Inflection

Author: Nocturnal Willow

Rating: R

Summary: set in season 2 after innocence but before passion

Pairing:Willow/Angleus

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters portrayed here, only the plotlines.  Don't sue, I'm broke anyway Feedback is AWLAYS appreiciated

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~Part: 1~

Willow left the Bronze and began to walk home, keeping a wary eye out for impending nasties.  She felt safer, knowing that Buffy was on patrol.  Willow missed helping out, but since Angelus was back...  Buffy generally patrolled alone.  Willow was amazed by the strength Buffy had shown through all of this.  Angel was gone, and the monster within him wore the angelic face. The tragedy of their love made Willow sad. School had been holding Willow together, between helping Buffy and Giles; she felt focused. Willow had cried silently for them, in particular, Buffy. Willow had never seen Giles so upset before and it scared her. Giles had read up on Angelus and his dealings. Giles was the one who kept things together and seeing him falling apart like this scared Willow. Giles had always held a hero-like quality to her, and that she would hate to see destroyed. It was the soft crunching of leaves that caught Willow's attention. Not tonight, she prayed.

She quickened her pace. Her heart raced, knowing something was behind her and catching up.  It was Owen that grabbed her arm. "Willow, hey wait up!"

"Owen, you startled me!" Willow exclaimed.  She smiled and swatted his arm gently.  Willow thought Owen was nice. He seemed not of the evil persuasion.

"I figured that I would walk you home." Owen said. "You don't mind, do you?"

Willow nodded and smiled at him.  Willow had admired Owen; he was smart, poetic and had intense eyes.  They had walked for a short distance. It was when they came near the cemetery that things changed. Owen pulled her very close to him. "Willow, I need to ask you something.  How come you downplay yourself so much?"

"Excuse me?" Willow said.

"Well, I mean I have noticed you in gym class.  You are a very pretty girl, but you hide under layers of clothes. You are like the caterpillar, all cocooned under layers of cloth, but I look at you, and I see a monarch butterfly."  Owen said.

"Well, thank you Owen. I never noticed you looking." Willow said, wondering if she was blushing as bad as she thought she was.  Owen had pulled her into a deep kiss.  Willow was stunned, and then his hands started groping her. Willow tried to gently nudge him off her. He was stronger.

"Owen, please....." Willow said and shoved him as hard as she could. She began to walk in the direction of her house. Owen grabbed her arm hard. Willow yelped as he threw her on the ground.  She screamed and Owen gave her a nasty smile. "I like when a girl screams. Makes it so much more fun."

Owen then climbed on top of her. Willow felt his hands holding her wrists in place.  She knew his grip would leave bruises on her. Willow was struggling to get him off of her. She closed her eyes, when he tried to kiss her. Then, suddenly it was all gone. She felt his weight disappear off her. Willow opened her eyes and saw her nightmare, Angelus, holding the boy up by the scruff of his neck.

"Didn't anyone teach you manners, boy?" Angelus snarled.  "You don't mess with what is mine." He threw the boy into a tree and saw his body slump over. Willow tried to crawl away, but she felt Angelus pick her up off of the ground. "Willow, leaving so soon?"

Willow felt herself get weak, true fear raced through her. "Are you injured?" Angelus asked.

Willow looked at him blankly. Her eyes were totally dilated and frozen almost like she was looking through him. Angelus then waved a hand in front of her face, her eyes did not move. He swore and picked her up in his arms.  He was upset; he wanted Willow to tell Buffy how he had saved her from being raped.  It would mess with the slayer's head.  Oh well, he thought plans change.  He then took her to the factory. Spike looked incredulous when he saw the witch. "What the hell are you doing?" Spike asked.

"I am giving her a place to stay for the night. It's a long story. I had an idea no one hurts her. Is that clear? " Angelus sneered to his child.  Angelus then walked into the master bedroom and paced her on the bed.  He then walked out, locking the door behind him.

Angelus heard his child singing some rambling lullaby. He hoped Spike would keep her away from Willow.  For some reason, he felt protective of her. "She is perfect, Daddy." Dru said in a sing-song voice. Placing her hand on Angelus' shoulder. "She is the key to the slayer's falling down.  I hear it in the wind, her blood is like fire, she is you as you are her. She will make my Daddy very happy." Dru said giggling like a child. Angelus smiled.  Dru might be crazy, but she knew things that no one else saw. He bade his children goodnight. Angelus went back into the master bedroom.

He noticed that Willow had not moved since he placed her on the bed. He walked over to her and stroked her face. He loved how soft and warm her flesh felt.  He saw her blink.  Angelus debated on waiting patiently for her to regain her sensibilities. Instead he placed gentle kisses on Willow's neck.  It had been ages since he felt the warmth of a non-terrified human lover.  He reveled in how warm she felt under his touch.  She is like liquid silk. He heard the sudden jump in her heartbeat and backed off. Willow looked around, trying to figure out where she was. She jumped when she felt Angelus' cool lips and smooth tongue on her neck.  Angelus could smell her arousal. He stopped his kisses ands smiled at her.  "Are you ok?" he asked.

Angelus smirked as Willow shot up in bed. He watched as she processed the events of tonight.  "I am not sure, I mean you kind of are the bad guy... But I am not being too forcefully held here. The last thing I remember was......Owen.  My, god, what happened to him?"

"Willow, easy child, you are free to leave, as for Owen, he is alive.  He will be in pain tomorrow, but I did not kill him. Feel lucky." Angelus said.

"Are you going to kill me now Angelus?" Willow asked, trying to sound as brave as she could.

Angelus sat on the bed next to her, his cool hand touching her face. His gold eyes locked with hers. "Willow, sweet child, you are a smart girl, don't you think that if I wanted to kill you, you would be dead by now?" Angelus said smoothly.

"True, you have a point, I mean you could have let Owen rape me and then killed or drained us both. So that means one of two things. Either, you want to torture me and leave broken for Buffy to find. Or, you will kill me or make me all Grrrr. Or, I could be held here against my will as a sex slave for you and your other vampires or......" Willow said, nervously rambling as she thought of the possibilities.

Angelus smiled at her comment about being a sex slave. She is perfect, far too precious to kill. Angelus thought. "Willow, that is far more than two things, however, I do like how you think. If this is any consolation, you would be my sole sex slave. You would be my goddess, all mine. I do not share." He said. Angelus purposely put some Irish into his voice.  He picked up the heart rate increase.

Willow blushed bright red. Angelus grinned. "Here is a truce of sorts, I won't harm you and you won't run and tell the Slayer about what happened tonight."

"I think that is pretty fair." Willow meekly said. He could tell she was nervous. Angelus watched her as she fiddled with a strand of red hair.  He had walked over to the dry bar in his chambers.  I do so like them better when they are agitated. Angelus poured himself a glass of wine and looked at Willow. I should offer her a drink to calm her nerves, he thought to himself. "Do you drink Willow?"

"No, under age." Willow said.

"In my day, when a deal was made it was toasted to." Angelus said, again slipping in his native Irish brogue. Willow smiled and nodded as he offered her the glass. She got nervous when she saw the deep red liquid. "Don't worry, it's a red wine, Merlot."

"Sorry." Willow said. He handed her then glass. Willow swirled the liquid around and inhaled. It smelled safe. Then Willow realized she didn't know what blood smelled like.  She hesitatingly took a sip of the liquid and felt better knowing it was indeed wine.  Willow took a healthier sip, amazed by its smooth taste.  "Care for a refill?" Angelus questioned.  Willow smiled when she realized that the glass was empty.

"Please?" Willow said softly.  Angelus grinned knowing full well that she would say please so much more tonight. Angelus saw her flipping through his CD's. "Interesting collection here."

"Thank you, do you dance?" Angelus asked.

"I don't know how." Willow said.

"Then you shall learn." Angelus said. He went to the CD player and put the disk in. He gave her about five minutes of instruction.  Willow picked up on the movements very easily. In about twenty minutes, she was doing the waltz. Angelus had missed the warmth of a willing human lover. He pulled Willow closer to him. He noticed how graceful she moved, especially for a beginner. He could hear her heartbeat picking up the pace. She was smiling. He wanted her; he remembered Dru's earlier words.  She was driving him crazy as she danced with him. The music had ended. Angelus smiled back, offering her a courtly bow.  Willow mimicked his movement with a curtsy.  He saw Willow finish her third glass of wine.

"Why are you being nice to me Angelus?" Willow asked.

"Why not?" Angelus said, trying to sound innocent.

"Because you hate the slayer, who happens to be a good friend of mine. It sounds out of character for you to be kind to me." Willow said, as she sipped more liquid courage.

" I don't hate the slayer, hell she freed me.  I just play with her so other vampires know that I am not involved with her.  If I truly wanted her dead, I could do a lot worse.  After all, I am still invited into her house; I could slit her lovely throat any night I wanted to while she slept.  Instead I stay away.  I think this town is big enough for the both of us. Don't you agree?" Angelus asked.

Willow paused, rethinking her strategy.  "Angelus, I remember reading that you had a big ego back then. Just being logical."

"You are also being smart.  I like that about you. You can think outside the box.  Many humans, the slayer included, are very limited.   I find that quality rare, that my friend is why you are still alive.  I could have let that boy take you, but he would have taken something more precious than your body Willow."

"This is getting strange.  Maybe we should have stuck to dancing." Willow said chuckling, and polishing off the last of her wine.

"I couldn't agree more, I mean I sneak out of here for a snack, and I find myself having a deep conversation with you."  He smiled as he picked a tango to play. Again her gave her some instructions, and then he pulled her close and began to dance with her.

Angelus was aroused.  He knew that she felt him pressing into her as they danced. Willow smiled.  He kissed her hard.  Willow moaned and kissed him back. Angelus reveled in her kiss. It was intense, passionate and assertive. He led her to the bed.  He used over a century's worth of experience at the art of seduction.  Willow moaned as his hands traveled all over her body.  Soon Angelus had her clothes off and was touching her in ways she read about in trashy romance novels.  Angelus was surprised to find Willow so sensitive.  He smiled as her climax came. Dru was right she was perfect. Angelus teased her throughout her climax.  She is so beautiful when she comes, he thought to himself.

As Angelus had teased her breast, his hands traveled down her stomach.  He kept kissing her, touching her, overloading her brain with the sensations.   He could tell she would come again. He continued his torment of her. He watched as she thrashed underneath his fingers. He could smell her moisture and he wanted her.  He quickly undressed himself. He placed soft kisses on Willow's neck. Willow moaned and pressed her self against him. Angelus eased her legs apart and quickly entered her. Willow screamed as he filled her. Angelus grinned when he realized she was a virgin. He kissed her tears and let her get used to his size.  He waited until Willow pressed against him.  Angelus began to slowly thrust into and out of her. Angelus could not believe how tight she was or how well she moved. He felt another climax coming from Willow.  Her muscles had clamped down on him and he lost his control.  Angelus came hard and bit her neck.  Willow screamed out his name when his teeth broke her skin.

~Part: 2~

Willow woke up a strange bed.  She jumped when she felt the cool arm wrap around her waist. She slowly turned to find Angelus sleeping next to her.  Willow then lay back and closed her eyes.  She remembered Owen in the cemetery, then the images of dancing with Angelus.  She was then remembering Angelus touching her. She remembered his kisses. As the memories of last night's seduction flashed into her mind and she flushed a dark red. Willow crept out of the bed and took a shower. She felt the soreness between her legs as the tears rolled down her cheek.  She was glad that it was a Saturday.  She was not going to miss school. She looked into the mirror.  For once, she was glad to see her reflection looking back at her. She saw the bite marks on her neck. She ran her fingers over the two small holes. She shivered as she remembered just how good it felt as he drew blood from her.

"You look radiant." Angelus said, lighting a cigarette.

"Smoking is bad for you." Willow said, knowing how lame it sounded.

"Willow, it can't kill me, I'm already dead."

"Don't remind me."

"Don't be angry about last night." Angelus said, placing his hands on her shoulders.

"What do you expect from me?  You used me."

"No, I saved you."

"From what? Owen, ohh big threat there."  Willow snapped.

"I am far more dangerous than him, it would do you well to remember that."

"Yeah, he's a potential rapist.  You're a killer with what a century of experience?"

"Why are you so angry?  You sure as hell weren't complaining last night." Angelus sneered, purposefully adding a little Irish in his voice.

"I was drunk.  I can't believe I let you do those things to me."

"I would have stopped, I might be a killer, but I really am not a rapist.  I like my lovers to be willing."

"So what fear is not a turn-on?" Willow snapped.

"No, that just gives me the munchies.  By the way, your blood is intoxicating."

"I can't believe you bit me!" Willow snapped, taking a shot at his jaw.

Angelus easily blocked her, pulling her close to him and crushing her lips with a deep kiss.  Willow fought, for a second.  Then she returned his kiss with a fiery passion.  Angelus carried her to the bedroom. Willow found herself touching him, reveling in his cooler skin. Angelus broke the kiss to let her breathe.  "This has to be the last time." Willow whispered.

"I decide when it ends." Angelus growled.  He then grabbed her wrists, holding them firm against the bed. "You are mine. Always."

Willow was silent, enjoying the sensations Angelus created.  On so many levels, Willow knew just how wrong it was and she couldn't stop it. She responded with the same passion as Angelus, loving how he took her to new heights. She lie still afterwards, enjoying the feel of her body as she simply breathed. She turned her head as she saw him walk over to a dresser, and fetched a tiger's eye silver ring.  "Wear this, it will keep you safe."

"Is it magical?" Willow asked.

"No, it's my mark.  It will tell other vampires that you are off limits."

"I told you, Angelus. I am my own person. I don't need a stupid ring."

"You are as stubborn as they come.  I should have known."

"We have to end this. It's so wrong. I will wear this ring on one condition, you never tell Buffy or I will stake you myself."

"Do you think I want to tell Buffy?  I have better things to.  Besides, if I did that, I couldn't have you."

"I already told you I am not yours."

"You are, you just don't know it yet." Angelus said with a sly smile.

"I have to go now." Willow said, as she finished getting dressed.  "Is it safe to leave here, or will you kill me before I set foot outside the mansion?"

"You are safe. I have told the others to leave you alone, you and whomever you are with.  But if I catch another man touching you inappropriately, I will kill him.  There are rules to this."

"What are you insinuating?" Willow snapped, her temper threatening to get the best of her.

"Rule number one: Don't lie to me, ever. Is that understood?" Angelus said softly as he cupped her chin.

"Rules go both ways. If I find out you lied to me, I will hurt you, one way or another." Willow said, her eyes met his and held the glare, forcing him to look away.

"Rule number two: Answer me when I ask you something, always."

"Fair enough, just don't kill the messenger, if you don't like the message."

"Liberated women, back in my day..."

"Sorry, oh great lord and master, but those days are long gone.  Get over it!"

"I'm wondering if you are really worth all this." Angelus said with a grin.

"Then we can end this.  I have no problem with it. This can't ever be, Angelus. I am supposed to hate you.  We are enemies, Angelus.  Not friends, not pals, we hate each other. You are a vampire, I am a great friend of the slayer."

"Do you think I would kill you?"

"I would, if I were a vampire."

"Dru was right about you." Angelus said.

"Really, and what did she say?" Willow asked, genuinely amused.

"You were the key to it all."

"I have to go Angelus. Buffy will be calling my house, especially since I snuck out of the Bronze, if I am not home when she calls... I think you get the picture.  Just think of how she would kill you if I told her how you tricked me.

"I will call you later.  I miss you already." Angelus whispered. "Be careful Willow."  Angelus then licked her bite, eliciting a shiver from her.

~Part: 3~

Willow's mind raced.  Her pace reflected the speed of her mind.  Her parent's house was thankfully empty. She really didn't want to talk, or think and do much of anything but sleep.  Plus the headache from the wine was not helping her either.  Willow had to figure out how to solve the newly created Angelus situation. The though of Xander or Buffy finding out would break her heart.  She wasn't sure if they would understand her drunkenness. After all, she though, it really wasn't the Willow-y thing to do. They would lose all the respect they had for her.  She gave herself to that monster twice, and god help her, she wanted him now. What the hell made Owen notice her?  No one noticed Willow before, now she had the full attention of Angelus.  As she lay in her own bed, her mind began to work.  What happens now?  How will this end? Willow looked at the ring he gave her.   She admitted to not having a clue as to what to do. She closed her eyes and hoped for a peaceful rest.  She found herself running her fingers over the bite; she shivered as she enjoyed how it felt.   While the proverbial devil on one side reminded her of how good his fangs felt, the angel on the other side reminded her that he was a killer, that he strung her goldfish. She tossed and turned, wondering what happened next.   She tried to simply sleep; instead there was a knock on the door. Willow went downstairs. She saw the UPS truck.  "I have a package for a Willow Rosenberg."  Willow signed and for the package.

Willow took the box into the living room.  She noticed no return address on it.  But there was a large A in place of an address.  She looked at the box, waiting for it to move or growl.  She looked up to see the blinking light, indicating a message on the machine. Willow frowned, then headed over to the machine. Willow pressed the button, the voice brought tears to her eyes. "Hey Wills, it Buffy.  What happened to you at the Bronze last night? You left early, I hope that you are home, call me or I will at your door by 9:30 am." Willow looked at the clock. It said 8:56.  She called Buffy and gave her some excuse about not feeling well.  Willow then got off the phone with Buffy and was ready to watch Dexter's Lab on cartoon network. Willow took a deep breath and went over to the box. It opened up easily.  She then smiled as she began examining the contents.  It contained five very old books.  One of the titles she recognized from Giles' special collection of magic books. This made her smile, since these were from the books Giles didn't let her see. "Study hard!" Willow said to the empty house. Willow smiled and began to read. She found a note from Angelus. " Be here tonight, 9:30. Rule number three: Don't be late, ever. Angelus"

Willow smiled then realized she wasn't supposed to. She then poured herself a hot bath, hoping to ease the soreness she still felt.  The inscense helped, but she still felt antsy.  After her bath, she walked over to the closet.  She saw the fuzy sweaters, the plaid skirts, nothing looked good for her.  She decided to shop. She read the first of the volumes and tried some of the spells. She held her school ID and said the words, the plastic changed into a gold American Express.  Willow shopped until she dropped. She was amazed at how easy the spell was.  Willow then headed home with her new leather outfit, among other purchases. Part of her knew she couldn't wear it to school, but she knew that Angelus would like it. Willow then proceeded to gather the clothes she just didn't want anymore and figured she would donate them. Things were going good, until the phone rang. "Willow, it's Giles. I think we might have some trouble.  Could you help with research?"

"Yeah, I'll head over." Willow said, hoping her pout wasn't evident in her voice. She dressed in her new and improved "Willow" clothes, and then looked in the mirror.  She thought she would feel weird in the tight fitting jeans, but she didn't.  "I am not afraid of leather anymore!" She said to herself, giggling as the previous year's Halloween still rang in her mind. It wasn't the old Willow, but she liked this version better. Willow then did the same spell on the mark Angelus put into her neck, making it invisible.  She smiled when the vampire bite disappeared. Willow waited for Buffy to walk her to the school.   Willow did pace back and forth a few times.  She hoped that she wouldn't act too weird.  She knew that if Buffy found out about Angel, no Angelus she corrected herself, she would lose her best friend.  Willow smiled when she saw her friend.  Buffy did the catcall whistle as she saw Willow's new outfit.   "Trying to make Oz jealous?" Buffy joked.  Willow grinned.  Then she hoped she didn't blush.

Shit, Willow thought to herself.  Oz, what about Oz? Keep cool, Willow.  Denial is everything here. Willow looked at her tiger-eye ring. Buffy had commented on it. Willow said she found it at the renaissance fair a couple of years ago.  Willow liked walking around town at night. It helped thinking she was safe from Angelus' minions.  Then Buffy stopped and did the subtle go hide danger is here thing. Willow ducked and watched as five vamps came at Buffy.  Willow jumped when she felt a cool hand on her shoulder. She turned swiftly and saw Angelus.

"Did you get the package?" Angelus asked.

"Yes, thank you. Angelus, rule number one: kiss me, daily." Willow smiled. Angelus grinned and kissed her. Angelus gave her a quick kiss and took off.  He then told her he would see her later. Willow went to say something and he was gone. "Willow, you ok?" Buffy asked, concerned to see her friend gazing wistfully into the night.

"Yeah."  The girls began walking along the streets. Willow used her key to get into the library.   Buffy began pacing.  Willow got in front of the computer and began typing. One of Willow's contacts had e-mailed her, warning of impending evil, but all they knew was a big bad demon was coming to town, which seemed to be the usual. Even Willy the snitch knew nothing more than that.   Xander and Cordelia had been arguing back and forth all night. It was getting on Willow's nerves. Willow closed her eyes and thought of Angelus. She knew that she needed to leave soon.

Buffy had called Oz to help with the research.  Willow expected to feel guilty.  She didn't.  She wondered why things with Angelus, felt so ...well right. Willow wished Oz would leave; instead he wouldn't leave her alone. Oz kept playing with Willow's hair. Willow shook her head, hoping he would stop.  She knew he had a heightened sense of smell. Could he smell Angelus on her? This was getting complicated.  She wondered if the mark on her neck was invisible to him. She figured she was safe, since he didn't mention it to her.

Willow finally gotten got mad at all the dead ends she was finding. She swore out loud. Everyone stopped to stare at her. "Sorry, I hate when it says file error, 404, file not found." Willow said. They all went back to their activities. Oz placed his hand on Willow's knee and slowly it was slowly going higher.  Willow said nothing, but seethed inside.   She remembered Angelus' words; she knew that Angelus would kill him. She didn't want Oz hurt.  That would be bad. Oz had tried to get alone with her.

"Are you ok?" Oz asked.

"Yeah, just tired." Willow said. She was hoping he would get the hint and go away.

"I could drive you home." Oz said. Again, his hands were playing with her hair.  Willow could feel him undressing her with his eyes. Damn, Willow thought, no such luck.

"No, thanks anyway."  Willow tried not to jump when she felt Oz's hand crept up under her shirt and touched her bare stomach.  She jumped back away from the computer and slapped him across the face.  "I can't do this, leave me alone!" Willow told him very sternly. Willow did not want him.

She wanted only Angelus now. She got up and walked out. Oz just looked dumbfounded as she left the room. Buffy went after her. "Willow, are you ok?"

"Yes, I just needed some air. I needed to get away from him."  Willow said. She was thinking of a way to tell Buffy she no longer cared about Oz.  Then she remembered, she also had to tell Oz. It was Angelus she craved. This was getting too complicated, she thought to herself.

"Oz was worried about you." Buffy whispered softly.

"Its like, this, ok, Oz has more experience with stuff and I don't think I am ready. I don't want to hurt his feelings, and I freak out sometimes.  I need to get some sleep." Willow said.  Ok, run with this plan, Willow thought to herself.

"Ok." Buffy said and hugged her.  "Buffy, would you mind if I called it an early night?  I just feel, weird. "

Willow watched as Buffy walked back into the school. Willow then waked in the direction of the factory. Willow walked past the sentry. She saw Angelus in the garden.  She simply walked in. "The dark star is here!" Dru chimed. Willow smiled. "Angelus." Willow said softly. She looked deep into his eyes.  She saw herself in them and she liked how she looked.

"Are you behaving?" Willow asked.

"Mostly.  I am liking the outfit, very sexy." Angelus said, undressing Willow with his eyes.  Dru wheeled Spike away and Willow held her hand out to Angelus. He led her upstairs to the bedroom.  Soon he was kissing her, loving the warm she brought to him.  He took her passionately.  He then pulled her close to him.  "You came back." He said, with a sly grin on his face.

"I was bored." Willow said, mocking innocence.

Angelus laughed.  "Is that all?"

"No, I had to make sure you hadn't killed tonight. Not here, in Sunnyhell anyway." Willow said.

"Willow, what I kill, ain't worth missing.  I don't kill the kids, or old people.  Just the dark ones."

"Fair enough." Willow said.  "Thanks for the books. They had some neat spells."

"For you, I can get more." Angelus said.

"Then do it." Willow said.

"What is in it for me?"

"Me." Willow simply said.

"I can't help but think of what Owen said, about the butterfly. I like how you have changed.  But I can show you so much more." Angelus whispered in her ear.

"What can you teach me?" Willow asked.

" I can show you power and strength beyond your dreams."

"I'm not ready to die." Willow said to him sternly.

"I am not ready to kill you yet anyway." Angelus said, pulling her closer.

~Part: 4~

Willow could not explain the passion that was between her and Angelus. She didn't quite remember when this became daily, visiting Angelus after patrols, sometimes before school. I am so in love with him, Willow thought to herself.  She knew that if the others found out, it would be ugly.  She was way past the point of caring. She was glad to have broken up with Oz.  They had agreed to be friends.  She told him the truth, mostly; she wasn't in love with him.  He understood.  He still called her, but she ignored him. Angelus became her world. He was a drug to her and she craved it. Willow had been working on her history assignment and she double-checked the due date with the calendar.

In previous weeks, Angelus changed her so completely. Willow smiled when the sun went down, knowing full well what or who else would also be going down.  She dressed in a short deep green skirt with a black shirt. She walked to the factory, avoiding the Slayer completely. She found her lover in the middle of a card game with Spike. "Hey Lover." She whispered in Angelus' ear. Angelus excused himself from the card game and went upstairs with his consort. He kissed her deeply and carried her to the bed. He quickly undressed her. He turned her on her stomach and began to kiss her back. "I want you to move in here with me." Angelus said.

"That isn't possible, not yet." Willow answered.

"Anything is possible.  This is crazy; I mean you are here a lot anyway.  I want to sleep knowing that you are next to me."

"They will find out.  I am not ready for that."

"So when shall we tell them?" Angelus sneered.

"What is the hurry? I am young and you are certainly not getting any older."

"I grow tired of this game.  Sooner or later, they will find out."

"You tell them, you lose me."

"Nah, I want to see the look on Xander's face when he realizes what I have done to his little Willow."

"Cut him slack.  Buffy will take it harder, and she possibly won't forgive me.  She is my best friend, and I am betraying her with every kiss. Quite the Judas, aren't I?"

"I am not Angel, not her Angel.  If she hasn't figured it out by now, then it is her problem."

He pulled her close to him.  He loved how she thought, her logic made him smile.  He was glad to have been training her, in defense.  He watched as she staked vamps on her own, using the kicks and punches, like the slayer. Part of her agility was the tasting of his blood.  His mind raced the night she first tasted him. It was the gentlest lovemaking they did. Even now, she drank almost daily from him, as he drank from her.   He ran his finger along her inner arm, making her shiver. "So what have the scoobies been up to?"

"Swim team, it seems they are monsters.  We stopped the coach from making the rest of the swim team monsters."

"Yeah, that kid tasted so bitter, yuck, it took days to get that taste out of my mouth."

"Not big on the blood drinking, unless its yours."

"And when you thirst, I will quench it."

"I am glad to see you keeping up your end of the bargain."

"What bargain?" Angelus questioned.

"The one where I give myself to you and you leave her alone."

" I have for the most part."

"I know, that is why you have me all night tonight. As much as I can take." Willow said licking her lips.

"And then a little more."  Angelus took her, pushing her body to its limit.  He loved how her blood called to him, to hear it racing in her veins, knowing the fruit was at its sweetest, yet he did not drink.  It was times like these, he wondered if he could stop. He knew the point of turning her would be when she begging for it, then and only then would he give her his darkest gift.

He had so many ideas for his prize.  He saw the changes in her.  She was confident, assertive and much more sexy.  He had taught her three languages as well as made her strong physically and mentally.  He wondered if she would like to play with Dru, since it was no secret Dru liked women as much as men.  But she was devoted to her Spike.  He would see just how far he could push her.

Angelus let himself think as she rested from him.  He grew bored with the arrangement.  Part of him yearned to destroy the slayer.  He found the irony that his best way was through Willow. He knew if he pushed it too soon, then he would lose her.  She was into magic, heavy stuff.  He couldn't fight magic.  He realized that his obsession with Willow ran deeper than any of his others.  It was her fire that kept the fascination alive and thriving. He had an idea.

Willow had woken up in the am.  Part of her yearned to stay with her lover, but she knew she had to help Buffy with her chemistry.  Willow looked forward to hitting the Bronze tonight.  She figured Angelus would be there since it was his feeding ground.  Part of her hated how he fed, but he wasn't killing.  He left his victims alive, a little dazed, but alive. It was a compromise.  Willow made sure to "erase " her mark. It became a habit, since she was always sporting a bite.  She couldn't help but be aware of the feeling of dread, something bad was coming, she knew.  I will deal with it when it gets here; she scolded herself.

Willow had chosen the long green skirt.  She wore the peasant top and her ring.  She had waited until Xander showed at her door, along with Cordelia Chase.  Willow thought they would be cute together.   She knew Cordelia though Willow felt "threatened" and that accounted for her much improved fashion sense.  Willow just smiled, but inside found it funny.  They had met Buffy after a patrol.  Willow was always nervous when Buffy patrolled.  If she lost him, she would be crushed.  That thought scared her. Fortunately, Buffy reported an "Angel" free patrol.

The music was good, thankfully not Oz's band.  She saw him thought the smoke.  He pointed his head to one of the upper levels.  Willow smiled and went to get a drink.  She got to the most upper level. She could almost feel him as she looked for him.  It was almost magical as he emerged from the smoke.  Soon his mouth was claiming hers.  Willow responded with the same urgency.  She ended the kiss quick; this was dangerous.  "Angelus, someone could see."

He took her hand and told her to look down.  Buffy was dancing with Xander and Cordelia.  "She doesn't even know I am here, I am staying out of her radar."

"I felt you." Willow whispered.

"What you feel is what I feel when you are around, the blood in your body hums, making you feel powerful."

"Does it end?" Willow asked.

"At some point it does all end, but I warned you, it's the exposure to my blood.  Not that I mind, I like knowing a part of me is forever in you." Angelus said. He leaned against her. She felt his need.  She felt his hands on her hips.  She felt the fabric slide up her leg. "What are you doing?" She whispered.

"Shh.... I am gonna make you feel good. " She then felt his leg maneuver in between hers.  She felt warm all of a sudden, and then she heard the zipper.  She was on fire, wanting him.  He then took her.  He loved how she held him. Willow was in her own sweet torture. At the mansion, noise wasn't a problem, but here, with the slayer so dangerously close.  The passion went through them quickly, leaving Willow panting. She then deeply kissed him, knowing he tasted the blood from when she bit her lip to keep from screaming.

~~~*~~~

No matter how much she told herself it was over, she would see him and couldn't think straight.  It was so wrong and she couldn't say no. Even now, as she walked to him, she wanted him.  She knew that one day they would figure it all out. It had been almost a day since he touched her, far too long she told herself. She didn't feel afraid walking to him.  Then she heard the noise.  Her head whipped around, but saw nothing. She heard laughter.  She paused.  The three vampires emerged from the bushes.  "Are you lost little girl?"

"No, I know just where I am going and you are in my way."  Willow told them.

The tall one sneered. "Yeah, but little pet, where is your master?"

"I don't answer to you." Willow said defensively.

"Well you won't have a tongue to answer with in a few minutes."

All three vamped out.  Willow got into a defensive stance.  They laughed at her. One of them lunged for her. Willow dodged him easily, but his two friends were not as hard to dodge.  Willow tried to recover but she couldn't.  One of them pushed her to the ground. Willow got up as quick as she could.  She was kicked down to the ground.  She didn't even register the pain.  She tasted blood in her mouth.  She got up and went for a third time. She knew they were toying with her.  "You have no idea who you are messing with." Willow spat as she caught her breath.

"Some stupid little vampire's whore?" The blonde one said.

"Not quite, you are messing with something that is mine." He spoke.

"Bad move." Willow said, grinning.  Angelus helped her up.

"Kill them for me." Willow asked her lover. He then kissed her. Angelus quickly dispensed with two of the vampires, knocking the third vampire out.

"You didn't kill him." Willow said with a pout.

"You are my lover, I will show you how. Let's go home, you have a long night ahead of you." Angelus said, once more kissing her passionately.

Willow smiled, until they got home.  Angelus had a minion secure the vampire in the basement.  Angelus took her upstairs. He noticed that Willow was staying close to him.  "You need training."

"For?"

"I need to teach you to fight.  I don't want you hurt.  They were a part of my crew.  It was something like this I worry about.  There is some disagreement in the ranks, some of the others feel I should just kill you, make you one of us."

"And you."

"I want to bring you over, but now is not the time. When I remake you, you will ask me too.  Or at least we will talk about it."

"I don't wanna be a vampire."

"No one ever wants to be a vampire, I certainly didn't ask for it. But you need to be stronger, more agile. I will train you, as Giles does with Buffy. "

"Ok. Promise not to hurt me?" Willow asked, looking innocent.

Angelus kissed her deeply. Willow moaned as he touched her neck, his thumbs flickering over his bite. His lips touched her neck, Willow moaned.  Her fingers entwined in his hair, "You want to drink?"

"I do, your blood is paradise.  You enjoy being tasted, but do you ever taste?" Angelus asked her.

"It makes you all Grrrr." Willow told him.

"Not quite.  You would need to be near death for my blood to change you.  But in a small amount, can make you stronger, more powerful.  You know how blood affects your power.  Your blood makes me more powerful, let me return the favor."  He purred to her.

He then brought her to the bed.  He took his time undressing her, kissing her all over. He went tender with her, kissing the bruises she had from her run-in with the vampires.  "I need you strong, I won't lose you." Angelus purred into her ear.

As he made love to her, he cut himself on his chest and she tasted his blood.  He saw the way her eyes rolled into the back of her head.  Soon, Willow found herself wanting to taste him more.  Both lovers found themselves sleepy after the lovemaking.  When Willow did wake up, she felt groggy.  She saw her lover at the desk in the bedroom.

She thought about getting up, but her legs were not being very co-operative.  She sat up in bed and smiled at him. "What are you doing?"

"I was watching you. This is complicated." Angelus said.

"Make it simple." She told him.

"I want you here.  I need to make you strong, teach how to be like us.  They need to fear you or they will keep coming after you, and they might not care as to who is around either. " He said. "Get dressed."

Willow took the offered clothes and got dressed.  He took her to the basement.  They had sparred.  Angelus had noticed an increase in her speed and agility.  He also felt her arousal.  He smiled as Willow tried to take him down.  After about an hour of sparring, he told her to shower.  She then walked over to him, kissed him and took her time walking away.  It was at that moment Spike rolled himself in the room. "You really love her?"

"Why does that surprise you?" Angelus asked.

"I see how you treat your children, yet with her it is different.  How shall I say this mate, you treat her as your ensouled counterpart treated the slayer."

"Willow isn't like any creature I have ever met.  When I saw how those vamps were playing cat and mouse with her. I don't want her hurt."

"Pretty ironic, if you think about it.  I mean, isn't she one of the good guys?"

"She doesn't slay."

"And you aren't killing anymore.  It gets Dru all riled up."

"Doesn't take much to rile Dru up."

"As you should know, you made her the way she is mate. And by the way, what of our guest?"

"Willow is going to kill him. I'm gonna show her how, wanna help?"

"I think it would be fun."

When she had returned from her shower, she found him in the basement.  She did notice the table, with a blanket covering it. The vampire who attacked her was tied to a rack, of sorts. She saw her lover smile. "Angelus..."

"The lessons begin now." Angelus then unveiled the table.  Willow saw the various knives, the box of matches, the clear liquid, she assumed was holy water on the table.  There were also whips, a blindfold, as well as jar contained something that was moving. She also saw the coarse salt, the hooks, the pins and toothpicks.

"What shall we start with Willow?"

There isn't a stake here."

"That is the point.  This vampire has broken the rules and must be dealt with.  I showed his friends mercy, they died quick."

Willow then picked up the knife. She handed it to Angelus.  He then walked her over to the vampire.  He stood behind her, his mouth so close to her ear.  His large hands covered hers as she held the knife. Willow smiled as the vampire begged for mercy.  Willow had to admit, she felt strong.  When they were done cutting him up, Angelus took her upstairs and made love to her once more. He then walked her home and told her he would see her tomorrow.

~~~*~~~

It had been a week since she began playing with knives. Angelus had taught her well and she felt strong.  Her body ached from his lesions, but he always made her feel so much better. Angelus was a drug to her and she craved it. Willow smiled when the sun went down, knowing full well what or who else would also be going down.  She dressed in a short deep green skirt with a black shirt. She walked to the factory, avoiding the Slayer completely. She found her lover in the middle of a card game with Spike. "Hey Lover."

Angelus excused himself from the card game and went upstairs with his consort. He kissed her deeply and carried her to the bed. He quickly undressed her. He turned her on her stomach and began to kiss her back. "I want you to move in here with me." Angelus said.

"That isn't possible, not yet." Willow answered.

"Anything is possible.  This is crazy; I mean you are here a lot anyway.  I want to sleep knowing that you are next to me."

"They will find out.  I am not ready for that."

"So when shall we tell them?" Angelus sneered.

"What is the hurry? I am young and you are certainly not getting any younger."

"I grow tired of this game.  Sooner or later, they will find out."

"You tell them, you lose me."

"No, I want to see the look on Xander's face when he realizes what I have done to his little Willow.  Have they noticed the changes in you?  "

"A little.  I just tell them I started Tea Bo and it is martial arts based. Cut them slack.  Buffy will take it hard and possibly won't forgive me.  She is my best friend, and I am betraying her with every kiss. Quite the Judas, aren't I?"

"I am not Angel, not her Angel.  If she hasn't figured it out by now, then it is her problem."

"And because I love you, it's our problem." He pulled her close to him.  He loved how she thought, her logic made him smile.  He was glad to have been training her, in defense.  He watched as she staked vamps on her own, using the kicks of the slayer. Part of her agility was the tasting of his blood.  His mind raced the night she first tasted him. Even now, she drank almost daily from him, as he drank from her.   As the lovers lie in the bed together, Angelus pulled her close to him. He ran his finger along her inner arm, making her shiver. "So what have the scoobies been up to?"

"Swim team, it seems they are monsters.  We stopped the coach from making the rest of the swim team monsters."

"Yeah, that kid tasted so bitter, yuck, it took days to get that taste out of my mouth."

"Not big on the blood drinking, unless it's yours."

"And when you thirst, I will quench it."

" I thirst." Willow then straddled him.  She reached across the bed to the nightstand.  She picked up the knife he had given her.  She gently cut him, drawing blood.  He moaned loudly as she licked it off him.  "I am glad to see you keeping up your end of the bargain."

"What bargain?" Angelus murmured through half closed eyes.

"The one where I give myself to you and you leave her alone."

"I have for the most part."

"I know, that is why you have me all night tonight. As much as I can take." Willow said licking her lips.

"And then a little more."  Angelus took her, pushing her body to its limit.  He loved how her blood called to him, to hear it racing in her veins, knowing the fruit was at its sweetest, yet he did not drink.  It was times like these, he wondered if he could stop. He knew the point of turning her would be when she begging for it, then and only then would he give her his darkest gift.

He had so many ideas for his prize.  He saw the changes in her.  She was confident, assertive and much more sexy.  He had taught her three languages as well as made her strong physically and mentally.  He wondered if she would like to play with Dru, since it was no secret Dru liked women as much as men.  But she was devoted to her Spike.  He would see just how far he could push her.

Angelus let himself think as she rested from him.  He grew bored with the arrangement.  Part of him yearned to destroy the slayer.  He found the irony that his best way was through Willow. He knew if he pushed it too soon, then he would lose her.  She was into magic, heavy stuff.  He couldn't fight magic.  He realized that his obsession with Willow ran deeper than any of his others. It was her fire that kept the fascination alive and thriving. He had an idea.

Willow had woken up in the morning.  Part of her yearned to stay with her lover, but she knew she had to help Buffy with her chemistry.  Willow looked forward to hitting the Bronze tonight.  She figured Angelus would be there since it was his feeding ground.  Part of her hated how he fed, but he wasn't killing.  He left his victims alive, a little dazed, but alive. It was a compromise.  Willow made sure to "erase " her mark.  It became a habit, since she was always sporting a bite.  She couldn't help but be aware of the feeling of dread, something bad was coming, she knew.

Willow had chosen the long green skirt.  She wore the peasant top and her ring.  She had waited until Xander showed at her door, along with Cordelia Chase.  Willow thought they would be cute together.   She knew Cordelia though Willow felt "threatened" and that accounted for her much improved fashion sense.  Willow just smiled, but inside found it funny.  They had met Buffy after a patrol.  Willow was always nervous when Buffy patrolled.  If she lost him, she would be crushed.  That thought scared her. Fortunately, Buffy reported an "Angel" free patrol.

The music was good and thankfully not Oz's band.  She saw him through the smoke.  He pointed his head to one of the upper levels.  Willow smiled and went to get a drink.  She got to the most upper level. She could feel him as she looked for him.  It was almost magical as he emerged from the smoke.  Soon his mouth was claiming hers.  Willow responded with the same urgency.  She ended the kiss quick; this was dangerous.  "Angelus, someone could see."

He took her hand and told her to look down.  Buffy was dancing with Xander and Cordelia.  "She doesn't even know I am here, I am staying out of her radar."

"I felt you." Willow whispered.

"What you feel is what I feel when you are around, the blood in your body hums, making you feel powerful."

"Does it end?" Willow asked.

"At some point it does all end, but I warned you, it's the exposure to my blood.  Not that I mind, I like knowing a part of me is forever in you." Angelus said. He leaned against her. She felt his need.  She felt his hands on her hips.  She felt the fabric slide up her leg.

"What are you doing?" She whispered.

"Shh.... I am gonna make you feel good. " She then felt his leg maneuver in between hers.  She felt warm all of a sudden and then she heard the zipper.  She was on fire, wanting him.  He then took her.  He loved how she held him. Willow was in her own sweet torture. At the mansion, noise wasn't a problem, but here, with the slayer so dangerously close.  The passion went through them quickly, leaving Willow panting. She then deeply kissed him, knowing he tasted the blood from when she bit her lip to keep from screaming.

~Part: 5~

Drucilla looked at the moon.  She had noticed the changes in her Daddy since Willow had come into his life.   She even noticed the changes in Spike.  She knew that they were training her, but She should have been turned.   This angered Drucilla.   She say how her Daddy looked at the redhead, her heart sank.  Even her Spike, her beloved, talked about what a quick study Willow was.  "We shall have a party tonight, for her.  With music... and  .and tea. and cakes.  Miss Edith says..." Drucilla paused.  She began swaying as the vision took her weak mind.  "The air, it speaks to me..."

"What is it, love?" Spike asked, his large blue eyes.

"It's all wrong.  She will come and break up our happy home.... this is no good... the tree will whither and fall away from us. "  Drucilla said, whimpering as she held her head.

"Who Drucilla?  Who will take Willow away?  Who wants to destroy our home?" Spike asked his princess.

"Teacher, with books, and boxes.  She wants to send my Daddy to the light place.  Make Daddy a puppy. She'll take away our Angel."

"The watcher?" Spike questioned.

"He isn't a teacher, his girl though, she is.  Ms. Calendar.  It has to be.  She knows about me, but we have yet to be properly introduced.

"We must kill her Daddy.  She will take you away and your fire will burn out."  Drucilla pleaded with her sire.

"She is close to Willow." Angelus said, pondering the situation. He knew full well he could lose Willow if he was not careful. He needed her more than he ever thought possible.

"Angelus, you had to know sooner or later your paths would cross.  It is quite the dilemma. Kill the girl, lose Willow or let the girl, possibly get back your soul and Willow gets hurt." Spike said, fully appreciating the dilemma his sire was in.  Spike did enjoy the witch's company and really didn't want to lose her.  Plus, she kept his sire away from Drucilla.

"The Romany magic has been lost."

"It has been found." Drucilla said.

They had gone to the magic shop, confirming Dru's vision.  Angelus knew Willow would be upset, but he would not let his soul be put back.  He walked to the school.  He had kept his victims alive.  He did find himself missing the kill. He had waited for the teacher, slipping into her classroom when she was in the hallway.  He smiled as he startled her.  It felt good to hunt, just over the hellmouth.   He let her run along, giving her the false promise of hope.  Her neck snapped easily.  He took her to the watcher's place.  He had noticed the sparks between them.  He hoped to leave the message to leave what was lost, quite frankly, lost.   He then went to the slayer's just wanting to see the tears, he so loved making her cry.  Then to his horror, he saw Willow.  He watched as she cried, each tear caused him grief.  He went to her house, hoping to find and console her.  Willow needed to know why she died.

Willow's heart sank as Giles told her what had happened.  She felt numb, then anger.  She knew who did it.  Then she heard Xander's tirade.  She felt no need to defend him.  She had given herself to him, selflessly and he promised.  He broke the rules.  Her mental wanderings stopped when Buffy spoke. "There is only one thing wrong with the revenge scenario, it will get him killed."

Willow followed along in the shadows.  She saw Angelus and Giles fight.  Then Buffy came in.  Willow watched as Buffy pulled Giles from the fire.  Willow then walked away.   She felt cold inside, colder then ever.  Her heart felt heavy as she headed home.  She knew he would be at her door.  Part of her didn't want to go home, didn't want to see him.  She didn't want his hands, which snapped her friend's neck, to touch the side of her face. She didn't want to look into his eyes and lose herself in them. She knew sooner or later she would have to.  Better get it over with, she thought to herself. God, grant me the strength to turn him away.  Willow walked into her darken bedroom.  She could feel him in the room, even before she saw the silhouette of him. "Leave."

"I had to." Angelus said.

"She was a friend, and you snapped her neck like a twig.  Hell you even enjoyed it."  Willow said, her voice reflecting her coldness.

"Did I enjoy it?  I did, I won't lie to you.  I don't kill often these days.  You can paint whatever picture you want of me, but I am a vampire.  I hunt, I feed and sometimes people die."

" I am tired. It's over." Willow said.

"It doesn't end that way princess. I killed your friend because she left me no choice.  She was going to give me back my soul.  I can't have that."

"That magic was lost, she told us so."  Willow said, surprised.

"She found it, even had the Orb of Thesula.  I will not be given my soul back.  It would destroy what I have with you."

"Had, Angelus, what you had with me."

"Damn you are a stubborn one.  Fine, don't believe me then.  You are upset.  I saw you at the factory tonight.  I wanted to talk to you then, but she was around. Please, you have to believe me; I didn't kill her to hurt you.  I didn't feed from her, or torture her. I made it quick. "

"Then how did she get at Giles' place? Who left her in his bed?"

"I didn't know if she had told him." "She was my friend, and you killed her.  I don't want to see you for a while."

 Angelus leaned in to kiss her.  Willow's fist met his jaw with harsh force.  He swayed back rubbed his jaw and smiled. "I guess we only hurt the ones we love."

Willow watched him walk out the doors.  She felt her heart crack. She knew he wasn't lying to him. She remembered the spell she cast.  She didn't hear a bell ring.  She then looked at the ring in her finger. What happens now, she asked herself. She felt empty since he left. Would it have been better if he got his soul back?  Where would that leave her?  Angel never looked at her, not like Angelus did. Angel was too busy admiring the sun that was Buffy Summers.  Could she handle the inevitable jealousy that would ensue?  But it would kill her to see them hold each other, since she knew just it felt in those arms. Would she be able to break his curse? If she did, would he kill then all?  Then she wondered why her head hurt. She would forgive him, but not tonight.

~Part: 6~

It had been a week.  A week since she clocked him in the jaw. She fought with the remains of Ms. Calendar's computer.  It was barely operating. She had seen most of the files, and recognized the Romany dialect.  She saw the text of the program that would find the restoration rites.  She tried running the program, but it the commands were not functioning.  Gibberish filled the screen when she executed the program.  She was surprised to be offered a temporary teaching position. Willow enjoyed teaching, but Mr. Synder kept poking his nose where it wasn't proper.  I'll fix him, one of these days, Willow said to herself. First, she had bigger fish to fry. She stroked the cross that she began wearing around her neck as she explored the new computer.

The Scooby gang had been on a high alert since Angelus killed Ms. Calendar.  Willow didn't mind.  Part of her worried about her lover, but she had yet to see him. She looked at the moon.  Her eyes then drifted over to the cage where wolf-Oz as soundly sleeping. She then walked back over to the books, researching her bond with Angelus. She had felt him in her dreams. She found some satisfaction in the fact she had been able to revoke his invite.  Even now, she felt him in the library. She turned to the stacks and he was there. "Why are you here?"

"I missed you.  We need to talk."

"Fine, you talk, I'll leave." She told him.

She knew vamped out the moment her back was turned. "I have never lied to you, you know that.  I need to make sure you are okay, your puppy might get loose."

"I can take care of myself."

"I like taking care of you." He said, moving closer to her.

"You like taking care of yourself.  You shouldn't be here.  They might come in."

"I just wanted to know you are alright."

"I'm hanging in there."

"Come home to me. I need you. I haven't slept in almost a week. Please, I beg you, come home to me." He said.  He kissed her quickly and left.

The rest of her night wolf sitting was rather uneventful.  She wasn't sure what to do.  She knew Oz had cared about her.  And she cared about him, but he was a friend to her.  Would he understand?  Would he remember what he saw when woke up?  Willow then looked at the clock and realized she needed sleep.

Three days later it was another story.  She admitted she hadn't slept well for the last ten days.  She knew this was a result of her bond with Angelus.  He did beg, which made her feel powerful. Something she hadn't felt in a long time.   Willow lie in her bad, awaiting sleep. It was not coming.  She then decided a bath might relax her. She poured a nice bubble bath and closed her eyes. She knew her body wanted him, to feel him all over her.  Once the water was no longer warm and bubbly, she got out.  She saw her latest bite fading.  Her eyes drifted to the new leather pants. He taught her to love the way the hugged her as she walked. She slid into the black leather pants and felt her pulse begin to race. Willow picked up the low cut top and slid it on as well.   She then removed her crucifix. She looked at the ring sitting on her dresser.  She put it on her fingers. She didn't take weapons, only the knife that fit into her boot.  It was a gift from Angelus.  She then walked out into the night air.

Crawford Street wasn't far.   She walked past the hidden sentries, without even looking at them.  She knew he would be in the courtyard. She silently walked down the stairs. She could feel his eyes on her, even before she saw him.         Angelus was at her side in minutes.  She felt his hands in her hair. "I have missed my fire." He huskily whispered in her ear.         "I know you missed me, I felt it.  You should have warned me, told me what were going to do, I could have maybe found a better solution."

      "You with the slayer all day, I didn't think she would have liked that very much."

      Willow knew he was right. "Next time talk to me, before you kill someone I care about.  I know spells that can fix these things.  I do not wish to bury my friends." Willow said as she touched his face.   He then led her upstairs, needing to be alone with her. Willow smiled as he scooped her into his arms.  Soon they were locked into his master bedroom suite. Words were hastily mumbled as the passion intensified. She felt that sweet release when his fangs bit her once more. Willow lie with him, loving the feel of his cool skin.    Willow hoped the feeling of dread would pass.  They had gotten over this bump, but she knew something would shatter everything, she hoped only to postpone the inevitable.

      "You keep misleading yourself, Willow.  I kill, that is what I do.  I try to be respectful as to who I kill; I will kill to keep my soul away.  I don't care who it is either."

      "Would you kill me?" Willow asked.

      Angelus laughed.  "You know I would, only my love, you wouldn't stay dead long."

      "I don't want to be a monster like you." She said, not caring that it sounded so harsh.

      "One day you will, even now, lines that were once black and white have grayed for you.  I can see just how you have grown up.  I am impressed."

~Part: 7~

Willow felt whole again.  As she left the mansion on Crawford St., her blood pulsed. Things in her world were slowly becoming right again. Tonight the group was going to Bronze.  Willow made sure to dress in killer mode.  Buffy had seemed happy, reporting that she hadn't seen of heard from Angel since Ms. Calendar was killed.  Xander and Cordelia had arrived just in time.  Willow smirked at Cordelia's comment about Willow dressing even less "Willow-y". Willow saw the closeness between Xander and Cordelia, at first she felt hurt.  Then the little voice in her head reminded her of her affair with a notorious serial killing vampire.  She also knew that her best friend was hurting and if Buffy knew about her affair, she would hurt even more. She knew Buffy carried the torch for her Angel.  Willow inquired about anything new on the Angel front.  Buffy said Angel had been quiet. Buffy told her friend she wanted to end this; she needed to kill him, for Giles. " What if he went away?" Willow asked.

      "It wouldn't be enough, just knowing he can hurt other people.  It is my duty and this time it's personal.  I wish there were another way around it, but I will have to kill my lover."

      Willow knew that it would come to this.  She continued sipping her hot chocolate. She knew Oz was somewhere lurking behind.  She could feel his eyes on her.  Willow missed Angelus, already.  Then Giles showed up at the Bronze.  Willow reasoned that is mustn't be good. And with that, they left the Bronze and went to work.

When she got to the library, she saw an agitated Giles.  Not good, Willow thought to herself. "What's the what?" Buffy asked.

      "The end of the world." He said.

      "Huh?" Willow asked.

      "I was called to the museum, since I am an expert on very old things.  I found the tomb of Acathala. "

      "Giles, he is in a tomb." Buffy said.

      "Acathala was a demon who was slain by a righteous knight.  He was encased in stone, but there is a ritual to awaken Acathala, and with his waking breath, the Earth would be sucked into hell."

      "Where is the tomb now?" Xander asked.

      "Until last night, safe at the museum.  It has been stolen."

      "Who would steal it?" Willow asked.

      "Angel.  The security guard was murdered.  Security footage shows Drucilla." Giles said.

      "The game ends then." Buffy said.

      "Do we know where he is?" Willow asked.

      "That weird art deco place on Crawford Street.  I followed him last night." Xander said.

      "Oh. " Willow said.  Willow made a mental note, to be extra careful going to him.         "I need to get some supplies, I'll be back." Buffy said, and went home.

      Giles then handed Willow a list of things to get from the Magic Shoppe. Willow looked at the list, confused by the items.  When she asked him what it was for, he said he would tell her later.  Willow decided not to push her luck.  She did first go to Angelus to warn him to find a new home.  She went as quickly as she could to him.  Something was hoping to happen, something soon. His arms greeted her.  She felt his need and it consumed her as well.  Her list lay forgotten in her backpack as he made love to her, relishing the way she warmed him.  Willow lie still against him, dreading leaving his arms.  "You need to live here." Angelus whispered to her.         "I can't. Buffy knows your here, disappear for a while.  I can't lose you or her." Willow said.

      "That's not what's bothering you though." Angelus said, running his fingers down her arms.

      Willow curled up against him.  "Have you heard about any bad nasties coming this way?" Willow asked. Willow only cared about the demons that would open the hellmouth.

      "No. Why?"

      "No reason." Willow ran, running her fingertip over Angelus' chest.

      "Willow, remember the rules." Angelus growled.

      "Something has been unburied. Something powerful."

      "Acathala, I have him. I am not opening the hellmouth.  He is only here for safe keeping."

      "Promise me." Willow pleaded.

      "I promise."

      "You really promise me?"

      "Willow, allow me to refresh your memory, Rule number four: Angelus always keeps his words, promises and threats."

      Willow smiled. "Thank you for the new books."

      "Your power is growing, I can feel it emanating from you."

      "Thank you." Willow joked. Willow kissed him deeply. He had told her months ago that she was his, only his. He had told her if he found another man touching her inappropriately, he would be dead by sunrise. Willow knew that.  She had made sure no one touched her that way. It made her feel good, considering her parents had barely acknowledged her in the last two years. Willow knew that she had to leave soon, but god did she want to stay.

      Back at school, Willow walked past her classroom and made sure her newest bite was unseen.  She then headed to the library for a group meeting. She wanted only to go back to Angelus, but her duty called.  She saw the worried faces. "I'm back."         "Good, I will need your help with the spell.  Has Buffy returned?"

      "What spell?"

"Ok, better idea, we find Angel, we kill him." Xander said.

      "Ok, stupid question here, why not just steal Acathala back?" Willow asked, knowing that at any moment it would all go to hell, possibly literally.

      "Willow, remember Angelus bad, Angelus needs to die. He killed Jenny, terrorized us. I have been saying that from day one Angel had been bad news, but does anyone listen, no. Look what happened. People are dead." Xander spitefully said, practically yelled one could say.

      Willow stayed silent, after all Xander had a point. God help her, she thought to herself.  She was so tempted to go to him, to tell him they could leave together. Willow could barely control her emotions. Then Buffy and Kendra walked in. "Kendra? What are you doing here?" Willow asked.

      "Me watcher said something bad is about to rise.  I was sent to help.  I brought this, it was the sword used to vanquish Acathala." She said in her Caribbean accent. Giles then relayed the information to Buffy and Kendra.

      "I will see if I can find him." Buffy said. "Kendra, stay here in case Angelus does something stupid."

      Willow watched as Kendra gave Buffy her lucky stake, while Buffy took the blessed sword.  Willow saw Giles getting ready for a ritual. "Giles, what's going on?"

      "I found the curse. I need your help with it." Giles said. Willow closed her eyes as if to warn her lover when the noise came. Willow went to help but then all she saw were books and it was too late for any spell to save her. It all went black.

When Willow woke up, she was in the hospital. She saw Oz there. "Oz, what happened?"

      He told her about how Kendra was dead. Xander had a broken arm, Giles had attempted to perform the curse and Buffy was wanted in Kendra's murder. She began to cry when they said Angel was sent to hell. Willow closed her eyes. She felt nothing through her bond. Willow felt empty inside.

~Part: 8~

Willow looked at the calendar.  School would start tomorrow.  She silently wondered where Buffy was. Willow continued her exhaustive efforts to locate Buffy via the web. It helped keep her from being depressed. The gang assumed Willow's depression was over Buffy being MIA. She couldn't tell them that her lover was gone. It would only make things worse. Willow saw how Buffy's absence was affecting Joyce and Giles the most. Even Cordelia seemed to miss Buffy. Sometimes, even Willow herself wondered how these catastrophic losses didn't break her. Willow had done a fairly decent job, when the gang wasn't "helping", keeping the undead population down. She knew her memories kept her going.  She remembered the lessons Angelus gave her.  He taught her how to be a master, not some minion.  Willow was unofficially running the town, doing Buffy's job.  Willow found herself at the mansion pre-patrol. She wasn't a slayer, but she was the next best thing. Plus, she recalled Buffy telling her that kicking ass was comfort food and it only made her stronger.

Willow found herself at the mansion.  Memories came back to her quickly, making her dizzy.  She missed her family, her dark and fanged family. In truth, she missed Angelus and Spike.  She formed a deep friendship with Spike. Ok in fairness he was also a gifted lover. Drucilla she really didn't miss. Then she paused, she knew just how right Angelus was, she would never be the same. She found herself rubbing the mark on her neck.  She felt confused. Looked around and found one of Dru's dolls.  She threw it across the room.  She saw the stone encasement whose demon stole her lover.  She touched Acathala hesitantly at first, as if it would bite her. Part of her yearned to destroy him, but it might unleash him. Willow was glad her patrol was successful five vampires fell to her stake. Willow then did the glamour spell and went to the Fish Tank.  It was the official dive bar, but she liked dancing to the music here.

Willow had made a full recovery, which made Giles happy. Especially since he didn't smile as often these days.  She wondered silently if maybe she could help him.  She had seen hints of Ripper and she liked it. Willow enjoyed the friendship that was blooming with Oz. He knew that she was confused about her feelings and she made him no promises.  She found out he never left her side when she was admitted to the hospital. That mattered to her.  She knew she hurt him, when she suddenly dumped him.  She knew Angelus would hurt him and she didn't want him hurt. She would contemplate that another night. She felt the need for a quick drink.  Willow then did the glamour spell and went to the Fish Tank.  It was the official dive bar, but she liked dancing to the music here.

Willow had her fill of dancing and left. Willow went home and got ready for Bronzing.  Oz's band was playing so she had to be there, well, she didn't have to be there. Willow had let Oz stay in her life. She didn't care about seeing his crappy band play or the Bronze. She lost her lover, her dark knight. It had been almost four months since he left. She missed him terribly.  She didn't care when Buffy left, well she did, but not like losing Angelus. She missed a decent night of sleep.  She saw Angelus in hell in those dreams, it only made her heart ache more. She missed him terribly.  She left when the band took its break. She told Oz she was going home, it was a school night.  He gave her a goodnight hug and she parted. Oz wanted so much more from her. She had yet again told him she just wanted friendship. She found a good friend in him.  But could he ever forgive her if he knew the truth?

The first day of school had been very uneventful. There was a knock on her door.  Willow was looking over some files when she looked up to see Buffy standing in the doorway.  Willow noticed her friend looked different, looked older. "Willow?"

Willow got up and hugged her friend.   Buffy told her how she went to LA.  Willow understood how hard the challenge was for Buffy. "Do the others know you are back?"

"I came to you first, well second.  I went to Mom first.  We had a long talk.  I told her everything. She was hesitant to let me out.  But I had promised her I would be back.  Did I miss anything?"

"No, the hellmouth was well, un-helly.  You were missed. The cops were looking for you."

"I know. I talked to them.  I told them I ran away from an abusive boyfriend, they had nothing on me. Synder has booted me from attending classes. Mom and I are resolving that."

At the library, Buffy was warmly welcomed.  Willow even saw Giles be British and hide a tear.  Willow smiled, and felt a little less empty.  She knew Angelus was gone. But having Buffy around made it easier to deal with.  Soon, it was like old times, Buffy was back in school.  Willow allowed herself to sleep with Oz the sex was okay, but it paled next to what Angelus could do to her. Oz reminded them the band was playing tonight and they were invited. Willow dressed in leather pants, since she knew Oz liked it. She liked it even more.  Angelus taught her to love the feel of leather against her bare skin.  Willow was sipping on her soda when she saw him.  She immediately saw how he looked away from her.  This made her smile; she could feel his fear of her.  Willow slowly got up and decided to say hello.  "Hello Owen."

"Hello Willow.  How are you?" She could see the agitation in his eyes.

"Bored mostly.  I was thinking about what you said that night.  Do you remember that night?"

"Yes, its one of those nights I don't think I can ever forget." He said with a boyish smile.

  "I was a crappy dresser.  How do I look tonight?" Willow sweetly asked. She knew Owen liked the sight of her leather-covered ass.

"You look very hot," Owen said, and then quickly added. "If that doesn't offend you."

"Thanks, I forgive you. Friends?"

"Friends." Owen said and they shook hands.

"Take care Owen." Willow said and walked away.  She swayed her hips just a little bit, knowing he was still looking at her ass.  She then went back to the group.  She knew Owen was watching her.  Her mind raced.  Owen could be dangerous.  She liked dangerous men.  Oz might have a monster within him, but he wasn't dangerous.  The band had played its second set.  Cordelia had noticed "slut-o-rama" on the dance floor.  Willow was wondering who she was and how to be her friend.  Buffy could sense the vampire and went out, with the group trailing behind her.  Willow licked her lips when she realized there was a new slayer in town.  Her name was Faith.  Willow found the irony of a slayer named Faith.  Willow knew this girl was dangerous and god Willow wanted her.  Willow was getting frustrated as every time she tried to befriend the girl, she was shut down.

Oz had been on the road and Willow was bored.  She thought about Faith, but she still wasn't sure if Faith would even be remotely interested. Willow went to the Fish Tank again. Willow found Owen alone. Willow was glad to be wearing a just a little too short skirt. She took the empty seat next to him. "Buy a lady a drink?" Willow asked.

"Will it get my ass kicked?" Owen asked her.

"No, but it would make me smile."

"Then I have to buy the most hot girl in here a drink. You look really good tonight."  Owen said. Willow smiled and drank her vodka and cranberry.

"Thanks. I didn't know I would find you here." Willow said. The bar was a dive, but the drinks were cheap and the music was good.

"Sorry I couldn't talk the other night, Oz was around.  He is protective."

"I have noticed you have some protective friends."

Willow smiled. "I do, too protective at times.  Want to dance?"

Willow led him onto the floor. He pulled her close, letting her feel him against her.  He felt good against her.  She felt his hands on her hips as she rubbed against him.  She felt herself on fire.  His hands wandered from her hip to under the waistband of her very little skirt.  She danced as he touched her most sensitive area.  She moved to the music whimpering out her release.  She then led him to the parking lot. She followed him to the car.  They were passionately removing each other's clothes. She felt his hands touching her; just rough enough.  It made it feel even nicer.  Soon she was riding him, making him crazy.  She felt his hands all over her, pulling at her hair, playing with her nipples to just before pain. The orgasm rips through them both, leaving Willow feeling alive. She didn't care, as she knew she would bruise.  She had to admit, he felt good inside her. She then got dressed and left him half naked and panting in his car.  She walked home.  She drew herself a healing bath to soak away the bruising.  He wasn't Faith, but he would do.

~Part: 9~

Willow again broke up with Oz.  She wished she could feel guilty about her fling with Owen. She didn't. She cared about Oz and didn't want to hurt him.  He looked relieved.  He told her he had also been having doubts and he found someone who also was a werewolf. Willow was glad for him. He deserved someone that could give herself to him in ways she couldn't ever. Willow had told Owen that what happened was their little secret.  He did remind him if wanted to ever touch her again he would do well to remember that. She then smirked, remembering when those words were told to her. He smiled and made sure he gave her his cell number, in case she ever got bored again. Things were sort of okay.  Willow was home when the feeling hit her. She felt dizzy and her head hurt.   She took two aspirin and went to sleep.   A new watcher had come to town and something about this woman rubbed Willow wrong.  She felt defensive as this woman belittled Giles.  Faith was even more not around after this, which really bummed Willow out. Faith kept to patrols interesting. Willow so wanted to relieve Faith's post-patrol cravings. Willow had seen hints of Angelus in Faith. But who cared anyway, Willow thought.  Willow tried to be helpful, but she was losing her patience.  Willow knew Oz would be all wolfie tonight and Willow had volunteered to wolf sit.  Willow debated on calling Owen, for a quickie in the stacks, but changed her mind.  It really was Faith she wanted.  But did Faith swing that way?

Giles had the group meet in the library during lunch.  Willow saw the serious expression on his face.  Giles dropped the bomb. "We have a situation. It seems that Angel is back. Buffy has known about it and has been keeping it a secret." Willow felt stunned, as if someone had hit her with a two-by-four. Willow listened as Xander went on his tirade. Cordelia just filed her nails and made her usual comments.  Willow closed her eyes and tried to focus on Angelus.

She thought she felt him back once before, but shrugged it off as wishful thinking. Willow concentrated and felt a presence. It wasn't Angelus; it was Angel. Willow sat by quietly as the group confronted Buffy.  Willow just got up and walked out of the room. That night she stayed at home.  She picked up one of the books given to her by Angelus. She knew that sooner or later she would have to face Angel.  So what happens now? What would Angel think of her? Would he feel guilty about the changes that I have gone through? Would he see how pathetic she was? Would he tell the others? How would he feel about Buffy?  Would he even still want her? Would he miss the old Willow? Where did that leave Willow? Once again Willow would be a shadow. Once again, she would be Buffy's shadow.   Willow successfully avoided extended or intimate contact with Angel. Every time she was around him, her blood would hum.  It seemed as though the lights faded whenever he entered the room. She tried not to notice his eyes linger on her.  She knew this was a result f her bond. A few times she caught herself looking at his neck or his wrist, places she drank from him.  She felt the fever work in her blood as she remembered the way he tasted. Willow was then face to face with Angel, quite literally.   Willow's intuition about the new watcher was justified.  Willow saw the energy heading straight towards her. Her legs couldn't get her out of the way fast enough.  She felt him before she saw him. Willow hoped she didn't moan as Angel knocked her over, protecting her.   She missed the feeling of his body on top of hers, his hands in her hair, his lips on her neck. Willow saw his eyes dance as he lay on top of her. She felt his hardness pressing against her. She saw the look Angel was giving her; it was the one that made her crazy. It was pure desire, offering promise of further pleasure.   "Get off me." Willow whispered in a low menacing voice. Angel did right away.  She could see his pained expression. She knew that expression well as she saw it reflected in his eyes when he looked at Buffy. He wanted to say something, but couldn't. She left the mansion as soon as she could. Willow hadn't spoke to him since then. Things got progressively worse. The gang had accepted Angel and managed to work together. It broke Willow's heart to see Buffy in Angel's arms. Willow wished that Spike was back in town.  He was fun, in so many ways. She missed the touch of a vampire lover. She closed her eyes and remembered the nights that Angelus shared her with his childe.  It was the knock on her window that startled her.  She saw Angel standing outside the French doors.   She knew he saw the mark on her neck. She wondered if that scar was from the night she first tasted him. "Come in."

"I need to apologize to you." Angel said softly. He wouldn't look her in the eyes; he looked at the carpet.

"At least look me in the eye while you lie to me." Willow told him coldly.

"I never lied to you." Angel responded coldly. He noticed the ring sitting on her dresser.   "Apologize for what, loving me?" Willow spat.   "I have no regrets about loving you. For how things ended. I will never be sorry for loving you. Nor will I ever stop. Ever."   "You tried to open Acathala! You promised me you wouldn't." Willow accused.   "I was not going to. Dru had the vision about the gang restoring my soul. That was why the group went. You were not supposed to get hurt. Stephen accidentally bumped into the bookcase that fell on you. As soon as you were hurt, the group retreated. When Dru told me about what happened I lost it. Then Buffy came.  You know the rest."

"Did you come looking for me? I mean check to see if I were really dead. You know Dru never liked me.  She tolerated me. I guess you were a little preoccupied with ending the world. So I am back to being nothing, go to the slayer. Have a nice un-life." Willow said and turned her back to Angel.

"I don't know if I can." Angel said. "What we had was stronger than anything I have ever felt.  I need you. The slayer pales in comparison. I am bound to you."

"Angel, I am not bound to you. I am bound to Angelus.  I will always love him.  When I look at you, I see my fire burning out.  You need to leave."   "Willow, ..."  Angel said, looking at her, trying to find a spark.  She stayed there with her arms crossed. He looked into her eyes, pleading for her to let him into her world again. He knew her resolve face. She wouldn't let him in.   "Fine, princess...play stubborn. I love you." Angel said and kissed her hard; he knew her lips would bruise.  He didn't care. His kiss was everything.  It was aggressive, demanding and was paradise. Willow moaned as Angel pressed his hardness into her.  He didn't let up until she was getting dizzy.  His fingers traced the mark he gave her, knowing that she loved having her neck worshipped.

"Get out or I will throw you out." Willow threatened. She watched him turn and walk away.  Then she cried. She felt dead inside, knowing that a part of her wanted the body, but not the soul.

~Part: 10~

The following days had gotten harder as Willow continued to play the role of a caring friend.   Her nerves had been on high alert since the group knew he was back. She knew that Buffy still cared for Angel. Part of her was glad to see him getting accepted, but her heart ached.  Willow knew it was bad as she was finding Xander, the spineless one, appealing.  She gave him credit since he tried.  She also saw a dark potential in him. She even had a sneak make out session with Xander.  She did it as a fuck you to Angel. Willow found her self almost growing bored with Owen. She did surprise him with handcuffs.  She found out just how dominant he liked his women.  She knew that underneath Angel's front, Angelus was glowing with rage.

It was just a small stab back at him for giving her best friend those eyes. Willow wondered how Buffy would react if she knew that every night Angel would lurk outside her bedroom window hoping to be re-invited into her home.  Willow tried to be a friend to Angel. It was too much for her to bear.  She found herself drawn to his neck, his fingers anything that was his. She felt as if now she were joining him in hell. She had the ingredients lined up to "de-lust" her and Xander.     She was surprised to see Spike in the classroom.  Spike quickly knocked out Xander. "Duck!" Willow said. Willow then hurled the glass object in his direction.

"Bloody hell!" Spike snarled. Willow smiled. Willow just stood there, wearing a short skirt.  Her eyes traveled Spike's body.

"You look well."

"Thanks. You do know that this is a kidnapping, right? Do I have to hit you or can you pretend to be unconscious?" Spike asked Willow.

"Depends are you going to drag me along, cuz I really like this skirt?" Willow asked.

Spike smiled. "I can drag the whelp, I can carry you over my shoulder."

"Going to cop a feel too, Spike? "  Willow said.  She was then rewarded with a slap on her ass.

Spike picked her up and dragged Xander to the factory.  He put them in the underground bedroom. She knew he had been drinking.  She reached into the pocket and took out his flask.  She then took a healthy swig. "I am glad to see you."

"I need your help." He told her.

"What do you need?" Willow then turned and straddled him, knowing full well that her skirt just got a lot shorter and his fingers were oh so close to her. Willow whispered in his ear.

She felt his hand grab a hunk of her hair, she whimpered. "I need a spell, a love spell.  I want Dru to come back to me."

"Spike, I can do that, but you deserve better.  She doesn't appreciate you.  I can appreciate you.  I can make you happy." Willow said.  It was Xander who started moaning. "Sleep." Willow whispered and he went back to sleep.

"What kind of game are you playing?" Spike asked her.

"See, I like vampires.  Plus, I know just how good you feel in me.  My Angelus is gone.  I can stay with you."

"Angelus would rip me apart."

Willow stroked the front of his pants, feeling his desire rise. "I know you aren't afraid."  Willow then kissed him deeply.  She felt his cool hands run all over her.

"I want you on all fours." Spike growled.

" I can do that, but first I want to show you my appreciation." Willow said.  She then slid down the bed and unzipped his jeans.  In one stroke he was buried in her throat.  Spike moaned loud.  Willow continued to work him, teasing him as best she could. She drank him as he came in her mouth.  She then licked her lips. "Bloody hell."

"I want you sober when you take me.  I don't want you to come too fast."

"All fours now." He growled.

Willow obeyed and he slid into her.  He teased her ever so slowly.  He then picked up the pace after her third orgasm.  His hands teased her, making her tremble.  Soon he felt her so close to that sweet release, he then slid two fingers in her ass.  She yelped as came hard. Soon his fingers were replaced with his length.  Willow felt herself being stretched as never before. Angelus hadn't ever taken her there before. She couldn't stop as she begged him for more. After what had seemed like forever he finally came, shooting his seed deep in her. Willow had a hard time willing her legs to move. She looked him, smiled and told him.  "Damn, that was wow! Bite me.please?"

"No."

"Then no love spell."  Willow felt his face change and she felt one more release as his fangs broke skin. Willow got dressed as best she could.  Her body ached from the powerful mating.  She then wrote out a list of things she would need.  She told Spike to hurry up.  Willow waited until he left and found a mirror to look at her mark.  Willow shivered as her skin tingled.  She then heard Xander moan.  She masked her mark and went to his side.  It took forever when help arrived.  She saw Angel and the others.  But first Cordelia had seen them kissing.  She knew Angel had smelled the sex in the air.  Willow did her best innocent act. When Buffy brought her home, Willow smiled. Buffy was sorry that Spike got to hurt Willow.  Buffy then said her goodbyes.  She knew Angel was watching her.   She opened the balcony doors.  She watched as he went to enter, but an invisible barrier kept him out.

She smiled as he realized what she had done. "You let him bite you."

Willow smiled. "Among other things."  Willow had slowly slid the skirt off.

" I did nothing to deserve this.  Why must you hurt me this way?" Angel asked.

"Because you are not my mate, therefore I am not committed to you.  How do you think it feels on my end, the way you look at her?  I am amazed you haven't told her about Angelus and I."

"It would destroy her."

"She will find out one day. I don't know how, but she will.  She'll hate us both.  She'll see the mark on my neck and know it was you who gave it to me.  Just like she will know I hid it from her. I have spent many hours thinking about what I would say, and I can't come up with something good."

"Are you planning on telling her?"

"No, then I lose her and the chance to keep tabs on you."

"We could leave here, travel.  This is killing me I love you so much, Willow."

"But not enough to be him.  If you can't be what I need, then I am sorry."  Willow said and shut her doors.

Willow knew he was still there, looking at her through the sheer curtains.  The offer had been tempting.  But in the end, he would hold onto his soul and never be her Angelus.  She knew she had been cutting Angel deep.  She had tried not to hate him.  She tried to be his friend, but the memories of her lover made that impossible.  Willow had long since realized her attraction to Angelus was trouble.  She dreaded the day they would find out who she had really become. Buffy would be judgmental and Xander would be convinced it was the magic.  She wondered if Giles would understand, after all he had a dark side.  But in his case, had was the key word.  She didn't really care what Cordy thought, besides Cordy would not hold her two cents back.   She did feel bad about Cordy seeing the Xander smooch.  Willow was just glad to be home, the one place she felt safe.  So much was happening and she wanted to be a part of it.  The hardest thing was the Faith going evil part, not vampire evil, just evil.  Willow was very attracted to Faith and Willow was very curious as the books of ascension.  Her mind spun out a plan, since she was restless.

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