Author: FaerieEve

Rating: PG-13

Pairing: W/A, B/X

Disclaimer: I own nothing. As anyone I know will attest to, I have nothing worth suing for. All Characters from the show "Buffy the Vampire Slayer"& "Angel" are owned by Joss Whedon and Mutant Enemy I’m just borrowing them to occupy my otherwise boring existence and will return them when I’m done.

Spoilers: This takes place after Season 4, with a few minor changes to the Buffyverse. Anya left Sunnydale slightly after graduation, and unfortunately Spike isn’t around right now. <> indicates thoughts

Summery: Angel has returned to Sunnydale to see Willow and everyone finds out that Tara is more that she seems.

Feedback: Faerieeve@ hotmail.com This is my first fic. PLEASE tell me what you think.
 
 

Willow looked at the dark haired man sitting on her bed. When he looked up from his book, catching her eyes in his direction, she quickly turned her gaze back to the computer in front of her.

<Damn he's gorgeous. How come Buffy always gets the ones who look like they should be posing in underwear ads. Not like Angel really could. He wouldn't show up on the film, but ... Oh Gods, now I've got pictures of Angel in his underwear going through my head.... Hmm... Boxers or Briefs? ... Girl get a grip. Focus! Research.>

"It's really nice of you to help me with this research, Willow."

"You know you didn't have to come all the way here. I could have e-mailed you any information I found. Unless, you wanted to see Buffy, which I don't think would be a good idea right now."

"Why not?"

"You left. Then Riley left. Buffy's finally starting to move on to someone who she feels she can trust to stay around for a while. It would only confuse things for her."

"Don't worry. I was planning on avoiding her as much as possible. I just kinda wanted to see how you've been doing, and to thank you. Not just for helping me with research every now and then but for keeping in touch. And for being there for Buffy after I left."

"I was here before, she just didn't need me as much till after..."

Then he heard her voice.

"I thought you said Buffy would be gone for a while?"

"She will. Patrol and then... non-Slayer activities. Why?"

"She's coming down the hall."

"Here" Quickly Willow ushered Angel towards her closet.

"You want me to hide in the closet?"

"Or you can explain to your ex-girlfriend why you're in our dorm room rather than in your apartment in LA"

"Closet it is." Angel said grinning sheepishly.

No sooner had Angel stepped into the closet than Buffy made her way into the dorm room. At the sound of the closet door slamming the Slayer looked up from the stain on her shirt.

<Oh No she knows I'm hiding something. I'm a terrible liar. How can I pretend I don't have my best friend’s first true love hiding in my closet. I might as well have a neon sign that says,' Ask me what I'm hiding!'>

Buffy noticed the flush that seemed to cover her roommate from head to toe and watched as Willow nervously fidgeted with the hem of her shirt. The redhead's eyes were fixed firmly on the ground.

"What's up, Wills? If I didn't know any better I'd think I caught you with a guy or something. Your face matches your hair."

Willow unable to come up with anything else at the spur of the moment pounced on the excuse her friend provided.<Sure a guy. Not exactly lying. I just won't tell her which guy.>"Yeah! You just missed him...So... what are you doing back? I thought you had a hot date tonight."

" The demon decided he didn't like my fashion sense so he slimed me. Like he's ever even heard of style. He was dressed worse than Xander."

"Hey! Xander's come a long way. Besides he has his own sense of style and in his mind it works."

"Well I'm going to change. Figure I'll have an excuse to wear that new outfit I bought Saturday. I just hope it's not too revealing. Xander won't tell me were he's taking me. I was kinda hoping to borrow your red strappy sandals though"

"Sure I'll get them."

Willow reached around the vampire hiding in her closet, trying to get to her shoes without opening the closet door too far. Angel shifted to give her better access to the floor behind him. Willow picked up the shoes and started to stand when she felt the waist of her skirt threatening to slide down her hips. She looked down to find Angel's foot on the hem. "Angel!" The vampire quickly shifted his weight. Willow turned to Buffy with shoes in hand slamming the door to the closet. It was then that she realized Buffy had been talking to her the whole time.

"That is so not funny, Will."

"Huh?... What's not funny?"

"I asked you who this mystery man was and you said... you said Angel."

"Brad! His name is Brad.... You're right, Buffy. It was a bad, bad joke. You know I think I'll give up jokes entirely. They're really more Xander's thing anyway. Xander's way funnier than I am. In fact he told me this joke the other day and it was so funny I couldn’t breath I was laughing so hard. I would tell it to you but as we have discovered I am bad with jokes, no funny here. Why don't you go ask Xander to tell you the joke he told me? Now."

"Will, it's OK. But just a hint for future joke telling usage, one, stay away from sensitive areas and two, you may want to stick to something more believable. I just couldn't picture you two together."

"I guess it's hard for you to picture him with anyone else."

"It's not that. I just don't think he's your type."

<Since when is gorgeous and soulful not my type?>

" So what is my type?"

"Sweet, shy, cuddly...safe."

At that moment Willow knew the reason. It was something she had come to understand herself, but she had never imagined that her best friend would throw it in her face.

"I just never get the tall, dark, handsome, mysterious guys. It's hard to picture because guys like Angel just don't fall for girls like me."

"Exactly" Buffy regretted the word as soon as it passed her lips. She saw the acceptance and the defeat cross her friend’s face.<Stupid! How could you say that out loud? Cover. Cover.> "Will, that's not what I meant. I... I.. just meant that you're just too good of a friend to do that to me."

"To do what?"

"Well, I know me and Angel will never be together, he's made that clear. But to move on to my best friend you would never let him do that because you know it would hurt me to see it everyday, shoved in my face."

Normally Willow would have bitten her lip and made an excuse to leave the room. Then she would go cry and get it out of her system, avoiding any confrontation. But she couldn't very likely just abandon Angel and leave him hiding in her closet. So she did something she had been wanting to do for months now, confront Buffy about Xander. She was glad they were happy together but she still felt betrayed. The two lovebirds had hidden their relationship, until she caught them in the act, and then they flaunted it. The redhead tried to contain the waterfall of tears, and was surprised when only two escaped to run down her cheeks.

"Yeah, I could see how having your first love, in my case Xander, in love with your best friend, that would be you, could hurt. Especially if they went behind your back, and then you had to see their blissfully happy faces every day. You're so lucky you have a friend like me that nobody would want."

Buffy looked up, shocked, and for once didn't have a snappy comeback. That was not the reaction she had expected. " Willow, that's different." And with that the Slayer walked out of the room, trying to ignore the guilt she felt. <But it is different. Willow and Xander were never together. He never loved her the way Angel loves me.>

It took Angel a moment to fully grasp what he was overhearing. Buffy and... and XANDER??? But once he got over who Buffy was dating he realized he was happy for her, even if her taste did leave something to be desired. He was glad that she had found someone who would and could love her the way she deserved. It was the one thing he was sure Xander wouldn't foul up. The boy had years of practice. He only wished they had been more tactful about Willow's feelings. As soon as he heard Buffy leave, he stepped out of the closet to see the hacker's tearstained face turn away from him. She sat on the bed and cried into her pillow. He wondered how many nights she had cried herself to sleep over this. Gently he sat down and gathered her into his arms. At least he could comfort her. He had a lot of experience comforting people lately. At first Willow clung to Angel, crying breathlessly. Finally once all her tears were done, she loosened her grip and let her body go limp. One hand fell down his back to the bed. Her other hand slid down his chest and came to rest on his thigh. Noticing the unsettling affect this had on him, the vampire shifted slightly. At his movement Willow noticed where exactly her hand had fallen and that she was draped unceremoniously over Angel. She gathered herself and stood.

"I'm sorry. You shouldn't have had to hear all that."

"Look let me take care of some business and then I'll come back. We'll do something. You need to have fun."

"You don't have to, Angel."

"How could I still remain a chivalrous man if I left you here to sulk all night? So, think of something you want to do and I'll be back in two hours." Angel noticed an evil smile twist Willow's lips and it reminded him of her doppleganger. "What are you plotting?"

"Well... I was thinking maybe you could um.... well that we could uh.... we could go dancing at The Elysium."

"You're under age Willow. It's against the law and what makes you think I could get you past the bouncers?"

"First of all it's not like I've never broken the law before." Angel arched his eyebrow at her questioningly. "Angel, Hellooo, Scooby Gang, breaking and entering, nuff said." He still looked skeptical, "I'm always hacking into one government database or another. Not to mention I helped steal a rocket launcher from the United States Military, and infiltrated a top secret military lab. Anyway the case we've been researching for the past two hours is for the owner of the club."

"And if he won't let me bring you in?"

"We've snuck into numerous evil villain’s' lairs, like one nightclub could be any harder."

"Okay, I'll pick you up in two hours."

<I can't pull this off the way Buffy does. Why did I ever think it would be a good idea to try and be as noticeable as her? There is no way I can go out in public like this. I need to find something else to wear.> Willow started to dig through the pile of clothes on the bed when she heard someone knocking on her door. <Oh, no. He's here. Too late to change, I hope he doesn't laugh>

Willow opened the door to find the epitome of Angelus standing before her. Angel was wearing black leather pants and a black silk shirt. Seeing the worried look in Willow's eyes, Angel rebuked himself for not realizing what he must look like sooner. Willow saw the guilt hit the vampire's eyes and all her worries were calmed. That guilt was the one thing Angelus could never imitate. Willow stepped from behind the door and moved to the side.

"Come in, Angel."

"Are you sure?"

"Wouldn't have asked otherwise."

He stepped into the room and his heart jumped up to his throat at the sight of her. The witch was wearing a emerald green satin shirt with spaghetti straps over her shoulders and one tie across her back revealing her soft ivory skin. The patchwork skirt was a little more Willowy except for the fact that it only fell to her mid-thigh. If he had needed to breath he would have been in trouble, because he simply couldn't. All he could do was stare. Noticing the expression on his face Willow grabbed one of the other shirts off the bed, nervously.

"Just let me go change real quick."

"Why?"

"This just isn't... I'm just not..."

"Sorry, no time. I told the owner to expect me and it wouldn't be very professional to be late."

Willow threw the shirt in her hand back onto the bed and followed the handsome vampire out of the building and into the night. < I can't believe I'm letting him drag me out like this. I should have at least grabbed a sweater or something. Although I can think of some thing else I'd like to grab. BAD Willow!! It's gotta be the leather pants, normally I have much better control of my thoughts. Ohhh.... his ass is so cute in those pants.... Stop it Willow, just stop it. He's a Buffy type guy, not a Willow type guy. Willow type guys don't have butts like..>

"What?' Willow looked up to see Angel standing in front of a convertible, black of course.

"I asked if you mind if I keep the top down."

"Oh sure."

When they approached the club Angel shook the bouncer's hand and introduced Willow as his partner. The bouncer waved them in casting an appreciative eye down at Willow's long legs. Once in the club Angel set out to find the owner and told Willow that he would be back after he had taken care of some business. For the first hour Willow actually helped Angel work on his case. Willow had been questioning the beautiful half-demon that was tending bar. The woman had been attacked twice, both attempted kidnappings. Angel had told her that every demon in town knew who Rebecca’s father was and that fact alone should keep her safe. Willow questioned the intelligence of any vamp that would hunt the half-demon. Surprisingly Willow was having much better luck questioning the woman than Angel had earlier that day. Of course Willow understood how the mere sight of Angel could interfere with a girl's ability to form coherent sentences.

Across the room Angel observed the people who were watching the two beautiful women at the bar. Rebecca had her share of admirers, any of which could be the threat. And Willow had been offered numerous drinks and dances, all of which she had turned down. Finally Angel's eye caught a familiar face. Long black hair framed a naturally tan face and dark eyes stared at the two women. Angel recognized the vampire from several previous stake-outs. This man was his main suspect behind the abduction attempts on Rebecca. And he was approaching the bar. Rebecca signaled for someone else to take over the bar and walked around to Willow. The vampire approached and stalked towards not Rebecca but Willow, placing a hand on her shoulder. Within seconds Angel was behind her. He wrapped one arm around the witch's waist, while his other hand removed the stranger's hand from Willow's shoulder.

"Sorry, Honey. I didn't mean to keep you waiting" Angel bent to kiss Willow on the cheek, "Is this a friend of yours?" He asked nodding to the man standing before them.

"No. He was just wondering why I was alone but, now that you're here, I'm not." Willow leaned back snuggling closer to Angel. "Let's go dance." And with that she grabbed Angel's hand on one side and Rebecca's on the other and drug them both towards the dance floor, leaving the inquiring man alone. They danced for a few songs and then Rebecca left them to return to the bar. A bouncer now accompanied her.

"Can I have this dance?" Angel asked as the slow music began to flow from the speakers.

"Why not."

As they danced Angel couldn't help notice how natural his hands felt resting on the warm smoothness of Willow’s uncovered back, and the way her fingers played with the short hairs at the nape of his neck. It seemed to be a subconscious action, or it could have been the four shots of tequila Rebecca had given her earlier.

Buffy held close to Xander trying to enjoy the evening but she just couldn't get Willow's words out of her mind. Finally Buffy closed her eyes and let the soft music drown her thoughts. She felt the security of Xander's arms around her. Then her moment of bliss shattered. Disturbed by a familiar sound, the Slayer’s eyes shot open.

"Thanks for cutting in back at the bar." Willow said mentally reliving the feel of Angel's lips against her cheek.

"You knew he was a vampire?"

"Why is it that every time a cute guy tries to pick me up in a club all he's ever after is a good meal? And here I thought I was actually attractive to someone as something other than a traveling blood bank."

"Don't say that. You are a very attractive woman, Willow." A blush crept across Willow’s face and an uneasy silence filled the space between them.

"So Willow, fill me in on what I've been missing around here."

Angel and Willow watched each other attentively as they danced, catching up on old times and making small talk. Willow vaguely mentioned the thrill of having so much to learn at college and then ushered the conversation towards Angel. Willow tried to keep from giggling at the thought of a kinder, credit card deprived Cordelia but, at the thought of Wesley as a "rogue demon hunter" she burst into laughter. That's when they were interrupted.

"Mind if I cut in?" Asked the same man from the bar as the song changed to yet another mellow tune. Angel pulled Willow closer to him, tightening his hold around her waist. He felt the small rumblings of a growl start to form in his throat.

"I mind." All eyes turned to Buffy as she stalked towards them dragging Xander behind her. Before anyone had a chance to respond she had changed partners, dropping her boyfriend’s hand and grabbing Willow. Buffy ushered the witch towards the back exit of the club by her elbow.

"What the hell is going on?"

"Buffy, it's not what it looks like."

"Well I know that because it looks like you and Angel were all over each other and that is sooo not happening. So... Explain!"

Willow's mind flashed back to their earlier argument and a wave of anger washed over her. She turned to walk away and was grabbed by the elbow once again.

"Buffy, just let me go."

"No. I want answers."

"Have you been able to convince yourself that your situation is different?"

Buffy's resolve faltered, but only momentarily. "I know we should have handled things differently, but I just wanna be happy for once. I can't help it if we can't all be as good as you."

"Why does everyone insist that I have to be good and sweet and perfect? Maybe I wanna be happy too. And just maybe I'm tired of being so damned good all the time!!!" She turned towards the door to the club in time to see Angel and Xander emerge into the alley.

Before Angel knew what was happening he found himself tangled into Willow's embrace, her lips forcefully seeking his. Before the stunned vampire could respond the redhead pulled his neck roughly down towards her to gain better access and darted her tongue through his slightly parted lips. Angel stood in shock as the feel of her mouth against his seared his soul and electricity shot through his body. In that one kiss Angel could feel all the passion that this one small girl was capable of. The hacker let all the anger, and pent up passion, and rebellion she felt flow from her lips to Angel's. Willow poured every emotion she had into the kiss, wishing for release. Once his senses returned he began to respond pulling Willow close, wanting to taste all that he could of her.

Willow's mind was too busy sorting through her thoughts and emotions to realize that her kiss was being returned. Slowly the tears began to fall, having thus far been held at bay by her anger. It was when she tasted her own tears that she realized exactly what it was that her mouth was doing. Kissing Angel. She pulled herself free of his embrace, disentangling her fingers from his hair, and ran. Angel almost lost his balance as Willow pulled away from him, caught off guard by the girl's abrupt departure. He went to chase after the hacker but was blocked by a very pissed off Slayer. Angel shot a look towards Xander who took off after the slight redhead. Sunnydale was no place to be out alone at night.

Xander found Willow just around the corner. She looked like a frightened child, huddled up against the side of the building with her knees held tightly to her chest. He sat on the ground next to her and took her hand into his, offering his support. He knew she would talk when she was ready and he would be there. So, they sat in a companionable silence built on years of friendship and tears. Then the shouting pierced the night and their silence was disturbed.
 
 

"Why are you trying to hurt me?"

"Get out of my way." Angel just wanted to find Willow. He could still taste her salty tears in his mouth. He didn't know what he would say but he had to get to her.

"You could have anyone you wanted. Why does it have to be Willow?" Silence was her only answer.

"Don't you realize what this is doing to me?"

"Not everything is about you, Buffy."

"Fine we'll make it about you. Did you decide you wanted an easy relationship? Someone who won't fight back? Someone you can have without worrying about losing your soul? Someone who is naive enough to forgive you for being the monster you are? Someone.."

"That's enough!!"

"I won't let you hurt her the way you hurt me."

"I never meant to hurt you." Angel gently but forcefully moved Buffy out of his way and walked out of the alley to find Willow and Xander. He turned the corner to see Xander staring helplessly at Willow as she ran from him. Angel quickly took off after Willow and Xander went to go find out exactly what demon had possessed his girlfriend.
 
 

Willow ran oblivious to anything other than the tears running down her cheeks and the pound of her feet against the pavement. She was startled back into reality by the touch of a gentle hand on her shoulder. She jumped back and was met with dark eyes.

"Are you okay?"

"What do you want?"

"You're too beautiful to look so sad and lonely."

She wanted more than anything to believe him but, he was a vampire. What exactly was his image of beauty? He moved his hands up and gently grazed the skin of her neck with his fingertips.

Angel froze in his tracks at the sight of Willow's tear stained face. His game face slid into place as he saw the vampire from the club trace his fingertips along Willow's neck. Before he could rush the guy, he saw the vampire thrown against a tree on the other side of the street by some unseen source. The vampire lay still for a moment and then as he began to rise a "for sale" sign from the yard he had landed in was uprooted and thrown in his direction by invisible hands. All that was left was dust. Angel ran to Willow to make sure that she was okay. She was crying hysterically. The moment he put his arms around her she calmed.

"We need to go see Giles."

"Willow, you're upset and its late. I'll take you home. You can get some rest and calm down. We'll go and talk to Giles tomorrow."

"No! I'm going NOW!"

Willow began walking towards Giles’ apartment with Angel at her heels. Angel paused as he felt the presence of another vamp nearby. He quickly did a check of the surrounding area and found a small auburn haired vampiress hiding in the shadows between two of the nearby houses. Her golden eyes caught his. She gave a wicked smile and then melted into the shadows.

Angel sat next to Willow on the couch, rubbing small circles on the back of her hand in an effort to calm her. He had no idea why she was this worked up. He had seen Willow stand and fight against vampires, demons, and ghosts alike, but never had he seen the terror that shone in her eyes at that moment. Even when he had tormented her as Angelus she had never looked at him with that much fear. He had gone out of his way to terrify her. She had been his favorite Slayerette to torture, all that innocence, love and strength in one. Angelus had dreamed of the day he would break her, bring her over and wave the evilness of it all in the Slayer’s face. Angel shook his head of those thoughts and concentrated on the situation at hand.

"What happened Willow?" After a few minutes of only silence, Giles looked to Angel for an answer to his question. Angel told his version of the evening, glazing over the arguments they had each had with Buffy, and then a detailed description of the attack.

"I didn't see anything that could have done that to the vampire."

"So, we have no idea what did this or why it felt the need to protect Willow?"

After a moment of silence Willow finally gathered her strength, looked the two worried men in the eyes and spoke. "I did it."

The silence was unnerving her. Why wouldn't he say something, anything? <What did I expect? Why can't I keep my big mouth shut sometimes? I at least could have been a little more tactful.> Finally the silence was broken.

"What the HELL was that about?"

"Xander, it's not what you think."

"Buffy, you have no idea what I'm thinking. So, why don't you explain to me what it is instead off what it isn't."

"I don't know. I just... I just don't want him to hurt Willow the way he hurt me."

"That's not what it sounded like to me."

"That's all it was, Xander."

They pulled up to the dorm and Xander stopped, "You know I'm not Deadboy’s biggest fan, but just make sure you aren’t the one that hurts Willow." Xander couldn't ask the question he needed answered most. He was too scared. Buffy leaned over and kissed him. He only half-heartedly kissed her back. Then she went to face Willow.

Angel and Giles looked at Willow expectantly but she did not continue. She brought her feet to her and cuddled into the fetal position further burying herself in the blanket wrapped around her. Pulling away from Angel she put her face in her hands and cried. Giles got up and motioned for Angel to follow him into the kitchen.

"She seems awfully convinced that this was her doing."

"I didn't think she was that strong."

"W...Well Willow has always had an amount of n..n..natural power. Not just any amateur witch could restore the soul of a vampire. And during her time with Tara she learned to control and tap that. B.. But I cannot imagine Willow having the power you described. There must be another explanation.

Both Angel and Giles stood in the kitchen doorway watching protectively over the witch, each one desperately wishing that he could save her from the fear she had lost herself in. The men jumped as the shrill of the phone startled them from their thoughts.

Buffy entered the empty dorm room.<Where is she? We need to talk and she's probably off somewhere crying in Angel's arms. And he's letting her fall for im. And when they both have to come back and face reality she'll get hurt. Where could they be?> Then the Slayer noticed the answering machine blinking.

"Hello"

"Giles, its me. Have you heard from Willow?"

"Yes, Buffy. She's here."

"Put her on the phone."

"I don't think she'll talk to you..."

"She can't be that mad. It's Willow. She doesn't do grudges. Just give her the phone."

"Buffy, Willow isn't talking to anyone. She's quite upset. She was attacked tonight while she was walking the streets alone."

"But she knows better than to do that. Where was Angel?"

"Fighting with you I would imagine."

"Oh God! Is she OK? Please tell me she's OK."

"She's fine physically, but she is extremely unnerved. You'll have to wait until tomorrow to speak with her."

"I can't."

"BUFFY..."

"Giles! Tara's in the hospital and she's asking for Willow."

"Oh... Oh.. . D... Dear. How is she?"

"I don't know but I know Wills is gonna want to see her."

"I'll see what I can do."

"OK."

"Good bye Buff..."

"Giles."

"Yes."

"Tell her I'm sorry."

"Good Bye Buffy."

"Bye."

Angel looked at the watcher questioningly as Giles walked towards where Angel had joined Willow at the couch. "Willow." The watcher received no response. "Willow." Still nothing. "Willow, listen to me. It's very important. It's Tara." Willow’s head shot up and Angel could see the clarity wash across her eyes and her face. "What's wrong?" The words were barely a whisper as she said them. "She's in the hospital. I don't know what's happened but, she's asking for you." Willow got up and walked towards the door. Turning around she stated calmly and firmly to Giles, "You're driving me to the hospital." Giles grabbed his keys and left with Willow.

Angel sat trying to sort through his thoughts, trying to find some explanation.<Why did he attack Willow?... stalkers don't normally just change their minds... of course they don't work in teams either, who was the vampiress?... Was she at the club?...I can't remember... Why do they want to hurt Willow? .... Willow....intelligence...determination...forgiveness...sweet smile...soft lips...smooth skin...WAIT, where the hell did that come from?...This is Willow, my FRIEND, mousy shy Willow... I've just been lonely too long...Why didn't I ever notice before...she’s not that mousy anymore... it was just one kiss.... that kiss> And Angel's mind drifted in thoughts of Willow's touch, her lips, her eyes and her hands. Angel relived that kiss over and over.

Willow walked aimlessly waiting to see where her feet would take her, trying to sort through the events of the last 24 hours and what she had learned at the hospital. Yesterday morning had been like any other normal day for her, well as normal as it could be on the Hellmouth as part of the Scooby Gang. And then she had gotten the call from Angel.

Willow looked up and found herself in front of a door, not too surprised that her feet had brought her here. She wandered nervously what Xander would say at seeing her, especially considering the scene that she had made earlier that night. Willow began to knock on the door and then stopped. How could she explain things to Xander? How could she tell him the truth without admitting how much it hurt that he either couldn't or wouldn't love her, without admitting how much it hurt to see him and Buffy together. She couldn't. It would only make things more complicated if he knew. She turned and walked away with her head hung low.

Rebecca had been kidnapped. That meant one of two things. Either he was completely off base about the vamp he had suspected last night, as he was now dust, or he was correct, the vamp hadn't been working alone and Willow might still be in danger. Angel had called every place he could think of to find the redhead with no luck. And the Scooby Gang in its entirety was out searching for her. But he had heard nothing. Angel paced a worn path into the floor of the apartment and counted down the minutes until dusk.

The first place he headed was the hospital, sneaking past the nurses’ station and down the hall towards Tara's room, hoping that Willow had returned there. As Angel turned the corner what he saw stopped him in his tracks. The same auburn haired vamp from the night before stood watch outside Tara's door, although she was doing a particularly bad job. The vampiress was more enthralled with looking through the window at what was happening in the room. Angel carefully walked up behind her. He grabbed her forcing the door open at the same time.

Using her as a shield he quickly took a survey of the small, sterile room. There was a large black man, that was undoubtedly a vampire, on one side of the young girl in a hospital gown, whom he assumed was Tara. On the other side of her was a rather harmless looking demon, if that's possible. They were trying to hold Tara still. All three of them looked up at him as he entered the room. In the moment of confusion caused by his entrance the demon was thrown up against the far wall by an invisible force. Angel was stunned momentarily by the sense of de ja vu'. Apparently he wasn't the only one. The small vampiress wretched herself from his grasp and lunged towards Tara, pushing her into the wall. Angel winced as he heard her head crack from the impact. Angel raced to grab her as her unconscious form fell to the floor but was pulled back by the now recovering demon. Angel howled in pain. Anywhere the demon touched felt as if holy water washed beneath his skin.

The male vamp scooped Tara's limp form over his shoulder and took her out of the second story window. The dark haired woman stalked towards Angel and freed him from the demon's grasp. She gestured for the demon to leave as she threw Angel against the wall. "Our sacrifice will not be deterred. Stay out of our way." Angel looked up to confront her but she was gone.

Willow fell to the floor of the hospital hallway, no longer having the energy to hold herself up. Instinctively she knew something was wrong. She pulled herself up and struggled to get to Tara's room. She opened the door and took in the disorderly appearance. The room was a mess. Angel was in a heap on the floor. His neck and hands were covered in burn marks. She looked to the bed but saw no sign of Tara. Tears flowed down her cheeks and a muffled cry escaped her lips. As Angel looked up his eyes locked with Willow's. He saw in them surrender and was barely able to move fast enough to catch her limp form as she lost consciousness. Angel pulled Willow into his arms and picked her up. He carried her away from the hospital, ignoring anyone who tried to stop him.
 
 

Giles sat silently watching as Angel stroked Willow's soft red locks of hair away from her face. He could practically see Angel willing the witch to awaken. Hopefully the other's would arrive soon so Angel could explain what had happened. Buffy was the first to arrive. She took in Willow’s limp form spread across the couch and walked over to where Willow’s head lay gently in Angel’s lap. She sank down to the floor at the vampires feet and grabbed Willow’s hand. Briefly she looked up into Angel’s eyes and with a glance they exchanged apologies and hope. As Buffy looked towards Giles, Xander’s voice broke the silence.

"What happened?" As he stepped further into the apartment fear raced through his body at the sight of Willow. Instantly he was back in the hospital room watching over his best friend all those years ago. Once again waiting for her to wake up. Buffy rose and wrapped her arms around him in a comforting gesture. Finally after a few minutes he found his voice again. "Deadboy, you better tell us what the hell happened before I have my girlfriend stake your sorry ass."

Angel broke free of the trance and eased Willow’s head onto a pillow. As he moved away from the couch everyone’s attention focused on him rather than the redhead. There was an almost collective gasp as each person noticed the burns covering his body. Ignoring the reaction, Angel began to tell them what he knew of the events leading up to now. Xander was the first to speak.

"You took Wills AWAY form the hospital in this shape? Maybe they could have woken her up."

"Xander, I don’t think they could have helped. Whatever caused her to be in this condition is ... otherworldly. Cant’ you feel it? It radiates off her."

"So Mr. Answer Guy, what do you think happened?"

"I don’t know."

"I think we should start researching this demon ." Giles began to reach for books as he continued, "It is extremely odd that it would be working with the vampires as an equal."

"I’m gonna go patrol, and see if I can beat anything useful out of the local vampy population. Angel, why don’t you go see if Willie knows of anything suspicious in town?"

"I’m staying with Willow. I think there’s a chance they might still come after her."

"NO... there is no chance. They don’t want Willow anymore. They have Tara. They don’t need Willow." Xander’s face was contorted by guilt the moment the words came out of his mouth. "I... I... I just meant that they have a witch for whatever witchy thing it is they need. So Willow’s safe. She’s gotta be. We’ll save Tara and all. But Willow’s safe right?" Xander looked around the room, his features panic stricken. "Right?"

"She’ll be fine. I just want to keep an eye on her."

"Yeah , OK. So... research." Xander started to grab the book nearest to him and then thought better of it. He went to the kitchen and returned with a soda and come chips. Flopping into a chair and getting comfortable, research mode commenced.

"I’ll go by Willie’s on my way back after patrol." Buffy tentatively kissed Xander goodbye and hurried out the door trying to evade the mixed emotions she felt at seeing Angel again and seeing the way he held Willow. Buffy cleared her mind and pushed her concern and love for Willow to the forefront. She had to figure out what was going on. So she headed towards the park.

"Shouldn’t Buffy be back by now?"

"She’s fine, Deadboy. Buffy’s a big Slayer. She can take care of herself."

"So you’re not worried?"

"Look Angel, first of all she’s out looking for information so it’s not just slayage tonight. Second, Buffy’s got a lot to think about right now so, she probably took the long route around town and through the park. It normally takes about 2 1/2 hours. Plus, tack on about an hour or so just sitting in a swing sorting through her thoughts, before she has to come back here and face us all. And then she’s gonna go beat up Willie. So I’d give her another two hours before I go out after her. And yes, of course I’m worried."

"Xander."

"Yeah, Angel?"

"You’re good for her, you know."

"I hope so....Angel?"

"Yeah."

"If you hurt Willow, in anyway, I’ll make sure you see the next sunrise."

"I’ll remember that."

Just then Giles entered the room with a fresh cup of tea. He sat at the desk and continued going through the tomes that surrounded him."Angel, you said that the vampire which attacked Tara was thrown just as the one that attacked Willow was on the previous night."

"Yeah and as soon as it happened the girl went straight for Tara. They must have suspected that Tara had some kind of power when they went in there."

"I wish I knew what kind of spells they had been working on. I don’t know if they’re drawing power into themselves, if they have summoned some kind of spirit, or heaven knows what else."

"G-man, hate to disappoint you but Willow and Tara haven’t done any spells, or anything else for that matter, together in months. Ever since that... you know...thing. If it was a spell wouldn’t we have noticed something before now."

Angel look questioningly at Xander. Willow never had told him what happened between her and Tara. "What happened between them?"

"This demon kidnapped them. He was after Willow obviously but he captured them both. They were put in separate cells and beaten within an inch of their lives. We were lucky. We got there in time. Willow came out of it fine, a little shaken but she recovered. She’s strong, but Tara had a minor breakdown. She kept saying that she thought she had finally been safe. It was freaky but I guess we’ve been chased down by so many big nasties we forget how nuts it can make you. After she came around she told Willow that she couldn’t be near her or any of the rest of us anymore. Said she couldn’t be that close the evil. She even began packing. I think she’s moving to the east coast at the end of the semester. Transferring to some school in North Carolina. Angel, she was wigged."

"I thought she knew about...everything."

"There is an extreme difference between knowing and researching and being held a prisoner of war."

"Did you guys find out why he wanted Willow?"
"Something about purifying a demon and a sacrifice. Big ugly dude decided to kill two birds with one stone. Complete the ritual and weaken the Slayer all at once."

The black before her eyes became a fuzzy gray and she could hear her heartbeat loud in her ears like crashing thunder. Slowly Willow became aware that she was lying on something soft, her head and feet elevated. There was something on her stomach and she could feel fingers stroking her short red hair. She tried to gently open her eyes but, there was nothing gentle about it. The bright light seared her eyes. When she finally got her eyes open she noticed that she was laying on Giles’ couch with her head in Angel’s lap and her feet in Xander’s. Angel was engrossed in reading the book that rested on her stomach, while one of his hands toyed with her hair. She had never been this close to Angel when they weren’t in life or death situations. <Except for the kiss.> Remembering the kiss a warm flush crept over her skin. The brush of Angel’s fingertips across her skin brought her attention back to the present. Willow let her gaze wander over the man holding her; his strong arms, silk covered chest, then she saw his burn covered neck. She began to reach out to the scared tissue not believing anything could have marred his perfect flesh.

"Giles, we’re never gonna find anything in here." As Angel looked up from the leather bound book to speak he noticed a small hand raised toward him. He looked down into bright green eyes and a relieved smile crossed his face.

"Angel, are you OK? What happened?" Angel looked at the small redhead, an expression of confusion on his face.

"Your neck. It’s burned." Angel quickly realized that his neck obviously didn’t heal as fast as his arms had. But the demon had kept quite a hold on his neck for an extended period of time. It was understandable.

"I’m fine, though I should probably ask you the same thing."

Willow looked nervously around the room and found all eyes on her. The three men attentively waited for an answer with worried faces. <Well at least now I know. All I have to do to get the attention of a room full of handsome men is lose consciousness.> "I’m fine." Cautiously Willow lifted herself into a sitting position, both Angel and Xander’s hands guiding her. She immediately regretted moving when Angel’s hand slid away from her hair.

"So what did I miss?"

"Mostly just research."

"Lead me to the computer and tell me what we’re looking for."

"Willow, what do you remember?"

Willow looked at Angel and thought for a moment. The color drained form her face as the memories flowed over her. "Oh No" It was more of a breath than a whisper as the memories slid into place. Slowly she stood and made her way to the desk. She turned on the computer and faced the room. "What do we know?" "Not much."

Buffy’s knuckles were beginning to ache. She had beaten up and dusted six vamps. Only two had given her any useful information and Willie had been no help. She was tired and Xander would be getting worried soon. In one fluid motion the blonde palmed a stake from the small of her back and slayed the struggling vamp pinned beneath her. She hit the ground with a solid thump, rose, dusted herself off and made her way towards Giles’ apartment. Unfortunately while she had taken out a lot of aggression she hadn’t been able to settle any of her conflicting emotions. That was when she noticed she wasn’t alone and switched course. She knew she had felt another presence most of the evening and now she was sure of it. <I’ll be damned if I lead those bastards to Willow. I’ll go to the dorm and phone in. Let them know that they’re still after her. Damn vamp, wish he would just show himself so I could stake his undead ass.>

Xavier stepped out of the shadows. <I’ve been following the damn Slayer for hours. When will she lead me to the redhead already? I hate these little reconnaissance missions. Why couldn’t the followers seem to capture this one small girl. Now they know we’re after her and I’m gonna have to go through the Slayer and all her lackeys just for one ingredient in the ritual. But one thing is for sure, when I finally get that girl the first thing I’m going to do is drain the damn Slayer. I’ve wanted to do that all fucking night.>

Willow looked up from the blurred words on the computer screen to see the blurred surroundings of Giles’ apartment. Gently she rubbed her eyes and leaned back, relaxing for a moment. As she opened her eyes she glanced at the clock. 4 am. It had been almost three hours since Buffy had called in and reported. What little she found out hadn’t helped their research so far. They knew that two other half-breed demons had been abducted in the area and that they were supposedly to be sacrifices, for what was still a question. They also knew that Buffy had been followed and that probably meant Willow was still in danger. Somehow that thought seemed to upset the witch just a little.

She looked around the room to find Xander lounged on the couch his nose in a book and crumbs on his shirt. Xander made light of a lot but when things needed to be done he was always ready. Giles sat in an arm chair with a book in one hand and a cup of tea in the other, being very Giles-y. Then pretending to stretch she turned to look at Angel at the kitchen counter behind her. Deeply scrutinizing the book in front of him while the discarded pile next to him grew. She was glad Buffy had gone to the dorm after patrol. Willow wasn’t sure if she could face both Buffy and Angel in the same room right now, especially after that kiss. Somehow that moment kept finding ways to sneak into her thoughts. Quickly Willow turned back to face the others in the living room.

"So what do we have so far?" she asked Giles.

"Well, we have four demons that could cause the damage done to Angel, but none of them match the description provided. Then we have two which match the description but there is no mention of them having such abilities."

"Well G-man I recommend we find another strategy ‘cause this one is producing bupkiss."

"And just what would your suggest Xander?"

The young man got a thoughtful look for a moment. He seemed to be sorting through the options mentally and then spoke, "Well, let’s shift the focus a little. Why do they want these girls?"

"They are to be sacrifices."

"But for what? They obviously aren’t just picking girls at random, they’ve gone through too much trouble. What do all the girls have in common? Since we don’t know much about the other victims, we’re gonna have to focus on Tara, Willow and the information we have on Rebecca."

"That ACTUALLY sounds like a good idea Xander!" < Why didn’t I think of that?>

"Really? And who says you never learn anything from TV?"

"I’m going to Tara’s." Willow stood and grabbed her keys and a flannel shirt Xander had discarded on the back of the couch.

"I’ll go with you." Willow knew it was no use to argue. She walked out the door knowing that Angel would be right behind her .

Angel stood observing the apartment from the door while Willow rummaged around in one of the back rooms. The apartment was very Willowy. There were pictures of the redhead and magic supplies all over the place, most of which were hidden among the boxes. His quiet observations were disturbed by the ringing of his cell phone.

"Hello."

"Angel, thank God you’re OK. Are you at Giles’?"

"No we’re researching."

"Don’t go back. Go somewhere safe and take Willow with you."
"Cordelia, what’s the matter? Is everything OK?"

"I had a vision of you and Willow getting jumped outside the apartment. I think you were on your way in. They killed you and took Willow. Wesley and I are on our way there. Where should we meet you?"

"Stay in LA and take care of the business. We’ll be fine. I just need you to call Giles and warn them."

"I’ll call and have them meet us somewhere. If you need to get a hold of the gang me and Wesley should be in town in about half an hour. We’re almost at the airport now and Mr. Nabbit is letting us use his jet. Just call my cell phone. I programmed it into the speed dial on your phone. I’m number 2."

"Who’s number one?"

"Giles. Angel take care of Willow. We’ll see ya soon."

"Bye Cordy."

Just then Willow emerged from the room with a large leather bound, of course, book and a handful of computer disks. "What’s up?"

"Change of plans. We’re going to my apartment. Cordelia had a vision. It’s not safe at Giles’. She’s calling to warn them. In the meantime we need to keep you out of sight. We’ll meet back up with them later."

"If they’re in danger we need to go help them."

"I hate to say this but the bad guys are after you this time. Maybe if you’re not there they won’t be in danger."
"Oh..."

The ride to Angel’s was silent, neither knowing quite what to say.

Angel stared at Willow and his eyes kept drifting across her lips. Willow had her nose in the book they had picked up at Tara’s since they had gotten to the apartment. And she had been staring at the same page for over an hour. "Willow you’ve been up two days without getting any real rest. Why don’t you go get some sleep?" The red head vaguely mumbled something even his vampiric hearing couldn’t make out but she made no attempt to move. Angel walked towards her slowly lifting her chin with his fingertips until their eyes met. "What aren’t you telling us, Willow?" Suddenly she tried to hide the knowledge in her eyes. Frantically she pushed the thoughts out of her mind.

She regretted it instantly, when they were replaced by thoughts of how close Angel’s body was to hers. She leaned into him. Then, abruptly, Willow pulled away and collided with the back of the couch. "I’m sorry." She moved around Angel, clutching the book to her chest and got up from the couch. "You’re right. I need sleep not induced by loss of consciousness. I’m gonna lie down." Willow looked around the Spartan apartment for anywhere to lie down other than the couch he was standing in front of or his bed. But those where her only choices. She decided to walk away from Angel and crawled into the bed. The moment her head hit the pillow she fell asleep. Her mind filled with images of the vampire protecting her and the witch that needed her.

Tara opened her eyes and fought back the pain that racked her head. Slowly she realized that she was not alone in the unfamiliar room. Taking in her surroundings she pulled herself up from the cold concrete floor. The circle of vampires and demons closed around her. She fell back onto the ground, fear evident in her eyes. She was out numbered. Trying to escape at this point would only get her killed. The circle separated and a familiar face stepped forward. "My darling girl, you have evaded me for the last time. Your demon will be purified. But first you must answer a few questions. Xavier, get the information you need but don’t kill her." A well built, dark man came forward flanked by two other very large guys. Like being vampires alone wasn’t intimidating, they flaunted their size hoping to cause her fear. It worked. Then the one in the middle, probably Xavier, spoke.

"Where will we find your mutt friend?"

"I... I don’t know who you’re talking about."

"The red headed half-breed that was with you last time you were captured."

"She doesn’t need to be p...purified. She’s not a demon, just a witch. Leave her alone."

"LIAR! Tell me where to find her." When he received no answer he threw her across the room and into the wall.

"I don’t know!"

Xavier left the room with a nod to his minions. For hours they beat her. On several occasions Tara was glad that she truly didn’t know where the witch was, afraid that she would have given in.

Buffy was awakened by a pounding on her door. She glanced at the clock. 5am. <This better be important. If the worlds not ending, heads are gonna roll.> The Slayer opened the door and was pushed aside as Giles and Xander entered the room, followed by Wesley and Cordelia.

"Oh, great outfit, Buffy. I’m sure Farmboy must find you oh so sexy at night in that."
 
 

Buffy self-consciously looked down at her UC Sunnydale T-shirt and sweatpants. "Riley and I aren’t together anymore."

"Well, no wonder. So who’s you’re latest boy toy?"

"Cordelia!" Wesley tried to pull the secretary back, "What has gotten into you?"

Xander went to stand next to Buffy and put his arm around her. Buffy snuggled into his embrace and then returned to the situation at hand. "What are you doing here, Cordy? And why are you all in my dorm room?"

Giles decided it was time that he took control of the situation before a catfight erupted. "Buffy, Cordelia had a vision."

"I still don’t get that. You’d think that the Powers that Be would have better taste. But that still doesn’t explain why you guys are in my dorm."

"It was no longer safe at my apartment. So, we came here."

"Where are Angel and Willow? Are they OK?"

"Yes, they’ve gone s.. someplace safe to hideout for awhile, so to speak." Giles shifted his glasses and hoped Buffy wouldn’t ask where. Because he had no clue.

"So what now?"

"I suggest that we continue researching with the materials available. We get a little sleep and when the sun is out we can go back to my apartment, gather all the materials we need and relocate again."

"Sounds like a plan."

Cordelia proceeded to hook up Willow’s laptop, which she had made Giles bring with him. Buffy and Wesley began researching, while Giles and Xander each decided to get some sleep.

Willow put her empty plate down and put the remaining pizza in the refrigerator. She looked up and saw Angel lying on the couch where he had been asleep since she woke up. <I can’t believe I’ve dragged them all into this. Like Angel doesn’t have enough problems without me needing his protection and making passes at him.> She walked over and covered him with a blanket, even though she knew he didn’t need it. "I’m sorry, Angel."

"What for?" The vampire slowly opened his eyes till they met hers. Searching.

"Oh! You’re awake!"

"Why are you sorry, Willow?"
"I ... I just don’t like you having to baby-sit me."

"What aren’t you telling me?"

"Angel, nothing, Really. She didn’t want anyone to know. Besides its just a theory. And look, I’ve already said too much. It’s not my place. I’m gonna shut up now."

"What theory?"

Angel sat up and moved his feet so Willow could sit down. She shuffled towards the couch, dragging her feet. Finally she sat down, pulling her feet up beside her and yanking on the blanket to cover her lap. The vampire waited patiently for the small witch to get comfortable.

"Tara and I did a spell together. It allowed us to share power. To draw from one another. It was only supposed to work that once but, it never wore off. I’ve felt it growing for months now. I just didn’t know what it was."

"Willow, do you have any idea how easy it would be for one of you to accidentally drain the other?"

"That’s what she warned me about when I went to see her in the hospital. Angel... I’m the one who put her there. I almost killed her. I didn’t realize it was from her. I was so scared. I was alone. I just didn’t realize..."

Angel gathered the weeping redhead in his arms and pulled her to his side of the couch, trying to comfort her. They sat like that until Willow finally stopped crying. She started to pull away but decided that she like the safe feeling of being in his arms. <It’s good to be held again. By anyone. Even if he is just a friend.> She shifted so she could see his face but, made no move to untangle herself.

"Do you think that spell might have something to do with why these guys are after you?"

"Tara’s half demon. But I don’t know why they want me."

That was definitely not what Angel was expecting to hear. He looked down at her questioningly and waited for more.

"She told me at the hospital. I forget what kind she said. She’d never hurt anything. I don’t know why she decided to tell me. But I think she knew they were coming after her. She sent me away Angel. If I had been there..."
"There was nothing you could have done. We need to get the others. With this information maybe we can make some progress on figuring out where Tara is." Then he noticed the look on Willow’s face as she pulled away from him.

"What’s the matter?"

"I’m just not looking forward to seeing Buffy. We both said some things we shouldn’t have. And well, I had no right... I‘ll straighten everything out. I’ll tell her the truth. You two don’t need any more tension between you. And I owe you an apology too. You’ve been so great after the position I put you in. I’m sorry."

"What for?"
A flush crept across Willow’s face but she forced it back. "Angel, I basically... well I... I threw myself at you in front of the love of your life. I’m so embarrassed."

"Willow, Buffy and I have been over for a while now. She’s moved on and so have I."
"That still doesn’t make it OK." < I wonder who Angel’s moved on to? Probably some LA starlet.> "I promise I’ll fix things. I’ll tell her the truth." Willow got up and started pacing and fidgeting nervously. "I was just helping you on a case. You felt sorry for me after the fight and were trying to cheer me up. That... that I took advantage of you."

Angel just looked at her. < God, she’s cute. I wish she would look at me. I wish I could look into those beautiful eyes and see what is going on inside that mind of hers. Stop it! This is Willow. Yeah she’s great, kind, beautiful, smart.... Why is it again that I shouldn’t think these things?>

< Oh Gods, why is he staring at me. He’s coming over here! I need to hold my ground. He’s my friend. I can’t let one mistake change things between us. If he can forgive me.>

"Willow, I’m a 250 year old vampire. Do you really think you took advantage of me?" < OK. I can think them, just don’t act on them.>

"Yes. That’s what happened. I’m going to ..."

And then all she felt were Angel’s lips on hers. His arms wrapped around her pulling her close. Tenderly he coaxed her mouth open and began to explore it with his tongue. After the shock wore off she began to respond. The kiss was tender and affectionate. Then remembering that Willow needed to breath, he reluctantly pulled away from her lips. Sill holding the petite girl against him, he lifted a hand to brush the hair from her face. He looked into her green eyes, waiting for a reaction.< Damn, I reacted. Why can’t I let my life be simple? I can control the demon inside me but, put a pretty girl in front of me and I’m helpless.> "What are you going to tell Buffy now Willow?" She turned to look at him stunned. "I have no idea." Meanwhile in her mind, < Angel smoochies!!! I got Angel smoochies!!!>
 
 

Tara looked at the room around her. She was in a cell with three other girls. There was only one door and no windows. She closed her eyes and concentrated on the lock until she heard it click. The witch crept up to the door and pulled it open. She was rewarded with a backhand that sent her soaring into yet another wall. She opened her eyes to see three vampires in the doorway. The other girls cowered in the corners. When she stayed on the ground the guard turned and left, once again locking the door behind them.

Cordelia looked at the way Xander and Buffy were sitting across from her and for a moment jealousy flashed in her eyes. Buffy didn’t notice. She was too busy starring at Willow, trying to fight the jealousy that filled her when Angel’s eye’s kept finding her best friend. The jealousy was winning at this point. Willow’s eyes were glued to the floor, refusing to look in either Buffy’s or Angel’s general direction. But she could feel their stares. The two former watchers were standing side by side in front of the door, seemingly ready to flee in the event that World War III were to erupt inside Angel’s apartment.

Willow’s intensive study of the floor was interrupted when she felt a soft thump on the top of her head. She looked up to see a mischievously grinning Xander. She reached behind her to grab the pillow that had been used to assault her and returned fire. The smile on her lips vanished when the pillow missed its target and hit Buffy, who was sitting on the arm of Xander’s chair. The tension was awful. Buffy threw the pillow back at her best friend and they both burst into laughter, reaching an unspoken truce. Deciding that Cordelia needed to lighten up too, Willow targeted the ex-cheerleader to her left. "Don’t even think about it Willow. If you mess up my hair serious bodily harm will follow." Quickly changing tactics the redhead turned to her right and threw the pillow at Angel. He easily caught it and held it behind his back . "We need to get started." The vampire looked pointedly at Willow who proceed to share her news about Tara.

"Stop!" Cordelia yelled from her spot perched over Willow’s shoulder. "Scroll back up." Willow read the passage Cordelia was pointing at on the computer screen.

"Uh... guys. We found something. There appears to be a sect or religion or something of demons that use sacrifices to... to purify half breeds. The rituals are supposed to give them some sort of special abilities." Giles ran over to a pile of books that Wesley had brought with him. Not finding what he was looking for he turned to Wesley, "I thought you brought the Oltex writings." Wesley picked up a book from the discarded pile next to Xander and handed it to the former librarian. Giles flipped through the book and found what he was searching for.

"The Kervician. It’s a very secluded sect, there normally aren’t more than 10-12 in the world."

"Then how many could be in Sunnydale 2 or 3?"

"Unfortunately, Buffy, They unite for the ceremony. That means they will all be here. Not to mention the vampires they seem to have working for them. Most likely they are the hired muscle because with the exception of those who have performed the ritual before the rest of the Kervician would be no more threatening than human. However it is most likely that at least half of them have performed this ceremony several times before. In which case they would have the ability to burn the flesh of their enemy with a touch, as happened to Angel."

Xander looked at Buffy and took her hand, "Well, as long as it isn’t anything bad."

Willow looked up to see Buffy walk out into the hallway with her and shifted nervously.

"Hey Wills."

"Hi Buffy. I just needed some air. I’ll be back in a few. I don’t think I’m in two much danger sitting in the hall. Besides Angel’s probably on the other side of the door just waiting for a reason to have to rush out here. He really is overdoing this bodyguard thing a little."

"Actually he was. But I sent him away... We need to talk. Actually I need to apologize.. for a lot of things, the way me and Xander handled things, the "me-centered" attitude I’ve had lately, and for the way I acted the other night. I was being childish. I’m happy with Xander. I love him. I really do. And you and Angel both deserve to be happy too."

"Buffy, it isn’t what it looked like. It’s... It’s.."

"Willow, I mean it. I want you guys to be happy. You don’t have to worry about my feelings."

"But Buffy it really isn’t..."

"I have eyes, Willow. It’s obvious. You and Angel haven’t been able to keep your eyes off of each other and he hasn’t been more than arms length away from you since we got here. I thought you guys were just avoiding each other because of the way I acted. What’s going on?"

"If its so obvious to you why isn’t it obvious to me. I honestly don’t know what’s going on. It doesn’t make any sense. I mean this is Angel, dark, mysterious, romantic, vampire extrodanaire. Now appearing in women’s fantasies from Sunnydale to LA. Hell, probably worldwide and not to mention for the past century and a half. Angel is my friend. He dates strong, beautiful women. I’m just research girl. He never noticed me before and then today. Buffy, he kissed me. ME!"

"I’m lost. Willow, take a deep breath and start from the beginning."

Willow told her best friend the truth, unedited and brutally honest. Then she sat back and waited for a response. Buffy just smiled.

"I can’t believe he kissed you after only 2 days. Do you remember how long I had to wait before he kissed me? Lucky girl! This must be serious."

"Buffy, what do I do?" Willow asked, a painfully serious look in her eyes.

"Angel is a great guy. Don’t let him get away. Just be sure you can handle the baggage that comes with him."

"I know this sounds weird. I mean I’m not sure what’s happening between us, but I think I could handle just about anything if he’d look at me like that again."

"Well if there’s anything I learned form Xander, it’s that some things start before we realize it and all it takes is recognizing that its there and its like it was there forever. Did that actually make any sense? You know what I mean."

"Buffy I feel guilty."

"I told you not to worry about me."

"What about Tara? Here it is the woman I love is in danger and I’m falling for someone else."

"Tara made it very clear how she felt about you and how she felt about being with you. Now if you feel that you want to give up the Slayerettes or that she’ll change her mind to be able to be with you, I’ll support you but you need to let Angel know. I won’t let him hurt you and I know you don’t want to hurt him."

"Thanks, Buffy. Can you give me a minute to sort things out? I’ll be right in."

"Kay."

"Oh, dear."

"What G-man? Its never good when you say that."

"I’m afraid I’ve found the ritual. It takes the sacrifice of four to purify one. In the end four girls will die and one will become pure evil. The requirements lead me to believe it will be held tomorrow. If not they will have to wait another month."

"Where?" asked Willow.

"Under the light of the moon and above the fire of hell."

"Giles, that could be anywhere."

"Well the moon must be very specific, which is why the ceremony must take place tomorrow. I believe the location on earth must be very specific as well. This is most likely a reference to the Hellmouth. Why else come here to perform the ritual. Most half demons don’t last very long around here anyway. With the kind of evil the Hellmouth draws they’re normally out of their league, so to speak."

"We need to get her out of there before then."

Finally Buffy spoke, "We have no idea where they’re keeping her, Will. Our best bet is to be waiting for them when they get there. I want you to see if there’s a way for you and Tara to share your power without draining each other. We’re gonna need you both."

"No!" Angel crossed the room to face Buffy. "I don’t want Willow going in there. We’ll be taking them exactly what they want especially if they haven’t found anyone to take her place in the ritual. It’s too dangerous."

For once Xander had to agree with the vampire, "He’s right. There haven’t been anymore reports of kidnappings. They probably need Willow for a specific reason. But why?"

"It doesn’t matter why. If they’re still after me then they aren’t hurting anyone else. But you guys can’t stop me from going in there. We’re gonna need everyone."

"Willow you can channel your power to Tara from somewhere else."

"Angel, you can either watch my back or get out of my way. But I’m going to be there, wether I have to go around you or through you."

Cordelia Chase stood her mouth hanging open. This was a side to the mousy hacker that she had never really gotten a good look at. But the unsurprised look on Xander’s face told her that it had always been present. Wishing to get her boss out of the line of fire, she walked into the war zone from her spot on the couch. "I think we need to call it a night. We need to be ready tomorrow. We can regroup then and get a final game plan. So, where can I stay?" Buffy cringed, "You can stay with me in the dorm. Wesley and Giles should stay with Xander. The apartment still might not be safe. And Willow should stay here again. They don’t know about this place.

Xavier paced nervously in Christian’s chambers. Christian entered and sat in the plush armchair that sat in the corner of the room. Xavier hastily went and sat on the floor at the demons feet, being sure to stay a reasonable distance away without insulting him.

"Christian I have failed. It’s as if the girl disappeared, we need to find someone else for the ritual tomorrow night. I know I promised her but there is another mutt that has been spotted on the outskirts of town. If you so wish I can have her brought to you."

"There is no need. She will come to us. To save her lover. I remember her. She would not sit idly by. If she is unfound it is because she is plotting. These two are very special to me and they will be sacrificed. But be ready because when she comes she will not be alone. But we will be ready. That’s what I hired you and your minions for. And they will be ready, won’t they Xavier?"

Christian placed a gentle hand on the side of the dark man’s face. To his credit Xavier did not scream. However when the demon removed his touch all that was visible was a charred and scarred mass of tissue. Xavier quickly rose and went to drill his minions. They would not fail.

Willow pulled herself out of meditation and said a small blessing. She opened her eyes and saw Angel training on the other side of the apartment. His body moved in fluid motions and she could see his muscles straining beneath the fabric of the tight white tank to he wore. She couldn’t help herself. She stared. <Damn! I knew there e where reasons I had so many dreams about him in high school. How can one man be so gorgeous and so kind. Much less one with a demon trapped inside. I know guys living demon-free that couldn’t imagine being as caring as Angel. Why hasn’t he said anything to me? This cryptic guy flashback is really starting to get on my nerves. Either he’s protecting me or ignoring me. Ughhhh! Men!>

Angel felt her eyes on him. Unready to face the repercussions of his rash actions, he pretended not to notice and kept training. Consciously he berated himself for acting on his impulses. Subconsciously he was recalling the feel of there body and how perfectly she fit in his arms.

Willow broke the silence, tired of being ignored. "You must really not want to talk to me. You’ve been training for hours. Aren’t you getting tired yet?"

"I just want to be ready tomorrow."

"Tara and I trained a little. At first I was just seeing if I could control the pull but then I felt her pull back on the power. It’s almost as if it’s a tangible thing and well if we’re both willing we can work together so no body gets unconscious. I don’t think the power stops with just telekinesis. Of course I wouldn’t want to push it too far."

"It’s good you remember the dangers." Angel turned and walked away, not yet knowing what to say to the witch.

Willow looked at her watch. <Angel’s been in the shower for 40 minutes. Talk about avoidance. And where is Stace. I’m starving.> As she finally heard the shower turn off there was a knock on the door. Grabbing her wallet she went to answer it. She opened it expecting to see Stace and instead was faced with a tall black man. Quickly she lunged forward to slam the door. But she wasn’t quick enough.

Angel heard a commotion coming form the other room, where Willow was. He ran into the living room, barely taking the time to finish pulling on some jeans and grabbing a battle ax from under the bed. He rounded the corner and the sight in front of him froze him in his tracks. Then he smiled and started to laugh a little under his breath.

"Angel quit laughing and tell your guard dog that I’m one of the good guys."

Angel looked at Gunn and nodded, still laughing, "Willow, you can put him down. This is Charles Gunn a friend of mine from LA." Gunn was slowly placed back on his feet by the invisible force that had pinned him to the wall.

"Angel, man, are you sure this girl needs your protection? Looks to me like she’s doin a pretty good job on her own."

"Yeah, I noticed."

Willow walked up to Gunn and shook his hand, "I’m really sorry about that, I’m just a little defensive right now what with Tara...Oh Gods, Tara!" Willow quickly tested the connection with Tara and felt a responding tug of power. The red head bounded over to Angel laughing and began hugging him. "She’s OK. We can really use it. We just have to work together. This is great!" Angel picked up the petite witch and spun her around. Instantly the situation turned akward. Angel gently placed Willow back on the ground. Willow took the opportunity to let her hands slide from around his neck and down his bare chest. <Not like I’ll get too many chances to touch a half-naked Angel. I may as well enjoy it.> Angel watched as Willows eyes followed her hands, and she committed the feeling to memory. There was a knock on the door and they all turned to see a tall brunette standing in the doorway with two plastic bags. Quickly they stepped away form one another. The moment had been so quick Gunn had never noticed it.

"Stace, its about time you got here. I’m starving."

Stace looked over at a shirtless Angel, "I don’t know, you seem to be doing fine to me." She giggled a little and then lifted one of the bags towards Willow. "Chinese." Then she lifted the other bag, "Supplies. Unfortunately I’ve gotta book, but be careful." Willow paid her friend for the food and then closed the door behind her as she left. Willow then walked to the kitchen followed by Angel.

"Willow, she shouldn’t know that you’re here and what did she mean by ‘be careful’? What are you planning?"

"Angel, relax." She reached into one of the bags and pulled out a container of blood. "I told her it was for a spell so she would bring it, your stock seemed a little low. So, you want it heated or room temperature?"

"Sorry, room temperature is fine. Thanks for thinking of me."

Willow grabbed a few sodas from the fridge and headed back into the living room. "Gunn, are you hungry? There’s plenty here." She tossed him a soda and a plastic fork from the bag. " So, what all did Angel tell you about our happy little town."

"Basically that it sits at the opening to hell and you all fight the good fight to keep away the baddies. I know they have your friend and that you’re on their list. Is that sesame chicken? I love that stuff. But what I don’t understand is why you need our protection if you can do the shit you did earlier."

"Well, I’m kinda sharing power with Tara so I can’t do too much without killing her."

"So you’re not telekinetic?"
"Oh, no. I am" she stood and did a little curtsy. " Willow Rosenburg, hacker, witch and research girl extrodanaire. This power thing is just a leftover from a spell me and Tara did."

"How come when I get leftovers it’s never anything that cool?"

Willow and Angel continued to get Gunn up to speed and prepare him for the battle to come. They got aquatinted and traded work stories. Willow quickly realized how much her life had changed in the past 4 years and was proud of how much she had helped the world. For a little while she didn’t mind being abnormal. That was something she had been thinking a lot about since Tara had left her. But she knew she couldn’t turn her back on her friends or the good she was doing. She was proud that she was a Slayerette. Of course talking to Gunn and realizing that there were more average people fighting for good than she thought helped a little too.

The Group assembled at Angel’s and introductions were made to Gunn and the rest of the Scooby Gang. Giles and Buffy had been by his apartment to collect supplies and had just arrived. Cordelia, Wesley and Gunn were seated on the Couch, while Xander Buffy and Giles arranged the weapons on the floor. Angel was in the kitchen feeding and Willow was sitting in a corner doing protection spells. She wanted to make sure everyone was covered a little. Once the weapons were arranged Buffy picked up a sword and turned to the others. "We don’t know what we’re walking into. There will be at least 10-15 demons and a bunch of vamps, so everyone goes in armed. Pick a weapon you think you can handle." After a few minutes Giles and Xander were both armed with cross bows, Wesley had a battle ax and Cordelia had a water gun full of holy water, figuring she was less likely to hurt someone on their side if her aim was wrong. Buffy looked at Gunn and Willow.

"So, what will it be."

"Well I prefer to work with my own tools." Gunn reached beside his bag to the long bundle wrapped in Blankets and rope. He unwrapped it to reveal his weapon of choice, a homemade full size ax that one of his guys had made for him. Buffy looked it up and down appreciatively.

"Wow! I gotta get me one of those. Giles how come I can’t have fun toys like that?"

"Well if you want I could see if my guy could make another one."

Buffy looked at Gunn appreciatively, "Oh Yeah." Then she turned to Willow, " What about you Wills, I know you have the magic thing covered but I still want you prepared."

Willow looked at her friend and held out her hand, within seconds she was holding a fireball. "I found a few more things I can do."

"Still if someone gets too close I want you prepared." Buffy took a knife and fastened its sheath around her best friend’s forearm. Just then Angel returned to the room with a sword of his own and sat next to Willow.

"So what’s the game plan?"

Xander stepped forward, " If the floor above the library around the huge hole is pretty stable, Giles and I can cover you all with the cross bows from above. The rest of you should go in pairs. Wesley and Cordy, you two work good as a team I hear. And Angel will be protecting Willow, that leaves Gunn with Buffy. That OK with everyone?"

Buffy gave her man a kiss and took control once again, "If you need food, eat. If you need sleep, sleep. If you need to train, do it now. We have two hours till Sunset and we don’t know what time tonight these guys are gonna show up."

Buffy and Gunn went to go spar trying to get a sense of the other’s fighting style. Cordelia did her nails. Giles and Wesley did any last minute research, making sure that they weren’t missing any important facts. Willow logged onto the Internet and Angel just sat and watched her.

After and hour Willow logged off and turned to face the room. Everyone was just sitting around waiting for the sun to set.

"I did some research on the school. From what I can tell from the insurance reports and photographs, everything is really charred but there’s still a lot of debre. We should try to use that. I think we should leave a little early. We can take the sewers. If we get there soon enough we might be able to set up the library for an ambush. Since we don’t know when they’ll arrive we should be waiting for them." Xander got up. "Wills right." So the group headed into the sewers and over to the place they used to consider their safehaven. All the while listening to Cordelia complain about how she always ends up in the sewer and the price of the shoes she was wearing.

The Library doors burst open, or they would have if they were still there. As it was, a mass of vampires entered the area that once was the Library at Sunnydale High School. Lingering behind them were a group of demons. And at the very back stood Christian and Xavier. Christian’s voice filled the silence of the old building, "Show yourselves and make this an honorable fight. I know you have not left your lover to die, although it would probably have saved the lives of your friends if you had." The group of mortals rose from their hiding places. Willow tried to face the enemy with her friends but was held down by Angel. He pulled her to him and enveloped her in his embrace shielding her body with his own in anticipation of the coming battle. She tried to struggle against him and stand but stopped when the saw the fear in his eyes. Then she felt his breath on her skin, "Not yet."

The minions looked to Xavier for his permission to begin the battle. He held them still, waiting for Christian’s go ahead. "Where’s Tara?" Christian looked to Buffy, "Did she send you to save her lover, Slayer? Somehow I would have thought she’d be here. And she is isn’t she? You know, you can’t fight what will come to pass. Why waste the lives of your friends?" Willow tried to rise, once again held in place within the circle of Angel’s arms. Buffy took a step forward and Gunn followed, mirroring her. "I’ve learned a lot of things living on the Hellmouth. One is that you can change what is to come, two is that if the other guy comes in negotiating he knows he’s gonna loose, and three" Buffy swung her sword up and around, through the necks of the two nearest vampires. Gunn once again mirroring the Slayer took the head of another nearby vamp. "You’re three men down."

Giles and Xander watched from above as three piles of dust drifted to the floor. They still didn’t see Tara. Xander quietly crawled backwards towards the stairs. Giles was left to cover the rest from above while Xander went in search of the witch. While sneaking around a demon infested building wasn’t his best idea ever, Xander knew that, if they failed to save Tara, Willow would blame herself. And if there was one thing that Xander couldn’t stand it was to see pain on his best friend’s face.

All hell broke loose within the confines of the library. Many of the vampires were easily dispatched but the good guys were easily out numbered. Willow stood to see the battle and Angel began to fight off her attackers. From across the room she locked eyes with Christian and the look she saw there sent chills down her back. For his part the determination that stared back at him scared the shit out of him. The stare was broken as a shrill scream came from the other side of the room. A large muscled vampire leaned over Cordelia preparing to make her his next meal. Near by Wesley was trying to get to her, but was obviously busy with a couple of vamps of his own. Willow ran to where her friend stood, but before she could get there, the vampire vanished into a pile of dust. Unfortunately, the crossbow bolt that had killed her attacker had imbedded itself in Cordelia’s shoulder. A pang of guilt hit Giles when he realized that he had also injured one of his former students but was relieved when she looked up at him and smiled her thanks. Willow looked around the room to see that all her friends were still standing, although all of them were injured. They were losing ground, and they were out numbered, and she had had enough.

Outside Xander spotted Tara and the other girls chained together. They were being guarded by four vampires. From his post just inside the doorway Xander took two of the vamps down before they could figure out were he was stationed. The other two finally figured it out and started towards him. Suddenly Xander wished he had thought out a better plan. That was until the two coming towards him were lifted off of their feet. Xander quickly took out the two vampires with the crossbow and rushed over to the girls. Tara unlocked the chains and hugged Xander fiercely each thankful for the other’s help. Xander took the other girls to the street and waited with them, sure he probably wouldn’t be enough protection if any of the demons made it out of the school to get them.

Willow looked at the blood smearing her friends faces and screamed. For a moment all of the fighting stopped and everyone looked at her. It was all she needed. Suddenly every vampire in the room, with the exception of Angel of course, was consumed by fire. The members of the extended Scooby Gang stepped back and watched the vampires burn. Then in one swift movement pieces of the charred banister and counter were impaling the crispy vampires. Buffy watched, slack-jawed, as the vampires one by one turned to dust. All she could think of was a fucked up version of the movie "Carrie" and without waiting for anyone else to move she launched herself at the remaining demons.

Willow smiled weakly. Suddenly she was surrounded by demons. Angel began taking the demons out one by one, making sure none of them touched his witch. That was when Willow passed out. Angel tried to reach her but was held at bay. Christian stepped forward and picked up the slight red head. Then as quick as a blink of an eye, the Kervican demon crumpled to the ground with Willow still in his arms. Tara stepped forward into the library and pulled Willow into her lap. She closed her eyes and stroked the red locks from her ex-girlfriends face. The last remaining Kervician demons were dispatched easily once their leader had fallen.

Cordelia was resting in Giles’ spare room. Willow was still unconscious on the bed in Giles’ room. Tara had crawled into the bed and was fawning over her lover. Angel stood at the doorway for a moment wanting to go the red head and care for her the way the witch was. Tara looked up to see the vampire standing there. At seeing the look in his eyes she laid her head back down and closed her eyes, continuing the internal battle raging within her as what to do next. Angel turned and walked into the living room where Giles was attending to the rest of the gang’s wounds. As Giles finished dressing Gunn and Wesley’s wounds they went into the spare room to offer their support to Cordelia. Before Giles could attend to Buffy’s wounds she walked over to the chair Angel had sat in. Positioning her self on the arm of the chair she grabbed his hand and squeezed. A flash of jealousy ran through Xander but he was held back by Giles’ hand. The young man stood still waiting to see what would happen between his love and her ex.

Angel looked up at his former love and she flashed him an encouraging smile, the kind he used to live for. That’s when it really hit him. He was slowly but surely falling in love with Willow. He didn’t just want her in his arms. He wanted to spend hours just listening to her babble. He wanted to know what was important to her and help protect it , just as he had with Buffy. He had begun to feel it when he knew she was in danger, and he had felt a possessiveness race through him during the fight and at seeing her in the Kervician demon and then Tara’s arms. But now looking into Buffy’s eyes, with that smile on her lips and her hand in his, all he could think of was his little red headed witch and he knew he was lost. And then his heart broke remembering the way Tara held Willow, knowing he would never get the chance to do all those things he imagined.

"She’ll be fine Angel. And when she comes to, fight for her." Angel looked up at Buffy not quite as shocked as he thought he should be. She let go of his hand and walked to where Xander and Giles were standing. She kissed her boyfriend passionately, reassuring him of her love, and then let her watcher tend to her injuries.

It had been a week since they had saved Tara. The two witches were sitting on the floor of Tara’s almost empty apartment. "Are you sure you won’t reconsider?" Willow looked into the eyes of her ex-girlfriend and knew she would grow to hate her if she was forced to give up the Scooby Gang. The two girls had spent a lot of time together talking and sorting through things recently. Willow had asked that Angel return to LA so she could sort through her life. Willow still wasn’t quite sure what to do about the vampire with a soul.

"So I guess we should break the connection, huh?"

"W...Willow, before we do that there is o..one more spell I want to try. Neither one of us can do it alone but I think with my power helping y...you just might be able to pull it off."

"Tara, you know what Giles would say."

"Just look at it." Tara handed a ragged piece of paper to the red head.

"Is this what I think it is?" The blonde just nodded. "Let’s go see Giles. I want him to check it out before we try anything. Do you have the original?" Tara pulled a spellbook from one of the boxes. "I want to run it through my translation program, then we’ll go see Giles."

Angel sat in his basement apartment in the dark doing what he does best, brooding. He heard footsteps and knew it was Cordelia. It had probably been a client on the phone when it rang a few minutes ago. She was sure to want to talk to him about that, especially if they could pay, which a lot of their clients recently couldn’t. The footsteps stopped just outside his door and he waited for a knock that didn’t come. That’s when he knew something was wrong. Getting up he went to the door and opened it to see Cordelia staring at the hardwood floor.

"What’s the matter Cordy?"

"That was Giles on the phone. They’re on their way here. When he called they were about fifteen minutes outside of town. They should be here soon."

"What’s going on? Why are they coming here?"

"He wouldn’t say but he sounded really nervous, even for Giles. Which is Bad. Wesley and Gunn should be back anytime now from dropping of that potion to Mrs. Williams. What do you want me to do in the meantime?"

"Wait, just like me."

They walked upstairs to the office and sat in silence, their minds spinning the possible reasons for the visit in their mind. None of the scenarios they came up with were good. When you battle demons every night how much does it take to scare you? Angel started pacing and stopped in his tracks when he heard the door open. Making sure to avoid the sunlight streaming in through the open door he watched as Giles, Buffy, Xander, and Willow entered the office. The vampire had to restrain himself from running over to Willow and hugging her, thankful she was safe. He started to take a few steps towards the group when the door opened again. The vampire jumped back to avoid the burning of the sunlight once more and Tara entered the office.

Very nervous hellos were exchanged. Giles shared a look with the witches that Angel didn’t fail to notice. Then as Willow joined the watcher, Tara took a seat on the couch making herself comfortable. Buffy and Xander also made themselves comfortable on the couch. Cordelia tired of the short silence that seemed to last an eternity spoke up. "Why are you guys here?" Everyone shifted uneasily and, being the adult, Giles stepped forward. "Angel may we speak with you?"

Angel led the way to his office followed by Giles and Willow. The redhead turned back towards the couch and motioned for Tara to follow. The blonde witch simply shook her head no and began to play with the hem of her shirt. Willow turned back to the office after receiving an encouraging smile from Buffy. When see reached the office, Giles was seated in one of the chairs in front of the desk as Angel held the door open for her to enter. As she walked by him their bodies brushed against each other and she was momentarily dazed as her blood rushed within her. She took the empty chair next to Giles. Angel closed the door and sat behind the desk.

"Angel, we may possibly have some good news for you."

"If its so good why are you all so nervous."

The watcher subconsciously removed his glasses and cleaned them before removing a crumpled piece of paper and handing it to the vampire. Angel examined the piece of paper carefully reading and rereading the words again and again. Finally after 15 minutes in silence he looked at the watcher expectantly for an explanation.

"Angel, we have always pictured your soul keeping the demon at bay simply with its mere presence, which I believe is not the case. When death occurs normally the soul will hover around the body for a number of days. The demon is inherently stronger than a soul which is why it leaves the body instantly when the demon enters. It is the guilt you feel that gives your soul the strength to hold back the demon. Which is why the clause cannot be separated from the original curse. Jenny tried."

Angel and Giles shared a moment of guilt and sorrow. Willow reached out to each man with a hand to offer comfort. Giles accepted the comfort and then released it to continue. Angel accepted the comfort and held on for dear life, not quite sure where this conversation was headed.

"Willow also looked for an anchoring spell to tie your soul to your body, but once again without the constant guilt it would do little good. The spell you hold in your hand would offer that extra strength. However we are unsure of just how much it would add. Souls themselves are not pure things. There are people walking this earth soul in tact that are more evil than some of the demons. The reason your soul has any power is because, while you were never a saint in life, you were still overall a good person. This spell would strengthen the soul and weaken the demon. It would bring both to a more level playing field. But if your soul could sustain control through that you could be allow to be truly happy."

"Sounds complicated. And it sounds hard. I can’t let any of you risk your health for something we’re not sure will work."

Willow used her free hand to turn Angel’s face toward her. "We can do it if you’ll let us try. We still need to do a little more research and we’ll have to do this in a controlled environment, just in case. But if I can incinerate a bunch of vampires maybe I could also save at least one."

"What if my soul still isn’t strong enough to keep the demon submissive."

"Well the spell brings the soul and demon a fair fight. Whoever wins has control, rather than there being a constant struggle. At least that’s the theory so far."

"You’re not sure?"

Willow gently squeezed Angels hand to get his attention. "We still have some checking to do. I have a few connections in LA I met through Ms. Calendar. We just wanted to let you know what was going on and that we’ll be in town. We’ll keep you posted."

"Willow I don’t think you should waste your time on this. I’m not willing to endanger you."

"Well it’s not just about you! Ultimately the decision is yours. Your the one whose life is gonna be affected, but before you go using my safety as a scapegoat, think about how safe I was the last time Angelus was on the loose. I for one am willing to do whatever it takes to make sure he is NEVER in control again."

Angel felt the shudder run through Willow’s body and gently let go of her hand. When he looked into her eyes they were ablaze with a mix of anger and fear. He moved back in his chair giving her space. She just looked at him and the emotions drained from her eyes, replaced by silent pleading. It was the same look she’d had in the school that night.

"Just think about it, Angel"

"Well that was kinda anticlimactic." Buffy soon found the eyes of Giles, Wesley, Cordelia and Gunn staring at her back.

Xander paused in helping Tara to the couch to look at his girlfriend, "Buffy that’s not something you would think to hear from a girl whose helping her bestfriend out of her ex-vampire-lover’s grip after he just fought a battle over his soul."

Willow, still trying to crawl out of the death grip of an unconscious Angel fell back on to the floor, "We’re Freaks aren’t we?"

Suddenly what little progress she had made was gone as Angel pulled her back against him, spooning her body against his. "A guy could get used to waking up like this." Buffy was behind him with a stake to his back before he could finish the move to nuzzle Willow’s neck. He instantly pulled his arms from around the witch. Willow hopped up and wrapped her arms around her simultaneously happy to be free and missing the feel of being surrounded by him. He looked up at her and the emotions in his eyes were a strange mixture of hurt and.... well if she didn’t know any better she would have said .... happiness. Angel slowly sat up. He looked down at his bare chest covered in blood and a magical ointment Willow had mixed up, then laid back down, his arms stretched over his head and his eyes closed, and the biggest smile she had ever seen plastered across his face. When he opened his eyes and looked at her, she felt herself falling into the depth of his eyes. She was brought back to reality by the sound of his voice, "Thank you."

She felt the urge to run to him, but memories of the battle he had pulled her into last night, memories of the demon stopped her. She remembered the feel of them battling within her. She was certain that wasn’t how the spell was supposed to have worked. At some point during the spell she had become a part of the battle for Angel’s unlife. She remembered that at some point Tara had been thrown from the circle and she had been pulled in. She was no longer a bystander, she could feel the battle within her, some how she had been pulled in. But still she couldn’t tell who the man before her was, not as easily as she used to be able to. She could she them both lurking just below the surface. She gathered what little energy she had left and all of her concentration and looked again. This time she plunged into his being, that was the only way she could describe what she was doing.

Angel’s body shook with the invasion of Willow. Everyone in the room just sat and watched waiting for some small clue what was going on. Tara slowly got up from the couch and walked to the door. Xander tried to hold her back but he was too intrigued by was going on in the middle of the room to put up too much of a protest. Tara took one last look at her friends and walked out the door. If Angelus was back she would be of no help to them, she was drained, but she didn’t believe that. She knew it had worked, it had to have worked, and that meant her work her was done. It was time for her to leave or she knew she never would.

Willow pulled herself back into her own body and lunged downward toward the vampire. His arms were instantly around her. Buffy had moved back to avoid accidentally staking the vampire when Willow tackled him. The rest of the Scooby gang just sat watching as Angel and Willow hung onto each other for dear life, their laughter filling the room. Soon more laughter accompanied them as they reveled in a permanent future without a fear of Angelus. But the two loudest voices died as Angel claimed Willows mouth with his own. The kiss was demanding and passionate and held all of the happiness he had missed out on in the last two centuries and a promise of all the happiness he would seek out in the future. Willow pulled away from him to gasp for air and felt heat rush up her face as she looked into the staring eyes of the rest of the Scooby gang. She noticed that Tara had left and a piece of her heart broke. Angel pulled her close to him once again and she let herself fall into his arms. For once she allowed herself to feel the safety and love his embrace offered her. She closed her eyes and felt no guilt. She felt peace.

Willow opened her eyes reluctantly. She revelled in the feeling of Angel’s arms around her , and in the feeling of the satin touching her skin. She closed her eyes again trying to sort through the last three months. After the kiss, Angel and Willow had begun a tentative relationship. Finally tired of the distance, Willow had moved to LA three weeks ago. She had briefly entertained the notion of getting her own place, but eventually gave into Angel’s pleading. She was now attending UCLA and going through withdrawal from being away from the Scoobies. Though having Cordy and Angel here seemed to help. Angel... She still couldn’t quite grasp what was happening between her and the dark vampire. Mousy Willow had snagged herself a hunk. But as she looked back through the past few years, and once again realized that she hadn’t been a mouse in quite some time. Every now and then that notion still struck her as odd.

Lost in thoughts of relationships, Willow’s mind wandered to Tara as it often did. No one had heard from her since she had walked out the door of Angel Investigations. Shortly after everything had calmed down that day Willow had tried to use the connection to find the witch. It had been severed and by the time the Scoobies had returned to Sunnydale, all of the blonde witches belongings were gone. Willow remembered standing in the room, having a extremely anguished moment of de ja vu. In the back of her mind she couldn’t help but wait for the moment when she woke up to find Angel’s things gone too.

The feel of Angel’s strong hand moving gently against her stomach brought her thoughts back to reality. She looked to her lover and was met by his chocolate brown eyes. Angel looked at his witch and pulled her closer to his body and claimed her lips. Pulling away to allow her breath he fixed her with his eyes and willed her to see the truth in his words, "I’m not going anywhere, I’m yours for as long as you’ll have me." Willow pushed her body against his and staked her claim, "MINE." A smile curved Angel’s lips and he rolled the petite red head’s nude form beneath him and proceeded to claim her in much more creative ways.
 
 

THE END

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