A/N: Sorry, sorry, sorry! I feel so guilty, you guys! One week might not be that long without an update, but it is for me! I haven't had any chance to write for the past month! It's really making me kinda cranky. School has completely taken over my free time and it's so annoying. Weekends are truly my time to write, and I usually devote them to writing, but I haven't been able to do that lately. My past six Saturdays, including this one, have been busy (I just got back from an AP Bio Prep Session a few hours ago, and once I got home I finished up this chapter). So, I have had absolutely no free time. Hence, the tardiness of this chapter. And on that note, because it appears that real life is conspiring against me at the moment, please don't expect every other day updates. Right now, I'm just going to try and get them out as soon as I can. :)

Still, I really, really hate that this is so late (at least by my standards anyway). So, I hope I made up for it with two particular scenes in this chapter! Can you believe that I've written two Buffy stories already, and am close to finishing the third? Me either. Now, what is even more unbelieveable is the fact that I've written two stories and am finishing up the third and I have yet to write a shower scene! Well, I have fixed that with this chapter! Yay! So, that's one scene I hope makes up for the tardiness. The second one is the very last scene and it might seem kinda out of nowhere but I thought it was hilarious.

Whew, so...on with the chapter?

Random Disclaimer: (I don't own Buffy).

Me: Sorry guys!

Angel: You abandoned us for an entire week!

Me: (brightens) Are you implying that you missed me?

Angel: Well, um, maybe?

Buffy: Hey, what about me? Hello, I'm your girlfriend, your soulmate, your one and only? Ringing any bells?

Me: (glares) Back off, Blondie! He was on the verge of admitting his feelings for me!

Angel: Whoa, wait, what? No...I was just...

Me: (smiles reassuringly) It's okay, Angel. I understand. You're still in denial. Don't worry, I still love you.

Angel: (whispers to Buffy) She's crazy! Save me!

Chapter 25

"Okay, Faith is going to be the death of me," Buffy griped exasperatedly as she fell onto the bed, having just gotten back from patrol.

It had been the normal type of patrol with Faith. Jump a lot of vampires, become outnumbered, almost get overwhelmed, kick lots of undead butt, and then live to tell the tale (with great annoyance) to Angel. This had become the pattern of Buffy's patrols with Faith. Tonight was a perfect example. She and Faith had been dusting some vampires, they got a little overwhelmed, and Buffy almost got bitten because Faith was too focused on whaling on a vamp to notice her sister Slayer's distress. And of course, before that, in another encounter with vamps, she and Faith had carried on a whole conversation about whether Buffy had ever had sex with Xander.

One word.

Ew.

Not that Buffy didn't love Xander because she did…she just didn't love Xander. And it wasn't as if Buffy was actually going to tell Faith that she put in a little 'after-hours' with Angel. Buffy's eyebrows furrowed at that train of thought as another popped into her head. Faith still didn't know Angel's soul was anchored. Strangely, or rather not so strangely enough, this didn't bother Buffy one bit.

Angel lifted his head from his pillow to look at her. "You said that a few nights ago," he reminded her, forcing Buffy to focus on the conversation she'd started.

"Well, she proved it again tonight," Buffy shot back as she cuddled into his side, unable to hide a smile when Angel pulled her closer. However, her smile dropped when a vivid memory came to the forefront of her mind, which relit her previous annoyed, angry fire. "A vamp almost sunk his fangs into me," she ranted, not noticing how Angel tensed. "I mean, really? And Faith's just like, 'nicely diverted, B!' She still calls me B. Did I mention how much that annoys me?"

Angel just had to have one thing made clear. "That vamp that tried to bite you is dust, right?"

"Well, yeah," Buffy replied with a slight shrug. "Faith dusted him."

"Good," Angel said flatly as he held Buffy tighter. He really hadn't wanted to get up and hunt down the bastard that had even dared to go near his Buffy…

Angel took a deep, unnecessary breath and closed his eyes, forcing his possessive, vengeful thoughts away. "And you would think that she'd have settled down a little by now," Buffy continued, oblivious to Angel's brief inner struggle. "I mean, seriously. It's like she has no responsibility."

"Responsibility is learned," Angel replied knowingly. "It takes some longer than others to learn that lesson."

Buffy sighed, forgetting about Faith for a moment. "You know what was weird though? One of the guys we were fighting…he had these swords, but we couldn't find them. I mean, they were there and I only looked away for a second…but when I looked back they were gone."

Angel perked up at that. "What did they look like?"

"Hey, Giles! Wes!" Buffy called as she walked into the library after lunch with Willow, Xander, and Oz following close behind her.

"Harvard, Yale, Wesleyan," Xander flipped through the envelopes as they walked through the doors. "Some German Polytechnical Institute, whose name I, uh," Xander paused and tried to read the name. After a few moments, he gave up. "Whose name I can't pronounce…" he sighed as he tossed the stack of Willow's early acceptance letters onto the table. "Is anyone else feeling intimidated?" Xander looked to Oz. "'Cause I'm just expecting to get thin slips of paper with the words, 'No Way' written in crayon."

"They're typing those now," Oz replied helpfully.

Xander nodded, "Hmm."

"I-I'm so overwhelmed," Willow gushed as Wesley and Giles appeared, each holding a book. Apparently, Buffy had interrupted another debate. Old school vs. New school Watcher-style was very entertaining to watch sometimes.

"I-I got in!" Willow looked up and pointed to the envelopes, directing Giles and Wesley's attention to her success. "To actual colleges! They're wooing me!"

"The wooing stage is always fun," Buffy smiled, though she wasn't necessarily referring to college 'wooing.' Her thoughts were more along the lines of wooing by a certain dark-eyed, broody, sexy, soulful vampire…

"But it's weird," Willow continued. "Now, rejection I can handle due to years of training, but this…" she trailed off with a happy, awed, sigh.

Wesley leafed through the envelopes. "Oxford!" he praised. "I do love Oxford."

"We're all very proud Willow," Giles gave the redhead a small smile, before turning to Buffy. "But, um, I do believe you wanted to talk about something else?"

"Ah, yes," Wesley set the envelopes down and looked at Buffy questioningly, remembering Angel's call to him earlier that morning. "Something about last night's patrol?"

"Swords," Buffy answered, getting down to business.

Xander raised his eyebrows. "Like the pointy kind?" he asked.

"And bejeweled and pretty?" Willow added.

"All of the above," Buffy answered, though she kept her eyes on her Watchers.

"Swords," Wesley repeated with a frown as he fished through an open box of books on the table.

"Sounds familiar," Giles' brows furrowed as he tried to remember.

"I don't know, but it made Angel kinda nervous, and I don't like it when he's nervous," Buffy said as she plopped down at the table. "He hardly ever gets nervous."

Wesley pulled out a book from the box and began to flip through it. "One long, one short?" he wanted to clarify, wondering if he and Angel had been on the same line of thought. Because, if so, then they could have a problem…

"Yeah," Buffy answered with a nod. "What's the what?"

"If it is whom I think Angel guessed," Wesley began as he finally found the correct page, handing it to Giles. "It's the El Eliminati, fifteenth century."

"Of course," Giles nodded, remembering. He looked at Buffy, "The El Eliminati were a duelist cult, quite deadly in their day."

"However, their numbers dwindled," Wesley picked up right where Giles left off. "Which was mainly due to an increase in anti-vampire activity and a lot of pointless dueling," he sighed before continuing. "What I believe Angel is worried about is the fact that the El Eliminati became the acolytes of the demon Balthazar, who brought them here, specifically. However, it is noted that happily enough, Balthazar was killed, though we do not know by whom."

"So, if this guy is dead, why is Angel all angsty?" Buffy asked confused. "I mean, he's dead. What's a few minions?"

"Well," Giles sighed and took off his glasses to clean them. "Many demons don't believe that Balthazar was killed."

"Oh," Buffy frowned.

"But what makes this guy so special?" Xander asked curiously.

"Balthazar had an amulet purported to give him strength," Wesley answered. "When he was killed, it was reported that a wealthy landowner by the name of…" he trailed off, noticing Buffy's raised eyebrows.

"I won't bore you with the details," Wesley said with a slight smile.

Buffy smirked, "Thanks. Much appreciation."

"However, in this case, um, the extraneous details are quite, uh, important," Giles looked to Wesley. "The landowners name was Gleaves, whose crypt is here in Sunnydale. They might be looking for the amulet for sentimental value."

"Right," Wesley nodded in agreement.

"But what if this guy isn't dead?" Buffy questioned, knowing that Angel probably thought along the same lines. "What if he's still alive?"

"Then we must get the amulet before they do," Giles replied seriously.

Buffy looked to Willow. "Guess that chemistry study jam is off the to-do list."

"You seriously have one of those?" Faith asked as she walked into the library.

"Ah, Faith," Wesley pulled himself to his full height, trying to exude some modicum of authority. Even though he'd been Buffy's Watcher (technically) for months, he and Faith had yet to come to a truce. In fact, she pretty much ignored him. Buffy told him he was lucky.

"You need to go with Buffy to the Gleaves crypt tonight," Wesley tried to order, but it only caused Faith to smirk.

"Screw that," she shrugged before turning and walking out.

Buffy shook her head and rose from her chair, patting Wesley on the shoulder. "That was a good try…but it still needs work. Commanding really isn't your forte, Wes."

Wesley tried not to pout. "She is not the best at being told what to do," he admitted with a sigh.

"Definitely not," Buffy agreed.

"Um, Buffy, would you…?" Giles trailed off, looking pointedly out the library doors that Faith had just walked out of.

"I'll see if I can get her back," Buffy answered exhaling loudly before hurrying to catch up with the dark-haired Slayer.

She caught up to her just outside, "Hey, Faith! Wait up!" Buffy walked beside Faith. "Look, I know you don't care for Wes—"

"You actually take orders from him?" Faith interrupted, disbelievingly. The guy was such a dork. Although, Faith thought, B's a little goody-goody, of course she does what she's told.

"That's the job," Buffy replied. "And it's not orders. He's a friend."

"Yeah, yours, not mine," Faith said barely able to hide the bitterness in her tone. After all, Buffy had tons of friends, loyal friends. Friends that hung out with you and really cared about you and had study sessions with you…not to mention that Buffy had Angel.

"Well, what else can we do?" Buffy asked exasperatedly.

"Whatever we want," Faith replied immediately.

If only she could get Buffy to see who she truly was. She was all focused on being so good, and Faith just knew that there was a little bit of bad in there somewhere. Faith just had to get Buffy to see it and act on it—take a little stroll on the wild side.

"We're Slayers, girlfriend," she continued. "The Chosen Two. Why would we let him take all the fun out of it?"

Buffy frowned, not liking what Faith was implying. "Oh, that would be tragic," she said sarcastically. "Taking the fun out of slaying, stabbing, beheading…"

"Oh, like you don't dig it," Faith scoffed dubiously.

"I don't," Buffy shrugged.

"You're a liar," Faith shook her head, knowing that she was right. Buffy was just in denial. "I've seen you. Tell me staking a vamp doesn't get you just a little bit juiced. Come on, say it."

Buffy wanted to deny it, but she couldn't. She looked down to hide her smile, but Faith still saw it.

"You can't fool me," Faith said smugly. "The look in your eyes right after a kill? You're hungry for more."

Buffy shook her head. Maybe she did enjoy Slaying, the adrenaline rush. But she didn't do it for the rush. She did it because it was her duty, her responsibility. "You're way off base. What about the assignment?" she asked, wanting to get back on topic.

"How about you do the homework and I'll copy yours," Faith grinned before leaving.

Buffy frowned as she watched Faith go, feeling an odd sense of foreboding.

It was chilly and dank in the dark, Gleaves family crypt. Scanning the room and making sure that she was alone, Buffy stepped into the space cautiously. Once she'd decided that she was the only living person in the crypt, Buffy began her search for the amulet.

Angel had offered to go with her, but Buffy had told him no. She felt the need to spend some time by herself. The past weeks she'd really tried to get to know Faith and try to start a good friendship, but the dark-haired Slayer wasn't making it easy. Slaying seemed like a deathtrap waiting to happen whenever they patrolled due to Faith's uncanny ability to attract or stumble upon hoards of vampires. This of course would inevitably result in Faith becoming absorbed in the fight and the adrenaline—thus forgetting about Buffy completely. One reason that Buffy and Angel fought so well together was because they actually fought together, as a team. It was safe to say that, at least at the moment, Faith wasn't a team player.

Buffy just needed a break, to slay by herself, like old times.

Two large, stone coffins were in the center of the crypt and Buffy went to the one on the right, shoving the lid to the side so she could shine her flashlight inside. "Strike one," Buffy murmured to herself, seeing only old bones. "No amulet here."

Moving over to the next coffin, Buffy pushed the lid out of the way and illuminated the coffin with the beam of her flashlight. Buffy smirked, seeing the amulet around the decayed body's neck. "Game over," she said as she reached her hand into the coffin to grab the amulet.

A sharp, sudden noise caused Buffy to glance up swiftly, and she instantly withdrew her hand. The flickering light of many torches reflected off the walls and the low murmur of voices slowly became louder. Quickly, Buffy looked around for a hiding spot. It was too late to make a getaway. Buffy cursed mentally when she didn't see a hiding place…aside from sharing a coffin.

Buffy jumped into the first coffin she'd opened, and shut off her flashlight. The first of the intruders entered the crypt just as Buffy had situated the lid over the coffin. With a racing heartbeat, Buffy listened as the lid of the coffin that contained the amulet was shoved aside, and Buffy knew that someone else had just taken the valuable item within its depths. Damn.

Buffy remained absolutely still as the vampires moved around the crypt. She guessed that there were about six of them, and those were not very favorable odds for her. If she had Angel with her, it wouldn't be too much of a problem, but by herself? Six against one odds became a big problem.

When there was only silence in the crypt, Buffy hesitantly got out of the coffin. However, she felt a hand on her shoulder and spun, her fist cocked and ready to dish out a mean right hook. "Faith!" Buffy immediately dropped her fist and relaxed.

"What are you doing hiding in there?" Faith asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Looking for the amulet," Buffy answered as she glanced toward the door, knowing that the thieves had probably already gone. "But I wasn't expecting Special Guest Stars. Six against one," Buffy explained, gesturing to the coffin. "Hence the hiding."

Faith brightened and shrugged, "Well, it's six against two now, so let's go."

Without waiting for an answer, Faith rushed out of the crypt and Buffy had no choice but to follow. They got outside just in time to see two vampires jump down into the sewers. Buffy immediately stopped and began debating their options. Maybe they could go get Angel…

"Wait!" Buffy said suddenly, noticing that Faith had no intentions of debating what to do. She had already decided to follow. "Stop," Buffy told her. "Think."

"No, no, no," Faith shook her head defiantly as she continued to the manhole.

Once again, Buffy had no choice to follow. However, that didn't mean she was letting go of her reasoning. "It's a manhole," she tried to impart her logic to her sister Slayer. "Tight spaces, no escape—six against two odds, not unlike three against one."

"And there might be more," Faith returned casually as grabbed Buffy's arm. "So come on!"

Buffy shook her off. "You're just going to go down there? That's your plan?"

"Who said I had a plan?" Faith retorted as she came to a stop right beside the manhole. "I don't know how many are down there, but I wanna find out. I'll know when I land. If you don't come in after me…" Faith shrugged. "I might die!" she grinned before jumping down through the manhole.

Buffy sighed and followed Faith. So much for catching a break.

The bathroom was warm and steamy when Angel walked in. Apparently, the shower had been on for a fairly long while. Angel frowned, "How long have you been in there?" he asked, raising his voice enough so that Buffy could hear him over the noise of the shower.

Buffy pulled back the shower curtain slightly, revealing only her frustrated, annoyed face and her shampoo lathered hair. "I can't get the smell of sewer out of my hair!" she complained. "This is taking lather, rinse, and repeat to a whole new level!"

Angel couldn't help but grin at her adorable ire. "Faith?" he assumed.

Buffy just growled and disappeared behind the curtain to rinse out her hair, again.

Still smiling Angel quickly stripped down and got into the shower behind her, surprising Buffy when his hands slid around her waist. This was new.

Angel moved her wet hair out of the way, caressing her shoulder as he did so and placing a gentle kiss in the curve of her neck. "You need to relax," he told her with a smile.

Buffy felt her stomach flutter, and all thoughts of Faith and vampires trying to drown her fled her mind completely. Instead, they were replaced with her and Angel. In the shower. Together. Most importantly, she was thinking of all the things that they could accomplish together in the shower…

A shiver of anticipation shot down her spine, and Buffy grinned before turning in his arms, wrapping her arms around his neck. "I need to relax, huh?" she questioned as Angel nuzzled her neck. "I suppose you have a plan?"

"Oh, yeah," Angel smiled against her skin. "I have a plan."

Later, Buffy was tucked into Angel's side, her head resting on his chest and his hand curled over her hip. Buffy breathed deeply, content…and definitely relaxed. "That was fun," she smiled as she caressed his stomach lightly.

Angel chuckled. "I hope it was more than fun."

"Oh, it was…we should do it again," Buffy lifted her head off his chest to look at him.

Angel frowned. "Now?"

"No," Buffy shook her head, giggling. "But soon."

"Definitely," Angel agreed, praising his foresight in getting a large shower.

They laid in silence for a few more moments until Angel asked, "So, what happened tonight?" he looked to his bedside table where the amulet rested. Obviously, she and Faith had been successful.

"Six against two odds in a sewer," Buffy sighed, too relaxed and tired to get upset. "Tight spaces. No escape. So, naturally, Faith just jumped right in."

"And you had to follow," Angel nodded even though Buffy couldn't see the action.

"Exactly," Buffy replied. "I really don't like it when they try to drown me," she muttered and Angel's fingers dug into her hips for a moment before he relaxed and loosened his hold.

"I should have been there," Angel said firmly.

"Don't get all over-protective on me," Buffy ordered tiredly. "I don't have the energy to argue with you."

Angel was silent, and Buffy debated on what she was going to say next. Honestly, something was troubling her, and she didn't quite know what to do about it. "You know, even though I was pissed that Faith drug me into that situation…I still, well, liked it. I mean, it was intense. I just let go and became this force. I just didn't care anymore." Buffy paused, expecting Angel to say something, but when he remained silent, she continued. "The more time I spend with Faith...seeing how everything is so carefree and easy for her...it's tempting to be like that too, ya know?"

Angel was silent for another long moment before he spoke. "Being carefree, doing whatever you want, living by your own rules…it is tempting," he began quietly. "But, eventually, it's going to come back to haunt her. Faith's going down a destructive path—I don't want you getting sucked in."

Buffy looked up at Angel and studied his face, seeing the earnest seriousness reflected in his eyes. "Faith is trying to figure out where she stands in the world. She has no one to guide her, not that she'd necessarily trust anyone enough to help her—or even to admit that she needs help in the first place," Angel sighed and raised a hand to lightly caress Buffy's face with his fingertips. "Faith's life may seem ideal, but in the end, you've got the better end of the deal."

Buffy processed his words, nodded once, and then laid her head on his chest again. "Yeah, you're right," she admitted with a sigh. "But you know, maybe I could pretend to be irresponsible for an hour tomorrow…because I really don't want to take that chemistry test."

It was with great relief that Buffy threw her bag over her shoulder and hurriedly left Mrs. Taggart's chemistry class. Willow and Xander quickly followed her and Buffy took a deep breath of fresh air when she entered the hallway and began their trek to their lockers.

"I thought that went well," Willow remarked as they walked. "That one redox reaction gave me some trouble, but then when I realized that the oxygen was acting as the limiting reactant—"

"Hey, hey, whoa now," Xander held up a hand. "Let's leave the chemistry in the class room shall we? Thanks."

"So what are we doing on this fair Friday night?" Xander asked as he opened the door to his locker and tossed his books haphazardly into its depths. "I feel the need to party."

"The Dingoes are playing at the Bronze," Oz said coming up behind them and wrapping an arm around Willow.

"Sounds like fun," Buffy grinned. "Maybe I'll persuade Angel to dance…"

"I'd like to see that," Faith smirked as she appeared beside them. She looked at Buffy, "What was up with the rejection?" she asked, referring to the last hour when she'd appeared outside the classroom window and attempted to get Buffy to skip class.

"I had a test," Buffy replied as they all began to walk out the doors.

"Yeah, well, I had fun," Faith grinned. "Lots of vamps. This one had me pinned, and another was going in for the bite right? But I kicked him right in the goods, and he went down! You should have been there, B."

"I had a test," Buffy repeated with a shrug.

"Yeah, yeah, whatever," Faith said dismissively. "So, what do you say for some patrolling tonight?"

"Actually, I was going to chill at the Bronze," Buffy replied with a smile. "You know, have some fun. What do you think?"

Faith considered this. Partying did sound like a good time. Maybe she'd even pick up a friend. "Sure, cool, I'm five by five."

"Are you sure that's legal?" Xander asked as he sat at a table with Willow and Buffy at the Bronze.

Willow and Buffy turned to the dance floor and realized what he was talking about. Faith was surrounded by a hoard of boys, all of them dancing as close to her as possible. "Eh, it's just Faith," Buffy shrugged.

"I know, but," Xander struggled to form the words, and if Buffy didn't know better it appeared as though he was jealous. "It's just, that's not dancing. That's like, um, certain nightly activities that may or may not happen with a certain person…"

"Xander," Buffy interrupted with a curious, yet confused smile. "It's Faith. Boys and Faith come and go. It's not like she's looking for a steady relationship or anything, I mean, it's Faith," Buffy grinned before she noticed something. "Why is your eye twitching every time I say Faith's name?"

"What?" Xander retorted defensively. "What are you talking about?"

Buffy leaned forward across the table, staring intently. "Faith."

Xander slapped his hand over his eye. "Stop it!"

Willow just watched the exchange confused. Something clicked in the back of her mind, but she couldn't put her finger on it. All she knew was that it made her uncomfortable. Trying to redirect the conversation, Willow looked around for a topic. Oz and the Dingoes were in the process of setting up. She watched Oz adjust the amps, and then nod to himself when they gave him the sound he wanted. With a slight smile, Willow turned back to Buffy and Xander. Seeing her significant other had caused her to note a particular someone's absence.

"Where's Angel?" she asked Buffy. "I thought he was going to be here."

"Me too," Buffy frowned as she looked towards the door.

"B!" Faith called from the dance floor. "Come on!" she waved Buffy over. "Let's have some fun!"

Buffy debated for a moment before deciding that she really did want to dance. Hopping off her stool, she joined her sister Slayer on the dance floor and immediately the crowd of boys surrounding Faith enveloped Buffy too. The beat of the music was soon all Buffy heard, and her only thoughts were moving to the music. She still had the foresight not to dance with any of the boys. It was really her and Faith that were dancing together, and Buffy found herself smiling. It was nice to dance and have some fun.

Sometime later, Buffy was still dancing with Faith. Willow and Xander had joined them for a moment, but Willow had quickly returned to the table so she could properly admire Oz playing his guitar. Xander, not wanting her to sit all alone, had followed.

Angel walked under the stairs towards the edge of the dance floor, and his eyes immediately sought out Buffy. It took him a moment to find her, and he really didn't like the reason why. She was surrounded by other guys, and Angel could smell the hormones radiating off them. Even though it was clear that Buffy wasn't dancing with any of them…they were still near her, vying for her attention.

Buffy looked up then, and their eyes met. Instantly, she left the throng of people on the dance floor and made her way over to him. When she reached him, she jumped up and wrapped her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist. Angel's hands settled on her hips just as Buffy's lips met his, and he couldn't help but add a little possessive edge to the kiss, though it didn't seem like Buffy minded.

"Hmm," Buffy hummed contentedly when she pulled away. "What's with the face?" she asked, noticing that he still seemed a little tense.

"I saw you making friends," he nodded towards the dance floor and Buffy laughed. She loved it when he got jealous. It was too cute.

"Boys!" she scoffed before kissing his lips again. "I like you."

Angel smiled slightly. "I like you too."

"I should probably get down though," Buffy pointed out, realizing that she was still wrapped around him. Not really the most socially acceptable thing to do in public for a certain length of time.

"Yeah," Angel sighed as she hopped down, disappointed at the distance now between them.

"What's with the tardiness?" Buffy asked.

"Balthazar," Angel answered seriously now that he could think of other things that did not involve Buffy's legs around him.

"Dang," Buffy muttered. "Of course. Why do demons ruin my night?" she asked as Angel took her hand and began to lead her towards an alcove.

They settled onto a couch and Buffy sat next to him. She had debated for a moment on whether she would sit in his lap, but had decided against it. They both needed to focus. "So, what's the what?" she asked.

"Word on the street is that Balthazar is in the packing warehouse on Devereau. He's looking for the amulet," Angel informed her. He'd paid a visit to Willy and a few other contacts.

"Where's the amulet now?" Buffy asked. "Is it still at the mansion?"

Angel shook his head. "It's with me," he gestured to his inside jacket pocket.

"Having that thing with you is like walking around with a target on your back," Buffy admonished, and Angel shrugged.

"I can take care of myself."

"Ah! There you are!" Wesley made his way towards them, looking excited. "I have news!"

"Manchester United won?" Buffy raised her eyebrows, unable to forget Wesley throwing the popcorn in the air and doing a very disturbing victory dance.

"No, no, no," Wesley shook his head. "About Balthazar...I gleaned from a culmination of research and other sources that Balthazar is currently holed up in—"

"The packing warehouse on Devereau," Buffy interrupted with an indulgent smile.

Wesley pouted, and then glared at Angel. "How do you always beat me to the punch?"

Angel shrugged.

"Well, yes, Angel is correct," Wesley sat down. "I would appreciate it if you could maybe scout the place tonight?"

"Take a little look-see? Sure," Buffy sighed, glancing at Angel. "Wanna tag along?"

"Actually, I was wondering if I could speak with Angel," Wesley said and he suddenly sounded nervous.

"O-kay," Buffy shot Angel a puzzled look, but he looked just as clueless as she did. "So, I'm gonna go drag Faith off the dance floor and check out that warehouse," she said as she rose.

Angel stood to, and pulled her to him for a kiss. "Be careful," he ordered softly.

"You know me," Buffy returned with a smile.

"I mean it," Angel said seriously.

Buffy offered him a gentle smile. "I'll be careful," she promised to assuage him. "Promise."

Buffy turned away from him then and left. Angel followed her with his eyes until she and Faith had gone out the door. All this time, Wesley had been patiently waiting to speak. "Um, Angel?" he asked.

"What do you need Wes?" Angel asked, focusing on his friend. His lips quirked up in a smile seeing Wesley's nervousness, "What do you have on your mind?"

"Well," Wesley sighed before gesturing to the couch. Angel's eyebrows rose, but nonetheless he complied and sat. Wesley sat down opposite him in a chair, and leaned forward, his elbows on his knees. "This is um, quite embarrassing really," Wesley stammered and Angel could see the Watcher's blush. "But, I, uh, need some advice…"

"Okay," Angel said slowly, getting the feeling he wasn't going to like this conversation.

"I assume that you, uh," Wesley shook his head. "Well, actually, I know that you have a lot of experience with, um…" Wesley paused. This was so embarrassing! A part of him still didn't believe he was actually going to have this conversation with his friend. But, Wesley supposed, this context qualified as 'guy talk', something that Buffy continuously told him was a part of life as a man.

"What?" Angel asked confused.

Wesley pulled himself together, and spit it out. "You have a lot of experience with women, correct?"

Angel didn't even have time to answer before Wesley hurried on. "I need your advice. You see, there was this woman, and I, we, well, we slept together and—"

"Whoa," Angel held up his hands. "Let's, uh, slow down a little, alright?"

"But what does it mean if she doesn't call me back?" Wesley blurted. "I've left messages, but she hasn't called me back! What does it mean? Is it some kind of code? Some signal that I'm missing? Should I seek her out? What..." Wesley trailed off as Angel got to his feet. "Where are you going?"

Angel chuckled uncomfortably. "You know, Wes, I'd love to help you," he said as he backed away. "But you know, I haven't really dated anyone except Buffy…so, you know, I'm not really the best person to ask…"

"But you've slept with hundreds of women!" Wesley pointed out and Angel sighed and rubbed his temples.

"You're lucky Buffy isn't here to hear you say that," Angel told him. "Look, okay, if she doesn't call you back, then maybe it's for the best, right?" he said quickly.

"Perhaps if you could give me some instruct—"

"Hell no," Angel interrupted. "Don't finish that sentence. If you say anything more, I will kill you."

Wesley opened his mouth, but then thought better of it. "I'll go back to the library," he said awkwardly, and Angel just nodded.

"Yeah. Back to the library," he agreed, and Wesley nodded before turning to go. "Wes!" Angel called, and the Watcher turned around. "This conversation never happened," he said seriously.

"Never."

Okay, doesn't that just bring a smile to your face! It's so cute! Of course, if you couldn't tell, that scene was inspired by the BONES scene between Zack and Booth. Which, speaking of BONES, did y'all see the Season Premiere? AHHHHHHH! It was FANTASTIC! I loved, loved, loved, loved it!

So, my little special guest star I told you about last chapter did not appear in this chapter. I meant for him to, but it just didn't work out that way. Maybe next chapter, then? I'm excited.

Btw, I have a poll on my profile page if you guys wouldn't mind taking the time to take a little look-see. I'm just curious to see which of my Buffy stories is your fav! :D

Lots of love,

ArthursCamelot