The Forgotten Lovers

Chapter 7 for TFL

*May 2nd*

The day passed by slowly for us. Giles, Xander, Yelsin and Oz tried on their tuxes again and asked if they could be ready sooner then they thought. Buffy called the carters, the church, and the Bronze to see if they could move to the first Saturday in the coming month instead of the original date they were given. Surprisingly they said they could. I think she threatened them or something, I don’t have any proof because she shooed me out of the room so I couldn’t over hear her conversation.
After that we went to the dress maker and tried on our dresses that were surprisingly not mermaid like. They were made from red satin, hooked at the neck leaving an open heart shape back. A small rose was pined to the back leaving a small train as the sleeves knotted together to show a small hole but looked like a cap sleeve. The front of the dress was plain and reached mid thigh even with a small train. I looked at the dress in my hands and knew what exactly Angelus would say when he saw me in it. Buffy: So what do you think?
Danielle: It’s beautiful but what made you decide on red and white. I smiled as I thought about Angelus removing it from my body. Ashley: I would think you wanted something far from the colors you see every night. Buffy sent me a look as I collected my thoughts. Danielle: Sorry just thinking. Cordelia: Yeah and we all know about who. Willow: Leave her alone Cordy. Danielle: Yeah stop picking on the girl with the boyfriend that would do anything just to see her happy including kill an entire country if he had to. Cordy: Whatever I can so take him three nights a month. Ashley: So Oz changed you into a wolf to be with him. She nodded as I walked away from the mirror as she sent me a glare before looking at herself. Danielle: My boyfriend’s cooler then yours and he doesn’t have fur. Cordy: Oh yeah well I can see my boyfriend’s reflection can Angelus do that. Danielle: I don’t have to worry about him smelling like a dog. Cordy: Mine is not a psycho. Buffy: Alright you two both have odd boyfriends can we please get back to the dresses. With a sighed we stood there glaring at each other.
Buffy: I thought about it and if something happens I wouldn’t have to worry about blood satins. I raised my eyebrow at her. Danielle: What do you think will happen? Buffy: Nothing but me and formal wear never goes well so just incase I wanted something that we can all fight in. I turned and looked at her. Willow: Well someone wanted to go all Carrie on us at the Prom so since then we’ve tried to avoid formal occasions. Ashley: I understand. When our Prom came around Angelus, Spike and Dru almost massacred half our class because they were checking us out the whole night. Buffy: See that is why I decide on red.
I giggled and shook my head at her. Ashley: You always think ahead don’t you? Buffy smiled and Willow broke the silence. Willow: Giles decided on the color mainly because she wouldn’t. I smiled and tried to stop laughing. Danielle: Yeah for Giles than. Buffy: Go try them on. Cordelia: Who made her boss? Ashley: I thought she was a Bridezilla. Danielle: Good thing Xander’s not here he might do his Godzilla imprecation. Buffy: Change! We shrugged and walked into the dressing room.
We came out one by one. Buffy: You all look beautiful. Danielle: Guys I think she’s about to cry. Willow walked over to her and pulled her into a hug. Buffy: I am not going to cry but I may hurt you for saying that. I placed my hands on my hips. Danielle: Like you could. She moved out of Willow’s hug and looked at me. Buffy: I so do not fear Angel. Danielle: No but need I remind you that I know things about you that your friends and future husband do not. With a sigh she pouted before pulling me into a hug. Buffy: Whatever. After our hug and trying not to cry we changed, dropped Cordelia off at her room that she was sharing with Oz and drove back to the house.
Ashley and I walked into the house and were about to go upstairs to shower when Willow walked in with two boxes. Danielle: Hey Will what do you got there? Willow: I found them on the step as we walked in. Where did Buffy go? Just then Buffy walked in with the phone attached to her head. Danielle: Need I say more. Will smiled and handed us the boxes. Willow: I’ll make something for us while you open those in the living room. She walked away. I looked at Ashley and shrugged as I walked into the living room and sat down on the couch.
I turned the white paper, a blood red ribbon box over and looked at Ashley who was doing the same thing. I looked at the box again and noticed a note taped to it. I pealed it away and opened it slowly. Ashley: Careful it could be a trap from those carbon copies our boys made to replace us. I raised my eyebrow at her and read the letter over. It was written in his hand writing, a beautiful mixture between flowing and masculine form. I read over the note he had written a few hours before.

Danielle,

I can’t think about my unlife without you in it. I remember the night I found you like it was yesterday. You were sitting by the Slayer talking when her knight said something that made you laugh. I didn’t know it than but I wanted to rip his tongue from his mouth for making you laugh before I. I miss the sound of your voice, the way you walk into a room and all eyes focus on you. How with just a simple gesture you can bring a single man to his knees or eating out of the palm of your hand.
I miss seeing you when I wake, how you would simply smile knowing whatever came your way you would be ready for it. I can’t wait to hold you in my arms again. I want to smell your perfume again. It’s faded from the couch already. I don’t know what I would do until I can see you again.
Please don’t listen to Buffy when she says that only those with souls know how to love. You’re all I can think of and all I dreamed of you while you were out with her today. I can see you smiling face in my dreams. I remember when we were young I would take you for walks in the gardens near your home, do you remember?
We would sit underneath the large oak tree and simply hold each other. Or I would read to you from a book I had borrowed from my father. I miss the way your hair would move when the wind would come off from the river. I just wanted to run my fingers through you hair again. To see you smile at me like you did last night.
I asked you once what I had that the others did not and you said “It was my eyes that drew you to me, you could see all the bad and good in them, and no matter what I had done before you didn’t care. What you cared about was what you could do for me.” I want to give that to you which is the reason why I sent this to you. A lady of my family should look like one where ever she goes.

Till we meet again siog,

Angelus

I put the letter aside to open the box. I placed the top to my left and moved the black tissue paper aside to revel something I never thought I would see again. It was my wedding gown. I took it out and remembered the day my father brought it home.

*Flashback*

I was in my room thinking when he walked in with a similar box. Father: Elizabeth I have something for you. I watched him walk over and place the box in my lap. Father: Open it. I did and found the most beautiful gown inside. Elizabeth: Thank you Father. I gave him a hug as he smiled to himself.

*Flash-forward*

The bodice and gown is white and gold as it opened to reveal a layer of petticoats underneath. I gently touched the stomach and remembered the look on my face when I first laid eyes on it. That’s when I found the second letter. It simple read “I will call upon you when the clock strikes seven, wear this and remember. Angelus” I slowly took the dress out and noticed a smaller box. I opened the smaller box and inside was a pair of slippers and a matching necklace. I also noticed he included all the damn undergarments I had to wear. I looked over at what my dear friend had been sent.
In her box was a white sleeveless gown with purple and white designs along the bodice, corset and gown. I looked at her and saw tears in her eyes. Ashley: I wore this the night he was taken. I gave her a small hug as she looked at the dress. Danielle: Everything will be alright Ash. We found them and we’re not letting anything take them away. Right? She nodded and looked at me as small tears ran slowly down my face. Ashley: You’re right. Danielle: Darn tooting. She picked up the note inside and read a bit of if before calming down. I saw a small smile forming on her face as she held the note.
Danielle: Did he write some of his poetry? Ashley: Yeah. She smiled at me through her tears. Willow: What did you get? I looked up from the box and noticed that Willow standing in front of us holding two plates. I put my dress back in its box before looking at her. Danielle: Some dresses from a friend at school that’s all. I sat it on the coffee table to take the plate from her. Danielle: Hey pepperoni. You’re awesome Willow. She smiled as Ashley shook her head at me as she placed her box on the coffee table beside mine so she could take her plate. Ashley: We told them that we weren’t coming back for the spring semester so they sent them to us. Willow: Oh that’s nice of them. I took a bite of my pizza as Willow sat down. Danielle: How’s the phone queen?
Buffy: Finally, thank you. I watched my cousin hang up the phone before walking into the room. Danielle: I take it something went well? Buffy: Extremely, the florist can make the arrangements early but we won’t be getting the Irises like I wanted. Ashley: What are you getting? She took a bite of her pizza as Buffy sat down next to me and took a pepperoni from mine. Danielle: Hey get your own. She stuck her tongue out at me as she popped into her mouth. Buffy: Lilies and Roses, but everything is cool cause I made they knock down the price. What did you guys get? She reached for the box but I pushed it away.
Danielle: A friend from school sent us something for our birthday that’s all. Buffy nodded and yawned something. Buffy: Yeah right! Ashley: What was that? I giggled and watched Buffy take a deep breath before talking again. Buffy: Are you going to see them tonight? I shook my head as I ate my pizza. Danielle: Nope tonight is a girl’s night. So you’re stuck with us. Buffy: Cool.
She took another pepperoni from my pizza and popped it into her mouth. Danielle: What are you doing? Buffy: Eating. Danielle: Why don’t you get your own? Buffy: But your pizza is so much closer. She reached for another pepperoni but I turned away from her. Danielle: No way. Get your own. She pouted and sat in silence as Willow got up. Willow: Be back. Buffy: Thanks Will. I sighed and turned on the TV. Danielle: You have legs and feet why don’t you get it for yourself? Buffy: Cause Willow offered and I don’t see you getting up anytime soon seeing that you’re dating my ex-unsouled Boyfriend. Danielle: At least my mom didn’t sleep with the guy I’m marrying. Ashley: Ohmigod I completely forgot about that. Buffy: At least we both agree that Giles is a stevedore in the sack. Danielle: TMI! Ashley: Ahhh…mental image. Buffy just smiled as Willow walked back into the room. Willow: You told them about Giles being a stevedore didn’t you. She nodded as Ashley and turned our attention to the TV.
We watched the end of Dirty Dancing together as I turned the TV off a few minutes later. Buffy: We should be going home so you two can get ready for bed plus I have to patrol. I watched her get up and walked over to the front door. Danielle: He’s like completely okay with this. Ashley: Buffy they underst…Willow: Buffy’s right we should go. They stood and walk toward the door and got their coats. Willow: Night guys. We followed them into the alcove to see Willow move to open the door as Ashley looked at me as I shrugged. Ashley: Do you want to help us get ready? They stopped and looked at us.
Danielle: What they sent us will take a while to get on even with two people. They looked at each other and smiled. Buffy: Deal. Willow: Yeah make-overs. I sighed as they pulled us back into the living room to retrieve our boxes. They than pulled us upstairs to get ready for our men. Danielle: Some how I am so going to regret this. Buffy: Shut up you and enjoy this. I sighed and followed her into my room.
About an hour later I stood in my room wearing a shaft, stockings and hoops as Willow tightened my strays. Danielle: I can never remember how we got dressed so fast while putting on so many freaking layers. Ashley looked at me from my vanity. Ashley: I think it takes practice. I stuck my tongue out at her as Willow finished tying me up. Danielle: Very funny you. She shrugged and went back to watching Buffy finish her hair with a simple warning that if anything was wrong she would tell Giles about Buffy’s dreams about them doing naughty things in public places. Ashley: Why did we follow fashion? Danielle: Who knows? Willow helped me into my dress as I winced and gasped. Willow: Are you okay. I nodded a yes as she started to tie my dress close.
Danielle: I really hate wearing a corset. Willow: Why? Ashley stood and had to take a deep breath before taking another step forward. Ashley: Breathing was always my big problem. Willow: Oh…sorry. Danielle: Not a problem Willow. The only up side to the whole thing was that it made the guys crazy…well it made Angelus crazy at least. Willow: How? I looked back at Ashley and smiled. Danielle: Ample cleavage…Angelus used to pull me away from other guests just to…I looked and blushed a bit as I noticed Buffy, Willow and Ashley waiting for me to finish that thought…Danielle: Never mind. Willow finished tying my dress closed before fixing any stray hairs I might have had. I added the necklace he sent me and turned around.
Danielle: So how do I look? Buffy looked up and smiled. Buffy: Beautiful. He’ll be knocked out of his socks if he doesn’t want to do you. Willow: Buffy! I giggled at her response. Danielle: Let’s hope he does. Ashley: Danielle! I shot her a look as the door bell ring. I looked over at the alarm clock that sat next to my bed that read 7pm. Danielle: Oh my god its 7pm. Buffy what do we do? She smiled walked over to the dresser, picked up a cross and stake before walking over to me. Buffy: I’ll get the door with Will you two finish up then walk down the stairs very slowly and lady like understand.
I gave her a smile and pushed her toward the door. Danielle: Go you. And tell him I’ll be down soon so he has to behave himself. She nodded and moved to close the door. Danielle: Hey Buffy? She stopped and looked at me. Buffy: Yeah? Danielle: Don’t kill him. Buffy: Spoil my fun, why don’t you. Danielle: It’s what I live for now go before they leave. She closed the door behind them.
Ashley: Hey if you’re done I could us some help here. Danielle: I’m coming Ashley. I picked up my skirts and walked over to her to help her get into her dress. Ashley: Did I ever tell you that I really hate this dress. Danielle: Too many buttons? I started to button her up as she explained. Ashley: Yep but of course…Danielle: Mom loved it. She gave me a nod as I moved onto the next button. Danielle: My mom was the same way but instead it was these damn corsets to bad it had a reverse affect when it came to Angelus. Suck in. She took a deep breath as I buttoned the last button. Danielle: Done. Ashley: Thank god I thought I was going to suffocate. I smiled and moved to finish up. Danielle: Remember hot guys waiting. She nodded and moved to put on her shoes.
Buffy and Willow opened the door to find Angelus standing outside wearing breeches, a shirt, waist coat and a coat. He wore a stock around his neck and a pair of hunting boots. Spike stood to his left wearing a pair of black trousers, a white dress shirt with a black vest, tie, and jacket that matched. Unlike Angelus he wore his boots under his pants rather then over them.
With holding the urge to kill Buffy where she stood Angelus took a deep breath before he spoke to her as gentlemanly as he could. Angelus: Is Lady Danielle ready? Buffy tried her hardest not to laugh at her mortal enemy standing at her door dressed as if he stepped out a history book. Buffy: Almost my good sir, please come in unless you wish us harm then you may reside outside. Angelus looked at Spike as he threw his cigarette away. Angelus: You have our word that nothing will happen to you while we reside in your home. Willow: Good cause if you do anything we will not hesitate to hurt you. She held up her stake and moved aside to let them in. Buffy: Come in gentlemen. They walked inside and closed the door behind them.
They walked into the living room and motioned for them to have a seat. They sat down on the couch and waited. Buffy: I wish to know what you intentions are concerning my cousin and her friend. Angelus: Our intentions are nothing but…Spike grunted something causing everyone to look at him. Willow: What was that Spike? He looked up as if he was caught with his hand in the cookie jar. Spike: I was just clearing my throat ma’am. She nodded and waited for Angelus to finish what he was going to say as he shot his child a look before looking back at Buffy and Willow. Angelus: Honorable. Buffy moved forward as she brought the cross closer to his chest forcing him farther into the couch. Buffy: They better be or you will find yourself with a new tattoo. He nodded as Willow stood. Willow: I’ll see if their ready. She walked into the alcove leaving Buffy with the boys.
She walked upstairs as we where leaving my room. Willow: They’re here. Are you ready? Ashley: Yep. She took a deep breath and winced. Ashley: Damn thing. I shook my head. Danielle: We’re good Will. Why don’t you tell Spike that Ashley’s ready and to meet her at the bottom of the stairs. I think I left something in my room. Willow: Okay. She walked away as Ashley looked at me. Ashley: What did you forget? Danielle: My stupid fan. Ashley: Just borrow mine. Danielle: I can’t do that if we’re separated…just give me a sec while I look for it. I opened my door and went straight to my box to find it empty. Ashley: Anything? Danielle: No…forget about it. I walked back into the hallway and closed my door. Danielle: Let’s go. With a nodded we picked up our skirts and walked over to the stairs.
A few minutes later she walked back into the room and smiled at Spike. Willow: Spike, Ashley appears to be ready. Spike stood and moved to walk out of the room but Willow stopped him by placing her cross in front of him. Willow: If I find out that anything happened to her you will find that sun looks mighty fine right about now. With a nod he she pulled the cross away allowing him to walk into the hallway as the others followed him. Spike: Who knew Red had fire in her. Willow: Unless you want to see it, then do not tempt me to prove how much fire I really have. With a nod from him she looked up and smiled as Ashley walked onto the ledge. Willow: Good Luck.
He looked up at the stairs and watched Ashley slowly walking down them dressed exactly like he saw her the last time he was human. Angelus stood and walked into the room with Buffy following close behind as they watched Spike watch Ashley with his mouth hanging open. Spike: Effulgent. The others giggled but with a look from Spike they quieted down as he looked back at Ashley.
Ashley: Hi Spike. What do you think? He stood up straighter, took her hand and kissed it. Spike: Hi. She smiled at him. Spike: Lady Ashley may I request your presence for dinner tonight? Ashley: It would be my honor. He took her arm and helped her down the last few steps. Buffy: You look great Ashley. Ashley: Thanks Buffy. Willow: I realize why Spike fell for you…think I can burrow that dress for Halloween to inspire Xander. He seemed to like Buffy’s 17th century costume a few years back. Buffy: You are never going to let that go are you? Willow: Nope…not until you do something just as stupid. Buffy: I love you to Will…where is Danielle? Ashley: She’ll be down in a second something about checking her hair one more time. Buffy nodded as she sent little looks at Angelus as he paced at the bottom of the stairs waiting for her before taking a deep breath.
I looked down and smiled at Angelus dressed up just for me as he paced back and forth like he was in deep thought. Well with the exception of short hair instead of the long locks I remembered him having and him wanting to do something other then kill a complete convent of nuns. Danielle: Hello Angelus. He looked up and I swear time stood still as I made my way down stairs, which wearing this dress was difficult. I mean with everything I had on I thought I was going to fall over. I stepped down onto the last stair and looked at him. Danielle: So do I past your test kind sir. I winked at him as I curtsied just showing him enough as I did many times when we were younger and in a simpler time. Angelus: Your look amazing lass. He took my hand and kissed my knuckles as he bowed to me. Danielle: Well thank you but I think I lost…He let go of my hand, reached into his coat and took out my fan with a smug smile on his face. Danielle: My fan. I took it and smiled at him. Danielle: I thought I would never see it again after that party at your home. Angelus: I found it and would have returned it to you but…I kissed his cheek. Danielle: Thank you kind sir. He helped me down the last stair as I opened my fan and started fanning myself as we looked at Buffy and Willow. Buffy: You look amazing. Danielle: Thanks. I looked up at Angelus. Danielle: So what are we doing tonight that would force me to wear a corset? Angelus: It’s a surprise siog. Ashley: Can’t we get a little hint? Spike: Sorry luv, no can do. We pouted as Buffy talked to the guys once more.
Buffy: They are not to be harmed in anyway and if I find out that something happened I will personally come after both of you. Do I make myself clear? Spike: Sure thing pet. Buffy: I want them home before sunrise Angelus. Angelus: Of course Slayer. Danielle: Night Buffy. They stood at the door as we walked toward two carriages saying goodnight to us. I looked up and smiled at the two white horses standing in front of Aunt Joyce’s house.
Danielle: Angelus, you remembered. He tightened his hold on my arm and led me to the carriage as a footman held the door open. I gathered my skirts into one hand as Angelus helped me into the carriage before climbing in after me. I looked over and noticed that Spike and Ashley were snuggling together in their carriage. I snuggled closer to Angelus but all he did was kiss my head as the footman closed the door. The footman took his seat beside the coachman. Angelus moved to talk to him before seating back and wrapping his arms around me.
Danielle: What did you say to him? Angelus: Nothing. I took a hold of his coat and breathed in his scent. Danielle: I missed you today. It was nice hanging out with the girls but I wished I could have stayed with you in your library all day. The coachman pulled on the rains forcing the horses to move forward. Angelus: I missed you to. I laid my head against his shoulder. Danielle: How much? Angelus: I was nice to Spike this afternoon. I giggled and tipped my head back to look at him. Angelus: I love you lass. Danielle: How about you show me how much? He smiled down at me before kissing me. Once we parted I laid my head on his shoulder and gently stroked his fingers that were laced with mine as the carriage rode away.
The next time I looked up we were sitting in front of the mansion. Danielle: I don’t understand? He climbed out of the carriage and offered me his hand. Angelus: I told you it’s a surprise. I shook my head, gathered my skirts and took his hand. Danielle: Alright. But know that I’m going a lot on faith here mister. My right foot touched the ground as soon as my left foot came down to join it I tripped and found myself wrapped in Angelus’s arms. Danielle: Oh my god I can’t believe I just did that. Angelus: Are you alright? I looked up and caught a faint smile lingering on his face.
Danielle: Yeah me good. I just haven’t had to worry about this many skirts for a few hundred years they went out of date when Jazz revolved in. He kissed me before helping me to stand upright. Angelus: I should take advantage of it then. He swept me into his arms and carried me into the mansion. Danielle: Angelus? He looked at me and waited. Danielle: All you had to do was ask. I giggled to myself and held him tighter as we moved further into the mansion. Ashley: So if I trip would you do the same thing for me. Spike: Well…Before Ashley could touch the ground she was lifted into Spike’s arms. Spike: I could do it now. She kissed his cheek as he walked inside. Ashley: You always have good ideas.
Angelus took a few rights, a left and stopped at another set of doors. Danielle: What’s going on? With a small kiss, he sat me on the ground and walked behind me. Angelus: I have another surprise for you but you must trust me. Danielle: I’ve never stopped trusting you. He pulled something out of his pocket and placed it over my eyes. Forcing me to see nothing but black. Danielle: Angelus? Angelus: I don’t want you to see your surprise, trust me. I relaxed and waited as he opened the door. Danielle: As long as it’s not a gypsy. I heard him chuckle as he walked back to me and he swept me back into his arms. Angelus: Could it be a… siog? Danielle: I guess that would be acceptable…you know a girl could get us to this. Angelus: I’ll make a mental note of it. I placed my head on his shoulder as he carried me into another room.
I heard the wind blowing through the trees and the smell of the ocean off the mountains which brought back memories of the many nights we spent reading in my garden in Ireland. Danielle: Can I open my eyes now? Angelus: Yes. I took a hand away from his neck and removed the blindfold. I opened my eyes and was shocked to find a very large oak tree with a couch and table underneath it. Danielle: Thank you. I kissed his cheek and snuggled into of crook of his neck as he carried me over to the couch. Danielle: You sure know how to spoil a girl. Angelus: That I do, shall we. Danielle: Most definitely.
He laid me down onto the couch and kissed my neck. I giggled at his behavior and wrapped my arms around his neck as he sat down beside me. Angelus: What shall we do first? I noticed the book resting on the table. I scooted closer to him as I lay in his arms. Danielle: Why don’t we remember the past for a few moments before dinner? He picked up the book, opened it and started to read Beauty and the Beast. Angelus: Once upon a time in a faraway land a young prince lived in a shining castle. Although he had everything his heart desired the prince was spoiled, selfish and unkind…
Spike opened a door and carried Ashley into a large room. Ashley: Spike what’s going on? I thought we were having dinner? Spike: We are luv but I wanted you remember it forever. He sat her down and turned her around to see that the large dinning room that was redecorated as a small tavern. Ashley: It’s beautiful Spike. He pulled out a chair so she could have a seat before he took his.
Another door opened and in walked one of the two vampires that made fun of us yesterday carrying a tray of food and dressed as a server. He stood by the table and waited to be noticed by Spike before speaking. Spike: Yes?
Dave: Are you ready for the first course sir or should I tell the kitchens to wait? He winked at Ashley and glanced at the vampire as she giggled. Spike: We’ll wait for dinner but please bring out some wine. He nodded and walked away. Ashley: Well you have me here what do we do now? He pulled something out of his coat pocket and placed it in front of her. Spike: I thought you could read them seeing you never got a chance before. Ashley: Spike you don’t have to do this. I’m sorry for what I said earlier that night I wanted to tell you how I felt but they…he reached over the table and took her hand. Spike: Pet I understand but I want you to keep them. With a smile she leaned over the table and kissed him. Ashley: Thank you. She sat back down and gently touched the leather bound journal.
Angelus and I sat in the gardens reading when Kevin walked out to us carrying a tray. Kevin: Sir would you like to start with the first course or wait until you’re done. I looked at him and giggled. Angelus: I think we will wait but do me a favor and bring a blanket out of us, I fear we might get cold while we’re out here. He nodded and walked away. Danielle: Well were where we? I moved closer to him and waited for him to continue on with the story. Instead he put the book down and wrapped his arms around me. I looked up at him and smiled. Danielle: Angelus what are you thinking of? Angelus leaned closer and placed a shadow kiss on my lips. Angelus: This.
With that he kissed me as Kevin brought out a blanket. Kevin: Sir. We broke apart and looked at him. Angelus: Yes? Kevin: I have your blanket for you sir. He unfolded the blanket and placed it over us as Angelus continued on with the story until we were ready to start dinner. I snuggled closer to Angelus and thought about how I could hurt Kevin for killing a perfectly good moment. Angelus: Danielle? I looked up. Danielle: Yes? Angelus: Are you cold? Danielle: Why would you say that? Angelus: You where shivering…here. He pulled me close and tucked the blanket around us. Angelus: Better? Danielle: Much. I laid my head against his chest and listened to him as he read to me.
A few minutes passed by and Kevin returned carrying a tray with various foods on it. He placed the tray on the table and walked away. Angelus reached over and uncovered several containers. I looked over and noticed that one of the containers held strawberries. He dipped a strawberry and held it out to me. Angelus: Have a taste. I opened my mouth and slowly bit into the strawberry. A few minutes later I licked the chocolate from his fingers. Danielle: That was wonderful. I did the same and waited for him to take a bite. He slowly bit into the berry as he watched me. When the berry was gone I went for another and another until they were all gone.
I lie in his arms and draw lazy circles on his chest as we watched the wind blew the leaves above us allowing some stars to be seen. Danielle: Angelus do you remember the first time we met? He looked up at the moon and smiled. Angelus: I was twenty-one and it was the night of your sixteen birthday. My father told me to buy a gift for a good friend’s daughter…not a siog. I assumed he meant she was a young girl but the moment you walked down those stairs you took my breath away. I smiled as his voice took me back to the night we met.

*Flashback*

My mother was talking with the others ladies while his father and he sat listening to my father talk about his merchant business. He was sitting in the sitting room with the other men wearing something similar to what he wore today. My father was making his rounds on trying to find me a proper husband. George: Hello Liam. How are you doing tonight my young man? Angelus looked up and sat straighter. Liam: Fine sir and how are you tonight? Father nodded and looked up to find that a maid had entered the room.
Maid: Sir dinner is almost ready; madam asked if you would show the other gentlemen to the dining room while she checks on Lady Elizabeth. He nodded and dismissed the maid. George: Well gentlemen we can not keep our ladies waiting. They stood and followed him to the dining room. Liam was the last to leave the room and the first to see her enter.
My mother walked into my room to find me still setting on my bed dressed for dinner. Catherine: What are you still doing up here while those young man are waiting downstairs to meet you. I looked over at my mother and sighed. Danielle as Elizabeth: I am sorry mother I seem to be scared to meet these men that you and father wish me to meet. She looked at me and sighed. Catherine: Why would you be afraid of them? Elizabeth: The men that you and father have chosen to be my husband is quite older then I. I am afraid that they might not want to be wed to such a young maiden.
My mother took a seat on my bed and took my hand in her’s. Catherine: Do not fear them my child. You are a beautiful lady and any man would be happy to be your husband. I nodded and stood. I smoothed my dress down making sure there were no wrinkles and smiled at my mother. Elizabeth: I am ready mother. With that we walked downstairs to find a man suitable for me.
I stepped down the second stairwell and found the most beautiful man waiting in my sitting room. My mother stood to my right and whispered into my ear. Catherine: That young man is Liam O’Connor. He would make you a wonderful husband but beware when he drinks. I nodded and finished walking down the stairs when he noticed me as he left the sitting room with the other men.
He bowed, took my hand in his and kissed it. Liam: Hello Elizabeth. I curtsied and smiled at him. Elizabeth: Hello Mr. O’Connor, how are you this evening. Liam: I am well. He took something from his pocket and handed it to me. I looked down and opened a small box. Inside was a Claddagh ring. I looked up at him with a surprised look on my face. Elizabeth: Thank you but how do I wear such a gift? He took the ring out of the box and placed it on my ring finger with the heart pointing toward me. Liam: This way you will now that someone cares for you. I looked down at my finger and than at him. Without warning I kissed his cheek and took his arm. Elizabeth: Will you be so kind to show me to dinner? Liam: It would be my pleasure mo siog. I smiled at as we walked into the dinning room.

*Flash-forward*

Angelus: From that day on you never took off my ring. Danielle: It meant everything to me. I waited for him to do something but he just held me. I started to play with the buttons of his waistcoat hoping that he would take the hint that I wanted to take things further. Danielle: Angelus why haven’t you tried to kiss me like you did when we met yesterday. He looked down at me with a sly look. Angelus: I haven’t? Danielle: I know you’re thinking about. I smiled at him and moved closer. Danielle: And I don’t mind it. He pulled me up his body and looked me straight in the eyes. I relaxed at his hands moved to my waist and I winced again. Unlike last time he noticed. Angelus: What’s wrong? Danielle: Damn thing.
I felt his hand brush against the strings of my dress then moved up my body to rest around my shoulders. He smiled when he realized what had caused me so much pain. I took a deep breathe and looked him in the eyes. Danielle: Damn you. He winked at me and brought me closer to his body so I could feel him resting against my thigh. Angelus: Is this what you want siog? He slowly brushed his hand over the tops of my breast that where pushed against the top of my dress and than those evil hands traveled down my waist and resided there while he played with the strings of my dress again.
Danielle: I’m not that shy girl you knew in Ireland. We can have some fun. I moved my hands down and placed a little pressure on him. He moaned and looked at with clouded eyes. Angelus: I wouldn’t do that if I were you lass. I smiled at him. Danielle: But what if I said I’ll follow you. What do you say then? I moved to capture his ear but he pushed me away. Angelus: As much as I want to lass I can’t. I looked at him in shock. Danielle: Fine! I threw back the blanket and stood. Angelus: Where are you going? Danielle: Home. I started to walk away when I turned around and looked at him. Danielle: I hope you find comfort with your hand tonight because your chance with me just ran away…dumbass. I turned and walked inside leaving him there.