E-mail: tienco@msn.com
Couple: Willow/Xander
Rating: PG - R for now.
Distribution: My site!! www.geocities.com/tienco_21 and various lists. Ask if you want it, I'll let you have it. Oh, Kylia, and Jai can always have it. . .if I've given you permission for something else, you are welcome to this.
Disclaimer: All belongs to Joss Whedon. Gosh, I wish I were Joss. I'd have such a good time with Spike. . .and Angel. . .and Xander. . .and Graham. . . and Lindsey. . .throw Willow and Faith in there and it's a party!!
Feedback: Of *course*. Makes me write more.
Spoilers: Ah, it takes place after summer of 2000. I don't think there are a lot of major spoilers, but pretty much anything in the first four seasons is up for grabs.
Summary: Willow's been gone all summer with her parents. . .some things in Sunnydale have changed.
Notes: Now for something totally different. I know, I know. Willow and Xander. Who would have thought it? I've got almost the whole story written. . .I hope you guys like this. . .I know there are other closet Willow/Xander fans out there. . .Anyway, it was inevitable for me to pair up my fave chick on the show with my almost fave guy.
Notes 2: I swear, to those of you who care, I'm still working on everything else I'm trying to finish. Between work and school and my muse being stupid, it's really getting hard. *sigh*
Dedications: To Jinni, cause I think she comes home today from vacation!! To Inell, cause she's writing *me* a Willow/Xander piece. To all you Willow/Xander fans who hope it will still happen, and to all you closet Willow/Xander fans (like myself) who never told a soul.
******
"When do you get home?" Buffy asked excitedly.
Willow grinned, tucking the phone between her shoulder and her cheek. She resumed packing. "My flight gets in tomorrow at 12:30."
"Cool!" Buffy exclaimed. "Call me as soon as you get settled, we will go have dinner or something!"
Willow chuckled. "Bronze. I actually missed the Bronze this summer."
"Sounds like a plan," Buffy chuckled. "Bye, Wills."
"Bye, Buffy." Willow hung up. She looked around the hotel room that had become her home the last three months. It was spacious, and she'd enjoyed the time away from Sunnydale. But she was eager to get back to her friends.
Sheila Rosenberg knocked three times before sticking her head in the room. "Honey! Are you almost through packing? Your father wants to take us on one last dinner before you leave tomorrow."
Willow grinned. "Almost. I have one more phone call to make, then I will be ready."
Her mother smiled. "Well, hurry up, we'll be waiting for you in the living room." She shut the door and left Willow alone.
Willow dialed a new number, having memorized it the day she got it.
" 'Ello?" the phone was answered after three rings.
"I still can't believe you and Xander got an apartment together, even if you have been living together for two and a half months," Willow giggled.
"Well, hey, Red! Yea, it's definitely been the most interesting two and a half months of my entire life," Spike chuckled. "You want to speak to Chubs? He's jumping up and down telling me to give him the phone."
"Well. . ." Willow said, pretending to think about it. "I guess so. . ."
There was a shuffle. "Hey, Wills!"
"Xander, hey," Willow said, smiling. Xander could always make her feel good.
"Blondie's driving me crazy. When are you going to be home?"
"Plane comes in tomorrow at. . ." She looked at her ticket. "12:30," she finished. "I can't *wait* to get home."
"Oh, I know! We will have to get together, catch up. . .a lot has happened while you've been gone this summer."
Willow giggled. "You and Spike aren't involved, are you?"
"EWW!" Xander hissed. "I highly doubt it. He's seeing some little demon chick anyway. He seems happy, lots of *loud* shagging, and he can bite her, cause her pain, you know, all that kinky stuff vampires get into."
Willow laughed out loud. "Well, Xander, I don't know about all that kinky stuff vampires do, since I've never been with one."
"Well, I live with one. Let me assure you that there is a lot of kink involved. It's almost sickening. I've seen toys. . .I don't even know what to do with them, couldn't imagine. . ."
Willow smiled. She was *so* looking forward to getting home. She heard her parents rustling around in the living room. "Xand, hey, I gotta go, dad's taking us out to one last dinner in Milan. I'll call when I get home tomorrow. . ."
"Sure, Wills. See you then."
"Bye, Xander."
"Bye, sweets."
*******
Willow stepped off the small plane that took her from LA to Sunnydale and took a deep breath. "Goddess, I missed home," she said to herself. She smiled at the person next to her and started walking up the walkway.
She glanced up towards the windows where the receiving gate was. She frowned slightly, imagining that the brunette guy with his face pressed against the window was Xander. "That's crazy, girl," she said to herself. "Xander wouldn't be here waiting for you. He's with Anya, doing. . .Anya things."
She shook off the feeling of excitement that had budded in her heart that he could be there waiting for her. "It's been a full year and a half since you 've even thought of Xander like that. Don't start this again. Not here, not now. You are an adult, Willow, and Xander was your childhood. You are friends. Nothing more, nothing less." She walked into the gate and glanced around hopefully. He wasn't there. "See," she grumbled, "you went and got your hopes up and of course he's not here. You didn't ask him to pick you up, so why would he come and pick you up?" Sighing, she went to retrieve her luggage, talking to herself under her breath the whole way.
"Besides, you are past that. So far past that. You can't even close your eyes and remember what his eyes look like. You don't get that secret excitement when he calls you, or you call him. You aren't even imagining that you can smell him right now at this exact moment, because that is just so sad, Willow Rosenberg." She leaned over to get her bag when a body pressed against hers from behind, reaching over her. She frowned, realizing that the person was going for her bag! "This is my bag, thank you!" she said, spinning around.
"I know," Xander's deep voice was huskier than usual. Willow was pressed against him, looking up at him with wide eyes and her mouth in the perfect O. Xander found himself suddenly wanting to kiss her. Instead, he smiled. "I came to pick you up."
Willow swallowed hard, taking a step back away from his hard body. < Damn, > she thought. < I didn't realize he was so nice and lean and hard under all those baggy clothes. > "Xander," she squeaked. She shook her head and cleared her throat. "Xander," she smiled. "You, you grew a goatee."
Xander pulled away from the luggage carrier, still holding Willow's bag. He stroked his chin with his free hand. "Yea. What do you think?"
Willow reached up and brushed her fingertips along his chin. "I like it. Makes you look older. Kinda evil too."
"That's what Spike says. He wants me to keep it, so he can pretend he still lives the evil life. Sometimes, late at night, he'll start babbling about how we should try to take over the world, and so of course, I tell him we should just send it to hell, and then we laugh for hours. Peaches hates it when we make fun of him."
Willow raised an eyebrow. "Peaches?"
Xander chuckled darkly. "Spike and I have been to LA a couple of times. Sire and Childe are trying to repair their relationship. I went along for the ride." He shrugged, looking down. "Um. . ." He chewed his bottom lip. "You've got to have more luggage than this."
"Oh, yea!" Willow exclaimed. "I have more." She spun back around, only letting her blush spread over her cheeks when he couldn't see them. < No, this is Xander Harris, your dearest best friend in the whole world. Don't think dirty thoughts. Don't think dirty thoughts. He's just Xander. . .the boy you loved your entire life. NO! I don't love him anymore! > "Resolve face," she murmured, watching the bags go by.
"What, Willow?" Xander asked, watching her braid swing back and forth. She was a sight for sore eyes. He hadn't realized *just* how much he had missed her until she was gone, and he was glad she was back.
"Nothing," she said softly, glancing back at him. She turned back to the luggage carrier.
He reached out without thinking about it, running his fingers down her braid. "You grew your hair back out." It stopped at her shoulder blades, and was such a vibrant red it made Xander think of fire.
"Yea," she said softly. "We were too busy for me to get it cut. . ."
"Don't cut it," he said hurriedly. "I. . .miss it long."
She glanced at him again, humor in her eyes. "I won't then."
*******
Part 2
The two got the rest of her luggage and carried it out to his car. The ride to her house was silent. Willow was staring out the window, berating herself for feeling anything at all for him. Xander was driving, thinking about how good she smelled, how much he wanted to hold her, and how he shouldn't have these feelings. < You've hurt her enough, you bonehead. You shouldn't even be thinking this stuff. >
Willow let herself in the house and looked away, sighing. "Well," she said softly, turning around.
Xander looked down at her. "Um, I can go, so you can unpack. . ." He inched towards the door.
"No, you can stay," she smiled. "I'm sorta starved for the company. You've got to remember, I've been in Europe with Sheila and Ira."
"Right," Xander nodded his head.
"Besides, I got you a present. I mean. . .I got everyone presents, you know, but I can give you yours early, if you want me to. . ."
Xander's eyes lit up. "Really?"
Willow chuckled, the uneasiness of the situation gone. "Just like a kid on Christmas Morning." She turned around and grabbed her suitcase and carried it upstairs.
"I'll even do the Snoopy Dance if you want me too!" he chuckled, following her to her bedroom.
Willow set the suitcases to the side and pulled off her shoes, sitting on the bed. She reached behind her and untied her braid, running her fingers through her hair. She had her eyes closed and was chewing her bottom lip, enjoying the feeling of her hair being free.
Xander leaned against the doorframe, watching her. < My god, she's beautiful, > he thought. He felt a familiar tightening in his pants and tried to will away the thoughts of ravaging her out of his mind. < No, this isn't right! You don't deserve her! You'd only hurt her! Thank god for baggy jeans. > he sighed to himself. "Willow. . ." < Damn it, my voice is too damn husky! >
Willow looked up, eyes bright. She had no clue about the internal thoughts Xander was having, or that he was becoming aroused. "Yea?"
"Presents," he said, not trusting his voice.
"Damn, Xander, eager much?" she teased.
"If you only knew," he muttered.
"So," Willow said, bracing herself for the long description she was sure to come. < I don't know why I'm asking, I don't care. I just know it's the right thing to do. > She pulled out his present and fingered the bow, looking down at the gift. "How was your summer with Anya? Did you do anything special?"
Xander sat on her bed next to her, reaching out to finger the other side of the bow. Their fingers were almost touching, and he could swear he felt the electricity from her near touch. "One thing happened, at the beginning of the summer, right after you left. It was really big and huge."
Willow blinked, still looking down. Tears formed in her eyes. She knew it was coming. She knew he was going to propose to Anya eventually. But how could he go all summer without telling her? "Did she. . ." Her voice cracked. She cleared it. "Did she say yes?" she asked.
"Say yes?" Xander frowned. "Wills, why are you crying?" He reached out and brushed her tears away with his thumb. "What would Anya have said yes to?"
She glanced up at him, seeing his confusion. "You know. . .your big huge important thing?"
His eyebrows came together in confusion, then he brightened. "Oh! A proposal! Oh, god, no! I didn't propose to her!"
Willow sniffed. "You didn't?"
"No, of course not. I don't know if I could spend the rest of my life with her. . ." he said softly, brushing the still forming tears away. "Why did that thought make you cry, Willow?"
She pushed his hand away gently, then rubbed her face. "What was the big huge thing? You two are already having sex. . .what could be bigger than that?"
"We broke up."
Willow blinked in shock. "What?"
Xander shrugged. "Broke up. D'Hoffren told her she could have her old job back. And I was getting tired of all the sex. It wasn't. . .I don't know. I felt more like her personal vibrator. There wasn't that. . .chemistry I thought sex was supposed to have. It was cool, don't get me wrong, but. . ." He frowned. "Did you and Oz have that spark? I mean, am I just imagining that there should be one? Did I give up a good thing?"
Willow chuckled. "A spark. Hmm. . .no, not really. Oz and I were more like slow burning embers. He was as laconic in bed as he was in life. I enjoyed being with him, but I'm still not sure if I've felt real passion. Unless they've lied to us all these years on TV."
"I'd be pissed if they lied to us," Xander chuckled.
"I would be too, if I were you, and gave up someone who'd have sex at the drop of a hat," she replied quietly.
"It's ok. I didn't love her. I cared about her, but I didn't love her. I want someone that I love, you know?"
"Yea," she smiled. "Anyway, here," she said, thrusting the present into his lap.
He slowly began to open it and glanced up at her. She was watching him excitedly, hoping he'd like his present. "Why were you crying?"
She looked up at him with a deer in the headlights look. "Huh?"
"You never answered why you were crying. Why would that make you cry?" He leaned forward and wrapped a few strands of her hair around his fingers.
"Cause you didn't tell me?" she asked softly, almost like she was making up a reason. < I can't tell you it's because I still have a little part of my heart that hopes I become Mrs. Harris. Nope, can't do that at all. >
"Hmm," he said. "Ok." He seemed pleased with that answer. He looked back down at the present and still unwrapped it slowly. "So how are you and Tara?" < Dropped the bomb. Don't want to hear about your girlfriend, cause she has something I don't, and can't have. Something that technically was mine before any of you ever joined the picture. Damn it, Harris, you are a fucking idiot. > "Huh?" he asked, looking up, not hearing her over his thoughts.
"We broke up too. Before I left. She said that she just didn't feel it, and I. . ." Willow blushed. "I like to drive stick. It's better."
Xander's eyebrow rose. "Damn, Wills, you'll be perfect for someone. Single, straight, yet you will fool around with a woman if need be. . .any guy would be thrilled to have you." < Me. Oh, my god, me. >
She blushed more. "Yea, whatever. I was in one of the most romantic cities in the world and I didn't get a single man even glance my way." She sighed somewhat sadly, looking away.
*********
Part 3
Xander set his unopened present aside and moved up so he was sitting against the headboard. "Come here, Wills. I have to tell you a story of a little redheaded girl."
She frowned. "What?"
"Come here. Humor me."
Willow crawled up the bed to him, her eyes locked with his. His pupils dilated in lust as he watched her crawl towards him slowly, his thoughts running away with him. She was beautiful crawling towards him, as if she were stalking him. . .
He inwardly groaned, willing his semi-erection to go down. < Baseball. Spike and kinky stuff. Giles naked. Oh, yea. That did it. No more hard on. >
He pulled her in his arms and she settled against him, sitting between his legs. Her back was to his chest. He would hold her like this when they were children, and he would tell her incredible tales about Princes and Princesses, making the Prince always named Xander and the Princess always Willow. They would always cheer her up.
"There was once this beautiful Princess named Willow," he started.
Willow giggled, pushing away from him. "We aren't nine anymore, Xander," she said, turning her head to grin at him.
"No, we aren't. But I still think you need a good story. Don't make me spank you, Willow." His eyes widened slightly as the teasing they did as children took an entirely different connotation as adults.
Willow's heart stopped. She licked her lips softly and turned back against Xander, not saying a word. She didn't know what to say, what to think. She knew he was just playing around, but still. . .
It didn't stop her from wanting him.
"Anyway," he said, his voice huskier than normal. "There was this Princess named Willow. She was the most beautiful woman in all the land. She was kind and fair, and her people loved her dearly. Now Willow had to travel from WillowLand to a land far, far away, called XanderLand. She was scared, because she was going alone, but she had heard that Xander, the Prince there, was a kind man, and would treat her right, as long as he wasn't being an idiot as he was known to do."
Willow giggled, slapping his arm. "Xander!"
Xander chuckled, wrapping his arms around her. He rested his hands on her stomach, ignoring the feel of her warm body pressed against him.
"Anyway, so she goes to XanderLand. She walks along the streets as a normal person, not wanting the entire town to know she was a Princess. She wanted to know what people thought of her by herself.
"No one approached her. She was sad, thinking that she wasn't beautiful, wasn't special, wasn't anything more than just a girl. She felt upset that her entire kingdom would lie to her like that."
Xander ran his hands through her hair as he continued the story. "She went to a bar that night, completely depressed, wanting to drink herself into oblivion. She met a handsome man there, who was drinking himself. He asked to sit with her and they begin talking about how depressed the two of them were. As the night passed on, she turned to him and said, 'Oh, kind man, tell me, am I not attractive?' He replied, 'You are beautiful, milady.' She pouted, and asked, 'Then why don't they notice me? Why doesn't anyone notice?' The man laughed joyfully. 'Because, milady, you carry yourself with such grace, everyone will think that they are not good enough for you. You are so perfect, no one believes that they can touch you.' "
Tears filled Willow's eyes and she started chewing on her bottom lip.
"Willow leaned forward and told him, 'I just want to share my night with someone.' The man laughed and said, 'I will be with you, milady. You are too good for me, but that doesn't mean that I can't pretend for one night that I'm perfect.' And so they went and had hot monkey sex all night long."
"Xander!" Willow shrieked, hitting his arm. He laughed, the chuckle vibrating through his body. She shuddered softly when his body moved against hers.
"So the next morning, they woke up and he watched her dress. 'You are beautiful, milady.' She turned to him, gushing. 'Last night was the best, you were such a stud!' "
"Xander. . ." Willow's voice was dangerous.
"Sorry," he laughed. "She turned to him and said, 'Thank you. My dear, I must confess, last night was wonderful, and I don't know if I want to let you go.' 'But I'm not good enough for you,' he said, sitting up. 'I think you are,' she whispered, sitting next to him. 'I don't even know your name, ' he whispered. 'Willow.' He was surprised. 'Princess Willow?' She studied him curiously. 'Yes. How do you know me?' 'I'm Prince Xander,' he replied." Xander brushed her hair away from her face. "Do you understand? You put off this vibe of. . .perfection. No one is good enough for you, Willow, and most men realize that."
She turned to him, her eyes filled with unshed tears. "Do they stay together?" she asked.
"What?"
"Princess Willow and Prince Xander. Do they stay together?"
Xander gulped, knowing that he could be fucking up a good thing by his next move. "I don't know yet," he whispered. He leaned forward and pressed his lips to hers, part of him praying that she kissed him back, the other part waiting for the beating to come.
He was pleasantly surprised when she returned the kiss. It was a slow kiss, one of old love. She pulled away slowly, her eyes closed and tears falling on her cheeks. "We. . .can't," her voice cracked.
"Why, Willow?" he asked. "I'm not with anyone, you aren't with anyone. Why can't we be together? We always knew we would end up together when we were little, but life got in the way. Now everything can get back on track." < I love you, Willow, please don't deny me the chance. I never gave you one, and I'm sorry, but I'm willing. . . >
"No," she said, pushing out of his embrace. She got up and started pacing. "I'll get hurt again. I don't know how, but I will. I always get hurt when it involves you and me and my heart."
"I won't hurt you, I prom -
Willow silenced him with a look. "Don't make a promise you can't keep." She sighed. "Just. . .go. Please? I need to unpack."
"Wills. . ."
"Xander, leave."
He stood up angrily. "You know, I am beginning to think that the vampire versions of ourselves are so much smarter than us."
She frowned. "Why?"
"Because when he got turned, he went and got her, and had her turned. He couldn't live without her by his side, and she wouldn't have had it any other way. And they will always be together. Forever."
"'Cept they are probably dust now," Willow said softly. "I'll call you later."
"Don't bother," he grumbled, walking out.
Willow stared at her door in shock. She didn't start crying until the door slammed downstairs.
She lay down and cried for what seemed like hours. She cried for her old friend Xander, and the new person he'd become. She cried for the love she felt for him, for the fear she felt of getting hurt again. She cried for the fact that he wanted her and she was too scared of him. She cried for a love she thought would never be realized.
The phone rang.
Willow sniffed and picked it up. "Hello?"
"Hey, Wills! Buff! How are ya?"
"Been better," she said sullenly.
"Why? What's wrong? Do you miss Italy?"
"No," Willow whispered. "I don't. Things are back to normal."
There was a frown in Buffy's voice. "What do you mean?"
"It's a long story." Willow turned and gasped slightly, seeing Xander's present. It had started to be opened, but he had set it aside to tell her the story of the Prince and Princess. She started sobbing.
"Wills?"
"Buffy. . ." she sobbed.
"I'll be there in a minute," Buffy said, hanging up. She rushed over to Willow's house and let herself in.
She found Willow sitting in the corner of her room, hugging her knees. She was sobbing on incoherently. "Willow, what is it?" she asked, rushing to her best friend and pulling her in her arms. "Why are you crying?"
"Xander," Willow sobbed. "He. . .he kissed me."
Buffy's eyebrow shot up in surprise. "Really? Where did that come from?"
"I. . ." Sob. "I don't know. I can't, Buffy. I can't do it!" She looked up at Buffy and shook her head no. "I've wanted him for so long and he's hurt me so damn much, and I can't let myself get hurt like that again!"
"Xander is your best friend, Willow. He will understand."
"No, I don't think he does. He left his present," Willow said, motioning to the prettily wrapped present on her bed.
"He left his present? Oh, god," Buffy whispered. "He was mad."
"Yea," Willow sniffed.
"Shh. . ." Buffy cooed, rocking the sobbing witch.
********
Part 4
Xander stormed into his apartment angrily. Spike glanced up from the couch. "How's the witch?" he asked conversationally.
"Shut the hell up, Spike," Xander growled.
A dark eyebrow shot up in surprise. "What the hell happened, mate?"
"Fucking life happened!" Xander yelled, turning his murderous gaze on Spike. The vampire sat back, crossing his arms. He motioned with his head, telling Xander to go on. "It was perfect, we would have been together forever. Then stupid vampires had to show up, Buffy came to town, and I pushed her away. We could have had everything. But I wanted Buffy. And Cordelia. And Faith, and Anya. She ended up with Oz, and Tara. And now, finally, both of us are single, and she doesn't want to be with me." He sat down heavily, the anger replaced by sadness. "She says I'll hurt her."
"And you probably will," Melynda, Spike's girlfriend, said. She was a beautiful woman, ridges between her eyes like a vampire's, deep purple hair and striking violet eyes. Other than that, she looked human. "It's the nature of life. But if you two are meant to be together, then the hurt will fade."
"She won't even give me a chance, though, Lyn."
"So we'll force her to," Spike said with a shrug.
"You can't force Willow to do anything," Xander said sullenly.
"She doesn't know me, I'll just hang on you at the Bronze," Melynda shrugged.
"No, cause that will hurt her. I'm choosing someone over her," Xander shook his head.
Melynda stood up. "Come on, Xander, we will just go get you dressed for Bronzing tonight and we'll play it by ear."
Spike grinned at Xander. "You want the girl. We will get you the girl."
*******
"I don't want to be here," Willow said sullenly, looking down. Suddenly, the short green silk dress she'd chosen felt too revealing. It was short, the flared skirt stopping three inches above her knee. The dress was almost backless, and the spaghetti straps barely kept her breasts in the skimpy material. "Buffy, I need to change. . ."
Buffy looked back at Willow. Her hair was piled on top of her head, beads interwoven through the locks. "You look awesome, Wills. Better than me." She grabbed Willow's hand. "Come on."
The two of them walked to Riley and Graham, who were standing there talking. "Ladies," Riley said. "Damn, Wills, summer did you good."
Willow blushed. "Thanks."
"You do look beautiful," Graham said, his blue eyes twinkling. "Trying to get someone's attention?"
Willow's face flamed. "No! Of course not! I would never ever do that!" < Yea, right. >
"No such luck then, all the men are watching you," Graham leaned forward to whisper in her ear.
Willow glanced behind her and caught a few open mouth stares. "Uh, Buffy. . .I think I should go home. . ."
"Nonsense. Come on, I see Spike and Melynda." Buffy grabbed Willow's hand and they began to weave through the crowd. Riley and Graham were following behind the two women.
"No Xander," Willow said softly. Suddenly, she felt stifled. What she said to him came crashing back and tears filled her eyes. "I fucked up bad," she whispered softly. "I shouldn't have said all those things. . ." Her heart ached. < Your own fault this time, Rosenberg. >
They settled at the table. "Willow, this is Melynda," Spike said. "Melynda, Willow."
Melynda shook Willow's hand. Willow relaxed. There was something comforting about this woman. "Nice to meet you," Willow murmured.
"Likewise. I've heard a lot about you all summer, from both my Spikey and Xander." She glanced around. "Where is that boy, anyway?"
Willow noticeably perked up. "He's here?"
"Yep," Spike said. "Went to go get our drinks."
Xander chose that moment to reappear with drinks for he, Spike and Melynda. He barely noticed Buffy and gang had joined them. "Spike, man! There's a chick here that's *gorgeous*! I overheard them talking about her at the bar, they actually have a bet going on about her! Who will she dance with first."
Tears filled Willow's eyes and she crossed her arms. Buffy patted her back.
"She's got dark hair and this green silk dress on. I saw the back of her a while ago, deep plunging back line. I haven't seen her face yet, but the ones who did. . . said she was absolutely beautiful." He glanced around to see if he could find her. "I just can't seem to find her anymore. . .I wanted to see her face. . ."
Willow cleared her throat. Xander turned, eyes wide. "Willow. . .uh, hi?" < Oh, shit, I've so fucked up any chance I. . . > He watched as she stood up and turned around. < Oh, god, it's her. > His member jumped to attention, becoming rock hard. "Willow," his voice cracked.
"Do you want to dance?" she asked softly.
"Me?" he said softly.
"You," she whispered. She took his hand and led him to the floor. He took her in his arms and they swayed together.
"I like your outfit," she said softly. He was wearing leather pants and a blue silk button up shirt. "You look kinda evil. Kinda. . .sexy."
"This is my 'I'm seducing Willow' outfit," he replied seriously.
She looked up at him, meeting his eye. She gulped. "Really?" she whispered softly.
"Really. I plan to, you know. Seduce you, take you back to your place. . ." He ran his tongue along her ear. "Make your body quiver underneath mine. . ."
She pulled away from him quickly. "Xander. . ."
"No," he said, his eyes begging. "Please, don't deny me. Give me one night. You can break my heart tomorrow, but please. . .let me be perfect for you tonight."
"I have to go," she said coyly.
He didn't notice the shift in her emotions. His heart tightened in his chest, tears filling his eyes. "Ok," he whispered. "Fine. It's fine, I'll let you go. . ."
She ran her fingers along his arm. "Give me about twenty minutes. I need to clean up real quick."
His head snapped to look her in the eye. "You mean. . ."
She pulled away, curtseying him. "Prince Xander. I will await your presence." She walked back towards the table. "Everyone," she yawned, "I'm tired. It's been a long day, long flight. I'm sorry that I didn't stay longer."
Buffy pouted. "Wills. . .please don't let Xander ruin your night."
Willow patted Buffy's hand. "I'm ok, Buffy," she said softly. "I'll call you sometime tomorrow." She turned to Spike. "Spike, can you walk me home, please?"
Spike narrowed his eyes. He could smell the faint scent of arousal. His face broke into a grin. "Sure," he purred. "I'd be glad to. Lyn, I'll be back. She doesn't live far." He kissed her cheek.
Melynda smiled, knowing that Willow and Xander were meeting later. "Hurry, love, I'll miss you."
Spike and Willow walked out. They were quiet, until: "Are you nervous?" Spike asked.
"Nervous?" Willow's voice cracked. She cleared her throat. "Why should I be nervous?"
"I know you and Xander are meeting up at your house."
"You do?" Willow looked horrified. "Spike, I'm not that kind of girl, I mean, I don't just go around sleeping with everyone. . ." All her words ran together in a rush.
"Luv," he said, turning to her. "I know you aren't. I wouldn't think that you were. I know you are the most moral of all of the Scooby Gang. You've loved Xander for a long time, and he's loved you probably as long."
"He. . .loves me?"
"Didn't stop bloody talking about you all summer," Spike grumbled. "Willow this, Willow that. I almost told him to just erect a bloody shrine in your honor, but I knew he would."
Willow smiled softly. "That's so sweet."
Spike stiffened. "Come on, pet. Vamps in the area," he whispered. He took her hand and they started walking faster.
They never saw the vampires ambush them.
********
Part 5
Willow screamed and turned around, throwing her cross in the vampire's face. He hissed and recoiled. Strong arms grabbed her from behind, jarring the cross from her hands. "Spike!" she shrieked.
"I'm trying, pet!" he said, fighting with one of the vampires. "I'm coming!"
Willow struggled, trying to get away from the one who held her so tightly. The vampire leaned down and buried his fangs in her neck. Her scream of pain echoed through the park.
"BLOODY HELL!" she heard Spike cry.
< I'm going to die, > Willow sobbed, stiff as a board. She could feel her heart slowing down as the blood left her body. "Please, goddess," she begged, "let my death be quick. . ."
Suddenly, the fangs were gone. The hands holding her up were gone, and she started to fall. Another pair of arms caught her. "Please," she begged softly. "Don't let it hurt anymore, just get it over with. . ."
"Shh," a voice murmured in her hair. "It's ok, Willow."
She turned her head to be gazing into Angel's big chocolate brown eyes. "Angel?"
"I'm here, Willow. No one is going to hurt you."
"Spike," she whispered. "What about Spike. . ." She glanced over to see Spike ram his stake home on the last demon's chest. He spun around.
"Pet!" he cried, rushing to Willow. "Willow, are you ok? Peaches, we gotta get her to the hospital or something!"
"Xander," Willow whispered before passing out.
*******
Xander paced back and forth along the hallway of the hospital. Melynda watched him with huge violet eyes. Angel was beside her, face in his hands. Buffy, Riley, and Spike were in Willow's room.
She was in a coma.
"I can't do this again," Xander said sullenly.
Angel looked up. "What?"
"I can't go in there, not knowing. . ." He sobbed. "I can't. . .I just can 't." He dropped to his knees and cried.
Angel went to the human, dropping to his knees. He held Xander and let him cry.
*******
"Wills, you gotta wake up," Buffy cried. She was sitting beside her bed, stroking her hand. Spike was pacing back and forth, while Riley was sitting on the other side of Willow. She was in her hospital bed, eyes closed, looking as if she were asleep. "You have enough blood now. . .I gave them some of mine. Come on, Wills, I know you can hear me. Remember you and Xand? Tonight?" She laughed through her tears. "You acted so sly, trying to make us think you were tired. You've wanted this so long. . .you have to wake up now, Willow. Please wake up."
"Pet," Spike said, looking down at Willow. "I'm sorry I let him get you." The vampire frowned. "I have to go kill something." He stormed out.
As he came around the corner, he stopped. His heart constricted. Xander was sobbing on his Sire's shoulder. Spike went to them and wrapped his arms around Xander. Tears filled his eyes. Together, the three men cried for the sweet witch they all loved.
*******
Willow slowly woke up, groaning. "Xander," she whispered. She blinked, tears coming to her eyes. She looked around, her heart falling. She was alone in the hospital. None of her friends had bothered to stay with her.
She reached over and hit the nurse's button.
An exasperated sigh came over the intercom. "Mr. Harris, I'm sure Willow moved. She's been known to do that. However, we aren't going to send a doctor in to check up on her every time a finger moves."
Willow moaned softly. "Water," she whispered. "Need water." In her mind, she was jumping for joy. Xander was there enough to drive the nurses crazy.
"Willow?" the nurse asked.
"Need Xander," she groaned.
"Rosenberg's awake! Get the doctors!" the nurse cried, clicking the intercom off.
*******
Xander hated the hospital. The nurses were mean to him, telling him in so many words that he should go home and they'd call him if there were any change. < How can I just go home when the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with is in a coma? > he thought.
He'd barely been home in the two months Willow was unconscious. He sat by her bed, reading to her, telling her stories, and driving the nurses crazy.
He finally decided to raid the vending machine, knowing Willow would be upset if she found out he'd wasted away to nothing. As he was walking back to her room, he realized there were nurses and doctors rushing in and out of Willow's room. "Willow!" he cried, assuming the worst. He threw his Twinkies down and ran to her room.
He pushed through the people and stopped in front of her bed. He grabbed her hand.
Her red hair was bright against her white skin. Her eyes were closed and her lips were pale. "Oh, god, don't die, please," he begged. "I can't. . ." He looked away, tears filling his eyes. "I can't live without you, Willow. I love you so much."
Her green eyes slowly opened. A ghost of a smile appeared on her lips. "Were you off getting food while I was waking up?" she teased softly.
"Willow!" Xander exclaimed. "You are awake!"
She coughed. "And thirsty. I want some water."
Xander spun around. "Somebody get her some water!" he barked. "She's thirsty!" He turned back to the redhead, squeezing her hand. He smiled warmly at her, thankful she was awake.
********
Part 6
A couple of hours after Willow woke up, the doctors finally left. They had been running tests on her, asking her questions, making sure she was physically fine. "Mr. Harris, Ms. Rosenberg," Doctor Livingston said, "everything on Ms. Rosenberg appears to be fine. We want to keep her tonight for observation, plus, we will have all the test results in the morning. As long as everything checks out, she should be ready for discharge tomorrow afternoon. Welcome back, Ms. Rosenberg," he smiled.
"Thank you, Doctor," she said softly.
The doctor turned to Xander. "Mr. Harris, I'll leave you to her, I know you have a lot to tell your fiancée." He smiled and walked out.
Willow blinked in shock, and turned to look at Xander. He had a sheepish look on his face. "Fiancée?" she asked. "What does he mean, fiancée?" She narrowed her eyes at him. "Did I completely miss the marriage proposal?"
"No," he sighed. "Please don't be mad," he begged. "I had to tell them that um, we were engaged so they would let me hang out with you all the time."
Willow blinked. "You stayed here all the time?" She reached up and stroked his cheek. "Xander, that's so. . .sweet! A little insane too. Why did you stay up here all the time?"
"I wanted to be here when you woke up. Granted, I wasn't, but I was close. I read to you, and told you about everything that's been going on. . .Angel and Cordelia are together now. It took them long enough. Lyn's practically living with us, though I don't really see her. I'm taking a class at UCSunnydale," he said softly. "It's a Child Psychology class, I really like it. . ."
Willow frowned. "Baby, school doesn't start for another week."
Xander looked away, and mumbled under his breath, "School started two months ago."
"What?" Willow asked.
"Two months, Wills. You've been in a coma for two months."
Tears filled her eyes. "But. . .but school. . ."
"It's ok, Willow. I called the school and told them what happened, you were attacked and in a coma, and they are going to readmit you with no problems as soon as you wake up. So come January, you will be fine. They will let you back in like you never missed anything."
Tears fell on her cheeks. "Thank you, Xander." She started to sit up. "I need to walk around. I think my legs are jelly."
Xander stood up and helped her out of the bed. He slipped his arm around her waist and the two began to walk down the hallway. "I can't wait to get home and take a bath," Willow said softly.
"I'm sure," Xander replied. "Though, if you want me too, I can give you a sponge bath. . ." He winked at her.
"Xander!" she squealed playfully, slapping his arm with her free hand. "Not in the hospital! That will give me the wiggies!"
"I'm just glad you are awake," he said softly. They said hi to a few nurses that actually liked Xander, then made their way back to her room. He helped her settle in the bed and sat back down in his chair.
"You know," he said, looking down at his hands. "That night. . .that was the night that I realized just how much I love you."
She reached out and took his hand, intertwining her fingers with his. "What happened that night?"
Xander sighed, looking up at the ceiling. He spent a moment gathering his thoughts, then began to speak softly. Willow almost had to strain to hear him as he relived the night he almost lost her.
"Well, we were sitting there, talking, and I kept glancing at my watch. Buffy finally said, 'What the hell is going on, Xander? Why do you keep looking at your watch? Are we not good enough for you?' I looked up at her and said, 'No, I just have to be somewhere soon.' She frowned at me, then her eyes widened, and she looked back at the door, then leaned towards me. 'Willow?' I just smiled. 'Cool!' she exclaimed. She was so happy about the thought of you and I getting together. We talked a little more, passing the time. I looked towards the door and saw Deadboy walking in. I knew something was wrong, I could see the frown lines in his face from across the Bronze.
"He made it to our table. Buffy stared at him, then said, 'No, Angel, I don 't want you in my town. Whatever the problem, I don't want your help.' Angel stared down at her for a split second and said, 'I'm not here for you, Buffy.' I remember realizing that he had come to see you because you were home, and then my chest tightened. I honestly felt like something was squeezing my heart. I started breathing hard, trying to catch my breath. 'Shit!' Buffy freaked out. 'What's wrong!' I think it was Lyn that said I was hyperventilating. 'What is it, Xander?' Riley asked, all concerned. 'What's wrong?'
"All I knew was that at that moment, there was a part of my soul that was ripped from my body. It was you. Something really bad had happened to you and I wasn't there to help you. I stood up, knocking my chair over in the process. 'Willow,' I gasped. I blinked at Angel, reaching out for him. I grabbed his shirt and shook him. 'What happened to Willow?' It was like. . .slow motion." Xander started rubbing the pad of his thumb along her palm. It sent chills up her arm, and down her body, and she had to concentrate on his face and ignore his ministrations so she wouldn't get turned on while he was sharing his pain with her. She watched his lips, licking hers in the process.
< Goddess, he's beautiful, > she thought. < He has that goatee still, and that little mustache, and it makes him look so much older, and those eyes. . .oh, goddess, I could lose myself in those eyes. >
*********
Part 7
"Wills?" Xander was saying somewhat frantically.
Willow focused on him. "Huh? What's wrong, Xander?"
"I don't know," he said, his voice a touch hysterical. "You completely zoned out on me and I was concerned. I didn't. . .I didn't know if you were ok."
She yawned, settling back in her pillow. "Yea, I was just thinking about how kissable your lips looked." Her eyes widened and she blushed when she realized she'd spoken out loud.
A slow smile spread on his face. "You think?" he asked seductively.
Willow giggled softly. "Not now. Wait till I get home. You've waited two months, you can wait another day."
He leaned over and kissed her forehead. "You've waited fifteen years. A day won't kill me."
"So you were hyperventilating. Did you know that I was dying?" Willow asked curiously.
"I did. I felt it in my soul, that I was very quickly losing a part of me. It was terrifying. I had a vision of this bleak gray life. . .no red." He reached out and twisted a strand of her hair around his fingers. "I was so scared. Deadboy told me that there had been an attack, you had lost a lot of blood. Spike had tried to save you, but there were more vamps than he could handle alone. He was taking you to the hospital and Deadboy came to get us." He sighed.
"When we got to the hospital, they said that you had lost a lot of blood, and Buffy and I gave some of ours for you. We were the only ones who matched your blood type. They had other blood, thank god. They wouldn't let any of us in, though, not at first. We weren't family. And then the words tumbled out of my mouth before I even thought about it. 'She's my fiancée,' I said. Everyone automatically agreed with me, and the doctors let me see you. It was. . ." Tears filled his eyes. "I never cried so much, not in my whole entire life. Not when my dad ever hit me, not when mom screamed that I was worthless, not when Anya left, not when I was alone in my room and scared that Angelus was going to kill us all. I sobbed and screamed at the doctors and prayed. Oh, I prayed to your goddess, to God, to anyone who might have been listening. I told them, I said, 'Please, let Willow live. If you do, I'd gladly give the heart out of my chest, just don 't let her die.' " Xander's bottom lip quivered.
Willow reached up and ran her fingers over his lips. "I'm fine now, Xander. There's no reason for you to cry."
He laughed, tears spilling on his cheeks. "I drove the nurses crazy. I was always here. There's one nurse though, her name is Bonnie, she likes me. She would sit here, over in that chair," he said, nodding his head to the chair on the other side of the bed, "and she would let me ramble about all the things we would do when we were kids, and I told her about me and Del and you and Oz, and she told me that I was extremely lucky for getting a second chance with you and that if I screwed it up, I was going to ruin the best thing I've ever had the chance of having." He smiled down at her. "She's right, you know. You have always been the best thing in my life, Willow."
Tears ran down the side of her face, dripping into her ear. She laughed, rubbing at her ear. "You know my whole world has pretty much always revolved around you."
"I was so stupid in high school, Willow."
"No," she whispered. "You just didn't need me at the time. And it's probably better. I'm older, more mature now. I can have a nice normal relationship with you, not an obsessive have to have you all the time relationship."
Xander snorted. "How normal do you think we can *really* be, living on the Hellmouth?"
Willow chuckled. "Good point." She yawned. "I think it's time for bed. You wouldn't think I'd be tired, after sleeping for two months, but I am."
"I could sleep too," he said.
Willow moved over, raising the covers up. Xander's eyebrow went up. "Well," she defended, "it must be uncomfortable sleeping on the chair."
His face fell into a slow grin. "Yea," he mumbled, climbing in bed with her. She pressed her body against his, putting her head on his chest. He wrapped his arms around her. "I love you, Willow."
"I love you, Xander."
It didn't take long for the two to fall asleep.
********
Part 8
Willow woke up with a start, her mind trying to figure out where she was. She blinked, the sunlight from the day streaming into her room and on her face. She closed her eyes and sighed. Her eyes flew back open when she realized she was in the hospital, and that she had a body in bed with her. She relaxed when she realized it was Xander. He was spooning her, his chest pressed against her back. His arm was around her protectively, pulling her to him. His hand rested on her breast, which made her blush slightly. She could feel his soft breath on the back of her neck, and she giggled softly, wiggling in his arms.
He tightened his hold on her and mumbled, "Don't go yet, Wills. Not ready to let you go."
She smiled. She knew he was dreaming, she had spent plenty of nights with him growing up to know when he was talking in his sleep. She wiggled again. "Have to, Xander, have to walk around."
He growled, low and dangerous. Her eyebrow rose. < Must have learned that neat trick from Spike. > "Don't go." He pulled her closer and buried his face in her hair.
She gasped and her eyes flew open when she realized that the hardness she felt against her ass was in fact, Xander's cock. "Oh, goddess," she breathed. She was still for a moment, then slowly tried to pull herself out of his arms. She just wanted to stretch her legs.
There was another growl and she felt his cock surge against her. She froze, and then suddenly, the hard body against her rolled away. She breathed a sigh of relief and started to get out of bed. A hand shot out and wrapped around her forearm, pulling her back down with a squeal. She was on her back, blinking rapidly in shock.
Xander rolled over, laying his body on hers, holding her wrists above her head. He used his knee and nudged her legs apart, settling his body there. He looked down at her sleepily, his eyes barely opened. "Do you have to go to the little girl's room, or do something important that requires you to get out of bed?" he asked in his husky sleepy voice.
"No," she said softly. "Why?"
"Then I'm going back to sleep. Not ready to let you go," he said, burying his face in her neck. "Love you," he said against her skin, running his lips along her neck. She shuddered softly, realizing just how close her and Xander were to being in the position of intercourse. She sighed softly, closing her eyes to fall back asleep.
*******
Xander walked into his apartment, trying to hide his huge grin. No one knew Willow was awake yet. She wanted to make it a surprise for everyone. The hospital had been surprised, but Willow was completely healed. Xander explained later to her that he, Giles, and Angel had performed a healing spell on her as soon as her blood transfusion had taken place.
Spike glanced up. "Pet!" he exclaimed. "How are you? It's been, what, two days since I've seen you?"
Xander smiled. "Yea, I think. So. . .normal Friday Scooby Get Together?" he asked. The Scooby Gang had started getting together on Friday nights to have a stress free night.
"Yea, you joining tonight?"
Xander nodded his head. "I have an announcement."
Spike frowned. "Ok, sit down," he said. "Guys!" he yelled through the house. "Xander's here!"
Buffy and Riley walked out of the kitchen, and Graham and Melynda walked out of her bedroom. "Hey, Xand!" Buffy said, bouncing to the man. He hugged her tightly. "What's up? How's Willow? She still moving her fingers? I'm going to see her tomorrow. I wanted to come last night, but patrol was harsh, there were many vamps out last night."
"Willow?" Xander asked. "Oh, right, Willow. Yea, she's ok, I guess." He shrugged, trying to hide the grin that wanted to form over his features.
Melynda frowned, leaning forward. "You guess?" she asked.
"Xander. . ." Spike said threateningly.
"Guys. . .I. . .I met someone!" Xander blurted out.
The whole group stared at him in shock. "You *met* someone?" Buffy said, her voice raising. "What do you mean, you *met* someone! How can you meet someone when you are in love with Willow? That is not fair to Willow!" She was screaming now, tears filling her eyes. "Damn it, Xander! I thought you 'd grown up! You are hurting her yet again!"
Riley put his hand on Buffy's shoulder. "It's ok," Riley said softly. "Angel will kick his ass, and I'm sure Graham, Spike, and I will help. You can even have a punch in."
"But you guys will like her. She's precious," Xander said, backing up. Maybe his plan of surprising his friends wasn't as good of an idea as he thought. They all looked as if they wanted him dead.
"I don't care," Spike growled. "You are still going to suffer. Endlessly."
"Uh. . .honey!?" Xander said weakly. "I think the vamp is going to kill me."
Willow walked in, giggling. "There will be no killing tonight, you guys."
Everyone turned to Willow, mouths gaping. Buffy was the first to recover. "Wills!" She bounced to her best friend and hugged her tightly. She pulled away suddenly, worried that she'd hurt the frail woman. "Oh, my god, did I hurt you?"
"No," Willow said, laughing. "I'm fine. I'm not breakable. The doctor's can't explain it, but I know it's because of the healing spell they did."
"I was so for them doing that spell," Buffy nodded. She hugged Willow again. "Oh, god, it's so good to see you smiling again. I was so scared."
"I was too," Willow said softly, hugging Buffy tighter than before.
*******
Part 9
Willow threw popcorn at Spike. "Shut up, vamp boy!"
"Boy?" Spike growled from Melynda's embrace. "Who are you calling boy?"
Lyn chuckled, wrapping her arms around Spike tighter. She was happy that Xander seemed so content with Willow, so blissfully happy with her in his arms.
Buffy chuckled, watching her friends. Xander hadn't let go of Willow all night, and the redhead happily sank in his embrace, looking as if she'd always been there. She wrapped her arm around Riley's waist, leaning to him. She tilted up, kissing him softly. Everything was finally right.
Spike threw his head back and laughed. Willow was watching him with narrow eyes, daring him to make a comment to her flippant remark of, "I think it's *you* I'm calling boy, boy." He'd missed the witch, and was glad that she was finally awake, finally where she belonged. Xander seemed happier, and the blonde vampire knew that living with him would be a lot easier. "Only one person calls me 'boy', Witch. It isn't you."
Willow stuck her tongue out. "Boy, boy, boy, *boy*!" She giggled, leaning towards Xander. The brown haired man tightened his hold on her, glad that his girlfriend and his roommate were getting along. He leaned down and ran his tongue along her delectable ear, chuckling as it made her gasp slightly and lose her train of thought.
Spike chuckled again, nudging Lyn. "Looks like Xander's gonna shag the witch tonight," he said softly.
"It's about time," Lyn muttered. "What's it been, two months now since they were supposed to?"
Buffy cleared her throat, drawing the attention of everyone in the room. As much fun as she was having, she knew that Willow and Xander needed their time together. "Guys, you know, I'm thinking Willow looks really, really tired," she said, hoping everyone would follow along with her lead.
Willow frowned, wondering why her best friend wanted to get rid of her. "I' m not tir. . ." Her sentence halted when Xander covered her mouth with his hand.
He forced her to nod her head, then grinned at his friends. "She is tired, see? She can barely keep her eyes open. I think she should stay here tonight, and I think it's time for all good little witches to go to bed."
Willow giggled, pulling away from his hold on her mouth. She turned her head, her eyes dancing. "What about the bad little boys who love the good little witches? Is it time for them to go to bed too?" she asked playfully. She chewed her bottom lip, praying to her Goddess he'd say yes.
A slow seductive grin spread over his features. "I think it is, Wills," he said, his voice husky.
Graham rolled his eyes. "God, guys. If you are tired, go to bed. *Some* of us are trying to watch the movie."
Riley glanced at his best friend with a grin. "We gotta get you a woman, Graham. It would let you appreciate the sexual tension better."
Graham chuckled. "Whatever."
Willow stood up, pulling Xander up with her. "Guys, I'm really glad you are all here." She pulled away from Xander, hugging everyone, one by one. "I'm going to bed though," she said, moving from Buffy to Spike.
Spike nipped at her neck and she turned her head in mild surprise. "Spike!" she exclaimed. "What was that for?"
Spike grinned, leaning up to kiss her on the forehead. "Take care of him," the vampire said softly. "He's one of those bloody fragile poofs."
Willow smiled. "I love him too," she whispered with a giggle. She hugged Melynda, then walked back to Xander. She wrapped her arms around him and turned to the group. "Night, guys."
"Don't do anything I wouldn't do!" Buffy sang playfully.
Spike laughed, throwing a pillow at the Slayer. "That's not really much, now is it, Slutty?"
Buffy turned to Spike, her eyes dancing with amusement. The two of them had come to a turning point over the summer, becoming friends. They used their friendship to insult each other more than ever. "*I'm* the Slutty one? *You* would sleep with anything, Vampire." She nodded to Melynda. "No offence. I like you."
Melynda smiled at the Slayer, chuckling softly.
"Me?" Spike replied. He put on the face of innocence. "I would *not* bloody sleep with anything."
"One word, blondie," Buffy said.
"Harmony!" the whole group sang.
Spike covered his face. "Bloody Harm. Stop bringing up the bint. I swear to bloody god."
Everyone chuckled.
Willow turned to Xander. "Come on, baby. I think we have some. . .sleeping to get to."
Xander smiled, taking her hand. "I think I have to agree, love." He led her out of the living room and to his bedroom.
*******
Willow cried out softly, running her fingers through Xander's hair. She was lying on her back, completely naked. He had his head between her legs, where he'd been enjoying the taste of her for what seemed like an eternity. He wasn't going too fast, or too hard, just bringing her waves and waves of pleasure. "Xander. . ." she whispered hoarsely, wanting to feel him against her, inside of her.
He wrapped his lips around her clit and sucked softly, glancing up at her face. His dark brown orbs met her half lidded green ones. He smiled slightly, enjoying the look of rapture he was bringing to her face. "Xander, please. . ." she begged. "Make love to me."
He pulled away, sliding up her sweat soaked body. "I think I could do that," he whispered in her ear before capturing her fleshy lobe between his teeth. He nibbled slightly, enjoying the way her hands strayed down his lean body to help guide him into her entrance.
He slid inside of her, groaning softly at the tight wetness. "God, Wills. . ." he whispered, closing his eyes. They teared up, as he was filled with emotions he'd never felt before. For the first time in his life, he felt as if he truly belonged where he was. He belonged to the petite redhead, to her heart, to her soul. She was everything he'd ever wanted, and he knew that he was lucky to finally have her after everything they'd been through their entire lives.
She moaned softly, bucking her hips against his. She wrapped her legs around his hips, locking her ankles. "Xand. . ." she said breathlessly, closing her eyes. "I love you. . ."
He began thrusting into her gently, wanting to savor the moment, the contentment he felt inside of her. "I love you," he grunted.
The room was filled with moans, gasps, and soft sighs as he took her. He began thrusting harder, feeling the passion between the two of them grow. She dug her fingernails in his back, gasping as wave after wave of her orgasm washed over her, finally feeling the sparks that she'd always dreamt she would.
He knew it was almost time, that he was going to explode, buried in his witch to the hilt. He thrust into her three more times, stiffening as he cried out with orgasm. He collapsed on top of her, amazed at how different being with her was than with the other two women he'd been with.
She held him tightly, her eyes closed, her mind repeating softly, 'Thank you, goddess, for granting me such a wonderful gift.' She finally opened her eyes to see her best friend, the love of her life, and her now lover watching her with a silly grin on his face. She blushed slightly. "What?"
"You are beautiful when you cum," he said, his voice holding a touch of amazement to it.
She blushed harder, looking away. "Stop being silly, Xander Harris."
"I'm as serious as a heart attack, Willow Rosenberg," he said, capturing her chin with his hand. He turned her face to his. "I love you, so very much. You are absolutely the most beautiful, most angelic creature I've ever seen. . .and when you cum. . ." His smile widened. "I'm going to have to do that a lot to you, make you have orgasms, just so I can see your face."
She giggled slightly. "I don't mind that, not at all."
"I didn't think you would, love." He rolled over, pulling her with him. She rested against him, her head on his chest. He played with her hair, staring at the ceiling in thought. "Wills?"
She glanced up at him, suddenly scared at what he might say, what he might regret. She certainly didn't regret any moment spent with him, and the last several had been the most special in her life. She tensed slightly, praying he didn't hurt her again.
He looked down at her, a sad look in his eyes. "I'm sorry."
Tears filled her eyes and she looked away, withdrawing within herself. Her heart shattered into a million pieces, and she knew that this wasn't going to be fixed, not now, not ever. The one thing she wanted more than life itself had just been given to her, and was being taken away - again. "That. . .that's ok, Xander," she choked, trying to hold back the sobs that were threatening to spill from her lips.
He tilted her face back to his. "No, baby, not for that. . .that was. . .incredible," he whispered. "I'm sorry that you thought I was going to hurt you. I'm sorry that I've hurt you so much that you automatically assumed I' d do it again."
"You. . .you don't regret this?" she asked quietly.
"God no!" he exclaimed. "It was. . .Willow, I must have been someone really good in a former life to deserve you, because I know that I haven't done that much good in this life."
She smiled through tears. "You do, though. You do deserve me. Just as I deserve you. We belong together. It doesn't matter what time, what dimension, nothing. We were meant to be together for always." Tears fell down her cheeks and she laughed slightly, pushing against his body.
"I'm going to make you my wife one day, Willow Rosenberg."
She smiled slightly. "Willow Harris," she whispered. She glanced up with a grin. "I like it. I think it works."
"I do too." He pulled her closer. "Now get some sleep. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow."
With a frown, she looked up. She yawned slightly. "What are we doing?"
He leaned down, to whisper in her ear, "I'm going to make love to you. All day long. I'm going to make you cry out in pleasure, whimper underneath me with delight."
She giggled, burying her face in his neck. "I can't wait," she whispered.
He pulled her against him tightly, closing his eyes. As he drifted to sleep, his whispered, "Thank you, Willow's goddess, for new opportunities."