Angel glanced over the diner's table at Willow. She hadn't said a damn word to him since they got up that afternoon. The moment he felt her wake up, she was up and out of bed and within minutes she was gone from their room, he didn't see her again until sunset.

The others feelt the tension between himself and Willow so they naturally did what all-good friends would do in that situation... they ditched them.
Hoping that privacy would solve whatever tiff they were in. Angel wished that he knew what had happened between last night and this afternoon. Did he talk in his sleep?  Say things that he shouldn't have said perhaps? Looking over at Willow sipping her soda I felt like shaking her until she told him what was wrong.

"Willow if I did something wrong I'm sorry." Angel leaned over the table and took her hands into his.

Willow tried to yank her hands free, but Angel wouldn't let her have any of that. "Angel it's nothing."

"You're a terrible liar." Letting go of her hands he sat back. They sat there like that for several moments, the waitress dropping off Willow's salad and refilling drinks. The silence was getting to Angel, usually silence between them was the comfortable kind, but this was killing him.

A couple walked into the dinner, their arms laced around one another as they whispered into one another's ears laughing at the other's words. Willow looked up and couldn't help but glare in the couple's direction. The two were apparently happily in love, nothing like the heart tearing love that she had. How many nights had she slept by Angel's side now? Too many to count thank you very much. And how far had they gotten? He kissed her neck, yippee call the press.  Maybe she was wrong; perhaps what they had was a very close friendship...

Angel watched as Willow glowered at the happy couple and sink into a deeper funk. What now? "Willow will you just tell me what I did wrong?" Willow glowered at the vampire. "Okay a hint?" Willow stabbed a piece of lettuce. "Throw me a line here Red, I'm lost."

"Angel, it's nothing. Please let it drop."

"I would if I thought there was nothing wrong, but there is I can feel it." Angel's frustration mounted.

Willow put down her fork and stood from the table. "If I have to tell you then trust me...*it's nothing*." Grabbing her jacket she was about to walk out when Angel grabbed her hand.

"Willow stop acting like a child. Tell me what's going on, it's the only way that I can fix it." His words were a little harsh from being in the dark about
Willow's odd behavior.

"Angel if I have to tell you then it really doesn't mean any-...Did you just call me a child?" Willow's eyes flashed and she pulled forcefully from his grasp.

Angel sighed. He knew the second he called her that he only made the situation worse. But damnit she was acting like a pouting brat. "You wont tell me what's wrong, you sit there pouting and you think that makes you a grown up." He growled under his breath. Willow narrowed her eyes at him, her palm itching to slap his smug face.

"If I'm such a *child* then why bother with how I feel?" Willow could feel the blood pounding in her temples, and in the back of her mind she tried to
figure out how she went from being upset with Angel for his lack of physical attention to this.

Angel pursed his lips together and controlled the rude and uncalled for responses from being spoken. "Damnit you're being such a ...a...women."

"Duh! You stupid vampire!" Willow spin and stalked out the diner leaving the rest of the occupants to stare at him.

"I forgot our anniversary." He answered lamely, throwing money on the table and rushing out after her.

Lindsey rubbed his hands together and looked toward the bathroom door, making sure that he could still hear the sound of splashing water, signaling that Cordelia was still taking a bath. Placing the candles he picked up that afternoon around the room, he hurried so that everything was perfect. He wished that he could wait until they got back to the beach house to do this, but with so many people under one roof this was his and Cordy's first and only chance at actually being alone.

Picking up the bowl of rose petals he sprinkled them over the bed and on the floor. Taking a nervous look around the room he tried to think if there was any other way he could transform the cheap room into paradise. Walking over to the night stand Lindsey pulled the top drawer open, checking for the forth time that the ring box was still in there.

Everything was ready, now if he could just get his heart rate to decrease a little before he had a heart attack. Taking a few deep breaths he sat on the edge of the bed.  He wished that he could offer Cordelia more. A stable home, steady income but they lived a different life now. One that was never offered at career day when he was in High School. Lindsey grunted at where his thoughts were running. Focus he needed to focus on making this the most perfectly romantic night of Cordelia's life.

Could she spend the rest of her life with a guy like him? Knowing what he had done in the past, but letting it go. He had tried to kill her, even though he really hadn't known her, what he had done would've constituted as murder anyways. With a growl he stood and to a look at the room again. This was wrong; he didn't deserve to have a perfect night with Cordelia, or a life with her for that matter.

He was tempted to pick up the room and forget his plans for the future, but the sound of the bathroom door opening and the small gasp from his love's lips brought him back to the moment. Looking into Cordelia's watering eyes he knew. She would forgive him for anything. She was his savor not only from his past but also from himself.

"Lindsey?" Cordelia looked around in wonder. "Is this all for me?"

Lindsey chuckled and walked over to stand in front of her. "It would be pretty silly if it was for me." Cordelia took another look around the room and then back at the man in front of her.

"Lindsey it's perfect."

"I wish I could give you a four star hotel, but just as long that you're with me we could be in the worst rat trap in the world and it wouldn't matter."

Cordelia threw her head back and laughed. "We are in the worst rat trap in the free world, but I don't care."

Lindsey wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her body to press against his. Dipping his head forward he was inches away from her lips when a persistent knocking came at the door. Cordelia moved back slightly and Lindsey growled. "Ignore it, who ever it is will go away." Pulling her back his lips brushing lightly on hers the knock came again, but this time with the pitiful voice of Willow.

Lindsey let Cordelia go, knowing that until they found out what was wrong they would never get on with the night. Cordelia kissed his cheek and hurried to the door, letting the redhead in. "Willow what happened? Why are you crying?"

"Men are jerks." Willow gushed moving past Cordelia into the room. "Well vampires are jerks."

Lindsey and Cordelia exchanged looks, and her eyes widened as she took in his attire. Here Willow was pacing angrily in their room and Lindsey was only dressed in his boxers. Looking down Lindsey blushed and hurried over to his bag and pulled out a pair of sweats.

"I mean you'd think that he'd have a clue. He's been alive for like...ever. But nooooo, he's just as big a boob as the rest of the male population that walks the earth."

"Angel?" Cordelia tried to follow the conversation, but with Willow's pacing it made it hard.

"Yes Angel! You know what makes it worse? Seeing all these couples happily in love, walking around holding hands laughing at one another's stupid jokes." Cordelia and Lindsey looked down at their clasped hands and let go. "It makes me sick."

"Yeah well.... Willow I'm not following you here. I thought you cared for Angel." Cordelia wanted to solve the redhead's problem, get rid of her friend and get back to Lindsey.

"I *do*. But what is he waiting for? My Goddess I'll be old and gray before he makes his first move." Willow stopped pacing to glare at her friends.

"Ohhh, that's what this is all about." Lindsey looked questioningly at his girlfriend wishing she'd spare a little hint. Looking at Lindsey Cordelia could see that he had no clue.

"Men are so dense I swear. Willow you're frustrated."

"Really Cordelia missed that." Willow sat on the bed oblivious of the scattering of petals.

"Hang with me Wills, cause I'm trying to cause you the least amount of embarrassment here. You are frustrated..." Cordelia held her hands up to silence another retort form Willow. "You care for Angel, and you're not *mad* at him you are frustrated with him for not *doing* something." Lindsey's brow creased as he tried to decode Cordelia's words and his face turned red as he figured it out.

"Huh? Cordelia you're not making..."

"Dear God Willow you're sexually frustrated." Cordelia let out. Willow's face turned red.

"Don't you have to actually have had sex to be frustrated?"  Willow couldn't believe that she was talking about sex in front of Lindsey.

"Noooo, explanation right there, no need to go on." Lindsey put a hand to his face to cover the smile that would only rile the redhead more.

"Oh. So I'm not mad at him for calling me a child?" Willow's temper lessened and Lindsey saw the light at the end of the tunnel. Just a few more minutes and Willow would leave and patch things up with Angel.

"He called you what??" Cordelia's eyes widened and she went and sat next to Willow, disturbing more of the rose petals to the floor.

"He said I was acting like a child because I wouldn't tell him what was wrong. I was so mad when he said it, but he was right. He's just so...perfect. I'll never be any match for him." Cordelia put an arm around the redhead to comfort her friend as Lindsey watched in horror as his plans started to go up in smoke.

"No he's not good enough for you. Why do men do that? They don't get what they want so they accuse us of being childish." Cordelia glared at the only male in the room and Lindsey went to sit down knowing that an act of God couldn't salvage the night, not when you had two very passionate females talking about the stupidity of men.

Willow nodded and leaned her head on Cordelia's shoulder, "Stupid men... I think I love him."

"I know. I think he loves you too if it helps." Cordelia smiled.

Lindsey felt as though the room was closing in on him, being stuck in the middle of girl talk. It was any males worst nightmare.

Willow wiped her eyes, her temper spent. Looking around the room, then at the way Cordelia and Lindsey were dressed and blushed. "Oh my Goddess I'm so sorry. Why didn't you tell me that you were in the middle of something?"

Lindsey looked at Cordelia how gave him a look to remain quiet. "I'm always here for you Willow you know that."

Willow stood from the bed and hurried to the door. "I'll just let you two...you know do what ever it was you were *doing*."

After the door closed behind Willow Cordelia turned back to Lindsey. "Where were we?"

Angel got back to the hotel and went straight to his and Willow's room. He had some things to apologize for. No matter how upset they were with one another he knew better then to let for walk away in the middle of the night mad at him. Something could've happened to her, and he wouldn't have been there to keep her safe. 'You're well over two centuries old and you still can't stop yourself from saying stupid things in the middle of a fight can you?' Angel berated himself.

Going straight to their room he had found it empty. Angel panicked thinking the worst. Hurrying to Wes and Gunn's room only to find that they hadn't seen Willow since they left to get something to eat earlier. Cordelia. Of course she'd go to her friend. Going to her room he pounded on the door only to hear Lindsey's outraged cry.

The door swung open and Lindsey stood there glaring at the vampire. "She's not here."

"Did she come.-"

"She left about two minutes ago... and I swear to all that is holy Angel if you step one foot into this room I will tie your ass to the nearest utility poll and laugh when the sun comes up." Angel looked past Lindsey's shoulder at the lit candles and rose petals.

"Sorry. Do you know where she went?" Angel ignored the glare that Lindsey aimed at him.

"She went back to your room." Cordelia yelled from inside. "You probably just missed her."

Angel nodded and started to walk away when Lindsey grabbed his arm and said in a low voice. "From one male to another she's frustrated."

"Huh?"

Lindsey rolled his eyes, Cordy was right the male race really needed a wake up call. "Please don't make me say it man. I had to endure a twenty- minute girl talk session."

Angel looked at Lindsey pointed stare when he understood. Smiling like an idiot Angel hurried away. He was right... Willow was such a woman.
 

Chapter twenty-two

"Get your jacket." Angel walked into the room, barely glancing in Willow's direction. He turned his back before she could question him. Willow watched on in confusion as Angel grabbed a duffle bag from inside the closet and her heart fell when she saw him shove odds and ends into it.

"What's going on?" Willow barely whispered. He couldn't be that mad could he? Over one small argument?  She had been nervous of how he would be after their little fight at the diner in. She had gone over every conceivable way Angel would act when he got back from the diner, and how she'd respond back to him. But none of the scenarios had Angel coming back here and start packing. So basically all she could do was sit here like an idiot and watch dumbly as Angel was packing to leave.

"The cab is waiting, we need to get going." Angel fought to keep the cryptic facade in place. What he wanted to do was gather the little redhead in his arms that very second and worship her body for all eternity. But he had plans, huge ones, and this act had to keep up for at least another twenty minutes. All he needed to do was not look into her sorrowful eyes, or he'd be putty in her hands.

"We're leaving aren't we?" Willow felt everything slip away. She had behaved like the child she was accused of being, and now anything that could have been between them was gone. Getting up off the bed Willow went to get another bag to help Angel pack the rest of their things but he stopped her, handing her jacket.

"We don't have time to get everything. Come on." Hoisting the bag over his shoulder he made his way to the door opening it wide for Willow to pass through.

Walking down to the lobby and out the front doors, she stopped in confusion at the black stretch limo waiting outside. "Get in." Angel handed the chauffer the bag and waited for his witch to climb into the limo.

Willow was surprised to see Cordelia and Lindsey already inside, looking just as bewildered as she was. Angel climbed in after she did, not giving her a chance to question her friends to see if they knew what was going on. The dark vampire gave the driver an address and sat back against the seat, keeping to himself. The other three occupants looked at one another, than back to Angel.

"Hello? Angel are you going to tell us what's going on now?" Cordelia leaned forward, anger quickly replacing her confusion.

"Surprise." Angel's mouth twitched, his eyes sparkled with mischief. Angel reached over and pried Willows hands apart, lacing his fingers through hers. Giving her tiny hand a squeeze he could feel her relax some.

"Good surprise or bad one?" Cordelia's eye's softened when the vampire held onto the witch's hand. Angel looked back her and shrugged. Lindsey watched the ex-change and sat back, knowing that there was no getting the information out of Angel.

No one spoke the rest of the way to their unknown destination. And when the driver slowed down and turned everyone looked out the window to what Angel was keeping secret. "It's a Hotel." Lindsey said blandly, ready to punch the smug vampire in the face for ruining his special night.

"No Lindsey not just a hotel, it's a big, beautiful, but most importantly a clean hotel." Cordelia's eyes were big as saucers, a huge grin plastered on her face.

Willow looked on silently, still unable to fully understand what was going on. She wished that Angel would just tell them because the suspense was driving her batty. The limo stopped in front of the entrance and the doorman rushed forward and opened the door for them.

"Mr. O'Sullivan," Willow and Cordelia's eyes locked behind the vampire's back, mouthing the name to one another in wonder. Techniquely they knew that Angel had a last name, everyone did, it was just that after so many years of knowing him they never found out what it was. "Everything is prepared as you requested." Angel nodded at the man as he exited the limo, turning around to help Willow get out. As soon as Lindsey and
Cordelia were out they followed the doorman into the hotel.

"Welcome Mr. O'Sullivan." The receptionist smiled. "We have the two rooms ready as you requested." She handed Angel two sets of cards. "If you need anything just give us a call." The doorman was behind them ready to escort them to their rooms.

Lindsey heard Cordelia's gasp as she entered their room. Following her in, he couldn't help but be a little surprised himself. Though he had stayed in many eloquent establishments during his Wolfram and Hart days, he never had someone like Cordelia to share the experience with. He looked at the room in amazement.

There were red rose petals sprinkled on the bed and through out the room. Candles were lit, nearly a hundred sparkling lights filled the room. "I can't
believe it." Lindsey let out a slow breath. Angel had outdone himself, and Lindsey was a little overwhelmed by the sign of friendship the vampire was offering.

"Remind me to tell Angel that he's always welcomed to interrupt us at *any* time." Lindsey dropped the bag that Angel had instructed he and Cordelia to pack to the ground as he took a tour around the room.

Cordelia stood speechless for a moment then followed Lindsey. It had been years, years upon years, since she had stepped foot into such a beautiful hotel suite. It was a large spacious room, with high ceilings. Gauzy drapes blew slightly from the breeze coming in from the open doors that lead to the balcony.  To the right there was a sinfully large bathroom that housed a huge bathtub that probably could fit four people in it with room to spare.

Lindsey headed out onto the balcony as Cordelia ohhed and ahhed over the bathroom. There was a table set up with an array of fresh fruit, Champagne that was chilling on ice. A letter was placed in the center of the table, addressed to him.

Opening the letter he knew who it was from, but he was still curious what Angel had to say.
 

Lindsey,

I hope everything is to your liking. In no way or form
am I trying to out do what you had already done back
at our hotel, but just want to offer my apologies for
having your night interrupted several times.

As you know Cordy means the world to me. I've had
sisters before in my life, and though I loved them
deeply, I never appreciated having them around. I
won't say that Cordy is like a sister to me, because
she's a lot closer to my heart than that. She's my
best friend, and my family. I'm sure you understand
when I say that I can not find the words to describe
how precious having her in my life has been.

I know that the man you have become can make Cordy a
very happy woman. You have come a long way from the
cocky and arrogant prick you once were. I knew you
could do it.

I am happy to call you friend and can't wait until I
can call you family.

Angel
 

Folding the letter and placing it back into the envelope, Lindsey felt slightly a heavy weight being lifted from his chest. He had friends. Not just
acquaintances, but real friends, ones that would always be there for him. Never in his life had he had a real friend. And not just one but four. Then there was Cordelia. She had quickly become his life, his reason for living. The years they were separated had been pure hell, but he had done it. He had become the man that everyone knew he could be the man that never in his dreams he thought he could become.

"Did you see the size of that bathtub?" Cordelia walked out onto the balcony and grabbed Lindsey's hand. "I'm telling you we *have* to give that a go."

Lindsey smiled down at her, drinking in her beauty. She was a goddess that he would hopefully be able to spend a life time praising. The reasoning behind his emotions for Cordelia went beyond her radiant beauty, and quirky nature. He could spend now until eternity trying to put into words why he loved the young woman standing in front of him, smiling up at him as though he was the best thing that could happen to her.

"Are you in there?" Placing a soft kiss on his lips, Lindsey snapped out of his stupor. "Where did you go?" Cordelia teased. Lindsey smiled back at her and kissed her on the nose.

"No where, just thinking of how lucky I am to have you in my life."

"Funny I was just thinking the same thing. You are pretty damn lucky to have me in your life" Winding her arm around his waist Cordelia pulled him closer to her.

"No really. I have never felt this way about anyone in my life before. It hurt being away from you for those two years, and that was when I hardly knew you. Now I try to think of what life would be like now with out you by my side and I swear it would be easier to just tear my heart out." Lindsey took a deep breath as he shoved his hand inside his pocket. Pulling out the small ring box, he got down on one knee.

Cordelia put a shaky hand to her face as it dawned on her what he was about to do. Tears formed in her eyes. "Cordelia Chase, will you please grant my greatest wish by becoming my wife?" Opening the box, Cordelia let out a gasp at the unbelievably gorgeous antique diamond ring.

"Oh Lindsey, you didn't really have a choice, you were going to be mine whether you liked it or not." Cordelia's eyes sparkled as she dropped to her knees in front of Lindsey. "I love you too, I'd love to be your wife." Lindsey felt a tear fall from his eye. Cordelia wiped away the tear and leaned forward and kissed him. "Now give me that beautiful ring." Her laughter bounced off the outside walls and made him smile.

"It's been in my family for generations. " Taking the ring out of the box, he tried to place it on her hand, but his own hands were betraying him by shaking so badly. Cordelia took pity on him and reached out taking his hand into hers to steady it. Together they placed the ring on her finger. "It's been pawned a few times when things got rough, but we've always gotten it back."

"Lindsey it's perfect." Cordelia whispered. Hardly looking at the object on her hand but at the man that wanted to be with her for the rest of her life.

Not able to wait a second more with out feeling her flesh next to his, Lindsey grabbed Cordelia by the shoulders bringing her body next to his. Cordelia moaned as their lips made contact. Snaking her tongue into his hot mouth, she knew that if she died that very moment she'd be complete, Cordelia lost herself to his touch.

"Mmm, bed...now." Lindsey scooped Cordelia into his arms, his lips never leaving hers. Carrying her to the bed he set her down softly. He made quick work of divesting her of her clothing. Soon Cordelia lay naked on the bed in front of him, her eyes darkened with desire. She was perfection. He loved every part of her, and seeing the impatient gleam in her eyes pleased him even more.

"Get your clothes off and get into this bed." She couldn't stand the absence of his body for much longer. The feeling of his smooth skin, tight over
hardened muscles. The way he'd get goose bumps when she trailed her hands over his body. She narrowed her eyes at his smirk, hoping he wasn't going to tease her. Her patience was limited, and if he didn't get his cute behind into bed and soon, she wouldn't be held responsible when she attacked.

Slowly Lindsey pulled his shirt from his jeans, giving a teasing glance of his muscled abs. Making sure that Cordelia's hungry eyes where glued to him, he started to unbutton the shirt one button at a time. He almost laughed at the low growl in his dark beauties throat as she kneeled naked in front of him, gripping both sides of the shirt and gave a harsh tug. Sounds of ripping material could hardly be heard over their heavy breathing. As soon as the now ruined shirt was free of his body, she turned her attention to his pants.

The need in her eyes was overwhelming, and Lindsey decided to take that need up a notch. Dipping his fingers to her core, he slipped two fingers into her soaking passage. He loved the way Cordelia bucked against his hand upon first contact, her head rolling back, as the rest of her body arched to him. Her beautiful eyes half shut in desire. Her hands fumbled with his belt buckle, as he continued to tease his unmercifully. As soon as she had the belt undone and his pants unbuttoned, he toed off his shoes, never stopping his fingers. She was always so hot and wet for him.

Running his finger over her nub, he smiled in satisfaction when she clung to his arms to keep balance. "Come on Cordelia, come for me. Let go." Her
fingers tightened on his arms, as she rode his hand. Her pants soon grew into moans as she cried his name out and collapsed into his arms.

Lindsey helped her lay back again, as he removed the rest of his clothing and joined her. Sliding his body up hers, he kissed her flesh along the way. Stopping to pay homage to her perfect breasts. Flicking his tongue at the hardened nipple, he smirked as Cordelia squirmed underneath him, trying her damnest to get him positioned between her thighs. Nipping underneath her heavy breast, he felt her fingers snaking into his hair, before giving a harsh yank to get him face to face with her.

"Patience Darling. We have all night." Rubbing his hands up and down her sides, he smiled into the valley between her breasts at her indignant snort. He loved this girl with all his heart, but she sure was an impatient one.

Deciding to continue on upwards he licked along her collarbone, "Please Lindsey, now." Cordelia moaned, once again trying to get him centered.

Lindsey smiled down at her playfully, as he moved swiftly between her thighs, bringing them up as he thrust with all his might inside her slick tight
passage. Cordelia's eye's rolled into the back of her head, as she cried out in pleasure. "Happy?" Lindsey breathed into her ear. Cordelia nodded, unable to find the words to express just *how* happy it made her feeling him inside of her.

Letting go of her thighs, Lindsey moved his hands underneath her perfect ass, giving a tight squeeze as she wrapped her legs around his waste. Together they moved in rhythm, there breathing labored, words where whispered. Lindsey could feel his balls tighten. He had wanted this to have been slower, last longer, but they had all night.

Reaching between their sweat coated bodies, Lindsey twisted on her clit, driving Cordelia over the edge. Her screams bounced off the walls as he pumped twice more into her and spilling his seed. Collapsing on top of her, Lindsey let out a satisfied moan.

Cordelia rubbed his back and smiled to herself. Lindsey was hers for the rest of her life.

Angel led the way, Willow following him silently. She had no idea what was going on. Sure she could assume what was going on, but that's what got them into the fight earlier that evening. She assumed that their feelings were leading them somewhere, but apparently she was wrong. Giving Angel every chance to molest her body, the stupid vampire was just too dense, or perhaps just not interested enough to take what was being offered.

Stopping in front of one of the doors, Angle opened the door wide, allowing her to enter the room first. Willow gasped at the beauty in front of her. The room was dark except for the plentiful candles that were lit around the room. There was a large bed to the right, and straight ahead there were double doors that she guessed lead out to a balcony.

"Angel?" Turning around Willow jumped to see that the vampire was already directly behind her. "Not that this isn't beautiful, but what's going on."

Giving a smirk at her blatant innocence, Angel reached out grabbing a handful of her sweater and pulling her roughly against his body. Willow squeaked in surprise, her wide eyes only getting wider as Angel inched forward until their lips met.

What Angel wanted to do was posses her lips until she was dizzy with desire. But instead he brushed his lips softly against hers. Willow stood motionless, he could feel her heartbeat pounding into his chest. Pulling away he smiled down at her. "You know this is a whole lot easier if you actually participate."

At his words Willow blinked once, then twice. The situation started sinking in. With a smile of her own, she launched herself at Angel, attacking his lips with all the pent up passion she had kept bottled up, nearly knocking Angel over in the process.

Their tongues fought for dominance. Angel let go of her sweater, bringing his hand behind her head and gripping onto her crimson locks. He had pictured Willow being meek and passive on their first night, as he taught her about the passions that lay beneath. That he would have to keep his own passions restrained, so not to scare the little witch. But now he had to rethink his plans.

Pulling away so she could take a few breaths, Angel dipped his head to her neck, nipping at her collarbone, as his hands made their way to her ass
pulling her closer next to his hardened body.

Having been denied over the last few months, Willow didn't waist a second. She didn't want Angel to change his mind about this. Going for the buttons on his shirt, her fingers made quick work of getting the silky shirt off his body. Her hands feeling every exposed piece of flesh, as though she where memorizing the feel of his flesh, incase she was denied the feel of him again in the future.

Angel fought to keep in control. What he wanted to do was rip the damn sweater from Willow's back and feel her naked flesh against his. He was having a hard time keeping his passion in check, that was until he felt Willow bite down on one of his hardened nipples. As the mixture pleasure and pain from the bite ran through him, he barley noticed the sound of Willow's top being torn, nor did he realize that he had backed them up against the bed, until they tumbled into the satiny surface.

"Willow... need to...slow down." Angel's voice was forced between clenched teeth, his eyes flashing golden.

"No." Simply put, Willow reached up and brought Angel's head to hers. Licking at his lips, biting down on his lower lip tasting blood from the wound. She had no idea why she was being to rough. In fact she had always envisioned her first time with Angel was being gentle, romantic even, with the two of them taking their time. Not having this urge to have him pounding inside her, with all the power he possessed. She needed to feel how much he wanted her, to know that she had the power to invoke such great passion in the one and only man she'd ever love this way.

Bringing her hands above her head, Angel pinned them down with one of his hands. "If you say so." Reaching down with his free hand he tugged at the front of her pants impatiently, until her button came free. Yanking her jeans over her slender hips, Angel finally got her damned pants free of both her feet. Looking down at her as she struggled against his constraining hand, he took in the beauty of her only clothed in her pretty flowery matching bra and panties.

Willow bucked underneath him, trying to get as much contact between their bodies as she could. He was playing with her now, and all she wanted was to feel his body crushing hers into the mattress underneath her. She watched as his eyes flashed golden again, feeling wetness seep from between her thighs. "Angel, please."

"Please what?" Running his finger over the wet spot on the cottony under garment, he nearly purred as Willow arched into his hand. "Say it Little One, tell me what you want."

"I want you to touch me." Trying to grind her crotch into his hand, her body demanding more.

"I am touching you." Angel smirked at her cry of outrage, taking pity on his witch he pressed harder. Her panties were soaking with her sweet nectar, he wanted to taste her. To drink in her in, to have her taste linger on his tongue. Dipping a finger underneath the elastic of her panties, Angel slipped a finger into her hot core. Only to take it out and bring it to his mouth. Sucking on his digit, Angel moaned at the perfection that was Willow.

Ripping the rest of the garment from her body, he let go of her hands to get between her thighs. Stopping an inch away from her wet passage, he took a deep breath in, relishing in the smell, before making a long precise lick along her outer lips. Willow bucked herself upward, trying to get more contact, but Angel placed a hand on her abdomen to keep her in place.

"Willow I'm a possessive by nature." Angel commented his voice tight. Separating her folds, he marveled at the beauty in front of him. "I won't play games, you'll be mine. You'll belong to me, as I would belong to you." Swirling his tongue inside her passage. Pulling back, he chuckled at her protest. "I'm yours body, soul and demon." Inserting his tongue back into her center, he licked and sucked at her juices. "Do you except this?"

Willow arched up to his mouth, nodding her head absently. "Willow, do you except this." Angel repeated, "Are you ready to remain at my side always?"

"Angel I excepted that months ago on the docks when we found you again." Licking her dry lips, Willow tried to bring his head down on her again.

"You'll be my mate Willow, not my girlfriend. My mate." Taking her clit between his teeth he gave a short tug, bringing her body off the bed once more.

"I...I understand. " Willow found it hard to talk between gasping for breath. Her eyes nearly crossing as Angel inserted two fingers inside her as he sucked on her clit. Riding his hand and feeling the pleasure mount at the base of her stomach, Willow grabbed onto the satin comforter. "Angel, now please!" Sucking harshly, and adding a third finger inside her, he brought over the edge, milking the orgasm out of her.

Pulling his fingers from her Angel was busy licking them clean. Willow lay back, sated for the moment. A deep rumbling was coming from Angel's throat and it finally dawned on her that he was purring.

Sitting up and scooting closer to him, she leaned toward him placing butterfly soft kisses along his collarbone. Angel was lost in her soft kisses and
explorative hands, that when she bit down on him for the third time that night it caught him unaware.

Jerking back, Willow's eyes big. "Did I hurt you?"

Angel moaned deep in his throat. "No, you didn't *hurt* me." Placing her hands back on his chest, he started nuzzling her throat. "Just between you and me, I really like that."

Smiling to herself, Willow pulled on the button of his pants. "I'm thinking that you are way over dressed." Lifting up a little, Angel cocked a brow at her. "Do something about it then."

Never one to back down from a challenge, Willow pushed Angel onto his back. She'd show this cocky vampire. Straddling his waste, she ground herself along his clothed shaft, giggling when he bucked up from underneath. "Willow you don't want to start playing games that you'll never win at." The words were forced, as his hands came to rest on her hips.

Inching her way down, she kissed each piece of exposed flesh. Stopping at his navel to dip her tongue in, grinning at the way his abdomen tightened. Running her hand over the hardened bulge of his pants, Angel pushed into her hand, deep unneeded breaths coming from his lungs.

Slowly she unbuttoned the top of his pants, licking at the newly exposed  flesh. "Willow I swear if you don't hurry I will get you for this." Angel's tone was filled with pain.

Ignoring his empty threat, she took the zipper into her mouth. Making sure that he was watching, she inched the zipper down, enjoying the way Angel's eye's darkened the lower she got.

If it weren't for the fact that he wanted to see what his little witch was up to, Angel would've ended this game. His cock had never been so hard, and being confined inside his pants was almost unbearable. For someone who had little experience with sex, Willow sure was driving him over the edge. Closing his eyes, he nearly jumped off the bed when he felt her hot tongue running up the length of him, lick around his head, and be sucked into her mouth.

Using every last bit of control that he possessed, he held back from pounding his entire length into her. She had her hand at the base of his cock, pumping him. As her mouth teased and sucked at the top. Soon her hand left him, and her mouth sucked more of him in. He was dying to have his whole member deep inside her mouth.

Reaching up he massaged her throat muscles, relaxing some of her tension, so she could take more of him in. Soon she was getting further down on him, her hand cupping his balls. Angel gritted his teeth together, and squeezed his eyes shut. He didn't know how much more he could take before he spilled his seed into her mouth.

Contemplating on whether or not he should pull her from him, Angel cried out in ecstasy as Willow inserted a finger into his anus. Gripping onto her
shoulders, he pumped uncontrollably into her mouth. She was able to swallow most of his seed, but still some escaped her lips, dripping down off her chin.

Pulling her up to him, he licked her chin clean, then attacked her mouth with a fevered passion. Together they tugged and pulled at his trousers until they were discarded in a heap on the floor next to the bed. "Some day you are going to tell me where you learned that. " He breathed into her ear, spinning them over until she was pinned underneath him.

Rubbing against one another, relishing the way their naked flesh felt sliding next to one another. Separating her thighs and fitting snugly between them, Angel brought his already hard member to her still soaked passage. No longer in the mood to play games he entered her in one thrust. Closing his eyes at her tightness.

Willow moved under him, wrapping her slender legs around his waste. Angel brought one of her legs to rest on his shoulder, as he pushed himself completely inside her. He loved the moans that escaped her lips every time he thrust deep inside of her. Her vaginal walls clamped down on his cock, squeezing at him every time he entered her.

Soon their pace became frantic, Angel dropped her leg, as his thrusts grew deeper, longer. Willow was chanting his name, her head tossing back and forth. Angel felt his mask slipping, and he was powerless to stop it. Willow could sense that her lover was fighting for control, and she wanted him to know that she loved him in his entirety.

"It's okay Angel." Softly touching his face, she watched in love as his face changed. Tilting her head to the left, giving him her silent permission. "Body, Soul, and Demon." She whispered.

Angel reached between them, twisting at her clit. Hearing her cry of pleasure, he nuzzled her neck as he pumped in and out of her, biting down as he spilled his seed into her womb. Jerking at the after effects of his spent passion, Angel licked around the wound at any stray drops of blood.

"Mine." He purred bringing the redhead closer to him.

"Yours." Willow whispered back, running her fingers through his hair. Smiling as the rumbling purr came from her lover's throat again. Both fell into a
satisfied sleep.
 

Chapter twenty-three

Angel woke slowly, tightening his hold on the redhead nestled soundly in his arms. Of all the years he had been on this earth, this was the first time he had ever felt so complete. Everything in his life was so perfect that if he were to die this instant he'd die a happy man. Inching his head slightly forward, Angel inhaled the sweet scent that poured off Willow. There was nothing like it.

Willow's body nestled back against his, rubbing her adorable behind against his hardened cock. Squeezing his eyes shut, Angle told himself over and over that he should just let her sleep. That after the hours of bliss they had shared she was probably sore and in need of rest. He told himself this as he started kissing her neck. Licking her pulse point, loving the taste of her salty flesh. Again he repeated his mantra as his hand traveled from her flat tummy to cup one of her perfectly sized breasts in his hand, rolling her hardened nipple between his fingers.

"Hmm, what are you doing?" Willow teased, she'd been awake for awhile wondering how she was going to wake Angel and continue what they had started.

"Leaving you alone so you can rest." Angel whispered as his tongue snaked out and licked along the shell of her ear.

"You're doing a great job at it." Willow pushed herself further back into his embrace.

"Thank you, I think I'm showing amazing restraint." Rubbing his erection along the crack of her ass, he smiled wickedly as Willow moaned. "What do you think?"

"Huh? Restraints?  I suppose." Willow breathed heavily trying to twist around to face Angel. But his arms locked around her preventing her to move. With a chuckle he rolled her onto her back, holding her arms above her head.

"I said restraint you naughty little girl, not restraints. But that'll work for me." Angel kept her hands pinned down above her head with one hand, as he looked around the room. Seeing his pants lying in a heap next to the bed he shifted closer. Taking the belt from the loopholes he smirked down at Willow's curious expression. Wrapping the belt around the iron headboard and her wrists tight enough to hold her, but not tight enough to cut off her circulation, Angel took a moment to study the prize beneath him.

He could tell by her erratic heartbeat that she wasn't scared, but slightly thrilled at this twist of events. He couldn't really blame her, the thought excited him to no end. Lifting off her body, he positioned himself between her legs. Taking a look up, he locked gazes with Willow for a moment, loving the trust he saw radiating within her orbs. Returning his attention back to the beauty in front of him, there wasn't an inch on Willow's body that he didn't love.

Placing soft kisses along her thigh Willow giggled. Not able to resist, Angel mimicked the same attention on her other thigh, compelling her to laugh again and try to wiggle out of his reach. Taking advantage of her distracted state Angel leaned in quickly running his tongue along her slit, almost groaning at the wonderful taste that exploded on his tongue. Willow's laughter died on her lips as she bucked, trying to grind herself into Angel's face, but the bindings around her wrists held her just out of reaching her goal.

"Angel." Pleading, Willow tossed her head back and forth as Angel took her sensitive nub between his teeth. Alternating between licking and nipping at her sensitive core, while dipping his fingers into her hot heat, Angel was rewarded with Willow's thighs tightening on his head as she came with a loud moan.

Traveling up her body Angel gave a cocky smile at Willow sated look. He wanted to be in her, fill her completely. His passion for her nearly drove him out of his mind. Never did he think anything could be so perfect, make him feel so connected with another person. Having Willow be that person made it all that much better. Sliding into her drenched opening, Angel let out a low moan. Perfection.

"Stop that, it tickles." Cordelia swatted Lindsey's hand away as he drew circles on her inner thigh with his index finger. They had both voted on a break to gobble down the fresh fruit that they had ignored earlier, because of other pressing issues. "Mmm, taste this." Holding out a piece of pineapple, Cordelia moaned as Lindsey sucked her fingers, fruit and all into his warm mouth.

They were sitting out on the balcony, naked except the sheets they took from the bed. Feeding one another select pieces of fruit from the tray, laughing with one another and talking about their future. "I can't wait until you're carrying our baby." Lindsey grinned.

"What can't you wait for? The weight gain, varicose veins, bad back, hormones, stretch marks, or the ungodly pain during..." Cordelia's flippant comments ceased as she dropped the piece of Kiwi fruit and held her hands to her head. "No! Not tonight. Come on give me a-." Her body pitched back, only to be caught by Lindsey, whose expression was one of pure terror. He wasn't sure he could handle watching someone he loved so damn much, go through this kind of pain. Lindsey knew that Cordelia held her prophetic powers sacred and wouldn't do a thing to get rid herself of the
painful visions if given the chance. So all he could do was  be there for her, to give her the slight comfort that he could.

He could tell when the vision left her. Her body immediately relaxed against his chest. "What was it?"

"It was Xander. He was in some hospital. He's so afraid." Cordelia fought to control her emotions. But being able to feel the fear from him worried her. "He was sitting in the hallway. He had tears in his eyes,... Oh Lindsey he was so afraid."

"I'm getting Angel." Lindsey jaw muscles clenched as he stood and carried a protesting Cordelia over to the bed.

"No! I want Angel and Willow's first night together to be perfect. Plus it's not like we can do anything tonight." Lindsey looked unsure. "Just one night is all I'm asking."

"Delia-."

"One night Lindsey. With no emergencies, no demons..." The corners of Lindsey mouth twitched. "You know what I mean. They've wanted this for so long."

"Fine. But first thing in the morning we're going to tell him. I don't care what his sleeping hours are." Cordelia grinned in victory as Lindsey rolled his
eyes. It wasn't as though he ever thought he'd win an argument with the future Mrs. McDonald.
 

Part twenty-four

"Dawn did you remember to pack the books I set aside on the dinning room table?" Giles rushed down the hall carrying an armload of weapons to pack away in one of the moving boxes. After a long discussion it had been decided that both Giles and Dawn wanted to join up with their friends again and make a difference in the world. Buffy had yelled, screamed and threatened to no end. Finally she had left the house in disgust, vowing
to never speak to either Giles or Dawn again.

"Yeah, I also packed your Watcher Diaries." Dawn called out from her bedroom.

It had been a blow to the heart, when the slayer had vehemently sputtered those final words. Dawn had cried and Giles had quietly gone to his room to collect himself, but neither had changed their minds on their decision.  This was what they wanted to do that this was what was meant to be. Dawn had tried explaining to Buffy that they weren't like other people, never had been and never would be. The chosen one aside, they had all lived a life of protecting innocent lives from evil forces. They knew what went dump in the night and to just keep running and pretending it never happened just wasn't the right thing to do.

"Did you remember to pack your schoolbooks? I don't want you falling behind." Giles poked his head into her room. Dawn had made a face but nodded. "Good. The movers will pack up your room, but you will need to pack a bag to take with us tonight."

Giles and Dawn had laid their cards on the table. There had been no beating around the bush, or any question what either one wanted to do. Buffy knew that no matter what, when Angel and the rest left town they were going as well. They wanted Buffy to come, but it was her choice. Apparently she had made it.

Calling the number that Angel had left behind they got Wesley and let the ex-Watcher know that they were going with them. Wesley's excitedly relayed to them the departure time, and explained that Angel had already contacted a moving company and retained their services.

Giles and Dawn went to work. They wanted to get any questionable items packed away before any nosy moving men showed up. The running about kept their minds occupied, or both would feel the sting of Buffy's ultimatum. Giles had written a letter, incase Buffy didn't arrive back before they left. He left the deed to the house as well as the furniture to her. It wasn't his intent to leave her with nothing, because he loved her. He had been in her life for seven years. No matter how childish or selfish she was behaving now, he stilled thought of her as a daughter.

Dawn had hid a note for Buffy as well. Knowing her sister like she did, Dawn knew that even if Buffy returned before they joined up with Angel and the rest, her sister wouldn't change her mind. Even if Buffy *knew* she was wrong, her decision would remain the same. It wasn't in the blonde's nature, her pride almost as big and scary as the demons they used to fight back in Sunnydale. In the letter she had left Angel's address and number, where they would be staying for the time being.

Giles took a look around the modest house they had lived in for the last year. This was it. In a way he was delighted that they were no longer going to be on the run, hiding from a menace that had taken the lives of so many friends, and threatened the life of Dawn. For all he knew Glory was still out there, but a part of him believed she was gone. That her time in this dimension had run out and had been exiled to where ever she came from. Believing in this had just made running all that much harder. He had no idea where life was going to lead them, but he trusted that the PTB had plans. Didn't they always?

"Mrs. Harris everything is right on schedule." Anya beamed over at Xander. "The only thing I am concerned about is your blood pressure. It's still a little high."

They had heard this through the entire pregnancy. They both believed that it had to do with the act that Anya wasn't like normal people. That her past demon state had something to do with it. That and who wouldn't have a little blood pressure problem if they had a pissed off God looking for them.

"So have you thought of a name for the little one?" The doctor asked as he scribbled notes into Anya's folder.

"Yes. Willow Anne Harris." Xander grinned. "We're naming her after a friend I had growing up."

"That's a great name." Nodding absently the doctor flipped through a few more charts. "Mrs. Harris have you decided on whether or not you'll be
breastfeeding?"

"Oh yes. The commercials say that it's best to breastfeed. That's what all mammals do. They supply the milk for their babies." The doctor looked a little puzzled, but what didn't puzzle him about the young lady in front of him.

"Yes well...its true that the baby gets benefits from breastfeeding but it's not for everyone."

Xander started gathering up their stuff, already knowing where this conversation would lead if Anya were aloud to speak. She had been discussing the some thing with a neighbor, when she also pointed out that many demons breastfeed their children. Xander had been standing there listening and say the shocked look their neighbor Tammy had given his wife. Needless to say their neighbor hadn't stopped by since.

They were heading out the door when the doctor called out. "Remember, you need to take it easy. If your blood pressure rises I'm going to put you in the hospital for observation."

Lindsey paced at the foot of the bed that at the moment Cordelia was napping on. She'd had two visions since the night before, each time pleading to let Angel and Willow have just a little more alone time together. It was well after noon, and Cordy had agreed on one o'clock. But should she have another vision before then he vowed he'd be pounding Angel's door down.

It was amazing how she just accepted the pain that came with the visions without complaint. In some sick way he thought she was actually happy to be having the mind shattering images that TPTB sent her way. Infact everyone seemed to just take her pain with a grain of salt, thinking that it was just supposed to be that way. Lindsey knew that it tore him up seeing the tears that would wet her face. Perhaps he'd talk to Willow and see if there was some spell, or herbal mix that could help. There had to be something to ease the discomfort. If there was a spell that could bring a
demon she bitch like Darla back from the bowels of Hell, than surly there had to be something for a damn headache.

Looking at his wristwatch, Lindsey wished he could say the hell with it and go get Angel. But Cordelia had been right. What good could they do right now? They'd have to wait until nightfall anyways. Running a hand through his hair Lindsey told himself to calm down. He wasn't being rational.

"Are you going to pace all day, or do you think you could spare a few minutes and come cuddle?" Grinning from the bed Cordelia lifted up the comforter.

He couldn't help but return the smile. Slipping in behind her, he gathered her warm body next to his. Amazing how just holding her made everything all right.

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