"Reality is for people who lack imagination." -- Anonymous

TITLE: Complex Cycles 4c

AUTHOR: Leni

DISCLAIMER and NOTES in 4a

RATING: *Very* mild R for the first and last scene. (Hey! We're talking about torture in that first scene! Not even the *concept* is PG!) The rest of it is PG for mild swearing.

FEEDBACK: Uhmm... be sure that I *really* want to write the next chapter... Also, be sure that I *won't* do it if nobody is interested in the story. Being no psychic, I guess you'll have to tell me yourself if you're interested or not. dani_vasq@hotmail.com , a_d_v_v@yahoo.com.ar

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What happened in Chapter 4b? Willow and Tara discover that the vampire whose blood they took is indeed *very* powerful. On the good side, it enhanced the results of the protection spell; on the bad, now they have a strong enemy in their hands... Anya's news' about Cordelia and Xander finally reach Xander's ears via Larry (who's been forgiven' by Harmony) Joyce and Henry Duncan (Darla's parents) argue about each other's handling of Darla. Darla is sure that divorce, or at least separation, is soon to follow. Veruca and Oz go on their first date. Both seem to click' together and Oz is seriously wondering if she is THE ONE. Buffy convinces' Angelus not to kill Giles. Ford is sent to retrieve the Watcher. Angelus decides to bring Giles' meal' to their room and play' with her. Buffy is quite thrilled with the idea...

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"How does it feel to be taken by Angelus?" she purred insistently.

A strangled sound was her answer.

Buffy smirked up at her lover. "Yeah, I understand." She traced a line through the girl's back. No reaction. "I also was beyond intelligible words after the first time." Her finger was closely followed by Angelus' knife. No reaction.

"Poor lost girl," she repeated. And arranged the dark tresses around the lovely face. It is still lovely, Buffy thought, now if she would open her eyes and let her see those lovely brown eyes one last time...

"She was lucky to find us," Angelus said from behind the girl's body, "and that the Watcher isn't her to reclaim her. So much fun in such a small body---" Angelus chuckled and retraced the bloody path. He admired their joint work. Buffy had created an antic Celtic design on the girl's skin. No doubt to please him...

"Very lucky, indeed." She paused for a moment. "What shall we do with her, Angelus?"

He shrugged. "Finish her off and have the boys dispose of what's left, of course."

"Of course," Buffy drawled. She suddenly stopped the course of the knife causing Angelus to look at her. "I have an idea," she started. Angelus nodded. "Ford has been pestering me about not getting a reprieve." She caressed the teenager's cheek. She didn't even flinch away. "I thought that maybe a new toy would please him..."

"He doesn't deserve one," he cut her off quickly.

She took the knife from his hand and brought it to the girl's shoulder. "He's served us well these last moths during our travel," she said absently.

"Those were special circumstances." Angelus knew perfectly that absent' was not her true state of mind at the moment, she was surely looking for the fastest way to bend him to her whims... He wanted to see what she had to offer in exchange... "And he has also failed many times." That had been a hard month, he remembered. After meeting a skilful Hunter in New York and losing nearly half of his men, he had been forced to hire mercenary demons to protect him and Buffy during the retreat. "He brought to our service two Hifghy demons who ultimately betrayed us," he reminded her. The two bulky green creatures had tipped the Hunter on their location in exchange for a large amount of money and even accompanied him in the assault.

"And Ford killed them nearly single-handedly," she countered. She could still remember the desperate fight in front of her chambers just as Angelus and some remaining minions chained the Hunter to their bed. She had also made him shiver as she passed a sharp knife along his earlobe... She did not intend to cut the girl's off, though...

Angelus eyed his goddess for some seconds and finally relented. It would do no harm to keep that old pest satisfied, after all. Besides, he had already been planning on giving Buffy's protegé a reminder of his power. Another girl destroyed by him would be perfect, and it actually would leave Ford untortured until the next time he became too cocky... "Fine, the girl is his." He smiled as he felt her tremble when his fingers rubbed against her breasts. They rapidly travelled from hers to Buffy's. "But you are only mine." His smirk was still there.

Just as Buffy's was.

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"Cordy?"

"Xander?" she asked disbelieving. Well, it wasn't as if they had exchanged phone numbers out of undying friendship. Call me if there's an Apocalypse' had been more of it. "Are you crazy? What do you think you are doing?"

Typical Cordelia. No Hi' or How you doing?'. Straight to the point. "Sheesh, don't worry so much. This is not a social call, not in the strictest sense at least." Unless she considered a social call the one where he'd tell her that they were supposed to be together. Where the hell could they have gotten that idea from?

"Is that supposed to calm me?" He could hear a sigh. "Ok. You already called. May as well say what you want. "

"Thanks for your kindness, your Bitc...er... I mean... you *Majesty*." Better not to anger her right now. He wanted that rumour over as soon as possible. He had a reputation to maintain! And going out with callous, stuck up girl was not part of it. Yeah, of course, the same callous' girl who cried in your lap just some nights ago... He cleared his throat. "Well..." How was he supposed to tell *her*, Mrs I'm.So.Popular.I.Don't.Want.Anyone.To.See.You.With.Me, that people at school believed them to be together. Together! He just knew that Cordelia wouldn't like it. He was gonna kill whoever started that rumour.

"Well?"

"Larry called some minutes ago. He said that... that... oh shit!" No way. No how. His brain just refused to tell her. Maybe he could send her a card?

"Larry? He called *you*?"

Just typical. Let her worry about his social life. What was the problem if Larry called him or not?! "Yes. What's so strange about that." The question was idiotic and he knew it.

"Well, considering that he tried to pummel you a couple of times last year..."

Yeah, a couple of times each month, maybe. That bulldog With the pardon of those sweet doggies. had stopped harassing him when he started giving him particular classes. At least being a geek' had saved his skin. "Things change... and that's not why I called you. He told me some interesting things... He says everybody already knows it and I thought that you sure didn't cuz you are still breathing calmly and all..."

"Did you call me to gossip? This sounds like brainwashing. Wait. You *aren't* brainwashed, are you, Harris."

"No!" But I think the whole school is. Why else would they think that *you* and *me*...? He took a deep breath. "I just wanted to tell you that Larry said that Harm told him that..."

"She forgave everything and would love to go with him to the dance. I already know it."

"No! You don't know anything! If you did you wouldn't be talking so quietly with me!"

"Sheesh, calm down, Xand. No need to get so altered! You know? I already lost five precious minutes talking with you. I still have to call Darla and convince her to go with me to the Bronze. Bye, Xander."

"Wait. Don't hang up!" he practically yelled into the phone. As usual with Cordelia she didn't pay him any attention.

For the second time that day, only the dial tone answered him.

"Shit!" Well, at least he knew where she would be tonight. Bronze, there he went!

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They were still strolling through the park when the idea dawned on him Why not? He turned to her and took her hand in his. Some minutes later they had both an ice-cone in their free hands, the other one busy holding their companion's.

It felt so good to have Veruca at his side, it was as if she was a missing part of his conscience, of his soul. She was what he had lacked to be whole.

Devon would say that he had the hots for her. He wouldn't be wrong, but then... there was so much more when he took her hand.

Could this be love?

Five minutes later, Oz was confused yet pleased. He didn't know who had started it but now his lips were on hers. She tasted like strawberries and vanilla, he noted. If holding her hand had felt perfect then there was only one word for this kiss: divine. He laughed at his corny choice of words.

The laugh caused her to pull back and look at him. He caressed her red curls and smiled without saying a word. She blushed but leaned into his hand as he cupped her cheek.

He kissed her again.

Oz had the feeling that this time there was no turning back.

Minutes later, a lifetime for him, she told him that she had to go back. The sun was setting and her Dad would kill her if she arrived home after nightfall.

Oz shrugged and offered to accompany her home.

She just smiled happily and nodded.

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RING

RING

Darla looked at the phone as if it was her enemy. She certainly needed the distraction right now but at the same time she wanted to be left alone.

Maybe she would let one of her parents answer it. No. What if it interrupted another row and the poor person on the other side paid the consequences? It had already happened, after all. Yeah, and I had Xander bugging for a whole week about my father hating him.

RING

With a sigh she picked up the phone and brought it to her ear. "Hello?" Please let it be a salesman, please let it be a salesman.

"Hi Dar! It's Cordelia here."

She loved Cordy but... her friend's cheerful voice was not something she needed at the moment. "Oh! Hi, Cordy." Well, nobody could really blame her if she wasn't the most vivacious girl in the world. Maybe, with a lot of luck, Cordy wouldn't even notice her lack of enthusiasm.

"Is everything ok?" her friend asked, concerned.

No such luck for the Slayer. "Yeah, Mom grounded me for not warning that I was 'at your home' that night and now she is fighting with Dad. Nothing new here." She paused. "Oh! And did I mention the fact that technically I shouldn't be speaking to you over the phone?"

"Sorry to hear it, Dar. So I guess you won't come to the Bronze tonight, will you? Cuz if you do I would owe you forever, I— I need a friend tonight. You know already why."

"Sorry, Cordy, but Mom was pretty adamant about that. I don't think she would like me to go."

"Not even to help her nice, gentle and *helpless* surrogate daughter? You could explain the situation to her, you know."

Darla nearly laughed at that one. It was true. Joyce Duncan had became fond of Cordelia since they were just kids. Else, as her parents were always shunning her, Joyce had felt responsible to take her daughter's best friend under her wing. Still... "I'm sorry, Cordy. I *could* tell your dear Auntie but I doubt she would hear me. You know that after a fight they both are always grumpy."

Cordelia sighed. It was a lost battle. She would have to confront her dilemma alone. She decided to change the topic. "And what will you do about the slaying?" Cordy asked somewhat worried.

"Don't worry about that, Cor. I'll take care of it."

"Meaning: You'll scurry out of your room." She sighed. "Dar," Cordelia began in an admonishing tone, "if you mother catches you..."

"Yeah, I know. I won't see the street in thirty years or more. If I see there's not a chance then I'll stay. In any case, it's not the first time I've taken a free night."

"Oh well. Take care and if your mom changes her opinion call me and I'll pass by to pick you up, ok?"

"Ok, Cordy. Bye and kiss the cute guy for me, will you?"

"Consider it done, girlfriend," Cordy laughed

Out of her friend's sight, Darla put down the receiver with a sigh.

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At first sight, it seemed that the chamber was deserted. The smell of decay and abandonment filled the whole room. However, this impression was dispelled when one took notice of the torches burning in the corners of the factory, giving a dim glow to it.

If one observed the room further, one could see several shapes pacing from one end to the other, speaking among themselves in hushed tones. The light of the torches giving them no face nor precise form, just shades moving in a constant blur.

At the sound of a single voice all activity went to a halt.

"Jesse, Dalton. Come before me."

Two males, both of them wearing old robes and demonic features, separated themselves from the throng of shapes and went towards the most distant wall, where a dais was built.

"It's already nightfall, the time for you to follow my orders has come. Go and find them. Tell them my message but don't harm them yet. There's no reason to initiate a battle if they are willing to obey my wish."

"Yes, Master." Both robed figures bowed in respect and left..

The little figure smiled in his throne. He had plans for this town, and none of them involved the newcomers. He had to make sure they wouldn't interfere and if a stake was required, then he wouldn't hesitate to use it... even if that meant killing one of the strongest vampires in existence.

Collin, the Anointed One, close pupil to the late Master, was very sure of himself. The Hellmouth would open in time, and he would triumph.

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As soon as the sun disappeared in the horizon, he felt his bounds snap open. Well, well, so the little girl didn't want to kill me. That's good... Not that he wanted to return the favour. As soon as he found his redheaded mystery, he would give her a taste of her own medicine. Wonder how she will like to be bounded with real -and hurtful - ropes He wanted to find out now.

The unknown witch had drugged one of the strongest vampires in the known world. She would pay dearly for it. He would discover her hiding place and drag her to this very warehouse. He would show her what it really took to be a kidnapper. Of course, he would do a better host than her and maintain his little guest busy...

He grinned at the thought of screams and blood. "Damn it!" Now he was hungry! He raced through the open door into the night.

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They were hunting now. She had spotted an old lady with her grandchild some meters ahead. They would do a nice meal, old and young. That's what variety was about. It seemed that grandma had decided to buy the hyperactive boy an ice cream. Oh, well, let him have it. It would only make his blood sweeter.

They could wait.

They followed their prey as it advanced towards the suburbs, the old woman hurrying the kid into a fast pace. Buffy grinned, apparently she was sensing the threat... and her poor meal thought she was going to be safe if she walked fast enough.

The boy finished his ice-cream. Angelus unbound his arm from around Buffy. Without words or gestures both separated their paths. It was time for an old-fashioned ambush. She would attack from one side, he from the other, prey at the centre... and good appetite!

They were just some meters apart when Angelus heard it. Footsteps rushing towards their location. He glanced at Buffy and she responded with a nod. She had heard it, too. The steps came to a halt as in looking for directions and then came directly towards him.

"Master--"

Meanwhile, Buffy had come back from her position and put her arms around Angelus' waist. She looked curiously at the lesser vampire. He seemed vaguely recognisable. Maybe one of Ford's new additions to the ranks.

Angelus was checking up the newcomer. "Yes?"

Buffy heard the dangerous edge in his voice. From the corner of her eye she watched their prey as they strolled happily – if a bit fast – through the streets. She eyed the vampire again. It didn't occur often that some minion interrupted their hunt. Last time it happened had been... what? twenty years ago? After that occasion she was sure nobody in their pack would dare do something so... suicidal.

"Ford says they found the Watcher, Master."

That got her attention. Before the dawn she would have the Watcher at her disposition. She smirked. The night wasn't wasted after all, even losing her chosen meal didn't sound as displeasing now.

"Did they?" Angelus asked.

"Yes, he is now in the warehouse district." He signalled in the direction he had just come from. "Hiding in one of the storerooms."

Angelus thought about it for a second. He wanted to hunt tonight with Buffy. He had promised her. But then, Buffy herself was the first who wanted his Childe captured and gagged and... many things he would enjoy doing to the Watcher before he presented him to Buffy. He considered his options, they could go now with this vampire and hunt the Watcher in his hiding place. Or they could stay and have dinner before they went. Buffy answered for him. "Go and bring him. I'll stay and eat that delicious little family."

delicious little family...' he thought about Buffy's words for a moment. Decision taken; it was only a matter to communicate it. "Tell Ford to watch his actions but not to make any move until I'm there. I'll be going as soon as I can."

"Yes, Master." And with those words, the vampire hurried away. Ford had told him to be brief and precise if he didn't want to fit in an ashtray after imparting the news. He had been all that... but he still rushed in his way back to the warehouse. There were many tales involving his Master, and none of them included him being patient and compassionate, well, except maybe those which narrated about his relationship with his Mistress... then Angelus would appear mostly weak and submissive... not many survived after telling or hearing those latter ones. Ford and the same Angelus made sure of it.

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Darla was sitting at her window watching the sundown. Such a beautiful sight... who would think that it meant the beginning of death and destruction? She certainly hadn't before becoming the Slayer, the one created to destroy said death and destruction.

She hated to be grounded; it gave her too much time to think. Now that the sun had disappeared... well, she was itching to go out there and plant her stake in some undead body. She shook her head at her own thought. This... feeling couldn't be healthy. However, she just couldn't help herself. Giles had once talked her about this. "You are the Slayer," he had said, "killing is part of you." It had shocked her to the core but just now she realised it was the truth. She was *not* a normal school-girl, she was THE Slayer, the one girl in the world... yada, yada, yada and if her instincts were whispering that torture was vengeance, well, who said that the bad guys had to die easily?

Because now she needed to complete her revenge, she had discovered that vengeance was a breathing thing. It screamed inside her every time she fought against a demon, even when it was not a vampire. She satisfied it a little each time her prey screamed or begged for mercy. Just then she knew she was THE Slayer, the ONLY one those demons trembled before.

It was not a bad feeling.

She would have delved in it a little more, were it not for her mother's voice calling her.

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After escorting Veruca home, he had gone back to his own house and prepared himself to go out. After all, they had a gig today.

The big question was: if the gig was at a club on the other side of the town... what was he doing at the Bronze? He just didn't know. He had fully intended on going pick up John – the only one from the group who still didn't have a license – and had ended up at the parking lot in front of this club.

He shrugged. Maybe his subconscious had remembered something he didn't. He had heard something like that in his psychology class. Well, now that he was here, it couldn't hurt to check the equipment... He was still wondering about this strange event when it happened.

Oz didn't even know what had hit him. A touch in his shoulder was the only warning before a raging storm descended on him.

Cordelia Chase was smiling. That was enough reason to squirm under her stare. Chase and him were no friends, and judging from his best friend's behaviour towards her best friend... well, he doubted this would be a nice meeting.

"Hi Oz. How is it going?"

"Well enough," he answered cautiously.

"Are you playing tonight?"

That was something he could answer more easily. "Yeah, later, at the Shelter Club."

"Is Mr. I'm-the-lead-singer-I'm-so-great-I-can-cheat-on-my-girlfriend-and-then-act-as-if-everything-is-ok gonna be there?"

Nope, his best friend definitely wasn't on Chase's good graces. "Yeah, you know, he's just going by 'Devon' now." From the hard glare she was giving him, he guessed that had *not* been the right thing to say.

She neared him so that she could speak low enough for no one to hear their conversation and loud enough for him to detect the threat in her voice. "Well, you can tell him that if he *ever* goes near Darla again, and I'm talking about five meters or less, I'll make sure that the whole school knows about his little secret hidden in the left drawer of his closet."

"What?" he asked confused She could not be talking about...

"Just tell him that his big sister was my cousin's girlfriend for a LONG time, he'll understand what I mean. You'll tell him, won't you?"

Yes. She was talking about *that*. He shook his head. He had told Devon repeatedly to get rid of that toy. "Er... ok. but why don't you tell him yourself?" Bad question, he knew. Now she was annoyed with him. Good go, Oz!

"And speak with that..." She took a big calming breath. "Look, Oz, no offence whatsoever but your friend is a cheating pig. You're still salvageable..." She stared at him from head to toes "I hope. Do yourself a favour and don't learn from him. It will only make you worse."

"Thanks... I think." Had that been an insult or a praise? Maybe in Cordelia's mind it had been a praise but it certainly hadn't sounded like that.

"Don't forget it. And... Oz?"

"Yeah?" What could she still want from him?

"Have a good night."

And with that, she disappeared between the throng of people. Oz shook his head somewhat amused, he would never have guessed that Chase was the protective kind of friend. Well, life was uncovering more than one surprise to him lately, it seemed.

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"I'm telling you, Sophie...."

"I don't believe you, Anya," one black-haired girl interrupted. "Cordelia would never go out with that loser. It would not only mean that she had the worst taste I've ever seen, it would also mean she would be an outcast, just like him. I don't see Cordy risking it."

"I say she doesn't care about our opinions. She thinks she can impose her 'new' boyfriend on us and we will applaud her decision," Anya continued

"Well, if that is so then she isn't counting with my support."

"Oh, come on, Stephi. You don't really think Anya is right, do you? I've known Cordelia Chase my whole life, ever since she was no more than just another girl in Primary School," Callie declared, "When she came to SH, she began just as an inexperienced cheerleader. I've seen her fight hard to have the place she had now. She is now the head cheerleader and the President of the Student Council." When nearly every girl was paying attention to her, she concluded with a, "Everybody knows that both titles are just popularity contests. She would *never* risk her position for a guy, even less for Alexander Harris."

While the girls were discussing, Anya turned around and saw Cordelia. Kiss goodbye to tonight's opportunity, An. Seconds later her humour brightened considerably.

"Look who is there, girls."

Some of the girls shrieked "Cordy!", the others stayed silent but still smiled when the brunette noticed them. Suddenly, as if remembering something, Cordelia went directly to a blue-haired boy. Some of the girls knew him, he was Daniel Osbourne, guitarist of a local band... what was its name? They saw as Cordelia exchanged some words with him and then, smiling satisfied with herself, turned round and made her way towards their group.

The black-haired girl smiled and went to greet the Queen. Anya didn't even pay attention to her, instead she spoke to the remaining girls. "Oh! what a coincidence!" the girls stared at her strangely "Look who is right behind Cordelia!" She grinned. Sure enough, Alexander Harris was just some steps away from Cordy.

The girls gaped but said nothing. Anya smiled sure of herself. Her smile fade only minimally when Cordelia came to the group without paying any attention to Harris. She plays this game very well...

All the girls had noticed the usual distance between the queen and the geek and most of them discarded Anya's crazy theories. They welcomed Cordelia with bright smiles and began to fawn over her.

Well, Anya thought as she watched the other girls' exchange, maybe I will need a little more time. I *know* there's something between them. Cordy is good, I'll give her that. But at the end, I'll get what I want. Just a little more time...

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She looked around her. The room was messy, the carpet with some bloodspots here and there, she could see a foot peeking from the kitchen's door. A nice work, indeed. If the Slayer hadn't known that there was a new threat in town she would know it now. No lesser minion would venture killing someone at his own home. Of course, without her Watcher, it was very possible that the Slayer didn't have a clue. Buffy shrugged. Well, they could always perform killings like this until she got the message.

Angelus kissed her bloody mouth again. He tasted so good...

"Will you go now?" Buffy asked some minutes afterwards, buttoning the buttons of her torn blouse.

She loved it when people believed the tale of the poor, helpless girl, running from a mugger... or an assassin. Angelus played that part so well... especially after the unaware family tried to protect her from the big bad in the tasteless duster and invited her in.

It had been easy after that. The whole family had been delicious, just as she had first imagined it. And oh! She would never be thankful enough for that large, comfy sofa in the living room. The long session with the Watcher's' girl had certainly robbed them of some quality time'...

She giggled. Nothing better that some crazy, mind-blowing sex after dinner, or was it *over* dinner?

"You know I have to," he answered putting his arms around her. He had already put on his shirt. Damn!

She smiled wickedly and leaned against him. "Bring the Watcher home and let me welcome him. I'm dying to return him a favour or two." She wanted to try some new tricks on her brother'. Nothing deadly, of course, just enough for him to learn a few lessons. After all, the hours making that young girl bleed had left her wanting to inflict some *real* pain.

"Won't you come with me?" He had delayed the attack mostly because he wanted her at his side. Maybe with a little prodding she would let him stake the Watcher...

"And interrupt your manly reunion and probably get mad at you for nearly killing my Watcher? I don't think so." Else, she wanted some time for herself.

"Aren't you even a little resentful, Buff?" he asked hopefully, "Are you sure you don't want to see his dust by the end of the night?

"He killed my pet, Angelus. How could I not be resentful?. That's why am letting him live. That and the feeling that I will need him later."

Angelus let that slip pass. Now there was no time to discuss her 'feelings'. He kissed her one last time and left the house. "I'll be back soon, my love."

"I'll be waiting at home."

Even as a vampire, Angelus knew he liked the sound of that word coming from her lips.

Home.

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The phone rang for the second time in an hour at the Duncan's house. This time Mrs. Duncan answered it.

"Yes?"

Her smile brightened when hearing the voice at the other side of the line. "Yes, of course, I'll pass you to her." She put the receiver on the table. "Darla! Your boyfriend is calling!"

Darla was startled. After the scene at school she hadn't thought he would have the balls to call her at her home. "Tell him to go to hell!" Literally if possible.

"What!? Darla, it's Devon I'm talking about."

Darla appeared at the end of the stairs and stared at the harmless phone as if it were an enemy. "You are right, mom, it's Devon. I will treat him as he deserves." Before Mrs. Duncan knew it, her daughter was at her side shouting a very heartful "Fuck yourself, LOSER." and hanging up with all her force. Of course, Mrs. Duncan didn't know that Darla had actually restrained her strength so that the phone wouldn't break.

"Care to explain this behaviour, Dar?" she demanded from her fuming daughter.

"It happened some days ago. With all the rushing I had no time to tell you. We broke up. Bye bye. Finito."

"Why?" Joyce sighed. Just another thing gone wrong in Darla's life.

"I found him kissing another girl," Darla explained succinctly.

"My poor baby..." Before Darla could avoid it, Joyce had embraced her in typical motherly fashion. "Oh honey, I'm so sorry to hear that. It must have been awful."

"It was." She disengaged from her mother's hug and went towards the stairs. "I'll be in my room."

"At least you won't see him on the weekend." Her mother said. Darla tossed her a confused look. "You're confined to your room for a week, remember? It must be a relief not to have to go to the Bronze and find him with that new girl. Guess it isn't that bad after all."

Darla glared incredulously at her mother. She was serious!

"It *is* bad." And after seeing her mother's unresponsive face, she added, "but I'll survive." And with that, she stomped up the stairs.

But one day I won't. Was Darla's thought as she slammed her door shut.

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Buffy loved Angelus. His dark looks, his fierce need for her. She had been only a girl when she met him but never in her life -or afterwards- did she regret being his companion.

But she also loved her freedom. Those moments when she could do as she pleased and not care about what Angelus could say or do. Just like now. This was what had driven her out of his sight in London. This was why she hadn't insisted on accompanying him in his hunt for the Watcher. She wanted to play. The moon was high and the night was so warm... No, it wasn't the night, she remembered, it was the young boy she had just bitten, the grandmother had not been as sweet and warm... Mmmm...

She smiled.

Every night the sky was made out of melodies. Each one embracing a particular story. Sometimes she could hear the voices of past epochs, sometimes, like in her dreams, she could see what would come to pass... Now it was different. All the songs were about a singular story, the stars narrated its start, its history and its end, all in one beautiful harmony, all just for Buffy.

The protagonist was just like her, her voice was just like hers... It didn't take long until she understood it: In this story she still was the goody-goody defender of the living world. What she could not grasp was how her Angelus could still be at her side though her goodness. She could see him everywhere: Guiding her, protecting her, driving hard into her... just as he had done during the last century and more. The characters were happy in that story and Buffy had to smile at their innocence. Glances, kisses, laughs and hopes... But they lost it all... The innocence went to Hell and their happiness lead them to it.

// To Hell and back for her, // the stars were singing. // My Hell and back for him, // others chorused.

Now Buffy didn't like the story anymore.

// I love you. I need you. I try not to. Close your... //

// Forever, that's... All I see... All I want... //

// I love you. //

// Always. //

She tried to stop the voices but they filled her. She put her hands on her ears but...

Half kisses, half hugs and half dreams... Buffy witnessed every one of them. Couldn't the stars choose something better to show her? She would gladly see their deaths, their blood running on the ground, but they kept calling them Buffy and Angel and though the strange name she could never really wish for his death.

But he could, couldn't he? White snow and tears. And then...

// Not even death... I'm leaving. I try not to. I'm leaving you. //

// I gotta walk away from this... I love you... //

// All I see... is how badly I want to kiss you. //

// All I want... I want my life to be with you. //

For the third time in her unlife, Buffy felt unbidden tears staining her cheeks.

Hers were not the only ones. She could feel the sadness in a rightful – Too rightful! Damn him! – vampire. She heard the cries of a broken girl along with her best friend. // I cannot breathe... // She witnessed their paths growing different, the non-words //...it hurts so much...// and the non-glances // I will never forget... // speeding through the distance to tell of a withstanding love.

// Even if I was blind... I want my life to be with you... //

// I don't... I can't change... //

//... this freak show,... is never over //

// Silence Fire Alone. //

// Does forever sound good for you? Forever, that's the whole point of it. //

The stars were crying now, they told her of desperate and bittersweet love. She heard the tale of tears and never-said good-byes. And always oh so beautiful! and always oh so bittersweet!. But she didn't like bittersweet. She preferred Angelus' sweet kisses, sweet with warm blood and desire. She didn't want to hear the cries of the Slayer in the tale.

Shut up!

The stars kept singing... // I still don't like him //

...and crying... // Thanks. //

...and... "SHUT UP!"

A kissing couple stopped to glare at her from their booth. She would save them for later. Now she wanted some peace. Some silent peace without crying good-two-shoes Slayers and singing stars.

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Uhmm... I think there were enough B/A quotes to insert here another one... Nah! There's NEVER enough B/A...

WILLOW: (about Angel) He's delirious. He thought I was Buffy.

OZ: You too, huh?

ME: In the worst moments, when everything B/A-ish seems lost without remedy, I still think that when Angel's delirious he'll call for Buffy... Is that denial? Hell, no!