Parts: 6 - 10
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~Part: 6~
Finally leaving Willow to prepare for her day, Angel thought he’d better get started with his. In this case, late afternoon being the beginning of his day.
As he approached the front desk, Cordelia and Wesley were busy at work. Cordy was the first to spot him. "Good morning, sunshine!"
"Hellooo Cordy, Wes." Angel leaned on the counter, looking uncharacteristically relaxed and pleased with unlife in general.
"Hello Angel, hope you’re feeling rested." Wesley blushed and stammered….."I should say….refreshed….I mean…you look..."
Rolling her eyes at Wes’ discomfiture, Cordelia went to the front desk to stand directly in front of Angel and look him in the eye. “I know you’re the ‘strong, silent’ type and don’t go much for mushy stuff, so here it is in a nutshell. Boss, nobody deserves happiness more than you. You’ve earned it…..over and over. Willow’s the best person ever, and perfect for you. Wes and I are both really happy for you and want you to know it." She patted the touched vampire’s hand.
"Thank you. Both of you. That means a great deal to me.” They shared a moment of silent understanding. The three of them had been through so much together. These two understood the enormity of this life change for him. It meant a lot to Angel to have friends in his life who could genuinely share the joy his new circumstances brought. He felt very fortunate, he had people in his life that sincerely cared about him and a woman who loved him.
"Okay!” Cordelia clapped once. “We’ve all felt the love, blah, blah, blah. Now, down to business. Wes, get Angel the number for Anderson Properties, so he can call that jerk Fredericks back before the guy has an embolism. We‘re burnin’ daylight."
Wesley obediently handed Angel the number and Angel went to his office to square away whatever concerns Mr. Fredericks had. Being manly men, the guys were grateful Cordy had moved them past the ‘touchy feely’ moment.
"Hey," Willow called from the stairs. She was blushing, knowing everyone knew what she’d spent most of the day doing. Her game plan was to ignore it.....well, try to.
"Hey, Willow! Buffy, Xander and Giles called. I guess you’re missed and needed. Kinda makes you all warm and fuzzy, huh?" Cordelia wanted to make Willow as comfortable possible. A shy girl like her was bound to feel self-conscious that she’d been just upstairs from them playing fucky-wucky with the resident vampire all day. Besides, she could fish for scoop later, when the guys weren’t around.
"Hi Willow." Wesley got up and held his chair for her. "Have a seat here, at my desk, you can use this phone. I was about to get up anyway."
"Thanks guys." Taking the proffered chair, Willow smiled, still blushing profusely. She thought, "Yeppers, they know I’ve been up in Angel’s bedroom having more fun than is probably legal in some states. Otherwise, they wouldn’t make such an effort to act nonchalant." It was sweet though, how they didn’t want her to feel embarrassed. She appreciated it a lot, because she was godawful embarrassed.
And now, she had to call folks back home. Oh, joy. She hadn’t even thought about how to handle them. Buffy would be tricky. The last thing she wanted to do was hurt her best friend. Hell. She and Angel hadn’t done much talking...but had briefly discussed the immediate future. It had come up because Angel was anxious and needed her assurance that she would stay...which she promptly gave. There was no doubt in her mind that she wanted to stay with Angel...forever. Working out logistics and informing her friends, though…ugh. How to deal with them required some thought. Oh man, oh man, oh man. Dread. She would procrastinate, she decided. Lying for now, that was the ticket. Not lying exactly, just stretching the truth. She’d say they needed more help here than she’d originally anticipated and her stay would be extended...too soon to tell how long. Thinking up lies was easy….telling them was whole different story. She took a deep breath and dialed Buffy’s number.
Wanting to give Willow privacy to make her calls, Cordelia and Wesley went to Angel’s office and took a seat. The perplexed vampire was just getting off the phone. "Well guys, we’re officially leasing this place with an option to buy. Other than confirming that, I’m not sure what Fredericks wanted. Did you two need something?"
Cordelia looked towards the door and back to Angel. "Nope, we’re just making ourselves scarce while Willow returns calls to Sunnydale. Buffy, Xander and Giles all called for her today and wanted her to call back."
Angel grimaced. "Oh. What did you tell them?"
"That she couldn’t come to the phone because she was upstairs boning you into next week." Cordelia said this with a straight face and Wesley just sat there, going along.
At Angel’s horrified look, she said, "oh, relax. It was easy. I said she was out running errands and I didn’t know when she’d get back, but I’d have her call ASAP. That was enough for Giles. Buffy and Xander wanted more specifics, but I sidetracked them by asking what they were up to. Those two love to talk about themselves, so the rest of the conversations consisted of me faking interest in their stupid lives. You owe me, big guy," Cordy finished with a grin.
Angel sighed and gave a half hearted smile. "Thank you, Cordy.” He leaned back in his chair looking back and forth at the two. “You both should know, Willow is going to live here, with me. We love each other very much, and are sure this is what we want. Are you two okay with her being a part of things around here permanently?"
Wesley was the first to speak. "Besides making you happy, which we’re thrilled about, Willow is a great asset and I for one am delighted she’ll be a part of Angel Investigations from now on."
Angel looked to Cordelia for her response. "Thanks for asking, it’s thoughtful, but not even necessary. Willow is fantastic to have around and I’m going to love having her here full time. Besides, it’ll help us with the transition."
Angel cocked his head, "transition?"
"No more ‘brood boy’. It’ll be weird for awhile, but I’m sure we’ll all get through it." They were all chuckling over this as Willow walked in.
"Hope I’m not interrupting.” Willow said shyly from the doorway.
“Willow!” Angel got up from his chair and held his arms out. “How did it go?”
Willow went to Angel and took the hug he offered, gratefully. “Okay. It went okay, because I was too much of a coward to deal with it yet. I just want to be happy for awhile and take some time to adjust, without the issues Buffy and Xander will push the second they find out.” Angel tightened his arms around her and kissed the top of her head.
Cordelia wasn’t going to let Willow feel bad about wanting to feel good. “No way are you a coward! You and Angel are just starting something new and great. Of course, you don’t want to deal with their reactions yet. God knows what kind of ‘can of worms’ that will be. We’ll help you stall till you’re ready. Right, guys?”
“Right!” Came the unison responses. The guys heads were bobbing up and down enthusiastically, anxious to help Willow not feel pressured.
That made Willow feel much more like a member of the tight knit group and a lot less like a chicken shit. She looked at each of them in turn and smiled. “Thank you.”
Angel sat back down and pulled Willow onto the arm of the chair to sit, keeping her hand in his.
Wesley cleared his throat. “Willow, Angel has informed us that you’re staying and I want you to know that we couldn’t be more pleased.”
“That’s right, Willow.” Cordelia agreed. “Besides the most obvious benefit…..making the vamp, formerly known as Mr. Mopey, over there, happy, it’s awesome having you here.”
Willow had tears in her eyes and Angel kissed her hand. “Thank you. My life’s going to change a lot and that means so much to me. I’d like to help as much as I can with your work, too. Speaking of which…”
“Yes.” Wesley was glad the conversation was back on more familiar ground. “I’m very interested in the latest from my informants. The Pordkai has been spotted the last two nights in a warehouse district downtown. Since the area isn’t frequented by humans at night, I don’t know what his interest is. For us, it’s good though, we can hope he repeats the pattern tonight and we can kill him. At the very least, it could be an opportunity to study him.”
Willow was enthused by the idea. “Let me come! I have spells than can help.”
A deep grunt-like hum emanated from Angel. “No. It’s too dangerous, I won’t risk your life. There’s too much we don’t know about this demon.”
Willow’s eyes narrowed, but before she could speak Wesley said, “Angel, she has a point. We don’t have the magic advantage she does.”
“I’m perfectly qualified, you’d be better off with me along.” She looked hard at Angel. “Think twice, vampire, before you start deciding what I am and am not allowed to do.”
Angel looked at her and was sad, he hated the idea of her being in danger, but she was right. Willow was experienced in dealing with this type of thing and she was a grown woman, capable of making her own decisions. He just had to accept it. “You’re right, Willow. I’m sorry…I‘m just...the idea of anything happening to you is unbearable.”
Willow looked into soft brown eyes and knew exactly what he felt. She couldn’t say anything, just squeezed his hand and smiled softly, forgiving his over-protectiveness. They all lived a risky existence…that was just reality. Remembering the others, she asked, “Wes, do you have a map or something we can see, kind of get an idea of the geography?”
Getting out of his chair to go and get the map, Wes said, “yes, be back in a moment.” They spent the rest of the time till dark preparing for their night stalker activities.
************************
Willow, Angel and Wesley had been trekking around the warehouse district for two hours without a Pordkai sighting. Well....whiffing in Angel’s case. Not for lack of trying. Willow had lots of opportunity to see her vampire honey’s prowess at leaping tall buildings in a single bound, though. High or low, not glimpse or sniff of possible Pordkai presence. With nothing coming of their search, Willow’s thoughts were becoming preoccupied with Angel’s agility. Keeping her boredom with the fruitless demon hunting to herself, she thought, “geeze, he’s just.....virile....yep, with a capitol ‘V’, and sooo hot. All I can think about is going back to the hotel and putting his.....gifts.....to good use.”
Angel certainly seemed, to her, to be happy about what had been happening between them. Not even a slight indication he was put off by her ‘dominatrixy’ behavior the night before. Just the opposite. She had certainly surprised herself. Where had that come from? It was like she could sense she was being tested by the Angelus part of Angel. Instinctively she knew she couldn’t let him have the upper hand in their first bout. ‘Torture by orgasm withholding’…fairly subtle, but to her, a clear indicator that she had to stand her ground where Angel’s demon was concerned. She asked herself, “Is it as clear to him as it is to me that he’s going to be different now that he doesn’t have to keep such a tight reign on his demon?” Whatever the changes, now that his soul was secure, the balance would change. Only he will know exactly what that was and how it would shake out. He certainly has the experience to build on.
The experience. That aspect of Angel daunted and excited her. Still waters run deep. If every experience we have makes us who we are....how complex and multi-faceted he is. In every way. Willow shuddered. The life ahead of her with Angel frightened and thrilled her. Her life experience was very limited and his was unlimited. So far, ‘playing it by ear’ had worked well. In the heat of the moment her inhibitions had fallen away. Angel’s unconditional love gave her confidence. She’d have to hold onto that. To be the person he deserved, she’d need to. She desperately wanted to live up to his needs and make the most of the extraordinary life that was possible for them. She lifted her chin and straightened her back in unconscious preparation for what lie ahead, vowing to be up to the task.
Walking next to Willow, Angel was aware of
internal resolution within her by her change in posture. He didn’t
know exactly why, but whatever is was, made him proud of her and
he looked forward to whatever it boded. Putting his arm around her
waist and smiling down at her, he was dazzled by the bright smile she returned.
Whatever had just gone on in that brilliant, beautiful head seemed to hold
great things in store for both of them.
********************
Returning to the Hyperion, discouraged after their unsuccessful Pordkai search, Willow, Angel and Wesley dropped into the nearest seats.
Cordelia came around the front desk, “Hi kids. No luck, huh?”
Willow was the only one to respond. “Nope. No sign of it at all,” she sighed.
“Sorry. Nothing here, either. The only call was from Gunn. He apologized for being unavailable. He’s been training new recruits and will be ‘on call’ again tomorrow.” Cordelia saw no reason to just stand around and watch those three sit there like bumps on logs. “You guys are entertaining as all get out, but I’m whupped.” She got her purse from her desk, “goodnight. See y’all manana.”
“Night.”
“Goodbye, Cordy.”
“Bye. Drive safely.”
After Cordelia left, they all continued to sit quietly for a few minutes, disappointed and aware their failure tonight probably cost lives. Wesley was the first to budge. “I’m off too. On the way home I’ll stop at a bar one of my informants hangs out at. Maybe he’ll have something and tonight won’t be a total loss.” Wesley got his helmet and headed for the door.
“I’ll cross my fingers, Wes. See you tomorrow,” Willow said.
Angel leaned forward, “Good luck, Wes. We’ll try some new angles tomorrow.” As the door shut, Angel pulled Willow onto his lap. “Alone at last. Tomorrow’s a new day, we’ll put our head’s together and come up with something. This Pordkai demon can only elude us for so long.”
She maneuvered around to straddle his thighs, leaning her forehead against his. “L.A. is so much bigger than Sunndydale. It’s frustrating, liking trying to find a needle in a haystack. That demon is smart to come to the big city. But, he’s officially out of my mind until we meet with Cordy and Wes to come up with new tactics.” Angel’s large hands spanned her hips and bottom, softly kneading. “Mmmm.” Willow put her hands on his shoulders, leaning back slightly to look at him. “I couldn’t wait to have you to myself. Watching you be all ‘Mr. Studly Vampire’ tonight was a real turn-on.”
Angel smirked and pulled her closer, still lightly massaging. “Ahhhh. No wonder you smelled better and better every time I jumped down from a building. Your scent is delectable when you’re aroused. I thought it was just my imagination…horny vampire wistfulness doing a number on my head.”
“Ohhhh.” Willow slid her shoes off and hooked her feet together behind Angel. “Now you’re working vampire wiles and a sexy brogue.” Rhythmically squeezing his muscles from neck to shoulders, “I’m a lost cause for sure, now.”
Chuckling quietly, he murmured, “thank you, darlin’ for the roadmap to your weaknesses.” He lifted his hips causing her to slide closer, so she could feel her effect on him. He was gratified by her moan. “We vampires always take note...then advantage, of the weaknesses of our prey. I am a master,” he stated smugly.
“Mmmm.” Willow’s words were punctuated by slow writhing, using her whole body. “Yes...you...are. I surrender to your mastery.”
Now beyond words, he just emitted low growl/purr sounds. His fingers crept under her t-shirt, up her back, making the most of his thumbs to tease her hardening nipples and beneath her breasts. Willow’s head went back and her mouth opened as she drowned in sensations. Kissing her sensually, his tongue swept into her mouth, matching the grinding of his erection against her center. Willow’s hands worked their way between them to unfasten and lower his pants as Angel pushed her skirt to her waist. They both hated panties at this moment, wishing she shared his aversion to underwear. Angel ripped and disposed of them. Finally freed of clothing encumbrances, Willow rose up and sunk slowly onto Angel’s pulsating hardness. They both moaned and stilled when he was completely buried in her. “Ohhh, god. Sooo tight...nnnn hot,” he gasped.
Willow put her hands on his shoulders for balance. Looking into his glazed eyes, she slowly began raising and lowering herself. Holding her hips, he kept time with his own. Gradually increasing tempo, they wordlessly maintained eye contact. As urgency increased, Angel held Willow still and drove up into her faster, her muscles clenching as she neared orgasm. Throwing her head back, she came, crying out his name. It was too much, with a final thrust and reverberating rumble, he spilled his cold seed deeply. When he loosened his hold, she collapsed, panting.
Willow’s head rested on Angel’s shoulder. “I can’t move. I’m limp. That was...yummy,” she said breathlessly.
“I’m sorry...I couldn’t hold out any longer.” He hugged her as close as he could and rested his head on hers. “You feel so good. I just lose control.”
“Don’t you dare apologize. That was amazing...I still can’t move. But, oh goddess, I feel sooo good!”
Angel chuckled. “Didn’t I just tell you how good you feel?”
Willow giggled quietly. “No, silly...I mean....you know what I mean.” She snuggled in his arms. “Ohh. Mmmm. Oh!” Angel was hardening again, still deep inside her. “Now I feel really, really good.” Her recently satisfied, but greedy, muscles were quivering and tightening around him.
“We need to take this to the bedroom,” he groaned. You don’t have to move, just hold my pants up, so I can walk. Angel got them as far as the bedroom door. They were both too worked up to make it any further.
Angel braced Willow against the door, holding her thighs and she let his pants drop to his feet. Seizing his face in her hands, she kissed him hard, his tongue met hers, inviting her to deepen the kiss. Plunging into her hot, wet, tightness repeatedly, he had to fight for restraint. Willow made a high pitched keening sound as her whole body shook with another orgasm. Her pulsing muscles pushed Angel past caring how long he could last, with a roar, he came, too. Weak from two powerful climaxes, he leaned his weight on Willow and said huskily, “Oh, sweetheart, I just want to drown in what you make me feel.”
Tingling from head to toe, she smiled contentedly, but could barely respond, “Me too.”
Gathering his strength, Angel toed his pants and shoes off, leaving them in the hallway and finished the trip to the bedroom. He dropped to the bed on his back, still attached to Willow. She leaned up and covered his face with tender kisses. With deep emotion she said, “Angel, I love you so much...with all that I am.”
Burying his fingers in her hair, he pulled her mouth to his and gave her a long, soft kiss, conveying all that was in his heart. The kiss lasted so long, Willow was dizzy. She pulled back enough to look into his deep brown eyes, and smiled. With one more small kiss, she got up to undress.
Angel laid there and watched, unbuttoning his own shirt. Smirking, he said, “It’s about time. I’ll be damned if I’m going to make love to my woman again until we’re both naked and between the sheets like decent folks.” He sat up to take off his socks, then grabbed Willow and pulled her into bed. “I love watching you take your clothes off...it’s so...promising.”
Willow laughed, loving the new, fun loving side of Angel. He kissed her neck and squeezed her ass as they wrestled around the bed. “No, no, no, mister. No more messing around until we’re under the covers...not that I want to be like ‘decent folks’.” They hurriedly got under the covers. Angel put his arm around her and Willow snuggled in, reaching for his hand. Fingers entwined, they quietly enjoyed the intimacy. It felt new and wonderful and...sacred.
Angel brought her fingers to his lips, “making love with you is mind blowing and beyond anything I ever imagined. But this, holding you right now, feeling your heartbeat and warmth...this is the most perfect feeling I’ve ever known. I love you.”
Willow got a lump in her throat. His words mirrored her own feelings perfectly. “That’s exactly how I feel. And, like, everything in my life has led up to being here, with you, right now. Kismet. Suddenly everything fell into place, like it is exactly how it is meant to be. I think we’re both more than we were 48 hours ago…like potential was just lying there, waiting for us come together…waiting to come full circle and complete something. Angel, am I making any sense to you?” She had been watching their clasped hands as she spoke, now she turned her head so she could see his face. He was watching her with a tear running down one cheek.
Angel moved his hand, so that their palms and fingers were pressed together. “Perfect sense. I’ve felt like fate’s whipping boy for so long, and now…this. Heaven. You’re heaven. Not a place a man like me expects to ever reach. It’s unbelievable you’ve only been here for two days. Everything is different.”
“For months I’ve been having wild sex dreams about you.” He smiled at her wide eyes. “It’s true, little one…many, many loads of cum covered sheets have been laundered on your behalf.” His smile widened as her expression went from surprise to pride…this news pleased her very much…he loved that. “Then Monday night you show up, and I knew it was a lot more than you, naked in my bed, that I’ve longed for.
Wanting and wishing are things I’ve had to keep in check for a hundred years, it’s not surprising that I’d suppressed so much, even from myself. Even now that I have friends, I live a….lived an isolated, solitary life…walking a line, always cautious not to cross.” He clasped her hand and pressed it to his heart, moved by the tears on her face. “Now you’ve come, not only my dream come true, but the curse that would’ve prevented it, isn’t a hindrance any longer. What I’m trying to say is, you’re right, I am more now. Unfulfilled potential has been tapped. Because of you. Us. When my demon tried to dominate you sexually, you just knew, you knew it, and immediately knew how to handle it….without hesitation. That’s miraculous to me. Aside from the curse, my demon would’ve given me pause in a relationship. With you, nothing is impossible. You’re a miracle. I don’t have to be ‘ever vigilant’ of crossing lines now. Every day will have love and passion and companionship. Eternity has never looked so good. Thank you.” He hugged her close and kissed her reverently.
When he released her, she rolled onto her side, propping her head on her hand so she could look at him. She silently watched him for a moment, tracing his face with her fingertips. “You’re welcome.” All the love she felt was in her eyes. “Will it be difficult? I mean…striking a new balance with your demon?”
“No.” He ran his fingers along her cheek, and pushed a lock of hair behind her ear. “I’m finally free….to just be. Angel and Angelus aren’t the two separate beings people think. Soul status just controls who is dominant. It was difficult when losing my soul was a danger. Now, it’s the easiest thing in the world. Cohabiting with my demon is natural to me. Does that scare you, beloved?”
“No, Angel.” She tucked her foot between his calves, insinuating her knee between his. Caressing his arm, she asked, “Remember that night, in the high school, when you’d first reverted to Angelus and…”
He smirked and interrupted. “Oh sweetheart…neither part of me has ever forgotten rubbing against your luscious ass that night.” He exhibited the fondness of the memory by pressing his erection against her tummy. “Since that night, my demon and subconscious have both lusted after you.” He smiled lasciviously….pure Angelus.
Delighted by his words and distracted by his obvious desire, she struggled to focus. “Me too. It’s made me feel naughty lots of times, that’s for sure.” She swallowed. Remembering her ‘bad girl’ thoughts made her shiver. “But, since then, my fantasies have been about all of you.” She blushed and looked into his eyes bashfully. “Are you shocked?”
He moaned and put his palm on her breast and squeezed gently. “Not shocked...very, very pleased. Just thinking about pure, sweet, innocent Willow having ‘naughty’ fantasies about me…” He shut his eyes and started purring, his entire body vibrated. Opening his eyes, regaining some control, he said, “Willow, I’m pretty jaded.” By the look in her eyes, he could see this intimidated her. “Don’t let it worry you…please. Knowing that you fantasized about me, with and without my soul, just tells me what you’ve already shown me.” He cupped her breast and brushed his thumb across her nipple. “We’re sexually compatible in every way.” He growled and leaned up to kiss her, reveling in her warm, welcoming mouth. He laid his head back on the pillow, “You were made for me.” This earned him a big smile.
She was relieved he didn’t think she was a big ho...but something was on her mind. Willow began drawing designs on his chest with her finger, “Angel, do you...” Two tiny lines formed between her eyes. “Umm, I...”
“Willow, look at me. What is it?” Pretty green eyes focused on him.
“Angel, I’m human...obviously. Is that going to be a problem for you?”
He pulled her onto his chest, so that she was looking down at him. It was inevitable that this would come up. He was glad they were addressing it, and wanted to choose his words carefully. It was important that she understood his feelings on the subject one hundred percent.
“Willow, I think you’re perfect, just the way you are. I love you. If you want to remain human, I’ll love you your whole life. If you’re afraid aging, or anything human will make me love you less...don’t be. I want to be with you, no matter what.” Stroking her back, he continued. “If you want to change...become a vampire, the Gypsy ‘curse’ could restore your soul. I think it goes without saying that I’d love to go through eternity with you by my side. I know it’s a difficult decision. Don’t feel pressure to decide either way. Just consider it. There are so many sacrifices involved in becoming...like me. I won’t ever ask it of you. Just know that I stand behind whatever you want.” She was looking at him intently, but he couldn’t get a read on her and had no idea what her reaction was to his words. He just waited patiently. She had a lot to absorb.
Willow rubbed her cheek on his chest and said, “thank you for loving me unconditionally.” She lifted her head to look him in they eye. “You’re right, it’s a huge decision. I think I’m too young to make it, right now. We have time. Okay?
He smiled, “Of course, okay.” his hands slid down to her firm bottom and squeezed. “Now, I’ve been meaning to ask you...are you sure you’re completely human?”
“Yes! What a weird question. Why?”
“Because darlin’, every time I’m inside you, those muscles are magic. And I mean, before you come, when you come and after you come. What the hell? You’re killin’ me with that!”
Willow burst into laughter and had to catch her breath before she could speak. She was surprised and caught off guard by the question. “Oh, elderly and experienced one! I can teach you something. Kegal exercises. Religiously. Very important for great sex.” His eyebrows raised and his whole demeanor became menacing. “No, no, no. Don’t look at me like that. Although...the possessiveness is a little sexy. It’s true, I haven’t had a lot of sex in my day. Just Oz.” Angel growled, and she gave him a playful slap. “But, a girl likes to be prepared. Looks to me like it paid off.” She preened. It wasn’t every day a girl like her could impress a guy who had been around the block so much.
“Oh. God knows I can’t last as long when it happens, but I like it. A lot. Two thumbs up for Kegal exercises.”
“Just talking about them has an effect on you.” Willow ground her pelvis into the insistent hard-on pressing on it, relishing his lustful moan. “This is the perfect time to show you the benefits of other exercises I do.” He lifted an eyebrow in question, very intrigued. “Just you wait and see,” she said with a knowing look and smug grin.
~Part: 7~
Angel felt like he was going to spontaneously combust. Every nerve in his body was sensitized. Willow had an amazing gift for fellatio.`exercises' not withstanding. "Ohhhh God, baby.please.ahhh. please," he begged, babbling mindlessly. She had begun her demonstration by kissing him possessively, drawing first his tongue, then his bottom lip into her mouth sensuously and continued down from there. Kissing and sucking a path along his jaw bone, neck, chest, nipples. Hitting erogenous zones and making sure he knew where she was headed. The wanton actions of her mouth were driving him crazy and she hadn't even reached her target area yet. Once she did, she gripped his length abruptly, laying between his raised knees and nestling her shoulders between his thighs. She looked up at him and smiled sweetly. Her next move astounded him. Dipping her head, she sucked his balls into her mouth, swirling her tongue deliciously. He growled and enjoyed the delicious torture, forcing himself to lie still. It felt so good, his body thrummed. Satisfied she was having the desired effect, Willow removed her mouth and addressed his large erection. Cupping his sac in her hand, she continued the rolling motion her mouth had begun. Looking him in the eye, she ran the side of her tongue up one side of his length, pausing to circle the tip and lick of the pre-cum, then continued down the other side. Her lovers eyes were glazed and his moans were reaching fever pitch. "Ahhh, Willow," he gasped. If she hadn't known better, it would've sounded like he was in pain, instead of an advanced state of rapture.
She had prepared for this, learning the mechanics on the internet.now she had to put the knowledge to practical use. She shook off trepidation at Angel's penis' length and girth and relaxed her throat muscles. Sending him a sultry glance through her eyelashes, she took hold of the base. Angel's thighs began to quiver in anticipation. Willow leaned up and tilted his hard-on to a more convenient angle and took a deep breath. In a swift move, she took him in all the way to her throat. There was a brief moment of panic, then she reminded herself to keep her throat muscles relaxed and managed to take all of him, her nose resting in his pubic hair. Sucking for all she was worth she worked her way back to the tip. Her mouth was so hot and wet and snug on his member, Angel grasped the headboard and let out a lengthy cry. The cry shored up her confidence and she sped up, finding her pace. Deliriously rambling, Angel's head bent back, his body went taut and he unconsciously thrust into Willow's mouth and throat. The headboard creaked with the tightening of his hold. Alerted by his increased tension, she ran a finger delicately between his raised butt cheeks. Finding his tightly puckered anus, she caressed and circled it with the pad of her finger, causing him to moan. Gingerly, she inserted the finger to the first knuckle. Angel's reaction was instantaneous, he arched off the bed and climaxed with a primal howl. Willow diligently applied herself to swallowing the spurts of semen and milking his orgasm. When Angel's body subsided, she collapsed, spent, between his legs, resting her head on his lower abdomen. Angel's entire body was totally relaxed and a hum radiated from his chest, "Uuuuuuhhhhhhh". He was completely sated and unable to say or do anything else.
They both laid still, in a companionable silence for a minute or so. When she was able, Willow crawled up and kissed Angel's cheek, before snuggling into the crook of his arm. He tightened his arm around her and kissed the top of her head. "I've said it before, darlin', and I'll say it again. Infinite Paradoxes. That's you. You have the face and nature of an angel, yet you give a world class blow-job.superior by anyone's standards. You were magnificent. God."
Willow giggled delightedly, she was feeling slightly cocky, high on her recent success. "I have good study habits and apply what I learn, that's all."
"That's all, she says. You are pretty humble, sweetheart," Angel said as he rolled over onto Willow. Bracing is forearms on either side of her head, he kissed her thoroughly. Looking down at her smiling face, he couldn't imagine loving her more. "I love you," he said, punctuating his words with kisses, "you are adept at everything you do.I'm so proud of you."
Enjoying being peppered with kisses and basking in his adoration, she responded, "No, no.definitely not good at everything."
Moving his mouth to her neck to nibble and lick, he chuckled, "I don't believe it, but then, I'm certainly not objective where you're concerned."
Willow sighed contentedly, "Good." She felt too good to talk, Angel was now working is way to her shoulder, biting slightly harder now, his human visage having slipped away. "Mmmm." He was drawing tiny amounts of blood and savoring each drop as he went. Willow was getting wetter and more into it every second, as she reached for him, he growled and gathered her hands over her head.
He lifted his head to look at her. "Stay. You're on the honor system." She nodded, laying still and being ravished was not a problem. She stuck her hands under the pillow so she wouldn't forget. Satisfied her hands would stay put, his tongue slid along her collar bone and continued it's work. His hands moved to her breasts and he lightly teased her nipples with his fingertips until they became taut. Replacing his mouth with the fingers of one hand, he delicately sucked her nipple into his mouth and laved it with his tongue.
Keeping her hands to herself was harder than anticipated. Willow compensated by moaning and writhing. Angel moved to her other nipple, still sucking, but lightly grazed it with his fangs to draw a little blood. When grazing turned into a full out bite, Willow's hips bucked. "Angel, more." Obediently he drew blood from her breast with more force, she responded with kitten-like mews of pleasure. Moving his lower body aside, he slid four fingers along her wet cleft. Purring loudly as he continued to feed from her breast, he ran his fingers around her nether lips and clitoris.first one direction, then the other, expertly plumping and stimulating her delicate folds, soothing them with her own moisture. Careful not to take to much blood, Angel licked her breast clean and fondled the other, flicking the nipple with his thumb. Willow was becoming more ardent and grinding into his fingers. "Mmmm, good, more, more, mmm."
Wanting to see her face, he braced on one arm as he fingers continued their onslaught. She was so wet, oozing with desire. Inserting two fingers, and moving them back and forth rapidly in opposite directions, he watched as she threw her head back and forth in ecstasy. Willow thrust into Angel's hand violently, so he pressed his thumb against her engorged clit and added a third finger. "Yesss! Angel, yes! Don't stop! Don't stop! Ohhhhhh." Angel's hand was generating the most incredible feeling, but she had to come, she couldn't stand it. Discerning her need, he swiveled his thumb and increased pressure. Willow squeezed her eyes shut and light exploded behind their lids as her orgasming muscles contracted around Angel's fingers.
He was enchanted by the look on her face as she came and the grunts and cries she made were music to his ears. His hand didn't stop until she did. When Willow finally stilled and her only movement was from panting, he removed his hand and sucked his fingers clean as he continued to watch her. Mmm. Ambrosia. Willow tasted like the nectar of the gods.
Willow's whole body was floating, she felt *wonderful*. Looking down at Angel, she asked in a drunken voice, "Are we always going to have this much sex? Is it a vampire thing? Not that I mind. *Not at all*. Just wondering."
Angel smiled broadly. `Willow babble' always warmed his unbeating heart. Scooting up the bed to lie next to her on his side, he considered his answer. Smoothing her tousled hair and brushing stray locks from her face, so he could see it, he was rewarded by luminous green eyes looking up at him. "There's several factors here, love. Vampires *are* extremely sexual, so that's part of it. I was very into sex *before* I changed and you were made for lovemaking, so that's another factor." He laid his hand flat on her tummy and caressed it as he continued. "When couples first fall in love, they usually can't keep their hands off each other, so we fall into that category too. We have amazing chemistry and are excited before we even touch.so by the time we do, we've already begun foreplay, so to speak. Since we've both fantasized about each other for quite some time now, I think we're making up for lost time, too. With all that considered, I think it will be quite some time before we slow down. *If* we ever do. But if we do, it's certain we'll still make love more than other couples." He increased the scope of his stroking to include her breasts and thighs as well. "I just love touching you."
Willow smiled, "It all sounds good to me." She brushed her fingers down his cheek, "You look like you've analyzed this and have more to say."
He laughed. "You read me so well." Kissing the tip of her nose, he continued. "Elaboration on what I've already said, really. We do different things for different reasons. Expression of our feelings, for example. Making love, slow and sweet.kissing and touching. Hard and fast and rough to satisfy our baser natures. Domination and submission sex when my demon aspect feels inclined to show control. The same when you're responding in kind. Luckily, we both enjoy being shown who's boss," he smirked. "That's it for my theories, for now."
Well, I look forward to *all* of it. Our life together will be an exciting adventure, no doubt about it." Laying her hand on his cheek, she said, "I love you, so much," her eyes sending the same message.
He pushed his cheek into her hand. "You are my life. I love hearing you say you look forward to our future so much." Her expression was happy and serene, but her eyelids were getting heavy. "Sleep now, sweet Willow."
"Okay, Angel," she responded drowsily, even as she drifted off.
Angel felt so loved, in love and complete, laying next to Willow as she slept soundly in *their* bed. "It doesn't get any better than this," he thought happily to himself.
~Part: 8~
Willow had been in L.A. for a week and was deliriously happy. She couldn’t believe how lucky she was, she was in love with the most incredible guy and having the most fantastic sex she could ever imagine, every day felt like a dream. Very soon she would have to deal with reality and tell her friends back in Sunnydale the truth. Reality wasn’t appealing, so she ducked every time it reared it’s head in her mind.
Earlier in the evening, Willow, Angel and Wesley had dealt with some vamps who had been terrorizing a local bar, nothing too taxing. After a small skirmish, and the requisite dusting, their work was done. Wesley had a date he had to get to, so Willow and Angel stuck around the bar, deciding they’d have one too. They drank, laughed, danced and had a wonderful evening.
Wesley had taken the car, so Willow and Angel walked the short distance back to the hotel. It was a beautiful evening, so the lovers just held hands and took their time, strolling down the tree lined street, enjoying the smell of orange blossoms. “Angel, thank you, I had so much fun tonight.”
“Me too,” swinging her around, he hugged her tight and kissed her deeply. When the kiss ended and he looked at her face, he marveled that his kisses had such a dazing effect on her. “Since you became part of my life, *everything* is fun. But, having a date was pretty special. Hey, I have an idea. Let’s have a date a week…at least.”
Willow grinned. “I would love that! That’s so sweet and romantic. I love you.” She ran her hands through his hair and showered his face with kisses. “Love you, love you, love you.”
“Will?”
She paused her kisses and looked up at him, “Yes, lover?” Sounding as ‘Angeluslike’ as she could.
He smirked at her. “Well, I was going to ask if you were tipsy. Now, you’ve mocked my demon, so I’m going to punish you instead, you impudent wench!”
Willow squealed and ducked out of his arms. “Gotta catch me first *lover*!” She turned and skipped down the sidewalk as fast as her inebriated legs would take her.
“Oh yeah, that’ll pose a challenge.” He gave her a head start and smiled, loving the playfulness that she had brought into his life. Angel let her go a block, then effortlessly caught up with her, grabbing her up and nibbling her neck, growling ferociously.
She wrapped her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck. “Yes, you fiend! Punish me mercilessly. Please.” She was laughing hysterically and could barely speak. “Tickles! That tickles.”
Reaching the Hyperion, Angel switched to the other side of Willow’s neck as he pushed the door open with his back. She just held on and kept giggling. They were too pre-occupied with crime and punishment to notice they had an audience. Once in the lobby, Cordelia’s loud ‘ahems’ got Angel’s attention. Without pausing he said, “Fair Cordelia, not now, I must ravish my captive and punish her impudence.”
Cordelia said sharply in a distressed voice, “Angel!’’
Their giddiness bubble was penetrated. Angel looked up and Willow bent backwards, looking at Cordelia upside down. What they saw sobered them immediately. They both froze for a moment.
Standing next to Cordelia, with their mouths hanging open, were Buffy and Xander.
Willow squeaked and Angel loosened his hold, so she could slide down and stand on her own.
Xander was the first to speak. “Willow. We uh, we missed you and thought we’d surprise you with a visit…make sure you were okay.” His eyes moved to Angel and he scowled, “What the hell have you been doing to her, Deadboy?”
Buffy’s hands went to her hips, her face mutinous. “Oh, I think it’s pretty clear, Xander. That conniving little slut has been down here trying to seduce Angel.”
Willow was crushed by the venom in Buffy’s voice. “No, Buffy!” Willow held out her hands pleadingly, “we just…it was…we…”
“Shut up, Willow,” the Slayer snapped. “Did you invent some bogus reason to come to L.A. to try to steal Angel? Did you put some spell on him?”
Angel had had enough. “Buffy, you can’t just show up unannounced and talk that way to Willow in her own home. We all need to sit down and discuss this calmly.”
Buffy’s voice raised several octaves, “*In her own home*?!”
Willow had tears in her eyes, “Buffy, this isn’t how…” The lump in her throat made it impossible to finish the sentence.
Angel put a protective arm around Willow. “Everybody just calm down and take a seat. We’ll explain. Obviously, this isn’t how we intended to tell you about us.”
Buffy repeated ‘us’ in a weak voice. Xander took her arm and pulled her to a couch.
“Sit, Buffy.” His legs were a little shaky, so he sat too. In a barely controlled voice he said, “Angel, go ahead, start explaining. I want to hear this. If you lured Willow down here to take advantage of her…”
Willow regained her voice, “No Xander, no luring…just…just.”
Angel tightened his arm around Willow and looked down at her. “Sweetheart, you don’t have to talk until you’re ready.” He led her to a chair across from Buffy and Xander. She sat obediently, holding onto his hand for dear life. Buffy and Xander’s eyes were riveted on Angel’s gentle and loving handling of Willow.
Cordelia wanted to help, but didn’t know how. “I’ll get some water…or something. You could all use something to drink.”
Angel looked up gratefully, “Thanks, Cordy.” He sat on the arm of Willow’s chair, holding her hand in both of his.
The duo on the couch watched them with shocked and angry faces, waiting.
Angel took an unneeded breath and began. “This wasn’t planned, there were no nefarious schemes…”
Buffy snorted and said under her breath, “Yeah, right.”
Xander put his hand on her arm. “Buffy, just listen.”
“Cordelia needed computer help and invited Willow here. Willow had something important to discuss with me anyway, so she came right away.” Cordelia had returned with soft drinks and water and was sitting them on the coffee table.
Buffy turned her glare to Cordelia. “So *you* were in on Willow’s plot all along?”
Cordelia wasn’t without sympathy, but she wouldn’t tolerate this treatment of Willow. “Buffy, just listen to Angel. There was *no* conspiracy here.”
“Fine,” the slayer snapped and returned her gaze to Angel. “Angelus isn’t back, so it’s not like she was even able to give you a happy.”
Until then, Willow had remained quiet, feeling terrible about hurting Buffy, and knowing she could’ve handled things in a better way. But, Buffy’s meanness lessened her guilty feeling of responsibility for the whole mess. She was just going to tell it to them straight and deal with the consequences. Things were going badly, so it seemed unlikely she could make things worse. “Guys, I had to come here to tell Angel something I’d learned about his curse. It doesn’t have a happiness clause anymore.”
Xander and Buffy both stared blankly at Willow.
“What!?”
“Huh?”
Before Willow could say anymore, Buffy went ballistic. “You should’ve told *me*! I’m his soul mate! It was my place to come here and be…”
Angel was furious. “Buffy! This wasn’t about *you*. This was about me. Me being finally able to have happiness…” Angel was cut off by Cordelia’s cry of pain. He jumped up, catching the seer right before she hit the floor.
“Vision! Oh! Willow…,” Cordelia could barely get the words out.
Willow knew what Cordy needed and bolted to the desk for pain pills. She opened the bottle and shook one out for the suffering seer, handing it to her with a glass of water. Angel helped her to a chair, taking the glass from her shaking hand after she downed the pill and water.
“Pordkai. I saw him, Angel. You have to go now. He’s stalking someone. Willow, get paper and a pen. I know the address.” Willow anticipated this and handed them to her. Cordelia wrote down the pertinent information.
Angel took the paper and looked at it. “I know this place.” He headed to the weapons cabinet to collect what he needed. “Willow, call Wes and Gunn. Tell them to meet me there, pronto.”
Buffy and Xander knew about Cordelia’s visions, but hadn’t witnessed them before. Things had changed gears so quickly, they were having trouble keeping up. They just looked on in astonishment.
Willow went to Angel. “I’m going with you.” Before he could voice his objection, she continued. “Angel, I’m prepared for this. I have a spell to contain the demon. You need me.”
Willow and Angel stared at each other intently. He hated this, but the argument was familiar territory. His jaw muscles bunched. Short of knocking her out (which temped him), he knew it was futile to try to dissuade Willow from any course of action she was set on. “Fine. Cordy, you make the calls. We’re on our way.”
“I’m on it. Be careful you guys.”
Buffy stood up. “I’ll help.” Despite everything, she was the Slayer and wouldn’t stand by and not offer assistance.
Angel wasn’t thrilled about anything transpiring right now, but Buffy was capable and he couldn’t be sure Wes and Gunn would get there in time. He threw Buffy his ax, “Okay, we’ll brief you in the car.” He grabbed another weapon for himself and headed to the door. “Let’s move.”
~Part: 9~
“Okay, I’ve got it,” Buffy said to Willow and Angel from the backseat of Angel’s car. They had just explained the particulars to her of the demon they were after. “Pork Pie demon. Dunk his head in water and he’s a goner. Avoid his black spit no matter what…it’s a killer.”
“Right,” Willow murmured from the front seat. “Except, it’s ‘Pordkai’. Pork Pie is a hat…and probably a meat pie.”
Buffy fidgeted. “Okay, Pordkai.” She leaned towards the front, “look guys, I’m *not happy* about what’s going on with you two…obviously. I can tell you’re worried about bringing me along. Just know, I can put aside my issues and help take down this demon. When work is done, we’ll get back to personal problems.”
Angel remained quiet and just nodded. He was glad to hear her say it. Although he had brought her along, he had been questioning the decision. He did trust her, years of being the Slayer had taught her that the job comes first. As Angelus, he’d done his part to drive the point home. Proof that she had learned the lesson was when she had *driven the point home*…and through his chest, at great personal cost to herself. And him, since he was the one sent to hell as a result.
Willow turned to look at her. “I know, Buffy. I would never doubt for second that you would do your best. Thank you.”
Buffy nodded once and turned her head to look out the window. She remained quiet for the rest of the car ride.
Soon, Angel pulled to the side of the road. “This is it.” He scented the air and was fairly certain it hadn’t been there yet. “It hasn’t been here, I’m pretty sure, so we needn’t bother going in, we’ll check the perimeter. Willow, you’re with me. Buffy take the north side of this building and we’ll take the south, then meet you around back.” Wordlessly they followed Angel’s orders. As soon as Buffy was out of sight, Angel pulled Willow to him and kissed her. Looking at her meaningfully, he said, “Willow, you mean everything to me. *Please* be careful.
She caressed his cheek. “I know. We *both* need to keep that thought in mind.”
He smiled softly, “okay. Let’s go.”
The entire neighborhood was seedy. The building Cordelia had sent them to was a low rent bar that didn’t seem to do much business. Good thing too, it’s a lot easier to fight demons without civilian casualties that way.
Willow crept along behind Angel, trying to take no notice of the unsavory smells assaulting her. She whispered, “What, human hearts in *nice* neighborhoods aren’t good enough for this demon?”
Angel smiled, even though she couldn’t see his face. “Shh.” They reached the back where Buffy was waiting for them, prowling around the dumpsters. Angel said, “Not a sign. You?”
The Slayer sighed. “I got nothing either, except…” She glanced around searchingly, “something feels funky.”
Willow shuddered. “Me too. Kinda doomsday-ish.” Willow and Buffy shared a look, neither understood the feeling, but felt a little spooked by it.
Angel was circling the area behind the bar, trying to separate the stale urine and vomit smells from potential demon smells. “I guess vamps lack a sense you two have. I’m not getting either of those things…or maybe I’m just used to feeling funky and doomsday-ish.” Willow and Buffy both chuckled, but left that one alone.
Willow pushed aside her feeling of foreboding and shut her eyes and just *felt* the surroundings. The sound of pounding feet startled her.
Angel pushed Willow to the building as a punked out teenage boy came running around the corner. Right behind him was the Pordkai. Angel thrust out his ax and tripped the demon. The boy disappeared into the night, probably unaware of just how lucky he was. The Pordkai shrieked in rage as he hit the ground. Buffy leapt around behind him quickly.
Willow began her spell. She created a boundary about three feet in diameter that the demon couldn’t penetrate. It was one way. Buffy and Angel could still breach it from the outside.
The Pordkai raged when he realized he was contained. Buffy and Angel nodded in silent agreement. Angel stepped back as she swung her ax.
As the ax flew to the demons neck, he turned to Willow. “Die witch,” he screamed as he spewed his venom toward Willow. The deadly substance broke through the barrier and spattered Willow just as Buffy’s ax took the Pordkai’s head off.
Angel roared as he ran to Willow. Buffy froze for a moment in shock, then grabbed up the head and burst into the bar to find water, careful to keep it’s mouth facing away.
Willow was conscious, but fading fast. “Angel, stop! Don’t touch me…*do not* get this venom on you,” she gasped out. Her eyes were pleading with him.
Angel didn’t know what to do. He agonized as he hovered inches from his love. There was a sizzling sound and the venom disappeared from Willow as the demon disintegrated. Angel grabbed Willow and held her to him, eternally grateful to Buffy for finding water. Willow had lost consciousness.
Angel buried his face in her hair. “Willow, Willow,” he sobbed.
Buffy came running out of the bar. “Angel! Angel!” Devastated, he looked up. “Get up now! Take her to the car, we’ve got to get her help.” Angel rocked Willow, holding her tight and just stared blankly at Buffy. “Angel!” Buffy bellowed, “if you let her die, I will stake you myself!” She kicked his leg. Finally reason penetrated his pain fogged brain and he stood and rushed Willow to the car.
Wesley pulled up at that moment. Angel climbed into the backseat, clutching Willow. Buffy ran to the drivers door and got in while yelling at Wes to get in. Wesley did what he was told and got the spare keys out of the glove compartment and handed them to Buffy. Buffy started the car and floored it. She chanted, “thank god, thank god, thank god. Thank god men are idiotic about the kind of power they think they need under the hood.”
Wesley held on for dear life and silently agreed. Absurdly powerful engines couldn’t help, though. No explanation was necessary, he had a pretty clear idea about what had happened back there. What a terrible tragedy. Wes grieved for Angel’s loss.
~Part: 10~
It had been a long night of fighting a new brand of demon in town. Angel was bone wary. He was tired in general. Tired of fighting evil, only to have it replaced by a new evil. Tired of coming home to the lonely hotel.
Since losing Willow a year ago, his un-life had become an empty shell. ‘What could have beens’ plagued him day and night. At one time he thought the loneliness and despair of the century following the Gypsy Curse was the worst fate that could befall him. He had been so wrong. One week with his Willow had changed everything. It showed him the perfection that *could be*. Lovely, loving, laughing Willow. Bad times were when he would dream of the Pordkai attacking her. The worst times were when he would dream of Willow loving him with her whole heart, laughing in his arms or making love to him with passionate abandon…or rather, waking up and realizing those were just dreams of his memories of their time together.
Knowing what he had had for that brief time and then losing it, was more than he could bear. Even with an eternity of mourning looming ahead of him, he couldn’t regret the time and love he had shared with Willow.
Certainly his friends didn’t mock his broodiness anymore. Turns out, their pity was worse.
And now, arriving home, Buffy’s car was parked out front. Great. Sure, he and Buffy had long since ironed out her issues regarding him and Willow. But, it had come as a result of great personal loss for them both. The depth of the love he shared with Willow became clear to the Slayer when she saw his reaction to her loss. Buffy lost her best friend, so their grief was common ground. Buffy’s ‘what ifs’ tortured her as well. She would never forgive herself for the way she had treated Willow that night. Kind, sweet, gentle Willow left a permanent mark on everyone who knew her. One thing Angel and all of her friends agreed on…having known Willow was a wondrous thing. She had been a shooting star.
Angel took a moment to gather himself before he entered the hotel. Finally, he opened the door. Buffy was sitting on a sofa, tears streaming down her face. She didn’t acknowledge him. He sad down beside her and put his arm around her. She buried her face in his chest and cried harder. He buried his face in her hair and cried too. The scent of his tears mixed with her vanilla shampoo was a familiar one, as was this scenario.
Cried out for now, Buffy sat back. “Angel, how do you go on?”
He stared at her for a full minute. It was a hard question to answer. He asked himself the same thing every single day. “Because, Buffy, she’s not dead. If she were, it would have been simple. That night I would’ve carried her to the roof, to the view that she loved so much and held her in my arms until the sun came up. Welcoming the sunrise with my beloved.”
Buffy nodded. She couldn’t have spoken if she wanted to, prevented by the lump in her throat.
Angel came back from his faraway look. “Have you visited her yet?”
Buffy nodded again. She cleared her throat. “Yeah. I tell her everything that has gone on in Sunnydale since my last visit. I *need* to. I just know when it’s time to come.
Angel smiled sadly. “Everyone does. It’s probably an interesting perspective, don’t you think? I mean, since Xander and Giles update her on the same things…from their viewpoints?”
Buffy gave a small laugh. Probably confuses the stories, more than clarifies them.”
Angel said, “Wes keeps her informed of his and Giles’ progress with a ‘cure’. I expect those two are more in sinc.”
“Angel, progress isn’t exactly the word for it. They never get anywhere. Just the same shit…*maybe* Willow didn’t die because her magic barrier filtered the venom, which got through because it contained magical properties too. They don’t know how or why.”
Angel looked away. “You know the worst irony?”
Buffy took his hand, “Yeah, I do.”
He told her anyway, since it only added to his grief, he just needed to say it. “That fucking venom somehow made one of my dreams come true!” He reached his foot out and kicked a chair across the room. Venting periodically helped the rage. “Every goddamned test Giles and Wes do shows the same thing! Her cells regenerate every day. She is immortal. I now share immortality with my beloved." Angel got up and began pacing.
Buffy just listened. Like everyone who cared about Willow, Angel repeated the same patterns of ‘letting it out’ every so often. Since they all did the same thing, the group had become patient at re-hearing each others tirades.
Angel clenched his fists and growled deafeningly to the ceiling. “Willow spends eternity in a coma. What did that darling, precious woman do to deserve that fate? She gave kindness and aid to all who knew her.” Angel capped off his diatribe by putting his fist through the coffee table. Spent, he sat back down and buried his face in his hands.
Buffy put her hand on his back, knowing from experience that his rant was finished. “You think anyone tells her how hard you are on furniture?”
He looked up at Buffy and snorted. “Yes. I’d bet money Cordy does. She only admits to reading her fashion magazines and filling her in on life and work, though.”
“Telling Wills every little thing isn’t the only thing we all have in common. Has anyone told you how grateful we all to you for what you’ve done to her room? It comforts us.”
Angel nodded. “I’m glad. It just felt right. Moving her Sunnydale room to my room. The marriage of our stuff. It’s bittersweet, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. She would love that my Shakespeare books are on the shelf next to her battered Dr. Seuss. Makes reading to her varied too. One day I’ll read her Dostoyevsky, the next Judy Blume.”
Buffy laughed. A real, heartfelt belly laugh. Thinking of Angel reading ’Tales of Fourth Grade Nothing’ and ’Are you there God, it’s me Margaret’ out loud almost made her pee her pants. It had been a long time since she’d had tears in her eyes from laughter instead of grief. It felt good.
Angel smiled…and it reached his eyes.
Buffy hugged Angel tight. “She would love that so much Angel.” She let go. “Well, I’d better head back to Sunnydale.” She stood to leave. “Oh! I almost forgot. Xander says you’re as good as he is at the Snoopy dance now. Congratulations! That’s high praise coming from the master. I can’t believe what some guys with do for the woman they love.”
Angel rolled his eyes, a bit embarrassed. “I’ve learned a lot the last year. Everyone shares things with Willow that they have in common with her; With Giles it’s The Doors, Cordelia: Titanic and Pretty Woman, Xander: A Charlie Brown Christmas and Free to Be…You & Me, Wesley: Beethoven. You’re the worst…James Bond,” he said with disgust.
“Ha! You’re just jealous cuz she lusted after Timothy Dalton!”
“Well…yeah!”
Buffy patted his arm. “At least he only made two.”
“Thank god for small favors. Luckily Xander just watches the early Bond films with her. I don’t object to any of the other actors that played Bond. In fact, I can’t believe anyone likes any of them as well as Sean Connery. Xander isn‘t fussy…he just watches for the girls, I think.”
The changes in Angel continued to surprise Buffy. “You’re friendship with Xander would mean so much to her.”
“I know. Whudda thunk it?”
“Oh no! You’re even starting to sound like him.”
“Yeah. It didn’t happen over night, but he grows on you. Besides, his long history with Willow means a lot to me. I love when he tells me about her as a little girl. I didn’t even know what Barbie Dolls were before.”
Buffy blinked a couple of times. “You’re certainly a more well rounded vampire these days.” She hugged Angel again and kissed his cheek. “Goodnight, big guy. See you soon.” She turned and left.
Angel watched the door after it closed behind her for a moment, then began the long walk upstairs.
Once he reached the door, he laid his forehead on it and the palm of his hand. Eventually, he summoned his brogue and entered the room.
“Hullo, Willow me darlin’,” he walked to the bed and kissed her cheek. Sitting down next to her he reached for the remote control on the nightstand. “I bet you and Buffy have listened to The Sound of Music soundtrack a thousand times.” He turned off the cd player with the remote and laid down next to his sleeping beauty. He propped himself on his elbow, so he could watch her face as he told her all about his day, as he had every night for the past year.