The Curse Of Love

Angel liked the winter months. By 4 o'clock the sun had set, and he could leave his dark flat with its drawn blinds and curtains early enough to spend some time with his friends.

It was nearly Christmas, and most of Sunnydale High were spending every free second preparing for the festivities. Angel winced as he walked into the school, passing several small nativity scenes. He hurried to the library, where he knew the slayer and co. would be.

When he entered the library, a scene of complete chaos greeted him. Obviously trying to get into the Christmas spirit, Giles had let Buffy, Willow, Xander and Oz loose with a huge box of tinsel and Christmas decorations. Buffy and Xander were up two ladders, trying to stick tinsel to the walls, with Oz and Willow below them, steadying the ladders and shouting out orders.

Giles was the first to spot Angel in the doorway. 'Good afternoon.' He said. 'Principal Snyder's idea… this is meant to attract more people to the library.'

'I thought you didn't want more people in the library?' Angel asked.

'I don't, but I'd also like to be alive for this Christmas, which would be extremely unlikely if I went against the Principal's wishes.'

Angel and Giles' attention was now turned to Buffy and Xander, who were both trying to tug the same piece of tinsel in opposite directions. 'Please be careful.' Giles muttered as Buffy gave a particularly vicious tug, and Xander nearly fell off his ladder. He steadied himself, and carried on sticking the tinsel to the wall with an evil glare at Buffy.

Finally, the last piece of tinsel was in place, and Buffy and Xander got down from the ladders. Angel gave Xander a high five, and Buffy and Willow a hug and a kiss on the cheek before turning to Oz. Everyone else quickly began to busy themselves tidying the library as Angel began to speak.

'Hi.' Angel began.

'Hi.'

'I've missed you.' Oz hadn't been around much lately; Devon had been putting on loads of rehearsals for 'Dingoes Ate My Baby', and Oz had several exams coming up as well that he'd been revising for.

'I've missed you too.'

'Come here.' Angel sighed, pulling Oz into a hug and kissing the top of his head. 'I love you.'

'I love you too.' Oz replied, looking up into the eyes of the taller man.

Angel often thought that he must be a pretty unique vampire. How many vampires are there who have a soul, are gay and are in a relationship with a gay werewolf? The answer? Very few.

'Why do I have to be a vampire?' Angel sighed.

'Sssh.' Oz hushed him, pulling him into a passionate kiss. When they finally pulled apart, Buffy spoke.

'So… what are we going to do tonight?'

'I've got to go to The Bronze, we're playing.' Oz moaned.

'Then we'll all come and watch you!' Willow said, trying to lighten Oz's mood.

'You don't have to… you can go and have fun! I'm the one stuck in this band, not you.'

'We're coming to watch you.' Willow repeated firmly.

'Fine!'

***

Angel watched in silence as Oz stood up on stage, playing his guitar while Devon wailed into the microphone.

'Penny for your thoughts?' Buffy asked as she came and sat down beside Angel, carrying 4 drinks.

'I hate being a vampire! I hate never being able to be happy, but I never want to be Angelus again!'

'What's brought this on all of a sudden?'

'I want to propose to him…' Angel sighed, looking back up at Oz. 'But if he said no, I'd never be able to look him in the eye ever again.'

'But I'm sure he'd say yes!'

'And then I'd be happier than I've ever been…'

'And you'd lose you're soul… ' Buffy finished off. 'I see your problem…'