CH. 4

Buffy groaned. I don't want to wake up yet.. stop thinking… shh… stop... now… SHH! My own brain wont even listen to me. She didn't know what time it was but she did know she didn't want to get out of bed yet, the incidents of last night long since gone from her memory.

Angel shifted in his sleep, rolling onto his side, draping a protective arm around her. Pulling her closer to him.

Her eyes flew open. Someone was in bed with her.

She tried to pull away but was only pulled closer. Okay don't panic just see who it is, its probably Xander or…oh god who is it! I- then she felt it.

That tingle in the depths of her soul. She knew who it was.

Turning over ever so slightly in his arms, she looked intently at his face. "Angel" she whispered, bringing her hand p to trace the contours of his face. Becoming reacquainted with the face she once loved. Still loved but rarely got to see. Wait, what am I doing!

Squirming her way out of his arms she dashed out of the room, shutting the door slowly so she wouldn't wake him.

"Willow!" It was the only thing se could think to do. When in need call a friend. "Willow!" Where is she ! Taking the stairs on two-by-two she finally was down stairs. Glancing in the living room she didn't see her friend anywhere. "Where is she?"

This was getting ridiculous. It's a small house! How do you lose someone in a small house! All logical reasoning was lost. The only thing she could think was Angel is asleep in my bed, he slept with me…in my bed WHERE IS WILLOW!

Heading for the kitchen, She has to be in there.

Willow stood in front of the sink about to start washing dishes when Buffy walked in looking distressed. She knew her best friend and when something was up she knew and this was on of those times.

"What's wrong?" Immediately thinking she was upset about Dawn heading off without saying good-bye.

"Angel is asleep in my head" It had come out rushed and nervous but its how she felt. She was so confused at what was going on. Small snip-its of last night coming back. Oh crap…what did I tell him? But this wasn't the time to think about that…

The shocked/confused look on Willows face would have been extremely amusing if this wasn't such a serious moment.

"When did he get here? Is everything okay?" A million horrible things were running threw Willows head. It had to be bad for Angel to come. Did something happen? Is it because of Buffy? It has to be that.

Angel cleared his throat from the doorway. He'd been standing there for only a minute but he didn't feel right just standing there. His gaze went from Buffy to Willow then back to Buffy. She is beautiful. No, don't think about that. Nothing has changed.

Willow squeaked and looked nervously at Buffy then to Angel. "Uh hi Angel…. You uh look really good" Nodding some. She wasn't sure what was going threw her best friend mind. Putting a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

Angel chuckled some. She hasn't changed. "Thank you Willow you look good too".

"Oh I- thanks. Well I should get going" So it wasn't the best thing to do, leaving Buffy alone like this but she didn't want to be in the middle of this. They need to talk about things. Maybe Angel can get her to open up. I hope he can.

Grabbing her books from off the counter she hugged Buffy. Whispering in her ear "talk to him."

Buffy looked stunned. Is she really leaving me? Just like that?

Before leaving Willow hugged Angel and rushed for the front door. Hoping that she wasn't doing the wrong thing by leaving them like that.

An awkward silence had settled over the kitchen. Well this is great, Buffy thought. I may as well do something if we're just going to stand around. Casually turning on the water she began to wash the dishes Willow left.

Angel didn't know what to say. How do you start off a conversation after knowing what she's been threw? 'Um hey you told me you were in heaven last night! Want to watch a movie?' doesn't cut it.

Unable to stand the silence any more he went for it. "Buffy i-"

Already knowing where this was going she cut him off "no."

"I know you-"

"No." What doesn't he get? I don't want to talk about it.

Normally he'd have gotten annoyed by this. But this wasn't someone not wanting to just listen. This was about someone's life that was now changed. It wasn't going to be easy. "I know you were in heaven"

She stared down at her hands under the water. He did know. Don't cry. Hold it in. Buffy Anne Summers! Don't cry! But it was too late the tears were already welling up. She was too lost in her thoughts to notice him come stand behind her.

Wrapping his arms around her he held her. He could feel the pain radiating off her in waves. It was unbearable.

Turning into him, hiding her face in her hands as the tears broke free of their prison. She knew it must seem weak to him but he's the only one who would ever see her cry. He was the only one she could fully open up to.

Angel did the only thing he could do. He held her and spoke calming words to her.

But nothing had changed.

Or had it?