Woman In Chains

Disclaimer: I'm at home, at my desk, writing fanfiction... I guess that qualifies as: No, I don't own AtS & BtVS. *sadsigh*

Rating: NC-17

Pairing: You should know me by know. ;o)

Distribution: Denial Haven.

Summary: Buffy breaks free from her chains to face some unexpected changes.

Spoilers: Awakening & Get It Done, BUT my way.

Warning: Several character deaths ahead. What can I say... I had some issues. Well, at least in two cases.

Apology: I know I should be working on the updates for MK, FA and CoA... I really tried I swear, but my muse just wouldn't let me. If you meet her, talk to her, blackmail her, spank her, chain her, beat her, whatever... just get her to work with me on the above mentioned fics again.

AN 1: The title of this fic is borrowed from a Tears For Fears's song.

AN 2: There was this B/S scene in season 6 where the two of them were in the Bronze, on the catwalk/balcony I think. I can't hardly remember. I'm in denial after all. And whatever it meant to show or hide was so disgusting it never happened in my universe.

Dedication: Sarah - no words can express. Lucey- just thinking about the sequel to "friends& lovers"... *rotfl*. The pack- goddess, I miss you guys. Those four days weren't enough!

Feedback: Yes, please!!! Or do I have to beg? No prob! *gets down on her knees* Ok, actually I'm already there because I'm praying SMG will visit AtS next season.

Still with me? Good. Now on to the story.

HUGE THANK YOU to whoever nominated Woman In Chains in the category 'Dark Nights (Best NC-17)' over at:

Part 1

Angel held the curtain to his balcony door partly open, hiding in the safety of his room as he looked out into the sun filled afternoon. Smiling slightly, he enjoyed the view, the sounds of busy streets, of people walking and talking, and birds chirping joyously.

He was proud. This was his doing. His and his son's. They had defeated The Beast together and brought back the sun. And now he was happy. Not perfectly happy for this he could never achieve without HER. But it was a start.

"Must be hard..." Cordelia interrupted his thoughts. "Seeing everyone so happy because of what you did... bringing the light back, but not being able to go out into it."

No, it wasn't hard. Not anymore. He was gifted with a family and the feeling, the certainty that SHE was still alive. So he couldn't feel sorry for himself.

If it wasn't for his vampiric existence he'd have never met HER, he'd have never become someone who would one day save L.A. - and the world- from eternal darkness. It was his gift to everyone. They all deserved the chance to enjoy a picnic under the sun with loved ones or a special someone.

He'd gladly make this sacrifice over and over again, each and every day because it all came down to vanilla and peaches, his GOLDEN GODDESS and the simple truth.

"There's no place I'd rather be..." He started. The soft cotton of the curtain slipped through his hand and he slowly turned around to face his mate. "Than here with you."

Theoratically, he knew it was impossible that the LOVE OF HIS UNLIFE was now gracing his presence, but his heart didn't care about the strangeness of the situation. All that mattered was HER.

Happiness radiated of HER in waves and HER smile was so bright, it was worth more than an eternity in the sun. Gods, he loved HER. His GODDESS. His SLAYER. His BUFFY. She was magnificent: her hair swept up with a few tendrils lose, no make up upon her tanned skin, a light summer dress with spaghetti straps hugging her curves, its color apricot and nothing underneath as far as he could tell.

Who needed the sun to combust? Buffy alone would do it. Just one kiss and he'd die a happy man.

"Angel." She greeted him.

"Buffy." He replied as always.

What more was there to say?

The few inches that separated their bodies from touching were too many worlds apart, so he tentatively reached out for her, scared that this might only be a dream. But she floated into his arms and both gasped in surprise, wonder and pleasure at the contact so long denied.

Closer and closer, small arms around his neck, big hands on her hips.

Pulling.

Heat to cold.

Creating friction.

Soft breasts to hard chest, crotch to stomach, apex on thigh.

Grinding.

Leg to leg, bare feet to heavy boots.

The start of a beautiful joining.

Eyes fell shut and lips met, slightly parted and wet.

A brutally soft embrace.

Tongues sought their mate and clashed together, heating blood.

Passion.

Her heartbeat was fast, drummed in his ears, in his mind, accompanied by an orchestra of moans.

Her arousal spiced the air in the room and teased his nostrils, his appetite. And he lost control, pressed his hardness into her, showing his want, his need.

The proof.

But suddenly he pulled back. "Buffy?" He said, but 'what about the curse?' was what he really meant.

She clutched his shoulders and shook her head, trying to clear her mind and body of passion's haze. "This is a dream, right?" She managed to croak out.

"I don't know. I guess. You're not really here in L.A., are you?"

"No, I can't leave Sunnydale. The potentials... never mind. The curse doesn't exist in my dreams, so why are you asking now? Unless this is your dream and we're sharing it again?" Her eyes were big, waiting for confirmation.

"Dream sharing. Do you think it's the First Evil's doing?"

Ah, ever the wary one.

She shook her head no. "Where's the angst? The doom and gloom? Lately, it's been giving me only nightmares, not wet dreams." She explained, blushing at the last part.

He grinned and cupped her still covered sex, feeling the dampness. "Wet dream, huh?"

Buffy could only moan in response.

"Let's find out." He suggested, stroking her through the material.

"Yesss...Angel." She whimpered. "Please!"

He increased the tempo of his strokes, pressed down harder on her clit and was rewarded with his name falling from her lips like a mantra, and finally her release, a satisfied shout bearing his name.

He lifted her up and carried her to his bed before he laid her down. Then he crawled up her form until they were face to face.

"See? No First Evil."

"Yet." He objected half-heartedly. "And even if it bugs us, we'll fight it. I learned that from you."

She smiled, framing his face with her tiny hands, and pulled him down for a tender kiss. "Good, now can we get back to the wet part of the dream?"

"Miss Summers, you are impatient and insatiable." It was a fake complaint and both knew it.

"Hey, I earned it! I haven't had one in a long time. I've been to busy dreaming about potential slayers being killed." She justified herself. "I don't sleep well."

He kissed her forehead and whispered: "Let me make it better."

"No." She flipped them, so she was on top of him, straddling him. "It's my turn to make you scream." She grinned evilly.

"Please, Buffy, let me do this for you." He pleaded. "You can't keep it all bottled inside."

Sadness filled her eyes and she looked away. Damn him for being able to read her so well, for knowing her so intimately. He pulled her down and cradled her into his embrace. She buried her face in the crook of his shoulder and sighed contently when he kissed her hair and removed the clips so it could fall loose. His hands glided over her back, massaging her muscles, then softly tracing her spine, vertebra by vertebra.

"You're so tense." He whispered. "Let it out, beloved. Please! I'm here, here for you. No one needs to know." He continued.

It tore the first sob from her throat. But when he reached her shoulders she cried openly, hugging him so tight as if she wanted to crawl under his skin.

"It's going to be ok, beloved. I'm here." He repeated over and over again. "I love you."

She lifted her head and turned to look into his eyes, her tears finally stilling. "I love you."

They kissed once more. Tentatively at first, then the passion rose, taking control of their bodies. They rocked against each other and when air became an issue, Angel left her mouth. He trailed kisses down her jaw and neck before he rolled her underneath him, rested his lips at his mark and began sucking.

She surged against him in response, constantly moaning while he growled. It turned her on even more. So much indeed her insides ached for the feel of him filling her now, with cock and fangs.

"Angel." She whined, ripping his shirt from his frame before she attacked his pants.

His eyes switched from brown to gold as he looked at her. "Need to be inside you now." He rasped out and kissed her hard while helping her freeing him of his pants.

She shoved them past his buttocks, then used her feet to pull them down further, almost down to his ankles. And somehow he even managed to loose them completely. He pushed her dress up to her waist and bared her naked sex to his aching hardness. Golden eyes held her in place and he hovered at her entrance, the heat radiating of her teasing him into insane need.

"Wanted to take it slow." He explained. "Can't take it anymore. I'm sorry." And with that he thrust inside her tight, wet core.

"Angel!" She shouted his name, overwhelmed by the sensation of having him home once more. She wanted to die from rapture. No one could fill her, complete her like this.

He eased out of her almost completely, but she locked her legs around his waist and pulled him back in with a force only a vampire could endure. His eyes rolled back in his head. He couldn't believe it, after all these years she was still so tight.

"Buffy!" he moaned in awe, setting a rhythm that bordered on too fast and too hard. Though her reaction clearly stated it was exactly the way she wanted it.

Gods, she felt like he'd been the only one she'd ever been with and he wanted to keep it that way, wanted to make her never forget him and the things only he could do for her, to her. Oh, and when he was through with her... She'd know no one but him. She would only crave him.

So he slowed down and made her feel every little inch that pulled out and slid back in. Achingly slow he moved. It was torture, he knew, but damn he needed to make a point. He was the only one to ignite this fire and he was the only on able to extinguish it.

But damn, this was too slow for her. Naturally, she rebelled and tried to pull him down with her legs wound around his waist. It didn't work, so she bucked up against him. He smirked devilishly at her reaction and simply held her hips down with only one hand.

"Angel!" She warned.

"Buffy?" He feigned innocence and kissed her.

It swept her away until her need for release came back with full force. She broke the kiss and whined into his ear, begging him to set her free. Bastard that he was, he ignored her pleas. Oh, but two could play that game. Her inner walls clamped down on his shaft so hard he choked out her name and then bit his tongue to keep himself from coming. She did it again and he punished her by stilling completely, with only the head of his cock still inside of her. Her eyes flew open, meeting his golden orbs and ridged face. His fangs were bared and buried in his lower lip, drawing blood.

"Angel?" She was irritated, but not afraid.

The wild look in his eyes added to her passion. She was so close, yet so far away. She wriggled underneath him, trying to focus his attention on important matters. Namely her completion and therefore his. She had enough of this staring contest. She wanted to cum. NOW!

"Buffy!" He growled in warning, pulling out further, so only the tip of him rested in her hungry warmth.

She let out a frustrated cry. Gods, why was he acting so strange? What did he want from her? Why did he torture her?

Unfortunately she couldn't form a single answer. All she knew was the burning ache deep inside her whole body. It was unbearable and needed to be freed.

"Please!" She cried, with tears spilling down her cheeks.

It was his undoing.

"Mine!" He growled as he thrust into her channel and simultaneously lunged for the mark. He ripped it open and started to drink her blood.

She screamed his name as she crashed into orgasm. The taste of it so strong in her blood, on his tongue he followed her right behind, spilling his seed in her waiting womb. Still pumping in and out of her soft core, he returned to his human features and gazed at her. She looked perfectly happy, thoroughly sated and her eyes shone with so much love it reached his cold, dead heart.

"I love you. Only you. No one else. Always." She promised.

All the emotions inside his chest exploded and broke free. In Spanish it was called 'jaleo'. For him it was a moment of true happiness.

"Buffy?"

This couldn't be happening! This was just a dream! Was it?

His sight changed and he was no longer hovering above her anymore. He was on his back. Somewhere else.

"No! Oh God no!" He screamed in pain as his soul was ripped from his body.

"And the vision becomes reality." The shaman said. "It this done."

The vampire rolled his head to the side, focusing on Angel's family.

"Angelus?" Cordelia asked.

Her voice was full of doubt. After all Buffy wasn't his love anymore. She couldn't give him perfect happiness.

Angelus laughed at her. What a stupid bitch to ever think he'd loved her. Blasphemy! Then he took a look at everyone else present and laughed even more. Did they really think he would help them? He had more important things to do, namely reclaiming his mate.

***

The potential slayers, Andrew and Buffy's family were scattered around the living room, researching or discussing fighting tactics. Kennedy, who was sitting on the couch with Willow and Anya, turned to whisper into the redhead's ear: "It's getting dark soon. Shouldn't we wake Buffy from her nap?"

Oblivious to Buffy not sleeping well the past weeks, Willow immediately went up to her room to check on her. And of course Kennedy followed her. Finding Buffy still asleep, they felt like intruders and all they wanted to do was cover her with a comforter. Unfortunately, the slayer was lying on it and needed to be woken. She looked so happy and serene, although dried tears graced her features.

Must be a nice dream, Willow thought and bent down. She lightly tapped her best friend's shoulder. "Buffy?" No reaction, so she tried again. But this time a little harder and a little louder. "Buffy? Wake up!"

The slayer started moaning and arched up into empty air. "Angel!" She whimpered.

Willow blushed, completely embarrassed that they'd walked in on Buffy having a erotic dream. About Angel of all people! The one who'd been like an older brother to her, the only one Buffy had ever really opened up to. And now she was in the dreamland, free to do whatever she wanted... Willow backed away, motioning for Kennedy to follow her out of the room. She wouldn't disturb Buffy's privacy in such an intimate moment.

With one last gaze at the tiny blond, writhing on the bed, Kennedy admitted to herself that the slayer looked kind of hot all flushed and aroused. She closed the door and grinned, just as Buffy shouted Angel's name, her voice laden with pleasure.

Kennedy chuckled. "Must be a stud."

Willow blushed again and hurried down the steps, trying to keep her mind from any thoughts relating to sex. Unable to meet all the others with her red face, she stumbled into the kitchen and grabbed a bottle of water. Gulping down half of it, she felt her face return to its normal color. She sighed in relief.

Kennedy chuckled again. "She was quite a picture."

"I... ahem... she... well... let's get back." Willow stammered, pointing to the living room.

"Sure." She said and followed her.

Concentrating on her books again, the witch pretended that she'd never been up there in Buffy's room. She was so deep in denial she even managed to ignore Kennedy's hand on hers. Her safe bubble was comforting to her.

But only until Buffy screamed Angel's name again. But this time in release, loud enough for everyone to hear.

"What the..." Xander exclaimed.

Anya grinned knowingly, several potentials blushed and some looked irritated.

Who the hell is Angel?

"Tell me dead boy isn't up there with her!" Xander demanded, looking angrily at Willow.

"She's alone and her dreams are none of our business."

"Anyone hungry?" Dawn chirped in.

Luckily most of the potentials followed her into the kitchen. But once there, luck left her. They grilled her about Angel and soon Dawn found herself giving a cliff-notes version of the Buffy and Angel saga.

Too occupied with the ruckus in the living room, no one had noticed Spike racing up the stairs to defend Buffy. He'd fallen from his cot in the basement when her scream had penetrated his sleep-fogged mind. Not knowing the cause, only the source he'd sprinted up the stairs. Bolting into her room his nostrils got hit by the scent of her arousal and completion. Then she whispered 'Angel' and it was like a slap in his face.

Feeling an intruding presence this time she shot up in her bed, her eyes wildly scanning her surroundings and finally landing on Spike. She was irritated.

Where is Angel? Why is Spike here?

Her eyes turned to slits. "Get out!" She ordered hissing, murder written on her beautiful features.

He fled the room and stumbled down the hall, his face one of abject misery and pure horror. She'd not been in danger. She'd called out his Sire's name in the throes of ecstasy.

***

Half an hour later Buffy joined everyone downstairs, prepared to sweep the cemeteries. Maybe she would even take some potentials with her. She wasn't sure yet. Scanning all the familiar faces, she ignored Xander's accusing gaze. "Where's Chloe?"

Shrugging shoulders answered her, so she shouted the girl's name. "Chloeee?"

But she got no answer.

Damn, where is she?

The potentials moved into motion, searching the whole house and garden. Amanda and Rhona were the ones to find the missing girl. She'd hung herself in the storeroom.

"Buffy!!!" They called for her, scared of the tableau presented before them.

And as soon as Buffy entered the scene The First materialized in the form of Chloe. It was still furious because it had not been able to invade Buffy's dreams and turn them into nightmares earlier. So it mocked and threatened the slayer, frightened and belittled the potentials. But before any damage could be done, Buffy ushered the girls away and told The First to kiss her ass. Then she swung the door close in its face. Grinning in triumph, she went down and took a knife from the kitchen so she could take down Chloe.

She carried the girl to a cemetery not far from her home. While digging a grave for the girl, Buffy mused she should feel bad and sad. In a way she did, but the dream she'd shared with Angel... Gods, she couldn't stop grinning from ear to ear. When this was all over, they needed to do that again. Dream sharing was really not a bad substitute. Way better than fucking someone else or masturbating. Just thinking about what she could do with Angel made her hot all over again.

Damn, she needed to finish here, get back home and see if they had found out about the books and the box from Robin Wood's bag. Hopefully, there'd be something in there to help them stop The First, so she could get back to her life as soon as possible and start that dream sharing with Angel on a regular basis. Had she turned into a nympho?

"Who cares!" She shrugged her shoulders and went back home when she was finished.

Then a thought occurred to her. She didn't know how this dream sharing worked. After all she hadn't done it on purpose and so she wondered if she could acutally influence it. But there was no time for that now. Buffy needed to fight and hopefully defeat The First before she could concentrate on the pleasures of life again.

***

They had called Robin and prepared to use the box from the bag. It contained shadow casters and if put into motion they'd tell a story, or in this case the origin of the slayer. So far it had only opened a portal.

'You cannot just watch, you have to see!'

Buffy knew her friends were talking to her, but she couldn't hear them anymore. All her senses were trained on the voice in her head and the portal in front of her, calling to her, pulling at her. And she could neither deny its lure, nor keep herself from getting closer.

Finally she jumped in and landed on her butt in the sand. She was in a desert, which looked suspiciously like the place where she'd encountered The First Slayer. Buffy stood up and dusted herself off. A shadow fell over her and she quickly straightened, ready to face her opponent.

Three black men stood before her, dressed in differently colored robes and turbans, but all of them carried a long staff. But before she could even open her mouth to say something, the red-robed guy started talking: "We know who you are."

"We know why you are here." The black and blue dressed man continued.

"We have been waiting for you." The priest in the brown, yellow and black striped robe finished.

"I hope you didn't have to wait long." She joked, wondering if the colors of their clothes symbolized three of the four elements. Since they hadn't given her any names she decided on referring to them as Fire, Water and Earth. But where was the air?

"We have been here since the beginning." Fire interrupted her thoughts. "Now, we are almost at the end."

"The end of what?"

"The end of the slayers." Earth explained.

"What?!" She thought she hadn't heard right. "But what about the potentials?"

"You were the first, you are the last." Water said.

"I don't understand."

"You cannot watch, you have to see."

More cryptic bullshit. Great!

They turned and headed for a cave. Needing to understand why they meant or if they could help her, Buffy followed them. It was pitch-black inside, but strangely she knew where to talk to avoid bumping into the walls.

When she heard chains rattling, she stopped for a moment and strained her ears. A terrifying scream pierced her whole body, turning her insides into a wobbling mass. Without thinking Buffy broke into a run, following the cry for it sounded human. The cave got a little brighter and suddenly she found herself in a spacious alcove. Sunlight streamed in through a big hole in the roof and landed directly on a black girl. Her clothes were in tatters and she was chained to the ground, struggling with her bindings, screaming in terror. For a moment she locked eyes with Buffy and then stilled. And even though she was without the paint adorning her body, Buffy recognized her as The First Slayer.

Buffy squinted her eyes. No, the girl was still without power, not a slayer yet. And the men set out to change that. Beating their staff against the ground, they created a drumming rhythm, a song with almost hypnotizing qualities. Fire stopped and stepped back. He produced a wooden box from behind him and placed it in front of the scared girl.

"Herein lies your strength."

"The energy of the demon. Its spirit." This from Water.

"Its heart." Earth finished.

Buffy swallowed. "This is how you..."

"Created the slayer?" Again Fire. "Yes." Then he locked eyes with Buffy. "You cannot watch, you have to see." He broke the eye contact and lifted the lid.

A black cloud, the demon, broke free from inside and attacked the girl. Buffy closed her yes in disgust. When she opened them again, she found herself in the girl's body and the demon in front of her. It swirled around her and enveloped her, trying to get under her skin. She shuddered and tried to get out of its way. But it didn't work because the chains didn't give her enough room.

"It must become one with you." One of the men said.

"No!" She shouted, staring the demon down, or trying anyway. It whirled around her once again, then retreated two inches.

"This will make you ready to fight!" Fire argued.

"No!"

The black cloud formed hands and reached out for her. It touched her hair, then loosened it from its confinement. Buffy shuddered again and struggled in her chains.

This is so not happening!

The demon cloud settled for touching her skin, caressing it like it was a lover and coaxing her into stopping her movements. She was stunned. The demon was comfortably cool and achingly tender, even loving in its ministrations.

What the fuck is happening here?

When it swirled over the mark on her skin, Buffy couldn't help but moan and bare more of her neck. She closed her eyes in pleasure and missed the confused gazes of the men.

This wasn't how it had happened. This wasn't how they had planned it.

"Take her!" They ordered the demon.

Obediently it attacked Buffy, invaded her through nose and ears. She screamed in agony.

So much darkness...

She wanted to vomit and scrub her insides clean. Pushing it out of herself with nothing but her will, she broke free from the chains and the body she'd been trapped in. The cloud retreated. It didn't want to hurt her, didn't want to feel her anger and wrath. Its sole need was to become one with her.

Eyes blazing with fury, she kicked Fire guy, sending him sprawling to the ground. The other two attacked, too, but she quickly defeated them, turning them into a heap of limbs. Grabbing Fire by his throat, she hauled him up and glared at him. "Stop it right now!"

"Why do you fight it, child? This is how it was meant to be."

"I came here for answers, not to live through the pain The First Slayer went through!"

"But you are her."

"What?" She shouted incredulously.

"You are the first. You are the last. You need to join with the demon to fight them all and close the hellmouth for keeps."

"Them all?"

"A legion of vampires. Primordial vampires." He explained and fed a vision to her brain.

"I'm the slayer. I don't need any more power and I certainly won't join with a demon."

Ok, that already happened. Several times even.

So she corrected herself: "Ever again."

Well, except for Angel, but that's not the point right now.

"You dare turn down our offer?"

"Damn right! You did nothing to earn my trust. You violated me." Realizing she was in her own body again, she said: "And her. Not only once, but twice. Now send me back home, you bastards!"

"You will regret this."

"Yes, I regret asking you for help!" And with that she found herself back in the living room.

Willow knelt down beside her and drew Buffy into her embrace, hugging her tight. "Are you alright, Buffy?"

"Getting there, Will."

Thank god, she was back home. She longed for a relaxing bath and the warmth of her bed, making her feel safe from the upcoming doom.

***

Angelus woke as soon as Buffy had left their shared vision only to find Cordelia standing in front of his cage.

"Nice speech, Angelus."

"I'm not him." He denied, looking down in shame. Or at least he pretended to do so.

She laughed. "You're a great actor, but if you want out, drop the act."

"Ok, so what do you want?" He paused and sniffed the air, recognizing two familiar scents on her. One was his son, the other... "Beastmaster?"

She smiled with pride. "I knew you were the smartest."

Blah blah blah. You're not getting into my pants with this bullshit, bitch.

"I want you to join me."

I knew it! Slut!

"To fight on my side. Bring the end of the world as we know it."

Been there, tried that. No fun without your mate. Speaking of my delicious Buffy... When the hell do I get out of here?

"I'm not a team- player and I'm sure as hell not a lackey." Angelus reminded her.

"But you are."

"I don't see that happening." He faked a yawn.

"Well, then I'll restore Angel's soul to your body and lock you up inside in him forever."

Angelus growled. "Ok, I'll play, but I want that soul destroyed when this is over."

"Good boy." She moved to the door and pulled the keys from her pocket. "Hungry?"

"Always."

But not for your sour blood. Slayer-blood, correction Buffy-blood is the finest.

"Good, your friends are waiting upstairs, but leave Connor be, we'll need him."

Stupid bitch, I don't take orders.

"Ok." He agreed. "What do we need him for?"

So you can fuck him again? Or both of us? And why the hell do you smell so sweet and ripe? So delicious and... Oh fuck! You're pregnant! This is hell!

"Later, Angelus." She opened the door.

He struck out, grabbed her neck and banged her head against the metal bars, dazing her. She tried to fight him, but he cut off her air supply.

"I'm maybe a dad to an ungrateful, pouting brat, but if you even thought for a second you could pass off your hell spawn as my grandchild, you're dumber than I thought."

With that he snapped her neck and took off to find his mate, once again fooling his family and friends. After all he had to safe the world. He chuckled, then became serious again. He had to save his mate.

Part 2

When Buffy woke, she wasn't in her bed anymore. She was lying on her back in a dimly lit cave and she prayed The First hadn't captured her. But then she noticed she was chained to the ground. Again. She groaned in annoyance and stood up. Luckily, the chains gave her some space to move. She tugged at them with her slayer power. They rattled, but didn't release her. Breathing in deeply, she focused on the center of her strength, gathered power and sent it straight into her arms, so she could break free. But still nothing happened.

"Damn, they're enchanted!" She stopped struggling.

The three men from her vision- or whatever it was- entered the cave, their staff hitting the ground, creating the familiar, drumming beat.

"Not again!" She groaned and looked around in desperate need of finding a tool to fight.

"We summon the demon who joined with the first Chosen Girl. Appear! Appear! Appear!" They chanted in unison and suddenly HE was standing before her.

"Angel?" She asked in disbelief.

"Buffy." He greeted as always.

But she wasn't fooled. "You're not him!"

He grinned with pride. "You're truly my mate."

"Fuck you!" She spat.

"Later, lover." He promised and caressed her cheek. Then he turned around to face the priests.

"He's corporal!"

"This is impossible!"

"But this is the demon!"

They all cried out in wonder.

"You're wasting my time. My mate's in danger…" Angelus began, but he was interrupted.

"I'm not your mate!" Buffy chimed in.

"Tell me how to join with her so I can protect her." He demanded.

Since he was corporal, they couldn't pull him into her body. They needed to find another way. Fast. They turned away and discussed the delicate situation.

Meanwhile Angelus turned back to his slayer, grinning. "I knew I'd see you in chains again."

"You've never seen me in chains before." She reminded him. "It was Angel."

"Details, details." He sighed. "I share the memory and the thoughts he had seeing you in them." He crooked his head to the side, contemplating. "Wanna know?"

"No, thanks. I'd rather have you tell me how you know about the joining and why the hell you want to protect me!"

"I was in your vision, watching and seeing, touching you, making you moan."

Blushing, she looked down and noticed she was still in her pjs. How embarrassing! But thank God, she was almost completely covered. No need to give Angelus any ideas.

He lifted her chin with his forefinger and locked eyes with her. "Don't worry, lover. You look fuckable in everything."

Her blush intensified. "You pig!"

"Ah, we both know I'm not a pig, Buffy. I remember you calling me God." He smirked.

She remembered, too, the night they'd been possessed by the ghost lovers. They'd kissed and then he'd shoved her away in disgust, just to seek her out later in the cemetery, where she'd tried to vent out her frustration. But he'd found her, fought with her, then tumbled her to the ground and ravished her.

She had let him fuck her.

She closed her eyes in shame now.

"If I had had a soul back then, I'd have lost it all over again." He admitted.

She knew it was true. After all who would have thought that the Scourge of Europe, whose middle name was master of control- among other things- would come prematurely like an untried, hormonal schoolboy? The difference was he'd been hard again seconds later and lasted till dawn. And then some, in a dark crypt, until they couldn't move anymore.

There'd been no mistaking how much he wanted her. How much she wanted him. She'd thought she'd left that behind her, but now her deepest sin was standing before her again.

Wait!

"How come you're here? Who made you happy? Tell me! Right now!" She raged, blinded by jealousy and tears. "Who was it?"

He chuckled. "You."

"Don't fuck with me! Tell me or I'll kill you." She threatened, momentarily forgetting that she was chained to the ground.

He held his hands up. "I swear it was you." Then he softened his voice. "You promised us: I love you, only you, no one else, always."

Realization sunk in. "But it was just a dream?"

"It was enough." He assured, wiping her tears away.

The men approached them, interrupting their private moment. "We've come to a solution." The man in red said. "You need to join your bodies and share each other's blood."

"No!!!" Buffy shouted. "No way!!!"

"Ok." Angelus agreed.

"No! I'm not going to have sex with you!"

He looked down at her, smirking. "Buffy, baby, you're in no position to argue. You're the one in chains."

"Fuck you!" Her eyes blazed with fire.

"Yes, you will." He took her face in his palms and bent down.

She closed her eyes and pressed her lips together, keeping him out. He wasn't discouraged a bit. His lips softy brushed her forehead, then her nose and mouth. She didn't respond and he hadn't expected anything else. After all she was his mate, not easy to conquer, but it didn't mean it was impossible. Grinning, he rubbed his nose against hers like the Eskimos did.

"You're so beautiful when you're unyielding." He lightly kissed her lips. "So soft and brave."

She felt the flush creeping into her body, every cell, every bone. But suddenly his hands were gone and he'd left her personal space. Wondering, her eyes flew open and landed on his side profile. He was magnificent. Tall, dark and broad with classic features, black pants, sweater and leather. Not to forget his big hands and what they could do to her.

Yum.

Wetness damped her panties and she looked at the men to distract herself.

"What the fuck are you still doing here?" Angelus growled.

"We need to complete the joining." The man in red explained.

Don't they know who's standing before them? No one's going to touch my mate!

"Come again?"

"We need to complete the joining with a chanted spell." The man clarified.

Your luck, boys.

"Now tell me the spell." The vampire demanded.

"But…"

"No buts! I'm not going to let you watch me take my mate!"

"I'm not your mate. And there'll be no taking!" Buffy interrupted.

"There will."

"Doesn't mean I have to like it." She pouted.

"But you will because you want it." He turned to the priests again. "Now tell me!" He commanded, vamping out.

Reluctantly, they gave him the words. Angelus repeated them three times to memorize them and sent them on their merry way. Now he could focus all his attention on Buffy. He encircled her waist, pulling her closer in the process. "Now where were we?" He said, laying her down.

"No!" She shook her head, closing her eyes in a vain attempt to block out what was going to happen.

"Yes." He replied.

Pinning her struggling form beneath his, he started ripping off her clothes, his hard cock pressing against her in urgency.

"No!" She screamed, transported into another place and time.

Her pj was already gone, leaving her in her cotton panties and a thin top that showed off her midriff. She clenched her thighs together, but he managed to pry them apart with his cold, dangerous hands.

"No, don't do this. Please!" She begged, still fighting him.

"Damn it, Buffy!" He growled, trying to hold her still and tugging at her top at the same time.

"Nooo!" she wailed. "Don't do this!"

What is fucking wrong with her?

She'd acted coyly before, but this was way past pushing the limits. Even more so when tears started spilling down her cheeks like rivers. He licked them away, enjoying the bittersweet taste on his hedonist's tongue as he ripped her top in two halves. But instead of her sweet, increased arousal, the smell of deep terror and agonizing fear suddenly assaulted his senses. It was so sickening he wanted to throw up.

He thought it couldn't get worse. He was badly mistaken.

"Don't do this, Spike, please!!!" She screamed at the tops of her lungs, trying desperately to buck him off.

Angelus froze above her, his cock softening with shock as the realization of what his insolent Childe had done to HIS mate penetrated his mind.

I'M SO GONNA KILL HIM!

But first his Buffy needed attention. Lifting his weight of her, he lovingly called out her name. She didn't respond, too caught up in fighting him and lost in her pleading mantra: "Don't please!"

He hovered above her, worried sick and the need to get her through this rising in his chest.

"Buffy?" He tried again to reach her. "Baby, please! Look at me? It's Angel."

She didn't react.

"Buffy, please?" He repeated.

Still nothing, so he took her face into his hands, gently caressing her cheeks with his thumbs. Her eyes flew open, fear burning inside, but she didn't focus on him. She was still trapped somewhere inside her mind.

"Buffy, baby, look at me, please!"

"Please don't!" She still cried.

He bent down and tenderly rubbed his nose along hers, never breaking eye contact. "Buffy, baby, shh. I'm here. No one's going to hurt you. Please, baby, look at me." He said over and over again.

He couldn't lose her now. He needed her. She was his wife. His mate.

"Please, baby."

Finally she focused on him and stilled. "Angel?" She whispered.

He smiled softly and faintly kissed her lips. "Almost."

"Oh."

"I'm sorry…" He said, kissing the first tears away. "For hurting you." He continued, his mouth absorbing more tears. "I didn't mean to." He turned to the other cheek. "I wouldn't have agreed to the joining, if I had known he…" Angelus couldn't form the word rape for the first time in his unlife.

Sure he'd done it more than often to his victims without a care, but knowing it had happened to his mate, his goddess…

"He didn't." She explained.

Confused, he looked at her.

"He tried to." She clarified. "But I… I fought him… and then he stopped."

"Thank God." He murmured.

She might have laughed out loud at that, but she was too busy drowning in his passionate kisses and the relief they transferred into her being. He knew exactly which buttons to push to get her hot and bothered again, despite the things his savage assault had reminded her of.

She moaned into his mouth and pulled him down onto her by locking her legs around his waist, mindless with the need to feel him pressing her into the ground. He complied with her silent wish and crushed her under his form, relishing the feel that she bowed to his dominance. It was welcomed with a happy mewling from her side and in return she felt his hardness rise against the apex of her thighs.

They rocked against each other in a sweet, familiar rhythm- not too fast, not too slow, just right- that teased her nipples into hard little peaks while his sweat shirt rubbed against her exposed skin. She loved the feel of it, the friction, but she needed his cold skin on her hot body. So she clawed at his coat and shirt.

He got the hint, broke the kiss and stood up. Then he took off all his clothes and joined her again in a tangle of limbs. He dove for her mouth and engaged in lover's battle with her tongue, while cupping her breasts and teasing her nipples once more.

When she finally needed to breath, he kissed a wet trail down her throat, lingered in the hallow of her collar bone before he ventured down to the valley between her breasts. Undecided about which side he should pleasure first with his mouth, he let Buffy chose. She pushed his face to her left and he smiled knowingly.

Her right breast was much more sensitive and he knew she wanted to save the best for last. So he cupped it in his large palm and gently massaged it, preparing it for the upcoming passion it would receive from his lips.

She moaned and arched up into his hand, seeking more pressure. But he stopped his moves… just to take her nipple between his thumb and forefinger. He pinched it lovingly as he blew across her left tip. She shuddered in response and he licked his lips, unaware that she was watching him.

"Yes, please!" She whispered huskily.

He looked up into her smouldering gaze, thrilled that her eyes widened in anticipation when his tongue darted out, rooting for her nipple. He circled the aureole and then the peak before he took it into his mouth, sucking lightly. Her eyes fell shut in pleasure and he closed his as well to fully enjoy her sweet softness.

She trashed beneath him while holding his head to her tender skin with both hands and so much force it almost hurt. Though it showed him she was close to coming. But he wouldn't let her. Not yet.

He abandoned her left breast to shower the other one with attention. He closed his lips around the hard tip as his hand traveled down her ribs, over her stomach and navel, right down to her panties. He divested her of the last garment and then combed his fingers through the curly hair guarding her sweet, dripping sex.

Fuck!

She smelled delicious.

Scraping his teeth over her nipple, he plunged two long fingers inside her and she bucked against him in delight, loudly moaning: "Yesss!"

He brought the heel of his hand down on her pleasure point, then altered between sliding in and out of her with his fingers and pressing down on her clit. She moved in rhythm with his fingers, but when she felt it wasn't enough, she urged him into a faster tempo. He obliged only too willingly and soon she tensed against him for a moment before she exploded beneath him and around his digits.

Her inner muscles clenched and unclenched with painful force as they Angelus and Buffy rode out her orgasm, with his fingers still pumping inside her. At least until he couldn't take it anymore. Without giving her time to catch her breath, he flipped her onto her stomach and sneaked one hand under her belly before he lifted her up.

"On your hands and knees, lover." He ordered, tenderness coloring his voice.

She did as she was told, shivering in anticipation. After all she'd never done this before. They'd never done IT in this position before. Sure they'd humped like bunnies the last time he'd been out and around, but she had not submitted to him back then. She hadn't trusted him. And so she wondered if she did now.

He thrust inside her and all her thoughts flew from her mind.

"Angelus!" She yelped in surprised satisfaction.

This felt great. And he completely agreed with her on this.

"He was right." Angelus said, stunned beyond imagination.

There was no question who he was. Buffy knew he was talking about Angel.

"You're still so tight." He exclaimed in awe. "Fuck, you'll be the death of me, lover!"

And you'll be mine, if you don't start moving, she thought, but only an unladylike grunt left her mouth.

He placed his hands on her hips to hold her in place and only then he started moving. In and out. In and out, in a tantalizing rhythm, for long torturous moments until she begged for more. He drove into her faster and deeper with each stroke. The chains rattled and clicked against the stony ground, but not loud enough to disturb the moans and groans of the couple moving together.

Letting go off her hips, he draped himself over her back and rested his head in the crook of her neck. He purred and growled in her ear as he pumped in and out of her, and his hands caressed the front of her body. He trailed down her arms, then pushed her hands so far apart, they both fell to the ground.

"Oh Gaaaad!" She cried as his cock hit a different spot inside her depths, sending her over the edge straight into completion.

"Told you, you called me God." He rasped into her ear.

But the rippling of her walls, their milking force, and her dangerously fast heartbeat drumming against his silent chest tore at his control. He stilled inside her, summoning all his will to resist her calling because he wasn't finished yet.

But she would have none of that. She wanted him to take her again, to feel his desire spiraling out of control, and experience with her body and all her senses the testament of his need for her. So she pushed back against him and he lost it then.

Ramming into her aggressively, he dominated her like the true alpha he was and fucked her hard. Without mercy, but with all his might.

Surprisingly, she found mind-blowing pleasure in this utterly primal act of him reclaiming his possession. It was against her nature to yield to submission, but damn she loved this. It was liberating.

"Mine." He roared and clamped his human teeth over his mark, but not biting down strong enough to draw blood.

"Angelus!" She screamed as she spiraled into her third orgasm.

And he followed her right behind, flooding her hot womb with his cold semen as her name flowed from his lips in a satisfied, purred growl. She grunted in satisfaction.

After a few moments they finally stilled completely, neither strong enough to move. Catching her breath she furrowed her brows. Weren't they supposed to do something?

Angelus licked his mark in a show of possession, then nuzzled the whole side of her neck.

Oh, well…

Thinking his weight was slowly becoming too much for her small frame, he finally rolled off her and onto his back.

Now that his distracting presence was lifted of her, she remembered. "We forgot the blood and chanting."

"Are you complaining?" He asked, pretending to be offended.

"Not really, but there's still the end of days coming."

"Again." He groaned, annoyed.

He'd rather be fucking her senseless than fighting. But if he didn't fight, he couldn't protect her and then he wouldn't be able to fuck her.

Damn it!

"So, ready for more?" He asked seductively.

Dedicated to: Whoever nominated Fallen Angels at Shattered Frames- thank you so much. I'm really flattered. *blush* Sarah- my twin in heart, mind & soul. Lucey- OMG. I'm still not over "Of Friends 9". It's da bomb! And everyone else who sent feedback or enjoys this fic. *smooch*

***

Part 3

"So, ready for more?" He asked seductively.

She smiled, crawled over him like a curious kitten and rested her chained wrists beside his head. Straddling him, she bent down for another kiss. He nibbled at her lips, then plunged his tongue into her moist cavern and entwined with hers. They danced and sucked, swirled and curled and she felt his cock rise against the cheeks of her behind. She slid down a little to nestle it in her cleft and started rubbing herself with it.

He growled in approval and raked his short nails over her already hard nipples, then pinched them with his fingertips. More juice dripped from her core onto his stomach. It was a combination of her and him, their desire and completion. It was delicious to his nostrils, but he wanted to taste it again. It had been years since he'd rolled this perfect flavor on his tongue and shared it with his mate.

Leaving her left breast, his hand traveled down to her dripping sex. He slid a finger inside and her inner muscles automatically clamped around it, trying to milk the welcome intruder. He swallowed her moans and let her ride his finger for a few moments before he pulled out it completely.

She broke the kiss and gazed down at him. To say she was pissed was an understatement.

"What?" She hissed.

He didn't answer, but guided the finger that had been buried inside her to his lips. His tongue darted out and slowly licked the tip. Her eyes widened, but he closed his in delight and moaned, savoring the taste as he swirled his tongue around the whole finger, licking it clean. A rumbling purr accompanied his sensuous feasting and she had enough of watching.

She pulled the finger out from between his lips and plundered his mouth with her tongue. Gods, she loved the mix of their intimate flavors.

He grabbed her hips with both his hands, hoisted her up and then impaled her on his hard-on. She wailed into his mouth and pushed against him, trying to get him even deeper, although he was already all the way inside.

Understanding her need only to well, he rolled her beneath him, thereby changing the angle in which he penetrated her and hitting her sensitive clit with the base of his lower body. She broke free from the kiss and sharply sucked in her breath, the pleasure almost overwhelming her. She locked her legs around his waist, trying to draw him in even deeper.

He grinned wickedly and reached behind him to grab her ankles. He disentangled her legs and pulled them up, one by one in agonizing slowness, making her feel every little bit he slid deeper inside her. She cooed, moaned and panted beneath him in passion, thinking she was going insane or dying from the force of pleasure.

When her second heel finally arrived at his shoulders and rested against his skin, he stilled completely. Her eyes flew open in irritation.

Why does he stop now? I want to cum!

"Deep enough?" He rasped out huskily, trying to hold onto his control.

He wouldn't last much longer. He'd never been so deep inside of her and it was slowly killing him. His eyes had already turned golden and he could feel his face changing.

She drowned in his amber orbs and saw his ridges appear. But it didn't scare her, even though she was in a submissive position to a demon and he was the one in control. Strangely, she didn't feel vulnerable or exposed at all. All she could feel was how much he filled and possessed her, and she didn't want it any other way. Well, except for one thing.

"Please!" She begged him to move.

He sighed in relief, pulled out and thrust back in. Repeating the motions over and over again, they settled into a harsh rhythm, forcing each other to greater heights with each bruising movement. She mewled in mindless joy and he answered her with deep purrs and growls. They vibrated against her skin and started the quivering of her inner walls.

She grabbed his head between her palms, the chains hitting both their skins, but she didn't care. She pulled his head down to her neck, her mark, thanking The Powers for her pliant body.

He latched on to her prominent artery with his human teeth and she strained to reach his neck. Finding a vein, she clamped her teeth around it. Then they bit down simultaneously, the blood flew into their mouths like heavenly nectar and they succumbed to the rapture, crying out each other's name in completion.

And with his last ounce of strength Angelus eased out of her neck and chanted the spell. The chains fell from her wrists and vanished into thin air, but neither noticed because a powerful, electrifying wave surged through their bodies, making them feel what the other was feeling, uniting their senses, emotions and thoughts, joining them. Even if only for a brief moment. But it was enough to send them over the edge into ecstasy again, a blissful state that pulled them down into unconsciousness.

***

The doorbell rang, causing Willow to jump off the couch. She hated that sound by now because it meant more potentials and reminded her of the problem they were currently facing. Buffy'd gone missing almost two nights ago and neither Willow with her spells nor Spike with his advanced smell had been able to locate the slayer. It seemed as if the earth had swallowed her.

Fearing that the First had captured her best friend, Willow had turned into a mess, a heap of stumbling thoughts, fear, misery and guilt. She was constantly chewing on her nails while consulting the books without a break, reading prophecy after prophecy and searching for a way to find Buffy. But still she had made no progress.

Defeated she opened the door and the sight greeting her was the sweetest balm to her wounded soul. Angel was standing outside, cradling Buffy- who was apparently sleeping, cocooned in his trademark leather coat- in his arms.

Thank Goddess!

Willow fainted in relief.

Not the welcoming Angelus had expected, but at least the door was open. Still he couldn't enter. Angel's good manners kept him from barging in. He would wait patiently until someone invited him in. Maybe the dark haired girl who flew into the hall would do it.

But no. She knelt down beside the redhead. "Willow?" She asked worried, shaking her lightly while several more girls crowded around them with their mouths hanging open.

Luckily the witch opened her eyes. "I'm ok, Kennedy. Just overwhelmed." Then she turned to Angel, standing up. "You found her!" She said in awe and hugged him, including Buffy who was still oblivious to the things happening around her.

At the first touch he felt power tingling under the redhead's skin, a dangerous combination of goodness, black magic and evil, and with each passing second he felt more uncomfortable.

Note to self: Don't cross the witch!

"Thank you." Willow said.

Angelus just smiled, looking over her shoulder and catching a whiff of the Kennedy chick. He realized they smelled faintly of each other and stored that information away for later purposes.

Willow stepped back and tugged him inside, closing the door behind him. Having felt the numerous eyes on him, he finally turned to the other girls and greeted them with his most charming smile.

"Hi!"

Some of them even managed a reply, but most just stared in admiration. He grinned inwardly.

Willow smiled proudly. "This is Angel."

Angel!

Their enamoured stares changed to rapture.

Ha, still got the rep!

Then he looked back at Willow. "I'll just take her up to her room. She needs rest."

"Of course." Willow smacked her head. "She has her mother's room now." She told him.

He climbed up the stairs and as soon as he was out of earshot- or so they thought- the potentials started gushing. They all had been wondering about him, the first vampire with a soul because Dawn had not been able to tell them much. After all he was a taciturn and reserved guy. But that only added to his mystery.

And seeing him- the once most vicious vampire known to mankind- standing on the porch with Buffy safely tucked and trustingly sleeping in his embrace, knowing that he'd managed to rescue the missing slayer when they'd failed, simply deepened the awe and respect they held for him. It was the most romantic and touching display they'd ever been allowed to witness.

But it was oh so bittersweet. He had left the only woman he'd ever loved in his whole existence because he didn't feel worthy of her. Yet he kept honoring her and her love by fighting evil in the City of Angels.

He was the tragic embodiment of a knight in shining armour. Little did they know that his armour was currently black. But nevertheless the scene they had witnessed had touched all their hearts and suddenly Spike seemed like a poor copy compared to the infamous Angel.

The girls who usually slept in Buffy's room couldn't wait for bedtime to catch another glimpse of him and although they were quite original in finding excuses for going upstairs, Willow turned them all down.

***

Footsteps in the hall roused Angelus from sleep. He tensed, but he kept his eyes closed as the door was opened and- judging by the sounds- six potentials stepped into the room. He relaxed again and one of them switched on a small lamp. Silence followed and it surprised him since they'd all been so chatty earlier.

"What?" One girl whispered, irritation evident in her voice.

"Aren't they beautiful together?" Another replied, pointing to the bed.

Angelus was lying on his back, lightly grinning in satisfaction as he held Buffy protectively in his embrace. She was half on top of him, her head pillowed on his chest and safely buried under his chin, her hair fanned out on his black clothes like a halo. She had curled her arms around him and pushed one leg between his thighs. The smile on her lips proved just how good she felt.

His dark looks were the perfect contrast to Buffy's light appearance and together they seemed to glow with love and contentment. Yes, indeed, they were beautiful together.

"I've never seen her sleep so well and relaxed." The girl who had last spoken said.

"And you thought Buffy and Spike were perfect together." Someone else snorted.

Angelus swallowed his anger about the Spike comment and tightened his arms around Buffy in a show of possession.

"Hey, I didn't know about him then."

Buffy stirred, mumbling something incomprehensible, and her demon lover purred a reply to soothe her.

"Shh, you'll wake them."

The voices quieted down, but he could still hear the shuffling of clothes being changed and sleeping bags being spread out. Someone switched the lamp off, which was followed by several "good night" wishes when all six girls had settled. Patiently Angelus waited for their breathing to even out and their heartbeats to slow down a little, signaling him that they were finally sleeping soundly.

Carefully, he removed Buffy's arm from around him and she mumbled a protest. He kissed her hair so she wouldn't wake up, but rather recognize this sweet gesture as an invitation to keep dreaming. No surprise there, it worked. He was finally able to pull out from underneath her and then ventured down to the basement.

Just like the rest of the house Spike was sleeping, but as soon as the stranger arrived at his cot, he shot up and switched to his vampire mask. He came face to face with his GrandSire and relaxed again. Thinking it was the souled version, he hissed: "What the hell do you want?"

The dark haired vampire pulled out a stake and simultaneously grabbed the blonde by his throat, lifting him off the ground a few inches.

"To rid my mate's life of you, stupid fuck! If I had the time, I'd torture you to death!" He growled.

"You can't!" Spike cried, whining. "I have a soul now!" He choked out.

Angelus smirked evilly- really evilly- and the younger vampire finally realized who he was facing.

"I have a soul now!" He repeated, whimpering, begging for his life.

"I don't fucking care." And with that Angelus rammed the stake into the blonde's heart, leaving nothing but dust.

Grinning in satisfaction, Angelus whistled an old Irish tune. Then he took a dustpan and brush, collecting the ashes before he hid it in the garbage can. Stopping his song, he made his way back upstairs silently and sneaked back into Buffy's bed. He spooned her from behind and rested his hand on her belly, sighing contently he drifted off to sleep.

Dedicated to: Whoever nominated me at Shattered Frames for Best Crossover & Best NC-17- thank you so much. *smooches* I'm still flattered and really grateful. Sarah- I don't think I can top what I said last time. *smile* Debs & Dragoonqueen- thank you so much for hosting my stuff, too. *bearhug* And everyone else who sent feedback or enjoys my fics. Your support means a lot to me, guys. *bearhug*

AN: This part is PWNP = Plot? Who needs plot? I blame it on Angelus, the guy in the train and Sarah. The guys got me thinking about a shower-scene and Sarah made me write it. And who am I to ignore her demands?

***

Part 4

Buffy woke to the sounds of the potentials whispering and shuffling around her. After blinking several times, she finally opened her eyes and realized that her room was still shrouded in darkness, except for the dim glow coming from behind her, casting faint shadows on the wall.

Not that she needed those shadows to confirm that her demon lover was still sleeping soundly behind her. His large hand splayed on her belly was proof enough. But strangely, she didn't mind.

Though she was rested and ready to fight The First, she couldn't bring herself to flee from his comforting embrace just yet. Instead she waited with closed eyes for the girls to leave the room and when they were finally all gone, she turned around and looked into his face.

So beautiful and content.

Just like Angel, yet still so different, but nevertheless connected to the soul by one thing. The love for her. She still couldn't grasp the strange concept that the most vicious vampire - the Scourge of Europe- was capable of love. Love for her. A slayer.

But she knew the truth, had felt it in this one perfect moment of being one with him. His cold, black heart loved her, with a passion that surpassed his lust for the kill. She was his one and only, his world. He was burning for her, his need so strong in its intensity, she found it mirrored in herself. But did it justify loving him in return?

Angelus had brought Angel to her, the man she loved, the man she'd fallen in love with, but never out of, the kind and gentle soul. Angelus was part of him and though she knew the demon was twisted and cruel, she accepted that. Right down to his strange affections.

He'd hurt her, yes, mentally and physically, but never in disrespect for what she was: a woman, a creature not meant to be a victim of power exercised or dominated against her will.

No, Angelus had merely teased her, expressed his feelings for her the only way he knew how: with twisted presents. And she had neither missed how careful he had picked his tokens of affection nor that he'd never seriously harmed her in any way. Even when he'd attacked her when she had the flu years ago, she'd felt him holding back.

In the end they'd gone to war like equals, although she was his exact opposite, a woman and a slayer, the good to his evil, the love to his hate. And somewhere along the way they had created the insanity of mixed emotions, wants and needs. A deadly combination for walking the thin line, neither of them ready to admit or submit to each other. They had wanted all or nothing, but this wasn't the way of the world. The balance was essential.

Always.

Then, now and forever.

And it was what had left them broken. Without the soul Angelus was incomplete. And without the complexity of her men supporting her so was Buffy. The slayer in her needed the demon, the woman the man. But would Angelus understand? Would he forgive her for not being able to love him completely? Would he hate her when she- or more precisely Willow- returned his soul? Given that they'd find out where it was hidden, which seemed unlikely since Angel's team had apparently no luck in that department. Otherwise Angelus wouldn't be roaming free. So she wondered if…

He stirred behind her and then his hand slid under her top to caress her naked back before he kissed her forehead. "Morning, lover." He bent down and kissed her lips as his hand slipped into her pj bottoms, stroking her naked cheeks.

Warmth flooded her, creating delicious friction in her nether regions and though their arousal and completion still clung to them, he could smell her reawakened desire pooling between her thighs. He purred in satisfaction, but she grabbed his hand and made him stop.

"Angelus, no. They'll be back any minute." She lamely excused her action.

"I don't care. You and all those hormonal potentials make me horny." He replied, pushing his hard-on into her belly and picking up his strokes again.

Despite her protest, she couldn't stop her body from reacting. She wanted nothing more than to feel him buried inside her now, but she still felt guilt and shame about her need for him. Nobody, except him, could… would ever understand.

"I need a shower." She announced and wriggled out of his arms.

She was surprised that he let her go without complaint. But as soon as she stepped under the spray in the shower, he was behind her, as naked as she was.

"Angelus." She sighed, wondering how he'd managed to open the locked door. "This isn't the time."

He ignored her and pulled her back against his chest, holding her possessively. One hand slid so tantalizingly slowly up to her right breast as if he was savoring each and every patch of skin he encountered. She bit her tongue to keep herself from responding. Damn, he knew pleasure and torture too well.

"We need our strength." She protested.

Another lame excuse, she knew, but she couldn't give into him. Not again, even if she needed him to fight The First Evil, even if he loved her. It was WRONG.

He cupped her breast in his palm, weighing it tenderly before he set out to tease her nipple into a hard little peak and all the while he whispered to her in his low, seductive voice: "I know what you're doing. You try to deny what's between us. But you can't. I won't let you." He continued his ministrations expertly.

She forgot about the water splashing down on them. All that mattered was his smooth voice and his magic hands roaming over her body, cocooning her in love. And finally she gasped, admitting that he was affecting her as further evidence trickled sweetly from her core. The intoxicating smell drifted up to his nostrils and he grinned in satisfaction.

"How can it be betrayal if the body's the same? The desire? The need?" His voice was even deeper now, huskier and she felt her desire intensify, yet she held herself still.

"I am your mate. Granted a demon, but you and me always shared a connection. Even more so now that we've shared our blood. There's nothing wrong about us being together. I know you feel it. This isn't about other people's morals. This is about you and what you need."

How could she deny this truth?

Finally she relaxed against him, making him smile. He rewarded her with a kiss to her scar- his mark- and his other hand trailing from her waist down to the apex of her thighs and over her sex. He purred because she was already soaking wet. Wet with arousal for him and nobody else. His cock grew against her back in response and he started stroking her sensitive skin in a lazy rhythm.

"You think you need him to survive… But you don't."

She wanted to protest, but he quickly turned her around and captured her in a voracious kiss. She let him sweep her away with his need, seeking the comfort of his body that told her she was loved, wanted and cherished.

His hands glided down to the cheeks of her behind before he hoisted her up and she automatically hooked her legs around his waist. His cock pressed against her, but she needed him inside, filling her liquid depths completely.

"Look at me!" He urged and she complied, raising her half-closed, passion- glazed eyes to meet his.

Oh so vulnerable and sweet.

"You won't get Angel back." He explained.

Shock, then denial crossed her beautiful features just like he had anticipated.

"The only one who knows where the soul is hidden is dead." He continued without mercy because he had to make her understand that they were destined. Not she and Angel.

But she wouldn't see and started to retreat into herself to mourn her lost lover, but her demon wouldn't let her. He took her chin between his fingers and turned her gaze back to him. "Look at me!" He commanded pleadingly, capturing her in his deep, dark pools of chocolate. "I won't let you give up." He vowed. "This is why you can't."

He braced her against the shower wall and pushed inside her with one hard stroke, going as deep as hours before. She cried out in pleasure, never leaving his eyes, the hunger burning in them enthralling her. His need crawled under her skin and into her heart, his love shocked her into silence and held her in place, consuming all her senses, feelings and thoughts.

This was the truth.

She cried because of its beauty and framed his face with her small hands. Then she stroked his brows, wiping the water- drops off his cheekbones and finally his lips before she kissed him tenderly. Nipping at his bottom lip, she worried it with her teeth and then soothed it with her tongue.

Only then did she plunder his mouth and sought out his tongue to engage in mock battle as he began to move in and out of her warm core. Kissing and panting, they rocked together dangerously slowly. And she wouldn't have it any other way. She needed it sweet and gentle right now, she needed the comfort and the strength it brought to survive the loss of Angel.

Angelus understood perfectly because she was part of him and it was his sole desire to take away her pain and replace her agony with happiness and contentment. This was for her, as much as it was for him. He steadily built her pleasure with soft caresses, even thrusts, whispered endearments and soothing kisses. She clung to him in desperation, tears spilling down her cheeks, their taste one of love and gratification.

He had been right. She needed him, not only to survive, but because he was hers and she was his. The realization was so profound to her mind that it passed onto him and affected their bodies simultaneously. It triggered both their orgasms and before either of them knew what was happening they cried out each other's names, pulled under the wave of intense rapture. He spilled his seed inside her, the release so overwhelming his knees buckled and he couldn't do a damn thing about it. They crashed to the ground in a heap of limbs. Luckily, he somehow managed to land sitting on the floor of the shower with her still cradled in his lap and her legs wound around his waist.

But the momentum had pushed her further down his again soft shaft and her clit hit his pubic bone hard. She cried out again in ecstasy and lunged for his neck, burying her teeth in the mark she'd created hours ago. She didn't draw blood this time, but the feeling was still enough to make him hard again. He shifted into game-face as he, too, lunged for the mark on her neck. His fangs pierced her skin, boring into her flesh and she exploded around him in vivid completion. Her blood spiced with it caressed his taste buds as her rippling walls clenched him hard, luring him into another orgasm in spite of his infamous control. But willingly, he surrendered to the sweet siren call and joined her in promised release.

Dedicated to: Sarah- my wonderful beta. I missed you while I was away. Lucey- soon! *gg* Everyone else who's so gracious and sends me fb, not only for this fic. Thank you so much. Love you, guys.

***

Part 5

Willow was still in the kitchen, feeding the remaining hungry potentials when she suddenly felt a strange sensation wash over her, signaling an overwhelming presence coming closer. She couldn't exactly tell what it was, but it made the hairs on her neck stand up and her body tense in fear and anticipation. Fascinated and curious, she stared at the door and to her surprise Buffy and Angel- the source of her distraction- strolled into the room. They were holding hands and glowed with such power and contentment, it was breathtaking.

Willow barely managed to respond to their greetings- Buffy's 'hi' and Angel's nod.

The potentials didn't fare better, but only Willow had the advantage of finally realizing what she was witnessing: the even union of Good and Evil, called the Acunanrah. It was a mythological being who was the embodiment of the perfect balance and therefore the ultimate weapon. But wait…

How come they formed the Acunanrah? Sure, Buffy symbolized the Good, but Willow had never considered Angel was pure Evil. Unless…

OH MY GOD!

Using her telepathic powers, she concentrated on Buffy who was munching on her breakfast without a care, holding on to Angel's -Angelus'?- hand wound around her waist.

'He doesn't have a soul!!!' The witch silently shouted her thoughts, trying hard to remain expressionless.

Buffy blinked once. Their code for yes and agreement.

Willow gasped, then asked in disbelief. 'You know he's soulless?'

Buffy blinked once again.

The redhead gulped hard, then bit her tongue to keep herself from blurting out something that would endanger them… err, her, since she was convinced Buffy didn't have to fear much from Angelus. The past had shown he'd wanted her and looking at them now Willow was certain this fact hadn't changed over the years. And as if Angelus had read her mind, he lifted Buffy's hair from her neck and exposed his scar in show of pride and possessiveness. It was painfully obvious to everyone that it had been reopened recently and this time Willow wasn't the only one who gasped.

Just the response Angelus wanted. He grinned wickedly and bent down to tenderly lave the mark with kisses. Moaning helplessly, Buffy closed her eyes in pleasure, gripping the island counter hard as she succumbed to his charms. Fully aware of the spectators, Angelus slowly kissed his way up to Buffy's jaw and at the same time reached out to pry her hands off the counter. Only then did he turn her around and pull her into his almost bone crushing embrace before he pushed her with his body back against the hard surface of the island.

Buffy didn't even notice because he ravaged her lips and mouth with such tender brutality it was all consuming. It made her senseless, but surprisingly she was still able to give it to him just the same. It was then that he finally tuned out their audience to get lost in his magnificent mate.

Speechless, Willow and the potentials stared at the emotionally possessive display, trying hard to figure out whether to give in and wolf whistle or turn away in disgust because for one it was just ewww… smoochies and two vampire and vampire slayer didn't exactly mix, especially not in such an intimate way. The understatement of the century, but nobody did either of these things. Spellbound, they witnessed Buffy clawing at Angelus' shirt and exposing the fresh human bite mark -her bite mark- on his neck.

"What the hell?" Xander shouted as he came walking into the kitchen, verbalizing what everyone else was thinking.

So rudely interrupted, Angelus looked at the unwelcome intruder and growled in warning. But Xander ignored it and turned to Buffy outraged.

"Are you crazy? First kissing, then a happy and boom it's psycho-boyfriend all over again!"

She mentally shook her head to rise from the love spell Angelus had her enthralled in and answered calmly, even managing to keep the sadness from her voice. "He can't lose his soul."

She knew it was only half the truth, but Xander didn't need to know that. It would only complicate things and she really didn't need that right now. She and Angelus had a fight to win and there was no use in arguing with Xander. He would never understand that she'd gladly and willingly live with Angelus because he was the only one who could fill the void the loss of Angel had left in her.

Luckily, Willow seemed to be on her side for she didn't explain Buffy's statement any further and closed that discussion. "We don't have time for this, Xander." She intervened. "Buffy was just about to tell us what happened and where we're going from there."

Buffy gave her best friend a grateful smile and filled them in on her disappearance and plans while she was eating. Angelus held her to his body and remained civil and calm for the time being.

***

They had gathered around the seal of the Hellmouth, its entrance. Willow was sitting on the ground, chanting a spell while the Acunanrah and its champions formed a circle around her with their swords drawn, ready to attack and protect the witch from any harm. When the seal was finally opened and no demon made its was up to them, Buffy and Angelus -reverting to his game face- descended.

Praying for one last time that Willow, Dawn, Kennedy and Xander would be able to defeat whatever threat turned up, Buffy finally focused all her senses on her own fight with Angelus at her side. Reaching the ground of the huge, subterranean cave, the warriors faced hundreds of waiting Turok-Hans.

"Hi there, sorry for crashing your party." Buffy greeted them, but she'd barely finished her sentence when the forefront of vampires rushed them. Standing back-to-back, Buffy and Angelus moved in a circle, injuring and decapitating their enemies in unison. It wasn't efficient enough though. There were too many and this method just didn't give them the upper hand. Reluctantly, the lovers parted and jumped fearlessly into the fray, whirling their swords to and fro in merciless love for the game.

The numbers of vampires dwindled, but not without its price. Cuts, bruises, broken ribs marred the champions' skins, but they didn't care, didn't feel the pain. And Angelus had the time of his life. Granted, fighting for Good was a downside, but hell if it meant protecting his mate he could overlook this small flaw with easiness.

Aw, the things we do for…

For a tiny second he was stunned by his own thought. He wasn't about to say love, was he? No, he was a demon. He didn't love. It was an emotion he was incapable of. But catching a glimpse of his mate fighting all bloodied with torn clothes and disheveled hair…

He wanted nothing more than to fuck and worship her on the dirty ground right now to prove his want, his need, his hunger for her. Though only after he'd killed everyone who'd dared to touch and harm his Buffy.

Mine to hate and ravish!

Mine to possess and love!

Finally he admitted it to himself, concerning her everything was about love. But the possessive, demonic kind of love. He wasn't blind and whipped like all humans.

Uh huh.

And when this was over he would not only be her husband and lover, he would turn her and also be her sire and master. She would be forever dependent on him.

Aw, what an exquisite thought.

He grinned wickedly. Damn, they really needed to finish here rather sooner than later. He was in the mood for ravaging of the pleasurable kind, so he turned his full attention back to the fight and proceeded with even more force and cruelty. But when the scent of even more of Buffy's blood hit his nostrils, he completely lost it. Swinging his word in one hand and tearing heads with the other, he stormed through the throngs of vampires to get to his lover.

More of her precious nectar was splattered and he growled menacingly while he watched one of her opponents getting hit by her blood and turning to dust immediately.

What the…

Buffy had noticed it, too, and looked questioningly at Angelus. Using his own sword he cut into his arm and splashed the vampires surrounding him with his blood. They, too, turned to dust in a blink of an eye because the Acunanrah's blood was the weapon. No wonder, their enemy's number had decreased so fast.

Angelus lifted his bloodied sword and attacked again, barely touching them, but obtaining enough contact so his blood could do his magic. Meanwhile Buffy had done the same and was now infecting her rivals, too. Still the Turok-Hans attacked, but with much more care than before. It didn't help. They were so focused on evading the Acunanrah's blood, they didn't notice that they were moving closer to the real opening of the Hellmouth. It was their ultimate mistake for Buffy couldn't set foot with her next backward step and stumbled.

It was only seconds but it seemed everything happened in slow motion. Her blood, dripping from her wounds, fell into the black, gaping mouth of hell and brought the energy contained within it to life. It burst free in a sudden stream of white light.

Angelus was by her side in an instance, catching her outstretched hand to keep her from falling into the big unknown. Still it was too late. The light swirled around her, then ripped into her, tearing at her insides and making her scream in pain. Her demon lover tried his best to pull her out of this agonizing torture, but it didn't work. She was bound by this force.

When it had finally found what it wanted, it absorbed a part of Buffy and burst free from her body, spreading all around her like a giant explosion. It hit Angelus first and then the rest of the world, to extinguish all vampires so there'd never be a need for a slayer anymore. To fight the remaining demons a young woman with the power to do good, regardless of her past mistakes, was chosen this very minute but that Buffy would find out later.

Right now she was much too immersed in Angelus, slowly turning to ashes before her very eyes.

"Nooo!" She screamed in agony, but it didn't prevent her ultimate loss from happening.

Her name spilled reverently from his lips as she told him: "I love you."

And then he was dust and his hold gone. She fell back, still screaming, and landed on hard ground. It knocked the breath out of her and for a second she thought she'd die. Not that she really minded. Angel was gone and now Angelus, too, was lost to her. How could she go on living without either of them completing her?

She wanted to give up, but unfortunately instinct kept her from succumbing to death. She sat up quickly and took her next breath. Although it hurt badly, she managed to scramble to her knees and crawl over to Angelus' remains. She never noticed that all vampires around her were dead and the Hellmouth finally closed forever, the ground even where it had been just a moment before.

Tentatively, she touched his ashes, then caressed it to say goodbye to her lovers, forever lost to her, and that was when she realized she was lost as well. The tears spilled from her cheeks like rivers, mingled with her lover's ashes as sobs escaped her throat and turned into anguished cries that vibrated through the cave and even reached the ears of her friends waiting above ground.

Thinking their slayer was injured or about to die, they tried to access the open seal, but couldn't get inside. Willow tried to reach Buffy with telepathy, but the link wouldn't open up. When she tried to locate her, she hit a wall and she couldn't even feel if the slayer was alive or not.

But Buffy was, though just barely, hunched over the ashes of her lovers, eyes filled with so much tears she didn't see the remains taking on human form. Only when she heard her name whispered did she focus and wipe at her eyes.

But then she couldn't believe them either. *HE* was lying in front of her, naked in the dirt and his eyes shining with love.

"Angel!" She breathed in surprise, shock and pleasure.

"Buffy?" He said again, his soulful eyes full of confusion.

She crawled closer and bedded his head in her lap before she bent down to capture his lips in a sweet, soft kiss. But it wasn't enough. It never was, so she claimed his mouth again, teased his lips open with her tongue so she could finally invade his moist cavern.

She didn't get far for their tongues clashed together, hungrily battling for the sweet taste of its companion. So lost in their joyful reunion Buffy didn't even realize how uncomfortable her position had become. She kept drowning in his kisses and bathed in the tender caresses of his hands gliding over her body. But soon his tenderness turned into urgency. He wanted to feel her body pressed against his with so much desperation it almost hurt.

Understanding his need only too well, she softened the kiss to a mere whisper and finally they broke apart. He lifted his head, so she could abandon her position and crawl on top of him. And as soon as she was where they both wanted her to be the most, Angel had her face in his big hands and plundered her mouth once again. She felt his cock rise against her leather pants and moaned in pleasure, but still she didn't get lost this time. The heartbeat vibrating against her and in tandem with her own distracted her. It took some time before it registered what she was experiencing. But when the unbelievable, but true message finally hit her brain, she pulled away from him.

"Buffy?"

She placed her hand over his heart and drummed it in rhythm with his heartbeat against chest. "You're human!" She cried out, almost fainting with rapture and crying because it meant Angelus was truly lost to her. But thank God she had Angel to fill this void in her and he needed her attention right now.

For a moment he looked confused. This couldn't be. Right? They'd just extracted his soul to get Angelus talking about the Beast. What the hell had happened in such a short time?! Or was he already dead? Had he gotten a safe seat in heaven after all? Or was it really shanshu?

But there was no time for a game of questions and answers or even thoughts because Buffy pushed her tongue into his mouth again, drawing his into a sensual duel of hungry needs. But once again, it was not enough. Her clothes kept him from roaming freely over her warm, naked skin. He tucked and pulled, but they didn't come off.

Damn, no more vampire strength.

Strangely, even with Buffy's added help they couldn't rip them apart. Both groaned in frustration. Reluctantly, she got off him and discharged her clothes while she admired his beautifully sculptured and aroused body.

"Buffy?" He pleaded, driven by the need to feel her against and later around him.

Coming out of her trance, she crouched above him, her calves framing his thighs from the outside as her already wet sex came to rest in his crotch. Heated skin to heated skin and they laughed happily about the new sensation before they resumed to lovingly tease each other with demanding kisses, soothing caresses and needy touches. She buried one of her hands in the nape of his neck, massaged his skull with tender strokes and a little more forceful pulls. The other hand had traveled down his neck, encountering the still there mark of her human teeth on its way, and finally grabbed his shoulders to hold on to…

Something.

Because Angel's hands were making her feverish as they roamed down her back in arousing torture. When they arrived at her buttocks, he started rubbing and grinding her swollen folds against his hard cock. They moaned in unison, but refrained from teasing each other any further. Neither of them could take it anymore.

Buffy lifted herself up and Angel reached between his legs to grab his member and slid into her liquid warmth while she placed her hands on his chest for leverage. Slowly she started riding him, alternating between taking him in deep and only half way. All the while his hands rested on her hips, helping her guide her movements and after moments of exquisitely slow, self-inflicted torture he signaled his -their- need for a faster rhythm. She obliged only too willingly, desperate for the all-consuming release only this union could provide.

And provide it did. Much faster for him now that he was human. But he wanted her to join him, so he reached with one of his hands between her thighs, sliding through the damp curls and down to her center of pleasure, her swollen, dripping clit. He rubbed her expertly with his thumb and she arched above him mewling, then ground onto him harder, bumping against him with all the strength she possessed. His eyes rolled back in his head and he knew he wouldn't last much longer.

"Yesss!" She breathed, her head rolling back as she felt her impending climax approach.

Images of Angelus and her coupling viciously filled their minds. No, not her. It was the First Slayer -the part that had been taken from her earlier by the white light- and she was on her hands and knees. Angelus pounding into her from behind, unrestrained and brutal, but the First Slayer didn't seem to mind for she was grunting in pleasure. As much in sync with Buffy's moans as Angel's urgent strokes were with Angelus' moves.

But the vampire grabbed the Slayer by her hair and yanked her up, so her back was pressed against his front. Still pumping in and out of her, he vamped out and lunged for the scar -his mark- on her neck and they both crashed into ultimate release roaring.

Then the image was gone and Buffy suddenly felt Angel's hand at the nape of her neck, pulling her down. His hot breath caressed her skin as he whispered his 'I love you' into her ear before his teeth clamped down on the scar -his mark- on her neck. She exploded around him, calling out his name, her inner walls clamping around him so hard, he cried out in ecstasy as his warm seed filled her hungry channel and his fingers involuntarily pinched her clit hard. She came again on a never-ending wave of passion, vibrating through her whole body and hitting his limp shaft that instantly hardened again as the power of her prolonged orgasm hit him.

The desire to claim him once more burned so violently in her veins, she chocked out his name and then angled her head slightly so she could reach his neck. She bit into the mark she'd given him and he surged against her with a powerful, almost painful thrust as they shattered into another orgasm.

Truly sated she collapsed onto him, felt their heartbeats hammering against each other with no sign of slowing down any time soon and started to cry. Worried, Angel fought his way through the passion-glazed fog and hugged her to him tightly.

"Buffy?"

"I'm just so happy." She admitted, sobbing, as she looked at him.

"I love you. Only you. No one else. Always." He vowed and she responded with the same declaration, but this time he didn't lose his soul.

He was free to be happy, free to be with her, without limits or restraints, without curses and their loopholes. She was completely human now and so was he.

The End

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