AUTHOR: Tisienne Blue

SERIES: Holidays #3

E-MAIL: tisatko@msn.com

DISCLAIMER: I am not now-- nor have I ever been-- Joss Whedon.

RATING: Eventual NC-17, of course *snigger*

PAIRINGS: A/W; S/C (mostly S/C, but a good bit of W/A)

DISTRIBUTION: anyone with other fic of mine, and MY site (where the Web-Goddess Jeannette reigns supreme...)

FEEDBACK: Would be a good thing, I think.

DEDIS: Jeannette, as always... also anyone who liked Winter Snow, especially those who asked what I was planning to do about poor Spike and dear Cordy.

NOTES: sequel to Winter Snow, and second in my brand new series (*sigh* like I needed another one!!! *g*) as usual, * *= emphasis.

*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*&*

Part 1

Well over a month and he hadn't seen the cheerleader for all of it. Spike sighed. He hadn't really intended to return to Sunnyhell, but there was too much left up in the air for him to just stay in LA. He'd needed to go back; needed to try to figure out what the deal was with him and the Slayer. Of course, he'd also wanted to explain his leaving to the li'l bit, and make sure she'd be okay, what with both him *and* Willow abandoning the Hellmouth.

That the little redhead was staying on at the Hyperion wasn't ever really in question, although he'd thought-- for a moment-- that the girl was thinking of returning to the place that had shaped her. If she had been, though, the thought had been swiftly decimated by Angel's deep growl when *he'd* gotten the same impression. Seemed the mighty pouf wasn't willing to let the little witch out of his sight for more than an instant or two.

Not that Spike blamed him; hell, if he'd been the one who was bound to a mortal like Red, he wouldn't have been willing to let her out of *bed*, much less his field of vision.

Still, he knew that was neither here nor there. He'd come back to Sunnyhell and found that... things had changed. Not necessarily in a bad way, although the Slayer had made a point of being entirely clear that whatever it was they'd been doing, it was over. She would tolerate him, talk to him on occasion, maybe even ask his opinion, but... that was all there would ever be, despite the truly wicked night they'd spent together in that ramshackle building. He had no interest in trying to change her mind.

Oddly enough, Spike had actually found that he was relieved by that bit of information when he'd realized that all his thoughts were still bound up in Angel's brunette Seer. It was true enough, though. While Buffy had been a deep-seated fancy, she'd never consumed him-- emotionally-- the way Cordelia had been doing ever since the night he and Red had arrived at the sodding pouf's great pile of stone.

It was the thought that he was entirely caught up in the stunning little chit he hadn't even kissed yet that had him growling, because he'd never thought he'd see the day that a red-blooded girl would be able to resist his so-ample charms, but... Cordelia had, and with an amazing degree of grace, too.

She'd been cold and wet with crusted snow on Christmas, and he'd led her to the room Willow had been occupying. He'd chatted her up quite nicely, but... when she'd emerged from the bathroom, warm again, and freshly clothed in some of Red's new garments, she'd been... stand-off-ish. Reserved. Friendly enough, but just that. Friendly. He hadn't wanted to push it, especially seeing as the girl was a favoured one of the Powers That Sodding Be.

Still, they'd spoken a good bit since. Spike smirked, just thinking about the long-distance bill the pouf would be getting soon. They'd talked frequently, him and the Seer, and...

His hands stilled as he placed the last of his things in his bag. A small part of him would miss this crypt, he knew. But an even larger part would be stunningly disappointed if he didn't make this move. He'd had two chances in his entire existence to find a real love, and he'd messed up the both of them... the first-- with Dru-- by not being evil enough, and the second-- with the Slayer-- by being *too* evil. He thought this just might be his third and last chance, and really... what was eternity if there was no one to share it with? It wasn't a sentiment he'd ever admit out loud, but that didn't make it any less true.

He finally closed the top of his duffel and started out into the night, only to stop when he saw the smallish girl standing nearby in the cemetery. "Niblet," he said softly, "Come to say goodbye, then?"

Dawn forced herself to smile, even though she felt like crying. It wouldn't be good to let Spike know that she loved him like the brother she'd never had. He'd been the one-- more than Willow or Tara, even-- who'd made life seem worthwhile after her sister had died, and although neither he nor Buffy knew it, she'd been aware of their little... adventure. She'd honestly hoped that it would work out between them, but... How could it have? And that was why she held to her brave face and moved closer, hugging him hard. "I'm gonna miss you, Spike," she said softly, "But I think... I think LA will be good for you. Better than here, anyway."

His own arms wrapped around the young girl, and he firmly denied that he was sad. "Well, really, pet, where wouldn't?" He smiled slightly when she chuckled. "'Sides," he added, pulling away, "'S'not like you can't come visit, you know? All those great dusty rooms in that big sodding hotel? I'm sure little Red and the pouf'd be willing to put you up for a while..."

She been so surprised to hear about Willow and Angel, although she'd been even more shocked by the calm acceptance with which Buffy had taken the news. Still, she could see it, once she'd given it some thought. There was just something about the witch and the vampire that seemed... right. She had a feeling, though, that it wasn't just a new town Spike was leaving for, and she truly hoped he'd be happy, and that whoever-- whatever-- it was he was going to didn't hurt him, or betray him, or disappoint him in any way. He deserved to be happy, especially since he couldn't be a *real* demon anymore. "Maybe," she finally allowed, her smile suddenly becoming less of an act, "But the summer's still too far away." She grinned a bit more. "Buffy said to tell you to 'be good', and don't make her have to come down there and stake you."

Spike chuckled darkly, ruffling the girl's hair. "Tell big sis not to worry. Angel's gonna ride herd on me more than *she* ever did, I'm sure. Besides, I doubt Red would let me go on a rampage, even if I could." He was going to miss the Niblet the most of all of them, he realized, and he pulled her close for one more tight hug before releasing her and shouldering his bag.

Dawn's smile became a trifle sad as she watched him walk away. She really *was* going to miss him. "Hey, Spike," she called after him, "Call me when you get there, okay?"

He'd obviously gotten some dust in his eyes, he realized. That was the only reason he'd be all teary, after all. "I'll call tomorrow," he answered her. If he'd turned, he would have seen the small tear-tracks on her cheeks, but he just kept walking and so he never knew exactly how much she didn't want him to go.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Willow couldn't help giggling at the tension she could see in her friend. Oh, Cordelia was *trying* to look unaffected, but she'd known the dark-haired girl for far too long to be fooled. She almost felt badly for finding such amusement at the obvious impatience and trepidation Cordy was feeling, but she didn't. Not quite. "Is this sad or funny?" she asked her love facetiously as he stepped up behind her in the office doorway and wrapped his cool, strong arms around her waist.

Angel's eyes followed the direction of her gaze, even as his mouth lowered to the side of her neck. His tongue slowly carressed the scar she bore, and he silently acknowledged that he'd be dragging her off to bed again *very* soon. Of course, if the way his woman's rear was rocking back against him was any indication, *she* knew it too. He forced himself to recall what she'd asked him, then laughed softly against her skin, delighted by the small shiver that ran through her when he did. "A bit of both, love," he crooned quietly. "I mean, it's funny that she's so... out of sorts over a guy, but..." he shrugged, "It's sad that that guy is my childe, you know?" His eyes danced at the annoyed sound his Will made, only to close for an instant when she elbowed him in the ribs. "Hey!"

She couldn't help chuckling at his affronted tone of voice, but when she'd finished she turned in his arms, her hands rising to rest lightly on his shoulders. "Just because it happened so fast for us doesn't mean it's okay to make fun, Angel," she lectured. "They've gotten to know each other this last six weeks or so, what with all the phone calls, and... Ooops!"

"Phone calls?" Angel said dangerously, "What phone calls?" He knew he sounded somewhat fierce, but... "Phone calls from where. To where. Oh, God... don't tell me I'm paying for my boy to court my Seer..."

If she hadn't known that he bore more affection for his childe than he was willing to admit, she might have been worried. As it was, she only smiled again and locked her fingers behind his neck. "Nope," she said smugly, "*I* am. I gave Cordy my cell phone. Sent Spike one, too. Did you know they actually deliver mail to crypts in Sunnydale?" She shook her head in bafflement. "You'd think they'd know better, although in this case... cell phones! I don't think Spike knows quite how it works, though... free long distance and everything..."

And that made things so much easier. He'd known his childe had been having feelings for Cordelia when the blond had been round with Willow at Christmas. He'd known his Seer was having ideas about his boy, as well. He would never say it out loud, but the fact was... he truly did love his childe; he always had, even when he'd been trying to kill him. Hell, of them all- Dru, Penn, and Spike-- the bottle blond was the only one he could still stand, which probably explained his favoured childe's lack of dustiness. Of course, Dru was off God-knew-where, and Penn was dead in the stinking-pile-of-ash sense, so... "Wait," he said softly, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth, "Doesn't that mean... Cordy's been courting *Spike*, too?" The very idea was enough to make him laugh softly, but then again... his Seer was more balls-y than most of the men-- males-- he knew. "Good for her," he muttered.

Willow pressed herself closer to her vampire, her soft belly tight against his burgeoning crotch. "I don't think Spike's ever *been* pursued before... other than when *you* did it, I mean. It could be good for him, you know?" She deliberately chose to ignore his sputtering, because... it was her favourite thing-- teasing him about the way he'd dragged Spike's limp body from Drusilla and made him, himself. She knew he'd only done it because he'd been afraid of what any childe of Dru's might be like, but... she was also well aware of the fact that vampires were much less sexually repressed than humans, plus she'd had a girlfriend, herself, so...

He knew she was playing. Knew she was joking, even, but... "Whatever might have been, whatever might have happened back then...?" He swallowed hard and stared deep into her wide green eyes. "You know there will *never* be anyone for me other than you, right?"

And that hadn't been where she was going with her comments, but he was finally admitting what she'd always suspected, even if it *wasn't* in so many words. Her fingers moved to thread through the short brown hair at the nape of his neck, and she nodded, smiling more widely. "I know, baby," she said softly, her entire body singing for his cool strength. "I know. And I love you, Angel. I love you, and I want you. All the time, but especially *now*."

Angel's expression turned wicked, and his hands roved possessively up and down his woman's sleek spine. "Never stop telling me that, Will," he murmured, even as he lifted her against him and started across the lobby. "Let me know when he gets here," he told his Seer as he crossed in front of her desk, arms full of soft, warm witch.

~ ~ ~

Cordelia rolled her eyes and harrumphed as she watched Angel carry his girl up the stairs. They were so in love, and so happy, and they suited each other so well, and she just... hated them. Well, okay, she told herself, not really. She loved them both, but... everything within her wanted to feel that way, too. She truly envied the girl she'd spent most of her life abusing. Willow had Angel. Willow had a love that was as vast as it was un-ending, and... She truly wanted to be angry about that, but she just couldn't.

She knew for a fact that she wasn't in love... yet. But she did *love* the vampire who was-- presumably-- on his way to Los Angeles at that very moment. Whether that feeling would remain once he was there-- as opposed to two hours away-- remained to be seen. She hoped it would.
 

Part 2

Spike was still amused that the great pouf had insisted on renting him a car for the trip to LA. Apparently his lumbering bloody oaf of a Sire had a problem with the fact that he'd stolen the last car he'd come a-visiting in. Still, maybe it made sense, what with the last of Red's things being in the boot. A much brighter version of his usual sly smirk crossed his lips as he pulled up in front of the Hyperion and parked. Cheerleader would be waiting for him, he knew, and... he could hardly wait to see her. To have another of their little 'talks' when he could actually *see* her would be...

He really was a great sodding ponce, he snarled to himself. Getting all excited over seeing the luscious little chit. But maybe she'd be so happy, he might sneak in a quick kiss. Yeah, he thought that could work. The smile grew on his face, even as he pushed through the large glass doors and into the lobby. The brightly-lit, entirely empty lobby.

"Oh, bloody hell," he muttered. Obviously he'd been wrong about Cordelia caring at all. "Should have stayed in Sunnyhell."

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

"Duck!" she cried, flinging a glass from the top of the bar at the demon looming behind Angel. "Sorry," she added, when the vampire didn't move quickly enough and caught the remains of someone's jack and coke in his eyes. Fortunately, Willow was watching out for the not-so-broody one, though, Cordelia realized.

Just the idea that some big blue jerk thought he could beat on *her* man was enough to send the redhead into a towering fury. She felt it when her eyes went black, and she grinned dangerously. "Float," she ordered, pointing at the creature. Her ebony eyes glittered as the thing floated to the ceiling, and she laughed. "Turn," she added, one finger making fast circles in the air.

Damn, Angel thought, wiping the last of the booze-infused soda from his face, his girl was amazing! He found himself laughing along with her and his Seer, but "Better stop him now, Will," he suggested. "Crata bile is no fun to get out of your clothes, and he looks like he's getting ready to blow."

"He's right, Willow," Cordelia added, grimacing with distaste as she remembered the last time that had happened. "Plus, the stink'll stay in your hair for *days*!"

Willow sighed quietly, even as she stopped her finger motion. "Fine," she told them, her tone remarkably like the one her vampire-self had used all those years ago, "But can I at least leave him hanging?" She sighed again at the stern look she received from her love, but nodded, nonetheless. "I never get to have any fun," she pouted.

He couldn't help chuckling slightly as he moved to her side. "Don't worry, baby," he purred, his arms wrapping tightly around her waist from behind, "You'll have *lots* of fun; I promise. Especially if he doesn't tell us what we want to know."

And the fact that his fate rested in the hands of the obviously evil witch was what had the Crata demon singing like the proverbial canary. The souled vampire he could have handled, but his *woman*? Well, *she* was scary!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

They were both laughing as they walked into the lobby of their home, fingers tangled happily together. "I'm serious, Angel," Willow insisted, "The look on his face was just too funny! We need to play that good vamp/bad witch thing more often!"

"I don't know, Will," Angel responded. "They're already more scared of you than of me; might send the wrong message, you know?" He stopped suddenly, and pulled her into his arms. "Now, about that *fun* I promised you..."

It was his suggestively raised eyebrow that had her giggling against his chest. "I think it's your own fun you're thinking about, love," she teased, "But what the hell-- I'm game." She pulled away suddenly when she heard the loud snort of disgust coming from the office doorway.

So they'd been out enjoying themselves. Well, bloody good for them, then. It only proved that he really *should* have stayed in Slayer-land. His arms crossed angrily over his chest when they finally noticed he was there. "Have a nice time, didja?" he sneered. He didn't really care, he told himself. Not about Red or his Sire, and certainly not about the bloody May Queen. Still, he couldn't quite keep his eyes from scanning the room for the girl. "Made yourselves a bit of a mess? Well, bollocks for you, then."

He had no idea of what the boy's problem was. They'd left him a note, after all, and even said where they'd be if he got there in time to join the fun. Angel frowned deeply, even as he pulled his girl against him once more, his chest tight against her back. "Been waiting long, Spike?" he asked, still trying to comprehend the reason for his childe's ire.

The blond snorted, entirely unsurprised by the fact that Angelus was once again thinking with the little head... if the way he was holding Red was any sign, anyway. "An hour and a bloody half, you sodding pillock." He growled slightly at the confusion that was clear on his Sire's face, and stalked towards the door. "Just forget it, Poufy. You could have just told me you didn't want me here instead of letting me drive all this way... Oh, wait, you wanted the rest of Witch-girl's things. I get it."

Stubborn jerky vampires, Willow thought, sighing internally. She pried her Mate's big hands from their spot across her stomach and ran after the angry blond. "Spike, wait!" she cried. She grabbed him swiftly by the shoulder and spun him around. "Cordy wrote a note for you. We thought you'd show up at the bar-- the one she saw in her vision..." Her voice trailed off when she saw he had no idea of what she was talking about, and she sighed. "You didn't see the note."

Well, as lies went, he supposed it was fairly... no, on second thought, it wasn't original at all. They'd all forgotten about him; it was as simple as that. Still, at least the little witch had tried. "Fine," he sneered, moving back through the doors, "Whatever, Red."

Angel's eyes rolled, though he tried not to let them. His childe was just as much of a little brat as he'd always been-- Christmas aside. "Stop, boy," he ordered, crossing quickly to the phone. He dialed his Seer's number, a slight smile showing on his face when she answered. "Hi, Cordy... No, everything's... Oh. *Oh*. Well, I'm sor... Yes, I *do* know how much your bath stuff costs, but... No, I really am sorry... Cordy... Cordy... *Cordelia*!" He shook his head sadly when his shout finally shut her up. "Spike's here. He didn't see your note, so where did you..." He couldn't help laughing loud and hard when she answered, then found himself apologizing again. "No, Cordy, you're right. Yes, it *is* the perfect place. Well, maybe it fell off or something. Yeah... yeah, okay... And I'm sorry I laughed at you. Yes, it should have been obvious..." He rolled his eyes again, in pure annoyance this time. Finally, he couldn't stand anymore, and he held the receiver away from his ear. "Isn't your bath getting cold?" he managed to interject in a short moment while she was most likely taking yet another breath. He smiled a bit as he hung up the phone, shaking his head as he met his childe's wide eyes. "She gets a little irate if she's interrupted during her 'post-vision ritual'," he explained, and "You didn't eat anything when you got here, did you?"

And Willow found herself laughing suddenly, too. "Of course not, heart," she purred as she wrapped her arms softly around her Mate's solid waist. "He was probably too busy plotting his revenge on all of us for 'forgetting' about him."

"Was not," Spike pouted, although Red was basically right, "I just... I ate before I drove down." It wasn't fair, he told himself, that the little witch knew him that well. Of course, she'd been on the receiving end of his plots before, and... He sighed silently. Okay, he admitted to himself, so maybe his plans hadn't been too successful-- the girl was still alive, after all. "Wasn't hungry," he insisted.

Well, *that* was a bold-faced lie, the souled one knew. He didn't let it show, though. Instead, he looked at the clock on the front desk and smiled. "But that must have been *hours* ago, boy. Go get yourself a bag or two, and I'll tell you what Cordelia said."

Spike growled angrily at the reminder, but stalked towards the kitchen, anyway. If the great sodding ponce thought he was gonna just forgive them for... He groaned softly as he opened the refrigerator and saw the piece of paper taped to the top shelf. ~~Spike,~~ he read, ~~Had a vision-- and *still* not fun.~~ --The 'still' was underlined twice.-- ~~ Gone with Broodsome and Will to check it out. Find us if you get here before ten tonight. We'll wait at the bar 'til eleven, unless we're dead. But then it won't matter, right?~~ There was some sort of a symbol beneath the last line, but he'd be damned if he could tell what it was supposed to be... a flower, he thought... or maybe a train. Still, she'd signed it, and had followed her name with an address, which he supposed was where they'd been while he'd been getting all mad and angsty out in the lobby. And now he understood what his Sire and Red had found so bloody amusing, because... maybe Cordelia knew him too well if she'd expected him to head for the blood, first thing. Didn't stop him from popping a bag in the microwave, though... or from guzzling it down after he'd carefully folded the note and slipped it into his pocket. "Fine," he said as he strode out of the kitchen, "I guess I don't have to kill you, after all. And I suppose you two want to get to shagging, so... I'm in the same room as before, right? Good." He was careful to avoid their eyes as he snatched his duffel bag from the floor and dashed up the stairs.

Willow giggled and relaxed against Angel's cool form. "That childe of yours is a trial," she teased.

His hands roamed slowly-- sensually-- up and down her back, even as he pressed a small kiss to his mark on her neck. "Just wait 'til he starts calling you 'Mum'," he shot back at her. He nibbled at her skin, well aware of the fact that the sensation would stop any further words she might have on the subject, and when she moaned, he simply lifted her, cradling her against his broad chest. "He may be annoying at times," he murmured, taking the stairs two at a time, "But he's right about one thing. We do have some shagging to get to." Her low, breathy laughter drove him to move even faster.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Her entire body was almost completely relaxed, now that she'd been able to actually get back in the tub. And damn that Angel for keeping her on the phone for so long, anyway. Still, that had been more than an hour earlier, and... she couldn't quite manage to be upset over it anymore.

Cordelia sat forward, a low, pleased sigh slipping from her as her loofah moved slowly over her back. "Thank you, Dennis," she murmured, long over the 'creep-factor' of the ghost seeing her naked. "To the left a little?" she asked hopefully, her eyes twinkling slightly when the rough cylinder moved. "Oh, that's *nice*..."

She held her position, reaching over the edge of the bath and filling her wineglass with the last of the bottle, and when her disembodied roommate finished with her back, she rested once again against the slope of the tub, glass held on the rim. "I can't believe I had to get a vision tonight," she said quietly, just the act of sharing her thoughts with her ghost helping to clarify them in her mind, "I mean, I didn't even get to see Spike at all, and... I really, really wanted to."

She took a sip of the surprisingly affordable Chardonnay and rested her head lightly against the tiles behind her. "I didn't even get to say hi." Of course, she suddenly realized, just because he was in LA, well, that didn't mean she couldn't still call him. They'd need to communicate somehow, and she was fairly sure he wasn't really a 'daytime person', so... "Dennis, could you maybe bring me my cell phone?" She smiled as the bathroom door opened, and her lips twitched even more as said phone floated gently towards her. "Thanks."

She dialed the number to the cell Willow'd gotten the vampire, and closed her eyes as his rich, accented voice answered. "Hi, Spike," she said softly, "Glad you made it okay..."

* * *

"Cordelia," he purred, thrilled that she'd thought to call him, "I was just thinking about you, pet." Well, that was true, after all. She'd definitely been on his mind. "Feeling better?" he asked, even as his hand continued stroking his long, thick shaft.

* * *

"Mmm..." she sighed, swirling a bit more of the wine around her mouth. "Much," she went on, after she'd swallowed; "I just needed to have a nice, long bath." She carefully placed her glass on the floor outside the tub and leaned back further in the warm, sudsy water. "It feels... amazing..." Her free hand moved slowly over her nipples, and she closed her eyes. "What are you doing?"

* * *

Bloody hell, the gorgeous little chit was still in the tub! He couldn't help picturing her there, all wet and soapy, water lapping in small ripples against her full, luscious breasts. His fist moved a bit faster, and he closed suddenly golden eyes as he tried to remember what she'd asked him. "Oh!" he exclaimed, the words coming back to him, "Nothing. Was watching... a bit of tele, y'know. Not... much else to do in this dusty pile... of stone." His tongue ran swiftly over sharp, jagged teeth, and he barely held in a groan when he heard her sigh. "Sorry I... missed you... earlier, luv..."

* * *

Did he have any idea of how... sexual his voice was? Especially with those tiny pauses he kept throwing in there? "Yeah," she agreed, trying to keep her voice from trembling as her fingers left her breasts and slid slowly down her belly, "Me too, Spike..."

* * *

Bloody fucking hell! Just the way she said his name had him throbbing even harder. His hand slid to his base, fingers releasing to knead lightly at his tense sac. He almost felt guilty for doing this while she carried on an innocent conversation all unknowing, but... she didn't *have* to know. She'd never known any of the other times, after all. "Was it... hard? Whatever you... had... to do?"

* * *

Her hand slid lower, fingers delving gently between her lips, and she nearly moaned out loud at the word. "Hard?" she echoed, tweaking her swelling nub, "I... yeah... I guess it... was hard..." A small laugh slipped from her, and she actually voiced the slightly wicked thought racing through her head. "I... like it hard... lets me know... what I've done..."

* * *

And Jesus *fuck*! The bloody enticing girl didn't have any idea of what she was doing to him! He gripped his ready shaft tightly, sliding his fist to his tip. His fingers pulled back lightly on his thick foreskin, and he nearly growled out loud as his thumb spread the seeping juices over his tiny slit. He stroked himself harder, all the while imagining that she was the one doing so, and... He felt himself tightening; felt his balls drawing up even closer to his body, and... "I'm gonna have to call you back, luv," he stated quickly, forcing himself to stop for just that instant.

* * *

Her heart was beating so fast, she was amazed he couldn't hear it through the phone, and as one long, elegant finger slipped into her yearning channel, she shuddered. "Yeah," she managed to say, "Fine. Later." It was all she could do to end the call, and once she'd pressed the proper button, she allowed the small cell to drop beside her wineglass. Her fingers moved faster and harder over her soft sex... rubbing, and circling, and diving inside... and finally, finally, she shook hard, a small amount of water splashing onto the rug as she called out his name.

* * *

Just the push of one small key, and he flung the phone across the bed, his second hand moving to cup his lightly-haired sac as the first resumed its earlier attentions to his cock. He lay back fully and thought about what she would look like riding him, writhing beneath him, her head thrown back, eyes clenched shut... Harsh, unnecessary breaths gusted wildly from his lips, and he growled loudly as he imagined the heat of her surrounding him, his shaft thrusting deep into her wetness, her voice screaming his name. His fist tightened almost unbearably, and he arched against the mattress as he came with spurts of cold, dead seed, into the still air of his room. "Cordelia!" he growled, wishing more than anything that she was there with him, and equally intrigued.
 

Part 3

He watched her sleeping, watched the slow, steady rise and fall of her chest as she breathed, and he couldn't keep himself from skimming one cool fingertip lightly down the curve of her cheek and to her neck. That finger stopped at the proof of the love they shared, and he smiled softly at the tiny moan she released in her slumber. She was everything he'd never even known he wanted, and everything both he and his demon needed, besides. And it was almost Valentine's Day.

A large surge of tender delight flowed through him when she turned towards him and snugged herself tight against his chest, and he shifted his arms, holding her closely. "Love you, baby," he whispered against her soft red hair, "Gonna show you how much..." And he really was. He had it all planned out, after all, and... he thought she'd like his little surprise. "Two more days, Will, and you'll *know*."

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

She was somewhat shocked to discover that she actually missed Spike. It wasn't something she'd expected, after all, but it was still true.

Patrols just weren't the same without his caustic, biting comments, and the sly sneers he always managed to throw her way.

That the others would never understand that wasn't even something she needed to think about; she just *knew* they wouldn't, and so she made a point of saying nothing. She just smiled and nodded at Xander's statements of the obvious, and engaged in the usual eye-rolling when Anya made more of her highly inappropriate comments, and... she muddled through.

Maybe it was just that she and the blond vampire had more in common than she'd ever been comfortable admitting, or maybe it was just that she'd grown used to him. And maybe it was the fact that he'd been the only one to tell her the truth, regardless of whether it might hurt or not. She kind of thought that might be it.

Her other friends still seemed to be walking on eggshells around her, afraid that she might relapse, she thought. Well, that wasn't going to happen. She was fine, she realized. Finally, she was fine. She'd accepted the fact that she was back and alive... accepted the fact that she had responsibilities tying her to the world. She had a purpose, and a calling, and... her friends wouldn't have been *able* to bring her back in the first place if it hadn't been meant to be.

Yes, she told herself, she missed Spike because he was the only one who hadn't treated her like a fragile thing that was going to fall apart at any moment. It was a revelation.

Her lips firmed into a strong line, and her steps became more brisk as she started back towards the Magic Box. It was time she explained things to her friends, and then to her sister. They needed to know that... she was really all right. It would be her Valentine's Day gift to them all.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Well, and it was one thing to talk to the cheerleader on the phone, he realized, and quite another to do so face to face. It was astonishing to him that he could find himself so incapable of speech, and just because she was looking at him with those deep, rich eyes of hers. Add in the fact that he could smell the uniquely sweet and floral scent of her, and he was just... stunned.

Cordelia sighed silently as her latest attempt to start a conversation was met with yet another nod. She didn't know what was wrong with the blood-sucker, but it was starting to piss her off. He spent hours on the phone with her, talking about all the things they'd do when he was finally in LA, and now that he was? He wouldn't even move from the couch, much less *talk* to her! "Fine!" she suddenly cried, abandoning her efforts, "You don't want to talk? Don't talk, then!" She crossed swiftly to her desk and snatched up her bag before running out into the sunlight.

It actually took him a good three minutes to realize she was gone. That was how dazed he was by the very fact of being in her presence. Of course, by then it was too late. Spike growled as he paced back and forth by the lobby doors, wishing the bloody sun would just... explode or something. It wasn't fair, he growled silently. There he was, just... cataloguing everything brilliant about her, and the bloody gorgeous chit had to go getting all offended. Of course, he really *should* have said something, but... It wasn't *his* fault that she was so unbearably perfect, was it? She should be *used* to making men speechless, after all. And that was a whole other thing to obsess over, because... She'd run out into the day, where just *anyone* could look at her!

It was the thought of all those bloody human males out there with their eyes all over his... all over Cordelia, that had him racing towards the sewer access in the basement of the great pouf's hotel. He didn't know where she would have gone, but he had a fair notion that she'd have to go home eventually, and he was well aware of exactly where her apartment was. He'd go there, and if her sodding ghost wouldn't let him in, he'd break down the bloody door. Bloody beautiful chit hadn't had enough time to dis-invite him yet, after all.

~ ~ ~

They'd watched the entire scene from the dim recesses of Wesley's office, and Angel couldn't help chuckling as his childe disappeared down the stairs to the basement. "I've never seen him so..." he shrugged, not entirely sure of how to explain.

She honestly didn't want to laugh at Spike's discomfort, but Willow couldn't help herself. Her arm tightened a bit around her vampire's solid waist, and she leaned against him while she giggled. "I know," she finally chortled, "He was acting so... *shy*! It was like he couldn't even squeeze a word out!" She laughed again, and turned towards her tall, dark mate. "D'you think he knows how much Cordy's gonna make him pay? 'Cause you *know* she thought he was ignoring her, right?"

And he couldn't deny that, what with it being the truth and all. Angel nodded, his lips still quirked into a small smirk. "Should be interesting for the lad," he murmured, just the sensation of his witch pressed against him, warm and soft, drawing his mind from thinking about anything other than her. His arms wrapped around her slender back, and he met her eyes hotly, even as his lips lowered to meet hers. His tongue flicked out slowly, running a soft line across her mouth, and he sighed happily when hers met it. His entire body folded in softly around her as he kissed her harder, deeper, more forcefully, and a smug grin lit up his face when he pulled back and saw just how much she wasn't thinking any longer. "Will," he sighed, rocking his growing bulge against her toned little belly.

"Mmmm..." was all she could manage to say as her hips matched the motions of his. She almost felt badly that her own needs were suddenly much more important than the Spike and Cordelia situation, but... there was definitely something between those two, and it would all work out however it was supposed to. In the meantime, though... Her hands slid up Angel's ribs, over the silk of his shirt, and her eyes closed when he groaned wildly. She slipped her fingers slowly over his broad chest, pausing only to pinch lightly at his tiny nipples, and when he pulled her in even closer, she replaced one hand with her mouth, biting lightly at that tense nub through the fabric.

And that was enough, he realized. She was driving him crazy with her hot, tight little body, and her wet, talented mouth. His mind was screaming 'bed', but... "Can't wait, love," he groaned, and he spun quickly, lifting her onto Wes' desk. His hands pushed her skirt up to her waist, and he growled when he reached for her panties and found none. The scent of her excitement permeated the air, and he groaned again, more loudly, when her soft little fingers were suddenly working at the fastenings of his slacks. "Willow!"

Her heart thudded wildly, as it always did with him, and she couldn't quite manage to care that they were basically in the lobby of the hotel; especially not when her hand slipped inside the open front of his pants and found the long, thick proof of his arousal. Her fingers wrapped around the pulsing strength of him, and she stroked him almost roughly as her other hand pushed the fabric down his hips. She'd been thinking about this ever since they'd gotten out of bed, after all, and since he didn't seem to mind, she'd be damned if she wasn't going to have him. "Love you," she moaned, her fingers sliding up his tense shaft. She pulled back lightly on the soft, loose skin of his tip, and moaned again, wordlessly, when she felt the soft, slick droplets already oozing from him. She moved her fingertip through that fluid and released him, raising her hand to her lips. "Mmmm..." as she flicked her tongue out quickly.

He felt his demon coming out, even as her finger slipped into her mouth, and there was nothing he could do to stop it. She was just too damned perfect, and even Angelus knew it. It was only to be expected that he wanted his chance with their witch, too. Still, he wouldn't allow his evil half too much freedom. He felt the demon accept that provision, and allowed his soul to recede just a bit, a small internal grin appearing when his witch suddenly met his golden eyes with wide, knowing ones. "An' ya look like yer a wee bit hungry, lass," Angelus purred, his fingers tangling wickedly in her bright hair. "Are ya, then?"

Well, and she'd always known the demon was there inside him. She was bound to it as well as the soul, after all. And as surprised as she was that Angel had let his darker counter-part out to play, she also... *wasn't*. Hell, if she was going to be honest, a part of her had always wondered what he might be like. She opened herself to the wickedness she usually kept at bay, and a wicked little smirk of her own crossed her lips. "Am I hungry?" she murmured smoothly, gazing at him from beneath hooded lids, "You could say that, baby..." She pushed him away and jumped down from the desk, her eyes still locked hotly on his, and she stepped close again, pressing herself fully against him. "A better question," she said silkily, unbuttoning his shirt as quickly as possible, "Is are *you*?"

A loud, wild chuckle burst from him as she pushed the shirt from his wide shoulders, and when it had dropped to the floor, he yanked her blouse over her head, throwing it across the room. "Ah, and ye're a wild one, aren't ya, Willow, m'love..." His hands roamed wickedly over her soft, smooth skin, fingers stopping to pinch her small nipples, and when she arched into his palms, he growled softly. "D'ya want me, then, little witch... d'ya wanna feel me..." His eyes slammed closed when he felt her hot little mouth close over one naked, tight nipple, and he growled, pushing her back towards the desk. "Ye're *gonna* feel me, lass. Gonna feel me, and touch me, and *have* me..."

Her teeth bit softly at the straining nub between them, and she laughed low and deep in her chest before releasing him. "But I'm *hungry*," she pouted playfully, even as she sank to her knees before him. Her eyes locked on the bobbing tip of his perfect shaft, and she licked her lips swiftly before diving forward and taking that beautiful reddened head into the hot, wet cavern of her mouth. Her eyes closed, and she couldn't help moaning as the flavour of him burst upon her tongue.

Any words he might have said were silenced by the feeling of her heat around him, and his hands were suddenly threading through her hair again. Gods, but the girl was good with her mouth. Better than he recalled her being with the soul-having portion of him. Of course, that was most likely due to the fact that *he* was in control at the moment. His eyes closed wickedly, even as he arched deeper into her hot, wet throat. But still... "Nae like this, lass," Angelus groaned, forcing himself to pull himself from her lips. He dragged her slowly to her feet, his eyes opening and locking on hers as he did. "Need ta be in ya, love... Wanna *feel* ya, Will..."

Well, and that wasn't really something she could argue with, because she for damned sure wanted him, too. A tiny nod was the only sign of her agreement, but it was obviously enough. Her arms wrapped tightly around his neck as he lifted her, and her ankles locked at the small of his back. "Yesss...." she hissed, even as she shifted herself just enough to feel the very tip of his straining shaft at her entry, and "Yes!" again, when he slid himself fully within her less than a moment later.

His woman. Their woman. Their witch. Well, fuck, Angelus realized.... their everything. There was no one like her in the entire world, but that was just fine, because... she was theirs. His fingers spread wide, digging deep into the fleshy cheeks of her ass as he raised and lowered her upon him, and his eyes flashed even more golden than usual as he felt her pulsing and throbbing around him. A low growl began building deep within his chest, and he was somehow unsurprised to find it met by a similar sound coming from his girl. His eyes closed, even as he tried desperately to hold his balance, but she was just so right and true, and so perfectly tight and wet, and... One small, unneeded breath flew from him as he fell to his knees, his Willow still impaled fully upon his raging shaft. "Willow... Will... love..."

She didn't notice them falling until Angelus landed on his knees, and even then, it was only the sudden force that clued her. Still, she didn't care. Her short fingernails dug wildly into his broad, tense shoulders, and her lips fastened softly to his neck, sucking lightly at her mark there. She could hear herself moaning against him, hear herself keening softly as his every motion drove her closer and closer to her own fulfillment, but damn it, she needed him to come with her! Her back arched, moving in undulating waves as she rode him slowly but firmly, and she groaned loudly as her tender little nubbin rubbed fiercely against his coarse, dark curls. "Angelus..." almost a whimper.

And that was beyond enough. Just hearing her call him by name. Knowing that *she* knew just which part of him she was with. He felt his eyes growing wider, felt himself swelling even further within his woman's perfect heat, and he fell forward, pinning her to the office floor as he thrust deeply, wildly, harshly into her. He knew he was growling, but fuck if he could stop, and it was only the sensation of her blunt, human teeth piercing his skin that finally released him. His hips moved even faster, and his lips opened in a soundless scream as he pulsed and spilled himself deep into her battered womb. "Willow, Willow, Willow," he heard himself whispering, but that was fine, too. Her name belonged on his lips more than anything else ever had.

She held him tightly to her as she slowly lapped at the seeping wound in his throat, and she sighed softly as she felt him throb his last within her. "Love you, baby," she murmured quietly, nodding into his eyes when he pulled back to look at her. "You're a part of him," she said softly, one hand rising to cup his cool cheek, "And I love him. So I love you, too, Angelus. I have to."

He would never hurt her, he promised both himself and his soul. He would never hurt her, or make her unhappy in any way, if he could help it. And he would completely destroy anyone who *did* cause her pain or distress. His eyes closed from the sensation of an overwhelming degree of bliss passing through him, and he shook slightly as he pressed himself fully onto her again. "I... Just as much as *he* does," Angelus admitted slowly. "Just as much as the soul."

And she'd already known that, but it was a damned nice thing to hear, after all.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Well, and the bloody ghost had actually let him in, after all. Hadn't taken more than one rather graphic-- although muttered-- threat. That said threat had included the word exorcism was a given. Still, Dennis had opened the door, and sod all if the formless bloke wasn't fair company, at that. He knew how to lose a card game, in any case. None of which made Spike feel like less of a ponce. Seriously. How bloody shameful was it that one smallish human chit could make him all silent and stunned? Made him feel like his pouf of a Sire, it did. Worse, even, 'cause he was pretty sure Angel wasn't having 'speaking-issues' with Red. 'Course, the great prat had never had to court the little witch, come to think of it. No, they'd just... fallen together somehow, and... "S'not bloody fair, is't?" His small frown disappeared, however, when he heard a key being fitted in the door, and he stood, moving fast as only a vampire could, to stand behind the door. If he couldn't talk while she was looking at him, maybe he just needed to avoid her eyes right at first. It was worth a try, in any case.

In the almost three hours since she'd left the hotel, she'd gone from angry with Spike to annoyed with Spike, finally shoring up somewhere around amused by Spike. It had taken her a little while, but eventually she'd come to the conclusion that it wasn't that he didn't *want* to talk. They'd been babbling at each other non-stop ever since Will'd gotten them their cell phones, after all. No, it was... he didn't know what to say, maybe. Well, neither did she, really, but at least she'd made an effort. That that same effort had left the bleached blond speechless was just... fantastic! She'd never known such a feeling of pure female satisfaction. She stunned him! Her. Cordelia Chase. Mortal, former cheerleader, one-time May Queen. She stunned an evil-- chipped or not-- vampire... to silence! A wide smile was on her lips as she skipped happily up the stairs to her door and unlocked it, stepping inside. Of course, that smile faded instantly as a large, cold hand fastened over her mouth, and she felt the male shape behind her.

He couldn't help chuckling when she struggled against him, although his laughter became a wicked gasp as her lush bottom pressed back against him. The arm around her waist held her a bit more tightly, even while he tried to control his own reaction to her toned form. "Cordy. Calm down, pet..."

Calm down? How *dare* he? How dare he break into her home, and lay in wait, and then grab her from behind like this? How dare he... hold her so closely, his strong, cool shape tight against her back, his long, pale fingers hard yet gentle on her. Her eyes closed slowly, even as she pressed herself back harder, and a small, deep groan echoed in her covered mouth as she felt him hard and ready against her ass. She'd thought about him many a time, but... she'd never imagined him to be as large as he seemed. Her mouth opened slightly, and she ran just the tip of her tongue across his palm, finally grazing the skin lightly with her teeth as she rocked against him. "Spike..." she whispered, entirely unprepared to be spun in his arms and clasped tightly to his firm, chiseled chest.

His fingers sunk deep into her thick, dark hair, and he moaned quietly as her arms wrapped around his waist, pulling him tight against her lush curves. "Bloody hell, pet... what am I gonna do with you...?"

Cordelia couldn't quite keep herself from smirking at the question. Still, she smiled softly after a moment or two, and tilted her face up to meet his eyes. "Well, if you don't know," she began.

And just because he was laughing was no reason not to finally kiss the girl, was it? Of course not, he told himself. His lips covered hers, open and yearning, and when she sighed softly, he slipped his tongue smoothly out to meet hers. His eyes closed, even as the gorgeous little chit taught *him* a thing or two. Bloody hell, she was a dream, wasn't she? Oh, yeah, he answered himself, jumping slightly as her fingers slid down his back and kneaded wickedly at his tense ass... the girl was a dream, all right. Now, if he could just manage not to wake...
 

Part 4

Angel's lips twitched slightly, even as he shook his head at Lorne's latest suggestion. "No," he insisted, "I'm trying to surprise her, not make her laugh herself to death. Seriously." He deliberately ignored the overly dramatic affronted look on the green man's face, and sighed quietly. "It's Valentine's Day," he tried explaining again. "It's all about love, and romance, and tenderness. And I haven't *had* any of those things in a very long time, Lorne. Neither has my Will. I want this to be..." His voice trailed off, even while a nearly disgusting expression of soft sweetness crossed his face, and a tiny smile affixed itself to his lips. "I want... We're both going to remember this for the rest of our lives. Our first Valentine's Day together. It has to be *perfect*."

The Host of Caritas rolled his ruby-red eyes and grumbled to himself as he moved to the bar. "I still don't see what's wrong with fireworks and a few strippers, but... whatever." He mixed himself a drink with practiced ease and returned quickly to the small table in the otherwise empty club. "Fine," he sighed defeatedly, "So, white roses. Red roses. Anything else, oh stunningly-original-one?"

Angel smirked a bit himself. "Okay, I know. Roses. But sometimes the old standards are exactly what you need, you know? That's why they *are* 'old standards', right?" He laughed quietly, even as he continued explaining his idea to the other man. He could be entirely wrong, he knew, but... after more than two centuries, the chances of that were mighty slim.

Lorne barely kept himself from laughing out loud. Still, he managed. Besides, the little witch wasn't the most worldly woman he'd ever come across, so maybe the Warrior's plan *would* surprise her. And even if it didn't, he realized, the girl would still *act* like it had. She loved him that much, and more. It was obvious to anyone who saw the two of them together. "All right," he finally interrupted smoothly, "And you want to put this 'arch of love'... where, exactly?" His eyes rolled one more time, but even so, he had to admit the truth. Predictable or not... clichéed or not... Angel had turned out to be much more of a romantic than he would have thought possible. Hell, it was actually... cute.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

"Okay," Cordelia gasped, finally pulling away from the soft, full lips that had occupied her for the last couple hours, "You need to go..." Her fingers tightened in the short blond hair at the back of his neck, even as she felt him drawing her close again. "Spike!" she cried before her voice was extinguished by his lips on hers again.

And bloody *fucking* hell, the little chit could kiss! His hands were suddenly even harder on her back, and he'd be damned if he was going to let go of her. Not just yet, anyway. Hell, not ever, if he could help it. He traced just the tip of his tongue over the small peaks and valleys on the roof of her mouth, groaning as he pulled her fully onto his lap and settled her firmly against the straining front of his jeans. His lips pressed harder against hers, his tongue twisting wickedly with hers, and when she pushed herself away from him, he actually cried out at the loss of her heat. "Cordelia!"

It was all she could do to move across the room and behind the chair, but she managed it somehow. Her fingers clenched tightly at the padded back of the small piece of furniture, and she used it to support herself until the trembling in her knees abated. Her eyes were wide and locked on his tense, pale form, and God help her if she wanted to look at anything else. He was the most beautiful thing she'd ever seen, after all. "Spike," she said, finally finding her voice, "This is all just... It's too..." She exhaled one long, shaky sigh. "I don't know how to explain it, but it's all too..."

And oddly enough, he thought he understood. "Real?" he finished for her, completely unsurprised when she nodded. He stood up then, ignoring the tightness of his jeans, and swiftly crossed the room. His knees bent and rested on the seat of the chair she stood behind, and he stared into her eyes from mere inches away. "I know, pet," he murmured. "It was easier when it was us on the phone, wasn't it? We... we both had more control over ourselves."

Cordelia nodded slowly, his closeness making her still more flustered. "It's like... I know what I *want* us to... but it's just so..." She shook her head, confused again.

His hands closed over hers on the back of the chair, and his eyes remained glued to her deep brown gaze as he lifted her arms and placed her palms lightly on the tops of his shoulders. His own hands slid slowly up her softly tanned skin to her shoulders, and then to her neck. He smiled a bit as he felt the pulse racing in her throat, and he leaned forward, taking one slow lick at that spot before pulling back again. "Not gonna rush you, luv," he purred intently, "Not gonna push you, or try to take advantage. Not yet, anyway. The pace of this is entirely up to you." His scarred brow arched wickedly at her, and he leaned in once more, this time to whisper in her ear. "Just don't take too long about it, pet. I'm still a demon, you know. And just so we're clear... Patience? May be a virtue, but I'm not exactly the most virtuous bloke in the world, now am I?"

Well, and that wasn't any kind of an exaggeration. Cordy nodded slowly and forced herself to let go of him. "Soon," she admitted quietly, "But not just yet." An amused quirk of the lips answered his near-desperate groan, and she stepped even further away. "You should go, Spike," she made herself say again, "Really." The warring sensations of relief and disappointment when he nodded were confusing at best, but she managed to smile at him and move to open the door. "I'll call you later?" she said breathlessly, once he'd hugged her hard.

Spike swallowed a few times and nodded. "You'd better, pet," he murmured, even as he started for the sewer access in the basement of her building.

Cordelia sighed once more as he disappeared down the stairs, and finally closed her door and locked it. God, he was driving her insane, but... then again, he seemed to be going equally crazy, so... that was a good thing. Still, Spike was right. Waiting *too* much longer would just be cruel... to both of them. "Soon," she whispered, this time into the still air of her living room.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

It had nothing to do with her witchiness. Not even slightly. After all, it didn't take *magic* to know that her vampire was up to something. She had no idea of what, though, and it was starting to annoy her just a little bit.

He'd snuck off again. That was the main problem. He'd spent hours just exhausting her, and then... pretty much the minute she fell asleep, he was gone.

Of course, he'd stuck around for long enough that she was sure he was Angel again, although that had never really been in question. Still, it was nice to know for certain and true. That didn't make her any less concerned over what he might be up to, though.

Willow sighed softly and climbed from the shower. It took less than five minutes for her to dry off and throw on t-shirt and jeans, and by the time she had her shoes on and was skipping down the stairs to the lobby, she was over the small bit of ire she'd felt. Her Mate had a life to lead, after all, and she couldn't expect him to be right there all the time. She *still* thought he was up to something, but she'd find out what, exactly, eventually. He wasn't terribly good at keeping secrets... not from her, anyway.

She opened the top drawer of the desk she'd taken as her own, and pawed through it until she found the rectangle of plastic her love had given her just after New Year's. It had lived in her desk ever since, but... she thought maybe it was time she actually *used* the credit card. Valentine's Day was coming soon; in fact it was only a couple days away, and... she truly wanted to show her vampire just how much he meant to her. Only problem was-- how?

What could she do or buy that would show both the soul-y and demonic parts of him that nothing else mattered as much? It was a quandary, she admitted, but... maybe if she just went out and wandered, something might strike her as appropriate. It was worth a shot, anyway.

The smallish redhead somehow managed not to giggle when the door to the basement opened and a stunned and dazed looking blond stumbled across the lobby and up the main staircase. Obviously, Cordelia was keeping the vamp in line. He looked absolutely shattered.

Willow grinned again, even as she slid the credit card into her pants pocket and checked her other pocket for her keys. She'd have to stop off at Cordy's on her way home later, she decided... maybe explain to the Seer that there was only so much torment she could safely subject Spike to-- chipped or not.

Actually, maybe she'd stop by her friend's place first. Cordelia always *had* been very good at shopping, and she could use some help.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Well, Cordy thought consideringly, and Valentine's Day would be the perfect time, wouldn't it? Not that she expected such a human holiday to matter to Spike, but... she was human, so that was just fine. A tiny smile curled the corners of her lips, and she nodded at the redhead standing just inside her door. "All right," she finally announced, "We'll do the shopping thing. I'll help you find the perfect thing for Angel, and..." She flushed slightly, but Willow had known Spike for much longer than *she* had, so "You'll help me with Spike's present?"

It was the soft, tentative tone of her friend's voice that almost made her laugh, because self-assurance wasn't something she'd ever imagined 'Queen C' having a problem with. Still, it was kind of... heart-warming... to see the girl so flustered, and over Angel's childe, of all creatures. Still, she thought the two would make a good pair, so she held her deep chuckle in and nodded. "Not like it's all that difficult, Cordy," she smirked as they left the girl's apartment, "Roll of saran wrap, a few candles, maybe some edible panties..." She actually *did* laugh out loud at the shocked expression on the former cheerleader's face. "Sorry," she chortled unrepentantly, "But... *Spike*! Y'know?"

Cordelia's eyes narrowed slightly, even as she silently agreed with the redhead's assessment of Spike's character. Still, it was one of the best things about him-- no games. He was entirely straightforward. Which didn't mean, she reminded herself, that there would be no surprises. It just meant that... he wasn't as devious as *some* vampires she could mention. "So you're gonna get Angel a book and a whip to beat himself with, then?" she rallied, "I mean, *Angel*! Y'know?" She precisely echoed the other girl's tone, and when wide green eyes met her own brown ones, she couldn't help laughing out loud, herself.

"All right," Willow finally managed to say, once she was able to speak again, "I won't tease you about Spike, and you won't be quite so honest about my Mate. Deal?" She chuckled again when Cordelia nodded and shook on it. "Actually, that's not such a bad idea," she mused. "It would really depend on the book... and the size of the whip, I suppose..."

She could feel herself paling as her witch-y friend went on, and she forced herself not to listen. The very idea of Angel engaged in something sexual involving books *or* whips was just... "Ewwwww...." she moaned.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Lorne was smiling to himself as he closed and locked the door behind the formerly-broody vampire. Yes, Angel's plans for the 'most romantic day of the year' sounded pretty tame to him, but... somehow, now that he'd heard all of it, he thought the little witch would be just... thrilled.

And, he admitted, as he moved behind the bar yet again, it was good that they were going to have this time to spend together. Especially with what he knew was going to happen in the next couple of months.

He was well aware of the fact that he wasn't supposed to have such knowledge, but he didn't question the fact that he did. It was a gift, after all, though outside the usual channels of his empathy and seeing. No, *this* knowledge had come directly from a Goddess, bypassing the Powers entirely, and... he would make sure they enjoyed this holiday. They would never have another one like it, after all.

He plucked his personal phone book from its usual spot with lightly scaled fingers, and flipped swiftly through it until he found the number he wanted. Angel wanted roses for his girl? Well, he'd see to it that there were *roses*, all right. White, red, even pink... it wasn't like the little redhead didn't deserve them, after all.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

He tossed and turned on the cold mattress, every part of him consumed with the memory of her lips on him, her tongue stroking his, her tight, hot shape pressed fully against him.

If she'd just been a demon, things would have been so much easier. Demons were like that. Kind of like that other Slayer he'd only met once-- while she was wearing Buffy's body. 'Want, Take, Have," Slutty'd told him was the psycho-chippie's motto.

Well, he for damned sure wanted Cordelia-- no question about that. But he couldn't just... take her. Not without her approval, anyway. Unless he wanted her to hate him, which-- sad to say-- was the *last* thing he did want.

"S'not bloody fair," he groaned into the silence of his room, "Girl drives me crazy looking like that. Smelling like that. Kissing me like that! And I have to wait!" He groaned again before pulling his pillow over his face and closing his eyes. The best he could hope for was a deep, dreamless sleep. Of course, *that* wasn't going to happen; not when he couldn't keep himself from remembering how she'd looked with her skin all red and flushed, her lips swollen and ripe from his attentions.

It was going to be a long day, he knew.
 

Part 5

He couldn't keep the huge grin from his face as he leapt from the bed; nor could he keep himself from purring when his woman opened bleary, sleep-filled eyes to look at him. "Morning, love," Angel murmured, one hand stroking his own stomach lightly, "Feel up to going out for a bit?"

It was only the enormous confusion of finding herself suddenly awake that had her even thinking about it. Then her eyes moved quickly to the covered window, and she frowned at the daylight seeping in around the edges of the blinds. "Huh?" she grunted softly, forcing herself to sit up, "But it's light out, baby. How could we..."

And she looked so very enticing, sitting there surrounded by the dark cotton sheets. His hand slipped a little lower, and he crawled slowly onto the mattress once more as he felt himself twitching wildly. "Actually," he said silkily, as he lay back on one elbow, his eyes roving her tight, pale body willfully, "I figured we'd go out through the tunnels... maybe see a movie or something, y'know?"

She pretended to think about that for a minute or so, although she was really just raking her eyes over every inch of rippling, chiseled muscle he was showing, and finally she shrugged and leaned into his cool form. "I guess we could," Willow muttered against his smooth skin. "Of course," she continued, smiling slightly when he breath against him had one tiny male nipple straining into a tight peak, "We could also just... stay here. I'll *say* we went out if anyone asks..." A small shriek of surprised laughter burst from her when he suddenly lay flat, pulling her over him. "Hmmm... like that idea, do you?"

His silent, anxious nod was all the answer he could give her, and that didn't change at all when her soft, full lips were finally closed over the scar he'd acquired at Christmas. His long, calloused fingers crept slowly over her back, slipping around her ribs to twist gently at her small nipples, and when her mouth moved to his chest, he groaned quietly. "Yesss... Willow..."

The small smile she'd been wearing only grew wider as she continued moving her lips down his strong, tense shape, and when she exhaled slowly across the twitching, seeping head of him, and that same head jumped? She couldn't help laughing almost silently. Her fingers moved from his sides, one hand cradling his heavy sac as the other wrapped gently around his straining shaft, and her eyes sparkled merrily as she gazed up his pale form, meeting his gold-flecked eyes. "You sure you don't want to see that movie?" she teased, giggling softly when he groaned. "Good," she allowed after a moment. Her eyes traveled slowly down his body again, not stopping until they locked on the dribble of fluid leaking from him, and one short breath caught in her throat. It didn't matter how many times she saw him like this-- he left her breathless each and every time. "You're so beautiful," she murmured, rubbing her cheek gently against the side of his pulsating cock. "So strong, and so perfect, and so... just so Angel, I guess." Her tongue crept out, taking one slow sweep at the milky liquid he was seeping, and her eyes closed as the familiar and yearned-for flavour burst over her. "Love you," she whispered, just before engulfing his thick readiness in the wet heat of her mouth.

There was some reason he was supposed to get her out of the hotel, but he'd be damned if he could remember what it was. And it didn't matter, he decided, after less than a moment. His hands locked in her thick red hair as she slid her full, hot lips, and strong, smooth tongue over his rampant shaft, and he groaned wildly when he felt her nose buried deep in his short, dark curls. His hips arched from the bed with no direction from him, and he honestly thought he'd never known such a perfect sensation. Or he thought that for a moment, anyway, because then he noticed the smell of her filling the air, and it reminded him of the *other* perfect sensation he knew... aside from being buried deep within her, of course. His hands tightened their grip on her hair, and he pulled her slowly up his body, ignoring her discontented grumbles. "Love you, too, baby, Angel moaned, amused by the fact that his demon echoed those words silently. "Love you, Will," he said again, even as his hands slid down her back, and continued to draw her up him. He paused for a moment to drive the pointed tip of his tongue deep into her perfect navel, but moved on swiftly as he felt her trembling slightly. "Need you, love," he admitted, although it wasn't something she hadn't heard before. A small breath exited his lungs when her deep pink core was finally poised over his face, and he sighed happily as he pulled her down to his lips. His fingers clenched gently on her thighs, and he moaned when he felt her grab onto the headboard for support. "Willow," he grunted, his tongue finally spearing deep into her weeping center.

And she could die now, she figured. There was nothing left for her to experience, after all. Her Mate had finally fulfilled every sexual desire she could even imagine. Her fingers held tightly to the wood before her, and she whimpered loudly as he rocked her against his face, his talented, flexible tongue deep inside her. "Angel..." she moaned softly, only to yelp when he pulled himself from her and flicked wickedly at her tiny, clenched anus. "Angel!" again, a yelp this time.

Angel chuckled low and deep in his throat, the sound setting his lips to vibrating against her, and he slowly slid his tongue deep into her wet center once more. His fingers kneaded delicately at her tense buttocks, and when she whimpered uncontrollably, and shook against his face, he was more than ready to finish things... for the moment, anyway. He shifted beneath her, his arms pulling her down his body until they lay quietly, chest to chest, and he sighed happily when she finally met his eyes. "Still want me, baby?" he purred hopefully, well aware of the answer. That didn't stop him from being relieved when she nodded, though. "Good," he sighed, positioning her perfection at the raging tip of his throbbing shaft, "Have me, then..."

She hadn't turned him down yet, and she'd be damned if she was going to start then. Her fingers spread wide on his huge pecs, and her mouth opened in a silent, satisfied scream as she accepted the long, thick proof of his desire into her tight, aching core. "Angel," she nearly sobbed, "Love you, baby..."

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Spike groaned again as he tossed and turned in his bed. As if it wasn't bad enough that thoughts of the cheerleader had kept him up... and *up*... for longer than he'd expected, but... now that it was finally daylight, and thus a reasonable time for a creature of the night to be sleeping, his Sire just *had* to start in with the witch. It just wasn't bloody fair!

Of course, nothing in his 'life' was, so he didn't know why he was surprised. It only stood to reason, after all, that the world's only 'free' chipped vampire should be in this situation. Sired by a soul-having pouf, although the soul had come along after the Siring... Nowhere to go, save to that same soul-y wanker... No friends, other than a certain little redhead, and maybe... maybe the girl he was quite possibly falling in love with, who was *human*, of all things, and a Seer, besides! It was a bloody marvel that he hadn't killed himself already.

He sighed softly, throwing his pillow across the room. Ah, well. It might not be much of a life, but it was *his*, for fuck's sake, and... He actually thought he wouldn't mind any of it much, as long as he could have the girl he was so wrapped up in. And he would have her, he knew; especially considering...

A sly smile crossed his lips, and he snatched the cell phone from the table beside his bed, swiftly keying in her number and hitting the call button. That smile became wider when she actually answered. "Happy Valentine's Day, pet," he smirked, one hand trailing slowly over his chest as he spoke.

He laughed quietly at a few of the things she said, but finally he just had to know. "Will I. I mean, I want to see you. Okay?" It was true, too. He'd even gotten her a gift, of sorts. It wasn't much, but he thought she might like it. "Soon," he added, as his body throbbed wildly just from the sound of her voice.

His eyes rolled with relief when she told him yes, and then spoke a time, and he got up, swiftly finding a clean pair of jeans and the deep blue button down shirt he'd stolen from the dryer in the basement. He had a feeling it was Angel's, but so what? The sodding git had more clothes than any one vamp could ever need, especially considering the amount of time he apparently spent naked with Willow. "I'll be there in an hour, luv," he finally announced, his eyes sparkling wickedly when she became suddenly flustered and hung up. "Well, well," he murmured to himself, "Guess my girl's as disturbed by me as I am by her..."

It wasn't exactly a news-flash, but it still made him feel less like a pitiful human gone a-courting.

He was still smiling twenty minutes later as he strolled down the main staircase into the lobby, although the smile faded ever so slightly when he saw the green git prancing about. Then he saw all the bloody roses spilling out into the courtyard, and he frowned. "Hey, and what's all this, then?" he demanded, eyes hardening.

Lorne arched one brow at the bleached blond progeny of his dark-haired vampire friend, and he did his best to scowl. Unfortunately, Spike's discomfort was pouring from him in waves, which made it very difficult for him to act like he was clueless. "Broody wants to surprise his little witch-Mate," he sing-songed, even as he gathered a large handful of mixed roses. He thrust the flowers at the blond, smirking slightly when the surprised vamp accepted them. "Give those to the Princess. She'll love them."

Spike stared at the demon's back as the other man proceeded to ignore him. Still, the swishy bitch was probably right. Besides, the roses would go nicely with the very good bottle of champagne he'd found in the wine cellar, as well as the box of chocolates he'd stolen the night before. "Yeah," he finally replied, even as he started for the basement, "She will."

The Pylean shook his head in mock despair, even as he listened to Spike's heavy boots clomping down the steps. "Yeah, sure, Spike. You're welcome. No problem. I live to serve." He released one annoyed 'hah', then turned his mind back to the job he was doing. He figured he had an hour or so before Angel and his witch made an appearance, and he wanted everything to be ready.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

She smiled with pure satisfaction as she stretched slowly on the bed, her hand brushing lightly against her Angel's ribs. That smile became a good bit softer and more tender when he sighed happily and wrapped his fingers around hers. "Happy Valentine's Day," she murmured, blushing slightly at the recollection of the things they'd so recently done in their bed.

And he couldn't help grinning back at her, even while every single part of him hummed with fulfilled delight. But that was it, he realized-- the reason he'd wanted to get her out of the hotel. Lorne was supposed to set things up, and... "Oh, no..." he whispered. He felt her suddenly furrowed brow more than he felt it, and he winced just a bit. "I mean... I wanted to say that to *you*," he tried, silently congratulating himself on the save when she nodded. Still, he had to get her out so she could be surprised when they came back, didn't he? Yet he couldn't seem to make himself get out of the bed. Not when she was there beside him, her smooth, warm skin brushing lightly against his own cooler flesh. He closed his eyes for just a moment, and reveled in the well-loved sensation of having his woman right where she belonged. "I love you so much, Willow," he finally sighed, his arm wrapping around her slender shoulders and drawing her closer. "I never knew it was even *possible* to love someone so much..."

Every time she heard those words-- that he loved her-- she felt herself glowing. And every time he said them again, she found herself just a wee bit more... lost. It was all right, though, and she knew it, because... the more lost she was in him, the more often he managed to find her. "I know," she murmured softly, one hand resting motionlessly against his sternum, "It's a revelation. Every single day. Every moment of every day."

Angel nodded slowly, his unbeating heart swelling mightily. "I'm never gonna let you go, Will," he said seriously. "I want you with me forever. You know that, right?"

She found herself sitting up beside him, her eyes tight on his as she ran her fingertips lightly over his cheeks and chin, along the line of his throat, and up to his wide forehead. "Wasn't really planning on going anywhere, love," Willow admitted smoothly, "Except maybe down the hall to get your present... it's hidden, you know."

And just the way her nose crinkled when she laughed had him fascinated, although he'd seen it many a time before. He just never got tired of watching her was the sad truth, he knew. Still, "Happy Valentine's day, Will," he purred softly as he sat up himself. One hand rose to cup her chin softly, and he leaned closer, pressing one gentle kiss to her warm, full lips. "We should get dressed," he said disappointedly, after a moment or two. He could hear the Pylean arranging things downstairs, now that he was listening, and... "Put on what's in the garment bag in the closet," he ordered. "Just trust me. It's a special occasion."

She watched, a small frown on her lips, as he got up, himself, and stalked across the room. Her eyes became a bit wide when he grabbed what she supposed was a different bag from the one he'd mentioned, and she shook her head slowly as he dashed from the room. "What the hell...?" she mumbled, but she got up anyway. Whatever her Angel was up to, she was pretty sure she'd enjoy it... even more sure than she was about his enjoying the little gift she'd gotten him the other day. Her eyes opened much more widely as she opened the long zipper on the plastic sack, and she laughed breathlessly for one timeless instant. She pulled the deep sapphire blue silk gown from the bag, her fingers caressing the fabric gently. "Oh, Angel," she whispered to herself, "What have you done..?" She suddenly doubted her own gift for him was enough. It didn't even measure up to the dress, much less whatever it was Angel was going to do while she wore it. She'd find out, though, she told herself, and... it was much too late to go shopping again. She'd just have to deal.
 

Part 6

No short walk had ever seemed as long as the one through the tunnels to Cordelia's apartment building, and he wasn't entirely sure of whether that was because he was so anxious to see her, or because he knew that once he actually arrived, things were going to change. And they would, he knew, regardless of whether he wanted them to or not.

He was going to have to make a move, he realized, and not a small, subtle one, either. No, he would have to make it entirely clear to the stunning little chit that... he wanted her almost desperately, and was quite possibly in love with her already.

The problem,. Of course, was that he had no idea of how she felt. Oh, sure, he knew she was attracted. Knew she was interested, even. But was it anything beyond that for her? He didn't know, and she hadn't said. It was enough to make him wish that there was some sort of divine intervention available to a creature like him, because... he wasn't good at this. He'd never needed to be, after all. First there'd been Dru, and... well, vampires. It hadn't required any speech at all for him to become one with his dark Goddess. Then she'd sent him away, and... well, Harmony. Still not much effort involved, and certainly no real emotion. Bloody annoying little slut had been easier than he ever would have imagined. And after Harm, Buffy. The Slayer.

Now, that *had* been purely physical, regardless of the feelings he'd thought he'd had. But the point-- as far as he was concerned-- was that... none of his previous relationships had required him to be... romantic. He'd been that way with Dru a time or two, granted, but that had been more to amuse her than anything else, and now...? Well, Cordelia was no Drusilla, Gods be thanked, and she actually *deserved* some tenderness and romance. He wasn't sure he had it in him, though.

Spike sighed, even as he swarmed up the ladder into the basement of the apartment building. He closed the hidden hatch and started up the stairs slowly, the bag holding the champagne, roses, and candies hanging by his side. He would do his best, but he wasn't entirely sure of how successful he'd be.

His eyes closed for a moment as he stood just outside her door, and he took one deep, unnecessary breath before raising his hand to knock. "Don't let me bollocks this up," he whispered, not sure of who he was asking, but hoping *someone* might hear.

'Someone' did.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

She smiled in the airless, featureless world she inhabited, although it was anything but barren to her. No, the true glory of her home was entirely lost to all beings without the heritage she had. That didn't make it any less perfect or true to her, though.

Her small, sly grin broadened wildly as the voice of the vampire echoed through her space. She would answer his plea, although that wasn't precisely a responsibility of hers. She had been created to look after humans, after all, and yet... had she been more practiced, more knowledgeable, in the days before his nature had been altered, he might never have become the being he was. That was what she would tell the Powers, anyway, should they happen to ask.

Her eyes closed for just a moment, and she called a representation of reality into being behind her eyelids. One hand rose slowly, and she was still smiling as she traced one tiny, glowing sigil against the blackness of her world. The vampire deserved to finally find his happiness, after all, she decided. Besides, the more stable he was later, the more useful he would be for the little witch and the other vampire, and... they would need all the help they could get.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

"Where are we going, love?" she asked hopefully, even as she allowed him to pull her even further into the sewers. Her free hand held the long skirt of her gown away from the stained cement ground, although her eyes remained locked on his strong shape as he strode purposefully through the tunnels.

Well, he hadn't really planned on doing this in the daytime, but his own inability to resist his Mate had skewed his plans completely. Perhaps not as much as possible, but... enough. Still, her small, warm fingers were tight around his hand, and he couldn't help smiling. This might even work out better, he realized. After all, he'd never really been the patient sort, had he? No, his demon answered silently; neither of them had. "I have a surprise for you, baby," he finally answered, although his steps didn't slow even slightly.

Willow couldn't help smiling then, and she allowed her feet to move just a bit faster. Her love seemed to enjoy 'surprising' her, although it wasn't something she would have expected of him in his long-gone brooding-days. It was fine, though, because... she enjoyed it just as much as he did. "I can't wait," she murmured softly, even as he stopped at a small alcove by the side wall. She arched one brow at him when he glanced at her then jerked his head upwards. "So this is part of the surprise, then?" She shook her head in amusement when he only smiled and repeated the gesture.

And a long silk dress wasn't exactly the right outfit to be climbing ladders in the sewers in, he silently admitted, even as his eyes locked on her swaying bottom. He climbed up himself, only three rungs behind her, his body surrounding hers as they reached the top of their way. "Hold on, love," he whispered, even as he pushed the metal door from its resting spot. He cringed slightly as it swung up, then crashed down against the concrete cellar floor, and he swarmed out, reaching back to take his woman's hand again and pull her to her feet beside him. "Come on, baby," he purred, when she'd dropped the skirt of her gown and shook out the softly shimmering fabric, "Let's see if Richard can fit us in for lunch."

So at least she knew where she was, although she still wasn't sure of why they'd left the hotel via the back staircase to the basement. Still, she frowned slightly as she followed her love up the stairs. "Um, honey? Aren't we a little bit over-dressed for lunch?"

"Who says lunch is all there's gonna be?" His smile stayed broad and wicked, even as he made more plans in his head. So what if this wasn't the way he'd planned things originally? It just might work out better than what he *had* planned.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

She clutched the mixed array of roses to her chest, a huge smile on her face as she stared at the bleached blond vampire sitting on her couch. That he'd actually bothered with flowers was both a shock and a revelation. Of course, she would have been happy with just the champagne and chocolates, regardless of the fact that she was well aware that the bottle of bubbly had come from the wine cellar at the hotel. She had been the one who'd bought it, after all. She'd been planning on saving it for a special occasion... maybe Willow and Angel's anniversary, but... this was even better, she acknowledged to herself. And Spike had actually *thought* about her. He didn't need to spend money on her, what with the fact that he really didn't have much. It was enough that he'd considered her feelings and found a way to bring her *something*. She had no idea of where he'd gotten the flowers, but she swiftly decided that she didn't really care. They were hers, and that was what mattered. "I... let me put these in some water..."

He couldn't help smirking just a bit as he listened to her bustling about in the kitchen; mostly because he could hear her heart beating faster with each moment. Of course, if his body had still required that function, his own heart would have been racing even faster. Still, he was a vampire, he reminded himself. It wouldn't do to let the girl see just how flustered he was. No, that wouldn't do at all. He forced himself to stop fidgeting, and made his fingers stop twitching quite so obviously, and by the time the stunning brunette wandered back in, the roses contained in a large vase, he was sure he appeared to be almost calm. "They pale beside you, luv," he murmured, reaching out to grasp her hand as she set the vase on her coffee table. He pulled her closer, finally drawing her down beside him on the sofa. His fingers caressed the back of her hand softly, even as he met her wide brown eyes. "You're a bloody marvel, pet," he purred, pulling her closer.

Cordelia took one deep breath, and her eyes closed softly as his cool, full lips met her own, and she couldn't help moaning nearly silently when his wet, smooth tongue slipped out and teased her closed mouth. Her lips parted simply and swiftly, and she finally admitted just how much she wanted him. The reality of him, and not just his voice on the phone. Her fingers pulled away from him, only to wind demandingly in the short hairs at the nape of his neck, and she pressed herself even closer to him as she met his motions with her own, her tongue driving deeply into the cool cavern of his mouth as she forced the rest of the world away and concentrated solely on the sensation of being with 'her' vampire. And he was hers, she told herself intently... or he would be before much longer. It was almost a promise.

And he'd say it again, he told himself. The bloody luscious chit could bloody well *kiss*! Which was, after all, all the better for him, wasn't it? His hands roamed slowly up and down her long, gloriously curved spine, cool fingertips slipping gingerly beneath the edge of her shirt's hem, and he truly didn't notice that she was busily pushing his coat from his shoulders until he had to let go of her so she could pull his arms from the sleeves. His lips remained locked to hers, though, and as much as he wanted to ask her if she was sure about what they seemed to be doing, he just... couldn't. Not when there was still a chance that she might decide to stop. It had been far too long since the last time he'd felt... No. He'd *never* felt anything like this. Not in almost a hundred and fifty years. His arms closed wildly around her sleek shape again, and he groaned deeply when she was suddenly in his lap, her lush, toned bottom pressed hard upon the throbbing shaft in his jeans. He felt his eyes shifting, felt the ridges starting to show on his forehead, and much as he tried, he couldn't quite keep his true face hidden. Not when his entire being was pulsing and yearning, anyway. He pulled himself from her lips, his tongue running slowly across his sharply jagged teeth as he hoped desperately that she could handle this... handle the truth of what he actually was. "Cordy..." he began, her name hissing slightly through his fangs.

She honestly thought she was going to have to kill him. He kissed her-- touched her-- like that, and then he just... stopped? It wasn't fair! Her fingers dug a bit deeper into his strong upper arms, and she groaned softly at the sound of her name on his lips. It took a good minute before she could open her eyes-- mostly because it took that long to realize they were closed-- but when she did, she gasped quietly. "Oh," she said, after a moment, "I see..." And she did. She saw. She saw Spike, his eyes wide and golden in his demon-face. Browless-- technically; ridged and fanged to a degree that might have been frightening had she been from any place other than the Hellmouth. Oh, if she hadn't known him, she would have been scared, but he was Spike, after all, and... there had never been any question about who and what he was. Still, he looked so... concerned, and it actually took her a few seconds to figure out why. Then a small smile creased her lips, and she released his hair to stroke wonderingly at his rough-looking brow. "Your skin is so soft," she mused, her eyes soft and sparkling when his eyes closed and he leaned into her touch. "It's like... I don't know. Really good satin. Or maybe suede." Her smile became a touch deeper as his lips opened again and she felt him purring against her. Her own lips found their way to the surprisingly soft skin she'd just explored, and she kissed him softly, her tongue sweeping gently over the bumps and whorls of his true face.

Oh, yeah, he realized, he was in love with the girl, all right. No question about it. Especially now that she'd seen him for what he was, and had still been willing to touch him. His arms wrapped around her one more time, and he growled softly until her lips were on his once more. His hands returned to their earlier position, although he allowed them to slide much further under her top, his fingers dancing lightly against her soft, warm skin, and he could do nothing but growl again when he realized she wore no bra. One hand released her as he felt her hands tugging willfully at his t-shirt, but there was just no way he was going to let go of her. Not at that moment, and maybe not ever, he knew. That one free hand rose to the neck of his shirt and he gripped tightly at the cotton, tearing it anxiously from his own cool chest. It didn't matter, after all. What was one bloody old shirt, when compared to the sensation of this tight, toned girl pressed so close to him? Nothing. The damned shirt didn't mean a thing.

He was drowning her in his very presence, and nothing within her minded even slightly. This was what they'd been building towards for well over a month, after all. This moment, this instance, this particular happenstance. It was undeniable, and irresistible. Just as *he* was. She gasped softly around his questing tongue, even as she felt the cotton covering his chiseled chest being torn away, and much as she wanted to stop and just look at him , she couldn't. Not when he was so strong and desirous, his hands so cool yet hot on her back. "Spike," she whispered, the word unintelligible through the melding of their lips. Her fingers left him then, working frantically at the small buttons of her sleeveless top, and she groaned deeply, needily, as the last button vacated its hole, and her full, aching breasts found their way tight against his cool skin. Yes, this was what she'd wanted... what she still wanted. But not on her couch, she admitted to herself with a small, purely internal smile. She forced herself to pull her lips from his, and she stared wildly into his wide golden eyes as she found her voice. "Come with me," she demanded, although her tone was more tentative than she would have liked. Still, she stood, ignoring-- for the moment-- the sense of loss that flowed through her once she was no longer touching him. Her hand darted out and grasped his, and the sensation was almost enough. "Come with me," she said again, relief singing through her when he rose to stand before her.

Come with her? He barely kept himself from chuckling as he followed her down the hallway to her bedroom. Come with her. He bloody well hoped so. Or ideally, a good bit after her. Still, this was exactly where he'd wanted to be, and... His eyes darted swiftly around the room, pausing for a moment at the photos of her and her friends back in high school. He'd actually forgotten that she'd dated the moron, although the last time the boy had been drunk, he'd admitted that he'd never gotten terribly far with her. And that was all to the good, Spike knew. Not that he'd feel any differently if she *had* been entirely intimate with the bloody imbecile, but... His eyes closed again, and he took one large, quick breath as he felt her hot, elegant fingers trailing slowly over his skin. His back arched slightly, even as he tried to control the impulse to just... tear her remaining clothing from her and have at her. Not this time, he told himself. No, this time-- their *first* time-- had to be special. Perfect. Slow, and sweet, and whatever she wanted it to be. There would be time later for unrestrained passion. This time had to be about love. All of which made one thing very clear to him, and seeing as he'd never been one to play it safe, he figured he should just dive right in. So he did. He swallowed hard, his hands roaming her tight, warm flesh, and finally, when he'd cupped the fullness of her lovely soft breasts in his palms, and thought he could feel his heart about to beat, he opened his eyes and stared deep into hers. "Cordelia," he murmured softly but clearly, "Love you, pet. No question about it. I love you."

Gods, how could she do anything but believe him? Especially when it hadn't been necessary for him to say it. There was zero chance that he hadn't realized exactly what was going to happen, even without those words, and... Hearing them, in the sleek, smooth timbre of his voice, was more than she'd ever really hoped for. Not that she hadn't suspected his emotions, but... for some reason, she'd thought he'd be one to hold back on speaking them. That he hadn't only made her more brave, herself. She leaned harder into his cool hands, her head falling back ever so slightly, and she moaned softly as she met his gaze from beneath hooded lids. "Me too, Spike," she finally sighed, "You, I mean. Love you." She couldn't help giggling at the look of stunned disbelief on his face, because... he'd told her how he felt, and apparently hadn't thought those feelings were shared, all of which just proved to her that "You're like the bravest person *ever*, aren't you?"

He could only shake his head, because bravery had never been the point. His head fell forward, resting on her slender shoulder for just a moment as he breathed in her scent. "Love you," he mumbled again, his lips finding their way to her collar bone. His fingers abandoned her luscious mounds, making a slow, determined path to the waist of her skirt, and he moaned against her skin when he felt her hands mirroring his actions, but with his jeans. He continued unhurriedly then, suddenly understanding that there was no rush. This was going to happen regardless of anything else, and... he wanted to remember each and every moment. He wanted all of it burned irrevocably upon his mind, and there was no way this moment *should* be rushed. Of course, Cordelia didn't seem to share that conviction, he thought with a sly grin, and he wasn't going to stop her, in any case.

It was the work of only seconds to unbutton his jeans, and mere instants more to undo his zipper. Her hands shook slightly as she pushed the denim down over his hips, and she couldn't keep herself from looking at his pale form as it was revealed to her. Her heart beat a bit faster, and she was well aware of the fact that if she could hear the laboured sounds in her own breathing, then Spike would be having no difficulty discerning just how much he excited her. Still, it didn't matter. She *wanted* him to know how aroused she was. "Beautiful," she murmured, sighing when he pushed her hands away. She allowed herself to be separated from him by a good six inches as he bent down to unfasten his boots, then stood again to push his jeans to the floor. She watched him, breathless, as he stepped out of the small puddle of denim and reached for her. She would have liked to look at the throbbing length of him for a bit longer, but... how could she resist? She couldn't.

Spike growled softly when the bloody stunning brunette was pressed tightly to him once more. His nose buried itself in the crook of her neck, and he growled again as the rich, thick scent of her assailed him once more. It was the blood racing through her veins that he was smelling, he knew, but... then her overwhelming arousal flooded his senses, and he moaned wantonly. His hands returned to their earlier task, and he honestly thought he'd never been so thrilled as he was a moment later, when her skirt finally slid to the floor. "Cordelia... love... *please*!" he cried, feeling her lips and tongue sliding wickedly along the column of his neck. He felt her turning him, and walking him backwards, but he couldn't quite manage to care. "Baby, please..." he groaned desperately, even as she pushed him back further and the edge of the bed impacted with the backs of his knees.

Her nose crinkled slightly, even as she giggled silently at the small 'ooof' Spike released as he fell back against the mattress. Nonetheless, there was so much she wanted to do with him... experience with him, and yet... the need for him was like a fever in her blood. She'd waited so long, wanted so long, and... she'd been able to handle it until that moment. But he was there, in her apartment, and he was naked, and laid out on her bed, and he loved her. And she loved him. No, she decided, there was no need for any more foreplay. Not when he was hard and throbbing, and she was wet and ready. Foreplay would just be cruel at the moment. A small, dangerous grin lit her face, even as she crawled slowly up his body, her heavy breasts swaying slightly as she did, and she stared down into his eyes for just an instant before pressing her lips to his needily. Her legs parted and came to rest to either side of his slender hips, and when she speared her tongue deep into his mouth, she slid her sopping core along the thick length of him, and took him fully into her center, a strangled shout exploding into the cavern of his mouth. Not that he noticed, because...

Jesus *fuck*! His entire body was frozen solid for a good minute. But she was on him, and he was inside her, although he hadn't been expecting that just yet. It was all the more amazing for that fact, though. His back arched wildly, even as he forced himself to hold on. For some reason, he hadn't expected her to feel so... perfect. Of course, he'd never known perfection before, so maybe that was understandable. Still, perfect she was, and... he was almost annoyed that she'd moved things along so quickly. He'd planned to touch her, and taste her, and drive her nearly mad, and he'd thought that when he finally *did* enter her, it would be a relief to *both* of them. And then she moved a bit faster on him, and... This was good, too, he decided. His fingers dug deep into her slim waist, and he could hear himself gasping desperately as he tried to outlast her. "Cum for me, love," he grunted, his demon-face even more firmly in evidence. His hands slid up her sides as he felt her tightening rhythmically around him, and he growled once more. "Love you!" he snarled, even as he rolled them swiftly upon her bed.

"Guhhnaaahhh..." she heard herself say, which was almost funny, considering the fact that she was entirely sure she'd said 'you, too'. Her arms closed harshly around his defined torso, and she shuddered even more as he thrust himself slowly and deeply into her throbbing core. Her legs rose and locked at the small of his back, and she couldn't help arching hard against him as his short, coarse curls rubbed roughly against her tender nub and drew her into another shattering orgasm. Her manicured nails dug deep into his back, and when he slammed himself fully into her once more, and she felt him swelling and pulsing; then felt the thick, cool rush of viscous seed flooding her? She screamed loudly, finally understanding exactly what it was she'd found in this creature inside her. Her arms closed wonderingly about him, and she held him close as her heart slowed. "Be mine?" she asked softly, not sure of how else to express the need she was feeling.

And there had never been anyone like her before. Of that much, he was sure. That she loved him was almost unbelievable, especially considering the fact that he could barely manage to love himself. Still, she did love him, and that wasn't something he would ever jeopardize. He breathed hard and heavy against her neck a few more times, trying to get himself under control again, and when he finally managed to force his human seeming over his true face, he pulled back and looked at her. "Be yours?" he laughed happily, "Always, pet." His expression became suddenly serious, and he swallowed hard again. "Always. If you'll be mine..." Even the small bits of 'William' inside him took her sudden attack as a positive thing, and when she muttered 'yes, yes, yes' in an almost mindless litany, he couldn't help smirking. Things hadn't gone quite as he'd planned, and there was still an awful lot of new pleasure for them to discover, but... they were well on their way, and he would never let her go. Never. It was a wonderful realization.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Well, and lunch had been nice, Angel had to admit. Richard had rallied quite well to the situation. Just the thought of the anamovic demon had Angel smiling, though. He had no illusions about how uncomfortable he made the usually human-looking man. Still, it was kind of fun to tweak the creature's sensibilities. Especially for Angelus. Of course, the vampire admitted silently, his fingers caressing his woman's palm, if he hadn't screwed things up himself, visiting the restaurant wouldn't have been necessary. "We'll have another glass of wine," he told the waiter, smiling dangerously at Richard when he peeked out from the kitchen. One more glass, and they would be able to catch the matinee at the amateur theatre nearby. There had been good reviews for their production of Romeo and Juliet. It might be interesting, considering how many times he'd seen the play, and how many companies had done it poorly. But that wasn't the point, he admitted to himself. He just wanted to see how his Will reacted to Shakespeare. It was one of the few things he didn't know about her, after all.
 

Part 7

He could hold her this way for hours, he knew. Hell, days, even. Years. Decades. However long she'd let him. His fingers, tangled with hers, rested on his defined abdomen while his other hand slowly and simply stroked wonderingly over her soft skin. He stared at the ceiling of her room, still stunned by the sensations racing through his long-dead body. He didn't *feel* dead, though... not any more. That she'd graced him with her warm flesh and hot mouth was almost more than he could believe, and yet he was there. He was holding her cradled to his side, and the smell of her-- of them both, and their temporarily spent passions-- danced through all of him, and "Not letting you go, luv," he murmured quietly, turning his head and burying his nose in her thick dark hair.

She didn't even bother to try holding back the huge smile that spread across her lips. After all, why should she? She'd wanted him for what seemed like forever, and although she hadn't realized it at first, she'd loved him for almost as long. Her head shifted slightly against his cool shoulder and she turned slightly, pressing warm, full lips to his perfect skin. "Oddly enough," she told him, amused by the purring tone rising in his chest, "I wasn't planning on asking you to." And that was, after all, the truth. It had taken her all this time to find exactly what she'd wanted and needed, and it didn't matter in the slightest that those things were embodied in the cool, unchanging form of this vampire. And maybe, she told herself, she would feel differently had her life been lived somewhere other than the Hellmouth. Maybe if she'd been raised in Nebraska or Kansas she'd have some sort of issues with the fact that her love had no heartbeat, existed on borrowed blood, had a demon-face hidden by the mask of humanity. But she hadn't. No, she was still a Sunnydale-girl, no matter where she lived now, and... "Don't. Not ever." He was Spike, and he was hers. For as long as he wanted to be.

His girl. *His* *girl*. The words echoed through his head, then coursed through his body in waves of sheer happiness, and he couldn't manage to keep himself from laughing out loud. His fingers tightened on hers, and he held her just a bit closer to him, even as he felt one long, tanned leg sliding over his own pale ones. "Never," he answered after a moment, everything within him satisfied with that one statement of eternity. He wasn't sure of how he would manage it yet, but... chip or no chip, he *would* find a way to keep her forever. There was no other choice. He doubted that she realized it yet, and he wasn't quite willing to bring it up, what with things being so very new at the moment, but... he would, eventually, and with any luck? Well, if he was lucky, she wouldn't mind. It wasn't as if he wouldn't make sure she kept her soul, after all. Hell, the soul was right there in the top two things on his list of why he loved her so much. His eyes closed with pleasure as her leg flexed against him, her soft, warm skin brushing lightly against his thighs, and he moaned quietly when she shifted closer and he felt the wetness seeping from her and onto his hip. "Cordy... pet..."

Well, could *she* help it if he was the most beautiful man ever? Was it her fault that she couldn't spend more than a few minutes touching him without wanting to feel him touching her deeply, in the way she now knew he could? No, she told herself, a wicked little grin passing over her face. "Hmmm..." she responded, pulling her hand from his. She raised herself slightly, staring down into his wide blue eyes, and she licked her lips slowly, sensually, delighting in his answering growl. Her freed hand slid up his chiseled torso, fingers caressing each small bulge of muscle, and she paused for a moment to toy with one tiny male nipple. She watched his face, thrilled when she saw how desperately he fought to maintain the smooth, human seeming. "It's all right, Spike," she said softly, her fingers rising more to cup his cheek. "I know what you are; you know I do. I don't mind seeing it." And wasn't *that* the truth! There was something... pleasing, on a deep visceral level, in knowing that this creature was unable to hide from her. That she brought out the truth of him with just her touch. Her smile became just a bit wider as he let himself shift and presented her with the ridged, creased face she already adored. "There," she murmured, leaning down to his soft lips, "Isn't that better?"

And she never ceased to amaze him. He'd been thrilled earlier when she hadn't been put off by his demon, yet... for some reason, he hadn't expected her to *like* seeing it, regardless of the way she'd touched him. Obviously, though, he'd been wrong. Somehow she seemed to like his true-face, which was, he realized, all to the good, because he didn't think he could control it with her. Not yet, and maybe not ever. Not when just being with her took all his attention. He couldn't even spare that tiny bit of energy to control his look. A truly minuscule nod shifted his mouth slightly against hers, and his tongue crept out to meet hers as he let her deepen that small brush of lips into a searching, exploring expression of need and tenderness. "Yeah," he whispered, when she pulled slightly away, "Much, much better." And it was.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Angel couldn't help smiling as he watched his girl applauding for the small acting troupe. He couldn't manage to disagree with her sentiment, though. They'd been surprisingly good, after all. In actuality, he admitted silently, this might have been one of the best presentations of this particular play that he'd ever seen. Of course, how much of that feeling was due to their skills, and how much to the company he was in was entirely open for debate. He had a sneaking suspicion that he'd have been pleased with the performance even if it had been wooden and stultifying, just as long as his Mate was there. She floored him, utterly and completely. His arm wrapped gently but firmly around her waist as the curtain closed for the last time, and he smiled when she turned bright green eyes to him. "I take it you liked the play?" he purred, standing when she did.

Willow nodded quickly, her eyes still locked with his. "Uh-huh," she answered, her own arms grasping him in a swift, firm hug. "We read it in school, you know, but I never actually saw it performed before. It was..." She shook her head slowly as she released him. "Thank you, baby." Her heart still beat with the small sorrow of Shakespeare's tragedy, although it was difficult to maintain that feeling when her Angel stood looking at her that way. Then she saw him lick his lips quickly, and the sensation shifted, becoming a desire to revel in the truth of life, as opposed to the fiction of death. Her lips twitched into a small, sly smile, and she stepped just a few inches closer to his elegantly suit-clad body. "So... can we go home now?" she murmured, her small hands dancing lightly over his sides.

Well, and this wasn't quite the reaction he'd expected, but he for damned sure wasn't going to argue. Still, he glanced about, finally stopping one of the few remaining ushers. "I'm sorry," he said, getting the man's attention, "What time is it?"

The young man looked quickly at his watch, then read off the numbers and strolled away at the swiftly uttered 'thanks'. He would have liked to have spent a bit more time looking at the redhead, but something about the very looming man just put him off. No, that girl wasn't one to get caught staring at, he told himself, although he couldn't resist one last glance as he stepped through the door to the back stage area.

If Angel hadn't known just how Mated he and his woman were, he might have growled at the usher's thinly-veiled interest. As it was, though, he was feeling magnanimous, so he chose to ignore the boy's glances at Willow. He couldn't blame him, after all-- his Mate was incredibly stunning. He turned back to her, a small grin on his lips as he pulled her close again. It wasn't quite time for his surprise yet, but... close enough, he decided. "Yeah, baby," he purred, finally answering her question, "We can go home now..." He'd just have to make sure they took the long way through the tunnels.

She sighed slightly with relief and allowed him to lead her from the theatre. Her arms closed tightly around his neck as they reached the tunnel-access in the shadowed alleyway, her heart lurching as it always did when he leapt down, ignoring the ladder. She didn't really want to let go of him once they'd landed, but... if she didn't, she reminded herself, it would take that much longer to reach the hotel and the bed she was hoping to occupy for at least a few hours to come.

Angel groaned silently as her silk-clad form slid slowly down his body, and once her feet were firm on the cement, he actually had to force himself to let her go. Still, they had a little time to kill, so he grinned and pulled her close again, his cool lips finding her warm ones tenderly. His mouth closed over hers, even as he felt her slim, pale fingers playing with the hairs at the nape of his neck, and he actually growled softly as her wet little tongue slipped into his mouth. His own fingers slid hungrily over her back, and he swallowed her quiet moan desperately, the hours of dining and watching the actors finally catching up to him.

Gods, she loved him! Loved everything about him, even the way he was driving her crazy in this dirty sewer tunnel. And she couldn't resist him at all. Not in the slightest. Her hands left his hair, moving swiftly down his chest, and she didn't even notice that she was pulling his shirt tails from his slacks. She didn't realize she was moaning as she felt his cool, smooth skin beneath her fingers, nor did she care that she was unbuckling his belt. It didn't matter, because she could feel his big, rough fingers dragging the silk up her body. She could feel him tearing the small scrap of lace from her, feel those same fingers delving between her legs, and once she'd managed to unfasten his trousers, she could feel him lifting her against him.

He couldn't think, couldn't even begin to fathom what they were doing. All he knew was that whatever it was, it was right. He growled again against her lips, his hands clenching tightly at her small behind through the silk of her gown, and he leaned back against the wall of the tunnel as he lowered her hot, wet center over his throbbing shaft, gasping into her mouth as he felt the stunning perfection of her surrounding him. "Uhhhnnggg..." he cried, as her fingers bunched hard in the fabric of his jacket and her legs wrapped tightly around him. His eyes slammed closed as he moved her on him, and he honestly thought he'd never heard any sound so perfect at the strangled screams she released while he buried himself repeatedly in her slick core.

"Mine, mine, mine," she whispered to herself, even as she felt the tension coiling in the pit of her stomach. He was moving her upon him, fast and furious, driving himself harshly into her from below, and... it was perfect! She almost thought she could feel him in the back of her throat, he was so deep, and it was a sensation she treasured, although she'd never imagined him to be the sort to do this in what could be considered public. Of course, she'd never thought of herself as that kind, either. Still, there was no denying that this was... "Angel!" she cried, pulling her mouth from his. She pressed her face hard against the cloth-covered strength of his shoulder, crying out again and again as that tension broke and flooded her.

His eyes flew wide, flashing gold, then brown, then gold again as he felt her clenching tightly around him. His fingers gripped her more tightly, and he raised her once more, slamming her down hard on him as he felt himself driving harshly into her one last time. He roared loudly as he swelled, and throbbed, and exploded deep within her pulsing womb, almost collapsing from the force of his release.

Her hurried breaths slowed, even as she felt him softening within her, and her heartbeat slowly became less frantic. Finally, she allowed her legs to loosen their hold on him, and when his hands relaxed a little, she let her feet find the ground, sighing softly as she felt him slipping from her core. She flushed slightly as she shook out her skirts, then a bit more as she felt the evidence of their actions slipping down her thighs. Willow's gaze was somewhat tentative when she glanced at her love from beneath her lashes, and she was surprised to see a similar expression on Angel's face. "Um. Well. That was... interesting," she finally managed to say, although 'amazing' would have been a better word, she knew.

Well, and *there* was an understatement. He couldn't help grinning just a bit as he organized himself, tucking in his shirt and refastening his clothing. God knew he hadn't planned on having his woman in this dank, filthy tunnel, but... he had, and it had been... "Unbelievable," he murmured quietly, taking in the deep blush his Willow wore. He reached out slowly, and pulled her to his chest, his cheek resting lightly atop her head. "Love you, baby," he said softly, content now to just hold her. "Love you so much, Will. And you can attack me again any time you like."

She pulled away and glared playfully up at him, glad that he wasn't disgusted by the fact that she'd let him do *that* with her in their current location. Still, "Hey!" she yelped, "*I* wasn't the one who did the attacking, here, Mister! I seem to recall a certain vampire starting things!"

Maybe he had, he admitted silently, but "Didn't notice you asking me to stop, though."

And it was the little wicked smirk he wore that had her suddenly wanting to be back home. Her breath caught for a moment, then she nodded quickly. "Well, okay. But when have I ever asked you to stop, love?"

He took her hand again and started towards the hotel, grinning when he realized she was limping slightly. "Good point, baby," he told her, "Good point."

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Lorne gazed around him one last time and nodded. It was perfect! Of course, it had taken hours to arrange everything to his own satisfaction, but he supposed it was worth it. The roses were all placed carefully, the small ribbons affixed in appropriate places, and... Yes, it was absolutely to die for. Which was, he realized, kind of funny, seeing as one of the people involved in what would happen here was already dead. Still, he'd done his job, and had been able to show some of that creative flair he rarely had the opportunity to use. He smiled again, then brushed his hands against his red slacks. "All right," he announced, "We're ready."

Wesley and Gunn exchanged wry glances, mostly because they couldn't see that the place looked any different than it had an hour earlier. The Pylean was obviously obsessive-compulsive in certain areas. "You're sure we should be here?" Gunn asked again, tugging at the uncomfortable collar of his shirt. "I mean, this looks like something... private, you know?"

Lorne sighed and shook his head sadly. "Look here, tall, dark, and dangerous. Angel-cakes wants *all* of you here for this; even that bleached annoyance of a childe of his." He shrugged and pulled his jacket from its hanger on the end of the banister, then tugged it on. "He's called in a lot of favours to pull this off, and you're his friends. I guess he wants you to share in the joy."

Wesley frowned slightly, not sure of which favours, exactly, the green-skinned man was referring to. Of course, he didn't know everything about Angel, after all... "Yes, well," he said shortly, "When is this whatever it is supposed to begin? And where *is* Angel-- shouldn't he be here?"

Lorne rolled his eyes in annoyance and moved to sit down on the stairs. "He took the little witch out. This is supposed to be a surprise, you know. I'm sure they'll be along soon, and then the..." He stopped as he heard the sudden loud gasp from the hallway leading to the basement door, then smiled at Cordelia and Spike as they strolled in holding hands. "Hi there, Princess," he chuckled, standing up and gesturing broadly at the flower-strewn courtyard door. "You like?"

Cordelia nodded silently, her fingers tightening a bit around Spike's. "It's gorgeous!" she said, awestruck, "I mean, it's really *gorgeous*!" She moved quickly to the doorway and looked out, noticing the bows and candles, as well as the riotous, yet elegant, profusion of roses. "Wow, Lorne," she went on, "If Caritas ever fails, you've got a serious future doing *this*!"

Spike snorted loudly, a knowing look on his face as he glanced at the green git. "Yeah, mate. You're good with flowers. Go figure." He grinned a sly smirk, then pulled his girl against him, still looking at the Pylean. "Never would have guessed it."

There was a slight roll of thunder, then a flash of light, and D'Hofferyn stepped from the charred circle in the center of the lobby. His eyes raked over the assembled humans and demons and he shook his head. "All right. I'm here." He glanced around one more time, his gaze finally resting on the bleached blond vampire. "Your Sire *does* understand that this evens the balance. That after this, there will be nothing owed."

Spike frowned, entirely unclear on what this demon-bloke was talking about. He held Cordelia tighter, and shrugged. "Whatever, mate."

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

They'd stopped a few times on the way, brushing dust and grit from each others' clothes. Not that their garments would ever be quite the same, but at least they looked passably decent. Good enough that Angel doubted their earlier activity would be readily apparent, anyway. He smiled softly at his Mate as they climbed the steps from the basement, her small, warm hand nearly swallowed in his own larger, cooler one. Finally, he paused at the door and swallowed hard. It had seemed like such a good idea, but now that the time was upon him, he was suddenly nervous. What if she didn't want this? What if it was more than she could handle? "Do you love me?"

That he would even ask that had her brow furrowing deeply. Still, she could hear the uncertainty in his voice; *feel* the trepidation flowing through him. "More than anything. Ever. More than my own life." She gazed curiously at him as she watched the relief flood his face, and she frowned again. "What's wrong, baby?" she demanded quietly, her free hand coming to rest on his broad chest. "What's got you all... worried?"

He shook his head, almost ashamed of having doubted her. "I. You're my Mate, Will, and... I want... No, I *need* to have that fact recognized, you know?" He sighed softly when he saw she didn't understand what he was getting at, and his own hand rose to cover hers against his shirt. "I just... I need to know that our bond is recognized by all demon-kind."

Willow nodded slowly, still not clear on what he could mean. Her eyes remained locked on his, and she could have cried at the fear she saw there. "Okay, honey. I get that. But... what's wrong? I mean, I love you, Angel. Whatever it is, you can tell me, okay? It'll be fine. I promise." She sighed quietly when he didn't answer, but let him open the door and pull her through, anyway. She followed him down the hallway, her eyes widening when they reached the lobby and she saw the trail of roses leading out into the courtyard. "Angel...?" she whispered, a suspicion slowly growing.

He was almost afraid to look at her, afraid that she'd be upset that he'd just... decided for her. Hell, he hadn't even let her choose the time or place, much less given her a say in whether this ever happened. Still, he couldn't quite keep himself from glancing at her from the corner of his eye. His gaze fixed tightly on her at what he saw, and a deep, fierce joy spread through him when he saw the small, happy tears on her cheeks. "You're mine," he whispered ecstatically, one hand rising to brush those tears away. "I want to make it official. Okay?"

She couldn't even speak, so she just nodded, and when he gave her hand a small tug, she could do nothing but follow him out into the candlelit courtyard. Her mind spun at the profusion of flowers, even as she let him lead her to the small table set up beside the fountain. She jumped slightly when she saw the demon standing behind it, although his kind nod and little smile set her mind at ease, and she smiled back, even as D'Hofferyn began speaking the words.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The party following the brief ceremony was in full swing, champagne flowing like water, and finger-foods-- provided by Richard's restaurant-- plentiful. More guests had appeared to celebrate the formal bonding of the souled vampire and the witch he loved, although many more had been unable to attend, given the short notice they'd received. Of course, that was fine, Angel told himself. More people would have meant more words of congratulations, and that would have meant even more time before he could take his Mate upstairs. He grinned at her from across the room, his eyes gesturing towards the main staircase.

Willow blushed slightly at the implication of his gaze, but couldn't keep herself from nodding almost imperceptibly. Her eyes returned to D'Hofferyn's, and she smiled again. "So you're really not mad? That I never took you up on your offer, I mean..."

The demon chuckled slightly and shook his head. "Your pain was stunning," he admitted, "And your redress against your friends, inspired. However, I doubt you could have maintained that level of misery for long. You don't really have it in you, after all. You are filled with too much light for that, Willow." He shook his head again, noticing the vampire creeping up the stairs across the lobby, and he leaned down, speaking quietly into the girl's ear. "I think your Mate is waiting for you. Go." He watched her cross the lobby swiftly, and cast a small glamour to hide her departing form from the eyes of the other guests. The little witch was definitely impressive, but he'd told her the truth. Besides, "Living well is the best revenge," he murmured aloud, "And you're doing that, Willow. You're raising vengeance to an art form."

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Spike smirked as he watched his Sire sneak off, entirely sure that there would be a little redhead following soon after. Still, why not?, he wondered. They were basically beginning their honeymoon, despite the fact that that wasn't actually a demon-ish tradition. His hand stretched out behind him, finding Cordelia's, and he pulled her to him, turning away from Wesley. "Ready to go home, pet?" he murmured quietly, wanting nothing more than to take her back to bed and keep her there for at least a week.

She could see the barely contained heat in his eyes, and somehow she managed not to gasp at the knowledge that it was all for her. Still, she shook her head slightly. A wicked little smile crossed her lips when he suddenly looked disappointed, and she laughed, low and rich. "Actually," she said after a moment, "I was thinking I'd like to see your room..." She was instantly glad for the tan she'd cultivated, as it kept her bright blush from being too noticeable when he swung her up into his arms and started for the staircase. "Spike!" she yelped.

He grinned as he carried her swiftly through the lobby, skillfully dodging the people assembled. "Sorry, pet, but it's Valentine's Day, and you're my girl, aren't ya? Gotta worship that Cupid bloke, don't we?"

She buried her face in the crook of his neck, and tried heartily to ignore the small bits of laughter she could hear as he climbed the steps. Her arms wrapped around him, and she couldn't help laughing, herself, as he moved even faster. "So this is Cupid's fault?" she nearly purred. "Stupid Cupid..." Her breath came in short, ragged pants as he slammed into his room, closing the door behind them, and it was only moments later that she reclined on his bed, her clothing tossed haphazardly around the room. Her eyes locked on his gold-flecked ones, and she grinned. "Well, get to *worshiping*, already!"

"I'm workin' on it, pet," he purred, the words hissing slightly as they passed his jagged teeth. He stepped out of the pool of denim at his feet and slowly began crawling up the bed, his eyes locked on hers. "Believe me, luv... I'm workin' on it..."

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

In her private world, hidden from view, the Goddess Aramat smiled. All was proceeding just as it should. The souled-one had found his Mate and made her his own according to the traditions of the demon world. The other vampire had begun along the path to true love. The witch and the Seer were finally with the ones they'd been meant for, and...

Her smile grew wider as she heard the sound she'd waited centuries for. The small, thready cries were both expected and cherished, and she was glad that the time had finally come. It wouldn't be long, she knew, before the witch and her Mate would face the largest challenge they'd ever see, but she had faith in them.

Together, they were stronger than they knew, and... they wouldn't let her down.

She shook slightly as her world trembled.

They wouldn't let her *or* the Powers down, she qualified silently, relaxing as the tremors stopped. It wouldn't be long, now.

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