Lorne walked into Wesley's office without knocking. Luckily, Wesley and Fred were deep in conversation. He put a finger to his lips, cautioning the couple not to speak. Buzzing Gunn's phone, he scribbled Taco Palace on a notepad.
Fred nodded to Wesley and said into the phone for Gunn to hear. "Sure am hungry, how about you take me for some tacos? Maybe with some food on my stomach I can figure this formula out for you."
Wesley sighed loudly. "Fine, I see that it will cost me several dozen tacos to get your skills at their peak. Let's go before the noon rush." They heard Gunn tap the phone before disconnecting.
Lorne slipped from the office, knowing that they each needed to leave at different times with reasonable excuses. He only hoped that Angel knew what he was doing. The souled vampire had a habit of rushing in blindly where it concerned Cordy. Last time he had ended up pulling them along with him to Evil Inc; there was no telling what he would do this time. The Host knew that he needed to peek inside that dark head; he just wasn't sure that there was enough alcohol around for him to survive the experience.
Angel sat waiting for the AI Team to arrive. He waved at the bartender when he saw Lorne. A large martini glass appeared when the green demon sat down. Taking a large sip, a smile spread across his face, brightening his red eyes.
"Thanks, Angel Lips, I needed that. The others should be here soon. They weren't too far behind me."
"That's good. We don't have a lot of time to get everyone up to speed and come up with a plan." He brushed a hand through his hair, mussing the normally carefully sculpted coif.
Fred, Wesley and Gunn arrived minutes later, joining them at the table. They waited anxiously to hear Angel's plan. The team couldn't help but feel nervous about the entire situation. They knew that Cordy's life was on the line, and possibly Angel's Shanshu.
"The shipment is due tomorrow night. According to an informant, Lilah is behind the hijackings. We are going to hijack it and bring the truck back to W&H ourselves."
"What about the driver, or the people working for Lilah?" Wesley didn't like the hard tone in Angel's voice.
"Lilah's using demons, so use whatever force necessary. Access the driver at the scene and do what needs doing. I won't let this opportunity slip away. Cordy's cure is in that truck and I'll rip the truck and anything that gets in my way apart to get it." Angel shoved away from the table, slipping away as only a vampire could before his friends had a chance to say a word.
Fred watched him leave, with worry evident in her large eyes. "I don't know about yall, but if Cordy doesn't wake up soon, we are going to lose them both." The others silently agreed.
Buffy gripped the steering wheel as she revved the engine. She glanced over at her opponent, giving him a sultry smile.
"Hey, chica, when I beat you, do I get to keep you?" he asked, with a hungry look.
"In your dreams. Are you all talk, or do you have some money to back your game?" She held up a large roll of bills. "Now, put up or shut up, unless, you're all talk."
She tossed the money into the seat beside her, watching his face purple in anger. The light flashed from red to green, and they sped off down the straightaway. Buffy kept her car even until they hit the three quarter mark. She hit the NOS, shooting by the finish line with ease. She slowed the powerful car to a full stop before climbing out to collect her winnings. The other driver reluctantly handed over the money, all the while cussing under his breath. She laughed as he talked about women belonging on the sidelines.
She didn't have long to ponder over it because she found herself once again airborne. The gravelly voice purring praise in her ear set butterflies fluttering in her stomach. She decided that she didn't mind a boyfriend who liked to carry her around. It had an odd way of making her feel feminine and protected, although she'd never tell him that.
Their moment shattered when Mia rushed up shouting Dom's name. The panic evident on her face told them that something was very wrong. He put her down, keeping an arm around her as they turned to find out what had happened.
"Come quick; it's Jesse. He's racing his dad's car for pinks." Mia grabbed his arm, pulling him toward their friend who had just lined up to race.
Dom swiftly moved over to the side door. His body tensed with worry and anger, at not only Jesse for his foolishness, but also at how quickly this situation could get out of hand. He didn't doubt for one minute that Johnny goaded Jesse into racing. There was no way that Jesse knew who he would be racing when he agreed to this race.
"What're you doing, Jesse?" He leaned onto the roof, bringing his face closer to the window. "This is your dad's car. He's gonna be pissed if it ain't at home when he gets outta jail. 'Sides, Johnny's got that baby maxed out; the Jetta doesn't stand a chance against it. Think here, Jess, you know that. Come on; use that big ole brain of yours. He's setting you up."
Jesse frowned at Dom. He knew that he could take this guy; he just needed a chance, needed someone to believe in him. "I got this covered, Dom, tuned this baby myself. When I win, my dad and I can go cruising together. Step back and I'll show you what I can do." He raced the engine. A happy smile spread across his face at the powerful growl.
"Come on, Jesse, you don't have anything to prove to us. If you want to race, use my car," Buffy said as her eyes continued to glance at the 'man' in the next car.
She fought the urge to jump over the car, rip him from it and slay the slimeball. Two things kept her from doing just that. Jesse needed to see that they cared about him, not whether he could race, or not. And, Dom deserved to take out the 'man' responsible for Letty's death. Buffy pushed away from the car, ignoring Dom's questioning grace. She walked with a predatory glance that had heads turning and pulses beating. Reaching her destination, she leaned over, giving Johnny a clear view of her 'charms'. His eyes went directly where she intended.
Pitching her voice sexy and low, she said, "You really don't plan on racing Jesse in that ole Jetta do you? I mean, that's not even a real race. People might think you're scared to face take on a real car." Her lips fell into their famous pout. "Told them that I heard that Johnny Tran wouldn't do that, but Dom said you only picked on people you knew you could beat. Surely, this fine looking car can do more than take sub-level pinks."
She allowed her eyes to roam over the car, encompassing the driver as she took in its lines. When her large green eyes returned to him, they held a question as to what type man/driver he was. It hit Johnny's ego button. He gave her a wolfish smile as he leaned forward.
"Tell the dweeb he can choose another car. Johnny Tran isn't afraid to race against any car out here. I'll still walk away with his pink."
"Will do. See, I knew that underneath you were just a pussycat."
She practically skipped over to Jesse's car. The smile on her face got there before she did. Buffy stood on tiptoe to buss Dom's cheek, and then leaned down to whisper in Jesse's ear. His face beamed up at her with awe. She nodded back at him, turned away and took off back toward her car.
Dom tried to grab her as she sped past. She dodged around his outstretched arm with a saucy wave. He frowned turning back to Jesse, crossed him arms over his massive chest and waited for an explanation. The much smaller man started to squirm in his seat, hoping Buffy would return soon. He let out a huge sigh when he saw the red and black car heading their way. She came around behind him, lining up the car, hopping out before rushing up to hand Jesse the keys.
Leon had joined the group and was giving Jesse some last minute racing advice. "See the finish line in your head. Don't focus on anything but it, you got me, man? Keep your head in the game and you'll win. Don't pull a surfer and hit the NOS too soon; wait for it, let him think he has you, then after you hit the halfway mark, count it out in your head, get to twenty easy-like and go for it. You can do it, little bro, we have faith in you; after all, you're part of our team." He gave him a shove and walked over to stand beside the others.
"Didn't know you had it in you, Leon." Dom nodded to his usually quiet friend, as he kept his eyes firmly on the two cars.
The team held their breaths as Johnny peeled away from the starting line with Jesse not far behind him. The Honda seemed to keep a good two feet ahead of the GT-40. Buffy whispered under her breath, "Come on, Jesse, push her a little, she'll take it, there you go." Jesse closed the gap by mere inches before they reached the halfway mark. Johnny glared at him, flashing his red demonic eyes, hoping to scare him into making a mistake. It had the opposite effect. Jesse did panic, which had him pressing the accelerator harder, pulling ahead in the race. Unwilling to lose to the rookie driver, Johnny hit the NOS slightly before the halfway mark. He figured that Jesse would do the same and that he would simply out drive him when they ran out before making it to the finish line. Jesse didn't take the bait. He kept his eyes straight forward, not wanting to see the flashing eyes that he hoped he had imagined. He muttered Leon's words by rote as he drove.
"Halfway, count slowly to twenty, hit NOS, eye on the finish, win, focus on the win, see it, be it, do it."
He flew by the line and stopped the car, unsure who had won. His dad's Jetta came to a screeching halt as it slid up beside the car. The gang scrambled out to rush over to him. Their cheering and smiling faces let him know the answer soon enough.
Johnny Tran sat in his car watching this as his demon fought to remain calm. He saw the blonde saunter over to his car with the same grace in her step and a knowing smile on her lips. His demon wanted to watch that smile fade as he ripped her heart from her chest. He shut his eyes, willing the demon down, opening them to give the girl a smooth smile.
"Guess you came for these?" He jangled the keys at her. Buffy put her hand out to take them. Johnny gave them to her, but as she started to leave, he grabbed her wrist, pulling her forward until their noses nearly touched. "Don't think that I'll forget this. No one gets away with making me look like a fool." He allowed his demon to show in his eyes, thinking to scare her, anticipating her fear.
She pulled back only enough that he could see her face clearly and gave the Slayer free rein to come forth. Her eyes changed from luminous to deadly. "You don't need any help in looking like a fool, demon dude. I planned on you remembering ever second." She leaned up next to his ear. "Time isn't on your side. You're going to pay for killing Letty and all the others. You friend at W&H won't help you this time, no one will. Now, get out of Jesse's new car and don't get in my way until you're ready to end this." Buffy stepped back, allowing Johnny to see the Slayer one last time before she put her away, then she gave him a cute smile as she opened the door.
Johnny wasn't sure what just happened. He knew that this girl scared his demon, and he didn't like that one bit. A car pulled up with his gang inside, he climbed in and they drove away, but he continued to glance back at the blonde standing beside 'his' car.
Team Toretto continued to have a good race day. Brian won several heats, splitting the pot with Dom, as the car's official owner. The day finally wound down, with everyone gathering to discuss when to head out to meet the trucks. They carefully guarded their conversation around Brian, still unsure whether they wanted to include him in their illegal dealings. Vince protested the loudest. Everyone knew it had more to do with Mia than Brian's trustworthiness.
Buffy pulled Dom aside to tell him her opinion. "I think that we should include him. He's a good driver, not to mention that he keeps his cool when situations get wacky. Trust me, with who we're dealing with, that's bound to happen. There could be some trouble tonight and the more muscle we have the better."
He knew that she wasn't telling him everything. She kept her secrets and her feelings close to the vest; he understood that, for the most part, because he was the same way. He tilted her head up so their eyes met. "I trust your instincts on this. When this is over, I want to know what's going on, all of it." She nodded, before turning to go to her car. He watched her go with mixed feelings.
"Don't judge her too harshly, Dom. She's had a lot to carry for a very long time. When she tells you everything, listen to her, I mean really listen," Mia said softly. She placed a hand on his arm as she stepped up beside him. "Please, be careful out there tonight. I want everyone to come back safely. If it gets too dangerous, or it looks like a setup, just come back. Nothing is worth me losing you, any of you."
A large arm snaked around her shoulder, pulling her close to his side. She laid her head on his chest, listening to the strong heartbeat. He had always been her security blanket. He kept her safe, gave her love, everything she needed to help her grow up strong and self-assured, she couldn't imagine a world without him.
"Don't worry, Mia, I'll always come home. Now, go back inside and wait by the phone. We'll let you know when it's an all clear." He kissed her forehead, then scooted her off to bed, as he had so many times before.
A semi-truck drove down a lonely stretch of highway headed toward LA. The driver kept in constant contact with home base. The hijackings had him nervous and he snuck a shotgun into the cab without anyone knowing. He intended on keeping his cargo. His thoughts on his safety, rather than the road, had him slamming on his breaks when he looked up to see a black convertible parked across the road, blocking the lanes.
Tires screeched, rubber burned against the asphalt, leaving marks and smoke for yards behind the eighteen-wheeler as it came to a standstill. The driver grabbed the shotgun as he hit the truck's bright lights. When he saw the things standing there, he wished he had remained in the dark. A man with a misshapen face and amber, glowing eyes started walking toward him.
Before the 'man' took more than a few steps, all hell broke loose. Vehicles came from every direction. High-powered cars came from behind, appearing as if by magic. Roaring motorcycles jumped over the convertible, swerving to create a barrier between the vampire and the truck. The assembled cast froze as they took in the scene.
Buffy slowly stepped from her car, keeping to the shadows. She crept over to Dom to let him know what was about to happen. Brian, she was sure, already had a good idea.
"Listen, I knew there was a good chance it might come to this. When it gets hairy, I want you to focus on the truck. Don't take any chances, though. There is never an easy job when these people are involved. Dom, I have a surprise for you and I promise that you will get it later, if you trust me on this." She begged him with her eyes, putting all her feelings there for him to see.
He turned to look at Leon, Vince and Jesse. "You heard her, boys. Go take care of the truck. Be careful, there's no telling if the driver's packing or not; I know I would be. I'll be with Buffy, so one of you'll have to drive my car back." They nodded without saying a word as he climbed out of the car. He pulled her close to him. "It's not that I don't trust you, babe. I'm not willing to lose you, now that I found you. Let's do this together. Whatever I see won't scare me off from you. Might even surprise you." He kissed her nose, swatted her butt, as she gaped at him before giving him a huge Buffy smile. They walked toward her car, holding hands. Dom pulled out his cell to phone Brian, telling him to follow the team. He was staying behind with Buffy.
Angel thought he saw Buffy off in the distance. The image disappeared so quickly that he decided he had imagined it. The motorcycle riders started revving their engines, spinning the back tires to push the bikes into a circle around their bodies. It was an impressive show, which kept Angel from approaching the truck. He emitted a low angry growl as he stepped closer to the nearest bike. A foot shot out with precision to hit the rider's head. It threw the rider into the others adjacent to him effectively knocking down one side, and clearing a path for his team.
Wesley and Fred moved together toward the driver, while Gunn covered their back. The riders that had remained upright tried to cut them off and found they were dealing with one angry vampire. Angel moved to block them, when he felt others approaching from behind him. He vamped out, preparing to kill anything that got in his way. A blur shot across his peripheral vision, straight at a rider. It pushed Angel into the fight. Dom brought up the rear, ready for a little payback for all the crap the Tran gang had dealt out over the years. He still wasn't sure what was going on, but he did know a vamp when he saw one. Buffy told him not to hurt him, something about the guy being good. He shrugged as he walked into the fight with fist flying.
Wesley and Fred started to open the truck door, when Gunn tackled them to the ground. They looked up and saw the shotgun pointing at them from the window. While the driver kept his focus aimed on the people to his left, Jesse inserted a small drill into the side door lock within seconds the lock popped. He quietly opened the door, slipping inside then back out again.
"Driver has someone held down with a shotgun. Vince, you could slip in quiet like and knock him out, before he even knows you're there. Just, shove him out the door and drive the truck straight ahead, run over whatever gets in your way. We'll be right behind you to keep anyone from following you."
The large man nodded, stepping closer to the truck. Jesse and Leon ran back to the car as Vince entered the truck cab with a stealth that seemed strange for a man his size. Pulling a blackjack from his back pocket, he swiftly disabled the driver. He opened the door and shoved the man out, making sure that he landed safely. The door slammed shut, window rolled up, locks clicked on, as the truck engine turned over, Vince gave a smirk when he hit the loud horn. It had the desired effect. The fighting stopped as everyone turned in shock to see what was happening. He stomped his foot down on the accelerator, popped the clutch and drove over the motorcycles and straight down the highway. Two black Honda Civics followed closely behind the truck. As soon as they cleared the roadblock, one car shot ahead to take the lead.
Wesley helped the driver to his feet, checking him for any serious injuries. Fred held a crossbow on him, not about to take any chances. Gunn wanted to join the fight, except he could see that Angel had it under control. He wondered what the souled vampire would do when he realized that the truck was gone. The only thing he could say was that it was a good thing they had pulled the Angel Mobile off the road. Wesley, Fred and a very confused driver joined him to watch the end of the fight.
"I say, I do believe that's Buffy Summers and the man she danced with several days ago," Wesley said, squinting as he tried to get a clearer view.
"Sure looks like her. Wonder why she's here. Maybe she heard that Angel was having problems and came to help," Fred offered.
Gunn looked over his shoulder to where the truck used to be. "Not to burst your bubble, Fred, but I think the wild chick came here to steal the truck, since it's kinda gone."
Buffy continued knocking down the demons in Johnny's gang; when she was sure no one could see her, she quickly broke their necks. She kept an eye on Johnny, leaving him for Dom. Angel knocked two helmeted heads together, smirking sardonically when they cracked under the blow. He looked around for someone else to fight, only to find no one standing, except one, who was facing off against the muscle bound guy that had danced with Buffy several nights ago. His growl announced his displeasure as he started to interrupt the fight, when he felt a small hand pressed against his sternum.
"This isn't your fight, Angel," Buffy warned, applying more pressure to keep him in place.
"You don't have any idea what you're talking about, Buffy. Now, get out of my way before I have to make you." He pushed his chest against her hand to emphasize his words, only to find that her other hand had come around to place a stake at his heart. His amber eyes slit to glare at her in fury. "Come on, do you really mean to tell me that you're going to stake me, Buffy? What is this about? Why did you take that truck? Are you that pathetic that you can't stand to see me with another woman? You went to all this trouble to keep me and Cordy from being together?" The words tumbled from his lips, heedless as to what he was saying. Angel's only concern was to get to the two men that could answer his questions. Buffy stood in his way and he would do or say whatever was necessary to get by her.
She pressed the stake into his skin, drawing blood. "Does that answer your question? There's more going on here than you know, Angel. Now, step back," she ordered.
He did what she told him. His face returned to normal as his dark eyes stared at her as if he was seeing her for the first time. He felt torn between his old life and the one that he had created for himself. No, he wouldn't let this happen. His life was with Cordelia. He had to find a way to save her. "Where did you take the truck? Cordy's cure is on it and I'm not leaving without it."
She did something unexpected, she laughed. "You are so far gone. Sorry," she apologized, trying to contained her giggles, "about that. Let me ask you a question, and if you can answer it honestly, I'll take you to the truck, deal? With all the resources at W&H, I mean they have witches, freaky portals, all kinds of mojo right?" He nodded his head, not liking where she was going. "Why would they need to bring Cordy's cure by truck? Why not magic it in? Or, helicopter it in? Seems to me they played you, and used her coma to keep you coming back for more. What happened to you, Angel? You used to be smarter than this. No one can get into bed with evil and get up clean. You decide, right here and now, what you're going to do; walk away from W&H, or stay as their puppet?"
She turned away, leaving a shaken vampire to stare at her back and walked over to watch Dom and Johnny face-off against each other.
Dom stood staring at Johnny. The Tran gang lay strewn about highway, either unconscious or dead. Each man stared at the other with years of pent up rivalry and hate. They didn't see anything, except each other. It had finally come, the day they had waited for, the final showdown. They would learn who the better man was. Johnny smirked at Dom, thinking that he had this fight locked up tight with his added demon strength.
Buffy saw the smirk and matched it with her own. She started chanting under her breath. Her eyes closed as she hoped that the favor she had asked from Ethan worked. She opened her eyes in time to see a red glow encompass Johnny, then quickly dissipate. There, she thought, now they had an even fight. Well, almost.
"Hey, babe, just thought you should know. I found out that Johnny's the one that killed Letty," she said in a clear calm voice. She watched his face turn from fight-ready to an enraged bloodlust, set on seeking vengeance for a fallen friend. "Do what you need to, Dom, I'll be right here to catch you." Her soft smile said what words couldn't.
Wesley marched over the minute he heard the exchange, intent on calling a stop to it. He wasn't sure what had passed between the Slayer and the souled vampire, but he knew that they needed this 'man' alive. His purpose was set, and he intended to use every bit of his former Watcher training, plus what he'd learned working with Angel these past years, to help him get through to his former Slayer. "Buffy, you can't possible mean to stand aside and let these two men fight to the death. Slayers do not condone the taking of human life. Have you forgotten what it means to be a Slayer? That man has vital information that we need, and we need your help to ensure he remains unharmed, so that we can obtain it. I must insist that you stop this fight before he is injured," he ordered in his best Watcher's voice.
Buffy didn't turn from the fight to acknowledge Wesley's presence. "My, my, Wesley, you sure have grown into your britches, haven't you? Not that it's any of your business, but I don't work for the Council any more. In fact, they work for me." She winced when Dom took a hard upper cut to the chin. Her smile returned when he gave Johnny a body slam that took them to the ground with Dom landing on top, where he started raining blows down on Johnny's face. "Thought Angel ran a supernatural detective agency; you should know a demon when you see one. Ole Johnnyboy over there's a Drooler and he killed Dom's girl. This is Dom's fight and you're not interfering, unless you think you can take on one very pissed off Slayer." She turned to stare at him with the Slayer presence dominating every pore of her being.
He stepped back, never having see this manifestation before, not even when Faith was torturing him. Wesley knew better than to challenge a Slayer when she was in battle mode. He considered Buffy in her present state a hundred times more dangerous. The others joined him as he made his way over to Angel. They watched their fearless leader stand gazing up at the stars as if they held the answers he sought.
"Uhm, Angel, what are we supposed to do now?" Fred placed a small hand on his arm, jolting him from his trance.
Angel's eyes searched his surroundings, for what, he wasn't sure. They finally landed on Buffy's slim back. Ignoring his friend's questioning looks, he went over to stand beside her. He didn't say a word, simple stood there in silence, watching, waiting, for what, he was unsure, all he knew was that this small blonde once again held his future in her hands. His choices would determine not only his life, but Cordy's and the gang's as well. Would he choose correctly this time? He prayed to the Powers that he would. His head bowed, realizing that this was his last chance. It was all or nothing.
Buffy felt Angel approach. Her body stiffened, expecting an attack. It relaxed when he simply took up a place beside her and silently watched the fight.
Dom felt his body fill with rage when Buffy's words registered. He popped his neck, shook out his arms, bringing his large fists together to crack his knuckles. His eyes darkened until the pupil and iris seemed to blend into each other. A fine tremor shook his body, showing the tight control he held over his anger. He watched his rival's face, the smirking face and arrogant stance. That didn't bother him, what bothered him was knowing that it was the last face that Letty saw.
"She screamed your name, begging you to help her," Johnny taunted him.
His eyes flashed red, remembering how Letty's fear added spice to her blood. He licked his lips, almost biting his tongue off when Dom's fist slammed into his jaw. Spitting out blood, he turned back around with a wolfish smile. It was time to let his demon out to play. Johnny went to throw a punch at Dom, intending to put all his strength behind the hit. His uppercut knocked Dom's head to the side, but the larger man didn't go down, or even seem that phased by the blow. He tried to back up when he saw Dom propel himself at him. They hit the ground and Johnny struggled to get Dom off him. He didn't understand what was happening. His strength was gone. He would have to fight using his own strength and skills. Feeling his nose break, Johnny finally pushed Dom up and over his head, using his upper body. Dom scrambled back to his feet, spinning on his heels to face his opponent. His eyes narrowed when he saw that Johnny had pulled a knife. He kept his focus on Johnny's face, knowing that it would show him where he'd strike first. His decision paid off when he saw Johnny's eyes flick toward his stomach. The knife followed the line of sight soon after, but Dom was ready and arched away from the gleaming blade. He used both fists to slam down onto the extended wrist, sending the knife tumbling through the air, away from the fight.
"Guess you'll just have to fight me the old fashioned way, Johnny. Know you aren't used to going up against someone who's as strong as you are, but them's the breaks. Why don't you show me how you took Letty down? Know that she wasn't a pushover, so why don't you show me how you did it?"
He stepped close, jabbing a hard blow to Johnny's stomach. Johnny took the hit. It arched his back, pushing the air from his lungs. Fear raced through his body when he realized that he wasn't going to win this fight. He didn't know what had happened to his powers, so he did what came naturally to him. If he was going down, he was taking everyone with him.
"Lawyer chick, named Lilah Morgan, gave the gang and me some extras to take over the neighborhood. Your girl saw us working and we had to take her out, boss's order. She sent us here tonight to make sure that truck got through. Said something about pushing that guy over there into taking out a few guys, not sure why. As for you and your little…oomph."
Johnny found himself once more on the ground. This time a kick to the head did the trick. Dom proceeded to kick his side with a heavily booted foot. The sounds of ribs cracking echoed on the lonely highway. When a small hand touched his back, Dom whirled around with a fist raised ready to attack. The hand dropped when he saw Buffy standing there with empathy showing brightly in her eyes.
"It's done. Let it go; he told you about Letty and you've repaid him in kind. Come on, babe, we need to meet the others and call Mia to let her know that we're okay."
He pulled her close, holding her tight against his chest. His hands raked through her multi-colored hair. They came to rest at her waist, wrapping around her in a possessive caress. "Let's blow this joint. We have some things to do when this is all over."
His teeth nipped her earlobe as he whispered huskily exactly, what he wanted to do to her and with her. She stood on tiptoe to pull his head down to hers, giving him her answer. A loud cough interrupted their private moment. They turned to stare at the intruders.
"Erm, yes, well, if you would be so kind," Wesley stammered.
"What English is trying to say is, what's up with you two? Why did you steal the truck and how come your dude kicked the shit out of that guy?" Gunn asked in his straightforward way.
"I believe I would have said it with more tact, but those are some of the questions that we'd like to know," Wesley said.
Angel stepped forward to join the group. His dark eyes took in the scene unsure what he was about to say until the words left his mouth. "I'm sure that Buffy had a good reason to take the truck." Everyone, including Buffy, stared at him, slack jawed. "What? I can admit when I'm wrong." When their expressions changed from shock to doubt, he crossed his arms stubbornly, but ruined it when he started to pout. "I can, I've admitted I was wrong lots of times."
"Yeah, boss, you keep telling yourself that and the Blue Fairy will never turn you into a real boy," Gunn told him.
Buffy couldn't stop the laughter that she had tried desperately to contain. It burst from her lips at that moment. "I'm s-sorry, A-Angel, but h-he's right. You…." She stopped grabbing her sides that had started to ache as she tried to catch her breath.
"That's great, go ahead laugh it up, doubt my sincerity. I'm giving up everything here on just your say so, and you think it's funny." He turned his back on her, immediately going into brood mode.
Buffy immediately sobered into a fine rage. She couldn't believe him. He turned every situation back into a 'poor Angel' drama. Dom saw the fire in her eyes and tried to grab her arm to get her to calm down. She slipped by him faster than he thought a person was capable of moving. Her feet ate up the few feet of asphalt that separated them until she stood facing his back. She tapped him on the shoulder, and when he didn't turn around, she gave him a good hard shove.
Angel spun around with amber-lit eyes. His disappointment showing in his entire body as he asked, "What do you want, Buffy?"
"For you to grow up would be a nice change. Stand up and face the music, Angel. You screwed up. What are you going to do about it? What are you willing to do? Tell me," she hissed at him.
She had never talked to him like this, not even the other night on patrol. Have we really changed so much that we can't even speak to each other anymore? Is it her, or was it me? She seems the same. Oh, I know that she's more independent, but she's still Buffy underneath. I mean she cares about people and does what she can. That part of her couldn't ever change. Have I changed so much that she doesn't know me anymore, have I lost my way completely? His thoughts turned to Cordelia and wondered what she would tell him to do. Angel knew that he was at a crossroads and that this was his decision and no one could make it for him.
"I want to do what's right. W&H need to go down, if it's even possible. They've held Cordy hostage; and if there was a way for her to wake up, then they would've done it before now." Tears leaked from his dark, soulful eyes as he faced the realization that he'd have to let his love go. "Will you help us?"
Wesley came over to place a hand on Angel's shoulder. "Are you sure, Angel?"
"Yes, someone once told me that you can't fight evil by getting in bed with them and I should've listened to them. I let my need for Cordy cloud my judgment. I'm willing to take whatever punishment the Powers dream up for me. W&H aren't going to use her as a bargaining tool any longer. We have to get her out and allow her to go in peace."
Fred threw herself into Wesley's arm, sobbing her heart out, knowing that they were about to lose a friend. Gunn joined them as they accepted the decision and prepared for the Cordy's final release.
Buffy walked back over to Dom who welcomed her with open arms. She clung to his quiet strength. "We better call Mia and let her know that we're all right," she said against his chest.
His kissed the top of her head. "Already did. She said to call if we needed any help. Sounded like she knew what was going on here. You in share mode, yet?"
She lifted her head, giving him a warm smile. "I'll give you the short version on the way. That's if you want to help."
He gave her a tight hug. "You're gonna have a hard time shaking me, babe."
"Sounds good to me. Let's go over and talk strategy with the others. Don't be shocked by anything you hear; promise I'll explain everything when we get back to the car."
"You mean like the tall dude is vamp, stuff like that?"
He gave her a knowing smirk, slapping her butt as he walked by, headed toward the others. She stood there with a stunned look on her face that a bright smile quickly replaced. "Well, I'll be, this relationship just might work out after all." She hurried to catch up with him. They walked up to Fang Gang holding hands.
Dom and Buffy drove back toward LA in silence. She had told him about the things that go bump in the night and her former job as a Slayer. He took everything really well, considering that he already knew about vampires. That came as a surprise to Buffy, since it turned out that the vampire he knew was none other than Spike. It really was a small world. Spike had saved Dom's life several years ago when another vampire decided that he would make a nice snack. Turned out that the vampire in question owed Spike money and he decided to take it out in dust. Since he had gotten his money, plus a few dollars more, Spike didn't see any need to take Dom's life. Buffy shook her head at the strange tale. Nothing should surprise her regarding that particular vampire. He had surprised her on a regular basis.
She felt as if something major was about to happen. Something much more significant than Angel removing Cordelia and trying to shutdown W&H. The Slayer pounded against its internal cage screaming for release the closer they got to Evil Inc. Her hands gripped the steering wheel so tight it was a wonder it didn't break.
A large hand reached across the darkened interior to caress the whitened knuckles. "Relax; we'll get through this fine. You cover my back and I'll cover yours. Do you think that they'll have a hard time getting that chick out?"
She relaxed her fingers, thankful for his calming influence. Taking a deep breath, she exhaled before speaking, "There's no telling with the people they're dealing with. We just have to be prepared to deal with whatever they throw at us. Call Brian and make sure that he's waiting for us and picked up the stuff from my house." She saw the frown flickered across his face before he quickly hid it. "Dom, he has his own reasons for doing what he did. Let him tell his story and you'll understand. Just know that when he was told to leave that he stayed for Mia and to see that Johnny didn't hurt anyone else."
"Still don't like it. But, Mia will have the deciding vote. Can't protect her forever, and like you already said, she's known about this stuff longer than I have." He dialed Brian's cell, telling him what they wanted him to do and snapped the phone shut.
"You okay with this? It's not everyday that you go into fight against, well, evil with a capitol 'E'."
"We all face evil in one way or another, Buffy. Yours comes with ugly faces and sharp teeth. Mine comes from nightmares of returning to prison, seeing that man I beat to death for killing Pops, fighting off the Johnny Trans, even the ones that aren't demons. People are as evil as demons. Their faces just do a better job of hiding it. Kinda like your way better, you know what you're fighting when you see it. Easier to do what you need to do."
She caressed his smooth head as they rode the remainder of the way in silence. Parking several blocks away from the W&H building, Buffy saw Brian waiting for them. He had a worried expression on his face, no doubt wondering about Dom's reaction to his past. She hoped that they could put that aside until they had completed what they came here to do. They climbed out joining Brian by his car.
"Did you find everything okay?" She went to search the trunk, ducking inside to start pulling out weapons and handing them to the men without looking. Buffy stood up, taking in the guarded looks on their faces. "Okay, put away your egos, boys, there isn't any room for them in there. Angel said that the place never really closes. The human employees leave no later than seven. So, anyone you come across is fair game. Every demon can be killed a different way. The one tried and true, though, is beheading. Those swords have a silver base, plus a few other compounds needed to kill off baddies. Just slice and dice." She grabbed a large bag, adjusted the strap on her shoulder and started walking toward the building. Dom and Brian continued staring at each other. "You boys going to kiss or what? If you don't come along now, I won't leave any for you," she called back over her shoulder.
"Guess we better get to it," Dom said as he moved to follow his girl.
"Guess so," Brian agreed with a relieved smile. He jogged over to join them as they approached the tall high-rise.
Buffy stopped when they stood just outside the front doors. They had agreed to take the front head on, while Angel had Lorne and Fred sneak Cordelia out through the garage. Angel told them about the white room and they decide to face off against the Senior Partners there. She pulled out the sword she had used to send Angel to Hell, thinking it appropriate for what they were about to do. Shaking out her body, she grabbed the front door pulling it off its hinges as she strode inside followed by Dom and Brian. Guards rushed at them, their blazing purple eyes and uncommonly large arms clearly showing that they weren't human. Buffy unleashed the Slayer straight at them. She downed the guards, sending them back toward Dom and Brian, who quickly went about cutting off their heads. They hurried over to the elevator, punching in Angel's floor. Buffy snuck out to peek around the corner, then motioned to the guys that it was clear. They moved quietly from the elevator to follow the silent footsteps of the small warrior who led them. She opened the door, happy to see Angel and his team prepared for a fight. Dom and Brian came in and closed the door. She tensed when she heard a phone ring.
Angel dove for it, grabbing it off his desk. "Yes…Thank the Powers...Any change…No, I didn't expect any…Don't let anyone near her…it's over…That's if we can still call…Don't let anyone get to her...We will if we can…I know…Me too." He nodded to his team mates, who sighed in relief. His expression turned serious as he opened a desk drawer, pulling out a large map. "This is the building's layout. We're here and the white room's there." He pointed out each landmark for them. "The panel displays a hidden button when you enter the right code. Not sure, who's minding the store. It used to be a little girl, but the Beast killed her. When Gunn visited, it was a black panther."
Buffy started pacing the floor, mulling over Angel's words. There had to be more to it than that. She knew that it would come to her. Somehow, through everything she'd faced, her instincts had never failed her. She planned to follow her gut and it was leading her to an elevator that went to a floor that didn't exist. Was her life weird or what? Lowering her lids, she glanced at Dom to see how he was handling the craziness. He leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, with a bored expression on his rugged face. His body language didn't give anything away. Her eyes trailed over said body at a slow, leisurely pace. Instant lust filled her eyes. Brown eyes answered with an equal heat at her journey's end. She shivered from the flush of heat that shot through her body. Guess she would get to try out Faith's boast about the hungry and horny theory.
Angel grabbed a large broadsword. "Are you sure about them?" He used his sword to point at Dom and Brian.
"Don't worry about us, vamp, we'll carry you out if it gets too rough," Dom replied, pushing off from the door to join Buffy.
"Uh, not to pop anyone's bubble, but since we don't know what we're facing when we get to wherever the hell we're going, does anyone have a plan on who's doing the talking?" Brian piped up, wondering if anyone was going to captain this boat.
"I will. This is my mission and if there's any talking to do I'll do it." He didn't wait for protests as he stalked out the door, heading for the elevator.
Buffy shrugged a shoulder, grabbed Dom's hand, dragging him with her as she pushed Brian through the door. The other two, used to Angel's ways, simply followed at a more leisurely pace. Everyone pushed their way inside, trying to make room for one another. The doors closed, but nothing happened.
"Is someone going to push a button or do we think the elevator there?" Buffy asked.
"I have to put the code in and I just need a minute to recall it," Angel said huffily. He muttered under his breath, entered the code, but nothing happened when he hit the last button.
"Thought you knew the code," Gunn said.
"I do; photographic memory, remember?" His fingers flew across the keypad once again with the same effect.
"Yeah, but how old is your camera?"
Buffy rolled her eyes, leaning against Dom while she allowed her mind to play over everything.
The doors finally opened to a stark white space. It contained no walls, doors, ceiling, or floor. It just was. They stepped out into the strange room. They clutched their weapons close, waiting for whatever the Partners planned to throw at them. A dark spot appeared at the room's center. It started to grow, taking shape as it worked to enter the barren room. Bright lights flashed, forcing the intruders to cover their eyes. When they uncovered them, there stood - Buffy.
"You've got to be kidding me. The best you can come up with is me. In case you didn't get the memo, I don't work on your team," Buffy growled, stepping forward.
Angel grabbed her pushing her behind him. "No, this is my fight."
WR-Buffy smiled at him and said, "Aw, lover, you want to keep this just between us, how sweet. You signed a contract. That means you're mine, along with your little team. You'll find that our contracts are binding and last beyond the grave. Just ask them."
The sultry lawyer stepped through the elevator doors. She took in the Fang Gang, Buffy, and the boys then turned to bow toward WR-Buffy. "What can I do for you?"
"Lilah, please, inform Angel exactly how binding our contracts are."
She silently removed the scarf around her neck, exposing the scar where Wesley had beheaded her. "They can reach beyond the grave or send you to any region of Hell they choose. I went to a rather nice section with my own condo, but if I don't perform well here, I could end up in a lower region, which, believe me, no one wants to go to. Lindsey and Eve are no where to be found, I'm sure they are finding out the truth of it as we speak." She couldn't stop the satisfied smile at that thought.
"Can I ask a question?" Brian stepped up next to Angel.
WR-Buffy scanned this newcomer, accessing his memories. She gave him an evil smile. "Yes, Officer, by all means impress us with your legal knowledge."
Brian glanced at Buffy, who nodded at him to go ahead. He turned to Lilah and asked, "What did they offer you when it came time to sign your contract?"
"That they'd take care of my mother's medical bills until she passed away from natural causes."
"Did they do what they said?" Brian listened for the answer, but he watched WR-Buffy's response.
Buffy and Angel saw where he was going with this. WR-Buffy's expression turned thunderous.
"Yes, she lives in a nice home with round the clock care."
He turned to Angel. "What did they promise you?"
Angel gave WR-Buffy a hard glare. "That they had the medical and magical know-how to wake Cordelia from her coma. But, they didn't do either one. Every time I asked when she would wake up, they told me that it was only a matter of a few more days. Her latest story," (he pointed accusingly at Lilah) "was that the shipments containing the cure were hijacked. There wasn't any cure. Cordelia is still in a coma, even after I took her from this place."
Lilah gasped, realizing that her trump card no longer resided in the building. Her face flew toward WR-Buffy's where she saw her fate written clearly. "No, please, I can do what you want. Give me another chance."
WR-Buffy waved her hand. An opening appeared under Lilah's feet. The last anyone saw of her was her eyes, huge with fear, as she disappeared from sight. "That takes care of that. Now, where were we?"
Angel stepped forward with a predatory grace. He didn't fear this creature anymore. He was ready to take on his own destiny. "You broke our contract and I'm here to, what's the legal term, Wesley?"
"Request adequate recompense for breach of contract and liquidate said contract," Wesley supplied.
"Yeah, what he said."
WR-Buffy frowned unsure how to handle this situation, since it had never occurred before. Before she could turn the tables on the souled vampire, a blindingly bright light entered the room. WR-Buffy shied away from the light, folding in on herself while the others shielded their eyes. When the light lowered to a dull glow, there stood, a Knight Templar, dressed in full regalia. The blazing red cross on a white field seemed to carry a light of its own in the stark surroundings.
"What are you doing here? You are not allowed here; this is not your world," WR-Buffy screeched.
"Desist, evil spawn," the Knight ordered. His voice held a power and knowledge not easily disobeyed.
WR-Buffy stomped her foot in frustration. "I'm not finished with him. He can still choose us."
The Knight turned eyes filled with the cosmos of time toward her. "You had more than enough time; begone."
WR-Buffy shrieked as she started to disappear. She pounded against an unseen force, trying to return to her own power base, which another had so easily taken from her.
"Guardian of the Chalice, come forth," the Knight commanded.
Everyone was trying to figure out who he was talking about, except one. Buffy stepped around Angel to stand before the Knight. She stared into his endless eyes, wondering if she would learn any answers to her own questions there. She shook her head; this was about Angel, not her.
"Has the dark one stepped into the light? Is he worthy of the chalice? Of the gift?"
She heard Wesley and Angel's combined gasps. Somehow, they knew about the chalice. Did they know everything about it? Is that why he agreed to let Cordy go? She turned away to stare into the soulful eyes that she used to know so well. She saw pain, longing and acceptance. No, he didn't know everything she decided. He had accepted his foolishness and decided to right the wrong with W&H. Angel deserved a chance at happiness.
"Yes," she said firmly.
The chalice appeared in the Knight's hands. "Provide the gift, and if his heart and soul is as you say, then it shall accept him as prophesied."
After Buffy took the chalice, she pulled a small knife from her boot and sliced her wrist, allowing the blood to fill the golden cup. Dom would have interfered, except Brian and Gunn held him back. The knife dropped to the floor as she carried the blood filled cup over to a stunned Angel. She offered the chalice to him with a soft smile.
"Drink it. You earned this gift, Angel. It's not a reward, but a goal attained after a long journey. You've reached your goal - redemption. Take the gift offered and make a good life for yourself."
His large hands shook as they cupped her smaller ones. They lifted the chalice up to his lips as he drank the nirvana that was her blood, Slayer blood, Buffy's blood. His eyes closed as it touched his tongue reminding him of another time she offered it so freely. It passed down his throat filling his body with her life-giving strength. The blood flowed out into his system changing it from the dead to the living. He gasped as it finally hit his heart. Angel fell to his knees, clutching the once still organ as it started beating. He lifted his head to stare at his first love in wonder. He was human. His heart was beating and he was breathing. He couldn't believe it. Angel stood up and grabbed Buffy, hugging her tightly.
Dom came over to pull them apart. "Not that I don't understand you being happy, vamp, but my girl's still bleeding." He shoved Angel back, none too gently, pulling a bandana from his back pocket. "You do this kinda thing often, babe? Gotta tell you, don't much like you cutting yourself up for an old boyfriends."
Wrapping the cloth around her wrist, he tied it tightly to stop the blood flow. She giggled at the face he made. He scowled at her then leaned over to give her a soft kiss. She found herself swept up in his large arms moments later. Cuddling closer, she laid her head down on his shoulder as she wrapped an arm around his neck.
"I gotta tell you, kinda liking this whole he-man thing you got going, babe. Makes my tummy all fluttery. Don't tell anyone I said that," she whispered.
"Take it to my grave," he promised.
The Knight smiled at the Guardian's choice in protectors. She had chosen well. He would guard not only her body, but her heart as well. He motioned for them to approach him. He hid a grin when he saw the protector hold the Guardian closer and reluctantly do as he as asked.
"Guardian, your have fulfilled your duty to this Earth. It will fall to another when the next Dark One is born. Your future is your own. Live it well."
Before Buffy could think straight enough to ask a question, the Knight disappeared. He wasn't the only one that disappeared, though so did they. They blinked several times to clear their eyes. Going from the white room to a room filled with colors had them seeing spots. It took them a minute to realize they were in the Hyperion's, or rather the Shelter's lobby. Fred and Lorne rushed up to them, throwing their arms around the AI team. Anne waved at Buffy, who was still in Dom's arms. While the kids seemed to take it all in stride and went on about their business.
"Isn't anyone going to tell me what in the heck is going on here? Why are all these kids in the hotel? Why is Buffy here and who's the hottie holding her? What's with the surfer guy? Angel, what's going on?" Cordelia yelled from her place on the couch.
Everyone froze in place, turning as one to stare at Cordelia Chase, awake and pissed at not knowing what was happening around her. She glared back at everyone, somehow pulling off an intimidating posture from an inclined position, wearing a hospital gown.
"Cordy," Angel whispered.
"Yeah, you act like you've seen a ghost. What's wrong, do I have something in my hair?" Her hand immediately went to her chestnut curls, searching for anything offending or out of place. They returned to her lap when she didn't find anything. That's when she realized that she wore a hospital gown. "Why am I dressed in a moon gown?"
"Moon gown?" Angel stared at her, hardly understanding a word she had said as he tried to take in the fact that she was awake.
"You know, opens in the back so you moon everyone when you walk. Geesh, Angel, snap out of it. What is with you people? Could someone tell me what the hell is going on here?"
Buffy motioned for Dom to put her down, which he did reluctantly. She walked over to kneel beside Cordy. "Hey, Cordy, long time no see. What your friends aren't saying is that you've been in a coma for a while and just woke up. Their kinda gobsmacked to see you and haven't come back to the living yet. Give 'em a few minutes to adjust and they'll be all with the happies and have answers for you. Glad you're okay. I'm living in LA, so maybe we can hang some time. That's my guy, Dom." She pointed over her shoulder. "Pretty hunky, huh? The surfer guy is my best-friend, Mia's boy-toy." She giggled when she heard Dom growl. "We're going to take off and let you guys get reacquainted. I'll leave my number with Fred. Call if you feel like talking."
Cordelia searched the face of the girl she had loved to hate. She saw nothing but sincerity. She smiled at Buffy, realizing that they had both changed over the years. "I'll do that, and Buffy, thanks."
The small blonde nodded her head as she got up and walked back over to the large muscle-bound man. They stopped to talk with Angel before they left. "Angel, you do know that the hotel is Anne's. You can't take it back now that you're no longer CEO of W&H."
Buffy stared into his eyes, letting him know that she wouldn't allow him do that to Anne. He nodded, wondering just how he was going to tell Cordy that they didn't have anywhere to live. A heavy sigh escaped his lips. Oh, well, better to walk into the lion's den than get thrown.
Brian left, heading back to Road Wars for more racing and Mia. Dom and Buffy had other plans. She drove directly to her father's condo. They didn't say a word as they walked into the house. He picked her up, carrying her into the bedroom. An eyebrow went up at the mink bedspread, which she shrugged a shoulder at. He placed her gently on the bed, laying down beside her.
They turned to look at each other, simply caressing each other with their eyes as their feelings filled the room. They leaned in for a tender kiss. When air became an issue, they pulled apart to lean their foreheads together.
"Are you sure?" Dom asked, his dark eyes never straying from her face.
"Yes, I want you. Want to be a part of you. I know this seems fast, but it's right. Right for me, and I hope for you."
Dom stopped her from speaking by placing a finger across her lips. "I know that you thought Letty was my girl. She wasn't." He saw the doubt in her eyes. "We were best friends. Yes, we slept together on occasion, but that was more to keep others away than for love. We knew that we weren't right for each other. I've waited a long time to find you, Buffy. I guess that's why I didn't want to believe that it could be the pig tailed little blonde that hung around the house when I was a kid. Shoot me, I'm stubborn." He gave her a sexy grin.
"What can I say, men are stupid." He tickled her for that comment, causing her to burst out laughing. "Stop, stop, okay, all men aren't stupid." He stopped his torture. "Well, they are, but some get over it."
She gave him a bright smile as she pulled him down for a long, leisurely kiss. When her lips found his, Dom forgot what they were talking about. She filled his every thought. His hands came around to cup her head and back, pulling her closer to his body. Her leg straddled a large thigh as she pressed to get closer still. They moaned into each others mouths as their passion flared higher. Each glad they waited until they had cleared the air between them, until the time was right. Their clothes seemed to melt away as kisses wandered from hungry lips over uncharted skin. Hands trailed behind the lips, memorizing each peak, valley, muscle, bulge, the softness and hardness of the bodies they explored. It was a time to learn, to worship and pour out the feelings kept hidden from each other these past weeks. They murmured tender words to each other as they went.
Buffy lay naked, pressed against the satin sheets while Dom stroked her inner calf. His calloused hands scraped along her soft skin, working their way toward her center. Her body undulated in anticipation as he edged closer to where she needed his touch. Her breath hitched when he reached the outer lips. He skimmed the soft folds, barely touching them as his fingers traced their outline. Her hips shot off the bed as the first orgasm hit her. The simple touch shouldn't have sent her over the edge, but the anticipation plus his rough hands combined with the soft touch did it for her. She came back down to find him staring at her with a satisfied smile. She stuck out her tongue, which had him laughing that low deep grumble that settled low in her body. Buffy wondered if you could die from sensory overload. She smiled dreamily, what a way to go, it beat her other deaths by a long shot.
Dom watched her face, wondering what she was thinking about and hoping that he was responsible for that dreamy look. His fingers slipped inside at that moment, and she rewarded him with a loud gasp. Her eyes refocused as she stared back at him. The pupils dilated with lust. She moved her hips against his hands as her walls clung to his fingers. His own eyes closed this time, imaging her doing the same to him.
She smiled as if she read his mind. "Want you, Dom, inside me, please."
He took her to the edge, withdrawing his hand and quickly replacing it with his own hard length. She screamed as he entered her completely. Her back arched as he pulled her legs up and over his arms to seat himself deeper inside her. Buffy gasped for breath as she felt him fill her. It felt right to her, complete. They started to move together, slowly, learning each other, adjusting to this newness. When it felt comfortable, their movements increased until they wrung passionate moans from each other. They lay cuddled together afterwards, feeling complete and satisfied.
"Dom, what do you want to do? I mean do you want to keep street racing, or do you want to do the real thing?"
"Can't do it for real. They banned me from the tracks after what happened when Pops died." He kissed her hair, brushing it away from her face.
"I know Mia wants to open a restaurant and with the money we already made, there's more than enough for that. The people I know have already said that they would buy whatever I can bring them, which gives me an outlet for the Slayer. She can take out the demons and bad guys that steal or buy those trinkets. That leaves you, you should get a happy out of this."
He lowered his lips to hers, pulling her into a long passionate kiss. "Got me a happy, right here."
She smiled at him, cuddling closer. "That's not what I mean, not that I don't agree. Happy, very happy. You were young when you beat that man and someone should have pleaded you out. They should have pleaded, what's it called, oh yeah, temporary insanity. You just watched your father die, no one could have had a clear head after watching that. Bet I could blackmail those 'friends' into seeing if they can't get the Racing Committee into giving you another chance. The rest is up to you, if you want it, I mean." He sat up in the bed, staring at her in wonder. She started to squirm when he didn't say anything after a while. "I won't if you don't want me to, just thought since you love racing so much…"
He grabbed her, throwing her into the air as if she weighed no more than a doll. Buffy squealed in surprise as he caught her, pulling her underneath him. Dom rained kisses over her face until she caught his face, guiding his lips to her's. The kiss went on forever, leaving them gasping for air.
"No one has ever gone to bat for me, or ever questioned what happened that day. I know that nothing may come of it, but if you think they might be able to help, I'd appreciate it. You're right; I've dreamed about racing since I was little. Somehow, it'd be like I was carrying on for Pops, you know what I mean?"
She nodded her head, smiling at the hope she saw on his face. "I'll call tomorrow. We still have today just for us."
They wrapped their arms around each other, both silently promising in their hearts never to let go, and they never did.
~ The End ~