Title: A Wolf & His Mate

PART 1 -- COMING HOME

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Oz's POV

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ABOUT 6-8 MONTHS LATER

This past year many things have changed in my life and in the lives of people back home in Sunnydale. Though I haven't been there for most of them, I've been told about them. I know of all of the different events, situations, fights, and comings and goings of one thing or another. Some funny and enjoyable others sad and heartbreaking.

I've done many things in this past year; gone through some changes and had some good learning experiences. The most recent was helping out Angel while I was in L.A. The nights of my transformation aren't so bad any longer. I either changed and had a place to roam or I didn't change at all and that was because of the main reason I'm coming back to Sunnydale.

The oddest of things to come from my time away was I formed a unbreakable friendship with someone from back home. A blossoming yet long distance realationship with someone who had ever right to hate me, but she didn't.

My now bestfriend, from afar, I've slowly but undoubtly fallen for.

Of course she does NOT know this. I mean what was I suppose to say...

'Hey, great to hear from you...I missed you too. Oh and yeah I'm in love with you, Ok talk to you soon'

I don't think so. Definetly not the declaration of undying love I was and am going for. I'm pretty sure she's open to the idea...of dating guys. The prospect of dating me remains to be seen. My ex-girlfriend being her bestfriend will probably pose some problems. Also the fact that I've spent a good part of the year working with her first love. These things could pose a problem but I know she's over him. Though the fact that my ex is still missing me is not a plus.

I know she doesn't date. People have asked her out but she's always turned them down. Still believing that I'll come for her...which for her is not a good thing because I won't.

Enough about Willow for now.

Buffy...god just thinking about her makes me want to smile. In the beginning I always wondered why we could feel eachother's moods and feeling so well, now I know. Buffy and I have always had some type of odd connection and it's only grown over time.

She was right by the way, Willow did forgive me. I can't go back now, we both have hurt one another to deeply and my heart belongs to another. Eventhough she doesn't know it yet.

I really want Willow to find someone who makes her happy because I already have. A beautiful blonde slayer who in what ever she does, she does it completely.

Whether it be defending the innocent or loving another person, she does it with her entire being. Mind. Body. Soul.

When and if I do change I remember what happens now. It's absoultly amazing being one with the wolf when he's in the more dominate state.

I glance at my watch, I take a deep breath only a few more minutes till we land. I'm nervous for only a second. At first I'm afraid that this is the end of something for me but then I realize it's only the beginning.

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END OF PART 1 -- I know it's kinda short but let me know what you think

Title: A Wolf & His Mate

PART 2 -- WELCOME HOME

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Steeping out into the terminal and into the sea of people waiting for their friends and loved ones, he almost expected to see someone waiting for him, despite the fact that his return to Sunnydale hadn't been announced. People pushing passed him to get to their own family and friends. Finally pushing his way through the throng of people he glanced longingly at them for a moment when he felt a slight tap on his shoulder. A bright smile graced his features as he turned and saw Buffy standing there, beautiful and waiting for him.

"Hey," he said softly.

"Hi." She returned easily before opening her arms out to embrace him. His arms went around her, accepting the welcome with a warm feeling in his heart. They stayed for a minute not speaking, or moving, until the crowd behind them began to dwindle.

Reluctantly stepping out of the embrace, he quirked an eyebrow in askance. "How did you..."

"Cordelia." Interupting him, she then took his arm and linked it with hers. "She didn't think it was right that you come home and have no one waiting for you. So c'mon lets go get your bags." Pulling him along with her towards the baggage claim.

Falling into step with her, he snuck a look at her and smiled.

Buffy's POV

Buffy was lost in her thoughts as they walked to the baggage claim, thinking about the day that Cordelia called her to tell her Oz was coming home.

~ I wasn't really sure as to why Cordelia was calling me, let alone the fact that she was calling me at an un-godly hour on a Saturday. She was speaking to me for at least a good ten minutes before I mangaed to cut her off to tell her to call me back in a half hour. There is nothing more confusing than having to listen to someone talking to you when you're barely coherent.

During the phone call the first time around all I was able to process was 'Hi...yeah, Ok now listen...Oz...later'

You can see where I might have been a bit lost in that conversation, right?

So when she called back a half an hour later and she told me Oz was on an early flight into Sunnydale and was against telling anyone, so no one would feel that they had to pick him up. She was basically telling me my ass better be at the airport. Of course it didn't matter to me because Oz is my best friend and was finally coming home.

Oz. He's home. Don't ask why that brings me a happy or why it makes my heart flutter 'cause I honestly don't know. Well that's not entirely true. I know why. I've missed him. I've missed him...being here...with me. I missed him because I think I might have fallen for him. Oh god...I can't belive I just admit that to myself. I can't really explain why or how all I know is that, he unknowingly brought me a kind of peace of mind when he was near. Of course I didn't know this until he was gone.

The way I felt when he called me the first time after he left...was...WOW...it felt sooo good to talk to him. What made it even better was the fact that he called to talk to *me*! I probably should've felt bad since I know Willow hadn't heard from him, but I didn't, I just couldn't. Willow was still in her 'he left me' phase and I know this probably makes me a horrible friend but I just couldn't bring myself to care.

He called, to talk to ME!!!!!

Ok Buff get over yourself for a minute.

And he kept calling, not everyday or even every week. Occasionally. Just when he had something to say or something to share with someone and that someone was me.

Then one day he called to ask if I would mind if he stayed in LA and helped Angel. He asked for my permission, I couldn't really say "No, you can only help ME, could I?" Not that I wasn't tempted…

The good thing about that was he had a phone number now. So if I wanted to talk to him I didn't have to anxiously wait for him to call me. I could reach him if I needed to. Which I did. ~

After lifting his bag onto is shoulder, Oz turned back to Buffy. Finally pulling her from her thoughts.

"Is that all you have?" Just this huge duffel?" She teased

"Well there are some books for Giles in there but otherwise that's it...I like to travel light" He explained "But yeah, so you have a car now?"

Giving him a smile that'd light up a room. "Oh yeah, mom got it for me. Makes it easier to travel from the apartment to the house and also to the campus."

Oz just smiled at her and said. "cool"

As they were walking Buffy asked Oz where he was staying.

Stopping at the curb leading to the parking lot, she surveyed the area, and pointed towards where the car was. "That way. Where are you staying again?"

"I don't know. Could go to my parent's house, or Devon's…" he said maneuvering between parked cars.

"Or you could stay with me…" Buffy suggested as she popped the trunk and began putting the bags in.

Arching an eyebrow. "You wouldn't mind."

"God no, not at all. I have a three bedroom apartment, I mean it's basically the same rate as the dorms. Did you know that the real estate in Sunnydale is really cheap. Guess it's the Hellmouth and all. There's my room, the training room, it's kinda small but it works. I also have and a spare bedroom you can use."

"Ok, sounds good to me."

Giving him a warm smile, she asks. "Good so you'll stay with me?"

"I'd like that." He replied, smiling warmly.

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END OF PART 2

Title: A Wolf & His Mate

PART 3 -- HOME SWEET HELLMOUTH

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"Home sweet home." Buffy smiled as they exited out of the car.

"Wow, you're driving has really improved since I left. What was that only stray thing we hit" Oz joked.

"Ha ha ha, very funny. Anyway smart ass. Ok so obviously here right there is the living room, to your right is the kitchen and down the hall leads to my room, your room and my training area...oh and of course the bathroom."

Oz smiled taking a quick look around the place. The living room alone was eye catching. Beautiful deep colors all throught the house and room giving it a comfortable, laid-back feeling.

Both stood there for a moment not really sure on what to do next. Standing in silence until Buffy spoke up. "If you want you could take a nap. Get rested up for tonight."

He looked at her with a curious expression "Tonight? What's going on tonight?"

"Uh well I thought that maybe we could go to the Bronze. You know since you're back and all and..." She trailed off not really sure if it was a good idea anymore.

Oz just smiled softly at her and said. "That'd be cool in fact The Dingoes are playing tonight and the guys wanted me to play with them...I mean if that's cool with you"

She gave him a smile that lit up the room. "Of course I'd love to see you guys play and then maybe afterwards we could stop at the Espresso pump get hopped up on sugary coffee."

"That'd be cool. Alright I'm kinda beat so I'll see you in a couple hours I'm gonna crash."

"Yeah ok, I'll probably be right behind you...I mean not *right* behind you obviously but...oh god none of that came out right and did what I just say make any sense."

Oz was just smiling at her think about how cute her babble was. He then realized she was actually asking him a question. "It came out in a way only you could achive and it made some sense, I got the idea."

Smiling nervously. "Ok well sleep well, Oz"

"Sweet dreams, Buff"

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