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F E A T U R E D F I C O F T H E M O M E N T
INDEX
BRE'S ARCHIVE
AUTHOR'S ARCHIVE
INTERACTIVE
AUTHOR
SITE
 O N L Y T I M E S E R I E S B Y B R E P A R T E I G H T A Buffy sighed happily. Pressing her lips against his once more, she relished the feeling of his warmth. It was like chocolate... nothing rare or special, but sweet nonetheless. “I take it you like it?” Buffy grinned widely as she pulled away from her boyfriend - her boyfriend. She couldn’t remember ever having a boyfriend for more than a month. A real boyfriend. Looking down at the simple chain on her bracelet, she fingered it lightly. “I love it. It’s beautiful. You really didn’t have to do this. It’s only been a month.” “A wonderful month,” Riley said softly, his light eyes never leaving her face. “I’m so happy right now.” Buffy’s lips curled up in a tiny smile as she reached forward and intertwined her fingers with his. “Me, too. I mean, really happy. I haven’t felt this way for a long time.” Riley grinned. Buffy couldn’t believe how happy she really was. The last nine years had been a constant struggle against her feelings for someone she didn’t know anymore, much less really knew in the first place. He had lied to her, in her opinion. Made her feel like she was wanted when really it was all a big game to him. She was beginning to see that, especially with the more time she spent with Riley. And as the revelations became clearer, she began to feel a little used. But that had been almost a decade ago. She hadn’t set foot in Wesley’s office since that day when she first saw Angel and didn’t plan to ever again. The only time she really talked to Wesley was when he called to apologize, to a friend from a friend, as he had put it. And yet again, another thing of the past. She would continue seeing Wesley, but only outside the office. They were friends of course and, as much as Buffy didn’t want to, she understood why he kept Angel away from her. If she had had a friend that was feeling the way she had been, she knew she would have definitely done everything in her power to protect that friend. It made her happy that she had people like that in her life. Leaning her head back, Buffy breathed in deeply as Riley released her fingers and began to rummage through the small basket she had brought for their picnic. Their tenth picnic within that month. The breath felt cleansing and Buffy released it with a contented sound. She was happy. Happy. She liked the sound of that.
“Okay. One year anniversary is coming up. I need to make plans.” Christina lifted an eyebrow. “I assumed you two were going to just have a little private thing. Are you talking about a party?” “Well, yeah! Of course. This is a huge deal, and Doyle and I can have a little private celebration later. Right now, it’s party time!” Christina chuckled into the phone. “Okay. What exactly do you have in mind?” “Well, I was planning a little get together at the Hela. You know that new club?” “I’ve heard of it,” Christina admitted. “But I haven’t really had a chance to get out of the house... or the office, for that matter.” “Well, now is your chance,” Cordelia exclaimed. “It’s really beautiful. You and Angel would love it.” “When is this party going to be?” “I was thinking the fifteenth of this month. A week away, plenty of time to plan and get the invitations out. Plus, it’s the day before our actual anniversary, so it’ll all work out.” “And what does Doyle think of all this?” Christina asked, amused. Standing up, Christina cradled the phone against her shoulder as she moved into the kitchen, opening the fridge and grabbing a bottle of water. “He doesn’t mind. I told him about it last night.” “Well, sounds good.”
“Oh... Cordelia?” “Willow! Hi! How are you?” “Uh...” Willow shook her head in shocked silence. “Good?” “That’s great! It’s been so long since we’ve talked. Since forever, right?” Willow had to smile at that. Cordelia never really changed. It was nice to hear from her, although a little odd at the same time. “Yeah... How have you been?” “I’ve been great! Got married last year.” “Married? Really?” “Yeah. Well, that’s the reason I called. I’m having a party for our one year anniversary and I was wondering if you’d like to come.” “Really? You want me to come?” “Of course I do! I did date your best friend for almost a year. And I saw Xander at the mall a while ago and he was talking about how well you guys were doing and I miss talking to you. And Buffy!” Xander? Mall? The answer was instantly clear. Anya. But what was interesting was the fact that Xander hadn’t mentioned it. She found herself nodding in response to Cordelia’s earlier question. “I’d love to come. When is it?” “The fifteenth. At the Hela. That new club?” “Yeah I’ve heard of it. Neat place.” “Do you think Buffy would like to come?” Willow didn’t need a second to answer that question. “She’d love to come, too. I’m sure of it.” Ever since Buffy had acquired her new boyfriend, she had changed. She was more open, it seemed. Not as sad and withdrawn. It was nice to see some of the old Buffy back again. While it was just a little of the bright girl Buffy used to be, it was definitely a start and Willow was sure Buffy wouldn’t mind showing him off a bit. “What time?” “We’re meeting at seven. It’s just going to be a little drink and eat thing. Nothing huge.” “Sounds good.”
“I am very sure you will never believe who called me today.” Buffy shrugged automatically. “Who?” Willow sighed in exasperation. “Guess!” “Johnny Depp. And he wants you to sign on as his co-star in the next huge movie?” “Close, but no,” Willow said with a laugh. Pausing, she watched as Buffy stared at her expectantly before Willow rolled her eyes. “Cordelia!” “Cordelia? Cordelia Chase called you?” “I know. You should have seen my shock.” “Why?” “Well, apparently she talked to Xander at the mall a while back and he said how great we were doing and she went on to say that she missed us, and the basic idea was that she was having a one year anniversary party and she invited us.” “Again... why?” Willow shrugged. “So, the idea is that we’ll just be a few more bodies there to make her look all the more popular?” Willow rolled her eyes again. “Buffy, this isn’t high school. I‘m sure she’s changed, just like us. And plus... I thought it wouldn’t be that bad considering you have a hot new boyfriend.” Buffy blushed as Willow wriggled her eyebrows. She giggled lightly. “Well, there is that.” “Come on. We should go. Xander said he would be there. With Anya.” Buffy took a deep breath. “Okay. When is it?” “The fifteenth. At seven. At that new club... Hell or something like that.” “Hela?” “That’s the one.” “Well... I guess it could be misinterpreted as Hell.” Willow pushed her shoulder. “It won’t be that bad. I promise. Plus... Riley!”
“Honey? Are you almost ready to go?” “Yeah. Just a sec!” “You know,” Christina mused loudly enough for Angel to hear from upstairs. “It should be me who’s taking so long to get ready.” Christina beamed at his soft chuckle. Grabbing his cologne, Angel stood in front of the mirror as he put some one. A simple party. He could do that. Then come back, get some work done, and go to bed. Nothing too troubling. And he was fairly certain that Christina wouldn’t mind if he left a little early. He wasn’t exactly in the mood to go to a new club and drink himself into oblivion. Although the drinking part did sound appealing. Angel switched off the light to the bathroom after he checked his reflection one last time. Dress simple for a simple party. Descending the stairs quickly, he was met with his smiling fiancee and he returned it. “Ready?” he asked. “Yep,” she said, grabbing his hand as they left.
The first thing Buffy heard as she entered the club was loud music that wasn’t very loud. It was conversation music. The louder music was coming from the upstairs portion. Although it could be barely heard, Buffy knew that there would already be a crowd gyrating to the music. It was a new club after all. “Nice place,” Buffy commented to Willow, who was trailing in behind her. Both of their coats had gone away with one of the big bouncers that had been standing at the door while the other checked the “list” to make sure they were approved to go in. Buffy thought it was ridiculous that they had such a system. Plus the fact that she had been half-expecting the list to be clean of their names and they would have to walk away in shame. It sounded like something Cordelia Chase from high school would have done. Before she even considered looking at Xander - which happened rather quickly in itself - Buffy and Cordelia had been enemies. Ever since Buffy had rebuffed the brunette upon her first arrival at Sunnydale High, they never got along. At first, it had hurt before Buffy realized that it was stupid the way Cordelia acted. It was a little immature to prance around the school as if she owned everyone with her little Cordettes. And then there was Xander. It happened gradually, but Cordelia began to soften a little. She still had a complete lack of tact and wasn’t afraid to put everyone around her down, but she began to care and take a little interest in their lives. It had been... nice, in a muted sort of way. Of course, that had been around the time that Buffy had been seeing Angel, so pretty much nothing could put her down in those days. Sighing, Buffy couldn’t help but think about how time changed things... changed the scenery and people. “Yeah. Very... classic and dark,” Willow replied, her hand clasped around Buffy’s wrist as she followed the blonde into the large restaurant beneath the real club. It was surprisingly crowded. The crowd around the two women were constantly threatening to steal Willow away from Buffy. Willow was actually impressed with the place. She could only imagine the actual dance floor upstairs. Music floated from the ceiling speakers, softer than what could be heard a little from upstairs. The colors were dark and the lighting was set for a more intimate mood. But judging by the crowdedness, there wasn’t going to be much intimacy happening. “Should we wait at the bar for Riley?” Buffy asked over her shoulder, spotting the long bar where small groups of people congregated as they waited for places to sit or just stood there, looking around... maybe for a little company on the chilly night. Buffy was surprised at the size of the place. “Do you see him?” “No. But the parking looked a little crazy out there so it might be a while.” Sidling up next to the bar, Willow leaned forward to order her drink. Buffy did the same and both watched as the young man whipped up their drinks in less than a few seconds. “Wow. Thanks.” “That’ll be $15.75, please.” Willow’s mouth dropped. “Fifteen dollars? What kind of place is this?” The young man didn’t answer, merely looking at them expectantly. Buffy pulled the money from her purse reluctantly. Handing it over, she received a quarter back for her trouble. “That’s extortion right there,” Willow remarked as she leaned against the bar, sipping at her drink as she glared at the man’s back. He walked away casually, already with another customer. “No kidding,” Buffy agreed. Sighing, Buffy took a drink, relishing the taste of the alcohol as it slid down her throat. She had never been a real big drinker. The two times she had gotten drunk were very unpleasant for her to remember. One had been a frat party and one had been a work party. Both involved guys. Both involved massive headaches. After ten minutes of standing, both drinking slowly, they continued to search the crowd for Riley. And there was still no sight of him. “How long does it take to park a car?” Buffy asked, standing up on her toes, trying to look over the top of the people surrounding them. “Seriously. He shouldn’t have been gone this long.” “Hey!” Buffy and Willow looked over to the loud voice and were greeted with the sight of Cordelia Chase. She was dressed immaculately in a low cut black dress that looked classy on her curvy figure. Her hair was still long, half pulled back in an artfully messy clasp, and the rest framed her face lightly. She grinned. Buffy smiled back. “Hey, Cordelia.” “God,” Cordelia said, stepping forward and wrapping her arms around Buffy warmly. Buffy hesitated for a split second before responding. “I haven’t seen you in so long.” “Yeah. Too long.” Pulling away from Buffy, Cordelia stepped in to hug Willow. “So, how have you guys been? You both look great. Tell me everything that has been going on in your lives!” “We’ve been good. Busy with work, as usual. But life has treated us right, right Willow?” Willow nodded, finding the expression Buffy used odd. Life has treated her right? Like Hell freezing over it has. “Yes. Life is good.” “You know what, why don’t you guys come on back to the table? It’s all the way in the back and Xander and Anya are already here. You have to meet my husband, Doyle. He’s great. And Christina. And Sandra.” “You know what? I’m going to wait here. I’m waiting for my boyfriend. He’s parking the car.” “A boyfriend? Really?” Cordelia lifted her eyebrows and smiled. “That’s great. What’s his name.” “Riley. Finn. Riley Finn. We’ve been going out for a month now.” “That’s great. I can’t wait to meet him.” Cordelia paused as she seemed to realize something. Then her mouth turned into a little ‘o’. “Oh, crap. He came with you. And he wasn’t with you at the door.” Buffy seemed to realize it at the same time. “The list. He’s not on the list?” “Well, I didn’t know you had a boyfriend. Willow didn’t tell me.” “I didn’t know there was a list,” Willow protested. Rolling her eyes, Cordelia raised her hands. “It’s okay. I’ll go get him.” Grabbing Buffy’s arm, she began to pull her with her. “Come on. Don’t want to bring the wrong guy in. There’s a reason there’s a list, you know. Only the right people can come in.” Buffy didn’t really know how to respond to that so she followed obediently as Cordelia wove through the crowd easily. Buffy found her shoulder being hit a bit more than Cordelia’s was and she rolled her eyes before furrowing her brow in annoyance as she allowed herself to be tugged along. Buffy saw her boyfriend instantly as they reached the entrance. He was standing at the door, his arms crossed as he argued with one of the large bouncers. Buffy felt her lips tug into a small smile. Her boyfriend. He was dressed in a tight, olive green sweater she knew only he could pull off. He was wearing dark jeans with them. He had opted to go a bit more casual compared to Buffy, but he was gorgeous nonetheless. “Excuse me,” Cordelia interrupted, her voice casual and commanding. The bouncer looked up, ready to tell the person to screw off. Then his features softened. “Oh. Mrs... Chase, right?” Lifting her eyebrow, Cordelia fought the urge to tell him exactly who the hell he was talking to. Taking a deep breath, she forced a smile to her face. “Yes. That’s me. And he’s with me. My party. He’s with my party.” The guard seemed to hesitate before nodding. Cordelia gave him an icy smile before turning around. Buffy reached forward and grabbed Riley’s hand, pulling him in through the door. She could hear some of the people shouting from outside. “Hey,” Buffy said, warmth flooding her tone. Riley smiled down at her before bending over and pressing a kiss to her lips gently. “Hey. Sorry it took so long. I couldn’t find any parking and then they wouldn’t let me in.” “So I could see,” Buffy said playfully before turning around. “It’s okay. You weren’t on the list. I didn’t even know there was a list. Thankfully Cordelia was there with us.” Riley allowed himself to pulled along. He was intrigued by the beautiful restaurant around him, but he was more interested in the dark black dress Buffy was wearing. It was similar to the one she had worn for their first date. It had a very low cut back that showed her smooth skin to anyone looking. The front of the dress was pulled up around her neck in delicate folds being held up with thin straps. She was breathtaking. Buffy followed Cordelia where she could see her pushing through the crowd once more. She spotted Willow standing at the bar still, an image of brilliance in white. It was a nice contrast to all the darkness surrounding the interior of the restaurant. Willow brightened at the sight of her friend approaching with her boyfriend and waved at Riley. He waved back, amused. “Hi, Riley!” Willow exclaimed. “Hey, Willow.” Riley smiled at her. He watched as a voluptuous brunette suddenly rejoined the trio. “Hi, I’m Cordelia Chase.” Riley shook her hand as it was extended towards him. He could see Buffy beaming from the corner of his eye. “I’m Riley Finn.” “So I’ve heard. Well, come on back, you guys. Everyone is waiting with abated breath to meet you... well, except Xander.” Riley looked down towards Buffy at Cordelia’s sarcasm and she just smiled. He returned it. He was very happy she had asked him along. He was incredibly happy that she had agreed to go on the picnic at the beginning of their month together. He had been very sure that after their rather stilted first date that she wouldn’t want to see him again. She had seemed so distracted then, so tired and withdrawn. Yet he had been attracted to her like a moth to a flame. And he was even more pleased to see her opening up to him. He knew there were things that she hadn’t told him yet. He could see it in her eyes. She always seemed sad but he knew she would eventually. He just needed to give her time. “There’s a lot of people I want you guys to meet. Doyle, Christina - and her incredibly hot fiancee - Harmony, Aphrodisia, Sandra...” Buffy just nodded her head, following the tall brunette. She could see a group of people standing and sitting around a table, drink scattered everywhere as laughter reached her ears. She saw people she had never met and people she remembered very vaguely. She was fairly certain a lot of the Cordettes where there that night. She also saw Xander, his arm wrapped around Anya’s shoulders as he talked to another couple. “Hey,” Cordelia said loudly as she approached the table. “Everyone is here, finally.” Buffy smiled brightly as everyone turned to see who the new people were and she met Xander’s eyes for a moment before moving over everyone else. But she didn’t get a chance as a man with dark hair and incredibly striking blue eyes was thrust in front of her. Buffy looked surprised as Cordelia appeared next to him, beaming like a mad woman. In love. “This is Allan Francis Doyle, my husband. For a year.” Buffy smiled politely. “Doyle, this is Buffy, Willow and Riley. I knew Buffy and Willow in high school.” Extending his hand, Buffy returned the shake gladly as Doyle continued the process with Willow and Riley. He was intriguing. “It’s very nice to you meet you all. ‘Delia here as told me quite a bit ‘bout ya.” “She has, has she?” Buffy asked. Cordelia rolled her eyes. “No, I haven’t. He’s just trying to be nice.” “Now this is just her trying to pretend like she’s the princess of them all.” Smiling proudly, Doyle wrapped his arm around her waist and Buffy couldn’t help but feel a little envy. They were married. Happy. Content in their lives. With each other. Buffy had yet to reach that point in her life. “Which she is in my book.” Cordelia just kissed him on the cheek in response. The happy couple walked off to sit back down and Buffy moved forward, Riley moving behind her followed by Willow. The table extended far and Buffy saw people she vaguely recognized from high school and others she didn’t recognize at all. She spotted Xander once again and waved this time. He lifted his hand to return it and the couple in front of them, the ones they had been talking to, turned around out of habit to see whom he was waving to. And then her heart stopped. Angel... sitting at the table... in the arms of some woman. He could only stare back in equal shock. Buffy halted and Riley bumped into her lightly. No one seemed to notice their connection as some people greeted them and others just nodded before turning back to conversations. But Christina took instant notice. As did Riley. “Angel?” Christina asked softly, shaking Angel’s shoulder lightly from where her arm was wrapped around him. “Do you know her?” “What?” Angel asked breathlessly. Know her? Yeah... know her... His eyes still hadn’t left Buffy’s. She was standing there, her hand in the cradle of some other guy’s and he could see her white knuckles out the corner of his eye. She was... here... “Angel?” Cordelia noticed what was happening almost instantly - ever the dutiful host trying to see everything that was going on around her - and she looked away from Doyle, her eyes switching between Buffy and Angel. She noticed Christina attempting to get Angel’s attention and Riley just standing there, seeming a little lost as to what was happening. She also saw Willow, standing behind Riley’s wide frame. She was pale, paler than usual, and her eyes were wide as she stared at Angel. “What’s going on?” Cordelia asked loudly. Her eyes narrowed. “Do you two know each other or something?” Buffy blinked and her she sucked in a deep breath as she moved her eyes to Cordelia. “What?” “Do you guys know each other? You’re acting like you’re having an affair or something.” Buffy’s eyes widened as she turned to stare at her outspoken friend, speechless, and Angel seemed to snap out of his trance, almost instantly. “Shut up, Cordelia.” Cordelia lifted her eyebrows in surprise and offense as she met Angel’s gaze head on. “What? What’s going on between you two?” “Nothing,” a small voice perked up from behind Riley. The entire party seemed to have stopped. No one talked as they stared at the scene that was beginning to escalate. All eyes switched to the redhead as she spoke. Her eyes were just as wide as Buffy’s. “Nothing is going on between them.” Willow felt stupid as the words slipped past her lips but they just tumbled free. Buffy couldn’t breath. She was breathing, deeply, but she didn’t feel it. She felt her throat starting to tighten and her heart was beating wildly in her chest. She was afraid of what would happen. Would she cry if he talked to her? Yell at him? Hit him? Instead of finding out, Buffy turned her eyes to the floor, avoiding all eye contact as she moved closer to Riley. She was incredibly tense and she felt Riley lift his arm and wrap it around her shoulders. “Are you okay?” he asked, his breath warm against her ear as he squeezed her gently. She shivered. Was she okay? Yeah, she was fine and dandy. Wasn’t it just typical of fate to throw her past back into her face just as she thought she was starting to put it behind her. Breathing in deeply, Buffy forced herself to nod. She could feel everyone’s stares, especially Angel’s. She shivered again and she felt Riley tightening his hold on her. Christina couldn’t take her eyes off either of them. Angel was staring at the small blonde as if she were a tall glass of ice cold water in a dry, hot desert. He was looking at her as if she were a long lost lover that he had missed dearly. He never looked at her like that. Jealousy, envy, anger, sadness... emotions rushed through her like a waterfall and she moved before she could think. Grabbing Angel’s shoulder, she pulled roughly and he seemed to look more on instinct than curiosity. It was obvious that he would much rather be looking at the young woman who had walked in. “Who is that, Angel? And why are you looking at her like that?” Angel didn’t say anything in response, his face slack as he stared at his fiancee. She was angry. The look on her face was clearly enough evidence. But angry at what. “What?” Angel asked dumbly as the party around them turned into a series of soft whispers between friends and lovers. Christina felt her hand tighten on his shoulder. Christina felt all of her anguish from the long years of Angel’s distance rushing up in her and she narrowed her eyes. She couldn’t stop herself, even if she wanted to. “Why are you looking at her like that? Is something going on that I should know about?” “What? No.” Angel furrowed his brow. He didn’t seem very sure of his own words as he turned to glance at Buffy. She was staring at him and Christina, her green orbs wide and emotional. “At least not anymore.” “So what... she’s an old girlfriend?” Christina knew she was acting irrational. But how could she not? The sight of her soon-to-be-husband melting into a puddle at the appearance of the blonde woman was heartbreaking. It was obvious they had a very intimate past with one another. It hurt her more than she would have liked to admit. Especially because he had neglected to mention it. “Uh...” Angel turned to meet Christina’s eyes once more. He could only stare at her. But Xander was staring at Buffy. And Willow. His eyes were narrowed in suspicion. They looked like a bunch of teenagers who had just been caught having stolen something incredibly precious, only they looked a lot more scared. Willow was actually pale and Buffy was... well, she looked like she had after she had admitted to getting pregnant by an older man than having to get an abortion. She looked heartbroken and incredibly confused. It slowly began to dawn on him. He couldn’t remember the last time Buffy had had an actual boyfriend, that he remembered her mentioning she had little trysts here and there that she talked about sometimes, but actual boyfriends that Xander and Anya could meet and go to dinner on a double date... no. And he knew he would remember this one. His eyes narrowed at Angel. “Hang on... how do you know Buffy again?” Angel looked towards Xander, his face blank. Xander untangled himself from Anya as he leaned forward, his gaze switching to Buffy and Willow. “Did you date him or something?” Buffy shook her head a bit before opening her mouth. But Xander didn’t give her a chance to finish. “Or is this the guy that got you pregnant?” Silence prevailed. There was nothing as Buffy felt her heart stop. How the hell did Xander know? Buffy began to breath heavily as she turned to look at Willow. She was staring at Buffy as well. She shrugged helplessly. “It is, isn’t it?” Xander demanded. He shot up out of his chair and turned to Angel. “You’re the one that made her get the abortion?” Willow couldn’t believe what she was hearing. How did a little party turn into a nasty rehash of the past? How could Xander be actually saying these things? He was practically yelling and she couldn’t help but notice Buffy’s shaking. She was shaking. Badly. “Wait, wait, wait,” Cordelia said, holding her hands up. “He’s that guy?” Cordelia stood up as well. “You’re that guy?” she asked Angel. Angel just stared wide-eyed at Cordelia before turning to look at Buffy. Their eyes met for a moment before she turned and began to push her way through the crowd. Willow didn’t hesitate a moment to follow. Riley quickly left after them. Angel was stuck. He felt stuck. He felt numb. How the hell could any of them know this? He watched as Buffy rushed away from him... again. He felt Christina’s hand leave his shoulder and he blindly looked over to where she had been sitting. She pushed her chair back and walked away quickly in the direction of the ladies room. Cordelia quickly followed. Xander was staring at him. “How the hell could you have done that to her?” Angel looked back at him. “You had no right to force her to do that. No right! You completely ruined her after that. You do know that, right? You fucked up her life.” Standing slowly, Angel turned to face Xander. Staring at him coldly, Angel took a deep breath. He was surprisingly calm inside as he moved to speak before changing his mind. Closing his eyes, he shook it before moving after his fiancee and her best friend. Xander grabbed his arm. “You can’t just disappear,” Xander said angrily. Angel met his gaze coldly before ripping his arm free and shoving Xander back. “I don’t know you. You don’t know me. You don’t know anything about what happened so I suggest you just stay the hell out of my business.” Not waiting for a response, Angel turned and walked off towards the bathrooms.
l be kind, rewind l back to top l
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