Summary: Willow is still getting over Oz and her friends aren't helping. Angel decides she needs a little vacation.
Disclaimer: I don't own the characters. They are sole property of Joss and the others.
Distribution: NHA, SoG, willsvamps, redsoulmates, and anyone else I post to. Other's just ask.
Authors Notes: This is set during season 4 of BtVS and season 1 of AtS. It goes AU from there. Warning for Kate and Buffy fans: They are not portrayed nicely in this fic. I used them shamelessly to further my plot. =0)
Feedback: ghoztstarz@yahoo.com Need it. Love it. I better get it! =0)
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~Part: 1~
From: Willow (Willow_Rosen214@UCSunnydale.edu)
To: Angel (Angel_1753@phantom.net)
Subject: Anything new?
Date: 11:15pm 17 Oct 2001
Hey Angel!
How are things going in the big city? How are Cordelia and Wesley?Anything new you guys working on?
Nothing new here to report on. The gang is doing fine. Xander isfirmly attached to Anya. Spike is still being...well Spike. Hehelps us out from time to time. More to release pent up aggressions,and get paid, than to fight for good. Buffy is good. Giles is stilldoing his gentleman of leisure thing. Though to be honest, I thinkhe's bored.
I'm sorry I haven't e-mailed lately. Mid-terms were last week. So,have you set up the Instant Messenger I asked you to download yet? Iknow as soon as I send this you will respond. Is there some kind ofvampire mail warning system? Anyways, I'll talk to you soon.
-Willow
Willow came back from the bathrooms hoping she had given Angel enough time to write back. They started e-mailing each other shortly after Cordelia had gone to work for Angel. Willow loved talking to him. He could match her intellectually. Not many could here in Sunnydale. Plus, he'd done and seen so much. The occasional phone call was nice too. She loved to hear the sound of his voice. Willow had to constantly remind herself of the fact that Angel is Buffy's. True, Buffy is seeing Riley, but that was just a formality to her. And and Buffy were soul mates. ARE soul mates. Forever.
Sitting at her computer Willow grinned at the new e-mail. She
opened it and read quickly.
From: Angel (Angel_1753@phantom.net)
To: Willow (Willow_Rosen214@UCSunnydale.edu)
Subject: RE:Anything new?
Date: 12:10am 18 Oct 2001
Hello Little One,
Everything here is going well. Cordelia is asking for a raise,again. Wesley is doing well also. He found an archaic book shopnear by. I never knew it was possible for a grown man to bounce likethat. It reminds me of Cordelia when she find a big sale.
Things are a little hectic here at times. Wolfram & Hart have gotsomething up their sleeves. I just don't know what it is yet.
I have installed the Instant Messenger. I am on it right now. Thescreen name is AI_1753_LA. I know you have classes tomorrow, but ifyou still want to talk I'll be here for a little bit.
-Angel
Willow was practically jumping in her seat as she opened her Instant
Messenger and signed on.
LittleWillow: Angel?
AI_1753_LA: Yes, hello Little One.
LittleWillow: *grins* This is so much better don't you think?Instead of waiting for the e-mails.
AI_1753_LA: Very...instant.
LittleWillow: Yes, it is. Oh, you made a joke! Ha, ha. Smartypants. So, Wesley found a new book store huh? Great! Maybe I couldget him to pick up a few books for me.
AI_1753_LA: Why don't you come down here and check the store out foryourself?
LittleWillow: A break from the Hellmouth would be nice. I have afour day weekend coming up. I'm liking the idea already.
AI_1753_LA: Great. So, when do you want Cordelia or I to pick you up?
Little Willow: Oh no, I can take the bus. Besides, you have abusiness to run.
AI_1753_LA: No, Willow. One of us will pick you up. Now, what timeand day?
LittleWillow: You're not going to let this go are you?
AI_1753_LA: No.
LittleWillow: Fine, have Cordelia pick me up at my parents housearound 7pm on Friday.
AI_1753_LA: Ok. Is there anything you would like to do while you'rehere? We could take you for a night on the town. See the sights andsuch.
LittleWillow: That sounds like fun. It will be great to get awayfrom here for the weekend and relax.
AI_1753_LA: What's wrong?
LittleWillow: Oh, just a little of everything. Buffy keeps trying tohook me up with random guys. I keep telling her to lay off. I'mstill not over Oz. I hardly ever see Xander anymore, and thenthere's the Hellmouth's usual delights.
AI_1753_LA: Yes, relaxation it is then. You should get to bed, it'sgetting late.
LittleWillow: Oh, wow. I didn't realize. I'll talk to you in twodays. Good-night Angel.
AI_1753_LA: Good-night Little One.
Willow signed off, shut the computer down, and crawled into bed. 'A whole four days without the Scoobies, the Hellmouth, school, or demands,' Willow thought. 'A whole four days at Angel central.' She slipped in to sleep with a smile on her face.
~~~*~~~
'Willow's coming on Friday for four days,' Angel thought.
"Oh no," Angel said looking around the office. It wasn't a complete disaster. It had been a rough week. Files, book, and papers were strewn everywhere on every available surface.
Looking at the clock Angel let out an un-needed breath. Two AM. 'Well,' he thought, 'might as well clean up tonight. I won't get much sleep as it is.'
While Angel cleaned he ran through their conversation again. 'Why does Buffy keep trying to get Willow to date? Can't she tell she's not completely over Oz and his betrayal?' Since moving to LA, Angel had made a few discoveries about his "true love" through his conversations with Willow. One thing that surprised him the most is the lack of concern she showed towards her friends feelings. As long as Buffy was happy then so was everyone else, at least in her eyes. Angel wasn't sure anymore if he had ever loved Buffy.
Willow on the other hand, was caring beyond anything Angel has ever seen. He owed her his life for restoring his soul. As if that wasn't enough, she readily forgave him for what Angelus had done. Angel shook his head and smiled. Willow was an unbelievable, fascinating, beautiful, fragile, and wonderful creature. He thanked the Powers That Be every time he thought about her.
Angel finally finished cleaning the office and headed down to his apartment. After grabbing a bag of blood from the refrigerator he made a mental note to pick up some food for Willow's stay. He could have Cordeila do that tomorrow. Angel ate 'dinner' and went to lay down for some much needed rest.
~~~*~~~
"It's Friday," Willow sing-songed to herself while she packed for her weekend trip to Los Angeles. The last twenty-four hours had been the slowest Willow could ever remember. She needed this vacation bad.
Willow told Buffy yesterday that she was going to visit Cordelia in LA. Buffy had asked her why she would want to visit Queen C when they'd never gotten along with her. Willow tried explaining again how much Cordelia had changed but all Buffy had said was, "Whatever," and left the dorm room. She didn't even tell Willow "Have fun," or even, "I'll miss you." However stuck up Buffy got, she was not going to let it ruin her mood.
Checking the clock for the one hundredth time that night she saw it was 6:30PM. Willow finished packing and put her bag and lap top by the door of her parents house, then she paced anxiously, looking out the window every few minutes. She nearly squealed with delight when she heard a knock at the door.
Running to answer it she called out, "Cordelia, it's about time you... oh, Angel."
Angel grinned awkwardly. 'She was expecting Cordelia. Is she disappointed?' he wondered.
"Hello Little One. I take it you were expecting someone else?" Angel said.
"No, well, yes, but it's not that I'm not happy to see you here, I just thought you'd be busy and Cordelia would come," Willow said nervously.
"May I?" Angel asked, nodding to the inside of the house.
"I never revoked your invitation from when you stopped by to say goodbye, Angel."
"I know. Just being polite," he said walking through the entryway and turning around to face her. "You look great."
"Thanks, you look..." sexy, hot, edible, sensuous, gorgeous, "...good too. LA agrees with you."
Angel smiled. "You ready to go?" he asked picking up her bag.
"Yeah, I am," Willow said. 'Oh my, a two hour road trip with Angel. What am I going to do, or say?' she asked herself. Locking the front door she turned and started walking towards Angel's car, and Angel himself trailing right behind her.
They were almost to the car when Angel stopped her.
"Angel, what..." Willow started to ask but was cut off by Angel shushing her.
"Buffy," he said flatly.
"How do you know?" Willow asked confused.
"A vampire can sense when a Slayer is near," Angel said quietly.
"So," Buffy drawled, coming from the side of the Rosenberg's house, "going to visit 'Cordelia'?"
Willow tensed slightly at the vehemence with which Buffy said Cordelia's name. Ok, so in all fairness she hadn't been completely honest with Buffy.
"Cordelia had a date tonight so I am picking Willow up for her," Angel said before Willow could say anything.
"Oh really, Angel? Didn't I tell you to stay out of my town and my life?" Buffy asked.
"Buffy, look I...," Willow started to say but was cut off by Angel's hand on her shoulder.
"No, Little One. Here take the keys and put your bags in the trunk," Angel said giving her a small smile, while his eyes pleaded with her to do as he asked.
Willow relented. She felt sorry for Angel. She had tried to keep this side of Buffy from him. He deserved to remember her the way she was, not as this...other Buffy. Willow listened closely to their conversation as she made her way to the car. Buffy obviously didn't care who heard her. Angel on the other hand was keeping his tone low and controlled.
"Do you have any idea how much you being here disrupts my life?" Buffy asked, hands on hips.
"Yes, that's why I nor Willow told you," Angel said.
"Oh, we'll get to Willow in a minute," Buffy said shooting a glance her way. "I'm happy Angel. I don't need you coming back here trying to get me back. I'm with Riley. I love him. I can actually have a normal life with him. I don't want or need you around anymore."
Willow's jaw dropped at Buffy's pronouncement. She couldn't believe Buffy thought Angel came here to win her back. Once Willow got over the shock of the statement she looked at Angel. She saw barely suppressed rage, and knew the holds wouldn't last much longer. Willow decided to step in.
"Uh, Angel, could we go now? We've got a long drive," Willow said hoping to break this up before things got nasty.
"You're right Willow," Angel said visibly calming some. "Let's go." Angel turned and walked away from the Slayer, not looking back once. Not even when Buffy called his name.
"Fine. Go," Buffy said in a huff. "Take your whore and leave town. I don't ever want to see..." She was cut off by a hand at her throat. Buffy hadn't noticed that Angel had moved until he was holding her off the ground.
"Apologize to Willow," Angel growled, yellow eyes boring into hers.
"Angel," Willow said placing her hand on his shoulder. He looked at her and slipped back into his human visage. "Come on let's go."
Angel looked at her a moment longer then dropped Buffy. He took a second to spare Buffy a contemptuous look then headed to the car with Willow.
~Part: 2~
Angel and Willow drove away in silence, each entrenched in their thoughts. They stayed that way for most of the ride, every now and then making eye contact. Finally Willow spoke up.
"Angel, I...I'm sorry. I didn't tell Buffy. I didn't know how she would react. I..."
"Shh, Little One. Don't apologize for her," Angel sighed. He didn't know what to say. Glancing over at Willow he could see she was distraught. He mentally kicked himself. His display earlier hadn't helped.
"Willow, I...I should apologize for my actions back there. You shouldn't of had to see that...side of me. It's just, when Buffy called you that, I snapped. I'm sorry," Angel looked over at her afraid he'd see hurt or anger, or worse disappointment. He didn't see any of those. She was smiling.
"Angel," Willow said placing a hand on his arm, "don't ever apologize again. If you hadn't of done what you did I probably would have hit her." She laughed bitterly.
"I don't know what's happened to her. Ever since Riley...," Willow sighed and broke off. 'How do you explain to someone that the love of their life, well unlife, is not the same person anymore,' she asked herself.
Angel could see the wheels turning in her head as she organized her thoughts. He knew she felt guilty, that much he could smell, but why? 'Such a caring person. She never wants anyone to hurt, even a monster like me,' Angel thought.
"Ok, I'm not sure what to say. I'm sorry I never told you about Buffy's attitude change. I didn't want to ruin whatever image you had of her in your mind. I couldn't even begin to explain the how's or why's of her change. I'm sorry I kept that from you," Willow sighed and looked out the window.
'Poor Angel,' Willow thought. 'He must be devastated. I hate bearing bad news. Even if it's something like this. The worst part is, he's only seen a portion of Buffy's new "attitude". Ok, enough of the gloomy mood.'
"So," Willow said cheerfully, "what fun and exciting things do you have planned for my mini-vacation?"
"Well, I was thinking maybe Cordelia could take you out tomorrow during the day and show you around town a bit. Then I thought maybe we could have coffee, you know, since I'm going to live forever," Angel said smiling.
Willow laughed, "And here I thought you'd forgotten."
"Never, Little One," he said. "Almost there. I'm going to take you to Cordelia's. She said she'd love to have you over for the weekend."
"Oh Angel, I could have stayed in a hotel or something."
"Nonsense. Especially in a strange town, you should stay with friends. LA may not be on a Hellmouth, but it has it's fair share of demons and some evil humans."
"Ok. I guess you're right," Willow said as they pulled off the freeway.
"Wow," Willow said. "This place is so, so bright."
"It can be," Angel said. "We're here." He stopped the car in front of Pearson Apartments. He got out of the car and walked to, what Willow assumed, was Cordelia's door. Angel knocked once then opened the door. Before he could get one foot in the door, it slammed shut in his face. They glanced at each other before he knocked again.
"Cordelia?" Angel called.
"Angel, I'm here. Dennis won't let me open the door," Cordelia said from the other side.
"Who's Dennis?" Willow asked quietly. She didn't know Cordy had a boyfriend and was afraid of imposing.
"He's a ghost," Angel said yanking on the door again.
"Oh, well, I definitely need to hear this story," she said. They heard a crash inside the apartment, "later."
"Dennis, now listen here, you let my friends in right now or so help me...," Cordelia let the threat die on her lips.
Willow and Angel sat outside on the patio for another half hour. Willow yawned. She'd had a rough day and it was finally catching up to her. Just before Willow dozed off she saw something being written on the window next to the door. Willow opened her yes fully and watched as the floating lipstick wrote out the letters, W-I-T-C- H. Willow burst out laughing. The sudden noise startled the vampire next to her. He jumped up ready for battle. This made Willow go into hysterics. All she could do was point to the window when Angel looked to her for an explanation.
Willow finally took pity on the poor confused Angel. She was finally able to catch her breath enough to tell him what had set her off.
"Dennis called me a witch, which I am, but now I finally understand why he wouldn't let us in. He thinks I'm going to banish him," Willow said still giggling.
"Oh, well that explains it," Angel said smiling. He listened to see if he could hear Cordelia anywhere in the apartment. His senses found her asleep in her apartment.
"Well, it looks like Dennis wore Cordy out. She's asleep," he said watching her yawn and rub her eyes. "Looks like you're headed that way too. Come on lets go."
"Where?" Willow asked sleepily.
"To my apartment for tonight. You can take my bed. I'll sleep on the couch," Angel said guiding her to the car.
"Ok. Sleep now."
Angel chuckled at the red-heads pronouncement. He drove quietly to his apartment, thinking the whole way. 'I bet she was too tired to protest me taking her home. Poor girl's had such a rough day. First Buffy, then Dennis.'
Willow started making noises in the seat next to him. Nothing like from a nightmare, just little sleep sounds. Angel smiled again. He felt lucky to have her in his life as a friend. They finally ended up at Angel Investigations and his apartment. He was debating waking her up. In the end he carried her. 'She can get her bag in the morning,' he thought.
As he passed through the offices he noticed a message on the machine. He made a mental note to check it downstairs.
"Angel?" Willow asked sleepily.
"Right here," he said setting her down on his couch.
"Where are we?" she asked rubbing sleep from her eyes.
"My apartment. Tea?"
"Huh? Oh, um...yes please," Willow took a moment to look around. The apartment was spacious and dimly lit. There was a kitchen off to the right where she could see Angel making the tea, and weapons on the walls. Willow shook her head and smiled. 'Typical Angel,' she thought.
"Cream or sugar?" Angel asked from the small kitchen.
"No, plain is fine. I know you don't eat or anything," Willow said.
"True, but there's some by the coffee maker upstairs in the office."
"Oh, good. I actually like a little sugar. I'll go get it," Willow said blushing. She was up the stairs before Angel could offer to go himself.
Willow stopped at the top of the stairs to catch her breath. 'That's right Willow,' she thought, 'just insult what may be the last friend you have. Could you have been just a little more insensitive?' Willow continued to berate herself as she made her way through the office. She fumbled around a little trying to find a light switch. In her hast to escape embarrassment she'd forgotten she's never been to Angel's offices and therefore, didn't know where anything was.
After a few minutes of feeling around Willow came to a desk. She soon found the lamp and turned it on. Looking up, she let out a startled yelp. A woman with a gun pointed at her was standing in the doorway of the office she was in. Willow didn't even hear Angel run up the steps with vampire quickness. Angel came between the woman and Willow, effectively shielding her from the gin.
"Kate," Angel said stiffly. Willow maneuvered herself behind Angel for a better view.
"Who is she?" Kate asked nodding at Willow.
"I'm..," Willow started to say but was stopped by the look Angel gave her. That look alone got her guard up.
"Willow," Angel said, "meet Detective Kate Lockley."
"Hi," Willow said. Kate just nodded her head again and returned her attention to Angel.
"Do you know what he is?" Kate asked Willow.
"Well, from the plaque on the door, I'd say he's a Private Investigator," Willow said sarcastically. She knew she was being callous to the woman. 'Come on, she's holding a gun, and not even looking at me when I talk to her. That's just plain rude,' Willow said to herself.
"No, he's a vampire. Isn't that right Angel?" Kate said, looking all the world like she just played her trump card.
Willow gasped in mock surprise. "No, a vampire? Wait a minute. That so was not in the brochure."
Angel almost lost his composure with the urge to laugh at her. 'Willow's changed, she's got some fire to her,' he thought.
"Ok," Kate said slightly hurt that the little girl made a joke out of her. "So, you know about vampires. Are you one?" she asked, thrusting a cross towards the petite red-head. Willow laughed at the display Kate was putting on.
"No, despite the paleness of my skin, I'm not a vampire. I'm a witch," Willow said, then turned to Angel and quipped, "What's with you and women tonight?"
"I don't know, Little One," Angel said smiling, not at all offended by the comment. It was true after all.
Kate watched their interaction. She caught the cute nickname Angel had for the girl.
"Did he 'rescue' you from some dark alleyway too?" Kate asked. She was a cop and knew to get all the information, regardless of personal feelings.
"No," Willow stated simply. She'd thought for sure Kate would have asked about the witch comment.
"Are people slow in LA or am I too used to living on a Hellmouth?" Willow asked Angel.
"It took me a while to get used to it too," Angel said, then turned to Kate and asked, "Are you going to put your gun down? You know I can disarm you quickly enough, and Willow here..."
"Could at the very least float it away," she finished for him.
"You were serious about the witch thing? And what exactly is a Hellmouth?" Kate asked realizing she had underestimated the situation.
"Well, for starters, yes. I'm a witch, with all the magick, spells, and all that lovely stuff. Secondly, a Hellmouth is what I went to high school on for four years. It's literally the mouth of Hell," Willow said then yawned.
"Angel, I think I"m off to bed. I've had a rough day. First Buffy, then Super Cop," Willow said heading for the stairs. "Good-night, Angel."
"Willow, go ahead and take the bed until we get Dennis straightened out, and good-night to you too. Sleep well," Angel said watching Willow nod absently, and head downstairs.
Angel listened to Willow as she made her way to his apartment and settle on the couch. He smiled to himself. He knew Willow wouldn't take his bed. It wasn't in her nature.
"So, who is she really?" Kate asked effectively brining Angel away from his thoughts.
Angel sighed heavily before answering.
"She's Willow. A friend I"ve known for four years."
"Whatever," Kate said holstering her gun. "You just keep your 'witch' under control while she's here."
Angel growled and had her shoulders in a bone breaking grip before she could move to leave.
"Don't you dare threaten her Kate," he spat.
"Get you hands off me," Kate said trying to break free of his grip.
"You're on thin ice Kate. For your sake I hope you can swim," Angel said and let go of her. Without giving her a second glance he turned and went the same way Willow had gone only minutes before. At the bottom of the stairs Angel released a breath he didn't need. 'That was the last thing Willow needed,' he thought. 'First Buffy practically attacks her outside her house, then Kate ambushes her in my own office. I really need an alarm or something.'
~Part: 3~
Angel walked over to the sleeping form of Willow on the couch. She looked so peaceful with her hand cupped under her head and her hair wild about her. He careful picked her up and carried her to his bed. He laid her down and proceeded to take off her shoes and socks. Before he had even thought about removing anther article of clothing, she spoke.
"I think I can get it from here," Willow said. She blushed slightly at the thought of Angel removing her clothes.
"Oh, yeah, sorry," Angel said nervously. "I uh, thought you were asleep."
"It's ok Angel. Good-night, and thanks," she said.
"Yes, good-night Little One," he said backing out of the room. He went to the closet by the bathroom and got a pillow and got some blankets to use. Then, went to the couch to lie down. 'Idiot,' Angel berated himself. 'That's it, just undress Willow her first night here. Crap, I forgot to check the answering machine.' Angel listened for Willow's heartbeat. She was asleep. The only phone lay next to the bed. Granted, he could've walked upstairs to check it, but that idea hadn't crossed the dark vampire's mind.
He walked silently into the room. Stopping beside the bed, he looked at the sleeping Willow, for the second time tonight. Her hair fanned out around her head, framing it nicely. The covers were pulled up chest high, and from what he could see, her nightshirt was flannel with a Scottish dog print. She looked adorable, safe, and utterly content lying there.
Angel pulled his eyes away from Willow and picked up the phone. He dialed the code for the answering machine and listened. It was a message from Buffy. She was irate, talking about how Angel betrayed her love, and that Willow was no longer allowed back in Sunnydale. It took all of the dark-haired vampire's control not to break something. He must have hung the phone up hard because Willow woke up.
"Angel?" Willow asked sleepily. "What is it? What's wrong?"
"Nothing Willow. Sorry I woke you," he said. He started to leave when she reached out a hand to stop him.
"Tell me, please? I might be able to help."
Angel couldn't bear to tell Willow what the message was. It was too harsh, too mean. Instead he handed the phone to her and dialed the code to bring up the message. He couldn't look at her face while she listened. Anger crept along his skin at the thought of Buffy's words. She silently hung the phone up when the message ended. He didn't need to see her face to know what she thought. The anger was rolling off of her in waves. It skimmed along his senses. He couldn't blame her for being mad. Buffy was way over the line with this.
Willow abruptly got up off the bed and started pacing the room. She was the type of angry that thinking to herself was no longer an option. She had to expend the energy somehow. Yelling and pacing was better then hitting.
"What does she mean I'm not allowed back in Sunnydale? That's my home! I was there way before her butt showed up," Willow said.
Angel followed her with his eyes, not ready to interrupt the petite red-head. She needed to get this out, and him interfering would only make matters worse.
"Who does she think she is? Queen of Sunnydale? I have every right to be there. I should curse her and make her ears fall off," she said. Willow shot a glare at Angel when he snickered at her curse comment. Her glare softened with his face fell. `Buff wasn't nice to him either,' she thought. Willow stopped her pacing and turned to Angel.
"I'm sorry that I got you into this mess. All I wanted was to spend some time away from the Hellmouth with my favorite Vamp. Instead I've dragged you into a huge fight with Buffy. Over me none the less. I don't even know why she's freaking out about it. It's not like we would ever be anything like she's suggesting. You don't like me that way. We're just friends—"
Angel cut her off by placing an arm around her and drawing her closer to him for a hug. `How can she think I wouldn't like as more then a friend? Has she not looked in the mirror lately? She's grown into a fine woman. Buffy's really wrong about her,' Angel thought to himself. He was unconsciously holding Willow tighter and tighter.
"Uh, Angel, need to breathe," she choked out.
"Oh, sorry," he says awkwardly and lets her go.
She could still feel Angel's arms around her. She felt the heat rise up in her face and turned around so he couldn't see. She was feeling tingly in places she hadn't felt in a while. `What am I doing? I mean yeah, Angel's definitely "yummy", but he doesn't like me like that. He can't. I'm just mousey old Willow. I couldn't even keep Oz happy,' Willow thought. Tears brimmed in her eyes.
Angel wanted to reach out and touch her. Gather her in is arms and kiss her. He'd felt the heat rise up in her and knew she was blushing. He thought her blushing was cute. Even after everything the Hellmouth had thrown at her and the gang she still had that one show of innocence. Then he smelled tears. `Why is she crying,' Angel thought. `Did I do something wrong?'
"Willow, what's wrong?" he asked.
"Nothing," Willow said in a small voice wiping her eyes. She still had her back to him.
He touched her shoulder and she sighed, unconsciously rubbing her shoulder on his hand. He gently turned her around and pulled her to him. She didn't resist. He put his arms around her slender waist. She was biting her lower lip and fidgeting with her hands. She was nervous in the dark vampire's arms. He reached up with his right hand and tilted her face up to look at him. He was seated in the bed and she was standing between his legs. That sent another rush of heat through her. Angel smiled sweetly at her.
"Angel I—"
"Shh, Little One," he said.
Their lips touched in the barest of kisses, like butterfly wings touching your skin. Angel had to fight to keep a moan from coming out. He didn't want to scare sweet Willow. Her eyes had slipped closed, and she was still feeling the kiss. Everything else was gone but the feel of him. Her logic told her this was wrong, but the baser instincts had taken over. She couldn't say no, or stop, and honestly she didn't want to. Angel dipped his head for another kiss. He gently nipped at her lips and ran his tongue along asking for entrance. Willow parted her lips and the dance began. Wet, hot, and full of passion their kiss was. Her heat warmed his cool mouth. They finally parted with her panting. Nipping along her jaw line, Angel didn't want to let go. He finally relented with a kiss to her forehead. They sat there staring at each other for a while, trying to figure out if this was just a fluke or something more.
Willow backed up so that she was no longer encased in him. "Angel, we shouldn't do this," she said.
"Oh," he said.
She heard the disappointment in his voice and felt bad for causing it. She wanted nothing more then to go back to him and kiss him, hold him, feel him. But, there was one small little problem…
"That's not what I meant Angel. I liked kissing you, it's just that it can't be more, and I don't want…it's your soul. I don't want to jeopardize your soul," she said in a rush.
"Oh, right, the…uh soul, yeah," he said standing up. "But, if it was permanent would you…would you?"
"Definitely," Willow said blushing.
Angel picked her up and swung her around before her brain could register that he had moved. Once her brain caught up she was laughing.
"Put me down. I'm going to get dizzy," she said. He put her down gently on the bed and now it was he standing between her legs. She felt the tingles again.
"I guess we should research huh?" Willow asked looking up into his chocolate brown eyes. She loved seeing him happy, well not too happy, but smiling at least.
~Part: 4~
Everyone had agreed that Willow should stay with Cordelia in LA. Cordelia had offered to give the blonde slayer a piece of her mind. Willow appreciated the offer, but told her it wasn't necessary. Wesley had even gone so far as to say he would call the council to have Buffy removed from Sunnydale should she ever wish to go back. She'd decided LA was much nicer. Her new friends were very caring, and she was having a blast.
Willow had managed to ease Dennis' fear of her by making him semi- visible, if only for a few hours. Dennis had been ecstatic. Ever since then he opened doors for her, brought her anything and everything she might need. He even tucked her in until she told him politely to never do it again.
Angel had been the nicest. He took her to movies, and the theater, and even out to eat. He brought her flowers, and even set up a desk in his office for her. She was officially part of `Angel Investigations'. Sometimes he came over to watch movies with Willow and Cordelia. Heck, even Wesley joined in a time or two. Angel enjoyed having the red-head around. She was like a breath of fresh air, managing to join the four of them into a tight-knit friendship.
The `Research Girl' helped in everyway possible, and even updated Cordelia's computer to include the newest technology, and web sites for demons. They worked fast and efficiently whenever they had a client or Cordelia had a vision.
For two weeks now, every time Willow had a free moment she was searching for a way to make Angel's soul permanent. It meant a lot to him. It meant that she actually cared for him, a fact he was just starting to get used to.
~~~*~~~
Willow sat at the desk they had set up for her. A stack of books sat on the edge. The archaic book shop Wesley had found was wonderful. It had everything a girl seeking for answers could need. Everything that is, except how to make a souled vampire keep from losing his.
"Willow?" Angel said coming into the office. "What are you still doing here? It's three am."
Willow jumped, "Oh, Angel. Yeah, sorry. It's just I thought I had something. I mean, I can find ten thousand ways to remove a soul, but not to give one." She sighed, exhausted and fed up with not finding anything. Nothing even remotely looking like it would help. `I mean, the Romany's had to have gotten it from somewhere,' she thought. `Didn't they?'
"It's ok Willow. You don't need to beat yourself up trying to find something. Why don't you give it a rest for a little while? Get a fresh start in a week or so," Angel said coming up behind her and placing a small kiss on her head. She'd used the vanilla shampoo he'd bought for her last week. He loved the smell of it on her.
Willow leaned into him and lifted her head for a kiss. She loved the feel of his arms wrapped around her. `He's been so great to me,' she thought. `I can't even return the favor by finding one stupid spell.'
"What are you thinking Little One?" Angel asked turning her face so he could plant a small kiss on her lips.
"How did you know I was thinking?" she asked confused.
He gave a small laugh and said, "I could hear the wheels turning.
You're not a quiet thinker."
She graced him with a smile, stood up and stretched.
"Angel?" Willow asked. She turned to him. He could tell there was something bothering her. She had that small bit of tension between her eyebrows.
"What is it?" he asked stroking a finger down her cheek.
"What if…what if I can't find a spell to secure your soul? What if there is no answer? I don't think I could stand it. I've fallen in love with you. I want you and need you but…what if?"
Angel's heart broke just a bit. He had known there was only a slim chance of them ever finding a spell. Though he had hoped something fierce that she, if no one else, could do it.
"Well," he said trying to keep the uncertainty out of his voice, "I don't want you to wait around for me. But, I want more then ever to have you with me. I guess what I'm trying to say is…that I'll hold on to you as long as you'll let me."
"Oh Angel," she says flinging herself at him, "I don't want to lose you. I'm sorry I said all of that. We'll find a way. I promise. I don't want to lose you. You're all I have now."
Angel held on to the love of his unlife while she cried softly into his chest. He would give anything to keep her from crying again, anything to see her smile at him, anything to hear her laugh. She was the light in a very dark place. He wanted nothing more then to make her happy. Why did he always fall in love with mortals? Hadn't he learned his lesson from Buffy? So he said, but here he was with Willow…
~Part: 5~
The day started out as per usual. Cordelia and Willow came into the office late, as always. No matter how many times Willow tried to get her new 'roommate' to hurry, she never made it to work on time. Willow wasn't so much worried about being late, as she was about wanting to see Angel. Her Angel. She still got little flip floppy butterflies in her stomach when she thought about him.
Angel came up the stairs just as Willow was having a particularly nice thought, and stood there just staring at the smile and the far away look in her eyes. He still thanked the Powers That Be everyday for bringing her into his life. The phone rang and brought him out of his thoughts. Cordelia answered it.
"So," Angel said walking up to Willow, "sleep well Little One?"
She graced him with a smiled and said, "Not without you, but I managed, somehow."
They stood there smiling at each other, arms wrapped around the other. It was a scene made for photographs. However, it was short lived when Cordelia cleared her throat, looking guilty for imposing on the two love birds. She was happy for Angel and Willow. They were great together, and she hadn't seen her boss smile like that for ages.
"What?" Angel asked with a slight growl.
"Hey, just stop right there Mister. No growling at the messenger. You've got a phone call," the ex-cheerleader said.
Angel apologized to the girls, gave Willow a quick kiss on her forehead and went into his office to take the call.
"Who is it?" Willow asked in a stage whisper, knowing full well Angel could hear her.
"Oh, uh just someone wanting to talk to Angel. I didn't get a name," Cordelia said avoiding Willow's eyes.
~~~*~~~
"Hello?" Angel asked.
"Angel, we need Willow to come back to Sunnydale."
"Buffy," Angel stated distastefully. He was still upset over the scene Buffy had caused a month ago in Sunnydale. "Why do you need Willow?"
"Don't worry about it. Just tell her to get back here," Buffy said curtly.
"I will worry about it. She is mine to worry about. If you need her to help with something fine, but you get me along with it," he said. He would not send Willow back to Sunnydale without him. Buffy was still just as pissed, he could tell.
"No. Just Willow. You are still not allowed in my town Angel. I may not like having that little slut come back, but we need her, or so Giles says. So, like it or not, I'm asking just Willow to come back. Then, when the thing is gone we'll send her packing right back."
"Don't do this Buffy. Don't force Willow into this position."
"I'm not forcing her, I couldn't do that. It would be wrong. I'll be there tomorrow to pick her up."
Angel just stood there, the dead line buzzing in his ear. He was struck speechless by the audacity of Buffy's words. The shock of her statements was slowly wearing off. Rage started in his stomach and wormed it's way though his entire body, consuming him. Throwing the phone he howled. The noise brought the two females rushing into the office.
"Angel?" they asked in unison. Wesley came at their heels, having just walked in the door.
Willow stepped forward, reaching for him. "Angel?"
Calming, Angel grabbed Willow and pulled her into a hug. He felt bad for causing alarm. "I'm sorry," he said into her hair.
"What's going on in here?" Wesley asked.
Angel looked up saying, "That was Buffy. She demanded Willow come back to Sunnydale for something. She was...unkind."
"Oh," everyone said.
"Why? What did she say?" Willow asked.
"Don't worry about it Little One. I don't want you to go though, but I'll understand if you do," he said not looking at her. He didn't want her to go. Granted he knew that being the kind of person she was, she would help Buffy no matter what. Not necessarily for Buffy, but for Xander and Giles. That was just the type of person she was.
Pulling back Willow asked, "So, when did she need me?"
"Oh, uh, Buffy said she would be here tomorrow to get you."
"During the day? But, aren't you coming?" Willow asked confused. 'Doesn't he want to come with me?' she thought.
"Apparently I'm not allowed," Angel said through clenched teeth.
"Oh no, she doesn't get to do this," Willow said backing up and settling in for a good babble. "I mean first she gets all high and mighty when you come and pick me up. Then she has the nerve to call me a slut! Like she has any room to talk. We haven't even slept together yet! But, does she care? No, and you want to know why? Because that would mean she would have to admit that you or I actually matter to her. Well, I'm sorry but you are coming whether she likes it or not. I will not step foot in that town with out you. God only knows what lies she's been spreading."
Angel couldn't help but smile at Willow. She really was something. He knew without a doubt that he loved her more then anything else. He pulled her in for a deep kiss. One that, hopefully, showed her how much he loved her and respected her. After a minute he pulled back. Willow looked up at him and smiled.
~Part: 6~
The next day everyone waited breathlessly for the coming of Buffy. Tension was thick in the air. Angel and Willow had explained everything that had happened the night he'd picked her up, and Willow filled in what had led up to that. Before then, o one thought Buffy would be capable of such callous behavior. No one, that is, except Cordelia.
"I always knew she was self-centered," Cordelia said. Everyone just looked at her. "What? Oh, I know I'm self-centered, so don't look at me like that."
"Well, what are you going to do if she won't allow Angel to go with you?" Wesley asked Willow.
"I don't know. We will just have to wait and see," Willow said somewhat sadly. She didn't like the fact that Buffy had put her in this position. Making her chose between what she felt as an obligation, and the man, no vampire, that she loved. It just wasn't fair. After everything she and Buffy had been through, everything Willow had done for her, this was the treatment she got.
"Don't worry Little One," Angel said, pulling her to sit in his lap because her pacing was getting a bit much. "If she does refuse to take me with the two of you I will just have to follow you down later tonight."
"Really?" Willow asked hopefully.
"Really. I can't just let you go off without me. I need to be there to make sure you are ok."
Turning in his lap, she placed a kiss on his lips and hugged him. She felt so lucky to have him in her life, only feeling slightly guilty for not having found a way to secure his soul. She silently vowed that when they got back from Sunnydale, she would redouble her efforts. 'There just has to be a way,' she thought. 'I mean if they can curse you with it, they had to get the idea from somewhere. It's only logical.'
"What are you thinking?" Angel asked.
"Oh, sorry. Just general thinking, you know," she said off-handedly.
By one o'clock in the afternoon the group had lost the tension. Assuming Buffy wasn't coming, they went about their normal routine. Wesley had taken up helping Willow look for possible spells for Angel. Cordelia, well, she was busy with her nail polish. Willow was amazed at how many different shades there were. Angel sat brooding in his office, not wanting to let his mood affect the others.
A loud screech was heard outside the building, made by a car coming to a sudden stop. Everyone looked expectantly at the door, waiting for a possible customer to come in and give them something to do. No one was expecting the smoking blanket that came crashing through the door with a yell of, "Bloody Hell!"
Angel came from his office stake in hand. "Spike."
"Yeah, that'd be me," Spike said removing the blanket once he was safe from the sun's rays.
Everyone had gotten a stake or some kind of weapon of which were readily available throughout the office. You just never knew when someone, or something, would come in. Like Spike, for example. The group was shocked further when they heard a female voice yelling at Spike for not waiting for her.
Willow and Angel looked at each other and mouthed 'Buffy'.
"Spike, what are you doing here?" Angel asked putting himself in front of everyone, just in case.
"He drove me here," Buffy said coming through the door.
"But...but, it's Spike," Willow said in disbelief.
"Well, if you had been in Sunnydale you would know why this isn't such an odd thing. But, since you're in LA, I'll give you the short version. He's neutered," Buffy said with an air of boredom.
"Oi, not neutered! Just can't bite is all," Spike said defensively. "'Sides, I'm getting paid for this."
All of Angel Investigations stood there watching the banter not knowing what to do. Stake him or not? Last they'd seen of Spike he was a little busy having hot pokers shoved through Angel's torso. So, naturally they were leery about the blonde vampire. Everyone had started talking at once, wanting to know why Spike was there, and if they could stake him. Spike was yelling at everyone that he was not there, unfortunately, to hurt anyone. Buffy stood quietly glaring at everyone before settling her stare on Willow.
"Enough!" Willow yelled to the group. Everyone shut up, surprised by her outburst. Even Spike had a look of astonishment on her face. "Look, he can't bite. We know that, now...anything else?"
Talking all at once again, they all asked their questions. Sighing loudly Willow said, "One at a time."
"You and Peaches? I thought better of you Red," Spike said with a wry grin.
"That's your burning question?" Willow asked.
"No, but it's a damn good one."
"Whatever," Willow said exasperated. "Anyone else?"
"Yeah, why shouldn't we stake the Bleached Wonder over there? Last time he was here we had a few troubles, what with the hot pokers, and trying to torture Angel," Cordelia said pointing a stake at him.
"What do you mean? When did this happen?" Buffy asked looking between Spike and Angel.
"Oh, you know when you decided to give that bloody ring to Angelus over there," Spike said offhandedly to Buffy then turned to Cordelia and said, "You won't stake me because, I'm all helpless and such. Can't defend myself against a human, bloody soldier boys saw to that," Spike said.
"Oh," Cordelia said and put the stake away. Wesley stood there motionless, taking in the scene.
"Right, now that that is over. C'mon Willow, lets go," Buffy said reaching for Willow. Angel stepped in front of her with a growl of warning to Buffy.
Placing her hands on her hips, Buffy looked up at Angel with a contemptuous glare. They stood like that for a few minutes, the tension once again thick in the air. Spike looked like a kid waiting to open presents on Christmas Day, bouncing slightly on the balls of his feet. Willow decided to break up the stalemate and placed a hand on Angel's arm. He softened and turned to look at her. She gave him a look that said it was ok and turned to Buffy.
"Angel is coming with us," she said.
"No. I made that clear on the phone," Buffy said in a huff. "We don't need him, we have Spike for the vampire strength thing."
Growling again, Angel said, "I'm not coming to help, I'm coming to be with Willow."
"Well, isn't that nice," Buffy said sarcastically. "Whatever, just stay out of my way. That goes for you too Willow."
Finally coming to an understanding Angel grabbed his coat and a spare blanket. He looked at their luggage, then looked apologetically at Willow, having to leave her to carry it.
"It's ok Angel. I don't need you crispy," She said and placed a small kiss on his cheek. Smiling one more time he followed Spike out to the blacked-out DeSoto and climbed in the back seat.
Buffy threw one glance back at the members of Angel Investigations and left. Willow turned and hugged Cordelia and Wesley, telling them to be careful and give her a call at her parents house if they needed anything.
"If she gives you any trouble...," Cordelia said.
"Don't worry. I've got my big manly vampire to take care of me!" Willow said on a laugh.
"Do be careful Willow, and give us a call if you need anything," Wesley said grabbing one of the suitcases and walking out with her to the car, placing them in the trunk of the beat up vehicle.
"Bye," Willow said waving and quickly got into the backseat with Angel. They both were dreading the ride to Sunnydale. Neither one of them felt anything but animosity coming from both the occupants of the front seat.
~Part: 7~
The DeSoto, despite the rumbling of the engine, was quiet. Not one person spoke. No one had anything to say to each other. Animosity clouded the air in the cabin of the car, along with wisps of smoke from Spike's cigarettes. Shadows were cast on the passengers' faces through the blacked out windows, giving them an eerie cast.
Willow's hand slid over to Angel's and they held hands, waiting. It was like the calm before the storm. She just wanted someone to say something, anything, to relieve the tension and the strained silence. It was slowly eating away at her, giving her goose bumps and making her want to squirm in her seat. Willow could see the strain in Angel's knitted brow and in the straight line of Buffy's back. Spike was the only one who seemed unaffected by the atmosphere in the car, and even that grated on her nerves just a little; that he could be that nonchalant, or just plain blind, she wasn't sure which.
Minutes stretched into hours for Angel as he mentally ticked off the seconds. He wanted to be free of the car and of Buffy. He wanted most of all to be back home with Willow in his arms and not have to deal with anything, least of all Spike. But, he couldn't, wouldn't leave Willow's side. Idly, he wondered what could be so important that Giles would send for Willow. And why didn't Giles just call Willow himself? Something seemed off to Angel, and he planned to keep a close eye on Willow from now on.
Rubbing her hands on her legs, Buffy sat there fuming. She couldn't believe that Angel, after all she'd said, still came with them. She didn't want him there, didn't need him. Her skin crawled with the two vampires' energy so close to her. It felt like her skin was covered in bugs, and she really, really hated bugs. Buffy just wanted to get back to Sunnydale, kill whatever it was that Giles had found, and send Willow and Angel packing back to L.A. 'I don't see why we need Willow anyways,' Buffy thought. 'Giles knows enough witch-y stuff, why couldn't he do it?' She had argued that point over and over with Giles when he'd first suggested she get a hold of Willow. Giles just told her that Willow was needed, and that he himself couldn't do the spell because he would be helping her fight.
Between the tension, the cigarettes, and the loud music, Spike was actually
having a good time. He wanted one of them to blow and he was making
bets with himself as to who would be the first to go off. At first,
he'd thought Angel would be the one to break the silence, or break something,
but then he changed his mind. He reminded himself that this was the
all-soul-having Angel. Flicking his eyes to the fidgety Buffy, he
thought she would be the first to scream. She kept moving and scratching
and rubbing. But no, she'd been quiet this long, he was sure she
would stay quiet the whole trip. It wasn't like she'd said anything
on the way there. Looking to the backseat, he caught a glimpse of
Willow, and this time, he was sure he had his mark. She would definitely
be the first to go. Red-heads were known for their temper after all.
Though he wasn't quite sure if mousy, quiet Willow would actually have
the guts to say anything. So, he kept smoking and singing along to
the loud
music, driving back to Sunnydale.
"Uh, Spike?" Willow asked softly. She wasn't sure if he could hear her over the music, it was loud and obnoxious, and well, Spike.
"Yeah, Pet?" Spike said, sparing a glance in the back seat. 'So,' he thought, 'not exactly the explosion I'd expected, but it was Red to speak up first.'
"Are we there yet?" She couldn't believe the words that had just come out of her mouth. 'Are we there yet?' she asked herself. 'Am I childish or what?' Spike just snorted in amusement and shrugged. She wished she'd had a watch or something. Willow made a mental note to pick hers up while they were in Sunnydale.
"What are you.a two-year old?" Buffy asked, twisting around in her seat to send Willow a withering look.
Willow felt Angel growl before she heard the noise rumble from his chest. Holding his hand tighter in hers, she silently urged him to back off. But, he was having none of it. Angel was sick and tired of Buffy treating Willow like that.
"Save it," Buffy said, turning to look at Angel now. She couldn't see the grin that appeared on Spike's face as he listened to the conversation, catching quick glimpses of Willow in the rear view mirror. "I didn't want you here in the first place," Buffy continued. "If you can't control your super macho ego, then get out and go back to that hole in the wall you call a business."
"How dare you," Willow said with barely controlled rage. She'd had just about enough of Buffy and her big, fat mouth. "Once again Buffy you have managed to find a way to show that you are a mean and cruel person. It isn't bad enough that you think you are the freaking Queen Sheba, but you've got to look down that perfect, petite nose of yours at everyone else. Well, I'm sick of it. I'm sick of you treating Angel like he's supposed to be some lovesick puppy who only lives to lick at your heels. I'm sick of you treating me like some low-life that only exists to serve you! I'm just plain sick of you! We are not here for you to belittle. So, get your head out from where the sun doesn't shine and take a good look at reality."
The only thing that kept Willow from crawling into the front seat and getting in Buffy's face was the hold Angel had on her shoulders. Buffy sat back, stunned, and stared at Willow like she didn't know her. And honestly, she <i>didn't</i> know her anymore.
Spike was almost giddy with anticipation of a cat-fight in his car. It was rare he got front row seats, and to have these two go at it? Well, that would just make his day. But no, Angel had to step in and break it up. 'Stupid bugger,' he thought, putting out yet another cigarette.
When Willow finally relaxed enough that she was no long straining against Angel, he drew her back into his arms. Quietly, he whispered in her ear. "Please don't, Little One. It's not worth it. If you don't want to stay when we get there and hear what Giles has to say, then I will take you back to L.A. with me and you won't ever have to see her again. If that's what you want, I'll do that for you."
"Thank you," she whispered back. Relaxing in Angel's strong arms, Willow didn't see the look Buffy gave her.
The rest of the trip was made in silence, though not quite as strained as before. Well, things were quiet until Spike ran over the 'Welcome to Sunnydale' sign.again.
Willow and Angel were dropped off at the Rosenberg's house, Angel having to run to the safety of the shaded porch. Spike didn't wait to make sure they got in okay; instead he gunned it and squealed off to drop Buffy at Giles'.
Once inside, Willow quickly sun-proofed the house for Angel's safety, then went to the fridge for some food and drink. Angel stood back and watched her admiringly. Right now he didn't want to think about everything that was going on with Buffy and Giles. He just wanted to concentrate on Willow.
"Angel, I.," Willow said, but stopped because of the look on Angel's face. It was hard to read, almost loving and admiring and well, she wasn't quite sure. Expectant maybe. "Uh, I, well there's no blood in the house for you or food for me, so I have to go out. Do you mind?"
Angel stood there for a minute longer just staring at her, his Willow, his Little One. "No, I don't mind. I'd join you, but I have this pesky sun allergy," he said finally.
"Oh, right. Well, I'll hurry back."
Willow moved to walk past him but Angel had other ideas. He grabbed her around the waist and pulled her close to him. She let out a small gasp of surprise, and then burst into a huge smile that lit up her face. Dipping his head closer, Angel lightly touched his lips to hers before he gently worked his tongue past her lips and into her mouth. The heat boiled up in her and flooded into him, making him groan. The kiss ended with a lingering touch of lips.
"Be careful, Little One. Oh, and remember to call Giles when you get back. I want to know what is going on. I'm going to call Cordy and let her know we got in okay. I don't think she'd hesitate to come here and beat Buffy with one of her patent leather shoes, and well, I don't want the bill for that."
Willow chuckled slightly at that image. "Yeah, ok. I really want to know what is going on also. But, I guess that will have to wait. My tummy is hungry," she said as her stomach growled in protest of the hold up. Still smiling, Willow waved to Angel and walked out the door.
~Part: 8~
Willow had come back quickly enough from her errands, and Angel decided to cook her dinner. They ate in companionable silence, both of them thinking about why they might be here and what Giles wanted with Willow. Angel still couldn't help but think that something was off.
"So," Willow said, pushing her empty plate away, "I guess I should call Giles now huh?" Angel nodded, still lost in his thoughts.
"Right. Well, I'll go make that call then." Getting up from the table she made her way to the phone in the living room and dialed a number she'd never forgotten. She was just a little apprehensive about talking to Giles. It wasn't that she blamed him for Buffy's attitude, but she couldn't help but feel a little unwanted. Giles hadn't even called to see if she was okay, or if she needed anything. Willow knew that Giles loved her like a daughter, but there was still that small pang of pain.
"Hello?" the familiar voice of her mentor asked.
"Hey Giles. It's me, Willow."
"Oh, Willow, yes. Nice to hear from you. I take it you got into town alright?" Giles asked. He was extremely happy to hear Willow's voice. He'd missed her this last month, not only for her exceptional research skills but also because she was a ray of sunshine herself; someone to make the long nights during the meetings more enjoyable.
"Amazingly enough, even with Spike driving."
"Yes, well, I was afraid of sending him, but Buffy insisted."
"Oh?" Willow asked, curious. 'Why would Buffy of all people, </i>want</i> Spike to help her in any way?' she wondered.
"It was, well, against my better judgment."
"Right. I don't blame you for not wanting to send Spike, but that's not why I'm calling. I'm actually curious as to why you need me here?"
Angel sat at the table, listening closely to Willow as she spoke to Giles on the phone. He could tell she missed him, and he was sorry about that, about keeping her from her loved ones.
"Well, that is somewhat difficult to explain over the phone," Giles said. "It might be better if you were to come over to the apartment. I could better explain it to you by showing the text."
"Another prophecy?" Willow asked, no longer excited by it. There was a time when she would literally start bouncing in her seat at the prospect of uncovering another riddle, but now, it just was another thing to expect on the Hellmouth.
"Why, yes. How did you know?"
"Lucky guess. So, when should we come over?"
"We?" Giles asked, perplexed.
"Yeah, Angel and me."
"Oh, well I wasn't aware that Angel would be coming with you. Buffy had said he would stay in L.A."
"I just bet she did," Willow said bitterly. "Well, Angel is here and he's coming with me. So, I guess we will see you after sundown."
"That is fine, Willow. I will see you and Angel later. Have a good evening."
"You too, Giles. I missed you. Talk to you later."
"As I you, good bye," Giles said, and hung up.
Willow placed the receiver lightly on the cradle and sat there on the couch thinking. There was a prophecy, Giles didn't know Angel was coming, and he didn't sound too happy that he was here. She couldn't help but think that somehow the prophecy was related to her in some way. It would explain why she <i>had</i> to be here, but not why Buffy and Giles didn't want Angel to come with her. There were just too many things that didn't make sense to her, and she didn't like that. Hopefully when they went to Giles' he would show her the text and she could begin to make sense of everything. Until then, she was going to enjoy her time with Angel until they had to leave. Maybe they could watch a movie?
~~~*~~~
Time had moved too quickly for Angel and Willow. They'd watched a movie, ate some popcorn, snuggled and talked. Going over everything, they knew neither of them could understand what could be so important that Willow absolutely needed to be there. One thing they did agree on was that it probably had to do with magick. While Giles was competent, Willow had more raw power. They both assumed that what was needed was some serious mojo. Willow was a little excited about that prospect, but Angel was guarded. He'd seen over the years how corrupting magick could be to untrained users and he was worried about Willow's safety.
Walking hand in hand, they slowly wound their way through the streets of Sunnydale towards Giles' house. They both felt the air of apprehension that hung around them. Steeling herself, Willow knocked on the door.
It was immediately opened by a smiling and happy Giles. Quickly he pulled her into the house and into a hug. Willow was a bit perplexed by this show of affection. She knew that Giles cared for them as his children, but this was.not very Giles-like. Angel stood uncomfortably outside the Watcher's threshold, having been uninvited and never given an invitation since. He shifted from foot to foot, not sure if he should say something.
Finally Giles let go of Willow and began to escort her further into his apartment, not even looking at Angel. Angel had had enough and cleared his throat. Willow turned a startled and guilty face to him then looked at Giles to see what he would do.
With a pronounced stutter and an uncertain tone, he said, "Oh, uh y-yes. Do, uh, d-do come in Angel."
Stepping into the apartment, Angel saw that they were facing the entire Scooby Gang. Buffy was planted firmly on Riley's lap, showing off. Xander and Anya were arguing over something, but Angel didn't catch what they were saying. Unconsciously, he moved closer to Willow as Giles went to go sit the dining room table, which was littered with books. No one said anything to them.
Willow was nervously playing with the hem of her shirt, twisting it and knotting it in her hands. No one said anything. Anya and Xander had stopped their conversation and stared at Willow and Angel.
Xander went to stand up. Buffy, however, shot him a dirty look and he sat back down quickly. Willow was crushed by that simple move alone, and tears began to pool in her eyes. Xander crouched, half-standing and half sitting, as if undecided about where his loyalties lied. Then, before she knew it, Xander was on his feet and she was wrapped in his familiar, brotherly arms. She hugged him back enthusiastically and shed a few tears.
Once the happy reunion was over, they all made their way silently to the table where the books lay open and waiting in front of Giles. Angel placed his hand on Willow's shoulder and maneuvered her to the opposite side of the table as Buffy.
Angel got to the point immediately. "What did you need Willow for?"
~Part: 9~
Angel got to the point immediately. "What do you need Willow for?"
"Yes, well, that's not easily explained," Giles said, removing his glasses to clean them ritualistically. After putting his glasses back on, he searched through the pile of books and pulled out a single piece of parchment. He read over it for a minute before handing it over to Willow. "This is why you are here, or rather, why we think you should be here."
Willow gently took the old parchment and set it down to read it. She felt Angel lean over her shoulder and read along with her. It made no sense to her. It was in another language, one she didn't know yet.
"Giles, uh, this is nice.but I can't read it," Willow said. Angel tightened his hand on her shoulder and she knew that he was thinking the same thing she was. That this was a trap of some kind. Some elaborate trap that her supposed friends had set up to get her to.do what? That's what they didn't know. Angel thought it was to get her away from him, but she couldn't see why they would do that. Normally her friends would just talk out their concerns, not do something like this. Not try to trap her into something that could possibly risk her life or their friendship. They couldn't, they wouldn't. They were her friends, her family. She'd fought beside them throughout high school. She'd let Buffy cry on her shoulder when Angel was sent to hell. She'd helped Xander with his homework and his tie for the prom. Countless nights she'd stayed up with Giles researching some new demon that had recently made the Hellmouth its home and feeding ground.
"What is this?" Angel asked heatedly. "Why give her something you know she can't read?"
"That's just it," Giles said, "she can read it."
Angel wanted to rage, to hurt them. What were they talking about, saying that she could read it? Angel couldn't even recognize the language represented by the small, faded characters. Granted, he'd not had exposure to the amount of languages that Willow had; but if she said she couldn't read it.then she couldn't read it. What was up with all the cryptic talk? He didn't like it, nor did he understand what Giles was up to.
"Damn it Giles, just tell us!" Angel yelled.
The fist connected with his jaw before he saw her move. Buffy stood over him with a stake poised and ready to strike. "Don't you <i>ever</i> yell at Giles again, or this stake will be the last thing you ever feel."
"Buffy, stop," Willow said, coming around to put herself between them.
"Stay out of this, Willow. It's none of your business."
"Like hell it isn't! If you've forgotten, I'm with Angel. He's mine now, not yours. So, get your filthy hands off him. Now."
Buffy looked up at Willow. The absolute confusion of the situation registered on Buffy's face as she looked at the girl who was once her meek, obedient best friend.
Taking the opportunity, Angel pushed Buffy off of him and stood up, placing himself in front of Willow. The atmosphere in the room had gone from slightly tense, to menacing. The hair on the back of Willow's neck stood on end. She suddenly didn't want to be here, she wanted to be far from here in fact. Tugging on Angel's sleeve, she began to step backwards towards the door. No one had moved but her and Angel, and yet the room seemed somehow to close in on itself, making her feel claustrophobic all of a sudden. Angel sensed her distress, grabbed her hand, and ran out of there.
They hadn't gone far, just outside of Giles' apartment complex, but Willow had seen nothing but a giant blur until they stopped. She couldn't even remember her feet touching the ground.
"Angel," Willow said breathlessly. "What, what was that all about in there?"
"I don't know," he said darkly, "but I didn't like it."
"Neither did I."
~~~*~~~
He walked five steps, turned, and then walked back five steps. It was a small room, not much good for pacing, but he made do. He had too much on his mind to worry about proper pacing space. So lost was he in his thoughts that he didn't even notice where he was, or that he was walking out of the small room, up the stairs, and out into the night. He didn't notice that he was without any kind of protection from the predators of Sunnydale.
Xander couldn't be bothered with these little details. They were nothing compared to the conundrum he faced at this point and time. He had a secret. Well, not really a secret. The rest of the Scooby Gang knew. Even Spike knew. But not Willow. Moreover, she was the one that needed to know. Right? He was sure she would want to know what they, the others of the Gang, had been up to while she was over in L.A. with Mr. Broody Pants.
His inner turmoil continued as his feet led him on a path they knew well. He headed straight for the Rosenberg residence.
~~~*~~~
"I just don't get it," Willow said, as she walked hand-in-hand with Angel down the street. They were heading in the vague direction of her house, but they were in no hurry to get there. "I mean, why? Why the secrecy? Why show me a text I can't read? Why insist that I <i>can</i> read it?" She had never seen Giles act that way. He had always accepted what she could and could not do. When he'd asserted to her that she could, in fact, read the text it was, to say the least, disturbing. She knew that Angel wasn't buying it either.
There was nothing Angel could say. He didn't have the answers, he just had the same questions. Mainly revolving around Giles and the text Willow could supposedly read. Taking her away from here was their best option, but he knew she wouldn't leave. Not now, she had to find out what was going on. So, they would stay and he would look out for her. Sighing, he brought her hand to his lips and kissed it gently.
"I don't know, Little One," he said affectionately.
They continued on in silence, listening to the night sounds. Eventually they turned onto her street. They saw someone walking towards them. Willow couldn't make out who it was. The person turned and stepped onto the porch of her house. She looked up at Angel quizzically.
"Xander," he said, in answer to her silent question.
Quickly they walked up to her house just as Xander turned to leave. He hadn't seen them approach and gave a startled yelp when he looked up and saw them.
"Xander, what is it?" Willow asked, concerned. He looked nervous. His hands wouldn't stay still, they played with his shirt, got shoved in his pockets, clasped behind his back, then started over again.
"Oh, uh, hi," he said, giving a hesitant smile. "Deadboy." He nodded at Angel, and Angel nodded back.
"Well.," Willow asked trailing off.
"Right, well, we.we need to talk."
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