Xander's familiar form was seated across from Cordilia a few tables away. At first she thought she must be dreaming until he turned to comfort the tiny child that sat between him and Cordy. She stared wide eyed.
"Willow, I need to use the restroom, I'll be right back." Angel said.
She nodded and didn't even realize he was gone. Suddenly Xander looked up and their eyes met. His mouth dropped and he stood up hurriedly.
"Willow." He called waving.
People stared, but Willow waved back. Xander ran over and threw his arms around her and hugged while she was still sitting down.
"We checked your old address, but the house is gone. I looked everywhere for you Wills. I missed you so much." He said.
"I missed you too." She admitted, dismissing thoughts about him not writing.
"Come over and see my kid." He said taking her hand and leading her to his table.
The child was female and looked exactly like her mother who was eyeing Willow with doubt.
"Willow you look nice, who's been taking care of you?" Cordilia asked.
"Well, I've taken care of myself for the most part."
It wasn't a lie. She had just moved in with Angel. For the most part of the past four years she had been taking care of herself.
Where have you been? You never went to college." Xander asked.
"Oh you noticed." Willow replied.
"Yeah." Xander said unsure of what her reaction meant.
"Well, glad you noticed." Willow said.
"Anyway this is my daughter Laura. Laura this is Daddy's best friend Willow."
The little girl smiled and waved.
"Hello, Laura. How are you?"
Laura giggled.
"She's cute." Willow said
"What's wrong Will?" Xander asked worried.
"Nothing." She replied smiling slightly.
"Where have you been staying?" Cordilia asked.
"Actually . . . "
"Willow." Angel called hurrying towards her.
"What do you want Dead Boy?" Xander asked.
Angel chose to ignore him.
"I came back and you were gone." Angel said.
"It seems a few of my friends came back to see how I was." She snapped.
"What are you doing talking to him?" Xander asked Pointing at Angel.
"It just happens that I live with him." Willow replied smiling.
"You mean live with as in live in the same country or planet right?"
"No Xander I mean live with as in the same house."
"But not 'in' in the same house. You mean that metaphorically."
"No I really mean it."
"Why?" Xander cried. "But you said you were taking care of yourself."
"I did until I went broke and nearly starved. He's taking care of me now." Willow said taking hold of Angel's arm.
Xander looked confused and shook his head violently. Cordilia smiled at Willow and Angel and took her husbands arm.
"We are very happy that you're happy Willow. But I suggest that you leave before he realizes that you're serious."
Willow nodded and still hanging on Angel's arm she led him away.
"What was that all about?" Angel asked looking behind them where Cordilia was still trying to explain things to Xander.
"Xander is hyperventilating because I live with you."
"Oh."
"Can we go home, I'm really not that hungry?" Willow asked looking up at him.
"Yeah. Want to rent a movie on the way?"
"That sounds like fun."
Willow lay on the couch with her head in Angel's lap. He could hear her soft breathing as she slept. He hated to disturb her, but it was almost time for sunrise and he was getting tired. He watched her sleep, her chest rising and falling gently. Suddenly he had the strongest desire to kiss her. To ravage her mouth and leave her whimpering for more. 'God, I need to get more sleep.' He thought running his fingers through her hair. 'But she is pretty. I wonder if I might have been with her instead of Buffy if I had seen her first.'
Carefully he lifted her up and carried her to his bedroom.
"Angel" She murmured.
"Yes?"
"I like your silk sheets." She smiled opening her eyes.
"Thanks, I like them too."
Her slender hand reached up and took hold of his shirt, pulling him down so his face was inches from hers.
"Love me on them."
"What?"
"Love me, like you did Buffy."
"Willow. Do you know what you're asking?"
Yes, I'm asking for you to be with me."
"Willow . . . "
"Never mind. I shouldn't have asked." Willow sighed rolling off the bed and walking to the living room.
"Wait a minute. I never said I didn't want to. It's just you . . . You've been through so much that I don't know if you're thinking clearly." Angel said following her.
"I'm thinking clearly, for the first time in years I'm thinking clearly." She shouted throwing herself on the couch.
"Willow . . . "
She turned away from him.
"I'm sorry I suggested it. Forget it."
"No."
"Excuse me."
"No I won't." He repeated.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean it's time for me to get myself a new lover. And I think you volunteered."
Willow smiled mischievously. With a huge grin on her face she walked toward him and he met her with open arms. The kisses started small and unsure, but soon grew as both discovered what they wanted.
"Angel, you said . . . " She whispered as he licked at her sensitive neck.
"I remember what I said." He murmured back.
He loved her on those sheets.