Disclaimer: If you've heard of them I, sadly, don't own them (but if Joss is willing to make a little deal....)
Author's Notes: This is between 'A New Man' and 'The I in Team' (Which in my mind NEVER happened)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Buffy patrolled the cemetery. It was late, almost 1:00. She decided to make one last search of the grounds, then turn in. She had a psyche final the next morning and needed sleep.
Thinking of psyche made her think of Riley. Buffy smiled. Riley was great, exactly what she needed right now. He knew about her being the Slayer, which made it easier. She wouldn't have to be Secret-Identity Girl at least. And he was human, which is always a plus. She smiled again. Buffy and Riley. It had a nice ring to it, like milk and cookies, peanut butter and jam, Buffy and Angel.
"Oh god," she whispered. "Where did that come from?" Angel was gone, out of her life. It was better this way.
* * *
"So," Riley asked as he came up beside Buffy. "How'd you do?" The class had just written a psych test.
"Well," Buffy said. "I think I did pretty good, especially since a certain TA helped me study." Buffy smiled, and Riley kissed her.
"Glad I could help."
* * *
The ‘Scooby Gang' was at Giles' place, with a few additions. Riley and Olivia were there, and so was Spike, much to their dismay.
They sat around, talking mostly. Xander and Anya were making eyes at each other, and Buffy sat on Riley's lap. It was a typical night. They were surprised to hear a knock at the door. It was already 10:00, not late, but no one arrived unannounced at this hour. Giles ran to answer.
He opened the door, and there was Angel.
"Angel," Giles said, obviously surprised. "What…uh, hello."
"I need your help," Angel said, skipping the small talk.
"Ah, yes. Well-" He was cut off. Buffy walked in, Riley in her arm.
"Giles, who-?" Then she saw him. The man she had once loved, the man she still loved. "Angel," she whispered. She was barely audible.
"Buffy," Angel said awkwardly. He turned to Giles. "This is a bad time. I'll find someone else…"
"Someone else?" Buffy asked.
"Angel needs our help," Giles informed.
"Oh." Then, she clung to Riley's arm. Angel felt jealousy creep up on him.
"I'm Angel," he said extending his arm to Riley. They shook hands
"Riley Finn," he said. They stood in silence.
"Well, come in Angel," Giles offered. They walked back into the living room. Spike lit up.
"Well bloody hell!" he said as Angel entered the room, a bit too enthusiastic. "Long time no see mate." Angel looked confused.
"Long story," Xander said. "Basically he can't hurt anyone." Angel nodded, obviously still confused.
"So Angel," Spike piped. "Meet the Slayer's new beau?" He felt a twinge of satisfaction as jealously flickered in Angel's eyes.
"Question," Willow said, lifting her hand. "Why is he here?" Then she realized she must have sounded rude. She looked to Angel. "Not that it's not good to see you."
"Good question," Buffy said flatly. "Why are you here?" Angel sat down.
"I've been tracking this demon," he started.
"What kind of demon?" Buffy interrupted. She was eager for him to get to the point.
"It's called Animus Ereptor."
"Meaning?" Xander asked.
"It's Latin," Angel explained. "It means thief of souls."
"So this thing steals souls? Pretty lame," Anya intruded. "I mean come on, no blood or anything? Some demon."
"Um, sweetie," Xander said. "Let the nice vampire finish his story." Anya gave him a look, but kept quiet.
"Wait a minute," Riley interrupted. "Vampire?"
"Yes," Giles answered. "But don't worry, he won't hurt you."
"Ya," Spike intervened. "Angel here has a soul, had one for a while now." Buffy had the feeling she knew where this was going. "Except that one time," Spike continued. "When he shagged the Slayer over here." Buffy blushed, and if Angel had circulation he would have too.
"What?" Riley asked.
"Well it's this curse," Spike went on. "He looses his soul when he experiences true happiness. But don't worry. He got it back." Riley was speechless. And Spike wasn't finished. "But hey, at least you know she'll be good in the sack." Buffy had had it.
"Spike!" she screamed. "Do you have a death wish?"
"Sorry pet," he said, with no real sincerity. "I couldn't help myself." He smiled, then stood up. "I'm gettin' bored now. I'll see you all." And Spike was gone.
The room was quiet. Buffy avoided everyone's eyes especially Riley and Angel's.
"Angel, you were saying?" Olivia asked.
"Right," Angel said. "The demon. It feeds on souls, then you become on of its followers."
"Followers?" Giles asked.
"It needs souls to gain its strength. It can steal one on its own, but then has no strength left. It turns you to its side."
"I see," Giles whispered.
"Then it needs to perform a ritual."
"What kind of ritual?" Buffy asked.
"Sacrificial."
"Oh."
"It chooses someone, then kills them," Angel paused. "Once there is bloodshed it can't be stopped."
"What exactly does this thing do?" Buffy questioned. "After the ritual?"
"He walks the earth feeding on souls, until the end of humanity." They were silent. Then Buffy stood up.
"Well thanks for the info," Buffy said, cruelty creeping in her voice. "We'll let you know how it turns out."
"Now Buffy," Giles started. "We may need his help."
"Why?" she demanded. "I'm the Slayer. I don't need help, from anyone."
"Let's not be rash," Giles argued.
"Buffy," Angel started.
"No!" she yelled. "Don't ‘Buffy' me. I don't need you."
"You don't know how to kill this thing," he argued.
"Then tell me. Then leave," she shot. She was angry. "And don't bother saying good-bye. I mean you didn't before, why bother now?" Buffy was shocked at the words leaving her own lips. The voice sounded so cold, not hers at all.
"Is that what this is about?"" Angel asked.
"Where'd you get that idea?" she shot back sarcastically.
"Well I assumed, you being in collage and all, that you'd be able to get past that and stop acting like a child."
"A child?" Buffy asked, furious. "Well excuse me, Angel. We all can't live past 200."
"Buffy," Willow whispered, ushering her to quiet, but Buffy would have none of it.
"You know what your problem is?" she directed to Angel. "You need to get over yourself. Did you expect me to still be all mopey over you? I've moved on Angel," she added as she grabbed Riley's arm.
"Right," Angel snapped, annoyed. "Your little collage boyfriend."
"Admit it Angel, you're jealous," she said. And she was right. Seeing her with that boy -was Riley his name? - had brought up so many emotions. He tried to think to the last time that he'd felt jealousy. It had been when Spike told him about that guy, the one who had used her for sex, Parker was his name. But he was jealous now. Of course he wouldn't admit it.
"I'm not jealous," he lied.
"Oh," Buffy mused. "So this is just you being civil?"
"Why would I be jealous of Fish Boy?" Angel demanded, not caring if he insulted Riley.
"Do you want the obvious answer?" Buffy shot.
"Uh, question for the one not breathing," Xander interrupted. Angel turned to him, annoyed.
"What?"
"Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't this what you wanted?"
"What?" Angel asked.
"Well," Xander continued. "You left so Buffy could have a normal relationship. That's what she's doing." Angel was silent. He didn't have an answer. Xander was right, that was why he left. But he could help hoping she wouldn't be able to move on.
"You're right," Angel admitted. He felt embarrassed. Not only because of what Xander had said, but also because of his and Buffy's very public argument. Everyone was silent.
"I'm sorry," Buffy whispered, and she was.
"For what?" Angel asked. She hadn't done anything wrong, she had a right to be upset.
"For saying I don't need your help. I do," she paused. "We do," she gestured to the group. Angel's smile was faint, but it was there.
* * *
Riley paraded down the metal stairs. He and his friends and colleagues Forrest and Graham were heading out in search of sub-terrestrials. In a word, demons.
"Gentlemen," Maggie Walsh greeted formally. "I have news on Project 26." Project 26 was an experimental ‘antidote' to vampirism. Basically it could turn a vampire back into a human, while still retaining it's demonic strength.
"Any luck?" Forrest asked.
"Well apparently Hostile 137's blood has regenerating capabilities," she informed. Hostile 137 was a sort of demon who looked like he came out of a Power Ranger's episode. He had a red jewel encrusted on his forehead.
"Regenerating?" Graham asked.
"Its blood, when mixed with the blood on a sub-terrestrial can regenerate the dead particles."
"You mean?" Riley started.
"In blatant terms the demon becomes human again."
* * *
Angel entered the abandoned mansion. He looked around, examining his few remaining possessions, the ones that had not been lucky enough to take the move to LA.
Angel sighed, taking off his jacket. He was going to stay in Sunnydale until this demon was old news. He walked into the main room, intent on starting a fire in the fireplace. But something stopped him, something wasn't right. He slowed his pace, preparing for trouble.
He entered the room, and he wasn't alone. A strange man stood huddled in the corner.
"Who are you?" he asked the stranger. The man turned around to reveal he wasn't a man at all. He was tall, over six feet, and incredibly muscular. His skin was a deep shade of blue, and his eyes glowed like red embers. In his hands he held a tall staff, an orb perched atop.
The demon smiled, but didn't speak.
"Animus," Angel whispered with realization. Right here, standing in front of him was the demon he had been tracking. Animus nodded as a cruel smile spread across his lips. He raised the staff, and Angel felt a force so powerful he fell to the floor.
"No!" Angel called. He knew what was happening, it had happened before. That night when he had experienced true happiness. "No," Angel whispered. The orb shone with the same light that was now in his eyes. He collapsed to the floor as he cried out on last time. It was over.
* * *
Buffy landed a roundhouse kick in the vampires stomach. He fell backwards but was quick to his feet. He charged Buffy, sending her sailing into the wall of a mausoleum. She groaned, and threw the demon to the floor. She whipped out a stake and plunged it into the vampire's heart. He shrieked as he exploded in a cloud of dust. Buffy brushed off her clothes. Then turned out of the graveyard. She hadn't seen anything unusual, despite Angel's warning of a new demon in town.
"Buffy!" someone called. She turned to face Angel, coming towards her at the speed of an Olympic runner.
"Angel," she said, surprised. "What-?"
"Get the others, meet me at the mansion," he instructed.
"But," she started to protest, but he cut her off.
"Just do it. I'll explain when you get there." And he took off, faster than he had arrived. Buffy was confused, but not about to argue. She sped to Giles' apartment.
* * *
"So explain to me, what exactly are we doing here?" Xander asked as they neared the mansion's entrance. Anya clung to his side; Willow and Giles close behind, Buffy leading the way.
"Because," Buffy explained. "Angel knows what he's doing, so we're going to listen." Although she was unsure. He had seemed strange during their last encounter, unnatural.
Slowly they entered the front door, finding nothing but blackness.
"Over here," Angel called from the shadows. "Buffy wait here. Everyone else, into the next room." They didn't argue, didn't even hesitated until the door slammed behind them. They jumped and instinctively ran to the handle. It was locked.
"Angel," Buffy started as he crept closer. "What's going on?" Even in the dark Buffy could see the cruel smile on his lips, as he raised a small statue from the nearby table. He moved fast, and Buffy couldn't move as the stone figure crashed against her skull.
* * *
Buffy's head felt as if someone was pounding the inside with a sledgehammer. She moaned as she opened her eyes. She tried to move, realizing she was chained to the wall. Struggling to remember what had happened, she saw Angel inch towards her.
"Morning Lover," he said with a cruel smile. Buffy gazed into his dark eyes. They no longer held the deep, painful stare they had before.
"Angelus," she whispered as she was hit with the painful realization.
"Good call," Angelus mocked. "It's the strangest thing. One minute I'm on a quest to save the world, then bang!" he laughed. "And I didn't even have to screw you this time." He smiled, as Buffy's eyes became glossy. But she held it back. She wouldn't give him the satisfaction of seeing her cry.
"So what's going on?" Buffy asked, with as much composure as she could gather.
"Well the boss here chose you," he said as he gestured to her left. Buffy craned her neck to see Angel's ‘boss'. She couldn't imagine him taking orders from any ordinary demon.
And he wasn't. The demon was huge, over six feet tall, with broad shoulders; he was incredibly muscular. And he looked almost human, had it not been for the deep blue skin and glowing eyes. Despite his muscular shape, Buffy was surprised to see him collapsed helplessly in a chair, his tall staff resting between his arms.
"See," Angelus explained, as if reading her mind. "Animus here is a bit weak. After he took my soul he kinda retired. That's where you came in."
"Lemme guess," she interrupted. "He kills me, he gets better, end of humanity."
"You're a clever one, aren't you?" he laughed. "But there's still more."
"Well I'm kind of tied up right now," she punned, rattling her chains for emphasis. "Why don't you just tell me?"
"Here's the thing. The ritual only works at midnight, but it's only eight o'clock." He smiled, sending a shiver down Buffy's spine. She didn't like where this was going.
"How you gonna pass the time?" she questioned, but she didn't want the answer.
"Well, here's how I figure. I visit any mental torture on you that I can think up. Add in a bit of violence, and voila! It's Drusilla all over again." A look of terror crossed Buffy's face. She struggled with the metal chaining her to the wall, but it was no use. "Only difference is," Angel continued. "You won't make it past midnight."
"Screw you!" she screamed. Angel smiled again. He placed a hand on her cheek.
"Promise?" he asked. Buffy felt her blood freeze and she held her breath. Slowly he traced his fingers across her face and down her neck, stopping at the first button of her shirt. He fingered it idly before popping it open. Buffy jerked away.
"What's wrong lover?" Angelus whispered. He leaned into her ear. "Nothing I haven't seen before."
* * *
Riley knocked on Xander's door. Buffy was supposed to have called him by now, but no one seemed to know where she was. No one was answering the phone and she wasn't with Giles. Xander's was the next logical place to go. He'd check the cemetery next.
"What is it?" Spike asked opening the door. "Oh goody. Commando Boy."
"Spike?" Riley asked, a little surprised. "I thought you moved out of here!" Buffy had mentioned something about a crypt.
"Oh I did. Nice little place, cozy too," Spike bragged, a pastime he was incredibly fond of. "Close to the butcher and the cemetery. Very cheery, in a dark and empty sort of way," he said as he leaned down to pick up a lamp. "Thought it'd look better at my place. Managed to get some power through some associates of mine." Spike wrapped the cord around the base of the lamp. "Uh, GI Riley? You want something?"
"Oh," Riley said, startled. "Ya, I'm looking for Buffy. She's not here I'm guessing."
"Aren't we a clever one," Spike mocked. "She's probably out saving the world, or shagging Angel, take your pick." Spike smiled triumphantly. He loved to see pain and jealousy in people's eyes. Made him feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
* * *
"Hmm," Angelus mumbled. He inched towards Buffy, a small knife in his hand. "You know I used to love this sot of thing. Carving up my victims," he said, letting the word ‘victim' drag out painfully slow. He placed the cold metal on Buffy's cheek, and she felt her blood freeze in her veins. "Almost a shame to cut up such a beautiful face."
"Stop at once!" Animus ordered from the corner. It was the first time Buffy had heard him speak, and his voice was very deceiving. It was high-pitched and had a singsong tone, much like the Master's. "She mustn't be damaged."
"Damnit!" Angel complained. "You really know how to ruin a guy's fun." He put the knife down. Then leaned into Buffy. "Lucky girl."
"Darn!" Buffy mocked. "Guess you'll have to just leave me alone. Oh well."
"I've still got more planned for you."
"No really, I don't mind."
* * *
"Remind me again," Spike muttered. He and Riley were in his car searching for Buffy. "Why exactly am I helping you?"
"Because this way I won't return you to The Initiative for extensive testing." "Right. Where to?"
"You tell me," Riley sighed. "You've known her longer, where does she like to hang out?"
"Well," Spike answered. "The Bronze was fairly popular, though I doubt it. Maybe she's shacking up with Soul-Boy."
"Who?"
"Angel. I wouldn't be surprised. The two of ‘em are sickening. Almost enough to make me lose my lunch."
"What do you mean?" Riley asked. Maybe this was the only way to learn about Buffy's past. Find out from someone who was there, because she certainly wasn't going to tell him.
"Oh, what a sight they were," Spike drawled, not caring if he blurted out the Slayer's darkest secrets. "Making out in graveyards, gettin' all sappy and touchy. And they got carried away with the ‘I love you' crap. You'd think it woulda killed ‘em to go a day without sayin' it 20 times."
"Love?" Riley asked, a little taken back.
"Oh ya. One of those star-crossed things, with the tragedy and crap. An immortal love. Really sickening."
"How'd it end?" Riley asked, needing to know.
"Angel skipped town. Told her to try and have a normal life. Real tragic."
"Oh," Riley whispered. Did Buffy still love him? Was dating Riley just a way to try and move on?
"Sorry mate," Spike said with about as much compassion as an insurance ad. "But her heart belongs to Angel. Nothin' will ever change it." Spike turned the corner. "Cheer up. At least we get to save the world."
"Where are we going?"
"Crawford Street. The mansion."
* * *
Angelus paced in front of Buffy, deep in thought.
"Hmmm," he muttered. "How to torment a slayer. God!" he exclaimed. "So much to do in so little time." He stood in front of her, staring deep into her eyes; her soul. Buffy turned away, fearing he'd seen too much. He knew her fears and how to hurt her simply by looking into her eyes. He had always had a way with her, with or without his soul.
"So, Buffy," he said in a casual tone. "If I remember correctly, I'm still invited into your house, or should I say your mother's house?"
"You stay away from her!" Buffy threatened.
"Or what? You're kinda tied up right now."
"When I get out of here…" she trailed off. Words couldn't express what she would do to him. But Angel didn't notice.
"Or maybe I should pay Willow a visit. I missed her."
"If you touch her…" But they were empty threats. If he hurt Willow she wouldn't be around to do anything about it, and he knew it.
"You know Buffy, I'm going to miss you." Buffy looked up, into his eyes. "I love you Buffy." And she almost believed him. Almost, had she not seen the cruel smile creep onto his handsome face and the coolness is his eyes.
"Go to hell asshole!" Buffy screamed. Angel's eyes grew stern and he raised his arm, back-handing her in the face.
"Do not damage her!" Animus ordered from the corner. "She must be in perfect condition for the ritual!"
"Ya know what?" Angel rasped, letting his game face slip. "You're a tad too demanding." He inched towards Animus, grabbing a sword from an open crate. "I don't think you really appreciate me, boss," he said with a mock sadness. Without warning Angel's arm shot forward, along with the sword. Animus screamed as the metal plunged into his flesh and through to the chair.
"I quit," Angel said with a laugh. He turned his attention back to Buffy. Smiling he took her down from the wall, tying her hands behind her.
"What happens next?" Buffy asked. Angel turned her to face him.
"I make you like me," he whispered. His fangs sunk deep into the soft flesh of her neck. Buffy moaned as they fell back onto the floor. Angel continued to drink, and Buffy could feel the life being drained from her.
* * *
Spike and Riley barged into the room, gasping at the sight. A demon sat helplessly pinned to his seat with a sword, a staff with a glowing orb resting on his lap, while Angel drank the being from Buffy's body.
Riley rushed towards her, but Angel was too fast, grabbing the boy's leg and pulling him to the floor. Riley groaned as his head smacked the edge of a heavy statue before falling to the floor unconscious.
Spike laughed at Riley's foolish attempt. Then he grabbed the staff from Animus' lap. Smiling he lifted it high and crashed it hard onto the stone floor. The orb shattered into a thousand pieces, scattering themselves across the room.
* * *
Angel threw himself off of Buffy, the sweet taste of blood still fresh on his lips. Buffy blinked, then moaned painfully.
"God, Buffy," Angel whispered. He lifted her carefully, then pulled the rope from her hands. Slowly Buffy arose to her feet. Spike stepped away from Animus, allowing her to pass.
Buffy walked slowly to Animus. He looked up at her, genuine horror in his eyes. Without warning Buffy pulled the sword from his chest, causing him to release another scream. He looked up at her and Buffy smiled. She swung the sword; his head was off in seconds. The demon's remains disappeared into a whitish paste before becoming a pile of dust.
Buffy dropped the sword, then turned around to face Angel.
"Angel," she whispered before collapsing into his arms.
* * *
Buffy pulled her hair into a high pony. She had awoken in a hospital, blood dripping into her through IV. She didn't remember being taken there but it didn't matter. She looked into the mirror, carefully examining the bandage on her throat.
She had been permitted to leave the hospital an hour ago. She sighed then turned to exit her room.
"Buffy," Angel cried as she ran into him in the doorway.
"Oh, Angel, sorry," she paused. "What are you doing here?"
"I just wanted to see if you were ok."
"I'm fine," she said, gingerly touching her wound. "You didn't take that much."
"Not just that. Everything," he whispered. How could he say it? He had hurt her, toyed with her. And he had enjoyed it.
"I'll be ok," she answered, but her voice was unsure.
"I wanted to apologize," Angel started. But he didn't want her forgiveness. He didn't deserve it. "For everything I did."
"He did," Buffy corrected. Angel shook his head.
"I hurt you," he said shamefully, sounding like a lost little boy.
"No," Buffy whispered as she pressed against him. He raised a hand to her cheek. "You would never hurt me."
* * *
Riley walked up the halls of Stevenson, stopping at room 214. He hesitated, looking at the syringe he held in his hands. It held a greenish fluid, thick and dark. The labs had been testing for months, and this was the final result. A mixture of steroids, vampire blood, and the blood of a Morha demon, a proven ‘cure' to vampirism. Basically, the demon is human while retaining its demonic strength. He had taken it from the lab, without Walsh's consent. If he were ever caught he'd lose his part in the Initiative. He took a deep breath then knocked on the door.
"Ya?" Buffy asked, answering the door. "Oh, Riley! Come in."
"There's something we need to talk about," Riley said.
"Talk about getting to the point."
"Do you still love Angel?"
"What?" Buffy asked, shocked.
"Do you?"
"What's going on Riley?" He sighed. Then handed the syringe to her. "What?"
"It's a vaccine. Sort of a cure."
"A cure?"
"For vampirism." Buffy was speechless. "If you give it to a vampire the vaccine turns the demon human again, but the steroids allow them to retain their supernatural strength."
"I," Buffy couldn't speak. "You mean-"
"Give it to Angel."
"Riley," Buffy whispered. "Why are you doing this?"
"I want you to be happy. I love you." Buffy smiled through her tears.
"Thank you."
* * *
"So you coming to the Bronze tonight?" Willow asked Buffy. They sat in the sunny campus eating lunch.
"I dunno," she answered. "Angel doesn't get in town ‘til tomorrow, but I might make an appearance."
"Might?" Buffy smiled.
"I'll be there." Now Willow smiled.
"Good." She leaned over, stealing a grape from Buffy's tray. Suddenly she stopped.
"Will?" Buffy asked concerned. "You ok?"
"Didn't you say Angel was coming to town tomorrow?"
"Ya, so?"
"Then what's he doing over there?" Buffy turned around to see Angel walking towards her. She jumped up and rushed into his awaiting arms.
"Hey!" she said happily. He gave her a quick kiss. "You're early."
"I couldn't wait."
"Patience is a virtue." He smiled and pulled her close, planing an intense and passionate kiss on her mouth. He pulled away, leaving them both slightly panting. "A virtue I'm glad you don't have." They walked towards the picnic table where Willow was waiting.
"Hey Angel!" she greeted. He smiled. "You know it's still weird," she said. "Seeing you not-dead anymore."
"A good weird," Buffy added, kissing Angel again. He smiled and whispered into her ear.
"When's your next class?" Buffy grinned.
"Two hours."
"What are you doing to pass the time?" he said devilishly. Her grin widened.
"Hey Will," she started. "We're gonna go-"
"Have lots of sex," Willow finished for her. "Ya, ya, go."
Buffy and Angel grinned, blushing slightly.
"Thanks Will," Buffy said gathering her things. "Don’t be home for a while."
"Don't worry," she laughed. "I don’t need a show." Angel and Buffy turned away and headed towards Stevenson Hall. Willow smiled, and called after the couple. "Have fun!"
|
|
|
|
Rave
Barbie Girl (Becca)
biscuit07
Filmtheory (Jim)
Malice (Jess)
MebbtheScribe (MichaelB)
Reset (Allie)
Shay (Marrisa)
somnambulist29 (Shea)
Stephanie Loss
Wendyness (Wendy)
Questions?Contact Us
|
|
All stories on this site have been archived with the authors' consent. Do not copy these stories for your own uses without the express consent of the author themselves. Buffy the Vampire Slayer TM and Angel TM are © UPN, WB, Fox and its related entities. All photos on the site are © UPN, Fox, Warner Bros, and/or their respective owners. No profits are being made by use of these images.
Powered with the assitance of eFiction.
|
|
|
