A/N: Again, dark chapter.

Chapter Twenty-One

The next afternoon, Buffy is at home doing some studying, again trying to figure things out, while Giles is out getting dinner. She had gotten a bit of help in the form of Angel and Giles, but she had to do most of it alone. She rolls her eyes, 'figures'.

She hears a sound outside. She looks up with a frown, "Giles? Is that you?"

There is no answer. Buffy frowns, but decides she's just being paranoid and goes back to her work. Suddenly there is a knock on the door. Buffy frowns again, wondering who it could be. Maybe it's Angel. Probably not, since it's still day time. She rolls her eyes and gets up to answer the door. She opens the door, not paying attention. She looks up at the visitor and freezes in horror. It's her dad. She immediately slams the door in his face and leans against it, terrified, "Oh god, oh god. How did he find me?"

Hank starts hammering on the door, "Buffy! Open this door, you little whore!"

Buffy breathes heavily, absolutely terrified. Hank stops hammering on the door and Buffy holds her breath, hoping that he's gone. But then she remembers the back door. She gasps and runs to the back door to lock it before he can get in.

She gets to the door, but screeches to a halt at the sight of Hank in the apartment, glaring furiously at her, "I told you to open the door."

Buffy backs up, "How did you find me?"

Hank smiles menacingly, "Did you forget I run a law firm with some of the best resources in the country? You never were that bright, were you?"

Buffy backs up and hits the table, blocking her way, "What do you want from me!"

Hank advances on her, "I am going to take you back to L.A. where you will stay. No more school, no more fancy clothes. Just you and me, or if you misbehave or try to run away again, I can just send you back to that clinic. Wouldn't you like that?"

Buffy screams out in horror, "NO!" She lashes out and punches Hank hard in the face, sending him down across the floor. She moves past him, heading for the front door, but he roughly grabs her ankle and she falls to the ground, hitting her head on the edge of the table.

Her head throbs painfully, but she ignores it, desperate to get away. With her free leg she kicks him twice in the head, forcing him to let go as he yells in pain. Buffy scrambles to her feet and sprints for the door. She yanks it open and runs as fast as she can to the only person she knows who can help her.

She runs and runs, desperately, terror spurring her on. She can hear her dad in hot pursuit, and she is terrified that he will catch her, Slayer speed or not. She passes people in the streets, but they all just watch her strangely, not caring. Probably knew all the rumours too. Oh god, what was she going to do?

Buffy reaches the edge of town, her father still in pursuit, and she sees the hotel in the distance. Her sanctuary. She puts on a final burst of speed near panic, and charges through the doors of the hotel. Everyone is there, and they all look at her funnily. Buffy runs to Angel and jumps into his arms, hysterical, "ANGEL! Please, you have to help me! Don't let him take me! PLEASE!" She bursts into tears.

Everyone is confused at what Buffy is talking about, especially Angel, "Buffy? What…"

Angel is interrupted by the front door slamming open, the glass smashing to the floor, making Buffy scream. Hank storms inside, "Where is the little bitch!" He sees Buffy cowering in Angel's arms, "Give her to me! She's my daughter! This has nothing to do with you!"

Buffy tightens her grip on Angel, not wanting to go. Angel and the others realise who this man is. Angel glares and wraps his arms around Buffy, protectively, "You aren't taking her."

Hank glares at Angel, "This has nothing to do with you. This is a family thing."

Angel glares at him, "And you're her family? What kind of father beats up his only child?"

Hank advances on them, menacingly, "You'll regret you ever said that."

Spike steps in his path, "No he won't."

Hank sneers at them, "Oh, now Billy Idol's getting into the act."

Spike glares but keeps his cool. Cordelia stands next to Spike, "We all are. You heard us. You're not taking Buffy."

Fred, Wesley and Lorne join Cordy and Spike and they nod, standing firm.

Hank stares at them, knowing he is outnumbered and could never fight all of them off. He stares Buffy straight in the eye, "This isn't over, slut. This is only the beginning."

Buffy looks away and hides her face against Angel's chest. Hank backs out of the Hyperion and slowly turns and walks out.

Cordy lets out a breath, she wasn't aware she was holding, "That was Hank Summers? All round good guy?"

Wesley takes off his glasses, "Apparently not such a good guy after all."

Spike gives Wesley a sarcastic look, "What was your first clue?"

Wesley glares at Spike, which then triggers bickering.

Angel tunes them out and lifts Buffy's chin to look at him, "Are you okay?"

Buffy sniffs and wipes away a couple of stray tears, "Uh huh. It's just…I didn't think he'd find me here. I mean I could've gone further away, but…you know?" Angel nods, understanding.

Suddenly everyone goes quiet, remembering what Hank said. Buffy frowns, "He's not gonna give up. He's gonna keep coming for me. He could be anywhere! What if he's still out there…watching me?"

Angel wraps an arm around Buffy, comfortingly, "Buffy. Don't worry. You've always got us. One of us will be with you everywhere you go. So you'll never be alone. Cordelia can stay with you tomorrow, and Spike will look after you tomorrow night. I'll stay with you tonight. Okay?"

Buffy nods, "Okay." She gives them all a small smile, "Thanks. I don't know what I'd do if I didn't have you guys."

The gang all smile at Buffy, glad to do it. They had all grown rather attached to the young Slayer. Angel smiles again, "Come on. I'll take you home."

Buffy bites her lip, "Um, actually, Angel…Could I spend the night with you?"

Angel smiles and nods, "Sure. Come on. I'll take you upstairs."

Angel leads Buffy upstairs and Angel gets Buffy one of his shirts to wear to bed. Buffy changes into the oversized shirt, fitting her more like a dress, and sits on her bed. She looks around the room anxiously, not wanting to be alone.

She stands up and leaves the room. She walks down the hallway to Angel's room and knocks on the door. Soon, Angel opens the door only dressed in his black boxers, and to his surprise sees Buffy standing there, "Buffy. Are you okay?"

Buffy looks down nervously, and slightly embarrassed, "I'm fine. I…just don't want to be alone."

Angel smiles understandingly and ushers Buffy into the room. Buffy walks inside gratefully, and tries to look anywhere but at Angel and his lack of clothing. Angel gestures for Buffy to lie down and she does so with a gracious smile. Angel lies down next to her, and she shuffles closer, resting her head on his shoulder. Angel smiles, "Better?"

Buffy nods, "Mmm hmm."

Angel smiles again, "Good." He rolls over, leaving Buffy back on the bed and leans in to give her a kiss. Buffy returns the kiss and wraps her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. Angel moves on top of Buffy, pressing his body against hers. Buffy moans and starts to unbutton her shirt.

Angel breaks the kiss and takes Buffy's hands, halting them, "Buffy. Maybe we shouldn't."

Buffy shakes her head, wanting the closeness, "Shh…just kiss me."

Angel stares at her for a moment, and then, seeing she was sure, kisses her again, helping her remove her shirt, and his boxers.

That night was without words, only movement and gentle whispers, as Buffy and Angel showed each other just how much they loved the other.

To be continued...

A/N: I think I should add that Wesley is not, and never has been, a watcher. He was just a 'rogue demon hunter' lol.