RATING: PG.
MAJOR SPOILERS: Helpless!! If you haven't seen it yet, don't read this! Major Spoilers!!!
FEEDBACK: Yes please!!!! I live off of it!!!!!
DISCLAIMER: Too bad I don't own 'em, but these great characters belond to Joss. *sigh*
DISTRIBUATION: Just ask! I don't mind, but I just want to know where it's going.
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~Part: 1~
Angel had been hiding in the stacks, watching the scene between Giles, the other Watcher, and Buffy. <<Poor Buffy. Poor Giles. Is there anything I can do?>> Buffy tried to be tough, but the minute the stranger left, she colapsed. Her heart left exposed to be hurt. <<Sorry, Buffy. Sorry I couldn't protect you.>>
Giles held BUffy close, and she sobbed. Neither of them said anything, adding to the emotions in the room. Angel sensed it was a good time to leave, and quietly slipped through the shadows, unnoticed by both of them.
The next night, after the picnic with the Slayerettes, Willow flopped onto her bed, visibly upset. <<I can't believe they fired Giles. I'm not giving up without a fight. This isn't fair! He's such a great guy to Buffy. A father figure. She needed that.>>
A knocking at the doors startled her, "Hello?"
Angel's voice came from the other side, "Willow?"
"Come in, Angel."
He couldn't believe his ears, "Are you sure?"
She growled, choking back sobs, "Get your ass in here, Angel!"
As a surprised squeak came out of his lips, he opened the doors, and slipped inside. He examined the damage. Willow looked wrecked, obviously worried about Giles. Tears had reddened her face, and her hair and clothes were dishevled. He sat down on the bed next to her, and said, "How are you holding up?"
"How does it look like I'm holding up?!" She cried out, "Giles is fired!"
"I know."
"How?"
He shrugged, "I lurk."
"Oh," She said, as the tears started to fall again. Angel rumaged in his pocket, and produced several Kleenexes that he brought with him, partly for him, but he knew that she'd need them more, "Thanks," She accepted one, and used it to wipe away the tears that continued to flow freely. <<I feel like such a tool. Crying in front of Angel.>> "I'm sorry. I shouln't cry in front of you."
"WHy?" His voice cracked, and she could see the tears forming in his eyes, "I'm upset, too. We shoul be crying together. Gawd," He said, head bowed, "He was---"
"So good to us all." She finished the sentence perfectly.
Silence was effective here, also, in conveying emotions. Willow was so upset, she just hung there, in his arms, like a rag doll, until she realized that he needed comfort, too, and returned the hug.
ANgel smiled through his tears when she squeezed her arms around him. <<She accepts me. It's amazing that she has time for me, in this whole mess.>>
The hacker pulled back slightly, "We need a plan."
He couldn't help but smile. Her determination was so visible, it moved him so much. He wanted to help them in any way he could. <<I owe them all.>> He nodded, and offered, "What can I do to help?"
"Could you write a eloquent letter?"
He smirked, "Eloquent, as in polite?" She hsook her head, "I thought so."
~Part: 2~
The next day, Willow stretched and rose out of bed. Exhaustion hit her like a ton of bricks. <<I can't believe Angel stayed over so late. We just got talking, and then....I fell asleep! When did he--->> A letter on her mirror caught her eye, "Oh."
"Willow, I'm sorry I kept you up so late. I didn't realize how the time had flown. I worked on the letter a bit longer, and saved it on your laptop. It's named 'Grrr-letter'. (Don't ask.) Anyway, I might stop by later on tonight. I'll call first. If that's alright, of course. Thank you, again and again a thousand times over, for inviting me in last night. It meant a lot. Sincerely, Angel."
Subconsciously, Willow held the note tightly to her chest, "Tonight."
The hacker bounded into the library early, before school started. She saw Giles packing up his things. He looked upset, more upset than she could imagine, as he packed away books. Occasionally, he'd stop and wipe his eyes, which were becoming filled with tears rather easily, but expectantly, under the circumstances.
Enraged and in fear, she demanded, "Where are you going?"
He looked up, and managed a smile, "Willow, what are you doing here so early?"
"Came to see you."
"Why?"
"C'm'ere, yuo," She teased, wrapping her arms around him, "You need a hug."
Chuckling darkly, he thanked her, "Willow, maybe you shouldn't be here---"
She pulled back, "Just because you can't really hang with Buffy like before doesn't mean we can't hang, right?" When he didn't say anything, she continued, "And, you know about stuff that I'm into, and I'd miss you if you left."
"I'm still going to be here," He soothed her, "But, things are going to be different. Awkward, even. Buffy's not really speaking to me, and I don't want you and Xander caught in the middle of it."
"Don't worry," She smiled, "But, we can be friends, right?" He nodded, and mentioned something about the bell ringing, and how she should get to class, "Does that mean the Scooby Gang has disbanded?"
He shook his head, "Hardly. I wouldn't worry about that," She rolled her eyes, "I think Buffy and Xander are coming here at lunch. Maybe you should, too?"
She agreed, "We need to talk. Maybe we can try the 'I' statements again?"
He smiled.
That night, she met Angel on the way home from the library.
"Hey," She smiled at him, through her tears, "I didn't think I'd see you until later."
He nodded, and then said, "I realized you'd have to walk home alone. It isn't safe. You should've asked Giles to drive you home."
"I didn't want to ask him for anything."
To break the silence on the sidewalk, he said, "How is he?"
She shrugged, "Good. I guess. How would you be holding up, if you were ordered to never see Buffy or help her again?" He winced, and she immediately appologized, "Gawd, Angel, I'm so sorry. I totally forgot about the recent---" He placed a finger to her lips, and she stopped, but added, "Forgive me?"
"You always have my forgiveness. We're friends."
She nodded, "Thanks."
"Don't thank my for anything, I---" She punched him, "Ow! WHat was that for?"
"You always talk down about yourself! Why?"
He motioned for them to start walking, before trouble found them, and then he answered her question, "I'm guilty," She looked at him in disbelief, "Opposite of innocent? Coupable?"
"I know what Guilty means, Silly," She countered, "But I don't understand how you still feel that way. You're not the baddy you used to be."
"He's still part of me, Willow," He tried to explain, "And, even though you anchored my soul for good, I don't think I'll ever really find true happiness. It's not in my cards," It was making her angry. She was silent for a few minutes, and it made him nervous, so he ventured out, "Willow?"
SHe yelled, "Shut Up!!!!!"
"Sorry," His voice was meek, and suddenly very quiet, "Willow, I---"
"Didn't I tell you to shut up?" He nodded, and then motioned permission to speak, "What?"
"Why can't I talk?"
She answered bluntly, "If you don't have something nice to say," She smirked smartly, "Don't say anything at all."
As they walked up to her house, he started to laugh. When she looked at him in confusion, he said, "You're right."
"Thank you!" And they walked inside, and quietly crept upstairs.
~Part: 3~
"I'll stop by tomorrow," Willow said, "After school. To keep you posted. And so we can finish that letter, because we sort of got, um, sidetracked."
He nodded, "Yeah. We shouln't have spent that much time on us."
"I know," She shrugged, "But, we got a lot covered."
"Thank you, Willow Rosenburg," He held her hands in his, "For trusting me, and giving me a friendship. I'm always going to be in debt to you."
She giggled, "Don't be so formal. I don't need your thanks. Just the same in return."
"You'll always have my trust and love," He affirmed, "Always," She smiled, knowing he returned the same feelings to her, "And that means everything to me."
"To me, too," He moved towards the french doors in her room, "Thank you, too, for letting me get to know you. The real you."
Before disappearing into the night, he responded, "No one's ever done that before."
"Oh," Sadly, she breathed, "Angel. I'm sorry about everything. Let me help yuo."
Outside, he had heard that, and muttered his own private reply, "I'd let yuo. Only you."
That night, Buffy wandered around town, until she found her way to Giles' apartment. <<He probably won't want to see me, but, there's nothing else to do tonight. The town is dead. Pardon the pun.>>
"Giles?" She pushed the door open easily, "Are you---" The scene in front of her made her cry out, "Giles?!!"
Rum bottle and shot glass had dropped to the floor, and shattered. He was sprawled across the couch, passed out in drunkenness. <<What a scene.>>
She picke dup the phone, "Willow?"
"Hey, Buff', what's up?" The Slayer told her about Giles, and when finished, Willow said, "Is he responsive?"
"Huh?"
She clarified herself, "You know, can he hear you? Does he have a pulse? That would be a good one. Try to wake him up maybe."
"Are yuo being sarcastic?"
"Just thinking sensibly," Willow's attitude was causing Buffy irritation, "I can understand how all of this would drive him to drink. He's just trying to deal. We all need to do that."
Buffy agreed, "But, I haven't seen him like this....since.....that whole Ethan-Eygon thing. It was scary."
"Yeah," Willow reminissed, "But, he came out of it alright. Right?"
"I think so," She eyed his stirring form, "Um, I better go. Don't tell Xander, okay?"
"Good idea. I'll see you tomorrow."
Giles' voice pulled BUffy back, "BUffy? What are you doing here?"
She shrugged, looking at his disheveled appearance, "I was worried about you," He was about to stand up, but felt a wave of nausea that forced him to lie down again, "Yuo stay there," She tried to soothe, "I'll go make us some tea. Maybe we coul try talking?"
He nodded, wincing at the pain in his head, "There's a couple things I need to tell you."
Willow replaced the phone, and turned back to the task of trying to make the letter to the Counsel sound polite. <<It's hard to be nasty but tasteful......where's Giles when I need him?>> That comment struck a sad chord within her. <<I can't believe this is happening.>>
Typing a few last words, she yawned, "Lateness. Better sleep."
"I can't. No. Mister something-I can't-pronounce is NOT going to be my Watcher."
Giles was straightening out of his ethanol-enduced fog, "His name is Mr. Zabuto, and yes, he's going to be your Watcher. It's out of my hands. Either yuo're going down there, or he's coming here."
"Another problem," In her stress, her voice started to rise, "I'm not going to some warm, sunny island," Her voice started to soften, as she trailed off in though, "With its sandy beaches and massuses. No, Giles, it's a bad place. I could get lazy. Lazy is bad. You saw how Kendra ended up. Dead. I'm not going to die---yet. I'm not going to be late Jamaican Slayer Two. Sequels are bad, too."
He agreed, adding, "I think he'd rather have you on the Hellmouth."
"Problem solved," She smiled, and then crumbled, "Don't you leave me. I need you."
He wrapped his arms around her, and swayed them back and forth, "There's not enough town, or Slayer for that matter, for two Watchers. I care about you so much, and maybe, just maybe, the Counsel is right about me leaving."
Buffy stiffened, "Those long winded assholes--pardon my language--are not right. They don't know how much I need you. You saved me enough times to own me. I couldn't have gotten through the whole Angel ordeal without you. I almost got you killed, I got a few other people killed, but you helped me survive," She reflected, "You even saved me from that scary vamp the other night. Before he snatched Mom."
That's when the tears fell again. He pressed her close to his body, and continued to rock her form back and forth, "Buffy.....I'm sorry.....for all of this."
"Don't appologize for being you," She whispered, "Don't ever do that."
~Part: 4~
Right after school, Willow dashed towards the mansion, clutching the letter in her hand. She was so excited to hand it to him, and have him read it, smile, and tell her to mail it. To tell her that it was great, and that it will work.
"Angel?" She spoke softly, but, when there was no answer, she crept inside, and saw Buffy being cradled by the vampire with a soul. <<He's so good for her.>> Not wanting to ruin the moment, she stood there, smiling at the way he protected her.
He sensed her presense. <<Willow?>> When he opened his eyes, and saw her there, he smiled, and rolled his eyes towards a room off the living room. <<Just for a few minutes, please, Willow. She can't handle this.>> He pleaded with his eyes.
<<Don't ruin their moment, Willow. They love each other. They need each other. If I want Buffy to get through all of this, I need to trust him to do this.>> She nodded, and quietly slipped into the room, leaning against the wall.
She studied the surroundings, and realized that she was in his room. <<Wow. Black sheets. So romantic, gothic, sexy....>> She blushed. <<Stop that. He's your friend. Not your object of affections.>> She moved stealthily across the room, and sat down on the bed, waiting patiently. Stretching, she yawned, and fell softly onto the matress, letting her eyes find solace in a catnap.
"Angel," Buffy said, as they parted, "Thanks. For being ther. I don't know what I'd do without you---" She fell ito his arms again, "This is just so hard. Kendra's Watcher is coming to care for me. And Giles can't do anything about it."
He nodded sadly, releasing his hold on her, eager to talk to Willow, "I'm glad you're not leaving here to go to him. I-we-'d all miss you."
She agreed, and then said, "Well, I better go visit with Giles. One of our last training sessions. I told him that I'd be there early."
"Have fun," He watched Buffy leave, and then, he walked into his room, to see Willow sprawled out across his bed, sleeping fitfully. Thoughts crossed his mind, but he quickly pushed them away. <<No time for that. She's my friend.>> He sat down next to her, and stroked her satiny soft cheek. <<Just like I imagined.>> He cleared his throat, and spoke softly, "Willow?"
She stirred our of slumber quickly, "Angel?"
"Yeah," He smiled, "Sleepyhead."
"Sorry," She struggled upright, "I just---"
"Don't worry about it," He cut her off, "Don't appologize. Did you bring the letter?" She nodded, pulling the printed sheet out of her notebook, "Good. Let's go out by the fire."
After they sat down, she wondered aloud, "Doesn't the fire, in this heat, cause a small heating problem?"
He shook his head, "I don't feel heat."
"Oh," Then, she went professional, and changed the subject, "Would you mind proofing the letter for me---cause I'm sorta bad at grammar."
He chuckled, "What makes you think I'm better at grammar than you?"
She shrugged, "The fact that you're really old kinda makes me think that."
"You think I'm old, eh?" She nodded, as he joked, "Do I have grey hair and a cane?" She shook her head, "Then, I'm not old."
"B-but," She sputtered, "You're over two hundred! Isn't that old?!"
"Details, Willow, details."
She made a noise of annoyance, as he took the letter, and began reading it. They sat in silence for a few minutes, before he said, "Maybe this won't do anything. If anything, it might make it worse because the Counsel would know that other people know about him and Buffy."
"But, what can we do? Hold people at gunpoint?" He laughed, "See?"
"I see," He responded, "Violence won't win him his job back," She nodded, as he reflected, "But, I guess this letter can't hurt. Maybe I'll call them."
"Would it help?"
He smirked, "It might if I pretend to be her new Watcher."
"Evil," Willow shook her head, laughing softly, "You're evil," He frowned, "But, I like it."
"So," Buffy told Willow that night on the phone, "Zaputo---"
"Zabuto." Willow corrected.
"Whatever," The Slayer continued, unfazed, "He's coming by tomorrow. The library, to train, right after school. Giles said he'll clear out. But, I want you and Xander there. I'd like Angel there, too, but I don't think that's really possible."
Willow struggled with her thoughts, "Well, maybe he could come by when it's dark out, or something."
"I wish Giles could be there, too."
"It would be hard for both of you, if he had to sit there, helpless."
She agreed, "I know, but I get so much strength from him."
"Then you're just going to have to do this for him. Be strong, for him. He'll still need you. You're too close to just stop talking with each other."
"Yeah," There was some noise in the background, "Um, Will', can I let you go?"
"Sure."
Willow sighed, falling back on her bed, "This is so unfair."
"What's so unfair?" Angel appeared in her doorway.
After her heart picked up its normal rhythm again, she scolded him, "Don't do that agian, please."
He smirked, "It was kinda cute, seeing your eyes bug out and your face pale like that," She shot the vampire a stern, chilling glare, "Okay, I'm sorry. How's Buffy?"
She looked at him oddly, "I thought you were leaving."
He nodded, "Well, yuo seemed upset when I walked you home, and I was worried. So, I kinda hung around, just to make sure you were alright."
"Oh."
"So," He asked again, "How is she?"
"She wants us all there for when she meets Sam."
He nodded, "Can I use your phone?" She offered it to him, and he dialed Buffy's number, "Buffy?"
She seemed to beam into the phone, "Angel? Is that you? Using a phone?"
He chuckled, and answered, "Yeah, it's me. Do you think you could maybe delay your meeting with him?"
"Why?"
"I'd like to be there, too," He said, "What are friends for, anyway?"
"Thank you, so much," She gushed, "That means so much. Even the newly changed back Amy and Cordelia said they'd show up. I have a full crowd of support. It's nice. I just don't know if Zabuto will like the idea too much. Me having friends. Kendra didn't even have family."
ANgel soothed her fears, "Don't worry. He won't drag you away from everything, and if he tries, we'll all stand up for yuo. Amy could turn him into a rat."
She laughed, "Right."
"So, I"ll see you tomorrow?"
"Yeah, thanks."
After he hung up the phone, Willow walked over, and hugged him. He was surprised, "What was that for?"
"You're amazing," She admitted, "Helping Buffy out like this. It means a lot to her."
He nodded, "I just hope our efforts work."
~Part: 5~
Buffy, guarded by Angel, Willow, Xander, Amy, Cordelia, and Oz, entered the library very late.
"Where have you been?" Sam Zabuto, a tall, coffee-skinned man with a distinguished air scolded, "And with these people."
She shrugged, protecting herself with a cold attitude, "I was out....having fun."
He nodded cooly, and then said to the Scooby Gang, "I think it's best if you people run along."
Xander chirped up, "So we can miss the Buffster's training session with her new Watcher?" It didn't take much for Mr. Zambuto's eyes to widden, "What?"
"You all know about her identity?" Everyone nodded, "Why is this?"
"Well," Buffy started, "I better introduce you people," She pointed to Xander, "This is Xander. The one who was possessed by a hyena spirit, almost killed by numerous bad guys, etc. etc," A small nod was exchanged, "Willow is the hacker-slash-witch, who was chased after by the computer demon," Willow winced, upon remembering those days, but then she offered him a small smile, "And she's dating Oz, the werewolf."
"Hey." Oz nodded cooly.
The Watcher just nodded, as Buffy continued, "Then we have Amy, she's a real witch. Turned me into a rat once," Amy shrugged at him, "This is Cordelia," The May Queen rolled her eyes in disgust of being associated with the Scooby Gang, "She's tactless, but has seen me take out the Master, so far has been in trouble a lot more than us," Then, she siddled up to Angel, "This is Angel. Don't you ever stake him, or I will kill you--" She offered a polite smile, "--and I'll make sure it hurts. A lot."
Angel looked at her, "I don't think you'll need to kill him."
"Well, just making sure, yuo know!" She clapped her hands together once, and walked forward towards Sam, "So, what am I doing tonight?"
He spoke clearly, "I think we shoul set a few ground rules."
"Ew, rules?"
"I don't take any type of saucy behavior. No feedback, cutting remarks. Nothing," They all looked around nervously, "Second, your friends will not attend your training practises. Third, you aren't going to be attending school any more. Lastly, your social time will be cut down dramatically, and replaced with training techniques."
Buffy was controlling herself well, even though by this point they all knew she wanted to snap his neck, "Next I suppose yuo'll have me moving away from home?"
"I was thinking about it, but I had called your mother already, and she frowned upon it."
"Did yuo tell her about the school rule?" He hsook his head, "I dare you. Go ahead. Pick up the phone, and tell her I'll have to quit. She will not be happy. Especially with what I've gone through in the past. But, try it---"
Xander cut in, "If you dare."
"Um," Cordy piped up, "I really have to go to the Bronze soon, so could we hurry this up?"
"Bronze?"
Buffy nodded at her new Watcher, "Club. A fun place. Big vamp activity there, too."
"Well," He said, "This seems to be a bad time to train, seeing that yuo all have plans. Tomorrow perhaps?" Buffy shrugged, "Next time, I'd prefer if you went alone."
Oz spoke up, "Well, she's like our nation. Where she goes, we go."
Willow nodded, squeezing Oz's hand gratefully, "We're sorta stuck together---"
"---like glue." Angel put in.
From the stacks, Giles watched in amazement as they all stood together and defended Buffy, his precious Slayer. <<Maybe things will work out for the best, yet. Maybe.>>
Her new Watcher dismissed them quickly, "She's a case. A real mess."
Giles shook his head. <<The best Slayer you'll ever set eyes on, Zabuto, and she's mine.>>
The minute they were all outside, they colapsed into a relieved laugh. Buffy was the first to speak, "Thanks guys, for going in there with me. It means a lot."
Oz shrugged, "No problem," He motioned towards his van, "You guys want ot take it? There's enough room."
They all agreed, and piled in.
Willow cleared the silence, "What time do yuo play?"
"Eight."
Angel checked his watch, "You'll just make it."
"That was the original plan." <<Thanks Oz.>> Willow smiled. <<Angel needs that kind of nice, polite, calm, friendly communication. I'm grateful.>>
~Part: 6~
"So," Willow asked Angel as they walked back to her place, "How do you think it went with the Watcher, and---"
"Good," He cut her off, "But, she's going to have to fight hard. Zabuto won't just give in like that, and there really isn't a guaruntee that he'll tell the Counsel that Rupert should have his job back," Willow nodded, pouting, "But, I admire the way you're rooting for them both. It's great. Really amazing." <<You are amazing, Willow, you know that?>>
She didn't respond verbally, until they were on her front porch, "I just hope it works. Even if it worked a little," Her visage clouded over in confusion, "I don't quite know how it could work a little, but......but....." They both started to laugh, "you know what I mean?"
He nodded, "I understand."
"Well," She slid the key into the door, and pushed it open easily, "I guess this is goodnight?"
"Yeah," He shrugged, trying to remain casual, "See you tomorrow...at the Bronze?"
She shrugged, "Oz is playing again, so I'll probably show up," His features darkened, "And, I'd love the company. If you don't mind hanging around mousy, plain ol' me."
He snorted, "You are anything BUT mousy and plain."
Willow just blushed, trying not to let him see how much that completment really meant to her, "Yeah, well, whatever." But, her attemtps fell short.
"I'll see you tomorrow."
With a friendly kiss on the forehead, he was gone.
Willow walked into the house, and after hanging her coat up and putting her shoes in the closet with it, she walked upstairs, and into her room.
Her gasping, surprised voice filled the air, "What are you doing here?!"
Angel walked towards the mansion alone. He was lost in his own thoughts, thinking about Willow. His Willow. <<I wish I could tell her how I feel.....but I don't want to ruin her relationship with Oz.>> Still brooding, he didn't notice the car driving very slowly behind him, and continued to think about the hacker. <<If we're meant to be, it'll happen. I have to trust in fate.>>
"Angel?" The voice of the new Watcher cam from behind him, startling him out of his thoughts. When he turned, he smiled at the man, who then asked, "Could I ask you a few questions?"
Angel shrugged, playing Cryptic-Guy, "Depends on what about."
Sam wasn't going to beat around the bush, "Elizabeth Anne Summers."
Amy laughed, after Willow's face stopped turning whiter shades, "You should've seen the look on your face!"
"How did you get in here?" Willow managd a weak laugh.
The now brunette waved her finger, disappeared, and then reappeared in another location in her room, "Like that," She shrugged, "I thought you looked upset tonight at the Bronze, and maybe you'd like to talk about it?"
Willow thought long and hard about why she'd be so upset, but couldn't think of a reason. <<I have a boyfriend, who's in a band......a bunch of great friends....so why would she think that?>>
"Will'?"
The hacker looked up at her friend, and asked, "When did I look upset?"
Amy answered plainly, "When Angel left to patrol with Buffy."
"Buffy."
Sam questioned, exasperated already with the vampire's attitude, "Does it matter?" Angel just snorted, and motioned for him to continue, "I just want to know if all the stories were true."
The vampire nodded, "That and many more."
"Wow," Sam's eyes bugged, "Impressive," Angel agreed with a small nod, leaving the Watcher to make the next move, "Is she always that, um, stubborn?"
"She was trying to get her point across."
"Which was what?" He inquired, "That she hates me, or that her life isn't played by the rules?"
The vampire spoke patiently, even though he wanted nothing to do with the man, "She doesn't hate you, first of all," He paused, searching for words to tell him, "Very set in her ways, yes, and she's also upset about the Counsel's decision in dismissing Rupert."
"Rupert---"
"Mr. Giles, to you."
The man rolled his eyes, "Anything else?"
"Buffy needs a support group. We've all saved her numerous times, gotten her into trouble even more, probably, but we're always there for her, and she's always been there for us. We protect each other."
"Noble efforts."
"There's nothing noble about it at all," Angel countered, "We're friends. We all need each other to survive on the Hellmouth."
Sam nodded, "Are you the one that opened Acathla?"
Angel groaned, "Could we please not get into that?"
"I have time," He said, "And I'm curious. Seeing how my Slayer's life ended then."
Sighing, he forced himself back into those terrible memories, "I didn't have my soul then," He saw Sam nod for him to continue, "Felt no remorse. I was ambitous, too. My old self. My terrible murderous self. Opened it. Then, someone gave me my soul back, but Buffy had to send me to Hell. I got out somehow. No one knows how."
"Who cursed you?"
Angel fought down proud, swelling emotions, "Willow."
"Willow," Amy groaned, "C'mon. Just tell me you weren't a little disappointed to see him leave with her?"
The hacker shrugged, oblivious, "He came back, and walked me home. It wasn't like----"
"Argh!" She flopped down on the bed, "You really aren't helping."
"How am I supposed to help? Tell you that I'm madly in love with someone I'm not?" Amy nodded, smiling, "We're friends. That's all. I have Oz. You know, band Oz, werewolf Oz. I think we're happy. He loves me. I love him."
Amy inquired, "Do you really?"
"For now, I do."
"I'm only trying to help," The witch said, when she saw how upset Willow had become, "Trying to be a friend. Is that a crime?" Willow shook her head, brushing tears away, "Forgive me?"
She enveloped Amy in a hug, "That answer your question?"
Amy pulled back, and smiled, "Yeah," She flashed a mischievious smile, "Want to learn how to transport?"
"Do you need to ask that question?" She asked rhetorically.
At the end of their conversation, Sam thanked him, "You've filled in a lot of gaps for me, Angel, and I'm grateful."
<<And, yet, there's so much more that I haven't told you.>> But, he just nodded, and said, "No problem, but, if you really want the whole story to everything, just ask your charge."
Sam nodded, waved good-bye, and got back in his car. Angel felt a disturbing saddness in his heart, that didn't belong to him, and started off in the direction that he came from.
Willow had mastered the technique of mental transportation with lighter objects than herself, but she coul only do it around a small space, for example, from her window to her bed. As they rested, while devouring milk and cookies, Amy asked again, "Are you happy?"
"Please, no more."
"I just want to know. I care."
She thought her answer through carefully, but found it hard to put words to her emotions, "I think I am. But, sometimes Oz is so cool about things, it scares me. Or makes me feel left out. I know it's just the way he is, but......but....." Tears started to slide down her face, "I don't think we'll last very long. I'm not ready for him. He says he'll wait, but I don't think he will."
Amy nodded, understanding her dilema. <<The way Angel looks at her is so obvious! I know she likes him too, but...ugh! This is terrible! The role of matchmaker sucks!>>
"But who else would want me?" Willow shrugged, "I'm so mousy, and plain." In the back of her mind, she could hear Angel's kind words, and in an instant, she could feel his prescense near, and it soothed her.
"Describe your perfect guy," Amy had picked up a magazine, and began reading a quiz, in hopes of cheering her friend up, "C'mon, do it."
No one knew Angel was outside listening.
Willow shrugged, "I see a man who's smart. Cryptic. Sensitive. Patient," She wrinkled her nose, "And this might seem silly, but leather pants kind of turn me on." She blushed, and then gasped as there was a tapping at her door.
"I'm leaving." Amy waved, and zapped herself out of the room. <<He matches....and he arrives on the doorstep!>>
"Angel?"
He entered, wearing his famous cryptic smile, tapping his fingers nervously on his leather clad thighs, "I....um.....are you alright?"
~Part: 7~
Willow gulped, standing up to meet him, "Why wouldn't I be okay?" She quickly wiped away at the tears that had streaked her face.
He noticed, and brushed them lightly with his fingers, "You were crying," He studied her face for a few seconds, while she nodded, "Did Oz hurt you?" She shook her head, "Did Xander?" She shook her head again, "You're being very difficult."
"Nothing happened. I just got worked up about things."
"Can I help?"
"I don't think so," She wrinkled her nose, "But, why are you here?"
"I could sense something was wrong with you," He admited, and he knew that if he was human, he'd be blushing at this point, "And I rushed over."
She smiled, "How valient, but, I'm fine. Now."
"Was it me?"
Her eyes widdened, "What?"
"Was it me that made you cry?" She shook her head, but felt the tears well up in her eyes, "I was ignorant, or I didn't listen, right?"
She replied, holding his hands in her own, "No. You've been an amazing friend. It's not a crime."
"Then," He asked, dumbfounded, "Why are you crying now?"
It was true. Tears were spilling down her flushed cheeks, even though no sobs escaped her lips, "I don't know. I mean, I feel great. I learned how to transport books and things tonight. Amy was over, and we had a girl talk, about guys and witchy stuff. And my best friend is here, right now, wondering if I'm okay. I'm happy."
"Good," He hugged her, "If I ever hurt you, yell at me, and tell me how hurtful I've been. I don't deserve you, and---" She punched him, "Did I---"
"Yes, you did it again. You have it backwards, Buster."
"We're both confused then, because I see a beautiful, mature, strong young woman who deserves the honest friendship of one she choses to share a bond with. You deserve the world, Willow. Nothing short of it."
She tilted her head to one side, and asked playfully, "You're in the world, right?" He chuckled, and nodded, "Goody! I win! I get the world, and Angel!"
He laughed, and headed towards the door, "I'll see you tomorrow." She nodded, waving happily, and he slipped outside. <<Real smooth, Dead Boy. That act'll win her over.>>
<<This isn't happening. This isn't happening. I'm dreaming. REM sleep. Something, but this can not be happening.>> Willow was in the hall, watching a strange girl put the moves on Oz, and he didn't seem to be turning any of the play down. Upset, and glad that it was the end of the day, she ran outside, and headed to the only safe haven she knew.
"Angel?" She walked inside the mansion, but no one seemed to be there. She headed towards his room, "Angel?" Hearing movement in there, she poked her head in, and embarrassment followed suit, "God, ANgel, I'm so sorry!"
Her tear stained face pulled away from the door, and Angel, clad only in his trademark leather pants, ran out after her, "Get in here."
"Are you sure?"
"You're upset," She nodded, "YOu're more than welcome in here. And, it looks like you need a shoulder to lean on," She nodded agian, "Let me be the shoulder, Willow."
"It lookes strong enough."
He looked sternly at her, "Spill."
"Oz. Girl, that wasn't Willow." Tears fell freely, and sobs followed. He just held her, rocking her back and forth. Her hands gripped his shoulders hungrily, and she welcomed the security he offered her.
He kissed the top of her forehead, "Will you be okay?" She gave a muffled reply, "Hmmmm?"
"Now that I'm here, with you," She sighed louder, "I might be."
"Might?" She nodded, miserably, "C'mon, you need a night on the town."
"Amy!!!" Willow shrieked into the phone, "Get over here now!"
"Huh?"
She quickly explained the whole situation, skipping over Oz and the new girl, ending with a request, "So, I need you to help me get dressed."
"I'm here!" Amy spoke from behind her. Sheepishly, Willow hung up the phone, "Is this a date?"
Willow shrugged, "He just said 'night on the town'."
"Date." She decided.
But, the hacker protested, "We're just friends."
"Yeah, right," Snapping her fingers, WIllow's clothes changed into a short pleated skirt, and tank top and jacket, "There you go....." She studied it, "Shoes," With another snap, she was wearing Mary Janes, "Hair," A clap changed Willow's short hair from poker straight and down, to soft, curled under, and with the top half up, "How do you like?"
Willow smiled, "Thanks---"
"Makeup!" Amy clapped again, and Willow's face was slightly dazzled with cosmetics.
"Wow. Practise does make perfect," Amy nodded, and Willow continued, "Well, he shoul be here soon. Vanilla, or sporty?"
The witch smiled, "Vanilla. Scent of choice among witches."
Willow smirked, and then, the doorbell rang, "I guess this is it."
"Knock 'em dead, and have fun." <<Seduce him, too, while you're at it.>> As she watched Willow leave, she wondered what could've caused her to be so excited about this 'non date'. <<I'll have to check out her little friend Oz tonight.....>>
Willow walked down the stairs excitedly. <<Angel is so great...this'll be so fun.>> She opened the door and graced him with a smile, "Ta da!"
He chuckled, "You're ready?" She nodded eagerly, "Then, come with me---" He extended his hand, in which she placed her own, "---we're going to go have fun. Lots of fun," She looked up at him curiously, "Can't tell you."
She pouted, "Why not? I hate surprises!"
He helped her into the limo, and started to explain as they drove to an unknown destination, "I made reservations for us at Chez Vous," She gasped in surprise, "Following that, we coudl either go see a movie, or rent one," She nodded, still excited, "Or, we coul go for a walk on the waterfront, although, I don't want trouble ruining our date."
"We coul rent a movie...." She suggested, "I mean, there really isn't anything great showing, besides Simply Irrestistible, and that doesn't really seem to be your type of movie," He looked at her quizzically, "It's a magick-witchy-love story."
Angel nodded, "Well, anything you'd like to rent?"
She shrugged, "I dunno. We coul go look."
The limo stopped, and they got out. She looked in awe at the fancy surroundings of the poshest restaurant in Sunnydale. After they were seated, and ordered wine, he asked, "Are you alright?" She shrugged, confused, "You look a little pale."
"This is just so different," She admitted, "And, I'm sort of nervous."
He cocked an eyebrow, "Nervous?" She nodded, "Why?"
"I dunno," She tried to explain, "I mean, I've never been to a place this fancy before, nor am I really dressed for it.....and.....and....."
He pressed, "And?"
"And, it's you that I'm with."
"Huh?" <<What's she getting at?>>
Willow tried to explain, but they got sidetracked by the waiter asking them for their orders, and after that, she saw a minute to sidetrack them both from their previous topic, "I thought you don't eat."
He nodded, "It doesn't do me any good....but sometimes, to pass the time, I eat," She nodded, and then he launched into the topic she didn't want to get into, "So why do I make you nervous?"
Blushing, she tried to explain, "Well, you're kinda like a god to me," He scoffed but she continues, "I mean, you're gorgeous, and sculpted, and perfect looking. You're amazing inside, too," It seemed to be getting easier for her to express her feelings, "And, I guess I just feel like there's some underlying espionage-esque reason for you being so nice to me, like this," She waved her hand around, motioning to the fancy surroundings, "On this, um, date."
<<A date? she considers this date?>> As his heart swelled, he responded to her, "I'm not a god. I've done a lot of bad things," she nodded, "I'm a vamp, a night dweller. I don't know if I'm gorgeous, but yuo, Buffy, and Cordelia have all considered me that, so I guess that's right. But, I'm not perfect. And," He added, "Nothing's too good for you."
"Buffy," She continued, "That's another reason why I'm so nervous. Will she be upset if she finds out that you're with me? I mean---" He shook his head slowly, decisively, "Why not?"
"We're not dating anymore," He replied, "She isn't preventing me from being with yuo. She never will. ANd, she hsouldn't be preventing you from being with me. Only we can decide."
"Your rotini," The waiter returned, placing a plate of pasta in front of Willow, "And your steak, sir."
"Thank you," He said to the frenchman. They focused their attentions onto their food for a while, "Good?"
She nodded, draining her wine glass of its contents, "Yeah."
"Refill?" She nodded agian, and he poured more of the red liquid into her glass, "Cheers," He joked, making her smile. It was minutes later before he said anything else, "Is this alright with you?"
"What?"
"This night."
"Why would you think otherwise?"
He shurgged, "I wanted to make you happy."
"I'm happy. This is the best food," She smiled at him, "And the best company I've had today."
He beamed. <<She makes me so happy. I wish I could tell her that.>>
~Part: 8~
"Would you quit squirming?!" Angel grumbled, as she tried to find a comfortable position in his lap. After she settled herself, sitting on the couch, leaning against its arm, while Angel's hands rested on her shoulders, and on her knees, he looked at her, "Done?"
She nodded, grinning, as she lifted the remote and pushed 'Play'. As she sped through the previews, she said, "I hope yuo like this movie."
"Well," He shrugged, trying to surpress the sensations he was getting from her sitting in his lap, "I guess it might seem a little weird to me, but, I'm sure I'll like it. I mean, you picked it out."
Willow blushed, trying to not let him see how much that meant to her. <<He always has the right things to say.>> After a few beats, she said, "It's starting."
They had decided on Hallowe'en : H20. She had always wanted to see it, but Oz hated scary movies. So, Angel said he didn't mind horror movies, and they didn't scare her, which let her jump at the chance to rent it.
She relaxed in his arms, and enjoyed the movie. <<Not like there's anything else to do.>>
"There!" She turned the TV off, as she started to rewind it, "Did you like it?"
He nodded, "It was good, actually."
"I'm glad you liked it," A vision of a very pissed off Buffy crossed her mind, and a twinge of guilt followed. He noticed, and after she was called on it, she replied, "I just think Buffy will be mad."
Angel shook his head, "No, she won't. I told yuo she doesn't have that hold on me anymore," He studied her expression, "There's something else. What is it? Is it me?"
Quickly, she answered, "No, no, it could never be you," When she was certain he understood, she fell back, closed her eyes, and sighed, "It's just so weird. I never knew yuo before, like this, and I'm getting used to it, I guess," She covered her reasons up with a laugh, "I'm not used to going to fancy restaurants."
He chuckled, "Well, you looked like yuo needed something different," She nodded, "Anything else?"
She shrugged, "Um, well, it's like this," He nodded, waiting for her to continue. She started to blurt, "Ours is a forbidden lo---" His eyes popped wide, and the expression on his face was priceless. <<Why did I say that?! He looks like he was hoping for me to say something like that. He looks happy, even though he's still trying to keep his broody face on....>> In embarrassment, she finished, softly, "---ve. And now---" He pulled her head close to his delicately, and kissed her. Lightly at first, but then her own desires deepened it. She pulled back, gasped for air, and finished, "It's not so forbidden anymore."
"Willow," He sighed happily, relieved to express his feelings for her, "I don't know what to say. It's odd. I always wanted to tell yuo, but I never knew what you'd say, or do. If you want me to leave, I will. I'd do anything for you, you know that, right?"
She nodded, "I want you to stay, Angel, I really do," She saw his face fall, "But I need space. Baby steps," She thought she saw tears of disappointment falling, "I want you, but I'm not ready, and I want us to be solid."
"I know." He pouted.
"Kiss me," She smiled seductively, "Please?"
"You don't need to ask nicely for that," He replied, "You know I'd always be glad to comply."
She moaned a reply into a kiss.
"I'm sorry," She repeated over and over, before ending with, "I'm not ready."
He nodded, opening the door, "Someday you will, and I hope it's before our 'nasty breakup'."
They both laughed, and he kissed her again. This time it was sweet and serene, unlike their needy, passionate kisses in the living room, "If you kiss me once more, I might not be able to---" He kissed her again, "Not fair."
He smirked, "I know, I know. I'll see you tomorrow night. The Bronze?"
"I gotta babysit Oz's wolfy form tomorrow."
"I'll be there, then, with you."
And, he was gone.
Willow waltzed lightheadedly around the house, unable to believe what happened. <<He kissed me....he wants me! Oh my!>>>
Outside, Angel watched her dance in the windows. <<I made her happy.>> He walked happily home. <<Does she know how happy she makes me?>>
~Part: 9~
"Angel," She breathed, as they entered her room, "Did you do this?"
On her desk was an aquarium, filled with tropical fish, and on her bed were crimson roses. There was a small note in the mass of blooms, but she didn't race to read it, because he was speaking.
"Yeah," He blushed, "I felt bad about, well, um, you know, and wanted to make it up to yuo. The note kinda explains everything. But," he added, preventing her from reaching it, "Don't read it until I leave, okay?"
She nodded, wrapping her arms around his waist, "Thank you. You're amazing. Even though it was unneccessary."
"I didn't mind," He responded, "I did it with a song in my heart."
She chuckled, and allowed him to steal a kiss. As the passion escalated, she pulled back, "Um, I---"
"Not ready?" She cringed, and nodded, praying that he wouldn't be mad. Instead, he kissed the tip of her nose, and said, "Well, how about I tuck you into bed, and then leave?"
"I'd like that," She smiled, and went to her bathroom to get changed. In a few minutes, she appeared in silk pajama pants, and a green tank top, that matched in East Indian print of the pants. She walked over to him, and kissed him politely on the lips, keeping her mouth closed, knowing where bigger kisses could get them further involved than she'd like, "I'm ready for bed."
He smiled mischieviously, and scooped her up in his arms. She let out a small cry of surprise, and then he graciously dropped her on the bed.
Silently, he tucked her in, his dark eyes dancing. When he finished, he waved, and walked towards the door.
"Angel?"
"Yes, Will'?"
She gulped, unsure how to ask, but she knew that if she didn't, she'd regret it, and miss him terribly, "Could you stay here, for a little while?" he looked at her, not sure what to say, "No fooling around, or anything," They both blushed, "Just hold me. Let me sleep."
He joked, "And ruin my good tuck job?"
She laughed softly, "I guess that's inevitable. What do you say?"
"Chance to spend time with the one I love....." He pretended to think about it, as he took off his shoes, socks, jacket and shirt, "Well, did you have to ask?"
"I was trying to be polite," She eyed his pants-clad form, "No funny stuff, Buster. I need sleep."
He nodded, getting under the covers with her, "I know." He pretended to pout, but he couldn't. It wasn't in him, to pretend to hate a situation that he absolutely loved with every inch of his body, mind, heart, and soul.
"Good night, Angel."
"Good night, Willow."
She woke up the next morning, to find another note. This one was posted on her mirror.
"Willow, I was thinking about waking you up to say good bye, but that would've been selfish, and you looked very tired. I let you sleep. Since today is Saturday, I was wondering if you'd stop by in the afternoon, and then we could go to the Bronze or something. Nothing big. I know you don't want to rush things, and I'm not trying to do that. I just want to see you, to hold you for as long as I can. Last night was amazing. The sleeping part, I mean. It meant a lot. Thank you a thousand times, I love you, Angel."
She swooned, clutching the letter to her chest, as the phone rang. She picked it up, "hello?"
It was Buffy, "Hey! Giles and I kinda really need your help."
"Not a social call."
"No," She sounded very stressed, "There's something going on, and Sam won't tell me what it is. But, Giles wants to know, and the only way we coul find out is if we had a Watcher with a password on their official site, we think, cuz information is stored there, too."
"Great," Willow commented, "I'm Net Girl."
Buffy pleaded, "Please, Will. This would mean a lot to me. And Giles. We need your help."
"Okay," She relented easily, "When do you need me?"
She thought about it for a minute, and then answered, "Well, how about around four. That way you'll get here before the sun sets. I won't worry then."
"Why four?"
She huffed, "Sam's making me train all afternoon."
"How does your mother like him?"
"I haven't told her yet," Willow could hear Sam yelling in the background, "Um, I gotta go."
The Slayer hung the phone up before she coul say anything else. <<Fine.>> She replaced the phone, and stretched. <<It's eleven now......>> She picked up the phone again, and dialed Amy's number, "Amy?"
"Hey," The witch responded warmly, "What's up?"
"Feel like hanging out today?"
She accepted eagerly, "Sure. What's up?"
"Well," She thought of Angel, "I was thinking about going to the mall," Her friend shrieked happily, "And I thought you might be up to helping me pick out some new clothes."
She pried, "Anything to do with your date?"
"Yeah."
"You guys---?"
Willow replied truthfully, "We're a couple. But, donn't tell Oz. Or Buffy. Or anyone---"
"Don't worry," Amy cut her friend off, "I'll keep quiet. In Oz's case, though, it's only fair," Willow prodded, asking why, and then, she explained, "I went spying. That girl you saw him with is sort of like his second girlfriend," Willow cringed, as she had been half-hoping that it was just something she had made up, "I asked the Dingo band mates, and they say she's a groupie, and he adores her."
"Will she adore him after he tells her about his inner wolfy?"
"That's true," Amy said, and then asked, "Are you alright about it?"
Instead of answering it directly, she said, "Angel told me he loves me."
Amy giggled happily, and said, "I'll get dressed, and I'll drive over. See you in twenty minutes?"
"Okay!"
Willow jumped out of Amy's car, dressed in her new clothes, waved happily, and ran into the mansion. Being careful, and on the alert, she listened for any signs of Buffy and Angel together. When she didn't hear anything, she crept inside his room. <<Awwwww......>>
He was sleeping. Sprawled across his bed in black silk pants, much like her own sleepwear, and was twitching, which told her he was dreaming. She waited for signs that he wasn't dreaming anymore, and then, after removing her jacket and shoes, crept into the bed next to him.
Groggily, he came to, "Willow?"
She laughed, "Who did you think it would be?"
"Only you....." He smiled.
"Did Buffy tell you about my hacking into 'Watcher City Online' tonight?"
"No. Is it dangerous?"
She kissed the nape of his neck, "No, silly, it's just basic hacking."
"Good," he said, "But why?" She launched intot he whole story, about Giles thinking something was going on, and how Sam wouldn't tell any of them, "Maybe it doesn't happen for a while," He spoke sagely, "That could be why he doesn't tell her."
"Do you know something?"
He shook his head, as he flipped over to face her, "No. I noticed vampires have been on edge lately, but that's it."
"Oh," She responded, "Well, anyway, I get to be Net Girl again."
He reassured her, "You're good at it."
"Great. Will you walk me there?"
"YOu know I'll go anywhere with you."
She snuggled into his arms, "That note was sweet," She thanked him, "About holding me," He nodded, smiling happily, as she continued, "It made me feel special."
"You are special. To me, you mean the world."
"Thanks."
He struggled upright, and then he picked her up, so they were both standing. He kissed her once, and then walked over to his wardrobe to get some clothes, "I guess I better get ready then, right?"
"We only have a little while before it gets dark. Buffy'll get worried about me."
"Where were you?" An exhausted Buffy inquired angrily, and then saw ANgel behind Willow, "Hey, Angel."
He nodded a greeting, as they walked over to the computer. Willow had brought her laptop, but she thought she could use both. Just in case. When she saw Oz in the cage, growling, she jumped back. And then shook her head, "Sometimes he still gets to me."
Buffy sat on the desk, resting and elbow on the computer, "Can we get started?"
"Antsy?" She saw Angel start a conversation with Giles. Willow's gaze stopped on Buffy's legs, where there were numerous bruises on her thighs, just below the hemline, "Are you alright?" She pointed at them.
Buffy blushed, while her eyes glazed over, and said cooly, "Yes."
"Okay," Willow breathed, and got to work. She found everything she was looking for-- bookmarks, and site info--and then she turned on her laptop, where she had her hacking software. It wasn't hard. Within half an hour, she cracked into the system, but couldn't find anything, "Damn!"
Angel rushed over, placing his hands on her shoulders comfortably, "What's wrong?"
"There's nothing here," She loked at Buffy, and then Giles, "I'm sorry."
Buffy cursed in plain English. Giles cursed in Latin. ANgel cursed in Irish Gaelic.
Willow looked up at them, and said, "Guys, could we keep the language less colorful?"
"Sorry," Giles said, and then he noticed what Willow had earlier, "Buffy, what are those bruises?"
She shrugged it off easily, "Vamps. Pain. They really tried to hurt me."
Willow couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong with her, but she didn't know where to begin. Thinking about what to do, an idea crossed her mind, "I have a couple ideas."
"Like?" Angel inquired.
"Amy taught me this transport spell."
Giles shook his head, "No. Out of the question."
"All I have to do is go to whereever this place is, or get a layout map of the place," She explained, while cruising around their site, "Like that one," She pointed at an archetectural map of the building where the Counsel resides, "And, I can get my mind there, and zap the books here. Or, even read them, and bring the information across."
Buffy looked at her wearily, "Can you hurt yourself?"
"All I'll get is a little exhaustion."
"Maybe?" She looked at Giles, who, after some time, nodded, "When can we do this?"
Willow replied, "Give me time. Maybe a couple days off. I'll get it done, prepare my mind. Baby steps."
"We have finals," Buffy pointed out, "Next semester is looming over our heads."
"Then, after finals. This can't be rushed," Angel said firmly, which surprised Buffy and Giles, and then, he added, "I don't want her biting off more than she can chew."
"I agree with Angel," Giles concluded, and then said, "Why don't you take her home?" He nodded, as Willow saved the files onto her laptop, "Buffy, we'll leave in a while."
Buffy nodded, watching the duo leave quietly, "I want to leave before Sam gets back."
"Are things alright between you two?" She shrugged, "Buffy, what is it?"
"He's just so different from you," She colapsed into his arms, as sobs wracked her body, "I miss you so much."
He smiled at her, after kissing her forehead, "C'mon. We'll stop at my place, and have some tea first. You need to relax."
"Coul I just crash at your place?" He shrugged, uncomfortable, "The couch, Giles. I just don't want to go home. Sam has been hanging around there a lot. It's like he forces Mom to let him hang with us, and it makes me nervous."
"Does he hurt you?"
She didn't answer at first, but even when she replied, she didn't really answer the question, which worried the ex-Watcher, "I'm fine, Giles. Just a little frazzled."
~Part: 10~
<<After finals.........>>
Willow immersed herself into a book about astral travel. She was trying to find a way to feel the building, so she could locate the books she was looking for. <<I've got to do this.>>
There was a tapping at the door, followed by, "Willow?"
She recognized the voice as Angel's, "C'mon in." <<It's sweet the way he always knocks first, and doesn't walk in before I say he can. But, it's frustrating. He's more than welcome in my house. He should know that.>>
Angel sat down on the bed next to her, and kissed her cheek, "How was your last exam?"
She smiled, "Good. What did you do today?"
"Thought about you," He admitted, and she blushed. She put the book down. he picked it up, "You still trying to find a way to do this?" She nodded, "Could Amy help?"
She shrugged, "Maybe. I didn't want to bother her."
"Buffy's getting very impatient."
Huffing, she responded, "Then Buffy can do this herself," Angel looked hurt, and she instantly felt remorse, "Angel, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that."
"I know," He said softly, "I'm just worried about her. Have you seen her lately?"
Willow nodded, agreeing with Angel, "She looks really stressed. Upset. I don't know what's going on, and everytime I ask, she just says she feels some weird energy off of something, or someone."
"I think Sam's behind it," Willow's eyes bugged, "Think clearly. He spends way too much time around her house. He drinks heavily," The hacker recalled the time they had to rescue him from a few vamps, only to find him intoxicated so much he could hardly stand, "And, he's very strict. He's always trying to isolate us from her."
"Possible," She responded, "But, I don't think we shoul jump to conclusions."
"She's staying at Rupert's place," Willow looked at him, surprised, "He told me last night. He's really worried about her, but he's not allowed to speak to the Counsel about it. He can't even question Sam."
She nodded, "Let's take this one step at a time. I know you still care about her," He studied her facial expression, which told him nothing, "It's expected. You guys were close. And, I----" He cut her off, by placing his lips against hers, "What was that for?"
"Baby steps....." He mused.
She shook her head, eyes narrowed, "Oooh....mocking me, aren't you?"
"No," He replied hautily, "Just taking your advice."
"You want to go to the Bronze?"
"Love to."
~~~*~~~
The Bronze wasn't as crowded that night. Willow chalked it up to the fact that there a few concerts at downtown pubs. She didn't mind the sparse crowds, though. It enabled the couple to sit close, and act as a couple. However, Oz saw her.
He was flanked by his 'groupie'. Angel held Willow protectively, guarding her from him. Oz said a brief greeting to Angel, and then told his partner to get them a table. He looked at Willow, and said, "Coul we talk?"
"Sure," She kissed Angel's cheek, and said, "I'll be right back," He nodded, and the hacker followed the guitarist to a corner of the large building, "What do you want to talk about?"
"Angel, and Cindy."
<<That's her name.>> Willow just nodded, keeping her mouth shut.
"I'm sorry, Babe, really," He whined, making her roll her eyes and gag, "I didn't know---" He stopped, "Why couldn't you talk to me?"
She replied flatly, "Because yuo couldn't talk to me. Do you know how betrayed I felt?" He nodded, "How?"
"Because when I saw you with him---"
"That's not the same."
"Can we try and---"
"I'm not yuor girl anymore," She cut him off, and watched his face fall, "I'm sorry, Oz. But, I can't trust you," She then added, "We can try and be friends, again, though. If that's alright with you."
He smiled, "Cool. I'd like that."
Within minutes, she was seated with Angel again. He looked worried, "how'd it go?"
She nodded, "Good. I think. We're going to try and put all of this behind us," She saw his face cloud over in saddness, "And be friends."
"Friends?" he asked, hopefully.
"Yes," She kissed him, "We're the couple now."
He stood up, and extended his hand, "Wanna dance?"
"Love to," They walked out to the dance floor, and instantly started swaying together to the music. He pulled her in, and held her close to his body. She leaned on his chest, and sighed, "I love you."
"Oh, Willow," He sighed happily, "You---"
She kissed him, pulling her his head down to meet hers, "Shhhh....." He nodded, kissing her gently, yet hungrily, "I wish----"
"Be careful what you wish for," He spoke sagely. She pulled back, and nodded, her eyes sparkling, "Unless it's me."
She chuckled, "You'd like to think so, wouldn't you?"
~~~*~~~
Meanwhile, Buffy was in training. She loathed it now, mainly because she had to spend time alone with her new Watcher. He mocked her, spoke down to her, and hurt her. She could work her agressions out on the wooden dummy, or on him, and that helped.
"Get to work!" Sam barked, "You're lazy. That'll get you killed."
Buffy mumbled softly, "Working with you will get me killed."
"What was that?!"
"Nothing." <<Go to Hell, Sam, Go to Hell.>>
~~~*~~~
"Tonight was fun, Angel," Willow spoke to him at the door,"And, I'm grateful to you."
He looked ta her, confused, "For what?"
"For being so patient with me," She blushed, "You don't know how much that means to me."
<<She's so sweet.>> he kissed her cheek, and said, "Don't worry about it, Sweet."
"Sweet?"
He shrugged bashfully, "You remind me of something sugery and sweet. You're so nice, and lovable---" She shot him a look, "I'm serious."
"Okay," She said reluctantly, "I'll see you tomorrow?" He nodded, and before she knew it, he disappeared into the shadows.