Sigma Delta Gamma (cont...)

11

Angel actually had a great time this year at the Christmas party. He mostly enjoyed his time especially with Buffy. He had to smile just thinking about his girl. She was definitely nothing like Drusilla. Drusilla was a total head case. As he entered his car he spotted Buffy’s sweater by the passenger’s seat. He figured that he’d surprise her and bring the sweater over.

Angel made it to Stevenson Hall and knocked on her door. He heard no response.

“Buffy, it’s Angel. Open up.” Still there was no response. ‘Now that’s strange.’ His hand went to the knob and opened the door and spotted Buffy on her bed. He thought she was sleeping from where he saw her from a distance. Then he heard this sniffling sound of someone crying.

He walked on over and noticed that Buffy scrunched up with her arms wrapped around her knees holding her body closely. Her appearance was somewhat distraught, her shirt looked torn from the minimal light that was shown through the window. He touched her shoulder and she flinched at his touch.

“Please, stop hurting me.”

“Who’s hurting you Buffy? It’s me Angel. Buffy look at me.” He lifted her chin so she was facing him. When Buffy realized that it was Angel, she had to say his name to reassure herself that she wasn’t dreaming.

“Angel? Is that really you?”

“Yes, baby. It’s me. Who’s hurting you?” She never answered him, but instead she flung her arms around him and started crying. She held Angel close to her not wanting to let him go, because she thought that if she did he’d disappear. His hand began stroking her hair and went down rubbing her back.

“Sweetie, who hurt you?” He held his hands by her cheeks so she’d look into his eyes. She closed her eyes. He pulled her away and turned on the lamp by her bed. When he saw his girlfriend’s face he was shocked at the sight before him.

“Oh, God! Buffy!” He noticed the fresh tears streaming off her cheeks. Her eyes were red, puffy and flushed from the crying. The thing that caught his attention the most wasn’t the red mark across her cheek, but her split lip. He let his thumb graze against her swollen lower lip that had dried up blood and was now purple. He was thinking that not too long ago he kissed those sweet lips under the mistletoe and now she was abused and battered. He continued looking down her body and noticed her cute t-shirt was torn and there were marks above her breasts. Then his eyes wandered down and noticed her stockings were ripped into shreds as well.

“Who did this?” he asked.

“Parker. Parker Abrams,” she said quietly. As soon Angel heard the name of his enemy, his facial expression from concern became angered. The ridges on his forehead were concentrating, his soft brown eyes turned dark black and his fists were clenched turning white.

“Parker. I can’t wait to see Parker. He and I will have so much to talk about,” Angel said sarcastically.

“I’m taking you to Sunnydale PD and then I’ll drop you off at home afterwards.” He placed his black leather jacket on her shoulders, wrapped his arm around her shoulder and walked out the door.

~*~*~*~*~*

At Sunnydale PD, Buffy was waiting for the first available detective to approach her. She laid her head on Angel’s shoulder. He automatically placed his arm around her shoulder and kissed the top of her head.

A detective approached the young couple. He noticed that from the looks of things that this girl was raped and wasn’t by the guy she was with. He seemed to have loved the young lady in his arms.

“Hello. I’m Detective Lindsay McDonald. My partner Detective Lilah Morgan will be joining us. Why don’t we head inside the interrogation room and we’ll begin as to why you’re here.”

Buffy explained the whole situation and started crying again after the incident. She felt as her body was crumbling. Her insides were eating every crevice of her organs.

“Aren’t you finish with her already? Can’t you see that asking the same questions over again is hurting her?”

“We’re sorry Angel. We just have to take Buffy to the hospital, so a rape kit can be performed,” Lilah Morgan answered. Angel nodded in agreement.

~*~*~*~*~*

At the hospital Buffy arrived with the detectives and Angel. As Buffy was sent to examination room one Angel had to stay behind. He wanted to be there for her, but they told him that he needed to stay out in the lounge.

“No, I want Angel here with me. I’m scared.”

“You don’t have to worry,” Doctor Jenny Calendar said.

“I need my boyfriend. I feel safe when he’s around. Please doctor,” Buffy pleaded.

“Alright. I’ll call him in.” Angel came in and wondered why Buffy called for him.

“Buffy are you alright?”

“I am now. Could you talk to me while the doctor does the rape kit?”

“Sure,” he said and kissed her hand.

While Angel was taking to Buffy, Jenny Calendar took some pictures of Buffy’s vagina. She then took a cotton swab and took some sperm sample and placed it in a bag. She would then take it and test to see if it’d match Parker Abrams. She’d also perform test on Buffy as well in a couple of days. She then had to take pictures of Buffy’s face and her chest. Angel didn’t want to see anymore and turned his back.

“Angel, I’m ready.” He turned around and looked at his girl.

“Oh, Buffy before you go, I want you to return in a couple of days, so I can perform a pregnancy test. Since he didn’t use a condom there’s a chance that you might be pregnant.”

“Thank you doctor.”

~*~*~*~*~*

On the drive back to Angel wondered if he should stay with her or was she supposed to be with her family. ‘As much as I’d like the idea, it’s best that she’d be with her family.’

“Buffy, I was thinking that maybe I’ll be dropping you off home. I think that…”

“No, I want to be with you.”

“With me? Are you sure? Don’t you think being with your family would be better?”

“No, I feel safer with you.”

“Okay.”

~*~*~*~*~*

They made it to Angel’s dorm room with out any trouble. Buffy went inside and Angel closed the door right behind him.

“Why don’t you take a shower and I’ll wait for you outside? You can use the towel inside, I just placed it in there before I met up with you earlier.” She nodded her head and went inside the bathroom.

As Buffy stripped off her clothes, she looked at herself in the mirror and couldn’t believe at the reflection before her. Her right cheek was red; her lower lip was split with dried up blood and the marks Parker’s hand on her breasts. You could see the imprint of his hands and it just brought the tears to her eyes. She wiped her tears away and headed over to the shower stall and turned the knobs of the water. As she stepped into the shower stall the hot water beat against her bare back. Her hands found the bar of soap, lathered it up and started scrubbing every part of her body. She thought that she smelled of Parker and wanted to get rid of that stench. The more she scrubbed the more the tears were streaming down her face.

When she stepped out, she picked the towel and dried herself off. She didn’t bother drying her hair and just wrapped the towel around her body and stood there just waiting. It was like her world had stopped and she had nowhere to go.

~*~*~*~*~*

Angel was outside and wondered what took her so long. He heard the shower stop and thought in a few minutes she’d be out. So he took a shirt from his closet and headed inside the bathroom. When he spotted Buffy and it seemed like she was hypnotized and had no idea what was happening around her. It seemed like she didn’t spot Angel in the bathroom with her. He took the shirt and placed her arms through it and buttoned every button until he was done facing her.

“Buffy, can you hear me?”

“Oh, I’m sorry Angel.”

“There’s no need for you to be sorry. I was just worried about you. Just give me your towel and then your going to sleep.” She looked down and realized that she was dressed in one of his shirts. She took off the towel and Angel took to with the rest of her clothes and piled them on the counter. He noticed that she didn’t move at all. So he picked her up in his arms and her arms went around his neck. He placed her gently on his bed and pulled the covers to her neck.

“Goodnight, Buffy,” he said caressing her cheek and kissed her forehead. Angel moved away to change his clothes, but was stopped by Buffy’s voice.

“Angel?”

“Yeah. You okay?”

“Can you sleep with me and hold me in your arms tonight?”

“Sure. Just give me one minute to change and I’ll be right there.” She gave him a faint smile. Angel quickly went into the bathroom and changed into his t-shirt and sweatpants. He made his way to the bed and slipped under the covers as Buffy slid over to his side. She laid her head on his arm as the other one lay securely on her waist.

“Angel?”

“Yeah.” She turned and faced him.

“I feel used. I wanted that my first time would be with you. I feel like I’ve betrayed you and you wouldn’t want me anymore.”

“Your first time will be with me. And I want you to get rid of that notion that you betrayed me.” She raised a brow.

“How can it be my first time with you? I…I already lost it to someone else,” she said with tears in her eyes.

“I know that, Buffy. Though when we make love, I’ll make you feel so special that you won’t even remember what happened between you and Parker.”

“But how do you know? How do you know that I won’t forget Parker?”

“I don’t. But I know this. I love you, Buffy. I know the timing is all wrong, but I was planning on telling you this on Christmas.” She couldn’t believe that Angel said he loved her. It brought a little smile on her face.

“You love me? I love you, too.” Angel smiled back.

“Now, why don’t we get some sleep,” he said and kissed her forehead. She moved in closer into his embrace until he head laid on his chest and her arm around his waist.

Angel laid there awake and waited for Buffy to fall asleep in his arms. He thought about Parker Abrams and what violent acts he could think of.

“I can’t wait to get my hands on Parker. By the time I’m done with him, he won’t even think about laying his hand on my Buffy.”

12

The next day Buffy woke up to the warm feeling and the gentle embrace of two strong arms around her petite waist. It brought a smile to her face that Angel was with her the whole night. Though the smile faded away and the events of Parker and what followed last night came tumbling down. The image of Parker’s face smiling at her practically gloating that he stolen what was the most precious thing that any woman could give to a man just made her start crying all over again. Her muffled crying increased more against Angel’s chest and he was awakened by it.

“Buffy, sweetie, what’s wrong?” He gently placed his finger under her chin letting her tear-stained face looking into his brown eyes. Of course he had the feeling that it dealt with last night’s turning events. After all no woman would be able to forget what cruel and painful actions a man like Parker caused on his Buffy. He couldn’t wait to have a nice meaningful chat with Parker. Though the anger that’s festered up inside of Angel, he doubted much talk would be involved.

“Parker. I just can’t seem to get the face of that jerk out of my mind. I’m so scared Angel. What if I see him and he approaches me? What am I to do?”

“You have every right to be scared. What happened to you should have never happened to any woman, let alone you. As for Parker approaching, he’ll think twice after I have a word with him. I’m going to be with you all the time. So don’t worry about a thing.”

“But what if he does and tries something? You can’t be around me twenty-four seven,” she said her voice trembling as the tears were streaming down her bruised face. Angel cupped her face and lightly wiped away the tears from her face. He was looking at the bruises that were made from last night.

“Well that wouldn’t be such a bad idea. I can be your protector, your knight and shining armor. I promise nothing will happen to you,” he said smiling.

“Okay. Though can we stay here and spend Christmas together? I don’t want to go home. I feel safe with you,” she said with a small smile.

“Buffy, as much as I like your idea, I think you should be with your family and friends. You need to tell your parents what happened,” he argued.

“But you promised me. Angel, I can’t tell them and I don’t want to leave this place or your arms for that matter,” she whined.

“Okay, I’ll make a deal with you. We’ll spend the day together here and the night, though tomorrow we’re heading to your place. I’ll be there by your side when you tell your parents everything. So what do you say? Is it a deal?”

“Fine. Though I really wished you had a bathtub.”

“For what?”

“For a bubble bath, silly. I would really want one right now.” Angel laughed. He couldn’t believe what she had said.

“When you get home tomorrow, I’ll make you bath.” He then gently placed a sweet kiss on her lips.

~*~*~*~*~*

Buffy had gone to sleep. Angel in the meantime decided to take a quick shower. While he was in the shower with the hot water glistening down his naked body his thoughts drifted off to Parker. Parker always seemed to ruin some part of his life. Though what happened with Dru was bad, what he did to Buffy was worse. He raped his girlfriend. It brought tears to his eyes just seeing his girlfriend’s face and parts of her body bruised. The scars, her split lip and the marks on her breasts were so painful for him. He felt guilty for not driving or walking her home. His thoughts drifted back to Parker and Dru.

“Parker, Dru, what do think you’re doing?” He tore them both apart. Dru’s lips were still flushed from the heated kiss and gazed intently at Angel.

“What does it look like Angel? We’re having fun. Why don’t you join us, Angel?”

“Are you out of your mind Dru? I would never do a threesome. I’m not into that, but apparently you are. How could you Dru? I loved you and you cheated on me with Parker Abrams. What is it that he’s got that I can’t give you?”

“He’s willing to make me feel special and loved.”

“Oh, really? And I don’t do that for you huh? Well you know what you two deserve each other. I always thought you were a little crazy in the head.” He then walked over to Parker, punched him in the face and said,

“Good luck, you’ll be needing it.”

Though now things were definitely different between them. Parker had wanted Buffy. So he was thrilled when he kissed her and then decided that it wasn’t enough so he raped her. He wished that Buffy went home so he could visit Parker. He quickly changed into his sweatpants and a T-shirt and stepped outside looking at the sight of Buffy curled up in the bed looking like a little girl in the fetal position. Angel promised himself that he wouldn’t let anything happen to Buffy again.

He made his way towards the bed gently not waking Buffy. There was a part of him that didn’t want to wake her up, but he had too.

“Buffy,” he said softly in her ear. She turned her body around with her arm securely holding his waist. She wasn’t about to get up.

“Angel, my hero.” She kept making believe that she was asleep. The closeness of both their bodies brought a smile to her face. Being this close to him made her felt a sense of security, which she had all through last night. Though right now with Angel just out of the shower with mild soap and a slight musky scent of his cologne made her very tranquil. Angel looked down and saw her smile. ‘So I’m her hero. I hope that I’ll always be.’ He bent his head down slowly capturing her lips into a kiss. As both their lips made contact, his hand went up her arm caressing, while her fingers slipped inside his hair. As the kiss intensified Angel pulled back not wanting to cause himself or Buffy any more pain.

“Ow.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you,” he said sadly. The look in his brown eyes showed how much he hated hurting her.

“Angel, you didn’t hurt me. You could never hurt me. It’s my lip that still hurts from last night.”

“Okay. Why don’t you take a shower, while I get us some breakfast all right? And before you think that something will happen, I’ll be right back.” He caressed her cheek gently letting his thumb graze over her split lip.

“I’m going to head to the bathroom. So I’ll see you soon.” She quickly got up from the bed. Angel was a bit confused by her reaction.

~*~*~*~*~*

Buffy dried her hair as she sat on Angel’s bed waiting for his return. She wasn’t too thrilled about the idea of going home or chances of getting pregnant. ‘Where’s Angel? He said that he wouldn’t take so long.’ Then she heard a knock on the door and realized it was Angel and felt much better.

“Buffy, sweetie, you have to eat something. You need to keep your strength up. Eat something for me, please?”

“Okay. I will for you.” She kept on eating her bagel, but her mind was far off. She still couldn’t believe what happened, but she was eternally grateful for Angel. She has no idea what she would have done if Angel weren’t there for her. Buffy looked up at him and gazed into those brown eyes that spoke volumes when he said that he loved her and that made her smile and somewhat happy for now. Angel looked at her as well and smiled back.

13

Angel held his promise to Buffy and they had spent the whole day at his dorm. So today they were both heading home. Though before Angel dropped Buffy off, they decided to head over to the Sunnydale Pharmacy. It was two days later after Buffy’s rape from Parker, so they needed to get a pregnancy test just in case if she was pregnant. As Buffy went to pay for the pregnancy test, a woman that was old enough to be her mother made a comment.

“You two will make such a lovely child together.” Buffy started crying and buried her face into Angel’s shirt.

“Did I say something wrong?”

“No ma’am. Thank you.” Angel paid the lady behind the counter and left.

They stepped into the car and Angel handed her a tissue.

“Thank you. Angel, why didn’t you say something to the lady inside?”

“Buffy, I couldn’t tell her that my girlfriend was raped by an asshole and could be pregnant with his child. I didn’t see the need to and besides the look on your face shows that you really are worried. I’m more concerned about you than some lady in a store.” She looked intently into those brown eyes that loved her so much.

“Well, when you put it that way, I guess you’re right.”

“Okay, let’s get you home.”

~*~*~*~*~*

They made it to the front porch of Buffy’s house. She had been dreading this for the past two days. Though in her mind, she knew that Angel was right. She needed to tell her parents and friends about what happened.

“So I guess, I should ring the door right?”

“Yeah, that would be a good idea,” Angel said smiling.

“Can you stay a while and then head home? I’d really like it if you were there with me,” she said pleadingly.

“Sure. I know my mom won’t mind.” Buffy rang the doorbell and her mother opened the door surprised to her daughter and a young handsome man beside her.

“Buffy, it’s so good to…my God, Buffy what happened to your beautiful face?” That was all it took and Buffy broke down and cried.

“Oh, Mom it’s so horrible!” She embraced her mother.

“Oh, honey what’s so terrible? Please come in.” She then looked at Angel.

“Angel,” he said his own name. They made their way to the couch with Joyce still holding Buffy securely in her arms. Angel sat right next to his girlfriend.

“Buffy, sweetie tell me what’s wrong?” Buffy lifted her head with her tear stained eyes.

“I was raped, Mom.” Joyce was shocked by the words that her daughter had just told her. She couldn’t believe that her little girl got raped.

“Was he the one that raped you?” Hank Summers asked.

“Of course not Dad! Angel would never hurt me. He loves me,” she said looking into those lovely brown eyes.

“Love? He’s your boyfriend! Since when? And if he really is your boyfriend, where was he when this happened to you?” Hank said with is voice rising.

“I was at a frat party,” Angel said softly. He was already feeling terrible about the whole situation.

“A frat party?! So you couldn’t leave your drinking buddies for a minute and drop my daughter at her dorm!”

“With all due respect sir, I was planning on dropping your daughter off.”

“Then what changed? Tell me! I’d like to hear your side in all of this.” Buffy just couldn’t take it anymore so she yelled out loud.

“It wasn’t his fault, Dad. It was mine. I told Angel that I didn’t need a ride home. He wanted to take me back to my dorm. So don’t yell at him.”

“I’m sorry Angel. It’s just that Buffy’s my little girl and the idea of a man doing that to her angered me so much.”

“Apology accepted sir. I know exactly how you feel. When I saw Buffy and found out who it was that just made matters even worse. I can’t wait to see Parker Abrams because the both of us will be having an intellectual conversation,” he said sarcastically.

“You’re gonna beat the shit out of him,” Hank answered.

“Maybe,” Angel said smirking. Hank liked the way Angel was thinking.

“Dad! Angel! I can’t believe you, too. I’ve already pressed charges on Parker. Besides I don’t want you to get into any trouble by beating up Parker.”

“Who said I was going to beat up Parker? I’m just going to have an intellectual conversation man to man.”

“Don’t give me that.” Angel turned to face Buffy.

“Buffy, I need to do this. He hurt the both of us. He especially hurt you,” he said caressing her cheek. She tilted her face into his hand, placed her hand on his and kissed it.

“Okay.”

“I have to get going. Call your friends and you’ll tell me what happened with the pregnancy test.”

“I want you here later. I’m not doing it without you.”

“Okay, I’ll be here. See you later.” He kissed her on the cheek and said goodbye to her parents.

~*~*~*~*~*

Angel went straight to his room when he got home. His mother found it so strange that her son had nothing to tell her.

“Can I come in?”

“Sure, Mom,” he said with a small smile. Mrs. McCrohan noticed that her son wasn’t his usual self. As she made her towards his bed, she looked at the sad _expression on his handsome features.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” he said looking at the ceiling.

“Something’s wrong.”

“How do you know?” He looked at his mother.

“I’m your mother. I can tell. Is something wrong with you and Buffy?”

“No, Buffy and I are fine.”

“So are two are together? That’s great. Though something’s bothering you. So spill.” He had to laugh. His mother was happy for him, but she never forgot why she came to see him.

“It’s Buffy. She got raped by Parker Abrams and I blame myself for what happened to her Mom.”

“Don’t blame yourself for Parker’s actions.” Angel’s mom heard the name Abrams and remembered Michael Abrams, who was Parker’s father. She had dated him and he wanted to move things further into their relationship and Kas wasn’t ready. Then one day Kas went to see Michael and she caught him with Brittany. Though things changed for Kas, she met Chris and they became inseparable. So after meeting Chris, Michael Abrams was a blimp on the radar screen for her. Though now she looked at her son and saw pain that was cause by another Abrams.

“It is my fault mom. I told Buffy that I’d take her back to her dorm and she said no. I should have insisted and made her wait for me.”

“Angel, don’t burden yourself this way. The point is that you were there for her. You took care of her and for that she’d be eternally grateful. You are so much like your father, when we first went out again.”

“Really?” Angel smiled at his mother. She kissed him on the cheek and stood up.

“Yeah. Just be there for her. Oh, one more thing. I’d like you bring this Buffy of yours over.”

“I’ll do that.”

~*~*~*~*~*

Angel was up in Buffy’s room with her friends Cordelia and Willow. Buffy had just gone inside the bathroom and took the pregnancy test. The results would have been made in fifteen minutes. It seemed like the longest fifteen minutes of her life. Angel was pacing back and forth in the room. He had all different kinds of thoughts rummaging through his mind. ‘How about if she’s pregnant with Parker’s child? Is she going to have the baby or get an abortion? Would I love this child as if it were my own? I just hope she’s not pregnant with his child.’

“Angel, could you stop pacing please? If you keep it up, you’ll make a hole in my carpet.”

“Oh, sorry Buffy. I’m just worried.”

“Well you’re not the only one. You think that I want to be pregnant at eighteen to a lowlife like Parker Abrams.” Angel walked over to her and held her in his arms.

“Don’t worry. No matter what the outcome is, we’ll be in this together,” he said rubbing her back.

“Even if I’m pregnant?”

“Yes.” He then kissed her head. Both Willow and Cordelia saw the interaction between the two and anyone could tell that they were both truly loved each other.

“Isn’t it cute how he really loves Buffy? I hope things will come out in a positive way.”

“Yeah, I hope you’re right Willow. College life is hard enough and how would she be able to get through being pregnant and be a single mom?” Cordelia asked.

“He’ll be there for her,” Willow answered. The timer in the bathroom went off. It was time for the results. Would Buffy be pregnant or would she not? Buffy went inside and came right back out with a straight face. Everyone that was in the room couldn’t tell if it was good news or bad news.

“Well?”

“What’s the verdict?”

“Are you pregnant?” Buffy looked at all the three faces and smiled.

“I’m proud to say that I’m not pregnant.” They all smiled and each of them hugged her.

“That’s great news Buffy. I’m that glad things worked out for the best.”

“Thanks Will.” Angel was looking intently at Buffy He was thrilled beyond relief. Buffy had already suffered enough as it is. Angel was smiling at her while he was leaning his head down to kiss her.

“I think that’s our cue to go,” Willow said pulling Cordelia away.

“No, let’s stay.” Buffy looked over to Willow and Cordelia and eyed them both.

“I’ll call you to later. Bye,” she said smiling as they left.

Buffy looked at Angel placing her hands around his neck and pulled him down for a kiss. As the kiss intensified Angel didn’t want to hurt Buffy, but it seemed as if she didn’t mind at all. His hands went around her slim waist holding her firmly against his broad chest. As their lips parted when they kissed, Angel slipped his tongue inside her lips lightly playing with hers just savoring the moment. Angel wanted to continue kissing her, but decided to pull back. Buffy whimpered at the lost of his lips.

“Why did you stop? Don’t you want to kiss me anymore?” she said pouting.

“Of course I do. I just thought that if we continued to kiss that maybe I wouldn’t want to stop. I love kissing you Buffy,” he said smiling.

“Oh. Okay.”

“I have to get going. I’ll see you for Christmas. I want you to enjoy yourself for the next couple of days and relax. I don’t want you to have any bad thoughts.”

“Okay. I’ll do that. Can I have just one more kiss?” He bent his head down and captured her lips once more.

“Bye,” he said smiling.

“Bye,” she said smiling back. He then walked out of the door. She lay back down on her bed and sighed.

14

The days were passing by and it was almost Christmas. Angel still hadn’t bought Buffy a gift yet. ‘What do you get for a girl that you love?’ Angel was still in his thoughts when his sister, Faith entered the room.

“So Angel, what plans do you have with B? Does it include you and her exchanging bodily fluids?”

“What?! Are you out of your mind? I love Buffy and it’s none of your business if her and I exchange bodily fluids.”

“Ouch. Excuse me. I’ll leave you.”

“You do that.” He didn’t mean to get angry with his sister, but she was pushing his buttons and he had to answer her. If Faith only knew what happened to Buffy and maybe then she wouldn’t be acting like a bitch.

~*~*~*~*~*

Buffy on the other hand had brought Angel’s gift already. It was an Art book of his favorite artist Van Gogh. She knew for sure that he’d love it. She could always tell how passionate he was for Art because she noticed it in class. While she was wrapping up her gift for Angel, her mother, Joyce entered the room.

“Buffy, can I talk to you?”

“Sure Mom. What’s up?” Joyce was a bit concerned about her only daughter Buffy. She hasn’t been herself since the rape and has been distant with everyone except Angel. Whenever Angel would call her she’d smile and be happy, but afterwards she’d close up again. Joyce would never know what it’s like being raped, but could see the pain and frustration her daughter would get all the time if Parker Abrams crossed her mind.

“How are you feeling?”

“I’m fine.” What she wanted was for everyone to ask her how she was. The truth of the matter is that she wasn’t fine. She had no idea when she’d be fine again. Though talking with Angel every night before she went to bed helped eased her pain.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, Mom. I’m fine and besides Christmas is around the corner. Tis the season to be jolly.”

“Okay, I’ll leave you alone. Just try to not think too much about what happened.”

“Okay.”

~*~*~*~*~*

Parker Abrams was thrilled with his triumphant conquest with Buffy Summers. He figured that she had gotten some action already with Angel, but then again Angel wasn’t always too quick to get with a lady. As Parker was pondering on the accomplishment of banging Buffy, his father Michael came with the police to his room.

“What’s with the cops Dad?”

“Son, they said that you raped a young woman. Is it true?”

“Of course not.”

“Parker Abrams, we would like you to join us at headquarters. We need to take a sample of your semen to analyze it with the victims.”

“Well we thought that you’d come with us, but since you’re acting uncooperative, we have a warrant for your arrest.”

“I can’t believe this! Dad, aren’t you going to do something?”

“I’m going to have to let them take you, but don’t say anything until your lawyer comes.”

“Alright Dad.”

~*~*~*~*~*

Down at Sunnydale Police Department, Parker Abrams was in one of the interrogation rooms and he was waiting for his lawyer, Holland Manners, who worked for Wolfram & Hart.

“Parker, it’s good to see you again. So what trouble are you in now?”

“Same to you, Holland. Some girl I went out with said that I raped her.” The older man looked at him with such amazement.

“Did you?”

“Of course not.” The two officers stepped into the interrogation room to start their questions on Parker Abrams.

“Okay, Parker let’s start this. Do you know a woman named Buffy Summers?” Lindsay McDonald asked.

“Yes, I do.”

“Did you rape her?”

“Of course not. We slept with each other.”

“Well that’s not the way she explained it.”

“Come on, you know what’s it’s like to know a girl and she’s hot. She liked it rough. So that’s what I gave her.” Lilah Morgan just couldn’t stand the arrogance of Parker Abrams. He was so smug.

“Really? ‘Cause according to these pictures right here, it seemed like it was a bit rough and then some,” Lilah said.

“Those bruises aren’t made by me. I would never do that to anyone.” ‘I’m letting this blonde bitch get me. If I have to threaten her I’ll do it.’

“Well then if it’s not you, then who did that to her?”

“Her boyfriend Angel McCrohan. He’s the one that should be here not me.”

“Okay, well see him. Though we’d still like a semen sample from you.” Parker looked over at his lawyer. Holland nodded his head in agreement.

“I just want to tell you that you’ve got the wrong man.”

“We’ll see about that.”

~*~*~*~*~*

Angel was in the mall with Xander and Oz. He liked the both of them because they were after all his best friends. Though Xander always would say something unexpected and Oz would just look at him weirdly.

“So Angel what are you getting for Buffy?”

“I don’t know Xander,” Angel answered fir the fifth time already.

“How come? You must have some idea.”

“Well I would if I didn’t have someone constantly nagging me about it.”

“Who? Me?”

“Who do you think? At least Oz here doesn’t nag so much.” Oz smiled at the compliment.

“That’s different because Oz is the quiet one, you’re the brooding one and I’m the funny one,” Xander said smiling.

“I don’t brood. I think.”

“You brood. You always do especially now.” Angel just glared at him. They were passing by the stores when Angel spotted the gift that he wanted. He found out that during the “CAR WASH” that one of the guys took a picture of them looking at each other intently, both bodies flushed up against one another and the smile that was evident on their faces. He knew that was gift to give her.

“You’re buying her a picture to put in it. Isn’t that sort of a cheap gift?”

“No, because I have a picture to put in it. Besides Buffy will love this gift. It comes from the heart. So what are you getting Cordelia?”

“Cordelia? I am a man of many talents and ideas so to speak, so I shall think up of something.”

“You better. ‘Cause the way I see you don’t have a lot of time.”

“Yeah, he’s right about that,” Oz said.

15

Buffy was up in her room thinking about when she was going to see Angel. The thought of him always made her happy and put a smile on her face. Then suddenly her phone rang and brought her out of her reverie.

“Hello.”

“Hey baby. How are you feeling?”

“I’m fine, now that you called me.”

“Have you talked to your friends?” She thought for quite a while before answering.

“No, but I plan to.”

“Sweetie, you have to talk to them. They’re your friends. You can probably tell them things that you can’t tell me.”

“That’s not true. I can tell you anything.”

“Buffy, you know what I mean. They are girls and you can tell them personal stuff.”

“I guess. Though can we not talk about this anymore? I just don’t want to think about Parker or what he’s done to me.”

“Okay. So what would you like to talk about?”

“Us. Also what is my Christmas gift?” He laughed at her question.

“I’m not telling you anything. Besides it’s a surprise and I know that you’ll love it.”

“But if you really live me, you’ll tell me.”

“Oh, you’re good, but I’m better. I love you, Buffy, but I’m still not telling you,” he said smiling at the other of the line.

“Fine. Be that way,” she huffed in frustration.

“Oh, don’t get mad. I’ll give you one clue. It has the both of us in it.”

“Okay, now you’re confusing me.” Angel started laughing again.

“Let’s forget about it. I’ll see for Christmas. ‘Night Buffy.”

“’Night, Angel.”

~*~*~*~*~*

It was finally Christmas Day and everyone’s household was excited for this moment to come. Christmas the most joyous time of the year was finally here. Angel was thrilled with the idea of seeing his girlfriend Buffy. He missed her so much. So as he was about to make his way out of his room his mother called out to him.

“Angel?”

“Yeah, Mom.”

“When are you going to bring Buffy over?”

“I promise you, she’ll be here for New Year’s Eve.”

“Okay.” The truth of the matter was that Angel never told anyone that lived with him about Buffy’s rape. He figured that when she came over, that he’d tell them.

~*~*~*~*~*

Buffy was finishing the last minute touches on her hair. She wore a black knee length skirt, a red sleeveless blouse and her long blonde hair was twisted into a bun and was held with a black clip. As she looked at her appearance once more in the mirror, she actually smiled at the reflection before her. She wasn’t back to her old self, though she knew that in time with the support of family, friends and especially Angel that she’d be smiling and forget all about Parker Abrams. The doorbell rang downstairs, which disturbed Buffy’s thoughts, but she realized that it must have been Angel.

“Merry Christmas, Mrs. Summers.”

“Merry Christmas to you, too. Come on in Angel.” He stepped inside the house as Buffy approached him.

“Merry Christmas, Angel. So what did you get me?” Angel laughed.

“Gee, I can sense why you wanted me here. My feelings have been hurt deeply.”

“Awe, poor baby. Let me kiss it and make it all better.” She stood on her tiptoes leaning up while his head went down until their lips finally met.

“A little, but could you try a little harder.”

“Angel, I can’t…” He stopped her with another kiss and led them over to the couch. His arms held her securely around her waist. Her fingers traveled up the spine of his back to the nape of his neck threading through the short strands of his brown hair. The kiss deepened even further as Angel gently slipped his tongue parting her lips finding that familiar place with her tongue just brought him to complete happiness.

“Much better,” he said grinning wickedly. She hit him playfully.

“By the way here’s your gift,” she said handing him a rectangular object. He looked at the nice wrapping paper, picked up the gift and started to shake it.

“It’s not ticking. That’s a good sign.” She hit him again.

“I can’t believe you. You are definitely acting like Xander now.” Angel laughed. He opened his gift and what revealed was an art book on Van Gogh. Van Gogh was his favorite artist and the smile on his face as he was flipping through the pages showed that he really loved the gift.

“Thank you, Buffy. I love it so much.” He then hugged and kissed her on the cheek. He then handed Buffy her gift. She looked at it and thought it was weird. It was small and rectangular. As she tore the paper, she noticed that it was a back of picture frame.

“You got me a picture frame?”

“Turn it around.” She did and what she saw was the both of them at car wash, Angel holding her while both of their eyes was locked with the other as if they were the only two people in the world. It was at that same moment that they decided to kiss one another.

“How did you get this?”

“Well one of the guys were taking pictures at the time and they snapped a shot of the both us. I have a copy in my room on campus. I thought that maybe you’d want one as well.” She smiled at the sentiment that he made.

“That’s what I’m here for. Oh, by the way Merry Christmas.”

16

The end of days of the year was coming. Angel decided to have all his friends over and his girlfriend Buffy to join the festivities of ringing in a new year. Angel had promised his mother that she’d meet Buffy. He also hoped that sister wouldn’t pull any tricks while Buffy was around. It was like she knew that Angel was talking about her and entered the room.

“Hey Angel, so is B coming over today? I can’t wait to see her. You know how us sisters have to stay together?”

“Yeah, right. Please Faith if there’s one thing you could do for me is don’t bother Buffy. She has been through a lot and the last thing she needs now is your sarcastic, cruel comments.”

“Fine. I’ll play the dutiful sister. But if something happens, don’t go blaming me for anything.” He just looked at her.

~*~*~*~*~*

Buffy was extremely nervous. Why? Well for one, she was heading over to Angel’s for New Year’s Eve. Angel was easy to handle and that even included Faith. Buffy was more worried about meeting his parents. ‘What would they think of me? Did Angel tell them about Parker? If he did, do they want me dating their son? Oh, just get a grip on yourself.’

She rang the doorbell and when the door was opened an older man that looked like Angel stood before him.

“Hello,” Chris McCrohan said smiling.

“Hello, Mr. McCrohan is Angel here?”

“Sure. Come on in. Angel there’s a young lady here to see you.” Buffy made her way inside Angel’s home and walked into the living room and sat down on the blue couch as Angel’s Dad sat on a chair nearby.

“So how long have you known my son?” “I’ve known him since the beginning of the semester.”

“Are you dating my son?” He needed to know because the last girlfriend that he brought was Drusilla. According to Chris McCrohan his last girlfriend was weird. She seemed like she was spacing out and couldn’t tell where she was. He was hoping that this young lady wasn’t dumb blonde. Before Buffy thought up of answer, Angel came into the room.

“Dad, I can’t believe you.” He stepped up to Buffy and gave her a quick kiss on the lips.

“I guess that answers my question. So son, are you going to introduce me to this lovely young lady?”

“Dad, this is Buffy Summers, my girlfriend.” He took her hand and kissed the back of it.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Angel’s mother stepped inside and noticed Angel’s girlfriend.

“Chris, are you flirting with this young lady?” He looked over and noticed his wife.

“Oh, Kas you know you’re the only one for me.”

“That’s right mister. It better be that way. I’m sorry Buffy, I’m Angel’s mother.”

“It’s nice to meet the both of you. I also see where Angel gets his charming act. Like father, like son,” she said looking at both men.

“You see son, if I were younger I’d win your Buffy’s affections,” he said grinning.

“Dad! I can’t believe you!”

~*~*~*~*~*

Angel was inside the kitchen getting drinks when his mother stepped inside.

“Son, I still can’t believe how awful she must have felt after that rape.”

“I know, Mom. She still isn’t quite herself completely yet. I feel at times she doesn’t want me round.”

“Angel, you have to understand that these things take time. These emotional scars may last with her forever, but if you show her that you love her in due time things will be back to normal.”

“I hope you’re right.”

~*~*~*~*~*

The rest of Angel’s friends made it over to his place in time to gather around the couch and began talking to one another. Everyone was paired up with their significant other. Buffy sat on the couch with Angel sitting in between her legs with his back to the couch. Willow and Oz shared a loveseat, while Xander and Cordelia sat on the other end of the couch. Angel moved his head up and looked straight into those green eyes that belonged to his girlfriend.

“Buffy, are you okay?” She looked and smiled at those brown eyes that showed so much love and affection.

“Yeah, I’m okay.”

“You sure?” To reassure her boyfriend she placed her hands on his cheeks and gently lowering her head and gave him a kiss. In return his hands were laid on her thighs.

“So does that answer your question,” she said breathlessly.

“Uh-Huh.” She laughed at how adorable he looked saying that as if he was a little schoolboy.

Faith saw the interaction between her brother and his girlfriend. She decided that for her brother’s sake that she’d be nice to Buffy, but after the new year rings in, it’s back to the drawing board.

“Hey everyone,” Faith said as she entered the room.

“Hey,” they all answered back. Faith sat next to Buffy and looked at the young blonde. She noticed some scars on Buffy’s face, but thought that maybe Buffy got into an accident and hurt herself.

“Hey B. What’s up?” Buffy turned her head and looked at the brunette.

“I’m fine. You?”

“Five by five.” Buffy leaned her head down to whisper something into Angel’s ear.

“Angel, since when has your sister been nice tome?” Angel turned around, kneeled in front of her and whispered right back to her.

“Maybe Faith’s trying to be nice.” She lifted her eyebrows.

“Okay, but can we not worry about my sister or anyone else for that matter. Let’s just enjoy ourselves with our friends and ring off the new with new beginnings.” He then faced her and smiled.

~*~*~*~*~*

It had been midnight everywhere else in the United States and now it was time foe the residents of Sunnydale, California to say HAPPY NEW YEAR as well. Everyone at the McCrohan residence had their hats, horns and confetti. Xander was all decked out with his glow-in-the-dark glasses with the new year on it.

The announcer on the television was ready to start the countdown.

“10…9…8…7…6…5…4…3…2…1 HAPPY NEW YEAR!” Everyone blew their horns, threw confetti into the air and wished everyone a Happy New Year. Buffy and Angel faced each other looking at the other her deeply and shared the sweetest kiss. It was a beginning of a new year and hopefully things will change for the better.

17

It was two weeks later and everyone returned back to UC Sunnydale. Everyone at the school had heard about Parker’s arrest. The cause as to why he was arrested was pretty vague. Though now he was walking on the school grounds as if what he had done to Buffy Summers was nothing at all. He didn’t pay any attention as to where he was going and ran smack into what seemed like a wall. He looked up and was faced by two angry brown eyes.

“Angel.”

“Parker.”

“So how is Buffy anyways? Last I heard she was pretty beaten up. She should watch out for those muggers out there,” he said smugly. Angel just couldn’t believe that he had the nerve to say that to him in front of his face.

“How is she? You know how she is, you asshole! You just couldn’t keep your hands off her could you? So instead you forced yourself on her and raped her. I can’t believe that you’d stoop that low to get a girl and let alone mine.”

“Oh, come on Angel. You and I both know that she got what she deserved. She was screaming the whole time and asked God to save her,” he said gloating. The more Angel heard him, the more angered he got.

“So you see Angel, in the long run Buffy would have been mine. You just seemed too slow to get her into bed. You’re always acting so noble and having good intentions. Buffy’s a girl that wants adventure. So that’s what she got. An adventure. An adventure of a lifetime.” Those last words just made Angel even more upset. His eyes became darker and cold. His hands clenched and finally he made a fist and decked Parker.

“If you ever come near Buffy, call her or even find some way to contact her, you’ll wish that you never met me.” Angel punched Parker one last time, kicked him in the stomach and left. Parker coughed up blood and held onto his stomach.

~*~*~*~*~*

By the end of the day Parker Abrams was picked up in the fraternity house, Delta Zeta Kappa by the UC Sunnydale Police Department.

In the station the officers on the case explained the whole situation to Parker and his lawyer Holland Manners.

“We had the DNA results of your clients’ specimen and our victims and had them sent to the lab. After we had the results, the tests indicate that the semen that Parker given us matched with Buffy Summers.”

“Okay. So they had sex. We all know that.”

“No, Mr. Manners, what you don’t understand is that your client raped an innocent woman,” said Lilah Morgan.

“Is it true Parker? Did you rape Buffy Summers?”

“Yes, I did. Though the blonde bitch deserved it. She had it coming.”

“I can’t believe you, Parker. I can’t do anything for you anymore. You’re finished.”

“Are you out of your mind Holland? My Dad’s paying you good money, so I suggest that you do your job and get me out of this mess.”

“Unfortunately, you’ve created it.”

“Well I guess we’ll just wait for a court hearing and everything will be settled.”

“Oh, by the way Parker, who gave you that nice bruise on you chin and that split lip?”

“This was done by Angel McCrohan, Buffy’s boyfriend.”

~*~*~*~*~*

Buffy woke up this morning with a smile on her face. It was her 19th birthday. Her past birthdays haven’t gone so well, but she had this feeling that this one would be special. She had no clue whatsoever as to what Angel was going to give her. She kept on asking him a few times and basically his response was always a no. The only thing that Angel kept on responding to her was that she’d like it.

~*~*~*~*~*

Angel was up in his room and he was excited about what he had in store for his girlfriend, Buffy. Things between them were getting back to normal in some ways. Though there’s this part of Angel that wished what happened to Buffy didn’t happened at all. Though beating the shit out of Parker sure brought a smile to his face.

“Parker, Parker. Oh, Parker. I’m so glad I won’t be seeing your face anymore. You have caused so much trouble in my life. First with Drusilla and then with Buffy.” Angel quickly went inside his parent’s room looking for his mother. He needed her help with wrapping up the birthday gift.

“Mom, can you wrap up Buffy’s gift for me?”

“Sure, sweetie.” He handed his mother the box.

“So what did you get her?”

“Take a look.” Do you think she’ll like it?”

“Oh, it’s beautiful. She’ll definitely love it.”

~*~*~*~*~*

Buffy had all her friends over at her parents’ house. She wasn’t too crazy about going outside after Parker, but eventually the adjustment would have to be made. Each of her friends made it over and was baring gifts. Though the most important person hadn’t showed up yet.

‘Where’s Angel? What could be taking his so long? I hope nothing bad has happened to him.’ Joyce looked over and noticed her daughter’s _expression. She walked over and hopefully would ease her mind.

“Buffy, don’t worry he’ll be here.”

“How did you…?”

“I can tell. I had that same look when I’d worry about your father.”

“Thanks Mom.” She then gave her mother a hug. As she released the hug, the doorbell rang.

“I’ll get it.” She quickly made her way to the door and Angel was standing there with a smile on his face.

“Angel,” she said smiling.

“Buffy.” He just stared at her outfit. She had a blue jeans and a black sweater and her hair was swept up in a ponytail.

She had to stare right back at him. He looked so great in his blue jeans and brown sweater that matched his eyes. She could just stare into those brown eyes that loved so much. She took his hand and pulled him inside.

~*~*~*~*~*

Everyone had settled in and said their happy birthdays to Buffy. Now it was time to distribute the presents. Buffy was thrilled with what her friends got her, but she wondered what was Angel’s gift. All her friends either didn’t know or they just didn’t want to tell her.

“Happy Birthday, Buffy.” Angel then handed Buffy a black velvet box. All kinds of thoughts started rummaging through her head. The only person that knew about this gift was Cordelia. She adamantly insisted that Angel buy Buffy jewelry.

So Buffy opened the box and what was revealed was a gold bracelet with and angel charm hanging from it.

“Oh, Angel it’s so beautiful. I love it.” She them hugged him and gave him a nice kiss.

“See, I told you that she’d love it.” Cordelia said happily. Angel took the bracelet out of the box and placed it on her wrist.

“Now you’ll have an angel with you at all times.”

18

Valentine’s Day is a time for romance, being with the one you love and getting tons of candies and flowers. Each of these three couples will experience their very own valentine with the one they truly loved.

Angel was thrilled about Valentine’s Day because he knew for sure that this Valentine’s Day wouldn’t be like the others. He’s had Valentine’s Day with Drusilla and they were nice, but at times her head wasn’t there. She would be far off in another place. He knew for sure that with Buffy he’s going have lots of fun and hopefully this would be the night for them to take the next step.

~*~*~*~*~*

The girls were all at Buffy’s house upstairs in her room talking.

“So do you have any idea what Angel’s getting you Buffy?” Cordelia asked. She was eager to find out what Angel had for Buffy.

“No. I know that what ever Angel gets me, I’ll be thrilled.”

“Oh, please. Buffy, you and I know pretty well that you’d want something romantic. Besides you were stating that you’d like anything doesn’t imply him buying you a CHIA PET as a Valentine’s Day gift.” Buffy laughed.

“I can’t believe you. Cordy. A CHIA PET. He wouldn’t get me one.”

“I think a CHIA PET is kinda cute. I know I’d like it if Oz got me one.”

“Ugh. Willow it’s just like you to say that. Oz could give you a box of conversation hearts and you’d be merry.”

“Okay. So Cordy, what would you like from the man of your dreams?”

“Oh, please Buffy. Xander Harris is a guy that makes corny jokes and watches cartoons all the time.”

“But you like him, besides all that Cordy. He’s a sweet guy that makes you incredibly happy.”

“Okay, you win.”

“So ladies, what shall we wear for tonight for our favorite men?” Cordelia asked.

“I don’t know, but we’ll figure something out,” Buffy said smiling.

~*~*~*~*~*

The evening was approaching and soon everyone would be enjoying a relaxing, romantic evening with their loved ones. Angel was getting dressed in his room when Faith entered in to annoy her brother on his date with Buffy.

“So Angel you ready to go out with Buffy tonight? What exciting plans do you have for little miss blondie? Are you planning to go all the way and making tonight the night?” Angel glared at her.

“Yes, I’m going out with Buffy. Though I don’t see where it concerns you. As for my plans and what I except to happen tonight with Buffy is none of your business. Besides I never give you the third degree.”

“True. Though you don’t want me going out with your frat friends. What about Spike? Can I date Spike?”

“Spike. Spike and I are like brothers. Spike sees you as his kid sister.”

“Well if Spike saw me now, he wouldn’t see me as his kid sister,” she said smiling.

“Faith!”

“What?”

“You know and besides when he comes over this weekend, don’t make any moves on him.”

“Not if I can’t help it.”

~*~*~*~*~*

Buffy was up in her room looking at herself in the full-length mirror. Her long, silky blonde hair was draped over her back, while she had on a red knee length silk dress with spaghetti straps, black nylon stocking with matching red pumps. She wore minimal makeup, but wore a shade of candy red lipstick that matched her dress. Before she grabbed her purse she wore Angel’s bracelet on her wrist.

“I know for sure that Angel’s gonna lose it,” she said smiling into the mirror.

~*~*~*~*~*

Oz wanted to make this a special night for his Willow. He truly loved the redhead very much, since the very moment he laid eyes on her. Since then they both have been inseparable and absolutely in love with one another.

Oz had always been one for changing his hair color. One week, he’d be a blonde, and then dye it black or even brown. So he decided to go for his natural hair color, which was red.

“He was going to pick up Willow, but she decided that she’d surprise him instead. As he made his way downstairs he already saw Willow sitting on the couch.

“Willow.”

“Oz.”

“You look so beautiful.” He looked at the attire if his girlfriend and noticed that she wore a pink shirt with a red heart in the center with a long red skirt and black books.

“Thank you,” she said blushing. He took a hold of her hand and led her to the dining room.

~*~*~*~*~*

Queen C or Cordelia as everyone called her couldn’t believe that her and Xander Harris and her were still together. They were two completely different people, but found some way to be attracted to one another. In their case opposites do attract.

Xander Harris picked Cordelia and headed over to the French bistro called Chez Pierre. Cordelia just couldn’t believe her eyes when Xander’s car pulled up to the French restaurant.

“Xander, my, my this is a surprise.”

“You thought I was taking you to McDonald’s huh?”

“No. I just can’t believe that you could afford a place like this because you have to book months ahead of time.”

“And that’s what I did. So why don’t we head inside, instead of spending our time talking okay?”

~*~*~*~*~*

Buffy heard the doorbell ring and ran to the door, but slowed her stride and opened the door. The face that was presented to her was her boyfriend.

“Hi,” she said shyly. She looked at his clothes and noticed that he was wearing a burgundy velvet shirt and black jeans. The shirt brought out his broad shoulders and his long lean arms. As for the black jeans they were tight in all the right places. It was like second skin to him. ‘Oh, he looks so good. I remember when I saw him in his boxers and how much I wanted to kiss him. I don’t have to worry about that because, now he’s mine. I can kiss him as much as I want.’

“Hey,” he said smiling. He then handed her a dozen red roses. She took them from him and thanked him. He hardly heard a word that she had just said. His brown eyes were transfixed on the back of her red dress and the sway of her hips moving right to left. As she turned around and started walking towards him, his eyes just couldn’t stop staring at how the red silk dress slung so perfectly on her body.

“Happy Valentine’s Day.” He then leaned down and kissed her. He made it brief because he wanted to give her, her real Valentine’s Day gift.

“Same to you. Thanks for the roses again.” He led her to the car and opened the door for her. ‘He’s the perfect gentleman.’

~*~*~*~*~*

Willow and Oz had finished dinner and they sat down on the couch. He faced Willow and pulled a box out of his jacket pocket and placed it in her hands. She was surprised about the black velvet box and opened it.

“It’s so beautiful Oz. I love it.” She then launched herself into his arms and kissed him all over his face.

“I guess this means you love it.” He clasped her gold bracelet that had a charm of a guitar and a witch on a broom. It symbolized the both of them.

“It’s us. It’s so cute. Thank you.” She laid her head on his shoulder while his arm wrapped around her shoulder.

~*~*~*~*~*

Xander and Cordelia were starting dessert and he began saying something.

“Well Cordy, it’s Valentine’s Day and to show you how much I love you, here’s your gift.” He got up, went behind Cordelia’s back and placed a gold necklace with a heart around her neck. She was in such awe with the gift that Xander gave her.

“Oh, Xander. It’s so lovely. I can’t believe you such great taste.”

“Ha, ha, very funny Cordy. You thought I was going to by you a gift from a vending machine for a quarter.”

“No, of course not. Thank you so much.” She then kissed him.

~*~*~*~*~*

Buffy and Angel made it to The Bronze and sat on the couch. Angel had come in with a red bag with hearts all over. Buffy had wondered what was in the bag.

“Angel, honey what’s in the bag? Is it for me?”

“Hmm. Is it for you? I guess,” he answered with a smirk. He handed her the bag. She quickly sifted through the pink tissue paper and lifted out a brown teddy bear.

“Awe, Angel it’s so cute. Thank you so much.” She then placed wet kisses all over his face and finally landed on his lips.

“I guess I should be giving you teddy bears more often. Well that’s not all, squeeze the paw of the bear.” Buffy squeezed the paw of the brown teddy bear and came out the words, “I LOVE YOU, BUFFY” with Angel’s voice. She smiled when hearing her boyfriend’s voice coming out of the bear.

“So whenever I’m not around, all you have to do is touch the bear and it’ll say those words.”

“I feel bad that I didn’t have anything for you. I’ll make it up to you on your birthday.”

“Don’t feel bad. I have everything that I always wanted that’s right in front of me.”

“Really? It’s me right?”

“Yeah, it’s you and only you.” He took her hand in his and ked her up and onto the dance floor.

As they held each other the music played. His left hand held her waist his other held her hand. Buffy had her hand on his shoulder and her green eyes gazed up looking into his brown ones. No matter where she was or what she was doing, but when she was in Angel’s arms nothing else mattered to her, but the man before her.

‘He looks so good tonight. His clothes just accentuate all his physical attributes. To his broad chest, his long sculpted arms underneath his shirt, to his long lean legs that were hidden under his tight black jeans.’ Oh, how much she loved those jeans especially. They weren’t too tight, but tight enough for her to see his ass.

‘I have to stop thinking about him in that way. Control yourself, Buffy. You’ve seen him with fewer clothes and you were still able to control yourself. Be a good girl, Buffy.’

‘Buffy looks so beautiful. What am I saying? She always does, but tonight looking at her in that dress, just the way her hips swayed in that red silk dress and her legs fully exposed looked so great. As my fingertips gracefully touch the sheer material of her dress, I lean in closer to take a sniff of that sweet smell of vanilla perfume that radiated off her skin. I could stay right here forever having her right her in my arms.’

‘Angel, you look so handsome tonight. The way you hold me, and feeling the touch of your fingertips against my back brings a shiver down my spine. As the tips of my fingers sift through the velvet material of your shirt, I feel the strong muscle of your bicep, it makes me realize that you my protector. If I left my head and look into your brown eyes, I can see the love that you have for me.’

“Happy Valentine’s Day, Angel.”

“Happy Valentine’s Day, my Buffy,” he said smiling.

19

Buffy was in Angel’s room studying her next Art exam. The room was so quiet and tranquil, that if you dropped a pin you hear it drop. The silence was something that Buffy needed now in her life. Even though it’s been close to, two months after the rape, it still haunted her at night. She never mentioned it to Angel about the nightmares or waking up in the middle of the night with cold sweats. He had been there for her and didn’t want to burden him even more.

Angel on the other hand sitting next to her on his bed was looking intently at the blonde beauty with his adorning brown eyes. He could stare at her for hours and never get side tracked. When he was with Buffy, especially when they were alone in situations like these it’s the moments that he could have. He wouldn’t trade anything for it. Though now the looks of his girlfriend staring in the Art book and her facial _expression of somewhat confused meant, it was time for a break.

“Buffy, I think you need a break.” He then skidded over, closer and started to kiss her cheek and moving his lips towards the nape of her neck. As his lips descended making it’s journey on the creamy flesh of her skin, Buffy started to moan.

“Angel. Please not now.” Angel ignored her and kept on going. He knew that she needed this and so did he. They would kiss from time to time, but not like they use to. He understood why. Parker was the reason. It always came back to that bastard. Angel put Parker in the back of his mind and kept on kissing his girlfriend. He pulled her onto his lap and her black skirt hiked up a bit revealing her thighs a bit more. His strong hands held onto her slim waist as his lips made their destination towards Buffy’s lips. As the kiss deepened between then, Buffy struggled because she didn’t want this. Her mind her heart was confusing with her decision making. Her mind told her to think rationally and to stop this, while her heart seek the comfort, love and tenderness of this man that has always made her feel safe, but now wasn’t the time.

“Angel, stop. I’m not in the mood. I seriously need to get prepared for this,” she said breathlessly.

“Oh, come on Buffy. You’ve been studying for two hours straight. I thought you might need a break.”

“I don’t. You’re forcing me to do something that I don’t want to do.”

“What? What’s wrong with you?”

“What’s wrong with me, is that you can’t control what’s in between your legs.” She felt his arousal while they were kissing.

“I can’t believe you, Buffy. So now I can’t get aroused by you?”

“It’s just, that you seem to want more and I can’t give you that.”

“More. I just…I miss holding you closely and kissing you without you shuddering at my touch. It’s like you’re disgusted by me.”

“No, I’m not. It’s just that when you kiss me at times, I feel as if it’s Parker touching me and not you.” Those last few words had stricken a chord in Angel. He couldn’t believe that his ears at what he heard.

“Parker? You’re comparing me to that asshole! How could you Buffy?”

“I didn’t mean…”

“Don’t say another word. You said enough. You comparing me to Parker were the last thing I thought would ever come out of your mouth. You knew that I never liked him. Then when he…he raped you, it tore me up inside,” he said with tears streaming down his cheeks. It was the first time that he had even cried in front of her showing the pain and anguish that Parker has caused him. She went to place her hand on his cheek to wipe away the tears, but he stopped her.

“No. Don’t feel sorry for me now. See you weren’t the only one suffering. I think that maybe we need some time apart.”

“What? You’re breaking up with me?” Buffy had tears forming in her eyes.

“Yeah, I think that maybe it’s time that you start hanging out with your friends more often instead of me.”

“Who am I suppose to talk to? Who’s going to hold me when I’m crying? Tell me Angel?” Angel just looked at her while the tears continued cascading down her cheeks. He couldn’t answer her question.

“Buffy, I think you should go now.” He stayed seated on his bed. Buffy gathered her books and placed them in her bag. Her back was towards him as she turned around once more.

“Angel, please don’t leave me. I need you,” she said with her lips trembling.

“Just go.” As she opened the door she silently whispered four last words to him.

“I love you, Angel.” She then walked out the room.

~*~*~*~*~*

Outside Buffy made her way through the hallway and bumped into Darla. Darla was the last person that she wanted to see. She knew for sure that Darla would be thrilled about this joyous occasion.

“Buffy, why the tears? Did Angel do something to you?”

“Shut up, Darla.”

“My, my I struck a nerve. Well from the looks of the tears running down your face, it’s either Angel and you had a lover’s quarrel or you to broke up? So which is it?”

“My relationship with Angel is none of your business. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to get going.”

“I guess little Buffy and Angel broke up. Boo hoo. I just can’t wait to get my hands on him,” she said grinning wickedly.

~*~*~*~*~*

Angel just stared at the wooden door with his football poster of Superbowl XXV with the New York Giants having won that year. A part of him knew that he was harsh, cruel and mean to Buffy, but she left him no choice. He loved her, but she compared him to Parker Abrams, his mortal enemy. The thought of Parker’s name just brought back all the frustrated, pent up anger within him. His fists clenched until the red of his blood disappeared and turned a shade of white across his knuckles. His relaxed face became serious, eyes became dark and unfriendly and his jaw clenched.

“Oh, God, what have I done? She needs me now more than ever, but I still kicked her out. Well I couldn’t actually accept that compliment. I just wished that all the things that happened to the both of us never happened. She’s been gone for only five minutes and I miss her like crazy. Though I’ve decided that this is what’s best for us.” Little did Angel know someone was stopping and caught an earful as to what he said?

“So Buffy compared him to Parker. No wonder she was crying. They actually broke up. Oh, this is getting even better. This was way too easy. This weekend with the party that we’re having Angel McCrohan will be mine. I gotta talk to Faith,” she said smiling to herself.

~*~*~*~*~*

Buffy quickly made her way to Stevenson Hall and made a quick dash to her room. She knew that Willow wouldn’t be back until later and in some way she liked it like that. Buffy had decided on not attending the frat party that was scheduled for this weekend. As she changed her clothes into a matching white tank top with little bears and matching pants her thoughts just went back to Angel. This was there first fight that led them to break up.

‘Did I make things get this far? Would Angel have stopped if I said so? Oh, who am I kidding, it’s Angel. He would never lay hand on me like that.’

As she sat on her bed with her pillows fluffed up behind her, she swerved her head towards her table. On the table besides the phone that she shared with Willow, was her lamp, her picture with Angel and the teddy that he gave her. She picked up the picture frame and lightly touched the glass surface of the picture of Angel looking at her with such love with her fingertips. She placed it back on the table and picked up the teddy bear. Her instant reaction to the brown bear is to squeeze it’s stomach and hear the words ‘I LOVE YOU’ it brought tears to her eyes that when she heard the sound of his voice saying those words to her.

~*~*~*~*~*

Darla was thrilled beyond relief that Buffy was out of Angel’s life. It was her turn to put the moves on Angel McCrohan and make him hers for good. She was walking on the gray carpet interior of the Sigma Delta Gamma house, when she looked to her right and spotted the brunette girl. She slowly made her way towards Faith and called her name.

“Faith!”

“Jesus, Darla you could have given me a heart attack. What’s up?” Faith asked after her momentary shock.

“You wouldn’t believe who just broke up. Guess?” Darla asked cheerfully grinning.

“I don’t know. Who?”

“Oh, come on Faith. Can’t you take a guess?”

“No. So it’s either you tell you or me don’t. I don’t like playing guessing games.”

“It’s your brother and Buffy. They’re both spiltsville.”

“You’ve got to be shitting me. Those two were like inseparable. How do you know?” Faith knew perfectly well that Buffy wouldn’t tell her and Angel wasn’t one to share anything painful on his life.

“I over heard the two of them talking in Angel’s dorm room. It was intense because from the sound of Angel’s voice those two are history.” Darla didn’t want to tell Faith about her over hearing Buffy comparing Angel to Parker. She knew that Faith would get mad, suspicious and wonder why. Darla thought that if Faith wanted the whole story she’d have to go to the source. It was either Angel or Buffy.

“Well I’m glad. Those two were just starting to make me sick. If they weren’t kissing they’d be looking at each other with puppy dog eyes. Ugh. I knew she was trouble from the get go. Good riddance.” Though after that last statement she had to admit that her brother was less broody and happy, but that didn’t mean that she liked Buffy Summers.

~*~*~*~*~*

Angel lay on his bed and stared at the while ceiling trying to find a particular spot to gaze at. He couldn’t believe that he told Buffy that they needed to break up. He was only trying to make her relax by kissing her, holding her closely. He just missed that intimate contact with his girlfriend and now it’s gone.

“Did I really do the right thing and break up with Buffy? But then again she hurt my feelings comparing me to Parker and thinking I wanted to have sex with her.”

“I would never, ever force myself on her after that painful ordeal she went through with Parker. It always led to Parker.”

His thoughts drifted back to the night he found Buffy up in her room, the night she was raped.

“Sweetie, who hurt you?” He held his hands by her cheeks so she’d look into his eyes. She closed her eyes. He pulled her away and turned on the lamp by her bed. When he saw his girlfriend’s face he was shocked at the sight before him.

“Oh, God! Buffy!” He noticed the fresh tears streaming off her cheeks. Her eyes were red, puffy and flushed from the crying. The thing that caught his attention the most wasn’t the red mark across her cheek, but her split lip. He let his thumb graze against her swollen lower lip that had dried up blood and was now purple. He was thinking that not too long ago he kissed those sweet lips under the mistletoe and now she was abused and battered. He continued looking down her body and noticed her cute t-shirt was torn and there were marks above her breasts. Then his eyes wandered down and noticed her stockings were ripped into shreds as well.

“Who did this?” he asked.

“Parker. Parker Abrams,” she said quietly. As soon Angel heard the name of his enemy, his facial _expression from concern became angered. The ridges on his forehead were concentrating, his soft brown eyes turned dark black and his fists were clenched turning white.

“Parker. I can’t wait to see Parker. He and I will have so much to talk about,” Angel said sarcastically. Everything had changed from that day on and Angel didn’t realize it, but it affected him immensely. All the nerves in his body were tied up in knots. He was frustrated and angry with Parker that night, but especially with himself. He should have made her stay and wait for him. Though a part of him figured that Parker wanted Buffy, but for the inconsiderate asshole to do something like this to his Buffy was unforgivable. His brown eyes became darker into a shade of black like the night. The creases on his forehead scrunched together causing his eyebrows to become rigid. The very last thing that he recalled was his hands clenching into making a fist causing the red blood on his knuckles disappear and become a shade of white.

He just hoped that things between them would change for the better. Even though it’s only been like a couple of hours, he really wanted and missed Buffy in his life. He truly loved her, but her words cut him deep and caused a broken wound in his heart.

20

Angel and Buffy avoided each other at all costs. When one would be in the same room, the other either left or moved away so the other wouldn’t be nearby. Either way you put it, these two have always loved one another and it showed through their actions.

Buffy was already in Art class just waiting to see if Angel would have come because he skipped the last class. Though she figured that he’d show up today because they had an exam. An exam that she knew that he’d pass. She lifted her head up in time to see Angel enter the classroom. He always looked great in whatever he wore.’ He was mine once. And I just let him go. I want him back.’

Angel looked around the classroom for an empty seat, but the only one that he saw that was available was next to Buffy Summers. ‘Why is it that the day I decided to come to class in time, I have to find a seat next to Buffy? That’s just my luck. I guess I have to no choice but to sit next to her.’ Angel made his way over to the seat that had always been his favorite spot, but now it just didn’t have the same effect. He sat down and Buffy looked over at him and smiled at him.

“Hi Angel,” she said softly. She hoped that he’d respond in some way. He looked over at her and just stared at her. ‘What was he suppose to say? Hi, honey, I miss you and I want us to be together again. Who’s kidding whom? I guess the most I could do is say hi right back.’

“Hi,” he said looking right into those green eyes. He wanted to say more, but stopped himself before he’d say something out of line.

“Angel, I…”

“Don’t. I don’t want to here it.” He knew what she was going to say. She was sorry for what she had said, but it just didn’t seem enough. Buffy just stopped her train of thought. She just knew that she wanted Angel McCrohan to be hers again.

~*~*~*~*~*

The weekend was just around the corner because it was Friday. It was great for Angel because he just wanted to stay in his dorm room and brood. Brooding just seemed to be his forte these days. The brooding consisted of Buffy and why he called it quits. He just needed this weekend to sort out his thoughts.

Though at the very moment Xander and Oz walked right inside his room. Xander saw the look on the dark haired man and noticed the facial _expression meant. Buffy. It was plain and simple. He was heart broken.

“Hey Angel, are you up for this weekend?”

“Huh? What’s this weekend?”

“You know that the Delta Zeta Kappa always round up some money for charity and then we all go to Spring Break afterwards. Doesn’t that ring any bells?”

“No. I’m gonna spend the weekend in my room. Have fun.”

“Angel, I may not always agree with Xander here, but I don’t think this is going to solve your problem.”

“I know Oz, but I just can’t see her with another guy. It’ll tear me up inside.”

“Okay it’ll hurt you, but it’s better that you see her and know how she feels, instead of thinking of something else. Just remember this, Buffy loves you and only you. I don’t know what happened between you two, but I hope that you’ll resolve it.”

“Thanks Oz. I’ll think about it.”

~*~*~*~*~*

Faith and Darla were thrilled about Angel and Buffy’s relationship coming to an end. The two women were trying to come up with a plan to make it over between the two lovey dovey Buffy and Angel show.

“We have to think up of something. I’ve always wanted you brother and I’m so close.”

“Yeah, Darla. I know you want to know what’s hidden in between my brother’s pants, but he isn’t that easy to persuade into anything. You have to remember what happened with him and Drusilla.”

“I know Faith. Though when I make my moves on your brother, he won’t know what hit him. Angel’s gonna be mine. Coming tomorrow night, Angel won’t even remember Buffy Summers. I guarantee it.”

“If you say so Darla.” Though in the back of Faith’s mind she knew that Darla was going to seriously need help.

~*~*~*~*~*

Buffy was sleeping in her room and was thrilled that the weekend came. She could sleep in and not have to worry about classes or bumping into Angel. Angel was the person she didn’t want to bump into especially after his wonderful words. All she wanted was to do was continue lying her heard on her soft pillow and remain in her pajamas and relax.

Though Willow Rosenberg had plans for her blonde friend. She noticed how down her best friend was and she wasn’t too happy since her break up with Angel. She had been dull and depressed and didn’t want anything to do with friends.

“Hey Buffy, so you ready for the party at the Delta Zeta Kappa tonight?”

“Nope. I’m staying right here in my room. I figure I can do some major moping,” she said slumping back into her bed.

“No, way Buffy. You’re going to get up and move your butt into the shower.”

“No, I’m staying. Besides there’s nothing for me over there.” She just wanted Willow to leave her alone.

“No, you’re not. You are coming with me and you will get your man back. You and I know perfectly well that you miss Angel.” Buffy didn’t respond, but agreed with the redhead. She missed her Angel a whole lot.

~*~*~*~*~*

The party at the fraternity house had just started. The music was pumping as the blaring hit off those notes on the speakers. Some of the people were swaying their hips, while others were just either sitting down and chatting away or standing up. Either way you looked at it, everyone at the fraternity house was enjoying themselves, except for two people. Angel and Buffy. The two of them just didn’t want to be there or even less seeing one another and knew that they couldn’t communicate well enough.

Darla saw “her man” or rather potential boyfriend was sitting by his lonesome. She knew that she’d use her charm on him and everything would turn her way. The best was yet to come. She made her way towards Angel and sat beside him.

“Hey Angel, why the long face?” He turned his head over to his left and recognized the voice. ‘Oh, great, it’s Darla. Can’t she see that I don’t want to be bothered? I’m brooding.’

“Hey Darla,” he said sarcastically. He just wasn’t in the mood to be around any woman. The last thing he wanted now was Darla throwing herself at him.

“I love the way my face is. Why don’t you go bother someone else? I’m not interested.”

“Oh, come on Angel. Just because you and Buffy aren’t together, that doesn’t mean your life is over and that you have to be so depressed. Cheer up Angel,” she said smiling.

“Come on, Angel. Let’s dance.”

“I’m not really interested. I just want to sit right here by my lonesome.”

“Oh, no you don’t. You mister are going to dance whether you like it or not,” she said dragging him out of his seat.

“Fine. Since you insisted.” Angel figured he’d dance with Darla and then settle to his dorm room and sleep afterwards.

~*~*~*~*~*

Faith was going to pull her plan into action. She heard from Darla that Buffy was no longer her brother’s girlfriend, which meant it was time for some bonding of sorts. Her and blondie really didn’t hit it off and figured now would be the time. Faith brought two drinks with her and one of them was for Buffy. She figured that Buffy needed some loosening up.

“Hey B! How’s it hanging?” She then handed the blonde a drink.

“Okay, I guess. Why you being nice to me all of a sudden?” Buffy knew perfectly well that Faith had never liked her for Angel.

“I heard about you and Angel. It must be hitting you really hard.” Faith was trying to be persuasive and hopefully see what’ll happen.

“How did you? Oh, forget it. Yeah, it’s hard, but I’m dealing with it.” Buffy then took a sip of her drink. Her eyes then wandered around aimlessly and stopped right at Angel with Darla. ‘Well I guess he sure forgot about me already. I can’t believe I’m jealous of Darla. You know perfectly well that he wouldn’t go out with Darla. But then again, the smile on his face showed it all.’

~*~*~*~*~*

Angel had enough of dancing and seeing Buffy smiling, and enjoying herself. He always felt her green eyes piercing at him and decided to smile, to show her that he wasn’t in pain.

Angel made his way to his dorm room and Darla was right behind him. He tried to get rid of her, but she didn’t get the picture. Though he figured that she wanted more out of this night. He was definitely not going to put anything out for her. Ever.

“Darla, thanks for cheering me up for a while.”

“I’m glad that I could be of service to you,” she said leaning closely into his body. Angel moved her away. He then opened the door and she went straight on inside.

“Darla, I’m not in the mood. I’m tired. So could you please leave on your way out?”

“Sure.”

Angel took off his shoes and climbed into bed not even bothering to change. He was fast asleep in no time. Darla was thrilled because now she could have Angel when she woke up the next day. She made her way to his bed and lied right next to him fixing herself.

~*~*~*~*~*

Buffy had so many drinks that she was giddy. She knew that Faith slipped her the alcoholic drinks, but didn’t care anymore. She just wanted to forget about Angel for quite a while. She was laughing hysterically as she somehow made it to Angel’s dorm room. Buffy figured that he wouldn’t be around and be with Darla.

As she opened the door and quietly walked inside, she noticed something. She was about to lie down on the bed and then she spoke out.

“Oh. My. God.”

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