The two sat on the deserted street, both blissfully unaware of the rain that threatened to fall over them. Angel had his arms wrapped around her body, a wave of emotions crashed over him as his tongue slipped between her soft lips. For weeks he had been dreaming of her, she had haunted him day and night and now here she was, writhing in his arms and clutching him like a lifeline.

In all his existence he had been with dozens of women, some who had devoted their entire life to pleasing and mastering the desires of others; who most men would kill to have, yet as he held this small blonde in his arms, in this dark, polluted alleyway, he had never felt such desire for another creature before. A simple kiss stirred more emotions within him than sleeping with any woman he had been with before, holding her in his embrace almost made him ache with need for her. It was more than just lust- that he was sure of. Even in his dazed state, he couldn't ignore the screaming in his soul for her, or the impossible heartbeat he swore he could hear ringing in his ears. It was like he could never get close enough, but at the same time he could be perfectly content if this kiss was all he experienced in the rest of his existence.

A small voice inside his head was screaming to pull away, or to apologize; but caught in the rush of emotions and the feel of having her against him, he didn't particularly care. And if her sudden moan was any indication- she wasn't in any position to stop him.

It wasn't until the skies opened up and rain began pouring over them, that either managed enough grip on reality to pull away. Suddenly drenched in the cold downpour, Buffy broke away, staring at Angel, her muscles unwilling to move. They gazed at each other in silence as they quickly realized what had happened, a thousand unspoken questions flew through their minds. Shock was evident across both their features, but mostly they were both too perplexed to say anything.

Suddenly realising their position, Angel started to pull away completely.

"We should get inside." He chocked out, his voice almost too low for his companion to hear.

Buffy merely nodded, before detangling herself from him and slowly rising. Silently, he wrapped an arm around her shoulders and the two took off at a brisk pace across town, as he led her to the closest building he knew of.

Several minutes later, they both entered Angel's apartment, completely soaked to the bone. He led her inside and closed the door behind them, signalling for her wait in the living room as he went to gather some towels. Not long after, he emerged again and handed her a fluffy white towel; she gave him a small nod in thanks before wrapping it around herself. After quickly drying himself off (since he had no real risk of catching a cold) he turned to his old (and appearingly long-abandoned) fireplace. For not the first time since he had arrived, he was thankful for the relatively 'old' design; although the council had upgraded some of the necessary appliances and made the apartment comfortably liveable, it was obviously what most people call a meagre home (which in Angel's case, seemed to be a blessing in disguise).

Carefully, he loaded pre-cut pieces of wood into the opening and lit it, not long after; the room began to fill with heat from the blazing flames. He got up and turned to Buffy, studying her for a moment before speaking.

"Sit by the fire, it'll help you warm up. I'm going to go make some tea." He said quietly, her only reply another nod and a small smile.

Angel sighed as he moved into the kitchen, the last thing he wanted was to mess up the relationship he and Buffy had managed to form, but now everything was different- and at the same time not. His feelings for her remained the same, but now she obviously knew how he felt and was no doubt confused by his actions (just as he admittedly was by hers), and that changed everything. Not only was he worried that he had just ruined what they had, but he was also more than a little nervous about the feelings that the kiss (mistake or not) had stirred within him. He couldn't remember ever feeling this aroused, or happy, or worried, or in love, or a zillion other emotions that were running through him- ever. He knew that he cared about her but now…. The realization of just how strong he felt struck him hard and fast, the recognition both giving him joy and scaring him out of his mind.

Groaning, he filled a pot with water and took out two mugs, hoping to sort out at least some of what happened before facing her again.

Meanwhile, Buffy sat curled up on the mantle, staring at the flames. A small part of her was amazed and excited about the old fashioned fireplace- another thing she hadn't experienced before, but unfortunately her thoughts and worries overwhelmed any enthusiasm she had. Her mind replayed the earlier scene in shock; she didn't know what had happened but she knew that it had affected Angel; in what way was anyone's guess. She could feel him tense up on the way here, even as he had built the fire he was unusually concise and 'avoid-y'. She had wanted to talk to him, to say something; but as she opened her mouth to speak no words had come out, a small nod the only reply she could give.

She had kissed him, made out with him right there in the alley with no warning whatsoever. As much as she wished she could blame it on her semi- breakdown (just another thing that she was completely embarrassed by), she vividly remembered that moment; and nightmares were the last thing on her mind. How could she have been so stupid? He was probably avoiding her in shock, torn between revulsion and how to tell her how much he wasn't interested in her like that. She couldn't help her added embarrassment by her actions themselves as well.

Over the years she had gone on a few minor dates, and obviously kissed a guy before, but usually it hadn't gone beyond a simple peck; there was only once or twice that she had even kissed anyone like that before (and even then, it hadn't emotionally come close to what had happened tonight). As part of their training, female warriors are taught that any kind of behaviour like that is both unneeded and unacceptable, given the amount of time the council needs the two genders to "mingle" and work together, it is no surprise how hard it is drilled into girls' skulls from such a young age. They are taught to cover up their bodies and that the only time they should engage in anything even remotely sexual is if/when they are old and married. Not all girls responded to this rule (some, like Faith, rebelled against it completely), however being a naturally timid person already, it had always affected Buffy, and she couldn't help the blush that crept across her features as she remembered her almost blatant behaviour. Just another thing she was sure Angel was less than thrilled about.

But her apprehension was more than just old regulations coming back to haunt her. Not only was she sure she had screwed up the friendship she had with Angel, but another thing that caused her to have doubts is thinking: if she could do it all again- would she take it back? When she had kissed him it was like the whole world melted away, she felt so safe and protected, like nothing could touch her. She had been filled with so much love and desire (most of which she wasn't even aware she had), and honestly could not remember ever feeling that at peace; like she was slowly finding a missing part of herself. Of course she feared the rejection that was no doubt to come, as well as him telling her how much of a mistake it was, but she had been rejected by guys before, with Angel it was a totally different story. Not only would it end any romantic relationship they may have had, but hearing the words out loud would no doubt crush her heart (and the friendship that she had already grown to rely on).

She sighed again, tears threatening to fall. Ever since she first saw him, he had somehow made his way inside her; she had opened up to him like no one else before. Not even Giles, who had practically raised her, knew some of the things that she had confided in Angel. She had always been reluctant to let people into her life; it was the only way she had known to keep herself from getting hurt. But for some reason she felt a bond between them, something beyond what she could explain, and that had caused her to want more than anything, to let him into the most guarded parts of her heart, to put so much trust in him that talking to him about anything, seemed to flow freely from within. He unknowingly had the power to make her heart soar, but he could also hurt her more than anyone else could. She had seemed to grow so close to him, and now, because of one kiss, she may have ruined everything.

Holding back her tears, she was brought back to reality when she heard a pot clanging in the kitchen. Panic rolled though her, what was she supposed to say when he returned? How could she look him in the eye? How would he act around her? Realizing that she probably had a few more minutes to wait while the tea was steeping, she came up with the only solution she saw. At least the only one that would delay the talk that they were undoubtedly going to be forced to have.

A few minutes later, Angel returned to the living room with a hot cup of tea for his blonde companion. He doubted he would be able to hold off her questions for very long, so he'd decided it would be best to just get it out of the way now. However, as he walked into the room he froze. There, curled up next to the fire was a sleeping Buffy, her face expressionless, as her exhaustion had undoubtedly overwhelmed her. With a small smile, he put the mug back into the kitchen, before carefully picking up a now more-or-less dry Buffy, and carrying her to his bed. Gently he laid her down, slipping off her shoes, socks, and jacket, and removing the towel from around her body; careful not to wake her. Quietly, he managed to slip her under the sheets and put away her belongings for the morning. His own weariness had caught up to him, and he was somewhat thankful that she had fallen asleep, considering how little he probably would have been able to focus on what she was saying. Heading to the kitchen, he quickly gulped down the mug of blood he had prepared for himself, and brushed his teeth before heading back into the room, finding Buffy in the exact same place he'd left her.

Carefully he moved into the bed beside her, reflectively placing a loose arm around her before allowing sleep to take him.

Several minutes after he drifted off, Buffy peaked one of her eyes open, doing her best to determine if he was asleep. Thankful for his exhausted-dulled vamp senses, she took in a deep breath of relief, knowing that under usual circumstances, he would have easily heard her rapid heartbeat and known she wasn't asleep. Sighing, she curled up close to him and closed her eyes, doing her best to nod off. She knew that things weren't right, and that they'd have to have the dreaded talk once she woke up tomorrow, but until then she could pretend. Just for now, they could be a normal couple, falling asleep in each other's arms. For now, ignorance was bliss.

It wasn't until late the next day that Buffy felt herself drifting into consciousness. Slowly becoming more and more alert, she groaned and attempted to snuggle further into the large body that she had curled up to last night. When all she met was empty space, she sighed and carefully opened her eyes, thankful when she noticed that no sunlight was coming through the windows. She had never been a morning person to begin with; to be almost blinded by sunlight that usually poured into her room was anything but her idea of fun.

Yawning, she did her best to get up, slowly remembering what had happened the night before. Everything was a mess, they weren't any further ahead than they were last night, but at least now she could tackle her embarrassment and worries fully rested. Looking around, she was surprised at the time, and even more so that she hadn't felt Angel get up. Usually it was hard not to notice, considering how 'tangled' they somehow managed to get each and every night, but given how tired she was last night, she had probably fallen into too deep a sleep to notice.

Slowly getting up, she spotted her shoes and jacket on a nearby chair, presumably dried out over night. She made a mental note to thank Angel, sleeping in wet jackets and soggy shoes was never a fun thing. After doing her best to look somewhat presentable (which was a bit difficult, considering a glass picture frame was the closest thing Angel seemed to have to a mirror), Buffy took a deep breath and padded through the apartment in search of her broody acquaintance.

He was standing in the middle of the kitchen, a mug of what she assumed to be blood in his hands. He was turned slightly away from her, but mostly he was too engrossed in his thoughts to notice her walk in. Clearing her throat a little, Buffy spoke up.

"Umm, hi."

Angel jumped slightly at the unexpected voice, quickly whipping around to face her.

"Buffy!" he said, surprised. "Hey. I didn't expect you to be up so soon."

Buffy managed a small smile.

"And you are aware that it's past noon right?"

Angel looked up at the clock,

"Oh, well I just thought- I mean with you passing out last night…"

Buffy managed a sheepish expression, fighting to look convincing.

"Ya, sorry about that. Guess Buffy's crazy little breakdown took more out of me than I thought."

Angel sighed as she moved across the room, so they were avoiding now (because that always solved things of course).

Buffy turned to him, a confused look on her face. Angel looked down to see his half-empty coffeepot in her hands.

"Are you drinking coffee?" she asked, "I thought you hated this stuff."

"I figured I might need a bit of extra energy today." He said, hoping she would catch the hint.

(Seemingly) clueless, Buffy shrugged and poured herself a mug of the still-warm beverage.

"Giles phoned, earlier. He wants us to stop by later, he thinks he might have finally found something."

"Great." Buffy said shortly, taking another sip of her coffee.

The two sat in silence for several minutes, after a while they were both staring at the bottom of their empty mugs as though they were the most interesting things in the world.

Finally, unable to stand it any longer, Angel spoke up.

"Buffy?" he said quietly, she looked up at him shyly, "I think we need to talk."

After a moment Buffy nodded slowly; at her silence Angel continued.

"About, what happened last night."

Sighing, Buffy shrugged and let him lead her to his living room. They sat opposite each other on separate couches, and Buffy looked at him expectedly, doing her best to hide her emotions.

"I guess you might have a few questions." Angel started, doing his best to keep his voice steady.

Buffy shrugged.

"Not really, I mean it's not like you- I mean I was the one that…. You don't have to say anything, I get it, really."

Angel stared at her in surprise,

"Y- you do? I mean, I didn't mean for that to happen, I just got caught up in the moment and…"

"No, it's all right. I understand, you don't… feel that way and that's fine. It's not a huge surprise anyway, and I'm sorry I shouldn't have done it at all." Buffy said, her tone all-too light to be genuine.

Angel looked to her, more than a little confused by her words.

"What? But Buffy you have nothing to apologize for, I was the one that started it… but what do you mean I don't 'feel that way'?"

"No, it's just I wasn't really expecting you to think of me like that. You're probably more into girls like Faith or something, it's fine I mean it's not like you're not the first or anything."

"Faith? Buffy what are you talking about?"

"Well you know, she's more experienced and is all 'wild' and rebellious. A lot of guys go for that, I didn't think that you'd feel that way for me, I mean I'm just me after all and-"

Angel ended her rant as he moved forward to crouch down in front of her.

"Are you saying that you think I'm into Faith?" he asked in disbelief.

"Well, not necessarily her I mean there's a whole colony full of older, prettier girls and I get it and it's fine so you really don't have to explain." Buffy said quickly, avoiding his eyes once again.

Angel almost laughed at the absurdity of what she was saying. Carefully he put a finger under her chin, raising her eyes to meet his own.

"Buffy, I'm not interested in another girl." At her frown of confusion, Angel took a deep breath, "I'm crazy about you."

Buffy's eyes widened and her mouth opened slightly, she stared at him in disbelief.

"W-what? But…. H-ho- why? I mean…. But you couldn't have just said….. m-me?"

He gave her a small smile and nodded, his insides twisting in nervousness of her reaction.

"B-but you said…. And I thought…." She trailed off, staring at him in shock.

"I didn't think you felt the same way, so I didn't tell you. But I've fallen for you since the first moment I saw you."

"So last night- you wanted that?" she asked shakily, mentally praising herself for forming an actual sentence.

Angel sighed,

"Like I said, I didn't mean for it to happen- it just kind of did. I was just so afraid that I'd messed up what we had."

"S-so you're not freaked out and appalled by me?"

Now it was Angel's turn to be in shock.

"What? You didn't think-?"

Buffy looked down, embarrassment creeping across her features.

"It's just that, warriors- female warriors, are usually taught that behaviour anything like that is kinda frowned upon."

Again, Angel's mind registered with shock. He figured that the council was strict, but he never would have imagined that they would implement such old beliefs. Nor that they would affect Buffy, of all people.

"I- no! I mean…." At a loss for words, Angel made a mental note to come back to that subject. "So, how do you feel about this…us?"

"I'd really like there to be an us. If that's what you mean." She said smiling.

Angel grinned, going his best to ignore his shock and focusing on her, his expression becoming momentarily serious.

"Buffy, I don't know what exactly the council told you about what men like and don't like. And we'll take this only as fast- or slow as you're comfortable with. But what happened last night? Believe me when I say I really didn't mind."

If possible, Buffy blushed even further.

"Oh." After a minute of silence, she looked up at him again. "So, what now?"

Angel thought for a second.

"Well, we have to get to Giles' later, and I fully intend on cooking you some kind of brunch, training is probably in order, but if it's alright I'd really like to kiss you right now." He said, giving her his trademark half-smile.

Buffy all but melted under his gaze, unable to stop the smile that spread across her face.

"I think that could be arranged." She said, leaning down into a sweet kiss.

Several hours later, Buffy and Angel were walking up the driveway to Giles'. They had managed to get in a brunch (which clued Buffy into Angel's hidden talent of cooking) and training in after all, and although they had yet to start work on Buffy's 'inner persona' problem, they had managed to get in a couple good hours of hand-to-hand (which Angel had to admit, Buffy had improved on since their last match).

As they entered the library, they immediately noticed the montage of books stacked and spread out everywhere, Giles was pacing around the stacks, apparently looking for the one book they hadn't taken out already, while (to their surprise) Tara was sitting at the centre table looking over a text.

"Well, Giles if I knew you were having a book sale I would have brought more friends." Buffy said sarcastically, looking up at her trainer.

The British man looked briefly at her and Angel before coming down, placing a new stack of books on the table.

"Buffy, Angel, it's good you're here. It would seem that the texts you provided proved more helpful than I had expected." He said, speaking to Angel, "We found some vague references to the clan that attacked you, and from that we were able to determine who exactly they were."

"Wait, are you trying to tell me that we were attacked by a bunch of seafood?" Buffy said incredulously.

Angel smiled at her,

"Clan Buffy, not Clam. A group or tribe of… warriors?" he asked, turning to Giles.

"Yes, it seems that they were members of an ancient tribe of 'those who remain unnamed', they were created millions of years ago to prevent a prophesized Armageddon."

"As in good vs. evil final battle thing? But it doesn't make sense, why would they attack us?" Buffy asked.

Giles shrugged,

"It could be that they saw you as a threat, or that you were simply an 'easy' target."

"Unfortunately no one is exactly sure what this 'final' thing means. It's like they know it's a change of some kind, and that it's coming, but that's about it." Tara said, speaking up

Giles nodded.

"Yes, it would seem that no one is sure if this is a good or bad thing. It could even be as simple as the council simply changing it's name for all we know."

"So everyone just automatically assumes for the worst and goes into panic mode… Which is why all the demons are sneaking into the colony." Angel finished.

"And why these warrior guys are showing up all of the sudden." Buffy added, sighing. Sitting down, she turned to her sister. "Not that I'm complaining, but what are you doing here anyway?"

Tara smiled.

"Giles said that you might need some help, I might not be able to fight but I know a bit about magic and stuff, and I like reading so…."

Giles turned to the blonde.

"So Buffy, I'm to assume that you are feeling better?" he asked.

Buffy nodded, giving Angel a small smile.

"Ya, I'll get through it."

Giving the two a knowing smile, Tara quickly changed the subject.

"So, you guys in the mood for some researching?"

Buffy groaned, as Angel sat beside her and with a smile handed her a book.

"Bring it on."

Just a few miles away, the senior members of the council sat in their conference room, all dressed in black suits, as they argued back and forth.

"She is a risk to the council." One said

"But you saw the reports, she is beginning to come into it already."

"This one has been trained her almost her whole life though, she has a distinct advantage on the others."

"One we could use." Another agreed. "Especially with what is coming."

"But you know what will happen-"

"We wouldn't be able to-"

"Silence!" a strong voice yelled, catching the undivided attention of everyone else in the room. They all turned to their leader; there was a moment of silence before Travers spoke again. "This one, despite her upbringing is no different from the others. We will proceed as we always have and continue to boost the training on the warriors. We all learned over a century ago how much of a risk it is to go against what's been done, we can't risk the same mistake twice."

Nodding, the men agreed and silently filed out of the room, leaving only Travers and Garrison behind.

"Are you positive about this sir?" Garrison asked, knowing his colleague's apprehensions about what's coming.

"It changes nothing Richard." He replied simply.

Neither noticed the pair of piercing blue eyes watching them from the darkness, twisting the golden band on his finger. Things were about to get a whole lot more complicated.

End of Chapter Seventeen.