Willow stood on the balcony, smiling as the sun began to set. She sipped her tea, breathing in the fragrance of the neighbors flowers. She balanced herself on the rail, just enjoying the final rays of sun on her face. She had been in Paris for almost a year now. It was amazing how at home she felt there now. Of course, she had enjoyed Venice also. This place was different though. She felt more at home here.

Her relationship with Angelus and Spike was going on its second year. It was hard for her to believe that she had been living with them for so long. She still loved them dearly, though Angelus still got rough and possessive. That annoyed the hell out of her, but Spike always fixed her right up. She was use to it now. It was their nature as it was becoming hers. She knew Angelus was awake. She had heard him earlier but had decided to stay in the sun just a bit longer. He had not called for her so she knew it wouldn't be a problem. If he had wanted her inside, she would have gone. She knew not to make him angry.

The final rays of the sun disappeared in a vibrant show of pinks and oranges. She heard the balcony doors slide open and a worried voice spoke, "Luv, I really hate when you sit that close to the edge."

Willow turned and faced Spike, a smile on her face. "I'm safer here than I would be in a car, Spike. But, for you, I'll come inside."

Spike rolled his eyes as Willow came into the room. He avoiding the balcony at all costs, his silly fear of heights still controling him. He kissed her as she walked past him to join Angelus. He shut the doors, leaving the drapes open.

"Evening love" Angelus said, kissing Willow deeply. "Missed you beside me when I woke up."

"I got warm. Decided to take a short stroll." Willow said, "Paris in the spring...."

Angelus' eyes narrowed, "You left the apartment?"

Willow braced herself. She nodded, "Just a short trip down to the store and back. I didn't speak to anyone...not even the clerk."

Angelus looked into her eyes and saw the honesty there. He caught her chin with his hand, his eyes possessively raking over her. "Next time....ask before leaving."

"Yes Angelus" Willow said, fighting the urge to roll her eyes. She no longer feared this side of him. She knew it was who he was. He was possessive and jealous and dominating. He was also the man she loved more than life itself. She accepted those traits along with the good....his gentleness..his intelligence, his humor, the way he could melt her with a simple look. It was all a part of who he was.

Angelus smiled, drawing her into his body. "So, my love. What shall we do this evening?"

"A picnic?" Willow suggested. She loved their midnight picnics. The moon shining down as they fed her exotic foods. Then, the cool night air caressing her body as they drove her past the brink with their touch. She loved making love with them in the night air under the moon.

"That sounds lovely" Angelus said, looking at Spike. "Get the blanket my boy."

"Yes Daddy" Spike said, smiling at Willow as he passed. "Another picnic? Developing a bit of a midnight air fetish aren't you pet?"

"Anything with you two is a fetish" Willow responded with a smirk. It was true. Her love and desire for them both often surprised even her. She'd be happy never leaving the room as long as they were with her.

"Oh, blame us" Angelus said, his arm around her shoulders. "I'd take you anywhere you want, Willow. Park, table, elevator. It doesn't matter as long as it's you."

Willow beamed at his words. She saw the love and devotion in his dark eyes. She caressed his face, kissing him softly. "Maybe we should just stay in tonight..."

Angelus smiled, "That could easily be arranged."

"Spike! Leave the blanket...we're staying home" Willow called out breathlessly as Angelus' lips nibbled on her neck.

Spike walked into the room, his eyes darkening in lust as he saw them. He stripped his shirt off as he moved towards them. "Yes Mommy" he said, moving in and claiming her lips. The scent of flowers drifted through the open window mixing with the intoxicating scent that was Willow. He had never smelled anything so remarkable. He did love Paris in the spring.

**********

The scent of fresh roses drifted over Willow. She opened her eyes, smiling as she looked at a red bud. She followed the rose up a long arm to see amused blue eyes and a smile. "This bud's for you" Spike said, grinning.

Willow groaned, "That was awful."

"Wake up Mum. We have the entire house to ourselves." Spike said, smiling as he bounced on the bed.

Willow looked at him sharply, "Where is Angelus?"

"Had to take care of some stuff" Spike said simply.

"So, he can leave anytime he wants but I have to ask?" Willow said, frowning.

"Willow...we've been over this. Practically two years pet. You know the drill" Spike said softly. He knew it was tough for her sometimes. Though, for a human, she had adjusted rather well into their lifestyle.

"I know...it just pisses me off sometimes" Willow said, smiling slightly. "I need a shower."

Spike watched her stretch, a slow smile crossing his handsome face. He followed her into the bathroom, taking the sponge from her. "Let me."

Willow smiled as she closed her eyes and surrendered herself to Spike. He was always so gentle with her. It still surprised her that he was so opposite Angelus. Not that Angelus wasn't gentle. He could be. It just wasn't first nature for him like it was for Spike. She sucked in a needed breath as she felt his lips brush against her nipples. She felt the water cascading onto her face, her hair falling past her shoulders.

Spike brought the soapy sponge up her legs, taking his time. He could smell her arousal and smiled. He loved playing with her. He knew it excited her as much as it did him. He let his fingers brush against her damp curls, not touching anything for very long. She moaned in disappointment when he moved his attention back to her long legs. He reached for the razor, taking her foot and placing it on his chest. He began to shave her legs, his tongue following his path to make sure she was smooth.

Willow's hand held onto the wall of the shower. She loved when he pampered her in the bath or shower. She could feel the wetness dripping down her leg and knew that it had nothing to do with the shower water. He finished with her other leg, setting it down. She cried out as she felt his face move between her thighs. His hands cupped her ass as he began to taste her. She came against his face, covering it with her juices. She felt him stand, his cock entering her and forcing her against the wall. Her legs wrapped around his waist as he plunged into her.

Spike felt her tighten around his cock. She was always so wet and warm. He felt her teeth biting into his shoulder, too blunt to break the skin but sharp enough to make him move faster. Soon, he was sending his seed into her. She cried out again as his thumb rubbed her clit, bringing her another orgasm. She slid down him, the water still washing them both. He kissed her, looking into her eyes and smiling before he finished bathing her. Angelus would be back soon. Then they could make plans for the evening.

**********

Angelus entered the apartment, the scent of sex thick in the air. He smiled as he moved to the bedroom. He allowed his eyes to wander over the forms of his lovers. Willow was sleeping deeply. He could see the bruises on her back and frowned. He moved towards her, sitting down and running his hand over the fresh wounds. She was healing quickly for a human.

She had received those two days before. He had woken at midday, reaching for her. She had not been there. His temper had flared and when she had returned, he had lashed out, reminding her who she belonged to. Afterwards, she had simply stood and gone to bathe, wanting to rid her body of the blood that covered it. Angelus had not listened her to her explanations in the beginning so she had not offered them afterwards. Since then, she had not left the apartment.

Angelus leaned over, letting his lips brush against the wound. She whimpered in her sleep as she snuggled closer to the pillow. Angelus stood, removing his clothes. He laid down, his arms going around her. She was his mate. She accepted him, every side of him, in a way that no one had ever dared do. And the way he repaid her for her trust and love was by being a monster. He hated the urge he had to claim her over and over again. He knew she was just a human. He feared that one day he might punish her and never stop. That was the main reason he allowed Spike to remain with them always. Spike would protect her if he ever got out of hand.

He vowed as he looked at her back to try harder. He may be a vampire but he wasn't an animal. He had always prided himself on his restaint...his control. Yet, with Willow, he lost both easily. Just being without her made him feel lost. He didn't like being that dependent on someone. He kissed her cheek, simply enjoying the feel of her in his arms. So warm. He wondered why she had risked his wrath to leave that morning. She had known she was to ask him before leaving. He would not deny her that simple act....if she asked.

"Angelus?" Willow whispered, blinking as she opened her eyes. She smiled softly at him...at the tenderness and guilt she saw in his eyes. She ran a hand over his face, "I'm fine. It was nothing. I knew better and deserved to be punished. Now, stop feeling guilty and kiss me."

Angelus heard her words and knew that she believed them. He didn't. She did not deserve that. He loved her. He kissed her as she demanded, his hands drifting down to caress her curls. He caught her cry as he delved into her warmth, teasing her with his fingers. He positioned his cock between her legs, entering her fully. He sighed as he sunk into her warmth. His teeth bit into her shoulder as he began to move with her. His tongue lapped at the wound as his thumb rubbed her clit. Too soon, she was crying out his name as she tightened around him. He grunted sending his seed into her. He looked at her, seeing the satisfied look in her eyes as she kissed him. He pulled back, his eyes watching her, "I love you Willow."

"And I love you my Angelus" she said, putting her head on his chest as she felt Spike's arm go around her waist. He had slept through her and Angelus' coupling.

**********

Willow finished drying the last dish and put it in the cabinet. She frowned at the slight pain still in her back. She sighed as she leaned against the counter, remembering yet again that she was in love with a master vampire. She had to accept each side of him, no matter how difficult it might be. She hadn't left the apartment in days. The only time she had been outside was as he slept, sitting on the balcony and just enjoying the spring air. She wasn't scared to leave. She just didn't have a need to.

Well, that and the fact that she hated to have to ask permission to run to the store. She knew it was part of her life she should have gotten used to over the last two years, but it was still hard to answer to someone about her life. The afternoon Angelus had punished her she had run out to get lunch. She had gotten a craving for a good old fashioned american hamburger and had not even thought about telling him. It was the last time she would make that mistake.

He was trying, she knew. It bothered her that he wouldn't allow himself to be who he was around her. She moved to sit on the balcony, her thoughts running through her head. What was she becoming? Ha. What had she become was more the question. She wondered if her old friends would even recognize her now. The last time she had seen them, she had been still adjusting to her life. Now, it was settled. She accepted every side of Angelus, the good and the bad. He was the man she loved. She knew they would be horrified to know she took her punishments quietly, acknowledging her fault and then moving past them as if they never happened.

She didn't allow him to beat her, not that he would. He loved her completely and she knew he hated his behaviour afterwards. He only punished her when it was absolutely necessary anymore. He always remembered that she was human...since that first night he had raped her so harshly. But, even after claiming him, his possessiveness and jealousy could get annoying as hell. She wasn't allowed to speak to anyone other than him and Spike unless he was with her. She was forbidden to touch another person at all. Doing so resulted in a harsh punishment, as she had learned seven months ago after running into a man at a dance club. She hadn't been able to walk for two days when Angelus had finished with her. He had insisted she had deliberately run into the attractive man, flirting or some such nonsense. Since then, she avoided people.

He had managed to isolate her from everyone and everything except for him and Spike. She was dependent on him. Again, it was something she accepted. She knew her nature and could see that it was part of her. She liked belonging to him. She enjoyed him loving her. And, she gave her own punishments too. Often for the same things. So, she really couldn't say very much. They were both possessive, jealous people that were in love. A bad combination in some ways, a lovely one in others. He made her complete.

She heard stirring in the other room and smiled. Spike was awake. She could sense him as he came into the living room. She loved him also, just not in the consuming way she loved Angelus. She didn't know what she would do without either of them though. Together, they balanced her. She stood, taking in one last smell of the flowers before going to see what Spike was up to. Maybe tonight they would finally make it out for that picnic. She was getting tired of being inside finally.

**********

Willow laughed as she sat at the table beside Spike. "You are incorrigible."

"That's what you always say" Spike said, grinning at her.

Angelus sat opposite her, his dark eyes watching her laugh. "He's a brat. You spoil him too much."

Willow looked at Angelus, "Me? Who was it that spoiled him for all those years?"

Angelus sighed, "I was a bad parent. What can I say?"

"I'm not spoiled" Spike said, rolling his eyes.

"It's ok Spike. I love you even if you are a brat" Willow said, smiling. He beamed at her, his blue eyes lit with amusement.

"Don't encourage the child" Angelus said, rolling his eyes.

"Can I take your order?" a voice asked.

Willow looked up at a beautiful blonde. In some ways, the girl looked like a prettier Buffy. She frowned, noticing that Angelus had also noticed that fact. "I just want a cheesburger. And a coke."

"Same" Spike said, amusement dying as he saw the way Angelus was looking at the girl. He noticed the tension in Willow and caught her hand, bringing her angry green eyes to his face. It's nothing, he mouthed at her.

"And you?" the girl asked, flirting openly with Angelus. He smiled at her, flirting back. Willow felt jealousy rip through her as she watched her lover flirt with another woman right in front of her. Not even that. Another woman that bore a striking resemeblance to his last lover.

"I'll get these right out to you" the girl said, winking at Angelus as she left.

"Why haven't we been here before" Angelus asked, his eyes following the pretty blonde as she walked to the back.

"I need air" Willow said, her eyes blazing with anger. She stood, staking him with her eyes. She moved away from the table, pushing past several patrons on her way outside.

"What the fuck happened?" Angelus demanded.

Spike stood, glaring at his sire. "She's not blind, Angelus. Why must you be so stupid? I'm going after her."

"Sit down" Angelus said, his tone warning. He had no idea why Willow was acting pissy. All he'd done was flirt a bit with the blonde. It was just being friendly. She was completely overreacting.

Spike counted to ten. He wanted nothing more than to follow Willow to check on her. He knew Willow well enough to know she was getting scared. She thought Angelus was tired of her. Spike knew that wasn't the case. His sire had always been a huge flirt, but he knew Willow's human insecurities made her unable to see Angelus was just playing a game and that he meant nothing serious by it. He wanted to reassure her the way he always had over the last two years. But, Angel was his sire and he had to obey. He couldn't follow her and make her understand that this was nothing. That Angelus loved her. "Then you go after her."

"Don't give me orders, boy" Angelus said. "She's overreacting. She knows that I love her...that she's my mate. She'll be back when she cools off."

*********

Willow waited outside the cafe, expecting Spike to join her. He was her anchor during these times. He always managed to convince her that she was just being silly and human. Angelus was just flirting after all. But, the girl looked like Buffy. It hurt that he would do it so openly right in front of her. She waited another few minutes and realized that Spike was coming. She wondered if he was tired of her too. It seemed that Angelus had grown bored with her, why not Spike? She was after all just some stupid human who was dumb enough to fall in love with them both. She was angry with Angelus for acting so inconsiderate. But, she was angrier with herself for allowing him to affect her that way.

She began to walk home, lost in her thoughts. She was a bit scared of what she had become over the last two years. She accepted it, but it still frightened her in many ways. She was so different. She had matured and grown up, but she sometimes wondered if that was a good thing. She missed Giles and Xander. Hell, she even missed Cordelia once in awhile. She didn't miss Buffy. Too much had happened between them. They could never be friends again. Not that she wanted to be. She was just tired of depending so much on Angelus. It made her weak, which was his intention.

Had it been her flirting openly with a man that looked like Oz, he'd have chained her to the bed and beaten her until she couldn't breathe....punishing her for her actions. She couldn't do that to him. She wasn't into beating him. That was a vampire action. She was still human, though it seemed to be less and less with each passing day. She wasn't going to scream and cry. That, too, was weak. She usually just punished him by ignoring him. That irritated him more than any beating she could ever give him. She would also kick him out of her bed, allowing Spike to remain. But, she tried not to do that often. It wasn't fair to Spike to bring him into the middle of their arguments.

She entered her building, going to the elevator. She sighed, letting her head rest on the wall. What could she do? Ignore it and hope he wasn't tired of her like Spike said. React and do something stupid like flirting with another man to piss him off. That wasn't her way either. Be all emotional and cry and throw things until he confessed that he either still loved her or he was sick of her. Did she really even want an answer to that question? She knew she needed to do something, she decided, letting herself into the apartment.

She sat down, blinking away tears. She loved him more than life itself. He was everything to her. Maybe that was the problem. She had been pulled into this without even knowing what it would mean. After falling in love with him, he had brought Spike into it with them. She had alienated all of her friends by choosing him other them. She had given up so much to be with him. She didn't want to lose him. She hadn't been away from him in two years. He was her life as was Spike. She sat up, suddenly having an idea. This was not Angelus' problem. It was hers. She was still acting like a jealous child. She needed to deal with that. She'd go away for a week. Allow herself to figure out who she was now. Enable herself to deal with him and his charming flirtations without being a silly brat. Allow him the time to decide if she was what he still wanted after all. It wasn't running away. She wasn't the type to run away. She would just go on a mini vacation. Alone.

**********

Willow closed the suitcase and carried it into the living room. She called a taxi and was told that one would arrive within a half hour. She had no idea where she was going. It was just going to be away from here. Away from Angelus. She no longer knew who she was anymore.

Willow moved into the living room, knowing that her lovers would arrive soon. She didn't want to leave until she spoke to them. Running away and just leaving a note was too cowardly. She wasn't a coward. She sat down and waited, each minute passing seeming to heighten her fear and doubts. She soon heard the door open and Spike's concerned voice calling out to her. She smiled. "In here."

Spike saw her and smiled. She was fine. He had wanted to kill Angelus for not letting him follow her. "You ok, pet?"

"Never better" she said, letting her eyes find Angelus. "Thank you for being worried."

Angelus came into the room, "He worries too much" he said in disgust.

"Did you enjoy your meal?" she asked, her eyes watching him.

"We left right after your fit. Had fun though. Did you come straight home?"

"Does it matter?" she asked lightly.

Angelus' eyes narrowed, "Yes it matters. I don't want you walking around alone at night."

"I can take care of myself" she said, sighing.

"You are mine. I take care of you" Angelus said.

"You don't own me!" Willow yelled at him. "I give myself to you....willingly. But you don't own me."

"You are my mate. You wear my mark. I own you as you own me." Angelus said patiently. They had this conversation at least once every few months it seemed. Usually after one did something that was out of bounds.

"I don't want to own you. If I wanted to own someone, I'd buy a puppy" Willow said, looking away from him.

"It's our life, Willow" Angelus said softly. "I am trying though....It's just hard. I've been a vampire for over two hundred and fifty years. I can't forget or change in less than two."

"I know you're trying. I am too" Willow said, looking back at him. "I've changed. I don't even recognize myself anymore."

Spike heard the tone in her voice and froze. Instinctively, he looked around, finding her bag by the kitchen. His demon reared at the thought of losing her. "NO!"

Willow looked at Spike, surprised to see the fear and denial in his eyes. She smiled softly, he knew. "Only for a week. I have to."

Angelus didn't like the silent communication his childe and mate were having. He was getting confused, "What?"

Willow looked at Angelus, "I'm going on a vacation. A week away so that I can learn who I am...without the jealousy and silly insecurities. I need to deal with the changes in me."

"No." Angelus said. "I won't lose you."

"You aren't losing me. I'll only be gone a week. Please, Angelus. Understand. I have to do this before I go crazy. I've changed so much that I don't even know who I am anymore."

"No" Angelus said again, "You can't leave me."

Willow saw the fear in his eyes and felt her heart cringe. "I will never leave you, my love. You are my life. My heart. I love you as I love Spike. But, I have to do this. A week away to figure out who I am."

"Please" Angelus said, hating himself for begging. He couldn't lose her.

Willow turned away from the accusing brown and blue eyes that were watching her. She blinked away the tears in her eyes. Steadying herself, she said softly, "I have no choice. If I want to remain with you forever, I have to deal with this. Alone. It's only a week. It will be gone before you know it."

"Willow" Angelus said her name, the sound hoarse with need and fear.

"Please don't. I have to go. The taxi will be waiting" Willow said, looking at them both. She kissed Spike tenderly, "Only a week."

She moved to Angelus, seeing the look of guilt and worry in his eyes. She ran her hand over his handsome face, "Please forgive me. I have to do this. Understand that. Please? I can't leave thinking you will be angry...."

"I will give you a week" Angelus said, his eyes burning into hers. "Because I love you. Seven days. After that, if you are not back, I will find you. I will not lose you, Willow. You are my life."

Willow smiled, thankful that he had accepted her choice. She hadn't wanted to fight him about this. It was just something she had to do. For herself and for them. "As you are mine. Just a week. I love you so much Angelus" she said, burying her head against his chest.

Angelus closed his eyes, running his hand through her hair. He brought her face up and kissed her deeply, rocking her very soul. "Be careful."

Willow nodded, running a hand over his face. "Always. You two place nice while I'm gone. I love you both."

Spike watched her leave, falling to the couch. He couldn't believe Angelus had accepted her decision. His sire wasn't one to allow people he loved to make choices. He watched as Angelus sat down, his head buried in his hands. "Why?"

Angelus looked up, his eyes unreadable. He knew what his childe was asking. Why did he allow her the week to find herself? Did he even understand the fear that had gone through him when he thought she was leaving him? He enhaled the scent of Willow and answered simply, "Because, I can't live without her."

**********

Willow set her suitcase down on the bed and looked around her room. It was rather nice. She had found a small bed and breakfast that she had rented a small cottage from. Her place was in back, a ways from the main house. She had wanted her privacy. She had gone into the nearest town and bought some groceries, enough to get her through the week without having to talk to anyone. She finished putting the rest of her clothes in drawers and in the closet. Taking a seat on the bed, she breathed deeply. She had done it. She had left him. She felt as if she had jumped off a high cliff and had nowhere to land.

She laid back on the bed, intentionally ignoring the phone. She wanted nothing more than to reach over and call home....hear Angelus' or Spike's voice. Reassure herself that she still had them. But, she wouldn't. She had wanted the time alone. It would defeat the purpose to call them. She instead found herself looking at the ceiling. She glanced at a small spot where the paint was beginning to peel. She stood reluctantly, pulling her shirt over her head. She was going to take a warm bath and let her thoughts wander. She pushed her jeans down and walked naked into the small bathroom. She started the water running and added some bath salts. The aroma of roses soon wafted through the air. She breathed them in, smiling.

She was taken back to her first anniversary with Angelus and Spike. She had woken up to a bed full of rose petals. Spike had proceeded to feed her croissants with honey and butter. Angelus licking the crumbs and sticky substance from her body afterwards. Spike had joined in, feasting on her body. Every time she smelled roses even now she was taken back to that night. They had made love on the rose petals all night, until all three were sated and exhausted. She shook her head, freeing her mind of that memory. She moved into the tub, sinking down until the warm water covered her breasts. She slid further until the nape of her neck was barely touching the water. Closing her eyes, she began to wash her body.

After her bath, she dried off and laid nude on the soft cotton sheets. She closed her eyes, trying to sleep. It was impossible. The early morning sun was peaking through the blinds. She moved on the bed, not use to seeing the sun while she was trying to sleep. She flopped her arm over the empty space on the bed. Finally, she groaned and sat up. She hadn't slept alone in almost two years. How was she going to do this? It wasn't even seven hours and she was already going nuts. She couldn't sleep alone. Not anymore. She finally went and found her laptop, setting it up on the desk in the living room. She turned it on, wondering if she received any email from Giles. He usually wrote once a week. Right then, any familiar name would be great. Only six more days. She could handle that.

**********

The white phone sat cradled in its holder. Not even the heated gazes of two master vampires could make it ring. Blue eyes moved from the plastic phone to meet brown eyes. "She's not calling."

Angelus grimaced, hitting the pillow on the couch, "Damn it."

Spike sat back, his eyes closing. It had only been twelve hours and they were already going crazy. Neither of them had left the apartment, both afraid they might miss a call from Willow. He still couldn't believe Angelus had let her leave. Sure he understood his sire's logic, but it didn't mean he had to like it. In fact, he rather hated knowing his sire was right about this. It meant a week without Willow. He hoped she was ok. He hated not knowing where she was. She was still human. She could be laying somewhere hurt or dead. "Looking at the damn thing isn't going to make it ring."

"Really?" Angelus said sarcastically. He stood and began to pace again. He had only paused earlier because Spike had insisted he was about to walk a hole in the carpet. He had never been this fidgety before. He couldn't explain his reaction. He had been away from her for brief periods of time before and never acted like this. Of course, rarely had it been for more than a few hours. He was acting like an addict that had been placed in solitary confinement for pete's sake. He knew he was addicted to Willow, but this was ridiculous.

"Don't snap at me, Angelus" Spike said, his voice low.

Angelus ran a hand through his dark hair. "Fuck...not even a day and we're already at each other's throats. How can she make us go through this?"

Spike snorted, "How can you ask that?"

"What are you talking about?" Angelus asked, his tone irritated.

"Think about it, Peaches. She was right. She's changed a lot. Fuck, living with you would make anyone change. The whole jealousy/control thing? You think that's easy for her? And hell, you're the one that let her go so stop grumbling!"

Angelus thought over Spike's words. "You're right."

Spike's mouth fell open as he started at Angelus. "Huh?"

Angelus suddenly laughed softly, "You're right. Listen this time because you don't hear that often."

"Fuck you" Spike said, grinning.

Angelus sobered, "I haven't treated her well have I?"

Spike rolled his eyes, "Don't start the soulful woe is me shit, please? The soul is gone. She knows that. You have treated her great and she loves you. BUT, she has never really been given a chance to deal with it Angelus. You took her immediately and thrust her into this entire world. Give the poor chit a chance to catch her breath and all should be fine."

"Easy for you to say" Angelus said, making a face as he put his head between his knees. He finally said softly, "Maybe I should be using this time for my own thinking."

"Nah" Spike scoffed, "You and thinking just don't mix."

Angelus started to chuckle, finally giving in and looking at Spike. "Watch yourself boy. I can still kick that tight little ass all over the place."

"Promises, promises" Spike said, a teasing glint entering his blue eyes. He knew he couldn't stand living with a glowering Angelus for a week. He'd end up walking into daylight if it lasted an hour more.

"Why won't it ring?" Angelus asked, taking another look at the phone.

"Not much longer" Spike said softly, also looking at the hated object in question.

"Hhmph" Angelus said.

"Only six days, eleven hours and" Spike glanced at the clock, "thirty eight minutes."

**********

"Hello?" the masculine voice said.

Willow slowly moved to place the receiver back in the cradle. She heard the voice start to ask, "Willow? Is that you? Where are you? God, woman. Let me at least hear your voice."

She relented, bringing it back to her ear, "Angelus."

"Willow" he said, his tone cautious.

She couldn't believe how weak she was. It had only been a day. Well, a little more than one but not even two. And she was already phoning him. She missed his voice. Who was she kidding? She missed him. It hadn't taken very long for her to realize that the huge questions she had in her mind didn't really have answers. They just were. The entire trip had been good in that way. It had made her see that her life was of her own choosing. Angelus had never forced her into anything. She had also seen just how bad her own insecurities and jealousies were. She was as bad as he. "I miss you."

He smiled against the phone, exchanging a smug look with Spike. "We miss you too, love."

"Is Spike being good?" she asked, playing with the phone cord as she simply enjoyed hearing his voice.

He chuckled, the husky sound sending liquid between her thighs. "Well, the brat hasn't fed on any neighbors if that's what you are asking."

"I'm not a brat!" she heard said in the background. She then heard whining, "Let me talk to Mum..I want to talk to her too..."

She laughed softly, "At least you two haven't killed each other yet."

"We promised we wouldn't" Angelus said. "Why did you call?"

"I don't know" she said honestly. "I just had to hear your voice. I miss you so much Angelus."

"You're the one that left" he reminded gently.

"I had to. You know that" she answered back.

"I know. Is it helping?" he asked, again his tone cautious.

"Yes..no...I don't know." She replied. "I understand more about myself after one day than I've wanted to in years. I guess that helps."

"When are you coming back?" he asked, his fingers holding on to the phone cord tightly.

She smiled, "I don't know. It is rather lovely here. Flowers and birds and just peace. It's a nice little cottage outside of Paris. A small area that I think translates to Flowerpetals or something like that. I have this huge bed that just seems empty without you and Spike.....yes, a nice cottage here at 250 Heron Lane....."

Angelus smiled, "Oh...a nice bed huh?"

"Absolutely heavenly, except you and the brat aren't in it. Silk sheets and a lacey cover....there is a nice bathtub....big enough for two people easily...." Willow suddenly heard a click as he hung up. She smiled as she replaced the phone. Soon.

Angelus hung up and looked at Spike. "Get a bag, brat. We're going to get your Mum."

"Fuck yeah!" Spike said, grinning. "New she couldn't stand being away from us for more than a day."

"Just get a bag packed. I have somewhere I need to be" Angelus said, tacking on mentally, inside Willow.

**********

Willow lay contentedly beside Angelus as Spike nuzzled her stomach in his sleep. She allowed the scent of the spring flowers to drift over her, taking her back to that night in the garden. Angelus and Spike had come to her cottage three evenings before when she had given in and called them. She had known they would come to her. They were her mates, after all. She needed them. She realized that now. She also knew that she was not going to lose Angelus. They had taken a stroll through the gardens when he had first arrived and talked. He'd had time to think while she was gone and admitted to some of his own hang ups. Together, they had gotten over their problems and were able to move on. Of course, having spent almost two days away from each other, they had ended up in each other's arms. He had taken her there and then on the pebbled stones of the garden walkway.

Over the past few days, there had been much talking and just relaxing. It had been wonderful. So wonderful that Angelus had bought the small cottage as a getaway for them all. Somewhere they could go and just enjoy being with each other, away from the city and its problems. She was relieved that things were going so well. Even Spike seemed happier now. They were going back to the city the next evening to fetch some things but Angelus planned for them to spend at least a month at the cottage. He had told her that he didn't want anything to ever keep them apart again so he wanted to make sure they had everything settled between them. She knew of course that there would still be some problems that arose. Every relationship had those, plus she was involved with two obstinate dominating vampires. But, she felt much more secure in their lives. She no longer had the silly fear that he was going to grow tired of her and move on. He had also sworn to control his jealousy and his punishments. Spike had just laughed when his sire had said that and received a glare.

She felt cool lips drift over her stomach and looked down into laughing blue eyes. She smiled softly as Spike moved down lower, his tongue dragging over her passion soaked lips. She felt Angelus stir beside her, his hands cupping her breasts as his thumb rubbed over her hardened nipples. She moved her head, catching his mouth with hers. They kissed deeply, his free hand brushing the hair from her face as he ran his caloused fingertips over her cheek. He caught her cry as Spike slid into her. Moving his head away, he winked at her before moving back behind Spike. She watched as he bent down, getting his childe ready for him. She tightened her muscles around Spike, causing him to growl and thrust back towards Angelus' seeking tongue. She kissed her blonde lover, his smooth chest against her breasts.

Angelus straightened up, his large cock rubbing against the puckered opening of Spike's anus. He began to move slowly, watching his childe's head and back arch as he slid inside. He roughly moved Spike's head, their mouth battling as Willow began to thrust against Spike again. Soon, the three were moving in a familiar rhythm as the scent of the spring flowers surrounded them all. Together, Willow realized, they could overcome any fears or insecurities. She watched her men as she moved against Spike. Her lovers...her mates. She cried out as she came, knowing it was the first of many that evening. Laughing as Spike playfully fell forward, she caught Angelus' eyes. Love for her shown in their brown depths. She whispered the words, I love you as his smile deepened. He winked at her as he began to move faster into Spike. She was where she belonged, with them.

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