It was elected that Merle should stay with them as mediator, the other three remaining just behind the door in case it got out of hand once more.

Both couples sat across from each other glaring. It was Oz who first broke the silence in the room with a snarling statement.

"He attacked you. He bit you."

Willow pulled on her collar, not aware they were visible.

"He didn't attack me. I let him."

"Why would you do something stupid like that?"

"It's not what you think. Angel would never hurt me."

"Sure, you just let him feed off you for a snack. That's really nice," Buffy replied disgusted by the thought.

"It's not like that. He only bites me when were in bed…."

Willow turned a bright red as she realized what she was saying out loud.

"You've fucked my boyfriend?!" Buffy yelled as she quickly stood up, pushing the chair back, falling to the ground.

"That doesn't concern you," Angel quickly said, his eyes once again glowing slightly.

"You let him touch you, feed off you for his amusement," Oz said through gritted teeth.

"He loves me Oz…." Willow began to say, but was interrupted by Buffy's laugh.

"You're joking me right? Are you that stupid Will? Angel still has his soul. No matter how many times you lay him, he won't lose it because he doesn't love you. You can't take his soul away," Buffy said with a smile.

"There's where you're wrong Buffy. I am happy, delirious really."

"No you aren't. Your soul, it would be gone…."

"My soul's permanent."

"What? That's not possible….. when… how?" she asked stepping back for a moment.

"Willow's restoration spell made it possible."

"No, that can't be. Then we… would have…."

"We wouldn't have again Buffy, even if I had known before."

"You knew?" Buffy asked in disbelief.

This was what Willow had feared. There was something Willow hadn't told Angel that night in Paris. Something she had held back.

"I wasn't sure it would work."

"But you never told me," Buffy said with rage in her eyes.

Angel remained silent, not sure what Willow had meant.

"You planned this… you fucken bitch… you planned this…."

"I didn't plan this Buffy. When I did the spell that night in the hospital, I changed some words around, took some out, and added some….. But I wasn't sure it worked, that's why I never told either of you. I wasn't sure it would work."

Buffy flew over the table in hopes of grabbing her, but was halted by Angel's hand.

"Don't touch her."

Buffy shrieked back as she looked in his eyes.

"You risked giving him a "happy" without knowing if Angelus was securely caged?" Oz asked in complete surprise.

"Then for all you know, he doesn't love you. He loves me. He's lost his soul for me, but he'll never lose it because of you."

Willow was near tears, those were doubts that she secretly had hidden deep inside her.

"I do love her Buffy, more then you could ever imagine. Never doubt that. What we had isn't anything compared to what Willow and I have."

"You would never leave me for her," she reasoned.

"Are you listening to yourself Buffy?" Angel asked angry.

"How could you have been so stupid Willow?" Oz asked. "For that matter, if you so love her, how could you have risked killing her?

Angel couldn't answer, simply because he hadn't had known.

"You'll both regret this."

"Is that a threat?" Angel snarled.

"No, you'll regret this because this was a huge mistake. And when you realize that, you'll come graveling back, and it might be too late by then. When you realize that you don't love her."

His face shifted, making Buffy and Oz jump back.

"That's why I don't love you, Buffy, that's why we could never be. Willow would never jump away from me because she accepts me as I am. You could never. Ignoring something doesn't mean it goes away. Nor does that little voice in both our heads telling us to kill or run from each other. Move on, Buffy."

"It seems to have been easy for you. Maybe I should find something who is willing to fuck me quick too."

Willow eyes snapped up, tired, hurt and scared.

"Shut up."

"Or what?" the slayer taunted.

"I'll make you shut up."

"You wouldn't dare to…"

Then her voice trailed off. Buffy looked at the witch, horrified that she could not speak.

"I warned you. It's my time to talk. I don't know what caused me not to tell you… but I don't regret it. I'm sorry but I don't. I love him, more then anything in the world and that isn't going to change. This isn't a phase I have to get over, this is my heart and I know what it wants. I'm sorry, Oz. I never meant to hurt you, or Buffy, but I couldn't stop from falling in love. I took a risk, and I'm happy I did. Even with the consequences it is worth it. And even if I didn't give him that moment of bliss Buffy, even if he doesn't love me like he loved you, I'd still do it. I'd still fall in love with him."

Hot tears falling down her face as she stood up and turned, leaving the room, praying that Angel would follow.
 
 

"She lied to me," Angel confessed to Merle.

It had been an hour since the group had left the living room. Angel had walked out after Willow, but hadn't followed her to her room, instead had moved to his study. Merle had found him there only moments ago, unsure why he was here and not with Willow.

"What do you mean?"

"I asked her, if I could lose my soul… she told me she was sure it was permanent… I could have killed her… worse…turned her," his face turning paler then usual.

Merle wasn't sure what to say.

"She did and there's nothing she can do now to change it."

Angel remained staring at nothing in front of him, his thoughts and emotions completely jumble.

"Did she think about that?" he wondered.

"I think she thought she loved you even then. I think she thought it was worth the risk. Sometimes we're selfish, Angel."

He knew that all too well.

"You know, one can't ask for forgiveness, if one can't forgive," she reasoned. "Because we all make mistakes Angel."

Angel remained silent making Merle worry a bit.

"The question you might want to ask yourself is: if you had known what she did, would you have done the same? Would you have risked your soul for her?"
 
 

Willow couldn't stop the tears from falling. She wrapped her arms around her shaking body, trying to comfort herself. She hadn't meant to case such pain. To hurt the ones she held dear, but she had managed to destroy two friendships and in the works maybe even lose the one thing she loved more then life itself. She jumped off the bed, wiping her tears with the back of her palm as her fireplace opened. She held her breath, hoping it would be him walking out.

He entered, his heart twisting as he saw the evident fear and pain in her eyes.

"Hey."

"Hey," her strained voice replied, her eyes darting up to see him then back down, unsure of what would happen.

Angel wasn't sure where to begin. He fought the urge in him to just pull her in his arms and make love to her. And that was when realization dawned on him. He would have done the same thing. He would have risked it.

"Willow… I… love you. And nothing is going to change that."

Willow looked up meeting his eyes.

"Can you ever forgive me?" unable to hold back her tears any longer.

He moved closer to her, his own eyes getting a bit misty.

"There's nothing to forgive."

Willow gave him a shaky smile. The most important questions coming next.

"Can you ever trust me again?"

His silence worried her, she turned unable to look at him when he said no.

He walked towards her. Placing his hands on her shoulders and squeezing them slightly.

"I will trust you and I do trust you Willow. I just need to know you won't lie to me again. You've seen what lies and assumptions have caused. We need to tell each other everything or this won't work," he placed a small kiss on her neck, his arms wrapping around her, holding her to him. He closed his eyes and took in the wonderful feel of her in his arms.

"I love you, Angel."

"I love you too."

She turned in his arms, holding him as tightly as possible.

"We'll get through this. Together."

"I'm sorry, Angel. I'm so sorry. I'll never keep anything from you. I promise."

"Sshh. It's okay."

He kissed her, tasting her salty lips. He lifted her up, carrying her over to the bed. Willow whimpered as she felt the cool sheets below and his hard cool body on top of her.

They're coupling was urgent, a deep need inside them. They're bodies rocked against each other, reaching the blinding pleasure together.

They fell into a light sleep, trying to forget the world and the problems outside the door.
 
 

Angel awoke at the sound of someone whispering just outside the bedroom door. He strained to hear what they spoke of knowing that one of the voices belonged to Amy. He detangled himself from Willow's arms reluctantly, grabbing his boxers off the floor. The voices became clearer, detecting the voice of Xander as well.

"You go, I'll stay."

"It isn't fair," Xander remarked.

"I know, but it isn't fair we make Willow feel bad."

"I know… it's just… I'd like to spend the rest of the two days with you."

There was a silence one he assumed was brought up by a kiss. He opened the door, the couple pulling away from each other surprised.

"Who's leaving?"

Amy blushed, seeing why Willow never really wanted to get out of bed.

"Buffy and Oz are packing up. They're leaving tonight," the brunette informed him.

"Giles is going with them… he didn't seem like he did, but I don't think he had much of a choice."

"It can't be that easy."

"She's drawing up the loyalty line. Who will go with her and who will stay behind."

Angel snorted.

"So we're supposed to act like children?"

"She is," Amy agreed.

"Come on you guys, she's hurting too. And I'm also her friend as well as Willow's," Xander replied conflicted.

"Do this. Both of you go back and I'll let Willow know what's happening."

"Angel…" Amy began to protest.

"Don't worry, I'll take care of her. We need some time alone with each other."

Before they could protest, Angel went back into the room, looking at his sleeping beauty hugging a pillow in his absence.

He sat next to her on the bed, careful not to wake her. He stoked her hair, enjoying the feeling of her leaning into the caress.

This would be hard on her, but he had faith they could be able to get through this together.
 
 

Night came quickly and the house was left with only two occupants. They walked hand in hand on the grounds, a thin mist covering there feet as they made themselves over to one of the huge tress. It was clear and cool, stars shining above them. He lifted her by the waist, settling her on the big branch, joining her as he climbed up. He pulled her to him, Willow falling into his embrace gratefully. He could still smell her tears and hugged her tighter.

"It's going to be hard isn't it?" she voiced her concern.

"We knew it would be," he replied, placing a kiss on her soft hair.

"I know… I just never thought I could cause so much pain."

"Give it time. They'll come around."

"Buffy's never going to talk to me again."

"You know that was part of the consequence when we got together Willow… do you regret it?" he asked worried.

She quickly turned her head, looking into his worried brown eyes.

"Never. I'd never regret this, us. I love you, Angel. And no matter how this started, I would never change anything."

He kissed her, smiling.

"Then we'll get through this together."

"I know. We will."

"Xander and Amy wanted to stay, but I thought it would be best if we had some time alone."

"This must be hard for them," she commented as she laid her head on his shoulder.

"It is, but we aren't the ones making them choose sides. What they do, they'll decide on their own."

"I think Merle misses Giles. She looked sad today."

"I think so too. They did spend a lot of time together. I'm sure he'll visit."

"Or she will," she replied with a smile.

They remained silent for some time, both unsure how to approach the subject, their concerns for one another evident. Buffy was hurt and she had proved to be violent, especially with Willow. Oz had been quite, but he had attacked Angel, something Willow had never thought possible.

"What do we do from here?" Angel asked, breaking the silence.

"Go back to Sunnydale," Willow replied confidently.

"Move in with me."

Willow looked up at him surprised.

"What?"

"Move in with me. When we get back to Sunnydale, live with me."

"Angel… really?"

"I'd love you there… to wait for you when you come home. To wake up to you every morning… and I'd be able to take care of you just in case…" he trailed off, not wanting to finish the thought.

Willow knew what he meant and snuggled deeper into his embrace.

"So when can I move in?" she asked with a smile.

"Just as soon as we get back," he replied relieved.

"There isn't much to move," thinking of what she could take with her.

"This won't make it easier on them," his arms stoking hers.

"I know, but this isn't about them anymore. This is about us. Our life, not there's."

"And are you ready for that Willow? Know what it means to have a life with me?"

Willow turned, hearing the deep concern in his voice.

"Angel, I know that this relationship will need a lot of work and a lot of understanding. I know that is also means sacrifices, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I love you and I will do everything in my power to keep us like this, together. You're worth that and more to me."

Angel couldn't help but let some tears fall. When had he deserved her? When had he deserved to be this happy?

"God, I love you. I'm just scared that one day you're going to wake up and realize this was a mistake. That I'm not worthy of your love, even worse that you regret all we've gone through. That you'll blame me for ruining your life."

Willow wrapped her arms around him, turning completely around. She hugged him as tightly as possible, wanting to assure him of her same devotion for him.

"That's never going to happen, Angel. I'll never regret this. I might be sad right now a little because of Buffy and Oz, but nothing can overcome what I feel for you", she reassured.

"Or that I really, really want you all the time," she added with a smile.

"It'll get uglier before it gets better first."

"I know."

"Then we're in this together?" he asked as he began placing light kisses over her face.

"Always."
 
 

The plane ride home was far from peaceful and quite, with the exception of when they slept, due to excessive activities.

Willow lay glowing on the bed in the jet. Angel's head lay curled on her shoulder, with one hand draped over her stomach. Her hand played with his hair, both tired and content, not to mention sore.

"I can stay here forever," Angel muttered happily, squeezing her, his fingers tracing circles around her hips.

"So can I."

After a silent moment, Willow spoke wanting him to know whom she had spoken to this morning.

"I spoke with Xander this morning."

"How is he?"

"Good. So is Amy."

"And…" he inquired, knowing she had more to say but was delaying it for a bit. His fingers began to widen their trail, moving up to her flat stomach, making her giggle a bit.

"Buffy's acting like nothing happened… he's worried about her. She won't talk about it and she talks about you…."

"What does she say?" he asked worried.

"She mentions you in a present tense way. Like when you come back… you aren't going to be with me anymore. Sort of in a way where I'm not coming back either."

"Well she's wrong, Willow. And we'll make her see it, one way or another."

"I know. He just wanted to warn us on what to expect."

"And Oz?"

"He hasn't really spoken to anyone. He's been concentrating on his band."

"Did you tell Xander about moving in with me?"

She smiled.

"Yeah, he thinks it's a good idea."

Angel felt a bit of relief.

"And Giles."

"He's torn I think. He's Buffy's watcher, even if he is an ex, and I can see how he feels sort of obligated to her. He did ask about us though."

"He's stuck in the middle."

"The only thing that is weirding him out a bit is that Buffy is hanging around Cordelia a lot."

"They were friends before."

"Yeah, they were. I'm sure they've created the 'Hate Willow' club."

Angel caressed her ribcage, trying to comfort her a bit. That and he was becoming aroused again. Naked in a bed with Willow usually caused him to get hard, but then again what didn't that involved her?

"But you also have you're 'I'm Willow's friend no matter what club' and the 'I am going to make love to Willow all night and day if possible club'", he replied as he took one of her hardening nipples into his cool mouth.

"I really like that club," she moaned, his other hand moving up to fondle her other breast.

"Me too."
 
 

"Geez, Willow. Who would of thought you had so much to pack," he remarked as he taped closed the full box.

"I know. I'm a collection junkie."

"Okay, how many more boxes left?" Angel asked as he came in to the almost empty room.

"Four more I think. Then we can start unpacking."

Xander groaned as he helped Angel with some of the boxes and headed down the stairs.

"How did you're parents take it?" Amy asked, finishing packing her spell books.

"I'm not really sure. I had to leave them a message at their hotel room. There at a conference."

"What happened to the 'new' them? Wanting to spend more time at home and with you."

"I think it was too hard for them," she replied with a smile.

"We'll they'll be shocked when they don't see you anymore."

"That is if they notice," the redhead giggled.

Willow pulled her bags over her shoulder as Amy grabbed the box with both hands. Amy walked out, heading down the stairs, leaving Willow alone to look back. The room was dark and empty. She closed the door, leaving her past behind and turned around to walk to her future.

Two hours later, two men and two women laid on the floor, contemplating whether they could move or not.

"Tell me we are done?" Xander pleaded.

"You guys are. I still have to put some of my stuff away."

"Well as much as I would love to stay and help, I have to go home and pass out," Xander commented as he struggled to get up.

"Thank you everyone."

She was greeted with a bunch of 'yeahs' and waving of hands, Xander and Amy getting up.

"Well we are off. See you two tomorrow."

Angel got up, showing them out, wishing them a good day at school tomorrow. He moved over to Willow, taking her hand and pulling her up.

"What do you say we try out our new bed?"

His husky voice sent a chill down her spine. She'd surprise him tomorrow. Her mouth sought his, demanding its attention. Her lips parted, her tongue seeking his as he pulled her up, Willow wrapping her legs around his waist. He hurried to the bedroom, not sure they would make it, but then again, they had all night.
 
 

Willow awoke in the morning a bit disoriented. As she looked up and saw Angel, she realized why. She had just spent the first night in their new home. Content to just lie with him, but realizing her tummy had other thoughts, she managed to pull herself out of Angel's arms, hearing him mumble something then drifting into a deeper sleep. She showered knowing there was no food for her in the house yet.

She grabbed her new keys, venturing out into the day and headed to the grocery store. As she walked down the aisles, picking out her own food, she felt a new sense of maturity in her arise. She was growing up and she was happier then ever. True, she knew life with Angel would be dramatically different, especially since they lived over a hell mouth, but the simply things such as these that proclaimed her an adult she welcomed. After finishing up shopping, she headed to the butcher shop, buying some meat and then in the back some blood.

She headed home, thinking a car was essential, hoping to have a talk with Angel about it later. She punched in the security codes and unlocked the doors with her key, moving up the stairs to the kitchen and began to unpack. Once she was content that everything was in place, Willow moved to her boxes and began to unpack her knick-knacks, adding her own personality to the large loft.

"Willow?" a groggy voice from behind her called.

"Yeah sleepy head."

"What are you doing here?" he asked as he moved his way towards her and placed a kiss on her peachy lips.

"Unpacking?"

"What about school?"

"Well…I meant to talk to you about that."

"What happened?"

"Well, I spoke with my counselor yesterday, and I told them I wouldn't be returning."

"Why?" he asked concerned, shaking off the last strands of sleep from his head.

"I sort of graduated last year. I had earned all my extra credits and last semester I added some new ones to my college credit. So I was thinking, I'd really like to spend the rest of spring and summer here with you, before I go start college."

Angel couldn't help the huge smile that spread across his face.

"Are you sure?"

"Of course."

He kissed her, Willow pulling away much to quickly for his liking.

"And I was thinking it would be good if we invited over some people for dinner tonight."

Angel agreed, seeking her lips once more.

Willow surrendered to his touch, letting herself be loved. She fell back to the couch taking him with her.
 
 

"Almost ready?"

"Almost," Amy replied from behind her closed bedroom door. "Who's going?"

"Just me and you."

"Giles?"

"He doesn't think it's appropriate yet. That and Angel isn't his most favorite person yet."

"He thinks it was a mistake."

"I don't know. He acts like he's fine with it, but then with Buffy it's like, he can't decide."

"How are you?"

"Me? I have no idea. Willow is my best friend and I can see why Buffy is mad, but I never thought she could attack her like that."

"I know. Spooked me too."

"Come on or we'll be late."

Amy came out, Xander's appreciation evident.

"You look beautiful."

Amy couldn't help but blush. He tucked her hair behind her ears and took his hand.

"Let's go to dinner."
 
 

"Do we have everything?" Willow worried.

Angel wrapped his arms around the petite redhead, his nose smelling her vanilla scented soft hair.

"Yes. Everything is going to go well. It's just Xander and Amy."

"I know, but this is our first, well, our first dinner with friends with no hiding, in our new home."

"I know and it will be perfect," he replied as she placed a kiss in the back of her ear.

She couldn't help but giggle and turned her head to kiss him lightly. She laughed a little as she felt him harden in back of her, his hips very insistent with hers.

"They'll come any minute," she muttered against his lips.

"I know, but I can't seem to stop myself," capturing her lips again with his own.

They reluctantly pulled away as the doorbell rang, making Angel growl slightly.

"We have all night," she reminded him.

"And morning," he added with a smirk.

She turned red, looking back down at the food on the counter.

Her friends entered, Angel taking their coats. After a few comments of how nice the place looked, Xander's stomach demanded food.

"So what are we eating?"

"Pasta."

"Good, I'll take the largest plate."

Willow smiled as they helped her serve and prepared the table. They sat, conversation coming easy.

"So how does it feel being out of school?" Amy asked as she swirled the pasta on her fork.

"It feels nice. I like it. Makes me feel more grown up."

"And I'm sure Angel's trilled," Xander added.

"I can't complain."

"How's Giles?" Willow asked, trying to sound casual.

"He's okay. I think he misses you in the library."

"Me too," Willow muttered.

Angel sought her hand, wanting to comfort her.

"Come on, we came to have some fun, not to talk about sad things. We rented some movies. I say we watch them," Amy suggested.

They agreed, the mood lightening. They cleaned the table, moving the dishes to the sink. They grabbed some junk food and headed to the living room. Xander popped in the first movie and settled in the adjacent sofa by Angel and Willow.

Wrapped in their loves arms, they lay content watching the movie until Xander's pager went off.

"Who is it?" Amy asked.

"Giles. 911."

"You can use our phone," Willow offered, hoping nothing was wrong.

"Thanks."

He marked the number, praying it was a false alarm of some kind.

"Giles, what's the emergency?"

He nodded a few times, an 'ahem' added in between for good measure, finally ending the call with the signature piece they all usually said.

"We'll be there as soon as possible."

"What happened?"

"Buffy found a nest of vampires. It seems they were trying to raise something. She interrupted, but there were too many. She was able to get out with a few bruises, but she couldn't stop them. They look like their headed to the Bronze."

"We'll go with you," Willow suggested, knowing they needed all the help they could get.

"Yeah, Giles asked for it… but only Angel's," Xander replied, knowing no other way to say it without hurting her.

Willow felt an invisible punch hit her in the stomach. She sat back silent, Angel's anger evident. He knew how much this meant to Willow, to help. As much as he would love to keep her away from the dangers, he knew that wasn't a reality. He would always need to fight the good fight, not only for his soul or because of his past sins, but because he's own conscious demanded him too and Willow knew that.

"I won't go unless Willow does," Angel simply replied.

Xander smiled and shrugged.

"Sort of thought that. Come on, let's go."

Angel took her hand in his, squeezing it. He smiled, wondering which would be easier to face, the nest of vampires or the slayer."
 
 

"This wasn't a good idea. You know this is a very delicate situation," Giles remarked, unable to stop pacing in front of them.

"You need as many people as possible. And as much as you'd both like to forget, Willow was part of this group, if for that matter made it," Amy pointed out.

"And where ever I go, Willow goes," Angel added.

The ex-watcher nodded, knowing the truth.

"I know, but you do realize she's going to be upset."

"We know, but we aren't here for her. We're here to stop vampires from killing innocent people," Angel rationalized.

The room went silent as Buffy entered, her eyes immediately falling on the petite redhead sitting next to Angel.

" I told you I never wanted "her" here again," venom coating each of her words.

"It isn't your choice who helps," Amy replied angrily.

"Who said I want you here either?"

"You fucken…," Amy began to reply, only to be cut off by Xander.

"Look it Buffy, we're here to help. Everyone. You wanted Angel here, and you know that wherever Angel goes Willow will too and vice-versa. That isn't going to change and you have to live with that. We need to work together. Now, I believe we have a nest to go dust?"

Buffy remained quite, shooting daggers with her eyes at the redhead, knowing she was the cause of all this.

"Fine. Let's go."

They all stood, Xander and Amy moving to the cage to retrieve some weapons, while Angel and Willow moved to the side by the stairs to the stacks, pulling out various items from their black duffle bags.

"I want you to stay close to me," Angel instructed worriedly.

"I'll be fine Angel," Willow tried to re-assure.

Angel caught her hand, grabbing her attention.

"Please, tell me you'll stay close to me."

"I will, I promise," she assured him.

Angel nodded. This wasn't easy. He'd love for her to stay here in safety, but he knew he couldn't demand her to. She wasn't the kind to back away. It seemed as though Willow was thinking the same, because she unexpectedly hugged him tightly.

"Be careful, please."

He smiled, and placed a kiss on top of her head.

"You too."

"Remember, I love you and I expect you to come back with me so I can make love to you all night," she said, trying to cover up the worry in her voice, knowing she wasn't doing a good job of it.

"We'll be fine and ditto."

They finished getting ready, not noticing how steamed Buffy looked at there small interaction of affection.

They huddled, Giles going over the simple plan of attack. Angel and Buffy would be key to entering, the others following as back-ups. They agreed, each knowing what to do as they headed out. As they moved closer, Angel gave his love a parting kiss as he moved ahead of them, needing time to climb the roof, knowing he'd be entering via the skylight. Buffy followed closed behind, not needing to, but finding the situation a bit to her advantage.

"Just like old times," she remarked.

"What?"

"This. You and me, the way we were like before."

"This is nothing like it was before Buffy. I'm just helping you out, that's it. Don't mistake that."

"Sure. Whatever," she replied a bit angry.

They parted ways as they reached the club, both taking their positions.

From above, Angel could make out at least 10 vampires, ready to summon something, which he assumed would need the number of sacrifices they had taken hostage in the club. From the corner of his eye he caught site of something glowing not far away and smiled, knowing that Willow was placing a protection spell on herself as Amy, both heading the second part of the plan.

The first crash in the club was Buffy, with a surprise attack from the vampire that had slipped in from the skylight unnoticed and had waited patiently for the slayer to slam inside. As the people ran out, the vampires ran toward Buffy, they're objective clear. Angel pulled out two of his stakes, taking two as he fell from above on top of them.

The rest of the cavalry entered, stakes, holy water and other weapons in hand, surprising the vampires from behind. Twelve vampires soon became eight as the group worked together. Willow and Amy moved over to the circle the vampires had created, realizing it hadn't meant to summon someone, but to open a portal to another side. As Amy was busy closing what they had managed to open, Willow remained behind her, trying to kill off a vampire. She was hit from the side, Willow nearly falling by the hit as another bloodsucker was pushed against her. She didn't know what had hit her until it was too late, a third vampire being thrown at her, slamming the previous on top of her.

It only took a moment for Angel to look up and see what was happening. He savagely grabbed hold of the vampire in front of him, ripping off its head letting the dust fall over him in his desperation to get to his witch.

Willow struggled underneath the attackers, the protection spell too weak to take care of her any longer. She felt fangs pierce her skin painfully as she struggled against the vampire. The world began to spin, her eyesight turning blurry. She closed her eyes for a moment, until she felt the body on top of her disappear.

"Willow?! Willow?!"

She tried to open her eyes, but found herself a bit tired. Angel moved to help Amy slightly, calling Xander over for help. He rushed, knowing, but not believing what had just happened.

"Guard Willow. I'll help Amy," his game face startling the young man.

He nodded, looking around to see the vampires diminishing. He held the stake in front of him, ready for an attack.

Angel finished off the vamps, helping Amy as she finished off the spell. Once the Bronze was clear, Angel clearly had vengeance in mind as he stalked towards Buffy, who was busy brushing herself off.

"You fucken bitch," he snarled as he moved to hurt her.

Xander could clearly see his intent and left Willow in Amy's care as she ran to stop the souled-vampire.

"Get out of my way Harris."

"No, Willow needs you."

In those short words Angel's human face re-appeared and abruptly turned, falling to Willow's side with a quickness he had never seen before.

Buffy looked on, unsure of what had happened as did Giles.

"We need to talk now," Xander remarked, as she moved towards Willow and Amy.

Angel lifted Willow into his arms. She tried to smile, hoping to alleviate some of the worry in him but it was to none.

"Rest my love. We'll be home soon."

Willow nodded and closed her eyes, feeling better already in his arms.

They walked out, Buffy walking next to Giles as they others lagged behind purposely. It was a debate for Angel whether or not to take Willow back to the library with them, but Giles was insistent that Willow be checked over by a doctor he knew would come with no questions asked.

Once they arrived, they moved Willow to his office, the doctor already on his way after Giles had placed a call to him on his cell. Angel remained with her, not wanting to leave her side. Willow was awake by the time Dr. Jacobs arrived. And as promised to Giles, he remained quite, never asking questions in regards to her blood loss or the tiny pair of bite marks on her neck. He patched her up and instructed her to get as much rest as possible and eat well for the week. He handed her a card with his cell on it and told her to call him in case she had some problems later.

He left, Giles handing him an envelope at the door with his thanks.

"Don't ever call me again for help," Angel growled as he helped Willow place a sweater on herself.

"What?" Giles asked surprised.

"She caused this. She almost killed her."

"Who?" confusion clearly on his face.

"Buffy."

"What? How?"

"Why don't you ask her?"

Willow remained silent, not sure what had happened at the club. She took her lovers arms, helping her steady herself as she got off the desk.

Giles moved out of his office, his eyes looking for the slayer. Angel helped Willow out, his arms wrapped around her, offering her all his body for support.

"What did you do to Willow?" Giles asked as she entered through the swinging doors.

"I didn't do anything. If you didn't notice the marks are from vampires," she replied coolly.

"The ones you throw on her," Angel barked back.

"Is that true Buffy?" Giles asked in disbelief.

"I throw a lot of vampires. They could have landed on anyone. It's part of the consequence for this."

"The consequence was you Buffy. You caused this. You knew what you were doing when you kicked them her way. You could have dusted them as easily as you kicked them, but you didn't. You let them to this to Willow, and for that, I'll never forgive you," his anger betraying him as his eyes began to mist a bit, his voice strained.

"I didn't do anything wrong."

"Maybe there's another explanation…" Giles tried to reason.

"How could you?" Xander asked, truly wanting to know how she could have done what she did.

Everyone turned to see Xander stand, his eyes glaring at her.

"You would have killed her. No matter how hard it is now, how could you have done it? She never did anything to you."

"She took Angel away from me," she tried to defend.

Willow looked on with tears in her eyes.

"She didn't steal me from you. You never had me. And I can warn you now Buffy. If you ever do this ever again, hurt her, or even come near her ever again, you'll regret it, and I promise you."

"I didn't do anything to her. She was in the way," Buffy muttered, trying to not only convince them but herself.

"You almost killed her, don't you see that?" Angel demanded, angry that she didn't understand what her actions had caused.

Angel couldn't believe it. He took Willow in his arms, cradling her head on his shoulder as he lifted her up, refusing that she walk. He walked past the slayer, knowing this was hurting Willow more then anything. She snuggled in his shoulders, refusing to look at Buffy or the others as they left.

"I know you're angry, and I've really tried to understand you, but this went too far. How could you want to hurt her so much, to almost kill her?"

Amy took his trembling hand, knowing that Xander was at a point where he might not turn back from.

"I didn't… I … I'm not going to apologize for my mistake."

"That's what this was? A mistake? Then this was mine, remaining your friend."

With that, Xander took Amy's hand and left the library never looking back.

Buffy fell to the floor, tears of anger, frustration falling. Giles looked on, unsure what to do, knowing nothing would ever be the same ever again.
 
 

"Angel?"

Angel practically ran into the room carrying the pills the doctor had given her with a glass of water. He quickly put them on the nightstand and pulled her off the bed, into his arms, hugging her tightly.

Willow wrapped her arms around him, loving the feel of his arms around her.

"I can't do this Willow," the worry and seriousness in his voice frightening her. She pulled back, looking into his dark brown eyes.

"What can't you do?"

"This," he replied, his hands moving to her cheeks, caressing the delicate curves of her face.

She turned paler, unsure what he meant. Angel immediately took notice, putting more detail to his words.

"I can't lose you, Willow. I love you too much to let you go."

"Nothing will happen…" she tried to comfort.

"It did Willow. You almost died tonight. I can't live like this. I can't."

"I won't let you fight alone…"

"I know, but I can't sit here and be afraid each time you go out and run into Buffy in the day when I can't be there with you. Or when we go out to stop the end of the world that I can't just keep an eye on you but Buffy to make sure she won't hurt and turn against you. I can't live like that," his cool cheek caressing hers.

Willow knew what he meant. And she knew she didn't want to live like that either.

"What can we do?" her whispering low, only strong enough for Angel to hear.

"Come with me to LA."

Willow pulled back in surprise, unsure she had heard him correctly.

"LA?"

"We can start anew there. Help people there. Be together."

"Just because we move doesn't mean it'll get easier," she reasoned.

"I know. What we have is rare Willow, something I've never had before and something I am not planning on letting go. We'll have to work at it to make sure we stay together. There aren't any guarantees in life, but I think we might be… forever."

Willow couldn't help but smile as tears began to form in her eyes.

"Get all mushy on me."

He chuckled, pulling her lips to his.

"Come with me?" he muttered against his lips.

"Anywhere."
 
 

"So this is it?" Giles asked, his eyes becoming misty.

"It's the only way Giles, for now."

"She's getting help," Giles added hoping that made a change.

"I know, but we need to do this. It'll be good for her too," Willow assured him.

"But with all of you gone…"

"Cordelia and Oz I'm sure will help… and I'm sure they'll be others. We just need some time Giles. I don't want to leave you either but we have to."

"I'll miss you all that's all."

Willow hugged him, hating to do this to him.

"We will too, but we won't be far away and Xander and Amy aren't leaving until mid-summer. If you need us we'll come. E-mail, telephone, or a pigeon message away," she teased.

"I'll inform the others of your plans," he said pulling away, trying to hide the tear that had escaped.

"We'll be back soon, I promise."

"I shall hold you to that," he warned.

"Good."

The watcher turned, making Willow feel sad. He walked away from the runway, tears beginning to form in her eyes. A pair of strong arms wrapped around her, making her feel more then loved.

"Ready?"

She turned and kissed him with a twinkle in her eye.

"LA here we come."
 
 

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