A/N: This is the 12th story in my "When in Rome" series. If you're not familiar with it, you can still read this. All you really need to know is that Angel is human now, he and Buffy are back together, and they have a little girl. Also, they live in one of the most beautiful places in the world—Italy. There is absolutely no plot in this story. Just fluff. Sorry? Enjoy!
Maybe being a slayer isn't the most glamorous job in the world, but every once in a while, it comes with perks. Like when I need to move a heavy piece of furniture, or impress someone with how much weight I can lift.
And then, there are other perks, like an all-expenses paid trip to Capri. Last month, Angel and I took care of a few demons who were scaring away tourists at one of the resorts on the island. The owner, Maurizio, was grateful, and hence, insisted we come anytime for a vacation as his special guests. A free vacation? There was no way we were turning that down.
A peal of laughter comes from my daughter. Ahead, Willow and Liliana are playing at the water's edge. Willow volunteered to come along as my "nanny," but really, I think she just wanted a vacation too.
I close my eyes, letting the sun warm my body. I grew up in California, but the Pacific Ocean pales in comparison to the Mediterranean Sea. I let my mind wander, imagining for a moment that I'm a rich and famous celebrity here "on holiday" as Giles would say.
I feel a tap on my arm and open my eyes. Angel smiles as he watches me through his sunglasses. His eyes are more sensitive than mine, probably from spending a bicentennial in the darkness. He's handsome with a few gray hairs and lines on his face. I love seeing Angel grow older. He ages well.
"Having a good time?" Angel asks.
"The best. Can you believe we're here?"
"It's nice to get away," Angel says. "Speaking of, Maurizio says the weather will be perfect today. We can take that boat ride and see the Blue Grotto."
I nod, but on the inside, I'm a ball of nerves. Angel really wants to go. The cave, only accessible by boat, is one of the "must see places" in Capri for tourists. I, on the other hand, would prefer to skip it.
"What's wrong?" Angel asks, sensing my reluctance.
"I just don't see what the appeal is," I say. "Being in a small boat in a tiny cave? What if the tide comes in? What if the water is rough? What if I fall?" My heart races now. I'm probably being irrational, but I think I have some valid points.
Angel smiles at me and reaches for my hand. "Do you really think I would let that happen?"
I shake my head. "No. I know I'm being ridiculous. I have a phobia of drowning. You know, since I did one time. Crazy, huh? I've faced the Master, but a little water in a cave? Frightening."
"I don't think you'll drown, and if you fall, I'll catch you. But if you don't want to go, we don't have to."
Now I can't say no. If I tell Angel to go on his own, he'll refuse, and then he'll miss out on it. And when will we ever get the chance to come back here?
"No, I'll go. I've faced more frightening things in life. Just hold my hand, okay? But don't tell anyone I was scared."
Angel moves closer to me and places a gentle kiss on my lips. "I won't say a thing."
Later, we take a tour around the island on Maurizio's private boat. The Blue Grotto is the first stop. At the entrance to the cave, a line of tourists in rowboats await their turn. Like royalty, our boat gets bumped to the front of the line. Someone got a very large tip.
Angel gets into the rowboat first, then offers my hand to help me get in. I feel a little unsteady, but like he promised, Angel does not let me fall. We hold hands as the boat moves.
Our skipper is Luigi, and he tells us to duck as we enter the cave. The entrance is so small that only one boat can enter or exit at a time, and so low that we have to practically lie down in the boat as it rows through. I have a vision of hitting my head on the rock, but Luigi doesn't seem concerned about the low opening. Clearly he's done this a million times.
Though I'm nervous, my anxiety melts away as we enter the cave. Bright azure water surrounds us. Never in my life have I seen water that shade of blue before. Luigi explains the reason for the water's color is a hole at the bottom of the cave near the entrance. Sunlight is filtered from that hole to create the blue glow. It's one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen.
I look at Angel, who at the moment appears mesmerized by the water's beauty. Now I understand why he wanted to come here.
"I've never seen anything like this," I say to him. "I'm glad you convinced me to come."
"It's peaceful, isn't it?" Angel says. And it is.
Luigi, like a proper tour guide, explains the history of the Blue Grotto. During Roman times, it was the private swimming pool of the Emperor Tiberius. I feel like a princess myself, with the scene so familiar, it reminds me of a movie.
"I feel like Ariel right now in that scene with her and Eric in the boat," I whisper.
Angel laughs. Years ago, that reference would have flown straight over his head, but The Little Mermaid is our daughter's favorite movie. Liliana has made Angel watch it with her at least a dozen times. He knows the scene well.
"But we won't end up in the water," Angel says.
Luigi begins to serenade us in Italian, and his voice echoes against the walls of the cave, making the experience even more magical. And romantic.
Angel and I are still holding hands, and at this moment, he leans forward and kisses me. Is this my life now? Romantic times in one of the most beautiful places in the world with the man I love?
Yes, it is. And I've never been happier.
A/N: Thanks so much for reading my little fluffy piece! Where else in Italy would you like for Angel and Buffy to visit? I definitely have an idea for Venice but am open to more suggestions!
Please check out my profile for more stories in this series. See you next year!