Chapter 1
Not So Boring Summer
Willow lost herself among the rows of books in Chapters the local bookstore. It was summer break, and she had been left to her own devices. Xander had taken a part time job in order to keep himself out of the house. Spending any length of time with his all to often drunk father and neglectful mother was difficult to say the least. While Buffy had left the Hellmouth for the excitement of L.A., and much needed bonding time with her father.
Angel stopped his browsing when the unmistakable scent of Willow invaded his senses. The shy girl's essence reminded him of sunshine and daisies. He hadn't seen the red head since the last crisis before school had ended. Since then he had gone back to his solitary existence. Until that moment he hadn't realized he'd missed the human interaction.
Spotting a copy of the latest mystery novel by one of her favorite authors on the top shelf she let out a happy squee. Standing on her toes she stretched trying in vain to reach the desired novel. Her fingers could barely brush the bottom of the spine.
Watching Willow's futile struggle he moved behind her. Trapping her body between his, and the book shelf he reached up removing her desired book.
Her breath froze in her chest, and her heart sped up as a strong body pressed against her from behind. A strong arm reached around her plucking her book effortlessly from it's lofty perch.
Stepping away from the slight girl he awaited her reaction to his intrusion.
Turning to thank the stranger Willow found herself staring into the soulful brown eyes of Angel. "A-angel thank you", she stuttered as the vampire offered her the novel. Taking it with a grateful smile she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Are you here alone? I didn't see the others." He didn't like the idea of the quiet girl walking the streets alone after dark.
The vampire's concern was obvious, and it made her heart do a strange flip flop. The only people who ever cared about her well being were out busy living their own lives. "Buffy is visiting her dad, and Xander is working at the Double Meat Palace. Kinda been on my own b-but it's okay." Willow tried to cover her loneliness with a cheery smile.
"Well you've got me tonight", he assured her. Giving Willow the ghost of a smile he ushered her down the aisle he had yet to find his own purchase. He settled on a paperback La Nausse a French philosophical novel that fit his state of mind.
After paying for their books Willow waited for Angel to part ways. He wasn't exactly one for hanging around unless danger was eminent.
"What's next on the agenda, Willow?" Angel inquired as he took the bag from her hands falling in step beside her.
She was in disbelief the normally reserved vampire actually wanted to spend time with her outside of their normal setting of the library or the face of danger. "Espresso Pump for caffeinated goodness", the shy hacker replied.
"I haven't had a good cup of coffee in ages." While under normal circumstances the thought of talking over coffee wouldn't appeal to him, but Willow was an intelligent girl who once out of her shell could definitely hold her own in a conversation.
They found a quiet table in the back of the Espresso Pump and settled in. It was open mic night and between enjoying the live entertainment they found themselves talking.
The vampire listened intently as Willow talked about computers which were her passion. It was refreshing to see the girl so open eager to share herself. He found himself honestly talking to her as he hadn't done with anyone in years. Somehow the others and talk of the Hellmouth never arose. They were just two people getting to know each other over coffee.
Willow had long ago finished her third mocha chino, but was loath to see the evening end. Sighing she raised her emerald gaze to Angel's. She had expected him to be a reticent companion, but he had turned out to be engaging company. "I guess I should be heading home", she reluctantly admitted gathering her things.
Like a true gentleman he rose from the table in anticipation of her. "I'll walk you home you shouldn't be out alone." On the way out of the shop he ask the waitress for her pen and note pad he hastily wrote something down piquing Willow's interest. He slipped the paper into the red head's hand. "In case you have another lonely night or have need of me."
Unfolding the note in her hand Willow was surprised to see it was a phone number. When she had pictured finally getting a guys number she hadn't anticipated it would be from a 200 year old vampire. She knew he was just a friend someone like her wouldn't attract such a man.
Willow tried to find time with Xander over the summer during his off days, but more and more her nights were spent with Angel. He told her of his life in Ireland before he was turned. Willow learned about his childe Drusilla and her mate Spike. It hurt her heart to know he was estranged from his family though he never explained why. She knew what it was like to have an absentee family.
Angel enjoyed the nights spent with Willow his self inflicted isolation didn't seem to extend to her. Part of him resented the upcoming school year their time together would be cut short; school, her friends, and the latest crisis would dominate her life. He would be there for her his only solace in the darkness.