Part 7
February 14, 2002
It was Valentine's Day, and now, Buffy had someone to spend it with.
She was in Angel's apartment, in the kitchen, scooping some ice cream. She thought that she might as well get something to eat while he slept after their little "study session."
Angel peeked into the kitchen, finding his girlfriend of almost a month, getting herself some ice cream, her back facing him.
He mischievously grinned and stealthily walked behind her and grabbed her by the waist, hugging her tightly. She let out a shriek and a giggle.
He propped his chin on her shoulder while she reached back a hand to stroke his hair.
"Excuse me, but who said you can leave my bed, steal one of my shirts, and then raid my fridge? he playfully demanded.
"Mmm...Girlfriendly rights." She removed her hand from his hair and picked up her ice cream and started eating.
He turned her around and sat her on the counter, standing in between her legs. "And what exactly are my boyfriendly rights?"
She held the spoon to his lips and he gradually accepted it, she swooped in for a kiss, then whispered to him on how privileged he was. He playfully growled at her and gave her another kiss, but a brief one, letting her finish her snack. He turned around and leaned on the counter top and she wrapped her legs round his waist.
After she was done, they stayed in the position they were in. With their hands linked across Angel's abdomen, Angel running his thumb over her ring.
He gave her a matching claddaugh ring for Valentine's Day and then told her he loved her, and somehow ended up in his apartment; particularly in the bedroom.
Angel turned back around, facing her. He leaned in and whispered, "You're mine forever."
"Forever," she repeated, "I love you."
He pressed their foreheads together. " I love you," he responded.
*~*~
January 22, 2003
Angel stepped into the boutique Buffy worked in. He always stopped by from time to time while she was working.
He spotted his girlfriend behind the counter. A bleach-blonde haired man was leaning on the counter top, flirting with her like there was no tomorrow. Buffy looked annoyed, but made no move to stop it.
Angel just ignored it, *I trust Buffy. She wouldn't cheat on me* But the devil on his other shoulder begged to differ. *But you trusted Darla and she cheated on you. What makes this any different?* He shook his head and thought it as ridiculous. It was different with Buffy because he actually loved her. And besides, unlike Darla, Buffy's not a whore.
He decided to make his presence known by calling out, "Hey Baby."
Buffy looked up surprised, called her co-worker Tara to take over, and walked into her boyfriend's open arms. He gave her a powerful kiss. She smiled brightly at him when the kiss ended. "Happy anniversary."
It was their one year anniversary for when they became an official couple.
"Mmm...Happy anniversary." He leaned in and gave her a gentle, short kiss. "So, are you gonna tell me who that is?"
"Who?" Buffy asked confused. Her brow furrowed. Angel nodded passed her, she looked over her shoulder and realized he was talking about that blonde man. She forgot he was even there. He still leaned on the counter, but now facing the couple, sizing Angel up, deciding whether or not he could take him.
Buffy turned back to her lover, "Oh, that's just Spike. He's in some of my classes. He likes to hang around me a lot."
Angel tightened his arms around her waist. He saw something in her eyes while she was talking about Spike. It was about the same look Darla had in her eyes when they were going out. He brushed it off, *Geez Angel, you need to stop being all paranoid.*
"Dinner at my house?" Buffy made sure.
Angel smirked, "And then some."
Buffy playfully slapped his shoulder. "So what'd you get me?"
Angel chuckled, "I'm not telling you." She gave him a pout. He shook his head. "Nah-uh. Not gonna work."
She sighed, "Fine, but tell me if I'll like it."
"If you love me you'll like it."
Buffy playfully cringed and teased him, "Then you're telling me that it's a crap gift?"
He mock-glared at his girlfriend and started to tickle her. "Are you gonna take that back?"
While laughing, she managed out, "Yes...Yes...I....love you." He gathered her back into his arms and gave her a kiss. He decided that tonight was the night. He was going to pop the question. He had been debating over it for a week. And during that week, he decided he was going to ask her to marry him tonight. He loved her more than anything.
They broke apart and Buffy groaned, "I'm sorry Baby, but I have to go back to work." She slid her hands from his neck to his chest.
He sighed but didn't release her. "Fine. I'll let you go. I mean, if you HAVE to make a living."
She giggled, "Aaw...Baby, don't worry. I'll make it up to you." She kissed him briefly to prove her point.
"Mmm...looking forward to it." He slid his hands lower and pinched her, making her yelp.
She swatted his hand away. "You. Save it."
He chuckled and finally let go and held up his hands, surrendering, "You win," he opened the door, but then turned back around, "I love you."
"Love you, too." With that he turned and left.
*~*~
Present Day
Xander and Buffy sat in a secluded part of the party, sharing a bottle of tequila. They weren't quite drunk yet, but on the verge of being way hammered.
"So, why have you decided to get drunk with me?" Buffy asked Xander while taking a shot.
He waited a moment before answering, "If I tell you, you can't tell ANYBODY. Not Willow or Cordelia. Especially Cordelia. Can I trust you?"
"Of course you can, Xand," she answered, patting his hand.
He looked around to see if anybody was listening, when the coast was clear he rushed through his sentence. "I'mStillInLoveWithCordy."
Buffy looked at him wide-eyed, "Duh-what?!"
"Yeah. Can't stand seeing Cordelia with Angel. I thought the alcohol would cleanse my thoughts about the ugly love they share." He shot down a glass and his face screwed up." Whoo. Good stuff."
"Oh my gosh, Xander. Did you tell her?"
"Yep. Said she loved me, too. But was too far into the engagement and didn't wanna tell Angel. So what about this Andy?"
Buffy took a shot and her face did the same as Xander's, and she refilled again, "I have a similar secret to yours."
"Shoot." Xander prodded Buffy on.
"His name isn't Andy. It's," she lowered her voice, "it's Angel."
Xander looked surprised, "You're kidding?!" Buffy shook her head, "You knew TWO guys named Angel?! How often does that happen?"
"No. Xander, I only knew one."
"Oh.OH!"
"Yup. Cordelia Chase has MY scraps. Look at the irony there."
"I'm sorry Buff."
"We just have to try and live through this. Even if it does tear us apart." Buffy slumped into the couch next to Xander. They were now sitted int he same position, shot glass in hand. Looking straight ahead, they saw Angel and Cordelia open wedding presents, and then hugging and kissing. Seeing this, Xander and Buffy simultaneously shot down their tequila and screwed up their faces.
After a moment, they looked at each other and Xander stated, "Our lives suck." They looked ahead again, and Buffy nodded in response.
They saw the engaged couple open a gift that was a toaster and kiss again. Buffy reached for the bottle, realized it was half empty, and turned to Xander and said, "We need another bottle they're gonna keep doing that after every gift."
"Don't worry," Xander smirked mischievously, "They won't kiss after my gift. I gave Angel a blow up doll and Cordy a vibrator." He waggled his eyebrows, and Buffy giggled, giving him a high five.
As if on cue, from across the room, Cordelia yelled angrily, "XANDER!!" The drinking buddies looked ahead and saw Angel and Cordelia glaring at them, and most of the guests trying to keep in laughter. Xander lifted his glass up to them, smiling, and chugged it down. Buffy hid her face on Xander's shoulder, giggling hysterically. He whispered to her, "I wrote on the card, 'For when you need help to complete the satisfaction. I got extras in the closet when you run them down.' " That made Buffy laugh harder.
*~*~
After finishing their first bottle, they just resided on just drinking from their own bottle.
All the guests had left; the only people there were the two drunken people, Angel and Cordelia, Willow and Oz, Giles and Dawn, and Angel and Cordelia's 3 co-workers Gunn, Fred, and Wesley.
They were talking on one side of the room, while Buffy and Xander talked to each other in their drunken slur.
"Well, we're gonna head out." Gunn alleged standing up. Wesley and Fred stood up as well.
"Tell Buffy it was nice meeting her." Fred said.
"Yes," Wesley added, "She's a nice woman."
"They can all FUCK themselves," rang a drunken female voice from the other side of the room.
"Uh, well going seems like a good idea," Oz stated while getting up and pulling his wife up with him.
"Yeah. Little Oz needs some sleep," Willow agreed.
"We'll be heading off, too," Giles added, "Um, Cordelia, take care of Buffy, would you?"
Cordelia nodded.
"'Bye Buffy. 'Night Xander," Dawn yelled to the drunken couple.
In response, they lifted up their bottles and exclaimed, "Heeey," and took a swig.
The 7 walked out the building, leaving Cordelia and Angel with Buffy and Xander.
"Hey! It's the Fluffy Wuffy couple!" Xander exclaimed when Angel and Cordelia stood in front of them.
Buffy pointed at Angel, "Bastard." She and Xander fell into a fit of giggles.
Cordelia rolled her eyes, not catching on to why Buffy called him a bastard and why it was so funny, and then turned to Angel, "Listen, I'm gonna take Xander home. I'll be back for Buffy in like half an hour. Can you handle her?"
"W-why can't you just take them both?" Angel was mortified that he had to be alone with her.
"'Cause I can't handle 2 drunks."
"Don't worry, Angel," Buffy stumbled to get up and faced Angel, "I won't bite," She then lowered her voice, "At least not anymore. I can't do that to you anymore since you're marrying my best friend. Too bad. loved hearing you growl." She sat back down next to Xander and satisfyingly smiled.
Angel turned to Cordelia, "I'll take him. He's on my way."
She shook her head, "Nah. I have to have a talk with Alcoholic #1 there. Watch Buffy for me, please?" She tried to talk over the drunks' rendition of "Oops...I did it Again." She leant in and gave him a kiss. The two singers immediately stopped their song to make disgusted noises and booing sounds.
Angel gave in and told Cordelia he would watch over Buffy.
Cordelia pulled Xander up from the couch and dragged him to the door while Buffy called to him, "'Bye Xand. Remember, it's a secret."
"You too." He put his finger to his lips and made a shooshing noise, and Cordelia finally dragged him out the door.
Angel looked at the clock and took a deep breath. He turned around and was shocked to see Buffy standing right behind him.
She was just staring at him. After a few moments she said and chuckled, "You're a jerk." Angel just stared at him wordlessly. She continued, "You left me when you said it would be forever." After she said that, she made a mad dash for the bathroom, throwing up whatever she had that day.
February 14, 2002
It was Valentine's Day, and now, Buffy had someone to spend it with.
She was in Angel's apartment, in the kitchen, scooping some ice cream. She thought that she might as well get something to eat while he slept after their little "study session."
Angel peeked into the kitchen, finding his girlfriend of almost a month, getting herself some ice cream, her back facing him.
He mischievously grinned and stealthily walked behind her and grabbed her by the waist, hugging her tightly. She let out a shriek and a giggle.
He propped his chin on her shoulder while she reached back a hand to stroke his hair.
"Excuse me, but who said you can leave my bed, steal one of my shirts, and then raid my fridge? he playfully demanded.
"Mmm...Girlfriendly rights." She removed her hand from his hair and picked up her ice cream and started eating.
He turned her around and sat her on the counter, standing in between her legs. "And what exactly are my boyfriendly rights?"
She held the spoon to his lips and he gradually accepted it, she swooped in for a kiss, then whispered to him on how privileged he was. He playfully growled at her and gave her another kiss, but a brief one, letting her finish her snack. He turned around and leaned on the counter top and she wrapped her legs round his waist.
After she was done, they stayed in the position they were in. With their hands linked across Angel's abdomen, Angel running his thumb over her ring.
He gave her a matching claddaugh ring for Valentine's Day and then told her he loved her, and somehow ended up in his apartment; particularly in the bedroom.
Angel turned back around, facing her. He leaned in and whispered, "You're mine forever."
"Forever," she repeated, "I love you."
He pressed their foreheads together. " I love you," he responded.
*~*~
January 22, 2003
Angel stepped into the boutique Buffy worked in. He always stopped by from time to time while she was working.
He spotted his girlfriend behind the counter. A bleach-blonde haired man was leaning on the counter top, flirting with her like there was no tomorrow. Buffy looked annoyed, but made no move to stop it.
Angel just ignored it, *I trust Buffy. She wouldn't cheat on me* But the devil on his other shoulder begged to differ. *But you trusted Darla and she cheated on you. What makes this any different?* He shook his head and thought it as ridiculous. It was different with Buffy because he actually loved her. And besides, unlike Darla, Buffy's not a whore.
He decided to make his presence known by calling out, "Hey Baby."
Buffy looked up surprised, called her co-worker Tara to take over, and walked into her boyfriend's open arms. He gave her a powerful kiss. She smiled brightly at him when the kiss ended. "Happy anniversary."
It was their one year anniversary for when they became an official couple.
"Mmm...Happy anniversary." He leaned in and gave her a gentle, short kiss. "So, are you gonna tell me who that is?"
"Who?" Buffy asked confused. Her brow furrowed. Angel nodded passed her, she looked over her shoulder and realized he was talking about that blonde man. She forgot he was even there. He still leaned on the counter, but now facing the couple, sizing Angel up, deciding whether or not he could take him.
Buffy turned back to her lover, "Oh, that's just Spike. He's in some of my classes. He likes to hang around me a lot."
Angel tightened his arms around her waist. He saw something in her eyes while she was talking about Spike. It was about the same look Darla had in her eyes when they were going out. He brushed it off, *Geez Angel, you need to stop being all paranoid.*
"Dinner at my house?" Buffy made sure.
Angel smirked, "And then some."
Buffy playfully slapped his shoulder. "So what'd you get me?"
Angel chuckled, "I'm not telling you." She gave him a pout. He shook his head. "Nah-uh. Not gonna work."
She sighed, "Fine, but tell me if I'll like it."
"If you love me you'll like it."
Buffy playfully cringed and teased him, "Then you're telling me that it's a crap gift?"
He mock-glared at his girlfriend and started to tickle her. "Are you gonna take that back?"
While laughing, she managed out, "Yes...Yes...I....love you." He gathered her back into his arms and gave her a kiss. He decided that tonight was the night. He was going to pop the question. He had been debating over it for a week. And during that week, he decided he was going to ask her to marry him tonight. He loved her more than anything.
They broke apart and Buffy groaned, "I'm sorry Baby, but I have to go back to work." She slid her hands from his neck to his chest.
He sighed but didn't release her. "Fine. I'll let you go. I mean, if you HAVE to make a living."
She giggled, "Aaw...Baby, don't worry. I'll make it up to you." She kissed him briefly to prove her point.
"Mmm...looking forward to it." He slid his hands lower and pinched her, making her yelp.
She swatted his hand away. "You. Save it."
He chuckled and finally let go and held up his hands, surrendering, "You win," he opened the door, but then turned back around, "I love you."
"Love you, too." With that he turned and left.
*~*~
Present Day
Xander and Buffy sat in a secluded part of the party, sharing a bottle of tequila. They weren't quite drunk yet, but on the verge of being way hammered.
"So, why have you decided to get drunk with me?" Buffy asked Xander while taking a shot.
He waited a moment before answering, "If I tell you, you can't tell ANYBODY. Not Willow or Cordelia. Especially Cordelia. Can I trust you?"
"Of course you can, Xand," she answered, patting his hand.
He looked around to see if anybody was listening, when the coast was clear he rushed through his sentence. "I'mStillInLoveWithCordy."
Buffy looked at him wide-eyed, "Duh-what?!"
"Yeah. Can't stand seeing Cordelia with Angel. I thought the alcohol would cleanse my thoughts about the ugly love they share." He shot down a glass and his face screwed up." Whoo. Good stuff."
"Oh my gosh, Xander. Did you tell her?"
"Yep. Said she loved me, too. But was too far into the engagement and didn't wanna tell Angel. So what about this Andy?"
Buffy took a shot and her face did the same as Xander's, and she refilled again, "I have a similar secret to yours."
"Shoot." Xander prodded Buffy on.
"His name isn't Andy. It's," she lowered her voice, "it's Angel."
Xander looked surprised, "You're kidding?!" Buffy shook her head, "You knew TWO guys named Angel?! How often does that happen?"
"No. Xander, I only knew one."
"Oh.OH!"
"Yup. Cordelia Chase has MY scraps. Look at the irony there."
"I'm sorry Buff."
"We just have to try and live through this. Even if it does tear us apart." Buffy slumped into the couch next to Xander. They were now sitted int he same position, shot glass in hand. Looking straight ahead, they saw Angel and Cordelia open wedding presents, and then hugging and kissing. Seeing this, Xander and Buffy simultaneously shot down their tequila and screwed up their faces.
After a moment, they looked at each other and Xander stated, "Our lives suck." They looked ahead again, and Buffy nodded in response.
They saw the engaged couple open a gift that was a toaster and kiss again. Buffy reached for the bottle, realized it was half empty, and turned to Xander and said, "We need another bottle they're gonna keep doing that after every gift."
"Don't worry," Xander smirked mischievously, "They won't kiss after my gift. I gave Angel a blow up doll and Cordy a vibrator." He waggled his eyebrows, and Buffy giggled, giving him a high five.
As if on cue, from across the room, Cordelia yelled angrily, "XANDER!!" The drinking buddies looked ahead and saw Angel and Cordelia glaring at them, and most of the guests trying to keep in laughter. Xander lifted his glass up to them, smiling, and chugged it down. Buffy hid her face on Xander's shoulder, giggling hysterically. He whispered to her, "I wrote on the card, 'For when you need help to complete the satisfaction. I got extras in the closet when you run them down.' " That made Buffy laugh harder.
*~*~
After finishing their first bottle, they just resided on just drinking from their own bottle.
All the guests had left; the only people there were the two drunken people, Angel and Cordelia, Willow and Oz, Giles and Dawn, and Angel and Cordelia's 3 co-workers Gunn, Fred, and Wesley.
They were talking on one side of the room, while Buffy and Xander talked to each other in their drunken slur.
"Well, we're gonna head out." Gunn alleged standing up. Wesley and Fred stood up as well.
"Tell Buffy it was nice meeting her." Fred said.
"Yes," Wesley added, "She's a nice woman."
"They can all FUCK themselves," rang a drunken female voice from the other side of the room.
"Uh, well going seems like a good idea," Oz stated while getting up and pulling his wife up with him.
"Yeah. Little Oz needs some sleep," Willow agreed.
"We'll be heading off, too," Giles added, "Um, Cordelia, take care of Buffy, would you?"
Cordelia nodded.
"'Bye Buffy. 'Night Xander," Dawn yelled to the drunken couple.
In response, they lifted up their bottles and exclaimed, "Heeey," and took a swig.
The 7 walked out the building, leaving Cordelia and Angel with Buffy and Xander.
"Hey! It's the Fluffy Wuffy couple!" Xander exclaimed when Angel and Cordelia stood in front of them.
Buffy pointed at Angel, "Bastard." She and Xander fell into a fit of giggles.
Cordelia rolled her eyes, not catching on to why Buffy called him a bastard and why it was so funny, and then turned to Angel, "Listen, I'm gonna take Xander home. I'll be back for Buffy in like half an hour. Can you handle her?"
"W-why can't you just take them both?" Angel was mortified that he had to be alone with her.
"'Cause I can't handle 2 drunks."
"Don't worry, Angel," Buffy stumbled to get up and faced Angel, "I won't bite," She then lowered her voice, "At least not anymore. I can't do that to you anymore since you're marrying my best friend. Too bad. loved hearing you growl." She sat back down next to Xander and satisfyingly smiled.
Angel turned to Cordelia, "I'll take him. He's on my way."
She shook her head, "Nah. I have to have a talk with Alcoholic #1 there. Watch Buffy for me, please?" She tried to talk over the drunks' rendition of "Oops...I did it Again." She leant in and gave him a kiss. The two singers immediately stopped their song to make disgusted noises and booing sounds.
Angel gave in and told Cordelia he would watch over Buffy.
Cordelia pulled Xander up from the couch and dragged him to the door while Buffy called to him, "'Bye Xand. Remember, it's a secret."
"You too." He put his finger to his lips and made a shooshing noise, and Cordelia finally dragged him out the door.
Angel looked at the clock and took a deep breath. He turned around and was shocked to see Buffy standing right behind him.
She was just staring at him. After a few moments she said and chuckled, "You're a jerk." Angel just stared at him wordlessly. She continued, "You left me when you said it would be forever." After she said that, she made a mad dash for the bathroom, throwing up whatever she had that day.