"Hey, where were you last night?" Oz asked Willow as they sat in the
Bronze. "I tried to call you after the band finished. No answer."

"I was studying," Willow explained. "Big paper due tomorrow, lots of
research. I turned off the phone."

"Reasonable explanation. I'd better go help the band set up," he gave
her a quick kiss.

"Okay," Willow smiled.

"Hello, Willow," Angel appeared at the table and sat down across from
her.

"Hi. Where's Buffy?"

"On her way, I guess," he shrugged. "Where were you really last night?"

"What?"

"I overheard you and Oz. You weren't home last night," he told her.

"Yes, I was. I--"

"You were here. At the Bronze. With Spike,"

Willow stared at him in mute shock. Angel covered her small hand with
his.

"I saw you, Willow," he continued. "Outside. I was going to intervene,
but you certainly didn't seem to be struggling when he grabbed you and
carried you off into the darkness."

Willow refused to meet his eyes, "Angel, it isn't what you think."

"Isn't it? It sure looked like what I'm thinking."

"We're friends. That's all."

"Friends," Angel repeated. "Spike doesn't have friends. He has victims,
minions, and conquests, but not friends."

"There's a first time for everything," Willow argued.

Angel leaned toward her, "What do you think Buffy is going to do when
she finds out you're killing time with a killer?"

"You can't tell Buffy! Please!" Willow begged.

The dark vampire removed his hand from hers and gave her a long look
before he spoke, "What about Oz? Do you know what this will do to him?
Have you thought about any of this? How far have things gone between you
and Spike? He's screwing you, isn't he?"

"That's none of your business!" Willow hissed.

"You're my friend, Willow. Probably the best friend I've ever had. Don't
ask me to sit by and watch him destroy you. I can't do that."

"It isn't like that. I swear it! Please, Angel, you're in love with
Buffy. You know what it feels like for a vampire and a human to be
close," Willow reasoned.

"I have a soul, Willow. Spike is a cold, sadistic bastard. He isn't
capable of loving, not the way you mean. Trust me; I've been there."

"Hey, guys!" Buffy called out as she crossed the room. "What are you two
talking so seriously about?"

"Who, me? Serious? Never!" Willow exclaimed with feigned cheerfulness.
"Well, now that you're here to keep the big guy in line, I should be
going."

"I thought you were going to spend some time with us," Buffy replied.

"I have a huge exam on Monday. I need to hit the books," Willow
explained. "I'll catch you later, though."

"Well, okay," Buffy said as Willow rose to leave.

Angel leapt from his chair and stopped her at the door, "You're going to
him, aren't you?"

Willow sighed, "I'm going home. To study."

Angel shook his head sadly, "I wish I could believe you."

"Believe what you like. I have to go. I'll talk to you later." She
pulled open the door and left.

"Yes, you will," he vowed as he watched the door close.

"Angel, what's going on?" Buffy asked after Angel returned to their
table.

He took her hand, "Sit down, Buffy. There's something you need to know."

End.

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