“I think I found it,” Giles said as he handed her the book he had been reading, then rubbed his eyes.

Willow took it happily and looked over the text, smiling, realizing he was right.

“One more to go,” she replied excited.

After three hours of researching their hard work was paying off.

“I’ll look here,” Giles volunteered as he grabbed the book on top of the library counter.

Willow looked up and turned her attention to Giles.

“Thank you.”

“What?” Giles asked a bit confused.

“Thank you. For this.”

“For what?”

“Your help. Your friendship. I’m sure it isn’t easy for you yet.... because of Angelus....”

“That is in the past,” Giles quickly told her.

Willow gave him a small smile.

“I know that it’ll take more time... to heal... but his’ a good man,” Willow added.

“I know he is Willow. That’s why I’m helping you.”

Willow turned her attention back to her book, feeling the subject may be a bit too much for Giles right now.

Giles looked at her and smiled.

“I’ve forgiven him,” Giles revealed. “Faith showed me how.”

Willow looked up at him with surprise and a bit of moisture in her eyes.

“You see Willow, things have changed for me. Faith showed me the way to forgive him was to forgive myself first... To forgive myself for not protecting her. I can’t tell you I have forgotten what he had done to us... to me, but I’m getting there. As Faith tells me, we’re family now.”

“You deserve to be happy.”

“As you, Willow. And I know you’re happy with him.... and that he is with you, because he looks at you just like I’m sure I look at Faith.”

Willow blushed, then smiled, hoping that it was truth, but realizing in her heart it was.

The moment was disrupted by a very out of breath, annoyed Watcher.

“Have you seen Faith?” Wesley choked out.

“I thought she was training with you,” Giles replied.

“She was, but I seem to have lost her.”

“Was something wrong?” Willow asked a bit amused by the irritated man.

“No. I’m sure she snuck off. She mentioned something about going shopping?”

Giles hide his smile, knowing that Faith had done just that.

“I’ll talk to her,” Giles offered.

“Yes, please. She seems to listen to you best.”

Willow giggled, then smiled as she spotted what she had been looking for.

“So, what are you two doing?” Wesley asked curious.

“Just keeping up with some research.”

“Ah right then, carry on,” Wesley said as he began moving to the small office.

“I found it,” Willow whispered to him.

“Well, look at the time. Did you need a ride home Willow?” Giles asked quickly.

“Yes, please,” Willow said as she grabbed the needed books and stood up from the chair.

“Well then, we should leave.”

Before Wesley could turn around and comment on there sudden departure they were gone. He moved over to the pile of books on the table and noticed the various topics, some rather suspicious. This was something he might have to ask about later, he just hoped it wasn’t another bloody demon.

“Faith, I have to warn you. If you say it one more time, I will have to stake you.”

Faith chuckled at the comment, she knew she might be being excessive, but she didn’t care. She wanted to make sure they knew how sincere she was.

“It’s just... I’m sorry... for everything...”

“It wasn’t your fault, Faith. Everything worked out and that was the important part,” Angel reassured her.

“I know but.... I don’t want anything to happen to you guys.... I couldn’t even protect my old watcher...” she began to say.

“No, Faith. It isn’t for you to blame yourself. How were you supposed to know that demon was after her, especially if she never told you? You did what you could.”

Faith remained silent. It was the same thing Giles had told her, but it just hadn’t completely sunk in. Her watcher had been the closest thing to a friend she had ever had and that had been taken away from her in an instant. Now that she had a family, she was terrified of losing it. Something she had always dreamed off, taken from her.

“And for a Slayer, coming from an Angelus point of view, you are a pretty good one...”

Faith smiled at him, that was a compliment she never would have expected. Her look soon turned a bit cocky, making Angel add to his comment with a smirk.

“But not that good enough to beat me.”

Faith rolled her eyes in a mock. Well, at least she was still “good”.

Faith had invited him to come shopping with her for help. Though she knew Giles would be happy with anything she gave him, she wanted to get him something special, something that reminded him of home. Even if he didn’t admit it, she knew he missed England. Who else would be able to give her a better opinion then someone from the same side of the world, even of they were from opposite ends. And even if Angel had already bought most of Willow’s gifts, he wanted to get her some nicknaks that were in style, in the craze. So both people happily walked down the corridors with a baby, shopping for their love ones.

“Come on, we’re here to shop.”

“Where to?”

“Follow me.”

Angel did and nearly fell back as he saw the content of the store.

“Faith...”

“So, what do you think, red or black?”

“I don’t think...”

“Yeah, what about the teddy?”

“What...?” Angel turned to see what she was looking at and immediately produced an image of the redhead in the silkily material.

“Faith no....”

“We can always get her the matching bra and panties,” Faith offered, loving the way the vampire squirmed.

Angel simple turned around and walked out, thankful he could no longer turn red.

“And this is for....?” Faith asked her once more.

“Well I’m really not sure,” Willow replied.

After at least three hours of shopping with Angel for Willow and Giles, the pair had found their respective others and switched off, not necessarily as the men had wanted though. Now Faith and Willow were placing the final touches for the holidays, each carrying a rather large log.

“I’ll give you a copy of what I printed out.”

“Well as long as it’s for them...” Faith replied as she held open the door for Willow. “I just never thought of Giles as the log kind of guy.”

“Yeah, I’m sure Angelus hauled some home in his time,” Willow replied with a smile, prompting both women to erupt in giggles.

“Did you bring the other bag?” Willow asked as she walked up the stairs to the main floor.

“Brought everything.”

“And Giles....”

“Will keep Angel away as you asked for at least four hours,” Faith told her once again, reassuring her.

“Okay then. Let’s put the logs here, and start.”

Faith did as she was asked, a bit excited. Willow set up the ingredients as Faith started turning on the candles.

Christmas Eve Morning
 
 

Angel awoke to the smell of lavender and pinesol. He also awoke with empty arms. He quickly turned in bed and sat up, hearing the sounds of water from the kitchen below. He quickly stood and looked over the railing seeing Willow busy in the kitchen cleaning as Nicolas looked on from his playpen, fascinated as Angel was, as to how she was able to do a multitude of things all at once. He took a quick look around the house and noted just how clean it was. Memories emerged from the past and he smiled a sad smile. This was exactly what his mother had done every Christmas Eve, the traditional scrub and polish - cleansing of the house.

He pulled on a T-shirt and quickly went down the stairs, seeing Willow scrubbing the stove to a polish. He moved behind her and placed a kiss on her sweaty cheek.

After another swipes of kisses, Angel asked Willow what he needed to do.

“What can I clean?”

“The bedroom, and bathroom.... oh and if you can tackle Nicolas’ room.”

With a nod and another quick kiss, Angel took the bucket and sponge that Willow offered and did the chores he had once done to perfection as a human under his mother’s supervision. It was until now that he realized just how much he had taken for granted what he had in his human life. It was a mistake he would never do again, now that he had a second chance.

Christmas Eve Night
 
 

“Are you sure this looks right?” Willow asked as she hung the garland over the mantle.

Nicolas was too busy with his new teddy bear to look over as Angel placed more gifts under the Christmas tree.

“It looks very nice,” Angel replied from under the tree.

Happy with her design, she carefully went down the ladder and headed to the CD player, part of his new entertainment center and pressed play, letting the sound flow through the room.

“The tree is huge Angel,” Willow commented as she looked at how high it went up.

“You choose it,” he reminded her, joining her in standing up.

“I just never thought it would be so big,” she marveled. “How do we get the angel on?”

“I have an idea,” He told her as she stood in back of her.

She shirked in delight and something else as he hoisted her on his shoulders.

“Hold still,” he told her as he tried to steady them.

Willow wouldn’t stop from giggling as she reached out and placed the angel on top of the tree.

“Ready,” she smiled as she placed the ornament in place.

Angel lowered her back to the floor, smiling as he saw how red she was. She was even sweating.

“I should.... I’m gonna.... get some eggnog.”

Angel simply nodded, moving over to Nicolas and taking him out of the crib. He settled down in front of the fire, placing Nicolas down next to him on the many down comforters spread on the floor, some even covering the oversized sofa.

Willow looked at them both and smiled. So much had changed since Angel had gone to her window those many nights ago and asked for help. She had found herself happier then she had ever been in her life. And the days since the “rescue” things between them had changed. There was a confidence there they had never known existed. They felt more comfortable with each other and with the feelings that seemed to be growing between them with each moment they spent together. Even innocent kisses and touches were changing. They couldn’t seem to keep their hands off each other anymore. A simple kiss now turned into full blown passion which usually ended with both of them entangled on the floor or on the coach, nearly falling to the floor. In bed, they tried to keep their hands to themselves, but they just didn’t seem to be able to control themselves.

Last night had been one of their more daring embraces. Angel couldn’t help but graze her skin with his fangs, tasting a tiny amount of her blood. Willow didn’t mind, she had even encouraged him, her body not able to stop grinding against his. He seemed more then content when she heard him begin to purr, something she had never before heard. Their hands even had a mind of their own as Angel’s hands had cupped her breasts and Willow’s grabbed onto his nicely curved ass. But they had stopped the moment Angel was about to open her nightshirt when they had heard the baby cry. The moment had been broken, but as much as they would have liked to continue, Nicolas had insisted otherwise.

Now every time she looked at him, she couldn’t help but blush constantly, remembering the wonderful sensations he caused in her. She could only wonder if she caused the same reaction in him. Willow took out the eggnog and poured it inside two goblets. She returned to see Angel and Nicolas content on the floor.

“I wasn’t sure if you wanted some,” Willow said as she handed him the cup the moment she made herself over to him.

“Thank you.”

Angel accepted the cup , taking a sip, noting one interesting ingredient.

“Rum?”

“A bit. Thought it needed a bit of flavor,” she replied.

“Join us?” he asked as he extended his arm.

She settled down happily, letting Nicolas show her his new gray bear.

Angel simple held Willow against him, enveloping her into his arms, and moving his arm to rest on her waist, urging her to lay against his chest, which Willow did happily. Happy Angel had never been, never as he was now. Well perhaps, not including last night. No, that had been just wonderful. Hearing, feeling, touching, Willow like that had been pure heaven to him. To have given him the permission without words to take even a simple taste of her livelihood meant more to him then anything he had ever held dear, because it meant she trusted him, but even more importantly, it meant she accepted him fully, demon, vampire, human, all. He held her a bit tighter, wondering what he had done to deserve her. Who gave him this precious gift to love, because now, as he sat with her in his arms he realized he did love her. Love her and want her more then to see the sun shine once again on his face.

Willow moved slightly, looking up at Angel gazing down at her. She smiled and slightly turned, her hand caressing his cheek as she placed a tender kiss on his lips, eliciting a giggle from Nicolas. She smiled against his lips, not permitting the kiss to deepen. They could continue later, but now they had other plans.

“We should get dressed, if not well be late,” she told him as she reluctantly pulled away from his arms and stood up, taking Nicolas with her.

Angel nodded, knowing she had a surprise for him, not wanting to let him know about it. Angel followed her to the bedroom smiling. They had done so much already. After a mass cleaning, they had showered, apart unfortunately, and bathed Nicolas. After which they decorated the house with all the trimmings they had. The tree was up, the lights on, the gifts wrapped, and food prepared. Now it was time to change.

Angel settled for his typical wear. He decided on black slacks, accompanied by a black - button down dress shirt. He decided to leave his locks alone and placed on his black shoes. He was ready in a matter of moments, deciding to dress Nicolas next.

As Angel changed Nicolas, Willow was busy changing in the bathroom. He changed his diaper and placed the soft dark blue pants on him, then changed his tiny shirt with a heavier small snowman designed sweater, which was a bit big, but with a tiny white T-shirt under, it didn’t matter. He slicked back Nicolas’ dark brown hair, leaving a crease on the side, parting the hair to the side. The baby just looked at him puzzled and laughed, talking animidly with Angel, his hands flying through the air as his small feet.

Willow soon grabbed the attention of both men the moment she stepped out of the bathroom. She looked at them and smiled, her blush coming to rise when her gaze met with Angel’s. She could have paid more attention to the way he was looking her over, but her own eyes were busy looking over him, making her temperature rise.

Angel looked at her lovely face, her hair swirled around her face perfectly. His gaze lowered to see her dark red blouse sculpturing her body, her buttons beginning above her cleavage. Her dark red skirt nicely fitted at the waist, hugging her legs slightly, She was a vision of tempting that Angel seemed not to get enough of.

“I think dinner is ready,” she said, breaking the silence.

Angel simply nodded and followed her down the stairs with a happy Nicolas in his arms.

Dinner was long and plentiful. Angel didn’t have to eat, Willow knew that, but he did and he seemed to be enjoying himself. They talked and joked, wondering how they would have overlooked each other the first time they met. They were so comfortable together, so loving with each other, it seemed they had been together more then three weeks.

They had coffee and moved to the coach, each enjoying the others company, the baby snuggled in Angel’s arms, chewing on his teething ring. They spoke about everything and nothing, just spending time with each other happily. It was on one of his many sly comments that Willow smiled, her eyes catching a glimpse at the clock on the mantle. She jumped up, hadn’t realizing just how late it was.

“We’re going to be late,” she said as she took Nicolas from his arms.

“Late for what?” Angel asked as he took a look at the clock.

“Mass,” Willow replied as she looked around for the baby’s snow suit.

“We’re going to mass?” Angel asked completely surprised.

“Midnight Mass,” Willow said happily as Nicolas began to chew on the new wool mittens on his tiny hand she had just placed on.

Willow simply smiled as she saw Nicolas and took one of his hands and began to place a sweater on him.

“Willow... I haven’t gone to....gone to.... for so long.... I haven’t stepped inside a church.....”

“That’s why Father Michael decided to hold the Mass by were they constructed Little Bethlehem,” Willow said matter-of-factly.

Angel simple looked at her, his eyes a bit watery. Everything felt so special, wonderfully so and it was that way because of Willow.

“Come on, or we’ll be late,” Willow told him as she finished putting on Nicolas’ white snow pants and jacket.

The baby remained still, looking on as Angel and Willow hurried to put on their own coats. Angel placed a scarf around Willow neck, stealing a kiss, then stuffing the edges inside her coat.

“It’s a bit cold out,” Angel said a bit husky.

Willow blushed slightly, then smiled, reaching out to button up the last button to his leather coat. Angel thanked her with a quick kiss and then picked up the baby with a small blanket on hand and held him, Nicolas’ head on Angel’s shoulder.

Willow took his hand in hers and headed to the door with the two men she loved most in the world.

“I thought you guys weren’t gonna make it,” Faith commented as she began to rub her hands together.

“Sorry. We we’re a bit distracted,” Willow replied.

“I bet you were,” Faith remarked with a smile.

Angel grinned as Willow simple blushed a bit.

The bells began to ring, announcing Father Michael as he stepped onto the raised platform. This side of the park was part of the church that held the replica of the small manger in Bethlehem on an open plane. Faith settled wrapped in Giles’ arms, as Angel held both his treasures, Willow and Nicolas. They listened intently as did the rather large crowd around them.

Faith, had gone patrolling earlier making sure all the park and cemeteries were clear of “baddies”. It wasn’t a surprise to her that she had only found two, the vampire population at an all time low. Apparently they too just wanted to have a peaceful holiday season. That or they didn’t like the idea of two slayers in the same town, which ever one, she was grateful for.

Angel looked on a bit fascinated to see that some traditions were not lost over the centuries. Midnight Mass was the most important time in his home. His mother made sure each of them were ready for mass at least half an hour before it was time to leave. He looked down at Willow who was intently listening to the Father. He smiled, knowing what she had done for him, tears escaping. Nicolas looked up him and smiled, perhaps trying to make him smile. He held both of them tighter against him as Willow wrapped both arms around him.

Father Michael finished his passage and the choir began to hum a song, preparing them all to join them.
 
 

As the first verses were sang, they were gifted by the white snowflakes. Many marveled at how lovely they looked, not able to remember the last time it snowed in Sunnydale, especially on this night.
 
 

The small group of four friends and a baby sang with their hearts as the snowflakes showered them.
 
 

With the final verses the bells began to ring, ending Mass. The happy couples, and families wished each other a blessing and a Merry Christmas and began to leave, heading home to a night filled with endless possibilities.

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