Caleb�s fist connected with her face, again. Buffy sprawled on the floor, stunned both physically and mentally by the force of his blows. Where had this added strength come from? He hadn�t been this powerful the last time they fought.

       �I was kind of hoping it would go this way.� His voice was genial, matching the smile on his face.

       Bracing herself with her arms, Buffy looked blearily up - and up - at Caleb as he raised the Scythe high. In another second she would feel its killing bite. Her brain was screaming at her to do something - roll, scuttle, crawl even, just get the hell away! - but she couldn�t move. Her legs didn�t seem to be working and her arms were so weak they barely supported her as it was.

       (No! This can�t be happening! The Scythe is mine to use, not his. That�s what the inscription said; Spike told me!) But it was happening. She waited for the blade to fall, numb with the bitter realization that this time she�d failed. The Apocalypse would not be stopped and the First Evil would take over the earth.

       �Hey!� someone said, and Caleb spun around. The next moment the Scythe clattered to the floor and he was on his back and sliding headfirst into a stack of miscellaneous barrels and crates. At first Buffy only stared dazedly at his motionless form, wondering what the hell had happened. Then she looked over to where the voice had come from. Her jaw dropped.

       (It can�t be.)

       Buffy was still gaping as Angel turned in her direction. A little smile curved his mouth. Reaching out, he helped her up.

       �I was never much for preachers,� he quipped.

       �Angel,� was all she could say, still amazed by his unexpected appearance. His cool touch was as familiar as if it hadn�t been close to two years since she�d last felt it. Slowly, reluctantly, she let his hand slide away.

       His eyes quickly surveyed her. �You look good.�

       �You look timely,� she replied honestly, then smiled back. �And also good.� Which he did. Even though he didn�t appear to have aged a day since they last saw each other, she sensed an added maturity and strength in him. And something else, something in his eyes beyond the warmth she was accustomed to seeing there, a deep, hidden pain. Behind her back, scuffling sounds indicated that Caleb was regaining his feet, and she jerked her mind back to the present crisis.

       �I heard maybe you needed a hand,� Angel told her. His gaze went past her shoulder, changing to the cold intensity of a predator. He started forward. She put out a restraining hand. He looked at her, then smiled. �Ah. One of those things you have to finish yourself.�

       Buffy smiled, glad that he wasn�t indulging in any macho crap. But then, when had he ever when it came to her slaying? �It really kinda is.�

       Still smiling and holding her gaze, he backed away, then turned and walked over to a nearby wall. Folding his arms, he leaned against it with an anticipatory grin. �You are so gonna lose,� he remarked smugly to the enraged ex-preacher.

       Buffy grabbed the Scythe off the floor just in time to meet Caleb�s headlong charge, and then it was the usual flurry of punches, kicks, dodges and parries. At one point she heard Angel say, �God, I�ve missed watching this,� and even in the midst of battle a part of her responded with a joyous thrill so intense it was almost savage.

       Then the Scythe was slicing through Caleb�s midriff as if it were butter, and Caleb staggered back. He looked down at the wound and began laughing, a dark, deep, eerie laugh. Reeling away, he clutched at the curtains, which tore loose from their support, settling over him like a shroud as he collapsed only a foot away from the dead Guardian, his latest victim. Slightly out of breath, Buffy looked over at Angel.

       �See?� she said. �Under control.� The proud beam on his face as he strolled toward her made her glow. He stopped a couple of feet away.

       �At least you could tell me you�re glad to see me,� he said lightly, but beneath his surface confidence she detected a trace of uncertainty. Immediately she flashed back to their last meeting.

       (He stared at her as if he couldn�t believe his eyes. Well, after all, she *had* been dead; of course it was a shock. But then he just stood there, making no move toward her. �Buffy,� he said. That was it? Just her name and nothing else? No hug, or even a �Good to see you�? Tears pricked at her eyes, but with great effort she kept them at bay. However, nothing could stop the huge lump forming in her throat, threatening to choke her.)

       (�You could at least say you�re glad to see me,� she managed to say. A second later his arms caught her up and he was kissing her, wildly, with desperation, as though afraid she would vanish at any moment, whispering her name in between kisses, holding her so tightly she felt her ribs creaking, but she didn�t care. The world could have ended right then and there without her even noticing. Nothing else mattered - not being yanked out of Heaven by her friends, not Dawn, not the pressing financial worries. At that moment there was only Angel�s embrace.)

       The Scythe hit the floor with a dull clank! Buffy took two steps forward and their lips met. She felt the soft texture of his jacket beneath her fingers and the movement of his arms curving around to hold her close, and then the world stood still. His kiss was everything she�d remembered, his mouth fitting perfectly against hers, the soft pressure of his lips and body both electrifying and comforting at the same time. He was here, and he was hers and she was his, just as it had been almost from the beginning and as it would continue to be for as long as they lived, regardless of Riley or Spike or anyone else who might enter her life in the future, assuming she got through this.

       (�Are you still my girl?�)

       (�Always.�)

       The seconds ticked away and still they remained locked together, hands roaming, mouths and tongues hungrily exploring. Finally, with a long sigh, Buffy ended it.

       �Well, I guess that qualifies as happy to see me, � Angel murmured huskily.

       �Angel, what are you - � She stopped, looking into his eyes. �No. Don�t even. I just want to bask.� And remember the last time she�d felt this warm, this giddy with love . . . that night two years ago.

       (They finally drew apart. �God, Buffy,� Angel whispered, with tears in his eyes. �I thought I�d never see you again. I wanted to die too. I think a part of me did die.�

       (�I know,� she breathed, blinking away her own tears. �I was watching you, Angel, and I wanted so badly to comfort you, but I couldn�t.�)

       (Puzzlement briefly peeked through his emotion. �You were watching me? How?�)

       (�How doesn�t matter,� she told him, softly caressing his cheek. �Kiss me, please?�)

       (And he did, over and over until she was breathless and dizzy, until both knew it had to stop, right then, or they would pass the point of no return. They spent the remaining hours in a close embrace, catching up on what had been happening in their lives and exchanging occasional restrained caresses, careful not to push the boundaries of safety.)

       From the look on Angel�s face he too was basking, and remembering. He bent his head and she rose up on tiptoe to meet him. They kissed again, slowly, deeply . . . tenderly. When at long last they separated, it was with utmost reluctance. But as tempting as it was to remain there in Angel�s arms, Buffy knew she couldn�t afford to do so.

       �Okay, I�m basked,� she sighed. �Angel, what are you doing here?�

       His mouth quirked. �Not saving the damsel in distress, that�s for sure.�

       �You know me,� Buffy said lightly. �Not big with the damselling.�

       Angel walked over to the other side of the chamber, saying, �You�ve got your share of distress, though.�

       �And then some,� agreed Buffy, watching him curiously. �You heard?� He retrieved something from a niche in the wall - an accordion folder?

       �I got coverage on the whole thing,� he said, holding up the folder. �Very gripping. Needs a third act.�

       �You have to get out of L.A.,� she told him, only half-joking.

       �It�s The First, right?� He faced her. �First Evil? The Power that tried to convince me to kill myself a few years ago? It�s back.�

       �Yeah. It�s gotten a little more ambitious since then. It�s raising an army now.�

       Angel answered, firmly, �Well, It failed before and I�m here to tell you - � Something hit his head from behind, cutting him off in mid-word. He slid over the floor, crashed into the wall, and lay there, unmoving.

       To Buffy�s disbelief and consternation she saw Caleb, bleeding dark, thick blood from his eyes and mouth, wielding a statue or urn or something equally deadly. �You ready to finish this, bitch?� he snarled in a deep, echoing voice. He rushed at her, swinging the heavy weapon.

       She blocked it with the Scythe, but the power behind the attack sent her stumbling back. �Okay,� she panted, �how many times do I have to kill you? Ballpark figure.�

       �You understand nothing,� he growled, coming after her. They battled, and Buffy realized with panic that the revived Caleb was even stronger than before and that her best efforts barely rocked him. In a swift move that took her by surprise, he lifted her bodily up to the ceiling, one hand holding the handle of the Scythe where it spanned between the grip of her hands, and one hand against her stomach; and there he held her despite her attempts to wiggle free. Then, suddenly he let go and the ground came rushing up to meet her. She landed with a cry of surprise and pain.

       �You think you have power over me?� Caleb continued. �I am everything. Everywhere.�

       �Speech getting old,� Buffy told him, regaining her feet. She tightened her fingers around the Scythe, which surprisingly still remained in her grip.

       �Stupid girl!� Contempt dripped from the preacher�s unworldly voice. �You�ll never stop me. You don�t have the - �

       Buffy spun the Scythe through a series of swift circles, then drove it upward in a powerful underhand arc. Caleb�s gloating ended in a choking gasp as the shining blade clove through the juncture of his legs. Eyes distended and mouth gaping in a silent scream, he glanced down.

       �Who does nowadays?� she gibed, and with all her Slayer strength ripped the blade upward through the entire length of his body, until it shot free from the top of his head. With a wet, sucking sound the two halves of Caleb separated, one side collapsing to her right, the other to her left. Blood spattered everywhere, but there was much less of it than she�d expected. Panting, Buffy leaned on the Scythe.

       Over in the corner Angel stirred, then jumped to his feet. �Okay, now I�m pissed!� he announced fiercely. �Where is he?� His eyes darted from side to side, searching the room for his attacker.

       Buffy looked over at one of the Caleb halves. Angel followed her glance down, first to his left then to his right. Stunned, he then looked at her. He opened his mouth but nothing came out.

       �He had to split,� she explained, and broke into an uncontrollable snort of laughter. Angel�s mouth twitched; then he too began laughing. �Sorry,� she tried to apologize, but dissolved in laughter again. Finally Buffy wiped her eyes. �Sorry. I haven�t had a good pun in a while.�

       �That would still be the case,� he replied, chuckling, as he went over to retrieve the file he�d dropped when Caleb used his head for batting practice.

       �Hey!� she retorted, wiping blood off her face. �My kill, my wordplay.�

       Angel held up his hands in surrender. �You�re right. I�m out of line.�

       She smiled at him. �I�m still glad you�re here.� Angel handed her the file. Opening it, she drew out some papers, scanned them quickly, then replaced them. �I�ll have Giles and Willow go through this, see if there�s anything new. Reliable source?�

       �Not even remotely,� Angel stated wryly.

       �Well, any port in an apocalypse,� she returned, equally wry.

       He pulled an object out of his pocket. �I brought something else as well.� Dangling from a long chain was a large gemstone of some sort with a lot of fancy metalwork around it.

       �I can already tell you I have don�t have anything that goes with this,� she said straight-faced, staring at it. �Whatever it is.�

       �It�s an amulet,� Angel told her. �And it�s not for you.�

       Buffy blinked. �Splainy?�

       �I don�t know everything about it,� Angel admitted, �except that it�s powerful and probably very dangerous. It has a purifying power . . . or a cleansing action . . . or possibly scrubbing bubbles; the translation isn�t - � He shrugged. �Anyhow, it bestows strength when worn by the right person.�

       �And the right person is . . .� Buffy wanted to know.

       �Someone ensouled but stronger than human. A champion. As in me.�

       �Or me,� Buffy reminded him pointedly.

       Angel shook his head. �No,� he said flatly. �I don�t know nearly enough about this thing to risk you wearing it.� Just as she was about to take umbrage he added, �Besides, you�ve already got that cool axe thing going for you.� He gestured at the Scythe.

       �It�s a scythe,� Buffy said, mollified by the reminder of her own potent weapon.

       �No, it isn�t,� Angel contradicted. �Scythes have curved blades, like a crescent moon. That�s an axe.�

       Buffy cast her eyes upward. �Whatever. As far as I�m concerned it�s a scythe. No, it�s the Scythe. The Guardian gave it to me.�

       Angel glanced at the Guardian�s body and shrugged. �Fine. The important thing is you have your own weapon so I�ll wear the amulet.�

       �So you�re going to be with me in this?� she asked. She hadn�t dared hope that he intended to stay.

       �Shoulder to shoulder. I�m yours,� he answered, his eyes smiling intimately at her.

       (�Let�s just say I�m a friend.�)

       (�Maybe I don�t want a friend.�)

       (Enigmatic, provocative smile. �I didn�t say I was yours.�)

       Buffy started to return his smile, then two thoughts hit her simultaneously and the smile faded. Twice now she�d almost been killed by Caleb acting alone, and there was still that immense army of Turok-han to be faced; she had to have a backup plan. Also - there was Spike. How could she ever explain that tangled situation to Angel? Especially when she herself didn�t really understand it. The mere thought made her cringe. So instead of thanking Angel, she said, �No.�

       He was understandably taken aback. �No, what?�

       �No, you�re not going to be in this fight.� She walked away, but he moved in front of her, blocking her path.

       �Why the hell not?� His tone was more inquiring than aggressive. Or maybe �disbelieving� was a better word. Which, actually, she couldn�t blame him for. After all, if the situation were reversed - if it was his apocalypse and she�d offered her help and been refused - well, she�d be wondering if he�d been dropped on his head or something equally brain-damaging.

       �Because I can�t risk you,� she told him. Which was true, if not the entire truth.

       �You need me,� he replied. Which was also true, but -

       �Yes,� she admitted, �but I need you gone even more.�

       �Why?� he demanded insistently. His bulk filled the exit; there was no way out except over him, and she hadn�t reached that extremity. Yet.

       Buffy looked him in the eye. �If I lose, if the First gets past Sunnydale, there�ll be a few days . . . or at least hours . . . before the rest of the world goes. I need a second front and I need you to run it.�

       Silently he digested this. Then he folded his arms. �Okay. That�s one reason. What�s the other?�

       Her heart gave a startled thump. �There is no other,� she declared. From behind her came a voice.

       �Me.�

       Buffy whirled around. The very last person she wanted to see right now emerged from an unnoticed alcove. �Spike?� What the hell was he doing here?

       �Spike.� Angel regarded him without expression. �How long have you been lurking?�

       Wondering that herself, Buffy noticed he didn�t seem surprised to see the other vampire. She tried to remember if Spike had been in Sunnydale when Angel left four years ago, or if she�d mentioned his continued presence at their last meeting, but her brain refused to cooperate; it was too busy worrying about the ramifications of Spike�s appearance here and now.

       �Long enough,� Spike said, then glanced at her. �Thought I�d see if you needed any help, but then tall, dark and forehead here showed up and it was clear three would be a crowd. You two put on one helluva a show - you should charge admission, make some expense money.�

       Buffy went cold. Thoughts careened wildly through her mind. (He was hereHe saw us kissHe�s hurtHe�s jealousHe�s going to tell Angel about usOh God how can I explainHe saw us kissAngel�s going to knowOh GodHe saw us!)

       Spike nodded at Caleb�s remains. �Tidy job; congratulations.� For a wild instant Buffy thought maybe the show he�d mentioned a moment ago had referred to her fight with Caleb; but then she came to her senses. He�d meant exactly what it sounded like.

       �You came by to help.� Angel cocked his head at the other vampire. �You expect me to believe that?�

       Spike shrugged. �You�ve been away a long time, Peaches,� he returned insolently. �Been lots of changes �round here since you left. Me helping the Slayer�s one of �em.� Buffy swallowed, wondering if Angel could hear the thumping of her heart.

       Angel studied him. �What did you mean, you�re the reason Buffy wants me gone?� he asked, reasonably enough.

       Spike lit a cigarette and took a long drag, taking his sweet time about answering. �Buffy didn�t want you to know I was here,� he said finally.

       �Why not?�

       Smoke trailed from the blonde vampire�s nostrils. �She doesn�t know how to explain me,� Spike replied.

       Angel snorted. �Neither do I and I�ve known you for over a hundred years.�

       �Bollocks,� Spike retorted, taking another pull. �You knew me for maybe twenty years before you walked out on our little family. Anyway . . . changes, remember? Things are different now. I�m different.�

       �I know,� said Angel, startling Buffy - and apparently Spike. At least, his cigarette stopped halfway to his lips and he looked sharply at Angel. But then Angel added, �You�ve got a behavior modification chip that stops you from hurting anyone. Old news.� And the cigarette resumed its progress.

       �Um,� said Buffy, wincing, �actually - �

       Spike cut in neatly, �Actually, no, I don�t. Not anymore. Buffy got it removed a little while back.� Smirking, he pulled at his cigarette. Buffy winced again.

       Angel�s eyebrows shot upward. He looked from Spike to Buffy. �Now I understand why you didn�t want to have to explain. You deliberately removed the only thing that�s kept him from turning back into a cold-blooded killer? I can�t wait to hear why.�

       Spike�s lips curved, but Buffy spoke quickly before he could get in another barbed remark. �He has his soul.�

       After a moment Angel said, very politely, �Excuse me?�

       Spike�s smile at him was insufferably smug; Buffy longed to knock it off his face with her fist. �You heard the lady,� he drawled. �I. Have. My. Soul. Got it back last year, didn�t I?� With a flick of his fingers his cigarette arced away, landing with a spray of sparks on the floor. He ground it out with his shoe.

       Folding his arms and leaning against the wall, Angel contemplated him. �Don�t know why I�m surprised. You always did copy me, Spike.�

       Spike straightened up with a jerk. �In your dreams,� he scoffed.

       �Hah!� Angel replied, rolling his eyes for further emphasis. �Who started the whole having a soul bit? Who made it the cool new thing? I�ll give you a hint: it wasn�t you.�

       Bristling, Spike stalked toward him. �You just can�t stand it that you�re not the One and Only anymore, can you? That maybe there are others like you!�

       Angel unfolded his arms and stood straighter. �You�ll never be like me, Spike, not if you get ten souls!�

       �Too bloody right I won�t,� Spike declared, walking right up to Angel�s face. �If I�d thought for one second that getting a soul meant I�d end up like you, I�d have walked away from the whole bleedin� thing!�

       Buffy forced her way between them, shoving them apart. �Stop it! Or I�ll stake the both of you.� She glared at them. �What are you, twelve years old?�

       Still glowering, the two vampires reluctantly backed away. �Right.� Spike turned on his heel. �I�ll be off then.� He was gone before Buffy could say anything. Not that she knew what the hell to say.

       �So it�s true,� said Angel, his voice flat. His eyes, when she turned back to him, were opaque, revealing nothing. �The report said Spike was living with you, but . . . I didn�t believe it. Didn�t want to believe it.�

       �He�s not living with me,� Buffy hastily corrected. �Just - living in my house. Actually, technically, he�s not in the house either - his room is in the basement.� Suddenly her mind replayed his words and she did a double-take. �What report?�

       �The report from Wolfram & Hart about you that just happened to end up in the same folder with their Apocalypse information.� His tone was ironic.

       Wolfram & Hart? She remembered him telling her two years ago about the evil law firm. Involuntarily her glance went to the file in her hands, but Angel shook his head. �I took it out; figured you might not want anyone else seeing it.�

       �Why not?� She braced herself for the worst. �What did it say?�

       A muscle moved in Angel�s cheek. �That he�s your lover.�

       �Not anymore,� Buffy said quickly. �I ended it more than a year ago.�

       �Setting aside the burning question of why you got involved with him in the first place, if it�s over why is he still here and living in your house?� The words were precise, almost bitten off.

       �He needed a place to stay.� She came toward him. �Angel, you didn�t see him when he first got back, after getting his soul. He was - �

       �Out of his mind?� suggested Angel sarcastically. �Desperate? Insane? I know; I�ve been there, remember?�

       �Then you should have a little more understanding and sympathy for him,� Buffy rejoined with an edge in her voice. She reined in her rising emotion, and more calmly added, �Besides, it was more than just that. While he was mentally . . . unstable . . . the First did something to him. We�re not sure how or even what it was exactly, but whenever he heard a certain song it triggered something, and the First was able to take over his mind - control him. Even though he still had the chip, he was attacking people without feeling any pain - or maybe he did feel it but it didn�t stop him, I don�t know.� Sighing, she shrugged.

       Angel�s stared at her incredulously. �He was being controlled by the First and you invited him into your house?�

       �He needed help,� she said simply. �You should be able to relate to that. Besides, we fixed the trigger thing so that it doesn�t work anymore.� Deciding not to mention that this had been a recent event.

       �Are you in love with him?� he demanded. After a moment, during which she searched for the right words - �I see,� Angel said tonelessly, and stood aside to let her pass, his expression blank.

       �Angel.� Buffy put her hand on his arm. �I�m not in love with Spike.�

       �But?� he asked. When she didn�t immediately reply, he added, �I know you, Buffy. There�s more to it than just you�re not in love with him. What is it?�

       She sighed and looked him full in the face. �He does have a place in my heart.�

       Angel�s mouth twisted. �That�ll end well.� He stalked out of the building, into the night.

       Suddenly angry, she ran after him, catching at his arm to stop him. �And what was the high point of our relationship?� she demanded pointedly. �When you went evil, when I killed you, or when you left me?�

       Angel briefly closed his eyes. His body seemed to deflate. �Touche.�

       Buffy�s anger vanished as quickly as it had sprung to life. �I�m sorry; that wasn�t fair.�

       �No,� he said quietly, �you�re right. And I�m the one who should apologize. I have no right to interfere in your life when I can�t even be part of it.�

       �You are a part of my life,� she insisted. �Maybe even the biggest part.� His eyes, dark with pain, searched hers as she continued. �Angel, in spite of everything you�re still the only thing in my freaky world that makes any sense. But in the midst of all this . . . insanity . . . I�ve realized something.�

       Turning, she walked over to a nearby tomb and leaned against it. Angel joined her, watching her intently. She went on, �You know, I�ve always figured there was something wrong with me �cause I could never make it work with a guy. You, Riley, even Spike. But . . . maybe I�m not supposed to.�

       �Because you�re the Slayer?� Angel asked, frowning a little.

       �Because - � She paused. �Okay . . . I�m cookie dough.�

       Angel blinked, giving her a look that plainly doubted her sanity.

       Buffy disregarded it. �I'm not done baking yet. I'm not finished becoming whoever the hell it is I'm going to turn out to be. I've been looking for someone to make me feel whole, when maybe I just need to be whole. If I make it through this, and the next thing, and the next . . . maybe one day I�ll turn around and realize I'm ready. I'm cookies. And then if I want someone to eat m - �

       Suddenly aware of where her metaphor was leading, Buffy adroitly changed course in mid-word. � - or to enjoy warm, delicious cookie-me, then that's fine. That'll be then. When I'm done.�

       �Any thoughts on who might enjoy - � Angel hesitated. �Do I really have to go with the cookie analogy?�

       She turned her head to look at him. �Do you really need to ask?�

       He shrugged. �Just being polite; it�s your analogy.� A teasing smile curled the corners of his mouth.

       Buffy rolled her eyes. �You know what I meant.�

       �I think so.� He turned sideways to face her, serious now, eyes intent. �What did you mean?�

       (�That I like seeing you. And the part at the end of the night, where we say good-bye . . . it's getting harder.�)

       (�Yeah. It is.�)

       Buffy felt breathless. �That I know if I ever really need you, all I have to do is call and you�ll be here. That no matter who�s in my life, you�re the one in my dreams - and that will never change.�

       �For me either,� Angel murmured, taking a step toward her. �It never will.� She went into his arms and they held each other close for a long, quiet moment, her face buried in his chest, Angel�s cheek against her head.

       �I love you so much,� he whispered into her hair.

       �I love you,� she whispered back. They kissed tenderly. Angel handed her the amulet. �Here. If I�m your backup, someone else will have to wear this.�

       Nodding, Buffy pocketed the heavy necklace. �I�ll get the second front in place,� he continued. �You make sure I don�t have to use it.� He took her hand. �Come on, I�ll walk you home. It�ll be like old times.� His smile was bittersweet.

       �But,� she protested, �you need to get back to Los Angeles.�

       �Why?� he asked, seeming to be honestly confused.

       �Why?� She stared at him. �Second front, backup - any of this ringing a bell?�

       Angel raised one eyebrow. �There�s something you need to learn about, Buffy.� He took something out of his pocket and held it up. �It�s called a phone. Handy little things. They let you talk to people and arrange things without having to actually be there.�

       �But - �

       Angel grew serious. �Buffy, I will go back to L.A. - but not this minute. The gang can get things going for now.� He pressed a button and held the phone to his ear. After a moment he said, �Fred, it�s me. Is Wes there? Good. Tell him to get on the other line, please; I have something important to tell you - and Gunn too, if he�s there.� He looked disconcerted. �Uh, well, yes, actually, there is another apocalypse coming.�

       Buffy smiled wryly. It sounded as though Angel�s group had experienced their fair share of excitement too. Taking Angel�s hand, she tugged at it gently and they began walking in the direction of her home. While still keeping a lookout on their surroundings, she listened with one ear to his end of the conversation, getting lost in the welter of unfamiliar names. She recognized Gunn and Fred, since Angel had talked about them two years ago, and of course Wesley needed no explanation - but who was Lorne? Not to mention Lilah and Gwen? One curious thing she did note, and as soon as Angel concluded his call she asked, �Isn�t Cordelia with you anymore?�

       There was a moment of silence, then Angel said, �Cordy�s in a coma.�

       Shocked, Buffy jerked to a halt. �What? How? What happened?�

       Angel said tersely, �Extremely nutshell version, she was possessed by an evil Power, got pregnant, and gave birth to the Power which then assumed a human form - adult, not a baby. Cordy�s been in a coma ever since.�

       Buffy scarcely knew how to choose from among the dozens of questions chasing through her brain. �When did this happen?�

       �About a month ago.�

       That rang a bell. �The same time the sun got blotted out over Los Angeles.�

       �Roughly,� Angel assented. �There was also a rain of fire.� Buffy nodded, remembering. Angel went on, �All the work of this evil Power.�

       �What happened to It?� she asked. �It�s gone, right?�

       �Yes. Connor - � He stopped abruptly, his lips pressing together. �She - It - was destroyed.�

       Another new name, but it was obvious Angel didn�t want to talk about this Connor, so Buffy merely said, �And Cordy?�

       �She�s being given the best possible care,� he said, �and we�re hopeful.�

       They traveled the remaining distance in silence, hand in hand. As she opened the front door, Buffy said, �Everyone�ll be surprised to see - �

       She looked up. Dawn was standing before her, arms folded forbiddingly in front of her body. Dawn, who was supposed to be in a car with Xander, safely on her way out of town and away from immediate danger. Buffy forgot what she was saying. Glancing to her right she saw Xander sitting at the dining table, looking very much the worse for wear. Anya stood behind him, her hands on his shoulders. At that moment Dawn, to Buffy�s astonishment, kicked her in the shin. Not a hard kick, but not exactly a love tap either.

       �Ow,� Buffy said instinctively, more out of surprise than because it actually hurt.

       �Dumb-ass,� Dawn said succinctly, glowering at her. Buffy glared at Xander, who threw up his hands. �Don�t look at me,� he declared. �This is a Summers� thing, all very violent, and I�m not getting in the middle of it again.�

       Buffy sighed in resignation and returned her gaze to Dawn. �You get killed, I'm telling.� From the front porch came a loud clearing of the throat, recalling her attention. Dawn�s eyes went past her shoulder, and widened. �Angel?�

       Xander and Giles looked up sharply. Willow got to her feet.

       Angel smiled. �Hi, Dawnie.� He lifted her off her feet as they hugged, Dawn giggling happily. Setting her down again, Angel held her away from him and gave her a once-over. �My God, I wouldn�t have recognized you! Where�d that little girl with the braces and the pigtails go?�

       Dawn laughed. �She grew up. That�s what happens when you�re mortal - and also when you stay away so long.� Frowning, she gave him a not-entirely-mock punch on the shoulder.

       �Angel?� Willow was there, smiling broadly. �It�s good to see you again.� She frowned. �Why are you standing out there?�

       �Because someone forgot to invite me in.� Angel gave Buffy a pointed look. She smiled sheepishly. �Sorry about that. Please, come in.� As she closed the door behind him, Giles got up and came over.

       �Angel, I�m glad you�re here.� They shook hands. Angel glanced over at the table. Anya smiled and Xander nodded at him. Shocked, Angel said, �Your eye - �

       �War casualty,� Xander told him.

       �Caleb,� Buffy added tersely.

       �I�m sorry,� Angel said to Xander, who smiled faintly. �That makes two of us.� Then he added, �Thanks.�

       Anxious to change the subject, Willow hurriedly asked Buffy, �Did you find out anything about the Scythe?�

       Buffy flourished the weapon before placing it on the table. �I found out it slices, dices, and makes julienne Preacher!�

       �Caleb?� asked Giles alertly.

       Buffy grinned smugly. �I cut him in half. I'm not going to lie, it was pretty neat.�

       �Well, all right!� Willow enthused, grinning.

       �He had that coming,� agreed Anya.

       �Party in my eye socket and everyone's invited!� declared Xander. A puzzled and somewhat grossed-out silence descended. He looked abashed. �Sometimes I shouldn't say words.� Anya patted his head comfortingly.

       �I did find out some history on this puppy,� Buffy told Giles. �I'll fill you in. And I got some files� - she handed them over - �that might be helpful, and� - she pulled out the amulet - �this. Supposed to be powerful, don't know much more.�

       �Where'd you get all this?� Giles wanted to know.

       �Angel brought them,� Buffy said, indicating the vampire.. Everyone turned toward him. �Angel?� Giles inquired expectantly.

       �It�s a . . . uh, a long story,� Angel said. �Very long,� he added, when he remained the cynosure of all eyes, �and, uh, very . . . complicated. I don�t completely trust the source - in fact, not at all - but their research is incomparable.� He shrugged. �It�s worth investigating.�

       When it became obvious that no clarification was forthcoming, Giles gave him a thoughtful look, then said briskly, �I see. Well then, Willow, let�s take a look at these papers, shall we?�

       Dawn, who had mysteriously disappeared, came bounding down the stairs. �Faith�s getting out of your room, Buffy, so you and Angel can have it.� Anya looked interested. Xander frowned, and Giles raised his head. Willow just sent Buffy an amused look and bent over the papers again.

       Flustered, Buffy said, �No, we don�t, I mean, Angel isn�t staying - �

       Angel interrupted. �Actually, I wouldn�t mind getting a few hours� rest before I leave. It�s been a pretty stressful day. Days.� And now that she had light to see by, the marks of fatigue and strain on his face were obvious. As well as that mysterious pain she�d sensed earlier.

       �Of course, stay as long as you like.� It was Giles, surprisingly, who came out with the invitation. Then he looked apologetically at Buffy. �Sorry. If it�s okay with you, of course.�

       �Of course it�s okay,� put in Dawn, before Buffy could reply. �And it has to be your room, Buffy, because all the other rooms are full of Potentials. Except for the basement, of course. Spike�s not here but I�m sure he wouldn�t mind if - �

       �No!� Angel and Buffy said together. Buffy added, hurriedly, �Angel can use my room, if you�re sure it�s okay with Faith. I mean, she is still recuperating.�

       �Hey, I�m five by five,� said a voice from the stairs. Faith limped down to join them. �Angel,� she greeted him. �You�re looking good. Kinda tired, but good.�

       Angel surveyed her from head to toe. �I wish I could return the compliment.� Although Slayer healing had taken care of the worst of Faith�s injuries, enough bruises and scrapes remained visible to warrant concern. �What happened?�

       �Explosion,� she explained laconically. �Booby trap. Didn�t get away in time. Coulda been a lot worse.� She dismissed the subject with a gesture. �So you�re lending a hand here? Gotta say, I�m glad to hear it. This First Evil is a real bitch.�

       �I know; we�re old acquaintances,� Angel said. �But I�m just catching a little rest before heading back to L.A.�

       �You�re leaving?� Faith asked with consternation - and with a rather unflattering dismay, Buffy thought.

       �Angel�s our backup contingency,� Buffy said quietly. �He�s preparing a second front if we fail.�

       �Operative word being �if,� � remarked Xander.

       �Operative word being �fail,� � Anya muttered gloomily.

       �Operative word being we,� declared Dawn. Another puzzled silence descended, and she sighed. �No one gets me.�

       Ignoring them all, Faith gave a slow nod. �Good plan, B. I wouldn�t have thought of it.� She sounded uncharacteristically humble, the result, Buffy knew, of believing she�d failed in her first attempt at leading the group.

       Buffy made a rueful face. �I didn�t either, until Angel showed up offering to help. Then it kind of hit me between the eyes.�

       �I know that feeling,� agreed Faith. �Well, the bedroom�s all yours again, B. You can take Angel up. I need something to eat.�

       �I�m kinda craving cookies, myself,� said Angel, very innocently. Buffy felt a hot blush creeping up her cheeks. Faith looked mildly surprised. �Really?� she asked. �Well, I�m sure we�ve got some, do you want me to - �

       �I was kidding,� Angel told her. Obviously confused, Faith hesitated. �Oh. Okay.� Shrugging, she headed for the kitchen, walking slowly and carefully.

       �Ha-ha,� Buffy grumbled, leading the way upstairs. �Quite the card, aren�t you?�

       �Pink�s a good color on you,� he observed. Glancing over her shoulder, Buffy saw a teasing smile on his lips.

       �Very funny.� She opened the door to her room. Faith had made the bed and the room looked presentable, thank goodness. �Here.�

       Angel followed her inside, glancing around. �You�ve changed things.�

       �Have I?� Buffy appraised the room, frowning. �It�s hard to remember.�

       �I remember,� he murmured. �Where�s Mr. Gordo? You haven�t gotten rid of him, have you?�

       �Never.� Buffy crossed over to her dresser, where the stuffed toy pig sat in the place of honor. �Mr. Gordo�s been with me through thick and thin, and I intend to keep it that way.� She heard Angel move, then felt the touch of his body behind her.

       �Stay with me,� Angel said quietly, so close the breath from his words whispered across her hair.

       What was he saying? Buffy�s breath caught in her throat. �Angel - �

       �Please. I need you, need to be with you.�

       She turned. There was that look again, that deep sadness. �What is it, love?� she breathed, touching his cheek. �What�s wrong?�

       He covered her hand with his own, then shook his head, eyes closing. When they opened, the bleakness revealed tore at her heart. �Not now. I can�t. Maybe later, after this is all over.� Suddenly he looked exhausted.

       �All right.� Leading him to the bed, she helped him take off his jacket, made him sit down, then knelt in front of him to remove his shoes. �Lie down.�

       He complied, but when she walked away he raised his head anxiously. �Buffy?�

       �I�m just turning off the light,� she soothed him. Doing so, she then made her way back to the bed, scooting in next to Angel. He turned on his side, gathering her in his arms and holding her close. �Thank you,� he whispered.

       �My pleasure,� she replied softly. He smiled. She gave him a light kiss, then caressed his cheek. �Sleep now.� Angel closed his eyes as she extended her stroking to include his temple and the side of his head. His hair was soft to her fingers. After a moment she peeked at his face. He was sound asleep. Buffy pressed another soft kiss to his forehead, then settled herself more comfortably and closed her own eyes. Might as well try to get some rest too.