"Buffy is a ho and she's the reason Willow left!" Cordelia longed to say those words. She couldn't though; Willow's letter begged her to keep quiet. Cordelia kept the letter in her purse or somewhere near her. It was her permanent reminder why she shouldn't just run and tell Angel to go after Willow.  It was so * stupid  *, they both loved each other and wanted to be together. They were even mates. Cordelia had expected Angel to go after Willow, but no, he had to do the self-sacrificing thing and live without her. Willow wouldn't come back because she wanted Angel to be happy. Cordelia wanted to wack them both over the head.

It had been a year since Willow left.  Things had changed since then.  Giles and Jenny were engaged. A new Slayer named Faith came to town.  She too hated Buffy. Every chance she got Buffy would remind her that this was her town and that she was a third choice Slayer after Kendra.  If possible, Angel seemed to brood even more. There was always this look in his eyes, like someone had taken a part of him

away. Which was true.  Buffy got even more annoying as the months went on with her pathetic attempts to get Angel back. That and she would constantly reminding them about how she was the Slayer, the almighty chosen one, they were all just her sidekicks and how they should all thank their lucky stars that she was there to protect them.

          Not that the May Queen didn't have her revenge. Thanks to a series of rumors, no one could look at Buffy Summers and not mutter the words "skanky whore", which was ironic considering she wasn't getting any from Angel.  <How did I let the others talk me into this?> She thought the plan was simple.  There was a new vampire master in town. Cordelia would act as bait. A vamp would attack her, the gang would jump the

sucker do the tourture thing and find out about the new master. She was outside the Bronze, the others were waiting in the shadows.  The guy didn't even bother to make conversation with her, he just vamped and attacked her. Cordelia hit him with her purse,

its contents spilling out into the floor.  Angel got to him first pulling him off before he could bite her.  Faith tied him up with the rope and Buffy held the holy water.  "You okay Cordy?" Xander asked.  She nodded trying  to ignore the screams of the vamp as holy water was poured over him.  After five minutes he was staked.  "What did you find out?" Xander said.  "Just a regular vampire master, nothing I can't handle" Buffy said. Cordy picked up her cell phone and put it in her purse, her compact and eyeliner were right next

to it. The only thing that was missing was

Faith picked up the piece of paper that she stepped on she began to read out loud. " 'I love Angel so much I want him to be happy even if it isn't with me.  Whoa what is this Cordy?' "

"Faith, give me that now!" Cordelia got up. Angel was faster. He grabbed the letter out of Faith's hands and began to read.  For a moment nobody moved

they all watched Angel.  "You knew." He said, his demon was surfacing. "Don't you get demonic on me. It's Slutty who started the whole thing" Cordy said.  "Angel, let's go somewhere in private where we can talk" Buffy said. She had to make him understand

that she did it because she loved him.  Hearing Buffy's voice caused something in him to snap. His anger at the brunette paled in comparison to his anger at the blonde.  Turning around he took her by the shoulders and shoved her hard against the wall.  " You stupid

bitch! Did you actually think you could make me stop loving Willow just because you tricked her into leaving town?" he let her go; touching her disgusted him. "Angel I love you! I would have done anything for you. I know you love me too." Buffy said. Meanwhile Cordelia was making plane reservations for the first flight out of Sunnydale.

"I never loved you. Even when I was with you I thought of Willow." "Saying her name when you had an orgasm made that quiet obvious" Buffy snapped. Tears were running

down her eyes now.

"You remember? "

"I love you. I would have forgiven you for anything, even taking on Willow as a mate. I would have done anything for you.. for us!" she said trying to get near him again. He shoved her back.

"You're not in love with me, you're obsessed." Angel replied.  He always knew that Buffy was not the most mentally stable of all people but only until now did

he understand how truly insane she was.  Cordelia and Faith both rolled her eyes. It was over, the only person who couldn't see that was Buffy. "Give it up B, Fang doesn't want you." Faith said hoping to talk some sense into the girl. "Shut up Faith you don't know anything. You couldn't even protect your own Watcher." Buffy spat  knowing the comment would hurt her.

  Faith hit her. Buffy's head hit the pavement knocking her out.  "Always wanted to do that." Faith said rubbing her hand. "Can you handle this situation?" Angel asked he had

somewhere to be. Faith nodded and Cordelia practically shouted at him "What are you still doing here? Go after her. I even made you reservations - your plane leaves in twenty

minutes" then the May Queen smiled.  "I hope you don't mind I didn't get you a window seat."
 
 

****

Chapter 9
 
 

Paris, France
 
 

" Can you * believe * she did that? Willow, are you listening?" Janelle asked. "What? I'm listening." Willow said, trying to sound convincing. "You always phase out like that. It's like your mind is somewhere else." Janelle said. "No I really was listening." she said. Janelle gave her a strange look then looked at her watch.  "We're going to be late for class come on!" Janelle said.  She and Willow grabbed their books and exited the café.  The night air was chilly as they walked over the bridge.  She knew this bridge well, she walked over it almost everyday for the past year. She was an exchange student from Sunnydale. That's all anybody knew about her. No one knew she was mated to a vampire or she was immortal now. Willow always had the offer of coming to France. She had rejected the idea every year because she was at home.  Home. <Where was home now?> Willow wondered. France was only a temporary solution; her year here was running out. She could stay here and get a job. The Villiers would certainly help her. Her foster family embraced her as one of their own. For once, Willow knew what it was like to be in a family that cared for one another. She already had a handle on the language, and even by European school standards she was considered intelligent. She had friends here too, like her foster sister Janelle, a bit of a fluff head but she had a good heart.  It was her that brought Willow out of her reclusive shell, by demanding a drastic change in her wardrobe. France was the fashion capital of the world, Willow would shame everyone in the city if she went around in fuzzy sweaters all the time. No one in Sunnydale would recognize her now, not that it mattered.  Janelle made sure she was never alone and tried new things; like this evening art class.  Willow's own talent was mediocre at best, but she was getting better.

          As they entered the building, Willow stopped. She felt strange her body tingled all over.  <It couldn't be> she thought. Of course not, * he * was on the other side of the world with Buffy having a perfectly happy un-life.  <This is silly> she thought and went into the class with Janelle. The second she was in the room, the feeling only got stronger.  Willow looked around. Sure enough, in the middle of class surrounded by eager young French girls, was Angel.

Willow was beyond stunned.  Janelle had to nudge her six times before she got a reaction.  "Someone you know?" she asked.  "Yes, I mean no." Willow didn't even know what she was saying. Angel was looking right at her. He smiled, as if accepting some kind of challenge.

"Will all of you please take your seats." he said in perfect French. Willow was automatic and took a seat on her stool. She stared at her easel as he talked. "Your professor Madame Finch could not be here so I will be taking her place until a permanent replacement can be found" He was still talking and Willow found it hard to breath. She wouldn't look at him, instead concentrating on the big blank piece of paper in front of her. Angel started to walk around the class, stopping right behind her.  "Art is more than just expression, in fact, it's a lot like love. A feeling so strong, you want a person to see it

even if they deny it at first.." This was so unfair he was so close. Willow closed her eyes in an attempt to shut out his voice.  Thankfully he moved away. Leaving her alone to draw her bowl of fruit.  Her fingers were shaking as she picked up the pencil to sketch. Willow refused to look up. "Willow is something the matter?" Janelle asked. She had never seen her so distraught before.  "I .. I'm fine" Willow said. Even though she

wouldn't look up, Willow was always aware exactly where Angel was she could feel him looking at her.  Time went by slowly, but finally it was 8:00 and nobody packed up faster than Willow.

"Ms Rosenburg could I see you after class?" Angel asked.  She froze. "I'll tell mother you'll be late." Janelle said and walked out. She could feel Angel's gaze on her. He didn't say anything, waiting for her to make the first move.  "So, um, what happened to

Madame Finch?" Willow asked quietly glad to be speaking English.  "Madame Finch received a very generous check in the mail and is now somewhere in the Caribbean." Angel said. <God she's so beautiful> he thought. She was wearing ankle length boots, a dark brown skirt, a tight tan shirt and a leather jacket.  "How is everyone back in Sunnydale?" Willow said, trying to sound casual.  "Giles and Jenny are engaged, Cordelia and Xander are still together to everyone's surprise." he said.

"And Buffy?" she prompted.

"Buffy is in England being held for psychiatric evaluation. " Angel said simply.

"Why?"

"After I left she became violent, trying to hurt those that cared about her the most."

"Why did you leave Angel?" He smiled. It was the first time she said his name in a long time.

"I found out what a conniving bitch she was. She lied to both of us." Angel said. He was still angry at himself for not seeing through her lies.

"What did she lie about?" Willow asked, confused. Buffy was her best friend, she would never lie to her.

"She told you that I didn't want to be with you and the only reason I was attracted to you was our link. She told me you wanted a normal life without me." he said.

"I don't understand. Why would Buffy lie to me like that?"

          "She was obsessed with me. She would have said anything to keep us apart." he said, walking closer to her.

"That's all over now" Angel said as he kissed her. Willow couldn't help it. She held onto him and kissed him back.  They broke off the kiss so that Willow could breath. In the mean time, Angel took off his shirt. He picked her up and sat her on the desk in the middle of the room.  The fact that anyone could come waltzing in the room never occurred to Willow, and if it occurred to Angel he didn't stop to think about it.  He helped her out of her shirt and she undid his pants.  The bra, skirt and panties

came off with ease.  She laid down, her hair fanning out, contrasting against the dark wood of the desk. Angel bent down and kissed her, his tongue taking possession of her mouth.  Their bodies were meshed together.  Lowering his mouth on her throat, he

continued licking the skin as she stroked his back. She had missed his cool skin against hers, and he had missed her warm skin, which was now hot with passion. Taking a

nipple in his mouth and biting it gently, he got a moan out of her as he sucked on the nipple.  After doing the same thing to the other one, his mouth explored lower, kissing her flat tummy to her soft thighs, which she had spread out for him. Very slowly, he pushed two fingers into her wet channel, marveling at how tight she was.  "Angel"

she cried wanting more. He took his fingers out and licked them, savoring the taste.  He thrust into her with all the passion that had been pent up inside him for the last year.  She thrust back with the same passion needing to feel him in her after all

this time.  Angel suddenly vamped. Willow wasn't afraid, it was the next step in their link. She was too lust-filled to try and stop him.  He bit down on her.  Willow, was surprised, it didn't hurt at all. It felt good.  Lifting his head up, Angel cut his

own neck and Willow nodded, raising her head to suck the blood from the cut. The blood combined with sex made the pleasure almost unbearable as it exploded in them both.

          For a few minutes nothing was said. They both needed time to recover. Their link had reached a new level: a mental one.  Propping an elbow next to Willow, Angel nuzzled at her neck.  "We can be together now.  There's nothing to stop us." he said and smiled as he tried to kiss her. Willow shook her head.  "This shouldn't have happened." she said, and got up to put her clothes on.

"What are you talking about? This should have happened a year ago." he said. "This is wrong." was all she would say. She had her  bra back on now. "What's wrong with this? I love you." he said and made her turn around to look at him.  "Angel, you're not in love with me. You just think you are because of the link." she said and shook out of his grasp to find her shirt. "I told you, Buffy was lying about that. I love you. I've always loved you, even before this all happened." Angel said trying to reach out for her, not psychically but mentally. She blocked him out. It was like hitting a blank wall.

          "Why are you blocking me out?" he asked trying to not get angry.

"Because this isn't real! This is a result of a spell Angelus cast, not you! You never really wanted me! You wouldn't today if it wasn't for the link!"  she said, not caring if anyone heard her yelling.  She had her jacket on now and gathered her books.  Angel

watched her leave and sighed as he put his pants back on.

"Damn I knew it wasn't going to be that easy."

****
 
 

Chapter 10
 
 

"I don't care if you have a headache you are coming out!" Janelle shouted.  She didn't understand for the past week and half Willow refused to come to art class because of some stupid headache. In the past year she couldn't remember Willow ever coughing.

"I don't think I can concentrate on art today." Willow tried to explain.

"You don't want to go to class fine. We will go to the club. I'll call the gang and tell them to meet us there. Get dressed." Janelle ordered. She had spent months getting Willow to be less withdrawn; she wasn't let all her hard work go to waste because of some art teacher, no matter how handsome he was. Janelle was sure he was the reason she was acting this way. Anytime she mentioned art class Willow would blush and change the subject. "Are you dressed yet?" Janelle asked as she hung up the phone.

"Yes." Willow stepped out wearing tight black like pants and a long sleeve green shirt that left her mid-drift exposed.  "That's more like it." Janelle nodded in approval.

<I don't know why I miss Cordelia so much. I have to French version of her right here.> Willow thought.  "The gang is waiting for us," she said, opening the door and hailing a taxi.

< At least the Bronze had room to breathe.> Willow> thought.  The club was packed, music hammering from every direction. "Janelle, Willow over here." a voice said.

"It's Pierce let's g-" the crowd swirled Janelle in. Willow watched her go, having no desire to follow her.  Surrounded by dancers, Willow was effectively alone with her thoughts. <At least I'm not in art class, lots of self-restraint you showed there, you couldn't last three whole seconds alone with Angel before you jumped him.>

"Actually I believe I was the instigator but if you want to jump me your more than welcome." Angel said wrapping his arm around her waist.

"That's not fair!" Willow cried, turning around. She was shoved back in his embrace by a clumsy dancer.

"All's fair in love and war. Besides you can read my mind if you want. Would you like to know what I'm thinking?" Angel asked in a seductive voice and smiled as his hand touched her stomach and glided up under her shirt to touch her..

"No!" she said and pushed his hand away.  Angel frowned. "Why are you being like this? I love you.  If you give me a chance, I'll spend the rest of eternity proving it to you."

"Don't you see? You don't love me. It's the link that makes you think you do. I don't want that. I don't want you to be with me because some spell makes you. It's almost like your feelings are artificial. Nobody deserves that. I don't deserve that." Willow said, looking right into his eyes. She was mentally blocking him but he knew she was saying

what she believed. <How can I make you understand that it isn't the spell? That I love you not because you're my mate but because you're Willow> he thought.  "Professor, what are you doing here?" Janelle asked as she made her way through the crowds with her friends. "How could I have art class without my two favorite students?" Angel replied and gave her a charming smile.  Janelle eyed Willow and Angel together and gave her a knowing look.

"Let's go home I don't feel well." Willow said to the others. Janelle gave her a dirty look, the others agreed as they walked outside to get a taxi one stopped and they all got in except Willow and Angel.

"There's not enough room. Willow you will have to get the next taxi. I'm sure the professor will see you home safely." Janelle said, and gave her a wink and closed the door before Willow could say anything.

They waited ten minutes in silence for a taxi. Angel was slowly edging his way closer to her. "Pardon me do you have the time?" a man said. Before Willow could look at her watch Angel grabbed her and pulled her behind him and vamped.  The man too vamped and two other vampires came out from the shadows.  One grabbed her and pulled her to the ground. Willow kicked him, causing him to back off a little. Angel had already staked the other one and was now going for the one who attacked Willow.  He was gone in about thirty seconds. Angel grabbed the third one by the throat and picked him up.  The vamp stared hard at him and his eyes widened.

"Angelus? I'm sorry if I had know it was you .."Angel squeezed his throat tighter.

"The only reason I'm letting you live is because you're going back to your Prince and tell him that this girl is * my mate * and if anything happens to her you will have me to deal with." every three words Angel shook the vamp, who somehow managed to choke out a yes.  Angel let him down as he ran off. "Willow, are you alright?" he kneeled down to where she was sitting.  "I think I twisted my ankle." she said as he touched it gently.

"It should heal by morning." Angel said picking her up and began to walk.

"Angel you can't carry me twenty blocks!" Willow said. She loved the feel of his arms around her.

"You don't sound very grateful. I did save your life." he said, feeling her warmth spread through him.

      "I am grateful and I assure you that I can walk on my own. Now let me down!" Willow said, not really meaning it. Angel smiled. "I'm not letting you go. Not now, not ever."
 
 

****
 
 

Chapter 11

"What's a Prince?" Willow asked trying to ignore the stares she was getting by Angel carrying her.

"A Prince is the same thing as a Master.  They just like titles here more in Europe." Angel said. It began to rain. Willow laughed and stuck out her tongue to taste the rain. She was all wet now and so was Angel. His clothes stuck to him like second skin outlining his muscles. Willow fought the urge to kiss him. Turning onto the driveway, Willow wondered how he knew where she lived.  Before she could ring the doorbell, the door opened. "Willow! What happened to you?" Mrs. Villers asked, seeing her foster daughter soaking wet and being carried by an attractive stranger.

"Well, um, there was a guy and he tried to rob me but then the Professor came and, um, drove him off" Willow said

   "He saved, you how romantic!" Janelle exclaimed from behind.

"Don't stand there by the door you will catch a cold.  Janelle, tell your father we have a guest and then make some tea." Mrs. Villers said. She had heard about this art teacher from Janelle. Apparently he and Willow knew one another already. Why Willow had

never mentioned him was quiet a mystery. "Angel you can put me down now." Willow said. He reluctantly did so.

"I heard we have a guest." Mr. Villers came from the study and shook Angel's hand.

"I have to change." Willow said. She left hearing Mrs. Villers flattered laugh at Angel's comment about the house's décor.

    Willow went to her room, dried her hair, changed her clothes and waited for Angel to leave.  Two hours went by and she could still feel him near by.  The door opened "Alright, you are going to tell me what is going on between you two right now!" Janelle

said.

    "What do you mean? I was attacked and Angel saved me." Willow said nervously.

"I know that's what happened tonight. I mean before, in America. Is he the reason you left and why you always have that sad far off look in your eyes?"

Janelle questioned.  Willow was surprised at her accuracy.

"Yes. It's complicated."

    "Tell me."

"We came together under, um, unusual circumstances. But he had an ex-girlfriend who wouldn't let go and she lied to both of us to keep us apart." Willow said.

"So now he had come back for you. What is the problem?" Janelle asked.

     "I told you it's complicated."

"What is complicated? You love him, he loves you. Be in love together." Janelle said.

     "There's more to it." Willow said. Janelle shook her head. "Americans. You make everything difficult, even something as simple as love." she replied as she opened  to door to leave. Looking back one last time, she said.  "You should know that he's staying for the night."

   "What!"

"Here he is admiring our lovely home when all he has is a stuffy hotel room.  Mother couldn't let him go off into the cold. Besides, he did save your life." Janelle said as she left.  <No problem. All I have to do is wait him out. Wait, he can't go out in the day. What am I going to do?> Willow wondered, folding back the covers of her bed  and getting in.  Angel was probably in the guest room now. Hours passed by, and she thought of various ways to avoid Angel for tomorrow getting out of house before he woke up was her only chance. She almost didn't hear the soft knock on the door.

   "Angel, what are doing?" Willow pulled him in so that no one could see him outside her door.

"I couldn't sleep. I was wondering if I could sleep with you." he said with a smile as he looked at her. She was still sleeping in blue pajamas.  Willow was the only person he knew that made pajamas sexy.

"No, absolutely not!" It was then that Willow realized that he was only wearing a dark robe.  She remembered the nights they had slept together. Willow had never felt so safe or loved in her life. She missed that. "You shouldn't even be here." she said.

"I should be here, with you, in bed" he said.

    "Keep your voice down someone might hear you." Willow said.

"I'll only be quite if I'm asleep." Angel said.

       "Fine." Willow agreed.  Angel took off his robe.

"What are you doing?"

     "I sleep naked, you know that." Angel said.

"Not in my bed you don't." she countered.  Angel shrugged and put the robe back on and climbed into bed with her.  It was halfway open and she could feel his chest against her back. Nuzzling her neck, they went to sleep.
 
 

In the morning Willow reached out for Angel and was surprised not to feel him there.  Opening her eyes she saw him, his robe half off him now, looking at

her sketchbook. "Don't look at that!" Willow jumped out of bed to snatch the book. He pulled the book out of her reach studying the picture of himself.

"Is my nose really that big?" Angel asked with a tone of amusement.

   "I suck at sketching. I don't know how Janelle talked me into that class." Willow complained.

"Your not that bad you just need the proper teacher.  I'll give you some personal lessons, free of charge" he said.  There was a knock on the door Janelle came in. She didn't look the least bit surprised to see Angel there.

"Mother and I are going shopping for the day, so you will have to house to yourself." she said.

  "Wait I'll go with you." Willow said.

"You should stay here, you might be still sick and someone needs to entertain the professor." Janelle added, leaving her and a half naked Angel alone for the whole day.  Willow didn't think she could make it.
 
 

****
 
 

Chapter 12
 
 
 
 

"I have to take a shower" Willow said, getting up quickly.

"Want company?" Angel asked hopefully.

     "No! You can use the bathroom upstairs." she said.  Closing the door, Willow took and shower then wrapping the towel around her, she looked out the door to see if Angel was there- she could still feel his presence, but he wasn't in sight. She tiptoed to her room and quickly put on jeans and a red shirt.

Angel came in as she was drying her hair. He had taken a shower, also but was still in his robe.  Willow held her breath- if he tried anything she didn't know if she had the strength to resist.

          "How about that art lesson?" he asked, and Willow smiled.

     That's how they spent the whole day. Angel was the perfect teacher patient and encouraging.  He taught her about shading and outlining techniques, he never once hinted at anything sexual. He even told her stories about his past when he met famous artists, Claude Monet and Auguste Renoir.  It was perfect Willow felt so comfortable talking to him, they understood each other so well.  By the end of the lesson, Willow had a very impressive drawing of a vase.

          "Wow, this is the best drawing I ever made. Thanks." Willow said.

   Angel wasn't looking, at the drawing he was looking at her.  He reached out for her, "Willow" he whispered before he kissed her.

This felt so right to her, to have Angel's arms around her, have his lips on hers. She knew it felt right to him, too, but for the wrong reasons. Their love would never be for the right reasons. Angel never fell in love with her the way she did, and never would. Tear streamed down her face. "Angel, I told you this can't happen. You don't really want this." she said, moving away from him.

          "Why can't you believe I want you- that I love you?" Angel asked. He had to remind himself that yelling wasn't going to get him anywhere.

        "I wish I could believe that. I really do." Willow said. Angel stared, at her not knowing what to say. He hated the fact that he was the reason she was crying. No matter what he said, she would never believe that he loved her.

"You should get dressed, I'll bring your clothes" Willow said quietly wiping her tears going into the laundry room. How was she going to go on for eternity like this? Never really feeling complete or happy. Knowing that the one person you love could never really love back of his own free will. Willow looked at his clothes that lay in a corner, washed, dried and folded. Beside them were a wallet, keys and a barrette  <Wait a minute this is mine!> Willow thought, and picked it up inspecting it more closely.  It was silver and had a butterfly on the end of it, her mother had given it to her when she was thirteen. Willow had worn it everyday until the night when she was out with Jesse and Xander. Somewhere between the Bronze and Xander's house it got lost. That was years ago. <That was before I knew Angel even existed> Willow thought. She opened the door. Angel was there waiting for her.

          "Angel, where did you get this?" Willow asked handing him the barrette. Suddenly he looked a little embarrassed.  "I found it when um I was watching you" he said smiling slightly.

"Watching me?  I don't understand."

          "At night before Buffy came, I would watch you to make sure you were safe." he said.

          "Why would you do that?" she asked amazed now, she didn't think Angel knew she existed except as Buffy's best friend and forced-on mate.

     "Because the first time I saw you, I just felt like I had to protect you. As time went by and I watched you more and more, I fell in love with you." Angel said.

"You fell in love with me? How come? Why? How cone you never told me?" Willow was so confused now.

          "It was more than your beauty or intelligence. You have a light that shines through your eyes. It's good and pure and I was afraid if I ever touched it, I would taint it with my darkness. You don't understand how scared I was of that." he said, using their link to make her see the truth.  Willow tried to block Angel out, but he wouldn't let her.  His will was stronger than hers this time and he broke though the wall that she put up.   Willow could feel the truth in his words. She could feel his love. It was true. Angel loved her.

          "Oh Angel. Didn't you know I love you too? What good is having a light when you can't chase away somebody's darkness with it?" Willow said.

          "I guess I wasn't the only one keeping secrets." Angel said, grinning. All it took was something as simple as a barrette to get Willow to realize he truly did love her.  He pulled Willow in for a searing kiss.

     "Well, well, did we miss anything?" Janelle asked from the door interrupting the couple.
 
 
 
 

****
 
 

"This thing is huge! What did you buy?" Willow asked her mate.

          "I know we agreed that you would be decorating, but I couldn't help it." Angel said, pulling up the only chair in the house and beginning to the box.  They had moved in two days ago. The house was really a marvelous find. It small but luxurious, it had a history going back to World War II, being a hidden headquarters for the Resistance, plus it was only a twenty-minute walk from the Villers.  Right now there were only a bed and a few pieces of furniture. Willow wanted everything to be perfect in her first real home-  the place they would complete their mating.  Opening the top part of the cardboard box, Willow peeked.  It was a desk.  She looked closer it looked familiar somehow, then she remembered.

          It was the same desk that had made love on the first night he showed up as her art teacher.  "I can't believe you bought that!" Willow couldn't help laugh and blush at the same time.

          "What? I think it would be perfect in the study" Angel said laughing too pulling her to his lap. Memories of them together filled him with passion.

          "Angel I'm ready" Willow said she knew she didn't have to explain any further.

"Are you sure?" he asked, picking her up and heading towards the bedroom. She nodded and reached out to take off his shirt.

"Are * you * sure this is it. It's forever now" Willow said looking straight into his eyes. Smiling Angel looked right back at his mate and said, "Forever never looked so good"

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