Part 16/Epilogue

Willow studied her reflection as she sat at her vanity table brushing her hair. It was strange and wonderful to stay the same physically as decades passed and inevitable change affected the world around you. She had learned a long time ago how important it was to stay abreast of…well, *everything*. Losing touch with the ever evolving world around you was a risk immortals faced, it led to stagnation and unhappiness. Nothing stayed the same…“out with the old, in with the new” was a constant. Buildings came down, architecture changed, fashions came and went, and governments rose and fell. She’d witnessed a century of “progress”. Some things thrilled her: new technology was always exciting, so she had no trouble adapting and keeping up with that. Medical advancements brought longer life spans and better quality of life as people aged. She was particularly grateful for that one. Losing loved ones never got easier, but it was reality. Of course, the alternative was unthinkable, so heartache was the price you paid for loving people; the rewards far outweighed the consequences. She and Angel were as head over heels for each other as they had ever been, but their lives were constantly enriched by being surrounded by those they cared about. Their pseudo family had kept them connected to the world around them and made fighting the good fight year after year imperative when battling evil over and over might have become too discouraging to continue. Demons kept coming, new apocalypses threatened, but protecting family and friends remained a priority. Laxity would’ve been a temptation, at times, if the lives in danger had been nameless and faceless. Not that strangers weren’t worth protecting, of course they were: Remaining ever vigilant was easier, though, when you had a personal stake in humanity.

Willow sighed as she continued to ponder events of her long life. She hadn’t even kept track of how many times she’d graduated from UCLA. Continuing education was a joy for her and the college kids kept her young at heart. Early on, she’d realized eternity was an expensive luxury, so she’d dedicated herself to learning about finance, first thing. Her adeptness at investing assured they’d always be financially secure. Money wasn’t everything, but it kept choices and options opened and made life a lot easier.

Angels unconditional love and support gave her the confidence to spread her wings and test new waters in the early years when her confidence was lacking. Without him she would’ve been intimidated and cowed by the vastness of new possibilities. Her parents had never been supportive. Being adored and encouraged had been new ground for her. The world became all about infinite possibilities. Her magic had thrived and she blossomed and became a stronger witch than she’d ever imagined she could be.



Gentle hands on her shoulders brought her out of her reverie. Willow never got used to Angel’s lack of reflection. “Angel, I think you *like* sneaking up on me like that!”

“I made noise, honest! I’ve been here for awhile, admiring you. You look particularly beautiful tonight, that dress is stunning.” Willow stood up and modeled her outfit for him. It was a clingy, black, sleeveless, silk dress, with a high neck and hem that ended just above the knee. It was daringly backless and looked very sexy with her strappy, high heeled black sandals. The outfit’s combination of the ladylike and seductive was irresistible to the dual natured vampire. The way he looked at her made her tummy flutter.

Since Willow looked good enough to eat, Angel now had new plans in mind for the evening. He stood behind Willow and lightly laid his hand on her lower abdomen. He ran his other hand along her neck, moving her lustrous hair over her shoulder. He relished the feel of the silken tresses on the top of his hand as much as his fingertips did her body, as they slid across her collar bone, then down to her breast, ribcage and abdomen. Once he reached the end of her hair, the hand moved again to her back. The tactile sensation made Willow shiver. The controlling, deliberate actions of her lover told her she was being seduced by the demon *and* man within him. She knew the rules of this game and forced herself to stand perfectly still, even though every inch of her tingled with sexual anticipation. There was something particularly enticing about feeling him, but not being able to see him. The hand on her stomach felt like a firebrand to every nerve ending it touched. His knuckles began a torturously slow ascent at the base of her spine causing tremors as they slid along every vertebrae in their path. Willow’s willpower was being sorely tested…as it was meant to be. She was so wet and wanting she couldn’t think straight, all she could do was feel…and be in awe of his ability to excite her so much with so little effort. When his knuckles reached the nape of her neck, he spread his fingers and burrowed them into her hair, tenderly turning her head to the side. Purring caused his tongue to vibrate as it began to trace her ear.

Willow’s resulting gasp told Angel her surrender was near. Once her resistance was breached, she’d turn the tables and take command, forcing his submission to her will. His erection was painfully hard in ecstatic anticipation. His demon passionately craved the intense, erotic satisfaction Willow’s dominance brought him.

Willow knew exactly what he wanted, but was determined to make him wait. She forced herself to be patient. Taking a deep breath, she made herself relax and just enjoy everything he was doing to her, without pushing him to pick up the pace. God, he sure knew what he was doing. The hands on her stomach and in her hair began to knead sensuously. “Mmmm,” she murmured as her hips swayed, but she stood her ground.

Angel growled, then chuckled. He could smell her desire, hear her heart pound, even feel the blood pulse excitedly through her. She was resisting, but it was costing her. He pressed his throbbing erection against her bottom, eliciting moans from both of them.

Still, Willow remained a passive participant. Ha! The vixen! She thinks we’re playing *her* game instead of mine. I wrote the fucking book on seduction, he crowed to himself. Angel’s deft fingers found the zipper on the side of the dress and slid it down. He sucked her earlobe into his mouth, worrying it with his tongue as his hand snaked into the dress. “Good girl, no panties,” he whispered huskily. He cupped her mound and pressed her more firmly against him…making damned sure to separate his fingers, so she got no clitoral stimulation.

Willow’s resolve remained firm, even as her breathing became labored. She didn’t consider noises surrender, as she released moans in time with the humming of her body. She felt ridges rise on his forehead as he nibbled and sucked along the column of her neck. Her body quivered and she locked her knees to remain upright. The hand in her hair skimmed along her neck and shoulder taking the dress with it. “Nnnnnmmmm,” she gasped as the hand continued down her arm, baring her painfully hard nipples to the cool air and trapping her hands at her sides at the same time. Somewhere in her lust addled mind she knew he was reaching his limits. His hips were rotating and bouncing against her ass. Willow allowed herself to cry out as his fingertips grazed an aching nipple…back and forth, they strummed, driving her crazy. He was going to come if something didn’t give soon. She wouldn’t take control *or* beg. She did tighten her vaginal muscles…at this rate, she might climax from the teasing alone. Both their bodies were shaking with need.

As a last ditch effort to breakdown her defenses before he came in his pants, Angel harshly twisted the nipple he’d been playing with so delicately. Willow’s body stiffened at the abrupt change in tactics and she orgasmed hard, with loud, unintelligible words flowing out of her mouth.

“Dammit woman!” In one fell swoop Angel pulled the dress to the floor and bent her over the back of a chair, forcing her legs apart with his foot. Quickly, he freed himself from his pants. Grabbing her hips, he entered her tight, wet heat from behind and pounded into her mercilessly. Her muscles contracted with another climax, triggering his release. It felt so good, it hurt. He grunted fiercely, continuing to thrust until his balls were empty. Spent, he collapsed on top of her.

Neither of them were able to move. After an extended silence, some fog shrouded part of Angel’s brain realized Willow had spoken. “What was that, sweetheart?”

“I *said*,” Willow wiggled to let him know she wanted up, “That was a fun game, wanna play again?”

Angel let out a bark of laughter as he moved off of her. The cocky little smartass! “Willow darlin’, you are one of a kind.”

Willow stretched and stood up straight, smiling smugly in response to his compliment. She was perfectly aware of the effect she had on him with her mussed hair, bruised hips and naked body, still wearing her ‘come fuck me’ shoes.

Their sex life had reached new heights with Willow’s increased strength and resilience. Since hurting or damaging her weren’t the risks they once were, Angel and his demon were in a sexual heaven that surpassed their wildest dreams. Watching her hungrily, Angel unconsciously stroked his recently resurrected hard-on.

Since Angel continued to just stand there watching her, without making a move towards her or the bed, Willow took matters into her own hands. Coyly, she said, “Oops, we’re going to be late for our dinner reservation if we don’t hurry.” Provocatively, she walked over to her discarded dress and with her back to a transfixed Angel, bent at the waist to pick it up.

Smirking, Angel said, “Who do you think you’re fooling, little girl? Prancing around naked, in high heels, wiggling your luscious ass at me. You want me bad.”

Angel swaggered towards her confidently as she stood with her dress over her arm. Looking at him thoughtfully, she replied, “Nope, I don’t think so. Besides, you’re the one who made the reservation.” Willow laid the dress over a chair and sat back down at her vanity table to tidy her hair. “I wouldn’t dream of spoiling your plans for a romantic evening out *and* I’m only naked because you’re a horny vampire who can’t keep your hands off of me.”

Disbelievingly, Angel snorted. As Willow finished re-brushing her hair and began to freshen her make-up, he began to have doubts. “Oh,” he said, pouting like a disappointed child.

Willow wasn’t facing Angel, but knew he was pouting, by his pitiful little utterance. He was irresistible to her when he did that. Turning to face him, crossing her legs prettily, she said, “Of course, an evening in, with you, is always nice.” She smiled seductively, “It’s up to you.”

Angel grinned, delighted to get his way, but had to make sure. He crossed his arms, feeling benevolent now that the ball was back in his court. “You won’t be disappointed if we don’t spend a night on the town celebrating the big event?”

Willow thought Angel had never looked sexier. He stood there in his dress shirt, tie and slacks, all slightly askew from their recent romp. She’d like nothing better than to spend the rest of the night letting him show her, for the zillionth time, that he was just as sexy as he looked.

She slowly rose and walked towards him. He watched her expectantly as she ran her hands up his arms and began to massage his shoulders. Willow smiled saucily and said, “Well, lover, tomorrow night the hotel will be full, everyone will be here, this is our last night alone for a week…and you *know* there will be no shortage of celebrating. They won’t let our 100th wedding anniversary pass without a lot of festive chaos.”

Angel sighed and took his beautiful wife in his arms. Resting his head on hers, he idly traced her bare back with his hands. He looked at their wedding picture, prominently displayed on the dresser. The night they got married had been glorious. He smiled with tears in his eyes, looking at the photo; Willow looked like a goddess, adorned in traditional white lace, and he was grinning like an idiot. They were surrounded by the best friends anyone could ask for: Wesley, Gunn, Cordelia, Buffy, Xander and Giles were clearly sharing every bit of joy he and Willow felt that night. They were all gone now, but had left them a priceless legacy of love: their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great great-grandchildren.

Willow hugged her husband tighter, feeling his tears on her head. She knew what he was thinking about and feeling. “Angel, my love, don’t think about the losses. Think about Buffy’s happiness the day she found out she was pregnant and discovered it released her from her duties and called the next Slayer. Think about the day Xander welcomed his first grandchild into the world. Remember how thrilled and honored Giles was when the Watchers Council asked him to restructure it and lead the new Order. Our dearest friends led rich, full lives and gave us umpteen nieces and nephews to cherish and adore. Even though we’ve mourned the loss of some of the children…they remain the gift that keeps on giving. Our lost loved ones live on in them. We’re blessed with an enormous family.” Willow had tears in her eyes now. She pulled back and took Angel’s face in her hands. “In honor of our centennial, the next week will be full of love, laughter, hugs, kisses and precious, crying babies. Tonight’s for us. Let’s spend it showing each other what we have to look forward to for the *next* hundred years.

Angel had a lump in his throat and couldn’t speak. He loved this woman with all of his heart, and she enchanted him every single day of their life together. Nodding his head, he buried his hands in her magnificent red hair and gave her a kiss that made her head spin.

the end