Title; And Then There Was Time, Part 7
Author; Greenfae
Disclaimer; All rights belong to Joss W, and others that I have no clue to. I own nuttin, cuz I am just a wanna be, and have no real talent. =-) so no sue me,, Okies.
E-mail Greenfae2@cs.com
Rating: hmm PG – R, maybe worse
Pairing Willow, Riley, and Angel, mmm, salty goodness and all
Time frame; after the seventh season more or less, but don't hold me to that.
Notes; A few surpises I hope.. mostly angst over Riley and Angel.. boy oh boy.
feedback ; yes please,, just don't slay me hehe
And Then There Was a Time
Part 7
A Time of Waiting;
Angel was picking up the plate and returning it to the sink when Willow began crying again. His reaction was one of worry,and he turned to her. " What can I do to help Willow" his voice sincere he sat on the edge of the bed and brushed crimson waves from her eyes. Willow only looked at him and shook her head. " I don't understand you Angel, you should hate me now," her voice cracked with her feeling. The look on his face could not have been more surprised. "What do you mean, little one, you have done nothing to me," In his mind he replayed the events of the night before. His demon clawing and begging to have more this morning, Angel forced it back down. He watched Willow closely, his mind wondering what was going to happen next. She only lowered her head not allowing Angel to seek her eyes.
Somewhere from her point of view, if I don't look at him I wont have to deal with the pain he is going to feel. She knew she couldn't be with him, not really anyway. Telling him was the next big step and she really didn't want to do that. She had enjoyed their night, but that's all it was for her. She couldn't let it be anymore until she was more in control of her feelings. More in control of her heart and pain, she would have to be in order to deal with what was happening to them. Angel waited for her to start, he had no idea what she was going to say. But somehow he wasn't feeling good about it. When she finally met his gaze, he could see her eyes were glassy with unshed tears. He wanted to reach out and hold her but when he tried she shrank back from his touch. The concern in him gave him voice and he asked, " What is it Willow?". She only smiled unhappily and shook her head. Her voice was small and almost painful to hear as she spoke simply to him, "Angel, I am sorry, but I can't be with you." She checked him for reaction before going on, "I, she turned her head and looked at the heavy curtains on the widows, can't deal with anyone right now, last night was a mistake, and , and I am sorry".
Her tears began to fall full force now and powerful sobs shook her body so that she nearly convulsed. Angel reached out to her and pulled her into an embrace, petting her head, he talked to her in low tones. "It's all right Willow, please, I am here for you, and you don't have to be like this, you don't have to worry about me." He wanted to tell her, felt he had to tell her, he was not worth what she was doing to herself, he was the reason she was feeling like this. But he just couldn't tell her that Riley was dead. Not simply gone, but dead, that would mean no hope at all. If she only thought Riley as gone on his own, then she might still have hope that he would change his mind. As funny as that seemed, for Angel to want, he did want it, wanted Willow to have hope. He held her in his arms for a long time before she pulled from him and gave him a weak smile. "Well, I guess that means you are not angry with me," her voice was shaky but she had gotten most of the tears out. She sat in front of him and dried her eyes with the back of her sleeve. Her green eyes redden with all the crying she had been doing of late.
Angel decided he would ask nothing of her and would just help her all he could. He had to let go in order for her to heal, and she had to heal to know that she could love again. He wanted her love, but was not willing to cause her more pain in the process. He would have to tell her and soon, then he would have to wait it out and hope. Right now he would just be there for her and watch her to make sure she would be OK. Somehow he would find a way to make it all up to her. Somehow, but he really knew that would not be possible. He had done one of the worst things possible and he didn't know how to take it back. There was no way to make this better. Angel swallowed hard and looked up at Willow, maybe he should tell her now. She would be very angry but it would be over, out of the way and he wouldn't have it hanging over his head like this.
Confessions;
Willow looked Angel over and had to wonder what he was thinking. She knew she had dealt him a dirty hand this time but she didn't know what else to do. It would be horrible of her to lead him on anymore than she had. Seeing his face play so many emotions she didn't understand, why was he not saying anything, he should have been angry with her. But she didn't see why he was so quiet, so she just waited. He looked as if he would cry and she wanted so badly to understand.
His voice trembled as he told her how he came to see her and found Riley and her together. How he asked Riley if they could talk and they had met on the roof. The words just seem to flood out of him as he stared at the floor. He told her that he and Riley had an physical confrontation, and how Riley had fell from the top of the building. Angel glanced up once to see her face and was not surprised to see her eyes flashing from green to black then back again in an instant. He told her that he had meant to say all this before, to beg forgiveness. Or at the very least that she would let him help her until she felt she was OK. Angel began ramble, as he tried to convey his confused emotions at her reaction to him when he had gotten there last night. That he had not intended what had happened either but that he didn't have the strength to say no at the time. He was, is, after all in love with her and she needed him. How could he say no, he just wished he had been able to tell her before they were together. He didn't want any secrets between them. Most of all he was sorry, but he knew that didn't really do any good. When Angel finally stopped he felt exhausted, and fearful. Not of what she might do to him, but of what she might think of him, how she might turn away from him and never look back.
She had no idea what to say to make him stop, Willow didn't want to hear Riley was dead. That she wasn't left behind, oh yes she was glad about that, she didn't want to be just left behind. But then there was that little factor, Riley is dead. Her mind went blank, darkness overtook her once and she felt like she was going to faint. How could Angel be telling her this, what had she thought, he was on the roof with Riley? They had a fight, over her, NO! Riley had died because he loved her, it was like she was a curse on those that cared about her. Riley is dead and Angel is to blame, or so he says, the fates have had fun with this one. She could feel the power rise up in her and she wanted to unleash her anger on something, someone. But really, was Angel to blame, or was she really the evil one. That just made better sense to her, after all Oz left her because he killed someone over her, Tara died right in front of her. Now Angel was telling her that Riley was dead and that somehow he was the cause of it, he pushed Riley and he had tripped over something, falling off the roof. Falling to his death, that word echoed in her mind.
Willow got up very slowly and backed away from Angel who tired to get close to her again, tired to pull her into his arms again. But she would have none of it, she heard her voice scream the words at Angel. "Get out, leave me alone, get the hell away from me." Her voice in ear splitting jagged tones as she yelled so loud that her voice threaten to give out. There was nothing he could do but leave. Angel stood and began to walk out of the small apartment. He picked up clothes and shoes as he went, his heart sank and he headed for the door. He took one last look at her on her bed before he went to the living room and out the door. She was curled up into a ball in the center of the bed her knees pulled up to her chest. He wanted to help her somehow, but had no idea what to do to help. He had in his mind something, or rather someone he wanted to go see over this. Only problem was he wasn't sure how he would be received after all this time. It didn't really matter to him now, she was the only one he was thinking of and he had to help her somehow. Walking out the door he paused and listen to her weeping, it would have broken his heart if it were still beating.
Friends Intervention;
Xander walked to his car from the store, his years with the Slayer alerted him to Angel's presence and he turn to face the vampire. "Hey deadboy," Xander's eyes narrowed as he watched Angel stride closer. He didn't really know what to expect of him, but he was sure he really didn't want to know. Whatever it was, it couldn't be good, and Xander felt like there had been enough "not good" going on for the Scoobies of late. "Hey, Angel watched for Xander's reaction and noted it was not welcoming, not that he thought it would be. The lights of the parking lot shone down making mini spots on the ground around them, Angel walked in and out of the lights as he approached. "And just what is it I can watch you squirm over this time." Xander was careful not to let Angel get to close to him, he wasn't sure if he was dealing with Angel or Angelus at this point and didn't want to find out the hard way. "Well, fact is I really would like to talk to Giles." Angel's face took on a grim expression as Xander shook his head. "The G-man isn't in today, but if you will write a note I will get it to him for you" Angel simply replied, "It's about Willow," A worried look covered Xander's dark features, "What is up with my Wills, what have you done."
The accusation in his voice made Angel wince. He had known that Xander would not be happy with what was going on of late with him and Willow. But he did expect Xander to listen first. It wasn't what he had done to Willow, he thought, but what he had done to Riley. He had to figure out a way to tell them why that would hurt Willow so much without telling them more than they needed to know. "Can we go see Giles, Xander, I really don't have time for this, and it won't help Willow." the frustration in his voice was obvious even to Xander. "Yeah, OK," Xander waved Angel to get into the car and they left going to Xander's apartment.
Not much was said on the way, both took wary glances at each other. Once there and into Xander's place, Angel asked about Spike. The thought that the blonde vampire might be some help had crossed his mind but he dismissed it quickly. Spike was still dealing with his own demon, and wouldn't be much help he thought. Xander mumble something about Spike that didn't sound encouraging anyway. Xander began looking for Giles' number on his desk. Angel stood near the middle of the room and watched, waiting for him to find what they needed. Once that was found Xander turned on Angel and asked, "So what is this all about Angel? Why do you need Giles' help, has Willow gone all dark powerful witch again?" Angel didn't know what to say to that, so he just shook his head. "Then what," Xander was nearly demanding now. Willow was after all his friend, he had known her when they were children together. If Angel was keeping something about Willow that was important from him he was going to know what.
Angel looked at the man before him and tried to remember the boy he had been. This Xander had grown up and was more in command of his feelings and more aggressive in his tactics. But then it had always been in him, Angel remember when the Master arose and Xander had tracked Angel down so they could find Buffy. He would not let her just die and he was now not going to let whatever was up with Willow go by him either. Xander gave him a look that would have kill lesser vampires as Angel told him what had happened and why he was there now. He of course left out a lot of the more intimate nature of some things. But he didn't think Willow would mind that, in fact she would likely be glad he had choose not to say somethings. Still with each passing moment Angel thought Xander was more and more willing to stake him on the spot.
Xander had actually thought of keeping Angel here until daylight and then drawing back all the curtains in his place. He had known for sometime that Angel was enamored of their favorite witch, but he had not known how much. If what Angel was saying was true, then she had choosen Riley over him anyway. That was a good thing in Xander's mind, good that she had the sense to see through deadboys crap. But he wasn't sure about the whole thing with Riley, what would make solider boy decide on Willow as his girl friend. It wasn't that Xander didn't see what was attractive about her, he had himself seen that attraction she had when he was with Cordy. The thought was Riley had been in love with Buffy and when he left and came back he thought he remembered Buffy saying that Riley had gotten married. So where was Riley's wife? Or was there something else happening that he didn't know about yet. Xander looked at Angel and started to speak, but Angel cut him off. "So do you think since Willow could be near losing control that we could talk with Giles now." his voice curt and angry. Xander said nothing to him, he only went to his phone and sat down dialing the number in his hand.
Angel watched quietly and moved his weight back and forth from one foot to the other in restlessness. Xander was only able to get a message to him, and he was not real happy about that. He knew that Giles would get back to him as soon as possible. He didn't worry about that, it was the time frame that scared him. After all if Willow was going evil again, they didn't really have much time to wait. Xander stood and walked Angel to the door, "You need to get out of here, Angel, it will be daylight soon, and you can leave us to clean up," his tone was biting. Angel didn't like being dismissed like that but he knew he would have to get back to his mansion before daybreak. He could always come back and see what was happening with Willow, and what Xander had found out about Giles. Xander watched the dark vampire stride out the door and into the night. Then he went and got his jacket, picking up his keys, deadboy may not be able to help Willow. But he was sure going to try, after all, he was her friend.
Returning Balance;
It had been five weeks since Willow had found out that Riley was gone. In those weeks, she had tried to deal with her pain and deal with Angel. She had found him to be very helpful over all but she didn't feel right about being with him and was still in much guilt about the one time they had been lovers. She knew that at the time she was more or less out of her mind, but at the same time blamed herself, because she didn't really give Angel much choice. How many men, without an inner demon like Angel had, could have said no to someone they thought they wanted. Willow had to admit that if he didn't love her he was putting on a good show of it. If it were not for Xander she might have let Angel into her life, in her weaken state emotionally she was no match for his attentions.
She had relied heavily on Xander, he never let her forget who she was and that she still had to work through some things, after losing Riley that Angel needed to stay out of. Both men had been to see her on a daily bases so that she never really had a lot of time to brood over what had happen. Angel had told her the full story, again so that she could understand better what had happened. Why Riley was not returning to her, and likely never would. Willow thought about doing the same spell for him that she had done for Buffy. But after what she went through with Tara she wasn't willing deal with being refused by the powers again. Willow sat in her living room watching an old movie that she had seen a dozen times. She heard the knock at the door and made a face, it was nice of them but she really didn't want to see Xander of Angel tonight. It had been a very bad day over all and now it was around ten PM. She only wanted to be alone, she really couldn't stand another pep talk. The knock came again, Willow stood up and walked slowly to the door. Her hair a mess and her tears staining her pretty face, she was pale and looked as if she needed rest badly. Resigned to another night of "poor Willow" from her friend or the dark vampire she opened the door.
Giles looked her over and smiled sadly, "Willow, umm may I come in". His voice was calm but worried, as she nodded him into her little box apartment. "Hey, Giles, nice to see you, she sounded monotone and kinda worn. As she walked back into the center of the living room, she waved a hand showing him in. Giles entered into her little apartment and walked around to her couch. "Um, yes then, he began his voice trembling slightly, Willow I came as soon as the new Watcher council let me. They are in desperate need at the moment." He watched her as she simply nodded her head and walked into her little kitchen retrieving the tea pot there so that she could make tea for her and Giles. They talked and she told him as much as he had already heard from Xander and Angel. It was all a surprise in that Riley had actively wooed Willow and more or less won her affections only to be kill that very night. The worse was the fact that Angel had something to do with it.
Giles couldn't help but wonder if Angelus had a part in this. Maybe it wasn't really Angel, but his demon in charge of his body. Giles' thoughts ran back to when he found Jenny, her body arranged so that she looked as if she was welcoming him to her, when in fact her neck had been broken. Angelus hadn't even fed from her which meant he didn't need to feed only that he wanted her dead, and Giles to deal with it. A shiver ran up his spine, at the idea of Willow having to deal with Angelus, pretending to be Angel. That would explain why Riley was dead, why Angel was still around. If he truly wanted the witch no one or no thing would stop him. But Giles knew he would try, life or death, wasn't the point anymore, saving Willow was. She didn't seem to believe that it was Angelus, she had assured Giles of that. But he knew he would have to find out for himself. It would be the only way he would be OK with what had happened. If Riley had truly fell on accident he would find out, one way or another.
He thought about certain spells he could perform that would allow him to see what had happened on the spot where Angel said it had happened and he was ready to go there now and find out. Except for the fact that humans don't do well roaming the streets of Sunnydale at night. Thinking better of it he took to Willow's idea that he could sleep on the couch for the night and they would start the next day.
Times Virtue;
Early the next morning they both woke to the steady knocking of Xander. Willow let him in and went to sit down rubbing her eyes in a childlike fashion. Xander spoke in hurried tones, watching both Giles and Willow for their reactions. " Well looks like deadboy is going to stay in Sunnydale, at least for a while. " Willow didn't really say anything but Giles face became animated and nearly enraged. He stood and got some things from his bag and he nodded to Xander to follow him. Giles strode up the flights of stairs it took to reach the roof with very little problem, Xander close behind. In the mornings light he stood near where Angel had his fight with Riley and began to pour a salt circle and light candles. Having done that he added some chanting to it and waved a small smudge stick light so the smoke billowed around them.
"Ent karmas nat' ta'ne los rean turnus" he chanted over and over again until the smoke from the smudge stick doubled , and tripled cutting off their visual of the roof at the moment, but creating images of it's own, inside the smoke. Giles looked on in interest as the pictures of the past events came into view. He could see that Angel had been telling the truth, but he also saw something that made his heart drum in his chest. Once the smoke had cleared, he was able to return to Willow. She had not wanted to see what ever had happened but was waiting to know for sure from him.
Giles entered the apartment with Xander hot on his heels. The two men looked at each other and nodded, Giles walked over to Willow and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Willow, I um, want you to sit for a moment." his voice was excited and she wondered what he could have seen that would make him this way. She walked over the a chair at her little table and sat down watching him as he joined her. Giles sighed deeply and looked at Willow, hope etched in his face as he began. Willow wondered what he was waiting for, she wanted him to tell her whatever was up. The faster the better, her mind reasoned, since she was already in pain over the whole thing, it would only be of help to her to find out that Angel had not hurt Riley for spite. The idea that it had been an accidental was the only thing she had left to hold on to. If Giles was going to tell her that it wasn't an accident she would go insane on the spot. Giles smiled nervously and she waited for him to speak. When he did it was not what she had thought at all, "Willow... umm, according to what the spells vision revealed, it is quite possible that .. well that Riley is indeed still alive." the ex watcher played with adjusting his glasses tentatively as he watched the little witch's face go blank.
You could have knocked Willow over with a feather at that remark, "Then why,, why did he go?" she asked her mind confused. "Well,, Giles started, from what I saw he was hurt pretty badly, but he was picked up by the commando group that was suppose to meet with him I guess. At least that is what was shone in the vision." Giles took a deep breath and sat back in his chair, he watched Willow for a minute. " Willow I don't think you have anything to worry about as far as Angel is concerned, His voice steadier, but you have to deal with him somehow." Willow only nodded and stood, " I need to shower Giles, I will be back out in a few", her voice set in monotones as she walked away. Giles watched as she left the room, he worried that she was unstable and hoped that the news he had for her would help her balance herself more.
Xander stood in awe of what was going on, Riley could still be alive and Willow could still have a chance at the soldier boy, if he comes back. But what would Angel do if he found out that Riley was alive. Right now he was willing to wait for Willow, to let her decide what she wanted, confident that he would be that choice. Xander had to wonder what he would react like if he knew there could be limited time, that any day Riley could come back and she would go off with him to parts unknown. He didn't want to think of that right now, dead boy would find himself more than dead if he didn't let Willow do what ever she wanted. Xander heard the shower go off and walked back to Giles from the window he had been looking out of. They both waited to see how she would be when she came out of the shower.
Witch's Brew;
Willow turned her head as she watched the people go by on the street in front of the Magic Box. Anya had taken the last part of the day off, which was very weird for her. But she had good reasons to go, and Willow was happy to be without the ex-demons comments for a short while. Not that Anya was being rude really but she had to wonder what it was like on her plane. Since people here didn't say things like, "Choosing should be easy, ones laying down dead the others walking around dead. At least he can talk to you.". Oh Goddess, if she had to explain one more time that she was not wanting to deal with any of it right now Willow thought she would go insane and cause another near apocalyptic episode. She rubbed her temples and turned dusting the counters.
It was just getting dark outside and Willow reminder herself to call Xander, and let him know she was on her way home in a half hour. She walked over to the phone and the bells over the door rang letting her know that she had another customer. The last one tonight she thought to herself, as she made note to lock the doors when this one left. Willow turned to greet the person who had just entered and at first thought she was meeting a long lost relative of some sort. The lady was about the same height and weight with a little darker red hair than hers. The woman's gray eyes flashed as she took in Willow who was behind the counter. She nodded and said hello, the began to walk around the shop. "Anything I can help you find?" Willow said as she came around the counter to help the woman. "Oh, no I think I can find what I want, I like to look around before I choose." having said the she walked deeper into the shop. she looked over some crystals and picked up a few as she walked deeper still, looking over the book shelves now. "Miss, the lady inquired, is this book on white witch craft or the darker arts?" Her questions not being to uncommon but enough so that Willow could not just look at he book from where she was and say.
Around the counter Willow came and over to where the lady stood. "Well lets see," she said as she picked the book from the lady's hand. Looking it over she began to read from it's contents, until she felt as if the world had just exploded and the lights went out. The lady stood over her looking down and smiling her vampiric visage in full view. "Simple math sweetie, never turn your back on anyone after dark, or you will never see it coming." her eyes shone with glee as she retrieved Willow's store keys and locked the front door. She then gathered up Willow's limp body and headed out the back to the alley. Humor in her steps as she thought of what rewards she would get by capturing the one Angelus was stalking. Willow thought she heard singing as she was being carried. But her head hurt to much to say anything, much less try to move.
Author; Greenfae
Disclaimer; All rights belong to Joss W, and others that I have no clue to. I own nuttin, cuz I am just a wanna be, and have no real talent. =-) so no sue me,, Okies.
E-mail Greenfae2@cs.com
Rating: hmm PG – R, maybe worse
Pairing Willow, Riley, and Angel, mmm, salty goodness and all
Time frame; after the seventh season more or less, but don't hold me to that.
Notes; A few surpises I hope.. mostly angst over Riley and Angel.. boy oh boy.
feedback ; yes please,, just don't slay me hehe
And Then There Was a Time
Part 7
A Time of Waiting;
Angel was picking up the plate and returning it to the sink when Willow began crying again. His reaction was one of worry,and he turned to her. " What can I do to help Willow" his voice sincere he sat on the edge of the bed and brushed crimson waves from her eyes. Willow only looked at him and shook her head. " I don't understand you Angel, you should hate me now," her voice cracked with her feeling. The look on his face could not have been more surprised. "What do you mean, little one, you have done nothing to me," In his mind he replayed the events of the night before. His demon clawing and begging to have more this morning, Angel forced it back down. He watched Willow closely, his mind wondering what was going to happen next. She only lowered her head not allowing Angel to seek her eyes.
Somewhere from her point of view, if I don't look at him I wont have to deal with the pain he is going to feel. She knew she couldn't be with him, not really anyway. Telling him was the next big step and she really didn't want to do that. She had enjoyed their night, but that's all it was for her. She couldn't let it be anymore until she was more in control of her feelings. More in control of her heart and pain, she would have to be in order to deal with what was happening to them. Angel waited for her to start, he had no idea what she was going to say. But somehow he wasn't feeling good about it. When she finally met his gaze, he could see her eyes were glassy with unshed tears. He wanted to reach out and hold her but when he tried she shrank back from his touch. The concern in him gave him voice and he asked, " What is it Willow?". She only smiled unhappily and shook her head. Her voice was small and almost painful to hear as she spoke simply to him, "Angel, I am sorry, but I can't be with you." She checked him for reaction before going on, "I, she turned her head and looked at the heavy curtains on the widows, can't deal with anyone right now, last night was a mistake, and , and I am sorry".
Her tears began to fall full force now and powerful sobs shook her body so that she nearly convulsed. Angel reached out to her and pulled her into an embrace, petting her head, he talked to her in low tones. "It's all right Willow, please, I am here for you, and you don't have to be like this, you don't have to worry about me." He wanted to tell her, felt he had to tell her, he was not worth what she was doing to herself, he was the reason she was feeling like this. But he just couldn't tell her that Riley was dead. Not simply gone, but dead, that would mean no hope at all. If she only thought Riley as gone on his own, then she might still have hope that he would change his mind. As funny as that seemed, for Angel to want, he did want it, wanted Willow to have hope. He held her in his arms for a long time before she pulled from him and gave him a weak smile. "Well, I guess that means you are not angry with me," her voice was shaky but she had gotten most of the tears out. She sat in front of him and dried her eyes with the back of her sleeve. Her green eyes redden with all the crying she had been doing of late.
Angel decided he would ask nothing of her and would just help her all he could. He had to let go in order for her to heal, and she had to heal to know that she could love again. He wanted her love, but was not willing to cause her more pain in the process. He would have to tell her and soon, then he would have to wait it out and hope. Right now he would just be there for her and watch her to make sure she would be OK. Somehow he would find a way to make it all up to her. Somehow, but he really knew that would not be possible. He had done one of the worst things possible and he didn't know how to take it back. There was no way to make this better. Angel swallowed hard and looked up at Willow, maybe he should tell her now. She would be very angry but it would be over, out of the way and he wouldn't have it hanging over his head like this.
Confessions;
Willow looked Angel over and had to wonder what he was thinking. She knew she had dealt him a dirty hand this time but she didn't know what else to do. It would be horrible of her to lead him on anymore than she had. Seeing his face play so many emotions she didn't understand, why was he not saying anything, he should have been angry with her. But she didn't see why he was so quiet, so she just waited. He looked as if he would cry and she wanted so badly to understand.
His voice trembled as he told her how he came to see her and found Riley and her together. How he asked Riley if they could talk and they had met on the roof. The words just seem to flood out of him as he stared at the floor. He told her that he and Riley had an physical confrontation, and how Riley had fell from the top of the building. Angel glanced up once to see her face and was not surprised to see her eyes flashing from green to black then back again in an instant. He told her that he had meant to say all this before, to beg forgiveness. Or at the very least that she would let him help her until she felt she was OK. Angel began ramble, as he tried to convey his confused emotions at her reaction to him when he had gotten there last night. That he had not intended what had happened either but that he didn't have the strength to say no at the time. He was, is, after all in love with her and she needed him. How could he say no, he just wished he had been able to tell her before they were together. He didn't want any secrets between them. Most of all he was sorry, but he knew that didn't really do any good. When Angel finally stopped he felt exhausted, and fearful. Not of what she might do to him, but of what she might think of him, how she might turn away from him and never look back.
She had no idea what to say to make him stop, Willow didn't want to hear Riley was dead. That she wasn't left behind, oh yes she was glad about that, she didn't want to be just left behind. But then there was that little factor, Riley is dead. Her mind went blank, darkness overtook her once and she felt like she was going to faint. How could Angel be telling her this, what had she thought, he was on the roof with Riley? They had a fight, over her, NO! Riley had died because he loved her, it was like she was a curse on those that cared about her. Riley is dead and Angel is to blame, or so he says, the fates have had fun with this one. She could feel the power rise up in her and she wanted to unleash her anger on something, someone. But really, was Angel to blame, or was she really the evil one. That just made better sense to her, after all Oz left her because he killed someone over her, Tara died right in front of her. Now Angel was telling her that Riley was dead and that somehow he was the cause of it, he pushed Riley and he had tripped over something, falling off the roof. Falling to his death, that word echoed in her mind.
Willow got up very slowly and backed away from Angel who tired to get close to her again, tired to pull her into his arms again. But she would have none of it, she heard her voice scream the words at Angel. "Get out, leave me alone, get the hell away from me." Her voice in ear splitting jagged tones as she yelled so loud that her voice threaten to give out. There was nothing he could do but leave. Angel stood and began to walk out of the small apartment. He picked up clothes and shoes as he went, his heart sank and he headed for the door. He took one last look at her on her bed before he went to the living room and out the door. She was curled up into a ball in the center of the bed her knees pulled up to her chest. He wanted to help her somehow, but had no idea what to do to help. He had in his mind something, or rather someone he wanted to go see over this. Only problem was he wasn't sure how he would be received after all this time. It didn't really matter to him now, she was the only one he was thinking of and he had to help her somehow. Walking out the door he paused and listen to her weeping, it would have broken his heart if it were still beating.
Friends Intervention;
Xander walked to his car from the store, his years with the Slayer alerted him to Angel's presence and he turn to face the vampire. "Hey deadboy," Xander's eyes narrowed as he watched Angel stride closer. He didn't really know what to expect of him, but he was sure he really didn't want to know. Whatever it was, it couldn't be good, and Xander felt like there had been enough "not good" going on for the Scoobies of late. "Hey, Angel watched for Xander's reaction and noted it was not welcoming, not that he thought it would be. The lights of the parking lot shone down making mini spots on the ground around them, Angel walked in and out of the lights as he approached. "And just what is it I can watch you squirm over this time." Xander was careful not to let Angel get to close to him, he wasn't sure if he was dealing with Angel or Angelus at this point and didn't want to find out the hard way. "Well, fact is I really would like to talk to Giles." Angel's face took on a grim expression as Xander shook his head. "The G-man isn't in today, but if you will write a note I will get it to him for you" Angel simply replied, "It's about Willow," A worried look covered Xander's dark features, "What is up with my Wills, what have you done."
The accusation in his voice made Angel wince. He had known that Xander would not be happy with what was going on of late with him and Willow. But he did expect Xander to listen first. It wasn't what he had done to Willow, he thought, but what he had done to Riley. He had to figure out a way to tell them why that would hurt Willow so much without telling them more than they needed to know. "Can we go see Giles, Xander, I really don't have time for this, and it won't help Willow." the frustration in his voice was obvious even to Xander. "Yeah, OK," Xander waved Angel to get into the car and they left going to Xander's apartment.
Not much was said on the way, both took wary glances at each other. Once there and into Xander's place, Angel asked about Spike. The thought that the blonde vampire might be some help had crossed his mind but he dismissed it quickly. Spike was still dealing with his own demon, and wouldn't be much help he thought. Xander mumble something about Spike that didn't sound encouraging anyway. Xander began looking for Giles' number on his desk. Angel stood near the middle of the room and watched, waiting for him to find what they needed. Once that was found Xander turned on Angel and asked, "So what is this all about Angel? Why do you need Giles' help, has Willow gone all dark powerful witch again?" Angel didn't know what to say to that, so he just shook his head. "Then what," Xander was nearly demanding now. Willow was after all his friend, he had known her when they were children together. If Angel was keeping something about Willow that was important from him he was going to know what.
Angel looked at the man before him and tried to remember the boy he had been. This Xander had grown up and was more in command of his feelings and more aggressive in his tactics. But then it had always been in him, Angel remember when the Master arose and Xander had tracked Angel down so they could find Buffy. He would not let her just die and he was now not going to let whatever was up with Willow go by him either. Xander gave him a look that would have kill lesser vampires as Angel told him what had happened and why he was there now. He of course left out a lot of the more intimate nature of some things. But he didn't think Willow would mind that, in fact she would likely be glad he had choose not to say somethings. Still with each passing moment Angel thought Xander was more and more willing to stake him on the spot.
Xander had actually thought of keeping Angel here until daylight and then drawing back all the curtains in his place. He had known for sometime that Angel was enamored of their favorite witch, but he had not known how much. If what Angel was saying was true, then she had choosen Riley over him anyway. That was a good thing in Xander's mind, good that she had the sense to see through deadboys crap. But he wasn't sure about the whole thing with Riley, what would make solider boy decide on Willow as his girl friend. It wasn't that Xander didn't see what was attractive about her, he had himself seen that attraction she had when he was with Cordy. The thought was Riley had been in love with Buffy and when he left and came back he thought he remembered Buffy saying that Riley had gotten married. So where was Riley's wife? Or was there something else happening that he didn't know about yet. Xander looked at Angel and started to speak, but Angel cut him off. "So do you think since Willow could be near losing control that we could talk with Giles now." his voice curt and angry. Xander said nothing to him, he only went to his phone and sat down dialing the number in his hand.
Angel watched quietly and moved his weight back and forth from one foot to the other in restlessness. Xander was only able to get a message to him, and he was not real happy about that. He knew that Giles would get back to him as soon as possible. He didn't worry about that, it was the time frame that scared him. After all if Willow was going evil again, they didn't really have much time to wait. Xander stood and walked Angel to the door, "You need to get out of here, Angel, it will be daylight soon, and you can leave us to clean up," his tone was biting. Angel didn't like being dismissed like that but he knew he would have to get back to his mansion before daybreak. He could always come back and see what was happening with Willow, and what Xander had found out about Giles. Xander watched the dark vampire stride out the door and into the night. Then he went and got his jacket, picking up his keys, deadboy may not be able to help Willow. But he was sure going to try, after all, he was her friend.
Returning Balance;
It had been five weeks since Willow had found out that Riley was gone. In those weeks, she had tried to deal with her pain and deal with Angel. She had found him to be very helpful over all but she didn't feel right about being with him and was still in much guilt about the one time they had been lovers. She knew that at the time she was more or less out of her mind, but at the same time blamed herself, because she didn't really give Angel much choice. How many men, without an inner demon like Angel had, could have said no to someone they thought they wanted. Willow had to admit that if he didn't love her he was putting on a good show of it. If it were not for Xander she might have let Angel into her life, in her weaken state emotionally she was no match for his attentions.
She had relied heavily on Xander, he never let her forget who she was and that she still had to work through some things, after losing Riley that Angel needed to stay out of. Both men had been to see her on a daily bases so that she never really had a lot of time to brood over what had happen. Angel had told her the full story, again so that she could understand better what had happened. Why Riley was not returning to her, and likely never would. Willow thought about doing the same spell for him that she had done for Buffy. But after what she went through with Tara she wasn't willing deal with being refused by the powers again. Willow sat in her living room watching an old movie that she had seen a dozen times. She heard the knock at the door and made a face, it was nice of them but she really didn't want to see Xander of Angel tonight. It had been a very bad day over all and now it was around ten PM. She only wanted to be alone, she really couldn't stand another pep talk. The knock came again, Willow stood up and walked slowly to the door. Her hair a mess and her tears staining her pretty face, she was pale and looked as if she needed rest badly. Resigned to another night of "poor Willow" from her friend or the dark vampire she opened the door.
Giles looked her over and smiled sadly, "Willow, umm may I come in". His voice was calm but worried, as she nodded him into her little box apartment. "Hey, Giles, nice to see you, she sounded monotone and kinda worn. As she walked back into the center of the living room, she waved a hand showing him in. Giles entered into her little apartment and walked around to her couch. "Um, yes then, he began his voice trembling slightly, Willow I came as soon as the new Watcher council let me. They are in desperate need at the moment." He watched her as she simply nodded her head and walked into her little kitchen retrieving the tea pot there so that she could make tea for her and Giles. They talked and she told him as much as he had already heard from Xander and Angel. It was all a surprise in that Riley had actively wooed Willow and more or less won her affections only to be kill that very night. The worse was the fact that Angel had something to do with it.
Giles couldn't help but wonder if Angelus had a part in this. Maybe it wasn't really Angel, but his demon in charge of his body. Giles' thoughts ran back to when he found Jenny, her body arranged so that she looked as if she was welcoming him to her, when in fact her neck had been broken. Angelus hadn't even fed from her which meant he didn't need to feed only that he wanted her dead, and Giles to deal with it. A shiver ran up his spine, at the idea of Willow having to deal with Angelus, pretending to be Angel. That would explain why Riley was dead, why Angel was still around. If he truly wanted the witch no one or no thing would stop him. But Giles knew he would try, life or death, wasn't the point anymore, saving Willow was. She didn't seem to believe that it was Angelus, she had assured Giles of that. But he knew he would have to find out for himself. It would be the only way he would be OK with what had happened. If Riley had truly fell on accident he would find out, one way or another.
He thought about certain spells he could perform that would allow him to see what had happened on the spot where Angel said it had happened and he was ready to go there now and find out. Except for the fact that humans don't do well roaming the streets of Sunnydale at night. Thinking better of it he took to Willow's idea that he could sleep on the couch for the night and they would start the next day.
Times Virtue;
Early the next morning they both woke to the steady knocking of Xander. Willow let him in and went to sit down rubbing her eyes in a childlike fashion. Xander spoke in hurried tones, watching both Giles and Willow for their reactions. " Well looks like deadboy is going to stay in Sunnydale, at least for a while. " Willow didn't really say anything but Giles face became animated and nearly enraged. He stood and got some things from his bag and he nodded to Xander to follow him. Giles strode up the flights of stairs it took to reach the roof with very little problem, Xander close behind. In the mornings light he stood near where Angel had his fight with Riley and began to pour a salt circle and light candles. Having done that he added some chanting to it and waved a small smudge stick light so the smoke billowed around them.
"Ent karmas nat' ta'ne los rean turnus" he chanted over and over again until the smoke from the smudge stick doubled , and tripled cutting off their visual of the roof at the moment, but creating images of it's own, inside the smoke. Giles looked on in interest as the pictures of the past events came into view. He could see that Angel had been telling the truth, but he also saw something that made his heart drum in his chest. Once the smoke had cleared, he was able to return to Willow. She had not wanted to see what ever had happened but was waiting to know for sure from him.
Giles entered the apartment with Xander hot on his heels. The two men looked at each other and nodded, Giles walked over to Willow and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Willow, I um, want you to sit for a moment." his voice was excited and she wondered what he could have seen that would make him this way. She walked over the a chair at her little table and sat down watching him as he joined her. Giles sighed deeply and looked at Willow, hope etched in his face as he began. Willow wondered what he was waiting for, she wanted him to tell her whatever was up. The faster the better, her mind reasoned, since she was already in pain over the whole thing, it would only be of help to her to find out that Angel had not hurt Riley for spite. The idea that it had been an accidental was the only thing she had left to hold on to. If Giles was going to tell her that it wasn't an accident she would go insane on the spot. Giles smiled nervously and she waited for him to speak. When he did it was not what she had thought at all, "Willow... umm, according to what the spells vision revealed, it is quite possible that .. well that Riley is indeed still alive." the ex watcher played with adjusting his glasses tentatively as he watched the little witch's face go blank.
You could have knocked Willow over with a feather at that remark, "Then why,, why did he go?" she asked her mind confused. "Well,, Giles started, from what I saw he was hurt pretty badly, but he was picked up by the commando group that was suppose to meet with him I guess. At least that is what was shone in the vision." Giles took a deep breath and sat back in his chair, he watched Willow for a minute. " Willow I don't think you have anything to worry about as far as Angel is concerned, His voice steadier, but you have to deal with him somehow." Willow only nodded and stood, " I need to shower Giles, I will be back out in a few", her voice set in monotones as she walked away. Giles watched as she left the room, he worried that she was unstable and hoped that the news he had for her would help her balance herself more.
Xander stood in awe of what was going on, Riley could still be alive and Willow could still have a chance at the soldier boy, if he comes back. But what would Angel do if he found out that Riley was alive. Right now he was willing to wait for Willow, to let her decide what she wanted, confident that he would be that choice. Xander had to wonder what he would react like if he knew there could be limited time, that any day Riley could come back and she would go off with him to parts unknown. He didn't want to think of that right now, dead boy would find himself more than dead if he didn't let Willow do what ever she wanted. Xander heard the shower go off and walked back to Giles from the window he had been looking out of. They both waited to see how she would be when she came out of the shower.
Witch's Brew;
Willow turned her head as she watched the people go by on the street in front of the Magic Box. Anya had taken the last part of the day off, which was very weird for her. But she had good reasons to go, and Willow was happy to be without the ex-demons comments for a short while. Not that Anya was being rude really but she had to wonder what it was like on her plane. Since people here didn't say things like, "Choosing should be easy, ones laying down dead the others walking around dead. At least he can talk to you.". Oh Goddess, if she had to explain one more time that she was not wanting to deal with any of it right now Willow thought she would go insane and cause another near apocalyptic episode. She rubbed her temples and turned dusting the counters.
It was just getting dark outside and Willow reminder herself to call Xander, and let him know she was on her way home in a half hour. She walked over to the phone and the bells over the door rang letting her know that she had another customer. The last one tonight she thought to herself, as she made note to lock the doors when this one left. Willow turned to greet the person who had just entered and at first thought she was meeting a long lost relative of some sort. The lady was about the same height and weight with a little darker red hair than hers. The woman's gray eyes flashed as she took in Willow who was behind the counter. She nodded and said hello, the began to walk around the shop. "Anything I can help you find?" Willow said as she came around the counter to help the woman. "Oh, no I think I can find what I want, I like to look around before I choose." having said the she walked deeper into the shop. she looked over some crystals and picked up a few as she walked deeper still, looking over the book shelves now. "Miss, the lady inquired, is this book on white witch craft or the darker arts?" Her questions not being to uncommon but enough so that Willow could not just look at he book from where she was and say.
Around the counter Willow came and over to where the lady stood. "Well lets see," she said as she picked the book from the lady's hand. Looking it over she began to read from it's contents, until she felt as if the world had just exploded and the lights went out. The lady stood over her looking down and smiling her vampiric visage in full view. "Simple math sweetie, never turn your back on anyone after dark, or you will never see it coming." her eyes shone with glee as she retrieved Willow's store keys and locked the front door. She then gathered up Willow's limp body and headed out the back to the alley. Humor in her steps as she thought of what rewards she would get by capturing the one Angelus was stalking. Willow thought she heard singing as she was being carried. But her head hurt to much to say anything, much less try to move.