Inell's Fanfiction Archive

Cordelia Chase sat on the lumpy chair, her mouth hanging slightly open as she stared in surprise at the handsome man sitting opposite her. Her eyes ran along his face as her mind tried to come to grips with the words that had spilled from his full lips. She knew she must have heard wrong. She leaned back in the chair, knowing that there was no way in hell that he had said the word she had heard. She laughed shakily, her dark eyes moving to the faces of the other two men occupying the room. One of them seemed as startled as she felt while the other seemed to have not a care in the world. She looked back at Angel and asked, "Could you please repeat that?"

Angel shifted on the wood chair, listening to the low creak it made as his weight shifted. He didn't like the way that they were looking at him, as if he had lost his mind. True, they might be right, but still, they didn't have to look so dumbfounded. He slowly repeated his words to them, a slight edge of annoyance in his tone, "We're needed in Sunnydale. We leave tomorrow."

"Sunnydale. You said Sunnydale?" Wesley said, a look of dread in his dark eyes.

"The man said Sunnydale. Geez, what the fuck is wrong with you two?" Gunn asked, giving the other two living people an irritated look.

"I can't go to Sunnydale," Cordelia said, shaking her head. She ran a hand through her short hair, missing its length for the first time since cutting it. When it had been long, it had been easier to hide behind. Now, nothing could conceal the worry and fear that filled her brown eyes. "I left there. I don't want to go back."

"You? What about me?" Wesley asked the former May queen, giving her a proper glare. "You do remember that I was pretty much run from town, don't you?"

"It's always about you, isn't it?" she shot back. "That's rich, coming from you Princess," he said, leaning forward slightly.

"Yo, stop the dramatics," Gunn said, giving Angel a look that told the vampire he'd better cool things down immediately.

"Enough," Angel said in a quiet but warning tone that caused both to look at him with guilty expressions. He almost smiled as he realized they both looked like children that had been caught with their hand in the cookie jar. Wesley, he understood. He knew what the former watcher had gone through in Sunnydale, and what the man had been spending the last year trying to amend. Cordelia surprised him though. True, she had left with dreams of being an actress, but she had friends and family back in Sunnydale. Why would she not want to back home? "We are leaving tomorrow. End of discussion."

"So sayeth the master," Cordelia muttered, giving Angel a narrow look. "Listen, Fang, you can run back and save Cry Buffy if you want. That's your business. My business is saving people here, in LA. I can't go back."

"Why?" Angel asked, seeing by her statement that he had caught her off guard with the question. He waited, knowing that he was even more stubborn than she was and that he had all the time in the world, or at least until dusk the next day.

"Why?" Cordelia stuttered. "Well, um, just because. It's none of your business!"

"Oooh, girly girl's got a secret," Gunn said, grinning a wicked smile as he poked her leg with his foot. "Spill it, babe. What's none of our business?"

"I don't have a secret," Cordelia said, her eyes looking anywhere but at the three men's faces. "I just don't want to go back there. It reminds me of the past, of things that I lost. Isn't that good enough? I'm sure I'd do more staying here than I would going."

Angel saw her hopeful statement and his curiosity ran wild. Knowing Cordelia, it was something silly. She probably didn't want anyone to know that she had been unemployed before he found her or that she had lived in something less than splendor when first moving to LA. Or, she really was hiding something. Either way, she was going to back. "Sorry, I need you all. They need you all."

"Why does that frighten me?" Wesley asked, rolling his eyes. He looked at Gunn, making a face, "Well, I guess you get to finally see Sunnydale."

Gunn smiled, seeing the look of defeat on his lover's face, "It can't really be that bad, can it?"

"Just wait," Wesley glared one more time at Angel before getting to his feet. "Tomorrow?"

Angel nodded, "I promised Buffy we'd be there as soon as we could."

"I so thought you had moved on from her," Cordelia said, watching with satisfaction as Angel stiffened, his statement going stoic. "I mean, you did that whole little Darla obsession thing. Even got a little action...Why run back to Buffy now?"

"It's not going to work, Delia," Angel said quietly, watching her pretty face. "I am over Buffy, but we're still friends. She needs help. For her to call me, I know she must be in serious trouble. We leave tomorrow."

"Maybe you guys are, but I'm not," Cordelia said, shaking her head. "No way. No how. I am not stepping foot back in Sunnydale. Not a chance in hell and nothing you say can change my mind. So there."

Less then twenty-four hours later

"I can't believe I'm going back to Sunnydale," Cordelia muttered for the fiftieth time since being politely forced into the car by three men much larger than her. She sighed, her eyes watching the dark landscape pass by in a blur as Angel drove north to Sunnydale. She leaned her head against the window as memories of senior year flashed in her mind. Memories she had done her best to forget but that she had never been able to push from her mind. Memories that had made her run away from Sunnydale, vowing to never return for fear of so many things. She whispered a name so softly that not even Angel heard it, "Willow."

********************

Willow looked at Tara and sighed, running a hand through her red hair. She and her lover had broken up only a week before, the slight hurt still new. Of course, it had been a mutual decision and they were both still friends, but it was strange. Sitting here now with her former girlfriend and her friends talking about defeating Glory and everything. It wasn't weird exactly, just strange. She felt like she should be beside Tara instead of sitting beside Buffy. But, they had grown apart. Their relationship for the past few months had mostly consisted of friendship more than anything else. And she would be lying to herself if she ever said that there had ever been a large amount of passion or need between them. They worked better as friends, she saw now. Of course, she wouldn't trade those months with Tara for anything. It had forced her into seeing who she really was, who she had always been. One time before she had chosen to go with her head instead of her heart and she had regretted it ever since. She could never look back on Tara with those regrets. For that, she was extremely thankful.

She smiled at Tara as she blonde looked up, watching as a familiar smile crossed lips that she knew so well. She looked at Buffy, deciding that she had spent enough time thinking about things that couldn't be, shouldn't be, changed. "Buffy, do we have any ideas how to fight Glory?"

Buffy laughed as she shook her head, "Not a single damn clue."

"Oh great," Xander moaned, leaning his head against Anya's shoulder. "Why do I not like when the slayer says there is no hope?"

"She didn't say that there wasn't hope," Tara corrected quietly with a small smile, "she just said she didn't know what that hope might be."

Willow listened as Tara started to argue with Xander about Buffy's exact meaning, a smile on her face as she listened to two of her former loves. She felt a hand on her shoulder, looking up at Buffy who was watching her with a concerned statement.

"You OK?" Buffy asked, knowing that her best friend had just broken up with Tara and might still be hurting. She knew that both girls claimed that it was mutual and that they were still the best of friends, but she wanted to make sure. If Willow wasn't cool with Tara being there, she'd toss the witch out on her ass.

"Quit asking me that," Willow said, smiling at her best friend. "You've done the best friend bit. We watched sappy movies and had a good cry and we even ate ice cream. It really wasn't meant to be for her and me. It worked but it didn't. We're so much better as friends. I mean, I wouldn't change anything that happened, but we just didn't have that passion."

"Passion?" Buffy repeated, smiling. "You and those dreams of true love. You know, for your sake, I honestly hope you find it someday. Just to prove to me that it exists."

"Oh, it exists," Willow said, her voice softening as she flashed back to her past. Back to her undeniable proof that true love existed, that romance wasn't dead, that she could love someone more than she loved herself. A melancholy smile crossed her face as her green eyes became clouded in memories.

"I know," Buffy said with her own smile, having a good idea where Willow's thoughts had taken her. She reached over and squeezed the redhead's hand, giving her a loving smile. "You're gonna be fine. Trust me."

"Always," Willow said, smiling back before joining the conversation that was going on around them. "Xander, quit worrying. We've faced things far more threatening than Glory and survived."

"She's right. We've faced Adam and those horrid little soldier boys," Anya said.

"And who could forget the master," Buffy said, smiling.

"The mayor was pretty awful," Giles said making a face.

"Oh, and don't forget Angelus," Xander added with a smirk at Buffy who simply flipped him her middle finger with a prim smile.

"You guys are forgetting the worst of all," Willow said, shaking her head as an impish smile crossed her face.

"Dracula?" Buffy said, adding, "he wasn't all that. I mean, that whole thrall thing was a bit of a wiggins, but he was so not that scary."

"Nope, the worst one of all!" Willow said, laughing as they appeared stumped. "Principal Snyder!"

"OH, God," Xander groaned, visibly shuddering, "Anything but Snyder."

"Snake food!" Buffy said, laughing as she rested her head on Willow's shoulder. "I'd forgotten him. How could I forget that miserable troll?"

"Do you feel as left out as I do?" Dawn whispered to Tara, watching the others laughing and making faces with a curious but wistful statement.

"I often feel left out when they fall into their little reminiscing moods," Anya told the two girls, sharing a smile with them as she looked at her lover and friends. She was glad to see them laughing. Over the past couple of months, there had been nothing to laugh about.

"Glad we're not the only ones," Tara said, looking at the redhead that had, until last week, been the love of her young life. She knew, deep down, that Willow had never felt for her what she had felt for the redhead. That was one reason she had felt they should break up. Something, someone, had always been between them. A ghost from the past, if you will. She had always thought it must be Oz, but sometimes she just wasn't so sure. It didn't really matter. While she would always love Willow, it had gone on long enough. She hadn't wanted to spend any more of her life competing with someone that she could never replace. That wasn't a life, that would have been an existence. She hoped, for Willow's sake, that her ex-lover found that special someone. It just wasn't her.

"What are you girls whispering about over there?" Willow asked lazily as Tara began to rub her neck. She smiled at her former lover, patting the area in front of her, "Need a rub?"

Tara smiled as she crawled across the floor for one of Willow's neck rubs. The others had learned just how good Willow was at massaging, often letting the redhead practice her skills on them after a long day of researching. She smirked at Xander who whined about needing a rub more than Tara did. "Ha, I got her first."

"Kids, I think I can squeeze you both in," Willow said in a diplomatic way as she laughed. She looked at Dawn and said, "Now, what where you guys whispering about?"

"Nothing," Dawn said, laughing as Willow gave her a disbelieving look.

"Dawny, why are you lying to me?" Willow asked with a wink at the slayer's little sister as she began to move her fingers along Tara's neck.

"What time is it?" Buffy asked suddenly, lifting her head to look around for a clock.

"Nearly eight," Xander said, glancing at his watch. "Why?" Willow asked, raising an eyebrow at her friend, forgetting her teasing of Dawn.

"Hope should be here soon," Buffy said cryptically, smiling slightly.

"You have a friend called Hope?" Anya asked, frowning.

"No silly," Buffy rolled her eyes as she rested her head back on Willow's shoulder, "I've called for reinforcements. Help in fighting that dyed blonde bitch."

"Tsk...tsk, isn't that a case of the dyed calling the dyed black? Or would that be blonde?" Willow asked, running her fingers along Buffy's dark roots.

"Coming from you?" Buffy shot back, smiling as she looked at the vibrant red tresses that had come clearly come from a box. "But I do need to dye my roots. Remind me to pencil it in. Finish my research paper. Save the world. Color my hair."

"You're impossible," Willow rolled her eyes as the others laughed. She heard a door open behind them, and glanced back, not sure who she expected to see. Her smile faded and her hands fell from Tara's neck as she automatically caught eyes that had haunted her dreams for over a year. She whispered, "Cordelia?"

********************

Cordelia froze when she saw Willow. A familiar attraction spread over her, starting at her toes and moving along every nerve ending in her body. She felt her mouth dry as she struggled to speak, to say something witty and sarcastic. Instead, she just stood frozen, her dark eyes large and uncertain.

"Angel, you came," Buffy said, not moving from her place on Willow's shoulder. She looked at her former lover and smiled in gratitude before looking at the others. "Wesley, thank you for coming. I know it must be difficult."

"Not at all," he replied, lying through his teeth.

"I don't know you," Buffy said to the handsome black man standing between Cordelia and Wesley. "I'm Buffy."

"Gunn," he said, shaking her hand.

"Nice. Short and to the point," she said with an easy smile before settling her eyes on the brunette female. "Cordelia."

Cordelia was still staring at Willow, noticing all of the changes, comparing this Willow with the Willow that she had fallen in love with those years ago. They were different people, she realized. Willow had grown up, much like she had. Golly, but she was still so beautiful. Her hair was redder than before, obviously dyed but lovely with her coloring. It was shorter too, barely chin length.

"Cordelia?" Buffy said again, a slow smile spreading across her face. Bingo. It appeared that she had been right in assuming that Cordelia was the one Willow had drunkenly referred to as the love of her life that had gone away. She'd had doubts, of course, knowing that it seemed almost impossible. But, now, she felt proud that she'd figured it all out.

"Huh?" Cordelia said, reluctantly moving her eyes away from Willow's to look at Buffy. Her eyes narrowed when she saw the slayer laying so comfortably against her redhead.

"Thanks for coming," Buffy said, her eyes moving to look at Willow. "Isn't it nice of them to come help, sweetie?"

Willow couldn't believe how beautiful Cordelia looked. The brunette had cut her hair, a short very flattering style. She heard Buffy talking to her and looked at her best friend, eyes confused when she heard Buffy calling her sweetie. Seeing the mischievous look in her best friend's hazel eyes, she smiled and said, "Yes it is, snookums. We really need their help."

Tara sighed softly, suddenly having a face to put on the ghost. Cordelia. She had heard a lot about the girl, though they had never met. Of course, she had never heard any mention of an affair between the cheerleader and Willow, but from what she could see, it probably hadn't been broadcasted. She had wanted Willow to be happy. Well, this might be the redhead's chance. She glanced at her watch, groaning when she saw the time, "Darn. I have to get going. I'm meeting my group to work on our history project."

"Be by after?" Willow asked, looking at her ex-girlfriend and smiling. She had a feeling she might need the friend later.

"Yeah," Tara said, brushing her lips softly against Willow's before getting to her feet. "Thanks for the rub, hon. Xander, your turn."

"Can Willow rub my neck, baby?" Xander asked Anya, laughing as she rolled her eyes.

"I'm not worried about her touching her, Xander. You're not her type," Anya said as she shared a smile with the redhead.

Tara gathered her stuff and looked up to see Cordelia watching her with narrowed eyes. Smiling, she touched Willow's hair. "Maybe later we can talk."

"That would be nice," Willow said with a smile. "I can come by and pick up the rest of my things, maybe. I think I've found enough extra room for them all."

"Wills, you're gonna have that room so packed full of stuff you're gonna have to start sleeping with me," Buffy said with a laugh. "It isn't that bad," Willow said, laughing. "I have a lot of things. Sue me."

"I like Willow's stuff," Dawn said, kicking her foot against the table. "She's got such neat stories about everything."

"Have her take you to her house, sometime," Xander said, smiling at Dawn. "She's still got stuff from when we were like six."

"Really?" Dawn asked, looking at Willow. "Could ya take me? Maybe? Huh?"

"Dawny, calm down!" Willow said, laughing. "Sometime I'll take you over there. I'll just make sure Mom and Dad aren't at home."

"Ahem," Angel cleared his throat as he looked at his crew then at the gang sitting around the magic store. "I believe I heard mention of some threat?"

"Oh, that," Buffy said, smiling at him. "We've decided that the best philosophy is to ignore it in hopes that she goes away."

"So far, it hasn't been very successful," Xander said stoically.

"What exactly is it that we're facing?" Wesley asked, glancing at Angel.

"Why don't you guys sit down and we'll tell you what we know," Buffy said, watching as Cordelia sat down in a chair with a very good view of Willow. Surprise, surprise. Buffy felt remarkably stupid for having not realized that there was something between her best friend and Cordelia back in high school. Maybe she had and had just ignored it. After all, she'd had a lot on her mind. Either way, she wasn't ignoring it now.

"Aren't you missing someone?" Cordelia asked, her eyes trying to look at Willow without being noticed. "Nope, everyone's here. Well, except Tara but she just left," Anya said, looking around the room.

"Oz," Cordelia said, spitting out his name. Straightening, she asked, "And by the way, who is Tara exactly?"

"Oz is gone," Willow said softly, her eyes watching Cordelia's face. "He left over a year ago, after we broke up. Long story."

"I'm sorry," Cordelia said, her heart doing strange things in learning that Oz was no longer in Willow's life. "And Tara?"

Willow smiled slightly, "She's my ex-girlfriend."

********************

Gunn whistled softly when he heard the pretty redhead's words. He exchanged a look with his lover, seeing the obvious surprise on Wesley's face. Rolling his eyes, he looked back at the redhead, smiling at her obvious lack of concern over having just outed herself to several old friends. Her confidence and attitude made him like her immediately. He sat back in his chair, his dark eyes moving to Cordelia who had bristled at the girl's statement. Now that he was curious about. The princess hadn't been acting like herself since the boss had mentioned coming to this place. Her reaction the Willow had been as plain as day, to him at least. Those two girls had some history between them. Judging from Willow's last statement and Cordelia's open mouthed gaping, he'd wager his salary he knew what exactly it had been.

"Your girlfriend?" Cordelia finally managed to ask, surprise still on her pretty face.

"Yep," Willow nodded.

"Was, as in past tense," Buffy said, moving to sit up a bit straighter, her hand moving to Willow's shoulder as she squeezed.

"Buffy, I don't think anyone here cares about the details of my love life," Willow said, looking away from Cordelia's accusing look.

Xander snorted, "Details? I've asked you for details since you and Tara got together. You never kiss and tell, remember?"

"You're so gross," Dawn said, wrinkling her nose at Xander. "Typical guy."

"And proud of it," Xander said, winking at the teen.

"Why don't we tell Angel and the others what it is we're facing here. Maybe they'll have some ideas that we haven't been able to come up with," Willow suggested, not wanting to look into Cordelia's eyes. Just seeing the girl brought back memories and guilt. Of course, she hadn't been the one that had left, that had decided for the both of them what their future would be, that had determined that they belonged apart rather than together. She had nothing to feel guilty about. In fact, she had done almost everything she could have done back then to persuade Cordelia to give them a chance. It had been the other girl that had been concerned about appearances, about what people would say or think about them, what their future should be like. Cordelia who had insisted she take Oz back even when her heart hadn't been in it. Cordelia who had pushed her away, ignoring her until the day after graduation. Willow closed her eyes briefly at the feeling of dull pain and ache that the memories always brought to her, trying to push them away. No, she should feel no guilt. She had done everything except run after Cordelia and demand that they no longer ignore their feelings. Maybe she should have done that, but it had seemed so hopeless at the time. And she had been scared. So very very scared. Just as Cordelia had been.

"Are you OK honey?" Buffy whispered, looking at her best friend as Giles began to fill in the others about Glory and the key.

Willow opened her eyes, and looked at Buffy, smiling softly, "You ask me that a lot lately."

"What can I say? I care," Buffy said, smiling as she brushed the hair away from Willow's face. "Can you handle this? Seeing her again?"

Willow's eyes widened in surprise at Buffy's words, "You know."

"Of course I know. I'm your best friend," Buffy said softly, smiling.

"How could I forget?" Willow asked, laughing softly. She nodded, letting out a deep breath, "Yeah, I'll be fine. Just kind of tough, you know?"

"Yeah, I know," Buffy agreed, not risking a glance at Angel.

"What game are you playing, Buffy Anne Summers?" Willow asked suddenly, her voice a harsh whisper.

"What are you talking about?" Buffy asked, blinking innocently.

"Sweetie? The casual touches that could be considered something else? Do you want them think that you and I...that we're...you know," Willow felt a slight blush crossing her cheeks.

"What? I can't call you sweetie?" Buffy asked, smiling.

"Just seems a bit odd that you suddenly start getting so touchy feely when Cordelia came in," Willow remarked, studying her best friend. "You are playing something, aren't you?"

"You're so suspicious," Buffy said, trying to look offended, but not succeeding. "Don't worry, Willow. I have only your best interest at heart. I want you happy."

"I am happy," Willow defended.

"You could be happier," Buffy said, leaning forward to whisper in Willow's ear, "though how Cordelia Chase could make anyone happier, I have yet to learn."

"You don't know her, not really," Willow said softly, again flashing back to the last half of senior year.

"I hope to change that," Buffy said, pulling her head back and smiling. She impulsively kissed Willow's forehead, saying, "I want you happy, got it?"

"Happy, aye aye sir," Willow said, smiling as she shook her head. Trust Buffy to come up with some plan to help her and Cordelia. Too bad the slayer was too late. They had had their chance and both had been too scared to do anything. She doubted time would have changed Cordelia all that much. Besides, she wouldn't be surprised if Cordelia didn't even remember any of it. Looking up, she saw Gunn, Wesley and Angel listening intently to Giles and Xander and Anya. Cordelia's eyes were on her, a frown on the brunette's pretty face, her eyes accusing and jealous. Scowling, Willow had to wonder what Cordelia's problem was.

********************

Willow stood beside Dawn near the counter as the group began to break apart. Wesley and Gunn had announced that they were getting a hotel room, giving no doubts as to the exact nature of their relationship. Willow was actually glad to see Wesley so obviously happy. She'd never really held anything against the watcher once it was shown that he hadn't planned on taking Giles place in their lives. And Gunn seemed like someone she could consider a friend. She was eager to sit with him and talk a little. Angel was staying with Anya and Xander of all people. They were the only ones with a spare bedroom besides Buffy, who had quickly volunteered to have Cordelia stay with her. Willow sighed, making a face as she realized that Cordelia would be staying at her house during the duration of their stay in Sunnydale.

"Earth to Willow," Dawn said, smiling as Willow came out of her thoughts.

"Very cute," Willow said, rolling her eyes.

"What's up with that Cordelia girl?" Dawn asked, looking at the pretty brunette before looking at her friend.

"What do you mean?" Willow asked with a frown.

"She's been watching you since they got here. I thought she was going to get up and try to kick Buffy's ass a few times during Giles little speech," Dawn said.

"She did?" Willow smiled slightly. "There's nothing up with her, Dawn. She's probably tired."

"You're not telling me the truth," Dawn said, frowning. "She also didn't like Tara much either."

"Cordelia doesn't really like that many people," Willow said vaguely.

"She seems to like you," Dawn said, watching as Willow blushed slightly. Suddenly, she gasped, "Oh My God! I get it now!"

"Shhh," Willow said, glancing around nervously, glad to see that no one was paying attention to Dawn's outburst. "Would you be a bit more quiet?"

"Was she your girlfriend?" Dawn whispered, having heard mention of Cordelia several times, but never having any idea that she had been involved with Willow. "I remember hearing about Dogboy, but I thought Tara was your first girlfriend."

"His name was Oz," Willow said, rolling her eyes as Dawn used Buffy's nickname for her former boyfriend. "And Tara *was* my first girlfriend."

"I'm glad that I never met Dogboy," Dawn said, making a face. "From what I've heard, I don't think I would have liked him very much."

"Oz was a nice guy," Willow said, rolling her eyes. "Don't believe everything your sister tells you. She doesn't know everything about my relationship with him so she can be a bit unfair and judgmental."

"Not Buffy," Dawn said in mock surprise before she giggled. "So, Cordelia is staying with us and she keeps giving Buffy these deathly little glares and then looks at you like your dessert and she's a starving woman. This should be fun!"

********************

Gunn sat on the bed and bounced, "It squeaks."

Wesley cast his lover a withering glance and replied drolly, "Yes, I can hear."

"Uh oh," Gunn laughed, "someone's cranky."

"Facing hell on earth tends to put me in a foul mood," Wesley said, sitting in the arm chair.

"Ah, we've faced worse," Gunn said, making a face. "Well, maybe not, but it can't be that bad."

"I hate Sunnydale," Wesley said, running a hand over his face. "When I left, I vowed that I would never return."

"Some vows are meant to be broken," Gunn said with a wink.

Wesley reluctantly smiled, "You're too perky. You're acting like Mr. Mary Sunshine."

"Mary?" Gunn asked, raising an eyebrow. "Is that a crack?"

"Did you pay any attention to the meeting today?" Wesley asked, shaking his head. "Did you hear what we are facing?"

"Nope," Gunn said, shrugging. "I was too busy watching Princess shoot the slayer death looks and then eye Red like a piece of chocolate cake."

"What?" Wesley looked at Gunn in surprise. "Cordelia?"

Gunn laughed, "You act surprised. Take it you didn't know about them two."

"You're crazy," Wesley said, shaking his head. "Cordelia hated Willow. There was some feud their senior year. Believe it was over that moron, Xander of all people."

"But you didn't listen to the gossip," Gunn said, rolling his eyes. "What good were you, babe?"

"I was plenty good, thank you very much," Wesley's lips twitched as he remembered how easily Cordelia had accepted him and Gunn, not batting an eye and never throwing their relationship at them during arguments. With a nod, he said, "So, Princess wants Red."

"And it would appear that Slayer wants Red too," Gunn said, a thoughtful look on his face. "Actually, Slayer doesn't really seem the type, if you know what I mean. You think she's playing a game?"

"That sounds like Buffy," Wesley said, shaking his head. "For reasons that only she would understand, of course. Silly, foolish girl."

"I kind of liked her," Gunn said, smiling.

"You would," Wesley muttered, rolling his eyes. "Good Lord. We not only have to deal with this Glory bitch, we have to watch Cordelia and Willow play some silly game."

"I wouldn't mind watching them play, depending on the game," Gunn said, wriggling his eyebrows and leering.

"Charles," Wesley warned.

"Oh, I love it when you get all authoritative," Gunn said, pulling his shirt over his head. "Why don't you show me just how good you were?"

Wesley began to unbutton his shirt, a slow smile crossing his handsome face, "Are, baby. It's how good I am."

********************

Dawn smiled brightly at Cordelia as she put the brunette's bag on the floor. "This will be your room."

"I'm sharing with you?" Cordelia said, looking at the annoyingly perky teen. "I thought there was an empty room."

"Sorry," Dawn smiled, "Willow took over the spare room after she and Tara broke up."

"Don't tell me. The room next to Buffy?" Cordelia said sharply, eyes narrowing as they looked into the hallway.

"How did you know?" Dawn asked innocently.

"Slayer bitch," Cordelia muttered, looking around the room. "There is only one bed. I am so not sleeping on the floor."

"Oh, well, I suppose Willow could share with Buffy and you could take her room," Dawn suggested.

"Over my dead body," Cordelia said, glaring at the teen. "I can sleep on the couch."

Dawn shook her head, "I was just kidding. You get my room. I'm staying with Mom."

"Quite the little comedienne," Cordelia said, moving into the room. She sighed, really wishing that this was just a nightmare and that she would wake up. She was finally seeing Willow again. Only, it wasn't like it had been in her dreams. Willow had gotten herself a girlfriend, lost a girlfriend and now seemed to be involved with Buffy of all people. She didn't know how Willow had found the courage to be so open about her feelings for another woman. She'd been scared to death back in high school when she had begun to realize that she had feelings for Willow that went way beyond friendship. She'd never have been brave enough then to let everyone know how she felt.

"I try," Dawn said, smiling at the girl that was obviously now lost in thought. She left the room, shutting the door behind her. Moving down the hallway, she entered Willow's room and plopped down on the redhead's bed.

"Dawn," Willow said, raising an eyebrow as she looked at the girl. "Can I help you?"

"I just settled the Princess into my room," Dawn said, rolling her eyes.

"And I'm guessing she complained?" Willow said, smiling almost affectionately at memories of the girl she had fallen in love with.

"Well, she complained until I suggested you sharing Buffy's room," Dawn said, laughing.

"You didn't!" Willow rolled her eyes. "Dawn, you're getting as bad as your sister."

"Really?" Dawn smiled at that, "Thanks."

"I don't think it was meant as a compliment," Buffy said dryly from the doorway. She winked at Willow as she walked inside and sat down. "Though, I could be offended if I so chose."

"You know I love you," Willow said, smiling at her friend. "But, I want both of you to promise me to lay off Cordelia. She's here to help, not listen to you two."

"But Wills," Buffy whined, "messing with Cordelia is so much fun. It's so darn easy."

"Promise me," Willow said, eyes narrowing as she looked at Buffy.

"Fine," Buffy sighed, making a face. "You take all the fun out of it."

"I promise too, Wills," Dawn said, exchanging a look with her sister. She smiled as Buffy winked at her, showing her crossed fingers. What Willow didn't know couldn't really hurt. Besides, it was so obvious that the two had feelings for each other. Maybe with her and Buffy helping things along, they'd both realize it and be happy.

********************

Willow walked onto the porch, her green eyes studying Cordelia silently. With a smile, she asked softly, "How have you been, Delia?"

Cordelia turned in surprise, brought from her thoughts by the voice she had just been remembering. She found herself relaxing as she looked at the redhead, shrugging as she said, "I've been good. And you?"

"I missed you," Willow said honestly.

Cordelia snorted, "What? In between Oz and Tara and Buffy?"

"Still so jealous," Willow whispered, moving to sit on the porch railing opposite the brunette. She looked out at the yard as she responded, "I won't apologize for loving Oz or Tara. As for Buffy, there's nothing between us no matter what she's trying to make you think. She's my best friend, as always."

"She seems to have different ideas," Cordelia said, frowning as she looked at the profile of the only person she had ever truly loved.

"Oz hurt me," Willow said softly, her eyes flashing in pain as she recalled their past. "Tara and I just recently split up. Buffy is trying to help as she always does, by making things worse."

"I'm sorry, about Oz," Cordelia said quietly, feeling a slight prick of guilt.

Willow shrugged, "Not your fault. I didn't have to go back to him. I just," she sighed, "I couldn't be alone then. He understood. I mean, he knew about you," she turned her head to look at Cordelia, seeing the surprised brown eyes. She smiled softly, "Cordelia, he was a friend. I had to talk to someone about you, about how you made me feel. He and I continued to date, but we never had sex. Freshman term, he hurt me because he didn't trust me enough to be honest, not because he found someone else. He knew that I always loved you. I don't know why he couldn't have told me."

"I don't know how you ever loved me," Cordelia whispered, drawing her knees up onto the swing as she rested her chin on them. "I was so scared. Hell, I ran all the way to LA to get away from it all, to try to forget what you made me feel."

"Did it work?" Willow asked.

Cordelia shook her head, "No. I tried. I mean, I dated and even feel in love for a bit, but it wasn't you."

"Tara means a lot to me," Willow said softly, "she was my lover, Cordelia, but she's also a great friend. She's in my life, but I don't love her. I think she always knew that there was someone else that had my heart. You see, even after two years, I can't not love you."

"Willow, I'm still scared," Cordelia whispered, looking away. "I'm not brave like you. I know that people will stare and whisper and say nasty things. I don't think I'm ready to deal with that."

"You've had two years," Willow said, looking at the porch. "It isn't so bad. I mean, since I came out and started dating Tara, we get a few looks and the occasional jerk that wants to tell us we're evil and going to hell, but you can't control who you love. I don't even listen to them anymore. They don't know me. How can they judge my emotions and my life if they aren't me? They can't. And the majority of people don't even say anything. It's not that big of a deal. We aren't in high school anymore, Delia."

"I can't promise anything," Cordelia said finally, looking at the redhead. "I thought if I left, if I pushed you back to Oz and ran away, that I'd forget about you. That I'd forget about those months and how happy you made me. That I'd forget what it felt like to be loved for who I really am. You can't run away from memories though. They follow you and haunt you, constantly reminding you of what you gave up and the wrong choices that you made. I didn't want to come back here at all. I knew that I'd find you still with *him*, happy and content. And I knew that, if I did, it would all be an act because you belonged to me, with me. When I realized that Oz was gone, that you had in fact dated a girl, well, it threw me off. I had everything planned for our time here, I had the entire roll scripted. I had to throw it all out the minute I looked into your eyes and realized that what we had was still there."

"Why don't we do this," Willow suggested, smiling, "You just got here today. Why don't we just see what happens? We can analyze all we want, but where did that get us last time? You telling me that I should be with Oz and running away to LA leaving so many unresolved issues behind. You never once asked what I wanted, Cordelia. It was all about you and your fears and your worries. Did you think it was easy for me then? To realize that I had feelings for someone that I had hated for so long? I had my own fears and worries, but you were always so intent on focusing on your own. We aren't doing that this time. If we're going to give us a try, we have to communicate."

"Yes, ma'am," Cordelia said with a faint smile. "So, you and Buffy...nothing there?"

"She likes men," Willow said, rolling her eyes. "Even if she didn't, she's not my type."

"Really? It seemed like you were into bottle blondes," Cordelia said snidely, thinking of that Tara girl.

"Meow," Willow said, laughing as the tension left the porch. "Yep, still jealous."

"I am not jealous," Cordelia denied, rolling her eyes. "I'm merely observant."

"And if I told you that Buffy and I had spent all night shagging like wild animals?" Willow asked, watching Cordelia.

Cordelia's eyes darkened slightly at the image of Willow shagging her like a wild animal then narrowed as Buffy's perky little face came into view, "I'd rip her hair out then beat her within an inch of her life for touching you."

"Nope, not jealous," Willow said, holding out her hand to Cordelia. "Do you want to grab a late dinner? Spend some time alone and just catch up?"

Cordelia took her hand, feeling the familiar tingles of attraction from Willow's touch as she stood, "I'd like that."

********************

"Are you happy?"

Cordelia froze at the question, looking across the table and seeing green eyes watching her curiously, "Actually, yes. I like LA. I really enjoy helping Angel, working for him. Gunn and Wesley have both become good friends. I actually feel like I'm doing something with my life. There are times that I feel guilty for not helping more back in high school. I wasted so much time."

"You've definitely grown up," Willow said, smiling softly. "You're still you, but you've matured. Not to be corny, but you're a woman now."

"It's not corny," Cordelia said, blushing slightly at Willow's compliment. She didn't think it was the time or place to admit that the only reason she had started working with Angel, well besides needing money and protection, was because she knew Willow would be proud of her. "So, how did the others handle you coming out?"

Willow shrugged, "It was a tough time around here. Buffy was pushing us all away, wrapped up in Riley and Initiative. She really thought they were doing good things, helping people. Tara and I came together out of friendship and need. It just happened. One night we were hanging out, casting spells, and I looked at her and knew something was different. I'm ashamed to say that I knew I'd never love her the way that I loved you, but I was lonely. She was there for me when Xander had Anya and Buffy had so many things happening. I never really came out and made a big fuss about it. I was in love, it just happened to be with a girl. You know the weird thing?"

"What?" Cordelia asked, trying not to feel jealous that Willow had fallen in love.

"Faith realized it before I did," Willow whispered, making a face. "If she hadn't gone all psycho, she could have been a damn good slayer. At the time, I thought she was Buffy, but she and I had a little talk, before she went to find Riley. I swear she came on to me. I should have known then that it wasn't Buffy, but I was too stunned that someone had seen something that I had been blind to. Afterwards, Faith didn't say anything to anyone. I actually owe her for that. She could have made my life hell, if she'd wanted to. I guess she was intent on ruining Buffy's at the time."

"I never liked the bitch," Cordelia said sharply, wondering if Willow honestly had no idea that Faith had been interested in her back senior year, before she'd started working for the mayor. "She always watched you. I never liked that, even before I realized that I had feelings for you. I never understood why she bothered me so much until then, but she did."

"Well, I never got along with her either. That's why I'm shocked she didn't out me before I was ready to admit that I cared for Tara," Willow said, shrugging. "Who knows why Faith ever does what she does. Anyway, she was what made me realize Tara and I had a relationship. After that, it grew. I finally told Buffy. She freaked a bit, trying to deal with the news that her best friend was gay as well as trying to fight Adam. After it was all over, we had a long talk. She was great. Xander didn't care except that it took me so long to tell them. He was hurt, I think, that I didn't trust him from the start. Now, all he wants is details. Anya was the best, actually. She could give a shit less who I fuck or love. Giles never really said anything. I think that he wasn't very surprised, that he might have guessed all along that there was something between me and Tara. Overall, though, everyone has been cool. Now, it's nothing. We don't talk about it. It isn't some big platform for discussion. I'm still Willow, I just happen to like girls."

"Your friends were always so much better than mine," Cordelia whispered, looking at the table. "If Harmony or the girls had thought I was gay, I'd have been a target for the rest of school. It was bad enough dealing with them after I dated Xander. I couldn't have handled all the gossip about us, if they'd known."

"I understand," Willow said, taking a bite of her salad as her eyes watched Cordelia. "That was then, this is now. What about now, Delia? Are you still scared of what other people would whisper about us behind our back? Do we have a chance at all?"

"I," Cordelia sighed, running a hand through her hair before taking a drink of her tea. She closed her eyes and said, "I honestly don't know, Willow."

********************

Oh," Willow said, falling back against the booth as she sighed at hearing Cordelia's words.

Cordelia looked at the redhead, "I'm sorry that I'm not as brave as you. I don't want to lie to you, ever. If I told you that I wouldn't be bothered by the gossip, I'd be lying. It would bother me. I've never liked people talking about me or saying nasty things about people that I love. It hurt me when they said things about Xander, and I never felt like this about him. I think it would kill me to have them talking about you."

"That was one of your biggest arguments back in high school, Delia. We're not in high school anymore. We're twenty years old. You're not even in school," Willow pointed out. "The only people that would talk would be strangers. And, personally, I could give a fuck less what they think about me. I know who I am, the good and the bad. Nothing they say can alter that. I told you, it's not as tough as we once thought it would be."

"I know...you're right. I just don't know if I can handle it," Cordelia said. "Why would you want me?"

"I love you, Cordelia. Not Cordelia, the cheerleader and may queen, not the most popular girl in high school. The real Cordelia, the one that I was able to know for three short months before losing her to fear," Willow said.

"I still remember that night," Cordelia whispered, smiling softly. "That first night you came to my hospital room. I was so mean, so rude. God, I was such a horrible bitch. And you took it all. You didn't leave me. Everyone else always left me."

"No, I didn't leave. In the end, you left me," Willow sighed.

"I almost stayed," Cordelia admitted, looking at the candle. "After graduation, when I woke up, I didn't want to leave your bed."

"But you did," Willow said, shaking her head. "I woke up, expecting you to be there. We shared something so fantastic, Cordelia. I still remember your taste and your touch, your smell. I thought when I opened the door that night, when you came inside and kissed me, that you had made your decision. That you wanted to risk it all for love. That you didn't care what anyone thought as long as we were together. That morning, waking up and finding you gone, it hurt. Goddess, I didn't leave my house for two days. Buffy was so confused. She was dealing with Angel having left while I was dealing with getting then losing you. Only Oz really knew what was happening. He smelled you on me. He knew. He was such a good friend during that time. He helped a lot. You left me with a note that just said good-bye. I had no idea where you were going. I almost hated you when I found out that you were working with Angel in LA. Not even two hours away but you couldn't call me or write me to let me know you were OK."

"I didn't go there to be with him," Cordelia said, not liking the idea of Willow hating her. "I didn't even know he was there."

"I know," Willow smiled softly. "Angel told me. Did you know that he and I write each other?"

"No," Cordelia's eyes narrowed. "He never said anything. Guess he didn't think I'd think it was important."

"I try not to ask about you," Willow admitted. "It hurts to think of you being somewhere else, being happy without me."

"I've never felt as happy as I did that night with you," Cordelia said. "I started to fall in love once, but he died before I could find out if I could love him as much as I love you. I also had sex, lost my virginity to a demon. After that, well, I swore off dating. Besides, nothing ever compared with my memories of those months with you."

"Yet you're still too scared to take a chance," Willow pointed out.

"It isn't that easy now, Willow. I live in LA. I have a home there, a job and friends that I adore. You live here. You have school and friends and important stuff, helping the slayer. I'm not blind, Willow. Buffy depends on you. She always has. She needs you in her life. I honestly doubt she'd still be alive if she hadn't had you. I can't ask you to leave that, and I wouldn't expect you to. Sunnydale is your home, it's part of who you are. LA isn't that way with me, but I don't know if I could leave it all, even for you. I know it's hard to believe, but Angel depends on me in a lot of ways. We work well together. I'm not stupid enough to think he'd fall apart if I wasn't around, not the way Buffy would without you, but we're friends."

"I would never ask you to leave your life," Willow said quietly. "I think you give me too much credit in Buffy's existence, but I don't think I could leave. I had a chance and turned it down. A dozen colleges around the US, and I stayed here. I like Sunnydale, Hellmouth and all. It's nice to know where the evil lurks. It wouldn't be easy, Cordelia. I'm not stupid enough to think it would be. But, isn't it worth it? I've felt more alive tonight with you than I have in years. I love Tara and was happy with her, but you and I, well, we belong together."

"You're still such a hopeless romantic," Cordelia smiled. "That's one of the things I love about you."

"Before you say anything else, I have to give you fair warning," Willow smiled a sly smile.

"Warning?"

Willow laughed at the statement in Cordelia's eyes, "Last time, you made the decision for us. I didn't have an opportunity to try to keep you. This time, I'm not letting you go without a fight."

********************

Anya glared at the front door as she walked across the living room, "I heard you!"

She removed the lock and swung it open, frowning when she saw Cordelia standing there. "What do you want?"

"Nice to see you too," Cordelia said sweetly, though her eyes were narrowed.

"It's nearly four in the morning and you're knocking loudly. Forgive me for not being pleasant. Besides, I really just don't like you," Anya said.

"I'm sorry it's so late," Cordelia said sincerely, "I didn't realize the time. Did I wake you?"

Anya shrugged, seeing that the brunette was honestly apologetic, "I'm a light sleeper. Has something happened?"

"No, everything's fine. I'm actually here for Angel," Cordelia admitted. "Is he around?"

Anya nodded, "Yeah, he's in his room. Doesn't really like being confined does he? He's been pacing the last hour or so."

"That's Angel," Cordelia said with a knowing smile. "Hates being caged up."

"Well, he's in there," Anya motioned to the room on the other side of the apartment. "I'm going back to bed."

"He can lock up when I leave," Cordelia said, feeling slightly guilty for having been rude when she'd first arrived. She was just so confused at the moment and really needed to talk to Angel. She walked to his room, the door opening before she could knock.

"Cordelia, is something wrong?" he asked, having heard the earlier knocking then the soft voices of the women.

"I need a friend," she said simply, chewing on her bottom lip.

With a small smile, he opened the door, "Come on in."

********************

"Do you ever tire of the whole early crypt/dirty cobweb design?"

"Don't remember inviting you over, Red. If you don't like it, there's the door," Spike said, raising a brow as Willow came into his crypt.

"You did too. Remember, last year, you said, 'My crypt is your crypt, pet,'" Willow recited as she sat down on the alter he used as a bed.

"Tossing my own words back at me," he shook his head though a smile crossed his face. "Why are you here?"

"I'm hurt. You really think I have to have a reason to visit with a friend?" she looked at him with mock hurt.

"I felt Peaches earlier. Figure you must have your hands full," he rolled his eyes. "Besides, I don't have any friends."

"That's right. We're enemies. I hate you. Grrr, blech," she made a face at him.

"I was right, wasn't I?" he asked, keeping his attention on the wall behind her. "Peaches is back, isn't he?"

"Yes, Angel is here," she said softly, seeing the conflicting emotions in his blue eyes. "and he brought Cordy with him."

That caught Spike's attention. He looked at her, letting out a low whistle, "And the plot thickens."

"Am I making fun of your obvious distress at having Angel here?" she asked.

"I'd never make fun of you, Red," Spike said, "you know that."

"I know. I'm just lashing out," she gave him a smile. "Angel and his group are here to help with Glory. Seems Buffy thought they could help."

"They probably can," he admitted. "How's the slayer doing? You know, with the return of the all mighty poof."

"She's fine enough to meddle with my life," Willow said, rolling her eyes. "She figured it out, about me and Cordelia."

"Ouch," he felt a small smile crossing his face.

"Stop it," Willow said, glaring, then she smiled, "or I may have to have a little talk with my dear matchmaking friend about a certain bleach blonde vampire we all know and love and long buried feelings he holds for another certain brooding vampire we also all know and love and let her wheels put a plan into motion."

"You wouldn't," he groaned, "damn it, you would."

"Ah, revenge is sweet," she giggled.

"What's the problem? Your little chit is back in town, you finally wised up and dumped that waste of space last week so you're single. Why aren't you shagging her six ways from Sunday instead of sitting here reminding me how weak and pathetic I truly am?"

"Tara is not a waste of space. I can't shag her when she doesn't know if she even wants to give us a chance. And I love reminding you how weak and pathetic you are, Spikey," she smiled.

"I can't believe I was going to turn you. Put up with you for eternity," he shook his head. "What was I thinking?"

"You were being smart, for once," she smiled.

"Whatever," he reluctantly smiled at her. "So, your little twit doesn't know if she wants you? I'd say she doesn't deserve you then."

"Doesn't stop you from wanting Angel," she reminded.

"Different story, pet," he said in a warning tone. His feelings for his grandsire were not under discussion.

"She lives in La, I live here," Willow said, knowing not to push. Every so often she'd catch him on a verbal day, usually when he'd been drinking a bit too much, and he'd tell her about Angelus and how much he hated the man while at the same time loving him with more passion than she ever would have imagined. That was one of the things that had brought them together into friendship, having secret feelings for someone they could never have. Now, it looked like she was going to get a second chance. Did Spike have an opportunity for a second chance with Angel? She grew thoughtful, wondering if she should try to interfere.

"One matchmaking friend is enough," he warned, seeing the look in her eyes. "Angel and I don't match, luv. Past is past. Best left buried. Trust me on that one. Now, back to your problem. I don't see the problem. So, you live in different cities. Doesn't mean you can't shag like wild bunnies a couple days a week."

"I don't see it as a problem. She does," Willow said, running a hand through her hair. "She's still so scared, Spike. I've grown a lot over the last two years. And so has she, but the fear is still there. I honestly don't know if she's strong enough for it to work."

"She just got here tonight," he reminded, frowning as she looked so hopeless. "Why make it into such a huge drama now? They'll be here a few days at least. Do you have to have an answer tonight? Will the world stop if you have to wait a couple of days to see if you two have a future?"

She smiled, "No, it won't. You're right. This is all new to her. She ran the first time. If I push this, she might run again. I don't know if I can give her up this time, Spike. Tonight, we were only together for a few hours, but it was right, so very right. How can I lose that again?"

"It's not easy," he said quietly then shrugged, "sometimes you just don't win, pet. If this girl is as good as you think, she won't give you up. Now, stop worrying. You'll get frown lines."

"Thanks," she got up and hugged him, asking, "Are you going to be at the meeting tomorrow?"

"I don't think that's a good idea, luv," he said slowly, kissing her forehead. "Bad blood, you know? Wouldn't want to cause any problems."

"I'd like for you to be there," she whispered, "but I understand."

"Slayers got enough on her plate, you all do. Don't need me coming in and making any trouble," Spike nodded, "you'll come by after, fill me in?"

"Of course," she moved towards the door pausing to face him, "Spike, sometimes you just have to let go to be able to move forward."

"Good night, Red," he said, looking away as she shut the door.

********************

Angel watched as Cordelia moved to sit on his bed, her dark eyes thoughtful as she remained silent. He waited expectantly, not sure why she had come to see him, but knowing there must be a reason. He was relieved when she finally spoke.

"I've got a problem," she said, making a face, "no, problem isn't the right word. I have a situation. Situation is much better. Problem sounds negative, and this is definitely not negative."

"What is it?" he asked, knowing that she could go on until dawn without ever telling him what she needed if he allowed it.

"I'm in love with Willow," she said simply as she looked into his eyes. She laughed softly, "God, do you know how great it feels to say that?"

"Willow?" he asked, trying to cover up his surprise. Out of all the things she could have told him, this certainly hadn't been on the list.

She nodded, "I'm sorry I never told you. It was difficult for me, admitting it to myself much less to a friend."

"It's all right," he said, not wanting her to feel guilty for something private. Hell, there were a lot of things he hadn't shared with her and he didn't feel guilty about it at all.

"No, it's not," she said, looking at him, "I was too scared to deal with it. That's why I went to LA. Not to become an actress, but to get away from a love that scared me to death."

"You don't have to tell me all this, Delia," he said softly, knowing she was having trouble talking about it.

"I need to tell someone, and you're my best friend," she said, watching him smile at her comment. "I thought I was over it. You know, I hadn't seen for a couple of years. Tonight, it hit me again. I never got over her. She still loves me. Even after everything, she still loves me. We went to dinner tonight, had a very long talk. She's so strong, Angel. I don't think I can be strong enough for her. I'm so scared."

"What are you scared of?" he asked, not used to seeing Cordelia like this.

"Everything. Nothing," she sighed, "I don't know anymore. Right now, I'm most scared of leaving here without her love."

"I'd say you have your answer, then," he said. "You are strong enough for her, Delia. If you love her, if she loves you, that's all that should matter."

********************

"What did Angel have to say?" Willow asked as Cordelia came into her room.

Cordelia smiled, glad that Willow was still awake. She had spent over an hour talking to Angel, telling him things that she had never confessed to anyone. He'd been great, just listening and not judging her. In fact, he'd made her think a lot about what she had given up and the time she had lost because of fear. It was so silly, in a way. She was usually so brave, never really caring what people thought of her really. But, with Willow, it had all been overwhelming. She'd been drowning in all those confusing emotions, having no idea what to do or how to act. She'd run. In the end, she had to admit that it had been for the best. If she hadn't had the time away, if she hadn't matured the way that she had, she and Willow would probably have never made it. As it was, she had lost two years but possibly gained a future.

"I'm glad you're awake," she said with a soft smile as she sat on the edge of the bed. "Angel was unbelievably cool."

"He usually is," Willow said with a small smile. "And I'm awake because I got in about ten minutes ago myself."

"Where were you?" Cordelia asked, knowing she heard jealousy in her voice.

"With a gorgeous, smart, funny blond," Willow said, feeling pleasure at Cordelia's jealous tone.

"Willow," Cordy warned, her good mood and elation fading as she glared at the redhead.

"I was with Spike," Willow said, giggling as Cordelia smiled sheepishly. "And while he may be yummy as hell, he's just not my type."

"I love you," Cordelia said taking Willow's hand. "Angel made me realize what I might lose, again, if I didn't move past the fear. I can't lose you, again."

"You won't," Willow smiled as she leaned over and gently brushed her lips over Cordelia's. "Are you sure, Delia? Really sure that this is what you want? I won't let you go again."

"I want you in my life," Cordelia said quietly, "I can't say that I'm not scared, because I am. I'm willing to take the risk, though. People can say whatever they want about me as long as you're there beside me. I love you, I want to be with you. Even if it is long distance, I'll know you're mine."

"You guys are going to be here for a few days, at least," Willow said softly, seeing how nervous Cordelia was, "we have time to figure something out. Maybe we can alternate weekends or something. I don't want to worry about it right now. The woman I love just told me she loves me. I'm much too happy to think."

"Me too," Cordelia said with a smile, "I'm very happy. Can we tell everyone tomorrow?"

Willow laughed at the eagerness in the brunette's eyes, "Are you sure you're ready for that? You know that they're going to be curious. And Xander is awful, always asking for details."

"Xander is always awful," Cordelia said with a fond smile. "I'm ready. I want everyone to know that you're mine. I can deal with them, I hope."

"We can deal with them," Willow said, watching the pleasure fill Cordelia's face as she said the word we. She glanced at the clock, laughing, "It's nearly dawn and we're sitting here giggling."

"Is it that late?" Cordelia felt herself yawn as she looked at the clock. "Why is it you never feel tired until you realize what time it is?"

Willow laughed before asking, "Do you want to sleep with me tonight?"

"Could I?" Cordelia smiled shyly as she nodded.

"Let's get some sleep, Delia," Willow said, kissing Cordelia softly, reluctantly stopping before it went further. It was too soon for them to make love again, no matter how desperately she wanted too. The girls laid down, Willow behind Cordelia, her arms around the girl's waist as they drifted off to sleep.

********************

"Why are you wearing that smirk?" Xander demanded as he and Anya entered the Magic Box, his eyes looking at Buffy.

"What? No hello?" she said, laughing as he glared at her.

"Hello, Buffy. Why are you smirking?" he said as he took a seat, looking around the empty room. "Wow, we're early!"

"I'll notify Guinness," Anya said with a smile as she took the seat next to him.

"Actually, I think everyone else is just late," Buffy pointed out with a gesture towards the clock.

"And again I ask, what is causing the Buffinator to smirk," Xander said with a pointed look.

"You're imagining things," Buffy said with a sly grin.

"Fess up, slayer," Anya said, rolling her eyes. "You know he won't leave it alone until you talk."

"It's really nothing," Buffy said as she shook her head.

"Buffy," Xander whined, hating not knowing what was happening.

"OK," Buffy finally gave in after Xander gave her the puppy dog eyes and pout, "I was merely thinking over something I saw this morning and smiling because I was partially responsible."

"This morning?" Anya asked, leaning forward for the gossip, "What happened?"

"Willow and Cordelia," Buffy said simply as she giggled, her smile happy as remembered seeing her two friends sleeping peacefully before she left this morning.

"What about them?" Xander asked, his eyes widening as he realized Buffy's meaning. "Willow and Cordelia? You mean, Willow *and* Cordelia?"

"Honey, that's what she said," Anya said, amused at Xander's open-mouthed reaction.

"Our Willow with Queen C?" Xander asked using one of his favorite nicknames for Cordelia.

"I don't know for sure, but it looks like some sparks are flying," Buffy said with a cunning smile. She suddenly lost the smile as she looked at Xander and asked softly, "Are you okay with that? I mean, I know you loved Cordy once."

"Loved," he repeated with a smile, "past tense. I care about her, as a friend and old girlfriend, but I love Anya, present tense. It doesn't bother me."

"Don't tell them I told you," Buffy asked, "I may be jumping to conclusions and I'd hate to make them mad at me for being a big mouth."

"Told us what?" Anya asked, batting her eyes innocently before winking at the slayer. She turned to Xander, asking, "Where are the snacks? I'm hungry."

"I got plenty to choose from," Xander laughed as he put a large bag onto the table.

Buffy just smiled, eager for Willow to arrive so that she could get her alone to question her. She was dying to know if Cordelia's sleeping with her, fully clothed and on top of the covers, meant that they were going to try their relationship again or if it meant that they had settled to just being friends. For her friend's sake, she hoped it was the former. She shook her head slightly, deciding that she had spent enough time thinking about it. She held out her hand, telling Xander, "Toss me some Oreos. I'm feeling snacky."

********************

"Someone looks happy," Buffy sang out as Willow and Cordelia came into the store. She smirked as Willow rolled her eyes and Cordy blushed.

"Someone's gonna get hit," Willow sang back as she moved to sit on the sofa opposite the slayer, Cordelia sitting beside her. "Hi everyone."

"Willow," Xander said, his eyes paying close attention to his friend. Yep, he could see it. Willow and Cordelia. Where had he been when that one happened?

"Xander," Willow said, frowning at the knowing look she saw in her friend's eyes. She decided to ignore it for the time being, instead asking, "Where are Wesley and Gunn?"

"Meeting a contact," Angel said, noticing Cordelia's hand on Willow's upper thigh. He smiled slightly, glad that his friend had decided to take a chance finally.

"Oooh, a contact?" Cordelia said, speaking for the first time since entering the room. "How very Mission Impossible like."

"Yes, it does seem pretty professional, huh?" Buffy said, smiling. "Contacts and sources and such. We're playing in the big league now."

"Do they think they'll get anything helpful?" Willow asked.

"I don't know. Anything is worth a shot, I'd guess," Angel replied.

"I hate to say it, but I almost wish they wouldn't," Anya decided, earning glares from the others. She smiled sheepishly, "I just meant that it would be rather annoying to have spent months researching that bitch only to have Wesley and Gunn find something useful after less than a day."

"I wouldn't care if they found at everything," Dawn said, making a face. "Glory being dead would take away any of the annoyance in my book."

"We're gonna get her, honey," Buffy said with a confident smile, "no matter how long it takes."

"Oh, Buffy, I talked to Spike last night," Willow mentioned, her eyes on Angel to gauge his reaction. She saw him look at her, his body tensing at the mention of the blond vampire. "He said he'd try to swing by tomorrow to catch up on everything. He was planning on doing a little hunting tonight, see if he learned anything new."

"I was wondering why he wasn't here," Buffy said, frowning as she saw Willow glance at Angel then back at her. Things clicked into place and she nodded, having heard about Spike's feelings for Angelus from Willow. She sighed, "I think I understand."

"If you need him, you know where he is at," Willow said before leaning back against the couch. "So, what's the plan for tonight?"

"Research, research and, let me take a wild guess, more research," Xander said with a good natured grimace.

"Such choices," Dawn said with a laugh. "How will we ever decide."

"So, Cordelia, did you sleep well last night?" Buffy asked, a twinkle of mischief in her hazel eyes.

"Better than I have in years, slayer," Cordelia said, rather proud that she felt no fear at admitting the truth. She took a deep breath and continued, "Actually, that's something I needed to tell all of you. Willow and I...we are um...I love her."

Willow smiled at Cordelia's stammered admission, leaning over and brushing her lips against the girl's cheek before looking at her unsurprised friends.

"Yeah, like we didn't know that one," Xander said, laughing.

"Glad you finally admitted it," Buffy said, a bit jealous of the love she could see between her friends. It was nice seeing Willow so happy again. She sat up, saying, "Cordy, why don't you help me get some books."

"Uh oh," Anya said, rolling her eyes. "Just say no, Delia. She'll get you alone and give you the best friend warning."

"If you hurt Willow, I'll hunt you down and make you regret ever being born," Xander said with a shudder, "only, she'll make it more threatening and probably sneer."

"I was going to do no such thing," Buffy denied weakly. Finally, she laughed, "Fine, I was going to give her a polite reminder to treat Willow nice and be happy or else."

"I don't need a warning, Buffy," Cordelia said, pleased that they all seemed to be so accepting. "I won't hurt her again."

"Good," Buffy smiled before looking at the books and sighing dramatically, "we need to quit our playing and get to work."

"Toss me a book," Willow said, proud of Cordelia.

********************

"I can't believe that was it," Cordelia said again.

"Would you quit saying that?" Willow laughed, having heard that same statement at least a dozen times since they'd left the store.

"They were so cool," Cordelia looked at the redhead and smiled, "I just can't believe it was so easy. I've been so scared and it was nothing."

"We have great friends," Willow said. "They just want us to be happy, no judging."

"We really do have great friends," Cordelia acknowledged, shuddering as she imagined how her friends in high school would have reacted to the news that she was in love with Willow. "I could even handle Buffy's threats."

"I'm proud of you," Willow said seriously, leaning over and brushing her lips against Cordelia's. With a smile, she said, "And ignore Buffy. She's so overprotective it's silly. She even threatened Spike when we first became friends. I personally think she just likes to threaten."

"She threatened Spike and he let her live?" Cordelia laughed softly, "I find that really hard to believe."

"He's changed, Delia, just like the rest of us. He's one of my dearest friends, strangely enough. Now, I won't say that he didn't grumble or make some threats of his own, but he tolerates Buffy rather well," Willow said.

"Should I be jealous?" Cordelia asked, only half joking as she listened to the way Willow spoke about Spike.

"Of Spike?" Willow laughed, "Not anymore than I should be jealous of Angel or his place in your life. I do love Spike, Delia, but in the way that I love Buffy or Xander. He's important to me. But jealous? Sorry, but his taste tends to run to dark haired brooding vampires whose name starts with an A."

"Angel doesn't brood as much, actually," Cordelia said, "but I know what you mean. It's the same with me and him. He is my best friend, but it ends there. Personally, I'm rather inclined to think that his taste runs to bleach blond sarcastic vampires."

"They're pretty stupid to be so old," Willow said, shaking her head as they walked. "I hate it, you know? Spike deserves to be happy, but he won't let himself. He and Angel, well, I can't even begin to examine their relationship. He's told me some things, usually when he's drunk. Let's just say that they definitely have a past. And both of them are too damn stubborn to ever even try to talk, much less move past their history and look towards the future."

"They're men, honey," Cordelia said with a small smile. "Men are usually pretty stupid when it comes to relationships and emotion. Angel has never told me anything about Angelus and Spike. I know some from the whole thing with Darla, but just a lot of guessing on my part. I know he isn't happy, not really. True, he's happier now than when he was here. No offense against Buffy or anything."

"It's okay. She even understands that what they had was special but not meant to be," Willow said, smiling. "I'm glad he's happier, though. If they're stupid enough not to take a chance, at least they can both be relatively happy alone."

"Hey, they're both vampires. They have an eternity to get it together," Cordelia said with a laugh as they made their way up the sidewalk to Buffy's house. "And why are we talking about Angel and Spike on the night that we made our relationship known to all of our friends? We have much more interesting things we could be discussing."

"Oh really?" Willow smiled as she asked, "Like what?"

"Like this," Cordelia said as she caught Willow's lips in a soft, exploring kiss.

********************

Spike stiffened as the familiar scent reached him. He looked up, eyes narrowing as he saw Angel leaning against the door of his crypt. He shot his grandsire a glare as he leaned back, demanding, "What are you doing here?"

"Nice place, Spike, though I must know what you have against modern conveniences," Angel asked, his eyes betraying none of his thoughts as he looked over the blond.

"Get out, Peaches," Spike snarled, not in the mood to battle his former lover. He had been drinking most the day, knowing Angel was in town, lost in memories and thoughts. He didn't feel like making nice.

"It smells like a bar in here," Angel said as he walked into the crypt, almost daring Spike to force him out. He had no idea why he was there. He hadn't planned on seeing Spike while he was in town. Reopening old wounds wasn't very wise. But, he'd found himself pulled to Spike as he always did. It had been over a year since they'd met, and then it had not been under the best of circumstances. His brown eyes moved over the floor beside the lumpy sofa Spike was sitting on, taking stock of the many empty bottles of alcohol.

"Didn't I tell you to leave?" Spike asked, raising a brow as part of him became curious as to why exactly Angel was there. Judging by the dark eyes staring at him, he wasn't going to get any answers.

"You didn't have to skip the meeting because I was there," Angel said softly, looking at the wall of the crypt. "We're going to be working together."

"It wasn't because of you," Spike denied before taking a long drink. His blue eyes found Angel watching him. He lowered the bottle, recognizing the arousal and need that flashed in those dark eyes before disappearing. "I just didn't feel like going."

"Fine," Angel didn't call the bluff. He needed to leave before he did something he'd regret. He needed to go help find some way to help Buffy so that he could leave, go back home, get away from Spike. He couldn't allow his grandchilde to see the loneliness and need, he couldn't let Spike know that he missed him, wanted him. He fought it every day, and would continue fighting it. Past was past. All that was important was the present. He ran a hand through his dark hair as he said, "I just wanted you to know that you could attend the meetings."

"I never needed your permission, old man," Spike said, studying the handsome vampire. Something was different, but he couldn't place what it was.

"Take care, William," Angel said as he turned and left, stopping outside the crypt to take a few unnecessary breaths. It had taken all of his strength to leave the crypt. He needed to get back to LA, he decided. The sooner the better. Being here was too dangerous.

Spike sat silently, looking at the door after it shut behind Angel. He was sober, had been as soon as he had seen his former lover. He had expected anger. After all, the last time they had met had been rough. Instead, he'd received that silent stare. That bothered him far more than anger and hatred. That gave him hope that maybe, just maybe, Angel still felt something for him. It was then that he realized what was different, and he began to smile. Throughout the decades, he'd followed Angelus across Europe, searching the United States, going to Sunnydale, hell, even going to LA. Tonight, though, for the first time since they had met, Angel had found him.

********************

Willow stirred in her sleep, distantly hearing the light tapping and ignoring it. After several minutes of increasingly harder tapping, she opened one eye. She wasn't dreaming. There was a tapping coming from her window. With a sigh, she opened her other eye and sat up. She was careful not to disturb Cordelia, pausing a moment to look at her lover, a soft smile crossing her pretty face as she pulled the sheet over Cordelia's naked breasts. After going public with their relationship, they had had a long walk, talking and holding and kissing. By the time they had arrived home, they'd barely made it to the bedroom before they allowed their passion to take them away. It had been magical. Willow didn't want to downplay their time together in high school, but they'd been awkward kids, not sure what to do. This time, they'd known. There had been no hesitancy after the first kiss. Even now, thinking about it, she was getting aroused. She shook her head, glaring at the window as she reluctantly stood up, not at all wanting to leave the warmth of her lover's bed.

She put on a robe before walking to the balcony. She pulled back her curtain, not very surprised to see a sheepish vampire standing by her balcony door. She rolled her eyes, opening the door and stepping out onto the balcony, not wanting to disturb Cordelia. "Spike, what brings you here at four in the morning?"

"Did I wake you?" he asked in a voice that told her he didn't really care one way or the other.

"No, of course not," she said sarcastically. When she saw his eyes, she grew serious, "What happened?"

Spike shrugged, "Nothing. Just wanted to see you."

"Spike, I know you. Something happened or you wouldn't be here," she reminded with a stern look. "Now talk."

"Had a visitor tonight," he said, his eyes looking past her into her room. He playfully leered as he said, "Well, well, looks like someone got lucky, eh Red?"

"Quit trying to distract me," she said, "A visitor? And yes, I did get lucky, thank you very much. Stop looking at my woman and talk!"

His blue eyes found hers, confusion flashing in them as he lit a cigarette, "Angel."

"Angel came to see you?" Willow asked, a bit surprised but also not very. "And that brought you to my balcony why?"

"You're my best friend," he said, scowling, "Figured you might make sense of it all."

She sighed, running a hand through her hair as she saw just how lost he seemed to be. Spike could fool many people, but she knew that he wasn't nearly as confident or assured he wanted others to believe. At this very moment, he looked confused and just the least bit hopeful. "What did he say?"

"Nothing," Spike said, snorting. "The man never says anything."

"Okay, then. What did he not say?" Willow asked.

"Everything," Spike looked into her eyes, "he gave me some line about attending the meetings, not staying away because of him, as if I needed his permission or something. Then, he left. I dunno, Red. Confused the hell out of me. If that was his intent, he succeeded."

"Spike, why don't you talk to him? Communication is the only way you'll know for sure," she said softly, watching as he tensed at the suggestion.

"Sorry, pet. Talking isn't my game," he said with a grimace.

"Then why are you here?" she asked, getting annoyed with him, wishing she could beat some sense into his bleached blond head.

"To see if you knew anything," he replied as he tossed the last of his cigarette onto the ground below. "Red, he came looking for me tonight. Angelus never comes to me. I'm always the one that goes to him. Does it make sense that he came to me after a century and a half?"

"You're scared," she said quietly, watching him as he glared at her, but didn't deny her words. "Angel isn't Angelus, Spike. Maybe he's finally tired of running, ready to be caught."

"He probably just wanted to annoy me," Spike decided, "knew that it would bother me more to have him show up like that than if he'd just kicked my ass. I'm sure it was nothing. It's the alcohol, making me think was there some other motivation. Just another stupid game."

"You don't believe that anymore than I do," Willow said, shaking her head, "but keep telling yourself whatever you want. You're both too damn stubborn to just talk, so you both deserve to be unhappy and alone."

"I'm not alone, luv," he said with a smile, not giving any indication that he'd listened to anything she had said, "I've got you."

She rolled her eyes, "Spike, go home. It's going to be dawn soon. And, as much as you irritate the hell out of me, I'd miss you if you were dust."

"Love you too," he said with a wink as he blew her a kiss and started to climb down the balcony.

Willow stood outside for several minutes after he had left, lost in thought. Finally, she went back inside, shutting her door and drawing the curtains once again. She climbed back into bed, smiling sheepishly when Cordelia looked at her with a sleepy smile. "Sorry I woke you."

"You didn't," Cordelia said, nodding towards the balcony, "He okay?"

"As well as he ever is," Willow said, her eyes moving over Cordelia as she smiled, "Do you know how much I love you?"

Cordelia smiled wickedly, "Why don't you show me?"

********************

"That's it?" Buffy said, again, as she stared at the two men.

"Yeah, that's it," Gunn said, rolling his eyes. "How many times do we have to tell you?"

"I hate you both," Anya said, glaring at them.

"What did we do?" Wesley asked in alarm, finding their reactions not at all how he had imagined.

"You found out the answer overnight," Xander said, "we've spent days, weeks, and months researching, or so it seems."

"At least we have an answer, now," Giles said with relief. He looked at the men, "Your source is positive that it will work?"

Gunn shrugged, "Well, it's not like he's ever tried it, but, yeah, he said it would. We get the sword, do the blessing, and kick her ass."

"And this sword, where is it?" Willow asked, torn at the moment. On one hand, she was pleased that they might actually have found a way to destroy Glory, on the other, it had happened far sooner than she had expected. When it was all over, Cordelia would be leaving her. It was too fast. She'd just gotten her back, now she had to lose her again.

"That part he didn't know," Wesley said with a grimace. "We've got to find it."

"I know where it is," Spike said, speaking up for the first time from his place behind Willow. All eyes were on him as he snarled, "What? I can't contribute?"

"Where is it?" Willow asked, hating to see him like this, all defensive and glaring.

"North, small town a couple of hours from here," he said, thinking about it, "if he hasn't moved."

"He?" Buffy asked.

"Demon I met a few decades back," Spike said, "he collects things, had it then. You did say a Wrigthyian sword, right?"

"Yeah," Gunn said, "there are a few dozen around, so our source said. The metal is what kills the bitch, once it's been blessed and all. If you know of one around here, it'll save us days of looking."

"I'm sure he's got it," Spike said, "he'll let me borrow it, he owes me."

"Can you call him, find out if he'll send it?" Anya asked, relieved that this might all be over by the end of the week.

"I'm not going to bloody well have him send it in the post, pet," Spike said with a snort. "I'll go fetch it, have it back here by dusk tomorrow."

"You don't mind?" Buffy asked, still finding it strange to be working with her enemy, still finding it difficult to trust him, this time with her sister's life.

"Wouldn't have volunteered if I'd minded, luv," he said. "When I get back, you can have your little plan all worked out. How's that?"

"We'll have it ready," Giles assured him, already thinking out a strategy.

"You can't go alone," Willow decided, raising a brow as he glared at her.

"Why not?" he demanded.

"It could be dangerous," she said, "he might not be as willing to let you borrow it as you think, then what? I don't want you facing him alone."

"I can take care of myself, Red, but it's nice to know you care," he said with a roll of his blue eyes.

"You're not going alone," she said, her eyes catching his.

"I'll go," Angel said softly, having been silent the entire evening.

"Over my dead body," Spike snarled, daring them to remind him that he was already dead.

"Angel will go with you," Willow said, accepting the vampire's offer.

Spike looked at her, "No, he won't." Blue eyes locked with green as silence passed for several moments. Finally, Spike looked away, muttering, "Fine, he can go, but I'm not happy about it."

"Be careful," Willow said seriously.

"We will, luv," Spike said, brushing his lips across her forehead before turning to glare at Angel, "Come on, Peaches. We have to get on the road."

Cordelia watched them leave, shaking her head, "I'm glad I'm staying here."

Xander looked at the others, "Does anyone else find it weird but oddly reassuring that, at the moment, our futures lie in the hands of two vampires that have tried to kill us several times?"

********************

The radio was turned up as loud as he could get it. Even with the deafening sound of the Sex Pistols, the silence was overwhelming. Spike's fingers beat a rapid tune on the steering wheel, not keeping up with the music that he wasn't listening to. He was on edge, had been tense since getting in the car at the magic store. He had decided that, when he returned, he was going to tie Willow up and torture her in various ways to let her know how angry he was with her. She knew about him and Angel, knew what he felt for the older vampire, yet she'd still insisted that he drive all the way to Havertyville with him. Hours of torture because she claimed she worried about him. It was only fair for him to get the chance to repay her, wasn't it?

"You can't kill Willow," Angel said softly, knowing all too well what his grandchilde was thinking.

"Don't want to kill her, Peaches," Spike snarled, glaring at the older man before he smiled evilly, "Nothing wrong with a spot of torture though."

"You can't torture her because she was worried about you," Angel said, rolling his eyes as he turned to look out the window, wondering again why he had volunteered to accompany Spike. As if he didn't know. Any chance to be with Spike appealed to his masochistic side. Even sitting in this car with that loud, horrible music playing, couldn't stop him from remembering their past, from wishing that Spike could look at him without seeing Angelus, that he had William back in his life.

"Can too," Spike said, realizing after he'd said it just how childish he sounded. He frowned, adding, "She's my friend. I could torture her if I wanted too."

"Why would you want to torture her?" Angel asked, glancing at Spike and noticing the silence that greeted his question. "Because she cared enough to want someone to back you up in case something bad happens?"

"None of your business, Peaches," Spike said, refusing to answer. A slight smile crossed his face as he thought about Willow and how easily she'd gotten him to agree to let Angel go with him no matter how badly he was against the idea. He sighed, making a face, "She's got me whipped, that one does."

"I'd noticed," Angel said, keeping the jealousy from his voice. The first thing he had noticed, besides the exact nature of Cordelia and Willow's relationship, was the closeness that seemed to exist between Spike and the redhead. A friendship that still astonished him. Of course, truth be known, he still found it hard to believe that Spike was actually aiding Buffy willingly, chip or no chip.

Spike glanced at Angel, arching a brow at the sharp response. His eyes moved back to watch the road, but he was thinking. Why would his friendship with Willow upset Angel? A slow smile crossed his face as he realized that it didn't really matter. Whatever the reason, he'd gotten a reaction from the stoic brooding bastard. He rather liked that, though he wasn't sure why. Shrugging, he decided to be honest, "I'd do anything for Red. Have, in fact. Making nice with the daft slayer, not having someone kill that pathetic little shadow she called a girlfriend, not making a nice wolfskin rug when that wanker of an ex-boyfriend came back to town to cause trouble. Don't know why, but I'm devoted to her. She's my best friend. I'd never hurt her, no matter what you think."

Angel looked at Spike in surprise, reaching over to turn down the radio as he said honestly, "I never thought you'd hurt Willow, Spike. It's obvious you care about her. I didn't mean that you'd actually torture her. I just...never mind."

"You just what?" Spike asked, deciding to let the volume on the radio stay down for a bit. He wanted to know what Angel was thinking.

"It's nothing. I was just tired of the silence, I guess," Angel admitted, making a face as he looked out the window. "I wanted you to talk to me, to have a conversation that didn't consist of threats and warnings and baggage."

"Well, we are, aren't we?" Spike said, deciding not to push for fear of getting answers that he wasn't prepared to deal with. The tension was back, only, this time it was caused by confusion and, dare he even think it, hope.

Angel glanced at Spike and smiled slightly, nodding, "Yeah, I guess we are."

"So, my girl and your girl look pretty cozy," Spike said, doing his best to keep things light, to test it and see what happened.

"I had no idea, honestly, that anything had happened between Willow and Cordelia," Angel said, shaking his head.

"I knew," Spike smirked, "Red told me about her a while back. You know, the one that got away and all that rot. Must admit, I can't remember seeing Willow so happy. Your girl's good for her."

"Yeah, they do seem good for each other," Angel said, leaning back as he changed the subject to Xander and Anya, asking what the ex-demon could possibly see in Xander and causing Spike to begin telling various stories of the frightening and nauseating relationship that existed between the two as they drove down the dark highway.

********************

"Got the sword, slayer," Spike said as he entered the magic shop, placing a heavy metal sword on the table in front of the surprised blond.

"He just gave it to you?" Buffy asked, her hazel eyes looking over the weapon needed to defeat Glory and save her sister, friends, and the world. It looked rather plain. Was pretty ugly, actually. She really hoped Wesley's contacts were right and that this was all she needed. It seemed too easy, but, maybe after years of difficult fights, the Gods had decided she deserved a break.

"Well, I asked nicely, but yeah," Spike said with a wink at Willow.

"Why don't I believe you?" Willow asked with a laugh.

"He's actually telling the truth this time," Angel said softly as he moved to take a seat beside Cordelia. "The guy didn't want Hell on Earth so he happily handed it over."

"Didn't even get to threaten him," Spike grumbled as he took the seat beside Willow. His blue eyes looked over Angel as he smiled slightly. The trip had been rather uneventful, except for the fact that it had begun the tentative rebuilding of a friendship between him and his grandsire.

"There, there, honey. We'll let you kill some demons soon," Willow said sympathetically as she patted his hand. She hadn't missed the subtle exchange between the vampires, wondering what exactly had happened on their road trip. She'd get answers soon enough, even if she had to torture Spike to get them.

"You baby your vamp too much," Cordelia laughed as she rolled her eyes.

"She does not!" Spike said, glaring at the former cheerleader.

"Spike, hush. She was just teasing," Willow said with a smile. "Cordy, quit teasing my vampire."

"Are you gonna make me?" Cordelia asked, leaning over slightly as her dark eyes moved over Willow's lips.

"Please make her," Xander begged, eager to see some PDAs between the two girls that he had loved so many years ago.

"Xander!" Anya smacked the back of his head, glaring at him, "Leave them alone."

"Ow," Xander exclaimed, rubbing the back of his head. "Anya, baby, that hurt!"

"Good," she said, taking his arm. "Let's see if Giles needs help."

"You just don't want me to watch," he whined.

"Xander, go away. There's nothing to watch," Willow said with a laugh as Anya pulled her best friend into the back of the store.

"I'm going to go find Wesley and see what we need to do to bless this sword. Then, I'm going to go find Glory and kill the bitch," Buffy declared as she stood up, giving Willow a smile. "Can you believe this nightmare is almost over? By tomorrow night, Glory should be gone and then we can finally get things back to normal, well, as normal as they ever are."

"Pet, you okay?" Spike asked, noticing the smile fading from Willow's face as she watched the slayer go off in search of Wesley.

"Sure, I'm fine," Willow said with a sigh as she looked at Cordelia and whispered, "it's almost over."

********************

"It's not going to be over," Cordelia said softly, knowing that they had avoided talking about the future. It seemed that things were not going to take as long as she had hoped. She was glad that it appeared they would be able to defeat Glory, but she wished it had taken longer.

"You and Angel will be going back to LA," Willow pointed out, "and I'll be staying here."

"Red, you can go visit her on weekends," Spike said, his eyes finding Angel's as he saw his grandsire realize that he'd be leaving soon. "I can drive you."

"You're welcome to stay with me when you visit," Angel offered, his eyes on Spike's. He wasn't sure what exactly was happening between him and the blond, but it seemed that they were starting to become friends again. They'd been incredibly close before he had been cursed, Angelus having true affection for his smart-ass grandchilde. It had been the closest thing to love that his demon had ever felt. That was probably one reason why Angelus had been so cruel when he had come back those few years before, lashing out at everything the soul loved. He'd hurt Spike, done things that he knew should have made the blond hate him. Instead, Spike was looking at him as if he was losing his best friend.

"See? We can be together whenever we want," Cordelia said with a smile. It seemed like another time that she had been hesitant in being in a relationship with Willow. After being accepted so easily by their friends, she realized that she didn't care what other people thought. She loved Willow, and wasn't going to lose her again.

"Yeah, I know. I just thought we might have more time. It's still pretty new," Willow said. "But, it's not very long drive between Sunnydale and LA. We can visit."

"That's my girl," Spike said as he put his arm around Willow's shoulder, giving it a squeeze. He felt for the girl, knew what she was feeling at the moment. It was horrible to get a second chance at love only to lose it again so soon.

Before anyone could respond, Buffy came back into the room. "We got it! Wesley performed the blessing. Anyone up for kicking a little demigod ass?"

"When you put it that way, how can we refuse?" Angel said with a slight smile at the slayer's enthusiasm at facing off against Glory. He knew that Buffy had been scared. For the first time in her career, she had felt real fear. It had changed her, made her grow up. He was glad to see her happy, knowing that a part of him would always love her. He stood and helped Cordelia out of her chair. He gave her shoulder a squeeze, knowing that she must be sad at the idea of having to leave Willow to return home. They'd have weekends, though, and there was the phone and email. He was just glad that they had found each other again, seeing a true bond between the two. It wasn't often that one found their soul mate. Unknowingly, his eyes moved to where Spike was whispering in Willow's ear trying to make her laugh.

"Hey, guys. Do we have a plan?" Xander asked as he followed Giles into the store.

"Plan? What is this plan that you speak of?" Buffy asked with a smile, feeling confident now that they had a means to destroy that bitch. Glory wouldn't be expecting an attack, obviously not having any idea there was a weapon around that could defeat her. Buffy was counting on that confidence being the demon's downfall.

"Don't tell me that!" Xander said. "I need to know we have a plan."

"We have a plan," Dawn said as she moved to her sister's side.

"Of course we have a plan," Willow spoke up, taking Cordelia's hand and squeezing as Spike continued to play with her hair. She looked up at him, narrowing her eyes when she saw him twisting her red hair into strange little balls. "Stop it," she said with a laugh.

"I find this look quite attractive, Red," Spike said with a smile before looking at the others. "We were talking about plans?"

"Are you finished playing hair stylist?" Buffy asked with amusement. "You know, that actually looks pretty cool. Do you think you can do me after the battle?"

"I wouldn't *do* you, slayer, for all the money in the world," Spike said sweetly, watching the blonde's face blush as she realized what she has asked, "but I might fix your hair, if you're nice."

"Why didn't I just stake him when I had the chance?" Buffy asked with a laugh, again surprised that she had begun to consider Spike a friend. It was Willow's fault, she decided, not that she minded. He helped them, and he wasn't such a bad guy underneath it all.

"Can we get back to the plan?" Anya asked.

"Plan, right," Dawn said with a laugh. "Can I tell it?"

"Sure," Buffy said, shaking her head.

"We go and kill Glory and try not get killed while doing it!" Dawn said with a large smile.

"Very good," Buffy said, giving her sister a hug. "I've taught you well."

"That's it? That's the plan?" Xander said, looking at the ceiling. "Help us!"

"I think it's a good plan," Gunn decided as he picked up a sword from the display. "Let's get this show on the road!"

********************

"Ow," Anya made a face as Buffy put the medicine on the cut that covered her arm.

"Quit whining," Buffy said, rolling her eyes. It had been two days since they had fought Glory and her minions. There had been no casualties on their side, all of them working extremely well together. Glory hadn't known what hit her, having never faced a truly pissed off slayer before. There had been a few cuts and bruises, Anya's arm being the worst. But, it was healing. Overall, they'd done well. She was just glad that it was over. Dawn was safe. Her friends were safe. They'd saved the world, again.

"Do you really have to go?" Willow asked Cordelia again as she looked away from Anya to face her lover.

Cordelia sighed, "Yeah, I'm afraid so."

"That just sucks," Willow declared. She couldn't really say anything, though. Gunn and Wesley had gone back to LA the day after the fight, letting Angel and Cordelia stay a little longer. It just hadn't been long enough. Cordelia was needed in LA just like she was needed in Sunnydale. They'd had a long talk the previous night, both deciding that it would have to be weekends and vacation visits. Angel needed Cordelia, and Willow didn't want to leave Buffy, so they'd have to make to do with what they could. It wouldn't be so bad. They'd still be able to see each other and there was the phone. It just wouldn't be the same as sharing a room, waking up together, sharing their lives. Willow loved Cordelia, though, so it was worth it.

"I agree," Cordelia sighed. "You'll come visit next weekend?"

Willow nodded, "Spike said he'd drive me. I think there might be something happening between him and Angel, so I figure he'll welcome the chance to visit."

"I've seen it," Cordelia smiled. "I'm glad. They deserve some happiness."

"If they'd both quit being so stubborn and admit that they love each other, it might make things easier," Willow said with a laugh. "Come on, let's go on the porch. You're going to be leaving soon, and I want you to myself for a bit."

"I love you," Cordelia whispered as she pulled Willow to her, giving the redhead a deep, passionate kiss right there in the living room.

"Stop drooling," Anya said as she smacked Xander across the head, giving him a frown. "I'm in pain. You're supposed to be paying attention to me and not the lovey dovey lesbians!"

"Sorry, honey," Xander said, giving her a sheepish look. She always managed to hit him in the exact same spot. How did she do that?

"Poor Willow," Anya said as she looked at the two girls once she was satisfied that Xander was not staring at them any longer. "She's going to be sad once Cordelia leaves. I don't like seeing my friends sad."

"She'll be okay. She'll be visiting on weekends, and Cordelia knows she can stay here anytime she wants," Buffy said, her own eyes moving to her best friend.

"She'll be sad," Anya said, not caring what the slayer said. She had seen many couples in her time, and few had as strong a bond as Cordelia and Willow had. She knew their love would survive separation, but it was going to be sad. "It isn't fair."

"No, it isn't," Buffy agreed, feeling guilty. She knew the reason that Willow wasn't going to LA with Cordelia. She had been able to determine over the last week just how important Cordelia was to Angel. Not only did the brunette receive visions from the Powers, but she really helped managed everything in the office. There was no way the girl could move back to Sunnydale, even if she had wanted to. She was a part of Angel's redemption, like it or not. Willow was Buffy's best friend, had kept the slayer alive more times than even she knew. Buffy hated the thought of not having Willow around every day, not being able to have the constant support that Willow gave her. She turned as Angel came up behind her, hugging him and whispering, "Thank you."

"Be happy, Buffy," he said softly, kissing her forehead before saying his good-byes to Xander and Anya.

Buffy watched him look at Spike, not saying a word. She guessed when you had a love that had lasted over a hundred years, words weren't always necessary. She moved onto the porch as Angel got into his car. Cordelia was crying, though she was doing her best to wipe away the tears before they could be seen. Buffy watched as Willow hugged the brunette, kissing her again before she moved to join Angel in the car. The slayer moved behind her best friend, hugging her from behind as she rested her chin on Willow's shoulder. "I'm sorry, Will."

"I'll see her next weekend," Willow said softly, having almost given in to tears when she had seen Cordelia crying.

"Won't be so bad, Red. I'll keep you entertained," Spike promised, hating the sense of loss he was feeling at the moment. He'd only spent a few days with Angel, barely moving into a friendship with the souled vampire, but he felt as though his chance at happiness was driving down the street headed to LA.

"Willow, can I talk to you?" Buffy asked quietly, giving her friend a smile.

"Sure," Willow wiped her face, taking Buffy's hand and following her best friend upstairs to her room.

********************

"What's wrong, Buffy?" Willow asked, sitting on her bed as Buffy sat down next to her.

"I love you, Willow," Buffy said, smiling at her best friend in the entire world.

"I love you too, Buffy," Willow said, wondering if this was some delayed reaction from fighting Glory and facing death yet again.

"You know that you're my best friend," Buffy said, "if it hadn't been for you, I wouldn't be alive now. You're the strongest person that I know, the bravest. You mean the world to me."

"Buffy," Willow felt herself blushing slightly at the praise from her friend.

"No, don't interrupt. If you do, I don't know if I can do this," Buffy said with a shaky smile. "I'll always need you, Willow. You're my best friend, my support system, my back up. All I've ever wanted was for you to be happy. LA isn't that far away. The way Spike drives, you could be here in less than an hour."

"Buffy, what are you saying?" Willow asked, a small smile starting to spread across her face.

"You don't need to stay here for me, Willow. I have Dawn and Giles and Xander and Anya. If I let you stay out of some sense of duty, I'd be the selfish bitch that I used to be. I'm not that girl anymore, Willow. I'll miss you something fierce, but you belong with Cordelia, in LA."

"Are you sure that you don't need me?" Willow asked, happiness evident in her eyes.

"Of course I need you, silly, but I can need you when you're in LA as easily as I can need you here," Buffy said. "Promise that you'll call me daily and that I can visit whenever I get a chance."

"I'll visit too," Willow said, reaching over and giving Buffy a tight hug. "I love you, Buffy. You don't know what this means to me."

"Come on," Buffy said, openly crying as she grabbed a bag and began tossing Willow's clothes into it. "It's not like we're never going to see each other again."

"If you need me, for anything, just call," Willow said, helping Buffy pack her bag. "I'll be here for you, always."

"I know," Buffy smiled, hugging her again. "Let's go."

The girls went downstairs, causing the others to look up.

"Buffy, why are you crying?" Dawn asked, worried.

"Spike, take care of her," Buffy said, pushing Willow towards the surprised blond. "If you two hurry, you might be able to beat them to LA."

"We're going to LA?" Spike looked at Willow and smiled.

"We're going to LA," Willow laughed, running over to hug Xander and Anya and Dawn, saying, "I love you guys. I'll come back soon, I promise!"

She gave Buffy another hug before joining Spike who took her bag, "Is this is all, Red?"

"We'll come back and get the rest," she decided, wanting to get on the road so that she could find Cordelia and let her lover know that she was moving to LA.

"Yeah, let's try to beat them back," Spike said with a large smile, wondering how Angel would like him moving to LA. Didn't really matter. Where Willow went, he went. Time would tell.

Dawn went to Buffy and gave her sister a hug, "I'm proud of you. You let her go."

"When did you get so smart?" Buffy asked, smiling as she watched a very excited Spike and Willow get into Spike's car.

"I don't know. I guess you taught me well," Dawn said with a laugh as she waved at Willow, watching the redhead drive away.

THE END