Disclaimer: I do not own anything; Characters belong to Joss Whedon & Mutant Enemy. However this story is my own.
A/N: As always reviews are greatly appreciated, a few quotes etc may be used and obviously belong to the very talented people who wrote them - Loverswalk89
Chapter Ten
Angel had spent the evening trying to convince Dawn & Xander that he wasn't evil and that he was still fighting the good fight. Dawn had softened a little after hearing how Fred, Wesley and Cordelia had met their end. She could tell the guilt and the loss was still there just under the surface.
"I should have saved them" he finished
"You did what you could" Dawn comforted him
"I could've done more" he told her
"Dawn's right, there's always casualties in a war" Willow flashed him a shy smile
Angel sighed heavily "I guess you're right... Say shouldn't Buffy and Spike be back by now?"
"I wonder where they are" said Xander
"Probably somewhere kicking Spike's ass" Faith laughed
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Buffy and Spike walked back to Slayer Central in silence. Buffy had always found it so weird and yet oddly comforting that they could be with each other in perfect silence. Something she wasn't able to do with Angel or Riley, she always found herself wracking her brain trying to start up a conversation. With Spike things were much simpler, she felt like she didn't have to try with him it was just effortless. They got to the front door of Vegas slayer central, both of them braced themselves before Buffy opened the door.
"Buffy" Dawn rose from her seat "Are you okay?"
"Yeah I'm fine... What are you doing here?" She asked
"We just thought you'd need us here for moral support" said Willow
"Everything is fine... I guess Angel has filled you in on why I'm here and what I've gotta do?" Buffy sighed
"Yeah... What have you decided?" Asked Xander "Dead Boy or Dead Boy Jr?"
Buffy tensed up "Neither... Yet. I just need a little time to think"
"I'm sure you'll make the right decision" smiled Angel
"Yeah... Uh I'm tired" said Buffy
"I had the girls set up a room for you" said Faith "C'mon I'll show you"
"Actually Faith... I need to talk to Buffy. I'll show her" said Angel
Spike stared at Buffy as she climbed the stairs, she looked back at him and smiled briefly.
"Well I guess you could use a drink" said Faith patting him on shoulder
"You have no idea" Spike sighed heavily
"C'mon... I've got a secret stash" Faith said leading him into the kitchen
XXXX
Angel opened the door to Buffy's room, the two of them stood there shifting from one foot to the other uncomfortably
"Thanks" breathed Buffy "I guess I'll see you tomorrow?"
"Yeah..." nodded Angel
"Well goodnight then" smiled Buffy entering the room closing the door.
Angel wedged his foot between the door and the doorframe preventing her from shutting him out "Buffy..." He started
"I can't" he told him "I can't have you in here, I need time Angel. This is such a huge decision"
"I know... I just wanted to tell you something" he smiled
"What is it?" She asked
"I just wanted to let you know, whatever you decide. I will always love you" he beamed
Buffy sighed heavily "I know, look I can't do this right now. It's not fair to use my emotions Angel. I just want to go to sleep"
"I understand Buffy, just think about what I said. We could have the most amazing future, we could have everything we ever dreamed of... Just think about it" he asked her
Buffy nodded and closed the door behind her.