Chapter 23

Buffy awoke the next morning with a think head and a murky memory of the night before. Thankfully it was Saturday so she didn’t have to get ready for class.

She padded out of her room and headed for the bathroom, wishing the pounding in her head would stop. How much had she had to drink? She didn’t remember but I must have been a fair bit.

She cleaned her teeth and took two painkillers from the cabinet to stop the throbbing in her head. She walked back to her room and noticed Angel sleeping in the spare room, the door was ajar.

Suddenly their conversation from last night came back to her and she groaned inwardly as she returned to bed.

She curled up and thought about last night. She wasn’t sure why she had done it. She did still have feelings for Angel, that was true. Had she come on to him because he was safe? She wasn’t sure. Perhaps subconsciously it was true. He was, after all, safe. They could never have sex. But truthfully she had always wanted him. Sure things were difficult with them but if anything, the last few weeks had proven to her how right they were for each other. He knew exactly how she felt; he was there for her. He had even felt her pain from LA.

She sighed deciding her head hurt too much to think about this now. She closed her eyes hoping when she woke up again things would be clearer.


Buffy awoke to find herself looking into two chocolate brown eyes.

“Morning.” Said Angel softly.

Buffy stretched and sat up, thankful that her head no longer hurt. “Hi.” She offered sheepishly.

“We need to talk.”

“We do.”

“Look Buffy…”

Buffy held her hand up to stop him. “Please, let me go first.” Angel nodded and Buffy began. “I’m sorry firstly. I shouldn’t have had so much to drink.” She paused. “And I should have handled things better.”

Angel was about to speak but she stopped him again. “Just let me get this out. I’ve been thinking. There probably is some truth in me finding you safe. But there’s also the fact I still love you. I’ve needed you more than anyone else over the last few weeks.” Buffy paused and looked in his eyes. “I still need you.”

Angel was silent. “I’m done, you can go now.” Buffy prompted.

Angel nodded. “I’ve been thinking too. You know I love you more than anything. I’ve always tried to do what’s right for you. I shouldn’t have been so harsh last night. I’m sorry.”

When he didn’t go on Buffy prompted him. “What about us?”

Angel took a deep unnecessary sigh. “I… If you’re sure we can try again.” Buffy beamed at him and was about to speak but he interrupted her this time. “I’m not finished. I want you to understand things before we start anything.” Buffy nodded. “My work is in LA. My life is in LA. I know things have been quiet lately but it’s only a matter of time until Cordie gets another vision. That’s my work and I’ll have to go back to it.”

“I understand that.”

“Good. I will stay for as long as you need me, I promised that and I’ll keep it but once things settle down I have to go home again. We’ll see even less of each other that be did before.”

Buffy nodded. “I know it wont be easy but we can make it work. If we both want it to.”

Angel smiled. “I want.”

Buffy beamed back at him. “I want too.” She took his hand and pulled him onto the bed, kissing him.

They were interrupted by Joyce. “Buffy.” She called coming up the stairs. Angel quickly pulled himself off Buffy and sat in the chair by the bed. Buffy hastily straightened her clothes up.

“Mom, hi.”

Her mother smiled from the doorway holding a mug. “Angel told me you had a late night and not to disturb you but I heard you talking so I thought I’d bring you some coffee.” She said handing Buffy the mug.

“Thanks.” Said Buffy accepting it.

“You look awfully happy.” Her mother observed.

“I am. I have something to tell you, about last night.”

Her mother nodded, taking a seat on the bed.

“I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want to worry you but we went to fight Leonard last night.” Buffy’s smile faltered as she thought of him again. “Anyway, I kicked his ass straight back to hell.”

Joyce leaned in to hug Buffy. “That’s wonderful darling.”

“Well it’s one less thing to deal with now.” She said as they separated. “I also have some other news.”

“Good or bad?” asked Joyce.

“Good, all good.” Buffy took a breath. “Angel and I are back together. And before you say anything, we’ve both thought it through and we can handle it.”

Joyce wasn’t sure about the relationship but she had to admit he had taken good care of Buffy since the attack. “Well, if you’re sure then I’m happy.” Said Joyce.

Both could tell she still had her doubts but she wasn’t fighting it, which was good.

“So, do you two have any plans for today?” asked Joyce making small talk.

“Not really,” Buffy answered. “But I guess I should parole tonight.”

Angel nodded his agreement.

“Well, I’ll leave you two alone then.” Said Joyce excusing herself.