Author: A. Price

E-Mail: jared@hsnp.com

Rating: PG

Disclaimer: Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel & Co. belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, UPN and the WB Network. No copyright infringement intended.

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"Buffy, if you will wait a few minutes, I"ll go with you" said Angel as he drew her into a hug and showered her with kisses. She returned the kisses, "I need to go, and I'll never leave if you don't stop that. I'll try to make an early night, a couple passes through the cemetary. She smiled at him and they kissed again.

"I'll meet you there right after dark. Be careful" he told her as she went out the door.

They neither one had any way of knowing that this had been their final kiss. Buffy arrived at the cemetary to find a dozen or more vampires waiting for her. She fought as bravely as she had lived her 21 years. She took several out with her, but in the end the odds were too great for even her slaying abilities. Buffy was gone.

Angel arrived at the cemetary soon after. "Where is she?" He found his answer as he turned the corner of the mausoleum. "No!" his scream echoed through the cemetary. He picked up Buffys battered body and cradled her in his arms. He pushed her bloodstained hair from her face gently, cursing himself that he didn't have the breath to breathe life back into her.

He didn't know how long he had been sitting there, when a familiar voice came, "Angel, whats ..." Willow didn't finish her question. She saw Buffy and knew immediately what was wrong. Through a mist of tears Willow put her hand on Angels shoulder. Sobbing she told him they had to call the police. She was sobbing loudly now.

"The Police? Why? What good have they ever been? They can't help her" he said bitterly.

"It's a formality for her parents sake. Someone has to go tell Giles" she was trying to summon all her courage. She knew she needed to be calm. She looked at her friend holding the body of her best friend. "Oh, Buffy" she cried softly.

"Angel, I'll call. You go to Giles. Go now!" she said calmly.

"No, I'm not leaving her again. I promised to always be there Willow" Angel was sobbing into Buffys hair, holding her tightly.

Willow was adamant "Angel you have to go now. Go get Giles!" she told him with a sob stuck in her throat. He finally got up gently lying Buffy down and kissing her on the forehead. He left for Giles apartment.

Willow called the police. They assumed Buffy was just another jogger who met a sad fate in Sunnydale. There was alot of sad fates met in Sunnydale. Willow went home made the necessary phone calls and broke down. She cried most of the night for her lost friend.

The funeral was held a few days later. Joyce Summers had been inconsolable. Buffys Dad had been very calm until the white casket was lowered into the ground, then he also broke down. Giles appeared to be numb, his face was blank throughout the whole service.

Xander and Cordelia had been married about a year now. They clung to each other in their grief. Oz and Willow had parted as friends after High School. He had come in from LA for the funeral. He held Willow and let her cry on his shoulder. Oz had always known what to do. He was an excellent friend.
 
 

Willow got up the next morning early, she couldn't sleep. She went for a walk she knew it was dangerous. But as of now she didn't care. She walked towards the cemetary, thats when she saw him. Angel was standing at Buffys grave, she guessed he had been there all night.

"Angel, its almost dawn. You need to get inside" Willow said softly as she came up behind him.

"I don't think so Willow. I think its time for me to greet the sunrise, right here, beside her" he said sadly.

"Angel, Buffy wouldn't want that. Come on, I'll walk you home. Please don't make me lose two friends in one week. I don't think I could handle it." She begged him.

"Okay, but there's really no reason left to go on. She was my life Willow" he told her as they walked to his place.

The usually neat apartment was a mess. Angel had obviously been on a rampage. Willow sidestepped broken glass and furniture. "Angel promise me not to do any thing stupid. Please" she asked him with a sigh.

"I promise" he said dully. It would be an easy promise to keep, he had decided what he needed to do. Vengeance was his, and every vampire that had been remotely connected with her death would pay. He would kill them all.

Willow left for work uneasy. At noon she called to check on him. "I'm okay" he told her. She was just relieved to hear his voice.
 
 

That evening Angel went on a hunt. He showed no mercy to any vampire he found. He got names of anyone connected to Buffys attack. He came home and moved out of his apartment. He left a note for Willow, he knew she would worry about him.

Willow did worry. She came by the apartment and found the note taped to the door. The note said briefly:

Willow,

Don't worry. I'm okay, I've got work to do and I can't be distracted. Take care of yourself and Giles. Don't let him blame himself for everything. I'll see you again someday.

-Angel
 
 

Two years later

Willow was climbing the ladder of success in a computer business. She had not married, she had just ended a relationship with Brent. A man she worked with, she had thought she loved him, but they grew apart. He took a job in Alaska.

Willow kept in close contact with Giles. He still had a hard time talking about Buffy. They all still missed her.

"Miss Rosenberg, do you need anything, before I go?" asked Willows secretary.

"No, go on home. Thanks" she replied.

Willow went back to her desk and sat down at the keyboard. A familiar voice entered the room. "Hello, Willow" he said with a smile. It was Angel, he of course had not changed a bit. Willow practically jumped over the desk to him. She hugged his neck tightly. She pulled away to look at him.

"Where have you been?" she asked him with that Willow smile.

"Around. If I had known I would get that kind of reception. I would have come sooner." he smiled back at her.

Willow didn't know but Angel had been busy. He had tracked down and killed every vamp involved in Buffys death and a few more for good measure. His grief had been long and strong. But he felt like he had finally avenged her death and came to terms with his loss. He would always love her.

"Can you leave?" he asked Willow.

"Sure where are we going?" she asked curiuosly.

"I need to visit someone, and I don't want to go alone" he answered.

Willow drove them to the cemetary. They walked to Buffys grave, Angel knelt beside it. He whispered softly "Hello, Buffy. I'm sorry I didn't come sooner. I wanted you to know, I got them all. Everyone of them that hurt you.. I love you" He sobbed and stood to go.

Willow put her arm around him. She said a silent hello to Buffy and led him back to the car. She drove to her house, she had bought a house when she got promoted. She invited Angel in. "Angel stay in my guestroom tonight. We neither one need to be alone." she said matter of factly.

He didn't argue, she was right. He didn't want to be alone anymore. They sat down to talk. "Why aren't you married, Will?" he teased her.

Willow explained about Brent "I think I was in love with the idea of being in love" she said. "He left last week for Alaska."

"Its his loss, Willow" said Angel sincerely.

Willow changed the subject. "Where are you staying?" she asked.

"I don't know yet, don't worry I'll find a place" he told her.

"Stay here, I've got three bedrooms. I promise not to bother you. Please say yes" she asked him sweetly.

He thought for a moment "Okay, at least for now. If you're sure"

"I'm sure" she told him and they talked for another hour.
 
 

The next two weeks flew by. Angel could cook! He had dinner ready every night for Willow, after the first week she quit working late every night. She looked forward to coming home. They spent enjoyable nights in front of the tv. They'd even had Xander and Cordelia over for dinner one night.

As Xander and Cordelia drove home that night he remarked to her, "Willow is in love with Angel"

Coredelia looked at him surprised. "Xander they are friends, they are helping each other out. Why do you think that?"

Xander replied "Because I know her better then anyone. She loves him, she may not know it yet though. What is it about that guy?"

Cordelia smiled at him "He's sweet, charming, loyal, and not bad too look at" she teased Xander. He looked at her and rolled his eyes. She added "And he still has nothing on you Xander" as she cuddled next to him.
 
 

The third week started badly. Angel heard a crash in the bathroom floor he got up to investiagate. Willow sat in the floor the scent from a broken perfume bottle filling the air, she had a plastic device in one hand. She was mumbling and crying "Its blue, what am I going to do?"

Angel helped her to her feet. "What's wrong Willow. Let me help"

Willow was crying softly. "I'm pregnant Angel. What am I going to do?" she looked up at him with sad eyes.

Angel was stunned for a moment, but thought a moment and said "You are going to marry me, Willow. We'll take care of this baby. Brent's out of the picture. I want to be there for you. I'll love the baby"

"We're friends Angel. You don't want to marry me" she said sadly. She had started feeling more for him.

"Willow, friends have the best marriages. I won't expect you, I won't expect certain things from you. I just want to be there." he pleaded with her.

"Okay" she said in a small voice.

She explained the situation to her friends. Angel and she went away and got married. Angel spent his first night as a married man on the floor by her bed in a hotel room.

Willow woke up the next morning with her first bout of morning sickness. Angel heard her in the bathroom and went to the door. "Don't ...ack... come ...yuk..in here" she exclaimed when she saw him.

Angel ignored her and came in anyway. He helped her up and got a cool washcloth for her face. He helped her back to the bed. He looked at her pale face and knew he couldn't deny it. He loved her, he loved his wife!

Willow was still feeling queasy. Angel had been so attentive and sweet. But now he was staring at her oddly. This was going to be harder then she thought because she was falling in love with her husband!

He catered to her every need all day. That evening he decided he had to tell her how he felt it was only fair. Willow was getting ready for bed.

"Willow, I have to talk to you" he said shyly.

"Okay, what is it" she asked him.

"I love you, I know its sudden. But I do. I love you and I thought you should know" the words rushed out of his mouth.

"You love me?" she asked wanting to be sure she had heard him right.

"Yes, I do" he said quietly.

"Oh, Angel! I love you too! I was afraid to tell you" she was almost in tears now.

Angel took her in his arms and they kissed a gentle, sweet kiss, their first kiss. That night Angel didn't sleep on the floor!
 
 

When they had been home for a couple of weeks. Giles invited them over. He said he had something important to discuss with them. He also wanted to check on Willow she had explained that this was for the baby's sake, but he thought that the feelings were deeper then that.

Angel and Willow arrived at Giles' to find Xander and Cordelia already there. Giles explained that the new slayer would be arriving in a about 5 months she had been in LA since she was called and her new watcher wouldn't be arriving for awhile, her father was being transferred here. Naturally, her family knew nothing of her destiny.

Giles needed their help with some research and patrolling. Xander and Cordelia said together "Sure anything we can do to help".

Willow nodded in agreement "Whatever you need Giles" she said happily.

Angel then spoke very seriously "I'll do what ever you need Giles, but I won't have Willow involved in it. I lost Buffy to this "job". She was the chosen, there was no choice. But Willow is pregnant and she does have a choice. I won't lose her too."

Willow stared at Angel. It was a look he'd never seen before, and it scared him. Xander picked up on the look.

"Angel, can I talk to you in the kitchen?" He asked, nearly dragging the reluctant vampire out of the room.

"What?" said Angel confused.

"Angel, that look that Willow just gave you... Memorize it. Avoid it. That is her resolve face. When you see it, know you have lost whatever battle you were fighting. Don't tell her what she can and can not do. She doesn't like it." explained Xander.

"You know don't you?" asked Angel "You know I love her?"

"Well, if I was't sure before, your performance in the living room pretty much proved it. Take care of her! By the way she will forgive you, but you may have to grovel for a little while." Xander said with a smile.

Meanwhile:

Giles was apologizing to Willow. "Willow I would never put you in danger. I need your computer talents. I did not mean to anger Angel."

Coredelia who was as tactful as ever looked at Willow "Okay, marriage of convenience! You two love each other don't you? When did you figure it out?"

"Yes, Cordelia we love each other. But unlike most couples we decided to figure it out after the wedding" Willow giggled softly.

Giles looked uncomfortable at this conversation turn, but he had already figured it out for himself. Angel and Xander returned to the room. Angel turned to Giles

"I'm sorry Giles. I know you wouldn't risk Willow. Willow I'm sorry" he said with a hint of embarrassment.

Giles answered "Its okay Angel, I understand. Could you patrol downtown? Xander and I will patrol the cemetary."

Angel was confused "Willow and I live closer to the cemetary. I can patrol there"

Giles spoke hesitantly "I didn't know if you would want to go there. It has such bad memories for you."

"Its okay Giles. It had bad memories for all of us. I'll take Willow home to her computer and then I'll make a pass through the cemetary." Angel said sounding almost like the old Angel.
 
 

Willow scooted next to Angel in the car as he drove. "Please be careful okay?" she asked him.

Angel settled Willow at the computer with a glass of juice and a prenatal vitamin. He headed for the cemetary. It was quiet no sign of anything unusual. He found himself by Buffys grave. He sat down and began to talk to her "Hello, Buff. First, I need to tell you that I love you. Then I have to tell you something else. I hope it would make you happy." He explained about Willow. Then added "It doesn't mean I've forgotten you. I wish I could have a sign that you understand" At that moment a star fell from the sky.

Angel smiled and softly said "Thanks Buffy." He left the cemetary happy.
 
 

Willow and Angel were happy. He had read every book he could find about pregnancy and childbirth. He babied Willow and had talked her into quitting work earlier then she had planned. He loved to lay in bed at night and feel the baby moving.

Months passed and the new Slayer was arriving. Giles wanted them to meet her so he called them to the library. It was too early for Angel to be out so Willow went alone. She was due anyday and feeling out of sorts. She felt like an elephant. Cordelia reached over and patted her tummy.

<Great everyone thinks they can touch my stomach because I'm pregnant.> thought Willow grumpily.

The new Slayers name was Emily. The complete opposite of Buffy, she was taller with dark curls and brown eyes. She was also an A student and she was all of 15 years old. She had been working with Giles this week, he was impressed with her. She had an outgoing personality like Buffy though and a sweet disposition.

"You must be Xander and Cordelia" said Emily smiling "Giles told me about you"

"We'll help you however we can" said Cordelia with a smile.

"And you are Willow, right? You're married to Angel who is a vampire?"

"Yes, thats me. You'll meet Angel later," said Willow trying to smile. She did not feel good.

They had a pleasant time with Emily. She was a sweet who accepted her duty naturally.

Willow got up to go with some help from Xander. "Let me give you a hand, you largeness" he teased her. She gave him a look. He quickly apologized "Sorry, Will"
 
 

"Hey, Sweetie. Hows the new slayer?" asked Angel when she arrived home.

"She's nice, I think she'll be okay" said Willow as she sat down with a soft moan.

"Are you okay?" asked Angel full of concern.

"I think I am in labor, I've been having twinges all day. But now they are pains and they are about five minutes apart. And , oh my," Willow stood up soaked "I think my water just broke."

Angel called the midwife. Willow had decided to give birth at home. Mrs. Preston was there in ten minutes. She examined Willow, "You are at seven Willow, it won't be too long now."

Angel held her hand and wiped the sweat from her brow. Willow never screamed out, she gritted her teeth. Mrs. Preston examined her again, "Its time Willow, one more big push"

"I can't, I'm tired" Willow said weakly.

Angel whispered in her ear "Come on Will, just one more push"

"Okay" she said as she gathered her strength and pushed with all her might.

Mrs. Preston smiled as she announced "You have a daughter, a beautiful daughter"

She cleaned the baby up and lay her on Willows chest. She motioned for Angel to come over "Look at your little girl Daddy. Shes beautiful!"

Angel and Willow counted all her fingers and toes and marveled at her beauty. Mrs. Preston left them alone. "She needs a name, Willow" said Angel as he gently touched her hair. "Buffy, Buffy Noelle. I want to call her Noelle" said Willow "Is that okay?"

"Its perfect" said Angel as he put his arm around his wife and daughter. There was a knock at the door. When he answered it, Giles, Cordy, Xander and what must be the new Slayer stood there.

Xander started speaking before he could say anything "You should have been there, we took Emily to the Bronze, She scoped out two vamps and staked them before they knew what hit them. She's good."

Giles agreed with Xander "She is impressive, where is Willow?"

"Well, I've been trying to reach you all,. Willow has been busy, she gave birth to a beautiful baby girl tonight" Angel explained happily like the proud papa he was.

Cordelia spoke first "Let me see the baby!" she squealed as Angel led her to the bedroom. Emily followed, Angel smiled at her "You must be Emily, congratulations no your first slaying job!"

Emily smiled back "Congratulations on your baby!" she replied smiling. Giles sat in the living room thinking about the night. One slayer was gone, another had taken her place. He went to see the baby.

Cordelia asked if she could hold her. Willow handed her over gently. "Whats her name?" she asked.

"Buffy Noelle, we're calling her Noelle" explained Angel.

Giles smiled to himself. A bright girl named Buffy was gone and new little Buffy Noelle had come to carry on her name. Life is full of endings and beginnings. He smiled at the little bundle.

"You can't have her Cordelia!" laughed Xander then he added "But, we can try for our own." She smiled at her.

Everyone left them alone and went home so Willow could rest. The baby fell asleep between Angel and Willow on the bed.
 
 

Several weeks later, Angel and Willow bundled the baby up for a walk. They walked to the cemetary to Buffys grave. "This is Buffy Noelle, Buffy. We wanted you to meet her" said Willow with a smile. Angel smiled at his wife and baby. Angel could have sworn he saw the same star fall that he had seen the night he came to tell Buffy about he and Willow. He said a soft thank you and walked his family home. He was finally at peace. He had thought life had ended when Buffy died, but now it was just beginning with Willow.

Wonderful, sweet Willow.

The End

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