DISCLAIMER: none of these characters belong to
SPOILERS: everything to the end of season 3 of Buffy
FEEDBACK: PLEASE!!! i live for it. PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!
A/N: this is my version of what would have happened if Angel had said goodbye at the end of Grad. Day and if he didn't go to L.A.
A/N 2: thank u sooooooooo much to the people who sent me feedback, u really made my day =)

Buffy held her diploma in her hand while searching frantically for one certain angel. Through the flashing lights, smoke, and confusion she finally saw him. Slowly they walked towards one another. They stood silently before one another. Neither knew how to say the painful goodbye. Angel lifted his hand do trace Buffy's scar with his fingertips. Buffy shuddered and closed her eyes. She could still feel his teeth sinking into her flesh. Angel's hand moved to caress her face, her eyes, cheeks, and lips. It was as if he wanted to brand the face of his beloved into his heart forever. His heart broke a little more to know that he would never kiss her again. He was about to drop his hand when Buffy grasped it. She raised her own hand to tenderly trace his chiseled features. Buffy felt the tears welling in her eyes. Noticing this Angel pulled her into his embrace. They held tightly to each other, neither wanting to let go.

Giles and the rest of the gang watched from afar. It was heartrending to watch the two lovers breaking apart. The fire trucks still flashed their lights, and the smoke twisted its way around the lovers. Willow clutched Oz's hand and sighed sadly. He held her and gently stroked her hair. Xander watched and the bitterness he felt towards Angel faded. All he wanted was for his best friend to be happy. A small hand suddenly slipped into his. Startled, he looked at its owner. It was Cordelia. She gave a rueful smile. Xander smiled back and held her hand tightly. Giles watched then turned his head, he couldn't stand it.

Pulling apart, Buffy broke the silence. "I don't think I can let go." Her voice was faint. Angel held her hands, struggling to force his response from his lips.

"You must. Find someone, do it for me."

"I can't." Buffy whispered brokenly. Her head drooped. Angel lifted her chin so that she looked him in the eye. Tears slid down her face.

"I love you." Angel gently smoothed away her tears with the pad of his thumb.

"I love you." Buffy's voice trembled. Angel let go of her hands and walked away. He didn't turn back once. If he did, he didn't know if he could stay strong. It was a forlorn sight to see the blonde slayer staring at his receding back until there was no one there. Willow broke away from Oz and ran to her best friend. The two girls collapsed to the ground as Buffy sobbed in her sorrow.

~Six Years Later~

Angel stood outside 1630 Revello Drive. Through the window he could see his beloved peacefully sleeping. After his departure, Angel had traveled everywhere around the world, seeking redemption. It had worked, he was human and yet he was alone. He had arrived in Sunnydale a week ago and had spent his time observing the people who were once part of his life, mainly though he had watched her. Buffy sensed him, as Angel had known she would. Yet whenever she had raised her head he had slipped away.

It was a warm summer night. Buffy slept in her own little room. She couldn't bear to sell the house after her mother died and she had closed off Joyce's old room. The soft breeze wafted through the open window. Angel climbed the familiar tree and watched her sleep. Her hair shone softly in the moonlight and she was facing away from him. Climbing in quietly he made his way to the bed. He gently took her in his arms. Before she opened her eyes, Buffy knew who it was. She smiled and opened her eyes.

"Angel." She nestled deeper into his embrace. "Promise me," she said, "that you'll never leave me again." There was a pause, "I don't think I could bear it." A tear glittered in the corner of her eye.

"I promise." Angel kissed her hair lightly. Buffy and Angel slept contently through the night, whole once again.

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