Chapter Twenty-Two

Angel was sitting in his office, working through old paperwork when Spike burst in.

Spike: It's happening

Angel: What?

Spike: The roof, it's…well, you gotta see it

Angel followed Spike, and saw what could only be described a swirling maelstrom whirling around, growing larger every second.

Angel: Call Giles

The Slayers and the rest of the Scooby Gang arrived in half an hour. They'd been preparing for this moment for the past few weeks. They just hoped they were ready. The black cloud was increasing in size, and Angel felt his heart plummet when Giles said they had to go inside it. He looked at Buffy who stood by his side, to see her eyes fixed on him, hope and sadness swirling in her green eyes.

He took her arm and pulled her to the side, as he saw Oz do the same for Willow. He rested his forehead against hers and rubbed her back, pulling her closer to him.

Buffy: It's really happening

Angel: I know

She rubbed the tip of her nose with his briefly, then moved away slightly so she could look in his eyes.

Buffy: We'll be fine. We'll all be fine

Angel's eyes filled with tears as he fought to say the reassurance she desperately needed to hear. He couldn't bring himself to say it. Her brought her hands up to his cheeks, rubbing her thumbs across the cold flesh. A tear spilled over her eye and he wiped it away, then crushed his lips to hers in a desperate, passion-filled kiss.

Angel: I love you Buffy

Buffy: Don't say good bye. Don't you dare say goodbye Angel. You're not leaving me. Not today

He brought his lips down to brush hers again, before speaking in a soft, husky voice, a voice brimming with tears.

Angel: Not if I can help it

He gave her one final searching kiss, before taking her hand and leading her over to the others. The strongest Slayers were on the roof with them, ready to stop anything that came out, while the others were on the floors below, as back up.

Giles shouted over the ear-piercing noises of the maelstrom, instructing them to step into it. Buffy took Willow's hand, squeezing it tightly, before walking in…