AUTHOR: Erin
E-MAIL: [email protected]
RATING: PG-13
SPOILERS: Phases. I took major freedom with this.....
FEEDBACK: Yes Please!!!!
NOTES: This has to deal with Willow and Angelus getting together. I'll try and make it different than the others, but, it'll be hard.
DISCLAIMER: Too bad I don't own 'em, but these great characters belond to Joss. *sigh*
DISTRIBUATION: Just ask! I don't mind, but I just want to know where it's going.

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

"A werewolf..." Willow walked home after school, thinking about Oz, "That's so neat." She wondered many times why she wasn't afraid
of him. <<Maybe I'm in love.>> She swooned, walking up her porch stairs, and into the house, "Hello? Mom? Dad?" No answer. It didn't
surprise her, they were *never* home.

She trudged upstairs, and into her room, where she threw her books down on the floor, and flopped onto her bed. Just as she started to
relax, the phone rang, "Hello?"

It was Buffy. Poor Buffy. Ever since Angel had changed for the worse, she had just changed. It was hard, "Hey, Willow, how are you?"

"Good, I guess," She replied, "Wanna go Bronzing tonight?"

She agreed, "Okay, but don't expect me to cheer up, crack a joke or laugh at one of Xander's."

"Okay."

Angel watched her get ready for the Bronze. He was sitting on her porch, near the French doors. She didn't notice, as she was getting
ready earnestly, in hopes of seeing Oz again. He laughed at her running around the room, trying on different outfits. He studied her
body intently, feelings of desire wafting up the vampire's body, "Tonight," He whispered to himself, while slipping a note underneath
the doors, "I'll have my fun."

Willow was running around frantically, trying to find a shoe, while something different caught her eye. <<This paper matches Angel's...>>
Her lower lip started to tremble, as she opened it, and read it aloud, "Meet me at the graveyard." She shivered. <<How can I do that?
He'll kill me!!>> But despite it all, something inside her wanted to meet him, and she sensed that he wouldn't hurt her. That first night
that he grabbed her in the school hallway, just before Xander rescued her, she felt something. Something strong.

The phone rang, startling her out of her houghts, "Buffy?"

"Hey, Willow," She answered, "I just have to patrol first, so I'll meet you there?"

"Okay," She replied, "I have somehting to do first, so I'll be a little late." Something inside her was pulling her towards the graveyard,
and she didn't really know why. She spritzed on some perfume, and then headed out the door.

"Angel." She gasped, seeing him sitting on a gravestone, waiting for her.

He stood up, and approached her, "Willow..." He smirked, tormenting her, "I'm not going to bite." She wanted to scream and run, but
she couldn't.

"Why do you want me dead?" She cocked her head to one side, exposing her neck, "Is it to hurt Buffy, beacuse I don't think you can do
that anymore than she's doing it herself."

She spoke so wisely, it angered him. It frustrated him.

"I don't want you dead, Little One," He spoke fiercely, pulling her in for a kiss. She responded despite herself, "Argh!" She opened her
eyes to see him glowing, "What is this? Some kind of joke?"

"Huh?"

He pointed to her, "You're glowing, too." She held her arm out, and it was true. She was glowing a purple aura, "Is this a spell you've
cast?" He growled at her.

"No!" She shook her head, tears flowing in fear of Angel's anger, "I can't cast spells. Why would I? I can't, Angel, you have to believe
me....." She started to sob, and she fell to the ground. When she looked up, he was gone.

******

"Go away!" She screamed, " I don't want this! Any of this! Leave me alone!" She wailed at her parents, who were telling her her history.
She was an angel; a descendant of some sort of Fallen Angel, that didn't make it's way to hell, and instead is trapped on earth. Her
mother's side, which was mainly of Irish and Welsh origin, was of the angelic sorts, and Willow had fallen victim to its powers.

She stomped upstairs, and fell on her bed, sobbing hysterically. She didn't know what to do, and for some reason, now that she knew
what had caused Angel's reaction, she was upset that he was mad at her.

"Your magickal powers have enhanced," She recalled her mother's words, "Look at the full moon tonight, Dear, and you will see the
cause for it. Blood on the moon; and what does it mean?"

Trouble. She had to find Angel, no matter what he'd do to her.

He growled, curling his lip, the minute he saw her. She didn't move, and was very unafraid of his antics. <<I have to tell him what I
know.>> "Angel--"

"You're not scared." He shook his head in disbelief, after listening to her heartbeat, which hadn't faltered in rhythm the whole time
they were staring at each other.

She shook her head, "I had to find you. I know why I was glowing earlier, and I owe you the explanation Mom gave me," He raised an
eyebrow quizzically, "She says I'm an angel. The real kind. We practise some sort of magick, and I'm not supposed to get mine until I
'come of age'," He laughed at her formal, stiff expression, "But, there's blood on the moon," She pointed at the sky, "And, I've been
called."

"An angel, eh?" He approached her slowly, "How?"

She shrugged, "I bolted before she pulled the family tree out. I wanted to tell you that. I don't know why--" He kissed her, "Maybe
that was why."

He chuckled darkly, "So, something bad's going to happen. I wonder...." He shrugged, "We will have a few days," He pointed at the
moon, "It's not quite bloody yet."

"Oh."

"C'mon," He took her hand, "I'll walk you home."

Her eyes dropped to the ground the minute they reached her porch, "Well, I, uh...." He lifted her head, so her gaze met his, "Hi." She
shrugged nervously, but he didn't pay any attention, and kissed her again. This time, it was delicate and tender, like a kiss you'd see in a
romantic movie. <<WOW>>

"If you learn anything new," He had started to walk away, but turned to speak again, "I'll be at my apartment. Don't be afraid to stop
by."

She shook her head, "I won't." She walked in the house, shutting the door behind her, "Mom?"

"In here, Honey," Her mother's words came from the living room, "I have something to show you, and I need to appologize--"

Willow smiled, "It's okay," She sat down on the sofa next to her, "What is it?"

"A family tree." Willow smiled to herself, and then started to read the names. <<Galway, Ireland is where it all started, and almost
ended, it looks like....>> She studied it, running her fingers along the names of the deceased, "Oh yes," Her mother saw her interest,
"The Kirpatricks were a very prominent name in our history. However, they were all murdered, and one disappeared," <<Angelus
Kirpatrick.>> Willow thought she would faint, as her mother continued, "Except for Jessheil. She escaped to England, and married a
young man, William," She pointed out, "But then, he did suddenly. It doesn't say. She was supposed to be the immortal in the family, but
she died of a broken heart."

"Immortal?" <<This is too much.>>

"Yes," He rmothe rnodded, "Immortal. I was upset, because I was one generation short. You're to follow up tradition, I suppose."

Willow fainted.

*****

Willow tapped away at a thesis, miles away, at MIT. She accepted their early enrolement offer because she didn't really want to stay
in Sunnydale.

<<Why do I feel so bad? This is better for everyone. Angel included.>>

She did feel terrible---she couldn't help it. She just left everyone behind: Buffy, Giles, Xander, Oz, Cordelia, Amy, and Angel. She
couldn't face telling them that she'd be the one left behind, or that she had these incredible powers. Angelic powers. It scared her, too,
and she didn't want to deal with her fears, on top of theirs.

"Ooh, goody," She had taken a break from her project, and checked her e-mail, "Mail!" Her eyes misted over with tears, as she read it
aloud, " 'Willow. I don't understand why you left, or what had changed you, but we're all very concerned. You're mother told me where
you are, but I won't come and force you back to Sunnydale. I just want to know you're happy. I partly blame myself for all of
this---letting you know about this Slayer business. It was too risky for you, and I can imagine, with the recent line of events, this has
taken it's toll on you. If there's anything I can do to help you in anyway, please reply. Giles.' "

She felt compelled to write back, but instead, something pushed her further. She picked up the phone, and dialed a familiar number,
"Hello, Giles?"

"Willow!" He sounded estatic, "Is that you?"

"Yeah." <<He sounds sad, and relieved all at once. It's odd.>> "How are things?"

He hesitated, before saying, "Good," He paused, "At least now that I know you're alright. Gives me a peace of mind."

She got choked up at that last phrase, and she wanted to tell him everything, but she didn't know how, "Giles, there's so much I really,
really, really want to tell you. About why I left so suddenly, and why everything's changed," She started to babble, startling him, "But,
I just can't do it here, over the phone."

He cleared his throat in surprise, almost, "That would be great."

"I just don't know how to start."

"Well," He suggested, "How about you start by telling me your dorm, and address, and I'll fly up there as soon as I can."

"That sounds good."

Giles had arrived the next day. He didn't waste any time whatsoever. She had been studying, when she heard a gentle knocking at the
door, "Willow?" He poked his head inside the door, "Oh, good, you're here."

"Yup, I'm here. Here I am." She shrugged, offering him a seat while she pulled a book out of a drawer. It was the book and family tree
that her mother had given her.

Giles was immediately intrigued at the sight of a book he hadn't read, "What's this?"

"The reason why I left," She replied bluntly, as he leafed through the pages, "I'm an Angel, of some sorts, anyway. I was glowing one
night, when I ran into Angel. He was definately scared, and he ran off," She continued the story of what she knew, "But, he's one of my
ancestors, except he died. Sort of. Mom said his body was never recovered, and I didn't dare tell her that he was up and walking still. I
don't think she would've taken it very well."

He nodded, "This means you can perfrom magick?"

"Yeah," She nodded back in reply, "Pretty much everything. Even some of Ami's stuff. Plus some more. It's odd. I'm getting used to it,"
He looked at her warily, "I don't abuse it, Giles, don't worry. I only do good stuff. And nothing to help my way through school."

She could see him relax, "That's good. But why did you leave?"

Willow drew in a deep breath before speaking, "I didn't want to explain it all to you guys. I was scared you'd shun me, or be scared of
me. And I didn't want to get close," She paused, to wipe a tear away that had slid down her face, "It's going to be hard, to watch
everyone you love slip away, when you know yourself you're going to live forever."

Giles' eyes bugged, "Immortality?"

"It's on page 102, I think," She responded, "I'm the One. After every so many generations---"

" ' A girl is born. This girl will posess strength and magick of an archangel, but she is not expected to preach or pray, nor is she
expected to follow a certain religion.' "

She shrugged as he finished, "It doesn't say what my duties are though. I'm a little unclear on that issue."

"It's probably to promote happiness the best way you know how."

She sighed exasperatedly, "Geez, vague that up some more!"

"Let's go out for tea," He suggested, "My treat."

*******

They were standing at the airport terminal, "Giles, thanks," She offered him a heartfelt smile, "It meant a lot that you flew up for a
week."

He nodded, "It was wonderful to see you," He embraced her emotionally, "Will you come back to Sunnydale?"

"I dunno. I'd like to finish up a few years here," She replied, "I guess you can tell everyone I miss them. It's the truth."

He nodded, and then his eyebrows shot up, as if he remembered something that he forgot to ask, "Willow?" She motioned for him to
continue, "Would you have any idea why Angel woulb be asking Buffy where you were?"

"Hmmm?"

He tried to explain further, "He hasn't been causing Buffy any trouble, except the night you disappeared. She said it looked like he was
going to kill her, until she broke down and cried," She suddenly felt bad for being the cause of so much pain, "And said she had no idea
where you were. He fled the scene soon after making sure she was alright."

"Poor Buffy."

"I had never seen her so terrified. But," He asked again, "Would you know why?"

She shook her head quickly, "No. That's odd."

"Is it really?" She nodded in agreement, but she suspected that he knew something had been going on between them briefly. He was
about to say something, but the loudspeaker came on, calling for his flight, "Well, back to Sunnydale."

"Send them my love." She smiled, hugging him once more, before he left. She brushed a few stray tears away, and then disappeared into
the night.

She was walking aimlessly around the city. Thoughts were filling her head; she didn't know how to feel, how to act, or where she should
be. She wanted to be home, to be able to talk with Buffy over steamy cups of cappucino, to share another kiss with Angel.

"Hello." A strangely calm voice stopped her in her tracks. <<I know that voice.>>

She looked up to meet those familiar eyes, "Angel." She walked calmly towards him, and fell into his arms, "It's good to see you."

"Mutual," He replied, kissing the top of her head protectively, "I was so worried, Little One, I thought Spike had killed you," She could
feel the sincerity in his voice, and it scared her somewhat, "When Buffy wouldn't tell me, I really thought someone had killed you."

She lifted her eyes to meet his, "I didn't want to hurt anyone. I thought it would be best," She felt those tears welling up in her eyes,
"Damnit, Angel! None of this was supposed to happen!" A few tears started to fall, and then they turned into sobs that wracked her
body, "None of this was supposed to happen. We weren't supposed to be so...I dunno, and I wasn't supposed to become an Angel, nor
immortal, and so help me God, but I'm going to live my long eternal life the way I want to!"

He felt his heart twitch and melt. He didn't quite know why he felt this strong urge to protect her and comfort her. He was supposed to
be killing her. That was why he had come up to visit her. He had it all figured out, but the minute he saw her, all those warm soulfull
Angel feelings had swarmed him, "Immortal?"

She chuckled through the tears, "You can't kill me," She raised her arms, produciong a few scars across her wrists, "I tried. God knows
that. Wrists, pills, gun---"

He shook her violently, "Don't do that to yourself again, Willow, please."

"Giles was here," She responded coldly, when he stopped, "I thought it would make me feel better. To make the feelings of self-hatred
and self-isolation stop. It didn't," She continued in the same tone, "It just deepened 'em. It reminded me that someday, the Slayer,
Watcher and Slayerettes are all going to die," He wiped a tear away, "And I'm going to be alone."

He shook his head sincerely, "No, you're not going to be alone."

"How? Everyone's going to die."

"I'm not." He kissed her fiercely, showing a depth of passion she had never seen before. Before she knew it, her fingers were tangled in
his hair. His arms drew her in possessively, and it loaned her a sense of security.

She pulled back to catch her breath, and looked into his eyes. His game face had appeared during their moment, but it didn't scare her.
She just looked at him with glistening eyes, and said, "Let's go."

*******

"Are you sure?" He asked in disbelief. This girl was going to invite him into her home, and it didn't look like it was going to be tea time.
Of course, he was attracted to her, and felt so drawn by her, but it felt a little surreal.

She nodded, "Of course, silly. I'm very sure." She took him by the hand, "Come in." She invited him, and once they shut the door, she
reached up to kiss him again. He responded quickly, his inner emotions quickly being revealed as he grabbed her close to his body.

She didn't really mind, when he motioned to the bed. In fact, she was excited. Her shy eagerness excited him somewhat. Once they were
lying down, his hands roamed her body with that very prominent possessive attitude, "Mine." He growled beteen kisses.

Willow managed a moan in agreement, as their exciting evening continued.

<<WOW.>> She woke up as he started to stir in bed next to her. He nuzzled her neck, and hair with his mouth and nose. She coul feel
him smelling her hair, inhaling deeply. He started to plant tiny kisses along her shoulders, making her start to shiver, "Angel...." She
manged to breathe, as the kisses went further down her back.

"Good morning, Lover." He smiled mischieviously at her, "Did you sleep well?"

She nodded, "The best in ages."

"Me, too," He admitted, snuggling his arms around her. She sighed almost sadly, "What's wrong Little One?" She shook her head, willing
the tears to stay away, but he pressed on, "Please tell me."

It came out slowly, "You...you're going to leave today aren't you?"

"I'm not leaving what's mine behind," He responded, "I know you're scared, but I will protect you when you decide to come home," He
leaned in, and whispered in her ear menacingly, "As long as this place is light-proof, I can stay here with you all day."

She sighed happily, this time, and leaned back into him, "That would be so nice," She was content, "There's only one window in this
place, and it's over there." She pointed to the window, on the far wall, which had venetian blinds blocking the sun out.

"That will do." He began his torture on her again, planting feather-light kisses along her spine. He liked the way she shivered in
response to his touch. She started to moan in a pleasurable response. He grinned to himself, as his hands ran up and down the length of
her arms, sending different sensations through her body. He loved playing games, and foreplay was one of his favorite.

Willow's eyes rolled back into her head as he began massaging her back and neck with his strong hands. All of this was happening so
fast. She didn't know when she had become so aware of Angel, perhaps it was when he grabbed her and threatened to kill her in front
of Buffy. It had been a terrifying experience, but at the same time, she had always been excited by his strength and passion. She had
had dreams about him and her, together, but never in a million years would she think this was possible. Any of this.

<<It's like I'm suddenly going crazy, first Angel, and now I'm an angel...>> That gave her an idea. She struggled internally, and started
some telepathy. She envisioned hands, linked to both of their minds, and then had them roam and down Angel's body, touching him in
certain places. She'd gauge his reaction, and then procede, finding different ways to excite him.

"Willow..." He cooed, "What are you doing?"

"Having fun." She laughed back.

He chuckled, and then gasped as the hands went further, faster, and harder, "Um, okay, are you done having fun?"

"Say uncle."

"You know I'm not one to beg."

They woke up at sunset. He dressed quickly, and while she was getting dressed, he booked a plane ticket. <<I don't want to see him go.>>
She decided sadly, as they stood in front of her door, "Well," She dropped her eyes to the ground, admiring her shoes, "I guess this is
go---"

"It's not a good-bye," He lifted her eyes by placing his hand gingerly under her chin to raise her head, "I'll check up on you once and a
while, and when's your vacation?"

She glanced at the wall, where her calender was located, "I hadn't planned on coming back. Mom thinks I'm staying here. She wants me
here. Thinks it's safer."

"When?"

"Next week. I have 2 weeks off."

He nodded, "You could stay at my apartment. You can come and go as you please," He offered graciously, almost, "Go Bronzing, visit
Giles and the 'Gang', but," He started, "You and the days belong to me."

"I'm yours?" He nodded, "I've never belonged to anyone, and I don't---"

He cut her off sharply with a fierce kiss, "Mine." He declared primitively. She nodded and smiled, as he opened the door, and
disappeared into the night.

******

This just felt right, she decided inside, as she walked out of the tiny airport. It was four o'clock in the afternoon, and she had just
landed in Sunnydale. After talking to Angel again on the phone over the week, she decided to come back. <<I've become a slut. All I can
think about is sleeping with Angel.>>

With a shrug, she shifted the weight of her duffel bag. She wanted to drop it off somewhere, but didn't want to disturb Angel. If she
walked into his home then, she knew she'd never be able to leave. <<Best if I wait until later.>> She walked towards his apartment, and
dropped her bag by his door. He'd know what it was.

She walked quickly towards the library, as she watched the sunset. She hoped she'd be able to meet someone there.

"Giles!" She heard Buffy whine, "But the Bronze!" Opening the door, she saw them getting ready to spar. Smiling to herself, she slipped
into the room, hoping to go unnoticed, however Buffy saw her first, "WILLOW!!!!!!" She shrieked, and ran to her best friend, "Ohmygod!
It's really you!"

Willow smiled, as they walked to a table, "I'm back."

"For how long?"

"Two weeks."

Buffy launched at Giles, "Now, I have to go the the Bronze! Will' and I have to catch up!" She jumped off the chair, wiped the sweat
off her brow, and then waved cheerfully, "I'll be back in a jiffy!"

"Where are you going?"

"Gotta get changed." Willow nodded, as she left the room, leaving them in an odd silence.

Giles cleared his throat before asking her, "How was Angel, when you saw him?"

Her eyes bugged out of her head, "Angel?"

"Willow, I know he was gone when I came back," He explained, "I know he was more worried than any of us when you left without a
trace. I know things happened when we weren't paying attention," She bowed her head, "Are you going to tell Buffy?"

"I'm sorry, Giles," She muttered, "I didn't mean to hurt you, and I know this is killing you."

He nodded, "It is, but--"

"I understand." And she slipped away quickly, to find Buffy.

"So," Buffy stopped chatting about herslef, "What's new?"

<<Ha.>> Willow fell silent, "Not much, really."

Buffy didn't believe it for a second, "No cute guys have fallen head over heels for the Wiley Willow?" She shook her red head, as a
shadow emerged, "Willow, run!" Willow knew who it was, and stayed there, "Willow, Damn! Listen to me, and run!" Her stake was poised,
and she appeared ready to fight, "Will---"

"Hello, Lover." He smiled at Willow.

Buffy had thought it was for her, "What have I told you about that line, it's getting old."

"Not you," He shook his head, "Willow."

Her mouth went agape, as Willow walked to him, while he said, "Good to see you back."

"I took your advice." She fell into his arms.

Buffy didn't accept this, "Willow! Are you insane? You do know who this is, right? Am I the only one here that sees him as a baddy?"

"I love him," She declared, "And I know it's mutual."

"I'm not leaving you here, with *him*," She spat out, "C'mon, we're leaving."

She stayed rooted in his arms, defiantly, "I'm not going anywhere. I'm staying with Angel."

*****

The duo walked around town, his arm slinked around her tiny waist. <<I feel soo bad about Buffy.>> Angel could sense her attitude
fluxuate, and after some time, he grew annoyed of it, "Little One," He asked softly, scared she might break in her state of fragility,
"What's wrong?"

"Buffy."

<<At least she's honest.>> He admitted to himself, "You know she's following us. Don't let her see that you're bothered by her snobbish
attitude."

"But," She whimpered softly, as they stopped and faced each other, "I really did cross her this time. I've never seen that light go out
before. She just closed me out of her life, and I don't want that."

He held her close, "I don't think she wants that either," He soothed, "She's watching you. Scared I might hurt you. Prescious you. Why
would she watch out for you if she didn't care about you?"

"I don't know," She reached up and kissed him. He responded gently at first, treating her like a child. <<He always does this. It's so
frustrating.>> He was such a gentle lover around her, and she was restless, "Stop that, Angel."

He looked at her innocently, "Stop what?"

"This 'careful! I might break' attitude. I'm not going to shatter," She huffed, "Show some passion. I'm not going to be here for long."

"Seize the day, huh?"

"Exactly," She leaned in again. This time, he held her differently, and definately used more passion. It almost scared her the change in
his behavior, "Much better."

"You like?"

Willow raised en eyebrow, and traced his Adam's Apple with her index finger, letting her nail make a tiny white trail along his neck.
She wasn't using much force, but it was her way of showing him what she wanted, "I like."

"Good," He kissed her forehead, "I like pleasing you."

They sat at a table in the Bronze. Willow was sipping a cup of coffee, while Angel was looking at her intently, "Are they still watching
us?"

Angel chuckled, taking her small hand in his, "Yes, Oz and Xander are still staring at you, with their best 'I don't care' looks," He
leaned in, "But we all know they're jealous."

She laughed, "Who could possibly be jealous of you?" She teased, "With your godlike good looks, your sexy body, and your sense of
humour.....?" She stared intently at her coffee, making little bubbles form in it.

"Cool," He commented, and then asked, "How long has it been since you've practised magick?"

She shrugged, "I'm not an everyday practiser, let's just say."

"A week?" She shook her head, "Two?" She shook her head again, "You're really rusty, aren't you?" She nodded.

"I thought not practising it would make me feel more normal," He looked at her quizzically, "But it didn't, really."

He smiled, "Let's have some fun."

She wriggled her eyebrows, "As long as no pain is involved," He plastered his face with mock disappointment, "Yeah, I thought so,
buddy."

"Oh well, I'll live," He motioned discretely towards Xander, "What can you do about him?" She thought hard for a while, and then
began to concentrate. She waved her finger casually, and after a few seconds, Xander stood up, and approached their table, "What did
you do, Willow?"

"You'll see."

Xander cleared his throat, "Buffy's really upset."

His brutal honesty and lack of tact didn't startle either of them, but something struck them both. Angel was furious inside, because it
was such a tasteless comment, just something a teenaged boy would say.

"Thanks, Xander." And with that, he turned and walked away.

Angel looked at her gently, "Are you okay?"

She nodded, "It was a truth spell. I wanted to know what he was thinking when he was staring at me. That's what's on his mind."

"She's always on his mind," He growled, and then had an idea, "Read my mind."

She shook her head, "What if I find something demonic?"

"Anytime of the night," He offered, "Try it. I promise, nothing will scare you. What I'm thinking right now won't."

"Can you garantee that?" She winced, "Cuz, what if I find your plan for killing Buffy?"

He laughed, "You won't find that. All I can think about is you." She blushed. <<He always has the right things to say. Such a charmer.>>

"I'm sorry I cloud your mind," She responded to his comment, "Maybe I should fly back to school if that would help you get your mind
back on the game."

He shook his head sadly, "My only game is taking what's mine," He purred with such suggestion that she blushed an even deeper shade of
scarlet. <<Geez!>> He picked her hand up again, tracing imaginary patterns on her palm, "If you know what I mean."

"Y-yeah," She gulped shakily, "I know what you, er, mean," He was smiling like a chesshire cat again, "Do you have to smile like that?"

"Let's go."

Angel sighed exasperatedly, "What did you want to try?"

"One more minute," She hummed from her position on a headstone, eyes closed, "I just want to experiment with something." She began to
glow again, and when a strange noise started approach them, Angel was struck dumbfounded at the sight. Vampires, at least thirty of
Spike's 'children', were approaching them in full demonic visage.

"Willow---" She cut him off by chanting something in Latin. Within minutes, the vampires were reduced to ashes by angelic lights. Angel
cowered near her, almost afraid, but mostly, he was awestruck by her destrcutive attitude, "Wow." He kissed her when she opened her
eyes.

She was shaking, "Ang-ngel....I'm sssorry. I j-just wanted to do ssomething for B-buf-ffy."

He wrapped his arms around her, "Don't worry. It was pretty cool," He shot her a look of warning, "Just don't try that to me," She
managed a giggle, and then closed her eyes, "You're weak," He offered, "Let me carry you." She nodded slowly, and he swung her
gracefully into his arms.

"What did you do to her!?!?!?!?" Xander and Buffy stood a hundred feet away from them. Angel tensed, knowing that this wasn't the
time for a confrontation.

He flashed his eyes, "She's fine. We were cornered by Spike's men down there," He pointed to the gravesite, "And she fainted form
the excitement. Go check. You'll see the dust."

Buffy warned him, "Stay right there." Xander watched Angel from a safe distance, while he still held Willow. <<Silly boy...>> He
chuckled to himself, as he watched Buffy return, her eyes wide in confusion, "How did you dust that many? There had to be at least
twenty."

"Thirty-three, exactly."

"Did they hurt Willow?" Was all that came out of Xander's mouth.

He shook his head, preparing to walk off, "You have some competetion now, Buffy," He sauntered away from the dumbstruck teenagers,
"I'd be careful."

He listened to them as he disappeared, "Does he mean Willow did this? Our Willow?"

"I dunno, Xander. That's what it seems like," She was so confused, "But she's not supposed to be strong enough to do this sort of
destruction."

<<She's stronger than you think, Slayer. I'd be careful if I were you.>> As he walked, the sky grew red. As they had forgotten about it
when their relationship had started, the blood had disappeared, and calmed Willow's nerves. She had forgotten about it over time, and
so did Angel. It was returning, trouble would soon be brewing.

******

"Angel?" She opened her eyes, and found herself inside his apartment.

He walked to her bedside, "Hello, Lover. You had quite a night last night."

She looked up at him, and smiled, "Nice to see you, too," She looked at the clock, "How long was I out?"

"Since we had started to walk home," He answered sweetly, "You started to shake, and then I picked you up. You were too weak to
walk. You passed out." He put a damp cloth on her forehead, "I'm relieved you're alright."

She shook her head slowly, because the movement made her dizzy, "Why do you care about me? I mean," She blinked, "Haven't you hurt
Buffy enough? Why do you still care?"

"You're mine."

She was growing bolder, "That's another thing: why do you automatically assume I'm yours? I can never remember belonging to anyone,
and I certainly don't want to now! I can be my own person, thankyouverymuch."

He started to laugh, which infuriated her even more, "Little One, there's one thing we need to understand. I'm a fan of chivalry. You're
mine. I will always honor you, but," He removed the cloth, and kissed her forehead delicately, "You're mine."

She struggled with her thoughts, remembering little things from the night before, "Did Buffy see you and me?" That question made him
laugh loudly, "What happened, Angel...." She tried to growl, "Answer me."

"She stopped me," He confessed, "While I was getting us here. I told her cryptically what you had done. She went to check it out, I
waited for her reaction. She was baffled. Buffy was baffled."

She panicked, "Does she know I'm an Angel?!"

"No," He responded, "She has no idea you're so strong. No idea."

She sighed, obviously relieved, "Good. I can't deal with anyone else knowing. Too risky."

"Why?"

"I just want people to trust me," She studied his face, "You trust me, don't you?"

He studied her with the same intensity she was using, "I've wondered if this is some sort of love spell. And if everything I'm doing for
you has been a spell you've concocted, but," He smiled down at her, "I felt this way for so long, so I doubt you had anything to do with
it."

She smiled up at him, "Thanks. I just need strength through all of this," An idea struck her, "Angel, could you get my bag?"

"You want to put a 'nighty' on?" He teased, "Don't like your birthday suit?"

She laughed, noticing that he had just stripped her of her clothes, and put her to bed, "It's fine. There's something I want to show you.
It's in my bag," She struggled to sit up, as he returned to bedside with her bag. She pulled the big book out, and started to flip through
the pages, "This is the book my mother gave me," She found the family tree, "And here you are."

"Unbelieveable," He gasped, studying the family tree, "She got away. I always wondered where she had escaped to," Willow eyed him,
"I'm not going to lie to you, Willow."

"I know." She bit her lower lip.

He confessed, "I'm not at all like Angel that had a soul. I'm Angelus. The one who likes to kill and destroy things, not the one who spent
his life drinking out of baggies. I still like to have fun. You know that right?"

"Yes."

"Good," He pointed to the book, "What else can you show me?"
****

"Willow..." He growled, struggling against his bonds, "Let. Me. Go."

She giggled like a schoolgirl, "You're in a bit of a predicament, aren't you, Angel."

"I'd prefer Angelus."

She didn't care, "Fine, Angelus. Bet that's the last time you ask me to show you something, huh?" He was so fumed he didn't answer,
"Hmmmm?"

"When I get out of this mess....." She smiled, running a finger across his washboard stomach, "I wish you wouldn't do that," He warned
as her finger went lower, "Willow...." She just laughed, which infuriated him even more. He struggled against the bonds, while she
nonchalently went about her work.

There was a loud clatter, "Hey!" Willow cried in shock, as Angel finally broke free, and flipped them over, "This is not my plan!"

"My turn," He smiled, flipping her over, "Hope you enjoyed your fun while it lasted."

She groaned. <<This is going to be a long day.>>
*****

"Willow!" The Slayer's voice shot through the apartment. Disgust and hatred in her voice. She knew she shouldn't have come, but she
was so worried about her friend. She really wanted to understand her reasons for staying with Angel, so she could pull her away from
him, and then either kill him or curse him.

The red head quickly covered herself up with a sheet, while Angel growled, "Why'd you come, Slayer?"

"I want ot talk with Willow," She responded, coldness in her voice, "I want to understand."

Angel was about to push her away, but Willow placed her hand on his arm, "I shoul probably explain some things to her. It's only fair,"
He pouted, "I know you hate playing fair, but I owe it to her. It'll explain things a little easier for her."

He nodded, "You're lucky, Slayer. I wouldn't guarantee your safety otherwise."

"Guys." Willow cut Buffy off, while putting a robe on, "Angelus," He smiled when she used his full name, "Do you want to stay?"

He shook his head, "I'll be in the study."

With that, he left the girls alone, "I guess you want answers."

"You think?" Buffy seemed a little brassed off, "All of a sudden, the person I thought I knew really well did a total 180° on me. Doing
totally different things. And then, she disappears. Well, when Angel," Her eyes clouded over, "Started paying attention to you, I felt
really lost. Like I've lost my best friend to my best enemy," She looked Willow in the eyes, "Why?"

She took a deep breath, "I'll start from the very beginning," Buffy nodded, so she proceded, "That night we were getting ready for the
Bronze, Angelus visited me with a note. I was to meet him at the graveyard."

"You actually went?" She nodded patiently, "He could've killed you!"

"I know," She responded, "I knew it the minute I read the note, like I could see right through him, or something. I knew his intent really
well, yet I went. I saw him there, and something wasn't letting me be afraid. He knew that, I think. Well, to hurt and confuse me, he
kissed me. I started to glow. He got pissed off, and I ran home."

"Glow?"

Willow concentrated hard, and she started to glow, "Glow. Like that."

"Wow. I'm impressed."

"Anyway," She continued her long story, omitting the part about being immortal, "It turns out I'm an angel. I got scared, and I left.
Went to school."

Buffy's timeline started to make sense, "That's when Giles went to visit you, right?"

"Yeah."

"That's when Angel...us, got wacko."

Willow shrugged, "I guess."

"Go on."

She took a deep breath, "Giles came, we talked about it. He knows the whole story now, I think. After that, I was walking home, and
bumped into Angelus. I could feel that he was going to kill me. He was angry, and wanted revenge for me leaving. But, he couldn't do it.
Just like I couldn't run. It's pretty weird, but that's how it was."

"He convinced you to come home," Buffy tried to fit it all together on her own, "You're here now."

"Just for the break."

"You guys are lovers?"

Willow bit her lip, "I'm sorry."

"No it's okay," She resolved, "I'm over him. Angel will never be back," She eyed her friend curiously, "You do magick?"

"Just like Amy," Willow smiled, "I'm a little rusty, but I can do little things."

"Like manipulating people?"

Willow frowned, "I'm not allowed. My duties are to promote goodness for all mankind."

Angel entered the room, "Goodness, eh?"

"I thought I told you---" He looked absolutely stunning in his silk pants, "You can stay."

He grinned, sitting around Willow, envelopping her body with his own, "I like winning."

Buffy carefully asked, "So, you could do gypsy magick?"

"But I'm not going to."

The Slayer stewed over this new information for a while, before speaking, "So, let's just suppose Angel--the good one--" She flashed
the demon a look, "Was up and walking. You wanted him. So, you pushed him and his girlfriend to the point was seizing the day was
inevitable. You knew he'd lose his soul, but that's what you wanted, because you wanted him. He loses his soul, and then you cast a spell
on him, binding his heart to yours," She looked at Willow, with a nasty gleam in her eyes, that made Angel shutter, "You could do this,
couldn't you?"

Tears fell, as she whimpered, "I didn't, Buffy. I never---"

She stood up, and headed for the door, prepared to leave, "Angel, I'd be careful. You might be there against your will." And then she
left a sobbing Willow in the hands of a very confused and angry Angel.

******

"She does bring up an interesting point," Angel said, as they got dressed to go out for the evening, "I mean, how do I know you
didn't---"

"Why have you jumped on her side all of a sudden?" Willow pleaded, slipping into a slip dress, "You have to trust me, Angelus, I didn't.
You saw how scared I was of you that night you tried to kill me. Why would I want---"

"You could've put a taming spell on me," He growled, his game face showing, "In fact, I probably shouldn't trust anything you say or do.
I'm leaving. You can stay here, I'll be around."

She sobbed for what seemed like hours. Her heart was ripped out by Buffy, and Angel's pettiness and fear of belonging to someone
smushed it into a gooey mess. <<What am I going to do????>>

She decided to go to the Bronze. Maybe she'd see Buffy, and they could talk. Not that she thought it would do much good, "Oh my
god..." She glaced upwards, and saw the moon, covered in 'blood', "What's going on?"

"GILES?!" She raced into the library, and luckily, he was there, watching over Oz, who was wolf-style in the cage, "You've got to help
me."

He showed his British concern, "Is it about Buffy?" She shook her head breathlessly, "I can't guess, might as well tell me."

"Blood, on the moon," She panted heavily, "Any prophecies?"

He checked into a stack of books, "You try those," He pointed to a stack. They flipped through the pages of the volumes, hoping to find
something, "Buffy was really hurt today, you know."

"If you had heard what she had said," Willow replied cooly, "You would've been surprised that she wasn't out to hurt everyone else,"
She scanned a page, "A ha!"

"You found something?"

"Yeah," She started to summerize the long page of dusty text, "It says a warlock will arrive at the Hellmouth, which would be here,
looking for the immortal, which would be me, and her powers. In order for my time to be called, I have to have someone I care about
pronounce profused love and trust for me, or else everyone's going to die because he'll have the Angel's powers, and the Slayer, namely
Buffy, can't help. Geez this ought to be great considering, because of Buffy, Angelus hates me. Big fun here."

"You haven't been called yet, have you?" She shook her head, "What happened between you and Angelus?"

"Buffy accused me of bewitching him---which is totally untrue. This whole thing was kinda sprung on me. Anyway, for some bizarre
reason, he believes her, and moved back with Spike and Dru."

"I hate to say this," he sighed, "But, maybe you should talk to him?"

"He doesn't want to. I can feel it. Major bad vibes coming off of him."

Giles nodded, "Well, I think you better make up with him soon, unless you have a plan for beating this warlock."

"Thanks, Giles." She rolled her eyes sarcastically, as she left the library.
****

"Spike?" She walked into the mansion's courtyard unannounced, "Is Angelus here?"

"What in Bloody Hell's name are you doin' here?"

"I came to see Angel. No, I'm not a meal for him. We need to talk."

He chuckled, "I 'eard about trouble in paradise. Didn't think he was tellin' the truth."

She didn't have time to play games. She really needed to speak with him, but then an idea hit her, "Is Drusilla here?"

"You want to talk to her, too?" He narrowed heis eyes, "Somethin' goin' on that I don't know about?" She shook her head, "Then why
do you wanna talk to her?"

"There's something going on with the moon," She partly confessed, "And I was wondering if your girlfriend was smart enough. If she
was, she would've picked up on it by now," He looked interested, "And no, this does no good for either side. If this goes down you lose, I
lose, Dru loses, Angelus loses, Slayer loses. Everyone loses, got that?"

"Luv!" Spike hollered. Drusilla emerged soon after, carrying her precious Miss Edith doll, "Red here wants to know if you've---"

"Seen the pretty blood drip off the moon," She rolled her head from side, "Yes. Isn't it beautiful Willow?" She leaned in and
whispered, "It's very bad, isn't it?"

She nodded, scared of the vampire, "A warlock's coming to town. He's going to control Sunnydale, after he kills me."

"Why are you so bloody important?"

"She's angelic." Angel appeared in the doorway, a red rose in his hand.

"Angelus, we really have to talk---"

He approached her, grinning, "I know, Little One. But first," He handed her the rose, "This is for you. I hate to admit it---" He looked
at Spike who was making faces behind his back, "Maybe ol' Angelus is getting soft, but I think it's my fault this started.  Buffy doesn't
know what she's talking about. I can't believe I was clouded by that bitch."

She let the ocmment slide, "You know I wouldn't do what she said I did---"

He nodded, taking her other hand in his, "I love you, Little One."

"You can trust me?"

He nodded again, despite the snickering from the vampire in the wheelchair, "I love and trust you," As lights began to form in the sky,
he muttered, "I'm really getting soft. Must go kill someone after all of this."

Willow started to glow. Drusilla became scared, whimpering herself into Spike's arms. Willow started to cry, the pain was so
unbearable for her, "Angel.....help me, please." She knew that if he held true to his word, he'd be there.

And he was. Not wasting a second, he was there for her. He wished he knew what was going on. He couldn't describe it, "Hang in there,"
He growled, "You're not going anywhere."

"Quite the contrary....." A voice cackled, they all looked up, "I'm Daimon, the warlock. Is Willow done yet? I saw the lights, and they
led me straight to her. I hope she's up to the fight..." He cackled even more, "Even though she's going to die." His laughter became
manical.

Angel growled, "If you ever hurt her...."

"You can't do a thing about it," He saw Spike and Drusilla's visages change, "You can't help either. This is a magick thing."

Willow opened her eyes, and felt totally energized, "Angel," She whispered, "Go get---" A flash of light hit her, "Oowww...."

"Can't send for help, Child."

<<Angel, Dru, Spike>> She used her mind to contact them. <<One of you try and get Amy. She can zap him for me.>> Angel nodded in
acknowedgement, as did the other two. She couldn't believe she was asking them for help. <<Angel, do what you have to do.>> He kissed
her before leaving her to fight him.

******

"Willow!!!!!!" Angel screamed in horror, but couldn't do anything. He felt rooted to the spot, but it was really beceause a binding spell
was set upon him by Daimon. The black haired warlock was cackling manically now, and was loving the control he had over Willow.

The red-head just stood expectantly, which angered Daimon. Instead of fighting and trying to flee like the other immortals before her
had, she just stayed there, not fighting, just defending herself. She winced with every blow to her slight body, but stayed upright.
<<It's finally my turn to save the world.>>

"Holy Mother, Goddess Divine," She started to chant a message sending spell, "Send a dream awaken the mind." Her eyes glowed a
bright yellow, as if she was a vampire. The message was for Amy, because she wondered where she was.

"Willow, she's here." Angel whispered, motioning slightly to a stack of crates where Daimon stood. Amy was crouched behind them,
watching with wide eyes as the warlock attacted Willow.

Daimon didn't realize it. He wasn't expecting another powerful witch, "Who the hell are---" She zapped him with her full strength,
until he was reduced to a pile of ashes.

Willow turned to face the vampires, and undid their bonds. After that, the two witches saw black.

"Little One?" Angel cooed, next to her hospital bed, "How are you?"

She swallowed, "My throat's dry. Where's Amy?"

He pulled the curtain back, "Right there."

She waved excitedly, "We did it! I can't believe we killed the warlock. They'll be sooo excited! Not to mention, I might get a
permentent invocation!!!"

"What part do you play in all this, Blondie?" Angel asked, amused with the situation.

She replied, "I'm of a different family. We don't have immortals, just witches. But, we do get special powers from the Ancient Ones.
The warlock can come after us, but he only goes after the ones that have the invocations," She frowned, "Like me, hopefully," But, the
sad face quickly vanished, "But, he's dead. He was the immortal warlock, and it will take a few years for another to show up. I'll show
you the history books sometime."

"What if I can't fight him?"

"You're always going to stay this young. You'll be able to."

Angel purred with excitement, "So you'll always stay flexible, and soft, and---"

"Not here, Angelus."

He put his best disappointed face on, "Well, alright, but it will only wait until we get you home," He sent a smile Amy's way, "I'm sure
you understand," She nodded, while he focused his attention back onto Willow, "I really hate to admit it, but I was telling the truth to
you earlier," His gaze dropped to the ground, ashamed that he was giving in somewhat to this young woman, "I---"

"Angel..." She studied his reaction, "..us," He smiled, "I already know you meant it."

"Did you do a truth spell?" His eyes changed.

She shook her head quickly, "No!" After she regained her composure, she explained herself, "I knew it because in order for me to be
called as an immortal, I had to have someone confess true feelings for me," She blushed, "After our fight, I had to go find you," He
looked confused, "Giles said there was a prophecy," He nodded, so she continued, "And that's how it had to be. Even if you didn't love
me, I still had to make things right. At the time," A tear escaped one of her eyes, "I thought I was going to face my death, so I didn't
want you angry at me for an eternity."

"Little One," He caressed her cheek, "I will always love you," He swore, adding, "As long as you never put a spell on me...EVER," Amy
laughed in the background. He smirked, and leaned in, whispering, "Except for that hand thing," She started to blush, "That one was
sexy."
****

"I'm allowed out, huh?" She smiled, as he led her out of the hospital, "This feels so good."

He nodded, "Except you only have five days left."

"I know," She frowned, "But we can make the most of it, right?" He nodded, taking her hand, "I am glad for that," He looked confused,
"Well, five days, five nights," His eyebrows wiggled mischieviously, "Angelus. Not like that. I meant quality time."

He smiled, "So did I."

"Maybe reading, or candlelit dinner?"

He stopped her, drew her in close, and whispered in her ear, "Maybe."

Shivers flew up and down her spine, "Ang...el...us..." She managed to sputter, before he kissed her, using some of his demonic strength to
caputure her in his arms. She returned the embrace, clutching him with her nails, under his shirt, that left little trails of blood running
down his back.

"You know how to turn me on, don't you?"

"I try to pay attention." She outstretched her arm, to offer her hand to him. He accepted it, squeezing it lightly, as they walked back
to his apartment.

"You shouldn't be going anywhere tonight," Angel protested, as she changed into some of the last clean clothes in her bag, "You're
not---"

She cut him off with a kiss, and then said, "I have to. I have to make things right with her. It's for the best, really," He frowned,
"She's hurt me, but I have to explain it to her. If she doesn't understand---"

"She hurt you, us, too much. I can't accept that and move on," He caressed her cheek, "What she did was wrong. She was weak and
jelaous, and let her emotions take over."

Willow nodded, "I know. But, we were best friends. I should talk to her. Have to find out why she feels like she stills needs to protect
me from you."

He pointed out, "She wants me back."

"Stop your bragging."
****

"Buffy?" The Slayer spun around to face Willow, "Could we talk?"

She nodded, "I want to appologize. I really ruined your thing with him. I hate him the way he is, but you're doing a good job keeping him
under control. Only the occaisional lowlife, and he's stopped chasing after us," She paused, "There's just one thing I don't understand."

"What's that?"

"The vampire hoard turned to dust trick."

Willow laughed, "Let's go, I'll show you."

*****

Hours later, Buffy and Willow had somewhat patched things up between them. Willow knew it would be hard, between school, magick,
and Angelus to have a normal friendship with her, but then agian, normal was a rarity in Sunnydale.

Willow looked at her friend, as she stood up to leave the Bronze for home, "Are we better?"

Buffy smiled sincerely, "As long as you don't cross over."

"I'm still the good Willow," She laughed, "And I wouldn't think Angelus to be a threat anymore. He's changed, a bit, for me."

She agreed, "I know. You're the reason I'm still alive, I think, and I'm grateful."

"Anytime." Willow made her laugh; then she left with a wave. Willow finished her latte, and then she headed home.

Angel was glad to see her. He swooped her up in his strong arms, "How did it go?"

She sighed happily, "We're understanding each other better."

"What did you tell her?"

"Almost everything," He looked down at her disappointedly, and she launched into a speech, "I didn't think she was ready to hear that I
was immortal," He nodded, understanding what she was saying, "I only told her half of the whole fight thing," He didn't seem impressed,
"I dont really remember a lot of it anyway. And, I didn't think she'd be too impressed with me walking over to the mansion in search of
you."

He silenced her with a kiss and picked her up, "I love you, forever."

She sighed, "Forever is a long time."

"Not long enough, Little One," He held her possessively in his arms, as he carried her to the bedroom, "Not long enough."
 
 

The End