She pushed the iron gate to the old church open further and stepped inside. She furrowed her brow and stood at the entrance. The tingle at the base of her spine was still there but it was different somehow. She couldn't explain it. She opened the heavy door and stepped inside the beautiful, old, Italian church. It was an odd place to meet.

He was there, just as he promised he'd be, kneeling in front of the altar. There was a vast array of candles lit before him. He was whispering the "Hail Mary" over and over again. She covered her mouth with her hand, afraid to break the silence of the moment with her gasp. Tears flooded her eyes and threatened to spill over. He was so beautiful. The indirect light from the stained glass spilled over him, casting shades of red, blue, yellow and green over his pale skin, his dark hair.

He felt her and stood, turning toward her. A lazy, half smile spread over his face. She stood, unable to move. It was her smile, the one Willow had always called Buffyface. She had been convinced she'd never see him again, not after the letter she received, the letter containing his Claddagh ring. He had expected to die and he had wanted her to have the ring. His phone call two days ago had come as a surprise, a wonderful sort of surprise.

It seemed to take him a long time to walk to her. When he finally reached her, she just stared, unwilling to touch him. She'd had too many dreams that went just like this. He always disappeared the moment before her skin actually came in contact with his.

He dipped his hand in the basin of water beside of her. She looked at him confused. He reached out and enclosed her cross in his hand.

"Angel what-"She asked and then searched his eyes with her own.

He looked at his hand, closed around the silver cross, in amazement. "It doesn't burn. It's just a necklace," he said.

"You-"she started, afraid to voice it. It might make it not true. She laid her hand on his chest and the tears she'd been struggling against since seeing him flowed free.

thump-thump, thump-thump

"Oh God, oh God, oh God," she whispered and laid her head against his chest. She had to hear it. It wouldn't be real if she didn't hear it. After a moment she smiled.

"That's a good sound," she whispered.

"It feels pretty good too," he said.

"When? How?" She asked.

"After the battle, all the demons were dead. I slayed the dragon and then it hurt so much. I didn't think it would hurt. When Mohra-it didn't-I didn't think it would hurt-"

"It was worth it though," she said.

"It was worth it though," he said at the same time.

They smiled at each other.

"Buffy, if your not done ba-"

She placed her fingers over his mouth. "Shhh, it was bad analogy. I've been waiting for this since the day I was born."

"You're sure-"

"Hush, I'm ready." She said and took his hand, leading him out into the light.