House of the Fallen Angel's: Romance Blossoms
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.

*****Chapter Six - Romance Blossoms*****

Inside the library Giles, Willow, Eve and Eli were researching extensively. Then, Giles found something.

‘It says here, that Spike will only become powerful enough if he consumes the blood of a slayer, followed by the blood of one of his own brethren. So that will mean we need to protect Buffy, make sure she doesn’t get into any trouble.’

‘You mean, make sure she doesn’t get dead.’ Said Willow, dismally.

‘We can do that.’ Said Eve. ‘We can use some kind of enchantment, or something. Maybe even a curse.’

‘You mean something that will make her immortal?’ Asked Willow, doubtfully.

‘In a sense, she’s immortal anyway, her life circle I mean. This enchantment would make her more or less un-killable, for a short time, but long enough to stop Spike.’ Said Eve.

‘Will it work though?’ asked Giles.

‘Of course it will, right Eve?’ Said Eli.

‘Of course.’ She replied.

‘Boy, you really are a witch aren’t you.’ Said Willow, her eyes wide with wonder.

‘I prefer the term necromancer, but yes, I am.’

‘Well then, lets do it, what do we need?’ Said Willow, sounding more enthusiastic.

**********

When daylight came, everyone was back at Buffy’s house. Now it was Monday morning and they had only a vague idea of how to stop Spike.

‘A curse?’ Said Buffy, shocked.

‘No, not a curse, more of a charm.’ Eve tried to reassure her.

‘An incantation.’ Added Eli.

‘And I’ll be immortal, for how long?’

‘It’s hard to say, but it will be long enough to defeat Spike. I’m sure of it.’ Eve said, sounding definite.

‘Okay, so what exactly do you need from me?’

‘The usual stuff for voodoo curses…’ Eli began.

‘Voodoo? Like, as in, voodoo dolls and witch doctors, isn’t that a little…how can I put this…completely insane and stupid, not to mention dangerous and life threatening. Did I mention it was insane?’ Said Xander, he knew he was over reacting, but at least he cared.

‘That’s only black magic, bad voodoo, that kind of thing. It can be dangerous when it’s in the wrong hands, but this time we plan to put it to good use.’ Said Eli. ‘What we need from Buffy, is some hair, a sample of handwriting, a piece of clothing…and some blood.’

‘Woah!’ yelled Buffy, who had been nodding her head up until this point. ‘Did you say blood?’

‘Yes, not much, just a thimble full should do it.’ Said Eli.

‘And how do you propose to get this blood?’ She asked.

‘Well, we thought maybe with a needle, so it’s not too painful.’ Said Willow.

‘Oh well, that makes me feel a whole lot better.’

‘Come on Buffy, we really need this stuff.’ Said Eve.

‘Yeah, they promise they won’t drink any.’ Said Esme, grinning.

‘Okay, okay. Just make it quick and painless.’ She said, rolling up her sleeve.

**********

In the sewer chamber down below Sunnydale, Spike was ticking off a list, while other vampires made a large pile of weaponry at his feet.

‘Stakes, for Angel, Eli and Eve.’

Zeph dumped a pile of stakes on the ground.

‘No, we’ll need more than that.’ Said Spike.

‘More?’ Asked Zeph.

‘Yes, they are stronger than you think. Now, where was I? Right, the sacrificial knife for the slayer.’

‘Here it is.’ Zeph presented Spike with a wooden box, lined in blood red velvet, containing an ornate silver knife.

‘Good, now we need a silver pistol, complete with silver bullets.’

Zeph produced another wooden box, lined with midnight blue silk, which contained a shining silver pistol and six silver bullets.

‘Very nice.’ He almost laughed. ‘And finally,’ he said, holding open a long wooden box, lined with black velvet, ‘a silver stake.’ He stared proudly at the stake, which shone with deadly intent in the flickering candlelight.

**********

During the rest of the day Eve, Eli and Willow worked in the darkness of Buffy’s kitchen. Angel slept on the lounge floor, Oz and Buffy each sat in a chair, whilst Xander, Cordelia and Esme sat on the sofa. They were all watching a daytime soap opera. Xander and Esme seemed to be the only people concentrating on it. Cordelia was idly filing her nails, Oz and Buffy were nervously watching the kitchen door, which was ajar, as clouds of smoke in various colours drifted out through the gap. They would jump nervously as they heard the sound of many explosions, and the occasional breaking of glass. Xander was explaining the plot of the soap to Esme.

‘You see Cody is in love with Megan, but she’s in love with Sean, who’s married to Liza.’

‘Is Liza the one who had twins by herself on the beach?’

‘No, that was Beth, she’s married to Cody’s twin brother Brody…’

‘The man who was killed in the plane crash?’

‘No, he was killed in the earth quake, which caused a tidal wave that killed Beau.’

‘Who’s Beau?’

‘She’s Megan’s evil sister, she tried to poison Sean, but Isabelle found out about it and shot her.’

‘Is she the one who’s in jail?’

‘No, she went on the run, but got killed in the plane crash. Now, Cody was being helped by Beth to kill Sean, but Liza found out and ran Beth and the twins off the road.’

‘What happened to the twins?’

‘One of them died with Beth, but the other survived and is being raised by Carmen and Gregory. Megan knows this, and is blackmailing them into helping her kill Liza, the one who killed Beth, because she wants Sean.’

‘Who killed Sean?’

‘No-one, but Cody wants to, to get Meg. So far he hasn’t, but he plans to go to visit Carmen, who’s a psychic, and get a love potion from her. That’s when it’ll get complicated.’

‘And it isn’t now?’

‘No, but when Cody finds out about Megan’s blackmail, and who caused the earthquake that killed his brother…’

‘I don’t want to know anymore.’ She said sleepily, Xander didn’t seem to hear her and carried on regardless.

‘Today is going to be the day that Crystal gives birth, you can just tell…’

‘Mmmm…’ she murmured, resting her head on his shoulder and closing her eyes.

‘You can tell by the way she’s being left in the middle of nowhere, you see…’ He noticed that she was now fast asleep on his shoulder. ‘Well,’ he said. ‘Turn on, tune in, vamp out.’ The he rested his head on hers and closed his eyes.

A few seconds later there was an almighty bang from the kitchen. Angel awoke with a start; Buffy and Oz leapt to their feet, Cordelia shrieked, and Esme and Xander jumped off of the sofa. Willow came running out of the kitchen, her face was flushed and her hair was a mess.

‘Buffy!’ She yelled. ‘We did it, come on.’

Everyone followed Willow into the kitchen and found Eve clearing up a huge mess and Eli pouring a dark blue liquid into a glass. There was smoke floating from the surface of the dark liquid. He offered the glass to Buffy.

‘Drink this. All of it.’

‘Are you sure this is safe?’ She asked; thinking that it reminded her off the stuff the mad grandmother in the Adams Family served.

‘Yeah, it does look a little suspicious with that mist flowing out of it and everything.’ Said Xander.

‘It’ll be perfectly safe.’ Said Esme, putting her hand on Xanders shoulder. ‘I trust them, their family.’

‘I trust them too,’ said Buffy, downing the liquid without taking a breath. ‘I think.’ She wheezed.

‘Are you okay?’ Asked Angel, worriedly.

‘Yeah,’ said Cordelia. ‘You look a bit pale.’

‘That’s a perfectly normal reaction.’ Eli protested. ‘Honestly.’

‘I’m fine,’ said Buffy, brightening up. ‘In fact I feel great, I feel like I can do anything.’

‘Good, that’s what you’re supposed to feel.’ Said Eve.

‘I feel like I can take on Spike, and his whole army, right now.’ She said, she took a staggering step towards the door, but Eli grabbed her arm and swung her backwards into a chair.

‘Well, don’t.’ Said Eli. ‘You’d better wait until you’re used to the immortal feeling, you don’t want to…’

‘He sounds just like you Giles, doesn’t he?’ Interrupted Buffy, looking around at them all for agreement, smiling happily at her newly found strength. No reply. She looked round the room for him. ‘Giles? Giles?’ She sobered up immediately when she noticed he wasn’t there.

Everyone began searching the house, calling his name.

‘Where is he?’ Cried Willow.

‘I don’t know, he came back with us didn’t he? Didn’t he?’ Buffy panicked.

‘I’m sure he followed us out of the library.’ Said Eve.

‘Yeah, he was definitely with us.’ Said Eli.

‘We have to find him, it’ll be dark soon.’ Said Buffy. ‘We’ll go outside and look for him.’

‘We?’ Asked Angel.

‘Well, me, Xander, Willow, Cordelia and Oz.’

‘Ok, we’ll wait here in case he comes back, it’s not like we need to get out and get a tan.’ Said Angel.

Buffy looked at him strangely for a moment, and then left with the others.

**********

Outside they ran towards the library, taking their usual route. When they arrived they saw that the school doors had been smashed in, they stepped inside carefully.

‘What could have been here?’ Asked Willow.

‘What could still be here?’ Asked Cordelia.

‘It couldn’t have been a vampire.’ Said Xander. ‘It’s daylight…well, it’s getting dusky I guess.’

‘We’d better check it out, and be careful.’ Said Buffy.

‘Yes boss.’ Said Xander.

They crept over to the library entrance; just as they were about to enter they heard a noise behind them. They turned round to see two men running out the door holding parts of a computer.

‘Hey!’ Yelled Buffy. She gave chase of the men, and tripped them over. They dropped the computer and ran off. Buffy pulled the computer back inside. The others had gone into the library and found Giles. He was staggering to his feet, holding his head.

‘What happened?’ They asked.

‘Well, I forgot my book…so I turned round and ran back in here…then I decided to sort out some other books, I would have caught up with the others, but then these men came in…and…that’s all I can remember…’

‘Are you okay though?’ Asked Willow.

‘Hmmm? Oh yes, I’m fine, I just need to lie…’ Then he fell onto the desk.

‘Giles!’ Yelled Buffy. ‘We’ve got to get him home before it gets too dark.’

Oz and Xander carried Giles between them; Willow carried his books and Buffy kept watch for any more burglars. Cordelia was just tagging along. Outside the sun had almost set, Buffy couldn’t believe that another day had passed, it seemed that they were running out of time.

**********

They staggered through Buffy’s front door with the unconscious Giles; they dumped him on the sofa and piled his books on the table.

‘Well, that’s our knowledge guy gone.’ Said Buffy. ‘Great.’

‘No, look, he’s coming round.’ Said Willow.

‘Ugh.’ Moaned Giles. ‘What…what…hit…me?’ He muttered.

‘Just a burglar, that’s all, no vampires.’ Said Buffy quietly.

‘I think maybe he should lie down for a while.’ Said Oz.

‘Yeah, I’ll take him upstairs, anyone wanna help me?’ Said Xander.

‘I will.’ Volunteered Esme, a little too enthusiastically. Angel gave her a disapproving look.

‘Okay, just put him on my mum’s bed, there should be a blanket or something around.’ Said Buffy. ‘But don’t let him bleed on it…mom will kill me.’

Esme and Xander carried Giles upstairs. Angel slumped on the sofa, looking deep in thought. Willow sat on the floor by Eve, who was in one of the chairs and Oz sat in the other. Eli leant casually against the wall; they were all watching Buffy, waiting for the next step. Buffy was watching Angel.

‘Okay,’ she finally said, tearing her gaze from Angel’s troubled face, ‘What do we do now? When is the best time to go for Spike, sooner, later…by the way, where is Cordelia?’

‘I dropped one of Giles’ books into a bush by accident; she said she’d get it for me.’ Said Willow.

‘You left her out there alone? It’s getting dark! Cordelia!’ She ran to the door.

‘I’m coming!’ Said Cordelia’s voice from the end of the path, then a vampire jumped on her from the side, she screamed and dropped the book.

‘Buffy! Buffy, help me!’

‘Hold on Cordelia, I’m coming.’ She ran out of the front door.

Upstairs Esme and Xander had just placed a blanket over Giles, who was still muttering on about feeling ill, then they heard a noise.

‘Did you hear that?’ Asked Esme.

‘Yeah, it sounded like a scream.’ He said.

They both ran downstairs and noticed what was happening outside the front door.

‘Cordelia!’ Yelled Xander.

Outside, Buffy was punching and kicking the vampire’s head, she had no stake.

‘Xander!’ She yelled. ‘I need a stake.’ Then another vampire appeared. ‘Or two.’ She added.

‘Okay.’ He ran up the stairs and grabbed the stakes from Buffy’s room. Willow joined Esme in the doorway; she noticed the second vampire trying to bite Cordelia’s neck. He wasn’t having much luck as she kept biting his hands (one of her usual defence tactics), but it wouldn’t take him long to get her.

Willow looked round for something to throw, she saw the fire extinguisher by the door, lifted it and threw it at the second vampire. It hit his head. Cordelia wriggled free of his grasp and ran towards the door. Buffy was still wrestling with the first vampire. The second vampire grabbed Cordelia again before she reached the door. She screamed. Esme ran out of the door and grabbed the fire extinguisher, she began hitting the vampire with it whilst Willow pulled on Cordelias’s arm. Angel snapped out of his mood and went to the doorway to see if he could help.

Xander ran down the stairs with the stakes, and threw them out of the door to Buffy. She staked the first vampire, then the second, and in the heat of the moment she turned to stake Esme. Angel ran at Buffy grabbing her arm, Esme looked shocked.

‘Sorry, I got carried away.’ Buffy said quietly.

‘It’s okay…’ Esme began.

‘It’s not okay, she could’ve killed you!’ Angel interrupted sharply.

‘Not really, dickhead.’ Said Esme, angering suddenly.

‘Forget it.’ He said and stormed off into the night.

‘Buffy, I don’t know what got into him, he’s…’ Esme began again, calming just as quickly.

‘It’s okay, I know it isn’t really your fault. I’m sorry I almost staked you.’ She said.

‘As long as you didn’t actually do it, you wouldn’t have killed me, but still, it would’ve hurt.’

They closed the door and strolled back into the living room. Willow and Cordelia offered to go and check on Giles. Oz decided to check the windows and doors. Then Xander decided he was hungry.

‘I’ve hardly eaten a thing since Saturday, now it’s Monday night, I’m starving.’

‘Well you could search the kitchen cupboards…’ Suggested Buffy.

‘Tried that. This morning. No food. Still hungry.’ He said.

‘Why can’t men speak in full sentences when they’re hungry?’ Asked Buffy.

‘I guess it’s the Neanderthal cave man attitude coming through. Would you mind if I clubbed you over the head and dragged you back to my cave by your hair?’

‘Er, no. Believe me, I’ve seen your cave, it really is a…well, it’s a cave I guess.’

‘So, do I get to go out and get some take away? For everyone, obviously.’

Buffy looked at him like he was a lunatic. ‘It may be dangerous out there, you shouldn’t go alone…’ she said.

‘I’ll go with him; he’ll need help to carry the food. Besides, I might spot a tasty neck on the way.’ Said Esme.

Everyone stared at her.

‘Only joking. God, you people are so serious.’ She smiled. ‘Honestly, I’ll look after him.’ She’d been very chirpy since she got her amulet back.

‘Okay then.’ Buffy conceded. ‘Xander, take everyone’s orders. I think we’ll go for McDonalds, in large portions.’

**********

Esme and Xander arrived at the nearest McDonalds and ordered. Esme said she’d check outside while he waited for the order. When she stepped outside, she smelt a familiar sent almost immediately.

‘I thought I could smell you on the way here. Were you following us?’ No answer. She folded her arms across her chest impatiently. ‘Angel I know you’re here, you can come out now.’ He stepped out of the shadows silently. ‘Good, now, why were you following us.’

‘I was just checking on you.’

‘Why? Do you think I need babysitting?’ Her joke was almost bitter. ‘Bit late isn’t it.’

‘No, but he does.’ She peered inside at Xander, who was having a heated argument with the till clerk over tomato sauce.

‘Come on Angel, we both know that’s not the real reason, what do you want, and what was that performance earlier about?’

‘I don’t want you getting too close to anyone here.’ He said bluntly.

‘Excuse me?’ She said in disbelief.

‘You heard. I have a new life here, a life without a past. No-one is going to change that for me, no one.’ He turned away. She approached him and placed her hand on his shoulder.

‘Angel?’ She whispered. He shrugged her hand off. ‘What happened to you?’ She asked.

‘Since I’ve been here I’ve had so many reminders of my past, I don’t want anymore. I don’t want things to get…complicated.’

‘But…’

‘Don’t you get it? I don’t want to know what I am, or who I am, it’s not easy being me…’ He trailed off.

‘Not easy being you? NOT EASY BEING YOU! HOW DO YOU THINK IT IS BEING ME, ANGEL? Oh yeah, it’s a great big party having a soul again. But don’t forget Angel, you made me what I am.’

‘I know you must feel…’

‘NO YOU DON’T, YOU DON’T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT ME! DON’T EVER PRETEND YOU DO!’ She yelled, then turned and strode angrily into McDonalds. She turned back briefly to shout a final insult. ‘You wouldn’t know regret or sorrow if it jumped up and bit you on the arse! Don’t ever try and tell me you’re sorry for me again. Sell you’re bullshit to someone else’

When she and Xander came out again, he was gone. She looked round cautiously for him, but couldn’t smell him; she guessed he’d really gone.

‘What are you looking for?’ Xander asked.

‘Oh, just nasty vampires.’

‘Ah, the usual stuff of a night in Sunnydale huh?’

‘Something like that. Did you get everything?’

‘Yup, and I got some apple pies, just to cheer everyone up.’

**********

Back at Buffy’s house she was getting tense. She paced the lounge constantly checking her watch.

‘They should be back by now shouldn’t they, I mean, its not that far is it?’

‘Relax, Xander can take care of himself.’ Said Cordelia, lounging calmly on the sofa.

‘Yeah, and if he can’t, Esme can take care of him.’ Said Eli.

‘Take care of him? What do you mean by that, what’s she going to do with him!’ Buffy panicked.

‘Buffy,’ said Willow, taking her by the hand. ‘He didn’t mean anything like that. They’ll be fine; they probably just had to queue or something.’

‘At 2 o’clock in the morning?’

‘Well, lots of truckers and stuff pass through, getting early breakfasts and stuff…’ Willow assured her.

‘Yeah, and then there’s the hung over party goers, they’ll want food.’ Added Oz. ‘It can really get busy at…2 o’clock in the morning.’ He didn’t sound convinced.

‘Okay, if they’re not back in five minutes, we go look for them, okay?’

‘Okay.’ Everyone agreed. Then they heard footsteps coming down the stairs.

‘What’s going on?’ Said Giles, reaching the bottom step.

‘Giles! Your awake!’ Willow beamed.

‘It would appear so, uh, where is everyone?’ He asked.

‘Well, Angel stormed off somewhere when Buffy nearly staked Esme, then Xander and Esme went off to get some food.’ Said Cordelia, in her usual tactful style.

‘Er…right. What are we having to eat?’

‘McDonalds, we weren’t sure what you’d like, so we just ordered you some chicken McNuggets, and some fries.’ Said Buffy.

‘Oh, right, fine. I’ll eat anything I’m starving. I do have a bit of a headache though.’

‘Come with me, there’s some aspirin in the kitchen.’ Buffy led him out to the kitchen.

**********

Walking home slowly from the McDonalds Esme and Xander were talking. They both carried bags of takeaway, but still walked arm in arm for comfort…and protection (well, Xander’s protection anyway.)

‘So you’re really 234 years old?’ He said.

‘Yeah, give or take a few, it gets hard to keep count after a while.’

‘Well, you look really good for your age.’ He said sheepishly.

‘Thanks, you’re sweet. Too sweet.’

‘I hope you don’t mean that as in, too sweet to live…’ He looked slightly afraid, but only for a moment.

‘Xander, stop being so scared of me, I won’t bite, well, I won’t bite you. I just meant that I’m not used to people being nice to me like that. Being shunned and loathed is more my scene.’

‘You know I’ve been scared of lots of vampires before, but I’ve never been scared of one I liked.’

‘You like me?’ She blushed slightly and he nodded. ‘Well, what are you scared of then?’

‘I’m scared to k…to kiss you.’ He said quietly, looking right into her eyes as they stopped walking.

‘Don’t be.’ She whispered, leaning towards him. They kissed, for a long time. Then she pulled away.

‘Everyone’s dinner will get cold.’ She said.

‘I don’t care.’ He said, and kissed her again.

‘Oh, how sweet.’ Said a voice from their left; they turned to see a lone female vampire standing nearby, watching them.

‘I thought the vampire in love with the slayer was good, but this takes the cake.’ She continued. ‘It’s a shame the moment can’t last.’ She ran at them and pushed Xander to the floor, the McDonalds bags fell into the road. She was wrestling with Xander, and didn’t notice Esme pull a stake out of her belt. She stabbed the vampire through the back, seconds later Xander was covered in black ash. He stood up and dusted himself off, coughing after inhaling some off the ash.

‘Two hundred years later and they still haven’t learnt not to try me alone.’

‘Nyah! Dead vampire smog in my mouth!’ Xander spat several times and pulled a disgusted face, Esme laughed. They picked up the food bags; he turned to her and said. ‘Thanks, for saving my life.’

‘Well, you would’ve done the same for me right?’

‘Of course.’ He said, and then he kissed her again.

**********

When they finally burst through Buffy’s front door with the food everyone was relieved to see them.
‘Food?’ Muttered Oz, waking up from his doze next to Cordelia on the sofa.

‘Where have you been, are you okay, why are you covered in ash?’ Asked Buffy…the potion she drank seemed to be making her a bit hyper and antsy.

‘We ran into one of Spikes pals, she attacked me, but Esme saved me. She staked him.’ He smiled at her and she smiled back.

‘Well, as long as you’re okay.’ Said Buffy, not noticing the exchange of dopey, swooning smiles. ‘What about the food.’

‘Got it.’ He began handing bags around. ‘McChicken sandwich meal for Buffy, and one for Willow. A BigMac, with extra cheese and large fries for Oz and chicken McNuggets with fries for Giles. A cheeseburger happy meal for Cordelia, with diet coke; and a Fillet o’ Fish for me, with large fries.’

‘Did you get any sauce?’ Asked Oz.

‘Yup, Barbecue, Tomato and Salsa dip.’ He said, tucking in to his Fillet o’ Fish.

‘Cool.’ Said Oz.

‘No napkins?’ asked Cordelia.

‘No, sorry.’

‘Hey Buffy?’ Asked Willow, noticing Buffy staring into space again, sucking rather than chewing one of her French fries. ‘Watcha thinking about?’

‘Nothing really, I was just wondering what was up with Angel.’

‘That guy’s always been a mystery to me.’ Willow tried to comfort her.

‘Yeah,’ added Cordelia. ‘Was he like that when you knew him?’ She looked at Esme.

‘You could say he’s always been a little moody, maybe he’s just having a bad day.’ She said awkwardly.

‘No, it’s more than that.’ Said Buffy. She stared at Esme, Eve and Eli for a moment, and then continued eating.

**********

Below ground, Zeph didn’t seem happy; in fact he was in a rage…all of his anger directed at his ‘master’.
‘You just sent her out to slaughter didn’t you? Didn’t you?’ He yelled at Spike.

‘And if I did? Is there something wrong with that?’ Spike answered innocently.

‘What? How can you even…’ Zeph began, but Spike interrupted.

‘It was for the good of the greater cause. If we send out maybe one or two of our little family each night it will give the slayer a false sense of security, and it will give us time to make our little family bigger.’ He smiled.

‘Well, I still don’t like it.’

‘You don’t have to; your job is to put up with it!’ Spike roared. ‘Now just do as I say.’

‘Fine.’ Zeph said sulkily, choosing not to stare directly at his master.

‘Tomorrow night I’m going to send a team up to harvest some fresh blood, get some new recruits and perhaps keep and eye on the slayer. I want you to lead them, now, who will you take with you?’

‘I’ll take Hadyn, Wesley, Samantha, Jane, Cindy and Warren.’ One by one, the named vampires stepped forward.

‘A small army perhaps, but still very powerful.’ Spike said, happily. ‘Now go.’

The assembled vampires left him alone. He sat back in his chair, and placed his hand upon the nearby weaponry cases.

‘Soon,’ he said. ‘Soon.’

**********

It was now Tuesday night, four days since three mysterious characters from Angel’s past had arrived at Sunnydale High’s library and rocked Buffy’s world. Tuesday night was an unusually quiet and still night. Buffy, Eve, Eli and Oz had gone out slaying. Xander and Esme were doing another food run to the nearby grocery store. Willow and Cordelia had stayed home with Giles, as he still wasn’t 100%. Angel was nowhere to be seen.

Buffy and Eve split up from Oz and Eli, they hunted separately. Buffy and Eve were going down a dark alley, where Buffy had first met Angel, near the Bronze. They sensed that they were being followed. They turned round quickly to see seven figures disappear into the shadows.

‘Who’s there?’ Buffy called. ‘Angel, is that you?’ They heard only vicious laughter, from different voices.

‘That doesn’t sound like Angel.’ Said Eve. ‘Who’s there?’

Buffy peered into the darkness, and walked slowly towards it. Eve headed for the darkness of the other wall. Then Eve noticed Angel standing behind Buffy, holding a stake.

‘Buffy! Duck!’ she yelled. Buffy turned around and ducked. Angel threw the stake; there was a groan in the darkness, followed by an explosion of black ash that covered Buffy. Six figures stepped out of the shadows and ran. Buffy stood and walked over to Angel, he was staring blankly at her.

‘Thankyou.’ She said. He didn’t reply; he glanced at Eve, then turned and headed off. Buffy placed her hand on his shoulder and he stopped in his tracks.

‘Angel?’ She whispered as he turned to face her. The scene reminded him of the previous night, outside McDonalds with Esme, he had a flashing vision of Esme saying the exact same thing. He just pulled away from Buffy and ran off. Leaving her standing in the darkness, her hand outstretched, a sorrowful and bewildered expression on her face.

**********

Angel ran to the cemetery and sat on a bench with his head in his hands. Then he began to remember the last time Esme had looked at him like that.

“ At the altar He was standing next to Esmerelda. She looked beautiful in a long white dress. His friends and family surrounded him. He looked to his right and saw Darla standing by a huge wooden beam, hidden from the congregation’s view. She nodded towards him, he turned to Esmerelda and lifted her veil, he smiled at her, told her he loved her, and then he sank his teeth into her neck. She turned to him, slightly stunned. She looked panicked and afraid. ‘Angelus?’ She whispered. Then there was a loud crashing sound, they both turned to see a hoard of vampires descending upon the congregation…there was screaming, shouting, growling and smashing. Guests began running in all directions trying to escape. He turned back to Esmerelda, she was still staring at him, shocked into silence, and then she staggered backwards and fell upon the altar…”

He sat back on the bench and stared into the sky, he sighed deeply, then stood up and headed home. Just as he reached the park gates he was jumped by the six vampires that had fled the alleyway.

‘Hello Angelus.’ Said Zeph, once he was sure that Angel was restrained tightly by two others. ‘Spike would like to speak with you, in person!’

Then the six of them dragged the still struggling Angel down the street.

**********

At the grocery store Esme and Xander were cruising the aisles. They were both carrying full baskets of microwave meals, bags of chips, pots of dip and large bottles of soda. They also had a large selection of candy and chocolate.

‘For energy.’ Xander said. ‘If we’re gonna go into battle with Spike, we need plenty of energy, therefore, we need lots of chocolate.’

‘Didn’t Giles say that he wanted some tea?’

‘Yup, and some more aspirin for his head-ache.’

‘Okay.’

‘I think we should make a stop at the blood bank too.’

‘Blood bank?’ He asked. ‘Did I here that right? I thought you didn’t eat people anymore.’

‘I don’t eat people anymore! But I can’t survive without blood, okay?’

‘Okay, I guess.’

‘None of us three have eaten since Friday night, if we don’t eat soon, we’ll starve.’

‘What did you eat on Friday?’

‘We raided the blood bank, but we didn’t take much, and it was a common blood type, we didn’t cause a national shortage or anything.’

‘Okay, I’ll get the rest of the stuff and wait for you here, don’t be too long…Giles needs his tea.’ He kissed her, and watched her as she left. It felt strange that he was attracted to a vampire, but there was just something about her. The same something that the cashier noticed as Esme walked past him and slipped out of the door.


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