Cordelia couldn't help but notice Angels distant behavior. She thought Angel would be excited finding out that PTB plan on making him human in the future. Wesley to was worried, tried to talk and have tea with him but Angel would reply that yes the news was exciting. No one could get any other info from him. It was almost as if this news depressed him even more.

Oh Angel knew exactly what was wrong, but he couldn't share it. He was beginning to question if he made the right decision to give up his humanity when he got it back from fighting the Morah demon. That day was incredible not just being able to taste food and enjoy it, but to feel Buffy next to him. To beable to stroll long the beach enjoying the sun with her at his side, he missed that very much.

Sure he had a chance at being human again according to the prophecy from the scroll he found at Wolfram and Hart, but would Buffy be there when that happened. It depressed him thinking that by the time he earned his humanity Buffy would be gone. He couldn't bear it. He wanted to live a normal life with Buffy as his wife and to have a family with her. He oftener pondered if they would ever have it. It upset him realizing how close he
was to having that not too long ago.

He had to remind himself that he gave up all of that so he could save Buffy's life. He hoped that in saving her life with this sacrifice that he would be
saving a future with her. Although he questioned the unlikelyhood of it all. The PTB seemed to have a twisted outlook on life, true they were the good guys, but they sure have a funny way of showing it.

Angel absorbed himself in his work to save peoples lives. He set up the office in Cordelia's apartment, keeping track of all of their cases. It soon
became an obsession and he pushed everyone to their maximum.

Wesley began to wonder if he was this absorbed with work trying to hurry and prove to the PTB that he is deserving of his humanity. Everyone was sitting in Cordelia's living room reviewing the cases they had and were still working on.

Angel appeared proud of his team and Wesley and Cordelia couldn't help to notice that. Cordelia wondered if he should take a vacation though. Actually she wanted one. She wanted to visit everyone in Sunnydale and brag about her great life in L.A.

"Angel you truly have done a wonderful job this last month. I feel you deserve some well deserved time off." Cordelia smiled nervously.

Wesley concerned about Angels well being agreed with her, "You know Cordelia has a very good point there. I think we all could use some time off, relax ad be able to refocus."

"Thank you but I really think we have plenty to do here. Perhaps later on." Angel insisted not wanting to stop. The more free time the more time he had to sink deeper in to the dismal pit of self doubt.

"Later on!?!?! When later on?!" Cordelia exclaimed clearly irritated.

Trying to be the voice of reason Wesley offered his two cents, "Angel do you think that you could at least... perhaps.... well think about it and then let us know."

Angel was tempted to just say I thought about it and no, but he couldn't. The looks are their faces were so hopeful and he had been pushing them so hard. He had to deal with this on his own and not expect them to understand everything. He even began to relish the thought of being alone and not having them looking over his shoulder giving him confused yet sympathetic looks.

Cordelia and Wesley were hoping that since he hadn't jumped to an answer he was thinking this over. Also Angel couldn't help but notice the  eagerness on their faces. So he made up his mind.

"All right when we finish this last case vacation it is. You guys have worked hard and earned it., but no slacking when you get back Ok?" Angel asked.

"You got it boss!" Cordelia shrilled with glee.

"Thank you Angel." Wesley answered.

---------------------------

She woke up in the middle of the night with tears streaming down her face. This had been happening on and off for awhile now. She kept waking up with this empty sad feeling that nothing could fill. If Riley had been there he would hold her and try to comfort her. Several times she had cried out Angel's name. Riley had heard her but tried to ignore it and pretend she was having nightmares of all the torturous things Angel did to her.

Buffy on the other hand knew she was missing Angel greatly and felt like she was being robbed, but couldn't put her finger on it. It was so hard after he left for L.A. She hadn't felt pain like that til now. Yet some how now seemed even worse.

She didn't feel comfortable talking about this with Riley especially since he was her boyfriend and would become jealous and even more insecure then he already was. She tried talking to Willow but Willow seemed preoccupied with her new love Tara. That was another thing on her mind lately trying to get use to her best friends decision to be with Tara and dealing with hurt that Willow was too afraid to share this with her. Then again Buffy had kept plenty from her in the past to, unfortunately. Oh and neither Giles nor Xander seemed too responsive when she wanted to talk about Angel.

Well instead of trying to go back to sleep Buffy decided to go patrolling. It helped to fight off some of this anger in her and helplessness she had been feeling. She found a vamp whom had lead some poor innocent girl to an alley and was about to feed on her. She managed to stake him without any trouble and save the young woman. Spike had just had a horrible confrontation from a few other vamps whom were displeased with him allying himself with the slayer. When he noticed Buffy in the alley.

"Hello Luv. What brings you around here.?" Spike approached the Slayer.

Buffy threw him up against the wall and got into his face, "What's it up to you, William?!"

"Hey now, I wasn't causing any fucking trouble with this bloody thing in my head, I am like a poor lil puppy dog." Spike smiled nervously.

Buffy glared at him and put him down. Spike straighten out his coat and smiled back at Buffy. "There now was that so bloody hard to be nice?" Spike asked with boldness.

"I don't have time for this right now Spike" Buffy snapped at him.

"Luv, I think you have plenty of time. Any way where's that commando boyfriend of yours?"

"What's it to you?" Buffy snapped and then regretted for being so harsh on him.

"Ya know Slayer I am trying here. With every fucking ounce of me I am trying. I am trying to figure out where I fit in this bloody world. This damn
chip has been a curse. I am the laughing stalk of the demon world. Oh and might I also add hated by them because I have helped you. Oh believe me it wasn't easy running to you for help when I needed it. Oh I had second thoughts, going from trying to kill you to begging you for protection. Oh I am trying here to fit in somewhere in this fucked up place." Spike finished looking disgruntled and frustrated.

Buffy suddenly realized that perhaps she was being a bit harsh. She never dreamed the day she would be concerned about Spike. Infact it was quite frightening to think about.

"Ok Spike point taken I was being a bit harsh. I just am not in the mood for pleasantries." Buffy grumbled.

"Not in the mood for pleasantries. Bloody hell Slayer, you haven't been since Angel left Sunnydale. Oh and you have been really harsh on the guy from what I have heard since then. You know I realize things with Drucilla and I aren't the best, but at least I went back and tried. I didn't just shut off from the world and give up. Infact I still have hope. Though right now I am a bit too humiliated to see her now that I am a bloody neutered
vampire."

Buffy regretted the idea that Spike might have a point, but he did. She had to see Angel, the emptiness that has been haunting her couldn't be filled by Riley. There was something she couldn't put her finger on that has been bugging her something that has burned such a burden on her heart she had to face it and find out what it was in order to carry on.

That night back at the dorms in bed she made a decision to go to L.A. and this time not to chew out Angel.

---------------------------

Part Two

Two weeks later....

Angel found himself alone in Cordelia's apartment. He was questioning how he got talked in to house sitting for her while she was out of town. He
still went out with Gunn whom had just signed on to help defend the helpless. Angel liked having Gunn there. He was forceful and always ready for a fight. Angel knew he could count on him, yet still he was unable to even discuss with Gunn what had been depressing him all along. And Gunn was smart enough not to ask.

---------------------------

"Now let me get this straight Buffy..." Giles removed his glasses rubbing his forehead with a grumbled sigh, "You want to go to L.A.!?"

"Yea and I have it all planned Riley can take over patrolling, and lead the scooby gang, while I am gone." Buffy smiled up at Giles like a kid who was caught with her hand in the cookie jar.

"Well ... um...that is a great plan and all...but why even go? That is what I am worried about. What does Riley think about you going?" Giles looked Buffy straight into her eyes searching for the truth.

"No I haven't told Riley yet. Well I am going simply because Angel needs my help. He gave Wesley and Cordelia some time off." Buffy said looking down trying to avoid eye contact.

"Oh I see, so Angel called and asked for your help. Buffy I know technically I am not your watcher anymore, but I still watch over you and don't want to see you get hurt again. I am honored you came to me to talk to me, so I give you my blessing even thought I would rather you stay put here in Sunnydale."

"OOOO Thank you Giles!!!" Buffy exclaimed jumping up and giving him a bear hug that nearly knocked him to the ground.

---------------------------

Now with that out of the way all she had to do now is let Riley know she was leaving. That she feared would be much harder. She knew in a way she was betraying Riley, but then again wasn't she betraying Angel by sleeping with and being with Riley. sure she cared about Riley, but in her heart she knew love. A powerful love she shared with Angel. Something she has yet to experience with Riley. She was willing to risk anything, to have her life back with Angel, but was that right?

That night she spent at Riley's and she was so nervous around him that even he picked up on it. Buffy tried to say it was nothing just pms, a girl thing.

Riley had a very romantic evening planned that lead to them ending the evening in bed together. Riley was so affectionate and powerful in his love making that it brought Buffy to tears. How was she going to tell him she is leaving for L.A. the next day?

Buffy found herself standing in Angel's office glaring at him. She was filled with many mixed emotions... hurt anger love..

Then she was in bed beside him, they were laughing and eating peanut butter planning their day...

Before she dreamt anymore Riley had awoken her with his snoring. Buffy tried ferociously to sleep again to try and catch her dream again. It was
so real and hadn't even finished. There must have been some meaning to it. This dream just reinforced her internal need to see Angel in L.A. no matter what Riley said to her about going.

---------------------------

"You have got to be kidding Buffy you want me to sit back here in good ole Sunnydale while you go traipsing back to Angel IN L.A."?! Riley's face was red with anger and jealousy.

"I am not going to see Angel. I am going to help him." Buffy glared back at him, trying to stand her ground.

"Well if he needs so much help I am going to!" Riley demanded.

"Riley you can't I need you here to take over my duties." Buffy reaffirmed feeling more and more confident she was doing the right thing.

"No Buffy I won't let you go. I will go and help Angel you stay here." Riley yelled grabbing her by the arm and stood straight and tall trying to force
his point.

Buffy pushed him against a wall to free herself from his grip. She realized she may have pushed just a little too hard, but then again. He shouldn't have started it. She comforted herself with that last thought.

"You aren't going anywhere Riley." Buffy stood glaring down at the still fallen Riley on the floor against the wall. "The last time you and Angel met up, you tried to kill each other and I am not having any of that. I am leaving this afternoon."

With that Buffy stormed out of his place and headed to her dorm to pack. She had a bus to catch in a couple of hours.

---------------------------

"Ok Angel explain this to me again. What the Fuck are these Oracles?" Gunn questioned standing in the basement of the post office.

" They work for the PTB. They can help sometimes, but they are usually too busy or picky to do anything but watch." Angel tried to explain with out
revealing why he had to come back here. He wish Gunn hadn't insisted on tagging along, but then again it was nice to have someone there in case something went wrong.

"Oh kinda like the state Lottery. Where the odds are like a million to nothing that you are gonna get the prize" Gunn smiled to himself.

"Yes kinda like that. So did you get the gift I told you I needed?" Angel asked.

"Sure I did just not sure why you need it." Gunn said handing the package to Angel.

"These Oracles like gifts when you visit them." Angel answered.

"So do I get to go in too?" Gunn asked hopefully.

"No only I can unless they give me permission. Well here's goes nothing. I should be back real soon." With that Angel disappeared through a door of light.

Gunn just stood there waving good bye.

---------------------------

"So why have you intruded upon us again? My brother and I want to know." The oracle asked reaching out to take the gift Angel offered.

" I have a question that I need to have answered if of course you will answer it for me." Angel asked trying to be humble.

"Ask perhaps my sister and I will consider you this favor." the man answered looking down on Angel with disgust.

" I must know that when I am made human again, will it be soon so I can share my life with the Slayer Buffy." Angel asked with his head bowed.

"You fool!" She smiled, "You had your chance to be human with Buffy and you gave it up. We cannot tell you when you will be human again. "

"How dare you insult us by even asking," the brother glared down at Angel, "You decided to be a vampire again. You had the opportunity to decide."

Angel was suddenly filled with rage and wanted to lash out at them.

"I sense your anger Angel, but the PTB have spoken to us. Yes you are one of our warriors and yes your reward will be your humanity, but your chance with Buffy as human has been passed up by you." She smiled softly at Angel but knew she couldn't help him. It was out of her control. While her brother laughed at such petty emotions this warrior was expressing.

---------------------------

Part Three

Just as Gunn was about to stop waving good bye, the door flashed a great light and Angel came storming out.

"Wow, that was fast, so did they like the gift?" Gunn eagerly asked.

Hopelessly Angel just looked up at Gunn, then anger infused him and he shoved Gunn out of his way tossing the keys to the bat mobile at him, leaving Gunn alone.

---------------------------

"Are you sure Buffy, that you should be going?" Willow asked with concern showing in her eyes.

"Willow, I have got to do this!" Buffy reinforced.

"What about Riley?" Willow asked this time stepping back uncertain how her friend would react.

"Oh Riley don't worry, he's a big boy and strong and can take care of himself." Buffy smiled trying to pretend she and Riley hadn't just argued. "The plan, Riley is gonna take over while I am gone. You and Xander and the others can help him."

"Well yeah that is a plan and all but, are u going to be ok?" Willow said realizing she is still full of questions.

"Of course I am going to be ok, I am just going to L.A. and help Angel out." Buffy smiled proudly.

"Um we are talking about the same Angel, you know the one that has brought nothing but pain and misery to your life and ours!" Xander exclaimed. He had been so stunned by Buffy's decision he had just sat there in his basement listening to Willow and Buffy speechless.

"Xander I will be fine. Chocolate chip cookie fine!" Buffy laughed.

Xander wanted to try and stop her. He couldn't imagine anything going right with her leaving. Willow on the other hand was not only worried about Buffy going but hoping this would be good for her to actually get some closure and be able to move on.

---------------------------

"ANGEL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Gunn screamed trying to run after him.

Which he gave up on and hoped in the car and drove hoping to figure out where he could have headed off too. Hoping to get to him before things got out of hand.

----------------------------

Standing in the midst of the ruins Angel tried to calm himself down. Thrashing around in the remains of his old office, Angel was able to work off some restless energy and anger. Gunn found him standing right in the middle on top of a tall pile of debris staring up into the sky. Unsure if he should approach Angel, he just stood off to the side, hoping Angel would spot him and say something.

"Have you ever felt such a strong sense of hope for all that you have ever wanted and then watch it be torn apart before you and there is absolutely nothing you can do to stop it?" Angel shouted out to Gunn never removing his eyes from the midnight sky

"That was rhetorical, right?" Gunn asked quietly trying to sense what Angel was up to.

"You know I remember as a boy with my friends teasing a dog. We tied a carrot at the end of a piece of cord and dangled it in front of him. This dog would try and grab it and we would pull it away. No matter how many times we played this trick on him, he fell for it every time and it gave my friends and I such a good laugh...." Angel paused, "Now I am that dog."

"Hmm" Gunn nodded his head, "A dog? Are you sure it wasn't a rabbit?"

"We didn't have rabbits, We had an old dog." Angel smiled to Gunn's relief.

"So Angel do you think we can get out of here and perhaps go back to Cordelia's and wind down with a nice warm cup of coffee, um... blood?" Gunn suggested.

Angel was inclined to go with Gunn and perhaps sleep on everything that has taken place and try to figure out why he should care whether or not he is ever human again.

---------------------------

Buffy's plans for leaving that afternoon fell apart because everyone wanted to talk to her and confront her on her decision to go. Did they have any affect on her changing her mind. Of course not Buffy was even more bound and determined to leave and she was leaving first thing tomorrow morning. She had finally finished moving back in to her mom's for the summer and was grateful for the peace of her old room and snugged into her own bed.

---------------------------

She sat at the table facing Angel full of mixed emotions... Remembering a kiss on the beach, in Angel's arms.

---------------------------

Buffy awoke with a start. talking to her self, "Ok girl no more romance novels before bed."

It was becoming unnerving just remembering bit's and pieces of dreams that she was sure she would really enjoy remembering. It seemed to be the same dream every time but then again she wasn't really sure. Perhaps if she concentrated on her slayer meditation skills Giles had worked with her a long time ago.

It became hard to focus. She soon began regretting all those times she skipped out on her slayer lessons with Giles. "Note to self, spend more time training with Giles." Buffy mumbled to herself.

---------------------------

Buffy found herself fidgeting outside of Cordelia's apartment. Cordelia told her Angel would be staying here and Buffy hoped he would be around, but then again she hoped he wasn't around to in a nervous sorta way. She had already spent a few minutes staring at the door, fixing her hair and straightening her clothes.

"Ok Buffy you have faced tougher situations then this, just knock on the door," Buffy encouraged herself.

---------------------------

The sleep Angel had sought never came. He sat in the living room staring at the fireplace wondering if he should continue Angel Investigations. Then he remembered the sole purpose he started it. He didn't even know about the possibility to get his humanity. He did it because he could and he had hoped to be able to work with Buffy again some day. Realizing this Angel wondered if his heart was into anymore.

Lost in his own thoughts he thought he had heard a knock on the door....

---------------------------

There was no answer so she tried knocking again. Still there seemed no one was home.

Some teenagers were running down the hall and knocked the slayer to the ground causing her to hit her head on the floor. She tried to sit back up but felt a little dizzy. The kids kept running right past her.

---------------------------

Angel was certain now that he heard something at the door and answered it to find his slayer trying to stand up holding her head.

At the sight of Angel she let out a sigh of relief and fell into his arms.

"Buffy. Buffy! are you ok?" Angel asked carrying her into the apartment.

She smiled up at him dreamily then asked him to lay her down, where she drifted into a sleep. A sleep Angel tried to wake her from worrying about a concussion. A sleep Buffy was refusing to leave til she had answers to her questions.

---------------------------

Part Four

"I was hoping to find you here." Xander walked in to Riley's room. "Actually, I was hoping to find you with me and Willow and Anya in the cemetery patrolling."

"I was on my way there." Riley lied holding an over night bag stuffed full of clothes and gear.

"Ok so you were planning on swinging by before your lil trip, and I am guessing you are headed to L.A." Xander smirked at the fidgety Riley.

"It's none of your business Xander." Riley glared at him heading to the door that Xander blocked.

"Oh wait I think it is. What do you think you are going to do? Charge in there and kill Angel?" Xander chuckled, "Of course the killing Angel is fine by me, but do you really think that will win over Buffy's heart.. Or is this some puffed up pride issue. Cuz as I see it, your plan is doomed, stay here and wait it out."

"What's it matter to you what I do Xander?" Riley shoved Xander into the door.

"Hey don't get rough with me, I don't really trust or like either Angel or you but if Buffy insists on one or the other, I think the safer guy is you." Xander explained, "and if you are going to be a team player you better start acting like one and not running off on your own."

"You just don't get it.." with that said Riley pushed Xander out of his way and headed on out.

---------------------------

Her head pressed against his chest with his heart beating in her ear, tears flowed as she cried, "I will remember"

Buffy awoke from her dream. She saw Angel sitting in a chair across from her. It was all still fuzzy and she wasn't really sure if it was all just a dream or not him being human. She just looked at angel uncertain what to say. Sure she thought she knew what she was doing coming here but now she wasn't certain.

"Um.. Buffy I.... didn't expect you." Angel mumbled shyly, still uncertain why she was there, "How is your head are you ok?" He wasn't sure if she had hurt her head or what except she was holding it when he first opened the door.

"Angel I just.... well I just you know heard Wesley and Cordelia were taking a few days off. So I thought you might need a little slayer help."

Slayer help oh yeah that is exactly what Angel was thinking he needed but not quite the help she meant. Oh he had all sorts of ideas how he could help her, but he knew it was impossible so to even suggest anything would just bring up more hurtful issues. So he kept his mouth shut while in his mind he remember how she felt in his arms....

"Angel, are you listening to me?" Buffy asked trying to sit up in the sofa to look at Angel straight on. What she really wanted to do was tell him about her dream, but then she was worried he might laugh at her. Sure she had plenty of dreams of him being human, but this seemed so real. Perhaps she should mention to him something.

"Yeah... yeah.. I am listening. oh thanx for the offer to help, but right now not much is happening." Angel didn't know what to say.

"Oh so you want me to leave then, is that how this is going to be?" ouch she couldn't believe she just snapped at Angel.

"No Buffy that is not what I want. Shit what is it I am suppose to say. Do we have to go over this again? Is this all it is ever going to be with us? You come over here bitch me out because you misunderstand me."

"Fuck you, Angel!" Buffy yelled at him wanting to shove him against the wall, but restrained herself to just sitting and glaring at him.

"Buffy, you sure don't make this easy." Angel glared right back.

"Make this easy do we have to go over that again, look, this ain't easy for me to see you here with a whole new life that does not include me!" Buffy growled at him, near tears.

"Buffy, this isn't what I want..."Angel began before Buffy cut him off.

"Then what do you want Angel tell me what you want." Buffy cried out while tears began to stream down her redden cheeks, "No wait, what about what I want!!!!! Doesn't that even matter?"

Angel was clearly torn here, how could he tell her how much he wanted her, how much he wished he had stayed human to be near her, but he couldn't. She was to never know of that day.

"Buffy, please listen, don't cry, it makes it harder for me." before Angel even finished what he said he knew he should have just kept his mouth shut.

"Harder for you Fuck you! You desert me and tell me it is for the best. You left me out of that decision. Even my dreams you are making the decisions and leaving me out of it, as if what I want doesn't matter!" Buffy stood up with he hands crossed over her chest.

"What dreams Buffy?" Angel asked growing more concerned for her. He never realized how much he hurt her, he tried to rationalize it, that this whole time he did it her own good, but was it?

"Oh I'll tell ya, I have been having this dream of you turning human and then You decide to go back to the fucking brooding vampire with a soul... boo hoo my life is so fucked up, and Buffy will have to understand that it's my decision not hers. Oh and to top it off, I am suppose to forget you were even a human... oh fucking yippee, see what you are doing to me even my subconscience is whacked!!!!"

Angel was just speechless he wanted to tell her it wasn't just a dream, that it did happen, but then again, he wanted to make sure there were not stakes or weapons near by. He walked over to Buffy who was standing there shaking and crying, "I am sorry, Buffy and I know those words don't help, but understand you aren't the only one suffering here. I have been tearing myself apart. Do you know what it was like for me to hear about
Riley? Do you even care how that hurt me? Your lil boyfriend attacks me when I am went to apologize to you. Oh and what if I told you it wasn't just a dream!..."

An explosive crash through the front door caused Buffy and Angel to stop and turn there attention to a cross bow totting Riley.

"Back away from her" Riley seethed.

"Riley you best just turn around and leave right now." Buffy demanded.

"You heard, the lady, leave" Angel smirked still eyeing the cross bow.

"Buffy I am not leaving til you do." Riley declared.

"Riley, neither you nor anyone else puts demands on me. I told you to stay in Sunnydale not to come here and threaten me or Angel." Buffy grew even more frustrated with Riley.

Riley just stood there refusing to budge. Angel uncertain what to say or do just looked at Buffy. Buffy charged Riley knocking him out of the apartment. Sitting on top of him strangling his neck, "Don't you ever come in here armed to kill Angel or anyone else I know. do you understand?" Buffy asked firmly.

Pushing Buffy off of him. "Oh I understand Buffy." Riley turned and walked away, but not giving up.

---------------------------

Part Five

"EXCUSE ME!!!!" Gunn snapped at the guy whom shoved him out of the way.

Gunn stood in the broken door way "Damn what happened here?"

"Oh Buffy this is Gunn, Gunn, Buffy." Angel said trying to be casual.

"And who was that guy who charged me down the hall?" Gunn asked sensing that guy came from here.

"A friend. " Buffy answered curtly.

"Why are you here?" Angel asked hoping to try to change the subject.

Gunn stepped into the apartment and held up his cell phone. "Cordelia and Wesley are wondering why you aren't answering their calls?"

Angel noticed the phone sitting on the side table in the living room and saw the message light blinking on it. "I didn't hear it ringing, and I was a bit busy...

"Angel, Cordelia's had a vision, she and Wesley are on their way. Some gruesome thing that Wesley managed to identify is about to sacrifice some child." Gunn tried to explain without getting to frustrated, "so why don't you pick up your phone, hit memory 2 and call Cordelia back. She made it quite clear her number is on your speed dial and that you best call."

"Where's this sacrifice, I can get there and stop this, come on hurry up we got to get going." Buffy stepped up to take charge forgetting this ain't Sunnydale anymore.

Clearing his throat Angel spoke up, "Hold on there Buffy, let me get the details and handle this. If you wanna help that is fine."

"What do you mean if I want to help?!?! I came here to help." Buffy snapped at Angel.

Gunn just stood there observing them when his phone rang. "Yeah I am here..... yup she's here to.... huh?... Angel seems fine... Ok here he is."

Gunn handed the phone to Angel, "Could you please stop that shrieking? No I am not snapping.... grrr..... ok ok, so what was the vision, oh where? beheading.... sound simple... ok meet you there." Angel hung up the phone.

"So we kill this by beheading it?" Buffy asked getting excited about "working"

"Hey I am game if you need my help Angel?" Gunn asked eager for some action.

"Come on let's go." Angel motioned for everyone to come along.

As they were walking out the door Buffy leaned into Angel and whispered into his ear, "Don't think I am through with you. I heard what you said and we need to talk about my so called dreams."

Angel grew a bit nervous and began trying to figure out what he was going to say to Buffy. He also wondered how the Oracles would react if they found out he slipped up. Then again did he slip up. She was remembering well sorta. Still he did not look forward to any consequences from them or Buffy.

---------------------------

(After stopping a horrid sacrifice, they met back at Cordy's)

"Well I am glad that is over with would anyone else like a cup of tea?" Wesley offered heading to the kitchen.

The others just stared at Wesley blankly and laughed softly.

Buffy smiled and said, "It was sure great seeing you all and again and of course meeting you Gunn, but I got to get going Angel will you see me out?"

"Excuse me, but how wise is that. You and Angel go step out and decide to take a nice long walk and talk and who knows what else that will lead up to..." Cordy chimed in.

"That's enough Cordelia, Buffy and I will be fine." Angel interrupted Cordelia.

"So let's go." Buffy said looking Angel straight in to his eyes, giving him a forboding feeling at what was about to happen.

---------------------------

As soon as they were alone walking down some seedy old street Buffy jumped in, "You best be upfront with me Angel. I am tired of everyone deciding what is best for me without my say on things!"

"Buffy, the Oracles, they told me you would die because I was human and couldn't protect you. I HAD to do this, but I don't like it." Angel tried to explain.

"You don't like oh fucking yippee, that sure makes Buffy all happy and shinny inside." Buffy snapped at him.

Angel grabbed Buffy and turned her to face him under the street lights and looked her straight in the eye, "Do you know what it has been like for me these last few months? I cant stop thinking about you and wondering what it would be like if I had stayed human. I want to be human with you. I want to share with life with you, " Angel paused to wipe a tear from Buffy's eye, "When I found out that sometime in my future I will be human
again, as a reward for all my working in saving lives, I can't stop wondering when that will be. I have been working extra hard trying to make it happen, now. As in immediately, so that I can hold you in my arms and love you as a man would love a woman and have a family together and have a life together. Buffy, I love you"

Buffy fell into Angel's arms allowing him to hold her and comfort her, but she couldn't help but sense someone was watching and she looked up a moment not seeing anyone continued to relish this moment in Angels arms. She cried and then cleared her thoughts and decided it was time she met the Oracles. Perhaps, they had an answer or even maybe they could help.

Angel liked the idea and so he decided to take her there himself, but first stopping to pick up a gift for the Oracles. He hoped there was something the Oracles could do to give him back his Buffy and never lose her again.

As they walked, down the street, Riley followed them in the dark. He was determined to put a stop to all of this. He loved Buffy, no vampire was going to come between them.

---------------------------

Part Six


Riley followed Buffy and Angel all the way to the post office. He could not help but wonder what they could be up to. It was best to sit back and watch.

---------------------------

"So these oracles can help?" Buffy asked hopeful for a resolution.

"They can, but that does not mean they will." Angel tried to explain.

"But we got them a gift? Won't they help now?" Buffy asked growing frustrated.

"Let's not get upset just yet, we still have not seen them." Angel said looking around sensing someone near by.

"So the door is suppose to be there." Buffy asked then noticed the wall light up and angel lead them through.

Riley stepped out of the shadows and watched them disappear.

---------------------------

The Oracles looked Buffy and Angel up and down, clearly annoyed by their presence. Buffy handed the woman the gifts and smiled politely, trying to be nice. When actually she wanted to beat them to a bloody pummel for putting Angel and her through all of this.

"I sense your anger Slayer." she smiled at Buffy as she took the gift from her hand, "We are not your enemy."

Her brother smiled in agreement.

"If you are not my enemy why do you punish me this way!?" Buffy shouted at the Oracles.

"Buffy...." Angel mumbled under his breath worried, the Oracles may leave if she yells at them.

Buffy just glared at Angel and looked back at the Oracles, waiting for an answer.

The Oracles looked at each other, then turned to face Buffy & Angel, the woman asked them, "So why did you come, what is it you expect from us?"

"A chance." Angel answered.

"You were given a chance." the male oracle snapped at Angel, "There is nothing more we can do."

"Hold on brother, the slayer remembers." the Oracle pointed out.

The male Oracle looked down at Angel, "So you told her did you. There is punishment for...."

"I told her nothing!" Angel shouted.

The Oracles jolted back and their eyes widen. Finally the woman spoke up, "No, you didn't. The Slayer she remembered."

"The Slayer has a name and it is Buffy." Buffy grumbled, annoyed at the Oracles, "Yes she did remember. And she wants her Angel back as a human."

"That we cannot do. My brother is right, he had a chance. Although, Angel will be human but his time is not now." She answered, trying to be patient.

"Time, Time!!! Talk about time, I am a Slayer, I know my life is short, it comes with the package, but why not let me have love?" Buffy pleaded with
her voice and her eyes.

"What can be done?" Angel asked, "We serve you and the Powers the Be and what do you get in return?"

"Yes what do we get, a short pathetic life of death and a tortured soul. hmmmmmm?" Buffy smirked at the Oracles.

"Angel cannot be human. That has been decided." The male Oracle announced in his pious voice.

"Is there anything else you can say!? How about do something?" Angel snapped growing impatient, "Come on Buffy this is a waste of our time."

"Wait," the female Oracle said, "They do not want you to leave. There is something that can be done."

"Sister, I don't think we should do this." he complained. "It is not our choice. They are warriors, though angel cannot be human, they
can offer this." She explained, "Angel your curse does not allow you to experience perfect happiness, that can be undone with your soul still intact."

Buffy's face brighten and Angel stood there shocked.

"There is one condition, that can be reversed if you two put your relationship before your warrior duties. There is no exceptions. Buffy you
are still needed in Sunnydale, and Angel in Los Angeles. We do not know for how long, but you must not slack in any way."

"Brother dear, you make it sound so bad. You can still share your love, something I noticed is strong between you two. If it wasn't, Buffy, you
never would've have remembered. your love is stronger then anything we can stop. This is understood, but even though you still have duties, you can still be near one another, just as long as you do not neglect Sunnydale or Los Angeles. Is this understood?" She asked Buffy and Angel.

"Does this mean we can visit each other?" angel asked.

The Oracles nodded their heads yes.

"But if you feel we put off our duties you will reveres the curse again?"

"That is correct, now there is nothing else that keeps us here, do not come running back here again demanding such pettiness." The male Oracle said
before he and his sister faded away.

Buffy and Angel looked at each other, uncertain what to say, then went back out the door, where Riley had just stepped out to see them leave.

---------------------------

"What are you doing here?" Buffy shrieked when she saw Riley.

"Where did you two just go and come back so fast?" Riley yelled at Buffy.

Buffy looked at Angel confused unsure what Riley meant by back so fast, she thought they had been there at least an hour.

"Actually, we were gone longer, but here it just seems like seconds." Angel said looking at Buffy, wondering what was going to happen next.

"I don't care how gone you were gone, what I want to know is why Buffy, why did you have to come here, even after I told you not to." Riley scowled at Angel while, expecting an answer from Buffy.

"You will never understand Riley. I had to do this. There were things that needed to be settled." Buffy said, stepping closer to Angel.

"And did you get them settled?" Riley grumbled.

"I don't know, but what I do know, is this, what e have Riley is not right." Buffy said, hoping Riley doesn't lose his temper too much.

"This!" Riley shouted pointing back and forth to each other, "Is not right? Oh and what u had with Angel was, or do I have to remind you what the other told me he did!"

Feeling a bit uncomfortable angel started to move away, "Perhaps, I should give you two some space."

"No need Angel, I am leaving, and Buffy, don't expect to find me back in Sunnydale. 'THIS' us was a big mistake. You never got over Angel, I was
fooling myself, and I don't want to be your whipping boy Buffy." with that Riley just turned and walked away.

Buffy was shocked that Riley walk out like that. She didn't want to hurt him. It wasn't Riley's fault, she knew it was hers.

Angel and Buffy stood there awkwardly, both wondering what happens next.

"Well do you want to go back to Cordelia's?" Angel asked Buffy hoping to start some conversation.

"Will everyone be there?" Buffy asked, really wanting to be alone with Angel.

"Probably, would you prefer we found someplace to be alone and talk?" Angel asked eagerly hoping to hold Buffy once again, and have her to himself.

"I think that would be a good idea." Buffy smiled, and took a hold of Angel's hand.

"I think I know of a place we can go."

---------------------------

Angel found a small but very well kept motel, where Buffy and he could be alone.

"Buffy, I am sorry about Riley, but then again, I am glad he is gone." angel fessed up to his slayer.

Buffy chuckled lightly, "I am sure you are. So now where do we go from here?"

Angel answered her by pulling her close to him and hold her tightly. Buffy let out a sigh, relishing her lovers arms wrapped around her.

"Can I just stay here?" Buffy asked

"I wish you could." Angel whispered in her ear.

"Can I stay for the night?" Buffy whispered back lightly kissing his neck.

'That we definitely can do." Angel smiled and kissed Buffy.

"Angel," Buffy stopping kissing him to look up in his eyes, "Do you still love me?"

"I never stopped, and I never will." Angel smiled down at Buffy.

"I never stopped loving you either." Buffy kissed Angel back pushing him down on to the bed, "and I would like to show you too."

"That I would like very much so, Buffy." Angel smiled wickedly at Buffy and finally felt free to truly love her unhindered.

~ The End ~