Title: Untitled (Ideas?)
Author: Inquisitive1
Email: inquisitive1@angelfire.com
Rating: PG13 overall
Distribution: My site (Sooner or later) http://www.angelfire.com/tv/inqstive1sfanfiction
Yahoo Groups: inquisitive1supdates
Fanfiction.net: inquisitive1
Disclaimer: Only characters that are mine are the ones you don't recognize.
Summary: AU no vampires no Slayers. Angel's human and has a secret.
Note: Thanks for all the feedback. Yes I know I write in present
tense and occassionally past tense sneaks in... can't help it. See
I wrote this on paper and I'm writing it into email. For some reason
I suck at that. Also the dates if their wrong sorry I suck at dates
----
Chapter 3
Next Morning
"OK girls we are having a guest for dinner tonight." Joyce announces
"MOM" Buffy whines
"His name is Liam Angelus. He's the man I met with last night."
"Is he old?" Buffy asks
"No Buffy he isn't. He's 23"
"Is he cute?" Buffy asks hopefully
"Yes I guess he is"
"Is he nice?" Dawn asks curiously
"Yes punkin he's very nice" Joyce assures "Now lets get going."
That Evening
"Dawn sta..." Buffy trails off as she sees the tall, darkhaired
man talking with her mother and sister. She swallows 'Wow' she gasps
her pulse picking up as she notices his dark brown eyes 'He is fine... more than fine.'
"Buffy what's wrong?" Joyce sighs rubbing her forehead
Buffy pulls her eyes away from the newcomer "Uh Dawnie's been in my room again"
"No I wasn't" Dawn denies
"Were too."
"Enough bickering you two. You're driving me nuts. Dawn stay out
of your sister's room. Buffy stop fighting with Dawn."
"Whatever" Buffy says her eyes on the newcomer
Joyce strokes Dawn's hair as the girl hugs her "Buffy this is Liam
Angelus. Angel this is Buffy." she introduces not seeing the look on their faces
"Hi" Buffy gives him a shy smile
Angel smiles back
"Dinners almost ready. Dawn why don't you show Angel to the diningroom. Buffy help me in the kitchen."
Hearing her mother's request Buffy nods tearing her eyes away from
Angel. She follows her mother into the kitchen "Mom he is more then cute." she says stunned
Joyce shakes her head "Take the salad out to the table." she hands the bowl to Buffy.
Buffy nods walking into the diningroom
After dinner
"Dawn sure is curious" Angel remarks "reminds me of..." he winces
Joyce nods taking a sip of her coffee "Yes she's always asking
questions. Drives Buffy nuts." she chuckles
"What drives me nuts?" Buffy asks entering the livingroom she flops
on the chair across from the couch
"Your supposed to be helping Dawn with the dishes." Joyce says
"Done my half. She's washing the pans and wiping down the counters." Buffy shrugs
"Its getting late." Angel says setting his mug down "I should get
going." he stands "Joyce thank you. Its been a while since I sat
down at a table where dinner didn't involve yelling."
"Well Angel you can join us for dinner anytime" Joyce smiles following him to the door.
"Any time" Buffy echoes her breath catching as her eyes meet his.
"There is something I would like to discuss with you sometime tomorrow."
"Come by my office anytime"
Angel nods "Goodnight." his eyes meet Buffy's for a moment before he walks out the door
Buffy swallows 'There is something about him'
Next Morning
"So what was the guy like?" Cordelia Chase asks as they sit in the student lounge
Buffy smiles faintly "He was incredible. Gorgeous, sweet, smart,
and I don't know how to explain it."
"And?" Willow demands "Any sparkage?"
"Definately"
"How long is this guy in town?" Xander demands
Buffy shrugs "Didn't say" 'I hope a while.'
Afternoon
Buffy rounds the corner bumping into a large body "Sor..." she
trails off feeling the hairs on her neck rise. She looks up to see
Angel staring at her "Sorry I wasn't paying attention" she says sheepishly
Angel smiles at the blond "My fault I've only had one cup of coffee today"
"Know the feeling" she laughs "Heading for more?"
Angel nods "Care to join me? I could use the company."
"Sure. I was thinking of heading there too"
15 mins later
"Mmm" Buffy sighs inhaling the coffee "What would I do without
my caffeine buddy? Without this my day would be spent asleep"
"You too" Angel chuckles
"Of course." Buffy smiles as they sit on a bench their knees brushing.
Buffy looks at him "So uh Angel what do you do?"
"I'm just a guy"
"Well whoever you are you bowled over my Mom and Dawn." Buffy smiles
"Dawn asked Mom if you were going to come visit again... I think
she wants to show you her drawings and her book collection."
Angel takes a sip of his coffee "Your sister is a sweet kid."
"She grows on you" Buffy agrees "Do you have siblings?"
"No I'm an only child."
"Like it?"
"Not really... but there's no reason to ask for a brother or sister now."
Buffy smiles "So how long are you in town?"
"I'm not sure. I'm taking a break before I have to play figurehead for my Dad's company."
"Don't want too huh"
"No. It bores me."
"So do what you want"
"I have since I graduated its just Dad wants to retire and since I'm his only kid..."
"What did you do?"
Angel looks at his coffee "I graduated from college with major
in art and a minor in history."
"What does your Dad do?"
"Runs a company."
"Wow whats it like speaking to your father" Buffy says drily
"You don't talk to yours?"
"No" Buffy takes a drink "Dad was mad about my getting expelled
so he pretty much disowned me."
"Mines done that a bunch of times."
"Dad and I rarely talk. He'll call every once in a while but usually when none of us are home."
"Divorce is hard" Angel says "How's Dawn taking it?"
"She's 10. Dad wasn't around much when she was little. I don't
think she had a chance to get really attached to him."
"Workaholic?"
"Big time"
Half hour later
"Here's my stop" Buffy announces as they stop on the stoop. "Thanks for the java."
"Thanks for the company" he grins
Buffy opens the door
"I'll see you later" Angel says walking down the steps
"Hey Angel"
Angel turns "Yeah"
"My friends and I are going to hang out at the Bronze. If you get
bored doing whatever it is you do come and hang out with us. You
might only find one person who you can have an intellectual conversation
with but we have fun. They got coffee."
Angel smiles "I just might"
"We're usually there around 8."
"Maybe I'll see you there"
Buffy nods entering the house she closes the door leaning against it 'God he's incredible.'
Hotel room
"Dad you don't need me back now"
"Your going to stick around there" John says
"For a few more days. Then I might head to LA. See if Spike's around."
"Liam we had an agreement"
"Dad I know all I need to about running the company. I was practically
raised there" Angel opens a bottle of scotch taking a drink
Later that night: Bronze
Buffy sits at the table watching as her friends dance 'I hope he shows.'
"Hey"
Hearing the voice Buffy turns around to see Angel standing there
wearing black jeans, boots, and a blue silk shirt over a white wife-beater. "Hi" she smiles 'Delicious'
"So why aren't you dancing?" Angel asks sitting beside her
"Not in a dancing mood" she admits
"Do you want to go somewhere quiet and talk? Have coffee?"
Seeing the hopeful look in his eyes Buffy smiles "Sounds great"
she stands walking through the crowd aware of Angel's hand on her lower back
Little later: Cafe
Buffy stirs her coffee doubly aware that Angel is watching her
"So tell me why weren't you out there dancing?"
Buffy looks at him taking a sip of her coffee "Not interested in
dancing with the guys from school"
"Why not?"
"I'm the school freak. They only ask for that reason."
"No boyfriend?"
"No. My boyfriend and I broke up couple weeks before I got expelled."
she shrugs "What about you? Got a girlfriend back home?"
Angel shakes his head "Not in a while. Been too busy trying to
figure myself out. I spent all my teens with girlfriends... thought
it was time for me to figure myself out."
Buffy nods "I understand that." she looks down at her mug then
looks at Angel "You are one interesting guy."
"Thanks" he grins
"You have an ego don't you"
"Only when it involves a pretty lady"
Buffy shakes her head
Chapter 4
2 nights later
Buffy and Angel are silent as they stand at the sink one washing
dishes the other putting them in the dishwasher. "Here" Buffy hands
a wet glass to Angel their fingers touching. Buffy looks at him
her breath catching her heart pounding 'Get a grip Summers'
Angel looks at her awed by her wide eyes. Slowly he lower his head
their lips inches apart when Joyce calls from the other room
"Are you two done with the dishes?"
Buffy jumps back "Uh yeah Mom we're almost done" Buffy calls her eyes on Angel
"Sorry" Angel mutters
Buffy shrugs "Lets just get this done" 'Damn it Summers why didn't you just kiss him.'
Later that night
Buffy sits at her window sill staring out at the stars 'He almost
kissed me. I shouldn't have backed off like that.'
Meanwhile
Angel sits on his bed in the hotel room 'I almost kissed her.'
he groans "Damn it" he grabs the bottle of whiskey taking a swig
Next afternoon
"Just a sec" Angel calls walking to the door he opens it to find
Buffy standing there "Buffy" he says surprised
Buffy looks at him with a faint smile "Still sleeping?" she hands him a cup of coffee
Angel shrugs "Did paperwork all night. Come on in" he steps aside taking a drink
Buffy enters looking around
"Sorry about the mess"
"Seen worse. You should see my friend Xander's room." she laughs
"What can I do for you?"
"About what happened last night... or almost happened." she sets her coffee cup down
"Look I shouldn't have even been..." he's about to continue when
Buffy steps infront of him her fingers against his lips
Buffy removes her fingers from his lips "Kiss me." she says her eyes searching his
"Buffy..."
"Kiss me" she repeats
Angel groans grabbing her he captures her lips in a heated kiss.
Tongues thrusting.
Teeth nipping.
Hands clutching.
As the kiss ends the two lean into each other their breathing ragged and hearts pounding
'He kissed me' Buffy stares at him
'I kissed her.'
"That was..." Buffy trails off
"Incredible" Angel finishes
"Intense" she adds. Suddenly embarassed she pulls back.
"What's wrong?" he asks confused
"We've only known each other a few days and that kiss was..."
"Explosive"
"Yeah"
Angel touches her cheek then suddenly they find themselves back
in each others arms kissing with desperation and passion. After
a moment Angel steps back "So why else did you come here?"
"Wanted to get that out of my system"
"Is it?"
Buffy lifts her brow "What do you think?"
Angel chuckles "Something tells me it isn't out of either of our systems."
Buffy smiles then shakes her head "I uh better get going." she
goes to the door then pauses "You doing anything?"
"Not really"
"I told Dawnie I'd take her to the carousel. I know she'd love for you to come."
Angel grins "Sure. Just give me a minute"
Little later: Gallery
Buffy and Angel enter the gallery "Hey Mom"
Joyce looks up to see her daughter standing beside Angel. "Hey kids. Dawn's in my office."
"No I'm not" Dawn says "Hi Angel" she smiles brightly. "Are you
coming with me and Buffy to the park?"
"As long as its OK with you and your Mom"
"Is it OK Mommy?" Dawn asks hopefully
Seeing the look on Dawn's face Joyce smile "Its fine with me"
"YEAH" Dawn says jumping up and down
"I won't be home for dinner tonight"
"Mom don't worry we'll be fine" Buffy assures
"Well I should be home by 8. If I'm not make sure your sister is
in bed by 8:30. One bowl of ice cream if all her homeworks done."
"Ma I know the rules. I've been babysitting her since I was ten"
"I know. Just wanted to remind you"
"See you later Mom" Buffy kisses her mother's cheek "Got your stuff?" she asks Dawn
"Just a sec" Dawn runs down the hallway
15 mins later: Park
Buffy and Angel watch as Dawn goes around on the carousel. "She
loves that carousel. I swear if she had her way she'd live on it."
Angel smiles "I knew two people like that. Whenever we went to
somewhere with a carousel they both had to go on it."
"Girlfriends?"
Angel shrugs "One was for a while. But mostly we were friends...
best of friends." Angel catches sight of Dawn laughing 'She's so
much like Darla... and a little like Drusilla.'
"Who were they?"
"Darla and her cousin Drusilla. Darla and I dated for like two
weeks... we realized that we were too close to date. The fourth
was William... otherwise known as Spike." he smiles faintly "We were inseperable."
Hearing the sadness in his voice Buffy changes the subject "So
you want to join us for dinner?"
"I'd like that" Angel smiles
Week later
Angel looks at Joyce as they unpack some crates "Joyce can I ask you something?"
Joyce looks at him "Sure"
Angel leans against the crate "I want to tell Buffy the truth of who I am."
"As in Dawn?"
Angel shakes his head "She doesn't need to know that. But does
Buffy know who Dawn's father is?"
"Oh that... no I never mentioned it."
"I don't lying about who I am to Buffy. I care about her too much. But telling her everything"
"You aren't ready for that whole truth"
"Its not that. Its that I don't want who I really am to interfere
with her relationship with Dawn. I didn't come here for that."
"I know. If you want to tell Buffy I'm sure she'll understand"
Angel smiles "Thank you Joyce"
"Lets get back to work shall we."
Angel nods
That night: Angel's hotel room
"Thought you... ooh" she sighs as Angel sucks on her earlobe
Angel pulls back "Sorry" he apologizes
"Its OK." she grins "So what do you want to talk about?"
Angel combs his fingers through his hair. "There's something I
need to tell you. I didn't tell you at first because I don't really get along with my father"
"What is it?"
"My name isn't Liam Angelus." he frowns "Well it is its just my first and middle name."
"OK so what's your last name?"
"Sullivan. Angelus is my Mom's maiden name."
"Liam Angelus Sullivan" Buffy tests it "I like it" she grins "Big
deal. I can handle it." she kisses him
"You aren't mad?"
"Nah" she shakes her head "Not lets get back to making out"
"Sounds good to me." he grins
Chapter 5
Month later
Buffy, Willow, and Cordelia are sitting in the school's courtyard
talking. "How are things with you and Angel?" Willow asks
"Great" Buffy grins happily "He's so sweet. Mom and Dawn adore him."
"He is great" Willow agrees
"Yeah" Cordelia nods "He's also rich" she remarks her eyes widening as she stares at a picture
"What?"
"Look" Cordelia hands the magazine to Buffy. "I found it on the kitchen counter"
Buffy's eyes widen at the picture of Angel "'Liam Angelus Sullivan,
son of business tycoon John Sullivan and his wife Moira. Young Sullivan
is set to take over his father's business upon the elders retirement.
Sullivan, 23, is a graduate of Harvard with a degree in Art. He
has been linked with many of the business societies women. His dark
good looks will make him hot and powerful in and out of the boardroom.'"
Buffy pales jumping up "I uh.." she takes off
"Heading to Angel's no doubt." Cordelia remarks
15 mins later
Angel opens the door to find Buffy standing there "Buff aren't you supposed to be at school?"
"Why didn't you tell me?" Buffy demands
"Tell you what?" Angel asks hoarsely
Buffy hands him the magazine
Angel scans the article paling "Buffy I'm sorry"
"Why didn't you tell me?"
Angel tosses the magazine aside rubbing his neck "Because when
people find out who I am it makes them like me for my money."
"How could you think so little of me?" she yells
"Its not you Buffy. Its me and my issues"
Buffy puts her fingers over his lips "I love you Angel... no matter
who you are or how rich you are."
Angel looks at her surprised "What?"
"I love you Angel" she repeats giving him a shy smile
Angel grins taking her face between his hands kissing her passionately "I love you too"
Buffy kisses him back
Later
Buffy lifts her head from Angel's bare chest "I missed the rest of school" she remarks
Angel caresses her cheek "Regret what happened?"
Buffy shakes her head "No" she moves up kissing him lightly "no regrets. You?"
"Never"
A week later
Buffy watches as her lover talks with Willow 'He's so special.
If I lost him I don't know what I would do.'
"Hello Angelus."
Angel stiffens at the voice. He looks up to see a tall blond woman
standing there wearing a red dress. "Darla" he says standing. "What...?
How...?" he looks her over "Its been a while."
"Ten years." Darla says "You look good."
"How'd you find me?"
"Spike."
"Angel?"
Angel looks at Buffy "Buffy guys this is Darla. Darla this Buffy,
Willow, Oz, Cordelia and Xander."
"Nice to meet you" Buffy smiles
Darla nods in response looking at Angel "Can we talk?"
Angel glances at Buffy then nods "Sure." he looks at Buffy apologetically "I'll call you later"
Buffy nods "OK"
Angel kisses her cheek and follows Darla through the crowd
"Wow" Xander says stunned "She is gorgeous."
"Who is she?" Willow demands
"Angel's best friend growing up." Buffy says "He doesn't really
talk much about his childhood or his past."
Half hour later: Angel's hotel room
"Why are you here Darla?" he asks handing her a glass of scotch
"Came to see yu" she shrugs taking a sip she goes to the window.
"The blond Buffy... she's your girlfriend"
Angel nods "Yeah"
"She's pretty." she looks at h im "You always could attract beautiful women."
Angel looks down "How have you been?"
"Good. You?"
"Fine"
The two remain silent when Darla groans "Why are we having an awkward moment?"
Angel looks at her "We haven't seen each other in such a long time. Things have changed."
"I don't know why is should be like this. We grew up together. We were best friends."
"We've grown up" Angel shrugs
"Did you ever get my letters?"
Angel nods "Mom gave them to me one night after I found one of
your letters in Dad's desk. She also gave me the journals you left."
"Good." she sighs "I wish I had told you myself."
"I wish that too but we can't go back."
"Too bad... things might have been different."
"I know."
The two ex-lovers/childhood friends spend the night talking, laughing
and crying over what happened as they grew up together and apart.
Next morning
Buffy smiles walking towards the hotel where Angel is living. As
she nears the hotel she sees Angel walking beside the blond from the night before.
Angel walks Darla to her car. As they reach her car they hug. "It was good to see you Darla"
"You too darling Angel" she kisses him lightly
Buffy watches horrified as Angel kisses the blond. 'Angel' she
covers her mouth with her hand turning she hurries away tears falling
"Goodbye Darla"
"I hope Buffy knows how lucky she is to have you"
"I'm the one who's lucky" he smiles. He opens Darla's door "Darla...?"
"Don't worry Angel... its our secret"
"Thank you"
Darla nods "Give me a call and we'll get together"
"Sounds good"
Summers home
Buffy stumbles into the empty house sobbing. She drops her backpack
on the floor running upstairs. She collapses on her bed sobbing
uncontrollably "Angel... why?!"
Afternoon
Buffy stares at her reflection in the mirror ignoring the ringing
phone. Grabbing a wet washcloth she dampens her face trying to relieve
the swolleness of her face. 'I don't want to lose him but I can't
have him if he's in love with someone else.' she straightens up reapplying her makeup.
Hour later
"Buff" Angel grins stepping aside to let Buffy in "Its good to
see you. Sorry about last night"
Buffy looks at him seeing the smile she swallows "Angel I uh..."
"Something wrong?"
"I can't see you anymore." she blurts out. "I'm sorry" she moves
to the door when Angel stops her
"Buffy honey what's going on?"
Buffy wrenches her arm out of his grasp "I can't Angel... I'm not ready for this"
"What brought this on? We were fine last night"
"I'm sorry Angel" she opens the door running out
"Buffy"
Buffy ignores him and keeps running
Evening
"Buffy sweetie Angel's here" Joyce says
"I don't want to see him" Buffy says staring out the window
"Honey he's been calling all afternoon. Talk to him"
"Tell him to go away. I don't want to talk"
Joyce sighs walking downstairs where she finds Angel pacing. "I
tried. She's not talking. Angel what happened?"
"I don't know" he runs his fingers through his hair "Everything
was fine then this afternoon" he sighs
"Angel give her some time"
"Maybe she's right... we were getting too serious. She's 17."
"Angel"
Angel opens the door "Thanks for trying Joyce"
Joyce watches as Angel walks out the door 'Poor Angel'
Buffy wipes away a tear watching as Angel walks away "Bye Angel" she whispers
Next Morning
Joyce enters Buffy's room to find her staring out the window. "Honey did you get any sleep at all?"
"No"
"Do you want to talk?"
"No"
Joyce sighs "I'll call the school and tell them you won't be in."
she kisses Buffy's temple. "At least think about talking to Angel" she walks out of the room
Buffy goes to her bed curling up she allows her tears to fall.
That Evening
"Why didn't Angel come to dinner tonight Mommy?" Dawn asks curiously
Joyce sets her fork and knife down "Actually that's what I wanted to talk to you both about."
"Mom please" Buffy says softly
"Its something else Buffy" Joyce says. She takes a deep breath.
"I spoke to Angel this afternoon he wanted me to tell you both goodbye."
"He left" Dawn says her lower lip trembling
"He had to go back to New York to start his new job" Joyce explains.
"He gave me his email address I'm sure he'd like to hear from you both."
Dawn grins "Can I email him after dinner?"
"Sure" Joyce smiles "I'm sure he'd like that"
"Excuse me" Buffy jumps up running out of the diningroom
'Oh Buffy.'
TBC....
Author: Inquisitive1
Email: inquisitive1@angelfire.com
Rating: PG13 overall
Distribution: My site (Sooner or later) http://www.angelfire.com/tv/inqstive1sfanfiction
Yahoo Groups: inquisitive1supdates
Fanfiction.net: inquisitive1
Disclaimer: Only characters that are mine are the ones you don't recognize.
Summary: AU no vampires no Slayers. Angel's human and has a secret.
Note: Thanks for all the feedback. Yes I know I write in present
tense and occassionally past tense sneaks in... can't help it. See
I wrote this on paper and I'm writing it into email. For some reason
I suck at that. Also the dates if their wrong sorry I suck at dates
----
Chapter 3
Next Morning
"OK girls we are having a guest for dinner tonight." Joyce announces
"MOM" Buffy whines
"His name is Liam Angelus. He's the man I met with last night."
"Is he old?" Buffy asks
"No Buffy he isn't. He's 23"
"Is he cute?" Buffy asks hopefully
"Yes I guess he is"
"Is he nice?" Dawn asks curiously
"Yes punkin he's very nice" Joyce assures "Now lets get going."
That Evening
"Dawn sta..." Buffy trails off as she sees the tall, darkhaired
man talking with her mother and sister. She swallows 'Wow' she gasps
her pulse picking up as she notices his dark brown eyes 'He is fine... more than fine.'
"Buffy what's wrong?" Joyce sighs rubbing her forehead
Buffy pulls her eyes away from the newcomer "Uh Dawnie's been in my room again"
"No I wasn't" Dawn denies
"Were too."
"Enough bickering you two. You're driving me nuts. Dawn stay out
of your sister's room. Buffy stop fighting with Dawn."
"Whatever" Buffy says her eyes on the newcomer
Joyce strokes Dawn's hair as the girl hugs her "Buffy this is Liam
Angelus. Angel this is Buffy." she introduces not seeing the look on their faces
"Hi" Buffy gives him a shy smile
Angel smiles back
"Dinners almost ready. Dawn why don't you show Angel to the diningroom. Buffy help me in the kitchen."
Hearing her mother's request Buffy nods tearing her eyes away from
Angel. She follows her mother into the kitchen "Mom he is more then cute." she says stunned
Joyce shakes her head "Take the salad out to the table." she hands the bowl to Buffy.
Buffy nods walking into the diningroom
After dinner
"Dawn sure is curious" Angel remarks "reminds me of..." he winces
Joyce nods taking a sip of her coffee "Yes she's always asking
questions. Drives Buffy nuts." she chuckles
"What drives me nuts?" Buffy asks entering the livingroom she flops
on the chair across from the couch
"Your supposed to be helping Dawn with the dishes." Joyce says
"Done my half. She's washing the pans and wiping down the counters." Buffy shrugs
"Its getting late." Angel says setting his mug down "I should get
going." he stands "Joyce thank you. Its been a while since I sat
down at a table where dinner didn't involve yelling."
"Well Angel you can join us for dinner anytime" Joyce smiles following him to the door.
"Any time" Buffy echoes her breath catching as her eyes meet his.
"There is something I would like to discuss with you sometime tomorrow."
"Come by my office anytime"
Angel nods "Goodnight." his eyes meet Buffy's for a moment before he walks out the door
Buffy swallows 'There is something about him'
Next Morning
"So what was the guy like?" Cordelia Chase asks as they sit in the student lounge
Buffy smiles faintly "He was incredible. Gorgeous, sweet, smart,
and I don't know how to explain it."
"And?" Willow demands "Any sparkage?"
"Definately"
"How long is this guy in town?" Xander demands
Buffy shrugs "Didn't say" 'I hope a while.'
Afternoon
Buffy rounds the corner bumping into a large body "Sor..." she
trails off feeling the hairs on her neck rise. She looks up to see
Angel staring at her "Sorry I wasn't paying attention" she says sheepishly
Angel smiles at the blond "My fault I've only had one cup of coffee today"
"Know the feeling" she laughs "Heading for more?"
Angel nods "Care to join me? I could use the company."
"Sure. I was thinking of heading there too"
15 mins later
"Mmm" Buffy sighs inhaling the coffee "What would I do without
my caffeine buddy? Without this my day would be spent asleep"
"You too" Angel chuckles
"Of course." Buffy smiles as they sit on a bench their knees brushing.
Buffy looks at him "So uh Angel what do you do?"
"I'm just a guy"
"Well whoever you are you bowled over my Mom and Dawn." Buffy smiles
"Dawn asked Mom if you were going to come visit again... I think
she wants to show you her drawings and her book collection."
Angel takes a sip of his coffee "Your sister is a sweet kid."
"She grows on you" Buffy agrees "Do you have siblings?"
"No I'm an only child."
"Like it?"
"Not really... but there's no reason to ask for a brother or sister now."
Buffy smiles "So how long are you in town?"
"I'm not sure. I'm taking a break before I have to play figurehead for my Dad's company."
"Don't want too huh"
"No. It bores me."
"So do what you want"
"I have since I graduated its just Dad wants to retire and since I'm his only kid..."
"What did you do?"
Angel looks at his coffee "I graduated from college with major
in art and a minor in history."
"What does your Dad do?"
"Runs a company."
"Wow whats it like speaking to your father" Buffy says drily
"You don't talk to yours?"
"No" Buffy takes a drink "Dad was mad about my getting expelled
so he pretty much disowned me."
"Mines done that a bunch of times."
"Dad and I rarely talk. He'll call every once in a while but usually when none of us are home."
"Divorce is hard" Angel says "How's Dawn taking it?"
"She's 10. Dad wasn't around much when she was little. I don't
think she had a chance to get really attached to him."
"Workaholic?"
"Big time"
Half hour later
"Here's my stop" Buffy announces as they stop on the stoop. "Thanks for the java."
"Thanks for the company" he grins
Buffy opens the door
"I'll see you later" Angel says walking down the steps
"Hey Angel"
Angel turns "Yeah"
"My friends and I are going to hang out at the Bronze. If you get
bored doing whatever it is you do come and hang out with us. You
might only find one person who you can have an intellectual conversation
with but we have fun. They got coffee."
Angel smiles "I just might"
"We're usually there around 8."
"Maybe I'll see you there"
Buffy nods entering the house she closes the door leaning against it 'God he's incredible.'
Hotel room
"Dad you don't need me back now"
"Your going to stick around there" John says
"For a few more days. Then I might head to LA. See if Spike's around."
"Liam we had an agreement"
"Dad I know all I need to about running the company. I was practically
raised there" Angel opens a bottle of scotch taking a drink
Later that night: Bronze
Buffy sits at the table watching as her friends dance 'I hope he shows.'
"Hey"
Hearing the voice Buffy turns around to see Angel standing there
wearing black jeans, boots, and a blue silk shirt over a white wife-beater. "Hi" she smiles 'Delicious'
"So why aren't you dancing?" Angel asks sitting beside her
"Not in a dancing mood" she admits
"Do you want to go somewhere quiet and talk? Have coffee?"
Seeing the hopeful look in his eyes Buffy smiles "Sounds great"
she stands walking through the crowd aware of Angel's hand on her lower back
Little later: Cafe
Buffy stirs her coffee doubly aware that Angel is watching her
"So tell me why weren't you out there dancing?"
Buffy looks at him taking a sip of her coffee "Not interested in
dancing with the guys from school"
"Why not?"
"I'm the school freak. They only ask for that reason."
"No boyfriend?"
"No. My boyfriend and I broke up couple weeks before I got expelled."
she shrugs "What about you? Got a girlfriend back home?"
Angel shakes his head "Not in a while. Been too busy trying to
figure myself out. I spent all my teens with girlfriends... thought
it was time for me to figure myself out."
Buffy nods "I understand that." she looks down at her mug then
looks at Angel "You are one interesting guy."
"Thanks" he grins
"You have an ego don't you"
"Only when it involves a pretty lady"
Buffy shakes her head
Chapter 4
2 nights later
Buffy and Angel are silent as they stand at the sink one washing
dishes the other putting them in the dishwasher. "Here" Buffy hands
a wet glass to Angel their fingers touching. Buffy looks at him
her breath catching her heart pounding 'Get a grip Summers'
Angel looks at her awed by her wide eyes. Slowly he lower his head
their lips inches apart when Joyce calls from the other room
"Are you two done with the dishes?"
Buffy jumps back "Uh yeah Mom we're almost done" Buffy calls her eyes on Angel
"Sorry" Angel mutters
Buffy shrugs "Lets just get this done" 'Damn it Summers why didn't you just kiss him.'
Later that night
Buffy sits at her window sill staring out at the stars 'He almost
kissed me. I shouldn't have backed off like that.'
Meanwhile
Angel sits on his bed in the hotel room 'I almost kissed her.'
he groans "Damn it" he grabs the bottle of whiskey taking a swig
Next afternoon
"Just a sec" Angel calls walking to the door he opens it to find
Buffy standing there "Buffy" he says surprised
Buffy looks at him with a faint smile "Still sleeping?" she hands him a cup of coffee
Angel shrugs "Did paperwork all night. Come on in" he steps aside taking a drink
Buffy enters looking around
"Sorry about the mess"
"Seen worse. You should see my friend Xander's room." she laughs
"What can I do for you?"
"About what happened last night... or almost happened." she sets her coffee cup down
"Look I shouldn't have even been..." he's about to continue when
Buffy steps infront of him her fingers against his lips
Buffy removes her fingers from his lips "Kiss me." she says her eyes searching his
"Buffy..."
"Kiss me" she repeats
Angel groans grabbing her he captures her lips in a heated kiss.
Tongues thrusting.
Teeth nipping.
Hands clutching.
As the kiss ends the two lean into each other their breathing ragged and hearts pounding
'He kissed me' Buffy stares at him
'I kissed her.'
"That was..." Buffy trails off
"Incredible" Angel finishes
"Intense" she adds. Suddenly embarassed she pulls back.
"What's wrong?" he asks confused
"We've only known each other a few days and that kiss was..."
"Explosive"
"Yeah"
Angel touches her cheek then suddenly they find themselves back
in each others arms kissing with desperation and passion. After
a moment Angel steps back "So why else did you come here?"
"Wanted to get that out of my system"
"Is it?"
Buffy lifts her brow "What do you think?"
Angel chuckles "Something tells me it isn't out of either of our systems."
Buffy smiles then shakes her head "I uh better get going." she
goes to the door then pauses "You doing anything?"
"Not really"
"I told Dawnie I'd take her to the carousel. I know she'd love for you to come."
Angel grins "Sure. Just give me a minute"
Little later: Gallery
Buffy and Angel enter the gallery "Hey Mom"
Joyce looks up to see her daughter standing beside Angel. "Hey kids. Dawn's in my office."
"No I'm not" Dawn says "Hi Angel" she smiles brightly. "Are you
coming with me and Buffy to the park?"
"As long as its OK with you and your Mom"
"Is it OK Mommy?" Dawn asks hopefully
Seeing the look on Dawn's face Joyce smile "Its fine with me"
"YEAH" Dawn says jumping up and down
"I won't be home for dinner tonight"
"Mom don't worry we'll be fine" Buffy assures
"Well I should be home by 8. If I'm not make sure your sister is
in bed by 8:30. One bowl of ice cream if all her homeworks done."
"Ma I know the rules. I've been babysitting her since I was ten"
"I know. Just wanted to remind you"
"See you later Mom" Buffy kisses her mother's cheek "Got your stuff?" she asks Dawn
"Just a sec" Dawn runs down the hallway
15 mins later: Park
Buffy and Angel watch as Dawn goes around on the carousel. "She
loves that carousel. I swear if she had her way she'd live on it."
Angel smiles "I knew two people like that. Whenever we went to
somewhere with a carousel they both had to go on it."
"Girlfriends?"
Angel shrugs "One was for a while. But mostly we were friends...
best of friends." Angel catches sight of Dawn laughing 'She's so
much like Darla... and a little like Drusilla.'
"Who were they?"
"Darla and her cousin Drusilla. Darla and I dated for like two
weeks... we realized that we were too close to date. The fourth
was William... otherwise known as Spike." he smiles faintly "We were inseperable."
Hearing the sadness in his voice Buffy changes the subject "So
you want to join us for dinner?"
"I'd like that" Angel smiles
Week later
Angel looks at Joyce as they unpack some crates "Joyce can I ask you something?"
Joyce looks at him "Sure"
Angel leans against the crate "I want to tell Buffy the truth of who I am."
"As in Dawn?"
Angel shakes his head "She doesn't need to know that. But does
Buffy know who Dawn's father is?"
"Oh that... no I never mentioned it."
"I don't lying about who I am to Buffy. I care about her too much. But telling her everything"
"You aren't ready for that whole truth"
"Its not that. Its that I don't want who I really am to interfere
with her relationship with Dawn. I didn't come here for that."
"I know. If you want to tell Buffy I'm sure she'll understand"
Angel smiles "Thank you Joyce"
"Lets get back to work shall we."
Angel nods
That night: Angel's hotel room
"Thought you... ooh" she sighs as Angel sucks on her earlobe
Angel pulls back "Sorry" he apologizes
"Its OK." she grins "So what do you want to talk about?"
Angel combs his fingers through his hair. "There's something I
need to tell you. I didn't tell you at first because I don't really get along with my father"
"What is it?"
"My name isn't Liam Angelus." he frowns "Well it is its just my first and middle name."
"OK so what's your last name?"
"Sullivan. Angelus is my Mom's maiden name."
"Liam Angelus Sullivan" Buffy tests it "I like it" she grins "Big
deal. I can handle it." she kisses him
"You aren't mad?"
"Nah" she shakes her head "Not lets get back to making out"
"Sounds good to me." he grins
Chapter 5
Month later
Buffy, Willow, and Cordelia are sitting in the school's courtyard
talking. "How are things with you and Angel?" Willow asks
"Great" Buffy grins happily "He's so sweet. Mom and Dawn adore him."
"He is great" Willow agrees
"Yeah" Cordelia nods "He's also rich" she remarks her eyes widening as she stares at a picture
"What?"
"Look" Cordelia hands the magazine to Buffy. "I found it on the kitchen counter"
Buffy's eyes widen at the picture of Angel "'Liam Angelus Sullivan,
son of business tycoon John Sullivan and his wife Moira. Young Sullivan
is set to take over his father's business upon the elders retirement.
Sullivan, 23, is a graduate of Harvard with a degree in Art. He
has been linked with many of the business societies women. His dark
good looks will make him hot and powerful in and out of the boardroom.'"
Buffy pales jumping up "I uh.." she takes off
"Heading to Angel's no doubt." Cordelia remarks
15 mins later
Angel opens the door to find Buffy standing there "Buff aren't you supposed to be at school?"
"Why didn't you tell me?" Buffy demands
"Tell you what?" Angel asks hoarsely
Buffy hands him the magazine
Angel scans the article paling "Buffy I'm sorry"
"Why didn't you tell me?"
Angel tosses the magazine aside rubbing his neck "Because when
people find out who I am it makes them like me for my money."
"How could you think so little of me?" she yells
"Its not you Buffy. Its me and my issues"
Buffy puts her fingers over his lips "I love you Angel... no matter
who you are or how rich you are."
Angel looks at her surprised "What?"
"I love you Angel" she repeats giving him a shy smile
Angel grins taking her face between his hands kissing her passionately "I love you too"
Buffy kisses him back
Later
Buffy lifts her head from Angel's bare chest "I missed the rest of school" she remarks
Angel caresses her cheek "Regret what happened?"
Buffy shakes her head "No" she moves up kissing him lightly "no regrets. You?"
"Never"
A week later
Buffy watches as her lover talks with Willow 'He's so special.
If I lost him I don't know what I would do.'
"Hello Angelus."
Angel stiffens at the voice. He looks up to see a tall blond woman
standing there wearing a red dress. "Darla" he says standing. "What...?
How...?" he looks her over "Its been a while."
"Ten years." Darla says "You look good."
"How'd you find me?"
"Spike."
"Angel?"
Angel looks at Buffy "Buffy guys this is Darla. Darla this Buffy,
Willow, Oz, Cordelia and Xander."
"Nice to meet you" Buffy smiles
Darla nods in response looking at Angel "Can we talk?"
Angel glances at Buffy then nods "Sure." he looks at Buffy apologetically "I'll call you later"
Buffy nods "OK"
Angel kisses her cheek and follows Darla through the crowd
"Wow" Xander says stunned "She is gorgeous."
"Who is she?" Willow demands
"Angel's best friend growing up." Buffy says "He doesn't really
talk much about his childhood or his past."
Half hour later: Angel's hotel room
"Why are you here Darla?" he asks handing her a glass of scotch
"Came to see yu" she shrugs taking a sip she goes to the window.
"The blond Buffy... she's your girlfriend"
Angel nods "Yeah"
"She's pretty." she looks at h im "You always could attract beautiful women."
Angel looks down "How have you been?"
"Good. You?"
"Fine"
The two remain silent when Darla groans "Why are we having an awkward moment?"
Angel looks at her "We haven't seen each other in such a long time. Things have changed."
"I don't know why is should be like this. We grew up together. We were best friends."
"We've grown up" Angel shrugs
"Did you ever get my letters?"
Angel nods "Mom gave them to me one night after I found one of
your letters in Dad's desk. She also gave me the journals you left."
"Good." she sighs "I wish I had told you myself."
"I wish that too but we can't go back."
"Too bad... things might have been different."
"I know."
The two ex-lovers/childhood friends spend the night talking, laughing
and crying over what happened as they grew up together and apart.
Next morning
Buffy smiles walking towards the hotel where Angel is living. As
she nears the hotel she sees Angel walking beside the blond from the night before.
Angel walks Darla to her car. As they reach her car they hug. "It was good to see you Darla"
"You too darling Angel" she kisses him lightly
Buffy watches horrified as Angel kisses the blond. 'Angel' she
covers her mouth with her hand turning she hurries away tears falling
"Goodbye Darla"
"I hope Buffy knows how lucky she is to have you"
"I'm the one who's lucky" he smiles. He opens Darla's door "Darla...?"
"Don't worry Angel... its our secret"
"Thank you"
Darla nods "Give me a call and we'll get together"
"Sounds good"
Summers home
Buffy stumbles into the empty house sobbing. She drops her backpack
on the floor running upstairs. She collapses on her bed sobbing
uncontrollably "Angel... why?!"
Afternoon
Buffy stares at her reflection in the mirror ignoring the ringing
phone. Grabbing a wet washcloth she dampens her face trying to relieve
the swolleness of her face. 'I don't want to lose him but I can't
have him if he's in love with someone else.' she straightens up reapplying her makeup.
Hour later
"Buff" Angel grins stepping aside to let Buffy in "Its good to
see you. Sorry about last night"
Buffy looks at him seeing the smile she swallows "Angel I uh..."
"Something wrong?"
"I can't see you anymore." she blurts out. "I'm sorry" she moves
to the door when Angel stops her
"Buffy honey what's going on?"
Buffy wrenches her arm out of his grasp "I can't Angel... I'm not ready for this"
"What brought this on? We were fine last night"
"I'm sorry Angel" she opens the door running out
"Buffy"
Buffy ignores him and keeps running
Evening
"Buffy sweetie Angel's here" Joyce says
"I don't want to see him" Buffy says staring out the window
"Honey he's been calling all afternoon. Talk to him"
"Tell him to go away. I don't want to talk"
Joyce sighs walking downstairs where she finds Angel pacing. "I
tried. She's not talking. Angel what happened?"
"I don't know" he runs his fingers through his hair "Everything
was fine then this afternoon" he sighs
"Angel give her some time"
"Maybe she's right... we were getting too serious. She's 17."
"Angel"
Angel opens the door "Thanks for trying Joyce"
Joyce watches as Angel walks out the door 'Poor Angel'
Buffy wipes away a tear watching as Angel walks away "Bye Angel" she whispers
Next Morning
Joyce enters Buffy's room to find her staring out the window. "Honey did you get any sleep at all?"
"No"
"Do you want to talk?"
"No"
Joyce sighs "I'll call the school and tell them you won't be in."
she kisses Buffy's temple. "At least think about talking to Angel" she walks out of the room
Buffy goes to her bed curling up she allows her tears to fall.
That Evening
"Why didn't Angel come to dinner tonight Mommy?" Dawn asks curiously
Joyce sets her fork and knife down "Actually that's what I wanted to talk to you both about."
"Mom please" Buffy says softly
"Its something else Buffy" Joyce says. She takes a deep breath.
"I spoke to Angel this afternoon he wanted me to tell you both goodbye."
"He left" Dawn says her lower lip trembling
"He had to go back to New York to start his new job" Joyce explains.
"He gave me his email address I'm sure he'd like to hear from you both."
Dawn grins "Can I email him after dinner?"
"Sure" Joyce smiles "I'm sure he'd like that"
"Excuse me" Buffy jumps up running out of the diningroom
'Oh Buffy.'
TBC....
