Angel was practically immobile. His hands were chained to the wall. His ankles were chained to the bedpost. The rest of his body was strapped down with some serious looking chains, and yet, it still wasn't quite enough.

"Make them tighter," he told Buffy.

"Tighter? Angel, I think this will hold. Are you sure I'm not cutting off your circulation?"

Angel smiled at her.

"Oh. Right. Vampires don't really have that problem."

"I just don't want to take any chances."

"Okay." Buffy reached underneath the bed and grabbed another link of the long chain. She wrapped it around him and pulled it tighter. She couldn't imagine how Angel could possibly escape from this getup, but she supposed it was good at least that he was being extra cautious. "There, how's that?"

Angel attempted to move around to no avail. "This should do it."

"You can't move at all?"

"Only my head. Unchain me now?"

"Oh, now you want me to unchain you?" Buffy said with a mischievous grin.

"Please?" Angel begged, smiling. He knew where this was going.

"Maybe I like you all chained up and immobile." Buffy got on the bed and straddled him. "That kind of makes you like…my slave or something."

"I've had worse things happen to me…" Angel lifted his head to meet Buffy's lips. It really was too bad his hands were chained up, because if they weren't…

"Oh my god!"

Buffy and Angel quickly pulled away from each other and looked towards the doorway.

Cordelia stood there with her hand over her eyes. "I thought you two weren't doing this until tonight!"

Buffy laughed. "Relax, Cordelia, you can open your eyes. We're fully clothed."

"This is just a dry run," Angel explained.

Cordelia uncovered her eyes, slightly embarrassed. "Oh. Right. From here it sort of looked like…well, never mind. Angel, can I talk to you if you've got a second?"

Buffy hopped down from the bed. "He's all yours. And your timing couldn't be more perfect. You have a captive audience." Buffy grinned at Angel, knowing it was torture for him to not be able to move.

"Buffy!" Angel called out.

"See you later, slave boy." She blew him a kiss before bounding out of the bedroom.

Cordelia held up her hands. "I don't even want to know what that was about."

"Cordy, could you?" Angel moved his head to the side, indicating the key sitting on the nightstand.

"Oh, you want me to unchain you?"

"Please?" he asked politely.

"I don't know. I do like the fact that I have a captive audience…"

"Cordelia."

"Oh, all right." Cordelia picked up the key from the nightstand and began unlocking his chains. "You don't have to be a big baby about it."

Angel rubbed his wrists as the manacles fell to the side. It was good to have them off.

"Oh my god, is this much chain really necessary?" she complained as she unwrapped the chains from around his body.

"You've met my alter-ego, right?"

Cordelia paused. "Good point."

Once Angel was finally free, he sat on the edge of the bed. "So, you wanted to talk? And I promise you'll have my undivided attention."

Cordelia sat down beside him, not sure how she should begin. "I um…I know we haven't really talked about this, but it's sort of been on my mind lately."

Angel's brow furrowed. "Is something wrong?"

"No, nothing's wrong. It's just that everything has been happening so fast, and it's kind of left me wondering what happens next."

Angel shook his head, not following.

"You're finally getting your chance of happiness with Buffy. Or at least…semi-happiness. I suppose you'll still have the whole vampire thing to contend with, but the point is you love Buffy, and you'll want to be with her."

"I'm not making the same mistakes I made before. Buffy's right. No matter what challenges we face, we're so much better together than we are apart."

"Right, and I'm not arguing with that."

"But?"

"But what happens to Angel Investigations when all this is said and done? With you deciding to stay here in Sunnydale, where does that leave Wesley and I?"

"I don't know, Cordelia. I suppose that's a decision you two will have to make. But as far as Angel Investigations…I could really work from anywhere. Any place that has paranormal activity will do and let's face it, Sunnydale has a Hellmouth."

"So you would want to continue the mission?"

"Yes. But I would understand if you didn't."

"What do you mean?"

"Look, I know how you feel about L.A., and I know how you feel about Sunnydale. I couldn't ask you to come with me."

"But Angel, I—"

"Don't get me wrong, not that I wouldn't want you to. But you've got yourself a nice life carved out for you there. You deserve something way better than this. And you should be off the hook from the Powers. I know you don't want this, Cordelia. When you were in high school, I remember you always hated it when you got dragged into these kinds of situations. And now you're in the thick of it. Not to mention the visions that take over you or the painful migraines that accompany them. You should be in L.A. in your nice rent-controlled apartment with your ghostly roommate, and you should be living your dream. I know you really want to get into acting. Maybe now is your chance. You should go for it. You shouldn't have Wesley and I holding you back."

"You see, that's the thing. I'm not sure if that's what I want anymore."

"What do you mean?"

"Don't get me wrong. I love my apartment, and I couldn't ask for a better roommate than Dennis. Well, except for the fact that he doesn't pay rent. And if some big-time Hollywood producer came knocking on my door, well I wouldn't exactly turn down the offer. But I guess what I'm trying to say is that I've done a lot of growing up this past year. I used to be so shallow. Back in high school? It was like, as long as I had money, I had power, and I walked around the halls of Sunnydale High like I owned the place, like I was better than anyone else.

"But you know what the truth is? I don't have a lot of money now, and I've come to realize that I'm just like everybody else. That the people I thought I was better than are actually no different from me. And while money is nice, and I do miss having it sometimes, it's not what really matters. What matters is helping others. What matters is protecting those you love and care about. That's the most important thing of all."

"So you're saying…what are saying?"

Cordelia met Angel's gaze and smiled. "I'm saying that I'm in this for the long haul. If you want to start up Angel Investigations here in Sunnydale, then I'm okay with it. I want to help you."

Angel smiled. "Really?"

She nodded. "Yes. Besides, I think I'd miss you and Wesley too much if you left. I've kind of grown attached to you guys."

"And you'd miss bickering with Wesley over mundane things."

Cordelia laughed. "That too."

"Cordy, I'm glad that you told me this. To be honest, I was hoping you'd want to stay, but I didn't want to get in the way of what you really wanted to do in life. Did I ever tell you how grateful I am that I ran into you in L.A.?"

"No, I don't think so."

"I'm glad I did. True, you sort of bulldozed your way into my own personal mission, but I don't think Angel Investigations could have even started if it wasn't for you."

"Well, I don't think I can take all the credit for that. Doyle had his part in helping too. But the truth is, you were the one that helped me. I'd probably still be stuck in that roach-infested apartment waiting for my agent to call if you hadn't swooped in and gave me a purpose. Or I'd be dead from that Russell guy. You really saved me that night. Thanks for that by the way."

"It's funny how life works, isn't it? You think you're going down one path, then suddenly—"

"Life throws you a curve and you go in a different direction."

"Exactly."

"So…tonight, huh? Are you ready?"

"I'm cautiously optimistic. There's still a chance something could go wrong…"

"Oh it won't. And don't give me that 'I'm worried this isn't going to work' spiel. I know you're looking forward to this."

Angel looked at Cordelia, giving her a look.

"Oh come on. Don't try to deny it. You can't wait to get groiny with Buffy and you know it."

Angel's mouth turned slightly upwards at the corner, and Cordelia spotted it.

"Ha! See? I knew it! You're smiling! You're so looking forward to this. I can't say I blame you though. If I loved someone and could never have sex with them, I think I'd be miserable too. But after tonight, that'll no longer be an issue for you. You can have as much sex as you can stand. I'm guessing you and Buffy have a lot of catching up to do."

"It's not just about the sex, Cordelia. I mean, sure, the sex is pleasurable. But what Buffy and I share, it's more than just sex. It's a closeness. It's this feeling of intimacy that I've never felt before I met her. It's her filling every space inside me that's empty and making me feel whole. When we're together, it's more than just sex. It's something more. Something greater than the both of us."

"Love?"

"Yeah, but overwhelming, all-consuming love. I feel like I don't deserve it. How I could be so lucky to have such a wonderful gift?"

"You do deserve it, Angel," Cordelia said, placing her hands over his. "You deserve to be happy. Don't think for a second that you don't. What's happened in the past is past, and there's nothing you can do to change that. All you can do now is look forward and continue to do the good work that you do. And if you get a chance at bringing some happiness in your life, you should embrace it and enjoy it."

"Thanks, Cordelia. For everything."

"That's what I do," she said, smiling. "Help people."


Anya grabbed the ringing phone from its cradle. "Magic Box, this is Anya speaking.…oh hey, Willow.…Oh you are? That's great!...Sure, I can come over to help. What time?...Okay, see you then."

Xander watched as Anya hung up the phone and walked back to the counter. "What are you helping Willow with?"

"Oh, she and Tara are doing a spell tonight to make Angel's soul permanent."

Xander paused for a moment, wondering if he heard her right. "They're doing what?"

"You know, so he won't lose it anymore? Like when he and Buffy have sex?"

"An, what are you talking about?"

"His curse! You know, how he can't have a moment of perfect happiness?"

"I'm well aware of Angel's curse. But what's this about a spell?"

"Oh, so Buffy or Willow didn't mention it?"

Xander sighed in frustration. "No."

"Well, they're doing this spell tonight, and they want me to come over and help."

"Help do what?"

Anya shrugged. "I don't know. Whatever they tell me to do, I guess."

"And how does this spell work?"

"Well, first, Buffy and Angel are going to have sex."

Xander's jaw dropped. "They're going to have what?"

"Sex," Anya repeated.

"Are they crazy?"

"No, I think they're just in love. Or incredibly horny. Maybe both. And then once Angelus appears, Willow and Tara are going to…you know, cure him!"

"Okay, that's it!" Xander got up from his chair and headed to the door.

"Xander, where are you going?"

"I'm going to go talk some sense into Buffy!" he hollered, then stormed out the door.


"Well hello to you too," Cordelia remarked when Xander walked past her without so much as a look in her direction.

"Where's Buffy?"

"She's right here," Buffy said, walking into the room.

"We need to talk," Xander said, his tone serious.

"That's my cue to leave," Cordelia said, walking out of the room.

"Let me guess. You heard about the spell we're doing tonight."

"Yeah, Anya might have mentioned it. Buff, I say this in the nicest way possible, but have you completely lost your mind?"

"I knew you wouldn't like this."

"You think? Of course I don't like it! Do you really think it's a good idea to sleep with Angel and bring back Angelus?"

"It's in everyone's best interest to make Angel's soul permanent, and this is the only way to do it."

"So what, Angel wants a happy, so he gets Willow and Tara to concoct a cure for him?"

"No, for your information, it was Willow and Tara's idea. And furthermore, Angel was against it initially."

"Well obviously he changed his mind when he realized sex was a part of the deal."

"This isn't about sex, Xander! It's about getting rid of Angelus!" Buffy walked closer to him. "Xander, I know it's hard to believe, but we want the same thing."

Xander rolled his eyes.

"Xander, look at me."

Xander returned to his gaze to hers.

"Look, I know you don't like Angel, but you have to admit that Angelus is way worse. And what we're doing tonight is ensuring that he'll never come back. Don't you want that?"

"Of course I do. But do you have to bring out Angelus to do it?"

"Yeah, we sort of have to. The revised curse won't work unless we get Angel to lose his soul again."

"How can you be sure Angelus will be gone for good?"

"Well, for one, there'll be no happiness clause."

"And what if the spell doesn't work? What then?"

"Well then, I don't know. I guess Willow could do the original restoration spell but I don't think she'll need to. It's going to work, Xander."

"What if he hurts you?"

"I can handle Angelus. Don't worry about me."

"I'd really feel a lot better if you weren't doing this."

"Really?"

"Well, yeah." Xander sat down on the couch. "Look, I know you've handled Angelus before, but, Buff, you do remember what happened last time he was around?"

Buffy nodded, sitting down beside him. "Yeah, I remember."

"It nearly destroyed you. What if something goes wrong? What if Angelus hurts you again?"

"I'll be careful."

"I guess there's no talking you out of this, is there?"

"No, not really. But you know what, Xander?"

"What?"

"It'd really be nice not having to worry about making Angel too happy again."

Xander nodded. "Yeah, I guess if there's anything positive about this, it's that."

"Xander, I know you're reluctant about this, but do you want to help?"

"Help do what?"

"Make sure Angelus doesn't get free and hurt anyone. I mean, it's unlikely that'll happen, but you know, better safe than sorry."

"I guess I'm going to have to." Xander gave her a smile. "There's no way I'm letting Angelus hurt you again," he promised.


Buffy sat on the couch and waited for Giles to respond.

He took off his glasses and began cleaning them with the handkerchief he always seemed to carry around.

"Giles? Are you going to, I don't know, say something?"

Giles put his glasses back on, and just as he opened his mouth, he closed it again.

Buffy watched as Giles made his way to his kitchen and pulled out his bottle of scotch he always kept handy.

"Okay, obviously you're not happy. You're cleaning your extremely clean glasses and now you're getting out the hard liquor."

Giles poured himself a glass of scotch and downed it.

Buffy decided it was best not to push him to talk. Giles would say what he needed to say, but the fact that he was taking his time about it made her all the more nervous. She hadn't wanted to tell him about the spell in the first place. Her relationship with Angel was always a touchy subject between them, but she couldn't keep something this huge a secret for long. Besides, Buffy needed to know that Giles could trust her. She didn't want to make past mistakes like she had before when it came to Angel.

Finally, Giles joined her in the living room and sat in the opposite chair.

"Lecture time?" Buffy said, trying to lighten the mood.

"Do you have any idea how incredibly dangerous this is?"

"Giles, if anyone can do this spell, it's Willow. She did the original restoration spell, remember?"

"I wasn't referring to the spell, Buffy, although that too is quite risky, and I shall have a talk with Willow about it. Willow's a lot more powerful than she realizes. Tara as well."

Buffy shook her head. "Then I don't understand. What are you talk—"

"I'm talking about Angelus!" Giles hadn't meant for his voice to sound so harsh, but he wanted to make his point clear to Buffy. "And with an apocalypse right around the corner! I don't like this, Buffy."

"There's always an apocalypse around the corner. And you don't have to worry about Angelus. He's going to be chained up. We'll be ready for him this time."

"What if something were to go wrong?" Giles asked, his tone much calmer now, but still full of worry and dread.

"Angel and I have discussed the risks already. That's just a chance we're going to have to take."

"I don't want you to get hurt, Buffy."

"I know, Giles, and neither does Angel. But don't you want me to be happy?"

"Well of course, but—"

"I have to do this. I have to know that Angel and I have a chance. Life is short. My life is short. And as long as I'm alive, I want Angel to be with me, and I'm going to fight for that chance if I have to."

Giles stared at the young woman who was the closest thing to a daughter he'd ever had. "You're sure about this?"

"I'm sure," she said confidently.

He realized that arguing was of no use. Buffy was in love, and she had already made up her mind. The only thing he could hope for was that Buffy would get her happiness, and that she wouldn't get hurt in the process. "Go over this with me again. Willow and Tara perform this…revised restoration spell?"

"Right. The spell will ensure that Angel never loses his soul, and that after tonight, Angelus will never make another appearance again."

"And why must you make Angelus appear?"

"Because they can't put a curse on top of another curse."

"Right, of course. But how exactly do you intend to lift his soul?"

Buffy gave Giles a pointed look.

"Oh." Giles said, and he understood, but he didn't like it.

"It's the one surefire way," Buffy said, shifting her gaze away from him. Talking about sex, even implying it, was embarrassing around Giles. "Well, I better go." Buffy stood up and gathered her things. "I just…I wanted you to hear it from me, about what we plan to do tonight."

"I wish you had told me sooner."

"I'm sorry. It's just kind of hard for me to talk about sometimes. I know you don't like him."

"Buffy, I don't hate Angel. I hate his evil half, but Angel himself? Well, he never asked for this. He's continued to try to atone for his sins, and for that, I respect him. More importantly, he saved your life, and I could never hate him after that."

A small smile came to Buffy's face, and she wrapped her arms around him, embracing him. "I'm glad to hear that."

Giles held her tightly, for he couldn't help the growing anxiety he felt.

"Well, I should…" Buffy nodded towards the door. It would be dark soon.

"Buffy?"

"Yeah?"

"Please do be careful."

"Don't worry, Giles. We know what we're doing. I'll see you tomorrow."

Giles watched as Buffy walked out the apartment, then wandered back into his kitchen to get another drink.

He hoped to God he would see her tomorrow.


Buffy took one last look in the mirror, wanting to make sure she looked perfect for Angel. She silently thanked Cordelia for having the forethought to get a mirror for this bathroom. At least that was one thing they agreed about. Angel's place needed to be more girl-friendly.

Buffy knew making a fuss over her appearance was silly. Angel loved her just the way she was. He didn't care what she looked like. He thought her bedhead look was endearing. And hadn't she resembled something like a drowned rat the last time he'd made love to her? But he thought she was beautiful anyway.

Despite this, Buffy still wanted to look her best. After taking a shower, she donned a silky white robe and began to make herself look presentable. She pampered herself with all kinds of lotions and creams. She shaved her legs. She brushed and styled her hair. She'd even gone out for a French manicure earlier that afternoon. And just as she was putting the finishing touches on her makeup, she realized the time.

Someone knocked softly on the door, and Buffy opened it a crack.

"Hey," Willow said. "Just wanted to let you know that we're all set up and ready downstairs. Whenever you are."

"Willow, get in here for a second." Buffy ushered her inside the bathroom and closed the door behind her.

"You alright, Buffy?" she asked, concerned.

Buffy nodded. "How do I look?"

Willow smiled. "You look amazing."

"Really?"

"Would I lie?"

Buffy smiled back. "No, you wouldn't."

"Are you nervous?"

"No," she said, but maybe a little too quickly. "Well, maybe a little. But not about making love. I've thought about it and dreamt about it so many times in my mind. I don't feel shy at all. Besides, it's not as if Angel hasn't seen me that way before. I guess I'm just a little nervous about the spell."

"Which will go just fine."

There was such confidence in Willow's voice, and it chased away any lingering doubts Buffy possibly had. "You're right. I just needed to hear you say it one more time."

"So are you ready to do this?"

Buffy nodded. "I'm ready."

"Let us know when it's time?"

"I will." Buffy followed Willow out into the hallway. As Buffy made her way to the bedroom, she turned back again to see Willow.

Willow gave her two thumbs up before heading down the stairs. "Good luck, Buffy!"


A/N: Yay, we're getting closer to the spell! But before we get into that, how cute was the scene with the chains? Heh, I love that scene! I hope you could picture it in your head.

And Cordy! Look at her all mature now. I've said it before but I'll say it again…her character has definitely done a lot of growing up. And I really enjoy the friendship she shares with Angel. It's so much better than that romantic crap they tried to force between them on AtS, but enough of that…

And how about Giles' reaction? Ha! I love that moment when he's completely silent and instead of responding to Buffy, he chooses instead to clean his glasses and down a glass of scotch.

Don't be mad at Xander for his reaction. He's never liked Angel. But his heart is in the right place. He just wants Buffy to be safe. That's all he's ever wanted, and you can't blame him for that. I feel like he's sort of grown to be like a protective big brother to Buffy. Definitely no crush feelings towards her anymore…after all, he's with Anya now.

Next chapter…well, I'm sure everyone is looking forward to that chapter! ;) I will try my best to get it posted soon. It's for the most part finished, but I'm still not completely happy with it. Just like Angel's happiness, it has to be perfect. Just know that I am working on it. And before anyone asks, no, the story's rating will not be upgraded. Sorry to disappoint. Although I have a sneaking suspicion it will be a very strong rated "T" if that makes anyone feel any better…

Until 54!