Author: Cyndy
Email: cyndyr298@yahoo.com
Rating: NC-17
Pairing: W/A(us), W/A
Disclaimer: All characters belong to Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy.
Summary: Angelus pays Willow a midnight visit.
Warning: This story deals with some non-consensual themes. Please don’t read this if you are offended by this type of story.
Other Warning: May contain *spoilers* for next season of AtS.

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~Part 1~

Willow rolled in her bed, the covers winding about her thighs. This had probably been the worst day of her life. First of all, she had been betrayed by the one she trusted the most. In her mind’s eye she kept seeing her best friend and first love, Xander, kissing her most hated enemy, Cordelia. They were kissing in the stacks of Giles library while she had been researching just a few feet away. It hurt so much. Knowing that Xander probably only found Cordelia attractive, wanted to sleep with her. While she, Willow, had been under his nose for years but he had never once looked her way.

Then, the most terrible thing had happened. Right after she had confronted Xander and told him what she thought about him kissing Cordelia, Angel appeared. He had gathered her up in his deadly embrace and proclaimed to Buffy that her helplessness ‘was a real turn-on.’ Buffy had been powerless to stop him. If Xander hadn’t interfered. . .

She rolled over, she couldn’t think about that now. She’d worry about it tomorrow. Yes, everything would look better in the morning. Her eyes pressed closed tightly, Willow willed herself to sleep. She imagined a peaceful place in her mind’s eye. She thought about sitting on a sun-dappled bench in her grandmother’s rose garden. She was just about to drift off when she heard the soft ‘snick’ the French doors in her room made when they shut. She felt a cool breeze waft across her cheek.

Fearfully, she opened one eye but saw only blackness in her room. It was shrouded in shadows so deep that she could barely make out the familiar shape of her desk. "Good evening, Willow." A smooth voice said.

"Who’s there?" Willow’s were wide open now. A light snapped on and Angel came into view.

"Don’t worry, it’s only me."Angel drawled. His legs were stretched out, leaning back in her chair and his arms crossed behind her head.

"W-w-what do you want?" Willow asked fearfully.

The scent of her fear was dizzying. "Why do you think I want something?" He stood up and approached her bed with leonine grace.

"You–"

"I came to. . .talk."

"C-c-can’t we talk tomorrow?" She clutched the covers up to her neck in both fists.

"No," he smirked. "Not really."

"Don’t you have a telephone? I could give you my number." She watched his approach with wary eyes, mentally searching her room for something to whack him with.

"If you don’t want to talk," He sat down on her bed and brushed her face with the back of his knuckles, "I can think of other things to do."

Willow scooted away from her towards her clip-on reading lamp. "Uh, sure. We could play chess . . .or I could look up something on the internet for you! You should try Yahoo groups!"

"Willow-" He leaned forward, she scooted back.

"Or we could thumb-wrestle." She shot him a hopeful look as she reached around behind her.

"Thumb-wrestle?" Angelus had to laugh. She wanted to thumb-wrestle with the demon inhabiting her best-friend’s boyfriend’s body. Then his demonly pride took over. "I would win."

"Oh no you wouldn’t. I’m the undefeated champion. Ask Xander–he even cheats!" She grasped the lamp and pulled it off the headboard, talking over the small sound.

"I have longer thumbs than you do." He reasoned. She was sort of amusing. He would probably have to take his time and make sure he didn’t laugh and choke himself while draining her.

"It’s not the size that matters. It’s how you use it." He rose one eyebrow at her. She shifted the small lamp into striking stance. "Try me."

He vamped out. "If you insist." He lunged for her.

She brought the lamp over her head and hit him seven times with it, edging toward the other side of the bed. She punctuated each hit with a comment. "I would to have beat you. I’m great at this. Why. Does. Everybody. Underestimate. Me." Unfortunately, the place he decided to lay prostrate with pain in was blocking her escape route. There was no way out but over top of him. Finally he wrested the lamp away from her and flung it across the room. He pushed her back down on the mattress and held her there with one hand on her abdomen.

He glared at her, rubbing his head with his other hand. She shrank back, waiting for the torture to begin. "Ow. That hurt." Gingerly he stroked his gelled hair back. "And you messed up my hair." He glowered at her, still in vamp face. "Hand check. C’mon. You don’t have a stapler or anything do you? Good. Keep ‘em visible."

He grinned to himself. The girl had spunk. And she was smart. She had formed a plan and then kept it to herself. That was positively evil. Most people can’t resist bragging about how brilliant they were. Or how they were about to kick your ass. Really took the surprise out of the relationship. "Does this mean you don’t want to thumb-wrestle? And if your way of winning is bashing your opponent over the head, I think you cheat, too. It also explains why you’re undefeated. And why Xander has flat hair. And why he’s so stupid. You can only take so many head wounds before it begins to take a toll."

Willow couldn’t help it. A small giggle escaped her. She gasped and clamped both hands over her mouth. Then she glared at him. He wagged a finger at her. "That’s not proper victim behavior. You should be screaming, crying. Maybe begging for you life. What’s the most popular phrase? Don’t. Please. Please, don’t? It doesn’t vary much."

"I read about you." She whispered. It was like speaking with the real bogey man. She couldn’t help but be intrigued.

"Really? What did you read?" He settled himself more comfortably on the bed, brushing a hand against her thigh as he did so. Angelus loved hearing about himself.

"That you were the so-called Scourge of Europe. That you took out whole villages. That vampire slayers and hunters all over the world hunted you. That you killed a vampire hunter’s children because you thought it was funny. That you love to gamble and hate to lose." Willow stiffened her resolve. "And with that, I have a proposition for you."

"I think that’s my line." He stroked her stomach once, his thumb straying below the line of her pajama bottom to rub the warm flesh. Then, he reapplied pressure to her abdomen.

"If I win, you let me go and leave here." That was fine with him. She didn’t say he couldn’t come back tomorrow.

"Why do I get if I win? I’m already going to have you for dinner."

"I’ll tell you how to get the Watcher’s Diaries. Especially the ones that mention you." She offered. Willow knew that wasn’t a big loss. She had spent her summer putting them into an interactive Watcher database that all the council members could access. It was supposed to be a birthday present for Giles.

"Alright. It’s a deal." Though, he’d been hoping for a different sort of prize altogether. Angelus cocked his head to the side. "What’s the game?"

"Thumb-wrestling."

Later that night, Angelus walked back to the mansion, mumbling to himself in disgust. "I had longer thumbs. I should have won that. She must have cheated." He reached for a smoke. "I was still in pain from being bashed over the head with a lamp." He expelled a long stream of smoke from his throat, a small smile wreathing his face. Willow’s grit was unexpected. After unliving so many years it was hard to hold his interest.

Willow typed at her computer as she sat in the library. She was looking for references to a Gypsy curse. After they’d found out what Ms. Calender had done, Giles had designated her the new technopagan.

Every once in a while, her eyes strayed to the Watcher’s Diaries which were kept in a locked shelf in Giles’ office. She couldn’t help the small smirk that graced her lips. Well, these babies will stay right where they are.

Buffy came in the library on shaky legs. She plopped down next to Willow, taking a drink from her Coke. "He came to my room last night."

"Who?" Willow said, distracted.

"Angel." Willow stopped typing and was about to say ‘Me too’ when Buffy confided. "He drew a picture of me sleeping."

"Oh my God. He was in your room while you slept." And he drew a picture?

"Yes." Buffy’s eyes were far away. The Slayer was falling apart.

"Did you tell Giles?"

"Yes. He’s looking for an uninvite spell." She clutched Willow’s hand. "Be careful, Wills. He’s been to your house once."

Actually, that’s twice. "I will." But I don’t think he’ll be back thanks to my clever proposition. "But I think he’s more focused on you. It’s in his profile, Buffy."

"I know." Buffy dug into her jeans pocket and pulled out a wooden cross on a simple chain. "Here, put this on." Willow did so obediently. A little protection never hurt anybody. The blond sighed a little, tears starting to fall. "I don’t want anything to happen to you. Or any of us."

"It’ll be okay. I promise, Buffy, we’ll find a way to fix it." She’d save the demon thumb wrestling story for later.

Buffy pressed Willow into a grateful hug. "See you later. I should be heading out to patrol soon. Have to motor home and get some dinner first."

"See you later, Buffy."

"Asleep already? It’s only 10 p.m." A velvety voice drawled. Willow could feel a chill that swept in through the open door, ignoring the voice in her sleep fogged mind. She burrowed deeper into the blankets. "Will-lllow. Wake Uuuupp!" He said in a sing-song voice. "Wakey, wakey!"

Willow’s eyes fluttered open. She scowled when she saw who it was. "Hey! We had a deal."

"Yes, we did. And I quote. . .’If I win, you let me go and leave here.’ You never said ‘don’t come back.’"

Willow ‘s scowl deepened. "What. . .are you a lawyer? Looking for the loopholes?" She moved herself up, so her legs were splayed out but she was sitting.

"Ugh. No, I don’t even eat lawyers. Now, how about a rematch?"

Willow’s mouth fell open. "You came here to thumb wrestle?" She looked at him carefully. He wore black leather pants and a red silk shirt. "No, I guess you don’t have any watercolors stashed somewhere."

"What?" She had the most fascinating mind.

She sighed. "Buffy said you drew her picture."

He grinned, traipsing blithely across her room like he owned the place and then sat down on her bed again. "Yeah. I did." His smile said ‘congratulate me.’

"Why?"

He pursed his lips. "To throw her off. I drew her another one tonight." He stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Did you know that she drools in her sleep?" He looked at Willow. "You don’t drool, do you?"

Willow brought her hands to her face, checking. Curious, despite herself."Guess not."

"Good. Now, let’s have a rematch."

"Are you really that anxious? I won last time. Easily. You weren’t even much of a challenge."

He’d wipe that self-satisfied look off her face. Angelus leaned over the lower portion of her body. "We could really wrestle, I suppose." He bore a fraction of his weight down on upon her. "Course that is a full body contact sport."

"Nope. Let’s thumb wrestle."

Angelus held out his thumb. "Bring it on."

Willow applied gentle pressure to his forearm, pushing him back. "Can you get off of me? You’re heavy."

He smirked. "Knew you couldn’t handle it. That’s a game I would win."

Willow held out her small white thumb and then pulled it back. "Wait a minute. Let’s make another deal."

Angelus grinned. "What do you want this time?"

"If I win, you never come back to my room again. Ever." She was about to add Buffy’s room to that but knew he wouldn’t go for it.

"Fine. Now, we can talk about what I want." His large hand squeezed her shoulder but not hard enough to cause pain.

"W-w-what are you doing?"

"Thinking about what I want."

"And what’s that?" Willow said, reigning in her fear. She must never forget that this was a demon. Never get lured in by his offbeat charm.

"I get to come here anytime I feel like it." His hand brushed down to the modest neck line of her gown and slipped inside. He cupped her breast in the cool palm of his hand. "And do whatever I like when I get here."

"E-e-even kill me?" Willow squeaked out.

His smile broadened. "No, I promise that when I kill you it won’t be on one of my nightly visits." His thumb stroked her nipple and it hardened at his touch. "Ready?" She nodded.

Reluctantly, he pulled his hand from her breast and grasped her hand instead. She noticed that his normally chilly hand was made warm from the heat of her body. "One, two, three, four. I declare a thumb war."

"I guess you’re not undefeated after all."

"Guess not." Willow pulled her knees to her chest. She hadn’t been able to summon up the concentration it took after he had touched her so intimately. The covers were tightly clutched to her chin.

Angelus lazily regarded his reluctant prize. He caught the assorted sheets and blankets in one hand and tugged. "Let go, Willow. You knew this was going to happen when you agreed."

Willow looked at him mutinously. She had to do something. He parents were right down the hall, home for once. Maybe if she. . .

"Don’t even think about it, little girl. I’d snap both their necks."

Was he a mind reader? "How did you know that I–"

He chuckled at her bewildered look. "Your face is very expressive."

"Don’t do this." She bent her head, trying to evade his all -knowing gaze. "I’m a virgin."

"A virgin?" Angelus’ smile grew wider. A fierce hunger swept through him and he tempered it. He tugged the covers off. She still kept her feet to her chest. Angelus shook his head as he simply fastened his hands on her ankles and pulled, her legs unbent and now she lay on the bed. He leaned over her, resting his body on top of her. She could smell the spicy sent of his aftershave and the musky odor of leather.

"You shouldn’t–"

He placed a fingertip to her lips. "No talking. Just feel." Angelus brought his mouth to hers. His lips nibbled at hers. His tongue teased the seam of her tightly closed mouth. She’d only been kissed by Xander in elementary school. A chaste peck on the mouth.

It was nothing like this. This melding of mouths. This complete surrender to another being. Making love could be much more intimate. His tongue was inside her mouth, exploring her. He stroked her tongue, urging it to caress his in turn.

When he pulled his mouth from her, he leaned back to gaze down on her flushed face. Angelus moved himself against her, pushing his knee between her thighs. She tried to hold him at bay but she was no match for his strength. "That’s it. Give in." He seated himself firmly between her splayed thighs and rotated his hips against her. "Feel me."

Willow choked back a moan. What was wrong with her? Responding to him like this? "I’ll never give in to you. You m-might take my body, but it’s not m-me."

Angelus chuckled. ‘Oh, but it will be, my sweet. I don’t do rape." His hand played with strand of dark red hair. "When I take you, you’ll want me as much as I want you."

"So, you aren’t going to–"

"Not tonight." Angelus leered at her. "Disappointed?" She glared at him. "We need to make a rule though. You aren’t to tell anyone."

"Or else?"

"Let’s just say that in order to draw Buffy again, I’d have to visit several locations to see her."

Willow shuddered. "Anything else?"

"Nothing comes to mind just now." Angelus looked at the clock beside the bed. "Look at the time. I’ve got be going, my sweet. Almost time for Buffy’s portrait." Willow breathed a sigh of relief. Neither her nor Buffy would die tonight. He bent down and seized her mouth in a fierce, possessive kiss. "See you tomorrow."

Angelus up from the bed and strolled to the French doors. He looked over his shoulder at her as he pressed one open. "Just remember one thing Willow." She looked at him, still reeling. "I’ve got you under my thumb." Then he disappeared into the murky blackness of the night.
 

~Part 2~

Willow watched as Angelus easily vaulted over her balcony only to land gracefully on his feet. He smiled when he saw here standing there in the center of her room. He opened the door and walked inside, the door closing softly behind him."I feel just like Romeo, coming to your balcony under the cover of night. Especially with you waiting up for me like this." He pressed a hand to his chest, starting mid quote. ". . .and Willow is the sun." He frowned. "Maybe it should be the moon."

She had decided after last night’s fiasco that she would greet him at the door, fully dressed. She even had a stake in her back pocket if worse came to worse. No more being caught in bed with a flimsy set of pajamas on. Angelus was evil. He was trying to ruin her life by visiting her every night and now he had just ruined one of her most treasured plays by inserting himself into it. "I don’t think of us as Romeo and Juliet."

He couldn’t wait to hear what she had to say. "Oh? Who are we then?"

Willow thought a moment and a wide smile spread across her face as the answer came to her. "Hannibal Lector and that FBI agent lady." Hmmm. . .a serial killer paying visits to a red haired young woman. Scary.

Angel was never one for movies or popular books especially ones that featured killing so Angelus had no frame of reference for her comment. "Never heard of them."

He had promised not to kill her here. He had abided by their bargain last night."He’s a serial killer and he kind of has a love affair with her. Though, it’s completely one sided. He buys her presents, shows up at her house. . .but she’s trying to track him down and put him in prison."

Angelus frowned at first and then he bust out laughing. Willow was clever and a real spitfire too, even now her chin was raised just daring him to contradict her. His voice grew husky. "I don’t think that suits us at all. I think we proved last night that this isn’t one sided. . .you aren’t immune to me."

Willow glared at him. "It’s your body I’m attracted to. Not you." She’d decided to separate the two entities in her mind. Angel, the vampire with a soul and Angelus, a demon who wore Angel’s body. It would be easier to face Angel that way when he got back. . .if they ever got him back.

He was fascinated. "Really? Had a thing for soul boy, did you?" He drifted over to her desk and pulled out her chair to sit down on.

Willow sat uneasily down on her cedar chest at the foot of the bed. "NO! Of course not, I would never do that to Buffy, never run around lusting after her boyfriend. But I’m female and I’m not blind, I’ve noticed that Angel’s attractive."

Angelus practically preened as if the body he wore were a new outfit. "Well, now it’s my body, ergo you find me attractive."

"It take more than a body to make a person appealing. You know. . .things like humor, charm, kindness. . .not killing people."

"I thought you said it was only Angel’s body that you found attractive. Not his humor, charm, kindness, or lack of homicidality." He smiled, enjoying catching her.

"I think we should talk about something else. " She said through gritted teeth.

"Fine. What do you want to talk about?"

Willow felt like a bit of payback. "How about The Judge?"

"What about him?" Angelus said tightly.

"Looks like we foiled you again." She said, proud grin on her face. They had destroyed him at the mall earlier that evening.

"Damn rocket launcher." He grumbled in a low voice. One little rocket launcher and big blue went all to pieces. Never send a demon to do a vampire’s job. Not that he’d intended to let the demon feed on all of humanity. Just Sunnydale. He hated this stupid little, one-Slayer town.

"Yeah, that was neat. He was nothing but kibbles and bits when Buffy got done with him." She tried to sound casual. "Heard you two had a . . .confrontation. Actually, I heard that she kicked you."

He unconsciously shifted in his chair. At least he wasn’t in pain anymore. "She did." He glared at her. "But she didn’t have the guts to kill me."

"Nope. She just kicked you in the. . .in the. . ." What did Xander say? Oh yeah. "The family jewels."Take that, you undead creep! And go, Buffy! Too bad she didn’t pull a Bobbit.

Angelus shook his head. "Speaking of. . .jewels." He licked a stray droplet of blood from his mouth. "I fed on the most beautiful young woman this evening, she had red hair." His eyes almost stroked her mass of auburn hair. "Anyway, I brought you a gift." He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a handkerchief. She noted that it was blood spattered. He caught her look. "I’m a messy eater when I’m hungry." He pulled a silver chain from the white cloth, it held an emerald pendant. "When I saw this, I knew you had to have it. "

"You stalked and killed that woman because of her necklace." Willow felt sick to her stomach.

Angelus sighed. Humans. "No, Willow, I noticed her hair first and decided to eat her, not because of–"

"Oh, that makes me feel better!" Willow cried.

"No, it wasn’t because of her hair, I just noticed her hair looked like yours."

It was her fault that the young woman had died. She eyed the pendant. "I don’t want it."

"You’ll put it on." His voice brooked no argument.

"Fine." Willow held out her hand. As soon as he was gone, she’d throw it outside. Or stomp on it.

"Come here."

"No."

"Do I have to remind you of our agreement?"

"Alright. Fine." Willow clenched her jaw and obediently walked over to him. She held out her hand again. "Turn around." He directed. She did so. "Kneel." Willow felt her knees tremble as she knelt on the floor at his feet. "Move your hair back." She looked at him disdainfully. "Willow." She did so, now she was completely exposed to him, her neck naked and vulnerable to attack. His cool hands latched onto the cheap chain Buffy had given her. He undid it and lifted it from her neck, the cross dangled momentarily before her eyes before he slid it into the blood soaked cloth. He slid that into his pocket, he intended to throw it away. "I saw this cross last night and wanted to give you a suitable replacement."

He put the pendant’s chain around her neck and fastened it deftly. It hung just between her breasts. "Perfect." He whispered. "You should always wear emeralds." His thumb pressed against the pulse in her throat. "I can feel your heart beating fast."

Willow closed her eyes, summoning her strength. "Fear has a way of doing that to a girl."

He bent over her back, like a looming shadow. She jumped as his lips touched the nape of her neck. He chuckled. But then his fingers ghosted over her neck as he ran his hands along the chain. "Oh, I don’t think it’s fear that you’re feeling right now." He inhaled deeply, smelling the sharp scent of her arousal. "Did you miss me today, my sweet?"

"No."

"Liar." His blunt teeth nipped her neck.

It hurt but it wasn’t unbearable. "You’re going to tell me what I feel? You don’t know even me."

"But I want to. There’s nothing about you that I’m haven’t found interesting."

"I don’t–"

"Shhh." He said, bringing his deadly mouth to the pink shell of her ear. "I’m tired of talking." With that, his hands seized her, pulling her up to her feet. He gathered her up in his arms and took her to the bed. He laid her down upon it and pressed himself against her left side. "Close your eyes, my sweet."

Willow knew she should fight him, but somehow she couldn’t. It was as if her body had a mind of its own. She did the only thing she could. . .she closed her eyes.

Angelus brought his hands to the collar of her shirt, his hands made swift work of the buttons. Beneath the button-down blue shirt, lay a white lacy bra. He grinned, this was on thing he admired about this age. Women’s clothing today gave him much easier access. . .no chemises, stays, and pantelets. In fact. . .three little hooks and eyes and she was bare to his ravening gaze. Her soft skin was smooth and unblemished. Her breasts were small and would fit easily into the palm of his hand. Beautiful. She breathed shakily causing the ivory orbs to jiggle slightly. He sighed as he let one lazy finger circle the erect pink peak.

She’d never been so exposed in her life. And it wasn’t nearly as upsetting as it should be. Willow was on fire, the secret moist place between her thighs was throbbing with an unknown need. Her limbs felt leaden and her eyes were screwed shut. "C-c-can I look now?" She had to see him.

"Open your eyes." She did, seeing a look of such intense hunger on his face that she was made mute by it. He deliberately brought his mouth to the nipple that he’d fondled, taking its warm soft flesh in his mouth. The coolness and his sucking it to harden further. She moaned and his other hand cupped her other breast, playing with it in the same manner as he had done with the other one. Willow let her eyes drift shut again. This felt too good. She was surely going to Hell. She realized that she wanted more she wanted to know the full extent of this fire that flooded her body. Wanted him to take her.

He knew the moment she gave in. The slight relaxation of her body. The soft sigh of surrender. Suddenly, he stopped sucking. "Beg me."

There was a long moment of silence. Neither of them was willing to speak.

Angelus sighed. He pressed a kiss between her breasts, grazing the emerald pendent. "The second rule is to never take that off, my sweet. Ever." He moved away from her body, standing on his two feet and gazing down at her as she lay on the bed. She looked at him in confusion. "Goodnight." He was out the door in a matter of seconds.

Willow picked up her pillow at threw it at the door. "Vampires!" She muttered. She wasn’t sure who she was more angry with. Herself or Angelus. Definitely herself.

Willow was in the library once more, using the computer. She had found some vague references to the Soul Restoration ritual but nothing definite. The sooner this thing was done, the better. She couldn’t believe that she had not only allowed Angelus to handle her so intimately but that she had actually enjoyed his attentions. She must be one sick puppy, having lustful thoughts and feelings for a blood-sucking demon that lived in her best friend’s boyfriend’s body.

Buffy came in, looking even more dejected. "He drew me another picture." She said, sitting down and putting her head in her hands. "God, what am I going to do."

Willow went to her best friend. "Oh, Buffy, we’ve always gotten through the badness. We’ll be alright. Somehow it’ll all work out." She knew it wasn’t’ much comfort but it was the truth. Everything did work out for them.

Buffy wrapped her arms around Willow, sighing into her shoulder. "What would I without you, Wills?"

"You’ll never have to wonder about that. I’m here for you. Always."

"Want to get a mocha?" Buffy wiped a couple of tears away. "Caffeine and chocolate has restorative powers."

"Sounds like a good idea. Let’s go get everyone a round, we’ll be here late for a research session and the coffee would be good for us anyway." The girls walked out of the library, Espresso Pump bound.

"Yeah, the thrill is gone." Angelus muttered as he lay in his bed. Drusilla as holding a tea party of her dolls on the floor beside him. He felt restless. Annoyed. He was slowly losing interest in the dark vampiress as well as the golden haired Slayer. All his thoughts were colored red now. Willow.

"What’s wrong, my Angel?" Dru asked, holding a cup of blood for Miss Edith to drink from.

"Nothing, Dru. Just thinking out loud."

"She’s a witch, you know." She confided. "With her black cats and broomsticks."

"Who is?"

"The red witch, silly." She cocked her head, listening to ‘Miss Edith’ speak to her. "She wants you. . .but she doesn’t."

Hmm. . . the red witch. . .Willow. "She’s not sure if she wants me?" Dru-speak was difficult to decipher.

"Yes and no, beast then soul." Drusilla sighed.

"She wants the soul?" Angelus demanded but the insane vampiress merely shrugged and was now engrossed in her dolls once more. He knew from experience that she wouldn’t speak again until she had something worth saying. He rolled over on the bed. Night fall couldn’t come soon enough.

"I’ve got an uninvite spell." Giles announced as the girls reappeared with coffees.

"Thank God!" Cordelia announced fervently. "I invited him in my car once, let’s do this thing. I don’t want to be giving rides to the evil undead."

"I’ll do the spell. I’ve been looking at some pagan sites and I know how to do a basic ritual." I’m safe! He can’t molest me without an invitation. No more strange feelings for a demon to examine. Clarity was a good thing. Wasn’t it?

"Very well." Giles agree, handing the book to the red head. "You girls go and do the spell now, before sundown."

Cordelia, Willow, and Buffy went in ‘Queen C’s’ car to both the Slayer’s and the hacker’s house. They blessed both houses, nailing crosses to the place where Angel had first entered. . .Buffy’s front door and Willow’s French doors. Willow had then said a simple incantation. The same was done to Cordelia’s car.

After the cheerleader’s car was de-vampired she left for home. Willow breathed a sigh of relief. Funny, she hadn’t thought about Xander since Angelus had appeared in her room. That didn’t mean she liked Cordelia though. As Willow finished her room, she looked at the Slayer. "Do you need anything else, Buffy?"

"No, I’m good. It’ll be nice to sleep for once."

"I bet."

"You sure he hasn’t been here?"

Willow ducked her head. She hadn’t wanted to worry Buffy or confess what had happened. "Nope, and now he won’t be. We’re safe as houses."

"Yeah, as long as we’re in our houses." The poor residents of Sunnydale we’re SOL though. She looked out the window, it was a half an hour past sundown. "I’d better go, it’s patrol time."

"Alright. I’ll talk to you later on tonight?"

"Sure." She hugged her friend goodbye and left the room.

Willow sighed as she sat down on her bed. "I thought she’d never leave."

A voice said from outside the door. Angelus.

"Uh, hi." Be strong, Willow!

"Hi." He smiled as he opened the door. He started to walk through when he banged up against the barrier. His face was thunderous. "Invite me in!"

"Um. . .hmmm . . .let me think . . .NO!"

"What about our deal?"

"I lied. You don’t have to keep ones that you make with a homicidal maniac." Ha! Take that.

"Willow, if you don’t let me in. . .I’ll–"

"You’ll what? Yell threats from the doorway?" Willow pulled the pendent from underneath her sweater. She unfastened it and threw it through the opening. "While I"m thinking about it, you can keep that."

He couldn’t believe she had done this to him. It was devious. Clever. It only made him want her more. "Maybe I should pay Buffy a visit."

"Go ahead. You can yell at her through her window. I performed the ritual there, too."

"Willow–"

"Oh, be quiet. I have homework to do so why don’t you go away?"

"I am kinda hungry. Guess I’ll just take my anger out on some school children tonight."

Willow winced but didn’t rise to his bait. "It’s not my fault you’re a killer."

Angelus hear gravel crunching in her driveway, he went to the edge and looked down. It was Cordelia, the foolish girl stepped out of her car. Willow could see from her vantage point. He turned back to the redhead with a grin. "Look, it’s delivery!" He started to swing his legs over the balcony.

"Come in, Angelus." she said wearily.

"Knew you were the smart one."

Angelus stepped inside and promptly went to her closet. Cordelia appeared in the doorway. "I forgot my folder." she said, reaching for a glossy black folder which lay on Willow’s desk.

"Oh, well. . .I’ll see you later." She said shakily. She couldn’t help but think about the monster in her closet.

"Yeah, whatever." She stopped to look at her. "Why are you all jittery? Too much coffee?"

"No, I’m fine. Just tired."

"If you don’t want to talk that’s fine with me. I’m just trying to be nice to you because your Xander’s little friend."

"Go home, Cordelia."

"Goodnight." The cheerleader said, sweeping majestically from the room.

Willow watched Angelus open the closet door in almost slow motion. "You didn’t honor our agreement, my sweet. I can’t let that kind of insolence slide."

"Insolence? I was protecting myself." She said quietly.

"Protecting yourself." Angelus picked up the ancient text which lay on the bed. He flipped through the pages. "Vampire Uinvite Spell." He ripped it from the book, tearing it into small pieces of paper too small to contain more than one or two letters. She’d never be able to piece it back together. The spell was gone. "Looks like your fresh out of protection, my sweet." Then, he advanced on her.
 

~Part 3~

Willow backed away. "You said you wouldn’t kill me here."

"Who said anything about killing?" Angelus said silkily. His eyes were fastened on her slim white throat and they held a glimmer of green.

She noticed where his attention was directed. "You are going to kill me."

"No, I’m not." He didn’t say anything about not biting though, he wasn’t going to leave here without tasting her pure blood. Without marking her.

"Has a vampire ever bitten you before?"

"No." Willow inched closer to her desk. She had an enormous unabridged dictionary laying open on it. If she whacked him with that, she’d be able to knock him out.

"I’ll have to remedy that." Angelus said. His fangs began to elongate.

"See!" Willow said fiercely. "You’re getting ready to bite me, you big liar!"

He chuckled, her fear was mouth-watering, whetting his depraved appetite for her blood. He wanted more of her fear too. "Didn’t you just say that you don’t have to keep a deal with a homicidal maniac? Why should I keep my deal with a young virgin?"

She backed into the desk, her small fingers scrambling behind her to pick up the heavy book. "I knew it! I knew you’d try to kill me eventually!"

He grasped her arms and pulled her forward, holding her slender body immobile in his embrace. "Now, now, young lady. There will be none of that. I’m wise to your affinity for blunt objects and your obsession with striking unsuspecting vampires with them." He couldn’t keep the smile off his face. " You really were going to smack me with that big book, weren’t you?" He shook his head, taking a moment to marvel at her resourcefulness. "And probably give me a few choice words from it, too."

"N-no, I wouldn’t do that." Willow denied.

Angelus pinned her with his eyes. "Don’t do that. There won’t be any lies between us."

"Why do you keep saying things like that? Like I’m going to be alive in few minutes?"

"We’re going to have a serious talk about this death wish of yours, my sweet. It’s not healthy."

"You aren’t going to kill me?"

"Haven’t we talked about this already?" He sighed. " No, I’m not going to kill you tonight." He frowned, his mind winging in a new direction. "Is that how your other relationships ended? With the other party dead?"

Willow choked back a giggle. "No, of course not. Well. . .actually I haven’t had any other relationships." She looked at him crossly. "Hey! Who said this was relationship?"

"I did." Angelus said, standing taller.

"Oh." Willow needed to think about that some more.

Angelus smiled and ran one finger down her pink cheek. "If you don’t want to argue anymore, I have more pressing concerns."

"You’re going to b-bite me?"

"Yes." He waited to see how she would react.

"You w-won’t take t-too much?" He shook his head solemnly and she relaxed a little. Being bitten was better than being dead. "Does it. . .does it. . .hurt?"

"At first." He said truthfully. "But then there’s only pleasure." He thought back to the night he was turned. "Exquisite pleasure that burns you up inside, makes you weak and leaves you shuddering."

Willow took a shaky breath. "Oh. I guess it’s okay then." She was probably going to need some intense therapy for this.

He closed his eyes as his features morphed into their true form. She merely looked up at him with glazed eyes. Angelus was overwhelmed by that small measure of trust. He gently tilted the white column of her throat to the right and pressed his nose into the vanilla scented heat of her neck. He traced the path of her blue vein with his tongue and she shivered in his arms, hands clutching his coat. He pulled impossibly closer into his arms, pressing one leg in between her thighs. He could hear her blood singing to him, willing him to taste it. He pressed his sharp hard fangs at the place he would enter and pierced her neck swiftly. Then he began to pump his fangs into her, letting her honeyed blood fill his mouth, bathe his tongue.

Willow tensed at the slight sting in her neck but as Angelus began to take her blood, his fangs were no longer a painful intrusion. They were a source of gratification, the root of rapture. She clutched at him, her fingers sliding into the thick wool of his coat, her hips rotated on his muscular thigh between her legs. She’d never felt anything like this, the pleasure was unbearable as if she were climbing to some apex, striving for some nameless goal.

Suddenly he pulled from her with a cry, gasping in an unneeded breath. He looked sated, satisfied."No," Willow wailed, trying to press him back inside her but he merely cleansed her wounds with his tongue until the blood stopped flowing. Then he pressed his cool lips to the puncture marks, a reverent gesture. He slid her down his body, holding their hips apart even as he held her.

Angelus pulled back to look down on her, smoothing the damp hair from her flushed face. "So beautiful." He crooned.

"B-but I—"

"Shh." He put a finger to her lips. "I can’t take anymore of your blood tonight, it’d make you sick." He lifted her effortlessly in his arms and brought her to the bed, He pulled back the covers and laid her down. She tried to speak again but he shushed her with a look. From his pocket, he pulled the necklace and fastened it around her throat with a smug smile. He was careful to avoid her wounds. He leaned down and removed her shoes with care and then brought the covers to her chin. Willow felt her eyes starting to close and bent to press a kiss on her rosy lips. "Sleep, Willow." And she did.

Willow sat in the back of the class room with Buffy. The French teacher was asking all of them what they did last night. She really hoped that he didn’t call on her and if he did the whole class would be learning some brand new vocabulary words. She ran a hand through her hair, every time she closed her eyes she could see them together, feel Angelus pressed against her. "Earth to Wills, where are you?"

"What?"

"What are you thinking about?" Buffy said, eyes alight with mischief. "I know that look. Who’s the lucky guy?"

"Guy?" She whispered back, keeping an eye on Mr. Voorhees who had his back to the classroom, writing away on the chalk board. "There’s no guy."

"Are you trying to tell me something?" The Slayer rose one manicured eyebrow. "Is there a girl?"

"Nope. No girl either." Willow tugged the collar of her turtleneck up.

"I know who it is -- that cute guitar player. What’s his name? Oh, I remember --Oz!"

"Oh, Oz. Yeah, h-he’s great." Haven’t thought about him for a while.

"Did you two exchange smoochies?"

No, but I gave the demon whose wearing your boyfriend’s face a taste of my blood. And what’s worse. . .I really liked it. "Something like that." Willow said, not meeting Buffy’s eyes.

"Well, I’m glad. You can’t wait around forever for Xander Harris to get a clue. Mark my words, he’ll be sorry he passed you up."

"Uh-uh. Yep, probably kick himself for it. Yep."

"Ms. Rosenberg, since you seem so chatty right now, why don’t you tell the class what you did last night?" Mr. Voorhees leaned back on his desk and crossed his arms.

Cripes!

"There is nothing wrong with drinking an orange." Willow grumbled. "Cuz, hello! Orange juice. He probably drinks it everyday for breakfast." When she’d been so rudely cornered by the teacher she said that she had ate dinner last night and that she had drank an orange. How humiliating, especially because she got A’s on the tests in that class. Even Buffy had let out a giggle.

Willow savagely plunged her chicken mcnugget into the golden hot mustard sauce and took a bite. "At least I got some Mickey D’s today." She turned her attention to the history work before her, she had time for more self-flagellation later.

"What are you doing, Willow?"

The hacker jumped up about two feet off of her chair. "Angelus!" she hissed.

"You should be more careful, little one. There’s all sorts of nasty things in Sunnydale." He gave her a wicked smile, clearly proud of himself for scaring her. Angelus walked over casually and sat down on her desk. He eyed the greasy paper bag her food had come in with disdain. "And just what is that?"

"Dinner." She said, biting into another nugget.

"A piece of compressed chicken dipped into a sauce. Sounds delicious." He said, his voice laced with sarcasm. What was wrong with her? She should be having caviar, champagne, and filet mignon -- not food from an establishment who idolized a clown with tacky footwear.

Willow picked up another nugget and gestured with it. "At least my food doesn’t talk to me." Best not to tempt fate on the Hellmouth. She frowned at the square piece of fried meat and when no mouths appeared she ate it. Thankfully no cries of ‘help me’ issued from within her mouth. "Besides, you don’t eat food, so how can you critique it?"

"No, Angel doesn’t eat food. I’m a gourmet." He seized one of her nuggets.

"Hey! I was going to eat that."

"Now, I am." He dipped it in the sauce and brought it to his mouth for an experimental bite. He chewed and swallowed. Mmmm "I didn’t think this would taste that good." He popped the rest in his mouth and seized another nugget.

"Fast food, gotta love it." Willow said with a grin, she pushed the carton of nuggets between them. "Have some more." In a few minutes they polished off all of them.

"Do they have anything else besides chicken?"

"Yes, you should experience wonder of french fries." She wiped her greasy hands on a paper napkin and picked up her pen once more, determined to finish the homework. Angelus would just have to deal, she wasn’t going to be his entertainment this evening.

"Wait just a minute! I didn’t come over here to be ignored."

"Too bad." She said with irritation. "I have some history homework to do."

"What’s the topic?"

"The tower of London, I’m writing an essay on what it must’ve been like for the inhabitants." She sighed. " It’s this new idea of ‘living history’, its supposed to make it more interesting.

"You’re in luck, my sweet, I can be some help in that area. It just so happens that I visited the prison."

"Really?" Wow! It was weird and cool and yuck all at the same time.

He stood up as if addressing a prized pupil. "Yes, Darla and I went there shortly after I was sired. You could say that it was part of our honeymoon."

"You were imprisoned there?"

"No, of course not. As if a prison could hold me." His gave her a haughty smile. "We leapt over the wall one night and decided to visit again and again. We did the usual stuff. We fed the ravens, ate some guards. . ." His voice turned hoarse. "Played in the torture chamber."

"Oh." She squeaked.

"So, what was life like for the prisoners?"

Angelus began to explain his time at the prison and Willow was mesmerized by his deep voice and the way he made history come alive for her. Of course, it was a dark and bloody history but it was still a first hand account and it fascinated her. Willow took notes while he talked and asked him questions along the way. She sometimes forgot just how old Angel/Angelus was and what he had witnessed.

Angelus was enjoying himself, he loved the role of teacher or sire as the case may be. Willow was an apt pupil, asking insightful questions and listening carefully to his answers. After it was over, she typed up a quick essay and he read it over adding one or two suggestions. As she printed it out, she was staring at him.

"What?"

"Nothing." She said at first and then sighed. "I never imagined that you could be so--"

"Knowledgeable?"

"No, I knew you were smart. But. . .what’s the word I was looking for? Nice?’

Angelus grinned. "You think I’m nice, little one? Do you think a demon ever does something for nothing?"

She gulped. "You want some sort of payment?"

"No, this is bartering. You got something from me, now you will give something to me."

"I could buy you some french fries." She offered halfheartedly.

"No, I’m not hungry for food."

"Then w-what do you want?"

"Come here and I’ll show you." Angelus pulled her over and into his arms. She could feel her heart pounding wildly and the blood roaring in her ears. He bent over her, placing his head on her shoulder and peeled the fabric of her turtleneck away from her neck to expose his bite mark. She tensed in anticipation but he didn’t bite. He merely pressed a soft kiss there and moved to whisper in her ear. "I’ve marked you, Willow Rosenberg. No other vampire. . .or man for that matter will ever have you."

"Are you going to bite me again?"

"Not tonight, my sweet. You lost too much blood the last time."

"Oh. Then what are you going to do?"

Was that disappointment in her voice? He could only hope. Instead of answering her, he kissed a line from her jaw to her mouth. When he reached her lips, he kissed her wildly putting all of his thirst for her into it. Then it came to him. This. . .thing with her wasn’t about revenge or the need for power. It wasn’t about his anger at the soul or sticking it to the Slayer. It wasn’t even about passing time anymore. This was about Willow. Willow and himself. He pulled away from her, looking down into her glowing green eyes with a stunned sort of wonder. Angelus kissed her forehead lightly. "Goodnight, my sweet." And then he was gone, using his vampiric strength he got the hell out of there, the moisture from her kiss still on his lips.

The next night Willow sat at a table by herself at the Bronze. She didn’t know why she’d let them drag her here. Cordelia, Xander, and Buffy were dancing in the middle of the floor in a bizarre threesome. She took a sip of her mocha and sat back further in her chair, thoughts of Angelus and his hasty exit furthermost in her mind.

She didn’t know what it was about him, but she was starting to have feelings for him. It didn’t bother her that he had an all access pass to her house, even though he was a killer. She liked talking to him, getting to know him. She enjoyed the sound of his voice, the smell of leather and tobacco smoke, and the way his large hands cupped her face as he kissed her. She craved his touch and longed for him to take her innocence, make her his own. She loved the way his fathomless eyes stared into her as if he wanted to absorb her. Willow loved the way he made her feel when he bit her, as if she was the center of his universe. Willow loved. . .him.

With the unwelcome realization came a huge wave of guilt. For Angel and Buffy together and separately. For the other scoobies, for loving a demon. Willow pressed her hands to her mouth and to stifle a moan of horror. She was evil. Wicked. How could she want him? He killed people! He tortured them! And he enjoyed it. She wasn’t innocent to his ways, she’d read the accounts of his activities. She knew exactly who and what he was. . .and she didn’t care.

She stood up shakily, ready to bolt from the door when a hand captured hers.

"Willow?"

She turned. "Oz." She hadn’t seen him since the night they had blown up The Judge.

"How are you? I called a couple of–"

"I know. I’ve just been busy. How have you been?" She really didn’t feel like doing this but there was really no choice.

"Good." He nodded. "Seen any more exploding dust guys?"

The night of Buffy’s party, she’d staked a vampire in front of him. "Uh, no actually. How are you dealing with that?" It was a shock to find out monsters were real. . .and that they could be lovable.

"I’m okay." He spoke in a conspiratorial tone of voice. "Did you know that Sunnydale is crawling with them?"

"You don’t say." She smiled then. He was amusing in his calm acceptance of cosmic forces and doom.

"Really, it’s no lie. What are you doing here tonight?"

"Drinking mochas." She pointed down to her beverage.

"Chocolate and coffee, can’t beat that combo." He nodded his head, then looked at her again. "I’ve run out of casual conversation, so now I’m going to stand here in slightly uncomfortable silence and hope you’ll invite me to sit with you."

"Oh! I’m so sorry. Please, sit down." She hastily gestured to another chair.

He sat down and flagged a waiter, requesting two more mochas. When the drinks came, Willow happily surrendered her lukewarm beverage for the fresh one and listened to Oz speak about his band and school. She felt relaxed in the young man’s presence. He seemed like a nice guy and she could use the distraction.

Just then, Buffy, Xander, and Cordy came back to the table. The Slayer winked at the redhead knowingly and Willow flushed an interesting crimson color. She introduced Oz and they all talked for while. She was pleasantly surprised at how well he fit into their group. Everyone seemed to like him. In the bathroom, Buffy told her he was cute. Xander thought he was funny. Even Cordelia said he was ‘halfway decent’. That was high praise from Queen C, who was impossible to please. This might be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
 

~Part 4~

"Mochas. Muffins." Oz held out a white bag and a carrier with two travel cups.

Willow still held the front door open, she’d been prepared to walk to school when she almost ran into them. His finger was still poised to ring the doorbell. "Uh-huh. What are they doing on my front porch? With you?" She smiled, bewildered at his behavior.

"Well, there’s this thing, where people eat in the morning." He thought for a moment. "I think they call it breakfast." He spoke in a conspiratorial tone. "I think it’s going to be the next big thing."

Willow stepped completely out on the front porch, adjusting her necklace around her turtleneck. "And–"

"Well, this is the part where I’m really suave, and say I just happened to know you love chocolate chip muffins and mochas first thing in the morning." He gestured that she should follow him toward the street as he spoke. "And then I slip in how you’re on my way to school and I just happened to have mochas and muffins. So I thought I should invite you to have some."

They had stopped in front of his van. He set the coffees on the top of it and opened the passenger side door for her. Willow couldn’t help but be amused by his behavior. "Planning on bribing me with food so you can abduct me for ransom?" She teased, as she climbed into the car.

"Actually, I was going to take you to school, since I go there from time to time." He paused and gave her his best thinking face. "But I can, you know. . . if you like that sort of thing."

"I promised that I would never miss school unless I’d been kidnapped. So I always had this guilty fantasy, and the chocolate just helps." She grinned.

He handed her the coffee, held the bag while she chose a muffin, tucked the edge of her coat into the van, shut the door, then climbed in on the other side. "If I just happened to drive to school this way tomorrow, would you want a ride?"

"Oh, Oz, I don’t think I should impose on you–"

"If I told you the seat was broken, and if no one sits in it then it’ll fly into the back and I’ll have to fix it, would you?" He suggested, schooling his face into a serious expression.

"Sure. That’s so–" Sweet, charming, and thoughtful. But where the HELL were you a month ago before I had fallen for a demon!! "Nice. Thank you."

Oz just bobbed his head and started the engine. It wasn’t what he had in mind when he had first seen her on Halloween. But it wasn’t bad, being friends with her. Not bad at all. Most importantly, being friends with her was a good start. He wouldn’t push her just now, but he wanted to be much more than her friend.

Willow looked straight ahead, a few weeks ago she would have been thrilled at Oz’s interest in her. Now, all she thought about was Angelus, the demon that lived in the body of her best friend’s boyfriend. It wasn’t fair.

"Damn vampires ruin everything!" Xander exclaimed. He crossed his arms, his lips twisted in a scowl.

"Will you stop whining about that?" Cordelia snapped, not bothering to look up from her copy of Vogue.

"We were in the championship! The championship! Normally, I don’t care about those dumb jocks but we were winning! But no. . .big old gang of vampires have to eat the quarterback! Hello? Why not the bench warmers? Or the stupid fullback, I hate that guy. Or - or. . .the cheerleaders!"

"Hey! Watch it, mister." Cordelia hit Xander’s arm with the magazine. "If you ask me, Brad was asking for it. At least I carry protection, I put a stake in my pom pom."

"I could make a remark but I’m too much of a gentleman."

"I’ll believe that when I see it. Besides, at least I could use protection unlike some virginal people in this room."

Xander blushed. Giles cleared his throat. "Is it possible to get through one meeting without a discussion of Xander’s sex life?" He couldn’t stop the smile that momentarily graced his lips. "Or lack thereof."

"We could talk about Buffy’s sex life." Cordelia pointed out. "Since it’s her boyfriend that’s running around killing everyone." Buffy cringed at the comment, but Cordelia was, for the most part, right.

"I’m glad to hear you use protection, Cordelia." Willow said in a false sweet tone. "Or it could be your sex life that’s running around killing everyone."

Cordelia stared at the redhead with a vacant expression for a moment. She never really understood Willow. Xander and Buffy lost it, loving it when Willow went off on somebody. The poor person never knew what hit them because she was normally so sweet and calm.

Giles started coughing and went to his office for a moment. A small burst of laughter sounded from under the door. Cordelia threw down her magazine. "I don’t get it! Willow, I don’t sleep with vampires!"

She couldn’t resist and Queen C deserved it for taking Xander from her -- even though she no longer wanted him. "Well, that’s at least one category of male that’s safe. How do you feel about demons?"

"Eww!"

"That’s two!" Willow cried, sounding like a game show host.

"What are you talking about, Willow?" The cheerleader spit out.

Xander grew angry. It was funny at first but it had gone too far. She was his. . .his. . .girlfriend? "They’re talking about syphilis, Cor. Among other diseases." He glared at Willow. "Syphilis is no laughing matter!"

Willow spared him a glance and patted his arm. "Don’t worry, Xander, you’re not in any danger."

A book fell to the floor inside Giles office and another burst of laughter came and then a fake coughing fit."That’s it! I don’t have to take this anymore."Cordelia cried, standing up. She glowered at Buffy and Willow and then at Giles door. "I have better things to do than hang out with you losers." Xander stood up beside her. "Let’s go." They walked out in a huff.

Buffy had tears running down her face. "You’re terrible! But thanks for defending me." She wiped her face with tissue. "What’s gotten into you?"

Good question. Willow thought about Angelus, he was starting to be a bad influence on her. "I’m sorry about that. I just couldn’t help it. She irks me."

"Me too." She sighed, rubbing her stomach. "Thanks , Wills. I needed that, it feels like I haven’t laughed in days."

She sensed some domestic disharmony ."How are things Chez Summers?"

"Better. Now that he can’t come in anymore. But my mom is on overload, she knows something’s up."

"At least you can get some sleep and I bet your mom will settle down soon, she’s always bought your explanations."

"I know, but I hate lying to her."

Willow looked away from her friend. "Lying is hard to do."

Giles reappeared, three books in his hands. He gave one to Willow and one to Buffy. "Let’s look for that soul restoration spell again. This is the only way to get Angel back and the best way to stop him from doing whatever he’s planning." He looked at Buffy carefully, causing them all to sober up. "The other alternative is to–"

"Don’t say it." Buffy whispered, tearing up again. This time in despair. "I know what I’ll have to do." She took a shaky breath.

Willow lowered her head in shame and misery. Buffy was heartbroken and she was going on behind her back with Angelus. She forced herself to squeeze Buffy’s hand and offer her the comfort she needed, even though it made her feel like a fake. She didn’t want Angelus to go away. Ever. "It’ll all work out, Buffy. I know it will." They all bowed there heads over their respective books.

Willow sat at her computer screen, she was emailing Ms. Calender her computer science homework. The teacher encouraged them to use the computer as a tool and wanted their assignments turned in via the internet. She had gotten back from the research party a half an hour ago. After the email was sent, she noted that there was a message from Ms. Calender in her mailbox.

Willow,

I mean to find you after school today but I didn’t see you. You were probably in the library with Rupert, weren’t you? I decided to email you the information instead. I think I found the soul restoration ritual! Unfortunately, it is written in Latin and is not complete. My grasp of the language is spotty at best but I’ve devised a computer program to randomly sample the text, it will give me a means to decode it. I also need to pick up a few magickal supplies to complete the ritual. I wanted to tell Rupert and Buffy myself, but I haven’t exactly been welcome there lately. Anyway, I wanted to let you know. I needed to share this with someone. Please don’t tell Buffy or Rupert yet, I don’t want to get their hopes yet. I’ve already let them down and I don’t want to ever do that again.

Thanks,

Jenny Calender

It was almost done. Knowing Ms. Calender, she was hurriedly working on it this minute. It wouldn’t take long at all to complete. She took a deep breath and tapped the ‘save’ button on her email account. She didn’t want Angelus to leave. But it was wrong of her, she knew innocent people would die because of him. . .people she knew! Buffy might die because of him. What a mess. She sighed, closing out of her computer session.

Two hands suddenly covered her eyes. "Guess who?" A raspy voice asked.

"Angelus." Willow’s heart leapt. In joy or fear? Did he see the email?

"I should hope so. I don’t want to think any other strange men are wondering around your room at night." He whirled her around in her chair until she faced him. He opened his arms and she went into them.

He didn’t know. She decided then she would put all thoughts of the resouling spell out of her mind. She didn’t want to think about him leaving her. She’d worry about it later. Willow let herself relax against him and hugged him back. "Are you alright? The way you left last night–"

"I hade to take care of some things, little one. Everything’s fine now." He stroked her back, inhaling her scent. Angelus delighted in the steady thud of her heartbeat against his chest. She felt so right in his arms.

"I was a worried that I might have done something." She said quietly.

"No, you didn’t do anything." He hugged her tighter. "Are you hungry?"

"Are you?" Willow asked. She wanted to experience his bite once more.

"Is that an offer?" He pushed her back gently, watching her expression.

"Yes." She said, meeting his eyes.

Angelus moved his hand to her throat, reaching under her turtleneck to feel his bite mark and the increased beat of her pulse. He closed his eyes at the onslaught of hunger and love that swept through him. He cleared his throat before he spoke, keeping himself in check and he pulled his fingers from her neck. "I’ll gladly take you up on that offer. Later. Right now, I have a surprise."

"A surprise?" She grinned, delighted as any child. Then she sobered. "This doesn’t involve–"

His lips twitched. "No dead people‘s necklaces. I promise."

"Okay then. What is it?" She looked at him expectantly.

"First you have to thumb wrestle me."

"You expect me to thumb wrestle over a something? I don’t even know what I could win."

"You misunderstand me, my sweet. We’re wrestling for the location of the surprise."

"Still not making sense." She said but she gave in. "Fine. But no touching, okay? Nothing but our hands will touch." He had robbed her of her victory last time by doing that.

"Fine, little one, I won’t touch you any more than necessary. Since you can’t control yourself." He smiled mischievously.

"Put your thumb where your mouth is, Angelus."

"I should have one." Angelus grumbled. He looked down at his inept thumbs. They were longer than hers and he knew he was much stronger. What was the problem?

"I warned you." Willow said, shrugging. "If I hadn’t been distracted last time–"

"We’ll have a rematch later." The vampire decreed. Though he was starting to realize that his defeat of her had been a fluke. Or destiny. He smiled at that thought.

"Fine. I’d never pass up an opportunity to beat you." She put her hands in her jean pockets. "I get to choose where we have the surprise?"

"Yes." He had agreed, even though he had picked out a picturesque spot. "Where to, little one?"

"What are you giving me?" She asked, regarding him carefully.

His tongue traced his lower lip. "Something delicious."

Okay. " So we can’t have this ‘surprise’ in front of others?"

"I don’t know about that. Sometimes its fun to watch."

Was he talking about. . . ? "I think I’m going with a private spot then." She thought a moment. "Why can’t we have it here?"

"No, I think a change of venue is in order. This is a special night."

"Yes, it is." She smiled at him.

"And you are a very special person."

"I am."

"Can we go to the place I picked?" Angelus asked petulantly.

"Being a special person means that I’m capable of benevolence. Fine, take me there."

"You won’t be sorry. Better get your coat." He pulled a denim jacket from her closet.

"How did you know–"

"I was your closet monster once, remember?"

"Oh." She smiled. "You’re better looking than the one I had when I was four. He was green and had one eye."

" I haven’t looked in a mirror lately but I’m sure that I have more than one eye." He held the jacket while she put it on. They crossed to the french doors and walked out to the edge of the balcony. "Do you trust me, sweet?"

She put her small hand in his and met his eyes. "Yes."

Angelus groaned before pulling her into his arms and kissing her soundly. "I love that word on your lips."

"Yes?" He nodded. "Then yes, Angelus. Yes, yes, yes. Yeeeeesssss!!" While she was talking he had flung them both from the balcony. He still held her in his arms and absorbed the impact with his body.

His eyes gleamed wickedly as they landed, her legs had gone around his waist in the air. "That was. . . was. . ." He nibbled her earlobe and he slid his hands up to cup her behind. "Exciting." She almost moaned. Adrenaline could be. . .nice.

"Thought so." He walked a short distance to his car which was parked on the street. It was a vintage black convertible. "This is yours?"

"Now it is." Angelus said as he reluctantly plucked her from his body and placed her on the passenger seat. He bounded around the car and jumped in the other side.

She really didn’t want to know about his vampiric activities. Don’t ask. Don’t tell. That was her policy. "Where are we going?"

"You’ll see when we get there."

"It’s beautiful." she breathed, touching a pale purple flower. He had taken her to a night blooming garden. It was part of a mansion on Crawford St. "Is this yours?" Damn it, new policy, Willow! "Never mind."

"Don’t worry, my sweet. It used to belong to a master vampire. I took over when I. . .came back."

She brightened. "Do you live here all alone?"

"I only come here every so often. No one else knows about it."

"I wouldn’t tell anyone." She meant ‘Buffy’.

"I know you wouldn’t." He looked in the direction of the car. "Stay put. I’m going to get something from the car."

Willow sat down on a large bench, listening to the fountain burble. He was going to make love to her here, under the stars in this ethereal looking place. She could hardly believe it.

He came back with a picnic basket.

"Oh, food. You’re surprise. . ." She thought about what he had said. "Of course it’s food." She laughed hollowly.

"Yes, food. But it’s for later." He set it down deliberately, drinking in the sight of her.

"Later? You mean after we-"

"That’s what I mean." He walked over to her and took her in his arms once more. "I need to tell you something Willow. I’ve never said it to anyone. Ever." He pressed his mouth against her ear. "I love you."

Willow felt tears flow down her face. "I–"

"Shh. Don’t tell me you love me. I don’t think you know yet." He touched her cheek. "So innocent and trusting. I’ve put you in quite the position." He twined his hands in her luxuriant hair. "This is the part where he would break down and tell you that he wasn’t good enough for you." He was speaking about Angel. "That he was a monster and didn’t deserve you." He tilted her face up. "I’m not him. I am a monster and I may not deserve you but I want you. I love you. As much as a demon like me can love. And no one will keep me from you." With that, his lips crushed hers in a branding kiss.

Willow pulled her mouth from his. "I know you’re not Angel. I know who I’m here with."

His kiss was gentler this time, appreciative. Willow tried to speak once more. "Angelus, I–"

"No, little one." He brushed finger over her lips. " The time for words is over." He walked to the picnic basket and picked up the blanket that lay on top of. Carefully, he put unfurled it and set it on the ground. He held out his hand to her and together they stepped onto the soft woven blanket.

With shaking hands he peeled the coat from her body and tossed it to the ground. He knelt at her feet, looking and acting like a manservant. He removed her right shoe and sock. Then he did the left side. He circled her ankle with his large hand, it was delicate in his grasp. He reminded himself to be gentle.

Then, he ran his hands up her legs and brought them to the fastening on her jeans. His eyes asked a question and she nodded. He undid the snap and then unzipped them. He curled them down her legs and helped her step out of them. She braced her hands on his back as she did so, tracing his tattoo idly while she did. His muscles tensed and he seemed to arch up to her caress, like an insistent cat. When her ankles were freed, he stared up at her, his eyes smoky. She was dressed in a turtleneck and her underthings. He held out his hand to her and urged her to lay down.

Willow laid down on the soft blanket with Angelus hovering over her, still on his knees. He smiled at her tenderly before he hurriedly went to work on his own clothes. His hands deftly undid his coat and the shiny satin shirt. Then he pulled off his leather boots and socks with care. Now, he was dressed only in his leather pants. He bent over her again, looking like some rock god come to life. Around his neck, he wore a long silver chain, the charm on it was a silver ‘A.’ It brushed against her stomach as leaned over her to claim her mouth again.

His tongue thrust in and out of her mouth as one large hand cupped her breast through the fabric. Angelus brought one leg between her thighs and she widened them to accommodate him. He pulled away from her mouth, panting. Even though he didn’t need to breath. He brought his hands to the edge of her shirt and rolled it up her body, exposing her pale skin to his insatiable eyes. He helped her pull it over her head. She immediately brought her hands to her hair, trying to smooth it, but he caught them. He liked the way it looked. Her hair was wild around her face, like she’d just made mad passionate love to someone. And she was about to.

He saw his bite mark on her throat. Without thought, he vamped out, aching to taste her again. He caught her eyes again and she nodded slightly. Needing no further invitation, he bent to her throat. His cool tongue snaked out to trace the mark. She had already accepted him into her body once. Tonight, he would have all of her. He sank his fangs in and almost cried out as her blood poured in his mouth. She arched against him, bringing her legs up and around his thigh. He drank deeply for a little while. Reluctantly, he soon let her go. She cried out, trying to hold him to her but he didn’t want to take too much. Angelus wanted Willow to be aware of what would happen next.

Angelus then allowed himself to look down at her small pert breasts encased in purple lace. She was exquisite. He placed a kiss between her breasts and moved his mouth to suck one nipple through the cloth. She pressed her hand to the back of his neck, urging him to take more. With a grin, he flicked his hand over the center clasp and the sides burst apart, leaving her exposed to his gaze. He brushed the back of one hand against the nipple he had just suckled at. It hardened further and he groaned before he took it in his mouth again. Then, he gave the other pink peak the same attention.

He moved down her body, his silver ‘A’ brushed down her body to rest on her hipbone as he pressed his mouth against her pubis through the think purple satin. He could smell her. She was wanting. He brought his hands to the sides of her panties and pulled them down a little roughly, he was too aroused to be as gentle now. He placed them with her other clothes and was about to bend his mouth to her sex. To worship her with his mouth, his tongue, his fangs. . . when she placed a hand on his shoulder and shook her head. He almost smiled. Innocent. She was probably afraid of the way she might taste.

But he would indulge her tonight. If she didn’t want him to do that, he wouldn’t. For now. Instead, he moved up her body like a shark, nipping at her flesh as he went. He was still in vamp face and she had never seen him look so enticing. So exciting. Dangerous. He brought his mouth to hers again and kissed her soundly. "Ready, my sweet?"

"Y-yes, oh, yes." Willow said, widening her legs.

Angelus slipped his hand between their bodies and released himself from his jeans, he pulled them down enough to reveal his manhood. Willow liked it, the feel of the leather scraping her thighs. She wanted to look at him, touch him. . .but Angelus had other thing in mind. He lifted her up by putting his hands on her behind, shifting her into position. Then he slid the slightest bit inside. "This is going to hurt, sweet."

She braced herself. But it wasn’t what she had thought. It stung a little and then a fullness was inside her. He was big, cool, and slick inside her.

Angelus moaned. "Are you alright?"

"I’m fine." She whispered, reaching up to kiss him. He hissed at the unexpected tightening of her muscles around him. He kissed her, mimicking the actions of his body as he pumped inside her. She felt stretched by him, open. It was glorious.

Soon, she was on the edge again. The one she felt she was at when he fed from her. Except, this time she went over it. Just like she had leapt from the balcony. "Angelus!" She cried, cresting the wave of her climax.

"Willow." He growled, pumping into her once more, his face tightened and then settled into a proud look of bliss. "My Willow." He murmured, leaning to kiss her again.

Two hours later, Willow lay under a blanket of stars in the crook of Angelus’ arm. They were both wrapped in his voluminous coat. Occasionally, he would pop a strawberry into her mouth or kiss her as they looked up at the night sky. She snuggled into his chest and silently prayed that no one would take this from her. . .no one would take him from her.
 

~Part 5~

Willow rolled over in bed, she couldn’t seem to sleep. Every time she was about to drift off she kept on seeing his face, hearing his voice. She was still wearing Angelus’ shirt, he had put it on her when she grew too cold last night. It was too large and hung down way past her arms but it felt perfect. She put her wrist to her nose, smelling him on the shirt. It all didn’t seem real.

Angelus had brought her home the night before shortly before dawn. They had spent the rest of the night just talking, looking up at the stars. She had wanted to make love again, but he insisted that they shouldn’t. He knew that he had hurt her and didn’t want her to be sore. Then Angelus had smiled wickedly and told her that she’d be even more anxious to see him the next night if they didn’t.

Willow reluctantly climbed out of bed and slipped on a light purple robe with a silver moon on the back. In a daze, she went about her morning rituals. She started the coffee pot, brushed her teeth, took a hot shower, and got dressed. Willow kept drifting off in the middle of these activities. She’d hear his throaty laughter or feel his fingertips trace her spine. She kept replaying the night in her mind over and over again -- taking mini mental vacations.

Willow walked over and sat down in front of her computer. She flipped it on and while it booted up went and got herself a cup of coffee. When she returned and went online, she had twenty messages. One was from Ms. Calender. With a sick feeling in her stomach, she opened it. It was a two line message, requesting that she come to the school library this evening. She stared at the screen, speculating on what the technopagan had to tell her, knowing it must have to do with the soul restoration spell. As Giles would say, Oh, bloody hell!

"What are you so soddin’ happy about?" Spike snarled. Angelus is smiling. . .smiling! Wanker doesn’t do that unless he’s maiming someone. . . or he’s up to something. The disgruntled vampire was still wheelchair bound, but his strength was returning. Soon, he’d be able to wipe a smile off his smug sire’s face. He took another mouthful from the mug of warmed blood that Dru had given him earlier. "Did you just get back from drawing the Slayer another family portrait or something?" That always seemed to put him in good mood. Maybe that was it. " Maybe you scared her and her friends by doing a scary watercolor of ‘em." He hoped his sire didn’t miss the sarcasm in his voice.

Angelus snatched the cup from him."Is that any of your business, meals on wheels?" He drained it and then threw it to the ground, his smile widened as Spike flinched at the noise. Then his grandchilde clenched his jaw and glared. He’d been doing a lot of that lately. Clenching. Glaring. It only fueled his good mood. "And I don’t do watercolors. I sketch. " He said, defending his artistic sensibility.

Spike rolled his eyes. "Like I give a bloody damn." Angelus though he heard a mumbled ‘poof’ after the statement.

"Maybe I should draw some illustrations for your ‘bloody awful’ poems, William."

He wasn’t going to rise to the bait. "Come on, tell me what you did last night." Spike decided to push him further. "Did Dru go with you?"

"She’s my childe, she does as I say." He hadn’t gone anywhere with his crazed childe, hadn’t thought about her at all in quite a while. But it wasn’t Spike’s place to question him. "You could learn a lot from her."

"You think I’m blind, don’t you?" Spike bit out. "You want her for yourself."

Angelus laughed, his childe had it bad alright. He was in love with Drusilla and so jealous he couldn’t think straight. Angelus knew the feeling. "I could take her if I wanted her. Never forget that." He relaxed a little. "Just so happens, I have other things on my mind."

Spike tilted his head to the side, a crafty look in his eyes. "It’s the redhead, isn’t it?"

All of a sudden, Angelus was in his face. He had braced his powerful forearms on Spike’s chair and he looked decidedly unhappy. "What do you know about her?"

"Hey! No need to get so close, mate. I was only making small talk."

"Never mention her again, Spike." The wounded vampire gulped and nodded. Angelus straightened. "You have yourself a nice day, roller derby." He sauntered off to his bedroom.

Spike clenched his jaw. . .and glared. "Wanker."

Willow lingered over her coffee. She didn’t want the day to progress, didn’t want night to fall. She racked her brain but was unable come up with any viable solutions. She couldn’t tell Angelus, God only knows what kind of action he’d take against Miss. Calender. . Obviously, she couldn’t tell the Scoobies. She could never forget that Angelus was a demon.

"Uh, Willow?"

She turned to see Oz standing in the middle of the kitchen. "I knocked but there was no answer."

"Oz, I’m sorry! I forgot you were going to pick me up for school."

He smiled at that and gestured to her clothing. "I can see that."

"Oh, uh." She pulled her robe tighter around her and pulled her red hair over her neck to hide the bite marks. "I don’t feel up to going today."

"Are you sick?" He looked concerned.

"Yes. . .sick. I’m under the weather alright. " Willow gave him what she hoped was a convincing ‘sick’ face.

"I thought the only event that would make you miss school was being kidnapped."

"Well, the flu can be very convincing."

Oz nodded as if he were experienced in fighting the flu virus. "Should I do something?" His brow wrinkled. "Chicken soup or kleenex or something?’

"No, no that won’t be necessary. Actually, you should probably leave." She smiled briefly then looked serious. "I don’t want you to get sick too." She walked down the hall to the front door and opened it. He followed her very closely. "I’ll see you later, Oz."

Before he knew what was happening he was on the stoop looking at the shut door. "Strange girl." It was said with affection. Oz sniffed again, there was another scent in the house, he could smell a faint trace of it outside. Another man? Maybe he had a rival for her affections. But. . .who was it?

Inside, Willow reached for the phone. "Giles? Hello, this is Willow. I don’t feel good, could you call me off school?"

"Daddy!" A voice shrieked, bringing Angelus out of a sound sleep. He bolted upright in bed to see his dark haired childe standing at the foot of it. She fell on the bed, placing a hand to her temple. "Trying to break up our happy home. No. Can’t let her."

He scrubbed his face with his hands, trying to wake up. "What is it, Dru?"

"That bad teacher! Seeking help. An old enemy." She held her head. "Ooh! The pixies in my head are screaming."

"A teacher. . . Giles?" He asked drowsily. The Watcher wasn’t a serious threat.

"No. Beady black eyes, hair like a raven’s wing. A gypsy, she is. Miss Edith told me about her over tea and cakes." She pulled her legs up to her chin, trembling. "Wants to hurt my daddy and bring back the Angel beast."

"A gypsy? Black eyes. . .Jenny Calender."

"Buzzing machines." Dru mumbled. "Full of energy and curses." She nodded.

"She’s using the computer to find the spell they cursed me with." Angelus had gotten used to decrypting ‘Dru speak’ for years. "When?"

"She’ll have it tonight, daddy, by the light of the moon."

"Don’t worry, Dru, I’ll take care of it." She clung to him like the scared childe she was and he patted her back as he thought of a solution.

That evening, Jenny Calender beamed in triumph as the Latin words translated themselves to English. The missing text also filled itself in. She did it! She took a deep breath. Maybe Giles could find it in his heart to forgive her if she could restore Angel’s soul and cure him.

She saved the spell on a disk and slipped it into her desk drawer. Then, she printed out a copy for her own use. After that was done, Jenny busied herself by checking the spell’s ingredients which were in her knapsack. She had just come from the magick shop in town. The reliable shopkeeper helped her acquire them. She would be ready when the time came to use them.

"What do we have here?" A silky voice drawled.

Jenny shuddered. "Angel?"

"Actually its Angelus, but I thought you knew that." He walked further into the room, he had used the outside door on her classroom to gain entrance.

"What do you want?" She gulped, hesitantly backing up against the blackboard.

"I think you know what I’m here for." With that, he leaned over to look at the monitor screen on her computer.

"I only wanted to–"

"Imprison me so my silly little soul could be free?" He smiled evilly. "I know all about your plans, Jenny."

She held out her hands. "Let’s be reasonable, I can–"

"No, you can’t. . .you won’t do this spell." No one would keep him from being free or from Willow. He swept his hands out and the computer crashed to the ground in a heap. She screamed, he could hear the blood pumping in her veins. Smell her fear in the air. Being a vampire could be so much fun. There was an electrical smell in the air and a small fire started in the computer. His hands seized the paper she had printed out and she whimpered as if he had hurt her. He ripped in two and then in two again. Then, he started to shred it in thirds but was stopped by her running away and out the door.

Angelus sighed. A chase wasn’t what he had in mind tonight. He merely wanted to frighten her, drink some of her blood. "Jenny?" He called, his tone bored. "Come back here." He put his head into the hallway but couldn’t’ see her. Hmmmm. . . didn’t know she could run that fast. He could hear the clack of her high heels against the cold linoleum of the school’s floor.

"No!" She screamed.

Angelus began to run after her. Some people could be so sensitive. If he had wanted to kill her she would be dead already. He couldn’t kill Jenny without alienating Willow. Not that she didn’t deserve death for trying to imprison him. Maybe after his redhead fell head over heels for him she wouldn’t mind if he killed a friend or two of hers. Especially Xander. He’d enjoy making him into a ‘dead boy’.

Laughing at the thought, he rounded another corner. She was on the top step of a stair case. When she heard the noise, Jenny shrieked. "Get away from me!" She began to run down the stairs.

"Calm down, I just want a drink." He smirked.

Hearing the scream, Willow hurriedly ran inside. She saw Miss Calender running from Angelus down the long stair case. She looked at the handsome demon, he wasn’t in pursuit mode. He merely looked annoyed, not the deadly expression of a predator who was hunting someone. Just then, Miss Calender thrust her foot forward on to the next step but her shoe slipped on the slick surface.

Willow watched in horror as she fell down the remaining stairs to land with a sickening thud at the bottom of the stairs. She rushed forward and knelt at her side, her teacher’s neck was bent at an odd angle. There was no pulse. Jenny Calender was dead. "No!"

She looked up at Angel in fury as he strolled down the stairs. She ran up to him as he reached the bottom and shoved at his chest. "Why did you chase her like that?"

Frankly, he was surprised. "You don’t think I was trying to kill her?"

"When you were trying to kill me you had a different look on your face." She bit out. "But you might as well have killed her. You scared her so much that she was reckless." She hit him on the chest again.

He caught her wrists in his cool grasp. "I wasn’t trying to kill her. Is it my fault she doesn’t look where she’s going on?" Angelus shook his head ruefully. "Here I was being noble by not killing her and she goes an offs herself."

"Willow, are you alright?" A careful voice said with steely resolve. It was Giles.

Angelus whipped her around and pressed her back against his chest. "Well, if it isn’t the Watcher." He tapped Miss Calender’s body with his shoe. "Come to pay your respects?"

Giles face was a mask of unholy rage. He held a crossbow out. "Let her go." His eyes assessed Willow. She didn’t appear to be hurt.

He ran a hand down Willow’s hip. "Let’s ask the lady if she wants me to let her go."

Willow flushed as her body began to respond to his caress. "Yes, I want you to let me go." She said threw clenched teeth.

"Maybe you need to be persuaded." Angelus said as he pressed her more fully into his body.

"Maybe you need an arrow through your head." Giles said calmly as he indicated the crossbow.

"That won’t kill me."

"No, but I bet it would bloody well hurt. Let. Willow. Go. Now!"

"What’s wrong, Rupert? Have a fight with your girlfriend?" Angelus taunted.

"Rest assured, Angel, I’ll kill you for this." It wasn’t a threat, it was a promise.

"Jumping to conclusions, aren’t we, Sherlock? Do see any blood on her neck?"

"You could have just–"

"What kind of a vampire goes around throwing women from staircases? That’s not my style, Rupert. I have more class than that."

Giles had only one concern right now. Later, he could worry about the rest. "Get away from Willow." He aimed the bow at his head.

"Giles? G-man? What happened? I thought I heard a scream." Xander said as he came running down the hall.

Oz was right behind him. "Oh, God, Willow." He looked at her in the embrace of the vampire and shuddered. He had been warned by the rest of the Scoobies to stay away from Angel, that he was no longer a ‘good vampire.’ "Stay away from her!" He shouted.

Angelus snarled, not liking the look the young man was giving Willow. "I’ll do what I like with her."

"I’m okay, Oz." She tried to reassure him, not missing the look of distress on his face.

Angelus was furious. How dare she have contact with another man! He was about to set the record straight when he was interrupted by Buffy’s arrival. "It’s me he wants." She declared.

"Wouldn’t be so sure about that, if I were you." Angelus sneered. He nuzzled Willow’s neck. "I think I want someone else."

"What’s going on here?" Principal Snyder shouted, coming on to the scene.

Angelus saw his out. While the everyone’s attention was averted, he gave Willow a small push in the Watcher’s direction and , using his vampiric strength, sprinted out of the nearest door swiftly.

Giles was a wreck. His eyes were blurry and unseeing. Normally very well dressed, his tie was askew and he had his coat off. Giles, Willow, and Buffy were all in the library. He numbly answered the questions of the Sunnydale Police Department as he drank a cup of coffee.

Buffy was at his side, squeezing his hand every so often. Willow stared mutely at the floor. Jenny was dead. Jenny was dead. . .it was starting to sink in. Angelus hadn’t meant to kill her -- her death was an accident. But he had made the accident happen. He was partly responsible for her death. Angelus didn’t even feel remorse for his actions or any concern for Jenny. And yet she still loved him. She put her head in her hands in shame.

"Miss Rosenberg?" She looked up to see a young officer staring at her. " I need to ask you a few questions."

The police had been satisfied with their answers. Jenny’s death was being ruled an accident. Snyder stood outside, talking with the officers. They could hear his voice, drifting in the window. "Are you sure it isn’t gang related? PCP?"

"Wills, can you give us a few minutes?" Buffy asked, looking at Giles.

"Sure." Willow knew that the two of them were almost like family. They had a father/daughter relationship and needed some time to grieve together.

"Stay close to the library, okay?" They all doubted Angelus would be back, he had caused enough damage tonight, but they didn’t want to take any chances. Willow nodded at her friend and walked down the hallway by herself.

Mindlessly, she ambled along until she was at Miss Calender’s room. Unable to help herself, she walked in to see her computer lying on the floor. It was singed. There were bits of paper too. Apparently, Sunnydale’s police were so inept they failed to search her room. She knelt on the floor and picked up the pieces. It was the Soul Restoration Ritual. With shaking hands, she deposited them into a folder. Then, she noticed a knapsack on the desk. She opened it to find a lot of spell casting materials, which were obviously for the ritual. She tucked the folder into the bag and hoisted it over her shoulder. She had no idea what she would do with items but they might prove useful.

"Wills?" Buffy called, it was edged with panic. "Are you there? Where did you go?"

"I’m coming Buffy!" She shouted as she hurried to the library. Sh was anxious to go home, she needed to think about everything.

She was so tired and distraught that she failed to see a scrap of paper on the desk. It was easy to overlook but very important to the spell. It said "Do not, under any circumstances, perform this during a new moon."

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