Part Eight

Buffy walked out of the bathroom sniffling softly. Her day sucked beyond belief. All the office attendants wanted to do was gossip about her and she had taken her tests late. Then, they wanted her to talk to the school therapist who wanted to talk about none other then how she was 'dealing' with what had happened to her mother. Buffy had gotten fed up and left. Someone bumped into Buffy and she turned to snap at them and stopped when it was the blond who had glared at her.

"Watch it." The blond snapped at Buffy.

"Hey, you ran into me." Buffy said.

"Buffy right?" The blonde's voice dripped with disdain.

"Yeah? What of it?" Buffy asked, not in the mood to catfight.

"God, you honestly say you don't remember me? Well, I remember you. I've hated you for years." The blond sneered.

"Well, sorry. I don't know how I could have forgotten that hair on top of that face." Buffy smirked.

The blond's eyes flashed.

"I saw you with Liam this morning. You think he cares for you? He doesn't. He just feels guilty. You could never be what I am to him. Did you know he gave himself to me? I was his first, something *you'll* never be. You can't come between us, don't even try. I can guarantee you *will* be sorry." The blond said as she turned away.

"Is that a threat?" Buffy called.

The blond turned, "More like a promise."

*

Buffy walked into the cafeteria and all the chatter stopped. Everyone looked at her. So not in the mood by now, Buffy shook her head and walked to the table her friends were sitting at. Everyone greeted her and she just sat and put her head on the table.

"You ok?" Willow asked.

Buffy shook her head, not lifting her head. She knew if she did, everyone would see her red eyes from crying after talking with the therapist and fury from talking to the arrogant blond. She could feel Angel's gaze on her. She felt hands on her arms and saw Cordelia and Willow pulling her into the bathroom. Faith followed.

"What's wrong?" Cordelia demanded.

"They made me talk to a therapist and brought up issues, all the attendants wanted to do talk about what happened, and then this stuck up blond had the nerve to come up to me and threaten me about Angel." Buffy fumed.

"Blond? Blue eyed, 'bout yay tall?" Faith said, holding up her hand.

"Yeah." Buffy said with a look of pure fury in her emerald eyes. Willow took a step back, shocked at the look in her friends eyes.

"That's Darla." Cordelia said while fixing her mascara.

"Yeah, blond bitch is obsessed over Angel. They were on-again-off-again for a few years and Angel told her to shove it a while back." Faith said nonchalantly.

"So…he's not with her?" Buffy asked, trying to be casual as she fixed her makeup.

"Yes, and you are free to jump him." Cordelia said with no tact whatsoever.

"Wha-What do you mean?" Buffy stammered, slightly startled by the abruptness of the statement.

"Oh, come on. Like we can't see it. You want him, he's like so totally in love with you. Just admit it." Cordelia said, looking her straight in the eye.

"No… I'm hungry, lets go." Buffy said, grabbing Faiths arm and pulling her out. She was the only one who wouldn't pester her about Angel.

Faith smirked, but allowed herself to be dragged into the lunch line.

""They're right, though." Faith said as she put a brownie on Buffy's pl ate. "With what?" Buffy asked, taking a pizza.

"Angel. He loves you. Believe me, I know. I tried to hook up with him about two years ago. Then Willow took me to your hospital room and Angel was there. What he said made me see that you're the only one for him." Faith said, feeling strangely comfortable with this girl.

Buffy just smiled and she was bumped into by someone and saw it was Darla.

"Some people develop motor skills at the age of three." Buffy said, causing the other blond to turn.

"Fuck off, bitch." Darla sneered.

"Buffy slammed her tray down on someone's table and took a step towards Darla, her hands on her hips.

Faith was right beside her.

"What the *hell* is your problem?" Buffy asked loudly, causing most of the cafeteria to turn and stare.

"You are my problem." Darla said back, her blue eyes cold.

"Why? I don't even know who the hell you are and you're trying to slam me into the fucking wall!" Buffy sneered.

Out of the corner of her eyes, she saw Angel look and stand up.

"Why? Because I fucking *hate* you. If you weren't so *fragile* I'd slam my fist in your face." Darla mocked.

Buffy held up her hands, "Go ahead, but, oh, you might break a nail."

Darla's eyes flashed and she slapped Buffy's face with a force that made her head whip around.

"Darla!" Angel called, coming closer.

This distracted her and Buffy took this opportunity to punch her smirking face, splitting her lip and knocking her on her butt. Buffy advanced on her but was held back by Faith.

"Let go!" Buffy yelled, anger making her eyes wild.

Angel ran up and held Buffy, who was getting too rambunctious.

Darla stood up, touching her bleeding lip.

"How can you defend her, Liam? That bitch!" Darla hissed.

"Get away, Darla, before I do something I regret." Angel said in a low dangerous voice.

Darla's eyes flashed and her face twisted with rage in Buffy's direction, "That promise? Now it's a threat. Watch your back." She sneered as she stalked off.

As soon as she was gone Angel let Buffy go, who more or less pushed him away. She was furious. She ran a hand through her hair and clenched her hands into fists. Willow tried to approach her, but Buffy lifted a shaking hand to ward her away.

"Just don't, not now." Buffy said, her voice hard. She grabbed her lunch tray and walked away.

"But…" Willow tried to protest, but Angel shook his head.

"She needs to calm down."

*

Buffy was outside finishing her lunch. She leaned against the tree and sipped on her Diet Coke. She felt her emotions calming down and felt herself relaxing. She closed her eyes and let the sun shine on her face.

"Hey, you ok?" Some one asked sitting next to her.

Buffy opened her eyes and saw Riley.

She inwardly sighed.

//Great…//

"Fine." She said, taking another sip.

"So… I saw you and that girl. What was that about?" He asked settling next to her.

"Nothing." Buffy answered.

//Ok, come on, TAKE A HINT!//

"So, I was wondering… There's a party this Friday, you want to go?" Riley asked.

Buffy opened her eyes, "A party?"

"Yeah."

//Hmm, something normal. Like a 17 year old would do.//

"Where?" Buffy asked.

"At Gunn's." Riley answered.

//Who?//

"Maybe." Buffy's said.

"You really should. It'll be fun." Riley said, taking her hand.

Buffy had the urge to whip her hand away, but didn't really care anymore.

"So, you'll go?" Riley asked, hope creeping in his voice.

If Buffy's didn't know how cruel he could be, she'd be somewhat flattered.

"Maybe." Buffy repeated, as she finished her drink, she stood up and prepared to leave when Riley pulled her into a hug and whispered in her ear, "I'm really glad you're awake."

Buffy tensed, and pulled away, smiling falsely. Then walked away.

What she didn't notice as she walked away, was Angel, who had seen the whole exchange with a look of sadness on his face.

Part Nine

The rest of the day sucked because Buffy had to take more tests and everyone wanted to talk to her.

"Its like I'm a friggen' celebrity."

Buffy walked out into the parking lot and couldn't find Angel's car. She hadn't seen him since the fight. She looked around and could find his classic convertible anywhere.

"Something wrong, pet?" a voice asked.

Buffy turned and saw it was Spike.

"Yeah, Angel's not here. He's my ride." Buffy said.

"He left in a hurry. Pretty pissed about somethin'. Need a ride?" He asked, nodding to his motorcycle.

Buffy looked around one last time and sighed.

//What the hell.//

She waited for Spike to start it and got on.

"Uh, love? You're gonna have to hold on." Spike said with a wicked smirk.

Buffy dug her hands into the pockets of his coat and he took off.

Buffy couldn't help a small shriek from escaping her lips. Spike laughed.

"Too fast?" He called out.

"Are you kidding? Too slow!" Buffy yelled. He went faster and they rode around the town.

Her hair whipped around her face as she yelled and shrieked. No wonder Faith liked him. They rode past the ritzy neighborhoods, his engine rumbling. They saw Cordelia and Xander and rode past Angel's house. He slowed and honked the horn. Angel stuck his head out the 2nd story window and smirked.

"Picked yourself up another girl?" He called.

Spike laughed and shook his head, "No, mate, picked up *your* girl." Buffy looked up and the look on Angel's face was priceless. Spike sped away and Buffy almost fell off. Buffy heard Angel shout at them but she couldn't tell what he said.

"Want to see a trick?" Spike asked.

"Yeah." Buffy yelled.

Spike sped up and pulled a wheelie. Buffy screeched with fear and excitement.

"Iiee!" She squealed, laughing.

They rode around town again and stopped at the Espresso.

"Want a cup of coffee? The girls are here." Spike said, parking the bike.

Buffy nodded and walked inside. She saw where Willow and Cordelia were at and she walked over there.

They smiled and told her to sit.

"So, Angel just called here, near panic, and told us Spike was going to kill you." Cordelia said with a smirk.

"No. Angel wasn't there after school and Spike offered me a ride." Buffy shrugged.

"God, and let me guess, you rode by Angel's house." Willow asked.

"Yeah. The look on his face was *priceless*!" Buffy exclaimed, a huge smile breaking out on her face.

Spike came over then with her coffee.

"Here. Cinnamon mocha. I gotta run and pick up Faith, later ladies." Spike said, smiling then leaving.

Buffy sat and chatted for awhile and then she decided to go home. Not wanting to get a ride, she insisted she walked. She used to love walks as a child. She and her mom would always go. It began to get dark and Buffy hurried down the vacant streets. She walked in her house and saw Dawn chatting with Riley.

//Oh…My…God…//

"Riley. Hi… What are you doing here…? At my house…?" Buffy asked, with a fake smile.

"Oh, well, I just wanted to say hey. Y'know, I was in the neighborhood." Riley said, standing up and smiling.

"Riley, you live on the other side of town." Buffy said slowly, putting down her mocha.

"Oh, well…I know. I just wanted to see you." Riley said putting his hands on her shoulders.

Buffy shivered and shuddered when he put his arm around her.

"Cold?" He asked.

Buffy shook her head and she pulled away from him.

"I'm going to go…change." Buffy said, pounding up the stairs.

Buffy closed her door and shed her skirt, putting on some comfy PJ pants and getting ready to put on a tank top. She heard her door creak open and she saw Riley there. Buffy instantly covered up her bra clad chest and glared at him.

"What the hell?" Buffy asked.

"Sorry." Riley said turning around.

Buffy felt a queasy feeling in her belly and put her top on. Riley turned and smiled at her.

He walked toward her and whispered, "I really am glad you're awake."

He cupped her cheek and kissed her.

//She jumped up from the lawn chair and ran into the house in time to see her mother fall to the ground.

"Mommy!"

She screamed, seeing the growing red stain on her white cotton shirt.

"No!"

"What the hell?"

A gruff voice growled, and Buffy looked up to see a man in a black mask standing before her, gun in shaking hands.//

"No!" Buffy screamed, pushing Riley away and bringing her shaking hands to her hair and pulling on it. A nervous gesture.

"What-?" Riley asked, his eyes flashing.

"Can you go?" Buffy asked, wrapping her hands around herself.

"What?" Riley asked, stepping toward her.

"Can you leave?" Buffy almost yelled, pushing him out of her room and locking her door.

She took a gasping breath and lowered her self to the bed.

She had seen her mother get killed.

//Saw her mother fall to the ground, growing crimson stain of blood.//

Buffy gasped and covered her mouth. Her stomach tightened into a knot and Buffy ran to the bathroom. She got sick and leaned on the cool tile wall. She just lay there staring at the light trying to block out the horrible images. Dawn walked in and gasped.

"Oh my God, Buffy are you alright?" She exclaimed, pulling her sister up.

Buffy just shook her head.

"Do you want me to call anyone?" She asked, frantic to help.

"No, I'm just going to go to bed." Buffy said, pulling herself up and walking into her bedroom. She didn't sleep at all that nigh. Gruesome images of her mothers killing haunted her every time she closed her eyes. Morning came slowly and Buffy was up too early. She took a shower and padded downstairs. She actually saw her father reading the paper.

"Morning Daddy." Buffy said as she got herself a glass of water.

Hank looked shaken as he looked at her. Almost as if he forgot she was here.

"Hey sweetie. What are you doing up so early?" He asked.

"Couldn't sleep." Buffy mumbled.

They sat in silence for a few moments and Hank claimed to have to go to work.

"Got to finish this report."

He claimed. But Buffy knew better. Work was an escape for her father. Always had been.

Buffy sat, sipping on her water when a car horn honked obnoxiously. Buffy peered out the window and saw Angel in the car, not looking too happy. She grabbed her things and a bottle of water and walked out there.

He took off even before her door was closed. Buffy just sighed and leaned against the window. She could feel the little glances Angel was giving her. The ride was almost in complete silence until Buffy asked,

"Are you driving me home, or do I have to make arrangements?"

Angel looked sharply at her, "Well, I thought Riley would drive you." He said, almost snidely.

Buffy just rolled her eyes and shook her head, not in the mood to argue with him.

The car was parked and Buffy shot out of it. She walked to the quad and sat where her friends where.

"You ok?" Willow asked.

Angel sat down, hearing Willow's question and looking at her.

Buffy shook her head and lay her head on the table, pillow by her hands.

"What's wrong?" Willow tried again.

"I don't want to talk about it."

"Slut alert." Cordelia mumbled.

Buffy looked up and saw Darla heading their way.

"God…" She moaned.

Darla walked up and practically sat on Angel. She glared at Buffy then looked at Angel with hungry eyes, "Thanks for last night, Liam, it was the best yet." She purred.

Buffy felt her stomach clenching as she looked at Angel. Darla kissed him and Angel did nothing to push her away. Everyone turned to look at Buffy. She stood up and walked away.

*

After Buffy left, Angel pushed Darla off him and stalked away himself.

"What was that about, mate?" Spike asked, following him.

"I don't know." Angel said, running a hand through his hair.

"You weren't with Darla last night, were you?" Spike inquired.

"No." Angel answered with a sigh.

"Why are you avoiding Blondie?" Spike asked, lighting up a cigarette.

"She doesn't need me." Angel said.

"Like hell she doesn't." Spike snorted.

"She's got Riley." Angel hissed.

"Riley? Caption Cardboard? You're mistaken, Peaches." Spike laughed.

"I saw them after the fight yesterday. He hugged her and she hugged back." Angel spat out as if the memory burned him.

"So? You know how he gets all touchy feely with her. Doesn't mean a thing. She's got the hots for you. Anyone with eyes can see it. And you to her."

Part Ten

Buffy felt like crap the whole day. She avoided everybody at lunch and she didn't eat anything. She stomach couldn't hold it down. The end of the day came and Buffy walked into the parking lot. She saw Angel standing at his car, waiting for her.

//No, he's acting like an ass, just keep walking.//

Buffy thought to herself as she turned and walked to the sidewalk. She was a less then halfway home when Angel pulled up next to her, his top down.

"I was waiting for you." He said, driving slowly.

"Oh, I thought you might have been waiting for *Darla*." Buffy said, saying the blonds name with pure hatred.

"Buffy…get in." Angel sighed.

"No." Buffy said.

"I'm not going to let you walk all the way home alone." Angel said firmly .

"I'm a big girl, Angel, I can do what I want." Buffy sighed.

"Buffy…" Angel sighed in frustration.

"Angel…" Buffy mocked in the same voice.

"What is your problem?" Angel asked.

This made Buffy stop cold, she turned toward him with a deadly glint in her eyes, "What is MY problem? What is your problem? You ditch me at school, you ignore me, you act like an ass this morning, you practically mate with Darla this morning, would you like me to go on?" Buffy asked loudly.

Her head was pounding so she rolled her eyes and walked on. Angel kept pace with her. Buffy tripped over the curb as a wash of dizziness overtook her. She managed to catch her footing before slamming into the ground.

"Are you ok?" Angel asked, stopping the car and getting out, kneeling beside Buffy who had crouched to the ground.

"No." Buffy murmured.

She allowed herself to be picked up and put in the car.

"I'm still mad at you." Buffy mumbled.

Angel chuckled and took in her pale coloring.

"Are you sick?" Angel asked, as he drove.

"Little." Buffy said.

"When was the last time you ate?" Angel asked.

"Lunch."

"Oh, then-"

Angel started.

"Yesterday." Buffy finished.

Angel was quiet.

He pulled into her driveway and followed her inside of the house to make sure she didn't fall. They entered the living room and Buffy froze. Unbeknownst to Angel, the killing was replaying in her head.

//Blood. Her mother falling. Gunshots.//

Buffy raised her hands to her head and into her hair.

"Stop it!" Buffy whispered.

Angel pulled her out of the room and kneeled before her.

"Buffy, what's wrong?" Angel asked.

Buffy shook her head and slowly opened her eyes. Her emerald green ones were met by auburn ones. She shook her head and stood up, wandering to the kitchen. She felt stupid for acting like that, but it was nothing she could help.

"Nothing. I'm just high wired today." Buffy explained lamely.

Angel said nothing but gazed at her intensely as she walked around the kitchen, making a sandwich and grabbing a Diet Coke. She avoided his eyes as she ate and everything was silent. She began to feel better and sipped her drink thoughtfully as she brought her eyes up to meet Angel's.

"Why are you here?" She asked after a long moment.

Angel eyes flickered with mild annoyance.

"How can you ask me that? You practically collapse in the street, you expect me to leave you there?" Angel asked, leaning toward her.

Buffy nodded with a twisted smirk on her face, "Yes, I thought you would have. Must I remind you of the way you've been acting?"

Angel lowered his eyes with guilt, "I had a good reason." He mumbled.

"Really? Enlighten me, Liam." Buffy said his real name with dripping mockery in her voice.

"I saw you and Riley." Angel blurted out.

"What?" Buffy asked shaking her head slightly.

"I saw you and him yesterday after you punched Darla. You two were hugging." Angel said, scowling.

"Oh… And, you don't think he's good for me, right?" Buffy asked.

Angel nodded.

"And you were jealous, right?" Buffy asked in the same slow tone.

Angel nodded again.

"Well, let me tell you something Liam Angelus O'Connell. Who and what I do is NONE of your business. I don't recall asking for your permission or opinion, so don't offer it. I can make my own decisions all by myself thank you very much." Buffy finished, her eyes flashing dangerously.

Angel stood with the same glare in his eyes.

"He will hurt you, Buffy. Worse than before. And, you know it." He said in a low voice.

"I think you should leave. You might want to pick Darla up from her street corner." Buffy retorted and pounded up to her room, slamming the door.

Part Eleven

The next day at school was hell for Buffy. She was in a bitchy mood and everyone steered clear of her. And, to top it all off, the principal called he r down to his office.

"Miss. Summers." The troll-like man sneered.

"Principal Snyder." Buffy said in the same tone.

"Watch it, Missy. Already you have been proving to be a juvenile delinquent just like the rest of these little maggots in this God-Forsaken school. Many of your teacher's have given you special treatment due to you're recent awakening. Not me. I heard about your little mishap with Darla Iverson. If it happens again, you will be punished." The little man leaned forward and hissed, "I might even expel you."

Buffy rolled her eyes and walked out, bumping into Darla and Angel. Buffy turned and to walk away, avoiding Angel's angry eyes. Darla was gleeful and called out,

"What did I tell you, Summers? What's mine, I take." She sneered as she grasped Angel's arm.

Buffy stopped dead in her tracks and turned slowly around.

"How's your lip?" Buffy asked, pointing to the red welt splitting the other blondes lip, "Really matches your eyes shadow. Where do you buy it? Hooker's R Us?" Buffy asked, smirking and walking away.

"You stupid Junior bitch, wait 'til I get my hands on you!" Darla screamed.

Buffy just laughed and shook her head, flipping her off over her shoulder.

*

At lunch, everyone quieted down when Buffy entered, as if waiting to see what she might do. She sighed heavily and went to the line and grabbed some food. She walked to the table her friends were sitting at and they were all staring at her.

"What?" Buffy asked.

"What's with you and Peaches?" Spike asked with a smirk on his face.

"What do you mean?" Buffy asked, feigning clueless blond.

"You know. Two days ago he was attached to your hip, hovering over you. Now he's avoiding you and letting Darla slither all over him." Faith clarified, eyeing Angel and the slutty blond.

Buffy lowered her eyes, remembering the arguing from yesterday, "I think maybe we realized we're both not the people we thought we were." Buffy said softly, with a ting of sadness.

Willow looked at Buffy with sympathy. Her two friends were perfect for each other, she and everyone else knew it.

*

The next few days went by in the same fashion. Friday came and Buffy was deciding whether or not to go the party Riley had invited her too. She wasn't all that comfortable with him, so she asked Faith and Spike to go with her. Faith had brought some clothing over and Buffy was wearing a blood red v-neck tank top and black leather pants. Faith was wearing a black corset top and also black leather pants. Both had on knee high boots. Faith was adding black eyes liner to Buffy's eyes and applying red lip stick. When Buffy looked at herself, she gasped. She looked wicked. Faith did too, her eyes rimmed with black too. Spike smirked when he saw the two come down the stairs.

"Bloody hell, Blondie. Peaches is going to have a fuckin' cow when he sees you."

Faith smiled and kissed Spike. Buffy just shook her head. She was a little jumpy about Angel being there.

//Deal with it. He's an asshole.//

Somehow, they all squeezed on Spike's motorcycle and roared to the party. They all got looks t them. Spike wrapped both hands around the girls waists.

Buffy gave him a cold look, "Watch where the hands go, buddy."

Spike gave her a wicked smirk. Faith laughed and hit her boyfriend. Buffy spotted Angel around his friends and he looked at her, his eyes darkened at the way Spike had his arm around her. Spike laughed and waved. Angel shook his head and turned away.

"He's pissed." Faith said.

"No doubt about it, it. Hey Blondie, you going to be alright alone for a few?" He asked, looking at Faith with passion darkened eyes.

"Go, I bet'cha there's a bedroom upstairs." Buffy smiled.

Faith looked up then at Buffy and wiggled her eyebrows, "Shouldn't take more then 10 minutes."

Spike picked her up and carried her away, her laughs echoing through the room.

Buffy shook her head and wandered around, noticing the way guys were gazing at her with lust. Buffy turned the other way and walked up to where the drinks were. Riley saw her and hurried to her.

"Buffy! Hi, glad you could make it." He said.

"Yeah." Buffy said, raising her eyebrows at him.

They were silent for a moment and a fast song came on. Riley pulled her out in the middle of the room where people were dancing and gripped her hips. Buffy reluctantly moved to the strumming beat of the music. Buffy wished Riley wasn't holding her so close. His hands were clammy and she was pressed against his chest. She pulled away a little and moved her hips on her own. They were like this for a few more songs and Buffy was sweaty and thirsty. She told Riley this and he went to get a drink. Someone placed hands on her waist and Buffy twisted backwards. It was Spike. She smiled and asked,

"Where's Faith?"

"She's talking with some friends and I saw you got rid of Caption Cardboard, so I came." Spike explained.

"I told Riley to get me a drink." Buffy said, moving around. She looked around absently and caught Angel's eyes. He was sitting at a table, with Darla. Buffy's eyes narrowed and she smirked at him and turned around to face Spike and saw Riley coming towards them. Buffy smiled at Spike and he took his queue, leaving to find Faith. Riley handed her the glass with a smile on his face.

"What is it?" Buffy asked, sniffing it.

"It lemon and lime soda. I didn't know if you want alcohol or not." Riley answered, leading her a table.

Buffy looked at the clear bubbly liquid and then drank it. It tingled her throat and sent warmth to her belly. Buffy found herself asking for more. And more. Her vision was blurred and it was suddenly really hot in the house. Riley took her outside and placed a hand around her waist, slipping it under the back of her shirt. Buffy gripped the glass and sipped more of the delicious liquid. Riley led her to the pool house and they went inside. The lights were bright and made her see double.

"What're ya doin'?" Buffy slurred in question.

"Buffy, I want to ask you about your Mom." Riley whispered.

Buffy giggled and swayed, "I love my Mom."

"Yeah, what do you remember?" Riley questioned.

"Mama and me and Dawnie used'ta make cookies. They were good." Buffy said in a child-like voice.

"Buffy!" Riley hissed, grabbing her shoulders, "What do you remember about your Mother's death!"

Buffy froze. His words echoed in her head.

//What do you remember about your Mother's death!//

//Remember about your Mother's death!//

//Your Mother's Death!//

//Mother's Death!//

Your Mom is dead and its all your fault. A tiny voice hissed. Buffy let loose a horrible scream. The image of her Mom falling to the ground, bloody and dying replayed in her mind. Buffy scrambled out of the room and ran outside, stumbling. Tears ran down her cheeks in rivers. Riley ran after her, yelling her name. He caught up with her and grabbed her arm spinning her around. His blue eyes were icy in anger.

"What do you know?!" He screamed at her, gripping her arm fiercely.

"Let go!" Buffy screamed in a blind panic.

All these images were pounding into her brain, pain from her arm and side stung and her mind was swimming and fuzzy.

Someone saw this exchange and hurried inside the house.

*

Angel sat inside, trying to listen to what Darla was saying.

"…and she was all 'You slut'. And I was like 'you goddamn virgin ho w dare you…"

He shook his head, thinking about Buffy. That goddamn twerp Riley shouldn't have been the one holding her. He should. Someone tapped his shoulder and he turned. It was Spike, looking furious.

"Something's going down outside." Spike hissed.

"What?" Angel asked, trying to decipher the look of fury in his eyes.

"Blondie and the hick." Spike said, rushing back the way he came.

Angel hurried after him in time to see Riley push Buffy to the ground.

"Ah! Let go!" Buffy screamed.

"What do you know?" He screamed back, straddling her. He began clawing at her top with his hands.

Fury overtook Angel and he slapped Riley off of her. Angel punched him and held him by the throat against the tree.

"What the hell?!" Riley gasped.

"Give one good reason why I shouldn't break your fucking neck." Angel growled.

"Fuck you, Angel." Riley hissed.

Angel pressed on his windpipe. Riley squirmed and struggled, "You NEVER touch her again. If I see you so much as fucking glance at her, you'll be pushing up the goddamn daises." Angel growled, intent on killing the farm boy.

"Angelus!" Spike yelled, rushing over to the fury filed man, pulling him away from his prey.

"What the hell? You saw what he was going to do." Angel growled, watching t he boy lie limply on the ground. "You kill this bastard and that's jail for life, mate. Believe me, I want to chop him to bloody one inch chunks, but we can't." Spike tried to reason.

Buffy's whimpers brought him back to reality. Angel glared at the boy once more and then went to Buffy. She was on her knees, leaning towards the ground, Tears tracks smeared her makeup all over her cheeks. Angel held her h air back as she threw up all the alcohol she had drunk. Spike left to find Faith and Angel walked with Buffy who stumbled and staggered, mumbled nonsense. Her voice was slurred and shaky from leftover fear. She grew quiet as they neared the car and Angel glanced at her. Her eyes were wide, but bleary. Her face was pale and her hands were shaking.

"Buffy? Are you ok?" Angel asked.

She turned her head toward him and gazed at him, "There's three of you."

Angel had to chuckle at the tone of her voice but then anger came again as he was reminded who did this.

He helped her into the car and drove off, glancing at her every few minutes. She had her head leaning on the window and her eyes were drooping. They arrived at her house and Angel helped her inside. Dawn looked up from the TV and she giggled at Buffy who tripped over the step and landed on her knees .

"You got her drunk?" Dawn squealed.

"I didn't do it." Angel protested as he tried to pick her up. Buffy made herself go limp and made it hard for Angel to lift her.

"Noooooo. The room is spinning." Buffy moaned and then giggled.

"Oh my God!" Dawn laughed.

Buffy was pawing her hand to the sides of their faces.

"Buffy, what are you doing?" Dawn asked.

"Tryin ta find out which one-a-ya is real." She slurred, jabbing her hand into Dawn's forehead. Buffy started to laugh rather loudly. Angel picked her up and carried her up to her room.

:"Are you ok, Buffy?" Angel asked, as he set her on her bed.

"I'm fi-i-i-i-ine." She said stretching out the word, causing her to laugh more.

Angel had to admit it was quite amusing. He went to get a washcloth and found her laying on her back, staring at the ceiling. He gently began to wash off her smeared makeup and tear stains. Her eyes followed his every move. Angel then grabbed her pajamas and took of her cloths, leaving her only in her underwear. He slipped on her PJs and tucked her into her bed. He was turning to leave when her voice broke the delicate silence.

"Will you stay?"

Her voice was like a child's, scared and inquiring. Angel couldn't say no to her. He took off his shoes and climbed into the bed. She threw the coverlet over him and cuddled against his chest. For the longest time since Buffy had been in a coma, Angel finally felt content with everything, if even just for awhile.

Part Twelve

Buffy awoke with a pounding headache. Stripes of sunlight filtered through her room and made her eyes burn. Buffy rolled over and found she was alone. Vaguely, she remembered Angel in bed with her. His shoes were still at the foot of her bed. She also thought she remembered him undressing her. If it was any normal day, she'd blush. But she felt like crap right now so that wasn't going to happen any time soon. She heard the TV downstairs and decided to get up. Which, was a mistake. The room spun and she fell to the floor.

"Goddamnit!"

*

Angel had just finished making breakfast and he and Dawn were about to eat when a loud THUMP came from overhead. The two looked at each other as they heard a voice yell,

"Goddamnit!"

Dawn burst out laughing and said, "I guess she's up."

Angel just smiled and looked up at the stairs. He saw Buffy taking careful steps down to the kitchen. She was pale and her eyes were squinted. She looked at them both and staggered to the cabinets.

"Good Morning Buffy." Dawn spoke up, a big smile on her face.

"Who the hell are you to tell me what kind of morning it is?" Buffy mumbled, downing some Advil and water. "You're in a pleasant mood." Dawn said.

"This is best its gonna get." Buffy murmured and walked back out, squinting against the light.

Angel shook his head and finished his breakfast. He cleared his plate and made Buffy a small sandwich and poured her a cup of soda. He went out into the living room and saw Buffy sprawled out on the couch. He watched her for a moment. The sun was making her hair glint golden and made her skin glow. Though, her hair was mussed and her face was pale, he thought she was beautiful. He made his way to her and sat next to her. She glanced over at him and gave a tight smile.

"You ok?" Angel asked.

"Besides for the pounding headache and blinding light, peachy." She smirked .

Angel handed her the food and watched as she ate it slowly. She finished it and sipped thoughtfully on her soda.

"I just wanted to say…I'm sorry." Buffy murmured, looking at him.

"For what?" Angel asked, leaning back and gazing at her.

"For acting like such a bitch. I mean, if you want to date Darla, who am I to be so mean about it?" Buffy tried to explain.

Angel shook his head, "No, I don't want Darla." He simply said.

"You don't?" Buffy asked, looking confused, "But, she said 'thanks for last night.' And she was hanging all over you."

"She's been doing that for years. We dated when I was 16 I broke up with her because she was too…clingy and she didn't like the gang. She thinks I'm her 'soul mate' or whatever and has been chasing after me." Angel explained.

Buffy looked down, "She, uh, told me that, um…she-was-your-first." Buffy murmured out in a rush and hesitantly looked up at him.

Angel eyes were darkened, "I won't lie, yes, she was the first women I slept with."

Buffy nodded and pursed her lips. Angel decided to go on,

"It was at one of the parties. I was really drunk and she more or less seduced me. I didn't even know what had happened. Then, I just let it keep happening." Angel explained, her eyes hazy with memories.

"Why?" Buffy asked.

"Because, I didn't know how else a relationship was supposed to work. I didn't love Darla, I didn't even really like her. I don't really know why I kept going back to her. But she was so possessive, she hated it when I would hang out with Will, Cordy, or even Faith. She especially hated it when I went to see you." Angel said, looking at her.

"Me?" Buffy asked, raising an eyebrow, "Oh yeah, because a comatose girl is such competition."

"You were." Angel said.

Buffy looked up and met his eye.

"What?" She asked, disbelievingly.

"Yes, you were competition. I always compared every girl to you. Darla knew it and hated you for it." Angel explained.

"Why me?" Buffy asked, gazing at him.

"Because it's always been you." Angel answered.

Buffy shook her head and frowned. She tucked her legs under her and looked at him.

"What do you mean 'it's always been me'?" Buffy asked, not quite grasping it.

"Buffy, it has always been you. When we were kids, you were my best friend. I had a crush on you for the longest time. But, you always saw me as your friend, so I didn't push it. And that day you called me to come over, I was going to ask you to be my girlfriend. Then, I came in and saw you and your Mom…" Angel's voice held sadness to it, his eyes not seeing her, but the memory, "You were laying there, bleeding, and I thought you were dead … And then, you were talking…" Angel trailed off.

//"Buffy, you're going to be alright. I promise you." Angel vowed.

"Trusted…over." She murmured, then her hand trailed to his cheek and wiped away hot tears, "Don't cry."

"Buffy… You're gonna be alright, you're gonna be alright…" Angel chanted.

"Love…you…" Buffy whispered as she coughed and a tiny trail of blood bubbled at the corner of her mouth.//

"What did I say?" Buffy inquired softly.

"You said something about trust being over. And told me not to cry and…and you said you loved me." Angel whispered, the memories still raw and tearing him up inside.

Buffy went over to him and hugged him. Her arms were wrapped around his neck and he buried his head in the crook of her shoulder.

"It was true. I don't remember saying it, but its true." Buffy soothed.

Angel slowly looked up at her. She basically said that she loved him, not in so many words, but still. His eyes searched hers for truth and found it. He slowly descended his lips to hers and they met in a gentle kiss. It was soft, yet full of the things that they wanted to say to each other. When air became an issue, the both pulled away and gazed at each other. Someone clearing their throat caused to break the moment. Dawn stood there with her hands on her hips.

"Its about time. God, that sexual tension was so thick, I'm surprised you both didn't smother."

Buffy smiled and shook her head, then winced as the room spun for a moment.

"Let's go out." Angel suddenly said.

"What?" Buffy asked.

"Let's go out." Angel repeated, "Around town or something."

"Cool, I'm coming." Dawn announced and pounded up the stairs.

Buffy scowled, but also nodded.

She dragged herself away from Angel and went upstairs, putting on jeans and a small tank top. She found the darkest sunglasses she saw and put them on. She brushed her hair and her teeth and walked down where Dawn and Angel were both waiting. Angel took her hand and smiled at her. Dawn sat in the back of Angel's classic Convertible and Buffy sat beside him. Her head slightly pounded at the bright light, but the sunglasses helped. Angel backed out and drove into the town. They parked the car and walked around while Dawn went in the stores. Angel and Buffy followed. Angel had his arm wrapped loosely around her waist, relishing the feel of holding her. She browsed around, following her sister. They were in a jewelry sore and Dawn was looking at the belly button rings. Dawn looked pleadingly at Buffy who was also looking at them with interest.

"Let's get our belly pierced." Dawn suggested.

Buffy looked torn and she looked to Angel for help. Angel shrugged and Buffy scowled, "You're a real help."

"Dawnie, I don't know… Maybe you should ask Dad." Buffy said.

"Like he'll ever say yes." Dawn scoffed.

Buffy rolled her eyes and shook her head. She ended up buying Dawn a set of earrings instead. They were walking when Buffy spotted Riley across the street. Angel didn't see him, which was a good thing because he probably would have killed him. Buffy tensed as she remembered last night.

//"What do you know?!" He screamed at her, gripping her arm fiercely.

"Let go!" Buffy screamed in a blind panic.

He hit her several times and grabbed her arms.

"Tell me what you know!"

She had fallen and Riley was on top of her, his eyes dark with anger and alcohol. He lost it and started to claw his hands at her top.//

Buffy shivered at the memory and the knowledge of what he might have done to her.

*

Angel was looking at her in concern. Though her dark glasses, he couldn't see her eyes so he had no way of knowing if she was alright.

"You ok?" He asked, his lips brushing against her ear.

She looked up at him and smiled.

"Yeah, sorry. Just thinking." She answered and leaned her head against him.

Angel smiled, she reminded him of a little kitten. Soft and all cuddly. He looked ahead and saw Riley on the other side of the street. His eyes darkened and he felt renewed anger rising. He unconsciously held Buffy to him tighter. No telling what that dick would do.

"It's alright, just ignore him." Buffy said softly, placing her hand on Angel's cheek.

"How, Buffy? He was hurting you. He got you drunk and he would have raped you." Angel hissed, his voice thick with emotion as he remembered how Riley had been tearing at her clothes.

*

Buffy's insides clenched at what Angel said. Riley glared murder at them and Buffy smirked and flipped him off with fake bravado. He hadn't been expecting that and he stopped as if debating whether or not to go over. He just continued walking and Dawn laughed.

"God, is he pissed off at you or what?"

Buffy gave a small smile and shook her head. They walked on and finally called it quits and went back to Buffy's house. Dawn went to go finish her homework and Buffy lounged with Angel in her room.

"So, what are we?" Buffy asked, as she flopped on her bed. Angel sat down next to her and shrugged, "What do you want us to be?"

Buffy smiled slightly, "I don't know."

Angel chuckled, "You're not making this easy."

"I never make anything easy."

Buffy, would you like to go out sometime?" Angel asked a smile on his face.

"Let me check my date book. I may have an opening somewhere." Buffy teased and made as if to get up when Angel snaked his hands around her waist.

"You vixen." He murmured into her ear, his lips brushing against her lobe and making her shiver.

He turned her around and pressed his lips against hers. Their kiss was slow, sweet, and hot all at the same time. Angel ran his tongue across her lips and Buffy smiled. She parted her lips and felt Angel's tongue slip inside. He ran it along the inside of her mouth and she moaned. It felt so good, so right.

*

Angel kissed Buffy and he heard her moan inside his mouth. It made certain parts of him arouse at the sweet sound. Briefly, he wondered what it would be like to make love to her. Buffy's hands snaked around his neck and she toyed with the short hairs at the base of his neck. Angel pulled away and she started to whimper at the lose of contact when Angel brought his lips to her cheek and trailed light kisses down to her neck. He nipped and sucked on the tender flesh. Waves of pleasure wracked Buffy. They engaged themselves in a hot make out session that lasted for monumental amount of time. Then his cell phone rang and Buffy jumped at the sudden sound. Angel chuckled and answered it.

"Hello?"

Buffy wasn't really listening to the conversation and she jumped when Angel touched her.

"Sorry, deep in thought." She said sheepishly.

"That was my Mom, she wants me to come. I guess my Dad found out I haven't been home and he wants to 'talk' about it." Angel said bitterly.

Buffy frowned a little, knowing how tough Angel's father was on him. He set such high expectations for him. Too high.

"I don't want to go." Angel said, wrapping his arms around Buffy and leaning his forehead against hers.

"You have too. Besides, I have homework and I think you'll be a little bit of a distraction." Buffy smirked playfully.

"Really?" Angel asked, smiling as he kissed her.

He pulled away.

"I got to go." Angel said reluctantly.

Buffy walked him to his car and kissed him again and waved as he left.

She went back inside and ran a bath. She dropped in some of Dawn's bath beads and settle in the bubbly perfumed water. She relaxed and fell asleep in the water.

*

Buffy awoke an hour later with the shook of water filling her lungs. She struggled to get out, but something was holding her down.

//Oh God, is this how I die?//

Buffy thought frantically. She let out a silent scream which allowed more water in her lungs. In the bubbly haze above her, she saw a wavy figure of a person. She couldn't make out any details, except what looked like to be blue eyes. The water darkened and Buffy fuzzily noted that she was falling unconscious.

//Or is it dying? Is there even a difference?//

Suddenly, the pressure of someone holding her down let up and Buffy sat up, inhaling the wonderful air. She jumped out of the tub and about half the water spilled on the floor. She grabbed a towel and wrapped herself up. She looked around and saw no one in the room. She pounded downstairs and found Dawn watching TV.

"Were you just in the bathroom?" Buffy asked.

Dawn looked up and took in Buffy' s panicked state. Her skin was pruney and wet.

"No, I wasn't." Dawn answered truthfully.

"Damn." Buffy whispered and went back upstairs. She went into her room and found the window was open. The curtains billowing in the breeze.

Someone had been in the house…

Go to Part 13