Disclaimer: I own nothing, B/A and Co. belongs to Joss Whedon and etc.
Summary: Response to Tracy's Birthday Challenge, what if, in "Surprise" Angel did get on the ship to leave, and Buffy had followed Angel.

"Buffy....I." Angel stopped. He needed to tell her, he didn't want to leave her with any doubts. "I love you."

Buffy closed her eyes, savoring those 3 words she'd been longing to hear. She opened her eyes to see him crying just as hard as she was. "I love you too."

Angel pulled her closer to him, and held her tightly; it could be months, years before he could hold her like this again. Angel saw some of the workmen, untying the roped to the small ship, his time was up. He reluctantly pulled back, studying her face, rememorizing every line, every crevice, every detail of her face. He ran his big hands over cheeks, wiping away her tears.

"I'll be back my love." He kissed her wrist and let go, he made his way onto the ship; box in hand.

Buffy stood there with her mouth covering the sounds of her sobbing. She watched until the boat began moving from the dock. Slowly she turned, she couldn't bare to watch any longer, her heart and soul was leaving on that ship and there was nothing she could do about it. Buffy stared down, thoughts of her being alone frightened her. How could she live without Angel there to talk to? Who was going watch her back during patrol? Who was going to hold and love her everyday, and let her know how special she was?

Buffy's head shot up, and the only thought that came to her was, she would never have to find out; following what her heart commanded, she ran down the docks, towards the moving ship, and leaped onto it, nearly missing the water. It was a leap of faith.

****

Angel sat down, he had settled into a lower cabin on the ship, he didn't know where the ship was going, but he needed to get this box out of the States. He put his head in his hands, and noticed the faint smell of Buffy's scent lingering in him; a tear ran down his cheek, followed by a few more, it had only been 5 minutes and an ache of loneliness and heartache throbbed throughout his body.

Angel felt something, there was something in the air .... A familiar scent, a well-known tingle. He thought that he was imagining it, that maybe it was in mind imagining the air around him was whispering her name, filling his head with echoed murmurs. But that pleasant tingle that spread through his body as it always did when she was close, could not have been his mind playing tricks. It wasn't a feeling that could just come at anytime, it was a feeling of a soul being in contact with it's other part; it's mate.

Angel got up and walked to the door of the cabin, and flung it open; she stood in front of the door, her eyes and cheeks red and tearstained. His eyes widened, Angel couldn't believe that she was here, on impulse he pulled her into his arms. In that same moment, Angel pulled away from her. "What are you doing!?!? Why did you do this? Why?" He snapped, even though he was ecstatic to see her, his head; the rational part of his was fuming, why did she follow him? How could she just forget about everyone, and do such a stupid, selfish thing?

Buffy sniffled. "I didn't want to let you go." She choked out.

"Buffy, what about your mother!! Your friends! Did you think about them!?"

"No, I was thinking of you" She said, reaching her hand out to him.

Angel's brow frowned, and he backed away from her. "You have a responsibility" He said, eyeing her. "How could you just abandon everyone?"

Raking her hand through her hair. "I'm sorry!!! Angel I couldn't go about my life knowing you weren't there, not knowing if you were OK." Tears started to flow from her already blood shot eyes. She knew what she did was selfish, and probably a big mistake; but at that moment when she took that chance, Buffy felt that maybe it was her turn to be selfish.

"You should not have followed me!!!" Angel fumed. "I can't believe you did this!!!"

Snapping her head towards him. "Look it's done!!! I can't change what I did, and I don't want to. I couldn't live with the fact that you were not going to be there for me, I know it was selfish and stupid of me, but right now I have every right to be!!."

Silence permitted the room, and Angel looked at her sadly.

She took his hand in hers, stroking the back with her thumb. "Angel, we put our lives on the line everyday, for a world that doesn't know that we exist, and in a way the world was taking you from me, so that you and I could do our duty. I'm sick of it!! I never asked for anything in my life, I didn't ask to be the chosen one, I didn't ask for these the responsibility." Buffy motioned with her hand. "But right now I'm asking for this, for you to be in my life.." She bowed her head. "For you to love me without worrying that something might happen to one of us." Buffy looked up and saw tears in his eyes, his tears triggered hers, and the two dove into each others arms; seeking comfort.

Angel pulled his head back, and tried to wipe away her still flowing tears. He brushed his lips across her forehead. "Let's take what we can get."

PART 2Buffy laid in Angel's arms, all the yelling and crying had worn them out. Sniffling, Buffy raised her head to look at him. "Are you angry with me?" She said, in a childlike voice.

Angel swiped a loose strand of hair of her cheek. "No, I could never be angry with you. I just couldn't believe you would do all this for me." Angel said in disbelief. "You would leave your family and friends to be with me, I didn't know how to react to that."

Buffy traced his jaw with tip of her finger. "I would do anything for you, I know that everyone will be disappointed and angry. But I don't care, being with you makes up for everything."

Looking her in the eyes. "Are you sure you want to stay? I could have you taken back when the ship docks." His mind screamed, if she were to leave, Angel would be devastated.

"Yes, I want to stay with you." When Angel didn't react to her answer, she took a deep breath. "Do you want me to leave?" She asked

When the shock disappeared, Angel brushed his lips against her forehead. "No." He smoothed her hair off her shoulder, and leaned up to kiss the hollow of her neck. "Never." He muttered.

Buffy smiled as she felt his cool lips brush over her.

**************************

Giles exhaled deeply, and slammed the book in his hand closed. "They should have been back by now." He said to Willow, and Xander.

Willow turned to him sadly. "Maybe she just needed sometime to pull herself together."

Giles nodded, understanding his surrogate daughters way of getting her emotions under control. Buffy just needed some time.

"Buffy's gonna have a lot of time to get herself together." A voice vibrated through the library.

Everyone turned to see Jenny Calendar storm into the library, worry emitted on her face. "She's gone."

Giles got up from his chair abruptly. "What do you mean?"

"Buffy. She's gone off with Angel."

"What!!!" Xander yelled.

Jenny turned to him. "Angel got on the boat with the box, and when the ship was leaving the dock; Buffy ran after it, and jumped on."

"Why didn't you stop her?!"

"Why did she do it?!"

"Why would she do it knowing you were there?"

Questions, question, and more questions were thrown at Jenny, and she was getting more stressed out. "Hold it. I was too far away to stop her, and she didn't even know I was still there."

Silence permitted the room.

Jenny bowed her head. "I don't think she planned on doing this."

Xander began to chuckle. "Oh, well that makes everything all better. She ran off with Angel, and didn't even think of us, oh yeah she didn't plan a thing."

"Xander don't, don't blame Buffy." Willow pleaded.

"Why not? She did a selfish, stupid thing."

"Xander that's enough." Giles muttered. "Whatever reason Buffy had, I...." He couldn't finish, Giles walked quickly to his office, and Jenny followed. He sat down in his chair in a huff. Jenny walked up to Giles, and kneeled in front of him. Giles took his glasses off and looked at her. "I don't know what to think."

Jenny grabbed his hand.

"I know she loves him, but how could she do this?" Giles whispered.

"Giles, put yourself in her shoes. The love of her life, the one person that understands her better than anyone, is leaving her alone; to fend for herself." Jenny tightened her hold on his hand. "Angel is the best thing has ever happened to her, he makes sense in her world. I think maybe she felt that she couldn't live without him."

Giles looked her in the eyes, he knew no matter how much shock, and disappointment that was running through him; Jenny was right. Giles knew what love does to a person, and he couldn't blame Buffy for what she did. Maybe it wasn't disappointment that Giles felt for Buffy, maybe it was relief; now she could be happy with the man she loved without any worry. Giles leaned over and pulled Jenny into a hug, he was the one who needed comfort.

PART 3

Angel awoke slowly, feeling his entire body swaying languorously with the movements of the waves beneath him. He didn't remember falling asleep, Angel tried to stretch, but a warm body laid over him. A deep sigh came from his lips, it wasn't a dream, it wasn't his mind replaying his fantasies; Buffy was here with him, in his arms. The constant slapping and gurgling of the water seemed calm, but not calm enough to keep Buffy asleep, and in his embrace; she moaned softly, and lifted her head.

Yawning. "Hey." Buffy sat up, and stretched out her arms.

"Morning, I think." Angel chuckled, watching her move around on the bed.

When the clouds of sleep left her mind, Buffy looked at Angel. "Where does the ship go?" Curious to know what part of the world Angel was headed.

"Paris."

A look of shock crossed Buffy's face. "Really?" She squealed. "Were going to Paris?"

Angel nodded, a contented smile played on his face. Seeing Buffy excited made him even more happy than he was, he loved how her face lit up, and her eyes shone.

"How long till we get there?" She asked.

Angel looked at his watch, "Well, it's Wednesday, so it should take 5 days."

Buffy smiled, but she still had a disbelieving look on her face. "It's Wednesday already, last I remember it was Monday night. This ship moves fast."

She talked as if everything in the world was gone except them, that they were in their own universe; a place they never wanted to leave. Angel pushed the hair that was framing Buffy's face behind her ear, he never thought he could feel such contentment, and now that he had; Angel would do anything to keep that peace in his heart.

Angel watched as Buffy sat up, and stretched her muscles, to him that was the most beautiful thing, and the expression showed on his face; a grin spread onto his face, almost to the point of a full smile, his eyes shown upon her in complete and utter devotion and worship. To Angel, no other girl/woman would ever compete with the love and desire he held for her.

Buffy smiled back and reached out to touch the side of his cheek. "You're so cute when you smile like that, I've never seen you smile like that."

Placing his hand over hers. "I have a good reason to smile." He said, before another thought hit him. "What did you mean by I'm cute when I smile? You don't think I'm regularly cute?" Angel said teasingly.

Touching her chin as if in serious thought. "Only when you smile."

"Oh yeah." Angel quickly grabbed the pillow under him, and struck Buffy in the face. Buffy looked at him in shock, that blow was unexpected, Angel never acted like this before; like a little kid, Buffy loved it. She retaliated with the pillow next to him, and the fight had begun.

Another 10 minutes later, Buffy and Angel sat in heap on the bed catching their breath; well Buffy catching her breath. Angel watched her, he watched her inhale, and exhale. He watched her brush loose strands of her hair to the side, he watched her unconsciously touch the ring he gave her; the heart faced toward her. A cord in Angel's heart struck a note, he wanting to say something, until the ship lurched forward sending the both of them to the floor with a thud.

Buffy lifted her head up, she had fallen onto Angel's body, blushing she sat up, and rolled off his body. "Sorry." She whispered, a tint of red crept on her cheeks.

Angel sat up, nodding that it was OK. They stared at each other for moment, until they felt another a lurch. Angel got up, trying to reclaim his balance, and walked to the door to the cabin. He listened to the voices above deck, to find out what was going on.

Buffy got up off the floor and walked toward Angel. "What's going on?"

Angel glanced toward her. ""They're docking the ship, for a pit stop; to get more supplies." He turned back to the door to listen.

"How long?" She said, curiously.

"A day or two." Angel looked at her curious face, and turned toward her; wanting to do some thing with her, that's not in the cramped up cabin. "We should go sight-see, and get a few things ourselves." Angel implied, taking her hand in his

Buffy nodded happily. It was like they were on a vacation, just the two of them spending time alone, like a normal couple. "Let's go."

Angel smiled. He took her hand, and they made their way to the upper deck. The sun was in the motion of setting, and since there wasn't a lot of light; it didn't bother Angel. The two found themselves on a little remote island, in the Atlantic Ocean, they headed off the ship, and were immediately surrounded by merchants and shopkeepers. The island was breathtaking, flowers in bloom, people running around happily. Everything was beautiful, and it caught Buffy's eye immediately.

Angel noticed her attention was traveling around the sights they were near, he enjoying watching the play of emotions on Buffy's face, to know that he helped create that intriguement, and beauty on her face meant everything to him.

Angel squeezed her hand tighter, and they made their way through the shops of the island.

PART 4

It was just another typical day at Sunnydale High School, at least for most. The small group in the library felt differently. Willow, Xander, and Giles sat at the round table, unsure of themselves. Each member of the scooby gang were trying to rationalize and figure out what to do, now that the leader of the clique has left them to fend for themselves. Giles felt he was useless, Willow felt lost without her best friend, and Xander felt angry and heartbroken.

"So what do we do?" Willow muttered. Not sure of what to say or do anymore.

"There's nothing we can do, Willow, except take over Buffy's responsibilities." Giles informed.

Xander looked at Giles. "We're not slayers Giles."

Before Giles could answer, Willow had a thought. "What about Kendra?"

"That's a good idea Willow, someone will have to replace Buffy." Giles whispered sadly.

****************

After docking on the small island, the ship was on it's way, and so were Buffy and Angel. They had gathered enough supplies, and food to last them till they got to Paris, it had been 3 days now, and they had a daily schedule to keep them busy. They got up, ate together, made out, and trained together. It was all Buffy and Angel could do to pass the time, and it worked, especially the making out.

One more day and they would arrive in Paris, France; and Buffy was bouncing off the walls in excitement. "Angel! Can you believe were gonna be in Paris tomorrow?"

Angel nodded his head. It made him so happy to see her this ecstatic, he felt honored to be in her presence at a time of great joy for her, and it would be a great way to spend time with her in a lush, romantic place; where their relationship could grow beyond the love they shared now. Angel's fantasies had come true, the one where he would take Buffy away from the pain and evil, and sweep her away where they could be together in every way possible, without worrying about demons, and vampires; without worrying whether their lives would be stolen from them before they could know true happiness and love together.

warm glow spread through Angel, as Buffy came and placed her arms around him. She thanked him for letting her be with him, and he felt honored that she would thank him, he should be the one to thank her. Buffy wove her hand into his and tightened it around his, it was strong yet gentle, Angel took it as a sign of possession, and he did belong to her; as she belong to him.

e would prove it to her again and again, starting now. "Buffy, there's something I wanna tell you."

uffy wasn't listening. She shifted into his lap, so that she could rest her head against his shoulder, ignoring the words he was trying to say. "No more words." She said. "We have all the time we need for words, just kiss me, let me kiss you." Buffy pressed a lingering kiss to the skin of his neck just below his ear and was delighted when he shivered with pleasure. "I love you Angel." Buffy whispered, as she placed her lips firmly on his.

Angel forgot any thought that came to mind after that.

****

Eventually the day had passed, and Buffy and Angel were waiting for the ship to dock in good Ol' Paris. Angel could not wait to get off this ship, he needed room to roam around, and he could tell that Buffy was just as anxious as he was. A few hours later the ship docked on the northern side of Paris, with the arm, and other things they had with them; Buffy and Angel made their way off the ship, Buffy just let Angel guide her through the city.

Paris enchanted her from the beginning. All the lights sparkled brighter than the stars above, and Buffy was entrapped by the beauty of the most romantic city of the world.

Bells rang throughout the city, telling it's patrons that it was 10 o'clock, as loud as they were, it was the most beautiful sound Buffy had heard. She looked out onto the glowing city from the balcony attached to the spacious apartment, that Angel had acquired for the them to stay. Buffy was still in shock at the loveliness of the place she was to live in, with Angel; for as long as they wanted to stay here. She knew that she desperately wanted to shower and curl up next to Angel, comfortable on the couch, but she could not resist the pull she felt to look over the city; the city of dreams, Angel called it.

After a few more minutes she pushed away from the railing where she'd been leaning, and entered the living room; where Angel was placing another log in the roaring fire. She stood there waiting for his attention.

Angel glanced up, and saw his beauty standing their; a smile came upon his face. Not his ordinary half smile, or smirk, but a true smile of complete happiness and freedom. "You look so beautiful standing there."

Buffy blushed a rosy pink, and bowed her head, before raising her gaze to meet his. She tucked her hair behind her ear shyly, as Angel walked over to her. He looked at her as if something was behind her, and when she took a quick glance to her side; Angel put his hand behind her ear, and pulled out a single white rose.

Buffy smiled brightly at his little parlor trick, and accepted the rose. "Thank you." She whispered, placing the rose under her nose, to smell the sweetness, and feel it's texture.

Buffy placed her left hand onto Angel's cheek, just wanting to touch him; he took his hand and placed it over hers, his thumb stroking the ring that adorned her finger. Angel took her hand in his and looked down at the ring, it was time.

"Buffy, there's something I haven't told you." He said, still staring at the ring.

"What?"

"I never told you, well didn't explain the whole meaning of the ring I gave to you. It's not just a sign of devotion, it's a vow to love, honor, and obey."

Buffy smiled catching onto his meaning. "In sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer."

Pulling her hand to his lips. "Until death do us part." He whispered, kissing the ring on her finger.

Angel's eyes glistened with tears at this declaration. Their lips met in a gentle kiss which rapidly became more passionate as their need for each other spiraled rapidly beyond control.

Suddenly Angel pulled away, and Buffy became confused. "What's wrong?"

Taking a deep breath. "Is this what you want? Do you want to be a part of what we are about to get into, once we cross that line, there's no going back Buffy." Angel explained, he never wanted to force anything upon her, and he needed to know that she wouldn't regret this in the years to come.

Buffy took his hand and held it tightly in her hands. "Yes, Angel, this is what I want. I want to spend my life with you, and I want to experience everything life has to offer, with you by my side. And I want to cross that line with you." She declared, Buffy let go of his hands and wrapped hers around his neck. "I want you." She whispered, before placing a sensual kiss on his lips.

Pulling away breathless, keeping their gazes locked on each other. Angel began to unbutton the sweater jacket Buffy was wearing. He began to patter kisses all over her cheek and trailed down to her neck; while still undressing her. Shyly, Buffy began to undress him, both letting out whimpers of pleasure; as their fingers touched. The moon and stars shone through the balcony window, as the couple took steps to becoming lovers. When clothes were no longer in the picture, Angel held her closer to him, if that were possible, and pulled them to the rug beneath them, where they made passionate love for the first time, in front of a roaring fire.

PART 5

Buffy stirred, she had the most wonderful dreams of her life, and she didn't want to awake. In her dream, Angel had professed his undying love for her, and he took her as his lover; gently and tenderly. Buffy became more aware, when a smooth hand crossed her bare belly, she turned her head, and came face to face with her new lover.

"Hi," she said softly, while staring into his dark eyes, making her melt all over again.

Angel did not reply, he reached out and touched her cheek as if to make sure she was really there, and tenderly he brushed his lips across hers. "I love you so much, always." Angel declared, he felt like the luckiest man on earth, that he was able to profess his love to this woman; the slayer of all people, and Angel was honored to have Buffy respond to his touch, his words, and his love.

"I love you." Buffy replied, scooting closer into his arms to wrap hers around his waist. She rested her head in the crook of his neck, and inhaled the scent that was imprinted in her mind, and body forever. Everything was perfect."

***********************

Spike rolled around in his wheelchair, watching Drusilla dance around the room, he shook his head as he saw the way she was twirling around him. Until she dropped to the floor, clutching her head moaning in pain. "OHHH!"

Spike rolled over to her. "Pet, what's wrong?"

"Angel, oohh. The slayer, she's evil, she took my daddy away, and made his dreams come true." Dru said, grabbing at her hair. "Poor daddy."

"He finally shagged her." Spike realized.

***********************

Giles sat in his office awaiting the arrival of Kendra, she would be arriving anytime now, and the sooner the better. It had been quiet around Sunnydale for past weeks, but no need to take chances, and they needed a slayer.

"Hello, Mr. Giles." A heavily accented voice from behind.

Giles turned around and greeted the slayer. "Hello Kendra."

Kendra nodded her head to him, and sat her bag down on the floor. She walked in and sat in the chair across from him. "What dis it you wish?"

"Um, Kendra, Buffy has gone away for a while concerning a demon arm, and we need you to take your place as slayer of the hellmouth."

"Yes, sir. I start tonight." Kendra agreed, asking no questions.

***********************

Buffy sighed, the night was so beautiful, she wished they could stay here forever. She and Angel had reluctantly gotten up while it was still dark outside, they needed to do what they came here to do, and that was getting rid of the judge's severed arm.

The couple made their way to the docks, after chaining and bolting the box shut, they tossed the box into the sea; where it sank to the bottom. Buffy and Angel watched the box sink, there mission was complete, after taking one more look; the couple locked hands and made there way back to their new home and in their bed.

*****

"Hmmm" Buffy sighed as she sank deeper into the water. When Angel had finished showering, she decided a nice hot bath would be soothing, while he cooked.

As she smoothed the water over her body, Angel knocked on the door. "Can I come in?"

"Yes." She answered softly.

"The food is ready." He said, sitting behind her in the tub. He placed his hands on her shoulders, and began to massage.

Buffy closed her eyes at the feel and let him work his magic on her.

The peaceful silence was interrupted. "Buffy, I've been thinking about something." Angel said.

"What?"

"I want to stay here for a while, and I want you stay with me; I don't know how long, but..."

"Of course." Buffy cut him off, she didn't need to hear anymore, and he didn't need to speak anymore. She placed her wet hand on the back of his neck and pulled him in for a kiss.

PART 6- epilogue

2 years later, life had pretty much gone by quickly for others, but not a certain couple living in Paris. Buffy and Angel savored everyday of those two years, it was the life they wanted, and could never give up. Buffy continued her education from Angel, she found that she learned better with him than any teacher, it was more fun, in more sense than one. She now could speak French and she was learning Gaelic, since Angel spoke it to her all the time, in a loving way, he wanted her to be able to respond in the same way.

There were times that Buffy missed the gang and her Mom, and that was when the occasional sending postcard routine came in. After receiving a few letters from Willow, the main one she stayed in contact with; she learned that Giles and Jenny married a couple of months after she left, Xander and Cordelia were an official couple, and so was she and Oz. Everything was fine back at home, Kendra had settle down in Sunnydale, and had everything in control, even Spike and Dru had skipped town.

This news just eased Buffy's mind, and opened her up to more things she wanted to experience, with Angel. She was where she wanted to be, and she was with who she wanted to be with. Angel made her more happy everyday, she loved being with him in every way, and she loved it when they held each other, when they talked, and when they made love; it was divine. Life could not be any more better than this.

*Tracy, I hope you like the response you've gotten about this challenge.*

Challenge:
I was home sick today watching my tape of Surprise when I came up with this idea. I got to the part where he was going to leave on the boat and I thought what if he had left and (heres the twist) Buffy, at the last minute, turns around and leaves in the boat with him. What would happen? Where would the go? How would the gang react?
Here are the requirements:
-Angel's soul has to permanent.
-They have to be gone for at least 2 years.
-Couples: B/A, W/O, C/X, G/J
Try to include as many of these as you can:
-a pillow fight between B/A
-The song "Angel" by Sarah McLaughan (sp?)
-Angel telling Buffy what the rings really mean
-a white rose
-Angel and Buffy arguing about her coming with him.
-Spike and Dru
-Whistler

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