A/N: Alright everyone, here it is! Chapter 3, woot! I'm going to start updating twice a week, so be on the lookout. Anyway, a few things for the good of the order: 1) The poem in this chapter is by Charles M. Moore. It's his, not mine. 2) and this is very important so I'm giving it its own line…

This chapter contains ADULT SITUATIONS. If reading smut offends you…turn back now.

Enjoy!

Chapter 3

What in the hell was she doing? That's what Buffy had been asking herself for an hour, ever since she woke up being suffocated by Riley's arms and sent that damn text to Angel. She'd slipped out of bed, showered and dressed, and sent Angel the message. As she slipped out of the hotel room, she'd left Riley a note, not telling him where she was, just that she was out.

As she approached the pond, memories started assaulting her. This place held a lot of firsts for Buffy and Angel. None of their friends knew about this spot, they'd managed to hide it through all of high school.

Buffy quietly picked her way through the brush that hid the pond from view. As she drew closer she saw Angel, standing at the edge of the water, looking down at his reflection. His long, black duster swirled around his knees in the gentle breeze. Buffy's breath caught in her throat. If it were possible, he was infinitely more attractive than he had been at eighteen.

"Buffy," he said softly, without turning, as she broke through the tree line. Warmth shot straight through her blood and settled low in her stomach.

"Angel." She came to stand next to him, crossing her arms over her chest so she wouldn't be tempted to thread her fingers through his. They were silent for a long time, just listening to the night and being completely comfortable. Buffy couldn't do this with anyone but Angel couldn't just exist.

"Do you remember that time we thought I was pregnant?" Buffy whispered.

"Yes."

They'd been juniors, together for three years, sleeping together for two. They'd always been so careful, both adamant about not wanting kids until much later in life. One night, however, they'd been at a party and had too much to drink, and then found it impossible to keep their hands off each other. It had turned out to just be a scare, but the three weeks where they didn't know, were the tensest of their lives.

"I never told you this, but when we found out I wasn't…I was a little disappointed. I had never realized how badly I wanted to be a mother." There were a few moments of silence as Buffy let her words sink in.

"When you first told me you were late, I started having dreams. You were always about eight months pregnant, glowing, and more beautiful than I thought it was possible for a woman to be. In every dream, I would put my hands on your stomach and feel this little flutter and get really excited about the little person growing inside of you. When I saw your pregnancy test, it felt like a part of my heart broke."

"I never knew."

"I'm surprised you and Riley haven't had kids," Angel murmured. Buffy sighed.

"I've been putting it off. From the time Riley and I started dating, he was always adamant about wanting kids. He said he wanted four, two girls and two boys. I always laughed, because we were still just dating and it was sweet how much he wanted them."

"What happened?"

"We got married and as soon as we got back from our honeymoon he asked when I wanted to start trying. When he asked me that, I thought I was going to be sick. I realized I didn't want his kids."

"But you stayed married to him?" Someone who didn't know Angel may have taken offense at his question, but Buffy knew there was no accusation or judgment in his tone. She sighed.

"I love Riley, I like being with him, but there's just something…not right about having kids with him. My kids were supposed to be your kids."

Angel didn't say anything for a long time and Buffy thought she had said the wrong thing that he was going to walk away. Instead, she found herself wrapped in his arms and his lips moving over hers.

Buffy nearly sobbed at the rightness of it, the way his silky lips fit so perfectly over hers, the way they both gave and took without ever fighting for control. Angel's hands were everywhere, in her hair, on her waist, at the small of her back, creeping just under her shirt to feel the heat of her skin. Buffy's arms wrapped tightly around his neck, unwilling to let go.

They sank to the grass; lips still fused together, tongues still dancing. Buffy couldn't stop the moan that escaped her as she felt Angel's weight settle over her. It was so right, so perfect, more so than it had ever been with Riley.

Angel ripped his mouth away from Buffy's, resting his head against her collarbone and breathing heavily. He could feel Buffy trembling beneath him.

"Buffy…"

"Angel, please, just make love to me," Buffy begged. Angel groaned, pressing hot kisses to her neck and shoulder.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

Angel didn't waste any time snaking his hand underneath her shirt, skimming his fingers over the outside swell of her breast, teasing her endlessly until finally his thumb flicked over her pebbled nipple.

"God," Buffy gasped. Her fingers twisted themselves in Angel's dark locks and she arched into his touch.

Slowly, reverently, Angel undressed her, stopping to lave kisses over each new patch of skin he exposed. Buffy squirmed beneath him, just as responsive as he remembered. As soon as her clothing had been removed, Buffy flipped them and took her turn, her nimble fingers deftly unbuttoning his silk shirt and stripping him of his pants. She wasn't as patient as he had been. She needed him inside her.

"Buffy, Buffy, Buffy," Angel chanted as she kissed her way down his chest. Her hand snaked down to grip his stiff member, slowly stroking it until Angel was groaning beneath her.

When Angel couldn't stand it a second longer, he flipped them and buried himself inside of her in one smooth thrust. Buffy cried out and arched beneath him, wrapping her legs around his waist and clinging to his shoulders as he began a punishing rhythm.

"Angel, please, I need…" Buffy started rambling incoherently, lifting her hips to meet his thrusts.

When they came, they came together in orgasms so blinding they very nearly fell unconscious. Angel collapsed on top of Buffy, attempting not to crush her and failing miserably. Buffy's arms wound around his shoulders and held him close as they both panted heavily.

"I never once stopped loving you," Angel whispered, his hot breath tickling her ear.

"I know."

* * *

Buffy sat on a large, flat boulder the rested at the edge of the pond, trailing her toes in the water. She was fully dressed, as was Angel, who sat next to her, their hands lightly entwined.

"I was so afraid, Buffy. Afraid of losing you, of not being able to make you happy. I know I handled it badly, but I just did what I thought was best at the time," Angel explained.

"I know that now, Angel. Maybe I even knew it then, but it still hurt. I wanted to marry you, to bear your children, and you were dumping me out of the blue."

"I can't ever apologize enough for hurting you that way, Buffy." Buffy turned to face him, reaching up and gently brushing the back of her hand over his cheek.

"You don't have to, Angel. I know." She leaned forward and pressed a kiss to his lips. The horizon was just beginning to lighten, tinged with deep purple and pink. She would have to go back to the hotel soon. Back to Riley. Her husband.

"What are we going to do now?" Angel asked as if he'd read her mind. Buffy sighed.

"I honestly don't know. I wasn't expecting to come back here and see you, much less…hook up. I live in New York, and I do love my husband, even if it isn't in the same way I love you."

"Leave him and move in with me. I have more than enough money to support us until you find another job. I'm sure it won't take that long." Angel scooted closer to her, pulling her small body up to snuggle with his. She burrowed into his chest and sighed again.

"Angel…I can't just leave my husband, you have to understand that. You know how I feel about divorce."

"I also know how you feel about cheating, but that didn't seem to stop you today, did it?" Buffy started at the bite in Angel's voice. She pulled away and frowned.

"Tonight was…"

"A mistake?"

"No! God, Angel, no. I just…I don't know what to do."

"I want you in my life Buffy. If you aren't willing to leave your husband, well then I'll settle for being your friend." There were a few long minutes of comfortable silence before a sob tore its way from Buffy's throat. Angel held her tightly, letting her tears soak through his shirt.

"Thank you, for not pushing me. And even if we are just friends…please know that I do love you. So much that sometimes I think my heart might burst."

"I love you too."

* * *

"Honey, are you almost ready? Willow's waiting in the lobby," Riley reminded Buffy as she brushed on the last of her make-up later that evening.

"Almost, sweetie." When she'd gotten back to the hotel room that morning after her time with Angel, Riley had still been asleep. She'd crumpled her note and trashed it, then slipped back into Riley's arms.

The entire gang had met for breakfast at a diner that had been a favorite in high school, and Buffy was surprised at the ease with which she and Angel interacted. She'd expected awkward, guilty interactions or total avoidance, but they'd simply acted as though they were old friends who hadn't had sex less than twelve hours before.

That day, she'd left Riley to his own devices and gone shopping with the girls. She felt a little bad that he had no friends to go out with, and the boys of her gang were a little less than welcoming.

Little did she know, until later at least, that Angel had invited Riley to go to the local sports pub to watch the big game and drink themselves silly. When Riley mentioned it, she felt panic grip her heart, but he'd said that Angel at least had been welcoming.

"Alright, I'm good to go," Buffy said brightly. Riley's eyes roved over her, taking in her short black dress with an open back and her bright red heels.

"You look beautiful, baby," Riley smiled, leaning in a brushing a kiss over her lips.

"Thanks, let's go."

The reunion was in full swing by the time they arrived. Former classmates were dancing, talking, eating, and laughing. Inside the old Sunnydale gymnasium was decorated in maroon and gold, just cheesy enough to be affecting. Buffy felt her eyes tear up, remembering senior prom, one of the last good memories she'd had with Angel.

* April 16, 1999 *

Buffy laughed as Angel spun her on the dance floor and then dipped her low. When he pulled her back up, in the safe circle of his arms, she pressed a lingering kiss to his lips.

"I love you," Angel whispered against her pink lips. Buffy smiled and buried her face in his shoulder.

"I love you too."

A hand tapped Buffy's shoulder, causing both Angel and Buffy to frown. They broke apart to look at the interloper.

Parker Abrams smirked at Buffy, letting his eyes rake over her in a leer that was only sexy coming from Angel.

"Can we help you?" Buffy asked with a false, saccharine smile.

"I wondered if I could get a dance." Parker held out his hand for Buffy, who simply looked at it. Angel let loose a growl that would've made a lion proud. Parker looked up at him, startled by the noise.

"Parker, I suggest you stay away from what's mine," Angel hissed. Parker sputtered and backed away slightly.

"Buffy, are you really going to let him treat you like a possession?" Parker asked. Remarkably, his voice barely shook, but he didn't look at Angel.

"Why not? It's true, I'm his."

"Beat it, Parker." This time, the boy turned and tried not to run. He failed.

"You wanna get out of here?" Angel murmured into her hair.

"God, yes."

* Present *

Buffy slipped her hand into the crook of Riley's arm and gave him a soft smile as they made their way through the gym to find her friends. The group had secured a large table near the back and were already well on their way through a bottle of expensive Champaign.

"Hi guys!" Buffy smiled as she and Riley sat down. Her gaze locked with Angel's and held for a long moment. Buffy felt shivers run down her spine. She glanced quickly away, engaging Willow and Faith in conversation.

For hours the party went on. Every member of their party danced with their spouses, and with other's spouses. Near midnight, Riley caught Buffy's elbow while she danced with Spike.

"Baby, I just got a message from the office, they said it's urgent. I'm going to head back to the hotel and try to sort this out. Will you be okay?" Buffy nodded.

"Of course, dear. Go ahead." Riley leaned down and caught Buffy's lips in a kiss more heated than they'd exchanged in a long time. She knew he was staking his claim on her.

"May I have this dance, mi'lady?" Angel asked from behind her as Buffy watched Riley leave. A slow song had come on, the same one they'd danced to after being crowned Prom King and Queen.

"Always," Buffy whispered. Angel pulled her onto the dance floor for the third time that night.

He wrapped his arms around her, tracing light patterns over her back, holding her tightly. Buffy let her head rest against his chest and closed her eyes, wondering where their life would've gone had they not broken up.

"Lie down on your pillow and turn the lights down low…" Angel whispered. He felt Buffy smile against his chest.

"Let me take you to the garden where the passion flower grows," Buffy finished.

"Close your eyes and enter dreams
as love's emotion sets the scene
and flitters through the garden
where the passion flower grows

Touch the tender petals
of the flower as she grows
a tentative endeavor
as your feelings overflow

Let me draw you to the place
where ecstasy can be embraced
the beauty of the garden
where the passion flower grows

Feel your mind exploding
in the heavy scented air
experience the shiver
as your captured unaware

A little touch of heaven
where imagination flows
the valley in the garden
where the passion flower grows."

When Angel had finished reciting the poem to her, Buffy's heart was beating wildly in her chest and she wanted nothing more than to jump into his arms and let him have his way with her. He knew exactly how to get to her.

"Angel…my husband…" Buffy whispered breathlessly as Angel started brushing his lips over her jaw and the hollow behind her ear.

"I can't, Buffy, I can't just be your friend. God I'm trying, but I've been so hot for you all day, it's like I'm fifteen again," Angel groaned against her perfect skin.

"Outside," Buffy begged.

They stumbled outside, locked in each other's embrace; lips fused together, hands roaming everywhere. They'd managed, miraculously, to make it without anyone spotting them.

Buffy moaned deep in her throat as Angel pushed her against the wall of the building, trailing his fingertips up her thigh, disappearing under her dress. His other hands dipped inside the neck of her dress, kneading her breast until she was mewling beneath him.

"Angel…God," she moaned, reaching out to unzip his pants and reach inside. He found himself unconsciously thrusting against her as her tiny hand wrapped around his stiff cock.

"If I'm a god, you're a goddess," Angel grunted.

When he couldn't stand it anymore, he lifted her by the ass. She instinctively wrapped her legs around his waist and he slid home, thrusting languorously as Buffy clawed at his back, mindless in her pleasure.

"Please, please, oh Angel, Angel, Angelangelangelangel," Buffy panted. Angel's thrusts became more demanding, harder, as Buffy keened his name. They fell over the edge of pleasure together, crying and shouting each other's names before fusing together in a hungry kiss that nearly started the cycle over again.

Both were ashamed that they'd rutted against the wall of a building like animals, in plain view of anyone who cared to look, but neither could deny that when they were…together, nothing else mattered. Not where, not when, and not how.

"I'm sorry," Angel breathed against her ear, both of them shaking as they came down from their orgasms.

"Are you really?" Buffy asked, and her tone said she knew he wasn't.

"Not for the sex, God I'll never be sorry for the sex, but for pushing. We agreed to be friends and then I got hot and bothered and used my knowledge against you." Buffy chuckled as Angel set her down and helped her smooth her dress and hair.

"That was pretty low, but I'm a big girl Angel. I could have stopped us. But, I still can't leave my husband. Riley doesn't deserve this. So I need you to try really hard to keep it in your pants, okay? And I'll try to…be less alluring. Or whatever." Angel gave her a weak smile before brushing a renegade strand of hair from her eyes.

"Will there ever be a chance for us again?" Angel asked wistfully. Buffy couldn't stop her heart from breaking just a little at the sound in his voice.

"I hope so."