Let's Dance On

Author: Snizzle

E-mail: drsnizzle@aol.com

Rating: PG

Distribution: Just ask!

Disclaimer: *takes deep breath* I do not own any of the BtVS characters,although I wish I did, then I could take them home, feed them ice cream, buy them cute little clothes, and teach them how to do my homework. Joss owns them.

Summery: Willow shows her stuff again- this time in front of a couple more people- with the help of a few drinks

Spoilers: Any of Season 3 may be used

Authors Notes: This is the 2nd in the "Kiss Me" series. Season 3 happened,but this is probably in the future. Buffy and Angel are not together(YAY!!!!!!) Graduation took place, but Angel did not leave. Giles and his books are still in the library, and the Mayor did not have an ascension, or however you spell it. In fact, the Mayor and Wesley don't exist in my story, so there! I am not gonna talk much, if anything at all, about the graduation, but yes, Willow and everyone else are out of high school.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

~Part: 1~

"Willow! Wake up! I have to be at the airport in 4 hours, and I haven't packed a thing!" Buffy's complaining pulled Willow from the slumbers of sleep. Picking her head up from the wooden table in the library, the sleepy redhead peered out at her blonde friend.

"Buffy, I was just resting my eyes." Groaning as she sat up, she pulled her book bag from under the chair, and proceeded to stand up on unsteady legs. Buffy just rolled her eyes, and whined, " Why couldn't someone else be the Slayer? It's such a pain for catching flights!" Willow smiled,thinking her friend was joking, until she realized that Buffy actually felt that way. Surprised,

Willow tried to ignore that comment, instead saying, "Come on, you don't wanna miss your flight. You deserve a vacation, and this is it!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After seeing her friend board her flight, Willow turned around to see Giles behind her, watching as the plane took off to Los Angeles.

Trying to lighten the mood, Willow joked around, saying, "Well, it looks like I get to be the Slayer while she's gone." Giles smiled, still lost in his own world. Watching him for a few moments, Willow finally pulled him out, commanding,

"Giles, let's go to the library. I told the gang we would be there after we dropped Buffy off." Finally out of his world, Giles nodded, and led Willow out of the crowded airport, wondering what type of trouble would turn up in Buffy's absence.

"Willow! Just the girl I wanted to see!" Cordelia's unexpected pounce on Willow caused the hacker to stumble back, before regaining her stance again. Cordy ignored this, as she began her talk.

"Have you heard about the party being held at the Bronze tonight?

It's gonna be so awesome! We have to go! I mean, normally I wouldn't invite you to go with me, but I figured this would be the perfect bonding time for us since Buffy's not around, and I can give you a makeover!"

As Cordy paused to take a breath, Willow sat down, astounded. Even though that insult was in there, Willow knew that Cordy didn't mean it as an insult, and was probably lonely.......

".. And I've already talked to Giles. He said we could have the entire day and night off! So come on, let's go to my house, and get daddy's credit card, and buy new clothes. I will buy some for you, since we are NOT going to Sears." Before Willow could register what was going on, Cordy wasndragging her through the library doors, and out to her car.

~~~~~~~~~

Willow struggled to carry all her purchases, as Cordelia steered them through the mall, heading into Macy's. She tried convincing Cordy that she didn't need any clothes, or that she'd pay for them, but Cordy wouldn't listen and used the credit card to buy her and Willow new wardrobes. Though Willow admitted that the clothes bought for herself were wonderful, she couldn't see herself in them. She screeched when Cordy led her into Victoria's Secrets.

"Willow, it's time you buy something from here. Come on, let's get some pajamas. They have these wonderful silk sets...." Cordy's voice droned on, and Willow looked through the store, still embarrassed at being here. They finally left after Cordy found a silk nightie, and Willow got a silk top and boxers. Free from the confines of the pink store, Willow let out a sigh of relief. After more shopping, the two friends left the mall, leaving with purchases, and somehow, through it all, more knowledge about the other, bringing them closer together as friends.

¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤

"..... And since you're wearing that bright green spaghetti strap top and those black Capri pants, it would be so awesome if you went glittery. I know I have some glittery barrettes for your hair, somewhere...... oh look! Here's that body glitter! When we get to that party, Oz is gonna be so mad that you two broke up and he's gonna want you ba- Willow! Have you seen those earrings I was gonna wear?" Willow's head was spinning as Cordy was talking. Still unsure how she had been talked into wearing this outfit, Willow stepped out behind Cordy's bathroom, trying to hide behind something, ashamed at how much skin was showing, and how tight everything was. Cordy paused in her droning talk to gaze at Willow

"Willow! I KNEW there was a girl under all that fuzzy stuff you wear! Oh, I have the perfect shoes to go with that! I'm so glad we have the same shoe size!" Cordy approached Willow holding a pair of sling back sandals with a chunky heel. Amazed at how Cordy could con her into wearing anything like this, Willow put them on, and was then led over to the makeup mirror, where Cordy had her makeup spilled over the table. Looking at everything, she could tell that Cordy wasn't kidding when she said 'makeover' was gonna be involved. "You're done, I'm done, we both look great, let's go wow Sunnydale!"

Cordelia praised Willow and herself while gathering her purse together. Shocked, Willow just sat, staring into the mirror. This wasn't Willow. This reflection was..... pretty. Her hair gathered up, with glitter barrettes and a few loose strands hanging haphazardly around her neck, showed her cute, almost pixie-like ears, her thin neck,

and set off her high cheek bones. Her eye shadow was the color of her shirt, with specks of glitter, and her cheeks were lightly coated with sparkly glitter. Her lips were dark red, with lip gloss on top. <This can't be me> Willow thought. But it was. Before she could stare at herself any longer, Cordelia grabbed her arm and started pushing her out of her room and down the stairs.

"Let's go! We don't want to be late." Cordy's voice dictated as she opened the garage as unlocked her car. Quietly to herself, Willow added, " Then how come I don't feel great?

~Part: 2~

<This isn't happening. This isn't happening> Willow repeated this to herself, as she pretended to be fascinated in what a popular football jock was saying. Like many other guys, he had stared at Willow when she first entered the Bronze, and then tried to woo her with their pigheadedness. Bored out of her mind,

Willow pretended to be interested in his story about how he saved an elderly lady, the marching band, and still managed to win the football game, all at the same time, while searching the room with her eyes for Cordelia. Spotting her near the bar, she politely excused herself from the jock, claiming to be returning shortly. Trying to shake off the jock's speaking as she walked away, she tried to ignore the stares at catcalls from other guys as she walked briskly over to Cordy.

"Come ON Willow! Have some fun! Live a little! This may be the only taste of popularity you get, and you shouldn't waste it!" Cordy dictated their conversation as Willow tried to cut in to argue. Before Willow could utter a single syllable, Cordy spotted an old boyfriend and headed over to gloat about how she was so much better than him. Sighing, Willow sat on a bar stool, looking around the room.

" And what will your fancy be? A mug of beer? No, you're too classy for that. Hmmm.... Vodka? Wine?" The bartender interrupted Willow's deep thinking by asking her questions. Startled, Willow looked at him, like he had grown another head. "Well, what will it be?"

About to say that she was too young, the redhead changed her mind and said, "Margarita please." Waiting as she was about to be carded, Willow was surprised as he handed over the drink without asking for ID. She wondered what it tasted like Willow took a sip then a gulp.

~~~~~

An hour and many drinks later, Willow wasn't regretting coming to the Bronze at all. Not having seen Cordelia for the rest of the night, she had entertained herself drinking and talking to guys who came over to meet --the new chick in town--. But now she was bored, and wanted to dance. Not on the dance floor < That's too boring> she thought. Spotting a table near the dance floor, she got an idea.

Staggering over, she stood around until she heard Korn's 'Freak on a Leash' being played by the new band. Gingerly climbing on the table, she stood for a second, looking at the dancers on the floor who had not noticed her yet. Beginning to doubt her idea, she started to climb off the table when she thought, <Buffy would go through with it, and make me wait for her to finish.> Enraged at that, she stood up straighter on the table, and began to sway. As the music's rhythm began to pick up, so did her movements. A group of young men gathered around her table, watching eagerly as she began to move her hips around, and the crowd grew as she leaned down and took a guy's hat. Using it as a prop, she held it in her arms like a baby, she suddenly threw it up in the air, and began a full blown dance that would have made belly dancers proud.

By now the group on the dance floor had stopped their own movements to watch her. Even Cordy, who was talking to her little group in a corner, saw Willow. < It's about time she lightened up> was the only thought Cordy had before she went back to talking about her nightmare nail job.

Entering the Bronze, Angel was aware of a crowd gathering around a young and drunk girl. Moving over there to see who it was, he stopped mid step as he watched Willow repeat the dance he and Spike had a private showing to, with more movement. Spotting her stagger, he rushed over to the table, and pushing his way through the crowd, managed to catch Willow in his arms as she fell off the table from passing out. Carrying her in his arms, he left the Bronze with her, much to the disappointment of the teenage male population of Sunnydale who decided to come to the Bronze.

~~~~~~~

"My head- it hurts- I feel like I have been hit by a car- where am I- maybe I am in the car that hit me- I wonder who hit me- maybe they know me- probably from school- I hope I didn't have any homework...." Willow's mumbling was cut off as she heard someone enter the room. <Not good>.

~Part: 3~

"Willow? Are you awake yet?" Angel's concerned voice filled the dark room. Willow sighed in relief, then regretted it as she felt the giant headache laugh at her. "Ugh.." Was all she could get out before collapsing against the pillows.

Mistaking as passing out, Angel rushed to her side, and, while shaking her elbow, said, "Willow!? Willow?!!?" "Ow! Don't talk so loud!" Willow replied, burying her head in the pillows. Chuckling to himself, Angel soothed Willow, murmuring whispers of sleep in her ear until she took his suggestions and went to sleep again.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Meanwhile, back at the Bronze, Cordelia gathered her things, and went to look for Willow. After searching the place for 30 minutes, she became worried, and called Giles, alerting him of Willow's disappearance. Neither thought that Willow would be somewhere, being taken care of. Doing the only thing he knew, he called Buffy's father's house, and called Xander's house. Telling them of Willow's disappearance, Xander promised to head over to the library, and Buffy said that she would catch the next flight to Sunnydale. Both thinking of the worst situation imaginable, they forgot that Willow could take care of herself

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

From Angel's journal

As I watch her sleep, I feel this calmness set in. Knowing that my love is near makes me feel complete. Yes, I see it now. All these years of merely counting her as a friend, I recognize this feeling as love. One I never felt for Buffy. For Buffy I felt lust, danger, a wanting to prove everyone wrong. But with my true love, my redhead, I feel peace, comfort, feelings of pure pleasure just to be near her. My sweet Willow. I know she and Oz broke up, but what if she still harbors feelings for him? Or worse, Xander? I know I should call Giles and let him know that I have her, but I can't bring myself to pick up the phone and leave her small frame. Covered in masses of sheets, my angel sleeps. My sweet angel. Truly, she IS an angel. I pity those who never have recognized it. Her spirit soothes my beast my demon.

Willow, my Willow, deserves so much better than me. I will try and work up to her standards, but how can anyone be a god? Still, I must try. I passed her by once, and I refuse to let her go again.

~Part: 4~

The phone ringing pulled Angel out of his fitful slumber. Grabbing it and leaving the bedroom before it could wake Willow, he pressed 'On' and said, "Hello?"

"Angel, I have some bad news." Giles' grave voice sounded through the phone. Picking up on the vibe, Angel asked, "Giles, what is it?"

Giles sighed, and said, "I'm afraid it's about Willow"

Angel, shocked, said, "Willow?"

Giles, with his voice breaking, said, "Yes. She's disappeared."

Willow picked up the other phone, in time to hear that last part.

Running out of the room she grabbed Angel's arm, and motioned for him to follow her, leaving the phone in the room. She leaned up and whispered in his ear, "Angel, please play along with it. I really don't want to see them right now." Trusting him she left and went back in the bedroom.

"Angel? Are you still there?" Giles's voice came through over the phone as Angle picked it up again.

"Yeah, I'm here." Angel sighed inwardly, wondering what he was getting himself into.

"We are all here at the library. Please come down here now, and help us decide what to do. I hope she's safe." Giles' voice broke.

Angel said, "Oh, believe me, I am sure that she is."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Angel walked into the bedroom, greeted by Willow brushing her hair and looking as though she was getting ready. Slipping up behind her, he gently pried the brush from her hands and began to brush her hair gently, while saying, "You know that they are gonna kill us when they find out about this."

Getting a grunt in response, he continued, " So, what are we gonna do now? I have to go to the library in a few minutes, and they are expecting me to be as scared for your safety as they are. Well, little one, you've managed to get drunk, lighten up a little, and get a hangover, all while scaring your friends. What are you gonna do now?"

Willow, trying to keep from smiling, replied, "Go to Disney World!"

Angel smiled, then began to think. An idea forming, he reached under his bed and pulled out a suitcase. "Well, little one, maybe not Disney World, but perhaps something else."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Leaving his suitcase and Willow behind the library, making sure that she had stakes and holy water in case of an attack, Angel entered the library, faking concern for the redhead. Looking at the picture of Cordelia, Xander, and Giles all huddled together, he felt a pang of guilt, but then thought about how he was helping Willow. Though he knew nothing of her situation yet, he sensed that something wasn't quite right in Willow's world, and he intended to

fix it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Outside, Willow began to get excited. Houston? She had never left the Sunnydale city limits, much less going to Texas. Finally, a vacation. <With someone who isn't that bad looking> her inner voice said. Shushing it, she tried to imagine Angel, laughing. Even though she knew that Angel was taking her on a vacation for her benefit, she became determined to get him to be happy. <No more broody guy.> Sitting down on a nearby bench, she waited for Angel to finish up inside.

~Part: 5~

"Howdy y'all. My name is Kermit, and I'm your pilot for tonight's flight to Houston, Texas. As some of y'all know, the weather out in Texas is tendin' to be a bit on the rough side, so expect some rain while you are in Houston. Please put up your trays and turn off all electronic equipment. I don't think y'all want us to crash! Thank you, and have a good trip." With a little bit of crackling noise, the pilot's intercom cut off, leaving Angel and Willow to glance at each other and burst out laughing. Angel had reserved them the entire first class section, apologizing that he was sorry they couldn't get their own plane, they were all being used.

Willow bounced slightly in her seat. Yay! Houston! Vacation! A time to get away from Buffy, Xander, the Hellmouth, and to spend some time with her favorite vampire. <Whoa! Where did that thought come from?!> Sighing, Willow began to think about the real reason why she was looking forward to getting away from Sunnydale

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A few weeks earlier

"Oz! Hi! I thought you didn't see me! I've been calling your name, but sometimes I need to speak up, you know, but I'm glad that I caught up with you! Geez you walk fast." Willow stopped speaking to catch her breath. Oz turned around, and said the words Willow had always dreaded to hear.

"We need to talk."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Willow? Willow! Wake up! Come on, wake up!" Angel's concerned voice jogged the redhead out of her fitful sleep. With tears still in her eyes, Willow looked around, trying to figure out where she was.

"Willow? Are you OK? You were dreaming? Do you need to go back to Sunnydale?" Angel bombarded her with questions, causing Willow to smile.

"What? And miss this trip? No way! Don't worry, I'll be fine." Willow tried to calm Angel down, getting him to sit back down in the seat beside her. "And now, I am gonna try sleeping again." Putting her head on his shoulder, Willow dozed off to sleep, this time with memories instead of nightmares.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Thank you for flying with us. I hope y'all have a wonderful time in Texas, and you can buy a cowboy hat down in the lobby. Thank you again." Clicking off for the last time, the pilot came out of the cockpit to greet each person leaving the plane.

"Goodbye, partner. And Goodbye little miss. My, aren't you a pretty thing?" Blushing, Willow looked up at the pilot, only to be scurried away by Angel, who was glaring at the pilot. "Hey partner, I wasn't trying to get you mad. Only complimenting yur female friend." The pilot's voice flowed down the hallway, reaching Angel who was still clutching Willow protectively.

~Part: 6~

"Giles, I'm so depressed! Angel's gone away, and left me here!" Buffy's whining voice filled the library as she entered. Angered, Giles shot back,

"Yes, and to top it all off you broke a nail. Oh, and let's not forget that your BEST FRIEND is missing!" Confusion filled Buffy's face, then realization.

"Oh, I remembered about Willow, but I knew that you were already worried about that, so, um, I thought that I shouldn't bring it up." Pleased by her try at a lie, Buffy sat down in a chair while Xander entered the library, asking, "Any news on Will?" Buffy, looking at him and patting the chair beside her, answered,

"Nope! And to top it off, Angel's gone out of the country, to Ireland. He got a call from some secret society requesting his help in fighting off killer leprechauns armed with clovers of doom, or something like that. Isn't it a coincidence that they are both gone at the same time? Hey, maybe there's some prophesy dealing with Willow's kidnapping and Angel's leprechauns! I am getting SO good at this detective stuff!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Angel, are you sure that you can afford all this? First the plane, then the limo that picked us up, and now you've reserved THE ENTIRE HOTEL FLOOR?!?!?" Angel laughed as Willow tried to look angry at him, but failing, only to come up with a smile.

"Willow, believe me, I have plenty of money. Now, go drop your purse off in one of the rooms-" he gestured to two rooms which the bell boys had opened for them- " because you won't need it. I will cover everything."

"Angel, quit being cryptic! Where are we going? Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease? With a cherry, er, blood on top?" Angel grinned wickedly as he replied,

"I hope you have good walking shoes on."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Giles! I'm back from my nail appointment! Any luck with the researching about Angel, um, Willow an Angel's problems?" Buffy flounced down in a chair. Giles stared at her, feeling anger set in. He began to walk towards Buffy, almost predatory, armed with a book on Ireland.

Buffy looked at her nails, admiring the job. Cordelia certainly didn't lie that Maurice's Hair styling did great work on nails. Getting inspiration, she dug through her purse, and pulled out a pack of gum. She never knew what hit her until the book dropped from Giles' hands and onto the table in front of her.

~Part: 7~

"Ow! God Giles, why the Hell did you do that?!?!" Buffy rubbed her head where the book had made contact. Giles turned around so she wouldn't see his smile, and said, "Er, I saw a fly on your head,"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As evening came to Houston, it found Angel and Willow already getting in a limo, about to leave. As soon as the car started, Angel looked over at Willow, who was fiddling with her hands.

"Willow? Is there something you wanna talk about? I don't mean to pry, but you've been quiet ever since we got on the plane." Angel voiced concern, which startled Willow out of her day dream of memories.

"Oh, I'm fine, just, you know, thinking" As the redhead shrugged off the concern, Angel wasn't fooled. He replied, saying,

"That didn't really answer my question." Smiling, Willow said, "Maybe I'm picking up some pointers from Cryptic Guy." Hearing Angel chuckle, Willow let herself think about what had been troubling her for so long.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A few weeks earlier

Oz walked down the hall, and outside to a set of benches. Willow followed him, wondering what he wanted to talk about. Oz motioned for her to sit down, and when she did he sat at the bench in front of her. Opening his mouth a couple times with no sound for a little bit, he swallowed, and started off by saying,

"Before I start, let me say that I think you're a wonderful girl. And that's why I can't go out with you anymore."

"But, Oz, I think you're a great guy. That's how boyfriends and girlfriends feel about each other, not to break up. What did I do? I can fix it, I promise!" Oz sighed, and began rubbing his temples. Willow's head was reeling with questions, maybe he was dumping her because she didn't dress or look cool enough. Maybe-

"I met someone else." Oz stared at the ground as he muttered this out loud. Willow gasped, but tried to remain in control of her feelings.

After a few minutes of both staring at the ground, she finally said, while trying to hold back her emotions, "Do I know her?" "Yes."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hey guys! I think I found something! Listen to this! 'And the dancing plants moved around in a spiritual dance, hypnotizing the watcher, being drawn into their elusive world'!" Xander, obviously proud of what he was able to find, read out loud to Giles, who grew more and more irritated.

"Very good Xander, except for one thing. IT'S PART OF THE CRITIQUING OF DISNEY'S FANTASIA!!!" Giles threw down his book in front of Xander, and went into his office, slamming the door after him.

Xander turned to Buffy, and said, "And how do we know that Disney was not in on all of this?

~Part: 8~

Buffy remained unseen as she watched Giles work around stacks of books, trying to find one that might lead them to Angel and Willow. Buffy, however, wasn't concerned about Willow as much as she was about Angel. <How DARE he break up with me!> Buffy's inside voice screamed. Nodding to herself, Buffy disappeared through the shadows, and outside to the benches near the library.

Ever since he had broken up with her so many weeks ago, she had been trying to find a way to make him realize what he had given up, to beg for her to forgive him and to take him back into her powerfully strong arms. And then something had happened, and the opportunity came up. She had found someone who would follow her to the end of the world, to give up the one they claimed to have loved, and to drive Angel mad, all with just a little nudging on her behave. The person who could be persuaded that loving her was the right thing to do. The perfect guy. Oz.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Tell me how you got them to believe that you weren't coming with me or after me, Angel. This I gotta hear." Willow settled comfortably in the limo, using one arm to help prop her up to look at Angel, the other holding a glass of wine.

"I actually didn't tell them. I told Buffy." Angel replied, humor seeping into his voice. " I told her that I had to leave. I was expecting her to start falling over me, but she looked at me first and said, "'Angel, honey, where? Why can't I come? Why are you leaving'?" Angel snorted before sipping from his glass of wine. Willow eyed him, watching as he watched her. Since he wasn't going to finish the tale without her feeding his ego, Willow rolled her eyes, and said, "Finish the story Angel, or else I'll- I'll- I'll think of something mean and horrible to do to you and your unlife." Angel chuckled inwardly as he tried to imagine Willow beating him up. Sighing, he continued his story.

"I hadn't planned for all these questions from her, so I started making up things, and hoping she would believe me. I told her that I was going to Ireland, to help track down a magician who was turning four-leaf clovers into monsters." Willow interrupted him by giggling, but he continued, "The next part made me almost kill her though. I said that she couldn't come because she was needed here, to look for you." Imitating Buffy's high-pitched whiny voice, he said, "'But Angel, I love you, and they can look for Willow. I'm sure that she's fine. I can't stand being alone from you'!" Angel took another sip of his wine, and finished up by saying, "That's where I walked out of the room."

Willow was unnerved by this, but not surprised. Because Angel was looking at her, concerned that she would start crying over this last statement, she changed the subject by saying, "When can you drink wine?"

Smiling again, Angel offhandedly replied, "I can drink it, and get drunk, but no hangovers. I have to drink a lot though just to get tipsy." Willow thought about this statement until the driver of the limo said,

"Sir, we are here." Looking questionably at Angel, Willow sat in the limo until the driver opened the door. Angel came around the side of the car, and said, " I hope you like shopping and walking, because this is one of the biggest malls in America. Welcome to the Galleria Mall of Houston Texas, Will."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Are you sir? Yes, well, thank you for your time." Giles hung up the phone, still shocked. No prophesy? No clovers in Ireland needing to be killed except by a lawnmower? Then that must mean that Angel.......................

Giles stopped his thinking there. Mumbling to himself, he started saying, " What did Angel do? Lie? Fib? Make them do unnecessary research?

Yes, but something was picking at his brain, an unsolved question. Why? Why did Angel feel the impulse to leave right as Willow was-" Giles' voice trailed off as realization hit him. Willow was as at much chance of being dead after being kidnapped as Angel was in Ireland, killing mutant plants. That must mean that Angel and Willow are together, somewhere... " I'll kill the bastard for putting this idea of leaving in her head." Giles uttered viciously.

~Part: 9~

Spike was curious. One of his minions had just given him a note, saying that it had been found staked to the outside door of the mansion. Wary but interested, Spike followed its instructions to come to the school's library alone, and wait inside. It also enclosed not to bring any vampires with him.

As Spike entered the library, he was amazed at not being able to sense the Slayer nearby. What amazed him more was what he did see. "So, the librarian has decided to kill William the Bloody," Spike scoffed at Giles, who was standing alone, holding his glasses. Giles glared, and put his glasses on. After staring at the blonde vampire for some time, Giles finally said,

"You aren't really as scary as you think you are." With that, he turned around, and picked up a book off the table. Starting to flip through it, Giles pretended not to notice Spike's anger at what he had just said. Growling, Spike stalked over, and ripped the book out of Giles' hands.

Throwing it to the floor, Spike uttered, "What do you want? Death?" Smirking, Giles replied,

"I need your help in tracking someone. Actually, two people, but once you find one then you'll find the other. One of these someones has disappeared suddenly, leaving no trace as to where they went. The other lied to us, saying that they were going to help out with a prophesy in another part of the world, and left. This occurred around the same time of the disappearance of the first person. It turns out that there is no prophesy. The second person lied to us, and I have reason to believe that these two acts are connected. I believe the second person either kidnapped or brainwashed the first person into fleeing." Giles paused to swallow. Spike's head was reeling. Shaking it, Spike said,

"Hold on a minute. This is all very confusing. Who is the second person? That might make it a little easier to understand, mate." Spike looked at Giles, who was rubbing his glasses with a handkerchief, obviously wanting to continue with the story. The Watcher sighed, and replied,

"Fine. The second person is Angel." If Spike could have gasped, he would have. Angel? Soul Boy? The Slayer's love toy? Giles continued, "Angel lied to Buffy, and has left, leaving no trace as to where he really went. Now, I need you to find him, and bring him and the first person back here."

"But what if he won't come back?" Spike wanted to make sure that he was hearing all this correctly.

"If he won't come back, then by all means, kill him." Giles then turned around, so Spike couldn't see his face. "Angel has been a big help in the past, but this is too much. Though I would love it if he would come back, and maybe pay his debts to us all, if he won't then he must be stopped before he kidnaps someone else." The room was quiet for a few moments before Spike finally asked the question that had been burning at his brain.

"Who is the first person?"

"Willow." Spike did gasp. Willow? HIS Willow? Angel had taken the redhead? The Slayer's friend? Angel had taken Willow? <He took MY Willow?!?!!? The bastard! I'll kill him! He knows that she's mine! Well, not yet anyway, but... Wait, why didn't he take the Slayer? Would have saved me some trouble getting food-ah! I knew it! He loves her! I'll really kill him now!>

Giles' voice stopped Spike from thinking any further. "So, will you do it? You must swear on your unlife to bring Willow back here. You are my only hope, and you're Willow's only hope for life, I fear." Spike nodded, which caused Giles to ruefully smile, and say, "Well, let's begin."

~Part: 10~

Furiously typing, Willow finally let out a squeak as she scanned the computer monitor, making sure that what she was reading was correct.

"Yes! I found it!" Willow allowed herself to whisper loudly to herself, knowing that Angel was out on the town tonight, picking up supplies that he needed, like blood, and was coming back for Willow in about 2 hours. "Just long enough to do the casting," Willow murmured.

She had been spending her time away from Angel looking for the perfect gift for him. After deciding that she couldn't buy him anything grand enough, she opted to try out some Magick. And when she decided on what to give him, she knew it would be perfect. It had taken awhile to find the spell, but it was very easy, and she had, in fact, the things needed for it in her basic magick set which she carried with her on trips, with the usual things, like lavender and a dagger..... <Normal things for a normal girl> Willow dryly thought. Getting lost in her imagination, she pictured Harmony and her little friends trying a spell, making every other word 'like.' Shaking herself, she glanced at the clock, and groaned when it said that she only had a little over an hour. Not near enough time to do the spell. After printing out the directions, she put it in her pocket and shut down her computer, waiting for Angel's arrival. She made a mental note to herself to set her alarm clock very early, so she could do the spell be fore sun rise, and wake Angel up right before the sun started rising.

So Angel could see it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"..... I want my baby back baby back baby back ribs.. Chili's baby back-" Spike cut off the TV. He was in a hotel in L.A., waiting for his 'person' who was searching for Willow and Angel to come by with some news. They had found a source who claimed that the two had gotten on a commercial plane late at night and reserved the entire first class. He described Willow as 'The girl with the fiery red hair and beautiful eyes and a great as-" That's all he got out before Spike grabbed his neck and snapped it, anger flowing in his stolen blood. <How dare he look at my Willow! She's mine!>

The phone rang, bringing Spike back to the real world. He hadn't realized it, but just thinking about the man had gotten him angry again. Snarling, he grabbed the phone on the second ring and hissed, "What d'ya want?" Hearing a chuckle, Spike winced as the voice on the other line said,

"Well, Spike, in America people don't usually answer their phones like that." Getting a snarl in return, the voice chuckled and started speaking, "It's Jim man, calm down. I found a lead on your broad-" Spike growled menacingly as Jim's choice of words about Willow- "and her male friend. Turns out they took a little trip to Beef Land. Ol' Texas. Remember the Alamo. Home of the San Antonio Spurs and the Houston Rockets. Land of oil. The Flat-"

Spike interrupted by saying, "Texas? What part?" Sighing, Jim said through the phone,

"Houston." Slamming down the phone, Spike grabbed his jacket and his bag, filled with the few necessities he needed. Picking the phone back up again and dialing, he said,

"I'd like to book a flight to Houston Texas for tonight. First class. By God, if I have to sit in coach again..." His voice trailed off as realization hit him. He knew where his redhead was. His pet. He was going to get her and kill the wimp who took her away from him. Smiling viciously, Spike started again to the lady on the phone, "Sorry about my temper pet. Just a bit angry. Just found out that my dear father is on a death bed in Houston, and I am a bit eager to go see him, for the last time. Family things." The lady on the other end was charmed by his voice, and replied,

"It's OK. I am so sorry about your father. Are you close to him?" Holding back laughter, Spike truthfully said,

"We aren't that close, anymore. We had some arguments about his choice of, um, living, and have been at each other's throats since. Now is the last time I will be able to speak to him." Clucking her tongue, the lady spoke up again,

"That is just SOO sad! I know this sounds morbid, but have you known about your father's failure in health?" Smiling, William the Bloody answered,

"Yes, I knew it was coming soon. In fact, I have already made arrangements for his burial. He shall be cremated. You know, when they turn them to ashes." Then he hung up before he could hear any more of the lady. Taking a look around the hotel, Spike left, clutching his jacket and bag, keeping an eye out for a taxi.

~Part: 11~

"... Let the creature of the night become one with the light!" As Willow finished chanting, she felt the surge of magick rush through her, leaving her breathless and dizzy. Collapsing on the floor, she stayed there until she had her wits together again. A glance at the wall clock told her that sun rise was in 6 minutes. Standing on shaky legs the witch managed to get to Angel's room. Knocking, she said,

"Angel? Can I come in? Something's happened, and I need to talk to you." Willow was unsure how to approach Angel about this.

Hearing him groan out, "Come in," Willow went in, and stood beside the bed. Folding and unfolding her hands, Willow started mumbling incoherent words to still-sleepy Angel's back. Turning over, Angel looked at her, and said, "Willow, what happened? Did you break something? Don't worry about it."

Getting her nerve together, Willow looked Angel straight in the eye, and managed to squeak out, "It's about to start. Hurry, get out of bed. I got a surprise for you." Willow walked over to his chair, and grabbed his robe. Tossing it to rising Angel and managing to keep her eyes from looking at his naked chest, she continued, "I've been working hard to find it. I hope you like it." Standing, Angel walked up to Willow, and pulled her chin up, making her look at him.

"Willow, what's going on? I told you that you are in now way in debt to me." Willow grinned and said, "And you actually thought I'd listen?" Angel chuckled, but stopped when Willow's face took on a look of horror.

"Angel! We have to get to the window! It's starting in 30 seconds!" Willow ran over to the heavily curtained window, and took one of the curtains in her hands. Before she could pull it back, however, Angel raced over and covered her hand with his, preventing her from pulling it back.

"Willow, what are you doing? I'm sorry, but I can't get burned, not yet." He turned Willow around, and took her chin in his hand again, tilting her head up. He was shocked to find tears in her eyes, staring at him. He took her trembling body in her arms and said, "Willow, what's the matter?"

She pulled away, and snuffled out, "You don't trust me. Angel, don't you see? I got you the only thing I could, and you don't trust me enough." Angel took her back in his arms, and said, "Of course I do, Willow. But what did you get me? Tell me and I will do anything you want me to. I do trust you." Willow looked up, and replied quietly, "I don't need to tell you. Just trust me. Let me pull back the curtain. I won't let anything hurt you, Angel." He released her, his dead heart pounding.

She pulled back to curtain, and opened the glass door that led out to a patio from the hotel. Reaching for his hand, she said shyly, "I hope you like it." Angel tentatively took her hand, and stepped into the light pouring from the door. Shock does not describe what he felt when he didn't feel the burning start. Before he could utter a word, Willow pulled him through the doors, and he finally saw the beginning of the first sun rise he had seen in over 200 years. He stood still in the middle of the patio, then took a few steps toward the railing on the edge. Holding on, he stood, blood tears forming in his eyes, while salt tears formed in Willow's eyes, who moved to stand beside him.

"Do you like it?" Was all Willow got out before Angel pulled her in his arms and gave her a bear hug. She started giggling, but stopped when she felt the blood tears start falling from Angel's eyes. She started to climb out of his embrace, scared that she made him depressed, but was stopped when his arms encircled her again.

"Thank you Willow. I owe you so much already, I don't know how I will ever to be able to repay for this again." Willow felt her own tears start to fall as she hugged Angel, her tiny frame pressed against his big frame. She managed to say muffled,

"Don't say that Angel. I just wanted you to be happy. I know Buffy should be up here with you, but I hope you still enjoy the sun." She felt his arms hug her even more tightly as he said,

"I wouldn't want to see this sun rise with anyone but you. Willow, you are my best and only friend, and you are the most powerful, sweet, generous, giving, beautiful person I have ever met." Feeling her start to say, "Except Buffy," he stopped her by saying, "More than Buffy. So much more than Buffy." Willow tilted her head up, tears now falling quite rapidly from her face, like Angel's, disbelievingly, but never got to express her opinion as Angel chose that time to lean down, and press a soft, sweet kiss on her lips. Surprised, she jumped back, but found that she was still trapped by Angel's arms. He pulled her to him, her cheek against his chest, as together they watched the beginning of the day, yet neither knowing that they were also getting involved in something else just starting too.

~Part: 12~

"What if God was one of us? Just a slum like one of us? Just a stranger on the b-" Spike cut off the rented car's radio, smiling to himself. He had rented the car from the airport at nine at night, but no one noticed anything unusual about him, even though he demanded that the car have heavier tinting than was allowed. Of course, they had a lot like him who had odd requests, so it was no big surprise. He thought to himself, "IF God was a vampire like me, when demons died, they would go to Heaven, get their wings, and come back to Earth to torment humans again. Now, that would be the life, or, unlife." He stopped that train of thought as he pulled up to his hotel. While climbing out and tossing the keys to the valet, he murmured to himself,

"Now, my little redhead, you shall be mine. And Angel shall be back in Hell. Forever."

~~~~

Giles stood in front of his closet, fingering his old leather jacket. He smiled viciously, and put it on. With Buffy acting like a bitch, Xander an idiot, and no Willow, it seemed the perfect time for Ripper to have a little fun. He threw down his tweed jacket, and looked down. The tight black pants still looked good, his black leather boots slick, and his white shirt and jacket completed the outfit. He said to the room, "Now let's see if today at the library is boring."

~~~~

The next day in the library

"Whoa! Giles! You look like you're Rip-" the words left Cordelia's mouth before she realized what was happening. "Oh my GOD! You ARE Ripper! Are you evil?" Sighing, Giles sat on a table, fingering the leather jacket.

"Not evil, Cordy, just much more calmer. And dealing with all these problems just took a toll on Giles. While he's resting, I'm here to play." Ripper purred out the last part, ending with a smirk.

~Part: 13~

Willow and Angel strolled down to the elevators, both with big smiles on their faces as they kept on looking at each other. People passing by might think they had planted a bomb or were crazy. They rode down the elevator to the lobby, where they strolled through, Angel enjoying the feel of the sun's warmth on his skin as they went through the revolving doors. They hailed a taxi outside, and Angel gave instructions to the driver.

"The Museum District please. Outside the Science Museum." They rode in companionable silence, with Angel staring out the window, looking at all the people and Willow looking at all the buildings. The trip in the taxi ended very quickly, and Angel paid the driver, and thanking him

"Oh, my" Willow gasped as they entered the museum. She went in the gift shop while Angel waited in the short line for tickets. Willow amused herself looking at all the trinkets, until she found the books. Spotting one of the stars, she quickly became engrossed until someone tapped her shoulder. She jumped, and spun around, glaring at a smirking vampire.

"Angel! You scared the daylights out of me!" Angel chuckled as Willow tried to look angry.

"Well, if you weren't so engrossed in that book then maybe you would have heard me approaching you." Willow put the book back, as Angel began looking around the shop. It had been a long time since he had been in such a store, and was keenly amused to find that they were selling rocks for more than just a couple dollars. Looking closely, he saw that they were sculptured to resemble animals, and his grinned widened. Willow found his among the cluster of people, and saw his grin. She came up beside him, and said,

"And why are you laughing at a rabbit rock?" Angel studied the rock while replying,

"My father used to shape rocks like this, and sell them dirt cheap to the little kids in the village. He used to do these wonderful intricate carvings on them, and when a child had one they felt that they had bought something absolutely beautiful, like a piece of jewelry and such. My mum used to scold him, that he was losing money in the side-job, but he used to just laugh, and say, "Woman, I am the one gaining in the end. Seeing those children's faces makes it worth while, and it's the last thing I will ever give up." Angel quietly finished, thoughtfully thumbing the creature. Willow's eyes never left his face, as she stared at him, her face full of admiration and understanding. Angel hardly ever talked about his past life, and Willow understood that he was having a joyful memory, and left him undisturbed. She started looking through the rock animals. After a few moments, Willow let out a shriek that startled Angel out of his memories. He looked at her, with horror written on her face. Thinking that something had happened, Angel grabbed Willow by the arms, and shook her out of her fear.

"Willow?!? What happened? Are you OK?!!?" Willow started babbling incoherent phrases, until Angel finally picked out one.

"Frog rock. Frog. Ack." Glancing over at the pile of rock animals, he noticed the one on top. Picking it up, he laughed. It was a frog rock.

"Willow, it's just a rock." She nodded, and started calming down. He put down the rocks and ushered her outside the store. When she finally calmed down, she said,

"I hate frogs. In any form." Looking up at Angel's amused face, she smiled, and said, "Can we go to the museum now?" Taking her small hand in his large one, he looked down at her and replied,

"But of course, madam." He handed the man their tickets of entrance, and looked down at Willow, who was already captivated by the museum. He sigh softly as he began to look around, still holding Willow's hand. They spent the next few hours like that, sometimes softly speaking to the other, pointing out pieces of interest, but both felt comfortable enough with the other to remain silent most of the time, holding hands, looking around. Other people at the museum thought, <Look at that couple. How happy they look. Oh, such a sweet couple.> None had any idea that one of them was a vampire, and the other a powerful witch. That day, Angel and Willow were just two people, looking through a museum, quietly taking in their partner while they looked at the exhibits, and enjoying just being with the other. They forgot about Sunnydale, about demons, about being afraid of not waking up the next day, of being ripped apart from each other by unknown forces, of people back in Sunnydale that were looking for them.

That day was a day neither would forget, ever. That day was a turning point in a chain of events that would change their lives, along with others, for the rest of their lives.

~Part: 14~

Willow walked around the hotel room, straightening it up, although the maid would come in a little bit.  She turned on the TV after finding the remote under the newspaper, and walked over to the trash can, throwing the newspaper away.  She walked back, and glanced up at the TV.  She looked away, until she heard the word "Sunnydale" mentioned.  Her head shot up as her eyes focused on what the news camera was showing.  For a few minutes, Willow just stood there, confusion washing over her in strong waves.  And that's the scene that Angel saw when he walked in.

    "Willow?  Willow?!?!"  Angel took long strides and arrived at the redhead's side.  He gently shook her, until she joined him in this world, leaving her thoughts behind.  Immediately she started babbling incoherently, leaving Angel confused.  Finally, she gave up with the words and pointed at the TV.  Angel looked at it, and almost fell over.

    The TV showed a city which looked like a battle zone.  Torn trees, broken swings, debris everywhere.  The camera panned over an area, showing destroyed houses, cars sticking out of the ground like sticks in mud, people sitting on twisted curbs, crying and hugging.  It focused back on the reporter, who started off again by saying,

    "America has always prided itself on taking care of nature-stricken countries, getting them back on their feet.  But what happens when the century's biggest earthquake happens right here in the US?  That's right folks.  Two hours ago Sunnydale California and the surrounding cities just suffered a massive earthquake, destroying almost every building, tree, and street here in this all-American town.  However, what shocks us more than the huge amount of damage is the death rate.  Only two people in this area have been reported dead since the earthquake struck, one by heart attack and one by vicious animal bites.  Though many were wounded, everyone agrees that it was a miracle.  So far, very few people have been trapped in buildings, most being able to free themselves from their houses.  Let's send it over to Kurt, who will talk with some of the people here in Sunnydale."

    Another view popped up on the television, showing a balding man surrounded by some people.

    "Thanks Johnny.  I am standing with people stricken by the worst earthquake this century.  Let's talk with some of them.  Hey, young sir, you look like you haven't slept in a while."

    Willow turned to Angel as some people started talking, tears running freely down her face.

    "I should have been there.  I should have been there Angel.  Maybe I could have helped Giles move his books, or earthquake-proof a building for us to set up as Headquarters.  I am so selfish!  I should have died in that earthquake!"  Angel took her in his arms, holding tight to her small, shaking frame, as she let out the emotions that had bottled up inside her during the past few minutes.  Angel looked at the TV, and gasped.  Willow looked at it too, and felt her knees go weak.

    "Well, we only have time for one more person's view of this catastrophe.  Rupert Giles is the high school's librarian, and is here with two of his students, Bu-Buffy Summers, and Alexander Harris."

    "Thank you Kurt.  My library miraculously wasn't completely destroyed, and most of the books are safe.  I need to say something though, to someone out there, who I am hoping is watching this program.  She knows who she is.  Willow, we miss you, and love you, but don't come home, not yet.  Call Buffy's cellular phone as soon as possible.  And Willow, we really do love you."  Xander began talking, his face showing what the past week had done on his spirits.

    "Wills, please call.  I need you."  Buffy turned, and began crying into Giles' shoulder.  The camera focused on Kurt, who looked like he was having a hard time controlling his emotions.

    "This-this is K-Kurt, signing off from Sunnydale, California."

    Angel clicked off the TV, and pulled Willow's frame this his, holding her until she was too tired to cry anymore.  He laid her down on the carpet floor, and left quickly, putting a "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door.  Moving back to Willow, he laid down beside her and spooned around her still-trembling body, whispering soothing words into her ear, until she fell asleep, clutching his arm like a life-preserver.

¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤

    Across town, Spike turned off the TV from the same program, starting to feel a bit shaky.  Suddenly, he realized what he had to do.  For once in his unlife, Spike was going to help a mortal and his sire, together, and help their friends in Sunnyhell.  He waited until the sun went down to go out to his car, and drive over to the hotel his "Guy" had told him that they were staying at.

    <My God, what am I doing?  I know why I am doing this.  Cor, I've been so blind.  How could I have not noticed her before?  Her flowing red hair, her sparkling eyes...  I love her.  I'm such a bastard.  She deserves someone so much better.  I can't think about anything but her now.  I thought I'd be a big man and steal 'er away from Peaches, but now I know I can't.  I can only hope that they will let me in, to help them.  No, I won't kidnap her, I want her happy.  Now I get to go see Peaches.  Cor, he's such a bugger.  He doesn't deserve her either.  But, he's my sire, and she trusts him, and I want her to trust me.  Damn, why do I have to make so many decisions?!?!  I don't have a soul!!  Forget what the Watcher said.  I'm not killing my sire!!!  I'm not bringing Willow back there either!!!!!!!!!!>  With a prayer to some greater being, Spike set off down the road, hoping that they would trust him enough to let him help them.

~Part: 15~

Spike whistled a jaunty tune as he walked up into the hotel lobby and past the elevators, opting for the stairs instead. Though he appeared to be a calm, very attractive human, inside his guts were twisting in knots as his planned words went over and over through his head. Pulling a piece of paper out of his pocket, he took a final glance at it, then to the door in front of him. Sighing softly to himself, he took an unneeded breath and slowly raised his hand to knock.

Which turned out to be a mistake.

Right as his hand made quick contact with the door, it flew open at, instead of the door, Spike's fist connected with Angel's nose.

"SHIT!!!" Angel grabbed his nose and Spike at the same time and threw his childe into the room. The "Welcome" sign on the mat in front of the room permitted the blonde vampire to enter. Spike, startled, sat down on the nearby couch while Angel stomped over to him, anger spelled all over his face.

"Spike. Why are you here??" Amused, Spike took out a cigarette and lit it, all the while looking around the well-furnished room.

"Nice pad, daddy, but where do you keep the blood?" Earning a growl from his sire, a wide grin spread on Spike's face and he settled more comfortably into the couch, puffing at the cigarette hanging out of his mouth. "And as for your question, well, why don't you bring the redhead in here? She may want to here this too."

Keeping an eye on his childe, Angel knocked on a previously closed door in the room and said, "Willow? Can you come out here for a minute?"

Willow appeared in an oversized shirt, clutching a pillow and a blanket. Her hair was disarrayed, and she looked adorable as she sleepily rubbed at her eye.

"Hmm?" She looked at the visitor for a moment before realization dawned on her. She took a step back, and bumped into the coffee table, which caused her to become off-balanced, which made her fall to the ground.

"WILLOW!!!!!" Both vampires ran to her side and both helped her stand up. She began to giggle at their behavior, which then turned into hysterical laughter. She leaned into Spike as she laughed unknowingly, while holding onto Angel. Her laughter subsided as she realized where she was. She gathered her pillow and blanket, yawning, as the two vampires scuttled her into a chair, where she curled up and took a big yawn, earning smiles from both vampires as she tilted her head back to get as much air in as possible.

Walking around the table, Spike picked up his forgotten cigarette and sat down on the love seat, propping his feet up on the table.

    "I was sent here to bring Red back to Sunnydale, out of the dangerous clutch of Peaches. But it's just too much fun to be away from there. Besides, I miss my 'Daddy.'", Spike smirked, "And besides, Sunnydale is no place for Wills to be, not now. With the town destroyed and everything, I'd feel better if she were someplace else." Angel's eyes narrowed as he looked at his childe.

     "And why do you care?"

    "Because, my dear old dad, Red is the only person there I consider worthy of living." Willow's head was reeling in her sleep-induced state of mind. She pondered.

    "But you're dead. Am I worthy of being dead? All the nice people are dead." Smiling, Spike moved closer to her as he asked gently.

    "Do you think I'm nice?" She chewed on her lower lip thoughtfully while both vampires watched hungrily.

    "You're nice, not to a lot of people, but you've always been nice to me, though you made threats before you never really hurt me. Angel's very nice and has always been. You both are nice." Then she yawned again, shutting her eyes as she stretched, then curled up again in the chair. Angel looked on fondly as she cuddled with her blanket, as did Spike.

    "Luv, why don't you go back to sleep while the sod and I talk?" She nodded sleepily as she stood up and tottled to the bedroom door. She opened it and, dragging her blanket and pillow, walked in and shut the door. Spike continued on.

    "Angel, I am here to help protect Willow. I've been a good boy and plus if she gets hurt I want to be there to kill whoever hurt her. I won't hurt her. I swear that on my leather duster." he motioned to his jacket.   Angel thought over what Spike said, and deciding that if his childe wasn't telling the truth then he could always stake him, nodded and said quietly to Spike through clenched teeth,

"I could kill you. But, you are my childe, and if you are truly here to protect Willow too, then you'll live. And, let's-let's not try to argue around Willow, ok? It upsets her."

Spike grinned and said, "Daddy's got a soft spot!"

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