Author: vinniebatman
Fandom: BtVS/AtS
Pairings: Willow/Angel
Rating/Warnings: None
Disclaimer: I hired a pack of ninjas to kidnap Joss; he was threatened with hot poker torture and chainsaws so I could meet the real him. I now own all. Thank you. *Doctor's Note: Patient exhibits delusions of grandeur and any claims of ownership are pure fantasy. No harm is meant. Seriously, it's better than her throwing rocks at people.*
Author's Notes: This was written for my friend, velvetwhip, who adores this pairing and digs angst. This contains serious angst.

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Angel stood on the outside and watched Jacob gleefully dump his Halloween bounty before him. There was a wealth of sugar and chocolate, leaving the five year old unable to choose. Jacob's body was hidden in his Ninja Turtle costume, and Angel could faintly recall that cartoon having been popular decades earlier. As Jacob started to sort his jellybeans by color, stern determination marring his brow. Once the sweets were separated into distinct piles, Jacob began counting, the numbers forming on his lips. On the couch, his parents laughed as they helped his older sister, Lily, pin her princess crown in place once again.

Without meaning to, Angel began to count along in his mind, smiling when Jacob occasionally paused to pop a jellybean into his mouth. They were so close, yet separated by more than glass and wood. Angel's heart ached, knowing his presence would only endanger the family, that telling them the truth would give them neither peace nor joy. Inside, Jacob's grandfather pulled the child onto his lap. As he settled Jacob on his lap, the Grandfather looked outside. Despite the total darkness hiding Angel, Connor could still see him with. For a moment, Angel felt like he was in that room, his family surrounding him with love as his great-grandchildren buzzed around the room, sugar fueling their excited movements. But all too soon, Connor broke eye contact at Jacob's incessant chatter. And once again Angel was left in the dark, standing vigil over a family that would never know of their silent protector.