Angel entered the graveyard, not exactly understanding why he was drawn here. He closed the gate behind him, it creaked loudly as it shut. He began to walk forwards, he knew his way even in the dark, afterall he had spent alot of time in the graveyards of Sunnydale. He continued to work, he could sense her as he walked closer towards his destination. He stood a few paces behind her, she kneeled besides her gravestone. He crept further towards her, although he didn't want to break her thoughts.

"I don't understand either, you know," whispered Angel.

Buffy didn't jump, or even seem startled when he spoke. He kneeled besides her, although at a distance because he didn't want to crowd her. She continued to stare at her gravestone, her head tilt to the side slightly. She took a deep breath and traced her fingers along her name, closing her eyes as she did.

"Willow was right; I was in a Hell Dimension," whispered Buffy, not understanding why she was lying.

"No, you weren't. Buffy, you don't have to lie and especially not to me," replied Angel.

Buffy gulped. She couldn't tell him that she felt at peace, she couldn't explain how free she felt being up there with her Mom.

"You were in heaven, and you were teared out of it. I'm so sorry," whispered Angel, giving a shaky sigh.

"I felt at peace. I knew that you would look after everyone, that Phoebe would be safe with you as her Father," replied Buffy, not meeting his eyes.

Angel closed his eyes; the words tore him apart. He was so happy that Buffy had been at peace, that she had been in heaven and was safe. However, he hated that she had been ripped out of there by her friends, the people whom she died for. He felt sympathy towards her, she deserved to still be in that place where she called heaven.

Seconds passed, seconds turned into minutes, and the couple continued to sit there in silence. Buffy rubbed her finger across her cheek, ran her fingers through her hair and swirled her tongue around her mouth. Hours ago, non of this existed; she hadn't existed. The emotions all came flooding back; pain, pressure. Although, she felt a hint of happiness somewhere inside of her; she was back. She knew that she had a destiny to complete, she had a daughter to raise and a wonderful man to marry. Although, being here again, with all the emotions and suffering, would take some time to get used to.

"I need time," said Buffy, quietly.

"I understand," replied Angel.

"And it won't be easy, because nothing ever is," continued Buffy.

Angel nodded. Nothing was easy, you had to fight for everything in life. Wheather you were chosen or not, everyone had to fight for everything in their lives - nothing came handed on a plate. Buffy stood up, she swayed slightly before finally getting her balance. Angel stood up besides her, he stared at the gravestone which would have to be removed now. Buffy turned around and began to walk away, Angel watched her. He sighed, it was going to be hard to get her back to her usual self.

--

Xander and Anya had arrived at the Summer's house earlier than usual. They were rather keen to see Buffy, they would have come earlier although they knew Phoebe would probably be asleep still. Xander was sat down on the sofa, Anya's hand in his as they listened to Willow. Willow sat in the armchair, Tara sat on the arm, as she told them about Buffy walking out last night. Although, no one knew what had happened between Angel and Buffy in the graveyard; Buffy hadn't moved from the bedroom and Angel was busy with Phoebe. Faith leant against the sofa, she had already told her bit about Angel coming down and calling her name before rushing back upstairs. The friends stopped talking as Dawn walked downstairs, Phoebe balanced on her hip with a pink, fluttery dress on.

"Don't mind me," said Dawn, sitting besides Anya.

"Where's Angel ?" asked Willow.

"And Buffy!" added Xander, quickly.

"Their upstairs, Angel's trying to talk to her," replied Dawn, simply.

However, she knew it was more persuading than talking. Buffy hadn't want to come downstairs, she still felt rather confused and had been trying to creep away from reality as much as possible. Although, Angel thought it would be good for her to see her friends, especially as they had missed her so much. Dawn knew Buffy was stubborn, she would be rather surprised if Buffy came downstairs atall. Dawn looked around and tried to smile, although she noticed Xander's smile had vanished.

"Hey, they'll be down soon," promised Dawn.

And, thankfully, she was right. Buffy and Angel entered the sitting room, fifteen minutes after Dawn promised they would be. Angel smiled and greeted their friends, taking Phoebe off Dawn and giving her arms a rest. Although, Buffy remained in the door way and looked around the house; comparing the differences.

"Buffster," smiled Xander.

He stood up and pulled her into a tight hug. Buffy hesitated, a small smile suddenly fell on her lips and she wrapped her arms around Xander. He felt her wrap her arms around him, he began to grin as he gave her a smile grin. Buffy closed her eyes, a tear rolled down her cheek as Xander pulled away. Buffy raised her hand to wipe it away, although Xander had already wiped it with his thumb. Xander stepped away and Willow stepped infront, she pulled Buffy into a hug. Buffy heard her sniff, she knew that Willow had tears in her eyes as she hugged her. Buffy stroked her back, sniffing and pushing back the tears.

"I'm so glad we pulled you out of that hell dimension," said Willow, as she stepped away.

Buffy felt like she had been punched in the stomach. She noticed Angel look up from Phoebe, Buffy forced a smile and looked at Willow.

"I know. Thank you, all of you. I was in a hell dimension, being tortured for what felt like a centurys worth. Thank you," lied Buffy, forcing a smile on her face.

She felt Xander and Willow hug her again, tightly. She closed her eyes and bit her lip; she hated lying to them. She couldn't bring herself to say the truth; the truth was a beautiful and terrible thing, therefore it should be treated with great caution. She just couldn't do it, not to her friends. She opened her eyes looked over her friends shoulders; Angel gave a weak smile and nodded, which meant that she did the right thing. She hoped, that no matter what, her friends would never find out the big mistake they had made and how much they had torn their friend apart.

Sorry everyone for the 'depressing' Buffy. Hopefully, she should be gone in the next chapter. I'm skipping ahead of time as I think I've figured out the plot to the Big Baddie(s). So, what did you think ? Good ? Bad ? Sad ? Everyone still in character ? Lemme know :) x