TITLE: One of These Days

AUTHOR: Kelly Rowe

DISCLAIMER: Buffy, Angel and the gang belong to the evil Joss and I only own the characters I make up. In a perfect world however I would own all of them, Buffy and Angel wouldn't have broken up and Riley would never have existed.

SPOILERS: None (AU Fic)

SUMMARY: Buffy and Angel were once partners (LAPD). Three years later something from the past is about to reunite them.

CONTENT: Contains adult situations, and slight swearing.

NOTES: This is an AU fic so there aren't any vampires or nasty demons; all evils committed are by Humans. The song 'I Could Not Ask For More' is by Sara Evans off of her album 'Born To Fly.'

Angel O'Brien sighed as he saw the huge pile of paperwork that had been placed on his desk, ever since his partner Oz had quit the force; he'd been snowed under with extra work.

"O'Brien" Rupert Giles his commanding officer yelled, "My office, now!"

Angel sighed as he got up and headed to the office, he was wondering what he could have possibly done to warrant the lecture he was most probably about to receive. He walked in and sat down, "What's up, Chief?"

Giles for once didn't pull any punches, "Finn was released yesterday."

With those fatal words Angel was flung back in time. "Who was stupid enough to let that guy out?" he demanded.

Giles tried to be diplomatic, "He had served his time."

"But he threatened..."

Giles cut Angel off, "That's the other thing... he's been making some enquiries about officer Summers."

That's when Angel got angry, it was one thing to come after him... after all it had been him who had shot Riley's half-brother Parker, but Buffy hadn't done anything.

"Where is she?" he asked forcefully. Angel had every intention of rushing to his beloved's side.

"No way am I telling you, O'Brien" Giles said.

Angel looked Giles in the eye and said, "You know that if the situation was reversed she'd be the one helping me."

"No, I don't know that" Giles told him. Then seeing his resolved face, "Are you sure about this? It has been three years."

"Totally" Angel assured him.

Giles took a deep breath, "Officer Summers works for the Sunnydale PD."

Angel stood up and before leaving said, "I won't let you down."

{Two weeks} Buffy Summers thought as she drove home from work, {What am I gonna do with two weeks off? } She could hardly believe how quickly vacation time had come around this year; at least she could do the sleep-in and watch Passions. {Angel used to tease me about watching that} she realised the track her mind was about to go down and quickly shifted gears, the last thing she needed was to think about Angel O'Brien. It wasn't at all comforting to her that she had managed to go a whole three days without thinking of him this time.

She pulled into her driveway and hurried into her house, she was pressed for time, since she'd agreed to go to this political fund-raiser with Xander Harris. She was actually looking forward to going to it, especially since Xander was one of her closet friends and the newly elected D. A. Thirty minutes later she was dressed and waiting and the second he pulled up outside, she ran out to meet him.

Several hours later on the way home Xander asked, "Did you have a good time?"

"Yeah... I just wished that I'd eaten more of the yummy food and did less gossiping" Buffy told him.

"Hey, why do you think I invite you? You keep all of them so busy gossiping, that they ignore me" Xander joked. Xander pulled up in front of her house and got out of his car to escort her to her door.

They were almost there when Buffy's heel broke. "Ouch" she said grabbing Xander as she almost fell.

"Let me see" Xander said grabbing her foot.

Buffy laughed as Xander began to tickle her foot, "Xand... that tickles."

"Yep, it does" Xander said continuing to tickle her.

"Let go, you doofus."

Xander gave her is evil mad scientist smile and said, "Nope."

"Xand!"

"I suggest you do as the lady asked" a man's voice said authoritatively from behind.

Buffy and Xander turned to look at the man who was standing behind them. He stood there with a deceptive casualness, but Buffy recognised the danger in him, just as she recognised the voice.

Xander was the first to recover, "Nice watchdog Buffy. I'm impressed, but if he bites me... I'll sue."

"It's okay, he's an old friend. My old partner... from LA" she squeaked out.

Xander looked from the strange guy to his friend, "Do you want me to go?"

"If you don't mind" Buffy said.

"Only if you're sure you'll be okay?" Xander said.

Buffy nodded, "Yeah."

As Xander walked off he called back, "I'll call you tomorrow."

"Night Xand" Buffy said. She turned back to her old partner, her heart beating so fast and not exactly knowing what to say to him.

"Hi Buff."

"Hey Angel" she whispered.

"You look... great" Angel told her awkwardly.

Buffy was embarrassed, "You look... tall." She felt as though she was fifteen-year-old schoolgirl and not a twenty-five year old police officer. "It's been a long time, you surprised me."

"I can see that. Sorry if I interrupted anything" Angel muttered. The truth was, that he wasn't sorry... except that he didn't punch that guy who was touching his Buffy.

"You didn't," she told him. "How did you find me?" she then asked.

"Giles."

Buffy knew that Giles wouldn't have told Angel where she was unless something bad had happened... or was going to happen. "What's wrong?"

"Something serious" Angel replied mysteriously.

She pulled out her keys, "We can talk inside."

They entered the house and went into the kitchen where Buffy offered, "Can I get you something?" She turned around and for the first time that night she saw his face, he was (if possible) even more gorgeous than she remembered.

"Coffee would be great" Angel replied.

"Sure, sit down" she told him. With a sigh Angel pulled out a chair and sat down, he knew that his presence was making her nervous and that was the last thing that he wanted to do, but he wasn't sure how to fix it, especially when all he wanted to do was to pull her into his arms.

Buffy carried the coffee to the table and sat across from him. "So... how is LA?" she asked after a few minutes of uncomfortable silence.

"Like a giant parking lot" Angel answered.

"Nice to know some things don't change," she teased. Then she said, "Speaking of parking lots, where's your car?"

"It's parked down the block."

Buffy looked at him, "Why the secrecy?"

"Just being cautious," Angel told her.

"What's going on?" she asked him.

Angel was disappointed it seemed that all she wanted from him was information. "Riley Finn is out and he's looking for us," Angel said. Just like Angel, Buffy had no trouble remembering that incident.

~They'd responded to an alarm from a convenience store one night out on patrol. Riley Finn and Parker Abrahams were running out of the front door as they'd pulled up. Buffy landed Riley by luck, he tripped and fell. Parker might have escaped, but he saw Riley go down and stupidly tried to save him.

"Let him go" he yelled swinging his gun from Angel to Buffy.

"We can't" Angel explained.

Parker didn't listen, he swung the gun back to Buffy and fired, and then he swung it back to Angel and fired for a second time. At both the inquiry and the trial, everyone had agreed that Angel hadn't any choice but to defend himself and his partner from the threat Parker had created. However that hadn't meant a thing to Finn.

"I'll get you... when I get out I'm gonna find you and make you pay."~

"Whoa" she said, "So soon." {So that's why he's here} she thought, {Thank goodness I didn't do anything stupid like jump into his arms}. "Thanks for warning me."

"No problem, we were partners" Angel insisted.

Buffy fiddled with her coffee cup and asked, "Why didn't you just call?"

"Would you?" he demanded. When she didn't answer he said, "Buffy?"

"Yeah."

"Would you have just phoned?"

It wasn't fair of him to remind her of how close they'd once been. He might only be referring to their friendship, but even so, it was wrong and dangerous. "No, I wouldn't." They sat in silence for a few minutes before Buffy asked, "What are you gonna do? I'm here in Sunnydale and Riley's turf is LA, so you're first."

"I'm on vacation."

"Good idea" she said.

"Buffy..." Angel closed his eyes dreading the next words he had to say. "Finn wants you first."

It took a minute for it to register. "Why me?" she asked confused.

"I guess he wants to remove the person who stopped him from helping Parker... you. When Finn hit LA, he was immediately spotted in your old neighbourhood" Angel told her.

"Oh." That explained Angel's anger, he felt responsible for these events. "It's okay, I'll call HQ tomorrow and I'll have so much backup that I'll go nuts" she told him.

"No you won't..." he told her, "...I'm your backup."

"Huh?" Buffy thought that she was hearing things.

"I'm staying."

"Here... in Sunnydale?" she asked.

"Close... in this house" he informed her.

Buffy slumped back in her chair and felt the first twinges of panic. She could cope with Riley Finn stalking her, if she had too. But could she survive Angel in her house? "Sorry, but no way" she told him.

"Why?" Angel asked determinedly.

Buffy gave him a dirty look, "Because you can't."

"Not good enough" Angel told her. He looked around, "I know this house is small, but we'll have to deal."

Buffy anxious for something to do, picked up the mugs and took them over to the sink. She stared out of the window for a moment before saying, "Angel... I don't need this. I've made a whole new life for myself here... LA is in the past and I'd like to keep it there."

Angel felt like she'd just trampled his heart into the ground, "I understand, but this thing with Finn started out as our problem and it'll end that way. I don't walk out on a partner *ever*."

"You're out of your jurisdiction" Buffy reminded him, grasping at straws to keep him out of her house and life.

"Giles is making some calls, it'll be taken care of" Angel told her.

"O'Brien..." Buffy said glaring at him, "What am I gonna do with you?"

{Oh boy, do I have some suggestions} Angel thought. Then he said out loud, "Well Summers, you could say you have an extra bed... I hate couches."

Buffy smiled accepting her defeat, "Yeah... I have an extra bed. Dawn uses it when she visits."

"Great. Let me get my stuff and you can give me the grand tour."

Buffy watched as the door closed behind him. {What am I doing? Can I even handle this? } She wondered. Buffy knew deep inside that she'd be lying if she didn't admit that she was glad that he was here. The line that he'd used about never walking out on a partner was good and all, but they'd been more than just friends. That's why she'd left LA in the first place, before it could go too far and now Angel was staying in her house, where was she gonna go if temptation reared it's ugly head? Oh well, she was gonna have to make the best of it and make sure that they parted ways as soon as possible.

When Angel returned, he found her making more coffee. Buffy didn't even turn to look at him, so he took the opportunity to stare at her unnoticed.

"You didn't move your car?" she muttered playing with the coffee pot to avoid looking at him.

"It's fine where it is," he said.

"You... you think he's found me? This quickly?" Buffy asked curiously.

Angel didn't sugarcoat it, "These days it's possible. Only the guilty and the rich have learned to disappear when they want to."

Buffy turned towards him, "When Finn realises you're here, he'll smell a trap. All he'll do is back off and wait for you to leave."

"He's not the most patient person I've met and he's out for revenge. I'm counting on that as a motivator, besides what makes you think he'll smell a trap. He'll see us here together, decide we're going at it hot and heavy and think it's his lucky day, the two of us at once" Angel told her.

"That is *so* not funny, Angel."

Angel sighed, "Hey... remember I'm on your side."

The coffee began to perk and Buffy turned all her attention to it. "It'll be a few minutes. Why don't you take your bag upstairs..."

"What no grand tour?"

"Nope" Buffy replied moving away from him.

A few minutes later they were sitting in her living room, trying to avoid the mounting tension. "So..." Buffy said trying to restore equilibrium, "How's all the gang?"

"Well... Gunn just got promoted... and Spike is still acting like a total jerk, but he and Dru seem to be happy... Faith started her own security firm and took Oz along with her... Oh yeah, Giles is still threatening to retire" he filled her in.

Buffy hesitated to ask, "You?"

"That's easy... I still miss you like hell."

In panic Buffy moved away from him, it took several steps before she realised that she had nowhere to run. With a moan she leaned her head up against a wall.

"Buffy..." Angel came up behind her, boxing her in with his arms, "Honey..."

"Don't start... please" Buffy begged.

Behind her Angel flinched, "Don't you think I've tried? I swear I have, but it's no good." She began to protest, until his breath brushed her ear and she had to fight off the sensations that he was causing. "I eat... I sleep... I work..." he whispered. "I go through the motions, but I can't forget... not you, or the kiss... I can't forget." he slid his arms around her waist, pulling her to him.

"Angel, this has gotta stop" she pleaded, "Don't touch me."

"I have to" he replied.

She could feel his heart pounding against her back and could feel the tension emanating from his body. She wasn't even aware that he'd turned her around, until his hands framed her face. Then he kissed her with all of the pent up passion of the last three years they'd spent apart.

"Angel... no" she moaned, "We've gotta stop."

"Remember this Buff?" All too well she remembered.

"I remember" Buffy sobbed, "Better than you do. What about Darla, Angel? What about your wife?"

Angel froze and let go of Buffy who moved away from him like a scared animal. He stood there with his back to her, his hands clenched at his sides. The silence was unbearable but she didn't want to break it. She'd never seen him like this, not even when she'd told him she was leaving LA and him.

"I'm sorry" Buffy told him, "That was an awful thing for me to say."

"Don't apologise," he told her.

Buffy wasn't about to give in, "Look... I was wrong to bring her up..."

"No, you weren't" Angel replied. "There's something you need to know... that I should've told you straight away." Angel swallowed the bitter taste that had formed in his mouth and forced himself to meet Buffy's confused look, "Darla's dead."

Dead... despite the fact that Buffy had known about Darla's illness, knew there wasn't a cure, she was still shocked. They had still been partners when. Angel had learned that Darla was terminally ill. It was the final blow to a marriage that had already been disintegrating from its start. Darla and Angel had been college sweethearts and Darla had been excited in marrying Angel and sharing his pro-football career, only Angel had killed that vision by choosing to become a cop instead. As Angel's partner and friend, it had been hard to stand by and watch him struggle with all of the problems. When it had become obvious that the feelings between her and Angel were growing, she'd left. As much as she'd loved him and hurt over what he was going through... she knew what would've happened if she'd stayed and how wrong it would have been.

"Ask it?" he growled when the silence had become unbearable again.

"When did she..." Buffy started to whisper.

"Almost two years ago" he said. When he saw the look on her face he told her, "You don't understand... I'm still paying off all the medical bills and..."

"You think I care whether you're in debt or not?" Buffy asked him in disbelief.

Angel whirled around to face her, "It matters to me!"

"Well congratulations" she muttered, "I hope you and your pride are very happy together." She rushed towards the stairs.

"Buffy... wait." Buffy hesitated at the bottom of the stairs and slowly turned to face him.

"It wasn't just my pride" he began, "Towards the end... I almost wanted her die. So when she did, I became obsessed with her bills. My penance."

Buffy took a step closer to him, "The important thing was that you were there when she needed you to be."

Angel took a deep breath and moved to wards her, "Giles didn't want me to come... he thought that there might be someone else. Is there?"

Buffy shook her head; "I guess I couldn't quite get you out of my system."

"Stop trying" he told her. In two steps he was in front of her and suddenly they were kissing. Their breaths were mingled as Angel pulled her closer to him.

"Angel..."

"I know, we should stop" Angel replied breathlessly, "But I want you too much."

"I want you too," Buffy whispered.

"We need to talk first," Angel told her moving a little away from her.

"Sure... me first" she said drawing his mouth back to hers. It was more than he could resist and it soon escalated. A minute later she said, "Angel... I hear bells."

He heard them too, he raised his head and frowned, "It's the phone."

"What?" she said dazed.

"Buffy... the phone's ringing" he told her trying not to laugh.

She moved away from him and answered it. "Hello?" she said, "Hello?" She listened for a moment longer and when no one answered she hung up.

"Well?" Angel asked.

"No-one was there."

"How often does that happen?" he asked her.

Buffy knew what he meant. "Never" she told him honestly, "It couldn't have been him... it's too soon. You only just got here and I can't believe that his sources could outdo yours."

"I wish I could agree with you... for all the good I'm doing here I might as well have stayed in LA" Angel told her.

"That's so not true" Buffy objected.

Angel came to a decision, "Buffy, I know that there's going to be a time for us, but not until after Finn is gone. It'll also give you some time... time to make sure I'm what you want."

Buffy looked at him in surprise, "How can you even doubt it?"

Angel ignored her last comment, "There's something else you need to know... well that I want you to know. I've been completely faithful to you since the day I kissed you."

Buffy stared at him in shock. He was an attractive guy... and he'd waited for her. What if they'd never met again?

"Didn't think I could do it?" he mocked.

"I didn't think about it at all," she told him.

"You're the only one that I want" Angel replied.

Buffy looked up at him and fell in love with him all over again. "Make love to me" she begged.

Angel kissed her gently, "Ask me again when this mess is all over and I promise, we won't get out of bed for a week."

Buffy put her head against his chest and told him, "You're *so* evil."

Angel tried not to laugh and said, "Come on partner, let's turn in. If it was Finn on the phone, he's been going at top speed and won't try anything tonight."

As they climbed the stairs together Buffy said, "Angel... I'm glad you're here. Frustrated, but glad."

"Me too."

A few minutes later she laid her head on her pillow and thought about the day. It had totally blown her mind, Finn... Darla... Angel. Angel was suddenly forced back into her life and he was... free, the future never looked so bright. Buffy went to sleep dreaming about the man down the hall... her Angel.

Buffy wasn't sure if it was the scream or the crash that woke her, but whatever it was she decided to investigate it. Without a thought to what she was wearing, she jumped out of bed, grabbing her gun as she went. She could her the sound of angry voices as she swiftly raced down the stairs. Her heart was pounding and the adrenaline flowing when she jumped around the corner into her kitchen with her gun raised. Angel and Willow stopped arguing immediately.

"Buffy... you've got your gun out too" Willow cried, "What is going on?"

Willow was standing with her back pressed up against the back door. On the floor in front of her lay a broken plate and from it oozed something that was once a cake. Despite the fact that Angel's gun was lowered to his side, Willow's hands remained high in surrender.

"Oh no" Buffy groaned. She put her gun down on the kitchen table and ran over to her friend. "Wils... are you alright? Put your hands down and sit down. What was that any way? Chocolate cake?"

"Not anymore" the redhead replied looking at the mess on the floor.

"Alright what happened?" she asked Angel.

"I thought she was breaking in," Angel said looking at the petite redhead.

"Breaking in... Angel, this is my neighbour," she said in exasperation.

"Buffy, what's up? Are you in trouble?" Willow asked her concerned.

Buffy looked at her, "A little, but don't worry about it."

"Does this mean you can't look after Fritz? Remember my trip to Dallas... Tara's parents?" Willow questioned.

"No, he can stay" she told her ignoring Angel's say no signals. "Don't worry, I'll take good care of him."

Willow quickly left (she was scared to death of Angel, who she considered to be a gun toting maniac). Buffy waved until she was out of sight and then closed the door. She and Angel exchanged icy glares.

"How could you?" she demanded, "Willow just so wouldn't hurt a fly. You could've scared her to death!"

"What about me? I heard a car, footsteps and someone at the door. How was I supposed to know that your neighbours deliver you food at the crack of dawn." Scowling, he leaned back against her counter and folded his arms across his chest, "And by the way, we are not baby-sitting. It's too risky."

Buffy gave Angel a strange look, "What are you talking about?"

"Willow's son Fritz."

Buffy rolled her eyes, "Fritz is Willow's dog." Buffy cleaned up the floor and then washed her hands.

A second later she felt Angel's arms slide around her and she was pulled back against his body. "I guess this is where I apologise," he said sighing.

A smile tugged at her lips, "Well... you did overreact."

"Guilty" he buried his face in her hair, "But it's partly your fault."

"How?" she asked in disbelief. "If you hadn't looked like some sort of sexy avenging angel, I would've kept my head. But I'm only Human and my blood pressure can only take so much" he told her.

"Hey... some backup I'd be if I stopped to change. Besides, this jersey is perfectly respectable. What's wrong with it?"

"Nothing that a swim in the Arctic Ocean wouldn't cure" he said nipping her neck softly. Buffy's eyes drifted closed from the pleasure. She wriggled in his arms trying to turn to face him, but he wouldn't let her. "Are you going to tell me?" he whispered in her ear.

"Give me a hint... what are we talking about?" Buffy said softly.

"Whom do you know at UC Sunnydale?" he asked.

"So we're talking about the jersey again" she sighed loving the feeling of his mouth on her skin.

"Correction, we're still on the damn jersey."

"Wow, you're cranky in the morning aren't you?" she teased. She yelped as he started to tickle her, "Okay... I don't know anyone there. I bought it on sale, it's comfy and it sorta reminded me of you."

"I should've known" he moaned, "Forgive me?"

"For what?" Angel chuckled, "I'm going to like arguing with you."

"We didn't argue, we never argue," she told him.

"You used to say the same thing back in LA. I'll tell you what, if we can make up like this from now on, I'll let you call it anything you like." With something close to a growl, he kissed her fiercely and then he pushed her away. "I'll start breakfast. You go upstairs and get dressed."

She blinked startled, "Huh?"

"Out woman" he ordered. He wasn't... he couldn't be doing this to her again, she couldn't believe it.

"Angel... I'm gonna get you for this" she vowed.

"I'll look forward to it," he said gruffly, "Now go, while I can still remember why I'm doing this."

Twenty minutes later, fresh from a shower, Buffy's frustration had cleared and allowed her to gain some perspective on the situation. She couldn't be annoyed with Angel (even though she wanted to be), it obviously wasn't any easier on him. She had to get a hold of herself, or she wouldn't be of any help to him at all. Angel was right Finn was the one that they should be concentrating on, otherwise one, or even both of them could end up dead. That was why Angel was putting his own needs aside and the least that she could do was the same, no matter how difficult it would be. She heard Angel calling her from downstairs and she headed straight down to him. She suddenly stopped in the kitchen doorway and stared at the plate of what appeared to be peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

"What's all this?" she asked diplomatically.

"Breakfast" Angel answered sitting down.

"Uh-huh" she said pulling a face.

Noticing her look Angel admitted, "I can't cook."

How could she complain when he'd so obviously wanted to please her?

"Isn't there an awful lot of food here?" she asked.

"I'm a hungry boy. This body needs a lot to keep it going."

"You should've let me make you something," she told him feeling guilty and nauseous at the same time.

Angel looked at her, "I wanted to do something for you and this is the limit of my household skills."

"That's so sweet" Buffy replied falling even more in love with him.

"I also wanted to... apologise for last night. You know... what happened with that guy?"

"Xander" she told him.

"Xander" he repeated squishing his sandwich menacingly.

"Yeah. Xander Harris, he's the D. A here." Angel grumbled and bit a large chunk out of his sandwich viciously. Buffy stared at him in disbelief, "You're jealous."

"Maybe" Angel muttered.

"Weren't you listening last night when I said that there wasn't anyone?" Buffy asked. "I thought that's why you confessed about not being with anyone either..."

"Either?" Angel asked in shock.

Buffy shook her head, "You still don't get it, do you?"

Angel dropped his food and grabbed her hand. "I gave up dreaming a long time ago. If this situation with Finn hadn't come up... I might not be here."

"Angel" she whispered.

"I'm not sure that I'm what you need. You deserve so much better..."

"Don't start that... it isn't true" Buffy told him, "I love you so much that it hurts."

He reached over and kissed her, "I love you too." He brushed his lips across hers lightly and then losing control, he deepened it.

They both jumped when they heard the doorbell ring and when their eyes met they burst out laughing. Angel's laughter ended with a groan, "Someone has lousy timing." Checking his watch he asked, "Isn't it a bit early for company?"

Buffy got up to answer the door and Angel got into position behind it, as she checked the peephole. "Doyle..." she murmured in surprise. She'd barely opened the door when he'd burst in.

He hugged her, "Five seconds more and I would of kicked the door down. I don't know whether to spank yer or kiss yer."

"I'd suggested neither" Angel replied angrily from behind.

Doyle stilled, "I hope that you're O'Brien."

"It's okay" she assured them both. "Angel, this is my partner, Francis Doyle. Doyle, this is Angel O'Brien."

Doyle extended his hand, "Pleased to meet yer."

Only after Angel accepted it did she calm down. "What are you doing here, Doyle? And how did you know about Angel?"

"Does the name Giles mean anythin' to yer? 'Cause he called HQ and talked to Wes... apparently they're old drinkin' buddies... then Wes called me. Since I live nearby, I said that I'd check it out," Doyle told them.

"So what's wrong with using the phone?" she complained.

"Yer should talk..." Doyle said, "I'm yer partner, yer should have called me."

"No lectures Doyle. We were gonna head downtown soon."

"Okay... but Wes wants yer there by eleven... and I'm coming" Doyle informed her.

"No" Buffy said.

"I'm in Summers" he replied.

"No. You've got a pregnant wife at home, who doesn't need you pulling special duty" Buffy objected.

"Cordy is behind me on this" Doyle told her.

"Tell Cordy she doesn't get a vote."

Angel came up behind her, "It might not be such a bad idea. If we need backup, I'd rather have someone that you trust."

"Wait a minute..." Buffy protested, "You have to understand..."

"I knew that I liked him," Doyle said laughing.

"Don't get a big head, Doyle. I think what he likes about you is the pregnant wife" Buffy replied dryly.

Doyle put on a look of mock horror, "Angel-face... are yer two-timin' me?"

"Doyle, if you get a black eye over this, I'm not gonna help you explain it to Cordy."

Then the three of them headed into the kitchen to discuss the strategy of how to deal with the lunatic Finn.

A few hours later a quiet Angel and Buffy drove back to the house. "What's wrong? Angel asked her.

"Nothing" Buffy lied.

"It's Doyle? Isn't it?"

"He and Cordy are my best friends..." she choked out, "I don't think I could deal if he got hurt because of me."

"He'll be fine" Angel assured her.

"What if he's not? Cordy's seven-and-a-half months pregnant. I feel so guilty" she told him.

Angel stopped the car in her drive and went to get her mail; she took it from him and sifted through the stack. Buffy pulled out a sheet of paper and after she read it, she paled.

"What is it?" Angel asked worriedly.

Buffy handed it to him, "Damn."

The piece of paper read, 'IT'S TIME'.

"Well, there goes the neighbourhood" Buffy said weakly trying to lighten the mood.

"There goes your speculation on whether he shows up or not" Angel replied grimly.

Buffy quickly looked around her, "Do you think he's still out there?"

"I don't know" Angel told her honestly. They went inside and as soon as he stepped through the door Angel asked, "Is it me or is it hot in here?"

"The air-conditioner? It's still going" Buffy told him after checking it.

"Shut it off and I'll take a look at it" Angel told her heading outside.

Buffy was waiting at the door when he returned. "That bad, huh?" she asked after seeing his face.

"We're going to need a repairman and since it's not only the weekend, but also the busiest season... guess how easy that is going to be" Angel said sarcastically.

"He's getting to you," she told him.

Angel took a calming breath, "This isn't what I expected... I thought he'd be confrontational. I didn't think he was smart enough to pull this type of thing off."

"I know" Buffy agreed. She gave him a quick kiss and was about to say something when the phone rang. "Go away" Buffy grumbled at the phone.

Angel smiled, "Let me get it, it might be Giles."

Buffy watched him pick up the phone and it soon became apparent that it wasn't Giles on the phone. Angel told the person to hold and handed her the phone.

"Please tell your idiot friend the D. A, that I'm not an axe-murderer" Angel grumbled.

Buffy took the phone, "Hey Xan. What's up?" She then filled her friend in on recent events. She Xander well enough to know that if he wasn't satisfied that she was telling the truth he'd call Wes for the real information. When she hung up she headed straight into Angel's arms.

A few minutes later Angel let her go and said, "I'm kind of hot, so I'm going to ditch my shirt... think you can handle the temptation?"

She tried to laugh, "Probably not, but you won't let me do anything about it."

To Buffy's surprise he didn't smile or tease her. Instead he frowned, "Buffy... you do understand why we need this time and space don't you?"

"Yeah, but I don't like it or agree... except for the part about concentrating on Finn... but I understand. And if it'll make you feel better, I actually respect you for it. You make me feel... special."

"You are..." he began, but when he saw Doyle's car drive by he let her go and changed the subject.

"There's Doyle. When he's settled next door, I'll call him on the radio and fill him in."

That night after dinner they were sitting in the living room, while Buffy raised Doyle over the radio. They were discussing the schedule for the night watch.

"I'll take the first watch" Angel volunteered, "Tell Doyle to take over at three."

Doyle agreed to take over and Buffy signed off, promising to make him breakfast in the morning. When she sat down next to Angel, he had a funny look on his face.

"Now what?" she asked.

"I don't want Finn to find out about Doyle. Having him over will look suspicious."

"Angel... here in Sunnydale, neighbours visit neighbours, that is all Finn will see" Buffy said. Still, she saw hesitation on his face, "Look Doyle's a worse cook than you... it's my duty to save you both from starvation."

Angel slumped into the couch trying not to smile at the Buffy logic. "Alright" he told her, "But don't get any fancy ideas, if he wants to eat he comes here... okay?"

"Yep."

He narrowed his eyes at her surrender. "Why are you sitting on the other side of the couch?" he asked her.

"Your rationing me, remember?" she replied. "Oh, poor baby. Come here" he said opening his arms. She threw herself into them, curling up against him. When he pulled her closer, she sighed with pleasure, loving the feeling of being there with him.

"Better?" he asked.

"Yeah" she said trying not to yawn.

"Don't go to sleep on me," he scolded her, "Tell me what you've been up to all this time?"

"No."

"You used to be into everything..." he prompted.

"I'm taking a break," she told him, "I feel like I'm standing at some cross-road, trying to figure out what direction my life should take."

Angel stroked her chin, "Looks like I arrived just in time."

She tilted her head back and looked at him. "I still can't believe that you're here" she whispered, "I'm so happy that it hurts."

"I know, it's the same for me. I haven't felt this good or bad since the first time that I kissed you." He thought back to that one brief moment that he'd lost control, giving into the urge that had been slowly driving him crazy.

~He'd driven Buffy home from a police baseball game because her car had been in the shop. One second he was watching her reach for the door handle and the next... something in him must have snapped. Suddenly he was dragging her across the seats of his car and onto his lap, taking her gasping mouth under his. For a few precious moments they were both oblivious to everything around them, seeking what they knew they couldn't have, taking what they knew couldn't last. Then another car pulled in breaking the moment and Buffy ran. Two weeks later she was gone. ~

Angel tightened his arms around her until she could barely breathe, "Oh God, I missed you so much."

Buffy swallowed the lump in her throat, "There wasn't a day that passed... that I didn't wanna call you and find out how you were coping with... things."

"It's alright," Angel told her, "We're together now and that's all that matters."

The phone rang shortly after ten and Buffy answered it, receiving a brief silence and then a low, unpleasant laugh. "Hello beautiful."

It wasn't a voice that would stand out in a crowd, but she knew exactly who it was.

"Finn."

When Angel heard that name he move instantly to her side. "It's nice that you remembered me... a man likes to think he makes an impression."

She ignored his comment, "Congratulations on your parole. I hope that you aren't gonna do anything stupid now."

"Is that why O'Brien's there? Is he worried? Did the big man come to warn his friend... or is he after a little?" he taunted.

"You know, you're really getting boring" Buffy snapped.

"We can't have that now, can we? Just tell your boyfriend he's wasting his time... he can't catch me."

"Finn, wait!" Buffy began as the line went dead.

Angel pulled her close, "It'll be alright."

"I hope so," Buffy said breaking away from him. "I'd better call HQ and fill them in."

Angel agreed and then radioed Doyle so that he was up to date. When they were finished Angel suggested that she go to bed. Buffy went realising that she and Angel needed some time apart, to get some perspective and concentrate on getting out of this mess, so that they could live happily ever after. Angel watched her go and wished that he could follow her without any risk. Cursing Finn, he went and got himself coffee and returned to the living room, where he prowled from window to window. Eventually he settled in an armchair and spent a long time fighting back images of Buffy in bed.

It was still dark when Buffy awoke, hot and miserable. She twisted around and glanced at the clock on her nightstand, it said 3:47. She wasn't due to get up for another three hours and she was now wide-awake. The house was quiet and since Angel and Doyle had changed shifts at three, it meant that he was also asleep. She was thirsty so she got up to get a glass of water and momentarily paused to consider her outfit, boxer shorts and a sports bra. She decided not to change, after all she was just gonna go get a drink and head back upstairs. She was halfway down the hall when a dark figure came out of the bathroom and slammed into her. Buffy's gasp became a shriek as something cold and icy splashed over her.

"That's freezing," she said through chattering teeth.

"I thought that I'd bring you up a drink" he explained feeling like a giant klutz, "But I drank half, so I went into the bathroom to refill it... sorry." He reached into the bathroom and got her a towel and then like a masochist watched her dry herself.

"Thanks I guess... I was just gonna go get a drink, instead one got me" she joked. She looked at him and found him studying her outfit... her wet, clingy outfit. "I thought you'd be asleep by now."

He grunted and disappeared into the bathroom, when he returned he shoved the glass into her hands, "Here."

"Thanks" she replied taking a drink. He put the glass on a cabinet and turned back to face her, unable to stop staring at her wet clothing.

"Are you cold?"

"No..." she said embarrassed, "I'll dry."

Looking at her all of his good intentions went out of the window. If he thought that he could watch her turn around and walk back into her room now, then he truly was certifiable. "Why don't you take it off?" he suggested hoarsely, "It'll dry quicker."

Buffy's heart started to beat wildly and she looked at him, "Are you sure?"

"More than ever" he told her.

Buffy went willingly into his arms and he carried her off to his bedroom.

Later they both lay there in silence, until Angel broke it. "Buffy...." he began.

"Hmm?"

"I think I died" he finished.

Buffy smiled, "What a way to go." She looked him in the eye and said, "I love you."

Angel pulled her to him and kissed her until she was breathless. "They'll never invent the words to describe what I feel for you," he told her. Suddenly he demanded, "Marry me? You didn't say yes when I asked earlier."

"I don't recall a proposal" Buffy said confused.

"There was one."

"In that case... Yes!" she told him. "So now that I have you, what else could I possibly need?"

Only for a moment did Angel's confidence waver, but he only had to look into her eyes to regain it. "I was hoping that you'd say children" he said, "Imagine it... you, me and a little one."

She smiled, "Of course I've thought about it. I'd love to have your baby... got a preference?"

He closed his eyes momentarily and thanked God for his miracle, Buffy. "A boy... a girl... a squadron. If they're yours, I'll take them all."

Buffy laughed, "How many is in a squadron?"

"I forget" Angel said. "Talk about forgetting..."

"What?" "Control" he muttered kissing her, "I'm sorry... I didn't think... I mean I didn't use..."

"It's okay. My doctor put me on the pill to alleviate cramps. Nice thought though?"

Angel laced his fingers through hers and drew them to his lips. "Yeah, but I happen to be conventional enough to prefer you have my ring on your finger first."

Buffy nibbled his ear, "Well... hurry up and do it."

"I plan too," Angel told her kissing her.

Buffy awoke before dawn and being extra careful not to wake Angel, she slipped out off the bed and got ready. Then she headed downstairs feeling like she'd overdosed on happy pills. Buffy started the coffee and gathered the food to start breakfast. She was just about to start it when she heard a car pull up she opened the back door.

"Morning Wils... Fritz" she said greeting her friend and the dog.

"Hi Buffy... am I too early?"

"Nope, besides you're the one who has to catch an early flight" Buffy told the redhead, "Do you want some coffee?"

"I can't... Tara's in the car" Willow replied. Then she quickly asked, "Are you okay? I'm worried about you."

"I'm fine. Fritz will be fine. So go and have a good time with Tara" Buffy told her.

As soon as Willow left the radio buzzed, signalling that Doyle wanted to talk. She keyed the radio while telling Fritz to shut up.

"What's up Doyle?" she finally asked.

"Checkin' in" Doyle replied.

"Great... You want breakfast?"

"I thought you'd never ask" Doyle exclaimed.

"Come over when you're ready and use the back door" she said signing off. Buffy looked down at a sad eyed Fritz, "Sorry Fritz, but I'm too busy to play with you." Then she quickly set about starting breakfast.

Doyle looked exhausted when she let him in a few minutes later. "Hey neighbour" he said holding out a cup, "Can I borrow a cup of somethin'?"

"Wow... so original" Buffy teased. "Remind me to fill it before you leave."

"As long as you fill it with something edible" he told her.

Buffy got him a cup of coffee as he sat down he muffled a yawn. "Stop it" she told him, "You're making me feel guilty."

"Don't Buff. I figure this is great practice for two o'clock feedings."

Buffy smiled, "Okay, changing the subject. How was your watch?"

"Slow..." he replied taking a sip of coffee. "Yer make great coffee, Buff. If Cordy didn't already own me, heart and soul, I'd become yer slave for a pot of this every mornin'."

"One of these days that mouth of yours is gonna get you in trouble. How do you want your eggs?"

"Scrambled" he said laughing. "Cordy can't face one any other way and now I'm addicted. So where's Angel?"

"Asleep" Buffy said bringing him his food.

"Where's yer brekkie?" "I'm gonna eat with Angel" she told him.

"Okay, but a least get a cuppa coffee while yer keep me company," Doyle said. After Buffy had sat down Doyle said, "I like him Buff... are yer happy?" "Yeah."

"In that case... when are yer movin' to LA?"

The sound of laughter woke Angel a few minutes later. He rolled over and reached for Buffy, she was gone, but she'd been there... not like all those other times. He felt good... alive... whole again. The weariness and strain that been overwhelming him lately was gone. Last night... actually this morning... was an accident and ill timed, but no way did he regret it. And now that he knew how special and necessary their love was, he knew that he'd never be able to resist her again. Angel heard more laughter (Buffy's) and felt a desperate urge to be there sharing it with her, he sat up and tried to get up but his feet connected with something small and furry.

"What the..." he looked down and saw the dog, "So you're Fritz. You're gonna be trouble... I just know it."

Back downstairs, Buffy wiped the tears of laughter from her eyes. "Alright, stop the jokes and tell me what you think. Is it a good idea or not?"

Doyle laid down his fork. "It's great, but I'm the one getting the deal. Now, if I were yer banker... I'd be havin' a heart attack."

"Hey, I'm serious" she told him.

"Buff... are yer sure?"

"Totally and I'm sure Angel will be too."

Doyle rubbed his neck, "I'll admit... I'd be a fool to say no."

"So say yes," she said.

He jumped from his chair and swung her from hers, shouting "YES! YES! YES!"

"Doyle! Shh... You'll wake Angel."

"Good, it's time to celebrate. Yer are more than a friend, Buff. Yer a dream!" Buffy burst out laughing.

The sound of a throat being cleared behind them made them turn around.

Angel leaned against the wall watching them, his arms folded across his chest. "Good morning. Is this where you convince me that things aren't what they seem?" he asked.

Buffy rushed over to him, "We woke you up... I'm sorry.

"I'm not" he said giving her a good morning kiss, "Now what's all this celebrating about?"

"Nothing much. I just talked Doyle into buying my house, so I'll be able to join you in LA... right after I give notice."

Angel's face brightened, it was good news. He'd been secretly worried about them being separated when he went home.

"Wow... I think he's happier than I am" Doyle exclaimed. "Cordy'll be thrilled, we need a bigger place with the baby comin'... and we don't have much of a deposit..."

"It's enough for me," Buffy told Doyle.

"Sit down Angel and I'll get your breakfast."

Angel did as he was told and then turned his attention to Doyle. "How was your watch?"

"Quiet."

"He should strike soon. At this point he's probably broke and hungry, that should narrow his options" Angel said.

"Unless he's come into money" Doyle suggested. "I'll call the station and check on any muggings or burglaries in the past twenty four hours that match our boys MO."

"Good idea."

Doyle finished his coffee and stood up. "Now if yer will excuse me, I believe I have a few calls to make and then I'm gonna sleep. I'll tell HQ to call here when they know somethin'. Holler if yer need me and thanks for the food."

"Don't forget this" Buffy handed him the cup he'd brought, now filled with chocolate biscuits. She let Doyle out and returned just in time to serve Angel's breakfast. "Just right" she murmured dishing up his eggs.

"Buffy, they're just eggs" he said amused.

"Hey... I'm trying to make you the perfect breakfast here" she replied.

"It's already perfect... I'm here with you and we're alone... except for the mutt. How can you improve on that?" he said as he kissed the curve of her neck and shoulder.

"Angel..." she said, "Your breakfast is gonna end up on the floor if you keep that up."

He laughed, "And so will we."

She tilted her head to accept his kiss and then broke away, to put the food down on the table so she didn't drop it. "I missed you when I woke up" he whispered.

"Duty called" she told him, "But I did hate leaving you."

"Congratulations. That was the right answer, you win."

"What do I win?" she asked.

"This." He lowered his head and kissed her. By the time Angel lifted his head they were both breathless.

Buffy changed the subject before they got carried away. "Eat the food."

He took a bite and said, "This is great. Are you sure about selling to Doyle?"

Buffy frowned, "I know I should've talked with you about it, but once the idea popped into my head... I got carried away. Sharing decisions is something I'm gonna have to get used too."

"That's not what I meant... it's your house. So it's your decision about what to do with it," he said.

"That's not how I want it... Hear me out," she said as he began to argue. "I know how much you still owe..."

"No" he said adamantly. "Do you think I want to start off our marriage by using your money to clean up my mess?"

"I prefer to look at it as a means of solving a problem... a problem that's been keeping us apart for too long already" Buffy answered.

"Don't use logic on me. It's not right" Angel replied. His expression was so adorably stubborn that she had to look away to keep from smiling.

"It is when you consider the alternative."

"What?" he asked.

"The one that will have you in LA for the next six or so months and leave me here. But if that's the way you want it... Doyle and Cordy will be disappointed... maybe I could catch him before he calls her with the news."

"You know he's already told her."

"Probably."

He narrowed his eyes, "You were never going to go along with my suggestion were you?"

"Nope."

Angel sighed, "Make me."

"Huh?"

"Make me change my mind. Make me realise that I can't be away from you." She leaned over and kissed him, teasing light kisses, denying him the intensity that he craved.

He pulled her close to him, "Let's go upstairs?" "

I thought this was gonna be my big seduction scene?"

"Oh... it was" Angel told her as he scooped her into his arms and headed for the stairs.

A few hours later Buffy was wandering around the house with nothing to do (Angel was asleep, so no fun there), after a couple of minutes she decided to call Cordy. She picked up the phone and dialled.

"Hello?" Cordy answered.

"Hey Cor."

"I knew it was you!" Cordy said, "Doyle told me not to call and bother you... so I'm glad you eventually called me. How's it going?"

"I'm bored... yet exhausted."

Cordy laughed and then made a hissing sound.

"What's wrong?" Buffy demanded instantly.

"... Nothing, just a little indigestion."

"Are you sure?" Buffy pressed.

"Yes mom" Cordy replied sarcastically.

Buffy wasn't fully convinced but she kept her mouth shut. "Okay, what disgusting craving have you been eating?"

"You know me so well. Let's see... it was probably the cream cheese and sardine sandwiches."

"Eww. I'm sorry I asked" Buffy told her.

"Just wait until it's your turn" Cordy teased.

"Whatever Cor. You seem to be in a good mood otherwise..." Buffy said.

"Totally."

"I guess this means you're gonna take the house?"

"When can I come over and help you pack?" Cordy answered.

Buffy smiled, "Thanks. The least you could do is say you'll miss me... maybe a few tears."

"You know I'll miss you" Cordy told her quietly. "But I'm dying to know the details about this guy... Doyle says he's a hottie."

"Doyle said that?" Buffy asked in disbelief.

"Well... with Doyle you have to read between the lines" Cordy amended, "But I'm right aren't I?"

"Yeah... Angel's the best."

"So when do I get to meet him?" Cordy asked.

"After I have a ring on my finger" Buffy teased.

Cordy's laughter took a while to subside. "Thanks, you just made my day. But lets not get off the subject... you. Do you mean to tell me that all this time I've been trying to fix you up and you... had someone all along?"

"No... Angel and I haven't seen each other since I left LA" Buffy told her. "It's a really long story. I guess Doyle told you we used to be partners?"

"Yeah. That's about all he knew... except that you two are nuts about each other. Is he why you left?"

"Yes, I had too. Once we started to feel more... he was married" Buffy confessed.

"Yeouch. That must have been awful for you... but somehow I think you're leaving out the best bits."

"Maybe."

"Tell me this then... If you two are together now... What happened to his wife?" Cordy asked curiously.

"She died... she'd been real sick."

"Whoa, you two did it the hard way. At least you can be together now... I'm so happy for you" Cordy started to cry.

"Thanks, but do you know what gets me?" Buffy told her, "If Finn hadn't been after me, Angel said he probably wouldn't have come after me. He has the monumentally stupid idea that he's not good enough for me."

"Men... Don't you just love them? That's why fate steps in to set things right" Cordy told her.

Buffy groaned, "About Doyle... I'm not comfortable with him involved..."

"Not one more word" Cordy warned, "You're like family. If Doyle hadn't volunteered, I would have drafted him."

They hung up shortly afterward, so Buffy could call the station and find out what was going on.

About an hour later Angel came downstairs and found her reading some trashy romance novel at the table. He leaned over, gently tugging at her ponytail and demanded a kiss.

"How was your nap?" she asked.

"Great... except my favourite pillow keeps disappearing," he said kissing her again.

"What are you reading?" Buffy was about to answer when the phone rang.

It was Cordy... or at least she thought it was, she was crying and hysterical. "Slow down. Take a deep breath and tell me what's wrong?"

"The baby... Buffy, call Doyle... please, I forgot the number, and... It's too soon!"

Buffy put her hand over the mouthpiece. "Raise Doyle and tell him to get home," she said, "I think Cordy's gone into premature labour." Then she went back to Cordy, assuring her that everything was under control. "No, I won't hang up" she promised, "I'll talk to you until Doyle arrives. Did you call an ambulance? Good."

A little while later Doyle and the medics arrived and Buffy had to hang up. Angel was beside her and took her into his arms.

"It's not fair," she whispered through her tears.

"It'll be okay... you've got to believe that" Angel soothed.

There was a knock at the door and Buffy pulled herself out of Angel's arms to answer it. "Hi Xander" she letting her friend inside.

"Hey" he said bending to kiss he cheek. The two men exchanged looks behind Buffy's back. Xander for once trying to be the mature one extended his hand. "This doesn't have to be binding," he whispered.

"It would make her happy if it was" Angel whispered his reply.

"What are you doing here?" Buffy asked him.

Xander turned his attention to her, "I was worried and I needed to see for myself that you were okay."

"Well, things around here could be better" she told him about Cordy and Doyle.

"Whoa, that's not good" Xander said sympathetic to what his one-time high school sweetheart and her husband must be going through.

"Anything new with Finn?" he asked a moment later.

"Nothing much on that front" Angel answered. Xander and he exchanged looks again and Angel suddenly said, "I'm going to call the station and explain what happened with Doyle."

"Thanks" Buffy told him as he walked off. Xander stared at her for a moment after Angel left. "I know you're used to pressure Buff... but you look tired."

"I'm just worried about Cordy. I'll be fine," she promised.

"I'd better go, but I'm calling later to check up on you" he told her as he left.

Angel heard Xander leave as he picked up the phone. A few minutes later he slammed it down in a fit of temper.

"What's wrong?" Buffy asked concerned, she'd never seen him act like that.

"Backup won't arrive until after ten" Angel told her bitterly.

"Don't worry, we'll get through it. I'd better start dinner," Buffy said suddenly feeling the urge to keep busy to fight of nervousness.

"Okay" Angel said. He began to wander around Buffy's living room, taking a look at her books, when he found something interesting... Buffy's high school yearbook. He picked it up and began to look through it.

A few minutes later Buffy yelled, "I can't take this he should've called by now!"

"Maybe there's nothing to call about" Angel called back.

"Well... he could've called and told us that."

Angel resisted the urge to laugh, "Try to believe that no news is good news."

She came into the room and saw what Angel was reading and grimaced. {Where did he find that? } She thought, {I thought I'd buried it. } "Will you please not look at that?" she asked him.

"No way... Don't be embarrassed everyone hates their yearbook. Besides I think that you looked cute!" he told her.

"Cute! I wanted to look sexy."

"At seventeen?" he asked.

"I always wanted to fit in, be popular," Buffy told him, "I just never quite did."

Angel's heart ached for the pain she must've felt. "I think that you were subconsciously waiting for perfection... me?"

"Idiot" she giggled burying her head in his shoulder.

When the phone finally rang, she leaped off of his lap with a lot more enthusiasm than was appropriate. "Hello? Doyle." She listened briefly and then yelled, "I'm an aunt!" Angel grinned enjoying Buffy's enthusiasm and the way she began to interrogate Doyle.

After a couple of minutes Angel was called to the phone. "Doyle... congratulations... yeah... Are you sure? We'll see you soon then." He hung up and quickly pressed his fingers to her lips before she could protest. "It's the way that he wants it."

"He should stay with Cordy."

"They won't let him stay all night," Angel countered.

"Then he should go home and rest."

"Buff, you heard him. He was in the delivery room with Cordy, he's so wound up... it's going to take him hours to calm down."

"Okay..." Buffy gave in.

He hugged her, "Go finish dinner and I'll cancel the other backup." But when she turned away he stopped her, "Wait. Aren't you going to tell me what the stork brought?"

Buffy smiled, "A girl."

A few hours later Buffy (she and Angel had done a little celebrating), as a bolt of lightening lit up the sky. She saw Angel standing at her bedroom window staring at the approaching storm.

"Hey" she said getting up and wrapping her arms around him.

"Hey yourself" he replied kissing her. She snuggled into his arms and then realised that something or rather someone was missing.

"Angel... where's Fritz?"

"Outside."

"When?"

"A couple of minutes ago" he told her. "I'm going to go take a shower... think you can stay out of trouble for ten minutes?"

"I'll try" Buffy replied sarcastically.

As soon as Angel was in the bathroom, Buffy dressed and headed downstairs to let Fritz back in. She was almost to the back door when the lights went out and startled she grabbed for her gun.

From upstairs she heard Angel yell, "Buffy!"

"Don't worry," she told him, "It'll be back on soon."

"You sure?"

"Yeah... happens all the time out here."

When she heard him resume his shower, she tucked her gun into her shorts and went outside after Fritz.

The wind was strong and Buffy had to hold onto the back door to keep from blowing away. She called out for Fritz, but her voice was drowned out by the wind, however she tried it again. Suddenly she had the thought that Fritz might of gotten confused in the storm and headed back to Willow's for safety, then she heard a faint bark and yelp... and she was sure it came from Willow's.

"Damn" she whispered.

Of all the times fro this to happen... if she went and got him, Angel would surely be the one who'd kill her. But she couldn't leave poor Fritz out there alone... not only was he her responsibility, but she didn't want to think about how upset Willow would be if anything happened to her dog. She made her decision as the first drops of rain began to fall.

"Summers" she muttered with resignation, "This is so not the smartest thing you've done."

Adjusting the gun in her waistband, she took off running. She raced around the back of Willow's house and saw Fritz... all locked up. She was reaching for the latch when she was yanked back. Then a knife was pressed against her side.

"Freeze... don't even think about moving or I'll do more with this than scratch your pretty skin" Riley Finn whispered. His left hand slid around her waist and removed her gun. "Alright, slowly... turn around. Slowly... keep your hands up" he ordered stepping back from her. Buffy closed her eyes in disgust and then taking a deep breath to temper her surging adrenaline and pounding heart, she did as her told her. "Welcome to my party" he said pleased with himself.

"Hello Riley." Her eyes swept over him, lingering on the way he had her revolver pointed at her. He stood about six feet away from her. He looked different than she remembered, but she wasn't going to underestimate him or what he could be capable of.

"Taking inventory?" he sneered, "Me too." His gaze drifted over her, "I think I like you better out of uniform officer Summers. A lot better."

Buffy forced herself to ignore that comment and her rising temper. What was important wasn't her vanity, but buying some time. "That was a good plan" she said, "What did you do, follow me over here?"

"You think I left this to chance? I knew you'd both underestimate me. I planned it all. You thought that you were so clever hiding in the house..."

"Isn't that what you wanted?"

"No... I knew you'd come out eventually," Riley said manically.

"You locked him up... to trap me?"

"Pretty smart, huh?"

"What now?" she replied trying to keep the fear from her voice. "

I'm going to tie ya up and wait for O'Brien to show." He spoke as though it was a normal everyday occurrence, "Turn around."

Buffy knew that letting herself get tied up was the last thing she could afford to do. Angel would be looking for her... all she had to do was get closer to her house, so he could hear her... and not get herself shot in the process. She turned around and prepared to move.

"Put your hands behind your head."

"Riley... this isn't necessary... we can do..."

"Do it!" he snapped poking her in the back with her gun.

She bent at the knees and with all her weight behind her and shot her elbow back into his stomach. He doubled over in pain and Buffy spun around and locked her hands together, driving them into the back of his neck. He fell to his knees, dropping the gun, Buffy grabbed for it but he was quick to recover. He grabbed her ankles and sent her flying back onto the cement. Pain shot up her right elbow (which took all of her weight when she fell), for a moment she was in agony. She recovered in time to see Finn pick up her gun; instinctively she kicked up and knocked it away from him. The kick stunned Finn momentarily and she tried to get away, Finn made a blind grab for her and she ducked, keeping on running. She wasn't fast enough, Riley tackled her and she slipped into unconscious as she fell to the ground.

When Angel had finished his shower and dressed, he started downstairs. Halfway down he almost slipped and he called out to Buffy, "Hey... Are there any flashlights around? A guy could break his neck." When there was no answer, he said "Buffy?"

He groped his way into the kitchen, a flash of lightening illuminated the room and he saw the back door wide open. Dread convulsed in his stomach and sent a bitter taste into his mouth. He swallowed, raised his gun and stealthily walked towards it. Holding to the wall, he looked outside (the best he could) and saw nothing, he burst from the house in a crouch. He wheeled around, then rose, she wasn't there, no one was. The temptation to call for her was almost irresistible, but Angel pushed it away. The temptation to go looking for her was equally strong, but he knew what he had to do first: call for backup. He charged inside and grabbed the phone it was dead. Cursing viciously, he jammed it back down and headed out again. He hugged the outside wall, ignoring the rain that drove into him. He paused at the corner, waiting for a flash of light, and then he continued cautiously even though every nerve in his body screamed for him to hurry. His foot bumped into something metallic. He bent and picked it up it was the power meter! Finn had been the one to cut the power and not the storm.

"Son of a..." Angel flung it away and groped for the side of the house.

If Finn had been smart enough to do this (and that meant Angel had underestimated him), then he probably did the phone in too. "You blew it there" Angel whispered and hoped that the station would pick up on that fact soon. It had to be that damn dog's fault that Buffy was out here and that now Finn had her. She wouldn't of let herself be taken easily, which meant she was lying out there, somewhere hurt... he had to find her. Crouching low, Angel began moving through the darkness. A forlorn howl broke through the rain and Angel stiffened, Fritz! The sound had come from the direction of Willow's house and Angel started running. As he neared the house he stopped and crouched to gain the scope of things. He saw Buffy, unconscious and sprawled against the chain link of Fritz's pen, with one arm tied behind her head. Behind her Fritz was whimpering in concern and nuzzling her. Everything in Angel cried out to go to her, but the trap was obvious and he held back. He moved in cautiously, but Fritz spotted him and gave an excited yelp. When he reached Buffy, he wasn't at all surprised to find that the hand he lifted to her cheek was shaking. Lying there, she looked like a rag doll and until he felt her pulse he wasn't even sure she was breathing.

From a distance he'd been confused as to why Finn had tied her up this way. It had seemed too casual, but now the reason was clear, one look at her arm and he knew it was broken.

"Buffy... sweetheart... it's me" he whispered, "Wake up... please. I'm going to untie you."

That was however easier said than done, Finn has been determined that she stay put and the knots held, especially since Angel was hampered in his movements by the gun in his hand. Buffy moaned softly as she roused from unconsciousness. At first she thought that she was dreaming, but when she opened her eyes he was really there.

"No" she moaned realising the risk he was taking, "Go away... please! It's a trap."

"Hush" he soothed, "I know, but I'm not going anywhere without you." He kept trying to untie her, frustrated he asked, "Where is he? Do you know?"

"Sorry" she grimaced, "I passed out... my arm."

"I know love" he said "Is the pain bad?"

"Not when I look at you."

Angel kept at the rope, "Damn... I can't get this knot... out."

A flash of lightening lit the area and Buffy saw Riley sneaking up. "Angel! Behind you!"

He spun around quickly, but Finn was too close, a searing heat scorched across his shoulder. His gun wobbled and Finn snatched it from him and retreated a few steps, swapping the knife he'd held for the gun.

"Now we're ready to start the trial," he said. Angel touched his shoulder, glanced at the blood that coated his fingers and wiped them off. Then he turned his attention to the madman.

"You're a fool if you think you'll get away with this."

"You're the fool O'Brien... you and your little lady." He laughed, "She gave me more trouble than you did and I respect her for it. That's why I tied her up so nice."

"Gee thanks" Buffy said sarcastically.

The sarcasm was lost on Finn, "You're so polite... I like that."

"If you want to be nice... let her go. She needs to see a doctor" Angel said.

"Relax O'Brien. She's tougher than she looks. She gave me this after she hurt her arm," he said pointing to his split lip. "Besides she can't leave she's a part of all this."

"It's me you've got the gripe with, and we both know it. Leave her out of this."

"Hold it!" warned Finn, "Sit down."

"We're on trial... and you're the judge and jury" Angel jeered, "Why don't you just kill us?"

"Because that's not how it's done in the system, is it? In the system you're innocent until proven guilty... unless you're a cop and then no rules apply and you can shoot anyone you want."

"Whatever they've been feeding you in prison has rotted your brain" Angel muttered.

"What's the matter? You get a little touchy when somebody says it the way it is?"

"It was self-defence and you know it" Angel yelled.

"IT WAS MURDER!"

Buffy's eyes widened as Riley aimed at Angel. "Riley" she called, "Let's talk... please."

He smirked, "Plea bargaining already?"

"No... When I start to beg for my life, you'll know it."

"You mean like when you hit me before?" Riley said angrily.

"You didn't give me a choice about that."

"Stop it" Riley said pointing the gun at Buffy.

Angel saw that Riley was distracted and used the opportunity. In one smooth sweep Angel pushed the hand holding the gun into the air... it discharged... and then he smashed it into Riley's knee. Finn cried out, the gun fell, and Angel gave him one final blow to the chin. He was unconscious before he even hit the ground.

Buffy draped her head back against the pen and closed her eyes. {Thank God} she thought. Relief and exhaustion flooded over her leaving her numb. She didn't hear Angel approach, but she felt his hands on her face.

He gave her a quick kiss and said, "I love you. I was sure we weren't going to survive that."

"I was terrified that he was gonna shoot you" she replied, "You provoked him."

He gave her a sheepish look, "I was cheesed that he managed to sneak up on me."

"Yeah... me too."

Angel looked at her, "Did you really give him a hard time?"

"How did you think I got this?" she demanded nodding to her arm.

Angel shifted into worry mode, "How is it?"

"I'll live... as long as I don't spend eternity tied to Fritz's pen." She tilted her head back trying to look at his shoulder, How's the back? I saw so much blood..."

"It's okay. Hold on... I'll grab Finn's knife and cut you loose."

Angel rose and started towards Finn. Then at the sound of an approaching car he jogged up the drive to flag it down. A moment later it pulled up and Doyle jumped out.

"Looks like I arrived late" he apologised. He saw Buffy and rushed over to her, "Buffy. Are you okay?" He touched her cheek and glanced down at her arm. "Is it?"

"It is. You know I'd be willing to swap congratulations for a knife... if you have one?"

"What? Oh, just a sec" Doyle told her.

"That's what they all say" she muttered.

Finally Angel returned with Finn's knife and freed her. "Can you stand?" he asked.

"I think so," she said standing up wobbly.

"I've got to get you to a hospital" he muttered.

"We're both gonna go" she corrected. "But not for a while. We can't leave Finn here alone and neither of us can drive ourselves."

Doyle joined them after handcuffing Finn, who was still out cold. "Want me to call for help?"

"YES" they chorused.

Doyle disappeared for a minute and then came back to keep them company. "They're coming."

They all sat around on the ground, unable to move, exhausted. "How's Cordy?" Buffy suddenly asked.

"Tired" Doyle told them. "Hey... you two can see the baby while you're at the hospital."

Buffy and Angel looked at Doyle and then at each other. Buffy was about to tell Doyle something crude when they heard the arrival of the cavalry.

Five Months Later...

//Lying here with you

Listening to the rain

Smiling just to see that smile upon your face

These are the moments I thank God that I'm alive

And these are the moments I'll remember all my life

I've found all I've waited for

And I could not ask for more//

Angel leaned against the bar and watched the couples out on the dance floor. {Nice party} he thought. It had been more than three years since the last police Christmas party he attended. He could hardly believe how much his life had changed since the last one.

//Looking in your eyes

Seeing all I need

Everything you are is everything in me

These are the moments I know heaven must exist

And these are the moments I know all I need is this

I've found all I've waited for, yeah

And I could not ask for more//

The bartender approached him, "Can I get you anything?"

"Yeah, some coffee."

The craggy-faced man nodded, "You and the wife about to call it a night?"

"If I can get her off the dance floor" Angel grinned and turned his attention back to the crowd.

//I could not ask for more than this time together

I could not ask for more than this time with you

Every prayer has been answered

Every dream I've had's come true

Yeah, right here in this moment Is right where I'm meant to be

Here with you, here with me

Yeah//

He found her easily, unaware of how his expression changes. It was hard to believe they'd been married for five months (after the Finn incident neither had wanted to wait and they'd married the day after). The days slipped by so quickly, life was great.

//These are the moments I thank God that I'm alive

And these are the moments I'll remember all my life

I've found all I've waited for

And I could not ask for more//

Angel set down his coffee and went to reclaim his wife. She was dancing with Giles who gave him a stern glare when he tried to cut in.

"I don't suppose it would do any good to pull rank?" Giles asked.

"Marital privileges" Angel answered.

Giles turned to Buffy and said, "If you ever get tired of this smart-aleck, come see me."

She laughed, "And what would Jenny say to that?"

"Good riddance probably" he said leaving.

"He's such a darling" Buffy murmured falling straight into Angel's arms.

"Hey... what does that make me?"

"My darling" she whispered, "Ready to go?"

"Yeah. I have a sudden need to be alone with my wife."

"How can I argue with that?"

In a short while they'd said goodbye to everyone and were on their way home.

He drove into the driveway of their home (one Buffy had conned him into) and felt like he was finally where he was meant to be. They went inside and Buffy flopped down on the couch.

"I'm exhausted..." Buffy said.

"Really?"

"Yep... I wish that I had someone big and strong to open the mail for me, so I don't strain myself" Buffy whined.

"Do we have to... wouldn't you rather go to bed?"

"Nope... I wanna open Christmas cards."

"Okay, but you're only prolonging the inevitable," he told her.

Buffy laughed as they began to open their Christmas mail. There was a card from Willow and one from Buffy's mom and sister.

"Oh gee... isn't that just too bad... no Joyce this year, only Dawn" Angel said trying not to laugh.

"Hey... you may not like her, but she is my mom" Buffy objected.

"Sorry."

Buffy opened the next card, it was from Cordy and Doyle, included was a family photo. "Chely's gonna look exactly like Cordy" Buffy said, "And they want us to visit real soon."

"Great" Angel said.

There were almost a dozen cards in all, but out of them all she liked Xander's the best. She picked up the last envelope with a small frown. "What's this? It's for you."

Angel took it from her, "No return address. Maybe I should take it downtown and have it checked for fingerprints?"

"Or maybe I should sniff it and see if it's an old girlfriend trying to be semi-discreet?"

"I never had any discreet girlfriends, semi or otherwise" he teased. "Go on, open it."

"No way... it's all yours."

Still laughing, Angel opened the envelope and took out the card.

It read:

Merry Christmas Daddy

See you in July

Love Baby O'Brien #1

Angel read it again in disbelief. "You wrote this?"

"Well... It's a little early to expect him or her too."

"A baby?" he asked in awe.

She nodded and he pulled her into a hug. "I guess this means you're happy?"

"Totally... Let's celebrate," he said, picking her up and headed for the bedroom.

The End