E-Mail: octajane@hotmail.com
Disclaimer: They belong to Joss. Just borrowing them for a bit.
Distribution: Nocturne; Aria; If you'd like, just let us know so we can visit this baby once in while
Category: W/A – X/F – C/R – and everyone else under the blue moon.
Rating: PG-13 for language
Spoilers: Present time, but with a lot of changes. The whole gang is in college. Angelus never killed Ms. Calendar. Buffy's left after the 2nd season and didn't come back… until now.
Summary: A bumpy road towards happiness.
Dedicated to: Ceci (list mom) for her upcoming nuptials.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
~Part: 1~ Within 48 hours
August 2000
"I'm confused."
Willow felt numb as she heard the words fall from his lips. She couldn't look at him, wasn't sure if she could remain standing. She stumbled back, her knees hitting the back of her bed.
"With everything that has been happening, I'm not sure of myself. It's a jumble still," his words filled with a worry and hurt she had never heard before.
She sank down onto the soft bed, a pain exploding inside of her as tears rushed to her eyes.
"I don't want to hurt you."
Her throat became tight as her hands trembled slightly.
Angel looked up, wishing he could erase past emotions from himself. He smelled her tears as they fell, trailing down her lovely face, wetting her hands on her lap. He quickly moved to kneel before her, wishing he could avoid the pain he was causing her.
"I never meant to hurt you, Rua. Never. Please know that."
Willow refused to look at him as more tears fell.
"Rua, please look at me," he pleaded.
"Go. Just go," she managed to whisper in a raspy voice.
"Rua…"
"Please go Angel. Now," her voice a bit firmer then before.
"I didn't mean to…"
She silenced him, wanting to only be alone.
"Leave Angel," refusing to meet his gaze, her hands twisting the material of her skirt, refusing to let him see her breakdown. Angel stood up and moved away from her, his gaze never leaving her petite body on the bed.
"I'm sorry, Willow. I never meant for this to happen," tears in his eyes.
He turned and left her French doors, disappearing into the night. Willow fell back onto the bed; her arms wrapping themselves around her shaking form as the tears fell freely. She curled up; her knees to her chest as the sobs came in a rush from her body.
Outside, he stood vigil, praying to God he had done the right thing.
~~~*~~~
"I can stake him if you want?"
Willow chuckled, feeling slightly better.
"Thank you, but no."
"I'm sorry Willow, I know how much he means to you."
"I guess I shouldn't have been so naïve to think it would be forever."
"There is such a thing, Wills, don't give up hope."
Willow turned to smile at her dearest friend.
"Thank you, Xander. I don't know what I'd do without you guys."
"Get some sleep, you need some rest."
She laid down on the bed, her arms reaching for a pillow to embrace. The brunette placed a blanket over the redhead as Xander turned off the lights.
"Sleep well, Red."
Xander took his girlfriends hand and left Willow to sleep. They left her room, closing the door behind them. They walked down to her living room, switching the light on.
"I can't believe he did that. What an asshole."
Xander remained silent, prompting her suspicion.
"You don't think he did wrong?"
"I think… I think he did the best thing, Faith."
She couldn't believe him. She pulled away, angry with him.
"Then you think it's okay what he did? Break her heart? That she found them making out?"
"I'm not saying it wasn't his fault, I just think it was right he broke up with Wills."
Faith threw up her arms, unable to believe her boyfriend.
"How could you think that? She's our best friend and she's dying up there because he broke her heart."
Xander wasn't sure how to explain it correctly.
"It could have been a lot worse then this."
"What are you talking about?"
"Willow found them making out. What if in a month she would have found out they were seeing each other behind her back? Or worse, found out they slept together. Angel's confused Faith."
"I don't see how he can. Willow nursed him back to reality, while that bitch rammed him in with a sword to hell. I'm not seeing the confusion of seeing who to love."
"Neither did I, until I spoke with Giles."
"When did you speak to Giles?"
"Yesterday."
"Why… I don't…"
Then it dawned on her.
"Tell me you didn't know about this Xander?"
"I didn't know what was going to happen tonight… I sort of suspected it. I'm not sure if they'd seen each other before tonight, but I noticed some changes in him, so I talked to Giles about it."
"All you guys stick together don't you?" Disgust lacing her words.
"It isn't like that Faith. I know Willow had worries and the more I starting taking a closer look at Angel I noticed what she was noticing. I got mad; I didn't understand it, so I spoke with Giles. You weren't here before… before Angel went to hell. What Angel and Buffy had was this really messy, love, obsession, stalking, jealousy, and dark thing together. She's Angel's first real love and sort of link to the land of the living. The woman that loved him killed him and left. Old wounds are opening up, so are emotions and doubts. He needs to put distance between them, if not he'll hurt Willow more."
Faith looked at her boyfriend in wonder.
"Since when did you get all logical and understanding?"
Xander smiled and pulled her into his arms.
"He just needs time, that's all. He needs to know whom he wants… I just hope it won't be too late."
The knock on the door disturbed the meeting of their lips.
"I should get it before they break down the door."
He quickly placed a kiss on her nose and moved to the pounding door. To his surprise, he found Cordelia on the other end.
"I just heard and came as quick as I could. How is she?"
"Upstairs sleeping."
She huffed in, anger tensing her movements slightly.
"We staking him?" Cordelia asked once she saw Faith.
The brunette laughed that being her own first reaction.
"No staking Cordy," Riley replied as he entered the home in back of her.
"We are so doing something… right?"
Xander sat the group down, looking at Faith.
"I think Xander should explain."
He took a deep breath; it was going to be a long night.
~~~*~~~
"How is she doing?"
"Better then expected I think. She misses him, but she won't forget what she saw anytime soon," Xander replied.
"That's understandable."
"So what's the bad news"?
"What bad news?" Giles asked confused.
"You only call us over when something's wrong?
"That's not true."
"Sure..." he teased.
They both nearly jumped out of their chairs as Angel sat down with a small grin on his face.
"Will you stop doing that," Giles pleaded as he adjusted his glasses.
"What?" the vampire asked a bit amused.
"Oh I don't know, maybe scare the shit out of us," Xander replied.
"I'll try, but it's too much fun."
They both rolled their eyes, Giles proceeding on.
"Well I'd first like to thank you for coming on such short notice. As you know, Jenny and I have been talking about setting a date…"
"Oh my God. You're finally going to do it," Xander commented surprised.
"Congratulations, Rupert."
"Thank… thank you…."
"So when's the big shin dig?"
"December 20."
"About time. Cool. During winter break."
"Yes, well, and I was hoping… since you both…since I consider you both dear friends… I was hoping that you both would stand up with me at the church."
They couldn't believe it.
"Hell yeah…."
"I'd be honored."
"Good then let me give Jenny a call and let her know."
"Where is she?"
"At Willow's house. She went to ask her to be her maid of honor, as well as ask Faith and Cordelia to be bridesmaids."
"Great, I'm going to be shopping for three months," Xander muttered.
Angel chuckled slightly, as Giles left and entered his office. The vampire looked over cautiously at the teen, his features changing traumatically to worry.
"How is she?"
"Who?" he asked as he came out of his small visual nightmare of being dragged from store to store by Faith and Cordy.
"Rua."
"She's okay."
"I know… I know you might not understand my reasons… or forgive what I did, but…"
Xander stopped him, wanting to speak first.
"Look Angel, I know you might not believe this, but I understand you. That doesn't mean it was okay what you did to Will's, but I understand what you're doing. We've all had to grow up in the year and a half Buffy was gone and well…I can't say I regret she left now that I look back. Because if she hadn't left, then we all wouldn't have gotten to be such good friends. We went through a lot, we still all, but it's made a better us."
"When did you get so reasonable?" he asked as he tried to hide the surprise in his voice.
"I think when I started hanging out with you old timers. You've both corrupted my mind with logic."
"Glad to be blamed for it."
"Just give them all some time Angel. They'll get over it. With Willow…play it by ear for a while. Give her a lot of time. She's hurt, but we're here for her."
Angel nodded, tears stinging his eyes.
"And as for Buffy… well… with this… I think it'll be harder for any of us to accept her back. Like Giles told me, old wounds are hard to forget. That and well Faith hates her just because she's her, and Cordy, well… I don't see her in her good graces any time soon."
"And you?"
"I can't really tell you. She left me and Will to fend for ourselves. That isn't something that you can forgive and forget so soon."
"They want to stake me don't they?"
"It's crossed their minds," Xander chuckled. "Like I said, time."
Angel nodded, thankful for all their friend ships, but horribly missing a redhead's.
Only time would tell what lay ahead.
~~~*~~~
"OF COURSE! YES!" Cordelia screamed.
"Good then, it's set," the teacher glowed. "We go looking for dresses tomorrow."
They all squealed the feeling surreal.
"I have to tell Riley," Cordelia said bouncing.
"We were actually thinking of making Riley and Graham ushers."
Cordelia squealed once again.
"And Xander?" Faith asked.
"Best man with Angel."
Willow's breath caught at the mention of his name. Jenny immediately turned around, seeing the crumbling face of her dear friend.
"Willow, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to…"
"No, no, don't worry about it. This is your day. Let's celebrate."
She gave them her best smile.
"Wanna order some pizza, while we rip apart these books?" the redhead suggested.
"I'll get some the magazines from the car," Cordy offered.
"Let me call Rupert."
"I'll help you, Red."
Faith followed Willow into the kitchen, helping her take out the pop.
"How you holding up?"
"I don't know. I think I might still be in a bit of shock. In 48 hours I've found Angel kissing Buffy at the library. Angel breaking up with me. And Jenny asking me to be her maid of honor. I'm fucked up really."
Faith moved to hug her friend.
"It's gonna be okay. It really will," she tried to assure her. "Xander said so."
Willow chuckled a bit, Xander emerging as the peace leader and caretaker.
"I know it will. It just hurts a lot."
"We're all here for you babe."
"Thanks."
"No need, now come on. Let's eat and find out which dress I can wear to make Xander drool."
"More then usual," Willow teased.
The slayer couldn't help but blush slightly, making Willow laugh.
~Parts: 2 & 3~ Only Time
It had been two weeks since Willow had entered the university library at 7:43 p.m. and found Angel lip locked and body locked with Buffy Summers. Two weeks since she had stepped foot again in that same spot. Two weeks since she had seen Angel. And now here was, being dragged by Cordelia and Faith inside the doors.
"He's not coming tonight. Giles sent him to chase some kind of demon with Riley," Cordelia re-assured.
"And Ms. Skanky-Ho is still not welcomed so she won't be coming over."
"I could have done the research at home," she argued.
"Yes, that's true, but you can't hide from the world forever Will's," the ex-cheerleader reasoned. "That and we miss you."
Willow couldn't argue. She missed them. She couldn't keep hiding and thinking if she didn't have to face it, it really didn't happen.
"Fine. I won't hide anymore."
"Good, and if you need to cry or something, tell me and we'll go to the restroom."
"And if you need to break stuff let me know," Faith smiled.
Willow rolled her eyes and smiled.
She entered the large library and took a deep breath. She refused to close her eyes for long, knowing the haunting image would penetrate her thoughts.
"See, not so bad," the brunette encouraged.
She took her normal seat in front of the computer and logged on. She felt a hand on her shoulder and found Giles standing behind her.
"It's nice to have you back."
"Missed you guys too."
Willow turned back to the screen and tried to relax. Before she knew it, two hours had flown by. She stretched her arms, flexing her back against the chair. She turned to find Faith still training with Giles. She stood up, her cramped legs protesting. She bent down to tie one of her shoelaces, almost losing her balance as she stood up too quickly. Her eyes fell on the person who had entered quietly, staring intently at her. She stepped back, the ache in her chest a bit alarming.
He had sensed her presence from the hall as he made his way to the library, his step quickening unknowingly. He froze in step the moment his eyes found her. And now there he was, staring into her those emerald eyes that he has missed so much.
"Hi Rua."
His voice had prompted Faith and Giles attention, the pair seizing their training at seeing the ex-couple in front of them.
Willow closed her eyes for a moment and took a deep breath, simple nodding in acknowledgement.
Angel didn't know what to say. A million thoughts crossed his mind, but nothing came out of his mouth.
"I was… I was hoping… we could talk…"
Willow opened her eyes in surprise, anger bubbling inside her.
"I can't. Faith and I are going out tonight."
He turned to look at Faith, finding her nodding a bit too quickly.
"Then tomorrow?"
She swallowed the lump in her throat, keeping the tears at bay.
"I'm tutoring tomorrow."
Angel knew he deserved her avoidance of him, but it didn't mean it hurt any less. He wanted to talk to her. Hear her voice. See her looking at him.
"Look, I think that maybe we shouldn't talk soon. I'll call you, okay?"
Angel moved towards her, his hand reaching to touch her arm. A piece of him died the moment he saw her step back, flitching slightly at the contact he had tried to make.
"I have to go," she moved around him.
"Can I walk you home?" he asked, the slight desperation in his voice evident.
"Faith is taking me home."
He nodded, letting her walk away without a backward glance, Faith following close behind.
He turned to Giles, then up to the heavens, re-thinking his decision for the umpteen time.
"Come on, let's get a drink."
Angel joined him, turning once more to look at the empty entranceway.
~~~*~~~
"I swear Red, I didn't know he was coming over tonight."
"Don't worry Faith, I believe you."
"I'm sorry."
"It wasn't your fault, don't worry."
"So… are you going to talk to him."?
"I don't know. Maybe… eventually."
"He looked sad."
"Yeah."
They continued to walk in silence, heading to Willow's house.
"Did you want me to sleep over? We can make it into a girl's night out. We can call Cordy over and watch horror movies?"
Willow smiled. "I think I'll take a rain check. Just tired. A bath and a long night's sleep is what I need."
Faith nodded, knowing she needed alone time. She left her at her doorstep, going off to patrol and meet Xander at the Bronze.
Willow thanked her friend and entered her house. She didn't bother turning on any lights, heading immediately upstairs to her bedroom. She stepped out of her shoes mid-hallway and pulled off her sweater, leaving her in her pants and t-shirt. She entered her dark room, ready to take her shirt off, but froze on the spot as she heard his voice.
"Rua."
The shock and hurt look on her face were small daggers to his heart.
"What are you doing here?"
"I came to talk to you."
"We have nothing to say," she replied as tears began to gather in her eyes.
"Yes, we do. You haven't returned any of my calls, or my e- mails. I can't think of any other way to get you to talk to me."
"So you sneak into my bedroom?" she asked the underlying anger beginning to surface.
"How long are you going to avoid me?"
"As long as I need to."
"Can we please talk?" he pleaded.
"About what Angel? Wanna talk about what an asshole you are? About how seeing you touching Buffy and kissing her literally killed me inside? Or how about how I trusted you so blindly or believed your words with such faith that it tore my heart out that you could betray me like that? What about the way I now doubt anything we ever had, every time you ever touched me you might have been thinking of her?"
Angel grabbed her arms, wanting to tell her the truths in his heart.
"I never thought of her when I held you, Willow. Everything we had or have is yours and mine. Every time I touched you or kissed you, I was thinking of you and no one else. You have to believe me."
She pushed him with her arms, breaking free from his grasp as tears began to fall.
"I don't believe you," she yelled angrily. "And I never will."
"No Willow…"
"I gave you my heart. I gave you my mind. I gave you my soul. The only thing I hadn't given you was my body, though it was yours too. I gave you all of me, but it wasn't enough for you…. because I wasn't her."
Bloody tears streaked down his face as the demon and soul inside of him screamed with rage.
"No, don't you ever dare think that."
"I want you to leave Angel."
"I'm not leaving… not until we've cleared everything…"
"There's nothing I want to clear with you. I just want you to leave."
"I miss you…"
"You choose this Angel, I didn't. Now go."
"I miss your voice, the way you laugh at my stupid jokes… I miss my friend…I miss my…."
"If you had any love for me once, if you even cared more for me then a friend, please leave, stop hurting me," she pleaded.
"I care more for you then a friend Willow. You know how I feel about you, but I can't leave you alone."
Willow was lost. Sadness, loneliness and anger were all entwined together. But it was anger that won out.
"You have no say in this. You left. This is how it has to be. I don't want you in my bedroom again."
Angel didn't know what to say. He was angry with himself, angry with her for giving up on them so quickly. He turned, walking out onto the balcony, looking at her once more them jumping over.
Willow sunk to the floor as she cried. She was truly lost.
Only time would tell if the pain in her heart would ever leave. Only time.
~~~*~~~
"Now, isn't it good you're out of that stuffy house."
"It's time to get out and about. The world doesn't end," Cordelia tried to encourage.
But it seemed it had for her. It had been two weeks since she had last seen him in her bedroom. It seemed everywhere she went he had just left or would be coming around later. It seemed her friends seemed privy to his schedule, knowing just the right time to ask her to come over. But though she did not see him, she felt him. Every night as she walked home, sometimes alone, sometimes with someone, she could feel him watching her. In the middle of the night, when she could not sleep, she could look out from her French doors and she could swear he was there, just out of reach, hidden in the shadows.
Or perhaps it was her longing heart.
"I'm thinking lilac."
"Come one Cordy, Lilac, what about red?"
"It's a wedding Faith, not a whoring feast."
"What about you Red?"
Willow came out of her pensative mood, not sure what they were talking about.
"What?"
"The bridesmaids dress color?"
"Oh, what ever is good," she quickly replied.
"So fuchsia it is," Cordelia decided.
The horror on Willow's face was forgiveness enough for not paying attention to them as they spoke.
They laughed then calmed the witch down.
They continued down the block, speaking of possible color choices, passing in front of a café. Taking a glance inside the open interior, Willow halted, making the two brunettes stop and re-track. What they saw tore at their hearts as they saw Willow's face crumble.
Inside Angel and Buffy sat talking and drinking coffee. She looked on as she reached out to caress the handsome vampire's hand. The redhead felt her heart completely break. As the blonde reached to touch his lips with her own, the tiny amount of hope she had held deep inside her disintegrated. She looked away, unable to see him respond to her touches.
She turned around, a comforting arm coming around her shoulder.
"If you want we can go buy some ice cream and OD on it at your house?"
Willow smiled through her tears. She wiped them with the back of her hand.
"No… Jenny's waiting for us at the boutique. I was thinking, a green would be nice, and I'm re-thinking that red," she tried to tease.
Cordy gave her a smile.
"Well I was re-thinking that fuchsia," she added.
They began their walk once again.
It took a moment for Faith to realize her friends had left her. She had remained looking on at the couple in the café, noticing what her friends had missed. Perhaps if Willow had seen the way Angel pulled away from Buffy's lips, or the way he had not returned her affections. Or read his lips as he spoke.
Perhaps things would have been different if she had seen the way tears were falling from Buffy's eyes.
She was sure Willow would have reacted differently.
~~~*~~~
"How did it go?"
Angel took off his leather jacket and fell back onto the leather coach. The grim look on his face was enough of a reply.
"That good?"
The vampire closed his eyes as he laid his head back slightly.
"She wasn't happy when I told her it was mistake."
"Did you use those words?"
"Not exactly. I tried telling her how I felt. She wasn't listening."
"She's pretty pig headed."
"When I finally grabbed her attention, she yelled when she heard what I had to say."
"And what exactly was it you told her?"
"That I didn't love her anymore. That I would always care about her, but she wasn't in my heart anymore. I told her I didn't want it to be the way it was. I liked who I am now, what I feel now, who I love now. That I'm happier then I ever was."
"I'm sure she was shocked you said so much in one sentence," his buddy kidded.
"I think she was. I'm not like the person I was when I was with Buffy and to be honest I never want to be that kind of person again. I don't want to go back to that. I want what I have now. How I am now."
"What about Will's?"
"I want her in my life more then I want to become mortal again. I love her Xander. I never felt this way for anyone before. Something so deep and strong. I was an asshole. I had my heaven and I gave it up for a past lingering illusion."
"It was better this way Angel. I know she's hurting, but it would have been worse if you hadn't come to terms with Buffy returning. If you would have waited and strung up Will's like that, I would have staked you."
"But what if I don't get her back Harris? What if my stupidity cost me everything I have?" Angel asked in despair.
"I'm thinking she's worth every effort to get back," he replied.
Angel smiled at his friend.
"Will you help me?"
"She's gonna kill me when she finds out... but I know what you're going through. Past maybes are hard to shake. Willow and I learned the hard way," Xander explained. "I'll help you."
"Thank you Xander."
"I'm doing it for my two best friends."
"Now you're just getting mushy on me," the vampire teased.
Xander just rolled his eyes and grabbed the bag of chips from the center table.
"How's Willow?"
"Better then expected, no offence. I think she's hiding how she really feels. Cordy and Faith have been with her most of time…. Umm… I've also been meaning to tell you… Cordy… she well…."
"What?"
"She sort of set Will up on a date?"
"A date?" he asked, his voice grumbling.
"Yeah, she doesn't understand it as well as I do and since she sees Willow sad she thought the best thing would be for her to go out with someone else."
"Who?" his voice low and worrisome.
"Graham."
Angel felt the invisible blow to the stomach.
"He… he likes Willow. He really, really likes my Willow. The way he looks at her… She can't go out with him."
"I don't think we can do anything to stop it. It's tomorrow night."
Angel couldn't believe it. His love was going to go out with someone else. A commando was going to try to seduce his love.
"I'll stop it," the vampire replied as his face shifted.
Xander stepped back as he looked at his golden dark eyes and felt a shiver run down his spine.
"You can't stop it Angel. You'd just push Willow farther away. You have to take the chance of her enjoying herself on the date."
"The chance of her choosing him over me?"
"Let's not over react either. Will's loves you. I don't think one date will make that big of an impact."
"But what about if she likes him?"
"Then you have to let her go and try. It has to be fair for her too."
Angel didn't agree with it, didn't like it, but he understood what he meant.
"But that doesn't mean you don't have to be there," the suggestion hung in the air, Angel's head running with ideas.
"I'm going to get her back," Angel stated, more determined then ever.
"I'm routing for ya."
"Somehow with each passing day I'll win her back. One by one."
"I think you can do it."
Now all Angel had to figure out was how he was supposed to control himself tomorrow night.
~~~*~~~
Willow snuggled under the covers of her bed her mind replaying the images that hurt her so much. It was like that every night before she slept, her dreams parting to happier times of when she and Angel were happier. His strong arms around her, his enticing kisses. But then she awoke and tears once again fell. She needed to overcome the grief that wanted to consume her. Cordelia words echoed in her head, the truth too evident to bare.
"Maybe it's time to move on too."
But wasn't it too soon? Could she bare sitting next to someone other then Angel? Did she want to?
She had been reluctant to, but when she saw Angel in the coffee shop, the words Cordy had uttered came to life slightly.
Now she had a date tomorrow night with Graham.
Somehow she'd let Angel go, day by day, one by one and it would start tomorrow night.
~~~*~~~
Xander kissed his love breathlessly.
"What was that for?" Faith asked, gasping for breath.
"Just saying I love you," he replied with a wide grin.
"I like it."
He took her hand in his and led her to his bedroom, Faith simply smiling.
"I see you have plans."
Xander placed his arms around his love, loving the feel of her body so close to his.
"All night plans really. Maybe even day."
"Gonna call in sick to work?" Faith asked, her mind scattering with each grind of his hips.
"Hoping too," his mouth capturing her ear lop.
"I'm liking this plan," she grinned.
"But first…."
Faith nearly fell over as her body lost contact with her beau. She stumbled forward slightly, catching her footing as her eyes stumbled on the spread on the floor. By the foot of their bed was a candlelit picnic style Chinese take out dinner. The look on Faith's face was something so soft and lovingly it made Xander's heart swell.
"Like?"
"You know I do…But you hate Chinese food."
"I know, but you don't."
They sat next to each other on the floor, Faith reaching for the rice as Xander took the noodles.
"So, did you guys find a dress?"
"Sort of. It was more of a girl night's patrol outing more then anything. Should have seen it, I was slaying and debating which color to choose."
"But everything went well?"
"Yeah, well… sort of… We saw Angel with Buffy at the café shop…"
"Shit."
"That's what I thought."
"Will saw them?"
"Yep."
"Damn it. It's gonna be harder."
"For what?" her curiosity peeking.
"Don't get mad… but I'm gonna help Angel get Will's back."
"So that was what I saw?"
"What do you mean?"
"He was telling Buffy he didn't want her…"
"How do…"
"Will's found them and then she left. Then I saw Buffy crying and screaming."
"He doesn't love her. He wants Willow… sometimes it's just hard to distinguish the `what had' with the `what have'."
"So you think he loves her?"
"I think he might not be able to live without her."
"Fine… if you believe him…"
"…I do…"
"… then I'll help you too."
"Have I told you I love you?"
"Yeah, but you can tell me again if you like…"
The simple reply was his kiss, which made Faith immobile.
The soy sauce in her hand burst, sending much of the contents on Xander. She giggled and proceeded in kissing the spots of sauce from him.
"I'll never think of Chinese the same again."
They fell back onto the floor, moans filling the rest of the night.
~Part: 4 & 5~ Just Another Girl
"Are you sure she's ready for this?" Riley asked his girlfriend.
"I don't know. I just don't want her to be so sad anymore."
"She's going through I rough time Delia."
"Did you tell Graham?"
"I told him not to expect too much. About what Willow's going through, and he said he'd be cool with what ever happens."
"He likes her, doesn't he?"
"Let's just say he was the only one that thought it was a good thing they broke up."
Cordelia rolled her eyes, and hugged her lover a bit tighter as they walked down the block, arms wrapped around each other.
"They just seemed so perfect together," Cordelia commented sadly.
"I know. It's nice to be with someone you can share everything with. They even looked like they didn't need to talk to communicate."
"Sort of like us?"
"Exactly."
They remained walking in silence, Riley's hesitant question finally coming to light.
"You don't. regret."
"Regret what?"
"Not being with Xander do you?"
"Oh God, Riley, no. What would make you think that?"
"I just. with everything that's happened.. If him and Faith broke up, you wouldn't.."
Cordelia abruptly stopped and hit him in the arm.
"Don't you ever think that! I'm falling in love with you."
Riley couldn't help the large grin from appearing on his face.
"Really?"
Cordelia blushed lightly.
"Yeah. don't you?"
"I'm already in love with you Delia. I think just shopping with you should have proved that."
He kissed her, taking her in his arms, his hands slightly grazing below her waist , near her spine, making her giggle slightly and squirm.
"Ticklish," she muttered as she pulled slightly away.
"I know," he teased.
He took her hand in his and started off to Willow's house once again.
"Don't ever think that Riley. Xander is a much better friend than boyfriend. You on the other hand. well you're just what I want." The single doubt in the back of Riley's mind vanished.
"Just checking."
They hurried their walk, not wanting to make Willow wait too long.
~~~*~~~
She had gone through her entire closet, but there was nothing she wanted to wear.
"Maybe I shouldn't go," she huffed as she slumped down on her bed.
"You can do that, but then Graham will be all alone at the table." Xander looked in her closet, picking a dress he liked. "Wear this."
Willow took the dress and smiled. She felt the silky material, her mind going back to when she had first worn it.
"Angel gave it to me for our six month anniversary."
He heard the longing in her voice and kneeled in front of her.
"You don't have to go if you don't want to."
"No. it isn't far to Graham."
"Okay. We'll all be there so it just won't be you and him."
"Thank you."
The witch looked at the dress in her lap once more, questions buzzing in her mind.
"How's Angel?"
"Horribly miserable."
"What?" she asked surprised, looking up to see him.
"Exactly what I said. Terribly horrendously miserable."
"But he's with Buffy."
"No he's not."
"I don't understand. I saw them yesterday."
"He saw her yesterday because he wanted to tell her to leave him alone. To tell her they have no future and didn't want the past," the confusion on her face prompted him to continue. "He told her he didn't love her. He told her he loved someone more then life itself, but his stupidity clouded it."
Willow remained silent, unsure what to think.
Before Xander would continue, the doorbell rang.
"Let me get that while you get dressed."
He left closing the door behind him.
Willow was left with her thoughts, her feelings more of a jumble then before. She stood up and began to undress, her eyes remaining on the dress she had laid on the bed. If Angel had left Buffy, why hadn't he come back for her? Didn't he want her? Xander's revelation left more doubts than re-assurances.
Half an hour later, Faith, Cordelia, Riley, Xander and Willow were at the bronze waiting for Graham to arrive. Xander excused himself as he noticed the vampire enter and headed to the bar.
"How's it going?"
"Graham hasn't gotten here yet. you didn't do anything to him did you?" he teased.
"It crossed my mine. How's Willow?"
"Really quite."
"She's thinking. Probably worried about something."
"What?"
"When she's quite it's because she's thinking.or worried.I've learned most of her traits."
"Maybe she's thinking about you or Graham."
"Me? Did she ask for me?"
"Yep. Asked me how you were. Told her you were miserable. Also told her about Buffy and you. She saw you at the coffee shop, so did Faith."
"What did she say?"
"Couldn't ask her. Cor and Riley came over."
Before Angel could ask him something, he noticed Graham heading over to the table where his friends were seated. He stiffened as he saw him take her hand and place a kiss on her knuckles. The blush that brightened Willow's face made his demon growl. Instead of sitting next to his Willow, he asked her to dance. After some encouragement, she stood up and took his hand as they went to the packed dance floor.
Angel's eyes glowed gold as he saw the commando place a hand on the side of her waist.
"Angel?"
His fingers squeezed the glass he had been holding, breaking it.
"Angel?"
"What?"
Xander looked into his demon eyes and squirmed back a bit.
"You're growling. People are looking."
Angel reigned in his anger and jealously, his eyes never parting from Willow's form.
"Make sure he doesn't cross any line," Angel warned.
But before Xander could reply, a bottle flew from behind, hitting Xander on his shoulder.
Angel pushed him out of way as a chair came flying by them.
"What the..."
"Demon," Angel replied as he went after the large green Cyclops. "Get help."
But something didn't feel right to the vampire. The demon was drawing attention, opposite to what it should be doing.
He turned to find vampires crawling down the walls. It was an ambush of some kind. He yelled at his friends, the demon in back of him advancing. He turned, hurling into the demon, pushing him off balance. He pulled the stack out of his jacket, ramming the piece of wood into the demons throat. Green slime covered his hands as he stood up to find everyone running to the exits. He rushed to help his friends, Riley and Graham taking on five vampires as Xander and Faith handled another five. He ran to aid Willow and Cordelia, who where doing their best in fending off four. But before he could reach them, he was shoved sharply to the side, the demon's twin seeking revenge. It's yellow bear like arms barely missed Angel, the vampire's legs instinctively pushing forward, propelling the demon back, landing on the legs of an over turned broken chair.
He hurried to Cordelia and Willow's side as they lost ground with the vampires they had tried to fight. They had managed to kill one, which only made the other three angrier. The blow to Cordelia's face wasn't as severe as the blow Willow received to her head. Both women fell to the ground, Angel lunging forward and ripping one of the vampires off Willow. Riley rushed to Cordy's side, dusting the vampire on top of her. Angel finished off the last two, dragging one off of Willow and nearly ripping off its neck.
He fell to his knees, pulling the petite redheads head onto his lap.
"Willow?" he called her name tenderly, his fingers caressing her cheek. He received no response, making his senses run on over drive. Her heart, which had been pounding a bit erratically, was slightly returning to its normal cadence, as was her breathing.
"Willow, please open your eyes."
The desperation in his voice prompted movement in her eyes. They fluttered open, her sight hazy.
"Angel?"
"It's me love. How are you?"
"I can't. it's all fuzzy. and my head really hurts."
"Just lie still. I'll take care of you."
She did as she was told, looking at her friend's worried faces.
"We need to get out of here before more come," Faith said.
Angel carefully pulled Willow into his arms, standing up and lifting her.
"Where to?"
"My apartment."
All in agreement, they left before the police arrived.
~~~*~~~
"She'll be fine. She just needs rest. But I would like for someone to wake her every two hours as a precaution. It's a mild concussion, she'll have a headache for a while."
"Thanks Daniel."
Before Angel could ask for the fee, the young man answered.
"Won't take the money Angel, so no need to ask."
"Then I'll mail it to you."
"My wife will mail it back," he countered. "Take care of her."
"I will. Thanks again."
The young doctor left, Angel closing the door behind him. He returned to the living room where five worried faces looked at him for answers.
"She has a concussion."
"If we take her to the Initiative we can keep a track of her condition," Graham quickly suggested. " I can take first watch."
"The doctor also said she shouldn't be moved," the vampire replied with a slight smirk.
"Then she stays here," Xander decided quickly.
No one protested, knowing that was the best thing to do. No one would be able to take more care of Willow than the vampire.
Before Graham could protest, Riley interrupted.
"Then I think we should get going. We all have some wounds to tend to. We'll let you and Willow rest."
The small group left, one rather reluctantly. Angel pulled his shirt over his head and headed upstairs to the open bedroom above. He froze on the spot as her gaze pined him to the spot.
"Where am I?"
"Our. I mean my new apartment."
"Oh. you moved."
"I took your advice. Better to start fresh. I should have done it sooner."
She closed her eyes as a rush of pain ran through her, making her feel dizzy. She swayed slightly. Angel rushed to her side, his arms around her to steady her.
"What's wrong? Are you okay?"
Her hands grabbed a hold of his forearms, the room no longer spinning.
"Just got dizzy."
She met his eyes, and what she saw there made her gasp. He had never looked at her that way, not with so much worry, tenderness, and is she dared to believe, love.
"Rest, that's what the doctor said was best. I'll wake you in two hours."
"Okay.. Will you join me?"
He couldn't contain the happiness of her request. He nearly jumped into the bed next to her. Willow laid back, unsure what to do other then stay on her side of the massive bed. Angel, however, turned over to his side, able to see her form. The urge was too great for him to resist. He knew he no longer had the right to do anything prompting him to ask.
"Can I hold you. please?"
Willow turned her head to look at him, feeling unsure of his request. She had missed his arms around her, missed the gentle caress of everyday. She just missed him so much. Tears welled up in her eyes. Should she?
"Please.?"
With a simple nod of her head, Angel moved much closer to her, his body contouring to her form as his hand draped across her small waist. He smelled her sweet scent, all that was uniquely Willow. He didn't dare to nuzzle her neck, though he wished it. She had allowed him to hold her, not touch her so intimately. She slowly began to relax in his arms, allowing him to hold her tighter.
"Goodnight Rua."
"Goodnight Angel."
They fell asleep, hoping morning didn't come too soon.
~~~*~~~
For the next ten hours, Angel awoke Willow five times. His over-protective nature allowed his body to awake every time without a worry. She awoke each time with less disorientation and dizziness.
It was Willow who awoke on the 11th hour, smiling faintly as she felt Angel spooned next to her. His head lay just in the valley of her breasts, where it was accustomed to be. The soft purring rumbling faintly from him, a flood of memories rushing at her.
She had spent countless night with him in this very spot not so long ago. By far, this was the position she enjoyed the most. His purring always soothed her. They had only been a couple for less then a year, friends far more, and her love for him seemed to have been forever. She had always feared the return of Buffy, knowing she was no match to the blond slayer, but with each passing day with the vampire, she had felt she was replacing her in his heart. But she had been wrong.. Or had she?
Xander had told her Angel had seen Buffy and told her about him not wanting Buffy. but that didn't explain why he hadn't returned to her. Why he hadn't sought her out..
He had even moved. Everything was too confusing for her to deal with just now. The headache made things worse and having Angel in this familiar position did not help. She felt his hand tighten around her waist as he squirmed closer to her, his cheek rubbing the cotton of her T-shirt. The soft purring deepened, informing Willow of his deep sleep.
"Willow," he softly muttered in his sleep, a small smile on his lips.
She opted to stop thinking, and let her have this moment, one she wasn't sure she'd have again. She fell back to sleep, unsure what would happen when they both woke.
~~~*~~~
"Willow.. Willow, love, wake up."
Willow slowly awoke, sleep slowly fading. She was surprised to see Angel hovering over her a bit too close, concern etching his face.
"What's wrong?" she asked groggy.
"I was. I was worried. I slept pass the two hours and I was worried.." He stammered.
Willow smiled slightly, her hand moving up to cup his cheek. The look in his eyes made her burn inside. No one had ever had an effect on her like this. Angel searched her eyes. Did she still want him? Did she still love him? Could she forgive him? Did he have a chance in getting her back? Dear God, he hoped so.
He closed his eyes for a moment, simply enjoying the feel of her hands on him once again. He turned slightly and placed a tender kiss on her palm. Willow gasped slightly, but did not move away. He turned back to her, his scorching brown eyes loving her. His head bent slightly, Willow tilting slightly. But before lips could touch, the doorbell rang.
The blushing red head pulled away, clearly her throat.
"You. you should. get that."
The vampire simply nodded in a stumper still gazing into her eyes. He stumbled back, almost tripping over the hanging comforter. He couldn't help but growl as he left the room and went down the stairs. The insistent ringing of the bell almost made his face shift. His anger only grew as he recognized the smell on the other side of the door. He harshly opened the door, staring deadly at Graham.
"What can I do for you?"
"We came to pick up, Willow."
With only his anger on him to focus, Angel hadn't noticed Xander next to him.
"She just woke up. I'm not sure if she's ready to leave."
However, Willow was already leaning over the railing of the bedroom and answered for her own.
"Give me a couple of minutes."
Graham smiled at the growling vampire and moved pass him into his living room. Xander followed, knowing what Angel was thinking. He asked Angel for something to drink and followed him to the kitchen.
"What's he doing here?" Angel spit out.
"He volunteered to come."
"I was going to take her back tonight. Why come now?"
"Will's mom's looking for her. We told her she was with us, tutoring me. That won't last long. She needs to get to her house. I think they know she didn't sleep there last night. We told her she was at the dorm with Cordy."
"Fine. fine."
There wasn't anything he could do.
"How is she? How did it go?"
"She's better. She let me hold her.. we almost kissed. but we haven't talked. we need to talk.."
"We'll figure out how to get you two some alone time. Library maybe."
Angel nodded.
Both turned to find Willow already dressed and coming down the stairs. She gave a smile to Graham as he went over to give her a hug.
"We were worried about you."
"Angel took good care of me."
She pulled away, heading over to Xander and giving him a larger hug.
Angel looked at his red head and prayed he would be gifted with a hug as well. It looked as though she debated what to do. In the end, she wrapped her arms around him as well.
"Thank you."
"Anything for you Rua,"
Graham took her hand and placed it on his arm.
"You can lean on me, just in case."
Xander couldn't help but smile as he saw just how that small action had made Angel growl a bit too loud.
They left, Angel closing the door behind them. He staggered back to his bed, slipping into his sheets, Willow's scent still on them. His demon and soul raged for letting her go. He slept with memories of his Rua in his head.
~~~*~~~
Willow walked up the university steps and pushed opened the glass door. She made her way to the library. The Scobby gang had a meeting for research to see just why all those vampires had been at the Bronze last night.
She reached the library doors but stopped from entering as she heard screaming from the other end.
"I'll tell her, I swear I'll tell her we did. She'll believe me."
"She'll know I didn't sleep with you, Buffy."
"I can see all her love for you leave once I tell her we slept together."
"We barely went over kissing Buffy. Don't hurt us anymore. Leave her alone."
"And watch her take you away from you?"
"I was never yours Buffy. At least never completely. Not like Willow."
"You want me to believe you love her more than me."
"No. I want you to know that I don't love you that I love Willow. That I love Willow like I never loved you."
The redhead heard a slap from the other end, knowing what most likely happened.
"I came back for you."
"Then you came back for an illusion. I'm not the same Angel as before. I didn't ask you to come back, Buffy, but you did. And I'm happy you did. We needed closure. You're hanging onto something that died in the past. We're in the past. Nothing will change that. I did move on. I hope you can."
"Just forget about us? Find someone else? Just like that?"
"It wasn't easy, Buffy.. But Rua helped me. and through it all, I fell in love with her. And I will try eternity if need be to get her back."
"Then when you kissed me.. what was that?"
"That was my illusion dying. I'm sorry, it wasn't far. Not to you, not to Willow."
"So you don't love me?"
The sadness in her voice made Willow feel slightly guilty.
"I'm sorry Buffy. Not the way you want me to. Not the way you hoped I would."
"So this is it? You go back to Willow, and everything goes back to normal in your life? What about mine?"
Angel's own anger began to appear against hers.
"You were the one that left Buffy remember? What did you expect when you came back? That nothing would change? That we would all be waiting for you? You had three years to come back. Why now?"
"Because I heard you were alive.I had to see it with my own eyes."
"Now you have. Take it and let it die."
"I'll tell her Angel. I'll tell her we made love all night long. I don't care. I do love you."
"Do you honestly think I'd do nothing. I love her Buffy. As much as you may hate that or doubt it, I love her more then anything. My demon loves her too even if she did cage it permanently. She loves me as the man I am and as a vampire and I won't let that go. That is worth fighting for," he threatened.
Willow heard some rustling and stepped away from the door, going into one of the open classrooms. She saw Buffy storm out, but no Angel followed. She slumped against the door, unsure of what to do. Angel loved her, not Buffy. The sound of her own voice at that declaration made her broken heart mend slightly. She stepped out of the classroom and went to the library, pushing the large door open. She stepped inside tentatively, finding Angel in front of a computer.
Angel quickly turned, the familiar scent of lavender a welcome to his senses.
"Rua."
"Hi."
She gave him a smile, Angel returning it.
"How are you feeling?"
"Better. Still have a bit of a headache, but nothing more. Thank you."
"For what?"
"Taking care of me."
"You know I'd do anything for you."
She blushed slightly.
"Is Giles here?"
"He just stepped out."
"Then maybe we should start researching," she tried to sound as casual as she could.
"Yeah, we should."
"Can you help me take some books down the shelves?"
Angel nodded and followed her with a slight smile. They proceeded in taking four different demonology books from the case. They carried them to the table, taking seats next to each other. They began researching, talking lightly, falling into comfortable company. They shared ideas, for a moment returning to a short time ago where problems were non-existent. After an hour of researching, Willow looked at her watch, seeing the rather late hour. She stood up, gathering her things.
"I have to go."
"Can I walk you?"
"Actually.. Graham should be out front already."
"Oh. I. I. I didn't know. I thought."
"I shouldn't keep him waiting."
"I can walk you out then.."
After a bit of thought, Willow agreed.
"So. are you. seeing him?"
Willow wasn't sure if she should answer that question.
"I know it's none of my business, and you have every right not to tell me, but I was hoping.."
"I'm not seeing anyone right now."
Angel wasn't sure if he should be glad by the revelation or heartbroken by it since it also meant she was not seeing him. Before they reached the exit, Angel reached for her elbow, halting her journey forward.
"I was hoping. actually praying."
Willow couldn't quite remember seeing Angel so flustered before.
"Would you meet me at the playground tomorrow?"
"The playground?"
"At the swings. where you'd take me. after I came back from hell."
The beeping outside interrupted them, making Willow move slightly to the door. Angel waited where he was, hoping she'd reply before she left. He turned to look at her retreating form.
"I'll be ready right after sunset. we can walk there together."
Without looking back, she pushed open the door and went down the stairs to the awaiting white car below. The handsome vampire looked on, a smile on his face.
~~~*~~~
"Where were you guys? I thought we were going to research at the library?" Willow asked as she entered Jenny's house.
"So did I, but Faith and Giles went hunting at Willie's, taking Riley with them just in case," the computer teacher replied.
"And well. I wasn't going over there alone," Cordelia replied as she flipped through the magazine.
"Where's Xander?"
"He went to see how Ms. Bitch is. She called him on his cell and ranted about how life was cruel and stuff like that. Where's Graham?"
"He needed to get back to the Initiative. When did Buffy call him?"
"When we were headed to the library. I heard her screaming and I was in back of him."
Willow remained quite, pretty sure she knew what Buffy was screaming about. When the slayer had come anew to town, she wasn't exactly greeted with open arms. After years of accepting her abandonment, she had returned to find a completely new Sunnydale. The slayer had returned to find a new slayer had replaced her as well as to see the man she had sent to hell back together with her ex-best friend. Cordy and Xander no longer were together, though they remained friends after their mutual break up.
"So you left me and Angel alone at the library?"
"You and Angel?" the ex-cheerleader's interest peeked.
"Yeah.I got there a bit early and we spent some time researching ourselves."
"Alone?"
"Alone."
"And what happened?"
"Nothing."
"Nothing?" Jenny asked, curiosity getting the better of her.
"No. well not no.. he asked to meet me tomorrow?"
"Are you going?" Cordy hoped.
"Yeah.I told him to pick me up."
"And how do you feel about it?" the teacher asked concerned.
"I don't know.I love him. but he hurt me.and I'm scared."
"He loves you, Will. This stuff with Buffy, it was a fluke. You more then anything know about it," Cordy reminded her.
The unpleasant memory came back to Willow. She still felt guilty about the smoochies she had shared with Xander that had caused Oz and Cordy to leave the pair.
"I think she's right, Willow. Trust one who's a bit older and wiser. He loves you and not like he loved Buffy. What you have with him is so much stronger, very real. He might not have known how to react to that. Something tells me he's never felt it that strong before. He might have been scared too."
"It just hurt so much when I saw them... then what he said..I just don't want to feel like that again. how I feel now."
"Then you have to ask yourself, is he worth the risk of hurting again. Can you truly live without him?"
The redhead wiped the tears that fell as Cordy placed her arm around her friend.
"We'll help you Will's. Even if he isn't the man you want, we're here to help you."
"Thanks."
"Remember, the three Slayettes stick together," Cordy replied as she pulled her pinky to hers and inter-locked them.
Willow smiled, thankful for such wonderful friends.
~~~*~~~
Angel sped down the street, in a hurry to see his redhead. He had spoken to Xander earlier that day, Buffy already spreading the lie of them having slept together. His friend had called to tell him she had arrived at the library announcing it to anyone that would listen. Word had traveled quickly among them, each knowing it was a lie. He could only hope Willow hadn't heard it before he could explain how untrue it was.
He knocked on her door, not daring to climb up to the French doors of her bedroom as he had done so many other nights. In reality, he had only knocked on the front door a total of four times. He fidgeted slightly, waiting for her to answer. He wouldn't help the smile on his face as she opened the door. She was simply dressed, a pair of black jeans, loose fit, occupied with a green open cardigan over a small green tank underneath. She had left her long hair loose, his eyes catching the simple emerald drop necklace he had given her two Christmases ago.
"You look beautiful."
The redhead blushed slightly, amazed he could still cause such a reaction in her.
"Just jeans."
She stepped out the doorway and closed it behind her, locking it. They began their walk down the sidewalk, heading towards the park. Willow took side way glances, her cheeks heating slightly as she looked Angel over. He had elected to wear black jeans as herself, but his ever-present leather jacket was gone and the soft dark blue light sweater hugged his form. She smiled, thankful his introduction to more color was sticking. It was in one of those instances that Angel caught Willow looking at him and smiled.
"Forgot my jacket," Guessing what she was thinking.
The read head smiled, wondering how he knew what she was usually thinking.
"Blue looks good on you."
They arrived at the park in ten minutes; Willow taking her usual chair on one of the sea saws. The vampire sat across from her, on the other end, balancing themselves, or at least trying.
When Angel had first returned from hell, the following months had proven to be the hardest in both Willow and the vampire's life. Guilt outweighed reason in Angel's mind, causing Willow to watch him closely, protect him and take care of him. There were times when she would bring him to the park, to swing on the swings or rock on the sea saw to stop him from brooding too much, and introduce him slowly back to this world. Even after he had recovered, they would return time and again to just hang out or talk. It was here where he comforted her when she had had the fluke with Xander, as well as when Oz had left her. It was also here where Angel had asked her out for the first time. It meant a great deal to them both this small playground. It was to heal and love, and Angel could only pray it would do the same tonight.
"Buffy came to visit me today."
The revelation worried the vampire. He remained silent, waiting for her to continue.
"She told me you loved her. That you loved her and showed her how much."
Angel stopped rocking, the movement causing her to look at him.
"She told me you had made love to her."
"Rua."
She quieted him with her hand, wanting to continue.
"She told me how you told her you loved her after all this time. How you wanted to go away with her. to get away from me."
"That's not..."
Again she quieted him.
"She went on, telling me how wrong you thought we had been. how you said we had been a mistake."
Angel couldn't believe how calm she was in speaking, scaring him slightly.
"She looked at me so triumphantly. Telling me she had won."
She took a deep breath and the look of seriousness on her face made Angel worry even more.
"Then I told her I didn't believe her. That I didn't believe you'd sleep with her, that you wouldn't have used me that way if you didn't feel anything for me."
Tears rimmed her eyes, threatening to fall.
"Tell me if I was wrong in believing you."
Angel slowly got off the sew saw, prompting Willow to stand. He quickly moved to her and hugged her, making Willow stiffing slightly in his arms.
"I never slept with her Rua. And I never told her I loved her. I know you have no right to believe me, but what I felt for Buffy will never compare to how I feel for you. Never. I was a jackass, I hurt you and I'd do anything to take that back. I never wanted to cause you pain," he pulled back to look at her tear-stained face.
" I love you, and that will never change. I will do everything in my power to earn your forgiveness. I need you with me. I want to be a part of your life forever. I don't think I'd be able to exist without you."
Her tears fell more freely as she laid her head back on his chest, closing her eyes, trying to control her emotions.
"But it has to be your choice. I don't want to push you.. I'm scared if I do, I'll push you further away from me. It has to be your decision if you want me back."
Willow remained silent, thinking of his reply.
"And if you. if you decide you don't. you don't want me back. I'll always be here for you, if you need me I'll always be near you. I'll never stop loving you."
The crack in his voice made Willow cry harder.
And it was there under the stars a couple stood hoping to heal wounds.