Disclaimer: Evil Joss owns them all
Distribution: if you actually want it, please ask
Rating: PG-13 I guess
Spoilers: Up through current eppys of Buffy and Angel. Specifically Eternity and Superstar.
Category: B/R, B/A, plenty of angst
Summary: Angelus doesn't get chained up at the end of Eternity and he decides to make an appearance in Sunnydale
Notes: Sorry, this isn't a B/A happy fic. It contains B/R and it's not about Riley bashing either. The idea was floating through my head, so I had to write it. please, please tell me what you think. Especially about Angelus. I'm not sure how true to his character I was.
Feedback: It would be immensely appreciated. Please.

They walked hand in hand as they patrolled the darkened park. The evening was quiet and the cool night breeze blew a strand of Buffy's curly locks into her face. Brushing it away she looked up to her boyfriend and smiled. She was grateful to have him there with her tonight. They hadn't done this in a while and she'd missed it. After Faith's brief appearance in Sunnydale she'd been a distant with him for obvious reasons. Honestly she'd been uncomfortable spending too much time with him alone. They'd finally talked things over more or less... less actually, and now things were falling back into place.

"Pretty slow, huh?" Riley commented breaking the silence. They hadn't seen a vampire all evening. "Not that I really mind."

"Yeah, I doubt we're going to run into any vamps..." she trailed off turning to look into the shadows between the group of trees off to the side.

"Did you hear something?" he asked. His hand moved closer to his pocket where he kept a stake.

"I just thought..." Her eyes prodded deeper in the shadows, but there was nothing. She shrugged off the feeling. "No, nothing. What do you say we call it a night?" the slayer asked ready to head home to the soft comfort of her bed.

"Sounds good to me." Riley moved to stand in front of her and wrapped his arms around her. "It's getting late anyway and you have any early class tomorrow." She groaned at the thought and leaned into him.

"You just had to remind me."

He chuckled and bent down to kiss her softly. Buffy's hand reached around his neck and pulled him closer.

"Well, well... I hope I'm not interrupting anything." A voice from behind the couple ruined moment and they broke apart.

Buffy's head jerked around quickly. She knew that voice anywhere.

***

Cordelia shook Wesley's unconscious form. "Wesley!" she called loudly, "Wesley! Come on, wake up."

His eyes fluttered open a moment later and he was greeted with a wave of pain and a splitting headache. "Cordelia..." he mumbled finding her concerned eyes staring at him.

"Thank God, I thought I was gonna have to call 911 or something."

"Where's Angel?" he asked remembering just how he'd ended up on heap on the floor.

Cordy helped him stand slowly. "He took off. Apparently he had better things to do."

"He just left?"

"Yeah, after he insulted my acting abilities and inflicted us with bodily harm!" Cordelia exclaimed. The last thing she needed now was her vampire boss going homicidal.

"Well it's a miracle he didn't kill us. And Rebecca?"

"She ran out of here before I could even say anything. She was terrified out of her mind. Although I doubt she still has any desire to become a vampire, despite the benefits of eternal beauty," she answered dryly.

"We should have been much more cautious with the situation. It should have been clear she was getting the wrong impression about a vampire's true nature." Wesley sighed wondering how they were going to stop Angel now. The drug Rebecca had given him was quite powerful and he wasn't sure how long exactly the effects would last. "Cordelia, did Angel say anything before he left? Give any indication as the where he was headed?"

"Oh God," she gasped remembering his words to her. She'd been too frightened thinking he was going to drain her right then and there to let her mind process it all. "He said that what he wanted he couldn't find here and that he needed to go finish what he started. Oh GOD! Last time Angelus was around he tired to suck the world into hell! He's gonna try and awaken Acathla again."

Wesley gave her look.

"Or it's possible he's gonna try and kill Buffy again..." she laughed nervously and then frowned. "Damn. We're going to have to go to Sunnydale, huh?"

********

"Angel?" Buffy's voice clearly displayed her shock. She suddenly felt awkward in her position and put some space between her and Riley.

"Who are you? Do you know him, Buffy?" he tensed slightly not sure if he should prepare himself for a fight.

Angelus held back the smile that threatened to creep on his lip. He wasn't ready to reveal his evil nature. yet. He looked Riley up and down. So this was the new boy. He was tall and looked decent enough. Like a normal... all American... boring...

"Hi Buffy," he said simply. He stared at her now. She looked beautiful; he couldn't deny that. She wore a dark fitted top and a black leather jacket hung on her shoulders. Her black pants hugged the curves of her legs. He was fully aware of the effect his intense gaze was having on her.

Riley seemed to notice it too. This guy was checking out his girlfriend. There was a twinge of jealousy and he looked at his girlfriend for answers, but she only stared back at the man who stood before them.

"Aren't you going to introduce me?"

She took in his tall form. He did not disappoint with his trademark black clothes and long leather duster. His face remained unchanged and handsome as always. She faltered for a moment, but managed to find her voice.

"Riley this is Angel. Angel this is Riley Finn my...."

"Boyfriend," Riley finished for her. The two men shook hands and the coolness of Angel's skin was not lost on Riley. "Angel ...?" he let the word hang and the other man understood the implication.

"*Just* Angel. I'm an old friend of Buffy's."

"Really? She never mentioned you before."

Angel only shrugged.

Buffy was still reeling from the shock of Angel's presence and now the ease with which he seemed to be handling the situation. Although she'd never given much thought to how he *would* react. Her ex-boyfriend and her new boyfriend face to face, that was the last thing she expected.

She realized then that Angel had been following them. She'd known it. She'd *felt* him, but hadn't wanted to admit it. What the hell was he doing here? And what gave him the right to be skulking around in the shadows watching her again?

"What are you doing here?" her tone was cold now. "Did your side-kick friend have another vision? Am I in *danger*?"

"No, I just wanted to see you. And Doyle's dead actually," he said without emotion.

Buffy suddenly wished she could take back her harsh words. "I'm so sorry, Angel... Oh God, I didn't know. I'm sor-."

"Don't be," he said cutting her off sharply, "It's of the past now. I've dealt with it."

She nodded slightly, stung by his words. Did he think she didn't care? "Why are you really here, Angel?"

Riley looked back and forth between them, not sure what to think. Was he an ex-boyfriend or something? Buffy had seemed surprised at his presence, but then he'd heard anger in her voice and now there was sympathy and almost pain.

"I told you. It's just been so long. I missed you," Angel said softly, in that sad pathetic voice his soul-having side used. He glanced at Riley wondering if the boy had gotten a clue yet. Nope, still just looked confused.

"We had a deal," Buffy replied firmly, not allowing his words penetrate her. They couldn't do this.

"Right. *Forget*. You don't seem to be having any problems with that," he said pointedly.

Her eyes widened and Angelus smiled, enjoying the look on her face. He stepped closer to her; it was time to stir things up.

"I mean, God, Buff I come all the way from a LA to see you and I don't even get a 'hi, how you doing?'" Angel's voiced raised slightly and he took on that sarcastic tone he used so well. "I'm hurt. I mean first you forget all about that *day*, despite that fact that you said you wouldn't, and now you've forgotten that I even existed."

"What are you talking about?" her eye's narrowed and she wondered what the hell was wrong with him.

"See, she doesn't even remember," Angel said addressing the college boy.

"Remember what, Angel? Is this some game you're playing?" Something was off with him and it was starting to scare her.

Angelus shook his head, "Oh, Buffy, Buffy. Thanksgiving. Technically I wasn't actually there for all of it, but I did have to deal with the aftermath. All that crying and moping and brooding." he sighed tiredly. "It was an expirience. One second I was there and then I wasn't. And when I got back there were all these brand new memories. I must thank you, Buff. It was nice to see some action again. That celibacy thing got old a *long* time."

Buffy sucked in a breath and Angelus' mouth turned into an evil grin. "Don't worry lover, you were good. *Really* good even. It's amazing what just a little practice can do. Because, honestly Riley, first time around she was slightly. lacking."

"No." a scene from long ago played perfectly through Buffy's mind. ~You got a lot to learn about men kiddo~ She stood frozen, unable to move her body.

Riley looked disgusted at Angel's words. "How dare you." he said putting an arm around his girlfriend. Her eye's showed disbelief and an incredible hurt he'd never seen before. "I think you need to leave."

Angelus growled deep in his throat. "I think you need to take your hands off of what's mine." He'd enjoy killing this one when the time came. and it would not be a quick death.

Riley stood up to Angel, meeting the man face to face. He spoke as menacing as possible. "Buffy is NOT a possession. I don't know what you and her may have had, but she's chosen to be with me now. And I suggest you get going before you regret it."

"Riley, please don't." Buffy spoke desperately, realizing the truth of the situation at last. Angelus had somehow returned and it made her sick that he still had the power to torment her with just words.

Angelus couldn't help but laugh at the boy's attempt to intimidate him. He grabbed Buffy roughly. "She belongs to me. Marked and claimed." She struggled in his strong hold too stunned to fight back appropriately.

Riley Finn was fuming. What kind of man had Buffy gotten involved with that treated her like this? Had this hold over her? She was the slayer! He looked at Angel closely. They were about even in height and build and with his military training he was almost sure he could take him. Besides once Buffy snapped out of it together they could easily handle him.

Angelus pulled back Buffy's hair exposing the skin on her throat. "You've seen it. I know you have. *I* did that. She's mine permanently, and that scar is reminder to her and everyone." His finger traced the marked flesh lightly, almost tenderly.

Riley gasped when Angel's face looked up from her neck with golden eyes. "You're a *vampire*!" Before he could attack, Buffy made her own move and rammed her elbow into Angel's ribs, freeing herself from his grip. She landed a blow to his jaw that sent him reeling back.

"NEVER touch me again." Her words dripped with venom, but tears filled her eyes

"Now there's my slayer." Angel laughed as he straightened up and rubbed at the sore spot on his face.

She assumed a fighting stance with Riley and held a stake in her shaky hand. She wasn't entirely convinced she had the strength to use it.

"Don't worry lover, we'll save some of the fun for next time. And there WILL be a next time *very* soon. I know what I want Buff and this time I'm going to get it."

He backed away disappearing into the darkness.

"Buffy, what--"

"Don't." she said choking back a sob. He reached to embrace her, but she held her hand up to stop him. "I can't right now. We need to go see Giles." She let the tears spill down her cheeks.

****

"Buffy, thank God," Giles exclaimed at the sight of her. She stood at his front door with Riley and he motioned them inside.

Willow, Xander, Anya and also Cordelia and Wesley were gathered around Giles' living room.

"Wesley?" Buffy asked surprised to see the ex-watcher.

"He works with Angel and I," Cordelia replied simply. "I take it by the look on your face that you know about your ex going psycho again."

She nodded slowly. Riley stood beside her still confused and wishing he could comfort Buffy. She was obviously upset, but she hadn't allowed him to even touch her. "Does anyone want to explain what's going on?"

"Are you alright Buffy?" Willow asked ignoring the boy's question. She couldn't imagine what it was like for her to have to relive something that had been such a nightmare

"I'm." How could she possibly answer that? "What are you guys doing here?" she decided to ignore the question instead. "How did you-"

"I called them once Cordelia and Wesley arrived," Giles explained. "If Angelus is in Sunnydale then we're all in danger."

"What is going on?" Riley asked getting frustrated. "This guy. your ex-boyfriend? He was turned?"

"Angel's been a vampire since I met him, Riley."

"You were dating a vampire? Do realize that there's something wrong with that statement? You're supposed to kill vampires."

"That's what *I've* always said, but does anyone--"

"Shut up, Xander. Look there's no black and white here Riley. Angel's a vampire, but he's good. He's on our side. And that guy you met just now was NOT him."

"But--"

"Not now, Riley!" She cried. He was taken aback. "I'm sorry. I just- I need to know what's happening. We'll talk later and I'll explain it to you."

"So are you gonna fill us in now that she's here?" Anya whined, "because I really want to go home, so that Xander and I can be naked again and have--"

"Ughhh." Cordelia grimaced not allowing her to continue. "That is SO much more that I needed to know."

Buffy sighed heavily "Cordelia, Wesley, how did this happen?" although she really didn't think she wanted the details. There was only one way Angel could loose his soul. "Was there someone.?"

"Oh yeah, there was someone!" Cordy blurted out, "A Rebecca Lowell someone!"

"The actress?" Willow questioned.

"From 'On My Own'?" Xander added.

"Yep, that's the one."

"How did Angel get Rebecca Lowell to sleep with him?"

"Xander!" Willow slapped him. There was a look utter hurt on Buffy's face.

"*What*? How else would Angel loose his soul if he wasn't getting horizontal with her?"

"He didn't sleep with her," Cordelia clarified, "Although I'm sure she would have been more than willing."

"Angel hasn't lost his soul at all," Wesley explained, "He's merely--"

"Really," Buffy interrupted bitterly, "You're telling me that was Angel's *soul* out there? I don't know who you've been working for Wes, but that was NOT-"

"God, Buffy! Would you shut up for once and listen! You may not like Wesley, but he knows what he's talking about."

The slayer glared at the other girl, but she kept silent allowing her ex-watcher to continue.

"There's only one way for Angel to loose his soul. *True* happiness. I think you better than anyone Buffy, realize how rare that is. What Angel's experiencing right now is nothing more than an illusion. It isn't genuine, but merely a side effect from a drug. Doxymal. It induces-- "

"Bliss," Giles finished, "It is almost like happiness I suppose, but I never would have thought a drug would have the power to do something of the sort."

"Angel going bad again is all because of a drug?" Willow asked.

"Wait a minute. Angel's on drugs?!" Xander burst out.

"Angel's not on drugs, you idiot. It was Rebecca." Cordelia paused for a moment. "Angel saved her life the other night. She was supposedly being stalked and Angel started working as her bodyguard. He spilled the vampire thing to her and--"

"Angel told Rebecca he's a vampire?" Buffy asked incredulously.

"He had a thing for her or something. Anyway, Rebecca's career isn't at it's best at the moment and she decided that being young and beautiful forever was just what she needed. So, she came over tonight to 'thank' Angel for saving her life. The plan was probably to seduce him and get him to bring her across. She put the drug in his drink and Angelus made his appearance. Now she's back at home, granted most likely terrified, and *we're* the ones that have to deal with a homicidal boss."

Giles nodded absorbing the information. "The drug's effects are only temporary then. They should wear off in time."

"Yes," Wesley agreed, "but we don't know the exact dosage or the potency of the drug. I'm assuming however, that Angel will be fine by morning."

"Great, then we're done here," Xander said getting up, "We can go back to the safety of our homes and I'm sure Dead-boy will turn up by morning back to his usual guilt ridden self."

"No way, Xander! We came here because we have to stop him. He's out there now probably making up for the fact that he hasn't had any fresh human blood in almost a year. We can't let anyone else get hurt," Cordelia said, "And besides it's not fair to Angel. When he wakes up tomorrow he's the one that's going to have to deal with the demon's actions."

"Wow, I'm surprised you care," Buffy scoffed.

"I know it's just a shock to you Buffy, but Angel is my friend. I care very much about what happens to him. And I don't want to see him feeling guilty about something he couldn't even control." Cordelia Chase was not as shallow as everyone thought. "Besides when he gets in those brooding funks we never have good business."

Buffy smiled amazed that Cordelia could actually be concerned but still be. Cordelia. She was glad for the first time that Angel had her as a friend. "You're right. Angel doesn't need anymore guilt on his shoulders. The least we can do is go out there and find him before he does anymore damage."

The slayer looked to her boyfriend. He'd done as she asked and stood silent while they figured things out. She felt guilty for pushing him away earlier. He'd been concerned and she knew he only wanted to help her. Buffy only hoped he be willing now. "Riley, I know you're still lacking in backstory, but I need your help here and there isn't time to explain. Angelus is dangerous and we need to stop him, now. Please."

He hesitated for only a moment. "What do you need?" He couldn't deny her anything.

"Initiative weapons. We can track in take him down quicker."

He only nodded.

"We're coming too," Cordy said as she stood up with Wesley.

"Fine," Buffy agreed knowing better than to argue with them. "We capture him and bring him back here. Is that ok Giles?"

"Of course. That's sounds like the best idea. You'll have to restrain him and I think it will be safest if you wait until tomorrow evening to return to LA."

"We'll have to put him where we can keep the sun out," Cordy added.

"My guest room should do. As for the actual restraints, I may have--"

"Oh, don't worry," Cordelia added casually, "Wesley and I brought the chains."

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