Title: Souls Alike.

Disclaimer: Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy & 20th Century Fox own Angel and BTVS, not me.

Author: Lorna Dominey

Summary: Cordelia saves Angel's life this is what happens as a result.

Spoilers: Seasons 1 & 2 0f Angel and BTVS up to season 5.

Rating: PG 13 to R.

Pairing: A/C, W/T, X/Ay, not sure of who else.

Distribution: It stays here.

Author's Note: Feedback please.

Email: [email protected]

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Part 1

Angel was reading to Cordelia from a list of those who had paid them for their services. She marked each name off her list of those who owed. Cordelia smiled at Angel. It was nice and quiet. Just the two of them alone with no demons or anything else interfering. Angel glanced at Cordelia. He really did like her new look. Her hair now framed her face. She had matured since the first time he met her in Sunnydale.

Angel suddenly felt faint and began to sway. He dropped the papers he was holding.

Angel gasped, "Cordelia, ahhh, help."

Cordelia looked up quickly. She saw Angel pitch foreward. She reached him in time to keep him from hitting the cold marble floor. They tumbled together in a tangled heap. Cordelia shook Angel hard. She got no response.

Cordelia shook him again, "Hey boss, wake up, what's wrong, Angel?"

Cordelia felt a wave of dizziness sweep through almost like a vision with no pain. What she saw though frightened her. She saw two mist like clouds. One dark the other a light gold. She knew what they represented.

Cordelia looked down at Angel and knew that neither Angel or Angelus was in residence. That what was before her was indeed a corpse. If she didn't do something now that Angel would truly be dead.

Cordelia stretched Angel out. She placed a pillow under his head making sure he was alright that he wasn't going to disappear or worse. Cordelia went in search of what she called her emergency kit. She had filled it with crosses, holy water, wooded stakes and book on spells that told how to retrieve, use or destroy a soul.

Cordelia smiled. The book had been in a box of books that Wesley had bought at an estate sale. He'd smiled when she showed it to him.

Wes had simply said, "It's nothing Cordelia."

She hadn't believed him so had added it to her kit. Cordelia found a retrieval spell she read through it. She found all the things she'd need to do the spell. She was so glad that Angel and Wesley had agree to keep in stock any and everything one would need to do a spell.

The symbols were easy to draw mostly pentagrams. After she drew them she placed the candles where they belonged and lit them. Cordelia placed two bowls one of mixed herbs and one with a small flame in front of her. She was now ready to do the spell. She hoped it worked.

Cordelia began to read the spell, "For that which has been lost, come home, where thy belong. Follow my voice and ye shall find the safety you seek. Oh soul of the body before me, heed my call and return."

Cordelia poured the mixed herbs over the flames in the other bowl. There was a flare then a flash that went into Angel's body. Angel's body, shuddered and jerked around slightly. He went still briefly, before his eyes flew open, he looked around, confusion and fear showed on his face.

Angel spotted Cordelia, "And who may you be lass?"

Cordelia was shocked by the Irish accent, "Ah, Angel it's me Cordelia, don't you know me?"

Angel sat up slowly, "Now lass, I know not who this Angel be, my name is Liam."

Cordelia closed her eyes and sighed, she was thinking , "Oh lord what have I done now."

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Part 2

Angel/Liam sat there he moaned, "Oh I am going to be ill."

He grabbed his stomach as he began to vomit blood on the floor in front of him. Cordelia got out of the way just in time she ran for some towels. She was in shock wondering what to do. When she came back Angel/Liam had moved away from the pool of blood. He was resting his head on the table in front of the couch.

Cordelia held out a towel, "Here wipe your face."

Angel/Liam took the offered towel from her. He watched as she mopped up the blood from the floor.

Liam wiped his face, "Thanks lass, I am confused, where am I and why are we dressed so oddly?"

Cordelia looked at him, "What year do you think it is and where are you suppose to be?"

Angel/Liam frowned, "It is the year 17 and 53 and is this not Galway Ireland?"

Cordelia stared at the man before her. She realized he was breathing and had some color to his face.

Cordelia frowned, "Is your heart beating?"

Angel/Liam frowned, "What an odd question and yes it is."

Cordelia sat there for a moment, "Look you are going to have to trust me or you'll end up dead. Now it is the year 2001 and this is Los Angeles California, we are going to go to a place called Sunnydale to find out what has happened because the guy who usually answers these questions is out of town and also I don't feel safe here."

Angel/Liam stared at the pretty lass in front of him. He felt as if he should know her and he knew he could trust her.

Angel/Liam nodded, "I will do as you say, now how do we get to this Sunnydale?"

Cordelia stood up, "Come on let's hurry, I have a bad feeling about things."

Angel/Liam followed her out of the building. He stared at the things around him. He was wondering if he was asleep or very drunk. The woman led him to a strange looking contraption.

Cordelia smiled, "You sit there and I'll sit here and this will take us to where we want to go."

Angel/Liam did as she told him. He wanted to run when she did something and this strange beast roared to life.

Angel/Liam in a shaky voice, "What be this beast."

Cordelia sighed, "It's a car it's a type of carriage that doesn't need horses, now just sit back and trust me."

Angel/Liam nodded and sat back. He looked around as this strange world went by quickly. He was so confused the last thing he remembered was seeing a pretty blonde woman in an alley.

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Part 3.

Cordelia pulled up in front of Giles' shop the Magic Box. She'd driven past his place and Buffy's both were dark. She figured from what Willow had told her in emails that this was where she'd find the gang.

Cordelia glanced over at Angel and sighed, "Come on follow me, look these people know you as Angel, so just keep quiet while I explain things ok?"

Angel/Liam nodded, "At the moment I really have no choice in the matter."

Cordelia led Angel/Liam up to the shop and knocked on the door.

Xander opened it, "Why look who's here it's Cordelia and Deadboy and what brings the two of you to Sunnydale?"

Cordelia glared at Xander, "Can it moron and don't call him Deadboy or else."

Xander shrugged, "Well it is so nice to see you." He turned and walked away.

Cordelia stepped into the shop. She was glad to see that Buffy wasn't there. She spotted Giles, Willow and another girl must be Tara.

Cordelia stepped up to Giles, "Giles can I speak to you alone?"

Giles frowned, "Why yes of course Cordelia, step over here."

Cordelia turned to Angel/Liam, "Stay here and don't touch a thing, oh and if a blonde walks in keep quiet, even if she hugs you."

Angel/Liam nodded, "Sure I'll just stand here and not move."

Cordelia went over to Giles, "It's like this Wes is in New York, Angel collapsed and I had a sort of vision and realized that Angel and Angelus were no longer in their body so I did a soul retrieval spell and well got a human named Liam who remembers nothing about being a vampire, here's the book with the spell I did."

Giles stared at Cordelia in shock. He took the book and read the spell.

Giles frowned, "Where did you get this book and I am confused?"

Cordelia nodded, "Wesley bought a box of books he didn't seem to think this one was important but I kept it anyway, and you're confused what about Liam?"

Giles sighed, "Yes well, this doesn't make sense, why can't he remember, it is all so odd."

Tara went over to where Giles and Cordelia stood, "I overheard what you were saying...ah...I read the gypsy curse and....I think that maybe they didn't give him back his original soul."

Giles blinked, "That is a possibility, but who's soul was it?"

Anya who had been in a back room walked up followed by Willow, Anya sighed, "Maybe they never really gave him a true soul but something else like a fake soul, something that would cause pain and guilt."

Giles rolled his eyes, "Of course and that would explain why he lost it when he and Buffy.....Jenny did say her Uncle said he was not to live as human."

Willow nodded, "So now he has his real soul, but where is Angel or Angelus?"

Cordelia frowned, "The only ones I know of who would have the knowledge and ability to remove both the soul and the demon is a law firm called Wolfram & Hart, they have been trying so hard to take Angel out of the picture, wonder what they were up now?"

Anya snapped her fingers, "Whoa, they removed both so they could put Angelus back without the soul, there is an old rite that could do it just can't recall it now."

Giles frowned, "But it would seem that Cordelia beat them and put Liam's soul back in it's body and without the demon Angelus he has no memory of what has happened the last 247 years."

They all looked over to where Angel/Liam stood wondering what to tell him and how he'd react.

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Part 4

Cordelia went over to where Angel/Liam stood, "Come sit down we have to talk and well explain things that well might seem odd."

Angel/Liam looked down at her, "At the moment everything is odd to me and quite confusing."

Cordelia smiled and took his hand, "Look you can trust me and them also, we mean you no harm, the truth is you are my friend and well I care about you, very much."

Angel/Liam sighed, "I can sense that about you, so tell what it is that I should know."

He had followed her over to the table and chairs and waited until she had taken a seat. Angel/Liam looked the others over that sat around the table before taking the chair next to Cordelia.

Angel/Liam nodded, "This lovely lass tells me that you have an odd tale to tell."

Giles sighed and shook his head, "She is right, and I am afraid that when we are done you'll think we are all quite mad."

Tara stood up, "Look do you mind if I do something else, I never really knew Angel?"

Willow frowned, "Well ok, if you need anything give me a yell."

Tara smiled and picked up a few books and her bag, "I have some homework to do, I'll just step into the back room for now."

The others began to explain to Angel/Liam about what had happened to him in the last 248 years. He sat there and stared at them in disbelief. After Giles and Cordelia were done he sighed.

Angel/Liam shaking his head, "So I was a vampire of the worst kind and then a ensouled vampire doing good deeds, tis a bit hard to believe."

Xander grinned, "Yeah well it's all true, so now that is done who's hungry?"

Willow smiled, "Actually food does sound good."

Xander stood, "Anya why don't we go get a bunch of burgers and fries."

Anya shrugged her shoulders as she stood up, "Sure is that ok with you guys?"

Everyone agreed, Angel/Liam smiled, "I'll go along with you for I have no idea what you speak of."

Cordelia squeezed his hand and smiled. Soon after Xander and Anya left the shop. Tara came back into the front room.

Tara gave a shy smile, "Ah I was looking the curse over and compared it to some other spells and curses, we might be able to sort of do the curse to Angel's advantage."

The others frowned at her.

Giles spoke up, "Why would we want to curse him he has a soul that doesn't appear to be going anywhere?"

Tara nodded her head, "I know, but....ah...what I mean is bring back Angel with his memories so that he can cope better with things."

Willow grinned, "Oh..Oh I know what you are saying, that...that we should put the other soul in with Liam's soul so he can understand better."

Cordelia stood up and began to pace, "Wow, look it would be to his advantage cause Angel knows things about his finances that I don't and also he would know who his friends are and also who his enemies are."

Giles looked up at the ceiling, "Can we do this though, can we work the curse to our and his advantage?"

Tara smiled slightly and held up a piece of paper, "That's what I was working on, we can do it we have everything we need."

Giles took the paper from Tara and read what she had written, "My, my this would work."

Tara smiled and started gathering up the items needed to do the spell, Willow read through the spell and helped Tara as she prepared for the spell.

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Part 5.

Part 5 Wolfram & Hart's story.

This is what W&H were up to that caused Angel to collapse.

Lindsey Mc Donald was out for revenge against Angel. Wolfram and Hart was all but destroyed by that vampire and his friends. He wanted them all to pay for what Angel had done. Lindsey was now in charge and the pain and loss was too deep for him to handle. He was past any hope for redemption now. Lindsey smiled at the old mage he'd found and hired to bring about the downfall of Angel Investigation.

Lindsey hung up the phone, "He has retired for the night, my people said he went up to his room just now and that his seer is preparing to leave."

The old mage nodded, and began preparing for the ritual of removing both the soul and demon from the body. Lindsey watched as the mage lit the candles, and chanted in some ancient language lost to man. But not to the old ones of magic. The two globes in front of the mage flared as a dark mist appeared in one and a golden mist appeared in the other. Lindsey smiled wickedly.

The mage sat back, "I must rest before we begin the next phase, you will bring the body here."

Lindsey nodded, "Yes, I'll call and let them know to bring it."

Lindsey picked up the phone, he frowned as he spoke to the other end. He hung up, "It seems the seer has yet to leave the building, I told them to wait until she leaves."

The mage nodded, "I will rest, it does not matter as long as it is here before dawn."

The old mage laid back on the couch and closed his eyes. Lindsey sighed and fixed himself a drink, he hated waiting. Lindsey opened his eyes he'd fallen asleep. He glanced at his watch it was almost midnight. He quickly got up and picked up the phone and dialed the van.

Lindsey roughly, "Go get the body now and be careful with it."

Lindsey paced around the room. He was restless, he wanted this over with and now. He jumped slightly when the phone rang.

He picked it up, "Yeah...what do you mean he isn't there, have you searched the hotel? his car is gone, damn, go to the seer's place."

Lindsey slammed down the phone. He glanced over at the mage.

Lindsey practically growled, "You said that once you removed both the soul and demon he'd be unable to move."

The mage nodded, "Yes he must have been moved by someone else, we must find his body before sunrise or else it will be too late."

Lindsey paced he just knew that something had gone terribly wrong with his plan. This was his last chance to get rid of the irksome vampire.

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Part 6

Back in Sunnydale

Xander and Anya returned with the food along with Buffy. She followed them into the shop she stared at Angel. She could tell the difference the familiar pull wasn't there. Angel/Liam looked up at the them as they walked in. He found the small blonde woman to be quite attractive, but that was all.

Xander grinned, "Look food and we also found Buffy, we filled her in on what's going on."

Xander placed the bags of food on the table in front of everyone. Angel/Liam looked the girl over so this was Buffy the love of Angel's life. He smiled, "I have been told about you, I am pleased to meet you."

Buffy wanted to cry, the Irish accent was so different to the voice she was used to, "Yeah, ah, so what's going on?"

Giles looked up, "Well Tara has found a way to give Liam here Angel's memories I guess once we have eaten we will perform the spell."

Angel/Liam stared at the food in front of him and sighed, "I am so confused as much as I hate sharing my body with some other soul if it helps make the confusion go away I will be happy, so tell me how do we eat this here food?"

Cordelia smiled, "Like this, you like meat, bread and cheese that's all this is."

Angel/Liam watched as Cordelia picked up the food and began to take a bite. He smiled and copied her movements. He smiled, as he chewed.

Angel/Liam:"Not bad, rather good actually."

The others laughed as they introduced him to the fries and sodas. Buffy had wandered off and was watching them. She felt empty inside. It was Angel's body but not the soul she had fallen in love with. This Liam was a stranger to her.

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Part 7

After the food was gone and the table cleared. Tara and Willow set up everything for the spell.

Anya went over to where Buffy sat, "Look I know we aren't all that close but even I can see you are upset."

Buffy sighed and shook her head, "It's so weird, it's Angel I see when I look at him, but it's not his soul, I know now that it was his Angel soul that I loved, what's going to happen now?"

Anya sighed, "Who knows, I just hope they are doing the right thing and not making things worse."

Willow looked over to where they stood, she smiled, "We are ready, do you want to take part or just watch?"

Buffy sighed, "I'll just watch."

Anya nodded, "Same here, I'll keep Buffy company."

Willow and Tara began the spell with Giles reading the Latin part. As Cordelia waved the stinky burning herbs around. Xander watched Angel/Liam as the others did the spell. He jumped slightly when the orb lit up and then Angel/Liam's eyes glowed and the orb went dark.

Angel/Liam closed his eyes then reopened them, "Cordelia, what's going on ahhh my head, oh god what's happening Cordelia?" he grabbed for her.

Cordelia wrapped her arms around Angel, "Angel is that you, is Liam still there?"

Angel shook he hurt and was so warm. He needed to breathe he gasped and buried his head into Cordelia's chest.

Angel mumbled, "Help me Cordelia, please help me."

Cordelia rubbed his back, "Shh, shhh, shh it's ok just take a deep breath, I'm here for you."

Buffy watched as Cordelia held Angel and gave him comfort. Her heart was breaking. She wanted to run and hide. Anya reached over and gently took Buffy's hand and gave it a squeeze. Buffy smiled at her slightly.

Angel finally pulled away from Cordelia and looked around, "It's so weird, I'm human and Angelus is gone but there is another soul, what's going on?"

Cordelia sighed, "You went upstairs to get some paperwork while I got my things together to take home to wash, you came back downstairs and we started to go through our list of clients who had paid us and you collapsed......."

After Cordelia finally got to the end of what had happened. Angel had stopped shaking and was able to make more sense of what was going on in his head.

Angel sighed, "So the gypsies gave me soul or a something close to a soul, gypsies they really know how to screw up someone's life or in my case unlife."

Cordelia took his hand you going to be ok?"

Angel nodded, "Sure as long as I have you to look after me." Angel chuckled as he said that.

Buffy couldn't take it anymore and quietly slipped out the door. Only Anya saw her leave. She sighed as she watched Buffy walk off her head held down.

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Part 8.

Angel sat back and stared at those around him. He rubbed his eyes, "So what do think will happen now? is this it?"

Giles got a thoughtful look on his face, "I would say that your days as a vampire are over unless you get sired again."

Cordelia glared, "Any vampire that comes near him will have me to get through me first."

Willow stiffling a yawn, "Well then I feel that Angel shall be safe."

Everyone laughed slightly, "Anya walked up, "Well Buffy left, she was really upset, none of you even considered her feelings in all of this."

Angel frowned, "Well I was so confused that I didn't really know much."

Cordelia stood up, "Yeah well, I'd say things were a little weird, look I am exhausted and I bet Angel could use some sleep, so I guess we should find a place to spend the night."

Xander shrugged, "Ah I can't believe I am saying this but why don't the two of you stay at my place and I'll stay with Anya at hers."

Anya smiled, "Yes that would work, the place is clean and I put new sheets on the bed today."

Giles stood, "Well I'll just close up and then we can all go get some rest and talk about this tomorrow."

Cordelia and Angel followed Xander and Anya into his apartment, "Hey this is nice, not doing too bad are you Xander?"

Xander smiled, "No got me a good job and I make good money, well the bedroom is over there and I bought some fresh milk today, so make yourself at home, see you in the morning."

Angel stood and stared out the window at the night. He was wondering what was going to happen now. He barely registered the fact that Xander and Anya had left. Cordelia went over to where Angel stood. She leaned against his broad back and placed her arms around him. She could feel him breathing it felt good.

Angel smiled, "You promised you'd be with me until my shanshu, guess you didn't figure it would be you who gave me life."

Cordelia sighed, "Nope, but I was so scared and I didn't want to lose you, I only did the spell to get your soul back."

Angel chuckled, and in an Irish accent, "Well lass that is what you did, hope we can live with the outcome?"

Cordelia smiled, "Love the accent, and umm how does it feel having two souls?"

Angel turned and took her into his arms. "Better than having a soul and demon fighting for control."

Cordelia nodded, "I bet, well I think I am going to bed, good thing we carry extra clothes in your car."

Angel smiled, "Yeah, well I guess I'll sleep on the couch, it don't look too bad."

Cordelia frowned, "No come sleep with me, you'll be more comfortable and I'll feel safer."

Angel grinned, "Ah my lady what have you in mind?" he laughed when he saw the look on her face.

Cordelia shook her head, "Nothing but sleep, so don't get any ideas."

Angel placed his hands over his heart, "Ah but you wound me dear girl, and I promise to keep my hands to myself."

Cordelia shook her head and headed for the bathroom to get ready for bed. Angel watched her walk away. He liked the way her hips swayed as she walked. He smiled, yes it was definately Liam in here with him. For that man knew how to appreciate a beautiful woman.

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Part 9 NC 17 for A/C sex

The next morning Cordelia awoke curled up next to Angel. He was so warm, and she could hear his heart beating. She smiled and placed her hand on his chest and enjoyed the sensation.

Angel woke up he could feel Cordelia's hand he smiled, "Morning sweet lass."

Cordelia looked into his eyes and smiled, "Morning, hmm it feels so good to hear your heart beating."

Angel couldn't resist, he leaned over and captured her mouth with his in a deep meaningful kiss. She moaned softly and kissed him back. The feelings of desire washed over them. They needed each other. They pulled off their clothes. He ran his hands along her body. Stopping at her full breasts. He groaned as he bent down and sucked on first one then the other nipple.

Cordelia gasped as Angel sucked on her breasts. It sent sensations of passion all through her. She ran her hands along his broad back urging him to continue. Angel kissed his way up to her mouth. He needed to be in her and now. He parted her legs and looked into her eyes. She smiled and nodded her head yes. Angel thrust into her filling her, she moaned and thrust back driving him even deeper.

They rocked together building the passion to it's end. Angel put his hand between them and found her clit. He began to pinch and massage it. She thrust her hips harder as her climax hit her. She groaned and gasped.

The sounds of Cordelia climaxing sent Angel into his own much needed climax. He thrust into her one last time spilling his seed into her. They lay there afterwards in each others arms, sated. Cordelia sighed, she didn't know what was going to happen next but she didn't really care at the moment. Angel held her close he knew that this was who he belonged with. He knew he'd have to deal with Buffy. But that was for later, now he was just content to be where he was at.

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Part 10.

Angel and Cordelia had both just showered and gotten dressed when Anya and Xander showed up with breakfast and coffee. Angel stood near the window staring out at the morning sun. He turned as they entered the apartment.

Anya smiled, "Brought breakfast, did you sleep good?"

Angel smiled, "Yes slept real good and breakfast sounds good, Cordelia is in the bedroom."

Cordelia stepped out of the bedroom, "Did I hear breakfast and I smell coffee."

Xander laughed, "Yep, oh Giles said to meet him at his shop later on, Willow and Tara are in class right now I don't know where Buffy is."

Angel frowned as he picked up the cup of coffee and took a sip, "I do need to talk to her, but I have a few things I need to do first."

Cordelia sat down next to Angel and reached for an egg mc muffin, "Yeah well since I am in town I should go visit my mom and grandmother that will keep me busy while you talk to Buffy."

Xander turned to Anya, "Well I should get to work, see you later." he gave her a quick kiss before he left.

Anya stared at the couple before her and sighed, "Well I told Giles I'd help him open up, so I'll see you there later."

Angel nodded and took another bite of food, "Sure later, and thanks for the food."

Angel finished his coffee, "Cordelia, I think that there is something going on, that my two souls are merging, I've always had Liam's memories and his feelings of rage and frustrations at life I think that is what made Angelus so evil. Now though all of Liam's feelings are there and my own thoughts, they seem to be melding together."

Cordelia frowned, "Is this a good thing, is Liam the one who's in charge?"

Angel frowned, then smiled, "I think that we'll both be in charge as you put it, I just think that there will be more of the carefree Liam around and less of the brooding side of Angel, it's weird this feeling I don't know how to describe it."

Cordelia nodded, "Maybe Giles can help.... so ah what about Buffy and.....ah us?"

Angel reached over and took Cordelia's hand, "It's now over between Buffy and me, last night it was you that Liam was attracted to and when I returned it was you I turned to for comfort, I'd have to say that for some time I have had feelings for you but didn't want to act on them."

Cordelia smiled, "Good, ah I mean oh hell I have feelings for you too and have for some time, look go easy on Buffy."

Angel stood up, "Come on you take the car and go see your folks I think I'll walk over to Buffy's then meet you at Giles' shop."

Cordelia stood and walked outside with Angel she smiled, "You look good in the sun."

Angel smiled, "So do you."

Angel took her into his arms and kissed her. Cordelia smiled as she stepped back and got in the car. Angel watched as she drove off before turning and heading for Buffy's.

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Part 11

Angel stood in front of Buffy's house and stared at it. Memories of him and Buffy in her room flooded his mind. Angel sighed, he wasn't looking forward to what was to come. He knew it was going to be painful for all involved. Buffy stepped out of the house and stared at Angel. she smiled and waved for him to join her.

Angel stepped up on the porch and leaned against one of the porch posts. He looked at Buffy sitting on the small rattan couch.

Angel smiled slightly, "You look good."

Buffy shook her head, "Well since I didn't get much sleep thanks, so what's going on in your mind?"

Angel looked down at his hands, "I think my two souls are merging, it's a bit confusing."

Buffy nodded, "Yeah, I bet, ah so what's up with you and Cordelia?"

Angel sighed, "The truth I have fallen in love with her, but was afraid to act on my feelings didn't want to break her heart like I did yours."

Buffy leaned back, "It's weird last night I felt no connection to Liam, it was your body but not your soul, the one I fell in love with. It hurt when I saw how you turned to Cordelia for comfort, but what's strange is that familiar pull never came back even after you did."

Angel looked around, "I know, there is this empty spot that wasn't there before, I still love you and always will but it's all in the past."

Buffy wiped tears from her eyes, "I know and it hurts it was one of those little things that I came to rely on that....that pull."

Angel sat down next to Buffy and took her hand in his, "I know it was the same for me, just knowing that you were out there somewhere was comforting it kept me going."

Buffy looked down at Angel's hand as it held hers, "I have lost so much this past year and now this, it hurts real bad deep down inside, Angel I have been having these dreams of death, it makes me wonder if my time is near and that's why everything I value is being taken away from me."

Angel took Buffy in his arms, "Buffy you are one of the strongest slayers ever and have outlived most, don't give up because of these dreams and of losing things of value, who knows wonderful things may be just around the corner for you."

Buffy sobbed, "Oh Angel, that's one of the things I love about you, no matter what you can make me feel better."

Angel sighed and held Buffy, "I'm sorry for breaking your heart again, I know we both had our fantasies of my becoming human and getting back together and living happy ever after."

Buffy pulled away, "Yeah I have found that not all fairy tales have happy endings."

Angel took Buffy's chin in his hand, "Hey, promise me that you won't give up, that you'll keep on fighting, not only demons but for your own life."

Buffy gave a slight smile, "I can only promise that I'll try."

Angel nodded, "Ok, I guess that will have to do, I am suppose to meet Cordelia at Giles' want to walk with me."

Buffy shook her head, "No, I want to say goodbye here, ok?"

Angel smiled a little, "Ok I understand, and this isn't goodbye it's just until we meet again."

Buffy nodded, "Well at least this time our goodbye speech didn't take place in the sewers."

Angel chuckled softly and stood up he leaned over and gave Buffy a light kiss, "Goodbye my dearheart, you have meant so much to me, if not for you I would not be here today."

Buffy stood up she reached over and ran her fingers gently along Angel's cheek, "Goodbye my love, and it is because of you that I too am still here, have a good life."

Angel took Buffy in his arms and held her close before turning and walking away. Buffy wiped the tears that fell down her cheeks. She watched the sun dance off Angel's hair as he walked away. When he was finally out of sight she turned and went back inside.

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Part 12 the epilog

Two years later. Angel held his newborn son and smiled at Cordelia.

Angel smiling, "He's so beautiful, thank you, I love you so much."

Cordelia smiled slightly, "Umm, love you, he is beautiful just like his daddy."

Angel stared into his son's eyes and wondered at the miracle of him. It was so hard to belive he was here after all that had happened since he'd become human. Wesley and Gunn were both shocked, but happy for Angel. They closed up Angel Investigation and Wesley took off to see what was out there. Gunn hung around and helped them out at the hotel. With financial backing from David Nabbit they had turned the old hotel into a rather nice apartment building.

Angel sighed, not all his memories were good of the last two years. Buffy had finally met her match and had died in a final battle to keep the hellmouth closed. At least now it was sealed and may never again be opened. Giles just left, no goodbyes he just packed a few things and disappeared. Willow took over the magic shop and with help from Tara, Xander and Anya was doing pretty good.

Angel glanced over at Cordelia she'd drifted off to sleep. He smiled the other surprise for everyone was when they had gone off to Las Vegas and got married just three months after he became human. Angel smiled as he laid Liam in his crib next to Cordelia. He sat down in the chair next to her bed and slowly drifted off to sleep himself.

The End