Forever, Always, and Then Some

Chapter 31

 

At Wolfram & Hart

Lila: Druscilla. Spike glad you could make it.

Spike: Cut to the chase lady. Are you going to get this damn chip out of my head or not?

Lila: Not exactly. Our people can not remove it but we think we can deactivate it. Just need to do some test. May take a few days.

Spike: Days? Why so long?

Lila: We are not sure exactly what we are dealing with. It will take time.

Spike: Fine, when?

Lila: We just gotta come to an agreement first. We do this for you and you help us.

Spike: Fine, fine, whatever. Return me to my old self and I will help with your little problem.

Lila: Do you know what our problem is?

Spike: Angel of course. The great vamp detective.

Lila: You hate him.

Spike: More than you can bloody imagine.

Lila: Good. Why don’t I take you to the team assigned to your case.

Spike: I’m ready. Dru?

Dru: I am going . My tummy is all growly.

Spike: Go eat pet.

That evening in Sunnydale at the Summers house the phone rings.

Willow: Hmmmm wonder who that might be?

Buffy: Hello.

Angel: Hello

Buffy: I am so glad you called.

Angel: Said I would.

Buffy: I was not sure since you were so mad.

Angel: Mad yes but I still wanna talk to my girl. I already miss you.

Buffy: I know the feeling. I know you are mad, but can I ask you something?

Angel: What?

Buffy: Well I proved I could send my thoughts all the way to LA.

Angel: And you wanted to see if you could do dream projections that far too.

Buffy: You know me so well.

Angel: Actually I was wondering too.

Buffy: Well?

Angel: I am game, I kinda like it.

Buffy: Well I have patrol and I need to do a full sweep since I have been gone so long. So I won’t be home till real late. What time you hitting the bed?

Angel: Call me when you get home.

Buffy: It will be real late.

Angel: I won’t sleep until I know you are home safe.

Buffy: You can’t do that every night. You know I can handle myself.

Angel: Humor me.

Buffy: Fine. But honey, if I don’t get going I will never get back……especially in time to visit.

Angel: I know, but I love hearing your voice. I wish I was there with you.

Buffy: I wish you were too, but you have responsibilities there and I think I kept you from them long enough.

Angel: I was just thinking about Wednesday night in the car.

Buffy: Lets not go there.

Angel: Oh I am going there, every chance I get.

Buffy: You are encourageable.

Angel: I know, and looking at you is all the encouragement I need.

Buffy: Okay, you are getting out of hand. Glad over 100 miles separates us.

Angel: Not forever. I promise our next encounter will also be memorable.

Buffy: On that note, goodbye honey.

Angel: Goodbye, love……see you in my dreams.

Buffy: Hope so.

Angel: Don’t forget to call.

Buffy: I won’t.

 

 

In LA

Angel walks into the lobby after his call.

Wesley: Angel, looks like we have a lead on the demons that been attacking the tourists. Wanna go check it out?

Angel: Of course, lets go.

 

In Sunnydale

Buffy is patrolling a local cemetery when she encounters a vampire just rising and stakes her.

Buffy: Perfect timing.

She continues on. She is unaware that she is being followed. Large black boots track after her as she continues her sweep. The man keeps a safe distance and stays amongst the foliage. She stops at one point and looks around looks around but not seeing anyone, continues on. She finally heads home, her stalker still trailing her.

As she reaches the front yard, the front door opens and Willow walks out carrying a crying Conner. Buffy hurries onto the porch.

B: What’s wrong?

Willow: He just won’t settle down.

Buffy takes Conner.

Buff: What’s wrong sweety. Mommy’s here. Mommy’s here.

Conner’s cries get a little less. He snuggles against his mom.

Willow: Looks like he just wanted his Mommy. Must make you feel special.

Buffy: It does but not if he is going to get upset every time I patrol. Did he eat?

Willow: Not really, I think he prefers his milk direct from the source.

Buffy: (laughs) Now I am a source. Makes me feel like a cow. Lets get inside and see if I can get him to eat.

They go inside. From the bushes the stalker’s voice is heard.

Stalker: She had a baby, a son. Oh my god.

© 2005 Tara