undefined

The vampire quickly stepped up behind Xander and snapped his neck with a resounding click before he ever knew he was coming. Willow looked around as she heard the crack and saw Xander’s still body on the ground lying next to Buffy’s also still form. A few feet away lay also Giles bloody and beaten form. Amy was huddled over the still form of oz-wolf who had a silver bullet in his gullet. (They’re all dead. We didn’t win. We lost. The Scooby gang lost.) she glanced around to the vampires that had not yet been staked as they stalked toward her. She quickly searched her brain for a spell that would help her and found one. With fatal efficiency she dispatched the rest of the vampires. Then she collapsed on the ground sobbing uncontrollably. ( I couldn’t save them. They’re all dear. They’re all dead. Why am I alone?) she was about to get up when she felt icy hands on her shoulders.

(Angel.) willow jumped up in bed. Sweat trickling down her face and her hands clutching the sheets in a death grip. (Not again. Not the dreams again. I can’t go through this every year near the anniversary.) on shaky legs, she climbed out of bed and walked to the bathroom. She glanced at her clock- 3:13. (Ugg. Well, only one thing to do.) she slipped on a pair of comfy sweats, a t-shirt, and sandals, grabbed her keys and headed out the door.

She drove quickly to LA general Hospital and walked up to the maternity ward. “Oh! Hello, Willow. Couldn’t sleep again, dear?”

“No, Martha, it’s getting hard. I thought I’d come by and see how the little ones were doing.”

“Little Matthew is still crying, and his parents haven’t shown up yet. It’s so sad,” Martha said shaking her head.

“I know. I love him. He reminds me of someone.” (Myself. So alone. Oh, so alone.) She walked into the nursery and looked at all the little babies. ( They’re all so cute. I just love doing this. They give me as much comfort as I give them.) willow had started volunteering at the hospital five years ago—a few weeks after the fateful day all her loved ones died. (All but Angel, but he left didn’t he?) she shook her head trying to erase those awful memories. She thought about all the time she spent in the hospital after that night. (Xander and Amy were in comas. I had to be there.) She had spent everyday for two weeks there holding onto the hope that she wouldn’t loose all of her friends. (They died though, but not without a fight.) one of her many nights there she was walking the halls and came upon the nursery and saw one tiny John doe lying in a corner bassinet crying. She questioned the nurse on duty about him. The nurse, Martha, told her he was many of the babies brought in from the street with no known parents. Willow had asked if she could try to quiet him, and Martha gladly let her. The baby sensing Willow’s love and sensitivity for him immediately quieted. Ever since then Willow regularly came down and rocked the orphan children. She also often named them and found good homes for them. It was what inspired Willow to become a pediatric doctor. (I want to help these kids.) all her professors and the nurses at the hospital said she would be perfect since she was so nurturing. (My friends would be proud.) She thought and smiled. She hadn't made any new friends; though, and got pretty lonely at times. (That’s why I come down here.) she looked down at the now sleeping infant in her arms. (I feel so needed so wanted so loved. He cries when I am not here. That kinda makes me feel good.) Some how she felt a close connection to little Michele. ( It’s gonna be had to give him up. Even harder than the others.) willow looked lovingly at the little Michael Alexander in her arms. (Xand’s name switched.) She thought kindly. (Oh, guys, I am so sorry.) she felt the familiar ache return as the memories washed over her. This time she let them come.

Five years ago

They were all juniors in college. Buffy and Xander had finally gotten together, and willow couldn’t have been happier about it. Willow and Oz had broken up freshman year )in fact Ox and Amy were engaged and planed to be married after college. (They had been so in love. I remember when Oz proposed it was so sweet. They never got a chance to live. Look at me. I got to live, and I am alone and depressed.) Willow had stayed in touch with Angel after he left for LA and they had as Buffy had put it been getting nicely chummy. (We were until he left.) she shook her head forgetting “those” memories for awhile.

Slaying had been good, but there was big prophecy coming up for one of the full moon so no one knew exactly what it would be so they prepared well. The night came, and they never saw it coming or knew what happened. ( I still don’t. ) They struck before the full moon so Oz was locked up and unable to help, and Amy was with him. Buffy and Xander were on a date. Angel was in town to help, and he and Willow were on patrol when they attacked. The others came to help but were all dead in a short time. Willow had been able to stop the rest thankfully. (But they all died.)

Willow wiped a tear form her face and placed Michael back in his crib. (I feel so tired. I guess Michael does help.) she quietly left the nursery and waved good bye to Martha. She headed home. (Ugg. I have class at 9.) she flung her keys on the table and jumped in bed. (just a few more months then I get my diploma and my new job.) willow with the help of most the medical staff at LA General had gotten a top of the line job with a private practice. She was to be paid well, and her life was for once looking up. (Except for the gaping whole in my heart.) the tears came in a down pour as more painful memories flooded her mind.

She turned around when she felt icy hands upon her shoulders and saw Angel bloody and beaten severely. (I’m not the only one! )

“Angel, thank the goddess,” she said and threw herself into his arms.

“Oh, willow,” he said trying to soothe her, “we need to get inside.” He ushered her back to the mansion.

“I got them all, angel. It’s no longer a threat,” willow said as she laid down on his couch.

“I know. Now just sleep.” Willow closed her eyes a his request and promptly fell asleep. She woke up a few hours later in a warm bed to see angel hovering over her nervously.

“Angel, what’s wrong?”

“I almost lost you. What would I have done without you?” angel whimpered a few tears falling down his face.

“Shh, I am here,” she cooed as she lifted her had to stroke his tear streaked face, “I’m okay. Your didn’t loose me.”

“But you don’t understand,” angel said leaning his face into her hand.

“What angel? Make me understand,” willow told him confused.

Angel took her face in his hands and looked into her eyes. Her emerald orbs met his brown teary ones as he said, “I could have lost you without getting a chance to tell you I love you.” he then completely collapsed into her arms sobbing.

“Oh, angel. I love you, too,” willow declared also breaking down in tears, “I will forever.”

“I love you willow, always will,” he whispered into her hair.

“Ya right forever angel,” willow fumed finally settling down. (I love you, angel. Your may have stopped loving me, but I can’t and won’t.) Another wave of pain hit her—an intense hurt in her breast as more memories came.

They slept that night nestled tightly together in each others arms and awoke to see each the others smiling face.

“Hey, little one.”

“ Hey, last night wasn’t a dream was it?” willow asked afraid she would suddenly awake in a hospital alone somewhere and not in the warm arms of her love.

“No, willow. I love you, forever,” angel said soothingly.

Willow just responded with a huge grin before she pulled Angel’s lips down to meet hers in a sweet kiss.

The next few weeks were filled with frequent trips to the hospital to check up on Xander and Amy. They grew closer reveling in their newfound love.

Willow was heading over to angel’s just after sunset, but when she got there it seemed as if no one was home. She went on in and searched the whole mansion until she came upon a note on the hearth. It read simply:

I love you. I’m sorry.

At first willow was confused, but slowly realization crept into her brain. She noticed that it was angel’s handwriting but very sloppy as if he wrote it in a hurry to be gone before she came over. She rushed into his bedroom and found his clothes gone and the bed made.

“NO!” she screamed over and over again—the heart wrenching, soul tearing screams of someone who just lost her life. She curled up in the bed where had so many times laid with angel and cried herself to sleep. Outside a shadowy figure turned away and got into his car barely able to drive with the tears in his eyes. She stayed there for days only getting up to go to the bathroom and to get something to eat, but she always made something but never ate it.

She finally got up when she remembered about Amy and Xander. She rushed to the hospital only to find out that she was to later. Her friends had already died. (I’m all alone.) she realized. (oh, angel where are you?)

She finished her junior year as a robot—just mechanically doing schoolwork to dull the pain. She found joy only in her frequent trips to see the little ones at the hospital.

(I tired so hard to contact him, to find him. I still don’t know how I have gotten this far. But at least I’m moving on. I’m graduating soon. Then my job! But I’m still alone.) willow finally sobbed herself to sleep.

Willow awoke to the sound of her alarm. She got out of bed and dragged herself to class. After school she went directly to the hospital. “Martha, you’re still here? When does your shift end?”

“Well, we’re short right now so I decided to help out,” Martha replied.

“Wow! You must be tired.”

“Ya, I am. And oh! Little Michael had a visitor earlier this morning. The man that brought him in came by to make sure he was doing okay.”

“Oh, willow said, “did he leave a name and number?”

“No, he just came in to see how the baby was doing saying that the parents were not to be found. I think he was a detective of some sort. He also said he would come in tonight for one last check. He was a handsome fellow; though, tall with nice dark hair,” Martha hinted to willow with a smile.

“Well, I wonder if he plans on adopting Michael since he saved him. But if you say he’s cute maybe I will have to stick around to meet him,” willow responded with a wink, “ really though I want to meet Michael’s savior. I’m gonna go see the little guy now.”

“Good. See if you can get him to settle down.”

Willow walked over to the familiar corner and picked up the sobbing child. He immediately relaxed and settled into her arms. (Oh, little one. Why do I feel so close to you? I wish I could take your home. I wasn’t to adopt your, but there’s school. And I don’t think I am financially ready. Could you wait a year?) she smiled wistfully at the now sleeping babe. She shifted him into the crook of one arm then grabbed her book to do her reading assignment.

Again angel could not sleep. He tossed and turned and finally got up. As always he thought of willow. He had in these five years never forgotten her. (I still love you, willow. I did what I had to do.) after he had finished what he needed to do he had wanted to go back to willow. He tried to call her a million times but couldn’t. He even followed her to LA. (she would never forgive me. No matter how noble the cause. God I just want to find her, be her forgiveness, and lover her again.) angel felt a tear trickle down his face. (I deserve to be miserable for the pain I’ve caused her there last five years.) he slowly got up from the kitchen table he was sitting at to go get dressed. (I need to check up on the little baby I found the other night. So sad. I found him dumped carelessly in a dumpster.) angel upon moving to LA two years ago when willow had switched to UCLA had taken up patrolling again. He found a baby the other night and took it to LA General to have it taken care of. He was going back tonight to check up on him. (I don’t know why I love this little guy so much. Maybe because he has no one in the world except for me. No parents, no siblings, no nothing. I want to adopt him, but I can’t take care of him properly. What does a vampire know about childcare.) he felt another pain in his heart as a sudden idea came into his head. (I bet willow would. I bet she and I could have. God, how I still love her.) angel let his mind wander from Michael to willow as his wife and a mother as he finished getting ready.

Willow was startled from her reading as Martha put a hand on her soldier. “What’s so enthralling? You haven't moved in a few hours,” Martha asked with a smile.

“Oh, just homework I have a really long reading assignment. I wanted to wait around for that guy so I just thought it would b better to star and keep Michael clam,” willow explained in a hushed voice.

“I see. Well, I’ll leave your alone then. It’s nice of you to keep him settled till his savior come back.”

“Ya well, I want him to see Michael at his best.” Martha smiled and walked back to the reception desk.

When angel exited the elevator he saw the lady from earlier at the desk and smiled. (Good, I won’t have to explain twice.) “hello ma’am. I was here early, early this morning…”

Angel was cut off as Martha spoke, “oh yes! We’ve been expecting you. Michael is doing well. Someone is with him now. She wants to meets the man that saved the little boy’s life.”

“Michael? She?” angel asked confused.

“Oh, she named him Michael Alexander after an old friend. She comes in and rocks the babies mainly the orphans that don’t have anyone else to, and she names them.”

“Okay? But who is she?”

“Oh sorry! She’s with him now—see,” Martha said and pointed to where willow was rocking Michael. Angel recognized her immediately; “her name is…”

“Willow,” angel finished for her longingly.

“Do you know her?” Martha asked now confused, but angel was already walking toward willow.

Willow put down her book after Martha left. (Ugh. Too much reading about every childhood disease known to man.) she looked down at Michael in her arms. (Precious, your better not get any of those. Oh, all I want to do I take him home and protect him. I want to be his mother. I need to be his mother.)Willow sat quietly mulling over the idea of adopting Michael. She got a large allowance from her parents, and in about seven moths she would be starting her job as a pediatric doctor at a local practice. (Could I do it? I am 25. Some women are married and have kids by now. Why do I want him; though. I just seem so connected to the little babe. ) She looked down at the boy in her arms. He had blue-gray eyes. (Like oz.) Black hair. (Like Xander. He has a little bit of all of them in him. I have always wanted to be a mommy. I think I am ready.) willow kept mulling over the cons and pros of talking Michael. (I am going to do it. He already feels comfortable around me m! aybe he even thinks of me as mommy.) Willow smiled and held her soon to be baby closer to her body.

She looked up; though, when she felt a hand on her shoulder. Willow slowly looked up almost fainting when her eyes fell upon the tall form of Angel. Watching willow blink several times, angel knelt before her and took the baby in her arms placing him in his cradle. Then he tenderly took her hands in his own looking into her eyes as he spoke. “Willow, I am sorry. Please forgive me, give me a chance to explain, to earn your trust and love again. I can explain everything,” angel managed to choke out before he completely broke down sobbing in her lap. Willow was I complete shock as angel laid hi head in her lap crying harder. All she could do was to squeeze his hands tightly and whisper, “angel, oh angel. Of course.” She leaned down to kiss the top of his head and then laid her check on his head.

Martha looked on at the touching scene before her: angel kneeling before willow his head in her lap, willow laying her head on top of his also crying, and their hands tightly joined. “So that’s angel.” Remembering the sad story willow had told her of her life, Martha said I silent prayer that everything would work out.

Angel finally picked up his head to stare into willow’s eyes. He began to speak but was unable to because willow shushed him. “Angel, I know you’re sorry. I was angry for a long time, but I am not anymore. Not after seeing you now. I should have known your wouldn’t have left on purpose. I should be angry furious, but I am not. I love you, forever,” willow said gently but firmly.

Tears once again came to angel’s face. “How? I hurt you so much.” Angel was in complete shock that willow would let alone forgive him then declare her love for him.

Willow whispered in her love’s ear while standing and bringing angel up with her, “Shh. Let’s go and talk.”

“Michael. I really came to see him, and I found you.” angel was just senseless. (I’ve run into her, declared my love, and she doesn’t hate me!)

“I know we’ll come see him tomorrow. Come on,” she said while grabbing her stuff and dragging angel out to her car. She drove them back to her apartment and led him upstairs. When she came to the door, she broke the silence between them, “angel, I love you, and I invite you to come in.” she pulled the vampire into her embrace just inside the threshold.

(God, I love her. She is so perfect. I have her, and I am never going to let her go.) she consciously tightened his hold on her. She sighed in his embrace and snuggled closer. She reached out and closed the door behind him then nestled her head in the nook between his shoulder and neck. They held each other for what seemed like eternity. Just simply feeling each other reveling in the love the other had for them. Finally, angel pulled away. “I need to explain.” Pulling her over to the couch, sat down then pulled her down into his lap. She curled up her legs underneath her, wrapped her arms around his waist, and lad her head on his chest. His arms instinctively went around her waist and one stroked her hair that had grown out again and lay down her back coming to her waist.

“I want to your to know that I never meant to leave you. I had planned to be there for you through everything forever. I wanted to love and cherish you forever. I still do. What I did as kooky as is sounds I did to protect you.” Willow nodded her understanding and squeezed him urging him to go on. “We never knew really what the prophecy was about when we were attached. I didn’t find out what was about until the day that I left. As it turns out David who was fellow childe of Darla with me was coming back to Sunnydale to try to harness the power of that full moon because it would with the help of some astral alignment open the hellmouth. They attacked us the night before knowing that we would be unprepared. They caught us off guard and you know what happened.” Eh stopped to brush the tears off of willow’s face “shh. Maybe I should go on later?” willow just shook her head and once again tightened her death grip on angel. “Well, unfortunately your did not kill David that night. He was not with them. But with out the power of his minions he was forced to abandon his plans. Fortunately; though, he was convinced that it was I who killed off his chance for power. The day I left I received a message to face him or you would die. I couldn’t have that happen so I left for France where David was. I wanted to wait and tell you—to explain, but I couldn’t. I wouldn’t put you in any danger no matter how small.” Angel stopped once the tears he had been holding back became too much. Willow cried with him; each one holding the other drawing comfort knowing that they were together. She used her voice to try to soothe angel’s tears despite her own sobs. Visions of willow dead in his arms flashed though his brain, and he sobbed harder.

Willow finally took his face in her small gentle hands and stroked his face saying, “oh, angel. It’s okay. I am here, and I love you. I understand why you left. And as hard as it was and as much as it hurt both of us it was the right thing to do whether we really want to admit it or not. I know I could not have been strong enough to do it; you are so strong, so brave. My guardian angel.”

Angel finally settled down enough to speak. He started to stroke her hair as he spoke to her, “oh willow. My beautiful willow. I almost died when I left you. It took me nearly two and half years to track down and kill the bastard. When I came back, you were gone. I was at a loss and depressed. It took me six months to find you in LA. When I did find you; though, I couldn’t talk to you. I didn’t and still don’t deserve your forgiveness. I had left you—the woman I love.”

“Oh, angel. I know, but it’s okay. You’re home now. I still love you, and I forgive you,” willow whispered softly before she kissed him then got up off the couch and pulled angel up too, “come on. We need sleep.” She dragged him into her bedroom where they laid down and feel into a deep peaceful sleep together in each other’s arms.

Willow woke up really warm, really comfortable, and really later for class, but she didn’t care. (It’s just one class)> she nestled closer to angel, and he kissed the top of her check.

“Good morning, little one.”

“Good morning, angel.”

“Aren’t you supposed to be in class?”

“Yeah, but this is better,” she relied with a small smile.

“Good. Willow, I love you. I want you to never forget that so let me take you out tonight.” Angel asked his breath tickling her neck.

She tuned in bed to face him. “I love you, too, forever. I will never forget your love for me. The hope that you still loved me was what kept me going and now it is my basis for life. And yes I would like nothing better than to go out with you tonight.”

“Good, good, good,” he whooped with joy and pulled her into a fierce hug.

“ What was I going to say? No? “

“Well, I am still really happy, but you must let me go so I can get everything ready.”

Willow pouted slightly then said, “Okay, I should go to see Michael. He gets cranky when I am not there.”

“Sounds good. I will let you know when I have decided what we are doing.” Angel then out of bed and kissed her. “I love you.”

“I love you, too. See you soon,” willow responded. Turning he walked out of the bedroom and left with a little wave at the door. He ran down to the basement to enter the sewers eager to plan his evening with willow. He knew the way by heart because he often had followed willow home to make sure she was not attacked and would end up staying by her door in the night to be close to her. All the while as he ran he thought up grand schemes for dinner where he would propose to willow.

Willow got up and went to go get a shower with a million thoughts in her head. (What do we do now? Date? No, too far for that. I mean we could, but we’re too close for that. Or are we? I mean one moment I am alone and depressed. Can I t be better?) willow continued to get ready as she thought. ( Can I trust him not leave again? That the next time there is danger he’ll trust me to help him? I do love him, and I forgive him. I understand why he left, but he never gave me a chance. He never let me decide. Now, I have been alone and unhappy for five years.) willow was so confused. She had wanted angel back for so long, but now she couldn’t feel like she could trust him. (What’s wrong with me? What could he do to make me trust him? I want to trust him. I just don’t want him to leave again—that would destroy me. I just have to let him know he’s stuck with me for eternity.)

Angel went quickly home. (I have to make her trust me. I want her to know I’m not leaving again—no matter what. I want her to know that we’ll face everything together that she’s stuck with me. I’m going to marry her. It may be abrupt, but I know it’s the right thing to do. I want to sweep her off her feet. I want to take care of her. I want to be there every morning when she gets up and make her breakfast and have dinner made when she gets home. I want to adopt Michael and raise him with her. I simply want her.) excited with the anticipation of tonight, angel spent the rest of the day making plans and getting ready.

Willow looked down at the sick infant in her arms. (How did u get sick little one?) she sighed and continued to rocking him as she spoke to him. “Oh dear, you know it was angel that found you. My angel. What am I going to do about him? I don’t have any men in my life for five years, and now I have suddenly two. Will he want you, too? You’re still coming home with me. Just know that. I love you. I feel so connected to you—like you could be my son.” She sighed again. (Will angel be upset that I am adopting him? Will he thing I don’t care about him that I need a baby, too, to be happy?) she looked at the clock and decided she needed to go. (I need to get ready for my date!) she thought giddily. “Till tomorrow, my sweet babe. Then I can start finalizing the adoption.” Willow laid the baby back down, kissed him, and the headed home.

When she arrived at her apartment, in font of her door was a very large white box. She picked it up perplexed and went inside. Willow opened the box and lost her breath as her eyes fell upon the dark blue dress in the box. She gingerly touched the velvet material and pulled it out of its container. A note fell to the floor:

Dearest Willow, I wanted to make tonight perfect. To make you feel like the queen you are. Please honor me by being my date tonight at seven?

Angel

“Oh my!” willow gasped completely wooed. (Boy, is he trying hard.) willow returned her gaze to the dress in her arms. I was a full-length deep blue velvet dress that had an empire waist and flowed out to a wide circle around her feat with a slight train. It was simple yet it had a gentle elegance. The neckline was embroidered with gold thread in an intricate pattern and at the waist a delicate embroidered blue netting surrounded the dress ending at her feat. In a word it was breathtaking. Glancing back in to the box willow discovered a silver Celtic necklace and bracelet.(

About two hours later willow emerged from her room completely ready. (Half an hour to go. What to do? I should do something nice for him.) she walked quickly to her bookcase and leafed through her magick books. After a few minutes of fruitless searching, she gave up. (What can I give him? There aren’t any good spells. If I were a 240+-year-old vampire what would I want? He loves to read. Oh, oh! I know! He loves to draw.) she said a few words in Gaelic and suddenly in front of her a leather bound drawing tablet and several drawing pencils and charcoals. Approvingly she looked down at her gifts then whispered again and it was wrapped in a fine silver pare and blue ribbon. Just then the bell sounded. (Goody, he’s here)

Willow pranced over to the door happiness coming off of her in tangent waves. She threw open the door to see a very dashing angel. He was in a black suit complete with vest. His hair was spiked in the haphazard manner that willow liked so much and was holding a single red rose. He was perfect. Angel gazed up at willow from the rose in his hand to say something, but his voice caught in his throat only a gasp coming out. Simultaneously his mouth dropped to the floor. “ohmygod! Willow you look stunning!” he whispered as he took in the blue dress that madder her hair and eyes sparkle accentuating her pale complexion. The dress gave him a view of her creamy shoulders and a ever so small hint of her breasts. It flowed out from her waist and poled at her feet. It made her look like a true angel. She wore only the necklace he gave her and it have her a simple yet sophisticate elegant look. Her hair was left down curled gently at her face.

“Why thank you. I am gonna guess from the drool on your chin that I look good.”

“Oh, yeah,” angel said while hading her the rose, “this is for you.”

“Thank you.” willow’s face lit up at the simple gesture. (It’s so sweet. Not overdone.)

“Well, shall we my lady?” he asked while extending his arm. Willow took his offered had arm and let him lead her down the stairs to a waiting limo. She squeled with delight and gave angel a peck on the check when she saw it. “ I though you might like it,” he whispered in her ear as he opened the door and helped her in.

“I have never ridden in a limo before. This is so cool!” she exclaimed before giving him hug and laying her head down in his lap. (This is cosy. I love him. He is so thoughtful. I wonder where we are going.)

Angel immediately started to stroke her hair. “I’m glad you’re comfortable its going to be a long ride.”

This caught her attention. “so where are we going?” she whispered form her place lying down on the seat.

“To the stars, my love.” Willow mock pouted but continued to hug angel around the waist as he stroked her hair and they drove to their destination. They sat in silence enjoying each other’s company before she spoke. “I’m going to adopt Michael.” The statement was matter of fact and willow just laid it at his feet waiting for it to be rejected or accepted.

“Oh, wow,” angel was shocked. (I didn’t think we’d get to start a family so soon. This is good though. I’m, just shocked she brought it up so soon.)

“Yeah, I love the little guy. He feels like my own son. I couldn’t give him up if I tried. I have been with him every day since you brought him in. I know that’s not long, but it’s the first week of his life and that’s a big deal. I just wanted to tell you because you should have some say if we’re going to be together. I just hope you’re okay with this since I have already started the process.” As she finished willow hesitantly looked into angel’s face to gauge his reaction.

Angel stopped her thoughts racing a treasured her with a kiss. “Willow, I myself thought about adopting him. I want to have a son. I want to help you raise him since as you put it we are going to be together. I think we could really be good parents for the little kid,” angel gently replied as he stroked her face.

“Oh, I see. Good then. I was hoping you would want to help me. I know I am ready to be a parent. I still will need help; though.”

They talked about Michael the rest of the ride. Mainly, about he adoption and how they wanted to take care of him. (Are we going to move in together? Does he wanna stay with me and raise Michael or does he just wanna come over and visit a lot.) (I want to ask her now. I can tell she is wondering about us living together. I want to wait; though, and woo her.) they arrived at their destination and angel escorted her out of the limo. And it drove away. He then led her up a walkway to the most breathtaking sight she had ever seen. The path led up to a small two-story water front cottage on a cliff. Down one side of the cliff ran a pine forest—tall trees standing proud in the light of the crescent moon and swaying to a beat only they could hear. Willow’s hair was also caught up in the light breeze as they walked to the edge of the cliff and gazed out onto the water. The moon was also reflected here smiling up at willow as the man she loved was holding her in his arms smiling himself.

“Wow.” She squeezed his had in silent reverent approval. He then led her up to the cottage and brought her inside. Again her breath caught as she gazed on the hundreds of candles that were the only light in the house. Lavender, roses, vanilla, kiwi, strawberry flittered to her nose. She looked around to see bouquets of flowers everywhere: littlies, roses, satisfies, blue bells, and more. The warmth and glow of the candles drew her into the house and wrapped around her like a warm quilt. Angel followed after her and enveloped her form behind.

“I love you, willow. I wanted to show you that. Now let me wine and dine you.” he gently nudged her forward guiding her from behind to the back porch where more candles waited on an elegant table. He pulled out willow’s chair and she sat down still in shock. He sat across from her and poured them each a glass of wine. “To you willow,” he toasted. She blushed a beautiful shade of crimson in the candlelight.

“Oh, angel,” was all she could manage to squeak out. He leaned forward to kiss her before saying, “eat, little one.”

“Oh, yeah. Goddess this is great. Umm shrimp pasta, sparkly wine, and you. What more could a willow ask for?” she said with a sparkle in her eye while stuffing her face.

“This?” angel got down on one knee before her and pulled out the box from his pocket. He popped it open and spoke, “willow, I left and never thought I would see you again. But I have come home again to your arms after all of this time and found you still loved me. I never want to leave again. Let me stay with you forever? Please, willow, marry me?” he finished with tears in his eyes.

She slowly wiped them away and took his hands. “Yes. A million times yes,” she exclaimed starting to cry herself.

“Oh my willow.” he pulled her into his arms and slipped her ring on her finger then kissed her. She looked at the love in his eyes then at the ring on her finger, the physical embodiment of that love. “It’s beautiful.”

“It was my mother’s. It’s the only thing I kept. I wanted you to have it.”

“It’s perfect.” She settled further in angel’s embrace, but he pulled away suddenly. He took her hand and whispered into her ear, “dance with me.” She nodded and let him pull her up into his arms. Faintly she was aware of music in the background, the gentle lapping of the ocean, and the soft sway of the wind, but her thoughts were consumed with the man who was holding her. She snuggled closer to him feeling still so far away. She could have crawled up inside of him and died and it sill wouldn’t have been close enough for her. Angel sensed this and tightened his hold drawing her completely into his arms and shielding her from the outside with his large frame. They danced in the moonlight for hours simply content to be in the arms of a person who had been gone for so long but not forgotten. When the moon had sunk low in the sky and willow had taken to shivering in the chill of the early morning, angel ushered her inside. He se her down on the couch and built a fire then joined her. Willow crawled into his lap and immediately fell asleep. Angel proceeded to pull of her shoes and took off her necklace before he pulled a blanket over them. He started to stroke her hair, and it gently soothed him to sleep.

Willow awoke warm and loved in angel’s arms. She smiled softly and nestled closer to him. She thought of her future with her angel. Soon after with her fidgeting angel joined her in the land of the awake smiling at her. “Good morning, little one,” angel cooed.

“Morning beloved,” willow replied.

“So what do you want to do today? Your wish is my delight and command.”

“Hmm,” willow said contemplation shinning on her face, “well as much as I would like to exploit that. I just want to stay here with you. Just us. Together. The only prob, bob, is that as nice as this dress is it sucks for wondering around the beach in,” she said with a twinkle in her eye.

“ Ahh, but you underestimate my powers. I have anticipated all your needs. Up in you room is a very nice wardrobe if I do say so myself which you may help yourself to,” angel returned with a wide smile.

“Oh, goody! New clothes!” willow jumped up and did a little dance of celebration then rushed upstairs. Angel followed on her heels laughing all the way. Willow stopped abruptly at the tip of the stairs, and angel bumped into her. “angel,” she whispered in a conspiratory way, “ where is my room?” she looked form side to side with a sly grin on her face.

Angel placed his hand on her waist and whispered, “left last door. in fact, it’s the only bedroom up here.” Angel pushed her gently to the room.

“I like that idea.”

Angel and willow went in and half and hour later came out changed and ready to enjoy and day at the beach. Together.

Epilogue
Two years later

Willow balanced her briefcase and grocery bag under one arm and reached for the doorknob with the other.

“MOMMY!” Michael yelled and jumped into her arms making her drop everything.

“Michael, let mommy come in before you attack her,” angel said with a smile on his face.

“blu, blee, blah,” Anne their three month old daughter babbled.

“Hello, anny, mikey, angel,” she greeted them giving each a kiss and lingering naturally on angel.

“Hello, love. How was another day in pediatrics?”

“Good, good. But it’s so nice to be home.” They all went inside and settled down in the family room of their LA apartment—the children on the floor; willow and angel curled up together on the couch.

“So how was another day in the life of the stay home dad?”

“Oh, very great. We went to the park and the kids saw their first dog. They want one so I told them to ask you.”

“I see. The pressure is on me? Huh?” willow asked with a smile.

“Ya, it was just great. Sunlight is so beautiful. Thank you for that. I never would have believed that first you could find a spell to anchor my soul, then another so we could have children, then another so that not only can I go out into the sunlight and no go poof, but I can look into a mirror and see me,” angel told her while peppering her face with kisses.

“Ya, well I try,” willow responded. “I couldn’t miss out on this,” she said while smiling at her husband and children.

Later that evening

Willow took off her robe and slipped into bed as angel entered their bedroom. “Well, they’re in bed. It’s been a long day, and I am pooped.”

Willow started to giggle. Angel raised an eyebrow at her. “Hey! It’s funny to hear ‘pooped’ come out of the great angelus’ mouth.”

“Hmmm. Little girl you’re in for it.” He lunged at his wife and gave her a searing kiss.

“If that’s punishment, I’ve been really bad! But really, love, remember what tomorrow is?”

“Yes I do. Did you take off?” angel asked sedated.

“Yes. We’re going to go back and visit the graves. There’s so much I want to tell Buffy and Amy. To tell them all. I still miss them you know. I have a few friends here, but not like them. But it’s strange. I really think Michael and Anne have a bit of all of them in themselves,” willow quietly sobbed.

“Shh. I know. I miss talking to oz. Oz and I were really getting to know each other. The whole male/monster-bonding thing. The whole group was growing up, getting close. But you’re right mikey and anny do have a little of them all.”

Willow laid down and angel drew her close to him spooning himself protectively around her. “They never did leave; did they? They’re still here watching us, laughing and crying with us, seeing us live?”

“Ya, little one, they are. But I know they are together and happy wherever they are, and one day we’ll join them.”

“Then we party!” willow exclaimed while yawning.

“Uh huh, and we can once again witness what Xander calls eating.” Willow giggled. “Goodnight willow. I love you.”

“I love you too, angel. You know what I just thought of.”

“What, love?” angel asked.

“We are gonna have some neat stories to tell you kids.”

“Oh, yeah!” angel said as he kissed willow then closed his eyes listening to her breathing as she drifted off to sleep. Angel soon followed her.

Out on the balcony six friends sat on their balcony and smiled at each other as the last two members of the Scooby gang slept.

“Kay, xand pay up! I told you they would find each other again and live happily ever after.”

“Uh huh, but Buffy, dear, you thought that anne wouldn’t be named after you so we’re even.” Buffy pouted.

“Come on guys. Let’s go. I think we’ve done enough spying.”

“Oh, giles, loosen up. I wouldn’t mind staying and watching the kids grow up,” Amy retorted from her perch on oz’s lap.

“Ya! We don’t get to have our own at least we can watch theirs,” cordy added from Xander’s arms.

“Fine,” giles said with a smile.

“Not to mention they might need our help,” Buffy finished as the group of ghosts watched the remaining Scooby Gang members sleep peacefully.

“Willow’s right though,” oz said, “We’ll once again reign as the Scooby Gang.”

“Of course! I mean, duh. We’re the SCOOBY GANG. Not having a happy ending is like not an option,” Xander added, and they all laughed as they turned and went home.