Rating: PG 15ish (love mention)
Disclaimer: I own nothing except my name
Distribution: Ask and you'll have (addi of site is nice too)
Spoiler: None really
Timeline: The future, Buffy is forty-three, Angel is still a vampire, read on to find out more.
Author's notes: I just started writing and this was the outcome. Enjoy :o)

Everything was silent, I could only hear the thudding of my heartbeat in contrast to his dead one, then all of it took shape in my mind like the last piece of a jigsaw puzzle. I had killed him. I Buffy Anne Summers-Finn had killed Riley Finn, my husband.

I dare not open my eyes, because then maybe I would learn I had actually done the deed, I still felt his cold hand entwined with mine, still felt him next to me, in our bed. I forced myself to keep my eyes closed, never open them, never see the horror of what I must have done. I mean, otherwise why else would I lay here naked next to the dead?

But a different *presence*, a different sensation warmed me out of my numbness, this dead creature next to me was very much alive, and was kissing my cheek, the lips were soft, cold and enticing, I shuddered and then I felt faint. In all my life I had only kissed two of the dead, one was a later-to-be friend, the other, my first lover.

Then I was brought to know a new realization, this was no Riley, my safe-house next to me, this was he, my other half, my brooding beauty, my Angel. I cautiously opened my eyes and saw his lovely face, only mere inches above mine.

This must be some lovely dream, some ornate fantasy my subconscious had created, a realm I was last at so many years ago. His mouth curled into a small smile, I felt my heart beat a bit more fast than it already had been, that face, that unmarred, perfectly sculptured face, which I have beheld in my mind so many, many times. His eyes twinkled a merry dance of joy, that his face did not express, but his eyes showed to me, very clearly what he felt.

I then realized that this was no dream, and also the calamity that should of been happening under the circumstances of our positions. A look of confusion spread it's way over my already shocked features. I felt that he sensed it, I also felt the after glow of glorious happenings that I could not even remember. He opened his mouth, as if he were to begin speaking, but I put my finger on his mouth and muttered words of quiet. He obediently did as I had instructed. I gently brought his face to mine and kissed him passionately. I told him that I loved him, he returned it.

I lay silent just enjoying his presence, the feel of his body, oh so close to mine, but then the questions attacked my mind. What did all of this mean? Why was I here and not in the arms of my husband? It didn't seem to matter, but then again it did. Do not get me wrong, I enjoyed being with him as if being apart again would rip my already broken soul to shreds. But I knew I had to ask, ask that question that I knew in the back of my mind would bring this delightfulness to an end.

I looked my love in the eye and asked if this was a dream. He looked thoughtful for a moment and then he smiled. He assured me it was no dream and we were together, he reminded me sweetly that we had been this way for twenty-three years. I smiled, not wanting to let go of this, for I knew that I had been with Riley, up to my last birthday, my forty-second. Riley had stood by me and kept me safe, so safe, I had lost who I really was behind it all.

I sighed then looked up at my beloved dark Angel and told him I wished this beautiful dream never to end. His eyes grew with worry, he then assured me again that we would be together for all eternity. I was touched by the realism my subconscious had created, it was as if I were lying in bed with him at that very moment, feeling pleasantly numb, as I used to call it.

I told my Angel, whether or not it had been a dream, I was thankful to be with him, to have this moment of living, and even if it comes to an end, I would always love him, him for his beauty, his strength, his wonderful mind, and finally his eyes that could read my soul like no other. He smiled and told me never to worry, that he would be there for me, and love me always. He kissed me gently, the gentleness lingering, what I felt between us was immense and beautiful as we made love again, treasuring the moment, the vividness of it all. I then faded into peaceful sleep..

I woke up, and frowned, saddened by the dream, by the immense need I felt for him now, how I needed him, I could not describe, I then smelt something delicious emanating from a kitchen of a place I didn't know, I realized I did not know where I was, this bed was foreign, yet so painfully familiar. I walked full of anticipation towards the kitchen, and then I saw the most breathtakingly lovely sight.

He was making breakfast, breakfast for me, the memories flooded my mind like a tidal wave of love. I then knew, it was all real and to be honest to you all, I did not care how it came to be. He was here and so was I. Together at last. He turned and saw me, he smiled and again there was that magnificent twinkle in his eyes. He asked me if I was over the ridiculous spell I had last night. I nodded and smiled, my smile went from one tan cheek to another. I walked over to him and kissed him gently. This was to be my life now, and whatever caused this blessed miracle to happen, I thank them. My life with my beautifully dark Angel...

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