Yes I know I am already writing a fic - well that's just luck. However this idea is spinning in my head for a few days now and I just have to start it. Pleeeease tell me what you think and if I should continue. I really hope you like it because somehow I just have to write it!! (grin) Enjoy and send me feedback: Connemara.Scarlets@t-online.de
RATING: I am not sure because I am not good at that. Probably mostly like the show but I might add some NC-17-parts, because they might be needed.
DISCLAIMER: Not mine, don't sue. If I owned them I would at least think that there could be long-distance relationships and not make such a mess! But I own Mike and Andrew and the plot. The title of the story is a song of Wet,Wet,Wet from their album: "End of part one". So it is not mine too.
FEEDBACK: is absolutely necessary
SPOILERS: all that happened until now
SUMMARY: This is set in the future. Angel and Buffy have been separated for some years (after their last meeting in Sunnydale, where he beat Riley - grin). Buffy is married now, has a child and is expecting her second one (no, don't shoot me now, it's only the beginning) but then a tragedy strikes her.
WARNING: CONTAINS ANGST probably in most parts

Prologue

In a little town called Sunnydale a car hit a tree. When the ambulance arrived the scene they found a family inside the car - only the driver, a man, was conscious.

******

In Los Angeles a well known vampire bolted up in his sleep from a nightmare or a 'daymare' in his case yelling the name "Buffy" and a brunette former cheerleader sighed in her chair in the upper office: "And I thought this was over."

********

Part 1

"Is there any change?" Willow Rosenberg asked when she entered the Summers-house on a bright summer afternoon.

Sadly Joyce Summers shook her head: "No, nothing. She is still the same."

The redhead sighed: "This is so depressing. Four months and still no improvement." She gave Joyce a sad smile and took the stairs up to Buffy's room. Four months, she thought, four months since the tragic accident that changed all their lives in one way or the other. It had been an untypical rainy day's noon when Buffy and her husband, Mike, had been to a family lunch with their two year old son, Andrew. Buffy had been five months pregnant with their second child.

From what Mike had told her and that was not much, they drove back home .afterwards and the car hit a tree. When they arrived in the hospital Andrew had already died. Only hours later Buffy had lost her baby. She had been in a serious state for days but she had survived. Mike did not leave her bed until she was out of acute danger.

They were married when Buffy was 22, Andrew came a year later. Willow opened the door to Buffy's room where her best friend lay on her bed staring at the ceiling. "Hey Buffy," she greeted her, not expecting a response.

Since the accident Buffy had not spoken one word. She would walk and eat and take a bath but she had stopped to communicate with others or taking notice of them. She would only lay or sit and stare into the space. The doctors called it 'prolonged shock syndrome', a mysterious word for a horrible scenario. When the doctors released her Mike and Joyce had decided that she should come and stay with her mother because Mike had to go to work during the day and Joyce had taken a long vacation from the gallery. She was able to live from Hank's support, who tried everything to support her for Buffy's sake.

Willow sat down at Buffy's bed taking her hand, she smiled: "It's good to see you Buffy. It was an exciting day today. And especially the night. Xander and I slayed a vampire on our own. But it is hard without you. Giles misses you, you have to come back. And Mike is desperate, Buffy, he loves you so much. Please try to come back."

Mike Collins was such a nice man, she thought, kind, gentle and loving. He had instantly fallen in love with Buffy. She'd met him at the Bronze and slowly fallen in love with him too. Willow truly liked him and he knew everything about Buffy, well, almost everything. Xander did not like Mike, she frowned slightly. But then he was always jealous. No, don't be hard on him. He had a hard time the last year. Right at the time when his relationship to Anya had became serious the girl was killed by a demon during a night slayage with Buffy and the gang. Only now with the help of Cordelia who he visited frequently he was able to move on. Cordelia had become a great friend of his.

"I am going now, Buffy. See you tomorrow."

Willow got up and left the room. She was surprised to see Xander sitting with Joyce in the living room: "Hey Xand," she greeted him.

"Willow. Good to see you." He stood up and hugged his friend. "How is Oz?"

"Busy," she replied: "At the moment he is in New York with the band but I expect him back in a week."

Xander nodded: "And Buffy? No, don't answer me. Joyce has filled me in. No change."

"None at all," the Wicca answered. "I am really worried and Mike..."

"Mike," Xander said with disgust.

"Yes, Mike. He is her husband and he loves her, Xander. He has lost two children too, you know. Can't you get over your jealousy?"

"This has nothing to do with jealousy, Willow. I don't like him. Buffy would say, he gives me the wiggins, always has."

"Please," Joyce said: "Can we stop this. I am just so ... I don't know. Seeing her like this, it's so depressing."

"Where is Mike?" Willow looked to the door as if he would enter any minute.

"He had to leave town for a few days, business reasons," Joyce answered.

Suddenly Xander, who had been seated again, jumped up: "You know, that just makes me sick. We have to do something, now. I can not look at that anymore. I am going to get some help and I am going now." With this he headed for the door.

Willow shouted: "Wait" after him but he did not hear her anymore.

...

Part 2

Cordelia was surprised to see Xander entering the brand new office of Angel Investigations. He had promised to come for the weekend but now was Wednesday, so the middle of the week. She rose her eyebrows when he stood in front of her desk: "Xander Harris, what are you doing here? Not that I am complaining, I am actually looking forward to your visits," then she muttered: "I cannot believe I really said that."

Xander laughed shortly, same old Cordelia. But he knew better. She had changed a lot, she was still trying to play a role but on the whole she had grown up. And he really, really liked her. Sure they had had some closet datings but this was a teenage crush, but today... He shrugged mentally, this was not the day thinking about himself. He rememberd himself of his mission: "Cordy, I am happy to see you but actually I came to see Angel, speak with Angel. Is he around?"

She frowned: "In his office. Why do you want to see him?"

He sighed: "I have to tell him, Cordelia. He still does not know what happened to Buffy."

"No, Xander. You are not telling him. He does not need that. She is living her own life now and he is not able to deal with it. Xander he still cries her name in his dreams. Please don't do it," she begged him.

He shook his head: "Sorry, but I have to."

"Still no change?" He had told her everything about Buffy and she had visited her once while she was in the hospital. She had been still angry with her, but nobody should suffer like that.

"No, nothing. And this is no way. I have to talk to him."

Finally she sighed: "Alright, go. But please be gentle."

"I promise."

******

He hadn't seen the vampire he had disliked so much for a long time. And he had never expected a vampire could look ill, but Angel proved this to be a lie. He had dark circles under his eyes and he seemed ... thinnner. When he saw Xander entering the office he was still on the phone and pointed him to a chair to sit down. When he finished his phonecall he turned and faced the boy: "Xander. This is unexpected. What brings you in my office?"

He seems to know I am meeting with Cordelia, because he did not say it was new for him being in LA. Xander took a deep breath: "I never thought I would say that but I need your help, or better a friend needs your help."

Angel leaned forward and Xander was taken aback by the genuine concern now shown in the vampire's eyes: "A friend," he asked gently.

"Buffy."

Angel's eyes shot open and he stared at Xander for a second, then a curtain of ice seemed to fall over them: "Buffy is not my business, Xander. She is the Slayer, she can hold her own. She has her own life."

He had expected everything, but not this lack of emotion when he had mentioned her name. He took another deep breath, he had to go on - for Buffy's sake: "She has no life at all."

"What do you mean?" came the sharp question.

"I have to tell you a story, Angel. I am truly sorry we did not tell you before, but Cordelia thought ... we thought ... nevermind. I am telling it now and please listen. There was a car accident four months ago...".

Angel listened very carefully to Xander's story and his anger and pain melted away with every sentence he spoke. Buffy had lost both her children, she had nearly been killed herself. And she was still in her own world. He knew it was not his fault but he could not help feeling guilty. He had left her, he wanted her to lead this normal life and it had hit her full speed. When Xander had finished his little speech the only pain he was feeling now was for Buffy and her loss. The vampire looked up: "And what do you want me to do exactly?"

Xander sighed in relief, this was the old Angel he knew, always concerned about Buffy's happiness: "I want you to come to Sunnydale with me and try to talk to her. You ... as much as I hate to say that ... had always this special connection. You don't have to be afraid to meet her husband, he had to leave town for a few days. So would you come and ... try to help?"

"Xander, do you think I can help? Do you really think that? Buffy and I ... we have not seen each other for a very long time. Don't you think it would be better to leave it this way, for all of us?"

"Angel. I know this is a lot to ask but to be frank it is the only thing that I see now. They have tried everything with her. And she has not spoken for the whole four months. She doesn't even focus on anyone. She is like a robot. It's so scary and depressing. So would you come with me tonight?" His voice had become pleading in the end, urging Angel to see how serious the situation was.

The vampire took an unnecessary breath: "Alright, I'll come."

Xander let out a relieved breath: "I am glad," he smiled at his former enemy. Over the years his rage towards Angel had softened and after spending many weekends with Cordelia he had learned to almost admire him. "So can we go? Now?"

Angel nodded and they headed out of the office. Cordelia looked at Angel sharply: "What is happening?"

"We're going to Sunnydale." And with this Angel and Xander left the office leaving an open mouthed Cordelia behind them.

*******

The drive to Sunnydale was silent. Both men were hanging on their thoughts. Xander was constantly discussing if he had done the right thing. But what else could he have done. Buffy had responded to no treatment so what damage could Angel be. It was at least a try. And then there was the little fact he did not like Mike at all. Buffy had changed since they had been married. Sure she was still the slayer but somehow the idea of making Mike happy and his life wonderful had become the center of her being. Xander hated this and he was longing to see at least a bit of that old Buffy he had once fallen in love with.

Angel's mind was racing. He would meet Buffy again. He had known something was wrong with her. He had just felt it. Even after such a long time he could still sense her. Sense if she felt happy or not. Actually he only felt her pain, when she was happy there was just nothing. Was this strange? He had never thought about it. And now he would see her again. Was he able to face her? Was he able to deal with the pain this meeting would cause? Was he even able to help her? He himself had changed a lot the last years. The self-pity was almost gone, he felt less guilty now that he had helped so many people and also the expectation that he might become human someday was a light at the end of the tunnel. A hint that he was more than a blood-sucking demon after all.

They passed the Sunnydale-sign and Angel felt a twist in his gut. He was nervous - he laughed inwardly, this was ridiculous. He felt as if he was heading for a date with his love... and in a way he was, he had to admit. Not a date, but Buffy would always be his love, his one true love.

Light was shining to the dark street from the Summers' living room window when Angel pulled his car to the driveway. Angel took a deep breath and followed Xander to the house. The young man turned and smiled a bit sheepishly: "Uhm ... Joyce doesn't actually know I went to get you, so ..."

Angel smiled: "It's okay. I am not scared of Joyce, just ring the bell."

Xander smiled back and rang. After a short while Joyce Summers appeared in the doorway. She had grown older and her hair showed some gray now. She smiled sadly at Xander but her eyes grew wide when she saw who accompanied him: "Angel," was all she was able to say.

Angel smiled politely: "Joyce," he nodded his head slightly.

"Joyce," Xander began: "Angel came to see Buffy. Actually I went to get him. Can we come in?"

She nodded and showed them into the house. To Angel's surprise she gave him a smile: "You know her room, just go upstairs."

Angel nodded at her and went to the stairs. He turned again: "I hope you don't mind me coming?"

"No, I don't. Maybe it is good for her, just go."

Angel could not help but smile. She had really changed, obviously the concern about her daughter's health had made her think about some things. He knocked on the door and when there was no response, he entered. From what Xander had told him he had not expected her to answer, but what he saw now scared him to death. There she was but she was barely herself. She was a skinny, fragile frame of the once energetic Buffy he had known. Her eyes looked into nowhere she seemed caught in her own little world, not able to deal with her pain. Slowly he approached the bed and sat down. Gently he took her little hand in his and closed his eyes for a moment just to feel her, to be near her, just one precious moment. He swallowed hard and squeezed her hand slightly: "Buffy, it's me, Angel."

Buffy had been in her own world for a long time. A world where it was safe and kind. Nobody was hurting her, nobody was forcing her to pretend to be someone she wasn't. She felt at peace and painless. But on the other hand it was cold as well, there was not love, not passion, no sun. Not that there was any in her life anyhow, but there at least had been Andrew. He was gone now, so emptiness was the only thing left. As a consequence there was no reason to come back. But suddenly someone was entering her safe world. A voice she would recognize everywhere and it was pulling at her, pleading her to come back. Slowly Buffy tried to focus on the spot where the voice came from.

Angel sat on her bed, her hand tightly in his and whispered gentle words, pleading with her to respond to him. His head was bowed and he had closed his eyes. He never saw that Buffy's head turned slightly and that she looked at him when he finally whispered: "I know you think there is nothing now to come back to. I do not know how much this means to you now, but I miss you, Buffy. Won't you come back to me?"

Tears were running down her cheeks when she suddenly whispered: "Oh Angel."

....

Part 3

Angel's head shot up, his eyes wide and unbelieving: "Buffy," he whispered back.

When she finally nodded he felt tears in his eyes, tears of relief: "Oh Buffy," his voice hoarse : "They told me you would not talk to them."

She looked at him, her eyes were so sad and so full of pain: "Oh, Angel, my babies are dead." The tears were now falling uncontrollably.

Angel leaned forward and gathered her in his arms holding her tightly. Heavy sobs were shaking her body and she was clutching to him like a life-line. When she became more quiet, she asked: "Do you know?"

He nodded: "Xander told me. He was the one who brought me here. I am so sorry, Buffy. I swear I did not know, Xander told me today..."

"No, don't be sorry. But you are here now and that is everything that matters. Please just hold me, Angel. I cannot go on without you, please be there for me."

Angel hold her close and was sure it was only the result of the last months that she was speaking these things. But that was not important at the moment. Buffy was the person he had to focus on. She needed help, his help a tiny voice in his mind told him: "Shhh," he said gently. "I am here."

She pulled back: "But you are not here to stay, I can feel it. You will leave later, won't you?"

Slowly he nodded: "Yes."

She took a deep breath: "Take me with you."

"What?" Angel had the feeling someone had hit him. She wanted to go with him.

"I cannot stay here. In Sunnydale, at my house, near ... them. Everything is to near. I cannot stand it. I just want to go with you - as a friend. Are we still friends?"

Great, friends, just great his inner voice muttered. But the other part knew he had to help her, had to make her feel better, for his own sake. He closed his eyes but looked at her only a second later: "If you really think? But what about your husband? He will be worried."

"Mike," the name came a bit too sharp. "Forget about him. Can I come?"

"If you really want that. But we have to go back with Xander, he took me in his car."

She shook her head: "No. We can take mine. It's outside. Mike brought it here some weeks ago, just in case."

"Alright, but you should pack some things. I have a guest-room," he grinned slightly : "actually I have a quite human apartment. So you can stay there if you want."

She tried a smile and simply said: "Thank you."

*****

Angel left Buffy's room so she could change and pack some things. He went down the stairs still in shock, she had talked to him, she wanted to come with him. He could not help that one part of his mind was singing with joy, stop it, he told himself. Friends, she said friends and she is married.

Joyce and Xander looked at him expectantly when he entered the living-room. Xander asked: "Any success?"

"Actually," he began but was cut by a knock on the door.

It was Willow. She smiled when she saw him: "Angel. It's been a long time."

He nodded: "Yes it has. Hi Willow."

"Willow, was there a reason you came, can I help you?" Joyce had left her seat in the living room and joined them at the stairs.

"I just wanted to have some holy water from Buffy's room."

Angel's eyes widened: "You are patrolling."

"Yes, with Giles and ... Spike," she sighed: "I hate him but he is helpful nevertheless. At least with demons."

The vampire chuckled slightly: "Sort of frustration therapy I guess."

Willow was taken aback, had he joked? Was this Angel? She shook her head still trying to digest a joking Angel and was about to answer when a voice came from above that made them freeze - well all except Angel who had pretty much expected it.

"I am ready, can we go?" With this Buffy appeared on the top of the stairs carrying a bag and slowly making her way down.

Joyce gasped, Willow fought with her breath and Xander ran out of the living room, staring at the slayer, who had by now reached the bottom. Joyce was the first to find her voice: "Buffy," she whispered.

"Hi, Mom," Buffy tried to smile.

Xander stared at the slayer then at the vampire and then he grinned: "Wow I actually had a good idea. I am really proud."

Angel smiled at him and Xander suddenly felt he liked him. It felt strange but good too.

Joyce stepped forward and hugged her daughter tightly, then she noticed her bag: "Honey, what is this?"

"I am going with Angel," Buffy simply stated.

"WHAT?" three voices shouted unison.

Buffy smiled slightly at Angel: "This must be a real shocker."

Angel could not help but chuckle.

"Buffy, sweetheart."

"No, mom. I made my decision. I just have to leave, have to get my head free. I am going with my *friend*, Angel, to LA. I need some space."

Hesitantly Joyce nodded: "But what about Mike?"

Buffy sighed: "Tell him, well tell him what you want. We are going now." She looked at Angel who nodded and took the bag from her. She smiled and headed for her car.

Angel looked round: "I am sorry. She asked me and ..."

"No, it is okay, Angel. She is speaking again, this is like a miracle. Take her with you if it is what she wants. Maybe you can persuade her to call me ... maybe tomorrow." Joyce put a hand on his arm: "I know she is safe with you. Thank you for bringing her back."

Angel only nodded and left.

*****

During the drive to LA Angel from time to time glanced over to his right to look at her. Buffy had fallen asleep after a short while. She must be tired, he thought. God she looks so tired and she is still so beautiful. He felt a tight grip on his heart, his whole being cried out for her, his soul was longing for its other half. And there she was, nearer to him than for years and still so far away. Married, she is married the reasonable part repeated again and again. But the soul was already on a joyride. He tried to concentrate on the traffic for the rest of the way.

When he reached his apartment everything was dark, so Cordelia had already left the office. He was glad, because he did not want to deal with her tonight. After the first office had been blown up and after their time at the hotel they had just moved to a new building. The office was bigger and the apartment was not so brooding, simply because he was not brooding so much anymore. But it was still downstairs, with small windows only, easy to darken during the daylight hours. Angel leaned over and shook Buffy's shoulder gently, when she did not respond, he got out of the car, walked over to the other side and just took her in his arms, holding her bag with the one that supported her back. She stirred the moment he entered his apartment and told him to let her down. He smiled. She was still the slayer, weak or not. He saw her looking around and asked: "Like it?"

"Yes, I like it. It is very much you although you have changed. A lot, I can see it. It is somehow ... lighter."

He laughed: "Yeah, it is. And I think I have changed."

"But you look tired," she noticed.

He looked to the ground a little embarrassed: "Well, I was not sleeping so well, I could sense you ... I mean, I could just feel something was wrong."

She walked over to him and forced him with her hand to look at her: "I can feel too when something bad happens to you. I woke up from a nightmare when your first office was blown up. Xander told me weeks later about it and I knew then."

He nodded and looked to the clock: "It is almost two o'clock in the morning, maybe you should get some sleep."

When she nodded he showed her the guestroom. Before she closed the door she stepped on her toes and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

******

When Buffy woke up the next day it was already afternoon. She yawned and stretched. Suddenly she felt better as she had for a long time. She was even able to think about Andrew and the lost baby without the urge to cry out loud. She opened the door and walked over to the living room where Angel was sitting on a sofa reading. He looked up and smiled : "Hey".

"Hey. I missed that," she pointed at the book. "Coming in a room and you are reading. That is so familiar to me. Would you read something to me?"

"Aren't you hungry?"

She frowned: "Starved actually, but I almost forgot, " she left out a short laughter and it was music to Angel.

"So what do you want?" he asked.

"You are cooking breakfast?"

"To your service, madam," he stood up and walked to the kitchen, taking bacon, eggs and some saussage out of the fridge.

"You keep human food in store?"

He nodded: "Cordelia does. I cook for her sometimes. And Wesley is eating here too. Officially it is my apartment, but sometimes I think this is the office takeaway."

Buffy laughed again: "You really have changed. You laugh more, you are making jokes, you look ... less guilty."

She was still good at reading him, he thought. "I do actually feel better," he admitted. "Maybe because there were some people I could help."

She nodded and sat on her chair when he finally placed a filled plate under her nose. Buffy smiled: "It looks good," she took a bite "and tastes even better. You are a genius."

"Thank you," he smiled. "You want something to drink?"

"Do you have some juice?"

"Apple or orange?"

"Apple please. You know, we are having a normal human breakfast here, well I have, but this is an everyday sitation."

"You look better today," Angel told her.

"I feel better, much better."

"Do you want to do anything today? Maybe go out for a walk?"

"Is it okay when I stay inside. Just today, you could read to me?"

He smiled: "Of course. And I would love to read something to you." Married, she is married, the inner voice said again and again.

******

"She is where?" Giles almost shouted when he had come to see Buffy.

"I told you already. She went to LA, with Angel," Joyce sighed.

"And you think this is okay?" Giles could not understand the woman. She who had disgusted Angel so much, she let her daughter go with him.

"He managed to bring her back. She wanted to go. Rupert, I just want what is best for her and obviously he is - for the moment. She has gone through a lot recently and maybe she needs some distance to move on again."

"Distance is the key word," Giles muttered under his breath.

"I heard that," Joyce said turning for the kitchen to make some tea for them.

******

"She is what?"

"She is downstairs," Angel told her the third time. He'd never thought Cordelia was dense.

"And you think that is a good idea? She is going to break your heart again, you know that, right."

"She wanted to come. She needs the distance," the vampire answered.

"Distance is the key word," she replied.

"Cordelia you are my friend, but please stick your nose in your own affairs. I'll be downstairs the whole day. There is a friend who needs my help."

He turned and left. Cordelia sighed in frustration and took the phone to call Xander. He after all had started the whole mess. So she had at least someone to yell at.

...

Part 4

"How is Buffy?" the male voice on the other end asked.

"She is okay," came the answer.

"Fine. Tell her I love her. I'll be back tomorrow night. Any changes?"

"N... No, not really."

"See you tomorrow then. Bye."

"Bye." Joyce Summers stood there still holding the phone in her hands, she could not believe she had lied to Mike. But more disturbing for her was the reason why she had done this, she was actually happy that her daughter was with Angel. She shook her head, maybe I am possessed she thought and went to do her laundry.

*******

"So will you go to Los Angeles at the weekend?" Willow asked her friend while they were walking towards Giles' apartment the night after Buffy had left Sunnydale.

"Yeah, I am going tomorrow after work." Xander answered.

"So you will see Buffy too?"

"I don't know, Willow. I am seeing Cordelia. She does not live with Angel, I mean her apartment is about five minutes away and she is not working on weekends so I don't know."

"But you will try to see her," the redhead insisted.

"Willow, what do you want to tell me?" Xander did not know what she wanted but he got the feeling he would not like it.

"It's just ... you know. She is married and she is with Angel now. I think it is not a good combination."

He sighed: "Willow stop it, now! Don't do that again, don't interfere with Buffy's life. You already did that and look what happened. You pushed her to be with Riley and that was, well I am not commenting it. And then Mike and you did the same. Telling her how good he would be for her and trying to play the matchmaker."

"I only try to do what is the best for her," she said slightly hurt.

"Or was it because you didn't like to see her alone? I am not sure if there were more selfish reasons." Xander knew he'd hurt her with this, but after seeing Buffy standing, talking and just being because Angel was near he had suddenly understood many things he did not see before.

"That is harsh, Xander. I am her best friend. Best friends want to see their friends happy. And that's what I am trying to do, make her happy." Tears welled in Willow's eyes.

"Well than for this time, leave it. Just let Buffy decide. Not that she has a decision, has she? I mean she is with Angel, so what can actually happen? He is still a vampire and as far as I am informed he is still cursed with a clause, righ? And she is married to ... no, I am not saying his name. So stay out of it. She obviously needs this time away from here. And it will be minor, because I am sure the moment that precious husband of hers appears he will go and bring her back home."

"Good." Willow nodded and Xander only hoped it was not the answer to his last sentence.

******

When Cordelia entered Angel's apartment the same night she could not help but smile. The vampire sat on his sofa, eyes closed and a book in his hand. Curled to his side the blonde slayer. Cordelia had not seen Buffy since her visit to the hospital more than three months ago and was shocked how thin and tired she looked.

Cordelia sighed, there had been lots of phone calls today and she was exhausted. Wesley was still in Ohio researching some demon related problem, so she had no help during the days and probably also through the nights now, the former cheerleader frowned. It was obvious that Angel planned to spent his nights with Buffy at the apartment. Her thoughts were interrupted when Buffy stirred and slowly opened her eyes. She smiled tiredly: "Hey, Cordy."

"Hi, Buffy," the brunette smiled back.

"Cordelia, is there something you wanted?" Angel had opened his eyes as well.

"Actually, yes. First of all I am going now. It's already late. Then Wesley has called. He will stay in Ohio until Sunday. Some things have been more complicated than he thought, but he did not give me details. Xander has called," she frowned: "Okay I called him, to yell at him," she grinned seeing Buffy quirking her eyebrows in confusion and Angel slightly smiling: "so after yelling at him, he asked me if he could come and see you Buffy, tomorrow when he is coming to LA."

"Why?" Buffy asked cautiously.

"Well, he wants to meet you," Cordelia answered confused. What was the matter with the slayer?

"Oh. Okay, I'll be around, I suppose," she looked at Angel. "Are you okay with this, this is your apartment."

He smiled: "I am fine with it. Bye the way has anything happened with Xander? He was ... nice to me."

Buffy laughed: "Maybe he's just grown up. No, seriously. I think the whole Anya-thing was hard for him and made him see some things. First of all that there is a difference between the person and the demon in the same body." She took Angel's hand and squeezed it gently.

"Uhm, guys. I am going now and you two promise to be all friendly in an only-friend way, right. Because I would rather not stake the boss."

"Cordelia," Angel sighed. "Just go home and read a good book. Or get Dennis to wash your back."

"Ewwww. No thank you. He did that once and I nearly had a heart attack. So have a nice time." She waved and closed the door behind her.

Buffy looked at Angel: "So this is the way it goes. Your employées are entering your apartment at any time? What if you have a friend over? And who is Dennis?"

"Buffy," Angel brought his body in a more upright position which forced the slayer to give up the place at his shoulder. "Last question: Dennis is Cordelia's invisible roommate. She sort of rented him with the apartment. And funny enough she seems to like it."

"What is it with Cordelia and invisible persons?" Buffy frowned slightly.

Angel laughed shortly: "And the other question, yes they just invade my apartment at any time. Maybe it is my fault, because I did not stop it from the beginning, but usually it is no problem. And no, I do not have friends here, well not the friends you are talking about."

"What do you mean by that? I am just talking about friends."

He smiled: "Come on Buffy, don't play games. No I have no girlfriend, no I do not date. Happy?"

She turned her head away: "I am sorry. I have no right to ask."

"No you have not," he sighed and got up: "but I don't mind you asking anyhow." He turned to face her again: "Tea?"

******

Giles sat in his living room with Xander and Willow who had joined him shortly. He was still staring at the page he had just read. Shaking his head he took off his glasses and looked at the two of them: "Oh dear, oh dear."

"G-man, if I would be Buffy I would say I hate when you say that. So what is the matter?"

"There is some prophecy and I am not liking it, it is very disturbing. And I had a phone-call from Mr. Pryce two hours ago. He is in Ohio, Angel sent him there for research. It seems he has found the same."

"So care to enlighten the innocent human?" Xander became impatient. What was it with Giles and too many words?

"The prophecy is about a forthcoming battle. A battle between good and evil."

"Opening the hellmouth? Just say no, because I SO do not look forward to the poly-headed snake under the library," Willow shuddered.

"No, not opening the hellmouth, but something similar dangerous." Giles put his glasses back on his nose.

"So are we going to die tomorrow, because then I cancel my date with Cordelia," Xander tried to joke.

"I did not know you were dating Cordelia," Willow looked at him surprised.

"It was a joke Rosenberg. A joke," Xander shook his head.

"Can we just concentrate? This is serious." Giles could not believe they were grown ups. What has happened to the world he thought. Could any prophecy may be worse than today's youth.

"Fine with us." Willow smiled excusingly.

"It seems Angel knows more than we. From what Mr. Pryce told me he has connections to the Powers That Be which is really astonishing for the fact he is a vampire and they are the good ones. But Cordelia gets visions from them," he looked at Xander.

"Yeah, I know. And nasty headaches."

"Care to explain why you never mentioned that to us?" Giles asked with an angry voice.

"She asked me not to do. She said Angel would handle that. He is a sort of warrior for these Powers or how you call them." Xander was getting annoyed with all this.

"He is their warrior?" Giles gasped: "Oh my god," he became pale. Xander and Willow looked at him questioning.

But Giles was deep in thoughts. Angel. It was Angel. Of course, it had to be Angel. He was the dark warrior. He had seen all the prophecies about the dark warrior and Angel was him. He looked back to the book in his lap and then towards his tow helpers: "This prophecy talks about the warrior of the dark and light fighting together. If it is true what you said, Xander, then the dark warrior is Angel and the one of the light..."

"Is Buffy," Willow finished his sentence. Then it hit her: "So you think there is a reason all this happened. I mean all the things that brought her back to LA, to Angel? So she can fight with him, I mean?"

"Most probably, Willow." Giles smiled, she was really bright, maybe the youth was not lost after all.

"Hey, but I brought Angel here and this is the reason she is in LA now. Wow, does that mean I am part of a prophecy?" Xander grinned broadly.

"Xander," Giles sighed. "This is really not important at the moment. This book gives the exact date of the battle. It is the night of the new moon, which would be the night from Sunday to Monday. And that means we have to go to LA on Sunday."

"We are going to LA," Willow frowned.

"We have to. If this is correct Buffy and Angel will have to fight that night and they need any help they can get."

"I am going to LA tomorrow," Xander informed the others, well he informed Giles, Willow already knew. "So I am just staying there. Oh that means another vacation day - my boss will just love it."

"So are we clear then, we are going to LA?" When both nodded Giles leaned back and sipped from his tea. The end of the prophecy was the part he had not told the others about. What would Buffy do if she knew. Would she be able to fight if he told her. No, he decided, there was no way telling her that the dark warrior would not survive the battle. He had to call Angel when the others were gone. He was sure Angel and Wesley had not seen the text he was reading right now.

...

Part 5

Angel again sat on his sofa, but this time he was not reading, he was just staring into nowhere. Buffy had gone to bed an hour ago. He took a deep breath, when he gave in to Xander's request to go to Sunnydale he was expecting it would be hard to see her again. But he was not prepared for all these feelings that were running through his entire being. Staying away from her had been painful but he found a way to cope. He had been busy most of the time and saving people had been a very satisfying job. The moment he had seen her laying on her bed he knew he was lost and he knew Cordelia was right. This would break his heart again, but he had no choice. Whatever they had said to each other, however they had hurt each other in the past, she was sad and needed help. He knew she would go back to her life and to her husband when she was better. A sharp pain went through his heart thinking about that and he could not help but think about 'Déjà vu' - he had to watch her leaving once before but he just knew it would even be harder this time because all these years ago he could make himself believe that there was a way maybe in years time. But now her life was settled, she had a husband waiting for her. God, how am I going to deal with this. And she is absolutely innocent and oblivious to this. She came to me, her friend, for help. And help I will give, for gods sake. He startled when the phone suddenly rang and got it quickly not to wake Buffy. Surprised he heard Giles' voice.

"Angel. How is Buffy?"

"She is fine. She went to bed some time ago. Is there anything I can help with?" Angel had a feeling that Buffy had not been the real reason for the late call.

"Uhm ... Angel, there is a prophecy I have to tell you about. Mr. Pryce phoned me some hours ago and because he found the same hints I guess we can believe this to be right." Giles was nervous, it was not an easy task to tell somebody he was going to die.

"So, go on, I am listening."

And so Giles began to tell him everything about the dark warrior and the fate he had soon to face. When Giles finally ended his speech, Angel asked:

"And you are sure of this?" his mind was spinning. What was about the prophecy Wesley had translated some years ago? He was meant to become human. But then Wesley had not been so sure about the meaning of the words, so maybe...

"Angel, are you still there?" came Giles voice again.

"Uhm... sorry, just thinking. Listen Giles, I am grateful for the information. But if this is my fate it will happen anyway. There is nothing we can do about it and after all I have lived much longer than most people or non-people, so I had my fair share and it's not as if many people are going to be sad when I am gone." The same minute he had spoken the sentence he hated himself for that. That was not the new Angel, some of the old guilt had come through. He shook his head in disbelief and was happy the ex-watcher did not see him right now.

"We have fought prophecies before. Buffy was meant to die by the master's hand and she survived."

"Thanks for your concern Giles, but really I can live with this. I am not afraid to die, you know."

"I know, but anyhow, Willow and I will go to LA on Sunday, maybe we can help, somehow, Xander will be there anyway."

"Fine. See you on Sunday then. Giles, one favour, don't tell Buffy about that, she has enough to deal with right now."

"I had no intention to tell her. But you have to tell her about the prophecy, you both have to train and prepare."

"I will tell her, tomorrow," Angel was not looking forward to this. God how he wished right now that she was not the slayer, that she was not forced to deal with the sake of the world when her own had shattered only such a short time ago.

"Good. Good Night, Angel."

"Good Night."

Angel closed his eyes. So he was going to die, well that was one perspective. He had told Giles that he was not afraid to die and that was true, but surprisingly he did not *want* to die, what was something completely different. He enjoyed being on earth and he suddenly realized how much he had changed the last years ,he was actually enjoying being alive as much as that meant in his case. Sure he was missing Buffy every minute of every day, but he had learned that there was more in life than that. Thinking back he remembered having these thoughts when he had been human, all these years ago in Ireland. So he had human feelings, true human feelings and now he was going to die. Fate certainly sucked.

Suddenly a loud cry interrupted his thoughts. It came from the guest-room. Angel jumped up and burst into the room. Buffy was tossing and turning in her sleep, having a nightmare. He approached the bed slowly, sat down and tried to shake her gently: "Buffy, please wake up. It is only a dream. Come on, wake up."

Her eyes shot open and he could barely bare to see the pain in them. After a few seconds she was able to focus on him and her whole body started shaking. As he had done it the night before he gathered her in his arms and hold her: "Shh," he whispered. "It was only a dream. Nothing but a dream."

She pulled back and shook her head: "No, well yes, it was a dream. But it was reality too. I saw... oh God ... I saw Andrew."

Angel felt helpless, he hadn't even known her child: "I am sorry, Buffy, truly sorry. If I could do anything... anything."

"I know," she tried a smile: "But we cannot, he is gone. I loved him very much, you know and yet," she began to cry again. "Angel, oh God I killed him, I killed my baby," she finally broke down.

The vampire could not believe what she was saying: "What do you mean? Buffy, you did not do anything. You did not even drive the car."

"I know, but I made it happen."

He didn't understand a word of this: "What are you talking about? Made it happen? It was an accident."

She nodded: "I know, but ... do you know why I did not speak to anyone? I did not talk because I felt so guilty and I did not know how to deal with it." She shifted in her bed to come into an upright position and looked him right in the eye: "I feel guilty because I married Mike without loving him. Well, I thought I loved him, but I did not. I knew it the moment Andrew was born, the moment ," she stopped and gripped his hand: "the moment I remembered our perfect day."

Angel only stared at her: "You... but this is not possible. How ...," he swallowed hard: "Oh God, Buffy, you were not meant to remember."

She nodded: "I know. But after I did everything that had been with Mike was just a lie. Realizing that I tried everything to make life wonderful for him. Tried to be the perfect wife, gave in to," she stopped again and swallowed : "every sexual fantasy he had, just to make amends for not loving him. But it was not enough. He must have felt it, because... two weeks before the accident I came home late from a dinner with Willow. I was meant to stay at my mom's house that night, but decided otherwise. However I came home and he... he," she again started to cry: "He was in our bed... with another woman. I stormed out of the house. I told only my mother what I had seen and stayed with her. The day of the accident we had a lunch to talk, but I had made my decision. I told him I wanted to get divorced. This whole marriage had been a fault." She took a breath: "He did not take it so well but he did not yell at me because Andrew was with us. He even had the guts to ask me if the baby was his, if I was leaving him for another man. Instead of yelling he drank and I was so angry at him I did not notice it. So the car slipped, because ... because he lost control."

Angel did not know what to say. He was a loss for words and anger was rising inside of him against the man that got drunk, had killed his two children and risked the life of his wife. So he embraced her tightly and hold her what for seemed hours. Finally he just said: "I love you."

He could hear her gasp and looked down in her unbelieving face: "You love me?" How could he love her, how could he even look at her after everything.

"I have always loved you, Buffy. Always as I had once written in a book of poetry and I meant it." He reached out and touched her cheek, wiping her tears away with his thumb.

"I love you too, I always have. I made myself believe otherwise but it was a lie, it was always a lie. The moment Andrew died I could hear my soul crying out for you." She cupped his face in both hands and met his lips in a sweet, gentle kiss.

When the kiss ended Angel could not believe the love that was now radiating from her eyes. He swallowed: "So you are going through with it, the divorce I mean?"

She nodded: "Yes. I am sure of it. Now more then ever. I could never be with him anymore. Never."

He glanced to his watch: "It is late, Buffy. Maybe we should try to sleep now. There are some things you should know, but not tonight, tomorrow."

He pulled away and got up but she held his hand: "Stay with me. Just hold me."

Angel did not answer, he just pulled his shoes off and crawled on the bed next to her gathering her firmly in his embrace. Only minutes later she was asleep. He also closed his eyes, he knew she had to know about the coming battle, but tonight he would hold her, this was their night, together.

...

Part 6

Buffy was staring at Angel who sat at the other side of the kitchen table, he had just finished to tell her about the battle they had to face soon, too soon. She sighed, this was her life and it totally sucked. The day had started so wonderful, waking up in Angel's arms and looking up in his wonderful eyes. He had kissed her gently on her forehead and they had talked a bit more about her marriage. For the first time Buffy had managed to tell someone about the disgust she had felt when her husband had insisted on certain sexual practices, things she let him do because she felt so guilty. She did not want to tell but Angel had discovered a brand on her right upper arm and insisted on telling him. She had seen the anger in his eyes when he found out it was done with a cigarette. A nauseous feeling entered her stomach when she thought back to the things that turned Mike on. Angel had tightened his embrace. She had also told him that she was taking protection pills because she did not want another child with Mike but he had found them and replaced them by placebo pills so she had become pregnant again. She told more and more and felt better and better. And she told him that Willow had been supporting her marriage and that to her surprise Xander had been the only real friend to her. He had not liked Mike from the start. Buffy had to smile when she saw the grin on Angel's face telling him about that. Both knew what it meant. Xander never liked the men around Buffy. But he had been the only one who could feel that Buffy was not happy, that she had changed and that she was mostly acting and not living. She also told Angel how shocked her mother had been when Buffy had told her about Mike and the other woman. She had always thought the marriage was just perfect. But then Joyce had always been too oblivious. Now she was finally in LA, back in Angel's arms and what happened... a prophecy, just the life of the slayer.

She gazed back at Angel who was looking at her expectantly: "And the battle will be on the new moon. At least we have three days to prepare. Compared to the one after that I had to face the master - this alsomost looks like an eternity," she tried to joke.

Angel took her hand: "I am sorry. I wished I did not have to tell you, especially after all... but you are the slayer and the prophecy mentions you and I," he took a deep breath: "Giles and Willow will come on Sunday. Wesley will also be back by then. And Xander will stay the weekend with Cordelia."

She looked at him and tried to read in his eyes, she could not get over the feeling he was hiding something from her: "Is there anything else?"

"What do you mean?" the vampire tried to sound casual. He had no intention to tell her the whole story.

"Angel I know you. And I am the slayer, I have the feeling you are hiding something from me. Do not protect me again, I am a big girl and can handle things."

"No, I am not hiding anything. I am ... it's ... I am nervous. This is a dangerous thing we have to face and you are not at your full strength." He really hated to lie to her, but he knew she would not be able to deal with this. Not now. She would have to face this because he could not escape his fate but not now, not now.

"Oh. I understand. Well then we should start training, right?" She smiled at him: "But before. I know this is an unexpected question and I have no right to ask it but I have learned that you have to take your chances when you get them so I am going to ask it anyway. You said you love me, yesterday. And I love you."

Angel tried to speak, he knew what she wanted to say, but she rose her hand to stop him: "No, let me go on, otherwise I loose my courage. I am going to be a single again, soon. And I have told you how miserable I have failed with my life and my relationships. So what I am going to ask, can I stay with you. I know there is still the clause in your curse. But beside that I have tried the normal life and openly it sucks. I had a child and it was taken from me. And I just know that I will never be with anyone else again. So you can forget about all your noble arguments. All I want is to stay with you and to be near you. Only as a friend if you want. But please don't send me away."

He did not answer for a long time. He did not know what to say, thinking about Buffy staying with him brought waves of joy to his soul, but he could not promise anything to her. Most probably he would die. What could he say without destroying her hopes that he felt were so important for her now to face the battle that was waiting for them. "Buffy," he began. "You can stay as long as you want. A long time ago I have said a lot of things. Seeing you like this has proven me to be wrong, but we cannot change this. So if you want to be here ... with me ... I would be very happy." It was not the truth but not a lie either, but it did not make him feel better. He did hide something from her and deep inside he knew it was wrong.

It nearly broke his heart when he saw her whole face lighten up in joy. She stood up, went around the table, placed herself in Angel's lap and threw her arms around his neck, pressing her body against his: "I love you," she whispered. "And I am so happy. I have never been so happy. Now we are going to be together."

Angel fought against his tears and closed his eyes. He had never been so glad before that Cordelia was again invading his privacy: "Morning you both," she stopped in the doorway when she saw the slayer sitting in her boss' lap. She cleared her throat: "Seems I have arrived at the right time, before you can get ... you know." She stopped and stared to the ground.

Buffy turned to face her and was surprised to see that Cordelia could look embarrassed. Angel took a deep breath and fought to regain composure: "Cordelia. This is my private apartment, you know. The office is upstairs."

The brunette looked up and smiled sheepishly: "Sorry. But I did not expect ... that. Is there anything you have to tell me?" She tilted her head and smiled slyly.

"I am going to stay," Buffy burst out. "I am going to stay with Angel." She jumped up and hugged the former cheerleader.

Cordelia was confused and surprised to put it mildly. She quirked an eyebrow when Buffy finally pulled back: "What do you mean? Stay here? What about your husband. There was a husband and you remember that, right?"

Buffy smiled: "I do. But he is the past. I am going to get a divorce as soon as possible."

"So Xander Harris was right for once," Cordelia could not help but smile. The only disturbing part was the pained look in Angel's eyes. He should look happy for gods sake and he looked as if he had just been beaten. She shook her head and gazed back to the slayer: "Xander did not like Mike and I always thought he was jealous again. He said he was not and I would not believe him but obviously he was telling the truth. What happened, did he have an affair?"

When Buffy blushed and looked at the ground, Cordelia made a disgusted noise: "He did! Hell men are just so..." she stepped forward and hugged Buffy again. "You are right. Dump him and make him pay. As far as Xander told me he has a reasonable income and we are living in California," she grinned: "oh he will hate the day he even looked at the other woman."

Buffy sighed: "Cordelia, being with another woman was only a little piece. There has been a lot. However deep inside of me I knew it long before but it takes time to make such a decision and there was Andrew," she swallowed heard and fought against her tears: "but with him gone there is absolutely nothing left that connects us anymore."

"Buffy," Cordelia said: "I really hate to remind you both. You know you cannot really live together. There is still that little happiness problem. Maybe one day the temptation will be too ..."

"No it won't," Angel cut in. He stood up and put his hands on Buffy's shoulders. "Can we now change the subject because there is something you should know. A prophecy."

He pulled Buffy with him to the sofa in the living room and Cordelia placed herself in a large chair opposite to it. She frowned when she heard the story: "So this is it. A battle on Sunday night. Well, at least life is never boring around you two."

Angel nodded: "You can say that. But sometimes I really wish it was."

"Yeah," the brunette answered. "Thinking I wanted to become an actress and now I am living with a ghost and search the net for demons." She shook her head.

"However. Buffy and I have to train and prepare. And I want you to try to find anything about that battle you can. And try to get Wesley on the cell phone. I sent him to Ohio for research because of your last vision. You know, the one with the Mohra Demon in it."

"Oh that. So there are these ugly jewely things involved in the battle, can I just say ewwww." She shuddered.

"Most likely," Angel answered. "But we do not exactly know. Giles might tell us on Sunday and I will call him today. Maybe," he stopped. "Cordelia could you call Xander and ask him if he could bring the book with him? The one Giles mentioned. I would like to have it as soon as possible. And then call Giles, ask him if he and Willow want to come today and stay until Sunday. So we can prepare together."

"Okay, boss. I am going now and you two - be nice with each other. Oh... I meant nice, but not too nice."

"Cordelia," Angel sighed. "Just go and make the calls. Please."

"I'm going, I'm going," she said quickly and left.

Buffy giggled: "She has changed a lot, but deep inside there is still the good old Cordelia."

"There is. But she is a good person and a great help." Angel looked at the slayer: "Are you up for some training now?"

When she nodded he led her to the part of the office where he was working out.

*******

Mike Collins sat in the plane flying back from New York to LA. He was glad he was able to leave earlier. Something was wrong in Sunnydale. Joyce had sounded different. He still did not know what Buffy had told her about Ellen. He remembered the shocked expression on his wife's face to see them both naked in her own bedroom. But then he was a man with needs and Buffy had used excuses all the time since she had been pregnant. She had been so willing before.

He had to know what was going on at home. Damn, gone for four days and already losing control. He hated being out of control. At least Ellen would wait for him at home. And she was more than willing, he smiled feeling very content with himself.

...

Part 7

Buffy and Angel spent the most time of that Friday working out. He could feel she was weaker than usual but with every hour her strength seemed to come back. And she was obviously enjoying the exercise. Her body had not been very well trained the last months, but it seemed that in slayers the muscles would stay in shape somehow. They made a short break around noon. Cordelia told them that Giles and Willow would come together with Xander and they had also convinced Spike to come along. Angel frowned when he heard this but they could need any help they could get - so he tried not to think about his annoying childe. The platinum blonde vampire still had the chip in his head, he had left Sunnydale for a while to find a cure for himself. When he did not find anything he came back. Slaying demons was better then slaying nothing. And somehow he had developed a sort of sympathy towards Willow and according to Xander, so Cordelia told Angel, he was better now although still insisting he was truly evil.

The work out in the afternoon became more efficient. They now fought with swords and axes. Angel remembered the last time he or better his alter ego had used a sword against Buffy and she had won. But now the vampire seemed to have the upper hand, no surprise considering he was using that weapon frequently. Maybe it was because he was born in the 18th century where swords were the most common weapon. When it was already dark outside Angel had her cornered, the sword pointing at her heart and Buffy surrendered - so he thought. Coming near her she grabbed his shirt and pulled him near to kiss him.

The same moment the outer office door was pushed open and Cordelia looked at a blonde man in his early thirties who seemed to boil with anger. "Can I...," she started when she saw his attention was focused at a spot behind her back. Ooops, she thought turning around. The door to the work-out room was wide open showing a tall dark man in a tight embrace with a certain blonde slayer. Cordelia turned back to face the man in the door but he had already passed her and stormed towards the kissing couple.

They were so sunk into each other that none of them noticed the man entering the room. Without a warning Angel was pulled from Buffy and thrown against the opposite wall. He looked up and saw a guy standing above him with clenched fists and eyes that shot daggers towards him. He knew instantly who this was. He had seen him before, he had seen him on pictures Willow had sent to Cordelia from Buffy's wedding.

"Mike," came Buffy's angry voice from behind and the man whirled around to face his wife.

Angel took a deep breath but could hardly prevent himself from grinning. Maybe another human aspect. The way Buffy looked at her soon-to-be-divorced husband was only to familiar and he knew what would come next.

"What do you think you are doing here?" the man suddenly yelled. "I am out of town and you just run off with a former lover. You did not even have the time to tell me you are again amongst the living?" He approached her with every word and finally stood right in front of her.

Buffy could hardly stay calm: "That is none of your business anymore. As I told you before, I am going to divorce you. As soon as possible. And now get out of here and back to your house to your little girlfriend. I am done with you." She moved to turn away from him but he put his hands to both sides of her to the wall.

"You are not going to leave me, Buffy. You are my wife, did you forget your oath, 'til death do us part." He did not lower his voice a bit."

Buffy decided to ignore this, who was he to talk about promises, so she just asked: "How come you know that I am here? I am sure mom did not tell you."

"Willow told me. I knew none of your stupid friends would say a word. But she has always been so supportive, so I tried her. Found her right before they were leaving town. Your mother wasn't even at home. I thought horrible things, I even considered you could be..."

"What? Dead? Would you have liked the idea? Well just to your information, I am not dead and now go away from me or I have to hurt you."

He laughed: "You would never hurt me. You could never do that because you feel to much guilt towards me." He bowed his head to kiss her. The same moment a hand grabbed his shoulder and pulled him back.

"Maybe she will not hurt you but I will if you are not leaving ASAP." Mike looked at the man before him. He knew who he was. He was Angel, his wife's former lover, her first. But he did not know what he was. Buffy had decided not to tell him. She still remembered how Riley had reacted when he found out about Angel. Mike knew she was the slayer but he had never paid interest in her nightly activities.

So Mike thought he was standing before a human and let his eyes wander up and down checking if he would be able to fight him. The man looked strong but Mike was doing Karate so he decided it was worth a try. A fault as he soon knew. Before he could even move his leg Angel felt his intention and Mike flew from the room through the door and landed in front of Cordelia's desk and at Xander's feet. The four of them had arrived at the office only a minute ago.

Mike shook his head to realize what just had happened. The first he saw was a huge grin on Cordelia's face. Then he looked at Angel who stood in the doorway his expression was clear, the next time he would not play. So Mike decided this was not the moment to make his move. He got up shot Buffy and her lover a hateful look and stormed out of the building.

"What was that? Not that I wasn't enjoying it, but what happened," Xander asked

"I was about to ask the same," Spike put his arm around Xander's shoulder: "and you know I am just starting to like you," he told him.

They all looked expectantly at Angel. He did not say a word, he simply turned around and shut the door.

******

Buffy stood with her back to the wall. She was breathing heavily, her eyes were closed. Suddenly she felt a hand on her shoulder and opened her eyes again meeting Angel's concerned gaze: "Are you okay?" he asked.

"No I am not okay," she answered and pushed herself from the wall now pacing the room: "What does he think he is? Coming to LA and behaving like that. Uuuuh, I am so angry, I would love to kill a vampire right now."

Angel rose his hands in played defense: "As much as I would love to fulfill your wishes...", he told her with a slight grin.

She smiled: "Sorry. I am just so angry. He is such a ... I do not have the words. Tell me, how could I have been so blind and marry him. What happened to me, that I was falling for him? I cannot believe," she stopped: "Maybe... maybe I was under a spell or something. Maybe it was the same that made me to Spike's fiancée."

"WHAT?" came Angel's shout. In the outer office everyone startled.

She grinned sheepishly: "Uh... I forgot to tell you. Years ago one of Willow's spell went wrong and I was engaged to Spike," she stepped over to the vampire and laid a hand on his arm, looking him directly in the eye: "but it was only for a few hours." Then a wicked grin spread across her face: "But you know he was a good kisser." She leaned forward.

"Was he?" he asked, lowering his mouth on hers.

Angel forgot everything, the battle, his fate, everything. He was caught in her eyes and the fascination of her lips on his. For a short time nothing was important only the feeling to be near each other.

*****

Giles looked at Cordelia: "Can you explain?" He had put his glasses off his nose and rubbed them with his shirt, a sure sign that he was more than a little bit confused.

The brunette grinned broadly: "This was how do I get rid of my annoying husband," she stated matter-of-factly.

"What do you mean?" Willow asked. "What happened here? Mike and Buffy are in love, they love each other. What did Angel do to her?"

"Angel did nothing to her, well he did *something* to her," seeing the concerned gazes turn to her, she quickly continued: " but not THAT and no spell," she shrugged: "Nevermind. I am sorry to disappoint you, Willow, but that marriage is SO over."

"What?"

Cordelia sighed: "Dense much? Oh, well you did not see the whole thing. So the short version, Angel and Buffy kissing, annoying husband enters, tries to scare Buffy and Angel beats him up. Can your mind digest that?"

"I am just beginning to like my sire again," Spike chuckled and sat himself in the chair that stood in a corner of the outer office. The sooner Mike would disappear from the slayer's life the better. With his vampire senses he had no problem to feel she was miserable all the time. Not that he really cared, he was still evil.

"But ... b... but," Willow stuttered.

Xander put an arm round her shoulder: "Sorry Will, but I told you he was an ass. I cannot believe I am saying that, but Angel just feels like a friend to me."

"Stop it, stop it," Willow shouted suddenly. "They were happy, I know they were happy. I saw them, I wanted...," and then she burst out in tears, clinging to Xander's chest.

The same moment the door behind them opened again and Buffy and Angel entered the outer office. Buffy was a little bit embarrassed that her friends had seen what just had happened. Angel gazed around and greeted everyone with a short nod. When he came to Giles, he looked him deep in the eyes with silent understanding. Giles nodded ever so slightly. They would talk to each other when they were alone.

"So you dumped your man, slayer?"

"Spike, I was really dreaming to see you," Buffy told him. Then she looked at her friends: "So you know it now. I am going to get a divorce and I am not going to explain that. It is private and stays that way."

Willow who had recovered from her former outburst sniffled: "But I do not understand that Buffy, you both were so in love..."

Buffy shook her head: "No. Willow. I might have loved him once, maybe, but I was never so in love with him. And certainly not the last two years. Our whole realtionship was a fake. That is all I am going to say to this. Can we now concentrate on the battle? I think this is much more important." She looked at Giles who nodded and put his glasses back on his nose.

...

Part 8

There were sitting in Angel's living room some time later. Books were spread all over the table and on some parts of the floor around Xander who sat there cross-legged. From time to time he looked up and smiled at Cordelia, he was happy to see her. The brunette sat beside Buffy both concentrated in books. Only Willow who sat in front of her notebook seemed a little distracted and more staring into space than actually looking onto the screen.Spike had disappeared some minutes ago, mumbling something about checking sources. Obviously he had connections everywhere.

Angel who had been sitting beside Buffy made eye contact with Giles and nodded at him, then both got up and left the room. The slayer frowned a little bit when she saw them leave, they would tell her later she thought.

As soon as they had reached Angel's office upstairs Giles began: "What is going on between you two?"

"What do you mean?" Angel had no intention to discuss private matters with Giles.

"You and Buffy, Cordelia said something about you two kissing when Mike arrived." Giles quirked his eyebrows and looked expectantly at Angel.

The vampire took an unnecessary breath: "Look Giles, whatever happened with Buffy and her husband it happened long before she came here..."

Giles rose a hand: "No, Angel. It is not what I mean. I am not concerned about Buffy's decision to get divorced. But she had a lot to deal with lately and I am not sure if she can stand more emotional pain."

"I know what you mean. Yes, we were kissing. Somehow Buffy had the idea she would stay with me and ... I did not have the heart to lie to her about my feelings. You know, I love her, I have always loved her. Hell, Giles, you even knew that long before Buffy did," he tried a weak smile.

"I know you love her. What I meant is if it is good to give her the hope you two could have a future. It would have been difficult before with the curse and all but maybe possible now the chance is nil." The ex-watcher sighed loudly, he hated these conversations.

"What do you think I should have told her. That I do not love her? To make it easier for her in the end? I doubt it would be. But I can make sure she will survive the battle. The prophecy does not say anything about the fate of the light warrior but that does not mean she will survive it. And I am not going to take a chance when it comes to Buffy's life. She has to be strong physically and mentally. Physically she is better now than she has been in the morning and she will improve until Sunday. Mentally. Well after all she's been through all I can do is give her hope. I know she will hurt after... But she is strong and with all your help she will get through it."

"So we are not going to tell her about your fate. Are you really sure, she loves you, she should at least have the possibility to say goodbye."

"She will know when the time comes, " Angel answered cryptically.

Giles rose one eyebrow: "What is that supposed to mean?"

"She will feel it, Giles. Buffy and I are connected. We feel if the other is in danger, we always have."

"I remember. You sometimes share dreams." The Englishman remembered the time when Angel came back from hell.

"So you see. When Buffy had the accident I had nightmares, I was dreaming she was in danger. It was not specific but I knew there was something wrong. I am sure she will feel it right in time."

*******

Buffy stood up and walked over to sit down beside Willow: "Earth to Willow, are you still in there," she joked.

The redhead startled : "Oh. Sorry, Buffy I was miles away."

"I could see that," the slayer smiled. "Are you okay?"

"Yes," she answered quickly. "I am fine. Peachy. Absolutely fine."

"Come on, Willow, I know something is wrong. Hey, I am your best friend, tell me."

The witch looked up with tears in her eyes: "Can we go somewhere private?"

"Sure," Buffy nodded: "We can go in my room."

When both girls were seated on the bed in Angel's guestroom Willow began: "I ... I ... Did you really never love him?"

"Who? Mike?"

The redhead nodded. The slayer thought for a while: "Maybe in the beginning, I do not know. But I don't think so. Maybe if I never had met Angel, but that's only theory. My feelings for him are so deep, so fundamental. I trust him completely and I understand him. With Angel I never have to pretend anything, I can be myself completely and would know he'd always love me. So the answer is, has to be no, I never loved Mike. Why are you asking?"

Willow's eyes shimmered with tears: "Oh God, and I pushed you to see him. I always told you how nice he was. I was supposed to be your friend and never saw that. I am a bad person and a horrible friend. You must hate me."

"Oh Willow," Buffy reached out to take her hand. "I do not hate you."

"I told him that you are with Angel. None of the others would so I did."

"I know, he told me. But I do not hate you. I know you tried to do what was good for me. You wanted to see me happy."

Willow shook her head: "Don't comfort me. If I had been a better friend I would have researched how to get rid of Angel's curse instead of playing the matchmaker. But I was not. The worst is that Xander is right."

"What do you mean?" Buffy asked confused.

"He said I would have pushed your relationships because of selfish reasons and he is right. I could not stand it to see you unhappy instead of supporting you and helping you to find a solution for the whole Angel-mess." She sighed unhappily.

"You think there might be a possibility to find a way around the happiness clause?" Buffy forgot all about their earlier subject.

The witch shrugged: "I don't know, but maybe. We never really researched it. First we all were to angry and then with Angel gone it did not seem important anymore."

"Oh god, Willow. If we would find that. It would mean Angel and I. We. We could really be together." Tears of joy were running down her face.

"Don't set your hopes too high, Buffy. I cannot promise anything, but we can try when all this is over." Willow smiled weakly.

"It's just ... like a dream comes true. After so many years."

"So I assume you are staying with him now. With or without the clause?" Willow tried to change the subject slightly.

Buffy nodded: "I am. I cannot believe I did that but I just asked him. And he said I could stay... with him. I think he was truly shocked about the whole mess of my marriage and realized that he is not so bad for me after all," she grinned. "Some men just need more time to see the truth."

Willow giggled: "Maybe. Oz is not the fastest too."

"Are we cool now?"

"We are," the redhead answered. "I think we better go back for research."

Arm in arm the two joined the others in the living room.

********

Buffy and Angel were up early and already working out when Giles tiredly arrived in the upper office. Xander and Willow were staying with Cordelia while Giles was given Angel's guestroom. Spike slept on the couch in the living-room and Buffy stayed with Angel. They were sleeping in each other's arms, content to feel each other so closely.

When Giles saw them together training he could not help but smile. They looked so right with each other, even when fighting.

When Buffy flipped Angel over she saw her watcher standing outside the room. She smiled: "Morning Giles. You're up awfully early."

"You are one to talk. When did you two get up?"

"An hour ago," Angel answered and stepped outside. The outer office was dark, heavy curtains blocked the sun, so Angel went over and switched the light on. Then he turned again to Giles: "Are you hungry? Anything you need is downstairs. The fridge is filled, so no worries."

"Oh, fine. I am not hungry at that time of the day but tea would be nice."

Angel nodded and went downstairs to make some.

"You look good in battle," Giles said approvingly to his slayer.

She nodded: "I feel much better. Thanks to Angel. And he is much stronger too. He beat me twice yesterday. He is a master with swords. I am glad he was not that good some years ago or we would all rot in hell now," she joked lightheartedly and Giles felt his guts knotting. Was it right to lie to her, not to tell her?

"How bad is this thing, Giles," Buffy asked suddenly and pulled him out of his thoughts. "Angel told me about the battle but I have the feeling he does not want to tell the whole story."

"I am sure he told you everything I told him," the ex-watcher lied. "It is a very dangerous battle. It is triggered by a certain demon who came to LA about two weeks ago. It is called a Tribean-demon. They are very rare and the most powerful demons that walk on earth. They do not fight themselves but they usually have an army. This demon holds a certain amulet that will only work on a special new moon which is tomorrow. If they succeed the world the way we know it could end."

Buffy shuddered: "Sounds really nice. But if they have an army. How are we two going to fight an army?"

"You won't. The prophecy says that the two warriors of light and darkness will destroy the amulet, so all you have to do is find the amulet and destroy it. In order to do that you have to pass the guards."

"And where do we look for the amulet?"

"A star will show the way tomorrow night."

"Your tea, Giles," Angel came up the stairs and put a cup right in front of the watcher's nose who was sitting at Cordelia's desk by now. The vampire looked at him: "What were you talking about?"

"I explained Buffy the amulet."

"Oh I see." Angel nodded and walked over to the work-out room, looking back to Buffy he said: "Are you coming?"

She smiled at Giles and followed her lover to continue their training.

...

Part 9

The whole group was so concentrated on research or training in Buffy's and Angel's case that they were almost surprised it was already Sunday afternoon and Wesley came back from Ohio. Giles drove to the airport to pick him up, using the opportunity to talk to him in private. Angel had agreed that Wesley should know the whole truth about everything. After all he should be the one who would care for all the things the vampire would leave behind.

Angel felt strange, somehow he felt a sort of peace he had never experienced before maybe because he now knew his fate. On the other hand he had a very human feeling of betrayal. Buffy had appeared in his life again and although they were not able to be truly together he cherished every minute they spent with each other and the feeling this would be limited because of that twisted fate of his made him angry and sad at the same time. On the other hand he knew that if he would not know about his fate he had never allowed their relationship developing in this direction. He was able to control himself - for some time. Every fiber of his body cried for Buffy, cried to be near her, to be truly united with his soulmate. His calmness in the face of desire was only a result of his fate and he knew it. But because of this he enjoyed holding her in his arms, looking at her lovingly and enjoying the love that radiated from her eyes towards him. And he lost himself in their kisses. Another part of him felt almost unbearable pain in betraying his beloved and knowing about the pain she would have to endure to see her hopes destroyed again.

Buffy felt that something was going on in Angel's head she was not able to put her finger on. He seemed more and more distracted and the training became more and more ineffective for he was everywhere but in the work out. After she had easily flipped him on his back, she finally sat herself on his stomach, holding his lower arms in her hands and looked at him: "Will you tell me what is going on in your mind."

"Nothing," but he knew she would not buy it, because he was not able to look in her eyes.

"Angel," she tried to force him, gripping his arms harder. "I know something is bothering you. I can feel it. I felt it since ... yeah, since you had the phone call from Giles. So I assume it has to do with the battle. And don't give me that 'it is a dangerous battle' speech again because I am not buying it. So spill it."

Angel tried to sit up and Buffy slipped from his body, setting his arms free. He looked at her, his mind racing. What do I tell her, god I cannot tell her, can I? She is not able to fight if she is concerned about me. Pushing himself from the ground he stretched a hand out for Buffy and lead her downstairs making her sit on the sofa. The gang was now sitting in the outer office and staring after them when they disappeared in the apartment .He seated himself so he would face her and took a deep breath: "Buffy, I was thinking. You know, about us."

"Us?"

"Yeah, you know, you and me. Living together here."

Buffy felt a tight knot in her stomach, what would he say to her. She put her hands together and entwined the fingers, biting on her lower lip at the same time, preparing for the worst.

"Buffy, I ... you know I love you, very much. More than anything, but I am not sure if this is a good idea. I know you want to stay here with me, but none of the reasons why I left all these years ago have changed. Are you really sure this will work?" Oh you are a damned liar, Angel. But you are doing it for her, for her life. At least I hope I do it for her life, he sighed inwardly.

"Angel. I am staying, there is no argument, nothing that will change my mind. This time we will make it, nothing will separate us again. I will fight for us and I hope you will too," sending him a questioning and pleading look.

He smiled sadly: "Oh Buffy, there are so many things outside for you to see. You are still so young and the life is waiting for you..."

"Stop it," she almost shouted. "Don't you understand that this is nothing to me without you? Does the fact I spoke to you after four months of silence mean nothing to you? Please do not send me away," she pleaded with watery eyes.

He reached out and took her hand: "I am not sending you away. I just want to show you that there is more in life than me. I don't want you to focus on me. Promise to keep your eyes open for life and joy. Promise me."

Buffy was confused by his serious gaze: "I promise as long as you are not sending me away. So you have to promise not to do that."

He nodded: "I promise. I am not sending you away."

She felt as if tons had fallen from her heart and sighed in relief: "Good. Don't scare me again, Angel. These discussions will cost me years of my life and with the fact you will stay young forever we don't want me to age even faster," she tried to joke. But he would not smile. He still looked very serious and deep in thoughts. "Is there anything else?"

He shook his head: "No, Buffy. I just. You are the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on, everything is beautiful, your body, your soul, just everything. I think you never knew how much you are able to give to a man. Don't ever doubt your worth, do never sell yourself cheap." He closed his eyes, to prevent himself from crying. He had to stop that now or she would feel what was going on. But he also had to let her know how precious she was.

"This is beautiful and I love you. Only you." She leaned forward and kissed him and he wrapped his arms around her, loosing himself in this unique feeling maybe for the last time. He prayed she would survive and become happy again, a silent prayer to the PTB.

******

They joined the group upstairs when they heard the door and Wesley's voice. He greeted his boss with a nod and by the sad look in his eyes Angel could tell he already knew what would happen later that night. The vampire put a hand on his arm and pulled him into his office, closing the door behind them. Buffy sent a confused gaze in Giles' direction but he only smiled and shook his head to make her more comfortable. He himself felt as if his heart was ripped apart thinking about the pain she would have to endure in only a few hours.

******

"I am glad you are back in time," Angel began when he had closed the door behind them.

"Angel, I want you to know how sorry..."

The vampire rose a hand: "No, don't. I have a favour to ask."

The Englishman nodded at once.

Angel went to his desk, opened a drawer and handed his employée two envelopes: "I have written two letters. One is for you. You will be in charge with the agency and everything. I don't want to bother Giles for obvious reasons and Buffy... I don't know if she could handle it. But if she wants anything she should have it."

Wesley nodded again.

"The other is for Buffy," he took a deep breath to collect himself: "I have tried to ... explain my actions. Giles has certainly told you that she does not know."

"He has."

"I hope one day she will understand." He went over and laid a hand on Wesley's shoulder: "I have come to see you as a friend over the years and I hope you will be able to remember me that way too."

Wesley swallowed hard: "I will. If I could do anything..."

"You can't."

"Angel, there is something I want to say. I am very sorry I misinterpreted the prophecy - about you becoming human. I was so sure. And I still don't understand..."

"It is okay," he patted his shoulder. "Don't feel guilty. There has been so much pain and guilt around me for such a long time."

"Alright," the ex-watcher stood up to look him the eye:" I will miss you," he simply said.

Angel nodded and together they joined the others again. Before they entered the outer office Wesley made sure that the two letters were safely hidden in his jacket.

******

They stood on the hill over Los Angeles waiting for the sign of the falling star, that would show them the location of the amulet. Buffy held Angel's hand in hers and smiled at him reassuringly, he closed his eyes to prevent tears from falling. He tried to concentrate on the feeling of her right beside him, tried to memorize these precious moments.

Spike lay a bit to the side on the grass and stared to the sky. He hated himself that he had found nothing to help. All his sources became silent when he only mentioned the Tribean-demon. His vampire senses told him something big was going to happen tonight, he also got strange vibes from his sire he was not able to read. It was something he had never felt before. He looked at Willow who stood right beside Buffy. She was so beautiful, with her red hair and her big eyes and she was without her boyfriend tonight. He would have done anything to hold her only for a minute. He immediately shrugged, he was evil and now he started to feel like a bloody human.

Suddenly Giles cried out: "There - that is the star," he pointed at the sky where a bright star began to move and then fell to the ground. "It must be somewhere over there, " he pointed again.

"It is the part with the old warehouses," Angel looked at Buffy and Spike: "Time to go." He was about to turn when he felt a hand on his arm.

"Good luck, and ... be careful," Giles reached out his hand.

Angel shook it: "We will," he smiled and then whispered: "Take care of her."

With this the three jumped in the car and took off. Giles looked at his watch: "We are waiting for 10 minutes and then we will follow. The battle begins."

...

Part 10

It was as if the watcher's car was split into two parts. Giles and Wesley sitting in front did not speak a word, hanging on their thoughts which were around Angel and Buffy and the prophecy.

The three in the rear, Willow, Cordelia and Xander, oblivious to everything were bickering each other to kill the tension they felt heading for a battle. From time to time one of them would give a comment to Giles' slow driving like Xander:

"Giles, you have a grown up car now, if you don't drive faster the whole fun will be over before we arrive."

But none of the ex-watchers smiled at the comment. Giles stared on the road, suddenly he stopped seeing Angel's car parked right in front of him. They had reached their destination.

******

"I say we split up, Spike you and Buffy go left, I come from the right."

They had found the warehouse where the Tribean-demon kept the amulett quite easily. Only some minions of the demons had crossed their path and they had staked them without effort. They could sense lots of vampires in the building and also the vibes that came from their master demon.

"I could go with you," Buffy threw in.

"No, you go with Spike," he answered, sending his childe a short look.

The blonde vampire nodded: "Come on slayer, we work together."

Buffy looked at Angel and smiled: "I love you, take care."

He smiled back, stroking her cheek with his hand: "I love you too."

"Bloody Hell, this is a serious battle, can you make the googly eyes later. Let's go slayer," Spike took her hand and pulled her his way. Angel watched her leaving, then he took a deep breath to meet his fate.

******

"Where are they?" Willow whispered looking out in the dark.

"How am I supposed to know it? Why am I here anyway, I could lay in my bathtub and relax," Cordelia replied but everyone could hear that she did not really mean it.

"Can we just be quiet? Otherwise every vampire around will get us easily," Giles tried to silence the group.

"Hey, stay cool, G-man. We have the crossbows," Xander rose his hand holding one of Angel's weapons.

The ex-watchers only shook their heads and tried to find their friends.

******

Buffy stood beside Spike and both scanned the room. A very ugly demon was sitting in the back of the old warehouse. He was huge and mostly green and slimy, Buffy shuddered, slaying vampires was much better and cleaner. Spike gave her a look and she knew he thought almost the same. She could see Angel entering from the other side. There were about 20 vampires in the building. The amulet was on a desk behind the demon shining in a bright blue light, it was in a certain position and Buffy noticed a hole in the roof right above the amulet. So they had everything prepared for the ritual.

Buffy made eye contact with Angel who nodded slightly in the direction of the amulet. The same moment one of the vampires saw Spike and the battle began.

All of the three were fighting, staking vampires. In the back a door was opened and more vampires were entering the building.

They were outnumbered ten to one but they fought nevertheless. Angel noticed they would never win the fight, they had to think. Fire, it shot through his head. He managed to get rid of his attackers. He reached in Spike's pocket and found the matches his childe always had with him. A pray for all the smokers in the world, Angel thought. He frantically looked around, saw some old papers in a corner, sprinted over and set fire. The wood of the building was old and dry and burnt immediately and the fire was spreading out in a frightening speed.

Angel looked back to his childe and his love and almost panicked when Buffy was knocked out and lay unconscious on the ground. He started to help her when the vampires noticed the fire spreading out more and more. They started to yell out of fear and anger and the master demon was shouting at them, cursing them for their weakness.

In the meantime the whole building was on fire when Angel reached his childe: "Spike. Take her out," he looked at the unconscious slayer and kneeled down stroking her cheek. Then he looked up again: "Now go," he spoke with authority and Spike only nodded. Then it hit him: "You bloody wanker are going to die tonight."

"Spike," Angel hissed. "Now, go out. This will break down any minute."

"Why aren't you coming with us?" the blonde vampire asked.

"Someone has to destroy the amulet. I will do it, I have to do it. And now go."

Turning back to face the demon and his fate he felt a rush of relief when he saw Spike leaving the building carrying the slayer in his arms.

Surprisingly the fight with the demon was not as hard as he had expected, obviously the dangerous demon was quite helpless by himself. Angel took him out in a minute, then he reached for the amulet and smashed it on the ground and saw it bursting into thousands of pieces. He was about to turn and leave when the roof broke down and Angel felt nothing but darkness.

*****

The fire was showing the direction and the small group around Giles reached the building the minute Spike was carrying an unconscious Buffy out of the building. He laid her down and looked at Giles: "Why did nobody tell me?" he accused him.

"It was his wish, Spike," answered the ex-watcher.

They all startled when the roof broke down and the flames seemed to consume every bit of the old building.

"Where is Angel?" Xander suddenly asked.

"Yes, where is he?" Cordelia demanded to know. "Giles, Wesley. What about Angel?"

Giles turned to face them, his eyes sad: "He is still inside. It was the prophecy, the dark warrior was going to die."

"Oh god," Cordelia cried out and threw her arms around Xander's neck, sobbing in his chest.

"He knew it, right?" Willow asked, tears streaming down her face.

Wesley only nodded, wiping away a tear himself.

The same moment Buffy stirred and opened her eyes. Giles was kneeling beside her at once: "Buffy, how do you feel?"

"Someone hit me. I think I will have a headache." She looked to the building which was only burning wood by now. "Is everyone okay?" she looked around, assuring her friends were alright and safe. But one face was missing, her eyes suddenly wide and full of fear she cried: "Angel, where is Angel?" She turned to her watcher: "Giles, where is Angel."

When she saw the look on his face she jumped up facing the others and noticing their tear streamed faces for the first time. "Tell me," she demanded, stepping backwards. Giles reached out for her but she backed away again: "Tell me, now."

"It was the prophecy, Buffy," Wesley began. "The ... dark warrior was not meant to survive the battle."

"What?" she whispered, her body shaking heavily. "What do you mean?" Her eyes were wide and she spun around to face the flames again. Suddenly her legs were to weak to carry her anymore, Spike saw it and rushed forward to catch her from falling. She sunk down in his arms, sobbing: "NOOOOOOO," she cried out. "No, Angel, no. Not now, oh God, please, no."

Spike took her in his arms and hold her tightly, trying to calm her down by stroking her head.

After a while she looked up again, her gaze meeting Giles': "He knew." It was more a statement than a question and the ex-watcher nodded.

"Yes, he knew. He insisted on not telling you. He said it would only distract you and your life was the most important thing to him."

"He knew and did not tell me. How could he do that?"

"Buffy," Wesley stepped forward and reached in his jacket producing an envelope and handing it to her. "He gave me this letter for you. He was hoping you would understand one day."

The slayer only nodded then threw her hands around Giles' neck, again crying: "Giles, we were together ... after all. I cannot, I cannot..."

Holding her tightly the ex-watcher directed everyone back to the cars, Buffy at his side holding the letter tightly in her hand. Taking a last look to the flames they started the cars and headed for the agency all thinking about the vampire that had managed to have a place in all their hearts.

...

Part 11

Buffy felt empty and cold. They had arrived Angel Investigations shortly before sunrise, and all of them were gathered either in the apartment or the office. Wesley and Giles were staring at each other sitting on both sides of Angel's desk in his office, his former office. On the desk laid his letter for Wesley in which he had written everything he wanted to be done with his stuff. Plus a note that the agency would go to Wesley and Cordelia. He also had left instructions how to spend his money.

Spike was sitting at the kitchen table, a bottle of gin in front of him. If anyone had paid attention they would have noticed that he was feeling miserable, a bad vampire feeling miserable, he was pathetic. Willow had joined him in the kitchen after staying with Buffy for an hour, now sitting opposite at the table, staring into nowhere, feeling worse than ever. There was no possibility for her to make amends for pushing her best friends in the arms of men she never loved. She had been eager to find a solution for Angel's clause but now. She let out a short sob which made Spike look at her and giving her an understanding but sad smile.

Xander sat on the sofa in the living room with Cordelia, both were holding hands. The former cheerleader felt numb, she had lost her best friend. Nobody had ever cared so much for her without expecting anything in return, not even her parents. And now he was gone, she closed her eyes and leaned her head on Xander's shoulder. He had never been able to tell Angel that he changed his opinion of him. He had planned to do so, to reach out his hand and tell the vampire he had grown up, now he would never get to do it. Another lost opportunity, he still felt guilty for lying to Buffy about the re-cursing all these years ago. Angel was gone and with him every possibility to say sorry. He also closed his eyes and leaned his head on Cordy's.

Buffy was curled up in Angel's bed. In front of her Angel's letter. The ink ran from all the tears she wept over it.

*

My beloved Buffy,

I don't know how to begin this. I've been sitting here for hours trying to find the words. When you get this I will be gone. But be assured you will always be in my heart and whereever I will be my love for you will be with you.

I know you feel I have betrayed you and you are right. You don't know how many times during the last days I wanted to tell you about the prophecy, but I could not do it. You were so happy and I also knew that you would be in mortal danger if you would fear for my life. I hope one day you will understand why I had to do it. Unlike another day I had no choice this time.

You should know that you were the best thing in my whole life. The sunshine in my nights and the joy in the darkness. I loved you from the first day I met you, I never thought it would be possible to feel like that. The most amazing thing was though that you felt the same. A beautiful, young woman that would love someone like me. I always had a problem to believe anyone could love me. I never told you but the relationship with my father was a very difficult one. I could never live up to his expectations and his words have haunted me for a long time. The fact that I became a vampire and what I did when I was HIM made me believe he was right. Only today I know he was wrong, he has made faults as well.

I am sorry I never met your son, I am sure he was wonderful just like his mother and I am sure I would have loved him as much as I love you.

Buffy, please never give up life. You have so much love to give to someone very special who is waiting for you. Be happy and I will be happy too.

Love. Always.
Angel **

Tears were coming again. Buffy did not even notice it anymore. There was only emptiness left. She laid her head down on his pillow inhaling his scent, pulling another pillow close and wrapping her arms around it. She had the feeling she would die inside, die with him. How was she supposed to go on? It had been hard before without him in her life, but now he was not even on this planet anymore. She reached to her own cheek where Angel's hand had touched her the last time. This was not a bad dream she would wake up from, Angel was dead.

*******

Angel woke up and blinked. It was so bright and his eyes had to adjust to the light. He looked around and noticed a white figure in front of him, the outfit was familiar, but not the face. "Where am I?" he asked. "I thought I was dead."

"Now why would you be dead?" the white figure asked.

He sighed: "There was a prophecy about the dark warrior. It said I would die and the last thing I remember was a burning roof falling on my head."

"One should really think a trained watcher should be able to read a simple prophecy," the figure muttered.

"Who are you?," the vampire wanted to know.

"I am the new Oracle, me and my sister," she pointed behind her. The other figure looked like a twin.

"What did you mean before, about the prophecy?"

"The prophecy said the dark warrior would die. It never said you would die."

"But I am the dark warrior," Angel told her.

"You were, but not anymore."

The vampire became impatient: "Look, just cut the cryptic part and tell me. Am I dead or not?"

"Technically you were dead for a long time," seeing his look she quickly continued: "So the prophecy said the dark warrior would die and he did today. The demon inside you died. As a result you are no dark warrior anymore. Your remember the other prophecy? You destroyed the Alsacian Amulet today, one of the most powerful weapons in the universe and you were ready to sacrifice everything for it. You have earned your redemption. You will be human now as it was written in the prophecy. You are not a normal human though, you will keep your strength so you can help her fight. You will become a warrior of the light as well."

"That means..." he was to afraid to hope.

"Go and find her. She needs you to go on."

A sudden flash blinded Angel for a moment and he found himself lying beside the no more existing warehouse, filling his lungs with the needed air. He looked around, got up and headed for the office as fast as he could.

*****

Giles was still sitting at Cordelia's desk in the outer office. He had sent the others away for breakfast, but he had stayed to watch over Buffy who had fallen asleep some minutes ago. How would she find the strength to go on after loosing everything in her life? Would he be able to help her? He had tried to call Joyce in Sunnydale but she had not been at home. He'd left her a message to call him immediately but no word so far. He was tired and exhausted but no sleep would come. He would have thought that Angel's dead would give some satisfaction but it didn't. He could hardly believe it but it felt as if his friend had died. It seemed that sometime throughout the years he had again learned to make a difference between Angel and his demon that had killed Jenny so long ago.

Without a knock the door was pushed open and Giles' stared at the figure standing in the doorway in the bright morning sun. This is a dream or a nightmare he thought, still staring at the person.

Angel smiled: "Giles, good to see you." He looked around: "Where is she?"

The watcher, still a loss of words, pointed to the stairs and the figure was gone as soon as he had appeared. Giles shook his head again and again, looking at the open door he continued to stare in that direction.

*****

Angel made his way quietly down the stairs, turning round the corner and heading for his bedroom where he knew Buffy would be. He smiled when he saw her curled on his bed holding the cushion tightly. He approached the bed, sat down beside her and watched her for minutes. She was so beautiful and now they had a real chance to be together. He reached out and gently pushed some hair out of her face, brushing her cheek ever so lightly. She stirred immediately and opened her eyes.

Buffy looked at the man who was sitting beside her on the bed. Angel. What sick joke was this? She shook her head but when he still was there she reached out with a shaking hand and touched his arm. It was solid. "Angel," she whispered.

"Buffy," came the response. Angel lowered his head and caught her lips in a sweet kiss which she responded to at once. Breaking the kiss after seconds she began to cry, throwing her arms around his neck and pressing herself to his chest as tight as possible.

"How?" she asked after a while. "They said you were dead. What happened?" She slightly pulled away to look at him.

He smiled: "The dark warrior was supposed to die and he did last night," he explained. When he saw the confusion in her eyes he continued: "Look at me, Buffy. Don't you see a difference?"

"What do you mean?"

Angel simply took her hand and placed it above his heart. She looked at her hand and then her eyes widened in surprise and joy, when her they finally met his she left out a cry of joy and again hugged him tightly.

"You are human, Angel. Oh God, you are human."

He nodded: "I am. But I still have my strength. The dark warrior, the vampire, died last night and they created a second warrior of the light."

"Does that mean..."

"I love you, so much," was his only answer when he pressed his lips on hers. The kiss soon grew more passionate. For the first time in years they could really be together. Both forgot about Giles upstairs or the fact that the bedroom door was still open, they were lost in each other.

*******

Half an hour later the gang plus Wesley arrived again at the office finding Giles still staring at the door.

"Where is Spike?" Xander asked when he entered.

"Still in the work out room sleeping," answered Giles automatically and pointed at the closed door behind him.

"Giles," Willow suddenly noticed how odd he behaved. She went over to him and took his arm: "Giles, are you okay? Is there something wrong with Buffy?"

The ex-watcher shook his head and finally managed to come out of his shock: "I had the weirdest daydream," he said.

"Daydream," Wesley asked. "What happened?"

"I was sitting right here and suddenly Angel appeared in the doorway and asked for Buffy," he shook his head again.

"We miss him too," Willow's hand was still resting on his arm.

"But it was so real, god obviously I need sleep," he rubbed his eyes.

They all startled when they heard a *bang* coming from downstairs. Cordelia rose her hand, when all turned for the stairs: "I go and look for her. An invasion is not the best idea." And with this she was gone.

"I cannot believe he is really gone," Wesley leaned against the doorframe. "He became a real friend."

"Oh God, I am so sorry," came Cordelia's cry from downstairs, then a door was slammed and they heard her footsteps coming up again. Her face was deep red when she finally arrived the office, her eyes looking everywhere but to her friends.

Xander jumped to her side: "Cordelia, what happened, are you alright?"

"I ... I am fine. Giles, you had no daydream. I cannot believe it, but he is alive, he is alive," suddenly a broad grin appeared on her face and she exclaimed again: "He is alive," throwing her arms around Xander and laughing out loud.

"Uhm, Cordy," he said confused: "What happened?"

They heard footsteps on the stairs again. First Buffy appeared, her head showing the same colour as Cordelia's and behind her a dark, very familiar figure, smiling sheepishly.

Three mouths hang open and Giles began to smile. When Cordelia realized Xander was staring at someone she spun round. Seeing Angel she launched herself in his arms: "Oh god, you are alive," she touched him again and laughed: "Really alive this time. What happened? We all thought you were dead because of the prophecy."

The ex-vampire grinned: "By the way Giles, the Oracle said you should improve your skills in reading prophecies." Giles grinned back.

"What happened?" came the same question again from Wesley and Angel told his story, holding Buffy's hand tightly all the time. When he had finished all were smiling.

"Congratulations," Willow was the first to speak. She stepped over to the couple, hugged Buffy and then Angel. "I am so glad. You both really deserve this."

"Willow is right," Xander said. He went over and hugged Buffy. Then he looked at Angel: "I know we never got along, but maybe we could try," he reached out his hand: "Friends?"

"Friends," Angel answered, taking his hand and shaking it. Xander grinned from one ear to the other.

"What are we going to do now?" came the question from Cordelia. "I mean this is some kind of a miracle, right. We have to celebrate."

Angel looked round: "Where is Spike?"

Xander grinned: "Over there," he pointed to the training room. "He drank a whole bottle of Gin last night. If he wasn't an evil vampire I would say he was mourning a friend."

The ex-vampire smiled slightly.

"I say we go and celebrate," said Buffy. She looked at Angel: "What do you think?"

He laughed and gave her a short kiss: "What I think? Well actually I am really hungry, I haven't eaten in more than 200 years."

(not really: this story will be continued soon in the sequel THIS TIME. Cuz you certainly rememeber: there is still that annoying husband of hers, Xander and Cordelia are making googely eyes at each other and Spike is dreaming about Willow. And I was already asked for a sequel AND I also feel the story is not finished yet. Hope you enjoyed this one. Jill)