Author: Jozzy
Spoliers: season 3 after the w/x kidnapping
Feedback: email me at jozzy1@gurlmail.com
Disclaimer: The characters don't belong to me. They belong to Joss Whendon/ Mutant Enemy/ And a whole bunch of people that aren't me.
Summary: Angel is back from Hell, and everyone is avoiding him. That is until a certain redhead, shows up at his door with tears in her eyes. After many weeks of friendship things begin to happen between the vamp and witch.
Authors Note: If you are a fan of Buffy, Xander, Cordilia (I have yet to find someone who is), or Giles this Fic is not for you. The portrayals of these characters are not nice ones. Also If you are into Oz, I rip him a part in this (not how your thinking)
Betrayal BY the Heart
Willow was running, running away from the things that she had just seen. Oz lying on top of another woman. In what was an obviously intimate way? How could he have done this to me, oh my god, what am I going to do? Why is he doing this to me? What did I do wrong? Who is that other girl? I think I've seen her around. Oh god, how could I have not known. How long has this been going on? Where can I run? I can't go home he'll probably drop by to visit Buffy's out patrollingI can't take Xander and Cordilia right now Giles will be of no help. Where can I go? Willow ran to the only person left, and prayed he be in a good mood.
*******
Angel sat in a large chair reading Les Misarbles, the French version, his muscular form poured into tight black clothing. I wonder what Buffy's up to. Something that doesn't envolve you. That's good we shouldn't tempt fate. Oh shut upyou so want to jump her bones. It doesn't matter if I want to, as long as I don't. I give you two weeks. Shut up. Angel frowned down at his book. Are you crazy if you talk to yourself? NO only if you get a reply. There was a knock at the door and angel rose to get it, happy for a distraction from his thoughts.
Standing in his doorway was Willow. Her clothes were soaked from rain, her hair plastered to her face. Tears mingled with rainwater. " Willow? What's wrong?" What had happened to the girl? Why was she here? Don't girls always go to their best friends when there is a problem? Why wasn't she crying on Buffy or Xander's doorstep? OH wait I'm staring. " Come in Willow. Can I get you something? Let's see if I can't find something for you to put on", Angel rambled. Willow nodded," Thank you Angel. I uh came over to" Willow realized that she didn't know why she had come. Angel was most definitely not the most comforting person she knew. In fact she was very much afraid of him. " It's cool Willow. I mean I guess I kinda owe you this. You rescuing me from Hell and all," angel said. Willow was shocked, her saving Angel had never been a big thing to her, and sure it was a test of the Wiccan abilities. Saving Angel had been the thing to do, like one time when she had been climbing trees with Xander. She had heard a sound as the branches bellow them and had screamed for Xander to move to another branch. A friend had been in trouble and she had had to do something that was all it was. By the time Willow had pulled herself from her thoughts Angel was gone. Probably upstairs to one of the many bedrooms in this gigantic house.
Willow shivered it was cold, she remembered Buffy saying something about Angel keeping a fire going in the den. All she had to do was find it before she froze to death. Well behind her was the door, forward was the stair well, to the right was another hallway and to the left a wall. Right it is. Her shoulders hunched, arms wrapped around her, Willow set off. The next room was dark and obviously not used, but there was a doorway on the other side, Forward march. The next room was indeed den, fireplace and all. Willow walked up to the large hearth stretching towards the warmth; she glanced over at the armchair sitting not far off. There was a book in the seat; maybe Angel was reading it. No duh he's the only one here Willow. Curiosity overcame Willow and she inched herself over to the chair. Willow was bending down to examine when she heard someone clearing their throat. She spun around, "Angel! Hi, I was trying to get warm a little."
"Okay."
In his hand Angel held a large T-shirt, "Um I couldn't find any pants."
" Ok. Um is they're somewhere I can change."
" Oh yeah," Angel led her back to the staircases and up a flight of stairs, down along hallway, until came to a large oak door. Angel gestured to Willow that this was the room and turned away. Willow went inside. This wasn't Angel's room, she could tell from Buffy's description. This room was dark, the walls bare, the large canopy bed in front of her was made up with black sheets. Willow hurried getting dressed this room frightened her.
********
Out in the hall Angel wondered again why Willow had appeared at his door. There was something wrong, he had seen tear trails down her cheeks. It must have been something if she had come here instead of Buffy's. What am I going to do, the last teenager I dealt with was Buffy and even then I didn't do to well. Willow is a lot more fragile than Buffy, what if I say something and she starts crying again. Well you can't turn her away after all she's done for you. He heard the door creak open and turned to face, the troubled teen.
Part 2
Willow was not in the mood for the pep talk that she knew Angel was about to give her. Maybe if she pretended to be really bad off he would leave her alone. Real smart Willow, you know Angel would never do something like that. No I don't all I know is what Buffy told me. Hang on to that little spark of hope the best you can. Shut up.
******
When Willow stepped out the door Angel was waiting for her. She plastered a big smile on her face. " Willow, is there something you want to tell me? I mean if there is something bothering you, you can tell me," good one, Angel thought. " Umm Angel is it okay if we sit dawn before. "Of course, how about we go back down to the den?" Willow nodded and followed him back to the fire.
*****
Willow sat on the floor in front of the fire, not wanting to see Angel's face as she told him. " Oz had a set tonight and I was supposed to go over to his house and we were supposed to go to the Bronze together. I decided to go a little early so that we could hang out. But when I got there he was he was. There was a girl with him and they were. They were" Willow found that she couldn't say those words. If you say them, you make it true, and your too weak to do that. Angel looked at the girl sitting on his floor trying to poor her heart out to him and couldn't. He knew what had happened, you've done it enough time yourself. Will you stop belittling me; I'm trying to help this poor girl. Yeah, that's what you think. " Willow, stay here tonight. I don't think you need to be alone right now. Umm I'll light a fire in one of the bedrooms and you can stay there." Angel realized that Willow had no reason to accept, they had never been close. Hell she thought he was going to kill her half the time. Still she was a hormonal teenager, who had just found her boyfriend cheating on him, and Buffy was all was talking about how teens took drastic measures in situations like that. Willow was the kind of person he saw doing that confused and scared.
"Thank you Angel."
"Come on let's get you bed."
********
Once again they took the journey to the second floor of Angel's vast mansion. Instead of the cold room they moved farther down the hall to another oak door." Willow I'm going to be right across the hall if you need me. I'll just go downstairs get my book and come right back. Do you need anything?" Angel talked speedily. Willow shook her head" I'm fine Angel. Thanks again."
Angel nodded, " Well let's get you situated.
*******
Willow opened her eyes; this isn't my ceiling. Where am I? Oh god, last night. I'm at Angel's. What time is it? Willow got up there was no point in staying in bed sooner or later she would have to face Oz. The sooner she did the sooner she could get past this. Just like you got past Xander dating Cordelia.
Downstairs Angel was preparing breakfast. He did not normally keep food in the house since Buffy didn't come around that often, but last night he had sneaked out of the house and gotten a little something so that Willow would not starve to death. Maybe if you're real nice she'll give you something in return. Shut up, it's not like that. Willow and I are just friends. Yeah that's what you said about Buffy and hey you wound up doing her. I'm exiting this conversation. " Angel," Willow's soft came from behind him. He spun to greet her, and the words died in his mouth. Willow was dressed in the T-shirt he had given her, her legs bared from mid-thigh and down. " I kinda couldn't find my clothes so"
"No that's cool. Uh-here sit down, I made you breakfast. I think your clothes are still in the room upstairs."
So Willow and Angel sat in total silence barely glncing at each other, but both aware of the silence. When Willow had finished eating she went up stairs to retrieve her clothing. At the door of the mansion She tried to thank Angel again for his hospitality, but he mearly shrugged it off saying that she would have done the same. Then she was gone.
Part 3
Willow went home took a shower and got ready for school it was almost time for second period but still she felt she should go. Xander always drove her to school she would have to ride her bike today.
After she had signed in, Willow went to the library, knowing that the rest of the Scooby Gang would be there. " Giles I don't know how to tell you this, but researching is not a major fun group," came Buffy's voice. Willow smiled and walked into the library. "Wills, you weren't of the here this morning," Xander said. Willow blushed, "Yeah I was at, umm not here." She found that she was unable to tell them where she was last night and this morning. Its not like you did anything wrong. Why are you always doing that? Doing what? Making it seem like I'm doing immoral things. Cause your to good for your own good. What kinda of sense does that make. As much as arguing with yourself. If you think its so silly then stop replying. Hello!!! " Hey Will, you've game to a place where we aren't." "Huh, oh sorry I was just thinking."
"Wills is there a reason that you weren't here this morning? And if so what might that reason be?" Xander said obviously worried.
" Umm do you guys mind if we don't talk about it now I gotta find Oz." Willow raced out of the library.
******
She didn't see Oz that day though she did see the girl enter the Senior bathroom. Without thinking Willow followed. The girl was pretty, prettier than you. The girl saw her in the mirror and turned." So I guess you found out about us huh Willow? Is this a confrontation?" Willow was shocked the girl knew who she was, she knew that she was dating Oz. " Actually I was just wondering where Oz was, I couldn't find him. I was pretty sure you would know. I kinda need to talk to him." Willow couldn't help the heavy sarcasm in her voice. The girl shook her head.
" No well then I guess I'll have to go ask one his other girlfriends." Willow stalked out the bathroom, feeling as if she had regained some of her dignity.
********
No one had seen Oz, not Devon, or anyone else in the band. It was so obvious that they were covering, that made Willow mad, she had considered these people her friends. It didn't matter sooner or later she was bound to run into Oz. By now the tramp must have told him that she knew about his infidelity, he was probably in hiding. It was the day before the full moon he would have to come out of hiding soon.
*******
Willow was waiting in the library when Oz showed up, the rest of the Scooby Gang was right behind him.
"Hey." Oz inclined his head.
"Hey yourself. We need to talk."
"Willow can this wait until, sunrise."
" I so don't think so." Willow's voice was low and cold.
The rest of the gang sat in the door, looking at the couple throughout this exchange. " Okay you two what is going on,"
" Why don't you ask my wonderful boyfriend." Willow's voice had only gotten colder.
Part 4
Oz glanced out the window, the sun would be down soon. "Willow I know we need to talk but now is so not the time. I will explain it all in the morning." No I'm sorry Oz that just wont do. I think we should talk about this now." Willow face was stiff with anger. " You get in your little cage and we can talk then." Oz shook his head."Whatever."
The rest of the gang stood confused. Oz entered the weapons locker, and Willow took up her vigel in a chair. " Tell me Oz, how was the set last night. I'm sorry that I wasn't able to be there. I was rather tied up. I went by your house, I was a bit early. You were busy so I decided not to disturb you. And you will never guess who I ran into this morning, but I'm guessing that she told you about that already."
"Willow, I'm sorry I don't know what to Arrgh." Oz began to change.
Willow sat the usual look of compassion gone from her face. When Oz was fully wolfed out, Willow walked up to the cage. " Tell me Oz what is it like to be you. I know that I can't really talk with my experience, but still I can't help but feel betrayed. How did you two meet Oz? What is she, a groupie? What was she like? Was it good enough to make you forget about us? Tell me Oz what is it like to tell someone you love them then sleep with somene else." Willow turned away from the cage and sat in her chair. Buffy came up to Willow, "Willow do you want me to walk you home?"
" No Buffy I want to be here when he wakes up. I want him to see my face and know that I know everything and that he ruined everything."
" Willow I don't think you should stay here, you're upset, you need to get some rest. Oz cheated on you with some red head and you need time to get yourself together." Xander told her. Willow swiveled her eyes narrowed," How did you know she was a red head. I never said anything." Xander's eyes shifted from Buffy's to Cordelia.
" What's that look, what aren't you guys saying", Willow asked.
"Willow, you've got to understand we didn't want you hurt. We wanted to protect you. We thought that we could make him see that what he was doing was wrong. You wouldn't have to know, you would be spared." Buffy's voice was heavy, as if she did not believe herself. Willow was trying to grasp what had been said. She knew, they knew. They had known and hadn't told her. Because they wanted to protect me. Bull they thought you were to weak to handle it. So now I know, what they truly think about me. It's not very nice is it. How many times do I have to tell youSHUTUP.
"Will, umm are you okay." Xander's voice was hesitant.
Well Willow their waiting for you to start crying, don't disappoint your audience. Cry like the weakling that you are. I am not a weakling, and I'm not about to cry either you sadistic bitch. Willow turned back to the cage her back to them all. She looked down at Oz in his cage. This wasn't fair, why did they all have to betray me. I'm not going to cry. Willow's voice was low and full of anger," Well Oz, at least your not alone in your betrayel. You've got a whole bunch of friends. It seems that everyone has secrets. You should form a club." With that being said Willow left the library.
******
Willow ran for what seemed like forever. She couldn't stop running, if she stopped running she would have to face the truth. That your friends think you're this pathetic wimp, that you can't satisfy your man, that you have no real friends any more. No that's not true they just wanted to protect me. Yeah cause we all know that you couldn't handle it, you probably collapse into tears. NO. I'm stronger than they think; I'm not going to cry. Not right now any way.When Willow looked up she saw that she was at the mansion once more. She knocked and waited.
*********
Angel was sitting in the den again, trying to finish his book. The pervious night's action running through his mind. Yeah right, you just want to jump the witch. That's not true, I love Buffy and Willow is just a friend. That's not what I saw this morning, you were practically drooling over her. Why are you talking, haven't I told you u to SHUT UP? Go answer the door soul boy.
It was Willow at the dooragain. Now isn't this farmilliar, only she's not crying this time. But she looks real upset about something. Angel stepped aside allowing Willow entrance.
Once inside she turned knowing that he would want an explanation. He's not the only one.
" Hi Angel, umm I was wondering if I could stay here again, things did not go well today."
"Of course Willow, umm are you hungry." Angel grasped for something to say his tongue was tied in all sorts of knots that he just couldn't understand. He wanted to ask what had happened, why she was so upset, but that could wait. If she had come here then it was most definitely bad.
"Thanks Angel, I guess I'm kinda hungry. I could help you make something." Now we don't want to burn down our wonderful host's home. I can cook. Yeah like you can fight. I don't think I like you very much. Like I care nerd.
" No that's okay I got it, you probably got homework or something. You do that I'll make dinner." My aren't we chivalrous. Bite me.
*******
With that being said the two went their separate ways. Willow went to the den and started her homework, and Angel went to the kitchen and began to prepare dinner. Willow was almost done with the last of her homework, History, when the smell got to her. Whatever it was that Angel was making it smelt good. By the time Angel came in to announce that dinner was ready Willow was going insane with hunger.
He entered the room quietly, of course, "I uh dinner is done."
" Thank Goodness!" Willow rushed out the room and to the kitchen.