Title: Come To Play
Author: Starla
Email: starla@buffymail.com
Disclaimer: These Characters belong to Joss Whedon, except Gorlock, Alana, Adrian Townsend, and anyone else you don't recognize.
Distribution: Take it, but let me know. If you have any of my other fics, go ahead.
Author's Notes: It *will* be B/A I promise. I realise this part is a little depressing. Sorry. Season 4 did happen, Fish Boy did date Buffy, Angel went to LA, etc.
Spoilers: I dunno. Anything is possible, be warned.
Summary: 150 years after the Scooby Gang die, they return to Earth to help out the current Slayer and her Slayerettes.

Part 24


Angel moved along the path, in the middle of a meadow. He frowned to himself, spinning around.

He couldn''t feel her. She wasn't here.

The meadow was beautiful, the sun shining down on wildflowers and long, lush grass and sparkling off the water of a small pond.

Absolutely beautiful, but not what he was looking for.

And, come to think of it, extremely cliche.

He groaned in frustration. "Buffy, where are you?" He whispered.

"She's around." A voice said. "She's waiting for you."

He swivelled to face the voice.

Jenny.

"It's nice to see you, Angel." She said warmly, smiling. He opened his mouth to speak, but she held up a hand. "Please don't apologize. It wasn't you. I always knew that." She looked at him seriously. "They all did, subconsciously."

"If she's waiting for me, why can't I find her?" Angel asked, his concern for her evident on his face.

"Your confusion is a result of your own doubt and anxiety." She told him, taking a step towards him. "Focus on her. *Know* her presence, and you will find her. Be patient. It might take you some time."

Angel looked at her doubtfully. She sighed, wrapped her arms around him, giving him a quick squeeze. "You'll find her eventually. And we'll all be around later."

"I want to find her *now*." Angel said, brooding.

"Go on." Jenny said. "I'll catch up later."

Angel stared at her a moment longer, and then started walking once more.

And suddenly, he no longer stood in the meadow, but was walking through the streets of Galway, as they had been when he was a youth. A figure stood before him, and he knew who it was, despite the fact that she looked 3 or 4 years older than she had when she had died at his hands.

"Katherine." He whispered, and broke into a run to get to her.

She turned, a radiant smile on her face. "Liam!" She shrieked, and threw her arms around his neck. "Dear Brother, We've waited so long." She murmured into his cheek. He hugged her back, his tears mingling with hers.

She pulled away, taking his hand. "Oh, Liam, I've missed you."

"It's Angel now." He said quietly. "It has been for a long time."

"I know." She replied. "We know everything. We've watched you."

He turned his head to face his mother and father. "Hello." He said softly.

"Hello, son." His father said, lifting his chin. His stance was dignified, but his smile was warm.

His mother moved towards him, enveloping him in her embrace, whispering to him in gaelic. "You've come home."

"Mother." He murmured.

"Come in for some supper?" She asked, but Angel's father put a soft hand on her shoulder.

"L-Angel seems rather anxious to find his love." He said in a gentle voice. "Let him go, he shall return."

"Thankyou." Angel whispered. "I *will* be back. I need to find her."

"Bring her here?" His mother asked. "We've never been able to meet her."

Angel nodded. "I love you all."

And then he stood on the street outside Buffy's house. He smiled softly to himself. He could feel her moving about inside. Smell her soft skin.

He'd found her.

Her window was open, in case he dropped by, as it had always been. Always.

The daylight shone down on him, warming his skin as he took several steps towards the house. He scurried up the pine tree outside her window, swinging himself from the tree to the window sill. It was no harder than it had ever been. He realized, with a start, that while he was alive, and no demon resided in him, he was still strong.

But he wasn't dwelling on the thought for the moment.

Buffy stood before him, her blonde hair shining, dressed in a maroon sundress, silver jewelery glinting in the sunlight that streamed through the window.

She turned to face him, grinning broadly. "Well? Aren't you coming in?"

"No." He said with a smile, reaching out and tugging on her hand. "You're coming out." She laughed, allowing him to pull her out the window. He climbed down the tree first, and then helped her down.

She took his hand as they walked along, then slowed him for a few moments to bestow a quick kiss onto his cheek. "I love you."

He stopped altogether, looking down at her. He didn't talk, just captured her lips in a passionate exclamation of love and lust.

And then, without a word, started walking again.

She watched him walk away, breathing heavily, smiling. And then she ran after him, pouncing onto his back, laughing.

He gave her a piggy back ride to the beach.




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