Disclaimer: I don't own Buffy the Vampire Slayer, or any of the characters mentioned in the cannon.

A/N: Thanks so much to everyone who reviewed last chapter and had to put up with such a long wait to see this chapter finally posted. I'm sorry about that. Anyway I won't hold you up any longer, so enjoy the chappie :D

CHAPTER 6

Buffy groaned as her alarm sounded shrilly throughout her small room. Turning onto her belly Buffy pulled her pillow over her head to try and blot out the noise. She had only gotten back from her surprise trip with Angel an hour ago, and she had only really just gotten to sleep! And now her blasted alarm was telling her it was time to get up. Reaching out a blind arm Buffy swatted at her alarm clock until the infernal beeping had been turned off.

After a long moment of complete stillness Buffy sat up slowly, her pillow falling to the floor with a soft almost inaudible thump. Slowly swinging her feet to the floor her head feeling slightly light headed, and dizzy. Blinking tiredly Buffy managed to stand herself up whilst mentally cursing a certain tall dark sexy handsome guy she called her boyfriend. Shuffling more than walking Buffy headed towards the shower.

Joyce almost bumped into her daughter as she came out of her room. "Morning Buffy." Joyce said cheerily.

"Mmmhp." Buffy mumbled as she shuffled to the shower.

"Buffy are you alright?" Joyce asked raising an eyebrow. Buffy nodded tiredly stopping completely as she yawned almost losing her balance as she did so. Joyce shook her head in amusement. "Have you been out all night?" Buffy shook her head resisting the urge to put a hand to her head as the sudden movement made her head pound with tiredness. 'Uh huh sure. And I was born yesterday.' Joyce thought with a small smile, before walking down to the kitchen. She couldn't very well ground her daughter when she had no proof except for the fact that her daughter was more tired and slower moving than a sloth.

Buffy finally made it to the shower stepping under a cool spray that had her fully awake in moments. Adding some warm water Buffy sighed as she washed herself. Despite the fact that she felt like the walking dead she'd had a great time last night. They'd ended up sitting and talking, and touching softly, and kissing. Buffy sighed dreamily it had been the best night of her young life so far! Buffy grinned she could clearly picture Willow's reaction to her night, and she couldn't wait to tell her.

Stepping out from the shower Buffy completed her morning ritual, putting on a little more makeup then usual to try and hide how tired she looked. She winced at the bags under her eyes, she wasn't sure she'd be able to hide them completely, but she could at least lighten the bruise like colour under her eyes.

Walking out of the bathroom with a towel around her Buffy entered her room heading to her wardrobe. Looking through her clothes, she looked for something that she hadn't worn in a while as well as being conscious of the fact that she would be on the back of a motorbike at the end of the day.

Making her way into the kitchen Buffy smiled at her mother. "Morning." Buffy greeted heading for the pantry to grab some cereal.

"Oh so were awake now are we?" Joyce teased, as Buffy got out the milk, and a bowl.

"Uh huh. Nothing that a good shower couldn't fix." Buffy agreed confidently as if her waking up half dead was completely normal.

Joyce chuckled. "Do you want some toast after your cereal?" Joyce asked already nibbling on a slice.

Buffy thought about it a moment before shaking her head. "No thanks." Buffy sat down with her cereal glancing at the time to make sure she wasn't running late. Relaxing into her seat when she saw that she had plenty of time, before she had to leave.

Joyce rinsed off her plate and setting it in the sink. "I have to go Buffy so I'll see you when I get home alright." Buffy nodded smiling when her mom kissed her on the forehead, before heading out the door. A few moments later Buffy heard the car pull out of the drive.

It was tempting to just go back up to her room and sleep the rest of the day away, as it wasn't likely that her mom would be home before five tonight so she'd never now that she hadn't been. But the thought of all the work she'd have to catch up on if she skipped today made the thought very unappealing. Getting up from the table when she had finished her breakfast, Buffy dumped her dishes in the sink before heading for the door. Picking up her book bag that was waiting for her. Hefting it up on her shoulder Buffy made her way out the door, heading for school. Her thoughts drifting to Angel as she walked.

***B/A***B/A***

Angel blinked his eyes open feeling refreshed and well rested, looking over at the time he shot up in surprise it was just after twelve; noon! No wonder he felt refreshed, he'd slept half the day away! Scrubbing at his eyes with his fists, Angel smiled as he thought of Buffy, she was probably having a hell of a day seeing as she would have, had to have gotten up bright and early for school.

The thought almost made him feel guilty for keeping her out so late, but he couldn't quiet muster up the emotion. He'd had to good of a time to feel guilty over it. Last night had been beautiful to say the least. It was better than he could have dreamed sitting in the soft grass sitting under the watchful eyes of the moon. Angel smiled at the memory. Buffy had even agreed to give him a copy of her schedule.

Standing up Angel padded over to his wardrobe, and slipped a robe over his naked body, before walking into the kitchen to make himself some breakfast. He had a craving for bacon, and eggs. His stomach seemed to agree as it growled hungrily at him. Whistling Angel made his way over to his large stainless steel fridge opening up one of the two doors Angel pulled out a couple of rashers of bacon, and three eggs.

Angel glanced at the time again, mentally calculating the hours until he'd be able to see Buffy. It was nice that for once when he woke up there was only basically a three hour wait instead of the usual six. Setting his breakfast in a deep fryer watching the bacon begin to brown, before he cracked his eggs into the deep fryer watching as they turned white in a matter of seconds. Waiting until all the clear liquid had turned white before he flicked off the fryer. He carefully scooped his eggs on to a large plate, before getting the bacon, grabbing a knife and fork from his cutlery drawer Angel settled himself on his table. Running over in his mind what he could have for dinner. He knew he had to go shopping his fridge was getting low. Angel shrugged finally he'd decide later when he was out food shopping.

***B/A***B/A***

Buffy ran her hand's through her hair in frustration today was turning out to be a real bitch! She couldn't concentrate her mind refused to let her! It was too tired to do more than complain at her about being tired. She'd almost fallen asleep twice! In the same class, and the way her English teacher was droning on, and on it was like she wanted to put her to sleep!

Buffy fiddled with her pen, trying to look like she was paying attention at least, but it was becoming increasingly hard to do so. It was as if she had been put under a spell that was slowly dragging her into sleep. Buffy's head dipped her eyes closing slowly before she jerked, coming awake again. Looking up at the teacher anxiously to see if she had noticed, Buffy sighed in relief when it didn't look like it, as she kept reading from the book they were supposed to be studying.

Looking down at her text Buffy frowned the words blurring together tempting her into closing her eyes. Looking out the window she was seated beside she watched as a student walked carefully from the school ground his bag on his back. Buffy watched with envy wishing she was him for a moment escaping the high school whilst the day was still only half way through.

Buffy shook her head a smile forming on her lips. No she didn't want to be that student, leaving early she had an ice cream date with an Angel that she called hers. She could put up with another two sessions if it meant the difference between seeing Angel and not seeing Angel. Looking back into the room to see if the teacher had noticed her inattention, before turning her refreshed eyes back to the book in front of her.

Minutes pasted and Buffy looked up at the clock. 'Thirty more minutes girl then it's lunch.' Buffy thought desperately. She wanted nothing more than for this damned class to end, and set her free to let her mind recuperate for the next round of classes…an agonising double of Applied Sciences.

When the bell finally went Buffy shot out of her seat, closing her text and stuffing it inside her folder before picking it up her pencil case balancing on top of her folder. Buffy smiled when she saw Willow waiting for her. "Come on lets go to the library and get your schedule printed off for the boyfriend." Willow said with a dreamy sigh, almost wishing that her boyfriend didn't attend school so that he could ask her things like that as well. It was all so romantic.

Buffy chuckled as she saw the romance novel look on Willow's face. Placing a hand on Willow's shoulder Buffy pulled her out of the way of a crowd of students. "Come on Will no spacey romance thoughts until were in the library where it's impossible for you to get trampled." Buffy teased.

Willow blushed, but nodding knowing that it was more than likely to happen, seeing as it had happened before. Walking calmly as the school corridors became devoid of students who had escaped to the outside for fresh air and sunshine. Buffy and Willow made their way to the library doors. "Hey Giles." Buffy, and Willow called as they entered the library.

"Oh yes hello." Giles said looking up from the book he was reading surprised to see students in here outside of classroom hours.

Buffy and Willow settled at one of the few computers in the library. There probably should be more, but Giles wasn't that big a fan of technology. The only reason a couple of computers were in here was because Ms. Calendar, Giles girlfriend, had insisted that any proper modern day library needed one, and so Giles had reluctantly caved and allowed Ms. Calendar to install a couple in the otherwise historical feeling library.

Bringing up the right page Willow scanned down the list of names until she reached Buffy Summers before double clicking. Clicking the small button that was a picture of a printer. Willow logged off. Making their way over to the printer that had whirred to life. Willow gave Buffy a look as she hummed happily. "Ok now who's in romance novel land?" Willow teased gently nudging Buffy's arm with her elbow.

"That would be me." Buffy answered giving Willow a grin as she collected the single page that had her schedule printed on it.

"Bye Giles." Buffy called cheerily as they walked past the librarian.

"Bye Miss Summers, Miss Rosenberg." Giles answered more than a little relieved that the blond haired teenager hadn't come over to engage him in what she considered to be conversation.

Buffy carefully put her schedule in her book bag not wanting to crease the paper that was going to Angel. Dropping the book bag to the ground beside her locker with a lot less care. Buffy linked her arm with Willow's. "Come on let's go find the boys." Buffy said cheerily, leading Willow down the hall, her mind suddenly feeling much more awake then it had just moments before in the classroom.

"Uh huh." Willow agreed a teasing smile gracing her face as she glanced over at Buffy. "We should see if they have more luck at keeping you awake, and free of Angely dreams."

Buffy shot her friend a mock glare, a smile twitching lips. "Doubtful. Very doubtful." Buffy said, causing both girls to burst into giggles as they made it to the student lounge were the boys and Cordelia sat on a couple of the couches.

***B/A***B/A***

"So… cookie dough?" Angel asked Buffy as they stared at the choices of ice cream.

Buffy nodded. "You know me so well." She beamed.

"Two, two scoops of cookie dough." Buffy gave him a surprised look. "Well, I'm allowed to try it aren't I?"

Buffy nodded. "Yeah course. I just had you pegged for the choc peppermint." Buffy teased. Angel chuckled and paid for their ice creams, before taking them from the rack they had been set down on. Handing one to Buffy they made their way out of the store. Buffy took Angel's hand as they began to walk down the street, her fingers intertwining with his.

"So how did you go last night… with all your homework?" Angel asked glancing over at his girl.

Buffy shrugged. "Well, surprisingly I got all of it done. And the Media SAC we've been assigned sounds rather fun. So I'm actually excited to start it… and I sound like a total nerd don't I?"

Angel shook his head teasingly. "No, definitely not." Angel said in a less than convincing voice, earning a mock glare from Buffy.

Angel chuckled and took his first lick of his ice cream. "Hey, this isn't half bad."

"Of course. There's nothing bad about cookie dough. Do you wanna know the best part about the ice cream version?" Angel nodded as he looked over at her. Buffy grinned widely. "It's that your mom doesn't get annoyed if you eat it." Angel chuckled again, he could clearly imagine a younger Buffy wanting to eat unbaked cookie dough and her mother scolding her with an exasperated, but amused smile on her face. "Hey, was it just me or was that red headed friend of yours Wil…" Angel trailed off trying to remember the girl's name.

"Willow." Buffy supplied.

"Right, Willow. Was it just me or was she looking at me kinda… funny?" Angel hedged not wanting to say dreamily.

Buffy shook her head and giggled softly. "Don't worry Angel. It wasn't you… at least not you really. She was off in the land of romance… she has a date with Oz tomorrow night."

"Oh." Angel sighed relieved, the last thing he needed was for Buffy's friends to start eyeing him. The brunette ogled him, but seemed to be happy with Xander, or so he hoped.

Buffy licked a drip that was making its way down the cone she was holding not willing to let it escape her, before going back to eating her ice cream. Enjoying the break she had from studying. "One of my SAC's is tomorrow." Buffy commented.

"Oh? Which one?" Angel asked before eating the last of his cone.

"History. Then the day after I'll have English, then lastly a couple days after Media. Then this terms SAC's will be done… then all I'll have is exams study and then exams… then I'll be free of high school." Buffy said cheerfully. "But one thing at a time, right?"

"Right." Angel agreed freeing his hand from hers so he could wrap it around her small shoulders. "Buffy?"

"Hmm."

"How'd you feel about dinner?" Angel asked, butterfly's beating in his stomach.

Buffy looked up at him. "Now?"

Angel chuckled and nudged her slightly. "Tonight my place. Me cooking…"

"You cook too!" Buffy exclaimed a grin gracing her face as she looked up at him.

Angel returned her smile, and dipped down to kiss her lips. "So is that a yes?"

Buffy pouted disappointedly as she shook her head. "No, I can't tonight. I've got a study date with Willow. That I desperately need to pass my history SAC tomorrow. Raincheck?"

"Definitely." Angel agreed doing his best not to sound disappointed. "Tomorrow night?" Angel asked turning slightly so that he was mostly facing her.

Buffy smiled up at him. "Well, I am free tomorrow night…" Buffy meet Angel's anxious hopeful eyes and found that she couldn't tease him anymore. "Tomorrow night sounds wonderful."

"So tomorrow when I pick you up from school straight to my place?"

Buffy gave him a 'You've got to be kidding' look, before shaking her head vehemently. "Nu uh, I'll have to get changed and all… you could pick me up at my house at 7?"

"7 sound's good." Angel agreed.

"Then it's a date then." Buffy beamed, excitement burning in her belly. She'd never had dinner over at her boyfriend's house before, at least not when there wouldn't be parents around, Buffy frowned her mother was gonna flip!

***B/A***B/A***

Buffy sat silently in the seat of her mother's car as she drove them over to Willow's. "How was your day hunny?" Joyce asked looking briefly over at her silent daughter before turning her eyes back to the road.

Buffy shrugged, trying to act nonchalant. "Got the final finish date for my SAC in Media."

"Oh, that's good. How's that progressing?"

"Yeah ah, good. Really good. Almost finished my prep. Just got to put the finishing touches on it and my presentation will be ready."

"That's excellent Buffy. I'm so proud of you." Joyce beamed.

"Stop it mom. You'll make me blush!" Buffy teased, as Joyce turned down her best friend's street.

Joyce pulled to a stop outside her Willow's house. "So, you'll be right getting to school tomorrow?"

"Yep." Buffy said as she unbuckled her seatbelt. 'Now or never.' Buffy thought as she looked back over at her mother. "Oh, mom, there is one more thing that happened today." Buffy paused as she gathered her courage. "Angel invited me for dinner over at his place tomorrow night, and I accepted." Buffy said hurriedly, before opening her door. Joyce opened her mouth to say something, but Buffy cut her off. "Thanks for the lift, mom. I'll see you tomorrow after school." 'After you've had a chance to digest that little tidbit.' "Bye mom. Love you!" Buffy shouted as she slammed the car door and made a beeline for Willow's front door.

Joyce stared after her daughter for a moment, before she shook her head. Trust Buffy to tell her something like that when she knew that she wouldn't be around to listen to a concerned motherly rant. Well it was bound to happen sooner, or later. But damn she had been hoping for later. Putting the car in gear Joyce drove off heading for home, tears pricking the back of her eyes as she was hit once again by the fact that her baby was growing up.

***B/A***B/A***

"He cooks to!" Willow exclaimed much in the same fashion Buffy had earlier. She was sitting across from her on her bed. Their school books pens and highlighters scattered around them on the bed, for the moment forgotten.

"Yep. I got the whole package." Buffy giggled. "Good looks, muscles, kind hearted, respectful, and can cook."

Willow sighed and looked back down at her books. "Well, at least Oz has four of the five mentioned. Oz couldn't cook to save his life." Buffy and Willow burst into giggles. Willow grinned as she regained herself. "Can you imagine how jealous Cordelia's gonna be when she finds out?"

Buffy sighed sobering. "Will, I know Cordelia gave you a hard time before she and Xander, sorta… hit it off… but don't you think it's time that you let go of your old prejudice for Xander's sake. I mean you're his bestest friend in the whole wide world. You've been together since kindergarten. Don't you think he feels that?"

Willow squirmed self consciously. "Yeah I know." She said resignedly. "And I'm trying, really! But every time I see her I'm reminded of something horrible that she did to me. There's a lot of years of hate that I have to contend with. Like this one time in kindergarten, she stole my brand new doll that my parents had gotten me from a business trip. She told me such an expensive doll should have to be handled by such a dork like you."

Buffy smiled sympathetically. "As long as you're trying Will, that's what counts. And you know I'm sure that when it comes down to it, she'll be a good friend to have around."

Willow nodded. "Well let's get back to America 1754. Then we can go back to discussing this date of yours." Buffy groaned before nodding her eyes going back to her book and folder. She was really over history.

***B/A***B/A***

"I still can't believe that you'll be at his house unchaperoned! I mean my parents get all disapproving when I go over to Oz's for a couple of hours with both his parents at home." Willow murmured lowly as she and Buffy walked towards Sunnydale high.

"I know. Why do you think I told my mother when she dropped me off at your place?" Buffy gave Willow a gentle nudge with her elbow. "Outta the line of fire." Buffy quipped.

Willow giggled as she nodded her agreement to Buffy's tactic. She paused and looked at her friend curiously. "Do you think that maybe… you and he'll… you know… do… that thing?" Willow practically whispered. "I mean that's how it happens in romance novels. You're alone somewhere with only each other. Your eyes meet, and the air sizzles with the physical attraction you feel for one another…"

"I'm not in a romance novel, Will." Buffy chuckled, looking at her friend amused. "You know I hadn't even thought about it. I was too excited about the actual date." Buffy looked off thoughtfully. "But you know… I think I'm ready… t-to take that final step with him." Buffy looked back over at Willow's happy for her face. "I mean ever since I met Angel… there's always been this thing where I just feel so… I can't even think of a word to describe it." Buffy took hold of Willow's arm bringing them to a stop. "I love him."

Willow smiled and grabbed Buffy into a hug. "Oh Buffy! I'm so happy for you!" Willow exclaimed.

Buffy smiled at Willow as the red head released her and they continued on down the street. "Now all I have to do is tell him that."

Willow waved that off. "Oh I don't have a single doubt that he loves you Buffy. I mean what guy not in love would buy a girl a large white adorable rabbit?" Buffy nodded a large smile on her face as the school came into view. An excited nervousness churning in her gut as she thought about the possibilities of her date. The more she thought about it the more she wanted it to happen. Angel was the one she wanted to share that moment with. Maybe that's what that smexy dream she'd had about her and Angel had been all about?

***B/A***B/A***

Buffy bounded down the steps eager to be getting home and getting ready for her date tonight. Not even the SAC she had just completed the last two sessions could dampen her mood. Despite her impatience she waited for her friends who were still on the stairs. It wouldn't take that long to walk together to the gate, before they all went their separate ways. Even so she had to bite her tongue to keep from urging her friends to hurry as they seemed to crawl down the stairs.

Cordelia rolled her eyes at the blond's excitement as she walked down the stairs one of her hands intertwined with Xander's. She couldn't blame the blond though. If she had a date with a guy like Angel before she had gotten involved with Xander she would have been just as excited… she would have just hid it better, but then the blond had never really been able to hide her emotions. Willow smiled down at her friend, before looking away, by chance her eyes landed on a figure that was becoming quite familiar to them. She skipped down the last couple of steps and took Buffy's hands in her own. "Boyfriend seven o'clock." Willow giggled as Buffy swung around a beaming smile lighting up her face as she noticed Angel.

"I'll see you guys on Monday, ok." Buffy said in way of goodbye, before she walked at a controlled pace over to Angel. "Hey, this is a surprise. I thought we agreed on seven at my place."

"I couldn't wait that long."

Buffy blushed and grinned. "Well, this is a nice surprise." Buffy murmured, before rising up on her toes slightly so that she could press her lips against his, her hands resting on his chest for balance. Angel placed his hands on her small waist, enjoying how close they were. It only took a moment for the kiss to heat up. Buffy wrapped her arms around his neck as his tongue brushed against hers.

Angel lowered Buffy back down on her feet, their breaths coming a little harder than before. "I should probably get you home." Angel murmured brushing some hair off her face.

Buffy nodded reluctantly. "Yeah, I need to get ready."

Angel reached back for the helmet that Buffy now silently called hers. "Helmet." Buffy took it and fastened it around her head, the moments practised and precise now. Angel got on his bike, before holding out his hand for her. Buffy grasped it as she with Angel's help swung her leg over the seat so that she was sitting on the bike behind him.

With a purring roar they took off down the road, heading in the direction of the Summers house. Angel pulled up in front of the drive way a couple minutes later, and helped Buffy off the bike. "Thanks." Buffy said as she unfastened the strap under her neck and handed the helmet back to Angel. "So… what are we having for dinner?" Buffy asked curiously.

Angel smirked at her. "You'll just have to wait and see."

Buffy pouted, before she smiled, and pressed her lips quickly against his again. "A surprise then, I'll see you at 7." Buffy beamed turning away, only to turn back a concerned look on her face. "Do you have a car?" She asked a small frown creasing her brow as she tried to remember if there had been one in the garage.

Angel nodded. "Yeah. I just prefer my bike, when I don't have a lot of stuff to take with me."

Buffy nodded. "Ok good. Can't were a hot dress if you're picking me up on the bike."

Angel swallowed thickly a wave of hot arousal crashed over him at the thought of his blond in a red number filling his mind's eye. "I-I'll pick you up in my car." Buffy smiled and gave him a small wave, before she walked towards her front door. Angel watched as she disappeared inside. He looked up at the clear blue sky. 'Heaven help me, get through this night without ravaging her.' Angel thought as he drove off, not at all sure that even with the help of heaven he'd be able to keep his hands off his petite blond tonight even if she was dressed in a burlap bag.

***B/A***B/A***

Buffy walked up into her room, pausing in surprise when she saw her mother sitting on her bed waiting for her, her fingers idly playing with the comforter. "Mom?" Buffy questioned as she dropped her bag on the ground.

"Sit down Buffy." Joyce said softly looking up at her daughter. Buffy walked over to her mother and sat beside her on her bed, her hands clasped nervously in her lap.

"I can't say that I'm overly happy about this," Buffy opened her mouth to plead her case, but her mother held up her hand to silence her. "Let me finish Buffy." Joyce chided. "But even though I still see you as my little girl, who'd run around the yard in her little favourite yellow sundress never failing to get mud all over yourself even in the middle of summer…" Joyce reminisced with a smile. Buffy smiled slightly as she remembered small flashes of what her mother was describing. "You're a grown woman, who can make her own decisions…"

Buffy felt herself blushing in horror, her mother couldn't be trying to have 'the talk' with her could she? "Mom, hold up! We're just having dinner!" Buffy cried, not mentioning her hopes for something else to happen.

Joyce gave her daughter an indulgent smile. "If nothing happens I'd be very grateful. I want you to remain my little girl for as long as possible. But if it does happen…" Joyce fixed her daughter with a firm stare. "I want to know that you'll be careful. A teenage pregnancy is not as fun as it sounds."

Buffy bit back the quip that wanted to spring forth, and nodded her head. "Don't worry mom… I-if something does happen. We'll be careful." Buffy promised. Joyce nodded and got up to leave. "And mom?" Joyce turned back to look at her daughter. "I'll always be your little girl."

Joyce smiled. "Thanks sweetie." Joyce sniffled slightly forcing herself to hold back sentimental tears. "You should start getting ready." Joyce said before she walked out the door.

Buffy sat on her bed in silence for a long moment, before she got up and went to her book bag. Grabbing out the newspaper wrapped bone she headed back down the stairs and out the back door. Climbing over the fence she jumped on the other side to be jumped on by Custard. "Miss me boy?" Buffy giggled as she turned her face away from the wild licking of Custards tongue. She finally managed to push him away long enough to give him the bone.

Custard's attention immediately went to the juicy treat, leaving Buffy safe from further attacks of affection. Buffy squatted down next to the big dog and gently stroked his fur. "Me and Angel have a date tonight boy." Buffy said quietly. Custard gave a small bark. "Yeah you liked him didn't you Custard." Buffy smiled at the dog as she gave his ears a bit of a scratch. "I better go get ready. Enjoy your bone Custard." Buffy said affectionately, before she turned back to the fence and climbing back over.

Buffy washed her hands at the sink in the kitchen, before she headed back up the stairs and into the bathroom closing and locking the door behind her. Quickly stripping off her clothes Buffy turned the hot and cold water knobs, before remembering the fan. Testing the temperature of the water coming from the shower head Buffy adjusted the cold and hot water before jumping in, closing the door behind her. She sighed as the water rained down on her exposed skin. She tilted her head back to wet her hair, the warm water spilling down over her face after a few moments. Buffy reached for her shampoo, squirting a fair amount into her palm she began lathering it into her hair. When she felt that she had worked it in enough she stepped back under the spray and began rinsing it from her hair. The white soapy substance washing down her body, before pooling around her feet, before going down the drain.

She ran her hands through her hair making sure that she'd gotten all the shampoo from her hair. She stepped away from the shower head, and squeezed most of the water out of her hair. Grabbing her conditioner Buffy worked the substance into her hair, twisting the ends of her hair she piled it on top of her head for the moment as she grabbed her vanilla scented body wash.

A good while later Buffy turned off the water and stepped out of the shower immediately grabbing her towel from the rack it was hung over. Drying herself off, she set the towel to her hair as she wandered over to the cabinets. Wrapping the towel around herself Buffy opened one of the cabinet doors and pulled out her hairdryer. Plugging it in, she grabbed her brush and set about blow drying her hair.

Walking into her room that was a little ways down the hall from the bathroom Buffy headed straight to her wardrobe, her front teeth gently nibbling on her lower lip as she looked at the section of her closet that was dedicated to dressy clothes. She eyed the dresses and finally took the three she liked most out and splayed them over her bed. Her eyes darted to each one her heart beating a nervous rhythm in her chest as she looked over each one. She put a pink off the shoulders number back feeling that it was to dressy for just an apartment dinner date. She didn't want to be over dressed, she'd be nervous enough without having to worry about that.

Buffy finally picked the black dress that came to just above her knees. The straps of the dress were wide enough to cover her bra straps, and from memory the last time she had worn this dress, the reaction had been favourable, and it wasn't to dressy. Going over to her underwear drawer, she pulled it open. She reached into just automatically grab a pair when she hesitated, and chose a matching lacy black pair. Slipping them on, she pulled on her dress. Smoothing it down Buffy took a deep breath, before she grabbed the comb that she left in her room. Running it through her hair, she looked at herself in the mirror as she pondered whether or not to put it up. Playing with her hair so that some of the length fell over her shoulders, she examined the look with the dress. It looked alright, but she had the urge to put more of an effort into her hair.

Pulling her hair back combing through it to make it look neater. She tied it back with a thin black hair tie before grabbing a crab clip and fastened the length of her hair to the back of her head, before she shook her head in rejection of the style and pulled it out. Finally deciding to pull some of it back into a ponytail. Pulling gently at some of the tied back hair she made some frame her small face. Walking back into the bathroom Buffy applied some mascara and a hint of a light pink blush to help put a little colour on her cheeks. Applying a clear lip balm, she rolled her lips together to help even it out. Leaving the bathroom Buffy grabbed her small clutch bag. With a calmness she didn't feel she walked down the stairs and into the lounge.

"You look beautiful Buffy." Joyce told her daughter.

Buffy smiled gratefully. "Thanks." She gave a small turn. "Do you think Angel will like it?"

"He'd be a fool not to."

Buffy rolled her eyes. "You have to say that, you're my mom."

Joyce grabbed something off the table. "I want you to take these with you just in case."

Buffy took the small packages from her mother. "What are th…" Buffy cut herself off as it dawned on and a blush heated her cheeks. "Mom," Buffy whined. "I'm sure he has his own." Buffy said trying to hand them back in embarrassment, and a thrill of excitement hitting her at the thought of having to give him one of the small square packages her mother had given her.

"Just take them for my peace of mind Buffy." Joyce pleaded, just as the doorbell rang. Both women looked towards the door. A excitement rushed through Buffy, looking down at her hand that held the condoms her mother had given her, Buffy hurriedly put them in the small clutch bag she had dangling from her shoulder, as if her just holding them whilst he was so close would let him know that she had them.

"I'll see you when I get home." Buffy said giving her mother a hug, sensing that the older woman needed one.

Joyce nodded releasing her daughter from her arms. "Now go have fun. The poor man's probably wondering what's taking you." Buffy smiled and nodded, before walking out of the lounge and the few steps to the front door.

She took a deep fortifying breath not wanting to be a nervous mess when she greeted him. Opening the door she was shocked into silence as she saw him. He was wearing a dark blue silk shirt, and black leather pants. Angel wasn't fairing much better, the greeting that had been forming on his lips dying the moment he took in her appearance. The black dress better than anything he had been unable to keep from imagining her in during the three hour wait he had just endured.

"Hey." Buffy finally managed to breathe out.

Angel pulled himself together and offered her his arm. "Hey." He breathed in return as she took his proffered arm.

A/N: Ok that was chapter 6 sorry again about the long wait for this chapter, but musie was unsure of where she wanted to stop this chapter, before deciding on a small cliff-hanger. Please let me know what you think and I'll try to get the next chapter out sooner :D