Chapter Nine
The next morning, Angel turned up at Buffy's dorm. Willow left them alone to give them some privacy, though Buffy almost wished she hadn't gone.
Angel: Buffy, I'm so sorry. I know that doesn't make up for what I did, but I am
Buffy: It's not so much what you did, it was what you were going to do. I could have handled it if all you had done was kiss her. But if I hadn't shown up, you would've slept with her
Angel: I might not have. Look, I admit that I was thinking about it, and I was inviting her up to my place. But that doesn't mean that I would've had sex with her. I know that I was being stupid and irrational. I guess jealousy does that to you
Buffy: I was jealous too, you know? When I saw you dancing with her
Angel: I guess we need to be more honest. Can we try again Buffy? Please? I love you so much, I don't want us to end
Buffy: Me neither. But I want to start from the beginning
Angel: Like date?
Buffy: Yeah. We never really got a chance to do that. Let's just take it slow for a while
Angel: Sure, whatever you want
The following night Angel picked up Buffy from her room for their date. They'd never really gone on dates before. They'd been to dinner a few times on their birthdays, and their anniversaries. But this was different. This time it was almost like their first date. Angel took her to a nearby restaurant and he was nervous; very nervous. He knew he was lucky that Buffy had given him a second chance and he didn't want to mess it up. He'd loved her for so long, when they'd gotten together he was so happy. He knew it couldn't live without her now.
The meal was lovely, and Buffy was having a good time. At first they were both awkward, remembering what had happened two nights earlier. But then they began to relax and just enjoy spending time together. At the end of the night he stood in front of her, looking down. He didn't know whether he was allowed to kiss her, or whether he should just leave. She smiled slightly at his nervousness, it was kind of cute. She moved closer to him, placed her hands either side of his neck and brought his lips down to meet her. They shared a soft, slow kiss before Angel pulled away, aware that Buffy wanted to take it slow.
Angel: I'll see you tomorrow?
Buffy: Yeah. Thanks for the date
Angel: (smiling) no problem
He hesitated slightly, not sure whether she wanted to hear what he was about to say.
Angel: I love you
Buffy took a deep breath, not answering for a moment. She saw hurt flash across his features, then disappear as he tried to hide it. But she smiled at him encouragingly.
Buffy: I love you too
She kissed him on his cheek then walked into the dorm, casting him one last glance. Angel smiled to himself as he walked off. It'd be okay.