The journey back west felt like it took forever, the more miles that were placed between them, the more she wanted to cry. He said it wouldn't be long before he was home again and she hoped he meant it.

Giles picked her up from the airport and made the drive back to Sunnydale, he asked how the trip was, how Angel was and how she was… although he didn't say as such, she felt like he knew more than he let on to. The look he gave her when he asked about her necklace was a picture, did he know something?

He dropped her off outside Darla's and said she was more than welcome to come to dinner tomorrow, or rather today, looking at the clock she saw it was well past midnight now. She nodded and headed inside hoping to sleep but all night she tossed and turned, sleeping alone just didn't feel right.

Oooooooooooooooo

Although she had spent most of her teen life sleeping alone, ever since she spent the weekend at Angels it got much more difficult. Each night she laid in bed either talking on the phone to him, or video calling, before she would be relaxed enough for sleep.

Despite having spent the past three weeks with little sleep, she made it to school and with the help from Willow, was keeping up her grades and even doing better in some subjects. Thankfully though, Faith and the gang had barely said anything to her, just a condescending comment here or there but she didn't let it faze her.

Buffy sat down on the blanket that Willow had laid out on the quad and grabbed her lunch, she was listening to the red head talk about a boy she had bumped into a while back and said that he had asked her to The Bronze "Ooh, Will, is there some sparkage?"

Willow blushed and shrugged "I don't know, hes cute AND in a band!" She took a bite of her sandwich and looked like she was in a daydream.

Buffy saw the faraway look and smiled, she was glad Willow had been asked out. The amount of times Willow would put herself down and belittle the idea that she was worth something was sad. Her friend was one of the nicest girls you could ever meet.

Willow looked back at her "How are things with Angel?" After she spent the weekend at his, she had told Willow everything. From full details of their past and up to what had happened just before Christmas and it felt good to tell someone who wouldn't make fun of her or use it against her.

Buffy shrugged "I mean we talk almost every day and its nice but I miss him…" she bit her lip and looked down to her hands. She really did miss him but they also hadn't actually brought up what they were to each other. Sure their goodbye kiss was something, a lot more than something to be honest but what were they?

At Willows eager look she continued "I really like him and I hope that its going somewhere"

Willow gave her a pointed look "Buffy, how could it not? I know he's hung up on the age thing but look at that necklace, that's not just something a friend buys a friend" she quirked her eyebrow and looked at the beautiful jewellery around Buffy's neck.

Her hand went instinctively over the cross and held it, a warm tingly feeling enveloped her, she loved this piece and loved how he was looking at her when he gave her it.

"Did he say when he was coming home?"

Buffy shook her head and pursed her lips, he said he wouldn't stay away for long but he hadn't brought up when he was coming back and she didn't want to nag at him.

Willow nodded then smiled widely "Valentines Day is coming up…" not only was she excited that she would actually have date for the nonsense day this year but that her friend would have a beau too.

She took a sip and groaned "I don't know Will, I don't think he'd come all the way here for that…" she shrugged sadly and looked away. She hoped that we would surprise her but then again, why would he? He wasn't her official boyfriend?

Willow bit her lip, feeling like she had to put her foot in it. Thankfully lunch was almost over so they packed up their picnic and headed back inside. After the remainder of the afternoon, Buffy waved to Willow as she headed out towards the parking lot and was so lost in thought she bumped into someone.

Looking up, she panicked for a moment as she locked onto his icy blue eyes "Parker" his eyebrows drew down as he looked all the way down her body and back up, lingering on the necklace she had on "S-sorry"

In a flash he turned from nasty to nice and gave her a sweet smile "No problem Buffy… say I know its been a while but why don't we meet up tomorrow night for old times sake" he bit his lip and smiled once again "I mean it's Valentine's Day, so why not?"

Buffy blinked rapidly trying to find her courage, in the past she would just agree with anything he said to keep the peace but things were different now "No thank you, I already have plans" she lifted her head and stared him down, wanting to be strong.

Parker drew the eyes off her, who did she think she was, turning him down? Playing it carefully he forced a laugh "Fine, I know when I'm not wanted" he gave her once last look and stalked off down the hall.

Letting go of the breath she didn't know she had been holding in, she watched him walk out of sight before exiting the building. She began to walk down the steps and sighed, she didn't have any plans for tomorrow night but she didn't want him to know that.

As she turned to head down towards Main Street she heard her name being called out. The hairs on the back of her neck stood up and a tingle worked its way all over her body, it couldn't have been? She turned slowly round and saw Angel leaning against his car a few feet away. It took her a moment to realise that he was actually here and then she ran over to him and wrapped her arms around his neck "Angel!"

He laughed and squeezed her back "Hi" she looked up at him in wonderment, he hadn't said to her that he was coming as he wanted it to be a surprise. Although she tried to hide it, she had been sounding sad on the phone the past few nights.

Buffy opened her mouth then closed it "What are you doing here?" Not that she was complaining but it was a bit of a shock to see him here. He nodded towards the car and they both climbed inside, her fingers automatically linking through.

Angel put the car into drive and pulled out into traffic "Thought it would be a good time to come home for the weekend, besides I couldn't have you spending Valentines Day on your own" he looked out of the corner of his eye to see her trying to hold back a massive grin.

Buffy shimmied further into the leather seat and wanted to squeal with delight, not only had she hoped this would happen but now she was living it and it felt amazing. The conversation with Willow earlier had threatened to sour her mood but now she could say she did have someone to spend the day with.

They drove down the familiar streets until they reached Crawford Street and headed inside, once the door was closed Angel pulled her into his arms and smiled down at her "I missed you" he leaned down and pressed his lips to hers gently.

Buffy wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back, butterflies flapped away in her tummy as the kiss deepened. When his tongue slipped inside and massaged hers she pulled him closer "Angel?" When they heard Giles soft accent call out they broke apart and were left breathless.

Buffy turned away to collect herself and Angel cleared his throat as his stepfather came into the hall "Ah I thought it was you" he then spotted the blonde behind him "…Buffy? What brings you here" he looked between the pair and narrowed his eyes, at the skittish look from Buffy, he had clearly interrupted something.

Angel smiled "I picked her up on my way here, thought we could spend the evening catching up" he watched as Giles observant eyes looked over both him and Buffy but he didn't say anything.

Giles nodded and shouldered on his jacket "As nice as it is to see you Angel, I wish you would have told me as I am heading to Los Angeles for the weekend"

Buffy gave him a look, recently he had been spending more and more time up in the city "Giles, are you seeing someone?" As soon as his lips pressed together in a tight line she clapped her hands and grinned "Way to go G-man, is she nice? Is she pretty?"

Feeling flustered he took his glasses off and wiped at them "These are things I am not going to discuss" he gave her a smile and looked back at Angel "You have my number if you need me, enjoy your weekend" he grabbed his keys and headed outside.

Angel smirked, he was glad Giles was seeing someone, it had been a while and his stepfather deserved happiness. He turned to face Buffy and shrugged before taking her small hand in his, leading them to the living room and getting cosy on the sofa.

They spent a good bit of the evening talking away before he drove her to Darla's for her to grab some clothes and they headed back to the house for Angel to make them dinner. The evening went by in a flash and when it came time to head for bed, Buffy tugged on his hand and led him to his room.

It didn't escape her how nervous she was or that the last time in here had been both good and bad. She slid under the duvet and snuggled against him as he got comfy himself. He leaned over and placed a kiss on top of her head "Goodnight Buffy" he wanted nothing more than to kiss her again but couldn't trust himself that it would stay innocent.

Buffy closed her eyes and squeezed him tight, the rhythmic rise and fall of his chest was soothing and the beating of his heart was a sound to be treasured. She wanted to preserve this moment but for the first time in weeks she managed to fall asleep without trouble.

In the morning she surprisingly woke before him, she watched him sleep for a good while and wanted to shake him awake and tell him how long she had been up for but decided not to be such a flake. Instead she made her way downstairs and raided the fridge to see what to make for their breakfast.

She was no Martha Stewart but she could use a toaster, so she decided to toast some bagels and managed to fry up some bacon without setting off the alarms. She put coffee, an assortment of toppings and fruit on the tray and headed back up to his room. By the time she got back up he had just began to wake "Good Morning"

Angel rubbed his eyes and smiled "Good Morning, whats all this?" He helped move the tray onto the centre of the bed and accepted a kiss from Buffy.

Settling back against the headboard, she grabbed a bit of bacon "I made breakfast, it's the least I could do" she chewed on the bacon then smiled proudly. Angel grabbed her hand and placed a kiss on it before taking a long drink of his coffee.

"I was thinking that today we could go a little drive up the coast then see a movie later?" He looked over to see her smile widely, her brilliant white teeth biting her bottom lip as she nodded in agreement.

Subconsciously, they both finished off breakfast in record time then separately showered before getting ready and setting out up-State. Although it was a little cooler than normal, it was warm enough for them to walk along the beach, hand in hand and enjoy a nice lunch on the boardwalk.

They headed back to Sunnydale in the evening and left the car back at the house, choosing to walk to go see a movie. The movie itself was just so so, nothing too memorable, the only thing that was important was being in each others company, having their first official rdate.

On the walk back home Angel draped his arm over her, holding her close as they walked. Buffy giggled at something he had said before she caught sight of Parker watching them with an almost gleeful look on his face. Shaking her head, she decided not to let him ruin her good mood.

When they got home they sat on the sofa, cuddled up and talking about how nice the day had been. Hearing him laugh, seeing his eyes shine bright as he smiled, she felt that tingly feeling all over, thinking nothing more of it she leaned over and kissed him softly.

There was nothing rushed, no urgency and no haste behind their kiss. It was soft, sweet and it made her want to die. It was almost perfect. The only thing that would make this the best night would be giving herself to him. As she deepened the kiss, her fingers toyed with the buttons on his shirt before she unbuttoned the first few.

Angel sat back and looked at her, as she bit her lip and looked back at him with her big doe eyes, her fingers plucked at another button "Buffy…" his warning tone was more for him than for her, he didn't want to rush this but in no way was he going to deny her anything.

She shook her head and pressed a finger to his lips to silence him from saying anything else. When the shirt was fully opened her hand ran down his chest and caressed his abs before she tugged on his belt buckle.

Angel knocked her hand out of the way and pulled her flush against him as his mouth landed on hers. He felt her finger's grip onto the back of his neck before winding through his hair. The moment she climbed onto his lap he was a goner, she moved against him, grinding against his hardness, making him groan into her mouth.

Buffy broke the kiss and tilted her head just enough for his mouth to nip and kiss down her neck. Her fingers bit into his shoulders as she bit her lip to hold back a moan. When she rocked her hips against him again, he urged her to wrap her legs around his waist as he stood up and climbed up the stairs to his room.

As the door closed he set her back on floor and pressed her up against the wall, his mouth shedding opened mouthed kisses down her neck. Buffy let out a silent gasp and pushed the shirt off his shoulders, her hands automatically smoothing over the muscles in his back so she could pull him closer.

Buffy pushed his shoulders and nudged him towards the bed, making quick work of taking her top off and unhooking her bra. Angel sat on the edge of the bed and pulled her between his legs as one hand pressed on the bottom of her back and the other cupped one of her breasts.

She gripped onto his shoulders as his tongue ran over her nipple before he took it into his mouth and grazed it with his teeth. Her legs felt like jelly but she managed to hold on as he switched to her other nipple, giving it the same attention as the other.

His hands reached for her jeans and pulled the zip down before slowly pushing them lower on her hips so she could wiggle out if them. He tugged at his belt and pulled his own jeans off, letting them pool at his feet before following Buffy onto the bed and blanketing her body with his.

Buffy nipped at his lips and swiped her tongue against his, as he pressed his body fully against hers she almost blushed as she felt his hardness pressed against her, the thin material of her panties between them not doing much if anything.

Angel framed her face with his hands and kissed her soundly "Are you sure?" He was well past the point of stopping but the words came out anyway. When she nodded, his fingers hooked around the sides of her lacy panties and pulled them down, throwing them off to the side.

Buffy tried to sit back up when he spread her legs wide enough for him to be between "Angel?" His dark eyes looked up to hers from his position, his tongue darted out to taste her as one of his hands pressed gently on her abdomen for her to lie flat.

Her mouth fell open as he teased and licked at her, she ran her fingers through her hair then gripped onto the pillow behind her as he slipped not one but two fingers inside and twisted them, hitting a sweet spot inside "Oh my god" he quickened his pace and didn't let up, she tried to pull him away but he wouldn't move.

As her orgasm hut her like a freight train, she felt like she melted in that moment and couldn't move. She let out a throaty laugh and reopened her eyes to see him sheath himself in protection then blanket her body again. She looked into his eyes and felt something she couldn't describe.

He looked down at her and ran his thumb over her lip "Buffy, I love you" he had tried to deny it, tried to not let these feelings develop but it was futile. She was perfect and she was his. Her eyes widened, sparkling with emotion, she nodded, trying to reply but was overcome with indescribable feelings.

She pulled him down to kiss him as he slipped inside and began a gentle thrust. Buffy bit her lip then let out a moan as he quickened his pace "I love you too" her legs circled his waist pulling him tighter against her as he raised to his haunches and began to thrust deeper and faster.

Although this wasn't new to her, the act itself but the way he was being gentle yet firm, making it all about her made her want to weep. She didn't think it could feel as good and as emotional as it did in this moment, she truly felt a connection with him.

He rolled them over until she was on top, for a moment she felt shy but then gripped his hands beside his head and rolled her hips, taking full control. When she felt the first signs of coming undone she fastened her pace furiously.

Angel broke free of her grasp and grabbed onto her narrow hips, hardening her movement against him. Her back arched as she came for the second time this evening and let out a light scream as he kept thrusting into her. Once he felt that tightening feeling, he thrust into her and rode out his orgasm, slowing his pace down until he was spent.

Rolling off of him, she laid back against the pillows to try to get her breathing back to normal. Angel disposed of the condom into the trash and rolled back beside her, his hand framing her face. She leaned over and kissed him softly before giggling and rubbing at her skin "I think I need a shower"

Angel gave her that to die for smirk, the one that made her weak in the knees "Shower sounds good" he got off the bed and extended his hand towards her, helping her off the bed and pulling her in for a quick kiss. He then led her down the hall and into the bathroom, turning on the shower and pulling her under the spray with him.

As they reignited their passion under the warm spray of water, Buffy's phone began to vibrate repeatedly. Lots of notifications came bouncing through and a missed call from Willow appeared. The widget for the social media app left a big notification that read Slutty Summers with photos of her on Halloween, wearing almost nothing at all.