Authors Note: I'm so sorry for another extremely long wait. I don't have the motivation to get new chapters out quickly. Long stories have never been my thing. I have a short attention span. I'll try and update quickly next time, but I'm not making any promises.

"Angel, I don't care if you can't skate. I won't laugh at you, I promise." Buffy coaxed Angel. But the black clad man stood stiff, awkward in the unfamiliar feel of the ice skates on his feet. He stood on the rugged land, staring at Buffy who stood on the slippery ice. She was so full of grace, and so innocent. He was taken aback by her beauty, bashfully toeing the ground with his foot like a nervous little school boy, hands laced and sweaty behind his back. She smiled at him, holding out her own hand. Her hands fascinated him in so many ways. They were so small, they fit so perfectly in his own. They never seemed to be unsure, they barely ever shook. They were so warm and soft and silky. She was an amazing creature; he had to give her that. "Just one step, Angel. I won't let you fall." She promised, hand still outstretched to him. He stared at it a long moment before raising his eyes to meet her gaze. She was smiling at him, almost tauntingly. He was angry for a single moment that she could be so pretty and calm while he was nervous out of his wits by the mere thought of stepping out onto that ice with these confounded ice skates strapped to his feet.

"I'm not worried about falling—well, okay, I am. But not like—I mean I'm worried I'll take you down with me if I fall." Angel confessed, hands still behind his back. Buffy smiled cutely, skating to the edge of the ice. She lifted both hands to his shoulders and used him as a balance as she lifted herself up onto her toes and rose her chin to brush her lips against his own. He was still a moment before his hands detached from each other and flew to her hips, helping her further keep her balance. "It's easy for you." He frowned when their lips had finally parted. "You're like an amazing beautiful ice princess, and you're so graceful." She just smiled up at him. Because she had him now. Her hands left his shoulders and before he had time to react they'd enveloped his hands. She was stronger than him, he'd willingly admit to that. And she often used it to her advantage. She dragged him out onto the ice. He slid, legs parting, trying to let go of her so she wouldn't fall if he did, but she held tight. She kept him upright. They stood still for a long moment before Buffy slowly forced Angel to take a single step while on the ice. He was shaking, obviously uncomfortable on this new slippery ground. "Buffy," He breathed her name, suddenly holding tight to her hands.

"You're doing fine." She assured him, pulling him along, teaching him. She taught him to turn, and stop, and stay balanced. She taught him until finally he got the hang of it and let go of one of her hands.

"This is nice." He admitted, the two of them skating around the small rink hand in hand.

"You're a natural." She commended. He shook his head.

"You're only saying that because you love me." He caught her. She paused a moment, then nodded in agreement with his statement, letting out a small chuckle. "I'm terrible at this." He stated, giving a half-hearted pout. At this Buffy grinned, leaning in for another kiss. But Angel still wasn't very balanced, and as soon as she leaned into him he toppled over, taking her down with him. Although luckily for her she landed on top. The two of them were perfectly still for a moment, Buffy lying on top of Angel who was sprawled out on the ice, both unharmed. And then moments later Buffy burst out laughing. Her laugh was as infectious as the plague, and soon enough Angel was laughing as well. A few minutes of laughing so hard that tears streaked there cheeks later Buffy felt Angel shivering beneath her.

"Oh, God, you must be freezing!" She exclaimed, quickly standing up and holding out a hand to help him up. He took her hand and merely pulled her back down on top of him.

"Then warm me up." He breathed, his mouth close to her ear. It was her turn to shiver now, a delicate chill running down her spine, evoked by his smooth voice, and the feel of his breath warm on her neck and ear. Her fingers timidly treaded along the hem of his shirt.

"Let's get off the ice, and then I'll warm you up." She murmured, her seductress side shining through. And the passion that ignited within him, oh it made his heart skip a beat, then pound furiously in his chest. Sweet anticipation. She stood again, offering her hand down to him. He graciously took it, and she helped him stand. It didn't take them long to get off the ice, and nearly as soon as they stepped off the frozen liquid they were tangled in a passionate and fiery kiss. A kiss that was interrupted by a cough. They pulled away simultaneously, still holding each other close. And that's when they saw the cop. Buffy frowned. But Angel smiled.

"Kate." He greeted. Buffy furrowed her brows, glancing up at Angel, before looking back at Kate. The female did look familiar, but for the life of her she couldn't figure out where she'd met her before. Certainly she wouldn't remember that entire ordeal with Faith years ago.

"Angel." Kate mimicked his greeting, giving a small nod. "You aware that this is breaking and entering?"

"Is it?" Angel asked, giving a faux innocent look.

"You working on a case?" She asked curiously. If his reason for being there was that he was trying to save someone, well she wouldn't bother him then.

"I'm not in that business anymore." Angel admitted. Buffy noted the slight sullenness in his tone, remaining silent.

"What business are you in, then?" Kate inquired, all arched brow and arms crossed over her chest.

"The business of being human?" Angel tried, before shrugging. "Unemployed." He stated. Kate looked abashed a moment, surprised by the news.

"Human?" Inquisitive, her stance loosened, her brows furrowed. Curiosity was written all over her face.

"Human." Angel confirmed. Kate blinked at him, obviously trying to get over this news.

"How did that happen?" Kate asked.

"Saved the world, it was my reward." Angel explained, waving a hand through the air as if to dismiss the subject.

"You guys can go free this time, but if I catch you breaking and entering again you'll be in deep trouble." Kate warned them, eyeing the couple.

"Thank you." Buffy finally spoke up. Kate shook her head.

"Don't thank me. I owe Angel, anyway." She stated, glancing at Angel, before she gave a small nod of goodbye and started out.

"Kate," Angel stopped her, leaving Buffy's side to walk towards the police woman, who had turned to look at him again. "You don't owe me a thing." He told her, clasping a hand on her shoulder a moment, a sign that he felt they were even, now. Kate smiled, then turned and started out again, bidding her farewells with a wave of her hand in their direction, before disappearing out the door. Angel stared after her a moment, before turning back to Buffy. His hands quickly grabbed hold of her hips, and he pulled her against him. "Now, where were we?" Angel asked, smug grin on his lips. Buffy stared up at him a moment, before snuggling her body against his.

"Well, I don't know about you, but I was about…, here." She murmured, lifting herself to her toes to kiss him on the lips. He returned the kiss, grinning wildly against her lips.

"Yeah," He mumbled into the kiss, "There feels about right."