Disclaimer: Would I write this if I owned them? Just think!!
Distribution: If you want it, take it, but tell me where it goes.
Rating: not sure at the moment, certainly some NC-17 parts and some very strong language
Spoilers: none, you just have to know the characters of the show
Summary: Angelus and Buffy meet
Timeline: it's the year 1890
Feedback: is begged for! Please, Please, Please!
Dedication: To Kathy and Helen who said the idea was good enough for a story.

He was on the hunt again. There was nothing comparable to this feeling of being the hunter and stalking your prey. For a vampire anyway. It was the deepest, strongest and purest emotion for a creature of the darkness.

And he was a master of it.

Tonight he was on his own. He was sick of William's twisted humor, Drusilla's crazy visions and even Darla couldn't give him any satisfaction. Not that night. She was his sire, his lover, his companion, and their connection was as deep as possible for vampires but tonight he needed to be on his own. It was a deep feeling he wasn't able to put into words but it was there and over the years he had learned to trust his gut.

The girl he was following through the dark streets of London wasn't alone. She was accompanied by a man and another girl. They all did seem quite young and he licked his lips thinking about the fresh blood that he would soon taste on his tongue. She was pretty he decided, a pity he had to kill her. Maybe he could have a little bit fun with her before. Sex with a human was a thrill he enjoyed from time to time. Maybe she was even a virgin. Most of the girls of her age were, well at least the sort of girl she seemed to be. Sure virgins weren't experienced but to possess them and then to extinguish their life shortly after was a special pleasure.

His eyes were glowing yellow for a short moment. The anticipation would have made his heart beat faster if it was possible.

She was tiny and blonde and the laughter was like music and sounded in his ears now that she was talking to her girlfriend. They were carrying some books, obviously they'd been shopping in one of the book-stores.

He moved closer to listen to their conversation.

"Aren't you excited that you're going to be wed in four weeks," the red-headed girl said in a happy voice.

"Yes, very happy," the blonde replied, but there was a tone in her voice that said she wasn't completely sure about it.

"Riley is such a nice man. So handsome and with such good manners. Giles was right to choose him for you." the red head smiled at the boy who was with them and he nodded in response.

"Your father is a very wise man," the boy said. "He immediately saw that you and he were made for each other."

"Hmmmm," the blond made. "Probably. I'm not sure though," she suddenly admitted.

"Why?" the red-head asked surprised. "I think he's perfect."

"Well, I don't know," the blonde sighed. "Isn't a relationship meant to be exciting and ... well, passionate? I mean Riley is a good man, he's always nice and friendly, but ...," she shrugged slightly.

"What do you feel when he kisses you?," the other girl asked.

"It's nice and all, but ... I just have the feeling there's missing something. Plus I have a hard time picturing me as his nice and quiet wife, giving birth to and raising his children. My mind is full of ideas, of things I want to see," her voice became passionate. "I know it's not proper for a young lady to think that way, but I want to see the world, I want to do important things. Something like that. I'm afraid that I'll be bored to death, just playing the nice wife of an army captain."

"I see," the red-head nodded. "Maybe you just want too much. Women are meant to be at their husband's side, supporting them and raise their children. With Riley you will have a save future. He's also from a very good family and they've money."

"Sure," the blond replied, frustration in her voice now. "Well, whatever I want. It seems there's no way it'll come true. My father has planned my life and as I have no money of my own I will have to follow his decisions."

The vampire stopped and looked after them while they slowly disappeared in the darkness. He had heard enough. No he wouldn't kill her tonight. There would be much more fun in playing with her. He knew he was handsome and he was a master of passion too. So maybe she was just the right girl for a while. He turned and began to laugh. He would find his food elsewhere tonight.

This girl could wait. He would have his way with her and kill her later. Some things were worth waiting for.

With another laugh he followed a shop-keeper into a dark alley.

Part 2

He kept watching her during the following nights, to learn about her habits, her life, her friends. It was like a game and he loved it. If he hadn't happened to become a vampire he might have been a good spy. He chuckled at the thought.

He knew he was obsessed with her already, and he loved it. His lover on the other hand. Well, that was definitely another chapter. Darla was pissed. Beyond pissed actually. It didn't bother him, not really. Vampires had no consciousness, no human feelings, and he was grateful for it. It was an easy way to live. He could still remember the struggles of his pathetic human soul, the deep hurt because of his father's disapproval. Oh boy, he had paid everything back and loved it.

Darla had shown him a new life, a new world and although his name was now well feared amongst the vampire community he was still with her. Sires and childer usually had strong connections but Darla and he had something special.

And so she sensed something was happening to him, she didn't understand what, but she could feel it. He'd been obsessed before, Drusilla was the best example, but it had never touched his connection with his sire. That he had a new obsession she knew the first night when he came back. He hadn't even been interested in touching her, so she had to find her pleasure elsewhere that night. And the following nights too, he hadn't laid a finger on her for more than two weeks, leaving their lair as soon as it was dark and coming back at dawn. He never talked about it and for the first time in their long relationship Darla had the feeling he was slipping from her influence.

So she felt she had a right to be pissed. Kicking at a chair in the middle of the room, she scowled inwardly. William, laying on the bed, a smoke in his hand and his one arm loosely wrapped around Drusilla who was dreaming beside him, chuckled: "The boy-toy gone again?"

"Shut up," she yelled and crossed her arms in front of her chest.

"Maybe you should just follow him to see what this is all about," he suggested.

"I can't," she clenched her teeth. "He would immediately sense my presence. Or yours for that matter. He's not stupid," a proud smile spread across her face. What a great childe he was and what a skilled lover. Unconsciously licking her lips she sat down and closed her eyes for a moment. "I need a spy. Someone I can trust."

"Trust," William grinned. "You'll find nobody. Vampires aren't trustworthy."

"I know," she hissed.

"Why are you so nervous?," he tilted his head and glanced at the dark haired girl at his side. "He's been obsessed before, he'll come back."

Darla only looked at him. If only she could be so sure.

*******

He was standing at his usual spot. She would come here soon, getting books for her father again. He had watched her for two weeks now and knew more about her habits and her daily routine. He could see her entering the bookstore, talking to the shop-keeper and then turning to leave.

The vampire took a deep unnecessary breath and pushed himself off of the wall. It was time for the next step.

Keeping his eyes on the ground he approached her. She was looking into the enlightened shops, not paying attention to her surroundings. It was perfect, he thought, absolutely perfect. One step, another step and the last and then.

"Oh," she exclaimed when her body collided with another and the books fell on the pavement.

"I'm so sorry," the vampire apologized. "I wasn't paying attention."

"No," she was looking up at him and their eyes met for the first time. For a moment she almost forgot to breathe and she couldn't talk. Clearing her throat she said: "I wasn't paying attention either. I'm sorry too."

He smiled slightly: "That makes us even I think."

"Indeed it does," she replied giving him a smile of her own and blushing slightly.

"I hope they aren't ruined," he said.

"What?" she asked confused.

"Those," he chuckled slightly at her confusion and pointed towards the books on the ground.

"Oh," she blushed a little bit more. "No, I'm sure they are fine. They're pretty hard after all." God, I sound like a stupid little girl, she scowled herself inwardly.

He bent down and picked the three books up: "There," he held them in his hands. "I think you're right. They seem fine. I could carry them for you, if you want."

"No," she replied quickly. "I mean, you don't have to." Closing her eyes for a moment and calling herself stupid again she added: "But I wouldn't mind though."

He smiled again: "Fine. Maybe I should introduce myself first. My name is Liam, Liam Flynn."

"Eliza," she held out her hand for him. "Eliza Giles. But my friends call me Buffy."

"Buffy, hm?," he chuckled again then took her gloved hand with his and planted a feather light kiss on the back of it.

Buffy could feel her heart quickening it's pace and a shiver run down her spine and she almost moaned when he let go of her hand. God, what on earth was happening to her? "Yes, Buffy," she nodded and then sighed. "It was my father's idea when I was little. I tried to get rid of it, but it was in vain and now I'm so used to it that I don't care anymore. I even like it."

"Buffy," he repeated her name, and a warm feeling spread in her chest hearing his voice saying it. "So I'll call you Buffy, but then you must call me Liam."

"Alright." She was surprised by his attitude. Usually the men were more formal and stiff, Liam seemed to be different and she liked it. He was so not at all like Riley.

"Shall we walk then?” he asked.

"Oh," she had completely forgotten she was on her way home. Giles was certainly waiting for her. "Yes, of course. Flynn," she said after a while. "Are you Irish?"

"Yes, but I haven't been there for ... er ... a long time."

"Because I cannot hear an Irish accent," she looked at him for a moment from the side.

"Ah," he smiled again. "You are from London?"

"No," she shook her head. "I'm born in Salisbury, that's southwest of London. A wonderful place. But my father has to be in London for business reasons, he has a company here. We live in London for four years now."

"I see," he replied and thought about what to ask next, when she surprised him with her question.

"This might be forward and not ladylike, but I've rarely been what everyone expected," she giggled slightly. "What I want to ask you. Are you free tomorrow night?"

"Pardon?"

"It's that my aunt is giving a ball you see. And she lacks gentlemen. She's invited too many ladies, so we need more of the other sex." She bit her lower lip and he thought that it looked beauitful.

"Well," he faked hesitation. He couldn't just say "yes", that'd been too obvious.

"Oh please. You could also bring a friend."

"No," he replied almost too quickly. He didn't even want to think about William on a society ball. The picture was so ridiculous that he almost burst out laughing. "Alright, I'll come. If you tell me where it is?"

"I will. It's Lady Carpenter's house, maybe you know it."

"Indeed, I do. What time?"

"Eight-thirty," she smiled at him and then stopped. "That's my house." She held out her hand for the books. "Thanks you for walking me home."

He bowed his head: "It was my pleasure," he said and handed her the books. Their hands touched for a second and again she felt shivers allover her body. "See you tomorrow then, Buffy."

"Until tomorrow," she replied and closed the door behind her.

"Buffy, is it you?" she heard her father's voice from the living room.

"Yes, father," she called back.

"There's a message for you. From your fiancée. He'll be coming tomorrow to take you to the ball."

"Oh great," she muttered. It wasn't that she liked Riley, no that wasn't it, but after meeting Liam today, feeling the touch of his hand and his lips on her hand nothing seemed the same. All of a sudden it seemed more ridiculous than ever that she should marry Riley Finn.

*******

Angelus whistled slightly when he entered his lair an hour later.

"Where have you been?" Darla hissed the moment she saw him.

Giving her an arrogant look he raised an eyebrow: "Out."

"So much I've guessed," she shot back and began to pace the room.

"She's afraid you're spending too much time with your new obsession," William said from his spot on the couch.

The dark-haired vampire's head snapped around: "My new obsession?"

"There's a new girl in your life," Drucilla said in her melodic voice.

"Really?" Angelus sat down and watched the other vampires in the room. He didn't want them to know about Buffy. Not yet, he told himself.

"I'll be back soon," Darla hissed again and then slammed the door behind her.

"She's pissed, mate," William chuckled and then quickly added: "Not that I mind. It's not my business. Just to warn you."

Angelus gave him another look and then closed his eyes. She was different than he had expected. And her eyes were so pure. Inwardly groaning, he covered his face with his hands. What the hell was wrong with him? He didn't have feelings, did he? Oh god, maybe he should stay away from her or better just kill her and get over with. To be too near to humans wasn't a good thing. He had heard of cases where it had even affected vampires. There were some pathetic individuals who were living with human women.

He was Angelus, The Scourge of Europe, strong, powerful and merciless. Abruptly getting up he shortly glanced at William: "I'll be back later. I didn't have dinner yet."

With this he left. He had to get the humanity out of his system. A good kill would do the trick!

Part 3

The house at Belgrave Square was huge and when Angelus arrived at exactly eight thirty he could see one carriage after the other stop in front of it. He liked balls like these, they were a great opportunity to get easy food, the lords never counted their servants. Chuckling at the thought he pushed every thought that he was possibly looking forward to see Buffy far away. He wasn't interested in her as a person, she was a new toy he would play with and then finish off in time. The only unconvincing fact was that he'd never played with a toy for such a long time before.

Approaching the house he gave the butler his hat and coat and walked in. An older woman smiled at him: "Sir?"

He bowed his head slightly and took her hand to kiss the back of it: "Lady Carpenter I believe. My name is Liam Flynn, your nice Miss Giles ..."

"Oh," her face lit up, "you're the young man she told me about." Twinkling she added: "She never told me you're so handsome."

Grinning he replied: "And I was never told you were such a charming lady."

"Oh," she blushed slightly. "Now, Mr. Flynn, welcome to our ball. Just go over into the ballroom and help yourself to some Champagne."

"My lady." He bowed again and walked over to the open entrance. The ballroom was quite full already, but he didn't notice any of the guests. His eyes were only scanning the crowd for a certain blond head. Finally spotting her in the opposite corner of the room, he walked towards her direction.

*******

"He's gone again," Darla fumed.

"Sexual frustration, luv?" Spike smirked.

"Oh, shut up," she replied angrily.

Looking up and down at her, the blond vampire suggested: "I could help out?. At least for a while."

"Thanks, I'm not that desperate," Darla shook her head. "Besides what will your little Drusilla say to this?"

"She doesn't have to know. Plus it's not as if I'd leave her, we're just shagging once or twice," he said enjoying the situation tremendously. Angelus was such a sick bastard, and he had certainly never liked him, but nobody could make Darla as angry as he could. What was about that damned bugger that all the girls were so obsessed with him, he wondered.

"My Spike," Drusilla came through the door.

"Yes, luv," he said, getting up. She was the only one to call him by his new name. Darla and her childe were just ignoring his wishes. William sounded so ridiculous for a big, bad vampire.

"I was talking to the stars," the dark haired vampiress told him in her typical sing-sang. "My Daddy's gone out again. He meets the blonde girl."

"Blonde girl," Darla's head snapped up. "Did you see anything else?" As annoying as she was, sometimes Drusilla was a good source.

"He thinks she's pretty. I can feel his heart sing for her," the insane vampire continued.

"His heart sings for her, that's ridiculous," Darla snorted. Although she had a sinking feeling in her stomach that this was very close to the truth. But she would never show the others. "I'm not listening to this nonsense. I've got better things to do." With this she left their lair, slamming the door behind her.

Spike only grinned, pulled Drusilla close and gave her a passionate kiss.

******

The moment Liam had entered the ballroom Buffy could feel him. She didn't know it first, she only felt something in her body, but when she saw him and the feeling got stronger with every step he took towards her she knew. "Liam," she greeted him, extending her hand.

"My pleasure," he replied with a smile, taking the offered hand and kissing it.

"I'm so glad you could come," Buffy smiled too and was about to ask something when someone beside cleared his throat. She had forgotten all about him. Turning and forcing herself to keep the friendly smile on her face she said: "Oh Riley, I'm so sorry, Riley, this is Liam Flynn. Liam, this is Riley Finn."

"Her fiancée," the man added eyeing the vampire curiously.

"I see," Angelus replied. Her fiancée, he thought, not the greatest choice ever. He seemed quite attractive, but stiff and boring all over. Certainly not the man a girl like Buffy would want for all her life. He himself on the other side ... hey, where did that thought come from.

"Liam was so nice to carry my books home last night," Buffy explained the man at her side. "I already told you."

"Yes, you did," Riley said. "That was very nice of you Mr. Flynn."

"It was no trouble at all. After all I was the cause they fell to the ground in the first place." Giving Buffy another smile he studied her fiancée closely. He was a tall man, a soldier regarding the uniform he wore. The most interesting thing however were the vibes he could feel from the blonde girl. She didn't like him that much and certainly didn't love him.

"Buffy," another male voice cut in. A man in his mid fourties came to stand beside the girl.

"Father, this is Liam Flynn, the gentleman I told you about. Liam, that is my father, Sir Rupert Giles," Buffy introduced the two men.

"Sir Giles," Angelus said with a short bow.

"Mr. Flynn," the elder man eyed the younger for a moment and then turned to his daughter: "I will be at the billiard room should you need anything, my dear." Then he walked out of the ballroom.

"My father hates balls like these, but as a member of the society you have to attend from time to time," she explained. Then she turned towards her fiancée: "Riley could you please get me a glass of water?"

"Of course, my dear," he kissed her hand and with another glance at the vampire he walked away.

"When are you going to marry?" Angelus wanted to know.

"Actually I was meant to be wed in two weeks, but Mr. Finn just informed me he was called to his regiments and for this we have to wait another six weeks," she replied with a bored voice.

The vampire grinned inwardly, no she definitely wasn't very fond of her finacée. "What sort of business is your father involved in?"

"He has a printing house," she answered. "He edits two newspapers and several journals," she smiled. "He always loved the printed word. If he isn't working he sits at home in his library reading."

Again Angelus thought that she had the loveliest smile he'd ever seen. Oh no, he groaned inwardly. What the hell is happening to me? I'm standing with her for about ten minutes and I haven't once looked at her neck. I'm not even interested in her neck besides that it's extremely pretty. No, this wasn't happening to him! This just wasn't possible.

"Are you alright?," she suddenly asked with concern in her voice.

"I'm fine, I assure you," he replied with a smile.

She smiled: "Good. I know it's not ladylike again, but I already told you I'm not at all as one would expect a lady of the society. So what I wanted to ask you, would you dance with me. My feet are itching to move."

Grinning now he held out his arm: "It would be a pleasure."

So when Riley came back he found his fiancée waltzing with the dark-haired stranger. Frowning he put the two glasses he was carrying down and went to see Lady Carpenter to inquire about him.

*******

"So you do understand me?” Darla paced the little room. "I want him watched from dusk 'til dawn."

"Yes, madam," the private investigator was busily scribbling on this note book.

"I'll come every night to get your report," she told him. "And don't you dare betray me," she warned him.

"No, no," he raised his hands. "You're our client now. You will get your report every day in time, I can assure you. We are well known for our discretion and punctuality."

"Very well," Darla nodded and then left the agency. She was going to find out what was the matter with her childe and then she'd take care of the problem.

Part 4

"Why do you want to marry Mr. Finn?," Angelus asked while he and Buffy were waltzing through the ballroom. He had already noticed the glances her fiancée was throwing at them and smirked inwardly. Jealousy was such a predictable human feeling. Buffy might not be in love with her soldier, but he was certainly very possessive of her.

Her head snapped up and she stared at him for a moment. Then she swallowed: "My father has chosen him for me a long time ago. In fact his mother and mine were dreaming about our union since I was born. They were great friends."

"Your mother isn't here, is she?"

"No, she died when I was ten," she replied. "I miss her still though. And after her death my father kept holding onto that dream. Maybe because it was her wish."

"Do you love him?" he asked after a while.

"I’ve known him all my life," she replied evasively.

"That's no answer to my question. But I don't want to push."

"You don't," she shook her head. "No, the answer is no. I don't love him. But love isn't really required for marriage nowadays. And Riley is reliable, he'll provide a good home for me. We're friends and know each other. And like my father I want to honour my mother's wishes."

"It sounds very boring," he chuckled. "Although I understand the part about your mother's wish," he added quickly. Careful, he told himself, be very careful.

"She was a wonderful woman," she sighed, "but the part about Riley being boring wasn't nice," she told him, but a smile was on her lips and she sighed again.

"When I first met you ... I mean when we accidentally bumped into each other yesterday, I thought you'd be different. You know somewhat rebellious, a girl that wants to be different, courageous."

She looked at him in surprise for a moment. How was it possible that this man she'd only known for a day could see deep inside her soul? "Actually," she began, but then shrugged and sighed again. "Dreams, these are only dreams. I have no money of my own and unmarried women aren't really accepted in our society, unless they are very rich or old."

"You disappoint me," he replied. "I thought you were the kind of woman to fight for her dreams, not give up so easily."

Before she could answer the dance was over and Angelus lead her back to the spot her fiancée waited for her.

"Buffy," Riley gave her a tight smile. "Lady Carpenter informed me that you invited Mr. Flynn to this ball."

"I did," she said nodding. "Aunt Emily told me she needed more men to provide enough dance partners for the ladies." Why do I even explain this, she thought immediately, while Liam's last sentence kept repeating in her head. *I thought you were the kind of woman to fight for her dreams.*

"What do you do Mr. Flynn?" Riley turned towards the vampire eyeing him cautiously. Lady Carpenter hadn't known a little thing about him and he didn't like it at all.

"I travel a lot," Angelus answered and chuckled inwardly at the same time, it wasn't even a lie. "And I don't actually have to work for a living."

"So you're rich," Buffy was surprised.

He chuckled: "Well, I'm settled, if you want to say so. And I don't need much." With all the food running around, he added silently.

"A wealthy Irishman," Riley thought loud. "Buffy," he turned towards his fiancée. "Why don't we stroll around the room for a while."

Glancing from Riley to Angelus, she made the maybe most important decision in her whole life. Buffy slowly shook her head: "No, thank you," she replied, while the vampire's words kept repeating in her head. "Mr. Flynn, I would like to dance again."

And with this she left her stunned fiancée staring after them. Angelus on the other hand was grinning widely. His plan was working excellently.

******

"I see the stars," Drusilla's eyes were half-closed and a dreamy look lay in them. "They talk to me."

"What about luv?"

"My Daddy," she replied and began to sing something undefinable.

Spike groaned inwardly, but gave her a smile: "He's gone, pet. He's with his new human toy."

"Not a toy, Spikey," she said with a smile. "He's into her. Ooooooh," she moaned and sank to the ground. "It hurts Spike, it hurts."

"Pet," he crouched down beside her and gathered her in his arms. "What do you see?"

"He doesn't know, but she will change everything. It will destroy our little family, you have to do something, Spike. He'll leave us." She began to whine in his arms.

"I will, pet, I will," he patted her back but over her head he smirked. Getting rid of his annoying grand-sire, getting him away from Drusilla, that was the best news ever. All he had to do now was stop Darla from interfering.

*******

"I think your fianceé is very angry," Angelus chuckled while they were dancing again.

Her answer was a shrug: "I really don't care."

"Buffy, Buffy," he shook his head but smiled. "This isn't the way a well educated lady behaves."

She shrugged again: "Maybe, but maybe I'm not a well educated lady at all. Maybe you're right and I'm rebellious and adventurous. Do you know that I dream about travelling, seeing foreign countries, other people. Maybe I was behaving well-educated long enough."

Inwardly smirking, he gave her a warm smile: "Your eyes lighten up when talk like this. You shouldn't give up your dreams only because everyone expects you to behave properly."

She took a deep breath and beamed at him: "Do you know that I feel free when I'm with you. What are you doing to me? I've never felt like this before, it's different."

"I'm glad to hear it, if it means you're going to live your dreams."

They were dancing near the exit when she suddenly stopped and pulled him into the hallway: "You could take me with you," she looked deeply into his eyes. She knew it sounded crazy, but somehow she suddenly felt it. This man was going to be her destiny.

"With me?" he tried to sound as surprised as possible, but could barely hide a grin. He had wanted to possess her, kill her, but for quite some time he had decided to turn her. But he didn't want another Drusilla, a demented doll, who was nothing but a nuisance, for him she'd lost her charms together with her marbles. No, Buffy should become his mate, his partner, his companion, one he choose, not a sire he felt addicted to. Screw Darla, he thought angrily. He knew he had to deal with her after turning Buffy, but it could wait 'til later.

"Yes, with you. You said you would travel a lot. Take me with you," she begged almost desperately. "I know you'll think I'm crazy, because we only met yesterday, but suddenly I feel free. Take me with you." For Buffy it was as if all her dreams were laying right before her and she'd just to reach out for them. This time she wouldn't hesitate. "I don't expect anything from you, only to take me with you. I have a little money..."

"Stop," he raised his hands and chuckled. God, he was good, he thought. Actor could've been another possible profession. "But first you have to come with me, I have to show you something first.

"Show me?" she looked at him expectantly.

"Yes." He nodded. "Do you trust me?"

She hesitated only for a second: "Yes, I do," she replied and the truth was in her eyes.

That moment Angelus felt something in his chest, he didn't understand. It was a strange feeling, but he simply ignored it. Holding out a hand for her he led her out of the house into the dark streets, his eyes flashing yellow for a moment. This was going to be his night and tonight she would be his.

Go to Part Five