Part 9

Cordelia was so tired of school. Economics was her most hated subject. She already knew half the crap they told her anyway. Her parents had insisted she knew it. Said it was smart buisness. So far all school was doing was taking her day away, the only time she could spend with Angel

"So, what are we doing for prom?" Willow asked her friends. "Oz and I already got our outfits. What about you guys?"

"I'm not going." Buffy said. The other three Scoobs stared at her. Cordelia didn't turn around, feigning a lack of interest. But she listened from her spot in front of them.

"What? Why not?" Willow asked in a panic.

"I'm gonna hit a patrol that night. Keep all the baddies from ruining it for everyone."

"Is this because of Angel?"

"I don't know. A little. He'll come around eventually. And when he does, I'll be here." The bell rang and Cordelia stormed out of the class, annoyed with the Slayer and the slayerettes. "What's with her?" Buffy asked her friends as they slowly made their way out of the class. Cordelia completely out of sight.

"I think it's the whole not killing Penn yet thing. Knowing he's still out there's gotta be hard for her."

"Well, that's why I'm skipping Prom. So normal people can have a good, vamp-free time."

"You deserve that normalcy for at least one night Buffy."

"I don't have a date."

"Well, neither does Xnder." Willow said with a smirk, Xander and Buffy staring at each other. "Oz, don't we have to go...over there?"

"Yup."

"Bye guys." Willow said, taking her boyfriend's hand and leaving.

"It could be fun." Xander said.

"Yeah. I guess." Buffy agreed, even though it wasn't the same as if Angel would've agreed to take her.

Cordelia walked out of the class and pulled out her cell phone. She was at the car before he picked up.

"Yeah?"

"It's me."

"Hey. I was waiting for your call. What's going on?"

"Not much. Your ex is starting to really piss me off."

"Why? What happened?"

"I'm sick of her false hope."

"You lost me Cordy."

"She's all mopey, which, hey, can't blame her. But she swears like you're gonna come crawling back to her."

"It's not going to happen."

"Damn right. She'll have to go through me first." She heard him chuckling on the other end. "Don't laugh. I'm serious."

'I know you are. So, you're coming by, right?"

"After practice. Give it about two hours, okay?"

"Okay. I'll see you in a while. Love you." She got her bag out of her car, a giant smile on her face.

"I love you too Angel. Bye."

"Bye Cordy."

* * *

Cordelia walked into the dark mansion and smiled. Candles were lit all over, providing the only light. They cast a warm glow in the big home that comforted her.

"Angel?" He didn't answer. She walked into the bedroom, which was lighted the same as the other rooms. The door to the bathroom opened and Angel stepped out in just a towel, surprised to see her there.

"You're here early." He said with a smile, clearly happy she was there. He gave her a quick kiss.

"You went all out, huh?"

"Well, I figured after your practice and the Buffy incident, that some comfort might be in order."

"I feel better all ready." She said, going up to him and wrapping her arms around him. She tilted her head up and the two exchanged a sweet kiss. As the passion grew, Angel's arms wrapped tight around her, his lips stealing every breath she had.

"Sorry." He said with a small smile as she struggled to catch her breath.

"For what?"

"I know you're not ready. I feel like I'm pressuring you. The lack of clothes doesn't help either."

"I dunno. I kind of like you clothes-less."

"I know you wanted to wait."

"I kind of changed my mind."

"Specifics would be good, love."

"Angel. I love you. I want to be with you."

"Are you sure?"

"People always tell you your first time should be with someone you love. Who makes you feel like you're the only person in the world. You're that person Angel. I'm in love with you and I want to be with you. In every way." He was frozen to his spot. How was he supposed to respond? The joy he felt...ther were no words for it. Seeing his look, Cordelia began to question her decision. "But if you don't want to..."

"It's not that Cordelia. I'm just surprised. In a happy way, but still surprised. I can't explain what I'm feeling right now." She smiled at him and placed another kiss to his lips. "I love you."

"I love you too. That's all that matters Angel." This time he kissed her. It was slow and deep as he moved his way over to the bed, taking her with him. He moved on top of her, showing her just how much he loved her with every touch of his lips.

His lips never left hers as his hands moved to her hips, clutching her shorts and panties, pulling both down with a quick movement. They worked their way up to hem of her shirt and he broke the kiss. She looked at him with lustful eyes, only leaving his gaze as he pulled the shirt over her head.

Her hands removed the towel, tossing it to the side. He moved his body over hers again, their eyes locked in a heated gaze.

"You're sure?"

"Very." His lips met hers again as he legs spread. He knew this was her first time and he'd have to take it slow. He gently started to slide inside her when she pulled her lips away from his. Her body tensed and her hands gripped his forearms, in a hope to prevent any further movement. He stilled his hips and looked at her.

"You okay?"

"I just need a second. It's not suppossed to feel like this." She said, refering to the pain. She hadn't expected it. Angel knew he should've gone slower.

"Just relax Cordy." He said, nibbling on the spot just below her ear. he knew it drove her crazy and he used it to his advantage. He continued to slowly enter her, feeling her body tense again. "Relax baby. It'll stop soon." She let out a soft moan as he filled her completely. He didn't move, letting her set the pace, waiting for her body to adjust to his.

Her breathing slowly began to calm again as the pain subsided. She wrapped her arms around him and he smiled, taking that as his cue.

His hips moved in a slow, long rhythm, allowing her to meet every thrust. He wanted it to be perfect for her, wanted her to enjoy every second. But his primal instincts were starting to take over. Every moan, every thust, every scratch her nails made on his back were slowly driving him insane. He rested his head against her neck. The blood pumping beneath made him growl softly.

Cordelia felt his growl all the way through her own body and she gripped him tighter, legs wrapping around his waist. The heat in her body was building, making her think she might explode.

Angel could sense it, feel her body start to tremble the way it had the previous night. She was almost there and the thought of her screaming his name with complete abandon drove him to bury himself deeper inside her with a faster pace until it happened.

She felt his speed increase and moved her hips to keep up. She felt something tighten within her and clenched her hips together, making Angel growl louder, unable to confine it. Cordelia's finger nails dug into his skin and with a loud moan of his name, she was gone. He thrust again, moaning her name as he came right after her.

The room was silent except for Cordelia's breathing. She felt as if she were detached from her body, floating near the ceiling and looking down at herself. His arms wrapped around her, pulling her back against his chest.

"You okay?" He asked, not sure how much control he lost.

"I'm perfect Angel." A few moments of silenced passed. "At first, well, it sucked." He laughed, resting his cheek against her's. "But then, well, you know."

"I'd feel better if you told me."

"Vampires and their egos." She snuggled deeper into his embrace. "I have to leave later."

"Why?"

"Giles'll freak. But I can stay for a while."

"What are you doing this weekend."

"Oh. I forgot to tell you. I can't stop by Saturday."

"Why not?" He whined and she smiled to herself. The big bad vampire formally known as Angelus, was whining.

"Prom's this weekend. I'm not missing it."

"What is it with you teenagers and that dance?"

"It's not just a dance Angel. It's your last big thing before you leave school, outside of graduation. I have to go."

"Who you going with?"

"I don't know yet. I'll find a date though. Any guy would be lucky to take me to Prom."

"Well," He said, hands caressing her lower abdomen. "if you want me to, I can go with you."

"You'd take me to Prom?"

"If you wanted me to."

"Well, duh, I want you to. What about Buffy?" She asked.

"She'll get over it."

"You passed."

"Huh?"

"She's not going. I was just testing you."

"Better yet. And, I can protect you from Penn and any other perverts that wanna touch my girl."

"You mean outside of you?"

"Damn right."

"And this had nothing to do with you wanting to grind up against me on the dance floor so every guy there know's I'm yours?"

"Maybe a little." She turned to face him.

"You really want to go?"

"Why would I turn down spending a night with you?"

"I love you Angel."

"I love you Cordy." She laid her head against his chest, falling asleep in her lover's arms before she had to return to Giles's home.

Outside of the Mansion, Penn watched the young woman fall asleep in his Sire's arms. He grinned. The love they shared was obvious to anyone willing to open up their eyes and truely look. This girl was definately Angel's weakness. She was the perfect target for his revenge.

* * *

Cordelia walked into her current home at Giles's. She had a big goofy grin on her face and was walking with an obvious soreness. She hadn't wanted to leave Angel's arms, but he had insisted she get some where safe and call him as soon as she got there.

"I'm here." She said into the phone.

"You're okay?"

"As good as when you last saw me."

"Well, last time I saw you, you looked pretty good."

"Behave." She said with a blush. "I'll see you tomorrow after practice."

"I'll be waiting. I love you." She felt her heart skip and wondered how he could do that to her with three words.

"I love you too. See you tomorrow. Bye."

"Bye Cordy." She hung up and was about to go up to her room when Giles appeared in front of her.

"Jesus Giles! You're as bad as Angel!" She said, trying to calm herself.

"Sit down Cordelia." She froze at his town.

"What's going on?" She asked as she sat across from him.

"I was about to ask you the same thing." She was about to respond when he cut her off. "Are you out of your damn mind?" She flinched at his harsh tone. One she had never heard out of Giles before.

"Wha-"

"What the hell's wrong with you? Angel of all people, Cordelia?" She stared at him, wide eyed.

"How did you-"

"I heard you two talking in your room."

"You were spying on me?"

"No. I heard noise and was worried, until I recognized Angel's voice. Then a new worry came up."

"Him and Buffy broke up Giles, I swear. I would never steel someone's boyfriend."

"This has nothing to do with Buffy. Angel's a vampire, Cordelia."

"I am well aware of what Angel is."

"Are you? Truely? Have you slept with him Cordelia?" Her eyes flashed in shock and anger.

"That's none of your buisness Giles."

"I believe it is Cordelia. Do you not remember out little visit from Angelus last year?"

"Of course I do. But things are different now. Angel's soul is secure. It has been since Willow did the spell, before Buffy sent him to hell. We have nothing to worry about."

"Cordelia. It's not just the soul thing. You're a normal girl. He's a creature of the night. Buffy, at least she was forced into the darkness. But you, you have a choice for a normal life."

"I don't want a normal life Giles. I want Angel. I love him." Giles stared at her, dumbfounded. What was it with these teenagers and that vampire? He didn't understand it. "I know you're just concerned Giles, and I appreciate it. I appreciate you letting me stay here. But you are not my father and this isn't your life. It's mine and it's my decision. You have no say in it. I know the risks."

"I don't think you do Cordelia. You don't know the possessiveness of vampires. Their need to claim what they want as property. Other urges they can't resist. Buffy didn't understand it and she was prepared for it. But you? Dammit, Cordelia! Don't throw away your future." She looked at him with stubborness, unshed tears shining in her eyes.

"Good night Giles." She said, retreating up to her room, slamming and locking the door. She sat on her bed, staring in front of her. She had known of consequences if she wanted to be with Angel. But she had purposely not thought of them. She was just so happy to be with him.

But Cordelia didn't want to lose her life. She didn't want to be stuck in the darkness. She sniffed as a few tears escaped her eyes. She loved Angel. That was a given. But she wasn't sure she would be able to deal with what he wanted. She didn't even know what he wanted.

Cordelia took a deep breath, stood up, and shut the curtains, locking the window. She turned off her cell phone and laid down, letting her tears fall as she did, crying herself to sleep.

* * *

Cordelia really didn't want to go to school. She was tired of having to listen to Buffy talk about how she was going to get Angel back. She didn't want to hear about Prom from the fakes she called friends. She didn't want to be asked to the dance. She didn't want that disapproving look from Giles, or that homicidal one from Buffy as soon as soon as Giles told her, which he would. It was all just too much.

But Cordelia had a plan. She had since Giles left. The watcher had pounded on her door this morning, insisting she had to go to school. Once he realized she wasn't going to come out, he left for work.

That's when she thought of her plan. She knew of Angelus and how miserable he had made Buffy's life. She also knew that Angel wasn't evil now and that his alter ego returning wasn't going to happen. But he was still a vampire. He had warned her of an evilness that still ezisted in him. She needed to know what that meant, without actually asking him.

Giles had brought all the diaries on Angelus home after Angel was sent to hell. He didn't want Buffy to go through them, event though the slayer didn't return for months. Cordelia walked into Giles room and looked around at the shelfs in his room, loaded with a large assortment of books. She searched through them, found what she needed, then returned to her room with them.

Books covered the entire bed. There was so much...

"Duh Cordelia. He's only been alive for over two hundred years."

Cordelia really didn't want to go through Angel's past. She had talked to him about certain things, but never in depth. Now she was faced with truths she wasn't sure she could handle.

She knew what Angel was. That wasn't the issue. But to be forced to accept all the horrible things the person she loved did, it was hard. It scared her. The man who made love to her last night was capable of causing her pain she couldn't even imagine. She started to read.

Angel tried not to be paranoid. He tried really hard. But he wasn't good at it. The time was seven PM. He had called Cordelia multiple times, gaining no answer on any attempt.

"She went to practice. Her and some friends probably went out to grab a bite to eat. Maybe they went to Stabucks. They're all in a nice, big, puble place, where they'll all be safe." Angel didn't quite believe what he was saying as much as he wished he did.

"Maybe she doesn't feel good." He told himself. "After their fist sexual experience, a lot of women don't feel well. Maybe she's just sick." Angel wanted so much to believe that, but something inside told him his love life with Cordelia was going to get very complicated very soon.

Angel laid down on his living room couch, trying to get some rest. He hadn't slept the previous night, her scent haunting his room. He couldn't keep his thoughts on anything but her. The couch reminded them of the night they cuddled up together and watched the fire. With Cordelia on his mind again, Angel finally fell asleep.

Cordelia laid in bed, eyes fixated on the ceiling. She couldn't get the information she read out of her mind. Angel, the most considerate person she had ever met, was the most feared vampire that ever walked the earth.

"The Scourge of Europe is my boyfriend." She thought over the past three weeks. Even with a soul, Angel seemed to have moments where his control faultered. She couldn't help but wonder if he could lose it completely. Cordelia wasn't sure. But just the thought petrified her. She loved Angel with all her heart. But she didn't want to be his hidden secret. She didn't want a life of darkness.

Angel sat in his chair in the darkened room. He was in full blown brood mode. He had called Cordeolia repeatedly. His messages ranging from, "Hey baby. Just calling to give you your wake up call. Give me a ring when you can. I love you." to "Cordy, it Angel. What's going on? It's been two days and I haven't heard from you. Are you okay? Did I do something wrong? Call me Cor. Please. Call me. I love you."

Now he sat in the dark, thinking the last three weeks over. He couldn't think of a single thing he had done wrong, and pin-pointing his owns mistakes was a skill he had perfected.

Angel figured she might not be answering her phone at all. Until he called her from a pay phone at Willie's and she answered. He wasn't sure if he was more angry or hurt. But either way, he hung up and ordered another drink.

Angel remembered a time when Buffy and her crew were talking about Cordelia. Xander had said she was a vulture. That she could wrap men around her finger, then leave them with a broken heart. Angel never paid any attention to what Xander said. But right now, it was making all too much sense.

The thought that Xander might be right about the person he was in love with dissolved all of Angel's pain. He wasn't going to sit around and let Cordelia do this to him. He was a vampire, dammit. A scary ass one at that. And when he wanted something, or someone, he got it.

* * *

This Prom was supposed to be perfect. In the fairytale kind of way She had a beautiful red dress that fit her and flattered her curves perfectly.

"Angel would love it." Yet, all she could think about was the vampire. She hadn't danced once. All she had done was listen to the messages Angel had left on her phone.

"Hey Cordy. You want to dance?" Cordelia looked up into the smiling face of Xander. She returned the expression.

"Nah, Xander. I don't really feel up to it right now. Maybe later?"

"Yeah, sure." He walked away, leaving her to her melancholy thoughts.

"What's up Xan?" Willow asked, hand in Oz's as they sat at the table with Buffy.

"She said she's not up to it." He looked towards Cordelia, who was beibng approached. They guy was handsome and strong-looking. Queen C type all the way. "That's the guy she was trying to hook up with after we broke up." They watched as the guy walked away, angry with being turned down.

"Guess it's not just you." Buffy said.

"Guess not. I wonder if she's all right." Xander said, truely concerned.

"Buffy? Is that Angel?" Willow asked as she noticed the tall vampire walk in.

"Maybe he came to his senses. He looks really good." Buffy said. Angel's tux and perfectly spiked hair had every girl's eyes on him. He scanned the crowd, seeing right past Buffy and her friends. "He didn't even see me." They all watched as he found who he was looking for and stalked towards her.

The Scoobies stared in shock as an angry looking Angel slammed his hands down on the table Cordelia was sitting at.

"Looks like her day just got worse." Oz muttered and Willow nodded in agreement. Cordelia up startled. She stood up and tried to talk calmly to the less than happy vampire. Her hand went to touch his face and he grabbed it in a powerful hold, bring it and her to his chest.

Angel spoke to her with clenched teethr, his anger slowly being replaced by a sad, almost defeated look. He let her touch him, her hand resting on his cheek as they both continued to talk. Suddenly, everything became all too onvious to Buffy.

"I'm sorry." Oz said, acknowledging the slayer's realization. She didn't respond, just walked towards Angel and Cordelia, her friends following.

"Angel I'm sorry." Cordelia said, voice cracking. "I was scared and confused. I just need some time to think."

"And you couldn't tell me that?" The pain and anger in his voice made her gaze faulter from his momentarily. Cordelia really didn't think it would affect him to the extent. She knew she should've known better. "I'm your boyfriend Cordelia. I love you. You should've told me."

"I know. But I, I wasn't thinking." Angel was about to respond when someobne forced him to turn around. He barely saw Buffy before her fist met his face.

"Hey!" Cordelia yelled, gaining the angry blond's attention. Buffy's hand wrapped around Cordelia's neck.

"Don't start with me bitch." Cordelia raised an eyebrow, refusing to let Buffy see her fear. The slayer brought her arm back, hand fisted. Cordelia waited.

"Let. Her. Go." Angel growled in Buffy's ear, his hand preventing the punch. She let Cordelia go. "Wait for me outside." He told his girlfriend, anger still directed towards her. She left and Angel turned his hostility towards the slayer.

"Do not touch her again." Buffy yanked her arm from his grasp.

"Where the hell do you get off? What happened to, 'there's no other girl.'? You cheated on me!"

"No, I didn't."

"Looks like it from my angle."

"I didn't get with Cordelia until after we broke up."

"But you were planning it! You dumped me for her!"

"No, Buffy. I dumped you because the only person you ever think of is yourself."

"That's not true! I think of you!"

"No, you don't."

"I do. I think about us. I think about how we belong together. I think about what happened to you wehn I killed you."

"Buffy. You think about all of that because it involves you. 'Us' includes you. You thought about what I went through after you killed me because you felt guilty. If you thought of me, you would understand that I don't want to be with you anymore. I don't love you anymore."

"Why not?" She cried. He didn't hear. He was too busy trying to get through to the young woman standing in front of him. He needed to get it all out. And now seemed to be the only time.

"I'm sick of lying. I'm sick of sneaking around. I want to be able to hold my girlfriend's hand in public without you people looking at me like I'm some kind of criminal. I'm tired of secret make up sessions in the cemetary or in Oz's van." Oz shot Angel a look. "I'm tired Buffy. And it's because you."

"You can mess around with Cordelia, but you wouldn't even kiss me in public."

"You never let me. You're ashamed of what I am Buffy. You can't accept it. That's why we won't work out. You're too..." He stopped talking as rapid images from a dream he couldn't remember flashed through his mind. "Oh God. Cordy." Then he ran outside, the group behind him.

He stopped in his spot when he saw Cordelia in Penn's grasp.

"Penn, no!"

"She's beautiful Angelus. Really." He said, running a finger along Cordelia's neck.

"Penn. This is between us, okay? Let her go."

"Say good-bye." He said, then let his fangs sink into her neck. She let out a cry of pain and Angel charged. Penn threw Cordelia to Angel and took off.

Cordelia was pale and shaking. Angel could hardly hear her heart beat and every small thud nearly killed him.

"Xander!" Angel called out. "Take her to the hospital for me."

"Where are you going?" Angel didn't answer. He didn't need to. He let his handsome features change. Forehead swelled, becoming thicker, almost plated. Eyes narrowed and turned yellow. His teeth grew and his lips pulled back in a grimace. He took off after Penn, unaware that Buffy was right on his trail.

God, he's fast. Buffy thought as she ran after him. I didn't know he could run that fast. She followed him, not sure where she was going.

He stopped running, momentarily losing Penn's scent. Buffy rested her hands on her knees, trying to catch her breath.

"Dammit!" Angel cursed.

"What's...wrong...?"

"I lost the scent." He said pacing. Trying to pick up on it.

"I lost him."

"We'll pick it back up." She said, not sure why she was trying to comfort the man who was breaking her heart.

"We don't have time." She said. Angel knew he needed to calm down. He took a deep breath and let his mind take over.

"If I were Penn, where would I go?" He paced a little more, contemplating it. "If I were Penn, I'd try to follow in Angelu's footsteps. So, where would I go?"

"Cemetary." Buffy said matter-of-factly.

"You think?"

"Sure. That's where you always met up with me as Angelus."

"Makes sense. Vampires use the extra energy from the cemetary to their advantage."

"What advantage? Everyone's dead."

"It's a vampire thing. I can't really explain it. Let's go." Buffy groaned as he took off running again. They made it to the cemetary and the scent of Cordelia's blood mixed with Penn's, hit Angel.

A low growl vibrated in his throat as he advanced towards the crypt. He chuckled to himself as he entered, Buffy behind him. "Good old predictable Penn. Nice to know some things never change."

Penn didn't look all that shocked to see Angel. He stared at him, as if he was expecting this.

"You could've tried to escape." Angel said. "Hell, I'll give you a five minute head start."

"Didn't I just have one? You would hunt me down anyway." Angel nodded and his human features returned.

"This is hard for me too Penn. But I love her." Buffy was struck by the words.

"I know. I guess it was a heat of the moment kinda thing." He said, refering to the incident with Cordelia. Buffy was confused and nearing scared. Angel was acting like he and Penn were best friends. "You were like my father Angelus."

"I know." A moment passed as Angel approached Penn. "I'll make it quick." He promised and Penn nodded. That's all he could ask from Angelus. That was his version of mercy.

"Good-bye Angel."

"Good bye Penn." The stake pushed through Penn's chest and heart, turning him to dust. Angel took a deep breath and fell to the floor, sitting on the cold concrete. All the energy seemed to be drained from him as he sat there.

"Angel..." He put his hand up, cutting Buffy off. He didn't want a leacture. "Angel, talk to me. There's obviously something wrong so just, talk. We have to get this over with any way, might as well be now." He looked up at her. She had a point.

"Fine." Angel said, standing up. "But on the way to the hospital." He said, taking off towards the hospital. Buffy sighed. At least he was walking.

"So..." she probed.

"Buffy, you're the slayer. And I know you can't understand it, but vampires care for each other. I know it's weird since they have no soul, but it's there. The closest thing a vampire can have to a child is another vampire that they sired. Penn, in a way, was like my son. Killing him...killing something you created and cared about is hard."

"I know. I had to kill you." Angel sighed. It always came back to her.

"You don't know. I made Penn what he is. He was the first vampire I ever created. There was a very strong bond there. And I just destroyed it."

"I guess there's a lot more to vampires than killing and maiming. I didn't know."

"Because you never bothered to ask."

"Is that why you dumped me? Because I didn't ask you about the details?"

"I dumped you because you never would. No matter how close we got, I would always be at arm's length. You're a slayer Buffy, I'm a vampire. We can't work."

"But you and Cordelia will?" He gave her a hard look, then increased his pace.

"We're not having this discussion."

"Just give me that much Angel. Why is she so much better than me?"

"It's not that she's better than you Buffy. It's just that she's better for me than you are."

"But how?"

"I can't explain how. But when I hold her in my arms, when she looks at me like I'm the only guy in the world who exists, I just know. There's no way I can put how I feel or how it happened into words, but I love her. And that's all there is to it."

"Seems like you put it words pretty well." He shrugged.

"I'm okay with words when I have to be." He said, then walked into the hospital doors. Buffy stood in front of the building. She hadn't even realized they were here. She walked in and watched an Angel she had never known before with wide eyes.

"Angel. I'm fine, okay? Just a little bloodloss." Cordelia said from her seat on the wheel chair as the nurse left her in the waiting room. Angel squatted in front of her, a big smile on his face.

"I'm just happy you're alive."

"Pah-lees. You're not getting rid of me that easily."

"I wouldn't have it any other way baby." Angel's hand tilted her head slightly to the right, then he kissed her. Cordelia was shocked and pushed him away.

"Angel." She said, glancing at the shocked faces around her.

"Who cares." He said, before kissing her again. There was so much meaning in that kiss. With just that simple touch of his lips, Cordelia knew that Angel was loyal to her and that he would never leave her. She knew he had chosen her over Buffy, but now, with this public show of affection, Cordelia knew Angel was hers for as long as she existed.

She pulled him closer and kissed him back.

Ends.