Interlude: No Fear
By obi's girl
Summary: What was said between Buffy & Angel, after she arrived @ Angel Investigations and who called her really? Leaves off after Angel left Cordy, Gunn and Wes stunned (when he fired them)
E-mail: obikenobi_gurl@yahoo.com
Disclaimer: Angel and Buffy are a trademark of Joss Whedon. All the characters mentioned belong to him. I was just itching to get this down before I lost it.
Cordelia looked speechlessly at Wesley. Angel just fired them - them including Gunn, Wesley and herself and why? Because he didn't want admithe was going too far? She shrugged. She had always known Angel to be stubborn but to fire his friends over a matter of revenge was out of line. Wesley tensed, removing his glasses in a British fashion.
"So, what are we going to do now we got the boot?" Cordy asked, trying to keep her cool.
He nodded, "We could talk to Angel, but he'll most likely put us on suspension or put out a warrant out or something,"
Cordy stood up, "No. We're not leaving him." Gunn and Wes looked at her like she was crazy. "I know I sound crazy, maybe suicidal but Angel needs us. We can't just turn our backs on him. We have to do something,"
Gunn hesitated, "Angel knows what he's doing. Why let us get in the way?"
"Because if we don't, he'll get himself killed. Someone has to knock sense into him. He can't just go after Darla and Drusilla by himself. He needs help," Cordy spat back, startling him. "Wait a minute!"
They looked at her, finding themselves asking the same question, "What?"
She smiled, crossing her arms, "We call her,"
Gunn shook his head, "I'm sorry, Cordy. Who the Hell are ya talking about?"
She eyed Wesley as he immediately ran to a pay phone, dialing the area code for Sunnydale, California...
**
After Wes made the "call" he, Gunn, and Cordy left A.I. and Angel. It wasn't easy. Cordy stuck around, trying to convince him he was wrong and that the path he was going down was dark and scary. He didn't say anything except give Cordy her purse and file. She took it but she still had another shot. She hugged him, hoping he would change his mind. The vampire was stoic. Cordy let go, following Gunn out.
**
Buffy Summers' crossed her arms as she watched Giles stubbornly intently ignore what she was trying to say. She had received the call from Wesley, regarding Angel. She wanted to go to LA but there was one problem: her Watcher. Giles could be so stubborn sometimes, like herself, but this was urgent. Darla and Drusilla - they were back and together. According to Wesley, Angel needed her help to stop them. She took his word for it and hung up without saying goodbye.
"Giles, this is serious. Angel needs my help, but I can't go unless you come with." She cried.
He turned to her, oblivious, "I know Angel means a lot to you, Buffy, but you have obligations here as well," Giles paused, "Dawn, your Mother and Glory. You can't leave Sunnydale. If Glory finds out, she'll come after Dawn without hesitation. Surely, you must realize that,"
She huffed, "I know that but I can't refuse Angel and it isn't because we have a History." Buffy paused, "Darla and Dru are a dangerous mix, Giles. And Angel, he obviously needs my help because he can't bring himself to kill Darla, which I can understand. I couldn't kill him even when he was soulless,"
Giles frowned.
"Giles, please. I need you. I already told Wesley you and I would be there. I can't show up as 1. Please. Just do me this one favor,"
He smiled, causing Buffy to smile and hug him. Giles laughed, "How can I not say 'No' to you?"
**
Cordy paced back in forth, something that drove both Wes and Gun crazy. Finally, after seeing the girl return for another stride, Wes froze. Buffy entered followed by Giles. She smiled at Wes, dropping her baggage, which he assumed, were weapons and lots of it.
She smiled curiously, though she felt a bit ackward seeing her former Watcher, "Hello Wesley,"
Cordy clapped her hands, "So, how are you two?" trying to avoid the uneasiness.
"Fine." Buffy paused, "Um, so why aren't we at A.I. Investigations? Doesn't Angel need my help?" Buffy was no dumb blonde. She was smart, observant and not one to be toyed with. She knew something was up. Her eyes narrowed on Cordelia, "What happened?"
She looked away, a bit embarrassed, "It's - we were sort of," Cordy coughed, "got Fired" looking back up, "and Angel needs your help. He's been really moody lately,"
Buffy glanced at Giles incredulously. He heard what she coughed. She looked back at Cordelia, "You were fired? Angel fired you guys?" the Slayer couldn't help but smile a bit, not at the fact the vampire fired them but that...well, they were desperate to get rehired. "So, Angel's at the Hotel?"
"Yeah or not. He maybe out huntin' Darla for all we know," Gunn replied.
She turned to him, "Who are you? I haven't seen you before."
He extended his hand, smiling slightly, "Charles Gunn, but you can call me Gunn,"
"How do you know Angel?" Giles asked, stepping forward.
"I'm a demon hunter. My homes and I got in fight with him one time - the whole vampire bit. We're cool now,"
Buffy winced a bit, "So, you guys called me here to talk to Angel and knock some sense into him?"
They nodded yes, "Will you do it?" Wes asked with Cordelia adding, "And maybe mentioning to hire us back, in passing, of course,"
She smiled, "Sure. Why not,"
**
Angel paced around, going over Darla's file. He managed to get through Wolfram & Hart's security defense and copy the file to a disk. And he was working with Kate Lockley. It was a usual twist of events that brought them together. After her father died, Kate shunned him out of her life and dedicated her time to hunting down and destroying "his kind" and specifically, him. Now, the vampire wasn't even sure what to make of her. Kate wasn't like Buffy, but she was determined, focused and never faltered. Maybe, a little bit like Buffy.
He laughed, thinking what it would have been like if the two of them met. Of course, knowing Buffy, the meeting would be more like a boxing match than actual talking,
The vampire closed the file, settling down behind the check-in/secretary desk. It was quiet, something he had missed for so long. For years before meeting Buffy, he lived in total solitude, living off rats, pig's blood and God knows what else. Buffy drove him out of seclusion, bringing light into his dark world. He would always be grateful to her. She changed his life in so many ways.
He heard the door open and assumed it was Cordelia, Gunn or Wesley, come back to convince him he was wrong. "Cordy, no offense or anything, but my mind is made up." He began starting to face the door. He froze once he realized it wasn't either of them, but the love he had been thinking of - Buffy.
She smiled at him, stepping forward. Angel smiled, graciously hugging her - a softer welcome than her last visit. "It's good to see you, Angel," she whispered, letting go. "And it's good not to be yelled at,"
"What are you doing here?" he asked, smiling.
Buffy strode past him, sitting down on the couch. She hesitated, "It's a nice place," referring to his new headquarters. "What happened to the old one? Was it too dark for you?"
He nodded no, sitting beside her, "Wolfram & Hart blew it up. We hung out at Cordy's until, I stumbled across this place. I remembered it, but I thought it was torn down,"
She frowned, "You were here before? When?"
"The 50's. I stayed here, helped a girl - who turned on me, ran into a nasty fear demon and...you don't need to hear the rest. So how are you?"
She smiled, "I'm great. I just thought I'd stop by and see how you were. How are you?" Her eyes shined as she looked at him.
"Good. You? How's your mother?" he paused, "I heard about the cancer,"
"She's great. I moved out of the dorm to be with her. It's the only way I can protect her and Dawn,"
He frowned, "Who's Dawn?"
Buffy scratched her head. Angel backed down, changing the subject, "Is Giles here too?"
"Yeah. It took some pestering and begging, but I got him here." She paused, her face turning serious, "Angel, Wesley called me."
"Tormented Soul"
Angel's P.o.V
Who are you to know me?
We left each other's lives
Why are you back?
Why do you still care?
The vampire frowned, nodding her to go on. He wasn't about to lose his temper with her. He knew her concerns were sincere, they always were.
"He told me about Darla and Drusilla." She paused, "Angel, I want to help you. You can't fight them alone, I know you can't."
He stood up furiously, "I don't need your help, Buffy,"
You say you want to help me,
But how can you?
How can you understand my demons?
She stood up after him, "If not mine, then who Angel?" she paused, "I know we aren't together anymore and we made a pact to stay out of each other's lives, but we can't just ignore each other when we need each other's help,"
Angel growled, starling her, "I don't need your help,"
Buffy stood her ground, "You do. You maybe too stubborn to realize it but you do. Angel, I've seen this side of you before. It scared me and it scares me now." She took his hand, "If you want me to leave I will, but I know if I do - you won't be able to kill Darla because of your attachment to her. You can't kill someone you love. I know. I've been there,"
He didn't reply, letting her continue.
It's been so long
I don't know how
to feel again -
how to stop someone,
someone to stop her
"Angel, I care about you. I won't let you walk down this dark path alone." She paused, "The road to redemption is never easy. It's hard, but you can't walk it alone. Let me walk with you,"
He turned to her, letting go of her hand gently. He reached up, stroking her golden curls. She smiled. Buffy smiled at him hopefully. "Don't let her become your dying obsession, Angel. It will be your downfall in the end,"
"She damned me." He whispered.
She was my obsession,
The same way you were
Now you ask me to fight -
Fight against the one who made me
I'm only a tormented soul
"Then you can damn her back," Buffy replied, "Angel, what more can I say to you to convince you?"
Angel looked down, shrugging. "I don't know how to stop..."
"Wesley showed me the drawings," she whispered.
The vampire lowered his face, "I didn't want you to see that. I didn't want you to know hard this is for me."
A small smile crossed her face, lowering her guard a bit, "Angel, I want to help you but I can't do that unless you won't tell me how bad, how hard this is for you. I want to be by your side. I want to help you."
Buffy took his hand again, forcing him to look at her, "Angel listen to me. I know it's hard but you can't face this crusade alone. You need help,"
"I thought that was why you're here?"
"It is, but I need you to do something for me before I say anything else," she added, going to the phone and picking it up, "Call them,"
"Tormented Soul"
Buffy's P.o.V
I see how you are
It scares me more
than words
I don't know how to deal
Your wound is deep
And
I can't heal it
He frowned, marched over and slammed the phone out of her hands. She scowled at him, "Dammit Angel! You need their help. They're your friends and your shunning them out because this is your quest? It's selfish and stupid." Buffy paused, calming her voice, "I came here to help you but if you won't give them a call, I'm going to leave here and you'll have to deal with Darla and Dru on your own. And I don't think you want to do that,"
Angel turned to her, "They don't understand. I wasn't out of line..."
She shook her head, waving her hand, "What are you talking about?"
"I thought they told you." He paused, "I followed her scent. It led me to Holland's house, head advisor at Wolfram & Hart. They were holding a couple employees, including Lindsey McDonald and Lila Morgan. They begged me to help them..."
"But you turned your back and left, leaving Darla and Dru to kill them," Buffy continued. She gasped, "Angel, do you have any idea what you did?"
He nodded, "I know,"
You've fallen
And I try, try
To help you up
If you only would let me
"It's called murder, man slaughter even!" she retorted, "I should stake you right now, but I won't. Wes called me for a reason and I'm not leaving until we agree on a few things,"
He faced her, "Like what?"
"Like hiring them back," she replied, folding her arms.
"Buffy, they don't understand..."
She laughed, "And you think I don't? I know you. You aren't like this." She paused, "Darla's done something to you. I'm not saying she's drugged you or anything, but this isn't like you. This isn't the Angel I know,"
"Tormented Soul"
Angel P.o.V
I want you to help me
I want you by my side
But you're not mine
"Except I'm not your Angel anymore," he retorted, backing away, "You have Riley - military boy,"
Buffy fell silent, lowering her voice to a sad whisper, "No I don't."
A sudden revelation
And we're back into each
Other's lives
Is it a blessing,
Or torment?
His gaze shifted, fixating on his former love, "What happened?"
"He's in South America with his buddies. He left me. We had irreconcilable differences,"
"Sounds like you married him," He laughed.
Buffy laughed, "Please, I'm only nineteen. I'm too young for marriage," she paused, getting back to the issue at hand, "Angel, I don't want to fight with you but all I ask is that you hire Wesley, Gunn and Cordelia back. That's all,"
Angel looked down, "I wouldn't even know where to call."
She smiled, "I do," turning her back on him, "You guys can come in!"
The vampire frowned, not at all surprised they were outside the door, listening to the conversation. Cordelia, Wes and Gunn strode in, smiling at Buffy. "I talked to him. He basically has no choice but to hire you back, 'case if he doesn't - I'm leaving,"
Cordy bit her lip worriedly.
Don't leave me again
I don't want you to leave
We've come a long way
I want us to finish together
We deserve that much
Angel nodded, glancing at Buffy, "You're not leaving are you?"
She stood up straight, "I'm needed at home. But do you want me to stay?"
"I'm asking you to stay. Call it a favor for hiring these guys back,"
The three of them smiled. Buffy nodded all right, "I'll stay. Willow, Xander, Anya and Tera can keep an eye on Dawn and my mother,"
You say you'll stay
But for how long?
Not long, I know
Your life doesn't belong to me
They're tangled together
But they're separate
Nonetheless, you're here
And I'm no longer alone
Cordelia noticed the way Buffy and Angel looked at each other. It was the same way they used to look at each other before they separated. That Spark, the history. It was still there. She nodded to Gunn and Wes. "Angel, we have our stuff outside. We're just gonna..." Cordy began as Angel sudennly waved her off.
She pulled Wesley and Gunn, leaving Buffy and Angel alone. The Slayer smiled at him. "So, here we are again."
He smiled, "I guess so," the vampire paused, "Though I have to admit, I'm glad you're here. If things went down badly, I'm glad we were in one last fight together,"
Buffy laughed, passing him and settling down on the couch, "Angel, this isn't the end of the world. But thanks for the compliment. I help where I can. It's part of the job,"
"Except it isn't a job. It's who you are," he replied, mimicking her past words.
She cleared her throat, feeling a bit uncomfortable. It was strange seeing her former lover again, although it was a nice change from having Riley on her mind. Angel spoke. "So, how's the rest of the gang? Everybody well?"
"Yeah. Willow's become really powerful with her magic. She has a great teacher. Tera's wonderful - she's a new member."
"What about Xander and Anya? Are they still going strong?"
Buffy smiled, "They have a beautiful love. They'll survive," she replied in a somewhat saddened tone. That tone was due to Riley. He broke her heart and her dreams of ever loving anyone else. "I'm practicing more."
He nodded, "That's good."
Finally, Buffy let up, "This is weird - being here."
Angel sat down next to her, "I know. I mean, before you came in, I was thinking about us. What you meant to me when we were together. And now you're here, it's more complicated. And I'm not sure if I can deal with it,"
She nodded no, "I mean this place. I still feel the dark energy surrounding it," Buffy paused, "What did you think I was talking about?"
He hung his head sheepishly, "Oh. I thought, you know, us together again - maybe there was still some hidden feelings between us. That sort of thing,"
She smiled, "Angel, I'll always love you..."
The vampire immediately scooted over, anxious to hear more.
"But now isn't the time. It would be wrong for me to take advantage of us being together and conveniently being single. We shouldn't play with our emotions like that."
"Yeah. I mean, who needs to go through that again...and you're still grieving over Riley. I understand," Angel added.
Buffy laughed, "Okay, could that sentence be even less believable?"
He frowned, "You didn't believe it?"
She nodded no.
"Damn. I should work more on that,"
Buffy laughed, "Angel, you'll always have a special place in my heart. But now isn't the time to explore each other's feelings. We have work to do. Darla and Drusilla are out there and they need to be stopped."
Angel nodded, "Yeah they do,"
She extended her hand, "So agreed? As long as I'm here, it's strictly business? No mushy, romantic exchanges or sudden walks in the night, like in Casablanca?"
He laughed, taking her hand, "Deal. No Casablanca mush," Angel paused, "Just business. I can live with that,"
Buffy leaned forward and kissed his cheek, sudennly finding his mouth and kissing him back. "Oh, that's a contradiction,"
Angel kissed her deeper, "Or maybe a bit of Gone with the Wind,"
She pulled away, flushed, "Angel, we shouldn't do this. I mean, I know it's been a long time...but we have a job to do. Darla and Drusilla - they're out there. We can't give in to each other. It's too dangerous."
He grabbed her back, shocking her, "It's wrong we've been away from each for too long,"
"But we agreed. It was easier like that. We can't go back on our word," she began as Angel held up his finger, silencing her.
"My whole life is yours. I love you. I've always loved you. I still do." He paused, "I can never let you go,"
Buffy smiled, letting that old feeling overwhelm her. "I love you too," she paused, refocusing her mind on the reason why she was there to begin with. "Angel, we can't do this...."
He brushed her bangs, "It's still there."
She frowned, unsure what he was talking about, "What?"
"The Chemistry. No matter how long we've been away from each other. It's still there,"
Buffy removed herself from his arms, nodding no, "Angel, we can't. We have to focus. Darla and Drusilla...they're out there. They need to be stopped." She paused, her face turning serious, "This needs to stop. I didn't come here to fall back into your arms. I came because I didn't want you to get yourself killed."
Angel frowned, looking down.
"I know the chemistry is still there, Angel. We never lost it to begin with, but we can't think about that - about what we once were." She paused, shaking her head, "I will walk with you, but not like that. We can't do that. I can't. I won't risk my heart again,"
"Risk your heart?" Angel asked, "Is that what Riley did to you? You put all yourself into loving him only it wasn't enough for him?"
She nodded, "This isn't about Riley."
"I know. This is about you."
Buffy shook her head again, "This isn't about Riley or me. It's about what Darla's done to you --- and it needs to stop," she continued, "Angel, I want to help you but we have to put aside our feelings in order too - we just can't feel that way anymore," She cried.
Angel stepped forward, taking hold of her soaked cheek. "Then we won't." He paused, wiping away her tears. He held her small body close to him, "I would never force anything on you. I love you too much to hurt you like that,"
She didn't pull away this time, except smile. "Ditto"
By obi's girl
Summary: What was said between Buffy & Angel, after she arrived @ Angel Investigations and who called her really? Leaves off after Angel left Cordy, Gunn and Wes stunned (when he fired them)
E-mail: obikenobi_gurl@yahoo.com
Disclaimer: Angel and Buffy are a trademark of Joss Whedon. All the characters mentioned belong to him. I was just itching to get this down before I lost it.
Cordelia looked speechlessly at Wesley. Angel just fired them - them including Gunn, Wesley and herself and why? Because he didn't want admithe was going too far? She shrugged. She had always known Angel to be stubborn but to fire his friends over a matter of revenge was out of line. Wesley tensed, removing his glasses in a British fashion.
"So, what are we going to do now we got the boot?" Cordy asked, trying to keep her cool.
He nodded, "We could talk to Angel, but he'll most likely put us on suspension or put out a warrant out or something,"
Cordy stood up, "No. We're not leaving him." Gunn and Wes looked at her like she was crazy. "I know I sound crazy, maybe suicidal but Angel needs us. We can't just turn our backs on him. We have to do something,"
Gunn hesitated, "Angel knows what he's doing. Why let us get in the way?"
"Because if we don't, he'll get himself killed. Someone has to knock sense into him. He can't just go after Darla and Drusilla by himself. He needs help," Cordy spat back, startling him. "Wait a minute!"
They looked at her, finding themselves asking the same question, "What?"
She smiled, crossing her arms, "We call her,"
Gunn shook his head, "I'm sorry, Cordy. Who the Hell are ya talking about?"
She eyed Wesley as he immediately ran to a pay phone, dialing the area code for Sunnydale, California...
**
After Wes made the "call" he, Gunn, and Cordy left A.I. and Angel. It wasn't easy. Cordy stuck around, trying to convince him he was wrong and that the path he was going down was dark and scary. He didn't say anything except give Cordy her purse and file. She took it but she still had another shot. She hugged him, hoping he would change his mind. The vampire was stoic. Cordy let go, following Gunn out.
**
Buffy Summers' crossed her arms as she watched Giles stubbornly intently ignore what she was trying to say. She had received the call from Wesley, regarding Angel. She wanted to go to LA but there was one problem: her Watcher. Giles could be so stubborn sometimes, like herself, but this was urgent. Darla and Drusilla - they were back and together. According to Wesley, Angel needed her help to stop them. She took his word for it and hung up without saying goodbye.
"Giles, this is serious. Angel needs my help, but I can't go unless you come with." She cried.
He turned to her, oblivious, "I know Angel means a lot to you, Buffy, but you have obligations here as well," Giles paused, "Dawn, your Mother and Glory. You can't leave Sunnydale. If Glory finds out, she'll come after Dawn without hesitation. Surely, you must realize that,"
She huffed, "I know that but I can't refuse Angel and it isn't because we have a History." Buffy paused, "Darla and Dru are a dangerous mix, Giles. And Angel, he obviously needs my help because he can't bring himself to kill Darla, which I can understand. I couldn't kill him even when he was soulless,"
Giles frowned.
"Giles, please. I need you. I already told Wesley you and I would be there. I can't show up as 1. Please. Just do me this one favor,"
He smiled, causing Buffy to smile and hug him. Giles laughed, "How can I not say 'No' to you?"
**
Cordy paced back in forth, something that drove both Wes and Gun crazy. Finally, after seeing the girl return for another stride, Wes froze. Buffy entered followed by Giles. She smiled at Wes, dropping her baggage, which he assumed, were weapons and lots of it.
She smiled curiously, though she felt a bit ackward seeing her former Watcher, "Hello Wesley,"
Cordy clapped her hands, "So, how are you two?" trying to avoid the uneasiness.
"Fine." Buffy paused, "Um, so why aren't we at A.I. Investigations? Doesn't Angel need my help?" Buffy was no dumb blonde. She was smart, observant and not one to be toyed with. She knew something was up. Her eyes narrowed on Cordelia, "What happened?"
She looked away, a bit embarrassed, "It's - we were sort of," Cordy coughed, "got Fired" looking back up, "and Angel needs your help. He's been really moody lately,"
Buffy glanced at Giles incredulously. He heard what she coughed. She looked back at Cordelia, "You were fired? Angel fired you guys?" the Slayer couldn't help but smile a bit, not at the fact the vampire fired them but that...well, they were desperate to get rehired. "So, Angel's at the Hotel?"
"Yeah or not. He maybe out huntin' Darla for all we know," Gunn replied.
She turned to him, "Who are you? I haven't seen you before."
He extended his hand, smiling slightly, "Charles Gunn, but you can call me Gunn,"
"How do you know Angel?" Giles asked, stepping forward.
"I'm a demon hunter. My homes and I got in fight with him one time - the whole vampire bit. We're cool now,"
Buffy winced a bit, "So, you guys called me here to talk to Angel and knock some sense into him?"
They nodded yes, "Will you do it?" Wes asked with Cordelia adding, "And maybe mentioning to hire us back, in passing, of course,"
She smiled, "Sure. Why not,"
**
Angel paced around, going over Darla's file. He managed to get through Wolfram & Hart's security defense and copy the file to a disk. And he was working with Kate Lockley. It was a usual twist of events that brought them together. After her father died, Kate shunned him out of her life and dedicated her time to hunting down and destroying "his kind" and specifically, him. Now, the vampire wasn't even sure what to make of her. Kate wasn't like Buffy, but she was determined, focused and never faltered. Maybe, a little bit like Buffy.
He laughed, thinking what it would have been like if the two of them met. Of course, knowing Buffy, the meeting would be more like a boxing match than actual talking,
The vampire closed the file, settling down behind the check-in/secretary desk. It was quiet, something he had missed for so long. For years before meeting Buffy, he lived in total solitude, living off rats, pig's blood and God knows what else. Buffy drove him out of seclusion, bringing light into his dark world. He would always be grateful to her. She changed his life in so many ways.
He heard the door open and assumed it was Cordelia, Gunn or Wesley, come back to convince him he was wrong. "Cordy, no offense or anything, but my mind is made up." He began starting to face the door. He froze once he realized it wasn't either of them, but the love he had been thinking of - Buffy.
She smiled at him, stepping forward. Angel smiled, graciously hugging her - a softer welcome than her last visit. "It's good to see you, Angel," she whispered, letting go. "And it's good not to be yelled at,"
"What are you doing here?" he asked, smiling.
Buffy strode past him, sitting down on the couch. She hesitated, "It's a nice place," referring to his new headquarters. "What happened to the old one? Was it too dark for you?"
He nodded no, sitting beside her, "Wolfram & Hart blew it up. We hung out at Cordy's until, I stumbled across this place. I remembered it, but I thought it was torn down,"
She frowned, "You were here before? When?"
"The 50's. I stayed here, helped a girl - who turned on me, ran into a nasty fear demon and...you don't need to hear the rest. So how are you?"
She smiled, "I'm great. I just thought I'd stop by and see how you were. How are you?" Her eyes shined as she looked at him.
"Good. You? How's your mother?" he paused, "I heard about the cancer,"
"She's great. I moved out of the dorm to be with her. It's the only way I can protect her and Dawn,"
He frowned, "Who's Dawn?"
Buffy scratched her head. Angel backed down, changing the subject, "Is Giles here too?"
"Yeah. It took some pestering and begging, but I got him here." She paused, her face turning serious, "Angel, Wesley called me."
"Tormented Soul"
Angel's P.o.V
Who are you to know me?
We left each other's lives
Why are you back?
Why do you still care?
The vampire frowned, nodding her to go on. He wasn't about to lose his temper with her. He knew her concerns were sincere, they always were.
"He told me about Darla and Drusilla." She paused, "Angel, I want to help you. You can't fight them alone, I know you can't."
He stood up furiously, "I don't need your help, Buffy,"
You say you want to help me,
But how can you?
How can you understand my demons?
She stood up after him, "If not mine, then who Angel?" she paused, "I know we aren't together anymore and we made a pact to stay out of each other's lives, but we can't just ignore each other when we need each other's help,"
Angel growled, starling her, "I don't need your help,"
Buffy stood her ground, "You do. You maybe too stubborn to realize it but you do. Angel, I've seen this side of you before. It scared me and it scares me now." She took his hand, "If you want me to leave I will, but I know if I do - you won't be able to kill Darla because of your attachment to her. You can't kill someone you love. I know. I've been there,"
He didn't reply, letting her continue.
It's been so long
I don't know how
to feel again -
how to stop someone,
someone to stop her
"Angel, I care about you. I won't let you walk down this dark path alone." She paused, "The road to redemption is never easy. It's hard, but you can't walk it alone. Let me walk with you,"
He turned to her, letting go of her hand gently. He reached up, stroking her golden curls. She smiled. Buffy smiled at him hopefully. "Don't let her become your dying obsession, Angel. It will be your downfall in the end,"
"She damned me." He whispered.
She was my obsession,
The same way you were
Now you ask me to fight -
Fight against the one who made me
I'm only a tormented soul
"Then you can damn her back," Buffy replied, "Angel, what more can I say to you to convince you?"
Angel looked down, shrugging. "I don't know how to stop..."
"Wesley showed me the drawings," she whispered.
The vampire lowered his face, "I didn't want you to see that. I didn't want you to know hard this is for me."
A small smile crossed her face, lowering her guard a bit, "Angel, I want to help you but I can't do that unless you won't tell me how bad, how hard this is for you. I want to be by your side. I want to help you."
Buffy took his hand again, forcing him to look at her, "Angel listen to me. I know it's hard but you can't face this crusade alone. You need help,"
"I thought that was why you're here?"
"It is, but I need you to do something for me before I say anything else," she added, going to the phone and picking it up, "Call them,"
"Tormented Soul"
Buffy's P.o.V
I see how you are
It scares me more
than words
I don't know how to deal
Your wound is deep
And
I can't heal it
He frowned, marched over and slammed the phone out of her hands. She scowled at him, "Dammit Angel! You need their help. They're your friends and your shunning them out because this is your quest? It's selfish and stupid." Buffy paused, calming her voice, "I came here to help you but if you won't give them a call, I'm going to leave here and you'll have to deal with Darla and Dru on your own. And I don't think you want to do that,"
Angel turned to her, "They don't understand. I wasn't out of line..."
She shook her head, waving her hand, "What are you talking about?"
"I thought they told you." He paused, "I followed her scent. It led me to Holland's house, head advisor at Wolfram & Hart. They were holding a couple employees, including Lindsey McDonald and Lila Morgan. They begged me to help them..."
"But you turned your back and left, leaving Darla and Dru to kill them," Buffy continued. She gasped, "Angel, do you have any idea what you did?"
He nodded, "I know,"
You've fallen
And I try, try
To help you up
If you only would let me
"It's called murder, man slaughter even!" she retorted, "I should stake you right now, but I won't. Wes called me for a reason and I'm not leaving until we agree on a few things,"
He faced her, "Like what?"
"Like hiring them back," she replied, folding her arms.
"Buffy, they don't understand..."
She laughed, "And you think I don't? I know you. You aren't like this." She paused, "Darla's done something to you. I'm not saying she's drugged you or anything, but this isn't like you. This isn't the Angel I know,"
"Tormented Soul"
Angel P.o.V
I want you to help me
I want you by my side
But you're not mine
"Except I'm not your Angel anymore," he retorted, backing away, "You have Riley - military boy,"
Buffy fell silent, lowering her voice to a sad whisper, "No I don't."
A sudden revelation
And we're back into each
Other's lives
Is it a blessing,
Or torment?
His gaze shifted, fixating on his former love, "What happened?"
"He's in South America with his buddies. He left me. We had irreconcilable differences,"
"Sounds like you married him," He laughed.
Buffy laughed, "Please, I'm only nineteen. I'm too young for marriage," she paused, getting back to the issue at hand, "Angel, I don't want to fight with you but all I ask is that you hire Wesley, Gunn and Cordelia back. That's all,"
Angel looked down, "I wouldn't even know where to call."
She smiled, "I do," turning her back on him, "You guys can come in!"
The vampire frowned, not at all surprised they were outside the door, listening to the conversation. Cordelia, Wes and Gunn strode in, smiling at Buffy. "I talked to him. He basically has no choice but to hire you back, 'case if he doesn't - I'm leaving,"
Cordy bit her lip worriedly.
Don't leave me again
I don't want you to leave
We've come a long way
I want us to finish together
We deserve that much
Angel nodded, glancing at Buffy, "You're not leaving are you?"
She stood up straight, "I'm needed at home. But do you want me to stay?"
"I'm asking you to stay. Call it a favor for hiring these guys back,"
The three of them smiled. Buffy nodded all right, "I'll stay. Willow, Xander, Anya and Tera can keep an eye on Dawn and my mother,"
You say you'll stay
But for how long?
Not long, I know
Your life doesn't belong to me
They're tangled together
But they're separate
Nonetheless, you're here
And I'm no longer alone
Cordelia noticed the way Buffy and Angel looked at each other. It was the same way they used to look at each other before they separated. That Spark, the history. It was still there. She nodded to Gunn and Wes. "Angel, we have our stuff outside. We're just gonna..." Cordy began as Angel sudennly waved her off.
She pulled Wesley and Gunn, leaving Buffy and Angel alone. The Slayer smiled at him. "So, here we are again."
He smiled, "I guess so," the vampire paused, "Though I have to admit, I'm glad you're here. If things went down badly, I'm glad we were in one last fight together,"
Buffy laughed, passing him and settling down on the couch, "Angel, this isn't the end of the world. But thanks for the compliment. I help where I can. It's part of the job,"
"Except it isn't a job. It's who you are," he replied, mimicking her past words.
She cleared her throat, feeling a bit uncomfortable. It was strange seeing her former lover again, although it was a nice change from having Riley on her mind. Angel spoke. "So, how's the rest of the gang? Everybody well?"
"Yeah. Willow's become really powerful with her magic. She has a great teacher. Tera's wonderful - she's a new member."
"What about Xander and Anya? Are they still going strong?"
Buffy smiled, "They have a beautiful love. They'll survive," she replied in a somewhat saddened tone. That tone was due to Riley. He broke her heart and her dreams of ever loving anyone else. "I'm practicing more."
He nodded, "That's good."
Finally, Buffy let up, "This is weird - being here."
Angel sat down next to her, "I know. I mean, before you came in, I was thinking about us. What you meant to me when we were together. And now you're here, it's more complicated. And I'm not sure if I can deal with it,"
She nodded no, "I mean this place. I still feel the dark energy surrounding it," Buffy paused, "What did you think I was talking about?"
He hung his head sheepishly, "Oh. I thought, you know, us together again - maybe there was still some hidden feelings between us. That sort of thing,"
She smiled, "Angel, I'll always love you..."
The vampire immediately scooted over, anxious to hear more.
"But now isn't the time. It would be wrong for me to take advantage of us being together and conveniently being single. We shouldn't play with our emotions like that."
"Yeah. I mean, who needs to go through that again...and you're still grieving over Riley. I understand," Angel added.
Buffy laughed, "Okay, could that sentence be even less believable?"
He frowned, "You didn't believe it?"
She nodded no.
"Damn. I should work more on that,"
Buffy laughed, "Angel, you'll always have a special place in my heart. But now isn't the time to explore each other's feelings. We have work to do. Darla and Drusilla are out there and they need to be stopped."
Angel nodded, "Yeah they do,"
She extended her hand, "So agreed? As long as I'm here, it's strictly business? No mushy, romantic exchanges or sudden walks in the night, like in Casablanca?"
He laughed, taking her hand, "Deal. No Casablanca mush," Angel paused, "Just business. I can live with that,"
Buffy leaned forward and kissed his cheek, sudennly finding his mouth and kissing him back. "Oh, that's a contradiction,"
Angel kissed her deeper, "Or maybe a bit of Gone with the Wind,"
She pulled away, flushed, "Angel, we shouldn't do this. I mean, I know it's been a long time...but we have a job to do. Darla and Drusilla - they're out there. We can't give in to each other. It's too dangerous."
He grabbed her back, shocking her, "It's wrong we've been away from each for too long,"
"But we agreed. It was easier like that. We can't go back on our word," she began as Angel held up his finger, silencing her.
"My whole life is yours. I love you. I've always loved you. I still do." He paused, "I can never let you go,"
Buffy smiled, letting that old feeling overwhelm her. "I love you too," she paused, refocusing her mind on the reason why she was there to begin with. "Angel, we can't do this...."
He brushed her bangs, "It's still there."
She frowned, unsure what he was talking about, "What?"
"The Chemistry. No matter how long we've been away from each other. It's still there,"
Buffy removed herself from his arms, nodding no, "Angel, we can't. We have to focus. Darla and Drusilla...they're out there. They need to be stopped." She paused, her face turning serious, "This needs to stop. I didn't come here to fall back into your arms. I came because I didn't want you to get yourself killed."
Angel frowned, looking down.
"I know the chemistry is still there, Angel. We never lost it to begin with, but we can't think about that - about what we once were." She paused, shaking her head, "I will walk with you, but not like that. We can't do that. I can't. I won't risk my heart again,"
"Risk your heart?" Angel asked, "Is that what Riley did to you? You put all yourself into loving him only it wasn't enough for him?"
She nodded, "This isn't about Riley."
"I know. This is about you."
Buffy shook her head again, "This isn't about Riley or me. It's about what Darla's done to you --- and it needs to stop," she continued, "Angel, I want to help you but we have to put aside our feelings in order too - we just can't feel that way anymore," She cried.
Angel stepped forward, taking hold of her soaked cheek. "Then we won't." He paused, wiping away her tears. He held her small body close to him, "I would never force anything on you. I love you too much to hurt you like that,"
She didn't pull away this time, except smile. "Ditto"