Bitter Sweet Encounters: Epilogue
by Mooncalf
Disclaimer: Buffy The Vampire Slayer and related characters are owned by Joss Whedon, WB and Mutant Enemy. I can only take credit for the new main characters I have created and various other vampire minions which may wander into my stories. I created them, so they are mine. Don't sue as this is just pure fanfic.

*****Epilogue*****

At the Bronze later that night everyone was gathered round a table, talking excitedly about what had happened. Oz was on stage with his band, after showing up a little late. He’d told them it was a secret mission, and Devon had just rolled his eyes and said ‘Whatever man.’

Willow watched him intently as she tried to ignore Cordelia’s constant chatter about the Prom. Eli was bearing the brunt of it.

‘I mean I know I’ve got like zero chance of being Prom Queen this year…but that doesn’t mean I can skimp on a dress, and shoes, and a new bag…and then I’ll need a good quality corsage to complete the look. Of course, I need a date first…and I doubt that anybody cool will wanna go with me after spending so much time with the weirdest guys in school…’ She stopped and smiled, looking round at the Scoobie’s affectionately. ‘But I guess I don’t mind going alone, at least I have these guys.’

Eli smiled at her and laughed. ‘Cordelia, would you hate the idea of going to the Prom with a very old vampire? And I promise, I’ll even let you choose a corsage.’

Cordy smiled and laughed with him. ‘Okay, sure…but we have to hire a limo too, and do vampires show up in pictures…I mean I know you don’t have a reflection, but it’d look pretty stupid if it was just me…’

Cordelia’s voice was drowned out by the sound of the band, and could barely be heard across the other side of the club where Angel and Buffy stood.

‘Do you want me to patrol with you tonight?’ He asked in a quiet voice. Buffy stared thoughtfully into her coke.

‘I don’t think so…Esme agreed to come with me, so I’ll be more than safe.’

‘Right.’ Angel put his hands in his pockets and fidgeted as he looked around the club to find Esme. She was dancing happily now with Xander. ‘Listen, about tonight…’

‘Angel.’ Buffy interrupted him. ‘I meant what I said before, after the whole Faith thing…I still need time and space. Seeing you with her, then finding out about your past…meeting your ex, and then watching you go bad again…I just…it’s too much right now Angel. This is my final year, I’ve got the prom to think about…my future here at Sunnydale, going to college. Maybe I don’t feel the same for you anymore…I don’t know right now. I need more time.’

It felt good to say those words aloud. She’d been telling herself in her head that it was over since she’d seen him acting the bad-boy with Faith. But with Esme’s arrival, and talking to her it seemed that even when Angel was of the soul-having kind, maybe he wasn’t the man for her. He took a few moments to answer her, letting her words sink in. Finally he spoke.

‘I understand. We should just cool off for a while longer if you want. Can I at least take you to your prom?’

‘I guess.’ Buffy turned round and started to walk away, calling back over her shoulder. ‘I’d better get back to the party.’

Angel nodded and stepped back into the shadows and disappeared.


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