Card Sharp

7/28/2019 Card Sharp

1/10

^-^-^-^-^-^-^-^-^-^

Angel mumbled something incoherent as he slowly wandered down the stairs of the Hyperion. It was onlynoon. He should be sleeping. He shouldnt be wandering around the hotel aimlessly. But no, he couldntsleep. Not when a certain blonde continued to haunt his thoughts endlessly.

Ever since hed seen her after her resurrection he hadnt been able to stop thinking about her. The veryimage of her standing outside that motel waiting for him was permanently seared into his memory. He couldhave stood there and stared at her for hours, content with the knowledge that she was alive once again.

The difference in her was immediately apparent. She was still Buffy, but there was an aura of sadness andpain around her. It was the look in her eyes that finally made him crush her against his body in a bruisingembrace. How could he not when the hazel green eyes that had once looked upon him shimmering withmischief now shown dully under the tempered glow of the moonlight?

That night had been torturous at its worse, and near perfection at its best. His being felt whole again havinghis soulmate near. The few hours they spent together were not nearly enough. An eternity was not enoughtime to be with her, but unfortunately, they both knew they had to return to the worlds from which theycame.

Groaning, Angel shook his head. He just couldnt seem to stop thinking about her, worrying about her. Theyhadnt spoken since that meeting nearly a month before. So many times he had picked up the phone to callher only to quickly hang up, forcing himself to realize that he couldnt insinuate himself back in her life again.She didnt need him to darken her world.

The rustling of paper nearby snapped Angel out of his brooding reverie. Letting his eyes wander around thelobby he saw Gunn sitting behind the desk with his feet propped up. Angel frowned at the site. Usually hewas alone during this time of day.

With a grace unusual for a man of his size, but not for a vampire, Angel crept toward his friend. Gunnappeared oblivious to the attention he had garnered and continued perusing the item in his hands. As Angelstood now directly in front of the desk he could tell that Gunn was reading what looked to be a magazine.Whatever it was, the pages had completely captured the mans focus.

Must be interesting reading material, Angel spoke with a raised eyebrow.

Gunn jumped slightly at the intrusion and hastily shoved the magazine under some papers on the desk. No,just bored.

Angel stared at him with disbelieving eyes before slowly pulling the magazine out. His brow scrunched asthe title came into view. Youre reading a magazine called Flesh? What kind of magazine..., he trailed off,understanding lighting in his eyes.

A porno mag? Angel questioned with a small chuckle.

Uhh...no?!? Gunn answered sheepishly.

Right, smirked Angel as he pulled the magazine completely out from under the papers. He didnt believeGunns denial in the least.

Gunn watched passively as his boss raised the glossy pages up to peer at. He saw Angels eyes widen inshock at the view present on the front cover. The magazine slipped from the vampires hands, falling to thefloor in a soft thud only to be quickly snatched back up.

Eyes flashing amber, Angels gaze flickered from the cover to Gunn. Where the fuck did you get this?!


2/10

The tone of his voice and the narrowed, angry eyes caused Gun to flinch backwards. The pure fury radiatedfrom his boss had him worrying, momentarily, about his safety. But he was sure Angel wouldnt hurthim...well, at least not badly.

I, uh, got it down at that shop on the corner, Gunn responded warily. Why?

He received no reply to his question, only a low, rumbling growl from the obviously unhappy vampire. Angellooked at Gunn for a second, opening his mouth to speak, but instead cast his eyes back down to themagazine held in his clenched hands. He growled angrily once again before fleeing up the stairs and to hisroom. Gunn couldnt help but sigh in relief once Angel was gone.

^-^-^-^-^-^-^-^-^-^

The door slammed shut loudly behind him as Angel stalked into his darkened suite of rooms. He flipped onthe lamp beside his bed, throwing the magazine down onto the nightstand. His eyes landed on the frontcover, hoping that he had imagined the whole thing, but the same sight stared back up at him.

Grabbing the nearest object, Angel threw an empty ceramic mug across the room, shattering it into a millionpieces and denting the wall it had smashed into. He backed away from the nightstand, pacing to one end ofthe room and then back again. He repeated the action several times before stopping in front of the table

once again.

There was no way around it. No way to rationally explain what his own eyes were seeing. Of course hedknown that the first instant hed seen the magazine, but that didnt stop him from trying to deny it.

His eyes hadnt lied, though.

Buffy, HIS Buffy, was spread out like a wanton whore on the cover of some trashy porno mag.

Angel let his eyes drift over the glossy picture. Well, maybe it wasnt whorish, but it was definitely wanton.What the fuck had she been thinking? Why would she sell her body like this for anybody to see?

Anybody. Thousands...tens of thousands...hundreds of thousands...of horny men ogling her naked body,

jerking themselves off as they fantasized about her.

He let out a vicious growl before slamming his fist into the wall above his nightstand. Absolutely NO ONEwas supposed to see her body like that. Except for him of course, but even he couldnt have that pleasure.

And neither should hoards of *boys*.

Glancing back down, Angel stared at the picture. He had an insatiable urge to find every copy of themagazine, shred them to pieces, and gouge out the eyes of every. single. person. who had seen her nakedbody. If they were lucky, hed let them live to exist another day.

Not that he couldnt blame them for wanting to view the pictures. She did look exquisite, he realized as hestudied the picture for the first time. It wasnt a trashy picture. Actually, it was a position he wouldnt haveminded sketching her in. She was lounging on her left side on a red velvet couch with her perky, medium-sized breasts in full view, and a hint of her feminine core showing. A black silk scarf was tactfully draped

across her hip and stomach giving a nice contrast between her lightly tanned skin and the deep red of thecouch.

His eyes traced every inch of her delectable, toned body. She was just as beautiful, maybe even more so,than she had always been. And it had been a very long time since hed had the pleasure of seeing herforbidden flesh. He couldnt help but be aroused by the very sight of her unclothed body.

Snapping himself out of his lust induced daze, Angels original train of though returned. The reality of thesituation pushed its way into his mind as he sat numbly on the edge of his bed. His mind couldnt quite seemto wrap itself around the hard truth that Buffy, his Buffy, had posed naked for a magazine.


3/10

Pushing aside his still blazing anger, the only question he could formulate was why?. Why would she dosomething this drastic and risqu? It wasnt like Buffy at all. He wondered momentarily if someone hadforced her to do it, but quickly shrugged off that thought. Buffy would never let someone force her to doanything. So why would she parade her body for all to see?

The question bounced around in his head until his eyes caught sight of the fine print below the picture. Hiseyes narrowed as he read the words For more of the beautiful Buffy, turn to page 27. More? There were

more pictures?

His fingers roughly flipped through the pages, searching for the aforementioned pictures. Part of him waswild with fury at the very idea that there were more full-color photos of her, and yet another part of him wastingling with anticipation at seeing the revealing pictures. He hated himself for wanting to see them, but hissoul had been starved of his mate for so long that he couldnt fight off the traitorous desires.

Finally, he arrived at the designated page but found himself almost afraid to look at it. His eyes slowly inchedup the page, widening at the image before him. If he hadnt of been sitting down, Angel was sure he wouldhave fallen over.

There, before his very eyes, was Buffy, seated in a black leather chair with her right foot propped up on ashort table, and her left leg crossed over her right, leaving the viewer with an almost complete view of herlower regions. But perhaps the most shocking aspect of the picture was the translucent blue dildo held in herright hand which she appeared to be using to tease her already erect nipples.

Completely forgetting his confusion and anger, Angel stared with heated desire at the picture. She lookedabsolutely stunning. The innocent smile on her face only further enhanced the appeal of the picture. Hismouth watered as he continued to stare at the perfect vision on the page in front of him and he absentlynoticed that his pants felt a lot tighter than they had.

Slowly, he turned the page, almost not wanting to take his eyes off the picture. He immediately forgot theprevious page when the next one came into view. This one had Buffy spread out on a bed with dark bluesatin sheets and every intimate portion of her body in full view. A blood-red rose lay lazily between herbreasts and one hand was resting above the dark, trimmed curls of her sex. The expression on her face andher closed eyes made her appear as if she was in the throws of an orgasm.

Unconsciously, one of Angels hands slipped down to caress the growing bulge in his pants before reachingup to undo the button and zipper. His hand crept into boxers and grasped his erect cock, pulling it out forbetter access. He lightly stroked his length as he continued to gaze hungrily at his loves displayed body.

Haphazardly, he struggled to turn the page with one hand, eagerly awaiting to see the next pose. Hiseyeballs nearly popped out of his head at the image that greeted him. The two-page spread depicted analmost full side view of Buffy on her hands and knees. A studded, black leather collar was latched aroundher neck with matching bracelets on her wrists. A coy smile played on the face of her turned head as if shewere teasing and unseen lover.

Angels imagination took over instantly. His eyes closed as he pictured himself creeping up behind Buffy,giving a light slap to her ass before griping her hips thrusting himself roughly into her enticing pussy. Thehand on his cock stroked in tandem with his fantasy thrusting, quickening with each passing second. In onlya matter of minutes, Angel reached his climax, coating his hand and a portion of his pants with his dead

seed.

With the cloud of lust receding, Angel quickly sobered to his actions. Guiltily, he looked down at his softeningcock, realizing that he had jerked himself off while staring at the erotic pictures. The magazine fell from hishands and he hastily grabbed a t-shirt, cleaning his hand and cock off before tucking himself back in.

He wanted to stake himself for getting pleasure out of the pictures. What the Hell had he been thinking?Well, actually he hadnt been thinking, hed been acting. Gods, he was such a Neanderthal.


4/10

Reaching down to pick up the magazine, Angels anger at himself was quickly supplanted by his anger atthe entire situation. He found himself becoming utterly furious at Buffy for allowing others to see her entirebody in such provocative poses. What the fuck was wrong with her? One thing Angel knew for sure, she hada Hell of a lot of explaining to do.

Leaping up from the bed, he paced across the room. He stood there debating for a moment before pullingon his leather duster, stuffing the magazine into the inner pocket. Without a backward glance, Angel stormed

out of the room, quickly descending the stairs. Gunns questioning words were ignored as he stalked out ofthe hotel and out to his car.

^-^-^-^-^-^-^-^-^-^

Buffy sat silently on a large headstone in Restfield cemetery with her head resting lightly on the leanshoulder of her companion. The night had been quiet so far, not a single vamp to slay which in her mindsucked. At least when she was fighting she could keep her mind off of everything that was wrong in her life.With no action, though, she found herself trapped in a whirlwind of thoughts.

Every day was still a struggle. Her soul ached for the peace that Heaven had provided her. She tried not tobe angry with her friends. They had done what they thought was right. Still, Buffy couldnt help but wish theyhadnt.

The world seemed to be closing in around her. Her friends didnt understand her pain. She was flat brokewith no useful job training. She had to be a fit guardian for her sister. Plus, she had to deal with the constantbattle against evil. It was all too much, but she continued to put on a happy face for the sake of everyoneelse.

There was only one person she could tolerate being around. Mostly because he didnt try to act likeeverything was all puppies and roses. And *he* wasnt even a person. *He* was supposed to be one of hermortal enemies. Yet it was him that she was most comfortable with.

Her eyes glanced upwards at the bleach-blonde. What is it with her and vampires anyway? First Angel....herthoughts trailed off at the idea of Angel. Gods, she missed him. But hed walked away from her, left her tofend for herself. Her resurrection hadnt even made him return. He hadnt even called since their meeting.

And then to find out...no she wasnt going to think about that. She would deal with that issue when the time

was right.

You ready to go back, pet? Spike asked, breaking the deafening silence.

Buffy sighed at the question. Yeah, I guess. I need to get up early tomorrow to look for as job.

Spike frowned at the statement but didnt say anything in response. He made no move to get up when Buffycontinued to just sit there. It was obvious to him that she wanted to avoid her house for just a little bit longer.

After a few minutes, Buffy finally made a move to stand when a sudden feeling washed over her. She didntneed to look around to know what it was. There was no doubt in her mind what the tingling down her spinemeant. Even so, she remained seated, almost as if she were ignoring the tell-tale sign.

A loud growl soon sounded from behind where Buffy and Spike were sitting. Buffy turned, a blank lookplastered onto her face, and spoke unemotionally. Angel.

The furious vampire stared at her with narrowed, golden eyes for a moment before glaring at Spike. Leave.

I dont think so, mate, Spike responded forcefully, thoroughly confused by what was going on and byBuffys reaction, or lack thereof.

LEAVE. NOW, Angel demanded, glowering at his insipid childe.


5/10

No, refused Spike, moving to protect a now standing Buffy.

Before Angel could reply, Buffy interrupted. Its okay, Spike. Go.

But..., he trailed off, seeing the look on Buffys face. Fine, but anything happens to you...I wont hesitate tostake him.

Spike glanced at Angel then turned and stalked off into the night, grumbling about his crazy ponce of a sire.Once alone, Buffy and Angel just stood there staring at each other. Neither spoke, though it was obviousthat the dark haired vampire was barely controlling his emotions.

Without a word, Angel reached forward, grabbing Buffys arm and practically dragged her out of thecemetery. Reaching his car, he none-to-gently pushed Buffy into the passenger seat, slamming the dooronce she was inside. Angel climbed into drivers seat and gunned the engine, taking off in a screech of tires.He said nothing, but Buffy had a pretty good idea where they were headed.

^-^-^-^-^-^-^-^-^-^

Buffys suspicions were confirmed when they pulled up in front of the mansion. She stayed in her seat asAngel got out of the car and waited until he once again grabbed her arm and pulled her toward the front

door. Without resisting, she let him direct her inside.

Upon reaching the main room, Angel finally released the tight hold he had on her arm. Still, he said nothing.There was plenty he wanted to say, but he didnt yet trust his words.

Caveman much? Buffy mumbled, rubbing her arm as she flopped down onto the dusty couch.

She watched under veiled eyes as Angel paced back and forth in front of her. Every once in a while hewould stop and stare at her, only to start pacing again. Finally, after nearly fifteen minutes had passed, hestopped directly in front of her. Golden flecks gleamed in his eyes as he pulled something from the innerpocket of his coat and tossed it in her lap.

Explain, he demanded sharply.

Buffy glanced at the glossy pages with a raised eyebrow. Whats there to explain? I should think its fairlyobvious, she shrugged, a disinterested look on her face.

Angels scowl deepened at her blas attitude. What the Hell were you thinking?!?

Since when is it any of your business what I do?! she snapped at him, showing real emotion for the firsttime.

Damnit Buffy! Angel snarled at her, grabbing the magazine off her lap. Why would you do this toyourself?

Simple, money, she relayed to him nonchalantly.

The answered surprised him. That was definitely not what hed been expecting to hear. He glanced backand forth between the magazine and Buffy before speaking again. No.

What do you mean no? she questioned him in confusion.

I mean, no, you wouldnt do this for money. I know you better than that, he answered curtly as he staredinto her eyes trying to discern the truth.


6/10

Anger rose inside Buffy. How dare he assume he knew anything about her! Standing up quickly, she glaredat him. Who the fuck do you think you are? You dont know a goddamn thing about me!

I know you wouldnt do this, he looked pointedly at the magazine.

Buffy snorted at the statement. Ive seen you, what?, once? in the last two years and you think you *know*me? Get real, Angel.

The painful yet true statement caused his mouth to snap shut. Slightly mollified, he stared at her withpleading eyes. Then talk to me. Tell me whats going on.

Laughing almost maniacally, Buffy walked a few steps away. You want to know whats going on? Fine, Illtell you.

Lets see, where should I start? Well, first there was a fifteen year old ball of energy implanted in my life asmy sister. My boyfriend leaves me because I cant love him enough. I find my Mom dead on the living roomcouch. I jump off a tower to save my fake little sisters life. Then, when I finally think I am at peace, I getpulled back to this piece-of-shit world, her voice trembled at the last sentence. When Angel moved towardher she held up a hand to stop him.

I have to act all happy around everyone even though theres not a second I dont wish I was back inHeaven. If thats not bad enough, my ex-boyfriend, who Ive never stopped loving, demands to see me whenhe finds out Im not dead. After a few hours he walks away from me yet again, never even bothering to pickup the phone to see if returned-from-the-dead Buffy is doing okay. Oh...and lets not forget that Im flat brokewith a pile a bills to pay and a foreclosure statement from the bank on the house. *And* Ive got anobnoxious social worker on my case threatening to take Dawn away from me, Buffy finally finished herangry tirade. Heavy tears flowed down her cheeks but she completely ignored their existence.

Angel gaped at her, his heart breaking for everything shed been through. Hed never known, never botheredto know. It was suddenly dawning on him what a colossal fuck-up he was. Im sorry, was all he could thinkto say.

Buffy laughed coldly. Yeah, youre sorry. Good to know.

Buffy-, he started but was quickly cut off.

You want to know what the worst thing is, though? she questioned, stomping toward Angel. Her tearsvanished, replaced with a deep-seated fury as she stared straight into his eyes. The worst thing...washearing through the grapevine that a certain vampires curse no longer had an I cant get happy clause init.

Shock clearly showed in Angels eyes as his mouth dropped open at the revelation. Unable to form aresponse, he just stood there.

What, not going to defend yourself? she questioned with a shake of her head. Let me guess...youre notgood enough for me. I deserve a normal happy life with sunlight, kids, and some lame looking white picketfence.

Its the truth, Angel admitted, still in complete shock that Buffy knew his curse had been fixed only a fewweeks ago.

No. Its *your* truth, Angel, she spat at him, stepping back a few feet. Those are all your excuses. Younever bothered to consider me or what I wanted. Youre so busy feeling guilty about your past and what youare that you cant fathom the idea that all I want is you.

She stepped back a few feet from him, wiping angrily at the tears that were starting to fall. Im a Slayer,Angel. Im born, Im called, I fight, and then I die, and unfortunately sometimes a few of those are repeated.


7/10

Theres no place for normal, whatever the Hell that is, in my life. As much as I may have wanted, or stillwant, what everyone else has...all I needed was you.

Buffy..., Angel started to interject, but was abruptly cut off.

God! You just dont get it do you?! she screamed in rage at him. The only time I have felt normal, orremotely happy was when I was with you, when you were holding me in your arms, feeling that you lovedme. That was normal to me. Every girl dreams of having what we had. And you fucking threw it all away!Taken over by her anger, she picked up a small pillow off the couch and hurled it at him, hitting him on theside of the head.

Angel stood completely still as the pillow bounced off his head. The pure fury emanating from the smallblonde was palpable. He honestly didnt know what to say. Her words had stung him more than she couldknow. Was it true? Had he been so caught up in himself that he had blatantly not taken her intoconsideration? Possibly. He had only ever wanted what was best for her.

That thought struck him hard. What was best for her. It was suddenly occurring to him that maybe hewasnt the one who would know what was best for her. He wasnt Buffy after all. So who was he to knowwhat was needed in her life? Dumbfounded by that revelation, Angel could only stand there and stare.

When Angel made no move toward her and didnt attempt to speak, Buffys heart sank. She had hoped tofinally get through to him. That had been the whole point of her plan. She should have known hed neverunderstand. He was too stubborn and guilt-ridden to accept what she was saying to him.

Her shoulders slumped when it became clear to her that Angel would not give in, would not allow himself tolove her. Dejectedly, she turned away from him, mumbling goodbye before slowly walking out of the room.She had only made it two steps when a strong hand grasped her arm and swung her back around. To hershock and surprise, Buffy found herself staring into Angels dark brown eyes.

^-^-^-^-^-^-^-^-^-^

Before Buffy could even speak, Angels head swooped down and captured her lips in a searing passion-laced kiss that left her utterly breathless. Conscious thought flew out of her mind as her body melted againsthis. Vaguely, in the back of her mind, she knew that this wasnt a promise to stay, but she couldnt quite find

it in herself to object. Not when his strong, glorious body was pressed up against hers.

Angel didnt know when he made the decision that he had. But when he saw her retreating form he couldntstop himself. Then, she was in his arms, kissing him with years of pent of need and want. He had wanted tosay something to her, tell her that she was everything to him, but the only thing he was aware of was hertiny, lithe body clinging to his.

A little voice in the back of his head was telling him to exercise restraint, that he needed to slow things down,but his control was sapped. Years of fighting his desire for her was coming undone all at once. The onlything he was aware of was her...her smell, her taste, her touch. He was intoxicated by each and everyaspect of her.

A moan escaped her lips as Angel kissed and nipped his way down her neck, coming to a rest on the stillvisible scar he had left years before. Her fingernails raked down his back causing Angel to emit a low,

rumbling growl that made her knees tremble. She eagerly complied when his hands reached down to graspher ass, lifting her up so that she could wrap her legs around his waist.

She kissed him fiercely, grinding herself against his obvious arousal. The mere feel of his cools lips pressedagainst hers sent her into a lust filled delirium. She felt like starving women coming across wealth ofdelicious food.

Neither were aware of their movement until they found themselves falling to the ground on the soft rug infront of the mansions massive fireplace. And really, neither gave a damn. The only concept either couldgrasp was sating the undying need they had for each other.


8/10

With her back pressed against the floor and Angel looming over her, Buffy slinked a hand between them andgrasped Angels shirt. Pulling harshly, she wrenched the material off his body, grinning wickedly at thesmooth, muscular chest she exposed. Her nails scraped down his chest and then back up, making sure tocatch his nipples on the way.

Angel shrugged his way out of his ruined shirt, freeing his arms. He looked down at the Goddess below himfor only a moment before taking her pale blue tank top in his hands and tearing it from her body. His eyes

feasted on her bra-less breasts causing his mouth to water. In the blink of an eye, his head dipped down ashe captured one of her hardened nipples in his mouth, nipping and sucking at the aroused peak.

Buffy gasped at the motion, arching her back off the ground and further into his embrace. Her handsgrasped at his head, urging him to continue. Writhing against him, the need became too much and herhands slithered their way down to the button on his pants. Releasing the tiny metal clasp and then thezipper, she used her feet to push his pants and boxers down his legs.

Aiding her actions, Angel haphazardly kicked off his shoes and then his pants and boxers, leaving himcompletely naked to her touch. His own hands reached between them to pull off her khaki shorts. Before hecould attend to the silky black panties she was wearing, her legs were once again wrapped around him asshe pressed herself against his insistent arousal. Growling with need, he roughly tore the material from herbody before collapsing against her. Their mutually naked bodies caressing each other at a fevered pace.

Feeling a burst of dominance, Buffy flipped their positions, placing her atop of Angel. With passion glazedeyes, Angel stared at her perfect body. His cock hardened further at the site of her heaving chest, slightlycovered by the mane of blonde hair. He reached a hand up to pull her back down, only to have her slightlyslap it away.

He watched, barely restraining his need for her, as she climbed down his body. He lurched off the floor whenhe felt her hot mouth engulf him in one swoop. Tangling his hands in her hair, he thrust up slightly as shesucked his length into her mouth. Lost in the sensation of her swirling tongue, he nearly growled when shepulled away before he wanted her too.

Buffy giggled at his protestation, but continued to crawl away from him on her hands and knees. Ceasing hercrawl, she tilted her head to look behind her, meeting Angels eyes. She wiggled her ass invitingly andshrieked in shocked pleasure when Angel leapt behind her and impaled himself in her in one swift motion.

Grasping Buffys hips tightly, Angels eyes nearly crossed at the feel of her tight, wet sheath clenchedaround his cock. He remained still inside her for nearly a minute trying to gain control of his body, but whenBuffy pushed back against him he couldnt resist her silent plea. Pulling out of her almost completely, hethrust back in with inhuman force.

Moaning, Buffy met his pace stroke for stroke. Her head drooped down to the floor, her forehead restingagainst the Oriental rug in pure rapt pleasure. She couldnt help but wonder how she had gone so longwithout him, but she quickly pushed all serious thoughts aside. It was kinda hard to think at all when in themidst of sheer bliss.

The two soon completely lost themselves in each other. Neither spoke except for the occasional grunts andmoans of delight accompanying the echoing sounds of flesh against flesh. If either had been purely humanthe force of their mating would have surely caused physical damage, but neither were and at the moment

neither cared in the least little bit.

When Angel felt the tightening in his groin, he slipped a hand under than bodies and down through the trimcurls hiding her sex. He stroked her clit once, then twice, before pinching in none to gently.

The act sent Buffy spiraling over the edge of her orgasm, screaming Angels name as she came. Her insidesclenched and convulsed around his cock, pushing him into his own orgasm. He collapsed bonelessly on topof her as the last of his seed coated her insides.


9/10

Not wanting to crush Buffy, Angel rolled over, reluctantly pulling himself out of her body. He sighed as sheturned in his arms and lay limp against his chest. Lightly stroking her back, he looked down at the onewoman whod ever captured his jaded heart. She was truly a vision...so beautiful, so good. How someonelike her could love someone like him, he didnt know.

After long silent moments, Angel finally found his ability to speak. I still dont have anything to give you.

Propping herself up slightly, Buffy gazed into his eyes, All I ever wanted was you.

Angel felt tears moisten his eyes at the honest declaration. He wanted to say no, tell her that she deservedmore, but he couldnt fight himself any longer. Staring into the depths of her hazel eyes, he couldnt denyher, couldnt break her heart once again. If she wanted her life to be with him then he would happily oblige,and if one day she wanted more than he could give her he would walk away no matter how much it hurt himto do so.

I love you, he whispered, bringing one of her hands up to his mouth and placing a soft kiss on her palm.

I love you, too, Buffy repeated, a solitary tear falling down her cheek before she laid her head back downon his chest.

Stay with me? spoke Angel in a gentle murmur, knowing that his request would convey to her that he wasfinally offering himself to her for as long as she wanted.

Forever, she breathed out in a heavy sigh, smiling against the smooth expanse of his chest, fighting thedesire to either weep in relief or get up and do a happy dance. Instead, she settled herself into Angelsembrace, slowly allowing herself to drift into the first peaceful sleep shed had since her resurrection.

Angel felt her body relax and knew that shed fallen asleep. He marveled at the feel of her in his arms afterso long. It was as close to heaven as he ever thought hed get. There were still doubts in his mind. He stillwondered if staying was what was best for her, but he couldnt walk away this time. He couldnt stay awaywhen it only seemed to hurt them more.

With that in mind, he too slowly drifted off to sleep.

^-^-^-^-^-^-^-^-^-^

Buffy crept quietly out of the bedroom, leaving the door open so she could hear the sound of the showerinside. During the middle of the night, theyd both awoken and made their way into Angels old bedroom.

After slowly making love to each other theyd again fallen asleep in each others arms.

Now, while Angel was showering Buffy moved far enough away from the room so she could just barely hearthe water running. She peered behind her to make sure she was alone before pulling her cell phone out ofher shorts pocket. Quickly, she dialed the phone number shed memorized and waited for an answer on theother end.

Hello? a gruff, half asleep voice spoke.

Hey, its me, Buffy replied softly.

Do you know what time it is? the male grumbled at her.

Yes, I know, she sighed and shook her head.

I take it all went well, he asked her.


10/10

Buffy grinned at the question. Uh huh. It went...perfectly. Well, maybe not perfectly, she though to herself.It hadnt been a stroll in the park, but at least shed finally gotten through to Angel.

Good, glad to hear it, girl, he smiled even though she couldnt see it.

Yeah, and dont forget-, she started to say.

Yeah, yeah. I know. I didnt see nothing, and I dont know nothing. Hell never find out about your little plan,her co-conspirator chuckled at the end.

Thanks, Gunn. I appreciate you helping me out, Buffy spoke sincerely, knowing he probably didnt likedeceiving his boss.

Youre welcome. This makes us even now. Ya know that, right? he told her, thinking back to three and ahalf years earlier when the petite, depressed girl had saved his ass from a gang of vamps.

I know, conceded Buffy, rolling her eyes at his statement.

Good, just makin sure. Now go be with your man, Gunn ordered her with a laugh.

Oh, I plan to, smirked Buffy. Bye.

Later, girl, spoke Gunn before hanging up the phone.

Buffy ended the call and stuck her phone back in her pocket. A small pang of guilt went through her at whatshed done to prompt Angels trip to Sunnydale. She felt bad for deceiving him and making him think sheturned into a Playboy Bunny, but bottom-line, it had worked. Shed finally gotten him to listen to her, reallylisten. That was all that mattered. Maybe someday shed tell him about her treachery...then again, maybenot.

Shrugging her shoulders, Buffy shook off all serious thoughts and strolled back towards the bedroom,whistling a happy tune as she went. As she entered the room, she glanced toward the bathroom where theshower was still running. A wicked smile played across her lips as she thought of naked Angel all alone in

the big shower. Shedding her clothes she sauntered toward the bathroom, licking her lips in anticipation.

^-^-^-^-^-^-^-^-^-^

THE END!

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