Hard Choices

Author-Kaitelynn

Disclaimer: They ain't mine damn it. They belong to Joss and Mutant Enemy. I promise to return them when I'm done.

Distribution: BBA, Willow's World and anyone else who wants it.

Rating: R

Category: W/A

Summary: Buffy breaks up with Angel. WIllow comforts him.

Special Thanks as usual to Kylia considering she always convinces me to start more stories. Maybe, she'll convince me to finish them too. *VBG*

Feedback: Please send me some. I live for it. Makes me write faster if I know people like it.

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~Part: 1~

"I broke up with Angel tonight," Buffy said as she made her way into Willow?s room. There were tracks down the pretty blondes face from the tears that had fallen.

"Why?" Willow asked, wondering what would cause Buffy to break up with the handsome vampire. "Did he do something?"

Buffy shook her head, "No, nothing like that. I just decided that, while I love Angel, I want a lot more out a relationship than he can give me. I want someone who I can open up with and take long walks in the daylight. I don?t want to worry if I?m going to be his next meal."

"Buffy," Willow shouted, angry of what her friend had just said about Angel, "you know Angel would never hurt you. How can you even think that about him." Buffy had the decency to look contrite over her comment. Willow lowered her voice, "As for the rest of it, if you really love Angel, like you always told me, you would be willing to work around the other stuff."

"It?s just not that easy," Buffy explained. "I mean, with the Slayer stuff, I just want something in my life that is somewhat normal. Is that so wrong of me?"

"I guess not, but it doesn?t mean that you couldn?t be with Angel. You can have a normal relationship with him." Buffy looked over at Willow, a sarcastic comment on the tip of her tongue, which Willow stopped with a wave of her hand. "You know what I mean. No relationship is perfect. You and Angel just had a few more problems than others."

"But I don?t want the problems anymore," Buffy whined. She had walked over to Willow?s desk and picked up one of the pictures that was sitting on it.

It showed Willow, Buffy and Xander in one of their happier moods. Buffy sighed as she stared at the relative normalcy of the photo. "I just want to have as normal a life as possible and that doesn?t include dating a 250 year old vampire."

"Fine," Willow finally said. "So how did Angel take the news that you didn?t want to see him anymore?" Willow knew how much the vampire cared for the Slayer and was concerned about he was doing.

Buffy shrugged, turning to face the red head and leaned against the desk. "He wasn?t happy about it, that?s for sure. He understood my reasons for doing what I did, but he still didn?t like it."

"What did you tell him were you?re reasons?"

"Basically that I couldn?t handle dating a vampire. That I wanted someone who I could share things with. In the daytime. And I told him that I wanted someone whom I could hold and kiss and well? you know? without having to worry about him going all psycho on me."

"Buffy, you didn?t," Willow exclaimed.

"Well, maybe not in those exact words," Buffy admitted.

"That was wrong Buffy, you should be ashamed of yourself," Willow admonished the blonde, upset over her words. She couldn?t believe Buffy would be so heartless as to tell the man that would willingly die for her that she couldn?t be with him because they couldn?t make love. That was like telling a someone that they would do it if they really loved them.

"Heartless?" Buffy replied, not understanding why Willow was so upset. "How was that being heartless or don?t you remember what happened when Angel and I made love?"

"I remember exactly what happened. Remember I was the first one he tried to kill," Willow reminded her. "But I also know that the spell I did to restore his soul, anchored as well. No matter how happy he gets, he?ll always have his soul. Or did you forget that bit of information?"

"No, I didn?t forget," Buffy answered, slowly, not willing to look in the hacker?s eyes. "It?s just that everytime that I think about him and I being together like that, all I can remember is what happened last time. It scares me."

Willow was flabbergasted. She couldn?t believe how selfish the blonde girl in front of her was being. Willow didn?t understand how Buffy could so casually push away the souled vampire that she supposedly loved. Granted, the relationship might not be all the normal, but what defines normal? And why did she feel the need to tell Angel that one of the reasons that she couldn?t be with him was because she needed someone that she could sleep with when she knew that his soul was bound to him permanently. Especially considering how guilty he already felt because of what happened to all of them as a result of him losing his soul.

Buffy looked over at Willow, not comfortable with the silence from the normally babbling hacker. She figured that Willow would understand her reasons foe breaking off her relationship, considering how Willow and Oz didn?t exactly handle his being a werewolf all that well. Buffy conveniently forgot that it was Oz that broke up with Willow because he didn?t want to deal with all of the slayerette stuff.

"Willow, you do understand why I can?t see Angel anymore, right," Buffy questioned her friend. "I mean, you know why I had to do it."

Willow shook her head. "No, Buffy, I don?t. It doesn?t make any sense to me. If you love Angel as much as you always said you did, than you should have been able to deal with the other stuff. That?s what relationships are," Willow explained to Buffy.

"Then I guess you?re just a better person than I am," Buffy replied sarcastically. "I guess you would be better able to deal with dating a man that has a demon in him. Maybe you should be the one who should be with Angel instead of me."

Willow sighed, exasperated at the things that Buffy was saying. "That?s not what I meant, Buffy, and you know it. If you think the best thing for the two of you is not being together, than so be it and I will support you. But I want you to know, I?m going to still talk with Angel. He?s my friend and I don?t want to lose that." Buffy looked at Willow, surprised that the girl would still want to talk with her now ex-boyfriend, even though she and Angel were no longer together. It never occurred to her that her friend wouldn?t avoid him.

"Willow, I really wish you wouldn?t. I mean, I don?t even want to think about Angel," Buffy told her. "I even asked him to not come by the library or Bronze for awhile. Give us time apart to move on."

Willow lost it. "How dare you. What, you have the right to lean on all your friend?s shoulders. Have your little support group while Angel just gets to brood in his house all alone." Willow stood up and faced Buffy, standing right in front of her. "Well, I won?t have it. I?m going to be there for Angel, if he wants to talk, just like I?ll be here for you if you need it. I do that for my friends, that?s how I am."

"Willow, I really wish that you wouldn?t talk with Angel," Buffy asked. "I just don?t think it would be a good idea, for all parts."

"Well, I guess we?ll just have to see about that," Willow replied. "He?s my friend, Buffy. I?m sorry if that hurts you, but its the truth."

"Then I guess we?ll just have to see what happens," Buffy said. "But don?t be surprised if he doesn?t want to see you. You?ll only remind him of me. I mean, that?s why the two of you are friends, is because of me." Willow was insulted that Buffy felt that the only reason that Angel would even see her, let alone talk to her, was because she was Buffy?s friend. She was tired of Buffy always thinking she was the center of the universe.

"Get out Buffy. Get out before either one of us says something else that we?ll regret later," Willow said as she walked over to her bedroom door, opening it. Buffy looked down at her watch.

"I guess you?re right. Anyway, I have to go. I have a date with Scott tonight," Buffy told Willow as she started walking toward the door, only to be stopped by Willow?s hand on her arm.

"You just broke up with Angel tonight and you already have a date?" Willow asked, disbelief in her voice. "Didn?t take you very long to move on."

Buffy decided to ignore the sarcastic tone in Willow?s voice, figuring that it was just due to a lack of sleep or something. "Well, he asked me yesterday and I just decided that I wanted to give it a try. I?ll tell you about it tomorrow."

Willow let go of Buffy?s arms and she watched as the blonde girl left her home. Willow couldn?t believe everything that her friend had just told her.

Not only had she just broken up with a fantastic person, granted he had a few flaws but who didn?t, but she was already dating someone new. And Angel, what must he be going through. Willow felt sorry for the souled vampire who had just lost his love. She knew how guilty he felt over his actions as Angelus. The fact that the others, Buffy included, had trouble distinguishing between Angel and Angelus, but Willow never did. She knew that what had happened hadn?t been her friend?s fault and she had gone out of her way to make him feel accepted. And Buffy had just tried to destroy all that she had worked for in one fell sweep. Well, Willow wouldn?t allow it. She wasn?t going to let Buffy push Angel back into himself. She was going to make sure that Angel would know that he had at least one friend who would stick by him, Buffy be damned.

With her mind set on a plan of action, Willow picked up her purse, making sure to grab a stake and some holy water. She left her house, her purpose clear. No matter what Buffy wanted, Willow was going to be there for Angel. Starting that night. She just hoped the vampire was prepared for her.

~Part: 2~

Angel was staring into the dying embers in the fireplace when he heard the knock at the door. It was the same position he had been in since Buffy had left, telling him that she was breaking up with him. He had always known that the moment would come when she would decide that she had wanted a normal life, a normal relationship, but that didn?t mean that it hurt any less. Especially considering some of the things that the blonde slayer had told him. And the fact that she had asked him to stay away from the Bronze and the library until she could handle seeing him, effectively forcing him back into the darkness that he had left behind for her.

The knock came again, a little louder this time and yet Angel still made no move to answer the door, hoping that whoever it was would just leave him alone to wallow in his misery. To let him do what he was good at. Brooding.

But the person on the other side of the door was persistent. They wouldn?t give up, so Angel finally stood up and opened the door, surprise evident on his face when he saw who was there.

"Willow?"

"Angel," Willow said, a little afraid about how her appearance at the mansion would be taken by the vampire. The entire walk over has Willow slowly questioning her friendship with him. Wondering if what Buffy had said was the truth. That the only reason Angel was her friend was because of her friendship with Buffy.

"What are you doing here?"

"Well, ummmm, Buffy came to see me," Willow watched as Angel stiffened at the slayer?s name. "She told me what happened?"

"Then I?m sure she told you that she didn?t want you to see me," Angel told her, wondering why exactly the red head had decided to visit him. He was sure that she would be with Buffy, listening as Buffy told her everything that had happened, being the supportive friend that he had come to care about.

"Yeah, she did, but I told her that she couldn?t tell me who I could and couldn?t see," Willow replied, a small smile forming on her lips. Angel couldn?t help himself. He returned that smile with a pained one of his own.

"Angel, would it be all right if I came in. I mean, I understand if you don?t want company and all, but I thought, maybe you would like someone to talk to."

"I would have figured that you would have been listening to Buffy by now," Angel replied, opening the door a little wider to allow Willow access to the mansion. She entered, taking in the surroundings. She wasn?t surprised to find it dark, because it was always dark. She was used to it by now.

"Yeah, well, I already did that, you know," Willow turned to face Angel.

"And now, I want to do the same thing for you. I mean, we are friends and all, aren?t we?" Willow asked, a little unsure of how her offer would be taken by Angel. She knew how hard it was for him to accept friendship from anybody, but she hoped that he would accept what she was offering to him.

"Are you sure that you still want to be friends with me, Willow?" Angel questioned as he shut the door to the mansion and walked over to the dying fire, trying to get it to reignite. "I mean, I know that the only reason you even hung out with me in the first place was because Buffy and I were dating. I?d understand if you didn?t want to talk to me anymore. I?m sure the others will be the same way."

"Well, I?m not like the others," Willow huffed, angry at the words coming from the vampire?s mouth. How could he think that the only reason she hung out with him was because he was Buffy?s boyfriend. That was just the reason she met him, not why she liked him. "I don?t consider you a friend because of Buffy. You know, she accused you of the same thing with our friendship. That you only liked me because you had to because I was her best friend."

"You know that?s not true," Angel argued, angry that his now ex-girlfriend would think that of him.

"I know it?s not true, or else I wouldn?t even be here right now," Willow stated. Willow walked over to the vampire, putting her hand up to his cheek. "You?re my friend, Angel, because I like you. not because you are, were," Willow corrected, "Buffy?s boyfriend, but because you?re a good person. You are kind and caring and have saved my life more times than I can count."

"But you?re also Buffy?s best friend," Angel pointed out. "I don?t want to do anything that might endanger that friendship."

"You can?t," Willow said. "If anyone does anything to affect that friendship, it will be her, trust me. But I don?t want to talk about that right now. I want to talk about how you are. Please tell me."

"Willow, I don?t have the right to ask?."

"You didn?t ask. I offered," Willow pointed out to him. "That?s what friends do. They help each other. Please Angel, let me help you." Angel gave a weak nod of his head, signaling his acceptance of her offer, making Willow squeal in delight. She grabbed his arm, pulling him over to the couch.

"Okay, so I have an idea of what Buffy told you, and I?ll let you know right now, I wasn?t happy about it. Now I want to hear your version of the story. And don?t leave anything out," Willow told the man at her side.

"Now, what happened?"

"Buffy came over, like she usually does," Angel explained. "I could tell right away that something had happened by the way she was standing. And when I went over to give her a kiss, she pulled away from me. That?s when I first knew about what was about to come. She told me that she couldn?t see me anymore."

"Just like that?" Willow asked, incredulous at her friend?s lack of tact.

"I mean, no warning? Nothing?"

"Nope," Angel shook his head. "I never saw it coming. I mean, just last night, everything was fine, or so I thought. I mean, I thought she was happy in what we had and then suddenly, tonight, she said that she wanted a normal relationship. That she couldn?t handle everything that came with dating a vampire with a soul. I don?t know what changed so suddenly but I never saw it coming."

"I think I know what changed, Angel," Willow stated, suddenly finding herself angrier at her friend. She knew that what she would say would hurt the vampire, but she also felt that he had a right to know about Scott.

"After she left my house tonight, she was going to out with this kid from school."

Angel looked at Willow, anguish clearly evident on his face. "She had a date." Willow slowly nodded her head, her heart going out for Angel. "So that?s why she broke up with me." Willow could hear the reluctant acceptance in his voice and found herself reaching out and grabbing him, pulling him into fierce hug.

"I?m so, so sorry Angel. I wish there was something that I could do to make it better," Willow offered weakly, knowing that no matter what the vampire was feeling, he would do his best to keep it to himself.

"There?s nothing that anyone can do Willow," Angel told the petite red head in his arms. "I mean, I always knew that the day would come that Buffy would decide that she wanted a normal relationship. It?s what I always wanted for her. I just didn?t think it would come this soon. Or that it would be that easy for her to get over me."

"I know, Angel, I know. I can?t believe Buffy would do that to you either," Willow stated, surprised to feel him shaking underneath him from the emotions that he had bottled up inside him. She cursed silently at the one responsible for the pain that he was in. "You don?t deserve this. You are a fantastic person, one that deserves to be loved."

"No, Willow, I don?t. I?m a monster," Angel pulled himself from Willow?s embrace and she was surprised to see the blood tears falling from his eyes. She wiped them away with her hand.

"No, you?re not a monster, Angel," Willow corrected. "You are a wonderful person. You are loving and giving, never once asking for something in return. You deserve to have someone that will love you, no holds barred."

Angel offered Willow a weak smile, "Thank you for that."

"Anytime," Willow offered, returning Angel?s smile with one of her own. She could tell that he was feeling a little better about what had happened.

She just hoped that it would last longer than her visit. "And, I want you to know that I will not let Buffy push you away. I mean, I?d understand you not wanting to be in the library and all, because right now, I don?t think I want to be near her. But, I don?t want you going all lurker boy on me either. I want you to feel free to come over and say hi if you see me somewhere. I mean, maybe not when Buffy is around, but even if it?s just a nod or a wave or something, okay? Promise."

"I promise," Angel replied, glad that Willow was willing to still be his friend after ever thing that had happened. He was afraid that she would side with Buffy and not want anything to do with him. He should have known better than to underestimate her friendship.

"Good. Now, friend, how about walking another friend home," Willow teased as she stood up. "You know, I?ve actually heard it?s not that safe walking alone in Sunnydale at night."

Angel grinned, glad that he was still able to. "Yeah, I?ve heard that too. Don?t know where that rumor could have started."

"Me either. Can?t be because of all those vamps and everything, you think?"

"Nope, can?t be because of that."

Angel and Willow laughed the mansion, both in better spirits than before.

They were happy because they both knew that, no matter what would happen because of Buffy?s actions, their friendship wouldn?t be affected. Angel was surprised at the capacity that the young girl beside him had for friendship and was grateful that she was willing to offer it to him freely.

Willow, on the other hand, was happy that Angel allowed her to be there for him. She knew how tough it was going to be for him. She knew the others would do as Buffy asked, which was to avoid the handsome vampire and that made her resolve to be his friend all the stronger. No matter what happened, she promised herself and him, that she would help him get through it.

~Part: 3~

Willow entered the library and saw Buffy, Xander and Cordelia sitting at the table in front of her, the smile that had been on her face, instantly disappearing. She and Angel had had a long talk the night before, him leaving her room just before sunrise, and Willow knew everything that Buffy had told him about her reasons for breaking up with him and she wasn?t happy about any of them. Willow had thought that Buffy had been joking when she said that she had asked Angel to stay away from the Bronze and the library, but Angel had confirmed it.

"Hey Willow," Buffy said cheerfully, already putting the fight from last night behind her. She was sure that Willow hadn?t meant any of what she had said.

"Buffy," Willow replied stiffly.

"Okay, tension filled room here," Xander observed. "And the reason for this being?"

"I think Buffy would be the best one to answer that question," Willow told her oldest friend, unable to properly find the words for what she was feeling. Xander and Cordelia looked over at the blonde, waiting to hear what she had to say.

"Buff, what?s up?" Xander asked her.

"Nothing," Buffy replied honestly. She truly did not believe that anything was wrong between her and the hacker.

"Nothing," Willow said in disbelief. "You call breaking up with Angel and then going out with someone else two hours later nothing?"

"You broke up with Deadboy?" Xander inquired.

"Who did you go out with?" Cordelia asked.

"Yes, I broke up with Angel and I went out with Scott," Buffy answered both questions with the one sentence. "It?s no big deal, really."

"No big deal," Willow shouted, drawing Giles from his office. Everyone looked at the young witch and she lowered her voice. "You call telling Angel that he isn?t welcome here or at the Bronze anymore no big deal? What about the part where you said that you wanted to be with someone who you could make love to without having to worry whether he?ll end up some psycho killer?"

Cordelia gasped, "You didn?t really say that Buffy, did you?"

Buffy just shrugged, "So what if I did. It?s the truth." Buffy looked at the other people in the library, wondering at why they were finding it so difficult to understand her reasons for doing what she had done. "I mean, it?s not like you all have been exactly thrilled at the though of Angel and I being back together."

"That?s besides the point Buffy," Willow replied. "You had no right to hurt him like that. You should have seen him when I got there last night. He was devastated by what you told him."

"Wait a minute," Buffy interrupted, "you went over to see Angel even after I asked you not to?"

"I told you I was."

"But, I didn?t think you really meant it," Buffy said. "I mean, you?re my best friend, Willow. I figured that you would have done as I asked and stayed away from him until I could deal with having him in my life at all."

"I?m sorry if my being friends with Angel bothers you," Willow told the blonde, not really meaning what she was saying, "but, as I told you last night before you left for your date, I will be there for him, just as I am for all my friends. If you have a problem with that, you better tell me now."

"Damn straight I have a problem with that," Buffy replied, angry at what her best friend was telling her. "You?re my friend, not his. I don?t want you anywhere near him. It?s me or him Willow."

Willow stared at the girl who had changed her life so much since she had first met her two years ago, wondering if she ever knew her at all. She couldn?t believe that Buffy could actually be so self-centered as to believe that Willow would actually make a choice between her friends just so that Buffy would be happy. But, Willow decided, if it was a choice that Buffy wanted, then it would be a choice that Buffy would get.

"I?m sorry Buffy." Buffy smiled as she heard Willow?s words, certain that she had finally gotten through to the red head. "If you are going to make me choose, my choice is Angel."

"What?" Buffy couldn?t believe her ears.

"Willow, you don?t mean that?" Xander asked. Willow looked over at the boy, sadness in her eyes.

"I didn?t want to make the choice, Xander, but Buffy forced it on me," Willow explained. "He needs a friend and I am proud to call him my friend. And after everything that Buffy has done and said within the past twenty-four hours, I honestly don?t know if I can deal with her."

"But, Willow, you?re my friend too," Buffy whined, not understanding what was going on. She wasn?t supposed to lose her friends.

"And I always will be Buffy, but if you can?t accept that Angel will always be a part of my life, than I don?t think it would be all that great of an idea that we hang out for a little while. Especially since you have so little regard for anyone other than yourself."

"That?s not true," Buffy whined, upset over the turn of events that have taken place within the past few minutes.

"Isn?t it Buffy," Willow replied. "When did you decide that you wanted a "normal" life? Before or after Scott asked you out? The only reason you broke up with Angel when you did was because you had someone who was waiting for you."

"Is it so wrong that I want something in my life that is normal? That I want something that isn?t involved with prophecies and death and demons?"

Buffy cried. "Why can?t I have what everyone else has?"

"You did, Buffy," Willow stated plainly. "You have friends. You have a family. You had a great guy madly in love with you. Who was willing to die for you and what did you do with all of that? You threw it out for the first high schooler that wanted to date you."

Buffy got angry at Willow?s harsh words, "How dare you. You have no idea what it?s like to be me. To have to do what I do."

"Don?t I," Willow calmly asked. "I might not be the slayer, but we all have been there for you. We have stood by your side whenever you have needed us. Even patrolled and protected the Hellmouth when you were gone. So, you?re right, I don?t know what it?s like to be you. You have to do what you do while we?ve chosen to."

Willow left the library right after saying that, leaving a stunned group of friends behind. Buffy was angered at what had just happened, unable to accept that Willow would willingly choose to continue to be friends with Angel instead of her. She was also unwillingly to accept that any of it had been her fault. Buffy wasn?t prepared for what happened next.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" Cordelia exploded.

"What?"

"That whole, making Willow choose between you and Angel. I mean, jealous much?"

"Of course not," Buffy said. "What is there to be jealous of. I mean, this is Willow we are talking about. What would Angel possibly see in her?"

"Oh, I don?t know, how about the fact that she goes out of her way to make sure that her friends are okay. Or what about the fact that when she speaks, she can actually hold an intelligent conversation." Cordelia watched as Buffy visibly flinched from her attack. "Or the fact that she is a very pretty girl if you actually bother looking at her."

"But Angel is in love with me, he would never be interested in anyone else."

"But you gave him up. So I would say, he can pretty much do whatever he wants to," Cordelia pointed out. "Besides, I don?t see you and Willow hanging out all that much for a little while."

Buffy shook her head, "No, Willow and I will be cool by lunch time. You?ll see."

"I don?t think so Buff," Xander finally said, upset over what had just occurred. "I haven?t see Wills that angry in a long time, not that I blame her. You were pretty harsh on her."

"What about her?"

"She was defending her friend. She?s like that," Xander told her. "And I can see her point. I mean, okay so I?m not a big fan of Deadboy?s, but still that was kinda cruel of you to dump him like that only to go out with someone else that same night. Let me tell you, from a guy?s point of view, that is way out of line."

"But all I wanted to do was have a normal life. Why is that so wrong?"

"Because you aren?t normal. You?re the slayer. And someone that I don?t think I can really be in the same room with right now." Xander looked over at his girlfriend. "Ready to head to class."

"More than ready." Cordelia and Xander grabbed their books, leaving behind the stunned slayer, who felt as if her world had just fallen apart by the very seams holding it together. She saw Giles standing by his office.

"Giles?" Giles shook his head. He had only caught bits and pieces of the fight, but he had heard enough of what his slayer had said to the young hacker and her friends to know that he didn?t think he could talk to her right now. He went back into his office, shutting the door, not saying a word.

"What is going on with everyone?" Buffy shouted to the empty library.

~Part: 4~

Willow was sitting at the Slayerette?s usual table in the Bronze, watching as Cordelia tried to keep up with Xander?s frantic movements on the dance floor. She always loved to watch the brunette scowl at her boyfriend, all the while, never actually doing anything to stop him. As much as it pained her to say it, she actually believed that Xander and Cordelia were good together. They balanced each other. Willow just hoped that one day she would have someone care about her as much as the two of them cared for each other. She was startled from her thoughts when someone placed a hand on her shoulder.

?Hi." Willow turned around at the voice, smiling at the owner of it.

"Hi there, yourself. Seat?"

"Sure," Angel sat in the seat that had been vacated by Xander. "Penny for your thoughts."

Willow smiled at him. "Not really worth it, tonight. Just thinking that I wish I could find someone who makes me as happy as Cordelia makes Xander."

Angel looked over at the couple in question.

"But sometimes that person ends up hurting you more than making you smile," he replied softly, barely being heard above the pounding of the music.

Willow rested her hand over his, making him look over at her. He saw the look of sympathy in her eyes that he had grown accustomed to in the weeks since Buffy had broken up with him and she had come over to the mansion offering her friendship. Willow had made a point of visiting him, even if only for a few minutes, making sure that he was all right. She had answered his questions about Buffy, telling him that not only had she gone out with Scott, but that she had also gone out with five other boys from school.At first, it hurt to hear just how quickly Buffy had gotten over him, but the pain that had wound its way around his undead heart slowly began to disappear. It was being replaced by the gift that Willow had given him.

Herself. They began talking about their lives. She asked him questions about things that Buffy had never wanted to know about. About his life before he was turned. About his years as Angelus. Even what he had done after he had regained his soul. And he found that by talking about his past, it was helping him to move past it. To get over some of the guilt that had weighed so heavily on his shoulders. He loved the nights when she stayed with him until the sun came up, only going home in order to get ready to go to school. It had gotten to the point that he had started to look forward to her visits. And when she said that she was meeting Xander and Cordelia at the Bronze that night, he had decided that it was time for him to go back to the outside world that he had avoided.

"So what finally made you decide to join the land of the living again."

Angel gave Willow a look and she held up her hand. "Okay, so the land of the unliving." Angel shrugged his shoulders.

"Decided that you were right. That it was time for me to stop wallowing in my misery." Willow grinned at the vampire by her side. "Besides, I wanted to see you somewhere other than the darkness that is my mansion." Willow laughed as he repeated the words she used to describe his home the week before.

"Well, I?m glad that you did." Before she could say anything more, Xander and Cordelia rejoined the table.

"Hey Deadboy. Been awhile," Xander said, grabbing his soda and quickly finishing it off. Angel just rolled his eyes at the nickname. Willow tensed a bit as she waited to see what would happen between Angel, Xander and Cordelia. Ture, Xander and Cordelia had been supportive of her growing friendship with the vampire since Buffy had broken up with him, even making sure that they kept the two girls separated, which was difficult considering the fact that Buffy refused to admit that she had done anything wrong that would make Willow not want to be her friend. But, Xander was still Xander and she hoped that he didn?t say anything that would take away any of the hard work she put into making Angel accept her friendship. "I?m going to go get something to drink, anybody want anything? Cor, Willow, Deadboy?"

Willow smiled at Xander?s way of telling her that things would be okay.

"I?m fine," Willow told him.

"I?ll take a Diet Coke," Cordelia replied. Angel just shook his head.

Cordelia turned her attention to the dark haired vampire. "Haven?t seen you around Angel, how are you doing?" Angel was surprised at the sincerity in the cheerleader?s voice. Willow had told him how she had befriended Willow when it became apparent that Buffy had meant it when she made Willow choose between Angel and herself and was grateful to the girl.

"Been better, been worse," he answered.

"Been there, done that," she said in turn. "Well, I?m glad to see you out and about. Especially because that means, just maybe, Willow will stop feeling like a third wheel."

"Cordelia," the hacker admonished.

"What?" Cordelia asked. "I was just saying that now you have somebody to talk to instead of just sitting there and watching me and Xander. Hey, maybe you will have better luck than little miss likes to kill a lot, and actually get him to dance with you." Willow blushed and tried to sink as deep as possible in her chair.

"Get who to dance with her?" Xander questioned as he rejoined the table, setting his and Cordelia?s drinks in front of him.

"Get Angel to dance with her," Cordelia answered. Xander looked at the pair in question.

"Go for it." Willow looked over at Angel who shrugged.

"May I have this dance, milady?" Angel said, standing up and bowing to Willow who giggled. Angel took her offered hand, grinning at the red head. He lead her to the dance floor, grateful that the dee jay had put on a slow song as Angel wasn?t sure that he could manage a fast one and not look any stranger than Xander. He pulled Willow close to him, inhaling the scent of her shampoo. ?Hmmm, She smells so good. Raspberries and cream. Very sweet, just like her.? Willow wrapped her arms around Angel?s neck, looking up into his eyes.

?Her eyes are like emeralds. Like she can see right into my soul. I can so easily get lost in them.?

?His eyes are so gorgeous. I can sit and look into them all night and never be bored.?

Willow rested her head against Angel?s chest, marveling at how hard it was. She found herself wondering what it would like without his shirt on. ?Whoa, bad thoughts Willow. Remember he is getting over Buffy.? ?But he?s so handsome and he?s available, what would be the harm?? ?Hello, Buffy would probably kill you. You know how she feels about him, even if she is dating other guys.? Willow sighed as she continued telling herself how wrong it was to even think of doing anything with Angel.

Angel felt Willow sigh and willed himself to not think of the proximity of her body to his. He wasn?t having much luck. ?She?s so beautiful. I wonder if she even knows how much. And she?s so giving and open, I?m surprised that she isn?t the one with the dates every night. But, then again, the boys today just don?t know how to appreciate someone who isn?t model beautiful right at that moment, but they don?t know what they are missing.? ?Wait a minute, Angel, what are you thinking? This is Willow you?re talking about. Sweet, innocent, beautiful, sexy?. Don?t go there.

She?s your friend, that?s all.? Angel shook his head, trying to get his mind out of the gutter that it was about to enter. Luckily both Angel and Willow were saved from their wayward thought patterns when the song ended, only to have a fast one begin. Angel took Willow?s hand and lead her back to the table where Xander and Cordelia were talking.

"Timmy," Xander shouted.

"Timmy," Cordelia and Willow answered, as did some kids at the surrounding tables. Angel looked on, confused.

"Who?s Timmy?" Willow looked at him, sheepishly.

"Sorry. Some kids at school started shouting that one day and it kind of caught on. We?ve been doing it off and on ever since. Supposedly it?s from South Park."

"South Park?"

"Yeah, it some animated cartoon on Comedy Central and it?s supposed to be pretty funny," Willow explained. "Haven?t actually had time to watch myself, considering the hours I tend to keep."

"Well, we?ll just have to do something about that won?t we," Xander said. "I say, South Park party at Willow?s Sunday night. Who?s in?"

"I?m there," Cordelia said.

"Well, since apparently it?s at my house, I guess I?m in," Willow said, turning to Angel. "Want to come?" Angel looked at the three teens at the table and saw that they all wanted him there. He was glad for their acceptance, considering what he had done to them not so long ago.

"I?ll bring the popcorn," he said, surprising them all with a grin.

"Man, Deadboy, I may have to start liking you," Xander said, laughing. His laughter died as he saw someone approach the table. "Umm, guys, trouble at six o? clock."

"What is it?" Willow asked seriously, turning to see what had captured Xander?s attention.

"Hi guys."

"Buffy," Willow said, seeing her friend with some boy from her French class. "I didn?t think you were going to be here."

"Obviously," Buffy answered, glaring at the red head and the vampire who sat close to her. Willow looked down at the accusation in the blonde?s eyes.

"Didn?t take you long to go after him, did it? Is that the real reason that you made your choice?"

"I don?t know what you?re talking about, Buffy?" Willow replied. "Angel and I are just friends, nothing else."

"Yeah, Deadboy just came here to talk to us about something," Xander broke in, again trying to play peacemaker like he had so many times at school.

"No biggie. Like Willow said, they?re friends." Buffy turned to him, surprised at his acceptance of Angel by Willow?s side.

"And you don?t have a problem with my ex-boyfriend hanging out with your best friend."

"As long as he doesn?t hurt her, none whatsoever," Xander replied, standing up. "Cordelia, what say we go to the beach and check out the stars."

"Okay," Cordelia said, suddenly wanting to be anywhere other than the Bronze. She didn?t understand why Buffy was acting the way she was. She was the one that did the breaking up. So what if Angel and Willow hung out, they were both lonely and they got along. That was all that mattered. She grabbed her jacket and she and Xander left, leaving Buffy and the others behind.

"Ummm, you know, I think they have the right idea. Not about the beach but about leaving. Angel would you mind walking me home," Willow asked, not wanting to sit around and listen to Buffy rant about how Willow had taken Angel away from her, figuring she?ll be hearing enough of it at school.

Angel looked between Willow and his ex-girlfriend, the pain of the break up still there, but not as much. He stood up and helped Willow on with her coat. Buffy watched as the two left.

"Buffy, are you okay?" Neil, her date, asked.

"Yeah, I?ll be fine," she replied, absently, taking a seat at the vacated table. Her mind still on the closeness between Willow and Angel. She didn?t like it. True, she had broken up with the vampire, but that was only because she wanted to see what it was like to have as normal a life as possible, not because she didn?t love him. And, seeing him with Willow, Xander and Cordelia, laughing and having a good time, made her realize just what she had given up. Buffy decided that, starting the next day, she would try and make up for what she had done. First thing being, trying to get Angel back.

~Part: 5 ~

Willow groaned as she heard her doorbell. She rolled over in her bed and looked at her clock. ?8:00. Who would come here at this ungodly hour? Willow had only been asleep for three hours. After walking her home from the Bronze, Angel and she had talked until he had to leave right before sunrise. Willow put her pillow over her head, willing whoever it was to just go away. Unfortunately the person was persistent, ringing the doorbell over and over again.

"Unless this is an emergency of the end of the world kind, someone is gonna die," Willow grumbled as she opened the door, ready to ream out whoever was there with some very choice words. But she was completely unprepared for the person on the other side. "Buffy."

"Hey there Willow," Buffy said, looking down at the ground. "Ummm, can I come in?"

"Why?" Willow asked, making no move to allow the other girl in.

"I wanted to talk to you. About Angel."

"There?s nothing to say," Willow told her. "We?ve already said everything there is to say on that topic. You?ve made it quite clear how you felt about my friendship with him. Especially last night."

"Well, that?s it. I just wanted to tell you that I was wrong last night. At the Bronze. I should never have accused you of going after Angel."

"Damn straight you shouldn?t have," Willow told her, anger in her voice.

"You know that Angel and I are only friends. Not to mention you had no right to act jealous considering you were there with a date."

"I know. I said I was wrong. I mean, you?re Willow. I know that you and Angel would never be more than friends." There was something in Buffy?s voice that made Willow pause at her comment.

"What is that suppose to mean?"

"Well, I just mean, you?re you and that, and don?t get me wrong here, you aren?t exactly Angel?s type."

"And that would be why?"

"Well, you know. You?re more the research, bookworm, computer girl. The girl next door type of person." Willow bristled at the unintentional insult. "Angel prefers his women more?.." Buffy tried to look for the right words.

"Like you?" Willow answered, her voice laced with sarcasm, which Buffy missed completely.

"Exactly. See I knew you would understand and that?s why I?m here. I need your help."

"My help? You need my help?"

"Yup," Buffy smiled. "So can I come in. I would rather not have this conversation outside." Willow shrugged and opened the door allowing the other girl to enter her home. Willow led her to the living room knowing that they would have all the privacy that they need considering her parents were out of town once again. Buffy took a seat on the couch, while Willow sat in her father?s favorite chair.

"What exactly do you need my help for?"

"Well, first let me just say that I know that I was completely wrong about why I broke up with him. I mean, I thought that if I dated, you know, normal boys that my life would be okay. But it?s wasn?t. I liked the guys I was with, but there just wasn?t any of that passion that I had with Angel. With the others, it was just comfortable. Like hanging out with a friend."

"Yeah, and?" Willow prodded.

"I want you to know that I never stopped loving Angel. I only broke up with him because I thought that it was the best thing to do. For both of us, but I know now that I was wrong."

"And let me guess, you want him back." Buffy nodded her head. "And you honestly think that I would be willing to help you. Why?"

?Because you?re my friend," Buffy said simply, feeling that was all the reason there needed to be.

"But I?m also Angel?s friend. I was the one who had to help pick up the pieces after you broke up with him. I was the one who had to try and make him laugh and move on and see that there was someone that cared about him. Do you even care that last night was the first time since you left him that he has even left the mansion other than to go to Willy?s to pick up blood?"

"I didn?t know. That?s not what I wanted." Buffy whined.

"No, but this isn?t about what you want anymore, Buffy," Willow told the slayer. "This is about what Angel wants and needs. Why should I help you? What?s to say that you won?t do the same thing all over again when you?ve decided that your relationship with him is too difficult to deal with and break up with him. How many times am I going to have to pick up after you when it comes to Angel?"

"That?s not fair Willow," Buffy complained. "I was hurting because of the breakup just as much as Angel, but I didn?t have the luxury of having your shoulder to cry on. I mean, you?re my friend too but you didn?t feel the need to comfort me. It wasn?t easy to let him go but I did what I felt needed to be done."

"Angel didn?t chose to break up with you. He was the dumpee while you were the dumper," Willow pointed out. "Of course he took it harder. He had no idea it was coming. He thought everything was going fine until you told him otherwise. And he wasn?t the one who had a date that night. You were."

"I know," Buffy reluctantly admitted, "but it still hurt. And I want to fix it. I want to get Angel back. I know he still loves me. We?re meant to be together."

Willow looked at the blonde, shocked that she actually believe that after everything that she had done and said, Willow would willingly help her to get Angel back. Willow remembered how hard it was for Angel to get over his breakup with the Slayer, even though he was trying to hold in the pain so as not to burden her with it, but she had seen it all the same. She recalled all of their conversations about his past relationships, both mortal and vampire, and all of the women in his life that had betrayed his love one way or the other. The girl he had been in love with as a teen who had run off with his best friend. Darla who had tried to stake him when he had regained his soul. And Buffy who had broken up with him because she couldn?t deal with him being a vampire at all. She knew how hard it was for him to trust Willow after everything that he had been through and she was proud that he considered her a friend. She wasn?t sure she was willing to risk it, just to have him hurt again. She cared too much for him.

"Willow," Buffy repeated when Willow didn?t answer her. "Will you help me get Angel back?" Willow thought for another moment, before shaking her head.

"No, Buffy, I won?t." Buffy stared at Willow, incredulously.

"Why not?"

"Because I don?t think that you?re really sorry for what you did and I don?t think there is anything that will stop you from doing it again at some point," Willow explained. "I think you saw Angel last night, laughing and having a good time with your friends and you became jealous and decided that you wanted him back."

"That?s not what happened at all," Buffy protested. "Angel and I are meant to be together."

"Then if that?s the case, you won?t need my help at all. You?ll be able to get him back all on your own." Buffy stood up then, glancing down menacingly at the red head.

"Is this because you want Angel for yourself?"

"No," Willow sighed, "this is because Angel is my friend and I don?t want to see my friend hurt. Just like I don?t want to see any of my friends hurt."

"Fine, I?ll let it slide, this time," Buffy said, "that you won?t help me. But know this, if you stand in my way or interfere in anyway with my getting Angel back, I will go after you." Buffy looked down at her watch. "I?ve gotta go. Giles wants to see me at the library to train." Buffy walked to the door, Willow trailing behind her. As she reached it, Buffy turned to face the hacker once more. "Remember what I said, Willow. I will not let you interfere."

"Whatever Buffy." Buffy left Willow?s house and the red head shut the door behind her, pressing her forehead to the door.

?Goddess, what am I going to do. I don?t want to see Angel get hurt again and if he gets back together with Buffy, I?m afraid that?s exactly what will happen. But I can?t ask him to stay away from her, knowing how much he cares for her. All I can do is be there for him. He?s my friend and he?ll need my support.?

Willow recalled what Buffy had said about going to train with Giles. ?That means it will be a few hours before she gets a chance to see Angel. Maybe I should go over and give him a heads up on what is about to happen.? With that thought, Willow raced up to her room, all thoughts of sleep leaving her as she prepared to go and tell Angel that Buffy was about to fight for his love.

~Part: 6 ~

Willow knocked on Angel?s door, looking around to make sure that Buffy wasn?t coming. She had gotten to the mansion as quickly as she could to let him know that Buffy was intending on trying to win him back. She didn?t want him to be unprepared for her arrival. When he didn?t answer the door right away, Willow went to knock again, when the door suddenly opened. She stepped in and looked over to see Angel hovering behind the door, protecting himself from the sun. He shut the door as soon as she was through.

"Willow, what are you doing here?" Willow didn?t answer him, instead staring at the man in front of her, awed by the sight of Angel standing in nothing but a pair of black silk boxers. ?Oh goddess, and Buffy thought that she could replace this man. That girl is more insane than I ever thought.? Angel grinned as he saw the expression on Willow?s face as she gazed at him. "Ummm, Willow?" He asked again. Willow finally drew her eyes away from his chest, and other regions, to look in his eyes and she saw the merriment in him. Her face turned a bright shade of pink as she realized that she had been caught staring at him.

"Sorry," she mumbled, looking down at the floor. Angel smiled at her.

"Is there a reason you are knocking at my door at nine in the morning?"

"Buffy," Willow replied, "she came to see me this morning." Angel cocked his eyebrow and led Willow over to the couch.

"What did she want?"

"Well, apparently seeing us at the Bronze last night, and you actually having a good time with me, Xander and Cordelia, made her think about things," Willow explained. "Like how it was a mistake that she broke up with you in the first place. She wanted my help to try and get you back."

Angel was stunned. Willow?s news was the last thing that he ever expected to hear. Especially after the harsh words that were said the night before.

"What did you tell her?"

"I told her that I wouldn?t help her," Willow stated flatly. "That I cared to much for you to just sit back and willingly help her get you back.

Especially since there was no guarantee that she won?t do the same thing again. I didn?t want to keep having to pick up the pieces every time that she decided that she wanted a "normal" life again."

Angel listened to Willow?s explanation and took her words the wrong way, his face showing his sadness at the thought that Willow didn?t like spending time with him. ?And why should she? I mean, I?m a monster disguised as a human being. I?m a killer. She?s a ray of sunshine. She?s everything that I ever wanted in my life but could never achieve. Why would she want to spend time with me?? Willow watched as Angel began to close himself off from her and realized that he had taken her comments the wrong way.

"Hey you, you know I didn?t mean it that way," Willow took Angel?s face in her hands as she twisted her body to face him. "I love spending time with you. I just meant, that I didn?t want you to get hurt by her again. That?s all." Angel smiled at the red head by his side, silently thanking a god he no longer believed in for her friendship, despite everything that he had done.

"How did Buffy react when you told her that you wouldn?t help her?" Angel asked. Willow laughed hollowly.

"Not very well," Willow replied, remembering Buffy?s reaction. "She told me that I had better not get in her way or else. She doesn?t see me as competition for your affection, she just doesn?t like the idea that you and I are close."

"What do you mean, she doesn?t see you as competition?" Willow looked down at her lap, a slight blush coming to her cheeks.

"Well, you know, she said that I wasn?t your type. That you would never be interested in someone like me."

"Someone like you?" Angel questioned, confused. "You mean, someone who is loving and caring and giving? Someone who is willing to offer their friendship willingly, no questions asked and no demands in return? Someone who is just as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside? Someone who can hold an intelligent conversation about something other than the latest fashions out of Paris? Someone, who if given half a chance, is stronger than any Slayer ever born?" Willow?s blush grew deeper with each sentence Angel said.

"You don?t have to say any of that," she told him. "I know it?s not true, and I?m okay with that." Angel shook his head, cupping her chin with his hand.

"You?ve known me for over two years, has there ever been a time when I have ever lied or given out false compliments?" Willow shook her head. "Then, why would I start now?"

"Because I?m not any of those things," Willow said sadly. "I?m just plan ole Willow. The smart one."

"You are anything but plain Willow. You have these eyes that are so green they rival the deepest emeralds. The red in your hair reminds me of the sun. You skin is smooth as silk and as white as porcelain. The combination is intoxicating. You have a smell that I can?t get enough of. A combination of raspberries and cream. Sweet, just like you." Willow found herself losing herself in a combination of Angel?s words and the sincerity she saw in his eyes. Their bodies began to drift closer together, and Angel?s voice slowly became more of a whisper, lulling her into a contented feeling. "I can?t get enough of you, Willow. You are the sexiest women I have ever met." With that last sentence, Willow felt Angel?s lips brush against hers in a gentle kiss, so soft that Willow almost thought that she had imagined it. That was, until she felt Angel pull away from her. She looked at him, confusion clearly written on her face.

"Angel?"

"I?m sorry, Willow," Angel said, running his hand through his short hair.

"I had no right to kiss you. I didn?t mean for it to happen."

"Oh," Willow answered softly, trying to hold back the tears that were threatening to fall at Angel?s apology. "I should have known that you didn?t mean it. Why would you want to kiss me anyway?" Angel looked at Willow, flabbergasted that she still had doubts about her appeal to men. He cursed all the boys that had reinforced her self doubts.

"I didn?t say I didn?t want to kiss you," Angel felt the need to tell her.

"I said that I didn?t mean to kiss you. I don?t won?t to risk our friendship by doing something that you don?t want me to do."

"Well, I wouldn?t say that I didn?t want to do it," Willow mumbled, Angel barely hearing her. As her words sank into his brain, he looked at the girl, astounded at what he heard.

"Are you saying that wouldn?t mind if I kissed you?" Willow looked at Angel, her eyes showing her emotions clearly to him.

"No, I would say that I wouldn?t mind at all if you kissed me again."

Angel smiled as he leaned forward and pressed his lips against Willow in another gentle kiss. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer. He wrapped his arms around her waist holding her tightly. Their kisses were light, almost featherlike, both afraid of moving further than that. Finally they broke apart.

"Well, little one, what do we do now?"

?I don?t know," Willow admitted. "I mean, you still have to deal with Buffy. She?ll be here in a little while, wanting to fix everything."

"Well, then I guess she?s in for a bit of a surprise, isn?t she." Willow looked at Angel as his arms tighten their grip on her body. "I?ve already made my decision, and if you would like, I want to explore what is going on between us. Not go back to being Buffy?s little lap dog, jumping when she says jump. That is, if you are interested."

Willow smiled. "I am very interested." Angel hugged Willow tightly, pulling her into an embrace. The two of them snuggled on the couch, comfortable in each other?s grasp, not knowing what was going to happen, but more than willing to see where it was going. They talked and cuddled, until the two of them fell asleep in each other?s arms. And that was how Buffy found them a few hours later.

~Part: 7 ~

"What the hell is going on here?" Buffy yelled as she saw Angel and Willow cuddled together on the couch. She had come to the mansion, hoping to convince him to rekindle their romance, only to find him with his arms wrapped around Willow. She felt betrayed by both and angry that Willow had obviously gone after Angel, even knowing of Buffy's plans.

Both people on the couch woke with a start at Buffy's yell. Angel's grip around Willow's waist tightened and kept her from falling to the ground. They looked up to see an irate Buffy staring down at them. "I asked you a question. What the hell is going on here?"

"Well, I would say that would have been sleeping, Buffy," Angel realized, helping Willow to sit up. "That is, until you decided to enter my home without knocking."

"I've never knocked when I've come over. You never seemed to mind before."

"That was when we were going out," Angel pointed out. "We aren't anymore. So that's brings me around to my question. What are you doing here?"

"I thought we could talk," Buffy said, "alone." The blonde slayer looked pointedly at Willow, who shrank back from the flare. She made a move to stand and leave, only to have Angel pull her back down against him. Willow looked up at him and he smiled down at her.

"Whatever you have to say to me, Buffy, you can say to in front of Willow," Angel informed his ex-girlfriend. "I don't have any secrets from her and she doesn't have any secrets from me."

"Fine," Buffy huffed, not happy with Angel's reluctance to talk to her privately. :I thought we could talk about us."

"What us? There is no us, remember? You broke up with me so that you could have a normal life," Angel said, throwing Buffy's words back at her.

"I was wrong," Buffy whispered, not able to say the words any louder with Willow in the room. The red head had already known of her plan to try and win back Angel and it was obvious that Willow was, not only not going to help Buffy get Angel back, but also was going to try and fight for him herself.

"You were wrong?" Angel repeated. "Wrong about which part? The breaking up with me part or the normal life part because I'm beginning to get confused."

"Look, can't we please talk about this alone?" Buffy asked once more. "I know you and Willow are close but this doesn't really concern her. This is about us."

"I told you, I have no secrets from Willow. And, as for this not concerning her, you're wrong. It concerns her for two very important reasons," Angel informed Buffy. "First, you said a lot of hurtful things to her because she didn't do what you wanted her to do. And that includes trying to make her choose between her friendship with you and her friendship with me."

"And, yet, she chose you," Buffy pointed out. Angel ignored her.

"And, second, because Willow is very important to me. I care about her, a lot, and I hope that she cares about me also. "Willow turned to face Angel, a small smile on her face at his admission. She cupped his cheek with her hand, drawing his gaze to her.

"You know, I care about you," she informed him. Angel leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on Willow's kips, not even caring what Buffy would think of the gesture. Bufy looked on, surprised at the affection that was in his movements.

?What is going on here?' Buffy thought to herself. ?I come here to get back together with Angel, only to find him with Willow and he's telling me that he cares about Willow. And kissing her. That's just not possible. I mean, this is Willow we're talking about. Plain, mousy, shy Willow. What could Angel possibly see in her? Unless he's doing it to make me jealous because of everything that I've put him through these past few weeks. And, Willow, being the friend that she is, would go along with his plan. Yeah, that must be it. He's doing this as some kind of revenge.' Angel and Willow watched Buffy's face for any sign of her reaction. They were surprised when no anger appeared there.

"So the two of you are together?" She asked, her voice even.

"Yes," Angel answered, wary of Buffy's lack of response. This was not the same girl that had been jealous the night before when they had been at the Bronze hanging out. "Are you okay with that?"

"I guess I don't really have much of a choice about it, do I," Bufy replied. She refused to give either person the satisfaction of seeing how hurt she was, even if they were only acting, which is what she was convinced they were doing. "I stopped having a say in what you do and who you do it with when I broke up with you. I'm glad you found someone else."

"Really," Willow said hopefully, wanting to regain the friendship that she had lost. "You're really okay with this?"

"I'm fine, Willow," Buffy reassured the red head, willing to play it their way, for now. If they wanted her to truly realize what she almost lost before Angel takes her back, she'll let them. "I am." Buffy went over and hugged the surprised girl. Willow tentatively returned it.

"Thank you," Willow whispered, grateful that the Slayer was apparently going to accept the relationship between Willow and Angel.

"Hey, we're friends, even though we haven't exactly been all that close lately," Buffy said. "If you and Angel have decided that you want to be together, than I'll support you. Just because we couldn't make it work, doesn't mean that the two of you can't . As long as he makes you happy, then nothing else matters."

Angel looked on as Buffy trued to assure Willow what she was okay with the two of them. He knew how much Buffy's friendship meant to the young hacker and how hurt she had been wen Buffy had made her choose. For Willow's sake, Angel hoped that Buffy was sincere in saying that she was fin, but he wasn't so sure. This was not the Buffy that he knew. Angel was sure that she was up to something, and he wanted to know what it was before she had a chance to hurt Willow again.

"Well, I guess I should leave the two of you alone," Buffy stated. "I mean, its not a lot of fun having the ex-girlfriend hanging around."

"Buffy, you don't have to go," Willow protested, not wanting her friend to leave after finally forgiving Willow for choosing Angel over her. "It's been so long since we've talked. We have so much to catch up on." Buffy was about to agree to stay when she noticed Angel giving her a warning glare. ?Wow, he's really playing this whole hurt boyfriend thing up.'

"Willow, we'll talk tomorrow at the library," Buffy told her. "Remember, Giles wanted some help researching some new demon."

Okay, tomorrow then," Willow agreed. Willow walked Buffy to the door, giving the Slayer another hug. Once Buffy left, Willow turned to Angel, a smile pasted on her face. "Wow, I can't believe that. I mean, Angel, Buffy actually seemed happy for us."

"I know," Angel said as he came and wrapped his arms around Willow. "I just hope that she means what she said."

"Do you think she was upset?" Willow asked, the thought of Buffy angry with her again, making her nervous. "You don't think she's planning on doing something, do you?"

?I don't know, kitten," Angel conceded. "I hope no, but I can't be sure. We'll just have to wait and see what she does. That will be the real test. I won't let her hurt you, thought," Angel pulled Willow close to him, placing a kiss on the top of her head. "I promise."

On the other side of the door, Buffy was making a promise to herself. One that included allowing Angel and Willow to have their fun in teaching Buffy her lesson, but at the same time, showing Angel exactly why he and Buffy belonged together. And, if it turned out that he and Willow weren't acting.

Well, that thought was so ridiculous that Buffy wouldn't even consider it.

Sure, Willow might have a crush on Angel, who wouldn't, but there was no way that Angel would be interested in the hacker. Buffy went home to plan her seduction of Angel.

~Part: 8 ~

"Hey Willow, Angel," Buffy said pleasantly as she saw the couple sitting in front of the computer. Her voice was cheerful and friendly, surprising those that had only just heard about her reaction to the new couple.

"Hey, Buffy, nice outfit," Willow said, happy that Buffy was once again talking to her. Sure, Willow was wary about her motives, but the hacker didn't want to think the worst of her friend. "Is it new?"

"What, this old thing," Buffy replied, turning to give everyone a clear view of her outfit. She was wearing a pale blue leather micro mini skirt and a matching halter top. To complete her outfit, she had on a pair of white thigh high boots. She thought it was the perfect outfit to make Angel realize exactly what Buffy had to offer over Willow. "Just found it in the closet and decided to wear it."

"Old, my eye," Cordelia whispered to Willow. "That's a brand new outfit or my name isn't Cordelia Chase. I saw her at the mall just last night picking it out." Willow looked over at the Slayer and noticed Buffy staring her way. Or, to be exact, at Angel. 'What is her deal? What is Buffy playing at' Angel was sharing Willow's thoughts.

"So what's the deal with the demon Giles?" Buffy asked, jumping onto the table near Angel, crossing her legs and showing even more skin then would be considered decent. "I mean, where's it at and how do I kill it?"

"We don't know Buffy, that's why we're researching," the Watcher told her. "But, out of curiosity, how do you plan to do any slaying in that get up?"

?Trust me, this outfit is perfect for what I have planned," Buffy said suggestively, looking over at Angel who pointedly ignored her implication.

Buffy was surprised at the lack of interest on his face. 'Okay, he's going to play hard to get. I'll just have to up the ante a bit.'

"Okay, since we don't know much, shouldn't I go patrol and see if I can get any information?" Giles was surprised. Buffy never volunteered to patrol on the weekend. Usually she would whine about it, hoping Giles would tell her that she didn't have to go.

"Okay, who are you and what have you done with Buffy Summers?" Xander joked.

"I know, not my usual style," Buffy replied. "It's just that I don't like the idea of some demon coming into my territory. I want it out, like yesterday." Everyone nodded, accepting Buffy's explanation, although they had a feeling that there was something that she was leaving out.

"Alright Buffy," Giles told her, "why don't you go and see what you can find out. Maybe have a , uh, talk with Willie. See if he knows anything."

"I'm out of here." Buffy jumped down from the table and headed towards the door. Just before she reached them, she turned as if she had a thought.

"Angel, want to join me. Just in case I run into something that I can't handle." Willow stiffened in her chair at Buffy's question. Her green eyes caught Angel's brown ones and she breathed a sigh of relief at the love she saw in them for her.

"I'm sure you can handle whatever you may come across," Angel replied, but Buffy wasn't going to be easily put off.

"Oh, come on Angel. Patrolling is always more fun with someone else," Buffy stated. "Unless Willow doesn't think it would be a good idea for us to be alone together." Willow shrank back into her chair as Buffy smirked at her.

It was at that moment that the red headed hacker realized what Buffy was trying to do.

'She thinks she can win Angel back. I guess she really meant it when she said that she didn't see me as competition. And I'm not. I'm nothing like her, but that doesn't matter to Angel. He likes me the way I am.' Willow smiled sweetly, making Buffy lose a bit of the confidence she was feeling.

"Not at all," Willow told the Slayer as she took Angel's hand. "I think it would be a good idea for you and Angel to patrol together. I'm sure the two of you have a lot to resolve."

"Really?" Buffy questioned, surprised at Willow's statement. She didn't think the hacker would agree so easily.

"Yes, really. Just because Angel and I are going together, doesn't mean that I own him," Willow supplied, her voice dripping with sweetness. Angel looked over at her, trying to figure out what she was planning. He had also figured out what Buffy was doing and had been prepared to shoot her down, but apparently Willow had other ideas. "If Angel wants to patrol with you, then he can. If he would rather stay here with me, and then walk me home, then it would be his decision." Angel smiled inwardly as Willow's intention became clear to him. He lifted her hand to his mouth and placed a gentle kiss on her inner palm.

"I would be honored if you would allow me to stay and spend the evening with you," he said to the hacker.

"I think I would like that," Willow grinned. Buffy stood and stared as Angel leaned over and gave Willow a deep kiss.

'He chose to stay with Willow. I can't believe it. I mean, sure, I understand him wanting to teach me a lesson, but he and Willow are beginning to take this way too far. It's one thing to act all lovey dovey when its only the three of us, but to do it in front of the others is too much. I may have to do something drastic to end this charade.'

"Fine, then I guess I'm on my own. See you all later." Buffy waved as she left the library in a huff. Giles, Xander and Cordelia all breathed a sigh of relief at her departure. Willow and Angel had already told them about the change in their relationship and all three had supported them. The only thing that had truly surprised them was Buffy's seeming acceptance of the relationship, but her whole performance that night showed them all that she wasn't as comfortable with the idea of Willow and Angel as she had originally said.

"Well, that was certainly awkward," Cordelia said. "Was it just me or was Buffy dressed more like a tramp than a Slayer?"

"It wasn't you," Xander agreed. "Buffy was definitely dressed like she planned on doing something other than slaying. And I think we all know who she was planning on doing it with." All heads turned to face Angel. The dark vampire's face was a combination of anger and embarrassment.

"Well, if that's the case, I would have to say Willow gave her something to think about," Cordelia said, proud of the way Willow had stood up to the blonde Slayer. "I loved Buffy's face when Willow said that Angel could do what he wanted. Priceless."

"I guess you were right earlier when you questioned Buffy's sincerity," Willow buried her head into Angel's chest. He put his arms around the small girl, trying to soothe away the tension that he felt in her body.

"I'm sorry kitten," he told the girl, stroking her hair. "I know how much you wanted Buffy to accept us."

"Well, unfortunately, I do not believe that will be happening anytime soon," Giles stated. He knew that Buffy would take the news of Angel and Willow badly, but he had hoped for all their sakes that she would be mature about it. While there was no love lost between the Watcher and Angel, with Giles just beginning to see past the vampire's actions while without his soul, Giles could see the closeness between the hacker and the vampire. And he couldn't blame Angel for moving on, considering that Buffy had been the one to break up the relationship and had dated repeatedly. If anything, he had to give Angel credit for his choice in women. Willow was definitely someone special.

"Giles, what do you think she might do?" Willow asked her mentor.

"I don't know, Willow," he informed the group. "Buffy has never been, what you would call, rational when it comes to Angel. The only thing I can tell you is to be prepared for anything."

"Don't worry, kitten. I won't let aBuffy do anything to hurt you or our relationship," Angel assured the hacke. "Anyway, I think we have more important things to worry about, like this demon." Willow nodded her head and everyone took it as a sign that the topic of Buffy was closed. Each person began to research the demon, but for two people, the Slayer wasn't far from their thoughts.

~Part: 9 ~

"I just love Jim Carrey. That man is hilarious."

"Xander, you like him because you think you're just as funny," Cordelia teased her boyfriend.

"Well, you have to admit. He does have some of the same qualities. Both goofy and kinda cute in a strange way," Willow added.

"Thanks a lot for the support and here, I thought you were my best friend," Xander replied. "At least Angel will agree with me that Jim Carrey is one of the funniest men around."

"Sorry, Xand, but I think he ripped off alot of his stuff from Andy Kaufman," the vampire told him, causing Xander to groan. Cordelia wrapped her arm around his and squeezed closer to him.

"It's okay, sweetie. We still love you anyway."

"Thanks alot," he mumbled, but his complaining wasn't taken too seriously because of the grin that spread acrossed his face.

"Well, I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm in the mood for some ice cream," Willow chimed in, getting approval from the others in the group. It was Wednesday and Giles had given them all the night off from research, telling them that they wouldn't be of any use if they were burnt out. The two couples decided to double date, and had just gone to see Truman Show at the local theater. Over the past four days, ever since Willow and Angel had announced that they had decided to explore their feelings for one another, the group had gotten to know each other better and had become closer.

Xander and Cordelia even began to run interference between Buffy and Willow when it became apparent that, no matter what the Slayer had said before, she had not truly accepted the relationship between the red headed witch and the souled vampire.

The two couples had gone to dinner and then the movies, trying to be as normal as possible. They were also staying away from the area that Giles had told them Buffy was going to patrol. They didn't want the blonde to ruin the evening for them. In the few days that had passed since Willow and Angel got together, the Slayer had done everything possible to get between the two of them. Even her clothes became an extension of her desire to have Angel back with her, her skirts becoming shorter and her tops becoming skimpier and tighter. At first, Willow worried that Buffy's attempts just might succeed, her shyness and awkwardness at the blatant sexuality that Buffy was showing off getting the better of her, but Angel quickly reassured the girl that she was the one he wanted to be with. He often left flowers for her in her locker so that she would find them the next day in school.

He even sent her, Xander and Cordelia a five course lunch from her favorite restaurant, causing a huge stir among the school population and making them look twice at the girl they had always looked over. They had hoped that this would make Buffy realize that she should just move on, but it hadn't.

If anything, it just increased her desire to be with Angel even more.

"So, what are the plans for the rest of the night?" Xander asked as they waited in line at the ice cream counter.

"Anything that doesn't have to do with research gets my vote," Cordelia volunteered.

"Or patrolling," Willow added.

"We could always go back to my place and hang out," Angel said. "Maybe rent another movie or something."

"I like that idea," Willow told him as she ordered her ice cream, the others doing the same.

"You just like the idea of spending time at Deadboy's," Xander teased his best friend, enjoying the blush that rose to her face. "But, for once, I'm game. Anything is better than going back to my place."

"Same here," Cordelia stated. Angel paid for the ice cream and the four people left the store. "So what movie should we rent."

"Well, I think that Cordelia and I should get to choose this time, since Xander picked out this one," Willow volunteered. Xander groaned at her suggestion.

"Nooooo. Come on, I don't want to see a chick flick." Cordelia wrapped her arm around Xander's waist and pulled him close to her, whispering in his ear. His eyes nearly bugged out of his head. "Okay, chick flick it is."

"Cordelia, what did you say to the boy?" Willow asked, amazed at the sudden change in her friend. "I've never seen him willingly watch a chick flick before."

"Just something between a boyfriend and a girlfriend," Cordelia said slyly.

"Why do I have this feeling that I really don't want to know what you said to him?" Angel questioned. Cordelia just raised her eyebrow and looked at him. "Yup, definitely don't want to know what you said to him." Cordelia just continued smiling sweetly.

"So what movie did you want to check out, Delia?" Willow asked the girl.

"Well, how about we do something that appeals to both the guys and the girls, that way they don't feel left out," Cordelia tucked her arm in Xander's, Willow doing the same with Angel.

"Like what?" Xander inquired, grateful for not having to watch a chick flick.

"How about the Star Wars trilogy?" The brunette suggested.

"But won't that take too long?" Angel questioned, not wanting his young friends to get in trouble for staying out too late. "You have school tomorrow. Won't your parents yell if you come in so late?"

"Not mine," Xander answered. "I think they might actually prefer it that way."

"Mine are out of town again," Cordelia stated. "Won't be back until next week."

"And you know mine are at the seminar in New York this week," Willow reminded her boyfriend.

"In that case, it looks like Star Wars it is."

The four people went to the video store and picked up the three movies that made the trilogy, and one chick flick for the girls. They also stopped at the local food store to grab snacks and drinks since Angel's house wasn't exactly equipped to deal with human occupants. With each person holding a bag of something, they made their way to that night's home. Suddenly Willow felt Angel tense at her side.

"Angel, what is it?"

"Buffy," was all he said before his ex-girlfriend made her appearance.

"How did you know I was there?" The blonde asked as she walked up to the souled vampire, virtually ignoring the others that were there. "I mean, if you don't care for me anymore, like you say you don't, then how would you still be aware of my presence?"

"You're a Slayer and I'm a vampire, kinda helps with the sensing thing," Angel told her flatly as he fished out the keys to his house. "What are you doing here, Buffy? I thought you had to patrol."

"I did, now I'm done," she shrugged. "Thought I would come over and keep you company."

"He already has company, Buffy," Willow informed the girl, stepping in front of Angel. "Or did you conveniently miss the other three people that are here?"

"I didn't miss you," Buffy looked down at the red head, a sneer coming to her face, "I just didn't think that Angel really wanted you around tonight."

"And why is that?" Cordelia questioned, her and Xander joining Willow at Angel's side.

"Because tonight is special for Angel and me," Buffy informed the group.

"Remember, Angel, it was one year ago that we kissed for the first time."

Angel looked in thought for a moment, before realizing that she was right. It had been one year since he had first kissed the blonde slayer, but that didn't mean anything special to him. Not anymore. Buffy sauntered up to Angel, pushing Willow aside, and wrapped her arms around his neck. "So, Angel, what do you say. How about you and I go and celebrate our anniversary somewhere private?"

"Sorry, Buffy, but I have a date tonight," Angel informed the girl, maneuvering the bag in his arms so that he could untangle himself from her.

"Now, if you don't mind, I would like to continue it." Angel looked over at Willow and extended his hand to her. "Shall we?" Willow placed her hand in his.

"Certainly." Angel and Willow walked over to the front door of Angel's home. Willow turned to see Cordelia and Xander still standing by Buffy.

"Coming you two."

"Be right there," Xander answered. He watched Willow and Xander go inside and then turned to Buffy. "What were you hoping to accomplish with that little performance?"

"I don't know what you are talking about?" Buffy innocently replied.

"That whole anniversary thing," Xander reminded her. "You and Angel are through. You gave him up and he has moved on. Him and Willow are together. Why are you trying to hurt her like this. She's your best friend."

"Wrong," Buffy angrily stated. "She was my best friend until she stabbed me in the back by stealing my boyfriend."

"Ex-boyfriend," Cordelia replied. "You broke up with him."

"That doesn't mean that Willow could just go and take him. She knew I still cared for him and that I wanted to try and get him back, but did that stop her. No. She still went after him. All I am doing is getting back what was taken from me." Xander and Cordelia stared in shock at the venom that was in Buffy's voice. They knew that the Slayer was hurt by Willow and Angel's relationship, they just didn't know how far that hurt went."Buffy, don't do anything you'll regret," Xander told the blonde.

"The only thing I regret is that I ever considered Willow my friend." The couple watched as Buffy stormed away, afraid of what the unbalanced girl might do next.

~Part: 10 ~

"I wish we could spend more time together tonight," Angel said to the red head in his arms.

"I know," Willow answered, resting her head on his cool chest. "I wish we did too. I still can't believe that my parent's actually want to spend time with me, let alone do that whole happy family thing."

"Maybe they finally realized what they were missing by leaving you alone for so long."

"Yeah, well, I've kinda gotten used to their lack of attention and, remember, it has allowed me the ability to spend as much time with you as I have," Willow told the vampire. "Have to be grateful for that."

"True," he agreed. "Besides, didn't you say that they were leaving again tomorrow?"

"Yup, for at least a month. Wonder however will I spend my time," the hacker joked.

"I can think of a few things that you could do if you get bored," Angel said suggestively, causing Willow to giggle.

"I bet you could." Willow looked up at her boyfriend, her green eyes meeting his brown ones. The vampire leaned down and kissed Willow. It started gently but the feelings between the two people quickly make t more and more passionate. Angel's hand cupped the back of Willow's head, while the other found its way to the small of her back. Willow, for her part, wrapped both arms around Angel's neck, drawing him closer to her. The finally parted only because of Willow's continuing need to breathe.

"I don't want to go in," the teenager whined, looking over towards her house.

" And what would you like to do instead?"

"Go home with you," came the, not completely unexpected reply. Willow often referred to the mansion as home, considering how much time she spent there. Many a night had been spent on Angel's couch, her returning to her parents' house only for breakfast and a shower. Angel gazed down at the girl in his arms.

"I want that too," he replied softly. "Tomorrow will be here soon enough, though." Willow nodded her head.

"I know and I can't wait. I'm just glad that my folks think I'll be staying at Cordelia's while they're gone. Gives me a great excuse for not being home. Not like they'll actually check up on me or something." Angel placed another soft kiss on Willow's lips.

"I think its time for you to get inside."

"Trying to get rid of me already?" The hacker teased.

"Nope. Just don't know how much your parents would appreciate looking outside and seeing their daughter being ravished by a two hundred and forty year old vampire." Willow giggled at Angel's comment.

"Good point, although I will hold you to the ravishing part."

"Deal." Angel and Willow made no move to separate.

"So, what are your plans for tonight?" Willow asked, not wanting to let go of the vampire just yet.

"Staying inside and getting ready for your stay," he told her. "Want to make sure everything is perfect."

"As long as I'm with you, it will be." Willow saw the light on her porch get turned on. "I guess I better get going."

"I guess so." Willow leaned up and kissed Angel one last time before reluctantly turning and going inside. He watched her until the front door shut and headed back to his home. He avoided the cemeteries and other places that he knew Buffy patrolled, not wanting to face the Slayer. It added on quite a bit of time to the walk home, but he felt avoiding Buffy was worth the time lost. It had been a week since she had confronted him and Willow on the anniversary of their first kiss and, according to Giles; she had still not given up on her desire to get Angel back. In fact, she had even gone so far as to asking the Watcher for help in finding a spell that would make the vampire fall in love with her again.

When Angel opened his front door, he could sense someone's presence in his home. He grew apprehensive when he realized exactly who had entered it. He honed in on the person's heartbeat and walked towards his bedroom. He pushed open the door, only to see Buffy lying on his bed, clad only in a very sheer black lace teddy that left absolutely nothing to the imagination.

She was lying across the bed in, what she hoped, was a very seductive pose. It took every ounce of willpower Angel possessed not to let his demon loose and physically remove the Slayer from his bed.

"What the hell are you doing here, Buffy?" Angel asked, his irritation with his ex-girlfriend clearly in his voice.

"I thought we could talk," she replied.

"Talk?"

"Among other things," she said flirtatiously. She patted the bed. "Why don't you sit and get comfortable."

"I think I'll stand thank you." A slight pout appeared on Buffy's face, but was quickly replaced by a smile. She leaned forward, giving Angel a good view of her breasts.

"Oh, come on Angel," she drawled. "I've never known you to be shy. And you can't honestly say that you aren't attracted to me."

"You're right, I can't," he admitted.

"See, I knew you wanted me," Buffy cried triumphantly. Angel shook his head.

"Sorry, Buffy, but I don't want you."

"But you just said?"

"I said that I was attracted to you," the vampire stated, moving towards the bed. "You're a very beautiful girl." Angel grabbed his robe as he passed the chair it was lying on. "But that doesn't mean I want you. Your beauty is the only thing that you've got going for you and I prefer the whole package. Willow has that."

"Please, this is Willow we're talking about," the blonde sneered. "Plain, mousy Willow."

"Maybe that's how you see her. To me, she's the sexiest woman that I have ever seen and I'm glad that she wants me in her life," Angel informed his ex. He held up the robe, indicating that he wanted Buffy to use it to cover herself up. She stood in front of him and wrapped her arms around his neck.

"You can't tell me that you don't miss this." Buffy pulled Angel into a kiss, using all her Slayer strength to hold him to her despite his efforts to pull away.

"Oh, I'm sorry. Should I come back when you aren't busy?" Buffy let Angel go when she heard Willow at the door. The vampire turned, prepared to run after her to explain what had happened and was surprised to see her still standing there, a slight grin on her face.

"Willow, this isn't what you think," the vampire rushed to explain. Willow looked at him, her eyebrow slightly raised at his proximity to the barely covered Buffy.

"Really," she said. "You mean, this isn't an attempt by my former best friend to seduce my boyfriend?"

"Okay, so it is what you think." Angel walked over to Willow, who wrapped her arms around him, reassuring him that everything was all right.

"It's okay, Angel. I told you once that I trusted you. I know you didn't do anything with her."

"And how are you so sure of that?" Buffy sneered. Willow turned to face her former friend.

"Because, as I just said, I trust Angel. You, on the other hand, I wouldn't trust as far as I could throw you."

"It's time for you to leave, Buffy," Angel told her. Buffy huffily picked up her discarded clothes, throwing her dress over her head. As she walked past Willow and Angel, she shot a killer glare at the hacker.

"This isn't over."

"Yes it is," was Willow's simple reply. Buffy left the house, giving Angel and Willow their privacy. Angel took immediate advantage of it by giving Willow a huge kiss.

"Not that I'm not glad to see you, but I thought you had that big family thing."

"I did, but the canceled," Willow explained. "They decided to leave tonight, so as soon as they were gone I came here. Hope that was okay."

Angel chuckled as he picked the red head up and swung her around. "It's definitely okay. Welcome home Willow."

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