Hello!

This is actually Chapter 12 of my other fanfiction "Forged in Shadows." I'm publishing it here as a one-shot because it can be read on its own, as there aren't too many references to the events of the previous chapters. I think it might interest those who don't like very long stories and... maybe encourage them to read "Forged in Shadows," which, I admit, is much longer than I initially planned!

Anyway, English is not my native language, so if you see any mistakes, please feel free to point them out in the comments.
I tried to convey what Christmas means to me, which is a mix of nostalgia, sharing stories, as well as tenderness between two people and the simple pleasure of exchanging gifts in the morning in a... special atmosphere. I hope I managed to express all of that well.

Angel's past is purely invented by me, and Lindsey's past is also fictional but inspired by what he told him in "Blind Date."

Secrets Shared Beneath the Christmas Lights

Angel was waiting at the foot of Lindsey's building, perfectly dressed for the evening. He had taken care of every detail and was wearing an elegant black suit that gave him a slightly mysterious air. As he checked the time, Lindsey appeared at the building's entrance, just as impeccably dressed. His dark suit was complemented by a charcoal-gray shirt that brought out the sharp blue of his eyes. Their gazes met with a spark of mutual admiration, and Angel's lips curled into a smile.

Lindsey approached, and without a word, Angel gently cupped his face and pressed their lips together. The kiss was slow, each second drawing them closer. Angel felt Lindsey's heart beat faster as their tongues intertwined, and he savored the moment, intent on making the night as memorable as possible.

— "Ready for this romantic dinner?" Angel asked with a smile as he walked to the car.

— "Of course!" replied Lindsey, returning his smile, clearly eager. He settled into the car and placed the small paper bag he was carrying at his feet.

The drive was relaxed, filled with lighthearted banter and a palpable sense of intimacy. When they arrived at the restaurant, a refined venue with a sober, elegant décor, Angel led Lindsey to a beautifully set table nestled in a discreet corner. Lindsey glanced around, admiring the decor and the large Christmas tree in the opposite corner of the room. The soft, ambient lighting cast a warm glow, creating a cozy atmosphere.

As they settled in and a waiter handed them the menus, Angel leaned toward Lindsey. "Order whatever you want. Think of it as my stand-in Christmas dinner since I won't be eating anything."

Lindsey flashed him an amused look and scanned the menu. "Alright then!". He'd had the opportunity to eat in some very fine restaurants and taste some exceptional dishes in his time working for Wolfram & Hart, and he had always enjoyed both luxury and fine dining. So he didn't need to be told twice and ordered a starter of duck confit, followed by a main course of lobster. Angel, for his part, simply requested a bottle of champagne.

Raising his glass, Lindsey offered a toast: "To our first Christmas no longer as enemies!"

Angel clinked his glass against Lindsey's with a soft smile. "To our first Christmas."

— "I hope… you wouldn't prefer to spend it with your family…," he added, his tone more cautious.

Lindsey put his glass back down, a little surprised by the question.

— "My family? Oh no, absolutely not!" replied the lawyer.

Angel nodded, a serious look darkening his face. "I've heard you, you know… That time, years ago. 'Six kids in a room, four after the flu…' I acted like a jerk back then, Lindsey. If you ever want to tell me the rest of that story… I'm here."

Lindsey tilted his head, his gaze flickering with hesitation.

— "That's not really… the kind of cheerful conversation for Christmas Eve," he murmured.

Angel offered a gentle smile. "Lindsey," he said quietly. "I killed my own family… Those 'kinds of conversations' don't scare me. But it's your call. I mean, you don't have to, it's only if you feel like sharing a bit of your past with me..."

Lindsey glanced away, eyes fixed on a distant point in the room. After a moment of silence, he began.

— "There's not much to tell… An alcoholic, violent father, not enough money to feed so many children, and a mother… who was barely holding on. Things only got worse when the flu took my little sister, then my brother. I was… five, I think."

Angel nodded slowly, recalling the fragments of Lindsey's childhood that he had learned years ago.

— "After that, my father drank even more and… well, he took it out on us. My oldest brother had always tried to protect us, but it wasn't enough… When they took the house, he did nothing to stop them… That's when he stopped being my father in my eyes. We ended up living in a caravan... no shoes, no toilets, barely eating every other day … But he still didn't do anything."

Lindsey's voice had become a murmur. He remained silent for a few moments, playing with his fork.

— "When he died a few years later, I felt nothing… except maybe relief. My mom did too I think. She started to pick herself up, little by little, and eventually, she was able to send us to school. I loved school. It felt like an escape, like… a promise of a future, far from misery."

He paused, gathering his thoughts.

— "And then, when I was twelve, my oldest brother got into a fight. I don't know all the details, but someone died in that brawl… and my brother was accused of murder. I never found out whether he was guilty or not, but back then, it didn't matter: in everyone's eyes, he was. Everyone except the lawyer who represented him. Oh, the guy wasn't particularly brilliant, just… a public defender doing his job. But he pleaded his case and even managed to get him some leniency. That's when I first thought about becoming a lawyer. I wanted to… defend people, innocent or guilty, it made no difference for me. I wanted to give them a chance, like that lawyer had done for my brother. That's how I ended up at Wolfram & Hart."

Angel watched Lindsey, gradually understanding how these events had shaped the man before him.

— "And your brother? Is he… still in prison?" asked Angel with compassion.

Lindsey shook his head. "No, he got out after a few years. But I never saw him again. Not him, not the rest of my family."

Angel frowned slightly. "Why?"

Lindsey's eyes darkened. He glanced away before continuing, his voice subdued.

— "As I started to progress at Wolfram & Hart, they gave me bigger cases… messier cases. I screwed one of them up. It was… well… morally complicated… and I still had a conscience back then… After that… failure, you can imagine that Holland wasn't exactly happy. I still remember his words: 'You should take a few days off, Lindsey. Spend some time with your family. It's normal to make mistakes in the beginning, but you learn from them so you don't make them again…'"

He fell silent, gaze distant as if he were reliving the moment. Angel's hand reached for his, tracing gentle circles over his skin. Lindsey blinked but didn't pull away, letting himself simply enjoy the sensation of Angel's cool hand on his.

Then he resumed, his voice a little shaky.

— "Holland always had a way of phrasing his threats... Anyways, a few days later, I found out my mother had died... He was in the room when I got the call. And he told me again, 'You should take a few days off, Lindsey…' Same tone. Same words."

Lindsey paused, closing his eyes for a few seconds. Angel's hand hadn't left his, squeezing gently. When he continued, Lindsey had regained some composure.

— "My mother's death was never officially linked to Wolfram & Hart. I… I never found any proof. I never saw my brothers and sister again, I… cut ties with everyone. I didn't even go to the funeral. Couldn't face them. But anyway, I'd learned my lesson…"

His gaze lifted, meeting Angel's eyes, and his lips curled into a wry smile.

— "And so, by the time you met me, I had become a ruthless, soulless evil lawyer," he concluded.

— "I'm sorry, Lindsey," Angel murmured, his voice sincere. "Sorry you had to go through all of that... But it's over now. And you're not that evil lawyer anymore. Whatever choices you had to make to survive, you became the man you dreamed of being when you were twelve. You've succeeded. Now, you're that man who believes in people's innocence, even in such a dark world."

— "Thank you," Lindsey whispered, eyes glistening with emotion. "For understanding me and for listening…"

— "Well… Sorry, maybe you were right, it wasn't a good topic for Christmas Eve," Angel added with a self-conscious smile.

Lindsey shook his head with a soft chuckle. Despite everything, he felt soothed to have been able to tell Angel his story.

— "Your turn now," Lindsey said, grabbing his glass. "Tell me something from your past!"

— "Something from my past? Ok… What kind of story do you want?" Angel asked, raising an eyebrow.

— "A dark one, of course!"

— "Of course…" Angel smiled. He took a moment to think, leaning back in his chair as he sifted through memories of his long, blood-soaked history. "Okay, I think I've got one. Early 1900s. I was in China at the time, right in the middle of the Boxer Rebellion…"

— "Oh, yeah, when Spike killed that Slayer, right?" interrupted Lindsey.

Angel shook his head, amused but a little dispirited. "Okay, you know that one..." He thought for a moment. "Alright, Rome, last year. There was this vampire they call 'The Immortal.' Spike and I, we…"

— "Wait,The Immortal? Is that this very old vampire who thinks he's Casanova? Hasn't he dealt with the Italian branch of Wolfram & Hart in the past?" Lindsey cut him off a second time.

Angel blinked. "What? He worked with them?"

— "Both with and against, if I remember correctly…" replied Lindsey, before continuing in a mischievous tone. "Late 19th century, I think. Something about a kidnapping…, if I'm not mistaken."

He gave Angel a provocative little smile, knowing full well what he was talking about. "Go on with your story, Angel, tell me what happened last year with the Immortal?"

Angel frowned slightly, feigning an annoyed pout. "Nothing important, I was about to tell you how I met him in 1894, but it seems you know more than I do..."

Lindsey laughed softly, without the slightest embarrassment. "Oops, sorry, the Wolfram & Hart file on you is pretty well documented and I spent quite a bit of time analyzing it to be honest." With an amused twinkle in his eye, he added: "Too bad they didn't include photos..."

Angel let out a short laugh, already imagining Lindsey, a little younger, immersed in this file, trying to find the slightest loophole that would allow him to bring it down... "Seems like I don't have much left to tell you, huh?"

— "Come on, Angel," Lindsey urged. "There's gotta be something that's not in that file."

Angel fell silent, eyes distant as if scanning through his memories. He hesitated, gaze shifting briefly to the side before finally deciding to speak.

— "I've killed so many people as Angelus… Some to feed, others… just for fun. And since I got my soul back, I remember all their faces... I hear their screams… They haunt my thoughts…"

Lindsey, caught off guard by the weight of those words, leaned forward slightly. "Oh, I'm sorry, Angel, I didn't mean to bring back bad memories. Forget what I said. Let's talk about something else!"

Angel glanced at him with a faint smile, though his eyes still betrayed the depth of his pain.

— "They're there all the time, you know… the memories. Whether you ask or not, they're there… I think I've found a 'dark' story, as you called it. Do you still want to hear it?"

Lindsey gave him a silent nod.

— "It was a long time ago… long before I got my soul back. In Vienna. A time of opulence, art, music… You would've liked it I think. That's where I met a man, a young composer who caught everyone's attention with his genius. And like all geniuses, he was a bit crazy. But so was I… in a way."

Angel paused, a bitter smile tugging at his lips.

— "He was a bit like you, actually. Even when I revealed what I was… he wasn't afraid. On the contrary, he was fascinated, almost… attracted by the danger I represented."

He shook his head, reliving the scene in his mind.

— "He wanted to create a perfect masterpiece, a requiem. Said only true pain could breathe life into his music, give it a soul. And he would do anything to achieve that. He asked me… to push him to his limits. Well, as Angelus, I didn't really need much convincing, as you can imagine…"

A slight shiver ran through Lindsey, but he stayed silent, waiting for Angel to continue.

— "I spent weeks dragging him into the depths of horror and suffering no human should ever endure. And he… he insisted I spare him nothing. And I watched him, fascinated, as music and pain became his obsessions. He thought it would make his masterpiece immortal…"

Angel stopped talking for a moment, his eyes gazing far away, lost in the past.

— "He ended up losing himself in it. I watched him fall apart, day after day, but I didn't stop. When he finally finished his requiem, he was a shadow of the man he'd been… and then I killed him. He died whispering that his requiem was perfect."

Silence settled between them. Lindsey didn't speak for a long time, and Angel waited, sensing the weight of everything that had just been shared. After several minutes, he finally broke the silence, his voice gentle but worried.

— "Are you okay, Lindsey?"

— "Yeah, yeah, sorry, I was lost in thought," replied Lindsey, snapping back to reality. "So I'm not your first musician…" he remarked.

Angel shook his head in disbelief. "Lindsey… I tortured and killed him! This isn't something to be jealous of… I was… a monster. And I deserve hell for what I've done…"

— "Oh, it was just a comment, not jealousy… not for him, anyway. Besides, you're not Angelus. You don't deserve hell."

— "Iamhim, Lindsey… Just because I took a new name when I got my soul back doesn't mean my crimes vanished. Angelus, Angel… we're the same person. And you've read my file. You know very well the horrors I committed. I deserve… nothing less than life in prison for all of it."

Lindsey shook his head, and continued in a soft, reassuring voice.

— "No, you're not Angelus. And as a lawyer, I can already see at least three ways to keep you out of prison before I've even studied a possible case for that purpose... " He leaned forward, his eyes locked on Angel's. "Angelus is ruthless, violent, and manipulative. He's nothing like you."

— "Really? I was Angel when I cut off your hand. I was Angel when I locked you in a wine cellar with two bloodthirsty vampires. I was Angel when…"

— "I was the bad guy, Angel!" Lindsey said firmly, dropping his fork and placing his hand over Angel's. "Okay, maybe some of your reactions were a bit extreme, but you were on the right side. And as for the rest, Angelus's crimes, I think the statute of limitations has run out."

Angel smiled despite himself. "I don't think murder cases have a statute of limitations, evil lawyer."

— "Well, it depends on the state in fact… or the country… You were in Europe, weren't you?" Lindsey replied with a cheeky grin. "But in any case, you don't belong in prison or in hell. Prison is for dangerous people who pose threats to society. You've chosen the path of redemption. If anything, that sounds like… remission? rehabilitation? reintegration? Choose whatever you like, but I can assure you that if anyone deserves redemption or forgiveness, it's you, Angel."

Angel, touched, let out a sincere smile. "Thanks, Lindsey. You're a good talker."

Lindsey returned his smile. "Well, thank you. That's kind of my job."

A comfortable silence settled over them until Angel asked, almost hesitantly:

— "Have you really forgiven me?"

— "Yeah. Of course I have," Lindsey replied without a moment's doubt.

— "And you?" Lindsey asked after a pause, his voice carrying a faint hint of uncertainty. "Have you forgiven me?"

"Yeah," Angel said quietly. Their gazes met, and Angel leaned down to press a gentle kiss on the back of Lindsey's hand.

Lindsey gazed at him for a moment, eyes shining with genuine tenderness.

— "Thank you." He paused before adding softly, "Maybe you should try forgiving Angelus too. That's how we move forward, isn't it? "

Angel nodded slowly, considering his words. They sat in silence for several minutes, fingers still intertwined, simply enjoying each other's presence.

— "Not exactly the kind of conversation you were hoping for at a Christmas Eve dinner, huh?" Angel remarked with a hint of irony, trying to lighten the mood.

— "Not really, no…" Lindsey replied with a soft laugh. "But it feels good to talk, doesn't it?"

— "Yeah, it does." Angel leaned forward slightly, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "But now that you've finished eating, I suggest a… different activity. One that doesn't involve talking about murders or crimes…"

Lindsey, catching the implication, smiled knowingly and nodded, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

— "Mmm… Dinner was delicious… but I think I still have room for dessert!"

They left the restaurant, their fingers interlaced. As they made their way to Angel's car, the cool night air seemed to intensify their closeness, and both of them knew the evening was far from over.

On the way, a quiet connection filled the car. Angel drove with one hand, his vampire reflexes allowing him to deal with any sudden obstacles. His other hand rested casually on Lindsey's knee, an almost innocent gesture, though the subtle pressure of his fingers betrayed a different intent. Slowly, his hand slid up along Lindsey's leg, stopping at his inner thigh before settling on his crotch. Lindsey looked away to stare at the road, his muscles slightly tensing as warmth spread through him. Angel's fingers, subtle but firm against the fabric of his pants, brought a smile to Lindsey's lips as he blushed. Angel watched him several times, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes, clearly pleased to see the effect of his caresses.

— "Eyes on the road, idiot. We just missed the turn to my apartment," Lindsey said, amusement clear in his voice.

— "Who said we were heading to your apartment?" Angel countered, his smirk widening.

— "Wait… We're going somewhere else?" asked Lindsey, intrigued.

Angel nodded, his smile still enigmatic.

— "My place, for a change."

Lindsey raised an eyebrow, a bit surprised but also curious. He had never set foot in Angel's apartment above Wolfram & Hart, and a flicker of nervousness flashed across his face. It must have been noticeable because Angel pressed his hand a little harder between Lindsey's legs, caressing him through his pants.

A few moments later, they arrived in front of the building. Angel led him to the private elevator, and as soon as the doors closed, he pulled Lindsey toward him, his hands gripping his waist, before capturing his lips in a deliberate kiss. A shiver ran down Lindsey's spine as Angel's hands drifted to his lower back before settling firmly on his ass. Putting his arms around Angel's neck, Lindsey clung to him, unable to stop himself from rubbing his body against his, seeking to intensify the contact. By the time the elevator doors opened, desire was shining in both their gazes.

Angel stepped inside and turned slightly, watching Lindsey's reaction to the sight of his apartment. The lawyer paused as he entered, pleasantly surprised. The apartment, furnished with sober elegance and care, offered a hushed ambience, and a simply decorated Christmas tree added a warm touch he hadn't anticipated. A coffee table in the living room held a champagne bucket and two glasses, glistening under the soft light of the electric lights.

— "Didn't think you'd be the type to decorate. Don't all those lights interfere with your brooding in the dark?" teased Lindsey.

Angel let out a soft chuckle. "It's just a simple Christmas tree... I can still brood in the bedroom… or the shower…" he retorted.

He shot Lindsey a heated look and added, "Now come over here, I've got something better in mind than brooding right now."

Wrapping an arm around Lindsey's waist, Angel guided him toward the bedroom, grabbing the champagne bottle and glasses along the way.

The bedroom had a more intimate air, with deep blue silk sheets draped neatly over the bed, their sheen catching the soft glow of the bedside lamps. Scattered rose petals added a romantic, surprising touch. Lindsey, definitely not expecting such preparation, turned to Angel, who was again observing his reaction.

— "Rose petals? Really?" said Lindsey, a teasing smile playing on his lips.

— "Too much?" Angel asked, his face betraying a hint of embarrassment.

— "Hmmm… Nope." Lindsey's smile softened. "After the heavy conversation we had earlier, I guess a little romance isn't such a bad thing, is it?"

Relieved, Angel nodded, setting the bottle and glasses on the bedside table. Approaching Lindsey, he placed his hands tenderly on his shoulders. Slowly, his fingers traced down the collar of his shirt, carefully undoing each button. Lindsey let him, his breath already quickening as the fabric slipped from his shoulders and fell to the floor. Angel's movements were precise but filled with tender restraint, as though savoring every moment, every touch.

When their eyes met, there was an unprecedented gentleness in Angel's gaze, and Lindsey let himself be completely carried away by the moment. Gently, he pushed Angel against the wall, letting this time his own hands explore the vampire's cold chest under his shirt, rediscovering every sensation.

— "I want to taste you tonight," Lindsey murmured in a low, husky voice, his eyes locking onto Angel's.

He didn't give the vampire time to respond. His fingers deftly undid the buttons of Angel's shirt, one by one, revealing pale, smooth skin beneath. Lindsey's hands lingered again on his chest. He trailed his nails over it before leaning in to run his tongue along the same path. Angel didn't move. He watched Lindsey, his eyes growing darker and darker as his muscles tense. Each stroke of his tongue was like a burn on his cold skin.

With a mischievous smile, Lindsey slowly knelt, his hands running down Angel's sides until they reached the buckle of his belt. He unfastened it and slid Angel's pants down to his ankles, revealing what he'd been craving.

— "Eager?" Lindsey teased, resting his eyes on Angel's taut erection, his pupils dilating with desire.

He started with soft kisses, brushing his lips gently against the sensitive skin of Angel's cock, working his way upward in deliberate strokes. His tongue traced a slow, languorous path along the throbbing vein, trailing all the way up before he took the head into his warm mouth.

A low growl rumbled from above him. Angel's hand slid into Lindsey's hair, his fingers curling firmly into the strands. Lindsey's lips tightened around him while his free hand wrapped around the base, stroking in rhythm with his mouth. He increased the pace gradually, alternating between deep suctions and teasing flicks of his tongue, making Angel's body react instinctively, his hips surging forward in search of more.

— "You're playing a dangerous game," Angel murmured, gently stroking the back of his partner's head.

Then he took control. His fingers tightened in Lindsey's hair, forcing him to slow down, to follow his own rhythm. He began moving his hips, pushing himself to the limit of Lindsey's capacity. The lawyer gagged a bit as he hit the back of his throat, then relaxed, letting Angel go deep, right to the base.

— "Yes, like that... Let me fuck your mouth... " Angel's voice was hoarse with desire.

Lindsey moaned as he felt this grip of authority. He let him, his hands taking support on the wall behind Angel to better steady himself. Each thrust was deeper, reaching further into his throat.

— "Look at me," Angel ordered in a soft voice, like a caress in complete contrast to the rhythm imposed.

Lindsey raised his eyes, meeting Angel's piercing stare with a gaze heavy with lust. Their eyes locked, and this visual link took the eroticism up a notch. Lindsey felt his own sex squeezing in his jeans, the tension becoming almost painful. But he ignored it.

The vampire's growls became hoarser. His muscles contracted, his abs tensing visibly.

— "Lindsey…" he groaned, his voice ragged with pleasure.

Lindsey felt it coming. Angel's cock hardened in his mouth, throbbing against his tongue. The vampire's head fell back as his eyes squeezed shut, and a loud, guttural groan tore from his chest. His hips bucked one final time and he came hard, spilling deep into Lindsey's throat.

The salty taste filled Lindsey's mouth, but he didn't back down. He did his best to swallow it all, but the sheer amount caught him by surprise. Keeping his lips around Angel's sex to accompany him to the end of his orgasm, he simply let the trickle of semen run down his chin.

When Angel opened his eyes, his gaze locked onto the sight of Lindsey below him. There was something deeply sensual in this vision. Lindsey's flushed cheeks, his swollen lips still wrapped around his cock, and that streak of cum on his chin.

— "Look at you… You're beautiful, so erotic," whispered Angel in a low voice, a glint of desire barely contained in his eyes.

Lindsey's heart skipped a beat and he felt Angel's cock twitch and harden again in his mouth. With a smile, he released him and slowly straightened up.

With a slow gesture, Angel's hand slid from Lindsey's hair, and he ran his thumb over Lindsey's chin, collecting the trace of semen.

— "You forgot this, Lin." he smiled.

Lindsey smiled back and without breaking eye contact, he brought Angel's thumb to his mouth and sucked it clean. The deliberate act sent a shrill down Lindsey's spine, and he let out a soft, needy moan, his eyes half-lidded with arousal.

— "Come here…" ordered Angel in a soft voice.

He pulled Lindsey to him and kissed him without restraint, his tongue invading his mouth in a devouring kiss, testing his own semen. Their bodies pressed together with force as Angel gripped him tightly, feeling Lindsey's taut erection through his jean and rubbing against it.

He nibbled gently on Lindsey's earlobe, his cool lips lingering against the sensitive skin, before whispering in a low voice:

— "My turn."

A delicious shiver traveled through Lindsey as a familiar warmth spread through his entire body.

Pushing aside the pants pooled around his ankles, Angel gently laid Lindsey down on the bed, the silky sheets adding a cool, tantalizing contrast against his skin. His hand brushed over the lawyer's face, fingers tracing his jaw before grazing his lips, as if he were memorizing every curve. Lindsey closed his eyes under the delicate caress, letting out a soft sigh of contentment. Slowly, he slid his hands down Angel's back, savoring the sensation of firm muscles beneath his fingertips.

Leaning over him, Angel lingered on his lips once more before trailing down to his neck, pressing light kisses along his collarbone. His hand drifted over Lindsey's chest, his fingers teasing one of his nipples with a gentle pinch.

— "Mmmh… Angel," Lindsey murmured.

— "You like that?" the vampire asked, before tracing a path of kisses down to his chest. His mouth replaced his fingers around his nipple, capturing the nub between his lips. He lingered on the sensitive skin of Lindsey's chest, playing with the hardened nipple between his teeth before soothing it with a slow stroke of his tongue. Lindsey's breath hitched, a low groan escaping him as his fingers twisted into the silky sheets. His back arched subtly in response to the pleasure surging through him.

— "Fuck… that feels so good," he gasped, his voice rasping with raw need.

Angel lifted his gaze to meet Lindsey's, his eyes burning with intensity, a knowing smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

— "I know. I have more."

Angel let his lips trail lower, his tongue painting an invisible path along Lindsey's stomach. Each touch was deliberate, every movement calculated to draw out the most reaction possible. His tongue flicked over the faint line of hair leading downward, following it like a trail.

Reaching the waistband of Lindsey's jeans, Angel raised his eyes, locking them with his partner's. Heat darkened the lawyer's gaze, his lips parted in anticipation.

— "Looks like you could use a little… release," Angel purred, his voice rough with promise.

With deliberate slowness, his skilled hands unfastened the button of the jeans, tugging the zipper down inch by inch. The denim slipped past Lindsey's hips, revealing his throbbing erection beneath the damp fabric of his boxers. Angel's fingers hooked under the waistband, pulling it down with an excruciating patience that made Lindsey shudder. Now completely naked, Lindsey shivered as he felt the cool air against his heated skin.

— "You're perfect like that," Angel murmured, running his hands over his thighs, exploring every curve. His fingers traced upwards, wrapping around Lindsey's length in a languid stroke that pulled a sharp gasp from his lover's lips.

Bending down, Angel placed slow kisses along Lindsey's belly, his lips drawing closer to his rigid arousal. Shivering with desire, Lindsey ran his hands through Angel's hair, guiding his head to his crotch. The vampire didn't resist. His mouth opened to take him in, his lips hot and wet as they enveloped him completely.

At first, Angel maintained a torturously slow rhythm, taking his time to taste every inch of him. His tongue swirled around the tip in slow circles before sliding down with unerring precision.

— "Angel… more… please," Lindsey murmured, his voice thick with need, his hand pressing against Angel's head.

Obeying his Lindsey's plea, Angel increased the pace, deepening his movements. His tongue, gentle but precise, traced circles, alternating between faster caresses and moments when he slowed down, fully savoring every reaction his partner couldn't hold back. Lindsey closed his eyes, his breathing quickening, feeling a wave of warmth run through his body under Angel's care. He squeezed the back of the vampire's head, his hips starting to lift on their own, trying instinctively to meet Angel's mouth. But the vampire gently pushed him back, maintaining control.

— "Easy, Lin." Angel murmured as he straightened, his voice a husky caress. "I want to make you come with my fingers…"

Lindsey blushed and Angel kissed him again, deeply. The kiss was slow but intense and Lindsey's breath caught in his throat when he felt Angel slip a hand between his thighs, breaching him. The cool fingers explored slowly, the vampire taking his time to savor every tremor and sharp intake of breath.

— "Right there... oh God, right there," Lindsey panted, eyes closed, as Angel grazed his prostate.

Angel's lips curled into a knowing smile. He pressed a little harder on that sensitive spot and Lindsey's body arched violently, his eyes closing suddenly as an uncontrollable moan escaped him.

— "Oh yes… fuck, Angel…"

The roughness of that single curse sent a jolt of raw desire through Angel. He increased the pace, adding an extra finger while varying the pressure and angle, each gesture calculated to explode Lindsey's sensations, who was now moaning without restraint.

— "Let it go," Angel murmured, his voice deep and soft all at once.

Lindsey opened his eyes, pupils blown wide with desire. He nodded weakly, his lips parted, his breaths shallow and uneven. His legs spread wider, giving Angel full access.

— "You look so beautiful like this," whispered Angel, hypnotized by the sight of Lindsey beneath him.

He shifted the angle of his fingers just slightly, again reaching that point of pleasure that made Lindsey cry out. This time, his hips bucked violently, his hands gripping the sheet, seeking to prolong the sensation.

— "Angel… I… I'm gonna…"

His voice was broken, panting, his muscles strained to the limit. Angel quickened the pace of his fingers and Lindsey threw his head back, his throat exposed, a hoarse cry escaping his lips.

— "Yes, come for me, Lindsey," Angel asked, his tone both an order and a promise.

And Lindsey gave in. His entire body tensed as his climax surged through him. Hot, thick ropes of release spilled onto his stomach, leaving streaks on his flushed skin. He shuddered violently, his breath coming in short, frantic gasps. His heart pounded in his chest, his muscles tensing and relaxing in trembling waves. Angel's gaze never left Lindsey's face, capturing every nuance of his expression, savoring the spectacle of the man abandoning himself entirely to pleasure.

Angel didn't withdraw his fingers right away, keeping them inside Lindsey, letting him ride slowly down from his orgasm. His lips pressed light kisses on Lindsey's inner thigh, his movements slow and reverent. He stopped at his torso and slowly licked the cum off his belly.

Their eyes met, Lindsey's gaze still dazed with afterglow.

— "I love seeing you like this, you're gorgeous…" Angel murmured, his voice thick with desire.

Lindsey gave him a grin, breathless, his eyes still misty with pleasure. His torso rose and fell jerkily, his mouth slightly open.

Finally withdrawing his fingers, Angel slid his hand down Lindsey's thigh, caressing it tenderly.

— "Ready for more?" he asked, his voice playful yet filled with heat.

— "Give me a minute..." Lindsey rasped, his voice hoarse. "Not all of us have vampire stamina..."

Angel let out a low, rumbling laugh before leaning in to place a soft kiss on Lindsey's forehead. A bead of sweat ran down his temple, and Angel marveled at it — something so human, so vivid.

— "Take all the time you need," he whispered, catching a rose petal that had tangled in Lindsey's hair with his fingertips.

Slowly, he dropped down beside Lindsey, pulling him close against his chest. Lindsey's warm breath tickled his collarbone, his heart still racing beneath Angel's palm. Angel closed his eyes, letting himself bask in the rare stillness of the moment.

— "You know…" murmured Lindsey after a moment, as he rested his chin on Angel's shoulder.

— "Hm?" replied Angel without opening his eyes, his fingers tracing light circles on his partner's skin.

— "It's never been like this with anyone…"

Lindsey lifted his head and they exchanged a smile. Angel blushed but answered nothing more, choosing simply to place a soft kiss on the top of Lindsey's head and hold him a little tighter.

They remained like that for a while, the only sounds breaking the silence being Lindsey's breath and the distant noises of the nocturnal city beyond the apartment walls.

After a few minutes, Lindsey's hands began to wander and found their way to Angel's crotch.

— "Ready for another round?" asked the vampire, his voice deeper, as his hands slid down Lindsey's sides, grazing the curve of his hips.

Lindsey nodded with a smile, pressing his body against Angel's. For several long minutes, they exchanged kisses and caresses, their desire building until both of them were fully hard.

— "Do you need more preparation?" Angel asked softly after a moment.

Lindsey shook his head and spread his legs in silent invitation.

But having other plans, Angel whispered in Lindsey's ear, inviting his to change position with a knowing smile. The vampire straightened up, leaning against the headboard, and guided his partner, helping him straddle his hips.

As Lindsey positioned himself above him, their eyes met again, a silent but intense connection forming between them. Angel took a moment to admire the man before him — his perfectly shaped muscles, his light tan, something Angel himself would never have, and his cock, hard and throbbing against his stomach.

— "What are you doing?" Lindsey asked, a perplexed smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

— "Admiring you," Angel replied without hesitation, his dark gaze devouring every inch of the body offered to him.

Lindsey let out a small laugh, blushing as he bit his lower lip.

Desire surged through Angel like a flood. He firmly ran his hands down Lindsey's thighs, applying steady pressure, and, overcome with a sudden, irresistible urgency, he pulled Lindsey down in one swift, commanding motion, uniting their bodies completely.

— "Aaaah! " Lindsey cried out, startled by the force and depth of the movement.

Angel froze instantly at the sight of tears welling in Lindsey's eyes, his face filling with concern.

— "Lindsey… are you okay? I went too hard, I…" murmured Angel, his grip on Lindsey's hips softening as he scanned his face for signs of pain.

Lindsey shook his head, catching his breath. He placed a reassuring hand on Angel's chest.

— "I'm fine. Just… give me a second," he said, his fingers pressing lightly against Angel's cool skin. He took a deep breath and after a brief pause added with a sly smile, "Don't worry. I like it when you take control. But this time, let me do some of the work."

With calculated slowness, Lindsey began to move, his hips tracing deliberate, deep movements as he explored every sensation the position offered. Angel's fingers tightened slightly around his waist as he fought to keep his own body from reacting too strongly to his partner's slow pace. Gradually, Lindsey's movements increased, growing more fluid, his hands bracing against the vampire's cold chest.

Once he was certain Lindsey was comfortable, Angel let a smile curve his lips, and took back some control. This time, his movements were more controlled, but with the same underlying urgency. His grip on Lindsey's hips grew firmer, possessive, and he moved him with precise, powerful gestures.

Angel quickened his pace, lifting and lowering Lindsey as if he weighed nothing, and Lindsey surrendered to it, letting Angel dictate the rhythm. Each thrust sent waves of pleasure through his body, building an unbearable, exquisite tension that drew them closer to the breaking point.

— "You're so tight…" murmured Angel between thrusts, his eyes locked on the place where his cock disappeared repeatedly into Lindsey's body.

— "I know. I can feel it," Lindsey replied, blushing under Angel's hungry gaze. "You're filling me… completely... Feels so good..."

At those words, Angel's pace grew even faster, not giving him a second's respite. Suddenly, he wrapped one hand around Lindsey's erection, stroking and squeezing it with expert precision. Lindsey's reaction was immediate. His entire body tightened under this double stimulation, his muscles tensing as he let out a hoarse, almost surprised grunt. A final groan escaped his lips as his climax crashed over him his head falling back to expose his throat.

All along, Angel kept a firm grip on Lindsey's hips, guiding him through the throes of his orgasm and it wasn't long before he followed. His fingers dug into Lindsey's flesh as he buried himself deep inside, releasing himself fully into his body. Drawing him close, he couldn't help but laying his lips against his throat, licking and sucking where the skin was so thin he could almost feel the blood vibrating in the vein.

They remained tightly entwined, and as the calm settled between them, Angel ran a soothing hand through Lindsey's messy hair, keeping him against him, as if to prolong this moment of absolute intimacy.

As their bodies relaxed after their embrace, Lindsey glanced around for his shirt, crumpled somewhere on the floor. A shiver ran through him, the coolness of the room reminding him that, despite the warmth of their passion, it was still December. Not spotting his shirt, his eyes landed on Angel's robe draped over a nearby chair, and he thought it would do just fine. With a shrug, he got up, pulled it over his shoulders, and smirked at Angel.

— "Next time, less flowers, more heating," he said, his tone halfway between teasing and serious.

Amused, Angel got up as well, heading to the nightstand where the bottle of champagne waited. He poured two glasses and joined Lindsey, who had moved to the large bay window to admire the view outside. The city stretched out before them, its lights shimmering in the quiet of the night.

Angel handed him a glass and slipped an arm around his waist to pull him close.

— "This should warm you up a little," he murmured with a sly smile.

They stayed like that, gazing out at the city lights, savoring the intimacy of the moment and the taste of the champagne. After a brief silence, Angel spoke, his eyes flicking to the city view before returning to Lindsey.

— "Do you miss it?" he asked in a composed voice. "Your corner office, the six-figure salary, that fancy apartment you used to have, the responsibilities..."

Lindsey tilted his head slightly, thinking it over, his gaze still fixed on the city lights.

— "The salary, sometimes, yeah…" he admitted honestly with a smile. "But not the rest. And I wouldn't trade what I have now for anything. I don't deserve all this happiness…"

Angel watched him for a moment. Then he turned him gently to look into his eyes and whispered, his gaze filled with intensity and some kind of vulnerability.

— "Yes, you do. You deserve it. I love you, Lindsey."

Lindsey's breath caught for a moment. He froze in surprise, his heart beating faster under the weight of this unexpected declaration. For a moment, he could only stare, his throat too tight to speak. When the surprise wore off, a smile lit up his face, and he opened his mouth to reply.

— "Angel… I lov—"

But before he could finish, Angel pressed a finger to his lips, stopping him.

— "No," Angel murmured. "Don't say it."

Lindsey frowned, confused.

— "I… what?" he asked, puzzled and slightly hurt by the refusal.

Angel hesitated over how to explain, his eyes darkening under Lindsey's gaze.

— "Lindsey… hum… Remember our talk a few weeks ago? When I said I'd probably never be able to experience perfect happiness with anyone ever again?"

Lindsey nodded slowly, his heart skipping again for a different reason this time.

— "What do you mean, Angel?" he asked, not sure he understood.

— "Well… I might've been wrong about that…," Angel paused, searching for words. "Maybe… maybe perfect happiness is closer than I thought... and… if I lost my soul and became Angelus again…"

He stopped, unable to continue.

— "Angel…" whispered Lindsey, incredulous. "You… you really think that hearing me say 'I lo-', I mean those three little words, could make you lose your soul?"

Angel nodded.

— "I… I don't want to take that risk, Lindsey. I can't. You understand?"

Lindsey nodded softly and snuggled into his arms, his throat tight, unable to formulate a single word. Too many emotions were floating around inside him - the happiness of knowing Angel loved him to the point of losing his soul was slowly replaced by sadness and frustration at not being able to express his own feelings.

— "Angel…" Lindsey began, a hint of frustration in his voice.

Angel gently ran his hand through Lindsey's hair before lifting his face to meet his gaze.

— "I know," he replied tenderly. "You don't have to say it out loud. I already know how you feel."

— "It's not the same… I wish I could go back and not have changed my mind a few days ago…" Lindsey murmured with tears in his voice.

— "I know, Lin. I'm sorry…" Angel tried to reassure him, perceiving the sadness seeping into Lindsey's eyes. "I'll fix this, I promise. I'll contact Willow. She restored my soul last time. She's already studied the curse, so I'm sure she can find a way to permanently anchor my soul."

Lindsey slowly nodded again, taking a moment to process Angel's words. The faint chill he had felt earlier grew more intense. Noticing it, Angel gently guided him under the sheets, grabbing an extra blanket from the wardrobe on the way. He spread it over Lindsey with care, then lay down beside him, wrapping him in a silent embrace.

After a moment, Lindsey closed his eyes, letting the moment ease his thoughts. Angel pressed a soothing kiss to his forehead, holding him close beneath the covers.

— "Sleep now," he murmured as he tenderly stroked Lindsey's back. "It's gonna be ok."

Slowly, under Angel's gentle caresses, Lindsey felt himself drift into a deep sleep.

The next morning, Angel opened his eyes, expecting to find Lindsey nestled against him. To his surprise, the bed was empty. For a brief moment, a wave of anxiety washed over him, but his vampiric hearing quickly picked up a faint rustling from the living room. Without getting up, he called out in a calm voice:

— "Lindsey? What are you doing? Come back to bed…"

— "Yeah, I'm coming," Lindsey finally replied in a distant, slightly distracted voice.

Angel waited, eyes fixed on the bedroom door, but the minutes dragged on, and Lindsey still hadn't returned. After about five long minutes, Angel lost patience and stood up. Simply pulling on a pair of pants, he crossed the room and headed for the living area. There, he found Lindsey sitting on the floor in his robe, leaning against the couch, surrounded by scattered sheets of paper. A pen was in his hand, his head bent in deep concentration, his disheveled hair giving him a look that was both focused and endearingly messy. Amused, Angel folded his arms and smiled softly.

— "What are you doing?" he asked, intrigued.

— "Writing a new song," Lindsey replied without looking up from the page.

Angel raised an eyebrow, visibly surprised.

— "A new song?" he remarked. "Now? Without your guitar? And when we could be doingotherthings under the covers… Oh, and Merry Christmas, by the way."

Lindsey smiled, glancing up at him.

— "Merry Christmas! Sorry, inspiration doesn't wait. And I learned to play guitar in my head when I wasn't able to touch the strings," he declared with a grin, waving his right hand. More seriously, he added: "Well… I needed to write… after… last night… Needed to put words to it."

Angel nodded, stepping closer with a hint of concern.

— "Lindsey… I promised I'd fix it."

— "I know! I know.. but…" His voice wavered, and he set down the pen, his gaze locking with Angel's, filled with conflicted emotions. "But how long is it going to take, Angel?"

Angel sat beside him, sliding an arm around his shoulders. His voice dropped to a gentle murmur.

— "I don't know, sweetheart… I'll contact Willow as soon as possible, but I can't say how long it'll take her to make my soul permanent."

Lindsey nodded, his frustration audible in his voice as he continued.

— "I can't just sit back and listen to you say sweet nothings without being able to answer them, Angel." He paused, taking a slow breath to calm himself, feeling anger rising. "Damn… I want to say it so bad. Even more now that I know I'm not allowed to."

Unsure how to respond, Angel leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to Lindsey's forehead, holding him a little tighter.

— "I'll say it to you..," Lindsey muttered. "Not with thosethree words… with others. I know you don't like my music or my voice, but… it's the only solution I've found for now."

Angel tilted his head in surprised.

— "What? I never said I didn't like your voice!"

— "Oh, I'm pretty sure you did. Don't you remember? Caritas… a few years ago… my evil hand?"

— "That wasn't… I didn't mean it!"

— "Really?"

— "Yes, really! I was… jealous," Angel admitted, a faint blush rising on his face.

— "Jealous?" Lindsey let out a small laugh. "Well… That's true Lorne told me you couldn't sing… So, you like my voice, then?"

— "Yeah, I like it, Lindsey. Since when are you insecure about that? Everyone who's heard you knows you're good singer."

— "Thanks," smiled Lindsey.

— "Well… Now I'm curious. Sing!" Angel said, gesturing to the paper on the floor.

— "It's not finished, idiot. I've barely written the lyrics…"

With a mischievous grin, Angel snatched up the paper, his eyes darting over the first few lines with curiosity. Lindsey, surprised, immediately reached out to retrieve it.

— "Hey, give it back!" Lindsey leaned forward, trying to grab the sheet.

Angel sketched a teasing smile and raised his arm higher, holding the page out of reach.

— "Just a glance," he replied, rising up and taking a step away, beginning to read aloud.

Half-annoyed, half-amused, Lindsey chased after him. And after a brief tussle, he managed to yank the paper free, shaking his head in exasperation.

— "You'll see it when it's done!" he said, stuffing the paper away, deciding it would be wiser to finish it later—when Angel wasn't around to mess with him.

Angel smiled; he'd had time to read a few lines.

— "Okay, I'll wait," he said, his tone light but sincere.

His eyes then fell on the Christmas tree near the couch. He stepped closer and bent down, picking up a small, dark box from under the tree. Turning to face Lindsey, he raised it slightly.

— "Come here if you're not going to continue your song. I have something for you."

Lindsey joined him on the couch, a gleam of anticipation in his eyes, and Angel handed him the box.

— "Merry Christmas, Lindsey," murmured the vampire softly.

Lindsey took the small box with a mixture of surprise and curiosity, glancing at Angel before opening it. Inside lay a leather bracelet, sober, but elegant, with symbols engraved all around. Glyphs he immediately recognized. His gaze lingered on them as his thumb traced over the engravings with quiet reverence.

— "These are the same symbols as your old tattoos," Angel explained with a smile. "I thought… it'd be good protection in case you… you know, decide to chase after singing statues with me again."

Lindsey nodded. He slipped the bracelet onto his wrist and squeezed, feeling a certain comforting familiarity. Looking up at Angel, he smiled genuinely, his eyes filled with warmth.

— "Thank you, Angel… It's perfect," he murmured.

Angel smiled back, relieved that his gift was appreciated. Then Lindsey got to his feet, glancing toward the entrance.

— "Hold on," he said, walking away briefly. He returned with a thick paper bag and handed it to Angel, a sly grin on his face.

— "My turn. Merry Christmas, Angel."

Angel took the bag, his eyes filled with curiosity. He carefully unwrapped it, pausing when he saw what lay inside. For a moment, he was speechless. In his hands, he held an ancient dagger, both sturdy and refined. The curved blade was finely engraved with delicate runes that seemed to absorb the light, and the hilt was made of polished wood, reinforced with silver. The weight was balanced perfectly, and just holding it, Angel could feel it was a weapon made for close combat.

He turned the dagger in his hands, admiring the craftsmanship.

— "Lindsey… this is incredible. Where did you get that?" he asked, genuinely impressed.

Lindsey blushed and hesitated for a second.

— "Let's just say… I have contacts."

Angel's eyes narrowed with suspicion, clearly not thrilled that Lindsey might be relying on old connections from his Wolfram & Hart days.

— "It's nothing dangerous, I swear!" Lindsey clarified quickly. "Just… a dealer in magical artifacts. He's got a shop nearby. It's open to everyone, it's… unusual… but not illegal or dangerous."

Angel sighed, shaking his head.

— "Lindsey McDonald… What am I going to do with you?"

— "Oh, I've got a few ideas…" Lindsey replied with a teasing smirk.

Angel chuckled.

— "Thank you for the present, Lindsey. It's beautiful." He smiled. "But… be careful, okay?"

Lindsey nodded, then pulled out a small, folded piece of paper.

— "There's one more thing," he said, offering it to Angel.

Angel unfolded the paper, revealing neatly written words:

"Save this date… it's my turn to plan something for us."

Looking up at Lindsey, he raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

— "A date?"

— "Yep," Lindsey grinned.

— "Where?" asked Angel, curious.

— "Surprise!" he said with a mischievous grin. "This time,I amin charge."

Angel slipped the note into his pocket, smiling.

— "I'm looking forward to it. Thanks, Lin."

Angel moved closer, running his fingers through Lindsey's hair before brushing his lips over his, kissing him softly.

— "I love you," he murmured, his forehead resting gently against Lindsey's.

Lindsey's arms wrapped around him in return, his gaze filled with tenderness.

— "I hate you," he whispered with an ironic smile.