Like I Used To Do

by Jill

Part 12

Buffy stood in front of the fresh grave staring into space. It was almost dark
and all except Willow had left the cemetery by now. The last two weeks she'd
lived a nightmare. After she'd recovered from her first shock, she had realised
that Angel and his friends had left Sunnydale and went back to LA. Then Xander
and Spike had brought Riley's dead body to another place and called the police.
Only one day later his family came to Sunnydale and took the body with them to
burry him in Iowa.

Buffy felt nothing, she was numb. She was still not able to digest what had
happened in the graveyard. Why wouldn't Angel come and rescue Riley. Why? Why?
Why? She knew the only person who could answer that was a certain vampire but she
was not ready to face him. She did not hate him, but her trust and belief in him
was shattered and she was afraid all she would feel by seeing him would be
disgust, while everything she wanted was to feel save and secure in his arms.

On top of all this, Joyce had died only a week after the fateful night in the
cemetery. She did not regain consciousness. And again all Buffy wanted were the
two strong arms around her body, but she couldn't go for him. Deep inside she
felt by then that there had to be an explanation. Angel would never behave like
that way.

And with the realizations the guilt came. What had she done to him, how could she
accuse him like that. She now remembered the look is his eyes and she knew she'd
hurt him more than anything. How could she ever face him again? After all she'd
said. She had vowed never to be separated from him again, but the question was if
he still wanted to be with her. And his last words echoed in her mind 'I cannot
stand to be with her at the moment'. Oh god, what had she done.

She stred at the headstone in front of her, it read 'Joyce Summers', beloved
mother. She felt Willow's hand on her arm and looked up. The witch smiled at her:
"I think we should go. You need rest, Buffy."

The slayer only nodded and followed her friend never noticing the figure standing
behind a tree and watching the whole scene.

*******

Angel shut the door of his room behind him and let his exhausted body fall on his
bed. A mortal body really was something to get used to again. On the day that
wasn't he had lived as in a dream, it had been almost unreal and more so when the
time had been swallowed, but now he was human for three weeks and there was a lot
he had to adjust to.

He had felt it at once when it had happened in the cemetery fighting the Mohra
demon. After that he was weak and that had been the reason he could not get up
and help Riley. He'd felt even weaker then the first time and now there were no
Oracles anymore to tell him the meaning of all this.

But by the time they had arrived LA he had found Whistler in his room telling
him, that this was his reward. Defending the slayer in her last battle had been
the last task and now he was free. Cordelia hadn't had a vision since then. He
had not told anyone about his new mortal state so far. Not even his friends and
they did not suspect it. He just kept his usual routine of being up all night and
going out to patrol, which was not difficult as he was used to it. And he was
also still brooding. This time the regaining of mortality had nothing of the
happiness of the first time. He felt empty and more dead than ever.

He had all he'd ever wanted and it was worth nothing without her. He would never
forget the look in her eyes. How could she think of him that way? How could she
believe he would sink so low? And that after all that had happened in Sunnydale,
after they had decided to try again, after everything seemed fine at last. It
would have been hard before to live with her disgust, but now it was unbearable.
Closing his eyes for a moment, he tried to suppress the pain that was washing
through him. Then he got up again and left the hotel.

He was still in overbrood when he walked through LA at night. His thoughts this
time were at the cemetery where he had seen Buffy standing at her mother's grave.
She'd looked so lost and sad. His whole being had cried out for her, he wanted to
hold her, but he couldn't do it, he was to afraid she would reject him again.
That would have been the final blow because this time she would not be in shock
and would not be able to find an excuse to make him feel better. Better, he
laughed sarcastically, would he ever feel better again. That was his last
thought, because he never saw the figure coming up behind him and then his world
went black.

*********

"I am going to phone her," Cordelia looked at Wesley, her hands at her hips.

"He wouldn't want that," the ex-watcher replied.

"I know. But he is missing since four days, Wes. And it is her fault! How could
she treat him like that. Ever since we came back from Sunnydale he was like a
wreck. Even after ... nevermind, I've never seen him like that before. I know
he's been dead for a while, but now he truly is. And I am scared." Tears welled
up in her eyes: "He is my friend, Wes and I care for him. If something's happened
to him it is her damned fault and she should help us."

He sighed and looked at Gunn, who was leaning at a wall. Seeing the ex-watcher
facing him, he shrugged: "Don't look at me. I am not a part of all this. But if
you ask me, Angel looked like shit the last weeks with the bags under his eyes
and he was so pale. No stop, he's always pale."

"Thanks," Cordelia glared at him. "You are a great help." Then she took the phone
and dialed.

********

Buffy looked at the phone ringing at her nightstand, she sighed and then answered
it: "Hello?"

"Buffy? It's Cordelia. I will come right to the point. We need your help. Angel's
missing. Get your bloody ass up and come to LA. ASAP."

"Cordy, wait, what do you mean he is missing?," the slayer asked alarmed.

"He didn't come back the last four days. But I will tell you the details when you
come here. And don't you dare not to come. It's your fault that this all
happened," she cried into the phone.

"Cordy..." Buffy began, but then she heard a click, the brunette had already
finished the call.

Her whole body shivered and she was still holding the phone when Willow entered
their dorm room. With a concerned look she sat down on the bed beside her friend
and gently touched her hand: "What is it?" When Buffy didn't react, she tried
again: "Who was on the phone?"

Now the slayer seemed to come out of her daze: "Oh sorry, Will. It was Cordelia."
Suddenly tears were welling in her eyes and she grabbed her friend's hand: "Oh
god, Willow. Angel's missing. They haven't heard from him for four days."

The red head's eyes widened: "What? What happened?"

Buffy's tears were falling freely now: "I don't know. They don't know. Oh god,
Will, what if..."

"No," the witch shouted. "Don't even think that."

But Buffy didn't seem to hear her: "It's my fault, Will. The horrible things I
said to him."

"You were in shock, Buffy. He should not have left that night."

"I cannot blame him," the slayer replied, reaching out for a Kleenex on her
nightstand. "I hurt him so much, so much, I was even afraid to go to LA to
appologise, out of fear he would reject me. If something should have happened to
him...", she couldn't speak anymore and Willow pulled her in her arms to let her
cry on her shoulder.

After some minutes Buffy pulled back and straightened: "I have to go to LA."

"Of course, I understand," the witch nodded. "We can all go tomorrow."

"No," the slayer shook her head: "I have to go NOW, at once. You all can come
tomorrow if you want, but Cordy said it was urgent and I cannot loose another
minute."

"Alright. I will tell Giles and the others." She took her friends hand and
squeezed it tightly: "Buffy, I am sure he is alright."

The slayer nodded and gave her a faint smile then she stood up, took her duffle
back and left.

********

"Are there any news," Buffy asked when she entered the hotel in LA. She had
needed more time she'd thought, because she had to search for the new adress.

Cordelia stood up from her chair and looked at the slayer: "So you came," she
raised her eyebrows: "I'm glad that you see it's your fault. I swear to god, if
something should have happened to him, you will pay for it."

The blonde stared at the brunette for a moment, then she said: "If something
should happen to him, I don't want to live, Cordy. I know it is my fault. I know
I hurt him," she was crying by now. "I would do anything if I could rewind time,
but there is nothing I can do to make the words unspoken."

"Then why the hell didn't you come and appologise? He came to Sunnydale to save
your life. He was doing alright you know." She waved her hand in the air: "In LA
and with his friends. Of course he would go to Sunnydale to save your ass, god he
would do anything for you. On top of this you had to wiggle your ass back into
his life, only to smash his heart on the ground again. He's sacrificed everything
for you, even humanity and don't have the time to appologise!"

"Cordelia," Wesley tried to step in, but the two girls weren't listening to him.

"I was scared, okay. I know this, I know what I did. And I know I should have
come and ... hold on, what do you mean he gave up humanity for me?"

The brunette looked to the ground: "Nothing. It just slipped."

Buffy stepped forward and took the other girl's hand: "No," she shook her head.
"I don't believe you. Tell me!," she demanded.

Cordelia sighed, she knew Angel would kill her for this: "Okay. So when you came
at Thanksgiving, you know."

"I know, when the Mohra demon jumped through the window."

The former cheerleader nodded: "Yeah. Listen I don't know the whole story, Angel
told it to Doyle and he thought I should know too. All I know is, that the
demon's blood mixed with Angel's and he became human. You were together in his
apartment for the whole day. Then the demon came back, Angel went to fight it and
was almost killed. You saved his life. After that he felt he would only be a
weakness for you. So he went to the Oracles."

"The what?"

"The Oracles. They are dead now. They were working for the Powers That Be,"
seeing the confused look on Buffy's face, she sighed. "Nevermind. They told him
that you would die, if he stayed human and so he asked them to turn him back.
They couldn't do that, but they turned back time for 24 hours. So the day never
happened and as he knew how to kill the Mohra demon now he could do it before the
whole blood-mixing thing. He was the only to remember, so it would not happen
again."

Buffy had listened to the whole story and when Cordelia ended, she felt as if she
would faint any minute. She swayed and Wesley stepped forward to steady her: "Do
you want to sit down," he asked full of concern.

She shook her head: "No. I am fine." Her hand flew to her mouth: "Oh god. He gave
humanity up for me. That was the reason he was so sure, I would survive. He told
me about the Oracles, I remember. But he just said, he'd sometimes talk to them."

"Look. You were not meant to know that," Cordelia said impatiently. "I only told
you because I know you would not have given up until you'd know. However. It
should tell you he'd do everything for you."

"I know," Buffy whispered. "I - I," she could not talk anymore. Then she took a
deep breath and tried to recollect herself: "We have to find him. *I* have to
find him. He has to know that I was wrong. He has to know," she paused for a
moment. "How much I love him." She looked at Cordelia: "I really love him,
believe me."

The brunette gave her a slight smile: "I know. I know how much you both love each
other. God, I once wanted a love like that, but I am not sure anymore."

"I don't want to spoil the whole reunion thing," Gunn's voice interrupted them.
"But I think first of all we should find Angel."

They all looked at him and Wesley introduced: "Buffy, this is Gunn. He works with
Angel sometimes. Gunn, this is Buffy, she is..."

The boy waved his hand: "I know, the slayer. He cries your name in his sleep, all
the time," he added, now looking at Buffy.

She only nodded. "But where can we look. I mean, does he have any enemies?"

Wesley, Gunn and Cordelia looked at each other and then almost unison said:
"Wolfram & Hart."

"What?"

"It's a lawyer firm. But not the usual kind. They have to do with demons and
stuff. Really heavy people," Gunn began to explain, but was stopped by Wesley,
raising his hand.

"Buffy," the ex-watcher continued. "They are connected to vampires and demons.
And Angel interfered with them more than once. They tried a lot to get rid of
him. Just recently," he paused for a moment. "They resurrected Darla."

"What?," the slayer asked incredolously. "But Angel staked her, I've been there."

"I know. But somehow they collected her ashes and brought her back. She came to
Angel in his dreams, later he found out she was really alive, as in human alive.
It almost drove him insane. But finally he managed to deal with her."

"Where is she now?," Buffy wanted to know.

"She's dead," Cordelia replied. "She suddenly became very ill and she found out
she'd cancer. Obviously she'd already had cancer before she was turned. And with
being mortal again the illness continued. I never understood why and how, but it
was a fact. First she was afraid and asked Angel to turn her again to prevent her
from dying but he wouldn't do that. Finally she seemed to understand why he could
not do it, that he would not interfere with fate. I think she was at peace when
she died."

"Oh god," the blonde whispered. "He didn't tell me."

"I think it is still hard for him, but that is not the point," Wesley tried to
get back to the matter at hand: "We just wanted to show you that they are the
only ones who are really interested in destroying him. Maybe we should try to
check out their places first."

"Okay. We better spread out," Gunn suggested. "I go with Wesley and Buffy and
Cordelia can go together."

The slayer nodded: "Okay. So, let's go. But if you find anything, please don't go
on your own. Inform me," she took a piece of paper and scribbled something on it:
"This is my cell phone number. Call me."

Wesley took the paper from her: "We will. And now let's get going. We've already
lost too much time."

Part 13

Angel was walking between clouds. There were bright colours, the colours of the
sun he realised. It was so bright he had to close his eyes sometimes. He wasn't
used to sunlight, he was a vampire. How could he be here. No, but he was no
vampire anymore he remembered. But that still didn't explain why he was walking
between clouds. And then he saw her, she looked like an angel with her golden
hair and the white gown she was wearing.

He began to smile and approached her. She was so beautiful. She slowly turned
round and smiled too. He smile grew even wider and he was only some steps away
from her, when her expression suddenly changed and she spoke: "Ah, it's only
you."

"Did you expect anyone else?"

"I did," she told him. "I was waiting for my lover." Then her eyes were cold all
of a sudden: "The one you didn't save. So I had to come here to be reunited with
him."

He stepped back, hurt.

And then a hand reached out behind one of the clouds, she turned her head and
took the hand, pulling the person to her side. Now she smiled again. It was
Riley. He turned and looked at Angel: "You see," he said. "I've got her at last."

"No," Angel screamed. "NO!"

*******

"How is he?," the man asked.

"Still unconscious," the woman replied.

"You hit him too hard."

She shrugged: "How could I know that he is no vampire anymore. When I hit him, I
thought he would heal quickly."

"Well, if he dies, it's just bad luck. It's not that I care."

"Of course not. But it would make fun to see him suffer. I am sure she'll come
and when we've got her, we could use them against each other."

The man gave her a certain look: "You like pain, don't you my darling?"

She shrugged again: "Whatever. I think I earn some of this. I played this little
comedy far too long. And to be frank, I hope he'll wake up, just to see the look
on his face when he realises that he cannot save every soul." And then she
laughed and pulled her long brown hair on her back.

They never saw the two pairs of eyes that were watching them through a window.

*******

"I cannot believe this," Cordelia whispered. "Angel was so sure, she would be
alright."

Buffy shrugged: "Usually Xander would say it, but this time it is me. I told him
so. I was sure she wasn't to be trusted. First she tries to kill my lover, then
she switches bodies and sleeps with the next."

The brunettes head snapped around: "What?"

"Nevermind. Maybe another time. Do you think they have him here?"

"I'd bet. If Faith is here, then only to watch him. He is a vampire, don't forget
that. They need a strong guard." Cordelia thought for a moment. "I think we
should call Wes and Gunn. We will need them."

The slayer nodded: "Agreed." She reached into her pocket and turned when she saw
that the former cheerleader had her own cell phone already.

"Wes... yeah. We are at the garden house. Yes, the one ... I think he is here.
How long... five minutes, great. We're waiting for you." She turned back at
Buffy: "They'll be here in no time. There are only two of them, but I think we
need a plan."

"The plan is you three take care of the man, while I will go for Faith and finish
this once and for all." Her face was determined: "She'll never hurt him again."

"Buffy," Cordelia warned her.

"No," the slayer replied sharply. "Angel tried it with the jail, right? This time
I will have my way. Besides as I see it, it is the only chance to get him. She
will not just hand him over."

The brunette sighed: "Alright, I see the point. But don't get sidetracked. First
of all we need to get Angel."

"Of course," Buffy replied quickly: "I just hope he's alright."

"Mee too." And this came deep from Cordelia's soul.

********

This time he was on a green field. It was peaceful and sunny, there were trees,
flowers, birds and butterflies. He smiled and thought of Doyle. 'This is no
butterly you idiot', he had said when Cordelia had brought the first
business-cards. Doyle, he missed him. He had been a good friend and the time had
been too short.

Suddenly the scenery changed. The flowers disappeared and were replaced by eyes,
her eyes. These accusing, disgusted eyes. They were everywhere. Angel turned
round and ran, but the eyes seemed to follow him. And now he could hear her
voice 'Don't touch me', she screamed. 'Don't talk to me', oh god. Stop, please
stop, it screamed in his head.

********

"Listen to me," the slayer whispered. "We go in, you take care of the man. I am
sure Faith will be only interested in me." She looked at Gun: "We are old
friends," she told him and smiled.

The smile made Gunn wish he would never be one of her old friends. "Okay," he
whispered back. "Then let's go."

Buffy gave them a last checking look and then she opened the door with a kick.
The two people in the room jumped from their seats and Faith grinned when she was
her sister-slayer entering the room.

The blonde slayer saw another door behind them open and there was Angel lying on
a bed. A wave of relieve washed over her. He was still alive, he was not dust and
then she focussed back at her oponent, just in the moment when Faith landed her
first punch on Buffy's face.

While the two slayers began to fight, the three others were busy overwhelming the
man, who they'd never seen before. First they had been afraid he might be a
vampire but he was pure human and so they didn't need a lot of time. When he was
bound and lying on the floor, Cordelia got up to check on Angel.

The two slayers encircled each other now. Both had landed heavy punches. Faith
grinned evilly: "Now B., you want your boy-toy. I am surprised, I thought you'd
only take vampires. Well, maybe Riley has showed you the possiblities in a man,
although I doubt it. He wasn't too great. But hey, maybe it was your body that
could not really turn him on."

"Dream on, Faith. Riley would have never touched you, if you had not been in my
body and Angel," she laughed. "You were so stupid you didn't even notice he only
played you." She jumped forward and landed a roundhouse kick in the other
slayer's stomach.

"Umph," the brunette slayer made. "Not bad. Well..."

That was exactly the second when Cordelia yelled: "Finish this, Buffy and then
come over here, quick."

Faith tried to use this moment to get her opponent off guard but she'd forgotten
about the other people in the room. And when she was about to jump at Buffy a
hard object hit her head. She fell to the ground, unconscious. Wesley stood there
holding a wooden object: "I know you wanted to finish this, but I think we have
more urgent buisness," he told Buffy pointing at Cordelia who was standing beside
Angel.

The slayer ran over to her lover, while Wesley and Gunn bound Faith as well.

"What is it," Buffy asked breathless when stormed at Angel's bed.

"I cannot believe this," Cordelia whispered. "Look," she said, pointing at the
ex-vampire's chest. At the same time she pressed the slayer's fingers on his
wrist.

Buffy's eyes widened: "Oh god," she breathed. "He is..."

"Yeah," Cordelia replied. "Alive. The only question is how long," her voice
sounded slightly angry.

"What do you mean," the blonde asked confused.

"You remember what I told you abot the Mohra demon," the brunette said and when
Buffy nodded she continued. "Well he fought one in the graveyard, that night. And
then he was to slow to help Riley. I just do the maths."

"Oh god," the slayer said again. "And I accused him. He couldn't help Riley. He
told me he wasn't fast enough and I yelled at him." Suddenly a thought came to
her mind: "Did you call an ambulance?"

"Of course, and the police. I called a friend of ours. Her name is Kate. We
sometimes help each other," Cordelia told her.

But Buffy did not really listen to her. The only thing she saw was Angel lying on
this bed. He was so pale and so quiet. A cut was on his forehead, it was barely
healed. The blood of the demon had made him human. He must have been weak, she
thought, and I ... He had been missing for four days. Had he been unconscious the
whole time, she wondered. Why didn't he wake up? Gently she took his hand and
kissed it. "Angel, can you hear me? Please talk to me," she whispered almost
inaudibly. "I love you, do you hear that. You have to come back to me. I am so
sorry. I never meant to hurt you. I was such a fool."

Then she heard the noises of the ambulance and the police.

********

She stayed with him the whole way into the hospital and the stuff had problems to
separate her from him at the EU-entrance. But with Cordelia's help they managed
to make her understand she would only be in the way.

Buffy was now in her own personal hell. She didn't even want to begin to imagine
what he had to live through since she'd treated him so badly in the cemetery. And
now he was unconscious, maybe he was seriously wounded ... Her life definitely
was a mess. First Riley had been killed and Buffy realised in surprise that she
hadn't really mourned him. He had been her boyfriend for more than a year and she
didn't miss him. Was she cold, was she heartless now? Was this part of being the
slayer, learning to live with the fact people around you died?

Then they had burried her mother, Buffy hadn't really mourned her either. Was it
because she had never been that close to her? Or was there another reason?
Yes, there was she had to admit. She had loved her mother, she had cared for
Riley and still her whole being had been captured in the feeling that Angel
wasn't near. That she had treated him so badly, that he had looked so desperate
at her, that she'd hurted him so much.

More than ever she realised that Angel was *the* important person in her life. It
was not that she didn't care about the deaths of her mom and Riley, it was just
that she was able to live without them. It hurt, deeply, but she could go on.
Without Angel nothing made sense.

And now he was in EU in a hospital and it was her fault. And suddenly she knew
that if he'd die she would too. Maybe not literally, but she knew that she would
die inside. And she also knew that her real death would follow soon. A slayer
without a heart was a dead slayer.

She was disturbed in her thoughts when a hand gently touched her shoulder. She
looked up and saw Cordelia standing beside her: "Do you want some coffee? Wesley
will go and get us some."

The slayer shook her head: "No. Thanks. I couldn't drink or eat."

The brunette nodded understandingly: "Alright." She paused for a moment, then she
asked: "I wonder, should we call someone in Sunnydale?"

Buffy thought for a while: "I don't know. I mean it's not that they care," her
voice sounded frustrated. "Giles has never forgiven Angel for what he hasn't done
and Xander still hates him." Tears were now spilling from her eyes, but she
didn't really realise it. "Maybe Willow. Yeah, call Willow."

Cordlia gently squeezed her arm: "I am sure they care. And Xander is an idiot,
you shouldn't care for what he thinks."

The slayer gave her a weak smile: "Who would've ever thought that we both are the
ones who care most for him."

The brunette nodded: "Well, life goes mysterious ways. But he is a good friend.
Maybe the best I've ever had. Once I thought ... well, that is over now." When
she saw the other girl's questioning gaze she explained. "You remember Doyle? We
were on the edge of something, I am sure of it, but then he had to play hero and
die," she wiped a tear away.

"I am so sorry," Buffy replied honestly. "I didn't know him, but ..."

Cordelia raised her hand: "No, it's okay. It was his decision. I just hope the
boss remembers that and fights for his life." Then she turned and headed for the
phone.

********

He met her again, again these eyes, again that smile, that told him, she didn't
care. That his love for her meant nothing. How could she be like that.

She wore a blue dress, it was satin and it was beautiful.

"You look great," he told her.

She turned and grinned, evilly: "Riley gave it to me," she told him, obviously
enjoying the pain in his eyes. "But you should see my wedding gown." And then she
laughed and Angel ran.

********

Buffy's head snapped up when the doctor came into the waiting room. Her body
began to tremble when she saw the sad look on his face.

"Miss?," he gazed at her.

"How is he," she asked, glad that Cordelia was coming back at that moment and
stood by her side. Both girls reached out for each other and their hands entwined
almost unsconsciously.

"Well, he had a severe head trauma some days ago. The rest of his body is fine,
but I am afraid I have to tell you that he's slipped into a coma."

"No," Buffy whispered, shaking her head frantically. The last person she knew who
slipped into a coma was her mother and she was dead now.

Cordelia tightned her grip on the slayer's hand. "And?," she asked looking at the
doctor.

He shrugged: "It is difficult to say. It almost seems as if he does not want to
wake up, as if he has a reason to stay where he is. All we can do is wait."

"Can we see him," the brunette asked.

He nodded: "Of course. It's room 511. If you have any further questions just ask
for me." He nodded again and then left.

The moment he was out of the door Buffy broke down on a chair and began to sob.
Cordelia gathered her in her arms: "Shhh. I am sure he will be alright," she said
again and again.

"No," the slayer clutched to her friend. "You don't understand. If he does not
wake up it is my fault. *I* did this to him. Oh god, Cordelia, if he dies I am
going to die with him."

The former cheerleader only held the other girl and for the first time in years
she began to pray.

Part 14

When Willow arrived at LA the next morning she was not entirely sure she'd done
the right thing in asking Xander to drive her. She didn't even know what had
happened. Cordelia had phoned her at some time during the night and told her
Buffy needed her help and she should come to the LA-General hospital. The former
cheerleader had sounded very concerned but hadn't explained the situation any
further. So the witch concluded it might have something to do with Buffy's
father. She knew Buffy had left Sunnydale for Angel but as he was a vampire he
would certainly not be in a hospital, would he.

Xander pulled his car into the parking space and glanced to his friend: "I hope
she is alright? Why didn't you ask Cordy what this is all about?"

"For god's sake, Xand, I told you before, she was very upset and just asked me to
come and not to tell the others." Willow was now sure it had been a fault to ask
Xander, but it was too late and honestly she did not know whom else to ask.

"I still think you should have informed Giles. He is her watcher and should know
about it and more importantly if this has to do with her father, she might need
his support. Especially after her mom died only some weeks ago." He sighed: "She
gets it tough these days. And now she doesn't even have Riley, damn Angel."

"Stop it!", Willow shouted. "Stop it now. Whatever happened she needs our support
now and not your selfish accusations. I told you she blames herself for attacking
Angel that night. And I understand it. Angel would never fail her this way, there
must be a reason. And now you shut up or you stay here and wait." She planted her
hands at her hips and showed her resolve face.

He raised his hands in surrender: "I will be good, I promise. Now let's go."

*******

He recognized the mansion in an instant and wondered why he was standing outside
his own house in the morning. The sun was shining brightly, Angel looked up to
the sky and smiled hearing the birds singing to greet the new day. He opened the
door and entered. The house was very dark and very quiet. He wondered if Buffy
was there waiting for him.

Then suddenly he heard a noise coming from above and he froze. It almost sounded
... no, that could not be. He stormed up the stairs and pushed the bedroom door
open. His heart stopped and his whole body began to tremble. There she was with
Riley, they were smiling at each other. Buffy looked up and smirked at Angel.
"Hey lover," she grinned evilly. "I was waiting for you. You came to kill him,
right?"

He couldn't speak, his mouth was dry. All he could do was shaking his head again
and again. He couldn't move and suddenly blood appeared on Riley's shirt and a
sword was sticking in his chest. He turned round and looked at Angel: "You," he
whispered. "You've won the battle, but lost the war." And then he laughed.

Angel turned and bolted down the stairs.

*********

Buffy woke up by a hand that was gently touching her shoulder. She raised her
head from it's place on Angel's bed and rubbed her sleepy eyes. Turning round she
looked into Cordelia's face.

"Morning," the brunette gave her a weak smile.

The slayer yawned: "What time is it? I fell asleep." Then her head shot around to
face her lover again. He was still laying in his bed, hooked to several tubes and
being unbelievingly pale. Even as a vampire he had not looked that pale.

"It's almost seven in the morning. I think you fell asleep sometime around two,
so it was not too bad."

"Did you stay here as well," Buffy wanted to know.

Cordelia nodded: "Yeah. I could never go." She gave Angel a tender look. "I just
stayed outside in the waiting room. And fell asleep on one of the chairs. I am
glad I haven't come up a mirror," she tried to make a joke. "No change I
presume?"

"No," the blonde shook her head. "None. He is so quiet, Cordy, and so pale. And
he is weak. I can feel it. The only other time he was like that..." her voice
broke.

"When he was poisoned," Cordelia suggested.

"Yes," came the whispered reply. "And that's what frightens me most. I could do
something for him then, but not now. He is human and there is nothing, absolutely
nothing I can do to help him."

The brunette squeezed the other girl's hand: "You can. Be with him. He's always
known when you were near. I am sure it will help him."

Buffy nodded but didn't take her eyes from the man on his hospital bed. Of all
possible scenarios she'd never thought to find Angel here. As long as she knew
him he'd always been a vampire and vampires did not have to go to hospitals.
Seeing him as a human was new and confusing. Had the circumstances been
different, she would be excited she knew that, but now the only thing she felt
was deep fear.

"Oh my god," came a female voice from the door and both girls looked up. Willow
and Xander had entered the room. "Angel," the witch whispered and gazed at the
slayer: "What happened?"

"He was hit, obviously some days ago," Cordelia explained. "He is human," she
added then.

"Human," Willow's voice was full of disbelief. "But how?"

"It was the blood of the Mohra demon," Buffy said without turning. "The one he
fought in the cemetery. It made him human. He was very weak when it happened and
that was just before..."

"The demon attacked Riley," the red head finished her sentence. "Oh Buffy," she
approached her friend at the bed and Cordelia stepped aside to give her better
access. "That was the reason, wasn't it?"

The slayer only nodded and Willow could see that she was holding the ex-vampire's
hand tightly.

"Will he be okay," Xander whispered.

"Are you really intersted or do you just want to know so that you can celebrate
after his death," Cordelia snapped at him. "Why did you come anyhow?"

He was taken aback by her harsh words: "I," he began and then paused. "Okay, I
never liked him, but I don't want him to die either."

The brunette raised her eyebrows: "Really?"

"Cordy, please. He saved Buffy's life, right. Yes, I thought she was better off
with Riley, but that doesn't mean I was blind. I know she loved Angel and I also
know that Riley was only a desperate try to forget him. How about a truce for
some time," he gave her an expecting look.

She sighed and nodded: "Fine. For Angel's sake. But if you should insult him. In
any way, I swear I am going to kill you."

"Okay," he replied. "I already promised Will to be good. You will see a
completely new Xander."

"I truly hope so." With this she turned back to the bed. "Buffy, you should at
least eat something and drink some coffee. I know you don't want to leave the
room, but can I get you something?"

"I am not hungry," Buffy replied.

"Go and get her something," Willow said firmly. "She will eat."

Cordelia nodded and left, pulling Xander behind her.

"Willow he is so quiet," Buffy whispered to her friend, repeating the words she'd
already said to Cordy.

The witch pulled another chair and sat herself beside the slayer, stroking her
back: "He is strong."

"I don't know. He's not a vampire anymore. He is a normal human being. God
Willow, I cannot loose him. I would die, I swear."

"Shhh," the red head whispered. "He will not die, you have to believe it. Angel's
a fighter, he's always been one. He loves you and he'll never leave you. You have
to believe that."

Buffy turned in her chair: "But I told him, I didn't want to see him again. What
if he lost his will to live because he thinks I don't want him in my life
anymore?"

The slayer then turned back to her lover and Willow suddenly had a very bad
feeling, because she couldn't answer that question.

*********

Angel ran out of the mansion, back into the morning sun. No, he was not guilty.
He didn't kill Riley. Why would she accuse him. How could she? He had sworn to
keep her safe, but not him. They had told the boy to stay out of the fight. Buffy
was wrong. She was wrong, but it didn't matter. She didn't want to see him again,
she'd sent him away.

He spun around when the door behind him opened. "You ran away," she asked, giving
him a sarcastic look. "Well guilt is hard to face."

"I couldn't help him, I swear," he replied.

"Sure," she shrugged. "But it isn't important anymore, you know. I don't love
you, so why don't you just leave and I can start a new life. I am sure I'll
find someone to love again."

"Buffy, I," he started, suddenly feeling as if he was falling into a deep hole,
but he was interrupted by a voice from the stairs in the garden.

"I see,the great love story is over."

Darla. And she was holding a gun again.

"I think I should be content with it, but I have to be sure, she's gone for
good."

She raised her hand holding the gun.

The same moment Angel began to move in Buffy's direction. He was here to keep her
safe. If she wanted him as a lover or not did not matter. His first duty was to
keep her safe, he loved her, no matter what. He heard the shot and jumped.

The same moment something happened and the scenery disappeared.

********

Buffy drank the coffee and eat a muffin Cordelia had found in the hospital. She
was not hungry, but her friends almost forced her to eat, so she sighed and gave
in. Then she assured them, they could go for an hour and so was was again left
alone with the still form in the bed. Only the beeping sounds of the monitors
kept her sane as they told her he was still alive.

A doctor had come in to check on Angel but he had left again ten minutes ago,
giving Buffy a compassionate look.

She looked at the man she treated to badly: "Angel please, don't give up. I know
I said horrible things, but I never meant them. Come back to me, I need you," she
cried now. Then she took his hand and kissed it softly. She almost fell out of
the chair when she suddenly heard a whisper:

"Buffy?" The voice was weak and it was hoarse, but it was his voice.

Her head snapped up and she saw his eyes were open. "Angel," she whispered back.
"Oh god, Angel. You're awake."

He looked at her for what seemed an eternity: "Why are you here?," he asked then,
the voice still very weak.

"Why? Because I love you, because I ... oh Angel, I am so sorry. I never meant
what I said. I would do anything to erase that night, but I can't. I accused you
of things you'd never do and I should have known it." She reached out to touch
his cheek and was glad he didn't flinch.

Tears welled in his eyes: "I thought, I'd lost you," he said. "I dreamed about
you. You said I killed him and you would not love me anymore."

Her hand flew to her mouth and the tears were running freely now: "NO," she
replied, her voice sounding desperate. "Please never think that. I knew almost
immediately after you'd left that I wronged you. There had to be an explanation,
but then I was so ashamed. I didn't know if you would reject me and that was
something I was not able to face."

He didn't say anything for some minutes, only looked at her, she looked tired and
exhausted, but her eyes were filled with love, pure love. He smiled: "I love
you," he simply stated, reaching out for her cheek. "We should really try and
stop to hurt each other that way."

She nodded: "Yes." She now tried a smile as well. "We should. God, I love you. I
was so scared."

"I am going to be okay, although I have to admit that my head aches beyond
belief." He gave her a sheepish grin.

"You have a huge lump, I wouldn't wonder."

"What happend," he suddenly wanted to know.

She looked to the ground for a moment, because she knew what she'd say now would
hurt him: "I don't exactly know. But Cordy and Wesley think it had something to
do with Wolfram & Hart."

He nodded and winced immediately: "Being a human sometimes isn't really fun," he
smiled. "My head feels horrible. But back to the subject. Wolfram & Hart. Yeah,
they could be right. But seeing your face I'd say there is something else?"

"Yes, you are right. Angel, when we went there, to get you, I mean." She took a
deep breath and squeezed his hand: "Faith was there."

His eyes widened in surprise: "Faith? But she is in jail."

Buffy shrugged: "I don't know where she was, but she was definitely one of your
guards." She stroked his cheek: "I am so sorry. I know you thought you could help
her."

"I did," he looked disappointed. "She seemed so much better. I wonder what
happened."

She felt anger rising in her: "You are still defending her. Angel, she almost
killed you - again, if I may say so."

"I am not ... nevermind," he looked at her. "Why don't we skip that for a while,"
he suddenly grinned and tried to ignore the feeling in his head the best he
could: "If you don't mind, I would like to kiss you."

She smiled broadly: "Let's see what we can do about this." She leaned forward and
their lips met in a gentle, loving kiss.

Part 15

"Can I just say you look like hell," Xander smirked at his ex-girlfriend sipping
from his coffee.

"Thanks you're a great help," Cordelia rolled her eyes. "I've been here the whole
night, you know. There are some of us who really care for a friend."

"Who'd ever thought Cordelia Chase calling a vampire her friend," now it was
Xander's term to roll his eyes.

"He's Angel, okay," her voice was sounding angry now. "He's not just a *vampire*,
he's the best friend I ever had."

"But you have to admit it is surprising," Willow jumped into the conversation. "I
mean for us, of course. As we haven't met you for a long time, except the few
days some weeks ago, but they don't really count." She paused for a moment.
"Sorry not enough sleep and too much coffee already," she looked down at her
third cup.

Cordelia shrugged: "Of course I have changed. You too, Buffy has, Angel, he
laughs more you know. He is more ... well, human. Which is good, as he is truly
human now." Then she smirked at Xander: "The only person who hasn't changed is
sitting next to me."

"Hey," he said trying to sound offended. "Some of us just are the steady types or
they are just too perfect to change anything. Besides if you ask Anya, she likes
me the way I am."

Again the former cheerleader rolled her eyes: "Oh please. A former vengeance
demon, I don't think she is a reliable source."

"Maybe we should check on Buffy." Willow was about to get up when the brunnette
laid a hand on her arm:

"No, just give them some more time alone. I think it is good for him to ... feel
her, you know. He was really bad the last weeks. I thought it was only what she
said that night, I had no idea." She sighed: "Just think you are longing for
something and then when you could have it it pushes you away." She suddenly
clenched her teeth: "If he dies, I will kill her."

Willow and Xander exchanged a concerned glance, then the red-head squeezed the
former cheeleader's hand: "But she loves him, you know that right. And he loves
her."

Cordelia sighed loudly: "I know. It's just. I feel so helpless. Buffy's right,
he's so quiet, I am not used to that." She looked at her watch: "Where the hell
is Wesley. He said he'd be here in the morning and no sign. He was meant to check
at the police and find out anything about Faith."

"FAITH," the two others shouted unison.

She shrugged and smiled sheepishly: "Oh sorry, I forgot. When we rescued Angel,
Faith was there."

Willow jumped up and paced the visitors room: "I knew it, I knew it," she
repeated again and again. "I just knew she was evil. I never liked her, she was
trouble from day one."

Cordelia only stared at her, surprised by the sudden outburst and Xander looked
to the floor. The same moment Wesley walked into the room: "Morning Corde..., oh
Willow, Xander, good morning," he greeted the others. "How's Angel?"

"No changes," the brunette informed him. "So what did you get? Did you talk to
Kate?"

He sighed: "Yes I did. It is the most amazing thing and I truly hope Angel's
going to wake up soon."

"Spill," Cordelia demanded.

He took a deep breath: "Well, it seems Faith is still in prison."

"What? Hey you are fine, right. We saw her yesterday, you remember. Do you have
amnesia?" The brunette approached the former watcher and was waving a hand in
front of his face.

With a gesture of his hand he pushed her arm away: "I am perfectly fine. As soon
as they got to the police station Kate phoned the jail to ask why they had not
been informed about Faith's escape. Only to find out she's still there. To make a
long story short, it seems there are two of them.

*******

Breaking the kiss Buffy looked down at Angel lovingly: "I still cannot believe
you are back. I was so afraid, the doctor said you would not want to come back
and I thought it was my fault."

He took her hand, pulled it to his mouth and kissed it softly: "I will not lie to
you, Buffy," he said, his face very serious. "Your words haunted me. And they
also haunted me while I was unconscious. I am not going to tell you about the
dreams I had, because I'd rather forget them," he shortly closed his eyes. "But
whatever I saw in my dreams they made me understand one thing. That it was my
destiny to be at your side wether you want me or not. So you see, I had to come
back ... for you."

She smiled through her tears: "I love you. And I am such an idiot."

He reached out and softly caressed her cheek: "No you're not. I was hurt, but I
should have been able to understand that you were in shock." He paused and an
almost embarrassed look flickered over his gaze: "The biggest problem is my low
opinion of myself, my problems to believe someone could actually love me or to
turn it round I am only too eager to believe someone's not loving me, that I earn
to suffer."

"I know," she replied, taking his hand and kissing it's palm: "You could never
see what a precious man you are. You once tried to kill yourself because you
thought you're worthless."

"I am better in that department now," he gave her a half-smile. "I didn't try to
kill myself again. But the thing about my uncertainties, well, it's deeper. Maybe
I am going to tell one day." He became very serious for a moment and locked eyes
with her: "You'll stay, right. I mean with me, I know you have college and all,
but I would ... I mean."

She placed a finger on his lips and smiled: "Shhh. You talk too much."

But he pulled her hand away from his face, holding it in his: "Buffy, I am not
going to take chances again. The last weeks were enough. I want you to." He took
a deep breath: "I know I am human now, I know I cannot back you up as I used to
do, but I love you and I cannot go on without you, again. Buffy, I want my life
to be with you."

Buffy felt tears welling up again, she would never forget these words, the words
she'd once said in a sewer and the answer that had broken her heart. "I want my
life to be with you too," she answered with a smile. She leaned down and kissed
him softly. Pulling back she continued: "And for the backing-up-part, well, you
already heard that I am free to retire, so I just thought about it and I am going
to retire."

"But I thought. You told Riley, you couldn't ..."

"I know. And I won't, not completely. But officially in Sunnydale." Seeing his
confused face, she grinned: "Well I thought I could move to LA, transfer to UCLA
and earning some money by working for you?" She tilted her head a little bit.

He chuckled slightly and winced again: "Ow, I shouldn't do that. These sudden
movements are not good for a headache," he grimaced. "About your plans, you've
given that quite some thought."

She nodded: "Yeah, especially after ... after mom," she paused and took a deep
breath: "I don't have family in Sunnydale anymore. Of course there are my friends
and all, but we all grow up and change and honestly nothing could be as important
as you. So maybe you could employ me?"

He grinned: "I have to think about it." She looked slightly hurt and he quickly
added: "You know, because of the permanent distraction during work. I am not sure
how efficient the office would be if the boss is always drooling over one of his
employ es."

"Oh, you're impossible," she playfully smacked his arm.

"Buffy," he said, suddenly serious again: "I am so sorry about your mom."

She smiled softly: "I know."

"I was there," he told her.

"You were? But..."

"I saw you standing there with Willow, but I was not sure, if you would want me
there. I am only telling you this so you know I thought about you, I didn't
forget..."

"God, I love you," she breathed. "After all I said to you, you came for me." Then
something suddenly hit her: "About forgetting. Actually *I* did forget, but Cordy
told me. You know about the day, the erased one."

"Oh god," he paled slightly. "She. You'd ... I am sorry."

"For what? Saving my life, sacrificing everything for me? God, Angel. You gave up
everything you ever wanted, being mortal. And you gave it up for me. And to top
that you were carrying all the memories by yourself so that I could go and
screw..", she broke up, now entirely embarassed. "I don't know why I ever was
with Riley."

"Don't," he replied, squeezing her hand: "I am not going to tell you that I was
happy about it. I was so jealous, just the thought of anybody else touching
you... But it is a part of your life and I am sure you cared for him. Don't push
a part of your life away, you have to accept it, because otherwise you'll never
going to feel whole."

She rolled her eyes: "There you go again, all wise and knowing." She sighed: "But
you are right, I know. He is a part of my life and I am sad he died. He was not
entirely a bad guy. I know you didn't like him, but..."

"I was terribly jealous, Buffy. I wouldn't have liked anybody, who had his hands
on you," he smiled. "And you had just thrown into my face that you loved him."

"Oh god," she groaned, burrying her face in her hands. "Don't remind me. I was
such a bitch then. Can we just put that somewhere and never ever talk about it
again."

"Deal," he replied, grinning now. It felt so good to talk about it now that
everything felt like a bad dream. Then a thought hit him: "Buffy, what about
Cordelia, Wes and Gunn. Are they okay?"

"Shit," she exclaimed, jumping up from her chair and heading for the door: "I
forgot all about them. Cordy is outside, she was here the whole night. I have to
go and tell her, I'll be right back."

********

"There are two of them," Cordelia asked incredolously.

The fromer watcher nodded: "Yes. Right after the phone call Kate drove there by
herself to check it out and Faith was there and completely shocked about what had
happened. Kate says she's really concerned about Angel."

"Who's concerned about Angel," a voice came from behind.

Wesley turned around: "Oh Buffy. Well, I was talking about Faith."

"Bite me," she replied sarcastically. "Faith never cared for anyone but herself."

The ex-watcher raised his hand: "No, you don't understand..." he began, but was
cut off by Cordelia:

"Explain that later. How's he?," she demanded to know grabbing the slayer's arm.

A smile spread across the blonde's face: "He's fine. He woke up some minutes ago.
He talks and he... uhmph."

Cordelia was hugging the other girl so tightly that she could not speak further
on: "Oh thank god," she exclaimed. "How about we go and see him and then you can
tell your story, Wes. I am sure, Angel wants to know that too."

The former watcher nodded and the small group headed for Angel's room.

*********

"What do you mean you can find him nowhere?", Giles asked staring at Anya.

"What I said. Xander's missing. He's not at hom, he didn't came to see me. We had
a date this morning and he never came." The former demon sounded concerned, which
was a new experience, but it showed that she really seemed to care for the boy.

"Anya, did you try Buffy or Willow?"

"Yes, and they aren't there too. The room is empty, but I found a message on
Willow's answering machine. It was from Xander and said, will be there at five to
pick you up. I don't understand it. What is going on, Giles?"

The watcher shook his head: "I don't know. I wish I would, but I don't." Then
suddenly his face lightened up: "Wait, Buffy has her cell phone, I am going to
call her now. Maybe she can enlighten us."

********

Angel looked up when the door of his room opened, when he saw Buffy entering with
the rest in tow he smiled: "Where have you been so long?"

"I've only been gone for five minutes," she replied, sitting next to him on the
bed and kissing him softly on the forehead.

"Too long," he stated and pulled her down to kiss her properly.

"Oh please, I can't believe it. You've just come back from the land of dreams and
have your hands all over her already." When they didn't break the kiss, she
yelled: "Hey, you two are not alone."

Reluctantly they pulled away. Angel licked his lips and raised an eyebrow: "I am
still hearing perfectly fine, Cordelia. You do not have to yell."

"Well, you seemed distracted," she replied rolling her eyes. Then she stepped
nearer and looked at him: "Do you really feel alright?"

He nodded and winced again: "When I can forget about my head I am great."

"He's a headache," Buffy explained.

"That's a pretty nice description," he grimaced. "Nevermind. It'll go away. While
you're away a doctor checked on me and he said I am going to be fine. They'll let
me go tomorrow if nothing out of the ordinary occurs."

The slayer beamed: "That is great! I am so looking forward to that."

"And we all know why," Xander ginned.

"Shut up," Buffy yelled at him but returned her gaze immediately back to the
former vampire: "Don't listen to him, he's again behaving like an idiot."

Angel grinned back: "I won't. It's not that anything Xander says is important."

"Hey," the boy yelled. "I resent that."

"Xander please," Wesley stepped in. "I am glad you are better Angel. But there is
something I have to tell you. Did Buffy tell you about the fact we found Faith
when we were searching for you."

The former vampire nodded: "She did. It's hard to believe, I was so sure..."

"That's just the point," the ex-watcher interrupted him. "It wasn't her."

"What do you mean it wasn't her?," Buffy asked angrily. "I saw her, you did too.
I was neither drunk nor taking drugs. She was there."

Wesley nodded: "She was and she wasn't. See, it appears that Faith, the real
Faith is still in jail and she was completely shocked about all this. The other
Faith or whatever you want to call her isn't the real one."

"A clone?", Angel asked confused.

Wesley shrugged: "We don't know yet. They are keeping her at the police station.
It seems she's all of Faith's memories, it is more than strange. I have talked to
her, I would've never guessed. The only difference is that she seems to enjoy the
evil deeds she's done while the real Faith wishes to make amends."

It was silent for a moment. Everyone seemed to digest the information for a
moment. Buffy was the first to speak: "Okay, so that we get that straight. There
are two Faith's or a good," she grimaced for a moment," and a bad one. A good
Faith, god, I never thought I'd say that."

Angel squeezed her hand and smiled: "I am glad. I could not understand it. But we
need to find out what's going on and then we have to decide what to do with the
second edition."

"True," Wesley agreed. "And I think Wolfram & Hart know everything about it, I
would bet my life on it."

The former vampire nodded: "You'd win it. I am also sure. We have to get in
there."

"No," came Buffy's sharp reply. "You're not going anywhere, you just woke up from
a coma and besides you're human now, no vampire strength anymore, honey."

"I know," he sighed. "But I know the place. I've already been there. And I never
said I'd go alone. I was counting on you to go with me," then he looked at the
red-head: "And while you're here you could come too. We might need some magic to
be successful."

The witch nodded enthusiastically: "Of course I'll come. Count me in."

"They release me tomorrow, so I say we go in tomorrow night," Angel looked at the
others.

"Are you sure," Buffy asked concern evident in her voice. "What about your
headache?"

"Don't worry. I'm sure it'll be better by tomorrow and if not we still have
Cordelia's painkillers. As the PTB have released me they obviously have done that
with her too, so she will not need them anymore." He gave the brunette a smile.

"Thank god," she replied.

"No but seriously, we have to act quickly. Something's going on there and I doubt
it was all about me. They are up to something bigger. And I want to see that
other Faith." He looked at his lover: "You should see her too, maybe you can
sense something."

"Agreed," she said smiling at him. "I've learned a lot about being a slayer, I am
sure I would sense the difference. I was just too concerned last night to pay
attention."

"Tomorrow night then," Wesley looked around and when everone nodded he crossed
his arms in front of his chest.

Part 16

Angel was released from the hospital the following day and ignoring Buffy's and
Cordelia's protests he insisted on going to see Faith #2 at once. So the whole
group (meaning himself, Wesley, Buffy, Cordelia, Willow and Xander, while Gunn
had some other business to take care of) were entering the police station and
approaching Kate's desk who was looking very oddly at the gathering in front of
her. "Angel," her voice sounded cold. "I was told you were in the hospital," her
eyebrows raised in doubt.

The ex-vampire shrugged: "It wasn't really dangerous, I was just unconscious for
some days." He could hear his lover slightly coughing behind him but ignored her
purposely. He felt good and the headache was only minor today.

"You do not have to lie to me, Angel," she shot back. "But I do not care what
really happened."

"You never told her," Cordelia whispered.

The ex-vampire only shook his head: "Why should I've done that?"

Kate looked at him for a moment and then stood up: "I guess you are here to see
that clone or whatever it is." Then her face wandered over the group: "She must
be quite something when you bring a whole bunch of spectators." Then she shrugged
and faced Angel again: "I have to disappoint you. She's disappeared."

"What?," Wesley almost shouted. "How could you let her go?"

"I thought a police station would be safe," Cordelia muttered.

"Do you have any idea how dangerous she is?," a blonde girl beside Angel asked.
Kate had the feeling she'd seen her before but couldn't really place her.

"I can assure you. We didn't *let* her *go*. She just disappeared. Just like
that," Kate told them slightly annoyed, snapping her fingers in the process to
demonstrate what had happened to their prisoner. She glared at the blonde: "Do we
have met?"

"What do you mean by that," Angel asked softly trying to soften the tension that
had built up by know. "She just disappeared."

The police officer snapped her attention back to the ex-vampire. "What I said. We
checked the cell this noon and she was gone. The cell was still closed, the
window was perfectly in order." She lowered her voice. "It was quite a shock to
everybody, but now they are convinced someone paid off an officer or so to let
her go."

"I see," Angel murmured, putting his thumb and index-finger under his chin. Then
he turned to Wesley: "Could she be desintegrated?"

"I don't know," the former watcher replied. "We have to look it up, but it might
be possible. I mean, nothing is truly impossible."

The ex-vampire nodded: "A solid body that disappeared," he stated more to
himself.

"Witchcraft?," Willow asked from behind. "I mean, maybe a spell or something."
When she saw everyone looking at her, she raised her hands: "I have never read
something like that, but maybe ..." She thought for a while: "We are sure she was
solid, right?"

"Absolutely," Buffy spoke for the first time. She'd been uncharacteristically
quiet. First she was still a little bit angry with Angel because in her eyes he
acted unreasonable by storming from his hospital bed right into the police
station and secondly she couldn't get over the feeling that police chick was
checking her out the whole time and unlike Kate Buffy remembered their last
meeting very well. "I can guarantee she was solid."

Kate was becoming more and more annoyed and confused. Who were these people and
more importantly who was the girl whoes hand was still on Angel's arm. She seemed
so young and ... innocent. But then she apparently knew Faith, who was a
criminal. She had to know: "Could maybe someone of you enlighten me," she asked,
putting her hands on her hips.

"Sorry, Kate. We were just thinking aloud," Angel replied, crossing his arms in
front of his chest. "We are guessing she's something to do with Wolfram & Hart."

"I see," the police lady nodded. "I have seen you before," she suddenly said,
looking towards Buffy, who was about to answer, when Angel said:

"Oh, sorry, Kate. That is Buffy, my girlfriend. Buffy, that is Kate, a," he
paused and studied the officer's face for a moment: "We know each other," he
finished his sentence.

"Your girlfriend," Kate's eyes widened in disbelief. Then she leaned forward and
whispered: "Does she know what you are or do vampires have a thing for innocent
little girls."

Angel decided to ignore her comment and touched his head instead which
immediately got Buffy's attention: "You should be in bed, you know," she told him
firmly. "And you will go there now. The doctor said, you had to rest." She turned
and smiled sweetly at Kate: "You do not need to whisper. We all know what he is
or better was." She took Angel's arm and the group turned to leave, then Buffy
looked again at Kate: "And I only look innocent."

******

"Why in bloody hell does she have a cell phone when it is not working," Giles
shouted for about the hundredth time. They had been trying to locate Xander,
Buffy or Willow for two days without any success.

"Come on watcher," the bored English voice came from the sofa. "She's the slayer,
she can watch out for herself."

"Thank you for your comment, Spike," the watcher snapped. "I needed that!"

"Buffy might be the slayer, but Xander isn't one and he is missing too," Anya
said.

"Maybe he's found another bed to warm himself," the blonde vampire grinned. When
he saw the former demon glaring at him, he shrugged: "What? Girls cannot find
their boyfriends? The usual cause is they are with another. Come on girl, it has
been your business for a thousand years, you should know that."

"Shut up," she shouted back. "Xander would never do that. He loves me!"

Spike shrugged again: "Sure." He thought for a moment and then grinned: "Probably
you're right. Who would want him anyway?"

Anya was about to yell at him, when Giles stepped in: "Shut up! Both of you," he
shouted. "This doesn't really help. The slayer has left her duty for two days
without a trace. This is serious."

The vampire rolled his eyes: "I cannot believe you, watcher. And I thought you
were intelligent. AND I hate to state the obvious, but if I were you I'd phone
the big poof."

"Angel?," Giles looked at Spike for a moment. "But they haven't spoken for weeks.
I understood they had serious problems."

The blonde vampire sighed: "I never said, that she went there, but maybe he can
locate her. God, humans are so dense."

"You are right," the watcher turned a took the phone. "Maybe Angel can help."

*******

"You are laying down now," Buffy said firmly when she and Angel entered his room.

"Yes, sir," he joked. "I will do it, for your sake. But I feel alright. I was
just slightly dizzy."

She raised an eyebrow: "Dizzy? Well you definitely should rest."

He gave her a smile, put off his shoes and laid back on his bed. "You could join
me?," he asked hopefully.

She eyed him for a moment: "But you have to rest and I am not sure if I can keep
my hands off you."

"I wouldn't mind," he grinned.

"Yeah, well, I wouldn't either," when she saw him making an iviting gesture with
his hand, she raised her arm: "under normal circumstances. But you are injured
and have to rest. So rest and I will go downstairs. Talk to the others."

"But I will feel lonely," he pouted.

"You're a big boy, you can handle it," she grinned and blowed him a kiss. "See
you later." She was about to leave the room but turned in the door: "Angel, do
you think she's still out there? Because if she is, she is really dangerous."

He sighed: "I don't know. I hope not. A homicidal Faith-copy is nothing I would
want to face. We really have to check out Wolfram & Hart, the sooner the better."

Buffy saw that he was about to get up again: "No. You lay down. At least for some
hours." She looked at her watch: "It's four o'clock, say until seven. During this
time we will make a plan and enlighten you later. Deal?"

"Okay," he nodded and closed his eyes. "I am really a bit tired," he murmured.
"Being human is still something I have to get used to."

Buffy smiled, his head had just touched the pillow and he was already sound
asleep.

********

"It is a mess," Lindsey repeated again and again pacing back and forth in his
office. "She was perfect and they got her. How could this happen? We had
everything planned so perfectly."

The girl sitting on his chair shrugged: "Not so perfect after all. We forgot
about the slayer. But," she paused, stood up and grinned: "he is human now. That
means he's no real threat anymore."

"Maybe," the lawyer replied thoughtfully. "but it is still a loss. It took us so
much preparation to make this Faith and now we had to desintegrate her, do you
have any idea how much money we lost."

"Come on! It can't be that much." The girl sat down again, putting her legs on
the desk. "The firm will survive."

"That is out of the question," he crossed his arms in front of his chest. Then he
suddenly grinned: "I think you should take care of him. Darla failed, but you
could do it." He paused and approached the dest, leaning forward with his hands
on the surface he said: "I want you to re-vamp him. Bring back Angelus!"

Part 17

"Buffy phone," Cordelia yelled when the slayer came down the stairs.

Buffy cocked an questioning eyebrow and while the brunette was handing the phone
to her she whispered: "It's Giles and he's really angry."

"Oh dammit," Buffy whispered back. "I forgot to tell him where I am." She put the
phone to her ear and chirped: "Giles, what a surprise."

"Quit that, Buffy," he practicly yelled. The slayer held the phone a little bit
away from her ear. He continued yelling: "Where the hell have you been. You
cannot just leave the hellmouth unprotected."

"Spike's still there," she replied.

"Very funny," came his biting comment. "You are the slayer for how long now? You
should know that you have to tell me when you leave."

"Yes, Daddy," she snapped back, angry as well now. "Sorry, that the fact that a
friend of mine was laying in hospital in a coma wasn't emergency enough. Maybe I
should have asked for a holiday before."

Giles felt immediately guilty: "I am sorry, Buffy," his voice was concerned. "Who
is this friend and how is he?"

She took a deep breath to calm down: "He is better now and it was Angel."

"Angel? Why would he be in a hospital? Really Buffy, you shouldn't make up
stories just to..."

"He's human Giles. Angel is human, it happened the night Riley died. He was
captured by some enemies of him who seem to have produced a sort of Faith-copy to
commit the crime."

"Excuse me?," he asked back in disbelief. "Oh dear."

"You can say that. So you can see that I have to stay here for a while, help
Angel to solve that problem as I'm the only one with preternatural strength now."
She looked at Cordelia, who rolled her eyes. Buffy gave her a grin.

"Do you need our help?", Giles wanted to know.

"No thanks. I think we are fine. Xand and Willow are here as well, they came with
me. So with Cordy and Wes and some friends of Angel who are demon hunters too, I
think we'll manage," she assured him.

"Alright. But if you should need any help..."

"Well, you could read in your books about making a copy of a person, a clone or
something like that. Giles it was so weird. That copy was exactly like Faith, I
would have never guessed it wasn't her. Not in battle that is. Maybe I would have
if I'd gotten the opportunity to talk to her. But somehow the copy disappeared
from jail." Buffy had an uneasy feeling in her stomach. This was just creepy.

"Oh dear, oh dear. I will look up my books and call you again. And Buffy, please
put your cell phone on!"

"Oh," she blushed. "Sorry, Giles. I'll do that right now."

"Could you put Xander on the phone now. Anya wants to talk to him."

"Sure. Bye." She looked at her friend: "Xand, your girlfriend wants to talk to
you." She handed him the phone and turned to Cordelia.

"He's sometimes a bit intense," she said and grinned.

"I remember that," Cordelia sighed. "How's Angel?"

"Exhausted. I think he's still to get used to this whole human thing. He forgets
he isn't a vampire anymore and overestimates his strength." She let herself sink
on a chair. "I am tired too."

"Then why don't you sleep for one or two hours. We all had hard days and nights.
With all the worry and stuff. I will go to my apartment now and meet you back
here in some hours. I need a shower and some new clothes." She wrinkled her nose
a little bit. "What about you Wes?"

"I'll stay. Read stuff up. Willow has offered her help and Xander too. So you two
go and have some rest, especially you Buffy. After all you will need your
strength tonight." He gave her a sharp look. "Angel knows the place but he won't
be able to help you fighting."

"Alright," the slayer raised her hands in defense. "I'll go. Keep Angel company."

"Oh I see a lot of sleeping done in that scenario," Xander exclaimed, grinning.
"Oh sorry honey, I didn't mean you," he told Anya quickly.

Buffy made a face at him and left in the direction of Angel's room. He was fast
asleep when she entered it. She approached the bed and looked at him for a
moment. His face wasn't as pale anymore and she was glad. The dark bruise on his
forhead and the still healing cut reminded her of the fact that he had could have
died from the impact. Would she have been able to go on without him? Maybe, but
her life would have never been the same. She would never have gotten over the
guilt of accusing him for Riley's death. She smiled, pulled off her shoes and
laid herself very carefully, so she would not wake him, at his side. She snuggled
her head to his chest and yawned. Almost immediately she was asleep.

******

"So the slayer is with her favourite vampire," Spike grinned and leaned back in
his chair.

"He isn't a vampire anymore, but yes, she's with Angel," Giles informed him,
while Anya was still chatting at the phone.

The blonde vampire sat up straight in his chair: "What do you mean, he's no
vampire anymore?" When Giles didn't react at once, he yelled: "Watcher, can you
explain that to me?!"

"Geez, can you turn down a little bit," Anya rolled her eyebrows in annyoance.
"I'm trying to talk to my boyfriend here."

"If you don't quit that soon, I'll be ruined," the Englishman muttered under his
breath.

"Will you now answer my question?," Spike was ready to kill Giles, if it wasn't
for that pesky chip he'd done it already.

"Sorry, what was the question again?," the watcher asked absentminded while he
was looking for a book to find anything about cloning or copying a person.

The blonde vampire jumped up and stomped his foot on the floor: "Bloody hell, you
said my grand-sire wasn't a vampire anymore. What does that mean?"

"He's human," Giles said, his eyes still scanning the titles of the books. "Why
does it matter to you anyway?"

"Hell, he's my grand-sire, watcher! And now he's ..." he almost choked on the
word, "human. God that is a disgrace. The vampire population is already laughing
at me because I cannot hunt anymore, but now," he groaned loudly and let himself
fall back into his chair, "now I cannot go out anymore. A vampire, whoes
grand-sire is a human. That is beyond..." he was a loss of words.

Giles turned at looked at him for a moment, then he shook his head and chuckled
slightly. "You're pathetic, Spike."

"No, I am not. It would be the best if I'd stake myself. This so humiliating!"
His head was burried in his hands.

"You are free to use one of my stakes," the watcher offered and then said "ah"
when he found what he was looking for.

"Very funny," the vampire groaned. Then he stood up and looked around: "Where is
that bottle of Gin I saw some days ago?"

*******

"Buffy," she heard a familar voice calling her name, but didn't want to wake up.
She didn't want to leave her wonderful dream where Angel and her were laying on a
beach, the sun shining down on them and she wore the tiniest bit of a bikini
she'd ever seen.

"Buffy. It's almost half past six." the voice came again.

"Mmmmm," she moaned, the voice had to be wrong. The sun was still shining and
so she didn't pay attention to it and snuggled closer to the warm body beside
her. Wait! A warm body beside her? Her eyes shot open and she saw the familiar
face: "Angel?"

He chuckled: "Whom did you expect?"

She rubbed her eyes and yawned, then she planted a kiss on his cheek: "I had the
most wonderful dream," she said happily.

"Do you want to tell me?," he asked stroking her hair.

"Hmmm. We were on a beach and I wore a bikini, that wasn't really one. It was
very sexy."

He cocked an eyebrow at her: "And you call that a wonderful dream?"

She turned her head to look at him: "Don't you think it is wonderful to be at a
beach with me?"

He grinned: "I wouldn't say that. And I also like that dream, but only if it's
private beach. I am not really liking the idea of you in a tiny, sexy bikini so
that every male can set eyes on you."

"You're too old-fashioned, my love," she giggled. Seeing the look on his face,
she added quickly: "But I love you the way you are. I think you're cute and
adorable when you're jealous."

"Ha, ha, very funny. Ow," he touched his forehead. "I hate that. Don't understand
me wrong, I do not mind being human, not at all in fact. But I have to get used
to the fact that everything is more real now, even pain." He rubbed his forehead
again. "And that it doesn't heal as quickly anymore."

She leaned over and kissed him gently on the healing wound: "There," she kissed
the bruise: "and there. Does it feel better now?," she whispered in his ear,
while she capturing his earlobe between her teeth.

He inhaled sharply: "Buffy, if you don't stop, we're never going to get something
done tonight."

"Well," she trailed her fingers over his chest. "Cordy won't come until seven, I
am sure of it. So I'd say there's enough time." She gave him a wicked grin and
looked deeply in his eyes.

He looked at her for a long moment, as if he was considering her words, but then
he captured her hand in his: "No," he said firmly. When he saw the disappointment
and frustration on her face, he planted a kiss on her palm: "Buffy, we haven't
been together for a long time and as much as I want to make love to you right
now, and believe me, I couldn't think of aynthing I would like to do more. But I
want this to be right. The first time was beautiful but the consequences were the
quite opposite. And you do not even really remember the last time, although I can
assure you it was like heaven. When I make love to you this time I want it to be
right. And I want to fall alseep and wake up with you in my arms with nothing to
interrupt us it this time, no prophecy, no demon and certainly not an evil lawyer
firm." He looked deeply in her eyes: "Can you understand that?"

"Yes, I can. But I do not have to like it, right?"

He chuckled: "I do not really like it either. I just want it to be perfect, for
both of us."

"Fine, fine," she sighed and pulled back from him. "Then let's get up." She
leaned down to get her shoes, while Angel did the same at the other side of the
bed. "But after we're over with this I am going to remind you about this being
perfect thingy."

He grinned: "It's not very likely for me to forget about it." Not if I cannot
think about anything else every time I look at you, he added in his thoughts. He
stood up and held out his hand for her: "Come one."

*******

"Hello! I'm back," Cordelia yelled, when she entered the office at seven.

"We're not deaf," Xander rolled his eyes but didn't look up from his book.

The brunette ignored his comment and gazed at Wesley: "Are the love-birds up
yet," she nodded pointedly at the stairs.

The former watcher shook his head: "I don't think so. Haven't heard a noise from
there."

"No moans, no cries?," Cordelia asked incredolously.

"Cordy," Willow exclaimed while she blushed furiously.

The former may queen shrugged: "What? I can ask!"

"God, how can you work with her?," Xander asked looking at Wesley.

"Usually she isn't that bad," came Angel's voice from the bottom of the stairs.
"Sometimes her phantasy is a little bit too colourful."

"Oh please," Cordelia shot him a look, "as if I need phantasy when it comes to
you both."

"We slept," Buffy said matter-of-factly. "And now can we concentrate on our
tonight activities. Otherwise we will never live up to Cordelia's phantasies."

"Oh god," the brunette groaned. "I SO do not want to hear this."

Buffy giggled and planted a kiss behind Angel's ear. The ex-vampire was chuckling
as well.

"Well, uhm," Wesely began, opening a plan: "Willow has found that on the net," he
explained and the red-head came closer to the desk. "It is the plan of the
Wolfram & Hart office building. Angel already knows it, but I think it would be
good if Buffy and Willow do also have a clue before they go in."

"Good point," the ex-vampire replied and began to explain the plan. They didn't
really know what they were looking for, they just wanted to search the place and
maybe find something that could help to understand what was going on, when
suddenly the phone rang.

Part 18

"I'm tired, it's late and it was all for nothing," Cordelia complained when they
finally reached the door of the hotel again. They all looked at each other.
They'd been all around Wolfram & Hart's building but found nothing. Not one
stupid thing, nothing that could've told them what the lawyers were up to.

"I was so sure we'd find something," Wesley leaned against the house wall with
his left arm and looked at his employer, who just shrugged.

"All we can do now is wait for their first move, dirty bastards," Gunn snorted
and looked at his watch. "It's almost three in the morning and I'm beat." He
yawned loudly. "So why don't we just go in, have a nap and plan more in the
morning." When none of the others moved, he sighed: "What? Is the urge to sleep a
little bit to much already."

"I don't like this," Buffy said suddenly, looking up at Angel. "The whole place
was just crying out evil. My slayer senses were in override, my guts were
knotting all the time."

"I know," he sighed. "I can clearly remember the first time I was there. I could
feel it too. But Gunn is right. We can't do anything else tonight, so let's
sleep. Cordy, do you want to stay here? You can take any room you want."

She nodded: "Thanks for the offer. And yes, I really love my apartment but I'm so
tired, I couldn't drive now."

Angel nodded and opened the door to let them in. Buffy was the first to enter and
she'd made two steps when she stopped dead in her tracks: "Stop," she hissed.
"Vamp alarm!"

"What?," Cordelia asked confused.

"I can feel them. I'm not sure if there's one or more but there's one in there,"
Buffy informed her, her voice a whisper. She turned round: "Whatever happens, be
careful." She looked at Angel: "Especially you."

He smiled slightly: "I promise. Now, let's go and see who's visiting us at this
uncommon hour."

They didn't need to search for the intruders because the moment everybody was in
the house the lights were turned on and a voice came from the shaddows: "Hello,
Buffy."

The slayer whirled round, no, that was not possible, her mind was racing. "That's
not possible," she whispered to nobody in particular.

Angel reached out and touched her arm: "What do you mean?"

"That voice," she replied. "The person the voice belongs to is dead."

Her boyfriend looked at her quizzically when the figure emerged from the
shaddows: "No, you're not crazy, Buffy. It's really me," she laughed evilly. "Or
not me actually." She let out another laugh and changed into her game face.

Five pairs of eyes went wide and five mouths said unison: "Kendra."

She stepped more into the center of the room and grinned with her pointy teeth:
"That's right. You remember me, I feel so flattered."

"I do not understand," Willow's face showed confusion. "I saw you die."

"And I thought you were all shy and withdrawn," Xander muttered under his breath.

"Who's the chick?," Gunn whispered.

"She's ... she was a slayer," Wesley explained. He'd never seen the girl before
but of course read about her fate. "She's supposed to be dead. Well, she is, but
on the other side she's ... not."

"It's alright, Wes. I've got you," Gunn replied with a slight grin. The former
watcher truly was a stiff.

"What you saw," Kendra stared at Angel for a moment, but then her eyes lost their
focus again, "was my mortal body which died. I on the other hand, did not die."

"You did," Buffy commented. "News flash, you're dead."

The former slayer put a hand on her now unbeating heart and then gave the others
a glance in mocked surprise: "Devil," she laughed. "It seems you're right." She
made a move with her hand: "Well, that obviously means I've to live with that."
She giggled. "Oh wait, not live actually."

Angel crossed his arms in front of his chest and watched her for a while, then he
asked: "Does this lead anywhere?"

"Yes, good question," his girfriend added. "Because we're tired and all. So would
you explain yourself."

"You were such an evil creature," Kendra continued and stepped closer to Angel.
"Angelus is a legend. Do you know that?" She stopped and looked in his eyes while
her face changed back to normal: "The Scourge of Europe," her eyes looked almost
dreamily. "That sounds so right, so promising. And now look at you, a little
pathetic human. A laugh."

The ex-vampire's face didn't show any emotion and Buffy asked herself for the ten
millionth time how he always did that. He eyed the former slayer for a long time
and then he said: "I think you're the laugh actually. I mean, look at you. You
call that life, you can't even face the sun, because you're afraid."

If it was his intention to make her furious, Buffy thought, he'd succeeded right
away. With a howl her game face was on again and she launched herself at Angel.
Obviously he'd expected it, because he stepped aside and she flew through the
air, landing on Gunn and both fell, the boy under the vampire and they hit the
ground with a loud thumb. Buffy was about to comment Kendra's carelessness to
come on her own, when the door flew open and more vampires entered the hotel.

Buffy rolled her eyes: "Oh great, there's really nothing better than a late night
fight."

Then the first vampire approached her.

Part 19

Buffy did a roundhouse kick and the vampire before her fell back on a desk. All
the paper work on it flew around.

"Oh no," Cordelia exclaimed. "This was a two days work - and now look."

"Sorry Cordy," the slayer gave her a quick smile, then turned back when the next
vampire tackled her.

Angel swore under his breath, it was hard work to fight a vampire as a human.
While he was holding it, Xander drew a stake through the demon's heart. "We make
a nice team," the boy grinned when the dust had settled on the floor.

"Behind you," the ex-vampire shouted and Xander turned right in time to see
another vampire attacking him. But Wesley had seen it and held a cross into it's
face. It hissed and stepped back. Willow and Cordelia were fighting with Gunn and
the three of them managed to stake three or four vampires.

Most of the vampires were quite young and stupid and Angel began to wonder why
Kendra had disappeared when he suddenly felt a strong, cold hand grabbing his
neck and holding him in an iron grip. Kendra.

"Now Angelus," she whispered. The others were still too engaged in fighting the
remaining wampires they never saw what was happening between Kendra and the
ex-vampire. "How does it feel to be human? Did you enjoy it? Let me tell you,
it's over now." And with this she sank her teeth into his neck.

Angel felt the teeth piercing his skin and nausea overcame him, images flodded
his mind, images of the first time he had been turned. He saw himself again in
that dark alley, all these years ago in Ireland and Darla who had promised him a
new life. He tried to scream but no sound came from his mouth and horror filled
his soul when he felt his blood being drained from him. "I will not kill you,"
she whispered, stopping the sucking for a moment and licking the wound almost
gently. "I never intended to. I'm just giving you your power back. And I will be
famous. The whole vampire population will honour me for that, I'm sure. And then
we will rule the world." She chuckled and was about to drink from him again when
Angel heard a noise behind them and then he was free. He spun round and saw
Xander standing there with a stake in his hand: "Poor choice for a vampire's last
words," he said, grinning.

Angel smiled at him: "Well, vampires aren't usually famous for their cleverness.
Thanks, Xander," he added.

"I thought you could do with some help," he said and looked at the ex-vampire.
Then his eyes wandered to Angel's neck and his eyes widened: "Are you okay?," he
wanted to know.

"Yeah," the former vampire answered and touched the wound with a hand. "A little
bit weak, but nothing serious."

"Oh god, Angel," Willow came to stand beside Xander and stared at him. Her eyes
were wide.

"Are you all alright?," came Buffy's voice from behind them. She had just dusted
the last remaining vampire and wanted to check for her friends.

"We're fine," Wesley assured her quickly.

"Angel?," came the slayer's voice again.

"I'm fine," he said, now turning to face her.

Her eyes widened in shock when she saw the mark on his neck. "What happened?,"
she demanded to know.

"I suppose Kendra was sent to turn me into Angelus again. But thanks to Xander
she's history now." He gave her a smile.

"Oh god," Buffy launched herself into his arms and held him tightly. "Are your
really okay? Are you sure?"

He hugged her back: "Yes. I am sure. She drank only a little. No serious damage,"
he assured her. Over her head he looked at his friends: "I think we should sleep
now. We clean the mess up tomorrow."

"Sounds like a plan." Gunn looked around: "But at least they leave only dust."

"Only dust," Cordelia snorted. "It looks like a battle field in here."

"Oh Cordy," Xander patted her shoulder. "It could've been worse."

"Yeah," Wesley looked at the brunette. "Think about it, there could've been some
slimy demons...," he trailed off.

"What are we going to do about Wolfram & Hart?" Willow wanted to know. "I mean,
they've got still that resurrecting box, right. I don't like them having a
dangerous thing like that."

"Willow's right," Buffy nodded, slightly pulling back from Angel. "We have to
find that. But how and where? And I want Spike and Giles here." She looked at her
boyfriend: "And you stay out of this." She pointed at his neck: "This was a close
call, again. No mister, no more risks. You're too important for me."

He smiled slightly: "I agree," and when he saw her face lighten up in joy, he
added: "with Willow." He gave Buffy a quick kiss on the frowns on her forehead.
"We need to get this box. Wait," he looked at Willow. "Could you do a location
spell or something?"

"I could try. But I'd need my books, but if Giles is coming anyhow then he could
bring them."

"Are we going to do that tonight?," Cordelia's annoyed voice came from behind.
"Because if not, then I say we'll sleep.

Nods from everyone were the answer. "Good," the brunette nodded and disappeared
on the stairs.

"Okay, I'm going as well," Xander announced and looked at Willow, who nodded in
response.

"I'm driving to my apartment," Wesley said and turned. "I'll see you all
tomorrow."

"Night you two," Gunn grinned and left as well.

Angel cupped Buffy's face and looked deeply into her eyes: "Tired, my love?"

"Yeah," she whispered. "You?"

"Mmmm," he murmured and caught her lips in a kiss. "But are you too tired?"

She giggled: "Are you up to this?", she cocked her head. "I mean you're all
injured and, oh, Angel," she shrieked. Without a warning he bowed down and
gathered her in his arms.

"I'll show you," he grinned and raced up the stairs, holding her firmly in his
arms.

When Angel and Buffy arrived in his bedroom, the ex-vampire was quite breathless
from his run up the the stairs carrying his lover in his arms. They both laughed
when they fell onto the bed.

They looked at each other and immediately the laughter stopped. For what seemed
like an eternity they stared into each others eyes as if to make sure this was
really happening. Then slowly, so very slowly Angel leaned forward and captured
her lips in a sweet kiss.

Buffy reached out, grabbed the back of his head and pulled him closer to deepen
the kiss. She moaned slightly when the kiss became more passionate. Then she
suddenly pulled back and looked at him: "Are you sure you're up to this," she
asked with concern in her voice.

"Buffy," he said, looking deeply into her eyes: "Nothing will keep me from making
love to you tonight, nothing. Not even if hell freezes over."

She giggled slightly but the noise died in his mouth when his lips closed again
over her's. With another moan she opened her lips to invite his tongue. She felt
her body begin to tremble in anticipation and groaned inwardly. When did she
become so desperate? The answer was simple, she'd been always desperate for him.
It had been so long, oh god, it had been so long.

Angel felt the same, he felt the fire run through his body when his tongue darted
out to lick her lips and to run it over her teeth. He needed her, he needed her
like he now needed air or water.

"Oh Angel," she sighed in his mouth, while their tongues began to play with each
other. He felt shivers running down his spine and pulled her closer in need to
have her near, in need to have more contact. He could feel her hands on his back
and he felt as he'd been burned wherever she touched him.

He heard a little moan of protest when he finally abandoned her mouth and began
to trail his lips along the elegant line of her neck.

She threw her head back to give him better access and closed her eyes. She could
feel his hands wander over her still fully clothed body and when he stroked her
hips she arched her back towards him and was already feeling wet and hot between
her legs. She bit her lower lip to control the sensations running through her
body.

Angel quickly glanced at her face and was in awe. She was so wonderful, so
beautiful. Now trailing kisses over the other side of her neck, his hands began
to unbutton her blouse, slowly one button and then the next, while he felt her
struggling with his belt. He reached down and captured her hands: "Shhh," he
whispered. "Slowly Buffy, this has to be perfect. A night you'll never forget."

She looked at him, her face flushed with lust and passion, her eyes only half
open, the long lashes covering them almost completely: "But I want you," she
whimpered. "I want you now."

"Just wait a little bit," he whispered. "I promise you, you're not going to
regret this." With this he unbuttoned her blouse completely and stripped it down
her arms. Then he lowered his head again and began to kiss the spot right between
her breast and again she threw her head back, inhaling sharply. "Angel," she
moaned again. "Oh god, Angel." He continued his sweet torture and kissed her
already hard nipples through the fine fabric of her bra, while his hands caressed
the side of them and then wandered to her back to open it, while Buffy arched her
back to give him better access. When her breasts were bare before him he began to
lick the right nipple, the movement of his tongue almost painfully slow and Buffy
reached out to pull his head closer, but he resisted and took the nipple in his
mouth to suck it gently, then again to lick around it with his tongue. After a
while he continued his work on the other side.

Buffy felt like dying, but in a good way. Nothing counted anymore but his hands
and his lips which seemed to leave burning marks allover her shivering body. She
reached out to stroke his shoulders and his back, to feel the strong muscles
under the perfect skin. Then her hands wandered upward to his neck and the back
of his head burrying them deep in his thick hair, eager to touch him, to feel him
with every fiber of her body.

Getting impatient with the slow torture he inflicted on her she grabbed him
firmly and flipped him around so that she was on top now. With a quick movement
she tore his shirt apart to get access to his chest. Sitting on his hips she
leaned down and began to lick and kiss the smooth skin. She heard him moan and
her lips moved up to his throat, kissing it lovingly but only to wander down
again trailing a line between his nipples down to his navel. She felt his muscles
response under the touch of her lips and a feeling of joy run through her body,
knowing that it was her who made him feel that way. She looked up again and for a
long moment they just gazed at each other, their eyes talking without words,
sending each other messages of love and trust.

Angel reached out and opened her pants and she got on her knees to push them
down, then she wiggled her legs to get rid of them completely, pushing her
panties down in the process as well. "You're so beautiful," he whispered in awe,
looking at her now completely naked body. She gave him a loving smile bent down
and kissed him again. He rolled them over so that he was on top again. "I think
you're still overdressed," she whispered and reached down again to open his belt.
This time he didn't stop her. When it was open, she continued with his pants and
he managed to push them down without changing his position on top of her.

For a moment they lay still, body pressed onto body, eyes locked, just bathing in
the feeling to be so close. "I love you," he whispered. "I love you so much." His
voice was hoarse with emotion. She stroked his cheek and smiled: "I love you too.
So very much." For another long moment they just looked into each others eyes,
then his hands began to move again, stroking her arms and her hips, sending again
showers of pleasure through her body. Then he began to move down kissing her
collarbone, her breast and contining to her navel while one of his hands reached
down into her hot curls and finding it's way into her already soaking center. He
was rock hard already and all he could think was to be inside of her, but he
wouldn't do it. Not yet. He wanted this to be about her and her only.

She cried out in pleasure. It was almost more than she could bear, she was
already near, her whole body trembled and her hips arched towards him. Her hands
again found their way into his thick hair pressing his head closer to her body.
And then when she had the feeling she couldn't take it anymore his head moved
down and his lips caught her already throbbing clit and he sucked at it. The most
incredible orgasm rocket through her body and she cried his name in pure
pleasure and bliss: "Angeeelll,".

When the orgasm subsided she lay there sweaty and panting and he looked up. Angel
had had more lovers in his long life than he could count, but he couldn't
remember ever having seen something only almost as beautiful as the sight of her
in this very moment. Her eyes were closed and she was still breathing hard, her
face was relaxed, her body weat with sweat and then she opened her eyes. His
heart clenched in his chest by the sight of the deep love that radiated from
them. "Oh Angel," she sighed. He smiled at her and planted another kiss on her
navel.

"It's not over yet," he whispered, moving his body again on top of her. When she
felt his rock hard errection against her stomach her passion built up again and
she began again to tremble in anticipation. She wanted to be one with him, wanted
to feel him completely, wanted him to fill her, to make her whole.

"Please, Angel. I want you inside of me. Now," she pleaded.

He gently parted her legs with one of his knees and positioned himself between
them, the tip of his swollen cock teasing at her soaking entrance. She reached
out and grabbed his buttocks to pull him down on her. When she felt him entering
her, she drew in a hard breath and a hissed "Yes" escaped her lips.

"Oh Buffy," he moaned.

Angel moved slowly forward, entering her inch by inch and when he was finally
completely sheated inside of her, her velvety core tightening around him, they
both cried out in sheer pleasure. For a moment they just lay still and then they
began to move. Slowly at first his strokes became soon faster and finally he
thrust into her with all his strenght, while Buffy arched her hips towards him in
her need to take him deeper, to fill her, to become one with him.

Angel feeling that he was near wanted her to come with him. So he reached down
between her legs and one hand found her clit, pressing it gently with thumb and
forefinger.

She again cried out his name.

To see her second orgasm rock through her body was enough to send him over the
edge as well and and he came, spilling his seed into her.

"I love youuu," he cried.

Then he collapsed on top of her, both sweating, both panting heavily in desperate
need of air. Their lower bodies still connected Angel laid his head on her chest,
while her hands gently caressed his back.

"Oh god, I love you," she said. "I've never felt like this before. So complete
and happy." When he didn't reply she raised her head and looked at him. "Angel?"
Still no answer. Then she heard a strangled noise coming from him and with
apparent concern in her voice she asked: "Are you okay? Angel? Are you alright?"

Slowly he nodded and looked up to her. There were tears in his eyes: "It's
just...," his voice was hoarse and she gazed at him worriedly.

"It's just what?," she wanted to know.

"I never ... I never thought I'd be with you again."

"Oh Angel," she whispered, pulling him up, so that his face was level with her's
and kissed him gently on his mouth and on his cheeks to catch the tears. The love
and devotion in his eyes was overwhelming.

"I love you," he breathed, taking her head between his hands.

"I love you too," she replied and then a little yawn escaped her mouth. She
giggled: "I'm sorry."

He smiled at her: "You must be tired." With a quick move he rolled off of her,
but pulled her to his side immediately. "Sleep," he whispered.

"Promise, that you'll be here when I wake up in the morning."

He smiled again: "I promise, I'll be there," he assured her.

She yawned again: "Did I already tell you how much I love you," she said while
her eyes were already closing.

He chuckled slightly: "Once or twice. Now sleep."

"Love you," she repeated, her voice alredy far away.

He kissed the top of her head and her soft, steady breathing told him that she
was already fast asleep.

Part 20

When Wesley entered the hotel the next morning he was highly surprised to find
everything neatly cleaned up and Cordelia sitting behind her desk staring at the
computer screen. He looked at his watch, ten o'clock, and then back to the
brunette he thought so attractive, but who was treating him like a piece of shit.
Once she'd lusted for him, what had changed he wondered. "Good Morning Cordelia,"
he greeted her. "Were you cleaning up here? What time did you get up then? I
thought you'd sleep until noon the least."

"Yes and eight and no," she answered quickly not looking at him.

"Is something wrong?," he asked her with concern in his voice. "Don't you feel
well?"

Finally she pushed her chair back and her eyes rested on his face. Her arms were
crossed in front of her chest: "You remember this is a very old building, right?
Well, obviously they didn't really take much material in making the walls."

"Excuse me," he asked confused. What the hell was she talking about?

"The walls in this hotel are very thin. I didn't know that when I was choosing
the room next to Angel's. I took it because I kinda like the bed." When she saw
he was more confused than ever, she rolled her eyes. "Nevermind. Just remind me
never to do that again when Buffy's with him, okay!"

"Cordelia," he shook his head. "What is this all about? Did something happen?"

"Oh god," she groaned. "You're so dense. They were in the same room tonight.
Okay. They were all over each other. I could ignore it tonight, because I was
dead tired, but then at eight it started again, the screaming and moaning. So all
I could do was go as far away as possible. So I ended up here and worked away my
frustration."

Wesley stared to the ground, highly embarrassed by her words: "I see," he
murmured. Then his head shot up: "Frustration?"

"Yeah, well. It's one thing listening to it, but the whole situation gets mighty
frustrating when you know you're alone in your bed."

"Well," he began and gave her a pointed look which made her roll her eyes again.

"No thanks, I'm not that desperate. However. Maybe we should call Giles, so he
can come over and bring Spike. Only god knows when those two upstairs are going
to get enough of each other," she paused and then added: "If ever."

"Good idea, I mean calling Giles" Wesley replied, glad to have another subject.
Cordelia was really strange sometimes, beautiful but still strange. Might be the
upbringing on a Hellmouth he thought.

"Alright, you call Giles, I'll go and get something for breakfast, because after
that night, they'll be hungry," with this she turned and stormed out of the
hotel.

All Wesley could do was shake his head.

********

When Angel opened his eyes again he found his girlfriend's head still laying on
his chest, her eyes were closed, her mouth opened slightly and little puffs of
breath came out of it in a steady rythm. He smiled by sight of her, enjoying the
feeling of their bodies so near to each other again. The night had been heaven,
there was no other way to describe it. They'd been fallen asleep shortly after
they'd made love the first time. Then Buffy had woken him two hours later for
another round and they'd fallen asleep again. And when it was already day they'd
melted together again.

Every time had been more intense, every time he felt closer to her soul, felt
more and more complete afterwards, felt more of his deep fear washing away, his
fear that this was only temporary again, that something would happen to destroy
their new found happiness. Was she feeling the same? He was feeling complete and
utterly happy at the moment of their union, the moment their souls were touching,
then he would forget about everything out there, then there existed no evil, no
prophecy, nothing that could tear them apart.

Would this feeling ever leave, he wondered? Would he ever be able to let go
completely? Buffy would always be a slayer, even when the next one was called,
they both knew what was out there at night, they both would always live with it.
Would there ever be a time to relax, to be normal? He groaned inwardly. It had to
be a side-effect of being human, he was already thinking like Riley.

No of course they'd never be normal. What had she said? She didn't want normal.
She'd always be the slayer. They both knew it and they both accepted it. Funny
enough, he'd accepted it long before she did and now he was the one questioning
it. But was he really? Or was it just his fear for her life and as a consequence
his fear to loose what they'd just found again? Being together.

He'd fallen in love with her the moment she was called and he was sure he'd also
fallen in love with her if she hadn't been the slayer. But she'd never fallen in
love with him. Being the slayer was part of her personality, was what made her
Buffy, was what made her so damned special, so strong and not only physically.
And it was the reason they'd a chance for love at all. It had taken away a part
of her youth, and there had been a time he'd wished he could take away all the
pain she was facing every day.

He remembered a day, the day Giles had injected her and she'd thought she'd lost
her powers. What had she said? 'Before I was called I was shallow, call the
person Spordelia' or something like that. No, Buffy was Buffy because she was the
slayer, because she, they both, had suffered. But it had given them a chance. How
could he ever be with someone else, with someone normal, who wouldn't understand
his past, the monsters he was still carrying inside of him. Sure the demon was
gone and he was human now, but his past would never leave him completely. And
only someone like Buffy could understand him and live with it. And as human as he
was now, he'd certainly never be normal.

He startled slightly when he felt her warm lips touching his chest and he looked
down at her. Her eyes rested on his face and she smiled: "A penny for your
thoughts."

He smiled back and kissed her forehead: "I was thinking about our future."

"Future," she snuggled closer to him and tightened his arm that lay around her
body. "I like the sound of that."

He chuckled: "I like it too." Suddenly his voice was serious: "Buffy?"

"Hmmm?"

"I love you and I..."

She giggled: "I love you too. I think we've established that."

"No please let me finish the sentence. I love you and wanted to tell you that I
will always support you, whatever you're going to decide, about being the slayer,
about your future. I love you the way you are and whatever your plans are it is
okay with me."

She looked at him for a long moment, then she reached out and touched his cheek:
"You're the best thing that ever happened to me," she said with a loving smile on
her face. "I'm afraid too, you know." When she saw the surprise in his eyes, she
laughed softly: "Never forget how close we are. I can feel it when I'm laying
next to you. Tonight. After we made love. I could feel it, your body talks to me
as does your soul. I'm afraid too, to loose this. And I love you even more
knowing this. Knowing about your fear and hearing your words. It only prooves how
much you love me and that you respect me."

"Buffy I...", he wanted to tell her that she was giving him too much credit, but
she interrupted him immediately.

"No, don't say anything. I just want to tell you that I understand. I'm not going
back to Sunnydale, I already told you that. I don't want to risk loosing what we
have by going out there every night. Not anymore. That doesn't mean we won't
fight evil, because I know we will. We both have seen too much to just close our
eyes for the rest of our lives. But I've saved the world again and again and now
it's time for someone else to take care of it. Besides if the big bad evil comes
up I'm sure Giles'll give us a call."

He chuckled: "I love you Buffy Summers. So you're not going back to Sunnydale.
Are you sure?"

"Hundred percent," she answered without hesitation.

"Well, then we should maybe find another place to live, a nice, sunny apartment
for example."

"Is this an invitation to move in with you? Because if it is, I'm saying yes."

"It is. I mean, you do?"

She grinned: "Of course I'm going to move in with you. I'm not going to let you
out of my sight again."

"Good," he said grinning happily. "Because I intend to do the same."

They kissed gently and lay together for a while without words. After some minutes
she looked at him again: "Angel?"

"Hmmm?"

"Don't you think we should get up at some point?"

He sighed: "Yeah. I guess you're right. Unfortunately there's still this damned
box we've to take care of.

She quirked an eyebrow and pouted a little bit: "But we could have a shower
first?"

He grinned widely: "That we could."

She jumped from the bed and grabbed a towel: "The last has to do what the other
wants."

*******

When Cordelia came back after half an hour she found Wesley in a conversation
with Xander, Gunn and Willow, but there was still no sign of a certain couple.
She walked over and placed a bag with dognuts between them on the table. "Still
no sign of our heroes," she asked nobody in particular.

"No, but I heard the shower running in their room," Willow informed the former
cheerleader.

"Some progress," the brunette said while she was pulling a chair to the desk for
herself.

"But there were noises too," Xander added, giving Cordelia a pointed look.

"No," she raised her hand. "I don't want to hear it. I'm already mentally
damaged for the rest of my life thinking about the last night. Wes, did you get
Giles?"

"Yes. He, Anya and Spike are coming tonight. And he said he'd bring a surprise."

She quirked an eyebrow: "A surprise? Whatever Giles calls a surprise." At
Wesley's look she shrugged: "He is a stiff Brit, I'm not really expecting
something sepecial."

Gunn and Xander laughed out loud.

Wesley ignored her last sentence and turned to Willow: "So, what were you going
to tell me about that Corish demon before we were so rudely interrupted."

Willow's face lit up and she continued her story.

Cordelia didn't understand a word of it because she'd missed the beginning of
the story. She snorted, grabbed herself a dognut and put four spoons of sugar in
her coffee. Maybe sugar would kill the frustration inside of her.

Part 21

When Buffy and Angel finally came down the stairs it was almost noon. The shower
had taken longer than intended.

Cordelia looked up from her desk while Wesley stared to the ground in
embarrassment. The brunette saw it and grinned inwardly, how could a grown up man
act like that.

"Morning Cordy," Buffy smiled seating herself on the edge of the former
may-queen's desk, while Angel went to the big leather sofa and sat opposite to
the ex-watcher.

Cordelia glanced at her watch and raised an eyebrow: "I don't think you can call
this still morning." She nodded at the bag on the the desk: "There are some
dognuts left, if you're hungry and you can warm the coffee in the microwave."

The slayer grinned: "Wow, Angel's got a microwave." Her lover turned his head at
her and grinned back.

"The microwave was my purchase," the brunette said, while Buffy got up and went
to warm two coffees.

Angel looked at Wesley: "Where is the rest of the group?"

Clearing his throat the former watcher said: "Xander and Willow went to get us
some snack for lunch, while Gunn declared there was some very important buisness
he had to take care of. But actually I think they just tried to escape Cordelia's
frustration mood."

"Frustration mood?," Buffy raised her eyebrows when she handed a coffe to ther
boyfriend. "Why should Cordy be frustrated?"

"Uhm ... well," Wesley stuttered, deeply embarrassed he had brought up the
subject.

"Oh god," Cordelia groaned. "This is really nothing important. By the way, I
called Giles and he'll come tonight with Anya and Spike."

"Good," Angel nodded, sipping from his coffee and taking the dognut his
girlfriend offered him. "There's still one problem though. We do not know where
they keep this box."

"I've already discussed that with Willow and she and Giles are going to do a
location spell. She's really improved as a witch. Little Willow," he shook his
head as if he couldn't believe it.

"Yeah, well," Buffy grinned. "It's always a good thing to have your own
supernatural team at hand." She moved to sit on Angel's lap and he wrapped an arm
around her hip.

"Exactly," he said nuzzling at her earlobe. "My very own private slayer."

She giggled and Cordelia sighed loudly: "Do you two ever stop? You wanted to know
why I was frustrated. Well, I accidently took the room next to you both. And the
walls aren't very noise proof in this hotel."

Buffy felt herself blush and she burried her head in Angel's neck in
embarrassment: "She's heard us," she muffled into his hair, so that only he could
understand her.

He only shrugged and whispered: "I really don't care," wich made her giggle
again.

"Hey," Cordelia yelled. "That's enough. You had the whole night and I do not even
have a boyfriend."

The slayer raised a hand: "Alright, alright, we'll be good."

"Do we have to," Angel pouted.

The brunette rolled her eyes: "I'm just discovering that I miss the old brooding,
lonely vampire. At least he wouldn't play around like a love-sick teenager."

That made him laugh. Pushing his protesting girlfriend from his lap he stood up
and laid an arm around Cordelia's shoulder: "Come on," he said. "Be good. I'm
just happy."

"And I'm happy for you. I'm sorry, I'm a bit grumpy today. Not enough sleep I
suppose and this surprising encounter with Kendra or whatever that was." She gave
him a smile.

"A vampire," Buffy said looking serious. "How can they do it? I mean they
resurrect people. And they got her back as a vampire? Does anybody else feel this
is weird?"

"Darla came back as a human," Angel replied. "And then she appeared in my
dreams." He sighed and sat beside the slayer. He took her hand and said: "These
were some of the weirdest dreams ever. They tried to drive me insane to change me
back into Angelus."

"Fortunately you're to strong though," Wesley added, seing Buffy's shocked
expression.

"Obviously," the ex-vampire sighed. "However they brought her back as a human and
Kendra as a vampire." Suddenly he paused. "What if this box ressurrects but
changes the person. You know vampire into human, human into vampire."

"Talk about weird," Buffy leaned her head on his shoulder. "Whatever it does, we
have to get it. It's much to dangerous in the hands of evil people."

The conversation stopped when the entrance door opened.

"Oh look the Buffster came up for air again," Xander grinned when he and Willow
entered the hotel, carrying containers with Chinese take-away. "Anybody hungry?"

**********

Giles was about to kill Spike and Anya by the time they reached LA. Their
constant bickering was getting on his nerves, but there wasn't a thing he could
do about it. Only the fourth passenger seemed to be untouched by the whole
exchange. So the watcher was clearly relieved when he finally pulled his car in
front of the Hyperion hotel and switched off the engine.

"So peaches owns a whole hotel now," Spike commented, climbing out of the car.
"Seems he clearly saved some money from his old times."

"It looks old," Anya said, looking at the building.

"Of course it looks old," the vampire replied with a smirk. "It is old, pet, just
like you."

The ex-demon decided to ignore him this time and go for the door instead, but
inwardly desperatly wishing for her powers to rip out his undead heart or pull
his brain through his ears. Pushing the door open she shouted: "Xander, I'm
here."

"I see you honey," came the reply and then he walked over to hug her. After her
Giles and Spike entered and when the fourth person came in Willow's eyes went
wide.

"Oz," she whispered. "Oh god, Oz."

"Hi Will," he said with a sheepish smile. "I came to see you in Sunnydale, but
Giles told me you're gone."

Willow stared at him and everybody in the room seemed to hold their breath. Then
with a muffled noise the witch bolted up the stairs.

After a silence Xander looked at the werewolf: "Hey Oz, long time no see."

"Xander," Oz nodded and gazed at the others in the room, resting his eyes on
Angel: "I heard you went through some changes recently."

The ex-vampire smiled: "Well, yeah."

"Cool," the werewolf said with a loopsided grin. "What room is Will's?"

"Oz," Buffy stepped forward. "Maybe you should give her some time. You know to
digest."

He looked at her for a moment and then nodded: "You might be right. I didn't want
it that way actually. I came to see her in Sunnydale. Then Giles told me, she was
here and that you're on a mission," he grinned. "Obviously nothing's really
changed."

"Maybe we should just sit down and talk," Wesley suggested.

"Good idea," Buffy nodded and then looked at Angel: "I just go and talk to Will,
alright?"

He smiled: "You do that."

She gave him a kiss on the cheek and left the room.

*******

"Willow, can I come in," Buffy asked cautiously and knocked on the door.

"Sure," came her reply.

When the slayer entered the room, the red-head sat on the bed, her eyes puffy and
red and she sniffled.

Buffy gave her a smile: "How do you feel?"

She shrugged: "I don't know. A little overwhelmed I think."

The slayer chuckled: "I guess. I'd feel the same. It's quite a surprise."

"I never expected to see him again." Willow looked up: "What am I going to do?"

"I don't know," Buffy replied, sitting down beside her. "What do you feel for
him? Do you still love him?"

"I guess I do," the witch wiped her tears. "But he's hurt me Buffy. I can
understand about his problems with the werewolf-thing and all. But I'll never
forget seeing him naked with Veruca and then he just left me."

The slayer took her hand and squeezed it slightly: "Willow, I cannot tell you
what you have to do. It's your life and your feelings, but one thing I know for
certain. Don't let it pass if it's important for you. I almost lost Angel, first
because I let him go and then because he nearly died." She looked at her hand and
smiled: "Talk to Oz. First of all you have to know why he came back. And then you
have to decide what you want. And only that is important Willow. Don't nurse pain
and fear, because the result is loneliness. You can believe me, I've become quite
an expert."

Now the witch smiled as well: "It was a pretty rough time for you, wasn't it. Do
you," she paused and swallowed: "Do you regret your time with Riley?"

Buffy thought for a long moment: "I don't know. Angel says I shouldn't." She
grinned: "When I said I regretted having slept with Riley he went all
ancient-wise on me. You know, you needed the experience and all that crap. When
he does that I don't know if I want to hit him or kiss him. But I think he's
right. Riley was part of growing up. Why do you ask me that? Do you regret Tara?"

"Not really," Willow smiled. "I really liked her. It was nice with her, although
the end was painful."

The slayer patted the witch's hand: "Talk to Oz and then make your decision."

The red-head smiled: "I'll do that. Could you tell him to come up?"

Buffy stood up and went to the door: "I'll send him to you. Don't worry,
everything will be alright."

"I hope," Willow sighed and closed her eyes.

Part 22

As soon as Willow and Oz returned from upstairs the whole group gathered
together. It was Wesley who explained them about the box. Giles eyes widened:
"You were right, we really have to get that thing and destroy it at once." He
sighed: "I would like to keep it, just in case, but it is far to dangerous.
Everybody would be after it."

"I agree," Wesley nodded. "And it is even more dangerous if they can bring dead
persons back the way they want to. They could try to kill other slayers and then
resurrect them as vampires." His gaze wandered towards Buffy while Angel's grip
tightened around her waist.

The slayer shook her head: "No thanks. I already had that. Being a vampire isn't
my kind of life." Then she turned and kissed her boyfriend on the cheek. He
smiled.

"So they could kill me and then bring me back as a human?" Spike looked around.
When Wesley nodded he added: "I'm in the destroying team. Human," he snorted and
shuddered.

"I cannot believe you're really enjoying that sorry excuse for a vampire
existence," Anya mocked. "You can't even bite."

"And you can't pull on anyone's brains," the vampire shot back. "So spare me your
comments. At least I'm still immortal. I'll stay young and I'm going to give you
a little visit when you're old and wrinkled and feel sorry for yourself." He
grinned evilly.

"God, I really hate you," the ex-demon turned to her boyfriend and leaned against
his arm.

"By the way Spike," Cordelia smiled sweetly, "what happens to your reputation
when the other vampires will know about your sire being human now." She turned
her head and looked at Buffy and Angel who grinned.

"Shut up," the blonde vampire glared at her.

"That's a real problem," the slayer leaned back at Angel's chest. "A chip in your
head, the sire's human, couldn't keep your girlfriend. Doesn't sound like the
most successful life-report."

Spike was about to reply when Giles shouted: "SHUT UP." Then he looked around:
"Good. Willow, why don't we try to set up for that spell now."

The witch nodded and took a bag the watcher had brought with him from Sunnydale.

"How was it," Buffy whispered when she helped her friend to unpack the stuff.

"It was a good talk. He wants to come back and be together with me again," she
informed her friend. "There's a way to go, but I think we'll make it eventually."

"Great," the slayer smiled. "I'm so happy for you."

"Yeah," the witch smiled back. "It seems things are going right after all." She
glanced over to Angel who was discussing something with Wesley.

Buffy smiled dreamily and sighed: "Oh Willow, he's so sweet, so thoughtful and
tonight," her eyes seemed to be far away. "I never thought it could be like that.
So intense. It was great on my 17th birthday and all, but tonight there was no
fear and it wasn't new, it was just beautiful. I still cannot believe we get this
chance."

"It sounds great."

"It does, doesn't it." The slayer sighed again. "Oh, oh, and the best. Angel
asked me to move in with him," she beamed.

Willow smiled but it was a little sad: "So you're leaving Sunnydale?"

Buffy nodded: "Yes. We're going to live here. I don't want to risk what I have
with Angel by hunting evil every night." When she saw the red-head's doubting
look she grinned: "I know. We'll always be connected with evil stuff and all, but
I won't be responsible for everything anymore. We can be together, having
children eventually."

Willow giggled: "I thought you didn't care about kids and a normal life or you
told Riley so."

"It depends on the right partner," the blonde replied. "I want to have children
with Angel. And I'm sure he wants them too. Eventually, as I said before."

"What about school?"

"I'm going to transfer to UCLA. No big," she removed the last item from the bag
and wrinkled her nose: "God, that stinks."

The witch nodded: "Pretty much, yeah. But it's necessary." She turned and looked
at the watcher: "Giles, I've got everything here. Could you get the spell book I
asked you to bring."

"It's in the car. I'll be right back." He stood up and left the hotel.

"Willow," Buffy touched her friend's arm. "I'm only moving to LA. It's not far
away from Sunnydale. We'll be in touch and visit each other - often."

The red-head sighed: "I know. It's just, you're my best friend and I like to
share a room with you, I like to have you there to talk to you whenever I need a
friend."

"There's still the phone. Willow, aren't you happy for me?" Buffy looked
confused.

"Of course I'm happy for you. But I'm not very good with changes. I want things
to stay they always were, but I also know that's not gonna happen. Alright." She
smiled: "I'm happy for you. Do you know who's gonna be the new slayer then?"

Buffy shrugged: "No. I haven't told the council I'm going to resign yet. Will be
interesting to see their reaction."

"Whoes reaction?," Angel asked coming up behind his girlfriend and wrapping his
arms around her waist.

"The council's when I'm going to tell them that I quit." She leaned back at his
chest.

He planted a kiss on the top of her head: "Hmmm. They'll have to live with it,"
he said nuzzling at her earlobe.

Willow giggled: "Humanity really changes people. I can hardly believe you're the
same person that was only lurking in the shaddows and dark corners."

Angel looked up: "I'm not the same man anymore," he said honestly and turned
Buffy to look deeply into her eyes: "Not at all." Then he caught her lips in a
deep, loving kiss.

The red-head smiled, shook her head and joined the others: "They're so sweet,"
she sighed, nodding towards the still kissing couple.

"It's sickening," Spike snorted. "Makes we wanna gag."

"You're only jealous," Anya smirked. "I don't see your girlfriend around? Maybe
Harmony heard about your sire already." She turned and kissed Xander on the
mouth.

"Now, Willow," Giles returned holding the book and froze by seeing the two
kissing couples now. "What's going on here?," he asked confused.

"Only an empidemic outbreak of PDAs," Cordelia rolled her eyes. "I'm almost used
to Buffy and Angel and I have to admit they're cute somehow, but you two," she
looked at her ex-boyfriend and the former demon, "that really makes me nauseous."

"You're jealous too," Anya broke the kiss. "But you cannot have Xander," she
added quickly.

"As if I'd take him," the brunette replied. "Not even wrapped in a red ribbon."

"Didn't you like kissing me," Xander looked hurt.

"Oh please! We were kids then. I'm more for grown up men now."

"Oh, really?," Wesley seemed surprised. "I cannot remember the last one."

Cordelia shot him a 'you're so dead'-look and crossed her arms in front of her
chest while Xander and Anya grinned.

"Uhm ... well," Giles tried to get everyone's attention. "Can we now do the spell
please." He looked towards Buffy and Angel who seemed to have forgotten about the
rest of the world and were still kissing and whispering. The watcher only shook
his head and smiled: "Come on Willow, let's do it. We don't really need them, do
we?"

Part 23

Willow was speechless. It didn't happen very often anymore, but now she was.

"What did you see?," Giles demanded.

They had done the spell and the red-head had been the one whoes eyes had to
follow the light which would locate the searched object. The light had
been connected to her vision in a first spell. Holding on to Oz's hand she turned
around, her face showing only helplesness: "We cannot get it," she said
matter-of-factly.

"What do you mean?," Angel wanted to know. He and Buffy had stopped making out
when Willow went into trance to follow the light.

"It's in a bank," she replied. "In a safe."

"Hell," Spike groaned and gazed at his grand-sire.

"That doesn't sound good," Wesley looked at his former collegue.

"What are we going to do now?" Buffy tilted her head and gazed at her lover.

He shrugged: "Anyone to come up with a good idea?" He looked around, as if he was
waiting for the right answer, but was exchanging secret glances with Spike
already.

"Well we could dress like Zorro and rob it. The bank I mean," Xander grinned.
When everyone turned towards him, he raised his hands: "Hey that was a joke."

"It's the only way," Angel said, gazing at Giles, while he saw from the corner of
his eye that his grand-child began to smile.

"You're right," the former watcher replied with a nod.

"Hey guys," Xander was truly confused now. "You're not really thinking what I
think you're thinking, right? You do not really think about breaking into a
bank."

"Yeah," Cordelia gazed at Angel. "You know that'll be a real crime and you're
human and they could close you up and throw..."

"Cordelia," he shouted angrily.

"What?," she asked in typical Cordelia-fashion. "I'm only stating the obvious. I
like my job and I'm not sure what's going to happen when the boss is rotting in
jail."

"She really needs a man," Anya said with a smirk.

"Pretty urgently," Gunn grinned at her.

The former cheerleader threw her arms into the air: "You're all crazy. And keep
your dirty thoughts out of my love life. Alright, so we're going to break into a
bank. God, when I think I was coming to LA to become a famous actress and now
I'll in the newspapers very soon, but not for the reasons I wanted. What?," she
cried in frustration when she saw everybody's glare. "Okay. I shut up, but never
foget that I told you so. And just for the record, I'm not visiting any of you in
jail."

With a grin on his face Angel looked at his grand-childe: "Well I don't know, if
that's necessary." Everyone turned towards the two of them: "Spike and I have our
own experiences with banks."

Their eyes went wide when the blonde vampire's only answer was a wide grin.

******

"After what we've been through I'd never guess my hands could be wet from being
nervous," Buffy whispered when she, Angel and Spike were tiptoeing through the
hall of the bank.

The slayer had found out about another side of her boyfriend. He and Spike had
managed to cut off the alarm system and open the door in less then 15 seconds. At
her courious gaze he'd only shrugged and grinned, while Spike had given his
grand-sire a knowing look. Buffy rolled her eyes, she didn't even want to know
where they'd learned this. All that counted was that they were in the bank now
with the electronics cut off, and heading towards the safe.

Reaching the massive iron door Spike swore: "Damn. This is pretty new
technology."

"And?," Buffy whispered.

"You can speak aloud slayer," the blonde vampire said. "They cannot hear us."

"Fine," she sighed, putting her hands on her hips and looking at the door. "What
are we doing now. Do you know how to open that too?" she gazed at Angel.

"I'm not sure. The last one I opened was about 100 years ago. Technology has
certainly changed."

"The last one you opened?," Buffy asked, her eyes wide.

"Well the last I broke in was in Denver some eight years ago. That was a great
night," Spike's eyes clouded dreamily. "Dru danced in the hall of that bank. And
then we even found a guard..."

"What the hell is going on here," the slayer demanded. "How are you so skilled in
these things? And a general remark Spike, cut off the memory-lane. Work now,
stories later."

"No pitty for a poor vamp," he sighed dramatically but then began to inspect the
iron door.

"I always thought vampires would just kill poeple and then keep their money,"
Buffy whispered looking at Angel. Confusion was written all over her face.

"Usually they do," he confirmed. "But I ... er ... I mean Angelus tried to
entertain his childer. So we did some pretty weird stuff, even weird for
vampires," he added seeing her raising an eyebrow. "Obviously Spike has kept a
taste for this."

"Vampires robbing banks," she shook her head. "I wonder if Giles' has ever heard
about it." She suddenly grinned. "Just think about it. I know something he
doesn't."

"It'll cost him his sleep for a week," Spike said, while still inspecting the
door. "There it is," he suddenly exclaimed. "That's the ... damn, it's a
time-lock."

"Time-lock?," Buffy had the feeling she was in a bad movie. Here she was in a
bank, robbing it and that with two obviously very experienced vampires or one
ex-vamp for that matter.

"Yeah," Angel explained. "That means it only opens at certain times, but then
there's always ways to change it." He reached in his pocket and produced a
magnet. But it wasn't an usual magnet, it was shining bright blue and something
seemed to move inside.

The slayer's eyes widened even more when she saw her lover handing it to Spike,
who began to grin seeing the object. It needed only three more seconds and the
door snapped open.

Buffy shook her head in amazement: "Boys," she looked back and forth between the
two of them. "I think we better never tell anyone what happened here tonight."

The two men grinned at each other, then Angel looked around in the room: "We
better find that box now and then let's go."

*******

When they entered the hotel an hour later, the box firmly in the slayer's hand
the other's looked up in astonishment.

"You're back already," Cordy asked surprised. "How was it? Are there any cops
behind you?"

"Relax," Angel raised a hand. "It was quite easy."

"Very," Spike confirmed.

"Easy?" Giles raised an eyebrow. "You broke into a National Bank and came back
with the desired object in less than two hours. I think an explanation would be
very good."

"Let's just say, they knew what they're doing," Buffy told her watcher with a
shrug. "Did you ever hear about vampires robbing banks to entertain their
childer?"

"WHAT?," the Brit shouted.

"I thought so," she replied grinning. "But they obviously did. Ask my boyfriend."
Changing the subject and ignoring Giles' confused gaze she looked at Willow:
"Now, how about you destroy it magically now," she handed the box over. Then she
yawned: "I'm tired and I want to get that over with." Leaning back at Angel's
shoulder she smiled: "I am really looking forward to some quality time with my
boyfriend."

"Yeah, I want to copulate with Xander too," Anya said with a smirk.

"Oh god," her boyfriend groaned in embarrassment, while Cordelia tried to
suppress a laughter.

"Giles, Wesley," Willow looked at the two men. "That's your job now." She handed
the box to them and they immediately began to set up for the spell. From time to
time both glanced at the slayer, Angel and Spike as if they tried to understand
what had happened in the bank. But the three didn't make the impression as if
they would talk about it soon.

"Alright Willow, your chant," Wesley said with a smile and slightly bowed into
the witch's direction. She nodded and opened her spellbook. After a moment a red
light appeared above the box, then it lowered over it and when the light
disappeared the box was gone.

"That's it?," Anya asked, her voice sounding disappointed.

"Yes," Willow replied with a smile.

The former demon shrugged: "Not very impressive. In my days I gave a better
show."

"But we really don't want to hear it now," Xander interrupted her, not looking
forward to stories about tortured men. Grabbing his girlfriends arm and pulling
her to the stairs he said: "We're tired. See you guys tomorrow." With this they
were gone.

The rest of the group shook their heads and laughed.

"Alright, I say we all need to get some sleep now and then we'll talk again
tomorrow," Giles looked around and saw everyone nod. "I'm sure Wolfram & Hart
will miss their box tomorrow."

"Yeah, and I think they'll have a pretty good idea who took it." Cordelia said
while gazing at Angel.

Buffy tightened her hold on his arm: "We have to make sure they'll not try to
hurt him again."

"We will," Giles said softly with an assuring smile. "We talk about it tomorrow."

"Alright, back into my lonely bed," the former cheerleader sighed dramatically.
"But better lonely in my apartment than sleeping again in the room next to you
two."

The slayer only grinned and snuggled deeper into Angel's arms that were
encircling her from behind. It would be another interesting night.

Part 24

When Buffy came down the next morning she was surprised to find Giles sitting
there on his own. What didn't surprise her was that he was reading.

He looked up when he heard her: "Ah, Buffy," he smiled and shut the book in his
hands. "Did you sleep well?"

"Hmm," she made and sighed. "Very well." Giving her watcher a smile she sat down
opposite to him: "I always sleep like a rock in Angel's arms."

Giles gaze moved to the book in his lap for a moment. Clearing his throat he made
Buffy giggle: "You're cute when you're embarrassed."

He shot her a look: "Yes, and you seem to enjoy it a lot, as I see."

Now she laughed: "I just wanted to lighten the mood before I tell you something."

"That you quit the slayer-job to stay in LA with Angel?," he asked, smiling.

"You do know me well," she replied with a sigh, leaning back and pulling her legs
under herself.

"Buffy," Giles rested his ellbows on his knees and put his chin in his hands:
"You've been in love with him since ... ever. The moment you told me he was human
I knew this was going to happen. You've waited so long for this chance and I knew
all you wanted was a normal life..."

She raised a hand to stop him: "No, Giles. That's not it. Actually I told Riley
that I didn't want that normal life anymore, that I realised I was going to be
the slayer, because it's an important part of who I am." She smiled: "Angel's
seen that long before I accepted it. I will not stop slaying, Giles. I just want
to be with him. And I don't want to have that constant pressure anymore, but
whenever you need me, you can call. Angel's keeping the agency. He's good at his
job." Seeing her watcher's eyebrows rise in doubt, she added: "Sure he cannot
fight as good as before now, but I think if he will work out a lot, he'll be
still good at fighting. He's a lot of experience and then he's got me."

"Yes," Giles nodded and leaned back as well. "That he surely has. And to be
honest I'm glad you're quitting. Don't understand me wrong, I'm going to miss
you, because it's like loosing a daughter, but because I feel for you like that I
don't want you in constant danger anymore."

"Morning," Angel mumbled when he came down the stairs at the same moment
interrupting their conversation. Walking over to his lover he kissed her softly
on the cheek. "Anyone for coffee?," he asked.

"Yes, thank you," the slayer answered.

"What were you talking about," the ex-vampire asked while he was pouring the
coffee.

"About Buffy moving to LA," Giles informed him. "I told her I was expecting it."

"You did?," Angel raised an eyebrow coming back and handing on cup to Buffy.
Taking the spot beside her he wrapped an arm loosely around her shoulder.
"Anyway," he changed the subject. "Obviously our little trip to the bank was
discovered this morning. It's all over the news." Seeing the shocked gazes of his
lover and her watcher, he added with a smile: "But they seem to wonder why there
wasn't anything on their supervision-cameras."

Buffy relaxed immediately and began to giggle: "Spike was just great," she said
looking at Giles. "You should've seen him. And Angel." Turning to him she nudged
him slightly in the ribs: "You never ever told me about that hidden skill."

"Well," he grinned, sipping at his coffee, "I never thought we'd need it. And
Spike certainly enjoyed it. There isn't much harm he can do nowadays, so it was a
nice change for him."

"Do you think that lawyer firm," Giles looked serious, "will realise who took
their box?"

Angel shrugged: "Maybe. But there's no proof. No film, no fingerprints and most
importantly no box. I mean Willow's destroyed it. It's gone. So you see, they can
guess whatever they want. It's not as if it's of any importance if they suspect
us to be involved in this or not. They won't ever like me and honestly I don't
care. They've tried to get me out of their way and they might try in the future,
but we'll deal."

"Yes, we will," Buffy said with a confidence she hadn't felt for a very long
time.

Giles smiled, Angel was definitely good for his slayer.

"Good Morning," the door opened and Cordelia entered, a cheerful smile on her
face.

"Uhm, Cordelia. It's," the ex-vampire looked at his watch, "not even nine?"

"And?," she gave him an innocent glance. "Where's a rule I cannot start working
early?"

"You're awfully cheery this morning?," Buffy eyed her suspiciously.

"I had an accident last night, with my car," she grinned.

"Alright," the slayer got up and walked over to sit on the edge of the brunette's
desk. "You had an accident last night with your car, right?"

"Exactly," Cordelia started her computer and let out a happy sigh.

"And this caused such a good mood why," Buffy's face was curious now.

"Malcolm," the former May-queen said as if everyone should know him.

"Malcolm?," Angel had turned on the sofa and was watching his employ e too.

"Hmmm," she sighed again. "Tall, blond, athletic, rich and single."

"Uhm, Cordy," Buffy exchanged a glance with her lover. "How do you know that?"

"Alright, Buffy," Cordelia turned in her chair to look the slayer straight in the
eye. "Let me give you a lesson for your life. Tall, blond and athletic is pretty
much visible. The car he drove was a BMW and he wore Armani, so I think it's
pretty safe he's not poor. As for being single, he didn't wear a ring and his
apartment was pretty much the one of someone living on his own."

"His apartment?"

"I had to drive him home. His car didn't work anymore. Tonight we'll have dinner
together." With this the brunette turned back to her computer, her whole body
language telling that this chapter was closed for discussion.

"Okay, still everyone here, so can we say it's safe that the police doesn't have
a clue about our bank-robbery," Xander grinned while he came down, Anya and
Willow in tow. Only some seconds later Oz came as well.

"You got it in one sentence," Buffy answered him dryly. "No prosecution."

"What a pitty," Xander sighed. When everyone looked at him he grinned: "I think
Buffy would make a cute picture behind barrs."

"You're sure you feel alright," Oz asked, shaking his head.

"Perfectly," Xander laid an arm around his girlfriend's shoulder, giving her a
pointed look.

"No," Cordelia held out a hand. "No scary pictures in the morning."

"We're not them, Cordy," Xander said nodding at Buffy and Angel who sat on the
sofa, the slayer on her ex-vampire's lap.

"Hey," Buffy yelled. "At least we're not talking about it all the time."

"Okay, I think that's enough about the subject," Angel interrupted their
bickering. "What do you all think about a dinner tonight? To celebrate."

"You're paying," Cordelia asked hopefully.

"Yeah," he sighed. "I will. Buffy will move to LA, constantly. She's going to be
a full member of Angel Investigations from now on."

"I see," Wesley said, just entering the hotel. "A slayer will be a good
addition."

"But keep the PDA's to a minimum," Cordelia threw in.

"I know she will miss you all," Angel said to the Sunnydale-gang. "So whenever
you want just drop in and stay for some days. There's enough room after all."

"What about breakfast?," Buffy looked expectantly at her lover. "We could start
with a group breakfast now and finish with dinner and," her voice became low and
husky, "some desert afterwards."

"Oh god, if this will be the way it goes from now," the brunette groaned. "I'm
going to quit or ask for a raise."

"Alright, breakfast then," Angel gave his lover a slight push to remove her from
his lap and got up. "Let's go."

He was at the door already when Willow asked: "What about Spike?"

"What about him?," Buffy shrugged. "It's day and he's still a vampire. Come on
Willow, we can get him some Weetabix on the way back."

"Weetabix?," Angel asked stepping out into the morning sun, one arm around his
lover.

She rolled her eyes: "I'll tell you later. I'm not even sure you want to know."

Their laughter sounded on the street and the others followed them. Whatever was
coming next today they would celebrate and they had earned it.

END