NIGHT TO REMEMBER (3/?)
"I" Angel started to speak. He shook his head, and said softly, "I'm sorry.
I
couldn't."
"I thought we were friends. You told Buffy goodbye, which is fine. She
was
the love of your life. But...you told Giles good bye. You even wrote him."
Willow trailed off knowing she was going to say something she'd regret
if she
continued.
Angel cursed softly, running a hand through his dark hair. "I couldn't
face
you..."
"Why?" Willow demanded, having to know.
"Willow...I can't..." Angel looked at her, his dark eyes unreadable.
"It's ok. I guess we weren't as close as I thought" she said, taking a
deep
breath. "I'd better leave. I have to head back to Sunnydale."
"You're driving?" he asked, concerned.
"Yes. Today was the last day of the conference. I just planned on dropping
off the book."
"Do you have to go now?" Angel asked, not wanting to let her leave, yet
unable to say the words he knew would convince her to stay.
"Yes....seeing you...it hurts too much" Willow said quietly, looking at
her
feet.
"Damn it, Willow. I couldn't tell you goodbye!" he said, suddenly angry
at
himself and the situation he was in.
"Why not?" she screamed back at him. She was tempted to just walk past
him
and leave.
"Because...I was leaving because of you!" he said, his face broken.
"Because of me?" she said softly, knowing her heart was breaking. She stood
up and moved to pass him, "I'll leave. Don't worry. I won't be back. You
won't have to deal with me again."
"I loved you....love you" Angel said, looking everywhere but at her. He
couldn't see the disgust in her eyes. Not in Willow's eyes.
"What?" she stopped, her eyes widening.
Angel looked at her, his eyes looking into her soul, "I love you. Have
since
I got back. I love you more than I ever loved Buffy...I want you so badly."
"Why didn't you tell me?" she asked, not knowing if she could believe him.
His eyes were sincere.
"Think about it Willow. You deserve so much more than me. I'm a killer...I
almost killed you. I had to leave before I did something stupid like I
just
did."
"It wasn't you. It was Angelus. Why can't you get that into your thick
head?"
Willow said, angry at him. "What gives you the right? I mean, I should
have
been given a choice in this."
"I'm sorry" Angel said, not understanding her anger.
"Quit! Quit apologizing! Damn it, I LOVE you! What gave you the power to
decide my future for me?"
Angel stared at her, "You love me?"
"Yes, you stupid vampire. I love you!" Willow said, glaring at him.
Angel slowly smiled, "You love me."
"Duh, I think we covered that." Willow said, smiling slightly. What had
just
happened? She was confused. So much had been said.
"You love me!" he said again, taking her into his arms. "You don't know
how
happy that makes me."
"Happy? Good thing that soul securing thing worked huh?" Willow said,
grinning at the happiness in his eyes. Stupid vampire. They could have
had
this months ago if he hadn't run away.
Angel laughed as he kissed her, finally. A feeling of electricity went
through him as his lips touched hers. She moaned softly as she leaned into
him. She knew this was wrong. Emotions were high. Too high. She almost
wondered if it was a mistake. She felt his tongue trace her lips and opened
her mouth to allow him access. She felt his erection against her stomach
and
was amazed. That was for her. Just from a kiss. He had told her the truth.
He
did love her...did want her.