Hey you guys, okay well erm. I don't quite know how to say this but....you know I said 3 more chapters? I'm thinking more like maybe 1 or two including this one. (Ducks and runs for cover!) I know I know it's been ages and I am so sorry to keep u waiting. A part of me has put off writing it because I didn't want it finishing lol, this was my very first fic and I'll be sad to see it go . It has however put me in touch with some really great people and hopefully entertained you all and helped keep the b/a love alive! As always a huge thank you for your reviews and support...this is for you guys!

Big hugs to my girl Jen....I've been slack in communication and reviewing recently...hangs head in shame...had a few personal issues and family issues but it's all sorted now and I'm back with a vengeance....oh yeah...and a new fic on the way sometime soon!

"Xander's dead!"

"I didn't do it!"

Buffy tutted and rolled her eyes at Angelus then turned to Willow who was shaking, tear tracks marring her worried face. "Willow what are you talking about? We saw Xander just after sunset; Spike took him to the hospital. He just needed checking over really. Sort of. Oh God!" Buffy paled and looked at Angel.

"No way Buff, I know the boy is a wimp but I didn't hurt him enough to kill him."

Buffy looked at Angel seeking confirmation. "He promised you he wouldn't Love, he was hurt but not enough to kill him".

Willow stormed across the room. "What are you talking about? Why did he need the hospital and why did you leave him with Spike? What did you do to him?"

The last question was directed at Angel, everyone in the room looked a little shocked as Willows eyes got darker and her hands crackled with energy.

"Nothing, Angelus decided to pay a visit".

"Don't bring me into it, that bitch is crazy. Can you feel the magicks on her? Time to get Buff and get out of town!"

"Angelus?" Willow sneered. "Thought his soul was all bound up tight. I guess that'll teach you for relying on second rate magicks and not calling me"

"Actually Willow it was a spell Xander did, with our old buddy Amy. Remember her. Guess he didn't want to ask you either". Buffy spoke low and without malice, although she felt it. She still hadn't forgiven Willow for their previous conversation and realised their friendship was over a long time ago. She briefly glanced at Oz who had crossed the room to stand with them.

The fight seemed to leave Willow and a sob tore in her throat. "GodI'm sorry I just- I can't, I mean. He's gone Buffy".

Buffy made no move to comfort the sobbing redhead, Angel's restraining arm was unnecessary as she was wary of the power Willow had just radiated. She was shocked when Oz made no move to comfort her either. Instead her eyes bugged as a long mousy brown haired girl stepped through the door and wrapped Willow up in a hug as she cried. Buffy swung her shocked gaze to Oz who has averted his gaze.

"Oz? What's going on?" Giles asked, pulling his glasses off to clean them.

"I was heading out of town, saw Xander walking down the road covered in bandages. I saw Spike behind him and stopped to see if I could help. Spike said he had checked himself out of the hospital and Buffy would have his ass in a zip lock bag if he left him to his own devices so was following him home. Xander shouted, slammed his parentage and run across the road without looking. He got hit head on by a 'Krispy Kreme' lorry". Oz's stoic expression was the only thing that made everyone believe he was telling the truth.

Angel focused on Buffy, ignoring Angelus' cackling laughter in his head. He couldn't find it in himself to feel grief at the boy's death, only sadness at the effect it would have on Buffy.

"Gives a whole new meaning to Harris' donut run ey!"

Angel winced as Buffy swung towards him.

"Shit I forgot you could hear me Buff".

Willow's sobs echoed throughout the otherwise silent room. Giles sat at the table in shock, Faith and Wes looked down in silence, having no love for Xander but still not wanting him dead. Even Cordy was crying softly, being comforted by Gunn on the sofa.

Buffy advanced on Angel and whispered harshly. "Angelus, you need to do yourself a favour and keep quiet. I may not be able to get to you physically but I'm sure I can dig up a Barry Manilow CD from somewhere".

"Bitch".

Angel looked at Buffy in shock and a little hurt. "Hey! I like Barry Manilow".

"I know you do Baby, I love you anyway though" Buffy laughed and pressed a light kiss to his lips. They were suddenly flung apart, each hitting the opposite wall with a crash from the force of their collisions.

"HOW DARE YOU! How can you laugh and joke like nothing's happened? Like my world isn't crashing down around me. Xander is dead Buffy. Can you get that through your selfish head?" Willow had pulled away from Tara, her arms out wide from separating the two, her eyes completely black as she ignored the shocked shouts from Giles and Faith. Gunn, Cordy and Wes had moved over to them, forming a unit but staying back. "Oz has left me but you're having smoochies with your creature of the night ex boyfriend?"

Buffy stood and looked over to Angel reassuring herself that he was fine. She sent him a look warning him to stay back and then walked resolutely over to Willow. She shot a look to Oz to see if he would try and interfere but he merely raised his brow and took a step back. Buffy nodded and carried on until she was standing in front of Willow, she waited a moment, silently watching then firmly slapped the red head round the face.

"Let's just be clear here shall we. After today I suggest you keep out of my way permanently. I loved Xander too but he wasn't perfect, he was selfish and arrogant. I'll grieve for the boy he was, for my friend Xander but that's it. I won't have you tell me how to act or judge me. I wouldn't be here without both of your help over the last few years but there is only so long I can pay for that and feel like I owe you both. To be honest I don't blame Oz for leaving you, he owes it to himself. You've changed Willow and you're so wrapped up in your own deluded world. You drove Oz away and yes it hurts I know. I had to kill the person I love and send him to hell! Apparently that's ok though right? You wanted me to be ok and start dating right away. You know what? That's not even the point, at the end of the day you chose to stay, you chose to help and sometimes you made things more difficult for me"- Buffy grabbed Willow's moving outstretched hand and held it firm. "Don't interrupt me for once, just listen. I let you treat me like you did, make my decisions for me because I felt guilty but can you comprehend for one second how much I had to reduce myself to do that. I am the slayer Willow, I was born to be strong, determined, clever and in charge. It falls on my shoulders when it comes down to it. Everyone looks to me and I lead and I save the day. I'm not arrogant or misguided enough to say I never had help but at the end of it, as I once told Angelus, all I've got left is me".

"And that's definitely enough. Can we go fuck now?"

Angel stood at Buffy's right shoulder and Giles walked over and stood proudly to her left. Gunn, Wes and Cordy all followed suit and stood behind them. Faith, although had a small part of her bristle at Buffy saying 'the slayer' understood her point and stood next to Giles.

Willow swung her gaze to Oz, her eyes wide as he shook his head at her and stood by Buffy. Buffy briefly glanced at her family and then looked back at Willow. "I didn't ask them to choose".

"The hell you didn't".

"Nice speech pet, my we have grown up slayer haven't we". Spike strolled in to the room and stood next to Faith. "Seems to me you're not on your own like you once was and people are finally giving you the respect you deserve".

"HIM? After what he did, you let him in here? It's his fault and if you won't get justice I will!" Willow advanced on Spike but stopped in disbelief when Buffy stepped in front of him. "I'll go through you if I have to Buffy". She ignored Angel's growl of warning but stepped back when Oz stood in her way.

"Will you go through me too Wills? Have you lost yourself that much?"

"Oz- I... Please I- I need to do this, he has to pay".

Oz still didn't move and stayed stone still, he was silent but would have sworn the whole room could hear his heart shattering in his chest.

"Move Oz"

"Leave Willow. Just go".

Tara grabbed Willow's hand and pulled her out the door. Oz turned and looked at the group, nodded once to Buffy and walked out to the kitchen. No one commented on the loud crash and Giles never commented on the fist shaped whole in his kitchen wall.

Buffy turned towards Angel, her knees giving way as sobs racked her body. Angel caught her and cuddled her to his chest as she was finally able to let her grief out. He caught Giles' eye and nodded towards the stairs, he scooped Buffy into his arms and effortlessly carried her upstairs, mumbling soothing love words in her ear.

"So got a drink Rupes? Vampire could die of thirst round here". Spike flopped onto the sofa and turned Passions on.

"Spike you're such a pig. Ok that was like the longest I've been quiet like, ever! God what is Willow's problem, and did you see that wacko eye thing? I always knew she was no good. Now even though he was a complete moron and I hated him, Buffy was right, at one time I cared for him so I'm going to go have a good cry, make myself look beautiful and go see his no good parents". Cordy grabbed her bag and walked towards the door.

"You already look beautiful girl, but you're not going out alone at night, I'm with you. I didn't know the guy but I'm sorry, losing a member of the team is never easy, no matter what they've done". Gunn grabbed a stake and headed out the door.

Faith regarded the two watchers and internally debated on what she wanted to say. She was unsure of her place despite having Buffy on side but something about what Buffy said struck a chord. She was also a slayer and the same rules applied.

"Yo watchers. You two heard Buffy before the witch got here right? She wants to go with Angel".

"Yes I seem to recall her saying something of the sort. I should imagine she has wanted it all along but Buffy has a duty".

"So do I Giles".

"Faith you couldn't possibly think coming to L.A. with us will do any good for your relationship with Buffy". Wesley sputtered out. Faith raised her brow at Giles who just shrugged and rolled his eyes.

"Wesley I don't think Faith intended to fulfil her duty in L.A. Am I correct in saying you want responsibility for the hellmouth Faith?"

"I'm not sure that's how I'd put it G but yeah I guess I do".

Wesley chuckled, a little embarrassed "Oh. OH right, sorry, it's been a long few days. I must say Faith, I'm impressed. You've been through a lot and to end up where you are now takes a lot of character".

"Well gee thanks Wes, great pep. So Giles, what's the verdict? Does the stray get to stay?"

"Well, obviously I would have to talk to Buffy but it seems getting away from here may be the best thing for her. If she chooses to go, I guess I'll have no choice, having you will be better than no slayer at all".

"Ouch"

"Forgive me Faith, my words were poorly chosen. I just imagine it will be hard for me to say goodbye to Buffy She's a very unique girl and"-

"And you love her like your own. I know. I may not be Buffy but I'm still gonna need some watchering and I'd be psyched if you would do the honours but I get it if you don't trust me".

"Faith if Buffy trusts you and forgives you, I do. I will gladly stay on as your watcher, although I would expect the same amount of respect and co-operation from you as I do Buffy." Faith quirked her brow and Wesley sputtered in his coffee. "OK, but you are well aware of what I mean".

"5x5 G, this is the start of a beautiful relationship".

"Quite, and don't call me G".

....................................................................................................................................................

Upstairs things were finally quiet. Buffy had alternated between crying, shouting, arguing with Angelus and talking with Angel. The shattered pieces of Giles' decor lay littered across the floor where Buffy's emotions had taken their toll and vases and trinkets had been handy weapons. The room was in disarray apart from the now calm two figures lying spooned together on the bed, Angel's arm protectively round Buffy.

Angel was unable to prevent the purr escaping him. Emotions had been high but now, feeling her body pressed against his and their souls entwining sent a rush of contentment through him. Angelus was thankfully keeping quiet, relieved that Buffy had stopped shouting at him

Buffy ran her fingers across Angel's smooth skin, up and down, revelling in its coolness. Just being near him, feeling his body pressed against hers managed to take her to a place she felt safe and secure. She stilled her hand on his arm, gripping him as she suddenly remembered what it was like to live without him. An unfounded fear filled her veins, they put themselves in deadly situations nightly yet Xander's purely accidental death once again reminded her of the fragile nature of life.

She turned in his arms, keeping his arm round her. "I love you Angel". Buffy pressed a soft kiss to his lips and let his purr wash over her, surrounding her in his love as his arms tightened their hold. "I don't know what I would do without you. If I lost you again I wouldn't survive it".

Angel looked down at his mate, feeling her sudden turmoil and matching her desperate feelings. "Buffy you are everything, my heart, my soul, my love. I would give everything for you to just keep you safe for even just a minute longer. It terrifies me to know that one day"- Angel swallowed the lump in his throat and closed his watery eyes as he tried to get the words out. "It terrifies me Buffy, to know that...that you'll leave me here. One day, sooner or later you'll leave me here alone and there's nothing I can do to stop it".

Buffy was openly crying as Angel crushed her to his chest, burying his face in her hair. "I'll greet the sun the day you leave me here alone, I swear I will".

"Angel no!" Buffy pulled back and kissed the tear of his cheek. "Angel you need to promise me you will carry on, for me. You are a champion and you are needed here. I hope to god and I wish I could promise you that I'll die old and happy laying next to you in our bed but the chances of that are minimal. The one thing I can promise you is that I'll never leave you. Even after I'm dead I'll stay with you, I'm yours Angel, forever. Promise me".

"I promise". Angel wasn't sure it was a promise he could keep but preyed to the depths of his soul that he wouldn't let her down again.

Buffy nodded her approval and moved away from Angel, leaning over she grabbed a bottle from the dresser drawer then lit the two candles that hadn't been destroyed in her earlier outburst. Turning back to Angel she undid the buttons on his shirt and encouraged him to take it off. He raised his brow at her when she gestured for him to turn over but complied, laying face down on the bed. Buffy straddle his hips, sitting at the tops of his thighs, undoing the bottle she poured some massage oil on to her hands.

At the first touch of her warm wet hands Angel shivered. "Buffy what-?"

"Shh, you're tense. You looked after me before now I'm looking after you" Buffy ran her hands up and down his back, spreading the oil over his skin, which gradually warmed under her touch. Her fingertips teased the hard lines of his muscles and her nails scraped down his tattoo. The scented candles permeated the air adding to the mood, restarting Angel's low purr. The sound shot straight through Buffy and she leant forward as she reached to slide her hands over the curve of his shoulders and down his arms. The motion bought her body down to his back, the cloth of her silk top just caressing his skin. The contrasting feelings caused Angel to jolt in satisfaction, his body jerking up and pressing into Buffy's.

Buffy suppressed her moan and repeated the motion, her slick hands smoothing over his muscles as her chest caressed his back. Buffy shifted, grabbed more oil and pulled her top off over her head. She leant further down and let her braless body press into his back, her hard nipples caressing his skin causing Angel to thrust his hips sharply into the bed. Over and over Buffy repeated the action, covering her breasts in the oil until Angel couldn't stay still and longer.

He turned on the mattress below her, keeping her straddling his waist, now pressed against the hard bulge in his jeans. Not losing a beat Buffy started to massage his chest, this time her nails scraping down over his male nipples, each touch causing him to thrust his hips into her. Angel threw his head back and closed his eyes as Buffy lent forward once again, slid her hands down his arms and lightly nipped his neck, pressing her hard nipples into his chest causing him to growl.

Buffy sat up and Angel immediately reached for her, cupping his hands over her breasts and rubbing his thumb over her sensitive peaks. "Jesus lass, I love your titties. I could spend hours playing with them mo chroi".

His ministrations and the fact she had caused him to let the Irish brogue out in his voice caused Buffy to clench her thighs round his and moan. Angelus however didn't agree.

"For fuck sake you sound like a tramp".

Buffy stilled her movements and looked down to Angel. "I need you to make love to me Angel. Show me everything is going to be alright, at least for now. I need you".

Angel bought her face to his and kissed away the tear tracks, "You have me beloved. Always"

Buffy reached between them, slid the zipper down and helped Angel shimmy out of his pants, enjoying the hiss he let out as her hand brushed over his erection. Angel in turn, merely ripped Buffy's away from her body.

They both knew this wasn't the time for teasing, for their uncontrollable lust for each other. This was reaffirming their bond, reassuring each other of their love. Buffy leant over Angel, letting the tip of his straining cock touch her dripping opening and met his gaze. Angel gripped her chin in his hand. "I love you".

"I love you too Angel, god knows I love you too". Buffy slid down slowly, letting him fill her inch by inch, moaning lightly when he was firmly embedded inside her. Angel leant up and captured Buffy's lips with his own, bringing her down flush against his body.

His mouth moved over hers in a slow and sensual kiss, exploring every crevice with his tongue before finally mating with hers. Angel gripped her thighs, holding her wet centre against him before finally shifting his hips, finding the perfect rhythm between them. Their oil slick bodies moved in tandem against each other, sliding and caressing with each stroke. Angel purred as Buffy clenched her inner muscles around him and rubbed against his chest, her hot little mouth once again nipping at his throat. Angel shifted and angled his hips, hitting that spot with every stroke.

Buffy bit his neck hard at the new sensations causing Angel to cry out. "Buffy baby, don't. I want to come inside you so badly, I won't last". The feel of her skin, the oil, the candlelight and the feel of being deep inside his mate was overfilling his vampire senses and only years of control had prevented his release.

"Good Angel, let go. I want to feel you. I want to feel you as you get even harder right before you come".

Angel clenched his eyes shut and quickly slid his hand between them, getting slick with the oil; he ran his fingers straight over Buffy's clit. Buffy moaned loudly as he alternated between circling her clit with his thumb and flicking it lightly. "Come for me baby, fly for me beloved".

Buffy thrust hard down onto Angel's shaft and he felt his balls tighten with his impending release, pinching Buffy's clit hard they both tumbled into oblivion together as he emptied himself into her waiting heat with hard erratic strokes.

Lazily kissing, the lovers curled up together, a tangled mess of arms and legs. Buffy moaned as Angel's softening cock slipped out of her. "Mmm I'm thinking I like giving Angel massages".

"Hmm, I just think I like the happy ending" Angel smiled and kissed the tip of Buffy's nose. "Speaking of, why is there massage oil here?"

Buffy shrugged. "Giles has it here for me".

"WHAT?!" Angel bolted upright, game face in full force.

"Jeez relax baby, it's from the first aid kit. That's why it smells a bit funky; it's for muscles after training and stuff. No happy ending for Giles from me". Buffy laughed at the downright glowering look from Angel before kissing the smile back to his face. Looking at him seriously, she took a deep breath. "You know you're not leaving me right?"

"I do"

"You know you can't stay here right?"

"I know"

"You know I'm coming with you right?"

"I want you to"

"We'll work something out?"

Angel looked at his slayer. The strongest yet. Right now she was just a woman in love, needing reassurance and once again he felt blessed at having her love. "We will".