Summer of Love
by Red
CHAPTER 12
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Buffy opened her eyes to a smiling Angel. Assuming that she was still asleep, she said hi and closed her eyes. His smile grew into a chuckle and she shushed him.
" Sleepy Slayer here, honey, " she muttered, reaching for the covers. " Talk later, Angel. " Suddenly, her eyes flew open and she sat up.
" Angel? Is that really you? "
" It's really me, " he replied, still chuckling.
" Wait - you're evil, aren't you? "
He answered her by leaning in and kissing her tenderly on the lips. When he finished, he raised a brow and said, " Was that evil? "
Buffy sighed deeply. " Mm, yeah, but a totally different kind. "
He laughed and took her hands in his.
" I have the most wonderful news, Buffy."
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Giles shifted in his chair and opened his eyes. Willow was still asleep, her arms wrapped tightly around the extra pillow. He smiled sadly, as he knew that in her mind, it was Buffy she was holding. Rubbing his eyes, he sighed. Of all the unhappiness he had seen in his life, none compared to this.
He furrowed a brow, as a new thought popped into his head. Perhaps Buffy, as happy as she would be for Angel, would choose to stay with Willow. He knew how deeply his Slayer loved the witch.
Maybe all of his fears were for nothing.
His hopes soon fell. Buffy loved Angel. After everything they had been through, he seriously doubted she would just send him away. The Englishman's head hurt.
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" And you're sure that it's there for good? "
Angel nodded. " Giles did all the tests Buffy. My soul is here to stay. "
She jumped from the bed and into his lap, throwing her arms around him.
" I have so prayed for this! " she cried, the tears falling. " Angel, I love you so much! "
He squeezed her tight, shedding a few tears of his own.
" I love you, Buffy. "
They stayed that way for a few minutes, then Buffy remembered one very important thing.
" Willow, " she whispered, pulling away from him.
" You love her. " His voice was soft, understanding and she met his eyes.
"You know. "
" I have, for a long time. Even before you two. "
" I won't leave her. Angel, you know how much I love you, but I love Willow just as much. I can't lose her. "
" You love Willow more than me, Buffy. "
She shook her head.
" No, I love both- "
" It's ok, " he soothed, caressing her cheek. " I love her, too. You're my heart, Buffy. But Willow has given me something I never thought I could ever have. And for that, she has a piece of it. She always will. "
" So now what do we do? " she asked, wiping the fresh tears from her eyes.
He smiled. " We show Willow how much we love her. "
The smile returned to Buffy's face.
" I think I'm gonna like this, " she purred, kissing him.
A FEW HOURS LATER
Willow thanked Giles for the ride and waved. He smiled as he watched her walk to Buffy's front door. The Slayer had phoned him at the cabin and informed him of everything. It had taken every ounce of strength the Watcher possessed to keep from telling the redhead of the plans Buffy and Angel had for her once she returned. Now, as he saw her disappear into the house, he thanked God for the ability to keep a secret and drove off, whistling a happy tune as he did.
" Buffy? " Willow glanced around the living room. " I'm back. "
There was no sign of life, or un-life, anywhere. She sighed. Why had she even agreed to be dropped off here? Third wheel was not her favorite game to play. Besides, she was positive that Buffy and Angel had much better things to do then hang out with her.
She felt the tears well up as she thought about the Slayer. It had been fun, she should be thankful for the time they had shared. And she was. But she wanted more. She needed more. Buffy was her heart and soul. Soul. Angel. She couldn't be here. Turning to leave, she heard Buffy call out.
" Will? Is that you? "
Willow stepped over to the bottom of the stairs.
" Yeah, Buffy, it's me. I was just getting ready to head home. "
" Oh, well, can ya come up here for a second, please? I need you. "
The words that a week ago made her heart sing, now stung. Reluctantly, she made her way up the stairs. She just wasn't in the mood for best friend thank yous. Taking a deep breath, she knocked on the bedroom door.
" Come in, " came the Slayer's voice.
Willow opened the door, stepped inside and felt her heart jump to her throat. Heavy blankets over the windows made the room dark save for the light of the twenty plus candles that were placed around the room. The bed was draped in red sheets that she was sure were silk and on one side stood Buffy, dressed white lace. On the other side, Angel, wearing black pajama pants and no shirt.
They were smiling, at her.
" Will, " Buffy began, walking over and taking her hand. " I love you. "
She wrapped her arms around Willow and hugged her tight. " That's not going to change, " she whispered, grazing her lips against he stunned redhead's ears. " In fact, I plan on showing you each and every day just how much that ISN'T going to change. "
She pulled back just enough to place a gentle kiss on Willow's lips.
" I will never be able to thank you for what you did, " she added, taking Willow's face in her hands. " But I am going to make sure that you never forget what you mean to me. You're my heart and soul, Will. Always. "
Willow felt the tears begin to fall, but before she could wipe them away, Buffy kissed them away, then led her over to the bed.
" Willow, " Angel began, taking her hand. " You now have a piece of my heart, as well. I love you. And if it's ok with you, I too, wish to show you how much you mean to me. "
He brought her hand to his lips and kissed her softly. Willow felt her knees go weak. Was this really happening?
" For you, " Buffy said, handing her the black box. " Open it! "
Willow removed the white ribbon, opened the box and gasped. Reaching in, she pulled out a long, silk, lacy, red gown. It was exactly like Buffy's, except for the color.
" Red, " Buffy noted, grinning wildly. " Cause you're my Red. "
" Mine, too, " Angel added.
Willow looked at them and her heart was, once again singing. She hadn't lost Buffy. She had found an Angel.