Upstairs in her room, Willow had written a letter of her own.

Dear Oz,

Suddenly, I have no idea where to begin. I believe that everything happens for a reason…even if we don't know what that reason is. As I saw it my freshman year of college – you left me. It was just that plain and simple. I couldn't put a "why" to it because nothing seemed to make sense. Every reason or excuse I came up with was followed by "but he wouldn't do that if he loved me" and I knew you loved me. Over the years I have come to realize that the reason you left was because you had to. Your love for me at the time would have supported that need. I understand now that it wasn't me you had to leave, but that it was yourself you had to find and come to terms with. I'm sure you know the wolf inside much better now and that you have been able to make peace with it on some level. In the years you've been gone I have also learned much about myself. To explain all that would take a novel so I'll just tell you the most important. I am in love with you. I never stopped loving you and I never will. For years I envied the type of love Buffy and Angel share until I finally realized that I also have that depth of feeling for you. I realize that there's a good chance you may not return these feelings any longer, but I wanted you to know. I'll always feel this way and I'll always be here if you ever need anything.

Truly,

Willow

Buffy had poked her head into Willow's room once, seen her writing at the desk and silently closed the door again so she didn't disturb her friend's thoughts. Willow finished the letter and fell into bed emotionally exhausted. Neither Buffy nor Willow heard Angel come and go a couple hours later, but that was the point after all.

...

At dusk the next day Angel answered the knock on his door to find Oz standing there.

Angel, hey man.

Oz, good to see you again.

Angel glanced at the clock as Oz walked in and noted the girls would soon be here. Angel showed Oz to the living room and for two guys who usually have little to say they chatted easily about what each had been up to since they had last seen each other. About half an hour later there was another knock on the door.

Oz looked quizzically at Angel, "having a party?"

Party? No. But yes to more company.

Opening the door Angel greeted Buffy and Willow, "Hello ladies" as he gestured them into the apartment.

Oz spotted Buffy first and guessed who would be next in his line of vision.

Willow shyly peaked around Buffy to see Oz for the first time in years. "Hi Oz," she said quietly.

Oz just smiled and nodded, not sure what was expected of him at this point. Thankfully Buffy and Angel stepped in.

"A few days ago Willow told Buffy and I that she can make my soul permanent. In order to redo the curse though, I have to lose my soul. I was hoping you wouldn't mind lending your strength to the matter, in case it's needed. Willow also wanted to find you so I made that simple for her," Angel explained.

Oz took a deep breath, "Well that was a mouthful. What exactly do we need to do to anchor your soul?"

Willow, who had been wondering down memory lane caught back up with reality, "Well, there's not many supplies to get together…Angel probably has them on hand, but I didn't bring the Orb. I really wasn't thinking about doing the spell tonight, although it would be better with the four of us. It's not required but it could be helpful for the three of us to form a triangle around Angel."

"I WAS hoping that it would be tonight. The sooner the better so Angel here can't talk himself out of losing his soul, so I grabbed the Orb from your room," Buffy supplied as she handed the orb to Willow.

Angel and Willow went over what was needed and what he had. As predicted Angel had it all and the two began to set up the candles and other necessary materials. Meanwhile, Buffy tried to mentally prepare herself for being face to face with Angelus again. She also was worried and wondering how Angel was going to lose his soul. Oz simply sat back and observed.

Finally, everything was ready. Willow directed each person into place, gave them instructions and nodded to Angel. It was as safe as it ever would be for him to lose his soul.

Angel closed his eyes, closed out all external events, stopped internally competing with Angelus, completely lowered his mental guard, and opened himself to the memories of the day that wasn't. He saw Buffy in the sunlight, their kiss, and then the breaking of the kitchen table followed by some of the happiest hours and most perfect moments he had ever experienced. Suddenly, he was on his knees in pain and felt his soul ripping away, just like the first time. Angelus reared his head in full game face with a terrifying growl. Still in pain Angelus struggled to stand and take account of the three surrounding him. Before he could fully gain his bearings on the situation though Willow had already began chanting the much improved Romany curse.

Buffy watched in agonizing suspense as Angelus locked eyes with her. All she saw in his eyes confused her, it wasn't purely hatred. He looked possessively at her, and… was he proud of her? The orb glowed then and so did Angel's eyes just as they had before she ran the sword through him. Buffy recognized the successfulness of the spell, but glanced to Willow to make sure it was okay to break formation and Willow nodded.

Buffy rushed to kneel beside Angel who was on his hand and knees trying to catch his unneeded breath. She moved to pull him down into her lap as best she could and they sat on the floor together not noticing Oz and Willow moving toward each other.

"Oz, I …uh I… is there somewhere we could talk privately?" Willow asked.

"Yeah, besides they need some privacy anyway" Oz replied as he gestured to Buffy and Angel who were still oblivious to all but each other.

Willow quickly nodded and scribbled a note to the reunited lovers who now had a chance at a real future together.

Buffy and Angel,

Oz and I wanted to talk and to give you guys some time alone. All you need to know about yourselves now is "and they lived happily ever after." Oz and I are hopefully going to start working on our own happy ending. Wish me luck! We'll catch up later.

Love Always,

Willow

...

Quick note: An epilogue will be the next and last chapter.