Part 15

Angel followed Willow down the hall as she went to reunite with the friends who had missed her and worried about her so desperately. He couldn’t help but admire the view. Every detail of her captivated him, from the way her lovely hair swung gently, light dancing in it, giving it a life of it’s own, to the feminine sway of her hips, long, with her long, slender legs leading to her delectable bottom. Poetry could be written about the graceful lines of her exposed lower back, hips and waist. At the familiar tightening of his groin, he thought eternity wasn’t long enough to make love to her and pay proper homage to her divine attributes. Yep, he admitted to himself, he had it bad.

Angel stopped at the top of the steps as Willow paused half way down to look at their assembled friends. He watched her fondly as tears welled in her eyes and she smiled softly. She was taking a moment to savor the sweetness of the sight. Cordelia, Wesley, Giles, Xander, Buffy and Gunn were chatting excitedly as they made the lobby festive for an impromptu party. There was a big sign proclaiming, “We Love You, Willow, Welcome Back!” and another, smaller sign that said, “It’s About Time, Sleepyhead!”…Angel guessed that that was Cordelia’s contribution and chuckled to himself.

As Willow resumed her descent, Buffy was the first to spot her. The Slayer froze and said, “Willow,” in a choked whisper as tears began to stream down her face. Silence fell over the room as everyone turned to look at Willow, who had now reached the base of the steps.

Angel crossed his arms over his chest and leaned on the banister as he observed the awe and joy on the assembled faces. The deep emotion in the air was palpable. He was moved by the gasps and sobs and smiled as Buffy bounded across the room and encompassed Willow in a bear hug. Thank goodness his beloved was now equipped to withstand Slayer sized…exuberance. The group gathered around them, each waiting their turn to greet Willow. Angel had no desire to budge from his post, as witnessing this reunion was priceless. Predictably, Xander couldn’t wait for Buffy to relinquish Willow. Tugging Willow’s hand, he pulled her free and gathered her in his arms, crying openly. Xander held her like he might never let go and buried his face in her hair, soaking it with his tears of happiness. Eventually Willow pulled back, affectionately stroking his arm and kissing his cheek. Clearly, Willow was too overwhelmed to speak. Xander stepped back and wiped his face with his shirtsleeve as Giles moved in.

A tear rolled down Angel’s cheek at the expression of fatherly adoration on Giles’ face as he took Willow’s head in his hands and whispered, “Welcome back, child, I missed you so.” He gazed deeply into her eyes, as if trying to prove to himself she wasn’t just a wistful illusion. Apparently assured she was indeed real, he leaned down and tenderly kissed her forehead.

“Thank you, Giles,” Willow said softly with a hiccupping sob.

Angel could see that the display of parental devotion shown by Giles was Willow’s undoing. Her life had sorely lacked it and she desperately craved it as a result. Getting his own emotions in check, he hurried to Willow’s side, placing his hand on the small of her back to let her know he understood and was there.

Willow looked up gratefully at Angel with a quivering lip and tear filled eyes.

Warm brown eyes smiled softly down at her as Angel touched her cheek and said quietly, “I know, my love.”

Cordelia broke the spell of the moment by bustling up and saying, “Come here, you,” as she embraced Willow and kissed her cheek soundly. “Now,” smiling brightly and sniffling, the seer took her hand, “Come on,” leading her to a food laden table. “I have just the thing to show you how happy I am to see you,” and ceremoniously handed her a peanut butter milkshake.

Willow giggled delightedly, thrilled with the treat and relieved at the lightening of the atmosphere. Sipping and moaning with ecstasy, she thanked Cordelia profusely.

Angel sent Cordelia a smile of gratitude and she winked back at him. The seer had a gift for sensing when things got too heavy and he appreciated her ability to lighten the mood. Finding a good vantage point, Angel sat down and resumed his unobtrusive observation. Wesley quietly approached Willow, and the vampire smiled at his kind, but awkward way of letting her know how pleased he was to have her back in the fold. Gunn followed close on his heels. Gunn had known Willow such a short time before the attack and consequent coma, but Willow, being Willow, had already earned his friendship and loyalty.

Angel relaxed and sat back to savor every moment of the festivities. His heart was full as he watched the constant flow of hugs, kisses and declarations of happiness and affection his precious Willow received. She was humbled and awed by the reception. Periodically she would glance his way and they would share a smile. Being consistently giving, kind, supportive, and loving, Willow had often been taken for granted. Angel took immense satisfaction in seeing her being shown how deeply appreciated, valued and loved she actually was. He felt supremely confident none of these people would ever underestimate her importance in their lives again. The last year had driven that lesson home.

As the warm family gathering continued around him, Angel considered the future. Because this group *was* a family, in every way that really counted, he couldn’t help but think of them that way. He rejoiced at the prospect of Willow by his side, to love and cherish forever. Such a bright, shiny future was out of the realm of his experience.

Eventually, there would be marriages and children to celebrate, he and Willow would become honorary aunt and uncle to the future members of this group that meant so much to them. That would go a long way in easing the pain Willow would eventually feel at losing those close to her. Him too, he admitted to himself. Future generations would ensure they always had a part of these people in their lives. Angel’s fantasies of future prospects were interrupted.

“Ahem.” Giles said, trying to get everyone’s attention. He wasn’t having much luck, so he tapped a glass with a spoon. “Everyone, I’d like to make a toast to Willow.” Having gained their notice, he handed out flutes of champagne.

Angel rose and went to stand next to Willow, putting his arm around her.

Giles glanced around to make sure everyone was ready. “Now, then,” he lifted his glass to the guest of honor. “Willow, you are a shining light to all who know you. Even comatose, your existence brought goodness. Concern over you caused us all to put petty differences aside and come together like a family. Just knowing you is a blessing. Now, we are all doubly blessed to have you back with us. Welcome back, and thank you for all the gifts being part of your life has brought us.”

One and all had tears in their eyes as they toasted Willow. A cacophony of “hear, hear’s,” “cheers,” and “To Willow’s,” went up as they drank their champagne.

Willow had tears on her cheeks as she said, “Thank you,” and smiled at the people who had gone from being dear friends to the family that loved her and made her feel special. She had longed for that feeling her entire life. She looked up at Angel and as he took her hand and kissed it, she couldn’t imagine feeling happier or more complete.

The look in Willow’s eyes swept Angel off his feet. He was the luckiest guy in the world, he thought. Nothing could possibly be as beautiful as Willow happy. He was about to give her the kiss that that look deserved when Xander bounced up and grabbed her into a hug.

Xander smirked at Angel’s disgruntled glare, “Sorry Deadboy, she’s ours, too.”

Willow grinned and shrugged at Angel as Xander pulled her away and back to the party.

Sighing with resignation, the vampire took a seat on the couch.

Buffy plunked down next to him and ruffled his hair. “Hey chief! Don’t be so glum…you *do* get to keep her for eternity. Plus, you just had Willow all to yourself for hours, doing god-knows-what to her.”

Angel raised an eyebrow at the annoyingly perky Slayer.

Buffy thought this was hysterically funny. Angel’s continuing grumpy scowl just made it funnier and she howled even harder. When she caught her breath, she said, “Now *there’s* the broody vamp we all know and love.”

Deadpan, Angel said, “I’m glad you find me amusing, *I live* to entertain *you*.”

Fighting to contain a new fit of giggles his poutiness was threatening to bring on, she said, “It’s just that it was hard to recognize you, standing there with Wills looking all happy and love struck.”

Angel rolled his eyes. “Get over it, woman. That was the *old* me.” He looked over at Willow, who was smiling and joking with Gunn and Xander and gave Buffy a silly grin. Pointing at his mouth, he said, “This is the *new* me. Adapt.”

“Smiling *and* being a smart-ass funny guy.” Buffy nodded approvingly and patted his hand, “You’ve come a long way, baby.”

“You know it,” the vampire replied cockily.

Buffy became serious, making eye contact with Angel. “I’m so happy for you and Willow. Truly.”

Placing his hand on her shoulder, he smiled affectionately, “Thank you. That means a lot.”

Buffy looked down at her lap, “You told Willow that I hate the way I acted when I found out about you two and that I’m sorry?”

Angel nodded, “Yes. You know her; she’s not one to hold a grudge. She has no hard feelings towards you.”

Buffy looked back at him sadly. “That just makes me feel worse for acting like such a bitch.”

“You two can talk and clear the air. It’ll be like old times…visiting and laughing. You’ll see, there won’t be a bit of awkwardness…your friendship has a strong history.”

Buffy nodded, not entirely convinced, but hopeful, and looked at Willow, who was hugging Giles. “God, it’s so good to have her back.” She looked back at Angel, “What’s next for you two?”

Angel sighed and leaned his head back. “*Anything* she wants. Willow has a lot to adjust to, so I’ll be there for her and help as much as I can. Mostly, I just want to love her and support her in whatever she wants to pursue.”

Buffy snickered, “You are sooo whipped.”

Angel chortled, “I *know* it…and I *like* it.”

“Yeah, I bet you do! She looks totally hot in that outfit. I’ve tried for years to get her to show off that great bod of hers, with no success. What’s the deal, did you put a whammy on her?”

Angel’s expression became proud and possessive, “She wanted a new look to go with the new her and asked a horny demon to pick her outfit…that’s the result.”

“Uh huh. I see. Well done, Angelus.”

Angel looked at her curiously and said, “Thank you.”

Buffy snorted, “Don’t look so surprised. I’m not *totally* clueless. We’ve all seen the difference in you since you found out your soul is secure. Just because we’re not freaked out by it, doesn’t mean we haven’t noticed the changes: You walk different, kick ‘bad guy’ ass more fiercely, you’re definitely more take charge…*sometimes* annoyingly bossy, even, and just *look* how you’re dressed right now.”

Angel glanced at his, admittedly ‘Angelussy’ ensemble and said smugly, “For your information, Miss Know-It-All, *Willow* picked these clothes.”

With a knowing chuckle, Buffy responded, “That’s not real surprising.” She rolled her eyes at his facial expression, “Don’t give me that innocent look, you know damned well the effect you have on the ladies dressed like that! So just drop the whole ‘humble pie’ routine. I’m not buyin’ it”

Angel adopted the unreadable expression that had always left the Slayer baffled…no matter what persona he projected: Angel, Angelus, or the most recent combination of the two.

Buffy sighed and shook her head. “Okay, Mr. Poker Face, be that way.” She continued to think of the changes in Angel. Worrying about Willow had brought forth a lot of broodiness in the last twelve months, naturally. But, like she’d said to Angel, Angelus’ presence in his psyche had been apparent. The whole gang had discussed it a number of times and agreed: It was of the good. He was more balanced now. The soul and the demon combined seamlessly, and since his soul was so clearly in charge, nobody felt threatened. With Willow back, he’d be better than ever. As she and Angel continued to sit in companionable silence, she thought about how happy she was for him. Now he had potential to be a *whole* person, without the various issues that had colored his existence ever since he’d become a vampire. Finally he was getting what he so richly deserved. Buffy smiled at Angel and said, “Yay, you, Angel,” and gave him a peck on the cheek. “I’m off to scarf whatever goodies are left. Deep thinking makes a girl hungry.”

As Angel watched Buffy go over and peruse the buffet, he contemplated her mysterious statements. Deciding it was futile, he gave up and went back to his favorite pastime: Watching Willow.

Willow must’ve felt his gaze, as she turned around and gave him an alluring look and a dazzling smile. Angel shifted in his seat; it could only mean good things when his girl gave him a look like that. His eyes took on a predatory gleam as she gracefully made her way over to him. Hot damn, she looked good. She certainly knew how to work her audience; swinging her hair over her shoulder, she casually ran her hand across her bare midsection and breast seductively. As she reached Angel and placed herself in his lap, he desperately wished all the other revelers would magically disappear. Willow wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a kiss that made him forget his own name.

Sitting back and admiring the effect she had on him, Willow purred, “Miss me, lover?”

Angel growled and ground his erection into her bottom, “Hell no, I was just wishing the party would go on all night and that they never leave.”

Willow smiled at his sarcasm as his hands slid to her hips. She stifled a moan as he maneuvered her so he got pressure where he wanted it most. Now his arousal was pressing against her invitingly. Clever vampire, she thought, he had smoothly taken the upper hand, now it was her turn to have trouble remembering her own name. “You know, Angel,” her voice cracked, so she cleared her throat and tried again, “Everyone’s having such a good time and I did the visit and catch-up thing…if we left, they might not even notice.

Surreptitiously, they both glanced at their otherwise occupied friends. The coast was clear. Faster than the eye could see, Angel picked up Willow and whisked her off to their bedroom.

“Whoofta,” Willow said as he dropped her on the bed and she landed with a thump. “Head rush. Big time. You move *fast*.”

Angel was divesting himself of his pants, “Had to get while the getting was good, dontcha know.” He stopped cold at Willow’s next words.

“I probably should’ve said goodnight,” she chewed her lip as she looked at the door. “It was pretty rude of me to leave a party in my honor without at least saying something.”

Pants off, Angel started to remove his shirt. “Too late for that little girl, I was perfectly content to be patient and enjoy the get-together until you started working your wiles on me. You should’ve thought about that *before* you started teasing me. Now, you’re sooo going to finish what you started. He motioned to her, “Come on, clothes off, I’m not waiting all night.”

Willow looked up at him thoughtfully, like she didn’t have a care in the world. His domineering behavior was pretty sexy, and deserting her guests was no longer foremost in her mind. Now her focus was on taking her time in order push Angel’s buttons…provoking him could have some…stimulating consequences. Standing up on her knees, Willow slowly began to unfasten her pants. Looking at the door again, she ran her tongue along her lips and said, “Are you *sure*, I shouldn’t go back down?”

He was standing at the foot of the bed looking menacing. Crossing his arms, he ground out, “Totally. Fucking. Sure.”

Willow walked on her knees, leisurely, to the side of the bed. She hadn’t removed the jeans, just left them open. Slowly, she slid around, so she sat on the edge of the bed and bent to remove her boots. She gave one a meager tug and sighed, “Angel,” she looked at him innocuously over her shoulder, “Could you get this boot off, please?” She smiled guilelessly at him and daintily bounced her foot in the air while she waited for his help.

He didn’t say a word, just fumed silently at her slowness and seeming lack of enthusiasm, as he moved to stand in front of her, facing away and taking her foot between his legs to tug the boot off. As he pulled, she pushed against his naked butt with the other foot. “Oooops! I’m so sorry,” she said as he flew across the room with the boot in his hand from the unnecessary pressure she had applied. He caught his balance and turned to glare at her suspiciously. “Angel! Oh, I feel so bad! I’m going to have to get used to my new strength and be more careful.” She must’ve been pretty convincing, because he gave her a small smile.

“Don’t worry sweetheart, it will just take some time.”

Great! Now he was being all sweet, it made her feel kind of bad, but not enough to give up her little game. “I’m sure you’re right.” She waggled her other foot at him, “Do you trust me enough to finish the job?”

Angel didn’t say anything, but he lifted her foot, facing her this time and standing far enough way so she couldn’t get any leverage. He wasn’t positive she was up to something, but was suspicious enough to proceed with caution. Removing the boot easily, he sat it next to it’s mate on the floor.

Willow bounced her feet together in midair and coyly said, “Thank you,” smiling up at him sunnily.

Angel watched her for a second, and then growled. He’d had a hard on since they’d been downstairs on the couch and frustration was mounting. He decided she didn’t need to be naked in order for him to move things along. Pushing Willow back on the bed, he straddled her and put her hands over her head, holding them there with one of his own. Willow squeaked, but offered no resistance. He kissed her hard and possessively until her body relaxed submissively. Laying on his side next to her, he nuzzled behind her ear with his lips and lightly scraped his fingernails across a nipple through her top, while her hands remained pinned over her head. When she made a small whimper he pressed his erection against her hip and slid his free hand between her legs, running a finger softly along the seam that went from the bottom of the zipper and continued around to her ass. He continued to run his finger up and down the seam, knowing it offered just enough sensation to be frustrating. Kissing the delicate skin behind her ear that he had been nuzzling, he murmured, “You didn’t seem to be in a hurry to make love, so just let me know when you’re ready…I’ll know when that is because you’ll ask nicely and say please.” She didn’t say anything, but the strangled moan she made sure sounded like acquiescence to him. Using his knuckles, he increased the pressure and area he covered between her legs and somewhat harshly sucked and released the soft skin along the column of her neck. When she lifted her hips, trying to get more friction from his hand, he removed it immediately, sliding it under her blouse to tease her nipple, which he lightly grazed with the palm of his hand until it stiffened, then he moved to the other one.

Willow was panting and gasped, “Angel…p-please make love to me. Please.”

Angel stopped everything he was doing and released her hands, smiling triumphantly. Looking into her eyes, he said, “Certainly. You’d better hurry and take off your clothes, then.”

Willow couldn’t move fast enough, she shoved her jeans down to her knees and while she finished pushing them and her socks off with her feet, she pulled her top over her head and flung the hand it wouldn’t release until the blouse sailed across the room. Free of her clothes, she threw her arms around Angel and kissed him with abandon, thrusting her pelvis at his.

Angel gave a low, husky chuckle and rolled them to the center of the bed. He was so delighted with Willow for asking nicely, instead of getting into a clash of wills, that rewarding her with an orgasm was his first priority. Kissing her gently, he slid a hand to the inside of her thigh and ran it up to her center, not pausing to tease. She was so wet already. He slid in two fingers and moved them in and out rapidly as he continued the kiss, his tongue began to thrust into her mouth in sync with his fingers. When she cried out and began to match the rhythm of his fingers with her hips, he pressed his thumb to her swollen clit.

Willow was gasping for air, “Ohhhh! God! That’s sooo good. Harder!” Her hands tangled in the sheets and she grasped them tightly as he complied. The increased pace of his fingers was heaven. With one last thrust of her hips, she came, calling out his name and rode out the wave with a series of grunts. “Ohhh. Ohh. Oh. Mmmnn,” she said as her body came back to earth, feeling like a floating feather landing.

Angel rolled on top of her and smoothed her tousled hair from her face. Looking fixedly into her eyes, he entered her swiftly, arms braced at her sides supporting his weight. He wanted her so badly after such a prolonged wait and began to drive into her mercilessly. Throwing his head back he growled loudly, loving how hot and tight and wet she was. This was the first time making love to her that he wasn’t holding back, and it was incredible. Not worrying about her human frailties freed him to let go.

Willow moaned and grabbed his ass with both hands, lifting her knees higher, giving him as much access as she could. Previously, Angel had been a phenomenal lover, exceeding even her wildest fantasies. But, this was beyond anything she’d ever felt. It was intense and animalistic and fantastic. All she could do was hold on, moan and cry out.

Angel continued to pound into her, never wanting to stop. God! It felt so damned good. But, as she came and her muscles clinched around his cock with their new strength, he gave in, sinking his fangs into her neck, coming in jerking spasms and shouting her name.

Angel continued to drink as his body settled back down, allowing himself more of her blood than he ever had before. Delicious. They were both vibrating from the loud purrs emanating from his chest. Willow had wrapped her legs tightly around his hips, forcing him to stay inside her; she was sighing and mewling with contentment. As he licked her wound clean, he said, “Mine,” with a possessiveness and finality that sent a thrill of euphoria through Willow’s entire being.

They stayed in that position for quite some time in silence, just relishing the feeling. Willow glided her fingertips up and down his back absently, and he continued to lick her neck. In the easy intimacy they were sharing and perfection of the moment, Willow realized exactly what she wanted to happen next in their life together. “Angel?”

“Hmm?” His voice was muffled as he continued to taste her.

“Angel, look at me.”

He pulled back to look down at her, intrigued by the excited sparkle in her eyes.

When she was sure she had his full attention, she asked, “Will you marry me?”

The lump in his throat prevented him from answering immediately. When he could, he choked out, “Yes. Yes, I would *love* to marry you.”

The depth of his love for her was in his eyes as he looked at her.

“Oh!” She cried as she took his face in her hands and kissed him deeply. Reluctantly she pulled back from the kiss, “I love you so much,” she whispered.

Angel was so overcome, he had trouble speaking. He cleared his throat. Stroking her cheek tenderly, he said softly, “All those lonely months, when I didn’t know if you’d ever wake up…I decided that if you did, if I was blessed enough to get you back, I’d propose to you.”

“I desperately wanted to make a commitment, proclaiming our love, in front of the whole world. If you had said yes, I’d have done whatever you wanted, a ceremony uniting us forever…Wiccan, Jewish, civil…anything you’d agree to. In anticipation, I bought you something.” He smiled shyly at her before he reached over to the nightstand to fumble in a wooden box. He pulled out a small, black velvet box, which he handed to her.

Willow’s heart pounded as she opened the box. “Oh Angel!” She said, with tears in her eyes, as she looked at the most beautiful ring she’d ever seen. It was a square cut diamond, in an intricate gold setting and looked very old. “It’s exquisite.”

“Just like you.” he said huskily. Removing the ring from the box, he put it on her finger and kissed it. “It’s two carats, from the 20’s…uh, *that’s* 1920’s. I’ve always loved the style of jewelry from that era. I’d understand if you wanted something different…you *are* the one who has to wear it.

Willow shook her head and admired her engagement ring. “It couldn’t be more perfect, I love it.”

Angel grinned from ear to ear, he felt giddy. Willow had proposed *to him*…proof positive that although they were unconventional in many ways, she wanted the same thing as him: to take vows in the time honored tradition in front of their loved ones. In spite of his age and experience, it was very important to him to do things properly. Jadedness had not altered his old fashioned view that when you’re lucky enough to find *the one*, you get married and live happily ever after. He was a hopeless romantic, and evidently, his beloved was, too.

Willow was still admiring her engagement ring, which delighted him to no end. He’d meant it when he said they could get another one if it wasn’t to her taste, but he had searched high and low for the perfect ring and would’ve been disappointed if this hadn’t been it.

Now that they were officially affianced, Angel couldn’t wait to start making plans. He was still buried deeply inside of Willow and knew neither of them could resist their natural urges if he stayed there. Gently pulling out, he enjoyed her breathy little gasp. “Sorry love,” he kissed her forehead as he rearranged them so that he was lying on his side, cuddled next to her, one leg snugly tucked beneath both of hers, his head propped on one hand so he could have a clear view of her face.

Willow sighed, “This is cozy,” and smiled up at him adoringly. “I’m so happy right now that I wish I could bottle this feeling.”

Angel was still grinning; he couldn’t stop if he wanted to. “Me, too,” he said, softly kissed her lips then took her left hand and placed a reverent kiss on the finger that wore *his ring*. “Willow, I promise to spend eternity making sure you never, for one moment, regret doing me the honor of becoming my wife.”

He gazed deeply into her eyes as he made that vow. The sincerity in those beautiful brown eyes, along with the silly grin on his face, were they sweetest thing she had ever seen. Incongruous, but effective. Willow had to swallow a couple of times before she could speak. Bringing their still entwined hands to her lips, she tenderly kissed the back of his and said with eyes shiny with tears, “I promise to always be a wife deserving of that vow.”

They stared at each other for a long interval, letting the words and feelings wash over them…memorizing them.

Angel nestled closer to her, held their clasped hands to his heart, and, breaking the silence, said, “Tell me about our wedding.”

Willow got a dreamy look on her face and they spent the next several hours excitedly talking about dates, engagement parties, bridal showers, flowers, tuxedoes, taffeta, white lace dresses and every single thing that would make their wedding unforgettable and perfect.

They didn’t know what the future held, but they had each other and their love was strong enough to overcome any obstacles fate placed in front of them.

The End…except for the epilogue