Disclaimer: All characters belong to Joss.
I dedicate this to Sara and Ryan because they asked for more. This is the sequel to `Coming Up For Air'.
Angel needs help getting back on track and Buffy is the only person that can help him but will she?
Buffy's POV. The episode "The Body" does not happen.
Please e-mail me feedback I beg you
Enjoy!

The night started off like any other night. I'm out on patrol armed only with Mr.Pointy. It was no biggie. I dusted off several vamps with no problem. I was headed back home when I spotted the unexpected lurking behind the tree below my bedroom window. I can't believe my eyes, the last time we saw each other we agreed to keep out of each other's way. But there he was in all his brooding glory. Angel was back in town.

"Angel.Angel is that you?"

He turns around in a flash once he hears my voice. He meets my gaze and at once I sensed that something was amiss. We stare at each other for what seemed like forever. He seemed to be searching for words to say. He was never a very vocal man but even for him this long pregnant pause was out of the ordinary. Then he finally says the words that grips my heart and leaves me grasping for air.

"Buffy.I am home.if you will have me."

Oh my gosh, I have dreamed of Angel coming back to me. But now that it has become reality, I do not know what to do. When he left me two years ago I was heartbroken. I just wanted to crawl into a hole and never come out. He was my `everything', my soul mate, and my beloved. He knew that he meant the world to me. No matter what obstacles we faced I had my eyes open wide and I knew what I was getting into. Okay I really didn't know what I was getting into, but we loved each and that's all that mattered. He didn't even say good- bye, we just looked at each other from afar and he just turned his back and walked away.

The only thing I can say is, "Come." Once that word passes my lips Angel rushes towards me and holds me in his arms. This show of emotion has rocked my centre and the only thing I could do was to hug tight. He whispers into my ear, "My life.and my hope."

My mind and body are in total shock. All the emotions come flooding in and I stiffen in his embrace. He doesn't seem to notice my withdrawal because he's so caught up in his own feelings over our reunion.

Getting on with my life after he left was the hardest thing that I have ever done but I did get on with my life.

"Buffy.Buffy what is going on here?"

Angel and I are so preoccupied with each other that I forget that I have someone accompanying me on my patrols lately. The sudden question coming from the darkness brings me back to present day. I wake up from my dream-like state and push away from Angel's embrace. The voice belongs to Riley and he is my boy friend.

"Umm.Riley it seems. that Angel is back in Sunnydale. to stay." I awkwardly stammer out.

How lame can I get? Well that was the best thing I could come up with in such a short amount of time. What was I suppose to say? "Oh sorry Riley boy but the love of my life is back in the picture, it was fun while it lasted. You can stick a finger in the light socket now. See ya."

I glance over to look at Angel's face to see how he reacted to Riley's presence. As usual he has that non-expressional look on his face. But I looked into his eyes and I could see the pain. We always had a connection with each other. When everyone else saw the unemotional Angel, I saw an Angel with his soul crying out for a connection. He has something to say to me and it's important. I have a feeling his very "life" depends on it.

I go over to Riley and as calming and vague as possible I try to explain to him that Angel needs me and that I have to go to him.

"Riley.I know this is hard to take. Now that you know the history between Angel and I but...you have to trust me.

"I do Buffy I trust you but I do not trust him..."

"Well you trusting me must be enough. Angel needs some time alone with me. I have to be with him can you understand?"

"Well I do not understand, after all he left you with no say and here you are welcoming him with open arms. But as I said before I trust you. Nite and I'll talk to you later."

Riley then kisses me good-bye but I got the distinct feeling that it was all for Angel's benefit. He wanted to let Angel know that I was his girl and not Angel's anymore.

As Riley walks away I get a queasy feeling in my stomach. Yes he trusts me being with Angel but do I trust myself?

"Now that's what I call awkward," Angel says to break the silence.

"Yes it was. I have a feeling you really need to talk. You still own the mansion maybe we should go there for privacy?"

I take his hand in mine and it feels so natural. This is where I belong this is home. No matter what happened in the past it's not relevant anymore. Yes I am afraid to get hurt again but at the same time I know what it's like not to be with him. It's like the sun cannot be the sun without the moon.

I do not know what the future has in store for us and it is complicated (with Riley and all) but it will be worth it in the end. We slowly walk towards his house and onto the road to forgiveness.

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