~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
~Part: 11~
The days past by, and Angel had felt more content than he had in a very long while-Willow's presence had made sure of that. The only thing that bothered him was that Willow had been in L.A. for four days now; but Cordelia hadn't once stopped by.
He had gone to her room in an effort to convince her to visit the red head, but the only answer she gave him was;
"It's not the right time yet."
But her answer made no sense to him; then again, he still didn't quite understand the relationship between those two either. For now he would just leave things alone, and let them get together when they were ready.
Until that happens, Angel and Willow had spent the evenings just walking and talking, and sitting in the restaurant downstairs. He would order something to eat, but ate very little, and to Willow this was just the sweetest gesture.
Even Willow had to admit, things were really comfortable right now, and the idea of having to go back in a few days to live amongst the chaos again was becoming increasingly hard for her to look forward to.
Thoughts of going back left her mind as she heard Angel's deep voice saying something to her.
"What was that?"
"I didn't think you heard me." He chuckled. "So, care to tell me where you went?"
"Oh," she smiled shyly, "I was just thinking about home, that's all."
"Oh." Angel replied, feeling downhearted but trying desperately not to show it. "Looking forward to getting back again?"
"You've got to be kidding, just the opposite. I'm dreading going back to the noise and lack of privacy and fighting just to have a shower." She said, making Angel feel a lot better. "You were saying something to me a minute ago?"
"Yes, I was saying that Giles wrote you an e-mail. Did you want to read it now or wait till later?"
"No, I'll take a gander at it now. Could be something important." She said as she got up and went to sit in front of Angel's computer. After clicking on the mouse, words appeared on the screen in front of her.
Dear Willow
I hope I am not inconveniencing you in any way, but I thought you would like to know of the progress Xander and I have made. The sale of the abandoned school has been granted to us, and we can take possession within the following month. I was, needless to say, rather pleasantly surprised upon hearing this information and sat down immediately with Xander to go over the ideas on how to section it off.
I must say that Xander has been of an incredible help to me in your absence. He shows remarkable skills; owed to his time in construction no doubt, when it comes to the interior of the building. He has also been very insightful as far as how to set up a training regime for the slayers, old and new. I look forward to your homecoming so that I might show you around the building to let you get a feel for it as well. I'm afraid I must sign off now, due to Xander's incessant ramblings. He wishes to speak with you-about what I do not know. I don't think I want to know really.
At any rate, have a wonderful time.
Giles
Hey Willster!
How's it going with deadboy? Did you read Gileses email? Insightful! I'm insightful! That's just too cool. Its even cooler that Giles said it! He even said that I'm a big help to him too. I gotta tell ya Wills, I'm really excited, and happy. I wanted to thank you for last week too. You really did help me out a lot. I don't know how to say this without sounding like I'm making you feel guilty about going but, I really miss you. I do hope your having a great time and all, but I can't wate till you get back home. You gave me a reason to live again, and no matter what I say, it will never be thanks enough. I owe you one.
I love you Your bestest bud
Xander.
Willow sat and stared at the screen, saying nothing. The vampire wasn't sure whether that was a good thing or bad, so he placed a hand on her shoulder and asked.
"Is everything okay? Do they need you?"
"No," she said, shaking her head. "They don't need me to rush back or anything." She chuckled, "And Xander still spells like crap!"
Angel moved so that he could see her face, and saw the tears streaming down her cheeks. "If everything is alright, why are you crying?"
"Because of Xander. That big doofus said I saved his life. Why did he have to say that, he knows this stuff makes me all weepy." She sniffed.
"Because you did. Maybe not physically, but up here and here." He said as he pointed to his head and then to his heart. "I can only imagine what you said, but if I know you at all-you gave him hope. Something he lost that last day. You gave him an ear to listen, and you gave him your heart. The smallest things in life can make the biggest difference in the world. It also show's him that he's not alone."
"I guess your right." She said as she accepted a tissue offered to her, and dried her eyes. "I suppose I'll never be good at accepting compliments. *sniff*"
"Why don't you wait until later to reply? Let yourself calm down a little first." He said and she nodded. "How about a movie or something?"
"Okay. What do you want to see?"
"What are you in the mood for? Romance, action, horror."
"How about horror? I wouldn't mind seeing `Salem's Lot'."
"I don't think I've heard of that one." He replied, a little surprised at her choice of movie.
"Oh, I love it! Stephen King wrote it. It's all about vampires and disappearing children who come back after they've been turned and…" but Angel cut he off.
"Don't you get enough of that in real life?"
"Yeah. But I can watch the movie and know that it's a movie, and pretend that there aren't any such things in real life. At least while its on." Then she realized what she said. "Oops, sorry. No offense."
"Don't worry, none taken. Sit tight, and I'll make a run to the rental store." And with that, Angel left the room.
~Part: 12~
He couldn't help but watch her. She looked absolutely peaceful lying there on the couch still sound asleep. They had watched the movie together last night, and Angel had to admit that he enjoyed it, though it did set him a little ill at ease. The lead vampire reminded him a little too much of the Master that Buffy killed eight years back.
The problem was, the manner in which the vampires carried themselves reminded him of Angelus. He knew it was just a movie, but he still couldn't help feeling a little squeamish about watching it, not when it caused his mind to think about the unpleasant times.
After the movie ended they sat and talked about it, laughing at the similarities between Giles and the vampire's crony.
"He's exactly what I would picture Giles to be like if he were evil." She had said, and they both laughed. He watched her eyes droop a little and offered to walk her back to her room, but she had declined the offer with; "I'm not ready for the night to end yet."
So he said he'd make some coffee and got up to do so. While he pouring the steaming brew into a cup he'd asked; "What do you feel like doing tomorrow night?" But when he didn't receive an answer he decided to go and see why.
She had fallen asleep.
He just stood there and stared with a smile on his face as she mumbled about something he couldn't make out-even with his hearing. He turned and left the room, quickly returning with a blanket and covered her, tucking carefully under her chin so as not to disturb her. He sat himself down on the other end of the couch, and stayed there all night, doing nothing but watching the one he loved deep in slumber.
Angel thought back to the final battle with the first, wishing Buffy hadn't sent him back to L.A. that night. If he had been there he might have been able save his childe, save Anya, and most of all- save Willow and Xander the pain of loss. She'd had such a wistful look on her face as she talked about the young woman that Xander was so in love with.
She did smile while telling some stories, rather interesting stories, of the life and times of Xander and Anya; but Angel could tell that the loss of Anya had cut her pretty deep. Almost as deep as Xander. She was a friend, and Willow took the loss of friends hard.
What surprised him was the way Buffy handled it. This woman had been part of the group for three years, and the slayer never gave her another thought after she found out about Anya's demise. He didn't remember Buffy as being so cold hearted.
Willow had said that she wasn't quite the same after she brought the slayer back from the dead, but somehow Angel couldn't help thinking that that wasn't the problem. Not after what he's heard over the last couple of years.
He couldn't help feeling guilt over leaving either. If Buffy hadn't told him to leave-no! If he hadn't listened to her and stayed, his childe would be alive right now! He and Spike may not have gotten along at the best of times, but he was his childe nonetheless.
Angel's head was swimming with all of this information. Willow had told him everything that had been going on for the past few years since he left to go to L.A., but she had been enough of a distraction to keep his mind from thinking about it all-that is until now. And, if he didn't know better, he'd almost swear he was getting a headache from think about it.
He looked at her face once more, and wondered how she had managed to keep any semblance of sanity in such insane times.
Willow talked more of Tara as well; about they're relationship and the trouble, including everything that led up to the events of Willow's lashing out at the world. She may have taken a rather drastic route, but he could understand how something like this could happen.
Buffy still doesn't really understand. Giles himself does, having gone through it in his youth, and Xander-sadly enough-now knows what it was that drove her to that state.
Angel shook his head in the vain attempt to clear his thoughts. `So much has changed; they've all changed.' He thought.
Willow shuffled around, bringing a grateful vampire out of his thoughts as he saw her eyes flutter until they opened. Her green eyes looked around before settling on him, and his heart soared when he saw her first smile of the day directed to him.
"Morning."
"Morning. Or maybe I should say, afternoon." At this comment her eyes shot wide open.
"Afternoon? What time is it?"
"It's almost twelve thirty." He chuckled. "Would you like some coffee now?"
"Actually, I think I'm gonna go back to my room and take a shower. Give me half an hour?"
"I can wait." He said, `I'll wait forever if I have too.'
She nodded, gathering her things and headed to the door.
"I'll be back shortly." She said as she shut the door behind her. Angel made his way to the couch and picked up the blanket to fold and put away-but instead, he brought it to his nose and deeply inhaled her scent. With a sigh, he went on to fold and put it in the closet.
~Part: 13~
Angel couldn't help but stare at the young woman as she sat on the couch with a look of contemplation on her face. She almost looked like a lost little girl as she stared off into space.
"Willow?"
"Hmmm?"
"You look a little upset. Is there something I can help you with?"
"No. I'm okay, just thinking."
"You don't look okay. What are you thinking about?"
"It's my last night here. Tomorrow I go home." She replied and Angel nodded his understanding.
"You could stay a little longer." He said, "I doubt Giles would really mind too much." He added hopefully, but the hope was soon dashed when she turned her head to look at him sadly.
"I can't. It just wouldn't be right. Besides, Giles is starting the Watcher's Counsel up from scratch. He'll need all the help he can get. It's going to be a pretty huge undertaking for just a few people. All he has right now is Xander, Wesley and I."
"I understand that. I guess its just that-I'm being selfish. I don't want you to leave so soon."
"That's so sweet, and I'd like to stay-but I can't."
"I know." He said. "What would you like to do tonight? Go out to dinner, see a movie? Whatever you want."
"You know, I think I'd rather just stay in. Maybe order some room service?"
"I think that can be arranged." He replied as he stood. "If you don't mind, I'll be back in a second."
"Where are you going?"
"I have something to finish up. Don't worry, I won't be longer than a few minutes."
"Alright. But I'm holding you to that, mister." She joked, pointing a finger at him. Angel let a small laugh escape his lips as he made his way out the door, leaving Willow to herself.
* * * * * * * *
"Alan."
"Ahhh, yes, Mister Angel?"
"Listen, I need you to do a favor for me."
"What is it you need my help with, sir?"
"It's nothing really big, but it is important. I need you to…" and Angel went on to explain every detail that he had in mind.
* * * * * * *
Willow had to admit to herself that the thought of staying had crossed her mind: more than crossed her mind, it almost plagued her thoughts over the last couple of days. She was fast becoming used to the idea of peace and quiet, something she was going to lose once she stepped back into the madhouse of what they are calling home.
This made Willow even more determined to do something a little more drastic-she was going to find her own place and move out. She had enough in her savings to survive for a few months, which would give her enough time to find a job. `Yup.' She thought and nodded to herself. `That's exactly what I'm gonna do.'
She would still be close at hand to help Giles, but could escape and be alone. A smile came to her lips as she thought about sleeping in a bed instead of a floor in a sleeping bag; of just being able to sleep. As her mind wandered over the idea, she came to the conclusion that maybe if she got a big enough place, maybe Xander and Giles should live with her.
She wouldn't exactly be alone, but if it were a three bedroom apartment or house, they would still have their own space; but be close enough to go over the plans and any new ideas. `Living with all those girls must be driving Giles crazy.' She thought, `And Xander too.'
She decided when she gets back, to broach the idea with them and see what they thought, though she didn't think there would be much of an argument about it. Willow's musings were dropped at the sound of a knock at the door.
She shook her head. `Must have locked himself out.' And she got up to answer the door. To her surprise upon opening it, it wasn't Angel standing there; it was Cordelia.
~Part: 14~
Angel rounded the corner in the hallway on his way back to the room, when he suddenly stopped short and backed around the corner, pressing his back to the wall. It was a total surprise for him to see the ex-cheerleader standing at his door.
He peeked around, careful not to get noticed, and saw her just standing there taking a few deep breaths before raising a hand to knock on the door. As he watched, he saw the old mask fall into place right before the door opened to reveal and equally surprised red head.
"Willow."
"Cordelia!" was her response, and then both stood in silence before Cordelia spoke up.
"Geeez! Rude much?" she said sarcastically. "It's nice to see you too, the least you could do is invite me in."
Willow quickly regained her composure and opened the door wider and moved aside, allowing the brunette to enter. She watched as Cordelia made her way to a chair and sat down, waiting for Willow to join her.
The witch made her way to the chair across from her and sat down slowly, noting the changes that Cordelia had gone through with her appearance. `Wow!' she thought. `Has she ever changed.'
"So, where's Angel?" Cordelia asked as she cast her eyes around the room.
"He said he had something to do, and that he'd be back shortly." Willow replied as Cordelia nodded. The silence seemed to stretch for an uncomfortably long time as both girls struggled to find something to say.
"You've been here for a week, and you didn't come to see me."
"It wasn't the right time for it."
"I know." The brunette agreed. "Angel bugged my ass about seeing you. I told him the same thing."
"Angel just doesn't understand. I'm not sure, but I don't think he ever will."
"He won't. I've tried to explain it to him, but he just doesn't get it. That's okay, you and I do, that's all that matters." She looked at Willow more closely. "You look good-not great, but your definitely dressing better than you used too."
"I see your dressing down. That's not like you."
"Yeah, well, a lot of things aren't `like me' anymore."
"Been a hell of a year, hasn't it?" Willow asked, with a touch of remorse.
"It has. For you too, so I hear." She said, and watched the witch's head and shoulders droop a bit. "I tried to destroy the world too ya know, sort of."
"I suppose. But it wasn't really `you'. You were just kind of along for the ride."
"What about you?"
"No, that was me; all me." Willow replied sadly.
"I'm sorry about your girlfriend." Cordelia paused and shook her head. "I-I can't remember her name."
"It was Tara."
"Tara." She said the name softly, and looked to the floor. "Is she the reason you…" but she let the sentence trail off.
"Uh huh."
"Harsh." She paused. "I heard it was Warren that did it, and that he shot Buffy too." She looked back to Willow. "I never thought the geek had it in him. Who knew."
Both girls let the conversation end, but neither knew what to say to the other, so Willow made a stab in the dark and decided to tell the brunette of the plans to recreate the watcher's council.
"I even thought of a new name for it. `The New Order Of Watchers.'"
"I like it. It's much better than The Watchers Society. (pause) So, have you made your decision yet?"
"Yeah, I have."
"And…?"
"It's something I should talk to Angel about first." Willow said, and Cordelia nodded.
"I get that." She looked deeply into Willow's eyes. "Angel loves you, ya know."
"I know he does, a-and I love him too." Willow pointed to the computer. "Your idea?"
"Of course."
"Thought so."
"Hey! Look at the time!" Said Cordelia as she looked at her watch. "I really must be going." And both girls stood and walked to the door. Once there, the ex-cheerleader pointed to the door and the red head nodded knowingly at the unspoken words then opened the door for Cordelia to step out. "You know, it was great talking to you, Willow. But as riveting as this whole conversation was, I have better things to do, like watching fungus grow on the food in my fridge."
"Next time I'm in town, I'll take you shopping. I think you could use the fashion tips more than me." Willow replied, letting the sarcasm drip from her words as she shut the door.
Cordelia walked a few steps away from the door and stopped:
"You can come out of hiding now, Angel. I know you're there." And she continued on her way to her room.
Angel watched her retreating steps and shook his head at the last comments he head from the two, and wondered how the hell they could call that friendship.
~Part: 15~
At Angel's urging, Willow was back in her room relaxing in a bubble bath-much to her delight. She let her conversation with Cordelia play out in her mind as she sank deeper into the tub. The young woman had changed from the feisty thing she knew in high school. `I guess we've all changed, in one way or another.' She thought to herself.
She hadn't lied to Cordelia, she did make her decision-she knew what she had to do; what was right for her. It was a decision that was going to hurt someone's feelings, but no matter what way she decided, someone was going to be disappointed.
Willow had given the matter a great deal of thought over the past couple of weeks, but her answer came to her as she sat with the ex-cheerleader. And tonight she would talk to Angel. Tomorrow she would talk to Giles when she saw him-gauge his reaction.
Willow forced herself to get out of the tub and dry off with a towel. Angel had something planned for tonight, but was incredibly tight-lipped about it, leaving the witch with a burning curiosity. She walked into the bedroom and dressed in an ankle length brown summer dress, then took her hair out of its towel and brushed it out until it was nearly dry.
With a slight case of butterflies in her stomach, she left her room and walked down the hallway until she stopped in front of his door. She was just about to knock when Angel opened the door, startling her a little.
"Sorry, but I could hear you in the hall." He said, a little embarrassed.
"Oh, it's okay." She replied shyly as Angel stepped out of the way to let her enter.
Angel closed the door but stayed where he was, waiting for Willow's reaction, and was rewarded with the sound of an intake of breath. He had talked Willow into going to her room to take a long hot bath, and while she was gone, he quickly got to work.
Alan had delivered all the candles Angel had requested, as well as put in the order for room service. He had even stayed to help arrange the candles and light them, and when the food arrived, he personally checked to make sure it was perfect before bidding Angel good night and good luck.
Willow was totally taken aback as she looked around. Candles everywhere bathing the room in a soft glow, glinting off the silver platters and utensils on the table. A small vase of white roses sat in the middle of the table, but what caught Willow's attention was a small box sitting on an empty plate.
Angel game to her and took her elbow in his hand, and gently led her to a chair. He pulled it out and she sat, her eyes never leaving the little box that now sat only a foot away from her. Angel took the chair across from her and waited for to say something-anything.
"Angel?" was the only coherent word to leave her lips as she pulled her eyes away from the box and looked around the rest of the room. In the background she could hear music playing softly, and didn't notice Angel leave his seat to stand next to her.
She looked back to him as he took the box in his hands and opened it, revealing a small ring. Her eyes widened at the sight as he removed the ring, took her hand and placed the ring on her finger.
He didn't let go of her hand, but instead, when the song changed he pulled lightly until she was standing in front of him. `Dreams come true' by Frozen Ghost began to play as Angel pulled her to him, and they danced slowly, forgetting the rest of the world existed. At this moment there was no world, only them.
The couple continued to sway to the music until the song ended, only to be replaced by another. Willow pulled back and looked up into Angel's face with tears in her eyes.
"I-I can't believe you did this for me."
"I wanted something special for your last night here. I wanted you to remember it."
"The ring."
"I know it's small, but I wanted you to know that my feelings for you are real and…" but Willow didn't allow him to finish as she placed a hand to the back of his head and pressed her lips to his.
He was too stunned by the kiss to react; he hadn't expected this. In truth, he hadn't known what to expect from her. But as she pulled away, disappointment flooded through him at the loss of contact.
"It's beautiful," She said as she looked around, then looked at the ring. "All of it."
"Willow," he said nervously, "I don't want you to think that I was trying to influence you decision in any way. I just wanted…"
"I know, Angel. And I've already figured out what I'm going to do. I-I was going to talk to you about it later tonight, b-before I leave."
"Wha…?"
"Not now," she said as she placed her fingers gently on his lips. "Please?" and with that said, she leaned into him. "For now, I just want us to love each other."
~Part: 16~
She could still feel his hands as they trailed along her back, his lips moving from hers down her chin and to her neck. His touch was cool, but that seemed to add to the sensuality of what he was doing. He had even pulled back to look into her eyes, as if to ask her permission.
She raised her hands and began to unbutton his shirt, but could only go as fast as her trembling hands would allow. Once done, she slid the shirt off his shoulders and down his arms, letting it land on the floor forgotten as she ran her hand over the expanse of his chest.
Angel cupped her face with his hands and once again began to kiss her as she undid his pants and pushed them down his hips as far as her arms could reach. Making sure not to break contact, the vampire slowly took his shoes off using the opposite foot, and then did his best to free himself of the pants that now lay around his ankles.
He slid his hands from her face down to her shoulders, took hold of the straps of her dress with his fingers, and moved them so that the dress was free to slip off. Angel backed up to look at her, and was in awe at the sight of her.
The candlelight cast a fiery glow upon her hair, and gave her skin an ethereal look to it. She looked like an angel standing before him, so delicate and pure-fragile, he was almost afraid to touch her.
"I've never seen anything as beautiful as what I see now when I look upon you." He said to her. She smiled shyly, but held out her hand for him to take. He took her hand and brought it to his lips, placing a soft kiss on it as he stared into her eyes.
He moved closer to her and lifted her into his arms, walked to the bed and gently placed her on it, and carefully lowered himself on top of her, making sure to keep some of his weight off.
"We don't have to do this if you don't want to." He said, and she giggled softly.
"I wouldn't be here with you now if I didn't." she replied, and caressed the side of his face with her fingertips. He kissed her again, this time his tongue made its way between her lips and urged hers to dance with his. It was a slow passionate kiss the left Willow in a daze, but one she wasn't going to fight off.
His hand slid from the side of her face, down her neck, until it found a breast. Willow let out a sigh as his fingers began to tease the pert nipple, and his lips left hers to trail soft kisses down her body, until it came into contact with her breast.
His tongue flicked and teased, then she felt his teeth gently nibbling causing a wave of pleasure and need to course through her. As he began to suckle, his hand slowly slid along her body until it found the hairy mound between her thighs. He rubbed his hand back and forth across it, causing Willow to moan from the friction.
Angel had no more restraint, he had to hear her-see her, so he began to rub her sensitive nub with vigor. The red head immediately began to writhe under him, her breaths coming in gasps as he did this until she exploded. Her body shuddered from the impact and colors flooded her eyes as she called out his name.
Just watching her orgasm was almost enough to send him over the edge. He quickly positioned himself and carefully entered her, making sure it was slow to allow her time to adjust to his size. He sank deeply into her, and began the motions with Willow moving with him.
He wasn't going to last long and he knew it. He tried to keep a slower pace, but he was just too close to the edge of the precipice, and his movements became quicker and more frenzied. Willow began to call out his name and dig her nails into his back as he pumped with an inhuman speed.
He could feel her as her muscles clenched around him, grabbing him, and he was lost as his own orgasm hit with an earth shattering force and his seed left his body to fill hers. So as not to extract himself from her, he carefully rolled them onto their sides and just held her close to him.
Neither said a word as they lay there together, basking in the after effects of their lovemaking.
* * * * * *
Willow looked at the ring on her finger as the first rays of the morning sun glinted off it, causing a smile to form on her lips as she remembered the earlier events with Angel.
"I have here, an early morning dedication for Willow Rosenberg. Willow, if your listening, this song is from Angel and he would like me to give you a message. He says that there are no such things as goodbye's, only goodbye for now. This is for you, and it's called; I Swear-by All 4one."
Willow was stunned as she listened to the words of the song, then the tears slowly filled her eyes and made their way down her cheeks as she passed the sign that said `Welcome'.
She turned the corner and slowed down as she pulled in front of the small house and stopped. She shut the car off and pulled down the visor and looked at her appearance in the mirror, and decided to give herself a minute until the redness faded. But a movement out of the corner of her eye caught her attention, and when she looked, she saw a freshly showered Giles bending down to grab the morning paper off the step.
She quickly got out of the car and practically ran to him.
"Giles!" she exclaimed excitedly.
"Willow?" he said as he looked up. "Willow!" and he held out his arms, which she obligingly ran into. "I didn't expect you back until later today."
"I know, thought you could use a break though."
"Finally, another voice of reason besides my own." He said and they both couldn't help laughing.
"How's Xander? I know he seemed fine when I left last week, but…" she let the sentence trail off.
"He is doing fine, I assure you." He reassured her. "He seems to be rather excited about our plans for the Watchers Counsel."
"I thought of a new name for it. I figured since the counsel will be starting over, lets make it a clean start-new name and everything."
"Wonderful Idea! So, what is this new name?"
"The New Order of Watchers. The acronym is N.O.W. So? What do you think?"
"Honestly, I think the name is rather appropriate." He said, grinning widely.
"I-I, (pause) I've also made a decision. For, you know, my future?" she said, and Giles nodded.
"I thought you might while you were away. Come, I'll make us some tea and you can tell me all about it. Oh, wait, your bags are still in the car."
"Forget about them for now. We have tea to sip, and a topic to discuss. My bags will wait till later." She said as she wrapped an arm around his waist, turning him to the door.
~Epilogue~
She closed the book and set it back in its appropriate place in the bookshelf, and let her eyes roam over the tomes that were now housed there. So many books that have been re-written and restored- it was a pain staking process, but one that was necessary. It was all a part of history after all, a part history that only a select few had any knowledge of.
She ran her fingers over the bindings, pride filling her at what she-and others, had managed to accomplish in the last nineteen years. It had been a difficult road with a lot of bumps and steep hills, but eventually it had smoothed itself out to become something that was now regarded as a finely tuned machine. What had come from nothing was now an immensely powerful organization.
Willow walked back to her desk and sat down, a soft sigh escaping her lips as she looked to the computer screen sitting in front of her.
"Computer." She said.
"Name protocol." Came the mechanical voice.
"Message." She replied as the computer sat silent, preparing its next function.
"Message protocol ready."
* * * * * *
She walked down the hallway until she came to a set of massive oak double doors, and with a little effort, opened them and walked in. The room was large, mostly decorated in wood, and every wall but one was a shelf filled with books.
There was a large wooden table with six large chairs at one end of the room by the double doors where she came in. Originally the idea of a huge desk was to be put there, but Giles had decided on the table instead for research sessions. No one argued the idea, because they all felt the same about it; it would be a reminder of the old days and the closeness they had all shared.
She looked to the other end of the room and slowly walked to the fireplace that sat there. In front of the fire place sat four large brown leather armchairs in a semi circle with small stand between them to hold tea while they relaxed and talked. Or, in Xander's case- coffee. Willow let a smile come to her lips as she thought about him. `He never could get himself to like tea.'
Her mind wondered to the days when she, Giles, Xander and Wesley would sit here in the glow of a nice fire crackling while they talked. The subject of work was a subject never allowed to be talked about while they sat there; this was for pure relaxation, conversation and togetherness.
She looked to the picture that hung above the mantel, its ornately carved frame shining where the sunlight streaming through the window shone on it. The artist hired had done a remarkable job in painting the four founding members as their images stared back at her.
On the left was Wesley, in the middle was Giles, and on the right was Xander. Willow sat in a chair in front of Giles, and his hands rested lightly on her shoulders. All faces held a pride that came from hard work; all but one-Xander. Though pride was evident on his face, the artist was also able to capture a hint of the jokester in him. Her eyes traveled back to Giles, and sadness came over her.
"Why did you have to leave? I miss you so much." She sniffed. "The place just hasn't been the same without you." She said as she wiped the single tear that ran down her cheek. She looked around the library, and then at the picture one last time before she turned and left the room.
She walked down the main corridor, and stopped in by the three pictures lining the wall. The first was a copy of the portrait from the library, the plague beneath it saying;
Founders- New Order of Watchers Wesley Windham Price, Rupert Giles, Alexander LaValle Harris, Willow Rosenberg. Founded- January 1st, 2004
She looked to the next; it was a picture of Giles. A small giggle escaped her lips as she remembered talking him into wearing the tweed suit that she was looking at now. She raised her hand and let her fingers travel over his features before her eyes moved to the next picture, a picture of her. She looked so young and full of life back then. With a sigh, she continued on her way until she reached an office door and slowly raised a hand and knocked.
"Come in." came the response, and she opened the door and entered to see a smiling Xander. "Wills!"
"Hey, Xander." And she sat in the chair across from his desk.
"Willow? What's up?" he said, the smile leaving his lips as he took in the red head sad face.
"I was," she paused to collect herself. "I was just looking at the portraits, the ones in the hall." She said, and he nodded his understanding. "It's been two years, and I still can't believe he left."
"I know how you feel, but he died a happy man."
"He put seventeen years into this place, heart and soul, and it just seemed to take it, and want more."
"No, Wills. It didn't take anything-it gave him life. Those seventeen years were the happiest I've ever seen him. I mean, look at this place. He took something that was feared and loathed, and turned it into something that even he could respect. N.O.W. is something that he wished the old Watchers Society was, but could never be with the people who were running it."
"I know, your right." She conceded. "I-I just still really miss him. It's been two years, but it still seems like yesterday. You know?"
"I know." He replied as he watched her absentmindedly turn the ring on her finger with her thumb. "You're leaving, aren't you?"
"I think you know me too well, Xander Harris." She smiled, but it didn't quite reach her eyes.
"Its because of that, because of `him'. Isn't it?" he said, indicating her ring.
"Yes." She replied, and looked into his eyes. "Its time, Xander. I've been the head of the counsel ever since Giles past away, and its time for me to go. I-I never wanted to head the counsel, you know that, but someone needed to take over until things settled down and I did that." She sighed. "Now, I want you to take my place, Xander. I want you to take the job; you deserve it, and you've earned it."
"You know, I never imagined I'd be running this place-ever." He said in awe as he realized what a huge undertaking this would be.
"Hey, it's your turn to have a picture in that hall with Giles and I." She said with a smile and looked around the room. "We did do good, didn't we?"
"Of course we did. And what more fitting a place than in England?"
"Kind of ironic, isn't it." It was a statement, but both snickered.
"That's Giles for ya." Xander laughed, but quickly sobered. "He was very happy, Willow. I mean, look at everything he-and us, accomplished. Here we have the main office, back in the only place he could ever really call home. We have branches spread out worldwide. We're kinda like the parents, and those are our children. Buffy's branch is doing well too, they all are." He saw Willow flinch slightly at the mention of the ex-slayer. "You and Buffy still aren't talking."
"Not unless it has to do with business. You know how she feels about me-has felt about me for the last nineteen years."
"I know, but I was hoping you two would get over it by now."
"I don't think we ever will, Xan." She replied. The silence hung in the air as Willow waited for the inevitable question, and she didn't have to wait for long.
"When are you leaving?"
"Tomorrow. I'm already packed, did that last night. I'm not taking much with me, just a few mementos that mean a lot to me." She said as she watched Xander get up from his desk to come to her. She stood and let him wrap his arms around her, a hug she returned.
"I'll miss you."
"I'll miss you too."
"Promise me you'll be happy?"
"I promise."
"If you ever change your mind, there's always a place for you here." He said, but all she could do was nod, she was just too choked up to form words. She pulled back and Xander kissed her on the forehead, then she left quickly before she broke down in front of him.
* * * * *
Angel walked through the door and threw his overnight bag onto the floor before letting himself drop onto the couch. It had been an exhausting two days, but the demon was no longer a threat to anyone else, and he was home.
He kicked off his shoes and went to the fridge, grabbing a bottle of blood, poured it into a cup, and then warmed it up in the microwave. At the sound, he gratefully grabbed the warmed liquid and gulped it back as fast as his throat would allow.
He made his way back to the living room, but a blinking light caught his attention, and looked to the monitor of his computer.
"Computer."
"Name protocol."
"Messages received."
"One message, waiting for response."
"Who is the message from?"
"Message from, Willow Rosenberg."
"Play message."
"Message is in visual. There is no audio message."
"Fine, fine! Just show me the damn message." And within a few seconds, the words appeared on the screen for him to read. Angel had to take a second look at what it said, as he read the only two words there;
`It's Time.'
A knock sounded at the door, taking his attention away from the screen he walked to the door and opened it.
"Hi, its me." Said the red head with a quick wave. Angel stood there in shock as he looked upon her beautiful smile. "C-can I come in?" she asked, but all he could do was move to let her enter, he could form no words. "Didn't you get my message?" she asked when she turned around to look at him, curiosity in her eyes.
"I, ahem, I just got your message a minute ago." He replied as the shock slowly began to fade, finally letting him think clearly as a slow smile spread on his lips. "Is it true?"
"It's true. I'm here aren't I?" and she rushed into his outstretched arms. "I'm home."
The End