A/N: Okay, please be reminded that this series started in ancient history, like mid-1990s, so technology isn't exactly cool yet. But I'll try not to mention them much.

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Angel and Demon

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The Master sat on his chair, the Anointed One beside him examining the visitors with narrowed eyes. Darla hovered behind in the shadows, her blue eyes studying the scene, while the Master's other vampires ranged around the derelict church.

"I like this place," commented Ichimaru Gin, his right leg crossing over his left knee. "It positively reeks of desolation and death. Or maybe that's just the damp?"

Aizen smiled faintly. "Forgive Gin. We just had an interior decorator last night."

"Forgiven, of course." The Master looked down his curved nose. "I do wonder what exactly is the purpose of this visit?"

"We're just here to pay a visit to our neighbors," answered Aizen, smile unwavering. "After all, we are the newcomers to Sunnydale."

"Indeed." The Master matched the grin. "Good fences make good neighbors."

Gin piped up. "We have metal ones. Spiky. Nothing as fancy as your force field,of course."

The Master bristled at the mention of his prison, but the boy who now housed the spirit of the Anointed one placed his small hand over the white, taloned one. The Anointed One spoke up. "Why are you in Sunnydale?"

"Necessity," said Aizen easily. "The Hellmouth that was in Kyoto ran out of energy. We've been tapping its power for a few hundred years, it was bound to happen. Besides, Gin here wanted a change of scenery."

"And you brought your clan along," said Darla silkily, stepping forward, knowing that the Master would not rebuke her impertinence while visitors were present. It was important to present a united front.

Gin tilted his head. "Only the Family. We aren't encroaching on your territory, after all."

"No, of course not. You live above ground, like the human meat." The Master examined his fingers. "With the trappings of human civilization."

Gin sat forward. "Say, is that a leather coat you're wearing?"

"I remember you now," Darla said suddenly. She stepped down from the Master's seat and walked to the center of the ruined church. "Boxer Rebellion, China. You were there."

"We were all there, but yes, we've met." Gin rose to his feet with a swordsman's grace. "The missionaries. You wanted the baby for your darling boy. What's his name now... Aizen-sama, can you recall the name?"

"Angelus."

"Ah yes. Angelus." Gin now faced Darla nose to nose. "How is your dear Angelus, hmm? Haven't heard of his exploits for some time. Hope he's still hale and well."

"He's fine," spat Darla. She circled Gin and then returned to her Master. "But he's living like you: amongst the human cattle."

Gin smirked. "Moo."

Aizen coughed softly in his throat and Gin returned to his seat. Aizen took his lover's hand and kissed the back of it, before looking at the hosts. "We're here to ask if we could have the south neighborhood for our hunting grounds."

The Master considered. He didn't care where the family hunted, but he knew that was how they did things back in Japan. He nodded and then said, "I am weary. If you please, I shall retire for a meal."

"Apologies for taking up so much of your time," said Aizen. "Come Gin. Let us go back; the children are waiting."

As the two left, Darla glared at where they had been sitting. "Just say the word, master, and they'll be dust."

"You'll be dust if you went after them," remarked the Master coolly. He gazed at the walls of his prison. "They are older than I am, Darla. Imagine the power they have – practically all of Japan was theirs. How do you think those game shows got started, hmm? I am concerned though... they can't possibly be satisfied with just the south neighborhood."

The Anointed One frowned. "How old are they, then?"

"Eight centuries and some. Been together for that long too, proving that eternal love is a real possibility," said the Master. "Of course, that love is an additional sign of their contamination from living amongst humans." Then the Master smiled. "Ah yes. Speaking of which, how is Angel?"

Darla seethed inwardly but managed a smile. "As usual. Hanging around the Slayer, reeking of his soul."

"I miss him," the Master commented, wistful. "Such a vicious creature."

The blonde strolled up to the Master. "Let me deal with him, Master," she murmured, "let me have Angelus back in the fold."

The Master was intrigued. "And how would you do that?"

Darla smiled sweetly.

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"Angel, Angel, Angel," complained Xander bitterly. "Everytime we hang out, the conversation somehow turns back to him. I mean, she doesn't even see him that often! Not as often as she sees me, anyway." He drank from the can and tossed it into the garbage not far from where they were walking. He continued on his rant. "Why is it that she can't see how much I like her?"

"Maybe it's because you haven't told her," said Ichigo. He yawned; the alleys in Sunnydale had become a lot quieter recently. Urahara was at home, trying to dig up possible hideouts where Kira and Hisagi would hide. "And why are you here on patrol with me anyway?"

"Cos it's fumigation night at the Bronze, and it's either stay at home and do my homework or come out here and kill bloodsuckers." Xander smirked. "No prizes for guessing which I prefer."

"Yeah, but the Three that Buffy met last night may still be around. You oughta be careful, man. Maybe later we'll end at the library and get Giles to drive us home."

The two boys walked silently for a few minutes before Xander spoke again. "Say, do you like Buffy, Ichigo?"

"Her? Nah," said Ichigo dismissively. "Not really keen on the dating scene now. She's nice, but, like you said, preoccupied with her own issues. I prefer someone more... I don't know, someone who's willing to share my burdens and also h-her problems."

"That's the thing, man," agreed Xander wholeheartedly. "She's just all wrapped up in her own world that-"

"-quiet." Ichigo's collapsible sword snapped out. Xander had put in a plea for one, but received a stake and a large cross for protection. And holy water in a bottle. Ichigo lowered into a semi-crouch. "Xander, be careful."

The tiptoed forward and plodded into an alley. It ran on for a distance but ended in a dead end. Then both heard the deep growling behind them.

"Ah hell," muttered Xander. He glanced at the other boy. "I take it that I really, really shouldn't turn around?"

"It's not like we have any choice," Ichigo pointed out dryly. He was already looking at the way they came. The dark-haired teenage boy sighed and swiveled around to stand behind Ichigo, knowing that the redhead was a far better fighter.

Three broad-shouldered and armored vampires stood in a row. Xander recognized them from the illustrations in Giles' book that afternoon; judging by the sudden tensing of Ichigo's shoulders the other boy did too. The first one raised his head slightly; his prominent brow did not hide the yellow eyes nor the fangs.

"You see a chance, you run, tell Buffy that they are still out in force," said Ichigo, hunkering down. "I'll be running with you if I can."

"Gotcha," said Xander. He did wish he was a fighter as well, but no matter what Ichigo tried to teach him about fighting, he just didn't have the flow of movements. On the other hand, he was pretty good at self-defense now. Even Larry's jocks were giving him space.

The Three didn't seem about to give them space. With another growl all three vamps rushed Ichigo and Xander. Somehow they managed to duck the first attack, and Ichigo's long sword gave him an advantage over Buffy's short stake when it came to fighting multiple opponents.

Hacking would not work with the armor the large vampires wore, so Ichigo targeted the eyes and elbows, forcing a weakness on them before he tried staking them. He saw that the lead vamp already had one gaping eye socket; the Master probably dug it out before sending them on this mission. Ichigo wondered who the three were tracking this time round, but then tossed the thought away to focus on slaying them.

One roared as the point of Ichigo's sword stabbed deep into his neck, then the noise was cut off when the blade severed the head from the body. Xander dodged as best as he could, thankful for the years of dodgeball bullying in gym, and then splashed holy water into the face of the head vamp. Momentarily blinded, Xander then whirled round with his cross to force the third one back from Ichigo. The redheaded teen took the chance and attacked the first vampire. That vampire was far too strong, though, knocking the sword from Ichigo's hands and kicking him in the ribs, sending him flying into the wall.

"Ichigo! Help!" Xander was pressed to the ground, his flailing legs the only reason why he had yet to be killed. Ichigo rolled to his feet and grabbed his sword but knew he was going to be too late-

Another tall man dropped into the alley from one of the rooftops, landing near Xander. The vampire, distracted, glanced up and was rewarded with a punch that sent him flying. Released from his attacker, Xander scrambled to retrieve his cross.

Ichigo slashed at the lead vamp, wincing a little. He would need to check his left side for bruising later. He noted the arrival of a man in a hooded sweater and dark jeans, but that stranger moved with an economy of motion that signaled his capability. The stranger went on the offensive at the other vampire, strong kicks and punches holding the vamp at bay. Then Xander saw the stranger draw out a wide blade. There was a click and sharp points stabbed out at regular junctures of the blade.

The stranger sliced across the neck of the vamp that attacked Xander, and then sprinted to Ichigo who was barely holding off the attacks. The collapsible sword had snapped in two and Ichigo was fending off the blows, not even having time to yell for aid. The jagged sword the stranger gripped hacked down and the points dug into the joins of the vamp's armor.

The vamp shouted and swung his arm back, narrowly missing the stranger who dodged from the blow. Ichigo took the chance to kick up and snap the vamp's head back before using what remained of his sword to cut through the exposed neck. The vamp shrieked into a pile of dust.

Then the stranger pulled off the hood he had been wearing. "Hello Ichigo. Still getting your ass kicked, I see."

Ichigo stared. Then he grinned incredulously. "Abarai Renji?

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Willow was rather bemused. She looked at Renji and then Ichigo, and then tugged on her own hair. "It's like a convention in here," she said to Xander beside her.

He chuckled, then groaned. "Uh, I'll leave off the laughing until my spine and neck loses all feeling."

"... so Renji dropped in and started to fight off the other vampire," said Ichigo. "I thought he looked familiar, but I didn't even imagine it could be you! You could've dropped me a notice, asshole!"

"Can't you think of some new names fer me?" Renji tsked Ichigo. "Lack of creativity, Orange."

"So you two are friends," said Buffy, her arms crossing. "Care to share from when?"

Renji leaned back, peering out from behind his bandanna. "Back when this neon-bright punk was still useful, huntin' down vamps and demons back home."

"I'm hunting vamps and demons here," said Ichigo defensively. "You think I walk along dark alleys with a sword for fun? You know me better than that."

"I hardly know you anymore, not since Kyoto," retorted Renji.

Xander sat up. "What happened in Kyoto?"

"Nothing." Ichigo got to his feet. "I have to go. Renji, you got a place to stay?"

Rejni stood up too, towering over everyone else. "Yeah, but I wanna meet Urahara. I'll follow you."

"Wait, what happened in Kyoto?" Buffy made to stop both boys but Giles held her back and shook his head. He had been silent throughout the exchange, but he had not missed an iota of the tension that bubbled between the two Japanese. Something had happened in Kyoto, but the sudden paling of Ichigo's face meant an end to that side of the inquiry.

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Renji sat in the sofa, next to Urahara while Ichigo showered. The light from the television set washed over them both, the raucous canned laughter providing some noise to mask the tense atmosphere.

"Staying together now, huh," commented the tall redhead. He glanced at the older man beside him, curious and wary. "Why?"

Urahara shrugged. "Cheaper than renting two apartments, Abarai."

"Also conveniently puts you close to him, hmm?" said Renji, leaning forward, cocking his head to peer into the blond's face.

Urahara answered the challenging gaze. Ichigo chose to emerge from his shower at that point, his bright blue towel rubbing the damp from his neck. "You've seen him, so tell us why you're here."

Renji sat back against the sofa. "I think you know, Ichigo."

Urahara exhaled steadily. "You do know there is no way I will allow you to take Ichigo with you, right?"

"How did you even know where we are anyway?" asked Ichigo, crossing his arms.

Renji scoffed. "Took us the better part of a year. You are two hard guys to track, traveling over the world through portals? Rukia went all apeshit when the mystics told us they lost ya over in Siberia."

Sighing. Urahara said, "You still found us. Who?"

"Byakuya," replied Renji easily. "Shinji took him off the P'rattan case, put him on yours. Made me mystically upload American English into my brain, tossed me on a plane and flew me over here. The tossing's real, by the way – I hate flying."

"And you tracked me down in the alley? That's freakishly coincidental."

"I've been tracking you for days, Ichigo." Renji's amber eyes turned serious. "Saw you in school with your new friends. Nice people, by the way, especially that slayer. Saw the guy she's been makin' eyes at: Angel. Have you met him?"

"Once or twice. Why?" Ichigo asked.

"Angel's not his name. Three guesses what his full name is." Renji stared at Urahara. "I'm bettin' you know."

The blond was startled. "You're not- you mean, you don't mean to say Buffy is seeing Angelus?"

"Bingo," said Renji. "Like I said, been tracking you for days. Wasn't intending to make myself known until the crew arrived, but saw you and your friend getting hit. What are doing, taking civilians out on patrol now as bait?"

"We do things differently here, Renji," snapped Ichigo. "He's a friend, not just a civilian, and definitely not as bait."

"Looked different to me," said Renji, getting to his feet. "You were about to get him killed, and you almost died yourself. Is recklessness a part of you now?"

"No," answered Ichigo through his teeth.

Renji stalked forward, still pushing. "All our training down the drain? The months and years helping you to hone those excellent reflexes?"

"No, that's not what-"

"Are you tryin' to kill yourself? Are you trying to die because you didn't manage to in Kyoto? Did that little sojourn in Kyoto scramble your brains because I'm pretty damn sure it was fine before you headed to the Hellmouth in Kyoto to take on the biggest vamps in Japan. What the hell happened in Kyoto, Ichigo? Did they break your resolve? Did you betray our sacred duty? What did they do to you in that dungeon that you keep running? That you ran half a world away from Japan? What happened in Kyoto?!"

"STOP TALKING ABOUT KYOTO!" roared Ichigo, shoving Renji back. "You know NOTHING about Kyoto, nothing about what happened there! You don't get to judge me, Renji!!"

"Whoa, hold it guys, back off," said Urahara, standing between Ichigo and Renji. "It's late. Tomorrow is still a school day, so go to bed Ichigo. Renji, I'll drive you to where you're staying. This town isn't safe to walk about in after dark."

The tall redhead studied Ichigo carefully and backed off a few steps. Ichigo was panting with agitation. Urahara touched his cheek gently with a finger. The young man jerked with the contact, then met his gray-green eyes.

"Go to bed, Ichigo. I'll send him back to his place."

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Urahara turned off the radio. "What will it take to keep you out of Sunnydale?"

"Shinji wants Ichigo back in Japan," said Renji. "Sounded like he'll go to any lengths."

The blond man stopped the car. "Listen, Renji. If I have to murder you, and all the other people Hirako Shinji sends after us, I will. No one is gonna hurt Ichigo anymore."

"Urahara, we're not gonna hurt him, we just want to know what happened in that dungeon in Kyoto-"

"That is precisely what will hurt him," snarled Urahara. "He doesn't want to remember. He's decided to forget. If he remembers it'll kill him."

"Shinji also put out an arrest-on-sight for you, Urahara." The redheaded man leaned against the headrest. "I'm already breaking rules, telling you these."

"I'm not surprised," said Urahara. He drove on. "I did what I had to."

"You put a demon in Ichigo."

"I put my demon familiar in him, yes. It was the only way to keep Ichigo alive."

"Ever heard of ER?"

"He was minutes from dying... and he would've risen as a vamp. Renji," Urahara looked up and stared at Renji via the rearview mirror and stated slowly, "I did what I had to. And I will do what I must."

"If you mean to kill me now I suggest you better get ready for an invasion too," said Renji, focusing on the street. "Rukia got my call yesterday. They're assembling a squad as you threaten me."

"You have twenty-four hours to call them off and get out of here, Renji," said Urahara as he sped down the road. "As a thank you for giving us the heads-up. It's now one in the morning."

"We'll see," said Renji. Neither spoke again in the car ride to Sunnydale Inns.

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The four teenagers sat at their respective desks in physics class as Urahara talked about static charges and the experiments that demonstrate the presence of static electricity. Buffy was still depressed, doodling idly in her notebook. Xander was antsy and – Ichigo hated to see it but it was there – anticipative. Willow was distressed by Buffy's sad mood. Ichigo worried his lower lip, now caught between concern about Angelus and anxiety over Renji's presence in Sunnydale.

"Kurosaki," said Urahara suddenly, "please remind us what the definition of static electricity is."

"It is the, um," Ichigo stood and glanced at his notes, "the imbalance of positive and negative charges."

"Good. Elaborate on positive and negative charges."

Urahara had put on his teacher voice and Ichigo straightened from his slouch. "Things with positive and negative charges will attract each other, while things that have the same charge repel."

"Close enough," said Urahara, beckoning for him to sit down. "Davidson, what about items that are neutral?"

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"So the way I figure it, Buffy and I are, y'know similarly-charged. Hence the repulsion... wait that didn't come out right," said Xander as they headed for their homes. Willow and Buffy were studying up on that history test tomorrow, and Xander was resigned to having to study. Ichigo wanted to take Urahara's car, but with Buffy and Willow staying late they couldn't risk it.

Ichigo listened patiently but was glad Xander loped home at the pass quickly. He rolled his shoulders, wondering if he should patrol.

"Ichigo."

The teenager turned on his heel. "Renji. You gotta stop with that sudden appearing. I might stake you on accident."

They walked together down the streets. The quiet night was broken by the occasional stray animal and a few cars driving down the road. Finally the taller redhead broke the silence.

"You liking it here, Ichigo?"

Ichigo half-smiled. "I have friends now, Renji. Actual friends who are not just concerned about how good I fight, or if I'm an actual prophesied messiah fella or whatever."

"I was your friend, Ichigo. Always has been. Still is," said Renji softly. "We all are."

"And you, my friend, are here to capture me, send me to where I don't wanna be, get interrogated like I'm some kinda criminal. Renji, I've been there." Ichigo inhaled sharply. "If it weren't for my captain I'd probably be dead, just so I won't be a threat."

Renji rubbed the back of his neck. "I'm not saying Captain Soi went about it in the right way-"

"-she did it because Shinji gave her the order Renji; I'm not that naïve." Ichigo ground out the words. "Yes, asshole, I like it here. Here, I'm almost normal. My friends trust me and I trust them."

"Do they even know who you are?" Renji inquired quietly.

"No. I'm gonna keep it that way." He looked up at the waxing moon. "I like being normal, Ren."

Renji chuckled briefly. "Strawberry, you're the furthest guy from normal I know."

"Hey, just cos I have-"

"Crushing on Urahara? Man you got it bad," laughed Renji. "He's what, thirty-two? You're sixteen, half his age. And, not to mention, very much a man. You are such a hormonal teenager, bastard."

"He's only thirty," Ichigo retorted defensively. "And so what if he is a man? I just... you, you can't stop yourself from liking someone. Regardless of gender. I mean, anyone sane would run from Rukia at the slightest excuse, but you're the asshole who chases after her. So what?"

"So what indeed." Renji snorted with agreement. "Love's weird that way."

"And let's face it," continued Ichigo wistfully, "none of us are gonna have a normal relationship, not the way we are."

Before the taller man could answer, there was a beeping sound. Renji raised an eyebrow. "Your beeper."

"I know." Ichigo checked the number. "It's from Buffy's."

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Shuuhei smiled to himself as Nanao finished the last of her gin and tonic. Stark's faux ID came in useful. He leaned in and murmured, "Shall we?"

"We shall," she replied huskily. Out of all Aizen and Gin's children, Nanao got on best with Shuuhei. Momo was obsessed with her sire Aizen, Kira a ruthless sadist, and the twins too young to have bonded with any of them on any level. Shuuhei was smart and calm, much like herself, and both of them liked being in control. It was a handy trait to possess, especially on the hunt.

"Wait, Septieme," said Shuuhei, holding her back. That was his name for her: they had spent some time in France together not long after he was turned, and he had taken to calling her the Seventh. Appropriate, since she was the seventh in the Family. Aizen was the first, Gin number two, two who had been slain before Momo was sired, then Kira, then herself, and then Shuuhei. The twins were the latest additions. They had been introduced via a video conference, since at that time Momo and Nanao were in Istanbul and Kira and Shuuhei in Greece when the Kyoto Hellmouth closed. Then even the twins had been sent off to Europe while the patriarchs set up a new home.

Now Shuuhei directed her attention to the person who just came in. "He seems nervous."

"I would be if I had a vampire slayer after me," said Nanao. "C'mon Numbers. Aizen-sama gave us the job."

They walked up to the vampire. Nanao sat on the barstool while Shuuhei waited by her side. "Hello Angel."

The dark-haired vampire growled. "I don't know you, but I know you're vamps. I don't wanna kill you here; doesn't mean I won't."

"Temper, temper," said Nanao, sliding a number across. "Call that when you have a need for information."

"What sort of information, and who the hell are you two?"

Shuuhei had his hand on Nanao's back. "We're messengers. As for the sort of information..." He raised a quizzical brow at Nanao.

"Let's just say if you ever find yourself needing misplaced information, give us a call. We're purveyors of data, nothing more."

Angel glowered. "I'm gonna need names and addresses."

"Okay," agreed Shuuhei. "Darla. 1630 Revello Drive. Now."

The broad-shouldered vampire narrowed his eyes, then he jumped off his seat and ran off. Nanao leaned into Shuuhei's muscled form. "Guess he is a stalker to know that's the Slayer's address."

"Nothing like the unattainable to stir up the old hunting instincts," remarked Shuuhei. "I think we're safe for the night. Shall we hunt?"

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Giles rubbed the bridge of his nose wearily. It had been a long night prior, researching Angel/Angelus, and his links with the master. Darla had been an unpleasant discovery, and Giles debated whether to let them in on the list of monsters Angelus and Darla had spawned. Their rampage through Europe was well documented – Giles found it fascinating, but that was the reader in him.

Buffy came out of the ward. Willow and Xander ran up, just as Ichigo and his friend Renji came down the corridor.

"How is she?" asked Willow.

"She's fine," stuttered Buffy, holding back tears. "Her blood sugar's a little, um, a-"

"-a little low," Giles finished kindly. "The condition presents itself as mild anemia."

The Slayer shook her blonde head. "This is all my fault."

"Buffy, he was the one who hurt your mom," said Xander, gallantly not saying 'I told you so'. "It wasn't you."

"No? I invited him into my home and he attacked my family!" Buffy held back her frustration. The group was starting to get strange looks. "I'm putting an end to this."

"What do you mean, Buffy?" Willow asked, though it was clear what she meant.

"I'm putting an end to him."

Giles endeavored to be the voice of reason. "Buffy, this is no ordinary vampire, if there even such a thing. He's faced the Three, he's lived for 250 years, almost. It's going to take more than a stake to finish him off."

"I know that," answered Buffy grimly.

Renji crossed his arm. "We are talking about the vampire Angelus?"

"Yeah. You know him, big red?" asked Buffy as she strode off. Ichigo, at a nod from Giles, followed Buffy and Renji.

"Heard of him. Be more than glad to face him."

Buffy smiled humorlessly. "I'm the one that gets the kill."

Renji spread his hands. "Whatever you say. You're the slayer."

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Buffy slung the crossbow and bolts over her shoulder. Then she looked over to the two guys. "You two packing?"

"Always," said Renji, drawing out his sword. "Don't leave home without it."

Ichigo grabbed a sword from the weapon stash; he hadn't had time to get Urahara to repair his broken collapsible, and he didn't bring Zangetsu with him. "We'll have to be careful. No telling who else he has around as backup."

"He won't have backup. This is personal." The Slayer was prepared. "Let's go."

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Taking the rear, Ichigo wondered if they were doing the right thing. Angel had not struck him as being a dangerous person the few times they had met. Then again, Ichigo had not picked up on Angel being a vampire either.

Maybe his senses were slowing down.

The Bronze was shut for fumigation, but the process had yet to begin. It was deserted and locked down, so Renji busted the padlock with the hilt of his sword. The stairs and tables had been stacked up, the pool tables the only things remaining in their original spots. Ichigo and Renji spread out behind Buffy, weapons at the ready.

"I know you're here," called out Buffy. "I can feel you."

"That's good to know." The voice was too muffled; Renji tried to locate it but failed. He signaled Ichigo to move left.

Buffy spoke again. "I know who you are. What you are."

"I'm an animal, right?"

"No. Animals I like." She whirled and cocked the crossbow. "Come on out. Let's finish this, one to one."

"And the two guys?"

"Not gonna interfere." Buffy shot a hard glare at both redheads. "Just you and me, Angel."

The dark shadow leaped down from the walkway above, landing just behind the pool table. Ichigo and Renji backed away to give Buffy room to maneuver, their swords at the ready, and they watched the trajectory of her shots.

She fired off a bolt, then ducked from a kick and a sweep. The two exchanged blows, never pausing, using the pool table as both a barrier and a support. Buffy rolled over it when Angel smashed a chair into the table.

Both antagonists paused, then Angel straightened and returned to his human face. "Do it."

Buffy took aim, then fired. The bolt embedded itself in the wall.

"What the hell is she doing?" Renji hissed under his breath.

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After a fruitless visit to the local spirit guides, Urahara got home and clicked on the machine. The voice mail ran through the usual greetings, then he heard Ichigo's message.

"Hi. We're gonna go to Buffy's. Apparently her mom got bitten by Angel; we'll probably be at the hospital by the time you get the message."

The blond checked his watch. Yoruichi was supposed to call him regarding the deployment of the retrieval squad. Urahara weighed the options, then grabbed his car keys and dashed out the door.

XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx

Xander crashed into Urahara at the entrance to the hospital. "Urahara! Why are you- did you drive here?"

"Yes. How is Buffy's mother?"

"She's fine, but Buffy is facing down Angel," said Giles who had appeared next. "We need to get to them."

"Where?" asked Urahara, now leading them to his car.

Willow piped up. "The Bronze. They're always meeting there."

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"Good question," said Angel, his vampiric hearing picking up the comment. "Can't kill me?"

"I've slain many vampires, but I've never hated one." Buffy swallowed. Ichigo watched the surroundings intently; something was not right. Beside him, Renji was circling around. The Slayer continued, "What were you trying to do? Gain my trust and – and kill my family?"

"Why not? I killed mine." The nonchalance of his tone made Ichigo snap his attention fully onto the vampire. "And their friends. Their friends' families. And I did it all with a song in my heart."

"All the music in the world, but nothing really matches the dying screams of a family, y'know? Like angels singing."

There was a tense moment. Then Buffy asked the question all three humans wanted to ask. "What changed?"

"A soul. Gypsies cursed me with a soul."

"Guess they were out of boils and blinding torment," quipped Buffy coldly.

Angel smirked. "Nothing cuts worse than remorse. When you become a vampire, the demon takes up residence in your body, but it doesn't get your soul. No regret, no conscience; it's an easy way to live."

"It would be so easy for you to die now, wouldn't it, Ichigo? To fade away, to forget, to end... Do you think we'll make it easy, Ichigo?"

The vampire stepped forward. "You should've killed me when you had the chance."

"I couldn't." Buffy took a step forward too and exposed her throat. "Can you?"

Renji tightened his grip on his sword. "This is insane," he muttered.

Angel gazed at the slayer for a long time. Then he smiled and shook his head. "I can't either."

"Sure you can."

Renji's sword snapped its points out. Ichigo angled his sword across his torso. Another blonde was walking into the dim light of the Bronze.

"Darla," breathed Renji.

She heard the name and smiled at the tall man. "I have a fan. How nice."

"Cut the self-worship. Who the hell are you?" snapped Buffy.

"I'm the one that made him," said Darla coolly.

To the Slayer's credit, she didn't flinch. "Really. I suppose that explains the haircut and the clothes; if you've been around since Columbus you're bound to miss the fashion updates. Besides, at his age he's bound to have a few exes. Just between us girls? Your age is showing around the eyes."

"I made him, and we shared everything. Isn't that right, Angelus?" cooed Darla. Then her blue eyes turned cold. "Until you got yourself a filthy soul and now you live among the humans, trying to be like them. You turned on your own kind, killing us. You helped her to kill us. You're sick. You'll always be sick."

"Look who's talking," retorted Renji. "You were the one who goaded Angelus, if my research was right."

Darla snarled. "He had a genius for true torment. He threw it all away. And now he is in love with a human, a Slayer. Such... obscenity!"

Ichigo sidled until he reached the wall. Suddenly he detected the shrill screech of tires outside; someone had arrived. Calvary or enemy?

Darla smiled at all of them now, her beatific expression not hiding the menace in her. "So now, Angel, you'll always get to watch her die."

"You will always watch them die, over and over and over and over... all in your pretty lil' head. Have fun with constant replay, Ichigo."

"You don't think I'm helpless, do you? I brought a friend," said Buffy, stomping her crossbow into her arms.

The blonde vampire grinned. "Scary." She drew her hands from behind her back. "Scarier."

"Duck!" yelled Ichigo as soon as he saw the guns in Darla's hands. Angel received the first shot to the stomach and Buffy screamed.

"Oh don't worry," drawled Darla. "Bullets don't kill vampires. Hurts like hell though. But you and your human friends?" She leveled a number of blasts at where the two redheads were crouching. Renji rolled to the left and Ichigo to the right, much like the way they had moved in their missions back in Japan.

Ichigo heard the scuffling up in the walkway and the strobe lights started flashing. He glanced up, taking cover behind some stacked tables. "Urahara?"

"Buffy it was Darla who attacked your mo-ah!" the physics teacher fell out of sight. Darla had fired some shots in that direction.

"Urahara!!" Ichigo yelled. He stood up, then felt a sharp burning pain sear past his bicep and another into his left shoulder. He toppled and crashed into the tables behind him.

Renji saw and rushed over, ducking the bullets as best as he could and grabbed Ichigo. "Dammit! Ichigo, you alright?"

"Burns, it... burns," gasped Ichigo, sweat beading all over his face. He blinked up at Renji. "Urahara was shot too. Check on him first."

"H-how?" Renji pulled Ichigo away as a strobe light crashed to the floor nearby. There was the blessed clicks of two empty revolvers, but Buffy was still fighting her off. "Okay, no more bullets. I can get to him."

"He's upstairs, upstairs in the lights room. Check on him," panted Ichigo, clutching his shoulder. He could feel the blood seep through his shirt; detachedly he wondered how long it would take to wash it clean. He shifted to watch Renji dodge the two females exchanging punches and kicks, then he saw Angel pull himself up with the crossbow bolt embedded in the wall. Like a series of stop-motion pictures, Ichigo saw Angel plunge the bolt into Darla's heart. Everyone stopped.

Time stopped.

"Angel?" Darla whispered as she turned to look at him before she turned to dust. Buffy gaped, then look up at him.

Ichigo breathed shallowly. He was blacking out. He peered up at the small room up on the second level. "Urahara?"

A spiky head of red hair poked out. "He's fine! Just clipped his ear! You?"

"Oh thank god." Ichigo fainted.

XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXx

Renji left only a sealed card, which Urahara kept next to the table at the hospital. He had been there all night, watching the youth sleep, and had requested leave from school the next day. The redheaded man had left, saying that he would do his best to keep the Shinigami from coming to Sunnydale.

Urahara rather thought it was possible Renji could carry it off.

"Hey," said Willow when she came to visit after dismissal. "How is he?"

"Still out of it," answered Urahara quietly. He hadn't shaved and now looked decidedly gaunt.

Giles came in and patted his shoulder. "You should rest. Let us take over."

"Yeah, get yourself a coffee or, I dunno, a candy bar. Something." Xander had deposited his bag at the foot of Ichigo's bed, but let it fall to the floor on Buffy's glare.

"He might wake while I'm gone," said Urahara. Then he smiled at the Scoobies. "We'll be okay. I'll keep watch and tell you when he wakes."

Buffy tried to smile. "I can keep you company. My mom's just down the hallway."

"Thanks, but I think I'd rather be alone right now." The physics teacher returned his attention to Ichigo. Giles nodded at the students and they left, leaving the two adults with the unconscious Ichigo sleeping in bed.

Urahara waited for a beat before he asked, "What is it?"

"I'm concerned about your relationship with the boy, Urahara." Giles cleaned his glasses and replaced them on his nose. "You seem to be very attached to him. It's... disconcerting."

"I was his captain back in the Shinigami organization. I sent him and his father on a recon mission to Kyoto," said Urahara numbly. "The vampire clan that controlled the area got wind of the mission, kidnapped Ichigo's family... only Ichigo is left, Giles. I caused his family's deaths. And I almost caused his by moving here."

"His getting shot wasn't your fault," said Giles, more gently.

Urahara smiled. It was a tired smile. "I did what I had to to keep him alive. If he died here, because he was concerned about me, I... I don't know. I don't know."

Giles exhaled in sympathy and then exited the ward. When it was fully silent, Urahara leaned in and kissed Ichigo's forehead. "Wake up, Ichigo. Please."

The long eyelashes fluttered and then raised to reveal brown eyes. Ichigo blinked again and grinned when he saw it was Urahara by his bed. "Hey."

"Hey yourself," said Urahara, throat tight.

Ichigo breathed out slowly. "My head hurts. My shoulder hurts."

"You hit your head when you fainted, and you got a bullet through your shoulder. Of course they hurt."

Exhausted, Ichigo murmured, "I want chocolate. And ice-cream. And cookies."

"You'll get them," assured Urahara, amused.

Ichigo then raised an eyebrow. "Renji?"

"Left." Urahara decided not to tell Ichigo about the squad Renji had called off, saying that there needed to be more surveillance of the situation. "He wished you good health."

"Asshole," muttered the young redhead. "Can't even say a proper goodbye."

Urahara chuckled and released Ichigo's good hand which he had held throughout Ichigo's sleep. "What else do you need? I'll head home and bring them over."

"I want a proper kiss."

Urahara's face heated up. "W-what?"

"I said," grunted Ichigo, sitting up in bed. The young man gazed at Urahara and beckoned him to come closer. "I want a proper kiss. Not the pathetic peck on the forehead."

The blond was flabbergasted. "You were – you were awake?"

"Sorta," admitted the teenager. He tugged Urahara's shirt and pulled him down, grimacing with the effort. "Now, a proper kiss."

"Ichigo, that's not a good idea -" Urahara temporized, then his brain short-circuited when Ichigo shifted forward to press soft lips against his dry ones. Strong palms cupped the redhead's face and tilted it to deepen the kiss, the two breaking apart only upon Ichigo's whimper of pain.

The older man got to his feet. His cheeks were flaming red. "I'll uh, I'll bring you a change of clothes from home. You just – just sleep."

When the ward was cleared of everyone else, Ichigo took the card on the table.

"Dear Strawberry,

You are an idiot, and yes, he is one too. Birds of a feather, you bastard.

I know you're happier where you are now; I'll try my best to convince Shinji and co., but no promises.

Try not to get your ass kicked so much, alright? I'm sure he likes it in the original shape and size, but we know he'll never say it. Be brave, my little grasshopper.

See ya when I see ya.

From the Greatest, Awesomest, Handsomest Friend you have on God's Own Planet.

PS. Ain't love grand?"

Ichigo scoffed and refolded the card. "Asshole."