Disclaimer: I don't own any of the BtVS characters. They belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, and Fox. If I did own them, I'd treat them much better than Joss Whedon But, oh well. I'm just having fun. So don't sue me.
Notes: This is the sequel to "The Return of Angel" and "The Discussion".

Part 1

After Angel had told me enough about his life to give me a significant idea about what he had been like before he was turned, I silenced him in mid-sentence with a kiss on the lips.

"What was that for?" he asked, confused.

"Make love to me." I replied.

He was taken aback. One minute he was telling me the whole story of his life. The next, I was asking him to sleep with me. The poor guy must have been a little perplexed.

"Are you sure?"

"I want to make sure you're still there when I wake up tomorrow morning." I answered with a smile.

"Okay."

So he pulled me on the bed and we took off our clothes and made soft gentle love. It was just as good as the first time, if not better. No, I corrected myself. It was better because this time I knew Angel would be there in the morning when I woke up.

"God, Buffy." he sighed, kissing me. "I do love you. I always have. I've missed you so much."

"Love you too." I murmured sleepily, my eyes closed.

He stroked my hair tenderly, but fell silent, seeing that I was only half conscious.

I fell into slumber in the arms of an Angel. My guardian Angel.

Part 2

I awoke to find her cuddled her in my arms. I looked down at Buffy and kissed her softly on the forehead. She stirred and kissed me on the lips, only half awake. Then she went back to sleep. God, she was heavenly, like an angel. I was elated to be able to love her and experience the morning after. Then I realized something else. I was finally able to see her in the sunlight. She looked peaceful. I was jerked out of my serene admiration when a shrill voice cut the morning air.

"Buffy! Wake up, hon! It's time for- what you doing here?" Joyce interrupted herself when she noticed that her darling daughter wasn't alone in bed.

"I'm Angel." I said quietly so as not to wake Buffy. But there was no need. She was already awake. She had woken up when her mom had entered the room.

She stared sleepily at me, and called my name softly. "Angel." She was jerked fully awake, however, when she looked around and noticed her mom in the room.

"Mom, this is Angel, my husband in Ireland. But here in the states, he's just my fiancé." Buffy said tranquilly.

"Buffy, what is going on? For three years, you've been like a zombie, pining away for Angel, who to my understanding broke your heart. And now I come in to fix you breakfast, and I find you in his arms and-" she looked more closely, "you've had sex with him! Don't you remember what happened the last time?"

"Mom, you don't understand. He's not a vampire anymore. See, he's in the sunlight."

"Oh, well that's great that's he's human now but what about how he caused you so much pain?"

"Mom, his breaking up with me was partly your fault!" she screamed indignantly.

"What are you talking about, Buffy?" Joyce asked, seemingly innocent.

"I told Buffy about how you came to the mansion that day and told me that I had to make responsible choices for Buffy if she couldn't make them for herself." I said quietly, not wanting to get involved in the mother-daughter argument.

"Look, Mom you had no right to tell Angel that! You-"

"Listen, Buffy." I interrupted. "You ladies obviously have some steam to work off, but could you do it when we're all properly dressed?"

Buffy stopped talking as she realized that I was right. "Yeah, Mom could you go away for now? Angel and I need to get dressed."

"Of course." Joyce said stiffly. She left the room.

"Whew! That was close. Thanks for stopping me from getting out of bed and ripping my mother's head off."

"No problem."

We got out of bed and got dressed, stopping to kiss each other between putting our clothes on.

I walked down the stairs with trepidation. What would Joyce say when she found out that I had been married to Buffy for four years?

Part 3

Hand in hand, we walked down the stairs. I couldn't help but notice how sweaty Angel's palm was. My brave, tough ex-vampire was nervous. My 243-year-old hubby was afraid of confronting my mother! The idea was almost laughable.

I tried to reassure him. "Calm down, Angel." I soothed. "Mom'll love you all over again once she gets used to the fact that you've been my husband for four years."

"Only in Ireland is it official." he corrected.

I squeezed his hand. "I've always considered you my husband." I said. "Even before I found out about the ring."

He smiled thinly. "I can't help but be nervous." Angel admitted. "I don't know how she'll react to your being married for four years in Ireland and engaged last night."

"It's just the shock of seeing you in my bed that made her get the wiggins." I replied. "She'll be cool with it once she realizes how happy you make me."

We reached the bottom of the stairs and turned to walk into the kitchen where Mom was waiting.

"Now, before I grill you about your full relationship with Angel, you two are going to eat some breakfast." she said as she gestured to three plates full of bacon, eggs, and toast. For drinks there were three glasses of orange juice.

"Thanks, Mom." I said gratefully. "We're starving."

I sat down and began to eat with relish. Angel did the same.

Mom watched and looked like she was going to burst if she didn't ask me the Question.

Five, four, three, two, one. I counted down silently.

"How is it that you two have been married for four years and yet you're engaged?"

"Uh, I've got a perfectly good answer for that, Joyce." Angel tried to explain. "Have you ever seen this ring before?" he asked as he showed her the Claddagh ring. I held out my hand to show her my ring as well.

She shook her head, and then I saw a flash of recognition in her eyes. "That's the ring you were crying over right after your birthday. How is this relevant to my previous question?"

I winced as I remembered the day after my seventeenth birthday. I had been so terribly despondent that day, thinking I had lost my Angel forever. .

Angel squeezed my hand reassuringly. "Joyce, these rings are wedding bands that poor people in Ireland exchange when they can't afford to have an actual wedding ceremony. It means you belong to someone. The crown represents loyalty, the hands friendship, and the heart. . . well you know." Angel said. I felt a wave of nostalgia wash over me. Angel's words caused me to remember my birthday so long ago and the night of passion that followed. I blushed just thinking about it.

"You can't be married without a ceremony." Joyce protested.

"In Ireland you can."

"I still can't willingly allow you to marry someone who has broken your heart and betrayed your trust so many times." She said to me.

"Mom, you just don't get it, do you?" I asked incredulously. "Even after three years of knowing who I am, you're still pulling your clueless act. You just don't understand true love, do you?" I exclaimed.

She opened her mouth to reply, but I cut her off. "I love Angel with all my heart and soul, and I'm going to marry him, whether you give your consent or not. And about Angel betraying my trust and causing me pain, that was mostly his demon Angelus."

Angel continued. "Mrs. Summers, I've done some horrible things. I've killed thousands without remorse. But then my soul was returned. I lived the life of the damned until a demon named Whistler came and turned my life around. He gave me the chance to become someone by helping Buffy. So I came to Sunnydale and helped her fight off the darkness that is the world. I fell in love with her the first time I saw her. I was just afraid to tell her. But we fell in love, despite my qualms. I'm happy with Buffy, Mrs. Summers. She brings day into my night. Now, I know I've done some terrible things to your daughter, and some of them were when I was souled, but I just want her to be happy."

"And you think you can make her happy?" Joyce asked me scornfully.

"Yes, he can." I jumped in. "Mom, Angel makes my life worth living. Besides, he's human now. He can give me what's he's wanted me to have from the beginning; a normal life. Why can't you accept that?"

She still looked unconvinced.

I tried one more time. "Mom, three years ago you talked to Angel about choices, causing him to break up with me. I guess you didn't know how deep our feelings went for each other, but you still didn't have the right to decide my future. You owe me." I finished bitterly.

That did it. She relented at the harshness in my tone, the pain hidden in my voice. "All right, Buffy. I guess you deserve some joy in your life. I don't like to admit it, but it seems I was wrong when I went to see Angel that day. I'm sorry." She said quietly. I got up and went to hug her.

"Thank you, Mom." I whispered softly. "Thank you."

"Well," she said a moment later, releasing me. "What are we waiting for? We've got a wedding to plan!"

Part 4

After Buffy's mom had accepted that Buffy and I were getting married, she was very helpful. A little too helpful, actually.

"Now, we've got to order the cake and the flowers and the dress. And who are we going to invite? Let's see, we'll have to invite all your friends, your aunt and uncle, your grandparents. . ."

"Mom." Buffy tried to interrupt.

"And your cousins, your father. ." she continued, oblivious.

"Mom!" Buffy shouted. Joyce stopped talking and stared at her.

"Yes, dear?"

"Angel and I were actually planning on having a quiet wedding." Buffy protested, silently begging me to agree with her.

"Yeah," I jumped in. "We were going to have it in. . .uh Galway." I said, saying the first place that popped into my head, which happened to be my hometown.

Buffy looked at me questionably. What are you doing? Her eyes asked.

Buying us some time. I sent back. That was interesting, I thought. On how we can send each other messages without talking. We must be bond very deeply.

"Ireland?" Joyce asked, confused. "Are you sure?"

"Yes," I replied, getting up.

"So sure," Buffy joined in, "that we have to go discuss it."

Joyce stared at her strangely for a minute, then she agreed. "Okay," she said. "If you're sure. . ."

"Yes, we are." she said. "So bye!" Buffy finished, reaching over the table and grabbing my hand. We raced up the stairs and I just barely had time to catch Joyce's last phrase:

"She is the strangest girl."

Part 5

I opened the door with my free hand, closed it with my foot, and sat down against the door, pulling Angel with me.

We looked at each other for a minute, then we burst out laughing. "Did you see the look on her face?" I exclaimed. "Mom looked like a mad hen!" I giggled.

"And where did you come up with Galway as the place to have the wedding?" I asked.

"It was the first thing that popped into my head." Angel admitted. "It was my birthplace, remember?"

"Yeah," I said. "How could I forget? You aren't serious about having it in Ireland, are you?"

"No, of course not." Angel scoffed. But he looked doubtful.

I laughed. "Angel wants to go to Galway, Ireland to get married!" I sang.

"Buffy, you don't mind do you?" he asked nervously.

"I don't mind. I'd love to marry you in the town where you were born, but I thought we wanted a quiet wedding." I answered.

"Well it could be still be-" he was interrupted by the phone downstairs ringing.

"Buffy!" My mom yelled. "It's Willow!"

"Duty calls." I said. "I have to go explain to Willow why I wasn't at the Bronze last night." I kissed him quickly. "I love you."

"I love you too."

I went downstairs and grabbed the phone. "Hi, Willow."

"Buffy? What's wrong? Your voice sounds funny. Where were you last night?" I giggled at Willow saying my voice sounded funny. That's because it was filled with joy, something she hadn't heard from me in a long time.

"Will, I'm fine. I stayed home last night. With a friend."

"Friend? I only know of one friend who makes you this happy and he isn't around anymore." Willow said, suspicious.

"Wow, Will." I replied, shocked. "Good guess. Yes, Angel's back."

"Why did he come back? I thought he was leaving so you could have a normal life."

"Well, he was. But now he can."

"What do you mean? Is his soul permanent?"

"Even better. He's human now."

She shrieked. "Oh, my God! That's terrific! Wait a minute. Before I blow out your eardrums, is there anything else?"

"Yeah. We're getting married." I replied. "I gotta go, Will. Angel's trying to kiss me to death." It was true. While I'd been talking, Angel had snuck downstairs and was layering me with kisses. I hung up on Willow and fell into Angel's open arms. We were proceeding into a good ol' makeout session when my mom interrupted.

"Buffy? What did Willow want?" She stopped talking when she noticed me sucking face with my ex-demon lover. "Oh, God you two! You're acting like you're already married! When you stop to come up for air, tell me where you want the wedding. I know you didn't mean it when you said you wanted to have it in Ireland."

I stopped kissing Angel and made him look at me. "Angel." I said softly. "Mom asked us where we want the wedding."

"I-"

"Don't say Ireland!"

"I was just going to say you were right. We should have it someplace quiet. I was kidding you before."

"No, you weren't. You still want to go Ireland. I'll tell you what. We'll go there for our honeymoon."

"Thank you, Buffy." Angel replied gratefully. "You don't know what it means to me."

We went upstairs and lay on my bed and made out for forty-five minutes until the doorbell rang.

"Come in!" Mom yelled.

"Hey," the voice at the door said. It was Xander. "We're here to celebrate!"

I detached myself from Angel and walked downstairs to the door. I opened it and saw the whole gang. I motioned them inside and said cheerfully, "Hey, guys. Ya here to wish me luck?"

Part 6

I would have been delighted to stay in Buffy's arms forever, but the Scooby Gang stopped that. Buffy left that my arms and went to greet the gang. I stayed behind, nervous to meet them after all this time. After a minute, I followed her. Xander, Willow, Giles, and Oz were gathered around Buffy, asking questions.

"So, how's my favorite Dead Boy?" Xander asked, in typical Xander fashion.

"You can't call me that anymore, Xander." I replied good-naturedly.

"Oh, yeah the being human thing. But what am I supposed to call you now?"

"How about my name?"

"No, not that. Too boring. How about I call you Undead Boy?"

"Guys," Buffy interrupted. "Continue your argument in the living room."

We all proceeded to the living room with the exception of Giles who grabbed my arm on the way.

"Congratulations." he said softly.

"Thank you." I replied gratefully. I started to follow the others, but he still gripped my arm.

"But if you ever hurt her again," he said softly, his voice bitter. "Then I will kill you myself."

"But it wasn't me who hurt her; it was the demon." I protested, innocently thinking that he was talking about after we had made love the first time when Angelus had been around.

"I'm not talking about the demon." Giles said tightly. Now I could see where he had gotten his nickname Ripper. "I'm talking about you, Angel. You've hurt her so many times when you weren't bad. Not the least of which was when you broke up with her. I had to watch my Slayer be a robot with no feeling, for almost 3 years, all because of you. Sometime she wanted to commit suicide because she couldn't handle being alone. I always had to convince her that there were things worth living for. You make her happy. But what you need to understand is that she's very frail. She had love, real love, for the first time. Then that was taken away from her because she had to send you to Hell. But then you came back because of her love. But you couldn't accept that you had something great. No, you had to run away from Buffy, like you do from everyone. You thought you didn't deserve her. Maybe you don't. That doesn't mean that-"

"I didn't run away!" I yelled. "I left because she deserved better!"

"That's not true, and you know it. You left because you were afraid. But you aren't afraid anymore, are you?"

"No. I'm not." I replied honestly.

He finally released my arm. "Good. If you let it overcome you, fear will be your undoing."

"I understand."

Now that the air was cleared between Giles and I, we strode into the living room, at ease with each other.

Part 7

A week later. . .

"Oh, my God, Will, that dress is perfect!" I squealed in delight. I gazed at the dress in open fascination. It was just so beautiful. The veil and the gown looked made for me.

"Yeah, Buffy, that dress certainly fits you." Willow said, grinning. Then she got worried. "But, does it fit fit you? What if it's too small?"

"If anything, it'll be too big." I said, looking at the huge hoop skirt with a touch of apprehension. I smiled gleefully. "But let's find out, shall we?"

* * *

I emerged from the dressing room carefully. "Willow?" I called. "I've put it on. Come tell me how I look."

Willow gasped with she saw me. She stared at me for a long time, in a trance.

"Will?" I asked uncertainly. "Ya okay? How does the dress look?"

Willow jerked out of her trance with a start. "Buffy, it's perfect." she replied. "Absolutely perfect." She gestured to the mirrors behind me. "But see for yourself."

I turned to face the mirrors, feeling slightly silly wearing a wedding dress in tennis shoes. But I soon forgot all that when I saw myself. I looked like I was made to be married.

"Wow." was all I could say. I seemed to be in trance, just like Willow.

* * *

We drove home silently, I wrapped in thoughts of my upcoming wedding, and Willow just lost in thought. The dress was back at the store, put on hold until I could persuade my mom to rent it for me.

We were jerked out of silence when a scream pierced the still night. I stopped the car so suddenly; the tires squeaked in protest. I opened the car door, and nearly fell onto the street in my haste to get to the source of the scream. Willow tossed me a stake, saying, "Be careful, Buffy."

"Aren't I always?" I said, assuring her. I stood in the street, listening for the scream again.

I wasn't disappointed.

I ran to the back of a house a few blocks from my own. A man was fiercely kissing and ripping the clothes off of a teenage girl, who looked scared out of her wits.

"Hey!" I called to them.

"Is this guy messing with you?" I asked the girl.

She was about to answer, but one look from the man silenced her. She shook her head quickly.

"Sure. Whatever." I heaved the man off the girl, startling him. "You know, sexual harassment is a big thing nowadays. You do know that, don't you?"

"Go to hell, bitch!" he snarled.

"That's a funny story. See, I've both been there, and done that." I smiled at him, keeping a tight hold on his hair. I was almost ripping it out. He tried to twist out of my grip, but I was having none of it.

"Who are you?" he gasped pitifully.

"Someone who doesn't like perverts like you." I answered calmly, but with an sharp edge to my voice. "As a matter of fact, I hate em so much that I have no qualms of regret at doing this." As I said this, I swiftly released his head, and dropped the stake so I could pummel him in peace. The girl just watched on, terrified.

Once I was certain that the big oaf was gonna be unconscious for awhile, I stopped punching him and grinned at the girl.

"Are you okay?" I asked, concerned.

"I-" she stuttered, then tried again. "Yeah, I'm fine. I told Billy to leave me alone, but he wouldn't listen. Thank you so much! How come you're so strong?"

"Oh, I work out." I said hurriedly, impatient to be gone. I didn't usually stay and chat with the people I saved.

Suddenly the guy I'd thought I'd beaten senseless jumped up and lunged for my throat. He was in full vamp face.

"You're a pervert *and* a vampire?!" I exclaimed, shocked. I dove over him, and searched for the stake. I found it next to the girl's foot. Unfortunately, before I could get it, the vamp had an arm around my throat. He lifted me up into the air, and shook me.

I swiftly kicked Billy in the groin, making him release me. He did, and keeled over painfully. I stood up, rubbing my throat gingerly. Once I was sure, I wasn't damaged, I shouted at the girl in a no-nonsense tone. "Stake!"

She looked at me in confusion. "Huh?"

*Just my luck.* I groaned silently. *She had to be a moron.*

"The pointy stick next to your legs!" I barked. "Throw it to me!"

She nodded, and threw it at me clumsily. I caught it quickly, and, with both hands, I plunged the stake into Billy's heart, but not before he managed to punch me in the jaw roughly. In my haste I forgot to pun. I leaned over, panting with exertion, the adrenaline still pumping throughout my veins. I'd let go of the stake when I killed Billy, so it had disappeared with him.

I straightened up, and stared at the girl crankily. "Next time don't pick a vampire for a boyfriend, okay?"

She nodded, in shock. "Th-"

"You're welcome." I cut her off, grudgingly.

I walked, observing that I'd twisted my ankle, to one of the streetlights, still in view of the girl. Deciding to show off, I backflipped away, ignoring my ankle, rolling in the air to land facing my car and Willow.

"Eat your heart out, Lara Croft." I muttered, getting back in the car.

Part 8

I looked at the movies Xander had rented with amusement. "Scream, I Know What You Did Last Summer, Interview With A Vampire, and Blade. Xander, why did you rent horror movies when we're on a Hellmouth?"

Xander shrugged, laughing. "I figured we could see if vampires are the same in the movies."

"They're not." I said dryly.

"Oh, come on! Undead Boy, have you ever heard of something magical that we mortals call fun? You're as much of a party pooper as Giles here." Xander interjected, nodding at Giles.

I sighed and looked up at the ceiling in exasperation. "Fine." I muttered to the ceiling. "Pop Blade in. I'll show you how ridiculous the Hollywood version of vampires really is."

"Alright!" Xander shouted triumphantly, clapping me on the back. "That's the spirit!"

Xander put Blade in, and started it. "Ah, drat!" he cursed. "It's not rewound!"

I stared at the TV screen angrily, and indignantly sputtered, "See, metal doesn't kill vamps! Only wood, crosses, holy water, and sunlight!"

"Give it a break, Undead Boy!" Xander shot back. "Just enjoy the-" He was interrupted by Buffy and Willow coming into the living room. I immediately noticed that Buffy had a slight limp and looked like she'd been in a fight.

"Are you okay?" I asked worriedly, leaping off the couch.

She nodded, but I noticed that Willow held a hand behind Buffy, just in case she fell over.

"Sit down."

"But I'm fine." Buffy protested, challenging me.

"You don't look fine. Now sit down." I ordered.

Buffy was about to protest again, but at the tone in my voice and the look in my eyes, she obligingly sat on the couch near where I stood. I kneeled near her foot, removing her shoe. "It's broken." I muttered, looking at the odd angle of her ankle and sighing. "What? No, it's not. It's just twisted."

I looked up at her, exasperated. "Buffy, I've spent all my life up until about 80 years ago killing everyone I've ever met in more ways than you can imagine. So don't sit here and tell me that I don't know a broken ankle when I see one."

"Interesting visual." Oz remarked from a corner.

"Hold still." I said to Buffy, ignoring Oz. "This is gonna hurt." I placed my hands on two certain points in her ankle, getting ready to set the bone.

"Okay." she replied. "But I don't think it's- damnitt, Angel!" she screamed in pain, as I popped her bone back into place. "There." I said, satisfied. "It'll be sore for a few days, but you'll be fine."

"Thanks, beloved." Buffy said sarcastically through gritted teeth. I grinned at her gleefully, and sat down.

"And w-where did you learn how to set a broken ankle?" Giles asked, nervously intrigued by my medical skills.

I shrugged nonchalantly, although inside the memory made me cringe. "I turned a doctor in the late eighteenth century, and I picked up a few things."

"Like how to set broken bones?" Giles asked, skeptically.

"I stalked him for a week or so before I turned him, and I learned some stuff." I answered.

"Oh." Giles said, content, though slightly disturbed with my answer.

I took Buffy's leg into my hands and gently massaged her sore ankle. She tried to get away at first, but then relaxed with a sigh of pleasure. She sprawled out on the couch to get more comfortable. "That feels really nice." she murmured dreamily.

Xander rewound the movie, and they settled back into watching Blade, but I ignored it, concentrating solely on Buffy.

"Did you find a nice dress?" I asked, enjoying watching her moan with ecstasy. Buffy lifted her head to look at me. "Yeah, we did. You're gonna lose it when you see me wearing it."

"I can't wait." I assured her.

She laid back on the couch, and exhaled slowly, yawning. "You should have me seen me beat that pervert-vamp up. I was great."

"I'm sure you were." I said, humoring her. "But if you were so great, how come you got the broken ankle?"

"I was caught in the moment." she confessed. "I didn't notice the ankle hurt till I was already on the way home with Willow. Lemme tell you, it's not fun to drive home with a screwed up ankle."

"I imagine it wouldn't be." I said dryly. I stopped rubbing her ankle and asked, "Feel better?"

Buffy stretched in contentment, purring. "Wonderful."

"Guys, keep quiet!" Xander said, in typical-Xander fashion. "It's at the part where the mentor guy gets brutally murdered! Of course that won't happen to you, Giles." Xander said, nodding at Giles.

"Why thank you Xander for that moving description." Giles said sardonically.

I tuned Xander, Giles, and everyone else out again, and focused on my lover.

She was nodding off, and looking beautiful as always.

"Buffy?" I asked quietly. "Are you asleep?"

Buffy smiled in her sleep, and yawned in reply.

I leaned over and kissed her on the forehead, whispering, "Sleep well, darling."

She stirred at my touch, and opened her eyes. She gazed at me sleepily. "Hey."

"I thought you were asleep." I said, laughter in my eyes.

Buffy looked at me innocently. "I was."

"No, you weren't!" I protested "You were just -"

She captured my lips with her own, successfully ending any words between us. I parted my lips, letting her tongue play with my own. All these areas of my body that I didn't even know I had began to tingle. Let's just say that I was the one purring then.

"Buffy." I moaned, breaking away to breathe."Oh, God Buffy." I ran my hands through her hair, in pure bliss. Time ceased to exist, and I lost myself in my soulmate.

A very loud clearing of someone's throat interrupted us.

I looked up to stare angrily at Xander. Buffy, on the other hand, just looked at him with dreamy contentment.

"Get a room!" he said rudely.

"The movie's over!" I retorted. "It's not like we're disturbing you or something."

"I'm just tired of watching everyone in the room make out with everyone else!"

I scanned the room, and saw that he was right. Willow was making out with Oz, and Buffy and I were, up until a minute ago, going hot and heavy. Only Giles and Xander were girlfriendless. But Giles didn't mind; he'd pulled out a book and was reading avidly. Only Xander was unoccupied, and of course, had to be immature about it, and say something retarded. I sighed inwardly. I'd always hated that kid.

Only sheer willpower stopped me from ripping his heart out. Silently I counted to 10, and took a deep breath. I spat through gritted teeth, "Xander, Cordelia's phone number is 855-2431. Her area code is 639. Why don't you give her a ring?" *And go away!* I shouted mentally.

He was about to protest, but he must have seen the murderous look in my eye. He went to the kitchen with surprising speed for someone so clumsy.

I turned back to Buffy with a sigh of relief. "Where were we?"

She laughed, obviously just as happy as me that I'd gotten rid of Xander. "You were showing me how many things someone can do with their tongue."

"Oh, yeah." I grinned, and stuck my tongue back into her mouth.

Later, we flipped over so that Buffy was on top of me. Dimly, I could hear Xander talking to Cordelia with alacrity. I was glad that I hadn't made him go do something he didn't want to do.

But, once again, we were interrupted. This time, by Joyce coming home. I growled in frustration, but Buffy calmed me by rubbing her hand down my face. "Angel, it's okay. Mom'll come in, get rid of everyone, then we can have some alone time."

Giles looked up from his book as if he were someone newly awakened from sleep and gazed at Buffy. "If you like, I can send everyone home so you can have some 'alone time'." He smiled.

"Would you, Giles?" Buffy asked gratefully. "That'd be great."

"Of course." he answered. "What are ex-Watchers for?"

"Oz, Willow, time to go." Giles called to the sleeping couple wrapped in each other arms.

They stirred, stretching.

"Come on guys." Giles tried again. "It's getting late."

Willow got up at that, and pulled Oz out of the Lazy Boy where they'd been sleeping. "Oz," she muttered, yawning. "We gotta go." Oz got up and waved bye. He and Willow walked out, holding hands. Giles followed, yanking Xander off the phone on the way out. Outside, I could hear Giles saying goodbye to Joyce. His clunkity car started and he drove away with the rest of the gang.

Buffy nestled back into the groove of my neck, as though it were made for me. She lay on top of me, enjoying listening to my new heartbeat. We lay together, loving just simply being in each other's company, until Joyce came in, turning on the living room front light as she did.

"Oh, there you are." she said cheerfully, looking at us squinting in the added light. "I was wondering where you two had gone."

"We were just laying here comfortably, trying to be as inconspicuous as possible." Buffy answered dryly, raising her head to look up at her mother.

"Hmm." she muttered. "Well, why you're being inconspicuous, go to bed. It's almost midnight."

"Where did you go?" Buffy asked curiously.

"We had to go take inventory at the gallery. They needed me to stay late. Did you find a nice dress?"

"Oh, yes!" Buffy beamed. "You'll love it, Mom. It's got this really long veil thing that just flows out and it's just so per-" She broke off as she noticed Joyce shushing and pointing to me. "Oh, right. The fiancé can't see the dress till the wedding day." Buffy said, resigned.

"But enough of this chitchat." Joyce said pleasantly. "Up to bed, both of you."

"But, Mom!" Buffy whined. "I'm 21 now! I'm not a child anymore!"

"Ah, ah, ah." Joyce scolded. "As long as you live under my roof, you-"

"Obey my rules." Buffy finished. "I remember." She sighed heavily and looked at me apologetically. "Sorry, Angel. To bed we must go."

"I've no problem with it." I responded. "You were falling asleep anyway."

"Was not!" she protested hotly.

"Were too." I said smugly. "Look, you drooled on me." I pointed to an imaginary spit spot on my jacket.

"Bed. Now." Joyce said slowly, reminding us she was there.

Buffy got off me, wincing as she stepped on her ankle. I quickly got up to catch her from falling.

"I told you it was going to be sore for a few days." I scolded her.

Buffy grinned sheepishly. "I forgot." she replied.

"Buffy, are you alright?" Joyce asked, concerned.

She smiled at her mom. "Fine, Mom. Just hurt my ankle in a scuffle."

"Oh. You need to be more careful."

"Sure, Mom." Buffy replied, although under her breath, she mumbled so softly that I could barely catch it, "See, I told you. Clueless."

I chuckled, but covered it with a cough. "Come, milady." I said, letting go of Buffy so I could bow. "I offer myself as escort to protect ye from harm, and wile away the dull hours." I said, in my Irish accent. I said it cheerfully enough, but a chill went down my back at my words. They were the same ones I'd used when I'd first met Darla, and been turned. I shook off the memory with a shudder, and concentrated on what Buffy was saying.

"Thank you, milord. I would love for you to be my escort." Buffy replied gleefully, but I know she saw the shadow that crossed my face. She looked at me questionably, but I just grinned and swept her into my arms. We proceeded up the stairs.

"Bye Mom." Buffy called over my shoulder. She sighed contentedly. "See you tomorrow."

Halfway up the stairs, she muttered in my ear, "First priority when we're married: we've got to get a place."

* * *

"Angel, are you all right?" I asked, concerned. We were in bed together, talking. "You were on the verge of a wiggins down there."

"Yeah, I'm fine Buffy." he said nonchalantly.

"Angel."

He sighed and looked at my stern expression. He took a deep breath and said, "The words."

"Angel, cryptic two word phrases don't tell me anything. Now what's wrong, honey?"

He continued, averting my gaze. "The words." he repeated. "The words I used downstairs were the same ones I used when I was turned by Darla. It brought back some-" he looked at me quickly, then away. "unpleasant memories."

"Oh, Angel." I murmured, understanding instantly. "Come here." I stretched my arms out to embrace him. He hugged me quickly, breathing in my scent. "It's okay. It was just a coincidence. It doesn't mean anything."

I turned out the light and kissed him in the dark. We snuggled close, taking comfort in the night.

* * *

I was running, running, running. I was looking for Buffy, but I couldn't find her. I was groping blindly in the dark, but she was nowhere to be found.

Then I finally saw her. Angelus held her in his arms, helpless. All I could do was stand there and watch as he viciously ripped her throat out. I screamed her name repeatedly, willing her to live, but she didn't breathe. Angelus disappeared and I was left sobbing over her corpse, screaming her name hysterically in my torment. Buffy, why did you leave me? Come back, darling. Please, I need you. I love you. Buffy. . .

"Buffy!" I sat straight up in bed, shivering, rasping her name.

She opened her eyes with a start. "Angel?" she asked drowsily. "Are you okay? You're shaking like a leaf."

"I-" I cut off, shaken by the nightmare. I tried again, turning away. "I'm fine."

She sat up at my tone of voice. Reaching out to stroke my arm, "Angel, what's happened? You're shaking like a leaf."

Still avoiding looking at her, I mumbled, "He killed you."

"Who did?"

"Angelus. The demon bastard who's a part of me ripped your throat right before my eyes, and I couldn't do anything about it!" I spoke quickly, fearing to let her how much the dream had scared me. "I clutched your body to my own, screaming your name. But you didn't answer." I sobbed, looking at her, scaring her by the depth of the sadness in my eyes. "You didn't answer." I repeated hoarsely.

She embraced me tightly, caressing my hair. I couldn't stop the tears now; they flowed freely.

"Angel, I'm right here. I'm not going anywhere." she soothed. "I'm right here."

"I'm sorry." I cried. I pulled away to kiss her tenderly, my sobs subsiding. "It's just that-"

"What?"

"My greatest fear is see you die and not be able to do anything to stop it." I said roughly, multiple emotions displaying on my face.

"Angel, stop fearing." she whispered. "Let me make forget your guilt." She kissed me gently, using her tongue to play with my mouth. Gradually, she managed to make me forget my dreams, and we fell asleep in each other's arms, still touching, even in sleep.

Part 9
The Wedding

I couldn't believe that the day had finally come. (And neither could the readers! LOL!)

She floated down the aisle with an ease and grace that only a Slayer could achieve. She was on the arm of Giles, who was giving her away. She hugged Giles and kissed him on the cheek. Then she turned towards me. My gaze must have been extremely amorous for she blushed slightly. We joined hands, and turned to face the priest.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to bless the union of Buffy Summers and Angel-" He paused to squint at the paper. "Oh, forgive me, I misread it. 'Buffy Summers and Angel' has been replaced with just 'Buffy and Angel'. I suppose I must start over."

So the priest droned on and on, and Buffy and I stood frozen in place, smiling. Until at long last he got the important part.

The priest cleared his throat, and said awkwardly, "The bride and groom have requested that they say their own vows." He stepped back, and let us speak.

We turned towards each other, looking into each other's eyes. I went first. "I, Angel, take thee Buffy, to be my lawful wedded wife. Again." I said, chuckling. She laughed as well, a rich merry tinkling. "I promise to be your devoted servant, and to worship you forever. Isn't that the whole point?" I said, grinning. My next words were serious. "I promise to *never* hurt you *ever* again, souled or not. And I will stay with you forever, Buffy. If I break any of these promises, you can stake me." I finished. All our family and friends chuckled softly.

She took the proffered ring from Oz, who was the ringbearer, and slipped the silver Claddagh onto my finger, and kissed it, just as she had four years ago. When she looked back up at me, I saw that eyes were glistening with tears.

"I, Buffy take thee, Angel to be my lawful wedded husband. Again." she smiled quickly, and continued. "I promise to worship you with my body, my heart, and my soul. I will delight in your happiness, and grieve in your sorrow. I promise to love you, and only you, for all eternity. I promise to fight what battles you need fought, and slay what vampires you need slain. I promise not to leave you." Buffy looked down for a moment, grinning. I was slightly surprised. This wasn't part of the vows we'd rehearsed.

She looked back up at me, and said, "Now you need to promise me something, Angel. Today is the first day of the rest of our lives, beloved. That means look forward at the future, not back at the past. Leave all the guilt and betrayal of 160 years behind us. Please?"

"I-" My voice caught, and I tried again. "I promise." I said solemnly. I put her ring on her finger.

We looked to the priest, and he stated, "By the power vested in me, in the state of California, I now pronounce you husband and wife. And, from what I've just heard, I gather this is the second time around for you two. Oh, well. I'm not even going to try to understand it. You may kiss the bride." I leaned down to kiss her, wrapping her in a hug. The kiss was a drug; something I never wanted to end. It overwhelmed me with a sense of hope, adventure, and new beginnings.

Go to the next story Surprise

Send feedback to Amber

Back to the Fanfiction Archive