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"You should have told me what was going on."

"I didn't - I didn't think it was your business."

"Not my business?",Buffy asked incredulously

"I needed more time with Faith. I'm not sure.."

"You needed - Do you have any - idea what it was like for me to see you with her?

That you went behind my back..."

"Buffy, this wasn't about you!", he yelled, "This was about saving somebody's soul. That's what I do here, and you're not a part of it. - That was your idea, remember? We stay away from each other."

"I came here because you were in danger."

"I'm in danger every day. You came because of Faith. You were looking for vengeance."

"I have a right to it."

"Not in my city."

this seemed to be Buffy's breaking point, "your city?, since when do you own L.A., where for the record I lived first? And just how exactly was staying away from each other my idea? In fact I'm pretty sure that was all you. I came here because I wanted to protect you, I dropped everything, left behind my very confused friends and rushed to protect the person who has caused me more pain then anyone else, a mistake I will not be making twice."

"Buffy, I …"

" save it. What's having my heart shattered into a million pieces a fourth time? I've gotten used to it.", she whispered the last part, holding back the tears in her eyes as she walked down the stairs.

Angel felt like an idiot, what right did he have to judge her? She had saved the world over and over, given up everything she had ever wanted for a world that repeatedly spat in her face, and here he was having the nerve to act all high and mighty, when she was a million times stronger then he would ever be.

He hit the wall in frustration, "you know for a taciturn shadowy guy, I sure do have a big mouth.", he said, mostly to himself, but also as an acknowledgement to Wesley who had just walked up behind him

"for the record I think you did the right thing", he offered his comfort.

"what, yelling at Buffy?

" no, that was one of the stupider things I've witnessed in my time, and considering I used to work with Quinton Travers that is saying something", both gave a slight chuckle, "no I meant you did the right thing with Faith."

"Angel!", Cordelia's shrill voice angrily called out, "what the hell are you still doing here? Stop being a moron and go after her!"

"but…"

"no. no buts. She's right! You had no right to talk to her like that, and to make matters worse you hit her for Faith. The girl that tried to kill you both repeatedly! Now go get in your car and drive to sunny hell. Get on your knees and grovel if you have to, but make this right!"

"Cordelia"

"what?!"

"It's day time"

She rolled her eyes, "fine! wait until dark then fix this, just make sure you fix it!", and with that she stomped back down he stairs.

Angel was equal parts amused and scared for his un-life.

Only after she was out of sight did Buffy let the tears fall freely. She got in her car and drove as fast as the speed limit would allow, trying to get as far away from this place as possible.

When she finally got home, she had never been so grateful that Willow had a boyfriend, she didn't think she could talk to anyone right now, she just wanted to be alone, still crying she curled up on her bed, clutching the pillow to her chest.

She wondered how many times her heart could be broken before she couldn't put the pieces back together.

Just then Willow entered the room, back from her date earlier than usual. Immediately jumping into action upon seeing the broken slayer. She walked over to the bed," Buffy, what happened?"

The only word Willow could make out of the slayers jumbled explanation was, Angel.

she waited until she was sure Buffy was asleep, before heading over to Giles' for an emergency Scooby meeting, picking up Dawn on the way.

Upon arrival, Willow was faced with a flurry of questions. "GUYS", silence, "thank you, anyway"…Willow decided instead of explaining she could cast a spell she had learned recently and show them. Directus ostium ut praeteritus ostendo nobis verum para plaga englen.

A window appeared in midair showing the entire conflict to the now angry scoobs.

Dawn especially was furious. "that… that jerk! What is his issue? First he leaves Buffy and she totally broke down all summer, then he comes back to sunnydale and is all creepy stalker guy and to top it all off when she goes to L.A. to save his life… or after life I guess… oh whatever! She goes to L.A. to help him and he broke her heart again? He is such a total idiot!"

"I really am", they all heard HIM say, "but I need your help, I have to make this right".