But if he could get her angry with someone else, then he would have a chance. And so that's why he had sent the Acolytes off with the strangest mission. They were to gossip at the poker table. And with any hope, that gossip would reach the near and dear of Willow Hebner.
***
"Willow Anna Hebner!"
Willow jumped to her feet at her father's irate call. She regarded the red-faced Earl Hebner in confusion. Willow shot her friends a look. Xander shrugged while the Hardys and Lita watched Earl's moves in earnest. Willow turned back to her father.
"What's wrong Papa?" she asked worriedly.
"I just heard the most interesting thing," he told her bitingly. "It appears that the Acolytes were out last Monday night after RAW. Apparently they had been walking down Ninth Street looking for a good bar. And guess what they say they saw?"
Willow gulped audibly.
"What would that be Papa?" she said in her best little angel voice.
"They saw they saw you and Edge kissing in a restaurant," Earl spat out angrily. "And I know that you wouldn't do that after all those times I've told you to stay away from the Ministry."
"You kissed Edge?" Xander repeated incredulously. "I thought you said you didn't even like him. But now you've danced with him privately and kissed him. I don't know what to think!"
"Private dancing?" Earl raised a brow at his daughter. "What does that mean?"
"Thanks a lot Xander," Willow muttered at her friend. She turned to her father and tried to swallow the anger she felt at the moment.
"I danced with Edge at the company party," she revealed. "And we did kiss in that restaurant. But I don't see how that concerns any of you. It's my business."
"You don't know these guys," Earl protested. "You're just a little girl-"
"I am not a little girl!" she interrupted, eyes flashing. "I'm an adult. I have been for a little while Papa. And you can't tell me what to do anymore."
"I can and will!" Earl declared. "And for starters, you may not see Edge again!"
Willow narrowed her eyes dangerously. She regarded her father with unbridled anger in her expression. He seemed to recognize his mistake to late and fumbled to take back his words. She would have none of that.
Willow stormed past her father and out of the room. She slammed the door shut behind her, the sound echoing off the walls. The remaining four in the locker room stayed still, shock evident on their faces.
"Damn," Jeff breathed lightly, breaking the silence. "She's a feisty little one."
"She's also an impulsive little one," Xander sighed. He turned to Earl with remorse on his face.
"You know she's just going to go seek him out now in spite," he informed the older man. Earl nodded and sighed, taking his head into his hands.
"Things were easier when she was twelve."
***
Willow stomped down the hallway, eyes blazing and fists clenching. She was so angry she could barely think coherently. She couldn't believe her father sometimes. Did he actually think he could dictate her actions to her? She was goddamn twenty-one years old! If she wanted to date Edge, she damn well could! Not that she wanted to date Edge, but still. It was the principle of the matter.
"What's wrong Red?"
Willow froze at the sound of his voice, turning her eyes accusingly skyward. Figures it would be him of all people.
"None of your business," she retorted, turning to face him.
Edge smirked at her defensive position. His eyes raked over her form, noting the folded arms and deathly glare.
"Okay, but just thought I could help," he shrugged. Willow snorted.
"I don't want or need your help," she countered snidely. "Besides, this is all your fault. If you hadn't of kissed me that night, none of this would be happening."
Edge raised an eyebrow at that.
"I kissed you?" he repeated. "In case you've forgotten Red, you kissed me back."
She blushed and turned her face away. "Whatever, let's not argue over the semantics," she muttered. "The whole point is, now my dad is pissed and angry."
"Oh, afraid of your dad are you?" he needled her. This was almost too easy for him. Her nostrils flared and she became even more irate.
"I am not afraid of my father!" she declared. "Nor am I scared of you. I just don't like having my personal life dictated to me."
"Like being on top?" he asked innocently.
"Knock it off with the innuendo," she rolled her eyes. "It gets old."
"Well, just saying that if you like to be in control, maybe you should take some action," Edge shrugged, smirking once more.
"What kind of action?" she asked suspiciously.
"You could go out to the movies with me," he suggested lightly. "Unless you're afraid."
She glared at that one. She knew exactly what he was trying to do. Make her angry; try to use it against her somehow. Why he wanted to go out with her was unknown. But Willow knew he had an ulterior motive. He always did.
And her rational mind acknowledged all of this. She knew it but that didn't really seem to matter. Damn that stubborn streak of hers.
She remained silent. He took that as a yes.
"I'll pick you up at nine tonight," he informed her in passing. She whirled around, still angry. But he was down the hall and gone.
***
"I can't believe him!" Willow fumed. She was now stomping around the divas locker room. Trish, Stacy, Torrie, and Lita were gathered around, sitting on the benches, watching her pace. She had been doing that since her run-in with Edge. The redhead was irate.
"Just said he'll pick me up," Willow continued. "Like I didn't have a say in it. Like I should just fall all over myself because he decided to pay attention to me. Who does he think he is?"
"So, you're not going out with him?" Trish concluded confused.
"I didn't say that!"
"So, you're going out with him?" Stacy suggested.
"I didn't say that either!" Willow shouted.
"Then what are you saying?" Lita asked tiredly.
"Yeah, because we need some help," Torrie said, gesturing between herself and the other divas.
"I don't know what I'm saying," Willow sighed, flopping down beside Trish and burying her head in the woman's lap.
"It's too complicated," the redhead wailed.
"Well, do you like Edge?" Trish pushed.
"I don't know," Willow sniffled. "He scares me most of the time, but sometimes . . . Sometimes I just don't know. Like when he kissed me or when we danced for the first time. It was kind of nice."
"Do you want to go out with him?" Stacy asked, trying another approach.
"Maybe."
"You want to prove your dad wrong?" Lita suggested.
"Definitely."
"Then go out with him," Torrie concluded. "What's the worst that could happen?"
Willow pulled her head up and glared at the woman.
"You just totally screwed me over with that remark," she informed the blonde. Sighing again, the redhead pushed herself up and sat upright.
"I guess I have a date," she muttered. Then, she jumped to her feet in agitation. She turned to the divas with fear in her eyes.
"I don't have anything to wear!"
*****
"Is this okay?"
Faaroq and Bradshaw exchanged a look before turning back to Edge.
"Looks fine," the Texan shrugged. Edge frowned.
"Just fine?" he glared at his outfit. "Maybe I should wear that blue shirt."
"Okay, you're starting to scare us," Faaroq interrupted him. "You're awfully caught up in this girl-"
"I am not caught up in her!" Edge interjected. "This is all part of the plan."
"Right," Bradshaw grinned. "You're freaking out over your clothes like a woman because it's part of the plan."
"Look, this girl is like seriously hooked on Christian," Edge sighed, tired of explaining. "If I want to make her forget about him, I have to look better than okay. The seduction plan might work if she's just a little bit interested."
"Right," Faaroq agreed. "This is all about the plan."
"If you guys aren't going to be helpful, get your asses out of my room," Edge frowned at them. "Jesus. Try and do something important for your team and no one else is willing to lift a finger. All they want to do is tease you about the little redhead who's messing things up."
The Acolytes shared a grin over his mutterings.
"Fine, wear the blue one," Bradshaw suggested. "Chicks like blue on guys."
Edge nodded before turning to his suitcase.
"Now we're getting somewhere."
***
Lita watched Willow pace the floor in amusement.
"You know," she started. "You're getting awful worked up about some guy you hate."
"I don't hate Edge," Willow protested automatically. Realizing what she said, the redhead blushed and resumed pacing.
"I knew it!" Lita declared, jumping on her bed. "You like him!"
"I do not like him!" Willow objected.
"Then why are you freaking out over this date?" Lita demanded.
"I'm not freaking out."
Lita rolled her eyes.
"You just spent the last hour in hysterics over your outfit," the older woman reminded her. "I thought you were going to pass out from anxiety."
"I was not," Willow protested, and then faltered as she looked down at her outfit. "I do look okay, right?"
Lita grinned and nodded.
Willow did look all right. It took one hour, and massive trips between the different divas' rooms, to get this one outfit together. The skirt was Willow's own, a beige number that was slightly clingy and ended just above her knees. The shirt was Stacy's, a maroon number with a low cut but stylish look nonetheless. The knee-high boots were Trish's and the denim jacket belonged to Lita. Torrie supplied the redhead with a necklace with one pearl at the end. Her hair had been left down and she wore very little makeup. It was in Lita's opinion that Willow hardly needed makeup. The girl had this natural beauty to her.
Willow harrumphed and looked at her watch
"It's five minutes after nine," the redhead fumed. "Must he always be late!"
Lita laughed at her antics.
"Guys are never right on time," she assured the girl. "You're just being overly agitated."
Willow opened her mouth to respond, but was cut off by a knock on the door. Willow paled significantly and rushed for the door. Just shy of it, she was able to calm herself and nonchalantly opened the door.
Edge stood outside waiting for her. Willow schooled her face into that irritated look she saved only for him. He grinned at her.
"Ready?"
"Give me a minute," she muttered, turning around to grab her purse. She gave Lita a look when she noticed the other woman glaring daggers at Edge.
"I'll be back in about two hours," she told her.
"Make it three or four," Edge called out. Willow turned to fix him with a glare.
"Two," she insisted. She turned to Lita and waved goodbye. She marched out the door, not looking to see if Edge followed. The man gave Lita a parting grin and then followed his date down to the elevator.
***
"What are we seeing?" Willow asked Edge as they made their way to the cinema.
"It's a surprise," he answered. Willow frowned.
"I don't like surprises," she muttered darkly. "They usually end up being irritating brothers I don't want to date."
Edge laughed good-naturedly and pulled her past the doors.
"Tickets?" Willow called out to him. He waved two tickets at her.
"Got them ahead of time," he replied, pulling her into the concession line. "What do you want?"
She shrugged and tried to peek at the movie posters on the walls. She wanted to know what they were seeing. She didn't exactly trust Edge too much. Lord knows what he was dragging her into.
Edge grinned when he saw her looking around the lobby. He pulled her in front of him, blocking her view of the posters. She looked upwards to give him a glare.
He pulled her along, all the way to the theatre. He pushed her to the back, taking up two seats he chose. Willow grumbled and took her seat begrudgingly. She accepted the drink he offered and turned to stare forward.
"You know, you don't have to act like you're hating this," Edge told her. "You can enjoy yourself. I won't tell anyone."
"You'd probably take out a bulletin board," she muttered unhappily.
Edge laughed and slung an arm around her shoulders. She gave him a glare but didn't say anything because that's when the lights went out. The rolling credits came on, announcing the title of the movie.
Willow's jaw hit the floor.
***
"How did you know?"
Edge laughed at the look on her face. They were leaving the cinema and the redhead was practically skipping. Her eyes were lighting up and she had this smile of her face.
"How did I know what?" he asked in reply.
"That Mary Poppins is my favourite movie," she giggled. "You planned this. I haven't seen that movie on the big screen for years. I love it!"
"Well, I did overhear Mike Chioda and Terry White talking about it," he shrugged. Willow gave him a look.
"Okay fine, I had the Acolytes shake it out of them," he consented.
"I'm going to be angry about that later," she informed him. "But I'm happy right now. That was the best. Thank you."
"So, you had a good time with me?" he needled her.
"Maybe," she admitted begrudgingly. "But don't let it get to your head."
"I'll try," he laughed. "So, want to go for ice cream? The Acolytes got your favourite flavour out of the referees too."
Willow laughed and let him lead her down the street.
***
Willow was having the most wonderful dream. It wasn't a new dream; in fact it was quite old. But it was her favourite dream. She would be standing in the middle of the ring. The lights were on, but no one else was in sight. She looked out across the empty seats, almost hearing the cheers for her.
Then, she wouldn't be alone anymore. Christian would come and stand behind her. The first hint she would get was the lightest touch across her back. It sent shivers up and down her spine. Then the hand would circle her waist, ending at her elbow. Then a firm grip on her arm as he turned her around. Willow would oblige, keeping her eyes shut until the movement stopped. And then she would open them and see . . . Edge?
Willow was floored. Not Christian, his older brother. Edge was the one holding her. Edge was the one tracing his finger delicately across her cheek. And that wasn't right.
"You're not supposed to be here," she informed him. "What are you doing here?"
He shrugged and gave her that smile of his.
"It's your dream," he shot back. "You decide what happens. And right now, you're deciding that you want me to kiss you." Willow was outraged. He was as pompous in her dreams as in reality.
"I do not want-"
He cut her off with a kiss. It was nice and slow at first, becoming harder as time went on. She could feel his tongue ravaging her mouth. Feel his hand sidling up her shirt. She ran her hands across his firm chest, giving into the kiss. God he tasted so good right now-
"Good dreaming?"
That voice sounded a lot like Lita. Willow pulled back from Edge, her puzzlement on her face. She looked up the ramp and saw Lita waiting up there with her hands folded across her chest.
"Wake up already!" the older redhead commanded.
Willow blinked, and then Edge and the ring were gone. She was back in her hotel room, buried under her blankets. She raised sleepy eyes to Lita who was standing beside her bed, hands on hips.
"About damn time," Lita informed her. The woman commenced pulling the covers off her friend. Willow made a protesting whimper and tried to fight Lita for the blankets. Unfortunately for Willow, Lita had much more upper body strength. The covers were wrenched out of her hands and Willow practically toppled out of bed. When she had readjusted herself, she favoured Lita with a frown.
"I hate you," was her only comment. Lita raised a brow before shooting the grumpy girl a bright smile.
"Well, good," she chirped happily. "Because when you say you hate someone, it appears to be quite the opposite."
"I never said I hated Edge," Willow muttered, knowing exactly what the other woman was talking about.
"You used to say you were scared of him too," Lita countered. "But now, I find you practically humping in the hallways."
"I was not humping!" Willow objected angrily. "I was kissing. And it was an innocent kiss."
"Considering I only saw one hand between the two of you, I'm going to say it was anything but innocent," Lita teased her. Willow blushed and then flopped backwards on her bed.
"Did you have reason for waking me up so abruptly?" she asked her friend. "You know, other than to be just cruel."
"It's one in the afternoon," Lita replied smartly. "You have an autograph session at two. I figured you be want to be there for it."
Willow blinked confusedly at her friend. Then she remembered. Screaming, the younger redhead leapt to her feet.
"I'm going to be so late!" she cried, racing for the shower.
Lita watched her go in amusement, stopping Willow's progress only for a second.
"It's okay to like Edge," she informed her. "It's not the crime of the century."
"What about Christian?" Willow asked in dismay.
"What about Christian?" Lita demanded. "He's not your boyfriend. He's your schoolgirl crush. And he's engaged to the Wicked Bitch of Stamford. I don't think Christian even belongs in this equation."
Willow frowned, biting her lip for a second.
"I have to get ready," she mumbled. "We can debate this later."
Lita sighed and let the girl resume her tornado. Listening as the shower turned on, Lita couldn't help but shake her head. There wasn't much to debate. Willow liked Edge, Lita knew she did. And if the kiss wasn't telling enough, the heavy moans and pants of his name during sleep pretty much sealed the deal.
Willow was falling for Edge. And for his health, Edge better not be playing with Lita's friend. Otherwise, the redhead was going to shove a hairbrush so far down his throat, the man would be using his ass to comb his hair.
***
Edge groaned as light hit his eyes. How the hell turned on the lights? Couldn't they tell he was sleeping?
"Wake up boy," came a command. "Don't make me drag your ass out of bed."
Edge frowned and then opened his eyes begrudgingly. He immediately saw Taker hovering over his bed. Edge grumbled as he struggled into a sitting position.
"What's up boss?" he mumbled. "Nubile blondes for me to fuck as well?"
"Someone sounds grouchy," Taker announced before leaning over to smack Edge on the head.
"I never said fuck," the Dead Man corrected him. "I just said bed."
"Same difference," Edge muttered, rubbing his head gingerly.
"But bedding sounds nicer," Taker shot back. "And what's your problem anyway? Most of the guys would be happy with this kind of assignment. It's not brain surgery and you're likely to get some along the way."
"Not all of us think with our dicks," Edge reminded him. "But most do," Taker shrugged.
"Christian sure as hell does. That's the reason for this whole mess."
"She's just a girl," Edge muttered. "There's nothing particularly special about her. I don't know why Christian is so hooked on her."
"Maybe you know better than you think," Taker mused. Edge shot him a look.
"Not you too," he moaned. "Can't any of you understand this is just a ploy? I do not like this girl. I might in another circumstance, but this is just business."
"Right," Taker nodded. "And say that a few more times and you just might buy it yourself."
Taker gave him an appraising look. "If you like this girl, it's not a bad thing," he informed the blonde man. "In fact, it's probably better. Imagine how much easier it would be on her emotions."
Edge frowned
"Huh?" he was lost.
"You only have to keep her away until Christian marries Stephanie," Taker reminded him. "And after that, it doesn't matter what Willow does. You wouldn't have to keep her around anymore. But if you like this girl, you wouldn't have to dump her. Because if you did, she would probably be traumatized or something. Seems like a sweet girl, finding out about this could really hurt her."
Edge sat back silently. He knew this, he knew all of this. He knew it full and well going into the plan. It hadn't stopped him from going after her, from kissing her, from putting his hand up her shirt. But now, hearing Taker vocalize it, Edge seemed to be hit by the force of it. Or maybe just the force of his reaction to it. He didn't want Willow hurt. For some reason, that thought tore at his heart. To imagine the pretty redhead in tears . . .
"Think about it," Taker advised him. And then the Dead Man got to his feet and left the room. Edge stared at the closed door, thoughts in turmoil.
He didn't actually care for Willow. Did he?
***
"You do realize this is a bad idea, right?"
Willow sighed before turning around to face her best friend.
"What is a bad idea?" she asked of him.
"This whole thing with you and Edge," Xander clarified. "And before you get mad, I'm not telling you how to run your life. It's just that the guy is such a dog. I don't want you getting hurt here Wills."
Willow sighed and wrapped an arm around Xander's waist as they made their way to their locker room. It was the night after her big date with Edge and they were supposed to appear in a house show. But Xander seemed more worried about her love life than his match for the night.
"It's sweet that you worry," she finally replied. "But I'm a big girl now. If I want to date Edge, I can date Edge."
"But that's just it," Xander protested. "I thought you said you don't want to date Edge."
Willow frowned, biting on her lip. It was hard to explain, probably because she didn't understand it all herself. She didn't mind dating Edge, it all depended on which Edge it was. There was the nice and considerate Edge, who kissed her and took her for ice cream. And then there was the scary Edge, who used to drive her away with one look. And there was the asshole Edge, the one who said all the wrong things at all the wrong times.
"I don't hate Edge," she started out slowly. "But I don't know if I like him that completely. I mean, sometimes he's a nice guy and I like him. Other times, it's like he's a totally different person and I just want to strangle him. And as for dating him, I'm deciding on that as we go along."
"And if he asks you out again?" Xander pressed.
"I don't know, to tell you the truth," Willow shrugged. "There's a whole bunch of possibilities. But I won't know until he asks."
"He hasn't asked already?" Xander demanded, suspicious. Willow rolled her eyes, pushing her friend away.
"We just went out last night," she admonished him. "Of course he hasn't asked me out again. I haven't even seen him once today."
Xander grumbled and started to push open the door.
"I don't trust that guy," he whined to the redhead.
"Are you guys talking about Edge?" called Jeff from somewhere in the room. "Cause then I wholeheartedly agree."
Willow rolled her eyes again and pushed her way into the room. To find a florist shop.
"Huh?" was the only thing she could come up with.
"They're from Edge," came the answer from Matt, possibly from amid the red roses.
"All of them?" Willow squeaked in disbelief.
"All of them," Jeff confirmed, emerging from a shield of daisies. "I think he bought all the flowers in the city and then ordered some in from out of town."
Willow was stunned. She walked around the room, staring at the masses of flowers.
"What am I going to do with this many flowers?" she demanded of no one in particular. "One bouquet would have sufficed, but this is ridiculous! Where am I going to put these?"
"We could send them to a hospital," Lita suggested, coming out from behind the tulips. "They always accept those kinds of things."
"Okay," Willow nodded faintly. "That sounds like a plan."
"Do you want to keep any?" Lita asked tentatively.
"Please don't," Matt pleaded, coming around the rose piles. "It'll only encourage him to do more stuff like this."
"Stay out of it Hardy," Lita warned him threateningly. "This is Willow's decision. Edge sent her these flowers, she can do what she wants with them."
Willow stood unsurely in the middle of the locker room. The flowers had to go, there was no doubt about that. This was just ridiculous. She couldn't even see Xander from where she was, there were so many. But the real question was: DID she want to keep any of them?
"We'll send them to the hospital," she nodded, coming to a decision. "Load them up in the cars and we'll drop them off later."
The others probably consented to her orders. She saw the door open and some flowers saunter out. Her eyes went to the massive bouquet of red roses Matt was currently lifting.
"Wait!" she cried out suddenly. The man stopped in his tracks, giving the redhead a questioning look. Willow blushed and plucked the roses out of his hands.
"I want to keep these," she mumbled. Matt sighed and nodded, turning his attention to the tulips. Willow fingered one of the rose petals, marveling at its softness. A small smile touched her face as she went to put the roses in water.
***
"Don't you think that was overdoing it?" Edge asked Taker. The Dead Man shrugged.
"Just wanted her to feel special," he answered.
"But I already sent her roses," Edge protested. "Why did you have to order the rest of the shop with them?"
"Because you have to woo her," Taker replied. "And you have to make quick work of it. Christian will be back by next week. I want that redhead totally in love with you by then."
"And how is turning her locker room into a greenhouse going to help?" Edge demanded. "You've said it yourself. She's a simple girl, she doesn't go for the extravagant. Hell, she was practically jumping for joy that I took her to see Mary Poppins. And she was smiling like crazy when I took her for ice cream. I only ordered the roses because I thought it would complement the date. Sending all those others might just scare her off."
Taker gave him a look.
"What kind of girl is scared by flowers?" the Dead Man demanded. "You're worrying for no reason. She's going to be totally floored. She'll love it, you'll see."
Their conversation was interrupted by a knock on the door.
"Come in!" Taker barked, reaching for his beer. He motioned Steven Richards into the room.
"What do you want boy?"
"Um, just coming to tell you that Willow got all the flowers," Steven announced nervously.
"And what was her reaction?" Taker prompted.
"Well, she's having them loaded into cars so she can take them to the hospital," Steven mumbled. Taker sat upright.
"She's not keeping them?" he roared. Edge rolled his eyes.
"Of course she's not keeping them," he shot at the Dead Man. "What in the hell would she do with that many flowers?"
"Was she at least happy?" Taker asked, ignoring Edge for the moment. "Or did she just throw them out?"
"Actually, I think she kept some," Steven offered. "A bunch of red roses."
Edge smirked at the news. He turned to Taker with "I-told-you-so" written all over his face. The Dead Man growled and slumped in his chair sulkingly.
"Don't even say it."
***
"Hey everyone!" Willow chirped happily, settling herself next to Jeff at the breakfast table.
"Someone's cheerful this morning," Trish mused. "Does this have anything to do with a certain blonde Canadian we all know?"
"Of course," Willow answered mischievously. "Trish, you know you always bring such joy to my life."
"Very cute," Lita retorted. "But you know we mean Edge?"
"You do?" Willow returned, batting her lashes innocently. "I didn't actually know that."
"Okay, enough!" Xander held up his hand for silence. "All we need to know is if Edge did anything last night that would require me to kill him?"
Willow gave her friend a little look.
"For the last time, you do not need to kill Edge," she rolled her eyes. "You didn't need to kill him after we danced, you didn't need to kill any of these weeks we've gone out, and you don't need to kill him now."
"Just checking bosom buddy," Xander returned calmly. "After all, I'm always there when you need someone killed."
"That goes for us too," Jeff added, pointing at himself and Matt. Willow gave them all a wry grin.
"Thanks," she giggled. "But not necessary. Things are good right now."
And they really were good right now. She had been dating Edge for a few weeks now. The redhead could admit to herself that she liked the man. In fact, Willow was pretty sure that she was falling for him. Sweet Edge had come to the front and it was Willow could do from melting at his feet. They had gone out numerous times by now. To the movies, to the park, for picnics, and just for drives. He had actually taken her sailing once. Willow didn't think she would like it that much; she wasn't one for the water. But it was fun, probably because he was there.
"And she's doing that going off into her own happy world thing again," Lita's musings brought her out of her thoughts.
"She has a tendency to do that," Xander explained to everyone. "My bestest bud right there was a severe problem with too many thoughts. She gets lost in them pretty easily."
"Bite me Xander," Willow returned happily.
"I thought that was Edge's department," Lita interjected innocently.
"Oh yes!" Trish bounced in her seat. "Let's hear about Edge kissage."
"Let's not," Matt interrupted. "And that way, I'll be able to keep my breakfast down."
"No need to worry Matt," Willow laughed. "I don't kiss and tell. At least, not in front of the guys. Trish is going to have to wait until we go shopping."
"But I want to hear of Edge kissage now!" the blonde pouted. Willow giggled at the look on her friend's face.
"Tough," the redhead replied. "There will be no talk of kissage or otherwise during breakfast."
"We are still limited to kissage here, right?" Xander asked worriedly.
Willow merely stuck her tongue out in response before turning to her menu, effectively tuning her friends out.
***
Willow couldn't help but blush and laugh as Edge whispered in her ear. The blush was more due to his nearness than what he was saying. Lord the reaction she had to this man.
"Have fun?" he asked her.
"Always," she replied with a smile.
She allowed herself to be pulled underneath his arm. Edge planted a kiss on her head as they made their way back up the hotel room. And she did have a good time. Lunch had been so much fun. She really loved going out with this man. He knew how to make her smile.
They stepped onto the elevator and he pushed the button for her floor. And then he pulled her in for a kiss. She gave a surprised squealed before melting right into the kiss. Her arms went around his neck as his went around her waist. He was tracing a finger up and down her spine, causing her to shiver. His tongue was slow and teasing in her mouth and Willow thought she would burn up at that moment.
And then the elevator dinged and the doors opened. Neither of them registered it until a slight coughing caught their attention. Willow went red and pushed back from Edge a bit. The blonde turned to look over his shoulder, frowning at the interruption. What he saw made him tighten his hold around Willow.
The redhead peeked over his shoulder and then saw them. Christian and Stephanie, standing side by side, waiting to get on the elevator. The brunette was giggling, hiding her laughter behind her hand. Her blue eyes flicked between the two, an amused look in her eyes. Christian just looked stunned, and then briefly, angry.
Edge straightened, turning to face the two of them. His arm gripped Willow tighter as he moved to get off the elevator.
"This is our floor," he mumbled, leading the redhead away from the two. They heard Stephanie's giggling follow them down the hallway as the engaged couple stepped onto the elevator.
Edge and Willow proceeded down the hallway in silence. She shot him a look, seeing his stony expression. She couldn't help but wonder that was about.
"What's wrong?" she asked finally as they came to a stop in front of her room. Edge shot her a hard look.
"Christian's back," he informed her bitingly. "That means that he starts chasing after you, or you after him."
Willow felt her heart drop at that. She looked at him with the most hurt look on her face.
"You think I'm that kind of slut?" she asked him incredulously. "I date you for a few weeks and then go off after your brother as soon as your back is turned?"
"Isn't that what you want to do?" he demanded in response. She felt her anger flare up at that. She pushed him in the chest, sending him reeling across the hall.
"If that's what you think of me, then maybe you don't know me that well," she spat at him. "Or I just don't know you as well as I would have liked to think."
A chastised look came over his features then. "Willow-"
"Save it," she cut him off. "After all, don't want to waste your breath on a cheating floozy like myself, would you?" She wrenched her door open and stumbled in, eyes never leaving his face. He tried to come to her, to apologize, but she was too angry.
She slammed the door shut in his face. Only alone in the room did she let the tears fall.
"Nice to know what he thinks of me," she mumbled to herself. Her lip quivered as the redhead fell onto her bed in tears.
***
Edge bashed his head against the wall. That had been incredibly stupid of him. Accusing her like that. Even though he knew full and well that she wasn't going to do such a thing. The plan had been working; she had been falling for him. And now, soon close to crunch time, he had messed things up.
He had such a big mouth at times.
Sighing, the blonde man pushed away from the wall and made his way back to the elevator. In his mind, he was going through various methods of making it up to her.
And he paid no attention to the voice inside his head taunting him. It was going on about silly things, like him liking Willow and being attached to her. Yeah right. This was all about the plan.
And he could almost believe himself sometimes.
***
She leaned back onto her pillow, tissue brushing away her tears. She stared up at the ceiling.
He just thought she would run straight to Christian. When in their whole relationship had she given him that idea? Was it just apparent in the way she acted? She hadn't necessarily told Edge how much she cared about him. She had been too shy to do it. But was he on to something? She never had the trouble admitting her feelings about Christian. She had crushed on the man for years. But that was before she started seeing Edge. So, had anything really changed?
Willow rose up in her bed, a determined look on her face. She didn't know if things had changed at all, but she was damn well going to find out.
The redhead grabbed her jacket and room key, heading for the door. She was going to find Christian and put an end to all this doubt at once.
She just hoped Stephanie wasn't around so she could find out.
***
Willow spotted Christian the second she stepped off the elevator. The blonde man was just standing in the lobby, reading a newspaper. Before she could lose her nerve, Willow made her way over to him.
"I need to talk to you," she whispered to him, before taking him by the sleeve and propelling him into the stairwell. Once in there, she cast a look around, to make sure they were alone. Once determining that they were, she turned back to Christian. He had a curious look on his face, watching her every move carefully.
"Is something the matter?" he asked gently. Willow nodded her head frantically.
"Kiss me," she instructed. His eyes popped at the request.
"What?" he demanded.
"Kiss me," she repeated, tone becoming more nervous. "Okay, I've had this crazy little crush on you for years. And when I came here and you started paying attention to me, I was ecstatic. But it was such bad timing because of your engagement to Stephanie. And then Edge threw himself in there. And I don't know if I really love him or if I'm still in love with you and I can only know if you kiss me!"
He started at the vehement ending to her babble. Without another word, he pressed his lips against hers. Willow closed her eyes and let herself feel.
This was Christian kissing her. Christian rubbing his hands up and down her arms. Christian's tongue in her mouth. All Christian, the one man she had wanted for so very long. And all she could think about was Edge.
"Nothing!" she declared, jerking back from him.
"Huh?" Christian looked more than a little confused, and very dazed. His eyes focused on her smiling face and he seemed to understand.
"Nothing?" he repeated, eyebrow raised.
"Well, you're a very good kisser," she offered. "But I just couldn't enjoy it."
"Because of Edge," he finished for her. She nodded, blushing now that her actions finally penetrated with her.
"I must seem like a total psycho to you right now," she laughed nervously, eyes on the floor. "But I'm usually not."
"I believe," he assured her. "And I can't help but be a little disappointed about the nothing. But what can I say? If you love Edge, you love Edge. Nothing else to be said about it."
She gave him a little smile.
"You really are a great guy," she told him. "Eventually."
He gave a chuckle at that, pushing her to the door.
"Go find my stupid brother," he instructed. "Tell him that you love him. And then maybe he won't be such a bore all the time." Willow gave him a quick hug before scampering off to do just that.
***
Edge sat brooding in his room. He probably shouldn't have said that to her. It totally pushed back the plan. And the plan was all that mattered.
So why was he sitting here, feeling like a monster for making her cry?
He dropped his head into his hands. Things had been easier in the beginning. But she was just such a sweetheart, it pulled at his heart. And he loved to make her smile. When he did, it just filled him with such a feeling. He couldn't quite describe it, couldn't quite put his finger on it. But it was there.
Knocking on his door interrupted his thoughts. Grumbling, he opened it, not really wanting to face anyone at the moment. He was totally unprepared for the bundle of redhead that flew at him the minute the door opened.
She just launched herself right up into his arms, meeting his lips in a kiss. He had been shocked, almost dropping her. But he recovered quickly, pulling her up with one hand while closing the door with the other. He managed to get both of them to the bed. He fell on top of her, kissing away. She had the sweetest lips you could ever taste. And the softest mouth.
He kissed her fiercely, wanting more of her. She kissed him back just as furiously, hands going up into his hair. The kiss was desperate, filled with some sort of need. And it was wonderful because there was just so much behind it. But weren't they fighting?
Eventually, they had to pull back for air. He lay on top of her, head going to nuzzle her neck. She took in deep breaths, chest heaving from the labour of it. Finally, he was able to find his voice.
"Not that I'm complaining, but what was that about?"
She giggled, fingers playing with his hair.
"I went to go see Christian," she explained. "To figure out if what you said was true. I kissed him, and then I felt absolutely nothing. Because I was too busy thinking of you and how much you mean to me."
He looked up at her then. She smiled down at him, and he saw something twinkling in her eye. And that made him despair like he never had before.
"I love you," were the next words out of her mouth. They hit him full force and he shut his eyes.
"What's wrong?" she asked, confusion evident in her voice. "Isn't that good?"
He sat up, pulling her with him. He kept her on the bed legs dangling of the side. He knelt before her, head resting on her lap.
"Edge?" she prodded, a hint of fear in her voice. He sighed and lifted sad grey eyes to her green ones.
"I have to tell you something."
***
She heard it. Heard every single word of it. And it was like some kind of nightmare. Her heart was breaking with every sentence that he uttered. And when he was done, she was broken. Tears were coming down her face. She wiped at them absently. He was looking at her pleadingly, looking for some sign of understanding there. And there was understanding. He never loved her, never cared about her. This was all about the Ministry. Willow was stupid to think he ever cared.
And all that was too much right now. She pushed away from him, stumbling over to the door. She tried to open it, to get out of the room as fast as she could, but he stopped her.
"Please Willow," he whispered to her. "Understand. I didn't want to hurt you."
That made her want to laugh. If hurting her wasn't on the agenda, well, he hadn't planned very well. She turned around, facing him silently. She let the hurt and betrayal shine on her face until finally he couldn't look her in the eyes anymore.
She pushed him away from her, going to open the door. Turning around, she looked at him once more. For reasons beyond her knowledge, she pressed another kiss against his lips. He was shocked, almost believing that she had forgiven him. But she didn't.
"Goodbye," was the only thing she said before taking off down the hall.
Edge was left standing there, knowing that was the end. She wasn't coming back. Ever.
He lost her.
***
Edge wished whoever was pounding on the door would just go away. He didn't want to deal with anyone right now. He was sitting on the floor, right on the spot she had left him. He remembered everything so clearly. The hurt on her face, the pain in her eyes. What the hell had he done?
"Edge! Open up already! What the hell is going on?"
Christian. Christian was pounding on the door. Christian whom Willow had loved forever, until he stepped in and warped her emotions.
In a haze, Edge got up and answered the door. He looked blankly out at his younger brother, not seeing him, but seeing Willow. Christian was watching him in concern.
"What did you do man?" Christian asked, wandering into the room. "What did you say to that girl? And please don't tell me it was something incredibly stupid like 'I don't love you back.'" Edge shook his head and fell on top of his bed, not saying a word.
"I know something happened Edge," Christian continued to press. "I was in the lobby when Xander got some phone call on his cell. The next thing I knew, he and the Hardys were shooting me death glares before running off to the elevator. So again, what happened?"
"I told her the truth," Edge finally answered.
"You told her the truth?" Christian repeated. "And what truth did you tell her?"
"About the plan," Edge mumbled. "About me going after her solely to keep her away from you. That I used her feelings against her to help the Ministry succeed. That I turned the love she had for you into love for me just so the Ministry would have control of Stephanie's shares."
"Oh, that truth," Christian rubbed his forehead tiredly. "Did you at least tell her that you love her?"
"No," Edge frowned. "How could I tell her that? I never saw her as anything more than a threat that needed to be neutralized."
"Edge wait a minute-"
"I mean, I totally played with her emotions," Edge continued. working up some steam his rant. "I took the feelings of a sweet girl and I used them against her. I made her fall in love with me and then I broke her heart. All so the Ministry could screw the Corporation at the next pay-per-view. I am some sort of monster."
"Edge, you're not-"
"Yes I am," Edge interrupted. "I mean look at what I'm doing to you. You're my brother, my own flesh and blood, and what am I doing? I'm forcing you to marry a woman that you might not even like that much. And did I bother to figure out if this was what you wanted? No! I just stuck my nose in it, made it happen, and without a single regard for your feelings."
"Edge, you need to calm down," Christian insisted. "You're not thinking too straight right now."
"And what about Stephanie?" Edge continued as if he hadn't spoken. "What am I doing to this poor girl? I'm essentially forcing her into a marriage with you. Did either of you ever sit down and think about whether or not you really wanted to do this?"
"Actually-"
"No!" Edge answered himself. "No, I made the choice for you. All in the name of what would be good for the Ministry. I didn't give your feelings any thought in this. I never once thought how being married to a dog like you would affect Stephanie."
"Hey!"
"And you know what?" Edge raved on. "That's ending right now. I don't care anymore. I've already destroyed one innocent girl and ruined the lives of my brother and the boss's daughter. This ends now. I'm stopping it before it gets permanent."
"Edge, what are you talking about?" Christian asked, sounding very worried.
"I mean, no one is going to force you into this marriage," Edge declared firmly. "No one is making anyone do anything for the sake of the Ministry. Willow was right, there's more to life than this stupid war we have going on with the Corporation. I just wished I realized that a hell of a lot sooner."
Edge turned to his brother, determination written on his face.
"Go after Willow," he instructed him. Christian's eyes bulged.
"What?" he demanded.
"Go after Willow," Edge repeated. "I was stupid to try and stop you before, but that's not going to happen now. If you want to try and hook up with Willow, go right ahead. If that means dumping Stephanie, do that too. Just go do what you want little brother. And don't worry about the guys. I'll explain it to them." And with that, Edge led his confused brother to the door, ushering him out.
"I have phone calls to make," Edge informed him. "You just go find Willow and try to make her smile. She's really beautiful when she smiles. Hell, she's beautiful all the time, but when she smiles . . ."
He trailed off at that, a sad look coming over his features. He bade his brother goodbye and made for the telephone.
Christian remained outside, looking at the closed door in bewilderment.
"What just happened?"
***
"He doesn't even know," Christian informed Stephanie later that night. The brunette sat up on their bed, looking at him in disbelief.
"He doesn't know?" she repeated. "How can he not know?" Christian shrugged, crawling onto the bed to join her. He lay on his back, head in her lap. Stephanie leaned against the headboard, hands running through his hair.
"He told me to go after her," Christian continued. "Said I shouldn't be denied my feelings and just go after the redhead. He insists that no one is forcing me into this marriage."
"Didn't you tell him about our talk?" Stephanie asked him.
"I tried," Christian shrugged. "But he was just ranting and raving about how no one was going to be forced into anything. And how he refused to play with people's lives just for the sake of the Ministry. And he wouldn't even admit it."
"How can he not know?" Stephanie shook her head. "For a smart and devious man, Edge sure is an idiot."
"Tell me about it," Christian laughed. "Won't he be surprised to learn that we're going to get married because we actually want to?"
"But that won't solve anything," Stephanie mused. "He still won't get it. We have to prove it to him."
Christian tossed his fianc�e a strange look.
"Prove it?"
"Yeah," Stephanie nodded. "Prove to him beyond a shadow of a doubt. And I have an idea as how to do it."
Christian grinned, rising up to kiss the brunette on the lips.
"There goes that sexy mind I love so much," he murmured, drawing her in for a kiss. Stephanie giggled as she complied, kissing Christian back softly. Eventually they drew apart and Christian looked at her with a gleam in his eye.
"What's the plan?"
***
Edge watched as the members of the Ministry filtered into the large conference room. Taker was behind him, exchanging confused looks with each new arrival. No one knew what was going, Edge had yet to explain a thing. Even to the boss himself.
Edge remained at the head of the long table, motioning the other wrestlers to take their seats. He noted that Christian wasn't there. Most likely because he took Edge up on his advice to go find Willow.
Now why did that make him want to scream?
"All right, that's everyone," Taker announced, sitting up straighter. "Now what's the big deal? And this better be good boy."
"It is," Edge assured the Dead Man. "It's about Christian and Stephanie. You see, they're not-"
"Am I late?"
Edge snapped his head up, taking in his brother's appearance with shock. Christian merely tossed everyone a smile and a wave before making his way to the table. Edge intercepted him before he could take his seat.
"What are you doing here?" Edge demanded. His eyes flickered to the closed door. Was Willow waiting for him out there?
"I don't know why I'm here," Christian answered, shrugging his shoulders. "You're the one to call the meeting bro."
"But, you're not supposed to be here," Edge told him, moving him away from the others. In the corner, Edge lowered his voice to a whisper.
"What about Willow?" he asked
"Willow?" Christian repeated loudly. His brother shook his head and moved away from him.
"What's that little redhead got to with anything?" Christian scoffed. Edge was confused out of his mind.
"But-"
"I mean, she is a looker," Christian conceded, throwing the others a knowing look. "But that's about it. She's just too damn ignorant for her own good. Stupid girl won't even put out when you want her to."
Edge wasn't quite sure what happened next. One minute, he's standing in the corner, watching Christian lean on the table and talk. And the next minute, he's got one hand on his brother's collar and the other punching him in the face.
The rest of the Ministry jumped into action. The Acolytes along with Taker pulled Edge off Christian while the others pulled Christian off the table. The younger blonde held his bleeding nose in his hand. And for some reason, he was laughing and smiling.
"See?" Christian declared, pointing a finger right at Edge. "You do love her! This just proves it! Good idea honey."
Edge was very confused. His bewilderment just grew when Stephanie skipped into the room, immediately going to his brother's side and fussing over his injury.
"Huh?"
Christian rolled his eyes at him.
"You love Willow moron," he told Edge. "And this proves it. It's a very painful way of proving of it, but it does prove it."
Edge nodded, slowly calming down and then:
"Huh?"
Stephanie shook her head. She pulled a tissue out of her purse, offering it to the bloody Christian.
"We just proved that you love Willow," she told Edge slowly. "Having Christian say bad things about her drove you out of your mind. Now if you didn't love her, why would you deck your brother for that?"
Edge faltered, understanding coming over him at once. And then he wanted to shoot himself. He loved Willow. How could he not know that he loved Willow?
"Okay, wait a minute," Taker spoke up, eyes going between Edge and Stephanie. "Someone explain to me what just happened."
"Edge told Willow about the plan," Stephanie explained. "Because she said she loved him and he didn't want to lie to her anymore. And this was to prove that he loves her back. The big blonde idiot didn't know."
"You didn't know?" repeated both Acolytes incredulously.
"How could you not know?" Raven demanded, shooting him a look.
"It's so obvious," added Kane from the corner. The rest of the wrestlers nodded their agreement. Taker just shook his head.
"You didn't know?" he repeated, smacking Edge across the head. "How the hell did you wind up second in command if you're such a dolt?"
"Wait a minute," Edge held up his hand for silence. "Are you all saying that you knew that I loved Willow before I knew?"
Everyone nodded, mumbling their agreement.
"Well, why didn't anyone tell me?" Edge demanded.
"We thought you would be smart of enough to notice," Steven Richards shook his head. "After all, you're the one in love."
Edge looked at everyone in shock. Sighing, he sat himself down and put his head in his hands. He loved Willow. Why couldn't he have figured it out when everyone else did? What was he going to tell her?
"Willow!" he shouted, jumping to his feet. "She thinks I don't love her! I have to find her!"
And with that, he tore out of the room.
"Make sure he gets that looked at," Stephanie instructed Raven, leaving him to take care of Christian. She grabbed the Dead Man by his arm and started to follow Edge.
"What-"
"If he goes to Willow's locker room, the Hardys and Xander will kill him on sight," Stephanie explained, breaking into a run. Taker grumbled a bit before starting after the girl.
Edge was an idiot.
***
He burst into the locker room with no warning. He noticed two things. One, Willow was not there. Two, the Hardys and Xander were being held back by Trish and Lita.
"You promised her you wouldn't kill him!" the redhead shrieked at her boyfriend, scrambling to hold him and Jeff back.
"She said not to after him," Xander roared in response. "She didn't say anything about him coming to us for a beating."
Taker and Stephanie stumbled into the room just as Trish lost her grip on Jeff. Taker intercepted the young daredevil before he could get to Edge.
"We can explain," the Dead Man pleaded with them.
"He didn't know," Stephanie called out, putting herself in front of Edge.
"Didn't know what?" Trish asked, struggling to keep Xander at bay.
"That he loved her," Taker answered, pushing Jeff onto the bench. That stopped everyone. Xander stared at Edge in confusion
"You didn't know?" he repeated incredulously. Edge ignored him. His eyes were traveling the room, looking for any sign of Willow.
"How could he not know?" Lita asked Stephanie. The brunette shrugged, rolling her eyes at the distracted blonde behind her.
"He's not as smart as everyone thought," was the only explanation she had.
"Where is she?" he asked finally, turning to look at the assembled. "Where's Willow?"
"If you think we're going-"
"Please?" Edge interrupted Matt. "I messed up, real bad. I have to fix it. I have to tell her."
His pleading eyes fell on the final judge in the matter.
Xander, her best friend, another man who loved her dearly. Xander glared at him for a moment. And then something flickered over the dark-haired man's eyes and he hung his head.
"She went home," he mumbled in response. "Even tried to get out of her contract."
"She's gone for good?" Edge asked, fear evident on his face.
"No, Linda wouldn't let her go that easily," Trish filled in. "She gave Willow a few days off, telling her to think it over. She went home."
"I have to see her," Edge told them. "Please."
Xander sighed again before turning to gaze at him steadily
"You better not make me regret this."
***
The ceiling was a good place to focus one's attention. There wasn't anything in particular you could look for in one, so you spent the time making up stuff to look for. The ceiling had so many valuable uses.
Willow sighed and turned her eyes to another spot on her bedroom ceiling. She had stared at the middle of the room too long. Now was time to stare at the corner.
She was well aware that her family was worried about her. Willow's mother had passed along years before and Willow really found herself missing her right now. Her sisters were trying to understand, but Willow wanted to crawl up with her mommy. Earl had tried to be there, but he was no good with hysterical daughters. Willow knew she should probably leave her room sometime in the future. She had been holed up in here since the day she arrived. Papa phoned everyday, checking up on her. Her sisters would often come into the room and try to cheer her up. It did no good. Willow couldn't be brought out of her funk.
He had hurt her. She actually thought he might have cared for her. She had been right in her initial assumptions of the man. He was not to be trusted. He was a crude, scary, thoughtless, and unfeeling man. A callous jerk that she was hopelessly in love with. Tears came once more and Willow rolled onto her stomach. She was so tired of crying, but she couldn't stop herself. It hurt in some deep part of her being that couldn't be touched. How the hell did she let this happen?
Knocking on her door interrupted her thoughts. She lifted her head to watch as her older sister Fred let herself into the room.
"Willow?" Fred called out to her. "You have a visitor."
That was a surprise. Willow got up, settling into a sitting position on her bed.
"Xander?" she asked, thinking of possible guests.
"Nope," Fred shook her head. "But a wrestler indeed. And he's absolutely gorgeous. I'm sending him in before Faith and Cordelia eat him alive."
"But who is he?" she demanded as Fred turned to leave the room.
"I think he said his name was Edge," Fred tossed over her shoulder. Willow's heart stopped at that. She jumped to her feet and wrenched the door open.
To find him standing there. He looked down at her with his beautiful grey eyes, a sadness flickering there. She looked around him, noting that her sisters were giggling and heading down the stairwell.
"Can we talk?"
That question brought her attention back to him. She regarded him in silence, trying to figure out why he was there. Hadn't he done enough damage? Why would he come and make it worse?
"Please Willow."
That was new. She never heard him beg before. She looked at him sharply, taking in his face closely. There were circles under his eyes, like he hadn't slept for a while. His jaw was tensed and his whole face was nervous. His fingers were twitching at his sides. He waited for her response anxiously.
"Why are you here?" she managed to rasp out.
"I love you," he blurted out. "I know that sounds incredibly unbelievable to you right now, but it's the truth. I just didn't know it before. Had to punch Christian to figure it out."
"You punched Christian?" she repeated.
"Long story," he waved off. He grabbed her hands and fell to his knees. His arms went around her waist and he put his head against her stomach.
"I love you," he whispered. "I'm sorry I'm such a idiot that I couldn't figure it out sooner. Practically everyone else knew, and you think they would have thought to tell me."
"You didn't know?" she asked him in confusion. He nodded, arms gripping her tighter.
"I know," he sighed. "I'm an idiot. But I do love you. And I'm sorry I did that to you. But I know now. I just need you to forgive me."
He lifted his head, looking at her with his pleading eyes.
"Please forgive me," he begged. "I don't know if I could handle you hating me."
She looked back at him silently, eyes gazing deep into his. She honestly didn't know what to say. He didn't know he loved her; he had to punch Christian to figure it out. But what did she make of it? Did she even believe it?
Willow gazed into his face, seeing his hopeful face watching her carefully. And then she got her answer.
***
The wedding had been wonderful. Everyone had been there, and no one had gotten into a fight. It looks like some sort record would be set that night. He couldn't remember a WWE event that had gone off so brilliantly before.
Edge looked around and felt happiness touch his heart once more. The gardens looked beautiful, the decorations perfect. In fact, the whole day had been perfect. Edge knew there was only one day that could make him happier than this.
The day he finally got to marry his beautiful redhead. But for now, he would make do with the happiness the day brought to Christian and Stephanie. He picked out the newly married couple on the dance floor. Stephanie looked wonderful, the dress absolutely stunning. And as for his brother, well he did clean up nice. Edge couldn't remember seeing his brother like this. Like he was in love. Never actually seen his brother in love before. It was a new experience.
"Deep in thought?"
He smiled as an arm snaked around his waist. He turned around to plant a kiss on her lips. Even now he could barely believe his luck. She had forgiven him almost on the spot. Edge knew he damn well hadn't deserved it, but he was working his way to deserving her. Hell, even Earl had finally given his approval. Even the over protective father could see how much he loved her.
"So?" she asked, pulling back from the kiss.
"So?" he mocked back at her. Willow gave him a smile and poked him in the shoulder.
"What were you thinking about?" she needled him.
"Really want to know?"
She nodded. Edge pointed in the direction of his brother and his new bride.
"Thinking how wonderful you would look in one those dresses," he murmured in her ear. She went red and buried her face in his chest.
"A little soon for that, don't you think?" she asked him, keeping her face hidden. He laughed and pulled her into his embrace.
"Considering how I almost lost you, I don't know," he kissed the top of her head. "Just glad you forgave me."
"How could I not?" she tossed back at him. "You liked a kicked little puppy dog. Would have been cruel not to."
He gave her a little glare at that. She just laughed and got up on her tiptoes to peck him on the cheek.
"But you're just lucky I like strays," she whispered to him. "And I even talked my Papa into letting me keep you."
"You're too much," he chuckled, leaning his forehead against hers. "I love you."
"I love you," she returned. And then they kissed.
It would have been the perfect ending, except Kane decided to put Hunter through the punch bowl at that exact moment. They jerked apart as people started screaming and racing about. The Acolytes got into it with Nash and HBK while Steven Richards and Raven were attempting to put X-Pac through a table. Vince and Shane were begging for peace while Stephanie and Christian looked on in shock. Willow could see her friends ducking for cover as a full-fledged brawl broke out.
Edge shook his head as he took in the chaos around them. He looked at the Bid Red Machine with clear disapproval on his face.
"I told him to wait until after the cake had been cut."
The End