Rating: umm...I'm thinking along the lines of PG...in the meantime. Who knows what the future might bring:).
Disclaimer: nope, last time I checked, nothing was mine. "Wild Horses" belongs to the Sundays. Jonathan's speech is taken directly from the episode 'The Prom'.
Spoilers: well...better safe than sorry: everything up to the end of season 3 can be spoilery.
Synopsis: I have a strange drive to rewrite season 3 of BtVS. I just don't seem to like the way it ended...beats me why. Anyway, so despite the fact that the original plan was to begin with "Helpless" (that's around the time everything really started getting screwed up B/A-wise), as you can see, plan's changed and I'm going to start with "Anne". If you expect to find in this series events/quotes from the original season....I seriously mean it - I'll try my hardest keeping them to the very minimum. But all in all - it's probably a yet another attempt to end the season on a more "positive" B/A level. See how it goes:).
Pairing: the conventional ships: B/A, W/O, C/X. If I decide to torture any/all of them, you'll be the first to know:).
Distribution: ask first.
Feedback: please, yes, please.

I looked into your eyes
And saw a world that does not exist
I looked into your eyes
And saw a world I wish I was in
I'll never find someone quite as touched as you
I'll never love someone quite the way that I loved you

- Vast, "Touched"

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

"You can't possibly be serious!"

"Giles, you've been saying that for about half an hour, it didn't get less true than it was thirty minutes ago."

The former Watcher sighed and sat down, tiredly taking off his glasses. "I just…don't understand…why…why?" he looked up at the Slayer, whose eyes returned him a tender gaze of understanding.

"I'm sorry," she whispered. "You have no idea how sorry I am." Telling her Watcher suddenly seemed a hundred times harder than telling her friends or even her mother. She could still recall Willow's tears from yesterday, though the witch had taken everything much better after the two girls had talked. And she also remembered the reaction of her mother…but for some reason, she hadn't been half as nervous as she had been before telling Giles in either of those times. Maybe because he was the only person she was leaving behind who would be alone without her?…

"Do you want to go?' he asked.

Buffy nodded, but didn't answer right away. "I don't know yet. I don't know if I really wanna leave Sunnydale…if I wanna leave everything…everyone. But I know I wanna go with Angel. I know I want to be with Angel. And that’s…it. That's the important part."

"I wonder if you realize…"

"Realize what?"

"What you're losing by gaining Angel." He paused, beholding her for a moment. "Is it all worth it?"

The Slayer beamed, "Yeah. Even if you see it as gaining and losing situation…which I don't, the answer is yes. I'm not sure if I want to leave…but as for staying with Angel…I've never been more sure of anything in my life."

The Watcher offered a half-smile. "I'm glad."

Buffy eyed him, as if not understanding what he meant by that.

"One of the things I always wanted for you was to find your way in life…make the right choice, as a woman, and as a Slayer…especially with you being both. I'm glad you found it. A-and…" he rubbed his forehead, looking down from her momentarily, "I'm glad you're sure about it."

She grinned. "I'm glad, too. And it's not…it's not that far away, Giles, it's…a couple of driving hours away. I'm not moving to the moon or something."

"I realize that," he acknowledged with a nod. "It's still…doesn't make it easier to accept. Who-who knows already? Other than me, you and Angel, that is?"

"My mom," the blonde replied with a sigh. "I told her first. Then I told Willow…then Wes. I was going to tell you all before, but…"

"How long is *before* exactly?" he wanted to know.

"Two weeks," she muttered timidly, looking down, already knowing his upcoming response.

"Repeat that, please?" he requested, standing up and starting pacing back and forth before her.

Buffy took a deep breath but didn't follow his request, knowing she didn't really have to.

"I need to understand this…you took two weeks…*two* weeks to decide to tell me something *this* important, and when you finally *do* tell me, you pick a crisis!"

"It's not a crisis…" she supplied a limping excuse.

"An insane student going for a mass massacre coming prom night is enough to be classified as crisis for me, thank you very much."

"Giles, I'm sorry…I needed…I needed time…"

"And time you took," he stopped pacing, turning sharply at her. "I expected more than this from you, Buffy. I thought you would show more consideration-"

"I'm sorry," she whispered helplessly. When she looked up at him, her eyes were pleading for understanding, pleading with him to understand or at least give her the benefit of the doubt. "Why do you think it was easier on me? I needed time for myself, too, I needed time…to come to terms with…with so many things. *My* life is going to be turned upside-down here, Giles. I told you all as soon as I was sure I could handle it."

The Watcher exhaled heavily, reoccupying his former seat. "How did your Watcher take it?"

"Wes?" she shrugged, chuckling softly. "He probably booked the first available flight back to the Mother Country."

"I beg your pardon?" the Englishman frowned at that.

"He didn't take too well the news of me quitting the Council."

"You quit the Council?!"

"What was I supposed to do?" the Slayer gave him a look. "Whistler told me I haven't been…officially working for them for like two years? So…what was I supposed to do?"

He chuckled, picturing in his mind the face of the younger Watcher when she had broken him the news. However, he did see her point.

"Hey, guys," Willow and Oz walked through the flap doors of the library, interrupting the conversation.

Buffy looked at Giles, requesting him with her gaze to postpone everything for later. When she had been replaying that talk over and over in her head, she didn't remember having an audience.

"Where are Cordy and Xander?" she asked the couple.

"We lost them in the janitor's closet," Oz replied evenly, getting an almost killer look from his girlfriend.

That very moment, the couple in question entered the library, trying to behave as if the janitor's closet was the farthest thing from their minds.

"It's the prom," the werewolf remarked, following an uncharacteristic drive to voice his thoughts. "It's contagious. Our days here are numbered, so we wanna spend them the best way possible."

"That's what I call words of wisdom!" Xander commented, gesturing with his hand at Willow's boyfriend, receiving an instant nudge in his gut from Cordelia.

"Nobody's days are numbered," the Slayer spoke resolutely, looking at the four teenagers. "I told you you're going to have your prom, and you're *going* to have your prom, no matter what I'm gonna do in order to achieve that, so quit the attitude, all of you, and instead of whining, help!"

No one spoke for several seconds, until the silence was broken by another person entering the library. This time, it was Angel.

The Slayer met him halfway and greeted him with a kiss that lasted long enough for him to forget his hands were loaded and wrap his arms around his girlfriend, to the rolling eyes of Cordelia and Xander and the sweet romantic smile of Willow.

After the two finally pulled apart, Xander tenaciously cleared his throat, making them look at him. "Got tired of the big scary mansion?" he nodded to the things Angel had brought with him.

"Very funny." The Slayer wasn't even remotely impressed. "Actually, these are our clothes. Well…my clothes, mostly."

"And they're here…because?…" her friend wasn't satisfied with the answer.

"They're here because after we bag these hellhounds Angel and I won't have a lot of time left to go home and change. Any more questions?" her eyes scanned everybody in the room save her former Watcher. Receiving no response, she looked back at her lover, "Did you get everything?"

"Yeah-"

"Did you touch it?" she cut in, impatient to know.

Angel sighed, "No."

"You didn't peek?"

"No."

"Are you *sure*?" she probed.

"Buffy, I swear," he groaned, his eyes giving away his amusement of the situation.

"What's he not supposed to see?" Xander whispered Willow in the ear.

"Her dress!" she hissed back, looking at him as if he were mentally challenged.

"Okaaay," the boy looked away.

"Good," the blonde grinned, appearing satisfied, "and you better not forget that. Until tonight, hands *off* your present."

"Yes, ma'am," the vampire nodded, flashing her his trademark half-smile.

"Okay, now, all of you," she turned back to her friends. "We got the guy, what I need now is the address where I can find him and take him out preferably *before* he or his puppies do any damage."

"I can check the butcher's," Angel suggested. "The hellhounds feed on brains. If we're looking for brains…"

"That's a good idea," the Slayer nodded his way. "I'll come with you."

"I've got my sources," Xander remarked. "I can sweep the town, maybe I'll find out a thing or two."

"Okay," Buffy approved with a nod. "Take Cordelia with you. You guys, do the same," she addressed Willow and Oz, "find out everything you can, we're at a stage when *anything* is helpful. Give it your best shot." The two nodded, and she raised Angel's wrist, pulling back the sleeve to check his watch. "It's later than I thought," she muttered, then looked up. "Give it as much time as you can, but not too much. If you see you're getting nowhere, drop it, you got the prom-"

"Buffy, are you sure?" Willow asked gently.

"Yes, I'm sure. Get back to the library in…two, two and a half hours. If Angel and I are not here, that's your cue. Go home and get ready, then go to the prom. Trust me, okay? I'm not letting some lowlife ruin this night for anyone. Angel and I will have it covered even if you don't come up with anything." She found her lover's hand and briefly glanced up at him. "Okay?" she eyed her friends.

No one appeared to be protesting in any way.

"Then great. Let's go," she headed to the exit, but at the last second stopped and revolved. "Giles?"

The former Watcher met her gaze.

"I need you to stay here. I don't know if research is gonna help at this point, but still…if we don't get back soon, I need you to go straight to the prom. Watch them," she added, more quietly, and Angel clasped her hand encouragingly.

"Yes, of course," he agreed. "Good luck, you all."

"Thanks," she grinned, and with that, turned around, leading the group out of the library.

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

"Okay, last one," the Slayer puffed, lifting the demon by the legs, while Angel grabbed his arms.

"It seems too easy, if you ask me," he remarked, as they were carrying the hellhound to where it had been decided to bury them.

"Easy?!" his girlfriend shot him a look, panting, as she dropped the corpse into the pit where the other two were already lying, and Angel picked up the shovel and started covering it with dirt. "I *smell*," she accentuated the word. "I'll never get rid of their stench in time for the prom, not to mention the fact we're already late."

"You'll be fine," he smiled briefly and kept filling the pit. "And you don't smell."

"That's not the time for the 'nice guy' attitude," she shot back.

"Really?" Angel let go of the shovel and it fell to the ground as he stepped over the now flat earth between them and grabbed Buffy, crushing her to his chest. "Would I do this if you smelled?" he lowered his head and gently captured her lips in a kiss.

The Slayer pulled off after a moment and smiled knowingly at his attempt. "You bet you would, and that's the problem. So I'm gonna hit the showers. If you want, you can do the same."

"Showers?" Angel didn't understand.

"Yes, honey," she grinned, talking like to a small child. "Nowadays, schools have boys' showers and girls' showers. Last time I checked, you were a boy, so I'll show you where to. Coming?" she started towards the building.

The vampire cast one last look about himself and followed the Slayer.

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

"If you are who I think you are, I told you to wait for me in the library," Buffy grinned to herself as she answered the knock on the girls' bathroom's door.

"No one's there," came the reply. "Everybody's at the dance. May I come in?"

She smiled at herself in the mirror, then sighed, "Okay."

Angel opened the door and stepped inside, closing it behind him.

"Well?" she turned to him, looking down at her dress. "You like?"

"You're a vision," he replied in awe, offering her his hand.

Buffy looked up at him, obviously satisfied with his answer. "You're not so bad yourself," her eyes hungrily washed over his tuxedo-clad perfect muscular form. "I can't believe I got you into a tux."

"You're gorgeous," he whispered, still admiring her with his gaze. "I…I have something for you."

"Really?" her eyes twinkled with a childlike expectation.

"I was…I was thinking to save it up for tonight, but…I just can't help myself," without taking his eyes off of her, the vampire reached into his tuxedo pocket and pulled something out of there. When he opened his palm to show Buffy the object, her breath was nearly caught in her throat.

"Oh my God," she gasped. "Angel, how…"

"Don't worry," he smiled reassuringly, as he held up the delicate chain of pure white gold, with a small heart shaped diamond pendant and waited until she turned with her back to him, so he could fasten it around her neck.

Buffy put her palm over the jewel, staring at herself in the mirror.

"I can afford it," he continued what he was going to say, punctuating the words with mild kisses he was raining down her neck to her slender shoulders from behind. "Don't worry about it. I just…when I saw it…I knew I had to get it for you. I was right," he smiled.

Buffy turned around to face him. "It's beautiful. I love it," she perked a kiss on his lips. "Thank you."

"Shall we?" Angel offered her his hand.

"Certainly," she grinned, and entwined her arm with his, as they headed together to the dance.

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

"Buffy!" the redhead exclaimed, descrying her best friend and her boyfriend entering the gym together. She grabbed Oz's hand and pulled him towards them.

The two girls hugged each other.

"You're gorgeous!" Willow admired the Slayer.

"You, too," Buffy beamed, eyeing the witch from head to toe. "You look great."

"So everything's cool?" Oz inquired.

"Dead and buried," Buffy promised. "Literally. How's the prom?"

"It's great!" Willow replied excitedly. "The best ever, everything's just the best. You guys have just missed the awards. Xander didn't get the class-clown," she added in a sadder note.

"Ow," the Slayer pouted. "Poor Xand, he was looking forward to that…"

"E-excuse…excuse me?" they heard Jonathan's voice on the speaker and everyone turned their attention to the stage.

The boy lowered the microphone and gave it another try, "I was just told…I was asked to read this…t-this is actually a new category. First time ever. I guess there were a lot of write-in ballots, and, umm…the prom committee asked me to read this. We're not good friends. Most of us never found the time to get to know you, but that doesn't mean we haven't noticed you. We don't talk about it much, but it's no secret that Sunnydale High isn't really like other high schools. A lot of weird stuff happens here."

"Zombies!" someone from the audience cried out.

"Snyder!" another one mentioned and everyone burst out laughing.

When the laughter subdued, Jonathan went on, "But, whenever there was a problem or something creepy happened, you seemed to show up and stop it. Most of the people here have been saved by you, or helped by you at one time or another. We're proud to say that the class of ninety-nine has the lowest mortality rate of any graduating class in Sunnydale history. And we know at least part of that, is because of you. So the senior class offers its thanks, and gives you, um…this," he held up the award in form of a small colorful decorated umbrella. "It's from all of us, and it has written here, 'Buffy Summers, Class Protector'."

Applause instantly filled the hall, and all faces turned towards the Slayer.

She drew in a deep breath and looked up at Angel, who smiled at her and kissed her forehead. "Go," he prompted quietly, motioning with his head towards the stage.

She swallowed and nodded. After another moment of deliberation, she went to accept the award.

Childhood living is easy to do
The things you wanted I bought them for you
Graceless lady you know who I am
You know I can't let you slide through my hands
Wild horses couldn't drag me away
Wild, wild horses, couldn't drag me away

Angel was waiting for her by the stage and offered her his hand to help her down. "I'm so proud of you," he whispered to her.

"Because I got a toy surprise?" she grinned, showing him the umbrella.

"It's well earned. You deserve it."

"You deserve it, too," she said gravely. "There's a part of it that's yours, Angel. In so many ways, I wouldn't have been here tonight...or at all, if it hadn't been for you. And this song..." she looked him deep in the eye, "it's about us, Angel."

I watched you suffer in dull aching pain
Now you've decided to show me the same
No sweeping exits or offstage lines
Can make me feel bitter or treat you unkind
Wild horses couldn't drag me away
Wild, wild horses, couldn't drag me away

He smiled, taking her free hand. "Dance with me?"

"Okay." She handed the award over to Giles, who had been standing next to them the entire time, "You mind?"

"Of course not," he smiled, taking it from her. "Congratulations. Like Angel said, it's well earned."

"Thanks," she replied humbly.

"Come on," the vampire wrapped one arm around her waist and led her away into the midst of the dance-floor. There they stopped, and Buffy lay her head on his chest, sighing, as her hand that wasn't on his shoulder found his and their fingers entwined.

I know I dreamed you a sin and a lie
I have my freedom but I don't have much time
Faith has been broken, tears must be cried
Let's do some living after we die

"Thank you," she whispered.

"What for?"

"For making it one of the best nights of my life."

"I think your school friends helped me a little with that," he observed.

"Yeah," she breathed. "That was…surprising. I still can't believe it."

"I can," he planted a kiss on the top of her head. "I love you."

She smiled to herself and closed her eyes. "I love you, too." After a spell of silence, she reopened her eyes and sighed, "Angel?"

"Hmm?"

"Wild horses couldn't drag me away."

He smiled and kissed her head again. "Me, too."

Wild horses couldn't drag me away
Wild, wild horses, we'll ride them someday
Wild horses couldn't drag me away
Wild, wild horses, we'll ride them someday

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