THOUGH LOVERS BE LOST

Disclaimer: Characters are the property of Joss Whedon, and I’m just playing with them.

Rating: PG13

Summary: True love never dies

Notes: Short and angsty this one! The poetry extract used is from ‘And Death Has No Dominion’ by Dylan Thomas

“Look out!”

Angel ducked as the axe whipped past the place where his head had been, only seconds before. That had been too close for comfort. The attacking vampire hoisted his axe and brought it round for a second swing, but Angel had already gone. Kicking out, Angel caught his opponent in the ribs, sending him staggering backwards; his stake found its target and the vampire vanished in a cloud of dust. He glanced over at Buffy to see how her battle was going.

Buffy waived cheerily in Angel’s direction, and then returned her attention to her own foe. As he closed in, she jerked sideways and slipped in under his outstretched arm, her stake driving through his heart. Her attention was focused on the residue dust, and she didn’t see the shadows moving behind her.

“Buffy!” Angel yelled. Already in motion and knowing he was going to be too late, he urged himself to move faster toward her.

Buffy spun instantly at Angel’s warning but the vampire was on her, swinging his sword and catching her hard across the chest.

“Noo!” Angel’s yell sounded more like a howl as he saw her cut down, her body tumbling to the ground as her scream echoed in his ears. Rage contorted Angel’s features, giving full reign to the demon within. Swinging his stake at Buffy’s assailant, the vampire screamed as it disintegrated into dust.

Angel stood silently over Buffy’s body, appalled at her injury. He’d seen enough death in his time to know that her wound would be fatal, even for a Slayer. Not wanting her last view of him to be of the demon, he forced away his true face, and dropped to his knees beside her.

“Buffy.”

Her eyes slowly opened, and she lifted them to his; She smiled weakly, the pain in her eyes unbearable; she looked pale and fragile, and Angel mentally braced himself for the trauma to come.

“Angel.” Her voice was a mere whisper.

For a long moment, their eyes locked together, the silent exchange saying more than words could ever express.

“I love you,” Buffy whispered.

“I love you, always.” Came Angel’s heartfelt response. He blinked away his unshed tears, determined to be strong for her.

Buffy closed her eyes against the pain, her breath sounding shallow and ragged. The smell of her blood was overpowering, and Angel had a sudden intense desire to feed from her. His mind raced, partly with disgust and partly hunger as he thought that if he could turn her, she would be saved! But he guiltily pushed that thought away, knowing she would no longer be Buffy, but a hideous parody of her.

Buffy saw the turmoil that crossed Angel’s face, and said, “You won’t…” She paused, before asking, “You’ll let me go?”

“Yes.” He promised. His reply seemed to comfort her, and some of the tension left her body. But Angel knew she was afraid, and he could feel her anxiety in the face of the unknown.

“Hold me?” Buffy asked, tentatively. Angel slipped his arms gently round her, trying not to cause her more pain. Some of her fear lessened, and Angel was grateful for that. She was much weaker now, and he knew her time was fast running out.

“I’m scared, Angel. Talk to me?” Her eyes sought his, needing his stability. She wanted to hear his soft voice, draw comfort and strength from him. She felt alone and frightened; she needed him to soothe her.

Angel felt a moments panic at her request. What could he say to her? He wanted to tell her that they would be together again one day, but she’d know that was a lie. They both knew he was destined for Hell. Desperately he cast his mind around for something to calm her. A verse, perhaps? Maybe something about love transcending death? Finally finding what he was looking for, Angel cleared his throat, and tried to force the words past the harsh tightness in his chest.

“Though they go mad they shall be sane,

Though they sink through the sea they shall rise again;

Though lovers be lost love shall not;

And death shall have no dominion.”

Buffy’s eyes never left Angel’s face as he made himself say the words that he hoped would calm her. He had no idea if she was even listening to the words he so painfully struggled to say. He only knew that she needed him to be strong, to support and love her as she faced her final battle. They knew this day would come; Slayers weren’t known for long and healthy lives. But still…part of them had hoped they would defeat the odds and be together always.

Buffy’s small body shuddered, pain making her whimper; she took little gasps of air and she struggled not to panic. Her eyes remained instinctively locked to Angel’s as she took every laboured breath. Finally, the trembling in her body stopped and her eyes closed. She was gone. Angel felt it, felt the pain lance through his very soul as he crushed her lifeless body against his chest. His fingers tangled in her hair as he rocked her, and finally allowed the tears to run unheeded down his face.

Suddenly it seemed very important for him to finish his verse, in case maybe she could still hear him where she was. Cradling her small frame in his arms, his voice hoarse and painful, he finished…

“And death shall have no dominion.

No more may gulls cry at their ears

Or waves break loud on the seashores;

Where blew a flower may a flower no more

Lift its head to the blows of the rain;

Though they be mad and dead as nails,

Heads of the characters hammer through daises;

Break in the sun till the sun breaks down,

And death shall have no dominion.”

THE END

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