Summary- After 'Nightmares', the nightmare world is lasting longer than it should. Buffy is a vamp. She can't deal, so who do they call?
Rating- PG-13.
Disclaimer- Ok, look. I'm writing an alternate episode, does it LOOK like I own them?
Distribution- Want. Take. Have. Just tell me where it's going.
Challenge- This is a challenge issued by Carrie. Here are the requirements.
One of my personal favourites from that year was NIGHTMARES..when everyone in Sunnydale was experincing their worst fears in real life, thanks to little Billy. One of Buffy's nightmares was that she became a vampire.
Anyway, here is the challenge, it will require some stretching of time...where the nightmare world lasts longer than it did in the actual show, but eventually they do somehow fix everything..the amount of time it takes it up to you...but at least a week would be great. :)
1. Upon discovering Buffy's new state, Giles and co. try to help her out, but find they can't get through to her. Thus, Xander, of all people, goes to find "Dead Boy" because he is the only one who could really have practical advice.
2. Remember, because this is in the innocent days of season one, and Buffy and Angel haven't been in a relationship yet - actually Buffy hasn't seen him since their kiss in the Bronze - sexual content should be kept to what both Angel and Buffy would reasonably feel comfortable doing at this stage.. there should definitely be some sort of um...intense comforting...involved though. *G*
3. Buffy expresses concern over how Angel can still love her "like this". He responds with the line "because you love me" or something of the like.
4. Just as in the show, they all remember their experiences after it is over..and Buffy makes a special visit to Angel's. Oh...and it takes some real convincing to make Buffy drink blood. Issued by Carrie

Buffy crawled out of the grave she had been stuck in. Once she was all the way up, she saw Xander, Willow, and Giles standing there. They looked surprised to see her.

"Guys. Hey, God, I thought I was going to be stuck in there forever." Buffy said, wiping the dirt off her cloths.

They all looked shocked and speechless for some reason.

"What's wrong?" Buffy asked, eyeing them.

"Well, uh, its." Giles stammered, his eyes glued to her face.

"What?" Buffy asked.

"Your face. Its." Willow blurted.

Buffy raised a hand to her face and traced her features. She gasped when her hand came into contact with ridges. Her hand traveled lower and she felt fangs.

"No." Buffy whispered in a horse voice.

"Buffy, its not-" Xander started, stepping closer.

Buffy cut him off by turning her back to them.

"No. Don't, just, don't." Buffy hissed, trying to stop her hands from shaking.

"Buffy, this isn't real." Giles tried to explain.

"No. It is. I can't feel my heart beat." Buffy whispered just loud enough for them all to hear.

Willow gasped loudly then covered her mouth with her hand.

Xander walked slowly over to her and put a hand on Buffy's shoulder. Buffy jumped and pulled away from him, growling. Obviously she didn't want any comfort.

"Buff, its ok. We're your friends." Xander said gently.

Buffy spun around, growling, her eyes flashing golden dangerously.

"Friends? No. Not while I'm like this. Just stay away from me, Xander." Buffy growled, her voice disfigured from the fangs.

Xander took a step back. He was almost afraid of her like this.

Buffy could sense his fear. She backed away, then turned and fled to the shadows.

Xander shook his head and kicked a gravestone angrily.

"Damn it." He whispered, then turned to leave.

"Xander, where are you going?" Willow asked.

"To go see someone who can help her." Xander said.

"Who? We don't know who's doing this. Only when it stops will she be alright." Giles put in.

"Yeah? Well, fine, the person who can understand her." Xander threw over his shoulder.

"Who?" Willow asked.

"Dead-boy." Xander yelled before he started to run.

Angel was awoken by consistent pounding at his door.

"What.?" he mumbled disoriented.

The pounding still came and Angel stumbled to the door, and opened it. There stood Xander who pushed his way in.

"What are you doing here, boy?" Angel asked in a low voice.

"Shut up. I don't like you. I'm not scared of you. I'm here because of Buffy." Xander snapped.

"What? What's wrong?" Angel asked, trying not to show too much emotion.

"Bad things are happening. Nightmares are coming true. Don't ask because I don't know. But Buffy, she needs your help." Xander explained.

"Why me?" Angel asked.

"Because--God, do I have to admit it?-you're the only one who will understand." Xander admitted reluctantly.

"Um, its day out if you haven't noticed. And what do you mean 'understand her'" Angel asked.

The boy was running him in circles.

"Day? No, it isn't. Take a look outside, Dead-Boy." Xander sneered, puling the shades up to reveal the pitch black sky.

Angel sighed and looked at the boy.

"Where is she?"

Buffy had run awhile before she fell to her knees. Her hands felt her face and she still felt the ridges and fangs. She growled angrily. Why wouldn't she change back? She hated the feelings and sensations she felt. She could see exceptionally better in the dark the she could earlier. Her senses were going crazy. She could sense a human nearby. She could feel the humming of their blood rushing through their veins.

"Oh God." Buffy murmured as she felt this incredible hunger rise through her.

She pressed her hand against her mouth, feeling revulsion as she felt sharp fangs against her flesh. Buffy could feel the human get closer. But there was something else too. Something not human.

"Vampire." Buffy whispered.

Buffy tried to make her face change back to human, but it only gave her a headache.

"Buffy." She heard Xander call.

"I said go away." Buffy hissed and hide her face.

"Buffy." Another voice said.

Buffy knew that voice.

"Angel?" Buffy asked, turning his way.

Angel inwardly gasped. Buffy was a vampire. Her beautiful hazel eyes were now golden. Her flawless face was contorted by the face of a demon. God help him, he still thought she was beautiful.

"Go." Angel said to Xander who nodded and ran back the way they had come.

"God, Buffy." Angel murmured kneeling down next to her.

She made a strangled sound in her throat and buried her face in her hands. Angel put his arm around her and gently pulled her to him. She laid her head in his lap and he stroked her hair. He could feel the hatred of what she had become washing through her in waves.

"I hate this. I hate it." She mumbled.

"I know." There was nothing else Angel could say.

The two of them stayed there for a few moments. Angel was stroking her hair in a comforting way. She seemed to be fine until she moaned putting her hand over her mouth. Instantly Angel knew it was bloodlust. She hadn't fed. It was like a newborn vampire. She needed to feed before she went crazy with hunger. Angel stood up and pulled her with him.

"Where are we going?" Buffy asked.

"My apartment." Angel answered.

Buffy didn't reply. She was quiet for the whole walk there.

Angel opened the door and let Buffy enter first. She still had her 'game' face on. She saw him looking at her and turned away.

"Buffy." He said softly.

"Hmm." She murmured not looking at him.

"Look at me." Angel ordered softly.

She shook her head.

"Please, Buffy, come on." Angel pleaded.

Reluctantly, she did.

"What?" she asked, her eyes flashing.

"Relax you face." Angel said.

"What?" she asked incredulously.

"Put your guard down. You're safe here." Angel said.

She took a breath and nothing happened.

"You're still tense. You need to relax, and you're face will change." Angel said gently.

Buffy was mad then.

"Well, I'm sorry! I didn't get the instruction manual." Buffy exploded.

Angel could see tears of frustration in her golden eyes. What he did next, he didn't think about. It was impulsive. He kissed her.

It was like slow motion for Buffy. She was about ready to kill something then Angel stepped foreword, grabbed her waist, and kissed her. Buffy responded instantly and kissed him back. The kiss was gentle and full of soft passion. Angel pulled away slowly and opened his eyes. A slow smile came across his face.

"There. No tension." Angel whispered and trailed a finger lightly down her cheek.

Buffy felt her face and felt the normal smooth skin instead of the demonic face. She let out a relieved breath.

"Thank you." Buffy whispered and stepped away before they became swept up in the passion that lingered in the air.

Angel bowed his head and went deeper into the apartment. Buffy followed and looked at his little treasures along the way. There were numerous paintings and little sculptures.

"My Mother would love you." Buffy called to him.

"Why's that?" He asked, his voice slightly muffled.

"All these.things. She'd want you two to bond." Buffy said.

"I'm afraid now." Angel said.

Buffy laughed.

"I'm taking offense to that." Buffy said.

"How come?" Angel asked coming into the room.

"She says I'm like her. I don't see it but." Buffy trailed off looking at what he had in his hand, "What's that?"

Angel held up a packet of blood.

"Pigs blood. You have to eat it." Angel said.

"No." Buffy said shaking her head.

"Buffy." Angel sighed.

"No. I am not going to drink it." Buffy said through gritted teeth. She could smell the rich scent. It made something deep inside her stir. No, no no.

"Buffy, you have too. Unless, you want to go find a human?" Angel suggested.

Buffy looked up at him, horrified.

"No. I won't eat anything. I'm not hungry." Buffy said stubbornly.

"Don't lie to me. I can feel what you feel, Buffy." Angel sighed.

"No. You can't make me. I won't." Buffy said meeting his eyes, daring him to challenge her.

Not wanting to fight with her, he put the packet back and sat next to her on his couch.

"I don't like this, Angel. I don't like the way I feel." Buffy whispered.

"I know. How.did you get like this?" Angel asked gently.

She had a soul. He could feel it.

"I wasn't bit. Something's going on. Everyone's nightmares are coming true. Mine was being a vampire." Buffy whispered the last part.

They sat in silence for awhile. Angel was overpowered by the nearness of her. He was scared. He had never felt like this before. Not with Darla. Not with Dru. Angel was about to say something when he noticed Buffy had fallen asleep. Angel smiled slightly. She looked so small right now. Like a regular girl. From this sight, you would never guess she was the Slayer. Angel groaned inwardly. He was falling for her. The Slayer. His supposed mortal enemy. Angel gazed down at the sleeping blond. Angel got up slowly trying to wake her. She shifted and mumbled something but didn't wake up. Angel grabbed a blanket from his closet and covered her up. He had to call her Watcher now to see exactly what was going on.

Buffy walked around the barely lit cemetery stalking the vampire who had risen. She stayed in the shadows so she would not be found. She lost the vamp but found a small group of humans. Buffy could hear the thumping of their hearts and feel the humming of the blood rushing through their veins. An uncontrollable urge came over her and she felt her face vamp out. No reasonable thought entered her mind. All the saw was the blood. All she felt was the heat radiating off their bodies. She felt almost giddy when she heard their fearful, painful screams. Something inside her loved it. Craved it. Hot, rich, liquid ran down her throat. Sweeter than wine. The person she was holding grew heavy with dead weight. Buffy dropped the body with a loud thud. She licked her fangs and mouth and tasted the last of the blood. Blood. Buffy came out of her hunger induced haze and saw who she had just killed. Willow, Xander, and.Giles.

"No. No!" Buffy whispered than started to scream.

"No, no, no, no!" She chanted over and over.

She could taste the blood in her mouth. She could feel it in her veins.

"Oh God." Buffy moaned, and sat up.

What the hell just happened? She was sitting on a couch. She was at Angel's. Buffy wiped her mouth expecting there to be blood smeared on her hands. She could swear what had happened was real. She tasted it! But, it was a dream. A horrible wonderful dream. Buffy's insides cramped with want and need for something to feed on. Buffy pulled her knees up to her chest and buried her face. She didn't know what was happening, but it was painful. Buffy moaned softly again.

"Buffy?" Angel asked, hearing her and coming into the room.

"I don't feel good." Buffy whispered, not lifting her head.

Angel knew what was happening. Bloodlust. If he didn't get her to feed, it would grow more and more painful by the minute. Angel went to his kitchen and took a packet of blood. He had to make her eat it, somehow.

"Buffy, here." Angel said, sitting next to her.

Buffy lifted her head and looked at it. Her eyes grew dark and she shook her head.

"No." she said.

"Buffy, you have too. You'll die if you don't." Angel said.

"I'm already dead!" Buffy yelled, her face vamping out.

Buffy turned away ashamed.

"Buffy, if you don't, the pain will grow worse. You'll go crazy with hunger. And if you get out, you might kill someone." Angel said. He hated telling her the brutal truth, but she had to know. Buffy seemed to think about this. She looked at him. Her golden eyes were glowing with hunger, but she didn't want too.

"I can't." she half moaned.

"You have too." Angel said softly.

Buffy reluctantly reached out and grabbed the packet. Buffy looked at it and looked like she was about to cry. Angel felt his heart break.

"I know you don't want too, love, but don't think about it. Just pretend its soda." Angel comforted.

Buffy nodded and held up the packet.

"Bottoms up." She said weakly and closed her eyes tightly and let her fangs poke through the plastic. Buffy relished the taste and ate it almost greedily. Angel watched her with morbid curiosity. He knew she hated this. Hated being what she now was. Buffy pulled the packet away and opened her eyes. Angel could see a flicker of disappointment.

"It was.weird. In my dream, it was richer." Buffy admitted staring at the empty plastic bag.

"Human blood is richer. This isn't human. Its pigs. I can't take drinking human's blood. The temptation is too great. You won't drink it either. Promise me." Angel said.

"Promise? Do you really think I would drink from a human?" Buffy asked, golden eyes wide.

"No. I don't. But you can't be too sure with a demon inside of you." Angel said.

"I promise." Buffy then looked at him shyly, "I'm having some trouble changing back."

Angel had to smile. He leaned foreword and kissed her gently. It was a sweet innocent kiss. Angel loved it. They both pulled away, content. Buffy threw away the packet and looked up.

"Um, can I use your shower?" Buffy asked shyly.

"Yeah. Go ahead." Angel answered pointing to where it was. Angel realized that she didn't have any clothes with her, so he went into his bedroom and took out a dark silk shirt and a pair of socks for her. He heard the shower running and knock on the door.

"Yeah?" Buffy called.

"I have clothes for you." Angel called back.

"Bring them in. I'm covered." Buffy called.

Angel put his hands over his eyes and opened the door. He felt the moist steam whoosh at his face but didn't uncover his eyes, wanting to give her privacy. He set the clothes on the sink and left the room.

Buffy let the hot water pour over her. She saw that Angel had shampoo and conditioner and used that. She turned the water off and wrapped herself up in a fluffy towel. She dried herself off and got dressed in her jeans and the shirt Angel had given her, tying it at the waist. Buffy opened the door to let out the steam and wiped off the mirror. Buffy gasped when there was no reflection. She knew vampires had no reflection. But this just made it all clearer that, right now, she was a vampire. Buffy felt tears well up in her eyes. She knew it was irrational to cry, but she couldn't help it. Buffy angrily wiped her eyes and walked out. Angel was putting on his black duster.

"Where we going?" Buffy asked, walking up to him.

"Library. Giles wanted us to see him." Angel answered.

Buffy bowed her head slightly. She did not want to see the gang, not like this. She still didn't know how to control the demon inside of her. Angel saw her distress and put his arm around her shoulders.

"Don't worry." He said softly.

Buffy was grateful for his comfort. She smiled at him and they both walked out, his arm still tightly around her.

Xander and Willow were sitting at the libraries table.

"What do you think its like?" Willow suddenly spoke, making Xander jump at the break in silence.

"What what's like?" Xander then asked.

"Being a vampire?" Willow clarified.

"I don't know." Xander answered shaking his head.

"I wonder what Buffy's going through?" Willow thought aloud.

"I don't know, but.don't ask her." Xander advised.

"Why?" Willow asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Because. Think of what she's going through. It's her worst nightmare. I think she's probably giving Dead-Boy a hard time, and he's the one who understands her. Just don't mention it, Will." Xander sighed.

He then heard the door opening and saw Angel and Buffy. Xander felt a pang of jealousy when he saw Dead-Boys arm firmly around her waist.

"Hey Buff, Dead-Boy." Xander greeted with a wave.

Buffy gave a half smile.

Angel scowled.

"Don't call me that."

Xander just smirked.

Giles came out of the stacks, carrying several books.

"Buffy. Angel. Hello. How are you?" Giles asked setting the books on the table.

"Peachy." Buffy answered, rolling her eyes.

"Have you found anything about what's happening?" Angel asked the Watcher.

"We know that everybody's nightmares is coming true. Well, everyone who is alive and within the city limits." Giles explained.

Buffy sighed and sat down. Everyone in the room noticed how Angel stood close behind her and kept a hand on her shoulder.

"What's causing this?" Buffy asked.

So far she hadn't me eye contact with any of her friends. She felt lower now. She was thing that was to be killed. Buffy shook her head. Self loathing was not what she should be doing. She noticed that Giles was talking and tried to pay attention.

".and most likely during the moon.." Giles went on.

"Ok, what?" Buffy asked, interrupting and making everyone laugh at the lost look on her face.

Buffy heard Angel chuckle softly.

"Is it a demon or not?" Buffy asked.

"Well, uh, not to my knowledge." Giles said.

Buffy jumped up and started to pace.

"Well, what is it then?" Buffy asked, throwing up her hands, "I mean, if it's a demon, I can fight it. And I can be normal again. Or at least as normal as I can get."

There was high pitched laughter as something came through the doors. A clown came running into the library slashing with its knife.

Xander yelled and jumped up on the table. The clown jumped up after Xander and laughed again.

Buffy ran over to Xander and backhanded the clown. It slashed her and caught her arm. Buffy was enraged beyond belief and felt her face change. She growled and swept her feet under the clown. It fell on the table with a crack but swiped its knife again. This time it caught Xander on the shoulder. Angel jumped in this time and turned the clowns head and snapped its neck. "Xander!" Willow exclaimed coming toward him to tend to him wounds. Angel jumped off the table quickly took the evil clown's body outside.

"Buffy?" Willow asked, seeing Buffy with their back toward them.

"Buffy?" Buffy heard Willow asked.

Buffy shook her head and answered, "Just give me a minute."

Her voice was hoarse and slightly disfigured with the fangs poking her inner lip. There was a slight growled laced with her voice. "Buffy?" Willow asked again, coming closer.

Buffy closed her eyes, holding up her hand.

"Don't Will, just give me a minute." Buffy repeated her voice firmer yet laced with desperation.

Willow didn't like seeing her friend like this and pushed more.

"Buffy, please, don't do this." Willow said coming foreword and putting a hand on her friends shoulder.

Buffy jerked away and turned on her, her golden eyes flashing.

"Don't what? Try and calm down so my friends don't have to see me like this? Just leave me alone and give me a minute!" Buffy cried, turning and going up the stairs and into the stacks where they couldn't see her. Angel instantly followed her, but turned long enough to look at Willow.

"Don't push her, not when she's like this." Angel said then went after Buffy.

Angel found her leaning against the wall, her hand tangled through her hair and her eyes shut tightly.

"Buffy." He said softly.

She opened her eyes.

"I could smell it. Xander's blood." Buffy whispered.

"I know." Angel replied, taking her hand and pulling her to him. Angel was never usually this foreword in showing his feelings, but with the little blond girl, he couldn't help it. Buffy felt her face shift back to normal. She smiled at first then grimaced.

"Ugh. That feels weird." She said shaking her head.

Angel laughed softly and kissed the top of her head softly. Buffy felt a soft, warm feeling shoot through her. It made her feel safe and.loved? Maybe, just maybe she was falling for this man. This Angel.

Willow and Xander watched as Buffy and Angel walked out of the stacks together. Buffy looked calm and happy even. She sent Willow and apologetic smile.

"We're going to go now. Patrol and go to my house." Buffy said.

"What about your Mother?" Giles asked.

"She's in LA. Court stuff with Dad. Gone for another week." Buffy said, "We're just going to get some of my stuff."

"Stuff? Why stuff? Stuff because.?" Xander asked.

"I'm staying at Angel's until this is over." Buffy explained.

"A-are you sure that's wise?" Giles asked, going into over-protected surrogate-Dad mode.

"I have too." Buffy said.

"Why? Why can't you stay with Willow? Or me?" Xander asked, not liking the fact that she would be staying with Dead-Boy.

"I'm a vampire. That means no sun. No school. No parents. No food." Buffy said.

"Food.? You have to drink." Willow trailed off.

"Yeah." Buffy said shortly, closing the subject.

Angel nodded at Giles then led Buffy out of there. They walked to her house and Buffy unlocked the door. Angel walked in but something wouldn't let Buffy in.

"Hey!" Buffy exclaimed and Angel looked at her.

She remember that vampires couldn't enter unless invited by the owner. And her Mom wasn't home.

"That is so not fair! Its my own damn house!" Buffy hissed, kicked the wall.

Angel thought for a moment.

"Tell me what you want and I'll get it." Angel said after a minute.

"Go upstairs, ok?" Buffy said, the circled around the house.

She started to climb the tree outside her window and perched on it. Angel entered her room and smiled at her.

"Ok, what do you want?" he asked.

"Umm, some jeans. White dresser, second drawer." Buffy said.

Angel put a few pairs in the duffel he held.

"Shirts. Bottom drawer." Buffy said.

Angel put them in.

"Um, well, top drawer." Buffy said quietly.

Angel opened I and saw panties and lingerie. Her just took a handful and stuffed them in there along with socks.

"The pajamas on the bed and Mr. Gordo." Buffy said.

Angel turned to look at her.

"The stuffed pig." Buffy answered.

Angel smiled and Buffy looked over her room, deciding what else to take.

"Oh! Toothbrush. In the bathroom." Buffy exclaimed. Angel hid his smile. She was just too cute. Not that he'd ever tell her that.

"Ok, go back downstairs and grab my tennis shoes and check the answering. I'll meet you on the porch." Buffy said climbing down.

"Careful. Don't impale yourself on any branches." Angel said smirking.

"Ha ha, funny man." Buffy rolled her eyes, but smiled as she jumped down.

Buffy circled the house again and went on the porch.

"Any messages?" She called.

"Yeah. One from your Mom. She wants you to call her." Angel said, handing her the cordless phone.

Buffy dialed the number and wait for her Mom to answer.

"Mom? Hey, yeah, I got your message. No, I was sleeping and had the ringer off. Yeah, give Dad my love. Ok, love you too. Bye Mom." Buffy said turning it off and throwing the phone back inside.

"Let's go."

Buffy was exhausted when the got back to Angel's apartment. It was close to dawn. She felt a warning of a tingle that told her not go outside. The sun she was so used too, was now dangerous and deadly. Buffy stumbled into the bathroom and changed into her nightclothes. She brushed her hair long and shiny and walked back into the living room.

"You can get the bed." Angel said, taking some blankets and pillows out of the closet.

His movements were somewhat jerky and awkward. He didn't have many, if any, visitors.

"No. No, its ok. Last time, I got the bed. I'll take the couch." Buffy said, waving him off and smiling.

Angel looked uncertain.

"Are you sure, because I really don't mind." Angel offered.

"I'm fine. " Buffy asked, suddenly getting bleary eyed and laying down on the couch and getting comfortable.

Angel started to leave, but came back and gave Buffy a quick kiss on the corner of her lips.

"Sweet dreams, Buffy." Angel whispered to her, then went into his room.

Buffy smiled to herself and whispered, "Sweet Dreams, Angel."

Angel awoke from his deep sleep just after sunset. He actually felt rested. He walked rubbing his eyes into the living room and saw Buffy sprawled on the couch. Her breathing was heavy. Her tank top strap had fallen down and her tank top had ridden up to reveal her smooth creamy colored midriff. Her lips were parted slightly and her hair was mussed. The blanket was twisted around her small frame . Angel smiled softly and thought she had never looked more beautiful. There was a soft knock at the door and Angel rushed to it, hoping it wouldn't wake Buffy. There stood Xander and Willow.

"Is Buffy here?" Willow asked.

"She's asleep." Angel answered in a whisper.

"Asleep? Where? In your bed?" Xander demanded walking loudly into the apartment.

"Xander!" Willow hissed.

Xander stopped when he saw Buffy on the couch, stirring and mumbling to herself but still asleep.

"Shut up. She needs rest." Angel hissed.

"Oh, and I suppose you know what's best for her." Xander smart mouthed.

"Yes, at the moment I do." Angel retorted.

"Shut up." Buffy moaned and pulled the blanket over her head.

Willow pulled Xander out.

"Tell her we stopped by. Giles might have a lead." Willow whispered.

Angel nodded and closed the door. He then turned and gazed at Buffy. She was beautiful. Angel was surprised at the thought and knew he was falling for her. He only hoped that she never knew. He was below her, a demon. But while she might be one now, she wouldn't be for long. Buffy shifted and the blanket uncovered her face. Her eyes were closed but he could imagine the emerald green orbs that lie underneath. Her golden hair was mussed and wildly laid about the pillow. Angel had the strong sudden urge to run his fingers through the tresses. Angel walked put of the room quickly before he did something that he wasn't sure was right. Angel heated himself a mug of blood and wondered when she would be turned back to human. When she would leave him. Angel sat in thought s for awhile when Buffy came walking into the kitchen yawning and stretching. She padded past him and grabbed a glass of water. Her eyes were still sleepy and he suspected that she didn't see him yet. Angel smiled slightly as she padded back into the living room. He followed her and watched as she curled up on the couch again.

"I hope you aren't going back to sleep." Angel said leaning in the doorway.

"Why?" She mumbled, her voice mumbled from the pillows.

"Willow and Xander stopped by and said they needed to see you." Angel said, smiling slightly at the sight before him. She was so damn cute.

"Ughhhhh." She moaned and gave him a sleepy puppy pouty face.

"No, get up." Angel said not letting himself cave, though he wanted too. He pulled her up and told her to get ready.

She went to the bathroom and came back dressed in black pants and dark red tie up shirt. She was zipping up her boots when Angel went out the door. She caught up with him and he put his arm around her unconsciously. The walked to the library in a comfortable silence, which was immediately broken when the entered.

Xander saw them, so close and nearly exploded.

"So, Dead-Boy, Buffy. Getting kind of close, huh? A little *too* close?" He rudely hinted.

Buffy noticed his arm and pulled herself away, reluctantly.

Willow thought it was sleep and smiled.

"So, uh, Giles, what's the what?" Buffy asked, to break the now weird silence.

"W-we have reason to-to believe that everyone, alive that is, in Sunnydale is having his or her nightmare come true." Giles said, preoccupied.

"Well, duh Giles, tell me something I *don't* know!" Buffy chided.

"Yes and both Willow and Xander have seen a little boy in and out of the school." " And..?" Buffy waved her hand to keep him going.

"Oh, oh, s-sorry. Well, the boy, it seems he was placed in the hospital over a week ago." Giles said.

"What?" Buffy asked, carefully.

"His name is Billy Palmer and he was found last week, behind the bleachers after his kiddie baseball game. He's in a coma in Sunnydale General." Giles said.

"Let's go." Buffy said, walking out of the library and expecting them to follow. They made it there in silence. Buffy walked up to the attendant office. The nurse looked up with a false smile.

"I'm here to see Billy Palmer." Buffy said with a fake smile too.

"Are you family?" The nurse asked.

"Yes, I'm his cousin." Buffy answered.

"Who are they?" The nurse asked, indicating her friends.

"Dad, boyfriend, two friends." Buffy answered, pointing to Giles, Angel, Xander, and Willow.

"Alright, he in ICU room 214. Don't stay too long." The nurse said pointing the way.

"Thank you." Buffy said, walking down the hall, ignoring the smell of blood.

She walked into Billy's room and tried not to gasp at his marred and bruised figure.

"Oh God." Buffy whispered, then turned to Giles.

"Who did this?" Buffy asked, a hint of violence in her voice.

"They don't know. Only he does." Giles said.

"The ugly man did it." A small voice said from the doorway.

Buffy and everyone else turned and saw Billy standing there. Xander looked back and forth from the body on the bed and the boy in the doorway.

"Who's the ugly man?" Buffy asked, kneeling down to the boys level.

"I-I don't.can't." The small boy whimpered.

"Its alright." Buffy said soothingly.

Angel watched on with dark eyes. What he was seeing pulled at his long dead heart.

A loud sound echoed through the rooms and the corridor.

"He's coming!" The boy screeched.

Buffy jumped up and ran out into the halls, turning corners and seeing the most repulsive thing yet.

"Ugly Guy? Ugh, so the understatement of the year." Buffy scoffed.

He turned away from the victim he was wailing on and whipped around toward her.

He growled

"Lucky 7."

And jumped at her.

Buffy was barely out of the way in time. He barreled into the wall, and turned back to her, furious.

He punched her hand. Buffy flew back into the wall, and vamped out at the taste of her own blood.

Xander and Willow watched with morbid awe as their friends growled and snarled as she got her ass kicked. Angel joined the fight and managed to get the 'ugly man' away from her. Buffy lay on the floor hurt from various wounds. The ugly guy noticed something and ran. Angel kneeled beside Buffy and whispered to her.

"Are you alright?" Angela asked.

Buffy struggled to sit up, and wincing.

"Ugh. I'll be alright." Buffy mumbled, her voice disfigured and muffled from the fans and a swelling lip. She looked up and saw Willow and Xander staring. She turned her head and hid her face. Angel helped her up and Buffy had calmed down. She limped and Angel hung on to her waist.

"Tell Giles to look into this." Angel instructed.

"What about her?" Xander asked, jealously.

"She's hurt. She needs to feed." Angel said.

Xander made a face and Willow waved them off.

When they got back to the apartment, Buffy was in a hazy daze.

"Are you ok?" Angel asked, soothingly.

Buffy nodded while her fingers gently probed her aching wounds.

Angel brought out a packet of blood and handed it to her.

Buffy cringed at looking at it. She set it beside her and sighed in frustration.

"What's wrong?" Angel asked her.

"Its just. I mean. I don't know how everyone can stand this. I mean, how can my friends look at me the same. How they still.care? I mean." Buffy trailed off and looked at him, "Howcanyoulovemelikethis?" She asked in a rush, averting her eyes.

Angel was quiet for a long moment. Then he responded.

"There is no 'like this'. No matter what is going on, you are still you." Angel said.

Buffy didn't lift her head.

"You didn't answer my question." She whispered almost inaudibly.

"I love you because you love me." Angel said, willing her to look at him.

She did, her face unreadable.

Angel went on.

"I'm 'like this' all the time. It doesn't stop for me. I will always be a vampire. An you still love me. Though I have no idea why. It will stop for you. An, to me it doesn't even matter. I loved you before you even knew me." Angel's voice had dropped to a whisper.

Buffy suddenly chuckled and wiped her tearing eyes.

"I think that's the most you've ever said to me." She smiled.

Angel gave her a small smile.

Buffy shook her head and cuddled next to him. Angel instinctively wrapped his arm around her.

'I love you.' Angel thought.

He wanted to say it, but somehow, after his little revelation, he couldn't. Not yet. Not now.

Buffy awoke sometime in the middle of the night. Angel was asleep at her side. Buffy silently got up and took the packet of blood she had left there. She walked into the kitchen and drank it. She looked at the little keep sakes that he had around. Buffy saw a small notebook and she silently flipped through it. She saw drawings of anything and everything. There was one of herself. It was a year ago, on the steps of Hemery. Buffy frowned. How could he have.? She then shook her head. It wasn't for now. This was a question for later, when he was ready to show her or even tell her. The phone rang and Buffy answered it quietly.

"Hello?"

"Buffy?" She heard Willow asked.

"Yeah?" Buffy asked.

"We know how to stop the nightmares." Willow said.

"How?" Buffy asked, all business.

"Billy. He started it. He has to finish it." Willow said.

Buffy hung up without saying goodbye. Buffy found a pen and wrote a small letter to Angel. She stopped and laid it on his chest. She brushed a small his to his forehead and left. This was going to end. Right now.

Buffy arrived to the hospital and found it in total chaos. She rushed to Billy's room and found him sitting there staring at himself.

"I can't do it." Billy whispered.

"What? Buffy asked.

"I know what you want me to do and I can't." Billy said, his voice wavering.

"Lucky 7!"

Buffy was about to respond when the 'ugly guy' barged into the room, snarling.

Billy cried out and hid. Buffy jabbed a right uppercut at him. It momentarily confused him, but he was back on his feet and barreling toward her. Buffy threw him into the wall and the kicked out his right kneecap. He hollowed in pain and Buffy took this opportunity and spun. She kicked his ribs and he was done and unconscious. Billy crept foreword.

"Is he dead?" Billy asked.

"No, you have to do it." Buffy said, and griped his hand.

Billy leant foreword and pealed off the mask covering this monsters face. A bright light blinded them and Buffy found herself standing by Billy's bed. The sun was shining and she was standing right in it. It was over. She was human. It worked! Buffy watched as Willow and Xander ran in with Giles in tow.

"You did it!" Willow cried, smiling.

"No, he did it." Buffy said, pointing to the now awakening Billy.

"Where. Where am I?" Billy asked, dazed.

"In the hospital. How are you?" Buffy asked.

"Uh, good. Sore. Who are you?" Billy asked, "I had this weird dream."

"Let me guess, I was in it?" Buffy asked.

Billy nodded.

"It's the Wizard of Oz version from hell." Buffy whispered to Willow.

A man entered the room, and looked at the group of people.

"Uh, hey there? You all friends of Billy?" He asked, fidgeting with the horrid looking flowers.

"Yeah, who are you?" Buffy asked.

"Why, I'm Billy's Little League Coach. He's my lucky number 7(?)." He said.

Buffy's eyes widened in realization.

He then saw Billy was awake.

"Uh, hey Billy, you better now?" He asked inching out of the room.

"It was you!" Billy screamed, causing two security officers to come in.

"He did it! He did it!" Billy cried.

"You did this to him. All because he lost the game." Buffy whispered with disgust.

"Gotta teach the boy a lesson." Coach snarled and jumped at them, only to be pulled back by the officer. Buffy watched as the pulled that bastard away with a smile on her face. She realized that Billy had fallen back asleep. With all the excitement, tat was understandable.

She looked at her friends.

"Come on. Let's go, I hate hospitals."

Angel woke with a feeling of loose.

He looked around and saw that he wasn't holding Buffy. Had it been a dream? He stood up and a paper fluttered to the ground. It was from Buffy. He could tell by the writing.

'Angel,

Got a call from Will. Know how to stop all this. Sorry, didn't want to wake you. Need your sleep. Looked cute. Be back later for my stuff if it works. Thanks.

Buffy'

There was a small heart beside her name and Angel smiled as he was reminded of the young girl under all the Slayer. He knew it had worked. The feeling he had when Buffy had been turned was gone. Altogether. He saw that her small pile of things were still there. Angel gave a small smile and he knew that she would be back, even if it was just to get her things.

Buffy stood outside of Angel's with a small box. Well, not really small, but a medium sized box. Whatever. She walked up to the door and knocked. It took a minute, but Angel answered. He gave a small smile upon seeing her.

"Hey." He greeted.

"Hey back. I just came for my stuff." Buffy said, and entered when he allowed her in.

"And the box?" Angel asked.

"Oh. Box, yeah. The box." Buffy babbled.

Angel smiled amusedly.

"Blood. I kind of noticed you were low and because I took some, here." She said awkwardly handing him the box.

"Thanks, you didn't have too, but thanks." Angel said, setting it down while Buffy organized her things.

"I just wanted to say, thanks. You know, for taking care of me." Buffy said, standing up.

"I'd do anything to help you." Angel answered.

Buffy blushed.

"I mean it. I would have gone nuts, but...you made it better." Buffy said, with a small, uncertain smile, she stepped foreword and hugged him.

Angel wrapped his arm around her and they stood there for awhile in each others arms. They may not know where they stood as a whole, but they both knew that whatever may happen, they would have each other.

No matter what.

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