Redemption

Author- ethanger1

Rating- G

Disclaimer- not mine... as much as I wish they were

Feedback- give it to me straight, I can take it

Summery- Someone wants Willow, dead or alive
 
 

Chapter 21

For the next few nights, Willow did her usual. She went out and
met Erik at the coffee shop, always around eight-thirty. They'd sit
and talk, and even laugh at silly little jokes, or cute anicdotes
each would tell the other. Willow felt so free. She didn't have to
worry about what Erik thought of her, he just accepted her for who
she was... a human with human flaws, just like everybody else. And
when he looked at her, his eyes held no judgement, he was simply
happy just to spend the time with her, and his smile was reassurrance
of that. 'The past is the past, that's why they call it history' he
had said to her once.
But tonight was different... Erik didn't show up. She had waited
for two hours, and still her friend didn't come. The red head decided
to leave... maybe she'd see him tomorrow night instead. Doing the
only thing she could, she headed home for a quiet evening alone. She
walked along the lamp-lit streets, hoping nothing bad had happened to
her friend. There was a slight chill in the air, causing her to do up
the buttons of her burgendy sweater and pick up the pace to get home.
A scuffling sound could be heard, but she wasn't scared. Willow
stopped and waited, and turned to face her would-be attacker.
"Well, well. What have we here, hmm?" said the yellow eyed
stranger.
"You'd best be on your way. I'm not in the mood to play. And just
to make it a fair warning... I'm not someone you'd wanna mess with."
she spoke softly, not showing anything other than confidence.
"Oh? Your making it fair for me. eh? And just who might you be
then, little lady? he said menacingly, until a wind started from all
around him suddenly. His eyes widened as he looked upon the girl,
who's eyes had gone black as night... as did her hair, which was now
blowing madly in the breeze.
"Who am I? Well let me tell ya. When 'Evil' has nightmares, I'm
what he dreams about." she said, her voice sounding gruff, no longer
like the meek Willow that everyone had known. "Donst Igna Incinero"
she said, and the vampire howled and writhed in pain until finally
exploding into a cloud of dust, ending his torment.
"Willow?" came the familiar voice from behind her, causing her to
jump, she hadn't even heard the footsteps aproaching.
"Buffy, Angel." she said in surprise "How nice to see you."
"Will, what do you think your doing? Your using magick!" Buffy
exclaimed, using a tone that Willow found to be rather accusatory.
"I'm saving my own life. What does it look like to you?"
"Well, I just thought you'd be less inclined to use it after
everything that happened." replied the slayer.
"So, let me get this straight. Your saying that I shouldn't have
used magick... that weak little Willow should have tried to fight him
instead, and die knowing that what I did was right? Does that about
sum it up?" Willow asked sarcastically, "Yeah, great plan."
"Willow, we could have helped you."
"Sure you could have. And since when did I know you two were
going to be here, fighting by my side?"
"Willow..." said Angel, but Willow cut him off.
"No, Angel. It seems to me," she said looking back at Buffy with
eyes the color of black onyx. "that I can bring Buffy back from the
dead, save Tara's sainty and save your soul, all with my magick, and
everyone's okay with that. But my own life, well hey, I didn't really
need that now, did I?!"
"We never said that. You need..."
"What I need is for you to shut up and quit pokin your nose into
my business. A vampire was going to have me for dinner, and since I
don't have your strength I used what I've got. If not using magic to
please all of you means my death... then I guess I'll just have to
live with you hating me. But at least I'll live."
"You can't mean that."
"You know something, Slayer? I'm getting really tired of you
telling me what I can or can't do. Frankly, I think its time for a
change."
"What are you saying?"
"I'm saying, 'hold onto your hats kiddies'... the Bitch is back."
and with that statement came the eerie meniacle laughter from deep
inside of Willow.

~Part: 22~

"Will, I don't want to do this. I can't fight you again."
"Of course you can't. You know full well that I could've kicked
your ass the last time we tangled. And I really don't think you could
stand the embarrassment in front of Angel anyway."
"You used a spell on yourself... the odds weren't even between
us." Buffy replied defensively.
"Willow..." Angel said, but Willow raised a finger to silence him.
"Sorry, Angel. But this is between me and Buffy. Now as far as
that spell goes... your gonna love this part, Buffy." she said
chuckling, "That spell I cast, well, it gave me the same strength you
have, no more no less. The skill that I fought with, you see, that
was all me. What my spell did, was in fact, even the odds totally.
Oh, you may have recovered quick, slayer power ya know... but that
doesn't change the fact that little ol' me knocked you out twice in
hand to hand combat." she finished proudly.
"Willow, you need to calm down. Let me take you home." said Angel
warily.
"Home... funny thing, you mentioning home. You see, I planned on
dusting the vamp... you know, the one that attacked me?, and then
spending a quiet evening at home. That is, until Buffy had to come
and stick her nose in where it doesn't belong." she turned to
Buffy, "Your always doing that, gets tiresome after a while."
"I'm sorry, Will... I didn't realize."
"No, you didn't. And why? I'll tell you why. You automatically
assumed that I was going to do the 'really big nasty' again. Well I
got some news for you, Slayer... that thought hadn't even entered my
head. YOU ARE WRONG. How does that feel, knowing that your instincts
were so far off the mark? Besides, I don't really think I need to
prove to anyone what I can do anymore. You've already seen that."
"You don't need to prove anything to me 'cause your right... I've
seen what you can do. You don't have to use magick anymore... you
don't need it." Buffy said with the hopes that maybe she could reach
her friend this time.
"Your right, I don't. But I will. You and everyone else always
put me down for using my powers. Always putting me down. Boy, feel
the friendship."
"You were using your magick too much. You were addicted to it.
Can't you see that?"
"Who are you to say what is too much or not? Or that it is an
addiction? You are not a witch! I've seen you use your strength for
lots of things that aren't 'slayer related'... but that's okay for
you."
"That's different." Buffy replied.
"How is it different, hmm?"
"No one gets hurt when I use it except for the nasty's."
"Until a few weeks ago, no one ever got hurt with my magick
either. Face it... its only different because 'you' say its
different. I'm sick of you always deciding what's right and what's
not, and only according to how you'd handle it at the time. If you
had my power, you'd be a worse user than I would have ever been." she
held up a hand, "Don't bother to deny it."
"Look, I don't want to fight, I just want my friend back. I-we
miss you, Will."
"You miss me. Hmm, and which 'me' would that be? The Willow who
was always so happy-go-lucky? The Willow who always listened to
everyone's problems no matter how she was feeling at the time? The
Willow who always made time for everyone when they wanted her too?
Willow the tutor, or reasercher, maybe? The Willow who always did
what everyone wanted her to without so much as a complaint? You know
what I think? The Willow you want back isn't a loser... she was worse
than a loser. She did whatever you wanted, never saying 'no', even if
she didn't feel like doing anything."
"Your not a loser! I never thought that about you!"
"Whatever. Say good-bye to the old Willow. She's not going to be
so easily used anymore." Willow tired of talking to Buffy, "Buffy, go
home. Go tell Giles what a bad girl I am. I'm sure he'll be
interested in hearing about it, as will the others."
"Buffy," Angel cut in, "go on. I'll take her home."
"I can't just leave, Angel." Buffy said in astonishment.
"Take off, blondie. Angel's a big boy. He can handle himself just
fine, and I'll be there to help him do that." a sinister laugh
errupted from Willow.
"Go on... I'll take care of her." Angel urged Buffy.
"Alright. But be careful." she warned.
"Yeah, Angel. Better be careful. Ya never know when I'm gonna get
the urge to destroy sumthin'." Buffy looked to Angel and then to
Willow... then turned and ran to let Giles know what she had
seen. "Hmph, I thought she'd never leave."
"Come on, lets get you home."
"If I resist, will you spank me like the naughty girl I am?" she
purred as she slinked closer and put her arms around his neck.
"No, now lets go. I'll make you some tea... or something." he
said as he unwrapped her arms from around his neck and nudged her to
walk.
"You know, sometimes your just no fun." she pouted.
"Yeah, well, would you have me any other way?"
"Would you like me to describe how may ways I'd like to have
you?" she said playfully, but continued walking as she saw him scowl
at her.

~Part: 23~

Angel was in absolute shock all the way to Willow's house. Her
appearence was one thing, but the things she had said...this was not
the red head he had considered to be his friend. The things she said,
the blatent sexual comments that she spoke left him feeling worried
about her emotional state... his Willow would never have acted this
way. Once they were home he busied himself in the kitchen, deciding
to make her hot chocolaite instead, with the hope that it would be a
little more soothing so she could calm down. He brought the steaming
drink to her and set it on the coffee table, and glancing at Willow
on the couch, he opted for the arm chair instead.
"Aw, Angel. I didn't scare you away, did I?" she pouted, "Come
sit beside me." she said as she patted the cushon beside her.
"I'm comfortable here." was his clipped response.
"Well, I'm not. Its lonely on the couch all by myself." and she
got up and walked over, stood in front of Angel and leaned over so
that her face was only inches from his. "And I don't feel like being
lonely right now." and she placed her hands on the back of the chair
on either side of his head, then brought up one knee, then the other
so that they rested on the seat as she now straddled him, resting her
bottom on his lap.
"Do you know how long its been since I've been with a man?" she
whispered in his ear, then moved and took his mouth with hers. Fire
shot through Angel as her tongue plunged into his mouth, exploring,
tasting and rubbing against his own, urging him to do the same. His
arms encircled her, pulling her closer to him as his need grew,
thundering in his ears. Willow moved her hips so that she was
grinding against him, and could feel the hardness that developed
beneath her. She needed more... she needed him. Her hand slid behind
his head, grabbed a handful of hair and pulled him closer deepening
the kiss.
A low moan rumbled through Angel as he brought his hands around
to hher front, took hold of her blouse and ripped it open, sending
buttons flying everywhere, and removed it. He undid the hook in the
front of her bra, and Willow lowered her arms as he slid and
discarded it somewhere on the floor. His cool hands slid up her
stomache until they came into contact with her young perky breasts.
His long fingers tweeked her taut nipples causing waves of pleasure
to course through her. Angel released Willow's lips and slowly slid
his mouth down the side of her neck, stopping at the juncture where
her pulse was throbbing. He gently nipped and kissed, then made his
way towards her breast.
He let his tongue tease, little circles all around until Willow
could take no more and pulled his head in. He suckled and nibbled,
his need growing as Willow threw her head back and moaned.
"I need you Angel. I want to feel you inside me... deep inside."
she panted, but the sound of her voice made Angel will himself to
stop, even though his body screamed to continue.
"Willow, we can't do this. We need to stop." his voice raspped.
"If your worried about your soul," she whispered in his
ear, "don't be. This is sex... not love." she finished and nibbled on
his ear. Angel's mind lay in torment... he needed release. His hunger
for it hammering in his head, making it hard to think straight. She
was making it hard for him to maintain his sanity. It had been so
long since he was able to be with a woman. His control was quickly
slipping away from him, but he couldn't stop himself. He abandoned
his control and his body took over, taking them both to a fevered
pitch. He wrapped his arms around her and stood, and she placed her
feet on the floor. His mouth took hers, demanding she return the kiss
as his hands moved down to her waist, undoing her pants. Her hands
flew to his and did the same, pulling them down off of his hips. The
kiss stopped as each removed they're pants, then Willow helped Angel
with the removal of his shirt, and he lowered her to the floor.
His mouth went to her breast and roughly nibbled as he moved his
hand down her body. His fingers found her soft furry mound and slid
between her legs until they entered the silky part of her that men
can only dream about. She grabbed hold of his shaft and began to
stroke him. He moved his fingers faster, causing her to arch her back
and moan loudly as she climaxed. The grip she had on him tightened,
and finally he could hold off no longer. He spread her legs with his
hand and moved himself between them as she placed her hands on his
hips, bringing him closer.
He entered her gently, but the feeling of her heat surrounding
him, enveloping him, he moved with more eagerness. She moaned beneath
him, and moved her hips to match him, sending waves of pleasure
crashing over them both.
"Oh Angel! Oh, yesss! I want you!"
Hearing the sound of passion and need in her voice was too much
for him. His mind shut down and his body took over as he drove
himself deep inside. He had lost all control as he spilled his seed,
buried deep inside as she climaxed with him. He rolled off of her and
collapsed onto the floor beside her. Sillow moved and rested her head
on his shoulder and snuggled in close beside Angel, and he brought
his arm around her to hold her close to him.
 

***** ***** ****** ****** ******
 

Hours later, Angel had remained awake, replaying the events in
his mind over and over again. He turned his head slightly so that he
could look upon Willow, who still lay beside him. She had dozed off a
short time ago, and now he noticed that her hair color was once again
red. She was restless, making him wonder just what it was that she's
dreaming about.
He watched her sleep for a short while, studying the soft
features of her face as four words entered into his mind...

'What have I done?'

~Part: 24~

With a sharp intake of breath, Willow sat bolt up-right,
confusion clouding her mind as she struggled to figure out where she
was. She looked around but couldn't focus on anything, everything was
a blur.
"Willow? Are you alright?"
"Huh?" was her only response as things, objects slowly came into
focus.
"Are you alright? Was it another bad dream?" Willow only
nodded. "I didn't know you were still having them. When did they come
back?"
"They never left." she said as she turned to face the man who was
talking to her. It was then that she noticed that Angel was sitting
on the floor next to her in the nude. She looked down at herself and
realized that she, too, was in the same state of undress. "Whoa!" was
all she said as Angel jumped to his feet and raced to the couch to
grab the blanket that was draped over the back of it. He quickly made
his way back to Willow and covered her, and decided that it was a
good idea to put his pants on. As he did so, Willow averted her eyes,
but couldn't help stealing glances of him while he dressed. Angel
finished and sat back down on the floor in front of the red head.
"Willow, we need to talk about last night."
"I knew it. Your mad at me. I'm sorry Angel, really."
"Calm down, I'm not mad at you. Its, I don't understand. I've
never seen you like that before. That just wasn't you."
"Yes... it was.What you saw was all me."
"No, it wasn't. I know you better than that. That wasn't you last
night."
"You don't know me as well as you think you do. That's what I've
been trying to tell you. That was me, Angel. Its not like I wasn't in
control or anything like that. I knew exactly what I was doing every
step of the way. You see, what you don't understand is the way that I
feel when I'm like that."
"Then tell me. What do you feel when you change? I want to know."
he asked curiously.
"I'm not afraid, Angel. I'm not afraid to speak my mind. I'm
assertive, confident, people listen to what I have to say. They don't
take me for granted because I'm not afraid to stand up for myself and
say 'no'. Maybe I'm a little sharp-tongued, but all my life I've been
quiet, doing what others wanted me to, never saying anything they
don't want to hear. I'm tired of people wanted me when they 'need'
me. I'm tired of being walked on. Is that so wrong?"
"No, its not. But Buffy, Giles, Xander... they all love you."
"Yeah, I know they do. They love the fact that I was always
reliable, dependable, and expected me to drop everything just to do
what they needed me to do, whether its research or a spell. They want
me to be what 'they' want. I just can't do that anymore." she said
sternly.
"I guess I can understand. But... what about what happened, ahen,
between us." he asked hoping not to upset her.
"I needed to 'be' with someone last night, and you were there. I
needed to feel 'wanted'." her gaze dropped to the floor. "Are you mad
at me?"
"Mad? No, no,no. It was--unexpected."
"Oh. Was I that bad? I-I mean, I haven't been with a man in a
long time, and Oz was the only other man I've been with." she
stammered.
"No, you were great! I mean, it was great, really."
"Really?" Angel nodded. "Well, at least you don't have to worry
about losing your soul with me... you have to be in love for that to
happen."
"Actually, that's what I came back to town for. I wanted you to
be the first to know, I can keep my soul. And nothing will make me
lose it."
"Its yours? But how?" Willow asked incredulously.
"I went to the 'Powers that Be'. I asked to be human, but instead
they let me keep my soul. I'm not complaining, its just nice to never
have to worry about that anymore."
"Oh, Angel!! I'm so happy for you! I'd hug you but I kinda need
my hands... the blanket you know." she smiled shyly, but a chuckle
escaped from Angel's mouth. "I have something for you too. Open my
locket." His brows knit together in curiosity, but did as he was
asked. He opened the locket to discover his own eyes staring back at
him.
"Willow!" he said in surprise, "I can't believe this. Where did
you get this picture?"
"I have my ways." she replied with a smile.

~Part: 25~

"So your really not mad at me?"
"No, I'm really not mad at you. Should I say it again, or do you
finally believe me?" asked Angel.
"No, I believe you. I... I just wanted to make sure."
"You can be sure now." Angel reassured her. "How do you feel
about going out tonight?"
"Uh, okay. What did you have in mind?"
"How about the Espresso Pump? You can tell me all about your new
friend, and maybe I will get the chance to meet the guy who was smart
enough to befriend you."
"Okay... I like your plan. I'd like for you two to meet. He's
really nice, you'd like him. But..." Willow trailed off.
"What's the matter?"
"Well, Erik didn't show up last night and we usually meet there
at the same time every night. I was on my way home from there when
you and Buffy showed up."
"Yeah, Buffy told me that you meet Erik there all the time,
that's why we were headed there in the first place." Angel watched
Willow's expression taking note of the slight amount of worry that
showed on her face. "Hey, maybe he'll show up tonight. It could be
that something just kept him last night."
"I hope so." was all she said.
"C'mon, get changed. We'll go out for coffee and see what
happens."
"Your right. It'll be nice... you and me going for coffee again.
I've missed that." she said and looked down shyly.
"I've missed that too, and you. And our walks and talks, it was
nice. All those years we've known each other, and we really never had
the chance to 'really' get to know one another. I'm glad we finally
did."
"Me too." Willow said as she beamed proudly.
"Go on, get ready."
"Okay. I'll be ready in a minute." she said and raced up the
stairs to get changed.
 
 

* * * * * * * * * *
 
 

The image slowly faded leaving only a swirling mass of blue water
in the scrying pool.
"She worries about you, my Lord."
"Yes, my friend, she does. It is rather touching, don't you
think?"
"I do."
"Such a lovely young thing, and very trusting." he smiled almost
as if to himself. "She was most radiant last night. The power
eminating from her was exquisite. It is gratifying to see that my
plan is working." he put a hand to his chest and inhaled deeply. "Did
you see her, how she enjoyed every second of agony she caused to that
filthy creature? There was no fear in her, just pleasure at disposing
of him."
"But, my Lord. The vampire with her... he could be a problem."
"Jirronh, you worry needlessly. He will be taken care of when the
time is right, have no fear of that."
"You have a plan for him?"
"It would be foolish of me not to be prepared for such things." A
scowl crossed his face, "Filthy creatures, are they not? These
vampires... the lowest form of demon. They are pests that need to be
irradicated. Do you not agree, my young friend?"
"I do, of course, my Lord. But what do you have in mind for this
one?"
"Tis not the time to discuss such unimportant matters. When it is
time, you will know all."
"Yes, my Lord. I was just curious." he replied.
"Curiosity...yes. That is a trait of the young. I do understand,
for I too, was once young. But as with age comes the knowledge to put
aside one's curiosity to make way for patience. It is true of the
saying these mortal's have... Patience is a virtue. You will learn
and understand this one day as well."
"Yes, my Lord."
"You are truely a loyal friend," he said as he clapped Jirronh on
the shoulder, "I have no fear of you and my 'Fire Princess' getting
long. You will be a true friend to us both. Yes, she will make an
incredible addition." he finished and walked down a tunnel, leaving
Jirronh with an uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomache.

~Part: 26~

Willow was thoroughly enjoying herself as she sat with Angel and
watching him pretend to drink his now cold coffee. Thoughts of Erik
did enter her mind, wondering what might be wrong, or that maybe he
wasn't feeling well. With no way to get in touch with him, there was
no way to find out. She once again turned her mind back to Angel,
listening to him tell a joke, and rather badly at that.
"Your not laughing. I guess I didn't tell it very well."
"Oh, no. You told it just fine." she lied, "It just wasn't that
funny."
"Your a lousy liar." he replied, and Willow couldn't help
cracking a wide grin.
"Okay, you got me. It was an awful joke."
"Excuse me." came the voice of the cashier at the front of the
shop. "I have a phone call for a Willow Rosenburg."
Willow stood up and made her way to the cashier and said, "I'm
Willow." The young girl took Willow to the phone and promptly left to
give her some privacy.
"Hello?"
"Willow? It's Erik."
"Erik! Where are you? Is everything alright?" she asked, worry
sounding heavily in her voice.
"I'm fine. I'm sorry about last night, and tonight. My ex-
girlfriend showed up out of the blue and...it was not very pleasant.
I hope I didn't worry you too much. Sorry about not calling you
sooner."
"No, that's okay. I understand."
"If you don't mind, could we kinda hold off the coffee thing for
a while? Just till I have a chance to work through all this."
"No problem. Take all the time you need."
"Thanks a lot Willow. You are a true friend. I'll tell you all
about it in say, a week. See you for coffee next tuesday?"
"That sounds great. Take care of yourself until then."
"I will. Bye for now."
"Bye." she hung up the phone and made her way back to the table
to join Angel.
"Who was that?"
"Erik. His ex showed up last night, that's why he didn't come. It
must have been pretty bad because he needs some time to get over the
visit she payed him. So coffee is on hold till next tuesday."
"But otherwise he's okay?"
"Yeah, he's fine. At least now I know." Her green eyes sparkled
as she looked at Angel, "Well, it looks like I'm all yours for the
next week. What do you wanna do?"
"How about we go to the park. We can walk around, and I'll even
do the gentlemanly thing of pushing you while you sit on a swing."
"Why, Angel! Your such a romantic." she said and they both
laughed. Willow looked so happy. Angel was totally captivated by the
sound of her laughter. And her eyes... they twinkled as she looked at
him. 'Why haven't I ever noticed her eyes before?' he thought as he
looked into those emerald green pools. His eyes moved to the rose
coloured lips smiling at him. Thoughts of the kisses they shared
entered his mind. Her lips, so soft and beautiful, demanding in the
urgency and need they both felt. He remembered how she felt as she
lay beneath him, surrounding him as they're passions exploded.
"Angel?"
"Wha?" he said as Willow's voice dragged him away from his
thoughts. "What?"
"Are you okay. Your face went kinda blank. Seemed like you zoned
out for a minute."
"Oh, no. I'm fine. My mind kind of wandered, that's all."
"Must have been a pretty intense thought."
"Uh, yeah... it was."
"Care to share? Penny for your thoughts?" curiosity getting the
best of her.
"Nooo, not really. I think I'll keep these ones to myself. Come
on, the park awaits two foolish people trying to pretend they're kids
again." He said with a small laugh. "Shall we?" he held out his arm
and Willow took it with a smile.
"We shall." and they both headed out the door and down the street.

~Part: 27~

Willow's laughter rang out in the night like chimes blowing in a
breeze as she sailed high in the air. Once in a while Angel would
give her a quick tickle as he would give her a push, just to hear her
laughing. He found her giddiness to be contagious and would laugh
right along with her. He had missed Willow's company after he
returned to L.A., but he hadn't realized how much until now.
Why had he never noticed her sense of humor before, the way she
smiled, how every emotion plays in her eyes like a silent movie. She
was beautiful in the 'girl next door' sort of way, and her shyness
only added to her quiet beauty. In a way she was still a mystery, but
only in the sense that she still hides her feelings about her
nightmares. She still refuses to discuss the subject of her dreams
with him, but he decided he could wait until she is ready... after
all, he's got all the time in the world. Being a non-aging vampire
does have its advantages.
"Okay, Angel. I think I've had enough swinging for one night. she
said, interupting his thoughts. "Lets sit on the grass for a while."
"Sounds good to me." he replied and helped to slow the swing
down. When the swing stopped, Angel held out his hand for Willow to
take, and led her to a spot in the middle of the playground. They
both sat down in the cool grass, and stared up at the stars pointing
and naming the constellations to one another.
Willow felt a familiar presence not far off in the distance and
fell silent, causing Angel to wonder what the problem was until he
could hear the footfalls heading in they're direction.
"Its giles." Willow said.
"What? How do you know that?" he asked and turned his head in the
direction of the footsteps. A figure approached, but Angel wasn't
able to see his face until the man crossed the road and passed under
a street lamp walking towards them.
"How did you know that?" asked Angel, astounded.
"Ask him, he'll tell ya." was her short reply.
"Angel, Willow. How are you this evening?" came the British
accent.
"Fine giles." said Angel.
"So what was it you wanted me to tell you?" Giles asked curiously.
"Uh, well, I was wondering how Willow knew it was you before we
could see you. How is that possible?"
"It has to do with the power Willow had absorbed from me. Its
given us a link to one another... a sort of residual effect, if you
will."
"Can you read each others thoughts?"
"No," Willow cut in, "but we can track each other no matter where
we are. It kinda like a homing signal. So what are you doing here,
Giles?"
"Buffy told me about what happened, and I wanted to make sure you
were alright."
"In other words, your checking up on me."
"If that is how you wish to precieve it."
"So, are you going to scold me for being such a bad little girl?
After all, I did use my magic you know." she said sarcastically.
"Really, Willow. There's no need for the attitude. I was simply
putting my own worry to rest about your welfare." he said, feeling
offended.
"Giles, wait. I'm sorry, I didn't mean it. I just, I thought you
were going to start accusing me like Buffy did the other night." she
said apologetically.
"No need for apologies, Willow, it is perfectly understandable.
Your life was in danger and you did what was nessessary. Just so long
as you don't abuse your powers, I see no reason why you shouldn't use
it to protect yourself." Anger eminated from Willow at Giles's words.
"How dare you" she seethed, saying it through clenched
teeth, "How dare you come here and tell me how to run my life. Up
until a month ago, my magicks never hurt anyone."
"Willow, Warren was a human being with..." but Giles didn't get
to finish before Willow cut him off.
"A human being?" she said with sarcasm, "Warren wasn't human, he
was a monster! He was no different than any of the demons we've
killed over the years."
"Willow," Giles spoke calmly, "Warren was human, with a heart and
with feelings, and you took..."
"Yeah, I took it all away from him. Let me tell you something,"
she said as she slowly stood up, revealing eyes as black as coal to
the ex-watcher. "Demons have a heart, and they have feelings, hmmm,
kinda like Warren."
"That is not the same thing. Willow, please be reasonable."
"Reasonable? I'm gonna tell you a little known fact. Did you know
that demons were walking the earth long before man came into
existence? But when man made his appearance, the demons found us too
intolerable to co-exist with us, so they left. So, if you want to get
really technical about things, Giles, we now kill what rightfully
belongs here. In fact 'we' are the intruders into they're world." she
finished.
"Willow, calm down. Giles was just worried about you, that's all."
"Angel is right. I didn't come here to condemn you."
"Giles, how can I make you and everyone else understand? I'm a
witch... that's who I am. I will continue to use magic when 'I'
decide its needed, and that's all there is to it. I'm not going to
kill people or destroy the world, if that's what your worried about.
I am trying to have a 'life'. The least you can do is let me live it.
Your like a father to me... and you've been more of a father to me
than my own ever was, and I respect you for that. I love you for
that. But please, let me live my own life." Willow said as her eyes
turned back to they're normal shade of green. Giles watched as a tear
slid down her cheek, lifted his arm and brushed it away with his
forefinger.
"Willow, I... I didn't know you felt that way about me. I don't
know what to say, except... I'm touched." and Giles choked back a
sob. "I've always thought of you as a daughter, but I didn't know...
I'm so sorry. I-I guess all children have to leave the nest at some
point, don't they." Willow leaned forward and wrapped her arms
tightly around Giles, and the watcher did the same, both finding some
understanding with each other now.

~Part: 28~

"Its been quite an evening, hasn't it?" Angel asked solomnly as
he and Willow sat down on the couch.
"Truthfully, its been an interesting month."
"Everything worked out between you and Giles tonight. That's
something."
"Yeah, but look at how it had started out. I expected the same
attitude from him that I got from the others, and treated him badly
because of it. He didn't deserve that."
"Your right, he didn't deserve it. But it wasn't your fault
either. This time you just went on the offensive instead."
"It was so wrong," she looked down at her hands, "I know what I
said hurt him, even if he didn't say so." she said, and Angel placed
his fingers under her chin and gently raised her head, forcing her to
look into his eyes.
"He understands why it happened, and he forgives you. He loves
you, and nothing will change that." he said, giving her a reasuring
smile.
"I-I guess your right." she returned his smile weakly.
"Of course I'm right." he said giving her a hug, "Everything is
going to be fine." she returned the embrace and they sat, just
enjoying each others comforting arms.
"Angel? Do you think things will ever get back to normal?"
"Eventually. But only time will tell. It will take a while."
"Angel?"
"Yeah?"
"When... when do you have to go back to L.A.?"
"You know, I haven't really thought about it the last couple of
days. I'm not sure. Why?"
"No reason, just wondered." she said softly. She didn't want him
to leave, but she couldn't bring herself to tell him so. The idea of
him staying because she was lonely without him, staying not from
choice but because he would feel compelled to out of pity... she
couldn't bare the guilt she would feel. He has a life in L.A., and
she wouldn't be responsible for keeping him from it, no matter how
much she missed him.
Angel had heard what she wouldn't voice in those soft spoken
words, she didn't want him to go. He hadn't really thought about it
since he got back into Sunnydale. But now the question has been
raised, he found himself unsure about what to do. True, everything he
has is back in L.A., the Agency, his friends/co-workers, but he has
friends here as well. And as strange as it may seem, he finds the
idea of leaving Willow to be rather depressing. Was he just being
over protective? His leaving will be hard for Willow, and him. He
knows he'll be the reason for causing her heartache, and that thought
alone made his shest tighten inside.
"Willow, would you mind if I stayed on here for a while? I can
call Cordelia to let them know. They can handle the business until I
return." he said and Willow's head shot up to look at him.
"Really? Are you sure?" she asked, trying to contain her
excitment.
"If its alright with you. Cordelia and Wesley will take good care
of everything, I'm not worried about that."
"Yeah! Of course!"
"Good. I'll call tomorrow and get that settled." he looked at
Willow's beaming face and couldn't help but smile too. He decided he
did the right thing by staying, he just didn't know how long he was
going to remain... and right now, he didn't care. Willow was happy,
he did that and it made him feel wonderful.

~Part: 29~

Willow sat alone in her room, her mind going around in circles
over everything that has happened this past month. She didn't know
what to feel anymore, and it seemed as though her mind was trapped in
a fog with no hint of what direction to go. Even her body was
betraying her. The pills weren't working as effectively as they had
before, and found that she had to increase the amount. The problem
was that she was almost out of the pretty little capsuals. When she
ran out there would be no way of getting anymore without a
prescription. All she could do is hope to keep herself awake when the
inevitable happens... sleep is not an option.
The dreams... they haunt her mind every time she closes her eyes,
and there is no escaping them. The come to her, making her remember
the destruction, and the death. Tara... so beautiful, so loving. How
she missed her blonde princess.
Bitterness enveloped her... Warren deserved to die. A slight
smile tugged at the corners of her mouth as she remembered his death.
He didn't think she would actually kill him, thought she would wimp
out before she finished what she wanted to do. The entire scene
played out in her minds eye, and she relished every painful sound he
uttered with her slow torture, right up until the moment he passed
out as she skinned him instantly that night, sending his blood in
every direction. Once he passed out it just wasn't fun anymore...
time to move on. She still held no regrets for going after Johnathon
and... what's his name... Andrew. They may not have been physically
there when Warren shot Tara, but they were part of the 'Trio' and to
Willow, that made them just as bad as Warren. After all, they knew
about Warren killing his girlfriend, and they stayed with him
willingly.
Regrets... Willow had none, except for Tara. The mighty Osiris
would not allow Tara to come back, and without his help Willow can do
nothing to change the situation.
Willow was willing to be patient... there will come a day when
Johnathon and Andrew will get what they deserve. And she will be
there to dish it out with a vengence.
The red head decided to get out of her room and roam the house,
restlessness taking over she went downstairs. She walked as quietly
as she could, knowing the vampire's hearing as she did. Even though
he was upstairs he would still hear her moving about if she wasn't
careful.
She padded her way to the kitchen and grabbed the bread, then
proceeded to make herself a slice of toast. She had only taken a bite
when a voice from behind startled her.
"Couldn't sleep?"
"Oh, Angel! You scared me half to death." she squeeked out as she
put her hand to her chest.
"Sorry, I heard a noise."
"I got a case of the munchies. Thought I'd make a slice of toast
and see if that would stop the tummy rumbles." she said as her face
turned pink. "I didn't mean to wake you... I tried to be quiet."
"No, no, that's okay." he replied and sat down on a chair at the
table. Willow watched his every movement as he seated himself.
Strong, toned body clad in nothing more than boxers. She couldn't
stop the snicker that escaped her lips as she looked at his face...
bleary-eyed, and sleep tousled hair. He was quite a sight to behold.
Angel looked up at her and gave her an admonishing look.
"Hey, your no bed of roses when you first wake up either." he
said, and Willow burst out laughing. It was amazing the way her mood
could change the second he was near. 'Yes, life doesn't seem so bleak
with Angel around' she thought as she reached across the counter for
the bottle of aspirin.
"Got another headache?"
"A slight one... nothing aspirin won't take of."
"Okay, take your aspirin and get some sleep."
"Not tired."
"Then take your aspirin and we'll throw a movie in the V.C.R."
Angel said.
"Sounds good to me. What are you in the mood for?" she asked.
"Do you have 'An Officer and a Gentleman'?"
"Alrighty then." Willow said, trying deperately to hold back a
smirk.

~Part: 30~

Over the next few days Angel began to worry about the red head's
health. The dark circles around her eyes gave way to the knowlege
that she hasn't been sleeping, and no amount of make-up could totally
hide the fact. Although Angel himself didn't need to look at her for
proof, he could hear her rustling about in her room typing on the
computer, or the turning of a page from a book she was reading.
Other than a couple of bites of toast the other night, she hasn't
been eating either and it showed on her. She looked much thinner than
she did when he came to Sunnydale the first time over a month ago.
Her headaches never seemed to go away no matter how much aspirin she
swallowed... which was a lot. Even her mood had changed. She was
still pleasant most of the time, but she got irritated easily, it
didn't take much to upset her. Angel found himself unsure of what to
do. Calling Giles and Buffy seemed like the most logical course of
action to take, but he was afraid of his friend taking offense to
this. He didn't want her to over-react to what she would
consider 'butting in on her personal life'. But if things kept up the
way they are, she'll wind up in a hospital bed after collapsing from
hunger and exhaustion.
Angel came to his decision... He'll go see Buffy and Giles and
get some input on what to do. Now for an excuse for him to go. He put
all thought on this until the idea came to him... his soul. He never
did tell anyone about his soul-binding, wanting Willow to be the
first to hear the news. That, combined with finding out if they
needed him for information or research on any new threat that might
have emerged over the last little while.
That will work, she'll be alright with that. He'll go this
afternoon by way of sewers and tunnels. That decided, he turned his
attention back to the present and heard the water stop as Willow
finished her shower. 'How had things gotten this bad in such a short
period of time?' he wondered. When he left a month ago to go back to
L.A. she seemed fine. He had thought that she bounced back fairly
well after what had just happened at the time. What could have caused
things to move so rapidly in the wrong direction? What had changed
recently to promote this? Nothing that he could think of except...
Erik.
He was the only thing that was different. But who was he? Willow
had told him everything she knew about him, which wasn't much. Willow
didn't know his last name and didn't ask, no addresses were
exchanged, both feeling more comfortable with seeing each other at
the coffee shop only. They didn't even exchange phone numbers. All he
knew about the guy was that he was nice and that Willow wanted them
both to meet. Just then another thought entered his mind, how
convenient it was that the night that Angel came back to town Erik
suddenly had problems and had to put off coffee for a while. And
something Willow had said... magic! He uses magic. Could it be that
there is some mystical force at work here, and he is responsible? The
more he thought about it, the more likely that the answer was a
resounding 'yes'. It was just too coincidental.
"Penny for your thoughts." Willow said, causing the vampire to
jump. He hadn't even heard her come down the stairs or enter the dark
livingroom.
"Actually, I was just thinking about going to see Giles. I never
told anybody but you about my soul, and thought it would be a good
idea to let him know. Then he doesn't have to worry about 'Angelus'
making any sudden appearences in the future. Would you like to come
along?" he asked, knowing she would decline the invitation.
"No thanks, I'll stay home. I have a whopper of a headache."
"Its just as well. We'd be travelling through the sewers anyway."
he said watching Willow wrinkle her nose at the thought of the
smell. "Well, not a pleasant notion after bringing up sewers, but
would you like me to make you something to eat? I'm not a bad cook,
even if I don't eat what I make."
"That's a sweet offer, but I'm not really hungry. Thanks anyway."
she said with sincerity in her voice. "Coffee would be great though."
"Coffee it is." and he stood up and headed to the kitchen.

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