Disclaimer: I do not own any of the BTVS characters in this story, they are the property of Joss Whedon and The WB.

The whiskey kept him abed late the next day, but when Angel finally did wake, he lost little time in learning about the unusual young lady. It wasn't difficult to find those who knew about her--a pretty young woman, new in town, will always attract attention.

Her name was Sarah, she lived with both her mother and father, and she had a young sister named Elena. Her father was rarely seen by anybody in town. He began to look for her about the town, but he hardly saw her. He even dragged himself to church that Sunday, hoping she'd be there. He was not disappointed.

"You'll smell not whiskey on me today, Miss Sarah," he greeted her. "Might I meet your high standard, and walk you home?"

"Well, it is Sunday, and early in the day at that. I guess you won't be tippling for a while. I'd be honored if you'd escort me."

He enjoyed Sarah's banter, as much as he appreciated her pretty, lively face. When they reached her house, Angel asked if he might see her again.

Sarah's expression turned serious, then. "I'm afraid it wouldn't be wise," She said. "I'm sort of a busy person and father... I mean, I think you would prefer a different sort of girl instead of myself."

Angel studied her for a moment, she seemed a bit afraid. Possibly for herself or for him. "Why would I prefer someone else when I have already met you?"

She smiled at him, and squeezed his hand before releasing it. "But truly, it is better if I keep to myself. I am not an easy person to be with. Please let me say good day now, and thank you for accompanying me home."

She opened the door then, and turned away. But he though he heard her whisper, "Believe me, I wish it were not so."

Angel wasn't used to rejection.

Later that night, Sarah snuck out of the house through her bedroom window. Her father was having another one of his drunken fits. She witnessed him beat on her mother after he was done with her and then ran. Her younger sister laid in her bed crying her eyes out.

Angelus watched her and then followed her into an alley. He noticed that just about every night she went out and on one of those nights he had encountered her. As she turned a corner, someone grabbed her arm from behind and drew her closer. She opened her mouth to scream but they had covered it with their hand.

She was whirled around quickly and when her eyes had met her attacker's, a wave of relief washed over her.

"Angelus?"

"Shhh," he said as he silenced her with a finger to her mouth, "Walk with me."

"Why are you here?"

"Let me ask the questions," he said, "Why are you running and what are you afraid of?"

"I'm not running."

"Yes, you were. What is it that you're not telling me?"

"I can't..." She said, tears welling in her eyes, she looked so frightened and so lost.

He couldn't take it anymore, he turned her towards him taking her in his arms and kissed her long and hard on the lips, she responded instantly.

"Sarah, tell me," He said as they broke away.

"Angelus, please..."

Tears ran down her cheeks, not wanting to push her anymore he wrapped his arm around her tiny waist and said, "Follow me."

Angel and Sarah walked slowly side by side as they stared at the stars and each other. Finally they reached a small cliff. Looking down, Sarah saw the sea glittering with moonlight, like a dark jewel. Angel stood behind her, his arms wrapped around her waist and she leaned up against him as they both looked at the breathtaking view.

"It's so beautiful," Sarah breathed.

"Like you," Angel quietly. He took his gaze off of the sea as he stared at her face as intently as she stared at the view below her. "This is where I come when things get too hard or when I want to be alone."

Sarah turned her head slightly and kissed Angel passionately on the lips.

Meanwhile, the other Angel watched the young couple from afar, wishing that he could have this kind of relationship with Buffy, no worries or complications. Then again with this couple there were a few complications. He had witnessed Sarah's father beating her. He wanted to protect her but he could only stand there helplessly as he watched the scene. He couldn't blame Sarah for being frightened or too scared to tell Angelus, her father was a big crazy man who obviously liked to beat on women when he was drunk, but he also wanted Sarah to get help.