Chapter 3 I'll Wait for You
A/N: Here's your Angel and Buffy fluff chapter enjoy.
It was the grand opening of the chapel for this town and exciting day. Buffy was to be the one to release a white dove into the air as a sign of peace and welcoming of the Holy Spirit into the church and to its people. But the problem was she could catch the white dove. It was on the pews almost mocking her as she did her best to catch and hold it. At least no one was in here watching this it looked just as bad as here trying to catch a chicken. Buffy sighed this wasn't going anywhere and the people of the town waited for her. Buffy huffed and sat down in a pew staring at the white dove and it stared back at her. She gave up it was no use someone else had to do it. Then the side door opened and it was Angel. Buffy up as Angel made his way over noticing she was having a hard time catching the little dove. And now that he was here she felt even more embarrassed she couldn't catch a pigeon how low was that?
"Supposed to bring good luck, a bird caught in a room." Angel said and Buffy nodded and he walked closer to the bird as is cooed. Angel slowly reached out and the bird just sat there and he gently took it in his hands. He brought it close to him as it didn't fight to break free it just sat there rather content.
"How?" Buffy asked and once again Angel gave her the half smile and then started to walk out and she followed him. Just as he got to the front door he stopped and turned to her. He then held out the dove and Buffy took it a little afraid she might hurt the bird. But what she noticed was Angel's hands were wrapped around hers only for a moment but it sent a warmth through her. He let go and opened the door and Buffy walked though it and let the dove take off into the sky. Everyone clapped as the church was now open. The crowds gathered inside for its first service and sermon but Angel and Buffy lingered outside looking at one another intensely. She wanted to get closer and hold him and have him hold her back. They inched closer together like a force pulled them together and it felt natural.
"Buffy," The moment was broken by her father's voice and it startled the both of them. "Come inside," And Buffy did as she was told and Angel followed.
The next day came around and Buffy was in town with a black woman shopping. This woman's name was Kendra she was a sweet and kind woman. Buffy and her were close and for Buffy Kendra might be the closes thing she had to a mother. Kendra and her family have been with the Summers for a very long time. Kendra and her husband were up for sale and if Giles hadn't intervened they would have been sold to two different owners. Giles took the couple into his home and all he asked for was some help raising his daughter he had no intention of them to do all the work. Giles worked side by side with them and when Kendra was pregnant she had all the time off she needed. It wasn't until Giles fell ill that he had to stop and they took over Kendra, her husband Charles and their three sons Mark, Lucas and John.
They traveled with them from Charleston to here in Cold Mountain to help ease the process and Buffy only knew them. They've been helping a lot now as Giles seemed to be growing sicker and Buffy was ever grateful. But she knew if this war happened things were going to change. After the church was opened and they were home there was a meeting. The decision was made that if war was declared Kendra and her family could stay as long as they wanted but were free to go in fact they had always been free to go. Giles bought them in order to free them and if they left it was an oh well whatever. Of course they stayed they had a home and it was proof that blacks were just people and that there were good people in this world.
But Kendra and Charles knew things were going to get very bad around here especially if Riley Finn took over. So a plan was made to appear for them to "set" the family free even though they wanted to stay and help. Buffy didn't know this and Giles wasn't ready to tell her but he knew he was dying and Kendra wanted to stay here and look out for her Buffy was the daughter she never had she helped raise her for fifteen years. But Giles insisted Buffy would be ok here others would take care of her. He didn't want to see a good family be slaughter because of the color of their skin.
"So," Kendra began and Buffy looked up as they were at the market buying some fresh food. "Angel," And Buffy started to tense up and Kendra smiled. "He's very handsome Buffy."
"Yeah but would he really want me?" Buffy asked and Kendra sighed.
"Child you are so beautiful and he well I just know in my heart he's a righteous man. I won't be here forever and if I know someone is here to take care of you then I'm happy." Kendra explained and Buffy nodded.
"I have no idea how to please a man," Buffy spoke up and Kendra smiled it was girl talk she couldn't do this with her boys and she loved it.
"Oh I know how." Kendra stated and Buffy looked up wanting to know the secret but Kendra smiled and winked.
"No," Buffy giggled and playfully pushed her. "Kendra,"
"What?" She asked smiling and they continued to walk but then Buffy stopped dead in her tracks. "What?" And Kendra looked up and saw a man, tall brown hair that was kept short and clean, a face that had to be a face of an angel. "Oh," Kendra knew who that was. "Well go talk to him."
"I can't," Buffy stated as if she was giving up.
"Buffy a man looking like that should not be left unattended for long." Kendra explained and Buffy stood there nervously. "Fine if you won't I will," And she started to walk.
"No," Buffy pulled Kendra back and she smiled.
"Seeing more and more it's a sign." Kendra explained and Buffy watched as Angel was shopping for food as well. Kendra looked back up. "Always dreamed of you in a pretty white dress." Buffy then looked back to her long time friend. "You deserve a good man like him." Buffy nodded and promised herself if Angel comes around she'll be open to spending time with him. "Now come on I got a supper to get on the table the boys will be wanting their dinner."
At dinner the family sat around and ate telling one another of their day. Buffy looked around seeing the only family she's ever had. Lucas, Mark and John were like her brothers. By birth order she's their older sister but they treated her like the little sister always protecting her. Somewhere deep down she knew these family days were coming to an end. Then her and Kendra's eyes met and like a mother daughter bond they knew what each other was thinking.
A few days had passed since the Angel and Buffy inched closer together wanting to touch and be touched. Buffy was now in her room she was still settling in still moving things around. This house was by far bigger than the one in Charleston. She then sat at her seat in front of the mirror and brushed her long blonde hair. Her goal today would be to find Angel and talk to him really talk to him none this one word or one sentence deal. She promised Kendra she would try. Of course after she brushed her hair she was going to find a nice dress for him. Right now she was in just a worn down dress something she wore around the house or if she was going to be outside all day with the boys. While Buffy began to braid her hair off to one side Angel came to the front door.
Kendra answered and smiled seeing him thinking 'oh thank god,' And then Giles came over to see who it was.
"Angel," Giles greeting the young man and Kendra smiled oh Buffy landed herself a big one.
"Reverend," Angel acknowledge the man and then nodded to the woman.
"What can I do for you son?" Giles asked. Up in her room Buffy heard the knock and headed downstairs to see who it was. She made her way to the front and got on her tip toes and saw over her father's shoulder well she didn't have too Angel was so tall. Kendra turned around seeing Buffy and walked over to her but Buffy was going to retreat back to her room.
"Oh no you don't," Kendra insisted.
"I'm not even dressed," Buffy stated as the two men talked. Her heart leaped for joy as he was here but then she looked down he couldn't see her in a dress like this.
"If he likes you, you can be in rags and he won't care now go move your butt." Kendra was the boss and slapped Buffy a little on the Buffy making her go forward. "Bring him home for supper and I want many grandchildren." She added and Buffy scoffed with a smile and walked to the front door trying to put all her courage together.
"I was wondering if Buffy was here?" Angel asked on the outside he was calm but on the inside he so nervous and on the verge of shaking. Buffy walked to the front door and Angle saw her. Giles looked over and then back to Angel. He stared at her while her normal dresses were beautiful the way she was now she looked so…he couldn't described it she was too beautiful to put into words. "Uh hi Buffy," He stammered and Buffy gave a smile. "Uh Buffy would you like to ride with me?" He asked Buffy turned quickly to Kendra and she nodded with a smile saying yes, yes go. "I mean have you've seen all of Cold Mountain and Black Cove?" Buffy shook her head but still smiled.
"Perhaps on another day," Giles suggested. "She should rest today." Buffy on the inside started to panic she wanted to go out with Angel and get to know him better.
"Oh daddy it's fine," She scooted pass him and got outside. "I'll be back soon." She insisted and Giles gave a sigh that meant I rather you not but ok. She and Angel then left walking away from the house to a horse as it stood there waiting. Kendra came up to Giles and sighed.
"Ah young love," She said and Giles' eyes widen. "Oh don't give me that she's all grown up now." And Giles nodded as they walked to a horse. "Come on mister preacher you need to rest." Kendra insisted meaning leave those two alone.
"Have you ever ride before?" Angel asked as they stopped at the horse and he pulled on the reins and petted its nose.
"A few times," Buffy answered as they stood next to the white and brown horse.
"Buffy meet Claire," Angel introduced her to his horse and Buffy nodded. Buffy then grabbed the reins and Angel grabbed her waist hoisting her up the rest of the way. Angel then climbed on sitting behind her taking the reins in his hand. He gave a commanded and the horse galloped out of the property. Giles watched them through a window as they were off and then he heard Kendra clear her throat and he let out a small sigh and went back to whatever he was doing. Once off the property and into the openness Angel gave another command and the horse picked up speed and Buffy smiled. Riding a horse was as close as she could get to flying.
After riding Angel had the horse climbing up a hillside and then stopped. He dismounted and then helped her off and she looked out to the rolling plains. The two then sat on the green grass looking out all the way to where the land and the sky kissed. At first they were content to be in each other's company but they had to break the silence.
"You've lived here all your life?" Buffy asked and Angel shook his head no.
"I've been here in Cold Mountain when my father decided to teach here but then he got sick." Angel explained. "Once he passed away I had nowhere else to go and I didn't want to go." He explained and Buffy nodded.
"I'm sorry." She was talking about his father and meant it too and Angel shook his head.
"It was a long time ago." Angel explained and Buffy nodded.
"You're mother?" Buffy asked.
"She died when I was born." Angel explained and Buffy felt so bad he was without anyone in the world now. She felt something inside saying she wanted to be there for him now. Angel looked up at her and since she got some insight on him he needed to get some from her. "What's Charleston like?"
"Nothing like this it's a city, carriages, stores lots of people." Buffy explained. "I've never lived in a place like this." She then looked to Angel.
"Your mother?" Angel asked and Buffy shrugged.
"Like you she died when I was born or a few days after is what my father's told me." Buffy said so they had something in common. That was a start but she was so far above him that not having mother justified a reason for her to consider being with him. But here she was willingly to take a ride with him trusting him and going against her father's idea to rest. "You're Irish aren't you?" She asked.
"How'd you know?" He asked cracking that half smile.
"Well a name like O'Brien gives it away." Buffy answered and Angel nodded with that half smile and looked on to the horizon.
"My father and mother came here with just a few cents they wanted a better life." Angel answered although when he thought about it they both died here and that wasn't a better life. But is father told him you only make a life as good as you want it. His father was happy teaching and when he did pass he was proud of Angel. Ever since Angel was seventeen he's been on his own and he was now twenty three. Some would say his life is less than full he was unmarried and childless no one to carry the family name. But Angel wasn't looking for a bride well he was but she had to be the right one and he was praying he was looking at her right now.
"Can you speak in Irish…?" Buffy asked and Angel nodded.
"And you mean Gaelic yes I can. Read and write it too." Angel stated and Buffy thought that was nice.
"I can speak Latin and French." Buffy added ok so that's two things in common no mother and they can speak different languages. "Have you ever seen Ireland?" Buffy asked and Angel shook his head no.
"But my father said that up here in Cold Mountain it's similar to the Highlands and the green fields of Ireland. But the beer here isn't as good." Angel added and Buffy giggled a little. That small giggle melted Angel's heart and he wanted to keep talking to her until the sun went down and then some.
"Well say something to me then." Angel looked over to her. "Say something in Gaelic." She insisted wanting to hear it. Angel thought about what he wanted to say to her. He could say anything and she would know. He wanted to say this to her and since she wouldn't understand he could and not feel embarrassed or to overbearing.
"I mo thuairimse, tá tú ag an duine is áille tá mé agus beidh a fheiceáil riamh." Angel finished and Buffy smiled.
"What does that mean?" She asked and Angel said nothing and continued to look out to the horizon. Buffy took one last look at him and then to joined him looking at the beauty of this place. After a little while longer they left and Angel took her through the woods of this country side. The place was very beautiful and everyday she was happier and happier to be here. Then they stopped at a tree and Angel sighed.
"What?" Buffy asked as he looked around.
"Oh nothing," He said and Buffy knew something was up and smiled.
"We're lost aren't we." She stated smiling and he shook his head no.
"No might have gotten turned around though." Angel said and Buffy got off the horse and started to climb the tree and Angel panicked a little and followed. She smiled as she climbed and then looked for the steeple of the church.
"That way," She pointed and he looked up smiling and they climbed back down. He didn't want to get her home late and it would be nightfall when they did get home. He just hoped her father wouldn't be upset.
Angel had Claire ride softly back into Buffy's land and up to her house and yes the sun was gone and night was here. He had Claire stop and he dismounted and then reached for her and picked her up by the waist and helped her down but as he did he held her close like a hug. Buffy didn't pull away at all in fact she placed her hands on his shoulders and he wrapped his arms around her waist a little more. She didn't object and they were closer than ever and her heart pounded she was afraid he could hear it. His brown eyes gazed into her green eyes and the gap between them was ever closing as their lips wanted to meet to taste one another.
"Buffy!" She heard her father call and Buffy pulled away quickly just in case. She looked to the house and felt so hurt she wanted kiss him but maybe it wasn't the right time yet.
"I'll see you soon Angel." Buffy then started to walk away but Angel gently grabbed her hand and she stopped. He pulled her to the horse and then he reached in a bag and pulled out something and hand it to her. Without a word Angel mounted his horse and then rode off to home. Buffy headed inside to the candle light and sat at the piano wanting to open the folder. She did and it was sheet music and she smiled seeing it. New music to learn that was always nice. She flipped through the pages but then on one page was a photo black and white. It was of Angel with his musket and she took the photo in her hand to inspect it a little closer and smiled. She let her finger tips glide over it hoping to feel his warmth again like outside. She then held it closer to her heart smiling.
The next day came and Angel was out in a field chopping wood for the town. He did heavy labor to make money and it ranged from building, chopping trees, working fields all that for a living. As he put the wedge on the wood he slammed the hammer on the wedge handle and the split into two. The winter months would be here before anyone knew it so he had to get the wood ready. But then he heard a horse riding and looked up and it was Giles in a carriage. Angel stopped his work and walked out to the older man. Xander was with him as well they seemed to become friends. Angel always thought Xander annoyed him a little but he had half a foot and that would make anyone annoyed.
"Uh mister Summers I know yesterday when I asked your daughter for a ride," Angel started wanting to explain himself and Giles put his hand up telling him to stop talking.
"I dragged my poor daughter four hundred miles from Charleston to Cold Mountain because my doctors, they've been sayin' my chest is weak. So the air's supposed to do me good." Giles started as he sat on his horse. "If you can't tell she's all I have in this world now." Angel nodded. "I have no plans to preach war in my church." Angel nodded again he was a stern man. "And I've heard you've enlisted."
"Yes sir." Angel answered truthfully and Giles nodded.
"Is that what you want to be a war hero?" Giles asked and Angel shook his head no. "My daughter does not need a war hero she needs protection and if you leave do you think you'll be protecting her?" Angle thought about it and that was a no. On the grand scheme of things no he would not be she needed him here.
"Besides she's a different subject Angel we would like for you to come to a meeting." Xander said and Angel stood there.
"What kind?" Angel asked crossing his arms.
"It's rumored that North Carolina will sever its tie to the Union but that's not our concern our concern is Finn. He wants to take over this whole place and first chance he gets he will and if you and the other men go to war well this town will be defend less to both the outside and inside world. We want to discuss that with you about having you become part of the Home Guard and not let Finn take over." Xander finished and well that was the meeting. "You're one of the strongest men here Angel."
"I don't want any part of this war fighting and the politics of it." Angel stated. "Now let me get back to work." Angel then turned around to get back to the getting the wood chopped.
"You wish to continue to court my daughter?" Giles asked and Angel turned looked up meaning yes and Giles say the look knowing he had his attention. "Then start proving to me that you are worthy in my eyes and in the eyes God." Giles stated the rules of the game. "Then you can court Buffy until then it's a no."
"No ok," Angel nodded and then looked back up. "How?" How could he prove himself to Giles that he was good enough for his daughter? Was he to begin with?
"By staying out of trouble." Giles said and that was ok but what did that mean? Giles then started to take off leaving Angel confused.
"Wait mister Summers didn't I just do that?" Angel asked he said he wanted no part in war even though he enlisted and would go it wasn't on his to do list he was just force to by the government.
"No!" Giles called back as the horse began to walk away but Giles had nothing more to say and was off. Angel sighed wondering what he could do to prove to Giles he would protect Buffy.
"No?" Angel asked he said he didn't want to fight or be a part of anything that had to with fighting.
"No!" Giles said once last time and was off. Angel stood there and sighed well that got him nowhere. Actually it just seemed Giles was going to say no anyways he had his reasons but Buffy was young and a smart woman. Angel like his father once set on something he would peruse it and well his heart and mind was set on Buffy. He respected her father but that didn't mean he couldn't still see her. But it hit him he was courting Buffy this could be his future bride and that made him nervous 'God I'm hoping I'm doing this right'. He was falling in love madly in love she was on his mind all the time. He thought about her every second now no woman has made him do that.
The night was here and Buffy was in her room combing her hair and then looked to her mirror where Angel's picture was and smiled. She was about to reach for it when she heard something at her window and got up grabbing her candle. She headed to the window and opened it and there was nothing but then Angel popped up and Buffy gasped and then contained herself looking to her door making sure her father didn't hear her.
"What are you doing?" She asked softly smiling a man scaled the side of the house to her window that has never happened before. But then she realized she was in her night dress and felt naked in front of him.
"Would you like to join me for a walk?" He asked and Buffy tried to hold back a giggle. A walk did sound nice but the stars and moon were out.
"It's so dark and late and also tomorrow we have church." Buffy just wanted to say yes but she would get in trouble. She had an early day tomorrow at church she had to help her father get everything in order for the service.
"Just a quick one," Angel insisted and Buffy sighed thinking. She then opened her window a little wider. And Angel wondered maybe she was going to come and take a walk.
"Come inside?" She asked and Angel took the invitation and crawled in. Buffy's never had a man in her room before so she was nervous. She quickly ran to her bed grabbing a shawl and wrapped it around her shoulders and felt a little better that she was covered. She then walked closer to him and grabbed the candle so she could see him. Angel reached out and took the candle away and set it down. The little space between them again and it tends to get smaller when they were together. They inched ever closer and maybe she could kiss him she longed to kiss him. Her insides begged for it. They were now leaning in and then there was a knock and they pulled away.
"Buffy?" Her father asked Buffy looked to Angel and he looked around wondering where to hide. Then the window was open so he quickly went to it but Buffy tugged at his hand.
"Wait?" She asked and he nodded and then climbed out the window and Buffy tried to calm herself and then walked to the door and opened it. "Yes dad?" She asked.
"I'm off to bed," He said and Buffy nodded smiling and Giles leaned in and kissed his daughter's forehead and walked away. Buffy closed the door gently and then rushed to her window as Angel waited like she asked. He pulled himself up so he was outside her window and they were face to face.
"I've worn out my stay," He said and Buffy felt crush but nodded and then he reached out and tucked some blonde locks behind her ear and then cupped her cheek. Her small cheek fit perfectly in his hand. She leaned into it slightly as he leaned forward and kissed her other check and her heart fluttered like a butterfly's wings. He then started to descend down and Buffy clasped her hand around his not wanting to let him go. Their hands parted as he climbed down.
Once he was far enough down he made the last jump and looked up as Buffy was hanging half out her window. Angel walked backwards still looking at her as he left in the night. He was gone and she sighed and closed her window and sat on her bed smiling. She would get to see him tomorrow and the day after and the day after that and that made her giddy. 'I'm in love,' She thought to herself. 'I'm so in love.' She then got under her covers and blew out the candle. 'Morning can't come fast enough.'
Sunday morning arrived and Buffy came downstairs smiling and for the most part dressed for service. She came into the dining room smelling that breakfast was being cooked. She was humming a little tune and Giles looked up as he sipped his cup of tea reading over today's sermon. Buffy sat down and the breakfast was served and they ate. The three boys whispered smiling knowing she was in love with a boy it was the talk of the house. Giles noticed not only did her footsteps seem just a little lighter but she was smiling. Of course she smiled but this smile was different she was happy and he an idea who was behind it. Once breakfast was done Buffy headed back upstairs to finish getting ready and Giles watched her. Kendra came in.
"I say someone is in love." She said and Giles sighed. "I know that look and mister Giles you were once the same way." She said meaning when he first met Joyce he did everything in his power to have her hand in marriage so was he really any different from Angel. Angel was perusing his heart right now. But that wasn't the problem.
"I know," Giles admitted. "But the man she's in love with could be going to war any day now." That was his worry that Buffy was going to get attached and then Angel would die. Giles knew death all too well and he didn't want his daughter to feel it. It was such a horrible feeling.
"The heart wants what it wants." Kendra said and Giles nodded. But what if there was no war and Angel did stay was he fit enough for his daughter. Well in Giles' mind no man was but his daughter was old enough to make her own choices. Gone are the days of a tiny little blonde girl always following him and attached at the hip. Maybe that was his fear he would be giving her to another man. All he could do was vow if this man did anything to hurt her break her in anyway then he would throw out God's law and kill him.
Service was here and the congregation all sung together. Buffy looked up from her music and saw Angel across the way and he found her. Their eyes met and both of them lit up like the sun. His heart raced seeing her she was really interested in him and she was so beautiful he was lucky. His luck was turning around soon he wouldn't be alone. He could already see it she being his wife holding her every night and then children. 'God I hope she wants lots of them cause I do.' He thought and smiled a little at her. Her eyes smiled seeing him as he sung too. His whole composure changed from when she first met him he was well lighter.
Buffy sung the words but kept her eyes fixed on Angel. 'He's so handsome and he really likes me.' Buffy while trying to praise God her mind began to wonder off to Angel thinking about him. She could see him tending to the land, protecting her and then children a boy in particular. 'The boy would look just like him with those brown eyes and smile. And I don't want just one either I want a big family to fill the house and I want them to all look like him boy or girl. No you're at church Buffy focus.' She had to pull herself back to reality but day dreaming about Angel was so nice on the life they can have together.
"Farewell, vain world I'm going home! My savior smiles and bids me come. And I don't care to stay here long. Sweet angels beckon me away. To sing God's praise in endless day. And I don't care to stay here long. Right up yonder, Christians!" While everyone sung a man came in and leaned in talking to a man and Angel saw it and his heart sank. He knew it wasn't good his day dreaming about Buffy and a perfect life were now being shattered.
"Secession, North Carolina left the Union." The man said and few men got up leaving the church. Angel ignored it and went back to singing with the rest of the people. Maybe he heard wrong he prayed he did. He was so close to having her and he had a plan. He was going to take her to Bishop's Creek and proposed to her ask her for her hand.
"O, yes, my Lord, for I don't care to stay here long!" Buffy looked up to Angel and her eyes were no longer smiling at him but worried. Outside the church three men stood there.
"Whoo!" One cheered and threw his hat up. "We got our war! Whoo-hoo!" Back in the church everyone continue to sing as the church started to empty. Giles tried to ignore it but the men were leaving to celebrate. He didn't want this war. He prayed to God every day and night that this war wouldn't happen for both the North and South sakes.
"That I am born to die. From grief and woe my soul shall fly. And I don't care to stay here long. Bright angels shall convey me home. Away to New Jerusalem. And I don't care to stay here long." But outside the men were cheering and dancing.
"We got our war! We got it! We got it! It's about time!" Another man cried out. The church was emptying to the outside and then only Angel and Buffy stayed behind and sat there looking at one another in fear. Just moments ago they were planning a future in their minds. Angel was going to find his mother's ring and give it to her but now war was declared and all that went out the window. Angel slowly got up and walked out looking around as the people clapped and cheered. Buffy sat there and fought the oncoming tears. He was enlisted and he was leaving probably to never return. Buffy set aside her book and got up.
"Whoo!" Another man cried out.
"All right!" Another man yelled and then came up to Angel shaking his hand and Buffy walked out seeing the commotion. "Angel! Angel! Ready to fight, son, ready to fight? Whoo! We got our war man!" And the man left clapping. Buffy then came up and stood next to Angel looking around.
"Well, you have your war." She flat out stated and started to walk away fighting the oncoming tears that stung her eyes ready to fall. He was going to leave she didn't want that. Angel knew she was hurt and went after her.
"Buffy, Buffy," He caught up to her when Riley came riding up on his horse and Angel for some unknown reason stepped in front of Buffy protectively from Riley.
"It's a great day for North Carolina," Riley started to speak and everyone listened. "Those who follow Lincoln or preach abolition you best keep one eye open when you're sleepin'. OI' boogeyman might get you."
"Are you the law all of a sudden, Mister Finn?" Angel asked and he didn't sound all that pleased. What gave him the right to claim that authority? Angel felt fear for Buffy leaving her here with this man.
"That's right O'Brien. Home Guard for Haywood County and I'm the law from today. Y'all go fight now. We'll watch over your sweethearts." Riley said and Angel thought to himself that was a bunch of bull shit he'll rape a woman if he could and he feared if Buffy was alone without him she was on Finn's list. Angel sees how Riley looks at her almost drooling.
"Hey Finn, why ain't you fightin'?" One man asked as Finn started to ride.
"Cause he's now the Home Guard." Xander answered Riley was perfect battle age. Then there was more cheering as war was declared.
"You might be safer back in Charleston." Angel said to Buffy as they stood side by side. She then reached for his hand and he felt it as they looked on to the people cheering that war was here. Their hands then intertwine and locked together. Buffy looked up at him and nodded meaning yes Charleston might have been safer because Finn was taking over but it was too late she was here and this is where she was going to stay.
"But then who'll be waiting for you?" She asked him and Angel's heart sank a woman would be waiting for his return. He got closer to her wanting to kiss her and hold her close but then someone started to fire a weapon in the air and that brought the new lovers apart.
"Three cheers for North Carolina!" One man yelled out.
"Three cheers for the South!" Another man added and they fired their guns in the air.
"Hip hip hurrah! Hip hip hurrah! Hip hip hurrah!" War was now on their doorstep and both Angel and Buffy knew it was going to destroy them in some way. Angel would return but nothing like when he leaves. She'll be different as well war always changes people.
The day ended and Angel sat on his bed he found the ring and he held the little silver circle ban in his hand. It was a traditional ring from his homeland. Where a jewel would sit was heart, two hands and a crown sitting on top of the heart. He was going to give her this within days but no more. He would not ask her to give her that burden and to break her heart because he may not return it was unfair and unjust to her. He was going to war and it would be in her best interest to find someone else. Then there was a knock Angel slipped the ring in his pocket and went to answer the door.
"Mister Summers," Angel greeted the older man.
"Angel," Giles nodded to the young man.
"Here come in," Angel insisted even though his home was more like a room.
"I'm on a time frame son I can't stay long." Giles then coughed and Angel knew that cough his father had it before he passed and that worried Angel. "Chest is weak." Giles explained meaning no I was not sick. "When do you leave?"
"About a week." Angel answered.
"I know nothing of war Angel except most men do not return," Giles started. "But I hope you do and when you do you'll have my blessing." Angel wanted to smile Giles was giving him permission to ask Buffy. "Now I must go." Angel nodded not wanting to say anything hoping to not upset him. Giles then walked away and Angel took in a deep breath. But he would not tell Buffy he didn't want her to be hopeful when hope was very little when it came to war.
One Week Later.
The men of Cold Mountain were leaving for war. Angel was in his little room packing but he was packing lightly unsure if he was ever coming back. But unlike some he had someone to come back too and that's what would keep him going. While he got ready Buffy found his room and knocked on the door, she was nervous and this could be the last day she'll ever see him. Angel opened the door and Buffy was taken back he was only half dressed but she did her best to ignore it.
"Buffy?" He asked he didn't know if he would have seen her before he left. She stood there with her hands behind her back and then held out a book.
"I found you this book to take with you." And then she handed it to him and he took it looking at the new book. "William Bartram, they tell me it's good. I think he writes about these parts the author so,"
"Thank you," Angel said and looked at her but she had more to say and he could tell.
"And this," She handed him a while envelope and he took it. He opened it and it was a picture of her. His heart raced he now has a picture of her as she does of him. He then looked up at her not knowing what to say.
"I'm not smiling in it." She stated and felt bad she should be smiling in it for him. I don't know how to do that hold a smile." She sounded disappointed in herself and then started to back away and then turned her back to leave.
"Buffy," Angel called to her.
"What?" She asked but before she could think Angel brought her closer and planted a kiss on her lips. Buffy didn't do anything except kiss him right back. She pulled herself closer as well a kiss they've been trying to give one another for a while now. She felt his bare skin on her hands his warm flesh and it ignited something in her and the kissed became more passionate. She's never kissed a man but it felt so right. He then picked her off the ground and pinned her against the wall not easing up any and she did want him too. She held on tighter kissing him praying he would just take her into his little room and they could never leave. Angel couldn't believe he was kissing a girl but he was and then he made a trail down her neck hearing her gasp in delight. It took all his will power not to try and lift her dress up.
They found each other's lips again and kissed passionately as if their lives depended on it. His knees went weak and he started to fall to the ground and she went with him. Buffy let out small moans kissing him felt so amazing he then went to his back and she was on top still not breaking the kiss just trying to get sips of air when needed. Angel rolled her over so now she was pinned to the floor and continued the passionate kisses and time stopped. Angel then felt her wrapping her legs around his waist and now he didn't want to go to war he wanted to stay here. Stay here, marry her, make love to her and love her. But then the fleeting wonderful moment ended as they heard footsteps running.
"Whoa! He'll be back in a month!" A man giggled as he ran passed them.
Angel quickly pulled Buffy up from the ground and into his arms shielding her as the men ran by and she held onto him tightly trying to remember what his warm skin felt like. As the men passed through Angel stood up still holding Buffy in his arm protecting her.
"Kiss her for me!" Another called out as he ran by.
"Come on, let's go!" The last man went by and Angel let up and went back into his room as Buffy stood outside his door. She wanted to cry and tears already made their down her cheeks. Angel quickly put his shirt on and grabbed his things and then shut his door facing her seeing the tears. He leaned forward giving her another kiss a good by kiss and she threw her arms around his neck hoping to draw it out just for one more moment. He pulled away and had to run to catch up.
"I'll be waiting for you." Buffy stated and he nodded with that half smile.
"And I'll come home to you." He said back and took off. Buffy stood there and sniffed a little and wiped the tears away. She had to see him again so she ran to the side of the railing and saw him catching up to the parade and hung off the railing watching him leave. Angel turned around and looked up getting one last look at her hoping it wouldn't really be his last gaze on her. Their eyes locked as he left and Buffy prayed this would truly last a month and he could be home and she could be in his arms and be safe.
Oh no Angel's going to war just when they really started to get close. So now the next chapter we'll start to see more of Buffy and how's she handling things on her own. More to come thanks for reading comments and reviews are welcomed.
What Angel said to Buffy: You are the most beautiful person I have and will ever see.