When Buffy returned a few hours later, it was well into the early morning. The sun would no doubt be up in a couple hours, which would mean that Angel would be stuck inside- with her- alone- all day long; the very thought brought a smile to her face. Of course, there was a small nagging part of her brain that told her he might have already run away, but that was just the sweetest part of her plan. The only two ways he could leave is a) if he'd left when she went out, or b) if he tried leaving later (when the sun would be up) either way; he would be a pile of dust before noon.

Buffy shook her head, realising what she was saying. She barely knew this man, yet she had this overwhelming sense of protectiveness over him. Like he was hers, only hers, and she'd die before letting anyone hurt him; and that alone scared her more than she dared to admit. All her life, Buffy had done her best to shut out her feelings. If something bothered her she kept it silent, always burying things inside herself. She kept her heart closed off from the world and never let anyone in. Giles and Tara were the people who really knew her at all, but even with them she held back. Never letting anyone close enough to hurt her; always keeping the world an arms length away. Then he came.

In only a few hours Angel had already sent most of her beliefs into chaos. Her ideas about vampires were quickly changing, and after the attack, her outlook on warriors as well. All the walls she'd built around her heart began tumbling down the second she'd laid eyes on him; and it wasn't stopping. It was like he had crept his way inside her, and was now flowing through her every thought- every nerve, and no matter how hard she tried she could not stop or deny the feelings that were now overwhelming her. She wasn't even sure if she wanted to.

Sighing, she punched in her key-code and crept into the apartment. Everything seemed as she'd left it, carefully setting her bags on the coffee table, she moved through the apartment and started to close the curtains. Picking up one of her bags she tiptoed into her room, and almost gasped at what she saw. There was Angel, sprawled out on her bed, topless with the moonlight shining over his features.

His expression was one of utter peace; like that of a child- innocent and free. Her eyes were glued to him, all she could think about was what it'd be like to wake up next to that face everyday. Entranced, she moved across the room; setting her bag on the floor as she knelt down next to the bed. She slowly reached up and carefully touched his face; almost afraid to touch him in fear that he'd disappear. Timidly, she ran her hand down his cheeks to his jaw, cupping his face in her hand. This was the first time she'd really touched him at all and she was drawn to him like a magnet. The moment her skin met his it was like her blood was singing, almost screaming at her to get closer.

Slowly Angel stirred; usually after he awoke he had a good sense of awareness, knew what had happened and where he was, but the moment he became even a little alert, his mind seemed to freeze. He immediately felt the hand on his cheek; without opening his eyes he turned his face slightly to nuzzle it, his body aching to pull whatever creature this was closer. Becoming semi-aware, he opened his eyes to find them staring into emerald green orbs. The two stared at each other for a few moments, both entranced.

"Buffy?" Angel asked softly, as though just recognizing who she was.

Realizing the position she was in, Buffy quickly pulled her hand away and looked to the floor, her face turning a deep shade of red.

"Sorry." She mumbled, quickly turning her attention to the bag she'd brought with her. "Umm, I just came in, to make sure that you were alright. God, I'm sorry for waking you I should have waited until morning-"

"It's fine Buffy" Angel said, cutting off what he already recognized as what could lead to babbling.

Shyly, Buffy stood up.

"So how are you? Are you alright?"

"Ya… it hurts a little, but it's not a big deal."

"Oh. Well that's good, I guess." Shifting her feet uncomfortably, Buffy set the brown-paper bag onto the night table. "Here… it's blood. I stopped by the butcher's on my way back, I think it's pig's blood or something. I wasn't sure how you fed and you obviously can't go get it yourself and I've heard that it helps vampires heal quickly, which is good in your case 'cause hey, you have all these injuries and stuff. Not that you're not healing quickly- because you are it's just that… you know."

"Thank you. I usually go to the butcher's, I just haven't been able to find one since I came here." Angel said, giving her a faint smile; noticing her nervousness. Inside the thought of him feeding around her made him more than uncomfortable, but he ignored the feelings for her sake.

"Well umm, I'm getting tired so I'll just leave you alone. I'm going to get some sleep, I'll be in the living room if you need anything." Buffy said, moving to the door.

"Wait!" Angel said, Buffy turned back to stare at him. After a few moments he realised that she probably wanted a reason not to leave. "This is your room, you shouldn't have to sleep on the couch. I'll move- you sleep here."

"No Angel it's fine, you're injured and I totally don't mind."

"No, it's your house and you deserve to sleep in your own bed."

"Angel-"

"I insist." He said, giving her a look that left no room for arguing.

Buffy stared at him for a moment before smirking, an idea popping into her head. She didn't want him to sleep on the couch but she also wasn't fond of the idea of fighting with him all night. So she decided to try a different approach. Shrugging, she pulled off her shoes and her sweater leaving her dressed in sweatpants and a VERY small tank top.

"Fine, you win." She said simply.

She crossed the room and grabbed a nearby stake, setting it on the night table on the opposite side of her bed; she could feel Angel's questioning gaze on her. Yawning, she climbed into the bed next to him; snuggling into his chest and pressing her body comfortably (and suspiciously) close to his, before gently closing her eyes.

Angel however, for what seemed like the zillionth time tonight was beyond shocked. He took in shaky unneeded breaths, his body crying out for hers. Unsure of what to do, he began to get up but was stopped by a small hand on his arm.

"Get up and I'll stake you." Buffy said drowsily, pulling him back down and moving even closer to him.

Sighing, Angel gave up on his argument of personal space, and decided to swallow his pride. He wrapped his strong arms around her petite frame and closed his eyes, waiting until she was slumbering before he too, let sleep take him.

It wasn't until late the next day when Buffy awoke. As the memories of last night came rushing back to her she opened her eyes, letting out a yawn, she started to get up; but froze as she realised the position she was in. Through the night she and Angel had both shifted positions, he was lying on his back, with his arms wrapped securely around her. Her head was pillowed on his chest and her arms were around his large frame. Their legs had tangled somewhat, leaving Buffy blushing at the intimacy of their position. Almost unwillingly, she carefully untangled herself from him, doing her best not to wake the sleeping vampire. Getting up she decided to save her coffee for later and after picking some clothes from her dresser, she headed straight for the bathroom for a very, very cold shower.

A half-hour later, Buffy emerged from the bathroom, dressed in a pair of jeans and a simple white shirt; with a curved neckline and long sleeves. Slowly, she padded to the kitchen and made herself a coffee. After adding milk and an outrageous amount of sugar (as Giles had told her on many occasions), she began sipping the caffeine-filled beverage. But before she had even half-finished it, she heard a small ringing. Letting out a sigh, Buffy put down her mug and went into the living room, picking up her small silver cell phone. It was a fairly rare thing for people to have cells anymore (since it was such a small community) but after she had moved out, Giles had insisted she get one so that he could get a hold of her.

"Hello?" she said, finally picking up.

"Buffy, it's about time, what on earth happened to you?" said a familiar British voice. "I've been trying to call you all morning!"

"Sorry Giles, I had a late night, slept in."

She heard an annoyed sigh coming from the other end.

"So, did you just call me to interrupt my morning coffee or is there like an apocalypse brewing? Because if there is I am so gonna need more ice cream." She said, yawning. Her early-morning grouchiness getting the best of her.

"Buffy quit acting childish, of course there is a reason for my call." Giles snapped, getting Buffy's attention.

"Okay, what's going on? 'Cause you're seriously giving me the wiggins right now."

"I received a call from the council today. They found out about your hostility yesterday and demand to see you."

"What? Hostility? If anyone was being hostile it was those people, I was just keeping them from killing someone!"

"A vampire if I recall correctly, yes? You are to report to the head office now, Mr. Travers and Mr. Garrison will meet you there." Pausing slightly, he continued in a softer voice. "Please Buffy, be careful and keep your remarks to yourself."

Understanding her trainer's warnings Buffy nodded.

"I will be. I'll come by after the meeting."

"Alright Buffy, but remember the council will not tolerate your attitude as much as others may."

With that, the line went dead. Sighing, Buffy quickly scribbled a note for Angel and after grabbing her jacket and helmet headed out the door. Usually if someone messed up you were told to report to one of the on-duty warriors, rarely was anyone to meet with the heads of council; even Buffy had only seen them once in her life. Only those who were in big trouble were asked to see them. Buffy let out a groan; it was going to be a long day.

End of Chapter Seven.