Disclaimers, See Part 1
Email: LunarMyth


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"No, I don't blame you, Giles. It's my own fault for not realizing that Spike would lash out."

The group, including Buffy, was seated in Giles' living room.

"I...I don't know how it happened so fast," Giles said. "I just went out to pick up some dinner. I was barely gone fifteen minutes. I...I don't know...."

"It's okay, Giles," Angel repeated. "We'll get her back safe and sound. He won't do anything to harm her, I know that."

"How?" Xander asked, eyeing Buffy warily. He hadn't been comfortable at all since she'd returned. "He could turn her."

"Look," Angel said gruffly. "He won't harm her as long as he knows we have Buffy."

"So you're suggesting a trade?" Willow asked.

"Not...exactly. I'm suggesting I go in and get her."

"No," Buffy said.

"I'd have to say I'm with Living Dead Girl on this one. Why don't we just give her back?" Xander shot.

Buffy snarled at him.

"Look, we still need her for information. The only choice is for me to get Kate out myself."

"No," Buffy repeated.

"What do you mean, 'No'?" he whirled on her.

Buffy glared at him, her eyes dark green and shooting sparks at him. She didn't want to care about this vampire who was so concerned with humanity. But there was a part of her that would do anything to keep him safe. "Look," she said. "I'll tell you as much as I can and then you can trade. It'll be the best of both worlds."

Angel stared at her before shaking his head.

"What do you mean, 'No'?" she repeated his comment.

"I'm not letting you go back there. It's not where you belong."

"Not where I belong?" Buffy scoffed. "And where exactly do I belong, hmmm, Angel? With my Slayerettes? Sorry, no. We're kinda on opposite sides of the fence now. With my family? Nope, killed 'em. With you? Sorry, you're taken. So...I think Spike is the only person that I actually *do* belong with."

"If I may repeat my earlier -" Xander began.

"No, you may not!" Angel, Willow and Giles cut him off.

"Fine!" Xander said. "I'm hungry. Everyone who *doesn't* suck blood for dinner, would you like me to pick something up for you? I'm feeling like a BigMac," he paused. "Oh, sorry Angel."

"Mmmm. And you look like a -" Buffy started sweetly.

"Cool it, kids," Angel interrupted. He watched Xander leave. "Okay. Now that we have that settled, why don't we just continue trying to come up with a plan -"

"Wait a minute! I don't think we have anything settled. Why can't you just take me up on my offer? Everything would work out fine if you would just stop being so stubborn!"

Angel gazed at her, his dark eyes conveying just how serious he was. "You and I both know that if you tell me what Spike has planned, and you return to him, he'll most likely kill you."

"Perhaps," Buffy admitted. "Then again, he might not. He truly cares about me, Angel. And as much as I can, I care about him also. We belong together, we're the same. You talk so much about *me* having a normal life...well, here, that *is* a normal life. Face it, Angel. You don't know what's best for me. And this one time, you have to look at what's the best for everyone else -- not just what you want or what will make you feel noble."

He stared at her, his gaze unreadable. Volumes were spoken in the silence coming from Willow and Giles. They agreed with her. "Fine," he said in a clipped tone. "We'll swap. But first, you tell us everything you can."

Buffy nodded. "All right." But she couldn't shake the feeling that her agreement had changed her life irrevocably.


==========


"Damn," Angel muttered as Buffy finished her story. "I would never have imagined."

"No, not many would," Buffy agreed.

"It's rather ironic, if you think about it," Willow said. "A Master vampire raising a legion of vampires to act as Slayers...all because he can't stand the thought of losing his wonderful world. Manchester United should feel proud."

"Now that I've told you the deal, don't you think should get in touch with Spike about the trade?" Buffy asked pointedly.

Angel clenched his fists. He didn't want to let her go. Especially since they had yet to figure out how to get him back home. Especially since she was going back to Spike. Willingly.

"Yeah," he said. She gave him the number and he dialed. It rang five times before a very irate Spike answered.

"'Lo?"

"I think you have something of mine, and I have something of yours. What do you say to a switch?"

"Ahhhh. Peaches. How nice of you to call. Yes, the weather's fine here and the family's great. How about you?"

"Cut the crap, Spike. Do you want to trade or not?"

"How do I know it's not a trick?" Spike asked sullenly.

Angel snickered. "I'm not stupid enough to risk my lover's life.... Are you?"

Spike was silent for a long moment. "When and where?"

Angel nodded to the group. "Tonight. Eleven. Playground in the park. Good for you?"

"I'll be there, mate."

"Fine." Angel hung up the phone. "It's all set. All we have to do now is wait."

"Where's Xander?" Willow asked. "I'm starved." As the gang walked into the kitchen, the phone rang. "I've got it," Willow called after them. "Hello?"

When she didn't join them after fifteen minutes, Angel went back in to see what was up. He found her curled up in a ball on the floor, staring straight ahead with unseeing eyes.

"Willow," he shook her. "Willow, come on, what's going on? What happened?" He sighed with relief as she focused her gaze on him.

"Xander," she whispered.

"What about Xander? Willow, tell me what happened." By this time, Giles and Buffy had wandered back into the room.

She looked at each of them. "He...he was walking to McDonald's...right down the road...and...he...he got sidetracked by...by a mime who tried to take his money. B-but since he c-couldn't speak, Xander d-didn't know what he...w-w-wanted. So the mime shot him. But it was only in the foot. So Xander was able to run away...well, h-hobble away really...and...and then, a little k-k-kid on a bicycle ch-chased him down a....a hill. A-and Xander tripped because of his f-f-foot. But he twisted his other ankle in..in...in the process. When he tried to get b-back up...he was in...the....m-m-m-middle of the road, and he got h-h-hit...." Willow sobbed. "B-b-b-by a McDon-Don-Donald's eighteen wheeler!!!"

The trio sat in stunned silence as Willow cried.

"Is he...?" Giles asked.

Willow nodded.

"Damn!" Buffy exclaimed. "Another good meal becomes roadkill. I hate it when that happens!"


==========


Buffy, Angel, Willow and Giles sat in silence on the swings. It was eleven o'clock on the dot.

"Hello, cuties," Spike said as he sauntered up to them, three minions and Kate in tow.

"Spike," Angel greeted, standing up as they approached.

Spike's gaze was preoccupied as he glanced over Buffy, making sure she was all right. "They didn't hurt you, did they, luv?"

Buffy smiled slightly, though it didn't reach her eyes. The only real reason she was doing this is so that Spike wouldn't hurt anyone -- most importantly Angel. She hadn't forgotten, though she wanted to, what it felt like to be held in his arms all night. It had felt complete...like...home. "Not at all. A few chains, maybe a whip or two. Nothing I'm not used to," she said sardonically. "What about you? I hope you took care of your guest properly?"

Spike grimaced. "Unfortunately, yes. Though I would have loved to -"

"Okay. Ready to switch?" Angel interjected. Kate glared at him, itching for a fight. It crossed his mind that there was a slim possibility of escape if he grabbed Buffy's hand right now and began running.

Angel extended his hand to Buffy and helped her to stand. "Ready?" he asked her softly.

Buffy swallowed. It wasn't like her to be all choked up. Why was leaving this man so hard for her to do? She didn't even know him. "As I'll ever be," she said.

Angel bowed his head and grinned. "Well, I hope you won't hurt me for doing this, but it may be my last chance...ever. So...." Without any further ado, Angel lowered his head and captured her lips in an achingly sweet kiss. His tongue plundered her mouth as if seeking to remember every texture and taste. His large hands framed her small face, his fingertips brushing against her satiny skin. He tasted her slow, salty tears and felt as if their souls were merging into one. Angel felt complete.

Buffy backed up and quickly wiped the tears away. She could practically feel Spike's glare burning a hole through her back. Oh yes, she was in for some serious punishment. "Here," she told Angel, unclasping the silver locket and placing it in his palm. "Keep this." Without thinking she rose up on her tiptoes and placed a soft kiss on his lips. "I love you," she whispered.

It seemed as if time stood still. A small breeze blew around them and a soft voice whispered and wound its way through the air.

~*~To draw your lover home once more
Entrance the goddess of the stars
Bring forth the sigh of true love's kiss
In doing so, you'll have your wish~*~

A bright burst of white light flashed between them and everyone fell back.


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Part 8:


Angel woke up in his living room. He had an extreme headache and felt as if he would throw up, though that was impossible. It felt as if his head had been cracked open, but nothing seemed to be broken. He stood up and surveyed his surroundings, perplexed. The last time he remembered being in his apartment seemed to be years ago. In fact, the last thing he remembered period was kissing Buffy.

Well, that certainly put things in perspective. It was a dream. He hadn't been near Buffy in three years. Now he remembered. He'd been exercising when something had cause him to lose balance and fall backwards. He must have been unconscious for a while. The sun was just beginning to set.

He needed to get dressed and head to the office. Doyle and Kate needed him to help translate that book. Angel didn't know why, but the though of Kate unsettled him even more than usual.

He trudged upstairs to get a shower. It was only when he was about to undress that his puzzlement returned.

Clasped tightly in his fist was a dainty silver locket.


==========


"What do you mean you don't know where the book is?!?!" Angel heard Doyle yelling as he strolled into the office. Cordelia was perched on top of her desk as usual, but looking like the Cheshire cat. Kate was practically in tears.

"I don't know where it is. I...I was translating it, and I could barely make out anything. I must have fallen asleep. The next thing I knew, it late evening and the book was gone. I swear, I didn't do anything to it and *no one* could have gotten into my house!"

"Do you have any idea what kind of magic one page of that book alone holds? How could you be so irresponsible as to lose the book, *Kate*?" Cordelia gloated.

"People, calm down," Angel said as the loud noise of their arguing and the ringing phones escalated to a cacophony. "Now what exactly happened?" Kate recounted her story once more for Angel. "Well, it's no use crying over. If somebody else has it, we'll just have to hunt it down again. That's all we can do."

"Ummmm, Angel, I think you should take this," Cordelia told him, having answered the phone.

Angel reached out and grabbed the phone. "Hello? Yes. Oh. Oh? Really. Well, it was no problem. We're glad we were able to help.... Excuse me? No. Yes. Yes. I think you're mistak.... Yes. I see. Well, I'll check it out, and thank you. Goodbye."

"What was that all about?" Doyle asked tightly.

Angel stared off into the distance until Cordy snapped her fingers in front of his face. "Earth to the undead. Anybody home?"

"Huh?" he said, waking from his reverie. "Oh. Well, that was our source about the Book of Djinn. She says that the book was returned to its rightful owners early this morning."

Doyle looked accusingly at Kate. "What? I swear I didn't do it."

The two continued to fight as a dazed Angel made his way to the front doors.

"Where are you going, Angel?" Kate demanded. "You said we -"

"I know. I know, Kate. But...something's come up. I've...I've got to go. I'll be back later."


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The music was loud in the Bronze. Buffy, Oz, Xander, Spike, Joyce and Giles had all pitched in to rent the club for a night and to throw Willow a huge twenty-first birthday party. Angel walked in and looked around. He smiled, it was almost as if nothing had changed.

He saw Xander and Willow jumping up and down on inflatable alligators and laughing as they fell all a few other party guests. Oz was on stage with Dingoes, setting up to play. Angel was slightly surprised to see Joyce sitting on Giles lap in a darkened corner of the Bronze...enjoying a pretty hot and heavy make-out session. But most of his attention was focused on the blonde duo in the middle of the dance floor. They were a striking pair.


Haven't we met
You're some kind of beautiful stranger
You could be good for me
I've had the taste for danger
If I'm smart then I'll run away
But I'm not so I guess I'll stay
Heaven forbid
I'll take my chance on a beautiful stranger


Their bodies moved fluidly against each other, making even the fast beat erotic. Angel could see Buffy's ten thousand watt smile even from where he stood. She seemed to be extremely happy. Without him. With Spike. Seeing them brought back a familiar, yet unusual sense of jealousy.


To know you is to love you
You're everywhere I go
And everybody knows
To love you is to be part of you
I've paid for you with tears
And swallowed all my pride


As Spike twirled her out, Buffy caught sight of him. She seemed to stand still in time. He could see Spike ask her if she was okay, but she merely nodded. She patted his arm and left the dance floor, heading straight towards Angel.


I looked into your face
My heart was dancing all over the place
I'd like to change my point of view
If I could just forget about you


"What are you doing here?" Buffy's voice was both accusatory and hesitant.

"It's Willow's birthday," he said stupidly. *Good one. 'It's Willow's birthday.' Like you showed up for the rest of her birthdays. Like her birthdays are more important than Buffy's.*

Buffy nodded. "I see. Well, she's right over there if you want to say hi. I'm sure she'll be...surprised."

"I seem to have that effect on birthdays," both he and Buffy winced as the words came out of his mouth. *What are you trying to do? Ruin any possibility of a moment?*

"Well, well, well. If it isn't the Great Poofini. What possessed you to come here?" Spike asked as he threw his arm carelessly over Buffy's shoulders.

So that was the deal. She'd moved on. To Spike. "None of your business, Spike." *Very suave. Very original.*


I looked into your eyes
And my world came tumbling down
You're the devil in disguise
That's why I'm singing this song to you


"I was just telling Angel that Willow would be most surprised to hear a Happy Birthday from him."

"Actually, I didn't come just for Willow," he said.

"Oh really?" The look in Buffy's eyes was a mixture of hope and condescension. It pained Angel to see how much he'd hurt her.

"Yes. I...I have something I think belongs to you."

"I can't imagine what that would be," she said coolly.

"This," he said as he handed her the silver locket.

"It's beautiful," she breathed. Her fingers tenderly slid over the intricate engravings before she looked up. "But it's not mine," she tried to give it back to him.

"No, it's yours. Believe me. I know."

"No, it's not. I think I would remember if I owned something this beautiful."

"Fine, then just keep it. Please, Buffy."

She softened at the anguish in his voice. "Well...how do you open it?"

"I'm not sure."

Spike watched the two with poorly feigned interest. "Well somebody better bloody well figure it out. Standing here yapping with you two isn't in my definition of fun."

"Why don't you go see if Oz needs anything, Spike? I know how much you've been wanting to get a hold of his guitar."

Spike arched a brow. "Not too subtle, Slayer. But fine. I'll leave you with your lap dog. Some things never change," he muttered as he walked off.

"So, are you and Spike -"

"How are Cordy and Doyle -"

They smiled slightly at each other.

"No -"

"Fine -"

Buffy laughed and held out her hand. "Why don't you let me bring you over to Willow?" she asked softly. "I'm sure she'll be happy to see you."

Angel couldn't resist. He had to ask. "Is she the only one?"

Buffy stopped. "Well...no." Angel's dark eyes lit up with a hope that hadn't been seen in years. Buffy grinned impishly up at him. "Xander's been known to refer to Spike as 'Dead Boy' a time or two, just because he misses you."

Angel growled and Buffy felt herself go weak in the knees. "I missed you. Terribly. But you never came back. And it hurt so much, Angel. I don't think I could go through that again." Her fingers rubbed the locket and it suddenly popped open. She raised it slowly so that they could look at it.

"Wow. What would you say this is?" she asked.

Angel stared down at the two small, old oil portraits inlaid in the locket. "I think I'd have to say it's a beautiful woman and her foolish, stubborn soulmate."

Buffy stared down at the tiny paintings that looked extraordinarily like her and Angel. "I think you might be right," she said quietly.

Angel cupped her chin and tilted her face up. "What would you say if I told you that you would never have to go through that kind of pain again?"

She smiled sadly. "I would say that you're probably lying to me, but that I'd risk anything to be with you." Buffy nodded to herself. "We can make it work...together."

"I'm not going to leave you again, I promise. I was wrong. Maybe you don't need me. But I need you." Angel leaned down and kissed her tenderly. It was like a first kiss all over again -- hesitant, awkward, and oh so sweet.

"Well lookie here!" Willow squealed as she saw Angel and Buffy kissing. "Ohhhhh! Now everybody's got a happy!" She grinned as she popped another Hershey's kiss into her already chocolate covered mouth.

"She's twenty-one," Buffy said in explanation. "She's had one too many. Which would be about...one."

Willow stuck out her wrist. "Look what Xander gave me. Friendship bracelets."

"Pretty cheap of you, mate, if you ask me," Spike commented as he walked back up to the group.

"Well, I didn't. And I don't care. It just came to me: 'No matter what you give her, she'll love it. 'Cause it's from you.' So I thought, Hey, why not a friendship bracelet? Will used to love 'em when we were kids."

"How quaint," Spike murmured.

Angel grinned.

"Anyway," Xander said, hopping down off of the alligator he was lying on top of on top of the pool table. "I've got the munchies. I think I'm gonna go to McDonald's. Anyone want anything?"





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