Part 10.
"I can't believe Tara got it so wrong " Angel looked at the ring on his hand and shook his head in disappointment. His eyes then travelled to the evil presence in the centre of the room slowly dissolving out of his icy prison. The fire in its eyes was clearly becoming brighter. Angel knew they didn't have long.
Outside, the debris of the rockslide shook as more and more demons joined the race to break into the anti chamber.
"Help me" Buffy called and together they pushed over the large stone gargoyles adding their wreckage to the barrier.
"That should hold them for a while" Angel acknowledged and turned away scanning for anything else they could add to the blockade.
The assault seemed to last for hours, gradually the rock was broken down and the barrier between them grew less impregnable.
"There's nothing left to stop them" Buffy's small shoulders slumped in defeat as the barrier continued to crumble
Angel pulled her into his arms and felt her small body sigh against his chest.
" Not looking too good for our heroes" Buffy smiled trying to stay as calm as possible.
" I'm not going to lie to you, Buffy. The rings were the only way out I knew." he cast his eyes across the cavern " When that thing breaks out of the ice..."
" Its gonna be really pissed off" she interrupted
Angel found himself smiling, even in the face of all this horror she still came up with the perfect understatement.
" If you have any suggestions now's the time" he asked softly stroking her hair
Buffy turned and looked deep into his eyes
" Maybe we should have sex. You lose your soul, Angelus breaks my neck and we're both free" Buffy knew if it wasn't so serious it would be almost funny.
Angel's eyes widened remembering that he still hadn't told her about the happiness clause.** But what good would it do either of them now? ** The intense look that filled his eyes caused Buffy's cheeks to flush bright red with embarrassment.
" Joke! I was only joking" She quickly looked away.
" Buffy, if it comes down to the wire, that's just what I'll do"
Buffy swallowed hard " Have sex?"
Angel shook his head.
" Oh, I see." Buffy understood that Angel was offering the same way out for her that she had earlier told the devil she would do for him. Nothing more was spoken as they contemplated their next move.
The wall behind them shook more violently as if being rammed with a heavy object.
"Angel? I'm so sorry" Buffy whispered into the darkness. Her mind was filling up with so many regrets. Regrets she would now never be able to rectify.
Angel turned to face her; a look of confusion covered his beautiful features.
" It's my fault you're here. I'm the Slayer, I should be getting us out of here instead of acting like..." Buffy apologised weakly. Angel took her face between his hands.
"You have nothing to be sorry for, Buffy. You should never have had to witness a place like this. You have a pure heart and this is all wrong. " Angel looked into frightened eyes that were trying so desperately to be brave. He knew that in a few minutes the barrier outside would be smashed through and the thought of what would happen to Buffy broke his heart. Buffy could never begin to understand the horrors that awaited her. Angel knew only too well that the pain and torture would never end.
" I love you" he softly kissed her mouth. At first Buffy was startled by this unexpected show of affection but his cold mouth tasted so good that all other thoughts were momentary forgotten as she wrapped her arms around his neck.
" No one will ever hurt you again, I swear beloved"
Angel moved his mouth to her neck and ran his tongue over the soft skin.
His hands softly caressed her body moving slowly up her arms, over her shoulders and stopped on both sides of her neck.
Buffy was lost in a wash of need that she had long fooled herself into believing she had forgotten. She wound her fingers in his thick spiky hair and pulled his mouth closer to her skin.
"You have been the love of my life, no matter what happens, remember that" she whispered passionately.
If was only when she felt the presence of tears on her neck that she realise what Angel was intending to do. It would all end so easily for her, no more pain or suffering. ** It was too easy**
A single tear ran down her own cheek
"Angel, I don't want to leave you here, alone. Don't you see we can still fight, together we are strong. Even if we lose, we tried.
A roar of released evil exploded around them as the last piece of ice fell away from the devil.
Buffy ran her hand up the vampire's arm and gripped his hand tightly into hers.
" We fight and die together" she breathed deeply
As their hands met, the two silver claddagh rings touched, a brilliant spark lit the devil's lair and suddenly the vortex opened. In a flash of bright light the vampire and the slayer were pulled back into the world above, leaving the devil screaming in frustration.
Buffy lay on the floor of the mansion panting for breath. Angel's heavy body pressing down on top of her slowly brought her to her senses.
" What happened?" One moment she had heard the devil scream and the next it was as if the door to heaven had opened itself.
Angel lifted their hands; they were still tightly entwined. He looked down at the two sliver rings and noticed they had been fused together.
"I still don't quite understand, but it looks like Tara was right " he smiled and carefully removed the rings from their fingers. Angel then snapped the rings apart, offering his hand with her ring nestled in his palm, he waited. Buffy picked up her ring and without hesitation slowly slipped it back on her finger. Their eyes locked and Buffy moved her mouth slightly towards Angel's face.
Before they had a chance to complete the movement they found themselves surrounded by their friends, all squealing and shouting in joy at the reunion. Riley swept Buffy up into his arms in a bear hug that nearly cut off her circulation. Before they knew what was happening, they were separated by their own camps and quizzed for hours on their miraculous escape.
Angel watched how Riley possessively held on to Buffy, never once leaving her side. ** And that's how it should be** he sadly tried to convince himself.
He realised that the words they had spoken to each other in Hell had only been spoken in fear. It was obvious to Angel, now that Buffy was home, she wanted to forget all about her nightmare in hell and return to her normal life as soon as possible. With a heavy heart Angel made plans with Cordelia and Wesley to leave for LA that night.
Meanwhile, Buffy waited for Angel to speak to her. He seemed so distant; she couldn't understand why he had retreated away from her once again.
Once more misunderstanding stood in the way of the lovers.
***************
Buffy was standing outside the mansion breathing in the cool night air when Riley walked out. He watched sadly as a faraway expression covered her beautiful hazel eyes.
Unaware that she was no longer alone, Buffy wrapped her arms around herself and sighed as she gazed out into night.
As he continued to watch her sad expression, Riley forced himself to face some awful truths.. In the last few days, even with the threat of all that danger hanging over her head, Buffy had seemed a different person. She was like a wild exotic flower, she bloomed, grew and flourished and the reason, as much as he hated to admit it, was Angel. Now faced with the prospect of him leaving, Buffy quickly withered away again, retreating into a hard shell that nobody else could ever hope to reach. The realisation gradually seeped through Riley's being - that he had never really known the true Buffy Anne Summers. No matter how hard he tried, he could never hope to make her eyes shine with that kind of intensity, he could never make her skin glow just longing to be touched.
Riley accepted sadly that he could never awaken the passion Buffy's heart needed so desperately, and the worse part was, he doubted if any other man alive could either.
He continued to watch the girl of his dreams slowly twist the small silver ring around her finger.
Buffy gazed down at the claddagh through blurred vision, fighting desperately not to break down, it was just so hard. After everything they had said to each other in hell, Angel was leaving her, again.
Everything inside her screamed out to stop him, to beg him to change his mind, but her pride wouldn't allow it. If Angel wouldn't fight for them, well he could just go back to ....
" Hey! Penny for them" Riley's soft voice broke into her head as he stood next to her on the top step.
" Sorry?" Buffy felt embarrassed that she hadn't been listening, all her thoughts were for the man that was leaving.
" I see you still haven't taken it off " Riley asked sadly, his eyes looked towards the sliver of silver that Buffy was still caressing with her finger. Buffy looked up with apologetic eyes; she simply didn't have an answer.
Riley took her hand in his and touched the ring.
" It's funny, I'm not even sure of the precise moment I lost you. Was it when Angel followed you out on patrol or when he followed you into hell?" Riley tried to smile but it didn't quiet reach his eyes
" Riley" Buffy started but Riley interrupted softly
" No, let me finish. The truth is, the reason I can't remember the moment I lost you, is because you were never really mine to lose" he reached up and slid his hand behind her hair, finding Angel's bite he lightly traced the scar.
" You were always his girl in your heart"
" Riley it's not that I don't care I do, it's just..."
" You love Angel"
" Always" Buffy's voice trembled slightly as Angel came into view. He loaded the few belongings Wesley and Cordelia had brought with them into the back of his car and turned, catching sight of Buffy and Riley. From where Angel was standing they appeared to be holding hands. Angel turned his head away and walked back to his friends.
" If you love him what's stopping you?" Riley asked the necessary question with a quiet voice
Buffy laughed without humour, this whole deal was becoming more painful by the second.
" Fate, duty, a little thing called the curse"
Riley watched the pain intensify in her eyes at the mention of the curse and for the first time in their relationship he put her feelings first, even though it would break his heart. Riley took a deep breath
Buffy, there is no happiness part to the curse, when Tara re-cursed his soul... Oh it's a long story but the bottom line, no happiness clause," Riley admitted. He hoped he was being noble but deep down he knew he could never keep it a secret from her, one day it was bound to come out and Buffy would hate him for it. At least this way they could maybe stay friends.
Buffy couldn't take it in; she just stood in shock.
" There's more, although I have no idea how. I over heard Wesley telling Giles that one day Angel will become human again...What's that old saying * if you love something set it free*...Well I guess I'm setting you free, Buffy"
Riley watched Angel appear again with the last of their bags, the two men's eyes locked for a moment and for the first time Riley felt the vampire's pain.
" What are you waiting for?...fly away " he whispered. Riley felt his heart break but with that one sentence he watched the beautiful blonde girl come alive again
Buffy watched Angel walk back to the mansion one last time; she turned back to Riley and softly kissed his cheek.
" Thank you" Buffy smiled.
*****
Inside the mansion Xander, Anya, Tara, Willow and Giles were all leaving for home. It had been a long few days and they had all said their good-byes. Buffy hugged them and promised to meet up for breakfast soon. She then went in search of Angel.
" Were you at least planning on saying goodbye this time?" Buffy asked quietly from the door.
Cordelia and Wesley both caught the look in Buffy's eyes and made the joint decision to leave.
Angel slowly raised his eyes to the girl leaning in the doorway, he wanted to hold her and never let her go, but of course that wasn't the plan, the plan was to leave as quickly and painlessly as possible.
** Leaving Buffy and painlessly, the words didn't go together. Leaving the love of his life always meant pain** Angel thought sadly.
" I thought it would be easier, on both of us if I just...go" his words got lower until the last hardly registered at all.
" I need to ask you something. In hell, the devil asked how many times you intended giving up your life to save me, what did he mean, Angel?" Buffy waited, her eyes never leaving his face.
Angel studied the question very carefully, he knew Buffy was talking about the forgotten day, he contemplated lying and just telling her about his Shanshu prophesy, but lying to Buffy wasn't a real option any longer.
" It all started at Thanksgiving, the day you came to town to tell me off" he started slowly.
Angel watched as Buffy devoured every agonising word of their lost day. Silent tears streamed down her shocked face as he described the choice he made to take back the day and how Buffy had walked away from him with no memory of it at all. When the explanation was finally finished he looked deep into her eyes trying to decipher her feelings.
Buffy's face was a blaze of conflicting emotions. Anger, pain, love and grief all shone out in the confusion she felt.
" As the seconds ticked down, we held each other and you promised you would never forget. Of course it was impossible, as soon as the Oracles took back the day you walked out of the door and out of my life." Angel stopped as the memory reawakened all the old pain.
" And that's it? That's everything?" Buffy could only whisper. As much as she searched her mind she couldn't find one trace of that day.
" Not quite, there's a prophecy, one day I may become human...again"
Buffy took a step forward, her eyes still showing no clear sign of her feelings.
" Riley told me about the curse, I guess with all this going on that little detail slipped your mind"
Angel was completely taken back, Riley letting that slip was the last thing he had expected
" He understands the love between us better then we do. Maybe that's why he let me go" Buffy continued walking forward, her eyes never once leaving his face.
** He let her go** Angel's mind cried out to his heart,
Buffy stopped right in front of him; her beautiful hazel eyes burned into his face.
" I don't know whether to hit you or kiss you" she finally smiled
" Kiss me" Angel offered hopefully as relief flowed through his cold veins.
Their lips met softly, almost hesitantly. Both afraid to break the spell of being this close. The kiss was soft and warm and held a feeling of coming home for both of them
"So one day you get to be human again, why didn't you want to tell me?" she asked seriously.
" Nothing was clear, it could take years, decades, centuries, " Angel admitted sadly
Buffy caught his lips again and kissed them lovingly
" Always the optimist. My Angel" she sighed and tried for another kiss
" You shouldn't have to wait for me, I still can't offer you a real life" Angel fought from kissing her back, this was so important he couldn't weaken now.
" Buffy, don't ruin your life waiting for me" he tried to reason, once again offering to sacrifice any real happiness he might ever know
" Okay, I won't. I promise. "
Angel pulled away unable to hide the slight hurt that appeared in his eyes, he was surprised that she had agreed so easily.
" I said I promise I wouldn't ruin my life " Buffy then grinned " I didn't promise I wouldn't wait. We might still have to fight in different worlds but with no happiness clause we can still have a little fun on the way" Buffy wound her arms around his shoulders.
" And if one day you do become human... well that will be a bonus." she rested her head against his chest and kissed the cool skin of his pale throat.
" And if that doesn't happen in your life time" Angel kissed her head. If they were talking about a future they had to face all the possibilities no matter how painful.
Buffy raised her head from his chest and softly caressed his cheek.
" Then I'll love you until the day I die.... and then I'll watch you....and then I'll wait all over again" a small smile lifted at the corners of her mouth.
Angel swallowed the lump that had formed in his throat, he knew she meant every word and he promised never to doubt it again.
" It might be a long wait"
" Some things are worth waiting for... and, in the mean time" Buffy raised her mouth and kissed him again. She slipped her hand inside the soft material of his shirt and gently stroked the cool skin beneath her fingers.
"....Some things don't have to be waited for any more" Buffy finished her sentence and moved her body closer into his.
" Angel groaned into her mouth as their tongues met
" Did I ever tell you about the dream that started all this" Angel took her small hand and placed it on his belt.
Buffy smiled and slowly ran her fingers up the front of his shirt, she flicked her wrists and small dark buttons flew across the room. Angel's eyes widened in surprise.
" Did I ever tell you about mine?" she grinned mischievously.
Angel swept Buffy up in to his strong muscular arms. The heavy smell of vanilla combined with Buffy's hot breath on his neck was sending shock waves of lust straight to his groin. He groaned in near ecstasy as Buffy's scalding mouth hungrily attacked his lips in a desperate attempt to gain entry.
" I think this is where I came in" he chuckled as he frantically searched for a flat surface.
**Only this time everything would be very different** Angel smiled, secure in the certainty that this time neither of them would lose their souls.
EPILOGUE
Riley Flinn walked slowly down the mansion stairs into the gardens; he still found it hard to believe that in a few short days his whole life had changed so drastically. The thought of being runner-up to a blood-sucking fiend still stuck in his throat.
Spike entered the gardens just as Riley was leaving; a cocky grin spread all over his face at the other man's despair.
" Three cheers for the honourable loser. Hip, hip, hurrah" Spike sang cheerfully rubbing Riley's nose deeper in defeat. Riley turned and snarled.
" Leave me alone, freak." he tried to push the blonde vampire out of his way but Spike stood his ground.
" I wonder if you're really so noble or were you just afraid one of us would tell her first. Hey, maybe they'll name their first born after you. Nah, more than likely call him William, after me" Spike sneered back in to the boy's face.
Riley's temper finally snapped, he grabbed Spike by the throat pushing him roughly up against the garden wall
" That's the last smart ass remark you make at my expense. I've always hated you, so this is going to be a real pleasure" he grabbed a piece of wood from the wall trellis and raised his arm.
Spike pulled away from the boy's grip with ease, he reached into his duster pocket and then held out his hand.
" I believe this belongs to you" his voice was deadly calm as he uncurled the palm of his hand. Riley's eyes widened in horror on recognising the battered computer chip.
" It's really not your day" Spike spoke slowly with mock sympathy, he was going to savour every second of fear.
Riley slowly lifted his eyes and stared in to the bright amber glow of his destiny.
"Is it?" Spike grinned and ....
THE END.... :)
"I can't believe Tara got it so wrong " Angel looked at the ring on his hand and shook his head in disappointment. His eyes then travelled to the evil presence in the centre of the room slowly dissolving out of his icy prison. The fire in its eyes was clearly becoming brighter. Angel knew they didn't have long.
Outside, the debris of the rockslide shook as more and more demons joined the race to break into the anti chamber.
"Help me" Buffy called and together they pushed over the large stone gargoyles adding their wreckage to the barrier.
"That should hold them for a while" Angel acknowledged and turned away scanning for anything else they could add to the blockade.
The assault seemed to last for hours, gradually the rock was broken down and the barrier between them grew less impregnable.
"There's nothing left to stop them" Buffy's small shoulders slumped in defeat as the barrier continued to crumble
Angel pulled her into his arms and felt her small body sigh against his chest.
" Not looking too good for our heroes" Buffy smiled trying to stay as calm as possible.
" I'm not going to lie to you, Buffy. The rings were the only way out I knew." he cast his eyes across the cavern " When that thing breaks out of the ice..."
" Its gonna be really pissed off" she interrupted
Angel found himself smiling, even in the face of all this horror she still came up with the perfect understatement.
" If you have any suggestions now's the time" he asked softly stroking her hair
Buffy turned and looked deep into his eyes
" Maybe we should have sex. You lose your soul, Angelus breaks my neck and we're both free" Buffy knew if it wasn't so serious it would be almost funny.
Angel's eyes widened remembering that he still hadn't told her about the happiness clause.** But what good would it do either of them now? ** The intense look that filled his eyes caused Buffy's cheeks to flush bright red with embarrassment.
" Joke! I was only joking" She quickly looked away.
" Buffy, if it comes down to the wire, that's just what I'll do"
Buffy swallowed hard " Have sex?"
Angel shook his head.
" Oh, I see." Buffy understood that Angel was offering the same way out for her that she had earlier told the devil she would do for him. Nothing more was spoken as they contemplated their next move.
The wall behind them shook more violently as if being rammed with a heavy object.
"Angel? I'm so sorry" Buffy whispered into the darkness. Her mind was filling up with so many regrets. Regrets she would now never be able to rectify.
Angel turned to face her; a look of confusion covered his beautiful features.
" It's my fault you're here. I'm the Slayer, I should be getting us out of here instead of acting like..." Buffy apologised weakly. Angel took her face between his hands.
"You have nothing to be sorry for, Buffy. You should never have had to witness a place like this. You have a pure heart and this is all wrong. " Angel looked into frightened eyes that were trying so desperately to be brave. He knew that in a few minutes the barrier outside would be smashed through and the thought of what would happen to Buffy broke his heart. Buffy could never begin to understand the horrors that awaited her. Angel knew only too well that the pain and torture would never end.
" I love you" he softly kissed her mouth. At first Buffy was startled by this unexpected show of affection but his cold mouth tasted so good that all other thoughts were momentary forgotten as she wrapped her arms around his neck.
" No one will ever hurt you again, I swear beloved"
Angel moved his mouth to her neck and ran his tongue over the soft skin.
His hands softly caressed her body moving slowly up her arms, over her shoulders and stopped on both sides of her neck.
Buffy was lost in a wash of need that she had long fooled herself into believing she had forgotten. She wound her fingers in his thick spiky hair and pulled his mouth closer to her skin.
"You have been the love of my life, no matter what happens, remember that" she whispered passionately.
If was only when she felt the presence of tears on her neck that she realise what Angel was intending to do. It would all end so easily for her, no more pain or suffering. ** It was too easy**
A single tear ran down her own cheek
"Angel, I don't want to leave you here, alone. Don't you see we can still fight, together we are strong. Even if we lose, we tried.
A roar of released evil exploded around them as the last piece of ice fell away from the devil.
Buffy ran her hand up the vampire's arm and gripped his hand tightly into hers.
" We fight and die together" she breathed deeply
As their hands met, the two silver claddagh rings touched, a brilliant spark lit the devil's lair and suddenly the vortex opened. In a flash of bright light the vampire and the slayer were pulled back into the world above, leaving the devil screaming in frustration.
Buffy lay on the floor of the mansion panting for breath. Angel's heavy body pressing down on top of her slowly brought her to her senses.
" What happened?" One moment she had heard the devil scream and the next it was as if the door to heaven had opened itself.
Angel lifted their hands; they were still tightly entwined. He looked down at the two sliver rings and noticed they had been fused together.
"I still don't quite understand, but it looks like Tara was right " he smiled and carefully removed the rings from their fingers. Angel then snapped the rings apart, offering his hand with her ring nestled in his palm, he waited. Buffy picked up her ring and without hesitation slowly slipped it back on her finger. Their eyes locked and Buffy moved her mouth slightly towards Angel's face.
Before they had a chance to complete the movement they found themselves surrounded by their friends, all squealing and shouting in joy at the reunion. Riley swept Buffy up into his arms in a bear hug that nearly cut off her circulation. Before they knew what was happening, they were separated by their own camps and quizzed for hours on their miraculous escape.
Angel watched how Riley possessively held on to Buffy, never once leaving her side. ** And that's how it should be** he sadly tried to convince himself.
He realised that the words they had spoken to each other in Hell had only been spoken in fear. It was obvious to Angel, now that Buffy was home, she wanted to forget all about her nightmare in hell and return to her normal life as soon as possible. With a heavy heart Angel made plans with Cordelia and Wesley to leave for LA that night.
Meanwhile, Buffy waited for Angel to speak to her. He seemed so distant; she couldn't understand why he had retreated away from her once again.
Once more misunderstanding stood in the way of the lovers.
***************
Buffy was standing outside the mansion breathing in the cool night air when Riley walked out. He watched sadly as a faraway expression covered her beautiful hazel eyes.
Unaware that she was no longer alone, Buffy wrapped her arms around herself and sighed as she gazed out into night.
As he continued to watch her sad expression, Riley forced himself to face some awful truths.. In the last few days, even with the threat of all that danger hanging over her head, Buffy had seemed a different person. She was like a wild exotic flower, she bloomed, grew and flourished and the reason, as much as he hated to admit it, was Angel. Now faced with the prospect of him leaving, Buffy quickly withered away again, retreating into a hard shell that nobody else could ever hope to reach. The realisation gradually seeped through Riley's being - that he had never really known the true Buffy Anne Summers. No matter how hard he tried, he could never hope to make her eyes shine with that kind of intensity, he could never make her skin glow just longing to be touched.
Riley accepted sadly that he could never awaken the passion Buffy's heart needed so desperately, and the worse part was, he doubted if any other man alive could either.
He continued to watch the girl of his dreams slowly twist the small silver ring around her finger.
Buffy gazed down at the claddagh through blurred vision, fighting desperately not to break down, it was just so hard. After everything they had said to each other in hell, Angel was leaving her, again.
Everything inside her screamed out to stop him, to beg him to change his mind, but her pride wouldn't allow it. If Angel wouldn't fight for them, well he could just go back to ....
" Hey! Penny for them" Riley's soft voice broke into her head as he stood next to her on the top step.
" Sorry?" Buffy felt embarrassed that she hadn't been listening, all her thoughts were for the man that was leaving.
" I see you still haven't taken it off " Riley asked sadly, his eyes looked towards the sliver of silver that Buffy was still caressing with her finger. Buffy looked up with apologetic eyes; she simply didn't have an answer.
Riley took her hand in his and touched the ring.
" It's funny, I'm not even sure of the precise moment I lost you. Was it when Angel followed you out on patrol or when he followed you into hell?" Riley tried to smile but it didn't quiet reach his eyes
" Riley" Buffy started but Riley interrupted softly
" No, let me finish. The truth is, the reason I can't remember the moment I lost you, is because you were never really mine to lose" he reached up and slid his hand behind her hair, finding Angel's bite he lightly traced the scar.
" You were always his girl in your heart"
" Riley it's not that I don't care I do, it's just..."
" You love Angel"
" Always" Buffy's voice trembled slightly as Angel came into view. He loaded the few belongings Wesley and Cordelia had brought with them into the back of his car and turned, catching sight of Buffy and Riley. From where Angel was standing they appeared to be holding hands. Angel turned his head away and walked back to his friends.
" If you love him what's stopping you?" Riley asked the necessary question with a quiet voice
Buffy laughed without humour, this whole deal was becoming more painful by the second.
" Fate, duty, a little thing called the curse"
Riley watched the pain intensify in her eyes at the mention of the curse and for the first time in their relationship he put her feelings first, even though it would break his heart. Riley took a deep breath
Buffy, there is no happiness part to the curse, when Tara re-cursed his soul... Oh it's a long story but the bottom line, no happiness clause," Riley admitted. He hoped he was being noble but deep down he knew he could never keep it a secret from her, one day it was bound to come out and Buffy would hate him for it. At least this way they could maybe stay friends.
Buffy couldn't take it in; she just stood in shock.
" There's more, although I have no idea how. I over heard Wesley telling Giles that one day Angel will become human again...What's that old saying * if you love something set it free*...Well I guess I'm setting you free, Buffy"
Riley watched Angel appear again with the last of their bags, the two men's eyes locked for a moment and for the first time Riley felt the vampire's pain.
" What are you waiting for?...fly away " he whispered. Riley felt his heart break but with that one sentence he watched the beautiful blonde girl come alive again
Buffy watched Angel walk back to the mansion one last time; she turned back to Riley and softly kissed his cheek.
" Thank you" Buffy smiled.
*****
Inside the mansion Xander, Anya, Tara, Willow and Giles were all leaving for home. It had been a long few days and they had all said their good-byes. Buffy hugged them and promised to meet up for breakfast soon. She then went in search of Angel.
" Were you at least planning on saying goodbye this time?" Buffy asked quietly from the door.
Cordelia and Wesley both caught the look in Buffy's eyes and made the joint decision to leave.
Angel slowly raised his eyes to the girl leaning in the doorway, he wanted to hold her and never let her go, but of course that wasn't the plan, the plan was to leave as quickly and painlessly as possible.
** Leaving Buffy and painlessly, the words didn't go together. Leaving the love of his life always meant pain** Angel thought sadly.
" I thought it would be easier, on both of us if I just...go" his words got lower until the last hardly registered at all.
" I need to ask you something. In hell, the devil asked how many times you intended giving up your life to save me, what did he mean, Angel?" Buffy waited, her eyes never leaving his face.
Angel studied the question very carefully, he knew Buffy was talking about the forgotten day, he contemplated lying and just telling her about his Shanshu prophesy, but lying to Buffy wasn't a real option any longer.
" It all started at Thanksgiving, the day you came to town to tell me off" he started slowly.
Angel watched as Buffy devoured every agonising word of their lost day. Silent tears streamed down her shocked face as he described the choice he made to take back the day and how Buffy had walked away from him with no memory of it at all. When the explanation was finally finished he looked deep into her eyes trying to decipher her feelings.
Buffy's face was a blaze of conflicting emotions. Anger, pain, love and grief all shone out in the confusion she felt.
" As the seconds ticked down, we held each other and you promised you would never forget. Of course it was impossible, as soon as the Oracles took back the day you walked out of the door and out of my life." Angel stopped as the memory reawakened all the old pain.
" And that's it? That's everything?" Buffy could only whisper. As much as she searched her mind she couldn't find one trace of that day.
" Not quite, there's a prophecy, one day I may become human...again"
Buffy took a step forward, her eyes still showing no clear sign of her feelings.
" Riley told me about the curse, I guess with all this going on that little detail slipped your mind"
Angel was completely taken back, Riley letting that slip was the last thing he had expected
" He understands the love between us better then we do. Maybe that's why he let me go" Buffy continued walking forward, her eyes never once leaving his face.
** He let her go** Angel's mind cried out to his heart,
Buffy stopped right in front of him; her beautiful hazel eyes burned into his face.
" I don't know whether to hit you or kiss you" she finally smiled
" Kiss me" Angel offered hopefully as relief flowed through his cold veins.
Their lips met softly, almost hesitantly. Both afraid to break the spell of being this close. The kiss was soft and warm and held a feeling of coming home for both of them
"So one day you get to be human again, why didn't you want to tell me?" she asked seriously.
" Nothing was clear, it could take years, decades, centuries, " Angel admitted sadly
Buffy caught his lips again and kissed them lovingly
" Always the optimist. My Angel" she sighed and tried for another kiss
" You shouldn't have to wait for me, I still can't offer you a real life" Angel fought from kissing her back, this was so important he couldn't weaken now.
" Buffy, don't ruin your life waiting for me" he tried to reason, once again offering to sacrifice any real happiness he might ever know
" Okay, I won't. I promise. "
Angel pulled away unable to hide the slight hurt that appeared in his eyes, he was surprised that she had agreed so easily.
" I said I promise I wouldn't ruin my life " Buffy then grinned " I didn't promise I wouldn't wait. We might still have to fight in different worlds but with no happiness clause we can still have a little fun on the way" Buffy wound her arms around his shoulders.
" And if one day you do become human... well that will be a bonus." she rested her head against his chest and kissed the cool skin of his pale throat.
" And if that doesn't happen in your life time" Angel kissed her head. If they were talking about a future they had to face all the possibilities no matter how painful.
Buffy raised her head from his chest and softly caressed his cheek.
" Then I'll love you until the day I die.... and then I'll watch you....and then I'll wait all over again" a small smile lifted at the corners of her mouth.
Angel swallowed the lump that had formed in his throat, he knew she meant every word and he promised never to doubt it again.
" It might be a long wait"
" Some things are worth waiting for... and, in the mean time" Buffy raised her mouth and kissed him again. She slipped her hand inside the soft material of his shirt and gently stroked the cool skin beneath her fingers.
"....Some things don't have to be waited for any more" Buffy finished her sentence and moved her body closer into his.
" Angel groaned into her mouth as their tongues met
" Did I ever tell you about the dream that started all this" Angel took her small hand and placed it on his belt.
Buffy smiled and slowly ran her fingers up the front of his shirt, she flicked her wrists and small dark buttons flew across the room. Angel's eyes widened in surprise.
" Did I ever tell you about mine?" she grinned mischievously.
Angel swept Buffy up in to his strong muscular arms. The heavy smell of vanilla combined with Buffy's hot breath on his neck was sending shock waves of lust straight to his groin. He groaned in near ecstasy as Buffy's scalding mouth hungrily attacked his lips in a desperate attempt to gain entry.
" I think this is where I came in" he chuckled as he frantically searched for a flat surface.
**Only this time everything would be very different** Angel smiled, secure in the certainty that this time neither of them would lose their souls.
EPILOGUE
Riley Flinn walked slowly down the mansion stairs into the gardens; he still found it hard to believe that in a few short days his whole life had changed so drastically. The thought of being runner-up to a blood-sucking fiend still stuck in his throat.
Spike entered the gardens just as Riley was leaving; a cocky grin spread all over his face at the other man's despair.
" Three cheers for the honourable loser. Hip, hip, hurrah" Spike sang cheerfully rubbing Riley's nose deeper in defeat. Riley turned and snarled.
" Leave me alone, freak." he tried to push the blonde vampire out of his way but Spike stood his ground.
" I wonder if you're really so noble or were you just afraid one of us would tell her first. Hey, maybe they'll name their first born after you. Nah, more than likely call him William, after me" Spike sneered back in to the boy's face.
Riley's temper finally snapped, he grabbed Spike by the throat pushing him roughly up against the garden wall
" That's the last smart ass remark you make at my expense. I've always hated you, so this is going to be a real pleasure" he grabbed a piece of wood from the wall trellis and raised his arm.
Spike pulled away from the boy's grip with ease, he reached into his duster pocket and then held out his hand.
" I believe this belongs to you" his voice was deadly calm as he uncurled the palm of his hand. Riley's eyes widened in horror on recognising the battered computer chip.
" It's really not your day" Spike spoke slowly with mock sympathy, he was going to savour every second of fear.
Riley slowly lifted his eyes and stared in to the bright amber glow of his destiny.
"Is it?" Spike grinned and ....
THE END.... :)