Justified

Author: brionycain Disclaimer: They don't belong to me. Never did. Rating: R Feedback: yes, I need to know if I should go on. Summary: Set after Angel Season 3 Finale Tomorrow. My version of Deep Down. Authors Note: This is my answer to Soulaguk's challenge. I will post it at the end. This is beta'd by Scarlett. Distribution: If you want it, okay. Just let me know where. Pairings: All of them.

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Part 1

Wesley could not believe the sight before him when he opened the metal box. Angel had been at the bottom of the ocean for three months and he looked ghastly. Vampires could go for long periods of time without feeding but the lack of blood affects their system. Bouts of pain, hallucinations, eventually they would be insane. Justine leaned over to look at Angel laughing.

"I think you waited too long to save your friend here."

Wesley ignored her taking in Angel's physical state. "He needs blood."

"I am not feeding that thing, she cried.

"I would not let you, snapped Wesley angrily, "you think your worthy to be his meal you're blood is too thin anyway."

He reached into a cooler withdrawing several bags of blood and began to feed them to Angel one by one. The vampire was so weak he had to punch a hole in one corner and then let it drain into his mouth. He looked like a skeleton. His hair was pasted to his skull and his skin was almost translucent stretched over his face and body. His eyes were dead and cold as if the soul no longer inhabited the body.

"He isn't getting better fast enough. This pig's blood isn't going to work." He pulled a knife out of his pocket as Justine screamed.

"You can't just feed me to that thing. He is evil don't you get that."

Wesley grabbed her up by the hair and shook her forcibly.

"Oh I could slit your throat and let him have you but I won't. I will do better by you than you did to me. Now shut up and get the hell out of my way, he said throwing her down.

He pushed back his shirt sleeve and displayed his own arm slicing a gash in his forearm. He held his dripping arm over Angel's mouth and the vampire began to drink in this rich warm blood. The two humans watched as Angel's body began to heal in front of them. His skin lost some of its pallor and his eyes began to focus. He glanced at Justine for a moment and then came to rest on Wesley. He grabbed him by the throat and began to choke him as Wesley fought him back. Angel was too weak to do much damage as Wesley was able to back away. He covered him with a blanket. "Soon, my former friend, you will be home soon."

The A.I. team sat in the lobby in shock. Wesley had called saying he had found Angel. After three months Angel was coming home.

"But where has he been, Cordelia asked Fred, you talked to Wesley. What did he say?"

"He didn't give me any details. All he said was he had found Angel and for us to wait here. Gunn and Connor don't know yet. They aren't back from patrol. Won't Connor be glad he's dad is safe." She hugged herself excitedly. "Everything's going to be okay now, don't you think."

"Oh my God, cried Cordelia, "Angel." She ran to help Wesley as he had chose that moment to come in the door with the starved vampire. "Wesley, help me set him on the sofa."

"Where did you find him?" Fred was sobbing at the sight of Angel. He was still pasty, his eyes were closed and she wasn't sure if there was even an Angel in his body anymore.

Wesley turned to the sound of the front door opening as Connor and Gunn stepped into the lobby. Gunn looked surprised and then raced over to Angel.

"What the Hell happened to him?"

Wesley straightened up to face the teenager standing by the door staring at his father on the couch.

"You know what happened don't you boy? Is this what you wanted? No, of course it isn't. You didn't plan on anyone ever finding him, did you?"

"Wesley, shouted Cordelia, what are you talking about? Connor didn't do this. He wouldn't hurt his own father."

"Oh yes he would, he said still not taking his eyes from the defiant teenager. "Tell them how you welded your father in a metal box and dropped him into the ocean. You didn't want to kill him. You just wanted him to suffer. All for something he didn't do you stupid little bastard. Your friend Justine is back at the pier where the two of you dumped Angel. Why don't you ask her who really killed Holtz? Ask her if she enjoyed sticking the ice pick in his neck so you would think Angel had done it."

Connor looks at him surprised. "Even if he didn't he still deserved it. He's a monster, an animal."

"And how soon before we deserved it, asked Fred. "He is your father. How could you do that to him?"

"That thing is not my father."

"Yes, he is, said Gunn quietly. "He's all you have. Your just too full of hate to realize that now."

"I don't need him. I don't need any of you."

Fred advanced toward him tazer in hand. "Good, then get the Hell out of here."

Connor went out the door quickly. The others stood there for a moment staring at Angel passed out on the couch. Fred walked over to him looking down at him.

"What do we do now? Wesley, where are you going?"

The others turned to see Wesley standing on the landing. "I'm done here.' He looked at Cordelia. "He'll need more blood. I'm fresh out."

She came to him. "Why didn't you tell us about Conner? You knew and you didn't tell us."

"You're human. He wouldn't have hurt you. I thought you were safer not knowing."

"We were safer, Fred cried, "You really don't care anymore, do you?"

"You have no idea what I care about." He turned to the door and Gunn could see the bandage on his arm where he had fed Angel his blood.

Gunn and Fred stood over Angel's bed watching the vampire lying there. "Fred, said Gunn, "he isn't getting any better. He's still unconscious and he still looks like hell. I know we keep feeding him but he isn't getting any better."

Fred wrapped her arms around his waist and buried her head in his chest. "I know but what do we do? I wish Cordy would get back."

"Where did she go?"

"I don't know. She just said she had to run an errand and she would be back soon."

She leaned over Angel's bed to wipe his face with the warm cloth. "He hasn't opened his eyes. Not once since Wesley brought him home two days ago. What if he never wakes up?"

"He will. We just have to keep hoping that he will."

Wesley grabbed his shirt and went to answer the knock at his door. Cordelia stood on the other side a look of concern on her face.

"What is it, he asked.

"You know what it is. He hasn't come to yet. I need you to come back to the hotel with me. I need you to help me help him."

"I don't think there is anything I can do for him. I brought him back to you. It's all up to you now."

"Wesley this is Angel we are talking about. He was your friend don't you remember? We were all your friends."

"Sometimes friends can be highly overrated. I have learned I can't count on them."

Cordelia flinched at this statement. "Please Wesley I am begging you." She started to cry. "I don't know how to help him. Just see him, please."

He buttoned up his shirt and grabbed his keys. "Okay, I'll come with you but I don't know that I can do anything for you or him."

Cordelia hurriedly pushed the door to the hotel open to and moved to allow Wesley inside. Fred came down the stairs and stared at them open mouthed.

"Why did you bring him back here? He doesn't care about Angel or any of us."

"Not now Fred, snapped Cordy hurrying Wesley upstairs. "We have to do something for Angel and Wesley is going to help."

Gunn moved away from the bed as the former Watcher entered. They watched as he leaned over the ailing vampire and looked him over closely. "When is the last time you fed him?"

"Right before I came to see you. He just lies there. He doesn't move. Why isn't he getting any better?"

"Maybe he was down there too long. But I don't think so. He's fed. He should have been okay by now."

"Hey, said Gunn, "maybe he needs like a shot of super blood or something like that." He looked at Cordelia. "What about when he was real bad before and you were telling me that the Slayer gave him some of her blood? You know that Buffy chick?"

"No, Cordelia returned angrily, "we are not calling her. Do not say her name. He might hear you," she said indicating the vampire on the bed.

"It seems he has already heard something, said Wesley dryly, his eyes are open."

Angel could hear voices around him as he came to. He tried to move but found he couldn't. He ached everywhere. His arms, his legs, his body, even his teeth ached. He opened his eyes to see the people talking over him. One man was talking, talking about him. Saying something about blood and a name, Buffy. Something triggered inside him. Buffy, that name should mean something. The woman was angry now. Not calling her. Don't say her name. A man was leaning over him, looking down at him.

"So you've decided to wake up, said Wesley. "How are you doing?"

Angel struggled to say something but his mouth didn't want to move. He managed to make a sound inside his head but it wouldn't come to his lips.

"Angel, said the woman, can you hear me?"

He stared at her. She was pretty in the face but she had this light colored hair that looked strange to him.

"Hey man, said the other man the one who had been talking before. "Good to have you back. We thought you were a goner."

He heard a shriek and jumped as a little woman with dark hair grabbed him by the shirt. "Angel, Angel."

He jumped at her touch and flinched as she grabbed at him. Wesley sensed Angel's unease and pulled Fred away.

"Calm down, Fred. You have startled him." He leaned again over Angel. Their eyes met and Wes saw only confusion there. He looked to the others.

"Everyone be quiet for a moment." He turned back to the vampire lying before him. "Angel, he received only a blank stare in return. This doesn't too look good thought Wesley.

"If I ask you some questions can you answer me? I will ask you something you blink once for no and two times for yes. Can you do that?" The vampire blinked twice for yes. "That's good. Do you know who you are?" Angel looked at him for a moment and blinked once. "No, said Wesley. "Your name is Angel. Do you know who I am?" Angel blinked once confused.

"Okay, do you know anyone in this room?" He moved over to let Angel look at everyone. He blinked no.

"This can't be happening, whispered Cordy softly. Wesley went on. "Angel, do you know where you are?" Once again he blinked no. Gunn touched Wesley on the shoulder. "Maybe we should let him rest for a while."

"One more question. Angel, do you know what you are?"

Angel just stared at him confused. He didn't understand what he meant by that. "I think we have our answer, said Wesley. "Now let us all leave him alone. He needs rest." He ushered the others out of the room down the stairs to the lobby.

"Give me a minute. I want to check something." He went back into Angel's room. The vampire was still laying there his eyes open as Wesley once more leaned over him.

"Angel, I am sorry but I have one more question for you." He leaned over to whisper, "Buffy, do you recognize the name Buffy." The vampire didn't blink and for a moment Wesley thought he was confused again. Then one solitary tear formed at the corner of Angel's eye and ran down the side of his cheek.

"It's okay. I will get her here for you one way or another."

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Part 2

Rating: PG in this part.

Wesley walked down the stairs of the hotel a slight smile played on his lips. This was interesting he thought to himself. Angel has no idea who he is. He didn't know who anyone was, but Wesley had seen something in his eyes when Gunn had mentioned Buffy, so he had played his hunch and he had been right. The vampire might be suffering from amnesia but he still held some memories of his past. Or maybe it was something else, but his reaction to her name could not be mistaken. Maybe Buffy was the one to help Angel. Wesley knew Cordelia wouldn't hear of it if he mentioned it so he would have to work this carefully.

"Wes, Wes, the fake blonde said, "Did you find anything? You said you were going to check something."

"No, no I didn't. I suggest you continue to keep an eye on him and feed him regularly. We will just have to give it time I think. What do you have there?" he said noticing she was frowning over a letter that was addressed to Angel.

"Of all the things. No, she smirked, " this might be a good thing. The prison wanted to let Angel know Faith is getting out the end of the week. It seems he wanted to be notified when she was released. Well, with him under the weather and all he won't be there when she gets out now will he?" She turned and tossed the letter in the trash. "All she's good for is trouble and we don't need a Slayer around here. Either of them." She headed for the kitchen turning her back to Wesley who quickly snatched the letter and slipped it into his pocket. He followed behind the jealous woman. This could only get better he thought.

Buffy sat at the kitchen counter sipping from her cup of coffee. The house was quiet as Dawn and Willow weren't awake yet. She had gotten up earlier than usual which was unusual for her. She still seemed to come alive after sundown. All these years of slaying the vampires and demons around the Hellmouth had turned her into a true creature of the night. She had learned how to use the shadows to her advantage during the hunt. She yawned and rose on the tips of her toes to stretch her tiny frame to its full length. Her solitude was shattered, by the ringing of the telephone. She snatched it up quickly, so as to not wake anyone else at this hour. She looked at the clock on the wall. She couldn't fathom who would be calling at this time of the morning as it was just after six.

"Hello"

"Buffy, this is Buffy right?"

"Yes, this is Buffy. Who is this?"

"Buffy this is Wesley Wyndham-Price. I am in Sunnydale and I need to see you."

"Wait a minute. I know Wesley and this does not sound like Wesley to me."

"Buffy it is me and I will explain when I see you. Can you meet me for breakfast in say about an hour?"

"What is going on Wes? Is something wrong in Los Angeles? Giles told me you were working with Angel." She felt a panic rise inside her. "Is something wrong with Angel? Or Cordelia?" A fear spread thorough her like ice. She gasped, "It's Angel, isn't it"

"Buffy, meet me at the Espresso Pump in an hour and I will tell you everything then." Buffy sat by the phone stunned. Something was wrong with Angel. She knew it. She could feel it. After all these years she could feel him again. She reached for his bite scar on her neck. She could feel him and he was in pain. Wesley was surprised to find her already setting in the coffee shop waiting for him when he got there half an hour later. He had planned to be early so he could figure out how to convince her to come to back to L.A. with him. He saw the frantic look on her face as she sat at the table if front of him stirring a hole in her cup of coffee. She had thrown on some jeans and a t- shirt and her hair was pulled back in a damp ponytail. The old Buffy would have never let herself be seen like this in public. He could also see she had matured in other ways. She no longer looked like the school girl, but then he had to remind himself she was Cordelia's age. Her eyes were still bright but she had shadows under them and he could see she was tired. Her hands were clenched into fists and he knuckles were white as she waited for him to set down.

"Tell me, it's Angel isn't it? What has happened to him?" Her eyes were wet and she looked about to cry. She blinked away the beginnings of tears and leaned across the table. "Tell me now."

Wesley studied her face for a moment. She was still in love with the vampire. Even after all these years. He had wondered at the bond between them on more than one occasion. He had seen Angel in his solitude when he was missing the little blonde, the pain on his face evident in his features. Wesley had made light of Angel's feelings for her the last time he had seen her after her friends brought her back from the dead. He felt ashamed by it now.

He blinked from his reverie to see her still watching him. Waiting for the news that would surely break her heart again. He breathed deeply and patted her hand. "Buffy something has happened to Angel. He has been badly hurt and he needs your help. I don't think anyone else can reach him." He went on to relate the entire ugly tale of how he had been attacked, imprisoned and left to suffer. He told her of how he had found him and brought him home. He related the condition he was in now.

"Who did this to him and have you killed them, she almost growled at him. "If you haven't then just tell me where to find them." Her anger was apparent as her body shook with rage.

"Buffy you don't understand I can't punish the person who did this. Angel would truly never forgive me." She looked at him confused. "It was Connor who did this, Angel's son." Buffy was still in shock. Angel had a son, a teenage son at that. Wesley had tried to be as thorough as he could in his explanation of Connor to Buffy. It was hard to fathom how he had ever been born. He had explained about his part in the kidnapping, the false prophecy, Angel's relationship to Holtz and the latter's demise at the hands of Justine. She had set there taking it all in her eyes never leaving his as he spoke. He had hesitated to study her for a moment. She was a beautiful woman. Her hair was a little darker than when she was in school but he liked it immensely. Her skin had a golden hue that showed around the neckline of her shirt. She was petite, tiny really and if he hadn't seen her in action he never would have imagined the strength she held in her small frame. She raised her cup to her lips and he realized she hadn't said a word during his entire exchange. She raised her hand to her brow to push her hair away from her eyes. "Wesley I don't really think there is anything I can do for him. He has you, Cordelia and the others there. He doesn't need me. I don't see how I could help him right now."

Wesley sat back in his chair. She looked away from him and down at her hands. He reached for them causing her to look up at him. "Buffy, I am going to tell you this because it is important. Its true Angel doesn't know who he is or who any of us are but he also doesn't know what he is. What is to stop him from getting up and walking out the door because he doesn't know he can't?"

"All of you will be there to watch him. Angel is strong and I'm sure you can help him get better soon."

He released her hands and reached across the table to grab her shoulders. She was surprised as he pulled her in close to him and looked her in the eyes.

"Answer me this then. Angel hasn't any memory of anyone, or anything. But I looked into his eyes and asked him about you. He can't speak right now but he can cry. One single tear, Buffy, all for you. If he doesn't need you why would he cry for you?" He released her and she slumped back in her chair. She covered her face with her hand. Small sobs began to escape, and her shoulders trembled. He came around the table to hold her. He hugged her tightly as she pulled herself together.

"I thought he had forgotten me, she whispered.

"Not in a million years, I don't believe he ever could. "Will you come? Will you help him?"

He watched her as she pushed her hair back and sighed loudly.

"I can leave tonight."

"Why wait until tonight?"

"I need to bring Spike with me." It was just after sundown when Buffy left for L.A., Spike in the seat next to her. The newly souled vampire hadn't wanted to come, and Wesley had been very skeptical regarding his presence. She had explained part of the circumstances of his having his soul returned, and countered with if they had any trouble with Angel then Spike could help with the muscle. Wesley had agreed, but had not been happy about it. He then left for L.A. giving her his cell number. She was to call when she reached town and he knew he had to hurry. Wesley had some preparations to make before Buffy arrived. She drove along the highway deep in thought. Spike hadn't said anything since they had left, but appeared asleep. All she had told Willow was Angel needed her help in L.A. and she was going to be gone for a few days. She noticed her roommate hadn't been really surprised. She had even readily agreed to keep an eye on Dawn. Buffy had asked her not to say anything to Xander until she had left. She really didn't want to hear his opinions on anything Angel. It had been when she told her she was taking Spike that Willow had blanched. "Are you sure that is such a good idea, she asked.

"No, I'm not. But I don't really have a choice. I have to keep an eye on him." She had promised to call in a day or two and then had left to pick up Spike before Dawn got home from school. She heard movement and noticed Spike was awake.

"I know you didn't want to come but I may need your help with Angel. You also haven't been yourself since you came back and I think you may need someone to watch out for you."

He looked over at her angrily. "I don't need a bloody babysitter. And I don't want to see my bloody pouf of a grand sire either. You could have come to see him without me."

"Its too late now, she sighed, we are almost there." Wesley paced the lobby waiting for Buffy's arrival. It hadn't been easy getting Cordelia out of the building. He knew she was exhausted so he had suggested she go home and rest while he stayed with the ailing vampire. She had resisted until he told her she looked tired, and could probably use a hot bath and a good nights sleep. Telling a vain woman like Cordy she looked worn would always send her scurrying off in search of the face cream, and beauty treatments. He was relieved when the door opened and Buffy stepped onto the landing and then he frowned when he saw she had indeed brought Spike along.

"Where is Cordelia, she asked hesitantly looking around.

"I sent her home to sleep. Gunn and Fred have gone to get something to eat. I need to get you upstairs and him out of sight."

"You could have damned well left me at home, griped the bleached blonde vampire scowling.

She looked at him like a mother scolding her child.

"Not an option. Do we have a place to stay, she asked.

"I can take care of myself, snapped Spike.

"Fine, just don't leave the building."

Wesley was confused as he watched the verbal banter.

"Buffy, Spike can stay downstairs if he likes. I have put you in a room near Angel. We better get upstairs." He took her bag and headed up the stairs with her behind him. Spike watched them from the bottom steps.

"I'll stay near but I'm damned well not staying here." He stepped out the door of the hotel and into the night. Buffy stood at the door of Angel's room. She had left her bag in the room next to him and had washed her face and combed her hair. She didn't know why she was taking so much time cleaning herself up. She just wanted to look okay. She hadn't seen him since the night they had met halfway after Willow had brought her back from the dead. She knew Wesley had gone downstairs on the pretext of intercepting Angel's friends when they got back. He thought it best she see him for the first time alone. She knew they would all know she was here soon enough and she winced at the thought of Cordelia. They had never been friends, and she didn't relish the idea of her company now. She had reached for the doorknob when she heard a crash inside the room. She threw open the door and raced to the bed to see Angel trying to get up. His eyes were closed and his face was twisted in pain as he struggled to rise. She grabbed his shoulders trying to get him to lie back down, and he began to struggle with her. He opened his eyes to see her face just inches from his. His body went limp, and he allowed her to lay him back down on the bed. He trembled, and then violent spasms shook his body. Buffy climbed on the bed and held on to him as he shook his eyes never leaving hers.

"No," he gasped, still looking at her in fear.

She reached for his forehead, and he flinched at her touch. He was actually frightened of her she realized. His delirium was obvious. She stroked his hair and then his face. "Angel, it's okay. I'm here. I'm here."

The vampire slumped under her touch, but he moved his head against her hand as she continued to stroke his head and face. He closed his eyes and drifted off, and this is when she took the opportunity to check his physical condition. He was thin, too thin. His skin was like parchment stretched over his bones and his hair was stringy. She touched his chest and his skin was clammy beneath her fingers. She felt the tears spring from her eyes and she raised her head to see him looking at her again. He strained to raise his hand toward her so she picked it up and held it for him. His fingers curled toward her face, so she held his hand against her cheek as he touched the tears there. He moved his mouth as if to speak, but nothing came out. A tear sprang from his eye to match hers. She leaned over to wipe it away, and she heard him sigh.

"It's okay. I'm here and we're together. You are going to be okay." Wesley watched the two of them from the doorway. He quietly pulled the door closed and headed down the stairs. He got halfway down and sat on the steps. I made the right decision, he thought. She is what he needs now. He saw Gunn and Fred coming in the lobby, and went to greet them.

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Rating: PG in this part. Gunn sat across the table from Fred watching her talking to Wesley. He still didn't trust the guy, but he had saved Angel, and he was helping them take care of him. He noticed that every so often Wesley's gaze would stray to the kitchen door as if he was expecting someone to be there. "Do you think Angel is getting any better?" Fred was asking him, "do you think he will ever get his memory back?"

Wesley didn't answer her, but turned to the both of them. "You should both know that an acquaintance of mine is upstairs with Angel right now. I feel certain they can help him."

"What acquaintance," said Fred, "what are they doing to Angel?"

"Who is with Angel, and what are you trying to pull," shouted Gunn rising to his feet.

Fred jumped up nervously. " Maybe I should call Cordelia." She moved to the phone as Wesley rose to intercept her.

"There isn't any reason to call her. No one is going to hurt Angel. Not with Buffy here anyway," he smiled.

Gunn stared at him. "Buffy, as in the slayer girl, Angel's flame? What is she doing here, and who called her?"

Wesley sat back down in his chair. "She is here to help Angel, and I called her."

Fred backed away nervously, "Cordelia said she was bad. Bad for Angel, and ju-just bad."

Wesley snorted, "Cordelia is full of crap. Buffy is just what he needs right now."

"Did I hear my name?"

The others looked in the kitchen doorway to see her standing there.

"Damn," said Gunn, "an actual kick ass Slayer." He rushed forward to stick out his hand. "Charles Gunn, ma'am, but everyone here just calls me Gunn."

Buffy smiled, "Nice to meet you." She turned to Fred, "and you are?" "F-Fred, and Cordelia says you are bad. You always hurt Angel, and then you leave."

Buffy looked the little brunette over. "Cordelia has that backwards." She looked at Wesley. "I need to feed him."

He went to the refrigerator and withdrew a blood bag. She took it from him, and turned to heat it slightly in the microwave. She took it out, and headed out of the kitchen.

"You didn't do it right. He likes it in a mug, and you forgot the cinnamon," the dark haired girl told her frostily.

Buffy laughed, "I think he can live without it for now." The three of them stood in the lobby watching Buffy climb the stairs going back to Angel. She knew they were watching her, but she really didn't care. She had got through her introductions to the rest of Angel's team. She knew Cordelia wouldn't be so easy. She sighed as she opened the door to Angel's room. He lay motionless on the bed his eyes closed in sleep. She climbed up beside him the blood bag in her hand. His eyes flew open to see her looking down at him.

"Hungry? You need to--" His eyes were on the bag in her hand and then he looked at her. She remembered what Wesley had told her. He didn't know what he was either. "Damn," she swore. "I'm an idiot." She saw he was looking at her warily. "You aren't the idiot, I am." She smiled down at him. "I will be right back. Don't go anywhere." She got off the bed and reached for the cup that held her coffee earlier. She rinsed it out in the bathroom sink, and filled it with the blood from the bag. She returned to the bed, and sat down by him again. She heard Wesley enter the room behind them as she leaned over Angel again.

"You need to drink something. It will make you feel better, stronger." He looked at her then the cup in her hand. He flinched, and closed his eyes.

"How are you going to get him to drink it when he obviously doesn't want it?" asked Wesley.

She smiled at him knowingly. "Just like this." She leaned over to Angel. "If I drink some first will you drink some too?" She held the cup to her lips as Wesley tried to keep his face impassive. He couldn't believe she was actually going to do this, but he couldn't turn his eyes away. She lifted the cup, and drank down a swallow. She looked at Wesley, and then at Angel.

"I know it doesn't look that good, but it is good for you. Medicine never tastes good, but we still have to take it anyway." She smiled down at him.

"Would you like me to help you?" Wesley came to the other side of the bed, and helped raise Angel up enough to sip some of the cups contents. He choked, and Buffy stopped as Wesley helped him set up in the bed. She once more held the cup to his lips, and gave him small sips at a time. The vampire never took his eyes off her as he drank the contents down. She wiped his mouth, and helped Wesley settle him in the bed once more. He closed his eyes, and soon he had drifted off to sleep. They quietly left the room, and headed down the stairs. Wesley still couldn't shake the sight of Buffy drinking blood from his mind. She seemed to hear his thoughts as she turned to him. "I did get him to drink it, didn't I?"

"Yes, but Buffy…."

"Then that's the important thing right? I would like to ask you to please not say anything though. Cordelia already believes I'm a freak. I think this would definitely cinch it." They entered the lobby to find Gunn and Fred arguing. The woman was still trying to call Cordelia, and he was against it.

"Look honey, she is upstairs taking care of him. We know they have a helluva history, but I don't think she came here to hurt him. I say we leave Cordelia out of it for now."

"But she shouldn't be here. She doesn't belong here."

Buffy flinched at Fred's words. "What exactly do you have against me," she asked, " You don't know me."

"I know what Cordelia said about you," sputtered Fred.

"Oh yeah, that I'm bad. You said that already." She headed back up the stairs. At the top of the landing she looked back down at Fred. "You know something, if I am so bad Cordelia would not still be standing upright, because I would have already killed her."

The others looked up at her in shock as she turned, and headed to her room. She closed the door behind her, and sank to the floor, her head against the wall. A tear rolled down her cheek, and she wiped it away angrily. She was here to help Angel get his memory back, and then she was gone. She wondered what he would think when that happened. Would he be upset to see her here; or would he be happy she came? "This isn't about you," she scolded herself, " it's about him."

She heard the door to Angel's room open, and then a scream. She jumped to her feet and followed the sound. Fred was crying as Angel in full game face roared from the bed. Gunn was trying to hold him down, but he was fighting him. She ran to the bed, and climbed up on it leaning over him. She touched his face, and he flinched in confusion. Gunn and Fred watched in astonishment as she caressed his demon face, and whispered to him softly. She traced the ridges on his forehead, and smoothed her hand over his brow. She smiled down at him, and they continued to watch as Angel's face became normal again. Gunn leaned closer to catch what she was saying to him.

"What is it? I leave you alone for a few minutes, and you go all postal." She glanced over at Fred. "You scared the lady here, but we know you didn't mean to."

Fred moved closer to the bed, but still remained out of reach. Buffy looked up at her, and Fred could see she had been crying before. She motioned Gunn toward the door, and then touched Buffy on the shoulder. "Can I get you anything, some coffee maybe?"

"That would be nice." Looking back at Angel she added, "I think he will probably sleep now, but I will stay here just in case." Fred followed Gunn out of the room and they quickly headed to the kitchen. Wesley was there at the counter making a sandwich.

"I would assume everything is okay."

"Angel was upset. He growled at me. I just wanted to check on him, but he didn't like it. Buffy calmed him down."

Gunn went to the coffee pot. "I have never seen anything like it. Angel is in full face, and I'm trying to hold him down, and she crawls up in the middle of him, and starts whispering to him, and touching his face. She didn't even hesitate for a moment. She wasn't scared. She was just, I don't know, right there. He is looking at her, and then no more vamp face."

"Buffy is well aware of Angel's other side. She has been on the receiving end of Angelus. I have no doubt she can handle him."

"She loves him, doesn't she? I wasn't very nice to her earlier, but I said I would take her some coffee. I need to apologize."

Wesley smiled at the little brunette. "Why don't you take her some dinner? She hasn't eaten, and she won't if you don't put it in front of her. I do remember that from my days as her Watcher."

He waited until she had left the room before turning to Gunn. "You haven't seen a bleach blonde vampire around here, have you? Spike has disappeared, and that may not be a good thing."

Seeing the other man's reaction he continued, "Buffy brought him with her in case we needed his help with Angel."

"She works with vampires? I thought Angel was the only vamp she ever had anything to do with. This Spike is his childe, right?"

"I think there are things we don't know about Buffy, and her life right now. She tells me Spike is harmless, and that he also has his soul. I would like to know where he is though."

"Fred is right about one thing, you know, Cordy isn't going to be happy she is here. I think she actually hates her."

"I don't give a damn what Cordelia likes or doesn't like. She has always been hateful where Buffy is concerned, but Buffy stays. Agreed?"

"I never thought I would say this to you, but yeah, agreed." Fred lightly knocked at Angel's door. "Come in." She opened the door to find Buffy setting by Angel's bed, a book in her hand.

"I didn't mean to interrupt your reading. I brought you some coffee and a sandwich. Wesley said you haven't eaten."

"Thank you," the blonde girl answered, taking the tray. "I am hungry, I guess."

Fred looked behind her at Angel. "How is he doing? Do you think he will be okay?"

"We will just have to wait and see. He is still very weak."

"I guess I will go now. He seems better with you here." She turned to leave. "I am sorry I hurt your feelings before. I am never hateful to people, but I was to you. I can tell you care about him very much. He knows you, and he doesn't remember any of us." "I don't know about that. I just came to help, and then I'll leave. I'm not here to stir up anything, or cause any trouble."

"Well, if you need anything let me know, and I am glad you're here." She closed the door behind her leaving Buffy to watch Angel sleeping.

"What about you," she said to him, "will you be glad I'm here? Or am I just a reminder of your past? I wish you would wake up and talk to me. I wish I knew you were going to be okay." She climbed up on the bed, and wiped his face with the warm cloth. She was tired, so tired. She just wanted to sleep for a few minutes. She stretched out beside him, and closed her eyes. When Wesley checked on her later she was curled up beside Angel, both of them deep in sleep. He smiled broadly, and closed the door, leaving them alone.

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Part 4

Rating: PG confrontational, angsty.

Spike stood in the doorway watching the woman he loved, sleeping next to the man she loved. It wasn't surprising finding her in his bed; he just didn't want to see it. He knew she had never loved him. She had needed to feel something, anything, after she had been ripped out of heaven, and left to claw her way out of her grave. Angel had been unwilling, or unable to save her, so he had gladly stepped into his shoes. He couldn't exactly remember when the golden haired beauty lying in front of him had replaced Druscilla in his heart, but she had. The fact she still loved Angel was all too obvious. She had never stopped. Spike knew it wasn't the fact that he had marked her either as she had loved him long before that. She had still loved him when he had lost his soul, and reverted to Angelus. She wouldn't ever admit it, but she had a dark side. At times he had seen her give in, and embrace her darker nature, but she would then pull back to the light. He knew he couldn't ever hope to hold on to her, but the memories would always be there. He felt this place was a joke. Those people downstairs were supposed to be these great demon hunters, and here he was right under their noses. He had hid in the shadows listening to their conversations all evening. These people didn't know anything about Buffy, or him. They didn't know Angel, not really. Only Buffy knew his true nature, having seen it in Angelus. He heard them talking about Cordelia. She would not cause Buffy any harm. He would see to it. He looked at Angel. He was sleeping so peacefully. He wondered how much he really remembered. He walked over closer to the bed, and found he was awake. Stepping carefully as not to wake the sleeping woman, he approached Angel on his side of the bed. He leaned over so he could look into his eyes. His grandsire stared at him blankly. "You may not know who I am right now mate, but I am warning you. If you hurt this woman again I will kill you. Make no mistake, you will be dust beneath her feet." Angel made no sign that he heard the blonde vampire. Spike left the room closing the door behind him. Angel had lain there for what seemed a long time listening to the woman beside him breathing in sleep. She had snuggled against him in her sleep, and he had wanted to pull her closer against him. Her scent was familiar. He had lain with her like this before. She was a part of his life, he just didn't know how. She had calmed him when he had felt the rage inside of him. He wanted to move closer to her. He wanted to touch her, but his body would not respond. He knew he was stronger than he had been, but the blank spaces in his mind frustrated him. He wanted to talk, but he couldn't. He wanted to ask this woman questions. "How do I know you? Are you mine? What does that word mean, mine?"

She shifted in her sleep, and he waited until he could hear her deep in sleep again. When he looked at her all he could think of was her name, Buffy, and mine. He felt a sudden movement, and then she was leaning over him, awake. Another word, beautiful, and then love. She stroked his forehead with her hand. He struggled to say something to her, other than the one word he had managed earlier. She put her finger to his lips. "Don't try to talk. Just rest now." She went to lift herself off the bed.

"Uhhhh," was the only sound he could make right now. "Okay, I will stay with you." She snuggled up next to him, and he felt calmer. He startled when she leaned over him again. "Angel, I love you. I will always love you." She pressed her lips to his for just a moment before resuming her position beside him. He closed his eyes, and lay there listening to her quiet breathing before sleep claimed him once more. Buffy woke up later to find it was almost dawn. She rose, and checked the curtains at the windows. Angel was still sleeping, so she welcomed the thought of a hot shower, and change of clothes. She stood over him for a moment studying his face as he rested. She had kissed him last night, and she shouldn't have. All that would do is possibly confuse him more. She couldn't use his condition to insinuate herself back into his life. It wasn't right to take advantage of him when she was supposed to be helping him. She quietly left the room, and stepped into her own heading for the shower. She stood under the water for several minutes preparing herself for the inevitable reunion with Cordelia. How Xander had ever found himself in a relationship with the spoiled rich bitch was beyond her. She had saved Cordy's butt more than once, and never received anything but grief for it. She had been upset to learn she was in L.A.; working with Angel, but there hadn't been anything she could do about it. She quickly dressed, and stepped back into Angel's room to find him still sleeping. She headed downstairs hoping for a cup of coffee to find Wesley there ahead of her with his customary cup of tea. He smiled at her entrance, and offered her the chair in front of him. He had not left last night, but had stayed at the hotel to watch over her. He wanted to be here when Cordelia made her appearance. Gunn and Fred might have softened toward Buffy, but Cordy could be a bully, and he didn't want the woman in front of him to decide to leave. She hadn't been here twenty-four hours, and already he could see an improvement in Angel's condition. It was already becoming obvious the vampire upstairs was only content when certain people were with him, and that was the way Wesley wanted it. He looked at Buffy who was staring into her coffee intently.

"What is it? Something has you upset, or worried?"

"This is harder than I thought it was going to be. He got agitated when I tried to leave him last night. I stayed in his room, and I shouldn't have."

"I can see an improvement in him already, and you just got here. You can bring him back. I know you can."

"But at what cost to me, Wes? I hate seeing him like that, but it's just so hard. I have tried to put him, put us behind me. We both decided to move on. When he gets his memory back he will remember that. We made an agreement, and I'm not holding to it by being here."

He came around the table, and took the chair next to her. "Buffy, I don't know what sort of an agreement you might have had with Angel, but I know that if you were where he is now he would be setting by your bed. I am certain of it. The two of you are far from over. You might as well admit it."

"He has moved on Wes, it's me that can't seem to do it. I told him once I would never stop loving him. I never have."

She didn't cry, but Wesley's heart went out to her. She didn't deserve to hurt like this, and she wouldn't for much longer. There was much both Buffy and Angel didn't know, and he was here to rectify that situation. He pulled her into his arms, and hugged her.

He was going to take care of this. He owed it to Angel, and to the woman he was holding. He released her, and looked into her face. "We are going to do this a day at a time. I'm going to be staying here at the hotel if you need me. We will concentrate on getting Angel better, and then go from there. Are you with me?"

"I'm with you."

Fred walked into the room taking in the sight of the two setting there. "Is everything okay?"

"We are fine, Fred." Fred could tell the girl at the table had been about to cry again. She still felt badly for the night before. "Buffy, can I make you some breakfast?"

"I don't want anything, thank you."

Wesley caught Fred's eye, and nodded toward the refrigerator. She understood, and hurried to get them all something to eat. She could see that while Buffy was here taking care of Angel, she needed someone to take care of her too. A few minutes later she was cooking a full breakfast for everyone. Gunn entered to find them all in the kitchen. He took the seat across from Buffy, and studied her intently. She met his gaze, and he realized he was staring at her. "Sorry, it's just that I have never met an actual Slayer before. I know there are two of you, but still damn, a Slayer."

Fred set a plate of eggs in front of him. "Close your mouth and eat." He picked up his fork, and looked again at Buffy. "Do you think you might spar with me once while you are here? I would really like to see you in action."

Buffy smiled at him. "Sure, no problem."

Fred stood next to her plate in hand. "Are you sure you won't eat anything," she asked her timidly.

"I changed my mind. It does smell good. Thank you." Buffy took the plate, and began to eat. The others sat around her alternating between eating, and being very aware of her presence amongst them. She pushed back her chair from the table. "Thank you for breakfast. It was good. I probably had better check on him." She hurriedly left the room.

"How is Angel doing now," asked Gunn. "After yesterday I don't think he is too comfortable with us around. I still can't believe she calmed him down so fast. Do you think he knows who she is?" Wesley rose from his seat, and went to the counter. He rinsed out his cup, and turned to face Gunn at the table.

"I think he feels he should know her. He has far to go before he will be the Angel we know again, and he may never get that back. If she is the calming influence over him right now, then I feel we should be thankful for her presence. He may become attached to her. I have already seen signs of it. He became upset when she tried to leave him last night, so she had to sleep in his room."

"Cordelia won't like that at all. She and Angel, what about Cordy and Angel?" Fred stood by the counter nervously.

"There isn't any Cordy and Angel," Wesley bit out disgustedly. "Some people we know put that idea into their heads," he said looking pointedly at Fred. "Do you want Buffy to leave right now, knowing she is already doing him some good by her being here?"

"No, no!" Cried Fred, "he does need her here. I can see it."

"Don't be so hard on Fred," exclaimed Gunn, "she wants Angel well just as much as you do. So do I."

"I'm sorry, Fred. I should not have spoken to you that way. I am going to see if Buffy needs any help with Angel."

Gunn waited until Wesley had left the room. "He is being very protective where she is concerned. I wonder why that is. I have never heard him say much of anything about her until now he shows up with her. I think something else is going on."

"I think you are right. But we do have to help him keep her here. She is helping Angel. I think she still loves him."

"Who loves who," asked Cordelia, smiling from the doorway. Gunn and Fred hadn't heard her come in, and they struggled to cover.

"Uh, Fred, Fred still loves me."

"Well of course she does, silly."

She sat her bag down in the chair, and went to get a cup of coffee. "I slept like a log last night. I didn't know how tired I was until my head hit the pillow. And how is our patient? Have you checked on him this morning?"

"He is fine. He slept well last night. Wesley is with him."

"Wes is here already? Well, he is really falling in to help, isn't he?"

Gunn answered her. "Wesley stayed the night in case Angel needed him. We upset him last night, and needed the extra hand."

"Oh, then I better go see him and let him know I'm here. He probably missed me last night." She headed out of the room to go upstairs.

"Gunn, we can't let her go up there right now. What if she upsets Angel when she sees who is with him?" He jumped out of his chair and raced to the lobby. Cordelia was standing at the bottom of the stairs looking at Wesley at the top. "How is Angel?" She asked.

"He is fine. Actually he is sleeping right now. He needs his rest." He looked at her coldly. "Did you sleep well last night?"

"Yes, I did, but I want to check on Angel right now."

"I told you he is asleep."

"Wes, I need to know where you keep the towels around here. I'm going to try and clean him up today." Buffy came into view at the top of the stairs, and Cordelia gasped, "What are you doing here?"

She started up the stairs, but Gunn grabbed her arm. "She is here helping Angel. She got here last night." Cordy shook him off. "Well now she can leave. I am back, and I will take care of him. He is sick, and we don't need you around to upset him."

Buffy looked down at the fake blonde below her. "You know, Cordelia, I wouldn't have recognized you until you opened your mouth. Not with the hair and all. Is that straw on your head, or are you wearing a Chia pet?"

The woman downstairs screamed up at her, "I hate you!! Just get the hell out of here! Nobody asked you to come!"

Wesley looked at Buffy. "You will find towels in the hall closet on the end." He smiled at her, enjoying the scene immensely. "I will be happy to take care of this."

Buffy watched him go down the stairs, and take Cordelia by the arm. "Let's go talk somewhere, shall we?" He led the angry woman into the kitchen, and deposited her in a chair.

She looked up angrily at the others around her. "How could you let her near him? All she's going to do is upset him, and he doesn't need that now. He doesn't even know who she is."

"That's where you are wrong," said Gunn, "he doesn't know us, but he knows her. He got upset last night, and vamped on us. She calmed him down, and all she had to do was let him see her. She touched him, and he changed back."

"So who are you, her champion now?" Cordy sneered.

"Shut up," snapped Wesley. He took the chair next to her pulling it around to face her. "I went to Sunnydale, and asked Buffy to come here. She agreed, and she is helping him. He wants her here. He gets upset when she tries to leave him. She is staying. The rest of us are in agreement here. You will do nothing to make her stay, less pleasurable, do you understand?"

Cordelia jumped up from her chair. "Do you forget what he is like when he is thinking of her? How she makes him miserable? Do you want him like that again? She will hurt him. She always does. He is better when they are apart."

"Let's talk about that, shall we?" Wesley grabbed her arm, and put her back in her chair. "I have always found it interesting how you got your seer powers. Doyle gave them to you, did he not?"

Cordelia didn't know where he was going with this, but it made her nervous. "You know he did. What does that have to do with Buffy being here?"

He rose to stand over her. "I think it is interesting that while Doyle had visions about Buffy, you never have; or at least none that you bothered to share with us anyway. I think it would be interesting if Angel knew you had seen things regarding her, and didn't bother to tell him. He would not be very happy with you, would he? Do you think Doyle knows how you have corrupted his gift?"

She sputtered, "You don't know that I have kept things from Angel. I can only tell what I see."

"But do you tell us what you see, that is the question, isn't it? I would think about it if I were you. In the meantime Buffy stays and I might mention Spike is around too, soul and all. But you already knew that didn't you?" He walked out of the kitchen leaving the others standing there.

Cordelia looked up to see Gunn and Fred staring at her. "You aren't going to listen to him, are you? Wesley can't be trusted, you both know that."

Fred looked at her closely. "We know we can trust him to bring Angel home, and to bring Buffy here to help him." She choked back a sob and fled, heading up the stairs to her room. Gunn didn't speak to her. He just shook his head, and left the room, leaving her setting there alone.

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Part 5

Wesley knocked before opening Angel's bedroom door. Buffy walked out of the bathroom, carrying a basin of water. "Can you give me a hand? I was going to clean him up some." He went to the bedside, and waited for her instructions. Angel was awake, but he didn't appear to notice them standing over him. "Is everything okay downstairs," she asked hesitantly.

"It's nothing for you to have to worry about. I told you I would take care of it."

She continued to wash the vampire's chest and torso, taking care to be gentle. "He isn't healing like he should be Wes. You know it, and I know it. He needs something more substantial than pig's blood."

"What did you have in mind?"

"I want to give him my blood. It helped him before, and I know it could do it again. I don't want anyone else to know about this though. I want to do it at his next feeding. Will you help me?"

"We can't take the chance on you having to go to the hospital Buffy. Last time Angel nearly drained you. I was there, remember?"

"I don't mean having him bite me. I meant you helping me drain a pint, and giving it to him. Will you help me?"

Wesley thought for a moment. "Okay, but no more than a pint. I can take it from your arm, and no one has to know." He looked down at Angel, who continued to appear in a trance. "Do you think he hears us?"

She carefully washed his face, and smoothed his hair. "I think maybe he does. I just don't know if he understands anything we say to him." Wesley studied Angel's demeanor. "I know he has moments of lucidity. I see a spark in his eyes sometimes, as if he is in there, and trying to communicate with us."

She moved away from the bed to discard the towels and washbasin. Angel's eyes followed her until she was out of his line of vision. He looked at Wesley, and blinked rapidly as if trying to focus. "Uuhhhh," the vampire uttered.

"Is he trying to talk?" Asked Wesley. "He did that last night when he didn't want me to leave. He said no yesterday." She came back to the bed, and leaned over him. "Can you say something for me today?" The vampire blinked twice.

Wesley caught it. "Buffy, he just told you yes." He quickly explained the once for no, two for yes exercise they had done Angel's first day back.

She crawled up beside him. "Angel, are you saying yes?" Again he blinked twice.

Wesley leaned over the bed. "Angel, what is it you wanted to say?" He opened his mouth, and his voice came in a whisper.

They leaned over to catch it. Buffy tried again. "Angel, can you tell us what you wanted to say?"

The vampire looked at her, and blinked twice. "Tell me, I'm right here." He struggled to speak, and began to cough. "Maybe it's too soon, Wes."

They could see Angel was struggling to make the sounds. They watched as he took a deep breath, and looked into Buffy's eyes. "Bu-uffy." He fell back on his pillows, exhausted from his efforts.

"He did it, he said your name." Wesley was elated. He felt better about Angel's recovery now. If Angel could say her name, it meant he could remember some information. They just didn't know how much of anything he could remember. He looked over at Buffy, and realized how tired she seemed. Taking care of Angel was taking its toll on her emotionally, and she needed to rest. "Why don't you go lay down? If you plan to donate your blood to him, you need your rest too."

Buffy knew he was right, but she was reluctant to leave the room, Cordelia was still downstairs.

Wesley stood up, and offered her a hand. "What do you say to lunch, and then a nap?"

She smiled, and took his hand. She leaned over to Angel, and smiled at him. "I will be back, you get some rest." He closed his eyes, and drifted off to sleep.

Buffy followed Wesley down the stairs to the lobby. She stopped when she looked out the doors into what looked like a stone garden. "I think I might like to go out there for a little while, I could use some air." She walked out the doors, and sat down on a bench. The sun was shining high overhead, and she turned when she heard a noise behind her. A boy hid in the shadows of the trees watching her. "I know you are there. You might as well come out."

He stepped out from behind the trees, and looked at her defiantly. "What do you want?"

"I could ask you that. You are the one watching me."

"I know who you are," he almost spat, " I know what you are doing here."

"Okay, you've got me at a disadvantage. Want to tell me who you are?"

"You mean you don't know. I thought they would have told you all about me by now."

She looked at the rage in his eyes, and it came to her. "So you are Connor, huh? A bit scrawny, aren't you?"

"I could take you, easily."

She threw back her head, and laughed. "Could I take a rain check on that? You see; I am kind of tired. Someone locked a friend of mine away for a while, and I've been busy taking care of him. You wouldn't know anything about that, would you?"

"How can you help him? He's a thing. He should have died."

"Then why the box, why not just stake him?"

"I wanted him to suffer for his crimes."

"Take it from me, he has been doing that for a long time now. Who made you judge, jury, and executioner anyway? I always thought that was my job. If you're a vampire or demon anyway." She smiled at him.

He glared at her furious. "But you help him, why?"

Buffy sighed. This kid was a piece of work. "What I know is that so called `thing' upstairs is your father from what they tell me, and he has saved my ass a few times. He has helped so many people since I have known him, and I think that counts for something." She glared back at him, but he was sullen. She rose to her feet. "I am going to go get something to eat, and then I plan to take a nap. If you want to continue this later, then you look me up."

She started to go in, her hand on the door. She looked back to see him still watching her intently. His expression was blank, but she thought he was trying hard to make it look that way. "Will you be out here tomorrow?" He asked.

"I can probably manage that." She watched him leave, keeping to the shadows of the trees. She walked into the kitchen to find Fred at the table.

She jumped up when Buffy entered. "Buffy, can I get you anything?"

"You don't have to wait on me Fred. I just wanted a cup of coffee, and maybe a sandwich."

Gunn swept into the kitchen carrying containers of food. "Hey Buffy, I've got Chinese here. Are you hungry? I've got plenty." Buffy grinned at him. He sat two containers down in front of her. "Wesley said you used to like chicken, and vegetables, and egg drop soup." Buffy looked at him in surprise. He leaned over the table grinning at her. "Wesley put Cordelia in her place earlier. You should have seen it." He laughed. "I personally liked your Chia pet analogy. I did have to explain to Fred what one was though."

Fred smiled shyly. "I always did like Cordelia's hair when it was brown. I don't know why she changed it."

Buffy looked up from her eating to see they were both staring at her again. "Guys, I don't have two heads. Would you just eat?" They looked at her guiltily, and started eating. "Where is Wesley?"

"He said to tell you he had to go out, but would be back soon." Fred hesitated for a moment. "Cordelia is downstairs if you wanted to talk to her."

Buffy pushed back her chair from the table. "I might as well get this over with."

Cordelia looked up from her place on the exercise mat when Buffy entered the room. "Leaving yet," she snapped.

Buffy sat down in front of her, and sighed, running her fingers through her hair. "Cordelia, what the hell is your problem with me? You have always been like this. What did I ever do to you to make you hate me so much?"

The blonde seer wasn't expecting this from Buffy. She expected to argue with her, not this kind of confrontation. She thought about what Wesley had said upstairs. It was true she had kept things from Angel and the others, and some of it had turned out badly. Like Buffy dying again badly. "I don't hate you Buffy," she finally admitted. "It's just you aren't good for Angel. He is miserable when he is brooding about you, and all you do is hurt him."

Buffy looked into Cordelia's face. "I have hurt Angel, I admit that, and I did it out of anger and jealousy. I have always been envious of the fact that you are out here with him where I wanted to be. You get to share his life now. I can never do that again, and I know it."

Cordelia was stunned. "Buffy, it tore him up inside when he left you. He loved you so much; I know that. It's taken him a long time to get better."

Buffy could feel the tears, and she tried to fight them, but they flowed down her face. "I know that Cordelia, but he has gone on, hasn't he? He has found someone else to love, and I am part of his past. I can accept that. I am here to help him get better, and then I will leave. I won't hurt him again. I want him to be happy." She got to her feet, and walked to the stairs. "As soon as he is better, I will be gone."

Cordelia sat there, tears of her own streaming down her face. She had never felt more ashamed than she did now. She walked up into the lobby headed for the front door. She met Wesley as he entered from the outside. He could see she had been crying, but he couldn't bring himself to feel any sympathy for her. "Is Angel okay?"

"Yes," she nodded, "I am going home, and I will be staying there for a while. You don't need me to help him. Buffy is doing that."

She opened the door to leave. "Wesley, tell her I am sorry. Tell her I am sorry for everything."

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Part 6

Fred knocked lightly at Buffy's door. "Come in." She entered to find Buffy lying across her bed. "I'm sorry to bother you, but you're wanted on the phone." Buffy started to get up, but Fred stopped her.

"I can take a message if you want." She smiled at the woman.

"It's okay. I will take it." She followed her downstairs.

"It's your friend, Willow."

Buffy took the phone, and put it to her ear. "Hi, Will. Is something wrong at home?"

"No, actually it has been pretty quiet here. It's like all the demons know you are out of town and they had better behave, or you will kick their butts when you get home."

Buffy couldn't resist a laugh. "Okay, so how are Dawn and Xander?"

"Dawn is good. She says to tell you to do what you have to. She is growing up that girl. Xander, well you don't want to know what he said."

Buffy put her head on the desk for a minute. "No, you are probably right there."

"So Buffy; how is Angel?"

"Not good. It's going to take longer than I thought. He isn't responding like he should be. Pity there isn't a B-12 shot for vampires."

Willow was quiet on the other end. Finally she spoke. "But you know there is. I'm sure you've already thought of it."

Buffy looked around to see if anyone was listening. "Yes, I have thought of that, and I have talked to Wesley about it. Are you going to hate me if I do it again? It won't be the same as before. This time it's like going to the blood mobile." Buffy could hear her intake of breath on the other end.

"Buffy, I wasn't upset that you did it before. I understood why, then and now."

"I have to do everything I can to help him. I couldn't live with myself if I didn't."

"I know that. It's not wrong that you still love him. It's who you are."

"I just wish it didn't hurt so damn bad."

"I'm here if you need me. If you need me to come, you know I will."

"I appreciate it, but I'm okay. Everyone has been nice, and I may have even have come to some kind of understanding with Cordelia. I will just have to wait and see. I will call you in a couple of days."

"Okay, and get some rest. You sound exhausted."

She put down the phone, and laid her head on the desk again. She was just so tired. That's where Wesley found her a little while later. She was slumped in the chair, her head on her arms. Gunn joined him, and they looked down at her. Wesley motioned, and Gunn picked her up, and carried her to the lobby. He laid her on the sofa, and Fred hurried to cover her up with a blanket. The three of them went to the kitchen to find Spike leaned up against the counter. "There is something in the refrigerator for you if you want it," the former Watcher said.

Spike looked at him. "I am not taking anything that belongs to him."

Wesley moved toward him. "It isn't his. I picked it up today for you."

"Well, seeing as I have already had dinner I might just save it for later." He walked out of the kitchen leaving them staring behind him.

"Is he staying here," asked Fred, "he scares me."

"No, I don't think Spike likes our hospitality, but that is okay. As long as he stays near enough to keep an eye on, he can do as he pleases." He glanced at Fred and Gunn who were still staring after the other souled vampire. "He can't hurt you. He has a chip in his head that won't allow him to attack humans. Giles told me all about it."

Buffy woke to find herself on a couch in the lobby, and she wasn't sure how she got there. She was still tired. She looked around. and finding no one headed upstairs to check on Angel. He was asleep. She noticed someone had pulled a lounge chair into the room on the other side of the bed. She moved it to where she could see him if he woke up, and crawled up on it. She pulled up the blanket, and was asleep in minutes. Angel opened his eyes to find himself alone. He could smell her though, the woman who had been taking care of him. The one named Buffy. He moved his head a little, and could see her asleep on a chair beside his bed. He frowned at her. He wanted her to sleep next to him. He just felt better if she was beside him. When he had opened his eyes earlier he had seen the other woman, and a man bring the chair into his room. He had wanted them to get out. He felt this rage boiling up inside of him again, and he didn't know where it came from. He wanted to hit something, to hurt something, but his body wouldn't respond. He was furious, and he couldn't let it out. He threw back his head, "Aaaahhhhhhhh!!" Nothing came out. The sounds were only in his head. He struggled to rise. He could see she was moving in her sleep.

"Angel," she murmured.

He stilled. That was what they were calling him. They said his name was Angel. He watched her to see if she would say anything else, but she was still asleep. She looked peaceful there. He felt the rage subside as he took deep breaths. He turned so he could see her better. He was so tired, and he wished he could talk to her. He wanted to ask her things, but he couldn't yet. He had all this thoughts, but he didn't know if they were real or not. He struggled to stay awake and think, but he was exhausted by the little effort he had put out already. He closed his eyes, and dreamed. He dreamed of a dark place. He was on his back, and she was standing over him. He couldn't hear what she was saying but it was her. He gave her a small box. Next he was in a place with many other people there. He could see her in front of him. She kissed him, or maybe he kissed her. He felt a pain on his chest. He was walking with her somewhere, and she was talking to him, but he still couldn't hear her. His arms were wrapped around her, his hands in her hair. She smelled so good. So many snippets of things were running through his head. Now he was fighting her, he was saying things to hurt her. Why would he hurt her? He woke up breathing heavily. Now she stood over him. He looked at the chair, and it was empty so this wasn't another one of the dreams. She had the man with her. The one who had brought him here, to this place. He knew he should know him, but he couldn't remember. She was wiping his forehead, and leaning over him. He could smell her. He remembered the smell. It made him shiver, and warmed him at the same time. Nothing was making any sense. He felt like he was floating somewhere. She was moving away from him, but he could still hear her voice, and he could still smell her. He closed his eyes, and drifted away.

Wesley watched Buffy as she once again washed Angel's face and chest. She looked a little better than before. "Did you get any sleep?"

"Yes, I woke up on the couch downstairs, and then I came up here. I didn't realize how tired I was."

"You fell asleep at the desk, and Gunn put you on the couch. He and Fred moved the lounge in here so you could rest in between taking care of Angel." He picked up a bag by the door, and set it on the table. "I got what we needed here. If you still want to."

"Yes, I do. I talked to Willow and she thinks it's a good idea too. Where do you want to set up? I don't think we should do this in front of him though."

"We could step into your room if you want. No one will bother us there."

They went into Buffy's room, and she sat down on the chair while Wesley got the supplies ready. He sat down across the table from her. "Are you sure you want to do this?"

"Yes, I think this might help him, physically at least. Just think of it as a B-12 shot."

He laughed at that thought. "I guess that is one way of looking at it." He readied the IV at her vein. She didn't flinch as he inserted the needle. "Only a pint, agreed. I don't want you to get sick, and you are still tired. After we finish here you need to eat."

"I will after we feed him." She watched the blood flow into the bag Wesley was holding. "Who would have ever thought my blood would be some kind of elixir?"

"You know when he gets his strength back he will be upset that you did this."

"I won't give him time to get too upset. As soon as he's better I am going home. I already told Cordelia I wouldn't be staying."

Wesley looked over at her, but she wouldn't look at him. "If that's what you want," he said.

"That's how it is. I play nurse. I go home."

He leaned over her arm. "Okay, that should do it." He removed the IV and reached for a band-aid.

"I don't need that. You know I heal pretty fast." She reached for the cotton, and bent her elbow. "It will be all better in just a minute." She picked up the bag of warm blood. "Shall we see if our patient is awake?"

Angel heard them enter his room. It was her again, and the man. She moved out of his line of sight, but he could hear them talking. She came to the bed, and leaned over him. "It's time to give you your medicine again. Wesley is going to help you set up like we did last time. Are you ready?"

Angel blinked his eyes twice at her request. Wesley came to his other side reaching behind his head, and shoulders to lift him. Angel flinched, but she caressed his face.

"He isn't going to hurt you. He is helping me help you, okay? I can't hold you, and help you drink too." He looked into her eyes, and seemed to understand what she was saying. He relaxed as the man helped him set up against the pillows. She raised the cup to his lips, and he could smell the contents. He felt something rise up inside of him, and he wanted to grab the cup, and drain the contents. She held the cup to his lips, and let him have a sip. He struggled to drink it all, but she pulled the cup back. He growled, and his eyes flashed golden. She didn't flinch but climbed up closer to him.

"Okay, you can have it, but let me help you." She raised the cup to his lips, and let him have more. He drained the cup in a few swallows. He looked at her, and narrowed his eyes.

"He wants more," she said to the man. She climbed off the bed, and disappeared for a moment. His face changed, and he growled again.

"Stop it, it's right here." She came to him again with the cup. She held it as he drained the contents again. "That's it. All gone." She wiped his mouth, and the man moved to lay him down again. He growled in frustration.

"Do you want to sit up for a while?" He looked into her eyes and blinked twice. "Wes, I think our patient is feeling better."

The man leaned over him. "I think you are right. We know he still has his temper don't we?" He moved away from the bed. "I am going to step next door, and put away the supplies. Don't forget you promised to eat."

She smiled at him as Angel watched her. "Don't worry, I will in a little while."

Wesley left, and she turned back to the vampire on the bed. He was watching her intently, and he was still in vamp face. She caressed his forehead.

"Why do I still see the face? Are you upset?" He just looked at her. "Okay, you can't really tell me what it is, can you?" She continued to caress his brow, and his head. "Does that feel any better?" She then noticed he was looking at her arm intently. She pushed up her sleeve, and she realized he could still smell the blood where Wesley had taken it from her arm. She pulled her arm away, and pushed up her sleeve. A fine trickle had run down her arm, and he could see and smell it. He looked at her, and breathed deeply. Buffy could not tear her eyes away from his. She cleaned the blood off her arm with her finger, and offered it to him. He looked at her as she placed her finger on his lips. He sucked on her finger, and she could feel the shiver that ran through her body. She moved her hand away, and pulled her sleeve down. She raised her other hand to caress his face until he calmed, and his face reverted to normal. She was still trembling, and she looked down to see his hand was moving. She looked into his eyes as he raised his arm, and placed his hand against her cheek. She choked back a sob, and took his hand, holding it against her.

"You are making this very difficult, you know that, don't you?" She lowered his hand back to his side. "I am going to go downstairs, but I will be back soon. Why don't you get some sleep?" She climbed off the bed, and headed to the door. He closed his eyes, and slept, and dreamed.

Connor climbed the back stairs of Wesley's apartment building, making sure no one had seen him. He had been watching the Hyperion since the night they had thrown him out, and he knew the blonde Slayer had yet to leave the building. He had heard Fred and Gunn talking in the garden, and they had alerted him to her presence in the building. He thought it was very strange for a Slayer to be taking care of a vampire, and he wanted to know more about this woman. He had heard them call her Buffy, and he knew he had heard that name before, but only in whispers. He took out the set of keys he had stolen from maintenance, and silently picked through them looking for the right one. He knew Wesley had once been a Watcher, so maybe he would have the answers he was looking for. He opened the door quietly, and crept inside. It was obvious Wesley hadn't been here in a few days, and Connor knew he was staying at the hotel right now. He wondered what Angel would think of having him there, since they were no longer friends. As for Justine he couldn't believe she had used him like she had. He had gone looking for her, but she had disappeared which was a good thing for her. He knew now the vampire hadn't killed Holtz, but he was still an evil thing. It was Connor's duty to dispose of evil things. He went to the bookcase searching for anything that might give him some answers. Finding nothing he made his way to Wesley's bedroom careful to not disturb anything. He noticed a trunk against the wall that wasn't locked. Opening the lid he found several leather bound books wrapped in a cloth. Carefully unwrapping them he took the first one, and checked the first entry. The date read February 1, 1999. He read through the first entries. Wesley had been describing his first meeting with Buffy and Faith. He had been over both the Slayers then. Holtz had told him some things about Slayers in general. There was only supposed to be one at a time but apparently this Buffy was a formidable opponent, having died, and been resurrected. He laid that volume aside, and picked up the next one. There was more information about Buffy, and her vampire lover. A Slayer had a vampire lover? Connor's blood ran cold. She went against everything sacred when she would stoop to something so heinous. He read on in wonder. He slammed the book shut, and began to hurriedly put the volumes in the bag he had brought with him. He was furious. Angel had been her vampire lover. So that was why she was here taking care of him instead of tending to her duty as the Slayer. He knew that when one Slayer died another was called. He would make sure she stayed dead this time.

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Part 7

Faith paced her prison cell. She was counting the days until she was released. Being called in the warden's office, hearing that they were granting her early release for good behavior. A few years ago, she would have found it all laughable. She had nothing but time to think while she was in here. She looked around at the stark white walls. Here she didn't have to face anyone, she didn't have to atone but for one thing at a time. God knows this had been the easy part. She knew the warden had sent a letter to Angel informing him of her release Friday. She had two days to go. Two days to go until she could walk out of here and into a new life. But what was that life going to be like. She had only had two people in her entire life try to be her friend. One was Angel. She felt the horrible guilt whenever she thought of Buffy, her sister Slayer. She had screwed her over so badly. She looked out her small window into the prison yard. She remembered patrolling with Buffy. She had tried so hard to make Buffy be like her, when really she wanted to be more like the golden haired Slayer. She wondered about the others in Sunnydale. Willow hated her she knew that. She tried to kill Xander. They had done nothing to deserve what she had done to them. She still couldn't believe Angel could forgive her for what she had done to him. And Buffy. How could Buffy ever forgive her? She knew it wasn't that she had sex with her boyfriend; she had stolen her body to do it. She had violated her personally. She knew Buffy and Angel had a terrible fight, and it was all her fault. He never mentioned her when he visited, but she knew he still had feelings for her. She hadn't heard from him in months now. Was everything okay with him? What if he wasn't there to meet her when she came through the gate? She was terrified of trying again without him there to support her. She wanted to make amends with Buffy, and she needed Angel to lead the way. She hoped they had worked everything out, and were at least friends. She wished she had someone to love her like Angel loved Buffy. She wanted someone to look at her the way they looked at each other, as if no one else was in the room. It was late, and she was tired. She climbed in her bunk, and stretched out. Two days, she had two days to figure out what to say, two days to plan. Buffy's face had been full of hate and anger when she had seen her last. It was what she deserved. She closed her eyes, and slept.

Wesley sat the table in the kitchen waiting for Buffy to come downstairs. He held in his hands the piece of paper announcing Faith's release. He wasn't sure how he felt about Faith at this point. He had told Angel he made the right choice in trying to help her, but it was at the cost of Angel hurting Buffy, again. Faith had tortured him, would have killed him if Angel hadn't stopped her. He was going to hand this to Buffy, and then what? It had been two years since Faith had surrendered to the authorities. Was she rehabilitated? What the hell did that mean anyway? He decided to leave the decision up to Buffy. He knew how Angel would feel about it, or would he still? Angel had changed, he knew that. He wasn't sure he even liked the Angel who had been locked in that box and thrown in the water. Why did he help him then? He still asked himself that. They once were friends. He missed his friendship with Angel, but how would the vampire feel when he got his memory back? Would they go back to being adversaries? Would he be upset that he had brought Buffy here to help him? All he could do was wait.

Angel laid in his bed listening to the sounds around him. He could hear water in the room next door. Someone was taking a shower. It was Buffy. He didn't know how, but he knew it was her. He had raised his arm yesterday, and touched her face. She had looked so sad. Why was she sad? He still had only bits and pieces flashing through his mind. He knew he liked it when she was with him. The man that she called Wesley; he was okay with him too. He heard the water stop, and he waited. She didn't come in to his room. What was she doing? He lifted his arm again. He felt stronger today. She gave him medicine yesterday, and it made him better. It was warm and rich, and he could feel it moving through him today, and he wanted more. He lifted his other arm, and moved his fingers. He tried to raise lift his head off the pillow. He found he could raise his body up a little to look at his room better. She had left her blanket on the end of his bed. He tried to reach for it, and found he could grasp the corner of it. He pulled it up to his face. It smelled like her. He pulled it up over him, and drifted back to sleep.

Buffy stood at the window of her room looking at nothing. She had opened her eyes last night in Angel's room, and found him watching her. He had managed to uncover himself while he slept. She had leaned over him to pull up the blanket, and he had touched her again. It was only her hand this time, but he had held on, not wanting to let her go. She had finally stretched out beside him until he had gone back to sleep, and she could free herself. She had left the room, and gone downstairs to find Spike smoking a cigarette in the garden where she had first come into contact with Connor. He had stood there like a statue, waiting for her to speak, and when she didn't he turned to face her.

"I know what you have done. You fed him your blood again. I can smell it. Do you think he is going to say thank you this time when he didn't bother the last time?" She sighed, and crossed her arms as if she were cold.

"It's none of your business Spike. Besides he didn't bite me. I had Wesley drain a pint, and I gave it to him."

"What do you think your little friends back home would think of it huh, luv? Do they know you just can't get enough of us? You may be able to sleep next to him now, but you still can't have him. I'm still the closest you will ever get to him."

"I will never go back Spike. That part of my life is over. I am sorry for hurting you, for using you."

"You used me alright. You couldn't have him, and I was there. I wanted you, and I didn't care what it took to get you. I still don't. You can't expect me to stay for the show. He will wake up, and he will remember. Where does that leave you then?"

"Then we go back home where we belong."

She started back inside. "Oh, and Spike, as for my friends, Willow knows, and Xander, I don't really care what he thinks about it."

She had left him standing there to go back to Angel. Standing over his bed watching him sleep she knew part of what Spike had said was right. She could take care of him now, but he would wake up, and he would remember. She went to her room, and slept there the remainder of the night. When she got up this morning she had yet to go to him, but she would soon. He still needed her, at least for now.

Wesley looked up to find Buffy standing in the doorway of the kitchen. Fred rose from the table.

"Can I get you some coffee?"

Buffy smiled at the little brunette. "You don't have to wait on me, Fred." A hurt look flashed over the woman's face, and Buffy caught it. "Coffee would be nice."

She hurried to get her coffee, and set it along with a plate of pancakes on the table in front of her. She handed her a glass of orange juice that Buffy took without realizing it. She looked across the table at Wesley who sat there looking amused.

"Just eat," he winked at her.

She glanced over at Fred who stood by the counter nervously. "Fred, are you going to have breakfast with me?"

The other girl beamed, "I ate earlier, but thank you anyway." She looked at Wesley. "I will leave you alone now." She hurriedly left the room leaving Buffy to study Wesley. She put down her fork.

"Okay what's up, and don't tell me nothing."

He pointed at her plate. "You need to finish your breakfast. You don't eat like you should."

She looked at him, and laughed. " Is that the former Watcher coming out in you?"

He frowned, "Hell no, I was a lousy Watcher. I'm just concerned about you."

She tried to catch his eye, but he seemed more interested in the cup in front of him. She finished her meal, and pushed the plate aside. "Okay, all done, now what is it?"

He took a deep breath, and handed her the letter from the prison. Her hands shook as she read its contents. On top of everything else, now there was Faith. She tried to compose herself as she struggled with her emotions. "Have you seen her since she's been in prison?"

"No, I haven't. I only know Angel has visited her a few times. He would only tell me that she was doing better. It does says she is getting out early for good behavior."

"I'm not sure how to feel about this. I know Angel would want me to give her a chance. I just don't know if I am a good enough person to do that."

"I understand how you feel. Forgiveness is a very hard thing. I don't know if Angel will ever forgive me for letting Holtz have Connor. I know I want it though, more than anything. Angel did tell me one thing about Faith. Your forgiveness is all she thinks about. It is what she needs. Maybe if you can find it in yourself to forgive, then maybe she can learn to forgive herself." He pushed himself away from the table. "I am going to let you decide what to do. They are releasing her Friday evening."

She rose and faced him. "I have some thinking to do. I think I might like to workout for a while. Would you check on Angel for me? I will be up in a little while."

"I will look in on him. I am anxious to see if yesterday's "elixir" has done him any good."

~~~

Willow opened the door to find an angry Xander standing on the other side. "Okay Will, where is Buffy and what is going on? Spike is nowhere to be found, and I know she hasn't patrolled the last few days. I leave for a couple of days on a job, and I come home to find two of us gone. I know you know something. I can always tell when you are hiding something."

Willow glared at him. "Are you coming in, or are you just going to stand on the porch and continue to put on a show for the neighbors?"

She left him standing there, and headed for the kitchen with him close behind her. She took two cups out of the cabinet, and poured them both coffees, setting one down in front of him. "Buffy is in Los Angeles. She has gone to help Angel. Wesley came to get her, and she went with him. Spike is there also." She could see his jaw clench as he spoke.

"I thought that was a name we wouldn't have to ever hear around here again. Just what is she helping him with, may I ask?"

"Angel has been badly hurt, and Wesley felt she was the one to help him. He came, he asked, she went. I said I would look after Dawn."

"When is she coming back?"

"I don't know. I have talked to her, and Angel is worse than they thought. She will probably be gone a while."

"Did you at least try to talk her out of going? She doesn't owe him anything. She should be here, where she belongs."

"Xander, she is where she belongs."

~~~

Wesley entered Angel's room to find him awake. He stood over him. "How are you feeling today?" Angel looked around the man standing there, looking for her. Wesley picked Angel's arm. "You are looking better physically. Do you know who I am?" Angel looked at him confused. "My name is Wesley, and we have known each other for a while now. We worked together once."

The vampire opened his mouth struggling to talk. "Buf-fy?"

It was a question, and Wesley had to laugh. "She is here, she will be in to see you soon, I promise. Can you say your name, your name is Angel."

He opened his mouth again, "An-gel."

"Yes, that is good, very good." Angel had made a lot of progress since Buffy had given him some of her blood yesterday. Wesley wondered if she would be willing to do it again. She would, he knew she would do anything for the vampire lying in front of him. He wondered if she was still working out downstairs. He got his answer when he heard her shower come on next door. He looked at Angel who was staring at the wall in the direction of the noise. "She's taking a shower. She will probably be in to see you when she is finished. I am going to leave you alone now so you can rest."

Angel watched Wesley leave the room closing the door behind him. He waited for a minute until he could hear nothing, but the shower next door. He set up in the bed, and threw his covers off. He pulled his legs over until they were touching the floor, and raised his body to stand. He stood there a minute getting his bearings. He heard the shower stop. He knew she was in the next room, and he wanted to see her. He tried to take a step, but lost his balance, falling back on the bed. He pounded on the bed with his fists as he pulled his body back to its prone position. He could feel the anger rise up inside of him struggling to get free. He raised himself back to a setting position.

"AAAaaaaaaarggh!" He roared his displeasure at the wall separating them. Buffy heard him through the wall, and came running into his room. He was setting up in bed, his eyes flashing. She came to him and crawled up beside him.

He looked at her angrily. "Aaaarggh!"

Wesley and Spike ran into the room, Gunn right behind them.

"Buffy," called Wesley, "get away from him." Gunn moved closer to the bed, and Buffy. Angel glared at him, and changed to his game face.

"Gunn," warned Buffy, "move away from us. Move back toward the door."

Angel grabbed her arm, pulling her to him. She didn't fight him as he wrapped his arm around her body.

"Wesley," she looked at him calmly, "get them out of here. I can handle this." He nodded, and backed out the door, one hand on Gunn's arm. He shook him off.

"I am not going to leave her alone with him. He is dangerous." Spike leaned against the wall watching the proceedings.

"Go on. She knows what to do. If anyone can handle him it's her." He closed the door after the other two men, and leaned against the wall. Angel glared at him, still in game face.

Spike laughed, "That's okay. I'm not too happy to see you either." He looked at Buffy who had remained silent while Angel held her tightly in one arm. "Slayer, you do know who has you right now, don't you? I don't think your poof is in his right mind just about now. This smells like the demon to me. Am I right, Angelus?"

The vampire on the bed looked at him, his eyes flashing golden. Buffy trembled in his embrace, and he felt it.

"Spike," she whispered, "just leave us. I can handle this. Please go now." He moved toward the door turning the handle to show Gunn and Wesley in the hallway with a frightened Fred. "Okay, but I will be right out here." He closed the door, and joined the rest of them in the hallway.

"What the hell is going on," asked Gunn, "I have never seen Angel like that before."

Spike leaned against the wall next to the door.

"That's because that isn't Angel in there. That is Angelus."

Buffy tried to remain still in the angry vampire's arm. He wrapped his other arm around her, and pulled her into his lap. She looked into his eyes, and saw the confusion there. She reached up to touch his face, but he moved away from her, tightening his hold as he did.

She tried talking to him quietly, "What is it? Are you in pain? Let me help you. I just want to help you." She tried to move away, but he pulled her back to him. She tried again to touch him, and he allowed her to. She touched his lips, and fangs with her fingertips, careful not to cut her fingers on their razor sharp tips. She turned around to where she could face him taking his face in her hands.

"I know you're in there, and you know I am here. If he doesn't get better, then you don't get better."

She closed her eyes, and kissed his lips. "I am not afraid of you anymore." She rested her forehead against his ridged one. He could hear her heart beating loudly with her struggle to remain calm. She opened her eyes to find she was once again looking into Angel's deep brown eyes.

"Buf-fy"

She smiled at him. "I'm right here." He loosened his hold, allowing her to move out of his lap, but wouldn't take his arm from around her.

"Spike," she called into the hallway. The blonde vampire opened the door, and stuck his head in the room. "Tell everyone he is okay."

Spike looked at Angel setting up in bed, his arm wrapped around Buffy possessively. "I don't give a damn if he's okay, are you okay?"

She smiled at him. "I told you I could handle him. Will you please tell Wesley we need to feed him soon?"

Spike glared at her. "I'll tell him." He shut the door leaving them alone.

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Part 8

Another Note: The poem in this story is Elizabeth Barrett Browning's Sonnet 22 When our Two Souls. It comes from the book Sonnets from the Portuguese, which we all know Angel gave Buffy for her eighteenth birthday.

Spike paced the lobby as Gunn and Fred stood by in silence. Wesley stood at the doorway, staring out at the garden without really seeing it. He turned to see Spike glaring at him.

"Whose bloody idea was it to give him her blood, was it yours or hers?"

Wesley didn't answer but turned back to the doorway. Gunn reacted to the revelation. "Wait a minute. I heard she fed herself to him before. Why did his demon come out this time?"

Spike was furious. He whirled around to face them all. "You stupid wankers! For you to be people who work and live with a vampire you don't really know a damn thing about them. Angel up there has not fed from a human in almost one hundred years and who is his first taste? A Slayer, and not just any Slayer but one he happens to be in love with. He marks her. She has super healing, she bears no scars, but she does have his mark. She is his mate. The next time he drinks from a human who is it but that same Slayer. Hell yes, you brought his demon out. Do you think Angelus isn't going to get a taste of his mate and not make his presence known?" He glared at Wesley. "Your supposed to be a Watcher, you damn well should know this."

Wesley glanced at all of them before answering evenly. "It was Buffy's decision, I supported her in it and I am not a Watcher anymore."

Spike lit a cigarette with unsteady hands. "It doesn't matter, you should have known this could happen. She might have him under control for now but do you think he is just going to back down? He has tasted her again and he wants her. You all saw it. How do you plan to protect her?"

Gunn answered him, "Yeah, but she is the Slayer. She can take care of Angelus again if he pops up. I heard she kicked his ass before."

Spike turned away in disgust. "At what cost to her? What makes you think she could put him down again? She would let him kill her first."

Fred was crying and Gunn went to her. He held her as she sobbed. "But she wouldn't just let Angelus kill her."

Spike turned to glare at all of them. He pointed his finger at Fred. "How the hell would you know? You don't know a damn thing about her except what that bitch, Cordelia, has lied to you about." He walked up to Wesley, looking him in the eye. "If anything happens to her I am holding you responsible. You got her to come here. You say you aren't her Watcher, well I am changing that right now. While she is here, you watch, and you better watch close. I may have a soul now but I'm not Angel, I will still kill you."

The vampire turned and headed downstairs into the basement. He stopped at the doorway. "Oh, she wants you to help her feed him soon. You just better make very sure what you feed him."

Connor remained silent in his hiding place beneath the stairs. He had found he could hear much of what was going on downstairs. He was in shock to learn Buffy had given Angel her blood once again. He had read the rest of the journals he had stolen from Wesley and he was firm in his belief that Buffy had brought shame to the name that was Slayer and had shirked her duties on more than one occasion. The only other Slayer was still in prison so he felt sure that with Buffy's death another would be called in her place. Surely the Watcher's Council would not want the Hellmouth to remain unguarded. He still felt sick to his stomach to think of her lying with the undead demon upstairs. Their relationship was an abomination and he planned to see she was punished for it. He still could not believe Wesley or her former Watcher had not turned her over to the Council. If he could only find a way to get up there unnoticed then he could finish off Angel and take care of his beloved Slayer. He waited until he was sure everyone had left the lobby and then escaped through the garden entrance again. It would be night soon so he would have to wait until tomorrow to return. He could not take the chance on the other vampire they called Spike to discover him. He smiled as he made his way over the wall and down the street. He had plenty of time and much planning to do.

Wesley stood outside Angel's door, Gunn and Fred at his side. He slowly opened the door to hear the sound of Buffy's voice as she read to the ailing vampire. Her voice was melodic as she verbally caressed each word of what he instantly recognized as poetry. He peered inside to see Angel lying once more on his pillows, a serene smile on his face as she continued on with the prose.

`When our two souls stand up erect and strong, Face to face, silent, drawing nigh and nigher, Until the lengthening wings break into fire At either curved point, -- what bitter wrong Can the earth do to us, that we should not long Be here contented? Think. In mounting higher, The angels would press on us, and aspire To drop some golden orb of perfect song Into our deep, dear silence. Let us stay Rather on earth, Beloved, -- where the unfit Contrarious moods of men recoil away And isolate pure spirits, and permit A place to stand and love in for a day, With darkness and the death-hour rounding it.'

He closed the door quietly and turned to find Gunn, holding a silently crying Fred in the hallway. He moved away from them, down the stairs and to the kitchen, pausing to lean against the counter. Wesley felt guilty for many of the mistakes he had made in his life. Spike's words had angered him because he knew they were all too true. Once again he knew he had failed Buffy. He had been so desperate to somehow atone for Connor's kidnapping his only purpose was in restoring Angel and doing whatever it took to achieve that purpose. He had played on Buffy's emotions, using her love for Angel to bring her here. It was her unnerving demeanor that haunted him. She hadn't shown any fear in Angelus's presence and he wondered if Spike was right and she would allow the demon to harm her. He was startled out of his reverie by Fred and Gunn entering the room behind him. Fred sat down at the table, wiping her face.

Gunn rubbed his head in confusion. "I don't understand why you are so upset now. She calmed him down again and he's happy as a clam right now. You know Angel, he loves that poetry stuff."

"I know. I know." Fred ran her hand over her hair, nervously pushing it away from her face. "It's just I think I have made a terrible mistake. I need to talk to Lorne."

"You know he's still in Las Vegas doing his nightclub thing."

"Well, I'm still going to call him. He needs to say goodbye to sin city and come home now." She turned on her heel and hurried out of the kitchen, leaving a still confused Gunn behind her.

He turned to Wesley, "Any idea what has her so worked up?"

The dark haired man absently shook his head and turned to the refrigerator to retrieve Angel's nightly meal of blood. Gunn watched him as he heated it slightly before pouring it into a glass. Wesley met his gaze and left the kitchen, heading up the stairs to Angel and Buffy.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Part 9

Wesley sat in a chair in Angel's room, watching him sleep. The vampire was mumbling, but he couldn't really make out his words. When he had come up a few days ago, bringing the glass of blood for Angel, Buffy had been adamant about continuing to add her own to his supply. They would not feed him pure Slayer blood again, but would add a little at a time to his supply. His physical condition had continued to improve, but his mind was still full of blank spots. He recognized Buffy and called Wesley by name, but hadn't really seemed interested in knowing either Gunn or Fred. Wesley wondered if only portions of his memory were returning at this point, so he just hadn't gotten to his memories of them yet. Cordelia had called and talked to Fred, but he was relieved she hadn't made an appearance. It was only a matter of time though. He looked down at his watch. Buffy had been gone about an hour and Angel had slept through it. He only hoped everything was going well at her end.

Faith walked the long corridor of the prison for what she knew would be her last time. There was no way in hell she would ever be back in this place. She stood at the iron door, waiting on the guard to finish processing her release papers. She self-consciously ran her hands over the sleeves of her new jacket. It had been a nice surprise when they had brought her the package earlier. Inside she had found a new pair of black jeans and matching jacket. Something red caught her eye and she unfolded it to reveal a red drawstring tank top. The new black boots were just her size and it made her smile to realize she wouldn't have to leave in the same prison issue they gave to everyone who got out of here. She heard the sound of the door sliding open and stepped through it. The clock on the wall told her it was still light outside so Angel wouldn't be here to greet her. Her heart sank at the realization. If he wasn't out there, then there wouldn't be anyone waiting for her.

"Come on, I haven't got all day. Are you leaving or not?" She jerked her head up to see the guard looking at her.

She nodded at him and headed down the sidewalk toward the gate. A white SUV pulled up on the other side and she stopped and stared. A tiny blonde got out and stood there, looking in her direction. Faith choked back a sob as she realized it was Buffy. She walked through the gate and stood there, each of them waiting for the other one. Buffy took two steps toward her.

"Faith" She looked at the dark haired girl, recognizing the pain in her eyes.

Faith walked up to her, stopping a few feet in front of her. "B, it's really you?"

"Yeah, it's me. Just little old Buffy."

Faith searched her face for some sign. She fingered her jacket again. "The clothes, you bought me the clothes. Thank you, I like them. You even got the size right."

"It wasn't hard. You look good."

"So do you, you look good." She took a deep breath. "It's not that I'm not glad to see you, it's just unexpected. You are the last person I thought would be here."

"Sometimes things change. Hopefully for the better."

"So I guess Angel told you I was getting out and that's why you're here. Because, you know, he couldn't be."

"Yeah, something like that. Angel hasn't exactly been Angel, lately. I'll explain on the way to the hotel."

"Okay, but do you think we can do one thing first?"

"What's that?"

"Can we get a cheeseburger? I am starving for some real food."

Cordelia hurriedly entered the lobby of the Hyperion. She had kept her word and stayed away but now she wanted to know what was going on. She had tried in vain to get information, but Fred wouldn't tell her anything but Angel was doing better. She knew they were keeping things from her and she felt she deserved more consideration than she was receiving from the rest of the A.I. team. Wesley had acted like he was in charge and a part of their group again and that was the first thing she planned to rectify. If anyone should be in charge, it should be her. She hadn't even seen Angel for days so who knows what kind of shape he could be in with Buffy taking care of him. She felt a twinge of guilt where the blonde Slayer was considered, but not enough to just step aside and let her take her place with the team. Finding no one in the lobby she quietly made her way up the stairs to Angel's room. Opening the door slowly, she saw Wesley reading in a chair near Angel's bed. The vampire lay sleeping and Buffy was nowhere to be seen. She walked over to his bedside and reached out to touch him. His eyes flew open and he moved away from her.

Wesley jumped up from his chair. "What are you doing in here?"

She tried to touch Angel again, but he flinched away from her. This made her angry, as she realized he still didn't know her. "Angel, she whispered. She reached to pull up his covers and he grabbed her hand in a vise like grip. His eyes flashed golden and he growled deep in his chest. She tried to pull her hand away but he continued to hold on and she was scared. "Angel, she cried, it's me, Cordy. You know me."

He pushed her away from him, causing her to fall. Wesley pulled her up and pushed her toward the door. He shoved her into the hallway, right into the arms of a surprised Gunn. "Cordelia, what are you doing in there?"

She jerked away from them and ran down the stairs to the lobby. She looked toward the front door as Buffy walked in with Faith. Everyone stopped at the sight of the two Slayers, one light, one dark, standing side by side. Cordelia was shocked. "Oh no, you are not bringing her here. It's bad enough having you here, but she is not staying here too." She looked up at Wesley on the top of the stairs. "She tried to kill you, remember? You told Buffy she was getting out, didn't you?"

He didn't bother with a reply, choosing to look to Buffy and nod at Faith.

Cordelia advanced on Buffy. "What did you do to Angel? He still doesn't know me. I know you did something to him, but he will get his memory back and you will be just that, a memory."

Faith stepped between Buffy and Cordelia, giving the seer the once over. Buffy ignored the angry woman and headed up the stairs. Faith took a good look at Cordelia and grinned. "Your hair, she pointed at Cordelia's head and shook her head.

"What's wrong with my hair?"

Faith laughed. "What isn't?" She turned away and headed up the stairs after Buffy.

Gunn confronted Cordelia. "Don't you think you have caused enough trouble for today? Why don't you just go home?"

She turned to face him, her face red with fury. "You can't just push me away like I don't matter anymore. I am the one who has been here for Angel, fighting side by side. I have the right to know how he is and what she is doing to him while he can't defend himself." She moved over to Fred, who was standing behind the lobby desk. "You don't know what is going on up there. What if she is hurting him?"

Gunn grinned at her, an amused expression on his face.

"What is so damn funny?" she fumed.

He started to laugh. "You are. You are jealous of Buffy. That's what your problem is. Your jealous of her."

Cordelia glared at him. "I am not jealous of her. She is a loser and always will be a loser. She has never brought Angel anything but heartache and pain and he doesn't deserve it."

Fred spoke, "Buffy hasn't hurt Angel. She is helping him to get better. We have all seen it."

Cordelia replied harshly, "Fred, you are an idiot. If you won't help me get her out of here then I will find someone who will." She hurried to the doorway and left the building.

"I am not an idiot, mumbled Fred, "when Lorne gets here you will see what I mean."

"You talked to Lorne, asked Gunn. "Just now, she replied smiling. "He is coming home tomorrow and then we will just see who is the idiot."

Spike stood inside Angel's door, watching his grandsire change from his vampiric image to his human and back again. He had heard Cordelia screaming in the lobby below and all he really wanted to do was snap her neck and shut her up. He felt a twinge in his middle from what he now knew was his soul. Damn it all. Sometimes having the damn thing was a pain in the ass. He walked over to his grandsire, taking a seat by the bed. "Sucks lying there all helpless, doesn't it. I know I wouldn't want to be where you are. I do want you to know that hell spawn of yours has been watching us around here. I figure he's looking to finish what he started, but that would only upset Buffy and we can't have that, can we? I am keeping an eye on him, but if he makes a move I will take care of him. I'm telling you now, me having this soul doesn't make me like you. I will still do whatever is necessary."

Angel reverted back to his human face, staring at Spike intently. "I know you. Don't I?"

Spike laughed. "I'm your ugly past, mate. But everything in it's own time."

Buffy entered the room while Faith remained in the doorway. "Spike, is he okay?"

He stood and stepped around her. "If he wasn't, you would already know it, wouldn't you?"

He looked at Faith. "So, you're the other Slayer, huh?" Faith remained still as the blonde vampire looked her up and down.

"Spike, this is Faith."

He reached for her, touching her cheek as he studied her face. "Seems I'm not the only one learning to live with a new soul." Dropping his hand, he left the room, his duster flaring behind him.

~~~~

Willow struggled with her keys as she tried to open the front door. She hadn't heard from Buffy in a few days and she was worried. She dropped her bag in the floor and grabbed the phone. "Hello." She moved the receiver away from her ear as she heard an angry Cordelia on the other end.

"What is it? Is something wrong with Buffy?" Cordelia snorted in disgust.

"Buffy, no nothing's wrong with Buffy. She is just up here doing something to Angel, so he still doesn't know any of us, but her. You know it isn't safe for her and Angel to be around each other. What if she tried to take advantage of him in his weakened state and he can't fight her off?"

Willow had listened to about all she wanted to. "Cordelia, Buffy isn't going to do anything to hurt Angel. Why don't you tell me the real reason you called." She could almost hear the other woman's wheels turning at the other end of the phone.

"Willow, did you know Buffy was going to get Faith out of jail? As a matter of fact, she is at the hotel with Buffy and the others right now. Do you think she can be trusted? I don't think so. I wish you would come up here and talk to Buffy. You could persuade her to go home, it's for the best, you know it is. Angel and Buffy were over a long time ago. What's going to happen when he gets his memory back and he wonders why she is even here? You don't want her to be hurt again, do you?"

Willow sighed heavily, "You and I know you don't give a damn whether Buffy is hurt or not. I have to go now. I will check in with her and see what's up, okay? Bye."

Willow hung up the phone and sank down in the nearest chair. "Faith was out of jail and with Buffy?" She didn't know that she had liked hearing that piece of news. She thought about calling Xander, but she knew she didn't want to hear his take on the whole matter. They had already argued over Buffy even being in Los Angeles. She looked at her watch. Dawn would be home any minute from school. She would get them both some dinner and then she would call the hotel. Someone there could surely tell her what was going on.

~~~~

Faith was setting on the roof, watching the sunset, when Wesley joined her. "It's beautiful, isn't it? I didn't get to see many of these in prison. I couldn't stay inside when I finally had a chance to get out here."

"I understand. Did you leave Buffy with Angel?"

"Yeah, he's really antsy after the Cordelia thing. It's eerie, those two. They speak without words. He looks at her, she nods, so on. She knows what he needs. But then they were always like that, until I screwed them up. They've been apart for a long time, haven't they?"

"Yes, they have. He thought he was in love with Cordelia before all this happened."

"What? No way. What would make him think something stupid like that?"

"I think he had some help and some pushing them towards each other."

"If that's true then why did you bring Buffy here? Why didn't you just let Cordelia take care of him?"

"Because he didn't know any of us when I brought him back here. Not even Cordy. But he knew Buffy. I knew she was the only one to help him then. I should have thought about her feelings though and I didn't. She has already given too much of herself for his recovery."

"I will help her all I can. I owe her, big time. I haven't forgotten that. I would like to go out for a little while. Does anyone still patrol around here?"

"Yes, Gunn does. Let me see if he is able to go with you."

Spike stepped out of the shadows. "I need to get out of here too. I will go with you."

Faith looked at him skeptically. "You patrol?"

He smirked as he held her gaze until she looked away. "Hey, Angel isn't the only vamp to ever hunt with a Slayer."

She raised her head, a smile on her lips. "Wesley, please tell B I won't be long." She headed for the stairs, turning to look back at Spike. "Coming?"

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Part 10

Buffy stretched her small frame and opened her eyes. Angel lay just inches away from her, his eyes closed in slumber. She remembered how agitated he was after Cordelia's visit. She had done her best to calm him; he wouldn't let her out of his sight, and in doing so she had once again fallen asleep here in his bed. She took the opportunity to study his face. Here he was in front of her, the one love of her life. His face looked the same except for the brow, furrowed in what appeared to be concentration and maybe, pain. She stroked his cheek gently. Being this close to him was wonderful and she didn't want him to wake up and catch her studying him. She traced his brow with her finger, smiling when she saw his face relax. He was improving daily, his physical strength was returning, only his mind remained a blank. She thought he caught glimpses of recognition now and again but for the most part he still seemed far removed from getting his memory back. She felt him move and she stiffened, waiting for him to relax once more. He stretched his arm across her, pulling her up against his chest. She did not move as he rubbed her back, slow lazy circles with his fingertips. She couldn't raise her head to look at him as her face was even with his throat. His face was buried in her hair and she heard him breathe in deeply. She trembled in his arms as he raised his head and looked down at her. Her hazel eyes were full of hope and something else he couldn't understand. He had awakened to feel her hand on his face but kept his eyes closed because it felt so familiar, so right to have her here with him like this. He was intrigued at how well her small body fit into his large one. It seemed they were made for each other and Angel knew they had been like this before, many times. He felt her tremble in his arms again and he continued to rub her back and shoulders, his hands and fingers reacquainting themselves with her form. She moved closer to him, her head beneath his chin. She knew she shouldn't be here but she needed the comfort, her body and soul still cried out for his. She wanted to remember what it was like when he had still loved her, when she could feel safe and protected in his arms. No one had ever made her feel so warm, so loved. He could hear her breathing become steady and he knew she fallen asleep. He laid there staring into the darkness, listening to the sound of her breathing. A tear rolled down his face but he didn't know why. Then a wave of sadness passed over him and he remembered.

"I want my life to be with you."

" I don't."

They had been apart for a long time and he had been the one that walked away. He looked down at her sleeping face and kissed her forehead. He pulled her up onto his chest and she snuggled into him, sighing in her sleep. He lay there for a long time, staring into the darkness, listening to the sound of her breathing. He still didn't know how he got here or what happened to him but he knew she was the key to everything for him. He didn't know what had happened between them, only that she was here now. He didn't ever want to be without her again.

Spike and Faith moved quietly through the streets. They had been patrolling for a couple of hours but everything was quiet tonight. Their hands had accidentally touched a couple of times and Faith found herself wondering about the blonde vampire next to her. She used to wonder what it would be like having sex with the undead after witnessing Buffy and Angel's relationship. The electricity in the air and the energy that still flowed from the two of them a blind man could see. When she had walked into his room today she had still felt it. All of the feelings, all of their love was still evident even if buried under the surface. Angel had never liked to talk about Buffy when he had visited her in prison. When she brought her up, he always tried to change the subject. She knew he still loved her, even if he tried to pretend it was otherwise. She had seen Spike looking at her from time to time from the corner of her eye. She realized she didn't just want the sex. She wanted the passion, the love that had always remained out of her reach. She trembled but she wasn't cold. She felt cool fingers reach for her own and she placed her hand in his. She looked over at him and he smiled at her, leaning closer he kissed her cheek. She didn't meet his gaze, but looked down at their clasped hands. They moved on down the street, enjoying the night, forgetting patrolling, their silence hung in the air, but it was comforting. Spike felt like the two of them had the same long road ahead of them. They both needed to find their redemption and maybe, just maybe they could help each other in their journey.

Lorne stood outside Angel's bedroom door, his hand on the knob. He turned back to see Fred behind him, urging him on. He had arrived at the hotel less than an hour ago, breaking all the speed limits in answer to Fred's frantic phone call. He had stood in the lobby while she had filled him in on the recent events. He still couldn't believe they had not just one, but two vampires and two Slayers under their roof at this time. He had to admit he was curious to see the little woman who was once Angel's greatest love. They had explained Cordelia's absence but he was still confused and from the unhappy looks on Fred and Gunn's faces they really didn't want to discuss the seer at the moment. He had been surprised to hear Wesley was also staying at the hotel while Angel was recuperating. He was even more shocked to hear how he had rescued Angel and brought Buffy here to help him. He still didn't think going in Angel's room was a good idea right now but Fred was adamant.

"They are both probably asleep. I just want you to see her. I can't wait for you to meet her. Maybe we can get her to sing for you."

"Now Fredikins, you can't just make a Slayer sing for you. I don't see us making her do much of anything if she doesn't want to. But it would be interesting."

"Lorne, this hasn't anything to do with her being a Slayer. Just open the door and see her."

He opened the door slowly and stepped inside the room. His eyes adjusted quickly to the dimness and he realized Fred had quietly closed the door behind him. He looked at the couple asleep on the bed. The tiny woman was lying on Angel's chest and he had his arms wrapped protectively around her. He could hear her steady breathing and knew she was in a deep sleep. He took a step closer to get a better look at them and was taken aback at the looks of serenity on their faces. The air in the room was thick with emotions too strong to name and he felt like the intruder he was. The little blonde shifted in her sleep, burrowing deeper into Angel's embrace. He stepped quickly to the door when he realized he heard a slight hum coming from the bed. He looked back at the sleeping pair and realized the sound was coming from Angel. He fled the confines of the room, pausing in the hallway to catch his breath. Moving quickly he headed down the stairs to rejoin Fred. He followed her into the kitchen where Wesley sat at the table waiting for them.

"Fred, he admonished, "do you think it was really wise having Lorne spy on Buffy and Angel that way? I don't think she would have been very comfortable having the two of you watching her sleep. I am sure Angel would have an opinion about it too if he were himself right now."

She hung her head like a scolded child. "I am sorry Wesley. I just really wanted Lorne to see her and to see, you know, them."

She looked about to cry and Wesley mentally kicked himself for his harshness. He tiredly got to his feet.

"No, I am sorry. I guess I am just tired and I shouldn't be taking it out on you. It's just that when Angel gets upset it takes a while for Buffy to calm him down again." He looked over at Lorne. "It is good to see you again. I think I am going to bed now. It has been a long night and Faith and Spike haven't returned yet. I hope everything is okay."

Fred waited until Wesley walked upstairs and out of sight. She turned and grinned at Lorne. "So you saw them. What did you think?"

Lorne looked at her warily. "What exactly were you expecting me to see little one?"

Fred continued to smile at him. "Never mind. You'll meet her tomorrow. Oh and the other one too." She patted him on the shoulder. "I'm going to bed. See you later."

Lorne watched as she disappeared up the stairs and then sank down in the chair. "Okay, he thought to himself. "You have just witnessed something your relatives had only told you about."

He reached into the cabinet where he knew they kept the liquor. He poured himself a shot and downed it. He didn't need the little blonde upstairs to sing for him. He could read her like an open book. Her aura projected, her soul screamed and Angel, Angel was up there literally purring. He knew vampires didn't purr, unless they were happy, content, unless they felt safe. He knew that was something no one here had ever seen him do before. He knew he needed to sleep but he was too excited at the prospect of meeting Buffy tomorrow, and the other two, Spike and Faith, Angel's grandchilde and the dark Slayer. "This is going to be interesting. Very interesting."

...

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