3rd Person's POV

"So what the heck is going on with Laney?"

"What do you mean?"

Willow, Buffy, and Xander all stand in front of Cordelia blocking her from leaving the space by her locker.

Buffy rolls her eyes before throwing up her hands in frustration, "She's ignoring us again. Even after I apologized like ten times about the whole me being in my head thing with he who shall not be named."

Xander frowns confused, "Voldemort?"

Slapping a hand over her face lightly, Willow sighs, "Yes Xander, Voldemort. Back to the issue at hand please and thank you. Cordelia, she wont even talk to me. And I'm her sister."

Cordelia stands with a hip popped while she leans against the row of lockers with the most nonchalant face she could put on. She shrugs lightly before slowly pushing through Willow and Xander.

"I have no idea." She turns to Xander and Buffy as she begins to walk away backwards, "Although, you two do realize that even though you may apologize time and time again... that maybe, just maybe one day she might not have the heart to forgive anymore. And when that day comes... god help us all."

The three watch as Cordelia hurries away.

"I'm still confused who is the person who shall not be named."

. . . . .

Willow unlocks her front door and walks through closing it behind her.

"Hi mom. Are you making anything for dinner?"

As Willow throws her backpack on the kitchen island chair, she freezes staring at the person across from her in awe.

"Uh hey..."

"Hi..."

Angel nods with an awkward smile as he holds a mug in his hand, "How was school?"

Willow raises an eyebrow before shrugging, "It was school. You learn things... whatcha doing here?"

"Laney wasn't feeling too well yesterday. So I just came to check on her..."

"Oh wow... I'm starting to see you more than my own sister. How crazy is that?"

"Crazy it is. I'm sure she'll make an appearance to you guys soon. I think she just has alot on her mind."

Willow frowns.

What was going on with Laney? And why hadn't she come to Willow?

They were sisters for heavens sake. Was Laney talking to everyone but the Scooby Gang?

"Oh okay... um what's in the mug?"

"Hot cocoa."

Willow smiles softly, "You know how to make hot cocoa?"

Angel chuckles shaking his head, "I didn't. Laney taught me. Said it was a necessity... she also said it was a crime that I had never had it before."

"Sounds like her." Willow laughs to herself.

"Yea-"

"Angel what's taking so long? Did you burn the cocoa again?"

Willow freezes hearing Laney's voice behind her. She quickly turns around and sees a perfectly fine Laney. She was wearing light makeup as always, outfit perfect, hair styled to perfection... she didn't look sick at all.

"Oh hey..." Laney peeks over at Willow then turns her attention to Angel, "Hurry up I'm gonna put on a scary movie."

Angel nods, "Sorry one second."

Laney smiles then quickly turns around and heads out the kitchen without saying another word to Willow.

Willow frowns before tilting her head in confusion, "I thought she wasn't feeling well."

"Believe me Willow... she puts on a good show. I gotta go."

Willow watches Angel pick up another mug that was sitting on the counter and then walk past her. He takes a step out the kitchen threshold before stopping and peeking over his shoulder.

"I forgot. Your mom's at work. She left a note on the fridge and pizza money in the cookie jar. Weird place to put it..."

As Angel disappears from her sight, Willow sits at the kitchen chair with a hand under her chin wondering what was happening with Laney. Not just that but what was happening with Laney and Angel. Laney now had a boyfriend, so why was Angel over instead of Colby. Should she tell Buffy? Was there something going on between the two-

DING DONG

Willow's thoughts are halted by the doorbell. She quickly makes her way to the front door. Swinging it open, she stares at the person in question.

"Hey."

"Hey Will... how have you been?"

"Fine... um if you're here for Laney I think she might be busy-"

Colby nods with a grin, "Yeah she texted me that she and Angel were watching a scary movie and he suggested I come over. Something about not wanting to give the wrong vibes. I'm pretty sure Laney taught him that word. Theres no way a vampire centuries old even knows how to spell vibes... Anyways see you later."

As Colby squeezes past a bewildered Willow, she hears Laney squeal in excitement as her room door opens. Closing the door with a totally confused look on her face, Willow slowly walks to the kitchen and picks up the landline before putting it back on the wall.

There was nothing going on between Laney and Angel. Even if there was, it was none of her business.

. . . . .

Laney throws her arms around Colby as his arms wrap gently around her waist. Angel sits on the edge of her bed, drinking from a mug as he watches the two with a small smile. He was truly happy that his friend was happy. However, he knew as happy as Colby had recently made her, that there was still something wrong that she was keeping from everyone.

She didn't wear makeup as much as she was starting to. Angel noticed that she was more tired when he came to see her. She wanted to stay up all night and watch movies. When it was morning, she was up taking a morning walk before school. Not that it wasn't good to do those things and enjoy life... but he noticed the bags under her eyes. He knew that she wasn't sleeping and would do all nighters then take a morning walk to wake herself up before school.

Angel also noticed the pictures that covered a wall of her room were nowhere to be found. The wall that was once filled with smiles and happy memories was now a blank wall filled with sadness. He could feel the change in her aura.

"Hey man. How you doing?"

Colby fist bumps Angel who finally comes back to.

"I'm uh fine."

"Thanks for the invite."

"No problem."

"Why does it feel like a bromance is currently in the works?" Laney squeals in excitement while looking between the two boys.

Angel's eyebrows furrow in confusion, "A what?"

Colby pats Angel's shoulder shaking his head slightly, "You don't want to know... don't ask questions. Just smile and nod."

Laney rolls her eyes playfully slapping Colby's arm, "Whatever."

Hours later, Laney sits between the two boys on the floor with their backs against the bed as a scary movie plays in the dark room. Laney's head was completely in Colby's neck and her body was almost merged into his. However, her left hand had been wrapped in Angel's who sat a good foot away from the two.

Angel peeks over at the sleeping Laney who was mewling like a small kitten. How she had fallen asleep in the position she was currently in was a mystery to him. But he didn't care what she did and how she did it... as long as she finally got the rest she needed.

Colby looks down at Laney and smiles before glancing over at Angel who had been looking at Laney in concern.

"You think something is going on with her too?"

Angel nods looking away from Laney.

"That's why you invited me... not because of our bromance?"

Angel chuckles, "I still don't understand what that means, but yes. I know something is wrong. But also I just wanted you to know that there isn't anything-"

Colby shakes his head waving his free hand nonchalantly, "You don't have to say anything Angel. Swear. I know her and I know she would never wish cheating upon anyone. Not even her enemy. There's no way she would even think about it. And I know you're too much of a good guy to even try anything. Plus you have goo goo eyes for Buffy so Laney isn't even a question."

Angel shrugs, "Am I that predictable?"

"No... you just look at her how I look at Laney."

"Thanks for being... understanding."

"Of course. I wish Buffy could be the same but it just takes time. I've been in a situation like this before and was the one that got cheated on. My uh best friend and my girlfriend of two years were sneaking behind my back. I don't wish that on anyone. But I know you two wouldn't. It's kind of freaky but you two are kind of like soulmates."

"Plantonically of course."

Colby nods with a small smile, "Don't worry man... We'll find out what's going in that head of hers. And maybe she'll tell us... we just have to be there for her."

"I haven't ever been there for anyone in my life... I wasn't always a good guy." Angel peeks down at Laney once more with a smile, "But she makes me want to be good."

..... ONE WEEK LATER .....

Buffy sits in class and opens a note from Willow as they talk about what Buffy had seen last night.

Do you know who she was?

"Well, it seems like Louis XVI was just sort of a weak king."

Buffy and Willow glance at each other. Buffy starts to write an answer to the note.

The teacher nods at the student's answer, "That's fair enough. Uh, any other impressions?"

Cordelia who sits in front of Buffy, raises her hand as Xander looks over at her with his head propped up on his fist.

"I just don't see why everyone's always picking on Marie Antoinette. I can so relate to her. She worked really hard to look that good, and people just don't appreciate that kind of effort."

Buffy has finishes her answer to Willow's note and quickly passes it back to her.

No Dark hair. Old dress... pretty.

Cordelia continues on her spiel as the whole class tunes in to listen to her, "And I know the peasants were all depressed..."

Xander rolls his eyes, "I think you mean 'oppressed'."

Cordelia shrugs, "Whatever. They were cranky. So they're, like, 'Let's lose some heads'. Uhhh! That's fair. And, and Marie Antoinette cared about them. She was gonna let them have cake!"

The teacher rubs her forehead as she sighs, "Yes, well, that's a very interesting perspective. Um, would anyone else like to comment?"

Buffy opens the note.

Vampire?

The bell rings allowing Buffy, Willow and Xander come running out of class.

"I don't know. I don't think so. They seemed pretty friendly."

Xander frown suddenly feeling left out, "Who's friendly?"

"No one." Buffy replies quickly.

"Angel and a girl."

Buffy glares lightly at the small red head as they head into the lounge, "Willow, do we have to be in total share mode?"

Xander smiles, "Hey, it's me. If Angel's doing somethin' wrong, I wanna know. 'Cause it gives me a happy!"

"Mm, I'm glad someone has a happy."

"Aw, you just need cheering up. And I know just the thing!" Xander does a wild move but Buffy is not impressed, "Crazed dance party at the Bronze!"

Buffy replies in a suddenly depressed tone as she crosses her arms over her chest, "I dunno."

"Very calm dance party at the Bronze?"

Buffy gives him a glum look.

"Moping at the Bronze?"

Xander sits on a couch next to Willow. A boy walks up the steps behind Buffy and grins.

"I'd suggest a box of Oreos dunked in apple juice, but maybe she's over that phase."

Buffy uncrosses her arms and turns around quickly with a huge grin, "Ford?"

"Hey, Summers!"

They embrace as Xander and Willow sit looking between the two in awkwardness.

"How ya been?"

"Oh, my God! What are you doing here?"

They let go and hold both hands, the smile not leaving Buffy's face.

"Uh, matriculating."

"Huh?"

Ford chuckles, "I'm finishing out my senior year at Sunnydale High. Dad got transferred."

Buffy claps in excitement, "This is great!"

"I'm glad you think so."

Xander is not pleased.

"I didn't think you'd remember me."

"Remember you? Duh! We only went to school together for seven years. You were my giant fifth grade crush."

"So! You two know each other." Xander interrupts with a pained smile.

Great more competition, he thinks to himself.

"Oh!" Buffy turns to Xander and Willow, "I'm sorry. Um, this is Ford! Uh, Billy Fordham, this is Xander and Willow!"

Buffy and Ford go to sit on the other couch.

"Uh, Ford and I went to Hemery together in L.A. And now you're here. For real?"

Ford nods, "Dad got the transfer, and boom, he just dragged me outta Hemery and put me down here."

"This is great! Well, I mean, it's hard, sudden move, all your friends, delicate time, very emotional, but let's talk about me!" She puts her hand on his knee, "This is great!"

Willow smiles, "So, you two were sweeties in fifth grade?"

Buffy rolls her eyes, "Not even. Ford wouldn't give me the time of day."

Ford scratches the back of his neck chuckling, "Well, I was a manly sixth-grader. I couldn't bother with someone that young."

"It was terrible. I moped over you for months. Sitting in my room listening to that Divinyls song 'I Touch Myself'." She realizes how what she just said could be taken and casts a nervous look at Xander and Willow. "Of course, I had no idea what it was about."

Ford nervously rubs his temple with his finger. Xander just smiles and nods.

Buffy turns to Ford once more, "Hey, are you busy tonight? We're going to the Bronze, it's the local club, and you have to come."

"I'd love to! But if you guys already had plans... Would I be imposing?"

Xander shrugs, "No, only in the literal sense."

Ford smiles with a nod as he gets up from the couch, "Okay, then! I, I gotta find the admissions office, uh, get my papers in order."

Buffy mimics him standing up as well before taking his arm in hers, "Well, you know what, I'll take you there, and I'll see you guys in French!"

"It was good to meet you." Ford says to Willow and Xander as they both walk out of view.

Xander smiles at them until they've gone. Next to him Willow has a thoughtful look on her face.

Xander murmurs sarcastically, "This is Ford, my bestest friend of all my friends! Jeez, doesn't she know any fat guys?"

Willow gasps suddenly realizing, "Oh, that's what that song is about?!"

. . . . .

Later that night at the Bronze, Xander, Willow and Ford are playing pool. Ford sinks his balls and sets up for another as Buffy arrives at the table.

"Ford! You made it."

Ford shrugs with a grin, "Wasn't hard to find."

Willow smiles, "Buffy, Ford was just telling us about the ninth grade beauty contest, and the, uh, swimsuit competition."

Buffy gasps slapping Ford's arm, "Oh, my God, Ford, stop that! The more people you tell, the more people I have to kill."

"You can't touch me, Summers. I know all your darkest secrets."

Xander mumbles, "Care to make a small wager on that?"

Buffy gives him a small death stare before smiling at Ford, "I'm gonna go get a drink. Ford, try not to talk."

She heads for the bar and finds Angel there.

"Hi."

Angel smiles softly, "Hey! I was hoping you'd show."

Buffy sees he has a drink and raises an eyebrow, "You drink! I mean, drinks. Non-blood things."

"There's a lot about me you don't know."

"I believe that."

At the pool table, Xander and Ford are racking up. Ford sees Buffy with Angel and looks at the two in wonder.

Willow steps beside him and follows his eyesight, "That's Angel."

"He's Buffy's beau." Xander replies sarcastically, "Her special friend."

"He's not in school, right? He looks older than her."

Xander chuckles, "You're not wrong."

"So. What'd you do last night?" Buffy asks as she waits for her drink.

Angel shrugs, "Nothin'."

Really Angel was out with Colby. The two were trying to figure out what was truly going on with Laney. Last week she was okay but now she was definitely going through something. Now she didn't even allow Angel or Colby to come see her. They talked on the phone but that was it.

On the way home, Angel had run into Drusilla. Never did he think he would run into her again. She was nothing but trouble.

Buffy frowns knowing he was lying since she distinctly remembered seeing him last night, "Nothing at all. You ceased to exist?"

"No, I mean I stayed in, read."

Lie.

"Oh."

She goes back to the pool table without another word. Angel stands confused for a moment, then follows her.

Ford frowns seeing Buffy come back empty handed, "Didn't want that soda after all?"

Buffy shakes her head, "Not thirsty."

Willow smiles looking at a figure behind Buffy, "Hey, Angel."

"Hi." Ford says.

Buffy turns to Angel, "This is Ford. We went to school together in L.A."

Angel nods and shakes Ford's hand, "Nice to meet you."

"Whoa! Cold hands!" Ford jokes.

"You're not wrong."

Buffy gives Xander a look once more.

"So, you're here visiting Buffy?" Angel questions.

"No, I'm actually here to stay. Just moved down."

"Hey, Angel? Do you wanna play?"

Buffy slaps Willow's hand slyly before sighing, "Y'know, it's getting really crowded in here tonight. Um... I'm a little hot..." She turns to Ford, "You wanna take a walk?"

Ford shrugs, "Um, sure! That'd be nice."

"Okay, then, um..." Waving to the others Buffy then leads Ford past Angel, " I'll see you guys tomorrow."

"Good night." Angel murmurs.

Ford nods, "Take care."

Xander frowns, "Okay, once more with tension."

As Buffy and Ford disappear out the Bronze, Angel frowns shaking his head, "He just moved here?"

"Yeah. And, boy, does he move fast."

Willow shrugs with a small grin, "Well, Angel, we could still play."

She moves the rack into position, and when she looks back up Angel is gone.

"See, you made him do that thing where he's gone."

a/n : this chapter isn't too long but it isn't super short either! get ready for a super super long chapter next time though!! how are we feeling so far?

fav character?

fav duo?

trio?

fav ship?

what do you think is going on with laney now? let me know in the comments!!

future predictions?

any special requests...

Next chapter should be updated today!! I'm working on it as we speak :)
(~today 8/27)