[ this is the opposite of what he'd intended when he left Sunnydale. he wanted Buffy to have a normal life, not constantly pulling her back into his. but after... after her visit, and his day with her... he's beginning to realize that even if he were a normal human, Buffy never will be. no matter how long she lives - hopefully very long - she'll never be able to have a truly normal life, no matter how remarkable or mundane. will she resent him later, as she ages and he doesn't? he thought she'd start to resent him for not being able to give her a normal, healthy relationship. but now he can't help but wonder, what is normal? he's been alive long enough, and in LA long enough, to recognize that normal isn't for everybody, and people have to create their own normal. he's been trying so hard to be as non-vampiric as possible, he's swung around to ultra-conservative. Angelus is a disgusted presence in the back of his mind, and even Angel himself is chagrined at the realization.

none of that is the point, or the topic at hand, but it's something to think about. he can't leave LA, go back to Sunnydale with his tail between his legs and beg Buffy to take him back. but there are options for a relationship, even long-distance, that he needs to consider. and as she suggests he come down to see her, he knows it's not that far to travel if needed. they don't live on opposite sides of the planet from each other. ]

I don't... I don't wanna distract you, if you've got homework, [ he offers lamely, before wincing and rolling his eyes at himself. ] But if you think you can concentrate with me moping around... I'd like to come down.