Note: This is my first fanfiction and I wrote it late one night listening to ‘Sway’ by Bic Runga. The ff is set after Buffy’s death in Season 5. No language or anything intensely sexual. Just my shot at something sappy and sad. I’m asking only for helpful reviews and no flaming as this is my first try and it’s nerve-wracking posting my work for the public to read. I do hope you enjoy my story, though.

Disclaimer: All characters and storylines belong to Joss Whedon and the creators of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I own nothing but this fanfiction.

Grace

Slender arms were wrapped gently around his neck and a warm body pressed against his own chill form. He slid his hands to her hips and rocked his body slowly in time with hers, rubbing his cheek ever so slightly against her soft hair. She smelled so sweet tonight. He breathed in life and earth and the faint tang of lavender scenting her body. They moved slowly to an upbeat song he had never heard, the man dancing more to the beat of her heart than anything else he might hear that night. The mirror ball suspended above them threw bright slivers of silver light over the couple as they moved amidst others dancing on the gymnasium floor. Balloons floated along the floor as they fell silently from the rafters above; and the couple danced more and more slowly, understanding that the night had grown short. At times, they stood completely still, content to simply hold tightly to one another. It was a night they deserved, a night she deserved.

For tonight, there was nothing on earth that could tear them apart.

And Angel clung more tightly to his love, embracing Buffy’s slender body against him. He tilted her chin up for a moment, fearing that he might not recall the exact shape or color of her eyes. The curl of her lips. The soft skin he had caressed so often. She smiled at him, a sweet smile that he had always believed made his heart beat if only for a moment. How could his heart not beat when he could feel it swelling so quickly, about to burst from the sheer pain and pleasure of looking upon her? The small, fragile girl who had become his savior when he saw her need. She was purpose. His purpose. The girl, blossoming into a woman, who had made every sin forgivable by gifting him with her love?

Tonight was the real and only magic Angel ever cared to know.

"You are so beautiful," he whispered to her, brushing his lips against her ear. He leaned back to enjoy her blush that crept from her neck to her cheeks. Buffy dipped her head down shyly. Angel understood so completely at that moment how normal Buffy felt tonight, at this prom. She was a girl again. Vulnerable. Safe. Loved. Perfect.

How could his heart not beat as it swelled once again, pained by her wistful beauty? He smiled even as his eyes glistened and he twirled her slowly along the dance floor, eager to see her shimmer. He needed her so desperately yet he was leaving her.

Oh, yes, how his heart did beat as he thought of this as the last time he would ever see her as this sweet girl. She moved gracefully in his arms as his hands roamed down the silky material of her dress. This sweet sexy girl he could never stop touching. And now how his heart was pounding, his blood roaring in his ears. She touched his cool cheek with a delicate hand and raised up to kiss him. Her smooth lips touched his and her tongue swept along his teeth and further inside. He tasted her once more and could describe nothing sweeter than her. And as her body pressed more solidly against his as they kissed, Angel thought perhaps she could make his heart stop too.

God, how he loved her magic. Her essence washed over him with every breath, every glance, every touch. He held this sugar-and-spice-spun girl in his arms and wondered yet again how he could ever leave her. He lifted her from the ground, cradled her body against his, and buried his face against her neck. He would never let go. He couldn’t. Their love was too strong and he would never leave her.

But he would. Angel knew in the depths of his mind that he would leave so very shortly. He would glimpse her face from a distance as she stood amid the battle weary of Sunnydale High. Her face would be streaked with soot and burning tears would clean two thin lines down her cheeks. He would walk away into the night and yearn for her like never before. He would clutch his chest in pain as he swore that she had made his heart beat again if only he would return to her. If only he would stay with her and love her and protect her from every enemy that would scar her there afterwards. And yet he could not return, if only for her sake.

"Angel?" Buffy’s voice was so soft, rhythmic.

"Yes, Buffy?" His heart was pounding so fast, surely he could not survive.

"You can let go now."

Cold, crystal tears seemed to fall interminably on her soft hair. Angel gripped her tighter against him.

"No, Buffy. I’m so sorry. I can’t let go of you. See where we are? This was a beautiful night for us. You are so beautiful. You’re perfect and you’re real. See? You’re so real. I can feel you and kiss you and you’re mine, Buffy." His tears fell harder, his chest panting as though he were breathing.

"Angel."

"No, Buffy! Don’t you see? Tonight is your perfect night and you’re the angel and you’re so lovely. Please don’t go. I swear to never leave you again. I’ll hold you this close forever and you’ll be alive. I can hear your heart beating, Buffy. You’re real when you’re in my arms. Oh God, don’t fade away from me again. I can hear your heart beating, Buffy."

"My poor Angel. I’m always where you need me most. I’m real inside your heart as long as you don’t forget me. You can let go now, Angel. It will never mean I love you any less." A sad smile tugged the corners of her lips as she looked up at him, brushing the tears lingering on his face.

"Buffy, please." He sank to his knees and held desperately to her hand. "I can’t watch you fade away again."

"Close your eyes, sweetheart." Angel closed his eyes as fresh tears coursed down. He felt her lips kiss first his eyelids with soft, butterfly kisses before she kissed his forehead, cheeks, and finally his lips. She held his head to her for a precious moment and kissed the top of his head.

"I love you, Angel." A bright flash of light and she was gone. Angel sank down and pressed his face to the floor, sobs racking his body.

And on a sunny day in the city of Los Angeles, a vampire wept against his pillow as he dreamed of the girl he no longer held in his arms.