DISCLAIMER: Do you see all these charcters and places? I don't own them. I know, I was shocked too.
TIMELINE: Uhh Future, but not too distant.
SPOLIERS: small 'Killed by Death', and that's about it.
SYNOPSIS: Buffy gets sick around Christmas.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: This was done for the 4B/A Fans Secret Santa project. My Secret Santa was VanillAngel, her challenge can be located at the end of this fic.
FEEDBACK: I haven't written a longer one in a little while, so feedback please?
RATING: PG-13

"Angel?" Buffy called out.

"Coming, one second. I'm a little busy right now."

Buffy threw in a good punch. The demon was knocked off her. She grasped her footing, and regained the balance that she had just lost.

"Never mind," she said, giving him... she... it a good kick. It staggered back but came back within an eye's blink. The demon knocked her to the ground, forcing her to catch her breath. It was that moment when the demon went in for the killing blow. Buffy, knowing what was coming, held her breath, ready for what was to come.

Suddenly a blue liquid-y substance came from the demon's neck. Buffy released her breath. And soon the head was knocked from its shoulders. Buffy took the body of the slayed and tossed it on the ground. Angel offered his hand to help her up.

She wrinkled her nose with disgust, "Ewwwww."

"Never mind?" Angel questioned her.

"Oh shut up."

He smirked, but was silent. He knew her better to question her.

They left the cemetery hand in hand.

*~*

"So we should meet up with the rest of the gang at the Bronze?" Buffy asked.

Angel sat uncomfortably on Buffy's bed. His and Buffy's house was being fumigated. Some demons thought it would be fun to release many species of cockroaches into the vampire and slayer's home. Joyce had let them stay at Buffy's old house, because she was leaving for Chicago that night.

While Joyce had accepted him a while ago, she still didn't approve. She was always watching over the couple like a hawk. Angel knew that it was because of the vampire thing, and he didn't mind Joyce being suspicious. It was her job as a mother. And half the time he had to remind himself that nobody truly trusted him. Except his light. His soul mate, the woman who makes his un-dead life worth living.

"Hello? Earth to Angel, come in Angel," Buffy's words jerked him out of his thoughts.

"Hmmmm...?"

"Where were you? I was just asking you what time you wanted to leave for the Bronze tonight?"

"Nowhere, I was nowhere. But whatever time you want to leave is fine."

Buffy sifted through her closet, searching for the perfect outfit. She pulled out a black dress with spaghetti straps and a purple leopard print skirt that reached her knees. She held it up for Angel to approve. Though he never had turned down an outfit yet. He insisted that everything looked good on her. But she had to remember that his wardrobe consisted of all black with some maroon mixed in.

He flashed her a smile and told her it would look great. She smiled back at him, and gave him a small kiss. She took the clothes off the hanger and threw them on the bed with them landing on Angel. He plucked the clothes off his body, and placed them at the foot of the bed.

"Shoes, shoes, shoes," Buffy pondered out loud.

Angel hid a smile as she held her shoes up in triumph from her closet. Angel turned his head as Buffy changed into her outfit. He stretched out on her bed and grabbed a magazine from the nightstand.

"So how was school?" Angel asked.

"It was fine, but I practically slept through every class. And I think I am getting a little sick."

"Why?" he asked, concerned.

"Because--"

The door knocking interrupted her sentence.

"Hi honey," Joyce said opening the door. She visibly stiffed after seeing Angel was with Buffy. She didn't like her little girl spending her time with that... vampire. Even if he could protect her.

"Hi mom," Buffy grinned.

Angel stood up to greet her, "Mrs. Summers."

"Angel," she said, just as formally. She relaxed and turned to Buffy, "Just wanted to remind you that I am leaving for Chicago tonight."

"Oh yeah, I completely forgot. What time is your flight?"

"In about an hour, I'll have to thank Mr. Giles again for driving me. He is very nice."

"Mom, you're getting into the Giles mobile? You realized that thing goes slower then those little cars you ride when you are little?" Buffy asked, then looked around to see if her mom knew what she was talking about.

"You, know the... oh nevermind. Well have a safe trip and say hi to the family."

"Okay, sweetie," she kissed her daughter on the cheek. "Angel, I want you to take care of her while I'm gone," she pointed a finger to the vampire.

"I promise Mrs. Summers," Angel replied.

"Good, what time are you going to go out?" she asked heading to the door.

"Uhhh, about ten minutes?" Buffy asked after looking as her clock.

"Okay, have fun," Joyce gave a warm smile and stepped out of the room. But before leaving she noticed that Buffy had changed her clothes and that she had left the pile of the dirty clothes on the floor. Joyce dismissed the thought and knew that Buffy was a smart girl, and that Angel was a man with manners. At least he was brought up right, she thought as she walked away.

*~*

"Hey," Buffy announced their presence.

"Hey," Willow greeted.

The Bronze was all decked out for Christmas. It had Garland around the posts, cheap cardboard cutouts on the counters, and even a fake tree in a corner. The Bronze smelled of mint and evergreen, a perfect Christmas combination.

Angel took a seat and Buffy sat on his lap. He gave a nervous glance before Buffy turned her glance on him. She gave him that prize-winning smile and a small kiss. The gang talked about the school day, gossiping of the new student and complaining of teachers. Buffy coughed a little cough, and Angel turned to her with concern.

"I'm fine, like I said, little sick. No biggie," she hopped off the seat and held out her hand. "Dance with me?"

"Always," he took her outstretched hand.

The music flowed around them as they danced to the music. Buffy was wrapped in Angel's arms, loving the feeling of warmth without actual warmth that came with him. Her head rested on his shoulder, and he supported most of her weight, which wasn't much. Angel could only spend the time thinking how lucky he was to have this girl in his arms. Never in a million years would he have thought of this happening.

The song ending and Buffy and Angel started to make their way back to the table. Buffy stopped and grabbed Angel's arm a little tighter than he expected. He immediately feared the worst.

"Are you sure you are alright?" he asked.

"Fine, really, just a little dizzy. I can be dizzy right?" she gave him the sweetest smile she could muster. She was fine, not very sick, but she could tell that tomorrow morning wouldn't be a good one. She had been feeling like this all day, but it was Friday, and she figured that one more day of school, then she could sleep. Around that afternoon, she began feeling better, but the sudden movements made her sick.

Angel put his arm around her waist and whispered in a voice that sent chills down her spine, "Let's get out of here."

"No, Angel, really, I'm fine. Let's stay," she begged with her eyes.

"Buffy, you look tired, don't you want to rest?"

She looked down, "Kinda."

Angel took his hands and pulled her chin up so she could she him. "I don't want you sick, and it is my job to make sure that you are alive and well when I get you home. Please Buffy?"

She could only agree. He took that promise very seriously, and that was one of the things she loved about him. Angel picked up her purse and jacket; they gave their apologies to their friends for missing out on the night. Though everyone understood, after what happened last year with Angelus and Buffy being sick, it wasn't something they wanted to see again.

*~*

"Mmmm, thanks," Buffy said as she snuggled into bed. She was wearing her comfy pajama pants, and a fluffy tee shirt. Angel had taken her home and even carried her upstairs. She could only think that if this was what she got when she was getting sick, imagine the treatment for a sick Buffy.

"My pleasure, if you want I'll come over tomorrow night?" he asked, wanting to stay, but out of manners asking what she wanted. Sure they lived together, but it felt weird in Buffy's house. He just kept thinking what if Joyce walked in? Yeah, she knew what went on behind closed doors, but to see it in her own home? Angel wouldn't feel too comfortable with that, he thought. She looked so cute in that big bed, all snuggled down. Angel fell in love with her all over again.

Buffy didn't want him to leave; she wanted him to stay. So she said, "No Angel please, stay."

"But Buffy, your mother?" Angel reminded her.

"Who is out of town," Buffy's mouth spread to a wide grin.

Angel's eyes widened, "Buffy!"

"What?" she asked innocently. "I can't have some fun of my own while my mom is outta town. Can't I?"

Angel looked hesitant. He really wanted to stay, but again with the Joyce thing. He heard Buffy trying to coax him.

"Angel, come on please? For me?" she begged.

He knew he couldn't resist that. He groaned and made his way over to Buffy. She looked happy enough.

"Yeah!" she patted the bed next to her.

Angel climbed into the bed, and Buffy cuddled against him. He put his arm around her, and leaned back. He still didn't know what he was going to get her for Christmas. She needed something... special. But what he was going to get was still a mystery.

"Angel?" Buffy asked, her eyes closed.

"Yes?"

"What do you want for Christmas?" she asked, opening her eyes to look into his. Christmas was only a few days away. She had shopped for everyone, but it was him that she was gift-less.

"Whatever, love. You don't even have to get me anything."

"But, I want to, and I don't know what to get. See me, I am easy to shop for, lotion, shoes, clothes, stakes, swords. The typical girl stuff. But you, if you want something you just go out and buy it. Can't you at least tell me something you want?"

Angel thought a moment, and decided, "Whatever you want to give me I will cherish for the rest of my life."

She sighed, "So I could give you a shoebox decorated in macaroni, and you would still like it?"

"Of course."

She laughed a little. Her eyelids fell heavy, carrying her away into dreams. Her last thought was of how much she loved Angel, and that broad chest of his.

Angel kissed Buffy's forehead and closed his eyes. He wanted to spend eternity with her, but for now, a night was good.

*~*

That night Buffy was woken up many times, often Angel waking up only seconds after her. She had a bad sore throat, and was spending the night coughing. The only thing Angel could do was be there when she stopped.

That morning Angel woke up to a small sunburn. The blinds were open a crack, and that crack came over Angel, specifically on his stomach where his shirt had rumpled up. He slid out of the bed as fast as he could without waking Buffy. He shut the blinds, and walked downstairs, to close all the blinds and drapes. Since it was day he couldn't really leave this house.

He ran a hand through his hair. He sighed and started to rummage through the fridge. Figured a breakfast in bed, would be something Buffy would like. He made some eggs and bacon, toast, and boiled some eggs. He grabbed a flower from the vase on the table and placed it on the tray. He poured her a large glass of orange juice and the water bottle of water; she could keep the water with her along the day. He was glad that he had fed before he came over last night.

Angel was just putting the toast on the plate when Buffy appeared the doorframe of the kitchen. She had woken up to find that Angel was not with her, she figured he was probably downstairs, probably doing something sweet. So she stumbled down the stairs to see him. He was making her breakfast, and wearing only his pants. She could see where he had a burn mark, probably from the sun. But it would heal quickly.

"Hey," she said.

He turned around, "Hello, feeling better?"

"Not really, worse even, but I saw you weren't with me, so I thought I should go find you. And I did find you, making breakfast I see?" Buffy walked over to view what he made. Everything smelled so good.

"It's on a tray," she stated.

"Yes, it was going to be breakfast in bed, for my sick girl. But if you want to eat it down here..." he hinted.

"I'm gone!" she left.

He could only smile. How is it that she made him so happy inside? He took the tray and made his way upstairs. He could hear her sneezing and coughing all the way up. The door was closed. He knocked.

"Come in," she coughed.

When he entered the room, her eyes were watered. She smiled up at him. He gave a small smile, "Breakfast?"

She nodded, and he brought the tray over. She made room for him to sit next to her. He sat and leaned against the headboard. She laid around his chest, breathing in the scent that was only he. She loved that. It was like spice and something else. Something she just couldn't put a finger on.

Buffy first took the orange juice, and took small sips. It hurt to drink. Angel kissed the top of her forehead. She looked up at him, loving the intense way he looked at her with so much love and passion.

She took small bites of the food, Buffy didn't really have an appetite, but she ate for him. He was so sweet for doing this for her. She turned her head as she coughed, not wanting to get germs on the food. Angel's hand went to her forehead, she was burning up. He took his hand away, but Buffy whimpered.

"You're so cold, so cold," she furthered herself to his touch.

She took his hand and put it on her face, loving the cool touch. Angel let her; for once he was happy he had the coolness of a vampire. She couldn't get enough. She took off her tee shirt to touch his cool chest. At first he was alarmed, knowing that Joyce wouldn't like this at all. But because she was wearing a tank top underneath help a little. She leaned against him. He could feel his flesh heating up under her hot skin.

It didn't help that at the way she was laying against him, he could see down her top. He looked around her room, studying everything in it. But his gaze always fell to her. She fell asleep like that. And he just lay there, not wanting to wake her.

*~*

"Oh and some hot chocolate, and don't forget the candy canes?" Buffy called out.

"Okay!" Angel yelled from downstairs.

It was Sunday and Buffy had taken some medicine that had been making her feel much better. And in the past two days Angel had been at her every wish and command. He really was the best. He walked up the stairs with some soup and hot chocolate, complete with candy cane. She took it and breathed in the minty chocolate goodness.

"Feeling better love?" he asked.

"Much! And thank you for everything," she kissed him.

"Anything for the woman I love."

"I love you too, but really you have been so nice..." she had to stop to yawn.

"Because I don't like seeing you sick. Now eat, sleep, and you will feel better," Angel insisted.

"Okay," she grumbled.

The chicken soup looked very good. Buffy breathed in its scent, very warm. She took the crackers Angel had given her and crumbled them into the soup. Placing the spoon to her lips, she blew on it and took a spoonful. Her taste buds danced. It was the best she had ever eaten.

"Mmmm, Angel this is really good!"

"Well, I'm glad you liked it."

"I do. Angel?"

Buffy pointed to her dresser drawer, "Could you please get a video for us to watch?"

"Sure, which one?"

She thought a moment, she had seen all of them, "You pick."

"Buffy, I haven't heard of half these, you tell me what you want. You're sick, you pick."

"Okay, let's see, we are going over to Xander's in a couple days to watch _A Charlie Brown Christmas_. How about _How the Grinch Stole Christmas_?" she suggested.

"I've never seen it," Angel remarked.

Buffy's eyes nearly bugged out of her sockets and then fell to the ground; "You're joking right?"

"No, Buffy, why?" Angel couldn't get what was wrong with that.

"_How the Grinch Stole Christmas_? Never? Well I mean I guess I could see why, but still... Oh well, then this will be a great time to watch it! Now pop that thing in there and come over here."

Angel did as he was told, sticking the video into the VCR and laying himself next to Buffy. She snuggled against him, loving the feeling of security that came with Angel. She started watching the movie, but ending up falling asleep too soon.

Angel on the other hand was wide-awake, watching the Christmas movie. He had never really had the perfect Christmas with all the family and the movies and the gifts. Not even when he was human. Buffy was opening so many doors to him, and he loved it.

Buffy was dreaming. She and Angel sat before a fire, keeping each other warm. White fluffy snow fell in sheets and chilled the whole house. She and Angel were kissing; the kisses were so real, so warm. Her fingers ran through his hair, his up and down her back. She couldn't get enough, and neither could he. His hands starting going up her shirt, when she heard something outside. She was pulled out of her make out session with Angel and looked at him. He shrugged, and she stood up. Buffy heard the sound again; realizing it was a doorbell. The doorbell rang again and she woke up.

"What?" she bolted up from bed.

"Buffy, calm down, that was the doorbell. Are you alright?" he asked with worried eyes.

"Yeah, fine, just angry at being woken up from a very good dream."

"I am going to go get the door, is that alright?"

"Yeah, sorry."

"Go back to sleep love."

Angel walked down the stairs, and looked the window to see who was there. He saw that no one was actually there. He opened the door; glad that Buffy's front porch shielded most of the daylight. He shook his head and walked back inside. 'Weird' he thought.

When he came back upstairs, Buffy was ejecting the video form the player. She looked up and smiled. In the two days that she had been sick, she seemed much better. It was probably one of those one or two day bug things. Buffy had mentioned before that that had been going around.

"Hey, who was it?" she asked.

"No one."

"What?"

"At the door, no one was there," he further explained.

"Weird," Buffy commented.

"That what I thought."

She stood up, "Oh well. So since I feel so much better, why don't I make you lunch?"

Angel wasn't such what to say. He didn't really eat food, due to that liquid diet. His taste buds didn't really take to the 'food' tastes, but what the heck? He smiled and led her downstairs. She took the stairs two at a time, obviously feeling much better.

*~*

"Oh Angel, it's beautiful!"

"Do you like it?" he asked, hoping to the heavens she wouldn't hate it.

She stared at him, "Are you kidding? It's beautiful, I love it."

Buffy fingered her present. It was a framed picture of her and Angel. It had every little detail in perfect proportion. She couldn't believe he would do this. This paled in comparison to her present to him.

All the girls wanted to see what Angel had given Buffy. It was beautiful. It had a red frame, with small gemstones embedded into the framework. The picture had a white background with a charcoal drawn Buffy and Angel.

It was Christmas Eve, and the whole Scooby Gang had joined together for winter celebration. Willow had reminded everyone once and again that a menorah was just as good as a Christmas tree.

Angel finally felt whole. He had the perfect woman, his soul mate. He had people who would celebrate this occasion with him. And what awed him the most, he actually received presents from them. And Buffy's present the one even he himself had to chuckle at. It was a shoebox covered in macaroni. And inside were a poetry book and a journal. There was also a photo album, with the first ten pages filled with pictures of him and Buffy and the whole Scooby Gang. She was so special to him.

He kissed her, loving her mouth, sweet as candy on his lips. The kiss started to intensify, and was turning into a game of tonsil hockey. Lucky for them Xander coughed before anything actually did happen.

"Okay, yes, we know you love each other save the mushy stuff for later, would ya?" he commented.

*~*

"Merry Christmas Buffy."

Her arms wrapped around him, "Merry Christmas Angel."

They kissed; sharing the love each had for another. Angel kissed her mouth, then trailed down to her neck, the back up, memorising every detail of her face. The the kisses traveled further down her body, a button becoming unbuttoned with each kiss. Buffy thanked gawd that Angel's curse clause had been lifted. Because with that clause, it would this so very difficult.

"I love you," Buffy declared.

"I love you too, beloved, always."

At it was at that time when Buffy realized what the fragrance she smelled a few short days ago. It was Angel's unique scent, and hers.

VanillAngel's Challenge:

It's Christmas and Buffy gets sick! she's living with Angel (still a vamp, no cause) and he's taking care of her because Joyce nis out of town. Buffy stays in bed and Angel and waits on her, taking care of her and being the perfect little 18th century man that we all love. Buffy gets better by the end and then they're all mushy and kissy. Joss can't give it to us on the show, might as well have it written! It can't be NC-17, but please make it at least PG-13?

Kasi's note,
Merry Christmas VanillAngel! I hope you enjoyed this, and I hope you have a Merry Christmas. And to Adia, this Secret Santa thing was very cool! You are very smart! Great job sweetie!

Send feedback to Kasiya

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