Inell's Fanfiction Archive

"Jonah Miller."

"What?" Willow looked up from her computer and frowned at her friend.

"His name is Jonah Miller," Buffy said with a smile as she sat down.

"Who him?" Willow said, saving her paper and turning off the computer, knowing that she wouldn't get anything else written if Buffy wanted to talk.

"That cute new guy in my Lit class," Buffy said with a dreamy look. "Light curly brown hair, green eyes and that smile."

"Oh, him," Willow smiled. "So you finally spoke to him?"

"Of course not!" Buffy smiled. "I just paid attention when the teacher called on him."

"No! You paid attention in class?" Willow put her hand over her heart and looked dismayed. "I think I'm having a heart attack."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. Laugh it up Miss Genius who would make straight A's without even attending class," Buffy said. She nodded towards the computer, "What were you working on?"

"A paper for history. World War 1 and its affects on European culture and economy," Willow recited.

"Snoozer," Buffy shook her head. "Glad it's you and not me."

"I know. It's so boring," Willow made a face. "Anyway, you've found out his name finally after three days. When are you going to speak to him?"

"I don't know," Buffy blushed slightly. "He's too good to be true. He seems smart and he's gorgeous. He's probably a demon."

Willow laughed, "We could always do a demon test on him. Make sure that he's human."

"Really?" Buffy asked before noticing the laughter in the redhead's eyes. "That's not funny, Willow."

"Well, we could do one if you really want," Willow said.

"No, I'm just being silly. Can you believe I'm acting this goofy over a guy?" Buffy asked, shaking her head.

"Yeah," Willow nodded, shrieking when the slayer smacked her arm. "Seriously, I'm glad to see you interested in a guy....."

"Since Angel," Buffy finished her friend's sentence. She smiled softly, "I'll always have a spot in my heart for him, but we're better as friends, you know?"

Willow nodded, thinking about her ill-fated crush on Xander. "Yeah, sometimes friends are all that is meant to be. You're happy, right?"

"Very happy," Buffy nodded, her eyes smiling. "Speaking of my ex-boyfriend, is he coming to research tonight?"

Willow shrugged, "How should I know?"

"Well, you are spending most nights at his place lately," Buffy said, her voice slightly teasing though she was studying her best friend.

"He's helping me with my paper," Willow said, rolling her eyes. "He doesn't report his plans to me nor does he check in with me."

"Just helping you with your paper?" Buffy asked. "You've been working on that paper for the past couple of months?"

"No," Willow said, looking away from her friend's speculative gaze. "He's just a friend."

"That's nice," Buffy said, getting most of the answers she had wanted from the redhead. "I'm glad you two are getting to be friends. Angel needs some friends."

"I know. I'm always telling him that," Willow said, laughing. "But he never listens. That entire brooding loner act is getting annoying."

"You want to go grab a burger before research?" Buffy asked, changing the subject before Willow started to question her interest. She smiled as her best friend nodded, talking to the girl about school as they left the library.

********************

Willow walked up the stairs, somehow managing to balance her book bag, her laptop and reach into her right pocket to find her key without dropping anything. She smiled triumphantly when she looked at the silver metal object. She shifted her bag onto her left hip, putting the key in the lock and opening the door slowly. Walking into the dark room, she set her bag down. She put her laptop on the table, easily side stepping the chair and leaning over to turn on the lamp. A soft glow soon cast over her pretty face as she walked back towards the wall, turning on the overhead light as well. She glanced at the closed door then her watch. It was nearly six but the sun was still overhead. It would be dusk by seven, she decided.

She turned on the radio and tuned it to a classic rock station, humming softly along to Aerosmith as she turned on her laptop and hooked everything up. Soon, she was pecking away at the keys, trying to get a little bit more written on her paper. She worked diligently for half an hour before she got up and went into the kitchen. She grabbed a can of soda, pouring it into an empty glass as she tossed the bag in the microwave. She opened a bag of chips and started snacking as she waited for the beep. Hearing it, she poured it into a glass and smiled when she heard the door open. Leaning forward, she handed him the glass and watched with curious eyes as he began to drink.

Angel turned his head as he drank, shielding his face from Willow's eyes green eyes. For some odd reason, she seemed to enjoy watching him feed. He didn't understand her at times, though that was one of the reasons he enjoyed her company. He set the glass down, licking his lips to ensure that they were clean of blood before looking at Willow. He smiled slightly when he looked at her, seeing that she had opened some chips and a soda. She pulled herself onto the counter, kicking her feet slightly as she watched him. He ran a hand through his hair, knowing it must be sticking in every direction. He had slept hard and longer than usual, his dreams filled with a certain enticing redhead. A beguiling little witch that seemed to have him bewitched even during his sleep.

"What?" Willow asked nervously, looking down to make sure she hadn't spilled something on her shirt. She looked back at Angel, wondering what had drawn his attention.

"Thanks," he nodded at the glass.

She smiled, "I thought you might be hungry."

"You may spoil me," he said softly, realizing that she had had his breakfast waiting for him most days the past month or so.

"You deserve to be spoiled sometimes," she said with a determined nod.

"How was school today?" he asked.

"It was O.K.," she said. "I had a quiz in Calculus but I think I aced it. Cordelia and Xander had another big break up before school but they were making out in the utility closet before the end of the day. Let's see...I got a little more of my paper written after school. Oh, and Buffy has a new crush on some guy in her Lit class. Overall, pretty uneventful."

He smiled slightly at her ramblings, "A new crush? Something passing or...?"

Willow shrugged as she slid down from the counter. She took the bag of chips and soda and walked past him, "With Buffy, who knows? She seems pretty interested in him but she just recently learned his name. I've seen him around and heard he's a real nice guy, so that's something. Supposed to be real smart, which is a change for Buffy. She tends to like those eye candy guys, great to look at with hardly any substance."

"Thanks," he said dryly, his lips twitching as he saw her face turn red.

"Oh my...I didn't mean you," she explained. "I mean, you're gorgeous but you're smart too. Most of her passing interests are pretty faces. This guy seems different. If she ever gets enough nerve to speak to him, who knows? Maybe he'd be good for her."

"Gorgeous huh?" he smiled openly, not paying much attention to the rest of her rambling speech about Buffy. He still cared about the slayer, but he didn't want to spend his entire time with Willow discussing his ex-girlfriend. There were far more interesting things to discuss with Willow other than Buffy's love life, or lack there of.

"Huh?" Willow looked at him for a moment before she realized what she had said. Her face was still red so she couldn't even blush anymore. "Oh, hush. You know you're a hunk. Quit teasing me."

"Me? Tease you?" he asked innocently, moving to sit down as she made herself comfortable on the sofa in front of her laptop.

"Mr. Innocent over there," she muttered under her breath, knowing from experience that Angel loved nothing more than making her blush.

"What are your plans for the remainder of the evening?" he asked, watching her save her paper and shut down her laptop.

She shrugged, "Dunno. Faith is patrolling with Buffy tonight and Giles is observing, so I have the night off. I think Xander mentioned something about eating with Cordy's parents, but with those two, who knows? My parents are in town for the time being and I honestly don't want to be around either of them at the moment, so I came over here."

"So I was the last resort," he said in amusement.

"Well, I didn't want to bug you so I exhausted all other options before bothering you," she explained, knowing that he didn't need to know that she would have come over regardless of what other plans she could have made, save some major evil in town.

"You never bug me, Willow," he said quietly, not believing her in the slightest. The two of them had become rather good friends over the last five months since he had returned from his exile in hell. When no one else could look at him, Willow had held out her hand and offered him her friendship. A little over seven weeks ago he had given Willow a key to his apartment, wanting her to know that she was always welcome in his home. Of course, his overactive libido had brought forth images of her sneaking into his room and waking him up in the most delicious ways. Judging from the fact that she blushed every time he teased her, he somehow doubted she'd take advantage of his key in the ways he wished. "Are you hungry?"

Willow giggled when she saw his pointed gaze at the almost empty bag of chips that was sitting on the sofa beside her, "Not so much anymore."

"Why don't you let me get dressed and we can go grab a burger," he volunteered, glancing down at the pajama bottoms and shirt that he had thrown on when he had smelled the heated blood.

"Sure," Willow said, letting her eyes linger on the unbuttoned shirt that Angel was wearing. She had tried her best to not notice the bare chest, but he had drawn her attention to it with his random comment. Goddess, it should be illegal for someone to look that damn good and especially considering he had been dead more than two hundred years. "I could always eat."

"Maybe we could uh," he trailed off, wondering why he was acting so much like a school boy, "drop by Blockbuster or something."

She smiled brightly, "That would be very nifty."

"Good...great," he smiled, getting to his feet, pleased that he had made her smile.

"You know, we could always just order a pizza and watch something you already own," she pointed out logically.

"Would you rather have pizza?" he asked, a bit disappointed that she appeared to not want to out with him. Of course, he justified, she just thought of him as a friend, as her best friend's ex-boyfriend in fact. She had no idea the secret fantasies he had about her constantly or the way just the smell of her could make him happy.

"I'd rather stay here with you," she said softly, blushing slightly as she looked at the blank television. It was rather selfish, but here, in his apartment, he was her Angel and she didn't have to share with anyone else.

"I think I still have some coupons from last time," he said, pleased by her admission. "Why don't you pick a movie and I'll call in the pizza."

"Sounds like a plan," she said, moving from the sofa and going to the cabinet that held his movies. She missed the soft look he shot her way and the way his eyes studied her for several moments before he went into his room.



********************

Willow moved past the group of students and headed towards the library. She paused and smiled when she saw Buffy standing by the door to her Lit class holding what sort of resembled a conversation with Jonah. Willow moved closer, curious to hear what Buffy was saying. She had to smile when she heard the stilted rambling quest for notes or some other lame excuse the slayer had come up with. She took the time to look at Jonah and noticed two things. One, he really was an attractive guy. Two, he seemed to be quite taken with the babbling blushing slayer. She wondered if Buffy had any idea that he was interested. Probably not. The blonde could be smart about so many things but never when it came to men.

Willow moved past them, the small smile staying on her face. It had taken Buffy nearly a week after finding out Jonah's name to now finally speak to him. If that courtship kept up that way, they wouldn't end up on their first date until sometime over the summer, Willow decided. She entered the library, calling out hello to Xander as she put her bag on the table, "Hey Xan."

"Wills, how goes it?" he asked, taking a bite of his Oreo.

Willow reached over and grabbed a handful of cookies, laughing as he smacked at her hand and pulled the bag closer to him. "It's going. Where's Cordy?"

"Cheerleading practice," he said, glaring at her as she ate one of his cookies.

"In Spring?" she asked, taking a seat and deliberately oohing and ahing over the cookie.

"Baseball season," he shrugged, "I don't ask. I learned not to ask."

"Too busy drooling over her in her uniform?" Willow asked with a smirk.

"Evil, Wills. Truly evil," he said, laughing as he didn't deny her accusation. "So, where's the Buffster?"

"Making the moves with Jonah," Willow said, wriggling her eyebrows playfully.

"Oooh, finally? Crush of the last three weeks and move making?" Xander nodded. "Is he making them back?"

"He is, but knowing Buffy, she won't see it," Willow shook her head.

"Speaking of move making," Xander leaned back, a large smile crossing his face, "how goes it with the Broody One?"

"He's fine," Willow said, rolling her eyes. "He isn't nearly as broody either."

"Really?" Xander drew the word out into several syllables.

"Really what?" Buffy asked as she came into the library. She moved to the empty chair opposite Willow and tossed her stuff down. "What did I miss?"

"Willow was just telling me that the king of the brood may have to give up his title," Xander said with a wink at Buffy.

"Really?" Buffy said in an imitation of Xander.

"You guys are starting to get annoying," Willow warned.

"Has he kissed you yet?" Buffy asked, leaning forward. "Has he tried?"

"Buffy!" Willow shrieked, her face red.

"Oh, eeew," Xander made a face along with a gagging sound, "I so did not need that visual."

"Angel and I are just friends," Willow said for what must be the hundredth time. "That's it. Friends. We watch TV together and talk about history. There is no kissing nor will there ever be kissing."

"Uh huh," Buffy just nodded and smiled. "OK, Wills. Friends. Yep, I get it."

"Yeah, Willow. Me too," Xander nodded as he rolled his eyes. He had always hated Angel, but since the vampire had returned from Hell, soul intact, he had realized that it had been jealousy over Buffy that had caused the hatred. Now, he was smart enough to see that Willow had feelings for Angel. It also seemed to him that Angel had similar feelings. And here Willow was always making fun of Buffy for being oblivious about guys. She so needed to get a clue. "I got it. No Angel kissage for the redhead."

"Good," Willow nodded, glad that they seemed to have dropped it.

"Oh, oh oh," Buffy suddenly remembered, "I talked to him!"

Willow smiled, urging, "Tell me everything."

********************

Willow laughed softly, her face lit with amusement as her hair fell over her forehead. She rolled her eyes, "You're nuts."

Angel just smiled, "Am not."

"Are too," she argued.

He reached over, brushing her hair out of her eyes. He saw their green depths widen at the contact and he moved his hand, looking away as his smile faded slightly. His fingertips burned from the brief contact and he could hear the change in her heartbeat. Looking at the table, he said, "Am not."

Willow cleared her throat, resisting the urge to touch the spot that he had just touched. Her laughter died as she nodded, "OK. You're not."

He glanced at her, his eyes narrowing at her agreement. Usually, she'd deliberately argue with him, laughing as she did. He saw the pale blush covering her cheeks and started to smile a slow, sensual smile. She was affected by him, he realized. All this time he had believed it to be merely one sided. He had thought that he was the only one that believed there could be something more than friendship existing between the two of them. He studied her face, wondering if it was merely physical. He knew that she found him attractive. He just had no idea if she could ever consider being anything more than friends. Hell, it had taken him months to earn her friendship. He didn't want to jeopardize losing it, but he also hated not having her the way that he wanted her. Not being able to hold her, to kiss her, to tell her secrets that lovers shared. He shook his head, deciding that the library was not the place for a serious soul-searching talk with himself. He was about to challenge her change of opinion when the door opened. He sighed, rolling his eyes when he saw Cordelia come in with Xander in tow. "Great," he muttered, pulling the closest book towards him and opening it.

Willow smiled slightly at Angel's word, looking at the handsome vampire from under her lashes. She watched his long fingers flip pages, noticing how careful he was with the delicate pages of the book. She couldn't keep her mind from wandering, from imagining those fingers touching her skin. She wondered if he would be as gentle with her as he was with the book. She closed her eyes, cursing her inner voices for bringing forward such tantalizing images in an entirely inappropriate place. "Hey guys."

"Willow, Deadboy," Xander greeted as he pulled out a chair and sat down near the opposite end of the table. He couldn't help smiling as his dark eyes swept over the two, noticing the flush on Willow's cheeks and the way that Angel seemed a bit too preoccupied with the book.

"Willow, that color looks great on you," Cordelia said sweetly as she sat down, focusing all of her attention on the redhead.

"Huh?" Willow looked down and then looked back at the cheerleader.

"It makes your hair radiant," Cordelia said. "Really brings out the redness."

"Ok...What do you want?" Willow asked, rolling her eyes.

"Me?" Cordelia asked innocently, batting her eyes.

"Cordelia," Willow said, her tone warning.

"Fine," Cordelia made a face. "I do have a teensy little favor."

"Why does that scare me?" Willow muttered, causing Angel to snort as he turned a page in the book.

"Hey guys," Buffy said as she entered the library. She yawned, putting down her bag as she sat beside Willow. She glanced over the redhead, noticing how close Angel was sitting and smiled, rolling her hazel eyes. Those two needed to get a clue.

"Buffy, you look lovely today," Cordelia said, smiling sweetly at the slayer.

"Oh, great," Willow said, laughing. "She's after something, Buffy. Don't trust her."

"I don't need you to tell me not to trust her," Buffy whispered in a loud voice before smiling a fake smile at Cordelia, "Cordy, thank you so much. And here I thought the sweaty, just spent two hours sparring with my watcher wearing a pair of old ratty sweats look was so last year."

"You know, you two could be a bit nicer," Cordelia said, making a face.

"She is trying," Xander said softly, hating that Cordelia seemed to have lost everything just to be with him. He knew that his friends liked Cordelia, well, tolerated her at least. He just wished sometimes that they could actually be friends with the brunette. She was actually a much different person than you might expect when you got to know her.

"Sorry, Xan," Willow said, smiling sincerely at Cordelia. "Cordelia, forgive us. It's been a long day. You mentioned a favor?"

"Never mind," Cordelia said, sighing.

"Come on, Cor," Buffy said, exchanging a look with Willow.

Cordelia studied her nail for a few minutes before looking at the blonde and redhead. She leaned forward, saying the words that she had been dreading, "It's the Spring Fling."

********************

"The Spring Fling?" Willow repeated with a puzzled look.

"What does that have to do with a favor?" Buffy asked, clearly confused.

"Hello! I'm the head cheerleader. The Spring Fling is sponsored by the cheer squad. I'm in charge of the whole damn thing. This is only the biggest dance before the prom," Cordelia said.

"And again I say, what does that have to do with us?" Buffy asked.

"I have to decorate and arrange the band and do the food and," Cordelia groaned. "And Harmony and the other girls won't talk to me."

"Don't they have to help since they're on the squad?" Willow asked.

"They'll help, but they still won't talk to me," Cordelia said, sighing. "They hate me since I chose Xander over them. I don't really care because I tend to ignore them during practices and things. They do what I say and we don't really have to be friendly. It's a bit tense but workable. This, though? After school and during lunch for a couple of weeks. I can't do all of this alone."

"So you want us to help?" Willow asked, making a face.

"You wouldn't have to do all that much. Just help a couple of days after school or during lunch with some decorations," Cordelia explained.

"And it wouldn't matter that we aren't part of the squad?" Buffy asked.

"Nope. It's strictly volunteer for decorations and stuff," Cordelia said, chewing on her bottom lip. "You know I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important. It's just, after the entire Homecoming fiasco, I need a good dance experience."

"Why us?" Willow asked, having not intended to do anything with that dance.

"Because," Cordelia said softly, "you're my friends."

Buffy and Willow exchanged another look before smiling, "Fine. I'll help."

"Me too," Willow agreed with the slayer.

"Really? You will?" Cordelia started to smile.

"Yep," Willow nodded. "We'll help, as long as I don't have to go."

Angel had stopped turning the pages at Cordelia's first words. He had been intrigued by the words Spring Fling and listened to her talk about the dance. He heard Willow, wondering why she seemed adamant about not going to the dance. He studied her closely, wondering why she didn't want to go to the school dance. He thought that all teen-age girls loved the idea of dressing up and going out to dance.

"You have to go," Cordelia protested. "You can't decorate and not see the result."

"Yeah, I can," Willow smiled.

"It's a Sadie Hawkins, isn't it?" Buffy asked, running her finger along the edge of the table.

Xander nodded this time, "Yeah, Cordy's already informed me that I'm taking her."

"You gonna ask Jonah?" Willow asked the slayer, noticing the small smile on the blonde's pretty face.

"I was thinking that I might," Buffy said with a soft laugh. "Have to see the end result of all that decorating, after all."

"This might be the perfect thing for you," Willow said, nodding. "You can let him know you're interested without making it some serious thing."

"You know, I think I will ask him," Buffy said, a determined look entering her hazel eyes.

"See? Buffy's going. You have to go," Cordelia said, not liking the idea of her friend not being at the dance. After all, she was responsible for the entire thing. It only seemed right that all of her best friends attend. Not that she'd let Willow know that she considered her a best friend.

"Sorry, I don't like dances," Willow said, sighing. She knew why she wouldn't be attending the Spring Fling. There was only one man she would ever want to have as her date and he was the one man that she could never, ever get enough courage to ask. So, instead, she would help decorate and spend that night with the man she wanted to go to the dance with. It wouldn't be quite the same, but being with him was most important. "So, when do we start?"

"The first dance meeting is tomorrow after school in the gym," Cordelia said, smiling. "I'll meet you after your lit class."

"I'll meet you two there, then," Buffy said. "At Miss. Jenkins, not the gym. I'd rather not face Harm and the others without some back up."

"Anyone hungry?" Angel asked, startling the girls.

"I forgot you were there," Buffy said, laughing. "Did someone mention food?"

Angel smiled, not at all offended by his ex-girlfriend's remarks. "I believe I did."

"I could eat," Xander said, smiling hopefully.

"Just something light for me," Cordelia said. "I only have two weeks until the dance and can't gain a single pound."

"Willow?" Angel asked softly, drawing the redhead from her thoughts. He smiled as he asked, "You hungry?"

"Sure," she said, smiling sheepishly. She hadn't been listening to him, too caught up in her own thoughts.

"The diner," he decided, watching her smile.

"I would love some apple pie," she said.

"I'm sure Vera has a slice with your name on it," Angel said, mentioning the usual night shift waitress at his and Willow's favorite diner.

Willow snorted as they all stood, not catching the looks that Buffy, Cordelia and Xander shot her and Angel or the smiles on her friends' faces. "Yeah, just cause she knows you love to eat it."

"Ah, you're just jealous because I get the larger slice," he said, winking at her as the group left the library.

******************

Angel looked at the redhead, a small frown marring his handsome face. It had been three days since the night in the library where Willow had agreed to help with the dance. The night before, she hadn't come over at all. She had called, telling him that she was going to Cordy's to discuss decorations. Decorations! She had decided that she wanted to sit around and discuss streamers and balloons rather than be with him. He knew he was being stupid. Hell, he was acting like a child. Jealous of balloons. Yet, it was there. He had missed her being with him and that had just been one missed night. He hadn't realized until he faced his empty apartment just how much her visits meant to him. Sure, he knew he cared about her, wanted her, cherished her, loved her. But, surprisingly, even his demon had seemed lonely, cagey, restless without her. For the first time in many, many years, he and his demon both agreed on something. They both wanted Willow.

"And I can't believe I said yes," Willow finished as she continued doing her math homework. When only silence greeted her, she looked up with a puzzled statement. She froze when she saw Angel watching her, his dark eyes staring at her with an intensity that surprised her. His dark eyes were, as usual, impossible to read. Just once she wished she'd look into them and clearly see what he was thinking. "Angel?"

Angel jerked slightly at her use of his name, smiling sheepishly. "Sorry, Willow. My mind was elsewhere."

"Oh," she said, feeling stupid suddenly. She had been talking to him for who knew how long yet he hadn't heard a word she had been saying. She looked back at her homework, wondering if she was bothering him by being around all the time. Maybe he was tired of her visits after school. She had just assumed he enjoyed their time together as much as she did since he had never said anything to the contrary. Now, she had to wonder how much was him enjoying and how much was him just not wanting to hurt her feelings.

"Willow, stop," he ordered softly, knowing what she was thinking even if she wasn't looking at him.

"Stop what? Doing my homework? I can't cause it's pretty important to my grade," she babbled, hating him for knowing her so well but loving him for understanding her at the same time.

"I missed you yesterday," he said quietly, watching her look up sharply. He smiled softly as he read the disbelief in her green eyes. "That's what I was thinking about. I didn't mean to ignore you. I was just caught up in my thoughts and didn't realize that you'd started talking."

"You were thinking about me?" she whispered, feeling a small shockwave of awareness move over her body. That burning intensity had been caused by thoughts of her? She didn't believe him. But, Angel had never really lied to her. "You missed me?"

He nodded, "Yes. It was quiet."

She smiled slightly, "I thought you liked the quiet."

He had to smile as she reminded him of his words the first few times that she had come over to visit. He had believed she had only come over because she felt sorry for him so he'd insisted that he was fine, that he liked the quiet and being by himself. At the time, he had meant those words. "I do, just not without you to share it with."

Her breath caught at his softly spoken words. What was he trying to say? Was he trying to say anything or was she merely suffering from too much talk about decorations and dances? Maybe she was really asleep right now and imagining that all this was happening. "I missed being here."

"Good," he smiled slightly, not pushing it. She was clearly confused, her face puzzled. He settled back in his chair, asking, "Did you girls get anything decided last night?"

She sighed, rolling her eyes, "I got to listen to Buffy and Cordelia argue over everything from colors to materials to food. Not a lot of fun. That's what I was telling you about earlier....I wish I'd never told Cordy yes."

"Maybe it won't be so bad," he said.

"It just seems so silly, really. I mean, I'm not even going. Why should I spend so much time working on it?" she asked, laughing. "I'm a sucker for a friend in need, I guess."

Angel watched her go back to her homework, a scowl crossing his lips. He hated to admit it, but he was mad. Mad that she hadn't asked him to go to the dance with her. It was so silly. Just a stupid high school dance. But, they were friends. Did that mean she'd rather miss the dance rather than ask him and be seen with him? He closed his eyes, understanding that she was shy. It probably didn't mean anything that she wasn't asking him. She wouldn't ask anyone. His eyes opened and narrowed as he felt a rush of possessiveness pass over him at the thought of her asking some pimply-faced teenager. She was his, damn it. Why the hell couldn't she see it? And why couldn't he find the words or actions to let her know how he felt? Why did he feel so scared when faced with the choice of remaining silent or risking losing her to confess this growing need he had for her?

"All done," she said, shutting her book and smiling at him. She saw his look and got up, moving into the kitchen for something cool to drink. She was thirsty, plus he didn't look like he was having pleasant thoughts. She didn't understand him. True, that one of the things that intrigued her about him, but it was also downright annoying as hell sometimes. He drops the bombshell that he missed her, doesn't enjoy even the silence without her only to get drawn back into his mind with a scowl and angry looking eyes. She knew that he didn't mean for his words to sound like they did. He had meant them to be merely friendly, affection between friends. He had no idea that her mind would make them into some quiet declaration of feelings that he could never possibly have for her. She really needed to forget that particular dream and get back in touch with reality.

She was still standing by his refrigerator when she heard the sound of a chair moving against the tile. She turned, startled to find that he had snuck in on her and was sitting there watching her with an amused look on his handsome face. No man deserved to be that good looking, she decided crossly. "What?"

He shrugged, smiling, "I noticed you were gone. I did it again, didn't I?"

"I didn't notice," she lied, not wanting him to know that she had just now been caught thinking about him. "I was thirsty."

"Hence the reason you now have a soda," he said dryly, his smile making the words less than serious.

"Quite the little joker, aren't we?" she said, rolling her eyes.

"How many nights does that committee thing meet?" he asked, wanting to know how many nights he'd wake to an empty apartment.

"I don't know," she said honestly. "I figured that I'd help at lunch or before school anyway. I have important things after school. Much more important than decorations for some silly dance."

He smiled, pleased by her words. "I wasn't aware that school dances were silly. I've always heard such good things about them, though I've never been to one before."

"You aren't missing anything," she said, making a face. "I went to one my freshman year with Jesse and Xander and it was horrible. I sat alone all night and no one except for those two even spoke to me. Well, except for Cordelia who had something really nasty to say. I don't even remember what, so I guess it wasn't really all that hurtful."

"Let's go get something to eat," he said abruptly as he stood. He had given her every indication that he wanted to go to the dance with her. Did she acknowledge that with an invitation? Noooo...he sighed, knowing that he really did want to go to the dance with her to not only make up for that horrid experience she had told him about, but also to let people know that she was his, that they could look but not touch or else. His eyes narrowed as his demon snarled. Hell, he didn't even want them looking. He considered just asking her, but it was a Sadie Hawkins. That meant she had to ask him. Well, he had a bit more than a week to work on her. He smiled, a determined look entering his eyes as they left his apartment. He would figure out some way to get her to ask him. He could be charming and convincing. He'd think of something. He loved her, and damn it, he was going to attend the Spring Fling with the beautiful redhead in his arms.

******************

Willow looked at the poster board and scowled. She moved the brush over the left side and stood back, the scowl deepening. She moved the brush over the right side. Groaning, she tossed the paintbrush on the tarp and said, "I can't do this!"

Cordelia looked at the redhead and smiled. "It can't be that bad." She moved behind the girl, her face taking on a comical expression, "Oh, yeah, that's pretty bad."

"Thanks," Willow said, glaring at the girl that had gotten her into this mess in the first place.

"Well, it's a nice...what's it supposed to be?" Cordelia asked with a smile.

"It's a flower," Willow said, pointing, "see, that's a petal and that's the stem."

"If you say so," Cordelia said, shaking her head. "Maybe we should have you blowing up the balloons. That's pretty easy."

"I warned you that I suck at things like this. Give me a program to develop and I'll have it done perfectly. Make me draw some stupid flowers and they look like sick aliens," Willow said, annoyed with her inability to draw something as simple as a flower.

"It's OK, Willow," Cordelia said, "you're just not the artistic type. No big deal."

"It is too a big deal. I wanted to make a real pretty flower," Willow said with a pout.

"You do notice that I am staying away from the paint myself?" Cordelia said, motioning to where she had been sitting amongst the balloons. She whispered, "I can't even draw a stick figure without it looking deformed."

Willow laughed, rolling her eyes, "OK...I'm not that bad off...Thanks."

Cordelia smiled, "Anytime."

The two girls sat down and began blowing up the balloons, laughing as the helium either went too fast or too slow, causing the balloons to droop or bust. Willow finally shook her head, "Even this is getting difficult!"

"Guys!" Buffy called out as she ran into the gym. She slid to a halt beside them, sitting down and laying her head on a startled Willow's lap. "Guess what!"

"You've been possessed by some perky little spirit?" Willow guessed.

"You're going to burn that shirt when you get home from school?" Cordelia volunteered. "What? It so does nothing for you, Buffy."

"I asked him!" Buffy said, sitting up and grinning from ear to ear.

"And I'd say from your enthusiastic attitude that he said yes," Willow said with a smile.

"Yes!" Buffy giggled, feeling happier than she in months. "It was so horrible. I felt like an idiot, having to ask him. But, he was so nice. He just smiled and said that he'd been hoping I'd ask him....isn't that too sweet?"

"Sickeningly," Willow said with a straight face.

"Oh, hush," Buffy threw a handful of colored balloons at the redhead.

"So, Buffy finally got the balls to ask her crush," Cordelia said with a knowing smile at the redhead. "And what about you, Missy? There's only two days until the dance....running out of time."

"Time for what?" Willow frowned as she looked at the cheerleader. "I'm not going to the dance."

"You have to go!" Buffy whined, her eyes pleading with the redhead. "If you don't go, I'm not going!"

"Buffy," Willow made a face. "I'm not going and there is no way you're missing your first date with Jonah."

"Will too," Buffy nodded. "I couldn't enjoy the dance knowing that my best friend was home and not here where she should be."

"She's right," Cordelia said, smiling slowly. "I won't go either. You have to go Willow."

"You guys!" Willow glared at them both.

"Think about it, Willow. We won't go unless you go," Cordelia said, her eyes determined as Buffy echoed her words.

"I am not going!" Willow said, "You know that you guys won't miss it. Quit being silly."

"We're completely serious, Willow. Give it some thought. We either all go, or we all stay home," Buffy said, smiling as she saw Willow's face. Maybe this would finally push her best friend into asking Angel. Any fool could see that those two were in love. Willow brightened every time she was around Angel. And Buffy had never seen Angel more happy than when he was with Willow. It didn't hurt seeing another woman make him happy when she had only seemed to bring him pain. Knowing Willow, she could understand it. Willow was special and Angel deserved someone special.

"You're both crazy," Willow said, laughing at her friends. "You won't miss the dance for me. By tomorrow, you'll both be giggling over dresses."

"Only if it's yours," Buffy said with a confident smile.

"Can't be mine since I'm not going," Willow said with her own smile.

"Think about it, Willow. Tomorrow, you can let us know if we're ALL going or not," Cordelia said sweetly, watching the redhead realize suddenly that she and Buffy might just be serious. Angel owed her one, she decided. Even threatening to miss the dance was a drastic action for her, one that he had sure as hell better appreciate.

********************

Willow sighed as she rested her head against the couch, her mind still on her earlier conversation with Cordelia and Buffy. Surely they hadn't been serious about missing the dance if she didn't go. They both knew her views on dances. They also knew she wasn't going to go to the Spring Fling. What were they thinking, trying to blackmail her into going?

"Is something bothering you?" Angel asked, looking up from his book and studying Willow. She had been quiet since arriving at his apartment shortly after six. There were many nights that they had spent in a comfortable silence, but usually after catching up about the day and such. This evening, she had just smiled then sat down, her mind obviously elsewhere. Deciding not to push, he had just continued reading. Now, though, he had heard several sighs. Knowing from experience that sighing meant she wanted to talk about something but didn't want to bring it up, he had asked his question.

"Buffy and Cordelia," Willow said, making a face. She looked at him and explained, "We had decoration committee after school today. And, Buffy finally asked Jonah to the dance. He said yes by the way."

"Good," he replied, wondering how that had upset Willow.

"Yeah, it's great," she said crossly. "Now, she and Cordy are saying that they won't go to the dance unless I go. I thought they were just teasing, but I honestly think that they might be serious. I can't stand them blaming me for ruining the last big dance before prom AND ruining Buffy's first date with her crush, but I don't want to go."

His lips twitched slightly as he closed his book, looking down at it to prevent himself from laughing at her terror stricken face. He couldn't believe her friends were using emotional blackmail to convince her to go to the dance. He'd have to thank them both later. "I'd say that it is your decision, Willow. If they choose not to go, that's their decision."

"I can't be the reason they don't go," she said, leaning her head back and sighing again. "I'm stuck."

"If I may ask, why don't you want to go the dance?" he asked the question that had been bothering him for weeks.

"I told you, I hate dances. Plus, it's a Sadie Hawkins," she said, looking at him with wide eyes. "That means I'd have to ask a guy."

He laughed, "I know what Sadie Hawkins is, Willow. Is that what scares you? Asking a date?"

She shrugged, "I don't know how to talk to guys, much less ask them for a date. I can't do it...."

"You talk to me," he pointed out softly, watching as she blushed.

"Well, yeah, but you're you," she said.

"It's pretty easy, actually," he said, putting the book to the side and smiling slightly.

"What is?" she asked, moving her eyes from his body back to his face.

"Asking a guy out," he said.

"Easy for you to say," she muttered, figuring that he had never been lacking in confidence.

"Here, try it," he said.

"I wouldn't know what to say," she said, making a face, thinking that this was rather silly.

"Try this," he suggested, "I know you don't know me very well, but I was wondering if you'd like to go to the dance with me."

"Just like that?" she said, giving him a skeptical look.

"Try it."

She sighed, moving onto the couch so that she faced him directly. Smiling a bright smile, she said, "Hi. I know you don't know me very well, but would you like to go to the dance with me?"

"I'd love to," he said simply, sincerity in his dark brown eyes.

She snorted, "Yeah, like any guy would actually say that."

"I would...I did," he pointed out quietly, his eyes watching her face as she looked at him, her eyes widening slightly as she licked her lips.

"You did?" she whispered, seeing a look in his eyes that made her stomach tighten. "You want to go to the dance with me?"

He smiled, a sensual smile that sent tremors all over her body, "I'd love to."

"This is just because you don't want me to feel guilty, right?" she asked, hope in her eyes.

He shook his head, "Sorry, I could care less if Cordelia or Buffy went to the dance. This is because I want to go with you, be seen with you, let everyone know that you're with me."

"Serious?" she asked, surprised by the emotion she saw in his eyes.

"Afraid so," he admitted.

She smiled, not sure what to say or do. He wanted to be seen with her. Did that mean that he wanted her as much as she wanted him? "Um, the dance is tomorrow night."

"I know," he smiled.

"Are you really sure?" she asked again, still thinking that she might be dreaming.

"I'm absolutely positive," he said, laughing a husky laugh at her obvious excitement. "Do you need to get a dress?"

"Oh my god!" Willow nodded, "I don't have anything. I wonder if anything will be left this late."

"Why don't you go buy something you like," he suggested, pulling out his credit card and handing it to her. "I'd say buy something beautiful, but it would pale in comparison to you."

She felt her cheeks blushing at his quiet compliment, knowing she must be caught up in a dream. Angel thought she was beautiful? She took the plastic card, staring at it then she looked at the phone. "I'll call Cordelia and Buffy. They'll know where to find the perfect dress."

"I'm sure they'll both be thrilled to learn you're going," he said, amused.

Willow called Cordelia who squealed when she heard Willow was going to the dance. She didn't even need to ask who Willow's date was going to be, confident that the redhead had asked the handsome vampire. Willow hung up with Cordelia planning to phone Buffy and pick her up at the slayer's house. She looked at Angel again, "Are you sure?"

Instead of responding, Angel caught her and brought her onto his lap. He kissed her tenderly, his tongue easing into her mouth to claim it as she whimpered and moved against him. Pulling back, he smiled softly, "Do you need to ask again?"

She shook her head, her lips still tingling from having his against them. She stood, not sure what to say. "I'm meeting the girls to go buy a dress. I'll call you later."

"I'll be looking forward to it," he said softly, smiling as she walked towards the door. He got to his feet, reaching for his coat, "Willow, I'll walk you to Buffy's."

She smiled, shyly taking his hand as they left his apartment.

******************

Willow stood by the mirror, a small smile on her face. Angel had walked her to Buffy's house, their conversation quiet along the way. He had kissed her before she had knocked, this kiss a bit more explorative than his earlier first kiss. She moved her fingers to her lips, closing her eyes as she remembered the feel of his mouth on hers. He had tasted like coffee and something sweet that she couldn't identify and there had been a light tart taste that she had recognized as blood. Together, it had made an intoxicating flavor that she couldn't get enough of. He had not touched her that second time with anything except his lips. The side of the house had held her up as he had kissed her, his tongue exploring every part of her mouth. She sighed, not sure how one kiss could have made her body so tense and excited.

"Earth to Willow," Buffy called out in an amused voice.

"Come in Willow," Cordelia finished, watching the redhead turn to face them, her face blushing slightly. "Do we need to ask what you're thinking about?"

"I think WHO is more appropriate, Cordy," Buffy said with a laugh.

"You know, you've both been teasing me all night," Willow said with an easy smile.

"We've earned that right. Having to watch the two of you dance around an attraction that could heat Sunnydale," Cordelia said with a nod.

"I'm so proud that you finally broke down and asked him," Buffy said with a smile.

"Yeah, how did it happen?" Cordelia asked, laying across the bed and watching the redhead. She and Willow were sleeping over at Buffy's that night, having been out shopping for the perfect dress until well past nine.

"Do you think the dress I bought is good?" Willow asked, moving to look at the dress that was hanging beside Buffy's own. Buffy's a pretty violet top that had all these straps that Willow had no idea where they all went paired with a matching skirt that would fall to the slayer's knees. Rather simple but elegant. Since it was just a spring dance, attire was not as formal as prom but was definitely not jeans and a t-shirt either. Willow knew that Cordelia had a dress that was dark blue and, knowing Delia, a bit fancier than either hers or Buffy's. Her own dress was a pretty dark green silk that fit against her body like a second skin and fell to her knees. It had a second layer of lace in a lighter shade of green that covered the tighter silk. Cordelia had declared that she looked stunning while Buffy had said that Angel would love it. A bit daring with the tightness and low neckline but a bit innocent with the lacey covering. She thought it was beautiful and liked how she looked in it. It wasn't too fancy but was fancy enough.

"It's gorgeous," Buffy answered. "Now, quit avoiding the question. We want details, girly."

"How did you ask him?" Cordelia asked, picking up a hand of popcorn.

"Actually, he sort of asked me," Willow said with a shy smile. She recounted the conversation she and Angel had had, laughing softly, "So, you see, I wasn't the brave one."

Cordelia sighed, "That is so romantic. I'd be so jealous if I wasn't happy with Xander."

"Trust Angel to figure out a way to get you to ask him," Buffy laughed, shaking her head, "You two are so meant for each other. I'm glad you both finally realized what the rest of us have known for months."

"You're really OK with this?" Willow asked her best friend, needing to make sure before she went and did something stupid like fall more in love with Angel.

"Yes, I am," Buffy said again. "You two make sense in a way that he and I never did. You are both wonderful people who deserve happiness."

"He does make me so happy," Willow confided with a small smile. "Ugh, we'd better try to get some sleep. It's after two already."

"Tomorrow, we have to finish the decorations. Everything will be perfect," Cordelia said.

"Yes, it will be," Willow responded as she laid down next to Buffy, memories of Angel's mouth on hers still haunting her mind.

******************

Willow looked down and smiled a soft smile, her eyes running over the green dress before looking up and catching her reflection in the mirror. She had to admit that she looked rather pretty. Her hair was down, curled with the help of Cordelia and her magic curling iron. A light dusting of make up was all that she wore, a bit of blush and some lipstick. She had refused to let Buffy paint her with more than that. The dress fit like it was made for her, the silk molding curves that she hadn't even been aware of. She was, however, thankful for the lace cover up. It kept her modesty while the silk made her feel sexy.

She picked up her purse and left her room, walking down the stairs to wait for Angel. It was finally the night of the Spring Fling. The first dance that she would be attending with a date. Actually, her first date with Angel. She still got giddy thinking about it. Angel had wanted to be her date. Her arm was starting to bruise from all the pinching she had done the last couple of days. Even now, it didn't seem real. Her and Angel. A slow smile spread across her face as she sat down, her bottom lip drawn into her mouth as she looked at her stockings. She glanced at the back, making sure that the seams were in line. Instead of traditional pantyhose, she had decided on black stockings and a garter belt. Her face turned pink as she remembered how scary it had been going into the lingerie store and buying those particular items. It had been as if she had Wanton Hussy emblazoned on her forehead. Now, though, she was glad that she had taken the chance. She felt sexy.

She heard the doorbell and jumped up, easing her hand down her dress as she calmed her nerves. No use in seeming too eager. Angel would probably find it amusing. Amusing was good, but she was hoping for desirable and a 'can't keep his hands off of her' attitude. Goddess, she was really going to attempt to seduce Angel. She moved to the door, peering out through the curtains as her eyes widened and she gasped. Her looked wonderful. Black trousers that were just tight enough to draw her attention but loose enough to keep her guessing. A blood red silk shirt covered his muscular chest. His leather jacket completed the informal but sophisticated look. Only Angel could make a silk shirt and pants look formal.

She opened the door slowly, watching with female satisfaction as his eyes widened and a slow, sensual smile crossed his handsome face. He was pleased. She watched as he raised his hand, running his fingers along a strand of red hair and watching as his finger moved along the curl. She felt as if her heart was in her throat, her eyes watching his and time stood still. Without saying a word, he leaned down and brushed his lips against hers. Her mouth opened, his hand moved behind her neck and held her as his kiss became more demanding. She whimpered as she moved against him, needing more, wanting more. His tongue swept into her mouth, reminding her of his possession of her, body and soul. When he pulled back, she took the opportunity to breathe in several gasps of air.

"Beautiful," he said simply, his eyes looking over her face and down her body. He could smell the sweet scent of her arousal mixed with the peaches in her shampoo and the vanilla of her lotion. An intoxicating scent that taunted him with ideas of forgetting the dance and staying inside her. He shook his head softly, a sheepish smile crossing his face as he caught her staring at him.

"Thanks," she whispered, her eyes smiling as she moved back into her living room. She picked up her purse, not sure if she needed a jacket or not. She knew it was warm now but by midnight it would be getting cooler. She smiled as an image of Angel keeping her warm went through her mind. She turned back to him, deciding that she could do without a jacket that night. After all, she had her Angel.

"Ready?" he asked, counting slowly to ten several times especially when he saw the black seams of her stockings. Dance, dance, dance, he kept reminding himself. That mantra was the only thing that kept him from taking her upstairs and showing her exactly how ready he truly was.

She smiled, smiling shyly as she took his hand. First the dance, then she would see if she could gather the courage to actually seduce Angel. She squeezed his hand and said, "Yes, I'm ready."

******************

Willow was a mess. The dance was over. She and Angel had just left with hugs to Cordelia and Buffy, leaving the others behind as they had walked into the night air. She had spent a large part of the dance trying to seduce him. Well, she wasn't really sure what she was doing could be called seducing, but to her it was. She had danced with him all night, deliberately moving her body as close to his as morally possible in front of dozens of people. All she had accomplished was turning herself on. He hadn't reacted at all, just smiling that sexy lazy smile and dancing as if they were two feet apart. She had felt his body against hers as they moved, the feel of his hand on the small of her back, his other hand resting possessively on the side of her waist or around her shoulders, depending on the type of music playing. When dancing had proven to do nothing more than excite her, she had decided to sit a few dances out.

She had sat close to him at the table that Xander had claimed, their knees touching. She had fed him a few snacks from the buffet area, his lips licking her fingers after each bite. She had been caught several times, one embarrassing time by Buffy, simply watching his tongue lap at her fingers. Then, he'd returned the favor, feeding her some of the tasty morsels. She had thought that maybe he would react the same that she had to the teasing tongue. She had taken his fingers into her mouth, sucking the juice from the pieces of fruit that he had given her. She had ran her tongue over his fingers, nipping at his flesh with her blunt teeth before pulling back and chewing the fruit. When she had looked at him from under her lashes, he wasn't even looking at her. His attention was on the dancers, showing her nothing except his profile and a nerve twitching in his cheek. When he had finally looked back at her, he had smiled and suggested another dance. No hint of lust or need at all.

She had begun to wonder why he had asked her to the dance. Well, why he had tricked her into asking him. They had kissed three times, each kiss growing more passionate, in her opinion. Yet, he didn't seem to want her at all. After dancing a bit more, they had sat down with Buffy and the others. Meeting Buffy's crush and listening to Xander and Cordelia argue then make up. She had touched him every chance that she could, not only to seduce him but because she loved touching him. She loved the feel of his skin underneath her fingers, cursed the clothing for getting in the way. And he'd touched her, his hand resting on shoulder, his fingers drawing small circles into her flesh as he had spoken to the others. He had laughed, something that caused Buffy to look at him in surprise and Xander to gape with an open mouth. And still, he just looked at her and smiled with no hints of secret lust or longing to make love to her.

They had finally left the dance near eleven after people started to drift away. He was walking her home, the silence between them comforting in a way but also damn annoying. She wanted him to want her, not just enjoy her friendship. She felt so foolish for thinking that he could have felt something for her. For letting those few kisses make her believe that someone like him would ever want someone like her. She didn't know what she had been thinking. She pulled her arms tight around her, feeling suddenly like a little girl playing dress up. This had all been a farce, her sexy dress and seduction techniques. He was her friend, just her friend. He had not wanted the others to miss the dance because of her. He hadn't want her to miss the dance. That was why he had asked her. There had never been any sort of wicked intent in his mind, much to her disappointment. She had never felt this alive before, this aroused. All night had been like some torturous foreplay exercise, only she was going home alone with no way of alleviating the tension. Well, there was a way but it wasn't exactly how she had dreamed for this night to end.

She jumped slightly when she felt his hands on her shoulders. She looked back, seeing that he was putting his coat around her. He must have thought she was cold. She smiled, looking back forward without saying anything, knowing that if she spoke, she wasn't sure what she might say. She just had a little ways to go before she would be home. Then, she could go inside and cry in the safety of her room. He was not going to see any tears from her, no siree. He was her friend, one of her best friends. She would not lose him over her silly fantasies and ridiculous assumptions. She felt him take her hand as they continued walking, his coat balanced on her shoulders. She almost groaned when she felt his finger brushing so gently against her palm. She could see her house down the street, thank God. She didn't think she could handle much more of this.

When they reached her front door, she unlocked it and faced him, "Well, I'm home. Thanks. For taking me tonight," her eyes looked at his feet, unable to meet his eyes for fear he would see her heart breaking.

"Willow," his soft voice spoke her name, causing goosebumps to rise.

She hastily continued, not wanting to deal with the big brush off, "It was fun. You're a great friend, Angel. A real good friend."

She started to turn, the tears so close she could feel them. She felt his hand on her arm and heard him laugh softly, the husky sound doing strange things to her stomach, "Willow, what am I going to do with you?"

She turned, looking up at his question, her mouth opening to question him. She gasped as he caught her mouth in a kiss, a demanding, feverish kiss that shook her to the core of her being.

******************

Angel pulled back, his dark eyes narrowed with lust and desire as he looked at Willow, seeing the wide eyes and red lips, bruised from his forceful kiss. He ran his fingers along her cheek, saying in a voice husky with need, "I've wanted to do that all evening."

"You have?" she whispered, moving her cheek against his hand. "You did real well hiding it."

"Ah, little one, why do you always doubt your beauty?" he asked, leaning forward and resting his forehead against hers. "You doubt your hold over me. I love you, Willow. I want you. You didn't need to play your little game tonight to make me want you more, though it certainly worked. Do you have any idea the control it took not to toss you to the ground and claim you in front of all those ogling boys?"

"Really?" she slowly smiled, imagining that scene in her head.

"Yes, really," he repeated, shaking his head slightly. "Willow, I don't want to leave you tonight, but I will if that's what you want. I don't want to rush you. I know this is sudden, that you had no idea how I felt. Just tell me what you want."

"You," she said in soft voice, "I want you."

"Aye, lass, are ye sure?" he asked, his desire thickening his accent.

"Please, Angel?" she asked, moving her hand up to rest on top of his. "Make love to me."

"You never have to ask again," he said, leaning down and capturing her mouth again, this time in a slow, teasing kiss. He pulled back, smiling as he swung her into his arms and walked inside her house. He kicked the door shut behind him, moving her so she could lock it, which she did with a giggle. He kissed her again as he walked towards the stairs, not able to control himself. He had spent three hours resisting her seduction. Only twice had he almost lost it. Once while dancing and again when she had taken the fruit from his fingers. Now, he planned on making up for that three hours of torture.

Willow loved kissing him. His taste was intoxicating, a unique flavoring that she could spend hours savoring. She couldn't believe that not a half hour before she thought that he didn't want her, that she was just his friend. Teach her for thinking. From the feel of his lips and the look in his eyes, he definitely wanted her. She was glad that she had left her bedroom door open, not wanting to move her hands from their position behind his head. She soon felt him lower her to her bed, her head resting on her pillows as he pulled back. His dark eyes ran over her, leaving no inch untouched by his eyes. She sat up, leaning back on her elbows as she watched him, not sure what she should do.

"I love you," he said softly as he moved to unbutton his shirt. He slid it from his shoulders, listening to her soft appreciative sigh. He kicked his shoes off, leaving his slacks. He didn't want to scare her. He knew that he was rather large and, at the moment, he was harder than he had been in decades. Instead, he sat on the side of the bed, smiling at her. He moved his hand over cheek and down her throat, his fingers tracing the lace edge of her dress. He took her hand and had her stand, her eyes watching him with curiosity. He brushed his lips against hers as he unzipped her dress, letting it fall to the floor in a soft pile. He pulled back, his eyes taking in the bra and panty set coupled with the garter belt and stockings. He groaned, only thinking that it was possible that he couldn't become more hard. He could feel himself throbbing against his pants, pushing against the zipper as he strained for freedom of the confining cotton. He moved to unfasten her bra, moving slowly so that he did not frighten her. When he slid the lace away from her breasts, he watched as a pink flush slowly covered her skin. He smiled as he saw her pert breasts, her nipples hardened little nubs begging for him to taste them. He gave in to their urging, catching one of the buds in his mouth. He listened with male satisfaction to her gasp as she arched towards him. His hands drifted down her body, moving behind her to cup her silk clad ass. He moved his mouth lower, brushing kisses along her flesh until his mouth was on the edge of her panties. He smiled against her stomach as he hooked his teeth in the dark green silk, their blunt edge rubbing against her flesh and causing her to gasp again, her hand going to his head so she wouldn't fall.

She felt cool air as he pulled her panties down with his teeth. She was now standing naked before him save her stockings and garter belt. She waited, watching as he knelt and sat back on his heels, simply looking at her with those dark, unreadable eyes. She jumped slightly when his cool fingers touched her upper thigh, unfastening the garter belt from her stockings. She stood still as he unfastened the belt, tossing it behind him towards her dress. With a purely masculine smile, he moved in closer to her, breathing in deeply as he leaned towards the juncture between her thighs. She watched him, not sure what he was doing. Sure, she'd heard about things like this, seen it in movies though the screen tended to fade before any details were shown. But this was in living vivid color. She was standing in her bedroom wearing only a pair of black stockings with her best friend's ex-boyfriend kneeling in front of her wearing only a pair of slacks, his head close to her reddish brown curls. Her eyes closed and a low moan came from her as he ran his tongue over upper thigh, his nose brushing against her wetness. His hand moved behind her ass, holding her in place as he moved his mouth higher, his nose touching her clit. She cried out as his tongue began to tease her slowly, her knees growing weak as he continued to feast on her.

Angel loved the taste of her, sure that he would be content to simply kneel in front of her for an eternity. He tasted her through two orgasms, wanting to make sure she was ready for him. When he finally realized that he couldn't wait any longer, he stood, claiming her mouth as he unfastened his pants. He moved her to the bed, laying her down, keeping himself against her. She was so warm, the smell of sweat and sex filling the room. He brushed his cock against her cunt, knowing she was ready. He tried to keep himself calm, not wanting to hurt her. He slowly pushed the head of his cock into her, hearing her heart start racing as the soft scent of fear joined the other smells. He continued to push into her, feeling her pull away as her low moan filled his ear. Finally, he had entered her completely, pushing past her barrier and simply resting against her as she adjusted to his size.

Willow felt as if someone had forced a two by four into her. It was painful, a dull pain that was spreading from between her legs down to her toes. She had never guessed that he would be so large, though she didn't know why not. She could feel the tears forming in her eyes as she felt him settle against her. After several minutes of him kissing her neck and simply waiting, she felt the pain start to fade and a slow spreading of pleasure entering her body. She moved against him, her breasts pressed against his chest. She felt him kissing the tears away as he pulled out of her before sinking back. She moaned, her hands going behind his back as he began a slow rhythm. Soon, pain was forgotten as they moved together. She felt a familiar tingle fill her body as he kissed her neck. She knew what he was fighting, could see the demon so close to his surface. He was being so gentle, so controlled, not wanting to scare her or hurt her. She touched his face, whispering, "Show me."

He looked at her in surprise, seeing the truth in her eyes. He smiled slowly, love in his eyes as he felt his demon come forward. He felt her lips on the ridges of his face as he moved, knowing that Willow would never cease to amaze him. He watched as she tilted her head, offering her neck to him as she said, "You can drink from me."

At her words, his demon took over, his thrusts became more demanding, his hands kneading her breasts as he brushed his lips over her neck. He felt her muscles tighten around him as she came, repeating his name over and over as her fingernails dug into his back. He pierced her neck, his teeth biting down in a savage claiming as his demon marked its possession of her. He felt himself cum as he pulled his mouth from her neck, his mouth finding hers. He moved his mouth again, nuzzling the mark on her neck as he purred in contentment.

"I love you," Willow said softly, brushing his hair with her fingers.

"Mine," he said simply before licking the bite.

Willow smiled at his words, knowing that they were true. She was his, body and soul. She settled back against her pillow, wondering if her dress would wrinkle on the floor and then deciding that she didn't really care enough to move him out of her to pick it up. Instead, she closed her eyes and slowly drifted off to sleep with him in her arms.

THE END