Compilation for a Bittersweet Love Story: Five Decisions Buffy and Angel Never Made

Author: seraphcelene
Email: seraphcelene at yahoo dot com
Rating: G
A/N: The title is from a compilation of underground Korean and Japanese artists entitled CRACKER and released by Pastel Music. Each segment of this ficlet is titled with a song (none of which are actually from CRACKER, although I did try) and the performing artist, followed by the episode(s) relevant to the selection. It might be fun to read the drabbles to the music, if you can find them. It's how I wrote them.
Disclaimer: Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel the Series and all related characters belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, UPN, the Warner Company, et al. I'm just taking them out for a little exercise.
Summary: Five drabbles that aren't true.

**

1. Across the Ocean - Azure Ray
post-Flooded, pre-Life Serial

There are miles to go but Angel never says, "Let's go back." He's quiet in the driver's seat, deep in thought or, perhaps, just comfortable with the silence between them. Buffy isn't sure of anything anymore and can only remember heaven besides.

A map, still crisp and folded in on itself, is wedged, forgotten, between them. It's the third one. The other maps have been tossed, equally as crisp and neatly folded, into the backseat. For now, that is fine

This isn't a road trip and maps are unnecessary for this kind of last minute, headed-towards-nowhere escape.



2. You Really Got a Hold On Me (cover) - She & Him
I Only Have Eyes for You

Her head falls back and he presses in deep. Fang to cock, she can feel him moving gently, coaxing her rabbiting heart to slow.

Buffy closes her eyes and raises her hips; Angelus continues the long easy slide. She had never thought that letting go would be so easy.

She doesn't flinch when he pulls his mouth away or when she feels the drip of salty-bitter against her lips. Her heartbeat is almost non-existent now, and when he offers his throat in return Buffy tries not to gag, lets the pleasure of his body riding hers carry her away.


3. One I Love - Meav
Graduation, Part II

With the tipping of the world, Buffy sees the burning sky. Ashes settle in her hair and eyelashes, and when she blinks the hazy red-gold sky has swallowed the sun. The crack of her shoulder against the pavement jars awake half-forgotten dreams and she worries over the absence of a cap and gowned army wielding arrows and holy water.

Reaching Willow lies broken nearby, Oz curled around her back. Angel stands at the foot of the stage with sword in hand.

Buffy remembers that she chose Angel, and Willow was the only one who stayed.

She is sorry for that.


4. Shade and Honey - Sparklehorse
post-Not Fade Away

They move like breathing. She in his shadow and he curves to catch the vampire ghosting behind her. Buffy grins before turning, a well aimed roundhouse kick knocking the vamp to the ground. Pulling a stake from the folds of her shirt, she drops to one knee. Dust settles around her in a sudden implosion.

Angel helps Buffy to her feet, brushes his thumb over the dirt smudged across her cheeks. The world is covered in ash these days. They live bitter and sweet, her hand in his shadowed only by the Hellmouth cratered in the center of L.A.



5. My Number - Tegan and Sara
post-A Hole in the World

"What did you do," Buffy asks. Angel can hear the echo of every mistake he's ever made in the bells of her voice.

"I chose," he responds, staring out the window at the rising sun. Behind him, Buffy sighs.

"How are we supposed to get past this," she asks.

"We don't," he says, turning to face her. With the sun at his back, his face is full of shadows. "You leave the city. Collect your baby slayers and get out."

The look in her eyes is fury and heartbreak. "I'm not your enemy, Angel. When you remember that, call me."

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