Second Chances

by Twinstar

Summary: Just when Angel thought Buffy was gone from him forever, he finds out there may be way to bring her back.
This happens after the season 5 finale of Buffy and season 2 finale of Angel.
Thanks to everyone who has enjoyed this “could happen” story of mine and just like me couldn’t wait to know what really happens.

ENJOY!


The warm wind caresses Angel’s cheek in a kiss and the hint of vanilla lingers in the air.

“What are you saying Whistler? Buffy isn’t dead after all?”

Angel looks into the eyes of the demon that in some ways brought Angel and Buffy together all those years ago. During a time in his life where he lost direction of his life and was wandering the earth as a shadow of his former self, Whistler gave Angel a purpose to live…Buffy. After Angel was cursed with a soul he was bombarded with guilt and remorse for all the innocent lives he feed on. He had to live with the shame of the crimes he committed when he turned into a vampire. He was not able to take another human live once his soul came back to him. He lived off rats and other vermin just to stay alive. But once Whistler showed him Buffy, his Angel, he knew the path of his redemption lied in her hands. Once he helped her defend the weak and helpless then he was on the road back to humanity. Where he could live with all the atrocities he had committed and really live again.

“No Mate she is dead. But the Powers that Be have a way to get her back if you are willing…to help out. If you remember what they said to you when you asked for their help during ‘the day that never was’?”

Whistler walking back and forth looking at the flowers and mementoes left on the grave.

“Angel really. I never pictured you as a sentimental type and with a bit of whimsy too.” Whistler pointing to the chocolate rose Angel left near the tombstone.

“How do you know about that?” Angel asked running his hands through his hair in wonder.

“You think that the Powers would let their prize commodities live their lives without peeping occasionally to see what they are up to?”

“Do they really?”

“Sure thing bucko. When you turned human for that one day and had your…pleasure. They were surprised that once you had the knowledge that eventually Buffy would die if the power of the two weren’t enforced that you two stayed apart. You sacrificed being human so that your powers as a vampire could protect her. You alone had that information and you still stayed away from her… so in the large scheme of things you are responsible for her death. You and the slayer are not meant to be apart…so now you know the consequences.”

“We tried…you know… but every time we were together it was like a moth to a flame. We knew the consequences if we achieved ultimate happiness and I was never going to let that evil side of me out again…even for her.”

“That’s you’re problem Angel-boy. You just assume. You take all the weight of the world unto your shoulders and don’t let anyone help you. Oh sure you let people help you fight the demons and all but when it comes anything that deals with your heart you get all macho. ” Whistler jabbing his finger to the area where his heart use to beat.

“I’m the reason that Buffy is dead? I am aren’t I? I never thought of the Oracles words to me until now. That the power of the two is stronger than the powers of the one, together Buffy and I are be a formable team and that it is our destiny. I desperately wanted to forget that day when I was truly happy so I subconsciously put it in the back of my mind.”

“I never thought you would face up with the responsibility that you were a large part of why Buffy died? I thought I would be here forever trying to reason with you…the Powers are surprised with you again. You have grown…Maybe you did need that time away from her to grow? But now the Powers want things to be as they should be. They want the Warriors back…”

Angel starts pacing around the grave and he stops suddenly when a gust of wind hits his face. He slowly puts his hand onto his cheek. “Beloved…did you hear that? I haven’t lost you after all.”

“Now Angel you have the responsibility to make this happen or not to happen. They can only send you back once…so if you screw up…the outcome can not be changed again.”

“So the Powers want Buffy and me to stay together? But what happens to my soul…I can’t stay just friends with her? Or is that another cross I have to bear? Am I meant to live eternity being with the one I love and not being with her as well? Are we meant to live as the sun and moon for the rest of our lives? Is that our reward for our services to the almighty Powers?” Angel kicks the grass beneath his feet and says the last words with a sarcastic voice.

“You play the angst hero so well…but the Powers are not that cruel even for higher beings. Do you think they would let a little thing as a clause in your curse, be the downfall to their plan? Once you set everything right again you don’t need to worry about turning into Angelus again. The Powers actually like the idea of an army of super beings, if you know what I mean. But I am getting ahead of myself you have to be human for that. The only thing I can say is that in the near future you will be rewarded, just like the prophecy you found a ways back. Don’t worry you will still be able to protect your love.”

Angel’s mind’s whirling with all the possibilities that Whistler stated. He’s going to get all the dreams he has dreamt about come true and he just wanted to get it all started. The day started as if it was all coming to an end but now it was just the beginning.

“What do I do?”

“You will be sent back in time. I don’t know when so be prepared. You will remember everything…only you…so this will be another memory you alone will remember. This will help you choose the right path or hinder you…it’s your choice. The only thing I want to stress to you and this is from me, man. In the past, decisions were made wrongly because you didn’t ask for help especially from Buffy. Yes, you want to protect her but she has grown up a lot since you last seen her. Your relationship won’t last if you don’t think of her as a partner. She also deserves to put her two cents worth when dealing with your future together. So don’t run off half cocked when obstacles are in your way, the best force happens when you work as a team. If you need to forget anything just don’t forget that advice I give to you. You may have lived for hundreds of years but when it comes to relationships…you have a lot still to learn.”

Angel looks down at the tombstone and touches the words inscribed on it.

“Buffy I swear I’m not going to let this happen. I need you in my life…always”

“Old man are you up for the task?”

“Ready. I’m ready for second chances…”

The tingling sensation started from the tips of Angel’s fingers and travels to the rest of his body. The intensity grows until he feels as if his whole body’s staring to burn up. He raises his head towards the night sky and with one loud scream he disappears into nothingness…

* * *

“How’s forever? Does forever work for you?”

Angel’s vision comes back into focus and looks into the face he never thought he would see again. He gives his head a little shake and looks around. He’s sitting under a tree with Buffy in his arms. Ironically this is the same spot where he stood with the others to say their final good-byes to her. But this time…it will be different Angel swears to him-self with an oath that reaches his very being. Her warmth that radiates from her body penetrates through his clothes and he gives her shoulders a little squeeze. He closes his eyes and inhales deeply, the scent of vanilla filling his senses.

Angel takes Buffy’s face between his hands and stares into her blue eyes and into her soul. “Forever…that’s not enough. I am here to stay with you for always…”

The Beginning

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