Title: No! Not another Death story by what's her name!
Author: Goldy
Disclaimer: *Ahem* BTVS and Ats are the solely belong to WB, MN, JW, and UPN. That is, until I kidnap them *insert maniacal laughter*
Synopsis: Buffy. Angel. Stuff.
Rating: PG or maybe PG-13ish
Dedication: My one and only buddy Lindsey. Not that she's my *only* buddy, but. she's the only one that will put up with me *ducks the shovel coming at head* or not. but she's nice enough to edit my fics for me (
A/N: Hope I'm not the only one that is wondering 'What has gotten into the author formally known as Goldy, tonight???' Ummm, I'm running out of title ideas, so if anyone has any, I'm open and ready for suggestions. Also, I think this is going to be the second to last in the series. It's the last one before the inevitable LA confrontation, where I'm planning on writing the last for a while. That isn't to say I won't ever come back to this, but. I have other series that I was working on before starting this and I need to get back to those. Big thank you's to anyone that gave me feedback!
A/N 2: this one is 3rd person narration so 'denotes Buffy's thoughts'
A/N3: Youch! A fluffy one! I'm not sure what got into me, either.. Just know there is a lot of fluff and minimal plot.
Feedback: *Takes a deep breath* PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE???
Buffy took one long last look at her house. For the first time since rushing out to meet Angel all those days ago, she felt a pang go through her. It asked if she was really doing the right thing. Selling her house, leaving her friends, leaving the hellmouth. 'But that's the point of being reborn,' Buffy thought, 'starting anew. and hopefully starting something better.'
She heard a nervous cough behind her, and she turned slowly, already knowing whom it was. Giles looked at her awkwardly. "Buffy."
Buffy gave him a reassuring smile. "It's okay."
He nodded, not looking any less awkward. "I. wish you the best. and. I hope that one day we will see each other again."
Buffy rolled her eyes. "They do have post offices in England, right?"
"Of course, but."
"So, don't make it seem like I'm never going to see you again! You're just going to be a letter or a phone call away. or you know, if you decide to try using a computer again."
Giles looked as if he might cry, and Buffy found herself getting teary. She was glad to note that they were tears of sadness rather than her earlier tears of despair and pain. "Perhaps I will," Giles said.
"When does your flight leave?" Buffy mumbled, staring at the ground.
"Tomorrow at five."
"AM???" Buffy shrieked.
"It isn't as bad as you make it out to be." Giles said.
"Sure it is. You were just a school librarian for about 100 years, and you guys needed to get up at like *four* in the morning."
"Six, actually," Giles corrected stiffly.
Buffy gave a short, pained chuckle. "I'm scared, Giles."
Giles looked at her kindly. "What do you have to be scared of?"
Buffy gestured towards her house. "This. Leaving. Moving. Things are going to change."
"I'm sure that Angel would understand if you said that you didn't want to leave." Giles pointed out reasonably.
Buffy gave a sad smile. "He wouldn't mind. But I want to be wherever he is, and he needs to be in LA. So, I'm LA girl."
"If that's what you want, then you're making the right choice."
"But what if we can't make it work?" Buffy looked at Giles with wide pleading eyes, "What if Willow's spell doesn't work? What if we can't even find a spell? What if we do, and he decides that he doesn't need me now that he can be with anyone he wants? What if I can't survive on my own?"
"What if it does work and you end up happy and together?" Giles asked simply.
Buffy looked at her house longingly. "Then, it will all be worth it."
Giles followed her gaze and pursed his lips. "Buffy I want you to know that despite the way that I have felt about Angel in the past, I think that he is what is best for you right now."
Buffy turned away from the house in disgust and regarded her watcher seriously. "Thank you. that means a lot."
Giles pulled her into a hug. "You're going to be all right."
Buffy closed her eyes wondering when she might see Giles and his tweed clad outfits again. "I know."
Buffy jumped when she heard her front door bang open. Pulling away from Giles she regarded the two figures coming down the steps. Dawn skipped towards where Buffy and Giles were standing, while Angel lumbered behind, carrying five suitcases. Dawn turned around and frowned at Angel's slow progress. "Come on, Angel! We don't have all day!"
Angel gave a labored breath, which Buffy found kind of funny since he didn't need to breathe. "What did you pack in here???"
Dawn gave the bags a once over. "Four of them are Buffy's," she supplied.
Angel dropped the bags unceremoniously at Buffy's feet and glared at her. "I thought that you wanted to start over!"
Buffy shrugged. "I wanted my stuff." Angel groaned and threw the things in his car. Buffy clamped a hand over her mouth to keep from giggling. Patting his cheek in mock sympathy she said, "Thanks, honey."
"You welcome, *sweetie,*" Angel muttered bitterly.
Buffy looked at the car that she was riding in to get back to LA. She let out a snort and gave Angel an amused look. "I'll never understand men and their cars."
Angel patted the back seat door affectionately. "She runs like a dream."
That was it. Buffy couldn't control herself. She burst into gales of laughter. "I *can't* *believe* that I just heard *you* say that."
Angel tried to look annoyed, but his happiness at seeing her laugh like that couldn't prevent the smile that spread across his face. "I'll throw you in the trunk if you keep insulting her like that."
Buffy bit her lip to keep from laughing again. "Should I be feeling jealous?"
Angel stepped forward. "I don't know."
Buffy took the invitation and wrapped her arms around his neck. She pressed her lips to his in a sweet kiss. "Have you named her yet?"
Angel's lips twitched into a smile. "I like seeing you like this."
"Like what?"
Angel looked deep into her eyes. "Smiling and laughing. happy."
"I like it, too," Buffy stood on her tip-toes and pressed another kiss to his waiting lips. Aware of the other people watching them, she pulled away and leaned into his safe embrace. "It's because of you, you know."
Angel breathed in the scent of her hair and closed his eyes. Thoughts of what his life had been like before she came back to him went through his brain, and he held her a little tighter. "I'd do anything if it meant making you happy."
"I know," Buffy whispered. Suddenly she pulled away and looked at him with mischievous eyes, "That include letting me drive?"
Angel blanched. "In *this* car??? Are you kidding?!"
Buffy gave him her best pout face. "It would make me very happy."
"Don't push your luck," Angel growled.
"Pleeeeeaaasssseeee?"
"No."
"Angel.."
"No."
"Oh, come on!"
"Maybe."
Buffy nodded, satisfied. "Good."
"I didn't say yes," Angel pointed out.
"Riley would have let me," Buffy grumbled.
Buffy shrieked when Angel grabbed her arm and swung her around against him. "Stupid boy probably didn't even know how to drive."
Buffy lifted her chin, and tried not to show the effect his nearness was having on her. "You'd be surprised." Angel made a growling sound in the back of his throat, which Buffy found both funny and sexy. "I think someone is getting a little jealous."
Angel pulled Buffy more tightly against him. "Of course I'm jealous. He got to be there when I couldn't. He got to protect you when I couldn't. He could've given you all the things that I can't."
"No, he didn't. He didn't give me *you*."
Angel gulped. "Buffy."
Buffy laid a finger on his lips. "Shhh. I didn't know that you felt like that. Riley is of the past. You're here with me now, and that's all that matters."
"I wasn't there when you. when you.." Angel trailed off, not being able to say the words.
"Angel, stop! That *wasn't* your fault. I thought we already covered this."
"But what if I had been there? I could have saved you.." Angel's voice got hoarse and he looked away guiltily.
Buffy forced his head back around. "Angel, in the past few days you have given me more than anyone ever has. When I jumped off that tower my life wasn't exactly a picnic. But in just three days you managed to change that. And now I'm going to get another chance to start over. You've given me so much. Why are you the only one that can't see that?"
"Did you love Riley?"
Buffy looked him straight in the eye. "Riley who?"
Angel smiled in relief and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "We should probably get going."
Buffy nodded and looked around for Dawn. She noticed her sister watching them intently, looking very interested in what vampire and slayer were discussing. Buffy felt a pang in her heart as she took in Giles' absence. She couldn't believe that he was really gone. Life without Giles was going to take some getting use to. "Ready to go?"
"If you guys stop shoving your tongues down each other's throats long enough, I'm ready," Dawn snapped.
Buffy blushed and pulled away from Angel. "Sorry. You weren't supposed to see that."
Dawn shrugged. "Whatever. I saw you and Riley go at it for a year." Buffy felt Angel tense behind her and she gave her sister a warning glare. "But that was mostly just mindless groping. you know without love or anything.." Dawn said quickly, looking at Buffy with panicky eyes. Buffy smacked her forehead and sighed painfully. This was going to be a very long trip.
Buffy turned slowly to see Angel leaning against his car, regarding her calmly. "She's exaggerating."
"No, I'm not!!!" Dawn yelled. "Oops. sorry Buffy."
"I thought you didn't remember who Riley was," Angel said.
Buffy relaxed when she realized that Angel was just teasing her. "Well, I only meant that in comparison to *you* he was no one."
Angel nodded. "Damn right."
Dawn rolled her eyes. "Can we go, already?"
"Probably a good idea," Angel glanced at the sky. "At this rate I'll turn into ash before we get there."
"Shotgun the front seat!!!" Dawn cried quickly.
Buffy snapped her head around at her. "No. Way."
"I called it," Dawn said haughtily.
"And I'm your legal guardian. That means you have to do what I say until you're 18. And I say that you're sitting in the back."
"I'm not letting you and Angel make googoo eyes at each other the whole trip."
"Dawn!"
Dawn turned her attention to Angel. "I get the front seat right? Tell her, that I called it first."
Buffy glared at her sister. "Angel, I'm the girl you love. Tell her, that she needs to sit in the back."
Angel sighed. "I'm not going to be the one to choose here."
"I called it!" Dawn said stubbornly.
Buffy regarded Dawn dangerously before her mouth formed a naughty smile. Turning she looked at Angel, pleadingly. "I've got an idea.."
****
Buffy turned around and grinned at Angel. "You know, I think this is possibly the best idea that I have ever had."
Angel glowered at her. "Keep. Your. Eyes. On. The. Road."
Buffy childously stuck out her tongue at him, but turned her attention back to the road. Buffy raised her eyebrows at the sight of Dawn sitting next to her, covered in maps that she was busy rustling through. "I'm hungry," she whined.
"Buffy! You're driving on the wrong side of the road," Angel yelled from the back seat.
Buffy sighed sheepishly and maneuvered the car back to the right lane. "Good thing that it's like three in the morning. No other cars are out at this time of night."
"They probably heard that you were going to be driving," Angel grumbled.
Buffy rolled her eyes. "Yeah, yeah, Mr. Grumpy. I'm not *that* bad."
"Yes, you are," Dawn and Angel said in unison.
"So, Dawn," Buffy said quickly, "why are you hungry?"
"I just am," Dawn snapped, "and there's a Mcdonalds coming up on the next exit."
Buffy grimaced. "Ewww, fast food that turns your stomach to mush and your muscles to dust. I'm in!"
"Watch the road!" Angel cried.
"I read somewhere that a kid actually died from eating a happy meal," Dawn informed them.
"Well, you know what they say, you only live once," Buffy frowned, "or possibly twice in some cases."
"You do know that there isn't actually any real food in those things," Angel said.
Buffy turned and gave him a surprised look, causing Angel to wince as his car scraped along the barrier to the side of the road. "Of course I knew! That's what makes the food so good!"
Angel groaned. "My poor car."
Buffy frowned, and *finally* turned her attention back to road just in time to watch an exit pass by. "Buffy!" Dawn shrieked.
Buffy blushed. "Oops.." Taking a quick look around, Buffy made sure that there wasn't anyone else in a close vicinity, then she slammed her foot on the breaks and backed the car up. When they were close enough to the exit, Buffy pressed her foot down on the accelerator and barreled down the exit.
Dawn gripped the sides of her seat. "Are you trying to kill me???"
"Please, what normal person would ever be able to do that?" Buffy asked.
Angel sighed. "None. Thank God."
"I think I like your car, Angel," Buffy chirped.
"I liked it a lot better when you weren't the one driving," Angel sighed.
Buffy screeched to a hault in front of the drive through window at the Mcdonalds. "What do you guys want?"
"A big Mac with fries and a large chocolate milk shake!" Dawn said.
"Dawn! I don't want you to throw up all over Angel's leather seats," Buffy chastised.
Angel threw his hands in the air. "Fine! I get the hint! I'll get a new car."
"Now, whatever gave you the idea that I didn't like this car?" Buffy muttered, trying her best to look bewildered, but was having trouble concealing her smile.
"That's it!" Angel cried, "We're switching places. Now."
Buffy pouted. "No fair. I'll be good, I promise."
"Who are you getting to pay for this morning snack anyway?" Angel questioned.
"Um. you?"
"Very good. Now get out of the car."
Buffy groaned and opened her door. Her glaring face was the first thing that Angel saw when he opened his door. "You're mean."
Angel smiled at her. "At least I'm not planning on leaving you here."
Buffy narrowed her eyes. "You wouldn't do that."
"You'd be surprised."
Buffy folded her arms over her chest and stood in front of Angel. "I'm not moving until you apologize."
****
Dawn sighed, and leaned her head back against her seat wearily. They could be at this all night. "*Hello?* Can I please take your order?" Dawn gave the Mcdonald's microphonedrivethroughthinigie a look, before groaning and climbing into the driver's seat.
"Uhh. yeah, could I have two big mac meals with a chocolate milkshake and a diet sprite?"
"Will that be all?" the microphone asked.
"Ummm, hold on a sec, kay?" Dawn turned her head, and heard a soft giggle come from the back seat. She rolled her eyes and decided that she didn't want to know. "Angel, you want anything to eat? I mean, meat does have *some* blood in it."
There was another giggle before Dawn heard a reply. "Not *this* meat."
"I'll take that as a no," Dawn mumbled to herself. "Yeah, that'd be it," she told the drive through microphone.
"Pick up is at the next window," it said promptly.
Dawn risked another look behind her. She sighed. Nope, it didn't look like they were going to make the window any time soon.
****
"Kindly, move out of my way."
"Not until you apologize."
Angel growled and grabbed Buffy's hips, pulling her on top of him. They fell back against the seat with Buffy lying on top of Angel's chest. He wrapped his arms around her waist and secured her firmly against him. "I'm not letting you go until *you* apologize to *me*."
"I don't know. I feel like I could stay this way for a while." Buffy admitted with a sly grin. Angel gave her a smile and traced the tips of his fingertips over her well-toned back and sides. "A long while," Buffy gasped out.
Angel ran his fingers through her hair, mesmerized by the way that her soft strands felt against his skin. He closed his eyes, thinking about how alive she made him feel in just the few days that she came back. She gave his life meaning. Every person, every soul, that he saved was for her. Seeing her smile and tease him like this. it was enough to fill his unbeating heart with joy.
"I wish that I could always make you this happy," Angel sighed, looking into her beautiful emerald eyes.
Buffy giggled. With trembling fingers she reached out and touched his face, exploring his fine lips and exquisitely sculpted cheeks. Angel closed his eyes, and let her trace him and memorize him, her fingers soft and caressing. Soon, her lips followed suit and she pressed quick butterfly kisses to his nose and chin, cheeks and eyebrows.
Angel sighed, feeling himself drown in her. When she reached his lips, fireworks exploded behind his eyes, and warmth touched him to the very bottom if his toes. His hands continued roaming down her body, touching her hips and strong buttocks. Her hands did a search of her own, over his strong chest and hard abdomen.
When Buffy's tongue entered his mouth, Angel let out a loud moan and felt himself losing a grip on reality. All he knew was that he was in Buffy's arms and that was all that was important. Teeth nipped, tongues melted together in a dangerous dance, and hands roamed, until there wasn't anything left but the two of them.
"Stop. Stop! STOP IT!!!!" Dawn roared as loud as she could.
Buffy hearing the sound of her sister's yelling, pulled away from Angel breathing hard. He rested his forehead against hers, in a silent apology. "That got a little out of hand," she panted.
Angel could feel her breath ticking his skin, and he closed his eyes to get control over himself. "I'm sorry."
"Don't be. I was free. for however short a time."
"I know the feeling."
"Soon," Buffy promised. "Willow, will find something. She has to."
With great reluctance, Angel released his arms from around Buffy's waist. "She will, but first, mind letting me drive?"
Buffy gave him a ghost of a smile trying not to think of what would have happened if Dawn hadn't been there. She gave him one last kiss, enough for the time being, and climbed out the door. Angel followed suit and jumped into the driver's seat. "So," he took a quick glance at Dawn who had her arms crossed indignantly over her chest, "where are we going?"
"The pick-up window," she snapped, not looking at him.
"Dawnie," Buffy said from the back seat, "I'm sorry. We didn't mean to get carried away."
Dawn stared out the window.
Buffy sighed. "Dawn, come on. I'm a big girl, I know what I'm doing."
"I don't want to see Angelus again," Dawn cried. "Angel's soul isn't permanent yet." Her voice caught, "I remember how much he hurt you."
Angel stared stoically ahead as he drove to the pick up window. "I'd stop it before it got that bad, Dawn. I know what lives inside of me. I will *not* let Angelus out again."
The teenager at the window stared at the group with wide eyes. "Uhhh, your foods a little cold."
"Fine," Angel said. "I'm not eating it anyway."
Dawn snorted. "Typical."
The teen holding out their bag shifted uncomfortably. "That's $11.95, sir."
Angel groaned and handed over the money. Fast food definitely wasn't as cheap as it used to be. He noticed that the teen was holding onto a cross with one hand. Angel gave a small approving nod. Good, the guy would stay alive longer.
The man wished him a good night, and Angel passed the cold bag to Dawn, who dug into it with enthusiasm. "Thanks for the food, Angel," she grumbled.
Angel forced a thin smile. "Your welcome."
Buffy sighed and took the bag from Dawn. "I liked it when I was driving, better."
"It was dangerous when you were driving," Angel countered.
"Yeah, but it was more fun."
"Let me teach you how first."
Buffy grinned. "Okay."
"I'm coming!" Dawn cried.
"No, you're not," Buffy said.
"Yes, I am."
"No, you're not."
"Am, too!"
"Are, not!"
"Someone needs to come to make sure that you keep your hands off each other," Dawn whined.
"Fine. But that doesn't mean it needs to be you." Buffy retorted.
"We could always take Cordy." Angel's words were met with dead silence in the back seat.
"Dawn," Buffy finally choked out, "why don't you come with us?"
"Fine." Dawn sapped.
Buffy rolled her eyes. "You're so immature."
Angel sighed. This was going to be a long trip.
****
Buffy wrinkled her nose at the huge structure. "You live in there???"
"I didn't know you were that rich," Dawn said cocking her head.
Angel frowned. "Actually, I got it for free."
"Possessed by a demon?"
Angel quirked an eyebrow at Buffy. "Pretty much."
Buffy chuckled and shook her head. "And you've been living in there alone since then."
"Actually, Fred lives with me. I mean, she lives in there now."
"She?" Buffy asked cheerfully.
Angel shifted uncomfortably. "It's kind of a long story.."
"Save her from a life of unspeakable torment?"
"Well. yeah."
"And, what? You just decided that she should live with you because she would be safer that way? Do you invite everyone that has been in danger to live with you?"
"Buffy.."
Buffy ignored him. "No, I wanna know. Am I just some girl who you're doing a favour for? We haven't been together for two years, Angel, you don't owe me anything."
Angel grabbed her arm. "Buffy, don't do this! You know that isn't the way that I feel about you. How could you even think that about Fred??? How could *I* even think about Fred remotely like that right after you died?"
Buffy struggled half-heartedly to get out of his grip, but he was holding on like he was afraid she was going to run away if he let go. 'Which I wouldn't do because already been down that path..' Finally, she just stood glaring at him. "Fine. You love me. Let go."
Angel let go, but didn't move away from her. "I'm not going to run away again!" Buffy yelled.
Angel watched her guardedly. "I do love you. *Only* you."
Buffy bit her lip. "I know."
"Are you sure?" Angel bit out tersely.
Buffy looked him straight in the eye. "I'm sure."
He nodded. "Then. why?"
Buffy shrugged. "Love makes you do the wacky," she muttered under her breath. She gave a thin smile realizing that she already missed her red- hair friend. "Can we just go to bed? It's been a long day."
Angel sighed and took her hand. He looked at Dawn who had been hanging back, watching their argument with a bored face, "Coming?"
Dawn walked slowly behind vampire and slayer. "You guys were the slow pokes."
Buffy smiled thinly. "Does your gang know that you're bringing me back?"
"I haven't talked to them since I left," Angel admitted.
Buffy groaned. "And we thought *my* friends were bad."
End
Author: Goldy
Disclaimer: *Ahem* BTVS and Ats are the solely belong to WB, MN, JW, and UPN. That is, until I kidnap them *insert maniacal laughter*
Synopsis: Buffy. Angel. Stuff.
Rating: PG or maybe PG-13ish
Dedication: My one and only buddy Lindsey. Not that she's my *only* buddy, but. she's the only one that will put up with me *ducks the shovel coming at head* or not. but she's nice enough to edit my fics for me (
A/N: Hope I'm not the only one that is wondering 'What has gotten into the author formally known as Goldy, tonight???' Ummm, I'm running out of title ideas, so if anyone has any, I'm open and ready for suggestions. Also, I think this is going to be the second to last in the series. It's the last one before the inevitable LA confrontation, where I'm planning on writing the last for a while. That isn't to say I won't ever come back to this, but. I have other series that I was working on before starting this and I need to get back to those. Big thank you's to anyone that gave me feedback!
A/N 2: this one is 3rd person narration so 'denotes Buffy's thoughts'
A/N3: Youch! A fluffy one! I'm not sure what got into me, either.. Just know there is a lot of fluff and minimal plot.
Feedback: *Takes a deep breath* PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE???
Buffy took one long last look at her house. For the first time since rushing out to meet Angel all those days ago, she felt a pang go through her. It asked if she was really doing the right thing. Selling her house, leaving her friends, leaving the hellmouth. 'But that's the point of being reborn,' Buffy thought, 'starting anew. and hopefully starting something better.'
She heard a nervous cough behind her, and she turned slowly, already knowing whom it was. Giles looked at her awkwardly. "Buffy."
Buffy gave him a reassuring smile. "It's okay."
He nodded, not looking any less awkward. "I. wish you the best. and. I hope that one day we will see each other again."
Buffy rolled her eyes. "They do have post offices in England, right?"
"Of course, but."
"So, don't make it seem like I'm never going to see you again! You're just going to be a letter or a phone call away. or you know, if you decide to try using a computer again."
Giles looked as if he might cry, and Buffy found herself getting teary. She was glad to note that they were tears of sadness rather than her earlier tears of despair and pain. "Perhaps I will," Giles said.
"When does your flight leave?" Buffy mumbled, staring at the ground.
"Tomorrow at five."
"AM???" Buffy shrieked.
"It isn't as bad as you make it out to be." Giles said.
"Sure it is. You were just a school librarian for about 100 years, and you guys needed to get up at like *four* in the morning."
"Six, actually," Giles corrected stiffly.
Buffy gave a short, pained chuckle. "I'm scared, Giles."
Giles looked at her kindly. "What do you have to be scared of?"
Buffy gestured towards her house. "This. Leaving. Moving. Things are going to change."
"I'm sure that Angel would understand if you said that you didn't want to leave." Giles pointed out reasonably.
Buffy gave a sad smile. "He wouldn't mind. But I want to be wherever he is, and he needs to be in LA. So, I'm LA girl."
"If that's what you want, then you're making the right choice."
"But what if we can't make it work?" Buffy looked at Giles with wide pleading eyes, "What if Willow's spell doesn't work? What if we can't even find a spell? What if we do, and he decides that he doesn't need me now that he can be with anyone he wants? What if I can't survive on my own?"
"What if it does work and you end up happy and together?" Giles asked simply.
Buffy looked at her house longingly. "Then, it will all be worth it."
Giles followed her gaze and pursed his lips. "Buffy I want you to know that despite the way that I have felt about Angel in the past, I think that he is what is best for you right now."
Buffy turned away from the house in disgust and regarded her watcher seriously. "Thank you. that means a lot."
Giles pulled her into a hug. "You're going to be all right."
Buffy closed her eyes wondering when she might see Giles and his tweed clad outfits again. "I know."
Buffy jumped when she heard her front door bang open. Pulling away from Giles she regarded the two figures coming down the steps. Dawn skipped towards where Buffy and Giles were standing, while Angel lumbered behind, carrying five suitcases. Dawn turned around and frowned at Angel's slow progress. "Come on, Angel! We don't have all day!"
Angel gave a labored breath, which Buffy found kind of funny since he didn't need to breathe. "What did you pack in here???"
Dawn gave the bags a once over. "Four of them are Buffy's," she supplied.
Angel dropped the bags unceremoniously at Buffy's feet and glared at her. "I thought that you wanted to start over!"
Buffy shrugged. "I wanted my stuff." Angel groaned and threw the things in his car. Buffy clamped a hand over her mouth to keep from giggling. Patting his cheek in mock sympathy she said, "Thanks, honey."
"You welcome, *sweetie,*" Angel muttered bitterly.
Buffy looked at the car that she was riding in to get back to LA. She let out a snort and gave Angel an amused look. "I'll never understand men and their cars."
Angel patted the back seat door affectionately. "She runs like a dream."
That was it. Buffy couldn't control herself. She burst into gales of laughter. "I *can't* *believe* that I just heard *you* say that."
Angel tried to look annoyed, but his happiness at seeing her laugh like that couldn't prevent the smile that spread across his face. "I'll throw you in the trunk if you keep insulting her like that."
Buffy bit her lip to keep from laughing again. "Should I be feeling jealous?"
Angel stepped forward. "I don't know."
Buffy took the invitation and wrapped her arms around his neck. She pressed her lips to his in a sweet kiss. "Have you named her yet?"
Angel's lips twitched into a smile. "I like seeing you like this."
"Like what?"
Angel looked deep into her eyes. "Smiling and laughing. happy."
"I like it, too," Buffy stood on her tip-toes and pressed another kiss to his waiting lips. Aware of the other people watching them, she pulled away and leaned into his safe embrace. "It's because of you, you know."
Angel breathed in the scent of her hair and closed his eyes. Thoughts of what his life had been like before she came back to him went through his brain, and he held her a little tighter. "I'd do anything if it meant making you happy."
"I know," Buffy whispered. Suddenly she pulled away and looked at him with mischievous eyes, "That include letting me drive?"
Angel blanched. "In *this* car??? Are you kidding?!"
Buffy gave him her best pout face. "It would make me very happy."
"Don't push your luck," Angel growled.
"Pleeeeeaaasssseeee?"
"No."
"Angel.."
"No."
"Oh, come on!"
"Maybe."
Buffy nodded, satisfied. "Good."
"I didn't say yes," Angel pointed out.
"Riley would have let me," Buffy grumbled.
Buffy shrieked when Angel grabbed her arm and swung her around against him. "Stupid boy probably didn't even know how to drive."
Buffy lifted her chin, and tried not to show the effect his nearness was having on her. "You'd be surprised." Angel made a growling sound in the back of his throat, which Buffy found both funny and sexy. "I think someone is getting a little jealous."
Angel pulled Buffy more tightly against him. "Of course I'm jealous. He got to be there when I couldn't. He got to protect you when I couldn't. He could've given you all the things that I can't."
"No, he didn't. He didn't give me *you*."
Angel gulped. "Buffy."
Buffy laid a finger on his lips. "Shhh. I didn't know that you felt like that. Riley is of the past. You're here with me now, and that's all that matters."
"I wasn't there when you. when you.." Angel trailed off, not being able to say the words.
"Angel, stop! That *wasn't* your fault. I thought we already covered this."
"But what if I had been there? I could have saved you.." Angel's voice got hoarse and he looked away guiltily.
Buffy forced his head back around. "Angel, in the past few days you have given me more than anyone ever has. When I jumped off that tower my life wasn't exactly a picnic. But in just three days you managed to change that. And now I'm going to get another chance to start over. You've given me so much. Why are you the only one that can't see that?"
"Did you love Riley?"
Buffy looked him straight in the eye. "Riley who?"
Angel smiled in relief and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "We should probably get going."
Buffy nodded and looked around for Dawn. She noticed her sister watching them intently, looking very interested in what vampire and slayer were discussing. Buffy felt a pang in her heart as she took in Giles' absence. She couldn't believe that he was really gone. Life without Giles was going to take some getting use to. "Ready to go?"
"If you guys stop shoving your tongues down each other's throats long enough, I'm ready," Dawn snapped.
Buffy blushed and pulled away from Angel. "Sorry. You weren't supposed to see that."
Dawn shrugged. "Whatever. I saw you and Riley go at it for a year." Buffy felt Angel tense behind her and she gave her sister a warning glare. "But that was mostly just mindless groping. you know without love or anything.." Dawn said quickly, looking at Buffy with panicky eyes. Buffy smacked her forehead and sighed painfully. This was going to be a very long trip.
Buffy turned slowly to see Angel leaning against his car, regarding her calmly. "She's exaggerating."
"No, I'm not!!!" Dawn yelled. "Oops. sorry Buffy."
"I thought you didn't remember who Riley was," Angel said.
Buffy relaxed when she realized that Angel was just teasing her. "Well, I only meant that in comparison to *you* he was no one."
Angel nodded. "Damn right."
Dawn rolled her eyes. "Can we go, already?"
"Probably a good idea," Angel glanced at the sky. "At this rate I'll turn into ash before we get there."
"Shotgun the front seat!!!" Dawn cried quickly.
Buffy snapped her head around at her. "No. Way."
"I called it," Dawn said haughtily.
"And I'm your legal guardian. That means you have to do what I say until you're 18. And I say that you're sitting in the back."
"I'm not letting you and Angel make googoo eyes at each other the whole trip."
"Dawn!"
Dawn turned her attention to Angel. "I get the front seat right? Tell her, that I called it first."
Buffy glared at her sister. "Angel, I'm the girl you love. Tell her, that she needs to sit in the back."
Angel sighed. "I'm not going to be the one to choose here."
"I called it!" Dawn said stubbornly.
Buffy regarded Dawn dangerously before her mouth formed a naughty smile. Turning she looked at Angel, pleadingly. "I've got an idea.."
****
Buffy turned around and grinned at Angel. "You know, I think this is possibly the best idea that I have ever had."
Angel glowered at her. "Keep. Your. Eyes. On. The. Road."
Buffy childously stuck out her tongue at him, but turned her attention back to the road. Buffy raised her eyebrows at the sight of Dawn sitting next to her, covered in maps that she was busy rustling through. "I'm hungry," she whined.
"Buffy! You're driving on the wrong side of the road," Angel yelled from the back seat.
Buffy sighed sheepishly and maneuvered the car back to the right lane. "Good thing that it's like three in the morning. No other cars are out at this time of night."
"They probably heard that you were going to be driving," Angel grumbled.
Buffy rolled her eyes. "Yeah, yeah, Mr. Grumpy. I'm not *that* bad."
"Yes, you are," Dawn and Angel said in unison.
"So, Dawn," Buffy said quickly, "why are you hungry?"
"I just am," Dawn snapped, "and there's a Mcdonalds coming up on the next exit."
Buffy grimaced. "Ewww, fast food that turns your stomach to mush and your muscles to dust. I'm in!"
"Watch the road!" Angel cried.
"I read somewhere that a kid actually died from eating a happy meal," Dawn informed them.
"Well, you know what they say, you only live once," Buffy frowned, "or possibly twice in some cases."
"You do know that there isn't actually any real food in those things," Angel said.
Buffy turned and gave him a surprised look, causing Angel to wince as his car scraped along the barrier to the side of the road. "Of course I knew! That's what makes the food so good!"
Angel groaned. "My poor car."
Buffy frowned, and *finally* turned her attention back to road just in time to watch an exit pass by. "Buffy!" Dawn shrieked.
Buffy blushed. "Oops.." Taking a quick look around, Buffy made sure that there wasn't anyone else in a close vicinity, then she slammed her foot on the breaks and backed the car up. When they were close enough to the exit, Buffy pressed her foot down on the accelerator and barreled down the exit.
Dawn gripped the sides of her seat. "Are you trying to kill me???"
"Please, what normal person would ever be able to do that?" Buffy asked.
Angel sighed. "None. Thank God."
"I think I like your car, Angel," Buffy chirped.
"I liked it a lot better when you weren't the one driving," Angel sighed.
Buffy screeched to a hault in front of the drive through window at the Mcdonalds. "What do you guys want?"
"A big Mac with fries and a large chocolate milk shake!" Dawn said.
"Dawn! I don't want you to throw up all over Angel's leather seats," Buffy chastised.
Angel threw his hands in the air. "Fine! I get the hint! I'll get a new car."
"Now, whatever gave you the idea that I didn't like this car?" Buffy muttered, trying her best to look bewildered, but was having trouble concealing her smile.
"That's it!" Angel cried, "We're switching places. Now."
Buffy pouted. "No fair. I'll be good, I promise."
"Who are you getting to pay for this morning snack anyway?" Angel questioned.
"Um. you?"
"Very good. Now get out of the car."
Buffy groaned and opened her door. Her glaring face was the first thing that Angel saw when he opened his door. "You're mean."
Angel smiled at her. "At least I'm not planning on leaving you here."
Buffy narrowed her eyes. "You wouldn't do that."
"You'd be surprised."
Buffy folded her arms over her chest and stood in front of Angel. "I'm not moving until you apologize."
****
Dawn sighed, and leaned her head back against her seat wearily. They could be at this all night. "*Hello?* Can I please take your order?" Dawn gave the Mcdonald's microphonedrivethroughthinigie a look, before groaning and climbing into the driver's seat.
"Uhh. yeah, could I have two big mac meals with a chocolate milkshake and a diet sprite?"
"Will that be all?" the microphone asked.
"Ummm, hold on a sec, kay?" Dawn turned her head, and heard a soft giggle come from the back seat. She rolled her eyes and decided that she didn't want to know. "Angel, you want anything to eat? I mean, meat does have *some* blood in it."
There was another giggle before Dawn heard a reply. "Not *this* meat."
"I'll take that as a no," Dawn mumbled to herself. "Yeah, that'd be it," she told the drive through microphone.
"Pick up is at the next window," it said promptly.
Dawn risked another look behind her. She sighed. Nope, it didn't look like they were going to make the window any time soon.
****
"Kindly, move out of my way."
"Not until you apologize."
Angel growled and grabbed Buffy's hips, pulling her on top of him. They fell back against the seat with Buffy lying on top of Angel's chest. He wrapped his arms around her waist and secured her firmly against him. "I'm not letting you go until *you* apologize to *me*."
"I don't know. I feel like I could stay this way for a while." Buffy admitted with a sly grin. Angel gave her a smile and traced the tips of his fingertips over her well-toned back and sides. "A long while," Buffy gasped out.
Angel ran his fingers through her hair, mesmerized by the way that her soft strands felt against his skin. He closed his eyes, thinking about how alive she made him feel in just the few days that she came back. She gave his life meaning. Every person, every soul, that he saved was for her. Seeing her smile and tease him like this. it was enough to fill his unbeating heart with joy.
"I wish that I could always make you this happy," Angel sighed, looking into her beautiful emerald eyes.
Buffy giggled. With trembling fingers she reached out and touched his face, exploring his fine lips and exquisitely sculpted cheeks. Angel closed his eyes, and let her trace him and memorize him, her fingers soft and caressing. Soon, her lips followed suit and she pressed quick butterfly kisses to his nose and chin, cheeks and eyebrows.
Angel sighed, feeling himself drown in her. When she reached his lips, fireworks exploded behind his eyes, and warmth touched him to the very bottom if his toes. His hands continued roaming down her body, touching her hips and strong buttocks. Her hands did a search of her own, over his strong chest and hard abdomen.
When Buffy's tongue entered his mouth, Angel let out a loud moan and felt himself losing a grip on reality. All he knew was that he was in Buffy's arms and that was all that was important. Teeth nipped, tongues melted together in a dangerous dance, and hands roamed, until there wasn't anything left but the two of them.
"Stop. Stop! STOP IT!!!!" Dawn roared as loud as she could.
Buffy hearing the sound of her sister's yelling, pulled away from Angel breathing hard. He rested his forehead against hers, in a silent apology. "That got a little out of hand," she panted.
Angel could feel her breath ticking his skin, and he closed his eyes to get control over himself. "I'm sorry."
"Don't be. I was free. for however short a time."
"I know the feeling."
"Soon," Buffy promised. "Willow, will find something. She has to."
With great reluctance, Angel released his arms from around Buffy's waist. "She will, but first, mind letting me drive?"
Buffy gave him a ghost of a smile trying not to think of what would have happened if Dawn hadn't been there. She gave him one last kiss, enough for the time being, and climbed out the door. Angel followed suit and jumped into the driver's seat. "So," he took a quick glance at Dawn who had her arms crossed indignantly over her chest, "where are we going?"
"The pick-up window," she snapped, not looking at him.
"Dawnie," Buffy said from the back seat, "I'm sorry. We didn't mean to get carried away."
Dawn stared out the window.
Buffy sighed. "Dawn, come on. I'm a big girl, I know what I'm doing."
"I don't want to see Angelus again," Dawn cried. "Angel's soul isn't permanent yet." Her voice caught, "I remember how much he hurt you."
Angel stared stoically ahead as he drove to the pick up window. "I'd stop it before it got that bad, Dawn. I know what lives inside of me. I will *not* let Angelus out again."
The teenager at the window stared at the group with wide eyes. "Uhhh, your foods a little cold."
"Fine," Angel said. "I'm not eating it anyway."
Dawn snorted. "Typical."
The teen holding out their bag shifted uncomfortably. "That's $11.95, sir."
Angel groaned and handed over the money. Fast food definitely wasn't as cheap as it used to be. He noticed that the teen was holding onto a cross with one hand. Angel gave a small approving nod. Good, the guy would stay alive longer.
The man wished him a good night, and Angel passed the cold bag to Dawn, who dug into it with enthusiasm. "Thanks for the food, Angel," she grumbled.
Angel forced a thin smile. "Your welcome."
Buffy sighed and took the bag from Dawn. "I liked it when I was driving, better."
"It was dangerous when you were driving," Angel countered.
"Yeah, but it was more fun."
"Let me teach you how first."
Buffy grinned. "Okay."
"I'm coming!" Dawn cried.
"No, you're not," Buffy said.
"Yes, I am."
"No, you're not."
"Am, too!"
"Are, not!"
"Someone needs to come to make sure that you keep your hands off each other," Dawn whined.
"Fine. But that doesn't mean it needs to be you." Buffy retorted.
"We could always take Cordy." Angel's words were met with dead silence in the back seat.
"Dawn," Buffy finally choked out, "why don't you come with us?"
"Fine." Dawn sapped.
Buffy rolled her eyes. "You're so immature."
Angel sighed. This was going to be a long trip.
****
Buffy wrinkled her nose at the huge structure. "You live in there???"
"I didn't know you were that rich," Dawn said cocking her head.
Angel frowned. "Actually, I got it for free."
"Possessed by a demon?"
Angel quirked an eyebrow at Buffy. "Pretty much."
Buffy chuckled and shook her head. "And you've been living in there alone since then."
"Actually, Fred lives with me. I mean, she lives in there now."
"She?" Buffy asked cheerfully.
Angel shifted uncomfortably. "It's kind of a long story.."
"Save her from a life of unspeakable torment?"
"Well. yeah."
"And, what? You just decided that she should live with you because she would be safer that way? Do you invite everyone that has been in danger to live with you?"
"Buffy.."
Buffy ignored him. "No, I wanna know. Am I just some girl who you're doing a favour for? We haven't been together for two years, Angel, you don't owe me anything."
Angel grabbed her arm. "Buffy, don't do this! You know that isn't the way that I feel about you. How could you even think that about Fred??? How could *I* even think about Fred remotely like that right after you died?"
Buffy struggled half-heartedly to get out of his grip, but he was holding on like he was afraid she was going to run away if he let go. 'Which I wouldn't do because already been down that path..' Finally, she just stood glaring at him. "Fine. You love me. Let go."
Angel let go, but didn't move away from her. "I'm not going to run away again!" Buffy yelled.
Angel watched her guardedly. "I do love you. *Only* you."
Buffy bit her lip. "I know."
"Are you sure?" Angel bit out tersely.
Buffy looked him straight in the eye. "I'm sure."
He nodded. "Then. why?"
Buffy shrugged. "Love makes you do the wacky," she muttered under her breath. She gave a thin smile realizing that she already missed her red- hair friend. "Can we just go to bed? It's been a long day."
Angel sighed and took her hand. He looked at Dawn who had been hanging back, watching their argument with a bored face, "Coming?"
Dawn walked slowly behind vampire and slayer. "You guys were the slow pokes."
Buffy smiled thinly. "Does your gang know that you're bringing me back?"
"I haven't talked to them since I left," Angel admitted.
Buffy groaned. "And we thought *my* friends were bad."
End
