Rating: R
Distribution: TPWFLD; Angel of Mine; otherwise please ask.
Disclaimer: Angel, Willow, Buffy, and the gang don't belong to me. They belong to Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy. No copyright infringement intended. Only Kane belongs to me.
Author's note: Takes place after the second season but Angel never lost his soul.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Willow sat on her bed, the pillow squashed in her death grip. It had been hours since he'd left, and the tears showed no signs of stopping. She should of seen it coming, it was inevitable. Things had been going too well for her lately, and now she'd lost the one thing that had mattered most to her.
Willow curled into a ball and tried to bury herself under the covers. In the two years since she graduated, Willow had become more self-assured and confident, but now she was back to self-doubting. She was glad that Buffy was back, but it hurt so much to lose him. Was she strong enough to just let him go, knowing he was happier with Buffy then he'd ever been with her? {Do I have a choice?}
Things had changed two months earlier when Buffy returned after having run away before their senior year. At first everyone was angry at her for leaving, but eventually they all were able to forgive and forget. And Willow hadn't complained when he started patrolling with her, especially since things had become even more dangerous in Sunnydale. Willow had felt secure in the relationship they had built. Buffy's reaction to their relationship had been disbelief at first, but she'd accepted it. {Or so I thought. Maybe she used her time with him to deliberately take him away from me.} Willow shook her head in denial. {Buffy wouldn't betray me like that.} He'd said it wasn't something neither of them had planned, it just happened. Neither wanted to hurt Willow, but the feelings they had for each other were too strong to deny.
Willow had known as soon as he called and said they needed to talk, that
something was wrong. And when he came over, and she saw his face, she knew for sure. He sat her down and explained about the feelings he and Buffy had for each other. Willow had tried to rationalize those feelings, telling him that he and Buffy were just good friends. But he'd been adamant.....he loved Buffy. He was quick to reassure Willow that he still cared about her alot, and still wanted to be friends. Willow couldn't believe it was happening again......the man she loved only wanted to be 'friends'. How can you be 'just friends' with the man who was your first and only lover, the man you loved more then life itself? Willow had managed to keep the tears and the anger inside until she got him to leave.
Then the tears had started and she felt the anger at him and Buffy explode. She threw anything she could get her hands on until she was too tired to throw anymore.
But as the night wore on, Willow began realizing that if she held onto the anger, she'd lose even more. She'd lose her best friend, and she wouldn't have him in her life at all. That was something Willow wasn't ready to deal with. Then she remembered that old saying about if you love something let it go. She wanted them to be happy, but why couldn't he be happy with her? Why was it always Buffy?
Willow stood and walked over to the doors. She pulled aside the curtains and looked outside at the star-filled night sky. The night had been her life for so long, it was almost a comfort to her now.
"I love him so much, but I have to let him go. He's made his choice, and it wasn't me. I can only pray that someday he'll realize that what we had could of been so wonderful."
With that said, Willow walked back to bed. The next day she would go and give them her blessing. It would be the hardest thing she'd ever had to do. And it would mean having to live a lie.......Willow would never let them know how much their relationship hurt her. {Give me the strength to get through this.}
End Prologue
Willow sat in the coffee shop, rubbing her forehead. {Well, that part is over.} Her mind went back to the events of the morning. She had gone to Buffy's apartment, and lied to her best friend. Willow told Buffy that she was happy for them, and that she understood that Buffy's relationship with him was stronger. The one thing Willow couldn't hide was how much she loved him. Buffy knew it, and she tried to talk to Willow about her feelings, but Willow had stopped her.
"Buffy, the one thing I can't.....won't discuss with you are my feelings for him. Please understand that."
And Buffy had agreed. Willow figured Buffy knew her feelings better then he did. After Buffy ran away, they'd turned to each other for friendship and companionship. He knew she cared about him, but did he know how much she loved him? Probably not, even though she'd said the words. Words that he'd never once spoken to her.
"Willow, are you okay?"
Willow's attention was brought back to the present by someone talking to her. She looked up at the woman who had become her confidant in the last couple years.
"Hey, Amy."
Amy sat down across from Willow. "You're letting him go, aren't you?"
Willow didn't need to ask Amy what she meant. "What choice do I have? He's made it clear that he loves Buffy. Maybe he always has."
"Don't give me that, Willow. You know damn well that he loves you, and now you have to fight for him. Don't let her just walk back in here and take him away from you."
"Amy, it's not like that, and you know it. He was always hers......never really mine to begin with."
Amy shook her head. "Buffy gave up any rights to him when she ran away from Sunnydale. You were the one he turned to when she left, and you're the one he's been with since. Angel belongs with you, not her!"
Willow held a hand to her throbbing head. She knew Amy was only trying to help, but Willow wasn't up to dealing with this conversation.....not in the same day as her talk with Buffy. Willow stood up to leave.
"Leave it alone, Amy. It's done. Angel's with Buffy.....and I'm alone. Maybe that's the way it's supposed to be."
"Bullshit, Willow! Don't tell me that you don't love Angel, because I won't believe you."
"I love him more then life itself. And because I love him, I want him to be happy. He's happy with Buffy, Amy."
Amy opened her mouth to say something, but Willow stopped her. "I know what you're trying to do Amy, but just leave it alone. I have to let go of him......there's nothing else I can do."
Amy watched Willow walk outside, and silently cursed the Slayer under her breath. {How dare she come back to town and destroy Willow's happiness? And Angel......how could he betray Willow like this?} Amy walked out of the shop, and stood looking down the street. There had to be something she could do to help Willow. Amy had always believed that Angel and Willow belonged together. But if he was too stupid to realize that, then Amy would find someone who would recognize what a wonderful person Willow was......and Amy knew the perfect 'someone'.
Amy raced towards her apartment with a smile on her face. The way she figured it, one of two things would come of her interference. One, when someone new started showing interest in Willow, Angel would get jealous and come to his senses; or two, Willow may find a new love.....someone to make her forget about Angel. Either way, Amy figured, Willow would find the happiness she deserved.
End Part 1
Willow was sitting in front of her computer trying to work out the bugs of a new program, but she wasn't able to focus. It had been several weeks since she'd 'let' Angel go. And in that time, she'd been careful not to run into him too frequently. Willow stayed away from the Bronze, knowing that he and Buffy went there alot. It was awkward enough when they were all in the library together, and she had to pretend that her heart wasn't breaking.
"Get dressed."
Willow jumped at the intrusion. She spun around to see Amy sitting behind her.
"Damnit, Amy! Don't you remember how to knock......or use the door for that matter."
Amy smiled, "But that's not as fun as just appearing when you least expect me."
"I'm going to have to come up with some kind of detection spell so I know when you're lurking."
Amy just shook her head, and pulled Willow to her feet. "Come on, get dressed. We're going out."
"Amy, I don't......"
"No excuses, Willow. You said it yourself......you didn't have a choice in losing Angel. So, now it's time to get back into the action. And we need to hurry up."
"Amy....."
"Quit stalling, Willow. You've been moping over Angel long enough. Is he sitting home thinking about you? No, and I won't let you do it anymore."
Willow was about to argue some more, but decided against it. Amy was right, she couldn't just hide away from the world forever. Willow walked into the bedroom and got changed.
"Where are we going anyway? And what's the hurry?"
"To the Bronze......and we're late."
Willow turned and looked suspiciously at Amy. "Late for what?"
"I told him we'd be there.........." Amy began.
"Wait a minute! Amy, what have you done?" Willow asked.
"What makes you think I've done anything?" Amy asked innocently.
"Because you look guilty......*who* exactly are we meeting?"
"Just a guy I know.......and I think you'll like him."
Willow dropped onto the bed. "You set me up for a date? Amy, I'm not ready for that."
"It's not a date, just an introduction. It can't very well be a date with me there as chaperone, now can it? Trust me, Willow."
Willow took a deep breath. {What would it hurt to meet someone new? And it wasn't a date.}
"Well, will you still come, Willow?"
"Ok, but you are staying the entire time. This isn't a date."
"Right. Let's go. He's not exactly a patient type guy." Amy said.
Amy and Willow headed out of the house. "So, what's his name? How long have you known him? What's he like?"
"Whoah! Down girl.....we can play Twenty questions *after* you've met him, and we come back here to gossip. But, his name is Kane, and I've known him.......for a long time."
"Not exactly Information Girl, are you?" Willow asked.
"I just want you to get to know him before we talk about him, okay?" Amy asked.
Willow nodded, and they headed to the Bronze. There was something Amy was keeping from her about this mystery man, but Willow trusted her friend. She would keep her questions until later.
As they approached the Bronze, Willow couldn't help but wonder if Buffy and Angel would be there. Would she be able to handle seeing them all over each other? And what would they think of her being there with a new guy? Would Angel even notice? A small part of her hoped Angel would notice......and would be jealous.
Willow followed Amy into the crowded Bronze, and waiting while Amy searched the crowd. As Amy pulled her across the room, Willow scanned the room for Buffy or Angel, but didn't see either of them. Amy pulled Willow over to a corner booth, and Willow's breath caught in her throat as the man in the booth looked up at them.
"Sorry we're late. Kane, this is Willow. Willow, this is Kane."
Willow watched the man stand up, and took her hand. Her eyes remained fixed on his face as he kissed her knuckles.
"Pleasure to finally meet you. Amy's told me alot about you. Please, sit." Kane said.
Amy and Willow both moved to the booth, with Kane sitting next to Willow. As Willow slid into the booth, she made a note to kill Amy. There was *alot* Amy hadn't mentioned about Kane. And turning to her friend, Willow wanted to wipe the smirk off Amy's face! {Damn! I'm in trouble now.}
End Part 2
Willow sat curled up on the couch, waiting for Amy to finish in the kitchen. Her mind was replaying everything about the evening......especially Kane. Willow didn't understand her reaction to a man she didn't even know. But from the second she'd looked into his eyes, she'd been hooked. Willow had never experienced anything like it before, not even with Angel. With Angel, they had been friends for a long time before they ever became lovers. Kane was different from Angel in every way. Kane was taller, more muscular, with jet black hair and tanned skin. He exuded strength........and raw sexual heat.
Willow's face flushed when she thought about her very obvious reactions to this mystery man. She had talked to him almost all night, but she had just realized that she hadn't learned anything about him. Willow knew next to nothing about him, but she was attracted to him.
"Thinking about a certain new man in your life?"
Willow turned to watch Amy walk into the room, and plop down in a chair. Willow frowned at her friend.
"You have a *lot* of explaining to do, Amy."
"What do you mean?" Amy asked innocently.
"About Kane. There's something about him......something.....different."
Amy watched the play of emotions on Willow's face. "You like him, don't you? I knew you would."
"Don't change the subject. I want details, Amy."
"It's not my story to tell, Willow. Kane is a very private man, and even I don't know that much about him. The only thing I can tell you is that I would trust Kane with my life.....or yours."
"But what about my heart?" Willow whispered, and walked over to the window.
Amy watched Willow begin drifting back into the hole that she'd been in since Angel had shattered her heart. And she'd be damned if she'd let Willow slip again.
"Kane is different, Willow. He's been through things no one should ever have to go through. His past is even more tortured then Angel's. Kane would never intentionally hurt you, Willow. You can trust him with your heart, and he will guard it like a priceless jewel."
Willow turned toward Amy. She'd heard the declaration, and knew that Amy meant every word of what she said. But what if he didn't want her heart? Then another thought entered her head.
"If he's such a great guy, why......"
"Because it was never like that between us. Kane has been a protector to me......a friend that I couldn't have survived without. Love was never an issue with us."
Willow dropped back onto the couch and leaned her head back against the couch. "Do you think.....I mean did he say.....what I mean is......"
Amy smiled, "Kane likes you Willow. I saw the sparks flying between you two from the moment you met. Kane is definately interested. The question is, are you willing to give him a chance? To put Angel in the past?"
Willow thought about the question long and hard. She loved Angel more then he ever realized, and he had been such a huge part of her life for a long time, but he'd left her. He was the one who walked away from her. Could she put her feelings for him in the past? Open herself up to another man......a man she barely knew?
Willow closed her eyes and pictured herself in Angel's arms. But then the picture changed, and it was no longer her in those strong arms...it was Buffy. Willow took that vision as the sign she needed.
"I want to get to know Kane. All I can promise is to get to know him for who he is, and try not to compare him to Angel."
Amy nodded her head. "That's a good start, Willow. This is your first step to a new life......a better life."
Willow hoped Amy was right, but she had her doubts. How could Kane possibly take Angel's place in her heart? Wasn't Angel her soulmate?
Later that night as Willow laid in bed, pictures of Kane kept interrupting her thoughts. Why had he had such an impact on her? Willow knew that she would see Kane again......and she was surprised to realize that she couldn't wait.
End Part 3
A couple months later~
Willow was happier then she'd thought possible. Ever since Amy had introduced her to Kane, she'd spent every free minute with him. His past was still a mystery to her, but she didn't care. Kane made her feel like the most important woman in the world. When she was with him, he made her feel so special and safe.......and loved.
Kane had told her a couple weeks before that he'd fallen in love with her. He told her that he had never believed in love at first sight until he'd met her. Willow had cried and tried to speak, but Kane stopped her.
"Take your time, Willow. Don't say the words until you know you really mean them. When the memories of Angel no longer lie between us." Kane had told her.
And Willow knew she was now ready to do that. When she was with Kane, Angel never entered her thoughts. She had distanced herself from Angel almost totally. Willow knew she needed that absence in order to move on. She knew Angel didn't understand her sudden reluctance to be in the same room with him, but Buffy knew. And Buffy was the only one she'd told about Kane.
As Willow sat lost in her thoughts, the telephone rang. On the fourth ring, it finally registered with Willow and she answered. It was Buffy.
"Hey, Buffy. What's up?" Willow asked.
"Well, it's been awhile since we've talked. I wanted to know how you were doing."
"It hasn't been that long, Buffy. You're exaggerating." Willow said.
"Will, I haven't seen or spoken to you in about two weeks, girl. Boy, are you out of it!"
{Two weeks!? It couldn't be that long.....I saw Buffy just before Kane told me he loved me.....oh my God, it has been that long.}
"Earth to Willow....."
"What? Oh, sorry Buffy. Geez, I didn't realize it had been that long. I've been busy with......things."
"Things? You mean Kane, don't you? Are things that serious with you two?" Buffy asked.
Willow heard the hopeful tone in Buffy's voice. She knew Buffy felt guilty about what had happened with Angel, and wanted Willow to find someone new and be happy.
"Yeah, it is. He's great, Buffy."
"Do you love him, Will?"
Willow was quiet for a moment. And in that moment, she knew for sure. "Yes, I do. But I haven't told him yet."
Buffy squealed in delight. "Will, I'm so happy for you! What are you waiting for? Tell the man how you feel."
Willow giggled, and felt like a teenager again. "I will, I will. Just give me time."
Buffy was silent for a bit before asking, "When are you planning to introduce Kane to the others? I haven't told anyone, but everyone's wondering about your absence from the group."
Willow leaned her head against the wall. She knew that the 'others' Buffy was referring to, was more precisely...Angel. Was she ready to face Angel? And suddenly Kane's words had new meaning. Before she could commit to any kind of relationship with Kane, she had to face Angel. She needed to bring Kane into the group....as her boyfriend.
"How about we meet at the Bronze tonight and I'll introduce him to everyone?" Willow asked.
"Sounds like a plan. I'll call everyone and tell them the when and the where. Talk to you later, Willow."
Willow hung up the phone and took a deep breath before calling Kane. This would be the start of a whole new life for her. {Tonight I close the door on my past......and open it to my future.}
Willow stood outside the Bronze with Kane by her side. "Are you sure you want to do this, Willow? I don't want you rushing into anything."
Willow wrapped her arms around Kane's neck. "Don't worry so much. It's not like I've decided to climb Mt. Everest or some fool thing. I'm just introducing the man I love to my friends."
"I just want you to be.........what did you just say?" Kane asked.
"You heard me, mister. I love you......you are the man of my dreams......and I love you heart and soul."
Kane closed his eyes, then pulled Willow tightly against him. Willow returned the embrace.
"Now are you ready to meet them?"
"With you by my side, Willow, I'm ready to face anyone or anything. Let's go." Kane replied.
Kane wrapped his arm around Willow's waist and they entered the Bronze. Scanning the crowd, Willow immediately found the people she was looking for, and they approached the table. Everyone looked up, and the expressions on their faces were priceless.
Giles was intrigued; Cordelia looked like she'd swallowed a baseball; Xander just stared blankly at Kane; Buffy was smiling; and Angel.......Angel's expression was unreadable to Willow. But when Kane tightened his hold on her waist, she knew he wasn't about to let Angel close. Everyone could sense the instant hostility between Kane and Angel....and it only got worse once Willow introduced Kane.
"Giles, everyone, this is Kane......the man I've fallen in love with."
Everyone's expressions turned to shock, then surprise, and finally happiness. The gang took turns greeting Kane and making him feel welcomed. Everyone that is except Angel. The vampire's expression had gone from unreadable.........to dangerous.
End Part 4
As the tension surrounding the group approached the breaking point, Giles decided it would be wise to get out of the line of fire. So with a made up excuse, the Watcher left his young friends to work out the situation on their own. Xander decided to follow Giles' lead and he drug a protesting Cordelia out to the dance floor. Buffy sat next to Angel, a warning hand on his arm. Kane and Willow sat down, but his eyes never left Angel's.
"Well...isn't this nice.....uhhhmmm, Willow, I think we need to go freshen up." Buffy said.
Willow looked between the two men, "Buffy, I don't think...."
Buffy reached over and pulled Willow to her feet. "They'll be fine. You said yourself that Kane is a gentleman.....and Angel," Buffy stressed his name, "is old enough to know how to play nice."
Willow heard the threatening tone to Buffy's voice, but it was doubtful that Angel even heard her. She didn't know if it was such a good idea leaving the two of them together. Especially since she wasn't sure what Angel's problem was. Why the instant hatred of Kane?
"Go ahead, Willow. I for one don't intend to cause a scene." Kane said, then turned to give Willow a smile.
Willow trusted Kane's word, and smiled back at him. The girls turned and went to the bathroom, leaving Kane and Angel at the table.
"Are you sure that was such a good idea, Buffy?" Willow asked.
"They'll be fine. It was bound to be awkward at first, so better to get it all out now."
"But, what's wrong with Angel? It seemed like he disliked Kane from the moment he laid eyes on him."
"I don't know." Buffy said as she watched Willow go into one of the stalls.
"But I intend to find out." Buffy whispered to herself. Angel's reaction to the new man in Willow's life went deeper then just shock. Were Angel's feelings for Willow deeper then he'd ever admitted? Or was there something about Kane that triggered his reaction?
Buffy hadn't been able to come with anything that would suggest that Kane was a threat. And both she and Giles had looked into Kane's past to a certain extent. Neither of them wanted to see Willow get involved with another demon. And while their research hadn't lifted the veil of mystery surrounding Kane, it had reassured them that Kane wasn't a threat to Willow....or to them. So what was Angel's problem?
Kane leaned back against the chair, arms crossed over his chest. His eyes never left the man seated across from him.
"If you've got something to say to me, why don't you say it already?" Kane asked.
"You may have fooled the others, but you don't fool me. I know trouble when I see it." Angel responded.
"Kind of the pot calling the kettle black, isn't it....Angelus."
Angel's eyes widened. "How do you know about that?"
"Willow told me about you....and her relationship with you. But that's history, so stay out of our business." Kane replied.
"I don't who.....or what....you are, but I'm not going to sit by and watch you hurt Willow!"
Kane smiled slightly, then leaned forward. "I'm not the one who hurt Willow. And as for who I am.....it's no damn business of yours!"
"You're wrong. Willow is my business." Angel answered.
"Not anymore! When you left her, you gave up any say in her life. I'm in Willow's life now, and I have no intention of having you stick your nose in it and screwing it up. So, if you know what's good for you, stay away from Willow." Kane threatened.
Angel's gaze narrowed and he fought to control his demon. "If you know about who I was, then you know what I'm capable of, so don't push me! I want you out of Willow's life now!"
Kane sat back and clapped. "Nice little speech. Too bad I don't give a damn about who you are or what you want. And I'm well aware of what you're capable of........pity that you don't have a clue what *I'm* capable of."
Kane stood, "This is the last time I'm telling you.......stay out of my business."
Angel sat and watched Kane walk away. He clenched his fists as he thought about Kane's threats. From the second he'd set eyes on Kane, Angel had sensed something dangerous about the man, but he didn't know what it was. But the one thing Angel knew was that he had to get Willow away from Kane.
Willow and Buffy emerged from the bathroom and immediately noticed that Angel was alone. Willow looked around the room, finally spotting Kane by the door. He was standing with his back to them.
"I'm thinking things didn't go to well between those two." Buffy stated.
"Well, I think we better go. It's probably been enough for one night."
"Ok, Will. But don't worry about it. Men will be boys. I'll call you tomorrow."
"Talk to you later. Bye, Buffy."
Buffy watched Willow walk over to Kane and wrap her arms around his back. Kane turned slightly, and smiled at Willow. Then, tucking her under his arm, they left the Bronze. Buffy turned her attention back to Angel. She had no doubt that Angel had started a fight..... she was damn sure going to find out why.....and stormed over to the table.
Angel looked up as Buffy sat down across from him. "What the hell do you think you're doing!?" Buffy yelled.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"Come off it, Angel. Everyone saw the way you reacted to Kane. You don't even know the guy but you're acting like you hate him. Why?"
"I don't hate him, but I sure as hell don't trust him. Have you ever considered that he may dangerous?" Angel asked.
"Yes, I thought about it, and had Giles look into his past. Kane isn't a threat to anyone, Angel. And he loves Willow."
Buffy saw Angel stiffen at that remark. "He threatened me. If he isn't dangerous, why would he do that?"
Buffy stood angrily and grabbed her coat. "Oh, I don't know, Angel, maybe because you acted like an asshole from the get-go? But I can't imagine why a man would threaten someone he sees as a rival for his lover?"
Angel looked up, "What are you talking about?"
"Maybe Kane sees you as a threat to his relationship with Willow. Maybe Kane thinks you want Willow back."
"That's crazy."
"Is it? Then why were you acting like a jealous ex?" Buffy asked, then walked away.
Angel swore under his breath, then followed her out. He wasn't jealous.....he was just worried about a friend. Buffy was wrong. His relationship with Willow hadn't been like that. He loved her like a friend, but he wasn't in love with her.....he was in love with Buffy. Wasn't he??
End Part 5
Two weeks later:
Buffy sat on the bed, waiting for Angel to emerge from the bathroom. She had just gotten back from talking to Willow. Willow was upset with the fact that every time she turned around, Angel was right there. Everytime she went out with Kane, she knew Angel was following them. At first, she'd let it slid, thinking that once Angel realized that Kane wasn't dangerous, he'd back off. But that hadn't happened, and it was becoming invasive. And although Kane had never mentioned it, Willow knew that he was aware of what was going on, and his patience was wearing thin.
Buffy had tried to convince Willow that it was just her imagination, but Willow was adament. Even though he never showed himself, she knew that Angel was always around. And after a while Buffy couldn't deny it. She'd seen less and less of Angel since that night at the Bronze. But when she'd questioned him about it, he'd told her that he was investigating leads on a new menace. Making a point of how dangerous it was, and that was why he hadn't involved the others. Now Buffy knew the truth, and she told Willow that she'd talk to Angel. Get him to back off. {But can I do it? Will he listen to me?}
Angel emerged from the bathroom, surprised to see Buffy. "I thought you were at the library."
Buffy ignored his question as she watched him dress. She loved him as much now as she did when she was still in high school. When she'd returned to Sunnydale, she'd been surprised at the change in Angel and Willow's relationship, but knew she'd do nothing to interfere. After all, she'd run away, leaving the people she loved behind. Then as she and Angel spent more time together, their old feelings resurfaced and they knew that they wanted to be together. They felt guilty for hurting Willow, but Angel had assured Buffy that his relationship with Willow hadn't been love. The guilt only compounded for Buffy when she realized that despite what Angel thought, Willow loved him and was devastated. Willow had tried to hide behind a happy facade, but Buffy knew the truth. And although Buffy wanted to be with Angel, she didn't want Willow hurt. So she'd been ecstatic when Willow told her about Kane. Buffy thought things could get back to normal. But now everything was a mess again.
Angel turned to look at Buffy when silence greeted him. She was sitting there, just staring at him. "Is something wrong?"
"Where are you off to?" Buffy asked.
Angel turned back to the closet. "Have to meet with some informants. They might have some useful information."
"Right. About the new danger to Sunnydale, right? A danger that no one else seems to know about."
"What are you implying, Buffy?"
Buffy stood, "I'm not implying anything. I know what you're doing, and it has nothing to do with protecting Sunnydale."
Angel stopped in the motion of putting on his shirt and turned to her. "What is it you think I'm doing?"
"Stalking Willow."
"What!?"
"Save the innocent act, Angel. We both know you've been following Willow and Kane. You have got to stop this now."
Angel proceeded to put on his shirt. "I'm not 'stalking' Willow. I'm protecting her."
"From what? Kane? Angel, you have to step back from this. You aren't acting rationally." Buffy said.
"Kane isn't the great guy everyone seems to think he is. There's something evil about him, and I want him away from Willow."
Buffy took a deep breath, trying to force herself not to cry. "You want? Since when is this about what *you* want? You had Willow, and let her go. You made your choice, now you have to live with it, and go on with your life."
"You don't understand, Buffy. Willow's in danger."
"The only danger Willow is in is from you. When you chose me, you broke her heart. A heart is a fragile thing Angel. If you shatter glass into a million pieces, you can't put it back together. The same goes when you break someone's heart. You can't just decide that you want her back, and expect her to jump at the chance."
"I didn't say anything about wanting Willow back." Angel protested.
Buffy shook her head sadly, "You didn't have to say the words, Angel. Your actions say everything I need to know."
Buffy walked to the door, not surprised when Angel made no move to stop her. Taking another deep breath, Buffy turned slightly towards him.
"You're too late, Angel. Willow has found someone new, and you have no place in her life anymore. If you continue to stalk her, you'll lose her totally. If you love her, leave her alone. The only thing you're doing now is hurting her."
Buffy left the apartment knowing that her relationship with Angel was over, while Angel sat on the bed with his head on his hands.
{Buffy's wrong. I've been around longer then she has, and I know there's something wrong with Kane. I'm not jealous! Once I get Kane away from Willow, I'll fix everything with Buffy. Make her see that I'm not doing this because I'm in love with Willow.....I'm doing it to save Willow.}
But right now he needed to talk to Willow. He had to get her to see that she needed to end things with Kane immediately......before something awful happened.
Angel grabbed his jacket and left the apartment. As he neared Willow's house, Angel was too wrapped up in his own thoughts to realize that he was being followed. And as Angel entered Willow's house, the figure took up surveillance outside.
Willow stood back as Angel pushed his way into her home, slamming the door behind him. Angel turned to Willow.
"We need to talk."
"Angel, there's nothing for us to talk about. What happens between Kane and I........"
Willow never got to finish her sentence. Angel grabbed her into his arms, pushing her against the wall, and capturing her mouth in a passionate kiss. His arms wrapped tightly around her waist, while Willow's arms dropped to his shoulders.
Angel pulled away slightly, staring into Willow's eyes. Willow stared back, shocked by what had happened. During the entire time they'd been together, Angel had never kissed her like that before. In that instant, Willow knew what she had to do.
End Part 6
Willow raised her arm, and slapped Angel across the face. His stunned expression only made her angrier as she pushed him away.
"You bastard!"
"What the hell was that for!?" Angel yelled.
Willow tried walking away from him, but Angel grabbed her arm. She turned to hit him again, but he caught her arm, pinning both of them behind her back.
"Let me go!"
"Not until you calm down and tell me why you hit me." Angel said.
"You had no right! After everything you've done to me, you had no right to kiss me like that."
Angel was confused. He didn't understand her anger. "You're angry because I kissed you.....why?"
Willow pulled free of Angel and put distance between them. "You don't have a clue, do you? When we were together, I would've done anything to have you kiss me like that. To show me that you loved me, but you never did. Now, when you have no right, you come here and give me a kiss like that. It isn't fair!"
Angel stood shocked. Her meaning finally registering in his mind. The kiss had been impulsive, but the feelings behind them were real. He was in love with Willow. {When did that happen?} Angel moved toward Willow, but stopped when she put her hand up.
"Stay away from me!"
"I can't do that, Willow. I was an idiot for letting you go. It's taken me a while to realize that I love you, and I probably have for a long time. I was just too stupid to recognize it. But now that I know, I'm not letting you go again. I love you, Willow. Only you."
Willow glared at him. How dare he do this to her? She'd spent the last few months forcing herself to move forward, to put Angel in the past. Now he was here saying the words she'd always dreamed of hearing from him. Willow dropped to the couch, and covered her face. The tears fell as Willow tried to deal with her jumbled emotions.
Angel made his way over to Willow and knelt in front of her. He gently took her hands in his own.
"Willow, we have a chance at a new beginning now. We can put the past behind us. Buffy already knows how I feel, and I'll go with you to tell Kane."
Willow raised her head and stared at Angel. She couldn't believe his nerve. He was assuming that she'd come back to him. He believed that they could just forget everything that had happened. Willow's feelings were all twisted, and she knew how easy it would be to just throw herself into Angel's arms. To forget about the things he'd done, and focus only on the fact that he finally loved her. But she couldn't do that, so she pushed Angel away as she stood.
"There's nothing to tell, Angel. I don't know where my relationship with Kane is heading, but I intend to find out. You had your chance, and you made your choice. I wasn't that choice, and that's something I'll never forget. If we got back together, it would always feel like I was your second choice."
"That's ridiculous. I'm choosing you now. You are the woman I want."
Willow looked at Angel, and took a deep breath. "But you're not the one I want......not anymore."
Angel was speechless. She couldn't actually mean that she was choosing Kane over him.
"Look, I know this has been hard on you. I think you just need some time to think about this, let it all soak in. Then tomorrow night, we can talk about us."
Willow shook her head. "There is no 'us', Angel. *You* destroyed 'us' months ago. You went on with your life, and I'm finally going on with mine. Kane is an important part of my life, and I won't give him up."
Angel couldn't believe what he was hearing. "You don't know what you're saying! Kane isn't the man you think he is. He's using you, are you too naive to see that!?"
Willow's temper exploded. "Quit talking to me like I'm a child! I know what being used feels like, Angel. In some ways, everyone I've ever loved has used me......Buffy, Xander,.....you, but Kane has never used me."
"I never used you, Willow." Angel denied.
"Not on purpose, no, but you did use me. I was the consolation prize when Buffy left. I was the person to listen to you, make you feel better about your life and help solve your problems. Then when Buffy came back, I became expendable."
"That's not true."
"Angel, it doesn't matter anymore. What happens between you and Buffy is your own business, and what happens between Kane and I is none of your business. Now, I think it'd be best if you left."
"Tell me you don't love me. Tell me you love Kane and I'll walk away." Angel challenged.
Willow stared at Angel, and felt physically drained. "I can't say I don't love you anymore. I've loved you for a long time," Willow stopped Angel as he was about to interrupt, "but I can say I love Kane too. I don't know what the future holds, but Kane is my present..................and you are my past. Goodbye, Angel."
Angel watched Willow walk away from him. Never once looking back. She wanted him out of her life, but he wasn't willing to give up so easily. Angel knew Willow loved him, and she'd admitted it, so it was only a matter of time till he had her back. But first, he had to get Kane out of the picture.
Angel walked away from Willow's house. And once again, he was oblivious to the man following him. A man whose anger was boiling to the surface.
End Part 7
Willow sat curled up on the couch, wrapped securely in Kane's arms. She was so tired of everything that was going on. {How much more of this can I take?}
"Willow, are you okay?" Kane asked.
"I'm so tired, Kane. This whole mess with Angel is just............"
"I know. I wish there was something I could do, but short of staking him, I don't think he's going to let up anytime soon."
Willow nodded her head miserably. It had been two months since Angel's declaration of love, and her life had been turned upside down ever since. Angel showed up everywhere Willow went and kept trying to get her to leave Kane. He tried to convince everyone of how evil Kane was, but all it was doing was turning people against Angel.
"I just wish we could leave here. Start fresh somewhere new." Willow wished aloud.
"Why can't we?"
Willow sat up and looked at Kane. "What?"
"If you want to leave, let's do it. The only thing holding me here is you." Kane answered.
"But....I can't just leave my friends, my home..."
"It wouldn't be forever, Willow. But nothing is going to get resolved with you and Angel in the same town. You and I could go on a trip. Tour the county for a couple months. That would give us time away from Angel, and him time to put into perspective his behavior."
"It would be nice, but I don't know. Can I think about it?" Willow asked.
"Of course you can. I don't want to pressure you."
"I love you, Kane." Willow said as she leaned her head back on his chest.
"I love you, too." Kane said, tightening his hold on her.
A couple days later, Willow arrived at Kane's bright and early in the morning, with bags in hand. She explained that she had thought alot about what he'd said, and had even discussed it with Buffy. And they came to the conclusion that it was probably the best for everyone involved. They all needed time apart. So, Kane packed his bags, closed up his apartment, and they left to start their adventure.
"Where is she!?"
Buffy and Amy looked up as Angel came storming in to the library. They exchanged a look, but neither answered.
"Tell me where Willow is."
"She's gone, Angel. Willow needed time away from you and your childish behaviour." Amy responded.
"She left alone? Tell me she's not with Kane!" Angel yelled as he gripped Amy's arms.
Amy used her magic to burn Angel's hands. "Back off, Angel! Willow and Kane are together, and they're going to have a nice vacation. Hopefully, by the time they return, you will have learned to act like a man!"
Angel scowled at Amy, but she just walked away. Angel turned to Buffy. "Where did they go?"
"That's none of your business, Angel. They need this time away. Maybe you should try it."
Angel grabbed Buffy's shoulders, "This isn't a joke, damnit! Kane is dangerous, and if you don't want to see Willow hurt, you'll tell me where he's taken her."
Buffy pulled away from Angel, and shook her head sadly. "I don't want to see Willow hurt anymore.......that's why I told her to leave with Kane. To get away from the source of her pain......you. It's time for you to get a grip, Angel."
"I have proof......." But Angel was talking to air. Buffy had walked out on him.
"Shit!" Angel yelled, then left for his apartment. He finally had a real lead on Kane's past, and it proved that Kane *was* a threat, and now no one believed him. {Fine, I'll do this alone. I'll find them, and get Willow away from Kane.}
Angel began throwing clothes into a bag. He'd find them, no matter how long it took. He knew Willow was in danger, and he was the only one who could save her. {And when I eliminate Kane, Willow and I can begin rebuilding our lives.}
Angel had just finished a note to Buffy, when he saw a piece of paper on the floor near the door. {Where'd that come from?} Angel went to pick it up. He opened the note, swearing as he read the single sentence.
Angel~ Guess you didn't pay attention to the fable about the boy who cried wolf.......she's mine now.......and forever!
"The hell she is, you son-of-a-bitch! I will find you, and if you've hurt her........I'll make you beg for a quick death!"
With that, Angel ran out of the building. He took off on what would be the most important trip of his life. To find the woman he loved.......and save her from the evil that threatened to destroy her.
The End