How's That Again?
By Dyane Windshadow
In a slightly different universe......
As Buffy goes to confront Angelus at the Mansion, Oz meets her.
"Willow said to tell you she just about has the spell worked out to restore Angel's soul. She said STALL!"
"Buffy gave Oz a quick hug. "I'll do all I can. Tell Willow to hurry!"
In the ensuing fight, Buffy keeps Angelus from drawing the sword and awakening Acathla. The portal to hell is never opened, and Buffy doesn't have to close it again with Angel's blood. The curse works, and Angel's soul is restored.
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One month later.......
Angel tells Buffy that he's leaving Sunnydale. He and Buffy have no future together when even one moment of true happiness can cost him his soul, releasing his demon, Angelus again. As Angel and Buffy are saying their good-byes, Willow rushes in, obviously excited.
"I'm so glad I caught you guys before Angel left!"
"Oh, hi, Wil. Come to tell Angel good-bye, too?"
"Not exactly. You see, I've been going over that gypsy curse, and well, I....."
"What is it, Wil? More bad news?"
"Well....I seem to have.... mispronounced part of the spell. So I kinda.....changed it.....by accident." Willow looked very sheepish and glad at the same time.
"Changed it? But it still worked. I'm Angel, not Angelus."
Willow is almost giggling now, partly from embarrassment.
"Well, that word I mispronounced? There's no reason that you & Buffy can't be together now. The only way for you to lose your soul again - is for you to experience perfect....hairiness."
Buffy and Angel stare at Willow for a moment, and then all three burst into laughter.
As they walk off together, Buffy remarks to Angel, "Now all we have to do is make sure that Oz doesn't bite you!"