Rating: NC-17
Pairing: Angel/Spike or more properly Angelus/William
Somewhat AU with some elements of cannon altered to suit my needs. Meaning William begins life within this story as a human. Who can say if that will change?
Graphic sex, violence
Disclaimer: These characters are NOT mine. I'm only borrowing them. All BtVS/AtS characters belong to Joss Whedon, ME, UPN, WB etc.etc.etc.
Poems found in this work are not my own. The poem read by William is entitled 'Because I could not stop for Death' and was authored by Emily Dickinson. The title of this story was derived from that poem. The poem read by the bully in the Bronze is called 'A valentine to my wife' and it was authored by Eugene Field. I have made some slight changes to the second poem to fit the needs of the story.
Other Points of Interests: Buffy still works for the council. Angelus has never been souled and the initiative is still functioning in Sunnydale.

Chapter Nine:

The night air stirred the trees, bringing with it the smell of jasmine, and William breathed it in, letting it fill his lungs. Turning toward Angelus he smiled, letting go of his fears as the other man smiled back. Then taking hold of his hand once more he let Angelus lead him between two rows of tall hedges and down a cobbled path.

The hedges stood above his head by more than a foot, creating corridors across the lawn. They veered off in several directions, winding this way and that, leading to small alcoves with bird baths or flower beds. Angelus navigated the turns with complete confidence, first going left, then right, and William was certain he would have been completely turned around if left on his own.

In moments he realized he was inside a maze and he gripped Angelus' hand more tightly, not wanting to get lost within it. The vampire turned to him, smiling again as he rounded the last corner, then stopped. The boy stared at the scene for a moment, taking in what he saw.

Rising from the hedges encircling the garden was a latticework of arching vines. Ivy crisscrossed the space above them creating a small enclosure and William's eyes widened as he stepped within it.

In the center of the space sat a low circular dais covered in rich fabrics of red and gold and more pillows than he had ever seen in one place before. A wrought iron framework rose from the ground around it, three massive poles intertwining at the top, their lengths draped in white silk that billowed softly in the cool breeze.

Small braziers hung from iron cradles around the perimeter of the hedges, giving off a dusky glow, and the fire-pit to the left warmed the air around them making William feel safe within the small hollow.

Then looking up he noticed for the first time that weaved throughout the foliage were small lights creating a beautiful mirror to the starry sky above. They sparkled against the darkness lighting the space and he laughed softly, unable to contain his delight.

A cool hand brushing softly against his cheek stilled his laughter and he closed his eyes, leaning into the touch. Finger-tips lingered at his throat, running along his collar bone, making him shiver, and he arched his neck, silently asking for more. A soft kiss was his answer and he moaned quietly, the feeling of cool lips against his skin sending tremors through his body.

He was soon wrapped in strong arms, pulled tightly against Angelus as his hands weaved their way into dark soft hair, pulling his companion closer. They both looked up then, their eyes locked and William could not have looked away even if he had wanted to. He stared into that gaze, mesmerized by the intensity he saw in the other man's eyes.

Angelus' mouth was on his a moment later -- urgent, hungry and demanding entry. His lips parted under the assault, the vampire's tongue playing against his own, making him moan once more. He could feel his heart racing as he was pulled closer still, then he whimpered softly as Angelus broke the kiss. He panted harshly, leaning forward, wanting more, his head feeling light and completely unfocused on anything but the man standing before him.

"Is this what you want William?"

Angelus' voice resonated in the air, piercing the fog which enveloped his thoughts, and he nodded slowly in response.

"Tell me."

"I want …this. I…I want you." He whispered at last finding his voice.

Angelus' hand cupped William's face, his thumb rubbing gently across one sharp cheekbone then down across his full lips. William gasped as it slipped into his mouth and he closed his lips around it as Angelus pulled it free. Groaning at the sight the vampire pulled him forward, his mouth covering the boy's once more as William's arms reached up, encircling his neck.

His own arms slid downward, his hands mapping the muscles of William's back as they flexed beneath his touch. Taking hold of the boy's shirt he slid his hands under it, feeling the softness of his skin, then raised the shirt above his head, pulling it off and tossing it to the ground.

Angelus' hands roamed over his chest, fingers playing lightly against his hardened nipples, and William moaned as the sensation washed over him. A moist tongue laved at the nipples a moment later, first one then the other, and he arched his back as he was pulled forward, a cry of pleasure escaping his lips. Angelus pulled back, staring at the boy, an evil smile spreading across his face.

"Like that do you?" He asked, already knowing the answer.

"Yes." William panted, unable to hide what he was feeling.

"I know something you'll like more." Angelus replied, smirking as he ground his hips against him. William pressed forward, needing the friction, the tightness in his jeans growing almost painful as Angelus attacked his mouth yet again.

The kiss was hard, rough and full of need, but it wasn't enough. Licking up one side of his throat Angelus could feel the blood rushing below the surface and he sucked at the jugular with blunt human teeth, trying not to lose control. The smell of William's arousal wafted through the air, making it more difficult, but he breathed it in as he continued to pepper his neck with kisses.

William's own need was growing and he reached out, trying to undo the buttons on the other man's shirt. His hands were shaking as he undid each in turn and then the shirt slipped off the broad shoulders, falling at his feet.

Tentative touches and a soft caress were met with low moans and William smiled to himself, pleased that he was able to illicit such a response.

Angelus was pleased also as he reached for William's belt, making quick work of the fastenings. Then sliding his hands inside the waist band he slipped the jeans over the slender hips. They pooled at William's feet and he toed off his shoes then stepped out of the pants, his shyness evaporating like steam in the heat that formed between them.

He walked backwards, Angelus directing him across the lawn with every forward step he took. A moment later his calves pressed against the satin covered dais and he sat down abruptly, breaking their kiss at last.

William ignored his own clumsiness, concentrating instead on the sight before him. His fingers ran lightly over the broad chest and taut abs, then without thinking he leaned forward, kissing them. Angelus closed his eyes, another moan escaping his lips as his fingers threaded through William's hair.

Emboldened by his desire William reached up, undoing the belt at Angelus' waist. He stopped for a moment looking up, the other man's eyes staring back at him, then, seeing what he needed, he continued until the slacks hung open before him. He reached out, pulling them down, his fingers tracing their descent along muscular thighs and taut calves until they crumpled in a heap.

Angelus stepped out of them and in between William's parted knees, waiting for the young man to make the next move.

William sat staring at the hardened cock bobbing just a few inches in front of his face. He understood what men did together in intimate moments such as these and he knew what Angelus expected from him. He might be a virgin, he thought to himself, but he did have access to the internet.

Biting his bottom lip he tilted his head, uncertain how to begin. Then, considering the situation for a moment longer, he made his decision and leaned forward, running his tongue over the reddened tip.

A loud hiss from his companion urged him on and he repeated the movement several more times. Then, feeling a bit more confident, he reached out, taking the cock in his hand, stroking it gently as he licked his way around the bulbous head.

Licking down the side of it he let his tongue tickle the sac below, feeling a tremor run through Angelus as he did. He smiled at this reaction then ran his tongue back up the underside and swirled it across the small opening at the tip.

Fascinated by the differences in this cock and his own he played with the foreskin, pulling it up with each stroke, pinching it gently between his forefinger and thumb. Angelus gasped at the sensation, a small shudder taking hold as he started to breathe, then he grabbed William's shoulders as the boy slipped the head into his mouth.

He sucked on it slowly as he continued to stroke the length, his other hand moving lower to fondle the sac. His head bobbed back and forth as he became more adept and he took in more of Angelus' cock with each forward motion.

The taste of pre-cum assaulted his tongue and he pulled back, staring at the milky drops sliding down the shaft then licked at them, consciously noting the somewhat salty taste. Leaning forward he meant to take the engorged member into his mouth once more but a firm hand stopped him and he looked up, a confused expression on his face.

"Am I doing it wrong?"

"No William." Angelus answered, laughing softly at the innocence he saw in the young man's eyes.

"Then why did you stop me?"

"Because the only place I plan to come tonight is inside you."

With that comment he crawled onto the dais as William scooted himself backward, falling against the pillows. Angelus hovered over his body for a moment then leaned down, kissing him deeply as he rubbed their erections together. In minutes the boy was writhing beneath him and he reached down, stroking him quickly.

Moving lower he kissed his way down the lean body, not hesitating to swallow him whole. The vampire took the full length to the back of his throat, swallowing again and again, the flexing muscles squeezing William's cock until he cried out, unable to be silent under such an assault.

His head tossed back and forth as he clutched at the bedding, his eyes rolling back in his head as he thrust his hips upward, needing more. Angelus pulled off him a second later, not wanting things to end too soon. Then, sliding his hands down William's thighs, he pushed his knees to his chest as his tongue sought out his prize.

The first touch had William squirming with delight and Angelus watched as the boy thrust upward against his mouth.

"Fuck!"

Angelus pulled back, a small smile spreading across his lips as the expletive hung in the air. He crawled up over the boy, looking down into his half closed eyes.

"Such a dirty word to come from such a sweet mouth." He said slowly as he leaned in, kissing him quickly. William said nothing else, the feelings running through him making it impossible for him to think straight, let alone form a response.

Angelus only smiled again then leaned over him, reaching for a small jar that sat beside the dais on a small wooden table. He opened it, slipping his fingers into the oil, then returned his attention to the boy.

Moving back down his body he slipped a finger inside, preparing him. A second finger was soon added, accompanied by William's moans, and he stretched him, wanting the experience to be as pleasurable for the boy as it was for him.

Then, unable to wait any longer, Angelus leaned forward, reaching for more oil, but William's hand was already there. Staring down at him he watched as the young man's hand closed over his erection, liberally covering it as he stroked him several times.

The sight almost undid him but Angelus pulled away, taking his cock in his own hand as he entered him at last.

The tightness surrounding him was sheer ecstasy and Angelus stilled quickly, trying not to come. The heat of the human's body was scorching against his cooler flesh but it was a burn he ached for.

William groaned loudly, their eyes meeting, then he thrust upward slightly, wanting more. His hands reached out, taking hold of his knees, pulling them up as Angelus slid further into his body, slowly joining them.

Soon he was fully seated within the young man, his body pressed tightly against William's and he leaned down, kissing him softly, their eyes still locked. Then he pulled back slowly until he was almost out before pushing in again. He set an easy rhythm, taking his time as William's body made the adjustment, then, when he could resist the urge no longer, he began to quicken his pace.

William thrust against him, the sensation of being filled by the other man making him euphoric. His sac tightened as he felt something indescribable run through him and he cried out. Angelus thrust forward, hitting his prostate again, and William almost sobbed at the pure pleasure of it. He had never known it could be this way, that he could feel so connected to someone else.

"Never end." He mumbled as his head tossed against the pillows.

Angelus watched the emotions play across the young man's face and leaning down he kissed him once more.

"No my sweet boy this will never end."

Then, nuzzling his throat, Angelus thrust deep as he brought his demon to the fore. Piercing the supple flesh he tasted the hot blood as it spurted out over his tongue. William gasped, his body becoming rigid,as he came in a rush, his hips thrusting against Angelus' again and again, sending the vampire over the edge and him into darkness.