Author: Cara Ellen

Parts: Prologue-4

E-Mail: caraellen@home.com

Disclaimer: Willow, Angel and all things Buffy are property of Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy. I make no money from this and do not wish to be sued.

Summary: After Becoming II, Willow gets our favorite vamp out of Hell. Unfotunately, certain demons just won't stay gone.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
 

~Prologue~
Sunnydale, July 1998

It had been two months since their lives changed. Two months since she stepped across the threshold of the abandoned mansion, in hopes of saving a life. Two months since she risked her life to bring him back.

The vision left as quickly as it came, shaking her to her core. Flashes in her dream of Jenny Calendar, Angel and Buffy's fight over Acathla. She saw what happened, and she understood her goal. Her friends were suffering, and only she could help.

She'd been an inexperienced witch. She hadn't realized the intensity and severity of the forces she was dealing with until they nearly overtook her. In her mind, the goal was simple and obtainable. Cast a circle, chant the words and bring him back. She hadn't thought about fighting the beasts of hell. She hadn't considered how much it would drain her.

The spell had been tough. She wished more than once that Giles or even Buffy were there with her. However, she knew they'd never allow her to go through with the spell. There was a chance it would go wrong, and she would be sucked into hell for eternity. There was also a chance that Angel wouldn't emerge, but rather, Angelus. Neither were consequences she wanted to think about, but both weighed heavily upon her conscience.

She woke, dazed and sore. The spell had thrown her across the room and rendered her unconscious. She knew as soon as she came around that she'd been successful. Opening her eyes, she spotted her prize. He was shivering and covered in scars that she could only imagine, came from unimaginable torture. She winced at the sight of him, but secretly congratulated herself for pulling off the feat. Realizing his state of undress, Willow bit back her timidity and rose to her feet.

She approached him slowly, cautious not to frighten him. He was shaking and mumbling nonsense to himself. She reached out tentatively. He jumped at her touch, but slowly rolled over to look in the eyes of his savior. Pained, chocolate brown eyes met tired green ones.

"Welcome back, Angel." She said softly, brushing the damp hair off his forehead.

He blinked a few times, attempting to focus his weary eyes. "Willow?"

***

She nursed him back to health, bringing Angel bags of blood and holding him through the worst of his nightmares. Never once did she ask what he'd been through. She merely remained his rock and silent companion.

He soon began to open up to her about the horrors of the demon world. She sat patiently as he stumbled through the nightmares, sorting and re-telling. She answered his questions about the missing time since Acathla.

Over time, they worked through his guilt and frustration at the pain he caused his friends. Willow told him how she understood that what happened was a result of Angelus, not Angel.

Together they rebuilt their lives, weaving each other into their minds and hearts. They shared secrets and experiences they dare not tell anyone. They laughed about the past mistakes of the "slayerettes" and fell into deep silences over Buffy's disappearance. Angel insisted he was moving on from Buffy. However, Willow knew, and accepted, that he would always have a special place in his heart for the Slayer.

Gradually, they fell into a rhythm. Willow began preparing for school, and Angel took a more active role in his ownership of The Bronze. Though she stilled lived at home, nearly all her time was spent at Angel's. She even brought over her toothbrush and some clothing for the late nights.

Over the time since Willow brought Angel back from hell, each felt a growing fondness for the other. Willow, still recovering from her break up with Oz, was reluctant to have her heart broken again. She knew herself, however, that she couldn't ignore her feelings for the vampire. Angel too, didn't want to rush anything. Not only was he content with their close friendship, but he was worried about scaring off the young hacker by moving too quickly.

***

Sunnydale, September 1998

"Angel?" Willow called into the apartment. "Great..." she muttered, nudging the door open with her toe. Her arms were full with groceries and other assorted items from the store. She'd gotten sick of opening the fridge and finding only packages of blood, and started stocking his fridge with her favorite foods.

Pushing her way into the apartment, Willow shuffled over to the counter, nearly dropping her bags. She paused a moment to catch her breath, stretching her sore arms.

"Angel?" She called again, glancing around the room. The sun hadn't set too long ago, and she wondered what was so important that he was already gone.

Willow moved round the kitchen to start unloading her packages. She'd nearly missed her surprise. Standing upright in an elaborate, crystal vase were two perfect roses. She paused for a moment. Moving closer, she closed her eyes and inhaled the fragrance. Sitting beside the base, was a note in Angel's distinct handwriting:

Willow,

Two months ago tonight you challenged fate to save me. You gave me a second chance at life and love, and for that I am grateful. Dance with me, 8:00 - The Bronze.

-- Angel
 

~Part: 1~

Willow took her time getting ready that night. She returned to her home after six and started off with a leisurely bubble bath. Sarah MacLachlan provided the soundtrack and scented candles provided the atmosphere. Willow was more than happy to allow the warmth of the water, music, and scents to alleviate the stress of the day.

She took her time getting ready. She chose a dress reserved for special occasions, and carefully selected her accessories. Moving to her dresser, she caught sight of herself in the mirror. Slightly startled at what she saw Willow sat down, her eyes never leaving her own reflection.

She started to realize what people meant when they said that she'd changed. Physically, she looked like the same, old Willow. But her eyes...her eyes were different...older. She had matured and gained experience, and it showed in the greens of her eyes. Her eyes were peaceful, content and confidant. They shone with love and happiness. Looking into her reflected eyes, Willow swore she could see Angel in them.

Shaking herself out of her reverie, Willow carefully applied her rarely used make-up. She swept her red mane up into an elegant twist, allowing the wisps to fall where they may. She stepped into her forest green slip dress, feeling the first tingles of nervous anticipation. < What am I nervous about? It's not like I haven't been out with Angel before... >

But Willow knew this was different. The formality of the note, and the limousine escort she spotted through the curtains gave Willow the distinct impression that this would be a night to remember. She smiled at her appearance in the mirror, imagining for a moment what it would be like to see Angel behind her, arms wrapped around her waist.

She thought briefly about the consequences tonight could bring. She'd just recently started exploring her feelings for Angel on a deeper level. She'd been so careful in the beginning. Angel had always been Buffy's. Buffy and Angel, no argument. And it had been Willow and Oz for a time.

Her breakup with Oz had been rough on her. She'd truly thought she'd been in love. But Buffy's disappearance had taken a toll on the strength of their bond. Willow had become obsessed with finding a way to retrieve Angel from hell, hoping to draw Buffy back to Sunnydale. Oz, in return, turned his focus towards the band. They started seeing each other less and less, until one night they made a mutual decision to end their relationship.

Her concentration on Angel helped ease the change. However, as soon as she started to have more time to think, she realized she'd only been putting off the inevitable pain.

Nonetheless, here she was, two months and many crying sessions later. She'd had a chance to understand and accept what happened with Oz. She'd been able to move on. And now, she was finding it possible to open her heart up again.

***

Willow stepped into the limo just before eight. The plush interior and languid motions of the car helped sooth Willow's growing nerves.

Inside, Angel had left another equally cryptic note:

Willow,

Please put this on before stepping out of the limousine.

- A

Beside the note lay a blindfold. Willow picked it up, turning it over a few times in her hands. She wasn't quite sure what to make of things. She knew Angel was a true romantic, for that he made no apologies. She just wasn't sure why he was going to so much trouble. < Take a risk, Rosenberg. Enjoy yourself. >

Melting back into her seat, she allowed her eyes to drift shut for the duration of the ride. Her mind danced with ideas of what Angel had in store for them. Possibly dinner...most likely dancing. She tried hard not to over analyze things, and enjoy the surprise. However, her inquisitive mind couldn't help but create a few scenarios.

The limo pulled to a stop, and she could see the glowing Bronze sign through the darkened window. Willow took a deep breath and quickly secured the blindfold.

The door next to her pulled open. "Miss Rosenberg?"

Willow turned to the sound of the voice and tentatively reached her hand out. A soft, gloved hand caught hers and guided her from the limo. She allowed herself to be led from the street, stepping carefully in her heels.

The chauffeur dropped her hand and Willow stood for a moment, lost in the darkness. A strong, familiar hand soon filled hers. She let out a small breath and smiled.

She held lightly to Angel's arm as he led her inside. Stopping a few feet from the door, Angel moved behind her and carefully untied the blindfold.

"Happy Anniversary, Willow."

Her breath caught at the sight before her. Angel had transformed the local teenage hang-out into a fantasy. He'd cleared the floor of it's tables and games. The bar was clear of napkins and cups and had been polished and dusted. Willow could hear Jewel's voice floating through the air. The lights filled the room with a golden glow. But what rendered Willow speechless, was the layer of white balloons that coated the ceiling. A long, gold ribbon was tied to each, falling to just above their heads. The room was magnificent.

"Oh, Angel," she breathed. "How did you-"

"I have my ways." He cut her off with a smile. "Come on." He tossed the blindfold onto the bar and led her to a small table, set for dinner, complete with candles.

He helped her sit before moving to his side of the table. Only then did she notice his clothing. Though he typically wore black, he had chosen a tailored suit with a black shirt and black tie. He looked elegant in the formalwear.

He caught her staring and smiled. "Willow, you look incredible."

"So you do," she answered shyly.

He motioned to someone and drew a book of matches from his pocket. Willow found herself entranced with the grace of his hands as he easily lit the candles. He shook out the flame in time for dinner to be set before them.

Willow shook her head in amazement. < He really went all out... > The limo, the decorations and now the human food...

"A toast," he said, raising a glass of champagne. Willow faltered for a moment, before raising her own glass. "To second chances, and the woman who gave them to me. I owe so much to you, Willow. This tonight," he motioned to their surroundings. "Doesn't even begin to express my gratitude. The shy girl who once jumped at the sight of me, has blossomed into a beautiful woman, and my closest friend. You've overlooked the bad and accepted the good."

Angel hesitated. He was usually so eloquent with these sorts of things, but he found himself babbling and talking in circles. How could be make her understand how much her actions...how much she meant to him? How could he explain the depth of his love without scaring her off? He wanted everything to be perfect, from the rose in his apartment to the music in The Bronze.

Here he was, her full attention focused on him, and he was blowing it.

"Angel?" Willow looked at him with concern.

"I love you," he blurted.

Willow gasped and Angel cringed. They stared at each other, wide-eyed and open mouthed.

"Um...cheers." Angel looked anywhere but at her face. Willow merely blinked and proceeded to gulp her champagne.

Angel looked around nervously before picking up his fork. Willow followed suit, and the two began picking at their chicken entree. Each glanced up at the other, but looked away quickly before being caught.

< This is ridiculous...what's wrong with me? > Angel dropped his fork, making Willow jump. She looked up at him, fork poised mid-bite.

"Do you want to dance?"

"Yes!" Willow quickly jumped up and threw her napkin at her place. Angel met her and led her onto the middle of the dance floor.

They paused under the balloon blanket, looking at each other awkwardly. Angel smiled, attempting to soothe them both, and positioned her in his arms. Music played over the speaker, but they were lost in the silence of their thoughts. Willow refused to meet Angel's eyes, intent on staring at their feet. Angel's gaze traveled from the top of her head to their entwining fingers.

He wished he knew what she were thinking. He wished he knew what to say. He'd taken a great risk tonight, but he knew it was inevitable. They were so close, it was only a matter of time before his feelings were made clear.

"Angel?" Her voice was small, and her head was still lowered. "Um...about what you said before. I've been doing a lot of thinking lately. A-about us. Well, about everything." She took a deep breath to stop her potential babbling.

"See...I-I was afraid. I was afraid to feel what I was feeling. I guess I was worried that...that you wouldn't feel the same way, and that things would change. I mean...I'm happy. You make me happy. I-I don't..." Her heartbeat quickened, she felt her cheeks redden.

With a boldness from the depth of her heart, Willow finally met his eyes. "I love you."

The words were a whisper, but they echoed loudly in Angel's mind. He stopped swaying to the music and merely looked at her. Neither spoke, each unsure of the proper words for the moment.

Pulling her in, Angel resumed his movements. Willow leaned her face into his chest, silently asking for acceptance. Angel understood and gently wrapped his arms around her, hugging her close.

They stood for a few moments, hugging each other with newfound tenderness and joy. Each reveled in the feel and comfort of the other.

When Angel pulled back, Willow was smiling with shining eyes. He brushed the wisps of hair away from her face and allowed his fingertips to stroke her cheek. Her heart skipped a beat and she leaned into his palm.

He took her chin in his hand and searched her eyes. She tilted her head back slightly, inviting him to lean closer. Their lips met briefly, tenderly.

They'd kissed before...quick hellos and goodnights. But those were only friendly gestures. This kiss was filled with emotion and unspoken promises. The contact was long and gentle. It filled Willow with hope and Angel with joy.

Reluctantly, Angel pulled back and pressed his lips to her forehead. < I'll always love you, little one. >

They danced in the glittering light of the Bronze for what seemed like hours. They held onto each other with the fear that if they let go the other person would dissolve like a dream. Their dinners both went untouched, and the continued dancing long after the music stopped.

After many loving looks and a few more kisses, Willow made motions that it was time to leave.

"Angel, I want to stay forever. Right here with you. But..."

"But what?"

"These heels...I'm not used to them, and I'm not going to be able to walk soon..."

Angel laughed loudly, always amused at the things she says. "Well then, I'll just have to carry you!"

They reached for each other's hands and headed towards the door. The limousine engine purred to life at the sight of the couple. Angel helped Willow into her side and shut the door. He straightened and started walking around to the other door.

"Oh God-" Pain ripped at his stomach and seared through his head. He stumbled, gripping the car for support. Luckily, he was out of Willow's sight when his game face slipped on. He growled in pain and frustration.

The attack came and left quickly, leaving only a faint throbbing in his head. He shifted back into human form quickly checked himself over. < What the hell was that?! > He climbed into the limo. "Angel? Are you okay?" Willow was watching him intently.

He rubbed his forehead and glanced out the window. "Yeah, I'm fine."
 

~Part: 2~

Neither Angel nor Willow spoke during the ride home. Willow sat, blissfully content, staring at her small fingers entwined with Angel's. Angel stared stoically out the window, racking his brain for an explanation of the pain he'd felt.

He rubbed his head absently, willing the dull throb to desist. He jumped out as soon as the limo pulled to a stop. Angel turned his face into the night, allowing the cool breeze to caress his skin.

Willow accepted his hand and allowed him to pull her out. They walked hand in hand to his apartment door, but before they stepped inside, Angel pulled back.

"You go on," he explained. "There's something I need to take care of."

"Angel?" Disappointment mingled with concern. She'd been wondering what would happen inside their apartment tonight ever since that first kiss. Her mind had created glorious fantasies, leaving her breathless with anticipation. In an instant, those fantasies crashed down around her heart.

Angel sensed her dismay. "I promise, little one," he said, pressing his lips to her forehead. "I'll join you soon."

Willow had learned to accept his cryptic promises, and not press for more information. If he said he'd be back soon, he would be back soon. She trusted him completely.

She smiled up at him. "Okay. Be careful." How ironic that she feared for his safety when his kind was what most people feared. However, with the disappearance of Angelus, Spike, Drusilla and the Slayer, the minions were fighting amongst themselves for the rights of Master Vampire. Willow didn't want him to be caught in the middle. She even made him carry a stake in case of a surprise attack.

She closed and locked the door behind Angel, allowing a glow of happiness to surround her. She hugged herself and leaned back against the door. Her mind replayed their perfect evening, from the magnificent glow of the room to their first real kiss. < He loves me! And I love him... >

Willow twirled around the room, giddy with emotion. She laughed at herself and plopped down on the leather couch. < Hmmm... > A mischievous smile crossed her face. She jumped off the cushion and nearly ran into the bedroom. < The night's not over yet! >

***

Angel almost didn't make it. He closed the door to his apartment only moments before the pain overtook him. He gasped and stumbled through the corridors, pleading to himself to keep control until he was outside.

The cold air hit him, wiping away any sense of self-control he held. A growl ripped from his throat and the demon surfaced. Angel doubled-over with the force of the change.

As his face changed, the pain subsided. Angel felt a calm fill his body. He smiled with the pleasure, rising to his full stature. He titled his face towards the moon, stretching.

A cry in the distance caught his attention. Someone was in trouble; someone was fighting for their life. Licking his lips, he headed in the direction of the sound.

The cemetery echoed with sounds of a struggle. He quickly found the source. A fledgling was attempting, unsuccessfully, to kill and drink from a young woman. Though the vampire was stronger, she was putting up a fight.

Angel watched for a moment, pausing to bring his human features out. He adopted the look of a concerned citizen and approached the pair.

"Hey!" The two turned. The woman cried out for him to help. "What the hell are you doing?"

The vampire was too young to recognize the elder. "Get away, this is none of your business...unless you want to be next."

Angel shook his head. "Ooh...no..." He walked boldly to them. "I want to be first."

With an unseen speed, Angel ripped the man away from the woman and spun him into his embrace. The newborn flung wildly in confusion.

Angel pulled him back against his body, his hands wrapping around the vampire's neck. He forced him to look at the frazzled woman.

"Now...say you're sorry."

"Fuck you!" The vampire spit out, still unable to understand why he wasn't able to combat Angel.

Angel thought for a moment. "No, I don't think so."

Before the fledgling could make a witty remark, Angel flicked his wrist and spun him away. While he was righting himself, Angel pulled out his hidden stake threw it into the heart of the vampire.

The woman screamed out upon seeing the man explode into dust. Angel turned to her. "Are you alright?"

She shook visibly and brushed her hair out of her eyes. Her lips tried to form words, but no sounds emerged.

Angel soothed her with his voice and approached her slowly. "It's okay...it's over, he's gone."

She fell into his embraced and wept openly. Angel rubbed her back and rocked her slowly. "You know...you really shouldn't be out here this late all alone." He pulled back slightly, slipping into his vampiric visage. "There are very bad people in Sunnydale."

Before she could realize what was happening, he sunk his fangs into her neck. He nearly cried out in orgasm as the taste of the blood and smell of her intense fear washed over him. He held her in a deadly embrace, draining her life away.

When his meal was over, Angel cried out and let her drop limply to the ground. He licked the remnants of blood off his lips and smiled. < Delicious. >

Angel adjusted his crinkled shirt and headed towards the entrance of cemetery.
 

~Part: 3~

The night didn't turned out exactly as she planned. After Angel dropped her off at the apartment, she scurried about, getting everything ready. Willow reluctantly stepped out of her dress, slipping on something more comfortable...more daring. She didn't want to seem too obvious, so she chose silk pajama bottoms and partially buttoned shirt.

She let her hair down and brushed out the kinks. She examined herself in the bathroom, taking off the right amount of excess make-up. Her cheeks were slightly flushed at the thought of the night to come. Her entire face was lifted and happy. Willow could barely stop herself from bouncing. She lit various candles in the apartment and tuned the stereo to a soft music station.

She was about to set out drinks (blood for him, juice for her), when she heard him unlocking the door. She ran back into the hallway, not wanting him to walk in and see her right away.

"Willow?" He called out softly.

She smiled what she thought might look like a sexy grin and stepped out into his view.

"Angel!" She gasped in shock. He looked horrible. She rushed to his side. He swayed on his feet and allowed her to help him to the couch. "What happened?" She quickly examined him looked for injuries.

"I'm fine, I'm fine. It's just...my head..."

She searched his eyes. "Your head? Are you hungry? Do you want-"

"No!" He convulsed at the thought of blood. For some reason, he just wasn't hungry.

She slipped next to him of the couch. "Tell me what happened? Were you attacked?"

Angel silently searched his mind for answers. All he could come up with were foggy memories and confusion. "I..I don't know. I wasn't feeling too well when we left the Bronze. I thought...I though I just needed some fresh air. So I went for-um...a walk. I guess."

"You guess? You don't remember?"

"I'm not sure...I remember walking back outside. Then I got a terrible pain in my head. And I don't know what happened. Just the pain, then it went away...and I came back here."

He looked around, noticing the candles and music for the first time. "How long was I gone?"

"Um...about a half hour," Willow supplied.

"What?" It didn't make any sense. He was only gone for a few minutes at the most. He began babbling quietly to himself, attempting to come to some sort of concrete explanation.

"Angel...Angel, stop, shhhh..." Willow took his face in her small hands. "It's okay, it's okay. Don't worry about it. We'll figure it out later, I promise."

She pressed her lips to his forehead, remembering how the motion soothed her earlier.

"I love you," she whispered and pressed her lips to his. She wished she could take his pain into herself through the kiss.

He began to respond to her by pressing back on her lips and sliding his arms around her. He pulled her onto his lap and deepened the kiss.

His tongue slowly tasted her lips, silently asking for invitation. She sighed in pleasure and allowed him inside. His slid his tongue over hers, enjoying the intimacy. Willow's technical mind came to front for a moment, wondering what the strange, slightly metallic taste was. However, her non-analytical side pushed the thought away.

It was slow and tender. Their first kiss had been full of uncertainty and delicacy. This kiss was full of love and promises of commitment. Willow let him know through her lips that she would always stand by him. Angel allowed her to take command, letting her know that he needed her.

Willow shifted and slid her legs to either side of his lap, straddling him. She heightened the intensity of the kiss. Her tongue explored every part of his mouth, reveling in the new sensations. Her fingers ran up through his hair, entwining themselves in his dark locks.

Angel's hands roamed her back, sliding over the satin. He allowed himself to travel farther down, brushing past the waistline of her pants. They moved back up, this time underneath the loose shirt. Her skin was like fire, burning his cold palms. She gasped at the touch, then relaxed into his embrace, her mind going wild.

Angel broke away from her mouth, his lips traveling across her cheek. He licked and nibbled her soft earlobe before traveling down to kiss above the v-neck shirt opening. He flicked his tongue at the hollow of her throat, evoking a soft moan.

Moving back up her neck, his mouth settled over her pulsing veins. The sound of her pulsing desire filled his ears like ocean waves. His eye teeth itched slightly.

The now familiar pain shot through his temples, bringing about a foggy memory. He couldn't place what he was feeling. He didn't understand why he couldn't remember.

He gasped at the pain and frustration and pulled back. Willow searched his eyes for an explanation for his quick retreat. "Angel?"

He shook his head, attempting the clear the haze. "I'm sorry, Willow."

"What?" Tears threatened to spill. "Did I do something wrong?"

Angel's attention caught at the pain in her voice. "No...oh, Willow, no!" He rubbed her cheek and kissed her. "I...my..."

She sighed and brought her small hand to his face. "Does your head still hurt?"

He nodded sheepishly and averted his gaze. She smiled in understanding and slid off his lap. Standing before him, she reached for his hand and pulled him up.

Exhaustion overcame him as he stood. He leaned on her for support. Willow led him into his own bedroom. She helped him out of his suit jacket and slid off his shoes.

Too tired to get fully undressed, he laid down on the black sheets. Willow tucked him in like a mother would a child. She brushed his forehead with her hand and leaned down. "Get some sleep, Angel. You'll feel better tomorrow." She kissed his lips lightly and moved off the bed.

"No," Angel protested. He grabbed her arm. "Please...stay here tonight."

Willow froze momentarily. She looked down in his sleepy face and realized he just wanted company for the night, nothing more. She pulled the sheets back and slid in awkwardly.

Her heart and mind were racing. She lay stiffly for a moment, unsure of where to put herself. Angel lifted his arm and cradled her. She relaxed comfortably and rested her head on his chest, her other hand draped across his body. Angel held her to him and felt sleep begin to take over.

***

Willow groaned and stretched out. Her muscles cried out in protest, wanted to stay folded up in bed. She yawned and opened her eyes to the darkness. She lay still for a moment, allowing them time to adjust.

The morning confusion faded and she began to remember everything. The Bronze, the dance, and how she wound up laying in bed with Angel.

They'd shifted positions during the night. At one point Angel had rolled to his side and draped his arm across her. The movements woke her. She laid still in silent enjoyment of the feeling of his body pressed against hers before falling back asleep.

Now she lay staring at the ceiling. Angel had flipped over to his front and his arm was a dead weight across her stomach. She looked over at him.

A chill crept over her skin. < God...he looks dead. > She slowly began to pull out of his embrace. Dropping to the floor, she listened for any sign that he'd woken. Satisfied, she crept into the hallway and towards the kitchen.

Moving freely, Willow stretched and rubber her neck. She smiled at the memory of his mouth and hands moving over her. She swore her lips still tingled.

The clinical side of her mind took over as she drank orange juice from the carton. < What went wrong? What were these headaches he was getting? And why couldn't he remember what happened when he left? >

She knew she couldn't get far without her computer or a few of Giles' left-behind books. She made a mental recording of last night's events for future reference.

Willow kicked the refrigerator door shut and headed over to the couch, flipping on the television on the way. She kept the volume on mute. She knew the tv wouldn't wake Angel, but she didn't want to take the chance. < He needs his rest. >

The images flickered in front of her at a droning rate. She spread out on the sofa, falling in and out of a fitful sleep. Ideas and possible explanation filled her head. She was restless, and knew she would be until she could provide Angel with some answers.

After a half hour of tossing and turning, Willow gave up. She glanced at the clock. It was well after sunrise. Changing quickly and silently, Willow left Angel a note and headed out to the library.

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