Midnight Illusion

Author: Jill

Disclaimer: let me check ... nope, still don't own them. Sigh! I'm not making any money off this. Several lines of this are taken from the Buffy-season-6-episode "Dead Things". The episode was written by Steven S. DeKnight and directed by James A. Contner.
Rating: R (even though the episode was a little on the NC-17 side - unfortunately)
Pairing: B/A (strong in this part!), and the usual pairings from the show
Distribution: my site (http://www.never-ending-love.de), Land of Denial, if you have any of my stories, take it; anybody else tell me where it goes Spoilers: Everything up to the season 3/6 episodes mentioned above is fair game.
Timeline: This is set into canon, in an attempt to make the whole series more B/A-friendly. Well at least it started out like this. As B/A are together now, I was forced to make some changes. You'll see them as soon as you read the story.
Spoilers: the whole B/A-canon to be sure, follows loosely "Midnight Angel", "Midnight Whispers", "Midnight Rainbow", "Midnight Hour", "Midnight Memory", "Midnight Protector", "Midnight Letter", "Midnight Encounters", "Midnight Eyes, "Midnight Lovers", "Midnight Kiss", "Midnight Song", "Midnight Rose", "Midnight Velvet", "Midnight Sun", "Midnight Shade", "Midnight Secrets", "Midnight Star", "Midnight Dance", "Midnight Wind", "Midnight Storm", "Midnight Fire", "Midnight Breath", "Midnight Wishes", "Midnight Sky", "Midnight Crossing", and "Midnight Exposure". You should probably read it to understand this. And you should have seen season 6/3 or at least read the transcripts or you won't know what they're talking about.
Summary: The episode "Dead Things" in the Midnight-universe.
Timeline: after "Provider", this story will replace "Dead Things". I'll leave several scenes unchanged, like all the parts with the terrible trio and others. If you have seen the episode or read the transcripts you will have no problems to follow this - without it might be a little difficult, so watching the actual episode or at least reading the transcripts is highly recommended.
Feedback: oh yes, please - this goes without saying - pretty please?
Dedication: This goes to Liz, my wonderful beta for this story. Thanks so much, honey.

NOTE: Read the disclaimer to understand the story!!!

*****

With a contend sigh, Buffy let her head fall against the pillows, a small giggle coming from her lips. "We almost missed the bed."

"Jsolmst," came the unintelligible reply from her side.

Her giggle intensifying, she turned her head, looking at a pair of brown eyes watching her under lazily dropped lashes. "This was … intense," she remarked, sighing again.

"Mmmm."

"You think you're going to say something I can understand anytime soon?" she queried, reaching out and stroking the cool skin on Angel's back. Amazing how a body that could initiate such heat, such fire, in her, could be so cool.

"Maybe in a week," he joked, opening his eyes all the way, and reaching out with his arm to pull her closer. "I love you," he whispered, kissing her lightly, lovingly. "And I missed you."

A grin spread over her features. "I noticed." Kissing him on the corner of his mouth, she let her eyes swipe around, "I've been thinking about doing something to my room."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah," Buffy nodded, "I thing the New Kids on the Block posters are starting to date me."

Following the direction of her eyes, Angel raised a brow, "New Kids on the Block?"

"Uh-huh. A group … they're singing." She saw him frown, and shook her head, "It's really not important. Although … one day you're gonna have to deal with this. I mean … Connor's going to grow up at one point."

An indignant look entered his eyes, "My son is not going to become some pop-singer groupie. For one he's a boy and-"

"Well," she pointed at her stomach. "This could be a girl."

His gaze instantly softening, one hand came to lay on her rounded abdomen. "I truly hope so," he said softly, caressing their unborn child, safely protected in her womb. Breathing a kiss on the place he'd just been touching, he lightly rested his chin on her stomach and gazed up at her, "This was amazing," he told her.

"Yes," she agreed. "It was. You are amazing." She let her fingers slide through his hair, loving the feeling of its softness. "I don't know, but since I'm pregnant, this is even more intense than before. Maybe hormones. Who knows."

"Well, then I'm all for hormones," Angel replied. "So," he said finally, pushing a stray lock from her face, "We … uh … didn't actually take time to talk. How are things over here?"

For a moment her eyes clouded over a little, then she took a deep breath. "Dawn is … Dawn I suppose. Sulking. Generally feeling sorry for herself. And work is … well, let's just say I'd even take Snyder back."

His face serious, Angel propped himself up on his elbow, "Buffy, we talked about this. You can tell me if there are problems. Besides, I'm quite … good with money right now."

She saw the flicker come and go from his eyes, and quirked her eyebrows quizzically. "How so?"

He shrugged slightly. "We got lucky. A case ended up with fifty grands in our hands."

Buffy shot up into a sitting position, staring at him, "Fifty thousand … dollars?"

"Uh-huh." He sat up, too, sighed. "I got a little crazed with Connor, and you pregnant, and I … well, this client came up … and after preventing them from transferring Fred's head to their prince's body, they so kindly let the money to us. And with all the trouble we went through we thought we'd earned it."

"So that was Cordy's remark about the boss getting greedy," Buffy said knowingly. She hadn't really listened to the brunette who had accompanied Angel and Connor, she'd been too busy with drinking in Angel's presence and - in her bedroom - taking his clothes off.

A look of annoyance crossed his features, "Okay, so I admit I went a little overboard with the money-thing, but at least the money will help you with your financial problem for a while."

"Angel," Buffy shook her head, "I can't-"

"Accept this?," he asked. "Sure you can." He reached out, took her hand, "You're the woman I love. And if that's not enough for you, you're also the mother of my child, and -"

"One of your children," she interrupted him. Instantly realising how it must have sounded to him, and seeing his eyes darken with pain, she gave him an apologetic smile. "Sorry. I didn't mean it that way. I love Connor."

"I know," he replied, kissing her cheek.

"But it still bugs me a little that Darla was the first. I mean, I know she was the first, because she's four hundred years old after all, she's your sire, has been your lover for … an eternity, and-"

He stopped her rambling with a kiss that left her breathless after a few minutes. "Buffy," he said when she looked at him, trying to fill her lungs with much needed air. "I love you. You are the only woman I ever loved. The only one I love. Not Darla. Nor any of the others. They aren't important. Not where it really counts."

She smiled, "That's so sweet. And I love you, too." Waiting for a beat, she asked, "What about Wes? Is he any closer to tell us how this was possible?" Again she pointed at her stomach.

"No," Angel shook his head. "Unfortunately not. But he and Fred have been working on it. Well, when they weren't trying to find Holtz, that is."

"Did he try anything again?" She'd been worrying each day because of the vampire hunter, her imagination driving her crazy with pictures of Holtz abducting Connor, and of Angel, broken and in pain.

Again, Angel shook his head, "No. He's been quiet lately. Which can't be a good thing."

"I thought about talking to Tara. Just in case Wes doesn't find anything. She's a witch after all, and with Willow not being available…" a little sigh came form her mouth, then a shrug. "Maybe Tara can help us finding out why this was possible, and why…," she paused, then added, "Spike can hurt me."

"He bothering you again?" Angel's voice was a low growl and so possessive, Buffy almost smiled.

"No, he's been good. Well, as good as Spike can be. But he hasn't tried anything. He even helped me fighting vamps last night."

"You shouldn't be doing it in the first place," the vampire muttered.

She looked at him sternly, and a little bit annoyed, "We talked about it, Angel. I'm not going to stop slaying or working just because I'm pregnant."

"I know." He sighed.

"Why did you bring Cordy?," she wanted to know, changing the subject. They wouldn't find common ground where Slaying in her pregnant state was concerned, and their time together was much too precious to let it be clouded by disagreements.

"I didn't actually *bring* her," he replied sarcastically, "She sort of … just came. When I went out with Connor, she already sat in the car and … I think she's," he gave her a half-grin, "a bit jealous where Connor is concerned. She thinks you're already behaving like his mother."

"Mother?," Buffy looked at him, her gaze softening. "It's a nice idea, but there's something missing. A tiny little formality."

"Formality?" A quizzical expression entered his eyes.

"To be his mother, I'd have to be your wife. I mean, then it would be legal and all." Suddenly realising how that sounded, she tried to pedal backward, "I mean … not that I … I didn't … I mean, I never intended to-"

Two cool fingers landed on her lips. "I know. I understand," he said softly. "Buffy, I'd love for you to be my wife. Especially with the baby on the way, but … I'm not actually alive, so I think it's not possible. Legally I don't even exist."

There was such sadness in his voice and eyes, Buffy felt an odd pressure on her heart, and instinctively she reached out, pulling him to her, kissing him. "Angel," she said, when their lips parted, "It doesn't matter. It was just a joke. I'm a modern girl. Today a lot of people never marry. They live together. Like us. I'm so glad you came. Can you afford being here?"

"Yeah. I can. Gunn, Fred, and Wes are handling the business. It's Wes' now anyway. Besides it's good to get Connor out of Holtz reach for while. Makes sleeping a lot easier." He suddenly grinned, "Plus with … the physical exercise I feel really relaxed." He wiggled his brows in the end, leaving no doubt what kind of exercise he was talking about.

Her responding grin was equally teasing, her hand producing a metallic object, she let it dangling from her forefinger. "Well, how about some more? Want to try these for a change?"

As a result his eyes widened in surprise, before a wicked grin began to form on his lips, and his hand reached for the handcuffs.

*****

With a weary sigh, Buffy pushed through the door of her house, feeling completely exhausted, and in urgent need of a long shower - preferably with Angel. Now that was something to look forward to. "I'm home," she announced her presence, "Who wants to scrape the grease off-," she stopped, staring at the scene in front of her. "Oh my God!"

Frozen she watched Xander and Dawn waltzing in the living room, while Anya, Cordelia, and Willow sat on the couch, watching as well. "Is there singing?" the Slayer asked, horror dawning in her eyes. She'd heard Angel singing once before. She wasn't quite sure if they'd survive a whole twenty-four hours with him close by. "Are we singing again?"

Xander sent her a quick grin, "Nope, just the dancing."

"We're teaching Dawn perfectly synchronized steps for the wedding reception," Anya piped in from the sofa.

The same moment Xander dipped Dawn grandly, and she giggled in return, clearly loving it. Then he turned at Buffy, "Wanna go for a spin?"

"I'm leaning more towards an ungainly collapse," Buffy replied, eyeing the sofa.

Willow's head came up, a compassionate expression on her face, "Rough day?"

"Kinda," Buffy replied.

"You've been going at it too hard, Buffy. We hardly ever see you, what with slinging the doublemeat and pounding the big evil." Xander frowned slightly. "*And* leaving us all alone with Cordy."

"Hey," the brunette protested, glaring at him. "It's bad enough having to imagine you getting married, probably passing your genes on any time soon, but I don't have to listen to your insults."

Willow, eager to keep the mood pleasant, stepped in, "We're thinking about heading over to the Bronze. Wanna come and get all unwindy?"

"The Bronze?" a look of utter horror crossed Cordelia's features. "Don't tell me you're still going there. Don't you guys ever grow up?"

"You don't have to come," Xander snapped. "Stay and take care of the baby. We're taking Angel and the Buffster with us."

"And when did you enter the Angel-fanclub?" Cordy snapped right back.

"Ever since I realised he was a lot nicer than certain ex-cheerleaders who wanted to become actresses and ended up picking up the phone for a vampire with a soul."

"Hey!" the brunette yelled.

"Hey, guys." This time it was Buffy stepping in. "Not now, please. I'm way too tired for this. As for the Bronze. I think I'll just hang with Dawn, and Angel. Cuddle up on the couch with them, and a big bowl of popcorn-"

She stopped when a car horn honked from the outside, while at the same moment Dawn grabbed a sleeping back by the door.

Following her sister's movements, Buffy frowned, "Where are you going?"

"I'm sleeping over at Janice's."

"It's okay, I checked it out," Willow added quickly, "Janice's Mom is picking her up."

Quickly pushing down her disappointment, Buffy nodded. "Oh."

A slightly sullen look on her face, Dawn turned to her sister, "I didn't think you'd care. You're never home, so…"

Guilt crushing down on her like a hail of stones, the Slayer blinked, "I know, I'm sorry. But I'm here now. Couldn't you stay with Janice some other night."

Dawn shrugged, "You've got Angel here, don't you? And besides, Janice's mother is cooking Mexican. She's gonna teach me how to make real tortillas."

The car honked a second time, and Dawn shrugged again in an attempt of an half-hearted apology. "Not like I'd knew you'd be around." With that she rushed out, leaving Buffy even more guilty. Swallowing down the feeling, she turned to Cordelia. "Where is Angel?"

"Upstairs with Connor," the brunette supplied, not looking at her.

Upstairs with Connor sounded like heaven. "Okay, then," she smiled wearily, "Bronze later. See you then." With a wave she was gone.

Exchanging a look with Angel, then with Willow, Buffy watched Xander and Anya tearing up the dance floor, making movements she didn't even want to think about, much less giving an open display.

"We're not going to have to do that at the wedding, are we?," Willow asked with dread, "Cause there's this last thread of dignity I've been desperately clinging to."

While Angel chuckled at the remark, then sipped from his soft drink, Buffy eyed her best friend worriedly. "You're still doing okay, right?"

"Yeah," the witch sighed, "You know. Some days are harder than the really hard days. It's easier like this, when I'm not alone."

Swallowing hard, a new wave of guilt hitting her, Buffy smiled gratefully at her boyfriend who took her hand and squeezed it in understanding. "It will get better," he said firmly, looking at Willow, too. "Not that I've ever been addicted," he stopped frowned for a moment, "Actually," he shook his head, chuckled at the memory, "I tried drugs once, but that was ages ago, and I never got addicted - I suppose Angelus isn't the type to be in danger of addiction - at least where drugs are concerned." He gazed at Buffy meaningfully and she felt herself blush.

"I'm sorry I haven't been around much," the Slayer reached out, touching Willow's hand.

"No that's not ---," the redhead squeezed the hand right back. "It's okay. We all know you've been tied up."

"What?" Choking on her drink, Buffy's face grew even hotter and she was grateful for the dimness inside the Bronze, to hide her embarrassment. When she caught Angel grinning she gave him a kick beneath the table.

"With your job," Willow explained, unaware of the looks that had passed between the lovers. "And the Slaying --- not like the vamps are going to start staking themselves, huh?"

"A girl can dream." Buffy said.

The same moment Anya and Xander joined them again, laughing, looking at each other lovingly, "I see sitting where yet there should be dancing," Xander exclaimed, giving the couple at the table a meaningful gaze.

"I'll catch the next Soul Train out," Buffy replied wearily, sipping from her drink again.

"You sure?," Angel touched her cheek with his fingertips, glancing at her worriedly. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah," she nodded, not quite sure why she felt so strange tonight. She should be joyous, and a part of her even was, but there was still … She sighed inwardly. Maybe it was the fact that Tara had promised to try to find the reason for Spike's ability to hurt her. Waiting for the results was making her edgy and nervous.

Forcing a smile on her face, she looked at Angel, "Glass all the way empty. More nectar needed."

He instantly got up, but she held him back, "No," she shook her head, "Why don't you dance with Will? I think she'd like to."

"Sure?," he inquired.

"Yes, sure." She gave him a slight shove. "Now - go. Have fun dancing."

After a last look, Angel and her friends went for the dance floor. After watching them for a few minutes, she stood, walked over the bar, but instead of ordering a new drink, she just put the glass down, then drifted through the Bronze, feeling oddly detached, and after a short consideration she climbed up the stairs, towards the balcony, then watched the activity on the dance-floor from above, when suddenly a voice came from the shadows.

"You see? You try to be with them. But you always end up in the dark. With me."

Only weeks ago the voice would have had the hairs in her neck stand up straight, but strangely, and to her own pleasant surprise, she didn't feel it now. On the contrary, she felt almost relaxed, but stiffened when he moved towards her, coming to stand right behind.

"What would they think of you? If they knew what we know. That you aren't the same, that … you're not completely human anymore?"

Instantly the relaxation was gone. Of course in typical Spike fashion he'd found her sore spot. "I've never been completely human," she replied defensively. "I'm the Slayer, remember?"

"You smell like him, do you know that?" he murmured.

Whirling around she stared at him, "What?"

Grinning, he shrugged, "Angelus. You smell like him. You two getting it on again? Surprises me a little, thought the Poof would be too noble to touch you, with you carrying little Angelus-junior and all." His grin turned evil, "No wait, Angelus-junior is born already. You're only going to be second best." He laughed when he saw something flicker through her eyes. "Got you there, huh? Maybe you should've chosen me after all, I never thought Darla was particularly attractive."

Her mouth suddenly dry, "You and Darla never…"

"No," he shook his head, his eyes incredibly blue in the dimness, "I never wanted to. Was in love with Dru," he shrugged, almost embarrassed at the revelation even though his love for the dark-haired vampire hadn't been a secret. "Besides, the bitch and Angelus were so hung up on each other." He stepped closer again, invading her personal space, "So what do you say? I already told you I love you. I'm true to my word. I'd never cheat on you. Even take this little … nuisance," he pointed at her belly, his voice dropping to a whisper, "You and I. We could be so good."

Her momentary confusion instantly gone, Buffy shoved him away, "Don't," she warned firmly.

Ignoring it, he came onto her again, "Stop me," he invited, reaching out to touch her hair --- and reeled backwards, when without warning she slapped him hard across his cheek.

Her voice cold, she glared at him, "I told you to leave me alone."

Struggling to get up again, Spike stopped in mid-process, when a voice came from behind him.

"I there a problem?" Angel stepped between them, his eyes darting from Buffy, her face cold, angry, to Spike on the floor, his nose bleeding, and his eyes flashed yellow at his grand-childe.

"No," Buffy shook her head, touched Angel's arm. "Everything's under control. Let's go. The others will be waiting for us."

Angel gazed at her for a long moment, before he glanced at Spike again, "You sure?"

Her attention turned to the blond vampire as well, giving him a hard look, "Yeah. I'm sure. Spike won't bother us again. Isn't that right?"

Spitting out the blood from his mouth, Spike didn't bother to get up, and after a moment, suppressing a growl, he nodded, "Yeah."

*****

Buffy stared in horror at the dead body on the ground, tried to fight against Spike who was pulling her with him. "It was an accident," he insisted.

"I killed her," she replied brokenly, feeling as if walking in a daze. She'd done the unspeakable. She'd killed human being - a woman. It might have been an accident. Like it had been an accident with Faith. She hadn't tried to kill the mayor's man. Did that mean Buffy was going to end up like Faith?

"I'm going to get you home."

Spike's voice reached her ear, but somehow the meaning escaped her mind. Still, she resented being dragged through the night, "No-", she tired to protest, but he didn't let go, instead forced her to follow him.

"I'm going to get you home. Christ, I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm bringing you back to Angel. And then you're going to crawl with him into your bed, and stay there." His voice softened, "We'll sort this out. Trust me."

She didn't struggle anymore, just let him lead her through the dark streets towards her house. It didn't matter anyway. The scene replayed in her head again and again, and even though it didn't really make sense - what did make sense anyway these days? - she couldn't stop seeing the dead body on the ground.

"What the hell happened?"

It was Angel's angry voice sounding through the night. Buffy tried to rise her head, tried to look at him, but everything seemed so strange all of a sudden, even though his strong arms were suddenly around her, holding her up. "Buffy?" he said softly, and she felt his lips on her hair, before she felt him stiffen, his attention shifting to her companion. "What did you do to her? What happened?"

"Nothing." Spike's voice was equally cold, a touch of defensiveness in it. "Why did you let her go anyway? Broad shouldn't be out slaying with a bun cooking in the oven."

Buffy felt Angel pull her towards the house inside, but his eyes were still on the blond vampire, "That's none of your business, just keep your filthy hands off her."

"Says who?" Spike spat.

"Me," Angel hissed, stiffening again.

Oh God. They were going to fight. Because of her. Because of what had happened. She couldn't stand it. Not tonight. Not because of her. She wasn't worth it, anyway. Not anymore. She had killed a human being. Had taken a human life. "Please, stop." The words tore from her throat in a tortured moan before she could stop them, and instantly Angel's focus shifted.

"Baby? Are you alright?" he asked worriedly.

"I killed her," were her last words before she fainted.

*

"Why the hell did you go out on your own?"

Buffy stared at her lap, let Angel's angry words wash over her, feeling too drained, too tired to defend herself. Besides, she thought, there wasn't a lot to defend herself. What defense could be there for a murderer?

After she had fainted in the doorway, Angel had carried her inside, or so she thought, not having been conscious at the time to verify it. She'd slept then, fitfully, disturbing dreams of dead women, and naked Spikes, haunting her, leaving her weary and drained even though she'd been asleep for more than twelve hours.

Finally managing to look up, not caring that tears were welling up in her eyes, she forced herself to meet Angel's angry gaze. "I - I'm sorry," she stuttered. And she was sorry. For so many things she couldn't name them.

The dark-haired vampire felt as if having been kicked right into his gut, seeing her eyes swimming in tears, her expression so hopeless and defeated he'd never seen before. Crouching down in front of her, he took her hands that were tightly entwined in her lap, and asked softly, "Why did you go out last night? After we slayed together?"

"I … I wanted to talk to Spike. I wanted to confront him again. Wanted to tell him to stay away, to stay out of our lives. Maybe leave town," she confessed in a broken whisper. "I … I though I was slowly getting my life back on track. With you here, a-and the baby … I felt good again. Almost … almost the way I had. And now see," the tears were finally spilling over, "what a mess I've made."

"That's not true," he told her, cupping her face, removing the tears with his thumbs, then with a sudden movement he let go and surged to his feet, turning towards the window and swearing savagely. "I should've staked him long ago."

"No," she was on her feet, too, coming up behind him, tentatively wrapping her arms around him from behind. "Angel, please," she whispered, "He … he helps. He helped me. Just … last night. I don't know what I'd have done without him. What would've happened if he hadn't been there."

Angel sighed, then firmly shook his head, "This whole mess wouldn't have happened if it wasn't for him. You went out because of him."

She didn't say anything, knew that they would never agree where Spike was concerned. Buffy had gotten rid of her strange attraction towards the vampire, but that didn't mean she could forget about the way he'd helped her, how he'd protected Dawn, how he'd sacrificed himself to keep her safe. Angel might question the blond vampire's motives, and Buffy knew they were questionable, but she still couldn't forget. For Angel, Spike was a soulless demon, not better than the rest of them. For her … he wasn't a friend, but she couldn't kill him either, nor did she want to be responsible for his death. She might be forced to kill him one day, if he ever got rid of his chip, started killing humans again, but until then, she didn't want to think about it.

Leaning her head against Angel's back, she let herself enjoy the closeness for one moment, the incredible gift life had given her with this unusual man, then, guilt welling up inside of her again, she said, "I need to got to the police."

He waited for a long time before he answered, and when he did it was exactly what she'd expected him to say.

*

"Why did you let her do it?"

Angel turned slowly. He'd expected his grand-childe to show up, had sensed him a long time before Spike finally showed his face. The blond vampire had been following Buffy and he from the moment they'd left the house and made their way towards the police station.

Looking at Spike, for once not feeling hatred and anger towards the other vampire, because his mind was occupied with worry, Angel sighed, "I'm not expecting you to understand it, but it was the right thing to do." They were standing in front of the police station, facing each other, waiting for Buffy who'd gone inside not five minutes ago.

Crossing his arms in front of his chest, giving his sire a hard glare. "Well she's not going to get any trouble, because I took care of it." His voice was openly challenging, telling his grand-sire he'd done what should have been the other vampire's business.

Angel's eyes narrowed. "What did you do?"

"What I had to do!" Spike exclaimed, "What was your job. I went back and took care of it. It doesn't matter. No one will ever find her now."

Raking a hand through his hair, Angel sighed wearily. Not only for Buffy the last 24 hours had been draining. By now he was actually glad Cordy had come with him to take care of Connor. "It doesn't matter to her," he said tiredly.

Frowning, Spike uncrossed his arms, "What do you mean? There isn't anything to connect this to her. It wasn't even her fault. It was an accident. It just happened."

"She can't see it that way," Angel told her. "She isn't like …," he sighed, thinking about Faith, thinking how guilt had almost crippled her. No, Faith wasn't like that either. "She has a soul, Spike. She is human. She can't just turn away and pretend nothing has happened. She has to face her responsibility."

"What responsibility?" the blond vampire cried. "She isn't guilty. But do you think they're going to listen? That she killed her by accident. Do you want the mother of your child end up in jail?"

"I'm not going to end up in jail."

They both turned around, finding Buffy looking at them, Angel walked over to her, and studying her face he found it still tired and sad, but a lot more relaxed. And the guilt was gone from her eyes. "What happened?" he asked softly.

"I didn't kill her," she replied, ignoring Spike's triumphant grin. "Warren, Andrew, and Jonathan are behind this. They … I don't know what they did, but they used her somehow. They killed her."

Relief almost making him giddy, Angel closed his arms around her, whispering into her hair, "I'm glad. Buffy, I'm glad."

"So am I," she whispered right back, tears of relief streaming down her face. "But .. they're not going to get away with this. They killed a woman. And I'm going to make them pay."

"We will," Angel replied, stroking her hair, her back, glad beyond words that everything was going to be alright.

Looking up from his chest, Buffy said, "Spike?"

But the blond vampire had already left.

*****

Looking up into a pair of brown eyes she loved so much, Buffy sighed, fighting tears for the third time in three days. "I wish you could stay longer," she whispered.

"God, I wish, I could." Angel bent down, kissing her slowly, lovingly. "Promise to be careful." He put a hand over the swell of her abdomen, "Both of you."

"We'll be good." She rested her head at his chest, "I'm still not quite sure I like Tara's explanation about me being … molecularly altered." She wriggled her nose, "Sounds a little ewww to me."

Tilting up her head with one finger, he smiled down at her, "You're still perfect to me."

Sighing again, happily this time, she smiled back, "You're the sweetest guy on this planet."

"Of course I am," he grinned, "That's why you love me. Besides, I had over 200 years time to practice."

Her forehead creased into a mock frown, "You mean you're only acting this whole lovey-dovey thing?"

This time he laughed, "Hardly. I'm enjoying it far too much."

"Good your soul is all glued in then, huh?"

"God, can you two stop already. My feet are cramping in here! And Connor gets fussy."

"The car is as big as a house, Cordy," Buffy shouted, without changing her position in Angel's arms. She was feeling far too good to let go yet.

"And how would you know that?" the brunette shot back, then with disgust in her voice, added, "No, better don't tell me. I don't even want to know. You probably did it in the car, right?" When Angel and Buffy started laughing, she moaned, "God, this is too much. Why am I taking up with this? What have I done to deserve this?"

"I want to see you soon," Angel said, ignoring his co-worker in the car, his eyes and focus solely on the blond Slayer in his arms. "Maybe you can get away for a day or two. I could come and get you or send Gunn."

"I probably could get Xander to drive me over." She grinned when he rolled his eyes, "He doesn't have to stay. Wouldn't want to anyway. But I need to bring Dawn. So it has to be on a weekend, and I have to check with the job." She sighed, "God, I wish I was in High School again." Then after a beat, "And I didn't really say that."

Kissing her again, Angel smiled, "Buffy, I know this is a lot for your to take in, but … you're going to get through this. *We* will. I might live in L.A., but I'll be there the moment you need me, and …," he paused, took his time for another long and loving kiss, "You're in my heart always."

Sniffling, she smiled through her tears, "And you with me. I love you. And I'm so glad we're together."

"I love you, too."

They stood together for some more minutes, talking, kissing, and ignoring Cordy's protests. And when he drove away, Buffy had a feeling that his words were true. Wherever they were, they were always carrying the other in their hearts.

END

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