The Road Home
Summary: AU; everyone's human. Buffy Summers dodges family and friends to escape her wedding and make it back home, single. But when she returns to L.A., she finds herself stuck with a grumpy, homeless roommate without who, she soon finds, home wouldn't be home at all.
Disclaimer: 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' and all associated with it belongs to Mutant Enemy, Fox, Joss Whedon etc. I own squat. Also, the chapter title I'd thought of long before a friend informed me it was one of Angel's S5 episodes. I won't change it, but just so you know.

A/N: sigh I wish I could somehow weave in Oz. I love Oz. But I won't be able to, I guess. Maybe in another story, later. Anyhow, let me know what you think.

19. Seconds

"So I guess you just couldn't leave out the fancy restaurant this time, eh?"

Will laughed as the concierge guided them into their booth. "Yeah, I couldn't," He agreed, making sure she was comfortably seated before he sat down himself.

Buffy looked around and found herself staring back from huge, gilded mirrors. The golden ambience of the room made everything seem a bit surreal and as she caught Will's eyes, she grinned. "It's beautiful!"

He smiled back, adjusting the silvery tie he wore over his black shirt. The menus were brought and Will slipped on his reading glasses and read through the dishes. "So, what do you want, 'Lizabeth?"

Buffy waved him away, looking around intently with her chin balanced on her folded hands. "You order for me. Just nothing with shellfish—makes me sick. Wow..." She said the last softly, as though if she spoke loudly she'd break a spell, "This place is just so amazing..." She trailed off as she looked at the beach, a long way beneath them, waves crashing on the sand as a group played songs around a bonfire.

Will watched her look down wistfully and signaled the waiter to leave. Gently, he reached across the table and took her hand. She looked at him, startled, but relaxed at the tender look in his eyes.

"Want to leave and go down there, pet?"

Buffy gazed at him intently, her heart aching with the gentleness he showed. He seemed to know whatever her heart wanted even when she didn't. The way he easily changed according to her demands made her heart sing out for his. She smiled and said, "Later. You picked an amazing place for dinner."

He lifted her hand and softly kissed it. They stayed that way, hand in hand, until the waiter came and Will ordered, confirming with Buffy for everything he put down. She watched him, now, loving the way he took charge only when she wanted him to. Loving how the glasses he wore made him seem more real, somehow. How his hair was beginning to show its true color at the root, when he turned to her and caught her staring.

Instantly, she blushed. One scarred eyebrow rose in response and she answered, "Yo-your hair. It's showing at the roots."

He touched his platinum curls and shrugged. "Better bleach then. I could brush you up, too, if you want."

"I'm showing?" Buffy frowned.

"No, put your hair is quite a mess, pet. 's black in places, in places golden brown, but on the surface it's golden. ' thought you'd like a head of fully golden locks."

Buffy shook her head, the tight bun that revealed her odd hair color moving too. "Nah," She said, sipping her drink, "I look fine this way. If I bleached completely, I'd look like Harmony." She took a bigger gulp of her drink and scrunched up her nose. "Ew. What is this?"

"Whisky, luv," He sipped his own, savoring the taste. "Finest of its kind. Don't you like it?"

"I hate it," Buffy declared, pushing the delicate crystal glass away. "Buffy and whisky, Buffy and rum, Buffy and beer are all unmixy. I can take champagne, wine, and bit of vodka but nothing else."

"Should've told me then," He took her glass and downed it in one go. "Would've ordered for you."

"Nah," Buffy shivered delicately as the cooling of the room began to affect her. She wished she'd thought twice before wearing her halter dress of deep crimson lace. It stopped at her knees with a diagonal hem and under that, she was wearing black trousers. "I can go without alcohol, thanks."

"Cold, pet?"

He'd noticed that single shudder? "Not really. Just wish I hadn't worn lace again tonight."

He smirked. "Personally, I don't know what you're complaining about. Me, I find your dress... inspiring." He took another sip from his glass and said, "I'll ask them for wine. It should warm you up a bit. Night is a bit nippy, after all."

"No, Will, that's okay," She protested lamely as the waiter arrived with their food.

Will rolled his eyes at her and asked the waiter to bring her a glass. The waiter nodded, but uncovered their dishes and served both of them before leaving. Buffy looked at the food, eyes slightly dazed, and said, "I'm not going to be able to finish this."

Will grinned. "Good, then. More for me."

It was Buffy's turn to roll her eyes as she bit into the roast chicken he's asked for. Halfway through her bite, the wine arrived.

"Oh, Will," Buffy sighed as Will waved off the waiter and poured her a glass. "How will you pay for all this?"

"It's all good, princess. Plus, I have to tell you something really important." Will muttered, easing back into his seat.

She frowned. "No, it's not all good. You told me you've got limited cash. Tell me—does limited cash dine five star?"

He looked sheepish. "No, but you do."

"What?" She waved a hand dismissively. "Of course I don't. I'd be as happy if you took me to an ice cream stand."

He sighed. "You and Willow, both the same. Moral values and all that. Really, can't you just experience an extravagant dinner and be content with it?"

"I'd eat more happily if I knew how you were paying."

Will sighed again. "I'm using a credit card."

Buffy frowned. "You said your dad had blocked them."

Will shrugged and started eating. "Was wrong. Checked it out at a shop few days back."

Buffy nodded. "Ah. The art of treachery."

"No," He grinned, "The advantage of ignorance."

"Who the hell are you and what do you want at this hour?"

"Xander? Hey, it's Angel."

Immediately, Xander sat up in bed, wide awake in spite of the ungodly hour. "Angel! Where're you? How're you? Everything alright, pal?"

Angel frowned at the concern and said, "Yeah, everything's okay, Xan. How are you and Anya holding up?"

"Oh, Anya and I are fine," Xander swatted the lump in bed next to him. "You tell me. Heard from the Buffster yet?"

"Buffy? Isn't she with you guys?"

"Angel, where in the world have you been?" Xander shook his head. "We're having a major case of cold feet. She left London like three weeks ago, leaving just a note. Anya and I waited for a week then started on our tour. We can't catch her anywhere, not D.C., not New York, and Willow, in L.A., says she hasn't come home at all. Also, your planner has been told there's a postpone in plans and now she keeps irritating us. But that isn't really important. What is is that we can't find your fiancée anywhere. Where're you, by the way?"

For the longest time, Angel said nothing. Then, he spoke in a dazed voice, "Um, I'm in Rome. And Xander? I'm engaged."

Xander snorted, then lowered his voice when he heard a stirring moan from Anya. "Um, Angel, sorry to say this, but obviously. Duh! Why else were we in London?"

Angel smiled wryly on the other end. "This fiancée is not Buffy."

"So, shoot."

"Shoot?"

"You wanted to tell me something really important, right? So... tell away." Buffy and Will walked on the boardwalk with arms around each other's waists, pressed together close.

Will didn't say anything in response to Buffy. He just sped up slightly on the deserted boardwalk till they were standing underneath a cypress tree and looking at the moon and the water. Will turned Buffy so she was facing him, the tie of her halter dress loose from his ministrations earlier. Her hair was still tied but tendrils flowed to frame her face. In his bit-oversized black jacket, she looked beautiful.

"You look beautiful," He told her, brushing away a strand from her eyes.

"How many times will you say that?" Buffy murmured against his knuckles as he caressed her cheek, her eyes closing contentedly.

Will smiled and withdrew his hand. Her eyes opened and he said, "As long as it takes."

"For what?"

"For you to fall in love with my irresistible charms."

Buffy laughed and Will's heart flew. Taking hold of her hand, he pulled her close and wrapped his arms around her.

Slowly, he began to rock to a rhythm she recognized and they were dancing without any music. When he stopped a moment later, he kissed the hand he still held to his lips. Looking into her eyes, he said, "Elizabeth. I..." He hesitated, and Buffy saw something in his mind click and change. Swallowing, Will continued, "I've found an apartment. I'll move out this week."

A/N: Do not hate me! I promise to make up for it in the next chapter, really!