Willow walked into the living room and smiled slightly as she saw Xander seated between Glenn's legs on the floor. Cordelia was at the desk, her homework spread in front of her as she nibbled on the eraser of her pencil. Willow's green eyes caught Angelus' brown ones as he looked at her lazily. His eyebrow rose as he saw the smile on her face. She laughed softly as he rolled his eyes, turning back to his sketch. At her laugh, Spike looked up and held his hand out to her. She went forward, falling into her mate's lap. "Afternoon, honey."

Spike chuckled, kissing her deeply. He felt her hand drift over his crotch as she moved forward slightly. He pulled away, keeping her in his lap. "Evening, pet."

"Did you sleep well?" Cordelia asked her lover, a small smile on her pretty face.

"Yes, Delia" Willow said, snuggling against the growing erection in Spike's pants. "Xander, have you done your homework?"

Xander looked at her and smiled, amusement in his brown eyes, "Yes Mom. You going to check it for me?"

Willow snorted, "Fuck that. You're old enough to know if it is right or wrong."

Glenn smiled, "He may know, but would that change anything?"

"Hey" Xander said, elbowing his lover.

Willow laughed, catching Angelus' eyes again. He was intently staring at Spike, his pencil flying across the sketchpad. She watched him until he looked up. "Did you hear anything else last night?"

Angelus added the finishing touches to the sketch of his childe before beginning to add Willow into the picture. He shrugged, "No. But, something is going on. Too many rumors...ask the brats to keep their ears and eyes open at school. It seems to be centered around there."

Willow nodded, a calculating look entering her green eyes. "Yes, it does. I don't like it. This is my town. I don't need some pretend soldiers knocking it off balance. Delia, you and Xan pay attention to anything that could be involved in this group."

Cordelia nodded, thinking back over the last few months. "I will. I haven't seen anything unusual though. I mean, UC Sunnydale doesn't even have ROTC or anything. But, I will try to find out something for you."

"Nothing unusual?" Xander laughed, "What about that jerk TA of yours? That asshole that keeps bothering you?"

"Riley?" Cordelia asked. She rolled her eyes, making a face. "He's harmless. Just some bigheaded momma's boy that is used to the women bowing at his feet. Just a flirt."

Willow glanced between the two, knowing who they were speaking of. Cordelia had mentioned the boy's advances after classes had started. Since then, Delia had mentioned a few flirting remarks but the boy hadn't made any advances since the first decline of a date. But, Willow heard the annoyance in Delia's voice and wondered if there was something more to the story. She would have to find this Riley kid and observe him. Cordelia was hers, plain and simple. He needed to learn that before she was forced to teach him. She put that information away as she laid her head on Spike's chest, knowing that Angelus was once again sketching them both. The boy needed another hobby, she decided with a smile.

**********

Willow strolled through the campus commons, her eyes cautious. She was at the center of the bizarre activity in town. Angelus was in front of her, his dark eyes keeping an eye on her while watching the college students pass by. She studied him in the shadows, a slight smile crossing her face. It had been over a year since she had died at his hands. She had made him pay in the months following her rebirth. Still made him pay in many ways. She knew he loved her as Spike did. But, she couldn't love Angelus that way. There was too much history between them for her to give herself completely. No, Spike was the only true love in her life. But, that presented her with a problem. She did love Angelus and hated seeing him so unhappy all the time. He was constantly sketching when they were at home. She knew he was growing dissatisfied. She hated that.

"Angelus, walk with me" she said, holding out her hand to him. He smiled at her, moving to her side.

"I don't like this place. It's not normal" he said, scowling at their surroundings.

"I know. Something is happening. I don't like it." She agreed calmly. "But until we have details, why worry?"

He chuckled, looking at her in wonder, "Worrying is my job. Besides, the brats both go here. Didn't think you'd want them in danger."

Willow nodded, strolling along with him. "The brats can take care of themselves. But, you're right. I'd rather not have anyone I care about in danger. I have the boys investigating it and I don't like what they've heard so far. We'll find out the problem and remove it."

"Of course Mistress" Angelus said, smiling. He had no doubts that she would do whatever it took to keep Sunnydale safe for the family. If someone was hunting demons, they would pay. He knew that.

Willow rolled her eyes as she turned her head back to face forward. She smiled as she saw Cordelia standing outside the library waiting for her. She said, "There's Delia. Come along, sweets."

"Oh goodie" Angelus muttered, his dark eyes finding the human that held part of his mate's heart. He had to share with Spike. He had no qualms about that knowing there was nothing that would change it. But, he hated sharing the other half of Willow's heart with that girl. A human nonetheless. He scowled as he saw Cordelia's welcoming smile aimed at Willow. He didn't like sharing.

**********

Angelus laid on his large bed, his pillows behind his back as he studied the sketch. It was of Willow, as usual. She had been unaware of his perusal, her attention concentrated on Spike. He felt jealous of the love and desire that shown in her eyes. He knew she cared about him. Hell, he'd be dead by now if she didn't. Of that he had no doubt. She was a strong mistress, having down wonders for Sunnydale. He had to acknowledge her power and strength. He just wished sometimes that it would be concentrated on him. But, he knew by now that Spike was her mate. No one would ever take his place. So, he had to be content for what little she allowed him to possess of her heart. He glanced up frowning as he heard a soft, hesitant knock on his door. He rolled his eyes as he smelled the brat. "Enter."

Cordelia opened Angelus' door, stepping inside silently. Her eyes darted nervously around the room as she tried to avoid looking at the dark and dangerous vampire. "Sorry to bother you."

"You've already succeeded in doing that" he remarked lazily, his eyebrow raising slightly. He had to admit to a curiosity in what had brought the brat to him. She was usually not very far away from Willow, his competitor in the other part of Willow's heart. He resented the weak human, knowing she had had a place on the floor when he had been confined in the basement. But, her loyalty and devotion was redeeming.

"Sorry" Cordelia said, biting her lip. "This was a bad idea...sorry."

"Sit down" he said, his tone giving no room for argument.

She instinctively followed his command, sitting on the edge of the bed. "I can't go to Willow about this."

Angelus began to sketch her as she nervously gnawed on her full bottom lip. Her eyes were worried but he could see a courage in their dark depths. His pencil flew across the paper as she glanced at him, fear in her eyes. Good, the little girl was scared of him. "Bout what?"

"I don't know if I should just tell her or what...I mean, I am probably overreacting. Knowing Willow though, she'd probably assign me a guard or something. I so can't go to school with a guard."

"What is it?" he demanded, almost growling in irritation.

Cordelia looked at him, sighing, "That guy? The creepy one in my psych class? He's been following me around campus...constantly asking for a date...trying to touch me all the time..." she made a face, "I keep telling him no, but he won't listen."

Angelus' eyes narrowed at her words, "That Riley chap?"

Cordelia looked at him, slightly surprised that he knew the TA's name. "Yes, that's him. Willow has asked me before and I just didn't want her to worry. I honestly thought he'd drop it after the dozenth refusal. But, he didn't. Even Xander has noticed and is worried..."

Angelus remained silent, thinking as he sketched the girl on a fresh page. This time he caught the fear and panic in her eyes as she spoke of the boy bothering her. He was positive that Willow had already decided the boy was a problem. She may not have mentioned it to Cordelia, but he had known Willow long enough to know her mind. He heard the name whispered between his mistress and Glenn. But, the brat was worried. Hell, she had come to him for help. In the house, they were the biggest enemies of all, always fighting for Willow's attention when Spike was not around. He looked at Cordelia, asking, "Why did you come to me?"

Cordelia shrugged, "I honestly don't know. Besides Willow and Spike, you're the one I trust most. I know you love Willow as much as I do." She faltered, catching his dark eyes, "I'm scared Angelus...Riley Finn scares me."

Angelus' eyes narrowed as he heard the tremor in her voice. He didn't like hearing her fear of some human. She belonged to Willow, so in a way she was his. He didn't like someone messing with what was his. He finished the sketch, shutting the pad as he smiled at her, his eyes darkening, "Don't worry, Delia. We'll deal with this Riley bastard. Let me handle Willow. Now, give me a smile."

**********

Willow put down the report that Glenn had given her, glancing at Angelus. "Yes?"

"Mistress, may I speak?" he asked, taking a seat.

She nodded, a small smile on her lips. She had noticed a slight change in him the last day. He seemed lost in his thoughts. She looked at him expectantly, "What is it, Angelus?"

"Cordelia" he said simply.

She waited, her eyes giving no hints as to her thoughts. She nodded, "Continue."

"Last night" Angelus began, knowing that the brat would kill him if she found out he had run to Willow with her problem. But, he knew Willow well enough to know that she would have found out and he would have been in trouble for not telling her immediately. "she came to me for help."

Willow raised an eyebrow, her mind whirling as she considered her words, "Help with what?"

"Riley" he spat the name out, his eyes darkening slightly.

"Aw...Mr. Finn" Willow said, sighing. "He has become a problem, correct?"

"The brat is scared of him but doesn't want you to give her a guard" he said, repeating the girl's words.

Willow smiled slightly, "Delia knows me well. A guard is what she needs. Either that or eliminate the threat."

Angelus smiled a slow smile, "I would go for elimination."

"Read this" Willow offered, handing Angelus the research that Glenn had given her moments before.

Angelus read the file, anger spreading over him. He looked up, his eyes blazing when he had finished, "They are doing research?"

"Yes" she said simply. "Government research. Explains quite a bit actually."

"What is our course of action?" Angelus asked, having seen the name of the commander of the units. Cordelia might be in more danger than she even realized. He didn't like that.

"They are playing in my sandbox" Willow said, smiling softly. "With my children..."

"And they didn't even ask permission" Angelus pointed out, his eyes glinting in amusement.

"Exactly!" she said, smiling. "I'd say we need to teach them that it is rude to try to take over a town that doesn't want them."

"Starting with..." Angelus drifted off, waiting.

Willow smiled, "I think Delia needs to attend one of those fraternity parties I hear about so often. With her lover."

Angelus nodded, "I can provide you back up."

"No, my sweet Angelus" she said, looking steadily at him, "I would not be much of a threat. You, on the other hand? Well, I would wager that Mr. Finn would take the hint easily enough."

"Me?" Angelus asked, groaning. "I can't pretend to be hers."

"You can and you will" Willow said simply, her eyes blazing for a moment.

"Yes mistress" he agreed, grimacing. He was supposed to go to some party with the brat and play lovey dovey with her? He should have sent her out last night and let the moron help her. She owed him dearly, he decided.

Willow watched him leave, a small smile crossing her face as Spike came into the room, his eyebrow arched. "What are you playing at, pet?"

"Delia and Angelus..." she said, rolling the names off of her tongue. She saw his approval and smiled, "Give them someone to occupy each other while I'm busy...after all, my pet does need a hobby."

"Wicked, luv" Spike said, falling beside her as he took the file folder and began to read, "But it leaves you all to me for the most part. I love it."

"I rather do myself" she said, leaning against him as he read. "Just have to convince them now."

**********

Willow looked at Cordelia and smiled softly, "Delia...you've been naughty."

Cordelia looked up and frowned, "What?"

Willow moved beside the girl, her hand taking Cordelia's. "When were you going to tell me about Riley Finn?"

"That bastard told you" Cordelia said softly. She whimpered as Willow's grip on her hand tightened.

"Angelus was concerned" Willow said.

"Yeah, right. Worried that I might keep my place in your life." Cordelia said, snidely.

"Meow, kitten" Willow said, smiling slightly. "Angelus cares about the family. He is very loyal, even to you and Xander. Of course, he would deny that if asked."

Cordelia laughed softly, "I won't mention it to him. I shouldn't have asked him to help."

"Why did you?" Willow asked, tightening her grip even more.

"I don't know. I thought Angelus could help me...that he might know what to do" Cordelia said softly, "I just wanted someone to hold me and tell me it was going to be ok."

"And you chose Angelus?" Willow asked, looking at Cordelia curiously.

Cordelia shrugged, looking at Willow then looking away, "You were with Spike. Who else could I tell?"

"You are mine, Delia." She saw the tears forming in the human's eyes and loosened her hold. "You should have told me."

"I wasn't worried until recently" she said quietly. She looked up into her lover's green eyes, "I'm sorry, Willow. I just didn't know how to tell you. I didn't want overreact and be such a child." "You were frightened?" she asked, running her fingers over Cordelia's palm.

"Not of you" Cordelia said hastily. "But, Riley scares me. There's something in his eyes...I can't explain it. He scares me."

"He should" Willow said, seeing Cordelia look at her in surprise. "Sit back, Delia. Let me tell you a bedtime story about an evil organization and the poor demons they hunt."

**********

Willow walked into the room, smiling as she saw the look of lust coupled with muted anger in his eyes. She moved towards the center of the room, her eyes appreciatively wandering his form. She looked into his eyes, asking, "You want to tell me something?"

"Let me go" he hissed, on one side hating her ability to make him submissive to her and on the other thankful that she still wanted him.

"Angelus, sweetie, your mouth is saying no but you're cock is begging for more" Willow said, a smile crossing her lips as her hands roughly stroked his length. She rubbed her thumb over the head, coating it with his pre-cum. "Does baby not want to play?"

"Fuck you" he said, seeing the delight in her eyes as he pulled against the chains. She always liked it more when he fought her, he knew.

"No, baby...fuck you" she said, leaning up to brush her lips against his mouth. She continued to stroke his dick, letting her fingernails slide across the cold flesh. She felt him begin to move against her hand and let his cock drop from her grip. She heard him growl and smiled sweetly as she went to the door. She left the room, hearing him curse her. She returned a few moments later, Cordelia following her curiously. Cordelia followed Willow into the bedroom, her eyes widening as she took in Angelus. He was chained from the ceiling, his cock standing hard and ready. She glanced at Willow, wondering what her lover was doing. She had seen Angelus nude often, but had never been invited to play with Red and the vampire. Spike was the only man that had touched her ever, and then never in anything more than a friendly way while she had fucked Willow. So far, Willow had not allowed another man to touch her. Cordelia had not minded. Willow was enough for her. But, now, seeing Angelus chained as he was, she felt a sudden rush of desire for him that she had never felt before.

"I thought it time that my pretty pets play nice together" Willow said with a smirk. "So much of my time is occupied with Spike, I feel neglectful. So, I decided to allow you to find pleasure in each other. BUT, only when I allow it. You are both still mine. Never forget that."

"I'm fine with just you" Cordelia said softly, not sure she liked the idea that Willow was passing her on to Angelus. "I love you."

"Ah, sweet, Delia. You need a man, my love. There are things he can give you that I cannot. I will not allow Spike to have another woman, so Angelus is the best choice. Don't be frightened. He is a wonderful lover. He will teach you everything you need to know."

"Fuck that. I don't want her" Angelus spat out, glaring at the human girl with dislike. "I'm never going to want her. Red, let me down."

"Well, I don't want you either" Cordelia shot back at him.

Willow laughed, "So much protesting. Angelus, never say never, my sweet. Delia, I smell your arousal. As much as I like to think I'm attractive, your eyes have barely left him. So, you do want him."

Angelus smirked, not having noticed the human's arousal. "Ah, Brat likes me. Doesn't that make me all warm and fuzzy?"

Cordelia felt heat on her cheeks as she glared at his arrogant face. Even chained up he still frightened her. "Fuck off."

"Children" Willow said, humor in her tone. "Angelus, you will not mind us using you for a lesson or two, I hope."

Angelus tore his heated gaze from Cordelia's as he looked at Willow suspiciously. "Lessons? What kind of lessons?"

"Delia, sweet, undress" Willow commanded, her eyes giving the girl no way to refuse. She removed her own robe, her juices flowing just imagining the joys and pleasures that Cordelia would be experiencing soon. She watched with admiration as Cordelia took her shirt off and let her shorts fall to the floor. She noticed with a smile that Angelus was watching her strip with narrowed eyes. His cock was already hard but she saw him straining slightly against his chains as Cordelia's full breasts bounced into view. Panties were pushed to the floor by nervous hands as the dark curls between Cordelia's legs came into sight. Willow held her hand out to Cordelia, watching as the girl came forward slowly and took it. She leaned over and kissed her pet, her breasts rubbing against Delia's. She slid a finger between Delia's legs, not very surprised by the wetness she found there. She heard Angelus' chains rattle and knew he was watching. She pulled back, her fingers brushing Delia's cheek. "Kneel with me, love. We shall begin your lessons."

**********

Cordelia became aware of the ache between her legs before anything else. She slowly opened her eyes, moaning softly as she stretched on the bed. There was pain in places she hadn't even been aware of until the night before. She felt cool lips brush along her collarbone and smiled, turning over in the bed and claiming the soft lips of her lover. Pulling away, she asked, "Did I do well?"

Willow laughed, the husky sound filling the air. "Yes, Delia. You did very well. Did you enjoy it?"

Cordelia thought about it before answering. She smiled softly, "Parts of it. I had no idea that he could bring me such pleasure. I still don't like him really, but he made me feel good. Not as good as when I'm with you though."

"I was with you last night" Willow pointed out, brushing her fingers across the girl's swollen clit. She had spent hours showing Cordelia how to pleasure Angelus and then a few more hours letting Delia experience the pleasure. Angelus had finally begged for the girl's tight cunt, his eyes blazing with desire as he had stared at them both. It had only been then, upon hearing him beg, that Willow had allowed Cordelia to slide onto his large cock. She had simply sat to the side, watching him fuck Cordelia for the remainder of the evening. He had done well, not biting her pet at all. Cordelia had seemed to enjoy it, matching him thrust for thrust. Willow had known that they would find pleasure in each other, despite their hatred and jealousy of the other. She had learned that such intense emotions as hate sometimes masked great desire. She had watched that proven as Angelus had proceeded to make Cordelia beg over and over again.

"I know, Red" Delia said softly, whimpering as Willow's finger slid into her hot channel. "But it's different when it's just us. I dunno. It's hard to explain. Last night was about pleasure and sex...there was no love. I can barely tolerate him most of the time. But, with you...even when Spike joins us...there is something more. Does that sound stupid?"

Willow shook her head, "I understand. Angelus guards his emotions well. He rarely lets them show, even at the height of pleasure. But, when he does let them in, it is pretty amazing." "You've seen him that way?" Delia asked, moving against Willow's hand.

"A few times" Willow said, smiling softly as she teased Delia with slower motions. "Maybe you will too one day. Then you'll see why I love him."

"Please" Delia begged, wanting to reach down and hold Willow's hand still so she could cum.

"Cum for me Delia" Willow said, kissing the girl's face as she cried out her release.

**********

"What's wrong?" Willow asked, noticing the scowl on Spike's face.

"Nothing" he said, shrugging. He felt stupid enough without saying it out loud.

"Spikey...talk to me" she said, her usual disinterest for others fading as she spoke to her lover. She did care about the others, in her own way. But, she was a vampire. If Xander or Delia died, she'd be sad for a bit but move on. Such was life. Spike though was her mate. She would die if anything happened to him, loving him more than she had ever thought possible. The love grew more as each day passed.

Spike looked at his love and smiled at the concern he could see in her green eyes. "Just don't seem to see you much these days."

Willow smiled softly at his confession. He missed her. She moved towards him, sitting on his lap. She felt his hand move to her thigh, simply resting there as she put her head on his shoulder. "Been working on getting rid of those government suits."

"I know, pet. I've been there helping too" he said dryly, tightening his arm around her as he held her.

"You're mad" she said, looking up into his eyes.

"Nah, luv." He smiled, "So, did you get Angelus and Delia trained?"

She smiled, "Delia seems to have enjoyed it, as did Angelus. They still aren't fond of each other, but I know they'll find each other those nights they are lonely and I'm busy. That's all I want. For them to be happy, in their way."

"Maybe they at least won't kill each other now" he said, smiling. And they'll leave Willow to him, he added mentally. He knew it was rather silly to be jealous of two people that she kept as toys, but he was. She rarely spent more than one night a week with either of them but it was a night she was away from him. He really did hope that her plan to allow them access to each other worked. He could see their mating working out, maybe even progressing a bit farther as time passed, though he wouldn't pray for a miracle.

"Nah...they're passed that" Willow said, stroking his chest slowly. "He's already made his impression on Riley, which is of the good. Delia seems much more relaxed now, telling me that Angelus was so possessive at the party that Riley won't even speak to her without someone else there now for fear her older boyfriend will try to kill him."

"Would have loved to see that" Spike said, grinning at the image she had painted.

"We're close to destroying the initiative" Willow said, happy with the progress that they had been making. Xander and Glenn had been tracking the soldiers, pin pointing a location just three days before. It appeared that the main base was underground, directly under a dorm. Willow couldn't believe it was hidden in such plain sight, but it had taken her two weeks to locate it so it obviously worked. "Then we'll probably be so bored we don't know what to do."

"Bored on the Hellmouth?' Spike said, laughing. "Not likely. Not as long as you're here, pet."

"Aw, such a great compliment" she said, giggling. She looked into his eyes, still seeing the unreadable darkness in their depths. She sighed, kissing him deeply and possessively. "I love you Spike."

"Love you too" he said, before deepening the kiss.

**********

Xander surveyed the remains of the lab, looking up when Willow came in. She was licking blood from her mouth, a pleased look in her eyes. He smiled, wondering momentarily if it were normal to be happy that the vampires had won. Oh well, his life had never exactly been normal anyway. "We did it, Wills."

Willow laughed, moving to the human's side. "Yes, we did Xan."

"Many of ours lost?" he asked, moving to sit on a table. He swung his legs, ignoring the bodies of soldiers and doctors that littered the floor.

"Just a handful. Mostly newbies. Everyone else was prepared" she said, moving to sit beside him on the table. "You and Glenn did well training them."

He beamed, "Thanks. It was easier than I figured. I mean, all this and they can't fight on their own ground."

She laughed, "Element of surprise works wonders, my boy. Well, that and vamping their best squadron."

"We've secured everything Mistress" a voice said.

She smiled, "Thank you Graham. You may join the others. Find Glenn. He'll give you instructions."

Xander watched the handsome man walk away and laughed, "I'm sure Glenn would love to give him instructions."

"Jealous, pet?" she asked, raising her brow.

"Nah...Glenn likes to share" Xander said, smiling. "So, Willow Anne Rosenberg, Mistress of Sunnydale. You've just wiped out the Initiative and saved Sunnyhell from a bunch of ignorant soldier boys. What do you plan to do next?"

Willow thought about it, smiling slightly. "Why, I'm going to Disney World of course."

"You're impossible" he said, standing. He slung his arm around her neck, thankful that he still had his best friend alive in some way. Sure, she was ruthless and cold most of the time, but she had to be to survive. He understood that. Around them, she was able to just be herself. She still laughed at his dumb jokes and liked the same things his Willow had liked. Well, she had added group sex and women to that list, but who was he to judge? He was in love with a male vampire that was way too smart for him but still dopey enough not to realize that. He was glad he counted as one of her friends, knowing that she would kill for him if needed. That was rather a secure feeling to have, knowing there was someone like that on your side.

"Let's go find Spike" Willow said, stepping over a body and pulling Xander along. "And Glenn of course."

**********

Cordelia chewed her bottom lip, staring at the luggage. She glanced at Willow and frowned, "When will you be back again?"

Willow smiled softly, having already answered this question two dozen times in the last day and a half. "A few weeks."

"Do you have to go?" Angelus asked, beating the human brat to the next question.

"Yes, I do" Willow said truthfully. "Spike and I need to get away for a bit."

"Just leave her alone" Xander said, laughing as he came down the stairs. Graham and Glenn followed him, smiling at their mistress as she continued to answer the same questions. "She hasn't had a vacation in well...forever."

"Stay out of this Poof boy" Angelus growled, smelling the scent of two vampires on the moron now. He looked at Willow, frowning, "Why can't I go? You might need me to protect you and all."

Spike snorted, setting his bag beside hers. "I can protect her just fine, Peaches. You keep your ass here to protect" he glanced at Xander and the others and smirked, "the women."

"Fuck you Blondie" Xander said sweetly, moving to Willow's side. He kissed her cold cheek, laughing softly. "You know, I really thought you were joking with that Disney World idea."

"Me? Joke? Surely not" she said laughing. "I don't quite know if we'll make it that far. I'm thinking a few weeks driving around the South...head into New Orleans for awhile."

"Do a little skinny dipping in the Gulf" Spike said, wiggling his eyebrows. Since Willow had approached him with the idea of a vacation, with just the two of them, he had been far happier. It just seemed that after her turning, he was always sharing her with someone. Sure, he knew she was his mate and that she loved him but constantly having someone barging in on them had grown annoying over the past two years or so. He sometimes missed those days of the crypt, where it was just them against everyone. He smiled fondly, remembering that time and how wonderful it had been despite the badness around them. He felt her eyes on his and looked up, smiling. She laughed, instantly knowing what he was thinking about.

"Skinny dipping would be good too" she said, kissing him softly. She looked up and saw matching pouts on Cordelia and Angelus' faces. She rolled her eyes, wondering if they realized how much alike they truly were. "If I don't see two smiles before I count to five, someone is going to be punished. And with me leaving for several weeks, those chains might just start hurting...One...two...three...Good. Nice to see you two happy that I'm getting away from here for awhile."

"Have fun" Cordelia said, her words sincere even if she was upset about being left behind.

"Yeah, fun" Angelus said, not meaning it but knowing Willow would not be above chaining him up for the entire length of her trip just to teach him a lesson. He glared at a smirking Spike and rolled his eyes. "Try to remember to stay out of the sun, Blondie."

"What? And not get a wonderful tan?" Spike said dryly. "Gonna miss you too, sire."

"Whatever" Angelus grumbled, turning away from them to move to the window. He felt hands on his back and looked into Willow's face.

"Take care of them" she said simply, standing on her tiptoes and brushing her lips against his. "Continue Delia's lessons for me, ok?"

His lips twitched slightly at her blatant trade for leaving him alone. "Sure, love. Keep that childe of mine in line."

"Of course" she said, grinning impishly before moving back to the others, pulling him with her.

"Ready pet?" Spike asked.

Willow smiled, reaching for his hand. She hadn't been out of Sunnydale on a vacation since she had been ten years old. She was more than ready for a break, knowing things would be ok for the few weeks they would be gone. She looked at Glenn, "You and Xander continue monitoring the town. Angelus is in charge until I return. I'll be in contact with you all but I'm sure things should be just fine. Delia, behave or I'll have to punish you when I get back" she teased, kissing the girl soundly before moving into Spike's arms.

"See you unlucky saps later" he said, waving with a smirk as he led Willow to the car.

"Don't look so sad Delia" Willow chastised. "Just remember, life goes on. We'll be back before you know it. Love you all."

They watched her get in the car as Spike sped away. Angelus growled slightly, not liking the feeling of her being gone. "With his driving, they won't make it to the town limits."

"I should have slashed the tires" Delia said sadly.

"You guys are too funny" Xander said, looking at Glenn and Graham. "Human boy needs to eat. You guys up for some grub at the diner?"

"Sounds good, hon" Glenn said, following his lover out the door.

Angelus looked at Cordelia, realizing they were the only ones in the house. "Come on, Brat. We'll get you some food and we can discuss the various ways we would like to torture that bleached blonde idiot of a childe of mine."

Cordelia smiled at that idea, "That sounds fantastic...could I have a burger you think?"

Angelus groaned, a slight smile crossing his lips. "We'll see, kid. We'll see."

"Hey, look at it this way" Delia said, stepping onto the porch as he locked the door. "It's now five minutes closer to the time she's going to get back home."

Angelus smiled broadly, "I think I like that kind of thinking. Come on, Brat. Let's go."

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