Disclaimer: Angel, Willow, and gang belong to Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy. David and Paul belong to whoever has rights to The Lost Boys. They don't belong to me. No copyright infringement intended.
Summary: A cross-over with the movie 'The Lost Boys'. This takes place before the events in the movie, and before the events in 'Becoming'.
Rating: NC-17
Willow walked along the boardwalk. She had forgotten how nice it was to be out at night and not have to worry about vampires or demons. People were everywhere, and she enjoyed watching the activity. Willow had come to Santa Carla to visit relatives. They had told her about the rides and booths on the boardwalk, so she had decided to check it out. She had fallen in love with it, and had come every night. The only thing that would've made things better would be to have someone to share it with.
"What's a pretty lady doing out alone?"
Willow turned in the direction of the voice. There stood a young man, early twenties, blond hair and gorgeous. She looked around to see who he was talking to.
"Looking for someone?"
"I was looking for the person you were talking to."
The man laughed. "I was talking to you."
"Oh."
He moved closer and extended his hand.
"My name's David. What's yours?"
"It's uhh...uhhm...my name's Willow."
"Willow. A beautiful name for a beautiful girl."
Willow blushed a bright red. She wasn't used to receiving compliments.
And that made her wonder why this man was being so nice. Instinctively
she backed up.
"Something the matter?"
"No, I better go."
David made no move to stop her. He seemed to know that something had
scared her.
"Will I see you again?"
"Why?"
"Because, Willow, I'd like to get to know you better."
Willow looked at David doubtfully. "You look like you don't believe me."
Willow didn't know what to believe, but she knew she needed to get away.
"I have to get home."
Willow ran in the direction of her uncle's house. David stood at the
railing, and watched the young woman leave.
"Hey, David!"
"Paul."
"Who was the babe?"
"Someone I intend to know a lot better."
David and Paul got on their bikes, and drove off. David knew the girl
named Willow would be back the next night, he'd seen her there before.
There was something about her that had caught his attention, something
that hadn't happened in a very long time.
The following night Willow was back on the boardwalk. Secretly she hoped
that she would see David again. But after the way she had bolted, she very
much doubted it.
"Hello, Willow."
Willow turned to see David and another man walking toward her. "Hi, David."
"I want to introduce my friend Paul. Paul, this is Willow."
"Nice to meet you. Man, Dave here has all the luck. He always meets
the beautiful women."
"Thank you."
"Paul was just leaving." Paul took that as his cue, and said goodbye.
"Hope to see you again, Willow. Later, David."
"Yeah, later."
"You're friend's nice."
"I hope you think I'm nice too."
"I'm sorry for running off last night. It had nothing to do with you."
"I certainly hope not. You seemed afraid, and that's the last thing
I want."
"It's a learned response. The city I live in isn't the safest place
in the world."
"Where are you from?"
"Sunnydale."
Willow looked out towards the water. If she had been watching David,
she would have seen his shocked expression.
"Some sickos live there, huh?"
"You wouldn't believe me if I told you."
Something in the tone of her voice made David wonder just how much this
girl knew about Sunnydale's 'sickos'. <This keeps getting more and more
interesting.>
"Would you like to go on some of the rides?"
Willow debated the question. <Come on Willow, live a little. There
are tons of people around, what's going to happen?>
"I'd like that."
David took Willow's hand and led her towards the rides. They spent the
rest of the night together, and she had more fun then she'd had in a long
time. She didn't have to worry about Angelus or other vampires attacking,
or demons jumping out from shadows. Willow was able to just enjoy being
with a very attractive man, who appeared to like her for who she was.
The rest of Willow's visit was spent with David. Sometimes they met
up with Paul, but most of the time it was just the two of them. David was
a very quiet man, and didn't like to talk about himself too much. He was
interested in hearing about her life. Naturally she couldn't tell him the
truth. He'd think she was nuts if she had told him about the Hellmouth,
and the Slayer, and vampires.
"I've had a great time, David."
"So have I. When are you supposed to go home?"
"I leave tomorrow morning. Time to head back to the real world, I guess."
David took Willow's hand and led her toward his bike.
"Will you come with me?"
"Where to?"
"There's someplace I want to show you. I guarantee you'll love it."
"Okay, but then I better get back. I'm leaving pretty early in the morning."
Willow waited while David got on the bike. He pulled her toward him,
and gave her a kiss. She got on behind him, and held on tight. David put
the bike in gear and drove off.
Willow stared in shock at the site that greeted her. It was an underground
dwelling. She listened intently to David as he explained about the resort
that had crashed into the ground during an earthquake. It was an amazing
site. David excused himself for a moment, and returned with a bottle.
"Let's drink a toast."
"To what?"
"To us."
David took a swallow of the wine, then handed the bottle to Willow.
She hesitated only momentarily, then took a swallow.
"Come here."
Willow walked to David. He took her in his arms, and they began slow
dancing. Willow was beginning to feel strange.
"David?"
"It's alright, Willow. Nothing's going to hurt you."
He leaned down and kissed her lips, which still tasted of the 'wine'.
"I'm going to take care of you....forever."
Willow didn't hear the words, she drifted into unconsciousness. David
picked her up and carried her to his bed. He laid her down gently.
"You're mine now."
David heard Paul enter the cave.
"Is she one of us?" Paul asked.
"She will be. Soon, she will be."
They left Willow asleep on the bed. She was unaware of what had happened,
and how it would change her life forever. Willow slept a dreamless sleep.
It was the following morning when Willow's relatives realized that she'd
never come home. They immediately called the police to report their niece's
disappearance. Willow had been added to Santa Carla's growing Missing People
list.
"Xander, are you okay."
Xander walked over and plopped down in a chair. He didn't seem to hear
Buffy.
"Earth to Xander."
Xander looked up and began mumbling.
"They don't know where she is. She's gone. Nobody knows what happened.
She just disappeared. Gone."
Buffy and Giles exchanged a confused look. Neither knew what he was
talking about.
"Xander, want to run that by us again. How 'bout in English this time?"
"She's gone."
"Who's gone?"
"Willow."
"What?"
Xander just sat there. Buffy was sick of playing twenty questions. She
grabbed Xander and slapped him across the face.
"Hey!"
"Now do you think you can tell us what's going on?"
Xander rubbed his cheek, but he had lost the glazed look in his eyes.
"Willow's parents called me. She's missing. Her aunt and uncle called
the police after she failed to return home the night before she was supposed
to come home. No one knows what happened to her."
"Oh, God."
Buffy and Giles both sank into chairs. This wasn't something that was
supposed to happen. They all knew how much Willow had been looking forward
to getting out of Sunnydale for a little while. She was supposed to be
safe once she left home. What the hell had gone wrong?
"Don't they have any ideas?"
"None. Willow had been having a great time. Her aunt said that Willow
had been going to the boardwalk every night, and always seemed so happy
when she came back. Then she just didn't come back." Xander said.
"Giles, we have to go to Santa Carla. There might be something we can
do."
"You don't think Angelus had something to do with this, do you?" Xander
asked.
"Listen to me, both of you. You have to face the fact that there is
other evil out there, not just demons and vampires. This is hardly Angelus'
style, besides we've been dealing with him here. The most likely scenario
is that she was kidnapped."
"Oh, thank you, Giles. That makes us feel so much better." Buffy said
sarcastically.
"I'm just saying this is something best left to the local police. You
can hardly go hunt down a human."
"There's something that doesn't feel right about this, Giles. I need
to go there."
"Me, too."
Giles looked between his two young friends. He knew they had made up
their minds. Although he very much doubted that they would be able to find
out anything, he realized they all needed to do this. If for no other reason
then to let themselves believe they were doing all they could.
"All right, I'll drive. But, we can't stay too long. Angelus and the
others will realize quickly that we have left."
Santa Carla: The following day, they drove to Santa Carla. First stop
was to talk to Willow's aunt and uncle. Unfortunately, they weren't able
to shed any light on Willow's disappearance. Next they headed to the boardwalk.
Buffy shivered and looked around the area.
"What is it?" Giles asked.
"My spider sense is working overtime. Something is giving me the heebie
geebies."
Giles knew better than to question Buffy's instincts.
They continued to walk through the crowds and showed Willow's picture
to anyone who would look. But as night descended, they didn't know anymore
than when they had started. No one would answer their questions, and most
responded that they'd never seen Willow, without even looking at the picture.
Something definately didn't add up.
"Giles, have you ever read anything about Santa Carla?"
"No, but then I guess I never looked either. I will check my books as
soon as we get home."
Giles looked at his watch.
"We should get going."
Buffy felt someone watching her, and the hairs on the back of her neck
stood straight up. Quickly, she scanned the area, but wasn't able to find
anything.
"Someone's watching us."
"Someone as in human, or vampire." Xander asked worriedly.
"Vampire, definately. But, it's odd, I can't pinpoint where."
"Then this would be a good time to leave." Giles announced, and began
pushing the teenagers to his car.
"But what about Willow? We can't just leave."
"Xander, it's become obvious that there is more going on in this town
then we realized. We must find out what. We won't be any good to Willow,
if we rush in half-cocked."
Xander admitted to himself that Giles was right, but he didn't like
the thought that Willow was here someplace, and he couldn't help her.
"We're going to find out what happened to her. And we're going to get
her back. I promise." Buffy said, as she put her friend in the car. She
turned back toward the boardwalk. <i will find you Willow. And whoever
took you will be sorry.>
Giles started the car and they headed back to Sunnydale. He knew none
of them would rest until they found their missing friend.
"Who do you think they were?"
"Friends of Willow's. Not that it matters, they'll never find her."
"It almost seemed like the blonde knew we were watching them."
David just nodded. There was something about those people, especially
the blonde, that made him nervous. And he hated being nervous.
"Make sure you put the word out. I want to know if any of them step
foot back here again. I won't let them mess things up. Willow's mine, and
no one is going to take her away from me. Understood?"
Paul just smiled.
"Perfectly."
They headed back to the boardwalk. There was still plenty of night left,
and David knew that Willow was still asleep back at the cave. He wasn't
going to let their uninvited guests ruin his evening.
Sunnydale:
Xander sat in the library while Buffy and Giles tried to find out all
they could about Santa Carla. It was bad enough dealing with vampires around
here when they were together, but Willow was facing them alone in a strange
city. Xander's thoughts were pulled to the present when he head Giles swear. "What is it?"
"I can only find veiled references to Santa Carla, but nothing that
helps. I've looked everywhere I can think of."
Buffy sat silently. She got up and headed toward the door. She knew
what she had to do.
"Where are you going?"
"To find someone who might know what the hell is happening in Santa
Carla."
Xander and Giles looked at each other. It only took them a moment to
realize who Buffy was refering to. "Do you think he knows anything?" Xander asked worriedly. At this point,
he didn't care where they got the information.
"Probably. But the question is, will he tell Buffy?"
Both went back to their search, hoping to find something they'd missed.
And praying that for once, Angelus could be of help to them. They knew
that the longer Willow was missing, the less likely it would be that they'd
find her.
"Hello, Willow."
Willow turned toward the sound of the voice.
"What did you do to me, David?"
"I don't know what you mean."
Willow stood up, and backed slowly away from David. Her retreat was
stopped by the wall.
"Don't lie to me. I know you did something. I feel different."
David walked closer to Willow. He noticed the fear in her eyes.
"Oh, Willow. Don't be afraid of me. I'll protect you from everything."
"Who's going to protect me from you?" Willow yelled at him.
David became angry. No one talked to him like that. He grabbed her by
the throat and pushed her into the wall.
"As long as you do exactly as I say, you won't need to fear me. But
don't push me."
Willow watched David's eyes. There was something about them....something
she'd never noticed before. His eyes reminded her of Angelus. "What are you?"
David smiled at her choice of words.
"I think you already know what I am. Or should I say what we are."
It took a moment for her to comprehend his meaning.
"You didn't...."
"Oh, but I did."
Willow's hand immediately went to her throat. There were no puncture
marks.
"There's more than one way to change someone. I didn't need to bite
you. All I had to do was get you to drink the blood."
"That wasn't wine last night, was it David?"
"I knew you were a smart girl."
"How could you!?" Willow attacked him.
David easily gripped her arms and wrenched them behind her back.
"I would suggest you don't do that again. Now, I'm going to leave you
to change clothes, but don't even think about trying to leave here."
David roughly kissed Willow, then threw her back on the bed.
"You're mine now, Willow. And there's no one who can help you."
Willow glared at David in defiance, which only made him laugh. Willow
waited until he was gone to let her tears fall. She wouldn't give him the
satisfaction. Sunnydale: Buffy had been waiting in the cemetary for over two hours. "Taking a break, Slayer?"
Buffy turned. Angelus approached with a smirk on his face.
"It's about time."
The smirk disappeared from Angelus' face. That certainly wasn't the
reaction he had been expecting.
"Excuse me?"
"What do you know about Santa Carla?"
Buffy watched Angelus' face. He wasn't able to hide his surprise quickly
enough.
"You do know something!"
"I don't know anything about any Santa Clara."
"Santa Carla, and don't try lying. I want to know everything about that
place."
"Let's say for argument's sake I do know something. Why in the hell
would I tell you anything?"
The attack was swift and took Angelus off guard. He found himself on
the ground, with the Slayer straddled over his chest. A very sharp stake
poised above his heart. Angelus started laughing.
"Nice move."
"Tell me!"
"Why so interested? Aren't there enough vampires here for you to play
with?"
"So there are vampires in Santa Carla."
"You already knew that, Slayer. Otherwise you wouldn't have come to
me."
"Do you know any of them?"
"Maybe, maybe not." Angel replied sarcastically.
"I'm in no mood for your stupid games. Just tell me what I want to know,
and I'll let you go."
Angel just laid there. Buffy wished she could wipe that damn smirk off
his face, but Willow's life depended on knowing the answers.
"Yeah, I already knew they were there, I felt them."
"You've been to Santa Carla? When?"
"Today."
"Stay away from Santa Carla! You have no reason to be there."
"Wrong! I have a very good reason to be there."
"Oh, really. What could be worth your life?"
"What?"
"You little fool. Just stay away from Santa Carla, you sure as hell
wouldn't be welcomed there."
"I will go back, but first you are going to tell me what I want to know."
"Or else what?"
"Or else I kill you here and now!"
"You haven't been able to do it yet."
"If it's a choice between you and Willow, there's no question who I
choose."
"What's your little friend have to do with this?"
"None of your business."
"It is if you want any information."
Buffy hesitated briefly.
"Willow's in Santa Carla. I need to find her and bring her home."
"Find her?"
"She went to visit relatives and disappeared. No one's seen or heard
from her."
Angelus was silent.
"You won't find out anything. Might as well face it that she's gone
for good."
"No!! I won't accept that."
"No one there will talk to you, they know what happens. And since you
were already there asking questions about her, then whoever has her knows
it. You go back, and he'll know about it immediately."
"Do you know who has her?"
"How the hell would I know? It's been a long time since I've been to
Santa Carla."
"But you know....people there."
"By people, I assume you mean vampires."
"Yes."
Angelus hadn't thought about Santa Carla in a very long time. He had
lived there when he had his soul, before locating Buffy and moving to Sunnydale.
Memories from that time were not pleasant for him. He had nearly been destroyed,
and had vowed he'd never return to that place. But he had never forgotten
the one responsible for his humiliation.
"Hello? You were about to answer my questions."
An idea was beginning to form in Angelus' mind. "What do you want to know?"
Buffy was startled by Angel's sudden agreement. What had been going
on in his head? Why was he suddenly so willing to talk to her?
"I want to know everything about Santa Carla." Buffy repeated.
"Fine."
"A what?"
"Can we discuss this without the stake?"
Buffy debated, but then stood. Angel got up, but noticed that Buffy
was still holding the stake.
"Don't you trust me?"
"Nope, now you were saying."
"It's a safe place for vampires to hide out. Close enough to the Hellmouth
to feel some of the power, but not close enough to have to worry about
the Slayer."
"There must be someone in charge."
"There is, but I don't know who it is."
Buffy looked at him doubtfully.
"Whether you believe me or not, it doesn't change my answer. I don't
know who the head vampire is. His identity is a well-guarded secret."
"Do you know anyone who might know?"
"Only one comes to mind. David."
"David. Who's he?"
"He's a lot like me."
"Oh, wonderful. Just what this world needs."
"You're very funny."
"Could he be the one who took Willow?"
Angel thought about that for a moment. He didn't think Willow was David's
type, but then who knew with David.
"It's possible. But, even if he didn't take her, he would know who did.
Everyone reports to him."
"Then I guess I better find this David guy."
"It'll never happen."
"Why not?"
"Since you were stupid enough to go there and ask questions, he'll be
even more cautious. And if you show up in Santa Carla again, you won't
be leaving."
"It's a chance I'm willing to take. Besides, why would he bother with
me? He doesn't know I'm the Slayer."
"It doesn't matter. If he has Willow, he won't like that you were trying
to find her. He'll see you as a threat, because he's very possessive of
his belongings."
"Willow's not a belonging."
"She is to him."
"I can't just sit around and do nothing. I know she's alive, and I need
to bring her home."
"No."
"No, what?"
"You wouldn't get anywhere near Willow. David wouldn't allow it. Besides,
have you ever considered that he may have changed her?"
"Yes, I've thought of it. But, it doesn't matter. I need to bring her
home."
"I'll go."
"WHAT!?"
Angel was rather surprised at his announcement also. However, if David
did have Willow, and he was able to take her away from David, then it would
be a very sweet revenge.
"I said I'll go after her."
"Yeah, right. And I'll be on the next space shuttle."
"Listen, Slayer, it's the only chance you have of getting your little
friend back. I know Santa Carla, and I know David. My chances of finding
Willow are a hell of a lot better then yours."
"Why should I trust you?"
"Do you have a choice?"
Buffy hated this. Angel was right, and it annoyed her. But more then
that, she was scared for Willow.
"I don't know. How am I supposed to trust my best friend's life to someone
who has made no secret of his desire to see us all killed?"
"That you'll have to answer for yourself."
Buffy stared intently at Angel. There was more to this then met the
eye.
"Why are you so willing to do this?"
"Let's just say David and I have an unpleasant history."
"And so you want to use Willow to get even with David for something?"
"So what if I do? As long as I bring Willow home, why should you worry
about my reasons?"
"It would appear I have no choice. But I'm warning you Angel, if you
hurt Willow, I'll stake you where you stand."
"Threats hardly worry me, you should know that. Let's just call this
a truce, shall we? I'll play the white knight and bring young Willow home,
I will get my revenge against David, then we go back to trying to kill
each other. Sound fair?"
"Alright. But I don't like it."
"I didn't ask you to like it."
Buffy started to back away.
"One last question."
"What?"
"Do you still want me to bring her back if she's been changed?"
"Yes." Buffy answered without hesitation.
"I'll leave tomorrow night."
Buffy watched Angel leave. She felt sick to her stomach. Buffy headed
back to the library. She knew Giles and Xander would be waiting to hear
what happened. They wouldn't like this change of events any better then
she did.
Angel stood in the shadows and watched Buffy leave the cemetary. This
could prove to be an interesting adventure. After all, David didn't know
about the return of Angelus. Hell, David hadn't known anything about the
past. He only knew Angel, a sorry excuse of a vampire who refused to kill.
<Well, my friend, it's time you meet Angelus.>
Buffy entered the library. Giles and Xander both looked at her expectantly.
"Well?"
Buffy told them about her conversation with Angel. And they were both
shocked at the concept of Angel doing anything to help them.
"I don't like it. He can't be trusted."
"Don't you think I know that Xander? But, we have no choice. Besides,
Angel has revenge on his mind."
"So?"
"So, it means that he will do whatever is necessary to get revenge on
David."
"What if that includes killing Willow....or changing her?"
"From the way he talked, I doubt killing her would accomplish anything.
Angel wants the satisfaction of taking her away from David, not killing
her. As far as her being changed, it's very likely that David's already
done that."
Xander's face went pale. He hadn't allowed himself to even think of
that possibility. There was no way his best friend would be a vampire.
"Thank God!"
Buffy and Xander looked at Giles.
"What?"
"Even if David's changed her, there's a possibility that she won't lose
her soul."
"Giles, would you care to explain that to those of us who don't have
a clue?"
Giles walked toward them, carrying one of his ancient books.
"It says here that a person changed without being bitten, won't become
evil until they have made their first kill."
"How can they be changed without being bitten?"
"By drinking the head vampire's blood."
"Willow would never....." Xander began.
"Not knowingly, but what if she thought it was something else. Like
wine."
"Oh, no. Poor Willow."
"If Angel can find her before she makes her first kill, she will remain
as she is. She'll still have the bloodlust, but she will have her soul."
They sat in silence. It was a very real possibility that Willow was
a vampire, but there was still a chance to save her. If they could get
her home before she lost her will to fight, they would be able to help
her deal with her demon. Willow laid in the cave, her thirst for blood growing. Willow tried
to recall conversations she'd had with Angel. Tried to remember how he
had fought against the demon. Willow stood and looked out into the cave. She knew that David and Paul
were out on the boardwalk, but she wasn't ready to leave. Angel walked along the boardwalk. It wasn't long before he saw David.
He was with a blond man that Angel didn't recognize. But, no sign of Willow. Cautiously, Angel entered the cave. He didn't expect any resistance,
but he had to be prepared. "Hell of a time to meditate."
Willow's eyes popped open. She hadn't heard anyone come in. She was
even more surprised when she realized who had spoken.
"Angelus? What are you doing here?"
"I've come to rescue you."
Willow thought she must be losing her mind. She could've sworn Angel
said he was there to help her. Willow looked up at him in disbelief.
Angel sat down in a chair, and feigned a hurt expression.
"Why does that continually surprise people?"
"Give it up."
Willow was surprised at her own attitude. Here was Angelus, the one
who had nearly killed her and her friends, but she wasn't afraid of him.
It had to have something to do with what David did to her. Angel had been watching Willow's face. She was pale, but appeared in
good health. He assumed that since she didn't seem afraid of him, that
David had changed her.
"Have you killed yet?"
"What?"
"It's an easy question. Have you made your first kill yet?"
"No, but it's getting harder."
"Then you have to fight it harder."
Willow looked up in shock. Here was Angelus telling her to resist the
demon.
"As long as you don't kill, you don't become like David. Giles and Buffy
will be able to help you deal with the bloodlust. So, it's my job to get
you back to Sunnydale."
"Why would you help me?" Willow asked.
"I assure you I have my own reasons. David and I have a history."
"So, what do you suggest we do? Just get up and walk out of here. It
won't happen. David has spies everywhere, and he and Paul always show up
when I least expect them."
"No, it won't be that easy. I'll challenge David for you. That will
force him to fight me. But, I don't plan to kill him. I want to humiliate
him by taking you away from him."
Willow put her head in her hands.
"Unless you want to stay with David?" Angel asked sarcastically.
"NO! I want to go home. I hate him for what he did to me."
"Then you must go along with my plan. I will wait here till David returns,
and then I inform him that I had a previous claim to you. Then I challenge
him. All you have to do is verify what I've said, and he'll have no choice.
But, there's one thing I want you to do."
"What?"
"Don't call me Angelus."
"Why not?" Willow was definately confused.
"When David knew me I had my soul. I was Angel, and that's who I want
him to think I am now. He may or may not have heard of Angelus, but I don't
want to take that chance. It gives me an edge."
"Okay. I'll do what you want. I just want to leave this place."
Angel watched Willow stand and walk over to the other side of the room.
She had changed a little, but she was still just a scared child. And looking
into her face, he could see she was beginning to get weak. The weaker her
body got, the weaker her will to fight. Angel knew he'd need her strong
to get out of this.
Angel walked over to Willow and pulled her back to the bed. He set her
down, and used his fingernail to cut his arm. He held his arm out to Willow.
"Feed."
Willow looked at Angel in horror. She couldn't do it, even though the
blood seemed to be calling to her.
"I can't." Willow whispered.
Angel grabbed her head, and forced her to look at him.
"If you don't, you'll keep getting weaker. You need you're strength,
so unless you want to kill, this is the only option you have right now.
Once you get back to Sunnydale, you can go to bags, but not now. Do it!"
Willow bent her head to his wrist. The smell of his blood was intoxicating,
and she felt her face change. She latched onto his arm and began drinking.
She could feel her body becoming stronger.
After Willow had finished, she went to get cleaned up. Angel sat and
waited for the arrival of his enemy. He refused to admit that he had been
turned on by Willow feeding from him. He looked up when Willow entered
the room.
"Very sexy." Angel replied sarcastically.
Willow gave him a dirty look, then sat down to put on her tennis shoes.
She was wearing a pair of black sweats and a black-and-white sweatshirt.
"Sorry, I didn't pack anything suitable for being kidnapped and made
into a vampire."
Willow and Angel sat and waited. Angel was anticipating his meeting
with David, but Willow just wanted this whole thing to be over. She wanted
to be back home with people she trusted. And there was no way she trusted
David, and she didn't know if she could trust Angel either. But, he was
all she had.
David would arrive soon, and then the fun would begin. Angelus couldn't
wait to see the look on David's face when he saw him. "Looking for someone, David?"
David turned and saw Willow standing in the corner of the room. But,
as she stepped forward, he saw that she wasn't alone. Standing directly
behind her, with his hands on her shoulders, stood Angel.
"What the hell are you doing here? Willow, come over here. Now!"
David was surprised when Willow made no move to do as he ordered. Instead,
she had pressed closer to the other man. David became angry. He wasn't
used to being disobeyed. He took a step toward her.
"Don't come any closer David."
David looked at the other vampire.
"Why not, Angel? What are you going to do? You were a coward before
and you're a coward now."
"Maybe things change. Especially when someone steals what belongs to
me."
"What are you talking about?"
"I'm talking about Willow. She was mine and you took her. Now I'm taking
her back."
"You're lying. And you're not particularily good at it."
Angel moved his hands from Willow's shoulders to her waist. He let his
hands roam over her stomach in a display that was provoking David's anger.
Willow had all she could do to stand still, and let Angel do as he wanted.
She did try to help the charade by leaning her head back against Angel's
shoulder, and lying her hands on top of his.
David watched the scene before him. Willow was encouraging Angel's attentions,
but she'd done nothing but push him away.
"Get your hands off her! She belongs to me." David yelled.
"Wrong! I told you, she was mine before she ever came here. I've been
living in Sunnydale, the same place she's from. You had no right to take
her."
"I made it my right. And I'm not giving her up."
"Then I challenge you. We'll fight to see who gets the girl."
Unknown to David, Paul and several other vampires entered in time to
hear Angel issue his challenge.
"There will be no challenge. You leave or you die--those are you're
choices. The girl stays with me."
"Are you refusing the challenge, David? I've already told you she was
mine before you took her, so if you refuse the challenge you lose her."
"Wrong. You're lying."
Paul stepped forward. He'd heard enough to know what was happening.
"Can you prove that, David?"
David turned and saw Paul and the others for the first time.
"What?"
"Can you prove he's lying? If you can't, then you have to accept the
challenge or let him take the girl."
"I don't remember asking for your opinion, Paul."
"You didn't have to. You know the rules. A challenge has been made."
"Yes, I can prove it. Ask Willow."
Paul looked at the girl, and seriously doubted that she would deny the
claim. The way she stood with the other vampire made it pretty clear that
they had a previous relationship, but he would question her.
"Willow, how long have you known David?"
"Two weeks."
"And how long have you known, what's his name?"
"His name is Angel, and I've known him two years."
Angel had to control the impulse to smirk. He had to keep playing the
part that David expected.
"This is ridiculous. She's lying."
"It doesn't matter, David. You know that. He's made a claim, and she's
supported it. Therefore, you must decide. Will you allow her to leave with
him, or will you fight for her?"
David glared at Paul, but he knew he had no choice. To save face, he
would have to acknowledge the challenge and answer it. There was no way
in hell he'd let that little wimp take away the woman he had chosen. Killing
Angel would be easy, and then he'd make Willow pay for her deceit.
"I accept."
Paul became mediator, and it was decided that the following night they
would fight. It would take place out at the cliffs. The winner would get
Willow. It was getting near dawn, and Angel got ready to leave. He would
not be staying in the cave.
"The girl comes with me now."
"Like hell she will!"
David approached Willow. Angel pushed her behind him, and faced David.
"Do you really think I'd leave her here with you till tomorrow. I'm
not stupid, David. You have home field advantage, and you know we can't
go anywhere. But, I refuse to allow her to stay here with you."
"Fine, take her. Enjoy you're last night together. Because, this time
tomorrow, she'll be warming my bed, and you'll be an unpleasant memory."
"We'll see."
Angel grabbed Willow by the arm and pulled her out into the cool air.
They found a hotel to stay in for the night. After covering the windows,
they got into bed. Willow lay on her side, unable to look at Angel.
"Can you win?"
Angel laid looking up at the ceiling.
"Of course I can. Besides, I know how David fights. I've seen him."
"But hasn't he seen you fight too?"
"He's seen Angel fight."
Willow knew that there was a difference. She had seen first hand that
Angel and Angelus were very different. And now she was glad of it. She'd
never seen David in a fight, but something told her that Angelus stood
a better chance of defeating him then Angel would have.
"Will they abide by the rules even if you don't kill David?"
Angel grabbed Willow by the shoulder, turning her over so that she was
pinned beneath him. He brought her arms above her head, and gripped them
with his hands.
"Do you doubt my ability to protect you?"
Willow couldn't speak. The suddeness of his movements, and the feel
of him pressing her into the bed, had taken away all her thoughts. She
had never been this close to a man before.
Angel looked down at Willow's face. A rather pretty face actually. He
could see now why David had wanted her. This was an interesting development,
after all they had plenty of time till sundown.
"I think it's time we get to know each other a little better."
Willow's eyes widened as the implications of his words penetrated her
mind. She struggled briefly, but Angel was too strong.
"Don't fight it, Willow. You want me too."
Did she? Willow thought maybe she did. She had never admitted her attraction
to Angel before. He was Buffy's boyfriend, then he was their enemy, but
she'd had erotic thoughts about him before. A tiny voice told her to act
on those feelings. After all, what did she have to lose. She was a vampire
now.
Willow stopped struggling, and Angel knew she had surrendered. He lowered
his head to hers, and covered her lips with his own.
Another voice in Willow's head told her this was wrong. Still gripping her arms, he moved one hand down her arm. He brought
his hand down her side, tracing the outline of her body. His hand moved
to her thigh, and lightly brushed her leg before traveling back up her
body.
Willow was on fire. She wanted to move but Angel had her pinned. She
had never felt emotions like this before.
Angel brought his hand to her breast. He lightly squeezed, and was rewarded
with a sexy moan from Willow. Finally releasing her arms, Angel brought
both hands to her breasts. He nuzzled them through the sweatshirt she wore,
and kneaded them with his hands. Angel brought his mouth back to Willow's,
while Willow's hands moved over his body. Innocently exploring his chest,
back, and thighs.
Willow's hands seemed to know what to do more then she did. They moved
to Angel's chest, and started unbuttoning his shirt. Once it was open,
she slid her hands across his hard chest, and pushed the shirt away. She
had always wondered what Angel looked like under his clothes. And he was
even more gorgeous then she'd ever imagined.
Angel sat up and straddled Willow's hips. He pulled his shirt off and
threw it to the floor. He reached and pulled off Willow's shirt. A white
bra was all that hid her breasts from his view. With one pull, he had ripped
off the bra, and placed his hands back on her breasts.
While Angel kissed and touched her breasts, Willow's hands began an
exploration of his muscular thighs. She glided her hands up and down his
legs. When she lightly brushed against the bulge in his jeans, she felt
Angel shudder slightly. Willow became more daring, and pressed a palm against
him. Angel thrusted into her hand. She moved her hand to the waistband
of his jeans. With shaking fingers she tried to unbutton them, but found
she wasn't in a position to carry out her intention.
Angel realized the problem. He stood up, pulling her to her feet. Willow
felt herself pressed up against him, as he took her mouth again. This time,
however, she was able to slide her hands between them, and undo his jeans.
She slipped a hand into the jeans, and lightly gripped his penis. She wasn't
sure exactly what she was doing, but Angel didn't seem to mind.
Angel's hands rubbed his hands up and down Willow's back. The feel of
her hands on him was almost making him come. He knew he couldn't hold it
much longer. His hands snaked around to her waist, and pushed down the
sweat pants and undies she wore. She stepped out of them as they hit the
floor. Willow moved her hands to push off Angel's pants, the briefs he
wore going with them.
Willow's hands stayed on Angel's waist. They were both standing there,
naked. She couldn't bring herself to look at Angel. Angel's hands moved
to grip Willow's ass, and he brought her up against him. She felt the evidence
of his desire, and moved her hands to his ass.
Angel pushed Willow back to the bed, once again pinning her hands above
her head. With his other hand, he moved down to her thighs. At the feel
of Angel's hands, Willow spread her legs to give Angel the access they
both desired. His hand moved to her core, finding her wet and ready for
him. He positioned himself at her opening, going in slightly. He moved
his mouth to hers, and released her arms. As he pulled back, Willow gripped
his shoulders. With a savage thrust, he pushed himself into her tight channel,
muffling her scream with his mouth. Once he was in, he waited for her to
adjust to his invasion.
Willow raked her fingernails down Angel's back, the pain turning quickly
to pleasure. She wrapped her legs around Angel's hips, urging him on. He
began a slow cycle of thrusts, that Willow matched, then the thrusts became
more urgent. Their hands moved over each other's body, eliciting more desire
in them. Willow was near orgasm when she reached up and bit Angel on the
neck. That was enough to push them both over the edge.
Angel dropped onto Willow, the power of the orgasm knocking him off
balance. He braced himself on his arms, and looked down into the face of
his lover. He had never seen that look of total satisfaction on anyone's
face before. He leaned and licked the tears that had fallen on her cheeks.
He laid next to her, one arm thrown over her stomach. Willow's hand
lightly tracing his arm and fingers. He moved his other hand to her hair.
"Nice to meet you, Willow."
Willow smiled slightly. She knew that what she'd just done would alter
her life, but it had been a dream come true. No, it had been better then
any dream she'd had.
Willow sleepily turned to her side.
"Goodnight.....Angelus."
Angel didn't miss the significance of the name she'd uttered. There
was no doubt in his mind that she knew exactly who had taken her. He gripped
her body, pulling her back against him. His arm resting across her breasts.
"Goodnight, Willow."
The two lovers laid in each other's arms. Dusk would arrive soon, and
they needed to be ready to face David. Willow, though half-asleep, heard Angel laugh. She wasn't sure what
he was laughing at, but the sound chilled her to the bone. But, as she
pulled the blanket, and Angel's arm, closer to her body, she wasn't able
to get rid of the chill.
Willow, exhausted by the events of the past couple weeks, quickly fell
asleep. Her journey to get home would begin at dusk. She didn't even want
to think about what would happen to her if David won. She'd seen the look
in his eyes when she'd sided with Angel.
Angel watched Willow drift into sleep. Getting Willow into bed had been
an unexpected bonus to this little adventure. And tomorrow would be time
to make David pay. With a smile on his face, Angel soon drifted off to
sleep, with his arms wrapped around Willow's slight frame.
Angel woke up alone. It took him a moment to hear the shower running.
He got up and dressed quickly. They would have to meet David at the cliffs
in less then an hour. He slipped out of the room to find a meal. Luckily,
lots of people were out and he didn't have to look very hard. Angel was
back in the room sitting on the edge of the bed when Willow emerged from
the bathroom.
"It's almost time."
Willow nodded at Angel's statement. He noticed she hadn't looked him
yet.
"Willow?"
Willow looked at Angel. He held out his hand to her. Reluctantly she
gripped his hand. He pulled her onto to his lap. Gripping her chin, he
forced her to look him in the eyes.
"You have to get over whatever's bothering you. Last night happened,
there's nothing you can do to change it. Focus on what's going to happen
tonight. I plan to use what we did against David. You see, I stole his
prize, and that's really going to piss him off.....make him sloppy. Just
make sure you play along."
Willow realized that getting her into bed had probably been part of
Angel's plan all along. And she'd fallen willingly into the trap. Any illusions
she'd had about what happened were destroyed.
"Fine. I'll play the adoring lover because you're the only chance I
have of getting home, but as soon as we're away from here, the charade
ends."
Pinning Willow's arms behind her back, Angel pressed her against his
chest.
"Does that mean you didn't enjoy what we did?" Angel asked sarcastically.
Willow was learning the way to play this game, and she was developing
a tougher exterior. Shy, insecure, Willow Rosenberg was dying.....being
replaced by someone new.
Willow pulled her arms free, and grabbed Angel's head. She pulled him
into a passionate kiss. Just as he was reaching for her again, Willow jumped
off his lap. Angel was surprised by the change in Willow.
"Oh, I enjoyed it all right, but it'll never happen again."
Angel watched Willow exit the hotel room. He grabbed his jacket, and
followed her out. This was a side of Willow he'd never seen before. She
had become a fiery temptress. Angel couldn't help but think that, with
that single statement, the roles had changed. If he ever wanted her in
his bed again, he'd have to play by her rules. And Angel didn't like playing
by other people's rules. As he slammed the door, he decided that situation
would have to be dealt with later. It was time to kick ass.
Meanwhile, David and Paul were waiting at the cliffs. Paul leaned against
his bike, watching David pace. He wasn't sure what was bothering David
the most. The fact that Willow had publicly chosen someone else, or the
fact that she had chosen Angel. But, whatever the reason, Paul knew that
David would make Willow pay for her betrayal. He wouldn't kill her, but
she might wish he would. As for Angel, his death was imminent. A vampire
who refused to kill would hardly be a threat to David. The blonde vampire
almost felt sorry for the girl......almost.
"David, man, would you just relax. You're acting like this will actually
be a challenge. You won't even have to exert yourself. In a matter of minutes,
Angel will be dead."
"And Willow will be back where she belongs....with me." David stared
out at the ocean. He refused to think about how Willow and Angel had spent
the night. He wished he could make Angel's death slow and painful, but
he would settle for the quick kill.
"Here they come."
David turned to see Willow and Angel approach the cliffs. His anger
was intensified when he saw Angel walking with his arm possessively around
Willow's waist. And she was leaning against him, arms wrapped tightly around
him. "Are we ready?" Paul asked.
David took off his coat, and threw it on his bike. Angel removed his
jacket, and put it around Willow's shoulder. Then he pulled her into a
passionate embrace. He turned back to stand before David.
"Anytime you're ready, David. But can we hurry it up. Willow and I want
to get back to where we left off last night."
The insinuation had the desired effect.
"I hope you enjoyed yourself, because it was the last time you'll time
ever touch her. You can go to your death knowing that she'll be my whore!"
If David had hoped to draw Angel out, he soon found out he'd failed.
Standing there, he began noticing that something wasn't right. Angel made
no attempt to defend Willow's honor, but instead stood there with a smirk
on his face. He stepped forward, but Angel shoved him to the ground.
"We'll see who's left standing when this is over."
David jumped to his feet. The attack had surprised him. As he attacked
again, David began realizing that Angel wasn't fighting the same either.
David was thrown to the edge of the cliffs, he rolled and got back to his
feet. He stood glaring at Angel.
"What the hell?"
"Problem, David?"
"What happened to you?"
"You might say I was reborn. I'm sorry, did I forget to properly introduce
myself. Angelus at your service."
At that name, both Paul and David took steps back.
"That's not possible."
"Afraid it is. It's such a long story. Basically, when you knew me I
was cursed with my soul, but it's gone now. So I'm free to do whatever
I want. Now where were we?"
Angel launched an attack on David. Both vampires fighting hard, but
Angel with the clear advantage.
Willow was getting dizzy trying to watch the fighting. She couldn't
tell where the grunts of pain where coming from. Willow gripped the jacket
closer to her. Willow looked back over to the fight. Paul was screaming encouragement,
but it didn't look like anyone was winning the fight. Several minutes later, Willow heard a yell. The fight had ended, and
only one was standing. But Angel didn't answer. David turned to her with an evil grin on his
face. He walked toward Willow, leaving Angel's body lying on the ground,
with Paul standing guard. David grabbed Willow by the neck.
"Guess your lover was a little overconfident. He almost had me believing
that garbage about being Angelus. I have to admit he has learned quite
a bit since the last time we met." "How do you think I should kill him? Stake him right now, or tie him
up and leave him out here till daylight. I kind of prefer the slow, tortureous
method."
"You haven't won yet David. Angel won't stop fighting till he's dead."
David just laughed.
"Look at your hero Willow. He's unconscious, totally helpless. You're
mine, and once he's destroyed you'll pay dearly for lying for him."
"I never lied."
David slapped Willow across the face. She stumbled backwards from the
force of the blow. Her first instinct was to make a run for the cliffs. "You're going to have to learn some respect. From this moment on, you
will do exactly as I say. Is that understood?"
Willow glared at David, but a movement behind him caught her attention.
She saw Angel roll slowly to his side, his 'game face' firmly in place.
He looked at her, and held his finger against his lips. She understood
the silent command, and turned her attention back to David.
"I'll never do what you say. You've destroyed my life, and I'll fight
you till the day I die if I have to."
David's grip on her arms became painful, but she knew she had to keep
distracting both David and Paul. She saw Angel making his way toward Paul,
who's attention had turned to them.
"Besides, do you really think I'd ever prefer you to Angel? What's that
saying? Something about once you've had the best, you don't settle for
the rest."
David's anger exploded, and he slapped Willow so hard that she fell
to the ground. He immediately straddled her, gripping her neck in his hands.
"I should kill you now, but I won't. I want to see you suffer. I was
prepared to give you anything, but you threw my gift back in my face. I'll
make sure you regret the day you ever betrayed me."
Willow's hands gripped David's, but she wasn't strong enough to break
the hold.
"The only thing I regret is ever meeting you in the first place."
David's arm came up, Willow closed her eyes and braced herself for the
blow. But it never came. David's weight was suddenly removed.
"WHAT.....!?"
David found himself flying through the air. He landed near the edge
of the cliffs. When he looked up, he saw Paul lying unconscious near the
bikes. And standing before him, was Angel.
"Should've killed me when you had the chance. You won't have another."
Angel attacked, and David tried to fight back, but the earlier fight
and the encounter with Willow had left him weak. Willow watched as Angel
held David above his head, near the cliffs edge.
"I'm not going to kill you, David. I want you to live with the knowledge
that I took away what you wanted. You once called me a coward. Well, I
guess the coward just defeated you."
Angel turned and threw David against a tree. David crumpled into a pile,
agony written on his face. Angel walked over, and placed his foot on David's
stomach.
"But one thing David. If I ever see you anywhere around Willow or Sunnydale,
I won't hesitate to kill you. You've lost, and I'm letting you live to
enjoy that fact."
Angel called Willow over to him. He pulled her into his arms, then turned
back to David.
"Don't worry, I'll take real good care of Willow."
"You'll regret leaving me alive Angel. I will make you pay for this."
"I don't think so. It would be a shame if your 'father' ever found out
about your failure. Do you really think he'd be proud of you?"
The words had the desired effect on David, he backed off.
"Now, you can make up any story you want. You're friend is out cold,
he'll never know the difference. But come anywhere near me again, and I'll
have a very interesting story to tell."
"You don't even know who he is!"
Angel walked over and knelt next to David. Angel grabbed him by the
collar, lifting him partially off the ground.
"Don't I? I know a lot of things that would surprise you. But, if you're
willing to take that chance, be my guest."
Angel dropped David back to the ground. He grabbed Willow by the arm,
and headed back the way they came.
"Let's go."
Angel and Willow left Santa Carla, but were unable to make it back to
Sunnydale before dawn. They stopped at a hotel, and would continue once
the sun set.
David was left at the cliffs. He began regaining his strength, but his
anger grew.
"David, what the hell happened? Where are they?"
David turned to his friend. He would never admit that he had been beaten,
but if he lied, he wouldn't be able to get his revenge. The threat of his
sire finding out what happened made the decision for him. He didn't think
it possible for Angel to know who the head vampire was, but David couldn't
take that chance. All he could do was hope that some day, an opportunity
for revenge would present itself.
"I destroyed them."
"The girl too?" Paul asked, surprised.
"She gave me no choice. I guess she got what she wanted.....she got
to be with Angel."
Paul laughed. He was glad the girl was gone, having her around had brought
nothing but trouble.
"Congrats, man! Let's go celebrate."
The two vampires headed back to the boardwalk. David silently vowed
that he would never forget what happened. And if anyone ever tried to take
away what belonged to him again, they would pay with their lives.
Willow was exhausted but she knew she'd never be able to sleep. Too
much had happened. She started having doubts about returning to Sunnydale.
Would the others accept her as a vampire? Hadn't she seen firsthand the
way they had all treated Angel. Buffy loved him, but was never fully able
to trust him, or forget his past; Giles appreciated his help, but never
trusted him; Cordelia just stayed clear of him; and Xander never made a
secret of how he felt about Angel. Would their attitudes be any different
toward her? Or would she just be dead-girl? Always there to help, but not
to be loved or trusted.
Willow curled herself into a ball, and cried into the back of the chair.
She wanted to push these thoughts out of her head. "What's the matter with you?"
Willow refused to look up. He hadn't bothered to ask her how she was
before, she sure as hell wasn't going to give him the satisfaction now.
She wrapped her arms more tightly around her waist, and waited for Angel
to go back to sleep.
"I asked you a question."
Again Willow refused to acknowledge Angel's questions.
"Giving me the silent treatment, huh? Well, that's just fine with me.
The sooner I get you back to Sunnydale the better. I dump you with your
little friends, then my life goes back to normal....killing, hunting, tormenting,
etc."
Angel laid back down, and rolled over to go back to sleep. He didn't
see the tears falling down Willow's cheeks. Nor did he realize that he
had just helped her make her decision.
Willow knew her life couldn't go back to normal. She also knew that
Angel would either try to kill her or make her kill. Her strength and self-control
weren't ready to deal with his pressure. Or with pressure from her friend's.
What she needed was time alone....time to deal with everything that had
happened to her.
Willow waited patiently till the sun finally set. Moving quickly she
left Angel a note, then walked into the night. She had no idea where she
would go, but she had to be as far away as she could before Angel woke
up and discovered her gone.
Angel stretched lazily. Finally, in a couple hours he could put all
this crap behind him. Looking at the bed, he realized Willow never slept
there. His gaze went to the chair only to find it empty. A look toward
the bathroom told him it was also empty. He stood and put on his jeans. As he walked to the window, he saw a
piece of paper on the table.
Angel~
I want to thank you for all you've done for me. Rescuing me and letting
me feed from you. I know it had to have taken alot of control not to just
kill me. You went against your very nature to help me, and I appreciate
it more then you'll ever know. However, I can't return to Sunnydale. I
need time to work through everything that's happened. I don't know if I'll
ever be able to return there. Buffy and the others would probably be better
off without me. And I guess I'm scared that they'll treat me like they
treated you....when you had your soul.
I couldn't handle that. I've lost so much, I couldn't handle losing
them too. This way, I'll still be able to pretend that nothing has changed.
I'll take strength from your example.....I'll fight my demon as you fought
yours. You had no control over the lose of your soul, but I control mine.
I will not lose it! Goodbye Angel. I'll treasure my memories.
Willow
"That little fool!"
Angel grabbed the rest of his clothes. He had to find her. If he returned
to Sunnydale without Willow, Buffy would believe he'd killed her. And he
wasn't up to facing a pissed-off Slayer quite yet. He didn't acknowledge
to himself that part of the reason was that he was being driven crazy by
memories of the night he and Willow spent together.
Angel checked with the motel manager, who remembered seeing Willow.
He thought she may have bought a bus ticket at the truck stop. After finding
out that she had indeed boarded a bus, Angel hopped on his bike and followed
the route the bus had taken. The bus itself was heading to San Diego, but
it had dozens of stops in between. He knew Willow would probably get off
at one of those. He'd have no choice but to check each one. Willow looked out the bus window. She had a while before she had to
worry about finding shelter. Angel should be on his way back to Sunnydale
by now. She knew he would be angry at her, but he was probably relieved
to have her out of his hair. Willow leaned her head back, and allowed herself to sleep. She would
need to be rested, and as soon as she stopped for the day, she would have
to figure out how to get blood. But for now, she just wanted to sleep,
and not think about anything.
Where would be the last place I'd look for her? "Sunnydale Library. Mr. Giles speaking."
"Put Buffy on."
Angel could hear the muffled conversation being held in the library.
"Did you find her?"
"Hello, to you to, Buffy. Where are your manners?"
"Can it. Just tell me."
Angel remained silent. He enjoyed toying with his former lover.
"Angel, I'm warning you...."
"Oh, don't be so melodramatic. I've found her."
"Thank God, put her on the phone."
"I said I found her, I didn't say she was here."
"What have you done with her?"
Angel didn't respond. He knew he couldn't answer truthfully. Buffy would
assume he was lying.
"She's still with David."
"What?!"
"Relax. I said I'd get her back, and I will. But, David isn't exactly
going to just hand her over. I'm keeping my eye on her, and it shouldn't
be much longer."
"You better be telling me the truth."
"Would I lie?"
Buffy chose not to answer that question. But she had a question that
she wasn't sure she wanted to hear the answer to.
"Is she.....I mean has she......?"
"Been changed?"
"Yes." Buffy whispered.
"David tricked her into drinking the blood, but she's fighting the bloodlust.
She hasn't made her first kill yet."
"I think we should come to help."
"Oh, now there's a brilliant idea. Sorry, but I thought you wanted Willow
back. You and your little gang show up here again, and you can kiss Willow
goodbye."
"But,...."
"But nothing. Stay in Sunnydale and do your job, and let me do mine."
Angel slammed the phone down. He still had several hours before dawn,
so he'd be able to make it back to the hotel. Especially since he wouldn't
have to stop along the way. Willow sat in the motel room. She wasn't sure where Angel was, but she
thought probably back in Sunnydale. Her original plan had been to get on
the bus, and go wherever it took her. But, this place was close to home,
and she couldn't bring herself to leave. She wasn't ready to go home, but
at least she felt comfortable here.
Willow walked over to the bed, and crawled under the covers. She hadn't
fed since the last time with Angel, and she was getting weaker. But, there
wasn't a whole lot she could do about it. There was no place around to
get blood, and she would not harm a human, or even a helpless little animal.
In her mind, she'd already decided that it was for the best. The weaker
she got, the more tired she became. She would let herself die.....in her
sleep.
Willow had even written letters to Buffy and Xander. They laid on the
table, ready to be sent by whoever found her. She didn't want her friends
to blame Angel or themselves for what happened. The only one to blame was
David. And some day he would get what he deserved. Hopefully, someone like
her would be the one to destroy him.
Willow's eyes drifted closed. Briefly she wondered if she'd ever wake
up again.
Angel arrived back at the motel. He certainly hoped Willow had been
able to find blood. If not....... He wouldn't allow himself to finish that
thought. She'd be fine. At least till he took her over his knee for tricking
him. Angel got an extra key for the room, and quietly opened the door.
Willow was buried under the covers, all that was visible was her red hair.
"Willow."
No movement. Angel closed the door and walked over to the side of the
bed. He turned on the bedside lamp, and brushed Willow's hair out of her
face.
"Oh, shit!"
"Damnit, Willow. Feed!"
Still no response. Willow was in such a deep sleep that she didn't hear
Angel's command.
Angel gripped Willow's chin, applying pressure to open her mouth. He
pressed his arm into her mouth, so that the blood would drip into her throat.
He was hoping that once she got some blood into her, Willow would begin
feeding on her own. It took several minutes before Willow began responding.
Slowly, she bit into his arm.
"It's about time."
When Willow had finished, she was still groggy.
"Angel?"
"Who the hell did you think it was?"
Willow was trying to figure out what was going on. "What are you doing here?"
"Saving your pathetic hide."
Willow managed to sit up against the headboard. She watched Angel as
he went to sit in the chair.
"How did you find me?"
"You're not quite as sneaky as you think you are."
Willow's head was pounding. She didn't understand what he was talking
about.
"I don't know what you mean."
"Don't give me the innocent act. Making it look as though you were on
the bus, so I'd follow it out of town, was good."
"I didn't. I bought the ticket intending to use it, but then changed
my mind. When I came back you had already left for home, so I decided to
stay here."
Angel was confused. She wasn't making sense.
"I went after you, not back to Sunnydale."
"Why?"
Angel could see that Willow was honestly confused. "I couldn't very well go back empty handed, now could I? You're little
friends would've had me staked on sight."
Willow had never thought about that. Naturally, Buffy wouldn't believe
Angel. Willow slowly got up, and walked over to the table. She picked up
the letters, then handed them to Angel.
"Take these with you. I've explained everything in the letters. They'll
believe what I've told them in there."
Angel glanced at the letters, then back up at Willow. She still had
no intention of going home. Well, he'd see about that. She was going back
with him, whether she wanted to or not. If she wanted to leave after that,
it was none of his business.
Angel stood, and pulled Willow into his arms. Willow put her arms on
his shoulders in surprise.
"That's not how it works. I told the Slayer I would bring you home,
whether you were changed or not. That's what I intend to do. We'll have
to wait for tomorrow night, but as soon as dusk comes, we're going home.
And until then, I'm not letting you out of my sight. I won't give you another
chance to run."
"I can't go back."
"You can, and you will. I don't care what you do once you get back there,
but until then you'll do as I say."
Willow looked as though she wanted to argue, but she closed her mouth.
Whether she liked or not, Angel was right. She needed to face her friends.
"Fine."
Angel was suspicious of her sudden agreement, but nodded.
"Then let's get some sleep, we leave as soon as possible."
Willow went back to the bed. Angel stripped, and got in on the other
side. He laid on his back, remembering the last time they had been in bed
together. Just the memory was turning him on. He looked over at Willow,
and knew that she wouldn't submit as she had before. Angel knew he could
just take her, she was in no condition to fight him. But, it wouldn't be
the same. He wanted her cooperation, her passion, her desire. So, he would
wait. He turned on his side, and drifted into a light sleep.
Willow laid in the bed, wide awake. Angel's nearness was doing nothing
to soothe her nerves. She refused to think about that night. There were
more important things she had to deal with. Willow knew Angel had saved
her again, but a part of her wished he'd just let her die. It would've
been so much easier.
"Willow, wake up. It's time to go."
"I'm up."
"Funny, it looks like you're still in bed....asleep. Get moving."
"Hey!!!" Willow yelled as Angel pulled the covers off.
"You've got ten minutes."
Willow got out of bed and glared at Angel. She headed into the bathroom,
mumbling about mean-spirited vampires.
"And I can get meaner if you don't move it."
Willow quickly got dressed. "Alright, I'm ready."
"About time."
Angel walked out of the room, Willow followed behind him making faces
at his back. Angel turned.
"What are you doing?"
"Nothing." Willow replied innocently.
Angel let the matter drop. After they dropped the keys off, they were
on the road back to Sunnydale. First stop would be the library. Angel planned
to drop Willow off, and head back to his own life.
Willow wrapped her arms tightly around Angel's waist and leaned her
head against his back. She would allow herself this little pleasure. Once
they reached Sunnydale, Angel would again be her enemy. But for right now,
she let herself hold on to her lover.
"Thank you."
Angel just nodded. Willow impulsively stepped forward and pulled Angel
into a kiss. His hand gripped her neck, holding her lips firmly against
his. Reluctantly, Willow pulled away.
They looked at each other for what seemed like hours, then Willow turned
and walked toward the school. Angel watched her disappear into the building.
Angel drove off into the night. He was hungry, and needed to feed. Then
he had to get back into his routine. He'd been away too long.
Willow stood outside the library doors. She could hear her friends inside,
but was too afraid to move. Her thoughts momentarily drifted to Angel.
Her lover......her enemy. Gathering her courage, Willow pushed open the doors. Everyone turned
toward her, but no one said anything at first. They stood watching.....waiting
to see what she would do. Willow walked into the library, stopping several
feet from the others.
"Hi, guys."
"Willow!"
Buffy ran to her friend, and captured her in a bear hug.
"Uhm Buffy, you're going to break bones."
"Oh, sorry. I'm just so happy to see you. I was afraid Angel wouldn't
keep his end of the bargain."
"Angel saved my life, and brought me home. Even when I wasn't sure I
should come back."
Xander approached, and took Willow in his arms.
"Why would you think such a thing?"
"Xander, I'm a vampire. David got me to drink vampire blood. I'm not
the same person anymore."
"You listen to me. I don't care if you're a vampire or not. You are
my best friend, and you belong here with people who love you. Understand?"
Willow nodded. She found herself sandwiched between her two closest
friends, and knew coming home was the right decision. They finally sat
down.
"What happened to David?"
"He's still in Santa Carla."
"Angel didn't kill him?" Buffy was surprised.
"He figured David would suffer more being left alive. "
"What if he comes after you again?"
"He won't. Angel threatened him, and David seemed afraid of having his
'father' find out that he'd lost a fight."
"So, what happens now?" Willow asked.
"Giles has been doing research, and we can help you fight the temptation
to kill. But, obviously you're life has changed. You won't be able to go
to school."
"I need to tell my parents the truth. I can't let them think I'm dead."
Buffy and Xander just nodded.
"Giles already talked to them."
"He did?"
"He explained everything to them. As you can imagine, they were skeptical.
So, he brought them to the cemetary, and they watched a new vampire rise.
Giles also explained about our plan to get you back. They wanted us to
tell you, that it doesn't matter to them. You're their daughter, and they
want you back home."
Willow's tears ran down her cheeks. "Will?"
Willow looked up at Buffy.
"Did Angel.....uhm, did he hurt you?"
Willow shook her head. She could never tell her friends what had really
happened between her and Angel.
"He got me away from David, then pretty much ignored me. He couldn't
wait to get back here and dump me off."
"That means things will return to normal. I wonder what kind of sick
games he has in store for us now?" Buffy asked the question that was on
all their minds.
The Slayer and her two friends left the library, and headed home. They
would celebrate later, after Willow had time to readjust to her life in
Sunnydale. Buffy and Xander said goodbye to Willow at her door, and then
walked on to Xander's house.
None of them were aware of Angelus watching from the shadows. His lips
curved into an evil smirk. Willow sat in the school doing research on the computer. She had been
completing her studies at home, and would get a diploma with the rest of
her class. Maybe after graduation, she'd take some night classes at the
college, but that would depend on how things worked out.
Angel had stepped up his assault against them. The attacks more personal,
and harder to deal with. Willow was growing stronger, and had learned how
to control her demon. It was hard, but it was worth it.
"Hey, Will."
"Hi, Buffy. No patrol tonight?"
"Nope, it's dead tonight. Pardon the pun. Something's happening, and
I don't like it."
Buffy sat back and watched Willow. Her friend had changed alot, not
only physically but emotionally as well. Buffy knew that Willow was keeping
something from them, but they had no idea what. And they didn't want to
push Willow.
"Why are you staring at me?"
"Sorry, I'm just worried about you."
"Well, stop it. I'm fine."
Buffy didn't seem convinced, but their conversation was interrupted
by Xander.
"Hurry, Giles has found something!"
Xander took off running, leaving the girls to chase after him. Whatever
it was, it couldn't be good news.
"What gives, Giles?"
Buffy didn't like the look of Giles' face. He always looked serious,
but this look was giving her the shivers.
"A prophecy. It's not a pleasant one."
"When have they ever been pleasant. So, give me the short version."
"It goes into great detail, but basically it states that if Angelus
isn't destroyed by the next full moon, the Slayer will die that night."
"Ok, so when is the next full moon?"
"The night after tomorrow."
Buffy sank to the chair.
"This is not good. I guess I better track him down, and end this once
and for all."
"You can't."
Buffy looked at Giles in shock, then confusion.
"I can't? What do you mean I can't?"
"The prophecy is very specific, the Slayer will be helpless to interfere."
"Interfere! You're talking about me being dead in two days, and I can't
interfere. What the hell does that mean!?"
"Someone else must destroy him."
"Who?" Buffy looked at Giles suspiciously.
Giles was silent. He had read and reread the prophecy. There could be
no doubt about who it referred to. But, he wouldn't repeat the exact phrasing.
Willow had chosen not to tell them everything, so it wasn't his place to
expose her secret.
"Willow."
"WHAT!?" Buffy and Xander both yelled. Willow sat silently.
"Willow is the one who must destroy Angelus."
"Why her?"
"I don't know. But, the prophecy was quite explicit. I'm sorry."
"Well, tough. She's not going to do it. It's too dangerous."
"I'll do it."
Buffy turned to her friend, and saw a look of determination on Willow's
face. Buffy wanted to argue, but something in Willow's eyes told her that
it would be useless. For whatever reason, Willow knew what she had to do....and
why.
"Willow, you can't." Xander said patiently.
"I'm the only one who can. Tomorrow night, I'll face Angel alone."
"No way! If you're going to face him, I'm going to be there."
"No, Buffy. This is my fight now. Please stay out of it."
Willow turned and left the library.
"I can't let her do this alone."
"You have no choice Buffy. She must face Angel without you." Giles answered.
Giles went into his office, leaving the teenagers to deal with the information.
"Do you think she can destroy Angelus?"
Buffy thought about the question. Her initial response would've been
no, but the look in Willow's eyes when she'd left had scared the Slayer.
"Yes, I think she can."
Willow was standing outside her house when she felt someone watching
her. She didn't even turn around.
"Hello Angel."
"Is that all the greeting I get?"
Willow turned to face him.
"What do you want? Haven't you tormented us enough?"
"Not hardly. I'm thinking the Slayer may be interested in hearing all
those little details about our time together in Santa Carla. What do you
think she'd have to say about that?"
Willow hated the smirk on his face. But, she refused to let him get
to her.
"You won't have time."
"Oh, really. Why's that?"
"Because, tomorrow night you have to die."
Willow stated the fact so calmly that Angel nearly missed the words.
"The Slayer finally thinks she's ready to face me. Fine. Name the place
and I'll be there."
"The cemetary. But it won't be Buffy you face. It'll be me."
"Excuse me?"
"I have to destroy you to save Buffy."
"Another prophecy, huh? Well, no matter to me. First I destroy you,
then the Slayer. Your death will weaken her anyway."
Willow sadly watched the man before her. Any doubts she'd had about
killing him had faded.
"You won't have the chance. Tomorrow night will be your last."
Willow turned her back and entered the house. Angel stood looking at
the door. He smiled slightly, then left. Willow watched Angel leave. She knew he was confident that he would
defeat her. But, Buffy's life depended on him being destroyed. And Willow
knew in her heart that the real Angel, the one who was her friend, would
want to be killed before he could hurt anyone else. Now, it was Willow's
duty to see that Angelus died.
As Willow got ready for bed, she ignored the tears that fell. "I don't want you to go tonight."
"I have no choice. Angelus has to be destroyed, and I have to be the
one to do it."
"Look, I know that something happened between you and Angelus in Santa
Carla. I don't know what, and I can see you don't want to talk about it.
That's okay. But, I don't want you getting killed trying to save me."
"Buffy, I have to do this as much for myself as for you. You risk your
life every day to save us, let me repay the favor."
Buffy watched her friend. She knew that Willow would do what she wanted
to do, or thought she had to do, but Buffy didn't like it. "I wish you would at least let me be there."
"No, I need to concentrate on Angel. If you're there, I'll be distracted."
Buffy didn't like it, but she agreed. She pulled Willow into a hug,
and turned to leave.
"I'm not going to say goodbye, Will. I expect you at the library later."
Willow watched Buffy leave. She walked over and picked up the book on
her desk. Willow dressed and got ready to leave.
Angel was already waiting in the cemetary. Part of hoped that Willow
would not show up. He didn't want to kill her yet. He wouldn't mind a repeat
of their night of passion. But, he would kill her if necessary.
"Very prompt, Angelus."
Angel turned to Willow. She stood looking very determined.
"Since I'm such a gentleman, I'll give you the first attack."
"I can't beat you."
"That's not exactly news to me. Your body was made for loving, not fighting."
Willow blushed at the reference, but she kept her mind focused on the
matter at hand. She just had to stall him a few more minutes. At the stroke
of midnight, the nightmare may be over.
"You enjoy using that night against me. What did I ever do to you?"
Angel stepped closer, but Willow backed up.
"I'm not using it against you, lover. I just don't want you to forget
the things you felt in my arms."
"As if I could forget. But, all you've been doing is turning it into
something dirty!"
"You remember it the way you want to, and I'll remember it the way I
want."
Willow knew it was just about time. She prayed she'd have enough time
to complete the chant, before Angel attacked.
"Well, this chat has been lovely, but I thought you were here to kill
me. So, why don't we get on with it?"
Willow didn't answer. She turned and jumped for the tree branch just
behind her. With her new strength, she was able to pull herself into the
tree. She began chanting the Latin words that she had been studying for
days. Angel stood on the ground looking at Willow as though she was nuts.
"What the hell? If you want to act like a monkey, do you mind doing
it later? We have a previous engagement."
Angel began listening to the words Willow was speaking. It was Latin,
but it had been such a long time since he'd used the language, it was taking
time for his mind to translate the words. "What the fu...." Angel began realizing what was happening. Willow had
found some kind of restoration spell. But Angelus was helpless. The spell had already begun working. Angel
felt himself being torn apart. He dropped to his knees, cursing Willow
with every pain that shot through his body.
Willow watched the man below her. She continued the chant, ignoring
the curses that were being directed at her. Willow began growing weaker.
Casting the restoration spell was draining her strength.
Finally, Willow dropped off the branch. Leaning against the tree for
a moment, she tried to regain her balance. She looked over at Angel, who
was lying on the ground.....unmoving. Slowly, she began to approach him. "Angel?"
The figure moved slightly. Willow backed up.
"Angel?" Willow repeated.
Angel rolled slowly to his back. His hands moved to his head. Angel
turned his head toward Willow, blinking to try to clear his vision.
"What happened?"
"Are you okay?"
"I feel like I've been hit by a train."
Angel attempted to sit up, but only managed to get into a leaning position.
"Why are you looking at me so funny?"
"Do you remember what happened?"
Angel looked at her curiously, but concentrated on trying to think back.
Then the memories rushed through his mind. His eyes flew to Willow's. The
look in Angel's eyes made Willow flinch, but she refused to back away.
"Who are you?"
Angel regarded Willow intently. He knew what she was asking, and he
now knew why. He pushed himself into a sitting position, then forced himself
to stand. Angel wanted to face Willow standing up, not weakly lying on
the ground.
Willow watched Angel stand. She was unable to tell if the spell had
worked, he was still disoriented. As he moved closer to her, she refused
to cower. If he was Angel, he wouldn't hurt her. If he was still Angelus,
he'd kill her anyway.
"Well? It should be an easy question to answer."
"Pretty demanding, aren't you? But, then I guess you have a right to
be. Just give me a second to stop my head spinning."
Willow waited impatiently. "In Santa Carla. David had it thrown in a pile of books. I found it,
but didn't understand all of it, so I brought it back with me."
"I guess we have a lot to talk about, Willow."
Willow watched Angel intently, studying his every movement.
"Not until you tell me who you are."
"The spell worked, Willow. If it hadn't, I'd already have killed you
for attempting it."
Willow wasn't convinced. "Welcome back, Angel. Let's talk."
Angel followed Willow to a picnic table. They sat down, and began talking
about everything that had happened since he lost his soul. More memories
began surfacing, and soon he had complete recollection of Angelus' actions.
He lowered his head into his hands as the guilt fell on him like a wet
blanket. Then the realization of what had happened in Santa Carla. "You're a vampire."
Willow just nodded. Angel was going to have enough to deal with on his
own, without having to worry about her.
"I'm dealing with it. I think we better get to the library. The other's
are going to be going crazy wondering what happened. I didn't tell them
about attempting the curse, they don't even know it existed."
"Willow, about what happened between us in Santa Carla."
"Angel, don't. It wasn't you, so you don't have to feel guilty. It happened,
and must be put in the past. Please don't mention it to the others. I haven't
told them much about what happened in Santa Carla."
Angel knew that eventually they would have to talk about what happened.
He may not have been the one in control of his body at the time, but it
was him. And he had the memories......the glorious memories of a night
spent in her arms. Angel shook the thoughts from his mind. That would have
to wait, there were people to face.
"I guess it's time to face the music."
Willow nodded sadly. She wasn't sure how the others were going to react,
but she had done what was necessary to save Buffy.....and Angel.
"Let's go."
Willow and Angel walked to the library. At the doors, Angel closed his
eyes, trying to gather his courage. Willow gripped his hand, and gave it
a squeeze. Buffy, Xander, and Giles were sitting around one of the tables, anxiously
awaiting news. They were shocked when they turned to see Willow and Angel
enter the room. Buffy immediately jumped to her feet, pulling out a stake.
Willow stepped in front of Angel.
"Buffy, No! It's Angel."
It took a moment for the meaning of Willow's words to sink in. Buffy
hesitantly moved toward Angel. He looked into her eyes, and saw the fear,
hope, and distrust in them. And he knew how badly he'd hurt her. He let
his gaze drop to the floor.
"Angel?" Buffy questioned.
"Angelus is gone. He's not coming back."
Buffy stared in silence at Angel. Xander and Giles finally came to stand
by Willow.
"What are you talking about?" Xander asked.
He wasn't convinced that this wasn't some trick. Although he had to
admit the guy was acting more like the good Angel.
Willow proceded to explain to everyone about the book she'd found, and
how she used the spell to destroy Angelus.
"Willow, do you have any idea how dangerous that was?" Giles asked.
"It was either try that or fight him. I knew I wouldn't be strong enough
to beat him."
The room was silent. Everyone stood looking at Angel, none of them knowing
what to do next. Angel finally looked from one person to the next. "I'm sorry for everything Angelus did. I know that doesn't begin to
make up for the things I've done."
"You're right, dead-boy. It doesn't. You should be burning in hell right
now!"
"Xander, stop it!"
Everyone turned to stare at Willow.
"This isn't helping anything. Angel isn't responsible for the things
Angelus did. He was a victim too."
"Willow,...." Xander started.
"No more talking. Not tonight. We're all tired, and alot of stuff has
happened that we all need to deal with. Let's just all go home, and we'll
talk later."
"Excellent suggestion. I believe we should all leave before we say things
we may regret later." Giles said before turning to walk out of the library.
He wasn't ready to face the man who had murdered Jenny. Even though his
mind realized that Angel couldn't be blamed for Angelus' actions, his heart
saw only the face of her murderer.
Xander looked from Buffy to Angel to Willow. He didn't know how Willow
expected him to forgive everything that had happened. He would never accept
Angel. Xander turned and left the library without a backward glance.
Willow watched as Buffy and Angel began talking. She knew she should
leave them alone. Silently, she turned and left the library.
Angel had gone back to his apartment after leaving the library. He'd
wanted to talk to Willow, but she had left before he finished talking to
Buffy.
Buffy. The woman he had loved more than he thought possible. The woman
he'd taken to bed, then cruelly tortured. They had spent the rest of the
night talking, both knowing that the conversation couldn't wait. Buffy
had told him she'd always love him, but she couldn't forgive what had happened.
She knew he wasn't responsible, but it would be to hard to try to forget.
Angel had known from the look in her eyes that things had changed. Every
time she looked at him, she would remember Angelus. Angel couldn't blame her. Too much had happened to be able to go back
to the way things were. Those times were gone forever. But, the love he
felt for Buffy would stay with him forever. He had told her that he would
always be there if she needed him. He would help her anyway he could. They
had agreed to try to re-establish a friendship, but both knew it wouldn't
be easy.
Now he had another matter that needed clearing up. He needed to talk
to Willow about the events in Santa Carla. But that would have to wait
till the following night. It was nearly dawn, and he was exhausted. And
Willow had looked about ready to collapse in the library. Angel laid down on the bed, and drifted into a fitfull sleep. Tortured
memories of the past haunting him. Night couldn't come soon enough for
him.
"Hello, Angel."
"Willow. Can I come in?"
"Sure, come in."
Angel entered and they walked into the living room. Willow sat on the
couch and waited for Angel to speak. She'd already talked to Buffy earlier,
so Willow knew what had happened between those two. She couldn't really
say she was surprised about the outcome.
"Willow, I needed to apologize to you. The things I said were unforgivable."
"Angel, I told you before. You don't have to blame yourself for the
things Angelus did."
"How can I not? It's not as though we're two seperate people."
"Not physically, but in every other way you are."
"About Santa Carla. I'm sorry I wasn't able to be there to protect you.
To stop David before he changed you."
"There's nothing you could have done. He'd already had me drink the
blood before anyone knew I was missing. You couldn't have prevented that."
"Maybe not, but....."
"No buts, Angel. As for us sleeping together, I'm as responsible for
that as Angelus was. I didn't try to fight it, or stop him."
"You couldn't have stopped it."
"Probably, but the point is I didn't want to stop it."
Angel looked at Willow in surprise. He had vivid memories of everything
that happened, and her reactions. She had wanted Angelus, and had enjoyed
everything. Then he had gone and made it seem dirty and shameful.
"How do we deal with that?" Angel asked.
"We forget it."
Willow turned toward the fireplace. She couldn't face Angel, afraid
he'd read the truth in her eyes.
"Can you do that? Just forget all that we shared that night. I don't
care how Angelus twisted it, what happened that night was special."
"Don't do this Angel."
Angel walked up behind Willow. He gripped her shoulders, and turned
her to face him.
"Do what? Tell the truth. There's been enough lies, Willow. I won't
let you dismiss what happened."
Willow pulled herself out of Angel's arms.
"Look, you don't know what you're talking about. In less then six hours
you've regained your soul, remembered the actions of Angelus, and broken
up with Buffy. That's alot to deal with. Just leave this alone."
"I can't do that. Every time I close my eyes I see you. How you looked
standing naked in front of me, how you felt under me."
"Stop it!"
Angel pulled Willow back into his arms, and kissed her passionately.
Willow only put up a token struggle.
"You can't forget it anymore than I can. The emotions are still there.....for
both of us."
Willow dropped her head to Angel's shoulder, and began crying.
"Don't cry, Willow. Please."
"I don't know what to do. How do I handle this?"
"We work it out together. But what we can't do is forget. You were right
that alot has happened in a short time, and we both need time to think."
Angel held Willow against his body. Her tears began to subside.
"I need to go away for a while."
Angel felt Willow tense at his statement. He held tightly when she tried
to pull away.
"It'll only be for a couple weeks. We're not the only ones who have
to come to terms with my return. I think it'd be better for everyone if
I disappear for a while. It'll give everyone time to think."
"But you will come back?"
"Of course. This is my home, and I need to rebuild what Angelus destroyed.
Promise me something."
"What?"
"Think about what I've said. Think about what happened between us, don't
push it away."
Willow was silent.
"Willow? Please, just say you'll think about it. We can discuss everything
when I come back."
"Okay. I won't forget."
Angel kissed Willow tenderly, before turning to leave.
"Thank you, Willow. For everything."
And then he was gone. Willow collapsed on the couch. She was physically
and emotionally exhausted. Willow forced herself upstairs and got into
bed. She wanted to believe that now that Angel was back everything would
fall into place, but it's true what they say, you can never go home again.
They would all need to examine their feelings and deal with the events
that had happened since Angel lost his soul. Decisions would have to be
made that would affect the rest of their lives.
Buffy had already talked to Angel, but they would still need to get
used to their new relationship. Giles would have a hard time trusting Angel
again. Jenny's death had nearly destroyed him, and seeing Angel would be
a constant reminder. Xander would probably never come around. He'd never
liked Angel, and had delighted in hating Angelus. He would not make the
coming days easier. And she knew that the person who would be hardest on
Angel.....was Angel. How could anyone else forgive him when he couldn't
forgive himself?
Buffy had needed time to deal with that information, along with the
fact that Angel remembered the event, and had strong feelings about what
happened. After a couple days, Buffy approached Willow, and gave her blessing.
Buffy would always love Angel, and cherish the time they spent together.
But too much had changed, and their relationship wouldn't be able to survive.
Buffy wanted both Angel and Willow to be happy, and if they were happy
together, that was great. After all, they had eternity to explore their
relationship.
Xander, however, wasn't as supportive. He couldn't understand how she
could've slept with Angelus. He refused to listen to Willow's explanation,
and had avoided her since. Buffy told Willow that Xander just needed time
to digest the information, he would be back as soon as he'd settled down.
Willow hoped so. She didn't want to lose one of her best friends
Giles, always the father figure, just told her to be careful. But, he
admitted, she'd done a fairly good job handling Angelus, so she shouldn't
have too much trouble dealing with Angel.
Willow sat in her room, surfing the net, when there was a knock on the
door. She opened it to find Angel standing there, a single red rose in
his hand.
"For you."
Willow took the rose, and smiled. Angel entered the room. He had run
into Buffy on his way to Willow's house. She'd told him that she was fine
with what happened, but if he hurt Willow, he'd be sorry. Then the Slayer
gave him a final kiss, and went back to her patrol. Now all he had to do
was convince Willow to give them a chance.
"I missed you, Willow."
"I missed you, too."
Angel sat on the edge of the bed. He felt like a teenager.
"Willow, I want to know if you're willing to give us a chance. I can't
make any promises about the future, but I think we at least have a basis
to start."
Willow looked at Angel, and knew she wouldn't deny him, or herself the
chance to see if they had something or not. Buffy had given her blessing,
and Willow wanted the chance.
"I think we need to take it slowly. Not try to rush things." Angel said.
"I'm willing to try if you are."
Angel pulled Willow into his arms.
"I think I'm going to enjoy getting to know you Willow Rosenberg."
"You may find me dull."
"Not in a million years."
Willow bent and kissed Angel gently on the lips. They had all the time
in the world to find out about each other. And if a romantic relationship
didn't work, she knew they would always be friends. They had been through
too much together....both good and bad....to just drift apart.
Angel held Willow in his arms. He had no idea what would happen in the
coming months, but he was glad that Angelus was gone for good. He could
no longer hurt anyone. And, Angel was looking forward to seeing where his
relationship with Willow went. They had been through the bad times, hopefully
there were plenty of good times ahead.
But for now, they were content to just hold onto each other.
Buffy's social life was put on hold since it was a little hard to explain
to a date why she'd just staked someone. But, she enjoyed the company of
her friends, and had found a renewed sense of duty. She no longer resented
her fate, but accepted and excelled at her work.
Giles remained Buffy's watcher, but also remained unattached. The death
of Jenny had hit him hard, and he couldn't handle bringing someone else
into his life, and seeing them killed by the evils that lurked in Sunnydale.
Slowly, he was regaining his trust of Angel. They had become quite a team,
researching ancient prophecies. And both were learning a great deal from
each other.
Xander never accepted Angel, but managed to put his objections behind
him, and work with Angel. Xander wasn't prepared to lose his best friend
over the issue, and Willow had made it clear, that would be the outcome
if Xander didn't grow up, and learn to work with Angel. And, eventually,
after Angel had saved his life, Xander had to admit it wasn't so bad having
a friendly vampire around.
Willow and Angel spent as much time together as possible. They took
their relationship slowly, learning everything they could about each other.
And during that time, they fell in love. The feelings that had been there
that night in Santa Carla, had grown into something wonderful. When they
eventually slept together again, it was magical. They had found a love
that would support them through everything the Hellmouth threw at them.
As for David, Angel learned years later, that he had been destroyed.
Willow had gotten her wish....someone like her had destroyed David. A teenage
boy that David had tricked into drinking the blood, had fought back. He
had destroyed not only David, but Paul and two other vampires as well.
Angel had even heard rumors that the head vampire had been killed, but
he'd never been able to find out for sure. But, they could both let go
of the fear that David may show up. He had been punished for his crimes.
The Slayer and Slayerettes, with the help of a vampire with a soul,
fought to keep Sunnydale....and the world, safe from the forces of evil.
And when nature inevitably took away their friends, Willow and Angel continued
the fight. Together they helped the next Slayer and the next. They would
continue until the threat had been eliminated.
Their love continued to grow, and they managed to find happy moments,
away from the death and destruction. It seemed that they had come full
circle. Both of them had learned to live for the present, and look to the
future.
THE END!!
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Epilogue