A.N. I do not own Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Angelus and Buffy made the trip back to Los Angeles. "So Buff, how does it feel telling your friends to shove it?"

Buffy turned to her husband and said "Well worth it. They have had me as their puppet for so long. They ran the show without me when..you know. They can do it again. I think once I get a cleaning crew to get in and fix their mess, I will sell it getting rid of the last of Sunnydale. What about AI?"

"I am closing up shop, it was soul boy's idea of redemption? I don't need it or want it. Wes, Fred and Gunn can can find other jobs. I will clear out my office and and room at the hotel and we can start making our plans for Ireland. Have not been back in 110 , we will tell them tomorrow. Let's head back to the apartment."

Once there, Angelus carried Buffy's bags up to his apartment where Buffy did not look like she was feeling so hot. He put his hand on her forehead and she was burning up. Buffy was kind of hunched over in pain.

"Love, what's the matter?

Buffy was hunched over "My entire abdomen.."

Angelus rushed her to the emergency room where it was learned she needed both her appendix and gallbladder removed. He held on to her ring during surgery. This was the first time he was able to use the name on the marriage license, O'Neil and he would be the first point of contact being her husband.

Three hours later, Dr. Prince came out "I was able to remove both the gallbladder and appendix by laparoscopy. Both were severely infected but not life threatening at the stage. I am looking to keep her in here for the next three to five days where she has had had both out and the fact that she does have an infection. I will have a nurse bring you in. She will be groggy from the anesthesia."

Angelus looked relieved "Thank you Dr. Prince."

The nurse brought him over to where Buffy was and she looked so pale and so vulnerable. He was going to arrange for a private room for her so he can see her without threat of humans discovering he is a vampire.

"Angelus", she sounded so weak but he gave her a kiss on the forehead. He would stay by her side as much as possible because he knew how terrified she is of hospitals.

"Buffy, I will be right back. I am going to see about getting you a private room."

One of the nurses came around "Are you her husband? "

"I am".

"Dr. Prince has already ordered that she goes up to the surgical ICU. The rooms are private and family can visit whenever they want. We are waiting for transport to come and get her."

Angelus was given a bag with Buffy's belongings and he followed them up two floors to the surgical ICU where the situated her for the night. At this point, all that mattered was making sure his mate recovered from this. Maybe her slayer powers can help get her out sooner and he can have her finish her recovery at home.

"I am right here beloved, I am not going anywhere. Just sleep."

Buffy was so groggy that he stayed for as long as it was safe for him. He would have to leave in the morning and he would be back the moment it was safe for him for all that mattered is Buffy. In the meantime, he had some people to visit to tie up some loose ends because frankly; he just wanted alone time with his mate. Alone time in a castle would be the nice break he needs and Buffy needs.

"My love, I will be back later on. Just try to get some sleep."