Author: Tiara

Rating: Same as the show.

Disclaimer: Don’t own them, yada, yada, yada, Joss Whedon's and everyone else has rights to them. Scenes are similar to "Never Kill A Boy On The First Date." All those scenes belong to the writer and junk. Changes belong to me.

Author's Notes: The next ep in the series, “NKABOTFD.” Just with a different title. Oh, and if u r now just reading this, and you’ve never read my writing before...... where have you been? Go read the others!! Oh, and I have come to a decesion... I am a sloppy writer when i’m on the go! So, any mistakes are mine and mine alone... oh well....

Summary: Just like the ep.... but with my sappy twist to it.

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~~~~~~~~~~ Prologue ~~~~~~~~~~

The vampire growled, and she kicked him in the face with a high roundhouse kick, forcing him to step backward to keep his balance. The vampire did a jumping half twisting crescent kick, which Buffy ducked. He tried two punches, and Buffy neatly blocked them. On his third punch she grabbed hold of his arm and hit him in the face with a high front snap kick.

Letting go of the vampire's arm, Buffy punched him squarely in the midsection and following up with a swinging punch to his face, sending him to the ground. “We haven't been properly introduced.” Buffy pulled out a stake, “I'm Buffy, and you're history!” She plunged the stake into him as he got up. He fell and burst into ashes.

“Poor technique.” Giles came out from behind a crypt, “Prioritizing sub par... Execution was adequate, but a bit too bloody for my taste.” Buffy stared at him, “Giles, don't mention it. It was my *pleasure* to make the world safe for humanity again.” Giles sighed, “I'm not saying that your methods are without merit, it's, uh, y- you're spending too much time and energy. It should simply be: plunge, and move on. Plunge and... Hello.” He bent over to pick up the shiney object with his pen.

“Oh, that's great!” Buffy said, gesturing to the ring, “I kill 'em, you fence their stuff. What is it?” “I don't know.” Buffy raised a brow, “But it bothers you.” “Yes!” Giles said, “Well, I... I thought this vampire was just on a random kill, but it may be something else.” “Something big?” “Yes. I'd best consult my books.” Giles said.

“Hey,” Angel said as he walked toward his uncle and his Slayer. “Find anything?” Buffy gave a tiny laugh, “Oh, yeah. Y’know, dust a vamp, pick up a few trinkets on the way.” Angel raised an inquiring eye brow, “Really?” Giles sighed, “Ah, yes. A ring,” He showed his nephew the ring on the pen, “It might have came from that vampire. I’m sure of it.”

Angel frowned, “Why does that look so familiar?” Giles sighed, “I haven’t a clue. But like I said to Buffy, I shall consult my books. Uh, why don’t the two of you finish up patrol. I will--” “Go do that crazy research thing you do?” Buffy asked. Giles ignored her, “Please, make sure nothing happens.” Angel smiled, “I’ll take care of her.” Buffy placed her hands on her hips, “Excuse me. I think I’ve proven myself enough. I can take care of myself. I’m not a child.”

“But you act like one.” Angel said. Buffy shook her head, “Don’t even start with me.” Giles sighed, leaving as the pair started their bickering. “Start with what?” Angel asked innocently. “This! You, me, and all these graves. Don’t make me knock you into one.”

~~~~~~~~~~ Part 1 ~~~~~~~~~~

Buffy was seated on the library table, looking at the ring, curiously. Angel was standing beside her, gazing down at the ring as well. “That symbol on the ring... I believe it's the rune for fidelity, but, uh, it doesn't connect with any of the sects that I've studied.” Gies said as he approached Buffy and Angel. She frowned, “What about this?” Buffy leaned over to show Giles the ring, “On the inside. It's a sun and three stars. Haven't we seen that somewhere?”

Giles frowned, “Let me see.” He took the ring and looked at it closely, “No, I-I don't think this, um, represents any...” “Wait, it's right here.” Angel pointed at it. “Yeah, sun and three stars. Yuch, check these guys out.” Buffy handed him the book Giles had been looking at, “Told you it looked familiar.” “Oh, the Order of Aurelius.” Giles said, “Yes, you're right.” Buffy smiled, “Oooh, two points for the Slayer, while the Watcher has yet to score!” Angel smiled.

At that moment, Owen came into the library and approached them. Once Buffy spotted him, she let out a gasp, “Oh!” She slid off the table, “Owen! Hi!” She flashed him a brillant smile. Angel glanced between Buffy and Owen. Giles looked up at the boy, “What do you want?” Owen lifted his bag, “A book?” “Oh!” Buffy looked at Giles, “See, this is a school, and we have students, and they check out books, and then they learn things.” “I was beginning to suspect that was a myth.” Giles said, deadpanned. “I think it still is.” Angel commented.

“I lost my Emily. Dickinson.” Owen explained, “It's dumb, but I like her around. Kind of a security blanket.” Buffy smiled, “I have something like that. Well, it's an actual blanket.” Buffy claered that up before Angel could make a joke of it, “Uh, and I don't really carry it around anym-more... So! Emily Dickens, huh? She's great!” “Dickinson.” Owen corrected. “She's good also.” Giles pointed at the stacks, “Poetry.” Owen nodded, then turned to Buffy, “I didn't think I'd find you here.” He went up the stairs. Buffy followed “W... Why not?”

“I, I didn't mean... I mean... I think you can read.” Owen started. Buffy smiled, “Thanks.” “But you don't seem bookwormy.” He finds his book, “The type of person to lock themselves in a dark room with a lotta musty old books. Oh, and I've offended you.” “No! No, I'm just surprised you gave any thought to what I'm like.” Buffy stated. “You shouldn't be.” He started back down. Buffy followed again, “Oh, well, I *love* books. I mean, I really *love* books.” Owen noticed the book they were consulting earlier on the table and headed over there to take a look, “What's this?” Buffy got between him and the book, “Not this one.”

Angel picked up the book, “This one she doesn't love.” Giles walked around Buffy, taking Owen's book and headed to the checkout station, “Oh, Emily Dickinson.” Buffy smiled, “We're both fans.” “Yes, uh, she's quite a good poet, I mean for a...” Buffy looked up at her Watcher, “A girl?” “For an American.” He scanned the book and library card. “I'll, uh, see you in math... if I open my eyes at some point.” Owen joked, taking the card and book from Giles.

“Cool...” Owen left. Buffy stared after him. “The Order of Aurelius is a very old and venerated sect. If they're here, it's for a good reason.” Giles stated. Buffy smiled, dreamily, “That was Owen.” “Yes, I remember.” Angel said flatly. Buffy turned to Giles, ignoring Angel, “Do you have any more copies of Emily Dickinson? I need one.” Giles sighed, exasperated, “Buffy, while the mere fact of you wanting to check out a book would be grounds for a national holiday, I think we should focus on the problem at hand.

“Right. I'm sorry, you're right. Vampires.” Buffy looked down at her dress, “Oh.” She looked inquisitively at Angel, “Does this outfit make me look fat?” Angel shook his head, moving to climb the stairs to the upper level of the library. “Why would I.... never mind.” Buffy frowned, following him up the stairs, her brows furrowed, “So... it does make me look fat.” Angel whirled around to look at her again, “I didn’t say that.” “But you didn’t deny it,” Buffy stated.

Angel continued his walk, “Alright, then I deny it,” Buffy frowned again, “So, you are saying I’m fat.” “I didn’t say it makes you look fat, and I’m not denying anything. Buffy, that dress makes you look gorgeous,” He babbled while grabbing a book. Buffy’s eyes widened a little in surprise, her expression softening. In a quiet voice, she whispered, “You think I look gorgeous?” Angel quietly handed her the book, keeping his eyes on her, “Emily Dickinson.” Buffy blinked and looked down at the copy of Emily Dickinson Angel had given to her. Quietly, she murmured, “Thank you,”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Owen Thurman was talking to you?” Willow asked, waiting in the lunch line behind Buffy; who smiled, “It's all true.” “Wow! He hardly talks to anyone. He's solitary, mysterious... He can brood for forty minutes straight, I've clocked him.” Willow said, impressed by it all. “He was so nice, it was eerie.” Buffy smiled. “What did you guys have to talk about?” Willow asked. Buffy headed for a table, “Emily Dickinson.”

Willow followed, “He reads Emily Dickinson? He's sensitive, yet manly!” Willow sat her tray down, “Well, wait, you've never even read her.” Buffy pulled out the book and sat it down for Willow to see. “You Vixen!” Xander looked up from his fork, “Has anybody given any thought to what this green stuff is?” Buffy stared at it, “Hmm, I'm avoiding the subject.” “I think it's kale, or possibly string cheese.” Xander lets the fork drop, “So, Buffy, how'd the slaying go last night?” Buffy gave him a stern look, “Xander!” Xander started, glancing around, “I mean, how'd the *laying* go?” He got another look from Buffy, “No, I don't mean that either.”

Buffy sighed, “It went fine, thank you. There's some new hoidy-toidy vampire sect in town.” “That's bad.” Willow stated. “Well, hey, they're bringing in the much needed tourist dollars.” Xander noticed Owen, “Oooh, look at Mr. Excitement.” “Owen. He's all alone. Maybe somebody should sit with him.” Buffy said, glancing at Willow. She smiled back, “Mm, just to be polite!” Buffy got up. “Good luck!” Willow called. Xander turned to Willow, “Okay, what just happened?”

Buffy walked over to Owen's table just as Cordelia was coming over from another direction. “Look, an empty seat!” Cordelia bumps Buffy, causing her to spill her tray. “Let me get that.” Owen bent down. “Thanks.” Buffy crouched down, “Boy! Cordelia's hips are wider than I thought!” Cordelia laughed, sarcastically. “At least you don't have to eat your Soylent Green.” Owen joked.

Cordelia, trying to get his attention, started, “Owen, a bunch of us are loitering at the Bronze tonight. You there?” “Who's all going?” Owen asked. Cordelia smiled, “Well, um, I'm gonna be there.” Owen nodded, “Who else?” Cordelia blinked, “You mean besides me?” Owen looked at Buffy, “Buffy, what about you?” “What?” Cordelia cried, “No, no, no! She, uh, she doesn't like fun.” “How 'bout we meet there at eight?” Owen suggested. “Yeah! Eight! There!” Buffy puts her empty tray on top of Cordelia's.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Buffy hurried into the Bronze and looked around for Owen. She was afraid of missing him because Giles had miscalculated the big end of the world thing. Her ears picked up the middle of a song:

...is real / Then you wake up shouting some familiar name / It's not the same

Buffy sighed, then finally she found Owen dancing with Cordelia. Her eyes widened as she looked on, crushed by the sight of them together. That perfect image of being able to date a nice guy vanished.

You're just a girl / Just a girl who knows no shame / Whose desperate pace has lost its taste / A never-ending darkness weighs / I can't avoid, I can't complain / I know exactly who's to blame / The girl who shares my...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Buffy?” Angel whispered against her bedroom door. He had witnessed the scene that played before her earlier at the Bronze. Though he didn’t want to admit it out loud, he was happy that Owen had been dancing with Cordelia. The other part of him, the sensible part, was here to try and comfort her.

Dawn yawned, “When she came home she just ran up to her room. She doesn’t want to talk to me. I tried.”Angel glanced at Buffy’s sister, than back at the door. He lightly tapped at her door again, “Buffy. Its me. Can I please talk to you?” For a moment, he thought that she had fallen asleep or simply didn’t want to see anyone. But the door slowly opened, and Buffy was standing behind it. She gestured with her head that he could come into her room. He entered, and she closed the door after him. Angel walked to the center of her room. He glanced around. He had seen her room before, from the top of her woindow, but he had never been inside of her room before. It was almost a private thing and he was lucky enough to be invited in.“What’s up?” Buffy asked, folding her arms across her chest. Even though she was dressed in a sleeveless T and long pajama bottoms, she was beginning to feel a little undressed. And his presence wasn’t helping.

Angel cleared his throat, “Uh... well...” “Oh my God!” Buffy gaped at him, “Your speechless! You are actually speechless! You have no words!” He glared at her, and she sighed, “What are you doing here?” “I saw what happened,” Angel started, “at the Bronze and I waned to...” “Save it,” Buffy said, “I don’t want you to go and about how much of a fool I am for attempting to get Owen’s attention.” “That’s not why I’m here.” “Then why?” Buffy asked, crossing to her bed and sitting down on it. She watched him tentaively move to sit on her bed, then he took her hand, “I wanted to see how you were doing. I know that you like Owen.”

Buffy nodded, “Yeah. I do.” “And I know things didn’t go as planned tonight. But, its okay. I mean, listen to that old saying, there are plenty of other fishes in the sea.” Buffy groaned, “But I don’t want a fish. And if I did, I would want an Oweny kinda of fish.” “But what happens if you can’t have a Oweny fish?” Angel asked, “What if he’s too hooked on the Cordy worms? What kind of fish would you want then?”

She thought about that for a second, “I don’t know. I wouldn’t want any type of fish. I mean, some of them can be oh so nasty. Especially the big ones that play football. But I don’t want one that’ll hurt me. Those one’s hurt the worse. And I can’t possible imange fishing for a Xander. He’s too friend like..” “He’s a guppy.” Angel stated.

Buffy laughed, “He is not! He’s a... I don’t know... a catfish? No wait, Cordelia’s the catfish and Xander’s the dogfish. That’s why they always fight. I think Willow could be a guppy. But not that bad kind, the cute kind like in the little mermaid.”

“What about you?” Angel asked. Buffy frowned, “I don’t know. I’d be one of those pretty fishes. Maybe a goldfish.” She smiled, “Yeah. And Giles would be a really old lookin’ fish, maybe a puffer one for when he gets all mad. And you’re probably an angelfish. Those pretty ones.” Angel laughed, “What are we talking about?” Buffy laughed, “I don’t know, I got lost somewhere with Xander being a guppy.” She lightly swatted him on the arm. “Hey.” Angel laughed, catching her arm and holding it as their laughs calmed down. Buffy smiled, staring up at him with big eyes.

Angel lightly traced his hand down her arm to her elbow, down to her wrist, and then fingers. The trail left goose bumps. He was about to say something when the door opened, “Buffy,” Dawn said, “Mom just came home.” Buffy glanced at her sister, then back at Angel. “Guess we have to talk about this fish thing later, huh?”

~~~~~~~~~~ Part 2 ~~~~~~~~~~

“Oh, God Wills! Can you believe it?” Buffy asked, as she walked with Willow to the outside of the school for lunch. She sat down on a bench and Willow followed. “I mean, Owen Thurmen asked me out!” Willow smiled, “And he is Oweny. He looks it.” “I know,” Buffy smiled, “Isn’t great? The way he just....is!” Willow smiled, “Oh yeah. He does that really good. Ooh! And he has nice ears.” Buffy frowned, “Ears?” Willow blushed, “Well, have you seen his ears? They look um, nice. I mean, not that I like ‘em much, but y’know... with the ears....”

Buffy smiled, “Are we still talking about Owen or are we getting into your stuff?” Willow frowned, “My stuff?” She nudged the red head’s arm, “Xander, silly.” Willow smiled, “Yeah... he has nice ears. Those are the ears I like the best. Hey, can you dream your little fantasies of Owen while I do with Xander?” Buffy smiled, “Sure. Fantasy’s coming in three....two.....one....” Immediately the two girls gazed off into space and started smiling at the thoughts they had in their heads.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Xander sighed, looking at his tweety watch for the tenth time that day. He still couldn’t believe he had stood by while Owen had asked Buffy out on a date. Why didn’t he try to stop him? Why didn’t he pull out the big guns and be that he-man he was suppose to be? He guessed now just wasn’t his time. But it would be soon... wouldn’t it?

“Hey.” Angel said as he walked up behind him, “Hey,” Xander said, glancing from his watch to where Willow and Buffy were sitting. Angel noticed this, “What‘s going on?” He sighed, “Ah, Owen’s taking Buff out on a date tonight. Can you believe that? Owen’s making the moves on my....my friend!” Xander stopped himself before he got into dangerous territory, “Uh, y’know. After all he did last night...with the standing my girl up. He’s a jerk, I don’t know what she sees in him.” Angel glanced over at Buffy, “I didn’t think she would except after last night.”

“Yeah.” Xander agreed, “I mean, he did apologize for the events, but that doesn’t mean....” Xander didn’t get the mometn to finish as Angel went on, “I mean, after the talk we had in her room, I’d figure she would at least be able to see--” “Wait a moment!” Xander nearly cried. He looked at Angel, scandalized, “You were in her room?” His mind raced, How come I’ve never beem in her room?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Oh, yeah. Did I forget to mention that part?” Buffy asked as she and Willow sat down for study hall. Willow nodded enthusastically, “I mean, I think I would have remembered if Angel was in my room last night. Not that I want him in my room... I mean I’d rather have Xander in my...I mean! Not that I’m the skanky type, no. Oh! Not that you’re skanky for having Angel in your room, its just that... I mean and... and you know what I mean.” Buffy smiled at her friend, “Yeah, well we talked. It was actually a talk with no fighting.” Willow grinned, “That’s good. You guys finally getting along. That’s of the good.”

“It is.” Buffy agreed, “And then we talked about fishes and relationships which I got lost in some where. But, anyway, it was actually him who convinced me to give Owen another try.” “Really?” “Yeah. I mean, just cuz Cordy tries to throw me down, doesn’t mean I’ll stay down. And, if things don’t work out between us, then they don’t. There are plenty other Owen’s in the sea. ‘Sides, at least I’m not a dorky guppy.”

Willow raised a brow, “Guppy?”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Did she really say I was a guppy?” Xander asked. He had been pumping information from Angel for the past three hours, and Angel was starting to get annoyed. At first, he had given some of the information willingly. But after his questions started to get personal... he had tried to avoid or change the subject. “I mean, guppy is such a strong word. Its not quite possible that I could be a guppy... why not a shark? Or a eel or something manly and tough? I mean... guppy...c’mon!”

He sighed, opening his locker, “Yes, for the hundreth time. G-U-P-P-Y. Guppy.” Xander took that information in, “Now, when you say, ‘Guppy’.. do you mean ‘Guppy’ in the, ‘hey I think I could date that guy, or ‘Guppy’ in, ‘There’s no way in hell I could ever date him’?”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Pick!” Willow told Xander as she held two dressed in front of Buffy. She sighed, putting her hands to her side, “Okay,” Willow held up one minidress, “do I wanna appear shy, coy and naive or--” Willow holds up the other dress, “Unrestrained, insatiable and aggressive?” Watching from the bed, Xander got up, “Uh, y'know, Owen is a little home spun, he probably doesn't like that overly assertive look. Oh, hey, here's something. A nice comfy overcoat and a ski cap!” He held them up to her, “The ear flaps will bring out your eyes!” Buffy and Willow exchanged a look.

“Maybe I should mix and match.” Willow nodded. “Okay, guy's opinion.” Buffy grabbed two lipsticks from her desk, “Which one do you think Owen will like better? The red or the peach?” Xander stared at both of them, “Oh, you mean for kissing you and then telling all his friends how easy you are so the whole school loses respect for you and then talks behind your back? The red's fine.” “Thanks. I'll go with the peach.” Buffy puts on the lipstick, “Maybe I should have asked Angel for the advice.” Willow smiled, handing Buffy a third minidress, “Here, put this on.” Buffy and Willow look at Xander. “You're not bothering me.”

Willow sighed and pushed him away, “So, where's he taking you?” “Oh, I don't know. Where do you suppose young kids go on dates these days?” Buffy asked as she untied her pink bathrobe. Xander moved over to her drawer chest and started to angle the mirror inside a box so he could see. “Well, I read somewhere once that sometimes they go to movies.” Willow started. Buffy finished pulling on the minidress, “Movies! Interesting!” “And I saw on TV once, a bunch of people our age went to a party.” Willow said sarcastically.

Pulling on a boot, Buffy smiled, “Wow! I never knew being a teenager was so full of possibilities!” She pulled on the other boot as Xander fumbled with the box. Buffy and Willow look over at him. The door bell rings. “That's Owen!”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“This is the 90's. The 1990's, in point of fact, and I can do both. Clark Kent has a job. I just wanna go on a date.” Buffy pleaded with Giles. He had unexpectedly shown up at her door. With word about the Order of Aur-something or other, she hadn‘t really been paying attention. Her mind was focused on her date and she wasn‘t going to let some big bad vamp take that away from her. Not tonight.

“Well, I, I suppose it was a fairly slim lead...” Pleased, Buffy cried, “Thank you, thank you, thank you! And look, I won't go far, okay? If the apocalypse comes, beep me.” Owen came back into the room, “ Is everything cool?” Buffy smiled, “All set.” “Yes, and, uh, you'll face a pretty hefty fine in the morning.” Giles said. “Well, bye. Don't wait up.” Buffy hurried out with Owen. “Is something going on?” Willow asked. “Oh, uh, probably not, no. I, uh, I suppose I'll just, uh, go to the funeral home in case, just see if anything comes up.” Giles went out the door. Willow stared after him, “This is bad.”

“I wish it was just bad.” Willow nodded, “We should... go along.” “Yeah, you're right. I don't trust that Owen guy. It's the eyes. Crazy!” Willow stared at her friend, “Xander, we should go with Giles! He could get in trouble!” “Oh, he's gone, uh, it's, he's gonna be alright. He's like super librarian, y'know? Everyone forgets, Willow, that knowledge is the ultimate weapon.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Buffy smiled up at Owen as the band on stage played their--last time she counted--eigth song. She finally got Cordelia to leave them alone. She loved payback, and she got it. Now Owen was here and all to herself. The slow song was nice, and his somewhat good dancing moves were something she found cute. She had to supress a laugh when she felt him accidently step on her toe. But she let it slide. This was Owen.

He smiled down at her, “So, you get out a lot?“ Buffy nodded, “Yeah. I go here...and there. Mostly here’s, but sometimes I‘ll go over there. Did that make sense?“ Owen smiled, “Yeah.” “Good.” Buffy said as they danced. She liked the little converstations they were having. They were amusing at times, and yet they seemed to be lacking something.... something she wasn’t sure of....

“So, you hang out with anyone?” Owen asked, “I’ve seen you around school a couple of times.... you usually are with Willow and Xander, right?” “Yeah, they weren’t telling you anything too embarrassiing about me when thhey talked to you at my house, did they?” Owen shook his head, “No... but Xander was a little strict with what I could and could not do. I seem to remember him saying something of not being able to look at you.” Buffy laughed, “Did he? I guess I’ll just have to hurt him when I get home, now won‘t I?” Owen shrugged, “I wouldn’t do all that. Maybe a small lecture.”

“Well, enough about him.” Buffy sighed, “What about you? Are you always reading Emily Dickenson?” “Yeah,“ Owen smiled, “Like I said, its like a secruity blanket. Its nice. Comforting..... even though I could care less about the bees. She talks a lot about them.” Buffy thought that over, “Maybe its like the sting of life. Like, if you give your heart to someone.....it could break. That’s why you keep to yourself and you keep people away. Maybe that’s why she was always alone.”

Owen blinked, “Wow.... that’s a really good obsevation of Emily Dickenson. I didn’t even think about it like that really. What made you think that?”

Buffy shrugged her slim shoulders, “I don’t know. Call it a hunch.”

~~~~~~~~~~ Part 3 ~~~~~~~~~~

“AH!” Giles shouted as he saw Willow and Xander behind the barred window. The pair tried to raise the window sash, “Giles, it's us!” Giles calmed down a bit, “What are you doing here?” “We saw two guys going in after you. Are they...” Xander started. Giles looked at the door, “They are! Uh, listen, you should get to safety.”

“Can you get out this window?” Willow asked, glancing down at the bars. “I'm afraid not.” “Look, I hate to state the obvious, but this looks like a job for Buffy?” Xander asked. Giles started, “Uh, she has her, her... beeping thing! Um, no phone, of course.”

“Look, we'll get her, just, uh, hang in there.” Xander and Willow hurried away toward the Bronze, just as Giles called after them, “Do hurry!”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cordelia Chase stood near the entrance of the Bronze with a look of total disgust and disbelief written across her face. She never took her eyes off of her competition as she talked to one of her many followers, “What a disgusting display. Is that really appropriate behavior in a public forum? I mean, I've never seen a girl throw herself at a guy like that. Uhhh!”

Just then the door opened and Angel came in. Cordelia smiled, a new plan forming in her head, “Ooo! Hello, salty goodness!” She turned to her friend, “Pick up the phone, call 911. That boy is gonna need some serious oxygen after I'm through with him.” She started to follow Angel, but stopped when she saw him move over to Buffy.

“Buffy.” Buffy glanced up, immediately paying attention, “Angel.” Cordelia placed her hands on her hips, “Why is this happening to me?”

“I was hoping I'd find you here.” Angel started, a distant yet, serious tone in his voice. Buffy looked up at him, hopefully, “You were?” “Some serious stuff happening tonight. You need to be out there.”

Buffy gave her head a little shake, “No, not you, too.” She turned to leave, but Angel’s hand on her arm stopped her. He pulled her back in front of him, “What do you know?” Buffy sighed, “Prophecy, Anointed One, yada, yada, yada...”

Angel relaxed a little, “So you know. Fine. I just thought I'd warn you.” Buffy scoffed, “Warn me? You see Owen over there at the bar?” Buffy walked around him and faced her date for the night, “He came here to be with me.” Angel blinked, startled at what she was saying to him, “You're here on a date?”

Frustrated, Buffy turned to Angel, “Yes! Why is it such a shock to everyone?” She awaited his answer, but Owen returned, with a muffin in hand, “Here you go.” Buffy glanced between Angel and Owen, noticing the way Owen’s posture seemed to slump at the sight of Angel. She also noticed the way Angel was looking Owen over, sending her date daggers. Was that....

She could see some the flash in his eyes that told Owen that she was off limits. Why on earth would he....?

“Oh. Um, Owen, this is Angel. Angel, this is Owen.” She placed her arm around his, emphasing the her next words, “Who is my date.”

Angel seemed to slump, “Hey.” “Hey!” Owen said a little more cheerily, “So. Where do you know Buffy from?” Angel almost smiled, “Work.” Owen looked down at Buffy, “You work?” Buffy started to answer when Willow and Xander came running up out of breath. “Buffy!”

“You show up everywhere. Interesting.” Xander breathed in deeply, pointing at Owen, “You don't know the half of it.” He then pointed at Angel, “What's he doing here?” “I guess it's the same thing you're doin' here.” Angel said solemely. “Uh, excuse me, what are any of you doing here?” Buffy asked. “Look, we gotta get to, uh...” Willow elbowed him, “Uhhhh. We thought it'd be fun if, uh, we made this a double date!” Willow and Xander slung their arms around each other. Surprised, Buffy started, “I didn't know you guys were seeing each other.”

Willow plastered on a fake grin, “Oh, yeah, well, we knew it would happen eventually, so we figured, hey! Why fight it?” Owen started, trying to make out what exactly was going on. He felt like he just walked in to the ending of a movie, “And you guys are thinking double?”

“'Cause of...” Xander laughed nervously, “...the fun!” “And you're here because of work?” Owen asked Angel who was watching the scene play from the side lines. “Hey, maybe we should all go somewhere together.” Xander said, remembering a distressed librarian in the funeral home. “Gee, that's so nice of you to ask, but Owen and I were, well, sort of... Owen and I.”

Buffy started to walk off but Xander stopped her, “You know what'd be cool? The Sunnydale Funeral Home!” Willow smiled, emphasizing on her words, “I've always wanted to go there!” “The funeral home?” “Actually, that sounds kinda cool! Do you think we could all sneak in?” Owen asked, looking down at Buffy.

“We saw some guys in there before.” Xander turned his gaze at Buffy, “They seemed to be having fun!” Buffy cringed, snapping “Bite me!” Her eyes then widened, and she looked over att Angel. His mouth parted, then closed. He sent her a 'I wouldn’t say that if I were you' look. “Um, Owen, I gotta go.” Buffy said, trying best to keep it together. “I thought we were going to the funeral home.”

“No, you can't. I'll tell you what. I'll be back in a little while.” “Buffy...” Owen led her away from the others, “What's the deal? Do you wanna bail on me?” Buffy’s eyes widened, “No! No... no... uh... You remember when you said I was like two different people? Well, one of them has to go. But the other one is having a really, really good time, and will come back. I promise.” She said sincerly, her eyes pleading with him.

Owen just nodded his head and watched her dash for the door. Angel watched, glad that she was going for two reasons. Then, she suddenly hurried back and layed a kiss on Owen, and Angel felt a strange sensation past over him at the sight. One that he hadn‘t experienced in a long time. As he watched the little blond run with her two best friends behind, Owen leaned over toward Angel, “She's the strangest girl!”

Angel almost smiled, “You don’t know the half of it.” Owen nodded, “You said you work with her? Where does Buffy work?” Angel snapped out of his trance and looked at the Junior high school student. He took a breath, “Ah.... at the school. At the school. She, um, she and I work together in the library with my Uncle Giles.” Owen nodded, understanding, “So, its more of a Teacher’s assistant sort of thing, right?” “Yeah.” Angel said, agreeing with him, “Ah, we put books away....we unload them....”

“You keep busy with books. Cool.” Owen said, “So... how long have you known Buffy?” Angel looked over at him, “A while now.” “Cool.” Owen said then glanced around the room as did Angel. He tried not to, but his gaze kept falling back to the door where she had run off to. Possibly for the fight of her life.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“This is so cool!”

Buffy spun, feeling Xander and Willow tense up, then relax at her side. “Owen!” Buffy cried, “You can't be here.” “Oh, and I suppose you guys are allowed?” Owen said sarcastically. He saw Angel coming up to him from behind and asked him, “What are we doin' here?” He looked at Buffy, a bit of excitement visible in his eyes, “Are we gonna see a dead body?”

“Possible several,” Buffy sent a life threatening glance at Angel. Why couldn’t he have just stayed with Owen and made sure he was safe? He seemed to not care. As if it wasn’t his fault. She sighed, turning to Xander and Willow, “Guys, watch him.” She then ran back the way they came.

“Is she mad?” Owen asked as Angel took off after her. Willow could see how much Owen wanted to follow her, but kept him at bay, “Oh, she just wants to make sure there're no guards so we don't get in trouble. And if there are, Angel can take care of them. Y’know? Strength in numbers.”

Owen nodded, “Good thinking.” Xander smiled, before turning to Willow, “Good thinking.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Buffy quietly walked down the hall, looking and listening. She was ready for whatever evil that decided to show its disgusting face. She found the morgue door open. Buffy listened and when she heard nothing, she walked in. The place was in shambles. Things were torn, thrown. There obviously been a vampire here.

“Giles?” Buffy whispered, spotting his bag on the autopsy gurney. The window bars were torn open. She alos finds his cross. Suddenly one of the doors to a body storage drawer opened in front of her and the drawer rolled out. Buffy jumped back, startled.

“Giles!”

“It is you. Oh, good.” Giles said. Buffy looked at him, concerned, “What happened?” Giles started, “Uh, two more of the brethren came in here. They came after me. But I was more than a match for them.” Buffy stared, “Meaning...?” “I hid. Uh, this, uh, chap was good enough to bunk with me till they went away.” He jumped down off of the cadaver.

“Uncle G.” Angel said, running toward his uncle, “You okay?” Giles nodded, “Yes, uh, some vampires chased me in here. But I’m fine.”

“Well, w-were they here after you, or w-was it that prophecy thing?” Buffy asked. “Ah, well, that's what we have to find out. I don't know what these brethren mean to do exactly. Find the Anointed, or, or, or, or give him something perhaps, uh, it's all, all very vague! And the Anointed may be long gone!” Giles said tiredly. “But he may not be.” “We must find out.” Giles said. “Okay,” Buffy started, “I just need to get Owen and the others out of harm's way first.”

“Owen! You brought a date?” Giles asked. Buffy exhaled, “I didn't bring him! Angel did.” Angel glared at Buffy. “Buffy, when I said you could slay vampires and have a social life, I didn't mean at the same time.” Giles said. “I know. I'll get rid of him.” Buffy started to leave. “Y-you can't make him go out there alone, we don't know where the brethren are. I-I'll just...” “No! No, Giles, he sees you, he's gonna have more questions than he already does right now.” Buffy said, “I'll take care of it.You two stay here,”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Is everything okay?” Willow asked as Buffy came around the corner.

Buffy sighed, “It is.” “And we'll be leaving?” Xander hoped. “We're not done lookin' around yet.” Owen protested. “No, he's right. So let's find a nice, safe, fun room to look around in.” Buffy said while taking Owen's hand and leadding the group down the hall.

When they reached the office door, Owen stated, “We tried the office here, but it's locked.” Buffy faked a loud cough while secretly, breaking the lock, “No it's not!” “Well, I don't think we'll find much in here.” Owen said. Buffy looked around the room, “That's the plan.” “Okay.” Owen said confused, “What?”

“I have to go now.” She laughed nervously, “Um, to the bathroom, I have to go to the bathroom. If you hear anything, like a security guard or something, just be really quiet. And barricade the door.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Buffy, Angel, and Giles started looking through the body drawers, hoping to find the Anointed One. They eached searched a seperate drawer. Buffy opened one near Angel, “Ewww, parts!” Buffy said as she showed Angel the inside of the drawer.

“Keep looking, he must be here somewhere.” Giles said.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Willow and Xander started to pile furniture in front of the office door. Each trying to make suree the door wouldn’t bust if someone tried to come in. “What are you guys doing?” Owen asked. Willow squrimed, “Uh, just in case!” Owen moved to the curtain and drew it open. Behind the window he spotted a body covered with a sheet.

“Oh, my...”

Owen was looking at the body with fascination. Willow and Xander just looked worried. “I read a lot about death,” Owen started, “but... but I've... never really seen a dead body before.” They watched as the body's hand moved. “Do they... usually move?” Owen asked as the hand moved again. Willow and Xander approached, looking closer. The hand suddenly reached up and pulled the sheet off. The vampire sat up and faced them.

He stood up, looking down at himself and flexed his hands. Looking back up, he cried, “I have been judged!

~~~~~~~~~~ Part 4 ~~~~~~~~~~

“What's goin' on?” Owen asked, nervous at what he saw. A.... dead body! Moving as if it was alive. No, no, this wasn’t happening. No. He was safe at home, reading Emily Dickenson and enjoying her writing. He was at the Bronze, dancing with Buffy. This wasn’t really happening, was it?

They backed away from the window slowly. The vampire, Andrew approached the window and smashed it with his forehead.

Andrew laughed, “He is risen in me! He fills my head with song!”

Owen, Willow and Xander frantically began moving the furniture away from the door. Trying to move fast, but not fast enough as Andrew stepped through the opening, “Pork and beans. Pork and beans!” “Gimme that!” Xander shouted to Willow.

“I can smell you.” Andrew drawls as they get the furniture moved. Willow opened the door and they run out. Andrew followed at a quick walk. “You're the chaff, unblessed. I'll suck the blood from your hearts, he says I may!”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Rage surged through Angel.

He had stayed with the Willow, Xander, and Owen while Buffy ran back to get a stake until he caught sight of Andrew. Owen had told them that someone had to help Buffy and he told Owen that he would. “Make sure he stays here,” He had told Xander and Willow. They had both nodded and reassured Owen that Buffy would be okay.

He had ran all the way toward the morgue and found her laying on the ground unconscious, his uncle defending himself with a cross.

“Uh! Why does he hurt me?” Andrew snarled, slapping the cross away. He grabbed Giles and threw him into the crematory controls. The fires in the chamber light.

Andrew turned to pick Buffy up, but Angel kicked him in his side and sent him flying away from her. He bent down, and tapped her cheek, “Buffy. C’mon, Buffy, wake up.” She moaned, “Angel...” Angel was so busy trying to help Buffy that he didn’t notice Andrew coming back for him. Quickly, he grabbed Angel and threw him toward his uncle.

As Andrew moved toward Buffy again, Owen came rushing toward her. Andrew turned, grabbed Owen by the neck and growled as he moved in to bite. Owen struggled, grabbing an urn from a shelf and smashing it over Andrew's head.

Owen hurried over to help Buffy as she started to wake up again, “Angel?” She murmured, glancing around, disoriented. “Did you see that? He tried to bite me!” Owen said, shaking his head while helping her up, “What a sissy!”

Buffy gasped as Andrew grabbed Owen and smashed a body drawer door into the back of his head, knocking him out.

“No!”

“Dead!” Andrew snarled, “He was found wanting!”

Buffy lashed out at him in the gut with a front snap kick. He rolled over the autopsy gurney and onto the floor. She ran around to the far end of the gurney while Andrew quickly got up. Buffy pushed the gurney into his gut, and then pushed down on her end so it pivoted up to hit him in the chin. He staggered, falling.

Quickly, she jumped up onto the gurney and did a roundoff onto the floor as he got up. He swung widely at Buffy's face, but she blocked. He tried it again with his other arm, hitting Buffy solidly in the face and knocking her to the ground. He taunted her as she quickly got up.

“You killed my date!” Buffy cried.

She could vaguely hear Willow shout something to her, but she didn’t care. She blocked another punch, and then hit Andrew in the face with an open-hand punch. Blocking a second punch from him, she slammed him in the gut with another open-hand punch. As he leanned forward from the pain, she kneed him in the gut, and then shoved him backward into a counter.

“You killed my date!” Buffy said, furious.

Angel regained consciousness, moving his uncle aside, and out of harms way. Andrew turned back to Buffy. “Your turn!” He lunged at Buffy, but she sidesteped him, and launched him into the air. He landed on the gurney, and it rolled over to the crematory. The gurney stopped when it hits, but Andrew continued to slide through the open door.

Angel kicked the gurney away and slammed the crematory door shut. Andrew screamed.

Buffy watched him burn through the small window as Angel moved to her side. He placed a hand on her shoulder, “You okay?” Buffy looked up at him, “Yeah. You better on Giles, though.” Angel nodded, moving to his uncle.

Buffy noticed Owen trying to sit up, “Does anyone have an aspirin? Or sixty?” “Owen!” She crouched beside him. “What happened to that guy?” Owen asked. “Oh... uh, We scared him away. I mean, Angel--” she gestured to him helping his uncle up, “Did most of the work,” I hope he buys that...

“Oh, good. 'Cause, y'know, I would've...” Owen started. “I know. Here...” Buffy helped him up, “I'm sure this isn't exactly what you had in mind for our first date.” Owen rubbed his head, “Yeah! I was hoping maybe we'd finish at Ben & Jerry's.”

“We still could...”

“No,” Owen said, and disappointment crossed Buffy’s face, “I, I, I think I'll just walk home.” He started to go, but stopped, “Uh, which way's home?” “I'll get you there.” Buffy offered. “No, I'll,” He paused, “I'll go alone.” Willow and Xander moved toward them, “We'll make sure he gets home safely.” They lead Owen away.

Buffy watched them go. Giles came over behind her, “Buffy, if I might, uh...” Buffy cut him off, “Don't.” She slowly walked out, Giles and Angel following.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Buffy sighed as she tied her hair back into a pony tail. She just wish this night would end.... or that she never became a Slayer. She grumpily moved to her bed and fell back onto it.

She laid there for a long moment until she heard a soft rasp at her window. Buffy frowned, grabbing a stake that she kept under her pillow as she got to her feet. Catiously, she wondered toward the window, stake poised and ready.

A soft breeze entered the room, making the curtains fly back. In one fluid movement, Buffy grabbed the curtains and drew them back, and frowned. There was no vampire. She let the stake fall to her side as she glanced around on her roof top.

She leaned over, placing her hands over the edge when she felt something. She frowned, looking down. There was a small plastic gift bag sitting there. Plain colored red with matching red tissue looking paper they always put in those. She picked it up, and reached inside.

“What thee...” Buffy held a small plush fish in her hands. It looked up at her with one of those Precious Moments type eyes and had a smiling grin. Buffy let out a soft laugh, setting the fish aside on the windowsil as she reached into the bag again.

There was a small letter addressed to her. She opened the letter, aware of the way the first letter of her name was written perfectly. She opened it and read it outloud, “Dear Buffy. I am sorry about what happened with Owen. Perhaps he just wasn’t the one. But don’t let it get you down. Like I said before, ‘there are other fishes in the sea.’ Maybe, until you can find the right one, this little guy can keep you company.” Buffy smiled, “Love Angel. P.S. Don’t get all mushy on me.”

Buffy laughed, and moved to the window again. She gazed down at the lawn and spotted Angel, standing there. She waved, and mouthed ‘thank you,’. He answered, ‘your welcome’ before turning and walking away.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Isn’t he cute?” Buffy asked as she showed Willow the plushed baby blue fish. Willow’s grew large as she looked at the tiny fish, “Oh! He is! He’s so cute. Cuter than cute. I can’t believe that Angel got you that. He’s so sweet. And to think, he’s usually on your case.”

Buffy shook her head, “He still is. The fish came with a letter.”

Behind them, Xander rolled his eyes. Was Buffy ever gonna stop talking about Angel?

“Hey, what are you gonna name him?” Willow asked, “He has to have a name. Oh, he is a he, right?”

Buffy nodded, “I have a name in mind.”

“Oh please,” Xander said, “Please tell me your not gonna name him--”

“Owen!” Buffy said, surprised to see him. “Well, heh... This is our stop.” She walked around Buffy and dragged Xander away with her.

“Hi.” Owen said, smiling. “Hi.” Buffy said, a bit awkwardly. She waited for him to speak. Nothing. “This is going well.” “I don't really know how to say this, but... about last night...”

“You don't even have to. I'm sure you were pretty freaked out.” Buffy said. “Totally.” Buffy nodded, understanding completely.

“And... I was wondering when I could see you again.” Buffy looked back up, surprised, “Um, could you repeat that?” “I think you're the coolest!” Owen went on.

“Really?” Buffy asked, stunned. “I mean, last night was incredible! I never thought nearly getting killed would make me feel so... alive!” Owen went on. “So that's why you wanna be with me.” Buffy concluded. “Oh, absolutely! When can we do something like that again?”

“Something like...?”

“Like, walk downtown at three in the morning, a-and pick a fight in a bar. How about tonight?” Owen asked. Buffy started, “Tonight would...be... not a workable thing.”

“Tomorrow, then. I-I'm free any night this week.” Owen went on. “I'm not.” Buffy said, “Please don't take this personally. It's not you, it's me. And how I’m feeling right now. I mean, I thought I wanted a boyfriend, or a potential one, but now... I’m not so sure. Oh, and its not, really, its not.”

“Right. It's you.” Owen said, disappointed.

Buffy smiled lightly, “And I was kinda hoping that... maybe you and I could still be...”

“I, I get it. You just wanna be friends.” Owen said sadly. “That'd be nice.” Buffy started. “Friends. Yeah. Great.” Owen left.

Buffy sighed. For the first time since she known Owen, she was glad she let him go.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Buffy was sitting in the library, the plush fish still in her hands. She couldn’t seem to let go of him. She smiled as it grinned up at her, and couldn’t help but laugh when she thought of the perfect name for him.

“What’s so funny?” A familiar voice said.

Buffy smiled, turning around she was greeted with another. Angel walked toward the table as Buffy answered, “You little devil!”

Angel raised a brow, “What did I do?” Buffy smiled slyly, “You snuck up to my window last night and dropped off this little thing,” She walked toward him and surprised the both of them by embracing him in a warm hug, “Thank you.”

Angel grinned, as they moved away, “I thought I told you not to get mushy on me.” Buffy giggled, “Trust me, this isn’t mushy. I could be even more mushy-er than that.”

“I take it you liked my little present then,” Angel said. Buffy looked down at the fish, “Yeah, I do.” “What are you gonna name him?”

Buffy grinned as she looked up at him, “Angel Eyes.”

Angel frowned, “Isn’t that a little--” Buffy smiled, “What? Girly? Well, in case you haven’t noticed, I am a girl.” “I’ve noticed, believe me, I have,” Angel muttered.

“What was I suppose to name him?” Buffy asked, “Guppy?”

In her hands, the fish grinned.

The End

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