Part 13

Willow walked down the deserted street praying. She had listened to Angel and Giles, but only partly. She had followed them, as far from them as possible, knowing Angel would be able to sense them in time. She had managed to keep a considerable distance, good enough to remain undetected. She knew it wasn’t the smartest
thing to do, but she couldn’t go back home and not help.

Willow entered the abandoned building and carefully walked up the stairs to the third floor. She was grateful that Nicolas hadn’t cried or made too much noise since she still carried him in front of her in the carrier. He had even fallen asleep at one point, perhaps realizing just how delicate the matter was.

Willow knocked on the black door, hoping he hadn’t left just yet. To her relief he opened the door.

“Willow.”

“Hi.”

“What brings you by?” he asked as he moved to the side to let her pass.

“I need your help.”

“I was actually packing,” he replied, not catching what she had said, as he rummaged through his closet.

“They captured Faith.”

Whistler let out a sigh and closed his closet, knowing what this meant, seeing his plans flying out the window.

“Who did?” he asked as he slumped on the sofa.

“Vampires. Giles came looking for us at the movies.”

“Where are they holding her?”

“The warehouse, I think.”

“You think?”

“That’s as far as I was able to follow them. I waited ten minutes, but they never came back out.”

“You followed them?” he asked in disbelief.

“It was the only way... Angel and Giles didn’t want me to come along....,” she explained.

“Perhaps because it would be dangerous.”

“I know, but something happened...”

“How do you.....?”

“I can feel it, Whistler. Something isn’t right.”

He looked at her for a moment, trying to determined whether or not it was necessary for them to go after them right now or wait a bit.

“Fine... what about Nicolas..?”

“I have a plan.”

Angel struggled uselessly against the chains that held him against the wall.

Giles looked over at him, having gotten tired from his own struggles. He turned to his other side and saw Faith hanging from the shackles above, tired out and bruised.

“I’m sorry,” she finally uttered out loud.

Her head hung low, her jet black hair covering her face.

“Of what?” Giles asked confused.

“If I had been faster..... I don’t know..... smarter... we’d never be here. I never would have placed either of you in danger...”

“That isn’t true...” Giles began to comfort.

“I’m sorry, Angel. I didn’t know they would do this. I’d never want to let them hurt Nicolas...,” she told them, fearing for the first time that all she ever wished for, a small circle of friends... a family she had always wished for was slipping from her hands.... all because she would not protect them by being a better slayer.

“This isn’t your fault, Faith. As long as Willow...,” Angel began to say.

He spoke too soon as he heard the faint cry of a baby. Blind terror struck him as he began to pull on the chains harder.

The cries became louder, letting Giles and Faith know the reason for Angel’s desperate behavior.

The vampires that held guard immediately left to search for the noise leaving the three panicking hostages behind.

“I hope this works,” Whistler commented as he got into place.

“It has to,” she muttered to herself as she patted the baby in the carrier in front of her.

She pressed the button, setting off the recorded sounds of a baby crying on the three small recorders they had placed around the warehouse. As they had hoped, a group of vampires appeared, each one trying to detect where the sounds were coming from.  They soon broke up into smaller groups, each taking a side of the warehouse, some even leaving the building.

Armed with weapons, Whistler and Willow moved out of their hiding spot and went out in search of their friends. They wished each other luck as they took their separate ways.

Willow placed the protection spell over herself and walked down the corridors, her bombs in hand. As she heard the wails of pain in the air, she knew one of her smart bombs she had conceived had been found. She hurried down the corridor where she found two nasty vampires. She quickly threw her bombs on the floor, making them explode on contact, releasing holy water and garlic everywhere, scorching the undead.

She managed to maneuver past them, one turning to dust upon contact with her shield, weakening her.  The baby pressed himself deeper into Willow, close to tears.  Willow covered his head with her hand, comforting as she could.

“Just a little more, Nicolas. We have to save Daddy.”

She backed up a moment as she saw three vampires head her way. For the first time since entering the warehouse, fear shot through her. She wasn’t Buffy or Faith. She was just plain Willow. But then she heard a voice full of desperation in her  head that gave her the courage she needed to continue the battle and win.

“Angel,” she uttered under her breath, gaining strength and hope from the name.

She threw four bombs and covered the baby, shielding it with her arms and rammed herself through them, unaware one of them carried a knife, until it  sliced her skin.

Whistler was the first to make it to the holding room and was worried when he didn’t see Willow there already.

Angel waited to see, wishing with all his might, to see Willow run in after him, but she never appeared. Fear he had never imagined struck him. He struggled harder against the bonds as Whistler shakily began to break the shackles on Faith.

Then he caught a small whiff that assaulted his senses. He calmed as his demon visage came to form. With quick precession he shot his arm out, breaking the chains.

Giles, Faith and Whistler froze, looking on as Angel freed his other arm in an errie display of pure strength and calmness.

Angel left the stunned group behind and raced down the corridor, down a flight of stairs, condemning all who had dared touch Willow and Nicolas to a death.

He had found her cowering into a corner, holding her wounded arm and Nicolas as two vampires advanced.

Before Willow could close her eyes, both vampires fell before her to reveal a very vampire Angel.

“Are you in a lot of pain?” he asked softly.

“Just my arm,” she replied, soon gasping as a vampire advanced on them from one side.

Angel simply grasped his neck with his extended hand, already sensing him before Willow could see him. His hand squeezed its throat, bringing a painful death to the dangling vampire. Willow marveled at how calm Angel was, so collected. So  precise, his eyes never leaving hers. He extended his leg to his side as another vampire came after them from the other side and kicked him into the wall as his hand finally snapped the other demons neck without any effort.

“And Nicolas?” he asked.

“Fine, just a bit scared.”

He placed his hand over the baby’s head then moved it up to caress Willow’s cheek.

“Let’s get out of here.”

“Through here,” Whistler yelled from the other side of the corridor.

He took Willow’s hand and rushed over to the rest of the group, his mind and heart racing a thousand thoughts and feelings.

No one questioned Angel’s visage. They dropped off Giles and Faith, followed by Whistler at the airport. The walk back home for Angel and Willow was quiet.  Willow thought she should have been frightened or even repulsed by his true face that still remained since the factory, but it didn’t. It was a part of him, a part of  him she had long ago accepted.

Angel inspected their home before they went in and immediately took Nicolas from her arms. He sat Willow down on the bed and placed the baby higher above her, surrounding him with pillows, who was already asleep. Once he was content the baby was comfortable, he went to the bathroom and returned to Willow with a first aid kit.

He inspected her body thoroughly, his eyes and hands covering all major limps, making Willow turn red. After making sure nothing but her arm was hurt, he began to clean it off, banding it with gauze. Willow became unsettled with his quietness and broke the silence he had created since they had left the factory.

“Angel, talk to me,” she asked softly as she caressed his cheek.

Angel looked into her eyes, then closed his own.

“Are you mad at me? Are you mad I put Nicolas in danger.....?”

“No... but you also placed yourself in danger.”

“There was no way Nicolas and I couldn’t, wouldn’t go and rescue you.”

“You shouldn’t have....” he began to tell her.

“Then you don’t realize just how much you mean to us,” she told him with a smile.

Angel opened his eyes and saw the honestly in her emerald orbs. He crushed her against him in his sudden hug. She returned it as hard as possible, letting him feel just how much he meant to her.

“What you saw tonight, Willow...”

“Is what you are, but there are so many sides to you.”

“What you saw was the soul and demon merging... merging to protect you.”

“Thank you, Angel...”

“Can you accept that...?”

“As I’ve always told you, Angel. I accept you in every way - demon and soul.”

Angel kissed her passionately as they laid back on the bed.

Before anything happened, he stopped, wanting to take this slow, for her.. for him... he wanted this to work.... wanted her....

“Does that mean you’ll go out with me again?”

Willow couldn’t help but giggle.

“As long as you promise not to get captured again.”

They chuckled as they held each, the baby snuggled between them, as the family once more fell asleep in contentment.

Part 14

“I think I found it,” Giles said as he handed her the book he had been reading, then rubbed his eyes.

Willow took it happily and looked over the text, smiling, realizing he was right.

“One more to go,” she replied excited.

After three hours of researching their hard work was paying off.

“I’ll look here,” Giles volunteered as he grabbed the book on top of the library counter.

Willow looked up and turned her attention to Giles.

“Thank you.”

“What?” Giles asked a bit confused.

“Thank you. For this.”

“For what?”

“Your help. Your friendship. I’m sure it isn’t easy for you yet.... because of Angelus....”

“That is in the past,” Giles quickly told her.

Willow gave him a small smile.

“I know that it’ll take more time... to heal... but his’ a good man,”  Willow added.

“I know he is Willow. That’s why I’m helping you.”

Willow turned her attention back to her book, feeling the subject may be a bit too much for Giles right now.

Giles looked at her and smiled.

“I’ve forgiven him,” Giles revealed. “Faith showed me how.”

Willow looked up at him with surprise and a bit of moisture in her eyes.

“You see Willow, things have changed for me. Faith showed me the way to forgive him was to forgive myself first... To forgive myself for not protecting her.  I can’t tell you I have forgotten what he had done to us... to me, but I’m getting there. As Faith tells me, we’re family now.”

“You deserve to be happy.”

“As you, Willow. And I know you’re happy with him.... and that he is with you, because he looks at you just like I’m sure I look at Faith.”

Willow blushed, then smiled, hoping that it was truth, but realizing in her heart it was.

The moment was disrupted by a very out of breath, annoyed Watcher.

“Have you seen Faith?” Wesley choked out.

“I thought she was training with you,” Giles replied.

“She was, but I seem to have lost her.”

“Was something wrong?” Willow asked a bit amused by the irritated man.

“No. I’m sure she snuck off. She mentioned something about going shopping?”

Giles hide his smile, knowing that Faith had done just that.

“I’ll talk to her,” Giles offered.

“Yes, please. She seems to listen to you best.”

Willow giggled, then smiled as she spotted what she had been looking for.

“So, what are you two doing?” Wesley asked curious.

“Just keeping up with some research.”

“Ah right then, carry on,” Wesley said as he began moving to the small office.

“I found it,” Willow whispered to him.

“Well, look at the time. Did you need a ride home Willow?” Giles asked quickly.

“Yes, please,” Willow said as she grabbed the needed books and stood up from the chair.

“Well then, we should leave.”

Before Wesley could turn around and comment on there sudden departure they were gone. He moved over to the pile of books on the table and noticed the various topics, some rather suspicious. This was something he might have to ask about later, he just hoped it wasn’t another bloody demon.

“Faith, I have to warn you. If you say it one more time, I will have to stake you.”

Faith chuckled at the comment, she knew she might be being excessive, but she didn’t care. She wanted to make sure they knew how sincere she was.

“It’s just... I’m sorry... for everything...”

“It wasn’t your fault, Faith. Everything worked out and that was the important part,” Angel reassured her.

“I know but.... I don’t want anything to happen to you guys.... I couldn’t even protect my old watcher...” she began to say.

“No, Faith. It isn’t for you to blame yourself. How were you supposed to know that demon was after her, especially if she never told you? You did what you could.”

Faith remained silent. It was the same thing Giles had told her, but it just hadn’t completely sunk in. Her watcher had been the closest thing to a friend she had ever had and that had been taken away from her in an instant. Now that she had a family, she was terrified of losing it. Something she had always dreamed off, taken from her.

“And for a Slayer, coming from an Angelus point of view, you are a pretty good one...”

Faith smiled at him, that was a compliment she never would have expected.  Her look soon turned a bit cocky, making Angel add to his comment with a smirk.

“But not that good enough to beat me.”

Faith rolled her eyes in a mock. Well, at least she was still “good”.

Faith had invited him to come shopping with her for help. Though she knew Giles would be happy with anything she gave him, she wanted to get him something special, something that reminded him of home. Even if he didn’t admit it, she knew he missed England. Who else would be able to give her a better opinion then someone from the same side of the world, even of they were from opposite ends. And even if Angel
had already bought most of Willow’s gifts, he wanted to get her some nicknaks that were in style, in the craze. So both people happily walked down the corridors with a baby, shopping for their love ones.

“Come on, we’re here to shop.”

“Where to?”

“Follow me.”

Angel did and nearly fell back as he saw the content of the store.

“Faith...”

“So, what do you think, red or black?”

“I don’t think...”

“Yeah, what about the teddy?”

“What...?” Angel turned to see what she was looking at and immediately produced an image of the redhead in the silkily material.

“Faith no....”

“We can always get her the matching bra and panties,” Faith offered, loving the way the vampire squirmed.

Angel simple turned around and walked out, thankful he could no longer turn red.

“And this is for....?” Faith asked her once more.

“Well I’m really not sure,” Willow replied.

After at least three hours of shopping with Angel for Willow and Giles, the pair had found their respective others and switched off, not necessarily as the men had wanted though. Now Faith and Willow were placing the final touches for the holidays, each carrying a rather large log.

“I’ll give you a copy of what I printed out.”

“Well as long as it’s for them...” Faith replied as she held open the door for Willow. “I just never thought of Giles as the log kind of guy.”

“Yeah, I’m sure Angelus hauled some home in his time,” Willow replied with a smile, prompting both women to erupt in giggles.

“Did you bring the other bag?” Willow asked as she walked up the stairs to the main floor.

“Brought everything.”

“And Giles....”

“Will keep Angel away as you asked for at least four hours,” Faith told her once again, reassuring her.

“Okay then. Let’s put the logs here, and start.”

Faith did as she was asked, a bit excited. Willow set up the ingredients as Faith started turning on the candles.

Christmas Eve Morning

Angel awoke to the smell of lavender and pinesol. He also awoke with empty arms. He quickly turned in bed and sat up, hearing the sounds of water from the kitchen below. He quickly stood and looked over the railing seeing Willow busy in the kitchen cleaning as Nicolas looked on from his playpen, fascinated as Angel was, as to how she was able to do a multitude of things all at once. He took a quick look around the
house and noted just how clean it was. Memories emerged from the past and he smiled a sad smile. This was exactly what his mother had done every Christmas Eve, the traditional scrub and polish - cleansing of the house.

He pulled on a T-shirt and quickly went down the stairs, seeing Willow scrubbing the stove to a polish. He moved behind her and placed a kiss on her sweaty cheek.

After another swipes of kisses, Angel asked Willow what he needed to do.

“What can I clean?”

“The bedroom, and bathroom.... oh and if you can tackle Nicolas’ room.”

With a nod and another quick kiss, Angel took the bucket and sponge that Willow offered and did the chores he had once done to perfection as a human under his mother’s supervision. It was until now that he realized just how much he had taken for granted what he had in his human life. It was a mistake he would never do again, now that he had a second chance.

Christmas Eve Night

“Are you sure this looks right?” Willow asked as she hung the garland over the mantle.

Nicolas was too busy with his new teddy bear to look over as Angel placed more gifts under the Christmas tree.

“It looks very nice,” Angel replied from under the tree.

Happy with her design, she carefully went down the ladder and headed to the CD player, part of his new entertainment center and pressed play, letting the sound flow through the room.

“The tree is huge Angel,” Willow commented as she looked at how high it went up.

“You choose it,” he reminded her, joining her in standing up.

“I just never thought it would be so big,” she marveled. “How do we get the angel on?”

“I have an idea,” He told her as she stood in back of her.

She shirked in delight and something else as he hoisted her on his shoulders.

“Hold still,” he told her as he tried to steady them.

Willow wouldn’t stop from giggling as she reached out and placed the angel on top of the tree.

“Ready,” she smiled as she placed the ornament in place.

Angel lowered her back to the floor, smiling as he saw how red she was. She was even sweating.

“I should.... I’m gonna.... get some eggnog.”

Angel simply nodded, moving over to Nicolas and taking him out of the crib. He settled down in front  of the fire, placing Nicolas down next to him on the many down comforters spread on the floor, some even covering the oversized sofa.

Willow looked at them both and smiled. So much had changed since Angel had gone to her window those many nights ago and asked for help. She had found herself happier then she had ever been in her life. And the days since the “rescue” things between them had changed. There was a confidence there they had never known existed. They felt more comfortable with each other and with the feelings that seemed to be growing
between them with each moment they spent together. Even innocent kisses and touches were changing. They couldn’t seem to keep their hands off each other anymore. A simple kiss now turned into full blown passion which usually ended with both of them entangled on the floor or on the coach, nearly falling to the floor. In bed, they tried to keep their hands to themselves, but they just didn’t seem to be able to control
themselves.

Last night had been one of their more daring embraces. Angel couldn’t help but graze her skin with his fangs, tasting a tiny amount of her blood. Willow didn’t mind, she had even encouraged him, her body not able to stop grinding against his. He seemed more then content when she heard him begin to purr, something she had never before heard.  Their hands even had a mind of their own as Angel’s hands had cupped her
breasts and Willow’s grabbed onto his nicely curved ass. But they had stopped the moment Angel was about to open her nightshirt when they had heard the baby cry. The moment had been broken, but as much as they would have liked to continue, Nicolas had insisted otherwise.

Now every time she looked at him, she couldn’t help but blush constantly, remembering the wonderful sensations he caused in her. She could only wonder if she caused the same reaction in him. Willow took out the eggnog and poured it inside two goblets. She returned to see Angel and Nicolas content on the floor.

“I wasn’t sure if you wanted some,” Willow said as she handed him the cup the moment she made herself over to him.

“Thank you.”

Angel accepted the cup , taking a sip, noting one interesting ingredient.

“Rum?”

“A bit. Thought it needed a bit of flavor,” she replied.

“Join us?” he asked as he extended his arm.

She settled down happily, letting Nicolas show her his new gray bear.

Angel simple held Willow against him, enveloping her into his arms, and moving his arm to rest on her waist, urging her to lay against his chest, which Willow did happily.  Happy Angel had never been, never as he was now. Well perhaps, not including last night.  No, that had been just wonderful. Hearing, feeling, touching, Willow like that had been pure heaven to him. To have given him the permission without words to take
even a simple taste of her livelihood meant more to him then anything he had ever held dear, because it meant she trusted him, but even more importantly, it meant she accepted him fully, demon, vampire, human, all. He held her a bit tighter, wondering what he had done to deserve her. Who gave him this precious gift to love, because now, as he sat with her in his arms he realized he did love her. Love her and want her more then to see the sun shine once again on his face.

Willow moved slightly, looking up at Angel gazing down at her. She smiled and slightly turned, her hand caressing his cheek as she placed a tender kiss on his lips, eliciting a giggle from Nicolas. She smiled against his lips, not permitting the kiss to deepen. They could continue later, but now they had other plans.

“We should get dressed, if not well be late,” she told him as she reluctantly pulled away from his arms and stood up, taking Nicolas with her.

Angel nodded, knowing she had a surprise for him, not wanting to let him know about it. Angel followed her to the bedroom smiling. They had done so much already.  After a mass cleaning, they had showered, apart unfortunately, and bathed Nicolas. After which they decorated the house with all the trimmings they had. The tree was up, the lights on, the gifts wrapped, and food prepared. Now it was time to change.

Angel settled for his typical wear. He decided on black slacks, accompanied by a black - button down dress shirt. He decided to leave his locks alone and placed on his black shoes. He was ready in a matter of moments, deciding to dress Nicolas next.

As Angel changed Nicolas, Willow was busy changing in the bathroom. He changed his diaper and placed the soft dark blue pants on him, then changed his tiny shirt with a heavier small snowman designed sweater, which was a bit big, but with a tiny white T-shirt under, it didn’t matter. He slicked back Nicolas’ dark brown hair, leaving a crease on the side, parting the hair to the side. The baby just looked at him puzzled and laughed, talking animidly with Angel, his hands flying through the air as his small feet.

Willow soon grabbed the attention of both men the moment she stepped out of the bathroom. She looked at them and smiled, her blush coming to rise when her gaze met with Angel’s. She could have paid more attention to the way he was looking her over, but her own eyes were busy looking over him, making her temperature rise.

Angel looked at her lovely face, her hair swirled around her face perfectly. His gaze lowered to see her dark red blouse sculpturing her body, her buttons beginning above her cleavage. Her dark red skirt nicely fitted at the waist, hugging her legs slightly, She was a vision of tempting that Angel seemed not to get enough of.

“I think dinner is ready,” she said, breaking the silence.

Angel simply nodded and followed her down the stairs with a happy Nicolas in his arms.

Dinner was long and plentiful. Angel didn’t have to eat, Willow knew that, but he did and he seemed to be enjoying himself. They talked and joked, wondering how they would have overlooked each other the first time they met. They were so comfortable together, so loving with each other, it seemed they had been together more then three weeks.

They had coffee and moved to the coach, each enjoying the others company, the baby snuggled in Angel’s arms, chewing on his teething ring. They spoke about everything and nothing, just spending time with each other happily. It was on one of his many sly comments that Willow smiled, her eyes catching a glimpse at the clock on the mantle. She jumped up, hadn’t realizing just how late it was.

“We’re going to be late,” she said as she took Nicolas from his arms.

“Late for what?” Angel asked as he took a look at the clock.

“Mass,” Willow replied as she looked around for the baby’s snow suit.

“We’re going to mass?” Angel asked completely surprised.

“Midnight Mass,” Willow said happily as Nicolas began to chew on the new wool mittens on his tiny hand she had just placed on.

Willow simply smiled as she saw Nicolas and took one of his hands and began to place a sweater on him.

“Willow... I haven’t gone to....gone to.... for so long.... I haven’t stepped inside a church.....”

“That’s why Father Michael decided to hold the Mass by were they constructed Little Bethlehem,” Willow said matter-of-factly.

Angel simple looked at her, his eyes a bit watery. Everything felt so special, wonderfully so and it was that way because of Willow.

“Come on, or we’ll be late,” Willow told him as she finished putting on Nicolas’ white snow pants and jacket.

The baby remained still, looking on as Angel and Willow hurried to put on their own coats. Angel placed a scarf around Willow neck, stealing a kiss, then stuffing the edges inside her coat.

“It’s a bit cold out,” Angel said a bit husky.

Willow blushed slightly, then smiled, reaching out to button up the last button to his leather coat. Angel thanked her with a quick kiss and then picked up the baby with a small blanket on hand and held him, Nicolas’ head on Angel’s shoulder.

Willow took his hand in hers and headed to the door with the two men she loved most in the world.

“I thought you guys weren’t gonna make it,” Faith commented as she began to rub her hands together.

“Sorry. We we’re a bit distracted,” Willow replied.

“I bet you were,” Faith remarked with a smile.

Angel grinned as Willow simple blushed a bit.

The bells began to ring, announcing Father Michael as he stepped onto the raised platform. This side of the park was part of the church that held the replica of the small manger in Bethlehem on an open plane. Faith settled wrapped in Giles’ arms, as Angel held both his treasures, Willow and Nicolas. They listened intently as did the rather large crowd around them.

Faith, had gone patrolling earlier making sure all the park and cemeteries were clear of “baddies”. It wasn’t a surprise to her that she had only found two, the vampire population at an all time low. Apparently they too just wanted to have a peaceful holiday season. That or they didn’t like the idea of two slayers in the same town, which ever one, she was grateful for.

Angel looked on a bit fascinated to see that some traditions were not lost over the centuries. Midnight Mass was the most important time in his home. His mother made sure each of them were ready for mass at least half an hour before it was time to leave. He looked down at Willow who was intently listening to the Father. He smiled, knowing what she had done for him, tears escaping. Nicolas looked up him and smiled,
perhaps trying to make him smile. He held both of them tighter against him as Willow wrapped both arms around him.

Father Michael finished his passage and the choir began to hum a song, preparing them all to join them.

As the first verses were sang, they were gifted by the white snowflakes.  Many marveled at how lovely they looked, not able to remember the last time it snowed in Sunnydale, especially on this night.

The small group of four friends and a baby sang with their hearts as the snowflakes showered them.

With the final verses the bells began to ring, ending  Mass. The happy couples, and families wished each other a blessing and a Merry Christmas and began to leave, heading home to a night filled with endless possibilities.

Part 15 & 16

*Gaelic Terms*
Briodal....Seileach..., - Beautiful.....Willow
Tu cur druiaght er ann - You've bewitched me
Seileach...Leannan. - Willow,my beloved
Tar mo chroí Tar, - Come Willow Come
Tannaghtyn sthie mo aingeal - Stay my Angel
 

After discarding their coats and helping Nicolas take off his, the family settled down on the comforters, on the large, wide white sofa. They nestled together for a few minutes, delighting in the feel of togetherness. But soon the baby began to yawn, signaling to them it was time for beddy time.

But before Willow could move, it was Angel who gently moved off the sofa, telling them to stay put. Willow smiled and looked on as Angel disappeared through the kitchen. She settled down deeper in the sofa with Nicolas on her lap.

Angel reappeared with a very large golden box with a red bow on the top and a rather large grin on his face. Willow squealed in delight, the baby bouncing on her lap.

“I want to give you both this before Nicolas falls asleep,” Angel explained.

He placed the box on the floor, then took Nicolas off her lap, settling him down on the puffy blankets on the floor. Willow followed, not knowing what to expect. Then she heard it and her smile intensified as did Angel’s grin. Willow looked at him then opened the box, revealing two very happy small golden Labrador pups. They jumped out of the box and scrambled to smell around them, one instantly going to Willow and licking her hands, the other going to Angel and doing the same. Then they both moved to the baby, who was looking with wide eyes at the two small pups. The puppies smelled him over then began to lick his hands, making the baby giggle.

“I think they like us,” Angel commented with a chuckle.

Willow looked at him and moved towards him, wrapping her arms around him.

“Thank you,” she whispered in his ear, tickling it.

“Merry Christmas,” Angel replied, hugging her tighter.

They pulled away in time to see both puppies settle down their heads my the baby, snuggling around him.

After a bit of playtime with the enthusiastic puppies, Nicolas began to yawn once again.

“What should we call them?” Angel asked her softly.

“We’ll have to think about that, but first, we should get Nicolas to bed,” Willow answered.

With that said, the couple picked up the baby and moved to up the stairs to his room. The puppies followed happily, wagging their tails, falling over each other as they followed their owners. They walked past their bedroom and entered Nicolas’ dark room.  Willow turned on the low baby lights as Angel placed the baby inside the cherry oak rocker. Nicolas simply smiled at him, his sleepy eyes gazing up to look at him. He quickly
covered him with a small blue blanket and placed a kiss on the baby’s forehead. Willow soon followed, on the other side, making the baby touch both their noses with his tiny hands. He softly pushed the rocker into a smooth rhythm.

The puppies joined them as Angel took his seat in the rocking chair, Willow taking her seat on his lap. Willow eagerly handed him the book and laid her head on his shoulder as her other hand reached out to rock the baby.

He flipped open the book and began to read the classic story, the room filled with eager listeners.

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that ST. NICHOLAS soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled down for a long winter's nap,
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,

Nicolas yawned, the soothing rocking making his eyelids begin to close.  Angel continued on, his hand caressing Willow’s back.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;
"Now, DASHER! now, DANCER! now, PRANCER and VIXEN!
On, COMET! on CUPID! on, DONDER and BLITZEN!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my hand, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

Willow sat happily content as she continued to listen to Angel’s gentle voice. The puppies laid their head down, curled against each other, one head on top of the other as they drifted off to sleep.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.
His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.

Angel rubbed small circles into her back as he continued on with the story with a smile on his face. He looked over to see Nicolas falling asleep, with Willow nestling deeper in this arms.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
"HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD-NIGHT."

Angel closed the book once he was done, happy to see Nicolas lay peacefully in the crib as well as both puppies that slept next to the rocker, holding guard.

Angel looked down to see Willow gazing up at him. Temptation too much, his lips sought hers, Willow responding to him instantly. But before it could deepen Willow jumped off his lap and gave him a radiant smile.

“Presents!” she half whispered, making sure to be heard, but not loud enough to wake the baby.

Angel nodded and placed the book on the nightstand. He placed a kiss on the baby’s forehead after Willow and followed her out of the room.

Angel headed to the kitchen as Willow entered to the living room. She reached for some matches and began to light all the candles around, from the mantle to the tables by the kitchen. She turned off all the lights making the room glow with a soft warm orange
light.

Angel looked on and smiled, following suit as he turned off the kitchen light, the candles and fireplace the only source of guidance. He took the bottle of red wine and two wine glasses and moved to the living room, placing both items on one of the corner tables.

Willow left one candle off purposely and walked over to Angel taking his hand. He followed, realizing he’d follow her anywhere she led him.

“One more candle,” she told him as she handed him a match.

It was a simple red large rounded candle surrounded by ivy and holly placed on the window sill, but it meant the most. Angel smiled at her, memories of a long time ago returning as he lit the candle and waited for Willow’s hand to join him.

“So that Mary and Joseph know this is their home,” Angel said as their joined hands lit the candle.

“Every year my mother and father would light it,” Angel revealed.

Willow extinguished the match and hugged him, offering her support.

“Thank you for everything,” Angel said in a strained voice as he held her tight.  “This means so much to me....”

“It means so much to me too,” Willow whispered back. “Come on, happy thoughts. I have one more thing.”

She led him to the fireplace and pulled off a small blue sheet from the pile of the firewood. It revealed a log with a bright yellow bow around it.

“I’m really not sure what this means.... but I got us a log,”

Angel gave a full laugh, lifting her in his arms and twirled her around. After a bit of giggling, he placed her down, placing a kiss on her lips. Willow responded quickly, her hands gliding into his hair.

Angel gathered her closer in his arms, his lips demanding a deeper response. But as much as Willow wanted to comply she could not. With a will she did not know she was capable of, Willow pulled away from him lips, her tongue sweeping across his lips.

“Presents,” she reminded him, her lips not too far from his.

Angel growled softly, but then smiled. As long as he was with Willow, it didn’t matter what they did. And he was looking forward to seeing her face light up when she opened the numerous gifts he had bought for her. He looked over at presents which seemed to explode under the tree.

They separated with a lingering gaze, Willow moving to put on some soft music as Angel poured them some wine. The soft strands filled the air, Angel capturing Willow in his arms as the soothing voice of Elle Fitzgereld filled the room.

Angel’s arms wrapped themselves across her waist as her own moved up to lay around his neck. They swayed together to the soft strands of slow music, keeping in tune with the hypnotic jazzy tune.

Willow laid her head on his chest, an unshakable smile on her face. It felt so good to be in his arms.... so right... so wonderful. Her fingers moved to caress the back of his neck, her fingers grazing the skin softly, knowing that was a delicate place for him. She heard a low purr deep in his chest which made her feel warmer inside.

Angel was unaware of the small sound that emanated from him. All he knew was that he felt good holding Willow like this... against him... and that he was warm.... not just his body... but his heart.... His hands caressed her back, moving down to the small of her back, back up to her neck, making Willow sigh.

As the music came to its end, Angel remained swaying with Willow in his arms.  Content to stay in his arms, Willow did not move, hoping to never leave them. It was a reluctant Angel who pulled away, remembering what they should be doing.

“Presents,” he reminded her as he placed a kiss on her forehead.

Willow nodded, pulling away.

And then it began. They both took a seat on the comforter on the floor, kicking off their shoes, wanting to be comfortable. They began to exchange their gifts, beginning from the smallest. Willow received an arrange of clothes, trinkets and CD’s, ranging from latest music, to some classic rock. He received clothes, much more color then he had ever worn in his life. After an exchange of small and large trickiest, the gifts began to diminish from the tress, leaving six important gifts left under the tree.

“I hope you like it,” Willow said as she handed him the small square box.

He smiled, letting her know with his look that anything she gave him he would love. He took the shining red gift wrapped box with santas all around and took off the golden bow off carefully. He pulled open the lid to reveal a book from beneath the red tissue paper. He lifted it up, his surprised face looking at an original body of  work from Edgar Allan Poe’s poetry, a favorite author of his.

“Willow, this is too much. You shouldn’t have.....”

Willow quickly quieted him with a kiss to his lips, muttering her words against the coolness of his.

“I wanted to... and it’s not too much... not for you.”

She sat back down next to him, letting him see the book further. The first page of the book contained the signature of the author.

“Thank you,” Angel said as he placed a kiss on her lips. “Now it’s my turn.”

He handed a small box to Willow, who in turned ripped off the wrapping.  Under the blue snowmen wrapping was a simple white square box that was small enough to fit in a pocket. She pulled open the lid to find a silver key. Angel offered her his hand as he stood, silently leading her towards the kitchen. Willow looked on confused, his finger on his lips letting her know to be quite. She followed him without hesitation and quickly stood in front of a closed natural wood colored door. He motioned for her to open the door with her new key and she did with a large smile on her face. Whatever he gave her, she knew she would love it. She unlocked the door a bit shakily and opened up a dark room. Angel led her inside and switched on the light.

Willow’s eyes lit up as she took a look at the new black IBM computer on her desk. The large monitor on the right side of the new mahogany desk, probed on top of the docking station for the new Thinkpad laptop that was nestled inside. Her eyes traveled over the desk to various paintings on the walls by her favorite impressionist artists. The wide black leather chair faced the new printer and an arrangement of new
software. The five large mahogany bookcases covered the walls and sported a large bow.  Willow turned around and threw her arms around Angel, not able to stop from thanking him for such a wonderful gift.

Angel simple carried her back to the living room, not really wanting to let her go.

“Do you like it?” he whispered in her ear as he made it through the kitchen.

“I love it,” she replied between thank you’s and kisses on his face.

“Thought you might.”

“It’s so much...” she began.

“We can move it to your room in your parent’s house.... or you keep it here..... in our house,” Angel said, not sure how she would take the suggestion.

“I’d want to keep it here.... in our house,” she replied.

Before Angel could claim her for a kiss, she sprang from his arms and hurried to the tree, picking up her second to last gift for him.

“I hope you like it,” she said as she handed him the simple blue wrapped square box with a golden bow.

“Anything you give me I’ll treasure,” he assured her.

They sat back down on the floor as Angel began to unwrap the gift meticulously.  As he took the item out of the box, he never noticed the slight glow it gave off, the flames shadowing it. He peeled apart the tissue paper to reveal an antique square chrome mirror.  He looked at her for a moment, then back down, almost dropping the mirror as he caught a glimpse of something, himself. His shaking hands lifted up the mirror,
parallel to his face, the shock evident on his face. He hadn’t seen his reflection for more then two centuries, and what he saw appear on the corner made this magical first time better.

Willow hovered over his shoulder, her grin lighting her face as she saw his handsome face reflect.

“Thought it might help you shave,” she kidded.

Unexpectedly, Angel laughed a loud, something that still sent a shiver down Willow’s back. It was great to hear him laugh, better to see him so happy.  He had a wonderful full laugh, one she was glad she had found.

Willow hugged him from behind as he continued to look at his reflection.

“Paler then I thought,” he commented with a smile.

Willow couldn’t help but laugh too, his humor and hers a bit bizarre.

“Thank you, Willow,” his strained voice replied.

“Your welcome,” she replied with a peck on the cheek.

<What ‘till tomorrow> she thought.

Angel placed the mirror to the side and pulled her around him, placing her on his lap. She placed her head on his shoulder and sighed contentedly. His hand reached for another gift and handed it to her. She took the gift happily and anxiously, pulling open the bright green packing. She took out the heavy object, pulling off the tissue paper to reveal a golden Russian crested musical box. The detail was breathtaking, the swans elegantly etched into each corner of the box. Red rubies and white pearls adorned the box, with the lovely borne picture of a forest sculpted in the middle.

It was something Willow had never seen before in her life, not even on the net. Her shaky hands opened the box to reveal the red velvet inside with the loveliest Victorian necklace she had ever seen. But before she could take out the delicate necklace, the music began to play. She looked up at him with her eyes filled of wonder, a look that Angel adored.

“This is so beautiful,” Willow managed to say, her eyes darting back down, then up at him.

“It comes from the Russian czar. It’s rumored to have belong to the king’s only true love, his wife,” he revealed.

Willow looked at him with such tenderness in her eyes that Angel felt he would drown in them for eternity.

“Serenade melancolique by Tchaikovsky,” she said softly recognizing the song as the lovely strands began to play.

“I know you had started a collection.......” he added with a smile.

“And this it the greatest of them. Thank you.”

Willow placed her arms around him and held him tightly. They held each other for a bit more, just taking placer in each others closeness, but there were two more gifts under the tree that needed to be exchanged. Willow reached over for the small square box and placed it in his hands. It wasn’t very large, the square box only as large as his hand. It was wrapped in light bright forest green paper and decorated with holly an ivy
make into a bow. He carefully took it off, not wanting to damage the bow. He looked over at Willow who was chewing lightly on her lower lip. He lifted the lid and was surprised to see a small light glow inside. Taking off the red tissue he looked in awe as he carefully took out a small crystal castle.... the same Irish castle that he had painted many times in his portraits... the same Irish gray castle that he had looked on as a child with his mother who told him countless tales of its magic, love and tragedy. His eyes watered, amazed as to how much detail Willow took of him. He lifted the heavy crystal castle, the fire reflecting it’s soft glow against it and felt a warmth spread around his hand as the castle began to glow a
bright blue to a dark blue.

That was when he felt the warmth spread up his arm to his entire body.  Willow took his face in her hands and turned him to face her, trying to calm him a bit as the feeling became stronger. Then in less then the minute the castle’s glow dimmed, only sparkling in its depths.

“You’ll never be cold again,” she told him with a smile.

Again his eyes began to water as his body adjusted to the new warmth that he had not housed for over two hundred years.

“How?” he asked her in a stained voice. “Why?”

“Because you deserve it,” she replied with a kiss.

Angel pulled back, looking deep into her eyes. Dear God, she meant it. She meant it and he pulled her into her arms holding her as tightly as possible.

“Angel.... a bit too tight,” she commented.

He only let her go a fraction, enough to let her breath without so much effort.

“I’m glad you like it,” she teased.

“More then that.... everything you’ve given me..... It’s been too much.....”

“Not for you Angel. No... you deserve more, you’ve suffered so much, here, in hell. You’ve paid more then you should have.....”

“You make me so happy,” his strained voice replied.

“You make me feel the same,” she replied as her hand began to stroke his hair.

His eyes searched for the last gift under the tree and shuttered forward, his arms still around her which elicited a giggle from her lips, her skirt inching a bit up. Angel hauled the large, long gift towards them. Once he was content, he placed his hands on Willow’s hips and helped her up onto the coach. On bended knees he offered his gift to her, which she excepted happily.

It was heavy, and as she ripped off the red paper, then box, she found a black case, amongst the tissue paper and gasped. She pulled out the case from the box and placed it on her lap, her shaky hands reaching for the silver locks. She looked up at Angel who had the largest grin on his face she had ever seen. She opened up the case carefully, her eyes shining, as it revealed a Stradivarius violin.

She carefully pulled out the beautiful instrument, the hourglass figure in its golden natural deep glow made Willow’s eyes tear-up a bit. No on had known her secret desire of having her own violin, let alone a violin that was possibly three hundred years old. She turned her head, not aware that Angel had moved up to the couch next to her.  He had given her so much, not only his gifts, what had meant the most to her, his
attention, his affection, his mind, part of his soul, and perhaps, if she dared to think his heart. For he had hers, long before she now came to realize.

“Play for me?” Angel asked her softly, as he cleared a tear that ran down her cheek with his thumb, the smile on her face and eyes moving him deep within.

She nodded and stood up a bit shaky, one hand wiping her cheeks, as the other took out the antique violin from its case and placed it on her shoulder top.  She looked at him and choose her song, her back against the roaring fire of the fireplace.

Angel settled deeper into the sofa as he heard the familiar strands of Fritz Kreisler’s Liebesleid. He looked at her with more and more admiration as she played each note with grace and expertise. As the melody continued to play Angel smiled, letting the emotions he had tried to surpress free, projecting them on his face.

Willow smiled, letting the music entwine them. She played with her heart, letting each note convey her feeling. Her eyes remained open, looking deep into his, her hand moved artfully with the bow as each note played was soft yet strong and clear. Willow smile widened as she looked at Angel looking at her with such tenderness.  She placed the bow and violin down gently on  a near by table, taking one last look at the wonderfully crafted instrument and went to take a seat next to him.

Angel offered his hand to her, pulling her next to him. But before Willow could speak, Angel kissed her gently, his lips touching hers softly. But it just wasn’t enough for him. His arm curled around her waist urging her closer to him. His tongue traced the contours of her mouth, urpressing a groan as she sighed and parted her mouth, her tongue darting out to touch his.

The suttle flames of desire began to flare, engulfing them in the delicious euphoria that emanated from a simple taste.

A taste that was simply not enough.

Willow fell back onto the plush pillows of the sofa, her mouth tempting him to join her. Willow’s hand held his cool cheek, holding him as close to her as possible as their kiss turned into a passion she had never experienced before.

Angel settled on top of her, his hand finding its way into her soft red locks, his need overwhelming him. He felt her breasts press against him, her breathing quicken, her heart beat race, their desire surrounding them.

Angel pulled away a moment, giving her a breath, one single take as his mouth returned to devour her once again.

Willow whimpered at his aggression and met it with her own as her hands moved to play with his crisp muffled hear. Angel pulled away, straying down to her chin and his mouth suckling it, giving Willow much needed air. She threw her head back, offering herself to him, body, mind and soul.

He growled as her body arched against him enticing him more to take her sensuous body and make her his forever. His mouth and tongue left her chin, trailing wet kisses down her neck, his tongue tasting the delicate skin above her pulse point.

She moaned as she felt his teeth graze her skin, her teeth biting down on her lower lip as his hand left her locks and moved down to her waist, circles being etched into her blouse.

“Angel,” she moaned as she felt his nimble fingers graze the hidden flesh beneath the red satin blouse. His knee moved to part her legs, but found her skirt in the way, making him growl in disapproval. It was in that instance that he realized what he was doing as his hand moved higher under her blouse, his fingers tracing over her satiny underwear bra. Before his heart could take over, before it was all need and heat, he took
her face in his hands until their eyes met.

Willow’s mouth reached for his, but met only air. Her eyes opened, seeing him hovering over her, his eyes dark and twinkling with a tint of gold. She gazed at him with lust clouded eyes, her hand moving from his tousled hair to his now warm cheek, making her shiver, glad to see him as affected as her. With four little words and a beautiful smile, Angel’s world changed forever. Everything he ever longed for, ever needed, his sunrise, his sunset, his reason for becoming a vampire, his heaven, lay before him, asking him the unthinkable.

“Make love to me,” she whispered breathlessly.

Angel’s lips dipped lower and his mouth swooped down upon hers. Firm masculine lips - yet warm; yielding , commanding. Willow responded greedily, her body insistent as it moved against his, making him growl, his arms tightening around her. But as much as he wanted to be with her, buried deep inside her, he wanted to worship her entire body, and for that, he needed to move slower, much slower as he felt himself harden.
His kisses turned tender, his tongue sweeping along her lips, leaving the cavern of her mouth. Willow whimpered in protest as his lips left hers. He pulled himself up, his hand grasping hers, taking her with him.

Willow looked on a bit confused. She wasn’t sure what they were doing. They seemed to be doing well on the couch....

Angel stood before the roaring fire, turning around, facing her, his hands reaching out to cup her face. He moved closer, his lips tasting hers.

“I want to love you slowly,” he whispered against her lips.

Willow simple nodded, her body becoming a bit tense, butterflies in her stomach.  He took her hands in his and laid them on his chest, in the middle, near the black buttons of his shirt. Her mouth went dry as her heart began to pound harder in her chest.  She looked into his eyes as saw tenderness, want, and acceptance all in one. She gave him a shaky smile, as her fingers began to unbutton his shirt.

Angel looked on intently, his body becoming increasingly warm, something that he welcomed but not as much as her touch. She pulled out the shirt from his pants a bit too jerky, but he didn’t mind and only widened his smile. Her hands pulled apart the material, her eyes widening as warm fingers touched warm skin. The fire offered a soft glow against them in the dark, wide broad shoulders, muscled arms, and sculpted abs and pecs greeted her. She wasn’t even aware when the materiel fell, her eyes intent on other more important issues. Before she could touch him, Angel stopped her. She was much too dressed for his liking. Willow looked at him a bit hurt, but soon understood as he reached for her blouse.
She looked on worriedly as the last button came undone followed by the rest.  She felt the coolness around hit her fiery skin and moaned softly, not aware he had let the satiny garment fall to the ground. She closed her eyes as his fingers reached for the clasp in front of her red satin bra.

Angel took an unneeded breath as his nimble fingers unhooked the clasp of her bra.  He couldn’t help but groan as he slowly peeled away the cups of the silkily material. Her rosy nipples tightened as the cool air met them with his hungry gaze. It took all his discipline not to reach out and touch the small globes, for his thumb to caress the hard tips.

“Briodal....Seileach...,” he spoke huskily as his eyes darted up to her closed eyes.

Willow heard the words, but her mind was not as quick at translating Gaelic just yet. When she did, her eyes finally opened with a shy smile. The look in his eyes drove out any fears she had about herself. This was a man who wanted her as much as she wanted him.

She knew what was next and with trembling hands she reached for the button on his black slacks. Angel looked on anxiously, his eyes glued to the hands that unbuttoned him, then slowly, almost teasingly pulled down the zipper. He couldn’t help but growl deep in his chest at her actions, arousing him more.

Willow couldn’t believe what she was doing as her fingers grabbed the smooth material around his waist and pulled down both slacks and boxers revealing his defined stomach, muscled thighs, and toned calves. Her eyes took only a short look of his arousal, her face turning red, as did the rest of her body he noticed.

Angel stepped out of his pants, stepping closer to her, which only made her stomach flip flop. Willow’s gaze remained on his face, loving the softness of his emotions for her. Angel’s hand moved to her waist, to the clasp on the left of the wrap around skirt and opened it making his shaft twitch as his fingers looped around the thin material of her high cut red panties. He was going to combust and he hadn’t even touched her
yet. He fell to his knees, the material joining him as he took in her shapely creamy legs, her stunningly curvy hips and flat white stomach. Her red fiery curls glowed against the roaring fire, making him ache deep inside. His mouth placed a wet kiss just above her mound and looked up to see her eyes closed, her head thrown back. He slowly climbed up, his fingertips lingering  on her waist.

“Tu cur druiaght er ann,” he murmured hoarsely making her open her eyes and look at him.

His heated gaze only made her head grow lighter and the moisture between her legs to increase. His fingertips trailed up her velvety skin, up the curve of her hip to the underside of her breast, his hand weighting it’s fullness. Willow moaned softly as her own hand reached to touch his chest. Angel’s control broke as he made a growling sound deep in his throat and snatched her to him, skin pressing against skin.

He laid claim to her mouth with a kiss that was hungry and intense. Without warning his tongue darted inside her parted lips, tasting, loving, claiming.  With only a kiss Willow felt a flame sparking a spiraling pleasure inside her. Angel deepened the kiss and continued plundering with sure, smooth stokes. They managed to walk over the couch, refusing to disentangle themselves from each other. Willow felt the coolness
of the blankets beneath her, as he shifted her legs a bit, wedging one knee between hers. Willow pulled away from his mouth panting, taking in much needed air as his mouth began placing kisses all over her face and neck. Willow held him tighter, her own hand caressing his shoulders and back, daring to move lower to the curve of his buttocks. Angel was enflamed by her touch. He wanted her so much, to love her, to pleasure her, and it scared him. This was something he had never felt.  He knew he would love her as he had never loved  before, but he also knew he would give himself to her completely, with no constraint. He would give her his soul and heart and hoped that perhaps she may give him the same one day.

Willow thought she just might die by all the sensations he was evoking in her. Her skin burned where he touched her, where his lips caressed and nibbled. A startled gasp escaped her lips as she felt his warm mouth cover her nipple which made her dizzy with pleasure.

Angel was in heaven. The sounds and chants from her lips were music to his ears.  It took all his self control and some he did not know he possessed to control from cumming from the feel of her hands roaming around his back mixed with the sweet scent of her arousal and moans. He latched onto the other painfully tight nipple, giving it the same attentive nipping and suckling. Willow tangled her fingers in his hair, pressing his mouth against her breasts. His hands caressed her stomach and thighs, preparing her for his explorations below.

His lips gave a parting kiss to each tempting tip, positing himself on the floor, parting her legs. He met some resistance, but with one look into his eyes, she let them fall open before him, giving herself completely to him. She realized he was looking at her sex, watching his hands stroke her thighs, his fingers disappearing and emerging, back and fourth, spreading her dampness over her glistering mound. His fingers began
to make larger circles within her, while his thumb gently rubbed and ignited her passion. With each brush of his thumb, or circle of his fingers her heart beat faster and her breath quickened.  He was looking at her secret place and through completely exposed, she knew she should have been shying away, but it was too much of a pleasurable feeling and  she surrendered to the rising fever within her.

“Angel!” she screamed, her entire body shocked with erotic electricity as his tongue now circled against her most sensitive spot, while his fingers massaged her wet and aching inner tissues that jerked against them.

He read her movements, her moisture and knew it was time. He slid his fingers out of her, holding her private lips open, so his tongue could enter, caress and taste. He increased pressure, his tongue and fingers again sweeping inside of her, savoring and probing. Willow’s fingers once again wrapped themselves in his brown locks and held onto him tightly as she continued to moan his name over and over again.

Angel stroked and pressed and lapped up her sweet juices as quickly as she released them, not able to get enough of the sweet elixir. His deft assured hands and his schooled strong tongue swirled against her pleading, throbbing clit, bringing her to new heights of pleasure.

 “Angel... Angel..... ANGEL!”, she yelled as her first orgasm ripped through her the moment his mouth sucked the swollen nub between his lips.

Angel purred contentedly as he continued kissing, pulling, sucking her, bringing her to a second orgasm. Willow arched up from the couch, her breathing ragged as she tried to control her trembling body.

His mouth left, traveling up her body, leaving wet kisses behind, their sweat coated bodies sleek against each other. Willow eagerly met his lips, hungry for his taste. He moaned against her as their hands moved over their bodies in urgency. The heat from their bodies wrapped close weighing heavy on the limbs. Angel was frantic with need, his body moving between her parted legs, his need for her too great. His hands moved to her folds and spread the moisture he found there, readying her for him. Fully hard and extended, his manhood tilted upward ready for entrance to her warmth.

“Seileach...Leannan.” he whispered to her.

Willow smiled at him, pressing her body and mouth against him, urging him to continue.

Angel kissed her deeply as he entered her in one thrust, burying himself deep inside her. His mouth muffled her slight cry, as his body shook, his sense overtaken by the delicious tightness around him. His head fell back, hissing, his eyes clenching shut as he felt her muscles squeeze slightly, a movement Willow had done unknowing. After regaining some composure, he looked down at her angelic face, her eyes shining and dark as her body moved slightly underneath him. Angel moaned at the movement and moved out of her slightly then back inside her silkiness, making her eyes flutter at the sensation.  In one fluid movement, she was above him, her knees straddling his thighs, Angel still buried deep inside her. He wrapped his arms around her, his mouth claming hers, the soft golden glow on her skin as his hands caressed each part of her body possible. As their tongues dueled his hands took hold of her waist and lifted her slowly up, making them both moan and groan in their mouth as they began to move. Willow pulled away, her hands on his shoulders as he pulled her off him only to return and bury himself deep in her.  Her slick tight walls held him firmly in her, driving him mad. His eyes took in her flushed face, her sleek body and lastly, moaning louder as he saw her red curls covering his own brown.

His eyes darkened as he saw her lift herself off him, his erection covered in her essence, then disappear in her sheath. It was wonderful. He pulled her against him, feeling her body slide against his, her nipples teasing him as she grazed them against his hard chest.

Willow’s countless moans filled the room as Angel’s thrusts deepened.  Pulling her against him, he glanced into her eyes and was captivated by the loving gaze he saw there.  Angel’s body was fire, ready to explode, but he held back, the sweat glistering down his face and body, mixing with hers. She had to join him.

“Tar mo chroí Tar,” Angel urged as he thrust faster and deeper into her.

Then it happened. Her orgasm exploded with a brilliancy Willow had never known existed, her knees suddenly weak, breathing almost unbearably impossible.  Angel thrust once more and buried himself in her as deep as he could and stilled, relishing the feel of her inner muscles convulsing around his shaft as his own orgasm over took him and he shouted her name. Long moments passed with their heavy breathing the only sound to be heard.

Pulling away slightly, but still connected, he took her in his arms, not wanting to break the undying feeling of completeness between them. Kissing her forehead, he placed her down onto the soft cool blankets and cushions of the sofa, Willow moving her legs to accommodate him more, keeping him between them. He pulled back but holding her close, mesmerized by her body and the extent of the beauty, both inside and out, that she seemed to emit. Placing a single kiss on each eye lid, then following them with a soft and emotion-filled kiss on her lips. His body moved slightly, Willow stopping him. She did not want him to pull away from her, wanting to keep him deep in her still.

"Tannaghtyn sthie mo aingeal," Willow whispered.

Angel nodded, kissing her once more on her lips, then leaned his head against hers, knowing that a peaceful slumber would soon overtake. Closing her eyes, savoring the touch of his hands on her body, the trail of warm kisses on her neck still damp, her small shaky arms wrapping them selves around him, her hand stroking the back of his neck as his purring soothed her trembling body.

The soft strands from Willow’s new CD reached their ears as Angel reached for a blanket next to the sofa on the floor.

After your laughter like thunder
After your skin like coffee and cream
After it takes our bodies into the night
After we come to the extreme

Angel covered their still trembling bodies over with the comforter and placed his on her shoulder.

I wanna lay down on your shoulder
Just inside your arm
I wanna listen to your heartbeat
and your breathing on and on
I wanna lay down on your shoulder
surrender to your peace and go to sleep

Willow held onto him tighter as sleep beckoned. Her hand absently stoking his back, neck and hair. Angel simply closed his eyes, emotions so deep blurring his vision.

After we’ve gone a million miles
Make true our dreams with sweat and bone
After we’ve built it up with our bare hands
make strong a place we can call home

I wanna lay down on your shoulder
Just inside your arm
I wanna listen to your heartbeat
and your breathing on and on
I wanna lay down on your shoulder
surrender to your peace and go to sleep

Willow gave a final content sigh and closed her eyes with a smile on her face as she realized just how much she had fallen in love with him and would always.

And when the light in my eyes fading
when running water becomes too deep
finally angels turn my fire to dust
and when my souls no longer mine to keep

Angel remained awake, not wanting this moment to end, not wanting to ever let her go, knowing that he’d give anything to keep her with him, even his soul.  He’d found his salvation, his redemption........

I wanna lay down on your shoulder
Just inside your arm
I wanna listen to your heartbeat
and your breathing on and on
I wanna lay down on your shoulder
surrender to the peace and just go to sleep

 ......his home.

Angel fell asleep in Willow’s arm wanting nothing more then to stay there forever...........

Just go to sleep.............
 

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