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Part Five
***
//won't somebody save me please//
Cordelia's fake, cackling sort of laughter was disturbing as Buffy and Willow stepped into the hallway of Sunnydale High. Buffy glanced over and saw Cordelia's head purposely tossed back in mid-laugh before her entourage of little mindless followers.
"...See?" Cordelia said, taking on a serious instructional gaze for her audience, "Dr. Debi says when a man is speaking to you, make serious eye contact, and you really, really listen, and you laugh at everything he says."
Buffy cringed at the second bout of cackling that erupted from Cordelia Chase and thought about being a part of her family. She nearly stopped in the hallway as the realization struck her that she had every intention of becoming a permanent part of Cordelia's life. She knew she loved Angel and saw nothing but him in her future, but real life was weaving it's way into her fantasies. She wanted to be with Angel forever and in the serious, marry him and be with his wife sort of way.
She was already blushing when she and Willow stepped out of class, knowing they were about to take on an Angely sort of topic, but her blush deepened as her friend whispered conspiratorially, "He spent the night? In your bed? With your mom there?"
"Uh-huh," Buffy nodded, as her face twisted into a wistful, dreamy smile and then snapped back to reality, "With Mom there to catch us in the morning."
"Oh..." Willow said, gulping nervously as if she had been there herself, "Wow. Big trouble, huh?"
"Biggest," Buffy said, "I'm sure when I get home I'll have a lecture coming."
"So...when you were...you know in bed together...what happened?" Willow asked, stumbling over her words and reddening furiously.
"Stuff," Buffy said, smiling at her friend's nervousness at the conversation.
"Oh! Stuff!" Willow blubbered, wringing her hands, "But you didn't..."
"No," Buffy said and nearly laughed as Willow released a loud almost thankful sigh. Buffy couldn't resist adding, "But only because he stopped me."
"BUFFY!" Willow shouted in shock, "So...was it like in the movies?"
"Will," Buffy said, stopping to eye her friend gravely, feeling that warmth feel her belly as she thought about the night before, "The *memory* is in surround sound. It was a *the hills are alive* sort of experience. But between Mom doing the disapproving parent thing and Angel being all mature and standoffish, I don't know how this is going to work."
"You two are *so* right for each other," Willow protested, "Except for the him being a cop and older thing. And the Mom thing."
"And the Buffy is doomed thing," she pouted, "I'm brainsick, Will! I can't have a relationship with him. I want to but I already know he's not going to give me what I want."
"Well, you can start slow," Willow suggested, "Like have him take you out for coffee. It's not a date, it's a caffeinated beverage. Okay, so it's hot and bitter like a relationship, but..."
"I think we're a little beyond coffee now, Will," Buffy said dryly.
"Who's ‘we'? What's like a relationship?" Xander questioned, as he rushed out of his classroom like a boy on fire, fleeing the dragon at the chalkboard most liking emitting it.
"Nothing I'll ever have," Buffy complained and then caught the confusion on her friend's face, "Coffee."
"Huh?" Xander said, still confused as he watched his two female best friends stopping to drink from the water fountain. He glanced over where Cordelia stood and felt a sort of giddy irritation as he always did when he saw her. His body told him he wanted to be around her and his mind told him to run in the opposite direction. Her bossy voice wafted to his ears as she told her sheep, "There's no comparison between college men and high school boys. I mean, look at that."
"So, Cor, you're dating college guys now," Xander said, his mind racing to be quick on his feet with her and trying to forget that her finger was pointed his direction, showing how she felt him to be so much lower than whatever creature she was dating then.
"Well, not that it's any of your business, Xander, but I happen to be dating a Delta Zeda Kappa."
Buffy's ears perked at that part of the conversation as she realized that Cordelia was dating an older guy. An out of high school older guy. What was the difference between Buffy dating Angel and him letting Cordy go out with some frat guy? Her plan to explain things rationally to her bullheaded would be boyfriend was already coming together. There was no *way* Cordy was going to have all the fun when she was going to be stuck...
"Buffy," Giles said, poking his head out from his sanctuary and interrupting her thought process, "If I might have a word..."
"If you're going to lecture me on behalf of my mother," Buffy groaned, stomping toward the library after sharing a look of commiseration with Willow, "I'd like to request that you kill me now."
"Actually," he said diplomatically, having already planned his words carefully beforehand, "I am going to be reorganizing the library as I have intended to do since my arrival in this godforsaken school and I would like you to help me after school if you have the time."
"Oh! I get it," Buffy said, plopping down into a library chair, "You're all working with Mom to occupy me so I won't hang with Angel. I *totally* tried to help you out and Mom at the same time and you repay me with plotting behind my back. Great! I'm sure when I get home Mom will have activities for me too. Let me ask you this, Giles: That little slice of life that will be mine from, I don't know, seven to seven-oh-five in the morning, can I do what I want then?"
"Buffy," Giles said, taking a seat on the other side of the table, where it seemed safer, "I understand that you want to be with Angel. Your mother and I-"
”Oh, now it's ‘your mother and I,'" Buffy shouted, "What happened to ‘she needs time to mourn' and all that crap?"
Giles straightened his back more tightly and gripped the arms of his chair for strength as he looked over the girl in front of him. Taking a deep breath, he launched into the rest of his planned conversation, which already wasn't working out according to the pretend Buffy he had spoken to in his mind. From the glare on her young face, he was certain he was going to get nowhere with her and silently asked the pretend Joyce in his mind why he was going through this torture.
***
//get away from me
this isn't gonna be easy
but i don't need you
believe me//
Buffy stood still in Angel's living room that day after school, staring at him until he looked up. She had already had enough of people telling her how to live her life for one day and she wasn't looking forward to going home to speak to her mother, which is why she came straight over here. Before she expended one more minute of energy fighting for this relationship, she had to know that Angel would back her up. Having caught a ride with Cordelia, she wasn't going to leave until he took her home. She wasn't going to run away again and allow him any more brooding time.
After a few moments, he glanced up from his book, sensing her presence and sucked in a breath as if he hadn't seen her in weeks rather than hours. He was always taken back by her beauty, as if he had convinced himself that she wasn't really the goddess he pictured in his mind. But she was. She was dressed like an adult and even though his fantasies were with her womanly side, he still saw her as a girl.
A simple black camisole and gray dress pants would seem innocent enough but Buffy made it look erotic as she crossed the room and sat down on the couch next to the chair he sat in. The pants fit well, slipping over her curves with each twist of her tiny hips and each flex of her toned muscles. The camisole was loose but it held tightly over her breasts, announcing their fullness and refusing to be ignored.
"Buffy," he said finally, as she sat waiting patiently with her hands resting on her crossed knees. One leg swung loosely over the other. Not angrily, but sweetly. Calmly. As if the storm was that brewing so deeply her eyes hadn't been sensed by her body yet, "What are you doing here?"
"Cordy gave me a ride," she said, arching an eyebrow at him, "Should I have called and asked permission first?"
"No," he said, placing his book on the table next to him. He watched as a small puff of dust came off the old volume and turned his eyes back to the real attraction in the room, "How was your day?"
"Did you break your promise?" She asked, ignoring his question and jumping right to the point. She couldn't stand one more moment of the casual facade he was failing miserably at. What she wanted was to be in his lap, nestled against that worn denim. She wanted to press her face against the soft cotton of his t-shirt for a moment and then proceed to tease him until he made love to her.
"What promise?" he asked, wrinkling his brow in confusion as he tried to remember what promise he had made.
"The one where you promised you wouldn't spend the day trying to think of another reason why we shouldn't be together," she said, meeting his eyes directly. All day she had been filled with a sort of determination that wasn't rare in her personality. What was rare was how focused she was, how she knew exactly what she wanted and how she planned to get it. Or him actually.
"I kept that promise," he said softly, easing his tongue out of his mouth to wet his dry lips. He was trying to center his attention on what she was saying but mostly he found that he was watching her mouth move. He was entranced on the way her lips shifted around her words and the tiny glimpses of her pink tongue as she spoke.
"Did you really?" she asked, trying to remain calm and adult about this. She had a plan and intended to keep the plan in motion. She wanted Angel to decide to be with her and discuss it in a mature manner. If he objected, then she already had a mindful of arguments that she carefully prepared during her ignored classes.
"Yes," he said, keeping his eyes focused on her sharp green eyes, steeling his resolve for the fight to come, "I never had to think about it. I already know why we can't be together."
"So, you've just decided that you really don't love me," she choked, looking up at the ceiling briefly as if she were checking her notes before curling her tiny mouth around the rest of her sneered sentence, "And you're just going to be alone brooding for the rest of your life while I find someone like Cameron to punch me in the mouth when I don't give it up quick enough. Is that right?"
"Buffy," Angel growled, "I didn't lie about loving you. I do love you. More than you will ever know. That is why I am going to stay away from you. All guys are not like Cameron. You'll find someone better."
"Like the frat guys that Cordy dates?" she demanded, "Want me to hook up with some of them?"
"What frat guys?" Angel asked, rising to his feet, "She's not dating any frat guys! They're too old for her just like I'm too old for you."
Rising to her feet, she looked over him with a stern anger that surprised him, "Right. Whatever. Take me home, Angel. If you want me out of your life so badly, you'll have to personally remove me from it."
"All that surrounds my life is death and darkness!" he shouted, rising to his feet, "I don't want you to be a part of that!"
"I understand," she said, walking towards the door, "Please take me home."
"Buffy," Angel whimpered, padding after her like a lost child, "You have to understand why I'm doing this."
"I already told you, I understand completely," she said, stopping at the front door with her hand poised on the doorknob, "Do you have your car keys?"
***
//cause i got all this shit to say
but i've come back to find my way//
"Will," Buffy fumed the next morning as they stood on the front stairs of Sunnydale High, "I completely stalled last night with Angel. I had all these arguments planned perfectly and I just went blank! I let him take me home without so much of a teensy retort to his stupid *I-can't-be-with-you* crap."
"Well," Willow said, biting her lower lip thoughtfully, "It sounds like he at least felt bad for taking you home."
"Yeah," Buffy grumbled, "I made him feel like shit, which might I add was part of the plan, but that didn't make one bit of a difference. Giles is trying to make me work in the library to occupy me and I thought Mom would *never* stop talking about why I shouldn't date an older man. That was nothing compared to the *why-you-shouldn't-be-involved-with-a-cop* part of the argument-"
"Buffy!" Cordelia shouted as she stormed up the front steps, "How could you tell Angel about the fraternity? What the hell is your problem?"
"Sorry, Cordy," Buffy said, slumping against the railing, "I was trying to make Angel understand that we should be together, not get you trouble. I didn't know he didn't know."
"Well, thanks a lot!" she fumed, tossing her dark hair over her shoulder with fury, "I had to have a long conversation last night with my brother about the party tonight and I'm just barely getting out of the house now. My night was ruined last night and it's all your fault!"
"I'm sorry," Buffy mumbled, feeling tears fill her eyes. Normally, Cordelia wouldn't get to her and the fact that she was yelling hadn't. It was the idea that she would never have her as a bitchy and annoying sister-in-law, that Angel would never let her into his life.
"Well, don't cry," Cordy snapped and then softened, feeling one of the rare moments that weren't focused on herself. She knew during her fight with Angel last night that he was hurting, that he wanted to be with Buffy and still was keeping himself from it.
"It's fine," Buffy said, wiping her face with the back of her hand and strutting away. Cordelia caught her arm and kept her there, but was glad they had moved away from Willow. Leaning in, she whispered, "He still won't give up with the stubborn?"
"Not even kinda," Buffy said, wishing there was a cave she could jump into and hide in.
"Huh," Cordelia said, her brilliant and somewhat conniving mind going into full force. The gears in her head were grinding loudly as she looked at the girl she knew would someday be her brother's wife. Cordelia knew that the only thing that had made Angel happy in a long time was Buffy and the only way they were going to be together was if he was forced to see the light. Smiling brightly, she patted Buffy on the shoulder.
"What?" Buffy asked, clearly confused.
"Come on," she said, tugging her aside, "I have an idea."
***
//it's the breathing
it's the breathing in and out in and...//
"Does this look okay?" Cordy asked as she stepped into the living room and looked over her brother sitting in the same chair he had occupied for weeks. She spun around for him, knowing that she never asked his opinion before. She really didn't care whether Angel liked her dress or not. Actually, she was hoping he didn't.
"Look okay?" Angel asked, narrowing his eyes, "For what? You aren't going to some fraternity house in that tiny excuse for a dress, Cordelia. That's...it's...it's obscene!"
"Oh, I see," she said, nodding, "It's not okay for *me* to dress like this, but Buffy's dress is much skimpier than this. I bet you'd think hers was okay!"
"B-buffy's dress?" Angel asked, stumbling out of his chair and nearly tripping over his own feet, "What do you mean ‘Buffy's dress?'"
"The dress that Buffy is wearing," Cordelia said, rolling her eyes in mock irritation and trying to keep from allowing her equally mocking smile to come through as she stared at her brother with her hands on her hips.
"For WHAT?" he roared.
"For the party," Cordy answered, "She's not wearing it for her Mom, if that's what you were thinking."
"She's going to the party with you?" Angel snarled so menacingly that if he had been speaking to anyone else, they would have backed up and maybe ran away, but Cordelia Chase stood her ground. No one intimidated her. Certainly not her brother.
"Uh, yes," she said, looking at him as if he were stupid, "My date told me I had to bring a cute girl with me tonight to even out the guy-girl ratio. His friend, Tom, saw Buffy today and thought she was a hottie. He asked me to ask her and I told him ‘no way,' that she was totally involved with someone. Then she told me that you guys were over, so I asked to her come along. I mean, as much as I hate to admit it, she's okay looking and Tom seemed to think she was cute. Why? It doesn't bother you, does it?"
"You know DAMN WELL it bothers me!" he shouted.
"Well, why should she sit home crying over you on a Friday night, Angel?" she demanded, "She might as well have some fun before she seriously looks into the convent because my STUPID brother broke her heart."
"She is not going to that party, Cordy," Angel growled, "I can't believe I'm letting you go either. In fact, I don't think you should. Neither one of you should have drunk hormonally charged college guys grope you."
"You can't stop me," she said, heading for the door, "You may be my guardian but you don't own me. I'm eighteen now and I can do whatever I want. So can Buffy, by the way. Oh, and don't wait up!"
Angel struggled to breathe as he stared at the front door his sister had just slammed. It seemed to be bleeding into a crimson red color the longer he stared at it.
Buffy was going to the frat party.
He paced around the room, running his hands through his hair as he thought about it. And his sister of all people had invited her! He felt betrayed, hurt and above all else, jealous. He knew he couldn't follow them and demand that they stay home. Cordy was right. He didn't own either one of them and he couldn't control how they lived their lives. He knew he told Buffy that they should stay apart. When he said he thought she should see someone else, he didn't mean she should *see* someone else. And certainly not tonight! And not a frat boy for crying out fucking loud!
He felt like pounding his fist into the wall. The idea of her being in that house where he knew there would be all those men looking for some girl to initiate into their collection of fraternity triumphs made him want hurt someone. He had no doubt that a girl as beautiful as HIS Buffy would be just the thing for their ideas of how to spend a Friday night.
There was no damn way he was letting someone touch his girl. He was sick and fucking tired of trying to rope in his feelings. Some part of him realized that Cordelia was doing this on purpose to make him jealous and even with that realization, he couldn't help feeling just as she wanted him to feel - a blind, raging jealousy that went far beyond the simple green that it was usually associated with.
Running up the stairs, he took two at time. When he reached his room, he glanced at the mirror in passing and then backed up to take a second look. He looked like shit. He hadn't shaved since before he spent the night with Buffy. His hair was standing in more disarray than usual and he was certain he smelled.
He jumped into the shower, washed and quickly shaved, thankful that he didn't slice his face open in his haste. Hurrying around, he tried to make himself look as presentable as he could, thinking that maybe Buffy would see in him what he couldn't see in himself. He couldn't lose her. Not now. Not when he had already lost everything else.
***
//i can't remember all the times i tried to tell myself
to hold onto these moments as they pass//
"Did you lie to your Mom?" Cordelia asked as Buffy climbed into her car.
"Not totally," Buffy admitted, "Because I told her I was staying at your house tonight, which is true. But she doesn't know I'm going to a college party, if that's what you're asking."
"You told her you were staying at my house and that was cool with her?" Cordelia asked in surprise.
"She doesn't know your house is the same as Angel's house," Buffy explained, "And I hope to keep it that way."
"I'm sure she'll find out soon enough."
"I'm not so sure this is a good idea," Buffy said, biting her lower lip and pulling the hem of her short dress down, "I really don't want to upset Angel."
"You *have* to upset Angel," Cordy said, driving fast and carelessly as she spoke, "Besides, it's too late. He's already upset. God, if you could have seen the look on his face...it was priceless!"
"You're enjoying this a little too much," Buffy answered, holding onto the door handle with dear life. If Angel didn't kill her first, Cordelia definitely would, "What did he say?"
"He completely and totally flipped out," Cordy answered, flashing her a brilliant smile and nearly running over someone as she turned her eyes toward Buffy rather than the road.
"Really?" Buffy asked weakly. She was starting to feel nauseous and it wasn't completely because of Cordelia's driving. She didn't want to be with some other guy. What if Angel was so angry he didn't want to speak to her ever again? Would she be able to stand spending the night at their house tonight?
"Oh yeah," Cordy answered as she pulled in front of the Delta Zeda Kappa house and bumped the car in front of her, "Oh, why do they have to park so darn close? Are you ready for this?"
"Nope," Buffy said, slumping in her seat.
"Me too!" Cordy said excitedly as she opened the door, "Let's go!"
***
Part Six
***
//but we only stay in orbit for a moment of time
and then you're everybody's satellite
i wish you were mine//
"Richard!" Cordelia squealed as she saw her date approaching with drinks in his hand. Buffy groaned inwardly. She knew the minute they walked through the door that this was a mistake. As much as Cordelia did actually want to help, she knew damn well that now that they were there she was only interested in her date.
"Welcome ladies," Richard said with a charming smile that made Buffy want to wretch. If he was any less genuine, she would have to insist that he came with a warning label. She took the drink he passed to her and peered at the liquid in the plastic glass cautiously, "I-is there alcohol in this?"
"Just a smidge," he said with a wink. Now she was definitely going to have to look around for a bathroom. The guy was a total player. Buffy looked at Cordelia to see if she saw it, but she didn't. She was smiling blindingly at her date.
"Come on, Buffy," Cordelia said, elbowing her, "It's just a *smidge.*"
Buffy set her glass down as they wandered away, not even hearing what they said. She didn't want to drink or dance or do anything but find a way to get to Angel and explain everything. She just wanted to be with him. That's all. Why was that so difficult a concept to grasp?
Lost in her thoughts and fidgeting nervously, she soon found that she had drank all of the contents of her plastic glass and was feeling the rush of the smidgeon of alcohol Richard had promised was in it. Trying to keep herself on her feet, she probably would have missed the drunk guy rushing to tackle her if he hadn't shouted, "New girl!" first.
"Can I have this dance?" Tom asked, pulling her quickly out of the line of fire and onto the dance floor. She stumbled along after him and fought the urge to rest her face on his chest. The room was spinning and it made the dancing process was so much more difficult as she tried to teeter on her too high heels.
"Thanks," she slurred, holding on to him to keep standing.
"You know," he said, shaking his head, "We're not all drunken louts. Some of us are sober louts. I'm really glad you decided to come...and you're not."
"No," she said, keeping her emotions in check even though the drink was racing through her veins, "it's...I shouldn't be here."
"Because you're seeing someone," he said, looking down at her through sympathetic clear blue eyes. She really liked Tom and thought that if she weren't already in love with Angel she might have liked to date him. Unlike Richard, he seemed really sweet.
She wanted Angel though, she thought drunkenly. She could just imagine his soothing voice right then and his large hands cradling her body against his. His eyes would sweep over her and pretend not to as he kissed her forehead and...
"No," Buffy said a bit too abruptly.
"You're not seeing someone?" Tom asked, as a light of hopefulness seemed to shine in his eyes.
"Someone's not seeing me," Buffy said, starting to sag more in his arms. She hadn't drank much but this was so much stronger than anything else she had ever experienced. She felt heavy and light at the same time and the feelings of doubt were beginning to fade.
"So, why shouldn't you be here?" Tom asked, running a hand over her back. Up and down, up and down. Buffy thought she was starting to wave with his motions.
"Dunno," she slurred, finally leaning her head on his chest, "Feel funny."
"Why don't we go find a place to sit down?" he asked, nudging her toward the stairs. He tried to urge her there carefully and slowly, keeping one hand on the small of her back, right above her perfectly round ass.
"Okay," she answered, nodding unevenly. She stopped at the railing and peered uneasily up the stairs before turning and resting on the bottom step, "Why don't I just rest here?"
"Sure," he answered, allowing a little of the disappointment to creep into his voice. She leaned her head on the railing and closed her eyes, only to open them again when the spinning became even worse.
***
//i'm falling from the ceiling
you're falling from the ceiling now and then
maybe you were shot down in pieces
maybe i slipped in between
but we were gonna be the wildest people they ever hoped to see
just you and me//
Angel let his fingers glide along his sister's car as he walked past it. It didn't escape his notice that she had rear ended the car in front of her but he could care less if he was going to have yet *another* hike in his insurance rates. There would be plenty of time to yell at his reckless sister later.
He moved silently forward and caught one of the frat boys as he attempted to enter the house. Pulling him back roughly, Angel nearly knocked him off his feet, but the boy wobbled, taking several steps back to keep his feet on the ground.
"What the hell is your prob...Angel?"
"Xander," Angel said, realizing who he had just assaulted, "What the hell are you doing here?"
"Looking out for my girls," he answered, puffing his chest out proudly. Having gotten over his grandeur, he stepped closer to Angel nervously, "Something's up, man. The party's almost over and I haven't been able to spot them for a long time. I don't know where they are but they're still in there somewhere."
As far as back up went, Angel would rather have the tooth fairy with him than Buffy's witless foil, Xander Harris. The boy had no common sense whatsoever and he didn't like that he referred to his sister and his...Buffy as being "my girls." Shrugging off his questions, he headed toward the house, knowing that Xander was still mumbling behind him.
"Be quiet," Angel hushed, flinging a deadly look over his shoulder at the teenager, "When we get in there, follow my lead. If you can avoid it, try not to speak unless you're spoken to."
"Fine, *Mom,*" Xander whispered bitterly, remembering once again why he hated Liam Angelus.
The inside of the house was littered with alcohol bottles, cups and trash. Riddled amongst the trash were couples making out sloppily, exchanging inebriated kisses with wandering hands in full force. Angel quickly scanned the room and not finding either girl he came there for, he made his way up the stairs.
The first door at the top of the steps was unceremoniously tossed open and Angel flipped on the light, gazing over the couple rolling around in bed naked. The girl hid behind her angry partner, nearly screaming in shock and embarrassment. Not speaking, Angel shut the door with a warning glare and heard the boy breathe a sigh of relief. The boy didn't have to fight the furious and not to mention *large* man that burst in, for which he was supremely grateful.
Angel was planning on opening every door until he found them, but he didn't have to when he heard voices wafting down the hallway. The first was undoubtably his golden love, shouting, "Let us go!"
The second was the shrill voice of his sister, "My brother is a cop! Not just a cop, but a detective! You're going to be in deep shit, buddy. He's not even going to take you right to jail. He's *so* gonna kick your ass first!"
Angel glanced at Xander and hurried down the hallway. They probably would have smiled at Cordy's scolding if the situation wasn't so serious. Angel stopped at the door and felt Xander collide clumsily with his back when he heard an older man's voice, obviously speaking to another and not the girls, "You chose someone who has a police officer in her family?"
"I'm sorry," a younger voice replied shakily, "I didn't know."
"Well, if you would have asked," Angel said, pushing the door open and strolling inside, "I'm sure she would have told you. My sister isn't much with the secrets, you know."
"Angel!" Buffy and Cordelia cried out together. He turned to look at them and grew more angry than he had been previously. They were tied to a king size bed, side by side, clad only in bras and panties.
"You're dead men," he said, moving in on the three men, standing in the center of the room - two young and one middle aged. The identity of the older man sunk in just as Angel's fist flung out to strike the younger man closest to him. He felt the boy's jaw cracking under his fist as the unmistakable sound of a gun cocking caught in his ears. Angel twisted his body, dragging the boy's body in front of his in time to catch the bullet.
The boy screamed in pain as the metal tore through his flesh and continued screaming as Angel tossed his bloody screaming form at Mayor Richard Wilkins, effectively knocking the gun out of his hands. Not stopping to admire his work, Angel shot forward and spun. His mouth twisted into a cold smile as his boot contacted with the second boy's surprised and frightened face. Busying himself on kicking the gun away before the Mayor was able to retrieve it, Angel didn't hear another person entering the room.
"Angel! Behind you!" Buffy screamed, tugging on the ropes that Xander was hurriedly untying, but it was too late. Angel turned around just in time to see the blunt end of a gun striking his face. He fell into a slump on the floor.
"Shoulda brought an oozie, chump. Would've saved your ass right about now," the intruder said, looking down at Angel with a smile.
"Thank you, Mr. Trick," Mayor Wilkins said as he pushed Richard's body off of his and looked down at the blood on his shirt in disgust, "It seems that our lovely captives here have friends on the police force."
"Yeah," Trick said, turning toward Xander, "And he brought another little hero with him."
"Hey," Xander said, holding up his hands. Both girls were untied and had scooted off the bed. Standing not behind him, but boldly beside him, they watched the men holding them captive, "I'm not a hero. Just came for my girls. If you're done with them, we'll just be going now."
"Sorry, young man," the Mayor said, pulling his handkerchief from his pocket and wiping his hands off, "But after what you saw, I'm afraid that I can't let you leave. Oh, don't worry, we'll tell your family you were really brave...even at the end."
Buffy looked sadly down at Angel and her breath caught in her throat as he stirred, thankfully not making a sound. Taking action, Buffy stepped forward, ahead of her friends, "So, you just think you're going to get away with killing us? That's pretty ballsy, if you ask me - even for a mayor."
"I didn't mention killing you, did I?" the Mayor said, keeping his voice upbeat and polite, "That's because we don't want you dead. You see, in order to keep myself in my office, I have to provide certain acquaintances with their requests from time to time. This time they wanted girls. Two pretty ones. You and your friend will do nicely."
"Hell no, we won't!" Cordelia shouted, stepping up beside Buffy. Shifting together, they blocked Xander from the point of Trick's gun, both trying to keep their eyes from the awakening Angel.
"I'm a total spoiled bitch," Cordelia said, continuing.
"She's not wrong about that," Buffy agreed, receiving a dirty look from Cordelia for her efforts.
"I won't do anything they tell me to and neither will Buffy," she said, crossing her arms over her bare torso, "As beautiful as I am, I think you should chose a less pretty girl for more cooperation."
"You'll cooperate," the Mayor threatened, "Or you'll die. Now, I have one of the boys getting milkshakes for us, so if you would please return to the bed, we'll talk about your new life over a little snack."
Angel groaned in pain as he reached for the gun at the tip of his fingers, alerting the room to himself. Tom scrambled from the corner to get to the gun, while Trick turned and aimed.
"No!" Buffy screamed, running forward. Cordelia grabbed Buffy and pulled her back as Angel gripped the weapon and rolled over, releasing a round into Trick's chest. Wrenching herself free, Buffy flung one bare leg out and caught Tom in the groin as he crossed the room. He dropped to his knees with a choking groan, doubling over in pain.
Pressing the gun against the Mayor's temple, once he had dragged himself to his feet, Angel growled out his demand, "Hands on your head."
"Now young man," the Mayor said calmly, "Please remember that you are now holding a weapon that was procured from the police department and is responsible for killing two people."
"Walk forward," Angel ordered, pressing harder against his scull.
***
//round here we always stand up straight
round here something radiates//
When the police arrived, Angel had the Mayor tied up near the door with the ropes that had previously held the two most important people in his life and he forced all of the house's occupants to sit on the living room floor. No one made a sound, but sat quietly and nervously. Many of the partiers were still intoxicated, including Buffy and Cordelia.
When Angel had finished organizing the party into what looked like a hostage situation, he turned around and faced Buffy & Cordelia. Both were huddled in the corner. Both clad in only bras, panties and high heel shoes. Angel took off his coat, cursing himself for not finding clothing for them earlier, and tossed it around his sister's shoulders. He quickly removed his shirt and handed it to Buffy. She put it on without comment and looked at the floor.
"Detective Angelus," The first uniformed officer said as he stepped onto the scene, "Sir, it was my understanding that you were on an extended absence. The Chief said that-"
"This was personal," Angel said, interrupting him.
"What's up here?" another man said, walking in behind the two uniforms and looking around the room. He was not dressed in a uniform as the other two, indicating to Angel that he was probably a detective, although he had never seen him before, "I'd hate to see what you do when you're on official business. I'm Detective Charles Gunn, your new partner."
"Gunn," Angel grunted in greeting, taking the man's offered hand.
"These two ladies must be the personal part," Gunn said, eyeing the two attractive girls that had pressed themselves at Angelus' sides, as if they could protect him from the impending investigation. Gunn forced his eyes away from the two girls and refocused on the man who, before this night, was the guy who was supposed to be his partner. He was a little thrown by the two girls. They were complete opposites, both extremely beautiful and nearly naked, clad in what he had to assume were Angelus' clothes, as his partner's bare chest betrayed.
"Yes," Angel answered with another angry grunt. His arms were crossed over his broad, bare chest, ignoring the women at his side. He radiated anger at the room, focusing most of it on the Mayor bound on the floor.
"We're gonna have to take them in for some questions," Gunn said gently, feeling the tension in the room escalating at his words.
"Of course," Angel answered and looked down at Buffy as she whimpered in response. He wrapped an arm around her and she took the opportunity to glue herself to his side.
"We'll need to ask you a few too, Angelus," Gunn said firmly, knowing his partner was already well aware.
"I understand," Angel said as Buffy pulled herself out of his arms and approached Gunn. Her green eyes were filling with tears as she took his hand in hers, "It wasn't his fault, Detective. It's mine, okay? He didn't do anything."
"We're not arresting him, ma'am," Gunn said, squeezing her hand gently, keeping the "yet" out of his answer, "We just need to find out what happened."
"Buffy," Angel said, coming up behind her and touching her trembling shoulder, "It's okay, baby."
Flinging herself into his arms, he nearly staggered back at the force of her tiny body colliding with his. He heard the tears before he felt them against his skin as she sobbed in his arms.
"I'm so sorry, Angel," she wailed, "This is all my fault."
"It's not your fault, love," he said, kissing her hair and smoothing his hands over her back, "It's going to be alright."
***
//she walks along the edge of where the ocean meets the land
just like she's walking on a wire in the circus//
Buffy was sure that they had been at the police station for longer than sanity allowed as her statement was taken, along with Cordelia and Xander's. When they were all finally released, Buffy looked around for Angel, forgetting her desperate need to leave. Not seeing him, she approached the nearest police officer and jabbed her finger into his arm to get his attention.
"Ms. Summers?" he asked, "Can I help you?"
"I'm looking for Detective Liam Angelus," she demanded, smoothing his shirt absently, which was flowing around her body and reaching her knees. She tapped her high heel shoe on the floor as she waited for his answer.
"He's still...uh...debriefing," the officer answered.
"When will he be done?"
"I'm not sure, ma'am," he said, "If you'd like, I can take you home and have him call you when he's finished."
"No," she said, "I'll wait for him."
"It could take a long time," he said, "There's a lot of information to cover."
"I said, ‘I'll wait for him'," she repeated, turning on her heel and preparing to stomp away, when he touched her arm, stopping her.
"I just wanted to tell you," he said quietly, "That your father was one of the best detectives, I've ever seen."
"Thank you," she said, wincing from his words. Feeling tears, fill her eyes yet another time, she wandered back to Cordy and Xand. She could hardly believe that this nightmare was actually her life. Blinking back her tears, she tromped across the room. There were too many emotions to deal with them now.
It took awhile, but Buffy finally convinced Cordelia and Xander to go home. She didn't think it was fair to keep them there when they were both so tired and freaked from the night's events. She curled up in a chair and waited, sternly refusing to leave to any officer that bothered to speak to her.
***
//if i could make it rain today
and wash this sunny day down to the gutter
i would
just to get a change of pace
things are getting worse, but I feel a lot better
and that's all that really matters to me//
Angel felt all of the eyes in the office on him as he approached Buffy. She was laying over three chairs, curled up asleep and drowning in his shirt. He was glad that had been able to retrieve a t-shirt from his locker before his "debrief" or more aptly "interrogation," since everyone was so focused on him right then. He felt strange being back in the office after over a month of being gone. Now he wasn't sure if he ever wanted to come back. Not after Hank had died and now this. It was very discomforting to be on the receiving end of the questions after so much time being the one who was demanding the answers.
"Why is she still here?" Angel asked Gunn quietly.
"She wouldn't leave," Gunn answered, sweeping his gaze over the beautiful blonde sleeping on the hard chairs along the wall on the other side of the room.
"Damn," Angel muttered, preparing to go wake her up.
"Angelus?" Gunn asked.
"Yeah?"
"Just for the record, I know tonight wasn't your fault. Everyone does," he said, "No one's blaming you for this or for Hank. We're going to do what we can to keep you on the force...if you want to come back."
"I almost killed the Mayor, Gunn," Angel said blandly, moving away, "And it would have been one death that I had no remorse for."
Everyone watched Angel closely as he approached the lovely young girl on the chairs. They all had either witnessed Angel's fight with Hank over her or were told about it. After what had happened that evening, they wanted to see what happened when she woke up.
"Buffy," he whispered, sliding his hand along her back. He couldn't help but want to take her in his arms and never let her go. Lying there, clad in his shirt, he couldn't help but think it looked right. It seemed right that she would wait for him, that she would want to protect him as much as he wanted to protect her. Everything about Buffy Summers seemed so perfectly right. Why was it wrong then? He couldn't seem to make himself remember.
"Angel," she murmured in her sleep, reaching out one small hand to feel for him without opening her eyes.
"Wake up, love," he whispered, feeling the eyes of the whole department burning into his back. She blinked her mossy green eyes open sleepily and took a second to focus on him before sitting up slowly, "Are we done?"
"We're done, baby," he answered, smoothing his hand over her face. She turned into his hand and kissed his palm, as if she didn't realize where they were, "Come on, I'm going to take you home."
"No," she mewled, looking around her urgently and waking up completely. Pressing her hands on the side of his face she asked, "Are you in trouble?"
"We can talk about it later, baby," he said, "Let me take you home."
"No," she said, sliding out of the chair and stepping around his crouching form gracefully, "Where's the boss guy?"
"The Chief?" he asked, quizzically.
"Yeah, him," she said, looking around the room with her hands on her narrow hips. His shirt ballooned around her finger tips as she charged her glare around the room.
"No, love," he said, tugging her back, "It's time to go."
"The HELL it is, Angel," she said through gritted teeth, "I have some things to say."
"Buffy," Angel said, nervously, placing his hand on her hip, "It's time to go. There's nothing you can do here. You're tired and you need to sleep. Let's go."
"I'm not going to leave here when you could still be in trouble," she said firmly, "I know that you wouldn't tell me if they were going lock you in some little, dingy cell forever. You'd just send me off to my house like a good little girl while you rotted for something that wasn't your fault. Now, where's the damn Chief at?"
Crossing his arms defiantly and saying nothing, he glowered at the woman he loved. He was not going to say a word. Gathering up her small frame, she approached the nearest onlooker, who tried to pretending he was sifting through some files.
"You," she said, looking up at him with her green eyes flashing so furiously, he felt like he was an inch tall, "Where's your boss?"
Sighing, Angel ran his fingers through his hair followed after her. He grabbed her arm and spun her around, bending slightly to scoop her tiny body in his arms. Ignoring the department stares, he plunged against her mouth. He smiled into their kiss as her body relaxed against his.
"He's not here," Angel lied as he broke the kiss, glaring at the officer for confirmation who nodded vigorously, "Now, we're leaving. You can yell at people later."
"Angel," she pouted, "You're not just going to take me home and make me forget about this."
"Wanna bet?" he asked, smiling down at her with a twinkle in his eyes. Turning, he carried her out of the office, leaving them all surprised and grinning behind him. No matter what happened, Liam Angelus was going to be alright.
***
Part Seven
***
//you know, I'm doing all right
these days
and in one of these dreams
you forgive me//
Angel barely made it a mile from the police station and Buffy was already asleep in the car. He could tell that whatever they had put in her drink still hadn't worn off. He smiled at her, curled up against the seat in a little ball, sleeping soundly. He steered toward his house knowing Buffy had told her mother that's where she was going to be, although he wasn't certain just why that was okay.
He decided not to worry about it as he scooped up her tiny body and carried her into the mansion. He loved the feel of her against his chest, her head lolling against his shoulder and the way her fingers curled around a piece of his shirt as if that bit of material was proof of his existence. He managed to unlock the door without dropping her and made his way into the house, leaning against the door to close it.
It took a great amount of willpower on Angel's side to take her to the guest room rather than his bedroom and even more self control was required when it came time to leave her there alone. He pulled back the covers, slipped off her shoes and tucked her in. He looked down at her for a second before he placed a gentle kiss on her forehead and left the room.
Tiptoeing down the hall, he opened Cordelia's door and stuck his head in to see that she had made it home safely. His jaw dropped as his brain made sense of what he was seeing. His little sister was lying in bed, freshly showered and changed. She was wearing shorts, a t-shirt and Xander Harris. He flung the door open and stormed across the room. Without thinking twice, he wrapped his large hand around the boy's throat and squeezed until he woke up. Xander tried to scream but managed to squeak out a gurgled choke instead.
"What the fuck are you doing in my sister's bed?" Angel growled down at the boy, squeezing a little bit tighter. Xander tried to speak but couldn't make words come out of his crushed windpipe. Angel loosened his hold reluctantly and waited for his answer.
"We fell asleep," Xander croaked.
"Fell asleep?" Angel shouted, "Why the hell are you even in her godamn room?"
"Angel?" Cordy said, blinking her eyes open at the sound of her brother's raised voice. Seeing what was happening, she lunged forward and repeated his name, this time louder and more angrily. Angel didn't seem to notice her or the shrill sound of her voice.
"Angel!" she repeated, smacking her brother's large shoulder, "Let him go!"
"What is he doing in your bed?" Angel said, releasing Xander's throat and fuming down at his sister instead.
"Sleeping, you dolt!" she said, "Now get out."
"That little...he is not sleeping in your bed. No fucking way. Time to go," Angel said. Xander had already scrambled from her bed and Angel grabbed him, preparing to toss him from room and the house. Cordelia ran after them and released a succession of poorly executed punches to Angel's arm until he let go of Xander's arm.
"Ow," Angel said, turning to look at his attacker, "I didn't hit *him* even though he deserved it. Stop hitting me."
"Get out of my room, *Liam,*" she demanded, pulling Xander back, "Don't you have an elsewhere to be?"
"No, but he does," Angel said, pointing a finger at the interloper.
"We were only sleeping! And I'm eighteen," Cordy persisted, "We've already been over this. Now out!"
"Cordelia," Angel warned. She turned, signaled to Xander to stay there and pulled Angel into the hallway, slamming the door behind her. Lowering her voice, she looked up at her brother, "Angel, he saved my life tonight. He's a good person. We were only sleeping, so please just so brood somewhere, okay?"
"I don't like this," he growled, shooting threatening looks at her bedroom door as if he thought Xander could feel it through the door.
"You don't have to like it," she whispered, "Just shoo."
"If I hear *anything* coming from your room besides snoring, I'm coming in there."
"Don't threaten him," she said, giving him her best icy glare. He glared back and prepared to release a stream of threats that would come to life if that little weasel dared touch his sister, but instead, he pivoted and stormed away.
***
//these seconds when I'm shaking
leave me shuddering for days
and I'm not ready for this sort of thing
but I'm not gonna break
and I'm not gonna worry about it anymore
I'm not gonna bend and I'm not gonna break
and I'm not gonna worry about it anymore//
Buffy woke up in the guest room from the sound of a slamming door and sat up in bed, looking around anxiously. At first she wasn't sure where she was and then recognized the bedroom from when she had slept there before. She pouted for a second when she realized that once again, Angel had put her in another room. He couldn't even hold her?
She padded toward the bathroom and tossed his shirt on the floor, along with her bra and panties before stepping into the shower. She hadn't felt so dirty in a long time. Just the memory of Tom and Richard tying her up, their hands gliding over body, made her shiver with disgust. She scrubbed her skin until it was pink and still felt like the memory was crawling on her skin.
Wrapping a towel around her head and one around her body, she looked down at the clothes she had discarded and wrinkled her nose in disgust. There was no way she was putting those back on. Buffy assumed her change of clothes were still in her backpack in the back of Cordy's car. The idea trying to find keys and going outside to get them was almost as bad as putting the dirty ones back on.
The hell with it, she thought. She toweled her hair off and ran her fingers through it before padding through the house with a towel wrapped around her body. She crept into Angel's room and stopped just inside the door to admire his sleeping form. If anything was beautiful, it was the sight of Angel sleeping. One of his large arms was tossed over his face, covering his eyes and the sheet was at his waist, sitting low enough to indicate that he probably was not wearing anything but the sheet.
She had to force her eyes in another direction to keep from going to his bed and climbing in with him. Instead, she went to his closet and opened the door to look for a shirt to steal. The door made a loud creaking sound and she looked quickly to see if he heard it. His eyes were still closed and she breathed a sigh of relief.
Everything seemed to be incredibly loud as it always did when she was trying to be quiet. The hanger made a clanging sound as she pulled one of his shirts out. The closet made another loud creak as she shut it and she peaked at him again, finding his eyes closed. She meant to go to her room and change into the shirt, but she didn't. Instead, she went into the master bathroom off of his bedroom and dried off before stopping to look at herself in the full length mirror hanging on the back of the door.
She twisted and turned as she looked at her naked body, wondering what Angel would think of it if he saw it. She knew she definitely wasn't as voluptuous as Cordelia or as sultry as Darla. She had never shown her body to anyone and the longer she looked the more she wasn't sure if it was what he would find attractive. After a couple of minutes, she tossed on his shirt in irritation. Why couldn't she have a few less imperfections and a few more curves? Apparently, women like Cordelia and Darla got more than they deserved. Sighing in frustration, she opened the door, flipped off the light, walked out and collided with a broad expanse of muscled chest.
"Angel," she gasped, stumbling backward. He caught her before she fell and steadied her for a second longer than was necessary before pulling back quickly.
"Buffy," he said in low, tired voice, "What are you doing?"
"I just took a shower and then I didn't have anything to wear," she whispered, "So I borrowed one of your shirts. Is that...okay?"
"Uh, sure," he answered, allowing himself a quick sweep of her body. As if she wasn't delectable enough, she had to keep wearing his shirts. Couldn't she steal something from Cordelia? He turned away from her and walked a few steps only to stare at his bed. He took a couple of deep breaths before turning back to look at her. Even in the dim light coming from his bedside lamp, he could see every detail of her nakedness. There was nothing more desirable in the world than Buffy Summers in his bedroom in one of his shirts...unless it was the same nubile girl in his bed.
"You're upset," she said, biting her lower lip as she looked over his nearly naked body. He was staring at her hungrily, licking his lips as his eyes greedily took her in. She knew she was blushing from both the sight of him in nothing but boxer shorts and his weighted stare, but she couldn't make herself care. All she wanted was for him to touch her, "I'm sorry I woke you up."
"I'm not upset because you woke me up, Buffy," he explained, shocked at the lust coming through in his voice. He cleared his throat and looked away from her, focusing his eyes on anything but her little body drowning in his shirt...his white shirt...that he knew if he looked back he almost would be able to see through.
"Well, I'm sorry I took your shirt." She took a tiny step closer and whispered, "Want it back?"
"Please, go back to your room," he groaned as he backed away. He turned away from her and went to the window, willing his arousal to go down before she noticed it. He gripped the window sill and pressed his forehead against the cool glass. This was too much willpower in one day to ask of any man.
"Can't you even hold me, Angel?" she blurted, "I mean, I thought you wanted me and you act like you can't stand to be around me!"
"Buffy, I don't want to be around you because I don't think I can control myself around you!"
"What's so wrong with that?" she demanded, placing her hands on her hips and glaring at the tattoo on his back, resisting the urge to trace it with her fingertips.
"It just..." he said and tapered off. He knew he wasn't going to win this argument with Buffy and if she stayed in the room much longer, he wasn't going to win the argument with his body.
"Angel," she whispered hoarsely, "Please turn around....please."
Slowly, he turned around and looked at her. Her hair was falling around her shoulders, half dry and her tiny body was dwarfed in his shirt. She was exquisite, standing there with her hands on her hips, her lips in a little pout, her chest heaving with her breaths.
"C'mere," she whispered, taking a tentative step forward. Angel crossed the room in two broad steps and captured her lips, feeling her gasp in surprise into his mouth. She immediately opened her mouth and he dipped his tongue inside, exploring her. He pulled her against him, mashing their bodies together as the kiss deepened and intensified.
"Buffy," he groaned as he forced himself to pull away. Placing a finger on his lips to hush him, she hoped he didn't notice that her hands were shaking as she unbuttoned the shirt she had just put on. Allowing it to slip off her shoulders and fall to the floor behind her, she stood there and awaited his judgement, looking at the floor while she suddenly wondered if this was a good idea. After a moment of silence, she looked up at him, peeking at his reaction to her nudity.
Angel allowed himself the pleasure of taking in her body. He couldn't help but stare at her perfect curves as his eyes spanned inch upon inch of flawless creamy skin. He had seen more than his fair share of naked women, but Buffy Summers was perfect, untouched...a miracle of blooming womanhood.
When Angel pulled her into his arms, it didn't escape her notice that his arousal was pressing insistently against her bare belly, shielded by the silk of his shorts. She breathed heavily as he lowered her onto his bed and covered her with his own body. He kissed her deeply, knowing she was trembling nervously beneath him.
"Buffy, are you sure..."
"Don't," she whispered, threading her fingers through his hair and praying that her body would stop shaking, "Just kiss me."
Angel looked into her eyes, searching for any trepidation and found none. Her nervousness was to be expected and he thought about stopping once more, but as he began trailing kisses on her neck, he knew it was too late. He couldn't spend the rest of his life loving her and trying to stay away from her. The only time he felt whole and unbroken was when he was in her arms. As he brushed his lips over her shoulders, he realized that she was the one thing that could heal him.
"I love you, Buffy," he whispered as he peppered kisses over the delicate rise of her breasts. As he took one dusky nipple into his mouth he heard her sigh, "I love you too, Angel."
She sucked in a deep breath and released it in a ragged moan as he sucked one nipple into his mouth, then the other, worshiping her flesh. She allowed her hands to move over his arms, shoulders and hands, relishing in the feel of his skin. As he laved long slow licks over her sensitive nipples, caressing the soft undersides of her breasts, her nervousness fled, exchanged for the heated that coursed through her body. A burning warmth began in her belly and moved lower, making her entire body tingle with want for him. She arched against him, moaning lightly as he nuzzled the valley between her breasts and moved down, taking in mouthfuls of flesh as he went.
As he made his way down her body, tasting every inch of her salty skin, he throbbed for her, becoming lost in the taste and feel of her after waiting so long. He pressed his face against her flat belly and rubbed his cheek on her soft flesh. He moved lower, nestling between her thighs. Inhaling her musky, sweet arousal, he felt his mouth watering in delight as he allowed his gaze to settle over her silky pink, glistening flesh. He hesitated and looked up at her green eyes for doubt before daring to touch her. When she showed no reluctance, he leaned in, inhaling her heavenly scent once more as he smoothed his large hands over her inner thighs. He focused on her outer lips, kissing them before as he teased her folds open with his tongue, delighting his first taste of her honey.
He purposefully avoided her sensitive nub as he tasted every other inch of her sex, building heat until she squirmed beneath him. Finally, he circled her clit with the tip of his tongue and concentrated on her desperate whimpers before sucking it between his lips. She moaned loudly as he lashed her clit with his tongue and nibbled on it, building her up and then sliding down lower to glide his tongue inside her. He alternated his attention between her untouched depths and her inflamed clit. She came quickly, bucking beneath him, gripping his shoulders as she came. Greedily, he lapped up the juices escaping, drinking in her ambrosial release.
He kissed his way back up her body, finally inhaling her ragged breaths into himself when he reached her lips. He was throbbing for her as they kissed once more, knowing that she could taste herself in his mouth and he was certain that he had never wanted any woman as much as he wanted her.
Buffy watched as Angel pulled away from her to open his bedside drawer. In the dim light of the bedroom, she watched as he opened the small, square package. For the first time, she saw his sex as he slipped off his boxer shorts. She watched as he rolled the condom over his erect cock and felt her nervousness returning. As he began kissing her once more, she kept thinking about how large he was or more importantly, how small she was. She tensed as she felt him pressing against her moist opening and he groaned as he felt her inner muscles tighten around the head of his cock.
He paused there, poised just barely inside her as he smoothed his hands over her body, kissing her deeply until her thighs fell apart, beginning to relax. Moving slowly, he inched inside her until he felt the barrier of her virginity. He thought he would explode before it even started as he felt her squeezing him so tightly, so wet and warm. Breathing deeply, he settled his fingertips on her sensitive clit, rubbing lightly. She moaned into his mouth as he continued to kiss her and felt her flexing around him, growing accustomed to his trespass of her.
He wished there was a way to avoid the inevitable pain he was about to cause her as he increased the pressure of his fingers on her swollen bud, waiting for her second orgasm to arrive. As she neared her second climax, she lifted her hips to press against his fingers and he moved deeper inside her, breaking through the barrier of her innocence. Her eyes flew open and she gasped in new pain as he settled inside her and felt the waves of her orgasm come over her. She panted in pleasure and pain as he pushed in further, feeling her flutter around him.
He gently pulled way and moved back in, moving his hands over her body and whispering endearments that she couldn't make out but understood. As he angled his slow thrusts to press against her clit, sending jolts of pleasure through her with each stroke, she couldn't help be surprised at how good it felt. Despite the soreness that continued to throb, she also felt a indescribable pleasure flowing through her. She lifted her hips to meet him, feeling his muscles rippling underneath her fingertips as he moved inside her. She heard him moan her name as he increased the speed of his thrusts. As Buffy reached climax the third time, she screamed his name, bucking against him and wrapping her legs around his hips. He called out her name as he found his own release, unable to hold back any longer.
He remained inside her for a moment and kissed her lips, still breathless from her release. Pulling out slowly, he removed the condom and tossed it into the trash can before settling on his back and gathering her against his chest. She looked up at him and arched for another kiss.
"Was I...was I okay?" she whispered, searching his eyes for a snippet of response for what had just happened.
"You were perfect," he answered, brushing her lips in between his words, "wonderful. You're so beautiful, Buffy."
"So are you," she said, snuggling against his chest, "I love you."
"I love you," he murmured back as he fell asleep holding her tightly against him.
***
Part Eight
***
//stay beside me where I lie
she's intertwined in me
crazy as can be
yeah, she's alright with me//
Angel woke up and started to shift in his sleep when he realized that he was wrapped around a tiny, warm body. Opening his eyes slowly, he looked down and found his little lover fast asleep, nestled against his chest. Her firm bottom was pressed against his stomach and he released a nearly silent groan as she snuggled against him in her sleep.
Brushing her hair from her forehead, he kissed her cheek and tried to think about what he should do now that he lost all control of himself and not only made love to her, but took her virginity. As he was pondering the ramifications of his actions, he couldn't keep himself from sliding one hand over her bare side, sliding the sheet down as he did and smoothing over the silky round of her hip before moving over her thigh.
"Angel," she murmured in her sleep and turned over. He felt her warm breath puffing against his chest and the tingling sensation of her little fingers gliding over his hip, holding him to her.
Now almost completely uncovered, he looked down at her, finally realizing what true perfection was. Her full breasts were pressed against his chest in most tantalizing way and he fought the urge to wake her up with kisses and caresses.
Feeling his eyes on her, she blinked awake and looked up at him with wide, innocent eyes. He bent and plucked a kiss from her lips, before rumbling, "Good morning, baby."
"Morning," she murmured, closing her eyes again and leaning her forehead on his bare chest. Seconds later, she opened them again when she felt his arousal pressing against her and the memories from the previous night came flooding back with magnum force.
Daring a glance down, her suspicions were confirmed. They were both completely naked and pressed against each other in the most wonderful and terrifying way. Despite her attempt to be casual, she jumped away and pulled up the sheet that was at her legs, covering her embarrassing nakedness. The sunshine that was flooding the room made sure that every inch of their bodies were brightened, outlined and completely visible.
Disappointed, but not completely surprised by her actions, Angel pulled her against him, sliding her body back across the bed and into his arms. He captured her shocked lips, kissing her thoroughly before releasing her and looking into her eyes.
"Don't hide from me," he whispered, kissing her again before sliding his lips down her neck and his hand wandered over her sheet covered body, "I don't regret making love to you, Buffy. Do you regret what happened?"
"N-no," she whispered, holding the sheet to her body with white knuckled nervousness. It was one thing to bare herself to him last night in the dim light when she wanted nothing more to be in his arms, but this morning in the bright light it was an entirely different matter. All of her flaws would be visible to his gaze and even though he told her she was perfect the night before, how was she to know if he just said that or if he really meant it? What if said that to all of the women he slept with?
Angel watched as tense doubt clouded her face and he eased his hands over hers as they clutched the sheet. Intertwining her fingers with his, he kissed them before returning to her lips once more. "Do you know how beautiful you are?" he asked, releasing one of her hands and peeling the sheet ever so slowly away from her breasts. Dipping down before she had a chance to cover herself again, he scattered kisses over her bare chest and listened for the answer that didn't come.
"Perfect, firm breasts," he murmured, brushing his lips over one nipple, then the other, before returning over the path to suck them into his mouth, biting and licking them.
"Soft, silky skin," he continued, kissing down her torso and over her ribs.
"Sweet little belly button," he murmured, against her flat tummy, which moved with her deep breaths. He dipped his tongue in her belly button and he heard her nervous giggle waft down to his ears.
Sliding down the bed, further, he finally looked up to meet her eyes as he caressed her thighs, which were clenched together tightly. He could see that she was still slightly nervous and anxious as he got closer to her sex, even as moisture began to seep there in want of him. The aching soreness from making love to him added to her fear. He felt so wonderful inside her the night before after the initial pain had passed, but now she was terrified of him wanting more of her so soon.
"Open for me, baby," he whispered, "I won't hurt you."
"I k-know," she whimpered. Slowly, she spread her thighs just barely and nervously waited for him to look at her, fearing his judgement even though she knew he was a gentle and kind lover. She wasn't sure how she felt about him looking directly at her in the broad daylight. She opened wider for him as he caressed her inner thighs.
"You smell so good," he said, smiling down at her sex, before dipping in to taste her, "You are so beautiful, Buffy."
Gently, he kissed her outer lips before laving slow, sinuous licks over her. Focusing on her clit, he lapped at it lightly, building up pleasure. He moaned in desire as her thighs fell fully apart and she released a whimper of pleasure, lifting her hips and pressing against his questing tongue. Refusing to meet her silent request, he kept his attentions on her slow and languid, caressing her body.
"Angel," she panted as she teetered on the edge of climax. He slid his tongue inside her and lapped up her honey, which increased with every passing second. Her thighs trembled as she pressed up against him. Finally relenting, he scraped his teeth against her clit before swirling his tongue over it. Sucking it into his mouth, he brought her to a forceful orgasm, pressing his throbbing cock against the mattress as she writhed and panted beneath him.
Buffy was aware of him throbbing against her thigh as he traveled up her body and kissed her, allowing her to taste herself on his lips.
"Angel," she whispered around his kisses.
"It's okay, sweetheart," he whispered back, "I know you're not ready."
Biting her lip and looking into his eyes, she thought about it for a second and then whispered, "I'm ready."
"Are you sure?" he asked, looking at her seriously, "Don't do this for me, love."
"Want to," she whispered, "...do it for you."
Unable to resist, he put on another condom from his bedside table and positioned himself at her tight entrance. She hissed as he pressed into her sore depths and he looked up at her questioningly, knowing he would stop if she asked and praying to God that she wouldn't. She nodded, urging him on and he moved slowly at first, angling to hit her swollen bud with his movements.
Angel thought his heart was going to pound out of his chest as he made love to her again. Her pussy was so hot and tight around him, clutching at his throbbing cock as he moved in and out in slow, full thrusts. Her erect nipples scraped against his chest as he glided over her body and he was certain he could easily spend the rest of his life making love to her, diving into her sweet depths again and again.
He felt her begin to move with him and pressed warm kisses into her neck. He gasped in pleasure as she wrapped her legs around his waist, inadvertently tightening around him. Almost coming from the sensation, he felt like a schoolboy again, barely able to keep control and thought about feeling her without a condom. He could only imagine feeling her silky insides surrounding his cock as he had with his tongue.
As they neared climax together, they moved more rapidly, their hips meeting as they crashed together in release. Angel roared her name as he came, listening to her gasp his name as well, her inner muscles fluttering around him.
"God, I love you," he said hoarsely as he gathered her into his arms and kissed her passionately.
"I love you too, Angel," she whispered and then looked up questioningly as he moved away. She watched as he tossed away the used condom and reached into his bedside drawer once more. He hid whatever he took out and she craned her neck, trying to catch a glimpse of what he held in his hand.
"What's that?" she asked with a little smile, knowing he wasn't showing her on purpose.
"Well," he said, pulling her against him and biting at her lower lip, "I have this problem."
"What? What's wrong?" she asked, feeling alarm fill her.
He smiled, kissing the end of her nose and calming her, "Ever since I met you, I've had to keep myself from buying you things. Every time I go somewhere, I see something I want to give you. I want to give you everything, Buffy. Everything you've ever wanted. Do you know that?"
"No," she answered in the voice of a little girl.
"I do. This is something I didn't buy, but I want you to have it," he said, producing a small black box and lifting the lid. She gazed in to see a delicate silver chain charmed with a sapphire set in a circle of diamonds. Buffy gasped and reached out to touch it gently.
"It was my mother's," he said, his voice low and reverent, "She gave this to me a long time ago to give to the woman I loved."
"Angel, I can't take that," she said as her eyes filled with tears.
"Why not?" he asked, smiling at her and carefully removing the necklace from it's velvet confines, "It's yours. It's been yours for a long time, love."
He released the clasp, which seemed tiny and even more delicate between his large fingers and reached around to put it on her neck. She lifted her hair up, half of it falling in a cascade of golden tendrils.
"It's beautiful. Thank you," she whispered, looking down at the gift, resting against her bare chest. His soft smile broadened into a large grin as he looked over it, contrasting perfectly with her golden skin and landing just above the rise of her breasts.
***
//so i throw my hand into the air and it swims in the beams
it's just a brief interruption of the swirling dust sparkle jet stream//
Cordelia woke up with the ringing of the phone and found herself securely trapped in the warm embrace of Xander Harris. She wanted to revolt from the feeling, but found she couldn't. As much as she hated to admit it, he felt right. God help her, she found his snore *cute.*
She inched away from his warm body and picked up the phone, squinting in irritation at the sunlight streaming through her bedroom window as she snarled a grumpy "hello" at the innocent caller.
"Liam Angelus, please," a pleasant sounding voice requested.
"He's probably sleeping," she snapped back, "As are most normal people at this time of the morning. Why don't you call back when the world is awake?"
"Could you please wake him?" the man asked, "It's important that I speak to him this morning."
"Fine," she said, before slamming the phone down on her bedside table loud enough to wake up Xander, who watched fuzzily as she stalked out of the room.
Cordelia padded down the hallway, yawning with irritation as she approached Angel's room. Not bothering to knock, she flung open his bedroom door, widened her eyes and screamed.
"Oh my God!" she shouted, missing the sound of Xander running down the hall to see what was wrong.
"Please shut the door, Cordelia," Angel said calmly as Buffy scrambled to pull the covers over herself and her lover.
"You came into my room last night and attacked Xander when the whole time you were planning on coming back in here and FUCKING Buffy Summers! Why in the HELL is it okay for you when WE weren't even doing THAT?"
"I wasn't planning it," Angel said, still keeping his calm and feeling his petite lover trying to burrow deeper into the bed while not only Cordy but also Xander stared at her.
"Whatever!" she shouted, "You have NO RIGHT to tell me anything ANYMORE! You're a jerk, Angel!"
Xander fought to breath as he stood in the doorway, just behind Cordelia and looked at a very calm, muscular and most importantly naked Angel with his arm around the girl of his dreams, who was equally naked. He found himself missing most of the conversation as he looked over Buffy's bare arms and the outline of her breasts underneath the silk sheet.
"First of all," Angel said, feeling his temper rise, "You need to knock before you come storming into my room. We've been over this before. Secondly, my sleeping with Buffy has nothing to do with that little weasel squirming his way into your bed. If you think it's okay to sleep with him now, you're mistaken. Got that, Harris?"
Buffy's ears perked up as the "we've been over this before" sentence reached her. Before? As in Cordelia walking in on Angel and other women? Other naked women that he made sweet love to? Even over her flushing embarrassment, she felt a more urgent jealousy rise up in her. How many other women had there been?
Angel didn't wait for Xander to answer, but held Buffy to his side and growled at his sister's guest, "If I find out you can't keep your cock in your pants around my sister, I'm going to beat you within an inch of your miserable life."
Xander started to respond, when Cordy interrupted him and started shouting at her brother again.
"Shut up, Angel!" Cordy said, taking Xander's hand defensively, "You're not going to touch him. Especially after you've touched *her.*"
"Cordy," Angel sighed, "Is there a reason you came in here?"
"You have a phone call," she sneered, before turning and dragging Xander away from the door. Angel watched them retreat, breathing deeply and trying to calm himself. As he stood to shut the door, unembarrassed by his nakedness, he heard his sister's voice sending the word "asshole" down the hallway. He swung the door closed and slipped on a pair of boxer shorts before sitting on the edge of the bed and picking up the phone.
"Angelus," he said into the phone.
"Hello Detective Angelus," a male voice replied, "This is Wesley Wyndom-Pryce. I've been called in to investigate your case. I would like you to come in this morning to speak with me."
"Alright," Angel said, glad that he was facing away from his lover as he felt tension shooting more fiercely though his body, "Should I bring my lawyer?"
"That would be a wise course of action," Wesley answered.
"I'll call him and see when he's available," Angel said, closing his eyes.
"Very well," Wesley said, "Please call me for an appointment then."
Angel didn't look at Buffy as he hung up and the phone and rapidly redialed. How could he look at her? How could he explain that he was going to lose his job and probably his freedom? He already knew she would blame herself for this when none of it was her fault. If given the chance, he would do it again.
"Lindsey McDonald," a groggy voice muttered into the phone. A female voice in the background reached him just after Lindsey's voice.
"Linds," Angel said to his high school friend, "I have a serious problem. Can you meet me this morning?"
"Do you realize," Lindsey said, after a moment of shuffling and the sound of a closing door, "that I *was* in bed with a beautiful woman just a second ago? I planned to have a bunch of terrific morning sex followed by an afternoon of the same. How serious is the problem?"
"Serious," Angel said, "I'm sorry, man. My plans were similar before I got a disturbing phone call. Believe me. If this wasn't an emergency, I would be staying in bed too."
"Alright," Lindsey sighed, peeking out the bathroom door at the naked woman nestled perfectly in his sheets, "Meet me at my office in an hour."
"Thank you," Angel said, "I owe you."
"You have no fucking idea how much you owe me," Lindsey said before hanging up and crawling back in bed.
***
Part Nine
***
//well, i'm all messed up
that's nothing new//
After Angel hung up the phone, he stayed sitting on the side of the bed with his head hanging, simultaneously wishing that Buffy wasn't there and thanking the powers that she was. After a moment or two of silence, she whispered his name in askance and waited as he slowly turned around to face her.
"I have to go in for questioning again," he explained, watching the look of sadness that had been poised on her face fully present itself.
"But you didn't do anything wrong," she protested, scooting closer to him, forgetting entirely that she was still nude. She remembered quickly when his eyes raked over her skin, taking in each inch of her body. Even in the midst of a crisis, he couldn't help but notice her bare flesh. She blushed as she followed his gaze and felt the dull ache between her thighs reminding her that she had finally become his lover.
"They obviously don't agree," he said, "I have to go meet with my lawyer and then I'll go in and talk to them."
"I want to go with you," she said quietly.
"No, baby. You can't go," he said softly, rising from his bed and crossing the room in several long strides. Scooping up the shirt she shed the night before, she slipped it on before taking on the task of following her stubborn lover around the room as he dressed.
"You can't go alone," she retorted, "They'll say you're guilty and you'll be thick headed enough to agree with them. This all my fault anyway. I'm going with you!"
"No, Buffy," he said, turning on her as he donned a pair of black slacks, "This is not your fault and you aren't going to be a part of anymore of this ugliness. Lindsey will come with me and he'll do what he can."
"I'm coming with you!" she shouted, as if she either hadn't heard what he said or didn't care. Angel correctly believed the latter.
"No," he answered, in a low, serious voice that would have made anyone else, except for his sister and his lover, back away, "You aren't."
Buffy crossed her arms over her chest and met his glare, forced to tilt her head up to meet his eyes. Even as the showdown began, she knew he would leave without her.
***
//i don't know if i'm wide awake or dreaming
but all i ever need is everything//
Buffy took a deep breath outside out Cordelia's room. Standing there freshly showered, in Angel's shirt, with nothing else to put on, she felt incredibly naked and nervous, but she really had no other choice. Her only saving grace was the knowledge that Xander had already left and wouldn't witness anymore of her nakedness today. She knocked firmly on the wooden door and wasn't at all surprised when Cordelia made her wait for several long minutes before she whipped it open, just as Buffy was preparing to knock again.
"What do you want?" Cordelia said, "I know you think I'm some saint for all the help I gave you, but the charity's over. Now that you're *screwing* my brother, I think you should be able to take care of things from here."
"Cordelia," Buffy said, trying to interrupt her lover's sister's tirade, "Cordelia! This isn't about that. Just listen to me. The phone call this morning was some official police guy."
"So? Angel's a cop," she mustered, "Cops call here all the time."
"No," Buffy explained, "I think he was the district attorney or something. Angel called his lawyer after he got off the phone. Cordy, he's in trouble. They're gonna prosecute him for saving us."
"They can't arrest him," Cordy maintained, crossing her arms, "He's a detective, not a criminal."
"They can and they will, if you don't help me."
***
//and there are people who will say they knew me so well
i may not go to heaven
i hope you go to hell//
Cordelia Chase and Buffy Summers sauntered into the Police Department, both dressed in business attire, their faces somber and determined. They strode confidently past all of the officers and staff, ignoring anyone who spoke to them or had the audacity to ask them where they were going. They nearly made it to the Chief's door, when an uniformed officer stepped into their path, looking formidable and slightly intimidating.
"Can I help you ladies?" he asked politely, as if he were not silently threatening them.
"We're here to see the Chief," Buffy said, leaning in to read his name tag, "Officer Finn."
"You'll need to make an appointment," he answered, trying to keep his good natured smile firmly in place.
"I'm sure exceptions can be made," Buffy said, returning the smile, although hers was a bit more forced than his, "Why don't you stick your head in and see when we can have a chat?"
"No can do," he answered, "Now, if you'll speak to the desk attendant, I'm sure we can set something up for a later date."
"We're not leaving and we're not making an appointment with the fashion crisis at the front desk," Cordelia spat, "Now move out of our way."
"I'm sorry, ma'am," Finn replied, losing his smile, "Please see yourself out before I have to have you escorted out."
"You're gonna have to drag us out, cause we're not leaving," Buffy answered sweetly, while clenching her fists. If there was anything Buffy was certain of, it was that she was not leaving the building until she talked to the chief. She didn't give a damn if she had to wait all day.
***
//we have begun to change into the worst kind of people//
Buffy had been certain that the escort threat was just that - a threat, until the officer signaled to a couple of his polyester clad friends. If Angel's new partner, Charles Gunn, had not come to their rescue, they might have been tossed from the building, but with some eye batting on Cordy's part and pleading on Buffy's, they managed to worm their way into the Chief's office.
Buffy tried not to look as nervous as she was as she looked over the small, bald man behind the large wooden desk. For such a small person, he had an air of cold, menacing power that was unnerving.
"I understand the two of you are causing quite a scene," Chief Snyder said, eyeing them sternly, "Is there a reason you are interrupting my officers, not to mention myself?"
"Yes," Buffy said, settling into one of the chairs across from him, knowing without looking that Cordelia had mirrored her movements, "My name is Buffy Summers. My father was-"
"Hank Summers," Snyder said, nodding curtly, "I know who you are, Miss Summers. And this must be Angelus' sister. Now that we've met, both of you hormonal time bombs can see yourselves out. I know at least one of you will be seeing the insides of a jail cell sooner or later, but if you don't want it to be sooner, I suggest to leave. Now."
"We're here to set the record straight on what happened with Mayor Wilkins," Buffy started, "We know Detective Angelus was called in this morning."
"You have already given your statements," he answered with a dark smile, "There's nothing else you can do here, although you may be called in to testify at a later date."
"I see," Buffy said, standing up and smoothing her skirt, before stepping closer to the desk that separated them, "I've grown up as the daughter of a cop. I know what goes on here and I've heard more than once what kind of person you are."
"You're skating on thin ice, young lady," Snyder sneered, rising to his feet as well, "It doesn't matter what you think. Angelus has proven to be too much of a liability for this department."
"You never ever got a single date in high school did you?" Buffy tossed at him spitefully.
"Your point being?"
"You're too much of an idiot to understand the power we have over you," Buffy said, shaking her head calmly, "The Mayor is a very powerful man and if it had been anyone else in that room, trying to rape us before he sold us on some black market, Detective Angelus would be free right now. But since you're a power hungry-"
"Measly little freak," Cordelia interjected, earning a dark glare from Buffy.
"You think that tossing him to the wolves will keep you in the Mayor's good graces," Buffy continued, "We just wanted to make one little thing clear before you finish this investigation."
"You have no proof of any of those accusations," Snyder said through gritted teeth, "And if you haven't noticed, the officials of this city are deeply stupid."
"Nevertheless," Buffy said, "We will have the ear of every reporter and news caster. If Angelus is not safely home-"
"And reinstated to his *full* position," Cordelia added.
"By this evening," Buffy said, keeping the careful timbre of her woods, "Cordelia and I will tell everything we know, about what happened to us, about the Mayor's involvement and your unwillingness to hear the truth."
"Do that and Angelus will never see the light of day again," Snyder blurted angrily.
"Guess we'll just have to see who has more to lose," Buffy retorted.
"And we think it's you," Cordelia said.
"Get out of my office and my building before I-"
"What?" Queen C said, stepping forward boldly, "Rip out my innards, play with my eyeballs, boil my brain and eat it for lunch? Listen up, needle brain. Buffy and I are the daughter and sister of two of the most respective detectives on your force. We're innocent girls. Don't you think the public will believe us when we tell them that we were attacked?"
"Don't threaten-"
"I'm going to do more than that," Cordelia snarled, leaning over the desk, "I've grown up in a very wealthy family. No one intimates me, certainly not a tiny, impotent Nazi with a bug up his butt the size of an emu, like you. Angel and I have more money than we need to attack you without breaking a sweat. We have limitless resources at our disposal and all you have is a badge. What do you think I'm gonna do to you if I don't get my brother back?"
***
//did you want to dance with me?//
"Riley Finn," Angel growled, stepping out of Snyder's office with an odd feeling of contentment filling him, even though he wasn't entirely certain what had happened. He knew when Cordy and Buffy stormed into Snyder's office, they probably threatened him with everything in the book. Knowing his sister, she probably threw a couple of other things too. Even though he bristled at the idea of them risking themselves for him, he still was proud that they had rushed to his defense.
"Angelus," Finn said, clenching his jaw tightly at the impending attack.
"I heard about your welcoming committee for my sister and my girlfriend earlier today," he said, unable to keep the darkness from flooding his brain. When Gunn mentioned that they were nearly dragged out the building, Angel found out Finn was responsible for it. Not that he was surprised. Finn had always been Snyder's faithful flunky, no doubt covering for the little man's numerous shady deals.
"Way I heard it, you were supposed to be locked in a little cell until you couldn't remember what breathing free air felt like."
"Don't push me, boy."
"Now I wonder what kind of blackmail your little girls used to save you," Riley replied, "Couldn't defend yourself, huh?"
"Let me make something clear," Angel said, stepping closer to the blonde officer, "You *ever* touch either one of them again and I'll forget you're a police officer. Got it?"
"You really think that threatening me is the way to go right now?" Riley asked, allowing a smug smile to cover his face, "You're not even on the force anymore, are you Angelus?"
"Where I work has nothing to do with your well-being, Finn."
***
Part Ten
***
//it's the breathing
it's the breathing, in and out and in...//
Instead of heading home from the police station, Angel went directly to Buffy's. Some things had to be said and done before another moment was wasted. He wasn't going to admit to her that he had once again thought of letting her go while he was being interrogated. She would never understand it, even if he explained that she couldn't lose her youth waiting for him while he rotted in prison.
It was curious that one of the things that had turned everything around completely was Riley Finn. The boy looked hungry when he had spoken to him and Angel was sure that the rumbling wasn't in the blonde officer's belly. Finn had seen his sister and his lover and had no doubt thought about taking one or both of them into his bed. The idea sent Angel into a frenzy of emotions. He had known since the day he met the little blonde whirlwind that was Buffy Summers that he would never be able to love another. He knew that she was everything he had ever wanted and much more. The mere fleeting idea of her in the arms of someone like Finn or one of those frat boys made his organs twist in protest.
When he reached the Summers' house, he knocked rather than just walking in as he would have when Hank was still alive. He swallowed harshly as he thought of his late partner and the argument they had had over Buffy. Dismissing the memory of Hank's vow to keep her from his life, he looked up and met with the kind green eyes of an older gentleman he vaguely remembered being at Hank's funeral.
"Um...is Buffy here?" Angel inquired, looking over the man with curiosity.
"No," he answered in a smooth, British voice, "You must be Angel."
"Yes."
"I'm Rupert Giles," he said, holding his hand out, "Librarian at Buffy's school and an old acquaintance of Joyce's.
"Buffy mentioned you," Angel said, stepping in as Giles' stepped aside, "Is Joyce here?"
"Kitchen," Giles answered, nodding in the general direction even though he was sure the young man was fully aware of where it was. Angel led the way, moving through the house and finding his love's mother gingerly pulling open a bag of microwave popcorn.
"Hello Joyce," Angel said in greeting, keeping his face as devoid of emotion as his voice. His skin felt tight with the reigning in of his explosive and slightly panicked feelings and he knew he wouldn't be able to keep it in check for long, especially if Joyce refused to allow him to be a part of Buffy's life.
"Hi Angel," she said, "Buffy's not here, but I would like to speak with you."
"I have some things to discuss with you as well," Angel said, taking the seat at the table that was offered and declining a drink even though his throat was dry. He was relieved when Giles made a feeble excuse to dismiss himself and quickly strode from the room. It would be hard enough to go through this without Buffy's mentor and her mother's new...old...lover standing there, looking on.
"Buffy told me what happened," she began in a kinder voice than he had expected. Angel's eyes widened in surprise. He wasn't expecting that. He wasn't sure what he was expecting, but that sentence wasn't it and his mind began to wander to the memory of his little goddess in his bed, her creamy skin meshing with his in the heat of passion. He snapped out of his reverie as her mother continued, "And I'm a bit overwhelmed with everything that I've missed lately."
"Understandable," Angel managed to mumble.
"I need to know what your intentions are," she said, not touching the drink in front of her or the bowl of quickly cooling popcorn.
"That's the reason I came by," he said quickly, taking his cue before he lost it, or the nerve he had been trying to work up, "I want to marry Buffy and I was hoping for your blessing."
"You realize that my husband did not approve of your...feelings for our daughter."
"Yes," Angel said, nodding slowly, "He told me he never would approve of my being with her."
"And I'm sure you're also aware that I don't want Buffy to be with a police officer," Joyce continued. She was shocked that Angel admitted that Hank had ordered him away, "I don't want her up nights wondering if you're going to come home, only to find out that you aren't. I can't have her go through losing someone else like that."
"I'm no longer with the force," he said, "All charges against me were dropped but it was recommended that I resign, which I gladly did."
Sighing heavily, Joyce eyed the man her daughter loved. He was attractive and obviously loved her, but disaster and sadness had followed him all his life. She feared that the same would happen to Buffy if she married him, but she couldn't say no with a clear conscious. Taking a deep breath, she said, "You have my blessing to marry her...but Angel...you hurt my little girl and I will beat you to death with a shovel."
Seeing the simultaneous happiness and shock in Angel's eyes, she pushed her chair back from the table and stood. Smiling down on him she added, "A vague disclaimer's nobody's friend."
***
//start turning the girl into the ground
roll a new life over//
Angel's house was filled with giggles as he entered and he followed the sounds to the kitchen where he found his wife-to-be (hopefully) as well as his sister and her boyfriend, Xander Harris. Considering the benefit of the doubt he was just given by Joyce, he could hardly eject the boy from his property, as much as he wanted to.
"Xander!" Buffy giggled in protest as the dark haired lout filled up taco shells with ground beef, muttering something unintelligible. The sounds of her giggling his name reminded him of the first day he met her and he smiled in spite of himself. He leaned against the doorway and watched as they made plates of food.
Buffy and Cordelia had both changed into jeans and t-shirts, which actually surprised Angel. His sister rarely wore jeans, but on occasion did don them when she was sure there would be no visitors. Looking over Harris, he grunted soundlessly. Guess the boy didn't need impressing anyway. He looked more rumpled that Cordelia ever would.
As if she had heard his soundless protest of the boy, Buffy looked up and shot a beaming smile in his direction, making him almost forget Xander's presence entirely.
"Angel!" Buffy shouted, running over and wrapping her arms around him, "Where have you been? You should have been back hours ago!"
"Had to make a couple of stops first," he said, sending a look of gracious thanks to his sister and then refocusing on the warm body in his arms. Leaning down, he kissed her lightly and then took her hand, "Come on."
"Where are we going?" she asked, gesturing to the load of taco fillings scattered on the counter, "We made dinner."
"I'll buy you dinner," he said, tugging her toward the door. Shrugging in defeat, she went ahead of him and Angel stopped in the doorway, looking back at his sister.
"I don't like him," Angel said, as if Xander weren't even there, "But I trust you."
"Good," she said, crossing her arms across her chest as she awaited the rest of his statement, "Cause it's not your decision."
"I know," he said, nodding, "If he hurts you..."
"Angel," Cordelia said with a hardened tone and then a second later, smiled brilliantly at him, "Shut up."
***
//it's almost everything i need
i'm down on my knees
i'm down on my knees//
Buffy stepped out of the car, holding their bag of Italian take out and looked around her. The ride had been longer than she had expected and as she looked around her at the field of nothing but grass and hills, she was befuddled with confusion.
"Angel?" she asked, knowing he knew the unasked question. He pulled a blanket from the trunk and then took her hand, leading her into the field in silence. This ranked up there with a horror movie or a ritual sacrifice or an execution or something. She couldn't, for the life of her - no pun intended - figure out what they were doing there.
Angel spread the blanket out and sat down on it with Buffy, silently doling out their food before beginning his explanation. Buffy stared the container of pasta before her, wondering how he expected her to eat when he was being so cryptic.
"All of the money in my family came from my mother's side," he began, "My father's family didn't have much to speak of, except for this land."
Gesturing, he took a second to admire the barren property as if it had oil wells beneath the soil, "When he died, he left this to me. I've always wanted to build a house and raise a family here."
Meeting Buffy's eyes, he saw a slight look of hopefulness there, that seemed tamped down. She didn't want to hope to hard that he was saying what she thought he was going to say. Smiling, he continued, "I want to build a house here for *you* and raise a family with *you,* Buffy."
Squealing, she tossed her pasta aside and launched herself into his arms. As he saw her coming, he moved his own food out of the way before they were both covered in marinara sauce. She kissed him soundly, pressing him into the blanket, cushioned by soft grass.
"I didn't even get to the proposal part," he murmured, kissing her lightly, nipping at her pink lips with delight.
"Yes, you did," she whispered back, rubbing her body against his in invitation, "I'm sure I heard you."
"And?" Angel asked, rolling them over and watching as her hair fanned around her, contrasting wonderfully with the multicolored Mexican blanket.
"And?" she echoed playfully.
"I love you," he said seriously, "I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you be my wife, Buffy Summers?"
"As if there were anything else to be," she whispered, tears gleaming in her eyes. Breathing out life and love, she added, "Yes, I'll marry you."
Angel kissed her again, sealing the proposal and then started to pull away to retrieve the ring from his pocket, fulling intending on pummeling himself later for doing this all wrong, but she pulled him back against her until his weight was fully on top of her once more. Wrapping her legs around his waist and smoothing her hands over his back, she attacked his lips, nursing his tongue into her mouth hungrily. Somewhere in their kisses, she whispered, "Later." He wasn't sure if it meant the food or the ring, but he didn't care. He completely agreed.
They fought their way out of their clothes, while keeping as much contact as possible until they were both nude under a blanket of warm, twinkling stars. Finding her moist and ready for him, he entered her slowly knowing she was still sore from the previous night and that morning. Even as her breasts pressed against his chest and her slick channel stretched around him, even as her tiny hands threaded through his hair and her hips rose to meet his thrusts, even as her tongue lapped at his skin and her teeth scraped over his shoulder, he still couldn't believe that she was his. He couldn't fathom that this beautiful, perfect and pure creature had consented to be his wife, to be with him always.
As he felt her first orgasm rising quickly to the surface, he forgot about the impossibility of his current reality and lost himself in her, driving harder inside her as her inner muscles clenched around him in release. Angel found he couldn't hold on any longer as she panted and screamed in ecstasy. Groaning her name, he too careened over the edge of oblivion buried inside his lover and future wife.
Covered in fine sheen of sweat and mutual lust, they laid together and looked up at the stars, forgetting their cold food. The night there, mere miles from the city limits, seemed so much more mystical and full, as if it could swoop down and suck them into the vast vacuum of space. The heavens smiled down, twinkling with billions of stars and it didn't seem to compare to what they held in each other's arms.
"If my name is going to be Buffy Angelus," she mused, pressing her face against his bare chest, "Guess I get to be an Angel too, huh?"
"You've always been an angel, my love," he answered hoarsely, kidding the top of her head.
"So have you," she whispered back.
***
The End!
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