Pairing: W/A
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters in this story; they are property of Joss Whedon and the WB or UPN
Summary: Willow has pulled Angel out of Hell, but now there is a price to pay
Distribution: Ask
Authors Note: Thank you so much to everyone who has been sending me feedback, especially Jen, Karen, Susi, GP, ladyfae and Diana who have sent me tons of positive words. I decided to continue this story because I have received over 50 e-mails of feedback on this, I'm sure that is nothing in comparison to what other Authors get, but for me, and this being only my third piece; I found it extremely encouraging, and I realize how important feedback really is. Hope you enjoy this. Let me know what you think.
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~Part: 1~
Willow unceremoniously fell at the feet of Xander and Giles onto her bedroom floor and promptly passed out. Xander and Giles looked on in awe, amazed that she had apparently appeared from thin air. Xander was the first to react. If he had thought she looked haggard before, what she looked like now couldn't even compare. Her body was battered and bruised. It looked like a few of her bones were broken; there were gashes scrapes and incisions all over her naked body. Finger shaped bruises marked her wrists and hips. Xander could only imagine what had happened to her. What would they do? Could they take her to a hospital? How would they explain her state, they didn't even know how she really got like this in the first place. This was his best friend, and he hadn't been there for her. He hadn't tried hard enough.
"W-we have to do something," Giles muttered worriedly.
"We can't take her to the hospital, her parents can't find out about this or we'll never see her again."
"What happened, Willow," Giles whispered almost expecting an answer.
"Let's at least put her on the bed."
A frightened Angel watched as Giles and Xander stood over Willow. He didn't know who these people were, but felt a connection to the one they were standing over. His hunger came to the fore, as he smelled fresh blood weeping from her body. He didn't even understand what he was feeling, but his body was working on instinct. As Xander moved forward and knelt to lift Willow he noticed her nakedness. It was a horrid site. If he had ever imagined seeing her naked this was definitely not what he would have pictured. She looked as though she hadn't eaten in months and there was dry blood everywhere, some of her wounds were even still bleeding. As gently as possible he lifted her into his arms.
Willow let out a heart-wrenching howl, the pain evident in her voice. Her dead eyes briefly focused on Xander before she passed out once more. Giles and Xander looked over at Angel as he let out great heaving sobs. He had been somehow affected by Willow's pain. Angel had been reduced to no more then a child. Giles noticed the intent focus Angel had on Willow, and somehow he knew that Willow was in no danger, at least not from the vampire.
Xander felt the tears running down his cheeks at the sight of his best friend, his sister. He didn't wish to cause her pain but she had to be moved. He couldn't understand what happened to her and what was happening to Angel, he just knew he needed to fix it. After gently laying her down on the bed he immediately made his way to the bathroom.
"Willow, don't die on us, we've lost enough already." Xander looked on as Giles spoke to the redhead wishing he knew what was going on. Giles was in no state to care for anyone, not even himself. He had worn himself down. Angel was still whimpering, lying on the ground with his eyes fixated on Willow. Buffy was missing, and he finally realized she wouldn't be coming back. Xander knew he would have to help in order to fix things. He sat on the bed beside Willow and opened the first aid kit.
"Giles will you get some warm water and a wash cloth from the bathroom. We need to stop her bleeding." Giles brought the items to the room then left to get some fresh air and some blood for Angel. The last thing they needed was a starved vampire eying them for a meal. As Xander moved to clean Willow's wounds, he heard a loud growl. He looked at the souled vampire, noting the tears still in his eyes as he stared at Xander obviously feeling threatened. Xander made another move to clean Willow's wounds only to be suddenly pushed out of the way by a very angry Angel. Xander hit his head painfully against Willow's desk and swiftly blacked out.
Angel slowly made his way towards Willow. He climbed onto her bed and gently began to pet her head. He remembered how the other boy had made her scream by touching her too much. He bent his head and began to slowly lick at the wounds on her face, moving down her body as they stopped bleeding. There was something intoxicating about her blood, but he knew for some reason he couldn't bite her. So the vampire continued to satisfy himself by lapping at the fresh cuts littering the redhead's body.
That was the first time Angel had moved since he had fallen asleep on Willow's floor. He still wasn't healing and found he had no energy left. He lay next to Willow's naked body, as closely as possible; gently resting is head on her bosom as he fell asleep. He finally felt peaceful.
~Part: 2~
Giles shook Xander awake startled to find the boy lying on the ground and a sleeping Angel curled up beside a still unconscious Willow. Xander slowly opened his eyes a little disoriented, taking a moment to survey his surroundings. His eyes settled on the bed, bringing back his memories of the last few hours. He was surprisingly not angry with Angel, instead for the first time he pitied the vampire.
"Giles why don't you give me those bags of blood and go get some rest."
"No, there's no time to rest."
"I understand you feel the need to help, because I do too. But you really aren't going to contribute much in your state. I need you alert so we can figure this out. Why don't you go home and when you come back, bring my bag that's in your closet. I think I'll be staying here for awhile."
"I suppose you're right. I'll be back in the morning."
Xander's POV
Where do I begin? How do I begin? Willow, what have you gotten yourself into? The same question had been echoing through my head for so long. Even in her sleep she wasn't at peace. I could see thin lines of pain formed on her face. She wasn't the slightest bit relaxed, her whole body tense, and when I looked at Angel he was the exact opposite. He no longer seemed to be afraid, but instead he seemed at peace. As if somehow feeling me watching him, he opened his eyes and settled his gaze on me. It felt like he was trying to gauge if I was an enemy. His body impossibly moved closer to Willow's. Then I knew he wasn't afraid of what I'd do to him anymore, but of what I would do to her.
What happened to Angel? He was a vampire but he was acting like a two year old. He's extremely possessive, easily frightened, and I'm not even sure he can talk.
"Angel do you remember me?" There was no response except for a slight lift of his head. "Do you understand what I am saying?" He just continued to stare at me blankly. This is going to be more difficult than I thought. Well first things first. They both need a shower desperately, but somehow I don't think Angel can handle that, and I'm sure an unconscious Willow can't. You guys better forgive me for this, scratch that, you better thank me. I looked back at Angel trying to think of what to do. Angel was licking her face and I immediately got defensive, until it became apparent he had no intention of biting her, he's more like a harmless puppy than a 2 year old, now that I think about it.
Willow's blood seemed to be doing something for Angel, because in the last hour that I was unconscious he seemed t have healed remarkably. Don't get me wrong, his body was still pure chaos, but it was far better than when I had first walked into the room. I was going to need him strong so I could take care of Willow. I cautiously walked over to him and sat on the bed opening a container of blood. He must have smelled it because his head shot up immediately. He looked at me a questioning look on his face. It was almost as though he wanted to speak but couldn't remember how.
It was now or never. I pointed at him and said Angel; I pointed at me and said Xander. There was still no recognition. This time I touched his shoulder and said Angel then mine and said Xander. I repeated this a few times until when I said Angel he pointed to him-self, then Xander and he pointed to me. Thank God he understood. There was hope. It appeared that he knew I was harmless. I held the blood in front of his face and he just stared at it not really sure what to do. I held it to his lips and he began to drink finally taking the container from my hand.
Now at least I didn't have to worry about a hungry vampire. I stood and gestured for Angel to do the same. He did, but grabbed willow's hand, gently cradling it in his. I made a motion for him to follow me; he shook his head looking down at Willow. He thought I was taking him away from her. I relented allowing him to bring Willow. He was extremely careful with her, as though she might break, which I think she just might have. He followed me into the master bathroom and I had him sit on the edge of the tub as I filled it up.
Angel was staring at the water with a mix of fascination and fear. When the tub was filled I put my arm in to show that it was safe. I asked him to hand me Willow, figuring that if I kept talking to him along with gesturing, eventually it would come back to him. Each time there seemed to be more understanding in his eyes. He allowed me to hold Willow, now completely unafraid that I would steal her away. What am I talking about, Angel and Willow are nothing to each other, well friends, but not that close. Not anywhere near what Willow and I share. Once again, I remembered the situation we were in and what's really important. I didn't really want to make things anymore difficult than they had to be.
I put my best friend into the tub; she opened her eyes and winced, but I was so relieved to see her finally awake.
"Willow, what happened, are you okay? Sorry for bathing you and everything but-"
I stopped as she looked at me with dead hollow eyes. What happened to the warm spirit I had loved? This person before me surely couldn't be her. She had no emotion in her whatsoever. I would have almost preferred hatred to this nothingness. She made no move to get out of the tub. Sitting up in the middle and staring right through me. I heard rustling behind me, and saw a fascinated Angel move closer. He climbed into the tub and I could almost feel his need to be near Willow. I'm sure it would be no harm in either of their states. Angel had already seen her naked, and it didn't seem to affect him.
I hesitantly drew a washcloth up to Willow's shoulder, and when she made no move, I realized I would have to be the one to do this. I looked at Angel and as if somehow understanding he followed my lead, washing himself (thank God). Here I was bathing my best friend, but at the moment there was no room for embarrassment. I cleaned all her wounds the best I could I washed her hair, as well as Angels. He didn't seem to understand that concept. The entire time Willow's gaze never left the wall, and Angel's never left Willow. I finally noticed that he didn't seem to recognize her, but only care for her. His face was a mask of sadness; Willow's inattentiveness seemed to have hurt his feelings. Somehow I knew that if she were not happy then he wouldn't be.
I moved us all to the guest room, not wanting to be in Willow's messy room that smelled of blood. Carefully Willow sat down, trying not to agitate her wounds. I observed the scene before me, wanting to see if they could handle themselves. It was obvious Angel wouldn't accept my plan of putting him in a different room; Willow didn't seem to be objecting. I handed Willow clothes that I had gathered from her room. She took them and looked down at her wounds and quickly threw the clothes to the floor. She drank the glass of water I offered her, and carefully laid down. Turning her face away from me she stared intently at the wall.
Angel seemed highly displeased. He climbed into bed beside her, and I noticed his body was about halfway healed now. He gently grabbed her chin and turned her head to face him. She looked through him with disinterest, only upsetting him more, and I could see the tears and determination in his eyes. He moved closer to her until his forehead touched hers. He wrapped his arms around her frail body and refused to close his eyes until she did. When I was satisfied they would be okay I stood and said goodnight.
"I love you Willow, I'm sorry."
I was beginning to think there was no hope until I saw Angel petting her head, then he grabbed one of her arms and placed it around his body, pulling her other hand into his holding it between there bodies. That's when I saw it. Her hand grasped his tighter, bringing a huge smile to his face. I turned off the light and tucked myself into the bed beside them. There was hope after all.
"Willow, I'll make things better, I promise."
~Part: 3~
Angel was the first to wake, now almost completely healed. Examining Willow, he quietly lay in bed. Every time he looked at her there was a brief flash in his mind; a memory he couldn't quite grasp. All that the vampire knew was that the woman in his arms was his purpose and that he would never fail her. With every passing minute his mind was being mended. Now he could form clear thoughts, beginning to understand his surroundings. There was still missing piece of the puzzle, it seemed that it just happened to be the most important one.
Xander slowly emerged from his temporary bed and made his way to the bathroom. When he returned he found his two patients awake. Willow was staring at the ceiling and Angel staring at her. Making his way down to the kitchen, Xander prepared a simple breakfast for himself and Willow; grabbing a bag of blood on his way upstairs. Opening the guestroom door, his eyes fell upon a sullen vampire poking at an unmoving redhead. It was obvious Angel was highly displeased; he was prodding at Willow trying to get any reaction from her but she responded with nothing.
Being careful Xander set the tray on the bed he slept on, sitting down himself. He gestured at Willow and Angel to join him. Angel stood grabbing a hold of Willow and forcing her over. Handing a cup of blood to the vampire, Xander could see a question in his eyes. Angel seemed to be struggling, his mouth opening and closing repeatedly as if trying to form words. Then finally a raspy "Friend?" could be heard as he pointed at Xander, then himself. Xander nodded. Once again he asked, "Friends?" pointing at Xander then Willow; Xander nodded. Finally he pointed at Willow then himself not quite sure what to say.
"Friend," Xander offered, but Angel shook his head in denial, still searching for the proper word. Becoming increasingly frustrated he started growling and saying no, only to be stopped by Willow. Placing her hand over Angel's un-beating heart and his over hers, she surprised both of the men in the room. They both now had smiles on their faces at the first sign of life in their loved one.
Angel brought his free hand to grasp Willow's on his chest finally declaring "No Friend, Life." A satisfied gleam entered his eyes and he let go of her hand lifting his forgotten mug.
Xander wasn't quite sure what Angel meant when he declared Willow was his life, but for now he was pleased by their progress. He faced Willow, gently pulling her to sit beside him. Offering her food, he was shocked to once again see the distant look in her eyes. Attempting to feed her, his frustration grew when she simply shook her head disinterested. She couldn't have eaten even if she wanted to, her throat was still too raw from screaming. It appeared that none of her wounds had even begun to heal, and the bleeding had only been stopped by Angel's unknowing tongue. Grabbing her juice she quickly gulped it down and took Xander's glass that he offered. As they all finished Xander was at a loss of what to do. Saved by the bell; Xander made his way downstairs to greet a concerned and still haggard Giles.
~Part: 4~
"Giles, you look like crap. I thought I told you to get some rest."
Giles looked at Xander trying to maintain an ounce of decorum. He stepped through the door to the Rosenberg residence looking for the two who hadn't left his mind over the last hours. "I tried. Where are Angel and Willow?"
"I moved them to the guest room, tried to clean them up as best as I could."
"How are they Xander, how's Willow?" Giles tried to keep the desperation and exhaustion from his voice.
"I don't get it Giles. . .Angel looks 100 times better, I mean, he's not 100%, but he's healing so much faster than Buffy ever did." They both looked impossibly worse at the unintentional mention of the ever missing Buffy.
"Willow hasn't healed at all, she's been staring right through me, it's like she's not even there. Every now and then she show's some life, but, I don't know it doesn't look good."
"Take me to them." Giles needed to see for himself
Willow had fallen asleep while Xander went to answer the door. She was now lying on the bed with Angel at her side intently staring at her. Now his body was almost healed entirely and his mind was slowly starting to recover. He still couldn't remember who he was, who these people were, or how he even got where he was. All he knew was that he was inexplicably drawn to this weakened and fragile woman before him. Each flashing vision he got of her and of some distorted parts of his lofe seemed stronger than the last. For now he was just running on instinct, and something told him he needed to make sure she was okay. Words were beginning to form in his mind, but he couldn't yet completely comprehend Xander's words.
Xander walked Giles into the guest room. They both stared ahead. "He's been like this since last night, really protective of Willow, but he doesn't really get what's going on, or who we are. He seems pretty harmless though." Xander figured Angel wouldn't really understand what he was saying. Regardless of his previous personal hatred for Angel, he pushed all those feelings aside, he needed to do all he could to help Willow. And all she seemed to be responding to was Angel.
Neither of them new what to do, they had no idea what had happened to Angel and Willow. Angel had suddenly reappeared and Willow had disappeared for a few days. They both looked like hell. Hell. All Giles could figure out was that some how Angel had managed to get out of hell and Willow most definitely had something to do with it. But what he couldn't understand was how Willow could possibly be powerful enough to rescue a soul from hell. They needed to somehow figure out what had happen, so that maybe they could do something to help. Giles took a seat on the chair next to Willow's side of the bead taking in the scene before him. Angel stared up at him threateningly, remembering his intimidating presence from the other day.
"It's okay Angel, Giles is a FRIEND," Xander emphasized hoping he would remember their earlier revelations. Some part of Angel seemed to comprehend as he turned his attention back to Willow.
"Giles, did you bring my stuff?"
"Oh yes, I almost forgot. It's out in the hall." Xander went to go retrieve a pair of sweat pants for Angel and helped him get dressed, there wasn't anytime to be embarrassed.
"What do we do Giles? We don't even know what happened to them."
"It seems that some how Willow managed to rescue Angel from Hell."
Xander flinched at the thought. If that were true . . . if that were true than whatever happened to Willow was his fault. If he had just told Buffy that Willow was going to restore Angel's soul then things wouldn't be this way. Willow would be okay, Buffy would still be here, and Angel (even though Xander despised him) would be alright. This was something that had been eating at Xander ever since Buffy went missing, the thought that because of one stupid selfish choice he ruined his life and the lives of everyone he loved. Now not a single one of them wasn't hurting, his best friend most of all. How could he have been so rash?
"Angel . . . Angel I'm Giles, do you remember me." Angel looked up at Giles, intently searching his mind for something. It was obvious by his change in expression that he was becoming increasingly frustrated with his lack of comprehension.
"Its okay Angel, try to get some rest." Right now he too had to put behind his feelings towards Angel in order to help Willow. He slowly and meticulously removed and cleaned his glasses, pinched the bridge of his nose and then rubbed his temples before saying "We aren't going to find anything here, I think we need to go back to Willow's room and see if we can figure out what happened." After a long sigh Xander offered to go make Giles some tea before they got to work. They both gathered there wits and made their way to investigate the disaster that was Willow Rosenberg's room.
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