Disclaimer: Joss and Co own them all.
Summary: Set from the end of Hush and then goes into la la land.
I am not a writer and I hate writing conversation stories. But I saw the beginning of Hush and hated it and wanted to change it to suit my reality. So I was telling Kendra how I would change it and she said write it.. So I have.
But it is kind of like script writing. My script writing. So don't expect too much accept a story that all B/A lovers will love.
In my story….willow and tara are a couple, xander and anya are a couple, spike is kinda already ingratiating himself with the scoobies.. It is about 5 weeks after IWRY
I hope you enjoy it nevertheless.
And something in Helpless always annoyed me. After the first part of the story you will know what it is. So I fixed that too.
Personal thoughts are in bold type.
And Riley is a bit on the bad side in this. So Riley lovers better not read. ( I still haven't forgiven him for going to vampire whores after making love to Buffy)
Dedication To Kendra for telling me to have a go. For Zetta for being a friend. For all the writers of B/A fiction who help keep their love alive. Some of the best stories I have ever read are by you all.
Part 1
Buffy couldn't move. She was being held down by an ugly gentleman and his cohorts. And another one held a sharp blade that was getting ever so close to her face. Where was the cavalry when you needed them? Where was Riley with his big cross-bow?
Riley was having his own problems. Then just as suddenly the bad guy was a dead weight on top of him as someone or something rushed past at an incredible speed. All he saw was something black.
Buffy tried to scream but still couldn't hear her own voice. The blade was so close that she could feel the coldness of it and she thought. Great, some nursery rhyme guy is going to kill me. What a way to go out.
And then there was a snap and the guy with the blade was on the floor, dead. She looked up expecting to see a blond blue-eyed rescuer but with shock and something she didn't want to think about, she saw a dark haired, dark eyed Angel. There wasn't time to react as they still had some bad guys to take care of.
As if it was only yesterday, Buffy and Angel fell back into their old routine and dispatched the remaining baddies and their trophies while a stunned Riley looked on.
As the box broke, Buffy's first words were "Angel, what are you doing here".
Angel still in vamp face turned to look at his love. It is to soon after thanksgiving, I don't know if I can do this.
"I" Angel begins and then another voice breaks in.
"Get away from her, demon. Stand back Buffy, so I can kill him." Riley comes toward them with the crossbow aimed at Angel's heart.
Riley is stunned when Buffy steps in front of the demon.
"Angel" she says and he turns back to his human visage.. "You are one of the commando guys aren't you Riley".
"Yes I am with the military. We hunt demons and you need to step away from that one now".
"He is a good vampire Riley and no-one is killing him. We have had enough killing for one night, don't you think".
"Who are you Buffy? I saw the way you fought those guys. You are strong and what do you mean, a good vampire".
"I am the Vampire Slayer and just what I said. Angel is a vampire but he is on our side. We can talk tomorrow Riley. I want to go and make sure everyone is okay. Come on Angel, let's go. I will see you tomorrow Riley".
"Okay Buffy, we will talk then".
Buffy and Angel walk out not looking back so they don't see Riley take out his communicator and talk into it. Riley Finn was not a happy man.
Now that they were alone and walking down the street, neither of them could think of anything to say. They were both preoccupied with their own thoughts.
Angel wanted to take her into his arms and never let her go. He was flooded with memories…The pier, the fridge, the kitchen table, the bed, peanut butter and chocolate and the icecream. The icecream and Buffy licking it off his chest. How was he going to get through this without touching her? He gave himself a mental shake and turned to Buffy.
Buffy meanwhile was having her own trip down memory lane. So many moments, good and bad were running through her mind. Their last time together! Didn't they agree to stay apart and forget! Yeah, forget. She felt the sting of tears.
"I thought we were going to stay apart and forget. What happened to that plan." she said to him. Hurt and anger in her voice.
"Cordy had a vision".
"Cordelia - what about your friend, Doyle wasn't it".
He took a moment to answer. "Doyle is dead. Cordy gets the visions now" he almost whispered.
"Oh Angel I am so sorry. I…"
"Its okay. I am dealing with it. So Cordelia had a vision and I came to see if I could help. I wasn't keeping it a secret. I came, I tracked you down and well you know the rest".
"Yeah I do. And thanks for the help".
Angel looks at her and says, "So, what's with Riley. Is that his name? Is he patrolling with you now?" the thought of Buffy and another man patrolling together, patrolling and kissing together. He wanted to hit something. Preferably that Riley guy! He didn't like him.
"No, no. It's funny really. I just found out tonight the guy I am dating is part of some covert military group'.
"Dating" he says tentatively.
"Yes, dating. You know. The normal boyfriend. The normal life. Picnics in the sun. ect ect..You know the spiel. You wrote it after all".
"Buffy, please"
"I'm sorry. I think you better just go. Are you going now?'
"You're right. I better go. I have to get the car from the mansion and then I will head back to LA before dawn breaks. Goodbye Buffy".
"Right, off you go. Goodbye….Again". The last word is a whisper.
They have said good-bye but neither of them is moving. Buffy can't tear her gaze from Angel and he seems to be having the same trouble. Then with a sharp jerk Angel turns away and starts walking off. As he walks away he hears that sweet voice whisper. "I miss you so much". She sees him hesitate for a moment then with steely determination just keeps walking. She doesn't see the tears falling down his face. The sooner he leaves the better for them both he keeps telling himself. But he doesn't believe that lie any more now than he ever did.
Buffy is standing where he left her. She feels her heart breaking again or is it still. The tears are falling down her face. She swipes at them and starts walking. I hope everyone is okay. He was so close I could have touched him. And Riley is a commando. My life is so not of the good. Normal. Normal. He left me to give me normal. And I said no more office romances but now Riley. I like Riley. He is cute and smart and a TA and he hunts demons. Riley is good. I could have something with Riley. His eyes are still so beautiful and so dark I could lose myself in them. Riley. Just this morning I was dreaming of kissing Riley. Angel was here. Angel was so close. And he walked away again. I need sleep. I need to think.
Next Morning
Buffy is walking down the street past the shops, absently looking in.
"Buffy, wait up." She turns to find Riley walking towards her.
"Riley, what are you doing here?"
"I thought we should talk. About last night, about that Angel guy."
"We do need to talk about last night. But not about Angel, never about Angel".
"Okay then. I know we both have kept secrets but I don't want to lose you Buffy. We could have something between us. Something good."
"Riley, I need time to think. I like you and I like going out with you but things are complicated now. Maybe we need some time apart."
"Buffy, please. I think I am falling in love with you. There is something between us and I know you felt it to. It is that vampire isn't it."
"We are so not talking about Angel. Riley, I did feel something. I wont deny that but you and"…..she stops in mid-sentence. Something catches her eye in the store window. She just stares and is lost in the memories of last year.
"Buffy, Buffy, Buffy, what is it? What is the matter?"
Part 2
Buffy can't think. She moves toward the window to get a better look. It can't be. It can't be. But it looks so like mine. I have to know. She walks into the shop and Riley follows her wondering what has Buffy so upset.
"Could I look at the book in the window please?" she asks the assistant.
"Sure I will get it for you".
"Buffy, what is it? What is so important about that book?" Riley is trying and failing to get her attention.
The assistant comes back with the battered book and hands it to Buffy. She reaches out a shaking hand to take it and with a sob grabs it and opens it up. The tears are falling as she reads.. **Always** It is mine. The poetry book he gave me for my birthday last year. When he told me he loved me from the moment he first saw me. I can hear Riley beside me. Poor Riley. He doesn't know it but there never was a real chance that we would work out.
I pay for the book and walk out of the shop with Riley on my heels. It is all so clear now. And this little book opened up the door that holds the answer to me
"I am sorry Riley. Whatever you thought might happen between us isn't going to. My heart is not free to give to anyone else".
"I don't understand. You see a book, an old dusty book and we're through, just like that. This can't be happening".
"I am sorry Riley but I don't owe you any more explanation. We wont be seeing each other any more. I am not available to you anymore. I don't think I ever really was. But I just realized it. And yes this book did help me make up my mind. You see, it is my book and the man who gave it to me said Always. I just have to remind him. Goodbye Riley".
For Buffy it is over and she just walks away. She has somewhere she has to be. A certain someone she has to talk to. Maybe forcibly! She doesn't know that Riley is watching and hears her whisper over and over " Always. Angel, you promised me always."
A little while later….
Buffy goes to over to meet the gang at Giles apartment. Everyone is there. Xander and Anya are sitting on the couch smooching a little. Willow and Tara are at the computer. And Giles is sitting in a chair with a book. Little surprise there.
After the greetings Buffy turns to Giles. "Why do you want dead-boy's number and what is Riley going to say about you calling the ex." Xander says looking at Buffy. "Buffy what is wrong, why do you need to call Angel?" Willow asks with worry in her voice. "Has something happened" this from Giles. "Well kind of. Angel was here last night. He saved Riley and me. Again. Then he left. Again." she says looking at all of them. "So again I say, why call him and what about Riley." Xander says. Buffy straightens her back and clutches the poetry book close before answering. "Riley and I are over. It isn't as if we have been going out for long." "But he is nice and you were getting along so well" Willow comments. "Yeah and he has a heartbeat" Xander gets in his shot. "But he is not as hot as Angel. If I wasn't happy with the sex Xander and I have, well I would like to have sex with Angel. If he could that is, without turning evil." says Anya with a thoughtful look on her face. Willow and Tara both nod their heads as Willow says. "He is good looking." Buffy glares at Anya. "No-one is having sex with my boyfriend, no-one." Giles stands up. "Boyfriend! Is there something you forgot to tell us?" He is not too sure he is going to like her answer. "No Giles, we are not back together yet but something happened this morning and things are going to change around here." "What things?." Xander wants to know, as do all the others. Buffy is getting anxious. "Look, let me talk to Angel first and then we will talk okay." Giles gives Buffy the number. She dials. A one sided conversation is heard. "And I left Buffy so she could have a normal life and find a good man to spend it with. Guess she failed on both counts" Angel talks for the first time since his capture. I can't let him see I am in pain from the blast they gave me. And when I get the chance Finn is going to regret this so much. Just have to stay calm and wait. Someone will come looking for me. Cordy will send out the search party. Buffy will find me. I have to believe that and then Finn, we will see who has the last laugh. "Are you saying that you and Buffy were together? I didn't believe it before and I don't believe it now. You are a vampire and she kills vampires. No way were you involved. And now it doesn't matter. Your days are numbered and so very soon there is going to be nothing but dust and then we will see who is with Buffy. In every way." Riley smirks as his confidence grows seeing the dark Vampire behind bars. "She is my girl now" Riley taunts Angel. Angel starts to laugh and Riley stares at him in confusion. As Angel continues to laugh Riley takes out his tazer. "What have you got to laugh about Hostile? You are the one behind that force-field" says Riley. "Well I really should thank you Riley. You have made me see the truth." Angel walks to the front of the cage and looks at Riley. Oh Buffy, I finally realize the truth and now it may be too late. No, can't think like that. I have to hold out till she comes for me. I will hold out. "You said that Buffy is your girl. Think again. The truth is that she is my girl and she always will be. I forgot for a while because certain unpleasant things got in the way but now I remember. She is my girl. She promised me Always but I forgot. I wont forget again and I have you to thank Finn. And if the irony in that doesn't make you laugh, I feel more sorry for Buffy than before. Finding a guy with no sense of humor. She likes a funny guy, did you know that. And I am that guy." Angel replies with a smile on his face. I think I just had an epiphany. Fine time I know but better late than never. "You still my girl" "Always". I wont forget again my love. "See if this makes you laugh, funny guy" and Riley fires the tazer at Angel causing the vampire to collapse in pain on the floor. I will see you dead as soon as the Doc finishes her experiments. I am going to enjoy that but I promise you won't. And I will be the one holding her, touching her. I will enjoy telling you that as I kill you. Riley walks away leaving behind an unconscious Angel. Back at Giles apartment. Cordy and Wesley have arrived. Xander and Anya are back having had no luck finding Angel. Didn't find his car either. And Buffy has come back as well. She is pacing the floor nearly out of her mind with worry. "I have an idea" says Tara, breaking the silence. Everyone stops what they are doing and turns to the young woman. No one more eager than Buffy to know if her idea can help find Angel. Willow walks over and takes Tara's hand to impart strength to Tara. Buffy walks over to the 2 wiccas. "What is it Tara, I am open for any idea that might bring Angel back to us." says Buffy. "Well", Willow squeezes her hand in encouragement. "I thought that we could do a spell. It is one I was reading about just last week. If it works it would tell us where Angel is." "When can you do it and what do you need" Buffy's voice holds a little hope now. "The spell will make it possible for you to find Angel by going into his mind. You will be able to see what Angel is seeing in his mind. If he is in a fifty mile radius from here that is. There is some risk involved though." Tara is feeling more confident as she continues to talk. Buffy doesn't need to think about it. "I will do it. Just tell me what I need. Anything to find Angel." "Well you will need something special that holds memories for you both. More than one thing if possible. The more objects the stronger the magic. Do you have something?" Tara asks Buffy. " I have a few things but I will need Wesley to drive me home to get them. I will go now and be back in 20 minutes. Will that give you enough time to set things up" Buffy can hardly contain her joy. It is going to work and then Angel and I are going to have a long talk. I can't wait for Angel to hold me in his arms again. To kiss him and tell him that I love him and only him, always. And this time no-one is walking away. We both have a lot of apologising to do and promises to keep.. Soon my love, soon. I am coming wherever you are. "That will be ample time. We will get started now. I will need everyone's help." Says Tara. There is a chorus of anything from all the gang as Wesley and Buffy head over to her house to collect her precious items. Half an hour later all is in readiness. Tara has Buffy sit in the circle of herbs in the middle of the room. Buffy has on her leather jacket that Angel gave her so long ago. It is well worn. And the lovely cross he gave her the first night she met him and knocked him on his butt. And clutched in her hands is the poetry book lost but now found that her love graced her with on her 18th birthday. "Willow and I will be doing the incantation but I need everyone else to sit outside the circle holding hands. I need for all those holding hands to be caring about Angel. For the magic to work we need only good vibes. Step up to the circle if you have that for Angel." says Tara to the group of people gathered in the room. Without hesitation Giles, Xander, Anya, and Wesley step up towards the circle. Everyone turns to Cordelia with frowns and confusion on their faces. Buffy comes out of the circle and goes to Cordy. "What is it Cordy, why aren't you joining the others?" "Oh I will but first I have something to give you. I took it from Angel's dresser. It might help the spell if you have it. I don't know why but I grabbed it before we came down. It just seemed like the thing to do. I don't go snooping in Angel's things normally. But I see him looking at this box all the time and afterwards he has Buffy face so here you take it. I haven't looked inside." And with that Cordy hands Buffy a small container and goes to stand with the others. Buffy holds the container for a moment wondering what could be inside. She slowly opens it and the others stare as tears fall silently down her cheeks. How? Where? I thought I would never see this again. I can't believe he found it and didn't tell me. Both of them. Our sign of devotion in this little box. Angel Oh Angel, I will never take it off again. And taking the smaller of the two rings from the box she slips her ring back home where it belongs. And then she puts the other one on her thumb where it will stay till she can give it to her soul-mate. She walks back and sits in the circle mouthing a silent thank-you to Cordelia. "Now we can start" says Buffy knowing that now the magic will work. Part 5 The gang hold hands as Tara and Willow begin the chanting. And somewhere beneath Lowell House in a forcefield held cage the Vampire with the soul lies unconscious. He dreams—dreams of fighting the Mohra demon, feeling his pulse the first time in centuries. Dreams of walking in the sunlight towards his sweet love! Of seeing her looking so beautiful in the sunlight! Of lips meeting and clinging! Dreams of broken tables and sweaty bodies and tangled sheets and endless discoveries of love, of passion, of ecstacy! Dreams of a lost day, a day when he felt total happiness for the first time in his life and unlife! Of holding the love of his life in his arms all night! Of feeling normal and in love! And then to have it taken from them! Of her tears, his tears, knowing that he would give up anything to allow her to live. Of his heart breaking knowing there is no other choice! Of clutching each other so tightly, hoping that it might stop time so they need never part. Of remembering every moment of joy and then their heartbreaking sadness, their grief! Over and over he dreams. The same dream time and time again. And the Vampire with a soul dreams on. Buffy sits and waits for the magic to take hold. Holding all her precious memories to her heart she remembers. She lets her love envelop her till there is nothing but her and Angel. She no longer sees her friends in front of her. She no longer hears the wiccas chanting. All she sees is Angel, Angel ,Angel. She gets a tingly feeling in her body. He is near. She can feel him and then suddenly she sees him. This must be the magic. She is in Angels mind. It is as if she is looking at a movie playing. She remembers this happening. Thanksgiving. Saying goodbye again, coming up. Talking to Angel in his office. Telling each other to forget. The demon coming and Angel killing it! But wait, this is different. And as she silently watches the lost day is revealed. Again and again it is played out in his mind, in his dreams. And when the realization comes that this really happened and she too remembers their lost day, the tears, the sobs are uncontrollable. And then it starts again but this time she calls out because if she has to see their sorrow one more time it may kill her and him. "Angel stop, no more please." She begs. And the images fade and only Angel is left standing in front of her. "Buffy" he says with a ragged breath. She seems so real. I could reach out and touch her. Will she disappear like all the other dreams? "I am real, well it is me but we are only in your mind. Angel" and her eyes implore him "I remember now and I want to say I understand and I will never forget again and we have got a lot of talking to do Mister but now is not the time. But I remember how happy I was that day… Later…. The magic won't last long. Where are you? Who has you?" she wants to know. He reaches out to touch her not being able to help himself. And as his hand cups her cheek she leans in towards him not being able to resist the closeness of him. Though they don't have time for this it is something neither can hold back from. It is as inevitable as the sun rising. She falls into his arms like she was made for just that. And as he feels the weight of her body, all the old familiar feelings and smells that are uniquely Buffy envelop him. He is home. They give themselves over to the moment. The whole world could come crashing down and it wouldn't matter. They lose themselves in the moment. But reality intrudes and as they are once more aware of the time and place, they hold each other at arms length. She goes to pull him down to her for another kiss but he stops her with gentle reproach. "No love we don't have time. Later I promise we will have all the time in the world." He says taking her hands and holding them to stop the temptation. "There is more than one promise I want to discuss with you but you are right, not now. Tell me where you are." She asks. "In some lab. I am sorry Buffy but it was Riley and his army guys that took me." He tells her. "That low down hyena. All the time he was talking to me this morning they had you. He is going to pay for that. I told him you were good. He is going to regret this. How could I have trusted him? This is all my fault." She is so angry she pulls her hands from Angels and turns away. He comes up behind her and gently turns her around only to see tears falling down her cheeks. As he uses his thumbs to wipe them away he tells her, " shhhh it is okay. And it isn't your fault and now everything is going to be fine. But you better hurry before they do the tests Riley had pleasure telling me about." And once more he draws her into his arms but this time to give her solace. And as Buffy and Angel hold each other she feels the magic pulling her back to her own body. She clutches him tightly and both are reminded of their lost day. But they also know that this time no-one is forgetting. Holding onto him tightly she whispers, "I will be here soon. Hold on, I am coming." She feels the pull of her body. And in a cage under Lowell house the Vampire with the soul awakens. He stands up and looks around. Was it just a dream? No, no, I can still feel where I held her in my arms and the scent of vanilla and the smell of Buffy is lingering. It is going to be alright. She is coming for me. And I will be waiting my love. And we will be together and then…….. and he smiles Part 6 Back in Giles' apartment The chanting has stopped and everyone is watching Buffy. She hasn't uttered a sound since they started. The only evidence of emotion is trailing down her cheeks. And then suddenly her eyes open and she stands up and looks around at all her friends. "I found him and he is alive, well you know what I mean. Give me a moment and we can go get him." She tells them, all the while wiping the last of the tears from her face. Now is not the time for this. After we get Angel back I can have a breakdown. I have to be the slayer now. And when I see Riley he is so going to regret touching what is mine. Hurting my love. And I am so glad that I am the slayer for that reason alone. No-one messes with my boyfriend! No-one! Willow and Tara are looking very pleased with themselves as they walk towards Buffy. "It worked then" Willow asks Buffy. "Did you get to go inside Angel's mind? That would have been so cool. You will have to tell me all about it after." She can barely stand still with the excitement of knowing the magic worked. "The army guys have him. Riley has him locked up and they are going to do tests if we don't get to….. Buffy stops in mid sentence as the door bursts open and a smoking blanket can be seen and a muffled voice heard.."Bleedin sunlight. Why can't California be like good old England? Bleak and dreary and little sunlight." The bleached blonde vampire grumbles as he throws himself on the couch. "You can always go back to dreary England" says Xander with a smile on his face. "We will help you pack". "You all had a party and didn't invite me. I'm hurt and especially when I was going to tell you about Peaches and" ….he stops as a very angry slayer grabs him by the throat and holds him down on the couch. "What ..do ..you..know..about ..where…Angel..is?" she gets out while hitting his head on the back of the couch. "If you don't stop strangling me I ain't bleeding well telling you" Spike tells her. "Just tell me Spike" Buffy says as she lets him go and stands up, looking down at him. "Don't get your knickers in a twist, the great big softie isn't going anywhere. They got him too, them soldier boys that took me. Don't feel so bad now, knowing the great Angelus got himself taken just like me." Spike glares at the slayer. "Buffy, do you think maybe Riley didn't know Angel is good" says Willow with a lot of concern in her voice. Spike starts laughing. "This is just too good. It's priceless. Riley, the new beau is one of the soldier boys and they have Peaches. And the slayer isn't happy. This is better than Passions. I can't wait for the fireworks. When do we go get me Sire? I want to see the look on Riley's face when the slayer shows up to get her ex." he can hardly sit up he is laughing so hard. Buffy ignores Spike for the moment and focuses of the others. "He knew, Willow, I told him myself that Angel was one of the good guys. I thought Riley was too but now…enough of this. We are going to Lowell house to find Riley or one of his friends and they will take us to Angel. And before you butt in, yes you too Spike, because I am going to need your strength to help Angel if he is hurt. And some one is going to pay for that hurt." Her tone of voice leaves no doubt as to that. "I am going with you" says Cordelia. "He's my friend now and we need him to fight evil in LA." "I will take whoever wants to come. I don't think they will hurt humans but…" A chorus of "I'm coming or "Lets go" is heard from everyone in the room except for Spike who says "Just as long as you all know I'm only coming to see the slayer beat up soldier boy not to rescue the big pansy". "We are all well aware of why you want to help Spike so just get your blanket and lets go." says Giles to the sulking vampire. "I'm still trying to work out why Spike is here at all." says Wesley for the first time. "We'll tell you on the way over to Lowell House." Says Buffy. And they gather together all the weapons and magic provisions they might need before heading out the door. part 7 In front of Lowell House. The sun has just set. "Okay everyone stay behind Giles, Wesley and me. You too Spike since you are useless when it comes to fighting humans. We go in and find someone I know and then they will take us to Angel. Anyone who is squeamish better stay out here. They are going to take us to their headquarters one way or another. And I feel like pummelling something so lets get this show on the road." Says Buffy to the gang. They are all prepared with weapons of one kind or another. And they mean business. "Did I tell you that I overheard some of the soldier boys bragging about their big capture? And how they beat him up after they knocked him out. Now I wonder if Riley boy did some of the punching, hey slayer. What do you think?" Says Spike giving Buffy a sideward glance and waiting, no, anticipating a reaction with a smirk on his face. Buffy clenches her hands and quicker than the eye can see hits Spike on the side of the head. "Hey, what did you do that for? Wasn't me that beat up the bleater. Keep that for your soldier honey boy." He moans while rubbing the sore spot. "No, but you enjoyed telling me. Now Spike just shut up or I will let you have an up close and personal with Mr Pointy here." Buffy is at the end of her patience. "Lets go." With Buffy in the lead they all enter the house. And coming down the stairs is none other than Riley's friend Forest. "Well, well, if it isn't the slayer and her band of merry men. I think you should all turn around and leave. Now. Before someone gets hurt." Says Forest in his best manly voice as he stupidly confronts the slayer. "Oh someone is going to get hurt and I volunteer you." says Buffy as she grabs Forest and pushes him up against the wall. "Now if you answer my question I wont hurt you.. ..much. Where is Angel?" tightening her grip a little. "Don't know who you are talking about…Ahhhh." And he moans when his arm is bent backwards by a very angry Buffy. "Wrong answer and now I am going to break your arm if you don't tell me the truth." Buffy steels herself to do whatever it takes to find Angel. "You won't ( crack) Ahhhhhh" and Forest slumps against the wall from the pain. "Now you are going to not only tell us where he is but you are going to take us there or you are going to be wearing a lot of plaster come tomorrow. What is it going to be?" Snarled Buffy at the end of her patience. "I'll take you but you are all making a big mistake. You don't realize whom you are dealing with and I can't wait to see you find out. I told Riley you were trouble." Forest gets out even though he is in pain. "You are going to see just how much trouble I can be. You better hope that they haven't hurt Angel yet because if they have then no where will be safe enough for you to hide." And Forest feels the first stirrings of real fear as he listens to Buffy spit that out. "Everyone stay close." Buffy looks back at all her friends. They all trail behind making sure no-one interferes. Forest (holding his broken arm) leads them to the elevator that takes them down to the lab. The doors open and they all step out not knowing what to expect but prepared for a fight. part 8 "Damn" says Forest, remembering that Maggie gave everyone the night off for capturing the great Angelus. "And I was wanting to kick some soldier booty" says Xander, disappointment lacing his voice as he glances around the empty room. "Oh well maybe later, lets go get deadboy and get out of here. My lovely lady is getting nervous." And he hugs a frightened Anya. "Yes quite right. We better hurry while there appears to be a lull in security." Says Giles to the group. "Lead on Forest and don't try anything. We are all friends of Angel and one of us is sure to hurt you if you try to get away." Buffy tells the sweating commando. Forest hears the echo of assent from the group. He leads them through some doors and corridors and Buffy stops in mid stride. He is near. I can feel him. Hold on Angel. You will be out of here soon. "Get ready, we are close to Angel. Be prepared for anything. We are dealing with humans but they are not friendly. Remember that, everyone." Buffy tells the group. " We go in ready for a fight. I am taking Angel out of here regardless of the consequences.Forest" and as Forest turns to see what the slayer wants he is blindsided and knocked unconscious. "That was for hurting Angel. Tie him up." she tells Wesley. Just ahead is a door marked Keep Out. Room 207. "When we go in on the count of three, everyone spread out against the wall and cover any soldiers we find. Are you ready." At their nods she says. "Thanks guys. Lets do it." Inside the room 207 "Tell us about the slayer. Is she as strong and superhuman as the myths say." Maggie Walsh, Professor Walsh, asks the chained Vampire again. Standing next to her is Riley Finn, Graham Robins, and Steven Smith. Other than Angel they are the only ones in the room. They have been trying to get information from Angel for the last hour. And even after the beatings he still won't talk about Buffy. Riley clenches his bleeding knuckles. "Let me try to get him to talk." He asks his superior. "I want some answers from him before we start the tests. After that he won't be any use to anyone. Do whatever is necessary Finn." Walsh tells her man. Riley walks back over to the vampire. He stands close to Angel knowing the vampire can't hurt him, chained and weak as he is. And in a low voice only Angel can hear he says. Angel doubles over from the pain of the continued beating and electric shocks they have subjected him to since he woke from talking to Buffy. Come soon my love. I don't know how much longer I can hold out. Memories of Buffy are the only thing keeping him lucid. He raises his head and looks at Riley. "In your dreams Finn, only in your dreams. There is no way Buffy will touch you now. You have no idea what we mean to each other. You're humans and you are supposed to be good but all I see is badness in you all." He looks up at the others. "I saw some of the demons you have in cages and some of them are harmless. But still you hurt and maim them. You can't be allowed to go on. We will stop you." He looks Walsh straight in the eye. And then turning to look at Riley he says. "And Riley, when I get out of these chains you are going to pay for every disrespectful remark you have made about Buffy. Heed me well….Boy….No-one talks about the woman I love like that . No-one." And this time Angel makes certain they all hear him. "And you Professor, will never get your hands on the slayer as long as I walk this earth. You think you can dissect whatever you don't understand, well think again! Your days of playing God are over." Angel can feel his soul-mate close, very close. "Oh yeah, you wanted to know just how strong old vampires are. We are very strong." And with all his strength and renewed energy from knowing Buffy is near, he tears the chains from the wall. Before Walsh or the soldiers can react, the door is thrown open and Angel's rescuers rush in and have them surrounded. part 9 Buffy and the gang surround Walsh and the soldiers. Buffy has eyes only for the man slumped against the wall. As she rushes to help him she stops in front of Riley. "I told you he was good and still you hurt him." (Thump) And before Riley has time to defend himself the slayer with all her strength and anger punches Riley and sends him flying into the wall. She doesn't even spare him a glance. While the young woman tends to her wounded Angel, Maggie Walsh speaks. "Who do you people think you are to come here and disrupt these proceedings?" Walsh demands. "No, the question is what right do you have to take innocents and torture them?" says Giles as he walks to stand in front of Walsh. "Innocent, I have read all that Angelus did during his reign of terror. He is no innocent and he deserves a little torture after all he has done." Maggie relishes telling them. "Angelus is truly evil, yes. But the man before you, the man you beat up and hurt is not Angelus. He, Angel, is innocent of the crimes of the demon even as he makes retribution for them. But you don't care about that truth do you? You just want to see what makes him different and you will go to any lengths to attain that knowledge. You make me sick. Anything in the name of science! But no more, not on my watch! You and all your pea brained followers are through in Sunnydale. It stops now and it stops here!" Shades of Ripper are shining through the eyes of the man they call Giles. "Way to go Giles" Xander shouts giving him the victory sign. "You tell her Giles" from Willow. All the others look on in awe and appreciation. "Bleeding Hell, this is so boring, and to think I could be watching Passions and eating my weeties and blood. I thought I was going to get some action and the big bad turns out to be a woman. Giles, have you ever hit a woman. Nah, thought not and I can't cause of this blasted chip. Might be worth the headache though." Spike stops his tirade for a moment to consider the possibilities. "Oh well I will have to settle for Peaches beating the stuffing out of captain cardboard then." He smirks looking over at Riley who has managed to stand up. "Angel, are you okay? Where are you hurt? I came as fast as I could. Talk to me love." Buffy implores him as she touches his poor beaten body. The tears are falling down her face just thinking of the pain he has endured. "Wake up Angel, please look at me." She begs when suddenly she is enveloped in strong arms. Arms that will never let her go! And he brings her to rest upon his chest. Her weight hurts him because of his many injuries but it is a pain he will gladly embrace to have her so close once more. "Shhhh, it is okay. I am going to be fine. I am a fast healer remember. You are here, that is all that matters." He whispers to her as they clutch at each other. "I didn't want to believe it but now this…you and a demon. How could you let him touch you? And to think I wanted to touch you. You are a monster just like him. I should have killed him at the first opportunity. You're not a woman! You are a freak! You make me sick. And you have hostile 17 too. You're a Vampire Slayer. You are supposed to kill them not take them to your bed." Riley spits out in disgust. (This boy just doesn't know when to keep his mouth shut.) The couple on the floor stiffen at the insult. "Now this is what I came for. Let the games begin." Chuckles Spike. "Awwww don't look at me like that. You all want to see Peachface beat him up. "Did you hear him call the slayer a freak, Sire? Are you going to let him get away with that? Do you need some help maybe mate?" And Spike along with all of their friends step back and wait for the explosion. Angel and Buffy stand up and they can all see the rage in Buffy's face. But as she goes to hit Finn, a large hand holds her back. No pressure is needed, just a gentle touch on her shoulder. "He is mine, my love. Finn and I have some unfinished business. And the day I need help to teach this ..Boy… a lesson in good manners is the day Spike gets his angel wings." Says Angel to the group but looking at Spike. "Hey, no need to pick on me. I wasn't the one hitting on your lady-love and I didn't mean you were going to get my help. I can't hit him. But I can watch. Do it mate! Otherwise this was a wasted day." Grumbles Spike, relaxing back against the wall. Angel stands as straight as he can. The pain is secondary compared to the rage and disgust he feels for Riley Finn. No-one talked to his Buffy like that. He slowly stalks over to stand in front of Finn. Riley sees Angel wince from the pain and thinks the Vampire is still too weak to hurt him. "You two deserve each other. You are both freaks of na…Ahhhh" (crack) And Riley grabs his nose. "You say whatever you want about me but never about Buffy." And as Angel emphasises every word he hits Riley. Riley is still standing but only because Angel is weak from his own beating. Riley throws a punch at Angel and Angel blocks it and hits him in the stomach. "That is for the disrespectful remarks you made about Buffy." And follows with an upper right to the jaw. "This is for the pain you caused Buffy when you abducted me. This one," and he gathers his strength for one last hit, "is because I can't hit a woman and the professor deserves it for the senseless pain she has caused others." And the last hit pushes Riley back onto his two friends and they all fall to the floor. And while the three commandos are on the floor Spike walks over. He grabs his head…to prepare himself. "The headache is going to be worth it" and he kicks the three men on the floor and staggers back from the pain. "Bleeding hell that hurt" and he laughs. "The big bad is still bad. Cor my head hurts. Just like old times hey peaches." And he laughs some more. "Always said there was nothing like a spot of violence to make you feel alive. Well you know what I mean." And he gives the others one last look before walking out the door. Buffy has run over to support Angel. And Cordy is on his other side. Between them they help him stand up. "Angel you sure know how to liven things up around here." Says Xander with a smile at the vampire. "Even beat up he looks good." says Anya to no-one in particular. That gets her another glare from the slayer. "Buffy, you take Angel and get to my place okay. Wesley and I and Willow and Tara have some unfinished business to take care of. We will meet back at the apartment." Giles tells her. "Are you sure Giles?" says Buffy "Yes, now go and keep Spike out of my kitchen." He responds with a smile. Xander, Anya, Cordelia and Buffy with Angel between them trail out the door. None of them waste a backward glance at the fallen soldiers. Go to Part 10
"Cordelia, is that you" Buffy asks into the phone.
"Yeah it's Buffy.
Can I talk to Angel please?
What do you mean he is not there?
Yes, Yes. He left about 2am this morning. He should be home.
Okay, you and Wesley come down and keep your eyes open for his car.
We will be looking around here.
Don't worry Cordy, I promise I will find him, I have to."
part 3
"What can we do?" asks Willow with worry in her voice. "Just tell us!" adds Tara.
Buffy has a frantic look in her eyes. "We have to find him. I can't lose him again, I just can't."
Giles walks over to the girl who is like a daughter to him and puts a comforting arm around her shoulders. "We will find him. Lets get to work."
"He is probably still in town. We will go look and find him snoring away in some crypt like all good dead-guys in the middle of the day do. We will find him. Where do you want Anya and I to look?" Xander says, finally letting go of the past. (about time). Looking at Buffy he realizes that Angel is always going to be a part of her and their lives. And funnily enough it seems right somehow. When did I grow up he wonders to himself?
Buffy gives him a searching look. He really sounds like he wants to help find Angel. Maybe things will work out after all. They have to because this time Angel is staying in my life no matter what anyone and especially Angel thinks. But first we have to find him.
"Xan, you and Anya go look at the mansion. I will scout around town and see if anything turns up. Willow, Tara and Giles you stay here and wait for Wesley and Cordy and in case Angel shows up. We will meet back here in an hour. Okay."
Somewhere under Lowell house.
"Where is he? I want to go look at the big hero now. Has he given you any trouble?" Riley Finn asks his friend Forest. He thinks he can come here and take my girl. He is a demon no matter what Buffy thinks and he belongs here where we can take care of him once and for all. No way is he touching Buffy.
"I am going to see if our new guest likes his room" Riley says to Forest, laughing.
Riley approaches the cage that has Angel in it. Angel is standing in the corner looking around warily. He looks up as Riley comes to stand in front of the cage.
"Well, well, not so tough anymore hey demon. Do you like your room? Not much of a view is there. I am not one bit sorry for that. The boys tell me you haven't spoken yet. Well I am sure we will hear something from you when the Doc starts the tests. I sure hope so." Riley says mockingly.
"What are you talking about? What truth and what does a demon know about truth." Riley's voice is getting a little loud due to the fact that Angel is unnerving him.
Part 4
"Soon Angel, you will be a pile of dust and it will be me holding Buffy, kissing Buffy. She sure has a great body. And just thinking about what I am going to be doing to that body is making me sweat. Think of that while Walsh is doing her tests." And he punches Angel in the stomach.