Part 21

"This place is gorgeous!" Buffy exclaimed. Angel had driven them to a very expensive restaurant that was a couple of cities away from Sunnydale. She was looking over the menu; "There's no prices in this menu. Why's that?"

"It's the type of restaurant we're at. Order whatever you want. It doesn't matter what it costs." Angel smiled. "It's my treat."

"You really do know how to treat a lady," she commented. "I don't know how I became so lucky to find someone like you."

"I'm the lucky one," he replied.

After they ordered, Buffy decided to bring up a subject that had been plaguing her mind ever since she had found out she was pregnant. "Angel, I've been thinking…" she trailed off.

"It seems important to you. I can tell it's serious. What is it?" Angel asked.

"Umm…I don't know how to really bring this up, so I'm just going to say it." She looked into his eyes, "Marriage." She watched as a startled expression crept upon her lover's face. "I know we're young, and haven't been together very long, but with a baby on the way, well, it makes everything different."

"Do you want to get married?" Angel inquired.

"Yes, I mean I don't know. It's all happening so sudden. You know? It's like Romeo and Juliet. They met and within five days they fell in love, got married, and committed suicide. It's is just like us, except for we've known each other for way more than five days, and the whole death part. Okay, now I'm way off track here. Feel free to stop me at any time."

"I understand what you are saying." Angel informed her.

"What about you? Do you want to marry me?" she meekly asked, her eyes downcast.

He reached across the table and lightly touched her face. "Hey, look at me." Her green eyes slowly met his. "Of course I want to. I can't think of anything else I would rather do." Angel replied.

"So you think we should get married?"

"Like you, I'm not exactly sure what we should do. Marriage is a big step. We don't need to get married now, we can always wait till we are both ready."

"But shouldn't we be married before I have the baby? It seems like it's the right thing to do." Buffy stated.

"The right thing to do is not necessarily marriage. It's that we provide a loving environment for our child. Marriage doesn't always give that. Whether we are legally married are not, to me isn't an issue. Because in my heart I am completely and utterly devoted to you. And that to me is marriage."

"I agree with you on that one. But I wish we had something that showed that. Not just in the spiritual sense, but also in the physical sense." Buffy explained. "I may not be ready for a real marriage yet. I will in time though. But in my heart you already are my husband, just like I am your wife."

Angel reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box, "I wasn't sure when I wanted to give this to you. I think now is an appropriate time." He opened it and took out two rings. "It's a Claddagh ring, in other words, a devotion ring. The hands represent friendship, the crown represents loyalty... and the heart...it represents love. Wear it with the heart pointing towards you. It means you belong to someone." He handed the smaller of the rings to Buffy. "In eighteenth century Ireland exchanging Claddagh rings would mean you were married. Even though it won't be legally recognized, we'll both feel as if we are wedded to each other."

Buffy stared at the silver ring in her hand; "Do you have one?"

He held up one exactly like it, "Are you going to put it on?"

She shook her head, "No." Angel looked like he had been slapped in the face. She gave him a warm smile; "I want you to put it on me."

He took the ring from her hand, and slid it on her finger. He then handed her his ring; "You should put mine on for me also."

She gently lifted the ring from his open hand. She did as he instructed, then lifted his hand up to her mouth, and tenderly kissed the ring. "I love you, Angel."

"I love you, my wife." Angel replied bringing an even brighter smile to Buffy's face. "See to us we are married, when we are ready to actually have an official ceremony we will. Whether it is before or after the baby's birth."

"When that time comes I want to have a big wedding. With tons of flowers. I want to wear a beautiful dress, and walk down the aisle to the man I love. And most importantly I want our friends and family to witness it." Buffy said.

"And they will."

"I also don't want to feel that the only reason we are getting married is because of the baby. The way we are going about this is perfect. I don't want us to do the whole holy matrimony thing unless we are certain that we are prepared for it. It's not something we should rush into. The last thing we rushed into got us…" She placed her hand over her stomach.

"The truth is that I'm glad of what happened. If I could take it all back, I never would consider it. Not a single moment of it, do I regret. If I had the chance to do it all over again, I would make the same choices." Angel told her.

Buffy nodded, "I feel the same way. You know, you never know exactly how you will react to a situation until it actually happens to you. I would have never of thought that being pregnant right now in my life, would make me so happy. But it does."

"It's strange how things can turn out. A couple of days ago, we were more than slightly panicked. Here and now, everything, it just feels so right." Angel said.

"See we are going to be just fine."

"We are going to be more than fine. We're going to be spectacular." Angel leaned over the table and placed a kiss on her lips. "There is not a doubt in my mind."

Buffy smiled, "I'm glad, because to me my life is perfect. I can't think of anything that would make it better."

"Either can I."

"We really are soulmates. Don't you think?" she questioned.

He nodded, "We are, and the thing about soulmates is that they are forever."

She smiled, "Like us. I'll always be your girl. I won't let anything take you away from me."

Part 22

After dinner, Angel took Buffy to the beach. They sat in the cool sand wrapped in each other's arms. The moonlight cast a glow over the ocean. The gentle sound of the waves crashing into the beach was soothing. Buffy laid her head against Angel's shoulder. The night had been excellent, and she found herself busy making plans for them once they arrived back at their apartment.

Angel wordlessly pulled her up out of the sand. Joining hands, they strolled along the beach. The sand felt damp and soft between their toes. A mischievous grin appeared on Angel's face. She gave him a questioning look, before he picked her up, and carried her to the ocean. He waded in a couple of feet.

"Don't you even think about dropping me in the ocean." Buffy warned him. He still didn't bring her down to safety. She playfully pounded on his back, "Put me down this instant."

"Have it your way." And with that he dropped her. He shielded his face, as she splashed in the water. He laughed.

Buffy came up gasping for air; "Oh you think that's funny. Do you?" Using her slayer strengths she dunked Angel under water. "Now that was what I call funny."

Angel started to splash her with the water; "I'm going to pay you back for that."

She giggled, "I'd like to see you try." She took off running. She emerged from the water, and ran down the beach. She was aware Angel was close behind her.

He caught up to her, and swooped her up into his arms. "Gotcha!" He swung her around and kissed her.

She wrapped her legs around his waist, trying to pull him closer. Angel lost his balance, and tumbled onto the ground. The kiss broke, when they were both in serious need of oxygen.

He sat up, and shook the sand from his hair; "We should probably get going."

"I would kind of like to stay here, if you don't mind." Buffy informed him. "It is so romantic."

"I didn't bring anything," he mumbled.

She tenderly cupped his chin in her hand, making him look at her, "Honey, that doesn't matter. I'm already pregnant, so we don't have to worry about that."

"It still isn't exactly the ideal place to make love. We could get sand in unspeakable places."

Buffy made a face, "You're right." A cool breeze made her quiver.

"And you're cold. I don't have a blanket to warm you up." He put his arm around her, and helped her to her feet. "We're both cold and wet. You're shivering like a leaf. Let's go home."

When they got home, Buffy changed out of her sopping wet dress. She put on her pajama pants, and a tank top. She got a chill, and grabbed a sweater. Angel was already on the couch in a pair of sweats and a T-shirt.

Buffy quickly joined Angel. He took the afghan from the back of the couch and covered both of them. She snuggled closer next to him, if that was even possible. His arms held her against him.

He had also started a fire in the fireplace. Which was very rare for living in sunny California. The light from the fire was all that lit the room. Together they watched the sparks, and listened to the crackling.

Buffy sighed as Angel ran his fingers through her wet hair. She laughed when they became entangled in it.

He started to press kisses to her bare neck. She involuntarily moaned. Without hesitation, she turned her face to meet his. They became involved in a fiery kiss.

Their heat and passion grew fiercely. As Buffy tried unsuccessfully to climb on top of Angel, she succeeded in falling onto the floor.

Buffy giggled in delight, "Perhaps we should take this elsewhere." She pointed to the bedroom.

Angel nodded. "Race you." He took off down the hallway. "Last one there, has to do what the other says."

"Not fair, you got a head start." Buffy complained, as she got to her feet, and followed him. She reached him fast, and proceeded to pass him. "I win! Let's see, now what am I going to do with you."

He joined her at the door, "I think you'll come up with something."

She kissed him, "How about this?"

"The best idea." He returned her kiss, and nudged her into the room.

__________________

Later, Buffy woke to a noise. She sat up in bed. Listening carefully, she tried to hear what had awakened her. She glanced over at Angel; he was still fast asleep. Letting her nerves get the best of her, she slowly got out of the bed. If something was in her home, she wasn't going to let it hurt them. 'If Spike is here, I am going to stake him for showing up in the middle of the night, and scaring me to death.'

She put her robe, over her cold naked body, and headed down the hall. Her feet barely made a sound, as they padded against the floor. She could feel her slayer sense perk up, she knew that something was there.

She looked into her old bedroom, what would be the baby's room. She turned on the light. Her eyes darted around the room. There was no sign of anything.

She went into the kitchen, still nothing.

A cold breeze caught her attention. She faced the balcony doors. They were wide open. She went over to them, and shut them. Being sure to lock them tight. 'That's funny. I know for sure that we didn't leave them open.'

She walked to the front door, it was locked. Whatever it was it definitely came through the balcony doors. 'Maybe, they have already left.'

She pulled her robe tighter. 'Or maybe…' "Spike?" she called quietly. If someone was in the apartment, it had better be him. She could handle him.

'I might have just been hearing things. But what about the open balcony doors? Could the wind have opened them? I guess that could have happened. And the was what I had heard.'

Buffy started to head back to Angel in the bedroom, when a light came on behind her. She froze in her steps. Ever so slowly she turned to face the intruder. Her eyes widened, "Oh my god."

Part 23

Buffy stepped closer to the invader to show that she was fearless. "What are you doing here?" she asked sternly.

"That wasn't quite the welcome I was expecting, B." the girl answered. "I thought with it being so long, you'd have given me a hug." She looked around, "Nice place you got here."

"Faith," she said testily. "Why are you here?"

Faith stood up from her perch on the couch, and walked nearer to Buffy. "Blond vamp. Goes by the name Spike. He told me that you needed my help. I threatened to beat him to a bloody pulp if he was lying to me. He swore he was telling the truth. Which leads to the question, Why do you want my help?"

"You think I'm going to believe that? You actually came here because Spike said I needed your help. That's not very likely." Buffy snapped.

"I thought maybe you were going to apologize to me." Faith replied sarcastically.

She shook her head, "Why the hell, do you think I'd apologize? It should be the other way around."

"You're the one her tried to gut me, Blondie. I spent practically a year in a coma because of you."

"You deserved it."

"Would it have mattered to you if I had died?"

She shrugged, "I don't know. One thing's for sure, that was the best coma ever. I was sorry that you woke up."

"Why? Because you had to drop the Little Miss Goody Slayer act? Because that sorry ass boyfriend of yours would know that you weren't so perfect and good after all? He would learn that you tried to kill me. Tell me when I hit the spot."

"If you didn't like him, why did you go and sleep with him?" Buffy fired. "Couldn't get your own guy?"

"It was obvious that you weren't giving him any, so I decided it would be fun to take him on a test drive. You were like virgin of the year. Do you still own that title, or did you give Riley a go?"

"It is none of your business. But for your information, no, I didn't have sex with Riley." Buffy said, "Unlike you, sex isn't just some cheap thrill to me."

"So you're saying that I'm a slut? I would have went for vixen, but that's close." Faith answered loudly.

Buffy glanced back at Angel and hers bedroom.

Faith caught her little action, "Got a roomie or something? It can't be Willow; or else you wouldn't be so worried that I might wake her. So let's think about this one. It must be someone who doesn't know me. I say we go see what's behind door number two back there, and settle this little dispute."

As if on cue, Buffy saw a figure walk out of the bedroom.

He walked over to Buffy, and placed a warm hand on her shoulder, "What's going on out here?"

Faith took in Angel's appearance. He adorned only a pair of boxers. She noticed the way he was looking at and touching Buffy. "It looks like you got yourself a new boy toy." Buffy fidgeted with her robe, trying to keep her naked body completely covered. "Seems to me like you did give up that title."

"What title?" Angel asked confused.

"Angel meet Faith." She introduced him. "Don't bother to listen to anything she says," Buffy whispered.

"This is the other slayer?" Angel inquired.

Faith rolled her eyes, "Give the guy a prize. At least he has more brains than the last one."

"I guess Spike found you." Angel stated. "Has Buffy told you why?"

"Funny thing is, I asked her that awhile ago. She just won't answer me. Why do you want me here? Because I was starting to make a pretty good life for myself. I had my own town. I could do slaying my way. No Watchers, and no other Slayer thinking she was better than me."

"Slaying your way?" Buffy questioned.

She nodded, "Yes. And before you ask, I've been killing demons. Plus I don't have to live in your shadow."

"You don't have to."

"You just don't get it, do you B?" Faith cried furiously. "You got the perfect Watcher, the one who actually cares. You got the Scooby Gang, your friends." She looked pointedly at Angel; "You always have an eye candy of a boyfriend at your side. What does that leave me? Nothing. No one ever asks me what I think. They just assume I'll do what I'm told to. That's not me, it never will be. You take what you have for granted. What if you didn't have Giles, or Willow, or Xander? Or what if something happened to your mother? Or Angel here? Everyone who has ever gave a damn about me, left me or gave up on me. You included."

Buffy saw tears threatening to fall from Faith's eyes. She held back her own, "I tried, Faith. I did. I wanted to help you. But you wouldn't let me. I gave you a second chance, but you left that offer in the ditch." She paused, reaching out to take Faith's hand. The slayer's eyes shot up at her. "You're right. I do take what I have for granted. I just think that they'll always be there for me. But they won't. My father wants nothing to do with me now, and my friends could have easily done the same. But they chose to stick by me. I never gave up on you. And I'm not about to do it now. You can change, I know it."

With her free hand, Faith brushed away her tears, "How am I going to do that? How am I going to prove to you that I can be a good person?"

Buffy led her to the couch. She sat beside Faith with Angel right next to her. "This is what I can offer you. Sunnydale can be your town. You'll be the one in charge. For the next year, it'll be you who fights the demons. Who stops chaos from overtaking everything."

"Why?" Faith asked. "And what happens, when you are in charge again? I get thrown out with last week's garbage or something? I think not."

"I don't know for sure yet. I just know that I need you to take care of the slaying. Spike has volunteered his service, but he's as trustworthy as well a vampire. So I need to be positive that someone else will be there to help out. This is Sunnydale, a.k.a. the Hellmouth. I can't promise you anything, except that you will get all the credit. What do you say?"

"I'm tempted to say yes. But you still haven't answered why you need me to slay. Why can't you do it yourself?" Faith wanted to know.

"I guess I better just tell you." Buffy stated. "I'm pregnant."

Part 24

Faith was stunned, "It looks like I was right about you getting some."

"Faith, please, this is serious. Are you going to help us or what? If you aren't, I suggest you leave." Buffy notified.

"Don't you sound all welcoming." Faith responded. "If I do this, it would be a favor to you. So what's in it for me?"

"How about redemption? I forgive you for what you've done to me. I think that's more than fair."

"What about what you have done to me? I almost died because of you. You ruined my life."

"I ruined your life? No, Faith, you ruined your own life. It was an accident when you killed the first time. You just didn't care. I tried to help you, but no, you turned to the evil mayor. You tried to kill my friends and me. Now I'm giving you another chance. I'd take it if I were you."

"You're not me. You don't know what it's like to be left out in the cold all alone. Well, I do. And as soon as you want to take over slaying, it'll happen again. I'll be nobody to you."

"That's not true. You don't have to be alone ever again. I swear to you, that if you have changed your psychotic ways, things will be on the upside for you. Why can't you take my offer?"

"Because I'm scared!" she blurted out. "Oh god, I…um…I gotta go." She got up to leave.

Buffy caught her hand, "Why are you scared, Faith? Why?" She turned her around to face her, "Answer me!"

"I'm scared of letting you down. What if I can't handle the job by myself? What if there is some big evil that I can't fight alone? You can't help me. So what would I do?" Faith answered.

"I know you won't let me down."

"How can you be so sure?" she inquired.

"I believe that you will fight your hardest. You want to know why I think this? Because you're worried that you might fail. If you were so sure of yourself, I would have doubts. I always think that I might not be able to stop something, but I make it through. You can do the same. I know you have it in you."

"But I have never fought anything big before without your help." Faith stated. "What happens if I can't do it?"

"You can do it. Besides, if worse come to worse you can have Spike help you. He's already agreed to patrol."

Faith cracked a small smile, "Yeah, we could be like patrolling buddies."

"I wouldn't go that far."

"What's his deal anyway? He's a vampire, but why is he on our side?" Faith asked.

"Well, you remember my ex Riley. He was part of this government agency called The Initiative, and I destroyed it. Anyway, they captured demons and vamps, and performed experiments with them. Well, they got Spike, but he escaped from them. But not before they put a chip in his brain. He can't kill or even try to hurt a human, without intense neurological pain. So he has chosen for some odd reason to help us out. We make fun of him all the time for it, it's rather funny." Buffy explained.

"So, he'll help me out?"

"If you want him to, yeah."

"Okay. Good."

"Does this mean that you're going to take my offer?" Buffy questioned.

Faith nodded, "It does." She thought for a moment. "What will the Scooby Gang think about this?"

"I don't know," Buffy started.

Angel, who had been silent the whole time, spoke up, "I believe that Giles thought that having Faith around during your pregnancy was a good idea."

"He did?" Faith looked uncertain.

"Yes, he said you might want another chance." A small grin crept across Faith's face. Angel continued, "Though Xander wasn't too thrilled. Oh, wasn't it Cordelia's idea in the first place?"

Buffy nodded, "It was." She looked directly at Faith, "If you stay good, and not be tempted by evil, I'm sure that after some time you'll be accepted by them."

"Maybe you're right." She yawned. "Can I crash here for the night, I'm wasted? Tomorrow, I'll find myself a more permanent place to live."

Angel agreed, "Of course. You're always welcome here." He disappeared down the hallway, and came back carrying a pillow and a blanket. He handed them to Faith, "Here. We'd offer you a bed, but we only have one. I took apart Buffy's old one, so I could set up a crib for the baby. So the couch will have to do."

"That is fine. I've slept in far worse places, believe me." She laid the pillow at the head of the couch. "How far along are you, B?"

"A little over a month. I know, Angel and I are way ahead of ourselves. We just want to be prepared." Buffy answered.

Angel took Buffy's hand, "Goodnight Faith. I'll see you in the morning." He looked at Buffy, "You coming?"

"I'll be there in a minute." Angel kissed her cheek and then left.

"Night," Faith called after him. She then turned her attention to Buffy, "Thanks. I really do appreciate what you're doing for me. I promise I won't let you down."

"I'm going to go back to bed. I just wanted to tell you that I have confidence in you." Buffy started towards the bedroom.

"Buffy?"

"Yeah Faith?"

"He's nice. I wish you two the best of luck."

Buffy smiled, "Thanks. Sleep tight."

She joined Angel under the covers, after shedding her robe. She cuddled up against him, as a yawn escaped her lips.

"So that's Faith?" Angel asked. "She doesn't seem as terrible as you all made her out to be."

"She's changed. I can feel it. I just hope the others see it. I really want this to work."

Angel kissed her forehead, "It will. Now how about we try to get some more sleep out of what is left of the night?"

Angel fell asleep before her. Thoughts irked in her mind. If this didn't work, it would be her fault. She just hoped that she was right, and Faith had changed. She watched Angel's deep breathing. She laid her head against his chest, and listed to the beating of his heart. No matter what happened with Faith, she would always have him.

Part 25

Buffy reached out for Angel; her hand came in contact with the abandoned sheet. She opened her eyes; Angel was no where in sight. She found her robe, and made her way out of the room. She heard voices coming from the kitchen. She saw her love and the other slayer making breakfast.

It was as if he sensed her presence. Angel turned and greeted her, "Good morning, sleepy head."

Buffy walked over to him, and gave him a quick kiss on the lips, "Morning. So you two are making breakfast?" She wrapped her arms around Angel, and settled her head on his shoulder.

"Yep, Angel's teaching me how to cook. Or attempting to I should say." Faith answered.

Buffy raised her eyebrows, "Really?"

She nodded, "I figure, I'm going to need to know how to cook more than microwave dinners."

"Ah…but microwave dinners are such a healthy life choice," Buffy joked. "What are you making by the way?"

"Scrambled eggs and pancakes." Angel replied.

"Yum. What were you two talking about before I woke up?"

"Nothing really," Faith started. Then seeing the irritated look on Buffy's face, she continued, "Don't worry, I'm not going to try to steal him from you."

Buffy let out a sigh of relief, "That's good to know."

"Even if I tried, this guy is so into you. I don't think it's even occurred to him that I'm a girl."

"Very true." Angel agreed. He kissed Buffy.

"Do you two mind keeping your hands off each other for awhile? At least until after I eat." Faith asked.

After breakfast, Faith left saying that she was going to find herself a place to live. She told them that when she did, they would both be invited over.

"What do you think of Faith?" she questioned Angel.

"I think she's a very nice girl. I can't see how she ever was a homicidal maniac, you all told me she was."

"She has changed, I'm just hoping she stays this way."

"Have faith in her."

She grinned as he took in her in his arms. "So…Angel, what should we do today?" Buffy inquired.

"Well, I don't have to work today, seeing as it's the weekend, and I'm lucky to get those off. We can do whatever you want."

"You know, I've never been to your work."

"Do you want me to take you now?"

"It could be fun. You can introduce me to your co-workers." Buffy stated.

They both showered and dressed. Then he drove them both to the Sunnydale Art Museum. Using his gentleman ways, he opened the door and held it for her.

"This place is huge!" Buffy exclaimed.

"You're telling me, you have never been here before? I thought you've lived in Sunnydale for a couple of years now. I can't believe that you have never came her."

"I'm not a big art person. Although my mom works at an art gallery. I've been there more than a few times. I'm artistically challenge. I can barely color in the lines, let alone being able to paint or draw something good."

"You don't have to have the talent to draw or anything to enjoy the arts." He took her hand and led her to a painting. "See how beautiful this is?"

"It's lovely," she replied. "I just don't see what it is. It looks just like a bunch of big blobs. A two year old could do that."

Angel chuckled, "It's supposed to be a metaphor for life."

"Okay, next time I see blobs, I'll have to remember that."

"No, see all the different colors. They represent confusion and chaos. Life is full of that." He pointed to an area of the painting. "This right here is calm and happiness. Then do you see how the colors go from bright to dull and dismal." She nodded. "That shows life coming to an end."

"Aren't you such an expert on this."

"I studied it for years. I enjoy it. None of my work in nearly as good as this."

"You can't get the paint to come out all messed up?"

"I don't really do this kind of art. I sketch and sculpt."

"You have to show me some of your work, you never have before."

Angel shook is head, "I've never shown it to anyone. I'm too critical on myself."

"But, I'm not anyone," she pointed out. "I've been all around the apartment, where are you hiding it?"

"I keep it at my art studio."

"You have an art studio?"

"Well, if you can count a small messy room as a studio, then yeah, I do." She gave him a pleading look, "Okay, I'll take you there."

"When do you even go there to work?"

"Sometimes I go when you're not home, or during my breaks here at work. I don't really plan when to go, I just do."

"I'm sure everything of yours, is absolutely gorgeous. Especially since it's not a lot of blobs."

"Are you ever going to get over that?"

"Not anytime soon." Buffy replied.

"Come on, I'll show you what I do here, and introduce you to some people."

Part 26

Angel led Buffy down a long corridor. Paintings were on either side of them. They passed rooms filled with sculptures, and drawings. Finally, they came to an area that held offices. He took her to a door, which read, 'Mr. Angel Callahan - Professor of Art'. He opened the door, and Buffy walked in.

"So you're a Professor?" Buffy asked.

He shrugged, "Not yet, exactly. But, I was offered a job at UC Sunnydale to teach it. They're trying to entice me into taking it."

"You should." She urged him.

"I don't know. It would take a lot of time. Time that could be spent with you."

"I'd probably have a class anyway." Then an idea came to her. "I could take the art class. So technically you would be spending time with me."

"You do realize you'd actually have to do some work?" he questioned. "I wouldn't be able to give you a free ride."

"I know. You can tutor me, or I know, I could be your TA. I don't think I'd have to take the class then."

"I think you would have had to take it last year." Angel pointed out. She gave him a pouty look, "You know I can't say no when you do that. Fine, I'll see if I can pull some strings and get you as my teacher's assist, if not, I'm turning the job down."

"Okay. Will you still work here at the museum?"

He shook his head, "Probably not. They said my office would be moved on campus. But, I'd still have access to the museum if I need it for class."

"Like a field trip?"

"Yeah." He thought for a moment. "Maybe I should take it. I'd make more money, and with the baby on the way, it'd be very helpful."

"It's up to you. Which would you rather do? What do you do here anyway?" she inquired.

"I do some office work. Help with organizing the exhibits, appraisals, and sometimes I lead tours."

"That sounds kind of boring. You should totally be a teacher. You would make a good one."

"You think so?"

"Oh, I know it." She pulled him close to her, and their lips met.

They were interrupted by a knock on the door; a young woman stuck her head in, "Angel, I thought you were here. Patrick and I were just going to get a bite to eat. Care to join us?"

He looked at Buffy; she nodded, "Sure." He held his hand against the small of Buffy's back, and led her out of the room. Angel introduced her to his co-workers. "Buffy this is Liz and Patrick. This is Buffy, my girlfriend."

"So this is Buffy? Angel mentions you all the time." Liz said.

"He never shuts up about you actually." Patrick added.

"Be nice," she heard Liz tell him as they followed them out of the museum.

"They must have been together for a long time." Buffy whispered.

"No, Liz is married, and Patrick is currently single I believe." Angel clarified.

"So you talk about me?" Buffy asked.

"Only a little."

She gave him a look, "Sure."

"Okay, a lot. Happy?" Angel queried.

"Very much so."

Buffy sat quietly through lunch. The other three were busy discussing the latest shipment of art. She barely understood a word they said. So after awhile she tuned them out. She wasn't even paying attention when Liz spoke her name.

"Buffy? Hello? Buffy?" she repeated.

"Huh? Oh, sorry." Buffy looked embarrassed. Angel patted her hand, and gave her a smile.

"We seem to have left you out of the conversation." Liz stated.

"Don't worry about. Art is so not my kind of thing." She reassured her.

"Well, what do you do?"

"I'm a student at UC Sunnydale."

She nodded, "Did Angel tell you he was offered a job there?"

"He did. I think he should take it." Buffy answered.

"He definitely should. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. If I had it, I would take it in a heartbeat."

"I'm seriously considering it." Angel told them.

Patrick joined in, "You said you were a student. That would make you how old?"

"Nineteen. I'm a sophomore." Buffy verified. "Why?"

"A little young for you, isn't she Angel?" Liz asked.

Patrick nodded in agreement, "Hey, do you have any hot friends you can set me up with?"

Buffy shook her head; "I only have two single friends. One wouldn't give you a second look, the other, well, she's a recovering psychotic killer."

"Sorry I asked." He said.

"What about Willow or Tara?" Angel questioned. "Aren't they single?"

"Nope, they're involved."

"With who?"

"Each other." Buffy cleared up. "I thought you knew."

"I don't think so. But now I do."

Liz looked at her watch, "Sorry to eat and run, but we have to get back to work. See you soon. It was nice meeting you Buffy."

They both got up to leave, and after saying goodbye, they left.

"Why does everyone have to point out that I am younger than you?" Buffy complained. "It isn't like I'm a minor, and what we're doing is illegal."

"I don't know why, honey." He kissed her forehead. "All I know, is how much I love you."

His words brought a smile to her face, "How do you always know the right thing to say to make me feel better?"

"I guess it's a gift."

Part 27

"I think I'm going to take the teaching job." Angel stated as he and Buffy cuddled on the couch, watching a rerun of Friends.

She looked at him. He had said that out of the blue, "You mean it?"

"It's a better job. Plus better pay, and it provides me and my family with benefits. Which we'll need."

She touched his face, "That's not the point. The point is do you want it? Is it what you want to do? I don't want you to make a choice you're going to regret later." Buffy told him. "Is it going to make you happy?"

He thought for a moment. Then he gave her a smile; "It would, especially if I get to see you."

"Well then, I guess you better take it." She looked at her watch; "It's only after seven, you could probably-"

"Call now." He kissed her forehead, "Be right back."

Angel left to make the phone call. Buffy anxiously waited for his return. When he came back to her, she switched off the television and gave him her full attention.

"What did they say?" she asked.

"They were glad I took them up on their offer. Seeing as the last art teacher mysteriously disappeared this past summer. They needed someone to replace him. The class is going to start in a week, even though it's about two months into the semester. Since some students need to take this class for their art requirements, it's important that it gets started as soon as possible."

"That's good. Did you ask them about me being your TA?"

He nodded, "I did."

"What did he say?"

"He said, that teachers are aloud to choose their own TAs. And since I wasn't here last year, I wouldn't know anyone from last year's class. So I told them I knew a student, but she hadn't taken the class yet. He told me if you were willing to take the class along with helping me out, that would be okay."

"Fine, I'll take the stupid Art class. How advance is it?"

"The only prerequisite is Art 101."

"Problem there. I never took that."

"It's okay. I told him that. They're making an exception for you, as long as this isn't going to be your major."

"Don't have to worry about that. We've both seen how well I do with art. This means I get to see you while I'm at school." A thought came to her, "How do I sign up for the class? That happened at the beginning of the school year."

"It's taken care of. All you have to do is show up next Monday," he reassured.

"I can do that. What days is the class anyway?"

"Three times a week. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, at eleven. We have to make up for lost time."

"Damn, there goes my lounging out, and doing nothing." She smiled, "But I get to see you extra time each day. The class won't be so bad if I get to stare at you the entire time."

"You're going to have to work."

She rolled her eyes, "Yeah, yeah, I know."

The phone rang. "I'll get it." Angel walked over and answered it. "Hello?…Hold on." He brought the phone over to Buffy. "It's Faith."

"Hello?…Yeah….Okay….You do?… That's great!…Pizza?…Got it….We'll be there." She hung up. "Faith wants us to come over to her place for pizza, right now," she told Angel.

"I take it she got herself a place."

"She did. She said that it's nothing much, but it'll do for now. And she is having a date over." Buffy said. "I think she wants me to approve of him. She's known for picking up losers, so hopefully this is a good guy for her."

"We'll just have to see."

"So be nice to him, no matter what he is like." Buffy requested.

"I will. I expect you'll do the same?" he questioned.

"I'll try." He gave her a look, "I will. I swear. I just don't want her to end up with some jerk. She is better than that."

"I know she is. But this is just a date. No one said it if it was going to get serious or not." Angel pointed out.

She grabbed his hand, "Come on. We don't want to be late."

They arrived at Faith's apartment. It wasn't as bad as the place she lived before the mayor helped her out. Yet it still wasn't like the Golden Isles, where they lived. It was a single apartment, and seemed spacey enough for Faith. She had a small kitchen, and room to workout.

"I know it's a mess here. But I'm just settling in." Faith explained. "But looking past that, what do you think?"

"It's nice. You're getting yourself off on a good foot." Buffy replied.

"I figure once I get a job, I might be able to get myself a better place. The money I got from the mayor isn't going to last forever."

"You need a job?" Angel asked.

"Why, you can get her one?" Buffy inquired.

"I think I might be able to at the college. I'm not promising anything, but I'll see what I can do."

"Thanks. That means a lot to me." Faith said.

"Now tell us about this guy." Buffy told her. "Where did you meet him?"

"I actually ran into him on patrol. He's cute, funny, and very sweet. We hit it off right away."

"Patrol?" Faith nodded. Buffy asked, "Okay, might I know him?"

She shrugged, "I don't know. Maybe."

"It's not Riley or anything? Is he?"

She made a face, "No way. I wouldn't dare think about going out with that GI-Joe. He's not even a good screw."

"Faith!" Buffy warned.

"It's not him. This guy is actually a man." There was a knock on the door. "That's him!" She went to answer the door.

Part 28

Faith opened the door, "Hey! Come in."

"Hello cutie," he answered.

"Oh god." Buffy muttered under her breath. She looked at Angel, "If that is who I think it is, I'll…" The familiar blond stepped into the apartment. "Spike! Hi!" she said with false enthusiasm.

"I take it you guys do know each other then." Faith stated. "That's good. I can skip the introductions."

"You didn't tell me Goldie Locks and Peaches were going to be here. That's not playing fair." Spike protested.

"It's nice to see you too." Buffy retorted. "Faith can I see you for a second. Alone." She headed for the bedroom.

Faith followed her, and shut the door behind them. "What's bugging you, B?"

"Don't you know that he's a…he's a …" she trailed off.

"You can say it. Vampire. I know. You know him, he can't hurt anyone. What's the big deal?"

"The big deal is, he's evil! He would love to see us all dead. He'd find it funny." Buffy replied.

"You don't see him the way I do." Faith rallied.

"Thank god! If I did, Eww! I can't even think about it. I go to a land of bad visuals." Buffy shuddered.

"Get over it B. He's a nice guy. He really is. I don't care want you think of him. It would be great to have your support, but whatever. He's the first guy in a long time to treat me with respect and dignity. Don't I deserve to have those things?" Faith questioned.

"You deserve them," she agreed. "But there are a hell of a lot more guys out there, who can give you that, than Spike."

"Unlike you, I don't get a big choice of guys. I'm not a pretty blond girl like you. Most guys only give me a second glance, because of the way I dress. And those guys are usually after one thing…sex. I want more than just some sex toy. You have Angel. I want someone like him too."

"Spike is in no way like Angel! You are making a big mistake!" Buffy cried. "Don't you see?"

"No. You see! I'm the one to decide if I'm making a mistake. And I don't think I am. One could have said the same thing to you, when you broke up with Riley and started to see Angel. And you got pregnant. I won't have to worry about that! Spike is a vampire, so when we screw, I can't get pregnant!"

Buffy's tone softened, "I can see your point. I'll give him a chance, for your sake. Just stop sending me to a bad visual place. I definitely don't want to picture you two having sex."

Faith chuckled, "Deal. Let's get back to the guys. See what they have been up to, while we were in here."

They went back to the other room. Both of them sat next to their significant others. Buffy rested her head against Angel's shoulder. Her mind was still spinning from the knowledge of Faith and Spike being together. She sighed as Angel planted a soft kiss on her forehead.

"So what have you fine boys been talking about?" Faith asked.

Spike shrugged, "Nothing of importance."

"I get it." Faith announced. "You guys were trading sex secrets."

Angel's eyes went wide, "No we weren't."

Buffy grinned, "She was kidding."

"I didn't know that." Angel answered sheepishly. "I thought she was being serious. I don't get sarcasm."

Spike rolled his eyes, "Slayer, I'm starting to think this guy is more of a poof than the last one."

"Spike…" Buffy said annoyed. "The only reason I am tolerating you is for Faith. And I should congratulate you. You finally found someone worthwhile to go out with. A major step up from Drusilla, and Harmony. You know I never quite figured out why you went out with Harm, she was a pain in the ass human. She must have been a real pill to be with dead. Now I'm asking this as a serious question. Did you lose a bet?"

"Sod off!" Spike snapped.

"Stop it!" Faith broke in. "Can you two be civilize?" A knock on the door announced the arrival of the pizza. "I expect you two to act your age." She paid the delivery boy, and went into the kitchen. "I'll be right back."

She came back balancing four plates, which held pizza.

Buffy shot up from the couch, "Let me give you a hand with those." She took two from Faith. One for her, and the other one for Angel. "Do you need help with getting the drinks?"

Faith nodded. The girls returned carrying soda cans. Buffy replaced herself next to Angel.

They ate in silence. No one knew what to say, making the meal awkward. When they were finished, Buffy helped Faith clean up.

"You know what? It's getting late. Angel and I should be going." She took her lover's hand. "We'll see you both later."

"Bye B. Thanks for coming over." Faith looked at Spike.

"Yeah, thanks. Nice seeing you," he said disinterested. "Can we go kick some demon ass now?" he asked Faith.

"We should probably patrol." Buffy heard Faith answer as her and Angel left.

Once they got home, Buffy and Angel got ready for bed.

"I can't stand that guy!" Buffy exclaimed. "Out of all the guys in Sunnydale, Faith had to fall for him. I would have rather it been Riley." Angel gave her an unsure look. "Okay. Maybe not."

"You gotta admit, they are kind of cute together." Angel stated.

"Ick! Don't make me think about them together. It's too disturbing. You want to know one thing horrible about them being a couple?"

"What's that?"

"They have both tried to kill me several times before. I don't want to end up on their bad sides."

"That would probably be the best idea." Angel agreed. "Honey, I'm proud of you though." She looked at him strangely. "You're putting yours and Spike's differences to the side, and supporting Faith. It's not something easily done."

"No, it's not." She snuggled next to him. "I love you."

"I love you too." He put his arm around her.

"This is what I call a perfect ending to a terrible evening."

Part 29

Before they knew it, the day arrived. It was Angel's first day of teaching at UC Sunnydale. Angel had managed to get Faith a job working at the on campus library, and she was very grateful for that. They were awaiting the entrance of the students. Buffy was perched on Angel's desk.

"So you nervous?" Buffy questioned.

He shook his head, "No, do I seem like it?"

"Not really." Buffy supplied. "But I kind of got the jitters."

"Why? It's not like you have to teach the class."

"It's just, it's my first day being your TA. I don't want to let you down. Plus I have to learn about Art, which is not my thing."

"Don't agonize over it. Today I'm just going to lay out what I plan to do the rest of the semester."

"Oh boy! That will be loads of fun!" Buffy mocked.

"All you just have to sit and listen." He embraced her. "And look beautiful," he added. "I don't think you'll have a problem with that."

"Nope. Those are all things I'm very good at. You might even call me an expert." She joked.

He leaned down, and brushed his lips with her. Buffy wrapped her legs around his waist, trying to pull him closer to her. The kiss became heated, and she fell backwards on the desk. Buffy moaned as Angel pulled away. She frowned at the loss of his contact with her. The both panted for air.

"I don't really fancy students walking in on us." Angel explained. "It's not something I want to deal with." She stuck out her bottom lip. "That's not going to work. I'll make it up to you later. I promise."

"You swear?" she asked. He nodded. "Good." She pulled his head close so their lips were almost touching. "Just one more kiss. For good luck."

Without a moment's hesitation, his lips met hers in a short sweet kiss.

Angel began rummaging through a pile of papers; he looked up as a couple of students wandered into the room. He gave them a smile, and went back to looking through his notes, for that night's assignment. His eyes then landed on Buffy. She was still seated haphazardly on his desk. He motioned to the chairs that were now occupied by at least a dozen students.

She caught his drift, and reluctantly jumped down from Angel's desk. "I'll talk to you later." She quickly sat herself down in the front row. She wanted the best view possible of her lover.

Eleven o'clock rolled by slowly. A few late arrivals grabbed the last empty seats in back. Angel began to outline the semester, talking about his plans. Buffy couldn't pay attention, her eyes roamed around the room. It was a pretty decent sized class. She saw a few familiar faces, but no one she was actually acquainted with. She tried to focus on Angel's words.

"I have a teacher's assistant." His eyes met Buffy's and he gave her a small smile. He pointed to her; "Buffy Summers will be helping me out this year. Since I'm new, I don't know any of the previous students who have taken this class. Miss Summers will be lending me a hand, while taking this class. If you have any questions, I advise you to first bring them up to her. I'll try to keep her well informed on the assignments. If she is unable to answer your problems, she will relay them to me. I'll help as soon as I can. Okay, any questions?"

"Is she going to know the answers ahead of time?" A student asked pointedly. "Will she get to see the tests before the rest of us?"

"No. Her first time seeing them will also be yours. Buffy will only have privileges to see answers to the tests after they have been taken. And before you ask, she will not be grading her own papers. I will see to hers." Angel stated. "Now let's move on. Tonight's assignment will be to bring me a piece of your artwork on Wednesday. It can be anything you like. A painting, a sketch, a sculpture, et cetera. It can be new or made previously. I just want to know basically what kind of artists I have in this class. That way I know what should be more of a main focus this year. I want…"

Buffy didn't hear what else he was saying. She was fretting over what she was going to do. There was no way she was going to be able to make up a piece of art for the next class. What was she supposed to do? Draw stick figures? She knew Angel would give her a break on it. But after seeing the other students' faces when they learned that a classmate was their TA, she didn't want special privileges. She racked her brain for an answer. She came up with nothing. By the time the class was over, her mind was wasted. And still very blank.

The students ushered out slowly. She remained in her chair, until the last one of them disappeared out the door. Then she made her way up to Angel's desk.

He took her in his arms, and gave her a kiss. "So…what do you think?"

"About what?" she inquired confused.

"How do you think I did?" Angel clarified.

"Oh you did good. Except…" she trailed off.

He made her look him in the eye, "Except what? Is something bothering you? What's on your mind?"

"I can't do it. The assignment I mean. I have no talent for art. What should I do? Color a picture from a coloring book? I think that might make me the laughing stock of the class."

"You don't have to do it. I wasn't expecting you to." Angel assured her.

"I have to," she informed him. "If I don't the other students will know you are letting me off the hook. They're already skeptical of me being your TA. I don't want you to give me special treatment."

"How can I not? I love you, not any of my other students. I don't think you'd appreciate it if I did this to them." He gave her a gentle kiss.

"I wouldn't. It'd also be very weird if you showed your male pupils that kind of affection," she teased.

"We'll think of something for you to turn in."

"Like what?"

"I don't know yet. I'll have to think about it. But I'm sure, we'll come up with something."

Part 30

Buffy sat in front of Angel. He held her small hand in his, as he helped her sketch the view from their balcony. She sat silently, letting him take control. What had appeared on the paper before her, in the past couple of hours, amazed her. She had no idea she had any talent for such a thing. Although a major factor of it being so good was Angel, she couldn't help but feel somewhat artistic.

Angel gently released her hand, "There, it's finished."

Her eyes took in the sketch. For her first try, it was beautiful. She turned to face Angel. "I love it. Thank you."

"You did it yourself." He pointed out.

"I did not. If it wasn't for you, this picture would be a tree and some flowers, and it wouldn't be pretty."

Angel chuckled, "It wouldn't be that bad. Tomorrow, you'll have to take complete credit for it. I don't think it would be such a good idea for the other students to know I helped you out."

"I know." Her hand crept behind his neck. She pulled his head down so their lips were close. "Just let me prove to you how thankful I am." She kissed his mouth, eagerly waiting for him to join her.

He smiled into her lips. He returned the kiss fervently. His hand found the small of her back, and he pressed her firmly against him, wanting to feel her. He stood up. Buffy's legs clamped around him, as he fumbled with the door handle. He blindly carried her back to their bedroom.

________________________

Buffy seated herself in the same chair she had been just a few days earlier. She watched as Angel shuffled through a pile of papers.

His eyes glanced up, noticing her. He smiled, taking in her beauty. All thoughts of what he was looking for, vanished out of his mind. He made his way over to Buffy. She flashed him one of her million dollar smiles. He felt himself melting. "Hey you," he cooed, greeting her.

"Right back at you," she replied. She kissed his lips lightly. The past night's events still played throughout her mind.

As the kiss ended, Angel picked up her sketch. "I should probably take this. I'm going to have everyone hand their work in as they come into class." He abandoned her long enough to safely place the picture on his desk. "Now, where were we?" he asked teasingly.

Her fingers played with his spiky hair. She brought her mouth to his, "Oh, I think we were somewhere about here."

His lips met hers. He became lost in her. He heard a noise behind him. Quickly letting go of Buffy, he turned towards the door, just as a couple of students entered the room. Buffy looked at him expecting another kiss, unaware of their company. "We'll finish this discussion after class," he said loudly hoping that his situation with Buffy wouldn't raise any questions.

Buffy looked over his shoulder, seeing the students for the first time. "Yeah, later," she answered coolly.

Angel went to collect the others' artwork. Buffy's spirits fell as she saw some of their work. They were spectacular. Her simple sketch was nothing compared to those. She felt out of place. This was no place for her. She would never be able to live up to the kind of standards everyone else was.

She had the urge to run out of the room, and not look back. But she fought it, especially when she looked at Angel. He gave her a smile, which reassured her. Without knowing it, Angel sealed her decision to stay. If it weren't for him, she would have definitely been halfway across campus by now, leaving a trail of smoke behind her.

She daydreamed as Angel went on and on about some kind of art. She'd have him explain it to her later; it was not like she would actually understand it now anyway. Instead she found that staring at his muscular body was a more efficient way to pass the time.

When he dismissed the class, she quickly was at his side. She gave him a quick kiss. She let out a sigh.

"So, how do you think I did today?"

"Well…it was interesting."

"Which part? The couple of words you did listen to? Or the part where you stared off into space?"

"Hey! It wasn't into space. I was staring at you. Besides, I figured you would explain it all to me using simple words. You know, so I could actually maybe get the message clear in my head."

"I will." He pulled her into his embrace. "We had a close call before. Those students almost walked in on us, kissing."

"But they didn't catch us. We have nothing to worry about." She rested her head on his shoulder. "My stomach is all growling. I'm starving! Do you want to get some lunch? My treat."

"How could I possibly resist that?"

The two of them went to the cafeteria. Buffy bought them each a sandwich, and a soda. They found a small table, and sat down.

"You sure know how to treat a guy." Angel joked.

"Shut up," she teased. "I have another class in twenty minutes. I don't have time for anything else."

They ate quickly. Buffy noticed a few people from her art class looking at her oddly. 'Great,' she thought. 'They're going to think I'm the teacher's pet.' Her eyes caught Angel's; he gave her a smile. 'Since when was being the teacher's pet so bad? Especially when it is Angel? Screw them. I'm not going to complain about having him for a boyfriend. They're just jealous.' She saw a few girls staring at Angel. She shot them a killer glare. They quickly looked away.

After lunch, Angel walked her to her next class. "I'll see you at home then?" Buffy questioned.

He shook his head, "No. Meet me here." He handed her a slip of paper with an address on it. "I want to show you some things."

"Like what?"

He glanced around. Seeing no one, he gave Buffy a kiss. "You'll see. I know you will like it." He kissed her one more time, before leaving.

Buffy watched him go, then looked at the piece of paper in her hand. She wondered what he had in store for her.

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