Return to Sunnydale

A fic by: Jen

You all know the rating…right? Like Jen would write anything that WASN'T an M? LMAO!

Disclaimer: I own nothing. I use some cannon in my fics—those words are all owned by Joss—Mutant Enemy-and WB. I do, however, own my muise—or she owns me—whatever…not sure who owns who, really, but I do own this fic. Lol!

A/N: Okay: First, I want to thank you all for such a great response to this fic. It makes me all warm and fuzzy! Lol! The reviews inspire me and get the beast (musie) off her bum and make her spatk—so thank you! I mean it…thank you. You guys make me write…

Now…I want to give a shout to my girl Roxy. I love you…hope I hear from you soon. Vix—you're the best! Anyone out there who hasn't read one of Vix's fics…you should! Lia (ashes at midnight) You're awesome! You guys nreed to check her fics out too. Now…there's Angelus…frosty600 as we all know is amazing at writing that dark demon. If you have not taken a peep at her re-write series. God! You're missing out on some seriously good stuff! Also, Sinangeled has an amazing Angelus fic entitled 'Blindness'…really if you love the dark demon like I do…go and read these ladies work. They are awesome!

Now…enough of me and my blathering…on with the B/A goodness…

xoxo

Jen.

B/A****B/A*****B/A*****B/A*****B/A*****B/A*****B/A

Chappie 7

In a flash he'd rolled them back over and got to his knees between her legs. He reached for the long flowing skirt she wore and quickly discarded it, leaving Buffy in nothing but a pair of black lacey boy short/panties. Angel's eyes roamed her appreciatively. Flashing yellow eyes and a rumbling growl accompanied his heated gaze. "Jesus…those are…" He swallowed thickly, amber eyes glued to the itty-bitty scrap of fabric covering her, "sexy as hell."

Buffy stared, fascinated that only his eyes had changed and not his face. She pulled his head down and devoured his mouth, unbelievably turned on that she affected him like that.

Angel gave himself over to their passion. There was a part of him that was utterly freaked out that Angelus was going to make reappearance, but if he even had a sliver of a chance at happiness with Buffy—he was going for it. He raised his head, breaking their kiss to place wet open mouthed kisses down her neck. He paused at his mark, laving it with his tongue before moving on down her chest. He treated her breasts to his attentions, gliding his tongue around her areola several times before he took the hard tip of her nipple into his mouth and suckling it like a babe. A slow, rumbling purr made it's way through his chest, giving proof to his contentment as he lavished each perky breast with affection until Buffy was writhing under him, begging him to let her come.

He chuckled huskily. "Patience…" he murmured, moving on to tongue his way down her tanned stomach, pausing to pay tribute to her belly button—which he believed was the cutest he'd ever seen. She arched under him as he dipped his tongue inside the tiny indentation, giggling breathlessly. Angel gave another purr before his lips continued their journey south with more soft, moist kisses across her hip bone until he reached the edge of her panties. He nipped at the lacey fabric of her shorts, pulling it down a bit so he could suckle at the skin hidden underneath. It was the sweetest of tortures and Buffy shuddered under his ministrations, her fingers clutching the comforter when he used his teeth to pull the shorts down.

His breath blew across her burning center, teasing her even more and Buffy's hands tightened in the bedspread until she was twisting the fabric to the point of tearing it. "Oh God!" she panted, lifting her hips in an attempt to get his mouth where she needed him most.

He pressed a quick kiss to her wet core through her panties before grabbing her shorts in his hands and pulling them down and off her legs. When he finally he had her completely bare, Angel sat back on his heels and took in the sight before him. She was a feast for all his senses, easily the most alluring creature ever. "You're so beautiful…" he murmured, staring at her in awe. "I don't deserve you," he whispered, "but I love you. Forever."

Buffy's eyes watered a bit and she gave him a wobbly smile as she held her arms out to him, urging him on top of her, but Angel had other ideas. He shook his head and lowered himself to lie, stretched out on his stomach between her legs. Buffy sucked in a sharp breath, her body tightening imperceptibly when she realized she was finally going to have his mouth on her. She remembered how good he was at this and heat uncoiled in her belly, poised in preparation for the pleasure that was about to come. He lowered his head and her eye lids fluttered in expectation, but instead of going right for the 'gusto' so to speak, Angel lingered over her inner thighs. He placed downy soft kisses along that tender flesh, nibbling at the trembling muscles there, slowly moving towards his ultimate goal. He took his time with her, kissing and licking her pouty nether lips over and over before inching closer to her clitoris. He swirled his tongue around the tiny nub several times, getting it puffy and swollen before actually touching it. Buffy was a whimpering mess when he finally went in for the main event and sucked that little bundle of nerves into his mouth. His mouth fastened on her sweet spot, alternating between licking and sucking, hard and soft. Buffy was balanced precariously on the edge when he slid first one finger and then another inside her. He continued eating her with his mouth while using his fingers on her to drive her even higher.

Buffy mumbled unintelligible words of encouragement, fisting his hair in a white knuckled grip as he used his talented mouth and hands to take her to heaven. "Please-please-please…" she chanted, rubbing against his mouth shamelessly. All inhibitions were gone now that she was nearing relief.

He quirked his fingers inside her and made a 'come here' gesture so that the tips of his fingers rubbed against her 'G' spot. And just when Buffy thought it was too much, that she was going to die walking the thin line between surreal orgasmic relief and desperate achy need..something inside snapped and a white hot buzzing filled her head. "Oh God!" she gasped, gripping his hair hard enough to elicit a growl from him when she took flight in a toe curling orgasm that had stars bursting behind her eyes in a kaleidoscope of brilliant lights. She screamed his name, clutching at his head and keeping his face pressed tightly to her core as she came undone in the most wonderful way imaginable.

It was a good thing Angel didn't need to breathe…She had a Slayer grip on him that would have suffocated a mere mortal. But then again no human man had ever shared a bed with Darla. His she-bitch of a sire had made damned sure he was very, very good at getting her off with his mouth! And for once Angel was thankful for that, since now he could put that skill to good use in pleasuring the woman he loved. He lifted her hips, tilting her so he could lap at the honeyed juices flowing from her body. He groaned at how perfect she tasted and buried his face deeper between her legs, licking her, purring continuously. She gasped, arching her hips even more when he started to purr like that, the humming vibrations against her sensitive flesh were intensely erotic and felt amazing. Angel shoved his tongue deep, penetrating her and moving it in and out so he could get every last drop of her sweet nectar.

"So good…you taste so damned good," he growled against her flesh, suckling at her flesh like a man starved and she was a five course buffet.

Buffy shrieked, her voice hoarse when another quick, explosive climax hit her before she'd even recovered from the first one. She clutched at his head, holding him against her burning center, shuddering under the newest onslaught of sensations until finally, it receded and she was released. Shivering, she fell back to the bed, a panting, utterly spent mass of gooey Slayer flesh.

"Oh my God…" she sighed, too sated to even brush her sweat soaked hair out of her face. "That was…" She closed her eyes unable to even think of a word that described how good it was. "Wow!" was all she could come up with.

After several minutes, (when she could actually form a coherent thought again) Buffy lazily blinked open heavy eyes in search of her lover. She found Angel reclining next to her, his head propped in his hand and looking pretty darned pleased with himself. Smug didn't come close to his expression, but she couldn't help the answering smile that tugged at her lips. After all, she supposed he had a reason to look so damned cocky. "Okay, so maybe there is something to be said for having a cradle-robbing-creature of the night-boyfriend with over a hundred years of sexual experience," she quipped, still breathing raggedly.

He laughed huskily and placed one hand on her tummy. His outstretched fingers practically spanned the width between her hip bones and he marveled at how tiny she really was. Petite described Buffy to a tee, yet she fairly vibrated with an energetic force that brought all his senses roaring to life. She was the yin to his yang and he wanted tonight to be a night they never forgot. His smirk was as sinful as strawberries dipped in chocolate and Buffy's tummy did some serious cartwheels as he slid his hands up her body again. "You haven't seen anything yet. I'm just getting warmed up," he said, smiling that smile that she was sure had led many a girl into doing some very, very naughty things…

His words made all kinds of new shivers of anticipation tingle along her flesh leaving goose-flesh in its wake. She was still tingling all over from the amazing pleasure he'd just given her. "Oh…God…" she said with a sigh.

Angel ignored the burning lust pulsing in his veins that demanded he take her now—hard and rough to ease the ache. His penis was actually hurting, but he wanted—no needed to have this moment of tenderness with her. He wanted more than just satisfying the urge. No matter how overwhelming it was."I'm going to make love to you, Buffy, again and again…all night."

She frowned. "But we just—"

He shook his head. "No, we were starved for each other. Eager and crazy with lust, but we've never really taken our time. Even our first time was kind 'a rushed and frantic."

She gave him a skeptical look. "Are you going to say you didn't like it now? Cause if you are, I think you're forgetting the 'perfect' part of the happy that night, buddy."

"No, Buffy, I remember how perfect it was. Just like every time with you is still perfect."

"Then why—?"

"Because fast, explosive sex is amazing, and don't get me wrong, I love it, but I want tonight to be…I don't know…more, I guess. I want to show you everything you're body is capable of. I'm going to show you things—places on your body you never dreamed were erogenous. I want to explore every inch of you until I know your body as well as my own."

That was probably the hottest thing she'd ever heard. It also occurred to her that he wanted it to be different than her time with Angelus—well, at least for tonight because Angel was more than capable of hot monkey sex—but tonight he wanted to 'make-love'. A slow smile spread across her face and she pointedly glanced down at the enormous bulge straining his pants. "I get it and I'm all for it. Explore away," she said with a grin, "I'm also guessing the slow and steady part is why you're not naked, yet? Hmmm?"

He licked his lips, eyes devouring her perfect body. "I need to keep myself under control until get my fill…just in case…" He didn't need to complete that sentence; they both knew very well what he meant.

Buffy's heart stopped before it thumped hard and lodged in her throat as fear threatened to overwhelm her. All kinds of possible consequences to their lovemaking flitted through her head, but Willow's certainty that the curse was gone calmed her somewhat.

Angel noticed and gave her a gentle smile, keeping a firm hand on her belly. "We have the chains…If it happens…I trust you to not let me hurt anyone, Buffy. We'll be fine…" he whispered.

Angel's belief in her (them) settled the issue. She nodded slowly, throat closing as she realized what an amazing lover he was to want this for her. "How did I get so lucky?" she asked huskily, more to herself than to him.

He continued to move his hand along her quivering flesh, up and down, from her belly to her breasts, over and over until she was moving restlessly, turned on and shuddering again. He watched how easily she responded to his touch with avid hunger, licking his lips. "I'm the lucky one…" he murmured, lowering his head, "I get to have my way with you…" His tongue came out, swirling around a pink tipped nipple, slowly laving it, smirking when it hardened immediately. "Beautiful." He opened his mouth and took the turgid peak into his mouth, sucking. She gasped and arched into him, cradling his head to her chest. He smiled against her flesh and allowed his wandering hand to move back down her belly, slipping between her thighs. He growled softly when she whimpered his name and her fingers tightened in his hair, making little mewling noises in the back of her throat.

"Aangelll…" she whined, trying to get his fingers where she needed them most, "need you…please."

He fastened his lips around her nipple and suckled it harder, finally giving her what she needed by inserting a finger into her dripping core. She cried out, bucking into his hand as her legs opened wide for his talented fingers. One of Angel's hands went to the bulge in his pants and gripped himself, shutting down the tingling need for release. Her passion was so hot—so explosive and he was about to come in his pants, he was so damned excited. Angel wanted to explore her, discover and enjoy every bit of her essence and make her body sing for him. Buffy was his. Not Angelus'! Tonight he was reclaiming his mate and getting off too soon was something he simply wasn't going to let happen.

"Mmmm…" he moaned, suckling her even harder, relishing the way she tasted. Leisurely, he moved on to her other breast, giving it the same attention while his hands played her body like a virtuoso, voraciously moving in and out of her until she went still, shivered hard and convulsed in his arms."That's it, baby. Come for me…" he crooned, lips trailing up her chest to nibble at his mark. His mouth on that spot sent her into another quick orgasm and Buffy thrashed under him, whispering words of love as she clutched his head to her scar.

Before she'd even recovered he'd scooted down the bed to her feet.

She leaned up on her elbows to peer down her body. "Angel, what are you—?" Her words choked off in a gasp when he suddenly sucked her big toe into the wet cavern of his mouth, adroitly swirling his tongue along the nerve endings there—ones she never knew were so hyper-sensitive. "Oh!" Her eyes snapped closed as his strong hands massaged her instep, his thumbs sweeping along the tiny muscles, causing her to moan out loud.

He nipped at her heel, before moving on to the next one. Buffy was sure she'd died and gone to heaven. Her body felt one big pile of mush—now this. "Oh God…that feels sooo gooood…"

He snickered a bit, giving her pinky a gentle nibble. "Mm-hmm," was all he said, but of course he'd never doubted she'd enjoy this.

His mouth moved up her legs again, taking the time to gently press hot, moist kisses to the backs of her knees and Buffy couldn't take anymore. She reached down grabbed him by the ears and yanked him up her body.

He yelped, but broke into a husky laugh when he spotted her feisty expression. She looked positively fierce. "No more," she all but growled at him, "need you—inside-now!" Before he could answer her tiny hands were at the fastening to his pants. She fumbled with the zipper, cursed softly under her breath and finally, like his shirt earlier, she lost her patience and simply tore them open. His erection sprang free and her eyes traveled over his impressive size and length. "Mmmm, there we go…" she said, licking her lips like he was a tall glass of lemonade and she had a parched throat.

Quick as a cat she had him flat on his back and even quicker than that she'd maneuvered her way down his long lean legs, dragging his pants along with her. Her green eyes glittered as she knelt at his feet and let her eyes take in his perfect body, completely exposed to her. "Now that's more like it—you should never-ever wear clothes" she told him, only half teasingly.

He rolled his eyes at that. "I could see Giles appreciating that…" he teased back.

Buffy scowled. "Okay, new rule, no talk of anything Giles-y while naked!" she told him, tossing his pants over her shoulder and totally uncaring where they landed.

He chuckled and agreed wholeheartedly with her rule as she slithered back up his lean form until she straddled his powerful thighs. She stared down at his straining cock lying high and hard against his lean belly like it was the tastiest treat she'd ever seen. The aroused look on her face made his belly clench and Angel took a shuddering breath when she reached for him. Her small hands barely fit around his girth, but when she touched him, those hot little hands stroking him were like pure fire. It burned deep in his gut and Angel groaned low and deep, arching up into her touch.

"Buffy! Fuck yesss!" he hissed, eyes clenching shut and gritting his teeth against the urge to come then and there. He'd spent a lot of time pleasing her and now he was right on the edge…

Buffy licked her lips, still holding him firmly. Her smile was utterly wicked and Angel visibly gulped at that naughty look. "My turn…" she said, before lowering her head and taking him into her mouth…

*****************B/A******************B/A*******************B/A******************

Several hours later:

Cut to Angel's apartment.

They'd made love for hours…a few of those had been filled with tension as Angel was restrained to the bed and they'd waited to see if the curse would kick in. During that time they'd discussed several options—one of which was the 'mature-plan', in which they both stayed in their respective cities. They'd keep in touch—just not literally—and they'd date. It was a good plan—a solid, responsible plan. It was also a plan that went straight out the window the second they realized his soul was permanent. Giggling like teenagers, they'd celebrated their good fortune with more lovemaking. It was amazing-magical. Finally, Buffy and Angel had real happiness at their fingertips and without the fear of the consequences. In their joy hey'd taken each other to heights neither had ever dreamed possible and for the first time ever, Buffy sincerely knew then the difference between Angelus' rough passion and Angel's love. Both were amazing in bed, but the real difference was in the afterwards. Angelus would never let her in, but when Angel held her, snuggled her…it made not only her body sing, but her heart as well.

Buffy was over-the-moon and if possible, in the last few hours, she'd fallen even more 'head over heels' in love with him.

Now, as she lay in bed, sated from the hours they'd spent enjoying each other she realized how easily she could forget everything but him. Angel had always been her everything. Her end all be all love, but for the first time Buffy could actually see herself staying in his arms for eternity. She smiled dreamily. Just then she heard footsteps coming down the stairs into the apartment and she sat up, clutching the sheet to her chest.

"Angel, are you back?" her voice called out from the bedroom, giddy in her happiness and showing it.

Her euphoria was contagious and he couldn't wipe the answering grin off his face if he tried. "Yep," he answered, carrying in several bags of groceries. He almost felt like kicking up his heels and whistling a jaunty, full blown 'Irish-ditty' as he set them on the table and started to sort through them.

"Did you get the peanut butter?" she yelled back.

He pulled out a jar of 'crunchy' peanut butter. "Yep. Got it."

"It's crunchy, right?"

He grinned, grabbing a few of the bags and heading for the bedroom. "I said yes…" he said, holding up the jar for her to see. "You said preferably crunchy, right. Well…crunchy it is," he said, walking towards the bed with the bags of groceries.

A very naked Buffy was waiting on the bed for him, but as soon as he entered the room she held up a hand, stopping him. "Unh-uh. Only naked people are allowed in this room. It's a rule," she told him, pointing to a sign she'd made while he'd gone shopping.

Angel glanced to his right and chuckled at the 'naked people only' sign stuck to his wall. He chuckled, feeling insanely happy. The curse hadn't been an issue and now they were finally together. He looked down at the bags in his hand. "Wanna take these?"

Buffy grabbed the bags and dropped them on the bed in front of her. "Gladly as long as you take those..." she pointed to his clothes, "off."

"Yes ma'am," he said with a smirk. "I wouldn't want to break the rules."

Buffy nodded. "That's right. Some rules should never be broken...now get naked."

Angel laughed softly, but as her eyes began to eat him up he quickly forgot about teasing her back and began disrobing quickly, haphazardly dropping his clothes wherever they landed in his haste to get undressed and back in bed with her.

Buffy got to her knees, eagerly watching as his perfect body was exposed to her greedy gaze. he was so perfect. Tall and broad shouldered with a tight hard tummy and just...she made an *mmmm* sound and licked her lips. "Now that's what I call the perfect yumm."

He made his way to the bed and her eyes followed his every move, but he never flinched. Angel had an easy grace about him and was comfortable in his nudity. He paused by the bed and reached down to toss her the peanut butter and chocolate bars she'd begged him to get. To him it seemed a strange combination, but Buffy swore it was divine. He smirked. "And here I thought this was your idea of the 'perfect yumm'," he quipped, "Isn't that why I went shopping?"

Buffy took the offering, giggling as she opened both the chocolate and the peanut butter. He slipped under the covers and she maneuvered herself up next to him. She dipped the chocolate into the jar of peanut-butter as he settled himself against the headboard. "Mmmmm," she moaned as she stretched out next to him. She licked the peanut butter off the chocolate bar and Angel gripped her thigh at that little sexy little move-he imagined her mouth licking other things... She glanced down at his hand on her leg, smiling at how touchy-feely he'd become since he found out he could touch and feel without losing his soul. She made another *mmmm* sound and licked her lips, purposely enticing him. "Oh, Angel…this is good. Sooo good," she murmured, making little happy noises before dipping again. She went to take the next bite, but paused, her eyes traveling over his pale, muscled chest. "There's something missing…" she said, still holding the peanut butter covered chocolate bar, pouting at him prettily.

She looked so sexy with her tangled hair and just kissed-lips that he bit back a groan. Lord help him, but she looked very well fucked and it made him instantly hard. Angel's tongue felt thick and heavy from lust. "What?" he croaked, swallowing hard as he scooted closer, wanting her again.

Buffy noticed and swung her leg over his hips, straddling his waist. "Well you see…the perfect yumm is beyond the simplicity of chocolate and peanut butter. It needs more," she explained.

His hands settled on her hips and he smiled up at her beautiful, flushed face. "Really?" he asked, raising a brow. "Like what?"

"Well…" she started, "there is something you can do…"

"Tell me…it's yours."

She trailed a hand down his chest, heading south. He gulped as that wandering finger came close to his erection. "Well…I can think of only one thing I really-really want…"

He grinned. "I bet…is it the same thing I want?"

Buffy waved her treat as she talked, "I don't know…why don't you share first," she teased.

"Why don't I show you instead," he said, wriggling his brows at her. Buffy's breathing become shallow again and she nodded eagerly. Angel gave her one of his purrs that made her all gooey and wet. He leaned forward as if to kiss her, but before their lips met, he'd snuck a bite of her chocolate and peanut butter confection instead. Her eyes widened and he burst out laughing at her surprised expression.

He chewed wholeheartedly, smirking the entire time. "Mmmm…now that's good…thank you," he murmured, mouth full.

It took her a full second to realize he was being playful. It was a stunning revelation because Angel didn't usually do funny. But apparently, without the curse holding him back, he did do playful. Her heart swelled. How many other sides of him were there that she hadn't seen because of that damned curse? Buffy was more than eager to find out.

She giggled and played along. Her brows drew down into a mock scowl. "Someone's a very bad-boy…and you so deserve to be punished for that, you know?"

Angel's eyes danced with mischief. "What are you going to do to me?"

The atmosphere was teasing, but there was such an underlying heat between them—it was electric. She dipped her finger into the peanut butter and rubbed it along his lip. "Oh, I'm sure I can think of something…maybe I'll break out the chains again," she purred, sliding her finger along his mouth.

Faster than a blink, he grabbed her hand and held it still so he could lick her fingers. "I think I might let you..." he purred.

Buffy shrieked when he tongued her fingers. "St-stop! It tickles!" she squealed, squirming on his lap and giggling as she attempted to escape his tormenting.

He held her tight and sucked a slender digit into his mouth, but this time, he suckled at her slowly, erotically. He was aiming for seductive instead of tickling. He smiled when it worked and she stopped squirming away and moaned instead. Once all the peanut butter was gone from her fingers, he snatched up the ice cream from beside the bed and tasted that too. "Mmmm, now this is good. So cold…" He took another bite and gave her a wolfish grin. "How come you've never showed me how much fun food can be?"

Eager to play, Buffy grabbed another bar and dipped it before bringing it to his mouth, teasing him. "Well, since your vamp taste buds can't truly savor it I figured it would only be cruel…" Just as he was about to bite of the ice cream, she suddenly snatched it away. He shot her a disgruntled frown until she tilted the spoon and let the icy cold cream dribble across her nipples. His eyes dilated and a growl burst from him. Buffy met his eyes as she put another spoonful on her other breast. "But lately I've been thinking…maybe if it tastes like me too, you might enjoy it after all."

Angel wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer. His erection slid up and in between the folds of her sex as he buried his face in her breasts, lapping at the tasty treat she was offering. "God, I love you," he murmured. It didn't take Angel long to decide that while 'Cookie-Dough-Fudge-Mint-Chip' was good—a bit of Buffy added to the mix made it a very delicious treat indeed.

Buffy let her head fall back, thoroughly enjoying the way his tongue swirled around her nipple, licking off every bit of her cold sticky cream. She eased herself up, keeping her breasts in his face as she reached down between them and stroked his weeping erection. He raised his head and she leaned forward to lick at the tiny bit of ice-cream smeared along his lower lip. "Mmmm, nummy," she moaned softly, still pumping him with slow, easy strokes.

Angel arched into her hand, his arms tightening around her slender frame. His mouth opened and he made a *gahd* sound.

Buffy's smile widened. "Oh, by the way…" she whispered leaning back to look at him. "I'm over the whole mature long-distance plan thingy." She positioned his turgid length at her entrance and eased down jsut a bit until the head of his cock entered her... "That time you were at the store—" She gasped when he surged upwards, thrusting into her, "was enough time apart," she finished, panting softly as he filled her completely.

"Too much…" Angel agreed huskily. He gripped her hips with both hands and planted his feet firmly on the bed for better purchase to fuck her with. He reached up and buried his hands in her hair so that he could kiss hewr proper. He started to bring her head down, but stopped, pausing to stare into her eyes. "I love you." he said it so gruffly, like it was ripped from deep within his soul.

Buffy trembled at the emotion she saw in his face. So much love… Her throat closed and a small sob choked forth. She cupped his face and brushed her lips across his. "I love you too," she whispered. "I always have-always will."

Time seemed to stand still for just an instant as they stared into each others' eyes, but, as always, their passion flared bright and hot.

Angel clutched her tiny body to him as he began to move inside her, thrusting with deep, powerful strokes. She clung to him and he hissed in both pain and pleasure when her nails dug into his shoulders. They moved in perfect unison, complimenting each other naturally. The dim light gave their bodies a soft glow and their soft moans, sighs and growls were the only sound in the room as they made love. It may have been intended to be slow, but Buffy and Angel never did anything the way it was supposed to be and all too quickly that ravenous desire they had for one another kicked in and their lovemaking became heated and furious.

Buffy wrapped her legs tighter around his waist, gripping him as she bounced on his lap, moving upon him faster and faster. She was so close. Angel groaned, fingers digging into her flesh as he pumped into her harder and harder. She made him crazy and he strove for the perfection he found with her and only her. Their need consumed them and they raced for the finish line.

Buffy started first as tingles raced along her spine. She arched, head thrown back, her body broke out in goose-bumps as the beginnings of her climax hit her and she grinded against him, desperate as she barreled towards the sweet oblivion that could only be had in the arms of her Angel.

When it hit her…she cried. Angel held her tenderly, whispering words of love and devotion and for the first time in what felt like an eternity—Buffy believed him when he promised her forever.

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Across town:

Cordy and Doyle were sitting at the bar in a seedy little place in Hollywood.

"Well, this is working out nicely," Cordelia snapped, her brows drawing down into an unattractive scowl. "Buffy just blows into town and suddenly I'm out of a job! Damn Willow—why couldn't she mind her own business. Doesn't she care how this might affect the rest of us?"

Doyle rolled his eyes at that narcissistic statement. "Hey! It's not just about you-ya know?"

She looked at him and rolled her eyes. "Oh puh-lease…who are you kidding? You're happy this happened!"

Doyle shrugged, unable to deny that. But that hadn't been what he meant and he said so."Hey, I'm glad for Angel. You should be too. He loves the girl and after everything they've been through—they deserve to be happy if ya ask me. I'm glad Buffy's witchy friend helped them out and if that means I'm off the hook with the Powers too—well all the better!"

"Oh they're happy alright…" Cordelia muttered with another frown. "Did you hear all the happy going on downstairs when we got back?" She made a face. "And Angel...he's like a teenager, all giddy and running off to get her ice cream and peanut butter! What is he thinking?"

"That maybe she might get hungry?" Doyle deadpanned.

She glared, not amused with his attempt at levity. "I don't know if I'll ever get over it! It was like one big icky disgusting love fest going on today. Ugh," she groaned making a face, "I think I need my ears washed out with soap…or maybe a really good brain scrubbing." She rubbed her temples. "If Buffy stays I'm making Angel buy me earplugs!"

Doyle ignored her dramatics and took a sip of his drink. "Look, they haven't been able to be together without the fear of his curse before—it's to be expected. After some time…it—"

"It'll what? Fade?" She snorted. "I doubt it, but dream on, little Irish Man."

"Even if it doesn't can't ya just be happy for them? Don't ya think they've earned the right to be with one another after all the sufferin' they've done?"

Cordy actually paused and her face lost some of its indignation. She sighed. "You're right, I know you're right, but still…can't they at least get us some ear plugs so we don't have to suffer permanent damage for their…" she air-quoted, "perfect-happiness."

He just rolled his eyes and ordered another drink. A few minutes later Cordy put her head down on the bar and whined. "Oh God, what am I going to do? I'm good for exactly two things…International Superstardom, or helping a vampire with a soul to rid the world of evil." She frowned, "That makes for a short…but colorful resume."

"Why're you getting all worked up for anyway…he hasn't fired ya."

"But what if he—?"

Doyle cut her off. "Everything will work out Princess, trust me." He picked up his shot and saluted her with it. "Hey, at least it looks like I'm finally free to go out and make me own mark in the world."

Cordy's lip curled, "We had a cat that used to do that," she gibed.

Doyle ignored that comment. He tipped his head, shooting back his whiskey in one gulp. "Mm, nothing like a shot of Jameson's…" He set the glass on the bar, "now that's perfect!" he said, signaling for another. "Well, what ever happens from here on out, at least I'll be able to say good-bye to them bone-crushing, head-wrenching, mind-numbing visions."

He'd barely finished his sentence when it hit him. In a flash his head flew forward and hit the bar with a *bang*. He groaned, twitching as he pressed his hand against his forehead, flashes of soldiers, screams and a demon going through his head. It was big-green and half human—half machine. The visions of battles and death flickered painfully across his mind like a badly made movie. He saw Spike strapped to a table and a blond woman dressed as a doctor. All of it came and went so fast, Doyle had a hard time keeping track of it because it was so vague and scattered, but there were a few things he did know for sure. One was this demon was big, ugly and a threat. Two; his vision wasn't just for Angel, because the third and final thing he was certain of was that this green 'Frankenstein' thing wasn't in L.A. It was in Sunnydale.

"What'd you see?" Cordelia asked, leaning forward in her seat.

His eyes snapped open and he groaned as the throbbing agony of the vision slowly receded. "Well, I'll be damned," he muttered, "looks like I'm not off the hook after all."

Cordy barely acknowledged his wincing expression as she waved a hand, dismissing his pain. "Great, but what did you see? Does it look like Angel can't just run off with Slay-gal after all, or what?"

Doyle shot her an irritated glance as he fished out a bottle of aspirin from his jacket pocket. "I'm fine, Princess. Really, don't make an issue about it or anything," he muttered, shaking a couple into the palm of his hand.

Suitably chastened, Cordy back-pedaled. "Doyle, you know I didn't mean it like that." He popped the pills in his mouth and washed them down with the rest of his drink. Cordy handed him a napkin with some ice in it. "I'm sorry," she said softly when he accepted her peace offering. He put the ice to his head, wincing again and Cordy waited for him to tell her what he saw. She lasted all of ten seconds before her lack of patience kicked in again. "So…what did you see? Does your vision mean Angel has to stay in L.A.?"

Doyle set the napkin down and got up from his seat. "Nope…" he said, tossing several bills on the bar. "It means Angel's gotta go to Sunnydale."

Cordelia froze, her expression stating clearly that she was waiting for him to say he was kidding, but when he just stood there, nervous and edgy to leave, her eyes widened. "You can't be serious!"

"That brain-melt wasn't a joke," he said, wincing again.

"But-but…Sunnydale? Why?"

Doyle grinned suddenly. "Hey, it could be worse, Princess…"

She shot him a quelling look. "Oh really? How?"

"I could've had a vision of you working for Buffy, instead of Angel," he said with a grin. "Imagine that little scenario will ya?"

Cordelia was not amused. "Ha-ha! Not funny and never gonna happen," she bit out, grabbing her purse and hopping up from her seat. The ex-cheerleader followed Doyle as he headed for the exit. Her mind in turmoil as the repercussions of Doyle's vision hit her. "Great!" she muttered under her breath, "so now he's having visions for Buffy too! Oh God, please don't tell me I'm going to have to go back to Sunnyhell too!"

Cordy mentally shuddered at even the thought, but then a worse one hit her. What if Buffy didn't want her help? What then? She grabbed hold of Doyle's arm, stopping him dead in his tracks. Her nails dug into his flesh as a sudden feeling of insecurity wormed its way inside her chest. "What am I going to do, Doyle? This job…it makes me feel important. Like I'm doing something good for once in my life," she paused and took a deep breath, "and I-I really don't want to lose that," she finished very quietly.

Doyle eased her death-grip off his arm before using a finger to tip her chin up. "Hey, don't worry, Princess," he reassured. "You're a part of our team. Where we go—you go."

Cordy wanted to wave off his concern. She wanted to tell him she'd rather die than go back to Sunnydale, but she also desperately wanted to hear that she was still needed. He gave her that charming Irish grin of his and her heart fluttered a bit. "You mean that?"

He winked. "I do. It just wouldn't be the same without ya!"

In that instant Cordy realized that while Doyle may not be what she'd thought she wanted in a man. He was crass, badly dressed and he definitely drank too much. He was a fixer upper-which she swore she'd never do again, but…he was a good man. A brave man and she found she desperately wanted that in her life. Cordelia squared her shoulders, once again taking on the mantle of 'Queen-C'. She leveled her dark eyes on Doyle and lifted her chin. "Damn right it wouldn't! If you're going to the Hell-Mouth…you're so gonna need me," she stated as if she hadn't just been feeling totally un-needed.

She sounded as arrogant as ever, but the tiny little smile she sent his way belied all that hype. In a flash Doyle saw behind the façade and realized Cordelia was giving him the shot he'd been dying for. He'd been crushing over her ever since he'd laid eyes on the girl, but he hadn't believed he'd ever had a snowballs' chance in hell of getting with her. Yet here he was—and here she was, holding onto his arm like he was some kind of hero…

Doyle's chest swelled and he puffed up like a peacock as he held his arm out for her. Cordy took it and as he escorted her out of the bar—there was a definite strut in the Irish half demon's step.

"Things are finally looking up…" he said to her as they walked outside and into the sunshine.

Angel had his Slayer and the dark vampire could finally be happy. He was getting visions for Buffy now, so that had to mean that the Powers had accepted her place in Angel's life. And—Doyle's smile widened until it beamed—he finally had a shot with his Princess.

Yep…things were definitely looking up…for all of them.

B/A****B/A****B/A*****B/A*****B/A****B/A

Back at Angel's apartment:

Angel reclined against his headboard with Buffy sprawled across his chest. They'd made love so often and in so many (creative) way that Buffy was sure they'd tested the spell every-which-way-but-loose! Nothing had happened and it had held. Hours and hours later...Angel was still Angel and Buffy was smiling brilliantly as she cuddled her head against his muscled chest.

"I told you…" she murmured, throwing her arm over his stomach, "it's all of the good. You're still you and I'm…"

"You're what?" he asked, looking down at her with a smirk.

"I'm pleasantly numb…" she said, giving him that 'Colgate' smile of hers. "I'm ecstatically happy and so thoroughly perfect—it defies the simple term 'perfect-happiness'." She squeezed him for good measure-just to let him know how happy she was.

He chuckled huskily. "Well, I felt it—perfect happiness—that is." His smile turned lewd, "several times as a matter of fact," he said wriggling his brows at her.

Buffy giggled and slapped his chest playfully. "Yeah, I kind'a felt it too. Especially when you had me upside down..."

He laughed. "I did tell yuo I've studied the Kama-Sutra, right?"

"What does karma have to do with sex?"

He shook his head. "Not-" He stopped. "Never mind." He leaned down to place a kiss on her head. "I love you, Buffy. Every little thing about you...I love."

She sighed happily and snuggled closer. "I'm so glad we didn't logic ourselves out of this," She placed a kiss on his chest. "We'll make it work, right?"

Angel wrapped her more securely in his arms. "We will."

"God, I'm so sleepy…" Buffy yawned, "but I still want…"

"What?" Angel interrupted. He tilted her chin up to look in her eyes. She grinned back at him. "You couldn't possibly—not that I wouldn't…"

Buffy let out a peal of laughter and shook her head. "No, no. I'm spent. Totally and utterly content…but…" Her eyes widened and quick as a hiccup she was out of the bed. Angel gaped at her sudden escape from the snuggly haven of their bed until it dawned on his male brain that she was very-very naked. His eyes narrowed, the predator in him arose and he licked his lips as he watched her with hungry eyes while she moved across the room.

He swallowed thickly and lust flooded his senses. Buffy moved with the lithe grace of a jungle cat. It wasn't even intentional…it was just instinct. She bent over, giving him a view that made his dick stand up and take notice of how sexy her rear end was. He licked his lips again as he thought of all the things he wanted to do that hot little body of hers.

He growled and she glanced at him over her shoulder. "What?"

He shook his head. Caught! "Nothing…" he mumbled, but she knew he was excited. His eyes were glowing and the way she wriggled her bottom at him let him know she knew what he was thinking. He growled again. "Buffy…I think I'm more than ready to uh…give you what we were talking about earlier…"

She got what she was searching for out of her purse and crawled back up the bed, a small velvet bag in her hand. "I bet," she teased, straddling him—just under his obvious erection. "Does it have anything to do with your…um…" she glanced down at his lap where the blanket was tented, "problem?"

He buried a hand in her hair. "It's your fault…you're irresistible."

Buffy gave him a brilliant smile. "I like the sound of that, but your uh…problem is going to have to wait until I give you something."

He glanced from her face to his (massive) problem. He frowned. "I guess…" he sighed, but it was obvious he was just a jutting lip away from a full blown pout.

Buffy laughed. "Oh please…you're a vampire. Pain and suffering—you like that, right?"

He made a face and looked down at his lap. "But it hurts...I want you."

"Well…I want you too, but I want to give you this more," she said opening up the bag and emptying the contents into her hand .

He looked down at what she held and his eyes widened when he saw not only his ring (the one he thought he'd lost a few weeks back) but hers too! He reached for her much smaller Claddagh ring, stunned to see it back in perfect condition. "Where…?"

"It was in the mansion. After you came back," she told him softly.

"I know. I remember…but how is it back and like this?"

"Willow. She fixed it like she fixed us."

Angel swallowed hard, raising his eyes, he blinked rapidly when he saw the tears in her eyes. "Buffy…"

"I know." She took his left hand in hers. "This ring is a sign of devotion and…" She raised a brow at him, "a commitment between two people who love each other."

Angel gulped as he realized she knew the full meaning of the Claddagh. "Buffy, I—"

She shook her head. "It doesn't matter. Let me finish," she whispered, holding onto his hand with one hand and his ring in the other. She held the ring up so that he could see the design. "It represents friendship, loyalty and love." She slid it on his 'ring' finger. "If you wear it like this…" They both looked down at the ring; the heart was pointed at Angel. "It means you belong to someone," she told him softly.

Angel's throat closed up and he had to blink rapidly or else he might just cry like the big fluffy puppy Spike was always accusing him of being! She handed him her ring and held out her left hand in a blatant invitation. Angel's smile was charmingly bright. He took the ring and her hand. "The last time I gave you this…I was leaving you," he said quietly. "This time when I give you this ring, I'm making you a promise to never leave you again, Buffy." He slipped her ring on and brought her hand to his lips. "I love you."

Tears streaked down Buffy's cheeks and she brought his hand up to her mouth. She kissed his ring. "Forever…" she whispered.

Nodding, Angel wiped her tears away with his thumb. "Forever…" he agreed.

Hands clasped, they kissed, sealing the union that had started so long ago on a dark night, in a dark alley in Sunnydale…little did they know that when she put her foot in his chest and asked him "Why was he following her?" that it would be the beginning of a love affair that would change not only their lives forever, but the lives of every single person who heard the story of the vampire with a soul falling in love with the Slayer.

**Life isn't about taking your last breath. It's about the moments that take your breath away and that's how Buffy and Angel loved-breathlessly!**

The End.

Okay guys...I hope the ending was worth the wait. I know this was longer than I anticipated, but I wanted to add the ring part at the end...I'm thinking about adding an epilogue. Let me (musie) know if you'd be interested in it. You know waht a needy little thing she is! lol! Now be kind and feed the little beast so she'll feed the spark in me.

Have a great day everyone...

Jen