Part 6

The group spent the day out on Angel's speedboat, taking a day trip to the Keys. The weather was beautiful, and the ocean temperature was just right so everyone could swim comfortably. Around five O'clock, Angel docked the boat, and the gang headed in with plans for the evening...

****

"I got the Shower first!!" Buffy shouted, as soon as she entered the door of the beach-house.

Cordelia groaned and tugged at her hair, "Look at my hair, it's a mess. All salty and icky!"

Oz set down the cooler, "Well, that's the price you pay for having fun."

Willow smiled and began to empty the coolers of soda and the bags of suntan lotion. She glanced up at Angel, who's face was beat red. "Looks like someone got some sun burn."

Angel smiled, "Always the sensitive one to the sun."

Buffy walked over and lifted his shirt, exposing his broad chest. "Looks like you got sunburn in more then one place." She pulled his shirt off. "Guess I'm going to have to put some aloe on it." She winked at him, then proceeded to walk up the steps.

Oz and Xander smirked.

Cordelia rolled her eyes, "OK, now that we got our share of PDA for the day, what's the plan for tonight?"

Angel tore his attention away from the steps, and looked at the group. "There's a really great club about ten minutes away from here. We could head there tonight."

"Sounds like a plan." Willow said, grabbing Cordy's hand and pulling her up the steps. "The girls are going to get ready. Don't you three get in any trouble."

"Us? Trouble?" Xander quipped, placing his hand over his heart.

Two Hours Later

"Now, this is what I call a party!" Xander cried, as the group of six entered the downtown club called 'The Underground.' The place was based on three levels. The top level was the place where people hung that didn't have dates, hoping to score with a guy or girl. The middle, was where the bar was, and the bottom, the dance floor where hundreds of lights flashed around the room, casting lights on everyone hot, sweaty bodies.

"And I thought the Bronze was cool," Cordelia said, smirking. "This place is like the white house. With a lot more lights and stuff."

Buffy laughed, "Leave it to Cordy." She turned to face her boyfriend, who was staring off into space. "Angel, hunny, are you OK?"

He turned to her and smiled, "Yeah, I thought I saw someone I know."

"Oh." Buffy nodded. She glanced at a near by booth, "Do you guys want to sit down?"

At the nods of several heads, they gang sat down. Angel leaned over and whispered into Buffy's ear, "Would you like something to drink?"

She turned her head, capturing his lips in a fiery kiss." Please."

With one final kiss, he got up and walked to the bar.

Cordy placed her chin in her hands, and stared at Buffy. "Buffy's in love."

The statement caught Buffy off guard, "W-what?"

Xander laughed, moving next to her,"You're in love with him, it's so clear."

Buffy blushed smiling nervously, "How do you know when you're in love?"

Willow looked at Oz, who's eyes showed nothing but love, trust, and passion. "You just know."

Buffy swallowed, was she in love with this man? The revelation of it all was mind-blowing. Here, she sat, in Florida, with a man she's been dating for just a month, and she was already hopelessly in love with him. The irony of it all was that, she didn't even know, until now.

"Oh God," she said, with the sudden urge to tell him, be near him. She stood up and scanned the floor for him.

Sure enough she found him, but not the way she had expected to.

There he was, standing in the middle of the floor, wrapped up in the arms with a brunette, swaying softly to the music.

She didn't feel her heartbreak, she heard it. Covering her mouth in a muffled cry, Buffy turned and dashed out of the club.

The other four seated at the table, watched as Buffy ran. Getting up to see what upset her, they watched as Angel unwrapped his arms from the Brunette and Kiss her on her head.

Willow almost screamed, "That Ass hole!"

The Other three were to blow-away for words.

Slowly, Angel turned around and grabbed the hand of the women, leading her over to the four people, who were staring at him with such anger.

Angel stopped a foot from them, "OK, what did I do?"

Cordy smacked him across the face. "what did you DO?" she screamed pointing to the women. "Um, hello? Dense much!"

Angel rubbed his inflamed cheek, "What are you talking about? This is my cousin, Jenna."

A small wave of relief washed over the group.

Oz eyes widened." Oh, God. Buffy."

Angel stared at him, then at the group, "What do you mean?" He was frantic, "Where's Buffy."

"She saw you two dancing, then took off crying." Xander said, pointed to the door.

Jenna covered her mouth with her hand, "Oh God, is that your girlfriend?" Angel nodded. "She thought, you and I were...Oh God."

Angel started running towards the door, the others followed, "Where did she go?"

"I don't know." Xander said, hot on Angel's heels, "Back to the house?"

Cordy frowned, "She doesn't know her way around, so she's likely to go there."

Angel nodded, his eyes showed fear. Fear of losing his love.

****

The Beach House

"Stupid males," Buffy whispered as she packed her suitcase. She sniffled again, and wiped a tear from her cheek. "Who needs them. Not me."

//Yeah. Right// She couldn't stop the tears, or the ache that consumed her body. She was almost sure Angel loved her, like she loved him. //stupid Buffy. Stupid, stupid Buffy.//

Her fingers trembled as she continued to pack, her throat constricted in pain. Buffy was pretty sure she was going to die. Laying back on the bed, she covered her face with her hands, and cried.

From downstairs, she heard a door open. Assuming it was her friends, Buffy sat up and wiped her tears. She needed to be strong Buffy, happy Buffy. Her attempt landed flat. The footsteps up the stairs became louder, she knew they would find her.

Opening up the door, Angel found Buffy sitting on the bed, tears running down her face. Her suitcase was open, with cloths placed awkwardly in them. //she was going to leave//

He approached her, "Buffy, sweetie, I know what you're thinking, but its not."

Buffy let out a sound that was a cross between a sob and a insane laugh, Full of anger.

The door behind Angel opened, and Cody and Willow walked in...with Jenna. Buffy's eyes flew to the girl, then back at Angel, "You BROUGHT HER HOME?" She cried.

Angel was pretty sure that the situation couldn't get any worse." Buffy, no. It's not what you think."

Buffy pushed passed him, to the dresser. "You already said that."

He followed her, and grabbed her, spinning her around to face him. "This is Jenna, my cousin. She lives in Florida, she owns the club we went to."

"Oh, God." Buffy whispered, feeling like a complete fool.

Jenna stepped forward, and extended her hand. "It's nice to meet you."

Buffy accepted her hand shake, "You too. I'm sorry, I'm not usually this high strung."

Jenna laughed, "It's OK, I would've reacted the same way." She turned to Angel, "Listen I have to go back to the club, it was good to see you again."

"You too," He pulled her into a hug, and kissed her crown.

"We'll show you out." Willow said, as she grabbed Cordy hand, dragging her out of the room.

Once the door shut, Angel approached Buffy slowly, "Are you OK?"

Buffy offered him a weak, small smile, "I know how to make a complete idiot out of my self."

Angel tried to take her in his arms, but she flinched. "It's OK. If I saw you with another guy, I would've killed him."

Buffy laughed quietly, then lifted her head to meet eye contact. "I need a few minutes to pull my self together." With that, she turned and walked out of the room.

****

The full moon casted it's light across the calm Atlantic Ocean. Sitting on the dock, Buffy let her bare feet skim the waters surface.

She came out here over and hour ago, not having the heart to turn and go back. She was hoping that Angel would come and sweep her off her feet, but he didn't show.

Taking a deep breath of the cool ocean mist, Buffy relaxed her body closing her eyes. Suddenly, she heard a loud sound. Opening her eyes, she watched as Angel pulled his boat up to the dock and offered his hand to her, silently inviting her in.
Clutching her small hand in his big one, Angel guided Buffy into the boat.

They drove into the night without so much as a word, their presence being enough. Once reaching their final destination, Angel shut the ignition off and walked over to Buffy, who was seated on the couch at the head of the boat.

"Come here." Angel whispered, as he lifted her up off her feet, "dance with me." With-that he enveloped her tiny form into his huge one.

"There's no music." She whispered, inhaling the scent from his shirt.

He kissed her lips. "It doesn't matter." Angel swallowed loud and nervously, "Buffy--"

She looked up at him, with her beautiful eyes, that made Angel want to cry in joy, because she was his.

"I love you," he whispered sincerely.

A tear ran down her cheek, "I love you."

Nuzzling his nose into her neck, Angel rained it with butterfly kisses.

Lifting his chin, Buffy met Angel's lips in a searing kiss. On and on, Their mouth danced with such passion and desire. Carefully, Angel lowered Buffy onto the large couch, never once breaking the kiss....

The stars twinkled over head, as a shooting star fell across the night's sky.

****

The light of dawn lurched over the water's surface, casting brilliant colors to fan out across the sky. Buffy squinted her eyes, trying to block out the light. When that didn't work, she buried her face into the soft body next to her. //Oh, God!// Snapping her eyes open, Buffy sound Angel staring at her, smiling. He tucked a piece of hair behind her ear, then leaned down to kiss
her.

"Morning sleepyhead." He whispered, not that here was anyone around to hear them, they were in the middle of the ocean.

Buffy beamed, "Morning to you too." She looked at their surroundings. "We fell asleep on the boat?" She giggled. "I've always wanted to do that!"

He laughed and stood, pulling her with him. "We should get to shore, Everyone will be worried."

Buffy pouted, she didn't want to leave. She never wanted to. "I don't want to." He stomach growled, demanding food. "But my stomach wants food, so we have to."

He took her hand in his, "Come on, I'll let you drive the boat."

Buffy's eyes widened, like a deer caught in headlights, "Really? Don't you know that could end in human fatalities?"

"Well, just think, If you kill us, we'll go together." Angel quipped.

Buffy let out a short laugh, playfully hitting him in the chest. Unfortunately, that little hit was enough for him to lose his balance, and topple off the edge of the boat. With a loud crash, Angel fell into the water.

"Angel!" Buffy shouted, leaning over the boat. "Oh my God, I'm sorry! Are you OK?"

He grinned at her, and nodded. "I'm fine. I needed a shower anyway."

Reaching her hand down, Angel grasped it. And pulled...her down with him. With another topple Buffy fell off the boat, and into the water, right next to Angel.

"OHMYGOD!" She shouted, kicking rapidly in the water, "Angel! I can't believe you did that!"

"I got lonely in here all by myself." He joked. "Wanted some company." But when she didn't smile back, he grew concerned. "Hey, what's wrong? I was just playing around."

Buffy shook, not from the cold, it was straight out of fear, "I had a drowning incident when I was younger, I haven't been in a pool or the ocean since."

Reaching out, Angel crushed Buffy against him, "Oh God, I'm so sorry, I didn't realize."

She trembled against his body, "You couldn't have known."

Swimming a short distance to the boat, Angel pushed Buffy up into the boat. After Making sure she was safe, Angel reached up and climbed in also.

Walking over to a cabinet, Angel took two towels out, and wrapped one tightly around Buffy.

It was obvious to Buffy that he still felt guilty, because he didn't make eye contact.

"Hey," she tugged on his soaked shirt, yet his eyes didn't meet hers. She grabbed his chin, and that is when she noticed it.

Above his right eye was a large, bloody gash. "Oh, jeez." She lightly touched it with her fingers, and he winced in pain. "See, Angel! I told you that this would end in fatalities."

His smile reappeared on his beautiful face," I love you." He sealed it with a kiss.

****

"Then..."

"We fell back onto the sofa."

"AND..."

"We Kissed."

Cordelia threw her hand in the air, "You are the most difficult person to information from!" She rolled her eyes and continued to pack up her suit case.

Buffy laughed, and zipped up her bag. "If the question you're trying to ask is 'Did you and Angel have sex' the answer is no."

"Now was that so hard?" Cordelia quipped.

Buffy stuck her tongue at her, "You should've just asked!"

"You'll pay for that Summers!" Cordy resorted by throwing a pillow at Buffy's head. Luckily for Buffy, she ducked in time.

Walking in to the room, Angel was greeted by a pillow...in his face.

Buffy gasped in surprise, and approached the stunned Angel. "You OK?" she giggled.

Throwing the pillow over his shoulder, Angel stared at the two girls sternly, "What did I tell you two about throwing pillows?"

Cordelia and Buffy stared at each other, then back at Angel.

An evil smile spread across his face, as he threw the pillow gently at Buffy's face, "Always include me."

The War had begun.

****

"It'll be good to go home, I miss Sunnydale." Buffy said as she and the gang boarded the airplane.

Willow smirked, "Speak for your self!"

Xander draped an arm over Cordy's shoulder, "Just think, one less day till summer vacation."

"I just hope Giles is OK." Buffy whispered, a sad smile appearing on her face.

Angel heard the statement, and he leaned down to kiss her lips, "I'm sure he's fine."

****

In the Summer's house, Giles snores soundly as the television blares in front of him.

"I'm Amy Glass, and this is Sunnydale's news at nine. The Residents of Sunnydale are baffled as a mysterious murderer stalks the dark streets. Police say that the killer is armed and Dangerous. He's killed three women in the past two weeks. All young women should be in by dark, and travel in groups. The FBI states that they will not sleep until the murder is behind bars.

****

6 Months Later

"...Women are advised to stay indoors after dark. Travel in packs, and avoid walking alone at night. Police say that the murder gives no mercy. His last to victims were found hung by straight jackets in a meat locker. Their appendages were slashed with what looked like..."

::CLICK::

"OK, That's enough of that," Buffy said as she turned to face Cordy and Willow, who's color was drained from their faces, "The things that they get away with saying on television blows me away."

"Aren't you a little worried, Buffy? I mean, this guy could be after anyone. It's dark out side, and we're alone in here and it's creepy. We should be in the arms of our boyfriends."

"Will, we are women. The backbone of America. we don't need to be cuddled and cooed by men at all hours of the day." Cordy stated, flipping her hair over her shoulder causally.

"Go Cor!" Buffy chanted.

"knock, knock girls!" Giles and Mr. O'brian peeked their heads through the door, "Can we come in?"

"Sure." Buffy said, eyeing them carefully, "When did you suddenly become interested in girl talk?"

"A few moments ago, actually." Mr. O'brian said, taking a seat on Buffy's bed. "We heard about the murders, and we just want to tell you three to be double careful."

"This guys a sicko," Giles added, "and I couldn't imagine losing another one of my Girls."

Buffy blushed and sighed, "OK, I'll stay close to Angel." She smiled, "Not that I mind."

"Yes, well. Be good you three. We'll leave you alone." Giles said as he dragged Mr. O'brian out of the room.

"So, how is Angel, Buff? I mean, you two have been dating for like, what seven months?" Cordy asked, leaning her head against the bed's headboard.

"He's fine. Cute, and funny, and great as usual." Buffy sighed happily.

"Have you two, you know, done IT?" Willow stammered.

Buffy smiled as Willow's shyness, "No, we haven't. Not that I don't want to. It's just that, how do you bring up a subject like that?"

"Well," Cordy said as she stood up and sat next to Buffy, "when Xander and I did it, it just happened. We were fighting and then BAM, we're tearing off each other's cloths."

"Nice visual." Buffy stated.

"Thought so."

"What about you, Will?" Buffy asked, looking in the direction of her friend.

"Well, Oz was very, quite about the subject, I eventually just jumped his bones."

"Little WILLOW!" Buffy shouted, "Do you kiss your Mother with that mouth?"

"Nah, only Oz."

Buffy covered her ears, "You're ruining my moral and values!"

****

"So, Is it worth it?" Buffy asked, "I mean, what's it like?"

Cordy laughed, "Getting a little personal there, aren't we?"

"To answer your question, Buffy" Willow said, "Yes, it is worth it, that is, when you're ready. It's something personal, you only share with Angel. It's beautiful."

"OK, don't go all romance-novel on us, Will." Cordy Joked.

"What, it's the truth!" Willow, argued. Standing up, Willow walked over and sat next to Buffy. "Listen, if you want to bring up a subject like this with Angel, just ask. That's all you have to do."

Buffy shook her head in understanding. //Just ask. If I want Angel to make love to me, All I have to do is hint him on.//

****

"Now, where are my favorite ladies?" Xander asked as he walked through Buffy's bedroom door, followed by Oz and Angel.

"Umm, that would be me!" Cordy raised her hand, "But, I'm you favorite LADY, it's singular. Just L-A-D-Y."

"So punctual." He said, kissing her lips.

"What's the what you three? You normally don't just barge into my room with knocking," Buffy asked as Angel wrapped his arms around her waist from behind.

"Mommies sent us." Oz said, grabbing Willow's hand, "They want you all home, with the murder out."

Willow's brow furrowed, "Cordy's and my parents aren't home, they're on businesses trips together."

Oz held up a piece of paper with an assortment of numbers, "In all honesty, they called and told us strong boys to protect you."

"Again with the male stereotyping." Buffy stated. She felt Angel's hands slip under her shirt, and tighter around her waist. She shivered with the abrupt contact, needing so much more.

Angel leaned down and whispered into her ear," We're not kidding. I don't want anyone touching you. And if they do, I'll rip them apart limb by limb ... and tie..."

Buffy kissed his lips, silencing him, "I've had a hard enough time keeping my lunch down with all the descriptive news's casts on. Don't add fuel to the fire."

Angel smiled sadly, "I'm sorry."

"It's OK."

"You know, I hate to break up this little display of love, But I'm taking Cordy home." Xander said, dragging Cordy by the hand.

"Same here," Oz said, pulling Willow off the bed.

"Home would be.... Their homes, or your homes. Not that it really matters, none of your parent are home." Buffy smirked.

"I'm going to act like you didn't ask that question. Good-0 night B and A." Xander waved, as he left with Cordy.

"What he said," Oz pointer to Xander, then left with Willow.

"Ladies and Gentle men. My Friends. Hold your breath, and keep your eyes closed. It could get ugly." The sound of laughter arouse from Angel chest in response to Buffy's remark.

Turning around to face Angel, Buffy laid a soft kiss on this smooth chin, "Now, what is it that you wanted."

Angel chuckled and bent his head to kiss behind Buffy's ear, "I just wanted to see the one I love."

"Have I met her?" Buffy asked as innocently as she possibly could without laughing.

"You might have. She's smart, and witty, and beautiful. She has long golden hair, with a smile that knocks all the guys dead." He paused, "In a good way."

"Come here." She commanded gently, pulling his chin down to meet his lips in a searing kiss. The kiss was slow and gradual, but quickly escalated to greater proportions. It grew passionate, and they clung to one another.

Pulling Angel with her, Buffy felt the her bed against the back of her knees. Carefully, she pulled him down on top of her. A purr arose from his chest, as he gripped her him for control.

"Buffy..." Angel groaned, as he felt her hands lift the hem of his shirt.

"Yeah, Buffy. I really don't think you should do that." The new voice startled both of them, and they abruptly pulled apart.

Mr. O'brian smiled at them, "I don't think Giles would appreciate that very much, Angel."

"Sorry, Dad." Angel said, as he turned a bright shade of red.

"How about you two go to a movie. Cool off." Mr. O'brian offered.

"That acutely sounds like fun." Buffy said grabbing Angel's hand.

"I don't know if it's safe to be out so late with the murder out." Angel said, concern evident on his face.

Buffy pouted," Please, just for a little."

Angel laughed, "Now how could I resist a face like that."

****

"I'm telling you, The guy was a hopeless romantic." Buffy argued, walking up her drive way.

Angel smiled, and wrapped his arm around her waist, "You think? It was just a movie, he's just an actor"

"Yes, I think. Actor or not." Buffy paused, "He's the kind of guy who would send you flowers in the middle of work, or cover your eyes as you walk on the beseech, just so you can *feel* the sand beneath your feet."

Hurt crossed Angel features, "Do I qualify as one of these guys?"

Buffy ignored him, "He's the kind of guy that would make a fool out of himself, just to prove it's all for you. He's the kind of guy that'll just sweep you off your feet at any given moment."

Without warning, Angel did just that. Sweeping her off her feet, Angel held Buffy close to his chest, "Just like that?"

Buffy nodded, "Just like that."

"Do I classify as a hopeless romantic?"

"Why?" Buffy purred, "Are you jealous?"

HE didn't answer.

"You're more then a hopeless romantic, you're MY hopeless romantic. And I love you." Buffy said, then gently kissed his lips.

"Good thing." He leaned his forehead against hers, "Because I love you too."

Opening up the door to the house, The couple were greeted with a scene they expected least.

At least five police men were casually situated through out the house, one was pouring a cup of coffee, and others were questioning Willow and Cordelia.

"Hey, what's going on?" Angel asked, as he and Buffy approached Giles.

Giles turned and frowned at Angel, "A man with a mask came to the door asking for Buffy. I told him that she wasn't here. and he handed me a note. The police have it now."

A short, and fat officer with dark hair approached Buffy and handed her the note.

//You Will Die,
I will know your Blood,
There's now way out,
You can't hide.//

Tears fell one by one down her face, and she clutched to Angel for support.

"Oh, Buffy." Angel whispered, enveloping her in his strong arms. She was trembling with fear. Sobs caught in her throat, and she clutched him with her tiny fingers. "No, one's going to hurt you, I promise."

She didn't answer, because she didn't believe him.

****

"...So as a precautionary, I think you should move in with someone else just for the time being." The police officer continued, "Somewhere that wouldn't be easily found."

Mr. O'brian gently stroked Buffy's back, as Angel went to retrieve her a glass of water. Angel returned, and handed Buffy her water, "My place is relatively new, I mean, she can stay there." He earned a glance from Giles, "that is, if it is OK with Giles."

Buffy smiled up at Angel, he was always the giving one. She was so glad that she had him, so glad that he loved her, "As much as Giles may not like the idea, It may be the best."

"So, it's set." The officer interrupted, "Buffy stays at Angel's until further notice."

****

Quitetly kicking open the front door, Angel genltly carried Buffy into his house. The night had been diffiuclt, packing, cleaning, fingerprinting. Buffy was wiped, and promtly fell asleep in Angel's arms. Not having the heart to wake her up, Angel carried her to his car, then into his house.

Once inside the house Angel laid Buffy down on his bed, and undressed her. As uncomfotable as the situation was, he couldn't help the overwelming feeling of protection he was having over Buffy. She was in his house, his bed, under his protection. It was the simple things that filled Angel's heart with such happiness . Quickly removing Buffy's pants and shirt, so only her bra and panites were intact, Angel rummeged through her suit case insearch of her Pajamas. Once finding them, he gingerly dressed her and pulled the covers over her, tucking her in securly.

He kissed her soft lips, then sat on the chair in the corner. Content on never leaveing her side. He hoped that tomarrow would be easier

****

The first thing Buffy noticed when she awoke was her pounding head ache, the second was the fact she wasn't in her bed. Shooting of bed, Buffy was taken over by a dizzy spell, "oh," She groaned as she slowly laid back down on the bed.

"Morning sleepy head," Angel chanted as he rounded the corner into the bedroom. He had a tray of food in one hand and a bottle of aspirin in the other.

"Uh, Morning." Buffy moaned, squeezing her eyes closed. "I think I'm sick."

"I Think you're right. When I came to check on you earlier, I noticed you were pale. So I felt you're head and sure enough, you had a fever." Angel inquired, climbing on his bed to lay next to her, "But in any case, you picked a good day, because it's pouring." He pointed out the window.

Sure enough, a constant flow of rain fell from the sky, landing on the ground with a swift pitter, patter.

"I like the rain. It's pretty." Buffy said, snuggling closer to Angel, "It's so simple. Lil' drops of water falling from the sky, like crystals. Beautiful."

Angel leaned down and softly whispered into Buffy's ear, "You're beautiful."

"Were you always this charming?" Buffy asked, looking up into his eyes.

"Nah," He whispered against her lips.

Before he could kiss her, she playfully pushed him away, "None of that today honey. I'm going to get you sick. And we can't have that."

Angel smiled, "I guess you're right. I have to stay well, I need to be your doctor. Now, lets eat some breakfast."

They ate breakfast in silence, just enjoying one another's company.

Angel was grateful that Buffy was safe, that she wasn't in the house when the murder left the note with Giles, but what baffled him the most is why the killer KNEW that Buffy wasn't home, other wise he wouldn't have taken the time to write the note. It
scared him more then he wanted it to.

"Angel, honey?" Buffy said softly, finishing up her last bit of toast.

He turned to face her, she had obviously been talking to him the whole time, but he was to busy brooding to listen to what she was saying.

"Did you hear anything that I just said?" Buffy asked, upset that she's been ignored.

Angel smiled sadly, "I'm sorry, I was just thinking about yesterday."

"Me too." Buffy agreed, snuggling into Angel's lap. "I was thinking about what happen before, you know up in my room." She held his eye contact, " When we were kissing, and then we like fell on the bed..."

Angel beamed at the memory, "Yeah, I remember."

"We're you comfortable with that?" Buffy asked gently, "I mean, it was just so sudden and you know ... we've never really talked about it, that next step."

This was definitely going to be the longest couple of weeks in Angel's life. She was talking to him about making love to her, when all he could think about was just that. He want to make love to her until she couldn't open her eyes. Endlessly, all night long. The bittersweet thought of being intimate with Buffy in one of the most blissful experiences in the human life, brought tears to his eyes, "Buffy, sweetie, whenever you're ready, I'm ready."

"You sure, because I've never you know, done it before." Buffy blushed.

"That makes two of us."

Buffy stared at Angel with astonishment, a stud muffin like him was still a virgin. Buffy stood up on the bed, "Are you serious?"

Angel pulled her by the hands, back down to his lap, "Yes. I'm serious. I was waiting for some special, someone that I truly love, someone like you."

Buffy seized the moment with a soft kiss on his lips, "It's moment like this you wish you weren't sick."

Angel chuckled, and returned the kiss, "Tell me about it."

****

"...The latest victim, Buffy Summers, nearly dodged another brutal attack. Inevitably, it angered the Murder to an extent to killing one of Buffy's class mated named Harmony Kennel. Next to the body a note was place, with the Words : BS: U R NEXT. police..."

"SHUT UP!" Buffy screamed harshly at the television.

Strong arms came around her, in a comforting embrace, "It's OK beloved. It's going to be OK." Angel vowed he'd do anything to keep her safe. Even if it meant risking his own life, " Lets do something else. Lets get your mind off of this."

"Like what?" Buffy frowned?

****

"Oh, that feels good." Buffy moaned in to a pillow, as Angel strong fingers gently caressed her bare back. Slowly, Angel trailed his finger nails along Buffy lower back. She moaned in response, "God, have I told you that you're the best? I've never gotten such a great back massage."

Angel kissed her nape of her neck, "Glad you like it." He moved his palms in a circular motion, eliciting another moan of contentment from Buffy. Without warning, Buffy unsnapped her bra, giving him better access to her back. Angel felt his throat constrict. The scene was very erotic; Buffy in his bed, topless, not to mention him giving her a back massage.

//Oh, God//

This was going to be the longest day of Angel's life.

****

Three Weeks Later

Over the course of the past three weeks, the town of Sunnydale remained quite. No murders stalking the young women, and no death threats towards Buffy. The police believed that the murder got scared and left town, yet Buffy didn't buy it. She believed that he was laying low, waiting for just the right moment.

"Happy Birthday," Angel whispered to Buffy, sitting next to her on his bed. He pulled a red, gift wrapped box out from under the bed and handed it to her.

Slowly, Buffy unwrapped it, stealing a smile with Angel occasionally. She unwrapped to find a platinum ring. It had two hands holding a heart, which had a crown on the top.

"It's beautiful." Buffy whispered, gripping the ring with her tiny fingers.

Angel moved closer, taking the small ring in his hands, "My father gave this to my Mother after I was born, the hands represent friendship, the crown represents loyalty, and the heart...love. Where it with the heart pointing towards you, it means you belong to someone." He held up his hand with the same ring, with the heart pointing towards him, "like this." Buffy gently grasped the hand in hers, brought it up to her lips and kissed it, "Put it on," He requested softly.

Sliding it on her finger, Angel looked up at Buffy, who was sniffing softly, "You, OK?"

Life had been crazy lately, more so then usual. But this release, the presence of Angel, reminded her that her life wasn't horrible, and that she had friends, family, and a boyfriend that loved her more then words, "Yeah, I'm OK. I was just thinking about how much I love you."

"Funny," Angel said, moving into kiss her lips, " I was thinking the same thing."

The Kiss was slow, and careful, but as usual it grew passionate, and uncontrollable. Both of them were aware of the fact that they were on a bed. Buffy slowly pushed Angel back down onto the bed. She wanted this, she need this. For heaven's sake, she was almost killed.

Her whole body was tingling with a sensation she'd never felt before. Her soul, hands, feet, everything was alive. Buzzing with so much electricity, that is was driving her insane with need. she felt Angel's large hands hold her hips closer to him, needing more contact.

Angel gently flipped Buffy onto her back, so he was hovering over her. He broke this kiss to stare at her, silently asking for permission to continue. She didn't respond, she just reached up and brought his lips to hers.

Their mouths fused, over and over again. Angel continued his butterfly kisses from Buffy's lips, across her jaw, down her throat, to her neck. Buffy gripped Angel's back tighter, as the a new warmth came over her. She heard Angel groan in response. Breaking the kiss, Buffy stared up at Angel as her small hand trailed under his shirt, up to his shoulder, then removing the garment, tossing it to the floor.

"Angel, please," Buffy whispered, as Angel's hands traveled up her back, then under his shirt. He started to lift it over her head, but the action was interrupted by the ringing of the phone.

Angel groaned, "Damn. Hold that thought." He reached over and grabbed the phone off the receiver," Hello?"

"YOU CAN'T HIDE HER. I KNOW WHERE SHE IS. AND I DON'T THINK DADDY WILL LIKE VERY MUCH THAT YOU'RE CORRUPTING HIS DAUGHTER."

Angel's body went numb. He dropped the phone onto the cold tile floor. The color of life was drained from his face, as he stood and pulled on his shirt.

"Angel, was that..." Buffy voice trembled. She couldn't find the power to finish the sentence. She already knew who it was, by the expression of horror on Angel's face. Buffy stood and grabbed Angel's hand.

The Lights went out.

****

Angel crushed Buffy's body into his, when he noticed the front window was wide open. The shadow of a body played across the floor. He watched as the silhouette pulled on a black mask, and withdrew a knife from under his black coat.

"Don't move." Angel whispered into Buffy's ear.

The shadow took a step closer.

"Angel, what's going on..." Buffy's voice cracked.

Angel placed a single finger on her lips, "Just do what I say. On the count of three I'm going to push you out of the way."

He didn't wait for an answer from her, because there wasn't enough time. The murder dove for Buffy, and Angel pushed Buffy into the wall. It wasn't quick enough because he heard a tearing of flesh, and muffled scream. Buffy hit the floor.

A quick exchange of hits and punches were exchanged, and it wasn't long before Angel got the upper hand in the fight.

With a quick blow to the stomach by Angel, the killer staggered back. Using this to his advantage, Angel grabbed the small end table, and broke it over the other man's head.

With a few staggered movements, the man fell to his knees, then to his stomach, unconscious.

It only took a second for Angel to recompose himself, and dash over to Buffy. He crouched beside her, observing the large gash on her arm.

Buffy smiled, "It doesn't hurt that bad, really."

Her pant legs and cloths were soaked in blood. The gash was about as big as Angel's hand. It *had* to hurt," You're a terrible liar." He then gathered her into his strong arms, never wanting to let go. Gently kissing the top of her head, then her lips, he knew that it was all over, "We should call the police before our mystery man wakes up."

She nodded in response.

****

The police force gathered in Angel's apartment. Some were attending to Buffy's wounds, some questioning Angel. Willow, Oz and Giles were standing by for moral support, while Cordy and Xander went to get Mr. O'brian at work.
"Are you two OK?" Giles asked, approaching both Buffy and Angel.

Buffy smiled, still shaken, "Yeah. I just want to know who this sicko is."

Angel nodded, keeping Buffy tight in his embrace, "Yes, please."

Two dark haired police officers approached the trio, the taller one spoke, "We've identified the murder, would you like to see him?"

At the nod of heads, the officers lead the small group over to a stretcher, where a man was covered in a white sheet up to his face.

And all that was heard were the gasps of horror.

****

The group sat silently in the Sunnydale general Hospital lobby. Buffy and Angel were being evaluated and cleaned up from the night's events. Giles sat numb in his corner chair. //If I had only known// //What happened?// //I Don't understand what went wrong//

The door to room 314 opened, reveling Buffy, who had a bandage wrapped tightly around her arm, and Angel. Giles and the others stood to greet the newcomers.

The coming days were going to be difficult.

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