~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Willow Rosenberg stood looking out the window of her parent's home. She knew her whole life was about to change. And she was ready to face the future. Her bags were packed; now she just had to wait for him to pick her up. Then they would head to L.A.----into an uncertain future. Staring out at the night, she allowed herself to drift back to how this had all started.
The post-graduation party was going strong at the Bronze when Willow arrived. She had stopped off to thank Angel for the graduation gift he had sent. She felt so bad for him. Ever since he had regained his soul and returned from Hell, he had isolated himself from everyone. None of the others attempted to contact him; they didn't even want to talk about him. Willow never told them that she had been spending time with Angel. He was her friend and she wasn't going to abandon him because of the things that Angelus had done. Buffy was the only one who knew. She had followed Willow one night to Angel's apartment. Although Buffy couldn't bring herself to see Angel, she was glad that he had at least one friend. Willow had tried talking to Buffy about her relationship with Angel after she returned to Sunnydale. Buffy had been cleared of Kendra's murder when a witness stepped forward to give police a description of Dru. But too much had happened and Buffy couldn't bring herself to forgive Angel.
"Hey, Willow. It's about time. What took you so long?"
Willow turned to Xander. "I had a stop to make on the way over. Where's Buffy and Cordelia?"
"In the bathroom. Something about needing to fix their hair. I swear they spend more time on their hair then they do on anything else."
"Let's go find a table."
Willow sat listening to Xander. He went into great detail about his plans for the future. Since the Hellmouth was still an active danger, Xander had decided to go to a local college so that he would be around to help Buffy. And he was exceptionally pleased that Cordelia had decided to stay also. She wasn't interested in college so she decided to stay. Maybe she'd even get a job. <God forbid! Cordelia Chase---working? Only on the Hellmouth.>
"Have you decided what you're going to do? I know you got accepted at Harvard."
Willow looked away from Xander. She wasn't ready to tell anyone about the decision she had already made. She'd already argued with Angel about the whole thing, but he had reluctantly agreed with her decision. Angel knew that it had to be her choice. Willow was smart and she knew the dangers.
"Willow?"
"I know what I'm going to do. The plans have already been made."
"What plans?" Xander asked cautiously.
"This isn't the best time to go into this, Xander. Besides, the others should be here too."
Xander looked at his best friend. <She's got a secret---and it's a big one. If she's this reluctant to tell me, it means I'm not going to like it.>
Buffy and Cordelia picked that time to return to the table.
"What's the matter?" Buffy asked, looking between her two silent friends.
"Ask Willow. She's the one with plans that she doesn't intend to share."
"Look. I've done a lot of thinking and I know what I have to do. I haven't made this decision lightly."
"Willow, what are you talking about? I thought there was only two choices---go to Harvard or stay here with us," Buffy questioned.
"A third option entered the mix. And although I know you guys probably won't agree with my decision, it's something I need to do."
"Tell us what it is," Buffy asked.
Willow looked around at her friends. She had hoped to have this conversation someplace private, but they weren't going to let it drop.
"I'm going to Los Angeles. I leave the end of the week."
The others are stunned. Willow had never mentioned moving to L.A. before.
"Why?" Xander asked.
Willow remained silent. She knew her next piece of information was going to cause an argument.
"Willow? What aren't you telling us?" Buffy asked impatiently.
"I won't be going to L.A. alone."
"Oh, I get it now. Will, you little sneak. You and Oz are hooking up in L.A. I thought you two were history," Cordelia piped into the conversation.
Willow watched Buffy and Xander. She could let them believe that scenario. It would save everyone a lot of heartache. But she dismissed that idea immediately. <These are my best friends. I can't lie to them.>
"No, Cordelia. This has nothing to do with Oz. We haven't seen each other since he left town."
"Then who?" Buffy became suspicious.
"Angel."
"WHAT!!!"
Willow could have sworn that one word was echoed by all three of her friends. Xander looked furious; Cordelia looked confused; and Buffy looked hurt.
"Angel has decided to leave Sunnydale. L.A. has become a hot spot for vampires so he's decided to go there and try to stop things before they get out of hand. When he told me about his plans, I began thinking about what he'd be facing. He will need help once he gets there. So I volunteered."
"You can't be serious. And since when have you become so friendly with vamp boy?"
"I've been seeing him since he returned. I never told you because I knew how you would react. Angel's a good guy, Xander. He deserves to be treated with respect."
"I'm not hearing this. Don't you remember everything he's done?" Xander asked in disbelief.
"I remember everything Angelus did. You seem to forget that Angel had no control over those things. The blame belongs to Angelus, and he's gone. He's never coming back; I made sure of that."
"So you're going to run off with him. To hell with the rest of us. What about Buffy? She needs our help too."
"Buffy will have Giles, Cordelia, and you to help her. And L.A. isn't that far away. If she needs my help, I'll be just a phone call away. But Angel would be alone. He needs my help and I won't turn my back on him."
"You're right, Willow. But I want you to promise me that if things get too bad, or if you need our help, that you'll let us know," Buffy said, pulling Willow into a hug.
"I don't believe this. Don't tell me you approve, Buffy."
"Xander, it doesn't matter if we approve or disapprove. What matters is that Willow is our friend and we have to support her. This is her decision to make. Don't let your personal feelings for Angel cloud your judgement."
Xander watched the girls embracing. Not able to act like he approved of any of this, Xander stood and walked out of the Bronze. He never looked back. Cordelia apologized to Willow then followed Xander.
"Don't worry, Will. He'll come around. It just shocked him. I don't think he ever accepted the fact that you might actually leave him. Then add in the fact that you're leaving with Angel. Just give him time."
"I don't know, Buffy."
"When do you leave?"
"Friday night. Angel will come by to pick me up after sunset."
"What did you tell your parents?"
"They think I'm running off with Angel. I couldn't exactly tell them the real reason so they've jumped to their own conclusions. They told me I was making a big mistake."
"Typical parental response. Always assume sex is somehow involved. Let's get out of here."
After Buffy dropped her off at home, Willow went to her room to work on sorting through her belongings. She knew she wouldn't be able to take everything with her. So she would only take the essentials and box up the other things and put them in the attic. The phone interrupted her work.
"Hello?"
"Willow, how did it go?"
"Hi Angel. Better then I thought it would. Buffy and Cordelia were very supportive."
"What about Xander?"
"Xander was upset. He left the Bronze without saying goodbye."
"Are you sure you want to go through with this? I won't hold it against you if you decide to stay here."
"Don't you try to back out of this. I've made my decision and I'm sticking to it. So you better get used to the idea that I'm going to be a permanent fixture in your life," Willow said teasingly.
"Ok. I just wanted to make sure you weren't having second thoughts. So, I'll pick you up about 6pm on Friday."
"I'll be ready."
"And one more thing, Willow."
"What?"
"I only have a motorcycle, so you can't bring along the entire house."
"HaHaHa....you're very funny. I think you missed your calling. See you Friday."
"Bye," Angel managed to say between laughs.
On Friday afternoon, Cordelia and Buffy came over to Willow's to say goodbye. They laughed and cried together---sharing secrets and memories. Before they left, Buffy made Willow promise to keep in touch. Willow watched her friends leave and knew she'd miss them alot. Walking back into the house, Willow heard the phone.
"Hello?"
"Willow."
"Xander. I'm so glad you called. I thought I'd have to leave without saying goodbye."
"So, you're still planning to go through with this?"
"Yes."
"I can't pretend to like any of this. But I had a long talk with Giles. He told me I had to decide which meant more to me. Keeping your friendship or holding on to my anger at Angel. I don't think I'll ever be able to forgive Angel, but I don't want to lose you either. So, if this is what you have to do, then know that I'll always be here for you. No matter what happens, you'll always be my best friend. I love you, Will."
Willow began crying. "Thank you, Xander. You know I love you, too. And this isn't really goodbye. I'm not going that far away; we'll still see each other. And I expect letters from you telling me about everything that's going on here."
"You got it. Tell Angel," Xander paused. "Tell him he better take good care of you or he'll have to deal with me."
"I'll tell him. We're okay, right?"
"Yeah, still best buds. Be careful, Willow. Angel may not be a threat but there's still alot of danger out there. I couldn't handle it if anything happened to you."
"I promise. You watch your back."
"Bye, Willow."
"Bye, Xander."
Willow hung up the phone and let the tears flow freely.
Willow heard Angel's motorcyle pull up the driveway. She grabbed her backpack and bag and headed toward the door. She stopped at the doorway and turned. Willow took a last look around the house. <This will be the last time I'll see this place for awhile.>
Angel waited by the cycle. He watched Willow stop and lock the door. <She looks so sad. I should try to talk her out of this.> But if he was honest with himself, he wanted her to come with him. She was the only friend he had left.
Willow handed Angel her bags, which he attached to the cycle.
"Are you ready?" Angel asked softly.
"I'm ready. We have alot of adventures ahead of us, Angel."
"Yeah, but we're also going to be facing danger too."
"We survived living on the Hellmouth. I think we're up to the challange. But I want you to know, if something happens to me, it's not your fault. This was my choice. Understand?"
"Understood. But I'm going to make sure nothing happens to you. You're the most important person in my life, Willow."
Angel grabbed Willow into a fierce hug. They broke apart and got on the bike.
"Time to drive off into the sunset. Figuratively speaking, of course."
"Angel, what am I going to do with you?"
Angel threw his head back and laughed as he gunned the motorcyle. They took off down the highway. A chapter had closed but a new one was just beginning. Neither knew what the future would hold, but they would face it together. Partners...friends...confidants...maybe more.
Part 2
Willow sat at the computer, looking intently at the screen. She had been keeping a journal since they had arrived in Los Angeles a year ago. It was her way of dealing with everything that happened, and it would be a record of events, that would hopefully survive them. After she saved her last entry, Willow decided to read over some of her previous entries.
6/24/99 Angel and I arrived in L.A. last week. We have found a nice two-bedroom studio apartment. After getting ourselves settled, it was time to survey our new home. I went sight-seeing during the day, looking for likely hangouts for the local vampire population. Angel went out at night to search some of the seedier parts of town. I wanted to go with him, but he adamantly refused. He didn't want me out at night until he knew what we would be facing. What we've been able to learn so far, is that although there is quite a large community, there doesn't seem to be any one vampire in charge. That's good news for us. Without a leader to follow, they aren't an organized threat.
11/16/99 We have certainly made an impression here. <Sorry, bad attempt at humor.> More to the point, we've made enemies. I think Angel and I underestimated the vampires here. They may not have a leader but they are a rather tight knit bunch. They know we've been hunting them, but they don't know why. I'm sure most of them are aware that Angel is one of them.
2/8/00 Angel has told me he wants me to return to Sunnydale. He said its becoming too dangerous. But I won't leave him alone. We started this together, and we'll finish it together. I haven't told him that the real reason is that I've fallen in love with him. I certainly didn't mean for it to happen.
5/15/00 Tonight was nearly the end. What started out as a simple hunt, soon became a matter of life or death. Angel and I were ambushed in the park. I understand now what they mean when people talk about their lives flashing before their eyes. During that incident, I saw everything so clearly. My life played before my very eyes. Memories that I had thought forgotten came rushing back. Then my world went dark. Angel told me later that the vampire holding me had flung me against a tree, causing me to black out. Then he destroyed the vampires and brought me home. But I know something more happened. Angel has been acting strangely ever since that night.
6/11/00
Things are approaching
a critical point here. The local vampires have found a leader. So far we've
been unable to find out who. All we know is that the attacks are becoming
more frequent, and Angel and I have become number one on the hit list.
We both realize we can't handle the new threat alone. I called Buffy, and
she and the gang will be here next week. So, now it's coming full circle.
After a year of changes, the Slayer and Slayerettes will be together again.
6/15/00
I'm looking forward
to seeing my friends again. Although I am apprehensive about their reaction
if they discover the secrets I've kept from them. One of the biggest being
the change in my relationship with Angel. After we were ambushed, he admitted
that his feelings for me had changed. He was afraid to tell me about them,
fearing that I didn't feel the same way. So, even though we are fighting
for our lives, our newfound love gives us something to look forward to.
Angel has told me about all these places that he wants to show me. But,
we know we must first confront the evil that has emerged here.
Willow sat back and rubbed her eyes. Buffy and the others would be here tomorrow. So much had happened. <None of us are the same people anymore.>
"Are you alright?"
Willow just shook her head.
Angel walked over to kneel beside Willow. "You need to rest."
Angel picked Willow up and carried her into the bedroom. Willow held onto Angel tightly.
"Somehow, this has become personal."
Angel tried to soothe Willow's fears, but he knew she was right. The attacks had become messages to them. Each time getting closer. Who was behind it? <I've made so many enemies; it's possible any one of them could've found me.> But Angel's fear wasn't for himself, it was for Willow. If this was a known enemy out for revenge, then there was no doubt who the target was. But this person obviously knew that Willow was involved with him, and that made her a target, too.
"Angel?"
"Yes?"
"I love you."
"I love you, too. Now try to get some sleep. The gang will be here tomorrow. "
It was a long time before either were able to sleep. Someone wanted them both dead, but were toying with them first. That tactic was classic Angelus; but, that was impossible....Angelus was gone. So it had to be someone familiar with Angelus' "games". Who? Angel racked his brain for answers. The possibilities were numerous. Anyone who had heard of Angelus, knew of his cruel mind games. Angel tightened his hold on Willow, and drifted into a fitfull sleep.
Angel sat up with a start. <That damn nightmare again. It won't happen. I won't allow it to happen!> Angel looked at Willow, who was still sleeping. Every night for the past week he'd had the same nightmare. A faceless demon held Willow while he stood by watching helplessly. Then just as he was able to reach them, the demon cut Willow's throat. Angel sat sobbing, holding onto Willow's lifeless body. He saw Buffy and the others look at him accusingly, and he knew what they were thinking. It was his fault, he was the reason Willow had died. Then as the sun began rising, Angel stood and waited for his death. Was this a sign of what was to come? <NO! It's just a nightmare. My fear for Willow's safety is causing me to have these nightmares. No one will touch her!>
When Buffy and the others arrive, we'll make plans to draw out the enemy. Then we will fight face to face. And I will destroy him!
Part 3
6/16/00
Buffy and the others
arrived today. We spent most of the time deciding how to approach the situation.
Personal discussions will have to wait till we have this mess straightened
out. Angel and I both decided it would be best to wait to tell the others
about us. The main priority was to find our enemy. When that's finished,
I hope to be able to sit down with Buffy privately. I want her to know
that I never meant to hurt her. And I hope she is able to give Angel and
I her blessing. She's one of my best friend's; I don't want anything to
ruin that.
6/17/00
Tonight is the night.
And I have a feeling this will be my last entry. Call it a premonition
or call me paranoid, but I don't think I'll be coming back tonight. I haven't
said anything to Angel because I know he would tell me everything would
be fine. I'm not afraid to die, not if this evil is destroyed also. The
only regret I have is that Angel and I won't have the future we have dreamed
of. But, I know he's strong and he'll live to love again. I've told Giles
about my journals and told him the password. He will add them to his watcher
diaries, should anything happen to me. I've also left letters for Angel,
Xander, and Buffy. I wanted them all to know how much they mean to me.
I know Buffy and Xander will help each other, but I pray they will not
blame Angel for any of this. I've made my own decisions and I don't regret
any of them.
Sun had just set and the Slayer and Slayerettes headed to the park, which was a favorite spot of the locals.
"Willow, are you okay?"
Willow turned to her friend, "I'm fine. Just wishing this was all over."
Buffy nodded, but she didn't look convinced.
Once they got to the park, the gang settled in for the wait. Whatever was coming, it would happen tonight.
To try to lighten the mood, Xander began telling some awful jokes. While Cordelia and Buffy got into the joking spirit, Giles noticed that both Angel and Willow were tense. <They know something we don't. Angel asked me to make sure Willow went back to Sunnydale with us, should anything happen to him. And Willow told me about her journals. It's almost like they don't think they'll survive.>
It was then that all hell broke loose. They were suddenly surrounded by vampires. Everyone was so busy fighting off their attackers, that no one noticed the figure, dressed in black, approach Willow.
"That's enough!"
The fighting stopped as everyone turned toward the voice. <God, No!!> Angel turned to see his nightmare. A dark figure held a knife to Willow's throat.
"Who the hell are you? What do you want?" Angel screamed.
He tried to approach but Buffy held him back as the figure removed the hood.
"Dru!"
Druscilla stood there smiling.
"Surprised to see me?"
"Where's Spike? Hiding in the bushes?" Buffy asked sarcastically.
Dru's face became red with anger.
"Spike's dead. Angelus is dead. You've destroyed everyone I've ever loved!"
"You're crazy Dru. I let Spike leave Sunnydale, on the condition that the two of you never show your faces again."
"Spike was weak. He let you trick him. He even helped you destroy Angelus. That's why I had to kill him."
Buffy gasped in shock. Dru had lost what little piece of her mind she'd had left.
Angel saw Dru tighten her hold on Willow. He looked into Willow's eyes. She nodded slightly, mouthing the words that tore at his heart...I love you. Dru was beyond any reason. There was nothing any of them could do to save Willow. He knew he would lose Willow, but, he would make damned sure that Dru was destroyed. Even if it was the last thing he did....and it was.
It all happened in slow motion. Dru slit Willow's throat, but before Willow's body had even hit the ground, Angel had tackled Dru. Buffy and the others ran to Willow, while watching in stunned horror as Angel and Dru fought. It was in that instant that they realized what Angel was doing.
They had filled the small fountain with holy water and he was dragging Dru towards it. Just before falling into the fountain, Angel turned for one last glance at Willow. Then he pulled Dru into the holy water with him.
"NO!!!" The Slayer screamed as two friends died.
Epilogue
7/2/00
This will be the
final entry into the journal of Willow Rosenberg. Her death at the hands
of an old enemy, has left a void in many lives. My name is Giles Rupert
and I'm a Watcher. Willow asked that these journals be added to own accounts
of vampire activity.
Reading over the journals, I realize now that Willow had a premonition of her death. The letters she left behind were little comfort to her friends. Her death has affected them all greatly. One of the letters, though, was never opened. It was one she left for the man she loved. Buffy burned the unopened letter and spread the ashes in the park. It seemed the fitting thing to do.
You see, her lover died that same night. I believe that he, too, knew he wouldn't survive. Angel had asked me to watch out for Willow should anything happen to him. At the time, I found myself wondering why he didn't just throw Dru into the holy water. After reading the journals, I realized that he didn't want to survive without Willow. He knew he couldn't save the woman he loved, but he would destroy her murderer. And he succeeded.
I allowed Buffy and Xander to read the journals. I felt confident that Willow would approve. Xander was shocked at the change in Willow and Angel's relationship, but Buffy didn't seem surprised. Reading the details of his best friend's life during the past year, and learning how much she loved Angel, Xander was finally able to let go of his anger at Angel. Once he did that, he was able to freely grieve for his friend....and for Angel. Buffy decided to temporarily stay in L.A. after the memorial service. She wanted to pack up Angel and Willow's things. But most importantly, she needed time alone.
Willow's parents were told that she had been a victim of random violence. I wasn't sure what to them about Angel. I thought it best to say he left town. But, Buffy knew Willow wouldn't want her parents to think badly of Angel. So, Buffy told them that he had been with Willow, and had also been killed. Her parents were griefstricken at the lose of their daughter, but took comfort in knowing that Angel had been with her.
The pain of losing Willow and Angel will hurt for a very long time. And although the pain will lessen with time, their memories will live on forever. Buffy will be returning to Sunnydale soon. She has a newfound determination to rid the world of the evil that killed her friends. Xander has grown up a lot in the past couple weeks. Whatever innocence he still possessed, had died with Willow. He's becoming a hard man, building up a wall around his emotions.
I will end my entry here. Willow's journals will now be added to my Watchers Diaries. I would like to believe that she and Angel are together. And that where ever they are, they can finally have the peace they so deserve.
Back at Angel and Willow's apartment, Buffy finished packing. She had arranged for Willow's things to be sent home to her family. Since Angel didn't have much, she had just packed it in with Willow's.
Buffy took a last look around the apartment. Her eyes fell on a photo that had slipped to the floor. She picked it up and tears formed in her eyes. It was a picture of Willow, Xander, and herself at graduation. <God, we look so innocent. Like we didn't have a care in the world.> Letting her gaze linger on Willow's face, she sat on the floor sobbing.
Standing up, she walked over to the window. As she looked out at the sunrise, Buffy smiled.
"I give you my blessing, Willow. You will always be my best friend, no matter what. You and Angel, be happy."
Buffy put the photo in her pocket as she left the apartment. A soft breeze hit her as she opened the door. Buffy could've sworn she heard Willow's voice.
"Thank you."
THE END!