Author: Lucey
Disclaimer: don't own nothing...
Rating: NC-17 for violence and...stuff *g*
Pairing: B/A
Feedback: please!
Distribution: the usual suspects, others ASK!
Dedication: HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY HANNAHBEE!!!!! *HUGS* Hope it's a great one, other presents will follow next week and I hope you'll enjoy this, twinly ;o)
Note: WARNING!! Character death! I'm dealing with some issues here...
Note 2: Thanks and smooches to Leni for the beta :o)
Summary: During BtVS S6 "Seeing Red" but AtS 3.20 already happened. So Connor's back but we're in the middle of "Seeing Red". Okay, off we go.
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"Connor, please, don't make me do it."
"Shut up!"
"Connor, I get that you're confused and angry and..."
"The hell you do. and leave me alone..."
"I can't...you're my son and I...I love you."
"You're a monster, a beast. What do you know about love?!"
"Believe me...I...Connor, please."
"You're pathetic. You expect me to believe you care for me? We both know that's a lie."
"Let me prove it..."
"I hate you, I despise your kind and I´ll kill you if you don't stop following me."
"Then I guess I don't have a chance."
"Oh, giving up already?", his face was covered with a surprised look when the first shot was fired. But he recovered quickly.
"Oh please. You don't think that..."
BANG!
He staggered.
BANG!
"What..."
BANG!
Finally his legs didn't hold him up anymore and Connor collapsed on the floor in an ungraceful heap. Angel walked over to his son's unconscious body, taking a minute to look at him, now slumbering with an almost peaceful expression on his face. Then he picked him up and carried him over to the car. Making sure Connor was safely tucked into the passenger's seat he climbed behind the wheel himself. The streets were almost deserted, they would be there in no time.
All Angel wanted was talk to his son, make him understand the truth about his feelings for him. He knew he'd probably need a while for that, so leaving LA was most likely a good idea, for now. His friends could handle themselves. Mile after mile passed by and Angel concentrated on what was coming next. He definitely needed a plan.
Buffy just sat there, unable to move. Spike had fled from the house that was for sure but she didn't know how much time had passed since. Was she surprised? Maybe not so much. Spike had always had a thing for violence and obsession. Knowing what she knew about his relationship with Drusilla, Buffy was aware that when Spike "loved" as he called it, he was like possessed. He would have done anything for Drusilla. Then there had been Harmony, whatever that had been, and then...her. When did he become obsessed with the thought of loving her? And how? How did he fall for her, his former arch-enemy? She didn't know and right now she didn't care. For a while his obsession with her had been convenient. The knowledge that he, even if everybody else did, wouldn't turn his back on her. She used him, took what she needed and somehow during this process she forgot how dangerous he still was and lost the little control she still had. Well, thanks for the reminder, she thought bitterly.
Was this, finally and utterly, rock bottom? The famous slayer clinging to a small shelve because there wasn't anything or anyone else? How deep down would she have to go? Wasn't it enough to lose Angel, the love of her life, and her mother? Wasn't it enough to die twice, scare away any male, lose her best friend to magic- addiction? Wasn't it enough to lose her college-career and start working at the Doublemeat Palace, that her Watcher abandoned her and to sleep with a man she once despised beyond reason? How much more would she have to take, Buffy wondered. Maybe she'd better end it all. But then again, dying didn't really help either, did it? Maybe she'd just sit here for a while.
Making sure the sedative was renewed once again, Angel pulled the chains around his son's unconscious form. The room had once been Spike's and Dru´s and for a moment he was glad his grandchilde didn't bother to pack the "toys" before he fled town. Before he got there he didn't even think of this room, he'd never bothered to keep it clean during the time he'd lived here alone. But as it turned out, the chains in the main room wouldn't be able to hold Connor, just as they failed to keep himself in place. And the large bed was much more comfortable than the cold floor. No need to make his furious son even more angry by treating him like an animal. Because, even if his friends begged to differ, Connor wasn't an animal. There was enough humanity left inside him. Angel clung to that thought as he double checked the chains and then closed the door behind him.
Maybe he'd go for a short patrol, it had been a while since he last came here and the memories flooding his mind were making him restless.
She would get up any minute. But the house was quiet and the shower seemed so far away. Pulling her robe a little tighter around her aching body she huddled against the wall.
He soon found out that nothing had changed, well, not much at least. The night air soothed his restless mind a little, even if it was running overload, thoughts of his son mixing with memories, thoughts of the past, of her. Then, suddenly, there was something else. He sniffed, trying to figure out the right direction. Her scent, Buffy´s scent. It was close but yet he could already tell it wasn't her. The scent was too weak to be hers, but the familiarity of her mixed with something else. His pace quickened until he caught a glimpse of bleached blonde hair.
"Spike...", he growled. What the hell was he doing here? And why was Buffy´s scent all over him? He growled again, this time loud enough for the other vampire to hear.
Angel was sure there was fear written on his face but Spike quickly tried to look nonchalant again.
"Spike."
"Hey, mate," the blonde managed to get out before he found himself slammed against the wall of a nearby crypt. "Shit, are you nuts?"
"What the hell did you do to her?" Angel was already in game face.
"What?" Spike yelped, weakly struggling to get free.
"What did you do to Buffy?"
"I don't know what you're talking about, mate..." His head was crushed against solid marble.
"I'm talking about you, bearing the scent of her, the slayer, my mate!"
"Oh, she's your mate again, now?", Spike snorted.
"You know she is. So what do you have to tell me, Willy?"
"Oh, to hell with you. Why don't you go ask her yourself, eh? Since you so conveniently decided to stop by."
"I'm warning you. If anything happened to her I´ll fucking kill you!", Angel snarled, dropping Spike to the ground.
"It's not like she didn't ask for it!", his grandchilde´s voice echoed behind him as he broke into a run.
Buffy. What did he do to her? Immediately all his plans about not seeing her disappeared while he was heading towards Revello Drive, now focussing on the feel of her.
She heard the front door burst open and close again. She probably needed to get up and at least close the bathroom door. There were already steps coming closer. Strong steps. Maybe he was back to finish what he started. But then it was too late and she stared at the figure in the doorway.
"Angel?" she croaked out. Why was he here? He of all people to witness her ultimate downfall.
"Buffy?", he whispered, his eyes never leaving her crouched form.
Maybe she could tell him that she'd been searching for something. But he was already kneeling down beside her, his hand moving closer to touch her but then stopping all of a sudden. His eyes met her gaze for a second and she knew that he knew.
"Oh God, what did he do to you?", Angel whispered, still in shock, scanning her body for more bruises than the ones on her tights. She avoided his face.
"Buffy, love, look at me.", he pleaded. He wanted to touch her, pull her into his arms but didn't dare to.
"It's...it's nothing...", she started but a heaving sob interrupted her lies, crumbling under his gaze, overwhelmed by his presence, she finally broke down.
And he caught her, took her into his arms, rocking her gently, his hand smoothing over her hair while he murmured nonsense into her ear, trying to keep from crying right along with her. She moved into the safety of his arms, allowing herself to be held until he lifted her from the ground and carried her across the hall and into her room. After placing her on the bed he closed the door behind them and advanced towards her once more. She looked at him with large, tear-filled eyes.
"I'm sorry," she croaked when he sat down beside her.
"What?"
"Sorry for the little outburst, I..."
"Buffy, stop. You're talking nonsense and we both know that. If you...want to talk we'll do it but don't lie to me."
"You seem to be pretty well informed.", she remarked weakly.
He shook his head. "Doesn't matter."
She was silent for a while. Then her eyes found his again and she reached out for him.
"Could you...would you just hold me for a while?"
She had barely finished when he was already kicking off his shoes, pulling her against him. Spooned safely in his embrace, he felt her relax and then, after long minutes, she started to talk.
When she'd finished, Angel was silent. He didn't want to judge her but he felt angry. Angry because of what she had to go through, angry about Spike treating her like this and angry about her turning to him. But then again, where else could she have gone? Being ripped from heaven but unable to tell anyone, not even him. Was this the normal life he'd wanted her to have? Certainly not. He didn't leave her to get left, killed, almost raped and abandoned by her friends. He was so immersed in his brooding that he didn't realize he was until he felt her hand on his face, anxiously waiting for him to react.
"Angel?"
Oh god, he was mad at her. She shouldn't have told him all that. Now he was probably disgusted, already thinking of a way to get rid of her. But wait, was there a tear running over his face? She reached out to touch him and met his cheeks, wet with tears.
"Angel?", she asked again.
"Oh god, Buffy, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry...", he whispered brokenly and pulled her closer.
"But why? You didn't do..."
"I left you. I left you to have a better life, a normal life, without darkness. Not for this...", he started. Tears were flowing down her own face again. Who'd have guessed she had tears left to cry.
"I'm sorry I didn't do better.", she sniffled. "I...I just..."
"Shh...", he stopped her. "Everything's okay now."
"Nothing's okay... god Angel, how did this all happen...please, just make me forget..."
He looked at her, unsure if this was what she needed or meant. But when her forehead rested against his, he thought about maybe this was what they both needed.
His lips brushed softly against hers, gently at first but soon they were hopelessly drowning in each other's arms and kisses. This wasn't about lust or passion, this was about taking comfort. About soothing aches and pans so deeply rooted inside them they were almost bordering on getting used to them every day. In each other's arms they both were at peace for the moment so they only broke apart reluctantly.
"That was...thank you.", she smiled softly.
"I know." He tucked a stray of hair behind her ear.
"So, why are you here?" she asked finally.
"This is probably not the best moment...", he started but she stopped him immediately.
"Oh no, you're not gonna hide from me now."
"Buffy, I don't want to burden you with...my stuff."
"I know. You never want to. But you're here now. You might as well tell me now."
Giving up at the logic she presented, he hesitantly started to talk.
"So...can I go see him?"
"What?", he almost yelped. He'd expected her to be angry, sad maybe, but this?
"Connor. He's in the mansion, so can I go see him? I mean, I got the whole crazy part but maybe, some time?"
Angel smiled and kissed her softly. "I´d love you two to meet. I just...don't get me wrong...but..."
"Oh, I'm still mad because you didn't tell me earlier. And Darla, for instance, but...who am I to judge you?"
When did she become so wise?
"Buffy, I'm sorry for what happened, you know that. And believe me when I say I'm not thrilled about Spike for instance...but we both made some bad decisions. We can't change that now."
"True.", she nodded. There were certainly things to be talked about. But yet they were here, still standing. Or laying cuddled against each other more likely.
"Maybe...", she started again.
"Maybe what?", he encouraged her to continue.
"Maybe we can help each other...maybe this was all supposed to happen..."
He smiled. Who knew, maybe she was right. The lesson would had been a painful one but nothing had never been easy when it came to them, right? "Maybe."
"One thing's for sure, though.", she sat up a little, pulling out of his embrace.
"What is it?" He frowned.
"I'm not letting you get away that easily this time. The normal life you wanted me to have, you can just forget about that sort of bullshit. Look at me, I don't need a normal life, Angel. I'm far from normal. What I need is someone I can trust, someone I...I..."
"What makes you think I´d want to get away?, he smiled softly.
"Huh?"
"I know what I wanted you to have, I still think you deserve a normal life but more than that you deserve to be happy again. To live."
"So...you're saying that you're staying?", her eyes widened in shock. That was easy.
"If you wanna have me...", he started but was cut off by a passionate kiss.
"I love you.", she whispered.
"I love you, too.", he pulled her closer.
They both knew it wouldn't be easy. There were still so many things to talk about, so many wounds needing to heal but if they survived the past three years without each other, together they'd surely manage what was to come.
As their kisses grew more and more heated they soon realized that there was something else they had forgotten. Breaking apart they both panted, still clinging to each other.
"Wow.", she smiled. The first real smile in this lifetime.
"Wow.", he echoed.
They returned to kissing until they heard a door close somewhere in the house. Only then they noticed that it was already 4 a.m..
"As much as I hate to say this, I should probably go back. He's gonna wake up, soon."
"Yeah, right. Uhm...can I come with you?"
"I'm not sure it's a good idea for you to see him right now...", Angel suggested hesitantly.
"That's okay. I...I just don't wanna be alone right now. I could wait downstairs while you talk to him or patrol."
"I´d love for you to come with me.", Angel admitted.
Connor would rage at first. He had brought the tranquilizer gun along with him but still, one never knew when Slayer strength would come in handy.
"Okay, just give me a minute to get dressed. Uhm...", she blushed. He could tell by the additional heat radiating from her.
"Oh...uhm, I promise not to peek. I could wait outside if you..."
"No, it's okay.", she smiled and kissed him softly. It still seemed unreal that after all that happened today she was almost happy and holding Angel in her arms.
After several heated kisses they finally managed to take off, climbing out of the window in the usual fashion. Holding hands all the way they walked in silence, simply enjoying each other's presence. But as soon as they arrived at the mansion they already heard the noise from upstairs, the noise of a supernatural being trying to escape.
Buffy shot him a worried look, asking herself if maybe there was a little Angelus in the mix, too. Angel sighed and closed his eyes for a second. It had been a long night and he wasn't sure if he could take his son's insults on top of everything now. Buffy wrapped her arms around him as if she wanted to share her strength with him and he couldn't help but marvel at the incredible wonder that was the woman he loved. He leaned down to kiss her slowly and thoroughly.
She melted into him and it took all his strength to break their intimate battle for dominance.
"I should go.", he sighed.
"I´ll be here.", she squeezed his hand reassuringly.
"What have you done to me?", Connor spat as soon as Angel entered the room, glad to see that all the chains were still in place.
"Connor. I'm sorry for what I did, but I had no other choice."
"Besides drugging and kidnapping me?"
"I want to talk to you. I need you to understand. I had to make sure you'd listen to me."
"Great. And you're trying to prove what?"
"I love you. I care about you, no matter what Holts told you. Connor, you're my son."
"I'm not your son. My father is Daniel Holtz and all I know from you is that you're a monster. I'm gonna break free and kill you."
Angel glanced at him wearily. This wasn't going to be easy. He knew he couldn't chain Connor up forever but he wanted a chance to explain. With a sigh he took the tranquilizer gun and fired two more shots into his son's struggling body, sending him off to dreamland again. He couldn't risk him getting away.
When he returned downstairs, Buffy was nowhere to be seen. Turning towards the bedroom he saw her curled up on the bed. Taking a minute to drink in the vision of her, he was once again taken aback by her beauty. She was perfect. So strong and yet so vulnerable. It made him want to protect her from every possible harm in this world. Speaking of harm, he still needed to take care of a certain business. The anger he'd locked away for the past few hours welled up again inside him. Time to pay Spike a little visit.
Spike woke up when the holy water started seeping through his clothes and burning his chest.
"Jeeeesus, are you fucking nuts?", he yelped, jumping up, still smoking.
"Glad you decided to wake up. It's not the same if you sleep through all the fun...", Angel hissed, his fangs bared.
"What?"
"I'm gonna teach you a little lesson.", Angel continued. "A lesson about respect for a woman, about love and maybe even life and the meaning of the word `no´."
"Oh great. You gonna brood me to death?", Spike had barely finished when he flew across the crypt, hitting the wall. But this was nothing compared to the new shower of holy water raining down on him.
"Ow, shit!", he yelped.
"You. Touched. My. Mate.", Angel underlined every word with a punch, starting to slowly feel at ease with it.
"You left her for Christ's sake!"
"She's marked. That alone should have been enough for you to stay away. She was hurt and confused and you used that for your convenience."
"It's not like she didn't want it..."
Angel punched him again, the sound of cracking ribs reaching his ears.
"She was confused. And you played tricks on her just to keep her in your bed. If you'd love her even half as much as you claim to you'd have told her to go away. You would have really helped her."
"Yeah, like you were there for her.", Spike knew he had the next blow coming for that.
"Does that give you the right to rape her?", Angel roared.
"I just needed her to understand the truth."
"Truth? What truth? The truth about your obsession with her since you first saw her? The truth about you caring for nobody else but yourself? You always had a knack for stronger women, we both know that. But you never tried to keep one weak so you could control her."
"Oh, that's what she told you?"
"You're nothing, Spike. You might have helped her once or twice, but when she needed you to be a friend you failed. Just because you've got a chip in your head it doesn't make you a good person. And one more thing: you know that `no´ still means no, right?"
"Oh, look who's talking.", Spike spat blood. "And now you're what? Gonna stake me?"
"Actually, yes."
Looking at his grandsire's golden eyes, Spike finally realized the truth.
"Look, mate. I'm just gonna leave town. I won't come near her again...I..."
"Oh, we're begging already?", Angel smiled cruelly.
"Please, we're family, almost. And what'll she say to that?"
"She'll get over it."
"No, please!"
"See, it always comes back to `no´, Spikey.", Angel told him and plunged the stake into his grandchilde´s heart. The look on Spike's face was priceless but too short to enjoy before he exploded into dust.
"Should've done this centuries ago.", Angel muttered, brushing off the dust while he headed for the mansion again.
Buffy´s nap had been a short one and she was pacing the mansion when Angel returned.
"Oh thank god.", she rushed towards him. "Where've you been?"
"Uhm...out.", he knew he had to tell her when she frowned at him.
"I've been paying Spike a little visit.", he started and his heart ached when he saw her flinch at the name.
"Why?"
"He needed to understand a few things and then I...I staked him."
"You what?"
"I staked him. Should've done so years ago...", he was carefully searching her face for a reaction.
"Oh...okay.", she bit her lower lip.
"I'm sorry for not telling you, but..."
"No, it's just...I...you did the thing I never did. Dunno why, maybe because he seemed to be useful every time he turned up..."
"So, you're not mad at me?", he asked her.
"No. You'll probably have to deal with Dawn, but...I dunno, I'm kinda glad it's over."
"Good.", he sighed and sat down on the large leather couch.
"Thank you.", she snuggled up against him. "For being my hero."
He leaned over to kiss her, nibbling at her pouty bottom lip until she granted him access to her hot, warm mouth. He pulled her closer and into his lap, devouring her mouth with fiery passion, eager to show her just how much he loved her. She melted into him perfectly, meeting his need with hers, cradling him even closer. His hands found their way down her shirt, pulling it off. He sucked in an unneeded breath at the sight of her breasts, barely restrained by a creamy satin bra.
"God, Buffy, I love you.", he murmured while he kissed down her neck.
"I love you, too...", she moaned as his tongue tickled the scar he left almost three years ago.
Her hands unbuttoned his shirt and so she was soon able to take advantage of his muscled chest. He groaned in pleasure, his obvious arousal pressing against her hot center.
"Angel...stop.", she whimpered.
"Buffy, shh...it's okay. It's okay if you're not ready. After what you went through today...I'm sorry for what...", he whispered. How could he have so easily forgotten?
"I was only thinking about the curse.", she smiled sheepishly. "I know what happened and I need you to take care of me. I need you to make me forget..."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. But I don't wanna risk..."
"Good, 'cause I've got to tell you that the curse is...gone. I mean, a friend of mine, a demon who reads auras, he says if the curse would have still been intact, I´d probably have turned into Angelus when Connor was born. I was so happy then.... So, no risk there..."
She stared at him with wide eyes. This could only be a dream. Not only did he return to her, he was also curse-free and able to make love to her.
Tears were welling up again, this time of happiness. He saw them and kissed every single one away. Then he offered her his hand and led her to the bedroom. She followed all too willingly.
After all the years apart, things were probably supposed to be awkward but they never even came close to it. Angel touched her with aching tenderness, wanting to memorize every sweet inch of her, trying to vanish the touch of other hands that had ever been on her skin. Buffy was sure she was going to turn into mush if he kept this up but yet she had never felt more alive since her return than now, giving herself up to the talented ministrations of her lover. He undressed her slowly, first removing her boots and socks, then unbuttoned her jeans. She lifted her hips to help him remove them and smiled when she heard him suck in a sharp breath. Her pants tossed aside he took his time kissing up her legs, making sure he was paying attention to every small spot. His fingers found the bruises Spike's hands had left on her thighs and he kissed them gently as if alone by his touch he would be able to make them disappear. His name dropped from her lips in a silent plea and he looked up to meet her gaze. How beautiful she was, her skin flushed with desire, her hazel eyes sparkling. She pulled him up and he followed eagerly, his lips once more closing over hers, his tongue engaging in a lover's battle with hers. She moaned into his mouth and he couldn't help but pressing closer to her hot body, warming his cool one.
As much as she loved this, Buffy needed more. His shirt was quickly pulled from his body and then she took over control for the first time this night. Peppering his chest with kisses, her hands were working on his pants, easily unbuttoning then, pushing them down.
While she was still drinking in the sight of him, he flipped them once again and his mouth descended on hers, nibbling at her lower lip, venturing down towards her neck and collarbone and finally closing over one satin covered nipple. She whimpered when he started to lavish it through the fabric, teasing and sucking until it was standing out and diamond hard.
"Angel, please...", she whispered. He didn't let her wait long, reaching under her, unclasping the bra and slowly pushing it off.
"You're so beautiful, perfect...", her murmured against her skin, moving towards her other breast to pay it equal attention. She moaned and arched into his moth, her fingers entangled in his hair to keep him in place. How was it possible that she had forgotten how good this felt?
"Yess...", he hissed, making him wonder if she, after all these years, was still so very responsive or if this was maybe just for him. He quickly decided on the latter when he started to move down, nuzzling the soft skin covering her flat stomach. Too flat, he noticed, making a mental note to feed her thoroughly. But that was for later, right now there were more urgent matters to be taken care of.
He paused when he traced the waistband of her panties, looking up for any sign of hesitation in her face, but found only love there. When she nodded, he started to pull the small garment from her body, already intoxicated by the heavy but oh so sweet scent of her arousal.
She watched him through heavy-lidded eyes as he moved up again, dropping kisses to her inner thighs, gently parting them to get access to her inner folds. A shiver ran through both of them when his mouth descended on her sex, his tongue sneaking out to lap up the honeyed juices flowing from her core. He used his thumbs to gently part her and then he was delving fully into the banquet she offered, teasing, licking, sucking at the swollen bud of her pleasure. He was vaguely aware of her incorent babbling and teased her mercilessly, easing first one, then a second finger into her tight channel. She exploded around him, her strong legs clamping down on his head, her whole body shaking with release. He lapped up her desire, never stopping his ministrations until she came for the second time.
"Ohgod, Angel, I love you.", she panted, trying to pull him up again.
"I love you, Buffy. I never stopped...", he whispered before he kissed her passionately, sharing the taste of her musky fluids with her. His throbbing erection was pressing against her leg through his boxers and Buffy´s hands flew down to drag them off.
"Baby, are you sure you want this?", he asked one last time. What if Lorne was wrong?
"Angel, I want you. I need you. I've waited so long for you to come home to me..."
"You're not worried?"
"About the curse? No. You said it was safe...but are you?"
"I'm pretty sure, but what..."
"Shh, Angel. This friend. Do you trust him?"
"Yes."
"Then make love to me. Please, we're gonna be safe."
She kissed him and he relaxed in her arms, finally allowing himself to believe the truth. And if not, he would take care of the matter...
Finally skin to skin, without the hindrance of clothing or doubt between them, they moved until he was poised at her entrance. Their eyes locked, then they both moved simultaneously, sliding together until he was sheathed inside her. Tears threatened to come close once more at the feeling of finally, utterly being one again.
"I love you, Buffy."
"I love you, too."
The magic of these words was their undoing and Buffy felt like falling apart only to be made whole again when he started making sweet, tender love to her. This was close to heaven and she dove into the feel of it.
Angel was being so gentle, not wanting to give her an unpleasant reminder of things that needed to be forgotten. His pace was slow and he relished in every inch he touched. How many nights had he dreamed about this, he didn't know, it didn't matter because they were here now. Love turned into passion and desperation they both felt deep inside them soon took control, driving them together harder, faster. They moaned into each other's mouths, never stopping to kiss until he felt that he was close to coming. She suddenly turned her head, offering her neck to him.
"Buffy, no..."
"Please, Angel. I need you to."
Her hand gently pressed his face down to where a fading scar was waiting to be reopened. She squeezed him tightly with her inner muscles and he knew he couldn't deny her. Changing into game face, his hand slid down between their intertwined bodies. The pressure on her clit, his throbbing cock deep inside her and his fangs breaking her skin sent Buffy into an earthshattering climax and she screamed on top of her lungs. The moment her sweet blood filled his moth, Angel was lost and with a final thrust he shot his cold seed into her fluttering channel.
They collapsed on top of each other, unable to move for several minutes. His tongue laved the two red holes until they closed and finally he started to pull out of her. She whimpered from the loss of him but let herself be tucked safely under the covers and into his embrace.
"Sleep.", he told her, tightening his arms around her.
"Don't go...", she whispered.
"I´ll stay. I promise." He'd never want her to wake up alone again. Having his promise, she finally relaxed and drifted into badly needed sleep and he soon followed.
They both woke up at the roaring upstairs hours later.
"Guess someone's awake.", she murmured against his chest, shivering as she felt his hands on her bare back.
"I´ll go talk to him. I doubt he'll listen, but..."
"Can I...can I come along?"
"I'm not sure it's the best idea but on the other hand, it can't really get worse..."
"We should probably go then..."
Still neither of them had moved from their intimate position. Angel looked at her beautiful face, gently tucking strands of hair out of sight. He liked the short hair as he had loved the long one, but still it reminded him of the time where everything had started.
She lifted her chin slightly up and he wasted no time delving down to kiss her.
"Good morning.", he whispered after they finally broke apart.
"Morning.", she smiled. He was still there.
Another roar from upstairs interrupted their basking before it led to more.
"Right. Crazy son to take care of.", she sighed.
"I'm sorry..."
"Don't be."
It took them a while to get dressed and finally all that was missing was Buffy´s shirt.
"It's gone. Guess I´ll have to go up this way.", she shot him an impish grin. He pulled her against him instantly, kissing her carnally, leaving her breathless.
"Oh no, you're not."
"Think he would mind?", she teased him further.
"No. That's what I'm worried about.", he told her.
She laughed and still in his embrace walked into the main room. How good it felt to really laugh again!
"Oh look, there it is. Guess that means I´ll have to wear it."
He growled lightly, making her heartbeat run faster.
"No one gets to see you naked but me."
She kissed him and finally having her dressed decently, he took her hand and the walked up the stairs.
"Connor?"
The struggling stopped and the expression of disgust covered the boy's face again.
"I´d like you to meet someone."
"Whatever."
Angel reached out his hand to drag Buffy into the room. He pulled her closer and she squeezed his hand reassuringly.
"Connor, this is Buffy. Buffy this is my son, Connor."
Wow, that was Angel's son? He had to be Dawn's age.
"Uhm, hi. It's nice to meet you.", Buffy tried.
"What are you, his whore?"
He could tell they had sex, their scents were all over each other. Though he had to admit that Angel's taste in women wasn't bad, didn't she know what he was?
"Uhm, actually, no. I'm his...", she glanced at Angel quickly. What exactly were they? "I'm his girlfriend."
"You're sleeping with him."
"Uh, yes.", She blushed and Angel pulled her closer but remained silent.
"And you know what he is."
"A vampire, yes."
"He's a monster."
"He's not. He has a soul."
"Yeah, so?"
Angel decided to jump in. "Connor, are you hungry?"
"Oh, and I thought you were planning on starving me to death. After all the shooting it would be a small step."
"I´ll go get you something to eat. Buffy, do you..."
"Thanks, but I guess I´ll stay. If that's okay?", She looked at Connor.
"It's not like I can do much about it."
"Are you sure?", Angel frowned.
"Hey.", She gently traced his face. "I'm a big girl."
He gave her a quick peck on the lips and disappeared.
"You're disgusting."
"You think?"
"How can you even let him touch you. You know what he is."
"I fell in love with him, knowing what he was."
"Love. What does he know about love."
"Connor. I can understand that you're angry. But have you even given him a chance to get to know him?"
"I know all I have to know."
"From a man that despises him. Now that's an opinion I´d count on."
"And you what? Know him better?"
"Yes. I know the Angel Holtz never knew. And I know the monster inside him."
"Then how can you love him?"
"Because he's got the most beautiful soul, he's sweet and caring. I trust him more than anyone else in this world."
"Sure.", he snorted. "And how long do you know him? A week? A month?"
"I've known Angel for six years. Connor, look, I know how you feel. But you have to give him a chance. He loves you."
"He's not capable of love. And if you're so obsessed with him, you're neither."
"I killed him, you know that?"
"What?"
"I killed him, or sent him to hell rather."
"Then why did he come back?"
"We dunno exactly. But he did. Angel knows he's done horrible things in his past. He did a fair share of them to me. But he has a soul now. He's doing good to redeem himself, don't you see that?"
"He abandoned me."
"You were kidnapped. He tried everything to get you back."
Connor looked at her closely. Could she be right? Then his eyes came to rest on her neck.
"He bit you???", he yelled. "Now that's a nice trick you're trying to play on me."
"Yes, he bit me. But I'm as alive as you are."
"Why didn't he kill you?"
"It...it wasn't like that...", she blushed again.
"No." Connor shook his head, getting the implication. "You LET him? Then you're worse than him."
"Yes, I let him. Because I trust him. Angel would never let anything happen to me. He loves me. And he loves you. All he wants is that you listen to him."
"So he can lure me in like he did with you."
"That's for you to decide. But don't you think he deserves a chance? What would it cost you to listen to him?
Connor shrugged slightly.
"Look, I know you don't trust me. But Connor, I'm the Slayer. Do you really think I couldn't defend myself?"
"You're the slayer? And you're in love with a vampire?"
"Yes. Takes time for people to get used to it. But Angel's so special, he's a wonderful person...I tried to stay away from him, believe me. But every time he's not with me something bad seems to happen. I trust him, I can rely on him and I love him. I don't tell you you'll have to feel the same but you could at least give him a fair chance."
Angel chose that moment to reenter the room, having overheard the last bit of the conversation.
Now Connor looked at him and for the first time there wasn't disgust but something else.
Buffy smiled and looked at him.
"I guess you two probably have things to talk about. I´ll just go home, take a shower...I´ll come back later, ok?"
"You don't have to leave."
"Yes, I have to. You two need some time alone. I just need to take care of a few things."
"Okay. See you later?"
She moved closer for a kiss and he whispered in her ear: "Thank you."
With a last glance at father and son she was gone.
"She's hot." Connor remarked from the bed, watching Angel stare at the spot she'd just vacated.
"She is.", Angel smiled.
Buffy entered the house, wondering what to do. It was quiet, as usual. Well, Willow and Tara were probably both busy making up and Dawn was at school. For the moment glad to be alone, she entered the bathroom. Memories of last night's events flooded her but she fought them, concentrating on Angel instead. She could still smell his scent on her, a reminder of their lovemaking acting like a protection shield. Stepping into the shower, she started to relax. Everything was going to be alright. Spike was gone, Angel was back in her life and her friends were going to be okay. It was as if a heavy burden was lifted from her shoulders, suddenly she found herself dreaming, making plans about the future again. She showered until the water ran cold, taking extra care of her body, like she had not done for an eternity. Dressing carefully, make-up, hair, these were all things she didn't take care of since she came back. Every time she had looked into the mirror all she had seen there had been death. Something that would hardly disappear with applying make-up.
She was about finished when Dawn burst into her room.
"Oh my god, where have you been?", she demanded, not sure if she wanted to hear the answer.
"Uhm...out?", Buffy tried Angel's excuse from last night.
"Oh no. You have been with Spike again. I just knew it.", the younger Summers girl shrilled.
"Look, Dawn. You should probably sit down. And listen to me..."
"I don't wanna..."
"Dawn! I know you care about Spike. But there's something you have to know."
"What?"
"Spike, he's gone. Dead."
"What? Why?", Dawn was already furious.
"Dawn, please. Listen. He came here last night and he...he tried...", she took a deep breath. "He tried to rape me."
"Oh my god, are you okay?", Dawn rushed over to hug her sister.
"Yes, I'm okay. He didn't...I stopped him."
"Thanks god. And did you..."
"No. It's a little more complicated than that..."
And then she started to talk about what had happened during the night.
Taking a small break from talking to his son, Angel wandered downstairs. It was already starting to get dark outside and he wondered what Buffy was doing now. Reaching for his cell phone to call her, he was suddenly distracted by three voices coming from the main room.
"This is perfect. Nobody will find her here."
"Yes. It's perfect."
"But...don't you think it's gonna be hard to get her here?", the squeaky voice sounded somehow familiar to Angel.
"She's gonna be drugged, you moron."
"Oh, right."
"Oh, and we could chain her over here and then..."
"Then we'll have our way with the Slayer..."
Angel decided he'd heard enough. The three bodies he sensed moving around were definitely human.
"Oh Warren, you're so brilliant," one of them said and Angel took this clue to enter the room.
"Planning on doing something to the Slayer?", he asked, game face intact.
"We're gonna drug her, bring her here and, you know...", the blonde one started.
"And then we're gonna kill her."
"Oh. And you are?", Angel asked. Was this town full of idiots?
"We're her arch nemesis.", the one called Warren replied.
Angel slowly advanced them, grabbing the blonde one before any of them could move away.
"Listen. You're gonna be nice boys and go home. You're gonna forget your plans and leave town tonight. Because if I ever so much as smell you, you're all gonna die very painfully. Is that clear?"
He took the wet patch on the boy's pants as a yes and dropped him. They were running so fast they almost tripped over each other. He was pretty sure they got his point.
***Days later****
"Buffy, are you sure you wanna do this?", Willow asked.
"Yes, I'm sure. Look, I know this year's not been easy for each one of us. I know you didn't mean to do a lot of things. But it's time I start thinking about what's best for me. I live again and I need to do something with it. I don't know what that'll be but I know I have to do this."
Her friends looked at her and nodded.
"Look, it's only for the summer and I'm not gonna be far away. You can take care of yourself, things are going slow. Call me if you need help, okay?"
"Okay.", Tara smiled and took Willow's hand. They owed her at least the chance to try.
"When will the pick you up?", Xander asked just as the front door opened and Angel came inside.
"Hey.", Buffy moved towards him, smiling dreamily.
"Hey.", Angel leaned down to kiss her. As usual they forgot everything around them and so Xander cleared his throat soundly.
"Ready?", he leaned his forehead against hers.
"Ready.", she nodded, turning around to face her friends.
Willow and Tara hugged her, Anya just gave a wave and Xander finally approached her.
"Be good.", he smiled.
"I will." She hugged him too. "Where's Dawn?"
As if on clue her sister entered the room, Connor in tow, now taking her time to hug everyone.
"Bye, Dawnie."
"You sure they're not moving in?", Connor asked, looking at the pile of bags and suitcases.
Angel took Buffy in his arms, smiling at her. He had to thank her for helping him with Connor. They were still talking a lot but slowly they were reaching a basical understanding of each other like they were. That was definitely a start.
Buffy looked back as the house finally disappeared. Connor and Dawn were chatting on the back seat and so she leaned against Angel's shoulder, driving towards a new beginning. The first day of the rest of her life awaited her.
***Weeks later***
"Morning.", Buffy yawned, entering the lobby. Gunn grinned at her, taking in the nice glimpse of Slayer ass while she was grabbing a coffee.
"Morning."
"It's nice to see you two decided to show up.", Cordy called at Angel who was following his lover a minute later.
"Where's Connor?", he ignored the snide remark.
"Shopping, with Dawn.", Gunn still grinned.
"Honestly, what is it with you men and the Summers women?", Cordy shook her head.
"Dunno...maybe they're using a certain kind of spell...", Angel grinned at Buffy from across the lobby.
"You think?", Fred's head shot up from a book.
"Maybe it's their charms...", Groo offered, earning a glare from Cordelia.
"Or maybe they just possess certain...qualities...", Buffy wiggled her eyebrows, making Angel who was moving towards her go faster to his growing hardness.
"You think?", he rumbled against her ear, making her knees weaken.
"Oh, I'm pretty sure I recall you mentioning something like that last night...", she squealed when he grabbed her for a passionate kiss.
"Oh god, please! Get a room!", Cordelia yelled at them.
"Want me to remind you?", Buffy whispered, making Gunn who overheard it grin like a maniac. A second later Angel had scooped the Slayer up into his arms, carrying her up the stairs in full speed.
"Oh god...I'm gonna need a vacation if they keep this up.", Cordelia groaned.
"I think they're cute.", Fred smiled dreamily.
"Doesn't get much cuter.", Gunn nodded and kissed her.
"Oh grea...", the seer started again, rolling her eyes as Groo shut her up with a kiss.
In the large room upstairs Angel was devouring Buffy´s mouth, frantically trying to unbutton her jeans.
"You have to wear more skirts.", he groaned in frustration. She finally took mercy on him, pulling down her own pants and then his own.
Not waiting for a teasing comment he quickly grabbed her and lifted her up against the door. His fingers found her clit and she wrapped her legs around his waist.
"Ohgod, Angel, yes."
Only too willing to comply, he pulled her roughly against him, entering her with one forceful thrust. Normal bodies would have broken from their wild, animalistic lovemaking but for them it was just right.
Their need for each other seemed to only increase with each day they spent together, years of lost time to make up for. She took him without hesitation, urging him on until she was sure the door would splinter. Roughly flicking her clit, he sent her into a screaming orgasm, quickly muffled by his mouth on hers while he shot his release inside her.
Collapsing to the floor they both laughed with pure happiness.
"Now we're all sticky again.", she remarked from on top of him.
"Looks like.", he kissed her damp forehead.
"Might as well take a shower...", she grinned impishly.
He didn't need long to pick up the implication.
The end. :o)