They drove to the nearest cemetery in silence, neither knowing what to say, both so terribly unsure of themselves and of the situation. Had they really drifted this far apart? It hurt Angel's heart to think so.
"Here it is." Angel said as he turned the engine off and got out of the car. Before Buffy could say anything, he was around the other side of the car, opening her door and helping her out. "I think it's the only cemetery in this town. It's even smaller than Sunnydale."
Buffy smiled slightly and watched as Angel opened the trunk of his car and pulled a few things out of it. Her eyebrows lifted slightly in surprise when she saw what they were.
"You brought a picnic blanket?"
"I kind of figured you would want to come here," was Angel's answer. "I thought, we could either sit on the car, or on the ground...."
"The ground is fine." She interrupted. "Good thinking."
Angel arranged the blanket and he and Buffy sat a while, both wondering what was going through the others' minds. A few years ago, it would have been so natural to spread out the blanket, take her in his arms and just stare at the sky all night, holding each other close. Now, even though he wanted to, he knew that was impossible. There were too many barriers and not just because he left her three years ago to find a better life. She was different now that she was back. She was...changed and Angel couldn't understand why. It didn't seem like she intended on telling him about it either.
"Just like home." He heard her remark quietly. He looked over at her curiously.
"Home?"
"This cemetery," was her reply, "every cemetery. They're all the same. They all have headstones, the moon, vampires and dead people. All the criteria right here. I've spent so much time in cemeteries Angel. Too much time."
"Buffy..."
"Could you do me a favour Angel?" Buffy interrupted, a lump forming in her throat. Damn tears! She thought angrily. Go away! "Could we not talk just now? Can we just sit here? I'm so tired of talking. I'm just so tired."
"Of course," Angel replied, tentatively taking her hand in his. She leaned against his shoulder and closed her eyes and suddenly all was right again. They were back to the way they used to be, with Buffy patrolling, Angel helping her and the couple stealing a few moments every night together before the sun came up. It was the very picture of perfection....if only it weren't simply an illusion.