Part 6
Buffy woke several hours later from a deep sleep, feeling totally refreshed and ready to fight a new day. She leisurely stretched out a yawn before noticing she was still fully dressed. Memories of the night before came rushing back and she sighed deeply. In the space of a few hours her whole life had been turned upside down again. Her dreams had been filled with confusing images of Riley and Angel, all mixed in with a faceless demon trying to steal her soul.
Climbing out of bed, Buffy walked across the room to find a set of fresh clothes - which could have only come from Cordelia - and a china wash jug and basin.
** All the comforts of home ** Buffy smiled as she poured cold water into the basin and shivered as she splashed it onto her face. Changing into the sweatpants and a tank top she walked out of the bedroom in search of the others.
Buffy found Wesley first; he was in the main hall meticulously checking a table full of weaponry. Turning, she caught her breath as Angel, naked to the waist, worked out on an old punch bag. She watched in fascination as the muscles in his strong arms and upper body rippled, beneath the skin, with each movement. A light perspiration covered his pale skin causing him to almost glow.
Unintentionally, Buffy ran her tongue over her lips to moisten her suddenly dry mouth.
She knew without doubt that Angel was still the most beautiful man she had ever seen.
A sad sigh escaped her lips as she remembered how those powerful arms had once held her so softly. So lost in her memories, she failed to notice that Angel had stopped training and was walking slowly towards her.
" Hey" he lifted the corners of his mouth in the small smile that had once stolen her heart.
"Did you sleep well?"
" Yes, thank you. Is Cordelia still asleep?" Buffy asked, fighting for something to say and keep her eyes from wandering over his wonderfully exposed flesh. Angel reached for his shirt and slipped it over his broad shoulders, much to Buffy's disappointment.
" No, she left to get supplies. We left in rather of a hurry. Giles phoned, the others will be over shortly" Angel's soft smile grew and Buffy tore her eyes away. **It just wasn't fair, nobody should look that good** her heart whispered with sadness.
" I see you've been working out, you look good" ** Oh God, did I really say that? ** Buffy felt her cheeks flush red with embarrassment. Angel pretended not to notice but secretly his heart soared. They continued to just stare at each other, both longing to speak and yet neither knowing where to begin.
" Good morning, Buffy. Good, I see you have already started" Giles' voice startled the pair, causing them to quickly break apart. Buffy spun around to find all the members of the scoobie gang filing through the door.
" Started?" Buffy found her voice and moved further away from Angel.
" Training. I asked Angel to put together a training program for you, that way you will be primed for any kind of attack." Giles smiled, turned and walked over to Wesley to examine the weapons on the table.
Running a hand over the wide assortment, Giles frowned.
" I'm not sure if any of these will be any good, we have no idea what this assassin will be. Vampire, demon, who knows maybe even human? Giles picked up a crossbow only to shake his head and return it to the table.
" No, I think Buffy will have to rely more on the strengths of being the Slayer than weaponry. So training it is".
"Count me in" Riley walked in late and quickly joined the party. He looked tired and drawn and Buffy suspected he hadn't slept much. When this was all over Buffy made a promise to make things right between the two of them, but even as she thought those words her heart doubted things would ever be the same again. Seeing Angel once more had reminded her only too painfully what real love should feel like and, although she cared deeply for Riley, sadly it wasn't in the same league.
For the rest of the afternoon Angel watched Buffy train. He watched as the Slayer skilfully annihilated all opponents.
Poor Wesley had been the first to volunteer; he had tried a surprise attack and had almost been sent into orbit for his trouble. Buffy apologised profusely, helping the dazed man to his feet. Wesley reassured the Slayer that there was no permanent damage and went off in search of a large ice pack and half a bottle of painkillers. He returned just in time to watch the next unfortunate volunteer take over the training. Much to his relief.
** Lambs to the slaughter** Wesley thought as he lowered himself gingerly into a hard, uncomfortable chair.
As the afternoon progressed the opposition became weaker. Xander and Giles' efforts were less than satisfying and, because of the chip, Spike was almost a waste of time.
After watching Riley sent sprawling for the fifth time, Angel decided to take over the training session himself. Riley had tried to protest but was quickly silenced.
Angel removed his expensive silk shirt again and the Vampire and the Slayer squared off against one another.
" Are you ready?" Buffy grinned, she knew she'd finally found a worthy opponent.
Angel quirked his eyebrows and smiled.
" I think we should give them a lot more room," Xander said quickly moving to the far wall. The others, having seen Buffy and Angel fight before, moved without hesitation. Only Riley stubbornly stood where he was.
Buffy and Angel moved gracefully around the room reading each other's movements almost telepathically. An attack was countered before it was delivered. They lunged, ducked and rolled in perfect synchronicity.
The audience watched in awe as the Vampire and the Slayer matched each other point for point.
" You've improved" Buffy laughed as Angel evaded yet another well timed attack.
" Thanks. So have you." He replied never once taking his eyes off her.
The pace soon became almost frenzied as the two perfect warriors tested each other's knowledge and strengths to the limit. For the first time ever they fought as total equals, each knowing just how far the other would go.
Their movements became almost sexual as their bodies thrust against each other. The air filled with the sound of tiny grunts and groans with each new contact. The low throaty growl Angel gave when Buffy slammed him to the floor with her body wasn't lost on Riley or Buffy.
Riley seethed with jealousy as he watched how flawlessly the ex lovers fought together, he realised then just how much Buffy had held back in her workouts with him and his male ego plunged further into despair.
The rest of the room continued to watch the amazing display with wonder, most had seen Buffy fight Angelus of course, but the show in front of them was breathtaking. Even Spike begrudgingly admitted being impressed.
Buffy and Angel covered every inch of the room as Angel continued to push the Slayer; the two perfect athletes were now both glistening with perspiration and yet only Buffy was panting for breath.
Just when it looked like neither would win, Angel caught Buffy's body in mid throw and she dropped beneath his weight.
Nobody moved.
Buffy breathed deeply to calm her rapid heartbeat and to take her mind off the delicious weight pressing down on her body.
The two ex lover's eyes locked and for a split second they were the only people in the room. Angel lowered his face and for a fleeting moment Buffy almost swore he was going to kiss her. At that thought her heartbeat increased and her lips parted in anticipation.
" Wow! That was better than sex, come to think of it, in some cultures that was sex" Anya was the first to speak.
" Yes, well I think we'll call that a tie" Wesley coughed, feeling slightly uncomfortable, he was amazed at the sexual tension radiating off the slayer and his friend.
" Ha, that's not what I'd call it " Cordelia rolled her eyes. It was the same old Buffy and Angel show starting all over again.
Angel moved first, he offered Buffy his hand and slowly pulled her up, never once talking his eyes from her face.
" Thanks, I mean thanks for the workout, it was good" she smiled softly still holding on to his large hands.
All through the exercise, Spike had been observing Riley with extreme pleasure. The boy had gone through a hell of his own watching the two ex lovers passionately move against each other.
Riley understood now why his and Buffy's training sessions had never been that intense,
**Nothing in their lives had ever brought that kind if intensity** Riley reflected sadly.
As if on queue, Spike sauntered over and stood next to the troubled boy.
" And that was one of their lighter sessions, you should have seen them in the good old days" he teased and revelled in the pained expression he received for his comment.
**That will teach the little prick to punch me** Spike laughed to himself and walked off
*****
Later that evening...
"I need to get out of here I'm going crazy " Buffy picked up her jacket and checked for Mr. Pointy
" Buffy, that's really not a very good Idea." Giles quickly closed the book he was reading and walked to intercept the Slayer. He could tell, by the resolute look on the girl's face, that his objections would be useless but he felt he had to try.
" I need to patrol. I understand your anxiety but look; this threat could go on forever. I can't hide away like a frightened child, if I do he might as well have stolen my soul already. I'm the Slayer, I need to go slay". Buffy looked at Giles desperately hoping he would understand.
" Then I'm coming with you" Riley insisted picking up a crossbow from the table and walking towards his girlfriend.
" Me too" Xander added quickly, much to the disapproval of Anya. All this talk about the devil had thrown the ex demon into a deep depression and the thought of her lover facing that threat by the slayer's side terrified her even more.
Buffy turned towards her loyal friends feeling slightly awkward, she knew what she was about to tell them would be hard to accept but it had to be said.
" No, you're not, I appreciate you want to protect me but I have to be able to concentrate on slaying, On my own I can move at full slayer speed. If you're with me I won't be able to fully focus, I'll be too busy worrying about your safety." she told them truthfully,
" This is quite unacceptable, Buffy. You might well be the Slayer but you're not going out there on your own " Giles was adamant. The risk was simply too great.
" She'll not be alone, I'll cover her back. " Angel said simply, he picked up his duster and slipped it over his broad shoulders.
" NO WAY" Riley shouted, his face turning red in anger, it had been hard enough watching them train together.** If that's what you call it** he turned his head and glared at the vampire with unadulterated hatred. Angel resisted a sneer and ignored the boy instead, he then continued to walk towards Buffy.
" I said, no way" Riley grabbed Angel's shoulder and was rewarded with a warning growl"
" Riley, please. You must accept that Angel is the only one here that can safely patrol with Buffy without placing her life in danger. You have to put your petty differences aside and think of what's best for her" Wesley tried to defuse the situation, the way things were going he could see real problems brewing between the boy and the vampire and that wouldn't help anybody.
"Please" Buffy turned to her boyfriend, her eyes pleading for him to understand. She knew how unfair she was being and yet she was also relieved that Angel would be watching her back. Fighting with Angel had always been so uncomplicated in the past; they could both work without fear for the other.
Riley wasn't giving in, this time she was asking too much. It wasn't that he didn't trust Buffy, he did. No Riley Finn would never trust the *blood sucking monster* standing next to her, *especially* after the way they had trained earlier.
"Hey, Buff. What do you say I play chaperone?" Spike offered from the doorway, he had been feeling like a caged animal for far too long and the chance to kick some ass wouldn't go a miss.
" Well that's settled then, Buffy will patrol with *both* Spike and Angel. Safety in numbers" Giles answered quickly without giving Riley any chance to argue
*****
Spike wiped the dust from his hands and cackled evilly
" That was just too easy"
Buffy shook her head in wonder; she still couldn't believe how happy the British vampire got when he dusted one of his own. The difference between Angel and Spike was as wide as the ocean. She really would have to keep reminding herself that at the end of the day, Spike didn't have a soul and no matter how much help he offered them he really couldn't be trusted.
The trio continued the rest of the sweep with little difficulty. If there were any more vampires in the cemetery that night, they were keeping well hidden. Buffy, Angel and Spike made a formidable team.
The three walked in silence, Buffy and Angel both fighting an inner battle of their very own, each desperate to steal a glance and yet knowing, that path led to damnation in it's own right. Spike could feel the growing tension and smiled mischievously.
" This is neat, just like the good old days" his voice was almost melancholy
" Hardly, in the good old days we were usually hunting you, and winning" Buffy laughed relieved that the silence was broken.
" Slayer, you really do have a way to ruin the perfect moment. Look, you guys, can I trust you not to get all groiny with each other for a few minutes? I really need to grab some dinner." Spike didn't give them time to protest as he jogged off in the direction of his mausoleum, leaving Buffy and Angel alone for the very first time.
Buffy stood waiting for Angel to speak, in the past conversation between the two of them had never been a problem but so much time had passed since those days.
" I miss this" she sighed deeply " I miss patrolling with you"
" I miss you" Angel replied simply, making no attempt to hide his feeling.
Buffy turned and Angel saw tears in her eyes.
" Don't, I don't want to hear how much you miss me. I stopped believing anything you said a long time ago Angel" Buffy whispered stepping away from him. After all this time it was just too hard to hear the words
" Buffy, I never lied to you about my feelings " Angel sounded hurt that she would even think such a thing. The reason he had always put her needs before his own was because he loved her so much. ** Surely she knew that**
" I think you meant them at the time but we grow, we change. I thought I'd die when you left me but I didn't. Part of me will always care about you" she avoided his eyes for fear that he would see through her casual denial.
" Don't trivialise what we had, you make it sound like a high school romance" Angel could hardly believe she was dismissing his feelings as casually as that.
" IN 243 years I was the only one...You made it sound like forever. So one of us got it wrong. Maybe that's all....." she didn't get a chance to finish that sentence, Angel hands gripped her arms pulling her up roughly against his body, crushing his lips to hers, he slipped his tongue deep inside her mouth. Buffy gasped as long hidden emotions rushed to the surface.
** Angel was kissing her**
** Oh god, this is so wrong** her head screamed **Oh god, this is so right** her heart cried back as she wound her arms around his neck and pulled herself closer.
Angel cursed his weakness but lost himself in her warmth. He wanted nothing more then to devour her mouth with his. Angel needed to kiss Buffy until she couldn't breath, he longed to kiss away all traces of that stupid farmboy that hung onto her every word like a love sick fool, like the same love sick fool that he used to be and wanted desperately to be again.
But then Buffy pushed away with a look of pure horror on her beautiful face.
" No, Angel. This is wrong...I'm ...I'm with Riley now, we can't do this" her small voice was strangely calm.
As he looked into her beautiful eyes, the pain hit him. All the love and passion that had always shone there when he kissed her had gone. Buffy's eyes held only guilt.
** She wasn't his girl any more** Angel knew then that she'd never be his girl again.
" Buffy, forgive me. I should never...I'm so sorry" it took every piece of strength he possessed to keep his voice steady.
Buffy stepped back trembling
" Angel this is too hard, I really can't deal with this now, I need to be alone. Please" she begged knowing that if he stayed she'd break down and beg him to kiss her again and again and....... and then where would that leave them...
Nothing had changed. He would just head back to LA, leaving her heartbroken all over again, and her strained relationship with Riley would be irretrievable.
"Buffy"
"Angel, I appreciate your help and I always will but ...I can't be alone with you anymore, Riley was right to worry" she hung her head.
" I can't leave you on your own" Angel couldn't leave her unprotected no matter how painful being together was. It was his sworn duty to protect her and he would carry out that duty until the day one of them died.
" I'll be fine...Spike will be back any time now. Go" her eyes pleaded and her resolve weakened. Everything she had ever wanted was standing right in front of her yet completely out of reach.
Angel turned, his broad strong shoulders stooped with sadness and regret as he walked away. Buffy watched until his tall dark figure blended into the shadows and then, with her heart breaking, she ran straight for the mausoleum.
Once inside she closed the heavy door and leaned her head against it breathing deeply.
She couldn't believe what she had just done, in rejecting Angel she had broken both their hearts, again.
** But nothing had changed, they still couldn't be together. Angel should never have kissed me**
" Damn you Angel she cursed" but knew the moment she uttered the words how wrong they sounded. Buffy knew in her heart that she wanted that kiss more than anything, she wanted Angel more than anything.
On hearing the sound of soft footsteps behind her she sighed heavily.
" Spike, I'm warning you. If you say one word I'll stake you and dance in your dust"
" Hello, Buffy. It's been a while"
" Buffy spun around and came face to face with the being she knew wanted her soul
" So you're this famous assassin" she asked warily but then smiled
" Don't make me laugh"
TBC...
Buffy woke several hours later from a deep sleep, feeling totally refreshed and ready to fight a new day. She leisurely stretched out a yawn before noticing she was still fully dressed. Memories of the night before came rushing back and she sighed deeply. In the space of a few hours her whole life had been turned upside down again. Her dreams had been filled with confusing images of Riley and Angel, all mixed in with a faceless demon trying to steal her soul.
Climbing out of bed, Buffy walked across the room to find a set of fresh clothes - which could have only come from Cordelia - and a china wash jug and basin.
** All the comforts of home ** Buffy smiled as she poured cold water into the basin and shivered as she splashed it onto her face. Changing into the sweatpants and a tank top she walked out of the bedroom in search of the others.
Buffy found Wesley first; he was in the main hall meticulously checking a table full of weaponry. Turning, she caught her breath as Angel, naked to the waist, worked out on an old punch bag. She watched in fascination as the muscles in his strong arms and upper body rippled, beneath the skin, with each movement. A light perspiration covered his pale skin causing him to almost glow.
Unintentionally, Buffy ran her tongue over her lips to moisten her suddenly dry mouth.
She knew without doubt that Angel was still the most beautiful man she had ever seen.
A sad sigh escaped her lips as she remembered how those powerful arms had once held her so softly. So lost in her memories, she failed to notice that Angel had stopped training and was walking slowly towards her.
" Hey" he lifted the corners of his mouth in the small smile that had once stolen her heart.
"Did you sleep well?"
" Yes, thank you. Is Cordelia still asleep?" Buffy asked, fighting for something to say and keep her eyes from wandering over his wonderfully exposed flesh. Angel reached for his shirt and slipped it over his broad shoulders, much to Buffy's disappointment.
" No, she left to get supplies. We left in rather of a hurry. Giles phoned, the others will be over shortly" Angel's soft smile grew and Buffy tore her eyes away. **It just wasn't fair, nobody should look that good** her heart whispered with sadness.
" I see you've been working out, you look good" ** Oh God, did I really say that? ** Buffy felt her cheeks flush red with embarrassment. Angel pretended not to notice but secretly his heart soared. They continued to just stare at each other, both longing to speak and yet neither knowing where to begin.
" Good morning, Buffy. Good, I see you have already started" Giles' voice startled the pair, causing them to quickly break apart. Buffy spun around to find all the members of the scoobie gang filing through the door.
" Started?" Buffy found her voice and moved further away from Angel.
" Training. I asked Angel to put together a training program for you, that way you will be primed for any kind of attack." Giles smiled, turned and walked over to Wesley to examine the weapons on the table.
Running a hand over the wide assortment, Giles frowned.
" I'm not sure if any of these will be any good, we have no idea what this assassin will be. Vampire, demon, who knows maybe even human? Giles picked up a crossbow only to shake his head and return it to the table.
" No, I think Buffy will have to rely more on the strengths of being the Slayer than weaponry. So training it is".
"Count me in" Riley walked in late and quickly joined the party. He looked tired and drawn and Buffy suspected he hadn't slept much. When this was all over Buffy made a promise to make things right between the two of them, but even as she thought those words her heart doubted things would ever be the same again. Seeing Angel once more had reminded her only too painfully what real love should feel like and, although she cared deeply for Riley, sadly it wasn't in the same league.
For the rest of the afternoon Angel watched Buffy train. He watched as the Slayer skilfully annihilated all opponents.
Poor Wesley had been the first to volunteer; he had tried a surprise attack and had almost been sent into orbit for his trouble. Buffy apologised profusely, helping the dazed man to his feet. Wesley reassured the Slayer that there was no permanent damage and went off in search of a large ice pack and half a bottle of painkillers. He returned just in time to watch the next unfortunate volunteer take over the training. Much to his relief.
** Lambs to the slaughter** Wesley thought as he lowered himself gingerly into a hard, uncomfortable chair.
As the afternoon progressed the opposition became weaker. Xander and Giles' efforts were less than satisfying and, because of the chip, Spike was almost a waste of time.
After watching Riley sent sprawling for the fifth time, Angel decided to take over the training session himself. Riley had tried to protest but was quickly silenced.
Angel removed his expensive silk shirt again and the Vampire and the Slayer squared off against one another.
" Are you ready?" Buffy grinned, she knew she'd finally found a worthy opponent.
Angel quirked his eyebrows and smiled.
" I think we should give them a lot more room," Xander said quickly moving to the far wall. The others, having seen Buffy and Angel fight before, moved without hesitation. Only Riley stubbornly stood where he was.
Buffy and Angel moved gracefully around the room reading each other's movements almost telepathically. An attack was countered before it was delivered. They lunged, ducked and rolled in perfect synchronicity.
The audience watched in awe as the Vampire and the Slayer matched each other point for point.
" You've improved" Buffy laughed as Angel evaded yet another well timed attack.
" Thanks. So have you." He replied never once taking his eyes off her.
The pace soon became almost frenzied as the two perfect warriors tested each other's knowledge and strengths to the limit. For the first time ever they fought as total equals, each knowing just how far the other would go.
Their movements became almost sexual as their bodies thrust against each other. The air filled with the sound of tiny grunts and groans with each new contact. The low throaty growl Angel gave when Buffy slammed him to the floor with her body wasn't lost on Riley or Buffy.
Riley seethed with jealousy as he watched how flawlessly the ex lovers fought together, he realised then just how much Buffy had held back in her workouts with him and his male ego plunged further into despair.
The rest of the room continued to watch the amazing display with wonder, most had seen Buffy fight Angelus of course, but the show in front of them was breathtaking. Even Spike begrudgingly admitted being impressed.
Buffy and Angel covered every inch of the room as Angel continued to push the Slayer; the two perfect athletes were now both glistening with perspiration and yet only Buffy was panting for breath.
Just when it looked like neither would win, Angel caught Buffy's body in mid throw and she dropped beneath his weight.
Nobody moved.
Buffy breathed deeply to calm her rapid heartbeat and to take her mind off the delicious weight pressing down on her body.
The two ex lover's eyes locked and for a split second they were the only people in the room. Angel lowered his face and for a fleeting moment Buffy almost swore he was going to kiss her. At that thought her heartbeat increased and her lips parted in anticipation.
" Wow! That was better than sex, come to think of it, in some cultures that was sex" Anya was the first to speak.
" Yes, well I think we'll call that a tie" Wesley coughed, feeling slightly uncomfortable, he was amazed at the sexual tension radiating off the slayer and his friend.
" Ha, that's not what I'd call it " Cordelia rolled her eyes. It was the same old Buffy and Angel show starting all over again.
Angel moved first, he offered Buffy his hand and slowly pulled her up, never once talking his eyes from her face.
" Thanks, I mean thanks for the workout, it was good" she smiled softly still holding on to his large hands.
All through the exercise, Spike had been observing Riley with extreme pleasure. The boy had gone through a hell of his own watching the two ex lovers passionately move against each other.
Riley understood now why his and Buffy's training sessions had never been that intense,
**Nothing in their lives had ever brought that kind if intensity** Riley reflected sadly.
As if on queue, Spike sauntered over and stood next to the troubled boy.
" And that was one of their lighter sessions, you should have seen them in the good old days" he teased and revelled in the pained expression he received for his comment.
**That will teach the little prick to punch me** Spike laughed to himself and walked off
*****
Later that evening...
"I need to get out of here I'm going crazy " Buffy picked up her jacket and checked for Mr. Pointy
" Buffy, that's really not a very good Idea." Giles quickly closed the book he was reading and walked to intercept the Slayer. He could tell, by the resolute look on the girl's face, that his objections would be useless but he felt he had to try.
" I need to patrol. I understand your anxiety but look; this threat could go on forever. I can't hide away like a frightened child, if I do he might as well have stolen my soul already. I'm the Slayer, I need to go slay". Buffy looked at Giles desperately hoping he would understand.
" Then I'm coming with you" Riley insisted picking up a crossbow from the table and walking towards his girlfriend.
" Me too" Xander added quickly, much to the disapproval of Anya. All this talk about the devil had thrown the ex demon into a deep depression and the thought of her lover facing that threat by the slayer's side terrified her even more.
Buffy turned towards her loyal friends feeling slightly awkward, she knew what she was about to tell them would be hard to accept but it had to be said.
" No, you're not, I appreciate you want to protect me but I have to be able to concentrate on slaying, On my own I can move at full slayer speed. If you're with me I won't be able to fully focus, I'll be too busy worrying about your safety." she told them truthfully,
" This is quite unacceptable, Buffy. You might well be the Slayer but you're not going out there on your own " Giles was adamant. The risk was simply too great.
" She'll not be alone, I'll cover her back. " Angel said simply, he picked up his duster and slipped it over his broad shoulders.
" NO WAY" Riley shouted, his face turning red in anger, it had been hard enough watching them train together.** If that's what you call it** he turned his head and glared at the vampire with unadulterated hatred. Angel resisted a sneer and ignored the boy instead, he then continued to walk towards Buffy.
" I said, no way" Riley grabbed Angel's shoulder and was rewarded with a warning growl"
" Riley, please. You must accept that Angel is the only one here that can safely patrol with Buffy without placing her life in danger. You have to put your petty differences aside and think of what's best for her" Wesley tried to defuse the situation, the way things were going he could see real problems brewing between the boy and the vampire and that wouldn't help anybody.
"Please" Buffy turned to her boyfriend, her eyes pleading for him to understand. She knew how unfair she was being and yet she was also relieved that Angel would be watching her back. Fighting with Angel had always been so uncomplicated in the past; they could both work without fear for the other.
Riley wasn't giving in, this time she was asking too much. It wasn't that he didn't trust Buffy, he did. No Riley Finn would never trust the *blood sucking monster* standing next to her, *especially* after the way they had trained earlier.
"Hey, Buff. What do you say I play chaperone?" Spike offered from the doorway, he had been feeling like a caged animal for far too long and the chance to kick some ass wouldn't go a miss.
" Well that's settled then, Buffy will patrol with *both* Spike and Angel. Safety in numbers" Giles answered quickly without giving Riley any chance to argue
*****
Spike wiped the dust from his hands and cackled evilly
" That was just too easy"
Buffy shook her head in wonder; she still couldn't believe how happy the British vampire got when he dusted one of his own. The difference between Angel and Spike was as wide as the ocean. She really would have to keep reminding herself that at the end of the day, Spike didn't have a soul and no matter how much help he offered them he really couldn't be trusted.
The trio continued the rest of the sweep with little difficulty. If there were any more vampires in the cemetery that night, they were keeping well hidden. Buffy, Angel and Spike made a formidable team.
The three walked in silence, Buffy and Angel both fighting an inner battle of their very own, each desperate to steal a glance and yet knowing, that path led to damnation in it's own right. Spike could feel the growing tension and smiled mischievously.
" This is neat, just like the good old days" his voice was almost melancholy
" Hardly, in the good old days we were usually hunting you, and winning" Buffy laughed relieved that the silence was broken.
" Slayer, you really do have a way to ruin the perfect moment. Look, you guys, can I trust you not to get all groiny with each other for a few minutes? I really need to grab some dinner." Spike didn't give them time to protest as he jogged off in the direction of his mausoleum, leaving Buffy and Angel alone for the very first time.
Buffy stood waiting for Angel to speak, in the past conversation between the two of them had never been a problem but so much time had passed since those days.
" I miss this" she sighed deeply " I miss patrolling with you"
" I miss you" Angel replied simply, making no attempt to hide his feeling.
Buffy turned and Angel saw tears in her eyes.
" Don't, I don't want to hear how much you miss me. I stopped believing anything you said a long time ago Angel" Buffy whispered stepping away from him. After all this time it was just too hard to hear the words
" Buffy, I never lied to you about my feelings " Angel sounded hurt that she would even think such a thing. The reason he had always put her needs before his own was because he loved her so much. ** Surely she knew that**
" I think you meant them at the time but we grow, we change. I thought I'd die when you left me but I didn't. Part of me will always care about you" she avoided his eyes for fear that he would see through her casual denial.
" Don't trivialise what we had, you make it sound like a high school romance" Angel could hardly believe she was dismissing his feelings as casually as that.
" IN 243 years I was the only one...You made it sound like forever. So one of us got it wrong. Maybe that's all....." she didn't get a chance to finish that sentence, Angel hands gripped her arms pulling her up roughly against his body, crushing his lips to hers, he slipped his tongue deep inside her mouth. Buffy gasped as long hidden emotions rushed to the surface.
** Angel was kissing her**
** Oh god, this is so wrong** her head screamed **Oh god, this is so right** her heart cried back as she wound her arms around his neck and pulled herself closer.
Angel cursed his weakness but lost himself in her warmth. He wanted nothing more then to devour her mouth with his. Angel needed to kiss Buffy until she couldn't breath, he longed to kiss away all traces of that stupid farmboy that hung onto her every word like a love sick fool, like the same love sick fool that he used to be and wanted desperately to be again.
But then Buffy pushed away with a look of pure horror on her beautiful face.
" No, Angel. This is wrong...I'm ...I'm with Riley now, we can't do this" her small voice was strangely calm.
As he looked into her beautiful eyes, the pain hit him. All the love and passion that had always shone there when he kissed her had gone. Buffy's eyes held only guilt.
** She wasn't his girl any more** Angel knew then that she'd never be his girl again.
" Buffy, forgive me. I should never...I'm so sorry" it took every piece of strength he possessed to keep his voice steady.
Buffy stepped back trembling
" Angel this is too hard, I really can't deal with this now, I need to be alone. Please" she begged knowing that if he stayed she'd break down and beg him to kiss her again and again and....... and then where would that leave them...
Nothing had changed. He would just head back to LA, leaving her heartbroken all over again, and her strained relationship with Riley would be irretrievable.
"Buffy"
"Angel, I appreciate your help and I always will but ...I can't be alone with you anymore, Riley was right to worry" she hung her head.
" I can't leave you on your own" Angel couldn't leave her unprotected no matter how painful being together was. It was his sworn duty to protect her and he would carry out that duty until the day one of them died.
" I'll be fine...Spike will be back any time now. Go" her eyes pleaded and her resolve weakened. Everything she had ever wanted was standing right in front of her yet completely out of reach.
Angel turned, his broad strong shoulders stooped with sadness and regret as he walked away. Buffy watched until his tall dark figure blended into the shadows and then, with her heart breaking, she ran straight for the mausoleum.
Once inside she closed the heavy door and leaned her head against it breathing deeply.
She couldn't believe what she had just done, in rejecting Angel she had broken both their hearts, again.
** But nothing had changed, they still couldn't be together. Angel should never have kissed me**
" Damn you Angel she cursed" but knew the moment she uttered the words how wrong they sounded. Buffy knew in her heart that she wanted that kiss more than anything, she wanted Angel more than anything.
On hearing the sound of soft footsteps behind her she sighed heavily.
" Spike, I'm warning you. If you say one word I'll stake you and dance in your dust"
" Hello, Buffy. It's been a while"
" Buffy spun around and came face to face with the being she knew wanted her soul
" So you're this famous assassin" she asked warily but then smiled
" Don't make me laugh"
TBC...