Title; And Then There Was a Time, Part 6
Author; Greenfae
Disclaimer; All rights are Joss W. I own nuttin, I am just a poor starving wanna be writer. so please don't sue me, I aint got nuttin anyway.
Email; Greenfae2@cs.com
Rating; R to NC17 cuz things get kinda warm, anyways if your not of age, don be reading dis.. okies
Pairing: Angel, Willow, and Riley.. *deep sigh* ;-)
Time frame; after the seventh season more or less.
Notes; Well lets see, major angst and conflicts, moist things that go bump in the night.. hope you like.
Feedback; Yes please, good or bad,, just please don't slay me.. my ego is weak,hehe.
Lost;
The mansion cloaked in darkness and Angel found it hard for even him to see. He wandered into the living room then over to the kitchen opening the fridge where he kept his extra packages of blood. Taking two he drank them quickly not bothering to get his mug or heat them up to body temperature. His mind filled with the evenings events. He could see Riley falling over the edge over and over again. Angel tired to think of anyway he could have stopped the young man from falling to his death but he couldn't come up with any ideas how he could have stopped it. Once it was set in motion he was lost to stop it.
His brain still worked at the problem as he went and cleaned himself up. Washing the blood from his wounds and changing out of his bloodied clothes he still had no idea what to say to Willow. How would he convince her it was an accident. He had no intentions of killing Riley, well maybe that wasn't entirely true, he had thought about it. But he would never have followed through with his thoughts. Then another thought ran through his already chaos filled mind. Should he go back, back to her tonight. Could he tell her what he did and not lose her, not watch her eyes, once happy to see him turn to hate and fear.
He knew he really had no choice, he had to go back. She would more or less expect him now that he had made it clear that he wanted to be with her. So what was he to do but go back and face her. He would know then if he ever would have a chance, If she would forgive him. Angel knew this would be one of the hardest things he had ever done. But he also knew there was no way out of it. Win or lose, he would let her know how and why it happened. Telling her he was sorry was only the beginning for him, he would do all he could do, all that could be done to help her over Riley's death. Sure of only what he was going to do, Angel walked out of the mansion his stride determined and his mind made up.
The walk back turned into a run, racing his own fears back to her. Creatures that hid in the sewers watched as he went by so fast as to almost be nothing more than a blur even to them. Once back where he had to come above ground he slowed to a fast walk. Angel looked at his watch and noticed the time was around one AM. Not a good time to just go knocking on her door, she might not even be there. If the police had come by and Riley's body was picked up they would have questioned her, maybe even taking her to the police station. He didn't see any police or any evidence anything had happened there at all. He was unsure of what to do, at that moment he thought maybe he knew what had happened.
Angel looked down at his boots and then back at the apartment building doors. His face a cloud of thought, as he walked up the stairs and into those doors, then up the single flight of stairs it took to get to Willow's apartment. Staring at the door he raised his large hand to knock, but couldn't. Angel closed his eyes tight against the pain in his unbeating heart, letting his mind cover the last time they had been together. His need pushed out any thoughts he had of not knocking and he rapped gently. Holding an unnecessary breath as he waited for her to answer the door. He could hear her heart beating just on the other side of it. Could hear her walking toward the door, her slow soft steps echoing in his ears as if a blast had gone off. He heard the her movement as she must have been stretching to look out the peep hole. Then he heard the quick gasp and the whisper word, his name, coming from her lips.
His ears took note of everything, every sound, the door being unlocked, the knob being turned. It was all like some type of madness had entered him and he was in a time lapse, everything moved so slow. Every noise made all the louder by his fear, fear that she would now reject him and send him away. Something he was not willing and would not do. She needed him, and if she was to much in pain to understand that, he would simply wait it out until she did understand. Angel watched as the door opened way to slowly for him.
Then he saw her at last, her face was tear stained and very pale. She was still shaking as the sobs would over take her. Angel stood like a statue in her doorway, waiting for her reaction, waiting for her to yell and scream at him. He wasn't really sure why, she hadn't seen him and Riley together. She had no way of knowing that he had been the cause of what had happened. But at the same time he was sure his guilt would tell her what he had done. That somehow in his face she would see how he had caused Riley's death.
But she just looked up at him, almost as if she hadn't thought he would come to her. Willow's eyes, glassy with tears and wide with wonder and pain, told him that she was happy to see him. She grabbed him on the spot and wrapped her arms around him tightly. She was sobbing harder now and he let his arms come around her to comfort as he moved them into her little apartment. Angel closed the door behind him and then began brushing her fiery waves of hair down in place. Making soft noises he tried to calm her, letting her get what she needed to out of her system. After a few minutes her voice came up to him in broken gasps, " He,, left,, me,, he said he would stay,, and he left."
It was then that Angel knew what had happened for sure. Riley's military buddies had picked up his body and left with it. There was no body, no dead Riley to mourn, she didn't know he was dead, only that he was gone. Riley to her, had left of his own free will. What happened next Angel wasn't sure of, only that he was helping her and he wasn't the bad guy now. He would tell her what had happened he knew he would but just now he would not. He would allow himself this small amount of pleasure. Not in her pain, but in that she could comfort herself with him. He held her tighter and almost cried for this brief moment without his demon dealing the cards.
The Fates had given him a chance to spend a small amount of time with her. Just to hold her, to comfort her. What else could he ask for, it was more than he had hoped. More than he deserved, and he knew it. Angel could feel himself begin to cry, but he was quiet about it. Holding her, touching her hair, he was happy, happier than he had been in a very long time. For now that was enough and then he would tell her. Not now, he would wait until a better time. Maybe in a few more moments, maybe just a little longer.
An Angels Grace;
Willow stood long minutes at the window looking out into the darkness of the night. She really thought she had something with Riley. But now she just felt alone and used. Why did he leave like that, what was the reason for him to be her lover to make her feel like she was so loved only to leave. He had promised he wouldn't, but she knew she wasn't Buffy. He would have stayed for the slayer if she had gotten there in time. Being in time would not have helped keep Riley with her she thought. He had a job to do and she was just Willow. The thought did nothing to comfort her, and she wrapped her arms around herself, warding off her feelings of loss and guilt. She really had nothing to feel guilty about she told herself.
He was wonderful to her while she had him and he seemed to be very interested in her. Maybe his old group wasn't willing to take no for an answer. Maybe they kidnapped him more or less. She didn't think that was very likely but it helped her stay sane. She could feel the edges of her mind unraveling even as she was trying so hard to put it back together. It had not been that long ago she lost Terra, and Oz had left her in more pain that she cared to remember. What was it about her that made the ones she loved leave in such terribly painful manners. Just when she thought Riley would quell the pain in her and keep her safe from the worlds torments, he disappears. Well maybe not disappears, cause she knows where he went, or at the very least why he went. Not that it helped much when she thought of herself as number two again.
A small ironic smile cracked the corners of her mouth. Number two, that figures, since I feel like that I might as well be thought of that way. The tears began again and she decided it would be best to cry in the shower, that way she could pretend that she wasn't really crying. It was also the most cloistered place in her apartment and being in the more open areas was making her feel more alone.
Willow stepped from the shower, and let the water run off her body some before she toweled herself dry. Pulling on her fluffy robe she went into her little kitchen and made herself some coffee. Willow placed her hands on the counter and bowed her head trying to make some sense of what had happened over the past few hours. There was nothing she could think of that would cause Riley to do her this way, unless he had been playing with her to begin with. She really didn't want to think of that, it meant that she should have been much more on guard with the Iowa boy. But she knew that it would have been very hard to do.
He and Angel both provoked emotions in her she couldn't explain. She felt the tears begin again and she was almost angry at them. I don't want to cry anymore now, she thought. Her tears were not listening anymore than her feelings were less likely to be hurt because she didn't want to feel pain. She was in full sobs when she heard the someone at the door. Rubbing her hands like a child over her eyes and stifling her sobs she began to walk toward the door. Not sure who it could be, maybe it was Riley, she thought. But as quick as the thought came it left again. He would not have come back this soon, even if he was going to which she doubted as well.
Walking up to the door she raised up on her tiptoes to look out the peep hole. It was Angel, her heart skipped a beat, what was he doing here, she thought. She didn't really care, her fingers stumbled over the lock and door handle as she opened the door to Angel. He stood there looking as if he lost his best friend in the world, and she knew she had something to do with that. She had avoided him today to be with Riley. Now Riley had left her, after what he had said, she thought he would be with her. He had lied to her, she knew that now, and like the stupid little girl she had always been, she fell for it. Now Angel was standing before her and she had no clue how to act. His hands deep in the pockets of his pants he looked as if he were asking permission to do something he knew he would get told no for. Willow was trying not to cry in front of him but it was a lost cause.
She found herself nearly tackling Angel and burying her face in his chest, sobbing her heart out. He seemed surprised by this but held her close and moved them inside the apartment closing the door behind them. She began choking out that Riley had left, that he had said he would stay but left. She could feel Angel holding her closely and petting her cooing words at her like it's gonna be all right, I am here now. She took comfort in them and knew that of all her friends, Angel, would not go. He would stay and take care of her until she asked him to leave. Then he would do whatever she needed him to do, and she wanted that more than anything. She was feeling lonely, ugly, rejected by the world in a way. But then here was Angel holding her sweetly telling her it would be OK. She had no idea how it would be OK, but if Angel said so in her pain ridden mind, he must be right.
She sighed in his arms and her sobbing slowed to a stall. Clinging to him she pressed her lips to his collar, and she heard his sudden intake of air. His arms drew her to him tighter and she sigh in the coolness of his embrace. Willow slid her arms from around his neck and back up under his duster. Her fingers tracing the curves of his well muscled back through his silky shirt. Willow took a deep breath letting the scent of sandalwood and musk fill her lungs. Angel went stone still and let her do as she pleased, the tension in him creating curiousness in the witch to do further exploration. Raising up on her tip toes she landed a kiss the side of his throat.
Angel gave a light moan and pushed her from him looking at her face. Searching for what she was thinking, if she was thinking. His dark eyes covered every inch of the pale skin from her neck to her forehead, then to her light green eyes and over the tresses of still damp copperish hair. She looked haunted to him, like she wasn't really with him at the moment. Only reacting to the physical nearness of him. He wasn't sure he wanted to have her this way, she was to confused about what had happened. He knew he had better wait until he could tell her what he had done. So he began to pull back only to have her raise her delicate hands to his face. He could hear here words, but didn't understand what she was saying. Her fingers were creating a fire in him he knew he should run from.
Witches Resolve;
Willow wondered why he backed from her but saw his dark eyes watching her face, and she knew. He didn't want her on the rebound, she understood this but she didn't register what it really meant. Only that he had pulled away and she wanted him to stay close to hold her to warm her so she wouldn't feel alone anymore. She wanted him stay with her and help her deal with this. If he left now she would only cry herself to sleep and she was already tired of crying. Nope, no more crying for me, I will do whatever I need to not to cry anymore, her resolve face on, she caressed his cheek and raised up again brushing her lips lightly against his.
It was like an electric shock, the brief kiss she had given was almost more than he could stand. She felt him shaking and heard him pull on unneeded air. Willow looked up at him standing there in front of her and wondered which of them was really more vulnerable at this moment. She guess it was him and she took good use of the thought. If nothing else he would simply reject her like everyone seemed to be doing.
So Willow choose to push her luck and reached up curling her hands around Angel's neck and pulling him down into a deeper version of their last kiss. Parting her lips ever so slightly and slipping her little tongue over his lower lip in a silent request. She felt it when his control broke and his hands went round her lifting her body against his tight enough for her to feel every inch of him. Her mind went aflame when she understood that he wanted her. Feeling his need for her in his bodies reaction to their kiss. At least he wanted her body and for now that would be enough for her.
She wanted the comfort he could give her, his body could take away her pain quicker and better than liqueur or time. She knew it was only temporary but she needed to feel that someone wanted her, and Angel seemed to be giving her that. He groaned as if he were in pain, struggling with his emotions, with his demon, she didn't really care right now. He was kissing her touching her and she was enjoying the feeling of it. He left her mouth and trailed kisses down her neck nibbling as he went and she threw her head back in a deep throated sigh. Her voice came to him in a ragged breathy whisper, that only he could have ever heard. "Love me Angel...... please"
It was a whisper, he was almost sure would destroy his mind entirely. His demon was drooling at the way she was giving herself over to them, and had little ideas for Angel to do. The inner monster would say, take her, mark her, make her your mate. She would belong to us and no one would ever come between us again. It wouldn't matter that you kill the boy, it wouldn't matter to her anymore after she is ours. But Angel, even though he was sure he would have her tonight knew also that he would not mark her, not tie her to him until he was sure she wanted to be. This was a way of comforting her, and he wanted to believe that. It was all she was really wanted his comfort. He also knew being over 240 didn't make saying no to what was your hearts desire, impossible. He didn't want to say no, and wasn't sure he could if he had to.
Angel nuzzled her shoulder and lifted her in his arms, lifting his mouth to hers again. She moaned deeply and twined hands around his neck holding him to her tightly. Walking deliberately to bedroom, nudging her hair from her pale shoulder closest to him, he landed soft kisses along that shoulder and up the side of her neck. Willow only shivered lightly and cuddled closer to his large frame.
The bedroom is dark but Angel saw everything well enough to place her in the center of her full size bed. Standing in the glow of the moonlight that shone from her window he began to undress for her. He slipped off his duster easily and watched her face as he began to tug gently at the buttons of his shirt. Every movement revealing more of his solid chest to her hungry eyes until he dropped the shirt onto the floor. Willow's face was filled with awe and lust, he smiled knowing that he was the only one she was thinking about now. But that thought lead him to another, if it wasn't for him....
Just then Willow sighed his name and moved to the edge her bed. Angel felt her tiny hands running over his now bare upper body and little kisses followed the trail her fingers took. She stood up and walked behind him letting her hands and lips make gentle contact that stopped his movements while his skin caught fire. Once behind him she reached her arms around him and unbuckled his belt pulling it from it's loops. Then repeating the action she undid his pants and slid them down his slim hips. Angel couldn't stand much more of her touching him without returning the favor. So he groaned deeply and turned catching her wrist as she started to slip his boxers from him. Turning around he faced her and sat on the edge of her bed. His face coming about where her breasts were, he pulled her closer to him and tugged at her robe, pushing it over her shoulders and letting it fall. Angel lightly kicked off his shoes and the pants from his feet leaning into her body feeling her warmth and nuzzling her breasts not wanting to rush the evening.
Even as he knew she was giving herself to him in the wake of pain she was feeling, he couldn't stop, he needed her. What more was there to think, if this is the only way he could have her then so be it. He would do his best to make her happy, to give her pleasure. He could feel her hands in his hair, smell her arousal all around them. She was not willing to wait long, and pulled his head back by his hair, levering herself lower, giving him a plundering kiss he had not expected. Angel's reaction was overpowering his reason. He twisted himself while holding the kiss and nearly tossed her onto the bed. Climbing up to her letting his body move over hers as he kissed and nibbled his way back to her lips. Then back down again paying special attention to her rosy nipples and belly button. Angel ran both hands back up her body touching and committing to memory every line and curve of her. Then ran his hands back down her sides as he nuzzled her lower curls. The intake of a breath normally unneeded to his kind was more to assure him of her willingness.
Willow squirmed and wiggled, her sighs and moans coming to his ears like a song on the breeze. It enticed him and encouraged him to keep up his tender assault. She was at her peek when he changed tactics and delivered a mind shattering attack on her senses, making her tumbled over the top instantly. Her body shaking and grasping at thin air, she screamed his name. She could feel him purring against her and her shivers were doubled, tremors of delight sent her over the edge again. Willow was now clawing at him, pulling him up to her. He moved slowly letting her feel how much he wanted her and she moved her hands so that as he came up he lost the last barrier between them.
She could see Angel had slipped into his other visage, but was far from caring. Willow pulled Angel's mouth to hers in a searing kiss and wrapped her legs around him forcing his erection closer to where she wanted him to be. He nearly growled when she touched the length of him, guiding him into her. Angel was not going to let her control this, so he did not push into her yet. Willow gave a sigh of frustration and bit his lower lip hard enough to draw blood and Angel lost it. He slammed into her with a force that caused her head to reel back, her mouth opening in a satisfied moan. The pleasure blocking out everything she had been feeling before. He waited for her to adjust to him, and when she tried to move under him he started a slow powerful rhythm that would send them both reeling. Angel lowered his now bloodied lips to Willow and kissed her deeply mimicking the movements of their joining.
She tasted his blood in the kiss but could not think of anything but the feel of him inside her. Filling her beyond what she thought she could take. He was amazing and she absently, between the flood of feelings, thought about what happens when blood is exchange between human and vampire. The thought didn't last long and she felt herself being raised up so that she sat on his lap. Her legs were wrapped behind him and he was not letting her go and he moved them into a sitting position. Over and over he pumped into her as she left trails of wet kisses and soft bites up over his shoulders and neck. Willow felt herself spinning out of control again, but this time Angel came with her and they both fell into a heap over each other. His now heated member spilling cold seed within the deepest part of her.
She had felt his teeth at her neck but never once did he bite her. For a moment she wondered why, but didn't ask. Willow didn't want to know why he didn't bite her. Wasn't ready to hear that she was good for a night and then he would be gone too, like Riley had left.
Penitent Angel;
He could feel her retreat from him, like she was crawling into a shell. Angel had no idea why she was pushing him away now of all times. They had just made love for the first time and she was nearly frantic trying to get him away from her. He watched as she curled up into a ball and began to sob again. His heart twisted into knots wondering what he could do to help her. But she was not interested in his help, still he would not let it go and he forced his way closer to her. When she started kicking and hitting at him he still would not give her up to her pain and he pulled her into his arms. Hugging her tightly and whispering in her ear. "Willow, please don't. It's going to be OK I will always be here, please Willow." His voice was strained and raspy as he tried to calm her. He began rocking her gently and cooing to her soft mummers of affection. She let herself become quiet and settled in his arms, her exhaustion taking it's toll on her body she fell into a deep sleep. Angel just held her close and listened to her breathing, to her heartbeat. The stillness making his fears come alive again.
He was in awe of what had just happened and ashamed as well. He told himself he never should have let it go this far. He still had to tell her what he had done and now it would be worse because of what they had shared tonight. He was still rocking her gently as his mind raced on and on over what he should have done instead of what he had done. His body didn't agree with him, it and his demon were very happy, except that his demon had screamed for her blood, just a taste if nothing else. But Angel knew that if he had tasted her she would be his mate. She had already taken some of his blood he only had to feed some from her to complete the binding to him and he would never let her go no matter what it cost her.
He couldn't do that to this wonderful girl. Couldn't make that choice for her, she had to want to be his before he would do that and he was pretty sure she would not want him after he told her about what had happened. Letting himself fall in to a light slumber his mind filled with terrible images of Riley falling and Willow hating him, trying to kill him even. He knew somewhere in his mind that if she did try to kill him there would be nothing for him to live for and he would let her. He himself had tried to die a few times. Would it matter if she did it, if she hated him that much that she wanted him dead, he would except that. Angel woke with a jump, escaping the latest in the dreams he was having about how she would react to him once he told her the truth.
Angel woke with a start from one of the dreams that had plauged his mind, and gently stood up letting Willow move away from him. He walked round the bed and watched her. Pink twinge beads of his sweat rolled off his forehead arms, back and chest. He was more or less soaked and felt the need to wash up. Willow still asleep in the bed where he had been, Angel walked over to her side and carefully lifted her so that she could be move away from the dampness. She moved her head into his chest and wrapped her arms around his neck in sleep driven need for comfort.
He laid her on her little couch and covered her with another blanket. Then made his way to the shower, turning the water up as hot as possible. Maybe if he scalded his skin off he would feel clean again. He would not feel like he had just stolen something and destroyed her faith in him. Angel laid his head on the shower wall looking up at the ceiling and letting the hot water run over him burning his skin turning it red. But he felt he was getting off light, he deserved to be beaten to death. Or maybe another trip to hell would make him a better person. This time he could just stay there and leave poor Willow to deal with her pain alone.
No, he knew he couldn't do that either, he had to be here to help her if he could. Let her make the choice if she wanted him dead, it would be the only way he would leave. He change positions and grabbed the nearest shampoo, lathering up his head and rinsing it and letting the soap travel down his body in streams. He nearly rubbed his body raw with a cloth and rinsed again, stepping quickly out of the shower he toweled off and wrapped it around his waist.
Angel walked into the living room and checked on Willow she was still sleeping and he went back to her bed changing the linens replacing the coverlet with another. He thought aimlessly that he would have to get her a new set of bed clothes. Angel dropped the soiled bed clothes in a hamper and went to get Willow. He picked her up with ease and padded back to her bed, letting her down easy on it. He covered her up and started to walk away when he heard her mummer to him," Angel, mmm, where are you."
Her voice was full of sleep and he could feel his body react to her lazy tones. "I am right here," he whispered to her as he went to sit next to her on her side of the bed. He needed to get dressed so he would not make matters worse right now. But she lifted her thin arms up to him and pulled his body toward her. "Hold me," was all she said and Angel could in no way leave her embrace, instead he pushed her over some and cuddled in close to her letting his hand trace her features and play with her fiery hair.
So beautiful, he thought, how am I ever going to be able to give this up.
Still in his towel and laying next to her he felt a little uncomfortable. Angel reached and pulled the towel from him inching up enough to move it. He dropped the thing on the floor and wrapped his arms around her holding her semi sleeping form tight enough to restrict her movement. In his mind his demon screamed, " mine,, mine,.
Brooding Muse
Willow woke with Angel wound around her in a protective cocoon. His naked arms and legs imprisoning her effectively enough that she knew she would have to wake him to get to the bathroom. She raised her head up so that she could look around him for away to move without disturbing him. But there was no way to do that, so she just watched him as he laid with her. His arms around her waist and legs curled over and in-between hers. She knew if she moved one inch he would notice. Willow gave a rue smile and wondered if he had done that on purpose.
Memories of what they had shared last night overcame her other thoughts and she winced, knowing that she had taken advantage of his love for her. She still wasn't sure what she felt for him, even though she knew it was powerful. Her feelings were still a blur to her reason. Her body trembled at the remember actions of last night and she knew that she would be more than happy to repeat them. But at this very moment she was feeling the need to relive herself, so she would have to wake him.
It was then that she looked him over in earnest. His body like chiseled stone, yet soft and supple. His face was marked with tension even in his sleep but she wasn't sure why he would feel that way. Was he worried how she would react to the fact that they had made love? Angel was always giving himself more of the guilt than was ever nessarey. She was as much to fault over this as he was, and she would not let him take all the blame. She felt both warmed and chilled, her mind wanting to be happy for what she and Angel had shared. At the same time, she was chilled by the loss of Riley. She knew she could deal with him being gone, so many of her friends had left her behind. The only thing she didn't understand is why he would profess such deep feelings telling her that he would stay with her, only to leave within hours of his pledge. Disposable, that's what I am, she thought.
In a flash she was in tears again, not just tears of pain this time, but tears of anger. Suddenly she didn't care what Angel would want and she shoved him from her bed. He woke with a start and sprawled out on the floor with a thump. In Willow's mind Angel could easily do the same thing. He and Riley almost showed up at the exact same time, who was to say the fates were not making a fool of her with these men.
"What the." Angel's voice trailed off and she pounce out of bed and trotted off the the bathroom. He only sat there on the floor stunned and worried. Willow started the shower and did her business letting the water steam up the room before stepping into the hot water herself. This gave her time to think alone, or so she thought. A very light knock on the door told her Angel was not going to give in that easily. "What Angel" she said her voice frustrated at the intrusion. "Um, are you OK." Angel asked on the other side of the door. " I am fine, I will be out in a few." Willow dismissed him with those remarks and she could almost sense the pain coming from him.
She let the water pour over her and slammed her fists into the shower wall, feeling the power in her surge. I could bring Riley back to me, I could show him it wasn't a good idea to play with the affections of a very powerful witch. Her eyes began to turn black and she slammed them shut as well. Willing herself to calm, willing her mind to be still and her heart to grow cooler. She only needed to meditate some and she would regain control of her powers, if nothing else.
The shower didn't take her long and she was half dress by the time Angel came back into the bedroom, a tray in his hand. His face a mixture of grim determination, and hopeful wonder. He kinda looked cute in his pants only, and she tried to smile but she was only able to give a weak version of her normal one. Angel took that as a good sign. At least she isn't blasting me into bits, he thought with a hint of humor. Not that he didn't deserve anything she could dish out, and he had some idea about how much that could be. He was only glad she hadn't, yet.
"What is that," Willow pointed at the tray in his hands. He smiled and pulled one hand from under the tray and pointed things out. "Well this is brie, and those are crackers, clubs I think."His smile took on a wicked gleam as she threw an evil look his way. " I just thought you might be, hungry," he finally conceded. Willow looked at him and her faced cracked a smile, just starting at the corners but then it moved to the rest of her face. She bagain to shake her head and plopped down on the edge of the bed waving him to come on over so she could snak. Chewing happily on a cracker she had snatched even before he could put the tray down, she asked, "Where's my drink?"
To be continued...
Author; Greenfae
Disclaimer; All rights are Joss W. I own nuttin, I am just a poor starving wanna be writer. so please don't sue me, I aint got nuttin anyway.
Email; Greenfae2@cs.com
Rating; R to NC17 cuz things get kinda warm, anyways if your not of age, don be reading dis.. okies
Pairing: Angel, Willow, and Riley.. *deep sigh* ;-)
Time frame; after the seventh season more or less.
Notes; Well lets see, major angst and conflicts, moist things that go bump in the night.. hope you like.
Feedback; Yes please, good or bad,, just please don't slay me.. my ego is weak,hehe.
Lost;
The mansion cloaked in darkness and Angel found it hard for even him to see. He wandered into the living room then over to the kitchen opening the fridge where he kept his extra packages of blood. Taking two he drank them quickly not bothering to get his mug or heat them up to body temperature. His mind filled with the evenings events. He could see Riley falling over the edge over and over again. Angel tired to think of anyway he could have stopped the young man from falling to his death but he couldn't come up with any ideas how he could have stopped it. Once it was set in motion he was lost to stop it.
His brain still worked at the problem as he went and cleaned himself up. Washing the blood from his wounds and changing out of his bloodied clothes he still had no idea what to say to Willow. How would he convince her it was an accident. He had no intentions of killing Riley, well maybe that wasn't entirely true, he had thought about it. But he would never have followed through with his thoughts. Then another thought ran through his already chaos filled mind. Should he go back, back to her tonight. Could he tell her what he did and not lose her, not watch her eyes, once happy to see him turn to hate and fear.
He knew he really had no choice, he had to go back. She would more or less expect him now that he had made it clear that he wanted to be with her. So what was he to do but go back and face her. He would know then if he ever would have a chance, If she would forgive him. Angel knew this would be one of the hardest things he had ever done. But he also knew there was no way out of it. Win or lose, he would let her know how and why it happened. Telling her he was sorry was only the beginning for him, he would do all he could do, all that could be done to help her over Riley's death. Sure of only what he was going to do, Angel walked out of the mansion his stride determined and his mind made up.
The walk back turned into a run, racing his own fears back to her. Creatures that hid in the sewers watched as he went by so fast as to almost be nothing more than a blur even to them. Once back where he had to come above ground he slowed to a fast walk. Angel looked at his watch and noticed the time was around one AM. Not a good time to just go knocking on her door, she might not even be there. If the police had come by and Riley's body was picked up they would have questioned her, maybe even taking her to the police station. He didn't see any police or any evidence anything had happened there at all. He was unsure of what to do, at that moment he thought maybe he knew what had happened.
Angel looked down at his boots and then back at the apartment building doors. His face a cloud of thought, as he walked up the stairs and into those doors, then up the single flight of stairs it took to get to Willow's apartment. Staring at the door he raised his large hand to knock, but couldn't. Angel closed his eyes tight against the pain in his unbeating heart, letting his mind cover the last time they had been together. His need pushed out any thoughts he had of not knocking and he rapped gently. Holding an unnecessary breath as he waited for her to answer the door. He could hear her heart beating just on the other side of it. Could hear her walking toward the door, her slow soft steps echoing in his ears as if a blast had gone off. He heard the her movement as she must have been stretching to look out the peep hole. Then he heard the quick gasp and the whisper word, his name, coming from her lips.
His ears took note of everything, every sound, the door being unlocked, the knob being turned. It was all like some type of madness had entered him and he was in a time lapse, everything moved so slow. Every noise made all the louder by his fear, fear that she would now reject him and send him away. Something he was not willing and would not do. She needed him, and if she was to much in pain to understand that, he would simply wait it out until she did understand. Angel watched as the door opened way to slowly for him.
Then he saw her at last, her face was tear stained and very pale. She was still shaking as the sobs would over take her. Angel stood like a statue in her doorway, waiting for her reaction, waiting for her to yell and scream at him. He wasn't really sure why, she hadn't seen him and Riley together. She had no way of knowing that he had been the cause of what had happened. But at the same time he was sure his guilt would tell her what he had done. That somehow in his face she would see how he had caused Riley's death.
But she just looked up at him, almost as if she hadn't thought he would come to her. Willow's eyes, glassy with tears and wide with wonder and pain, told him that she was happy to see him. She grabbed him on the spot and wrapped her arms around him tightly. She was sobbing harder now and he let his arms come around her to comfort as he moved them into her little apartment. Angel closed the door behind him and then began brushing her fiery waves of hair down in place. Making soft noises he tried to calm her, letting her get what she needed to out of her system. After a few minutes her voice came up to him in broken gasps, " He,, left,, me,, he said he would stay,, and he left."
It was then that Angel knew what had happened for sure. Riley's military buddies had picked up his body and left with it. There was no body, no dead Riley to mourn, she didn't know he was dead, only that he was gone. Riley to her, had left of his own free will. What happened next Angel wasn't sure of, only that he was helping her and he wasn't the bad guy now. He would tell her what had happened he knew he would but just now he would not. He would allow himself this small amount of pleasure. Not in her pain, but in that she could comfort herself with him. He held her tighter and almost cried for this brief moment without his demon dealing the cards.
The Fates had given him a chance to spend a small amount of time with her. Just to hold her, to comfort her. What else could he ask for, it was more than he had hoped. More than he deserved, and he knew it. Angel could feel himself begin to cry, but he was quiet about it. Holding her, touching her hair, he was happy, happier than he had been in a very long time. For now that was enough and then he would tell her. Not now, he would wait until a better time. Maybe in a few more moments, maybe just a little longer.
An Angels Grace;
Willow stood long minutes at the window looking out into the darkness of the night. She really thought she had something with Riley. But now she just felt alone and used. Why did he leave like that, what was the reason for him to be her lover to make her feel like she was so loved only to leave. He had promised he wouldn't, but she knew she wasn't Buffy. He would have stayed for the slayer if she had gotten there in time. Being in time would not have helped keep Riley with her she thought. He had a job to do and she was just Willow. The thought did nothing to comfort her, and she wrapped her arms around herself, warding off her feelings of loss and guilt. She really had nothing to feel guilty about she told herself.
He was wonderful to her while she had him and he seemed to be very interested in her. Maybe his old group wasn't willing to take no for an answer. Maybe they kidnapped him more or less. She didn't think that was very likely but it helped her stay sane. She could feel the edges of her mind unraveling even as she was trying so hard to put it back together. It had not been that long ago she lost Terra, and Oz had left her in more pain that she cared to remember. What was it about her that made the ones she loved leave in such terribly painful manners. Just when she thought Riley would quell the pain in her and keep her safe from the worlds torments, he disappears. Well maybe not disappears, cause she knows where he went, or at the very least why he went. Not that it helped much when she thought of herself as number two again.
A small ironic smile cracked the corners of her mouth. Number two, that figures, since I feel like that I might as well be thought of that way. The tears began again and she decided it would be best to cry in the shower, that way she could pretend that she wasn't really crying. It was also the most cloistered place in her apartment and being in the more open areas was making her feel more alone.
Willow stepped from the shower, and let the water run off her body some before she toweled herself dry. Pulling on her fluffy robe she went into her little kitchen and made herself some coffee. Willow placed her hands on the counter and bowed her head trying to make some sense of what had happened over the past few hours. There was nothing she could think of that would cause Riley to do her this way, unless he had been playing with her to begin with. She really didn't want to think of that, it meant that she should have been much more on guard with the Iowa boy. But she knew that it would have been very hard to do.
He and Angel both provoked emotions in her she couldn't explain. She felt the tears begin again and she was almost angry at them. I don't want to cry anymore now, she thought. Her tears were not listening anymore than her feelings were less likely to be hurt because she didn't want to feel pain. She was in full sobs when she heard the someone at the door. Rubbing her hands like a child over her eyes and stifling her sobs she began to walk toward the door. Not sure who it could be, maybe it was Riley, she thought. But as quick as the thought came it left again. He would not have come back this soon, even if he was going to which she doubted as well.
Walking up to the door she raised up on her tiptoes to look out the peep hole. It was Angel, her heart skipped a beat, what was he doing here, she thought. She didn't really care, her fingers stumbled over the lock and door handle as she opened the door to Angel. He stood there looking as if he lost his best friend in the world, and she knew she had something to do with that. She had avoided him today to be with Riley. Now Riley had left her, after what he had said, she thought he would be with her. He had lied to her, she knew that now, and like the stupid little girl she had always been, she fell for it. Now Angel was standing before her and she had no clue how to act. His hands deep in the pockets of his pants he looked as if he were asking permission to do something he knew he would get told no for. Willow was trying not to cry in front of him but it was a lost cause.
She found herself nearly tackling Angel and burying her face in his chest, sobbing her heart out. He seemed surprised by this but held her close and moved them inside the apartment closing the door behind them. She began choking out that Riley had left, that he had said he would stay but left. She could feel Angel holding her closely and petting her cooing words at her like it's gonna be all right, I am here now. She took comfort in them and knew that of all her friends, Angel, would not go. He would stay and take care of her until she asked him to leave. Then he would do whatever she needed him to do, and she wanted that more than anything. She was feeling lonely, ugly, rejected by the world in a way. But then here was Angel holding her sweetly telling her it would be OK. She had no idea how it would be OK, but if Angel said so in her pain ridden mind, he must be right.
She sighed in his arms and her sobbing slowed to a stall. Clinging to him she pressed her lips to his collar, and she heard his sudden intake of air. His arms drew her to him tighter and she sigh in the coolness of his embrace. Willow slid her arms from around his neck and back up under his duster. Her fingers tracing the curves of his well muscled back through his silky shirt. Willow took a deep breath letting the scent of sandalwood and musk fill her lungs. Angel went stone still and let her do as she pleased, the tension in him creating curiousness in the witch to do further exploration. Raising up on her tip toes she landed a kiss the side of his throat.
Angel gave a light moan and pushed her from him looking at her face. Searching for what she was thinking, if she was thinking. His dark eyes covered every inch of the pale skin from her neck to her forehead, then to her light green eyes and over the tresses of still damp copperish hair. She looked haunted to him, like she wasn't really with him at the moment. Only reacting to the physical nearness of him. He wasn't sure he wanted to have her this way, she was to confused about what had happened. He knew he had better wait until he could tell her what he had done. So he began to pull back only to have her raise her delicate hands to his face. He could hear here words, but didn't understand what she was saying. Her fingers were creating a fire in him he knew he should run from.
Witches Resolve;
Willow wondered why he backed from her but saw his dark eyes watching her face, and she knew. He didn't want her on the rebound, she understood this but she didn't register what it really meant. Only that he had pulled away and she wanted him to stay close to hold her to warm her so she wouldn't feel alone anymore. She wanted him stay with her and help her deal with this. If he left now she would only cry herself to sleep and she was already tired of crying. Nope, no more crying for me, I will do whatever I need to not to cry anymore, her resolve face on, she caressed his cheek and raised up again brushing her lips lightly against his.
It was like an electric shock, the brief kiss she had given was almost more than he could stand. She felt him shaking and heard him pull on unneeded air. Willow looked up at him standing there in front of her and wondered which of them was really more vulnerable at this moment. She guess it was him and she took good use of the thought. If nothing else he would simply reject her like everyone seemed to be doing.
So Willow choose to push her luck and reached up curling her hands around Angel's neck and pulling him down into a deeper version of their last kiss. Parting her lips ever so slightly and slipping her little tongue over his lower lip in a silent request. She felt it when his control broke and his hands went round her lifting her body against his tight enough for her to feel every inch of him. Her mind went aflame when she understood that he wanted her. Feeling his need for her in his bodies reaction to their kiss. At least he wanted her body and for now that would be enough for her.
She wanted the comfort he could give her, his body could take away her pain quicker and better than liqueur or time. She knew it was only temporary but she needed to feel that someone wanted her, and Angel seemed to be giving her that. He groaned as if he were in pain, struggling with his emotions, with his demon, she didn't really care right now. He was kissing her touching her and she was enjoying the feeling of it. He left her mouth and trailed kisses down her neck nibbling as he went and she threw her head back in a deep throated sigh. Her voice came to him in a ragged breathy whisper, that only he could have ever heard. "Love me Angel...... please"
It was a whisper, he was almost sure would destroy his mind entirely. His demon was drooling at the way she was giving herself over to them, and had little ideas for Angel to do. The inner monster would say, take her, mark her, make her your mate. She would belong to us and no one would ever come between us again. It wouldn't matter that you kill the boy, it wouldn't matter to her anymore after she is ours. But Angel, even though he was sure he would have her tonight knew also that he would not mark her, not tie her to him until he was sure she wanted to be. This was a way of comforting her, and he wanted to believe that. It was all she was really wanted his comfort. He also knew being over 240 didn't make saying no to what was your hearts desire, impossible. He didn't want to say no, and wasn't sure he could if he had to.
Angel nuzzled her shoulder and lifted her in his arms, lifting his mouth to hers again. She moaned deeply and twined hands around his neck holding him to her tightly. Walking deliberately to bedroom, nudging her hair from her pale shoulder closest to him, he landed soft kisses along that shoulder and up the side of her neck. Willow only shivered lightly and cuddled closer to his large frame.
The bedroom is dark but Angel saw everything well enough to place her in the center of her full size bed. Standing in the glow of the moonlight that shone from her window he began to undress for her. He slipped off his duster easily and watched her face as he began to tug gently at the buttons of his shirt. Every movement revealing more of his solid chest to her hungry eyes until he dropped the shirt onto the floor. Willow's face was filled with awe and lust, he smiled knowing that he was the only one she was thinking about now. But that thought lead him to another, if it wasn't for him....
Just then Willow sighed his name and moved to the edge her bed. Angel felt her tiny hands running over his now bare upper body and little kisses followed the trail her fingers took. She stood up and walked behind him letting her hands and lips make gentle contact that stopped his movements while his skin caught fire. Once behind him she reached her arms around him and unbuckled his belt pulling it from it's loops. Then repeating the action she undid his pants and slid them down his slim hips. Angel couldn't stand much more of her touching him without returning the favor. So he groaned deeply and turned catching her wrist as she started to slip his boxers from him. Turning around he faced her and sat on the edge of her bed. His face coming about where her breasts were, he pulled her closer to him and tugged at her robe, pushing it over her shoulders and letting it fall. Angel lightly kicked off his shoes and the pants from his feet leaning into her body feeling her warmth and nuzzling her breasts not wanting to rush the evening.
Even as he knew she was giving herself to him in the wake of pain she was feeling, he couldn't stop, he needed her. What more was there to think, if this is the only way he could have her then so be it. He would do his best to make her happy, to give her pleasure. He could feel her hands in his hair, smell her arousal all around them. She was not willing to wait long, and pulled his head back by his hair, levering herself lower, giving him a plundering kiss he had not expected. Angel's reaction was overpowering his reason. He twisted himself while holding the kiss and nearly tossed her onto the bed. Climbing up to her letting his body move over hers as he kissed and nibbled his way back to her lips. Then back down again paying special attention to her rosy nipples and belly button. Angel ran both hands back up her body touching and committing to memory every line and curve of her. Then ran his hands back down her sides as he nuzzled her lower curls. The intake of a breath normally unneeded to his kind was more to assure him of her willingness.
Willow squirmed and wiggled, her sighs and moans coming to his ears like a song on the breeze. It enticed him and encouraged him to keep up his tender assault. She was at her peek when he changed tactics and delivered a mind shattering attack on her senses, making her tumbled over the top instantly. Her body shaking and grasping at thin air, she screamed his name. She could feel him purring against her and her shivers were doubled, tremors of delight sent her over the edge again. Willow was now clawing at him, pulling him up to her. He moved slowly letting her feel how much he wanted her and she moved her hands so that as he came up he lost the last barrier between them.
She could see Angel had slipped into his other visage, but was far from caring. Willow pulled Angel's mouth to hers in a searing kiss and wrapped her legs around him forcing his erection closer to where she wanted him to be. He nearly growled when she touched the length of him, guiding him into her. Angel was not going to let her control this, so he did not push into her yet. Willow gave a sigh of frustration and bit his lower lip hard enough to draw blood and Angel lost it. He slammed into her with a force that caused her head to reel back, her mouth opening in a satisfied moan. The pleasure blocking out everything she had been feeling before. He waited for her to adjust to him, and when she tried to move under him he started a slow powerful rhythm that would send them both reeling. Angel lowered his now bloodied lips to Willow and kissed her deeply mimicking the movements of their joining.
She tasted his blood in the kiss but could not think of anything but the feel of him inside her. Filling her beyond what she thought she could take. He was amazing and she absently, between the flood of feelings, thought about what happens when blood is exchange between human and vampire. The thought didn't last long and she felt herself being raised up so that she sat on his lap. Her legs were wrapped behind him and he was not letting her go and he moved them into a sitting position. Over and over he pumped into her as she left trails of wet kisses and soft bites up over his shoulders and neck. Willow felt herself spinning out of control again, but this time Angel came with her and they both fell into a heap over each other. His now heated member spilling cold seed within the deepest part of her.
She had felt his teeth at her neck but never once did he bite her. For a moment she wondered why, but didn't ask. Willow didn't want to know why he didn't bite her. Wasn't ready to hear that she was good for a night and then he would be gone too, like Riley had left.
Penitent Angel;
He could feel her retreat from him, like she was crawling into a shell. Angel had no idea why she was pushing him away now of all times. They had just made love for the first time and she was nearly frantic trying to get him away from her. He watched as she curled up into a ball and began to sob again. His heart twisted into knots wondering what he could do to help her. But she was not interested in his help, still he would not let it go and he forced his way closer to her. When she started kicking and hitting at him he still would not give her up to her pain and he pulled her into his arms. Hugging her tightly and whispering in her ear. "Willow, please don't. It's going to be OK I will always be here, please Willow." His voice was strained and raspy as he tried to calm her. He began rocking her gently and cooing to her soft mummers of affection. She let herself become quiet and settled in his arms, her exhaustion taking it's toll on her body she fell into a deep sleep. Angel just held her close and listened to her breathing, to her heartbeat. The stillness making his fears come alive again.
He was in awe of what had just happened and ashamed as well. He told himself he never should have let it go this far. He still had to tell her what he had done and now it would be worse because of what they had shared tonight. He was still rocking her gently as his mind raced on and on over what he should have done instead of what he had done. His body didn't agree with him, it and his demon were very happy, except that his demon had screamed for her blood, just a taste if nothing else. But Angel knew that if he had tasted her she would be his mate. She had already taken some of his blood he only had to feed some from her to complete the binding to him and he would never let her go no matter what it cost her.
He couldn't do that to this wonderful girl. Couldn't make that choice for her, she had to want to be his before he would do that and he was pretty sure she would not want him after he told her about what had happened. Letting himself fall in to a light slumber his mind filled with terrible images of Riley falling and Willow hating him, trying to kill him even. He knew somewhere in his mind that if she did try to kill him there would be nothing for him to live for and he would let her. He himself had tried to die a few times. Would it matter if she did it, if she hated him that much that she wanted him dead, he would except that. Angel woke with a jump, escaping the latest in the dreams he was having about how she would react to him once he told her the truth.
Angel woke with a start from one of the dreams that had plauged his mind, and gently stood up letting Willow move away from him. He walked round the bed and watched her. Pink twinge beads of his sweat rolled off his forehead arms, back and chest. He was more or less soaked and felt the need to wash up. Willow still asleep in the bed where he had been, Angel walked over to her side and carefully lifted her so that she could be move away from the dampness. She moved her head into his chest and wrapped her arms around his neck in sleep driven need for comfort.
He laid her on her little couch and covered her with another blanket. Then made his way to the shower, turning the water up as hot as possible. Maybe if he scalded his skin off he would feel clean again. He would not feel like he had just stolen something and destroyed her faith in him. Angel laid his head on the shower wall looking up at the ceiling and letting the hot water run over him burning his skin turning it red. But he felt he was getting off light, he deserved to be beaten to death. Or maybe another trip to hell would make him a better person. This time he could just stay there and leave poor Willow to deal with her pain alone.
No, he knew he couldn't do that either, he had to be here to help her if he could. Let her make the choice if she wanted him dead, it would be the only way he would leave. He change positions and grabbed the nearest shampoo, lathering up his head and rinsing it and letting the soap travel down his body in streams. He nearly rubbed his body raw with a cloth and rinsed again, stepping quickly out of the shower he toweled off and wrapped it around his waist.
Angel walked into the living room and checked on Willow she was still sleeping and he went back to her bed changing the linens replacing the coverlet with another. He thought aimlessly that he would have to get her a new set of bed clothes. Angel dropped the soiled bed clothes in a hamper and went to get Willow. He picked her up with ease and padded back to her bed, letting her down easy on it. He covered her up and started to walk away when he heard her mummer to him," Angel, mmm, where are you."
Her voice was full of sleep and he could feel his body react to her lazy tones. "I am right here," he whispered to her as he went to sit next to her on her side of the bed. He needed to get dressed so he would not make matters worse right now. But she lifted her thin arms up to him and pulled his body toward her. "Hold me," was all she said and Angel could in no way leave her embrace, instead he pushed her over some and cuddled in close to her letting his hand trace her features and play with her fiery hair.
So beautiful, he thought, how am I ever going to be able to give this up.
Still in his towel and laying next to her he felt a little uncomfortable. Angel reached and pulled the towel from him inching up enough to move it. He dropped the thing on the floor and wrapped his arms around her holding her semi sleeping form tight enough to restrict her movement. In his mind his demon screamed, " mine,, mine,.
Brooding Muse
Willow woke with Angel wound around her in a protective cocoon. His naked arms and legs imprisoning her effectively enough that she knew she would have to wake him to get to the bathroom. She raised her head up so that she could look around him for away to move without disturbing him. But there was no way to do that, so she just watched him as he laid with her. His arms around her waist and legs curled over and in-between hers. She knew if she moved one inch he would notice. Willow gave a rue smile and wondered if he had done that on purpose.
Memories of what they had shared last night overcame her other thoughts and she winced, knowing that she had taken advantage of his love for her. She still wasn't sure what she felt for him, even though she knew it was powerful. Her feelings were still a blur to her reason. Her body trembled at the remember actions of last night and she knew that she would be more than happy to repeat them. But at this very moment she was feeling the need to relive herself, so she would have to wake him.
It was then that she looked him over in earnest. His body like chiseled stone, yet soft and supple. His face was marked with tension even in his sleep but she wasn't sure why he would feel that way. Was he worried how she would react to the fact that they had made love? Angel was always giving himself more of the guilt than was ever nessarey. She was as much to fault over this as he was, and she would not let him take all the blame. She felt both warmed and chilled, her mind wanting to be happy for what she and Angel had shared. At the same time, she was chilled by the loss of Riley. She knew she could deal with him being gone, so many of her friends had left her behind. The only thing she didn't understand is why he would profess such deep feelings telling her that he would stay with her, only to leave within hours of his pledge. Disposable, that's what I am, she thought.
In a flash she was in tears again, not just tears of pain this time, but tears of anger. Suddenly she didn't care what Angel would want and she shoved him from her bed. He woke with a start and sprawled out on the floor with a thump. In Willow's mind Angel could easily do the same thing. He and Riley almost showed up at the exact same time, who was to say the fates were not making a fool of her with these men.
"What the." Angel's voice trailed off and she pounce out of bed and trotted off the the bathroom. He only sat there on the floor stunned and worried. Willow started the shower and did her business letting the water steam up the room before stepping into the hot water herself. This gave her time to think alone, or so she thought. A very light knock on the door told her Angel was not going to give in that easily. "What Angel" she said her voice frustrated at the intrusion. "Um, are you OK." Angel asked on the other side of the door. " I am fine, I will be out in a few." Willow dismissed him with those remarks and she could almost sense the pain coming from him.
She let the water pour over her and slammed her fists into the shower wall, feeling the power in her surge. I could bring Riley back to me, I could show him it wasn't a good idea to play with the affections of a very powerful witch. Her eyes began to turn black and she slammed them shut as well. Willing herself to calm, willing her mind to be still and her heart to grow cooler. She only needed to meditate some and she would regain control of her powers, if nothing else.
The shower didn't take her long and she was half dress by the time Angel came back into the bedroom, a tray in his hand. His face a mixture of grim determination, and hopeful wonder. He kinda looked cute in his pants only, and she tried to smile but she was only able to give a weak version of her normal one. Angel took that as a good sign. At least she isn't blasting me into bits, he thought with a hint of humor. Not that he didn't deserve anything she could dish out, and he had some idea about how much that could be. He was only glad she hadn't, yet.
"What is that," Willow pointed at the tray in his hands. He smiled and pulled one hand from under the tray and pointed things out. "Well this is brie, and those are crackers, clubs I think."His smile took on a wicked gleam as she threw an evil look his way. " I just thought you might be, hungry," he finally conceded. Willow looked at him and her faced cracked a smile, just starting at the corners but then it moved to the rest of her face. She bagain to shake her head and plopped down on the edge of the bed waving him to come on over so she could snak. Chewing happily on a cracker she had snatched even before he could put the tray down, she asked, "Where's my drink?"
To be continued...