Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: Angel, Willow and co. do not belong to me. They are the property of Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, and the WB. All characters are used without permission. No copyright infringement intended.
Spoilers/Warnings: Season two. Angel has his soul back, and the Xander/Willow thing never happened.
< > Indicates thoughts.
Summery: What happens when you combine a trip to Las Vegas, alcohol and two lovesick people...Trouble.
Feedback: Yes please, I love it! It's been a long time since I've posted and I need an ego boost!:)
Notes: Okay, this was a piece I wrote for the Angel Heart Zine a little over a year ago, but wasn't allowed to post until now. Hope you like it!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
As Angel patrolled through the park lost in his own thoughts, he slowly became aware of the sound of crying.
Pushing his troubles aside he went in search of the individual, knowing that if he didn't find them that something much worse would.
Moving past an overgrown bush, he found the source of the sound, though it had become quieter and harder to hear.
Sitting alone on a bench was a woman, her head in her hands as she sobbed quietly.
Walking towards her, he noticed a sliver of red hair peaking out from underneath the hood that covered her head.
A slight feeling of recognition hit him but he pushed it aside. After all, Willow would not be foolish enough to be out this late alone.
Approaching the girl, he reached out and touched her shoulder, to alert her to his presence.
Stiffening at his touch, she slowly got up from the bench and reached into her jacket.
Getting no more of a response from her he started to reach out again when suddenly she spun around and shoved a cross in his face.
Jumping back, he tripped over a fallen tree branch and ended up flat on his back.
"Ouch!"
He was trying to get up to defend himself when suddenly someone rushed to his side.
"Oh my god! Are you okay? I'm so sorry Angel. I didn't know it was you."
Looking up from his efforts he was surprised at who he found.
"Willow?"
"Oh Angel I really am sorry!"
"Hey," Angel said and he finally managed to stand. "It's okay, no harm done."
"But I could have hurt you!"
"But you didn't. What I do want to know though is what you're doing out at the park in the middle of the night."
"Well." Willow trailed off.
"Willow, what is it? What's the matter. Did someone hurt you?" he said.
"No...no I'm fine Angel. Never better. Look, I'm sorry for what I did. I'll just go home okay, so you don't have to worry." Willow said as she started to walk past Angel.
Grabbing her arm lightly as she walked by, he turned her to face him.
"No you don't Willow. I'm not letting you go anywhere till I know you're okay. And before you say anything, you're not okay. I can see that for myself. Now come on, why don't we go back to my place and we can talk about it."
Sensing that he was not going to let the matter drop, Willow nodded her head and let him lead her to the mansion.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Unlocking the door, Angel motioned for Willow to go inside. Following behind her, he shut the door and led her over to the couch.
After they had both taken a seat Angel looked at Willow for a long moment before speaking.
"So Willow, do you want to tell me what's the matter?"
"Not really. Anyway, I'm just being silly."
"Willow, you'd feel better of you talked about it. Besides, if it got you this upset I doubt it's silly."
Looking at him, Willow pondered for a moment whether to tell him or not. Realizing that she did need to talk about it with somebody, and Angel was as good as anyone she nodded her head.
"Okay I'll tell you."
"Good."
"Well okay. Well, you know that Oz and I were going out right? Well, last week he broke up with me. He said that he needed to 'find himself'. And that he couldn't do that if he was with me. He promised though that it'd only be for a little while." Willow, said, feeling the tears well up in her eyes again.
"Well, I agreed and everything because I believed him. Then tonight, when I was walking home from the Bronze I saw Oz's van outside. So I went over to say hi to him, to see if he was okay."
"And?" Angel prompted, reaching out to wipe the tears away that were now falling down her face.
"And, I looked though the window to see if he was there and I saw him in the back kissing another girl. So...so that's when I ran to the park and-." Willow said, breaking off as she could no longer hold back the sobs that overcame her.
His heart going out to her, he moved closer and held her in his arms, trying to offer what comfort he could.
Once her cries had subsided, she whispered. "See, I told you it was silly."
Shaking his head, Angel disagreed.
"No, it's not Willow. It's perfectly natural. Trust me, I know."
"What do you mean?" she asked, looking up at him.
Sighing to himself, he spoke. "Well, about a week ago, Buffy came to see me and told me we needed some time apart again. I agreed to it like I always do, knowing it was what she needed. Then, a few days later I went to patrol for any lurking vampires when I saw her with some guy from around school. So believe me I know how you feel."
"But you weren't mad?"
"No, not really. I was more hurt then anything. I mean one minute she was telling me she loved me with everything she was, and then she's with some other guy."
"I'm sorry." Willow whispered.
"Don't be Willow. It was for the best. I know that. But it still hurts."
"I know. That's why I'm so upset. I just don't want to have to go out and see them together. I just wish I could be somewhere else for a while."
"Well" Angel said after thinking about it for a moment, "I've got some business in Las Vegas to take care off. You can come with me if you'd like."
"You...you'd want to take me with you?"
"Well, you don't have to if you don't want to." Angel said, suddenly unsure if he should have made the offer.
"No...no it's not that, its just are you sure you'd want me there, moping around?"
"Well, I would need someone who was good with computers over there so you could help me if you 'd want. You'd be so preoccupied with that that you wouldn't even have time to think about Oz."
Biting on her lip for a moment, Willow was unsure if she should go. Realizing that it was that or running into Oz when she wasn't ready her she made her mind up.
"Okay, sure. We can dwell on our pain together. Besides, my parents are away for the next month or so."
"Great. Look, I leave tomorrow night. I'll walk you home okay, and pick you up just after sunset? Is that okay?"
"It's fine, I'll be all packed and waiting for you."
"Perfect."
And with that, Angel led Willow out of the mansion and walked her home, before returning and finishing his own packing.
The following evening...
Willow carried the last of her bags down the stairs and placed them by the door. Walking into the living room, she sat down of the couch and waited for Angel to arrive.
As the sun began to set, Willow's mind quickly began to fill with doubts over whether or not she was doing the right thing. She knew that running away from her problems was not the thing to do, but she also knew she could not face seeing Oz just yet either.
Besides, she had always wanted to see Las Vegas, just hadn't expected it to be with Angel.
Which is where another doubt came in. She was going with Angel. Although she liked Angel and considered him a friend and had even become closer over the past few months, there were still some moments of uncomfortable silence between them, when neither knew what to talk about. The positive part of her brain told her it would be an opportunity to get to know him better, the other part however was telling her it could end up a disaster.
She didn't have time to dwell on the subject any longer however as the doorbell rang. Getting up, she walked over and opened the door and was greeted by Angel.
Inviting him in, she gave him a shaky smile.
"You all ready to go?" Angel asked.
"Um...yeah."
"You haven't changed your mind have you? Because it's okay if you did."
" I know it is, but I haven't. I'm jut a little nervous."
"Let me guess why... You're worried because we're not that close and you're wondering if we'll get along okay. Am I right?"
"Actually, yes."
"Don't worry about it. I thought the same thing for a while. But look at it as an opportunity for our friendship to expand."
"Okay," she said, smiling in relief that he felt the same way.
"Okay then. Are these you're bags Willow?" he said pointing to the small pile by the stairs.
"Yep, I think I've got everything."
"Well, if you have forgotten anything, we can always get it there. Have you told Giles and everyone that you won't be here? I don't want them to get worried."
"Yep. I told them I was visiting my aunt for a while, so they'll be okay."
"Alright then, let's go." Angel said as he grabbed Willow's bags and carried them out to the car.
Once the bags were safe and the house was secure, Willow and Angel climbed into his car and headed for the airport to begin their trip.
End Part 1
The Airport...
Leading Willow through the airport doors, he silenced her worries about leaving their luggage in the car, assuring her that it would be taken car of and she didn't have to worry about it.
Noticing that Willow was starting to head over to the checking in counter, he gently tugged on her arm and stared her in the other direction.
"But Angel, we have to check in!" Willow protested as Angel lead her through a set of doors.
"Don't worry about it Willow, we don't need to check in."
"But if we want to catch the plane we have too-"
"We're not catching that plane Willow." Angel said cutting her off.
"What do you mean we're not catching the plane. I don't understand."
We're not catching that plane," He said as he led her thought another door out into the open, "because we're catching this one."
Looking across the runway, Willow saw a small private jet waiting for them.
"What...how could you afford this?"
"Well, you're not around as long as I am without making a few investments." He said as he led her towards the jet. "And before you ask, all our luggage is already on board, okay?"
"Uh huh," Willow said, too preoccupied in trying to take in all that was happening.
Guiding her up the steps, Angel led her to their seats and watched as she absorbed everything as they waited for the plane to take off.
Several hours later...
"Willow...Willow? Time to wake up. We're here."
"What?" Willow said groggily as she came too.
"I said we're here Willow."
"So soon?"
"Willow, you've been asleep for hours. Almost the whole trip."
"Oh." Willow said as she got up out of her seat.
Taking her hand, Angel led her down the steps and across the runway, until she woke up fully.
Leading her over to a car, Angel opened the door for Willow before getting in himself and telling the driver where to go.
Getting out of the car, Willow looked up in awe at where they were staying. It was one of the most expensive hotels in Vegas and as with most of them, included with a casino.
Walking up the steps together, they entered the building. As Willow wandered about the foyer looking at everything through the eyes of a child at Christmas, Angel walked over to the reception and picked up the keys for their rooms and had someone take their bags up to them as well.
"Willow." he said, attracting her attention. "Do you want to see your room?"
Nodding her head, Willow walked back over to Angel, eyes still full of wonder.
Walking into the elevator, Angel pressed the button for their floor, and turned to face Willow.
"So, do you like it?"
"Like it? Angel I love it. I've never seen anything like this before in my life, let alone stayed in something like it!" Willow said, rocking on her heels in excitement.
"I also see you're not tired anymore." Angel said, unable to hide the smile at her behavior.
"Nope! I could stay up all night!"
Before Angel could answer, the doors opened to their floor and Willow and Angel walked out. Checking their room numbers, Angel led Willow towards them.
"You and me are staying next to each other okay. So if you have a problem, you just let me know. Also, I've had our stuff brought up so you're bags should be in your room okay?"
"Great, thanks Angel."
"No problem. Oh, here we are." Angel said pointing to their rooms.
"This ones yours and this is mine okay. I'll drop by after I've unpacked to make sure you're okay."
"Thanks Angel." Willow said as she took the key for him. "See you in a while."
And with that, they both disappeared into their rooms.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Willow was just putting the last of her clothes away when she heard a knocking at the door. Walking across the room, she opened the door and found Angel at the other side.
"I just came to make sure you were okay. Is everything here alright?"
"Angel, it's better than alright!" Willow said as she walked back into the room with Angel following her. "It's lovely. The room's beautiful, and since I came here I haven't even thought about Oz, only I just did, but before that I-"
"I know what you mean Willow. I'm glad you like it."
"Yep. But the only problem is I can't sleep now I had that nap on the plane. Do you want to go exploring with me?"
"Sure, why not." Angel said, seeing as he was about to do just that anyway.
"Great. Let's go then." Willow said leaving the room with Angel following behind her.
As the exited the elevator to the ground floor, Willow and Angel walked into the casino and began to wander about, getting a feel for the place. When they both had a rough idea of the layout, they split up to take a look by themselves, Angel to phone his business partner, and Willow to explore.
After Angel had made his phone call, which had taken longer than expected, he went off in search of Willow, sure that she would be getting tired by now.
He was just walking past the bar when he heard a familiar laugh from that direction.
Turing around slowly, Angel's worst fears were confirmed as he saw Willow perched on a bar stool, well past being tipsy.
Walking over to her, he took her glass from her hand and turned the stool so she faced him, causing Willow to giggle and she was moved.
Looking up, she saw Angel and smiled.
"Hiya Angel!" she said cheerfully.
"Willow, what are you doing?" Angel whispered unable to believe his eyes.
"What does it look like I'm doing Angel?"
"It look's like you're doing something you shouldn't be. You're not even old enough to drink Willow!"
"Nope. But the guy over there didn't say nothing so-"
"Willow," Angel said cutting her off. "Why would you do this?"
"Because, I was all happy and everything, and then I started to think about mean old Oz and that...girl he was with. And it got me all depressed and then someone bought me a drink and then another, and after they left I got my own. And now I'm all happy see!" Willow said, before bursting into giggles again.
Groaning to himself, Angel swallowed the contents of her glass and went to help Willow to her room.
"Hey, what are you doing!" Willow asked.
"I'm taking you to bed, before you do something you'll regret."
"Why, I thought you'd understand, seeing as Buffy's screwing her new boyfriend."
"Screw...sleeping with him. What are you talking about?"
"Oops. I wasn't meant to tell. She made me promise."
"Wait, you're telling me that she's sleeping with that guy while she says she just needs some space from me?"
"Uh huh," Willow said, looking at her hands.
Rubbing his forehead Angel said, "Bartender, another drink for the lady and a scotch please. Actually, you'd better make it a double."
Looking up, Willow hopped back onto her chair and laughed in delight as another drink was place in front of her.
"I thought you said no more." Willow said as she picked up her drink.
"I changed my mind." Angel said.
"Here's to us. All the better for being single." He said, clinking glasses with Willow before downing his drink, letting the liquid burn down his throat and into his stomach.
"Another over here." He said, motioning for the bartender. "And you'd better leave the bottle."
End Part 2
The next afternoon...
Angel slowly awoke to a dull thumping in his temples. Groaning, he tried to remember what had caused it. It was then that the memory of him and Willow getting completely and utterly rat arsed came to the front of his mind. Although for some reason, everything after that was a blank.
Realizing that if he felt this bad with his vamperic healing ability's that Willow would have the hangover from hell when she woke up, he rolled over and was about to get out of bed when he felt something touching his foot.
Feeling around for a moment, he realized it was actually a person's leg.
A feeling of dread rising in his stomach, Angel opened his eyes and turned over, confirming his worst fears when he saw Willow lying next to him in bed. Naked. And to make matters worse, she had a freshly made bite mark on her neck, killing all hopes that she had just fallen asleep with him. Checking, he was relieved to find a pulse, so he knew he at least he hadn't turned her.
Deciding it was best if he got dressed and brought her some clothes before he woke her, he rolled out of the other side of the bed.
Reaching for his watch on the bedside table, Angel noticed a slip of paper that had not been there before. Reaching out for it, and sat back to own the bed in shock after he read what it was.
It was a marriage certificate, certifying the union of one Angelus Kiren O'Brian to Willow Ann Rosenberg.
It was just then that Willow started to stir.
End Part 3
As Willow slowly awoke the first that she was aware of was the dull pounding in her temples.
Groaning, she opened her eyes only to close them again a moment later as they were exposed to the light around her.
Sinking deeper into the bed, Willow reached for the covers to hide from the world when she instead came into contact with something. Something cold, and hard and that felt like an arm.
Slowly running her hand upwards Willow's stomach started to fill with panic as she came into contact with something that felt a lot like a shoulder.
<A person's shoulder. >
Her panic growing, mixed in with a good helping of fear and dread, Willow sat up and turned towards the person and opened her eyes.
<Oh god! > Willow thought shocked as she tried to take in the sight before her.
"Will-" Angel said, trying to warn her of her current state of undress.
"A...Angel?!" Willow said alarmed. "Wh...what's going on? Why are you in bed with me?"
Shivering slightly in coldness, Willow went to pull the covers around her when she realized she was naked.
Horror masking her face, Willow immediately pulled the sheet around her body to cover herself.
"Oh...oh god, I'm...I'm naked!" Willow said, panic in her voice. "Why am I naked?"
"Willow-"
"What...what's going on? Oh god what have we done? I don't even know what we did, I can't even remember what we did!" Willow said. "I...I have to go!"
And with that Willow got out of the bed, the sheet still firmly tied around her.
"Willow wait!" Angel said as he got up. "We need to talk about this. There's something I need to...Willow...Willow?"
Getting no reply from her, Angel got worried and walked around the bed to stand in front of
her.
"Willow? Willow what is it?" he said, taking her by the arm gently.
"Angel...Angel you're...um." Willow said trailing off, still unable to look at him.
Following her gaze, Angel soon realized that he was still naked, not having time to get dressed before she woke, and that he had been walking in front of the teen with everything on show.
Quickly walking over to the other side of the room, he retrieved he discarded trousers and slipped them on before returning to Willow's side.
"Um, look Willow," Angel said awkwardly, "Why don't you go into the bathroom and get changed while I sort out in here. And after that we can discuss this okay?"
"Okay." Willow said as she hurriedly gathered her clothes together and headed into the bathroom.
Waiting until Willow had closed the bathroom door, Angel quickly finished getting dressed and started to straighten up the room.
He had just finished when he heard the bathroom doorknob start to turn. Taking one final look around, Angel quickly spotted the marriage Certificate and tucked it into his trouser pockets.
Watching as Willow exited the bathroom, they stared at one another for a moment, neither sure what to say.
Finally deciding that they had to talk about this sometime Angel walked over to the sofa and sat down, motioning for Willow to join him.
Looking at the sofa for a moment Willow finally sat down at the opposite end and turned to face Angel.
Slightly upset at her sitting so far away from him, Angel pushed those feelings aside and spoke to Willow.
"Willow look, I know this is odd-"
"Odd? Angel I wake up next to you naked and you think this is odd?"
"Okay," Angel conceded. "Maybe odd is the wrong word."
"Angel, just tell me what happened." Willow pleaded.
"I wish I could Willow, but I know just as little as you do. The last thing I remember, we were in the bar drowning our sorrows." Angel said. "Besides, I'm still me, soul fully in tact. So nothing could have happened."
<Because I'm damn sure I'd lose my soul over you. > Angel thought.
<Wait a minute, where the hell did that thought come from? > Angel wondered, until he was broken out of his thoughts by Willow's voice.
"Your soul is permanent."
"Excuse me?" Angel said, not sure if he had heard her correctly.
"You soul," Willow repeated. "You can't lose it."
"I...I can't?"
"No. I...I was going to tell you sooner, but I only found out the other day and never got a chance to tell you. I'm sorry."
"Sorry, for what?" Angel asked confused.
"For not finding out sooner. Perhaps if I had you and Buffy-"
"Would still have broken up."
"But-"
"No Willow. It could never of worked out. We were never meant to be, I see that now."
"Yeah well maybe. Besides, it still doesn't help us with our current situation does it."
"No, I guess not." Angel said fidgeting.
"Yeah..."
"Look Willow," Angel said standing up, "I can't lie to you. After how I found us this morning-"
"You think we slept together." Willow said quietly.
"Yes," Angel said lowering his head. "Especially considering the evidence."
"Evidence?" Willow asked.
"This," Angel said crouching down in front of her. Reaching up, he slowly brushed his hands across the bite mark on her neck drawing her attention to it.
Shivering slightly at his touch, Willow reached her hand up to her neck, and placed it on neck where Angel's had been only moments before. Not being able to find what he was talking about, Willow was about to speak when Angel's hand suddenly covered her own and guided it to the mark.
Running her hand along it, Willow removed her hand and looked at Angel.
"Angel I don't understand. You have your soul. Why...why would you have bitten me?"
"Willow," Angel said not really wanting to discuss it at that moment. "You must know about what happens during sex involving vampires right?"
"Uh yeah, pr...pretty much." Willow said blushing a deep shade of red that matched her hair.
"Well, in that case, you probably know that one of the things that is involved is biting. Especially when a vampire um, well you know." Angel said trailing off, not wanting to embarrass Willow further.
"Oh...right, well I guess we can't deny what happened then can we." Willow said sighing.
"Yeah. Um Willow, there's also one more thing I have to tell you."
"What is it Angel?"
"Well," Angel said as he took Willow's hands in his own, "after I woke up this morning I found something-"
"What?"
"This." Angel said as he removed the document from his pocket and handed it to Willow.
Taking it, Willow slowly unfolded it and gasped as she realized what it was.
"An...Angel, wh...what...is this real?"
"Yes Willow, it's very real. We're married. Look I'll-"
"No!" Willow said as she pushed Angel away from her and jumped up of the sofa, only to clutch her head as the pounding that had been subsiding came back again at full force.
"Willow look, I know you're upset, but I'm sure we can undo this. I mean I didn't want this to happen either."
"Oh god," Willow said, not registering what Angel was saying. "What will my parents say, or my friends or Buffy! She'll kill me!"
"Willow, Buffy and I aren't together anymore."
"But...but still you're her ex boyfriend and...and anyway we could go and find away to undo it, I'm sure. Then everything will be okay and we'll never have to see each other again."
"What? Willow what are you talking about. Why wouldn't I want to see you again? You're my friend."
"Why? We'll you seem pretty eager to get rid of me. Not that I blame you, I mean you wake up to find not only have you slept with, but are married to someone like me. I mean it's not exactly the things dreams are made of Angel."
"Willow, why are you talking about your self like that? Why would you think that no one...that I wouldn't want you? Don't you see how special you are?"
"Oh yeah right. Little mousy me. I can see the guys running now...the other way."
"Willow," Angel said walking closer to her, "you're not yourself at the moment. You have a hangover and to top it all off you find all this out. Look, I'm sorry for what ever I implied. But I can tell you that being married to you, being with you isn't what I would consider bad."
"Yeah right-"
"Listen to me," Angel said cutting her off. "When I woke up and realized what had happened, I was expecting Angelus to come and take over at any second. And when it didn't happen I started to wonder if we had even done anything. Because no matter what you say or think, I would have lost my soul over you."
"Angel, you don't mean that. You're just saying that to try to make me feel better. I...I have to go." Willow said as she started to walk past Angel towards the door, ignoring the pain in her head.
Reaching out as Willow walked past, Angel gently got hold of her arm and pulled her back over to him.
""Angel, what are you doing? Let me go!"
"No, not until I can get through to you. We can't push this aside Willow, this happened. You have to deal with it, with the fact that we were together and the fact that we're married. You can't just leave and make it all go away."
"But-"
"No buts Willow. Look, it's almost sunset. Why don't we go out and take a walk and talk about this?"
"Okay." Willow agreed, looking up into Angel's eyes. For the first time noticing how close Angel was to her.
"An...Angel?" Willow questioned.
"Yes?" Angel replied quietly, seemingly caught up in the same spell as she was.
Looking down at her, Angel could feel himself falling into her eyes, going deeper and deeper as his surroundings started to fade around him.
Both leaning forward till the foreheads touched, Angel was so close to her that he could feel her breath on his lips.
Just as he started to inch his mouth closer to hers, there was a knock on the door and the two of them flew apart.
Quickly slipping her shoes on, Willow headed towards the door and told Angel she was going to get some fresh air. Before Angel had the chance to answer her, she was gone.
Staring at the doorway blankly for a moment, Angel realized that someone was still standing there. Focusing on them Angel tried to shake the haze from his mind.
"Can I help you?" Angel said looking at the bellboy.
"Um yes sir. When we were cleaning up last night this was found." The young man said handing Angel an envelope. "You or your companion must have dropped it when you returned from your trip."
"How do you know it belongs to us?" Angel questioned.
"Well, one of our staff remembers seeing it on your friend and so it was pretty easy."
"Thank you." Angel said as the man disappeared.
Shutting the door, Angel walked back over to the sofa and sat down. Opening the envelope, Angel opened it up and took the object out.
There lying in his hand was a ring. A gold band with ten star like diamonds at intervals around it.
<A wedding ring. > Angel thought.
End Part 4
Willow stepped outside the doors to the hotel and took a deep breath, letting the late afternoon air help clear her mind and the last remaining trails of her hangover.
Walking down the main steps, Willow headed down the street.
Just a few moments ago, she had fled his hotel room and out into the sunlight knowing that Angel would be unable to follow her.
She already felt guilty about leaving him up there, when they had so much to discuss.
But fear had over took her. Fear of what they had done and fear of what that ad been about to do.
<I almost kissed him, and I don't know why. > Willow thought.
She didn't know why, but back in that room all she had wanted to do was to have him hold her in his arms and take care of her.
<And then we almost kissed. I don't know why. I was just drawn to him or something. > Willow thought as she turned a corner.
<Why did I do that? Angel had just told me that we *had* slept together, that he had bit me and that we are married and I wanted to kiss him. >Willow thought as her hand absently trailed up to the bite marks on her neck.
Shivering, Willow was drawn away from her thoughts and looked up at the sky, for the first time noticing that the sun was begging to set. Turning around, Willow started to head back to the hotel and to Angel.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
After returning to the hotel, Willow had gone back to her room to change and examine the mark on her neck.
After cleaning it up slightly, Willow had gathered the things she would need for the evening and had headed out of her room.
Coming up to Angel's door, Willow knocked and slowly entered Angel's room and walked into the room looking for him.
Not being able to see him, Willow was getting worried when she heard the sound of his voice.
"I'll be out in a minute Willow. Have a seat."
"Okay." Willow replied as she walked over to the sofa and took a seat.
As she waited for Angel to emerge, Willow fiddled nervously with her hands.
"Willow."
Willow jumped in her seat as she heard her name being called and turned around to find Angel leaning in the bathroom doorway looking at her.
"A...Angel." Willow said standing up.
Noticing her nervousness, Angel decided not to start talking about what had happened between them right away.
"Have you eaten yet?" Angel asked.
"Um...no, not since last night."
"Well then, why don't we get you something to eat before we talk about anything else okay?"
"Sure." Willow agreed.
"Well, here's the menu. Choose whatever you want and just pick up the phone and tell them okay. I'm just going to go and...um."
"Okay," Willow said, knowing that Angel meant that he was going to feed.
Nodding his head in thanks, Angel handed Willow the menu and left to go and retrieve some blood bags before disappearing into the bathroom to drain them.
Deciding that she wasn't very hungry, even though she hadn't eaten in a while, Willow choose a simple salad and picked up the phone to order it.
By the time Angel had returned, Willow's food had arrived. And she was quickly finishing it off, realizing that she was hungrier than she had first thought.
"So, how was your food Willow?" Angel asked breaking the ice.
"It was great thanks. Yours...oh, never mind." Willow said.
Giving Willow one of his rare smiles he walked over and took a seat next to her.
"Angel, I'm sorry about running off like I did. I was just-"
"You don't need to explain Willow," Angel said cutting her off. "I understand you needed some time alone."
"Thanks."
"No problem. Look Willow, the bellboy who was at the door when you left, he gave me something. Something he said we lost."
"What?"
"This." Angel said as he picked the envelope off the coffee table and retrieved the ring.
"Oh my god!" Willow exclaimed, when she saw the ring. "Are you sure it belongs to us?"
"I'm sure." Angel said. "See, look at this."
Handing Willow the ring, he pointed to the inside.
Looking at where he had pointed, Willow noticed an engraving. Taking a closer look, she read what it said.
'To my beloved Willow, always- Angel'
Looking back at him she spoke.
"Angel, I don't understand. We got married last night. How could we have gotten a ring and had it engraved already? Besides, where would we have gotten the money?"
"Well, there's a jewelry shop downstairs, my guess is that we got it there. It's open till late. And besides, you should know by now that money wouldn't really have been a problem."
"I guess." Willow said.
"Look Willow, I know this how difficult and uncomfortable this is, but we're going to have to talk about this."
"I know." Willow said sighing.
"Look, why don't we go for a walk and talk about it."
"Sounds like a plan." Willow said as she got up.
Talking the ring back off Willow, he slipped it into his pocket as he stood up and followed her out the room.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Willow and Angel walked down the street in silence, both lost in their own thoughts on this matter.
As they approached a small secluded area, Angel looked up and turned towards Willow.
"Why don't we take a seat?"
Nodding her head in agreement, they took a seat on a nearby bench.
Sitting in silence for a moment, Angel took an unneeded breath and faced Willow.
"Willow, before I say anything else, I want to apologize for the way I acted earlier in the hotel room. I should never of tried to kiss you after what happened, I don't know what came over me."
"Angel, you don't have to-"
"Yes I do Willow. I mean after everything that has happened in the past day, I had no right to even think about such things."
"Angel it's okay." Willow said. "I understand. I feel the same way." "You do?" Angel asked.
"Yes. When we were back there, I don't know why but I just couldn't stop what was going on. Part...part of me didn't want to either." Willow confessed.
"It didn't?"
"No. Ugh, I don't know, I don't understand any of this."
"It's okay Willow, just calm down. We'll figure this out. Why don't we start by you telling me everything you remember and we'll work form there."
"Um, okay. Well, the last thing I remember, I was taking a look around while you were on the phone, and I started to think about Oz and everything that had happened. I got really upset and I somehow ended up at a bar. I was only going to have a drink of soda or something but someone brought me a drink instead and I just couldn't be bothered to say no. The next thing I remember, I saw you and you were telling me we had to go. After that I don't remember anything. But I take it from our situation, we didn't go back right away."
"No, we didn't. Although I don't remember much more than you do I'm afraid."
"What do you remember?" Willow asked.
"Well, I remember finding you sitting at the bar drunk, and as I was about to take you back, you told me about what was going on between Buffy and that guy. I ended up ordering us another drink each and after that...well I think we both know what happened afterwards."
"Yeah."
"Look Willow, it was my fault. I should have taken you back when I first found you, I didn't. Instead I seduced you or something. I understand if you hate me for what happened. I don't blame you, it's how I feel."
"Why, why do you always do that?"
"Do what?" Angel asked confused.
"Always blame yourself. You always assume everything's your fault. How do you it wasn't me who seduced you?"
"Willow, come on. I know you would of never of done that unless I talked you into it somehow."
"And stop telling me what I feel!"
"Willow-"
"No. How do you know how I feel Angel? You don't. How do you know that I didn't want this?!"
"Willow," Angel exclaimed standing up. "You were drunk."
"Yes, and so were you. Anyway it's a proven fact that when people are under the influence of alcohol, they lose their reservations and inhibitions and stuff. How do you know what I was thinking? For all you know this could have been what I wanted!"
"Willow, I'm a monster. You could never have wanted me. Besides, look at yourself. You aren't acting like yourself at all."
"Why? Because I'm speaking my mind? Because I'm not being all shy and quiet like you expect me to be?" Willow said. "Angel, this is me. I'm exactly the same person that you've always known. I'm just not afraid to tell you what I think. Which I can probably thank to this situation."
Stopping to catch her breath, Willow stood up and walked over to Angel.
"Besides, you're not a monster Angel. I don't want to hear you talking that way. What happened, happened. There's nothing we can do about that now. If we want to get through this, we have to do it together. We can't spend all our time fighting about it."
"But I don't want to see your life ruined because of me Willow."
"And you won't."
"I hope not."
Standing there for a moment, Willow suddenly look up at Angel.
"You would have lost your soul over me?" Willow asked, remembering their prior conversation in the hotel room.
When Angel didn't answer, Willow reached up and turned his face towards her.
"Angel?"
"Yes...yes, I would have." Angel said finally speaking.
"Why? I don't understand. The only way you could have lost your soul is if you experienced a moment of true happiness. Why would you have had that with me? I mean I'm only your friend."
"Willow, I don't want to talk about this now." Angel said as he moved to turn away.
Stepping into his path, Willow looked up at Angel.
"Angel, do you have feelings for me?"
"Willow."
"Do you?"
"What does it matter if I did? You don't feel that way for me so-"
Angel was abruptly cut off however as Willow's lips covered his own.
Quickly recovering from Willow's unexpected action, he soon found himself returning her kiss. When he finally had to pull away to allow Willow to breath, he tried to sort out his jumbled and conflicting thoughts.
"Willow...um, why did you do that?"
"You thought I have no feelings for you. I wanted to prove otherwise."
"Okay, but couldn't you have just told me?"
"Angel, if there's one thing I've learned from what happened with Oz is that you can't just wait around and see what happened. You have to act or you'll miss your chance."
"Oh."
"So Angel, do you have feelings for me?"
"Would you believe me if I said no?" Angel asked.
At the shake of Willow's head he sighed and continued.
"Yes I do Willow, I won't lie to you. Ever since I've known you, you were always the one to accept me, to trust me when no one else would, not even Buffy. You risked your life twice to give me my soul back, and I could never figure out why. After a while, I began to feel things for you I hadn't before. I just put them down to feelings of friendship and pushed them aside. But after all that's happened I can't do that anymore."
"I know."
"You do?"
"Angel, why do you think I just kissed you? Do you think I would have done that if I hadn't felt anything either? I don't know where, but somewhere along the line the feelings I had for you started to change. I just didn't realize it until now. I was so caught up in what was going on between Oz and me that I pushed everything else aside."
"So, where does that leave us now? We still have so much to sort out."
"I don't know, and at the moment I don't want to talk about it. It's making my head hurt."
"Well, what do you suppose we do then?" Angel asked.
"I dunno. What do you think?"
"Well, if it's okay with you, I wouldn't mind another kiss from my wife."
Smiling, Willow pushed all of her doubts away for the moment and nodded her head, soon finding Angel's lips on her own.
Deciding to just go with it for now, she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back losing herself in the moment.
End Part 5
When they finally broke apart, Willow rested her head against Angel's chest and sighed contently. Looking down at her, Angel smiled to himself, wondering how things between them had changed so quickly.
<I can't believe it. Not five minutes ago, we were miles apart. Now things are different. I don't understand why, but everything just feels so right at the moment, like this. > Angel thought.
Noticing that Angel was drifting, she looked up at him.
"Angel, are you okay?" Willow asked, worried for a moment that he might be having second thoughts.
"Hmm? Oh sorry Willow, I was just thinking."
"What about?" Willow asked as she tried to snuggle closer to him to keep warm.
"About everything that's happened. I've been trying to make sense of it all but I just get more confused."
"Then don't bother to make sense of it Angel, just go with it." Willow said.
Noticing how tightly Willow was pressed against him, he looked down at her and spoke.
"Are you cold Willow?"
"A little bit."
"Well then, whey don't we go back?"
"Sounds good." Willow said as she removed herself from Angel and took his offered hand.
Walking back to the hotel, both Willow and Angel was very aware of the other, stealing glances when the other wasn't looking.
Before long, the found themselves back outside of their rooms. Moving away from Angel, Willow was about to turn to enter her room when Angel's hand on her arm stopped her.
"Willow," Angel said as Willow looked up at him. "Do you want to join me for a while?"
Noticing the look of panic that flickered across, Angel quickly added. "Only to talk Willow I promise. We still have to sort out the whole thing with us being married."
"Oh," turning red at her misunderstanding, Willow nodded her head and followed Angel into his room.
Both taking a seat, Willow made herself comfortable while Angel want to retrieve their marriage certificate.
When he returned, he took a seat next to her and looked at Willow.
However, before he could say anything, Willow spoke.
"Angel, first, don't think I'm not happy about what's happened between us because I am, but I'm only 18-"
"And you don't want to be married to someone. I understand."
"You do?" Willow asked surprised.
"Of course I do Willow. I'm sure you always dreamed that when you got married it would be perfect. With all your friends and family there, not to someone you barely know and don't even remember getting married to."
"Yeah," Willow said looking at her hands. "I must admit that this wasn't exactly what I expected."
"I'm sorry Willow, for everything."
"You don't have to apologize Angel. You didn't know this was going to happen either."
"I know, but if I hadn't brought you here-"
"We would have never have gotten together." Willow finished off.
"How do you do that?" Angel asked in wonderment.
"Do what?"
"Turn every bad situation into something good? Everything that has happened so far to you, you have made into something good.
Blushing at his comments, Willow looked back up at him and smiled. "Well, it was easy."
"Why?" Angel asked.
"Because I was with you." She said simply.
"Well, I don't know about that, but I do think that we should get this marriage annulled or voided or something."
"I think your right. As much as I love what's happening between us Angel, I don't think we should stay married. But we can still go out right?"
"Right. I tell you what. As soon as we get back to Sunnydale, I'll get it all sorted out okay?"
"Okay."
"That is if you can put up with being married to me for a while."
"Oh," Willow said smiling, "I'm sure I'll manage somehow."
"Oh good." Angel said, as he leaned towards her and stole a quick kiss.
Looking at his watch, Angel realized that it was starting to get late. Standing up, he drew Willow with him.
"I have to conduct my business tomorrow, do you still want to help me? You don't have to if yo-"
"I'd love to Angel." Willow said. "So, what time do we go?"
"Well, we'll have to leave at about ten o'clock, and we'll probably be there all day."
"Okay. Um Angel, how are you going to get there if it's in the day?"
"Well, we'll be picked up and dropped off in the underground car parks and the car will have blacked out windows so it won't be an issue."
"Great." Willow said.
"Look Willow, it's getting late. You'd better get some rest."
"You're right," Willow said looking at her watch. "I didn't realize it was getting so late. I'd better go."
Leading Willow out of his room to hers next door, Willow was about to go inside when Angel stopped her."
"Angel?"
"I forgot something."
"What?"
"This." Angel said as he leaned down and kissed her.
Pulling away, Angel kissed her forehead. "Good night Willow."
"Night," Willow sighed as she turned and went into her room and closed the door behind her.
Waiting till he was sure she was okay, Angel returned to his on room and got ready for bed, his thoughts on the red head next door.
End Part 6
The next day...
After arriving at the office, Angel introduced Willow to Matthew, Angel's business associate. After making small talk for a while, Angel left to make some final checks of his assets and Willow happily set to inputting the data on computer.
However, being stuck in a different room than Willow for hours at a time was causing Angel to get restless. He wanted nothing more than to be in there with her, to just be near her, not stuck in an office across the hall, and he knew Willow felt the same.
Of course, this only caused Matthew much amusement at Angel's cost, making constant comments about the two of them and how Angel had gone soft and all mushy over a girl.
Finally giving up on trying to stop Matthew's ramblings, he eventually chose to just ignore him, and finish his work quickly so he could get back to her.
Later that day...
Walking back into the office, Angel leaned against the doorway and stared at Willow, who was busy typing away at the computer, biting her lower lip in concentration.
Smiling at the sight Angel watched her for a few moments more before walking over to her.
Standing behind her, he placed his hands on her shoulders and squeezed them gently.
Looking away from the computer screen, Willow turned her head and looked up at him and smiled.
"So, how's it going?" Angel asked.
"Oh, it's okay. I'm almost done."
"Good, then you won't mind stopping for this then." Angel said as he lifted Willow out of her chair. Pulling her to him, Angel ignored Willow's small shriek of surprise and wrapped his arms securely around her. Lowering his head, he captured Willow's lips with his own and pulled her into a deep kiss.
As the kiss deepened, Angel ran his tongue along Willow's lips.
Granting him access, she opened her mouth and allowed Angel's tongue to enter.
As their tongues battled with each other, Angel lowered himself down onto Willow's chair, bringing her with him, his lips never leaving hers.
As their kiss became more intense however, Willow suddenly pulled away.
Suddenly worried that he had done something wrong, he pulled away and started to remove his arms from around her.
"Angel don't, please. You did nothing wrong." Willow said as she placed her hand over his.
"Then why did you pull away from me." Angel asked, stopping his movements.
"Well, it's...it's just that when you kissed me, I saw of these images of us, together." Willow said uncomfortably.
"Together?" Angel asked.
"Umm, yeah."
"Well, what did you see." He asked, already having a nagging idea what.
"Well...umm I saw us together. But, well, we were in bed, and we well...you know." Willow said blushing profoundly.
"Making love?"
"Um, yeah. Angel, why am I seeing these things? I don't even have any memories of that night."
"Those are your memories."
"I don't understand."
"I've been seeing things also Willow, yesterday after you went to bed. I was thinking about you and our situation and as I shut my eyes to go to sleep, I saw us together too. It must be our memories re-surfacing."
"Why didn't you say anything Angel?"
"Because, I was afraid that if I told you that you may think it was just me."
"Having naughty thoughts about his wife?"
"Yeah, basically. I didn't want to scare you off and lose you after I just found you."
"Angel, you're not going to lose me. I'm just glad I'm starting to remember. Besides, if my memories are anything to go by, I have plenty of reasons to stay around."
"Willow!" Angel said shocked.
"What?" Willow replied innocently.
"Never mind." Angel said giving up.
"So," Willow said changing the subject. "Where were we?"
"Um, right about here I think." Angel said as he leaned down to kiss her.
Wrapping her arms around his neck, Willow pressed herself closer to Angel and pushed her thoughts aside.
Moving one of his arms around her waist again, he moved the other one up her body and slid it into her hair, holding her to him.
Opening her mouth, she allowed Angel access into her mouth once more.
When they finally had to pull apart to allow Willow to breathe, Angel began to trail a line of feather-like kisses down her throat. Unable to hold back the slight moan that escaped her lips as he ran his tongue along the bite marks he had placed there only hours before.
After a few moments, Angel's lips left Willow's neck and had almost met Willow's when they were interrupted by the sound of someone coughing over by the door.
Stopping in their tracks, they slowly pulled apart and looked over to where the sound had come from.
Standing in the same doorway that Angel had occupied only a few moments before was Matthew, with a very amused grin on his face.
"So, am I interrupting anything?" he asked.
"Gee, what do you think?" Angel answered sarcastically.
"Well, I just thought I'd ask seeing as this is *my* office and all."
"I'm sorry Matthew. It's just been a long couple of days."
"It's cool, I understand what that's like. Look, I'd say we're done here. Why don't you guys take off?"
"Sounds good, we have to travel back to Sunnydale tomorrow anyway."
"Great. Well, I'll see you in a couple of months then."
After saying their good-byes, Willow and Angel left by the same underground means as they had came.
End Part 7
Back at the hotel...
Pulling her suitcase out from under her bed, Willow placed it on her bed and unzipped it.
Opening it out, Willow walked over to her closet and started taking her clothes out and placing them neatly in her suitcase.
As she continued to pack, Willow couldn't help but think about everything that was going on between her and Angel at the moment. It was all still so strange. Their relationship, the fact that they were married...everything.
And now they were going home, back to Sunnydale. To Buffy and Oz. She still wasn't sure how she was going to deal with seeing them, but she was sure that with Angel by her side that she would be able to get through it somehow. Or at least she hoped she could.
Somewhere outside of Sunnydale...
As they started to get closer to Sunnydale, Willow started to get apprehensive.
Noticing this, Angel gave her hand a reassuring squeeze to try and reassure her. Giving him a shaky smile in return, she looked out the window, watching the rain start to fall, caught up in her own thoughts.
Both Willow and Angel had decided to keep their marriage and their relationship a secret for now. Partly because they knew that everyone would not react at all well to the fact that they were married, but also because their relationship was still new and they wanted to explore it further before everyone else started to make their own feelings known on the matter.
Passing the 'Welcome to Sunnydale' sign, Willow drew in a shaky breath. Both she and Angel would be meeting the others tomorrow. Both conveniently returning from their 'trips' on the same day.
Pulling up outside Willow's house, Angel noticed Willow hadn't made any more to get out of the car. Turning towards her, he found her to be fast asleep.
Not wanting to wake her, knowing how tired she must be, Angel was just about to get out of the car to carry her into her house, when he noticed how hard it was still raining. Not wanting for her to get sick, he decided to take her to the mansion for the night, as it had a garage connecting to the house so she wouldn't get wet.
As he drove away however, he had a nagging feeling that it might be a mistake.
The mansion...
Pushing the door between the garage and the house open with his foot, Angel carried Willow inside and placed her softly on the couch.
Walking back out quietly as not to disturb her, he soon returned with their bags and placed them in a pile on the floor, closing the door behind him.
Walking over to Willow he looked down at her, and wondered what he had done to deserve her.
Reluctantly, he tore his eyes away from her and picked up their bags and moved them into his room out of the way.
Walking back over to Willow, he picked her up and started to carry her to the guest room when he remembered that it had been damaged back when Spike and Dru had still lived there in one of their fights.
Turning around, he instead walked to his room and went to place her down on his bed.
Laying her down on the bed, Angel bent down and removed her shoes and socks and placed them on a nearby chair.
Walking down to the end of the bed, he reached for the covers and pulled them up over Willow.
After getting changed, Angel walked back into the bedroom and looked at Willow.
Watching her sleep for a moment, Angel, against his better judgement pulled the covers back and slid into the bed beside Willow.
His movements disturbing her slightly, she snuggled closer to Angel.
Putting his arms around her, Angel closed his eyes and tried to sleep, hoping she wouldn't be too mad at him in the morning.
The next morning...
Willow awoke to the now familiar sensation of not being alone.
Opening her eyes, Willow turned around to find Angel beside her, sleeping with his arms wrapped around her.
Fearing for a moment that something may have happened between them again, Willow was relived to find that they were both dressed, after daring to look under the covers.
Not wanting to wake Angel, Willow stayed in bed and studied his face.
She noticed that when he was sleeping, the guilt and the pain that normally masked his face were gone. Instead he looked at peace for the first time since Willow had met him.
Turning to look at the clock to see what time it was, she noted that it was just after nine. Turning back around only to come face to face with Angel...awake.
"A...Angel! Willow said, suddenly very aware of who close in proximity they were.
"Good morning Willow." Angel said, his voice deceptively calm.
"Um...hi." She said, trying not to notice how their lips nearly touched as they spoke.
"You're not mad at me are you?" Angel asked worried of her answer.
"Mad, why would I be?"
"Well, because of the sleeping arrangements."
"Oh!" Willow said. "Um, no."
"No?"
"No, not mad." Willow said smiling.
"I'm glad. Well then may I steal a good morning kiss?"
"Okay" Willow said, only moments before their lips met.
Both losing themselves in the kiss, all thoughts of that evening fled their minds as they found more pleasurable thing to do with their time.
The afternoon...
"So, are you ready to face them?" Angel said from his position of lounging on the couch.
"Yeah, I guess. It's going to be awkward seeing Oz though. I mean, what if he want's to get back together now he's had his 'space'?"
"Well, I guess I'll have to set him straight then." Angel said, an almost dangerous glint in his eyes.
"Angel no!" Willow exclaimed. "I have to be the one to do this. Besides, you said you'd keep the 'us' thing a secret till we get to know each other better."
"Okay," Angel said sulking. "Spoil my fun why don't you."
<Besides, I think I know you pretty well actually. Very well...> Angel thought to himself as he recalled what they had spent their time doing only hours earlier.
<God, she was so beautiful. > Angel thought, looking at Willow. <And nervous! But we go rid of that soon enough didn't we. >
"Oh please, you don't expect me to fall for that do you?" Willow said bringing him back to reality.
"Fall for what?" Angel asked giving Willow his best puppy dog eyes.
"That! The 'look at me, aren't I so adorable' look."
"I have no idea what you're talking about." He protested.
"Liar." Willow said walking towards him.
"Excuse me? I think you'd better apologize." Angel said, hiding the smile that threatened to surface.
"Never."
Noticing how close Willow had gotten to him, he reached out and grabbed her arm, pulling her down on top of him.
"Are you sure? Last chance..."
"I stand by my words."
"Well, okay then." Angel said as he began to tickle Willow mercilessly.
"Ah, Angel stop it!" Willow begged, trying to shield herself from him.
"Nope. This is your fault remember. 'I stand by my words' and all that."
"Okay, I surrender then!" Willow said in a last ditch effort to stop him.
"You do huh?" Angel said, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"Yes, why?" Willow said warily.
"Well, you see that makes you my prisoner." Angel said.
"Prisoner?"
"Yep. Now what to do with you..." Angel said wondering.
"Oh I know." He said, as he pulled Willow's head down to his and kissed her.
"Angel!" Willow shrieked when they finally broke apart.
"What?" Angel said, trying to profane innocence.
"Ugh, never mind. I give up."
"Um Will? We played that game already. You lost remember." Angel said grinning. "Now, where was I?"
He said as he flipped them over. Hovering above her, he looked down at her, admiring her beauty for a moment.
"Angel, what are you staring at?"
"You." He said simply before he leaned down to kiss her once again.
Wrapping her arms around his neck, she held him to her, determined not to let him escape.
Feeling Angel's tongue run along her lips, she opened her mouth for him and allowed him access. She let his tongue explore her mouth for a moment before reaching out with her own, mimicking his movements.
Forgetting for a while that she was going to meet her friends in a few short hours, Willow lost herself in the sensations Angel was creating.
End Part 8
Faith was walking aimlessly through Sunnydale, waiting for the sun to set so she could get in a few good kills.
Looking up from the ground to see where she was, she found herself to be in Crawford Street near Angel's. She was just going to turn around and head the other way when she sensed the presence of a vampire.
Following her senses, Faith found herself standing outside of the mansion. Knowing that Angel was not supposed to be back yet for a few more days, she snuck through the bushes, careful not to make any noise.
Walking up to a window, Faith peaked through and was floored by what she saw. For there on the couch was Willow and Angel, seeming to be in the middle of something if the discarded clothes and the various moans and whimpers was anything to go by.
Stepping away, Faith hurried back in the direction of the library.
<Man, wait till B finds out about this! > She thought to herself. <She's gonna flip. >
Sunnydale high school...
"You are never going to believe what I just saw!" Faith said to Xander as she entered the library.
"Faith, what are you talking about?" Buffy said as she walked down from the stacks.
Oh...Buffy, I didn't know you were here."
"Oh, well I am. Anyway, what's *so* important? What did you see?"
"Only you're sorta ex and Willow smooching at his place."
"Oh come on, you don't expect us to fall for that do you? They aren't even back from their trips yet."
"Hey, it's true. Go over there yourself if you don't believe me. Of course that may not be a good idea as when I saw them, things between them were getting pretty steamy."
"You're lying." Buffy said in denial.
"Afraid not sister. Look just deal okay."
"Oh come on!" Xander said speaking for the first time since Faith had walked in. "You don't expect us to believe that?"
"Besides," Buffy chimed in, "he still has me."
"Um, weren't you two on a break or something Buff?"
"Hey, Angel knows I'll always go back to him."
"Yeah, but what if Angel doesn't want to go back to you?" Faith asked.
"I...I don't believe that!" Buffy said.
"Whatever," Faith said leaving the library. "Later."
And with that she was gone.
"Can you believe her nerve?" Buffy asked turning to Xander.
"I know, like we'd believe that."
"Believe what?" Cordelia said as she walked through the door with Oz.
"That Willow and Angel have something going on."
"Willow?" Oz asked.
"Yeah," Buffy said. "Faith said she saw them kissing at the mansion...and stuff."
"Willow?" Oz repeated.
"Yes Willow!" Cordeila said getting annoyed. "Jeez, get with the program already."
"You almost seemed like you believe her." Xander said.
"So what if I do? Buffy and Oz were both on breaks from them or something. Why shouldn't they have gotten together?"
"Because," Xander said getting annoyed. "It's Willow and Angel."
"Ugh, I give up." Cordelia said throwing her hands in the air. "Look, if your all so sure that Faith's lying, why don't you go over there and see for yourselves?"
"What? I'm not going over there." Buffy said folding her arms.
"Why not? After all, there's nothing going on right?"
"Fine, I'll go!" Buffy said exasperated. "What about you guys?"
After a mumble of yes's, they all left for the mansion.
The mansion...
"Ow!"
"Watch it..."
"Quiet."
"Xander, my foot-"
"Would you guys all be quiet. If they are here they'll hear us all a mile off!" Cordeila whispered.
"She's right." Oz agreed.
"Fine. Come on, let's get this over with." Buffy said, pushing to the front of the group as they entered the garden.
Dodging around the various bits of debris, they made their way to a nearby window, trying their best to make as little noise as possible.
Reaching the window first, Cordelia peered in and bit her lip to stop from laughing. <Oop's I guess Faith was right. Maybe I shouldn't let them look. >
"Hey, let me see!" Buffy said peering through.
<Too late. >
"Well, what is it. Are they there?" Xander asked.
Searching the room with her eyes, she stopped dead in her tracks when she found them.
"Oh...my...god!" Buffy managed to spit out, unable to process what she was seeing. "Oz, Xander come here."
"Okay." Oz said. Moving aide so that Oz and Xander could see, Buffy took a perch on a nearby bench while Cordeila snuck her way around to the front of the building.
"Hey, Buffy what's so..." Xander trailed off as he say them. There laying on the couch wrapped in each others arms sleeping were Willow and Angel. Taking further inspection, Xander noticed the heap of clothes by the couch, and the fact that a blanket only covered them.
"Oh man." Oz said as he moved away from the window. "I can't believe it."
"Well neither can I!" Buffy said, her face turning red with rage. "I don't know about you but I want some answers."
Without waiting for a reply, she stalked off to the front of the house, Xander and Oz trailing behind, both trying to process what they had just seen.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Approaching the front door, Cordeila raised her hand to knock but decided there wasn't much time before Buffy got there. Instead, she pushed the door open, and ran over to Willow and Angel. Trying to ignore their current start, she shook them awake and was suddenly faced with one groggy witch and Angel in full vamp mode.
Taking a step back, she looked at the door briefly before looking back at them.
"Hey calm down Angel, it's only me."
"Cordeila, what the hell are you doing here!?" Angel asked getting annoyed at being woken from his sleep with Willow.
"Saving your sorry asses! Xander and you're ex's are just around the corner and they aren't thinking happy thoughts. So if I were you I'd go get dress now! I'll go slow them down for you, but be prepared for some fire works."
Not waiting for a reply, she turned and started to head for the door, only to be stopped by Angel's voice.
"Why are you helping us?"
"I dunno. Call it a moment of weakness. Besides, you guys look cute together." And with that she quickly darted out the door.
Watching as she disappeared, Angel got up taking a now awake and panicking Willow with him.
Placing her on the floor, he wrapped the blanket around her and picked up their clothes.
"Willow come on, we'd better get dressed before they get here."
"Oh god! Oh god! They're going to kill me...and you! What are we going to do? I wasn't ready for them to find out yet!"
"Willow calm down. Let's got to my room and get dressed and then we'll sort this all out. I now you weren't ready for them to find out, but they know now and we have to deal with them. Besides, this is my house, and if they upset you I'll just kick them out."
<Or kill them...> he though to himself.
Ushering her into his room, they quickly got dressed, and were straightening themselves out when Angel heard Cordeila's voice.
"See, they must have gone. Let's just go."
"No! I want to know what the hell is going on!"
<Buffy. > Angel grimaced.
Taking an unneeded breath, he took Willow's hand in his own and gave it a reassuring squeeze.
"You ready?"
"As I'll ever be." She replied nervously.
"Okay, then, let's go."
Waking out together, the walked down towards the others. As they were about to enter the main room Angel stopped Willow.
"I love you." He blurted out.
"W...what?" Willow asked shocked.
"I said I loved you. And I know that no matter what ever goes on in there that everything will be okay. We'll get through this."
"Angel, I...I don't know what to say. I...I lo-"
"Sush Willow. You don't have to say that till your ready. I know you probably don't love me yet."
"But I care about you so much Angel, I don't want you to think I don't!"
"And I won't. But I don't want you saying those words till you mean them. It's okay, I can wait."
"Thank you. Willow said smiling up at him.
Smiling back, he gave her a quick kiss before walking into the room with her, hand in hand.
End Part 9
Looking up at the sounds of footsteps Xander's blood ran cold as he saw Willow and Angel enter together.
Noticing Buffy shift beside him, he looked up at her.
"Well, isn't this cozy." Buffy spat. "My best friend and my boyfriend, cheating on me and Oz. Lovely."
"Buffy-" Willow started.
"What Willow? Are you going to tell me I'm wrong? Cos I saw you two together. Are you going to tell me you didn't mean for this to happen?"
"I didn't." Willow said.
"Right. Next thing you know you'll be telling me your sorry."
"No."
"Excuse me?"
"I said no. I'm not sorry. Why should I be? You and Angel were broken up."
"No we weren't. We were just spending some time apart that's all."
"Oh really?" Angel spoke up, "that's why Willow told me you were sleeping with that other guy."
"She's lying! It was all part of her plan to get you!" Buffy said.
"I doubt that somehow Buffy. Besides, it doesn't matter. I'm with Willow now. We're over."
"What about Oz though huh?" Xander spoke up when Buffy had remained silent.
"What about him. I found him making out with some girl in his van. It kinda ends the relationship if you ask me."
"Willow-"
"No Oz, I'm sorry but we're done. I don't want to lose you though. Can I at least be your friend?"
Looking at her, Oz new deep down that Willow was right, they were over. He had known all along really, he just had a hard time accepting it. But he still wanted to be close to her.
"Friends huh?"
"Yeah."
"Sure, I'd like that."
Smiling at the knowledge that she had resolved at least one friendship, she moved away from Angel and hugged Oz, breaking away when a low growl emerged from Angel's throat.
Walking back over to Angel, she let him wrap his arms possessively around her and rested her head against his shoulder.
"Buffy, Xander, I hope we can all still be friends too."
Looking up at them both, Buffy didn't answer, she just walked out and headed home.
"She'll be okay Willow, she just need's a while to accept this." Angel whispered to her.
"Look Will, I need some time okay?" Xander said.
"Okay, I understand Xander." Willow said.
"Alright them, I'll see you 'kay," and with that Xander left the mansion, Cordeila and Oz following close behind.
Just as she was leaving, Cordeila turned around. "Hey Willow call me. If you're going to be dating him, we have to do something about those clothes."
"Um sure Cordy," Willow said.
Watching her go, she looked up at Angel. "Nice to know some things haven't changed."
"Yeah, same old Cordelia."
"Ugh, well that didn't go too well did it." Willow said.
"I don't know, it went better than I thought, I mean no one tried to stake me or anything."
"Well, when you put it that way it went great." Willow said stifling a yawn.
"You tired?"
"A little bit."
"Well them, best get you to bed for some sleep."
"Good idea." Willow said feeling her eyelids get heavy.
"Let's go then." Angel said as he picked Willow up and carried her to his room.
"Angel, what are you doing?" Willow laughed.
"I'm carrying my bride over the threshold to the bedroom. Have you got a problem with that?"
"No, not really." Willow said snuggling into his arms.
Walking into the bedroom, he set her down on the floor and walked over to the corner of his room and picked up her suitcase.
"Here you go, if you don't have anything to wear I can lend you something."
"Thanks, but I think I have something in here somewhere." Willow said rummaging around in it.
Finally finding a nighty, she pulled it out and zipped the suitcase back up and put it back on the floor.
As they both got ready for bed, they couldn't help wondering what was to come. Once dressed, they climbed into bed and Willow rested her head on Angel's shoulder, while Angel wrapped his arms around her.
Giving her a kiss goodnight, they closed their eyes and tried to sleep, both knowing that what was to come may be hard but that they would get through it, as long as they had each other.
The End
Well, that's it. So what did you all think? And more importantly...What will happen to Willow and Angel, Will they stay married? Will Buffy accept them together or cause trouble. Well that all depends...Sequel anyone?
Comments and feedback are as always welcome!