Chapter Fourteen

Buffy walked down the busy Miami sidewalk, watching the passersby, as she made her way to the mall, for some shopping.

Brian was back at the beach house, napping, while Buffy took in the sights. Brian had wanted to go, but the medicines he took, had taken all the energy from him. So he had given her the cell and told her to keep it close, so he could call, if there was an emergency.

So now Buffy walked into a little boutique, wishing that Brian didn't have to spend, yet another day, in bed.

Three days by myself, it's like I'm on vacation by myself, Buffy thought as she scanned a rack of new halters.

Buffy sighed as she walked over to another rack, and began to look through those items. She found a nice yellow cami, and walked over to the counter to pay. She pulled out her credit card, and as she did so, a business card fell on the counter.

Angel's business card, Buffy thought as the cashier took her credit card. I wonder if I should call?

After placing the Visa back in her purse, Buffy took out her cell, and flipped it open. Walking out of the store, Buffy pressed the speed dial and waited anxiously, to talk to Angel.

Buffy looked up in disappointment, as she began to hear Angel's answering machine. When the beep sounded, Buffy momentarily became numb, and lost all thought.

"Uh, hi, Angel," Buffy finally managed to say, "I was just calling to say hi and let you know how things are going down here. Um, I guess that's it. Talk to you later, Angel. Bye." Buffy quickly hung up, and hoped silently her depression didn't show through.

Buffy shook her head, to clear her thoughts, and continued her shopping trip.

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It was almost three in the afternoon, and Buffy was starving. She sat down at a outdoor café, and prepared to order. When she finished ordering, Buffy took a sip of her drink, and watched the sun reflect on the ocean. While she waited, Buffy decided she would call home.

"Hey, Xander," Buffy said as he picked up, "How are things back in chilly New York?"
"Hey Buff," Xander said as he heard Buffy's voice on the line. "Things here are good. Willow's getting ready to leave though."
"Oh? Where is she going?" Buffy asked concerned.
"The Council called this morning and requested her presence at some thing, I didn't exactly catch what the 411 was."
"I wonder if something's brewing?"
"I doubt it," Xander's voice said, "I think they just want the boss to home, you know what I mean?"
Buffy laughed as she remembered when she used to run the Council. "Yeah, I know exactly what you mean. Well, tell Willow that I wish I had been there to see her off."
"I will," Xander said.

"And I guess I will talk to you later."
"Yeah," Xander replied as Buffy's voice turned sad.

"Hey, Buffy," Xander asked, concern growing in his voice, "How's everything going out there?"
"Oh, everything here's great," Buffy tried to lie, "The sun is shining, the waters are warm, and I can wear a tank top and not freeze to death!"
Xander silently laughed at Buffy's attempt at joking.

"And what about Brian? How is he feeling?"
"To tell you the truth, Xander," Buffy sighed, "The medication Brian is on, has pretty much kept him in bed since we got here."
"But you guys have been gone almost four days!"

"I know Xander," Buffy ran a hand through her hair and leaned on her table. "But he just doesn't have the energy to do some of the things he wanted to do with me."

"Man that's gotta be a real bummer, Buffy."
"Tell me about," Buffy said as she leaned back and rested her free hand under the one holding the phone. "I don't know if I should ask him if he wants to go back, or if I should just wait it out, and see if he gets some strength back."
"I wish I could help, Buff. But whatever you do, You need to think of Brian's best interests."
"Yeah, I know, Xander." At that point, the waiter returned with Buffy's lunch. "Oh, look, I gotta go, Xander. My food is ready."
"Okay, Buffy, You take care."
"I will, and tell Willow I said hi and I love her."
"Got it. See ya, Buff."
"Bye Xander." Buffy ended the call, and thanked the waiter as her Caesar Salad was set on the table.

Buffy grabbed the pepper, and as she seasoned her food, a shadow crawled across her table. Buffy looked beside her as she was about to take a bite, and saw a familiar face.

"What are you doing here?"
"I would ask the same thing," Angel's voice said, "But then again, it's kinda obvious."

"Have a seat," Buffy offered the chair beside her and Angel accepted.

"So," she said, taking a bite of her salad, "What brings you to Miami, or are you just stalking me as always?"

Angel cracked a smile as he flagged down a waiter. "No, I've sworn off Stalking."
"Fat chance," Buffy muttered as she took another bite.
"What did you say?" Angel said, wishing he still had kept his Vampiric hearing.

"Nothing," Buffy said quickly.

The waiter arrived, and Angel placed his order.

"You're not going to look at a menu?"
"Why," Angel shrugged his shoulders. "They have good food here."

"And how do you know this?"

"Some things are to remain a secret," Angel said as he flashed his famous smile.

Buffy shook her head, as she continued to eat.

"So how is Brian doing?"

"He's been very tired since we got here," Buffy said as she took a deep breath.

"I noticed you were here all alone," Angel pointed out.
"Yeah, well, his meds have kept him feeling pretty wiped," Buffy said feeling agitated that Angel had noticed.

"I hope he gets better," Angel said as his plate was brought to him.

"Thank you," he told the waiter as he began to pour the contents of the A-1 on his stake.

"Nice to see some things haven't changed," Buffy said as she ate her salad.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Angel said as he cut his steak.

"Rare?" Buffy pointed at the dark pink part of the steak, "You still like things fresh."
"It's Medium rare," Angel corrected, "And I refuse to answer the last part."
"Scared?" Buffy teased as she watched Angel eat.

"Of you? No."

"Then why won't you answer that last part?"
"Because," Angel said as he swallowed, "It's too charged, sexually."
Buffy smiled and bowed her head as she blushed.

"Ok, Point taken." She replied, admitting defeat.

"So answer my first question," Buffy pointed out, as she changed the subject.

"And what question was that?"

"Why are you in Miami?"
"A case," Angel answered, as he took another bite of steak.

"Ok," Buffy said, not quite satisfied. "What kind of case? Human? Non-Human?"
"Possibly both," Angel replied.

"Anything I could help with?"
"Doubtful," Angel said wiping his face with a napkin. "The guy I'm after is in the prostitution game, and I think he's gathering girls for some kind of Demonic ritual."

"Huh," Buffy said as she finished her salad. "That sounds like fun."
"Yeah, like Demon hunting is fun," Angel said as he took a sip of his drink.

"It's better than being bored at home," Buffy said as she began to use her straw and stir her drink.

"Yeah, and it's also better than going out, and getting yourself killed. Again."

Buffy looked Angel in the eye. "Don't go pulling that Knight in Shiny Black Convertible card, again, Angel. Granted, I am not in official Slayer capacity, right now, but I can still hold my own."
"Really?" Angel finished his steak, and set the plate aside. "I think you've grown soft, in you're old age."
"Old!" Buffy titled her head, not sure whether or not she should feel insulted. "Are you challenging me, human?"
Angel smiled at Buffy's tease. "I didn't say that."
"Okay," Buffy smiled as she pulled out her Visa. "Then I challenge you, Angel. Name the place and time."

"Excuse me," Angel asked a passing waiter, "But do you have pen?"
"Sure," the waiter said as he pulled a Bic from his pocket.

"Thanks." Angel said as he pulled a small note book from his navy jacket pocket. "Meet me here, at Seven."

Angel tore the paper from the binding and handed the piece of paper to Buffy.

"I'll be there." Buffy said, a smile of confidence that Angel had not seen in her, since she was the Slayer, gracing her face.

Buffy reached into her purse, to search for a tip, but Angel held up his hand.

"This one's on me," he said, laying a ten on the table.
"Thanks," Buffy said as she stood to go. "I guess I better go and get ready to kick your butt."
Angel smirked, as he said, "If you think, so."
"I know so," Buffy said pointing at Angel's chest. "Later."
And with that, Buffy grabbed her bags and walked away, leaving Angel with a smile on his face.

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Buffy walked through the door of the house she and Brian were staying in while they were in Miami, and set the bags down on the table in front of the door, and walked into the spacious living room.

"Brian," she called out. "I'm home!"

Buffy walked into the kitchen to prepare Dinner, but found Brian there instead.

"Brian," she said, surprised Brian was up and around.

"Hey, honey," he said as Buffy walked over and gave him a kiss. "Sorry I didn't yell back. I wanted to surprise you."

"Well you certainly did that," Buffy replied as she leaned over the stove. "Hmm, smells wonderful."
"I hoped you would like it," Brian said as he held up the spoon for Buffy to taste.

"Oh, my god," Buffy said licking her lips, as she tasted the sauce. "It tastes positively divine!"
Brian smiled. "Good, then I remembered it right."
"What is that?"
"It's a secret family recipe my mom gave me when I was about eighteen. She said if the woman says, 'It's divine,' then you got it right."
Buffy giggled as she prepared to set the table.

"Well, I bet your mother was interesting person."
"A lot like you, actually," Brian said as he stirred. "You would have really gotten along, the two of you."

Buffy smiled as she finished helping Brian cook dinner.

Afterwards, the couple sat on the back deck, and watched the fleeting rays of the sun, descend into the water.

Buffy and Brian sat on the bench, a light blanket over Brian's legs, while Buffy laid her head on his chest.

"I'm sorry I have been so sick," Brian said as he kissed his wife's head.

"You don't have to apologize," Buffy said raising her head. "You can't expect to be the picture health the whole time. As long as we can do this every night, it will have been a good vacation."
Brian smiled and placed a soft kiss on Buffy's lips. Buffy laid her head back down on Brian's chest, and sighed.

"What time is it, I wonder," Buffy said as she watched the stars come out to play.

Brian lifted his arm and looked at his watch.

"Ten till seven," he said resting his arm again.

Buffy sat up straight. "Ten till seven!"
"Yeah, is there a problem?"

Buffy looked to her husband and shook her head. "Not really, no. I just kinda had a –"
"A date?" Brian asked teasingly.

Buffy tapped his shoulder. "No! But yeah. I mean I promised a friend I would met them at Seven. But they'll understand if I don't come."
"Is there a way to get a hold this friend of yours?"
"No, not really," Buffy said as she sat up. " I don't have his cell."

"He?" Brian raised an eyebrow. "this is the second time you have mentioned this guy friend of yours, or is there another one?"
Buffy glanced down. She knew she couldn't keep Angel hidden forever.

"No, it's the same one." She like a scolded child.

Brian nodded. "Ahuh. And does this friend have a name?"
"It's Angel." Buffy said as she began to feel a small weight being lifted.

"And what is this Angel, in relation to you?"
"You promise not to go all weird on me?" Buffy asked, trying to sink into the bench.

Brian crossed his heart. "I promise."
"Angel was my boyfriend."
Brian was silent.

"Is he the one who slept with you, but then treated you like a notch on a belt?"
"Close," Buffy said as she saw Brian relax, "That was Parker. Angel is the one I dated, before I met him."
"So he's the one that you said deserted you after you graduated?"

"Y-Yeah," Buffy thought as she remembered all the hatred she had had when she told Brian, at least that much, about him. She had never used his name, She had always thought that if Brian said Angel's name, then she would forever think of Brian as Angel.

"So, Angel was in New York and now he is in Miami? Is he stalking you again?" Brian's puzzled look, made Buffy giggle.

"No, he's not stalking me," she reassured him. "Angel is in the P.I. business, and he followed a client here, and we ran into each other."
"And what is this 'date' you're supposed to meet him about?"

"A fight," Buffy said quickly.

"Like boxing?"
"More like martial arts. Angel and I have been fans for years," Buffy thought herself clever, for finding a way to not explain their past.

"I have never seen what's so interesting in watching martial arts, myself," Brian said as he began to rub his head.
"Are you getting another migraine? If so, I don't have to go?" Buffy asked, concerned at her husband's actions.

"No, I'm fine," he said as he looked at Buffy. "I don't mind you going, but I have one thing to ask you."
"Anything," Buffy answered as Brian held her hand.

"First, Help me back to the bedroom, so I can take my medication. Second, bring Angel back here, after the fight."
Buffy scrunched her eyebrows. "Okay."
"I want to meet the man who stole your heart the first time."
Buffy smiled and kissed Brian. "Deal."

Buffy stood up and helped Brian walk back to the bedroom. Once there, she helped him into bed, gave him his medication, and handed him a glass of water.

"Here you go," she said as Brian swallowed the pill, and let Buffy set the glass down on the table beside the bed.

"You go have fun watching the fight," Brian said as Buffy kissed him good bye.

"I love you," Buffy said as she walked to the door.

"I love you too," Brian said as Buffy left the bedroom.

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Buffy arrived at the location Angel had described, a half hour late.

"My luck, he got mad and left," she mumbled as she hurried into the building.

Walking inside, Buffy realized where she was. "This doesn't look anything like a hotel," she said to herself, "this looks more like an abandoned building."
"Very astute," said a voice behind her.

Buffy turned around but saw no one. "Who's there?"
"Nothing you need worry yourself over," the voice said again, this time sounding more demonic.

Oh, crap, was the last thing Buffy thought, before an object made contact with the back of Buffy's head, leaving her unconscious on the ground.

When the pounding in Buffy's head finally woke her up, Buffy tried to move, but found that her arms and legs were bound. Looking beside her, she saw that there were several torches, which appeared to be strategically placed along the building, illuminating the room in a soft, yellow-orange glow.

To her other side, Buffy saw that she only one of about 20 girls who were lined up against the cement retaining wall.

A foul odor alerted Buffy to the presence of her captor.

"Man, do you guys ever learn to take a shower?"

"Hush, sacrifice!" the demon snapped back as he gathered various herbs and placed them in a certain order.

"So, how did you appear as Angel, if you smell like last week's garbage?"
"Hush!" the demon said as he began to chant.

"Great," Buffy said aloud, "I'm getting ready to be offered as some sacrifice to some Demonic god, and I don't even get one last phone call?"
"That's IT!" The demon spun around and walked over to Buffy.

"One more word from you," he said a hair's breath from Buffy, "And I will kill you just for the hell of it!"
Buffy exhaled, "Man, you need a dentist, bad!"

Demon screamed in agitation, and walked over to another table and grabbed a long, sharp, blade.

Then, the demon walked back over to where Buffy was bound and said, "You're mine!"

"No actually," a voice echoed in the room. "She's mine."

The Demon and Buffy looked up, as a dark shape landed on the ground.

"Who the hell are you?" the Demon snapped.

Buffy was able to see over the shoulder of the smelly, Demon and said, "Let's just say, two hundred years ago, you wouldn't have wanted to be on his bad side."

"Even on a good day," Angel replied.

"Puny Human," the Demon said, walking towards Angel.

"Angel, be careful!"

"That's a bit obvious," Angel said as he ducked the Demon's first blow.

Buffy watched as Angel and the Demon began a dance of Death. Blow was matched with a counter blow. Angel kicked the Demon, and the Demon returned the gesture.

Buffy winced once, as she watched from her bound state, when Angel went through a concrete pillar.

"Man," Angel said as he took the minute to get his balance, "Even human, that hurt like hell."

"Look out!" Buffy's voice prompted Angel to duck and roll, avoiding a large beam that the demon had swung his way.

"It's not nice to cheat," Angel said as the Demon swung again.

Buffy wiggled in her ropes, hoping to break free.

When the Demon landed against a wall, the force, made one of the concrete bricks crack, right where one of Buffy's hands was bound. Feeling a wider range of motion, Buffy worked at the crack, until the brick finally collapsed, and Buffy was able to free her arm.

Buffy shifted her weight to the other side just as Angel landed beside her.

"Got a knife?" she asked as she looked at Angel.
"Nope, but give me time," he said as he pushed himself from the wall.

Buffy watched as Angel returned to the fight and tried to antagonize the Demon.

The demon picked up the blade he was going to use to kill Buffy, and hurled it at Angel.

He ducked to one side, and the blade lodged its self into the wall besides Buffy.

"Never mind," Buffy called to Angel, who was busy avoiding the Demon's throws, to pay attention as Buffy dislodged the knife, and freed herself.

Once she landed on the ground, Buffy made quick work of freeing the other women, and pointed them out to the side entrance.

"Go, quick!" she said as she freed the last one.

Once the women had safely escaped, Buffy then turned her attentions to helping Angel. She watched carefully, waiting for her opening. Angel swung around, landing a kick to the demon's chest, which in turn, made the demon face Buffy.

Buffy raised the blade, and thrust it squarely in the Demon's chest.

"That's for messing with a Slayer," she said as the Demon fell to the ground dead.

Angel stood with his hands on his knees, catching his breath, as he looked at Buffy.

"What took you so long?"

"Sorry," Buffy said, dropping the knife, "I got hung up back there."

"Well," Angel said, his breath having returned. "There is one thing about this being human business I will never get over."
"What's that," Buffy said as she and Angel walked out of the ransacked warehouse.

"Being out of breath."

End Chapter 14

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