Chapter 5

Disclaimer: See first chapter :p

AN: I know I promised quicker updates but I really wanted to watch this scene to get it right so I had 2 wait to get the DVD which I now happily own :D

AN 2: thoughts are in signs :)

As Angel was walking back through the mansion, he came across one of Buffy's notebooks. He picked it up and glanced at the words that were written all over it. 'Buffy & Angel 4 Ever!' He gave a small chuckle at the foreshadowing of her words. Angel was sure that when his beloved had written those words, she had no idea of the surprise that awaited her. Buffy's immortality and his new-found love of sunlight had opened up more opportunities than ever before. For the first time, the future was a hell of a lot brighter.

A knock at the door shook him out of his revere. He placed the book back down and walked curiously to answer. No one ever disturbed him during the day except Buffy, and she never used the front door let alone knocked.

When Angel opened the door, he was a little more than surprised to find Joyce standing on the porch wearing a stern expression.

"Mrs Summers." He stated with a voice that was a mix of relief and expectation.

"I'm sorry to ah…Well I would have called but I didn't have your number." Joyce explained as she walked inside.

"Please, you're always welcome." Angel stated sincerely. Anything to get on her good side He thought.

"Wow, your place is amazing."

Joyce looked around in awe at the size of the mansion. She almost couldn't believe that one man could own the vast property. And some of the art pieces she was almost sure were original works.

"Yeah, I like a lot of space. I don't get out much in the day." Angel thought happily of how that would change once Buffy graduated and they could go out during the day.

"No, you wouldn't." Joyce agreed.

She doesn't know that things have changed. Angel realized, She still thinks I'm a vamp and Buffy is going to die of old age.

As Angel turned to lead her into the living area, Joyce noticed a set of chains on the wall.

Oh God, I hope this was a good idea.

"Can I get you something? I don't have any coffee." Angel inquired.

"Oh no thank you, I..." Joyce stopped and turned as she realized what he said, "You don't drink? Beverages I mean?" He'd be fun to go on a date with

"No I do, it's just the caffeine. It makes me jittery." And your daughter cleaned me out of it this morning. How that tiny body can survive the amount of caffeine she drinks is beyond me.

"Oh." She nodded in understanding, "I understand Buffy spent the night."

I knew there had to be a reason for he showing up here Angel thought with a sigh

"I'm sorry about that." No I'm not , "We came back after patrolling…"

"I'm not interested in the details. It's not why I'm here."

Krap, now I'm in for it. "Ok."

"I'm here because I'm worried about you two, in general. Actually to be more specific, I'm worried about what you could do to her."

"What happened before, when I changed, it won't happen again. My soul, it's permanent." Thank God Angel tried to reassure her. He didn't like the turn their conversation had taken.

"That's not all I'm concerned about. I don't have to tell you that you and Buffy are from different worlds."

"No you don't." Angel agreed.

"She's had to deal with a lot, grow up fast. Sometimes even I forget that she's still just a girl."

"And I'm old enough to be her ancestor." Angel agreed with Joyce a hundred percent but he was not going to let her ruin his chance at happiness.

"She's just starting out in life." Joyce concluded.

"I know. I think about it more now that she's staying in Sunnydale." YAY!!!

"Good. But what I want to know is how much you have thought about it. I know that the only reason my baby is still alive is because you have been by her side. You may both come from two worlds but they are both connected by the love you have for each other. I'm concerned that as buffy grows older, that you will start to lose interest in her. She doesn't deserve that."

"No she doesn't. Mrs Summers, I'm not sure if I should be telling you this but last week, the whole group, Buffy included was granted immortality by the higher powers. Buffy will not die of old age Mrs Summers, ever. She will remain 18 years of age forever."

"Right, well I guess I have heard stranger things over the past year. And I suppose that if I give Mr. Giles a call he will give me the same story?"

"Yes ma'am. Only, don't let Buffy know that I have told you. I think it would be better if she told you herself."

"Yes, well, I can't say that I have always been your biggest supporter Angel. And your antics last year have only served to cement the doubt in my mind. But try as I might, I can't ignore my daughters happiness. She may have had to grow up fast but when it comes to you Angel, she's just like any other young woman in love. You're all she sees of tomorrow."

"And she's my sunrise."

"Because she's moving out to go to collage, I won't be able to assure myself that she's safe in her bed every night, but I know that you will be able to."

"I would do everything in my power to assure you of her safety."

"I know. Just as I know that you will always do right by her."

Is she saying what I think she's saying? Angel was now putting all his hopes on the Lady before him.

"There are going to be some tough choices to be made in her life, especially if what you have told me is true and her life is going to be a lot longer than most. I just hope that someone will be by her side when those choices are to be made. I know you care about her Angel. I just hope you care enough."

Angel was almost in shock at what Joyce had said. She wanted him to stay with Buffy. And while he personally didn't have a problem with that, Angel was expecting a bigger battle than a simple conversation.

Joyce smiled at Angel's stunned expression.

"I have to go, we have an exhibition tonight and I'm guessing that you have a class to teach."

"Yes ma'am."

"Joyce will be fine."

She turned to go. As she was about to open the door she turned back to face Angel.

"You come from Ireland right? Originally?"

"Yes ma'am, I mean Joyce."

"The one thing I loved about Ireland was its many traditions. Nice ring." She stared pointedly at Angel's left hand, "But diamonds are a girl's best friend." With that, she left.

"Irish traditions? That was random." He was so lost in thought that it took him a few seconds to realize he was fiddling with his claddagh ring. Suddenly it dawned on him. He stared at his ring as he raced over what Joyce had said before she left.

He called Giles and asked him to take his class this afternoon and within ten minutes he was on the freeway, heading to LA.

Thankyou so much to those of you who have reviewed this

melluvban Everything in it's time, I may be getting this out slow but there will be at least 1 more after that :)

kat461: I'm glad you like. I like to add a little humour to my stories. Nothing like a good laugh :)

Rayne StarDust: Thanx :) sorry this took so long :)

Emberlynn Thanks hunny, and yea I'll let you know :)