Author: JO

Disclaimer: I don’t own them. They belong to Joss Whedon.

Rating: PG13

Distribution: To anyone that has my first two fics, please take this one as well. If someone else wants this just ask.

Summary: Buffy and Angel literally bump into each other and their world suddenly changes.

Dedication: To Tara, this is her November 2002 challenge. I’ll have the challenge written towards at the end of the fic.

Author’s note: Italics denote lyrics or flashbacks.

Feedback: Love it. Hate it. I need to know. It’s the only way I’ll know who’s reading it.

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1

Buffy Summers isn’t your ordinary young lady. Her family the Summers owned most of the buildings in the town of Sunnydale. She’s twenty-one years old and is the apple of her father’s eye. Buffy’s older sister Cordelia Chase Summers is twenty-four years old and is jealous of her sister’s affection. As far as Cordelia sees it, their father Hank Summers spoils Buffy a little too much.

Buffy was up in her room picking an outfit to head out shopping with her best friend Willow Rosenberg.

“Ah ha!” Buffy found a red tank top and a pair of blue jeans to wear. She slipped on her clothes, then sat down and slipped on her black Nike sneakers. Her long blonde hair was made in a ponytail and she wore a touch of makeup, vanilla lip-gloss and earrings. Buffy looked herself over one more in the mirror, grabbed her purse and headed out the door.

“Where are you going young lady?” Hank Summers asked.

“I’m going shopping with Willow, Dad,” Buffy answered smiling.

“I thought you had plans with your boyfriend. Isn’t he coming over tonight for dinner?”

“Yes. He is. I’m going to see him later on. Willow and I are planning to meet him.”

“Okay, sweetie. Have fun.”

“Thanks Dad,” she said kissing his cheek.

~*~*~*~*~*

Angel McNamara was a successful judge on the town of Sunnydale. He always gave a fair sentence to everyone that came into his courtroom. He was the judge that most criminals were scared of. Angel was sitting in this judge’s chambers thinking about the criminal that was out in his courtroom. It was a simple open shut case.

Angel made his way back inside the courtroom and sat in his seat He looked up at both the District and Defense attorney.

“I’ve come to a decision. I’ve heard both sides and seen all the evidence before me and I find Michael Harris guilty of murder. His sentence is twenty to life with no chance of parole.”

“That’s all. I’ll be in my quarters,” Angel stood up banged the gavel and left he courtroom.

~*~*~*~*~*

Buffy and Willow are at the mall just looking at the clothes before them. The right dress still hadn’t caught the eye of Buffy yet.

“So how are things with Oz?”

“He’s fine,” Willow said blushing. It seemed that no matter how many times Buffy would mention Oz, she would blush like a high school girl.

“I guess by the redness on your cheeks that you and Oz had some fun,” Buffy said smiling.

“Very funny. Well speaking of boyfriends, how’s Riley?”

“He’s fine. He’s suppose to meet up with us after our shopping spree,” Buffy said happily. Her relationship with Riley had been wonderful. He was everything that a girl would want in a boyfriend. Hw was sweet, thoughtful, kind and loving. They both have been going out since she started college. Though lately Buffy wondered if being with Riley for the rest of her life is what she wanted or needed.

“I think I got the dress Willow. What do you think?” Buffy asked showing a black spaghetti strap dress.

“It looks nice. Try it on.” Buffy went inside and quickly changed out of her clothes and into the black dress.

“So what do you think?” Buffy said waltzing out and twirling around.

“Yep, its you. You should get it. Riley’s gonna flip.”

“That’s what I’m hoping for.”

~*~*~*~*~*

Spike had some ides as to how to get rid of his best friend for good. He just noticed that Angel just had everything coming into his life a little too easy. So he’s going to take everything from Angel little by little until everything disappeared before his very eyes.

Spike was lying in bed naked under the covers after having sex with Dru, who happened to be Angel’s girlfriend. Spike did say after all that he’s going to take everything that belonged to Angel and that included his woman.

“Spike, do you think this is the right way for me to leave Angel?”

“Sure it is Dru. You know that I deserve you than Angel does. He doesn’t care for you like I do.”

“But Spike this is dangerous. This will ruin his life.” Spike straddled Dru’s hips and held both of her arms above her head.

“Dru, this is going to work. You are going to leave him and stay with me. We both know that this how’s it going to be. Besides you like all the little games that we play with each other,” Spike said leaning in and kissing Dru.

~*~*~*~*~*

Angel finished all his paper work for the day. He had this tremendous headache that he wanted to get rid of. He took off his black robe and hanged it up in the closet and then headed out the door.

The drive back seemed like it was going to take forever. He finally made it to his driveway and stepped out of his black BMW and opened door to his house. The first thing that greeted Angel was his German shepherd Jeb.

“Hey there buddy! I guess by the barking I can see that you missed me,” he said as he knelt down. Jeb in response licked his face. Angel stood up and walked towards the kitchen. He then took out some dog food and water and poured them into their bowls.

“Well now that you have dinner, I think I should get mine.” Angel quickly dialed Domino’s number and ordered a large a pepperoni with mushrooms pizza. He then quickly went up the stairs and stripped off his clothes and headed into the bathroom. He turned the knobs on his faucet and stepped inside letting the hot water fall against his shoulders. His head leaned against the white tiles as his ear heard the sound of the water running. What seemed like fifteen minutes was only five, so he grabbed the bar of Irish Spring Sport soap and started a nice lather and spread it over his body. He then grabbed his bottle of VO5 Kiwi scented shampoo and massaged the amount that was in his hands.

“I need to see Dru. It’s been a while since I’ve been with her.” Angel finished rinsing his hair and then added conditioner and then stepped out of the bathroom. He threw his towel on the bed and walked around in the nude and looked for his boxers. He quickly got dressed in his sweats and a tank top. Angel dried his hair and headed downstairs right in time for the delivery guy to come with his pizza.

“Thanks. Have a good night,” Angel said paying the young man and shut the door. He placed the pizza box on the table and quickly headed into the fridge and grabbed two bottles of Heineken and returned back to the living room. Everything was in place and dinner was served. This was perfect for him, but the only that was missing was Dru.

“I guess it’s just you and me buddy.” Jeb barked.

~*~*~*~*~*

2

*1 year later *

It seemed that things were going great for Angel McNamara until the murder trail that ruined his life, his career and most of all his relationship with Dru. He just couldn’t understand what he did wrong for things around him to her this way. As Angel sat down on the ground checking the amount of cans that he collected and reflected on what happened and what went wrong.

Angel arrived at work with a smile on his face or rather a smirk. Well the smirk came from his wonderful night with Dru. The sad thing was that Dru was fucking his best friend. It was a pity that the man was blinded by love.

He looked at the latest cases that were at hand. He noticed that he had a handful for that day. Though Angel was use to the heavy load of work. It wasn’t like he didn’t know what it was like to be a lawyer defending or prosecuting the client.

“So how are things with you thins morning, Angel?” asked George Richards.

“I’m feeling great George. How is you wife doing?”

“She’s doing great. You wouldn’t believe it but I’m going to be a dad.”

“Congratulations!”

“Thanks. Well I don’t want to keep you waiting any longer. You’ve got a long day ahead of you.”

“Thanks George. I’ll see you out in the courtroom.”

~*~*~*~*~*

Buffy was dressed in her white shirt with a black tennis skirt and her matching sneakers. She was ready and was heading to the Sunnydale Tennis Club to start another tennis lesson. She always enjoyed her time because it was a time that she didn’t have to be around her sister Cordelia.

“So you off to play tennis, sis?”

“You know that Cordy. What’s it to you? Don’t you have something to do with Xander?”

“Yes. Oh, and don’t forget that your precious Riley is coming to see you later.”

“I know that. Gotta go. Laters,” Buffy said smiling and heading out the door. As Buffy got into her Jeep she noticed Xander coming.

“Hey Xand. My sister’s waiting for you. See ya later!”

“Hey Buffy! Thanks.”

Buffy kept driving on the road and just wanted to get her annoying older sister out her mind. The last thing she needed was that evil bitch ruining her day. She finally made her destination and valet her car and headed inside.

“Hey Rich. How are things with you?”

“I’m fine now that you’re here,” he said flirtingly.

“Very funny Rich,” Buffy said hitting him on his chest. The two of them would flirt al the time. Though the both of them were in a serious relationship.

“I’m always funny,” said the dark haired man.

“So you ready to teach me a new lesson today?”

“Let the fun begin,” Rich said smiling.

~*~*~*~*~*

Angel was going through the cases one after another. Though the last one had been a touch one. This case had been in Angel’s lap fort he past six months. The more evidence that was presented, the more things just got more complicated in Angel’s mind. He wanted to make the right judgment and move on with another trial.

“All rise the honorable Angel McNamara presiding,” said George Richards, the bailiff. Angel stepped in and sat in his seat.

“You may be seated. Well this case has been one long difficult one that I’ve ever had. Through the evidence from the Sunnydale Crime Lab states that Parker Abrams clearly killed the people at The Bronze. Therefore my decision has been made and it’s guilty. His sentence is twenty-five years to life,” Angel said and then stood up walked back into his chambers. When Angel sat down, he wondered if he made the right decision. He wondered why he was having doubts. He never had doubts when he put a convicted killer away.

‘If I made a mistake my whole life will be over.’ Angel quickly changed out of his clothes and headed out the door. He quickly drove home and didn’t waste time to call Dru and tell her that he cancelled their date for tonight. He went to the fridge and grabbed the green bottle of beer and sat on his couch.

“Let’s see that’s in the TV.” As he turned the TV on to the local new the topic was his case.

“On news today, Judge Angel McNamara convicted killer Parker Abrams twenty-five years to life. Though reports of the judge being bribed by the prosecution and evidence being tampered has raised some suspicions,” said the news announcer.

“I can’t believe this shit! How could this happen?! I never took a bribe in whole entire life. This can’t be happening. I can lose my license and not being able to work ever again,” Angel said learning his head in between his hands.

~*~*~*~*~*

That night Angel couldn’t sleep at all. He just kept tossing and turning in the bed. All the images of losing his career, his house and Dru would cause heartache for him. His world was tumbling before him and it was getting worse.

Well apparently a police investigation was made on Angel. They had found a transaction of five million dollars on his savings account. Then the evidence was supposedly tampered with.

“So tell me this Angel, how did five million dollars get into you savings account?”

“I don’t know for the fifth time,” Angel said through gritted teeth. He was getting pissed off because someone screwed him over and he had no fucking clue whom it was.

“Oh, come one don’t play the role of the Messiah just tell us who you are involved with?”

“I don’t know. I’ve never seen that money before in my life.”

“Okay, I think that’s enough Detective Gunn,” Lindsay McDonald said.

“Well your client really isn’t helping himself by keeping silent. That ain’t going to help come his hearing.”

Angel couldn’t believe that he was one of the most respected judges in Sunnydale and now he’s a convicted criminal.

~*~*~*~*~*

Well that was then. Now he was homeless in the streets of Sunnydale gathering empty cans of soda or beer bottles to make ends meet. Angel had lost his license; his house and his assets were frozen. Though the saddest thins of all was Dru leaving him. Her exact words to him were that she couldn’t be with a criminal and not take him as well. All his friends rejected him. He couldn’t go back home to his family because they lived in Ireland. So Angel was with his only companion, his dog Jeb.

“I just wished that a miracle would come upon me. Though I doubt that’s gonna happen huh fella?” His dog just barked in response.

~*~*~*~*~*

Buffy was sitting in the café enjoying her coffee and blueberry muffin. As she was sipping her coffee and feeling the warm liquid going down her throat she noticed a man with a dog. She wasn’t able to understand why there was such homelessness in this world. She thought that everyone needed to have a home. Though unlike her sister, Cordelia who always said that people are lazy and just got what they deserved.

“It’s sad. He sure seems like the only family that he had is his dog,” Buffy said sadly. Buffy kept looking at the tall man in ragged clothes collecting empty cans everywhere he could find. Though all of a sudden the mysterious man had dropped a can in the street and there was a car coming his way.

“Watch out!” Buffy yelled. Though the man didn’t hear her. So Buffy quickly ran and pushed him off and then the car quickly put its brakes on.

“Are you alright?” Buffy asked being right on top of him. He looked up into those green eyes and noticed that an angel saved him. He just wondered why did she save him? It’s not like he mattered to anyone in this world anymore.

“Yeah. Thank you,” he said smiling.

“Are the both of you alright?” asked the driver in the car.

“Yes, “ they both said.

~*~*~*~*~*

3

Buffy got off of Angel and stood up. He got up as well and looked at the nice lady that saved him.

“Thank you,” Angel said to her. Buffy was about to respond when his dog came over and couldn’t stop barking.

“Hey there buddy. I’m okay. This nice lady saved me,” he said looking at her once more.

“I think we better get off the street before we make a scene.”

“Okay.” They both walked over to the café where Buffy was enjoying her lunch. Buffy had informed the driver that everything was okay and that no lawsuit would be placed on him.

“You saved my life. Why?”

“Because I didn’t want to see you hurt. Besides you’re a person and somebody out there would miss you.”

“Yeah, right,” he said sarcastically. He knew that he shouldn’t have answered her like that, but he was just annoyed at his life and what it had become.

“I guess I shouldn’t have said that,” Buffy said sadly.

“I’m sorry. It’s not you. It’s me.”

“Let me get you something to eat. My treat,” Buffy said smiling.

“I think we should go. Dirty homeless man and a pretty lady isn’t a match and I’m causing a scene,” he said with a smirk.

“Fine. But I’m still getting you something to eat and you are coming with me.” Even before Angel had a chance to argue with the pretty blonde she was off getting his food.

“Okay. Let’s go.”

~*~*~*~*~*

Darla was cleaning Buffy’s room. She made sure that everything was in its place. A part of her envied Buffy’s life and the lap of luxury that she lived in.

“Why could I be in her spot? But no I’ve got to be the maid to miss spoiled princess bitch.”

Darla continued cleaning and was hearing the sound of a vehicle coming into the area of the house. She went to the window from Buffy’s room and noticed that Buffy had returned from her tennis lesson.

“Ooh, miss everything gets what she wants is home.” Darla turned her back, but didn’t notice that Buffy had a male friend with her.

~*~*~*~*~*

Buffy and Angel stepped out of her car and walked to the family’s pool house that was a couple of feet away.

“Okay, you are staying here.”

“I can’t do that to you.”

“Yes, you can. My name is Buffy Summers by the way.”

“So your Buffy Summers.” He had heard so much about her.

“Yeah and you are?”

“I’m Angel.”

“Angel. Pretty name. No last name?”

“I think if you knew who I was you would kick me right out.”

“Come on. Tell me. I promise.”

“I’m Angel McNamara.” He saw that look on her face as soon as he said his name. She was stunned.

“You the judge in Sunnydale that was convicted of sending a murderer away.”

“Yeah, you said it all in one sentence. Look if this is uncomfortable for you I can leave,” he said and started walking towards the door.

“Angel, don’t go. Please stay. I want to help you in any way I can.”

“Fine. Though there’s one thing I want to do right now.”

“What’s that?”

“To take a shower.”

“Okay. You can leave your clothes. I’ll see what I can find for you. There are clean towels and other toiletries in the bathroom closet.”

“Thanks Buffy.” Buffy smiled and walked out the door.

~*~*~*~*~*

Cordelia was watching a movie on the TV. It was one of those Lifetime movies. Xander just leaned out and his girlfriend was right next to him. He leaned his head onto her neck and started kissing.

“Hmm,” she moaned. A part of Cordelia wanted to start making out with her boyfriend, but the move was getting interesting.

“Not now Xander.”

“Yes, now Cordy.” He then turned her face towards him and planted a kiss on her lips. As Xander deepened the kiss between him and Cordelia, Buffy entered the house.

Buffy made her way up the stairs and went straight to her room. She was searching through her bags to see if there were any clothes she could give to Angel.

“There is no way he’s staying with the clothes that he has now. Let’s see he needs underwear, a shirt, a pair of pants and socks.” Buffy found the stuff that she was planning to give Riley, but figured that Angel needed them more.

“I can’t believe that I have a judge in my house. Oh, and a good looking one too,” Buffy said smiling. Though Buffy’s dilemma was how was she going to keep Angel in her pool house without causing concern to her family.

~*~*~*~*~*

Angel had taken all his clothes and dumped them into an empty trash bag. He figured that he’d rather sleep naked then put back those disgusting clothes.

“I’m finally getting rid of these clothes for good.” Angel looked himself in the mirror and could recognize the reflection before him. His hair was long, dirty, and oily. His face was full of dirt and his hands especially his nails were yellow and had dirt as well.

He turned around and turned the knob of the shower. As he stepped in he hissed at the contact of the hot water against his feet. Angel grabbed the bar of soap and started the lather and washed every part of his body. He made sure that he got every spot in his body, his arms, chest and legs. As he rinsed the soap off his body all the dirty lack water made it’s way to the drain. He then grabbed the nearest shampoo bottle and washed his hair at least five times. Angel just wanted the scent of the stench just get off his body. So stepped out of the shower and dried off his body and his hair. He wrapped a towel around his waist and walked to the living room only to be bumped by someone.

“I’m sorry,” he said and held the person.

“It’s okay,” Buffy said looking at him.

~*~*~*~*~*

4

Buffy just couldn’t believe how good-looking he was. She already knew about him and he was one of the most famous judges in the town of Sunnydale. Though Buffy was lying to herself because she knew Angel was gorgeous because of his status. Her eyes couldn’t help stare at his brown eyes and then follow a water droplet that trailed off his broad chest all the way to the waistband of his towel. Though if he worked on his body he would have looked even better. ‘Can you stop staring at him? You have Riley and he’s boyfriend. Think Riley. Riley.’

“You okay?” He had to say something because he realized that Buffy wasn’t going to stop staring. It’s not that he didn’t mind, but he figured someone as beautiful must have a boyfriend.

“Buffy?”

“Yeah. I’m sorry. I just came by to bring you some clothes.”

“Oh, thanks. Though how did you get them?”

“They were clothes that I planned to give Riley.”

“Okay. I hope they fit.”

“Oh, they will,” Buffy, said stepping back and getting the bags. She then handed him the items.

“Thanks.”

“I’m sorry I couldn’t get you any shoes,” Buffy said smiling.

“It’s okay,” Angel said smiling back.

“I’d stay and keep you company, but I think you’d want to change. Oh, there’s no food in the fridge. I’ll come by tomorrow.”

“Thank you Buffy. I owe you.”

“Oh, don’t worry. I’ll get my compensation from you,” Buffy said walking out the door.

~*~*~*~*~*

Riley was excited to see his girlfriend and spend some time with her. He was getting dressed wearing a blue shirt with black pants and boots. Riley then called Buffy on his cell phone and waited for her answer.

“Hey Buffy.”

“Riley,” she said smiling on the other end of the phone.

“I’m getting ready and I’ll be seeing you.”

“Sure. I’m gonna get ready. See ya.”

“Bye.”

~*~*~*~*~*

Cordelia and Xander were on the couch making out hot and heavy. They couldn’t take each other’s hands off one another. Though the both of them were taking a chance because anyone could enter like right now.

“Ahem.” The both of them pried off one another and saw that it was Hank Summers, Cordelia’s father.

“Cordelia and Xander, I’m surprised. I know that you two are going out but this is too much for me to see.”

“I’m sorry Daddy,” Cordelia said getting up and walking towards her father.

“Mr. Summers, I’m very sorry.”

“It’s okay. Though next time don’t let me see it.”

“Yes, “ they said in unison.

~*~*~*~*~*

Riley arrived at the Summers household and sat in the living room waiting for Buffy. Xander was entertaining him.

“So Riley you good to Buffy?”

“Of course. She’s everything to me. I’m glad that we met.”

“Good. I just don’t want her to get hurt.”

“Who’s getting hurt?” Buffy asked entering the living room.

“You Buffster,” Xander said greeting her first.

“Thanks Xander. Riley’s great guy.” She then walked over to her boyfriend and planted a kiss on his lips.

“Hmm,” Buffy moaned against his lips. She then sat down right next to him.

“You look nice tonight,” Riley commented. Her ensemble for tonight consisted of a white embroidered lace shirt, a long black skirt and black boots. Her blonde hair was let loose and on her shoulders.

~*~*~*~*~*

Angel was now dressed in the black silk boxers that Buffy gave him. He still couldn’t believe that she let him into her home. The part that amazed him the most was that she knew who he was. That part brought a smile to his face. The close contact that they had was an interesting one. He noticed that she was staring at him.

“Well she is pretty. I mean any man who has eyes can see that. Though I have the feeling Riley is her boyfriend. He’s one lucky guy.”

He walked into the kitchen and figured out what he could find to eat. He was hungry. Very hungry. As he looked though the cabinets, he mostly found junk food. Junk food wasn’t one of the things that he wanted to eat right now.

“I need food. I can’t step outside because somebody will spot me and wondered who I was.”

~*~*~*~*~*

Buffy was sitting down having dinner with everyone. She was eating her meal, but was bit distracted and it wasn’t because of the company before her. She completely forgot that the pool house didn’t have any food. How was she going to get food to Angel? How was she going to excuse herself?

“Buffy, are you alright?” Joyce Summers asked.

“Yeah. I just forgot that I had to call Willow.”

“Oh. Well if it’s something important you can call her.”

“Thanks Mom. Excuse me.” Buffy got off from her seat and went up to her room and called the pool house.

“Angel.”

“Yeah, Buffy. Why you called? You missed me?”

“Very funny. I called to tell you that I’m going to order you some food and have it sent to the pool house. So what do you want?”

“Umm. Can you get me a pepperoni and mushroom pizza?”

“Okay. I’ll go make the call. I’m really sorry about not leaving you anything. Tomorrow we’re going to the supermarket and get you a haircut.”

“Okay,” he laughed.

“Bye.”

“Bye, Buffy.”

~*~*~*~*~*

Buffy came back and sat in the living room with Riley. Xander and Cordelia decided to head out. She laid her head against his shoulder as they sat and watched TV. As much as she wanted to be here with her boyfriend, she just kept thinking about Angel.

‘Why am I even thinking about him? He looks okay. On the other hand is he starts working out then there could be something worth seeing. Oh, get a grip you have Riley.’

“So Buffy you wanna head to The Bronze this week?”

“Sure. That would be great.” Buffy turned her face and leaned in to kiss Riley. She was glad that they were alone for now. Buffy forgot about for now and just lived in the moment. She didn’t want anyone ruining her relationship with Riley. She was helping Angel and her slight attraction or crush would end up fading away. All that sounded nice in her mind, but would she be able to stay with Riley forever.

~*~*~*~*~*

5

Angel woken up this morning in a nice comfy bed. He wasn’t sleeping n the streets, which was a great thing. He enjoyed a nice meal for once. Though a huge part of him just wanted to sleep in this bed for the next couple of days. Unfortunately his dog interrupted his dream of peaceful sleeping.

“I know your hungry. I’ll see what I can find.” Angel got out of his bed and headed towards the kitchen. He searched and kept on searching until he found some food for Jeb and water.

“There you go. Now I’m going head into the bathroom for a shower.” Angel just enjoyed the warmth of the water against his body. He couldn’t believe that the simplest things that he used to take for granted were so wonderful. As he stepped out and made his way to the bedroom he looked himself in the mirror. He was in need of a shave, a haircut and most of all a workout. So Angel changed his underwear and headed back to the bathroom to get rid of his facial hair.

“There that looks more like me. Now what am I to do with this haircut? Oh, that’s right Buffy was going to get my hair done.” He left the bathroom and got dressed in the clothes that Buffy gave him. He then made his way to the kitchen and found some cereal and milk in the fridge.

~*~*~*~*~*

Buffy was awfully happy this morning. She had and interesting day yesterday. She actually met Angel McNamara, the judge of Sunnydale or rather former judge. She always had a crush on him. What woman in the world wouldn’t find him attractive? Today she was going to surprise Angel. He had no clue what was coming to him. Buffy wore black Capri’s and a white tank top with platform sandals. Her hair was swept up in a ponytail.

“I’m heading over to the pool house. Bye,” Buffy said walking out the door.

~*~*~*~*~*

Angel was a bit tired still so he took a nap on the couch. He figured that Buffy would come later and they would head out.

Though Buffy made her way into the pool house and spotted Angel sleeping on the couch. She noticed right away that his face was different. ‘He shaved. He looks much better. Can’t wait to see him after his haircut.’ A part of her didn’t want to wake him up because she was looking at how peaceful he was.

~*~*~*~*~*

Cordelia had the strangest feeling that her kid sister was up to something. She noticed that while they had dinner that Buffy had to call Willow.

“Oh, please! Buffy is up to something. I’m going to find out.” Then today or rather this morning her sister was heading to the pool house.

“Why is she so interested in going there all of a sudden?” Though as much as Cordelia wanted to spy on her dear sister she had plans to go shopping.

“Darla, would you come here for a minute?”

“Sure thing Cordelia.” Darla wasn’t thrilled about Buffy, but Cordelia was worse. She wanted Darla to get her things, pick up things that she dropped in her room. It was endless.

“So what is it that you’d like me to do for you?”

“Actually, I need you to help me out with something. Could you find out if Buffy has someone in the pool house?”

“Cordelia, I don’t think that Buffy would like me snooping on her.”

“I’ll pay you $200 to do this for me.”

“Well okay. I’ll do it.”

~*~*~*~*~*

Angel woke up and realized that there was weight on his right shoulder. He knew that he gained weight, but this felt heavy. He turned his head and realized that it was no other than Buffy Summers, his savior. ‘She even looks pretty when she’s asleep.’

“Buffy.”

“Hmm.”

“Get up Buffy.”

“Oh. I’m so sorry that I slept on your shoulder.”

“It’s okay. You looked like you were tired,” he said smiling.

“So are you ready to get your haircut?”

“Yeah. Let’s go.” She just smiled at him. He had no clue what was coming.

“I’m cutting your hair,” she said smiling.

“No way! I think it’s better if I go to a barber shop.” He was grateful for Buffy’s generosity, but there was no way she was going to cut his hair.

“Oh, come one Angel. Don’t you trust me?” she asked innocently.

“Oh, don’t give that innocent look. I’m going to the barber and that’s final.”

“No. You are going to sit down while I cut your hair,” she said seriously.

“Fine. But if I come out looking horrible or with a bald spot, you are going to pay.” She shrugged her shoulders. ‘What am I getting myself into? How can I trust her to cut my hair?’

Buffy knew for sure that she was going to make Angel’s hair as they way it was. She made him sit on a chair that made her have more leverage on his height. She then took a cloth and tied it around his neck. His hair was still w, so she took a comb and started combing out his hair. Then little by little she began trimming it until it was done. She applied the gel and sifted her fingers through his hair getting those spikes like he use to have.

Angel was just enjoying the feeling of Buffy’s fingertips in his scalp. It felt nice and soothing. It had been so long since he’s been around a woman and Buffy’s the first woman that he’s seen that’s actually nice to him.

“So you ready to see your haircut?”

“Yeah. I just hope to have some hair left on my head.”

“Ha, ha. Very funny.” She handed him a mirror and Angel couldn’t believe the reflection before him. That was him when he was a judge and loved by his people. It brought a tear to his eye that slide down his cheek.

“Thank you, Buffy.”

“You welcome.” She noticed the tear on his face. ‘He’s really touched by this.’

“You okay Angel?”

“Yeah. I was thinking that this is how I use to look. Well of course physically I need to get in shape again,” he said smiling.

“Well in no time you will. Maybe I can get you into the house and you can use our gym.”

“No, it’s okay. I’m going to start figuring out how to maintain my reputation. Then I won’t have to hide in here and burden you anymore.”

“Yeah.” Though when she responded to his statement, she wasn’t pleased at all. She didn’t want Angel to leave just yet. She’s going to figure out a way to help him.

~*~*~*~*~*

6

Darla had agreed to snoop on Buffy for Cordelia. She just couldn’t stand the little. So she started walking towards the pool house and knocked on the door before opening.

‘I’m going to find out what miss blondie is up to.’

Buffy and Angel heard the knock from the outside. They both looked at each other.

“I wasn’t expecting anyone. Go inside the bedroom and stay there until I call you.”

“Okay. Come on Jeb. Let’s go.”

Buffy went to the door and quickly checked to see whom it was. It was Darla. ‘What is she doing here? Did my sister send her?’

“Darla, what are you doing here?” Buffy asked as she opened the door.

“Oh, I thought that maybe the pool house might need some cleaning,” Darla said smiling. Darla tried sticking her head inside.

“No, it’s clean. What can I really do for you?”

“I told you already. Though I can see that you don’t want me to enter.”

“Yeah. Now why don’t you just leave Darla? I’ll see you later.” Buffy then shut the door.

“That bitch,” Darla said.

“It takes one to know one,” Buffy said as she walked away from the door.

~*~*~*~*~*

Angel was inside the bedroom and wondered how long he had to stay quiet while Buffy talked to the person at the door. He saw that there was a mirror and looked at himself once more and was just amazed by Buffy’s haircut. ‘She really did do a great job.’ He couldn’t help but smile once more.

Buffy opened the door and caught Angel staring at his reflection in the mirror. He was in awe.

“You really like the haircut huh?”

“Yeah. You did a great job. Thanks again.”

“No problem. So you ready to head on over to the supermarket. Let’s get a move on it.”

“Who was that at the door?”

“Don’t worry about it. If it’ll make you feel better, I’ll tell you and I’ll explain it all.

“Sure.”

~*~*~*~*~*

Willow and Oz were enjoying their summer together. They both had a busy year with college. The both were strolling the streets of Sunnydale and stopped by the Espresso Pump. Oz ordered him and his girlfriend Willow iced coffee.

“So are you and The Dingoes going to tour this summer?”

“Maybe.” Willow just smiled. She knew how her boyfriend was always quiet and said no more than two words at times.

“Okay. I was thinking that maybe this summer we could do something with Buffy, Riley, Cordelia and Xander.”

“Sure.”

~*~*~*~*~*

Buffy arrived at the supermarket with Angel.

“So that was the maid of your house that was trying to snoop around?”

“Yeah. That’s the jest of it.” Buffy grabbed a shopping cart and started going through the isles. She started taking items and putting them into the cart. Angel grabbed some bread, spaghetti and some chicken and steak.

Then after grabbing what was necessary he went over to the junk food area. It’s true that the pool house had junk food, but it was missing his favorite. His hand was about to reach out for the bag; his hand went on top of Buffy’s.

“You like these?” he asked.

“Of course I do. I mean what person has not grown up liking Goldfish crackers especially the cheddar ones,” she said smiling.

“That is true. So I guess you’ll be getting more than one bag?”

“Yeah.” She couldn’t get her eyes off of him.

~*~*~*~*~*

On the other side of the supermarket was Dru. She was shocked and speechless beyond words. She couldn’t believe that Angel was alive and with a blonde young woman.

“Who is she? What is she doing with Angel? I’ve got to call Spike.” Dru quickly took out her cell phone and dialed Spike’s number.

“Hello Dru,” he said on the other end of the line.

“Spike you wouldn’t believe who I saw?”

“I don’t know. The tooth fairy.”

“No, you idiot. I just saw Angel.” “Angel, ha ha that’s a good one.”

“I’m not kidding Spike. I’m here in the supermarket looking at Angel with this blonde lady.”

“How does he look?”

“He looks okay. He’s a bit over heavy, but he’s all clean cut. What are we going to do?”

“We have nothing to worry love. Angel can’t do anything to us. He has no clue whatsoever about what we did to him.”

“I know. It’s just I’m afraid he’ll find out.”

“He won’t.”

~*~*~*~*~*

Angel couldn’t help but enjoy his time with Buffy at the supermarket. He looked across from her head and spotted a brunette. ‘Is that Dru? It couldn’t be. I mean it’s been over a year since I saw her.’

“Angel, is she someone you know?” Buffy asked.

“I think so. She looks like my old girlfriend Dru.”

“Oh.” A part of her felt sad when she heard that was his old girlfriend. ‘Who am I kidding? I’ve got Riley right. So why so I feel sad?’

“Don’t worry Buffy I don’t think she noticed that I spotted her. I still need to figure out who ruined my reputation. Buffy can you really help me bring back my reputation?”

“Well I might not, but maybe my dad can.”

“Okay.”

~*~*~*~*~*

TBC...

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