Author's Notes: Takes place during The Gift, but will be a bit AU. A little tidbit: Buffy knows about Angel's son. I know there's a few stories out there already written about this particular scene, but in my version, I am planning on adding a bit of a twist to it. Lyrics are from the song titled All I Need by Within Temptation. Love that band. And yes, there will be another chapter added. Enjoy!

Chapter One.

Together you are strong; alone you are dead.

"Buffy, don't do this. You don't have to."

"You know I have to. It's my duty. I have no choice, do I? You know how it goes; being the Slayer, I have to save the world, even if I don't want to at times. I can't let the whole world get sucked into Hell because of me. You know that. And I'm not gonna let Dawn die because of my choice." She spun to face him, a consternated, determined look on her face. She trotted slowly towards him, strands of hair crackling with the surge of energy the portal was transmitting.

"I won't let you do this. I will not stand here and let you die! I can't fight evil alone. Not without you at my side," his voice lowered into a trembling sound, tears, heartbreak, and stubbornness threatening to break out into the surface.

She pressed her hand against his cold cheek, caressing it gently, lovingly, leaving a trail of kisses in its' wake. For a mere second, it warmed his cold, unbeaten heart, but it wouldn't last.

He could feel his soul breaking in half, leaving a shell of a man in its' place. She was his sunlight, his warrior, his Champion, his companion, his lover, his other half. All of it, threatening to be thrown away in a matter of moments.

Despite the time being spent apart and the mere fact that he had left her behind for her own benefit, time itself couldn't simmer his love for her.

At the very moment, his love for her grew a thousand fold. Nothing in neither Heaven nor Hell would ever destroy it, as long as the sun continued to shine and the Earth continued to spin its' axis. Nor neither death itself could interfere or destroy their bond.

He was certain of it. She was absolutely certain of it as well, regardless of the distance and the heartbreak that had come in between them years' past. Tears sprang relentlessly in her eyes, blinding her vision. She knew what was to come. The time was ticking, alerting her, taunting her.

Fear, anxiety, and love overwhelmed her, knees almost buckling underneath the pressure. She turned her body towards the portal, noticing its' rapid growth that was continuing to escalate.

Soon, it spewed hundreds of vile creatures into the night sky that resembled the forms of ancient dragons. "There's not much time left. I have to go," she muted, wiping away fresh tears that spilled onto the steel deck as she lowered her head against his shoulder, unconsciously circling his waist, clinging on to him with every ounce of desperation and desire that burned within her, body, heart, and soul.

"I don't want you to," he whispered solemnly against her cheek, circling her waist mechanically, nudging her neck and shoulders with trails of tiny, gentle kisses that felt as if they were made of blocks of ice.

Despite its' frigidness, it felt soothing against the Slayer's skin. She raised her head, eyes boring into his, arms still circling his waist, fingers running smoothly underneath his duster, caressing his bare skin that caused inexplicable goose flesh to form.

It was him that had always given her the strength and the determination to fight against the forces of darkness, no matter how daunting it became at times. He was her light.

He was hers, and she would always be his, no matter the circumstances, no matter their destiny, no matter what the Powers had decided what was best for their warriors. They held one another close against the rising demons and creatures, until they lips melded into one, their souls singing with emotion that couldn't be denied nor suppressed.

Their kiss grew passionately, despondently, lovingly, all yearning, desire, and loss molded into that one simple kiss that took her breath away.

"I'm sorry. For everything. I'm sorry for leaving you. I'm sorry that I didn't came in time to stop Glory," he apologized, guilt riding him, until she placed a finger on his cold, moist lips, silencing him.

"Don't. How could you even say that? It's not your fault. You couldn't had known that this was gonna happen. Don't feel guilty, I don't want you to. I don't want you to feel that way even after when I'm gone. What I want...what I want...is for you to be happy, be strong. Be brave. Live…for me."

"But, how can I? This is what we're supposed to be doing Buffy. You and me, fighting together, not losing one another by dying! I can't lose you. Not again. At least, let me go with you." He completely broke down, embracing her, leaving kisses that radiated of sadness and despair throughout her neck, her shoulders, and her lips, inhaling her scent that was familiar and intoxicating to him. He dropped to his knees, clutching at her legs, leaving her stunned and speechless.

She ran her fingers through his hair in a soft manner, regaining her voice, bending to her knees. In the distance, a rumble of thunder could be heard. A flash of lighting cackled through the sky seconds later. "I can't let you do that. What about your son? What about Connor? He's what matters to you. You can't leave him fatherless, you know that. It wouldn't be fair to him. He'd had no one to care for him, or protect him. He needs you." She attempted to sooth her lover, bringing his face close to hers, inhaling his scent, her face inches from his.

He sighed, knowing that she was right. He couldn't abandon his son, not when he needed him the most. "What if I never see you again? We both know what's gonna happen as soon as you jump into that portal. You'll lose your life. You'll be dead. And I'll be alone." His chocolate orbs pierced into her eyes with a look of hopelessness and fear.

She placed another soft kiss to his lips, tasting his own tears, cradling him against her shoulder. "You'll never be alone. I'll always be with you. Always. Live, for me. Live for your son. Live to fight another day. Make me proud." She left a gentle kiss on top of his matted hair, holding him against her breast.

Reluctantly, they both gathered themselves to stand on their feet, their eyes never leaving each other. She placed her hand in his, their fingers intertwining. It was their moment to say goodbye. They stood in silence, and then, once more, he gathered her into his arms, desperate kisses adorning one another until she was entirely out of breath.

Electricity cackled and shimmered through the air. She pushed herself away from him, forcing him to look at her. "I love you. I will always love you. We both know that this is the work that we have to do. Give my love to my friends. You have to take care of them now. You have to be strong. Keep fighting, keep fighting for your redemption. You'll get it. I know you will. You are strong, and you are loved. Remember that." Another kiss to his lips, then she spun towards the portal, releasing his hold.

She turned around to glance at him one last time. "I love you, Angel. I always have. Nothing will change that."

"Are you still my girl?" He only asked, standing tall in the midst of the coming storm. She gave him one last smile.

"Always."

Then she turned, running towards the widening tunnel as it welcomed her into its' arms.

Don't tear me down, for all I need

Make my heart a better place

Give me something I can believe