The first indication Angelus had that things would not be going back to the way they were was the banner draped across the main road leading to the castle. 

Welcome Home, Angelus, King and Ancient, Joined Mate to our beloved Queen and Ancient, Buffy. 

Buffy snickered at the sight but wisely said nothing. Angelus scowled and was about to order the banner torn down. He stopped when he realized that the sign was right. Buffy was their leader now, he was the one to desert her and them for years. Still, he couldn’t allow that banner to remain. 

Motioning to Gunn, he ordered, “Remove it.” Right or not, if Angelus allowed the sign to stay, he’d admit to a weakness none could ever see. Just because he was different, just because it’d been years since he’d ruled here, didn’t mean he could allow such subtle insolence to remain. 

Gunn nodded at his command, ordering two of his guards to do so as they resumed their journey. 

‘Beloved Queen and Ancient, I like it,’ Buffy said as she once more leaned against her husband’s side as their carriage made its way closer to the city. She planned, right before they entered the grounds, to sit up straight, open the window dressings, and show her people that she wasn’t as injured as she really was, but for now, it was nice just to lean against him. 

‘That, my love, does not surprise me.’ He told her as he leaned his head against the back seat, arms tight around his wife. ‘We never did talk,’ he continued with a mental sigh that sounded clearly over their link, ‘About what we’re going to do. How we’re going to rule.’ 

Stiffening, Buffy pulled away and looked at him. ‘You can’t expect me to return to my role,’ she said clearly. Then, aloud, “I can’t do it, Angelus; I can’t go back to the way things were. At the time I didn't mind it, still don’t. I never held it against you. But you’ve been gone, for a long while, and I had to change.” 

For long minutes, he said nothing in the swaying carriage. “I know.” He finally admitted, staring straight ahead. “I never had a problem ruling beside you, beloved,” and now he looked directly at her. “But before…before it was always clear who the Ancient was. Now, now you are in your own right.” 

“It wasn’t easy,” she told him, effortlessly picking up on his unspoken question as to how that happened. “The alliances with Rezov helped, the Continuum was impressed with the way a ‘non-vampire ruled a vampiric kingdom. With enough ruthless cunning and skill to do any Ancient proud.’” 

“Who said that?” Angelus asked with a smile. 

“It was part of the official proclamation released by the Continuum. Past treaties aside, once Ariana and Andre were betrothed, and it was clear our kingdoms were to be united in such a permanent way, others began petitioning for acceptance.” Settling back against him, Buffy told him how it all came about. The shortened version. 

“Rezov’s seers foresaw something big between our kingdoms; Garvie thought it was him taking over Aurelius. When it was clear that you weren’t returning, and once I announced my pregnancy, Ambassador Cuman of Rezov proposed this alliance. It was more than the peace treaty between us, but not quite the partnership we have now. The first time Ariana met Andre, Drusilla said something to me about the two of them. It was clear Ariana wanted the Andre, and once their betrothal tied us together, the Continuum started the process. 

“Being named as the first non-vampire Ancient of the Continuum caused quite the stir, and I think that’s when the whole Cult rebellion really took off. There were some who didn’t think a non-vampire should hold the title, but nearly everyone in Aurelius supported the decision. I think there was a petition going around, but that could just be a rumor.” 

Angelus smiled at that and then wondered with a scowl, “And those who didn’t support you as Ancient? 

“Ah, I believe Oz and Gunn had something to say about that. But you’d have to double check with them and William and Drusilla.” Briefly, she thought about William’s flirtation with his own coup, but decided not to mention anything. Too late, Angelus noticed it.

“What about William?” The name was a growl and Buffy frowned. 

“It wasn’t what you think. Okay,” she amended when she saw his look, “So it was. But he never did anything about it and was loyal solely to me. In fact, I don’t think he realizes I even know about it.” 

They were entering the gates to the city now, the castle an imposing structure in the distance. With the exception of his wife, nothing had ever looked as beautiful to Angelus as his home. He missed the sun and had stood for long moments atop the Portal Plateau letting the light warm him. He’d missed the sounds and smells, too, the call of the native birds, the distant roars of the Dragons from so many miles away. He’d missed the way the grass felt under his boots and the way the breeze gently caressed his skin. 

He’d missed Buffy in that sunlight, the way her thick hair seemed to absorb the rays, making the golden locks shine all the more. Walking down to the waiting caravan, Buffy’s hand in his, Angelus realized he’d missed that, too. Not just walking with Buffy, that was obvious, but walking with her in the sunlight, unafraid of what those rays could do to his body. 

Willow seemed equally taken with his home and Angelus wondered what the human was thinking. She looked everywhere at once, her eyes wide with wonder and her mouth slightly agape. When the gryphon soared overhead, calling his greeting to both he and Buffy, Willow looked like she’d burst from curiosity. 

Ade-Aman swooped down, gracefully landing on Buffy’s outstretched arm. The gryphon eyed Angelus warily, not saying anything for a long while. Then, surprising Willow into even more squeaking, the majestic animal bowed from his neck. 

“Welcome home, Angelus, Ancient and King of Aurelius.” 

Bowing back as they stopped at the base of the plateau, Angelus returned the greeting. Buffy told him a little of the creature, how they’d grown into friends over the years, but Angelus didn’t expect the part bird, part lion to greet him at all; of course until Buffy mentioned it, he didn't know the animal could speak, either. He should’ve suspected that, of course, since the creature was constantly with Buffy, so much so, that when Angelus felt compelled to tattoo a permanent reminder of his wife, the gryphon was the symbol her chose. 

Angelus knew what the gryphon expected of him, knew that the creature stayed with his beloved while he’d been elsewhere. And wondered how much Ade-Aman knew of the circumstances surrounding his disappearance. Looking into Ade-Aman’s eyes, Angelus had a feeling he knew more than he let on. 

“Thank you, Ade-Aman of the Land of Dragons and Beasts.”

Seemingly satisfied, though he eyed Angelus fiercely as the vampire continued to the waiting carriage, Ade-Aman waited until he and Buffy climbed into the vehicle before taking his perch atop with the waiting Firsts. 

“Welcome home, my husband,” Buffy whispered, now, as she kissed him gently. Pulling away with a smile, she opened the window dressings and pulled away from Angelus. Her side still hurt, but she knew simply being here would make her better. Home always had that effect.
~~~~~~~~~~
Chaos reigned in the courtyard as people scurried around in a near panic.

Willow had never seen anything like it. Well, not since that last major earthquake to hit California. Considering nothing like that happened here, she was amazed at the sheer amount of activity. Intellectually she knew Angelus was some kind of leader and that Buffy was his queen. When faced with the proof of it, however, she was in shock. Her carriage was the last one, following Angelus and Buffy’s, Ariana and Andre’s, Tara and Rupert’s, then her, with William and Drusilla; the rest of the guards followed on large stocky horses that looked meaner than Willow imagined a horse should look. 

People lined the street leading to the castle, bowing deeply from the waist down, all but kowtowing as the carriages made their way through. Mesmerized, Willow couldn’t help but stare out the window at the scene. By the time her carriage rolled by, most had started to straighten. They looked at her curiously, and the redhead couldn’t help but wonder if they knew she was human. 

Faith often said a vampire could tell a lot by smell, and Willow knew Angelus had keen senses, but could they tell she was human just by that? Panicked, her heart racing, Willow shrank backwards, out of sight of the many stares. Oh, God, she’d made a mistake, she really was going to be sold into something, she was human, and it didn’t seem like they got many human visitors here. 

Drusilla’s tinkling laughter echoed around the carriage, causing Willow to look away from the window and at the stunning vampiress. “Do not worry my little tree,” she said as her eyes sparkled. “You won’t be harmed here. They are merely curious as to why a human rides in the royal caravan.” 

Somehow that reassurance didn’t exactly work. 

Now, as they entered the courtyard, Willow wondered – yet again – if she’d made a mistake in coming here. There was this really big gryphon circling above Angelus and Buffy, Willow wanted a camera to show Wes how real the supposed mythical creatures really were. And were there more than one of them? So many questions, she thought as William ushered her through to the Great Hall, maybe she’d start a journal, so she wouldn’t forget anything. 

Entering last, she noticed the unnatural hush that descended on the room as Angelus walked forward with Buffy at his side. This wasn’t exactly how she pictured large vampire gatherings. There was no noise, no fighting, she wasn’t being attacked, merely looked at as an oddity; blood did not stain the walls and floors, in fact everything was meticulously clean. A fire raged in the large fireplace, attendants and guards lined the walls while others crowded the doorways.

They were dressed differently, too, in expensive looking materials that belied the ragtag look Willow often associated with the undead. Oh, it was obvious who held the higher ranks, their clothes and jewelry were of the highest quality, but rags were definitely not present in the room. Willow wondered if they cleaned with silk, too. William and Drusilla hung back, and Willow stayed silently at their side. 

She had no idea her place here, didn’t know what she should do or say and didn’t know if she should even be in this room. Rupert and Tara stood off to the side and Willow wondered at that. Weren’t they royalty, too? Angelus stood atop the dais with Buffy and looked out over the gathering with an imperious stare. He looked nothing like the vampire Willow knew, gone was the silent brooding quality, and in its place was the restrained violence always just beneath the surface of the vampire’s proud exterior. 

Buffy looked delicate next to him, the flowing sleeves of her corset-like top adding a sense of graceful fragility to the elf. But she held herself with an equal amount of pride, her eyes scanning the masses with the same look as her husband. The knowledge that she held the power, that she was the ruler, that she was all in this kingdom, was evident in her stance.

Willow was awestruck at the sight. 

“Aurelius,” the Herald’s voice rang out, startling Willow from her perusal. “Bow before your King and Ancient, Angelus of Aurelius, Joined Mate to Buffy, Queen and Ancient of Aurelius!” 

The cheer that sounded in the hall was deafening and Willow could only stare at the applauding vampires. These were the fierce creatures of the night they hunted for so long? This wasn’t what she expected, the happy smiling faces, the congratulatory shouts. Where were the fangs, the hissing for someone’s – anyone’s – death? Where was the human sacrifice, where was the dancing naked in blood? 

Huffing to herself, Willow pouted over her misconceptions. 

Angelus stood there, nodding his head at the welcoming; he lifted Buffy’s hand to his mouth, and gently kissing the palm. Another cheer sounded in the hall and Willow could only shake her head. Faith was so not going to believe this! 

Once the noise died down, Angelus took a step forward. “It is good to return to my kingdom, free from the magicks that took me from you for so long.” His voice echoed in the hush of the hall and Willow was fascinated to see how the vamps in the room ate up every word he said. Amazing, they really did believe that whole bad magicks story. 

“It pleases me greatly,” he continued smoothly to the audible sigh of relief that echoed throughout the room, “To see the prosperity your Queen and Ancient has fostered in my stead.” 

He said nothing more, but gestured for everyone to take a seat, lowering himself into his own large and ornate chair first. Buffy sat beside him, having not said a word and Willow wondered at that. If she was the one to run this whole show while Angelus was on Earth, shouldn’t she say something now? Shrugging her shoulders as she followed William and Drusilla, Willow ignored the stares of the entire room, scooting closer to the two friendly vampires before her, and took her own seat near the dais. 

Once everyone was seated, Buffy rose, her cup was held aloft and she smiled down at the tables. “To Angelus’ return and to our once more united kingdom!” More cheers, but Buffy didn’t sit and everyone quickly quieted. “And to our guest, Willow of Los Angeles,” all eyes swiveled to her and Willow felt herself blush. Showing none of the anger or jealously Buffy felt, however unreasonable, towards the human, she smiled and finished. “A true friend to both our Ancient and our kingdom. May her lessons with Tara, Princess of Elves and Healer of the Lands make her truly one of us.” 

There was another round of cheers and Willow wondered if they were really drunk, instead of happy to see her. It made sense. 

Several vampires in front stood from their high tables, obviously places of honor. “King Angelus,” the first one bowed, “The Kingdom of Rezov wishes you welcome on your return.” 

Angelus rose and bowed in return, drinking a toast to the speaker. Another stood, repeating the bowing. “King Angelus, the Kingdom of Muskogea bids you welcome on your return.” Angelus, still standing, bowed and drank again. 

A third man stood, “King Angelus, the Kingdom of Mohi bids you welcome on your return.” Angelus repeated the same performance and Willow wondered if he drank wine or something else. 

A fourth man stood, “King Angelus, the Ancient Circle of the Continuum bids you welcome on your triumphant return.” 

After he sat, Ariana moved from her mother’s side and bowed to her father, kissing him on each cheek before sitting down between Andre and Angelus. Rupert walked up next, bowing slightly to both Angelus and Buffy. He kissed his daughter on both cheeks, holding her hands briefly in his as he silently asked her something. 

Stepping back, he turned to Angelus. “My son,” his voice rang out, “It is good to have you returned to us.” He repeated the symbolic gesture to Angelus, kissing both cheeks and bowing before taking his place to Buffy’s left, next to Tara. 

Angelus sat again and that was the signal, apparently, for everyone to begin eating. Willow looked around as she nibbled on the meats and fruits, wondering if they always ate like this. It was all so very Robin Hood, the Great Hall, the lined of tables, the scores of people. She half-expected Errol Flynn to swing in, from above. In a place this size, she figured there’d be a dining room or something.

She’d have to explore…maybe they had a map for her, like they gave you in Disney Land. All she saw so far was this room and the outside of the place. It looked huge from there; Willow couldn’t imagine what it’d be like once she really was inside.
~~~~~~~~~~
It was Buffy who decided to show their guest to her rooms. 

She wasn’t sure why as she’d done her best to avoid the human since realizing Willow’s feelings towards Angelus. Buffy was a jealous woman, and when she thought someone wanted her husband, things tended not to go well for the would-be other woman. It didn’t help the other woman that Angelus was never interested, they were and that was enough for Buffy. 

Oz and several of her Royal Guards followed them down the hallway, towards the guest wing of the castle. Oh, yeah, Willow knew she was going to get lost, there were entirely too many corridors and stairways and alcoves. It was worse than a maze, way worse than Disney Land. Stopping outside the door, Buffy looked at the slightly taller human and noted how Willow’s eyes followed Oz. 

“I’ll station a guard outside your door, no one will dare harm you, but we’ve only recently quelled the rebellion.” Willow nodded and shifted nervously. “Someone will wake you when it’s time for our morning meal, is there something you prefer to eat?” 

“Uh, no,” Willow said and tried not to stutter. “Just nothing with blood in it.” 

Nodding Buffy smiled. “There’s plenty to choose from, not everyone here is a vampire. Your bags have been brought to your room and unpacked; these are temporary quarters only. I believe you’re leaving with my father and sister within the week. Is there anything else you require now?” 

Willow shook her head, red hair swaying softly around her face. Buffy looked at the woman and realized what it was Oz saw in her. She was beautiful, shy, and, Buffy knew from her brief stay in Los Angeles, smart. Powerful magicks flowed through her and she’d helped the slayer for years, yet she retained a kind of innocence. Making up her mind, Buffy nodded goodnight. 

“Oz,” she said to her First. “If you’d be so kind as to see that our guest is settled comfortably,” holding up a hand at his automatic refusal, Buffy continued, “I’ll return directly to our rooms, I believe Gunn and Angelus are already there.” 

Reluctantly nodding, Oz turned to the remaining guards. They all knew the drill; one was to stay outside the door with rotating four-hour shifts. The rest were to escort their Queen back to her rooms, as quickly and quietly as possible. “Inform Gunn I’ll return within the hour.” 

They left and Oz motioned Willow into her room. “I’m glad,” he said once the door was closed and Willow stood in the center of the chamber still fidgeting. “That you joined us.” 

“Oh, yeah. Thanks. I, uh…well…I’m still not sure this is the right choice. I mean I want to learn,” she continued in a rush, “And I know Tara can teach me…should I not call her that?” 

“In private,” Oz smiled, “You may call her that, as she’s given you leave to. In public, Princess or Healer will do.” 

“Oh, right, because of the whole royalty thing. Wow, I’ve never met royalty before, this is…” Willow trailed off. Using all her courage, comforting herself with the knowledge that she would be leaving for Tara’s home in a few days, and if worse came to worse, she could leave all this and go back to LA, she asked, “Did you really want me to come? Gunn said you did, and Faith was convinced you wanted me, but…” 

“Yes,” Oz said even as he plotted ways to kill his friend, “Yes I wanted you to come. But I fear I’ve done you a great disservice.” 

“Really? How?” 

“In my selfishness in wanting you to myself, I didn’t inform you of all my duties require of me. I am First to Buffy, Queen and Ancient of Aurelius. It is my duty to see to her wellbeing at all times, to see that she is safe and protected, even if it’s from courtiers who petition her. Much of my time is spent with her; when someone else is on duty, I confer with Gunn on security matters within the castle, kingdom, and now, the Continuum.”

Willow was silent for a while, strangely relieved that he wasn’t going to be near her all the time. “Oh, well, good then,” she said with a bright smile that tugged at Oz’s heart. “Because I plan on learning everything I can from Tara. There so much I don’t know, about this land, about the magicks I can do, and I want to learn it all.” 

Smiling as he crossed the few steps between them, Oz held her head gently in his hands and kissed her. She tasted so sweet, so innocent, so fresh. He could easily become addicted to her mouth alone. Reluctantly pulling away, not wanting to scare her on her first night here, Oz swallowed thickly and took a step back. 

“Your guard’s name is Lamar, should you need anything during the night you merely have to ask him.” 

“You mean,” Willow asked shocked, “He’s just going to stand there all night? Won’t he get tired?” 

Chuckling, the First reassured her. Priestess, she was so sweet. “There are rotating shifts, Lamar, Karsten, and Sebasten. A maid will wake you and help you dress. I believe you are dinning with the king and queen in the morning.” 

Paling, Willow panicked. “I don’t have anything appropriate to wear! I mean I didn’t even know Angelus was king before you guys showed up, I don’t know what to wear, how to act!” 

“Relax, Willow,” Oz soothed though he couldn’t help the smile. He’d never thought about it before, it just always was. Buffy was princess then queen, and he was her First. Then again, being First did come with privileges, among those calling their charges by their first name. “I’ll have the maid bring you an appropriate dress, and all you have to do is be yourself.”

Willow wasn’t so sure about that, she doubted they meant be her normal babbling, sometimes incoherent self. But she nodded and watched Oz leave, catching a glimpse of the guard at the door. 

Turning, she surveyed her room. It was big, really big. No wonder Angelus bought the hotel, he was used to space. A window looked out over the courtyard, still bustling with activity, and a heavy drape stood ready to cover it. Willow fingered the material and sighed at the softness of the material. A fire roared in the hearth (hehe, she had a hearth, cool!) and a large area rug covered the center of the stone floor. 

The bed was a four-poster canopied monstrosity and Willow couldn’t resist the urge to jump on it. The mattress bounced once, before enveloping her in the soft velvet of the comforter. Oh, wow, this was great. She couldn’t wait to tell Cordelia!
~~~~~~~~~~
Angelus stood at his window, looking out over the land. 

It was a scene he was very familiar with and one that often haunted his dreams. The grassy knoll just beyond the wall was where he and Buffy often rode, picnicking in the forest or by the stream, sunlight shinning on them as they sat and talked, or made love. 

“What are you thinking, Angelus?” Buffy asked as she entered the room and crossed to where he stood. 

“Nothing’s changed,” he said, “But everything has. Tonight, after the Ambassadors greeted my return, they were talking amongst themselves about what happened to me. Speculation about the magicks, and how it was you couldn’t force them out of me. Baby, what did you tell them happened?” 

Leaning back against the windowsill, Buffy looked at her husband. He wasn’t worried, so much as annoyed. There were certainly no plans to advertise his soul, but it was a concern other rumors would start – again. 

“It was pretty general, and no one ever had the nerve to question me directly,” Buffy admitted. “I think I said something to the effect of you finding new lands for us and humans attacking you with old magicks when you were returning to me. The whole thing is a little blurry, it was a while ago, and I wasn’t exactly at my best.” 

His hands found hers and Angelus entwined their fingers. Their wedding bands glowed together at the contact, making Buffy smile at the sight. “We’ll need to alleviate any suspicions they have, especially now when it’s clear I was somehow helping humans fight the vampires that lived in the Mortal Realms.” 

“Agreed,” his wife said and pushed away from the window, leading him to their bed. “William will know what the kingdom thinks, and probably the rest of the Continuum; I swear he hears more rumors than Elata does, and she’s got the best spy network I’ve ever seen.”

Angelus said nothing to that. There were so many things he needed to do, needed to see to and arrange. Everything, he figured as he leaned down to kiss Buffy, could wait until morning. 

His strong arms surrounded her, drawing her closer to the hard body she adored. Soft lips teased the corner of her mouth, tasting her jaw and cheek before finding her lips. ‘I’ve missed you, beloved,’ Angelus’ mind whispered to her as his lips continued to glide over her skin, soft and fragrant even after such a long day. 

‘And I you, Angelus,’ she replied even as her hands moved over his cool flesh, tracing muscle and sinew as she rememorized his body. 

He smiled at her, even as his hands began slowly to move under her tight top.  He was moving so slowly, so gently that when he suddenly whirled her around, bringing them to the bed, Buffy gasped in surprise. 

‘Missed you,’ Angelus murmured right before his mouth crashed down on hers. 

Ambassadors were forgotten. Stories to appease the Continuum were forgotten. Tomorrow was forgotten. Everything was forgotten except the feel of his mouth on hers, his taste, his scent, his feel. Buffy wrapped her arms around his waist and held on to the only man she ever loved, despite the time and distance that separated them. 

Suddenly everything was right in her world.

It was always a surprise to her, this intensity of sensations, whenever she was with Angelus. And she hoped that, especially now that she finally had him back, she never took it for granted. 

His tongue delved into her mouth, thoroughly tasting her as if after a long absence, when they’d loved each other hours before leaving LA. Changing the angle of the kiss, his long fingers quickly undid the ties of her corset and he pulled back ever so slightly to watch her as he slid the fabric off her body and threw it into a corner, leaving her breasts bare to his sight, his mouth. 

“So beautiful. I don’t think I tell you that nearly enough.” Lowering his mouth to her, Angelus lightly lapped first one nipple then the other, paying equal homage to her breasts. He felt more then heard Buffy’s breathy moan as his teeth and tongue scrapped over one hardened nipple, then the other, teasing, torturing. His hands found and opened the clasp of her pants, and for a moment, Angelus simply drank in the sight of her. 

Buffy moved her hands under his shirt and across his bare abdomen, up his wonderfully muscled chest and ran her fingers through his hair. It was clean and soft, shorter than she remembered, but it’d grow back.  She wrapped her arms around his neck and lifted his mouth back to hers. Kissing Angelus was one of her favorite things to do. Of course, kissing him usually led to other far more interesting activities. 

Her hands roamed down his chest, lightly flicking at his nipples through the opened neck of his shirt before tugging it over his head. Her mouth returned to his as her hands continued their exploration, resting on the waistband of his pants. Unbuttoning them, desperate to get rid of any barrier between them, Buffy quickly moved them down his hips, laughing when, in her haste, the clothing tangled in his feet. 

She felt Angelus step out of his pants and suddenly she found herself blanketed by his strong, naked body, his hands going to her hips and lifting them even as his mouth found her breast again. It had been less then twenty-four hours and Angelus was desperate for her again. He needed to touch all of her, to feel her wrapped around him, clenching at him. To feel her moving under him, with him, her heated body warming his as they rediscovered each other. 

His mouth trailed down her throat igniting a fire that Buffy had never been able to fight. Angelus moved his hands slowly down the sides of her neck, caressing her mark, across her shoulders to lightly tease the sides of her breasts. 

Those long wonderful fingers traced her ribs, moving lower and lower until they were just outside of where she most desperately wanted them to be. She jerked her hips forward in a silent plea for more and he complied, inserting first one finger then a second into her hot, wet core. Moving them tortuously, slowly in and out. 

Rotating his hand, he began to lightly tease her clit with his thumb, never once breaking rhythm.  Buffy could feel the tension building within her, feel her body start to climb that peak she found only with him. 

‘More, Angelus, now.’ She tried to whisper, but her breath was backing up and her mind was mush and she hoped her plea was at least felt by him.

Removing his fingers, Angelus clasped her hands in his, raised them over her head and entered her in one swift movement. He cried out once, as he felt Buffy’s inner muscles clench and unclench around him before beginning to move in her. 

She moaned again, not in pain but in sheer pleasure, and sank her teeth into his shoulder. The pace was fast and brutal as they tried to out race their desire and somehow prolong their mutual pleasure. She wrapped her legs around his hips urging him deeper inside of her. His lips found her breast again before moving back to her mouth, his hands tightening on hers with every movement. 

Every moan, brought him to a new high, the feel of her body, slick and sliding under his, brought a new thrill. Every taste of her brought a new need. Her body arched back, tightening around him, and Angelus clamped blunt teeth on her mark, causing Buffy to shudder in release, drawing him with her as they tumbled off the edge of desire together. 

They didn’t speak for a long moment and Buffy wondered if perhaps her vocal cords had been singed by the heat that they had generated together. More then content to stay that way for the next decade or so – sprawled on the bed, Angelus’ body pinning her heavily to the mattress – she could only sigh in contentment. 

‘I love you, Angelus.’

 ‘And I you, my wife.’ 

They fell asleep together, wrapped comfortably around each other in their own bed for the first time in years. Nothing, they vowed, would ever separate them again.

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