Rating: NC-17 eventually
Email: nalia98@yahoo.com
Summary: Angel's fallen out of love with Buffy, and he takes a sudden interest in our wonderful witch.
Disclaimer: All the Buffy characters, are, unfortunately for me, the sole property of Joss Whedon and Fox.
Author Note: This story sort of takes place after Ted, but in this AU, there is no Jenny Calendar. And Buffy bails at the emergence of Angelus.
Feedback: Feel free to let me know your opinions...thanks!!!
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~Part: 1~
Willow had told Buffy she could walk home by herself. With her trusty stake, cross, and holy water, Willow was sure that she would make it home in one piece. Well, now she wasn't so sure. Willow felt like someone was following her. She sped up her pace and was almost to her house when she felt a hand on her shoulder. Instinctively, she pressed her cross into the hand. The hand began to smolder and its owner quickly withdrew it.
"Ow!! Willow, it's me!" Angel stepped out of the shadows. His had was bright red and the smell of burnt skin filled the air.
"Oh, Angel, are you ok?" Willow asked walking towards him.
"Yea, just teaches me not to sneak up on you, Willow," Angel replied, the pain in his hand almost forgotten.
"Annngel.....I....why are you following me?" Willow asked.
"I wanted to talk you," he said. He began to move toward her.
"Well, let's get inside and bandage your hand," Willow said shakily.
"Okay." Angel followed her into her house. They walked into the living room.
"Angel, have a seat. I'll be right back," Willow went to the bathroom and got the first aid kit. She came back and applied some salve to his burn and covered it with gauze. "Now, with that vampire healing, that should be gone by tomorrow!" Willow sat next to Angel on the couch.
"Thanks, it feels better already," Angel thanked her.
"So, what did you want to talk about?" Willow asked. She really didn't want to talk about Buffy and his undying love for the slayer.
"Um, Willow, you know that Buffy and I are over and everything. Well, I have fallen in love with someone else and I was thinking of telling this person how I feel," he started.
"Well, then what do you need from me? Xander probably told you to try your speech out me, didn't he? Well, I am not `try-it- out-on-me' girl anymore. Ugh! I am tired of being `that' girl that is a best bud; I want to be Willow the girl you dream about. I want you to tell me you that you want me for me like I want you for you, vampire and all. If you want to practice on someone, go practice on Buffy, but don't make me. So, if that is all, you can leave now," Willow yelled, jumping up from the couch. She was so upset that she didn't even realize that she had let her true feelings for Angel slip. Angel was shocked. Surely, he had heard her wrong. She couldn't have meant him; she must have meant the moron, Xander.
"Fine, Willow, I will leave. But just know, that the someone I love is you," Angel said, getting up to leave.
"Huh? What? Mmmmeee?" Willow squeaked.
"Yes, you," Angel said, calmly.
"But, why? I am not like Buffy. Why would you fall in love with me?" Willow asked, sitting back down.
"Why you? Because, you are the one that has always been there for me. You have always, stood up for me, and you have never let me forget all the good I have done. How can I not fall in love with you? You are beautiful, kind, sweet, intelligent, and mostly, unselfish. I love everything about you and want to show you how I feel," Angel explained. He walked back over to the couch and sat next to her. He could see that she was shocked.
"Well, uh, Angel, see, I don't think that Buffy would like us together, no matter what she might say; she loves you with that soulmatey kind of love," Willow looked at the floor. She couldn't believe that Angel had just confessed his love for her. Willow. The girl that never got noticed. Angel knew that Willow would feel like this and he wasn't sure what to say or do to get her to understand. It didn't matter what Buffy thought.
"Willow, I know that Buffy is your friend and that being with me would feel like some sort of betrayal, but I don't think that your and my happiness should be decided by her. I can understand if you want some time to think about all this, but I really do care about you and I want you now, more than ever. I will never stop wanting you." Angel ran his hand through her hair. He felt something happen inside himself. Like a dull ache. Suddenly he was on the floor and in agonizing pain. "NO!!!!!!!" he screamed. Willow didn't know what to do; she was frozen in place with fear. So, Angel seemed to get himself under control and he stood up and looked at Willow.
"Willow. Pretty Willow," was all he said before he grabbed her and bit into her neck.
~Part: 2~
Willow was so shocked that her mouth wouldn't even work. She tried to turn and run, but her legs were not listening. She couldn't believe what was happening. Angel was biting her. On the neck! And she had no idea how to make him stop. She could feel her life slipping away.
"Angel, why are you doing this?" Willow squeaked out.
Angel stopped for a minute to look at her.
"Angel? Angel's gone, baby. Angelus is here for you now. I don't know how, but here I am. Now, where was I," Angelus told her with a dangerous gleam in his eyes. Angel's first thought was to drain the witch and leaving her for the slayer to find. But he couldn't believe the taste of her blood...it was so wonderful, like nothing he had ever had before. He just couldn't get enough. He could see why the soul had liked this girl. She had such innocence and compassion. Suddenly, Angelus felt something pull him away from her. He turned around and looked for the person that he would have to kill for interrupting him. But there was no one there. Willow slumped on the couch; her eyes were glassy and her breathing shallow. Her mind was reeling, she couldn't believe that Angel or Angelus rather, was drinking her blood and that she had just pushed him off...without using her hands!
Angel was glancing around trying to understand what was going on. He focused on Willow and went back to her. As Angelus went to grab her, Willow gathered all her strength and somehow, Angelus was pulled away from her again. This time he realized it was Willow doing the pulling.
"What are you doing, little Willow?" Angelus asked.
"I...I don't know...I can't control it... Please stop."
Angelus looked at her with a scowl on his face. Just then Angelus grabbed Willow again and this time she screamed.
Willow shot up in her bed, her scream dying on her lips. Her face was clammy and she was sweating...it was just a dream. Thank Goddess. Willow got ready for school in a hurry, just grabbing the first clothes she came across in her closet, an orange turtleneck and a purple skirt. On her way out the door, she grabbed some toast, still trying to shake that crazy dream.
Willow failed to notice the bite marks on her neck
Across town, a confused vampire woke up all vamped out. He looked around and realized that he was indeed in his own bed and not still trying to suck Willow's blood. Weird. Why would I dream about sucking Willow's blood? Why can I still smell her, as if...I did? It was just a dream, right? Angel got out of bed and took a long shower and never noticed the dried blood he had on his chin.
After all, it was all a dream...not real at all...or maybe it was not a dream?
~Part: 3~
Buffy and Xander were waiting in front the school for Willow. She plastered on a happy face and they all began to talk about their weekend. And for the most part, talking with her friends helped her to forget about the strange dream and Angel. And the day was fairly normal. But as soon as classes were over, Giles had some unhappy news for the teens..
"Hello all, it seems that we have a little trouble. Well, remember the prophecy that we have been researching? It would appear that it, this, Nuntius prophecy is about what I thought it would be about. It makes direct references to all of you. Including Angel. Angel, you can come out now," Giles called Angel out of his office.
"Now, Willow, if you can pull all the information you can on that dread machine and cross reference it with what I have translated? Xander, I shall need you to do what you always do, um, go on a snack- run, is it? Buffy and I shall commence training," Giles handed out the orders.
Everyone got busy with their tasks. Willow kept sneaking glances at Angel as he read over the prophecy. `This is crazy, it was just a freaky dream.' Willow thought to her self. Angel could feel Willow watching him. `It was just a dream, not that it was entirely bad, but definitely just a dream.' Angel thought. Willow kept thinking about the dream. `It was so weird, why am I even worrying about it?' Willow shook her head as if to rid her self of the dream and got back to the task at hand, the prophecy. Once Willow began her search on the net, she began to read over what Giles had translated. <This one will have the red fire and the power and strength beyond years.> Willow had a match on her search with a fire Goddess. `Hmmmm, Giles said that this was about us.... so, who among us is a fire Goddess? Well, of course not Buffy, ummm...' "Oh, no...I can't....no," Willow shook her head, the pieces falling into place in her mind.
"Willow, what is it?" Angel looked at her, wondering what was wrong.
"Here, read this, the part that is highlighted. It's what Giles was talking about earlier-our involvement." Angel took the papers from Willow and briefly read over the highlighted areas. "Um, Willow maybe we should just wait for Giles to explain exactly what this means."
"Angel, I'm not illiterate!" Willow shouted at the vampire.
"I know that. I just don't think we should jump to conclusions." Angel was trying to keep him voice down.
"Yeah, whatever." Willow turned back to her computer search.
"Really. Maybe if you would just calm down; you seem edgy," Angel said.
"I'm not edgy!" Willow yelled back. "Ok, maybe a little, but whatever, nothing that you should concern your self with," Willow said, resolve face in place. She again returned to her search and tried to ignore Angel's presence.
Angel began thinking about his dream. Willow was sitting so close to him...making his demon scream to taste her again. Angelus kept yelling at Angel to make the witch their mate. All those thoughts that Angelus was feeding Angel's mind were making him hard. `Stop it! I will sit here and think about sweet, beautiful, wonderful Willow and how hot she is. She deserves better. Besides, Buffy's my soulmate.' `NO!' Angelus screamed at Angel. `You think that Buffy is your salvation, but she's not! You're a vampire; she's SUPPOSED to slay you, you moron!' Angel cringed, knowing that Angelus was right. So caught up in the inner battle he was waging, Angel didn't notice that everyone was now staring at him.
"Earth to Angel! Hey, where are you??" Buffy asked, waving her hand in front of his face.
"Just thinking. Ready for patrol?" Angel asked as he stood up.
"Yep, Wills, do you want us to walk you home?" Buffy asked, gathering her bag of stakes and other weapons.
"Ah, no, I'm gonna put in a little more research."
"Hey, after Buffy and I patrol, I can come back and walk you home. If you want..." Angel offered. Buffy watched his face as he spoke....'So, he has fallen for Willow.....hmmmm and of course she is oblivious. She probably wouldn't act on it, even if she liked him back, because of her stubborn loyalty to me. Let me try and get her to see it's ok.'
"Yeah, Willow, Angel can walk you home. You know how I get after patrol....annoyingly chatty!" Buffy said with a huge smile.
"Well, no, I really, it's ok and I am sure that Giles can take me home on his way home. And worse case, I have my trusty stake, cross, and holy water!" Willow said, holding the items for emphasis.
"Willow, you are my best friend and I don't want anything to happen to you and I trust my life with Angel, so he'll come back by and see that you make it home safe, please, for me?" Buffy said, making her best pouting face.
"Ok, but I am not a baby, I am sure that I can make it home just fine." Willow grumbled.
"OK, see you tomorrow," Buffy said. Willow watched as Buffy and Angel left the library. `Finally! I thought they would never leave!' Willow thought, turning back to the computer screen. After checking to make sure that Giles was in his office, she began to research...her dream. `There's gotta be something on the net about this,' Willow thought as she searched one of her best sites. She bookmarked some pages to look over later. Before she knew it, it was 11pm. "Giles, can you give me a lift?" Willow called out. No response. "Giles?" Willow opened the door to his office and found him fast asleep. `Poor Giles, he must be exhausted.' Willow closed the door and gathered her things to leave. She was surprised that Angel hadn't come back to walk her home. He must have had another heart to heart talk with Buffy. Buffy had confided in Willow that she didn't think that Angel loved her and that he was distant a lot on patrols. Buffy had fallen head over heels and Willow didn't know what was going to happen; Buffy was a very passionate person and she wouldn't let go of something once she had her mind made up. Willow felt like someone was following her. She sped up her pace and was almost to her house. She got a weird sense of deja vu when she felt a hand on her shoulder.
Instinctively, she pressed her cross into the hand. The hand began to smolder and its owner quickly withdrew it.
"Ow!! Willow, it's me!" Angel stepped out of the shadows.
His hand was bright red and the smell of burnt skin filled the air.
"Oh, Angel, are you ok?" Willow asked, walking towards him. He looked scared of her.
"Huh? Yeah. I just, um, well, uh, yeah," Angel babbled.
"Are you sure? You seem kind of....scared...of...me..." Willow said.
"No, no, I am not scared of you, I mean, you're not scary, definitely not scary, you are nice." Angel was babbling like crazy. Willow couldn't help but laugh.
"Trying to take my babbling title, Angel?" she asked, smiling.
"What, ah, well, sure, I guess," Angel replied with a sheepish smile.
"I can take a look at your hand if you want," Willow offered. In the back of her mind, she had the nagging feeling that she should not have offered to do that...but her compassion and friendship with the vampire overruled that feeling. Angel wanted to say no, remembering his dream, but he couldn't. Willow was too sweet and besides, his hand did hurt like hell.
"Well, if you don't mind. I don't want to keep you up," Angel told her.
"Of course I don't mind, let's get inside." Willow ushered Angel into her house. "Here have a seat on the couch, I'll be right back." Angel took a seat and waited for Willow to return...
Meanwhile in the Rosenberg bathroom, Willow thought she was having a nervous breakdown. `This is just like my dream. Why is this happening? Am I destined to die tonite? Goddess, I should have just told him good nite, but no, I had to be nice and offer to look at his hand. He has nice hands...Oh, stop the bad Willow thoughts. Can't have those....anyways, Angel is Buffy's and well, Ok, so I am babbling to myself. I must be going nuts! Oh, he is still out there waiting for me.' Willow took the first aid kit and went back to Angel. "Um, Willow, I, uh, you see, hmmmm, never mind," Angel mumbled as Willow put some salve on his hand.
"Angel, what's wrong? Is it Buffy? Is it the prophecy? What?" Willow asked, her voice shaking. She wrapped up his hand with gauze.
"Well, Willow, I know this is going to sound crazy, but I had this really weird dream and you were in it," Angel started. `Oh, no, please don't let him say it....surely, he didn't have the same dream I had...no, no, no.' Willow's brain screamed.
"Go on, Angel," Willow urged.
"See, um, I kinda told you I loved you and then bit you only I didn't have my soul," Angel blurted out. Willow felt like a ton of bricks had just landed on her head.
"Oh, Angel, I had the same dream...and it scared me...that's why I didn't want you to walk me home...what does this mean?" Willow asked, walking her bag and getting her cross and holy water.
"Willow, I don't know what this means. I swear that I am not going to hurt you. But I think that we should tell Giles about it; he may be able to help find out whatever is causing this." Angel stood and made his way to the door. "Thanks for the bandage, Willow. I will see you tomorrow. Hopefully, Giles will have some answers. Sleep well," Angel said. And with that, he left. `Whew, that was close.' Willow sighed as she put the first aid kit up and went to her room. She was worried about having another dream and tried to stay awake, but soon sleep claimed her.
"Willow! Willow, where are you? Come out and play with me. Don't be shy," Angelus called out. Willow didn't want to play, she just wanted to get away from the teeth of Angel...make that Angelus. She was hiding under her bed and was trying to slow down her rapidly beating heart.
"Oh, pretty Willow has decided not to come out and play nice with Angelus. Well, then I guess I will have to switch tactics!" Angelus exclaimed as he grabbed her from under the bed. He could smell the fear rolling off her in waves and it just intensified his hunger for her. "You are mine. And you will obey me. Now, since you have not obeyed me, what ever shall I do with you?" He smiled to himself, taking a moment to look at her wide, terrified stare. "Well, I do believe that I should punish you for being disobedient." Angelus pretended to think about what her punishment would be. "Well, I think I'll punish you later, right now I just want more of that delicious blood!" Angelus grabbed Willow head and sank his fangs into her neck. Willow cried out in pain. "Please stop. Please, Angelus, you're hurting me. Please," Willow begged. And that is how Willow woke up, begging for her life.
~~~*~~~
Angel was freaking out. He had another strange dream where he was drinking Willow's blood. He could still taste on his lips. He could still smell her. `God, she smells so good. And she tastes even better!' `So take her already! What are you waiting for?' Angelus yelled at him. `I can't. This is Willow, pure innocent Willow. She deserves better than me!' Angel cried to him. `Oh, you are so stupid. Still hung up on the Slayer? That Slayer isn't half the woman Willow is and will be once we claim her.' Angelus said. `There will be no claiming of anyone! I will not give in to you, Angelus, so drop it!' Angel finished getting ready to head to the library. Giles better have some kind of answers.
~~~*~~~
Willow was exhausted and scared. Her dream was so intense. `It was just a dream and Giles will explain it and we'll get past this,' Willow thought going in to the bathroom to take a shower. It was then that she noticed her reflection in the mirror and screamed. Willow had not only 1, but 2 sets of bite marks on her neck. She touched them and found them both tender and sore. `OH GODDESS! Why, this was a dream, oh, no, this isn't real,' Willow began to freak out. `I can't have bite marks, it was a dream for crying out loud! Giles better have some kind of explanation!' Willow tried to calm herself down and got ready for school.
When Willow got to school, she tried to avoid Buffy and Xander. She stayed away from them all day, until finally classes were over. She ran to the library, trying to beat them there. Giles' door to his office was closed and Willow didn't think to knock. "Giles, I need your help!" Willow yelled as she opened the door. And what she found shocked her beyond words.
~Part: 4~
"Giles, I need your help!" Willow yelled as she opened the door. And what she found shocked her beyond words. Standing in front of Willow was Angel, who was attached to Giles' neck!
"Angel, what are you doing?!" Willow screamed.
"Why, Willow! So nice of you to show up. Please, take a seat, I'll be with you in a minute." Angelus continued to drink Giles' blood.
"NO! Angel, STOP! This is wrong!! THICKEN!" Willow's voice boomed and her eyes turned black. Angelus immediately stopped and stared at Willow, shocked. Willow rushed to Giles, who had slumped to the floor and found that his pulse was shallow, but still there.
"Now, Willow, why'd you stop me? Are you trying to make me mad?" Angelus asked, anger evident in his voice.
"Because, you were draining the one person who might be able to help us!" Willow spat. She gathered Giles and moved him to his chair at his desk. Angelus tried to move and grab the red-head, but he found he couldn't move.
"Willow, if you know what's good for you, you better let me move," Angelus growled.
"Well, Angel, explain this and maybe I'll think about it," Willow said, moving in front of Angelus.
"Well, kitten, the name is Angelus and I was going to turn the Ripper here. I'm not that stupid. Now, let me move!"
"Oh, yeah, like I have a death wish. So, did you have any dreams last nite? `Cause I did and I did not like it!" Willow exclaimed.
"Actually, yeah. And I woke up with the wonderful taste of your blood on my lips. Well, I should say Angel woke up with your blood on his lips. It was funny, Soulboy freaked out! That wimp! And then all of a sudden, I was freed. And now you and I will be together. So, let me move!" Angelus tried again to reach for Willow, who unconsciously moved back.
"What about Buffy?"
"What about her?! The Souled Wonder was a moron. What vampire - soul or no soul - falls in love with a slayer? Only Angel, the souled idiot! But then, sweet Willow, he saw you....I made him see you and he fell for you just like I did. Oh well, his loss, my gain. Now for the last time, let me move!" Angelus' patience was wearing thin.
"Angel, Angelus, whatever, look, I don't know what's going on but damn it, I don't like it! I've been having freaky dreams, trying to keep up with researching the latest evil here in Sunnydale, and been trying to maintain a 4.0 GPA! I don't have the time or energy to be dealing with my best friend's boyfriend going evil and turning her watcher! So, let me tell you something, Mister vampire! I am frustrated and exhausted; forgive me if I don't trust you too much right away!" Willow yelled, her eyes turning black again. Willow tried to calm herself. She glared at the silent vampire as she left the office to gather herself. Just then, Buffy and Xander came into the library.
"Hey, Wills. What's up?" Xander asked.
"Oh, not much...except that somehow Angel has lost his soul, tried to drain Giles and I froze him in place with some magic. Oh, Goddess!! What is happening?" Willow cried as Xander enveloped his best bud in a hug.
"Willow, what do you mean Angel lost his soul?" Buffy asked.
"I don't know, in fact I don't think he knows. He's still in the office," Willow said, wiping her eyes. Xander led Willow to the table to sit. Buffy headed to Giles' office.
"Angel, are you ok?" Buffy asked softly.
"Well, seeing as I can't move, I'd have to say I am very NOT ok right now, Slayer," Angelus remarked snidely. Buffy flinched; she could feel the anger rolling off Angel. "Oh, I'm sorry, is there something I can do for you? Like maybe drain you...." Angelus said with a small laugh.
"It's true." Buffy tried to hold back tears. "How did this happen?" Buffy tried to let her anger take the forefront. Now was not the time for tears and crying.
"Well, I don't know really. Your beloved Angel had a dream about making Willow ours and he woke up and then, poof, Soulboy is no more! I really wish that Willow would just let me move now..." Angelus said, growling.
"Why would Angel dream about Willow? And what exactly what do you mean, `making Willow ours'?" Buffy asked, confused.
"Oh, do I have to spell it out? Geez, I thought you had some intelligence...my mistake. Mate with her....as in forever and ever. He should have done it already, but he didn't think he deserved her. And since he is gone, I'll have the honor."
"Not while I am alive! No way is my best friend becoming a vampire!" Buffy yelled.
"I didn't say I was going to make her a vampire, did I? I only said mate...I kinda like her human, so much spunk!" Angelus laughed.
"I don't know what's going on, but we will get to the bottom of this." Buffy went back to Xander and Willow. "Willow, are you ok?" Buffy asked.
"Yeah, but I think I need to fill you in on what's going on," Willow said. Taking a deep breath, Willow told the two about the dreams, and talking to Angel about it. Xander's idea to deal with this situation was to stake Angel. Buffy, of course, told him that would be a bad idea.
"Buffy, he's obviously EVIL. Staking him would be a thing of the GOOD," Xander stressed to her.
"Buffy's right. Killing Angel is not going to explain what's going on. And I would hate to kill him and still have these dreams," Willow said, quietly.
"I am going to check on Giles," Buffy said. Buffy went back to Giles.
"So, you don't want to kill me? Isn't that what you are supposed to do, Slayer?" Angelus taunted her as she came into the room.
"Yea, it is what I am supposed to do. And believe me, if Willow and Giles don't find anything to tell us otherwise, I'll do just that. So, I wouldn't be so smug," Buffy told him, biting back tears. `Remember, he tried to kill Giles. He's not the man you love.'
"Whatever. Wait and see, Willow and I will be together." Angelus watched with a smirk as Buffy check Giles' pulse. It was still weak.
"Ok. But what are we going to do about Angel?" Xander asked, glancing toward the office door.
"Well, somehow I knew a spell to freeze him in place. I think that he'll be ok there. I can stay here and research all this," Willow suggested.
"No way, Will. I can't leave here knowing that you are going to be alone with Dead boy," Xander said. "I'll stay with you."
"Ok, guys. I'm gonna go patrol. Then I'll come back to check on all of you," Buffy said, heading out of the library.
An hour later...
"Ok, Willow. What exactly should we be looking for?" Xander asked between bites of his twinkie.
"Anything about the souled vampire, Angelus, and the Nuntius prophecy. There has to be something," Willow mumbled, leafing through the prophecy Giles had translated. She came across some notes he had made to the side and nearly fell out of her chair.
"Will, what is it?" Xander asked, rushing to her side.
"I think that Giles has a theory on the prophecy. Um, here, you read it." Willow handed the paper to Xander.
"The One is not Buffy or Xander. It is Willow. She will be the one to stop the Evil that was from awakening. And she will be helped by Angel, only he'll be soulless and in love with her."
Xander just looked at the paper and then at Willow. "Oh, man, this is bad. I knew Angel was bad! I knew it, from the moment I laid eyes on him, and now he's in love with you?" Xander was angry that Angel was in love with yet another of his gals.
"Gee, Xander, make it sound like I am not lovable," Willow grumbled.
"Oh, Will. It's not that; it's, well, he's not good enough for you," Xander explained.
"It also says that because of his love for me, I can sort of control him." Willow continued to read the notes.
Angelus heard the teens talking. `Ha, they think they can control me! I am a master vampire, hell I am the Scourge of Europe! Just wait until I am free, I will show them just what I can do.'
"Hey, guys, what do we know?" Buffy asked as she walked in.
"Well, for starters, Willow here is the One in this prophecy and Dead boy is in love with here!" Xander said, slamming his fist on the table. "This is not right!"
"Oh, God. Willow, is this what it says? Please tell me it's not," Buffy said, taking a seat.
"Well, according to these notes by Giles, um, it seems it is true. Oh, Buffy, I am scared! I am not cut out to be any One and Angel can't be in love with me," Willow cried. She dropped her head to her hands.
"Don't worry, Willow. We'll figure this out. We just have to wait for Giles to tell us what is going to happen," Buffy said. She was trying not to get jealous of Willow. After all, Buffy was the slayer and the one that had Angel's love. This prophecy had to be wrong.
~Part: 5~
The three teens fell asleep reading the prophecy. Angelus drifted off as well. So needless to say, Giles was bit shocked when he woke up the next morning to see Angel standing in his office, asleep. He glanced out his door and noticed Buffy, Xander, and Willow asleep at the table. `God, my head hurts and I feel so weak.' Giles thought. Of course, Giles then remembered being attacked by Angel and rushed to the teens to make sure they were ok. After check each pulse, Giles breathed a sigh of relief. He then began to look over his notes about the prophecy to see if he could figure out Angel's attack. Giles found the answer in the translation of the prophecy...The warrior, Angel, would be the dark force to aide the One. Through his love and protection, the One would fulfill the prophecy. `This is not good....very not good.' Giles decided it was best to at least wake Willow and find out what she had researched so far on the computer.
"Willow, dear, wake up," Giles said as he softly shook her.
"Angelus, quit touching me!" Willow yelled as she threw Giles' hand off her shoulder. Giles was stunned to say the least.
Willow sat up and realized that she was in the library and Giles was looking at her funny. "Oh, sorry, Giles, I was having a weird dream," Willow said, blushing.
"It's quite alright, Willow. I just awoke to find Angel standing in my office, asleep and you 3 out here asleep. I must ask, were you able to find anymore last night?" Giles asked, leading her over toward the stacks.
"Well, I really haven't found much more than you have. This prophecy doesn't seem to have very much to go on and there don't seem to be very many people out there that even know of it. But I did notice that the prophecy does seem to apply directly to us, I mean, me. And with Angel now soulless, I would say that the prophecy is already underway. I just need to know what to do, Giles. There is no indication of what is to take place and frankly, I am scared," Willow said, finally taking a breath.
"Ah, Willow, did you say that Angel is soulless?" Giles asked, nervously.
"Uh, very. And yesterday when I came to talk to you about my weird dreams, he was about to turn you. And for some reason he called you Ripper," Willow said.
"Well, um, Ripper, well, I guess I should tell you now. You see, when I was at Oxford, it seems I made an error in judgement and made friends with the wrong type of people. I was into the black magic and did some things that I am not proud of. I assume Angel knows about this," Giles explained, more than a little uncomfortably.
"Hey, Giles, everyone makes mistakes. The important thing is that you learned from that and that is what makes you the wonderful watcher and person you are today," Willow said with a smile.
"Um, yes, so tell me about these dreams you've been having," Giles said. Willow proceeded to fill Giles in on her dreams. She also told him about her magic use the day before.
"So, now tell me what this all means," Willow said.
"Well, according to this prophecy, if I translated correctly, it would appear that Angelus can communicate with you through your dreams. That is where it would be safest for you to meet. As far as your magical powers, that seems to be growing...I could sense the power in you the moment I met you. It just seems that now you are becoming aware of it. Also, it seems that Angelus is indeed in love with you and that you are the One, Willow. Buffy, Xander, and I will be able to support you, but Angelus will be able to protect you. It is he who will be of the most help to you." Giles watched Willow's face for her reaction.
"I figured you were going to say something like that...this just keeps getting weirder and weirder. So, Angelus has to protect me...that could be interesting. Do you think that Buffy is going to be more than a little jealous of this whole thing?" Willow asked.
"I suppose so. We all know how emotional she can be. And despite what she may say, I fear that this may very well be too much for her to handle. Just remember Willow, that I will always be here for you. This is not going to be easy for any of us, but we have to stick together to make it through this." Giles hugged Willow, hoping that she would be able to make it past this test in her young life. "I think we should wake the others. And I do believe that you and I should have a talk with Angel, I mean, Angelus," Giles told her, walking with her back to the 2 sleeping teenagers.
"You wake them, I'll wake Angelus. I am going to have to face him alone sooner or later, might as well be now," Willow said with confidence she didn't know she had. Willow walked into Giles' office and closed the door. Then, standing right in front of Angelus, she conjured a glass of cold water and threw it on him.
"What?!" Angelus sputtered as his eyes flew open. The fact that he could not move startled him until he remember the previous days events.
"Good morning, Angelus. How about you and I have a little chat before Giles comes in here," Willow moved to sit in Giles' chair, forcing Angelus to turn his head at an uncomfortable angle to look at her.
"Willow, I would really like to move. I mean, I know that I can be quite the intimidating vampire, but really, I would like to sit for a minute, hell forever! My body is aching!" Angelus tried to keep his tone from rising, but he was so frustrated.
"Well, let me think. After we're done talking." Willow said, moving back in front of him. She did feel bad about him having to sleep standing up but her desire not to die was winning out.
"Ok, then let's talk," Angelus snapped.
"Ok, here's the deal. It seems that this prophecy thing is happening...now...and you and I are the keys to this thing. Now, I am going to have to work with you and you with me. I am willing to do this to save the world. And if you don't want to help, I'll have Giles stake you right now. You and I can safely communicate through our dreams. That is why we've been sharing dreams. Also, supposedly, you're in love with me and you are to protect me. No way will you turn me, and nor will you make me insane like you did Dru. And you will leave my friends alone, or I'll have to stake you myself, prophecy or not. Giles explained that we will have Buffy, Xander and him as backup. Oh, and before I forget, you will not, I repeat, will not be killing any innocents. Any questions?" Willow asked, deathly calm. She was very afraid that Angelus would just laugh at her and kill her the moment she set him free.
Angelus seemed to think about this for a moment. He closed his eyes and found that he was actually considering this deal. He, a master vampire, was going to stop feeding off innocents?! What was that girl thinking, asking him to do that?
"Actually, I think I understand perfectly. I am going to keep from feeding and be nice to your little friends," Angelus said, defeat in his voice.
"Um, ok, well, now that we're clear. Uh, I'm gonna let you move but I swear, any funny stuff, mister, and I'll turn you into a rat!" Willow said, trying to lighten the mood. Willow didn't know why it bothered her that he sounded so defeated, but it did.
"Well, maybe first you should tell everyone, uh, not to kill me on sight?" Angelus said, thinking of Buffy's reaction to a fully mobile Angelus.
"Not a problem. Giles is talking to them as we speak," Willow reassured him. It was then that Buffy burst into the room.
"Just so you all know, I am so not ok with this! Will, your are my best friend, I love you and will not let anyone or *anything* hurt you," Buffy said, glaring at Angelus.
"Buffy, calm down. Everything is going to be ok. Angelus is not going to kill anyone and we are all going to work together to make sure that we get rid of this Nuntius thing," Willow said. She felt tired and just wanted to go home and sleep for a hundred years.
"I'm just making it known, I don't think that vampires should be forget who I am. I. Am. The. Slayer." Buffy said. She wanted to slap the smirk right off Angelus' face.
"Ok, Buffy. We get it. You'll stake me if I so much as look at anyone's neck. Got it. Can we please move on?" Angelus whined.
"Ah, yes, we do need to formulate a plan. I'd say we start with research and proceed from there," Giles said, stepping into the now crowded office. He wanted to try and get Buffy away from Angelus before things got out of hand.
And so Willow released Angelus, who promptly fell to the floor. Willow helped him to a chair. She was sure why but she trusted him...and felt drawn to him.
Buffy and Xander, having been filled in by Giles, began earnest research. And Giles consulted with the Council. They figured out that Willow would have to fight this demon with magic and that it would be the very next night. Needless to say, she was scared. Giles tried to reassure her that she would succeed. Buffy and Xander also gave words of support. Even Angelus told her that she could do it. `Can this get any crazier? Oops, better not think that and jinx my self!' Willow thought as she went to bed that night.
~Part: 6~
The next night...
`Ok, I have to fight this thingy with magic I don't even know...can we say my life sucks...and a demon who is my best friend's boyfriend has been looking at me all night like he wants to take my virginity right here!! Yep, it doesn't get any better than this!' Willow thought as she prepared for the fight. The plan was she was to fight alone and the others would be there as back up. She was scared out her mind but she never let her resolve face wavier. This was her test and she would pass it.
One hour later...
"OK, Willow, let me just say...boy, am I glad I am your friend!" Xander said, hugging his best friend. "That guy is so very much dead, as in pieces all over the place."
"Yea, Will. You and I can both kick Xander's butt now!" Buffy threw in. She was glad that her friend had won. Despite the jealousy in the back of her mind, Buffy was determined to keep Willow's victory in the forefront.
"I must Willow, I am very proud. I told you that you would know what to do. Did it come to like I said?" Giles asked. He had been worried at first, Willow was like a daughter to him.
"Well, it was weird. I mean, I know I don't know any spells off the top of my head, but there I was just throwing spell after spell out and knocking that baddie on his butt. It's like something came over me and just filled me with the knowledge to defeat the demon. It was cool, in the I win over evil kinda way," Willow finished. She was glad she had won, and honestly had it expected it to be harder. A few spells and a couple of kicks was all it took to kill the Nuntius. Who was now not only dead but in pieces all over the park.
"Well, Red, you've had enough work for one night. It's time to get you home," Angelus said, wrapping an arm around her. She smelled so good to him, he didn't know if he could wait until they got home to taste her.
"Yes, it is late. I imagine you are exhausted, Willow. Angelus, make sure she gets home, ok?" Giles asked the vampire.
"Of course. I am her protector," Angelus said, smugly.
"Uh, Angel, or Angelus, can I talk to you for a minute...over here," Xander asked, nervously pointing over to a tree. Angelus followed the boy over to the tree.
"What?" Angelus snapped.
"Well, I know that I have never been nice to you, in fact I hate you. But I am willing to put my hatred of you aside for the sake of my friend. I'm not saying I am your friend, but that I won't be your enemy unless you make yourself my enemy," Xander explained.
"Since we're being honest, I feel the same way. I will put up with you, but only for Willow. Now that we have that out of the way, do you mind if I get her home?" Angelus asked. He was shocked at the boy's speech...and impressed. He could tell that Xander loved Willow and that meant a lot. Angelus and Xander returned to the gang and Angelus proceeded to walk Willow home. Giles and Xander went to his car and Buffy decided to do a quick patrol.
`Why is Giles ok with Angelus walking Willow home? And Xander. What did he and Angelus talk about? He's a killer! He doesn't love Willow! He's faking!! Why can't anyone see that?' Buffy thought. She knew that she was being silly to be getting worked up over this when no one else was at the moment. She was just having a hard time thinking that Angel's soul was gone and now she might have to stake him if started doing the evil he was a master at. `Why did he have to lose his soul? I could have maybe handled Angel falling for Will, but to know that he's evil now....it's just too much...I need to just go away for awhile. Yeah, get away from this whole mess and clear my head.' Buffy felt better having come to a decision. She went home and left a note for her mom and grabbed her life savings and got on a bus headed toward the east.
The next day...
Willow couldn't believe that Buffy was gone. When Joyce had called and told her, she had nearly dropped the phone. No way could this be possible. Buffy was the slayer and her best friend. She wouldn't run out on Willow now, when she needed her the most. Willow had called Xander and Giles told them to come over. She finally broke down as she told them. Xander was shocked and angry... well, mostly angry. `How could she? She never the type to run away.' Xander thought, his heart growing angrier and more bitter by the minute. Giles just kept thinking, `I failed as a watcher.' Willow had told them they could stay but she was going to go see Angelus. He had a right to know too and she couldn't wait until dark to tell him.
When Willow got to Angelus' apartment, she broke down again.
"Willow, what's wrong? Who needs to be killed?" Angelus asked, rushing to her as she stood in the door way.
"No killing needed...it's just.....that...well, it's Buffy, she's, she's, she's gone. She left us all, she just left," Willow sobbed. She let Angelus embrace her and cried. She had never felt more safe than she did here in his arms.
"Shhhh. It's ok. She'll be fine and back before you know it. Really, everyone will survive while she is gone," Angelus said, rubbing Willow's back softly. Willow felt so good in his arms. He moved them over to the bed and laid her down. "Get some rest. I'll be right here. For you. Forever." Angelus wrapped his arms around the girl and felt her falling into a deep sleep. He knew that the slayer had issues, but he never would have pegged her as a coward. Looking at Willow, he let his mind fill up with only thoughts of the precious gift in his arms. Maybe there was more to life than death and violence...Willow was definitely an alternative.
~Part: 8~
The teens, Giles, and Angelus made a sweep of all the cemeteries. Willow and Xander would entice the vampires toward them, and then Giles and Angelus would attack. They succeeded in dusting 9 vamps without anyone arguing or Xander making smart remarks. As the dawn drew near, Giles suggested the teens get home. Angelus offered to escort Xander and Willow home. At first Giles was hesitant, but when he realized how exhausted he was, and the fact that Angelus had indeed helped them stay alive tonight, he agreed. Xander's house was the first stop. As reluctant as Xander was to let Angelus walk Willow home, he had witnessed how protective he was when it came to Willow. And so that left Angelus and Willow alone, walking to her home.
"So, you mind doing what you did tonight, tomorrow?" Willow asked, shyly. She was more than impressed with his strength and quickness.
"I guess I could, on one condition." Angelus smirked. It would be so easy to achieve his goal. He couldn't believe that he felt the tiniest bit of guilt at play on her weakness, but then when it came to Willow, he wasn't himself.
"Um, well, uh, what would that condition be? And you said no biting!" Willow responded.
"Well, here we are, the Rosenberg residence. Are your folks waiting up for you?" Angelus asked, already knowing the answer. Angel had paid attention to the absence of Willow's parents, among other things.
"Oh, well, you know, probably." Willow was hoping that her lie had been convincing. The more she was around Angelus, the more confused she was. She couldn't help being afraid, but at the same time, she was attracted to him too. She wasn't sure why, but she felt a connection to him.
"Really? I don't see their cars in the driveway, or in the garage since the garage door is open. No, I'd say they are not at home, wondering if a master vampire has their only daughter in his company right now," Angelus smirked. He could see the wheels in her mind turning, trying to come up with anything that would get him way from her.
"Well, I am sure they will be back soon. And you know, the sun will be up soon too, so you might want to get home. Or else you will go all dusty and well, we kinda need you right now, at least until Buffy comes home, which will be any day, we can't be sure when, and oh, yeah, what was your condition?" Willow babbled. She never noticed Angelus glare at her when she mentioned Buffy.
"That condition is that you spend the night with me. We can stay here if you like," Angelus said. He knew she would agree. She was right; this group needed his help without the slayer there.
"Oh! Are you sure that is what you want to do? `Cause I am sure that you have more exciting things you could be doing, like um, I don't know, but you know, so yeah, you should go do those things," Willow said, quickly unlocking her door. Angelus was quicker and was inside before she had even taken the key out of the lock.
"Really, Willow, I think that I would enjoy spending time with you. And I get the feeling that you would like spending time with me." Angelus winked at her. Willow's face turned crimson. Somehow he knew she was attracted to him, and now it seemed that was her own undoing.
"Uh, ok, you want to play scrabble? I like scrabble, it's so fun, and no one wants to play with me, `cause they don't like that I use words that they don't know and they don't want to have to look up the word in the dictionary, so eventually, they give up and then it's no fun, but I bet you know lots of words, being all old and all. Not that I think you are all stuffy & old, but, you know, wise and old, but not like Giles, `cause he doesn't know all the stuff you know, from first hand experience," Willow rushed out. She was in full babble mode when Angelus took matters into his own hands and kissed her.
A full heart-stopping, mind-numbing, passion-filled kiss. Willow's knees went weak and Angelus had to catch her, bringing her up against him. He groaned as he felt her body against his. Willow felt her hands move on their on accord and wrap themselves in his hair. Her body wasn't listening to her mind, which was telling her not to enjoy the sensations going through her body. She felt Angelus pick her up, still not breaking the kiss, and carry her to her bedroom. Angelus broke the kiss once they reached her room.
Willow watched with glazed eyes as he pulled close the curtains. As he came back to her, he resumed kissing her soft lips. He moved them so that they were next to the bed. Willow laid back on the bed and pulled Angelus to her. Neither of them were able to form coherent thoughts; their bodies were calling the shots. Angelus wanted to touch every part of Willow and began to undress her, starting with her shirt, then her bra. He began to caress her breasts, first the right, then the left. He took great care to give each one ample attention.
Angelus had to stop for a moment to calm himself from just taking her right there; he was so turned on by her beauty and her small moans of pleasure. Her arousal was so strong...it was like a drug calling his name. Meanwhile, all Willow could do was feel; feel the tightness in her abdomen, the wetness between her legs, the tingle throughout her body. It felt good and she didn't want it to stop. When Angelus paused his ministrations, she took a breath and looked at him. He truly had the face of an angel. She knew that she should not be doing this, but it felt so good, so right. She let her body's desire override her mind, and succumbed to the pleasure that she was getting from Angelus.
Angelus could almost read her thoughts and decided to up the ante, and give her pleasure he was sure that she had never experienced. He gently removed her skirt and panties, something which took much restraint for him. He was going crazy, only wanting to be inside her, bring them both to climax. But he wanted to do this for her, to prove to her that he would take care of her, before him.
He kissed his way down her stomach, down to the patch of curls above her womanhood. He placed small kisses on the inside of her thighs, before he finally kissed the outer lips, using his tongue to part them. Willow couldn't contain the moans and yelps coming out of her mouth. Her body was reeling; she was in heaven. And she didn't care on bit that an evil demon was making her feel this way.
In fact, all traces of rational thought had been abandoned the moment his mouth had touched her inner thigh. Angelus licked and sucked her clit until she was bucking off the bed with need. He placed one finger inside her and began to assault her with both his finger and his tongue. He kept at his task until she yelled out his name as she had her first orgasm. Angelus couldn't keep the grin off his face as he lapped up her juices; he had been the first to give her this pleasure.
Willow couldn't move...her whole body was numb. She closed her eyes as her breathing returned to normal and her brain began to process what had just transpired. Angelus moved up her body and placed a tender kiss on her swollen lips. Willow could feel his body naked against hers, felt his need. Opening her eyes, she saw something in Angelus' eyes...could it be love? `WOW! And why hadn't he done `it' with her? Didn't he want to? And why do I want him to, he's a demon!? And wow, that felt so good!' was all Willow could think.
As Willow contemplated this, Angelus was already making his next move. He had stripped of his clothes after her orgasm. He moved so that she could feel all of him. Angelus then pulled the blanket over them and pulled her flush against him.
"Willow, I think that is enough for one night. You must be exhausted. Get some rest," Angelus said. Willow could only nod in response, her mind was still reeling. And so they stayed in each other's arms, oblivious to the world, and fell fast asleep.
~Part: 9~
Willow tried to rollover. She felt something cold and hard next to her. She got a weird sense of deja vu...until she opened her eyes and saw a very naked Angelus next to her! Suddenly, Willow began to remember every detail of the previous night. She closed her eyes as she remembered all the sensations and feelings. She knew that it was wrong for her to be thinking about it, but it had been so good, felt so right. She had never felt pleasure like that; her body was tingly now, just from thinking about it. And as wrong as it was, she couldn't help it; she wanted to do it again, do more.
`God, she is beautiful. I will never let her go,' was the thought that was going through Angelus' mind. He watched Willow's face, noticed her breathing change slightly, and picked up the scent of her arousal. `She is a horny little thing!' he thought with a smirk. Watching her, Angelus realized that he was so in love with Willow that he would move heaven and earth and hell if required to keep her happy and safe. He would lay down his life for her; she was his. Now, that didn't mean that he was a pansy now...no, Angelus was still a bad-ass, just now a bad-ass with a purpose in his life...er, unlife.
Willow opened her eyes again to find Angelus staring at her. The look in his eyes made her turn red; it was so full of lust it scared her. She had read that vampires could detect the smell when a person was sexually excited. Willow pretty much figured that he could tell what she was thinking. She only hoped that he wouldn't reject her like everyone else. She knew she was as gorgeous as Buffy or Cordelia, but she didn't get guys. Nope, she was the friend, the tutor, the helper, the girl that never got asked out. As Willow continued to go over these facts, Angelus decided he was ready to kiss her. And of course, the bad-ass Angelus placed a sweet kiss on Willow's lips. This stopped all the silly thoughts in Willow's brain as she focused on the wonderful feel of his lips. Angelus' lips.
Willow broke off the kiss when she needed some air and took this time to gather her thoughts. She couldn't let him keep kissing her like that without knowing his intentions.
"Angelus, good morning. First of all, I guess, I, uh, want to, um, thankyouforlastnight. And uh, whyareyoudoingthis?" Willow babbled. She had said it so fast it took Angelus a minute to decipher what she had asked.
"Well, Willow, good morning to you too. And of course you are welcome. My services are always available for you. As to why I am doing this, I thought that was clear. Now, I am not one to say things that I don't mean...Willow, I love you. And prophecy or not, I will protect you with my life for as long as you are alive. Willow, I want you...I can give you some space to adjust, but intend to be with you and I will. I would prefer it to be your choice, but I aim to get what I want," Angelus replied. He tightened his arms around her to enforce his words.
Meanwhile, Willow was absorbing every thing that he had said. Her mind couldn't accept that he had just admitted to loving her. And wanting her. Her. Willow. The girl no boy wanted. And here was a master vampire telling her that he wanted her, whether she liked it or not! `And to think I thought that this year would be boring!' Willow thought to herself, a small grin beginning on her face.
Angelus saw the trace of smile forming on Willow's face and took that as a good sign. He really didn't want to have to force her to be with him, but he would if he had to...she was going to be his, and only his.
"Oh. Ok, well, that, uh, clears it up. Well, I am going to get ready for school, so you can let me go know," Willow said, wiggling, trying to get out of his embrace. Only the wiggling made her body rub nicely against his body and then it was all tingly again. And Angelus seemed to be enjoying the contact as well, as evidenced by his hard member against her thigh. Willow just blushed as she felt herself get wet. Unconsciously, Willow licked her lips. It was Angelus' undoing. Instead of letting her go, he kissed her fiercely, deepening the kiss as she began to move her body against his. He knew that he had to have her, but he didn't want to rush her. He started to pull back from her, only to have her pull him back to her. Then Willow did something shocking; she reached down and guided Angelus to her core and thrust herself onto him, pushing him on his back. Her cry of pain was captured by his mouth as his tongue explored her mouth. As the pain subsided, Willow began to move slowly up and down, increasing her pace as it began to feel good her. Angelus was so turned on by her taking charge that he knew he wouldn't last much longer if he let her set the pace. With that, Angelus flipped them so that he was on top. He slowed their thrusts down and began to kiss his way to her neck, then her breasts. He couldn't get enough of her. As he kissed her, he began to tease her clit. Soon, he could sense that Willow was close to orgasm. He began to speed up his pace and the intensity on her clit. It didn't take long until Willow was climaxing around his member and he let go. As he came, he looked in her eyes and without words, he received silent permission; and he sank his fangs in her breast. Neither of them were prepared for the overwhelming euphoria that came over them as they came down. They also didn't notice the blue light that had encircled them as they had found release with each other. Both were tired....and as soon as Angelus rolled off her, they were both out.
Meanwhile...
"Giles, have you seen Wills? She wasn't at first period," Xander asked as he walked in the library.
"No, I am afraid I haven't. And I haven't heard from her either. Oh, God. I swear if her hurt her, I'll kill him myself," Giles said angrily, gathering his car keys and heading out the door.
"You don't think, he, well, he wouldn't, would he?" Xander asked, following Giles.
"I don't know, but I intend to find out right now. Xander, I shall write you a note for your classes that miss if you wish to come along," Giles said to the teen. He knew they were close and that he would want to make sure Willow was safe.
"Thanks, G-man. Lead away," Xander said.
The two drove to Willow's in silence. Once there, they knocked on the door. In Willow's room, two people were frantically searching for clothing. Willow pulled on a t-shirt and sweat pants and Angelus grabbed his pants and tried unsuccessfully to put them on while trying to put on his shirt.
"I'll go see who it is...it's probably Xander. I am sure he just missed me at school...oh school!!! Giles!!! Oh, man!" Willow squealed as she ran downstairs.
Willow threw the door open just as Xander was about to put the spare key in the lock.
"Hey, Xander! Giles! I was going to call, I got kinda sick last night and well, I overslept and I just woke up and I am going to go get ready for school now and I'll be there in a few," Willow babbled to them. And while they both relieved to see Willow ok, they couldn't help but notice her flushed face and swollen lips...and that her shirt was on inside out...in fact it was a little too big to her shirt....
"Willow, I am one for stating the obvious...why is your shirt inside out and don't you think that one is a little big for you? I mean, I know you like baggy, but that shirt is bigger than mine!" Xander observed. He was getting the feeling in his mind that something was going on, but he didn't want to think what the rational part of his mind was saying. And he wanted his best bud to confirm that nothing weird was going on.
"Ah, yes, Willow. The shirt does seem a little big, are you sure you are alright? If Angelus has hurt you in any way, I personally will see to his death," Giles told Willow.
"Uh, no, no hurting going on with me. I am fine. Really, now you two get back to school before they notice you are gone and I am going to go get ready for school and I'll see you there, ok?" Willow told them as she began to close the door. They said ok as she shut the door and stood there a moment looking at each other.
"Something is up with Will," Xander said.
"Yes, indeed there is. I am sure that she will explain everything later," Giles said as they headed back to his car.
Upstairs....
"Whew, that was embarrassing! And to be wearing your shirt, inside out! And with no bra!" Willow complained as she entered her room.
"Well, I kinda like my shirt on you...sorta turns me on," Angelus said, winking at her.
"Oh, you....I have to get ready for school. I'm already late...which is uncommon for me. Xander and Giles had thought the worst of my absence at school and had come here to officially stake your ass. It was funny they way they just stood there looking at me, like I had two heads or something," Willow said as she went in to the bathroom to shower. Angelus followed her to the bathroom and sat on the toilet, watching her through the curtain.
"I am sure that they were just noticing your real beauty for the first time. When a woman has had some good lovin', it shows," Angelus told her as she showered. Willow snorted.
"Oh, yeah, right! Ha! I don't think I look any different," Willow said, washing herself.
"Hey, would I kid you? I am telling you, you are beautiful and now they are seeing it too. Speaking of them, what are we going to tell them?" Angelus asked.
"Uh, I hadn't thought about that yet..." Willow said quietly.
"It's ok, I didn't think that you had, I was just wondering," Angelus said, handing her a clean towel to dry her self. Willow dried off and dressed her self, pondering what they would tell Giles and Xander. She just couldn't imagine them being very approving of the situation.
"Well, I don't know, Angelus, what to tell them. I mean, I still don't know for sure that this is real myself. What should we tell them?" Willow asked, brushing her hair.
"Well, we could tell them that we want to be together and see where things go. I am sure that they will understand," he said.
"I hope you are right. I guess we should tell them as soon as possible. Tonight?"
"Yep, I'll be in the library as soon as the sun goes down," Angelus told her, kissing her forehead.
"Ok, well, I am off to face the halls of Sunnydale High. Will you miss me?" Willow asked, pouting her lips.
"You don't even need to ask....of course. I'll see you tonight," was his reply before he kissed her hard on the lips. "Be careful."
"Ok, bye." Willow grabbed her bag and flew out of the house, determined to make it to school in time for third period, her favorite subject, chemistry.
The day went by quickly; Willow had only talked to Xander once in the hallway, telling him again that she was ok. Before she knew it, Willow as walking to the library and the sun was setting. True to his word, Angelus arrived at the library shortly after sundown.
Giles had Willow and Xander researching a new demon that he had been told was possibly coming to Sunnydale. This had been the diversion Willow had hoped for as she had first entered the library.
"Hello, Willow. How was your day?" Angelus said, coming up behind her and whispering in her ear.
"Fine....better now...." she giggled. Xander looked up from his comic to see the interaction between the two and that rational part of his brain began to try and convince him the impossible was happening.
"Hey, Dead boy, keep those fangs where we can see them," Xander quipped.
"Oh, Xander. Be nice." Willow reprimanded him. Giles, hearing the teens, came out of his office to Angelus had arrived.
"Hello, Angelus. What brings you by?" Giles asked.
"Willow and I have something to tell you," Angelus said, looking at Willow. He wanted her to know that no matter what these two thought, he loved her.
"Yes, Giles, Xander. Angelus and I have talked. Since the before the prophecy, we have felt a connection. Angel was just better at hiding it. And after I killed that demon Nuntius, the bond between us got stronger. It wasn't until last night that we realized just how strong it is, and we intend to see the full strength of this," Willow said, for once with out stuttering or babbling. Her sense of calm was unnerving, even for her. She waited for Xander to freak out first, followed by Giles. They, however, had no intention of freaking out. They had decided on the drive back to school that no matter what, Willow was important to them and not worth losing for anything. Giles was the first to respond.
"Well, Willow, I can't say that I am not a little surprised. I did translate something of this nature from the prophecy, but wasn't sure if it was true. About the bond that is. And this is not something to be taken lightly. This bond can increase your abilities to fight evil and strengthen you both as individuals. Indeed, there will be battles ahead for the both of you. We need you both to work together to master it and I can assist you when you need help," Giles said, wiping his glasses. He had suspected that this would happen, but had hoped that maybe it wouldn't. He knew that it was only a matter of time before Buffy returned and could already see the disaster waiting to happen. However, that is not to say that he didn't want Willow and Angelus to be apart. He wanted the safety of everyone over what his emotional slayer might want.
"Yea, I agree with the G-man here. And not just because you can kick my butt, Wills. But because you are my best friend and I love you, even if you have lost your mind...no offense, Dead boy," Xander said, hugging Willow. Willow couldn't believe it. She had prepared a whole argument to use to persuade them...but they were accepting this...because they loved her.
"Well, not the reaction I expected, but I will definitely take it!" Willow said, laughing as Xander made a face.
"Right then, back to the new demon. Ah, Angelus, do you think that you could, uh, give us a hand? Have you seen this demon before?" Giles asked. Angelus grabbed a chair and soon they were all busy researching the newest demon on it's way to Sunnydale.
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