Title: A Different Beginning

Author: Tiara

Summary: What if Buffy had stayed in L.A. and didn't move to Sunnydale?

Disclaimer: I don't own `em. So blah!

Timeline: Pre-4th season. No worries about the bastard (Riley... I wish not to type his name. It's not worth the effort unless I wanna pummel him in a fic or something. Wait, I'm being kinda harsh... but I luv it :)...)

Rating: Same as the show.

Notes: This is a response to a challenge. I forgot where I found the challenge, it was on a website. But, whoever it is, thanks for the challenge and the great idea.

Notes 2: Um... I can never follow a whole challenge correctly, cuz I usually end up thinking `hey! what if i change this into that! oh wow, that looks neat, i wanna keep it like that. i think peeps will like it!' so the fic may not follow the challenge entirely, but its pretty close.

"I understand that Giles," Angel said to the resident Watcher of Sunnydale.

He still couldn't understand why Giles was having such a difficult time excepting that he needed to move on. Sunnydale no longer needed him. After he defeated the Master, stopped Darla from raising Acaltha, and got rid of the Mayor, there was no need for him to stay anymore. The Hellmouth was closed forever after the explosion in the local high school. After the previous Slayer, Kendra, died, Faith took over last year and now she could take care of everything. She was a nice girl. So was Kendra when she learned to except that he was a vampire, and nothing could change that. He did miss the gang back at home at times. Willow had been the most excepting toward him. So was Oz, considering he was a werewolf. Cordy had been afraid at first but learned to accept him when she dated Xander for a month. That boy had strangely accepted him after he killed the Master. But he had matured as the years went by.

Now, Angel was standing in his brand new office. He, Cordelia, and Doyle, (a part-demon he had met in Sunnydale just before he decided to move to L.A.) had opened Angel Investigations a week ago. And the office was starting to feel like home to the three.

"Yes," Angel said, sighing, "Cordelia's taken care of that. She's sending you the book by mail." He paused, then said, "She is? Why would Faith come here?" He listened, "A friend? Who?"

There was a small ring outside his office and he recognized it as the bell to the front door. He looked outside his office and gestured to Cordelia and Doyle to see who it was. They nodded, and moved to the door.

"A Slayer?" Angel said, "I thought you said she--oh. So, she died before Kendra was called?" He moved over to his desk, "Yes. Okay. Her Watcher? Wesley Wyndham-Price? You want me to contact him? Why?" He paused and listened as the Watcher explained. Angel sighed, "Because the Slayer in L.A. is said to be very powerful? She's- really? She's came across Wolfram and Hart? Several times. All right. Yeah. When will Faith be here? Okay. Thanks. Bye." Angel hung up the phone and moved out of his office.

"Angel!" Cordelia said pleasantly, flashing the 240-some vampire a smile, "This is Wesley Wyndham-Price. Wesley, this is Angel."

Angel shook the man's hand. It was weird to him, that this before him was a Watcher... who looked a lot like a younger version of Giles... it was very odd.

"Ah, yes," Wesley said pleasantly, "Angel. Mr. Giles has told me much about you."

"As he did you," Angel said, "Is there something I can help you with?"

"Yes," Wesley said, sounding a little down, "I'm afraid there is an… a dire need of your help. I am, that is. You see, my Slayer, Miss Buffy Summers--"

"Buffy?" Doyle repeated, looking as if someone had shot him with a gun, "The Buffy Summers? The Slayer?"

"Yes," Wesley replied, "You've heard of her?"

"Hell, yeah," Doyle exclaimed, "I've lived here most of my life, and she's damn right popular in the demon community. They keep talking about her, as of she was God's gift. I heard she's good."

Wesley smiled proudly, "She is. From what I have learned from the council, one of the best they have seen in years."

"Wait a minute." Cordelia interrupted, "I thought that whole riff about the Slayer was that its just the Chosen, *One*, now their are two?"

"Yes," Wesley replied, "You see, when Buffy was sixteen, she fought the Master's counter part, his mate. Heinrich Joseph Nest's lover--"

"Helen," Angel said, remembering her. She had been just as dangerous as the Master when the roamed together. But they had some how split apart. Last he heard of her was that she had visited him once when he had been confined below the school of Sunnydale, to tell him that she was ruling L.A. as a Master vampire, and she no longer wanted that title of mate.

"Yes," Wesley said, adjusting his glasses, "You see, before Buffy could kill her, Helen had fed off of her, and thrown her into a pool. Luckily, her boyfriend at the time, Pike, had found her and down CPR. Her dying had activated the next Slayer, Kendra, and so fourth to Faith."

"Oh..." Cordy said, and then looked at Doyle, still a bit confused. He merely shrugged. She sighed.

"You were saying earlier..." Angel prompted.

"Oh... ah, yes," Wesley explained, "Buffy is a very exceptional girl. She does not follow the council's orders all the time. Not when the situation could be done in a better way. Anyway, I have recently discovered a prophecy of, well drastic proportion."

"I haven't heard words like that since Giles," Cordy muttered, "What does that mean in American?"

"It means something bad." Doyle said.

"As I was saying, its very vague and confusing, but the prophecy is very direct that the Slayer, the original will fight a creature not of man, nor demon. A creature that is constructed to learn and to kill. A creature that will be created from the hands of no demon. This creature will roam the earth. Without the help of the fighters of light, she shall fall." Wesley sighed, "Its all really vague. So, I spoke with Giles and he suggested that I speak with you- and, if needed, he bring his... ah, team along to help."

"Makes sense," Cordy said, "Scooby's work better in larger groups. I'm gonna go call Giles and give him the heads up."

"Right," Angel looked at Wesley, "What exactly would you like me to do?"

"Well," Wesley sighed, "Ah, Buffy, she has found a place, I am unaware if you know of it. It is called The Caritas, I believe. There is a demon there, known as The Host. He sometimes gives Buffy information about certain demons that have been giving his customers a hard time. Anyway, she usually goes to the place an hour or so after nightfall. She should be there tonight. I would like you to watch her. Just for tonight. I know she will not be too pleased with me for asking someone to watch her, but she is still awfully young..."

"I understand," Angel said. Remembering how difficult it had been to deal with Faith. She had never liked asking for help, and didn't like too much company when she was out slaying. But, eventually she became used to it. Cordelia came back in the room, "Giles said to let him know the minute we need help. You already gave the alert to the others."

"Alright," Angel said. Wesley reached into his coat and pulled out a small card. Angel recognized it as one of their business cards, the ones Cordelia had made. Wesley handed it to Angel, "I wrote my number. If you find anything that could be threatening Buffy's life, please contact me."

Angel nodded, "I will."

"Thank you." Wesley said.

"Your welcome," Angel thought quickly, "Oh, wait. What does she look like?"

"Oh, Ah," Wesley stumbled, "She's... well, er, she's barely above five feet, perhaps five two. Uh, she's blond, with green eyes. Petite."

Angel's brow furrowed. Petite? A Slayer? He hadn't known one petite slayer since.... well, never.

"She may, or may not be with a boy, Pike. He's two years older than she. He's about my height." Wesley glanced down at his watch, "I must be going. I have to train with Buffy." He nodded, thanking Angel again, then left. Cordy eyed Angel, "I thought Slayers were big, y'know? Like... all mean and tough, like Faith, or all quiet and strict-like, just like Kendra."

"I didn't know that either." Angel admitted, "Doyle, do you know where this Caritas place is?"

Doyle nodded, "Yeah, I've been there once or twice. Its a big place for demons and vamps."

"Okay, you're coming with me tonight. Cordy, I want you to stay here, just in case something happens, alright?" Cordelia nodded.

The Caritas was just ahead of her. The place was as familiar as the stake she had hidden in her leather jacket. She wasn't exactly sure why, but she dressed in a snug black top and a pair of leather pants that she hadn't touched since 1998. It was something in the air that night that seemed to call out to her.

I'm thinking like a weirdo, Buffy thought as she rounded into an alleyway. She sighed. She had felt it all right. And `it' was right behind her. Jumping onto a bar above, she briefly thought, why do they always follow me into alleys? Don't they get that the whole alley thing is so old?

She waited patiently until her attacker came into view. Quickly she swung down and her feet connected with the back of his should blades. He fell onto his back, about to get up when she slammed her booted foot onto his chest.

"Is there a problem, ma'am?" He asked from the ground, looking at her in an odd way. She didn't realize she was returning the look as she said hostile, "Yeah, there's a problem. Why are you following me?"

He smiled up at her slightly, thinking, not bad... "I know what your thinking. Don't worry. I don't bite." Which is sort of true... He thought as he watched her cautiously move her foot off of his chest and take a step back. They both studied each other for a brief moment before he said, "Truth is, I thought you'd be taller. Bigger in muscles and all that." He rubbed the back of his neck, "You're real spry though."

Buffy rolled her eyes, "Look, I'd love to continue this friendly chit chat, but I've got places to be.... demons to kill." She added as she started back out of the alley.

"Y'know," He started, "Turning your back on someone isn't the smartest thing to do."

She stopped, sighing. Not turning around she replied, "Why's that?"

"You could end up dead." He answered simply, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

Buffy sighed again, whirling around on her heels, "Is that so?" She put her hands on her hips, "Thanks for advice, but trust me when I say, I don't need it. I've got enough people popping up out of nowhere on me. I don't need to add you to the list."

"You really don't know what's happening do you?" He asked.

What was it with this guy? He wouldn't get it through his thick skull that she wanted him to go away. She had serious business to get to with The Host, and she wasn't going to get there if he kept asking questions and telling her what to do.

"Let me see," Buffy said, looking up as if she was checking off a mental list, "Werewolf, check. Returning the little boy who was the werewolf, check. Telling his parents to be more careful with the boy, check. Learning that a big evil is coming to kill me... ooh! Wait. That hasn't happened and its not gonna happen."

"Are you always this sarcastic?" He asked.

"Are you always this cryptic?" Buffy returned.

Angel smiled. He was getting to her. Now, if he could only distract her long enough. Doyle was inside the bar, getting information from The Host about any demon that was planning on taking her life. He wouldn't show it, but he had been taken back by her beauty. Her blond hair was like sunshine, falling down her small shoulders, slightly curled in a way that reminded him of the women in Galway. Her eyes were a sparkling green, filled with life, yet slightly hardened by something he couldn't quite read. As Wesley had told him, she was tiny. Her shoes giving her at least one foot of extra height.

Buffy sighed again, and he watched as it escaped her soft pink lips, "Can you please tell me what you want so I can leave? Or at least so you can leave me alone?"

Angel was about to reply when she heard that all too familiar snickers come from behind her. She noted, quickly, the way Angel seemed to stiffen at the sight of something. Buffy lifted a brow, turning, then sighed when she saw the peroxide blond, taking a drag of his cigarette.

"Why if it isn't the Slayer." Spike said, blowing out the smoke.

Buffy rolled her eyes, "What the hell do you want Spike?"

So, this was where William had run off to after he came to Sunnydale, balling about Dru. Angel calmed his nerves down. He didn't go into good terms when it came to Spike.

"Just out enjoying the night air, Blondie." Spike, for the first time, noticed her companion, "Well, if it isn't the great Poof! Ha, what brings you `ere?"

"Um, excuse me, what are either of you doing here?" Buffy asked, not taking her eyes off of Spike. For some strange reason, she found herself trusting the stranger she just met, more than Spike.

"Told you Slayer," Spike said, while rolling his eyes, "I'm out for a walk."

"Sure you are," Buffy said, "And Dru's sane."

Spike inhaled sharply, "Don't you dare talk about her."

"What?" Buffy said, mockingly, "Dru? The ho that left you again. Sorry angel, but, I guess you were to sane for her liking."

With that, Spike attacked and Buffy was ready for him. She grabbed him by his arm and threw him into the wall. Buffy pulled out her stake, "Spike, why don't you just crawl back under that rock you came from?"

"Funny Slayer," Spike said, his face changing, distorted.

Buffy sighed, "Isn't that a little over dramatic?"

Spike changed back, lit another cig, and took a long drag. He sneered at the little Slayer, and growled softly, "Y'know what? I think I should find that little friend of yours. What's his name?"

"Spike," Buffy started, "You're annoying the hell out of me. Why don't you go off, find yourself a little vampire ho, and get wasted? At least that way I can enjoy my life for a night."

Spike shrugged, "Ah, well, you've never been one to let yourself have a little fun, now have you?" With that, he was gone.

Buffy sighed, and then turned to look at Angel, but he was gone. Her curiosity, getting the best of her as she glanced around the alley. She looked down, and then squinted at the small box that was lying where the man once stood. She picked it up, glanced around the area one last time, then opened the box.

Inside was a perfect silver cross. She traced her finger lightly over the cross, then looked around for the stranger again. She took the necklace out, put it on. She adjusted the cross, and smiled faintly at it. She moved from the alley, taking her time. When she passed by an open trashcan, she dumped the box into it.

When Angel finally made it back home, he was taken aback by the set of eyes that landed on him. He walked in, Doyle following after explaining everything the host had to say.

"Guys... what are you doing here?" Angel asked.

Willow smiled and waved, slightly, "Giles said that you might need our help. So we all decided to come down." She shared a small smile with Oz, then frowned, "It is okay, isn't it?"

"Its fine." Angel said.

"This is a nice place, Dead Boy," Xander said as he squeezed Anya's hand. She smiled at him and returned the squeeze.

"Don't call me that," Angel said through gritted teeth.

"I tried to stop him Angel," Cordy said, walking over to Doyle, "But he wouldn't listen to me." She turned to Doyle, "He's never listened to me."

"I believe that Wesley should be here soon," Giles said, "I contacted him and asked him to come here, if it isn't too much of a trouble Angel."

"No, that's fine," Angel, said.

"Good," A voice said from the door, "Because he had better tell me what's going on."

Angel turned, his jaw almost dropping when he saw Buffy standing there. Her arms were crossed over her chest. And she looked a bit annoyed. Maybe just a tad mad.

"B!" Faith cried, moving away from Giles to met her sister Slayer. Buffy grinned at Faith as she embraced her in a hug, "God, I haven't seen ya since last summer,"

"I know," Buffy said smiling, "How've you been?"

"I've been good." Faith said, "What about you? You still with Pike?"

Buffy frowned a bit, "Nah. Broke up. Too many complications."

"In other words: Demon?" Faith said.

"Yeah. One that nearly took his life." Buffy sighed, "He's in the hospital now, but he's getting better."

"Mind if I make a move on him?" Faith asked to which Buffy laughed. Same old Faith.

"Why not? Might do him some good. Likes the danger and all."

"Awesome," Faith said, then looked back at the others, and at Angel, "Hey, Angel man. I think you let B. here track you down."

Buffy smiled, "And may I add, it was pretty damn easy. I think you're not as stealthy as I thought you were."

Cordy smiled, taking a liking to this girl... whoever the heck she was, "She's right Angel. You have been stealth less lately."

Angel sent an annoyed look at Cordy, then looked back at Buffy who had taken three steps toward him while Faith moved back to stand by Giles.

Buffy sighed, "You know, I don't like it when guys pop out of no where and just leave. Its really rude."

Angel started to speak, but then stopped as if his mouth couldn't form words. He hadn't expected to see her so quickly. He had been completely unprepared for it.

She smiled at his lack of words, and took another step toward him, "So, I'm guessing the name's Angel, right?"

Angel nodded.

Buffy smiled, "Its a pretty name." She suddenly reached up and touched the cross around her neck, "Thanks for the cross. Saved me from a vamp attack on the way over here."

She watched, as he remained silent. Buffy broke out into a smile, and laughed softly, "Did a cat take your tongue on the way here? Cuz, I'm seeing lack of words, and from what I remember, your quite the talker."

"Buffy." Angel finally managed.

"Yes?" Buffy said sweetly.

"Giles," Angel said, turning to the Watcher, "Uh, this is Buffy."

"Yes," Giles said, remembering the name, "Miss Summers. Its a pleasure to meet you."

Buffy smiled faintly, "Likewise. Wes has told me a lot about you. He says your one of the top Watchers apart of the council today." She giggled softly when she saw the Watcher blush. It was weird that Wes had never told her that he looked a lot like Giles.

"Hi." Xander said, looking at the blond, "I'm Xander. You're a Slayer, right?"

"Give the man a prize," Buffy said.

"Sense of humour," Xander said smiling, "I like that in a Slayer."

Buffy shook her head, "Well, if I didn't have one, I'd probably be dead."

"I'm Anya," The girl next to Xander said, tightening her hold around his hand, "Xander's girlfriend'."

Okaaay... Buffy thought as she brought her gaze toward the next couple; a red head and a blondish strawberry haired guy. He looked over at the girl who was looking back at him, before he said, "Willow." he pointed to her, "I'm Oz."

Buffy smiled, then thought something over, "Wait a minute. Oz? As in, Dingo's Ate My Baby Oz?"

Oz frowned as did Willow, confused as to how she knew him. Oz nodded.

Buffy laughed softly, "You have a cousin named Jordy, don't you? Oh my God. Get this, two nights ago, I tracked down the little guy, when he was all wolfy and I brought him home to his parents."

"He's alright?" Oz asked.

"Oh, yeah," Buffy said, "He's a rough little guy, but nothing I couldn't handle. But when I got him to wake up the next morning he kept mumbling something about Oz. So, figured you'd be that Oz."

"That's amazing," Willow said, "How could you just tell that?"

Buffy shrugged, "Well, Oz's a werewolf."

"How'd you know that?" Willow asked.

"Its sort of my new Slayer ability," Buffy said, "I can tell what some creatures are. I mean, if they look human." She stepped forward, "Like, the fact that you, are a witch, or preferably Wiccan. She moved on, looking at Anya, "I think you used to be something, but your not it anymore."

"Vengeance demon," Anya said.

"Right," Buffy said, looking at Doyle, "You are part demon."

Cordy raised a brow, then looked at Doyle and smacked him, "You're part demon and you didn't even tell me!" "Hey!" Doyle said. "Doyle." Cordelia growled, grabbing him by his arm, "Come with me. You are so in trouble buster..." She dragged him toward the stairs as Doyle protested, "'Delia..." "Don't Delia me!"

"Okay." Buffy said, "I think I just gave out the big secret."

Angel shook his head, "No, you didn't. Everyone knew, except for Cordelia."

"Oh," Buffy said, before turning to him, "And you, Angel. She sighed as she covered the cross around her neck with a hand, "You're a vampire."

"But a good one!" Willow cried, worried that her vampire friend would end up dust in the next ten seconds.

"I know," Buffy said.

Angel frowned, "You knew...?"

"You didn't act like a vampire," Buffy said, "You were confusing in that alley way. But... the way you moved, the way you talked. I knew that you couldn't be human. So, then... what's the deal?"

"Cursed huh?" Buffy said.

It had been almost an hour or so after Angel had explained his life's story with her. The basic changes in his life that led him to be what he were today. He had been a little surprised at Buffy's understanding manner. Her expressions comforting when he couldn't seem to put into words what he had felt at certain moments. Her body language letting him know that she was really paying attention.

"Yeah," Angel nodded, "Its not an every day thing."

Buffy giggled, "If it was, then I'd say I'd be out of the job."

"True." Angel said.

"So..." Buffy started, clasping her hands in front of her.

"Well..." Angel continued, glancing from Buffy and to his hands.

"I think that..."

"Yeah... that would be..."

"Okay..." Buffy stood, "Uh, it was... uh, nice meeting you."

"Yeah," Angel watched as she moved toward the elevator, "If you need help with anything..."

"I know what vamp to find," Buffy said before going down.

Angel sighed, moved to his room, stripped off his clothing, and went to bed.

It had almost been a month since Buffy had entered Angel's life, and he found her quite helpful. Her quick fighter's mind came in handy. And she wasn't at all tough to be around. Surprisingly, they got along quite well. Always looking out for one another whenever in a fight. She even helped cracked a case or two. She was a beautiful girl...

What?

Angel watched her from across the room as she stretched. She had insisted that they train together, explaining how it would help them for any big fights in the future. The search for that demon that was supposed to challenge Buffy, possible kill her was still nowhere to be found. Giles had called and explained that Spike had shown up in Sunnydale, but Faith had taken care of him. He was still in Sunnydale, last he heard.

Buffy smiled as she caught Angel's eye. He was okay for a vampire. Better than most vamps anyway. What was beginning to bug her a lot was that the old vampire was starting to grow on her. She enjoyed his company. She liked that there was in fact, someone out there who could watch her back.

"Are you enjoying the view?" Buffy asked as she stretched down to touch her toes, locking eyes with him as she looked at him.

Angel's jaw fell, and he started to stutter, "No-I wasn't trying-I mean I wouldn't look... not that you aren't-and I..."

Buffy giggled, standing up straight, and turning around to look at him, "I was just teasing, Angel."

"Oh."

"Well," Buffy walked out into the centre of the room, standing on the mats that they didn't really need, "Guess we should start, huh?"

"Yeah," Angel said, moving toward the mat and taking off his shirt as Buffy tied her hair back into a more secure ponytail.

They both took fighters stances before Angel attacked. They fought with fast paced punches, kicks, and blokes. Each hit bringing on a new level of sweat and adrenaline. Each bloke bringing on new anticipation on who was to win. Fire fuelled with fire.

Buffy went in for the kill, hooking her leg behind Angel's calf and bringing him forward. With a satisfied smile, Buffy pounced on him, pinning him to the blue matt.

"Got'cha," Buffy smiled.

Angel sighed, "Guess you did." Then he smiled wickedly, causing Buffy to frown. In one quick, swift movement, Buffy found herself on her back with Angel looming over her. "Then again," He said, smiling down at her, "Maybe you don't."

Buffy breathed, "Sneaky. I like it."

He smiled. Then frowned. He could hear Buffy's heart beat. It had doubled in less than a minute. He felt one of her little fingers slowly tap his back from where she had placed her hands.

Oh... Angel thought, understanding now. He now realized, that if he had a heart, it would have been in the same situation as hers. Her face was so close... her breath on his face, fast and shallow. Her lips looked so soft... Without a warning, Angel had seized her lips with his own. Though his mind had advised against it, another part of him screamed at him to kiss her. He was surprised at her instant reaction. Responding to the kiss by wrapping her arms around him and bringing him closer to her.

He smiled against her mouth when he heard her moan. Sliding one of his arms onto her waist, he started to get up, trying to break the kiss so she could breath. But she followed, wrapping her legs around his waist as he moved. Not wanting to break the kiss for the world.

But he knew that as much as he wanted the kiss to continue, that she needed that air just as badly. With a great deal of force, Angel pulled his lips away. He watched as the young women in his arms breathed in deeply, her cheeks flushed, lips parted as she panted.

"That was..." Buffy started.

"Intense..." Angel finished.

"Oh yeah," Buffy said.

Almost awkwardly, they both stared at each other. Then, without warning their lips fused together, yet again. Buffy giggled against his mouth as he lowered them back onto the mat, his arms dancing down her sides until they reached her tummy. His movements caused her to laugh, as he pulled away from her, looking confused.

"Sorry," Buffy whispered, "You just found one of my tickle spots."

Angel smirked before he swooped down on her, tickling her until she cried for him to stop. When he did, he smiled down at her, leaning forward and kissing the sweat that beaded across her forehead.

Gently, Buffy pulled Angel back down, kissing his lips tenderly. He returned the kiss. Sweet and soft. Honey like, was another way to describe it. Gentle touches and soft brushes on backs, arms, shoulders, necks, and hair.

"Angel, I hate to be a bother but there's a-holy monkey!" Cordelia cried when her eyes laid on the display before her. Quickly, she turned away and bumped into Doyle.

Angel and Buffy pulled apart, a bit sheepishly. Both of them got up, awkwardly glancing at one another until Doyle asked, "Uh... what's going on?"

Cordelia looked up at him, giving him a, `DUH!' face, "Hello? Did you not just see the serious PDA action between our boss and the resident Slayer?"

Doyle looked at his boss, than at the petite Slayer. He smiled at Angel, "Way to go, man,"

Cordelia gaped at him before slapping his arm. Angel sighed, not wanting to explain what had happened between himself and Buffy earlier. He hadn't even gotten the time to speak with her about what she... felt. Did she carry the same feelings? Was it a mistake? Had she only kissed him back because she had been so worked up after training?

"Cordy." Angel started, "What is it that you want?"

"Oh," Cordelia said, "I was going to say, that you've got a visitor. Miss, cop bitca is here."

Buffy sighed, "God, not that Lockley cop again."

Angel looked at her, curious to know how she knew Kate Lockley, since he had never introduced the two. She shrugged, "Cop lady used to investigate some of the weird stuff that went on at Hemery. She was so snoopy."

"Anyway," Cordy sighed, crossing her arms, "She says she needs to talk to you about a case or something,"

"Tell her all be there in a minute." Angel said. Cordelia nodded before leaving the room with Doyle.

Angel turned to Buffy, about to speak when she blurted, "Yeah, and yeah. I know. I'll see ya after?"

He smiled, leaning down and capturing her lips in a quick chaste kiss. She smiled just before he heading toward his office. Sighing, Buffy sat back down, curling her legs under her. Wondering about what was to be.

"What do you think they're talking about?" Cordelia asked as she peered through the blinds into Angel's office. Doyle sighed as he watched Cordelia move restlessly. He swore that sometimes, she could be so noisy yet cute at the same time.

"I dunno," Doyle replied, "Probably business,"

Cordelia rolled her eyes, "Knowing cop lady, she's probably asking him out to dinner,"

Doyle frowned, taking a step forward. He gathered up his strength, and cleared his throat, "Ah, `Delia?"

"Yeah?" Cordelia asked, watching her boss move around his office.

"Would you... would you like to go to dinner with me?" Doyle asked, his voice steady, but soft.

Cordelia whirled around, "What?"

Doyle took a step back, mentally hitting himself in the head. What could he have been thinking? Cordelia was a classy girl. What would she want to do with him? Sheepishly, Doyle started, "Ah, you don't have to go... I mean, I'd understand if you didn't-"

"I'd like that," Cordelia said, interrupting his rambling.

His eyes bugged out, and he nearly fell over, "You... you would?"

"Yeah," Cordelia said quietly, "Um, it might be fun. Just you and… me."

Doyle grinned, "Well, uh, great. Um, how about tonight? Around seven?"

"Sure," Cordy said, smiling gently, before turning back to look through the blinds.

Angel came walking down the steps almost twenty minutes latter. Buffy rose from her spot on the couch, looking up at him with a small glint of hope in her eyes.

"Hope you don't mind," Buffy said, gesturing to the shirt and sweats she wore, her hair damp, "But I kinda burrowed your cloths after taking a shower,"

Angel smiled, "Its alright."

"I guess we have to talk about us, huh?" Buffy asked sitting back down. Angel moved to sit at the other end, "I guess we do."

"Buffy-"

"Angel-"

They both chuckled.

"You go first," Angel said.

Buffy sighed, "Um... Angel, I know you're still trying to find your purpose in life. I know that, and I know that you feel guilty at times, because of everything you've done, but I just want you to know, that I care about you a lot. And, please, Angel, no matter what, don't push me away because I couldn't stand the thought of losing you-"

"Buffy," Angel interrupted, "I feel the same way,"

"You do?" Buffy asked.

"Yes," Angel answered, taking her hand, "I can't promise you everything-"

"I don't want everything." Buffy said.

"I know," Angel said, "But I can be there for you. Whenever you need me."

"That's all I want," Buffy said before curling into Angel's arms. He kissed her head, and gently let his hands trail down her back.

"Can I stay here the night?" Buffy asked in a sleepy voice. Angel smiled, "Of course." Buffy smiled, letting sleep take over. Angel sighed, "Sleep, my Slayer."

Faith sneered as she looked at Spike.

He glared back, angered at the Slayer for tying him up the way she did. Who gave her the right to do that to him anyway? He was NOT her Slayer pet! He be damned if he turned out like Angel...

Though he was practically Angel, since he couldn't bite.

Nah! Spike thought, Angel can bite, he just doesn't! If it was me with that pesky soul I'd be biting into the first pathetic soul that crossed my path!

"Okay!" Faith said, "I can't take it anymore. What are you thinking about?"

Spike blinked, shifting in his chains as he propped his head up against the bathtub wall, "What?"

"I want to know what you're thinking about." Faith said, "I'm gettin' annoyed with all this quiet crap. I don't do silence."

"Well," Spike started, "Its nice to know you don't 'do' something."

Faith glared at him, "Cool it, neutered vamp. Or I won't tell Giles to feed you."

"Oh, now what?" Spike said, "I'm a bleedin' puppy? Is that what I am now?"

"Why not?" Faith leered, "You act like one."

Spike rolled his eyes.

"Faith," Willow said softly as she entered Giles' bathroom.

"Oh, great, its red," Spike sighed.

"Yeah?"

"Um, Giles says you should head out on patrol now." Willow said, "He wants to learn more about that military base thing."

Faith nodded, "Okay." She headed out the door, "Oh, Willow?"

"Yeah?"

"Can you watch that peroxide vamp?" Faith asked, "Just for a little while."

"Sure," Willow said as Faith walked out. Willow looked at the door, then back at Spike who had attacked her in her dorm room, and almost ate her, if he hadn't had trouble preforming... Willow shook her head, sitting down on the laundry basket that had been turned upside down. She fiddled with her hands, playing with the bracelets she wore as the vampire in the bathtub sighed.

"Hey, red."

Willow looked up, "Huh? What?"

Spike sighed, "What time is it?"

Willow looked at her watch, "Its almost midnight, why?"

"Bloody hell!" Spike shouted, "I'm missing David Lettermen."

She lifted a brow, "You watch David Lettermen?"

Spike shrugged, "What do you think I do most of the day? Sleep?" He snorted, "The only thing I can do is watch the tele. And now that I'm locked up like an animal, all I can do is watch cable. So, be a good pet and turn on the tele for me."

"Angel?" Buffy called softly as she walked down the steps of his apartment. She had important news to tell her vampire boyfriend...

Vampire boyfriend, Buffy thought with an amused smile. If someone had told me seven months ago that I was going to be dating Angel, I think I would have laughed. But now, she couldn't stop thinking about the vampire. He was everything she wanted in a boyfriend. Sweet, kind, thoughtful... They did everything together.

"Angel?" Buffy called again, glancing around his apartment. She heard a door open behind her, and turned to see him standing before her in nothing but a towel...

"Buffy," Angel said, making sure the towel stayed up on his hips. He watched as she nervously clutched at her bag, her cheeks slightly flushed, "I wasn't expecting you so soon."

Buffy stuttered, her gaze involuntarily looking over his body. Tiny droplets of water ran down his body. Clung to his hair, dripped down neck, his chest, and lower.... "Well... I uh, well, I wanted to, um, to uh... talk."

"Talk?" Angel's brow furrowed, "Is something wrong?"

"Oh, um, no," Buffy stumbled, "Its just really important and I need to um, talk to you,"

"Okay," Angel said, "Let me go change and I'll be right back,"

Buffy nodded and set her bag onto his couch. The most familiar thing she had been in contact with... Besides Angel, she thought. She had spent hours on that couch. Telling him about her day. About the training she did, or the new artwork her mom told her about on the phone from Sunnydale. Or the new women her father had brought home that could have been a senior at college. Now, that... that, that women, was staying at her home, and the fact that she could no longer stand staying there and watching her father act as if she didn't exist, she was happy with what Wesley had told her.

"Buffy,"

She jumped, then sighed. She smiled at him, "How many times do I have to tell you," She approached him, a teasing tone in her voice, "Make some noise before you come near me. Yodel, or something,"

Angel chuckled, welcoming her with a hug and a kiss. He was a little surprised when she deepened the kiss. She was awfully shy at times whenever their lips touched, but it usually took a while before she became comfortable again.

Slowly, he pulled away; looking at her flushed cheeks and clouded eyes. "Buffy, are you okay?"

"Yeah," She said cheerily, "I'm fine. How about you?"

Angel shrugged, "It's been a little slow around here lately. Nothing too bad. What did you want to talk about?"

Buffy smiled, "Well, do you remember that big old prophecy Wesley kept worrying about?" She waited until he nodded, "He's becoming more edgy about the whole thing.... so he suggested that I stay with you!"

He shook his head, "You want to... you're going to stay with me?"

Buffy pouted, "You don't want me to stay with you?"

Immediately, Angel shouted, "No! No, that's not it. Buffy," Angel guided her toward the couch, sitting her down before he, himself sat beside her, "I would love to have you stay here... I'm just concerned about your father--"

"Who isn't in control of me anymore, because I'm eighteen and am going to be nineteen soon." Buffy reminded him, "`Sides... Dad doesn't count anymore. He's too busy with his new girlfriend to even notice me."

"Buffy, he's not--"

"Yes, he is Angel," Buffy sighed, "Sometimes... sometimes I wish I could be living with my mother... maybe then I would at least get to do parent and child things with her."

Angel sighed, "Buffy... I know your father isn't always there for you. But, you have to understand, that he still is your father. And he loves you just as much as your mother does."

Buffy shook her head, "That doesn't matter," She said, changing the subject, "I'm here... with you, and I'm gonna be moving in for a little while... if its okay with you..."

If it's okay with me... Angel thought. He wanted to show her how, *okay* it was with him. He took her into a gentle embrace, and kissed her softly.

Buffy sighed when the kiss ended, staring up at him with soft eyes. She smiled, brushing her hand over his cheek before saying, "Angel...."

"Yeah?" Angel took her hand from his cheek, intertwining it with his own. He watched as she started to breath in deeply. Her pulse quickening second by second.

Finally, Buffy blurted it out, "I love you." Then quickly she adverted her eyes. What had she been thinking? Telling this 243 vampire that she was in love with him? There probably women from his past who whispered those words to him. Women who could show him the depth of their love, physically. Why would he even--

"I love you," Angel answered, tightening his hold on her hand.

She snapped her gaze up toward him. Her eyes brightening in wonder. She laughed softly, the sound coming out as a sigh of relief. Then, she laughed because she wanted to. Because she was so happy that he returned her feelings. She wrapped her arms around Angel's neck and hugged him with all her strength.

Angel returned it. He wanted nothing more in the world than to scream it out. Someone loved him. Loved him the way he had always dreamed of being loved by a woman. And he was even happier to know that it was Buffy who loved him.

She pulled back to kiss him. Passionately and tenderly slow. Almost painful as Buffy clutched the back of his neck, holding onto one of his shoulders with her other hand. She moaned, wanting to get closer. Angel pulled her into his lap, his hands running up and down her spine. Loving the feel of her so close to him.

There frantic kissing would have continued if Angel's phone hadn't rang. Angel moaned, pulling away, but Buffy grabbed him by the chin. Her eyes were filled with desire, her need growing, "Ignore it," She whispered before kissing him again. Her kisses distracted him as the phone gave out a second, third, then a fourth ring.

Finally, his machine picked it up.

"Angel!" Faith shouted on the phone, "Listen, we need you're help. There's something going down in Sunnydale, something big!"

The couple drew apart at the sound of the distressed Slayer. Angel moved to the phone as Faith continued her rambling, "Look, there's too much to tell you over the phone. I only have to tell you one thing: you gotta come home now!"

Before he could reach the phone, Faith had hung up.

Buffy frowned, "Angel?"

Angel sighed, turning to look at his love, "Buffy... you're going to see my old home."

"So, this is Sunnydale." Buffy said as she peered out of the window of Giles' apartment.

The town they had driven to was bigger than Faith described. From what Faith had told her, she expected to see a series of broke down shacks, and a couple of cows. Truth was, it wasn't that bad. It was a nice suburban town, and it had its possibilities.

"In a nutshell, B." Faith said.

"Cool," Buffy moved away from the window, "So, what's the dire?"

Giles cleared his throat, "Ah, it would appear that there is some sort of government military base. They are very accurate in their hunting, and take down sorts of demons back, to a lab that has no location at the moment."

Buffy frowned and looked at Angel. Then to the group, "Translation please?"

Xander frowned, "Don't look at me, I don't speak Giles."

Willow sighed, "Big army camp. Commando looking dudes capture demons to do experiments on `em. They taking `em back to the camp, and we don't know where that camp is,"

A round of "Oh"'s sounded.

"All we know is, that the commando's could possible be college students," Giles said, glancing over his notes, "Ah, have you spoken with Wesley?"

"I called but all I got was his machine," Buffy said, "I left a message."

"I might need a second pair of eyes for this," Giles sighed.

"I'll explain the rest," Faith said, "Basically, there's this guy, Riley Finn, Wills, Xand, and me have seen him around the college campus with a bunch of army guys. I was out hunting when I recognized his voice." Faith sighed, "I can't believe that I was almost interested in that guy,"

Willow frowned, "Its okay." She latched her hands with Oz's, "Me and Oz have been searching all over the net. We've tried to figure out a location and our strongest guesses are that these military guys are some where near the college."

Oz nodded.

"Okay," Angel said, "Faith, you take Xander, Oz, and Doyle with you. Search around that area." Faith nodded, gesturing for her team to follow her as she headed out the door, "Cordelia. I want you to stay here with Giles and Willow and try to find any information you can," Cordelia nodded.

Willow raised her hand as she set up her lap top computer, "Uh… Angel? What are you going to do?"

"Buffy and I are going to pay a visit to a very old snitch,"

When Angel and Buffy entered the bar, Willie looked like he was about to jump out of his skin. He glanced around at his customers, squirming even as he started to wipe down the counters.

A few demons and vampires had turned toward Angel, and then started to leave immediately. Not wanting any trouble from the master vampire.

"Hey!" Willie said loudly, "Its Angel. I-I didn't hear you come in…"

Buffy glanced around the room. Demon bar... she thought, well, nothing I haven't seen before... `cept the Gary Oldman record....

"I need some information," Angel said simply.

Willie stuttered, glancing around at his customers, "I... uh… I don't know anything..."

Angel sighed, "It involves human demon hunters. The ones that have been taking away your customers."

Willie sighed, "I don't know if I can do that, man."

"Either talk, or get your ass beaten down by Angel," Buffy said sweetly, stepping up to the bar and standing next to Angel, "Pick one."

Willie eyed the girl, "Who are you?"

"I'm the Slayer," Buffy said bluntly, "Y'know, the one from L.A.?"

At that, three more demons left. Buffy blinked. She knew she recognized one of them.

"Slayer from L.A.?" Willie repeated, "Oh, I heard a lot about ya. About the demons ya slayed and that nest of--"

"Willie," Angel interrupted, "Tell me what I need to know...."

Willie sighed, glancing back from Slayer to vampire. "Okay," He took a breath, "Word on the street is...."

Faith walked along the path near the college. The others close behind. She had sworn she heard something.

"Did you hear anything?" Xander whispered.

"Shh!" Faith moved closer to the trees... and frowned... there was something up there, "Oz. Turn your flash light on there."

Oz did as she asked and she gasped at what she saw. A demon, nailed to a tree, his insides torn apart as if he was a frog in biology. Quickly she and the others turned away. Not wanting to look at the horrible sight any longer....

"Where is she?" Wesley asked as he burst through the door of Giles apartment. When he had gotten Buffy's message he had held his breath the entire ride here. His concern for his charge ran deeply within him. And he could not help but feel helpless as he drove.

Giles looked up from the computer Willow was busily typing away at. He sighed, "Wesley. Do not worry. Buffy is all right. She is with Angel. They are searching right this minute."

"Oh, thank God," Wesley sighed as he moved toward the older Watcher, "Perhaps now you can explain to me what's going on."

Angel hurried in as fast as he could. He kept Buffy's tiny frame as close to him as possible. She was so cold... He entered the mansion, bringing her shivering form onto the bed. She sat up, her arms wrapped around her body. Willie had squealed about the new demon... or rather, 'creature', known throughout the community as 'Adam'. He told them about how Adam had been created by some military base known as the initiative. He had told them that Adam was a mixture of things he didn't quite understand. Adam had some strange parts to him. Demon, human, and robot. A very lethal combination.

Together, vampire and Slayer went in search and hunted down a vampire who worked with Adam. It had taken some time, but Angel finally gotten the vamp to crack, and he spilled all that he knew about Adam. From there, the couple went off in search of Adam... and had barely escaped with their lives....

This is my entire fault... Angel thought as he placed Buffy onto the bed, watching her shaking form. Adam had surprised them both. He was stronger than Buffy had expected, and because of that she had been hurt. Adam had sliced Buffy's shoulder blade when she had been distracted. The cut was no longer as bad as it had been, but it scared Angel to think of what Adam could have done to her.

When Angel had escaped with Buffy in his arms, he had headed to the closes place possible. The mansion. It had started to pour not too long after he had made his escape and Buffy's soft whimpers as the rain touched her wound made his heart ache.

Buffy watched Angel hurry away from the room. Getting a first aid kit from the nearby bathroom. He was so tense, rigid and worried. "Angel," Buffy whispered, "I'm fine, really."

Angel came back into the room. He glanced down at the first aid kit in his hands, then at Buffy. "That doesn't make me feel less worried about you,"

"Angel," Buffy said, "I'm fine. Just... come sit with me?"

Setting the first aid kit aside, Angel moved to her, and briefly stood before her. He bent down in front of her, his eyes levelled with hers. He leaned forward and their foreheads touched. Buffy sniffed.

"I almost lost you," Angel said in a thick voice, "I... I don't know what I would have done if I had..."

"Shh," Buffy muttered, "You didn't. I'm right here."

"But the thought of los--"

"No," Buffy whispered, drawing back so she could look at him, "You didn't lose me. You'll never lose me. I'm here. With you. We're together, right? Nothing can change that,"

Angel shook his head, "Nothing."

The both breathed. Enjoying the feel of one another. Of being so close. Angel brought his arms to her back, bringing her body closer to him as she twined her arms around his neck. Shyly, she kissed him. Sweetly and soft. Wanting nothing more than to kiss his sorrows away.

The kiss grew as Buffy drew Angel onto the bed, moving back so he could lay with her.

"Buffy--" Angel broke away, "Are you--"

"Yes," Buffy whispered, already knowing what he was about to ask, "More than anything, yes."

With that, Angel kissed her again, and lost himself within her.

"Where are they?" Faith asked.

She was surprised that she was still functioning. Usually, if she had been up for twenty hours straight she would have crashed and burned by now. But she was too worried about her sister Slayer and vampire friend.

Almost everyone had fallen asleep. The sun would be rising in less than two hours, and Buffy and Angel still didn't check in. She glanced at the sleeping bodies. Xander had fallen asleep with Anya, though Anya was awake, just trying to fall asleep. Willow was in the same situation with Oz, while the two Watchers had fallen asleep while reading.

Willow frowned, "I dunno. We're all worried, Faith,"

Anya rolled her eyes, "Oh, c'mon!"

The other two girls stared at the former Vengeance demon, as she continued, "The only reason we're so worried about them is because we wanna see Angel again."

"What the--"

"That's not true--"

"Please." Anya sighed, "Angel was wearing that outfit that we all voted on as the hottie outfit, now can you all deny that?"

Willow and Faith shared a look, and then answered, "No."

Buffy moaned softly when she felt a sudden cool breeze touch her skin. Shivering a bit, she curled up against the body she laid next to... naked? Buffy's eyes shot open, panicking until she recalled the previous events, and smiled softly to herself. She snuggled deeper into Angel's chest, enjoying the feel of being so close to him. She couldn't remember the last time she felt so... loved. She lightly trailed her fingers along his torso under the blanket. Loving the feel of his smooth skin. She continued on until she felt a soft nudging against her forehead.

She moved her gaze from her hand under the blanket, and looked up to see Angel's face, a smile playing on his lips. Buffy returned that smile, shifting to look at him better, "Hi."

"Hi."

Buffy brought her hand up to his chest, "Mmm. That was nice."

Angel laughed softly, "Yeah. It definitely was."

"I..." Buffy shifted again, so she laid across his chest, her forehead directly in front of his, face to face, "I wanted to say that, um... that I, well, it was more than nice and that I've never done--"

Angel silenced her babbling with a soft kiss to which she eagerly returned. Without warning, Angel touched her tickle spots and she screamed/laughed into his mouth as he brought her down to him once again. Tackling her with his fingers and his mouth.

"Mmm," Buffy smiled as Angel entered the room with a large tray of breakfast. "This looks good,"

Angel smiled as he leaned forward and kissed her on her forehead. She was blanketed with the bed sheet and nothing more. While Angel had dressed in a pair of boxers and a red satin robe. "Well," He handed her a piece of toast, "I'd figure you might need some nourishment. After all," He moved to sit next to her, "you did have a hell of a work out."

Buffy shoved her elbow into him playfully as she chewed her toast up, "You are quite the cocky little vampire with a soul after sex, aren't you?"

"I can be more so," Angel said as he started to kiss her shoulder and down her back.

Buffy moaned, "You're not playing fair." She grumbled as she finished the toast, "I'm trying to eat and your..."

Angel laughed softly as she arched against him, "Maybe you should finish breakfast before we do anything--"

Before Angel could finish, Buffy had launched herself onto him, kissing him sweetly and accidentally kicking the tray off of the bed. Angel didn't seem to mind.

They continued happily kissing. When Buffy's hands reached the inside of Angel's robe, the phone next to the bed rang. Angel moaned, resisting Buffy and looking at the phone, "Why does this always happen?"

He leaned over and answered it, holding the phone to his ear while his other hand stayed at her waist. "Hello?"

"Angel!" Cordelia cried, "Oh, thank God! What the hell are you doing there? I mean I knew you'd probably go there, but God! Its the mansion! The only good things there is that fire place and--"

"Cordelia." Angel said, hurriedly as Buffy rained small kisses on his neck, her hands trailing over his shoulders and into his robe. "I'm here with Buffy. We're both safe."

"Yeah, well, that doesn't help much," Cordy huffed, "Do you know how worried I've been! I mean, Doyle had to fight me in order to stop me from hunting you down! God, you big vampire jerk!"

Angel sighed. He wasn't quite sure if it was because of Cordelia's ranting, or the fact that Buffy had moved to sit in his lap and was now kissing his chest. "Cordy, are you done?"

"Yeah, yeah," Cordy sighed, "Oh, and by the way. We need ya down here fast."

"What's wrong?"

"Y'know, big evil thing cuts up demons like bio frogs, the usual. Get your undead buns over here!." With that, Cordy hung up.

Buffy frowned as she took the phone from his hands and set it back down, "What's wrong?"

Angel laughed softly, causing Buffy to lift a brow. "Did you just lose it?"

He shook his haad, "No. No, its... almost every time I want to be closer to you, the damn phone rings."

"Something bad happen?"

"They need us back at Giles," Angel sighed, as you stood up and offered his hand to her, "We better get ready."

Buffy made a tiny whiney sound, "Do we have to?" She got up on her knees, wrapping her arms around his neck as she purred, "Its so much nicer right here..." She kissed him and he groaned.

He pulled away, shaking his head, "C'mon you little vixen."

"But its day time," Buffy pointed out.

Angel sighed, "I know. We're gonna have to use the sewers."

Buffy made a face, "Eww. How are you supposed to get into Giles' place?"

He sighed, "He has a basement that's connected to part of the sewer system. I built it a while back when we had to meet at his place."

"Oh." Buffy said.

"Where have you been?!" Cordelia cried, running toward her boss and embracing him in a tight hug that would have cut off a human's breath.

Angel gave Doyle a look, and quickly he grabbed Cordy and dragged her away, "She's been a lil' stressed. With you two disappearing' and all."

Buffy smiled at Angel tightening her hold on his hand. She gently pulled him toward the heavy draped window and sat him down on a chair. She, then, took her place in his lap. He wrapped his arms around her waist and she joined his hands,

"Are you alright?" Wesley asked.

"Wes," Buffy said surprised that he was here so soon, "I'm fine."

"Yeah," Faith started, "where were you two?"

Buffy and Angel exchanged a quick look, then set their gazes back to the worried group of people, "We were at the mansion," Angel answered, we ran into some trouble. Buffy got hurt, and it was the closes place I could get her to."

Angel heard a familiar laugh and groaned when his childe came out of the kitchen, holding a mug that was filled with blood and.... wheaties?

"I bet," Spike snickered.

"What's that suppose to mean?" Xander asked, confused.

Spike rolled his eyes, "Please tell me your not *that* blind." The others just stared. "They bloody shagged!"

"Spike!" Angel snarled as Buffy blushed, hiding her face in the crook of Angel's neck.

"Well, its true," Spike said, "I can smell her all over you and you on her." He sipped the blood from the mug.

The room was now filled with some slightly embarrassed looks, awkward stares, and a snickering vampire.

"Oh, this isn't embarrassing at all," Buffy, murmured into Angel's neck.

"I can't believe it," Faith mused as she walked beside Buffy.

The sun had set not too long ago, and after Angel had told Giles about Adam, he and Wesley had decided to research a bit more and wanted Buffy, Angel and Faith out that night. Angel had told her to stay with Faith while he went to check out the sewers. She had reluctantly agreed.

Buffy rolled her eyes, "Yes, Faith. I made love with Angel." Buffy made several grunting noises to emphasis it, "Why is it so hard to believe that I'm not a virgin anymore?"

Faith laughed, "But, B. This is you." She pointed out, "The girl who wouldn't open her legs for anyone. Not even Pike,"

"How is Pike anyway?" Buffy asked, changing the subject, but Faith caught onto what she was doing.

"No, no, no," Faith shook her head, "This ain't about me. Its about you and that vamp boyfriend of yours getting it on. So, tell me, what was it like?"

"Faith." Buffy chided.

"What?" Faith laughed, "C'mon. Tell me. What was it like?"

Buffy sighed, "One word? Perfect."

Faith nodded, "Perfect. Wonder what that's--Duck!"

Buffy did, watching from her crouch as Faith sent a vampire away. She hurried toward him, ready to deck him as Buffy got back on her feet. She was about to help Faith when a large hand clamped down around her neck.

"Did you find anything?" Oz asked as he gently stroked the back of Willow's back. She had been working hard on the computer, trying her best to learn about this, "Initiative" base. It was confusing and her eyes were blurring up.

Willow sighed, "I don't know. I just keep getting a bunch of serial numbers,"

"Cryptic?" Oz asked.

"Who knows," Willow sighed, her head falling into her hands.

"Its okay," Oz said, gently stroking the back of her head, trying to calm her done. She had been working so hard, "Why don't you take a break. I can handle it."

"Are you sure?" Willow asked.

"Yeah," Oz said, nodding, "I can."

Willow sighed, getting up and giving her boyfriend a brief hug before moving to the couch to rest her weary bones.

Oz was about to start figuring out the codes when Faith came storming in. Everyone was alarmed at the sight. Her clothes were tattered and drenched in blood. She had many bruises up her arms and face and a fat lip. She looked exhausted.

"Faith!" Willow shouted, "Oh my God... are you okay?"

"What happened?" Xander asked.

"Ambush." Faith grunted, "Adam..."

Every exchanged worry glances as Giles and Xander moved to help Faith into the bathroom to clean up.

Willow reached for Oz's hand, nervous about her friends state, and worried for another, "Hey! Where's Buffy?"

Faith let out a muffled cry, "She... Adam.... he's got her… I dunno... I dunno what he wants with her...."

"Oh God," Willow hugged onto Oz, "Oh God..."

Cordelia exchanged a worry glance with Doyle and shuddered at the thought of what Adam could be doing, "What are we gonna do Doyle?" Cordy asked, "Adam's a big curious boy scout demon! What if Buffy--"

"Shh! Nothing's gonna happen 'Delia." Doyle gave her a short kiss, "We gotta find Angel."

Just then, Angel walked in, "Find me for what?"

Everyone looked at him, pain and worry evident in their eyes. "What? What's wrong?"

Buffy groaned softly as she felt herself being carried. She opened her eyes and found herself tied, and being carried through a sewer. She tried to will her heart to stop pounding against her chest, but it refused to listen to her.

"You don't have to pretend," Adam said from a head, "I know you're awake."

Buffy swallowed hard, "What do you want with me?"

"Simple. I want to know how you work. So, I plan on going back home." Adam explained.

"Home?" Buffy started.

"Yes." Adam said, "Back to mother."

"Its no use trying to find `er, peaches." Spike said, stopping Angel in his hurried tracks across the park, "She's as good as dead."

Before Spike could even blink, his foot was off the ground and Angel held him up by his neck, "Listen to me, you peroxide scum-sucking ineffective vampire!" He gave a sharp squeeze to the said vampire's neck, "If you ever even speak in such a tone about her, I will cut off parts of you, that you and I both know, won't grow back!"

"Guurrlk!" Spike answered before Angel sent his body flying into a tree trunk. Spike got his bearings back together, and sent his sire a nasty look, "I was just saying..."

Angel squinted down at him, "You know where she is, don't you?"

Spike tensed up a bit, but kept his cool, "Maybe I do... maybe I don--"

Angel growled.

Spike sighed, "She's in an ol' army base. Under the park..."

"Ow!" Buffy cried as the vampire dumped her onto a dentist-like chair. She glared at the vampire, who simply sneered in return. Adam spoke up, "Leave us."

Buffy frowned, "Okay robot wannabe, what do you want?"

"To study you," Adam replied simply. Buffy's eyes widened while Adam looked over the chair and commanded, "Tie her down."

Out of nowhere, to arms clamped down on her arms. She was shocked to see a see a science person, and a young African American. Both, seemed dead, their faces as well as bodies, without a doubt, in a horrid display of distorted features and stitches.

They moved, holding her down with twice her own strength before clamping manacles onto the arm rests and around her wrists. She gasped, struggling against them, but they held her down to strongly.

Adam looked over at his two assistances, and gestured for them to hurry and work.

"Why me?" Buffy demanded, "Why not some one else?"

"You are this... Slayer?" Adam said, recalling the name, "Are you not? Why not study a being that has more power in itself than a normal human? Don't you think it would be interesting to find out the way you work?"

"Why me, though? Why not Faith?" Buffy asked. Adam had been in Sunnydale for months... hadn't he? Surely he would have heard of Faith first?

Adam laughed... if it was a laugh, "Ah, yes. That, other Slayer. She is no concern to me. She'll be dead in no time. The girl is unprepared, and nowhere near facing death. Unlike you who has died and lived again."

"Okay, so I've faced death and I'm still living... so what? It doesn't make me any more special than anyone else!"

Buffy shrieked even as Adam approached her, the long spear immerging from his wrist....

Then her eyes widened in shock at the long sword that perorated from Adam's chest, a strange green substance staining the sword.

Buffy nearly screamed when he suddenly fell to the ground, the sound of circuits buzzing loudly as Adam's body jerked wildly. Standing with the sword, her knight gazed at her worriedly.

"Angel," Buffy sobbed, wanting to jump into his arms, but couldn't. He quickly used the sword, breaking the manacles in a few quick movements. Once she was free, Buffy jumped into his arms, even as he peppered tiny kisses on her forehead, "God... Angel... I was so scared..."

"Shh..." Angel said, "its alright. I'm here now. That's all that matters. Sshhh… Please Buffy, don't cry...."

"I love you." Buffy said.

"I love you,"

5 months later...

Buffy and Angel laid on the sand, the moon blanketing them in a soft glow. The soft waves of the beach was their music as they enjoyed the night.

"Angel?" Buffy whispered as she peered up into the night.

"Hmm?"

"How long do you think the moon's been up there?" She asked.

"I don't know how to answer that Buffy." Angel chuckled, tracing a red plush rose over her bare shoulders.

Buffy swatted his chest, wiggling her arms as the rose tickled her, "Really, Angel."

Angel paused, "Forever."

"Forever," Buffy echoed before looking up at him, "Just like us."

Angel smiled, leaning toward her face and kissing her lovingly. Once the kiss broke they returned to their original position. Not too long after, Buffy spoke up again, "Angel?"

"Hmm?"

"The moon's been around forever, and we'll be together forever." Buffy's hand wondered from his chest, "How long do you think we could…"

Before she knew it, Angel was above her, grinning at her, "I wouldn't say forever... but I can say that it can last as long as you can hold out."

Buffy giggled, "In that case...."

She drew him down to her, kissing him until their thoughts disappeared.

The End