E-Mail: yanira_vazquez@hotmail.com
Disclaimer: BtVS and AtS belong to Joss and a whole bunch of other people with a lot more money than me. I'm just borrowing them.
Distribution: Just ask please. I'll say yes, really.
Category: W/A, C/Gn, & F/Ws
Rating: NC-17
Dedications: To the Candy Orgy, you know who you are. *waves* Thanks go to Vampie for the title.
Spoilers: New seasons for both shows
Summary: Christmas rolls around and so does a wonderful blessing.
(Like the last, fic is set 5 years in the future).
Sequel to Giving Thanks.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Shrugging in frustration, Willow pulled a bulky sweater from her suitcase in the hopes that she could now get the damned thing closed. Cursing a blue streak that would have made a sailor blush, Willow stopped struggling with the piece of luggage when the sound of laughter finally permeated her brain.
Turning, Willow found her friend leaning against the doorway of the room Willow shared with Angel.
"Damn Red, I'm shocked you even know half those words. Your lucky my virgin ears can take it", Faith quipped.
"Oh shut up and help me smartass. I sign your paychecks remember", the redhead bit out between clenched teeth.
Still smirking, Faith walked over to her friend and the suitcase. With one hand, the brunette easily held down the top of the case. Then with the other hand, Faith latched the mall metal mechanisms which locked the piece of luggage. It had taken her all of 15 seconds.
"Grrrr", Willow muttered under her breath, sending the raven haired Slayer into hysterical laughter.
Sobering quickly, Faith looked the cyber witch over. Willow looked good. She fairly glowed with happiness. The Slayer could see the difference in her friend since they had moved to L.A. so Willow could be with Angel.
The move to L.A. had necessitated Willow also move her business. And where Willow and her internet company went, so did Faith. Not that the raven haired beauty minded. After all, L.A. was where Wesley was too.
"So Red, where's Fang taking you for your little Christmas outing?", Faith asked, curious.
"Somewhere up in the mountains." Willow's emerald eyes sparkled, her expression dreamy. "Someplace with snow and a fireplace. We're taking the cell phone in case you guys need us or Delia gets a vision. I just hope we can go, and that demon we read about decides to screw up some other Christmas."
Eyeing the clothing scattered about the bed, Faith nodded. "Ah, so that explains why you're digging out all your old, warm and fuzzy Willowwear."
Willow rolled her eyes and began to put the discarded clothing away.
Satisfied with her packing, and the room's appearance, Willow turned to her friend who was sitting casually in the sitting room. Faith was leafing through one of Angel's old copies of Dickens 'A Christmas Carol'. Willow didn't know why, but Angel had three of them.
"I'm going downstairs to work on that website. Delia and I were going to order pizza later if you want to come down", the lovely wiccan offered.
Distractedly, Faith nodded and murmured, "Pepperoni."
Willow blinked, "huh?"
Looking up, Faith repeated, "Pepperoni. I'm not picky, but I do like pepperoni."
"Okay", Willow said smiling, as she left the room.
Faith waited five full minutes before looking up from the book. It was time to make her move. Moving quickly, she walked to the door and looked out into the hall. Willow was definitely gone.
Running back towards the bedroom, Faith opened the suitcase. She grinned, seeing how neatly her friend had folded her clothing. The brunette sighed suddenly. "It was just as she feared", the dark Slayer thought, catching sight of the practical flannel pajamas.
"That will never do", Faith thought. Breaking into a silent run on sneaker covered feet, Faith climbed the stairs to the third floor and her room. Digging into her closet she found the Victoria's Secret bag she'd stashed there, and the gifts she'd gotten Willow. One gown was white and completely sheer. It was made out of silk georgette and came complete with a white, silk thong. The gown was long and she knew Willow would look good in it. The other was a short, green silk chemise, the exact color of her friend's eyes. Folding the two gifts carefully, Faith grabbed the card and ran back down the stairs and into Willow and Angel's room.
Smiling, the brunette took the two sets of flannel pajamas out of the suitcase and placed her much less practical gifts in the bag. Quickly, the dark Slayer closed the piece of luggage and hid the offending pajamas under the bed. Finishing her task, Faith skipped down the stairs to join Cordelia and Willow.
End Part 1
Cordelia muffled a small groan. Her lower back was really starting to bother her. She really hated when it cramped up this way. Managing to wrestle her very pregnant form out of her chair, the Seer made her way to the hotel kitchen to make herself some tea.
If there was one thing she had learned having Wesley around, it was how to enjoy tea. Besides which, it always tasted a hell of lot better than the coffee she made.
Humming to herself the tall brunette took down the canister of English Breakfast Tea and the honey.
Cordelia's back twinged again. Sighing, she placed a hand there and stretched.
~~~~
"Delia, what do you want on your pizza", Willow shouted across the room, putting her hand on the telephone's mouthpiece so as not to shatter the eardrum of the guy taking the order.
Struggling into a sitting position from where she was lying on one of the lounge couches, Cordelia yelled back, "Pineapple and clams."
Willow and Faith shared a look before giggling. "Pineapple and clams", Faith mouthed. "Yuck", Willow said, Delia's craving were really getting weird.
Taking her hand away from the phone, Willow ordered a pineapple and clam pizza for the pregnant Seer and a half cheese, half pepperoni pizza for herself and Faith.
They were eating, half an hour later, when the men came back from their visit to Caritas.
Gunn couldn't stop laughing. "Delia, God I'm so sorry you missed that. Angel was singing 'Send in the Clowns'. It was so bad." The handsome man hugged his wife, still chuckling. "I swear I'm going to have nightmares."
Angel groaned in embarrassment, suddenly very glad he couldn't blush. His coffee colored eyes sought out those of his girlfriend. Willow was grinning widely, a long string of mozzarella cheese hung from the side of her mouth. He watched enthralled as she licked and sucked the tendril of cheese into her mouth.
The dark vampire closed his eyes and tried to reign in his suddenly aroused body.
Faith watched the interaction and smirked. She had a feeling Willow knew exactly what she was doing. When the red witch winked at her, Faith laughed out loud. "Red, you are so bad!"
Turning to Wesley, Faith asked if the visit to the demon bar had brought anything to light.
Wesley nodded as he stole a piece of pepperoni pizza from the open box in front of his Slayer.
"Well it turns out, there is a demon who will rise on Christmas Eve. Fortunately for us, it doesn't actually occur for another three hundred years", the ex-watcher said, taking a bit of his slice.
"Good", Cordelia replied. "Charles and I have a nice, quiet Christmas planned. If some demon apocalypse thingy tried to screw that up, I'd be pissed."
Faith rolled her eyes and Willow grinned.
Gunn wrapped his arms around Cordelia and kissed her fragrant neck. "How do you feel sweetheart?"
Sighing in contentment, Cordelia leaned into her husband's embrace. "I'm fine, really honey. My back's just bothering me a little."
"Come on then, lets go home. Dennis and I will take care of you", the demon hunter stated.
The pregnant Seer lurched to her feet, and smiled. "I do so love my life."
The couple left, leaving Angel, Willow, Faith and Wesley alone in the Hyperion Hotel.
"This is so great", Willow enthused. "This means we can start our trip a little earlier Angel."
Angel smirked and kissed the tip of Willow's nose. "We can leave tonight."
Wesley tried to control his urge to grin. He was thrilled to get 3 days alone with his Slayer. Willow and Angel weren't going to return until Christmas night. Turning to Faith, he wiggled his eyebrows comically. Faith smirked and wiggled her eyebrows back at him.
The ex-watcher wondered idly if Angel would know if they used his desk for something other than pushing paper.
Reaching out for another slice of pizza, Wesley wrinkled his nose and dropped the slice into the box. "Good Lord!! That's sacrilege. Who eats pineapple and clam pizza? Honestly!"
End Part 2
Two hours later, Willow Rosenburg lay with her head in Angel's lap in front or a roaring fireplace.
"I love this place, Angel. Its so beautiful", Willow murmured, staring into the flames.
"I knew you would like it", Angel replied, threading his hands through his love's scarlett locks. "Who would think that just a few hours from L.A. there's all of this?", he commented. Content, the dark vampire listened to the comforting sound of his love's strong, steady heartbeat.
Willow nodded, agreeing. The cozy little cabin on Bear Mountain was wonderful. She couldn't wait to go out the following day to play in the snow.
She snuggled closer to her vampire and allowed her eyes to close. The red head felt completely relaxed.
Willow loved Christmas. Despite being Jewish and not celebrating the holiday as a child, the witch had always loved the spirit of giving Christmas engendered. The snow, this place, and being with her love, made it all the more special.
Turning her thoughts further inward, Willow hoped Angel liked his gifts. She was worried particularly about the book of 'Legends and Myths of Galway' she planned to give him. It had taken her a couple of months to track down a suitable copy, even with Giles' contacts. Still, after Angel had told her of his childhood, and the happy memories he cherished of his mother tucking him into bed and telling him stories, Willow had thought the tome would be the perfect gift. The book was in remarkably good condition considering its age.
However, after obtaining the book, Willow had experienced some doubt. She really didn't want it to become a reminder of how his mother's life had come to end. The cyber witch simply wanted to give Angel something which helped him recall the few happy memories in his past.
The young woman pushed the doubts aside, allowing herself to revel in the feeling of being close to the person she loved.
Angel watched as Willow's eyes closed. His eyes lovingly traced the porcelain skin and unique features which comprised his witch, memorizing her for all time. She was so damned beautiful.
The dark vampire was loathe to disturb her, since she appeared to have fallen asleep, but there were more comfortable places for her to do so.
"Willow...Willow", Angel said, quietly.
The redhead opened her large, luminous eyes immediately. "I'm awake, I'm awake."
Angel grinned. "Come on Sweetling, I know you keep strange hours when your boyfriend is a vampire, but I think you need sleep", Angel commented. "You get ready for bed while I get more logs for the fire."
Wanting to argue, but knowing he was right, Willow yawned and stretched. The witch walked slowly into the bedroom and her suitcase.
The bedroom was completely furnished in dark, shiny wood. The floor was covered with three or four small, colorful hook rugs, while in a corner an old-fashioned roll top desk sat. The bed was the most prominent object in the room. It sat up high on large solid posts. The headboard was curved, it reminded Willow of those old pictures of sleighs. Angel had smiled when she'd said that, telling her the style of bed was actually called a sleigh bed.
Grabbing her suitcase from where it sat by the bed, Willow set it down on the mattress and popped the locks.
A gasp of disbelief fell from her lips. "I'll kill her", Willow thought, lifting one of the delicate gowns from the case.
If it wasn't for the fact that in her last month of pregnancy Cordelia was avoiding stairs, Willow would have sworn that this seemed like a classic Cordy move. She knew, however, that it was Faith who had done it. "That sneaky little s..s..SLAYER!", she hissed.
Willow stared at the delicate gowns and suddenly smiled. She had a feeling she would probably end up thanking the raven haired woman.
"Well at least I'm not feeling the least bit tired anymore."
Reaching for her sweater, the red witch began to strip.
End Part 3
Angel trudged up to the cabin he had rented with the extra wood in his arms. Even though he didn't have to breath, the cool crisp air was so clean and pure, that he had paused once or twice just to take it in.
Opening the door, Angel kicked the snow off of his feet and entered. The dark vampire walked to the fireplace. Stooping, Angel placed some new kindling on the flames. He was stacking the rest of the wood, when he heard the soft, shy "Hi" behind him.
Slowly, the handsome vampire turned, only to be left mute by a vision of glowing loveliness.
"Willow", he gasped. In the long, sheer white gown his witch looked like some will o' the wisp or faerie queen. Willow's crimson hair shone in the firelight.
The redhead stood, a little uncertainly, and Angel hurried to make her feel more comfortable. "Do you know how beautiful you are, sweet Willow?"
The vampire watched as a blush crept up his love's fair skin. It began at her chest and shoulders, before creeping up over her neck and cheeks. Willow positively glowed.
Angel stood and smiled, allowing his eyes to wander from her long, shapely legs to her trim waist and small, high breasts. Through the sheer georgette her body appeared both showcased and hidden. The effect was maddening. The small tuft of cinnamon curls at the apex of her thighs, made his groin tighten. She wasn't wearing panties. He groaned in appreciation.
In a burst of speed only the undead could posess, Angel was at Willow's back in seconds. He pressed the evidence of his desire against her spine. "You do this to me Willow, only you."
Willow gasped, her breath came faster. She almost jumped when Angel's hand seemed to casually brush her arms and the sensitive tip of her breast.
"Angel", she moaned breathlessly.
"Yes, sweet Willow."
"Make love to me", the red head said.
Smirking slightly, the dark vampire bent down and picked up the lithed woman in front of him. "Your wish is my command, my love."
Tenderly, Angel carried Willow to the bedroom and laid her down on the large bed before beginning to strip. Willow watched with wide eyes.
No matter how often she saw him unclothed, the wonder of it never diminished. He was beautiful. Willow's mind searched for another word, but there just wasn't one. He was just beautiful, all muscle and long, lean lines. Goddess, she loved him.
Finally unclothed, the dark haired vampire laid down at Willow's side.
The wiccan trembled and whimpered as Angel used one finger to gently trace the line of her shoulders and collar bone. Slowly, Angel used the digit to tug one thin stap of the gown, down the redhead's arm.
Willow gasped as warm electricity seemed to travel through her body with his every touch. Her oversensitized skin magnifying everything her lover did.
Her body arched in surprise, eyes opening wide as Angel's cool mouth tugged on one turgid nipple. Willow moaned in pleasure.
Angel smiled, enjoying the sounds of pleasure emanating from deep within the wondrous woman at his side. Each time they made love, the act was different, special. Sometimes they came together with passionate abandon, clinging to each other like lifelines in the tempest created by their needs. Other times, she was wild and untamed, bringing him to his knees. While yet other times, it was he who taught her how to tread the fine line between ecstasy and pain.
Tonight they would love each other slowly. They had all the time in the world, and he wanted to savor Willow's every response to his touch.
Lifting his head from her breast, Angel breathed lightly on the moist flesh. The peach tinged nub hardened under his ministration and slyly, the vampire gently bit down.
"Goddess", Willow gasped, reaching for her lover's head and holding it to her breast. "Angel...", she breathed.
Abandoning her delicious flesh, Angel's mouth trailed up the ivory column of her throat. He paused to swirl his tongue over her pulse point, gratified when the beating of Willow's heart grew faster.
Small hands tugged at his hair. Heeding Willow's desires, Angel allowed her to guide him to her mouth. Her green eyes were dilated with desire and darkened with arousal.
Willow claimed Angel's mouth. Her tongue seeking entrance. Groaning, his lips opened.
The redhead swirled her tongue along his teeth. Knowing what she sought, Angel allowed his fangs to elongate. Quickly, Willow speared her tongue on his sharpened canine, allowing her blood to fill their mouths.
A deep, powerful growl rumbled from the dark haired vampire's throat as he suckled on Willow's injured flesh.
The hacker arched beneath him, needing to be closer, wanting to crawl inside him.
Golden eyes met Willow's gaze. In wonder, she traced the ridges of her love's true face and felt him tremble against her. The witch felt powerful, she knew that only she could do this to Angel.
Breaking the kiss reluctantly, Angel tugged the remaining strap of her gown downwards.
His mouth followed its path, and his true face melted away. Kissing his way to her newly uncovered breast, Angel gave it treatment similar to its twin.
Willow squirmed, her body ached for more. Honeyed warmth flowed from her center.
"Angel please", she whispered. "I need---"
"Shhh...love, I know. Lift your hips for me Willow", Angel requested.
Obeying mindlessly, Willow arched upwards, allowing him to divest her of the sheer fabric.
"So lovely", Angel murmured before settling himself between her open thighs. Needing to taste her, Angel traced the moist folds of her femininity with his tongue.
Willow gasped for breath. "Oh Goddess!!"
Her entire being was focused on her lover's mouth and his talented tongue, as Angel kissed her in the most intimate way possible.
Angel thrust his tongue, deeply inside of the fiery woman beneath him. He held her hips down as she bucked wildly, holding her in place as he caressed her every secret place with his mouth.
Tiny tremors began to travel Willow's body. Angel knew she was close to completion and with one last nip to the bundle of nerves hidden at her core, he pushed Willow over the edge.
Willow screamed in ecstasy. She clawed at Angel's shoulders demanding him closer. As she rode out the last waves of her orgasm, the redhead pulled at his dark hair, drawing him up her body.
Murmuring incoherently, the wiccan kissed her vampire passionately before flipping him suddenly on his back.
Stradling the man beneath her, Willow rubbed her still throbbing core along his rock hard member.
"Mmmmm... ", she moaned.
"Willow, please", Angel choked.
Smirking, Willow raised her body upwards and then slowly sunk down on Angel's cock.
Fiery heat engulfed him and the dark vampire groaned.
Slowly, Willow continued to rise and lower herself on her lover's erection. Each time, she would pull almost completely off before sinking down and devouring him again completely with her velvet depths.
Her pace was driving him mad. "Please", Angel moaned.
Staring into Angel's dark, stormy eyes, Willow began to move faster, slamming her body against his in a primitive dance.
Unable to help himself, the dark vampire raised his hips each time in counterpoint. Together, their movements became harsher, more desperate, as they strode for release together.
With one last hard thrust against him, Willow's body stilled as she tumbled into blissful release. Shockwaves travelled through her body, her vagina grasping and releasing Angel's arousal with the force of her orgasm.
Giving himself up to the storm of pleasure his woman had created, Angel thrust home once more, before he too, was engulfed in the waves of his climax.
Slumping in exhaustion, Willow collapsed atop the large body of her vampire, in contentment.
"Wow", she muttered.
Smirking, Angel kissed his witch's forehead. "I'd say that was an understatement."
Willow squirmed, trying to get more comfortable. She stopped when she felt Angel begin to harden inside of her. Quirking an eyebrow upwards, the redhead opened one sleepy eye. She found Angel grinning mischeviously at her. "So you want to do it again", he asked.
"Only if I get to tell everyone, you're like the Energizer bunny", Willow joked.
Angel paused, a thoughtful look on his face. Chocolate eyes darkened, and the thoughtful look was replaced by a sly grin.
"Works for me", he quipped, before flipping Willow over and slowly beginning to move inside of her again.
Willow moaned. "Ohh... yeah, me too....that definitely works for me too."
End Part 4
Charles Gunn awoke to find his bed empty. "Delia", the man called out. When he received no answer, Gunn rolled out of bed and slipped on the leather slippers his wife had given his for his birthday. Yawning, he walked down the hallway.
The vampire hunter found his wife lying on a sofa in the living room. A damp cloth floated towards Cordelia's brown from a bowl of water on the coffee table.
Worried now, Gunn strode over quickly to his pregnant wife's side. "Baby, are you okay? Why didn't you wake me up?"
"I've been better", Cordelia quipped half-heartedly. Sighing, the Seer adjusted the pillow beneath her lower back. "I didn't want to bug you Charles. I figured at least one of us should get some sleep. I didn't want to keep you up too."
The cloth lying on Cordelia's forehead moved upwards and towards the coffee table.
Gunn grinned. "Well it seems Dennis is taking good care of you at least." Watching the newly moistened cloth settle back on the brunette's brow, Gunn thanked Dennis. He grew serious. "I really want you to wake me up next time you don't feel well, Baby".
Cordelia forced a smile and shook her head in agreement. She didn't want to worry her husband but the cramps were really getting painful. Her lower back was killing her. Because of all the extra weight she was carrying, she'd gotten used to the occasional painful twinge, but this was getting out of hand.
"One more month", she thought, "one more month of this, and I'll finally be a mommy."
Gunn watched as Cordelia became lost in thought. Tenderly his eyes traced the planes of her lovely face. His Delia was one hell of a sexy pregnant lady. The demon hunter carefully placed his hands on Cordelia's rounded belly. He could feel tiny tremors of movement. Awe filled the man. He had created life with the woman that he loved. New life, innocent life. Turning back to his wife, Gunn smiled.
"Do you think I'll be a good mother?", Cordelia asked apprehensively. "I worry sometimes. I mean, its not like I had the greatest parents to learn from, you know."
"You'll be a great mother Baby", the handsome black man said, eyes warm. "You're caring, giving and a huge nag. In my book, that translates to motherhood perfectly."
Cordelia smiled brightly. "Awwww.. honey, you say the sweetest things."
It was with a lighter heart that Cordelia's mouth met her husband's in a tender kiss.
End Part 5
It was three o'clock in the afternoon when the ringing of the phone broke the stillness.
"Mmmm, God", Faith moaned.
"Bugger! Don't answer that."
Rolling over, Wesley tugged the raven haired Slayer closer to his wiry body.
Faith wiggled, rubbing her ass suggestively against the growing erection of the man behind her. "It is three of clock in the afternoon Wes, it might be important."
The phone continued to ring. "Duty calls", Faith sighed.
Grimacing the brunette reached for the noisy appliance.
Gunn's voice boomed through the receiver. "Faith, damn girl. The phone rang like twelve times, what took so long?" The demon hunter's voice paused before continuing. "Forget it, I don't want to know."
"Gunn is something wrong? Did Delia have a vision?", the Slayer asked quickly, worried for her very pregnant friend.
Wesley frowned and sat up in bed. He grew concerned when Faith's face became serious.
The dark haired woman hung up suddenly and jumped out of bed. She began searching for some clothes.
"What's happened, Faith?", Wesley inquired.
"Shit! Wes, Cordelia went into labor!", the dark Slayer shouted, as she pulled on a pair of jean.
"What? But she's not due for another month. This is premature."
"Obviously, that baby wants out, but now.", Faith said.
Throwing the covers off, Wesley stood. The ex-watcher spotted his trousers by the bedside table. Pulling his slacks over his lean form, Wesley searched for his shoes. "We have to get a hold of Angel and Willow. They will want to be here for Gunn and Cordelia."
Faith tossed Wesley a cell phone. "Come on lets go. We'll call them from the road."
Agreeing silently, Wesley followed his Slayer out of the room.
~~~~~
"Come on Angel, please", Willow pleaded, batting her large green eyes.
"Don't look at me like that Sweetling", Angel groaned. "You know I can't resist you when you give me that look."
Willow smiled smugly. "So you'll come with me? You'll love it, I swear. And its cloudy you have nothing to worry about."
Grabbing Angel's arm and his coat, Willow pulled her boyfriend out the front door of their hideaway.
"Watch me", Willow said.
In bemusement, the dark haired vampire watched as Willow lay down in the cold, wet snow.
Willow placed her arms perpendicular to her body. She waved them around while opening and closing her legs. She looked ridiculous.
Fearing for his safety, Angel bit back the laughter which bubbled up from deep within him. Shaking his head, he silently marveled at the ease with which his witch made him happy.
Jumping to her feet, the redhead ran to where Angel stood, and pointed.
"See, its a snow angel".
Angel nodded, eyes twinkling with mirth. There in the snow was an indentation which looked remarkably like an angel in a dress.
"Your turn", Willow squealed.
Sighing in mock reluctance, Angel laid back in the snow. Cold, moisture seeped into his shoes. He stared into the cloudy, gray sky. Suddenly Angel grinned and started to pump his arms and legs.
"That's it!", Willow shouted. "Get up, lets see."
The ensouled vampire lurched to his feet and turned to look at the indentation he'd left in the once pristine snow.
"Look Angel, you're an even bigger angel than I am". Willow grinned at the awful pun and launched herself into the arms of her boyfriend.
Angel smirked and gathered the warm woman close enjoying the joy she took in simple things. "You know, I think I saw an old sled around here", Angel said twirling Willow around in his arms.
Abruptly, the vampire stopped and cocked his head towards the cabin.
"What is it?"
"The cell phone's ringing, I must have left it inside", Angel replied.
As the ran towards the cabin, Willow's face grew grim.
"Angel, I have a bad feeling about this."
End Part 6
Faith paced restlessly in the hospital lounge. "Where are Red and Fang, its been almost 3 hours?"
Wesley pinched the bridge of his nose. He could feel a headache coming on.
He knew Faith was worried about Cordelia. The Slayer was a woman of action, she didn't like feeling helpless. All they had learned so far was that Cordelia's was having a difficult labor.
Apparently the Seer had been in labor for hours, not recognizing the cramping she'd been experiencing as contractions.
Wesley started in surprise, hearing Angel's voice carry down the hall. "We're looking for Cordelia Chase-Gunn. Our family called us, she was in premature labor."
Faith turned and hurried down the hall. "Willow, Angel, I'm so glad you guys are here. What took you so long?"
Willow sighed unhappily. "Traffic was terrible, and then I needed to find a place to pull over and let Angel out of the trunk. We weren't sure if the sun would make an unexpected appearance once we got out of the mountains, and I really don't want to be dating a pile of dust.", the redhead remarked wearily.
Noticing Wesley's and Faith's tense countenances, Angel asked about his friend. "How's Cordelia?"
Wesley's face grew pale. "We don't know. She's been in labor technically since yesterday, she just didn't know it. But its been hours since we got here Angel and there's been no news."
"We haven't even seen Gunn, he refuses to leave her side. Even the doctors won't answer our questions. I'm tempted to beat one to a pulp.", Faith said through clenched teeth.
Angel sat down heavily. "Cordelia had to be alright", Angel thought. "She was his first real friend, his Seer. She was a wife and soon to be a mother. So much of her life was ahead of her." The dark haired vampire closed his eyes.
Willow wrapped her arms around him, and gave him a reassuring squeeze. She understood how much Cordelia meant to Angel.
"I guess we just have to be patient and wait", the redhead stated.
End Part 7
Hours later, Faith groaned and shifted in her chair.
Wesley checked his watch, it was midnight. "Christmas Eve", the ex-watcher thought wearily, sipping his lukewarm coffee. He swallowed with a gulp as he spotted a drawn and exhausted Charles Gunn, walking down the hallway.
"Gunn!", Willow exclaimed, "How's Cordy? How's the baby?"
Gunn rubbed a large hand on his smooth head. "She's still in labor. She wasn't dilating properly and the doctor didn't want to pump her full of drugs until completely necessary." His eyes became bright with unshed tears.
"Then they found that the baby was in the wrong position too. The doctor kicked me out after they couldn't correct the breach. They're not going to give her the drug, because they think they're going to do a C-section."
Gunn's shoulders shook, his head lowering. "I'm scared you guys."
Converging on their friend, Angel, Wesley, Faith and Willow surrounded him for a group hug. The demon hunter closed his eyes, taking comfort and strength from the only family he had ever really known, a family he had chosen.
Rubbing his eyes, Wesley disengaged from the embrace. "Let me get you some coffee, Gunn."
The friends separated. Willow clung to Angel's and Gunn's hand and sat between the two men. Faith paced furiously. Willow could see how the dark haired woman's jaw clenched and unclenched.
In exhaustion, Gunn leaned his head back against the wall.
"Take a nap Gunn, you're a wreck. We'll wake you up in 20 minutes or if anything changes", Willow said kindly. The man nodded, understanding that he wouldn't be of any use to his wife unless he got a little rest.
Wesley returned with the cup of coffee. He placed in on the side table, deciding that a some rest would be better for his fellow demon hunter than caffeine.
The bespectacled ex-watcher walked over to where Faith was systematically shredding a magazine.
"I hate this Wes. I can't do anything for Cordelia", the dark Slayer spat. "I want to hurt something."
"I know Faith, I know", Wesley murmured as he hugged the frightened woman.
~~~~
Willow opened her eyes in sudden horror. She glanced at her watch. It was 3 a.m., Cordelia had now been in labor for over 14 hours. The Cesarean was supposed to have ended 10 minutes ago.
The red witch glanced about the waiting room. Gunn had returned to the birthing room a few hours before. Faith and Wesley were asleep. The raven haired Slayer held the ex-watcher's hand.
Only Angel was awake. His dark eyes stared down the hallway as if willing someone to come down the hall and give them news.
"Angel", she whispered, "something's gone wrong."
The dark vampire's eyes flashed momentarily with an eerie golden light. "I smell blood. Cordelia's blood. Lots of it", he growled.
"Faith, Wesley wake up", Willow hissed. Lunging for the cell phone, Willow dialed a familiar number. The other Scoobies had been waiting for news.
"Buffy, tell Tara its time. Cordelia's in trouble", Willow sobbed.
End Part 8
Gunn clung to his wife's hand. Cordelia's face was pale and still. Damp tendrils of sweat drenched hair clung to her clammy forehead.
"Baby, wake up please", Gunn said gruffly. "You can't leave me now Cordelia Chase-Gunn. You haven't even had a chance to see our daughter yet. She's beautiful Baby, just like you."
"Sir...Sir", one of the nurses said, shaking the upset man. "Maybe you should leave Sir."
"No!", Gunn raged. "I am not leaving my wife."
Turning back to his wife, the vampire hunter lowered his mouth to her ear. "Fight Delia, fight. I know you Baby. You're a fighter."
"Doctor, her pulse is getting thready. The bleedings getting worse!", another nurse shouted.
Gunn closed his eyes and began to pray.
~~~~
In Sunnydale, a group of friends who included, a vampire, a Slayer, a former Watcher, a witch, a Zeppo and the Key, sat in a circle on the floor of Buffy and Giles' living room. Their hand were clasped together and their eyes were closed.
In a waiting room in L.A., another group sat in a circle following the chant of their own resident witch. Abruptly, the chant changed, latin began to flow from Willow's lips in an unending stream.
The red witch could see the aura's of all those she loved. She drew the strength of her family into herself. She would be the filter, the shaper.
Willow's body jerked as the collective strength of her friends in Sunnydale joined with that of Faith, Wesley, Angel and herself.
The wiccan wove the beautiful multi-colored strands of energy with her mind. She bent and shaped them to her will. All the while, she never ceased speaking the incantation. Willow could feel the essence of all those she loved. It pounded through her body, seeming to fill each and every cell of her being.
Gathering her own strength, Willow continued to shape the distinct essences into a golden whole. When she was done, the energy was a glowing ball of healing, strengthening energy, invisible to the average naked eye. With a thought and the last of her strength, Willow hurled the ball towards where she saw Cordelia's own fading aura.
"It is done", Willow intoned, "So mote it be." Completely drained, the wiccan slumped to the floor of the hospital waiting room in a dead faint.
~~~~
"I've managed to stop the bleeding", the doctor shouted.
"Doctor, I'm still losing a pulse", nurse responded.
Gunn ignored their words. "No! Delia, Baby fight!"
"Get him out of here", Doctor Raymond said to an orderly.
"No, please...", Gunn began, only to be interrupted by the sudden whine of one of the machines. The beeping sound, that had represented his wife's pulse, had stopped.
Tears coursed down the vampire hunter's face. He jerked out of the orderly's grip.
"Get your hand off me Dawg! Unless you want to be introduced to the floor, you best stay away from me!"
Lunging towards his wife's still form, Gunn once again clung to Cordelia's hand. He kissed her forehead, muttering endearments incoherently as he sobbed.
Around him, the room was in chaos as the Doctor and his staff tried to save their patient.
A warm wind swept suddenly through the room. Gunn felt it brush past him, it ruffled Cordelia's long hair.
Dr. John Raymond had just reached for the paddles, when the whining machine quieted. And then unexpectedly, it beeped.
In surprise, everyone in the room turned towards the monitor.
"Oh my God, she's got a pulse", a nurse whispered.
Gunn felt Cordelia jerk. Her mouth opened, as the brunette took a gasping breath.
End Part 9
Cordelia awoke the next day to find her husband asleep, sitting in a chair by her hospital bed. He was bent over, his head laying on her pillow.
"That can't be comfortable", Cordelia quipped hoarsely.
Gunn stirred. "Delia?", he whispered uncertainly.
Coming awake instantly, Gunn hugged his wife, covering her face with kisses.
"Mmmm", the Seer sighed, "what's that for?"
"Delia, I could have lost you. I love you Baby."
"I love you too. Charles, our baby, how is our baby?", Cordelia asked.
"She's perfect. Beautiful. Just like you Delia. She looks just like you."
The tired brunette smiled brightly, leaning back against the pillows.
"Hold on Delia, I'm gonna sneak everyone in", Gunn said. Standing smoothly, the black man ran out of the room.
Within minutes, the Seer's room was no longer empty. Willow hugged Cordelia tightly, silently thanking the Goddess for her blessing and help.
"Move over Red, I want a hug too", Faith remarked, bumping her hip against that of the smaller woman.
Willow grinned and moved out of the way, watching as Angel and Wesley took their turns as well.
"Merry Christmas, Delia", the red headed wiccan said.
"Thanks Wills, Merry Christmas", Cordelia responded, shifting against the pillows. The brunette groaned, her body hurt. Hazy memories rose with the pain. Vaguely she remembered blackness and a radiant light.
Cordelia gasped. "Oh my God, I died. I died, didn't I?" She looked at everyone present in sudden realization. "And you guys brought me back. Everyone brought me back, I could feel you. It felt as if I was drowning in this darkness, sinking, and you lent me strength to struggle upwards back to my family. Thank you", Cordelia whispered, eyes moist.
Willow nodded, while Gunn eyes his friends in confusion.
He didn't have time to ask any questions as a knock sounded on the door.
A nurse stepped inside carrying a bundle wrapped in a pink blanket. The nurse blinked, surprised by the number of people occupying the room. She knew this many visitors wasn't allowed. The nurse also knew that the new mother had almost died. As far as she was concerned, she hadn't seen this flagrant violation of hospital policy.
Stooping, the nurse handed the baby to Cordelia and then left the room.
Faith smiled, leaning over the child. She took note of the dark eyes and hair. "Wow, Cordy. She's a chip of the old block."
Awe filled Angel's dark gaze. "She's beautiful Cordelia."
Wesley rubbed misty eyes. "Well done, Cordelia. What are you naming her?"
Cordelia looked up from her daughter's face. Her finger was tightly clasped in the child's tiny fist. She glanced at her husband. Gunn nodded.
Smiling the former May Queen said, "Everyone, I would like to introduce you to Grace, Grace Alonna Gunn."
Willow grinned. "Merry Christmas Grace, we're so happy you're here".
The baby seemed to return Willow's smile.
End Part 10
In Sunnydale, Rupert Giles popped the cork from a bottle of champagne.
"Cordelia is fine", the blue eyed man told the assembled group. "Willow called me a while ago to tell me mother and daughter are resting comfortably."
Shouts of 'Hooray!' broke out, along with a 'Hurry up with that champagne, Watcher', from Spike.
Giles poured Spike, Xander, Dawn and Tara flutes of the bubbly liquid, and then turned to his wife. Buffy lifted her glass, only to have Spike cover the opening with a hand.
"Uh-uh, Slayer", the blond vampire said.
"Spike do you want me to shove a stake where the sun don't shine?", Buffy said sarcastically.
"Fine. Bugger it all, you silly bint! Don't you know your pregnant yet?", Spike snarled.
"Pregnant", Buffy squeaked. The blond vampire rolled his eyes and nodded.
"Oh my God", Dawn said, running to hug her sister.
"Wow, Buffster, way to go", Xander stated, his patented grin plain on his face.
A loud thump caused everyone to turn. "Wha--", Buffy started.
It was Tara who stated the obvious. "Shouldn't we pick Giles up from the floor?"
End Part 11
The four friends sat comfortably in the lounge of Angel Investigations. The winking lights of the Christmas tree and a few candles were the only illumination.
Quietly Wesley sipped his eggnog, his arm wrapped tightly about Faith.
The gifts had been exchanged and he was content simply to be
close to the woman he loved. The woman in his arms shifted slightly,
bringing her face up to his for a kiss.
Faith grinned up at the ex-watcher and then pointedly and as unobtusively
as possible gestured with her head to the other couple
sitting across from them. Willow sat in Angel's lap. The
dark Slayer knew what the gorgeous vampire had planned and was anxious
to
get out of the way so he could do it.
The odd family had had a wonderful quiet evening. Faith had never
been so happy. Her life was now full of love and purpose. Cordelia,
Gunn and Grace were still at the hospital resting. The remaining
foursome had toasted the new addition to their family and exchanged
their gifts.
Angel and Willow had given Wesley and Faith a two week, all expenses
paid trip to the destination of their choice. Wesley had given his
newest friend an athame, once used by his mother in her wiccan ceremonies.
Willow had loved the ornate, silver knife. She was
honored by Wesley's gesture. Faith smiled, she had given her
gifts to the redhead a bit early. Thinking of the two lovely silk
gowns,
Faith was sure that the couple had put them to good use.
The witch had given Angel a set of charcoal pencils and handmade sketching
paper. In turn, Angel had surprised Willow with what Faith
surmised was probably a wiccan's dream. A room in the hotel had
been redone with Willow's needs in mind. It was outfitted with a
computer, an ancient Book of Shadows, a pentagram, the materials for
various spells and a comfortable couch.
Only one thing remained.
Wesley cocked his head and winked at Faith, understanding her gesture immediately. Coming to a stand, the ex-watcher announced that he and Faith were leaving.
Willow stood and hugged her departing friends. She looked at her friends quizzically. "You two aren't staying?"
"Naw Red, Wes and I have decided to give you and Fang some alone time", the raven haired Slayer said.
Faith grinned and hugged the shorter woman. She turned to Angel and gave him a thumbs up.
Angel swallowed heavily and acknowledged the dark Slayer's gesture. He was nervous as hell.
Once the couple had left. Angel ran his hand's through his locks, completely at a loss.
Deciding that it was now or never, the ensouled vampire led Willow back to the couch and sat her down.
Emerald green eyes looked up at him in confusion.
Angel took a deep breath, his dead lungs expanded in his chest, as he knelt at Willow's feet.
Willow stared at Angel with dawning comprehension lighting her eyes.
The dark haired vampire began to speak. His voice wavered. "Willow,
I love you with all my heart and soul. You are my other half,
completing me in ways that no one else ever has or ever will", Angel's
voice became stronger, surer as he continued. "I would be
the most honored, would consent to be my wife. Willow Ann Rosenburg,
will you marry me?"
Tears gathered and flowed unchecked from Willow's eyes as she stared
first at the ring and then at Angel's nervous visage. Unable to
speak, the wiccan nodded, before flinging herself into her vampire's
arms.
Suddenly finding her voice. Willow whispered, "Yes."
"Yes, I will marry you Liam Angelus Kieran O'Boyle."
Relief and happiness flooded Angel's body. It was with shaky hands
that the ensouled vampire pulled the ring from his pocket and placed
it on the ring finger of the woman he loved.
"I love you Willow."
"I love you Angel."
End Part 12
Willow stared at the ring on her finger. It was simple, and beautiful.
She couldn't believe Angel had asked her to marry him.
The platinum band shone in the light, the diamond winked as she moved
her hand. The band was a series of Celtic knots woven together.
Willow smiled, she knew the knots signified eternity. Inside
the band her now fiance had inscribed 'Love, Always and Forever' signed
with an ornate A.
"Fiance, wow", Willow thought.
The redhead stood by the window in her and Angel's room. She looked
out into the dark L.A. night. For once the street was relatively
quiet. Willow assumed most of the denizens of the City of Angels
were probably home enjoying Christmas with their families. She
smiled, wrapping her arms around herself.
Another pair of arms joined her own. Willow leaned into Angel's embrace. She felt safe and cherished.
"Are you sure Willow?", the dark vampire asked her. His voice
shook. Willow sighed and turned to face the man she loved.
She
didn't even need to guess what he meant.
"Angel, I love you. Nothing would make me happier than being your wife."
Despite his fears, Angel smiled. "I just want you to be happy.
I know I can't give you a normal life. One full of sunshine, and
children."
"What are you talking about? Spike's a great kid.", the small redhead joked.
The ensouled vampire rolled his eyes. "You know what I mean, Sweetling."
"Angel, I love you. I was raised in Sunnydale. A normal
life is not what I was born for. I dated a werewolf, and a witch.
If we want
children we have options; adoption, spells." Tenderly, Willow
cupped her fiancé's face and stared into his earnest brown eyes.
"But there
are no options as to who else I want to be with. You're the vampire
that I love, fangs and all."
Angel lowered his head to that of his witch. They kissed slowly,
languorously before the gentle expression of love became a fiery,
tempest of passion.
Reluctantly Willow pulled away. She grinned impishly when she
heard Angel's groan of dismay. "Willoooow", he singsonged, as he
trailed
kisses along the column of her throat.
"I have something I want to give you Angel."
The dark haired vampire gave Willow's throat one last kiss, before raising his head to look into her bottle green eyes.
"You've already agreed to be my wife, what more could I want?", Angel
queried. Burying his face in Willow's ruby tresses, he continued,
his voice muffled. "And you also gave me those wonderful charcoal
pencils and the handmade sketching paper. I've loved everything."
Looking down at the lithe woman in his arms, the vampire quirked one
dark eyebrow. "Why didn't you give it to me downstairs, when Faith
and Wesley were here? Did you think I wouldn't like it?"
Willow blushed. "I'm not sure what you're reaction will be.
I wanted to keep it private." Disengaging herself from Angel's
embrace, the redhead walked to the bed and searched beneath it. Seconds
later, she handed him a large, heavy gift wrapped in silver
paper.
Angel sat on the bed and carefully unwrapped the item. It was
a hand tooled leather book. It looked quite old, and was in quite
good
condition. The title would have taken his breath away, had he
breathed. It read, 'Legends and Myths of Galway, Ireland' in gold.
"Oh Willow...".
The dark haired vampire swallowed the lump which had formed in his throat,
overcome with emotion. "Willow, you remembered. About how
my mother told me bedtime stories..."
Angel looked up into the slightly apprehensive face of his love.
He smiled and watched as her face softened. "I love it Little One.
Thank you."
The redhead sighed in relief and sat down next to her lover. "I'm
so glad you like it Angel. I was so worried it would bring up bad
memories."
"Never. If anything it will remind me of the good in my life before
my turning. I love it", Angel whispered fiercely. Carefully,
he
caught Willow's hand and brought it up to his lips.
Willow's new ring shone brightly.