Disclaimer: Characters are property of Joss. If I owned them Buffy & Angel would be happily together.
Rating: PGish I guess.
Distribution: My site http://www.geocities.com/buffy_angel_lover14 BA_Fluff, archives, and if you have permission for any of my other stories, you can have this one. Anyone else if you want it take it, and tell me where it's going.
Spoilers: Up to Buffy season 4, though some stuff hasn't happened because of no Angel
Authors note: This is in response to a challenge. Requirements are listed below. Angel's human, and him and Buffy haven't dated or anything…yet. Oh, and so there is no real ick factor Buffy and Riley *have not* slept together
Feedback: Pretty please? Must I beg for it? It will make me write faster, and I'll know that what I write is actually kind of good.
Requirements
Buffy's dad decided that Buffy should have an apartment away from her mom and the dorm rooms. So he and a friend of his buy an apartment for their children. Buffy moves in with that friend who just happens to be Angel and things go on from there.
Must have's:
Buffy suddenly walking in on Angel in the shower.
Buffy being afraid of lightening and Angel comforting her all night.
Buffy not wanting to give Riley a spare key.
Riley and Angel's girlfriend bashing.
Angel and Buffy grocery shopping.
Buffy teaching Angel how to do the sexy-Xander-dance which she didn't do with Xander because she had no one to make jealous.
Angel calling it mating.
Doyle has to be alive and has to mention his mother.
There has to be a moving in party thrown and everyone has to give B and A presents.
Angel giving Buffy the cross.
Have two or more of these
Angel's tattoo (please have this one)
A picture of Angel in leather and Cordy as a cat taken at Halloween
Angel's dad giving him a car if he did this for him
Joyce being an alcoholic
A talk between the girls (Anya, Buffy, Willow & Cordy) about the sexiness of Angel.

Part 1

"I can't believe you're going to be sharing an apartment with a guy!" Willow exclaimed as she helped Buffy pack yet another box.

"You are letting this go to your head. This guy is like twenty-seven." Willow gave her a look. "Okay, that didn't help." Buffy shrugged. "It's the son of my Dad's friend. Angel used to baby-sit me when I was little."

Willow raised her eyebrows, "Angel, now that's a cute name. When was the last time you saw him?"

"I was only eight when they moved away, but my father and him stayed in touch." Buffy stated.

"He could be way hot now," Willow pointed out.

Buffy glared at her, "Besides I have Riley, and I think Angel's involved with someone."

"Still, are you sure you want to go through with this? There is plenty of room at mine and Tara's place."

"I don't want to always be hanging around. You guys deserve some alone time. Anyway, if I really didn't want to move there, I could always live with Cordy."

Willow chuckled, "That's true, but I think you'll go nuts in a matter of hours."

Buffy taped the box in front of her shut, "Well, that's the last one. Dad's coming by in a little while to take them to the apartment."

"Oh, I forgot to ask you. How does Riley feel about you moving in with an older guy?" Willow questioned.

"He didn't like the idea at first. I told him, if he can't trust me, then he shouldn't be in this relationship. It shut him up about the subject. I have a feeling he'll be hanging around a lot." Buffy said.

"You don't sound too thrilled with that." Willow observed.

"I don't know. I'm just...just a little confused right now. I mean, Riley's great and all, but I feel as if something is missing."

"What could be missing?" Willow persisted.

"I'm not sure. Love? Passion? It doesn't seem like we have those qualities. Aren't you supposed to have them? Riley's just...safe. You know?" Buffy answered.

"I think you're just having too many thoughts. You'll get over them." Willow smiled.

"I guess." Buffy said still unsure.

"Hey, how are you going to deal with the whole slayer thing? Are you going to tell Angel about it?"

"Not sure. I'll just have to worry about that when the time comes."

There was a knock on the door, "Honey, I'm here." Buffy opened the door for her father. "Buffy, you remember Mr. Callahan."

Buffy nodded, "Is Angel here too?"

Mr. Summers shook his head; "He's meeting us there. That boyfriend of yours is here though. He's offered to help take some of your boxes."

They loaded the packed boxes into her father's car and the rest into Riley's. Buffy went with Riley, and sat silently.

Riley noticed how the usually talkative Buffy had become quiet. "Is something bothering you?"

Buffy was caught off guard, "Huh? What? Sorry, I was just daydreaming. I'm fine."

Riley glanced over at her, "Are you sure?"

"Positive." She stared out the window until they arrived at The Golden Isles Apartments. Buffy's eyes widened as she took in how luxurious it looked. If it was this beautiful on the outside, it must be absolutely gorgeous inside. No wonder Angel had needed a roommate. It most cost a fortune to live here.

Everyone got out of the cars. Mr. Callahan pointed to the building, "Angel's inside. Apartment 3B. We'll unload the boxes. Why don't you go and see Angel. You two haven't seen each other in years."

Buffy nodded in agreement, "Okay." She picked up a box, "At least let me take one box, I insist."

She walked inside, marveled at how everything just seemed to get more and more beautiful. 'Cordelia would love it here,' she thought. She took the elevator up to the apartment. She found 3B easily. The door was unlocked, so she went right in.

"Hello?" Buffy called, when she didn't see anyone. She put down the box she was carrying on the floor. "Anyone here?" She walked to the hallway, and looked down it.

"Buffy?" said a male voice. Buffy jumped. "Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. I was out on the balcony, and didn't realize you were here."

"It's okay," Buffy told him as she turned around to face him. She felt as if she was going to faint when she saw him. She had never seen someone so handsome before. He watched intently, with dark eyes, which made her want to melt. "Wow." She whispered.

Angel laughed, "Excuse me?"

"Umm..nothing." She motioned at the apartment. "It's just so… so… beautiful here."

He smiled, making her knees feel like they couldn't support her. "I agree." He walked closer to her, "Gosh, I haven't seen you since you were yay high." He held out his hand at waist length.

Buffy returned his smile, not knowing that she was having the same effect on him, as he had on her, "I know. It's been years." Buffy held out her hand, expecting him to shake it.

He held out his arms, "What do you say?" Buffy looked up at him, questionably. He enveloped her in a tight hug. "This is like a reunion of sorts."

Buffy almost collapsed against him. When he pulled away, she was upset. But still wondered why he hugged her. "What was that for?"

He shrugged. "I just got this urge to hug you. I hope you don't mind. It's just I haven't seen you in years. You've changed so much. You are so attractive."

Buffy blushed, "I am not."

"I think I would know." He teased.

"I thought you had a girlfriend?" she asked.

"I do, but it's not serious. I've only known her for two weeks." Angel replied.

"Oh." Buffy heard footsteps. Their fathers and Riley entered the apartment.

"Hey, Buffy." Riley greeted her. "Aren't you going to introduce me?"

"Uh, yeah. Riley, this is Angel. Angel, this is Riley." Buffy said.

"Her boyfriend," Riley added.

"Your boyfriend." Angel repeated. For a moment he had looked crushed. That Buffy was sure of.

Part 2

"Yeah, I'm her boyfriend." Riley snared at Angel. "Do you have a problem with-"

"Riley," Buffy cut in. "Be nice." He nodded.

"Well, you two, all of the boxes are unloaded. I'll you have to do is unpack them." Mr. Callahan said. "So we're going to get going. You can catch up on old times."

Mr. Summers gave his daughter a quick kiss on her cheek, "Bye honey. Have fun." Their parents left.

"I hope you don't have too much fun," Riley quipped.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Buffy asked. "Nevermind, I don't really care what you think. It's best that you leave now." She opened the door for him. "Goodbye," she said through clenched teeth.

"Don't I get a spare key or something?" Riley questioned.

"Why would I give you a key?"

"So I can come visit you whenever I want." He glanced over at Angel. "To make sure you're doing okay."

"I'll be fine. You don't have to worry about me."

"But what if he tries to take advantage of you?"

"At this point I think I should step in." Angel joined them. "I wouldn't dare do anything like that."

"What gives you the right to think you know what's best for me?" Buffy inquired. "Huh Riley?"

"I just think-" Riley started.

"You know what?" Buffy interrupted. "Just go. Maybe I'll consider calling you tomorrow." She shut the door in his face. Turning to face Angel she said, "Sorry about him. He's just-"

"Protective." Angel finished. "I know how it goes." He picked up one of her boxes. "Let me help you unpack."

"So Angel, what do you do?" Buffy asked as she hung up a dress. "I mean you're definitely too old for college. Oh, I don't think that you're old or anything, cause you're not. You're just older then me. Look at me I'm babbling."

Angel smiled, "It's okay. I work at the Sunnydale Art Museum."

She almost melted at his soft smile, "You like art?"

"I love it. Everything is so unique and different. I studied it all through college. I hope one day to open my own gallery, with my own work. I like to draw and sculpt. It's very relaxing, and...and look at me I'm the one babbling now. You probably don't care about any of this. I'm boring you."

"No, of course you're not."

"Well, what about you? What do you want to be? You're going into your second year in college. Am I right?" Angel questioned.

"Yeah, sophomore this year. You wanna know something? I have no idea what I want to be, or even if I'll live through college for that matter." Buffy replied.

"What do you mean, live through college?"

"I just meant, that umm, that it's hard you know." Buffy stuttered. 'Great you've been here an hour, and you already almost spilled your big secret.' She thought.

"I know, but you'll live." He promised her. "I did." He picked up another box. "This is the last one." He opened it, and pulled out a stuffed pig, "Cute."

"That's Mr. Gordo. I've had him since I was three." Buffy blushed.

"I remember him. You could never go to sleep with out him." He sat on her bed. "That seems so long ago. I've told you already, but you really have changed."

"I grew up. We both did."

"I guess we did." She sat beside him on the bed, making his breath catch in his throat. He looked at her, "Last I saw you I was sixteen. You were eight I believe."

"Correct. You used to baby-sit me. I always gave you a hard time. Sorry about that, by the way."

"You weren't that bad. Are you still afraid of lightning?"

"Terrified. It's not so bad during the day, but at night I freak out. Even now whenever it storms at night, I would crawl into my best friend Willow's bed. I hated in when she would be at Tara's, and I'd be all alone."

"We'll you're always welcome in my bed." He realized what he had just suggested at. "I didn't mean...I just meant that if you get scared, I'll be there."

"I know what you intended to say. Thanks. I'm not really frightened at anything, but when it comes to lightning, I'm like a little kid," Buffy said. She decided to change the subject, "My friends are throwing us a moving in party, tomorrow actually, so if you want to invite any friends, you're welcome too."

"Well, my friend Doyle is coming by, so he'll be here. I don't mean to sound rude, but will Riley be coming?"

"It's not rude. To tell you the truth, I don't really want him to come. He's kinda been getting on my nerves recently. I'm just confused right now."

"Anything I can help with?" Angel offered.

"I don't think so." Buffy told him. "I want to ask you something. Do you think that love comes in time, or that when you meet that person you just know that it's love?"

"I think that love takes time, but that it's always there. It's not something you work for, it's something that just occurs between two people."

"Have you ever been in love?" Buffy inquired.

"Not yet." He tucked a piece of her hair behind her ear. His hand brushed against her cheek, and lingered there momentarily. He felt a spark between the two of them. Angel knew she had felt it also. "Are you in love?"

"Not with Riley, and he was my first long-time boyfriend." Buffy without knowing it hinted that she possibly felt something for Angel.

Angel had caught it, he stood up nervously, "It's getting late. I think I'm going to turn in for the night." He leaned down to her and kissed her forehead lightly, "Goodnight."

"Goodnight," she barely managed to say. She quickly changed and got into bed. All she could think about was Angel. 'Bad Buffy.' She scolded herself. 'You like him, maybe even more than like him.' She shook her head, 'But he probably still thinks of you as a child. You can forget about anything ever happening between us.'

Angel was trying to fall asleep. 'She's gorgeous' he thought to himself. 'Forget about it, it's never gonna happen. She has a boyfriend. A boyfriend she doesn't love,' he reminded himself. 'Maybe something will happen, you never know.'

They both fell asleep with thoughts of the other plaguing their minds.

Part 3

The smell of breakfast cooking woke Buffy from her peaceful slumber. She pulled on her robe over her p.j.s, and headed for the kitchen. She saw a shirtless Angel at the stove. A grin slowly spread across her face. 'He looks so good. Look at those muscles.' Her thoughts were interrupted when he turned to face her. Buffy looked away sheepishly. "Good morning," she said meekly.

He smiled, "Morning. Did you sleep well?" He poured two glasses of orange juice.

Buffy nervously fiddled with her robe, "Like a rock." She watched as he put a plate of French toast on the table. "Can I help you?"

"Do you mind setting the table?" he asked.

"Not at all." She opened a cabinet. "Umm... I don't know where anything is."

"I don't really know myself." Angel admitted. "I found the plate and glasses I have now searching the kitchen. My dad put the dishes away. I guess just look through the cabinets. We're going to have to organize them so we both can find them easily."

It didn't take long for her to find plates and silverware. They ate their breakfast silently. Every now and then Buffy would look up at Angel, she once caught him staring at her. He was the one who looked away sheepishly then. When they finished, Angel quickly cleared the table.

Buffy finished her juice and took the glass over to the sink. "I can wash the dishes."

Angel took the glass from her hand, "That's okay. I got it."

"At least let me help you. I insist."

Angel gave her a towel, "I'll wash, you dry."

Buffy did as he told her. Once again, she found herself staring at his muscular back. She wasn't even paying attention, when Angel tried handing her a plate to dry.

"Buffy?" Angel brought her back down to earth.

"Huh?" she said baffled. She took the plate. "Sorry."

"You were staring at me." Angel told her.

Buffy's face turned a bright red, "Oh... I...umm...sorry." She hurriedly dried the plate. "I was just looking at your...um...tattoo. When did you get it?"

Angel gave her a glass, "A couple of years ago. Kind of a stupid idea. I regret it."

"Why? It looks good on you." Buffy said.

"You think so? Well, maybe I'll have to trust your judgement." Angel started to wash the silverware. 'She was staring at you,' his mind told him. He looked over at her. She wiped her hand across her face, leaving a small trail of soap bubbles. 'She looks so cute.' His gaze caught hers. Angel felt his lips curling up into a smile. She returned it. 'And I didn't want to move in with her. Boy, am I glad I let my dad talk me into this.'

"Well, that's the last of them," Buffy said drying the last fork.

Angel took the towel from her small hands, and gently wiped away the soap bubbles from her face, "You had a little." He touched his own face. Their eyes once again met, and he felt like he was being drawn to her. He leaned closer to her. Buffy's eyes closed, anticipating the kiss. At the last moment, Angel lost his courage. "What time are your friends coming over?"

Buffy opened her eyes disappointed, "Uh, around eleven."

Angel looked at the clock; "They'll be here soon. We better get dressed, and I'm going to call Doyle." They both went to change. He then walked to the phone. 'What were you thinking? You can't kiss her. She has a boyfriend. But she had wanted it too. I know it. She's younger then you.' He reminded himself. He glimpsed over at her. Buffy was standing quietly near the balcony doors. She had changed into a sundress, that flaunted her petite body. 'God, she is just so amazing though.' He dialed Doyle's number.

Buffy gazed out the window. 'He almost kissed me. Maybe he does think of me as a woman, and not a little girl. But, why didn't he kiss me? He does have a girlfriend, however he said that it wasn't serious. He knows you have a boyfriend. Only, I can change that.' A knock on the door broke her thoughts. "I'll get it," she called to Angel.

The whole gang was there. Willow, Tara, Xander, Anya, Cordy, and Giles. Buffy was extremely happy that Riley hadn't shown up. Angel's friend Doyle arrived soon after. "We come bearing gifts," announced Xander.

"Gifts? I didn't know I was supposed to bring a gift." Doyle said.

"You didn't have to." Angel told him. Doyle looked relieved.

"Aren't you going to open them?" Anya questioned, already bored.

Willow handed Buffy a wrapped box; "This is from Tara and I. We asked your dad, and he said you didn't have one."

Buffy unwrapped it, revealing a toaster. Buffy gave her best friend and Tara each a hug. "Thanks. Now I can make my world famous meal." She got confused looks. "Toast."

Xander gave her a gift bag. "Anya picked them out. So if you don't like it, blame her."

Buffy pulled out three sets of bath towels. "Thank you."

Anya looked up from a magazine she was engrossed in, "I read somewhere, that when people move in together you give them towels."

"Yeah," Buffy agreed. She opened the present from Cordy next. It was a beautiful painting.

"I figure, with your bad taste, you're going to need some of my fashion instincts." Cordelia told her.

"My mom once said, the right painting can give the room great style and class," stated Doyle.

"She is very right." Cordy agreed.

Giles gave them a cordless phone, "I figure you might need one. If you don't, you can exchange it."

"Actually, the phone that we have is kind of old. This is just what we need." Angel said, gratefully.

Everyone stayed for pizza, and left after a couple of hours.

"You have colorful friends." Angel told her.

"I know. Just be glad that Spike couldn't come."

"Who's Spike?" Angel questioned.

"You really don't want to know. He's very rude. And I don't like him much."

"Then why is he a friend of yours?" he inquired.

"I don't know." She saw Angel reach into his pocket. He pulled out a small box. "What's that?"

"It's for you." He slowly lifted the lid, to reveal a gorgeous silver cross necklace.

Buffy gasped, "It's beautiful. You shouldn't have. I didn't get you anything."

Angel took it from the box, and put it around Buffy's neck. She pulled her hair out of his way, and he did the clasp of the necklace. His hands brushed against Buffy's bare neck. He gently rested his hands on her shoulders. "It looks great on you."

Buffy tenderly touched the cold metal with her hand. Momentarily grasping it in her fingers. "Thank you," she whispered.

He turned her around to face him, "Wow. You are...¦" he played with a strand of her golden hair. "You are so breathtaking."

Buffy blushed, looking down to the floor. Angel gently kissed her cheek. Buffy looked back up at him, "Angel, I umm-" She was interrupted by a knock on the door. "I better get that." She pulled away from Angel. "Don't they have it where you have to buzz the people up, like they do on television?"

She opened the door to, "Riley."

Part 4

Riley pushed past Buffy into the apartment; "You can't do this to me."

Buffy gave him a confused look, "Can't do what to you?"

"You can't just expect me to agree with these living arrangements. I think you should move out." Riley stated.

Buffy became infuriated, "You don't have the right to tell me what I should do. I'm not moving out."

Riley noticed her necklace, "When did you get that? I don't remember it." Buffy unconsciously looked over at Angel. "He gave it to you? It's just some cheap ploy to get in your pants."

Buffy smacked him in the face. "Get out!" she screamed. "And don't you ever come back. Stay out of my life."

Riley seemed as though he was going to cry, "Buffy, I don't understand this. I love you," he sniffled.

"How can you say that you love me, when you don't even trust me?" Buffy asked.

"I trust you. I just don't trust Angel." Riley answered.

"Well, I do. I'm not going to change my mind." Buffy pushed him towards the door. "Now, get out!"

Riley reluctantly left, when a blond haired woman walked past him. She went over to Angel, and gave him a kiss on the lips, "Hi honey. What was going on here? I heard yelling."

"I just broke up with my boyfriend," Buffy explained, giving the woman a warm smile.

"Oh," she said uninterested. "Angel, why don't you give me a tour. Possibly starting with the bedroom."

Angel watched as Buffy's smile left her face. "Kate, I'd like you to meet Buffy. Buffy this is Kate."

"This is that girl you told me about. The one that was like a baby the last you saw her." Kate said.

"That would be me." Buffy confirmed. "I wasn't a baby though, when he moved."

"Like I care." Kate snapped. "Come on Angel." She tried to pull him down the hall. He didn't budge. "What?"

"I don't appreciate the way you spoke to Buffy."

"It's alright Angel." Buffy grabbed her purse. "Maybe I should leave you two alone."

Angel snatched her arm. "Please don't go," he pleaded. He turned to Kate; "You should be the one to go. And why the hell do you think I'd show you my bedroom? We aren't sleeping together. And I sure don't want to."

"Are you mad at me?" Kate questioned. Angel nodded. "Fine. I'll go. Call me?"

Angel nodded again. When the door closed behind her, Angel turned to Buffy, "I'll call her when pigs fly."

Buffy snickered, "It's Sunnydale. That might actually happen sometime soon."

He sat on the couch, and pulled her down next to him. "What do you mean?"

Buffy was so close to him she could feel him breathing. "I'm just saying that a lot of weird and unexplainable things happen in Sunnydale that's all."

Angel still persisted the subject, "Like what?"

Buffy felt herself wanting to tell him the truth. "It's a secret," she said slyly.

"You can trust me with it. I won't tell anyone." He took her small hand in both of his. Buffy watched him with wide eyes. "I promise."

"You might think that I'm mental."

"How could I ever think that?" He brought her hand up to his lips and tenderly kissed it. "You are far too wonderful."

Buffy couldn't take it anymore, she decided to tell him, "I'm the slayer."

"What exactly is that?" Angel inquired.

"I fight vampires, demons, and other evil stuff. I'm super strong. I could beat you up in a second." She looked into his eyes. "You probably thing I'm crazy."

"I believe you." He touched her cheek. "Why don't you tell me everything about it."

"It's a long story."

"I'm not going anywhere."

For the next hour Buffy explained the whole slayer business. She told him about some of the demons she had fought. She even told him how she once died, causing there to be two slayers. She spilled her deepest secrets to him. Things Riley didn't even know. Even Willow didn't know all the things she told Angel. Buffy didn't know why she said them to him. She just knew she could trust him, and didn't want to hide anything from him. Angel listened intently, not missing a single word.

When Buffy finished she asked Angel, "You know my life story. What about yours?"

"Compared to yours, my life is boring. You don't want to hear about it."

"Try me." Buffy said.

"You already know everything major about me. Besides my life just started."

"Now I'm the confused one."

He touched his forehead to hers, "I feel like my life started when I met you, everything before that is meaningless."

Buffy couldn't breathe. 'He likes you!' her mind screamed. She stared into his chocolate colored eyes. "Angel, I....I feel the same way."

He looked at her with disbelief. 'She feels the same as you,' he thought. 'Kiss her.' He cupped her chin in his hand; "I can't stop thinking about you." He pulled her hair away from her face; "I want to kiss you."

Buffy ran her fingers through his short spiky brown hair, "Well then. What are you waiting for?"

Angel grinned. He bent his head down to hers. He gently kissed her lips. It was short and sweet. They both stared at each other. Buffy took the next step. She leaned up, capturing his warm lips in another kiss.

He ran his fingers through her hair, and down her back. 'She wants you,' he thought. 'I want her. I need her.'

Buffy pulled him closer, her arms firmly wrapped around him. 'I can't believe this is happening. I love him.' She was surprised at what her mind just told her, and then she came to the realization that it was true. 'I may have just met him, no wait, I've known him since I was like three. It's like I'm just starting to discover how terrific he is, and I do love him. He's not at all like Riley. He's way better.'

Part 5

Buffy pulled herself up onto Angel's lap. Their hands roamed each other's body. Angel played with Buffy's silky blond hair. Then he started to unzip her dress. When Buffy sensed what was happening, she quickly jumped off of him.

Her eyes were wide with fright. "I....I can't...sorry," she mumbled. She went into her bedroom, and closed the door behind her.

Angel followed her, and knocked softly on her door, "Buffy, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that. Buffy?"

"I need to be alone right now. Please." Buffy whispered close to tears.

She heard Angel's footsteps as he left. She threw herself on the bed, and let the tears loose. 'Why did I get so scared? Now he's going to think that I'm a baby. I'm just not ready to take the next step. I probably just ruined it for us.' She cried herself to sleep.

Angel sat silently out on the balcony, watching the quiet street below. 'I know I scared her away. I shouldn't have let it go so far. She's young, and probably hasn't ever been with a guy in that way. Who am I kidding? Even I haven't gone that far. I just don't want to lose her.'

The night air soon turned cold, so Angel went back inside. As he walked down the hall to his room, he stopped by Buffy's. He noiselessly opened the door. She was sleeping peacefully curled up in ball. He made his way over to her bed. He took the covers from the bottom of the bed and covered her. The moonlight lit up her delicate face. He saw her tear streaked face. He gently kissed her lips. "I'm sorry," he murmured into her ear.

She let out a soft cry. Angel turned back to look at her, but she was still asleep. "Goodnight, my love." Angel closed the door behind him.

Buffy woke up in the morning, feeling better then she had the night before. She had dreamt that Angel came into her room while she was sleeping and apologized. Still she was scared of what Angel would think of her. She was still dressed in the clothes she had on yesterday. 'I could use a shower,' she thought. She grabbed some of her new towels, and headed for the bathroom. She was so lost in her own thoughts, that she didn't even hear the water running.

She walked right in on Angel in the shower, "Oh God." She quickly left. She heard the water stop, and shortly after Angel came out in only a towel. "I'm so sorry. I didn't realize you were in there."

"It's okay." Angel told her.

"Everything is going wrong for me." Buffy complained. "I feel like such an idiot."

Angel touched her arm; "You're not an idiot. I don't mind that you walked in on me. It's all right I swear. Could you do me a favor? Next time knock."

Buffy cracked a small smile, "I will."

"I'm finished in there, if you wanted to take a shower." Buffy nodded.

After her shower she joined Angel in the kitchen. He gave her a plate with toast on it. "Sorry, that it's only toast. We don't have much else here. We need to go grocery shopping."

She nibbled at it; "This is fine." She barely ate the toast. She felt all awkward around Angel.

He noticed too, "Is something bothering you?" Buffy shook her head. "There's something, I can tell. It's about what happened last night." Buffy's eyes shot up at him. "Buffy, I am so sorry. I shouldn't have let it go that far. Maybe I shouldn't have kissed you at all."

"Don't say that. I wanted you to kiss me. I'm just not ready to sleep with you. I mean you're older, so obviously you have-"

Angel cut her off, "I'm just as scared as you are Buffy. I've never been close enough to anyone, to even consider taking the next step."

"You're saying, that you're a virgin?" Buffy questioned.

"Yep, I'm a twenty-seven year old virgin, and the laughing stock of my friends. I'm just waiting for the right person. Someone that I love, and want to be with forever. I don't know what came over me. I wanted you so badly, and I couldn't stop myself. You probably can't forgive me."

Buffy moved her chair close to Angel's, "Listen to me. I'm not in anyway mad at you." She wrapped her arms around his neck. "I want to be with you. Do you want to be with me?"

He kissed the tip of her nose, "I've never wanted anything more in my life."

Buffy giggled, "Well then." She got up into Angel's lap, and straddled him. "Prove it to me."

Angel held her close to him; "I care about you Buffy. I don't want to ever hurt you."

"You can always kiss it, and make it all better," she teased. Angel obliged.

He kissed her lips affectionately. "I think I'm falling in love with you," he whispered.

Buffy pulled back from his kisses, "You are?" Angel nodded, nervous that he had said the wrong thing. "Good, because I'm falling deeply in love with you also." Angel let out his breath that he had been holding. "Now, I think you said we had some shopping to do."

"Grocery shopping. If you want to be able to eat dinner tonight, we better go to the store."

Buffy got off of Angel's lap. She pulled him up out of the chair. "What are we waiting for? Let's go."

'She is way too excited to be going grocery shopping,' Angel thought. 'What have I gotten myself into?' He followed Buffy out the door, locking it behind them.

"Do you have a car?" She asked.

"Yeah, we can take it," he replied.

"Good, because I don't really want to carry grocery bags across town." Angel led them to a black convertible. Buffy was awestruck. "Wow! This is your car?"

Angel opened the door for her, "It sure is."

Buffy got into the car, "Are you like rich or something?"

"A little. Actually I got a full scholarship to college, so I bought this car with my college money. But I have to work just like every other American. I start working at the museum next week," he explained.

"Okay, so you're not rich. You're a smarty-pants. I barely passed out of highschool, and you get your college tuition completely paid for." Buffy said. "Lucky. You deserve someone better then me to be with."

Angel snatched her hand, "You're wrong there. There's no one better than you." He kissed her gently. "If we keep this up, we'll never make it to the store."

Buffy chuckled, "Oh, you aren't complaining. Are you?" She kissed him again.

"I am definitely not." He started the car. "You want to be able to eat tonight. Don't you?"

"I'd rather kiss you," she stated.

"If we don't go to the store, I can't make us a romantic dinner."

"Well, if you insist." Buffy gave him one last kiss before they headed to the Sunnydale Grocery Store.

Part 6

It didn't take them long to arrive at the grocery store. Buffy was the first one out of the car; she had been hyper the whole way there. She grabbed his hand, and pulled him inside the store.

"Buffy, what has gotten into you?" Angel asked. "I've never seen someone so excited to be in a grocery store."

She kissed his cheek, "I'm just happy to be with you." She got them a cart. "And I love to shop."

"For food?"

"Food, clothes, pretty much anything," she answered.

"Great," Angel murmured under his breath. He pushed the cart into the section of fresh fruit and vegetables.

"Ick," Buffy stated. "Healthy food."

Angel picked up a couple of apples, "What? You expected me to let us live off of potato chips or something?"

Buffy gave him her best pouty lip, "Are you going to let me get any junk food?"

He chose a bag of carrots, "Of course I will."

"Okay then. While you're picking out the good for us food, I'm going to be looking at magazines." She pointed to an aisle. "Come get me when you're ready to get some junk food."

He agreed, and watched as she walked over to the aisle she had showed him. He continued to select some fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products. He then went to get Buffy.

He found her sitting cross-leg on the floor, flipping through an issue of Cosmo. He snuck up behind her, and covered her eyes with his hands, "Guess who?"

"That handsome guy who I saw stocking the shelves earlier," she joked.

Angel lightly punched her arm, "Hey!"

She turned to face him, wrapping her arms around him. "I was just kidding."

"You better be." Angel looked over her shoulder at the magazine. "What are you reading?"

"Cosmo. You know there are a lot of different ways to kiss a guy?" Buffy closed the magazine.

She started to put the magazine back on the shelf, but he stopped her, "Maybe you should get this." He threw it into the cart.

Buffy frowned, "Am I not a good enough kisser for you?"

Angel picked her up, and swung her around in his arms, before placing her feet back on the ground. "Or you are by far the best kisser in the world."

Buffy was laughing. "You better say that," she taunted. "This is so much fun. Shopping with you."

"You have hardly been with me here," Angel said.

Buffy looked at the cart, "Well, you got the healthy stuff, now it's time for the good stuff."

Buffy pushed the cart into an aisle filled with chips, cookies, and other snacks. She saw a bag of Doritos on the very top shelf. She tried to reach it. Unsuccessful, she jumped up, still missing it. "I hate being short." Angel put his hands around her small waist and lifted her up. She easily grabbed a bag. "Okay, that worked. You know what also works? You could have gotten the bag down for me."

Angel brought her back down to the ground, "I know, but I couldn't resist holding you in my arms."

Buffy grinned, "Is that so?" She took his arms and put them around her. "I don't ever want you to let me go."

He pulled her close, "No problem there."

"Angel?" came a voice from behind the couple. The reluctantly broke away and turned to face Kate. "My suspicions were right, it is you. I thought you were going to call me."

Angel walked over to Kate, "Change of plans."

Kate gave him a baffled look, "What do you mean?"

"Whatever there was between us, is over." Angel answered.

Kate glanced over at Buffy, "Is it because of what I said to her yesterday? If it is I'm sorry then."

"I hardly believe that. Anyway, it's not just because of that." He took

Buffy's hand in his. "We didn't have anything going for us. We barely know each other." He looked at Buffy, "I found someone else."

Kate looked Buffy up and down, "Her? What is she like twelve? It's called cradle robbing Angel. She's probably just another pretty face for-"

Angel interrupted her, "That's enough. I care about Buffy, and she cares about me. I think I found the person I want to spend the rest of my life with." Buffy smiled from ear to ear.

"Oh please. You just met her. You know me more then you know her. Well, unless you count the time when she was a baby." Kate pointed out.

"You don't know what you're talking about." Angel stated.

"And you do?" Kate inquired.

Before Angel could say anything Buffy joined in, "Kate, isn't it? Angel and I are none of your business. You're just jealous of us. Now why don't you take your sorry ass away from here, before I do it myself."

Kate snickered, "Like you could make me."

She took her hand out of Angel's, "Okay, I guess I'll just have to prove it to you then." And with that her fist met Kate's face. "Never mess with a slayer." Angel couldn't help but smile, Buffy's hand found his again, "Come on, honey, let's leave the wimpy girl alone." As Angel and her walked away, Buffy called over her shoulder, "Who's the twelve year old now?"

"Buffy, don't you think that you may have-" Angel started.

"Over reacted." Buffy finished. "Yeah, but she was messing with my man. Are you complaining?"

"No. I won't have to worry about hearing from her ever again." He looked in their shopping cart. "Do you need anything else?"

"Some ice cream would be nice." Buffy said.

They picked up a carton of Buffy's favorite ice cream, cookie dough fudge mint-chip. And got in line for the checkout.

"So, are you still going to make me that romantic dinner tonight?" Buffy asked hopefully.

"You bet I am." He kissed her.

"Next," called the cashier breaking their kiss. The sheepishly unloaded their groceries, both of their faces were bright red. A couple of older women were giving them dirty looks. Once they paid they quickly left. They put their bags into the trunk on Angel's car, and headed home.

After they put all their groceries away, Angel said, "How about I start on that dinner?"

Buffy started kissing Angel's neck, "It can wait. I'd rather finish what we started in line."

Angel pulled her arms away, "How about you watch some television, and I'll make dinner."

"Fine," she agreed. "Do you need any help?"

"No, it's a surprise." Angel explained.

"I like surprises."

He kissed her forehead, "Good."

Buffy sat on the couch and started watching a repeat of Roswell. She waited for whatever Angel had in store for them for dinner.

Part 7

Buffy was completely engrossed in Roswell, that she didn't even hear Angel call her name. He came into the room, and touched her shoulder.

Buffy jumped, "You scared me." Her hand went up to grasp his.

"Dinner's ready." Angel took her hand, and led her towards the kitchen.

"It's about time." Buffy stated. "I'm starving." Angel covered her eyes, "What are you doing?"

"Just walk with me." Angel told her. She did as he said. He lifted his hands away, "Surprise!"

The room was filled with lit candles. Two long slender ones sat on the table. Along with a vase of roses. There was two plates covered with exquisite looking food, and two wineglasses. The kitchen looked like it could have been from a dream. Buffy took in the whole room before saying anything. When she could finally manage to from a coherent word she said, "Oh Angel! Everything is so perfect." She brushed his lips with hers. "Thank you."

He stroked her cheek, "Don't thank me yet. You haven't tried my cooking. You might hate it."

"That's silly. I'll love it." He pulled out a chair for her. She sat down. 'He has good manners.' After he sat down, Buffy picked up her fork, and tried a piece of chicken. "This is delicious."

Angel smiled, "Really?"

"Yes really," she took another bite. "Where did you learn to cook like this?"

"I taught myself." Angel confirmed.

"You are really the perfect man." Buffy watched as he blushed. She held up a piece of chicken on her fork, "Do you know what would make this even better?"

Angel looked a bit hurt, "What?"

"This." She took her fork and held it to his lips. He opened his mouth, and ate it. "See, isn't it better?"

"You bet it is." They continued to feed each other, until their plates were empty.

"I don't think I have ever ate so much in my life." Buffy said as she sat on Angel's lap.

He wrapped his strong arms around her, "I hope you left room for dessert."

Buffy's face paled, "Dessert? I don't know if I could handle it."

"You will. Believe me."

"Why? What's for dessert?" Buffy questioned.

"You'll see." Angel replied with a devilish grin.

Buffy crossed her arms, "Fine. Be that way." She wasn't really upset with him, and to prove it she leaned back into Angel. "Angel, everything was so lovely tonight. You didn't have to go through all the trouble."

"I wanted to. Technically this was our first date. Even though we stayed in. I wanted it to be something that we could always remember."

"How could I ever forget anything that happens with you? It's impossible." She nuzzled his neck with her head.

"Still, I just wanted to make this evening special." Angel answered.

"Oh, it was." Angel started to nibble on the back of her neck. "What are you doing?" she asked slyly.

He kissed along her neck, making his way up to her mouth. "Dessert," he whispered between kisses.

"In that case..." she trailed off. She kissed his lips firmly. "You're right, I love this dessert." She pressed her lips to his again.

Later the two decided to go for a midnight stroll through the park.

"I don't know how you talked me into this," Buffy stated. "It's dangerous out here late at night."

"We'll be okay. It's just an enchanting night." He pulled her close. "Besides, you look stunning in the moonlight."

"Angel," she started. She heard a rustling sound in the bush. She could sense a vampire. "Get away!" she yelled.

"Well, that wasn't the reaction I was hoping for." Angel said upset.

"Vampire," she said simply. "Go, I don't want you to get yourself hurt or dead or both."

"I'm not leaving you here, alone." Angel argued.

"I can fend for myself. I can't worry about your safety, and try to fight at the same.." she trailed off, as the vampire stepped forward. "Too late. Just stay out of my way, and you should be all right."

"Slayer," the vampire cooed.

"Congratulations, you must have a very high I.Q." Buffy quipped. "Can we skip the small talk, and get on with the fighting?"

The vampire pounced at her, but she quickly knocked him away. Delivering a kick to the torso made him fall to the ground. Buffy staked him. "That was too easy."

Strong arms grabbed her from behind, "Prepare to die."

"No thank you." She tried to throw him off, but had no luck. He forced her to the ground. He bared his fangs, ready for the kill, when Angel kicked him off of her. The vampire turned to him, and threw him against a tree.

"Angel!" Buffy screamed. She got to her feet, and staked the vampire. Hurrying over to her love. She knelt down beside him. "Are you okay?"

Angel felt the back of his head, "Ouch. That hurt. But I'm fine."

Buffy put her arm under him, and helped him up. "You shouldn't have done that. I don't know what I'd do if something had happened to you."

"Then you know how I felt. He could have killed you."

"I've been in that position before. And look I'm still alive and kicking."

"I...I just thought that-"

Buffy interrupted, "Sorry, I know you did what you thought you had to. And thank you." Angel had a nasty gash on the side of his face. She touched it gently, and he gasped at the pain. "Let's get home, and put something on that."

She helped him walk home; he ached all over. Buffy aided him, in getting into bed. She brought him a Band-Aid, along with some clean water. Angel gritted his teeth, as she cleaned out the wound. She finally placed the Band-Aid over it. "There. All done." She kissed his forehead. "Now get some rest. You'll feel better in the morning." She got up to leave.

Angel caught her arm. "Stay with me," he pleaded like a little child.

Buffy nodded. "Just let me change, and turn out the lights." She quickly got ready for bed; she came back into his room. He was still awake, waiting for her. She made her way over to the bed. He lifted the covers, for her to climb under. She did as he wanted.

"Thank you," he whispered in her ear.

She snuggled close to him, "You're welcome." She gave him a gentle kiss, before closing her eyes.

Angel fell asleep first. Buffy watched as he slept. 'You scared me tonight. I don't want to lose you. Please never leave me.' She closed her eyes again. "I love you," she said so softly that even she could barely hear those words. She then closed her eyes and fell into a serene sleep.

Part 8

When morning came, Buffy found herself still cuddled against Angel. He had her enveloped in his muscular arms. Buffy couldn't remember the last time she felt as safe as she did right now in his arms. Angel felt her stirring, and he opened his eyes. A gentle smile played across his face.

Buffy ran her fingers through his hair, "Good morning."

"Morning." He greeted before kissing her lightly on the lips. "This is nice. Waking up next to you, seeing your face first thing in the morning."

Buffy pulled at her hair; "I probably look terrible."

He stopped her from bothering with her hair; "You look gorgeous."

Buffy laid her head on his chest; "You're sweet. A terrible liar, but sweet."

Angel kissed her velvety hair; "I could get used to this."

"Maybe I should always sleep in your bed with you." Buffy teased as she sat up.

"I wouldn't mind." Angel began to get up, but groaned in pain.

"You're still hurt." She pushed him carefully back into bed. "Rest. I'll take care of you today."

"I feel better than last night." He started to get up, but Buffy stopped him. "Buffy, don't worry, I'm fine."

"You're not fine." She pouted, "Besides I want to play nurse. You'll be better in no time."

Angel groaned again, "How come I don't like the sound of that?"

"You'll enjoy it. Promise." She stroked his face. "I'll take care of you."

"Give me a kiss, and I'll agree with you." Angel told her.

Buffy leaned down to him, "How can I argue with that?" She gave him a soft kiss. He moaned when she broke it. "I'm going to make to breakfast." She bounded out of the room.

"Buffy," Angel called after her.

"Yeah sweetie?" she called back.

"Do me a favor, don't burn the apartment down or anything."

"I'll try," she promised.

Ten minutes later Buffy emerged carrying a tray. She sat it down on the nightstand. "I made you waffles. They're the toaster kind, but still waffles."

Angel touched her arm, "Thank you, love." Buffy stiffened. "What is it?"

She relaxed, "Nothing. I just remembered I have to call Willow and them and cancel our plans."

"Plans?" Angel questioned.

"Yeah, we were all going to go shopping," she replied.

"Why aren't you going to go?" Angel persisted.

"I want to stay here with you." Buffy answered.

"You should go. I think I'll sleep anyway."

"I still don't know..." she trailed off.

"Listen. I have a cell phone in the pocket of my leather jacket. Take it, and if I need anything at all, I'll call you."

"I guess." She helped him sit up. "But if you need me you'll call?"

"I will," he swore.

"Okay, now how about some of these waffles?" She fed him a piece, dripping syrup on his chin. "Oops, you have a little bit of syrup." His hand went up to wipe it off. Buffy caught it, "Don't. I'll get." She licked the sweet syrup, then kissed his lips. "I'll gone."

"Are you sure? There might be a little bit left." Angel explained.

"Then, it's best to make sure there isn't any." She kissed him again. He pulled her down on top of him. Angel gasped out in pain; Buffy quickly got off of him. "We probably shouldn't do that, until you're better." She held out another piece of waffle. "Eat, before it gets cold."

An hour later Buffy met Willow, Tara, Cordelia, And Anya at the mall.

Buffy saw them waiting patiently by the fountain, "Hey! Sorry I'm late. I had to clean up after breakfast."

"Angel couldn't have done it for you?" Cordelia asked.

"He's hurt. I'm making him stay in bed." Buffy answered.

"How did he get hurt?" Willow said concerned.

"We were attacked while we were walking last night. Angel was thrown against a tree. He aches all over." Buffy explained.

"Attacked by a vampire?" Buffy nodded. "How did you explain that one?"

"I didn't have to. I already had told him that I'm a slayer. I don't know what made me tell him. I just couldn't lie to him, I trust him."

"And he believed you?" Cordelia questioned doubtful.

"Yeah, he did. He wanted me to tell him everything about it. He listened to the whole story, not missing a single beat. He's so great to me."

"Sounds like somebody has a crush." Anya said.

"What do you mean?" Buffy inquired.

"It seems like he likes you, and it's obvious that you have the same feelings." Anya stated.

"Well, you're right. I broke up with Riley." Buffy told them.

"What? What happened?" Willow asked.

"Nothing happened that was the problem. I didn't love him, and he was a jerk. Now, Angel and I are sorta together. He's so much better than Riley. I mean I slept with him last night and-"

"You slept with him?" Tara interrupted.

"Not in the way you all are thinking. I just slept in the same bed as him. He asked me to, and I did." Buffy clarified.

"Did he try anything?" Willow wanted to know.

"He was such the gentleman. He knows that I'm not ready to do more, and he understands. Besides, he might not be ready either."

"Do you mean that he is well...¦you know?" Tara queried.

"Yep. He's a virgin." Buffy verified.

"A guy as sexy as Angel hasn't had sex?" Anya questioned. "I'd have sex with him."

"He's waiting for the right person." Buffy responded.

Cordelia brushed back a stray piece of her hair, "Are you the right person?"

"I think so. We almost took the next step, but I stopped him. I think he loves me."

Willow stared at her best friend, "Do you love him?"

"As crazy as it may sound, I do. I've never felt this way before. Do you think I should go for it with him?"

They all nodded; Anya was the one to speak. "Definitely. He so hot, and as I said before way sexy."

"Anya's right. We are all jealous of you. He is such a hottie. You are so lucky!" Cordelia exclaimed.

Buffy nodded, "I am lucky. He even has a tattoo on his back. It looks so good on him."

"You've seen him naked." Tara sounded shocked.

"He was shirtless. Well, I have seen him completely naked," she divulged.

"I walked in on him in the shower."

"That had to be so embarrassing!" Willow shrieked.

"It was, but he was okay with it." Buffy looked at her watch, "Are we going to do any shopping or what? I want to get back to Angel."

The others agreed, and they headed to the nearest Cordelia approved shop.

Part 9

"Honey, I'm home!" Buffy called out as she opened the door to their apartment. She set her bags down on the couch, and headed towards Angel's bedroom. She froze in her tracks when she gazed into the kitchen. Her father and Mr. Callahan were seated at the table. "Dad, what are you doing here?"

"I came to see how you and Angel were doing." He father motioned at Angel who was busy making tea. "What's with the honey, I'm home?"

"Umm...nothing at all. It was just a umm...a joke. I've been watching way too many old sitcoms. That's where I got it from." Buffy lied. Angel carried the teakettle over to the table, she saw him wince in pain. She quickly took the kettle from his hand. "You shouldn't be out of bed." She put her arm around his waist for added support.

"Are you hurt?" Mr. Callahan asked worriedly.

"We had a little run in with a mugger last night." Angel fibbed. "Don't worry about me, I'm okay. Just a little sore."

"You shouldn't go out late," Mr. Summers told them. "It's not safe. You didn't get hurt pumpkin. Did you?"

Buffy shook her head, "No. Angel protected me." She helped Angel sit down on a chair, before pouring their fathers some tea. Then she sat down herself.

"So, how have things been going?" her father asked.

"They're going good." She gave Angel a small smile. "We get along very well."

"That's great. I hope that boyfriend of yours is okay with this. He seemed kind of jealous. How is Riley anyway?" Mr. Summers questioned.

"Fine," Buffy started.

Before she could continue her father continued, "Great. He's seems like such a nice boy."

Angel gave Buffy a strange look, but she shrugged.

"How about you, son?" Mr. Callahan asked. "How are things with what's her name?"

"Oh, you mean Kate. Actually we broke up. Things weren't working out." Angel replied.

"See, that's my boy for you. He's very noble in relationships. He has to love the girl for it to last more than a month." His father went on, "Come to think of it, I don't think I have seen one last for two weeks."

"Dad," Angel urged him to stop. He glanced at Buffy; she was giving him an adoring look. He gave her a smile, "That's about to change."

"What do you mean?" his father inquired.

"I mean that I think I found the one I want to spend the rest of my life with. She's the most beautiful woman I have ever seen both inside and out. Buffy-" he stopped when Buffy kicked him. He groaned.

"Buffy, what?" Mr. Summers wanted to know.

"I really like her," Buffy clarified. Angel looked disappointed at her words. "She's really nice."

Their fathers stayed a little while longer. When they left Angel asked Buffy why she wouldn't let him tell them about their relationship.

"I'm not ready for them to know." Buffy answered.

"Why? Are you ashamed of me? Of us?"

"Don't ever think that! I just, well, my father. He can be very judgmental. He's going to think we rushed into this. Then he'll want either you or me to move out. He's not going to want me living with my boyfriend." Buffy supplied.

"It's not like we're having sex." Angel argued.

"How am I going to prove that to him? And what happens when we decided to have sex?" Her tone softened, "Give me time. I want to break this to my father slowly. I want him to support us as a couple. Not wanting to destroy our relationship. I just want to wait till the time is right. Can you give me that? Please?"

Angel gently pulled her off of the chair, and seated her on his lap. "If you don't want to tell our parents yet, then okay. I won't say anything."

Buffy settled her head against his chest, "Thank you."

"So how was shopping?" Angel questioned.

"Fun. The girls are jealous of me." Buffy bragged.

"Why are they jealous?"

"Because, I'm with the perfect man." Buffy said. "They think you are really sexy."

Angel blushed, "You told them about us, but you won't tell your father?"

"Angel, I thought we already discussed this. I'm not ready to tell him. But they are my friends. They support us, and are happy for us," she stated. "You wouldn't believe where Cordelia tried to drag me into."

"I don't know. Where?"

"Victoria Secret. I wouldn't go in though. She wanted me to find something sexy to wear for you."

"And you didn't go in?" he frowned.

"Angel!" Buffy playfully swatted his arm.

"Hey! I was just joking!" he exclaimed.

Buffy rolled her eyes, "Sure you were." She looked at her watch, "Are you hungry?"

"No. I ate with our fathers." He ran his long fingers through her hair. "Are you?"

"I ate with my friends." She felt a cramp in her arm. As she repositioned herself, she felt Angel flinch. "Did I hurt you?"

"Not really. I think I'm getting better." He kissed her cheek, "Do you want to watch some t.v.?"

Buffy agreed. They found some old movie, and watched it for the next couple of hours. By the time it was over, it was past 11 o'clock.

Buffy yawned, "I think, I'm going to go get ready for bed."

"Same here."

They both changed into their sleep wear, and washed up. Buffy was getting into bed when she heard a soft knock at her door, "Come in."

Angel slowly opened the door, "I was wondering, if you were going to sleep in my bed tonight."

"Do you want me to?"

"I definitely wouldn't complain." Angel replied. Buffy smiled as he held out his hand to her. "So?"

She took his hand, "I'm coming with you."

She curled up next to him under the warm covers. He held her tightly against his chest. She quickly drifted off into a deep sleep. Angel watched her as she slept, the moonlight danced across her face. He played with a piece of her silky hair. 'You are just too perfect. How did I ever become so lucky?' He kissed her lips. "I love you, Buffy"

Part 10

Buffy awoke to find Angel watching her intently. She squinted against the morning light, "What are you doing?"

Angel smiled at her, "Well, I was watching you sleep."

She couldn't help but smile herself. "You were, were you?"

"Yeah, you looked so peaceful. You were so quiet." Angel teased.

Buffy crossed her arms, "Are you saying that I talk to much?"

"Actually..." he trailed off. He pressed his lips firmly against hers. "I like it more when you're awake because we can do this." He kissed her again. She didn't argue, instead she returned his kiss. The kiss quickly grew passionate. Being in bed wasn't helping them. Without thinking, Angel slipped his hand up Buffy's thin tank top.

She quickly pulled away, and got out of bed. "I...we...can't."

Angel at once regretted his movement, "Buffy, I'm so sorry. I don't know what I was thinking." He took her hand, and led her back towards the bed. "I know you want to wait, and I respect that. I shouldn't have done what I just did. Can you forgive me?"

She sat next to him on the bed, "Of course I can. I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have panicked like that. I trust you, and I know that if I want you to stop, you will."

Angel reached up, and gently stroked her cheek, "I don't want you to feel pressured by me saying this, but I want you so badly, Buffy."

She kissed his hand, "I want you too. When the time is right, it'll happen. Won't it?"

"It will. It'll happen when we are both ready. We don't need to rush into it. I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere. It's not even that important to me. I mean it is important to me, but not as much as you are. As long as I'm with you, I couldn't be happier."

"Really?"

"Really," he answered. "When we finally make love, it'll be magical. And I don't want to hurry into something, that once it happens, you can never go back."

"You know, you really are the perfect boyfriend." Buffy told him.

"No I'm not," he disagreed.

"Yes, you are. Any other guy would have dumped me if I refused to have sex with him. But you don't mind."

"Those guys would be stupid. You are worth the wait." Angel explained.

Buffy leaned down and gave him a gentle kiss. "Thank you." She gently brushed the healing cut on his face. "How do you feel today?"

"I think I'm better. My muscles don't hurt anymore. I think you were right. All I needed was some rest."

"We should celebrate," she said. "Let's go to The Bronze tonight."

"The Bronze?" Angel asked. "I don't know what that it is."

"It's the hippest place in Sunnydale. Okay, so that doesn't say much. Basically it's a dance club type thing for young people, such as ourselves."

"Oh. That's a problem. I can't dance. I can slow dance, but when it comes to showing off my stuff on the dance floor, you can forget about it." Angel stated.

"I guess, I'm just going to have to teach you how to dance then."

"I guess you'll have to." Angel replied.

After breakfast, Buffy turned on the radio. "Okay, Angel. Just follow my movements." He nodded. She gracefully moved to the music, Angel slowly started as well. Once he got a feel for the music, he moved more easily. Buffy took his arms, and wrapped them around her slim waist. She rhythmically moved her hips against him. She was so close to him, Angel was losing it. He stopped moving. Buffy turned to face him, "What's the matter?"

"What were you doing?"

"I was dancing." She looked confused.

"That wasn't dancing." He argued. "That was more on the lines of mating." She burst out laughing. "What's so funny?"

"Mating? Where did you come up with that?"

"If we did that in public, it might be considered indecent."

"It's just a dance. A sexy dance." Buffy told him. "Okay, if you feel that uncomfortable with it, we'll just listen to the music there. We won't dance unless there's a slow song."

"Good." Angel said reassured.

"It's just, that dance would have been perfect to make Riley jealous if he was there."

"It probably would have made every guy jealous." Angel verified.

"I don't see a problem with that." Buffy said.

Angel pulled her into his embrace; "I still think that we should stick with the slow songs only."

Buffy leaned into him, "Agreed."

That night the two of them arrived at The Bronze. Buffy was in a sleek black dress, which tied up in the back. Angel wore a T-shirt under his black leather jacket. They both were dressed simply, but it turned a few heads.

"I think we are the hottest couple here," Buffy gloated.

Angel saw a couple of guys staring at Buffy, and put his arm around her protectively. "Unfortunately. Now every guy in here is staring at you."

"All the girls are checking you out." Buffy pointed out.

Angel shrugged, "I hadn't noticed. You're the only girl I see."

Buffy looked for her friends, but they weren't there. She found her and Angel a table. They sat and talked for awhile. Finally a slow song came on. Angel led Buffy out to the dance floor. He took her in his arms, and held her close.

//When the visions around you
Bring tears to your eyes
And all that surrounds you
Are secrets and lies
I'll be your strength
I'll give you hope
Keeping your faith when it's gone
The one you should call
When standing here all alone//

Buffy laid her head on Angel's shoulder. He then rested his chin against her sweet hair.

//And I will take you in my arms
And hold you right where you belong
Until the day my life is through
This I promise you
This I promise you//

Angel kissed Buffy's forehead. She closed her eyes, wanting to stay in the moment forever. She felt so safe, just being in Angel's arms.

//I've loved you forever
In lifetimes before
And I promise you never
Will you hurt anymore
I give you my word
I give you my heart
This is a battle we've won
And with this vow
Forever has now begun

Just close your eyes each loving day
And know this feeling won't go away
Till the day my life is through
This I promise you
This I promise you//

"This song is so right." Angel stated.

"Hmm?"

"My feelings towards you will never go away." He lifted her face to look at him. "I love you."

Buffy's heart filled with joy, she could barely reply. "I love you."

//Over and over I thought
When I hear you call
Without you in my life baby
I just wouldn't be living at all//

"You are my life." Angel explained. "If something ever happened to you, I would die."

"It's the same way for me too, Angel." Buffy replied. "It's funny how things turn out."

"What do you mean?"

"Less than a week ago, I was still with Riley. Now I'm with you, and so deeply in love. Things can change quickly." She chuckled. "I am never giving you up."

"No need to worry there, because I'm never letting you go."

//And I will take you in my arms
And hold you right where you belong
Until the day my life is through
This I promise you
This I promise you //

When they arrived back at the apartment, they quickly changed into their p.j.s. Buffy slid under the covers with Angel. She rested her head against his chest.

"I love you," she repeated the words she had said earlier.

He kissed her tenderly, "I love you."

Buffy closed her eyes. This night had been perfect. She had thought Angel loved her, but now she knew that it was definitely true. They both feel into a peaceful sleep.

//Just close your eyes each loving day
And know this feeling won't go away
Till the day my life is through
This I promise you
This I promise you

Every word I say is true
This I promise you
Ooh I promise you//