Willow stood outside the door and fumbled around in her pocket for the key. She had left the library early, deciding to come home and take a nap before going back later that night with Angel. Finding the key, Willow opened the door quietly, since she assumed Angel would be sleeping. As Willow stepped into the apartment, the sight that greeted her broke her heart. Her hands flew to her mouth at the sight of Angel and Buffy making out on the bed.
"Oh God!" Willow whispered.
Angel turned at the sound of Willow's voice. "Christ! Willow, I......" Angel began.
Willow couldn't believe her eyes. Angel was in their bed with someone else......with Buffy. The tears fell down her cheeks as she began backing out of the apartment.
"Willow, wait!" Angel yelled, jumping out of the bed.
"No.....no.......NO!!!" Willow shouted and ran out of the building. Angel reached the door too late....Willow had already escaped into the daylight.
"Damnit!" Angel swore, slamming the door. He wanted to run after her, try to explain, but he couldn't. He was trapped by the damn sunlight.
"Angel, I....." Buffy started, as she got out of bed and walked over to Angel. But when she reached out to touch him, he slapped her hand away.
"Get dressed and get out.....NOW!"
"Angel, I'm sorry Willow walked in on us, but it's probably best that she did. Sooner or later she needed to learn the truth. At least now she knows that we're back together."
"You little bitch! Did you set this whole thing up? Arrange it so that Willow walked in on us?" Angel asked angrily.
"No, I wouldn't do that."
"I wouldn't put it past you, but it doesn't matter. I want you gone, and I don't want you coming back here again." Angel said coldly.
Buffy got her shirt on, "Ok, I realize you need time to talk to Willow and make her understand. We can get together later...."
"Wrong! If I never see you again, it'll be too soon. And the only thing that I need Willow to understand is that I had a momemtary flashback to our past......a lapse in judgement."
"Angel, you don't mean that. What just happened proves you still love me!" Buffy argued.
"It proves nothing. I dealt with our relationship a long time ago. In Hell, I relived every moment of it, and when I got out, you were gone. I had a lot of time to think about it and put it behind me. Willow is the one I love, and she's the one I share my life with. If it makes you feel better, consider what happened the goodbye we didn't have four years ago. Our relationship is over.....I've moved on, and now you need to do the same."
Buffy couldn't believe what she was hearing. He was choosing Willow over her? How could he turn away after what just happened? "You still want me, Angel. Don't try to deny it after what just happened."
"Nothing happened." Angel replied.
"Only because Willow interrupted. We almost made love."
"No, we almost had sex. There's a big difference. And it would've been a mistake."
"Look, I know you feel guilty for hurting Willow, but she'll understand eventually. She just needs to adjust to losing you. She's always known how we felt about each other. Willow never really had you." Buffy tried to point out.
"You don't know what you're talking about. There's no way you could possibly understand my relationship with Willow, and I have no intention of discussing it with you now. Forget what almost happened, because it'll never happen again. Now, I won't tell you again....leave, before I *make* you leave."
Buffy walked to the door. She knew that when Angel got into one of his moods, that there was no talking to him. She'd give him some time and talk to him later. She'd gotten through to him once, she'd do it again. {Damn Willow for showing up and spoiling our reunion.}
"I'll go now, but this isn't finished. *We're* not finished." Buffy said as she walked out of the apartment.
Angel slammed the door behind her, cursing his own stupidity. He'd allowed himself to be drawn into memories of the past, and he'd done the one thing he'd sworn never to do........he'd hurt Willow. Angel prayed that his momentary lapse hadn't cost him the woman he loved.
Angel grabbed the phone and called the library. He explained to Xander what had happened, and as expected Xander was furious at him. Angel didn't try to defend himself, he knew he was guilty of everything Xander accused him of. Xander said he'd go out looking for Willow, and make sure she was safe. Angel let him know that he'd be at the library as soon as the sun set. Before he hung up, Xander told Angel that when he got to the library he'd better know for sure who it was he wanted......Willow or Buffy.
Angel dropped into the chair, and thought about Xander's words. When he'd first gotten out of Hell, his first thoughts were of Buffy. He'd wanted her so badly......needed her so badly, but she hadn't been there. She'd left without a backward glance. Willow had been there for him the entire time, and she was the one who made him deal with his feelings for Buffy. She'd told him that ignoring them wouldn't make them go away. So Angel had left Sunnydale to think.......about Angelus, about Buffy, and about Willow. His time away had given him the closure he needed, and there was no doubt in his mind that Willow was the woman he wanted. What had happened with Buffy was a fluke, and it would never happen again.
After explaining the situation to the others, Xander left the library in search of Willow. He knew how much she must be hurting......seeing Angel with Buffy probably destroyed her. Although his first response was to hate Angel for what he'd done, Xander realized that it hadn't been entirely the vampire's fault. Buffy had brought up memories of their past, and struck when Angel was vulnerable. Angel had acted without thinking, and Xander couldn't condemn Angel for that.....hadn't he done the same thing in the past? Xander knew that Angel loved Willow and would never intentionally hurt her. Buffy had set her sights on her target, and she didn't give a damn who she hurt in the process. {Damn you, Buffy! Why the hell did you ever come back? Haven't you hurt us all enough?}
End Part 10
Angel entered the library hoping to find Willow, but the only one there was Giles. Angel leaned against the table.
"I really screwed up this time, Giles."
Giles looked at Angel. He'd certainly seen the vampire looking better. "So I heard."
"Any word from Willow yet?" Angel asked worriedly.
"I'm afraid not. Xander's been out looking for her since you called, but so far hasn't found her. Faith and Amy are out on patrol and they're keeping their eyes open for her too. Willow can take care of herself, Angel. She just needs some time alone." Giles tried to reassure Angel.
"I'm scared, Giles."
"Of what?" Giles asked.
"Losing Willow." Angel admitted.
Giles watched the vampire start pacing the room. What had happened between Buffy and Angel was perfectly natural considering their situation, but Angel had stopped it before it went too far. Giles knew that Willow would understand what happened once she had time to think about it. The sight of the man she loved with his ex-lover had been traumatic for Willow, and she just needed time to think.
Giles and Angel both looked up when the library door opened. Xander entered and dropped into a chair. His expression left no doubt that he hadn't found Willow.
"I looked everywhere. She obviously doesn't want to be found." Xander said, noting Angel's haggard appearance. His friend looked like death warmed over.
"She'll be fine, dead-boy. You know Will, give her some time and you two will be able to work it out. If that's what you want." Xander said, the question left unspoken.
Angel looked at the younger man. As a teen-ager, Xander had always annoyed him, but had since become a friend. Xander's use of his old nickname let Angel know that Xander was still his friend.
"Willow is what I want. There was never any question about it." Angel said.
Xander nodded, and acknowledged Angel's claims. Angel and Willow would be able to patch things up, but the little part of the teen-age boy left in Xander couldn't help but hope Willow made him beg first. That thought brought a slight smirk to Xander's face, which Angel noticed immediately.
"And what are you smiling about?" Angel wanted to know.
"Just hoping Willow makes you crawl, dead-boy. Make no mistake about it, what Willow saw hurt her. I was just thinking of all the interesting possibilities she could use before taking your worthless hide back." Xander replied honestly.
"Glad to see you haven't lost all of your humor, prick-boy," Angel said, relieved that he hadn't lost Xander's friendship, "and I'll jump through hoops if that's what Willow wants."
"That's good to know. So, any word from Faith or Amy?" Xander asked.
"Not yet. They're supposed to check in soon though." Giles said as he headed into his office.
Angel turned his attention to Xander. He had heard the concern in the boy's voice when he'd asked about Amy.
"Worried?" Angel asked.
Xander turned to him, confused. "What? You mean about Willow?"
"No, I mean about Amy."
"Amy can take care of herself, why should I worry about her?" Xander asked.
"Same reason I'm worried about Willow. Because you love her."
Xander looked at Angel then stood with his back to the vampire. "Don't be ridiculous. My relationship with Amy is different. Ours is based on the physical, not the emotional. I haven't loved anyone since Cordy."
"Because you refuse to allow yourself to love, but I think it's already too late. I've seen the way you look at Amy, and the way she looks at you, it's more then just physical attraction, my friend."
"Angel, you're wrong......"
Angel shook his head, "Just think about what I've said, Xander. Don't deny yourself a chance at happiness. You know as well as any of us how quickly things change.....in our lives you can't do more then live day to day. Because you never know when it'll be your last.......or hers."
Xander again sat at the table, not saying anything. "Look, I'm going to go look for Willow. I'll be back soon."
Xander nodded, and watched as the vampire left. Angel was wrong......he didn't love Amy. She was his friend and his lover, but nothing more. He wouldn't allow himself to feel love again....it hurt too much when he lost it. Cordelia's death had changed him, and he swore he'd never allow anyone that close again.
When Giles emerged from his office, Xander put all thoughts of Angel's opinions out of his mind. He had too many other things to think about.......such as Willow's disappearance and the confrontation with Buffy. Xander no longer considered it a meeting, because there was no way it was going to be friendly.
Two hours later, Angel returned to the library. He'd had no luck finding Willow either. He had to hope that she'd show up for the meeting with Buffy. Angel sat down next to Xander, but said nothing. Xander's expression told Angel that he'd disregarded the conversation they'd had earlier.
Giles had just approached the table when Buffy entered the library. He watched as she sat down at the head of the table, her eyes once again glued to Angel. Giles glanced over at Xander and Angel and wasn't surprised to see that neither of them were looking at Buffy. Their eyes firmly fixed on the table.
"As soon as Willow gets here, we can start." Giles said.
"Are you sure she's coming? I wouldn't think she'd be want to be here to face us." Buffy replied.
Giles took a quick glance at the two men, but their fierce expressions were the only indication that they'd heard the comment. It was obvious that they weren't going to give Buffy the satisfaction of replying.
"*She's* not the one who has to face anyone. Willow did nothing wrong." Giles pointed out.
"Nothing wrong? She only turned the people closest to me against me. Then she tried to steal the man I love. I wouldn't call that *nothing*." Buffy said.
"You really amaze me, Buffy. When are you going to take responsibility for your own actions?" Giles asked.
Whatever response Buffy was about to make was cut off by the ringing of the phone. Giles answered it.
"Faith? What is it? What's wrong?" Giles asked worriedly.
Xander and Angel both sat up at the look on Giles face. Something had happened.
"Ok, where are you? Can you get her there by yourself?" Giles asked.
Xander and Angel exchanged confused glances, they couldn't tell what had happened.
"Willow's with you? Is she alright?"
At the mention of Willow's name, Angel approached Giles.
"Get there and don't move. We're on our way." Giles said then hung up the phone.
The others watched in silence as Giles grabbed the first aid kit and his jacket.
"Giles!? What's happened?" Angel asked.
"They were ambushed. All three of them are hurt, Amy more seriously then Faith and Willow. They're going to try to make it to," Giles glanced at Buffy, "someplace safe to hide."
Xander and Angel headed to the door, both numb at the thought that Amy and Willow were hurt. Their only thoughts were getting to them as quickly as possible. Giles grabbed some weapons, throwing them to Xander and Angel. Buffy stopped him as he headed to the door.
"I'm going with you." Buffy said.
Giles debated, but realized they didn't have time to argue with her. And they could use her Slayer abilities, even if she was rusty. The only thing that was important at that moment was getting to their injured friends.
"Fine, I don't have time to argue. Let's go."
Xander and Angel didn't spare Buffy a glance as they rushed out of the library. Giles led the way, with Buffy bringing up the rear. {This would be just like old times, and the others would realize it too.}
But while Buffy's thoughts were on how the situation could help her, the others were only concerned about getting to their loved ones. And the fears of what they would find when they got to them.
End Part 11
Giles led the group through the park and followed a path that would lead to some hidden caves. He'd shown them to the others a long time ago, and now was glad he had. For the first time since he'd known her, Faith had sounded scared. She hadn't told him exactly what happened, just that Willow and Amy were both hurt. Giles only knew that Faith was hurt by the sounds of her breathing....she was in pain. He never should've allowed Faith and Amy to patrol alone, but Buffy's appearance had disrupted everything. Giles stopped briefly to make sure the others were still behind him, and that they weren't being followed. He rushed forward into the caves, desperately needing to find Faith. In the years they had been together, she had changed his life alot. And he couldn't.....wouldn't think of his life without her in it.
Xander's mind kept replaying Giles' words.....'they're all hurt.....Amy more seriously then the others'. What had happened to her? How badly was she hurt? {Am I going to lose her too?} The thought that Amy might die chilled him to the bone. He'd felt that chill only once before......when Cordelia disappeared. Then hours later he'd found her body. Xander shook his head. Amy wasn't dead, she was just hurt. He tried to convince himself that she was fine. As he followed Giles, Angel's words rang in his ears......'you never know when it'll be your last.....or hers'. It was then that Xander finally acknowledged the truth to himself..........he loved Amy. {When the hell did that happen?} Xander couldn't pinpoint when his feelings for the witch had changed, but now that he realized it, was fate going to steal her away from him? Was he destined to lose another woman he loved?
As Angel followed closely behind Xander, his only thoughts were of Willow. She had to be alright. He couldn't survive without her in his life. Willow was everything to him.......his friend, his lover, his love. His mind filled with 'what if's', but he knew that it was his fault. If he hadn't lost his head, Willow wouldn't have been out on patrol, and she wouldn't be hurt. He'd just broken the second promise he'd made her. The first promise was that he'd never hurt her, which he broke when she found him in bed with Buffy; the second promise was that he'd protect her with his life, and now she was lying in a cave hurt, angry, and afraid. He had failed her. Angel began making silent bargains with God for Willow's safety.
Buffy followed behind the three men, feeling the adrenaline rush that she had missed in the last four years. She kept her eyes and ears open for any signs of attack, and kept in a defensive position. Although she saw this incident as a way to bridge the gap between her and her friends, she knew the situation was serious. None of them knew how badly Faith and the others were hurt, or what they'd find in the caves. Had they even made it that far or had they been captured or killed before they could reach safety? Buffy prayed that they would be safe. Even though she wasn't a fan of Faith's and barely knew Amy, she didn't want them hurt. And Willow had been her best friend, Buffy didn't want to see her die. {And if Willow dies, Angel will be bound by guilt to a ghost.} Buffy ignored the selfish remark and refocused her attention on her surroundings.
Buffy stood guard at the entrance while the guys went inside. It took a moment for their eyes to adjust to the dark, then they were blinded by a flashlight shone in their faces.
"Who's there?"
"Faith? It's us....are you alright?" Giles asked, shielding his eyes.
"Giles, we're over here." Faith said, lowering the flashlight beam.
Giles hurried over to Faith, and pulled her into his arms. She gripped his shoulders, then gasped in pain. Giles pulled away.
"What's the matter? Where are you hurt?"
"I'm fine. It's just my leg. I think it's broken." Faith said.
Giles took the flashlight, and checked her leg. Xander and Angel had moved up behind Giles.
"Faith, where's Amy and Willow?"
"Back in the next tunnel. I thought it would be safer for them back there." Faith said.
Xander and Angel rushed back to find Willow leaning against the cave wall with an unconcious Amy cradled in her arms. They rushed towards the two women.
"Willow? Are you awake?" Angel asked, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
Willow slowly opened her eyes, and noticed Xander and Angel for the first time. "Is Faith okay?"
"She's fine. Giles is with her now. Will, I'm going to lift Amy now." Xander said.
"Be careful. She was hit over the head, and she hasn't come to yet." Willow said.
Xander bent and gently lifted Amy into his arms. The soft light of the flashlight made it difficult to tell her condition, but she was breathing.....she was alive. That was enough for now. Xander tightened his hold on her body, and walked out of the cave.
"Willow, where are you hurt?" Angel asked.
"I'm alright, Angel." Willow whispered, not looking at Angel.
"Willow, please. What you saw isn't what you thought. I'll explain everything to you, but I need to get you out of here first." Angel said gently.
Willow closed her eyes, knowing that Angel was right. The vamps that had ambushed them may still be around, and they weren't in any shape to meet up with them again. "My stomach."
Angel's hand moved down to Willow's stomach, stopping when he felt the sticky substance. He'd smelled blood when he'd entered the cave, but had assumed it was Amy's.
"What happened?"
"One of them had a sword. It's just a scratch."
Angel doubted that the wound was as minor as she wanted him to believe. Yanking off his jacket, he wrapped it around her shoulders. He felt her stiffen when he lifted her into his arms, but he wasn't sure if it was from pain or because he was touching her. Cradling her close to his chest, Angel walked into the other cave. Willow turned her face into Angel's chest when she saw Buffy standing at the entrance, but no one else acknowledged the blonde Slayer's presence. The three men carried their precious cargo to Gile's house. Giles' phoned a doctor friend and they waited for him to arrive.
Giles, Xander, and Angel waited impatiently in the living room, while the doctor checked over each of the women. Buffy sat quietly in one of the chairs, deciding it was best to stay quiet for the moment. The doctor came back and let them know that everyone was going to be fine. Faith's leg hadn't been broken, merely sprained. Plus she had a few broken ribs, which he'd wrapped. Willow's gash on her stomach hadn't been as deep as suspected, but he had cleaned it and bandaged it. Amy's injury was a little more serious, but luckily she had regained consciousness. There was no sign that she had a concussion, but he told them that she should be woken up every few hours just to check. All three were bruised and battered, and would need rest, but their injuries were not life-threatening. The doctor left with the promise that he'd be back to check on them in the morning. Officially, the doctor had never been there, so he didn't have to report the strange incident. The doctor had made quite a few 'unofficial' visits during the last few years.
Xander and Angel both headed upstairs to see Amy and Willow, who had been put in seperate bedrooms. Giles waited until they left to turn to Buffy.
"I think it's best you leave. It's been a long night, and we all need rest. Our discussion will have to wait for another time." Giles said.
"Fine. Since Faith will be out of action for a couple days, I'll take over patrols."
Giles ran his hands through his hair. "If you do that, do it for the right reasons. Not because you think it'll earn you points with anyone."
"Giles, I......"
"I don't want to hear it, Buffy. I know that was on your mind when you came with us tonight, but let me tell you something. What you did tonight doesn't change a thing."
Buffy watched Giles walk down the hallway to the bedroom where Faith was resting. Despite what Giles had said, tonight had proven that they still needed her. She was home to stay. Buffy grabbed her coat and went back to her hotel. They'd come around soon enough......she was sure of it.
End Part 12
Giles walked into the bedroom and sat in the chair next to the bed. The doctor had given Faith some pain pills and she was sleeping peacefully. She would heal quickly and be back to cracking jokes in no time at all. Giles reached out and took her hand in his. Faith had been the only woman he'd cared about since Jenny. She had given his life meaning, showing him that they could still enjoy a life together, despite the dangers they faced. And he had nearly lost her. He'd ignored his own intuitions and allowed Faith and Amy to patrol alone. His focus had been distracted by Buffy, and he'd made a careless decision. Luckily, the situation worked itself out, and they were all safe. If anything had happened to Faith or the others, he would never have been able to forgive himself. Giles brought Faith's hand to his lips, gently kissing her knuckles. Then he leaned his head on the mattress, and thanked whoever was listening, that he hadn't lost Faith.
Xander stood in the doorway watching Amy lying deathly still. The doctor had told them that she needed rest. Xander walked to the side of the bed and gently sat down. Amy opened her eyes and turned to look at him. He reached out his hand to cup her cheek, and bent his head next to hers on the pillow. Amy touched his head, not understanding what was wrong with him.
"Xander?" Amy whispered.
"We'll talk later. You need to rest."
Xander kicked off his shoes, then laid down gently next to Amy. He pillowed his head on one arm, while the other arm draped across her stomach. Amy moved her hand to rest on his arm. When they had been surrounded in the park, her last thoughts were of Xander. She had been so afraid that she'd never see him again. Xander noticed the tears in Amy's eyes, and leaned down to kiss her cheek. She turned and looked into his eyes and gasped at what she saw there. For the first time, she saw love in his eyes.......love for her. Xander captured Amy's lips in a loving kiss, and gathered her into his arms. Amy drifted off to sleep while Xander laid there, holding tightly to the woman in his arms. He set his watch alarm for two hours, then allowed himself to drift off to sleep.
Willow was lying on her back, her eyes focused on the ceiling. Angel stood next to the bed, silently watching the woman he loved. She looked so pale and fragile. He pulled a chair next to the bed, but as he sat down he saw Willow turn on her side.....facing away from him. Angel dropped his head into his hands.
"Willow, please let me explain. What you saw was a mistake, and it'll never happen again."
"Do you....."
Angel leaned closer as Willow's sentence dropped off. "Do I what, Willow? You know you can ask me anything."
There was a moment of silence before she spoke again. "Do you still love her?"
"No. I love *you*." Angel replied without hesitation. He told Willow about the conversation he and Buffy had, and how he'd gotten caught up in the memories of the past. His body had reacted without thinking, and he'd responded to Buffy's advances. But, he stressed the point that it was a momentary lapse. Buffy had caught him off-guard, but it wouldn't happen again.
Angel moved to sit on the edge of the bed. "I desperately wanted to run after you, and as soon as the sun set I did. The only thing on my mind was finding you and making you understand that it wasn't what it looked like."
Willow still faced away from him, but he saw her shaking shoulders. Hesitantly, he moved his hand to her shoulder. "Willow, I'll do whatever I have to do to make this up to you. Just tell me I haven't lost you. Please?"
Angel didn't think Willow was going to respond. Her silence made him fear the worse. Tears gathered in his own eyes as he stood and walked toward the door. His stupidity had cost him dearly.
"I love you, Angel."
Angel was so caught up in his own anguish that he almost missed Willow's whispered admission. He turned to the bed and saw her watching him. Angel walked back to her and knelt beside the bed. His hand reached out to wipe away her tears.
"God, Willow, I love you too. More then you'll ever know."
Willow's eyes closed, and Angel saw the pain and exhaustion on her face. What she needed now was rest, not more talking. As long as he knew that she loved him, and was willing to work things out, he could wait.
"I better let you rest."
"Stay with me. Please?"
Angel nodded and bent to kiss her cheek. He walked over and closed the door, then sat down on the bed. Kicking off his shoes, he crawled into bed behind Willow. Careful to not touch her stomach, Angel moved up behind Willow, and carefully pulled her back into his arms. He moved his lips to her neck, gently nuzzling her.
"Are Faith and Amy okay?" Willow asked.
"They're both fine.....Xander and Giles are with them. The three of you scared us to death. We wouldn't allow ourselves to think that we'd lost you. *I* can't lose you."
"I'm right here, Angel. Seeing you with Buffy hurt so much, but it would hurt me more to lose you." Willow replied.
"I'd give anything to take those moments back. The last thing I ever want to do is hurt you, Willow. And I know we have more to talk about in order to clear the air. But I want you to know that I'm not going anywhere. You are the one I love......no one else. Now, just rest. You've been through alot lately."
Willow nodded and snuggled into Angel's embrace. She still had questions about Buffy and the scene she'd walked in on, but they would wait. Her eyes drooped until she finally quit fighting the drowsiness. She fell into a peaceful sleep, wrapped securely in her lover's arms.
End Part 13
Several days later:
Buffy sat at the picnic table watching Angel and Xander. They had refused to sit with her, but Buffy figured it would just take some time. After all, Giles had insisted that she not patrol alone and had sent Angel and Xander with her. That proved that they still cared about her. And it hadn't escaped her notice that Willow hadn't gone home with Angel yet. While Xander had taken Amy home the next day, Angel had left Willow at Giles'. In Buffy's mind that just proved that Angel would come back to her. She smiled at the progress she was making.
Angel and Xander leaned against the swingset. They hadn't wanted to come with Buffy, but Giles had been insistent. He didn't trust Buffy, and didn't want her patrolling alone.
"She looks awfully pleased with herself." Xander noticed.
Angel followed his friend's stare. Buffy was lost in her own thoughts, but she was smiling. "Why shouldn't she be? She thinks everything's turning around for her."
Xander turned to Angel. "You can't be serious. She actually believes that?"
"I didn't realize it either until Willow pointed it out. After the past couple days, she's fooled herself into seeing things the way she wants them."
"For example?" Xander asked. His mind had been on Amy since she'd been hurt so he hadn't paid much attention to what Buffy was doing.
"The fact that Giles insisted we come with her on patrol for one thing. Then there's the fact that Willow's still living at Giles' house."
Xander shook his head. "She obviously doesn't realize that you're staying there too."
"Nope, she thinks I'm still at the apartment."
In the days following the ambush, Angel and Willow had talked at length about their relationship and the feelings both of them had concerning Buffy's return. Willow believed Angel when he told her that he didn't have any lingering feelings for Buffy, but the memory of seeing them together continued to haunt her. Angel vowed to do whatever was necessary for them to get past that horrible incident, and finding a new apartment would be a new beginning. Someplace with no bad memories. So, while they looked for something, they were both staying with Giles and Faith.
"I'm glad you and Willow are working through this. I'd really hate to see Buffy ruin what you guys have."
"That'll never happen! She was a part of my past-------a past that is dead and buried."
Suddenly a group of vampires attacked. Xander and Angel fought as a team, while Buffy fought alone. It only took moments to destroy the enemy, and Buffy walked over to the guys, smiling.
"Nice teamwork, guys. Just like old times."
"Dream on, Bunny." Xander mumbled under his breath.
Angel snickered, but Buffy looked confused. "What did you say, Xander? I didn't get that." Buffy said.
"Big surprise. You haven't been 'getting' much of anything since you came here. This isn't your little dream world, so why don't you wake up already."
Buffy stood with her hands on her hips. "If you've got something to say, why don't you spit it out!"
"Why should I bother? You haven't listened to anything we've said so far." Xander pointed out.
"I'm just trying to get my life back on track. What's wrong with that?"
"Absolutely nothing......except your life isn't here anymore. In order to straighten out your life, you need to leave Sunnydale." Xander said.
"No, my life is here." Buffy said as she stared at Angel.
Xander shook his head, then turned to Angel. "Just like talking to a brick wall."
Angel noticed Buffy's stare but refused to acknowledge her. "She'll figure it out sooner or later......or she'll live a very lonely life."
Xander and Angel had turned to leave when Buffy ran up behind them. "Hey guys, wait up."
"Don't you have a motel room waiting for you?" Xander asked snidely.
"Shut up!"
"Back off, Buffy. It's been a long night and we both have people waiting for us." Angel said.
"I know you and Willow aren't together Angel. That proves you still want me."
Angel stood in front of Buffy, "You don't know what you're talking about. Willow and I are still together, and the only thing I want from you is your absence from my life!"
"But you haven't taken her home.......and she saw us together. She knows what it's like between us."
"That apartment wasn't our home, and until we find one, *both* of us are staying with Giles and Faith. And as for seeing you and I together, she realizes it was a mistake.....it was me being a jackass. What, did you thing she'd just walk away from me? Or that I'd let her go? You don't know anything about love, do you?" Angel asked.
Angel turned and walked away before Buffy could respond. Buffy watched him leave, stunned by the fact that he was still with Willow.
"Whatever devious thoughts are running through your brain, forget them."
Buffy turned to Xander, "You don't understand, Xander. You've never approved of my relationship with Angel."
"I understand more then you do. In the last four years, Angel and I have become good friends, but before that could happen, we had to sit down and clear the air between us. We talked about everything, including his relationship with you. But that was the past, he's with Willow now. Quit trying to interfere."
"So, she's willing to take him back, despite what she saw?"
"Willow and Angel trust each other."
"Then Willow's more naive then she was when I left. She's too blind to see that Angel still loves me, and I will get him back."
"You don't know when to quit, do you?" Xander asked.
"Stay out of this, Xander. I don't give a damn whether you approve or not. The only person who matters to me is Angel."
Xander walked away with without saying a word. He tried to remember a time when they'd all been friends, but it was too hard. Buffy had become more foe then friend.
Angel crawled into bed and stared down at his sleeping love. He'd made it clear to her that he was willing to beg if that's what it took, but she'd only smiled and shook her head. She had told him that she had other things in mind for his penance. Angel didn't care what it was she wanted him to do, he was willing to do anything to erase that haunted look in her eyes.....and put a smile back on her face.
Pulling Willow securely into his arms, Angel just wished Buffy would leave town. Her presence was putting all of them on edge, and sooner or later someone was going to snap.
End Part 14
Buffy stood in the shadows until she was sure everyone else had left the house. When she saw Giles leave, she went to the door and knocked. The door opened and she pushed past a stunned Willow.
"We need to talk." Buffy said as she walked over to the couch.
"There's nothing for us to talk about, Buffy." Willow said.
"We have four years to talk about. Four years that you've used to turn everyone against me!" Buffy yelled.
"I didn't turn anyone against you, Buffy. Excuse us if we were all too busy trying to survive and protect innocent people to pay homage to your memory!"
"You bitch! Just tell me what you did to Angel while I was gone!"
Willow dropped to the couch. The last thing she wanted to discuss with Buffy was Angel. "I didn't 'do' anything to him. After he got out of Hell, I was his friend. It wasn't until more then a year later that the friendship turned to love."
"Love? You honestly believe he loves you? Get real, Willow. You saw with your own eyes that Angel still loves *me*!"
"Then you don't know Angel very well. Look, this conversation isn't going to accomplish anything. No matter what I say, you've already made up your mind."
Buffy grabbed Willow by the arms, "You're right about one thing, and it's that I have made up my mind to get Angel away from you. And you know you don't stand a chance against me!"
Willow shook her head, and Buffy started shaking her. "You can deny it all you want, but all you have to do is look at us. Who in their right mind would prefer you over me? Certainly not someone like Angel." Buffy taunted.
Buffy never heard the door open. Her only indication of someone else being there was when strong arms grabbed her and tossed her into a chair. Buffy jumped up to face her attacker.
"Angel? What......?"
Buffy stared at Angel. He stood next to Willow, his face a mask of fury. Before she could say anything else, Giles walked into the room. Looking from Angel to Buffy to Willow, Giles knew that the invisible line had been crossed.
"Would someone care to tell me what's going on here?"
"I walked in to find her," Angel pointed at Buffy, "shaking Willow."
Giles saw Angel pull Willow into his arms, then turned his attention to Buffy. Her gaze was glued to Angel, as she absently rubbed her arms.
"Angel, why don't you and Willow head to the library. The others will meet you there soon." Giles said.
"What about you?" Angel asked.
"I'll be along in a moment. I have something to say to Buffy."
Angel nodded, then wrapped his arm protectively around Willow, and walked out without looking at Buffy.
Buffy started after them only to be stopped by Giles. "Let me go, Giles. I have to explain it to him."
"No, all you have to do is sit down and shut up! For once, you are going to listen." Giles said angrily.
Buffy was too stunned by his outburst to do anything but sit down.
"Ever since you came back, you've been concerned with only yourself. What you've been through, what you want. Have you ever thought about what we've been through? Do you care that Willow nearly died? Or that Xander nearly self-destructed after Cordelia's death?"
"Giles, listen....."
"No, you listen. You came here expecting us to welcome you back with open arms, but too much had happened. You wouldn't listen to us then, and now you've made things worse. Maybe, with time, you would have been able to regain a place in our lives, but that's impossible now. You've destroyed any chance you might have had. From this moment on, you are dead to us. That means I don't want you at the library or in my house. I can't force you to leave town, but stay away from us. And that includes Angel."
Buffy stood and faced her Watcher. "I won't! Angel is my life and I won't lose him."
"You already have, Buffy. You lost Angel four years ago when you walked away from him......from all of us. Keep your distance or I can't guarantee your safety."
"Are you threatening me, Giles? You don't scare me."
"Don't underestimate what we're capable of, Buffy."
Buffy walked to the door, then stopped. "I'm here to stay....and I will take back what's mine."
Giles watched Buffy walk out of the house. He phoned the library and told them he was on his way. Giles left the house and headed to the library, unaware of Buffy following him.
Giles looked around the room at the only true friends he had. They had faced the dangers of the Hellmouth together, and they would face Buffy together. As Faith wrapped her arms around him from behind, he gripped her hands.
"It's possible that Buffy could become dangerous. She's obsessed with getting Angel back, so we'll all need to keep our eyes open and watch each other's backs." Giles said.
"Do you really think she'd hurt anyone?" Willow asked.
Angel pulled Willow into his arms. "I won't let her hurt you anymore then she already has. If she becomes a problem, we'll have to figure out a way to deal with her."
Willow shuddered at the implications, and tightened her hold on Angel. She would have to let go of her memories of the Buffy she'd known, because the Buffy that had returned was not their friend. Willow glanced over at Xander and knew that he was thinking the same thing.
When Cordelia and Oz died, both Willow and Xander had been devastated. Neither thought they'd ever love again, but they had found new loves. Angel and Amy were their loves, and they wouldn't let Buffy destory that. They would fight for their futures, just as they'd fought for their lives.
Buffy stood outside the library, watching the occupants. She knew they were talking about her, trying to figure out how to get her to leave Sunnydale. They figured if they froze her out that she'd leave. Well, they could think again. When she'd first come home, she'd wanted everything to go back to the way things had been. But now that had changed. Buffy no longer cared if Xander, Giles, and the others were in her life or not. They had taken Willow's side over hers, and they could go to Hell as far as she was concerned. The only who mattered to her was Angel.
Buffy's anger built as she watched Willow sitting on Angel's lap. She wanted to run in and throw Willow on the floor, but she forced herself to remain still. {I left and Willow jumped into my place, but I'm back and I want my place back.} Glaring at Willow through the glass, Buffy vowed that she wouldn't let anyone stand in her way. If Willow tried to interfere, then she'd get hurt.
Nothing and no one was going to prevent her from getting Angel back. They belonged together, and he knew it as well as she did. {He's mine, Willow......he's always *been* mine, and he'll always *be* mine.} Buffy smiled as she thought about the day she and Angel would be together again.....and Willow would be no where in the picture.
It would just be a matter of time........and Buffy would be patient. Because the prize was worth the wait.
The End