Part 7

By the time Friday came, no one had any idea what kind of demon the Mayor would become. But they knew that all the girls would go Prom dress shopping the next day. And with a little help from Giles and Angel, mainly Angel, They would be doing their shopping in Los Angeles. Cordelia, much to every ones amazement had decided not to go.

"I already own nearly every dress in the world. Plus I can go whenever I want."

With that she walked out of the library Xander hot on her heals. Once out side she burst into tears. Xander just held her until she had it out of her system.

The other surprise of the week happened when Sydney came to the library and helped with the research. Buffy and Angel just smiled at the looks on everyone's faces and handed Sydney a book

When they got into English, Buffy automatically noticed something was wrong.

"Where's Angel? He's normally here by now."

"Maybe he got caught up. He'll be here."

"Your right Will. I just want to read him my poem."

"I hope he waits for the bell to kiss you. I hate loosing."

"Will it's a done deal. He's been alive for 200 years. He's had a lot of time to learn self-control. But in a way I hope he does I want to see Harmonys face."

"Yeah me too. But I still don't want to loose."

"Loose what?"

"Buffy said that the poem she would read would send angel crazy and he would kiss her before the end of class. We made a bet. Cordy and I are with angel. And Xander and Oz with Buffy."

"Okay I'll play. I'm with Cordy and Will,"

"Traitor."

"Xander!"

"Girls always stick together."

"But we didn't. We're with Angel."

At that point Angel walked in.

"Sorry guys. I had a perspective buyer wanting to look at my work."

"What work sir?"

Angel glanced at Buffy then turned his attention to Harmony.

"I do Art. I mainly do drawings but sometimes a little painting and sculpting. So poem time. We'll start at the front of the room then end with Miss Summers. I'll go after buffy."

"Sir may I go after you. I kinda like being last. Is that okay?"

"Sure. I'll go after Buffy. Jade can you start."

They went round the room till they got to Xander.

"Okay Xander your up."

"I got this poem from a movie. It's to a hopefully soon to be friend. Don't take every line seriously just get the general gist. But first I want to say I'm sorry."

He looked up at Angel and gave a little half smile. Angel raised his eyebrows in surprise.

"I hate the way you talk to me,

And the way you cut your hair.

I hate the way you drive your car,

I hate it when you stare.

I hate your big dumb combat boots,

And the way you read my mind.

I hate you so much it makes me sick,

It even makes me rhyme.

I hate the way you're always right,

I hate it when you lie.

I hate it when you make me laugh,

Even worse when you make me cry.

I hate it when you're not around,

And the fact that you didn't call.

But mostly I hate the way I don't hate you,

Not even close,

Not even a little bit,

Not even at all."

"Thankyou."

"No." Angel said, "Thankyou."

Only the Scooby gang knew the real impact and meaning behind Xanders poem. Buffy looked up to see a small tear run down his cheek, only one. She reached over and took his hand, holding it discretely under his desk.

"Okay Cordelia, dazzle us."

Cordelia went to the front and looked at everyone.

"This is kinda to all of you, but mainly to seven particular people. You know who you are."

"As I sit here in class

I observe my friends

And look forward to the year

Coming to an end.

It's going to be sad

To say goodbye

I'll miss everyone

I know I'll cry.

I remember the day

When I came back

To be with my friends

And get on the right track

We had so many moments

Some bad, most great

I'll always remember the love

And erase the hate

I don't wanna say goodbye

To all my friends

I don't want this year to come to an end.

"Thanks Cordy. Oz, your turn."

"Hey, this is to all the people who couldn't be here today. And to all of you"

"Today is a very special day for you.

As is should be for us all.

So many have failed to see today.

And because of that, I am sad.

A new day brings a chance for new beginnings.

It also brings forgiveness where needed.

Each new day brings a new start.

A day filled with hope and inspiration.

Please don't let it slip away.

Enjoy today as it was meant to be.

Walk proudly through your new day.

See everything once again, like it was the first time.

Welcome this new day, as it welcomes you.

When you step into today, bring your smile.

Maybe someone could use it.

Don't be afraid to share today.

That is what each day is for.

Today is not just any day, to be passed through.

Today is a very special day.

A day I give thanks for having your friendship.

Someone I am so proud to share today with."

Angel smiled.

"Cool. Willow, lets hear it."

"Okay. This is to my best friend. Good luck."

Xander and Buffy looked at each other then back to Willow.

"One born of light, but touched by darkness.

One born of darkness, but touched by light.

Two ancient lovers destined to be together since time began.

They were separated, only to be reunited throughout history.

Neither death, nor time,

Nor the destruction of this very world

Can keep their souls from each other.

Let all who try to oppose their union.

Face witness to the light they both create and submit.

To their might, to their love

And to the prophecy that binds them together"

Buffy looked up at Angel and smiled. She turned to Willow.

"Thankyou."

She mouthed

"What are friends for?"

She mouthed back.

"Alright, my turn. This is to the most beautiful woman in the world."

Buffy rolled her eyes as harmony visibly straightened and tossed her hair back to reveal an enormous amount of cleavage. Willow let out a little giggle while Xanders face went bright red trying not to laugh.

"Well bless my soul,
I never knew a love like this

could be so true.
When I wake up all I see,

Is an image of you and me.
With our bodies embraced so

close together,

I wish it could be you and me forever.
When I hear your voice my dear,

my heart beats faster I wish

you where near.
There's not one day that ever goes by,

when I sit and wonder how or why.
How I could ever love you so much?

There is no question as such.
Why I could love someone so deep?

The answer to that is too mild and meek.
Dearest Love this is true,

My heart and soul belong to you.

And if decide to leave me blue,
I'll always be in Love with you!"

"Thankyou. I know that was boring but hey."

"It wasn't boring. It was beautiful."

Angel ignored her and turned to Buffy.

"Buffy, lucky last."

Buffy went and stood next to the window so that the sun was shinning directly on her. Everyone who knew realised it was for Angels benefit.

"I want to say thankyou to all my friends. This applies to you in a purely platonic way. To my husband, take it literally."

Angel's eyes flew straight up and Buffy moved her hand slightly so that her Claddagh ring glinted in the sunlight. It was a subtle movement that meant the world to Angel. She smiled as a hushed whisper went round the class. Everyone looking at everyone else trying to figure out who she was talking about.

"How do I love thee, let me count the ways.

I love thee to the depth. Breadth and height my soul can reach.

When feeling out of sight for the ends of being and ideal grace.

I love thee to the level of every day's most quiet needs,

By sun and candlelight.

I love thee freely as men strive for right.

I love thee purely as they turn from praise.

I love thee with a passion put use in my old griefs and childhood faiths.

I love thee with a love I seemed to loose with my lost saints.

I love thee with the breath, smiles and tears of all my life.

And if God should choose,

I shall love thee better after death."

After she had finished Willow, Xander, Oz, Cordy and Sydney glanced backwards at Angel who was really struggling not to move. Buffy could see it too. Just as he thought he couldn't take it any more the door swung open and a little figure walked in.

"Angel man, hows it going."

Angel came down and stood slightly in front of Buffy.

"Whistler. Come to destroy my life some more?"

"You know this twerp?"

Cordy piped up.

"Yeah."

"Hey the way I see it, I did you a big favour."

"What?"

"Well, today provided the last ingredients for a little something the powers have cooked up."

"And again I say what? The last ingredients?"

"To a little immortality, restoration, warmth."

"What have you been taking Wait, you know what? Can this wait till later. I kinda got a class."

"Sorry man this has to happen now or not at all."

"Okay but hurry up."

"For the powers to give you a little happiness. A few things had to happen. Hate and Anger had to turn to Friendship and trust. The follower had to become a helper and you had to stay. Over the last week all these things have happened. Now, you wont be completely human, your strength will remain as well as eyesight and healing. You wont react to sunlight or crosses but you will live forever, so will the rest of them, plus one who hasn't really made herself known yet. You'll be luke warm but not completely because I happen to know that someone reacts pretty well to the coolness. And you will have a pulse. Oh, your demon can only be released when fighting to give you extra strength and at other times, which I wont, go into here. Speaking of other times, the souls permanent."

Angel really wasn't taking in every thing that whistler had said, but as soon as he said the last bit his eyes focused.

"How do I know your telling the truth?"

Whistler rolled his eyes and gave Angel a sudden shove. Caught off guard Angel stumbled back into the sunshine, knocking over buffy in the process. Angel didn't burst into flames but that didn't stop Buffy getting angry.

"I should kick your little…"

"Ah, not here. Children present."

"Yeah and I'm staring at one of them."

Angel shook his head and looked at Whistler

"It's defiantly permanent."

"Geese, do I have to spell it out for you? Y.E.S."

"How exactly did this happen?"

"Weren't you listening? Okay the short is that the higher powers decided to give you two a break. You were due to become human one day anyway. If you had left you would have found a scroll prophesising it. But your not going to leave so. The powers always have a fork in every moment. You could have left and been with her after you die or you could be with her now. She's smart, she convinced you to stay."

"I'm glad she did."

"Me too. You would have committed suicide if you had taken the other path."

A little moan escaped Buffys mouth. No one but Angel heard it because they were too enthralled with what was taking place in front of them.

"Well gotta go. I'm leaving a note of exactly what I said and a little more because you weren't listening. Read it after class. You do have to teach."

He turned to the class. Most of which had their mouths hanging open.

"Sorry kids. That couldn't wait, see ya."

After he left Angel turned toward the class. Harmony stood up so suddenly her desk tipped.

"Who is she?"

"Huh?"

"That fashion victim kept referring to a girl. I want to know who."

"Not that it's any of your business but if you must know, my wife.'

"Your married."

"Yes Harmony, I am."

"How long?"

 At this point Buffy spoke up.

"A year and a half."

"How would you know?"

"We got married on my seventeenth birthday."

"You. Your married to Angel."

"Forever and always."

Angel replied. With that he gave buffy a kiss. Two seconds later the bell rang. The class just stared.

"Angel. You couldn't have waited a couple of seconds"

"Yay, we win. Pay up."

"Angel you do realise that Sydney, Cordy and I are now $30 short."

Buffy stopped kissing Angel long enough to turn to the class. They were all staring at her.

"You are so going to have to make it up to us."

Buffy looked up at Angel and laughed.

"So come to the wedding."

The End

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