We sat together on the couch as time passed. The girls had fallen asleep a few hours back, but I sat pondering what could've been. As the time passed, I watched Buffy sleep, and I saw every beautiful thing about her. Every aspect which I loved those years ago, were still present. Finally, I decided that I needed to find out what was wrong with her. So I carried Anne up to her room, placed her in her bed, and tucked her in. Then I carried Buffy up stairs and placed her in her bed. But, as I was about to walk out, Buffy awoke and said, ""what time is it?"

""Just after midnight," I responded as I made my way back to the bed. ""You should get back to sleep."

""Are you staying here tonight," she asked, as she fought to keep her eyes open?

""Yes," I replied as I bent and kissed her for-head; which was very warm. ""I''ll be right here when you wake up."

She smiled, shut her eyes, and gave into her tiredness. I stayed a few moments and watched as she quickly sank into a deep sleep. I then left her room and said to myself, ""I''ve got about seven hours till the sun comes up. There was one man who I needed to talk with; He'd know all the answers. So I got in my car and drove from Cleveland to New York in 3 1/2 hours. It would''ve been faster, but I had to stop for gas. I drove so fast for I wanted to get back before Buffy woke up.

I made it to the guys work knowing full well he'd be doing his thing this early in the morning. His name was in bright lights, and his show was filled to the brim. He always wanted to star on Broadway, and he has been for the last five years.

I made my way backstage a lot easier than I thought it would be. I snuck in the back door, and there wasn''t a guard in sight. ''This seems strange,'' I said to myself, but he probably had one of his spells protecting the place. Nonetheless, I made my way to his dressing room, and waited for him to finish his set. Finally, he came into his dressing room and began crying at the sight of me standing across from him.

""Angel," he barely was able to say for his emotions had taken control.

""Yes Lorne, it's me," I replied as I walked up to him because he held his arms wide open, waiting for a big hug; which I delivered happily.

""Gosh sweetness, how long has it been," Lorne asked as he finally released me from his embrace?

I laughed a bit, because Lorne was always such a sap. ""It''s been way to long. 10 years I think."

""That''s right," Lorne began as he sat in his chair and remembered that very day. ""I remember you came and told me that Spike took your place at Wolfram Heart. You told me you needed to look into something extremely important. So sugar, by the sparkle in your eyes, it looks as though you found what you were searching for."

I smiled and nodded my head in agreement. I was about to say something about Buffy when he said, ""I see that, that life you found gave you your sparkle, but it seems as though something''s trying to take your heart. Ok, I understand why you''ve come to see me. And it wasn't to catch up on our delightful demon fighting days. You've got a serious problem, and you are in need of some guidance.""

""I'm sorry Lorne. It's just that……"" I tried to explain but was quickly cut off.

""There''s no need to explain Angel,"" Lorne said. ""I''m sensing that love is the X. factor here. In the amount of time we''ve known each other, you''ve never had love in your life. Sure you''ve loved us, but that''s a different love. The love you want is the love which lasts forever. So, whatever I can do to help you achieve pure happiness, now that it is ok for you, than by all means, let me help.""

I thought for a moment and finally decided what I was going to sing. Then I began and sang about as good as I could. Not once did I open my eyes because it''s as if the ''Eagles'' lyrics were written especially for me,

""I was standing
All alone against the world outside
You were searching
For a place to hide
Lost and lonely
Now you've given me the will to survive
When we're hungry...love will keep us alive
When we're hungry...love will keep us alive
When we're hungry...love will keep us alive.""

When Lorne didn''t respond right away I knew his news wasn''t going to be pleasant. The look on his face was riddled with agony. He probably thought that all he'd have to do was, tell me to move on or pick another girl, but now he knew it was much more difficult than that.

""Oh Sugar, you can't catch a break can you,"" he sarcastically began as I smiled and shook my head in agreement. ""First you finally Shanshu, and make your way back to her, only to find out that she's dying; it's as if the two of yours love was never supposed to happen. I'm so sorry Angel. But what I can't understand is, why, if you already knew this, why aren''t you spending every last-second with her? Why are you here with me?"

""I guess what I want to know is..." I began but again I was interrupted by Lorne. ""You want to know how much time you have left with her.""

""Exactly," I answered and continued. ""I also want to know what's really causing her sickness."

Lorne smiled, placed his hand on my shoulder, squeezed, and spoke from the heart, ""Does it really matter what's wrong with her?"

""I guess it doesn't,"" I replied. ""But how could someone so strong be in so much pain. I guess I just don't understand why she has to go when finally we could be together.""

""I know Angel," Lorne began. ""But she hasn't been the slayer for awhile. She's a woman who is living out her role in this world. The real questions are, will you continue fighting? Can you accept what'll happen? And can you accept the responsibility which will be handed to you?"

""What responsibility Lorne," I asked with much eagerness to hear the answer. But was dismayed when he didn't tell me?

""I don't hold all the answer sweetie,"" Lorne said as he walked me to the door. ""I just put people on their paths remember! So I'm telling you, go back to Buffy and be with her today. Listen to her, and enjoy the day you have left. Don't forget to tell her you love her."

Lorne hugged me and sent me on my way. I realized I only had one day left with her, and I wasn''t going to let anything ruin it. I wiped away my tears as I got into my car and drove back to Cleveland. I arrived just before the sun came up. I was able to watch her sleep for a while. I watched her lungs take in the fresh air through her mouth. It was the cutest thing hearing the tiniest of snores coming from this beautiful creature. Finally she woke up and smiled when she noticed me sitting on the edge of her bed. Before she said a word, she looked into my eyes and realized that I hadn''t slept. She realized that I had been out all night, but she didn''t ask me about it, for she knew what I had done. Just by looking in my sad eyes, she knew I had found out everything.

Finally she broke our silence and said, ""I need to ask you for a very big favor. It''s something that you won''t be able to give back. If you say that you can do this, than you can''t ever give it up.""

""What is it Buffy,"" I anxiously asked? ""You know that I''ll do anything for you. I don''t even have to think about it. I''ll do whatever you want.""

""This is a huge responsibility Angel,"" Buffy began, but all I could think about was what Lorne had said. He told me about being able to accept the responsibility which will be handed to me. ""You are the only one capable of doing this for me. Giles is way to old, Willow is too busy with her family, and Xander isn''t capable of doing this; he doesn''t have the abilities like you do.""

""Buffy,"" I calmly began. ""Please, just ask me what it is that you want. Then you won''t have to worry about it any longer.""

""Ok,"" Buffy began as she took a deep breath to ease some of the anxiety of the question. ""Will you take care of my daughter after I''m gone?""

Buffy looked at me and awaited my response, but this request was more than I expected. ""Take care of Anne!?" was my response as I rubbed my forehand and repositioned myself on her bed. ""I don't know Buffy! The only other time I took care of a child, he tried to kill me.""

""What," Buffy questioned?

""Never mind,"" I replied for it was a long and disastrous tale. ""I just worry that I won't do the right things Buffy. She needs someone who will do things I can''t do.""

""Angel," Buffy began while grabbing my hand and placing it on her chest. ""Feel my heartbeat. This is the calmest I've ever been. There isn't a doubt or worry in my mind about this. You would be the perfect parent, and..."

Buffy paused for a second to clear her throat but I was nervously waiting for her to continue, so I interrupted, ""and what Buffy?""

""And watcher,"" she said without relinquishing her grip on my hand. ""She doesn't know yet. I haven't had the heart to let her know; but she is the next slayer. Giles told me a while back that she has the potential. I want you to train her, and fight with her, just like we used to. There's still a lot of the evil out there, and I need to know that there is someone out there who can be there for her. Not just as a trainer but as a father. I know you can give her the love which she needs. Please tell me you will do it Angel. Please!"

I bowed my head, took a deep breath, and answered, ""It would be an honor to raise your daughter as my own.""

Buffy popped up, hugged me, and told me thank you. I then said, ""You should get dressed; I've got the entire day planned. You, Anne, and I are going to have an awesome day, and wonderful evening.""

Her emotions got the better of her, so the tears started flowing. I wanted to cry as well, but I needed to stay strong. I kept saying to myself, ''I only have today. So there'll be no tears.'' I picked Buffy up, hugged her tight, and left as she got ready. I then told Anne what was in store for us today, and she was happy as well.

Finally, around 11 a.m. we left Buffy's house, and I took them to the park where I had set up a picnic under the bright beautiful sunlight. I had so much wonderful food, and everything contained cheese. I dined on the food as well, but the only thing that would truly fill me up, well was the blood thing. But I didn''t bring that with me, for I didn''t want to tell Anne yet. It was a day to celebrate Buffy.

This day seemed to pass while we sat together at the park. It was such a wonderful time; I wish I had more of it. Finally, we left the park, and decided to go home. I noticed that Buffy was coughing a lot more than usual, and she had the shakes. But not once did she let that stop her from smiling.

I took the woman home and it was around 2:30 p.m. When we arrived at the house, Buffy sat on the swing on the front porch. Buffy asked Anne to run and fetch her pills. I watched as Buffy struggled to fight the pain but not struggle to remain smiling.

""Your so beautiful in sunlight Angel," Buffy told me. ""This is everything I''ve always wanted. You and I, together in the sunlight, and very much in love.""

""Is that what we are, in love," I calmly asked as I began pushing her.

""There''s no question that I love you, there has never been. I can see so clearly now, we've had a love which has been different than anything else. Our love will transcend time Angel. You''re going to live forever, and that way our love will last forever. Our love will keep me alive.""

I was about to respond when Buffy quickly asked me to go check on the Anne. ""She probably can't find my pills.""

I smiled and said I''d be right back. As I walked in the house she screamed, ""I love you Angel."

I turned, smiled, and answered back as a chill rattled my entire body, ""I love you too."

I shook it off and found Anne. Who indeed couldn't find Buffy's pills. We both searched but neither of us could find them. So we gave up and both made our way back outside.

We made it to the front door and instantly my heart dropped when we saw Buffy lying flat on her back, motionless. I flew down to her, grabbed her by the head, and looked to see if there was any sign of life. Anne fell to the ground up by the door and bellowed loudly in despair.

I panically checked for a heartbeat, and tried to revive her, but I couldn't do thing. Then I ferociously yelled to Anne, at the top of my lungs, as my agony began flowing from my eyes, ""call 911 Anne! Call an ambulance!""

But Anne was motionless as her tears began flowing harder and more rapidly. ""No Buffy No," I yelled. ""I had one day left. You can''t die. WAKE UP! DAMN IT! WAKE UP!"" Again I tried to revive her heartbeat but there was no hope. I dropped to my knees, and saw something bulging from Buffy's jacket pocket; so I pulled it out. I wiped the tears from my eyes so I could see what it was. I realized that I pulled out her pills. Then I said quietly out loud, ""She had them the whole time. She knew." My head sunk into my hands and I started weeping. My head was raised a few moments later when Anne tapped me on the shoulder. I looked up and said while still crying, ""She loved you more than life itself!"" Anne instantly fell into my arms and we cried together.

The rest of the day was a blur. The coroner came and went, and the police, who knew Buffy well, gave Anne and me their regards. After they left, I turned and noticed Anne sitting quietly on the steps of the porch. I made my way over to her, and sat down next to her. I then said, ""Are you alright?""

Anne looked up at me with her bloodshot eyes and said, ""What''s gonna happen now? Where will I be sent to?""

She bit her bottom lip in order to keep herself from crying again as she listened to my response, ""You''re mother asked me of a favor.""

""What did she ask you,"" Anne quickly asked?

""You see,"" I began. ""You and your mother share a special bond. And it''s not that you''re her daughter. Your mother was a fighter, and now you''ll become one as well.""

""I wasn''t aware I was even remotely gifted like her,"" Anne said as she was surprised to her this news. ""She never said a word about me becoming a slayer.""

""Not just a slayer Anne,"" I began explaining. ""The daughter of the bravest slayer who ever lived.""

""So I''ll be sent to the Watcher''s Council then; to begin my training?!""

""Well not exactly,"" I replied as I continued fighting my emotions.

""What does that mean,"" Anne eagerly asked?

""You''re mother asked me for another favor. She asked me to look after you after she was gone, and to train you myself. I don't know if I''ll be the right person for the job. I''ve never really been that good of a father figure. I tried telling you mother that but……""

Anne placed her hand on mine and I instantly stopped talking. She then said, ""My mother loved you so much. I could see it in her eyes when you showed up here yesterday. There''s no one else more qualified to train me, or to be my father.""

I smiled at her and her at me, and then I knew, I had just found my true redemption.