Chapter 4 Resolution
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And days o' lang syne!
For auld lang syne, my dear
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne!
We twa hae run about the braes,
And pu'd the gowans fine,
But we've wander'd mony a weary foot
Sin' auld lang syne.
We twa hae paidl't in the burn
Frae morning sun till dine,
But seas between us braid hae roar'd
Sin' auld lang syne.
And there's a hand, my trusty fiere,
And gie's a hand o' thine,
And we'll tak a right guid willie-waught
For auld lang syne!
And surely ye'll be your pint' stoup,
And surely I'll be mine!
And we'll tak a cup o' kindness yet
For auld lang syne!
Buffy was now alone in her home. Joyce found a small apartment for herself and Buffy had no clue what to do with the whole house. She had a living room, den, dining room, kitchen, laundry room, four bed rooms and two bathrooms including a half bathroom. So all in all lots of space for a mother and her baby. But right now Joyce was over helping pull out Christmas decorations. Joyce went shopping happy on the decorations for Buffy.
"Uh do I really want this house to be a light bulb?" Buffy asked Joyce. Her mother smiled and walked over to the table so see Connor sitting in his chair. Connor is now nine months and in three more months he will a year old. Buffy couldn't believe her son was going to be one soon. The town of Sunnydale was busy with Christmas just around the corner. Then there was a knock at the door and Joyce answered it and smiled as Angel was there. She let him and he came into the living room where Buffy looked so lost with all the decorations.
"Buffy, your ride is here." Joyce said and Buffy looked up and rolled her eyes at the comment. "Remember we need a big tree." Joyce reminded her daughter as Buffy grabbed her purse. "Right Connor?" She asked and Connor smiled. "See big tree."
"And one that's under forty dollars too." Buffy added and Angel smiled. Buffy and Joyce hugged and Buffy left with Angel. Angel offered last week to help get a tree because he had the vehicle to hold one. Every year he goes out with his friends to help them get one so Buffy said yes. They headed to a Christmas tree lot and started to look for one.
"You know I never had a real tree." Buffy said as she looked at a tree.
"Plastic?" Angel asked as they walked the lot together. Buffy nodded as she looked around.
"Apartments, they are too small and mom was always worried about fires and stuff. Plus a plastic one lasts for years were weren't the riches of people." Buffy explained and Angel smiled a little as Buffy looked at one tree and she was liking it. Buffy found the price tag and it was affordable. "So…any plans for Christmas?" Buffy asked Angel and he shrugged.
"No just be with my mother and brother." Angel answered.
"Well mom wants this huge party thing and well you're invited." Buffy said and Angel smiled. "The least we can do since you've become Connor's babysitter. Oh and Doyle and your mom are welcomed to come. Mom loves to cram as many people in one place as possible.
"If I go to Christmas dinner than you come to service with me Christmas Eve." Angel made the deal and Buffy nodded.
"Done," And they shook on it. "Now use your big man muscles and get this tree." Angel did that charming smile and went to get her the tree. The two headed over and got it wrapped up and put into Angel's SUV and Buffy had a twinkle in her eye. Angel liked that spark.
"I can't wait to see Connor's face when he sees this tree." Buffy said and she looked to Angel.
"He'll love it." Angel assured her.
"Christmas was a big deal for us, dad really made the effort for it to be truly about family." Buffy started. "I mean I got lots of gifts but I can always remember it was us three just enjoying the day together."
"What was your favorite gift?" Angel asked and Buffy thought about it.
"When I was four my dad wasn't going to be home for Christmas, he wasn't coming home until after the New Year." Buffy started to explain and Angel leaned against the SUV to listen. "So I went to bed Christmas Eve and left a note for Santa telling him to take all my toys away and just give me my dad. Christmas morning I woke up and I got everything except dad. Then my mom called me to the kitchen saying there's one more gift for me so walked in ready to unwrap another gift and there he was. My dad standing in my kitchen. I never jumped so high before when I jumped into his arms. That was the best gift." Buffy finished and Angel was amazed, she was an incredible person. "What's yours?"
"Honestly?" Angel asked. "When I was six I got the Tonka Truck that you can actually drive." Buffy smiled at him and they got back into the SUV and headed to her place.
Angel left and went to the office for a bit as Buffy decorated the tree with Connor watching. Joyce came into the living room and walked over to the three and nodded.
"It's pretty." Joyce commented and Buffy took a step back looking at her work. "So," And Buffy rolled her eyes.
"Mom," Buffy scoffed.
"Hey, he's a sweet guy and he likes Connor I mean what are you waiting for?" Joyce asked as Buffy went to put away the decorations she didn't use. "It's been a year since you split with Angelus and five months since the divorce."
"It's a little more complicated than that." Buffy reminded her mother.
"What's complicated?" Joyce asked. "He has a respectable job, retired military, good looking. I mean he really could be your knight in shiny government standard issued body armor." Buffy sighed putting the stuff away. "Buffy you have to let go of the past."
"Well I can't," Buffy stated. "Not now at least. Yes I know what he did there's hole there. I loved him and I trusted him and he lied. I can't bury that not now." Buffy explained and Joyce stood there. "I know what you want for me and thank you but I can't. I can't see myself with anyone right now." Buffy then was quiet. "It's not just about finding the right guy for me even though Angel's track record is…well perfect. Connor needs a father and if there's some chance that Angel and I could be together I don't know if he's in it for the long haul to be a father. Right now yeah but what about a year from now, five years? I'll take the heart break but I won't do that to my son." Joyce smiled and knew right then and there she raised her daughter right.
"Well is he coming for Christmas dinner?" Joyce asked changing the subject.
"Yes and his brother and mom and his brother's fiancée." Buffy answered and Joyce smiled. So far Xander, Xander's girlfriend, Willow, Oz, Cordelia, Doyle, Angel, Angel's mother and Giles were coming. All total including them and Connor it would be twelve people it was an official party.
The town of Sunnydale was decorated everywhere but the thing it was missing was snow. It wasn't hot out at all, in fact there was a nice breeze, the air was crisp and clear. It was cool enough to wear a jacket and pants but not turtlenecks and parkas. Buffy was out at the local mall with Willow and Cordelia shopping as Christmas music played. Buffy pushed Connor's stroller as he looked content with a small bear. Connor had already met Santa Claus and he didn't like it. He looked right up at the man with the white beard and cried. It wouldn't be at least until next Christmas that he understands.
The three girls were in a shop looking around. Cordelia had to be careful not to spend too much money. She and Doyle were paying for most of their wedding and honeymoon so Christmas this year would be a light one. What Cordelia and Willow really wanted to talk about was Angel and Buffy. They were friends now that much was seen. But when they look at each other you could just feel and see it. They were most in defiantly in like with one another.
"So what are you going to get Angel?" Willow asked Buffy.
"Way to slip into that one." Cordelia deadpanned as she looked at some clothes in the men's section. She was thinking about getting Doyle a nice new jacket. The one he had was nice but he's had it since they met back Senior year in high school. And to put that in some perspective that was long time ago. Buffy sighed knowing she needed to get him something. One he was a friend but also he's been watching Connor every Friday since she's been here.
"I don't know yet," Buffy answered but the real question was when are you and Angel going to get together? "What about shoes?" Buffy asked and she looked to Willow and Cordelia.
"Yes, Buffy because it's every man's dream to get shoes from their crush." Cordelia said sarcastically and Buffy rolled her eyes. "Make something special you know, something between you two." She suggested and Buffy thought about it wondering what she could get her friend. Connor this year would be showered with gifts that he wouldn't know what to do with it all. Buffy had gotten her mother a few things and all her friends got a gift but Angel. Why was it so hard to shop for him? It shouldn't have to be special maybe just a cool video game but what if that wasn't enough? Wait why should she get him this huge elaborate gift? He's just a friend. Something will come up and it'll work.
Angel was out by himself wondering what to get Buffy for Christmas. He got something for Connor, that wasn't hard to do and then something for Joyce. But Buffy what could he get her? Doyle said give her his heart and that would be perfect but he could tell she wasn't looking for a relationship not now so he would respect that. He sent Cordelia out to spy on Buffy to get a feel for her likes and then go from there. One thing that kept repeating in his head was snow. Buffy mentioned to Cordelia she was going to miss the snow, ice skating, and Broadway. Then Angel saw a poster and smiled, this wasn't going to be the actual gift but something to show her that he really did care about her. Her actual Christmas gift would probably be something small but unique to her.
A Week Before Christmas
Buffy was getting ready as her mom said she and her would be going out. But there was a surprise that Buffy didn't know. While she was upstairs getting ready Angel came over. Buffy would be going out tonight but not with her mother. Buffy grabbed her purse and headed downstairs and then saw that Angel was here thinking he was going to be watching Connor.
"Well you two have fun." Joyce said and Buffy looked confused.
"What?" Buffy asked. "What's going on?"
"Angel has a nice surprise for you and I wish I could go." Joyce said and Buffy still looked confused. "Oh go have fun me and Connor are going to have our own little party, then watch some TV and then have a baba." Buffy nodded slowly and then look to Angel and he smiled. Now one thing was for sure, he looked great in all black with a black overcoat. The two then left the house and Buffy was wondering what his plans were. Without words they got into SUV and drove off.
After driving into town Buffy saw that they pulled up to a theater and looked to Angel.
"I know it's not Broadway but it's as close as we get here." Angel said and Buffy smiled.
"Did you know the Nutcracker is my favorite or was it just by chance?" Buffy asked and Angel perked up a little.
"Really?" He asked and Buffy nodded. "That I didn't know I just that you know it being the holidays and all." He explained and Buffy smiled. "Well then let's grab some seats then." Angel suggested and Buffy nodded as they headed into the theater together. Angel's seen ballet but he's never been to a play. Buffy grew up in New York where ballets were common like blinking. She hoped Angel would like it and if he did then maybe she would consider dating him a little sooner. Angelus didn't like ballets or plays he would get bored and almost go to sleep. But Buffy loved them and could watch them all day.
The Nutcracker ballet last nearly two hours and they left the theater and Angel could tell he nailed it. Buffy was all smiles as they walked to the SUV.
"So did you like it?" Buffy asked as they headed to the SUV.
"I did, didn't think I'd like ballet." Angel admitted and Buffy smiled. "Why do you like it besides growing up in New York?" As the two got into the SUV and Buffy thought about it.
"Well, we saw different shows weekly. Some were really bad like we would laugh and others were great. Ballet is something that I liked because some of it was inspiration back in my ice skating days." Buffy explained and Angel smiled.
"Well it just so happens that there's an ice rink here in Sunnydale." Angel said and Buffy smiled.
"And are we heading there now?" Buffy asked.
"Maybe," Angel answered with a smile.
They came to the Sunnydale rink and Buffy was getting excited, she hadn't skated in a very long time. They headed inside and the place was decorated and music was playing. Angel paid for the skates and the two went to lace up. Angel could tell she was a skater; she got a pair that were the actual figure skater skates which mean the blade was thinner with a toe pick on the front of the blade. The couple was ready and Buffy was itching to get on the ice.
Angel was a little nervous because he's never skated before. Buffy stepped on the ice and waited for Angel as he stood there. Buffy went up to him and grabbed his hands and pulled him on the ice.
"You ever roller bladed before?" Buffy asked him and he nodded his head.
"Like when I was seven." Angel answered and Buffy smiled.
"Ok it's just like that." She explained and he nodded. Buffy skated backwards with ease as she held Angel's hands more or less toting him around. Angel started to skate or at least tried and Buffy giggled. "Going to let go ok?" Angel nodded and when she let go he held out his arms trying to balance himself and Buffy still giggled. "Ok that's just sad, here," Buffy got next to him and took his hand in hers and continued to tote him around.
"So you skated?" Angel asked as they went around the rink and Buffy nodded.
"Yup I was good at it too. So good that mom and dad thought about having me home schooled so I could train more." Buffy told him and Angel was impressed.
"But?" Angel asked knowing there was a reason why she stopped.
"When I sixteen I went skiing and I fell and tore everything in my knee. I could still skate just not competitively. That type of skating is very demanding so couldn't do it." Buffy said and Angel nodded.
"How good were you?" Angel asked.
"Eh won a few medals." Buffy made it sound like now big deal with a smile.
"Well can you do something now?" He asked her.
"Like what?" Buffy asked as they held hands skating around the rink.
"One of those insane jumps." Angel suggested and she nodded. Buffy let go and skated around to get a feel for the ice and to build up some speed. Angel waited and Buffy jumped, spun in the air and landed and Angel clapped cheering. Buffy then spun on the ice and Angel had to smile. Buffy stopped spinning and skated back to him and he was still smiling. "That was cool."
"Thanks," Buffy said and then they continued around the rink knowing they had most of the night to enjoy this.
Christmas Eve was here and Buffy was ready for church as she drove with Angel to the place. She was ready but a part of her wasn't ready to go in. Angelus like Angel was Catholic. She even was married in the church and went to service with him. But for him to be up there on the Alter praying and asking for forgiveness when he went out and killed shook her. Buffy wasn't sure if she believed in anything but Angelus made it worse. She walked side by side with Angel inside and saw Cordelia and Doyle along with another woman. She could tell that was Angel and Doyle's mother.
"Mom this is Buffy, Buffy this is my mother Clair," Angel introduced them and they shook hands.
"Well, we ready?" Doyle asked and they all walked in. Buffy was going to bring Connor but she had a feeling that he wasn't going to stand this. They were at the midnight service so it tends to be longer than the others. The five walked in as the choir was singing some interludes as the people gathered in. Buffy wasn't sure if she should hint that she knew what was going on as she watched Angel, Doyle and Clair genuflected before getting into the pew. Cordelia followed suit and Buffy just sat down. She didn't want to explain anything about her past and pretend to not know this.
Angel began to pray and she smiled a little. He was wearing his black on black with a red tie and she wasn't going to lie he looked really good. The five then sat in the pew talking softly waiting for service to begin. Buffy sat next to Angel with Clair next her, Doyle next to Clair and Cordelia next to Doyle. That was one thing Buffy liked about the Christmas time the music the choirs sung it was always pretty. The choir was singing O Come All Ye Faithful and it sounded like it always did until they broke out clapping to a beat. Some of the people in the pews clapped too as they sung. Buffy looked around to the small church as it wasn't nearly the same size as the cathedral she went to in New York but it still had the same feel. Up front you had the Alter and off to the side the manger was set up. The place had Christmas trees with lights around the place.
The place got quiet and it was time to start. The choir began with Angels We've Heard on High and the service started. Buffy had the sudden urge to reach out and grab Angel's hand like she use to with Angelus' but held back. She thought to herself she'll just enjoy herself sitting next to him and maybe pretend that they were a couple without her past. Angel was just glad she was here. He wanted to ask to date her but he knew she was guarding something. He wanted to know what it was but the best thing to do was let her talk about it when she was ready. In the meantime he would let her know that he was here for her.
The service was halfway over as communion was here. As always it was Silent Night in Latin playing as people got up to receive the bread. Buffy sat in the pew as Angel and his family got up and left. Buffy followed him as he walked up the aisle and then she looked to the Alter where the cross hung. She wasn't sure about prayer. She's heard that it works, she prayed to be happy but got a mob boss instead and cancer took her father. She wasn't sure if she could pray to something that took her father and gave her an evil person. While in thought Angel returned and sat next to her. Buffy looked at him and he looked back to her.
The service ended with Joy to the World as everyone left the service. The five of them left and Angel went to take Buffy home and he pulled up to his driveway and walked Buffy home. They didn't say anything as Buffy was at her front door. In words they didn't say anything but their eyes said it all.
"I'll see you tomorrow night." Angel said and Buffy nodded. "Merry Christmas Buffy."
"Merry Christmas Angel," Buffy said back to him and went inside. Angel stood there making sure he heard the click of the door locking and did and he left.
Christmas day was here and Connor got more toys and clothes than he needed but it would last. After the unwrapping of gifts Buffy was in the kitchen prepping dinner. Joyce was cleaning up the mess of the wrapping paper and had music going on. There was enough people coming over to go overboard with food and they would be over soon. Christmas morning went with opening gifts, hot chocolate and sticky buns for breakfast. Then around eleven Buffy started to get the meal going. Connor sat in his chair at the counter with Buffy as she began to cut the veggie and fruit tray for the guest to snack on.
Connor seemed happy to be with his mom as cooked. Joyce came in and started to take out the pies she made last night that just needed to be baked.
"Anymore pies mom then you could open up a bake shop." Buffy commented.
"I want to make sure there's variety." Joyce defended herself. There were two pumpkins, apple, cherry, pecan and blueberry.
"You're going to make us fat." Buffy said smiling as the trays were ready and she was making the dip. Just then the doorbell rang and Joyce hurried over and it was Willow and Oz with some bags. Joyce welcomed them in and they set their gifts under the tree as more presents would be opened later tonight. They went back into the kitchen where the beginnings of a huge feast was being put together.
"Hey Connor what's up?" Oz asked the little baby and he smiled. "Get everything you wanted?" He asked and Connor cooed. Buffy smiled as she would have to wait until some of the pies were done. The doorbell rung again and it was Giles and he and Joyce shared a kiss. They were currently dating and it's been a while that Buffy's seen her mother smile like that. Buffy liked Giles so she approved. Then just as Giles was getting settled the doorbell rang again and it was Xander followed in with a girl he was interested in named Anya.
The house filling up and then the doorbell rung again and it was Angel and Buffy did her best not to have her eyes glow when seeing him walk into the kitchen. Everyone greeted each other and then one last group of people came in and that was Clair, Doyle and Cordelia. Buffy picked up Connor and made her way to Clair, Doyle and Cordelia. Of course Cordelia lit up seeing Connor.
"Gimme, gimme," She begged Buffy and she smiled. Connor liked the attention and Cordelia held the baby and looked to Doyle smiling. "I want like a million of these by the way." And Doyle nodded. Clair looked to the baby and back up to Buffy.
"This is Connor?" Clair asked and Buffy nodded smiling. "He's beautiful," She commented as Cordelia held him. Angel looked to his mother knowing she wanted to be a grandmother and hopefully Doyle would be the first to scratch that itch for her.
The day went on and the house was smelling good and the table was set. Most of the guests were in the living room watching TV, sipping on some wine or playing with Connor or a combination. Buffy was in the kitchen getting the last bit of dinner together with the help of her mother and Cordelia and Willow more of a cheerleader. Anya was there and watched not knowing how to cook but if Xander eats the way he does then she needed to learn soon. Buffy then took out the golden brown turkey and baked ham from the oven and Willow smiled.
"Wow, Buffy it looks like a picture." Willow commented and Buffy smiled as the two pieces of baked meat sat on the counter.
"Hand me the baster," Buffy requested taking off her mitts and Willow did and she took the juices from the turkey and put them in a bowl.
"Wow, Buffy you make everything from scratch?" Willow asked and Buffy nodded. Angel was half in the kitchen seeing what was done and his stomach growled seeing the first sights of food. He also heard the comment that not only Buffy could cook but she makes it from scratch. She looked cute as she was in her nice clothes but wearing an apron too. Angel watched her for a moment as she moved around getting things put together.
"How do you learn how to cook?" Anya asked and Buffy shrugged as she took the turkey out of the pan and onto the carving board followed by the ham.
"Use to cook with mom so just picked up on it." Buffy answered and Joyce smiled.
"Well if I don't know how you think Xander will still be with me?" Anya asked taking a slice of cucumber.
"Not everyone can cook." Willow stated. "I mean I can make mac and cheese and Oz is still here." Willow made her point and Buffy smiled as she set the bowl near the stove.
"If you two don't want to starve one of you will learn." Joyce assured her.
"You two only been dating for a month, there's no rush." Willow stated and Anya nodded.
"Yeah but you can cook Buffy so if you and Angel got together he would be happy." Anya said and Buffy smiled a little as she took the dressing out of the turkey and put it in a huge bowl.
"That wouldn't be the whole reason why he'd get with me." Buffy added and both Cordelia and Willow smiled.
"Be a good reason too though." Willow commented and Buffy rolled her eyes.
"Willow, want to make real gravy?' Buffy asked and Willow looked interested and nodded. "Here stir this until it thickens." Buffy gave the directions. Then Cordelia came over with the potatoes and started to mash them as the food was coming together. Angel then came back wondering if he could scavenge anything before dinner and then Buffy looked up at him. "Angel, you're a strong man here carve the turkey oh and get Doyle to slice the ham." Angel nodded and got his brother and the two brothers started to cut. "This plate is white and this is dark." Buffy instructed and Angel nodded as he started to cut. He was having fun because he was around his family. Doyle and Clair were his blood family, Xander, Willow and Cordelia he knew from school and now Buffy, her mother and Connor it felt like a family. Giles was the new one for him but he seemed to fit in.
Buffy smiled as Angel carved the turkey and he took a piece ate had a bite. He's been smelling it for so long he had to taste it. Then he felt Buffy slap his hand playfully.
"What?" Angel asked. "Just making sure it's good." Angel explained and Buffy crossed her arms and he smiled. "And it's very good Buffy."
"Thank you," Buffy smiled and went to get the plates and cups ready.
The table started to get set as Buffy and Joyce would have it set up buffet style so everyone could just grab and go and sit wherever they wanted. Once everything was set everyone lined up and loaded up they're plates. Xander sat down and took a bite of the turkey and looked like he was in heaven.
"Oh this is good, so good. Hey Buffy I'm moving!" Xander announced and she smiled as she stood around eating. Angel ate and yes it was good it reminded him of his own mother's cooking. Everyone went back for seconds and even after that there would be leftovers for everyone to take home. There was music and laughing throughout the house and after the feast they would open up more gifts. Angel and Buffy were talking to each other and it was more than obvious they were growing closer.
"Pie time," Joyce said as she went into the kitchen.
"You think they can handle pie?" Buffy asked and looked to Angel and he smiled. Giles followed in and kissed Joyce on the cheek as she started to set up the pies. "Oh this one burned." She said and Buffy looked to one of the pumpkin pies as Angel reached to the top of the refrigerator taking out some whiskey and then open the refrigerator and took out another bottle of wine.
"First we have more pies," Buffy started. "Besides it can be like Cajun pie." Joyce rolled her eyes.
"More wine?" Angel asked and Giles nodded as he got the bottle opener.
"Oh do we dare?" Joyce asked as Giles was already going for it and Angel got the whiskey open. Giles quickly grabbed a whiskey glass and Angel smiled as he poured himself and Giles some.
"Well you can have all the wine you want as long as you don't display PDA in front of my son." Buffy laid down the rules and she felt her mother gave her a light tap. Angel smiled at that and sipped his whiskey and waited for pie. They had to throw out the burnt one but Buffy was right they had plenty. They set some out on the table and people took different slices. Then Oz got on the piano and started to place some Christmas music. Buffy grabbed another glass of wine in one hand and Connor was in her arms smiling enjoying this. Buffy thought this was a great Christmas despite what has happened. These people here were becoming her family and welcomed her. Buffy came into the living room where everyone was singing. It was that end of the party drunken feeling. Connor was still awake and he would sleep very well tonight.
Angel then took Connor from Buffy and she smiled. Clair saw it and the three together made a family. Connor looked like he could belong to Angel. Connor then reached for Angel's glass and Angel smiled.
"No Connor," Buffy said. Connor knew what the word 'no' meant and Angel swore he saw Connor frown.
"No, not until you're at least fifteen." Angel added and Buffy scoffed and Angel smiled. Buffy rolled her eyes and sipped her wine. Joyce was hoping the two would step under the mistletoe she set up and kiss. They needed to kiss. They've been looking at each other all lovey dovey it was time. And now with the holiday spirit and Christmas magic it should happen. Oz kept playing until Joyce announced it was gift time. They gathered around and ripped through the gifts.
Buffy and Joyce mostly got house warming type gifts and Connor got more toys and clothes. Then Buffy reached for Angel's gift and wonder what it was. She opened it up and it was a little box and she smiled. She loved jewelry and she opened the box and it was a bracelet. She took it out and it was charm bracelet. There weren't many charms on it because she needed to add more. There was a blue charm that was the letter C standing for Connor and then a little shoe that was an ice skater shoe. Also on it was a Navy charm representing her father. Buffy smiled and hugged Angel letting him know it was very nice. He then opened up his gift from her and smiled. He took out the little mirror with the Marines logo and engraved on it was the Marines' Prayer. Angel smiled and looked at Buffy. It almost felt natural to lean in a kiss her but instead he hugged her.
New Year's Eve was here and while it wasn't like Time Square, Sunnydale had its own tradition. Most places were closed for the dropping of their own ball. Everyone from the Christmas party was there as they were getting to the last half hour of the end of the year. The year couldn't end fast enough for Buffy. She wanted to end it, end the past and move on.
This morning though she had a conversion with her mother. The first New Years with Angelus they kissed, the second and third they kiss but now he was gone. Everyone wants to kiss someone on New Years to welcome the new beginning. Joyce would have Giles, Xander and Anya, Willow and Oz, Cordelia and Doyle. But what about Buffy? Yes it could be Angel. While finally this year was ending she didn't know if she was ready to start the new one with someone.
The day was over and the year was about to end as everyone waited. At the ten minute marker the ball would slowly drop.
"So did you ever go to Time Square?" Angel asked Buffy and she smiled.
"Once and I'll never do it again." Buffy answered and Angel laughed knowing what she meant. "I'll just watch it on TV." The two continued to talk as Connor was falling asleep in her arms. For all the loud noise the boy could sleep right through it.
'Elizabeth had never been to Time Square on New Years and she knew why it was so crowded but Angelus was with her. They stood there and watched the ball dropping and the crowds counting down to the New Year. Then Angelus turned to her facing her and she was finally going to be kissed on New Years. Just then Angelus dropped to one knee and Elizabeth's jaw dropped as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a black box.
"Elizabeth Marie Sherman, will you marry me?" Angelus asked and Elizabeth let out tears and nodded. Angelus smiled standing up and took the ring out and placed it on her finger. The ball dropped and it was the New Year. Just as the ball dropped they shared a kiss. Elizabeth was in another world not only did she get her New Years kiss she was now engaged too.'
The Sunnydale ball was now beginning to drop and everyone was excited. Soon the ten minutes were now down to ten seconds. The crowds counted down with one another ready to welcome the New Year. Then the ball dropped and everyone cheered. Doyle and Cordelia were lipped locked along with Willow and Oz. Xander and Anya hesitated for a moment and then leaned in.
Angel looked down to Buffy as everyone around them cheered about to ring in another new year. Buffy held Connor as he was in between them asleep unphased by the noise. Angel wasn't sure if he should kiss her and she wasn't sure if she should kiss him. Maybe just a good luck kiss for the New Year right? Angel leaned in closer and Buffy closed her eyes and then felt his lips on hers. Angel then let his lips slide across hers as they both could hear the crowds cheering and singing Auld Lang Syne. Buffy should pull back but couldn't. The kiss grew a little and she felt Angel place both hands on her shoulders and Connor had yet to move. Buffy got closer to him deepening the kiss more wanting more.
Joyce was cheering with Giles and when she looked across the way seeing her daughter lip locked with Angel she smiled a little. Buffy didn't want to stop as she felt a small peace go through her like the end was done and she could finally begin. But that couldn't happen. She was still in danger and she wouldn't bring Angel into this mess no matter how good of a kisser he was or a man. Angel slowly pulled away and looked down at Buffy realizing they just kissed. She looked both terrified and happy at once. Was this is it? Were they together now?
"I can't," Buffy said and Angel held back the pain. It felt like his heart was being crushed. "I," Buffy didn't want this well she wanted this but for it to go this way wasn't what she had in mind. "I'm not ready, there are things," Angel had to push himself to understand because if he didn't then there wouldn't be a chance later. He then placed a hand on her cheek.
"I'll be here." He said and Buffy really wanted to lean in kiss him for that. She knew she hurt him by not accepting but for him to say he would wait proved just what kind of man he was.
"Angel," She whispered and bit her lower lip. "You don't want to be with me." Angel just looked at her not saying anything. "I, there's just things that."
"Like I said, I'll be here." He cupped both her cheeks then leaned in and gave her a soft kiss on the cheek and pulled back. Buffy got closer to him and allowed him to put his arm around her shoulder as they watched the fireworks explode in the sky and confetti go everywhere. Joyce saw the moment and her heart broke for the both of them. Maybe one day soon her daughter could really put the past behind her. It was a new year though, a new start, a second chance, a chance Buffy deserved. She deserved something happy and Joyce knew it, it had to be Angel. Angel and Buffy stood there looking up into the sky with all the bright colors as Connor was in Buffy's arms asleep.
They kissed but they aren't together…yeah sorry guys. They won't get together for a while but lots of sexual tension ahead. The next chapter we'll focus on Angelus/Elizabeth because I know you are dying to see how that all played out. You won't get the whole story as I will tell it in pieces later but you'll see their happy times.
Now any ideas on Angel and Angelus? Wonder what's going to happen to Angelus right? He's sitting in jail while his ex-wife is making out with another guy and that guy is moving on in. And plus Connor doesn't even know his own father so how is that going to work with Angel? Will Angelus find Buffy and if he does what will he do? I mean she's the one who ratted him out. And how do Angel and Angelus fit together?
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