"We get Angel inside." Whistler and Oz pulled Angel from the van and Willow followed fretfully, scolding the two men for jostling Angel too much. Whistler and Oz carried Angel to a large room with heavy blinds over the windows. "Set him down on the bed."

Once Angel was settled under the covers Willow shooed the men out of the room and turned her attention to Angel. She gently removed his bloody shirt and retrieved a wash cloth and basin. She washed the blood from his hands and chest and covered him up to his chine with the blanket. Willow placed a hand on his forhead and frowned when she discovered that it was hot. *Okay, Angel's hot. He's a vamp. Vamps are supposed to be cold. What do I do? A ha!*

"WHISTLER!!!!!!!!"

Whistler ran into the room. "What?!" "He's got a fever! Vampires don't get fevers! do something!" Willow tapped her foot.

"There's nothing I can do. He just needs to rest." Willow sat down next to Angel and kissed his forehead. "He didn't deserve this. He's suffered enough." She climbed into bed next to him and drapped her arm around his waist. Whislter looked sympathetically at the unconcious vampire. "You're right, he didn't." Unable to say anything else Whistler turned and left. *********

Angel whimpered softly and opened his eyes. He found himself lying on a bed and Willow lying next to him, watching him carefully. "Willow?" His voice was hoarse and weak. "Sshh. It'll be okay." "I'm so hot." Angel tried to struggle free from the confining covers. Willow sat up and mercifully pulled the sheet back.

"It's okay, Angel." Willow took a damp cloth and bathed his face and neck with cool soothing water. "Willow, what's happening?" Angel surveyed the room around him. "Where am I?" "You're at Whistler's, Angel." "Whistler?" Angel was confused. "Yes, don't you remember?" "Buffy, she . . ." Angel trailed off, prefering not to think about it. He still loved her and her betrayal hurt. "Angel, don't worry about it right now. You need to rest." Willow caressed his cheek and he closed his eyes in contentment. "We'll get through this. They won't hurt you, I won't let them."

"Neither will I, Angel." Whistler walked into the room carrying a cup full of blood. Whistler handed it to Willow. "Get him to drink this." Willow held the cup to Angel's lips but he stubbornly refused to drink. "No. I don't want anymore blood. I've had it." "Angel, come one. You need it to get your strength back." "I won't Willow. I drank from you. What were you thinking?! You could have been hurt!" Angel's eyes were full of self hatred and anger that she would risk herself.

Willow's temper flared. Tears began to fall from her eyes and she began to speak. "I was thinking that I didn't want you to die. That I couldn't stand to loose you. That I love you!" Willow stopped abruptly as she realized what she had just said. Angel cradled her cheek in his hand. "Oh, Willow. I love you too. I just don't want you to get hurt because of me. I couldn't stand to loose you either."

Whistler stood uncomfortable and forgotten. *I'll let Willow handle him.* Whistler tipped toed out of the room. "Please, Angel. Drink it for me. Please?" Angel hesitated clearly torn. Willow leaned down and kissed him gently and it was his undoing. She pressed the cups to his lips again and this time he drank obediently. Willow slipped a hand under his head to help him sit up, making it easier for him to drink.

When Angel was finished his eyelids began to droop drowsily and Willow kissed his cheek, and lowered his head back to the pillow. "Sleep, Angel. I'll still be here when you wake. Rest. Regain your strength."

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