Disclaimer: The characters do not belong to me except Calissa Verban, she is my creation. The plot does belong to me. Joss Whedon owns the characters along with the WB etc. Carol Ann Duffy wrote the poem Valentine. Authors note: This story is dedicated to all the Riley and Kate haters out there and I know there are a lot. It took me ages to write this also there was three re-writes. The bracelet I mention I would like to have but the way Buffy dislikes it is to go with the story. I read the poem in English class and it gave me the idea for this story. Text enclosed in ** are thoughts. Text enclosed in *<>* are flash backs or memories. I just want to say thank you to Claire for beta reading this story for me. To get to her site go to: . She writes great Willow/Oz fic. Also the Kate part is not how she would react but that's how I wanted it.
Feedback: Yes please any type even to say you don't like it. Criticisms as long as there constructive will help me write better in the future but some nice ones as well please. Write to me at .
Distribution: Just ask I'll most likely say yes.
Summary: Angel is human and comes back for Buffy much to Riley's and Kate's distaste.

THE BRONZE

Monday the 14th of February 2000

"Hey Buffy!" shouted Willow over the din of the music.

"Hey! This is a great party, thank you for inviting me," Buffy answered.

"That's okay, after what you've put up with you deserve this," Willow then said, the two best friends hugged.

"Buffy, do you wanna dance?" questioned Riley while placing his arms around Buffy's waist.

"Sure," replied Buffy. They walked off to the dance floor.

~~~~~~~~~~

The party fizzled out a little later the Slayer, the Witch and the Commando made their way to Stevenson to the girl's dorm room.

"Hey guys you go ahead I'm going to the library I need to do some studying. I have a test tomorrow."

"But Will it's party time."

"Come on Buffy you know Riley wants to get you alone." Willow said looking straight at Riley.

He blushed at her blunt answer. When Willow said this Buffy felt a twinge in her stomach. She was hoping that what Willow said wasn't true. She didn't want that tonight, she thought it would hurt Angel's memories. She had rushed things with Parker to try and get over Angel but regretted it in a big way. She felt like she had cheated on Angel that night. Even thought he had left her and broken her heart in about a thousand pieces she would take him back in a second. If he asked, not that he would, he didn't want to be with her, he had said so himself. When they reached Buffy's dorm they went inside. Buffy went to the kitchen to make a cup of coffee for each of them. Riley attempted to make small talk but was making a poor attempt.

"So Buffy did you like the party?" Riley asked. Buffy got a feeling she was being watched but the sensation she was having usually meant that Angel was around. Buffy shook the feeling off, Angel wouldn't be here, he didn't want to be with her. She smiled then answered Riley's question.

"Yeah it has been the best Valentines Day." Buffy remembered the one when Angelus was tormenting her but the one before that was good and last years was the best not this, she and Angel had spent the day together inside playing games, then at night they had gone to the beach like a normal couple. Buffy came into the bedroom and handed Riley his drink.

"Thanks, I'm glad you had a nice day. Did you get all the things you wanted."

"Yeah" she lied, she had thought Angel would have sent her something but he hadn't.

Riley finished his drink and moved off Willow's bed and sat next to Buffy on her bed. He handed her a small box. She opened it. In the box was a gold bracelet with littler hearts all over it. * Its nice but I hate gold it clashes with my hair. Okay that was shallow but silver is way better and little hearts all over that was just tacky * She turned to face him.

"It's nice" Buffy said with a forced smile. But you could hear the loathing in her voice. Riley didn't seem to notice though.

"I'm so glad you like it I had it made for you." Riley said shyly * Oh that is so sweet * Buffy thought. Riley took the bracelet off her and placed it on her wrist. He placed his hands on her shoulders then leaned in to kiss her. They kissed for a while then Riley's hands began to slide up her shirt she panicked and jumped up.

"Buffy is there something wrong"

"NO, of course not. I just have a headache. Do you mind leaving I need some rest."

"Sure. You get some sleep I'll be round in the morning to see you." Riley told her

"Okay, see you tomorrow." Riley leaned down and kissed her on the cheek.

"See ya."

"Bye" With that Riley was gone.

Buffy changed in to her night-clothes, which consisted of a white vest top and a pair of navy baggy sweat pants. The Slayer climbed into bed and made herself comfy. Her hand drifted to the drawer and opened it. She pulled out a picture and stared at it. The picture was of herself and Angel on her prom night. Her fingers grazed the photo. She sighed "I guess he doesn't care." She placed the photo on the table and angled it to face her. She drifted off into a deep sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~

Buffy climbed out of bed to answer the knocking at the door. She glanced at the clock on her bedside cabinet. "4.30, who would be up this late?" She sluggishly walked over to the door and pulled it open. Angel was stood there.

"Hi Honey I'm home!" Exclaimed Angel.

"It's about time you got here," she told him. Buffy pulled on the lapels of Angel's duster and into her arms for a kiss.

When the need for oxygen became apparent they broke apart. Angel looked over to the window to show the sun shining through it.

"Walk with me," Angel asked her.

"Always," She answered him.

They walked out on to the college grounds and into the sun. They made their way over to the grass where a beautiful picnic had been set out. A large red satin sheet with gold lining was laid out. On it was a hamper, two gold candlesticks with three branches each containing red candle's. There were two bone china plates with delicate flowers painted on them. And a pair of crystal wine glasses next to each plate. Also there was a set of silver service cutlery.

The souled vampire and the slayer sat down to eat.

"Well. Will you Buffy?"

"Yes," Angel leaned in and kissed her.

~~~~~~~~~~

Tuesday the 15th of February 200

Buffy awoke with a start. That was the third time in a row she had had that dream. She rolled over so see that Willow was no longer in her bed. There was a noise in the kitchen * Probably Willow * Buffy walked into the kitchen.

"Hey Will."

"Hey. Did ya have a nice sleep?"

"Mmmm."

"Was it the Angel one again?"

"Yeah," Buffy said with a smile curling on her lips.

"Do you want some brekie?" Willow inquired

"Yeah, please. I'm gonna have a shower."

"Okay, I'll go get you a bacon sarnie, back in a few."

"Thanks Will."

"No problem." Willow told her. She walked over to the door and left. Buffy gathered up her stuff and left to shower.

When she got back Willow was sat on her bed talking to Riley.

"Here Buffy," Willow handed Buffy her breakfast.

Riley got up from his seat on the bed and walked over to Buffy. He placed a gentle kiss on her cheek.

"Morning Buffy."

"Morning" replied Buffy. Buffy went to the counter and ate her breakfast.

"Oh Buffy you have a package," Willow exclaimed, "I wonder what it is."

"Probably a thing from my dad he does that some times," Buffy told them.

Riley inspected the box.

"Somebody can't spell. They put lost Angelus for the return address." Buffy felt a twinge of happiness in her stomach. * Maybe he does care *

"Riley do you think you could go down and get us some coffee from the café? I forgot to get some before" Willow asked. She knew her friend wouldn't want her boyfriend there while she opened a gift from her ex.

"Sure," Riley said cheerfully. He left to get the coffees. Willow walked up to Buffy took her hands lead her to the bed.

"Are you gonna open it?" Willow asked.

"Yeah. Err, Willow could you give me a few," Buffy asked.

"Sure Buffy I'll wait outside."

Willow got up and walked out of the room.

~~~~~~~~~~

Buffy gently pulled off the brown paper; underneath was wrapped in a deep blue paper and an envelope on top. Buffy opened the envelope that had her name written on the top in Angel's old-fashioned script. There was a letter inside she opened up the paper and read.

To my beloved Buffy

Happy Valentines Day. Hope you had a nice day. This package it has your Valentine Day present in it. It is a little strange but once you have read the letter contained in the box you'll understand. I know you have a boyfriend but I thought I'd show you I still care with this. I sent it to arrive the day after so as not to ruin your day with him. Love you with all my soul

Forever and always yours
Angel

She was so happy he still thought of himself as hers, there might be there is hope yet. But how did he know she had a boyfriend she hadn't told him, had she? She carefully unwrapped the paper to reveal a mahogany box with a Claddagh carved into the top. On the heart was inscribed 'Always'. Tears sprung to Buffy's eyes she was so happy that he had thought of her and sent this lovely symbol of their love but also sad that they weren't together. Inside the box was an onion. * This must be the strange part he mentioned. * She did as he instructed and picked up the piece of paper. The paper had a poem on it

Valentine
Not a red rose or a satin heart
I give you an onion.
It is a moon wrapped in the brown paper.
It promises light
Like the careful undressing of love.
Here.
It will blind you with tears
Like a lover.
It will make your reflection
A wobbling photo of grief.
I am trying to be truthful.
Not a cute card or kiss-o-gram.
I give you an onion
Its fierce kiss will stay on your lips,
Possessive and faithful
As we are.
For as long as we are.
Take it
Its platinum rings shrink to a wedding- ring.
If you like.
Lethal
Its scent will cling to your fingers,
Cling to your knife.

Buffy loved it described them perfectly. * It may be weird but so am I * Under where the onion had been was two indentations one the shape of a ring and one the shape of a cross. She thought that might be this was a place to keep them.

Next she decided to see if there was anything in the side compartment that was in the left-hand side of the box. Buffy lifted the catch and pulled the lid open. Inside was a small stake with a silver bottom. She examined it and noticed you could unscrew the bottom. Inside the hollowed out stake was holy water.

* That's Angel, very practical. *. Buffy herd muffled noises from outside so she closed the box. In came Riley and Willow talking. It looked like Willow was trying to convince him not to come in but in a subtle way. Willow noticed that Buffy had finished and breathed a sigh of relief.

"So Buffy who's your secret admirer?" Asked Riley handing her, her coffee.

"No one, I told you it was from my dad. He sent me a jewellery box." As she said that she pointed at the box.

"Oh let me see," Buffy panicked if he opened it and read the letter he would know she was lying.

"Oh no, err, it's for jewellery you wouldn't.." she was cut off by a knock at the door. " Will you answer the door please." Riley forgot about the box and went to open the door. He pulled it open to reveal a tall, muscular handsome man.

"Hello, does Buffy Summers and Willow Rosenburg live here I was told that this was their dorm room.?"

"It is, and who are you?" Riley asked eyeing the stranger suspiciously.

"A friend," he answered.

As soon as Buffy herd the man at the door speak she know who it was she had sensed him. She made her way around Riley and came face to face with Angel.

"Hey" was all she said. He gave that little half smile he does it made she heart melt. If she had any intention of being mad at him it was gone as soon as he did that. The slayer and her one true love stood on the doorstep staring at the each other. When Buffy realised what she was doing she quickly recovered and decided to introduce them but should she introduces Riley as her boyfriend. Well he does know she has one.

"Angel this is Riley my boyfriend, Riley this is Angel an old friend of mine… and Willows" Buffy said introducing her past and present boyfriends to each other. Buffy couldn't have felt more awkward at this moment. * I hope I didn't sound like I was trying to rub his nose in it. *

* So this is the guy that Buffy's dating *

"So can I come in?" Asked Angel * I guess he didn't think I was *

"Yes you can come in" Buffy told him.

Angel walked over the thresh hold of the dorm room his eyes went immediately to her bed where the box lay. He was brought out of his daze by an annoying beeping sound coming from Riley.

Riley looked at this beeper. " Buffy can I just use your phone a sec?" Asked Riley

"Yep you know where it is" Buffy replied.

While Riley was on the phone having a 'yes, no' conversation with the person on the other end the room dropped into a deadly silence. With Buffy and Angel staring at each other and Willow stood there looking at her fingernails.

Riley came off the phone. "I'm sorry Buffy but I have to go they need me at..." he stopped then realise there was a stranger in the room and covered. "Work"

"Okay" Riley walked over to the door, "I'll meet you at the Bronze at 8.00"

"Right" Riley walked out the door.

Willow not wanting to be here because she could tell Angel was here for an important reason decided to leave. " I gotta go Wiccan meeting an'all" Willow quickly gathered her stuff and rushed out of the room.

"So what does Riley do for a job that he has a beeper for?" Asked Angel curiously.

"He's a demon hunter. He works for this organisation called the Initiative. They go around in commando gear and big guns capturing demons and stuff."

"Oh"

Angel walked over to the window and looked out but was immediately dragged away by Buffy.

"What are you doing, trying to get yourself killed!" Buffy shouted at him.

"It's okay, watch" Angel went back to the window. He pulled open the blinds fully and placed his palms on to the glass. Buffy gasped then fainted. Angel was there in a second to catch her. He gently picked her up and laid her on the bed. When Buffy came round she just lay there staring noticing how the sunlight was streaming in thought the window and bathing Angel in a glorious yellow glow. * God he looks sexy in the sun *

"So it wasn't a dream?" Buffy asked hoping it wasn't.

"No, This is what I came to tell you. Buffy I'm human now. Like I was at Thanksgiving only better." When he said the last part he realised she couldn't remember. Also the look of confusion on her face reminded him.

"Don't worry I'm not going mad you just don't remember it. You came to shout at me on Thanksgiving but when you came a Morha demon came crashing through the window."

"Oh you killed it before I had a chance to react"

"That was the second time around." Buffy looked really confused." just bear with me when I've told you everything this will all make sense. Well anyway we fought it but it escaped. We both went after it then split up after another angsty sewer talk. I found and fought it it's blood mixed with mine and turned me human. You know what I have a spell that will help you remember it would be quicker than me explaining it all. But I have to kiss you do you mind?"

"No" Buffy answered simply of course she didn't mind.

"With my love you will know. With my soul you will understand." He repeated this three times then finished it off. "With this kiss you will remember." Angel then leaned down and kissed Buffy square on the lips with a deep passion. When he pulled away Buffy's eyes flashed a golden purple then travelled up then down. When it was gone her eyes filled up with tears.

"I'm so sorry I forgot." Buffy blurted out crying.

"It's okay you couldn't help it." Angel said reaching over and moving her hair out of her face.

"I know" Buffy said lifting her head to look at him.

"Let's not go over what we should have done or what we could have done let's just accept it and move on." Buffy nodded.

"How did you become human again?" Buffy asked changing the subject

"It's was the Oracles. I don't know why but they called me to them told me they were going to make me human but with some vampire qualities. They didn't even give me a reason then they asked me for a gift."

"What kind of vampire qualities did they leave you with?" Buffy asked a little scared of the answer.

"Well I still have my game face, strength and I heal real quick. Holy water and crosses don't bother me and I don't have cravings for blood"

"Well that's good." Buffy said deciding to change the subject because they were heading for one of those horrible silences again. "So where did you come up with that poem?"

"It just came to me in a dream." Angel told her.

"I've been having dreams to where you show up at the door then you take me outside into the daylight then we sit on the grass at a beautiful..."

"Picnic" Angel cut her off, "I had the same one." Angel smiled. "Do you wanna go for a walk?" Angel asked.

"Yeah, okay." Buffy agreed. She swung her legs over the edge of the bed and stood up. Buffy reached for Angel's hand and they walked out of the dorm hand in hand.

OUTSIDE

Angel stared at her she was so beautiful in the sunlight he noticed she was looking at him to. They stood there for a while just looking at each other.

"Come on I have a surprise for you" They broke out of their gaze and walked out onto the grass.

"Wow," Buffy said. Right in front of her was the picnic from her dream. She looked at him then reached over to him and they hugged. "It's beautiful!" Exclaimed Buffy

"I'm glad you like it."

They sat down on the cloth slowly they started to eat. When they finished they curled up together hands entwined.

"Buffy I have a question to ask you."

"What is it?"

"Would you marry me?"

"Yes. Yes, YES!"

Angel took out a dark blue ring box from his pocket. He opened it took it out and slipped it on her finger.

"I'll take that as a yes."

The Ring was a Claddagh but with a diamond in the heart.

"Diamonds are forever, just like our love"

"Angel this is gorgeous." She looked up at him then kissed him.

~~~~~~~~~~

"HEY," Came a harsh voice from behind them.

Buffy looked round to see Forest behind them.

"What's going on here." Forrest asked his best friends girl in a compromising position with another man.

"Forrest this is Angel. Angel, Forrest." Forrest stood there waiting for an explanation but it looked like he wasn't going to get one.

"Buffy where's Riley?" He asked her hoping he'd shake her up with guilt a bit. Buffy looked at him he was sure she had to think who Riley was and when a flash of understanding crossed her face he was sure.

"Erm I don't know?" She said innocently.

"Well Buffy, Riley is my best friend and your cheating on him aren't you?"

Buffy nodded. "I never liked you but Riley is in love with you so I hope you see sense and dump this Angel." Forrest paused and threw a dirty look at Angel. * Now she's been found out she'll dump this guy and be faithful to Riley. She loves Riley, this guy is just a fling. I don't like her but Riley loves her and would be heart broken if he found out. *

"I'm sorry Forrest I like Riley but I'm staying with Angel. I'm meeting Riley tonight to tell him it's over. I never meant to hurt him but I don't love him. I love Angel and Angel loves me. Please don't tell Riley about this because it would hurt even more not coming from me."

"Don't be stupid this guy could never be as good as Riley, or love you as much. This guy would run at the site at your night time activities he doesn't have it in him like Riley does." Buffy and Angel both looked at each other and burst out laughing in uncontrollable laughter.

"What are you laughing at?" Forrest asked angrily

"You're talking about vampires, demons and the forces of evil." Angel asked trying to contain his laughter

Forrest nodded he was slightly disgusted that this man knew the slayer's identity. It was supposed to be a secret he didn't care that people knew about her it was just made him dislike her all the more and show she couldn't be trusted. She had told some one she started having an affair with, that she was the slayer. * God I hate her. *

"Forrest is that your name. Well I've patrolled with Buffy and bagged demons so I guess I do have it in me and I don't use fancy weapons that show you people don't have any backbone. Even Xander is better than that."

Forrest was angry this guy knew about the Initiative. "Well Riley's bagged over 17 and I've got 15 so theses fancy weapons do help I bet you have like two."

"Actually I lost count after the first hundred." Angel said smugly

"You're lying"

"No he's not he's been doing this longer than me." Buffy supplied. "Forrest could you just leave? Don't tell Riley, I'm going to tell him tonight." She said before Forrest could say something else.

Forrest walked off in an angry stupor.

Buffy and Angel stood up Angel packed away the picnic, and they walked around for a while.

"Do you wanna go to the beach?" Angel asked. "I've not been on one for years. Well when I had the ring I did but that was for a short time."

"Sure do you have a bathing suit?"

"No, I could buy one."

"Okay let's go get my stuff that well head off to the mall to get you a costume."

THE MALL

Buffy thought of tricking him into going round all the shops but she wanted to go to the beach, so she took him straight to the sports shop for a pair of trunks.

"What about these?" Buffy asked pulling a pair of very skimpy pants from the rail to show him.

"Don't you think they are a bit too short?" Angel asked hoping she would change her mind.

"But you'd look great." Buffy thought about that for a moment that realised if he wore these every girl on the beach would be drooling. She quickly placed them back and chose another pair.

"How about these, they're even black." She smiled at him, he chuckled. It was good to hear him laugh.

They paid and them left for the beach. Buffy made sure to buy the highest factor for Angel considering he's not been out in the sun for 200 and 40 plus years he was bound to burn and bad.

THE BEACH

They found a nice spot and laid out their towels. Then sat on them.

"Let's go for a swim," Angel asked excitedly he was like a child with candy.

"Later, I wanna get a bit of a tan first."

"Come on Buffy," Angel pleaded.

"No I wanna sun bath for a while."

Angel wasn't taking no for an answer he bent down and picked her up and slung her over his shoulder. She let out a scream as Angel carried her to the water.

"Angel let me go," Buffy demanded.

He didn't listen and went in the water taking her with him. She gasped as the cold water hit her skin.

He let her go, to pay him back she splashed him.

"Ugh you're gonna pay for that." Angel said as a big smile spread across his lips.

There got in to a splashing fight both giggling uncontrollably. They played like that for a while. Buffy was just about to splash him with a giant wave when he grabbed her wrist pulling her close and kissed her.

"Come on lets get out and dry off. Do you want to go for an early dinner?"

They walked out of the sea and towards their towels. Buffy noticed that half the females on the beach were staring at Angel and Angel noticed that the lads were staring at Buffy they both simultaneously reached out for each other. Angels arm went over her shoulders and Buffy's arm circled his waist. When they realised what they had done they burst out laughing

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