Chapter 3
Buffy thrashed about in the bed screaming for her attacker to stop once again. She sat up covered in that familiar sheen of cold sweat. Her breathing was labored and tears streaked her face. Angelus was going to stay with her, but Buffy insisted he go home. Her nightmares seemed to be getting worse since she'd been alone. She knew she could call him, but she didn't want to bother him. Instead she drank down her glass of water and settled back into bed. She didn't know how long she had slept before the nightmare crept back into he subconscious, but she didn't think it was long. Not really thinking she grabbed the phone and dialed the seven numbers that would bring her sleep. She listened to it ring several times then a groggy voice answered, "Angelus?… I'm sorry… I… Just… yes… okay." Angelus hadn't even let her speak before he stated he was coming right over.
Angelus was shocked to see Buffy drenched completely in sweat. Her bed and her blankets looked as if someone had poured buckets of water on them. He grabbed the extra blanket from the foot of Willows bed and wrapped the small shivering blonde in it. He easily lifted her in his arms then carried her out of her dorm room and down the stairs. "Where are we going?," she asked sleepily. Angelus kissed the top of her head, then held his breath waiting for her reaction. When all she did was sigh and rest her head against his chest he let out his breath relieved. "My place you can't sleep in that wet bed," he stated simply as he sat her in the passenger seat buckling her belt for her.
Angelus carried the sleeping Buffy into his frat house. Some of his brothers were sitting around in the living room drinking and playing video games and couldn't believe it when they saw their president carrying a small girl towards his room. Angelus never brought a girl home or let her stay the night. They sat mouths a gaped as Angelus carried the little sleeping bundle up to his room. Angelus glared at them as he passed daring them to speak, but no one did. Angelus held Buffy tightly as he quickly unlocked his door and brought her in gently laying her on his couch. He quickly fished through his dresser finding her a shirt and a pair of shorts he figured would fit her the best. "Hey Buffy, wake up, Buffy," he prodded her gently. Buffy blinked open her eyes and slowly sat up. "Buffy why don't you take a shower? Don't worry I have a private bathroom," he assured her, "I've got some close for you and I'll wash the ones you're wearing." Buffy shook her head then followed him to the bathroom. He left the clothes and a towel for her then shut the bathroom door.
Buffy finally emerged from the bathroom wearing the large shirt and oversized shorts Angelus had procured for her. She timidly played with the hem of the shirt feeling way too exposed. She didn't like showing off her body and she felt so vulnerable. Angelus motioned her towards the bed where he pulled the blankets tight up over her. "I'm just going to throw your clothes in the wash and I'll be right back," he promised her as he made his way to the bathroom. When Angelus came back he found her fast asleep in his bed. He quickly jumped into the bed next to her and pulled her into his embrace. He gently ran his fingers through her hair relishing in the softness of it. Finally he fell asleep with his face buried into her delicate hair.
Buffy found herself staying and sleeping in the arms of Angelus for the remainder of the winter break. She and Angelus often spent their days together. Angelus referred to them as a couple whilst Buffy still maintained they were just friends. This particular night Buffy was settling into Angelus large comfy bed. Angelus slid in next to her. Something had been weighing on him heavily and he desperately wanted to voice his apprehension to the small girl in his bed. He feared that by saying anything at all to her she would scurry off. She was so nervous all the time and Angelus was always afraid that at any moment she would just get that look in her eyes like a rabbit caught in the headlights. Buffy easily slid into his side resting her head on his chest. Angelus loved the feel of it. He would die a happy man to know that the rest of his days would be spent with the tiny blonde in his embrace. "Buffy?," he questioned as he took a deep breath summoning the nerve to speak on the subject. "Hmmm?," she asked as she gently played with his shirt. "I've been thinking, well I really want to be your boyfriend," he stated quickly. He felt the small girl tense and start to push up off of him, but he held her tighter to him. "Please, Buffy talk to me tell me what's wrong?," he asked. Buffy pushed up again to get away, but Angelus didn't want to let her go. "Let go of me," he heard her sob. Angelus quickly let her go frightened by her reaction. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you," he said as he jumped out of bed and made his way to her quickly.
Buffy stood a few feet from the door prepared to bolt any second. Angelus held his hands up signaling that he would go no further. He could see the tears brimming in her eyes. He could see the scared look plastered across her face. He couldn't believe the reaction she gave from him saying he wanted to date her. "Buffy did someone hurt you?," he asked, "You can tell me." Buffy got a far off look in her eyes and stared down at the ground. Slowly he took a step towards her watching her to make sure she didn't run out of the room. Finally he reached her and tentatively placed his hand on her shoulders. "Did a guy hurt you Buffy?," he asked. The tears that were threatening to spill out began to flow freely. She let Angelus pull her into his embrace. "I don't want to talk about it," she sobbed into him. Angelus gently guided her back to the bed and laid down with her. "Sleep, baby, just sleep," he whispered.