Title: Star Gazing
Author: Liz
Email: geekgirl33@hotmail.com
Spoilers: AU!!! None really. Buffy's a famous actress, most of her friends are famous in one way or another. Angel is also a famous actor, except him and Buffy don't get along too well. For only a while.
Rating: PG-13, maybe an NC-17 (if I can actually write it)
Pairings: B/A (eventually), X/A, C/D, W/O G/J Some couples might not be mentioned in the story but these are the way the pairings should be.
Distribution: Anyone I send it to is welcome, if you want it take it, just let me know first, it gives me a happy to see my work.
Disclaimer: Obviously, I don't own anything even relating to BTVS or ATS, please don't sue, like you even would after reading this crap.
Author's Notes: I realize now that the beginning of this story could resemble that of "Advantage" by Cat. I just wanted to say that I had begun this story at least a month before Cat began to post her story, it is just by coincidence that we are writing about the same thing. The only reason it has taken me so long to post this story is that I wanted to edit it and make sure that it wasn't a piece of crap first.
Author's Note 2: I'm posting this on FF.net first so I can get some feedback first and then I'll send it out to the lists.
Now, onto the story!
Later that night.
"So Buff, what are you going to wear tonight?" Willow asked worriedly, looking over to her best friend who was still watching TV even though her date was supposed to pick her up in a matter of minutes.
"I don't know, I figured I'd just throw something on. You know, make it look like I don't care." She replied, leaning forward to pay more attention to the television screen.
"Why do you do that Buffy?" Willow asked exhaustedly, while falling onto one of the couches in Buffy's apartment.
"Do what?" Buffy said as she clicked off the TV.
"Make it seem like you don't care, even though I do know that you like him."
"Sorry! Just because I think he's cute doesn't mean I like him!" At Willow's glare, she amended, "alright, alright, I like him. Look, I've never done this before, you know the whole date thing. It's kinda new territory. What am I supposed to do if actually likes me?"
"That's kind of what you have to figure out on your own. That's the whole point of love, not knowing what to do, figuring it out as you go along."
"Thanks Willow, O Wise One." She said smiling. Then looking at the clock she bounded out of her seat on the couch. "Oh my God! I have five minutes! Willow, what am I gonna wear?" She exclaimed pacing back and forth on the carpet.
"Ok, calm down. Let's go see what's in your closet." Willow said as she led the panicking Buffy upstairs. "Ok, he told you to dress us so that should be easy. Don't you have that pinkish orangish knee-length dress? The one with the spaghetti straps? I think that would look perfect, especially with those white flip-flops of yours. With that outfit, how could he resist you?" Willow said, smiling to the still ruffled woman.
"Ok, that sounds good." Buffy said. All of a sudden, a loud chiming broke through the air. "Oh shit! He's early! Willow stall him please? Please?" Buffy begged.
"Of course! Go! Hurry!" Willow insisted while walking down the stairs to answer the door.
"Angel hello!" Willow said as she opened the door.
"Willow." He acknowledged. "Please give my compliments on last night's set to your husband. That was some great music."
"I will. He appreciates all the compliments he gets. Um." Willow said while looking around the front hallway. "Won't you come in? Buffy should be down in a minute or two. Do you want something to drink? Ok, well would you like to sit down or something?" She said after seeing his head shake.
"Sure."
"So. How are you?" Willow asked uncomfortably.
"Good, you?" He asked in return.
"Good" She replied.
They both sat down on the leather couches, each sitting up straight, eyes ahead of them. They continued to sit this way for two awkward minutes before Buffy walked down the stairs.
As Buffy reached the last step, she looked into the living room to see to very uncomfortable people sitting on the couch. "Mmmhmm." She cleared her throat.
"Buffy." Angel said as he stood, looking at the beauty standing at the foot of the stairs.
"Hi." She smiled sheepishly.
"You look great." He said, staring at the dress which showed all the right curves. The outfit stopped just above the knees and dropped just enough to show off a fair amount of cleavage.
"Thanks." Again she smiled. "You look great too."
Angel was dressed in black leather pants, black leather shoes, and a black silk shirt. An outfit that really showed what a true predator he was.
"Are we all ready?" He asked heading towards the door.
"Sure, um, let me get my wrap." She said heading towards the hallway closet. Once she had grabbed her white wrap from the hanger she turned and walked towards the awaiting Angel. "Bye Wills!" She called over her shoulder.
As the door closed behind them, Angel turned around and faced Buffy.
"Oh, before I forget," he paused to pull a single rose out from behind his back. "Here you are." He said placing the rose into Buffy's awaiting fingertips.
"Thank you." She smiled as she smelled the sweet fragrance. "So where are you taking me?" She asked, accepting his outstretched arm.
"Well I figured we'd go to that new restaurant out on the pier, it's called The Palisade. And afterwards a drive up the coast. How does that sound?" He asked, reaching the red sports car.
"That sounds great." She smiled, stepping into the car.
After a thirty minute drive, Angel stopped the car in front of the valet sign at the restaurant. "Here we are." He said as he opened the door and helped Buffy out.
When they stepped inside the door, they were immediately set upon by people asking to hang up their coats. After disposing of Buffy's wrap and Angel's leather jacket that he had donned, the pair headed towards the maitre d'.
"Mr. O'Connell?" The hostess asked. "Your table is all set."
When they reached the table, a nice romantic table with an ocean view, Angel, always the gentleman pulled out Buffy's chair for her and then sat down himself. The way the table was set-up, had Buffy and Angel sitting next to each other, looking out over the
"So what's good here?" Buffy asked looking at the menu.
"I'm not sure. I've heard raves about the Dijon chicken over the rice pilaf." He said, looking over the menu himself.
"Whatever you have, I'll have the same." Buffy said closing her menu and handing it to the waiter.
"Ok, then we'll have the Dijon chicken over the rice pilaf, a spinach salad with vinaigrette on the side and a bottle of your finest cabernet." Angel stated, also closing his menu and handing it to the waiter.
"That sounds delicious, thank you." She smiled.
"Your welcome." He said smiling back at her.
"So. What do you do for fun, I guess? She asked trying to start a conversation.
"Well, I love my job, I wouldn't give it up for the world, but I guess on my spare time I love to go to art shows." He said, taking a sip of the wine that had just arrived.
"Really? Are you an artist?" She asked, also taking a sip of the red wine.
"I try. Mostly I just draw anything that comes to mind. I could show you sometime if you want." Angel said looking deep into Buffy's eyes.
"I'd like that." She smiled.
"So what do you do for fun?" He asked, chuckling.
"Well, on what little spare time I have, I love hanging out with my best friend's son. He's so adorable."
"Who's your best friend?" He asked.
"Besides Willow, it's Xander Harris. We all grew up together." She said, again smiling at the handsome man sitting next to her.
"Oh," he replied. "So do you and Xander hang out often?" He asked, trying not to sound too jealous.
"All the time." When she noticed the look on his face, she asked, "Why do you ask?"
"No reason," he replied, looking around the restaurant.
"Oh good. You know I wouldn't want you to be jealous or anything." She smiled and upon seeing his head snap around to face her she continued. "I mean, Xander, his wife, and their son are so great." She giggled as she saw his reaction to the news that Xander had a wife. "I don't know what I would have done without them when Wills was gone."
"Oh," he replied, just a slight hint of redness appearing in his cheeks.
"Here you go ma'am," the waiter said as he placed her salad in front of her. "Sir." He said, also setting down another plate in front of Angel.
"This looks great." Buffy whispered to Angel.
"It does." He replied biting into the spinach.
They spent the next few minutes in silent, both enjoying the salad that was in front of them. Every now and then, Angel would raise his head slightly to glance at Buffy out of the corner of his eye. Little did he know that Buffy was doing the same thing. Only after they had both done this three times, did they catch each others eye. Buffy immediately lowered her gaze and focused her attention back on her salad, blushing all the while. Angel watched her do this, smiling, amazed at how innocent she was.
After they had eaten their salad, the couple sat in a comfortable silence.
"So, tell me about your life." Angel said out of the blue. "You know, loves, losses, stuff like that."
"Um, ok." Buffy said, again blushing. "Lets see, born in L.A., moved to Sunnydale when my parents divorced, and got into acting a few years back. Losses, um." She paused, contemplating. "When my mother died of a brain tumor, a year and a half ago. Also, I guess when my adopted sister was taken away form me by her real parents. I haven't really seen her since."
"I'm sorry," he said. Grasping Buffy's right hand in his left, looking into her eyes. "I really am."
"Thanks." She said, looking at her hand entwined with his.
"So, you never mentioned anything about any loves." Angel said, trying to find out about any competition he might have.
"Loves, hmm. There would be a big fat zero in that category." She laughed. "Big, bad Buffy the super freak, deterrent of all things male. No boyfriends, nothing even close to one. Even when I'm around any guys it's like someone's yelling 'Virgin Alert'." Again she laughed. "I don't even know why I just told you that."
"Again I'm sorry," Angel said smiling at her. Then leaning in close to her, he whispered into her ear, "but maybe I can change that." When he pulled back, he was graced with a huge blush spreading across Buffy's face.
"So, when's dinner coming?" Angel asked to no one in particular as Buffy, who was still blushing, looked away.
As soon as the words were out of his mouth, two waiters carrying the enormous plates of food arrived.
Once the plates were placed in front of them, Buffy turned to Angel and said, "This looks delicious!"
"I agree." Angel said, staring at Buffy and not the food. When Buffy noticed his constant stare, she smiled and looked back down at her food, blushing all the while.
Again they ate in silence. Each stealing short glances at the other.
After eating half the plate, Buffy placed her fork down and said, "I'm stuffed!"
"Me too," Angel said, also placing his fork down. "What do you say we get this to go and eat dessert later after the drive?" Angel asked.
"That sounds great." Buffy said, watching as Angel signaled the waiter.
Once the food had been boxed up and the bill paid, Angel stood up and pulled out Buffy's chair for her. They both exited the restaurant, arm in arm, grabbing their coats along the way. Again, Angel opened the door for Buffy and helped her into the car.
After he had sat down in the driver's seat and pulled the car out of the driveway of the restaurant, he turned to the woman sitting next to him and asked, "So Ms. Summers, where would you like to go tonight?"
"Well Mr. O'Connell," Buffy replied, mockingly. "Anywhere sounds nice." She smiled.
"Anywhere it is." Angel replied, making a left at the fork in the road. "I know this great spot that you'll love."
"Sounds good." Buffy said, smiling at Angel who was still looking at her. He smiled back at her and continued driving.
Author: Liz
Email: geekgirl33@hotmail.com
Spoilers: AU!!! None really. Buffy's a famous actress, most of her friends are famous in one way or another. Angel is also a famous actor, except him and Buffy don't get along too well. For only a while.
Rating: PG-13, maybe an NC-17 (if I can actually write it)
Pairings: B/A (eventually), X/A, C/D, W/O G/J Some couples might not be mentioned in the story but these are the way the pairings should be.
Distribution: Anyone I send it to is welcome, if you want it take it, just let me know first, it gives me a happy to see my work.
Disclaimer: Obviously, I don't own anything even relating to BTVS or ATS, please don't sue, like you even would after reading this crap.
Author's Notes: I realize now that the beginning of this story could resemble that of "Advantage" by Cat. I just wanted to say that I had begun this story at least a month before Cat began to post her story, it is just by coincidence that we are writing about the same thing. The only reason it has taken me so long to post this story is that I wanted to edit it and make sure that it wasn't a piece of crap first.
Author's Note 2: I'm posting this on FF.net first so I can get some feedback first and then I'll send it out to the lists.
Now, onto the story!
Later that night.
"So Buff, what are you going to wear tonight?" Willow asked worriedly, looking over to her best friend who was still watching TV even though her date was supposed to pick her up in a matter of minutes.
"I don't know, I figured I'd just throw something on. You know, make it look like I don't care." She replied, leaning forward to pay more attention to the television screen.
"Why do you do that Buffy?" Willow asked exhaustedly, while falling onto one of the couches in Buffy's apartment.
"Do what?" Buffy said as she clicked off the TV.
"Make it seem like you don't care, even though I do know that you like him."
"Sorry! Just because I think he's cute doesn't mean I like him!" At Willow's glare, she amended, "alright, alright, I like him. Look, I've never done this before, you know the whole date thing. It's kinda new territory. What am I supposed to do if actually likes me?"
"That's kind of what you have to figure out on your own. That's the whole point of love, not knowing what to do, figuring it out as you go along."
"Thanks Willow, O Wise One." She said smiling. Then looking at the clock she bounded out of her seat on the couch. "Oh my God! I have five minutes! Willow, what am I gonna wear?" She exclaimed pacing back and forth on the carpet.
"Ok, calm down. Let's go see what's in your closet." Willow said as she led the panicking Buffy upstairs. "Ok, he told you to dress us so that should be easy. Don't you have that pinkish orangish knee-length dress? The one with the spaghetti straps? I think that would look perfect, especially with those white flip-flops of yours. With that outfit, how could he resist you?" Willow said, smiling to the still ruffled woman.
"Ok, that sounds good." Buffy said. All of a sudden, a loud chiming broke through the air. "Oh shit! He's early! Willow stall him please? Please?" Buffy begged.
"Of course! Go! Hurry!" Willow insisted while walking down the stairs to answer the door.
"Angel hello!" Willow said as she opened the door.
"Willow." He acknowledged. "Please give my compliments on last night's set to your husband. That was some great music."
"I will. He appreciates all the compliments he gets. Um." Willow said while looking around the front hallway. "Won't you come in? Buffy should be down in a minute or two. Do you want something to drink? Ok, well would you like to sit down or something?" She said after seeing his head shake.
"Sure."
"So. How are you?" Willow asked uncomfortably.
"Good, you?" He asked in return.
"Good" She replied.
They both sat down on the leather couches, each sitting up straight, eyes ahead of them. They continued to sit this way for two awkward minutes before Buffy walked down the stairs.
As Buffy reached the last step, she looked into the living room to see to very uncomfortable people sitting on the couch. "Mmmhmm." She cleared her throat.
"Buffy." Angel said as he stood, looking at the beauty standing at the foot of the stairs.
"Hi." She smiled sheepishly.
"You look great." He said, staring at the dress which showed all the right curves. The outfit stopped just above the knees and dropped just enough to show off a fair amount of cleavage.
"Thanks." Again she smiled. "You look great too."
Angel was dressed in black leather pants, black leather shoes, and a black silk shirt. An outfit that really showed what a true predator he was.
"Are we all ready?" He asked heading towards the door.
"Sure, um, let me get my wrap." She said heading towards the hallway closet. Once she had grabbed her white wrap from the hanger she turned and walked towards the awaiting Angel. "Bye Wills!" She called over her shoulder.
As the door closed behind them, Angel turned around and faced Buffy.
"Oh, before I forget," he paused to pull a single rose out from behind his back. "Here you are." He said placing the rose into Buffy's awaiting fingertips.
"Thank you." She smiled as she smelled the sweet fragrance. "So where are you taking me?" She asked, accepting his outstretched arm.
"Well I figured we'd go to that new restaurant out on the pier, it's called The Palisade. And afterwards a drive up the coast. How does that sound?" He asked, reaching the red sports car.
"That sounds great." She smiled, stepping into the car.
After a thirty minute drive, Angel stopped the car in front of the valet sign at the restaurant. "Here we are." He said as he opened the door and helped Buffy out.
When they stepped inside the door, they were immediately set upon by people asking to hang up their coats. After disposing of Buffy's wrap and Angel's leather jacket that he had donned, the pair headed towards the maitre d'.
"Mr. O'Connell?" The hostess asked. "Your table is all set."
When they reached the table, a nice romantic table with an ocean view, Angel, always the gentleman pulled out Buffy's chair for her and then sat down himself. The way the table was set-up, had Buffy and Angel sitting next to each other, looking out over the
"So what's good here?" Buffy asked looking at the menu.
"I'm not sure. I've heard raves about the Dijon chicken over the rice pilaf." He said, looking over the menu himself.
"Whatever you have, I'll have the same." Buffy said closing her menu and handing it to the waiter.
"Ok, then we'll have the Dijon chicken over the rice pilaf, a spinach salad with vinaigrette on the side and a bottle of your finest cabernet." Angel stated, also closing his menu and handing it to the waiter.
"That sounds delicious, thank you." She smiled.
"Your welcome." He said smiling back at her.
"So. What do you do for fun, I guess? She asked trying to start a conversation.
"Well, I love my job, I wouldn't give it up for the world, but I guess on my spare time I love to go to art shows." He said, taking a sip of the wine that had just arrived.
"Really? Are you an artist?" She asked, also taking a sip of the red wine.
"I try. Mostly I just draw anything that comes to mind. I could show you sometime if you want." Angel said looking deep into Buffy's eyes.
"I'd like that." She smiled.
"So what do you do for fun?" He asked, chuckling.
"Well, on what little spare time I have, I love hanging out with my best friend's son. He's so adorable."
"Who's your best friend?" He asked.
"Besides Willow, it's Xander Harris. We all grew up together." She said, again smiling at the handsome man sitting next to her.
"Oh," he replied. "So do you and Xander hang out often?" He asked, trying not to sound too jealous.
"All the time." When she noticed the look on his face, she asked, "Why do you ask?"
"No reason," he replied, looking around the restaurant.
"Oh good. You know I wouldn't want you to be jealous or anything." She smiled and upon seeing his head snap around to face her she continued. "I mean, Xander, his wife, and their son are so great." She giggled as she saw his reaction to the news that Xander had a wife. "I don't know what I would have done without them when Wills was gone."
"Oh," he replied, just a slight hint of redness appearing in his cheeks.
"Here you go ma'am," the waiter said as he placed her salad in front of her. "Sir." He said, also setting down another plate in front of Angel.
"This looks great." Buffy whispered to Angel.
"It does." He replied biting into the spinach.
They spent the next few minutes in silent, both enjoying the salad that was in front of them. Every now and then, Angel would raise his head slightly to glance at Buffy out of the corner of his eye. Little did he know that Buffy was doing the same thing. Only after they had both done this three times, did they catch each others eye. Buffy immediately lowered her gaze and focused her attention back on her salad, blushing all the while. Angel watched her do this, smiling, amazed at how innocent she was.
After they had eaten their salad, the couple sat in a comfortable silence.
"So, tell me about your life." Angel said out of the blue. "You know, loves, losses, stuff like that."
"Um, ok." Buffy said, again blushing. "Lets see, born in L.A., moved to Sunnydale when my parents divorced, and got into acting a few years back. Losses, um." She paused, contemplating. "When my mother died of a brain tumor, a year and a half ago. Also, I guess when my adopted sister was taken away form me by her real parents. I haven't really seen her since."
"I'm sorry," he said. Grasping Buffy's right hand in his left, looking into her eyes. "I really am."
"Thanks." She said, looking at her hand entwined with his.
"So, you never mentioned anything about any loves." Angel said, trying to find out about any competition he might have.
"Loves, hmm. There would be a big fat zero in that category." She laughed. "Big, bad Buffy the super freak, deterrent of all things male. No boyfriends, nothing even close to one. Even when I'm around any guys it's like someone's yelling 'Virgin Alert'." Again she laughed. "I don't even know why I just told you that."
"Again I'm sorry," Angel said smiling at her. Then leaning in close to her, he whispered into her ear, "but maybe I can change that." When he pulled back, he was graced with a huge blush spreading across Buffy's face.
"So, when's dinner coming?" Angel asked to no one in particular as Buffy, who was still blushing, looked away.
As soon as the words were out of his mouth, two waiters carrying the enormous plates of food arrived.
Once the plates were placed in front of them, Buffy turned to Angel and said, "This looks delicious!"
"I agree." Angel said, staring at Buffy and not the food. When Buffy noticed his constant stare, she smiled and looked back down at her food, blushing all the while.
Again they ate in silence. Each stealing short glances at the other.
After eating half the plate, Buffy placed her fork down and said, "I'm stuffed!"
"Me too," Angel said, also placing his fork down. "What do you say we get this to go and eat dessert later after the drive?" Angel asked.
"That sounds great." Buffy said, watching as Angel signaled the waiter.
Once the food had been boxed up and the bill paid, Angel stood up and pulled out Buffy's chair for her. They both exited the restaurant, arm in arm, grabbing their coats along the way. Again, Angel opened the door for Buffy and helped her into the car.
After he had sat down in the driver's seat and pulled the car out of the driveway of the restaurant, he turned to the woman sitting next to him and asked, "So Ms. Summers, where would you like to go tonight?"
"Well Mr. O'Connell," Buffy replied, mockingly. "Anywhere sounds nice." She smiled.
"Anywhere it is." Angel replied, making a left at the fork in the road. "I know this great spot that you'll love."
"Sounds good." Buffy said, smiling at Angel who was still looking at her. He smiled back at her and continued driving.