Angel's POV

Willow was deposited at her house quickly and then Buffy came back to my apartment for a while before she would have to sneak in to her own house. We settled on the couch, her curling into my side a little uncomfortably. "Did you notice..." she started before trailing off.

"Did I notice what?" I asked.

She took a deep breath and looked up to me. "Vampires have been flocking to Willow more and more." she stated, looking contemplative.

"So?"

"They never used to notice her at all." she said. Her little pouty lip, which used to seem so cute, was sort of annoying.

"You're upset because other vampires want to eat her too?" I was confused, but my demon was practically doing the told you so dance in my mind. For some reason, Angelus didn't like Buffy. Probably because she was on the good side. She's a slayer, he said in disgust. And a ditz.

She rolled her eyes. "No. I can share the limelight. But they seem to want her more."

"More than you..."

"Yeah." she said slowly.

My brow furrowed. "Okay." It was all I could say. She was jealous that Vampires were noticing her best friend! It was ridiculous.

"What...what does she smell like?" she asked hesitantly.

"Willow?" She nodded. "...Strawberries."

"No, I mean her blood. Like...her essence or whatever Vampires use to pick victims."

Oh. "Uh...Well, the wild strawberry thing is big. Also, she has a vague hint of rain. Just this sweet, misty smell. Her essence...is sweet. Innocent. Pure. Healthy... Young. Fragile. But with a deeper power." I told her truthfully.

"And what do I smell like?" she asked.

"You smell like Jasmine. Spicy. Rich. Pure. Healthy. Young. Strong. Powerful."

"What's the difference between strong and powerful?"

"You're physically strong. Your soul is powerful. Strong-willed."

"How is Willow powerful then?"

"I don't really know." I answered. "I mean she's strong-willed, but it's more than that."

"So, I'm not innocent?"

"You're pure. But Willow's different...she's shy and nervous. And ...fragile. You know, gentle. Thinks the best of people." Was that the word I was looking ... Tender?

"I'm not gentle?" she asked, her voice getting angry now.

"You're a slayer." I told her.

She wacked me in the chest. "I can be gentle."

"There's nothing wrong with being tough, Buffy." I told her.

"So, who smells better?" Her face was set. Daring me to tell her that Willow was better.

"There is no better with you and Willow. It's just different." I told her.

"Mmmmhmmm." Obviously not the answer she'd wanted.

"You're both clever and witty and brave and tough. She's got something else going on...I don't know, maybe from the spells she's done. Her magical ability. But you've got supernatural strength and speed and reflexes. She's easier pray than you are. They can sense it." Buffy's face got a little happier and I hoped it was enough. And it was true. Sure, Willow had great potential, but she was, as she'd said 'Easy Pickins' to other Vampires.

"What about the blood?" she asked.

"What about it?"

"Would you rather drink mine or hers?"

"Buffy, what are you talking about? I don't drink human blood."

"If you were a normal vampire. Who's would you choose if we were both knocked out?" Oh thanks, for reminding me I'm a freak amongst unholy, unnatural beings.

I sighed. "Slayer blood is supposed to be the best blood imaginable."I told her truthfully.

"So, me?"

I nodded. She smiled. "Happy now?" She nodded.

"So, do you like my jasmine scent?" she asked, curling back into my side.

"Yes." I said truthfully, wrapping my arm around her.