* * * * * * * * * *

'Oh God'.

All that Buffy's mind could process was those two words 'Oh God'. Over and over and over, 'Oh God, oh God, oh God'. She wrapped her arms around herself, and her eyes fell shamefully away from Angel to gaze unseeingly at the threadbare carpet.

The silence stretched out between them. After his explosive revelation, Angel had turned his back on her. He now stood at the other end of the small living space, his forehead and one hand resting against the wall, while the other hand hung by his side clenching and unclenching. And clenching again.

'Oh God, oh God, oh God.' Everything about Angel's behaviour suddenly became hopelessly and painfully clear. No wonder he hadn't told her he was human. No wonder he was so angry. No wonder he couldn't bear to look at her. He had seen ... oh God. Tears threatened to spill down Buffy's cheeks, but she frantically blinked them away.

Slowly lifting her head, Buffy looked over to where Angel was standing, and her face crumpled in further distress when she saw the tension and pain in his posture. 'Oh Angel'. She was suddenly aware of the depths of emotion that he was drawing on. It wasn't jealousy - oh God if only it was jealousy - but it was so much worse, and she had caused it. She had done this to him.

Angel's position called to Buffy's mind their confrontation in the police station six years ago. Her cruel words; she had deliberately thrown her relationship with Riley in his face, lied deliberately to hurt him, wanted him feel the pain that she had felt at his defence of Faith.

Night after night that scene had replayed in her mind, each time causing her to blush shamefully at the memory. What she had shared with Riley was new, that part was true. But it wasn't better. It wasn't more trusting, and it wasn't more loving. It wasn't more truthful, or more passionate than her relationship with Angel. But being the callous bitch that she was - all she wanted in that moment was to cause him pain, to make him feel one tenth of what she felt when she saw Faith in his arms, where she and only she belonged.

For five minutes after Buffy left the police station she had revelled in his anguish and obvious distress, before the pain suddenly struck deep inside. She didn't need to wait five minutes now to feel that pain.

"Angel." The name came out as a croak, so Buffy tried again. "Angel. Oh God Angel I'm so sorry ..."

"Don't!" he whipped around to glare at her, his face a mask of anger. "Don't you dare apologise! Don't you dare apologise to me! You don't have the right!"

"Angel, I'm sorry, it didn't mean anything, I swear!"

"You swear. Oh well then, case closed, you swear, I believe you! You swear." Angel resumed his pacing, before stilling and looking at Buffy. His voice became disturbingly calm and quiet. "Why should I take your word? Huh? Why should I take your word Buffy?" She could do nothing but look at him pleadingly in reply. "Why should I take the word of a selfish, immature little girl whose only thought is for herself?" Angel's voice was calm no longer. "'Always', you said, 'always'! You'd be mine, always! And like a fool I believed you. Tell me Buffy, why should I believe you now, when everything else you've said has been a lie?"

"Don't you dare turn that on me! You were the one who left, Angel. You were the one who turned his back, so don't blame me for doing what you told me to do, for trying to move one!"

"I left you so you could have a normal life, with a normal human being. And though it killed me inside that someone else got to see you smile, someone else shared in your life, listened to your stories and your laughter ..." Angel's voice dropped as his eyes displayed his anguish "... someone else got to kiss you, to feel your soft cheek beneath their fingers, run their hand through your golden hair, someone else got to feel your softness pressed against them, feel your warmth surrounding them completely " he broke off as once again he moved like the proverbially caged tiger "though I felt truly, utterly dead inside, every single day away from you, that's what I wanted for you."

Throughout Angel's speech, Buffy felt what little control she had left threaten to flee. She had always thought that Angel was strong, that his age and experience made it easier for him to walk away and bear it. That because he had found the will to leave, he hadn't felt as deep a love for her as she felt for him. How wrong she had been. Through the anguish of his bittersweet words about laughter and caresses, she could still see his love for her shining strong and pure, if a little battered around the edges. She just had to make things right.

"Angel, it's not what you think, Spike and I, we didn't do anything."

"You didn't do anything?

"No we didn't, Angel ..."

"You didn't do anything" he continued, ignoring her. "Well then, I must not have killed that demon that night. I must not have killed the demon, and then suddenly found myself gasping for breath with blood thundering in my ears. I didn't then go to the Oracles, who didn't tell me that I had earned my redemption. I didn't then immediately jump in my car, and speed recklessly to Sunnydale. I didn't rush from cemetery to cemetery, thinking that yes it was 2am, but you were likely to still be patrolling. I must not have been filled with the anticipation of seeing you, of telling you that we could finally be together, that all the pain and horror had been worth it because now we could have what we'd dreamed of. I was not picturing your sparkling eyes and dreaming of your soft touch. I wasn't out of my new found breath as I hurried to find you so I could kiss you 'til we were both senseless. I wasn't longing to hold you in my arms and make love to you over and over and over."

Buffy was now crying uncontrollably at Angel's words. This was exactly what she had always dreamed of, it had been within her grasp, that magical reunion, but she had ruined it.

"I wasn't dying to tell you how much I loved you. How incredible it felt to be able to tell you that without any guilt or restraint, to love you completely and unconditionally as you deserved. No" Angel laughed softly, a terrible sound " ... no that didn't happen. Because if all that had happened, I would have seen you through the trees, and slowed in my headlong rush, suddenly fraught with nerves. I would have heard voices as I walked closer, and seen you sitting on a headstone, talking with Spike. It would have seemed strange that the two of you were there together, but having heard about his chip, I would have thought it reasonable for Spike to be looking for a little demon action to release his energy. I would have been about to make my presence known when he suddenly stepped towards you, and kissed you. I would have looked on in disbelief, disbelief turning to shock as I realised that you weren't pushing him away, that you were actually returning his kiss. I would have felt my heart break, and wished that I was still a vampire so I could wait for the morning sun and die quickly and easily in its light, which only an instant earlier I had miraculously been looking forward to."

Angel looked directly into Buffy's wet eyes, his own glinting with unshed tears. "No, nothing happened." He turned away, and then sat down in the one chair in the room. Resting his elbows on his thighs, he bowed his head, running his hands through the spiky mass of dark hair. Buffy looked at him sitting there and her heart ached. She longed to go and comfort him, but knew that her touch would only anger him more.

"Angel, nothing happened. It was just a kiss, I didn't sleep with him! You've got to believe me!" His response was somewhat muffled, as he still had his head bent towards the floor.

"Like I said Buffy, why should I believe you now?"

"Because I'm telling you the truth Angel. I'm not lying, and it wasn't a lie before. I meant it, I am your girl, always." Her answer didn't satisfy him. Angel couldn't keep still, and he stood once more.

"Don't you get it? This is ... you understand don't you, why I'm so upset?"

"Angel, there's nothing for you to be upset about! Spike, he was the same as Riley, just a diversion, it meant nothing. Nothing happened."

"It's not the same as Riley!" The sudden violence in Angel's voice made Buffy flinch. "It's not the same! Riley was human, just like the other guy you slept with! Yes, I know about him too. And as much as I hate it, it was what I told you to do, to move on with a human. But Spike, Spike is a vampire! How could you be with a vampire Buffy?"

"Well I hate to point it out Angel, but I seem to recall that you were a little afraid of sunlight and stakes while we were dating."

"That's different. I had a soul! I hated that there was a demon inside of me, the only reason I let myself get close to you was because of my soul. But Spike is a demon. A de-mon. There is no conscience to curb his violence, no guilt to stop him killing, no heart to make him feel true love."

"Spike hasn't killed anybody in years."

"Because of the chip. It is the only thing stopping him, no soul. Do you really think that if he didn't have the chip he would be helping you, that he wouldn't try to kill you? He is not good by choice, it's only by circumstance. He would drain you in an instant if that chip was removed. And he would smile." Buffy could say nothing, as she saw the truth of his words.

"So it makes me wonder. Maybe that was really what you liked about me, huh? Was that it Buffy, you liked the demon?"

"No! Angel, I didn't!"

"Here I was thinking it was the demon that was keeping us apart, but now it seems he was the only thing keeping us together! Or maybe it was the dead body, did that turn you on, did you like that?" Buffy stepped back in disgust.

"Angel, you know that wasn't it!"

"How do I know that Buffy? Maybe I should just leave, so that you and this guy here can have a good time!" Angel was shouting as he gestured to the body on the floor.

"No! How can you say that, Angel it's not true!"

"Well, it must be the demon then! I struggled and struggled to control him, I left so that he couldn't hurt you again, couldn't be free and kill you and your friends. But I seem to be wrong! It was Angelus you loved, not me!"

Angel stormed out of the apartment, and Buffy could only watch him through her tears, as she murmured his name incoherently to the empty room.

* * * * * * * * * *

January 19

Buffy's fingers played with the dark blue silk that lay across her thighs. Gathering the material into small folds, they then smoothed it out, repeating the action several times. Becoming aware of the mindless fidgeting, she clasped her hands firmly together, before stealing a glance at the man seated beside her.

Angel's profile was unreadable. He gazed forward, his eyes never straying in her direction. The interior of the car was dim - streetlights flashed in at intervals illuminating the smooth planes of his face and emphasising his handsome features. Buffy sighed and looked away. He had not acknowledged her presence beyond a brief glance when she entered the limo. He had remained in this same position ever since, seated as far away from her as the expansive leather upholstery would allow.

It had been over a week since the explosive scene in the dead man's apartment. Over a week and no communication between them, save a brief phone call from Cordelia telling her what time she would be picked up. Angel had not spoken to her, and Buffy ... she sighed again as she gazed out the car window. She had been too afraid.

So many years, so many battles and demons and horrors, but Angel's anger and condemnation were things that she could not face. For ten years now she had been the Slayer. The one girl in all the world, a Chosen One, one born with the strength and skill to hunt the vampires. Well, one of two girls. On earning her parole Faith had proved her intent to reform. She was now somewhere in Texas battling that state's demons, and no doubt getting in a few bar fights along the way.

Ten years ... and now what? A few months ago Buffy had been approached by two gentlemen from the Watchers' Council. Surprised and suspicious, she and Giles had listened while the men congratulated Buffy on her long tenure as the slayer. She had served ten years, and could now stand down. This was an unprecedented event; no slayer in recorded history had ever survived this long. Now she was being retired, as the unique circumstances would see another girl called, one who would shoulder the burden of responsibility. Her strength and skill would remain, for nothing could take them away permanently. She would still be able to fight, but it was no longer her sacred duty, and how she lived her life was her decision. The Watchers had left a shell-shocked Buffy sitting on Giles' couch, as they murmured their gratitude for her years of service and offered the Council's regret for its handling of "certain situations".

What now? Since graduating from college, slaying was all that Buffy had focused on. As she watched her friends move on around her and build fulfilling lives, she had buried deep all hopes of a normal one for herself. No regular profession appealed to her, and what full time job would fit in with her unusual hobby of fighting the undead? So Buffy found herself teaching self-defence classes at the local Y part time, supporting herself while she dusted and staked and beheaded the ever-present demon population.

Now the day had arrived. Her birthday. Now she would be free, free to live the life she had dreamed of for the past ten years. Free to live the life of sunshine and no fear, of laughter and love with a tall, dark haired, heartbreakingly handsome man. It was almost as if a miracle had taken place and somehow disposed of the obstacles in their path - her duty and his demon. But her own stupidity had created another, a far worse one that wasn't based on uncontrollable outside forces, but on her own actions. Now she could have the life she had always wanted with Angel - and he couldn't bear to look at her, let alone share a life with her.

The car slowed, and as the driver spoke to a security guard Buffy looked out in detachment at an imposing gateway. The car moved forward again, and the elegantly lit grounds of an extensive estate passed her eyes as they proceeded towards the mansion where the ball was being held. Reaching their destination, the car came to a halt, and the driver and Angel quickly exited the vehicle.

Glancing down to where her hands were once more fidgeting in her lap, Buffy took a deep breath, remaining seated in the car for a little while longer. She had a feeling ... it wasn't the result of a dream or one of Giles' prophecies, but something deep within her told Buffy that tonight would be a turning point. Tonight everything would change, for good or for ill, and she could never go back.

The door next to her opened, breaking her out of her reverie, and Buffy unthinkingly took the proffered hand, gracefully easing herself out of the vehicle. As she stood upright Buffy found herself gazing into Angel's deep brown eyes, her hand clasped in his warm one. 'Oh damn' she thought to herself, as her heart flipped within her chest. Would she ever be able to look at this man without experiencing heart palpitations? Would she ever not want to? But what did it matter what she wanted ... he didn't want her, and he had made it perfectly clear.

Angel was here on business, strictly a professional. When he turned to lead Buffy up the marble stairs to the striking doorway and his arm wrapped around her, his hand curving around her side, that's what she repeated to herself over and over. 'Professional. That's what he is, a professional, acting professionally. Just going about his business. Nothing personal here. Just pretending to be a couple. Professionally. Ok breathe Buffy.'

"Liam and Anne Donnelly" Angel murmured to the security detail at the door, who searched through their extensive lists of guests and checked against their flash cards of most wanted criminals. Buffy found her heart to be involved in even more athletic gymnastics at Angel's words. Husband and wife. If only ... if only she could hear those words and they were true. If only the possessive spark that appeared in Angel's eyes as he caught the barely concealed leer in a security guard's eyes as he ran a hand-held metal detector up and down her body was not just good acting on his part.

Buffy adopted an unconcerned air as Angel took her arm, escorting her into the foyer. At least she hoped she appeared unconcerned, for she felt anything but. Her skin prickled to attention, her blood was pounding, her limbs felt slightly shaky ... damn the man for causing her to react this way! But she couldn't help but feel satisfied at the slight gasp he made behind her as she turned away from him for a moment, removing her wrap and handing it to the attendant. Her dress was very low-backed, and Angel was suddenly presented with an expanse of smooth, golden flesh. When she turned back, however, his expression gave nothing away, in fact he looked remarkably calm. Buffy was forced to wonder if it was merely wishful thinking on her part that Angel would appreciate the sight of her in this dress that she had spent hours searching for.

They moved through the small crowd in the foyer, Angel's warm hand searing the skin on her lower back as he gently guided her towards the ballroom. Pausing in the doorway, they surveyed the glittering mass of people, chattering and laughing over glasses of expensive champagne. A man walking past talking into a two-way radio suddenly reminded Buffy why they were here. To find and kill a bad guy. Good - something to focus on, to distract her overworked hormones. Shaking her head slightly and straightening her shoulders, she murmured under her breath as she stepped into the room.

"Happy birthday Buffy."

* * * * * * * * * *

As a waiter slipped past, expertly negotiating the bustling crowd with his loaded tray intact, Angel's hand snaked out and snagged two glasses of champagne. Taking a long sip, he gazed at the people in front of them as he held the second glass out to the side in Buffy's direction. Smiling bitterly at his oh-so-gracious gesture, Buffy clutched at the narrow crystal stem, and followed Angel's lead. As she sipped at the tart liquid, her eyes ran over the magnificent house they were in. It could have been straight from one of those old movies, like 'Gone With the Wind' - with glamorous people filling an impossibly luxurious house. Ball gowns and tuxes were scattered around the ground floor, or tripped elegantly up the two grand staircases that hugged opposite walls. Small tête-à-têtes were in evidence along the balcony on the second level, seduction and gossip and deal-making thick in the air.

Buffy did notice one discrepancy with those classic movies - fashion. There were certainly no bustles or boned corsets in evidence tonight - just an abundance of expensive designer one-offs, complemented by shimmering diamonds and the most stylish of accessories. Looking down at her own dress Buffy couldn't help but feel inadequate. She had spent ages pawing through racks of clothes, hoping to find something that would make Angel sit up and more than take notice. The blue silk had a clean line, the front providing a look of demure elegance, falling simply from the high round neck to gently flare around her ankles. However the low-cut back of the sleeveless number gave the garment a sexy edge, revealing a sizeable amount of skin to an interested observer.

Slipping it on earlier in the evening Buffy had smiled at her reflection in the mirror, a spark of confidence igniting inside her. Glancing at the other women present however quickly dampened that spark, as she realised that the price tag, which to her had seemed such an extravagant sum, was a mere pittance to the other guests in their fancy attire. The spark was firmly doused as Buffy watched Angel's eyes follow a tall slender woman, her strapless tight dress seemingly defying gravity as she strutted by. A sudden rush of jealousy compelled her to speak.

"Anna must very understanding, letting you go out like this."

"Hmm?" Angel turned towards her, looking as if he had forgotten she was standing right next to him.

"Anna, your girlfriend? She must be very understanding letting you go out with another woman to a fancy party like this, even if, you know, you're just pretending."

"No, she's not."

"Not what, not understanding?" Angel turned away again to watch the crowd.

"She's not my girlfriend." Buffy stood for a moment in shock, her mouth hanging half open. She clamped it shut again as excitement coursed through her.

"What happened?" she managed to ask. "You certainly seemed very couple-y the few times I've seen you two together.

"She dumped me." Buffy's jaw practically hit the floor.

"I ... I'm sorry." There was some sincerity to Buffy's words, hidden behind - far behind - the exultation.

"Don't be. We'd only known each other for three weeks." 'And the shock's keep on coming.'

"So, why did she break up with you?" Angel's eyes flicked over Buffy before returning to the colourful mass of bodies.

"She caught me with another woman, and I wouldn't deny that I had feelings for this other woman, so she dumped me." Buffy had thought she was shocked when she found out someone had been stupid enough to let Angel get away (or rather, a stupid someone other than herself). But to discover that Angel had changed so much that he would cheat on a girlfriend that he had only been seeing for a few weeks (and from the way he had touched her, Buffy jealously presumed that they were a very intimate three weeks), well now she felt the need to redefine the word shock. Perhaps gob-smacked would be a more accurate description of the way she was feeling.

Taking a swig of champagne, she stood beside Angel, both of them staring straight ahead out into the sea of guests, silently working through their glasses. 'Angel's not dating Anna anymore! But she dumped him because he was unfaithful ... but Angel's single now! And human ... but he has feelings for this other 'other' woman ... wow he looks great in that suit, god he's sexy.' Draining her glass, Buffy tried to calm herself - thoughts were whirling through her mind, none staying in focus for more than a moment. Staring blindly at the glass, she twirled it idly with her fingers, her mind far from the mission that brought her to this ball.

"I'm going to the bar." Angel took the empty glass from her startled hand, and left Buffy gazing after him as he made his way towards the other end of the room. Even amongst this gathering of the 'elite', which had far more than its fair share of good looks, intelligence and influence, Angel still stood out from the crowd. Not in a flashy 'hey hey look at me' kind of way, but there was a certain quiet charisma attached to him. And though human now, he still carried himself as he had when Buffy knew him in Sunnydale - with a feline grace that was both attractive and deadly. Losing herself in dreamy contemplation of the ex-vampire, Buffy didn't hear her name when it was first said.

"Buffy! Hello, earth to Buffy!"

"Wha .. oh, hi Riley."

"Hey. You look lovely this evening Buffy." Riley was dressed in a simple, standard issue suit and tie. An earpiece was evident on close inspection, and the bulge at his waist beneath the unbuttoned suit jacket suggested the presence of a weapon or radio. Blushing lightly at his compliment, Buffy couldn't help but feel her aching heart warm just a little. Even though the words were coming from the wrong man, it was still nice to be appreciated.

"Thank you Riley. You too, look very ... nice."

"Hmm, not too 'Secret Agent Guy'?" he replied, looking down at his ensemble.

"No, not at all. But I'm sure that if you came with exploding mission tapes, terrorists sold separately, well you'd be a hit with the kids!" Laughing gently at Buffy's joke, Riley took one of her hands in his.

"Dance with me?"

"Riley, I don't kno..."

"Come on, it's just a dance. And besides, I'm undercover here; you've got to help me blend in so I can catch the bad guy. Your country needs you!"

Smiling weakly, Buffy began to shake her head in denial when something across the room caught her eye. Angel had found the bar, and the champagne, which he was now sharing with the woman he had been admiring earlier - the one with the gravity defying dress. Watching the woman's open flirtation made Buffy's jaw clench. Watching her trail her hand seductively up Angel's arm made Buffy turn back to Riley with an unusually bright smile.

"I think I may have a space free on my dance card," she answered, boldly leading Riley onto the dance floor, where a host of other couples were already swaying to the music. Turning so that her back was to the bar, and it's unpleasant sight, Buffy struggled to keep her composure intact as Riley pulled her towards him, one hand resting on her waist. 'Ok, gotta forget about Angel. Gotta forget about Angel and that bitch at the bar. Gotta forget that he's supposed to be here with me, when in actual fact he's off with some slut, leaving me here with Riley. Who is very sweet. And kind, and good. And is looking at me in the way he used to when we were going out ...'

"So Riley. Any sign of the big bad yet?"

"Hmm? Oh, well we've had word that he's on the premises, but as for his identity, he could be you for all I know. But I've got men both inside and out, patrolling the perimeter, undercover as waiters and guests, heavy security at the gates and on the doors - so we will catch him. Have you come across anyone suspicious?"

"Me? No, no one yet." Buffy blushed uneasily as she calculated how little thought she had actually devoted to the problem. Angel had held her attention the entire time she had been here, instead of the demon, which was the whole reason they had come.

"Have I ever told you how cute you are when you blush?" Startled, Buffy looked up into Riley's face, to find him staring at her intently.

"I do recall you saying something along those lines before".

"Well it's true. You're so beautiful Buffy." Feeling awkward with the new direction of the conversation, Buffy shifted under his gaze. While being with Riley was comfortable, and safe, and familiar, it didn't have that certain something - at least for Buffy it didn't - that she needed to make the relationship long term. Which was why they'd broken up in the first place. She'd wanted something more than solid contentment - she'd wanted passionate love and joyous happiness - the kind she'd known with Angel. That she wanted with Angel. That she couldn't have with Angel. Damn Angel.

"I miss you, you know." Buffy still made no reply, focusing her attention on Riley's tie rather than his earnest face. Maybe she should just go with it, maybe it was finally time to give up her foolish dreams. Riley was here, and he wanted her, and he would be good to her. Maybe it was time for her to grow up, and accept that you can't always get what you want - you just have to take what you're given, and be satisfied.

"These last few years apart - I've never forgotten you Buffy, how amazing and special you are. And it's something I'll never forget." 'Never forget, never forget, never forget". The two words reverberated through Buffy's mind, as she struggled to remember where she had heard them before. Something to do with Angel and sunlight and ...

"Do you mind if I cut in?" Buffy looked up to see Angel standing at Riley's shoulder. Turning to face the newcomer, Riley's face tightened with anger and dislike.

"Well, actually I d..."

"Good" Angel continued, smoothly extracting a silent Buffy from Riley's embrace and drawing her into his own. "Because we wouldn't want anyone to be suspicious. Wouldn't want anyone to know why my 'wife' is dancing with a security guard when she should be dancing with her 'husband'." And with that pointed comment, Angel moved away from the simmering agent, pulling Buffy with him. She glanced apologetically back at Riley, before turning angry eyes to her new dance partner.

"Do you mind? I was actually having a very pleasant conversation with a very good friend, before you rudely interrupted."

"We've got to keep up appearances."

"Oh, right. This from the 'husband' who left his 'wife' to fend for herself, while he went to pick up another woman at the bar. Besides, keeping up appearances for whom? We haven't seen anyone here that we know."

"We might not know them, but like it or not we both have a reputation in the demon community, and they might know us."

"Well, maybe we should split up - it will make us more recognisable if we are here together." Angel said nothing in reply, but simply drew Buffy closer to him as the music slowed its tempo. Suddenly aware of their proximity, all the fight - and air - left Buffy's body as her senses kicked into overdrive. Angel held one of her hands clasped in his large one, the two of them braced on his chest directly above his heart. Her other hand had slipped down from its place on Angel's shoulder, and her forearm was now pressed against his warm torso, wedged between their two bodies. As they moved gently to the slow music, their bodies rubbed against one another, creating a delicious, swirling heat.

Taking a deep breath, Buffy observed that if she tilted her head just so ... it would be resting comfortably, perfectly, against Angel's firm chest. And if she closed her eyes like so ... she could cut off the outside world, and simply be surrounded by Angel's heady scent, and the warmth of his arms. He would be able to rest his cheek against her hair ... like that ... and his warm breath would send shivers running down her spine. And as they moved together everything was right with the world, everything was in harmony; there was nothing that could go wro...

The loud strains of 'Hail to the Chief' shook Buffy out of her warm haven, drawing her attention to the man striding into the room. Surrounded by several men in dark suits, he smiled broadly and waved grandly as he stepped up onto a raised platform at one end of the room. Angel dropped Buffy's hand as she pivoted to watch the spectacle, but she was pleased when she noted that his other arm had not dropped from her waist, in fact it had drawn tighter, now holding her close so her back was flush with Angel's chest.

Unable to concentrate on the carefully manufactured speech, Buffy's gaze trailed idly across the room, lingering on a tall woman, a swift waiter, the curve of an elaborate banister, a large man. As she shivering involuntarily, Angel ducked his head until his mouth was level with Buffy's ear.

"What is it?" he whispered.

"Nothing" Buffy murmured, shaking her head slightly. "It's just something about that guy gives me the creeps."

"Which guy?"

"That one up there on the second floor. See him? To the right of that woman in that horrible pink dress. He's bald, big and bald ... see him?" Angel swore under his breath in reply.

"What, Angel?" Buffy turned to him anxiously, able to feel his body tensing.

"I should have known," he whispered. "John Maligo - that's what that demon was trying to tell us. The scelus' human persona is John Maligo. He was one of Wolfram and Hart's more prominent clients before they were disbanded. I always had my suspicions about him, but there was never anything definite."

"So that's the guy." Buffy stared up at the man, whose gaze was trained firmly on the President as he gave his rousing address. A chill ran through her again, as her Slayer senses picked up the negative vibes emanating from his direction.

Dropping his arm from her waist, Angel took Buffy's hand and wove slowly through the crowd towards the foot of the staircase. Pausing on the bottom step, they looked around briefly at the other guests - but all eyes were on the speaker; their movements did not seem to have attracted any unwanted attention.

Turning to look at Angel, Buffy found his eyes locked on her face, the expression in their brown depths unreadable. Still for a moment, they turned simultaneously towards the carpeted stairs, and began to climb.

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