angel complied, heedless of all but their need for each other. It was sensational excess, gluttony for the senses.

Toward morning, Buffy pushed Angel away irritably when he lifted her from the floor. His back ached from their exertions on the hard wood, and he had no doubt that Buffy's would as well. "No… sleep now." He smiled as she grumbled sleepily, kissing her lightly on the forehead as he carried her to bed.

Buffy groaned and pressed her nose closer to the cool expanse of Angel's back as he lay facing away from her on the bed. Her first thought was that she ached, everywhere. Her knees were bruised, her hips felt pounded, her nipples were sore, there was a dull throb between her legs… Even her head seemed to hurt. The previous night was a vague memory, she remembered meeting Angel at the party and wanting him desperately. And, she remembered him complying - often. While it had been a couple of weeks since they had seen each other and she always felt that same warm ache of desire for him, last night had been different. Much different. She struggled to make sense of it.

"Buffy?" Angel felt her stirring behind him. He attempted to turn toward her, but she snuggled into him, not wanting to face him just yet. "Sweetheart, are you all right?"

She didn't say anything only nodded into his back. Taking in the faint scratches - obviously from her nails on his back, Buffy again felt uncomfortable. Had she turned into some sort of sex maniac or something? Maybe it was the two kamikazes that Anya talked her into trying… She peeked over his shoulder at the clock and noticed that it was nearly 3:00 pm. Well, of course they would sleep the day away - they had been up most of the night… Buffy blushed and buried her face against his tattoo as she thought of some of the things she had done.

Angel shook her loose and turned over, wrapping an arm around her and pulling her against him. Buffy put her head on his chest and closed her eyes.

"Talk to me?" At her continued silence, Angel was starting to worry. Did the drug have side effects? Was she okay?

Buffy groaned and looked up at him. "I'm just contemplating how grateful I am for vampire stamina." She smiled, but her cheeks were still flushed.

Angel returned her smile and kissed her temple. "Not that I didn't enjoy it - immensely - I think I'd prefer that we handle any future sexual marathons on our own, without any stimulants."

"What?" Buffy lifted her head and looked at him in surprise.

Angel studied her face for a minute before realizing that she wasn't aware of the cause of her behavior last night. "Someone apparently slipped an aphrodisiac in your drink at the party last night. Do you remember - anything?"

Buffy looked at him searchingly, "Well, I remember you, um, us in the car before we drove here and I remember lots of sex when we got back here." Buffy rested her hand on her hands that were on his chest, thinking. "I remember going to the party, Anya talking me into to trying drinks and- Oh! Parker. That son of a bitch!"

When Buffy nearly bolted from the bed, Angel grabbed her arm. "Hold on. Where are you going?"

"I'm going to find that weasely excuse for a guy and-and- kick his ass." Buffy was furious, now that she realized what had happened. What if Angel hadn't, coincidentally, come to Sunnydale that night? Would she have- with Parker? It was too horrifying to contemplate.

"Hey, just come here." Angel tugged her hand, pulling her back into the circle of his arms. "We'll take care of this together. Okay?"

"But Angel - what if you-" Buffy shuddered, unable to complete her earlier thought.

"Shh. It doesn't matter now because I am here. We'll deal with this, I promise. Now, first, how about a shower…" Angel stood and pulled Buffy to her feet, "and then food." Cupping her face in his hands he kissed her gently. Looking down at her face he was reminded again how precious she was to him, how sweet and trusting - oh, there was no doubt they'd deal with Parker.

When Buffy and Angel arrived in Sunnydale that night, however, the situation with Parker had already been resolved. Anya, with Spike at her heels, hadn't wanted to wait any longer to confront Parker. Instead, she had rushed in to the bar where he and his friends were hanging out, shouted a few choice curse words at him and then slapped him hard. Spike laughed at Parker's expression, before dragging him outside into the alley. After Spike had toyed with him for a few minutes, at turns mocking him and landing a few choice blows, he punched him hard in the face, breaking his jaw in three places. Anya called the cops and said she wanted to press charges for attempted rape. The police had just taken Parker away to jail when Buffy and Angel arrived.

Buffy was disappointed that she didn't get the opportunity to at least yell at Parker herself but Anya convinced her that she really didn't miss anything. In fact, not seeing the 'rodent' again would suit Anya just fine.

Spike, crushing his cigarette out under his foot, sidled up quietly to Angel. "You know, I thanked him before I broke his jaw. Last night… Well, I can't recall an experience that would compare, if you know what I mean."

Angel smiled faintly, his thoughts in disturbing agreement. "I know what you mean. I still wish I had been there, although I'm not sure I would have stopped at a broken jaw. I was thinking that I'd rip the little prick's balls off - to start."

"Yeah?" Spike glanced at Angel before returning his attention to Anya and Buffy who were talking quietly. "You always were best at torture. Must be why I miss hanging out with you." Spike grinned, the lit another cigarette. "Maybe it'll make you feel better to know that Anya bribed the cop that took him away. It's my understanding that our man Parker will be getting a very special roommate. Which leads me to believe, he'll get what he deserves."

Angel glanced at Spike in acknowledgement, then they joined their girls. He doubted if he'd be satisfied until he had taken his own vengeance on Parker himself, but for now he had no choice.

Buffy walked through the lobby of the hotel, glancing around at Angel's spacious new digs. "It's great." She turned a circle in the lobby as she looked around, smiling at Angel who stood behind her.

He smiled faintly in response, her enthusiasm for life and all things in it contagious. It was their first weekend together in LA, the first of many according to their new schedule for spending time together.

After their last weekend together in Sunnydale, they had managed to work out a schedule that would allow them to maximize their time together and still meet their respective local commitments. Unexpected demon emergencies aside, it looked like they'd be able to spend most weekends, usually Thursday night through Sunday together. Buffy was hoping to convince Angel to move back to Sunnydale eventually since she didn't feel as though she could leave, but that was going to take some time.

Buffy spun a circle into Angel's arms, where he greeted her with a kiss. After a few heated kisses, he broke off and apologized. "I'm sorry sweetheart, I have to take care of one thing really quick then I'm all yours for the weekend."

"Promise?" Buffy's voice was a suggestive purr as she cuddled against him.

"Yes." Angel felt his arousal stirring at the feel of her in his arms and the promise clearly in her eyes.

"Can we try out - all the rooms?" Buffy looked around the hotel once again, smiling as she contemplated their sexual adventures.

"If you can keep up…" One more kiss turned to several, before Angel reluctantly pulled away. "Wait for me. I'll be back in ten minutes."

Smilingly Buffy collapsed on the couch in the lobby, happy and content to plan their evening upon his return. It seemed that she had only just sat down when she heard a voice ring out.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Cordelia stalked across the room, her face contorted with anger. Doyle had mentioned that he thought Angel had resolved things with Buffy, but she never suspected he meant - resolved, as in they were back together. Sure, Angel had disappeared for the weekend on several occasions during the last few months - that didn't mean he had been with Buffy. And Angel, never one to over-share, found no reason to discuss his private life with Cordelia.

"Well?" Cordelia stopped in front of Buffy, her hands on her hips. "Care to explain?" She glanced at Buffy accusingly.

"Angel and I are back together, Cordelia. I'll be around her on the weekends - or he'll be in Sunnydale. Get used to it." Too happy to let the jealous brunette get to her, Buffy made to turn back around. Cordelia's hand on her shoulder stopped her.

"I don't think so. You can't be back together. You're the worst thing possible for Angel."

With deliberate anger, Buffy shook Cordelia's hand off her arm. "I wouldn't do that."

"Why? Are you going to go all slayer on me?" Cordelia sneered.

"No, but I will kick your ass." Buffy smiled, somewhat hopeful that Cordelia would make the first move. She was long overdue for an ass kicking.

"I don't know why you think things will be different this time." Unsure about a physical confrontation, Cordelia dropped her hand but continued to speak with a mocking tone.

"I don't think that's any of your business." Buffy felt pleasure at being rude in return. She felt no need to disclose anything at all to Cordelia. She was Angel's friend now, not hers. Not that she had ever really been Buffy's friend, not even in high school.

"He won't stay with you. He may be able to fuck you now but that doesn't mean he loves you. He's sorry he went to Sunnydale to help you, you know."

"Really? How do you know?" Immediately, Buffy regretted the words as they came out of her mouth. She and Angel had talked about this, but still, the words planted a small seed of doubt…

Cordelia's expression was triumphant. "Because I know him. I've taken care of him these last few years, when you weren't around."

Buffy studied the former cheerleader for a minute before she finally replied. "Hum. Well, it's a shame then that he's never been interested in fucking you, then isn't it?"

Cordelia's anger showed on her face, her features twisted with indignation. Buffy had called her bluff.

"Did you need something Cordelia?" His voice cool, Angel walked up quietly. Stopping behind Buffy, he wrapped his arms around her. Holding her loosely in the circle of his arms, he was unsure if he needed to protect Buffy or Cordelia. Regardless, the expression on his face was not pleased or welcoming. Both women wondered how much he had heard of their conversation.

"We are back together. And not that it's any of your business, we got married a few weeks ago. Now, if you'll excuse us, we've got some things to do." Angel's words were polite but firm. He whispered something in Buffy's ear that made her smile, further angering Cordelia who was watching them jealously.

"Oh, no. Don't think you can do that to me. I'm the one who has to watch you brood when she leaves. Or when you leave her, if you're smart." Once more Cordelia put her hand out, attempting to restrain them from leaving. She was furious that Angel was once again involved with Buffy. And married? She couldn't believe it!

This time Buffy lost her temper. She backhanded Cordelia hard, sending her sprawling into the couch. "That's it! I've had enough of your insults and snide remarks to last a lifetime. If you can't deal with our relationship, then I suggest you get the hell out."

Angel sighed resignedly. He hadn't wanted it to come to this. After all, he did love Cordelia as a friend, but his relationship with Buffy came first. He simply waited with Buffy to see what would happen next.

"But.. but.." Cordelia sputtered, near tears.

"For some reason Doyle seems to care a whole lot about you. I don't understand it, but he seems to be a great guy. You might want to give him a chance before you end up bitter and alone." Buffy turned then and took Angel's hand, dismissing the girl from her mind.

"Now then, which room did you say was yours…" Her voice a suggestive purr near his ear. He returned her smile as he led her toward the stairs. "All of them…"

Later that night Buffy and Angel strolled through the darkened streets of LA in search of the latest rumored demon.

"Are you happy?" She ventured, glanced at him briefly.

"Enormously." Angel stopped and leaned down to kiss her.

"Do you realize under normal circumstances, we might never have met?"

"I would have found you." Angel said with the same unequivocal authority that often tempered his life. "This way." He gestured to the alley on their right and they continued on their way.

"Maybe I would have found you." Buffy smiled and looked at him, her expression teasing.

"Yes. Or that." Angel smiled slightly and agreed, considering Buffy's potent spirit and high energy.

"Angel, do you believe in fate? In destiny?"

No, he thought. After all these years he believed in making one's own destiny but a fragment of Irish superstition still existed beneath the pragmatism and he also knew what answer would please her.

"Sometimes I do." Reaching for her hand, he held it. It was warm.

Cordelia's words came back to Buffy. Lacing her fingers with his, she played with his hand. "So, are you sorry - you know, about coming to Sunnydale and letting Angelus out and all?"

He could tell she was stewing on some idea that Cordelia had planted earlier. He was often surprised at some of her insecurities, given her strength, her confidence.

"Let's see… I got to make love to you, then as Angelus, fuck you for a few hours more… then I got my soul back, permanently so now I can make love to you - or fuck you - more often … All in all, I'd say a few hours as Angelus in exchange were a bargain."

She giggled at his crude words, slapping him on the arm. "I'm serious."

"Buffy, you're my life. You're my joy, my pleasure. Maybe it is fate. Whatever it is, I'm very glad to have you back in my life." He murmured softly, brushing her hair back from her face. When he kissed her this time he felt her, not just with the sense of touch, but deep in his heart and soul, as some mystical impulse had reached inside and marked him.

"Me too." She murmured against his lips. Their fairytale had come true.

Buffy and Angel divided their time between LA and Sunnydale, until Buffy was finally able to convince Angel to turn over the operations of Angel Investigations in LA to Doyle and Cordelia.

Just before Buffy's thirty-second birthday, Angel obtained his Shanshu and became human. Nine months later, their first son, Dylan, was born. Two years later, they had a second boy, Connor followed a mere 10 months later by a girl, named Elizabeth Joyce after Buffy's mother.

After Dylan's birth, a new slayer was called - effectively removing Buffy from active duty. Together, she and Angel opened an art gallery, Angel returning to his love of sketching and Buffy running the gallery much as her mother had done.

Spike and Anya stayed together for several years, breaking up and reconciling as almost as often as they were together. When she caught Spike cheating on her with Druscilla, who had returned from Brazil, she fled Sunnydale in a fit of anger. No one seemed to know where she went, although Buffy received several telephone calls from her and suspected that she was in France.

Xander was, of course, disappointed that Anya had not waited for him when he returned from his first stint in the military. He promptly re-enlisted and ultimately rose to the rank of Lieutenant. When anyone last heard from him, he had a position of some importance (though he couldn't disclose details) in Europe and was living with a girl that looked remarkably similar to Anya.

Willow and Oz married, but ultimately became a threesome when Tara moved into the house. It was a bit of an unconventional relationship, but it seemed to work out for all of them.

Cordelia and Doyle eloped, marrying at the "Chapel of Love" in Reno, Nevada. They returned to LA and ran Angel Investigations, along with Wesley, Gunn and Fred and the occasional help from Angel and Buffy.

Riley continued his military career as well, often finding himself in remote locations around the world for various demon related activities. On one assignment in Las Vegas, he met the girl that would steal his heart away from Buffy - and so he married her. . A strange girl showed up at their wedding with a book of fictional tales about Riley supposedly written by his bride, but that's a whole other story…

And Parker? Well, during his three-year stay in the state prison, he became the bitch of his cellmate, Jethro, a burly ex-demon that had known Anya. When he was released from prison, he disappeared. It was the same old Sunnydale rumor - vampires. Although, only one really knows for sure…

The End

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