So, this was supposed to be up on St. Patrick's Day, but the chapter got WAY too long. The good news is that I have most of the next one written now since I split it into two. Hope you guys like this. Let me know what you think!

Ch. 9

"Guess who," Angel smiled as he came up behind Buffy, covering her eyes with his hand.

"Angel!" she giggled as he wrapped his free arm around her waist. "What are you doing?"

"I'm surprising you," he said as he began leading her towards the couch. "It is our six month anniversary after all. Here, sit," he instructed as he guided her to sit down. "Keep your eyes closed," he said and he slowly pulled his hand away. When he was sure her eyes were staying shut he pulled a binder off the coffee table. "Happy anniversary," he said handing it to her. "Open your eyes."

When she did she took the binder, opening it to find an organized list of all their wedding plans. She flipped through the pages to find every single decision she had already made with costs and additional options included. As she got further in the book she saw the remaining decisions she had yet to make. He'd made outlines for her to finish planning the wedding.

"I think everything is in there," he said as he sat next to her. "My mom helped me," he admitted. "And there's plenty of blank pages if you have stuff you want to add. And I left blank pages in between some of the sections in case you want to add pictures or take notes or something," he explained and Buffy felt her heart melt.

She had been incredibly stressed planning the wedding in such a short amount of time. Angel always tried to help, telling her to choose anything she wanted. He offered her a wedding planner, but she wanted to plan it herself. He offered her an assistant just to keep track of things, but she thought that seemed ridiculous. He assured her money was no problem and that every option she showed him was beautiful so anything she liked would be fine. And when she was so overwhelmed she couldn't pick he did make the decision for her. Which she often changed later and he never once complained.

"This is amazing," she said turning to wrap her arms around him. "Thank you so much. I can't imagine how much work this took," she said but Angel merely shrugged. It had taken hours, days really, but it had been worth it. She needed something to keep her organized. Half the time she just couldn't remember what she had chosen or what she had to do next. Now she had a way to keep it straight.

"I hope it helps," he told her as she flipped through the pages. "But that's not your anniversary present."

"Angel, you have to stop spoiling me," she scolded but she couldn't keep the grin off her face.

"Well if you really don't want your present I can just keep it…" he trailed off as he began to stand up. But Buffy yanked him back onto the couch.

"Stop it. I mean…you went through all the trouble of buying it," she teased and he chuckled as he reached behind the couch to retrieve her gift.

"Happy anniversary," he smiled as he handed her the basket. She untied the bow to find a teddy bear holding a card that said "Spa Treatment." Inside the basket was an assortment of vanilla scented products. There was body lotion, shower gel, bath salts, and a bath pillow just to name a few things.

"This is great Angel!" she exclaimed excitedly as she read the labels on the products.

"I know you didn't want to have a big celebration, but you never pamper yourself," he told her. "My only condition is that you allow me to apply that shower gel instead of using the loofa," he smirked and Buffy grinned.

"I wouldn't have it any other way," she said. "Here. Open yours," she offered handing him a small package that had been sitting on the end table. He eagerly tore at the wrapping paper and opened the box inside.

"Buffy…" he trailed off as he stared at the cufflinks. They were shaped to match their Claddagh rings and he could tell she'd had them custom made. "These are great."

"I thought that since the rings meant so much…I mean, we never took them off," she rambled as she realized they'd never really talked about the rings. They meant a lot to her, but she didn't know what they meant to him. She could guess, but-

"I can wear these at our wedding," he smiled as he took a closer look.

"I thought so too," she beamed.

XXXXXXXXXX

"I can't believe you came here voluntarily," Buffy grinned as she wrapped her arms around his neck. "And that I got you to dance," she nearly squealed as she looked around the dancefloor at the Bronze.

"Don't expect me to do it all the time," he warned as he pulled her closer. "It's only because it's our anniversary."

"And because you don't know anybody else here?" she added since it was a Wednesday and a very quiet night at the Bronze.

"That helps," he admitted.

"You know someone else," he heard and he stiffened before turning around. "But it's okay. I know all your dirty secrets anyways."

"Faith," Angel gritted knowing this was not going to end well. "This is my fiancée Buffy," he introduced, hoping that someone had possessed Faith for the time being and that she wouldn't cause trouble.

"I see you reverted back to type Angel," Faith smirked as she saw Buffy's small form and blond hair. "I suppose I ruined you for all brunettes."

"Maybe he just wanted someone less crazy," Buffy shot back. She wasn't going to let this girl interrupt their anniversary without a fight. And she certainly wasn't going to let Faith get to her.

"He's just playing the good boy for now," Faith said innocently. "He always comes running back," she shrugged as she trailed a hand down his shoulder. He shrugged it off, but she merely smiled. "I guess it's true. You never forget your first," she said wistfully before walking away.

"Buffy-"

"Don't say anything," Buffy cut him off. "Just dance with me," she said but when Angel wrapped his arms around her waist he could feel how tense she was.

"We can go home. Or go somewhere else," he offered but Buffy shook her head.

"I'm not going to let her ruin this," she insisted although Angel had a feeling that ship had already sailed. This night had quickly taken a nosedive.

"She just wants to cause trouble."

"Well then we won't let her," Buffy said using every ounce of rationality she had to stay calm. She really hated meeting Angel's exes. And Faith was gorgeous. Of course. Like Angel would know any women who weren't stunning. "And," she glanced up and saw Faith in the arms of a tattooed man. "We'll pretend that we don't know that she's trying to make you jealous."

"It's not going to work," Angel said catching Buffy's chin and pulling her eyes to his. "I don't care what she does."

"You always say all the right things," Buffy sighed as she leaned up and pressed her lips to his. When she pulled away she saw Faith glaring angrily at her. Buffy felt so satisfied at that moment that she leaned up and kissed Angel again. His tongue slid against hers and she pressed her chest as tightly to his as she could.

"Now you're trying to make Faith jealous," Angel stated with a small smirk and Buffy looked up at him in surprise.

"How did you know?"

"Usually when you kiss me your eyes are closed," he told her bending down towards her neck. "That time you kept opening them to look at Faith."

"I'm sorry," she whispered as he placed small light kisses on her neck.

"It doesn't bother me," he replied and Buffy tilted her head to give him better access. She didn't know if it was the thrill of knowing Faith was so angry or what, but his lips felt really good right now. Really, really good.

"Angel," she gasped as her eyes fluttered shut. "Keep doing that," she whimpered, holding his head against her neck. His tongue slid lightly up her throat and she clung to him, suddenly quivering with desire.

"Buffy," he murmured as he felt her body responding to his.

"Over here," she said pulling him to a darker nook of the Bronze. With walls on three sides of them they were practically hidden and Buffy took full advantage of that. She pulled Angel's lips down to hers and kissed him hungrily. His tongue pushed its way into her mouth and Buffy let out a whimper.

Unable to hold back anymore, Angel spun them both until Buffy's back was pressed against the wall. He slipped his hand under the fabric of her shirt and caressed her skin. His light touch nearly set her on fire. She clutched at the sleeves of his t-shirt, holding him as close to her as physically possible.

"Angel," she breathed into the kiss and he merely groaned in response. Her mini skirt was a nuisance he pushed out of the way. His hands grabbed her ass and pulled her against him, letting her feel how hard he was. "Angel," Buffy repeated, breaking the kiss as she nearly melted into him. "What are we doing?"

"Kissing," he answered simply as one of his hands made its way to the juncture between her legs. She quivered as his fingers massaged her over her panties. Oh god…

"This is not just kissing," she gasped reaching for his hand but she didn't have the control to pull it away. "This is much, much more than kissing."

"Is that a problem?" he asked capturing her lips in a kiss that made her head spin.

"N-not usually. But h-here, yes," she replied cursing her own body for not being able to resist his touch.

"Then we have a problem," he told her. "Because I don't want to stop."

"Can't do this here," Buffy said with a weak attempt to push him away.

"Car?" he proposed but Buffy shook her head.

"Too small," she replied trying to catch her breath. "W-what is it you say? We're going to require a bed?" she reminded him and she saw that sexy smirk of his that always turned her on. "Take me home."

"Anything you say," he nodded as he began to lead her out of the Bronze. Halfway to the door they were stopped when Faith stepped in their path.

"Leaving so soon?" she asked and both Angel and Buffy gave her a death glare. Faith smirked as she recognized that look on Angel's face. "Or are we sneaking off for a quicky?"

"Faith-" Angel started but Buffy cut him off.

"Actually that's exactly what we're doing," she announced before literally pushing Faith aside and walking to the door.

XXXXXXXXXXXX

"I thought we required a bed," Angel teased as she pulled him down on top of her on the couch.

"Don't make me wait tonight Angel," she warned and after their run in with Faith, Angel had no intentions of doing anything that could make Buffy upset.

"Even if it's our anniversary?" he asked as he pulled down the strap of her tank top. He placed light kisses on her shoulder and smiled against her skin. "Don't you want candlelight, romantic music…" he trailed off as he sucked on her collarbone. She shook her head, but didn't verbally respond. "Maybe some champagne," he suggested as he dragged her tank top up her body. His fingertips trailed lightly along her skin and she let out a soft whimper. "Buffy?"

"NO!" she exclaimed forcefully but when Angel glanced up at her face he saw annoyance instead of impatience.

"Buffy?" he questioned, this time sitting up slightly and pulling her with him. "What's wrong?"

"It's stupid," she pouted, annoyed at herself for being upset. "I didn't want to make a big deal out of tonight. So we didn't and it was nice," she sighed running a hand through her hair. "But then Faith showed up and I know it wasn't anything really but it got me mad and ruined everything even though I tried to ignore it. Then I forgot about it for a while when we were kissing at the Bronze," she rambled. "But on the way home it all came back. I tried to forget again but I couldn't."

"Buffy," he said softly but she shook her head.

"I know it's stupid," she cut him off. "I'm always the one saying these occasions don't need to be perfect. And they don't," she insisted. "Just…I don't know. Now I'm the one ruining it," she muttered.

"You're not ruining anything," he assured her. "I'm sorry I didn't insist on doing something special for tonight. I should have planned something," he sighed feeling guilty for letting this happen. "I'm an idiot."

"No you're not," Buffy smiled as she crawled into his lap. "Besides I wouldn't have let you. I was dead set against it. Maybe we could turn it into an anniversary weekend?" she suggested and Angel smiled. It was only Friday. "We can have some kind of dinner tomorrow and do something?"

"Well gee Buffy," he smirked. "Some kind of dinner and doing something sounds great," he chuckled as Buffy playfully smacked him in the shoulder.

"Shut up. I had the weekend idea," she pointed out.

"You did," he conceded. "I'll go to the store tomorrow and get what we need to make dinner. And you'll help me make it. It'll be a new anniversary tradition. You learning a new meal," he suggested. When she raised an eyebrow he couldn't hold back his smile. "And if we have to call the fire department then it'll just be that much more memorable."

XXXXXXXXXXX

"This was one of your best ideas," Buffy commented. "It's surprising because I'm usually too impatient for candlelight and champagne," Buffy blushed as she raised the glass of champagne to her lips.

"Tell me about it," Angel smiled as he pulled her tighter against him in the bathtub. "It really throws off my game."

"I must admit it has its moments," she conceded and Angel grinned.

"Yeah?"

"Mmhmm," she sighed setting her champagne on the side of the tub. "It's much better when it involves you naked in the tub," she said turning to kiss him. "When we buy a house I want a huge bathtub."

"Absolutely," he murmured against her lips. "And room for a big, big bed."

"Even though we sleep practically on top of each other?" she asked with a smile as she tilted her head to see him better.

"It's not the sleeping I'm planning for," he winked and she giggled as he kissed her.

XXXXXXXXXXX

"Happy Fourth of July!" Willow exclaimed as the friends lit sparklers and celebrated together. Between the ten of them they'd eaten over 15 burgers and hot dogs so far. It had been a BIG barbeque. They were all at Buffy's house because it was the best place to see the town fireworks that started at 9pm. Most people had to go to the mall, but Buffy's back yard happened to have a perfect and unobstructed view.

"I haven't celebrated many Fourth of July's," Doyle said as he wrapped his arm around Cordelia's shoulders. "But this is definitely the best."

"A lot has changed in six months," she agreed as they watched the first fireworks go off. She glanced over at her brother to see him sitting with Buffy on a picnic blanket. But instead of watching the fireworks he was mainly watching Buffy. Cordelia smiled. She was so glad her brother was happy. "And yet I ended up back with my high school friends," she mused.

"We're not thrilled about it either!" Xander yelled playfully as he threw a paper cup across the lawn at her.

"Xander!" she scoffed, picking up the cup and throwing it back. She hit Anya in the head who turned around ready for payback. Anya grabbed the nearest thing which was an empty water bottle and threw that back at Cordelia. Doyle ran towards the picnic table to grab more ammo when Buffy yelled for them to stop.

"Whatever happens, you guys are cleaning this up," she warned. Xander glanced quickly at Willow before picking up a full water bottle and squirting it at Doyle. "We're leaving," Buffy announced grabbing Angel's hand and pulling him out to the street. They could still see the fireworks, which were not ending, but they were away from all the noise.

"Much better," Angel murmured as he pulled her back against his chest to watch the finale of the fireworks display. When it was over Buffy turned to face him. She wasn't really in the mood to go back to her friends at the moment. They'd been with them all day and she just felt like being alone with Angel for a while.

"Want to grab a drink at Willie's?"

XXXXXXXXXXX

They both downed their second "Firecracker Shot," something that tasted suspiciously like cough medicine, but for the holiday, every fourth one was free. Angel felt a lot more at ease at Willie's than he did at the Bronze so when he pulled Buffy onto his lap she wasn't surprised.

"You look really pretty tonight," he whispered and Buffy grinned as she leaned forward and kissed him. She knew he was a little drunk…she was more than a little drunk. But she loved when he talked to her like that.

"Ooh, if it isn't the lovebirds," they heard behind them and they broke apart to see Faith standing there.

"Why are you always here?" Buffy asked in annoyance and Faith didn't bother to hide an amused smile.

"It's a small town, B. Besides, Angel should know I'm staying in the motel across the street. He's the one paying the bill," she pointed out. She smirked when Buffy's eyes shot to Angel, obviously having not heard this before. He put a hand on her back, silently asking her not to press this issue now. But he didn't have to worry. There was no way she was letting Faith know she'd hit a weak spot.

"I guess he'd have to since you have no family, friends, or job to speak of," Buffy shot back. She stood up and took a step closer to Faith.

"Not too long ago I could have said the same for Angel," Faith shrugged. "But he always manages to find a girl to hang around for a while. It's the money, no doubt. And the sex," she smirked.

"Buffy, let's go," Angel whispered in her ear but she brushed him off.

"What is your damage, Faith?" Buffy exclaimed. She was done being passive aggressive. "Coming into MY town like you have any right to be here?"

"Angel brought me," Faith tossed her hair stepping closer until she was towering over the small blond.

"You blackmailed him. You're a criminal Faith! You have to cling to Angel because he's the only person nice enough to bother with you!" she yelled. Her hands were balled into fists and Angel could see the tension in her body. He grabbed Buffy by both shoulders and pulled her back.

"We should go," he told her evenly.

"What? Afraid I'll hit her and cut her with the big diamond on my finger?" Buffy shot out, more at Faith than at Angel.

"He's worried I'd lay you out in seconds if you made a move," Faith replied even as she saw the anger burning in Buffy's eyes. "And Angel wouldn't be able to do a thing to stop it," she said egging Buffy on. She knew every word she said was riling Buffy up more and more. "After everything he was accused of all those years ago, he'd be in deep shit if he so much as looked at me the wrong way."

"Shut up, Faith," Angel hissed.

"Better be careful Angel. I might consider that abuse. And the police station is just down the corner," she pointed innocently before slowly walking away.

"We're leaving," Buffy announced as she grabbed Angel's hand and marched him home.

XXXXXXXXXX

Buffy and Angel were at a standoff in their living room, yelling so loud that Hannah had even left the room.

"WHY did you bring her back?" Buffy shouted, not able to contain herself at all anymore.

"I told you-"

"NO!" she cut him off. "You gave me excuses. Why did you really bring her back?" she demanded. "Did you want her around?"

"Of course not!" he shot back, insulted she'd even suggested it. "I was just trying to help her."

"She's not your responsibility, Angel," Buffy glared at him.

"I wanted to help an old friend," Angel said and Buffy scoffed.

"An old friend?" she laughed although it was humorless. "Did you fuck all your old friends?" she asked.

"You know what, don't answer that."

"Buffy, you're overreacting-"

"Don't you tell me I'm overreacting!" Buffy yelled pointing her finger at him. "Every other day with you I meet a new psycho ex-girlfriend. Who's next? Lizzie Borden?" she accused and Angel groaned.

"What do you want me to say Buffy?" he yelled, his arms flying out in frustration. "I'm suddenly in trouble for something I did ten years ago."

"You're not in trouble for ten years ago, you moron!" she spat out. "I don't care about you dating her in high school. Or even sleeping with her in high school. Every guy sleeps with the Faith in their high school," she muttered under her breath.

"Then what did I do?"

"You brought her back here," Buffy clarified. Angel rolled his eyes as she continued. "You brought her into our lives. Not to mention the fact that you seem to sleep with her whenever the occasion presents itself."

"That's not fair," he said feeling hurt by her words. She knew he went through a dark time. They'd talked about it and he'd thought she understood.

"Neither is me having to see her every time we go anywhere," Buffy pointed out. "And having her throw your relationship in my face making me feel insignificant and like I could be tossed out the door any second."

"That's ridiculous," Angel snorted and Buffy crossed her arms. She'd said those things hoping Angel would reassure her, but he said nothing. In fact, he'd called her ridiculous.

Buffy tried to think rationally. How could he have known that? He'd told her a hundred times before so why should he have to now? But…he should know!

"Any trouble she causes….that's on you," Buffy spoke up.

"No it isn't," he shot back. "You said yourself that she's not my responsibility."

"That didn't stop you before."

"I don't know what you want me to do about it now," he said pinching the bridge of his nose to try and maintain his composure.

"How about you stop paying her motel bill!" Buffy retorted and Angel inwardly winced. "And what the hell happened to 'I'll never lie to you, Buffy' and 'My money is our money, Buffy,'?" she demanded. "Is that only the case when it's convenient for you? Any other time you can spend your money without telling me about it? To pay room and board for your old friends?"

"Don't make this out to be more than it is. I'm just trying to keep everyone happy and keep Faith out of our lives," Angel insisted.

"Well you've done a damn fine job," Buffy replied sarcastically. "I'm going to bed."

XXXXXXXXXX

Buffy stared at herself in the bathroom mirror as she took off her makeup. She knew Angel loved her. But tonight when she'd seen Faith every one of her insecurities had flown to the surface. Faith was a bombshell, and Buffy was just…Buffy. Faith was the kind of girl that guys went to when they were looking for sex. And Buffy was the girl the guys went to when they were tired of girls like Faith. But who did they go to when they got tired of girls like Buffy?

She was trying to give Angel the benefit of the doubt, but as she looked at her hair hanging limply around her face she wondered again what he saw in her. She was pretty, but nothing worth writing home about. Her nose was weird and her lips were definitely not as full and pouty as Faith's.

Faith had such an air of confidence to her that Buffy even began to envy her. It took guts to waltz up to an ex and his fiancée and say those things. Guts Buffy didn't and wouldn't ever have. Maybe you needed dark eyes and pouty lips to have those kind of guts.

Buffy sighed and left the bathroom. She crawled into an empty bed silently wondering if Angel would even sleep in the same bed with her.