Title: Soulless
Authors: Cyndy and Sara
Pairing: W/A(us) (possibly W/S)
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Angelus is back. He meets up with what remains of
The Initiative and a certain redhead.
Background: This takes place after Angel's "epiphany", "The
Body, there is no Buffy Bot and Willow and Tara's
relationship is on the rocks.
***
Angel stared morosely out the window, occasional flashes of lightning would illuminate his face. Darla was gone but
he couldn't even make himself care. No, tonight a different blond taunted him. He remembered a night just like this when they were together. The first time, the only time. Angel closed his eyes.

He could still see her, shivering with the cold and huddled on his bed. He knew it was wrong from the minute he
touched her but he couldn't seem to stop himself. And, after visiting the only heaven he'd ever known, Angel had
then experienced hell. To this day, he was burdened by the things Angelus had done. Striking out at the woman he,
Angel, loved. Killing Jenny Calender. Torturing Giles. And the thoughts the demon entertained about Willow. Well,
Angelus had been forming quite an obsession with the young witch.

Fortunately, Angel had been spared Willow's trauma because the demon couldn't act on his torrid fantasies. She had
warded him from entering her home and he'd stopped the nightly visits he made to sleep beside her. He'd killed her
fish to frighten her, control her. But, she hadn't given in, hadn't told the others about the lurid drawings he had
left for her. Drawings that depicted events to come. Angel shook himself out of his thoughts as the thunder
boomed, seeming to rumble through the building. Seeking distraction, he ambled downstairs, idly touching
the smooth railings. Angel decided to warm some blood. Hoped that the momentary satisfaction of feeding would
occupy his time. Stop the flow of self recriminations. He waited impatiently for the microwave timer to go off and
started to go through the freezer. Spring Cleaning! He had no idea what Cordy and Wesley kept in the compartment.
He found some old "lean cuisine" meals. Two ice cube trays, and a bag of tater-tots. But, behind them, in the
corner, tucked behind some frozen scary-looking leftovers was a sinful pint of decadence. Angel pulled the small
pint of ice cream out to get a better look at it. It was Godiva truffle ice cream. He opened the drawer and took
out a small spoon. He'd always been curious about this stuff. Cordy would eat it slowly, relishing the taste and
feel in her mouth. It must be good.

Angel spooned up a bite and felt the cool chocolate slide down his throat. He nearly choked on his moan. So good.
The microwave timer went off, but it was too late. Angel was indulging a more wicked hunger. He carried the ice
cream with him, tucked in the crook of his arm. He got inside his apartment and closed the door.

Going to the window once more, he set it down and spooned up a large portion. He just could not get enough of it.
Another spoonful, and another, another. He couldn't be sated, couldn't control the hunger. Soon his spoon scraped
the bottom. More. He needed more. Angel heard a small noise. Cordelia was downstairs.
He went to the top of the stairs. "Hey."

"Uh, hi, Angel." Then she noticed the small trickle of chocolate coming from his mouth. "Have you been eating my
ice cream?"

His tongue darted out to lick the remaining ice cream away. "Yes. Do you have more?"

She was too bemused to be angry with the large vampire. He looked. . .almost happy. Cordelia was grateful he wasn't
brooding or going ballistic, which seemed to be the two modes Angel had. "No more ice cream. But I have a Lindt
chocolate bar in my desk." He bounded down the stairs.

Cordy wondered if vampires could have sugar highs. She unwrapped the chocolate bar and broke off a piece for him.
He bit down. "Mmm.. So good." He let the chocolate melt in his mouth, swirling it with his tongue.

"Um, okay. It's just candy." She frowned at him. "Here's the rest." She slapped the remaining portion of the bar
into his hands and retrieved the folder she had forgotten to take home with her. "See you later, Angel." He mumbled
something that sounded like a goodbye.
***
Angel stood again by the window. It was still raining and it was almost dawn. He placed a hand on the window, he'd
eaten too much chocolate. But it was so good. He'd even gone down to the convenience store on the corner and picked
up some chocolate cookies and more of that ice cream.

Angel smiled, he felt sated, tranquil. Almost as if some nameless tension had been released. A niggling bit of
information tugged at his brain, demanding attention. Then he remembered. He'd read that eating large amounts of
chocolate was biochemically similar to being in love. And he'd just indulged himself. That's when he knew he was in
trouble. Angel fell to the floor, clutching his sides. The pain was unbearable, excruciating. He clearly
remembered the last time he had felt this way. No, no, no! He tried to will it to stop happening as he continued to
writhe on the floor. And then, there was a nothingness, Angel was no more.
***
Angelus scowled from a safe distance at the sunlight streaming into the room. What had Soulboy done now to
screw up his unlife? The annoying ex-cheerleader was in the other room, happily yakking on away on the phone. And
then there was Wesley, the ex-Watcher. An ex-Watcher! Don't forget about Gunn, the vampire hater. Did Angel
really loathe himself this much? How could he surround himself with these tiresome mortals? Angelus shook his
head, his soul had really done it this time. It was a good thing he was here, he'd soon correct all of it's little
mistakes.
Angelus was hungry too. And that didn't help matters, because he couldn't eat the humans. Not yet, anyway.
Angelus was a vampire with a plan. The last time he'd gotten control of this body, he was furious with the soul.
He hadn't been able to look past his anger. He had been hasty in some of his decisions. Like trying to suck the
world into hell, for example. With a couple of years of perspective under his belt, Angelus was able to see the
flaws in that idea. He knew exactly what he wanted to do
now.
First, he had to get to Sunnydale. Without the human flunkies if possible. Next, get some minions. Then,
insinuate himself into the slayer's world once more. Devil help him, he was prepared to date her if necessary. Then,
he'd look up his old pal, Spike. And torture his traitorous childe until he begged to be put out of his
misery. Angelus smiled then, he was just coming to the best part. He'd pick off the Scoobys, one by one. Except
for his Willow. And, only revealing his true identity to the soon-to-be-deceased, Angelus would "help" the slayer
capture the "rogue vampire." Lastly, he'd kill the Watcher and Slayer. All that would be left would be his Willow.
He grinned. His Willow. He'd been thinking of this for two years as well. He should never been so caught up in
his angry vengeance that he ignored the little witch. He'd make her fall in love with him. Make her beg for his
forgiveness for giving him his soul back. He wouldn't repeat the same mistakes he'd made with Dru. No, this one
would keep her sanity.
Angelus wasn't even interested in looking up Darla. She hadn't even been able to get Soulboy happy enough to
restore him to his body. If he didn't know better, he'd say that his sire had begun to form an attachment to his
souled alter ego. Disgusting! She should have thrown him out when he'd come crawling to her in China. Maybe even
staked him when he refused to sire her.
The ex-cheerleader poked her head in his office. "Angel, I just had a vision."
"Oh?" He said. Hmm. "Why don't you come in here and tell me all about it?" Had the Powers That Be decided to
interfere? Give the girl a head's up on the demon inhabiting her boss?
"Buffy's in trouble. Her mother's dead and I think you should go to her."
"Ohhh. Well, sure. Why not?" He almost smiled. Sometimes the PTB had a wicked sense of humor. A nasty demon in
Bolivia? You get a vision. One in the office next to yours? Just silence.
"Well, I'd better go check that out.Thanks. I'll leave as soon as it's sundown." He smiled at her. Then he looked
"broody". Soulboy would be unhappy about his soulmate's
mom being dead.
"It's so good to have you back, Angel."
"Believe me, Cordelia, it's good to be back."
***
Two hands seized Willow and spun her around. She struck
out with her fist and encountered a rather large male chest
"Angel?"
"Willow." Angelus leaned in closer.
"You must have heard about Buffy's mother."
"Oh, yes. Such a terrible tragedy." He bent his head,
looking thoughtful."May I come in, Willow?"
Willow invited him into her parent's home. She was
staying home for the weekend. Somehow, being with her
parents seemed more important now. She wanted to know them
better.
They went to her room and Angelus crossed to the bed
immediately. He lay down and put his hands behind his head
to stare at her. Willow was a little disconcerted by this
behavior. "What can I do for you?" She said. Angel always
had a reason for visiting her.
"Can't a friend simply visit another friend? Besides, I
wanted to offer you my comfort. If you're feeling upset,
you can always cry on my shoulder."
Willow stared at him. "Shouldn't you be comforting
Buffy?" What's wrong with him?
"She has Giles and Dawn. And you need someone, don't you,
Willow?"
"No, I'm fine." Giles had mentioned that Angel had
undergone a personality change due to some experiences he'd
had with his sire, Darla. But Willow had no idea that they
were this drastic. If she didn't know better, she's say
that was Angelus lying on her pillow.

***
This was killing him. Angelus looked down at the blond
head against his chest. He was considering going back to
hell. A weepy slayer? This wasn't right, she wasn't
supposed to be this weak. How could he exact his vengeance
from her when she was like this? HE was the one who was
supposed to make cry. She wasn't a worthy opponent now, and
Angelus despised weakness in all it's forms.
"Oh Angel, I'm so glad you're here." She sniffled.
"Me too." He gave her an awkward pat on the back and
looked down at Soulboy's grey sweater with disdain. And
this was one of Angel's brighter colors. It was wet now
too. He hoped it was tears and not some other disgusting
substance that was always leaking from humans. He shook his
head, not that he liked Soulboy's drab wardrobe, but how
could he walk out of the slayer's house with a big wet
patch on his chest? Oh well, he was planning on shopping
anyway.
He wondered how long he had to stay here. He got the
feeling that Soulboy would probably have stayed all night
with her. Angelus didn't possess that much restraint, he
was having a hard time being in the same room with her and
not killing her. This could make dating difficult. Maybe
he should try to keep their relationship on a friendship
level. Although, being friends with the slayer didn't
appeal either.
She gave him a watery smile. "Thank you for coming, Angel.
I really need you." Buffy tilted her head to the side and
slowly leaned towards him. She was going to kiss him?
Angelus stood up so quick, she lost her balance and fell
face first on her bed.
"I'm sorry, Buffy. I just don't think that's appropriate.
You are overwrought and I don't want to take advantage of
your emotional state." Angelus managed to keep his voice
low and sincere and his face straight. He just didn't
think he could kiss her. Slayer germs. He really hoped he
didn't have to date her. "I must go-"
"But-"
"Right now. But I will see you tomorrow evening." He left
the stunned slayer gaping at him on the bed.
Angelus had managed to pry himself away from Willow
earlier in the evening. He knew the clever witch was
already analyzing their conversation. She didn't know that
he was back due to Angel's convenient mood shift, but she
could tell something was amiss. He felt more free to be
himself around her. She was so beautiful, more so than when
he'd last seen her. He laughed. But did the soulled wonder
notice? No, of course not. Unless it was blond and slayed
things, his soul was oblivious.
Angelus knew that his soul enjoyed Willow's company but he
had never been able to think of her as more than a child or
as the slayer's best friend. What an idiot! Willow had
been so close to Angelus that evening. He had been on her
bed again. Listened to her speak. He was almost skipping
down the street, this was working out so well. He couldn't
wait to get to the mall.
***
Spike watched his sire walking away from the slayer's
house. So, Peaches is back. He closed his eyes, steadying
himself against a tree. He was a little drunk. Angel had
probably been in Buffy's house, on her bed while he held
the weeping slayer. She had probably clung to him, cried on
his shoulder. Maybe even kissed him. How many years of
his unlife would he give to trade places with Angel? But
Buffy didn't want him. In fact, she despised him. Spike
lowered his head and continued walking. Spike knew he
should try to get over his obsession, but he just couldn't
bring himself to do it.
"Spike!" A voice called.
He whirled around hopefully. His face fell. "Willow."
"Spike. Still watching her?" She said, not unkindly.
"Yes. No." He dropped his eyes from hers. "Yes."
"Spike, I just wanted you to know that I don't have any
hard feelings, okay? Actually, I'm sorry it didn't work out
for you."
"You are?" Spike was honestly shocked.
"Well, I know what it's like to love someone and not have
them love you back." Willow thought of all that time she
had loved Xander from afar. "I know how difficult it can
be, how hurtful."
She understood. "Pet, why don't you walk with me a while?"
She had always been kind to him.
"Sure." Willow had only meant to offer her sympathies, not
become vampire therapist but Spike's face was so forlorn.
She put away thoughts of doing her psychology homework and
walked with Spike.
***
Angel inhaled. Leather. And it was everywhere. Coats,
shoes, gloves, wallets. And pants. His fingers nearly
itched to touch them. Tight black leather pants, he
remembered the feel of them. He pulled a pair off the rack
and took it into the dressing room.
When he emerged, he almost felt like himself again. In
another store he had bought some satin shirts. Well,
Soulboy actually payed for them. He loved the way he
looked in a dark wine color, it complimented his skin. It
was a pity he couldn't look at himself in the mirror.
His stomach growled a little, Angelus hadn't fed today.
He'd managed to choke down a bag of blood from Soulboy's
stock yesterday. It was atrocious but he needed to feed
and there hadn't been time to stalk any prey in his rush to
get here. He must be careful in Sunnydale, though. He
didn't want to attract the slayer's attention. The sales
woman came up behind him. "All set, sir?"
"Oh, yes." He smiled, she was a nervous little creature.
And working all alone. Angelus watched the dwindling flow
of humans outside the shop. This would require a little
finesse. He picked the woman's hand up and placed a kiss
on her wrist. "Your help has been invaluable to me, my
dear lady." She blushed like a schoolgirl and looked down
at the floor even though she was in her late forties. He
continued to hold her hand and look into her eyes as he
changed. He bit down on her wrist and she gave a startled
gasp but he pulled her by the waist until she was close to
him. He could feel the pounding of her heart as her blood
roared through him. When she was drained he pulled her
behind the counter. He was whistling as he left the shop.
***
Willow inspected Spike's crypt while he sat drinking from
a bottle of wine. "Do you really think that the answer to
your problems is in that bottle?" She asked softly.
"No, luv. But it numbs the pain a little. I'll be
alright. Got over Drusilla, didn't I? And we were together
for over a hundred years. I'll survive a little
infatuation with the slayer. I only fancied her for a few
months, right?"
"Of course, Spike. You'll be fine." But he didn't look
fine. He ambled over and sat down on the concrete slab next
to her. He lay his head on her shoulder.
"This brings back memories, doesn't it luv?"
"Memories?"
"Yeah. Me cryin' on your shoulder over some woman. Drunk
out of my mind. All that's missing is that idiot friend of
yours and a love spell."
He was thinking about that? "Oh, sure." Willow had tried
to forget the incident. She didn't know why. Well, maybe
it had been the blind panic and terror.
"Did you know what I planned to do to you that night?"
"D-d-do to me?"
"Uh-huh. Before you distracted me with that delicious
blood of yours."
"I don't know." She moved further away from him, looking
at the wall. "Probably hit me or something." Why was he
telling her this?
"No."
"No?"
"That's now what I had in mind for you at all, pet." Spike
reached his hand out and smoothed her silken hair. "I
remember how soft."
She turned to face him. "What?"
"I was planning on seducing you. Dru had played around
with all of those demons. Making me jealous. I wanted to
make her pay for it. By being with you."
"That's disgusting, Spike. And it wouldn't have been
seduction." She jumped down and placed her hand on her
hips. "I would have said no."
"No, you wouldn't have, luv. I can guarantee that. I would
have made sure you enjoyed every second of my attentions."
"I'd better go now, Spike." Willow chalked his comments
up to too much alcohol and not enough Buffy.
"Fine. I'll let you run away, for now."
Willow darted out the door without giving him a backwards
glance.
***
Angelus was still hungry. A pitiful excuse for a human
was huddled on a bench in the park. By the smell of him,
he hadn't bathed in weeks. Angelus wrinkled his nose in
disgust. He kept going, he had high standards when it came
to feeding. Nothing but the best. It was too bad that
Americans didn't have royalty. They tasted quite good.
He wandered by the fountain as he thought about the
blood-soaked nights he'd spent in Europe. Out of the corner
of his eye, he spotted a young woman. She was a
delicious-looking mortal and she just stood there, staring
at the water as it cascaded down to the moonlit pool below.
She had absolutely no idea what he had in store for her.
No idea she'd attracted the attention of a monster. He
came up behind her. He loved this part. Loved playing with
them "Lovely, isn't it? Almost as lovely as you."
"I have a boyfriend." She said haughtily, not sparing him
a glance.
The impudence! Angelus shifted into demon face and placed
his hands on her slim shoulders. She didn't put up much of
a struggle.
As Angelus finished his meal, he decided that he'd better
find a place to stay for the day. He chuckled as he walked
off into the night, he knew just the place.

***
Angelus smiled as he lay on the hotel bed. This was the
unlife! The Four Seasons Hotel. Clean white sheets,
fluffy towels, room service, and a mini bar. Just outside
the city limits of Sunnydale too. He unwrapped the
chocolate mint the maid had left on his pillow and popped
it in his mouth. "Mmmm." He moaned softly. "No wonder
Soulboy liked this stuff so much."
He glanced at the clock and cursed. Great. Almost time
to meet the slayer. Angelus sauntered nude over to the
closet and selected some of Soulboy's dreary clothes to
wear. No slayer fluids were going to disfigure his new
threads. Besides, everyone knew about Angelus' penchant
for leather. It would cause suspicion. His stomach
growled. He knew he'd better feed before he saw her or
things could get ugly. Angelus picked up the phone.
"Hello, room service?"
***
"Why?" Willow asked, her voice wavered.
The other witch ducked her head to avoid seeing the pain
in Willow's green eyes. "It just isn't working between us
right now. It hasn't for a while."
"I know. But you're just g-going to give up on us?" On
me?
"N-no. We're just going to take a break from each other."
Tara said softly.
"Is it someone else?"
"No." Tara said. "It's not like that all. I would never-"
"I just had to ask. Oz . . ." She trailed off. " Your
saying that it's just a break, not a break-up."
"Willow, I don't want to hurt you, but I think we need
some space right now. I need some space right now."
Willow sucked a deep breath in shakily. "Alright. I can
do that for you. I want you to be h-happy." She was
composed until Tara closed the door of her dorm room.
Willow wrapped her arms around herself as a sob broke free.
She needed to talk to someone, couldn't be alone right
now. She decided to see Buffy, they could comfort each
other.
***
"You must be hungry, Angel." Buffy said as she pressed a
mug of warm blood into his hand. He sniffed it. Pig's
blood. What was he supposed to do with it? He certainly
wasn't going to eat this slop when there were perfectly
fresh humans roaming the streets. Like that young woman
who'd brought up his ‘dinner.' Her blood had been
incredibly sweet.
Angelus waited until the slayer's back was turned and
poured it down the sink. He put the mug back to his lips,
careful to not actually touch any of the inferior blood and
gave her a smile. "Thanks, Buffy." His grip tightened on
the mug, he felt like smacking her in the head with it.
"I'm so glad. I made some coffee cake. . . oh, you don't
eat food." She had a distant look in her eyes. Buffy sat
down at the kitchen table and Angelus followed her, keeping
a safe distance.
Buffy wasn't herself, she was moody and irrational. The
watcher seemed to think she was trying to assume the role
of mother for Dawn's sake. Giles had pulled him aside and
proceeded to tell him every single thing the slayer had
done during the day. Something about cooking and fussing
over her kid sister. Angelus had been trying very hard not
to pay attention.
"She's really gone." Buffy's face crumpled again. Tears
began to stream down her face, Angelus shoved a box of
tissues across the table to her. Ha! No more tear stained
shirts!
"Yes. She's gone." Angelus' made his face look somber.
Without warning Buffy stood up and sat down again on his
lap. He had a sense of impending doom.
"Angel." She said softly. "Kiss me. Make it all go away
for a while." She tilted her head to the side, unwittingly
baring her neck to him. Angelus could feel his teeth begin
to elongate. Oh, yes he would make it all go away. Make her
go away. Permanently.
"Buffy?"
Angelus would know that voice anywhere. He pushed the
slayer off his lap, but she managed to land on her feet
instead of the cold kitchen floor. Angelus was
disappointed.
"Oh, I-I'm sorry. I didn't know you had company. I'll
go." Willow said, almost in a whisper. She began to turn,
ready to walk out of the kitchen.
"NO! Please stay!" Angelus shouted, then recovered himself
as he noted the bewildered looks on both the young women's
faces. He cleared his throat. "Buffy needs you too,
Willow."
"B-b-buffy?"
"What?"
"I'm sorry to bother you with this now. I had to tell you
because you're my best friend. And I-I just didn't want to
be alone."
"Tell me what?" Buffy said, a little sharply.
"Tara and I broke up. Well, no. . .we're on a break.
That's what she said, a break. Not broken up. But, Buffy.
. .I feel like we broke up. That's me. . .broken."
"Willow!" Buffy said with exasperation. "My mother died
and you're upset because your girlfriend might have broken
up with you?"
Angelus was still reeling from this bit of news. Too
distracted to notice Buffy's tone. His Willow had a
girlfriend. He hadn't known he had some competition. And
the little chit had broken up with Willow? He would kill
this Tara. Slowly. Well, he would have killed her anyway
for daring to touch what belonged to him. But he would make
it painful for Willow's sake. The witch belonged to him and
Angelus would be the only one to give her pain. And joy.
"I'm sorry, Buffy." Willow said, too emotionally drained
to argue with her friend.
"I'll walk you home, Willow." Angelus said.
"No, I need you here." Buffy said. Her lower lip
quivered.
Angelus didn't let the contempt seep into his voice. "I'm
going to walk Willow home. Since you can't slay anything
right now, Sunnydale is getting to be a rougher town. Do
you want your friend's death on your hands?"
"No." Reminded of her duty, Buffy was suddenly contrite
about the whole episode. "I'm sorry Wills, I don't know
what came over me, I-"
"It's okay. I understand, Buffy." Willow walked over to
her friend and gave her a hug. She really did understand.
Buffy was in so much pain right now that she couldn't help
someone else. Buffy embraced her, pulling her into a tight
hug and Willow relaxed. They were friends again.
"You'll take her home and come back here, right?" Buffy
asked of Angel.
"Of course." Angelus said slyly. He had no intention of
following through on that promise.
***
"Thanks for walking me home, Angel. We've all been taking
Buffy's patrols but we can only do so much. No slayer
super powers."
"You're more than welcome, Willow." His voice was low and
almost came out like a purr. She was too distraught to
notice.
"Goodnight, then." She said softly, turning her back to
him as she fit the key in the lock of the door.
"Willow, could I use your phone to call Buffy?" He asked.
Angelus knew she was anxious to be away from him. He also
knew that he wouldn't be leaving anytime soon. She couldn't
turn down his request.
"Sure." She bit the inside of her lip as the door swung
open and he came in behind her.
He picked up the phone as she brushed past him on her way
to the kitchen. He pretended to dial Buffy's number and
then had an imaginary conversation with the slayer.
"Yes, Buffy. We're at Willow's house, but I'm going stay
with her awhile. " He paused a bit for effect. "Alright,
Buffy. Try to get a good night's rest, you need your
strength." Angelus just knew Soulboy would say something
that inane.
He put down the phone and looked into Willow's eyes. She
was watching him carefully. "I think you should go back to
Buffy, she needs you."
"She'll be fine. It's you I'm worried about." Real
concern was in Angelus' voice.
"I'm fine."
"How long did you date her?"
Her lower lip trembled. "I'm not fine, Angel."
"I know. Come here, little one." Angelus held out his
arms to her and she went into them easily. Willow was
blindly seeking solace and he would willingly offer it to
her. As he stroked her hair and she continued to cry
against his chest, Angelus mused that he didn't mind
Willow's tears or her momentary bout of weakness. He
pulled her close against his body, shuddering at the close
contact, the feel of her. His Willow.
***
Spike nearly dropped his bottle of whiskey. He had been
merely walking by Willow's house when he'd noticed her and
the poof hugging. It wasn't like he'd deliberately been
looking for her or anything. Sometimes, a vampire just had
the urge to visit. . .Raimer Ave. Bloody nice architecture
on the homes. Spike continued to observe them. The older
vampire was tightly clutching Willow to him. Spike, after
knowing Angel for quite a few years, new exactly what that
clutch meant. Peaches should be ashamed of himself! And
with her best friend, no less!
Spike was torn. He could run to the slayer's house and
show Buffy exactly what the great poof was doing. . .or at
least thinking about doing to her friend. Or he could lie
in wait for Angel and pound him into the pavement. Option
number two was appealing. Very appealing.
Spike knew if he told the slayer she wouldn't respond
well. She'd probably hate him more. The "Riley Incident"
proved that. Stupid bint runnin' after Rambo even though
he'd been paying vampires to suck on him. She'd probably
stake him if he told her that her precious Angel wanted
Willow.
Spike got closer to the window, leaning against a tree.
Willow was crying. The poof made her cry? Spike's
expression darkened. Option number two it was.

***
Spike discovered he wasn't the only one watching Peaches. The Initiative was too. Spike suppressed a shudder as he moved further down into the undergrowth. But the soldier boys didn't seem to notice him, they were very intent on Angel. Spike smiled, apparently there was a third option. This was even better than the first two. He turned his attention to the occupants of the house.
***
Angelus swept Willow up into his arms and sat down on the couch. Poor thing. She was so exhausted by the emotional turmoil of the last few days she had fallen asleep trustingly in his arms.Willow had spilled out all the details of her failed relationship with the other little witch. Angelus was furious, but managed to keep his inquiries polite, like Soulboy would. This witch was going to pay. In blood. Willow's parents weren't home, it was just the two of them in the house. Alone. As Angelus held her, he took the opportunity to study her closely. She had changed over the past two years, shorter hair, more confidence, but her eyes still held the same naive wonder. There were still some vestiges of girlhood that clung to her but she had matured, she was a young woman now. She was beautiful, his Willow. He remembered the first time he set eyes on the young beauty. She was in the darkened hallway of her school. The boy with her, Xander, had been wary of him. But not Willow. She had been attracted to his presence, approaching him without fear. He had fully intended to kill her in front of the slayer. He'd had his hands around her slender neck, ready to snap it. But he couldn't. Angelus had always been obsessed with corrupting innocence and this girl almost overflowed with it. This combined with her beauty had made him want to possess her, lock her away from the world. It was madness. She shifted in her sleep and he held her closer. He could see her neck, smooth and white. His true face emerged. It would be so easy. Just one sharp kiss. Then, she would be his for eternity. But he wouldn't. That would be cheating himself of the pleasure of courting her. This one would willingly give in to him. Beg him to sire her. He grinned as he eased her off his lap. Time to go, out of temptation's reach. He laughed at that. Angelus retreating from temptation! He covered her up with a blanket taken from the couch. "Sleep well, sweeting."
Just then, the phone rang. Angelus' hand hovered over the receiver. With trepidation, he picked it up, he knew who it was. He listened for a moment. "I know you're upset, Buffy." There was more wailing. "I have to go." He said curtly. This was followed by a few more sniffles. "Yes, I really do. I will be back over tomorrow and you can cry some more then." He listened to her a vew more moments. "I-" he began and then stopped. "I...I'm sorry." He choked out. She had him apologizing now? He, Angelus, apologizing to a slayer? He was really going to enjoy killing her. "I'm going now." Click. He had more important things to do than babysit a slayer. He had an `appointment' with Tara.
***
Spike watched with a certain amount of glee as the soldiers followed Angelus. He stood to his full height and dusted off his jeans. He wasn't quite sure what he had just witnessed. It appeared that the poof might have been trying to console Red. But he'd been enjoying himself while he did it. A little too much. Spike flicked his cigarette butt to the ground. Time to call on Willow and findout what the story was. He knocked on the door.
A sleepy Willow answered. "Spike? What are you doing here?"
"I was just walking by and couldn't help but notice that Peaches was-"
"Come in, Spike."
He swaggered in, holding a bottle of whiskey that was nearly empty. He smirked at her. "Didn't know you liked the poof, luv."
"I don't. Well, I do. . .but not that way."
"Really? That's not what it looked like to me."
Willow was starting to get a bad feeling. Why had he been watching her? Was he looking for a Buffy replacement?
"He was just trying to be nice."
Spike gave her a meaningful look. "Whatever you say, pet. So, why were you crying?"
"I wasn't. . .well, yes I was. Tara and I are on a break."
"A break? What the hell does that mean?"
"I think it means she's going to break up with me soon." She said sadly.
"I'm sorry, luv." And he was. He noticed her mournful expression. "Well aren't we a fine pair? Wanna drink?"
Willow looked at the bottle with a speculative gleam in her green eyes. "Yes." Spike was startled, he'd expected a lecture on the futility of drinking to solve your problems. Instead, Willow took a swig of the amber liquid and winced as it burned a path down her throat. She smiled at him. He took the bottle back from her and took another drink. "My parents have a wine cellar." She offered.
"Lead the way, luv."
***
Angelus was aware he was being followed. It looked like a group of six humans all in black fatigues. Soulboy had known about the Initiative, Angelus had those memories. But he didn't know that they were still active. He stopped in the street and swung around to face his stalkers. That is when he felt the charge go through him. It was a powerful wave of electricity that sizzled along all of his nerves. He lost consciousness.
"Men, let's head back to base. We've got what we came for." The soldiers quickly seized the incapicated vampire. "Agent Baker," the commanding officer barked.
"Yes sir?"
"Take the hostile to one of the remaining holding cells, make sure he's fed."
"Yes, sir. Is he for an experiment, sir?" The soldiers were all a little confused, their more recent missions had just involved "eliminating" hostiles.
"You could say that."
***
Willow groaned. Her head was pounding and she had a gummy taste in her mouth. She opened one eye and discovered she was sleeping on the other side of the bed. Willow normally slept on the right side, by the closet. She was on the left side facing the curtained windows. She also noticed how cold it was, like something was leeching the warmth from one side of her body. Willow sat up in bed to stretch her arms when the covers slid off. "Aghh!" she shrieked, she was sleeping in only her panties. Willow had a bad feeling. She looked at the opposite side of the bed. "SPIKE!"
"Yes, luv?" The vampire said with deceptive innocence. He had obviously been watching her the whole time.
"How? What did we. . .uh-"
"Did we do what, pet?"
"Spike!"
"Alright. No need to shout." He rubbed his head. "My bloody head still hurts. We drank two bottles of your dad's wine, y'know." She covered her eyes with her hands, keeping the blanket tightly around her with her elbows. That bad feeling had just gotten much worse. "We were drinking in the cellar, playin' darts, and then your mum and dad came home. So we dashed up to your room-"
"And I suggested a game of strip darts." Willow's face was flushed. The things that alcohol made you do! Yep, it was the wine, not the handsome vampire.
"Never played that before, luv." He smiled. "You won as I recall."
"Goddess! Spike, I don't remember anything else. Did we...?"
"Six times, pet."
"Six?" She was momentarily amazed.
"I'm a vampire, luv. We're known for our stamina." He smiled wickedly. "Still don't remember?"
"No." She wailed. She couldn't decide if she was upset that it had happened or upset that she didn't remember it. Then, she saw his smirk.
"You took advantage of me!"
"Did not! You were the one who started it. Besides, we were both three sheets to the wind. You even put your hand on my-"
"Spike!" She interrupted.
He leaned over. "Well, that's another name for it, luv."
***
Angelus groaned. His head was pounding. He placed one lean hand on the back of his skull to investigate the area. He found a bandage on it. Then, the memory of last night came rushing back. He had been walking when the Initiative boys shot him. He had an impression of a brightly lit room and people leaning over him in white lab coats. And then nothing. What the hell did they do to him? And why did they let him go?
Angelus had woken up in a crypt. A filthy, dank, cold crypt. He lay back down on the slab he was on. The less rational part of him was screaming for their blood. He smiled as he envisioned hunting them down and. . . but he knew that he needed to find out more about this little operation. Find out what they did to him. He'd go to the slayer's house. Maybe the watcher could give him some information about the Initiative. Satisfied with his plan, Angelus shut his eyes and a deep healing sleep overtook him.
***
"Since you don't remember it, luv, I'm willing to give you a repeat performance. He began to reach for her under the covers.
"No!" She looked at him, tears beginning to fall. "What kind of girl am I? My girlfriend breaks up with me and I jump into bed with the first vampire that comes along!"
"No, the first vampire was Angel. I was the second one. See? You have taste, Red."
"But it's not right!"
Spike gave her a hurt look. "You're ashamed that you slept with me?"
"No. . .it's just, we were drunk. And I don't remember it. I . . . I just don't know what to think right now."
He seemed mollified by that. "Luv?"
"Yes?"
"If I tell you something will you promise not to be angry with me?"
"Uh, I'll try not to."
"We didn't."
"No?"
"No. Now, don't get me wrong. We did some naughty touching. I am a demon. And you were quite a little minx." He smiled at the memory. " I had my hands all over-"
"Spike!"
"No, Red, not that. You don't have one of those." He winked. "But I would never take advantage of you. When I make love to you-"
"If-"
"When." He stressed. "When, I make love to you, you'll remember every single second of it."
***
Angelus sat on the couch listening to the watcher drone on about the secret military operation. He had told them he had seen soldiers, not that they had captured him. For one thing, Angelus was a little embarrassed. The Scourge of Europe taken down by some drooling idiots with ray guns? He'd never "unlive" this down if anyone found out. He was also wary about confiding in people he regarded as his enemies. "Rupert? I know what the Initiative does. Their background. But, why are they here again?"
"I'm afraid I'm not privy to their plans, Angel." Angelus hated the way he said that. The air of superiority. He gritted his teeth, this was getting him nowhere. He'd have to find another source of information.
"I don't see why were even talking about this because-" Buffy began.
" Because you'd like to talk about you some more? Big surprise." Angelus muttered under his breath.
"What?"
"Nothing at all, Buffy. Please, finish your little thought." Giles frowned at the bit of sarcasm in the vampire's voice but didn't pursue the subject.
"I think that it's a good thing right now, with me not being at full speed. It's not like the Scoobys can handle this on their own."
"Giles, I brought those books you asked for." Willow walked into the room holding a stack of books she had borrowed from Giles. Angelus straightened up in his seat and moved further away from Buffy.
"Oh. Yes. Thank you, Willow." He said absently as she set them down on the coffee table. "Um. . .have you seen any Initiative soldiers around, Willow?"
She frowned. "No, I thought they had left when Riley-"
"Wills!" Buffy reprimanded.
Angelus rolled his eyes. As if he cared who the slayer bumped uglies with! He gave a small scowl at the name for the sake of appearance. "It's alright, Buffy." She patted his arm.
"What happened?" Willow asked as she sat down in a chair.
"Angel saw them when he was out patrolling for me." She reached out for his arm again to pat it but Angelus put the cup of tea she had left on the table into her hand. Hands off, slayer!
"Well, it appears they are keeping a continued presence in Sunnydale." Giles said.
"Mmm." Willow said, non-committal. She looked at Angel under her lashes, she was embarrassed by having cried herself silly in front of him. But, the imposing vampire apparently hadn't revealed her emotional break down to Giles or Buffy. "Well, speaking of patrols. . ." Willow said as she stood up.
"I'll walk you out, Willow" Angelus offered.
"But-" Buffy began.
"I'm going to see some of my sources in town. See what I can find out about our demon-hunting G.I. Joes."
Buffy pressed her lips together. "Alright. Be careful though." Her lower lip quivered.
"Let's go, Willow." He said, placing a hand to the middle of her back. He didn't want to be around for another crying jag. He really didn't know what her problem was. The funeral was done with. Get over it. Humans!
"Night, Angel." Willow said, already heading up the sidewalk.
"Now, what kind of gentleman would I be, if I didn't offer you a ride?"
Willow bit her lip. "Uh. . .that would be nice. Thanks, Angel." She really didn't want to walk all the way to the cemetery. But she didn't really want to be alone with Angel. He was different. Angel seemed more commanding, darker. Sexier. Like Angelus. Willow's eyes widened. Where did that come from? She almost laughed. If it was Angelus -- she'd probably already be dead by now. He insisted on opening the car door for her and she climbed in. They drove in silence for a few moments when Willow spotted Tara walking down the street. "That's Tara." she said, as she pointed her lover out to Angelus.
"Oh, really?" Angelus said as he pulled over. "What are you doing?" Willow cried. "Let's have a little fun with her."
"What do you mean?"
" Just go with it. Follow my lead." Angelus smiled. This was perfect! He could torture the little girlfriend and touch Willow at the same time.
"Hi Tara." Willow said softly. The other witch approached the car, staring at the big man beside her lover.
"Hi, Willow. Who's that?"
"This is Angel. He's Buffy's-"
"Friend." He smiled silkily. "I'm Willow's. . .friend too." He pulled Willow back until she rested against his chest. Willow tried to unwrap Angelus' big arm from around her waist but it was fruitless.
"Angel, this is Tara."
"So, you're Tara?" He scratched his chin. "Hmm. . .I think Willow may have mentioned you. So nice to meet you." His smile didn't reach his eyes.
"Likewise." Tara said. Willow was dating. . .a man, and so soon after their break! "I have to g-go."
"Tara! This isn't what you think! Please-" Angelus watched the other witch run away. He'd kill her tomorrow. Tonight it would be a commando hunt. Tomorrow. . .a witch hunt! He chuckled.
"Why did you do that?"
"I thought you wanted to get even."
"No! I. . .when I said that last night, I was angry. I didn't meant it."
"I'm so sorry, Willow." No, he really wasn't. She slumped down into the seat again, feeling like a rotten human being. First it was Fondling Fest 2001 with Spike last night and now she was lying to Tara. This just couldn't get any worse. She should have known, never think those kind of thoughts on the Hellmouth.
"What's that smell?" Angelus asked, sniffing the air. "So familiar." His eyes burned into hers. "Spike."
"Spike?" She squeaked out.
"Yes, you smell like Spike. His scent is all over you. Why?" He grasped her by the shoulders and shook her a little. Willow opened her mouth to say something when her eyes rolled back in her head. She had passed out.

***
Angelus pulled into the driveway in front of Willow's house. Her parents didn't appear to be home. His anger had cooled a little on the ride over. He looked over at the little witch. The smell of her blood was almost overpowering in the enclosed space. He hadn't fed either, which made it even more enticing. And now that he could smell Spike on her, the urge to bite her and stake a claim was quite irresistible. He leaned closer to her, trying to control the urge. Ah, to hell with it. He hauled her into his lap and buried his nose in her neck. She won't notice one tiny bite. I'll hardly draw blood. I'll say a huge mosquito bit her. This is the Hellmouth, it could happen! His face shifted. His fangs grazed her neck. Ow! Ow, ow! Owww!
Willow stirred. Angelus clamped a hand over his mouth. What the hell had just happened? Freak migraine? He was the undead, he wasn't supposed to get headaches. Obviously, his unconscious must be trying to tell him that it wasn't the right time. It was okay. He would feed on one of the G.I. Joes. For a moment he stopped to ponder how he would look in camouflage. Maybe he would take an outfit and try it on. He got out of the car and crossed to the other side. He scooped Willow out of the passenger side and headed toward the porch. Once inside, he lay her down on the couch again. He covered her up and stretched out beside her, brushing stray tendrils of hair from her face.
"Willow?" A voice called from the foyer.
Angelus growled. Curses! Did she really have nothing better to do than stalk him ? He hastily stood up as she walked into the room. "Buffy." He said through gritted teeth.
"Angel!" She said, a bright smile appeared on her face. Then it turned into a puzzled frown. "What are you doing here? I thought you were going to get some information."
"Yes, well. Plans change. People move on. Maybe you should leave now. Can't you see that Willow is tired?"
"From what?" The slayer crossed her arms and looked at him petulantly. Angel was being overly solicitous with Willow lately.
"What are you doing here anyway?" He grumbled. "Willow ran into Tara and she was incredibly cruel to her. I just happened to be driving by when I saw the confrontation."
"I didn't know." She said, ignoring his earlier question. Buffy went to the couch and leaned over Willow. "I've been so preoccupied, I didn't even notice how upset she's been. Poor Wills."
Angelus let his game face appear. He'd had just about enough of blondie. A malevolent grin spread across his face. The blood lust was raging through his veins, urging him to drain her. He would blame her death on the Initiative or a wayward vampire, perhaps. He lunged at her only to be stopped short by a blinding burst of pain. He sank to his knees. "Ahhhh!!!"
Buffy turned around, startled. "What happened?"
Angelus recovered quickly. "Pain! The pain. . . of being near you and not being able to touch you." And bite you and drink your blood.
"Oh, Angel." Her eyes swam with tears and she reached for him.
Angelus stood up and scooted around the coffee table. Not again. He'd have to have a talk with her about sexual harassment. After he found out what the hell was wrong with his head.
***
Spike whistled to himself as he walked down the sidewalk. Last night with Red had been fabulous. Spike had never imagined that underneath that cool facade lay all that fire. Spike was looking forward to seeing her tonight. Maybe even having a rematch on those darts. He and the witch had so much in common. She'd been terribly hurt by Tara, just like he still suffered wounds from both Drusilla and Buffy. Spike wasn't sure where this attraction to the witch was leading but he knew he would enjoy the ride.
Together, they could work through all their hurts. Heal themselves. Spike was happy, he hadn't even though of Buffy all day. His thoughts were so focused on the young witch, the slayer hadn't even been able to intrude on them.
Spike began to sift through his memories of the Willow. He'd been such a fool to let her go when he'd had her at the factory. He should have gone with his initial instinct and taken her then. If only he hadn't been distracted by her blood. And the night in her dorm room. . .if he weren't chipped Red would have been his childe, his lover.
Once he'd gotten himself into their little do-gooder gang he'd decided to wait before he approached her. She was still so wounded by the wolf. And then Tara got in the way. Spike had decided to wait that out as well. . .everyone experiments in college. The idea of the two young girls together didn't exactly bother him. He was hoping that one night the three of them might. . .but that was another issue. He would triumph over Tara in the end anyway. Why would the Willow choose the witch when she was offered a sexy hunk of a night thing like himself? No contest. Then the damn slayer had ruined everything.
Barging in on his dreams, his thoughts. She actually had him thinking he wanted to be good. Good! He, the Big Bad, a do-gooder. Spike, now coming out of his obsession with her, determined that this had simply been a reaction to being around his sire's soulmate. Spike had always competed with Angelus. He wanted to be faster, better, stronger. He'd hoped that Buffy would choose him and he could flaunt that in his sire's face.
He was actually glad the appeal of the slayer was starting to wane. He must have been out of his mind. A vampire and a slayer? Please! But, a vampire and a witch? That sounded like a match made in Hell. Spike smiled. Poor witch wouldn't be able to resist him. He'd make sure of that.

***
Buffy had gone home. Thankfully, Giles had called and requested her presence. Evidently, there were some papers she needed to sign in regards to her mother's estate. Angelus had been relieved to watch her go, he'd nearly been forced to kiss the slayer. He returned his thoughts to the red haired beauty on the couch. Why had she been with Spike? His worthless childe. He'd make that ungrateful whelp sorry he was ever born to darkness. It's not like it mattered anyway. In the end, Red would adore him. Every woman he'd ever pursued did.
He cupped her chin and examined her face. There were circles under her eyes. She looked vulnerable and much younger than her years. It made Angelus went to protect her, shelter her from the world. He shook his head in disbelief. How did she get to him? No one had ever gotten the better of his emotions. Not Darla or Dru or any of the many women he'd been involved with. Buffy didn't count, having been Soulboy's lover. Willow was something special. He gently shook her a little. "Wake up, little one." But she didn't react, still sleeping soundly.
"Hey, Wills. Are you home?" Xander called as he entered the Rosenburg residence.
Angelus stood up, his face was enraged. There would be no more interruptions! He stood against the wall, close to the entrance to the living room. Xander walked in, oblivious to his presence. Angelus grabbed him by the throat and pinned him to the wall. The boy was terrified, his eyes wide, his breathing shallowed. "Guess who's back?" Angelus said, relishing the fear that was rolling off the boy.
"Angelus?" Xander managed to croak out.
"Yes. Did you miss me?" He could only stare at the vampire in horror. "I had planned on drawing this out more. Playing a game. But, unfortunately for you, I'm starving." His demonic visage emerged and he moved his hands to Xander's shoulders to pin him to the wall.
"No!" Xander thrashed a little, but he was completely overwhelmed by the vampire's strength.
"Shh! You don't want to wake up Willow, do you?" But Willow was already awake. She had been since she'd heard Xander's voice. The vampire attempted to bite the boy and screamed in agony and pain exploded in his brain. Angelus flung the young man away in disgust and spun around.
"Hold it right there!" Willow shouted, she was brandishing a stake she found on the floor. It must've fallen out of Buffy's jacket. Xander, reacting swiftly, clocked Angelus over the head with a large marble statue he found on the side table.
"Thanks Wills!" He rushed over to give her a big hug. "Did he hurt you?'
"Nope. Well, he was angry about Sp-" She blushed. "Uh. . .something."
"Oh----kay." Xander said, not getting it. He regarded the large vampire passed out on the plush carpet. "The bigger they are. . ."
"Ha ha." Willow said. "I say we tie him up before he comes to."
"Sounds like a good plan."
Willow and Xander managed to drag Angelus upstairs to Willow's bedroom. She found some sturdy ropes out in the garage to bind him to the chair. "You know, I just realized that in the past couple of years, I've gotten kind of good at tying up vampires." Xander said, accomplishing the task with precision and ease. He gave her a lopsided grin.
"Maybe you should put that on your resume." Willow teased.
Xander stood up, surveying the results. Angelus was bound to a chair, he was still unconscious. There was a small trickle of blood from the wound he'd inflicted but it already appeared to be healing. Angel would just wake up with a small headache. "Lets call Buffy and tell her what's going on."
"We can't!"
"And why not?"
"Think about it. Angel's been acting strange since he arrived in Sunnydale, Xander. I'm willing to bet Angelus has been here the whole time. He listened to Buffy pour her heart out about her mom's death, probably plotting how he would kill all of us."
"Ouch! That would hurt to know that you just spilled your guts to your worst enemy. Buffy isn't doing so well right now anyway."
"Right. And I don't need her for the ritual. With any luck, I can perform it before he wakes up. Then, Angel can tell her in his own way at the appropriate time."
***
Willow frantically searched through the shelves at Giles' magick shop. They had a key to the store, Anya had closed up for the day. "You'd think Giles would have bought stock in the company that makes these things." But there wasn't an Orb of Thessula to be found in the whole place.
Xander was looking through the inventory log. "Wills, there's a number on here to call about ordering them."
"Thank Goddess! Let's order one and have it shipped overnight."
He dialed the phone and then punched in some numbers to get through the automated system. "I'm on hold to speak to an operator." He said to Willow.
She hoisted herself up on the counter. There was only one magick shop in town, they had no choice but to wait. Orbs of Thessula were rare items, it was doubtful any shop in the immediate area would even have one. The magickal community knew them to be useless without the gypsy curse. And Giles had guarded the secret of the curse for very carefully. If conjurers could summon souls at will -- the results would be disastrous.
"Uh, yes? I'd like an Orb of Thessula delivered pronto!" Xander listened a minute, his face twisting. "What?! Six weeks, they're back ordered? NO!" He listened again. "Well, I know they make an attractive paperweight." Willow handed him a credit card and he quickly rattled off the numbers and finished ordering. He hung up the phone. "Apparently, there all the rage now! Paperweights for executives."
"We'll just have to try other sources. " She thought a moment. " I know Giles doesn't have one at his apartment. I'll make sure I call Cordy and ask her. I should also go online and see what I can find there. Who knows? Maybe they're auctioning one off on ebay."
"Meanwhile, I guess were babysitting Angelus." He grimaced.
***
Angelus was awake. He had been for some time. He didn't know how he got tied to the chair but he was displeased. Very displeased. And his head throbbed, it seemed these migraines were becoming more and more serious.
Angelus heard muffled voices in the hallway. Xander and Willow walked in her room, they both looked grim.
"Untie me." He demanded. In truth, Angelus had twisted out of the knots, but he wanted to see what Willow's reaction would be.
"Not a chance, Deadboy." Xander said. He looked at Willow. "We should call Buffy."
"Not yet. Give me a couple of days to find an orb." She refused to look at Angelus. She was so glad that Xander was willing to stay with her. If she had to be all alone with Angelus she didn't know what she would do. She could still see those drawings that he had made of her. . .she mentally shook herself. "In the meantime, let's strengthen these ropes. "
"Willow, untie me. Now." His voice was calm but laced with authority.
She wouldn't even acknowledge his words, it was hard enough to be in the same room with him. She lit some incense and moved closer to Angelus with her spellbook in hand. "Gather the fiber, stronger and tighter. Gather the fiber, stronger and tighter." She chanted, and as her hand gestured to the ropes and a flash of sparkling energy centered on them.
"That was very clever, little one. But-" He stood up, letting the shredded end of the rope show. "I've been free for some time, now."
Xander rushed forward, trying to block his path to Willow. Angelus easily grasped the boy by the arm and pulled him close, exposing his neck. His face changed and he attempted to sink his fangs in Xander's neck when he experienced another bolt of pain. "Owwwww!" He let go of the boy and clutched his aching head. "What's happening to me?"
"You've been chipped!" Willow shouted, gleefully. Xander gave her his "huh?" look, then he looked at the vampire warily. She spoke to Angelus for the first time. "That's why you were so curious about the Initiative! They captured you and put a chip in your head. Just like Spike."
"WHAT?" He roared. "I've been defanged? Me, the Scourge of Europe?"
"Yep, you are." She smiled brightly. This made matters much simpler. "I'm surprised you didn't figure it out when you first tried to bite someone."
"I didn't know the details about Spike's chip. I thought it took away the desire to bite. Soulboy's not exactly chummy with the watcher these days."
"Maybe we should tell Buffy." Xander insisted stubbornly.
"No! This is perfect, don't you see? Even if we don't find the orb soon, we'll have an insurance plan. He can't hurt anyone. Can't even hit people! I'm not going to burden Buffy with this right now. Not unless its necessary."
"I'm not talking to that blond twit ever again. Unless it's to say, ‘move your neck to the left so I can get a better angle to bite.'"
"I'll dust you if you say or do anything to hurt her." Willow threatened.
"Now, now. We both know you aren't going to hurt Soulboy's body."Angelus said, folding his arms across his chest. His eyes slid over her from head to toe, like a caress. "I've missed you, little one."
"I just bet you have." The twisted smile that spread across Willow's face even chilled Angelus to the bone. It was almost as if she was channeling Vamp Willow. She walked toward him purposefully and he was forced to retreat until his back met the wall. "I don't think you want to mess with me, Angelus. I could do things to you that would be worse than death." She reached into her jeans pocket and pulled out a small bottle of holy water. "I could tie you up and burn you with this until you scream. I could withhold blood from you until you-"
"Alright. I'm playing along. I'll be Mr. Nice Vampire for now."
"Good boy." She reached up and patted his head. "Knew you'd see things my way. All you needed was a bit of inspiration."
She spun on her heel. Xander was staring at her with fascination and a bit of fear. "It's okay. It's me, Willow." She opened her mouth. "See? No fangs." Willow was loathe to admit it, but it felt good to put the vampire in his place. He had a lot to pay for.
"Well, I assume you're hungry." She said to Angelus. " Xander will stay with you while I get some blood from Willy."
"Hurry back." Xander called as he watched her retreating form disappear down the hall.
***
Willow climbed the stairs to the upper hallway of her house. She'd managed to get Angelus enough blood to last a few days. She was proud of herself for not cowering in front of the vampire. And felt a bit guilty for having entertained thoughts of torturing Angelus. But just a bit. He'd actually appeared frightened of HER.
She was about to open the door to her room when she heard voices coming from the interior. "You know what else? Leather. . .it makes your butt look big, Deadboy. Really big. That's right, you might want to switch to diet blood or something. . .feed off a jogger." She also heard a "Owww!" When she entered she saw Angelus pressing a hand to his head and Xander laughing himself silly on her bed.
"This is too much fun, Wills." He said, gasping for air. "I was planning on kicking his ass for all the hell he's put us through when I insulted him. He's hurting himself trying to kill me more than I could ever hurt him on my own."
"Xander!" She reprimanded. "That's cruel."
Xander's face sobered. "Don't you forget about what he did to Ms. Calender or Giles."
"I know." She said quietly. She sighed, some of those memories were still painful. But she had managed to forgive Angel. She'd worked through a lot of her feelings and felt that she was healed. The temptation to get a bit of revenge on Angelus was almost irresistible though. "We shouldn't sink to his level, Xander."
Xander nodded. "Alright, no more insults for tonight. So, where's he gonna stay?"
"With Spike?" Willow suggested.
"Absolutely not! I do not sleep in a crypt. Disgusting! I have my own hotel room."
"We're not letting you stay on your own, just yet. I still don't trust you. Staying with Giles and Buffy is out of the question. Xander?"
"Well, Anya's there all the time. Eventually she'd figure it out. And Anya-"
"Couldn't be discrete about anything to save her life. I guess I'm the winner, you're staying with me."
Angelus smiled, taking a packet of blood from the bag she'd brought it in. He'd be living with Willow. That had. . .possibilities. This might be a better plan in the long run. And he knew he'd get those Initiative soldiers. Force them to have a scientist take out the chip and then drain them all dry. Angelus never took no for answer. In fact, he might even have help. Maybe Spike wasn't so useless after all. It was about time he said hello to his prodigal ‘son.'

***
Angelus sat on the bed, drinking blood out of a bag, looking for all the world like a sullen child sucking on a juice box. This was incredibly humiliating. Bagged blood was the fast food of the vampire world. And Angelus had a sensitive palette. He liked only gourmet meals.
Xander sat on the floor, with his back resting against the bed, looking through one of Willow's magazines. "Wills?"
"Yes?" She said absently, she was surfing the web for an orb. Every site she'd hit so far didn't have one in stock.
"What's a waterbra?"
"What are you looking at, Xander?"
"Your magazine. I was thinking that Anya would look nice in one."
"I think she'd probably kill you. You're only supposed to wear one if. . .if. . .you need it." She flushed.
"Huh?"
"If you. . .are small in a certain area."
"Oh! Not doing that then. " During the course of their conversation, Angelus had stretched out on the bed and was now looming over Xander's shoulder. Xander didn't even look up. "It's called a space bubble, Deadboy. Get out of mine."
Angelus snarled as his features morphed. "Give me your blood. Now."
Willow looked up from her computer screen. "Angelus, if you can't behave -- we'll tie you up and gag you if necessary. "
Angelus settled back on the bed. "Fine. I don't really want his blood, anyway. Its yours that I crave. I bet it would be sweet and-."
She stood up. "Don't make me come over there!" She shook her finger at him.
Xander smirked at the vampire on his way out. He was going down to retrieve some snacks.
Angelus decided that enough was enough. His most deadly weapon wasn't his fangs anyway. "Fine, little one. Let's talk. . .hmm. . .but what about." He tilted his head to the side, his eyes shining with devilment. "I know! Let's talk about why my childe's scent was all over you. I'm sure that wretched boy would love to know about that."
"No!" Willow hissed. "Lower your voice. . .he might hear you."
"And wouldn't that be a shame. Now, I suggest you convince him to leave or I'll-"
"I could gag you." She said.
"I could draw him an illustration. You remember how much you liked those, don't you?" Willow gulped. "What have you got to be afraid of, anyway? I'm helpless, remember?" He goaded.
Willow rallied her strength. She wasn't about to let the vampire know how much he affected her. And not all of it was fear. "Fine, I'll send Xander home. And if you do anything-"
"I know, little one. You'll make me sorry." He smiled as she left the room to get rid of Xander.
***
Willow was fixing herself some dinner. Xander had just left after she had convinced him to go, and Angelus was probably still up in her room pouting or gloating. Arrogant vampire! She made a mental note to look through some of Giles more unethical spell books. Maybe she could turn him into a bug or render him unable to speak for a few days. That made her smile. As she was chopping vegetables, a knock sounded on the door.
She opened the door to see a grinning Spike. "Hello, pet. I was going to walk on in, but I thought I ‘d be polite." He sniffed the air. "That smells wonderful. What are you making us for dinner?" He gave her an expectant look when she didn't move from the doorway. "Are you gonna move so I can come in?"
"No! I can't. . .uh . . .Tara's here." She improvised, then wanted to take her words back. She just didn't want Spike and Angelus beat eachother to a pulp.
Spike's face fell, his eyes going cold. "So last night meant nothing to you?" He shook his head. "I should have known."
She reached out to him. "Spike! Wait! It isn't like that, I-"
"Oh, I think it is like that." Angelus' deep voice rumbled behind her. He put one arm on the door and forced it open wider.
"Angel? You're actually shagging that useless wanker?" Spike snarled. Willow's mouth opened in horror, she was unable to say anything.
"William, I'm disappointed. No fond hello for your old sire? Children these days."
"Sire? Drusilla-"
"But I taught you everything you know. Watched out for you-"
"Angelus!" He grabbed Willow's arm and thrust her behind him. "Run to the slayer, luv. Tell her to bring her pointy sticks. Lots of ‘em."
Angelus roared with laughter. "Need the slayer to do your fighting for you now, Spike? " Angelus came closer to him. "Last time I saw you, you attacked me from behind with a tire iron. You'll pay for that. . .eventually. But not right now. Willow, why don't you come inside so I can have a talk with Spike?"
"Because, I don't want to have to sweep the two off the front stairs tonight."
Spike twisted around to look at her. "You'd dust me?"
"No, I would." Angelus withdrew a stake from inside his sleeve. He stepped closer, intending only to frighten Spike. He never got tired of that. Willow gasped. Spike could hurt demons, even with the chip. That meant that if Angelus wanted to stake Spike, he could.
"Spike, no!" She leaped in front of him. Angelus stopped, the stake inches from her chest. His chip kicked in. He doubled over, groaning in pain.
"Hello. What's this? Mr. Big Coat got himself chipped by the tin soldiers?" Spike grinned in glee. Willow shot him a look.
"Just keep in mind that the chip doesn't apply to you, mister." She scolded.
"First off, Red, thank you for jumping in front of me. I didn't know you cared." He smiled. Then he gave her a dour look. "But telling him that might not have been the best way to keep me safe."
Meanwhile, Angelus had recovered. "You mean I can hurt demons?" He looked around incredulously. "Why didn't anyone tell me?"
"Oh yeah, how could I have forgotten." Willow looked slightly perturbed. "Oh, I remember now. It's because you're a soulless demon who killed my fish." She glared at him.
Spike smiled. He really liked seeing Angelus brought so low. He walked past Willow to sit at the kitchen table. "Care for another game of strip darts, luv?"
Willow covered her face with her hands. This is not happening. Angelus glared at him. "I think you should stay away from her, William."
"It's a little late for that, poofter. Notice the operative word, ‘another', in the sentence, ‘Care for another game of strip darts, luv.'" Spike grinned. "And don't bother telling my you don't buy it. I know that you know it's true. Just as I know that I don't smell you on her. But you can smell me on her." Spike finished with a self-satisfied nod, tipping his chair back to watch his sire's face.
Angelus had heard enough."It'll be the last time, Spike. I'm claiming her. She's mine." He strode over to the arrogant bleach-blonde and knocked his chair over. Spike hit his head on the floor. Then Angelus hit his knees. "CURSES! Owww!"
Spike rubbed the back of his head. "What are you howling about, mate? What's the matter, big ‘I'm a bad-ass-now-boots' too much for you? Did you trip?"
"I thought you said I could hurt demons." Angelus looked accusingly up at Willow.
"Try again. Maybe it was a coincidence." She suggested.
"Bloody hell, Red. I thought you were on my side!"
"Yeah, I was. Until you decided to announce to the world what happened the last time you were over here." She smiled. "And Spike?"
"Yes, pet?" He still sat on the floor.
"You remember how good my aim was with those darts?"
"Yes." He frowned. She'd beaten him with hardly any effort.
"Next time I might be tossing them at you. But I should warn you. Sober, I tend to hit a little towards the bottom." She glanced down at his spread legs to make sure he made the connection.
Angelus raised an eyebrow at his childe. "Is she always like this?"
"She gives ‘evil' a new meaning if you piss her off." Spike grumbled. He climbed to his feet and looked his sire in the eye. Well, he tried to look his sire in the eye, but Angelus was about a few inches taller than him. "What did you do?"
Angelus smirked at him. "Well, we weren't playing darts."
Spike punched him in the nose. Angelus went down. "Damn. That is really fun." He looked at the seething vampire at his feet. "Stand up. Let me try that again."
"SPIKE."
"Sorry, Red. Couldn't help myself. Do you want a turn?"
Angelus attempted to hit Spike again but cried out in pain as his chip went off. He bent over at the waist, holding his head.
Spike bent over to look into Angelus' eyes. "You're pathetic. You know that? At least I can kill demons. You can't hurt anything now."
"You're sure about that, William?" Angelus eyes held real malice. His childe kept pushing his buttons. He was hoping to find an ally in Spike, but the blond vampire had never been much for burying the hatchet. Well, except into people. And not a hatchet. . .railroad spikes. Ahh. . .the bad old days. He smiled fondly at his wayward childe.
Spike stepped back. "They mess with other parts of your head?"
"Of course not. I was just thinking about all the good times we had together. Do you remember the ball we went to? All those silly debutantes we took into the corners and drained while-"
"I've heard enough of this story!" Willow shouted. "Ugh! Some family times you had together. My family vacations never had a body count. You guys didn't go to Disney Land, did you? Eat Mickey and Minnie?" She shook her head in disgust. "I'm about to eat for Goddess' sake."
"I want some too, Red." Spike said. He continued to look warily at his sire. "You just keep your distance, poof."
Angelus smiled. "I want whatever you're having too."
"Oh, I'm so shocked by that." Spike muttered.
"It's only proper. I'm her houseguest after all."
"WHAT?" Spike screamed. "You will not be staying here. Red, are you out of your bloody mind?" He started to go for the door. "I'm going to the slayer, she'll talk some sense into that head of yours." He stopped to stare at Angelus. "And she'll take your head right off your shoulders."
"Spike! Don't do this! I don't have a choice. I need to curse Angelus again and I don't have an orb. . .because all of these weird people are using them as paperweights. . .and. . .and. . .Buffy is so sad because she lost her mom. . .and Tara broke up with me. . .and I'm so tired-"
Spike gave in. "Alright, Red. No need to get hysterical on me. But, I'm staying here too."
"No, you aren't, William." Angelus declared. He was a little hurt that Willow would be so willing to curse him. He had felt the spark between them.
"You can stay, Spike." She said. In all honesty, Willow had regretted letting Angelus provoke her into telling Xander go home. She was a little afraid to be alone with the vampire. Besides, maybe it would break the tension between them to have another person around. She looked at the two vampires who were currently glowering at eachother. Or it might just create more of it. She sighed. This was shaping up to be the week from hell.

***
The next morning, Willow made cinnamon rolls and aromatic cinnamon coffee for breakfast. She sat back in her chair and idly licked icing from her fingers as she watched Spike and Angelus eye the last roll on the platter. Spike reached for it.
Angelus pulled the platter out of his reach. "It's mine!"
"Piss off! You don't even like ‘em all that much."
Willow sighed, they had both eaten three rolls already. "Why don't you each take half of it?" She suggested.
"You would begrudge, me, your sire one little cinnamon roll? After all I've done for you? I gave you eternal life, taught you how to hunt-"
"Fine. Eat the damn roll. I hope you choke on it!" Spike fumed.
Angelus grinned. Guilt trips, gotta love ‘em. He may have been defanged but he could still manipulate with the best of them.
Willow reached out and snatched the roll from the cocky vampire.
"Hey!" They shouted in unison.
"I've only had one and I made them!" She bit into it and chewed slowly. "Tastes good." She gave them a superior smile.
"That was cold, Red. You should have taken it and given it to me."
"You should have split the roll, then you would both have some of it now. It's called sharing! See? I've taught you a valuable lesson." They stared at her with furrowed brows, this was a new topic to them. Just then, the phone rang and Willow answered it. Buffy had a request.
***
"I don't want to go bowling." Angelus said as he surveyed the bowling alley with trepidation. Xander had suggested a bowling night and Buffy had liked the idea. He was bringing Anya. Buffy would go with ‘Angel' and Willow had asked Buffy if it was alright to bring Spike. Buffy was not amused, saying that Spike would probably try to hit on her the whole time. But, Willow had assured her that would be unlikely because of ‘Angel's' presence. The Slayer had grudgingly agreed.
"Buffy wants to go on a date and have a little fun. You are going to cooperate, you'll make her laugh, you'll flirt with her or I'm gonna stake you!" Willow shoved him closer to the entrance. Spike just smirked as he came up behind them.
Once inside, Angelus was even less enthused. Spike had given him instructions on how to play the game on the car ride over and he thought it sounded like a colossal waste of time. This place only enforced that notion. He followed Willow and Spike to the counter. "What size shoes ya where, buddy?" The man at the counter asked as he peered down at Angelus' feet over the edge.
"And why do you want to know that?" Angelus growled menacingly.
"If ya wanna bowl, you gotta wear the shoes, buddy." He slapped a pair of enormous red and green bowling shoes on the counter.
"And just what are those?" Angelus was horrified.
"Just put on the damn shoes, nancy boy. " Spike said. He didn't relish wearing the ugly shoes but he loved to bowl. Spike was extremely competitive.
Angelus took the shoes from the man and sniffed them. "Ugh. Someone else has worn these. I need a new pair."
"You never been bowling before have you, buddy?" The man asked.
"Do not call me ‘buddy' anymore. That's not my name. I'm infamous. I was called the Scourge of Europe."
"Scourge. I've heard stranger names. Just give me your shoes, Scourge, and be on your way."
"I'm NOT giving you my shoes in exchange for these ghastly used ones. They don't even match my outfit. I'm wearing black, do you have anything in black?" He spoke slowly, hoping the man would understand.
Willow watched the exchange, it was amusing to see Angelus so concerned about his footwear. He was a lot like Cordelia. But, Buffy would be here soon. "Give him your shoes, Angelus. He'll give them back to you when you're done bowling."
"If I must." Angelus slipped off his Italian loafers and handed them to the man. He glared for effect. "Anything happens to my shoes. I'm talking about a scratch, even if the shine on them seems duller. . . I will hunt you down and-"
"Thanks!" Willow said, effectively cutting him off. She threaded her arm through his and went to join Spike who had saved them a bowling lane. "Word to the wise, Captain Ahab. Don't make threats you can't back up. You can't hurt anyone, remember?"
Angelus' smile was sensual as he pulled her into a corner. "And that's a shame. Sometimes a bit of pain increases the pleasure, little one. Gives it an edge." He leaned closer, whispering in her ear. " I was planning on teaching you all of those wonderful wicked things I could do to your body. And you would have loved every single second of it." With that, he sauntered over to where Spike was sitting. The redhead fanned her self with the back of her hand. Words had escaped her for the moment.
Angelus sat down at a chair and put on the hideous shoes. He frowned down at them, wishing he could wear the shoes he came in. He looked like a clown.
"Go pick out a ball." Spike said. He had selected a black one with red flames on it.
Angelus found Willow over a the rack of bowling balls. She hurriedly collected a lightweight purple ball. Angelus perused the selection. He wasn't impressed. "How do you know which one to pick?"
"Feel the weight of it. And the size of the holes." She inserted her fingers into the holes of hers. "See? Its not too loose. So you can get a good grip on it. But big enough that your fingers don't get stuck." Willow went over to wear Spike was sitting.
He picked a black ball up. His fingers wouldn't even fit in the holes. Angelus picked up several more before he selected a red one. He carried it back to where they were sitting. Just as he sat down again, Buffy, Anya, and Xander all filed in.
Xander grinned at the chipped vampire. He was relishing this. "Nice shoes, Dead Boy."
"Xander!" Buffy reprimanded.
"That's okay, Buffy. He doesn't mind that nickname anymore. Do you, Dead Boy?"
Angelus' grip on his bowling ball tightened, he was about to throw it at the young man's head when he felt that now-familiar burst of pain in his head. "Smarts, doesn't it?" Spike whispered in a tone so low the humans couldn't hear him.
"Spike." Buffy said, eyeing him warily. She had been upset with Willow for bringing him. The last thing she needed to do was hang out with the loved starved vampire.
"Buffy." He said neutrally.
She turned to Angelus. "Hi, Angel." Her tone was friendly. She seemed shy around him. They hadn't been on a date in so long. She was glad she had taken Xander up on his suggestion. That way, she and Angel could see each other and still stay out of temptation's reach. She had no desire to see Angelus again. Ever.
Angelus grimaced. "Hi, Buffy." He was hoping he could get through this evening without being groped by the slayer. She approached him and tried to hold his hand. He pulled it away. "I'm going first."
They all chose teams. Anya and Xander were team one. Buffy and ‘Angel' were team two. Spike and Willow were team three. It became evident who the good bowlers were. Buffy was doing very well, having superior Slayer strength helped. Being supernaturally strong helped Angel and Spike as well. Xander was holding his own. And Anya and Willow were playing fairly well too. Buffy and ‘Angel' were winning though. Until those damned bowling pin demons showed up.
Bowling pin demons were common on the Hellmouth. Hence, the lack of places to bowl. There was only one establishment in town and the owner was a powerful wizard who constantly warded the entrances against the little pin-shaped demons. They were vicious little things. They would move whenever a ball would come close to them, effectively losing the game for the hapless bowler. There favorite trick was to use their powers of telekinesis to force balls into the gutters on either side of the lanes.
Tonight, they had somehow slipped into the bowling alley and now they were causing Buffy and Angel to get gutter ball after gutter ball. "What is going on here?" Spike said with a huff. "I've been throwing this same ball the same way all night. Why is it suddenly curving to the left?"
"Bowling Pin Demons!" They all said in an urgent whisper.
The little demons stood on their feet in every lane, drawing gasps from the bewildered bowlers. "Slayer!" They shouted and started to charge Buffy.
"Bloody Hell!" Spike yelped and ran back to the chairs. They all braced themselves for the inevitable fight. Hellmouth date nights sucked.
***
Buffy picked up her gym bag and began tossing weapons to her friends as the tiny demons began their attack. "Be careful , guys. " She called out. "These demons are small but they're nasty."
The first wave of the miniature attackers hit them. Buffy speared some with stakes while she kicked others. Spike was also kicking them but he occasionally bit one. Xander was the most ferocious. He was smacking them with a bowling ball and shouting something that no one fully understood. "Ruined my seventh-grade party! I was supposed to kiss Becky Furlow!"
Willow was blinding them with bursts of light while Anya smooshed them with a bowling ball. As for Angelus. . . Angelus was furious. When he hadn't been chipped, he'd been almost invincible. The bowling pin demons wouldn't have even dared to attack him. Now, he was standing on top of the counter, scowling at one who was scaling it. Knowing he was risking pain, he pulled off his ugly bowling shoe and smacked it in the head. Nothing. Nada. No pain. Then why wasn't he able to hit Spike? Maybe Spike wasn't completely a demon anymore. He smirked. Blondie must have gone soft.
Angelus grinned. He was able to kill demons. Watch out , Dark World -- here comes Angelus.
Buffy looked over at him and said sharply. "Angel, what are you doing up there? We need your help!"
Angelus rolled his eyes before he removed his other bowling shoe. He dropped it on the stomach of the fallen demon who was struggling to stand. Reaching behind the counter, he grabbed his expensive shoes and slipped them on. Sighing in delight as the leather shoes encased his feet, he jumped down and squished the demon who was still attempting to rise. Angelus sauntered over to Buffy at a leisurely pace, smacking the occasional tiny attacker as he did so.
He snarled as one climbed up his back. Angelus threw it off and hissed at all the diminutive warriors who were standing on the back of some chairs. They were preparing an attack. "Listen up, you pathetic little runts. The name's Angelus. Also known as the Scourge of Europe. Ring a bell? " The little creatures shuddered. "I thought so. Why don't you get your tiny wooden-looking asses out of my way before I leave you all in shreds. " He growled as he vamped out to make a point.
"RETREAT!!!" The bowling pin demon in charge shouted. They all ran out of the bowling alley in a frenzy, almost knocking eachother over in their haste to leave.
Angelus grinned. Everyone in the room had stopped to stare at him. Buffy's lower lip quivered. "Angelus?" She whispered. Devil, he hoped she wasn't going to start wailing again.
Meanwhile, Willow's mouth was agape. She was both impressed by the way he got rid of the demons and appalled by what he had said. Still feeling full of himself, the powerful vampire walked over to her. Angelus was tempted by that rosebud mouth of hers. He pulled her forward roughly and proceeded to kiss her, leaving her nearly breathless. He was tapped on the shoulder and female fist knocked him out. He slumped to the floor, blissfully unaware of what was going on.
***
"Willow, what the hell were you thinking?" Buffy shouted.
"But-"
"But nothing! Angelus, Willow. It's Angelus!" She gestured at the still-unconscious vampire who was chained in Giles' bathtub as if his name was enough of an explanation. The Slayer was pacing back and forth. Spike leaned indolently against the wall smoking his cigarette , enjoying the Slayer's snit and the sight of his sire bound and helpless immensely.
"He's chipped though!" Willow protested. "Like Spike. A-a-and I was trying to get a hold of the components for the soul restoration spell. He was essentially harmless." Willow offered.
"He was in my house, Wills. He held me while I cried. Listened to me talk about how much I miss her." She flinched, she had poured out her sorrow to her worst enemy. Angelus must have found it very entertaining.
"I didn't want to worry you, Buffy! You were so vulnerable after your Mom's death and with Glory trying to hurt Dawn. . .I- I didn't want to send you over the edge."
Buffy turned to her best friend. "I know you thought you were doing the right thing. I appreciate the way you were trying to protect me, only in this case, you should have told me."
"I'm sorry, Buffy." She held out her arms to the Slayer and they embraced. She pulled back to look at Buffy. "All I need to complete the spell is an Orb of Thessula."
Buffy nodded. This whole ordeal would be over soon. But she had to ask Willow one more question. "Spike, can you give us a minute?"
"Fine, Slayer. No more yellin' at Red, though. She was doing what she thought was best." She glared at the vampire as he walked to the door.
Buffy held Willow by the elbows. "I'm not sure of how to ask this. . .did, uh, did he hurt you?"
Willow's brow wrinkled. "He's chipped, he can't bite me-"
"I'm not talking about biting, Wills. " The Slayer gave her a pointed look.
"OH! No, he didn't. Angelus has some sort of an obsession with me, that's all. He never hurt me, though." Willow said carefully. She didn't want to tell Buffy that she had found his attentions both flattering and distressing. Having a crush on a homicidal maniac was difficult to confess.
In the tub, Angelus stirred. He opened his eyes to blearily focus on Willow and Buffy. "Slayer." He acknowledged. Angelus' eyes swung Willow's way. "Hello, little one."
"Little one?" Buffy said, not liking his tone or the way his eyes caressed the witch. She stepped forward and punched Angelus in the mouth. "You don't ever speak to her that way again, understand?"
Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth. "What's a matter Slayer? Hurt to see this face looking at someone else with love?"
"Love?" Buffy scoffed. "You're a demon. Demon's can't love! Why can't you guys understand that?"
Angelus tilted his head to the side. "What do you know about demon lovers?" He smirked at her. "Though, you always did have trouble understanding your job description. Kill the vampires, Buff, don't sleep with them." He shook his head in mock concern. "No wonder Spike always calls you Slutty."
Buffy crossed her arms over her chest. "Oh, yeah? Spike is in love with me."
"Really? Well, I hope you and Spike are very happy together." Angelus smirked, he knew damn well that his childe was falling for Willow. His Willow.
Buffy gritted her teeth. "I have no interest in Spike. And you and Willow will never be together either, it's just wrong. Willow wouldn't lower herself to be involved with a filthy demon."
He winked at the young witch. "She knows I'm evil. So far it hasn't bothered her. By the way, Buff, she's a much better kisser than you."
Buffy punched him again. She turned to Willow and hissed. "You've been letting him kiss you?"
"Uh, er, well, it sort of happened."
"I know exactly why you didn't curse him, you. . .you. . .tramp! You want him for yourself. You always had a thing for Angel, and you're willing to date a disgusting demon as long as it lives in Angel's body." The Slayer was starting to cry as she stormed out of the room.
Willow was left to stare at the grinning vampire chained in the tub. "I think that went well, didn't you?"

***
Willow sat forlornly on the edge of the bathtub. "Goddess, what am I going to do?" She mumbled to herself, her head bowed in contemplation. She needed to find a way to explain this to Buffy.
"How about unchaining me for starters?" Angelus offered. She stopped ruminating long enough to glare at him and his big mouth. He quirked an eyebrow at her as he enticed her. "You like to be in control? We could leave the chains on. . . you could get on my lap, then I could-"
"That's enough!" Willow protested as color tinged her cheeks. "Is that all you think about?"
"What a delightful shade of crimson you just turned, little one. I wonder if the flush that's slowly spreading down your neck extends all the way to your-"
"Stop it!"
"Alright, I'll behave myself." She gave him a disbelieving look. "For now at least." He continued to watch her. "Why are you so concerned, anyway?"
"She's my best friend! Besides, the body you're inhabiting belongs to her soul mate."
"The soulled wonder and slay girl?" He scoffed. "They've been living apart for over two years, Willow. They no longer mean as much to each other. What's the real reason you're upset?"
Willow stopped to stare at him. He was very perceptive. "It's Angel." She sighed heavily as she sat down on the side of the tub. "He's my friend."
Angelus felt an unfamiliar stab of pain. Mixed with jealousy. "You'd give me up for him? He doesn't appreciate you. Not like I do."
"No, he doesn't. But he's my friend." She shrugged her shoulders. "He's saved my life more times than I can count. He's saved all of us! And Angel is doing such good work in L.A. He's a bona fide hero, helping the Powers That Be. It would be a shame to see all of that disappear." She regarded him soberly as she realized that she must get Angel's soul back. "There's something else too. Angelus, I remember the drawings you left me. What you were going to do to me. . . they looked. . .painful."
"Pain and pleasure, little one. I admit, that some of those were to scare you." Her brow wrinkled. " I'm a demon. What did you expect. . .Hallmark cards?" He smiled then, as if that were explanation enough. "But I do care about you. I love you the only way that I know how. I love you more than I ever loved Darla or Drusilla."
"That's obsession, Angelus. Not love. Love is about giving -- not taking. Love is about being there for another person. Love is-"
"You have been reading Hallmark cards, haven't you?"
***
Buffy glared at Spike who was sitting on the couch watching television. Buffy wiped the tears from her cheeks. Giles, Xander, and Anya were at the shop, looking for an Orb of Thessula. Giles had been using one as a paperweight. "Move."
"You're ass isn't that big, Slayer. There's room on the couch for both of us." Spike lit a cigarette and blew the smoke in her direction as she sat down. He hoped that she would go away. Buffy startled the vampire by snatching his smoke out of his hand and taking a hit. "Bloody hell, that's mine!" She handed it back to him and he took it gingerly. "Slayer germs." He mumbled. Spike passed it back to her and she took another hit. When she tried to pass it back to him yet again he snarled. "Keep it!"
Buffy began to cry once more. "I just don't understand it. Willow is messing around with a demon. What's wrong with her?" Buffy didn't envy Willow Angelus' affections, but she was disturbed that it was happening with Angel's body.
"Demons aren't all bad, Slayer. Thought you'd figure that out by now." Spike turned to look at her, caught up in his own thoughts. How things change. He would have used this opportunity to worm himself into her affections as little as a few days ago. Now, he just pitied her. "You're gonna curse him anyway, then it won't be a prob-" He was cut off by the Slayer's mouth as it pressed to his own. Her tongue sought his and Spike threw her off of him. "What the bleedin' hell is wrong with you, you bloody bint?" He stood up and began to rub at his mouth, trying to free himself of her violation.
Buffy just wanted to get back at Angelus and Spike was the perfect demon for the job. Using her superior strength she pushed the hapless vampire back down on the couch and straddled him.
Spike's voice began to take on an air of desperation. " Hold on just a second, Buffy, I've moved on." She slid his duster off his shoulders to pin his arms behind his back and ripped his t-shirt in two. "Woah! Down Slayer!" He said, as if she were a dangerous animal. "Pay very close attention. . . I'm not interested anymore." Buffy licked her lips as she leaned down to kiss him.
Spike pulled away enough to keep her lips at bay. "So, you really want me Slayer?" He said silkily.
Buffy licked her lips. "Yes, I really want you."
"How much?" He brushed his lips against hers.
"So much. More than anything. Please, Spike."
She had just used the magic word. Spike brought his mouth to hers and whispered. "That's too damn bad, luv. You had your chance and you blew it. I want Willow now, so piss off!" Revenge was sweet. He tried to use his legs to kick her off of him but she stubbornly kept her legs gripping his hips in a vice-like hold.
"We both know you don't mean that, Spike. You've been after me for months now. You've got to be dying for it." Buffy undid her shirt in a teasing manner, catching his eye as she did so. Spike gulped. How was he going to get out of this? Her shirt landed on a lampshade.
" I'm in love with Willow!" He cried.
"You're in love with Willow?" Buffy repeated. "In love with her? And not me?" Did Willow do some kind of demon lust spell? She began to cry softly. In a daze, she got off of Spike and slid back down to the couch and curled her arms around her face protectively. "I-I-I'm so unhappy."
Feeling sorry for her despite himself and all the hell she had put him through, he patted her arm. "I know how it feels, Buffy." He retrieved her shirt from the lampshade and tossed it to her. "Now, get dressed like a good Slayer."
Her hands felt numb as she attempted to fasten it. "I can't! My eyes are all blurry and the holes are so small." She looked up at him, eyes still weepy. It was his undoing. Spike could never resist a woman who was crying. Made him feel all manly, helping them out. Though, his demon pals would have a good laugh over him dressing a Slayer.
However, he had barely fastened one button when the door opened. A loud-glass shattering sound masked human gasps. Buffy looked up and saw Giles, Anya and Xander standing in the doorway. Spike immediately leaped away from the Slayer. "I didn't do it–- she jumped on me! I swear!"
Giles walked over the shattered Orb of Thessula, bits of glass crunching under his feet, and pinned Spike to the couch with one hand. With the other he pulled a stake out of his tweed jacket pocket. "Xander, get the vacuum."
"No, wait!" Buffy took a deep breath and pulled her shirt together. "He's telling the truth."
***
"You're not listening to me. If you did love me, you would let me speak without interrupting." Willow chided him petulantly.
"But I can think of so many better uses for a mouth than talk-"
"Hold it right there. Not another word." She crossed her arms in front of her chest. "Can you prove to me that you can love?"
"Certainly." He wracked his brain for some sort of proof he could offer. What did it take to convince Drusilla or Darla that he had loved them. Aha–I know. He smiled up at her. "I would kill anyone you wanted me to. Bring their heart to you on a silver platter. Or in a decorative box with ribbon! Or, or-" This idea had some real merit. "I could torture you for hours. I can do things with a whip that would." Willow visibly paled. " Lightly, of course. Or I could find out where those nasty girls that made fun of you at school live and . . ."
"Angelus!" At first she felt nauseous, but then she was almost tempted to let Heather and her sheep get a taste of Angelus. "What are you doing tonight?"
Angelus watched the redhead's face light up with a purely wicked grin. "Anything you had in mind, Little one. Anything at all."
"Good. Now promise me you'll behave and do what I tell you to." She would turn him back. After he did her a tiny favor.
"And if I don't?"
"I'll show you how my vamp self felt about puppies."
***
Xander and Anya were attempting to clean up the glass shards from the carpet and Giles was just staring at the pair on the couch in a state of shock. He kept mumbling about buying more brandy. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a handkerchief and began wiping his hands. He reflected on his urge to dust Spike and ask questions later. He put the handkerchief away, not regretting his actions at all. Buffy had never been more embarrassed in her life. She sat on the side of the couch with her head in her hands. She had absolutely no idea now things like this happened to her. Maybe she should have been nicer when rejecting Spike. Maybe this was bad karma. She breathed deeply, trying not to cry.
"Don't look so glum, luv." Spike patted her on the head a couple of times, careful to stay at arm's length incase she was once again overwhelmed by his irresistible charms. "Happens all the time. Why, I lost track of the amount of girls Drusilla had to beat off of me."
She looked up at him out of hollow eyes. He offered her his flask, with a small smile. To his surprise she took a swig. Now I have to wash off my bleedin' flask, too. Damn, slayer germs. Then he offered her a smoke. She took that, too. He tucked his smokes into his boot, at this rate he would be out soon. She lit it clumsily, and then proceeded to cough for the next few minutes. He smiled and leaned back. His ego had been revenged and now he got to watch the Slayer shorten her life span and torture her lungs. All in all, it was shaping up to be a great night. As soon as the witch resouled his sire, he could challenge her to another game. Beside him, he heard Buffy start hacking again. She sounded like a cat with a particularly nasty hairball. Yup, things were definitely on the upswing.
***
Willow jumped from the bathroom window into Angelus's waiting arms. There was no way in the Hellmouth that she was going to face Buffy again before she had turned Angelus back into Angel. He took the opportunity to pull her close for a hungry kiss. She giggled and pushed him away. "Bad puppy! We're going to make a quick stop at my house, then we're going to The Bronze. They are some classmates of mine that should meet you."
He watched her, enchanted with her playfulness. He wasn't sure what had gotten into her, but he liked it a lot. He followed after her and even dutifully changed into the leather pants that he had stashed at her house while he waited for her to get dressed. Something told him this would be a night to remember. He knew it would be for certain when she walked down the stairs in leather pants and a flame red silk shirt. She gave him a coy smile. "Ready?"
***
"Look at it this way, ducks. Maybe she only attracts demony types." He searched for anything comforting he could say to shut the slayer up. "I mean, her first boyfriend was a werewolf. Then Angelus was interested in her. Then the witchy girl. Then me. None of us are normal humans."
"W-what a-about the thing she h-had with Xander?!" Buffy sniffled.
"First off, does he really count as a human? I mean. . .really? What with the dumb dancing and the way that git prattles on? He's kind of like a trained monkey. And second, he- uh- he always liked you best anyway. She was just time to kill. Really." He reached over and wiped at her eyes with his shirt-tail. He made a mental list. Clean flask. Wash shirt. Never comfort Slayer again.
"What? Who are you gonna kill?" She looked up.
Spike rolled his eyes. Maybe he was going about this all wrong. The first thing he wanted when his heart was broken was to be plastered. He knew the Watcher enough to know there would be plenty of alcohol in the apartment. Abruptly he got up from the couch and walked into the kitchen. He started removing various bottles of hard liquor from the cabinet. "Rupert, I take it you would like a shot of something?"
"Double. Brandy." Giles shook his head. "Bloody hell, just bring me the bottle."
Spike bobbed his head in silent affirmation as he poured a round for everyone. If Buffy kept this up, they would all need it.
***
Angelus lead the way through the throng of people at the Bronze to a table near the center. Clearly, his power was evident to all the vampires who sensed him. They immediately scattered from the area unwilling to risk his wrath. Evidently, he did not have the same effect on airheads. Willow noticed several human females were eyeing him.
Angelus leaned back in his chair and ran one hand over his leather encased thigh."You're going to turn me back into Mr. Broody Pants, aren't you? And cheat yourself out of this?" He winked at her.
"I have to, Angelus. I have to do what's right."
He placed his hand over hers and traced lazy circles on her outstretched palm. "Want to at least give me a night to remember?" Like she would turn him after a night spent in his bed.
"I don't think I can do that either." Briefly, Willow thought about Spike and the night she had spent with him. He was special to her now, she owed herself the chance to find out what could happen between them. No matter how tempting Angelus' offer was. "Just out of curiosity, who exactly was your. . .er, happy? Cordy?"
"As if!" Angelus rolled his eyes. "It was someone special to me."
"Drusilla?"
"No, chocolate."
"Chocolate? Is that some kind of stage name? You were dating someone named after food?"
"No. Chocolate! You've heard that it is biochemically no different than-"
Willow began to laugh. "Really, Angelus, you can tell me. Who was it?"
"Seriously, it was chocolate ice cream and cookies. Oh, and some candy bars too."
Willow gulped. No more chocolate from now on. "Goddess, I didn't even think about that. "
"What can I say? I LOVE chocolate. And I do mean love." He held his iced mocha aloft. "Can't get enough of the stuff. You might say that I'm insatiable." He leered.
"Again. . .is that all you think about?"
"Well, that and those truffles that come individually wrapped." He moaned, as if remembering the taste. "They have chocolate inside too."
"Oh-h-kay. Getting scared now."
A feminine hand traced the collar line of Angelus' shirt. "Willow, aren't you going to introduce me to your friend?"
Willow smiled serenely. "Heather, this is Angel." Since Cordy moved away and Harmony had been vamped, this girl was leader of the pack.
Angelus frowned. "Angelus. The name's Angelus."
The girl smiled and offered him her hand as she sat down at their table uninvited. Without looking at Willow, the young woman said. "Why don't you run along and get us some more drinks from the bar, Willow? Angelus and I want to get better acquainted."
"There's where you're wrong, Heather. That's your name isn't it? Heather? Gee, how original." Angelus threw her hand off. "If I didn't have this chip problem, I'd be tasting your blood right now."
"Blood?" The girl's eyes rounded. "What the-"
Angelus vamped out. "Why don't you get the hell out of the Bronze and never come back here again? Look at Willow very closely. She's beautiful in a way that you and your vacuous twits will never be. If you EVER upset her again I will hunt you down and make you beg for your own death. Get it?"
She nodded, nearly tripping in her haste to stand up and get away from him. "Yes, sir." She managed before she ran like a frightened gazelle to where her friends stood.
"Thank you!" Willow said, beaming at him.
" A weak ‘thank you'? Is that anyway to properly thank your hero?"
" Hero? Um, I'm pretty sure Superman never threatened to eat Lois Lane's enemies."
"Yes, but it was a nice touch, don't you think? Besides, leather is much more fashionable than tights. How about a more meaningful thank you?"
"Want me to buy you another mocha?"
"No, come here Willow."
"You have control issues."
"I know, comes with being a master vampire. Now, get over here."
She happily obliged, tossing a cheeky smile to the aforementioned vacuous twits.
With them in mind, she sat down on his lap. "This better?"
"Much. Want me to frighten anyone else?"
Willow looked around the room, the twits were filing out the door. No one else in the room had wronged her. "Well, the bouncer kinda looked at me funny."
"I've created a monster." Willow giggled but sobered up when he kissed her throughly. It was a bittersweet goodbye. "Have I really hurt you, Willow?"
"Well, those drawings made me shiver. It also made me read some books in the bad section of Giles' library. I had no idea what some of those. . .but I'm getting off topic. The only thing that really hurt was losing m-my f-fish." Tears started to fall. "They were strung up like Christmas l-lights. Not that I know a w-whole lot about that cause I'm Jewish and a w-witch. But, poor Flipper! He was so cute. He was the blue striped one, with the lopsided fin. He used to ‘glub' at me every morning. That's why I never had another pet. Never wanted to go through that again. Thank Goddess my parent's didn't let me have a kitty."
Angelus held her tighter, a new and unfamiliar feeling was taking hold. Regret. He shrieked in pain as a blinding light flashed in his eyes. Willow was left staring at the vampire as tears ran down his tormented face. "Angel?"
He stood up abruptly, causing Willow to stumble as she regained her footing. "Oh my God! What have I done?" He looked at Willow, but refused to meet her eyes. "Oh no! Buffy!" He cried as he ran out of the Bronze.

***
Angel threw open the door of Giles apartment. Everyone in the room tensed. "It's me guys. Angelus is gone!"
Anya eyed him. "Then why are you wearing leather? Angel always wears black and gray. He's not fashionable." Angel ignored her, focusing on Giles.
Giles stood. "B-but, the Orb of Thessula. It broke and we didn't have a chance to perform the curse again."
Angel made a dismissive gesture with his hand. "There's a stipulation to the gypsy curse. It states that if Angelus knows one moment of true regret, the soul will be restored."
"Intriguing. I never read anything about that, it's so-"
"I'm not surprised." Angel said easily. "Angel only. . .I only recently discovered it myself when I was reading over an old Romany text."
"Angel? You're really. . . you?" Buffy whispered.
"Yeah, baby, I'm back. " He grinned at her as he pulled the drunken and queasy Slayer into his arms. "Oh, Buffy, can you ever forgive me?"
He sat down heavily on a chair, Buffy landed in his lap. He pressed kisses to her cheeks and forehead. "I'm so sorry about your mother, and what Angelus did, and for not being here for you." He punctuated each word with a kiss.
Buffy stared at him dreamily. "Angel! It's really you." She kissed him full on the lips. "Do you love me?"
"More than my life, more than anything."
She moved her leg so she was astride his hips and pressed her mouth to his once more. "Mmm. . .it's been so long, Angel. I'm so lonely."
"NO!!!!" Everyone in the room shrieked. Xander, spurred into action, grabbed the pitcher of ice water from the fridge and doused the would-be lovers.
They sprang apart sheepishly. "I'm sorry." Angel said, trying to look contrite. "I was caught up in the moment." He brushed a lock of Buffy's hair out her eyes. "I just love her so much."
"Angel, that's so -"Buffy's sentence was interrupted when her eyes rolled back in her head and she passed out. Angel caught her easily and placed her on the couch.
"She had a lot to drink." Giles said as he pulled an afghan over the sleeping girl. "Buffy will be fine once she sleeps it off."
"Poor thing." Angel said sympathetically.
Willow walked in the door, looking a little tired and frayed around the edges. She'd been enjoying Angelus' company. He was almost irresistible. She had assumed that Giles had somehow performed the soul restoration ritual.
"Angel's back." Xander said.
"I know. " Willow said. " I watched it happen. There was this flash of light in his eyes and then he was crying." She gave Angel a small half smile. "Welcome back."
Angel seized her in a hug and lifted her off her feet. "I'm so sorry, Willow. Can you ever forgive me?" He whispered in her ear as he continued to hold her.
"Sure." She said weakly. "You can put me down now."
Angel slid her down his body, discreetly.
"That's all well and good." Spike said, not liking the way Angel held his witch. He grasped Willow's hand and pulled her to his side. "Hadn't you better be going off to L.A.? You've probably got loads to do. Demons to kill, hair gel to buy, other important poofter activities. "
"Spike." Angel said neutrally, watching the interaction between his childe and Willow. They obviously felt something for each other.
"Spike's right, as strange as that sounds. I really should be on my way." Angel said. "I do have to get back to my work. Being a warrior for the Powers That Be."
"Well, Angel, have a safe journey. Don't hesitate to call if you need some information on a dark presence or just want to compare notes."
"Thank you, Rupert, I will."
He turned to Xander and Anya. "Goodbye, Xander." He refused to apologize for his behavior with the young man. Anya was snacking on a Dove bar. "That looks so good. May I have a bite?"
"NO!" Willow screamed. Everyone turned to stare at her. "Chocolate, that's how he lost his soul." Angel looked at the ground, chagrined.
"That makes sense." Giles said. "Chocolate stimulates the areas of the brain that involve feelings of, er--love."
Angel walked over to where Buffy was lying down. "Goodbye, my love." He said loud enough for everyone to hear.
"Willow, why don't you walk me to my car?" Angel said. He had retrieved it from the hotel parking lot before he came to Giles' apartment. He waved to everyone as she escorted him outside.
Spike followed behind them. Willow rushed to reassure him. "I'm fine, Spike, really. It's Angel now. He and I are just friends."
Spike pulled Willow into an embrace and kissed her deeply. "See you at home, luv." He whispered. "I'll be setting up that strip darts rematch for us." He nipped her earlobe. "Only this time, no one will be drinking and the stakes are going to be much higher. Winner takes all." He sauntered off, blowing a mocking kiss to Angel as he did. "Bye, Peaches. Good riddance."
Willow sighed, a blush stained her cheeks. "I'm sorry about that. He's the jealous type."
"I know." Angel said, studying her face. "You do care about him, don't you?"
"Yes, I do." She smiled as she thought of the blond vampire. "He's so. . . well, he's Spike. I can't really explain it."
"I should let you know something. When I hit a demon at the bowling alley, I didn't feel any pain."
"But, you hit Spike and-"
"Spike isn't completely a demon. Well, I'm not sure he ever really was. He's always held on to some of his humanity. He never was good at the whole vampire thing. . .especially when it comes to women. Maybe living among mortals with the chip, changed him. . . I'm not really sure what happened. But I wanted you to know."
"Thanks, Angel."
"It's not easy, you know."
"What?"
"Being with someone who has a dual nature."
"I know. I dated Oz for two years."
Angel nodded. "If he ever treats you badly, please come to me. I can help you."
She was touched. "Thank you, Angel. Of course I will."
"Good." They began to slowly walk towards his car. "You know, I had an epiphany."
" So, are you moving to a commune now? Going to raise veggies and make peace with yourself?" She teased.
"No," He said and then chuckled. "I've learned to embrace my demon half. Become a more balanced vampire."
"That's good." Willow pondered that, it must be difficult to have to battle against two forces inside of you.
"You know what my demon half is telling me now?"
"No." She murmured.
"He's telling me that he loves you, Willow. Never doubt that. You meant more to him than Darla and Drusilla combined."
Willow blushed. "He's. . .well, he's different."
Angel quirked an eyebrow at her. "You know what else?" He pulled her into his arms. "He remembers every expression on your face, every word you say, every nuance of your kiss." He brushed his mouth against hers. "Tell me to stop if you don't want this."
She dazedly pressed her mouth to his. "Don't stop." He kissed her until she couldn't breathe, until she wasn't sure she could stand on her own. Angel propped her against a tree.
"Goodbye, Willow." He said softly. He got into his car and started the engine.
"Goodbye Angel." She said, watching him pull out of the drive. Willow was confounded by his actions. Shaking her head, she began to walk home. She put thoughts of Angelus out of her mind. Having a relationship with the irrepressible demon was just out of the question. Besides, a different demon was anxiously awaiting her at home. She began to walk faster as she thought about the possibility of beating Spike at darts. Hmm. . . winner take all.
***

The broody black convertible sped down the highway. The pale young man in the driver's seat brushed a hand through his hair as it blew in the wind. Nothing better than having the top down on a summer night. Well, there might be one or two things . . .He chuckled. He stretched one of his leather encased legs, enjoying the feel of the material. Then he leaned over, opening up the glove compartment. He pulled out a small square package. Dove promises. He popped the sweet chocolate into his mouth. As it melted on his tongue, he turned the radio up.

Please allow me to introduce myself.
I'm a man of wealth and taste.
I've been around for a long, long year,
Stole many a man's soul and faith.

He grinned. He gave Willow and Spike three months. Tops. Eventually his cocky child would get on her nerves. Probably as soon as he ate all of her peanut butter. He would go home, play with Cordy, Wesley and Gunn, and check in on Willow and Spike in a couple of weeks. After the kiss they had just shared, he was sure she would be anxious to talk to him.

And I was ‘round when Jesus Christ,
had his moment of doubt and pain.
Made damn sure that Pilate,
Washed his hands and sealed his fate.
It was simply amazing what trust you could earn with a simple glamour-glowy-eye trick. Humans . . .so trusting. So gullible. So lax about hiding their spell books. He smirked and lit one of the cigarettes he had filched from Spike. As he exhaled, he wished he could see himself in the rear view mirror. He winked at his mind's image of Willow, showing up at his apartment in L.A. after a fight with Spike. She would have the surprise of her life. And he was going to make sure they both enjoyed every moment of it.

Pleased to meet you,
Hope you guess my name.

"Oh yeah, baby. I'm back."