Part 1

Willow searched through her diskettes piled on her desk. She was hunting for her history paper, but found a piece of history itself--Jenny's disk. Angel's curse. She had thought she had lost it back in high school. Things seemed to turn up when they were needed, not necessarily when you wanted them. Willow wondered what she would need the curse for, but just in case she slipped it into the center drawer of her desk.

"Willow, come on already," Buffy called from downstairs.

"Just a second," Willow called back. *It's not like you're never running late.* she thought to herself. She spotted her history disk and popped it into her laptop. Quickly, she pulled up the correct file and scanned through it. Closing out of her computer she slipped her disk in her backpack. Running downstairs she found Buffy waiting impatiently by the front door. "Sorry," Willow apologized as they walked to the car.

Willow's parents had decided at the end of her sophomore year to go on an indefinate academic tour. They told Willow she and her friends could live in the house; so Buffy and Xander moved in that summer. Willow kept her old room and gave Buffy her parents bedroom. Xander used the spare room down the hall. Anya seemed to live in Xander's room as well. The less Willow knew about the better she felt. Riley spent a lot of time at the house, but hadn't spent the night, as far as Willow knew. Again the less information the better.

Spike moved into her basement last year. He had tried living on his own for a while, but the most feared vampire in Europe (or so he constantly told everyone) didn't like to be alone. Willow figured this had to be the case or why else would anyone cohabitate with Harmony, human or vampire. It baffled the mind.

Willow pushed open the front door and dropped her keys on the side table. She dumped her backpack on the stairs to take up later. She trudged to the kitchen and tripped over a boot lying on the floor. Picking up the offending object she opened the basement door and threw it down. It landed with a satisfying thud and she shut the door. *I live with a bunch of slobs. At least Spike usually keeps his contained in the basement.*

She searched the cupboards for something to eat. *Well, even if there was food in this house there aren't any clean dishes to eat off of.* she fumed to herself as she passed the sink full of dirty plates and glasses.

With a sigh she opened the dishwasher and started to fill it. Once the dishwasher was humming quietly she cleaned up the rest of the kitchen. She threw out the empty cereal boxes Xander had left in the cabinet and after sniffing the milk poured it down the sink. After she scrubbed the counter tops down she sat at the table to make a grocery list. Half an hour and four aspirin later Willow was headed back out the door to the go shopping.
Part 2

She entered the kitchen, arms loaded down with groceries, to see Spike standing at the sink washing a couple of coffee mugs. "Well, at least someone does his own dishes around here," she said as she set the grocery bags on the island. Before Spike could comment she headed back outside for more groceries.

Spike set the coffee mugs on a towel to dry and began emptying the bags on the counter. He wasn't sure where Willow wanted everything so he just separated the items. When she walked back in he was setting the refrigerated items next to the icebox. He grabbed a couple of the bags from Willow's arms.

"Having a bad day, pet?" he asked setting his load on the island.

She glared at him as she set her bags on the table. "What gave you that idea?"

"Well my first clue was my boot flying down the stairs. Sorry about that. I try to keep my mess contained to the basement."

"I know."

Silently they worked together putting the groceries away and emptying the dishwasher. Willow folded up the bags and put them under the sink. Spike watched her roll her head back and forth. He brought his hands up to her neck and began to rub away the tension built up there. A low groan of pleasure escaped her lips.

"You got homework to do tonight?"

"I have to study for my European history final tomorrow. Last final of the term." Her eyes rolled into her head as Spike eased the knots out of her shoulders.

Xander walked into the kitchen to see Spike with his hands wrapped around Willow's neck. She looked half conscious. "Hey, you get your hands off of her!"

"Piss off," Spike tossed over his shoulder.

Xander ran around the island to pull Willow away from blonde. He yanked on Willow's arm. She felt it jerk in her socket.

"Xander!" she yelled as she pulled her arm out of his grip. "What the hell are you doing?"

Xander looked between the angry Willow and the amused Spike. "Saving you?"

"God! I'm going to study," she said as she walked out of the kitchen. Pausing at the door, she turned back. "Thanks for the help, Spike." "Welcome, pet," he said as he smirked at the gap mouth Xander. *Bleeding sot.* he thought.

Willow picked up her book bag and headed to her bedroom. *Good grief, Xander. First it's Angel and now Spike. Don't you trust anyone?* Granted the two in question were vampires and had left a bloodbath throughout Europe in their heyday, but really that was a long time ago. She felt like slamming the door, but resisted.

She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror and realized she hadn't changed her shirt. "Great. I've been walking around looking like this?" she asked herself when she noticed the spot she spilled her lunch. She pulled the stained top over her head and looked closer at the spaghetti stain. "This isn't going to come out. Perfect." She tossed the top in the hamper. *If Buffy and Spike can get blood out of their clothes I can get tomato sauce out of that top.* She opened her dresser drawer and pulled out a tee-shirt.

Slipping it over her tousled hair, she opened her laptop. She accessed her e-mail and read through some of the messages from her on line Wicca group. She almost missed the message from Angel. He'd been e-mailing her for almost two years. In the beginning it was to check up on Buffy, but in the last year he seemed to be referring to her less and less. Some of his replies to Willow had been a simple "That's nice." Willow hoped it meant that he was getting over her. *Not that I want Angel or anything.* she thought to herself. Buffy had moved on with her life and was pretty serious about Riley. She opened the short message.

W,

How are your finals going?

A

*Speaking of finals. I need to study.* she thought as she shot back a short reply. She pulled out her notebook and began reviewing her notes with the study guide her professor handed out last week.
Part 3

Angel set aside the book he was reading when he heard the computer beep. He clicked on his e-mail icon and pulled up Willow's reply.

A,

You don't wanna know. >:

W

"Wow. An angry face. Didn't think Will knew how to make one of those," Angel said as he pulled up a new message.

W,

If I didn't want to know I wouldn't have asked. It can't be that bad.

0 : )

Willow sighed as she made some notes on her study aide. *Why did I think this would be fun?* She glanced up at her laptop. It had beeped that she had mail about five minutes ago. So far she had resisted opening it. She knew if she put aside her studying she'd never go back to it. "Oh, well. What the heck." She clicked on the icon and quickly read the message. She smiled at Angel's angel symbol. "Okay, buddy, you asked for it." She started typing.

Angel opened the message.

"You asked for it. This has been the worst day of my life. I woke up late. By the time I go to take a shower everyone had used up the hot water. When I got out my goose bumps had goose bumps. I couldn't find the disk that had my history term paper so I had to spend ten minutes looking for that. Buffy was pissed cuz I was going to make her late. (Like she's Miss Punctuality!) We hit just about every red light in Sunnydale. My first class was okay so I thought it was going to be an okay day. Well , on the way to my history class I fell and ripped a hole in the knee of my favorite jeans. Then I though I'd get something to eat. Of course I spilled spaghetti on my new shirt. Then after class I had to hear it from Buffy that her Prof. gave her a lecture cuz she was late. I dropped her off at Giles and on the way home the car got a flat so I had to change that. I came home hoping to get some peace and quiet, but no I find that we have no food in the house and I live with a bunch of slobs. So I cleaned the kitchen and had to go grocery shopping. Of course I didn't have enough cash or my checkbook so I had to run to the ATM (major embarrassment). When I did get home, Spike helped me put the groceries away (only high point in my day). He was rubbing my neck when Xander came in and grabbed my arm to yank me away from Spike. Said he was saving me. From what I have no idea. How was your day?"

He chuckled as he could hear Willow's voice rambling.

"Well it sounds like you did have a bad day. It's got to get better doesn't it?"

"Not necessarily. This is Sunnydale."

"True. I sounds like you could use a vacation."

"I'm not sure I should. As fast as this house gets messed up I may not be able to find it when I get back. Besides where would I go?"

"You could always come here to LA to visit. I'd love to see you again. You and Cordy can pick on me. I know she'd enjoy it."

"Aww. Poor Angel. I don't know. Maybe. I've got one last final tomorrow. I'll let you know, kay?"

"Okay."

"I've really got to study now. Bye."

"Good luck, not that you need it."
Part 4

Willow entered her house with a sigh of relief. She was free--for two weeks at least. She dropped her bag on the bottom step. She was amazed at the sight when she entered the kitchen: open boxes of cereal sat on the kitchen counters, half eaten bowls of mush were still on the table, and a frying pan filled with God knows what rested on the stove top.

Spike glanced up from his spot on the floor when he heard Willow's footsteps in the hallway. He was trying to fish a piece of toast from between the fridge and the cupboard. Who knew two humans could make such a mess in only an hour. He'd been shocked when he'd seen the mess. Willow had worked hard to clean up the kitchen yesterday and their housemates trashed it again. He knew Willow would be pissed when she saw it. Looking at her face she seemed more stunned than anything. He sought to bring back the look of joy back to her face. "Sorry about the mess, Pet. I was trying to clean it up before you got home."

Willow glanced from the mess to the peroxide blonde. "Spike, don't even try to tell me you made this mess."

"Wasn't going to. I just said I was trying to clean it up."

"You know what?"

"What?"

"Don't bother. I'm going on a trip. Do you want to come with me?"

"Where are you going?"

"LA."

"LA?"

"Yeah, LA. Angel invited me. Do you want to come?" She saw him hesitate so she sweetened the deal. "You'll get to pick on Angel for two weeks."

"Let me think about it."

"Okay. I'm going to go pack."

Spike watched the redhead walk out the kitchen. Actually, he watched her hips sway back and forth. Then he glanced around the kitchen again. *What the hell.* he thought. *Hope Peaches doesn't mind an extra house guest.* He headed down to the basement to pack some of his belongings.

Willow grabbed a suitcase from the hall closet. She set it open on her bed. She filled it with clothes and shoes. By the time she finished she had to lean on it to zip it shut. Next she emptied her backpack and set all her school supplies on her desk. She unplugged her laptop and put it in the empty bag. Rummaging through her desk drawers she found a few disks she wanted to bring with her: her Disk of Shadows, occult research notes, a couple of blanks and as an after thought she tossed in Jenny's disk. She planned on giving the disk to Giles, not that he'd know what to do with it, but she wanted to review it once more.

Glancing around the room she slipped her cell phone into her pocket. She pulled the heavy suitcase down the hall. At the top of the stairs she let it slide down on it's own. She thought about sitting on it and sledding down, but knowing her luck she'd break her leg. As the suitcase landed with a loud thump on the hardwood floor, she followed more sedately.

Spike heard the thump above his head and rushed upstairs to make sure Willow was okay. He rounded the corner as she was righting the fallen case. "Are you all right?" he asked.

"I'm fine. Not sure about the floor boards, but oh, well. Can you carry this to the back door for me?" she asked.

"Sure." He grasped the handle and lifted the case with ease. He could feel how heavy it would be for Willow to carry it to the back door. "You are planning on coming back, aren't you?"

Willow looked at him from the corner of her eye. "Of course. School starts in a couple of weeks."

"Of course."

He set the bag down by the back door. Willow set her back pack next to it. She pulled a cooler out of the pantry and started filling it with drinks and snack foods.

"If you want a snack on the drive you can put it in here," she said as she closed the lid.

"When did you want to leave?" he asked.

"Preferably before they get home."

"You make it sound like we're running away from home."

"Aren't we?"

He shrugged his shoulders in reply before pointing out an obvious fact. "It's a little too day lighty for me, luv."

"Go get your stuff and I'll take care of that. Sunset is in a couple of hours anyway."

"Okay, but I'm not riding in the trunk."

"Don't worry," she smiled at him.

Spike returned to the basement to finish packing. Willow walked to where her car was parked in the drive. She pulled it up closer to the garage. Inside the garage she found the canvas they had used to block off the basement windows for Spike. Snatching the duct tape off the work bench, she returned to her car and proceeded to tape the canvas to the back window ledge. *If all else fails, duct tape it.* she thought to herself as she threw the free end over the front seat. She closed the door to make sure no sunlight penetrated the tent she created. It wouldn't do to have her friend burst into flames while she was driving. It was pretty dark in there. *Maybe I should find him a flashlight.* she thought as she pushed the door open and crawled out.

She spotted Spike standing on the back porch. The first week Spike moved in they had built larger overhangs for the porches so he could step outside during the day to smoke. The front porch wasn't that great but the back porch blocked most of the direct sunlight for the better part of the day. Willow stepped up on the porch step to explain her plan.

"I can load up the car and you can make a mad dash for the car. It should be dark before we reach LA and then you can drive."

He looked at the distance between the car and the porch. It wouldn't take him more than a couple of seconds to reach the back seat. He crossed his arms over his chest. "We could always take my car, Pet."

"I am not riding in that death trap," she said as she brushed past him. They kept Spike's DeSoto in the garage so as not to frighten the neighbors. Willow dragged their bags out to the car and put them in the trunk. She put the cooler and her backpack in the front seat.

"Is there anything you want in the back with you? Flashlight? Book? Pillow?" she asked.

"I've got my CD player in my jacket. I'm ready. Open the door."

Willow pulled open the rear driver's side door and Spike pulled his trench coat over his head and ran for the car. He dove into the dark safety Willow provided for him. As soon as his black motorcycle boots cleared the door, she slammed it shut.

"That went well, don't you think?" she asked as she slid behind the wheel.

"Not a bad job, luv. Kind of cozy back here," his muffled voice answered through the canvas. "Care to join me?"

"Yeah, right." She rolled her eyes as she started the car. She pulled out of the drive and headed out of town.
Part 5

A couple of hours later...

Willow spotted a rest stop and pulled over. She turned the car off. She could hear Spike singing (badly) under the canvas. With great relish she grabbed a handful of his covers and ripped it free.

"Hey!" he yelled as he tried to pull his coat over his head.

She reached over the seat and pulled his head phones off. "Relax, you big baby. It's after sunset," she laughed.

"You do know I'm going to make you pay for that, don't you?"

Willow rolled her eyes. "Yeah, yeah. Big talk, blondie. You're turn to drive." She opened the door and walked around to stretch her legs.

Spike crawled out of the back seat. He leaned against the fender and lit a cigarette. "So, pet, exactly were are we?"

"Couple of hours from LA, I think," she guessed as she hopped up on the trunk of the car.

"I think I can make it in about an hour then," Spike said as he took another drag.

"No, you'll make it in a couple of hours."

He leered at the bold red head. "Will I?"

Willow realized the double meaning Spike had found in her words. She grinned as she leaned closer to him and he lean forward. "I'm sure Cordy's missed you so much."

Spike jerked back. He tossed his cigarette butt to the ground. "Bloody hell, Willow. I wouldn't wish that stuck up bitch on my worst enemy," he said as he walked to the drive's side and opened the door.

Willow hopped off the car and moved to the opposite side. "And yet you shacked up with Harmony. It baffles the mind," she said as she slid into the car.

Spike took his place behind the wheel. "Harm wasn't all that bad," he said in his pouty voice.

Willow stared at him with her jaw in her lap. *Harm wasn't all that bad. She tried to kill me.* "Okay, Harmony was a whiny, self-centered, skanky ho when she was alive. What changed?" she asked once her thought processes could function again.

Spike started the car, pulled out of the rest stop and merged back on the freeway before he answered. "Well, I guess nothing."

"I didn't think so." She glanced at the speedometer. He was speeding but not excessively. She pulled her cell phone out of her pocket. *Oh, that's why no one's called,* she thought as she powered it on. The phone beeped at her to let her know she had voicemail. "Sixteen messages?"

"Did you leave them a note?" Spike asked.

"Yeah."

"What did it say?"

"'Going on a trip. Got my cell. Spike's with me.'" She dialed her voicemail box.

"Willow, It's Buffy. What do you mean you're going on a trip? Call me." Delete.

"Come on, Willow. Call me." Buffy again. Delete.

"Willow, it's been an hour. Where are you?" Delete.

"Hey, Will. It's Xander. You'd better return the Buffsters messages soon before she decides to track you down." Delete.

"Willow, this isn't funny anymore. Where the hell are you? Spike's done something to you, hasn't he? I'm going to kill him." Delete.

The messages continued to get more frantic and threatening to Spike's health. Willow fast forwarded through them and deleted them. "Good grief. You'd think she was my mother or something."

"You'd better call her. If you don't, she'll track us down and kill me," Spike said.

"That's what Buffy said. Except she was a lot more graphic," she said as she dialed her home number.

"I'll bet."

"Hey, Buffy. It's Will.... I'm fine. I left a note. Of course, he didn't kidnap me. In fact I vampnaped him. Look...I'm...No! You listen to me! I'll be home in two weeks. I'm an adult and if you just want to yell at me you can yell at my voicemail!" she said as she disconnected the call and powered her phone off. She turned to Spike. "You know there's something to be said about being able to slam a phone in someone's ear."

"True. I take it she's upset." He laughed as she rolled her eyes.
Part 6

Cordy looked up from her desk to see the peroxide blonde walking through the door. She stood up so quickly her chair overturned. "Angel!" she screamed.

Angel rushed out of his office. He spotted his childe leaning against Cordy's desk. Cordy rushed around her desk to stand behind her boss. She peaked out from behind his broad shoulders.

She poked him with her manicured nail. "What are you waiting for? Stake him."

"Did you miss me, pet?" Spike asked Cordy.

"What are you doing here, Spike?" Angel asked. His brows crinkled together. Turning his head, he looked at Cordelia. "Would you stop poking me?" he whispered.

"I was in town and thought I'd drop by to see you, Daddy dearest. I even brought you a gift," he said as he walked to the front door.

"You shouldn't have, Spike, really."

Spike leaned out of the door and pulled Willow in the room. His arm wrapped around her waist holding her close in front of him. His other hand stroked her hair. His lips brushed her temple.

"Willow," Angel said quietly. He took in Willow's wild appearance. Her shirt was unbuttoned except for the two buttons between her breasts. Spike's hand rubbed a circle on her flat tummy. Her lips were red and puffy, like she'd been well kissed. He turned his attention back to his childe. "Spike, let her go."

Willow leaned her head back against Spike's shoulder and lifted her arm over her head to caress the back of his neck. This caused her shirt to rise and exposed the bottom of her lacy bra. "Puppy doesn't want to play, pussycat," she pouted. She pulled out of Spike's arms and strutted up to Angel. When she stood right in front of him, a more Willowy smile graced her face and she threw her arms around him. "Surprise, Angel."

Angel stood stunned. He glared at Spike who had fallen into the office chair laughing. "That wasn't funny," he said stoically as Willow released his neck.

"Yes, it was," Cordy said bursting into laughter. "And they say I can't act."

"That was Oscar caliber, luv. Peaches, you should have seen your face," he laughed.

"That wasn't funny."

Cordy righted her chair and sat down. "Sure it was. Will, how did you get Buffy to go along with it?"

Willow looked at Cordy. "Buffy?"

"Yeah, she called about five minutes ago. Told Angel that Spike had kidnapped you," she said as she started sorting the mail.

"Did you tell her I was coming here?" Willow asked as she sat on the arm of Spike's chair. His hand rested on the witch's thigh.

"No, Angel took the call. You have no idea how hard it was to keep a straight face when he told me."

"That wasn't funny," Angel repeated.

Cordy rolled her brown eyes at her broody boss. "Yeah, we got that. So if she wasn't in on it, what's up with the Buffster?"

"I didn't exactly tell her we were coming here," Willow said as she looked at the two brunettes. Angel still seemed slightly shocked.

"Didn't even tell her we were leaving, actually," Spike added.

Angel shook himself out of the shock of seeing his childe with his friend. "Why not? She sounded really upset, Willow."

"Well, life just sucks doesn't it," Willow replied as she buttoned a couple of more buttons on her shirt.
Part 7

The four of them sat around Angel's kitchen table. "Are you hungry?" Angel asked.

"No, thank you. We stopped to get something to eat earlier. Hey, Angel, what happened to your floor?" Willow asked as she spotted the tear in the linoleum.

"Yeah, Angel, you really should get that fixed," Cordelia said as she sipped her coffee.

Angel gave Cordelia a dark look as she looked elsewhere. "I'll get right on that."

"Nice set up, Peaches," Spike said as he looked around his sire's lair.

"Yeah and he keeps it so neat, too," Willow added.

"Neatness is a sign of a disturbed mind, pet." Willow snorted and rolled her eyes.

Angel watched the two of them interact. "I take it Spike hasn't gotten any neater since we lived together."

"I doubt it, but at least he keeps it contained in the basement. He even leaves a path to the washing machine cleared."

"Unlike other roommates who shall remain nameless?" Cordy asked.

"I don't even want to talk about it. Listen if Buffy or Xander call again don't tell them we're here. She treats me like I'm a child."

"Yeah, so we ran away from home," Spike added.

"We didn't run away. We're on vacation," Willow pouted.

"I don't feel right lying to Buffy," Angel said.

"Okay, I understand. Just let Cordy answer the phone," Willow reasoned. Angel gave her a look. "Fine. I don't care. We just won't tell you which hotel we're staying at then you won't have to lie, kay?"

"You're staying here, aren't you?" Angel asked. "I invited you. No need to get a hotel."

"Angel, you invited me. I invited Spike. You don't have to put up with both of us."

"Spike can stay here, too. I don't have a lot of room, but that's fine. It's not like I've never lived with Spike before. You can have the bedroom, Will. Spike and I will sleep out here." He turned to his childe. "And you are wearing pajamas to sleep in."

"Spoilsport. Come on you can help me with the bags. I think Will packed her entire room in one bag," Spike said as he walked with Angel to the door.

Cordy pounce on Willow as soon as the door shut behind the two vampires. "So have you slept with him yet?"

"Cordelia!"

"What? Inquiring minds want to know. Have you seen him naked? I bet he's pretty hot."

"No."

"He's not hot? What a disappointment."

"No, I mean I haven't slept with him and I haven't seen him naked."

"What's taking you so long? He's lived with you for what?"

"A year."

"Well, I know he's not gay. Bi-sexual, maybe but we know he's into women."

"Cordy, I'm not exactly the type to instill lust in men. At least not on a long term basis. Look at my track record."

"God, Willow. You have the worst self-esteem of anyone I know. You know there are books on that."

"I'm just not like you, Buffy and Anya. I'm definitely nothing like Anya."

"That skank. Please. And don't compare me to Buffy."

"Cordelia, you know what I mean. Perhaps I should ask you the same question."

"What? Me and Angel?" she asked as she scrunched up her nose. "Please. Cry Buffy may be into that kind of angsty relationship, but I am so not. I mean it's hard enough working for Brood Boy. Besides even if I were don't forget he's got that happy issue."

"That's true," she said before covering her mouth when she yawned. "Oh, my. I didn't realize how tired I am."

"Here come the guys. I'm going to head home. We'll have to go shopping while you're here. Now don't forget what I said and if you do see anything I want details, kay?" she said as she walked past Angel and Spike carrying the luggage.

"Okay, Cordy. Good night."

"Night. See you tomorrow." She shut the door behind her.

Angel looked at Willow as she started cleaning up the kitchen. "What did she mean if you see anything?" he asked.

"Oh, nothing. Just girl talk," she answered with her back to them. Her face was bright red.

When Angel looked ready to ask another question, Spike nudged him. "I've learned not to ask for details on girl talk," he said.

Willow finished rinsing out the coffee cups. "Well, I really hate to be a party pooper but I've been up since five this morning. I'm going to turn in."

"Sure, Willow. Here I'll get your bag," Angel said as he lifted the heavy bag and led her into his bedroom. "You are planing on going back home, aren't you?" he asked in reference to the bag.

"Yes, Angel. You only have to put up with us for two weeks." He set the bag on the bed and Willow unzipped it. As he was leaving she stopped him. "Angel, it's good to see you again." She hugged him.

He hugged her back and kissed her forehead. "It's good to see you again, too, Willow. Pleasant dreams," he said and closed the door.

Willow undressed and pulled on a pair of silk boxers and baby tee-shirt. Slipping between the covers she smiled and fell asleep.

*****

Angel and Spike sat at the kitchen table after Willow had gone to bed. Angel looked at his childe. "You going to tell me what's going on?"

"What are you talking about?"

"Willow."

Spike looked Angel in the eye. "Nothing really."

"Come on, Spike."

"She's just tired. It's been a rough quarter at school. Lots of homework plus all that extracuricular slayer research. Buffy's been getting on her nerves. Not to mention she has to decide if she wants to get her Masters Degree. I swear, Angel, if I hear the Slayer nag her one more time."

Angel heard the words his childe said and he also listened to the tone he used. *Spike cares about Willow. A lot.* "You like her, don't you?"

"Buffy? Hell no."

"Not Buffy. Willow."

"Of course. Think I'd live with her if I didn't."

"Well, I've heard about Harmony."

"What the hell is it with Harmony? She was useful in her own way."

"Got you over Dru?"

"No." *Willow did that,* he thought to himself. "But she passed the time. Anyway. Willow's a sweet kid. Deserves a lot more than anyone seems to be able to give her."

"Willow's not a kid, Spike." *No, she's definitely not a kid. She's grown into a beautiful woman.* "But I agree with you on what she deserves."

"No, she's not a kid, but compared to you and me she's just a baby."

"True."

The two of them sat up talking about old times and new. Spike caught Angel up on the things happening in Sunnydale.
Part 8

Willow woke up feeling refreshed and ready to meet the day. She slipped out of the bedroom quietly. She peaked in the living room. Angel and Spike slept on pull out bed. They had a light sheet covering them. She could see their bare chests but couldn't tell if they actually had anything below the waist. *Probably boxers.* she thought as she picked up her backpack and pulled out her laptop.

Willow wanted to go over Jenny's disk before they woke up. She set up the computer on the kitchen table. Wanting some music she searched through Spike's jacket for his CD player. She slipped a CD into the player and set the headphones on her ears. She pulled up the files and began to read through the documents.

Most of them contained Romaine history and a couple contained Angelus' history. Things she already knew. She glanced at the file containing the curse. Removing Jenny's disk she inserted the disk containing her occult notes. She searched for anything on the Roamins.

She couldn't find much of interest so Willow removed her headphones and went back to her room for her cell phone and data cable. She set up her laptop to go on line. Once she was connected she fed the search engine some information and waited for the response. Not much.

She chewed on her thumb nail as she thought about options. Opening another screen she sent out a query to one of the occult sites she frequented. While she waited for a response she caught up on her e-mails. By the time she was ready to search for a new CD she had a response.

FyreWytch:

Have you tried the Oracles?

*Of course. The Oracles. Why didn't I think about that?* She had read about them in some of Giles' Watcher diaries. She knew there was one around here somewhere. She checked her watch. *6 AM.* She glanced in the living room. The two vampires seemed to be sleeping soundly. Quickly she closed out her of her computer and put everything away.

She went back to her room to get dressed. She slipped into a pair of khaki pants and pulled a tee-shirt over head. Grabbing a light jacket and her tennis shoes she tip toed to the door. She pulled it open quietly. Thinking she had gotten out without being noticed she screamed she a hand fell on her shoulder.

"Where are you sneaking off to?" Spike said. Willow leaned against the door jam. She placed her hand over her pounding heart.

"God. You scared me." She glanced down to make sure Spike was actually dressed. He was wearing the Union Jack "Swinger" boxers she had gotten him for Christmas two years ago.

"You didn't answer the question. Where are you sneaking off to?" he asked again as he crossed his arms over his bare chest.

"You sound almost as bad as Buffy."

"Insulting me won't get you out of answering." His scarred eyebrow cocked as he waited for her response.

"I'm going to get something to eat. Is that okay with you, Mother?"

"Why were you sneaking?"

"Good grief, Spike. I didn't want to wake you and Angel." She leaned around the blonde vampire to see if Angel had slept through the commotion. Of course he hadn't . He leaned on his elbow as he watched the two argue. "Morning, Angel."

"Spike, let her go get something to eat. I really don't have a lot of food here. Willow, there's some money in my wallet. Buy what ever you want."

"Thanks, but I've got my own money." She bent over and grabbed her fallen shoes. "Sorry to wake you, Angel. See you in a couple of hours." She ignored Spike as she shut the door in his face.

Spike stood there staring at the door. *She's up to something.* Glancing around the room he spotted her backpack. He grabbed it and pulled out the laptop.

"Spike, what are you doing?" Angel said as he climbed out of bed.

"She's up to something. I can feel it," he said as he hooked up the phone to the Internet. He pulled up the list of sites she had visited. He noticed the disk in the hard drive. It was just her occult disk. He dug through the back pack and found a disk with no label. Willow always had labels on her disks. He popped it in and looked at the files it contained.

Angel stood behind him, reading over his shoulder. "That's my curse," he said.

Spike couldn't figure out what she was doing. He pulled up her e-mails to find a clue. "Oracles?"

"Come on. Get dressed. We need to find Willow before she finds the Oracles. They don't like to be disturbed," Angel said as he went into his room to get dressed.
Part 9

Willow found the entrance under the post office. She entered the dark room and spotted the bowl on the alter. She gathered the ingredients and dumped them into the basin. Grabbing a match out of her pocket she lit the fire. The room filled with light and the white marble portal glowed. Willow felt the pull and entered the doorway. Just as her back foot crossed the threshold she thought she heard someone call her name. Her green eyes scanned the room. It was big and white. Directly across from her she saw two figures, one male and one female. Both were dressed in a black toga thingy. Willow had never seen an Oracle before, but she didn't expect them to have blue and gold skin.

"What have you brought us?" the female asked.

"Huh? Oh, the offering. Yeah. I wasn't sure what you'd like so I brought you chocolate, cuz that's what I like," she said as she pulled a box of Godiva chocolate from her pocket. The female held out her hand and the box flew from Willow's hand and settled on the blue-gold hand.

"Chocolate?" the male asked as she opened the box.

"Yeah, and it's the good kind. After all the Oracles deserve better than plain old Hershey's," Willow explained while she waited for them to taste it.

The female placed a piece on her tongue. Smiling she offered one to her counterpart. "I like this. You may ask you're question."

"Okay. Uhm. Would it harm the end results if Angel had his soul permanently restored?" she asked as the two Oracles circled the young witch.

"The end results?" the male asked.

"You know. His redemption. His mission in life, or unlife as the case may be."

"Why do you care about that? You could just do it and let the consequences be what they are," the female said.

"I wouldn't endanger Angel's redemption. He's my friend. He deserves some happiness in his life. I know it won't stop him from helping others," she explained trying to keep her eyes on the circling pair. *This is making me dizzy.*

"You do realize he may not choose you after it's done," the male said as he returned to his place at the far doorway.

"That doesn't matter. As long as he's happy." For once she didn't lie to herself that she wanted Angel. *I guess you can't lie to an Oracle.*

The blue and gold pair stood side by side and looked at each other before looking back at Willow. "It won't harm the end results," the said together.

The female said, "Thank you for the chocolates."

"You may go," the male said as he waived his hand.

Willow felt herself thrown through the portal and landed on her butt. Dazed she sat up. She realized she knew exactly what she had to do. The exact details were a little fuzzy but the were clearing up by the second.

"Willow! Are you okay?" Angel asked as he pulled her to her feet.

"What the bloody hell was that? She just went in," Spike asked as he brushed dirt and leaves off her back.

"Time has no meaning in there. She could have read every book in existence in there and it would have looked like she just entered the door," Angel explained. "What happened, Willow?"

Willow looked up at the dark brooding vampire and then looked at the blonde one. She knew exactly what she had to do. Now if she could get them to agree, but first she had do get some supplies.

"Willow?" Spike asked as she stood silently. "What the hell did those bloody Oracles do to her, mate?"

"Nothing. I have some things to do. I'll see you in a couple of hours." She turned to walk out the door. "Oh, Angel, they really like Godiva chocolates for future reference," she said as she walked out the door.

"I hate it when she does that," Spike said as he kicked a stone across the room.

"She does this a lot?" Angel asked.

"No. But I hate it when she does."
Part 10

Willow opened the door. As soon as she stepped in side arms grabbed her around the waist. "Okay. I've got her. You tickle her feet until she tells us what's going on," Spike said at her ear.

Angel shook his head at his childe. "Spike, put her down."

Reluctantly Spike released the witch. "You're still going to tell us what you were doing," he said. He saw the look in her eye. "And don't compare me to Buffy. Oracles can be dangerous."

"Spike's right, Willow. What were you doing?" Angel asked.

"I'll tell you both, but right now I need to talk to Spike for a minute," she said as she pulled the blonde vampire to the bedroom. She shut the door and looked Spike in the eye. "Do you still care for Angel?"

"What the hell kind of question is that?"

"A simple one. I know there's been some bad blood between you. Namely Drucilla." She stared at him with her bright green eyes. "Do you still care for him?"

Spike glanced at the floor before looking back into her eyes. "I guess. He's my sire after all"

"No guessing, Spike. I need to know."

"Yes."

"Okay. Are you still attracted to him sexually?" She didn't even blush at the question.

"That's kind of personal don't cha think, Red?" Her eyes never left his. Silently she demanded an answer. "Yeah, I am."

"Good. Then this will work. Come on," she said as she pulled his arm.

"What are you talking about?" he asked as she dragged him into the living room.

"It's better if I explain it to both of you at the same time. Please sit down." She waited until they were both seated on the couch. "Okay. Now I don't want either one of you to speak before I've finished." They both nodded their heads. "The other day I ran across Jenny Carpenter's disk." Her eyes settled on Angel's face as a look or remorse fell across it. "Now if you don't knock that off I'll hit you. Angelus killed Jenny not you, for the billionth time. Now when I found the disk I didn't think much of it. I planned on giving it to Giles. Maybe he can use a new coaster or something, but I wanted to look through it before I handed it over. Then you invited me to LA, Angel. I invited Spike to come with me. With what the Oracles told me everything has been leading up to this."

"Well, now that that's clear as Calculus," Spike muttered.

"Shut up, Spike. Let her finish," Angel said.

"Actually it is as clear as Calculus. We have all the elements for the equation. It's just a matter of solving the problem. Which I have. This morning when I woke up I read through the files on the tape and did a little research. The main problem is Angel's happiness clause in his curse."

"Now, Willow..."

"Don't interrupt, Angel. I debated about this. I know you have that whole redemption thing going on. That's why you do what you do. Anyway I wanted to make sure if I fixed the curse it wouldn't interfere with your soul's redemption cuz I know that's important to you. So I went to see the Oracles. They said it wouldn't cause any harm. In fact it seems they gave me the solution. I think it was the chocolate that did it. Anyhow. I know exactly what I need to do, but I need you to help."

"I understand Angel's need to participate, but what was all that in the bedroom about, luv?" Spike asked as he leaned his elbows on his knees.

"The spell needs to be cast while he's breaking his curse," she mumbled. Willow could feel her face heating up.

"Excuse me?" they both asked at the same time.

"You need to have sex," she said louder.

They stared at her in silence. Then they looked at each other and back at her. "With you?" Angel asked.

"What's wrong with me?" Willow asked slightly offended.

"Not with her. I think she means me. Don't you, pet?" Spike said as he came to understand her earlier questions.

"Yeah. I need to perform the new spell as the curse is broken."

"So you're going to watch?" Angel asked. He wasn't sure about this. While sex with Spike wasn't going to be a chore, he was still attracted to him, but he wasn't sure if he could perform while Willow watched. Fortunately the mental image in his head brought an instant reaction to his body.

"Well, I kind of have to. I mean it has to be done at the right moment. And I haven't learned to see through walls."

"Are you sure about this, pet?"

"What if it doesn't work? Angelus will come back. He'd kill you, Will."

"Does no one trust my abilities? I did the curse before. I know exactly what I need to do. I told you the Oracles or the PTB gave me the information. I can do this, Angel," she said as she knelt down before him. She placed her hands on his knees.

His brown eyes searched her green ones. *Can this be true? Can I get my soul back permanently?* He turned to his childe. "Spike?"

"If Willow thinks she can do it, I'll help." Spike wasn't sure about his roll in this whole mess, but he'd try his best.

Willow hopped up to her feet and hugged and kissed him. "Thank you, Spike. I have some things I need to get together. We can do this tonight if you'd like." She was running out the door.

Angel sat back and leaned his head against the back of the couch. "Thank you, Spike," he said as he rolled his head to look at the man beside him. "I'm sure this isn't easy for you."

"No sweat, mate," he said as he walked into the kitchen. Opening the fridge he pulled out a bag of blood. He poured it into a ceramic mug and put it in the microwave.

"Spike?"

"Yeah?"

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Angel asked as he put his hand on Spike's shoulder. He could feel the muscle's bunch.

Spike turned to Angel and said, "Yeah. I told Willow I'd do it. But I'll tell you this right now. If it doesn't work I'll stake Angelus before he can hurt Willow."

"Good. I'm glad. I don't want her hurt." He reached his hands out and grasped Spike's shoulders. "I've missed you, Spike."

Blue eyes looked into brown. "I've missed you, too, Peaches."

Angel lowered his mouth to Spike's. The cold touch familiar touch of his lips brought a serge of life to his cock. Angel groaned and Spike trust his tongue between his sires lips. Both of their hands roamed over each others body.

Willow walked back into the kitchen. The sight of the two men she loved locked in an embrace was very erotic. Shaking her head to clear it, she said, "Hey! Not ready for that yet. Geez, guys, take a cold shower. We still have a couple of hours before I'll be ready for the spell. Angel, I was thinking you're bedroom would be better than out here to perform the spell. Less chance for interruption."

"Sure, Willow."
Part 11

"I've got all the basic supplies. I'm going to need some quiet meditation time before we start and don't be surprised if I pass out. I'll be fine. This spell is going to wipe me out," Willow said.

"Are you sure this is safe, Willow? I mean for you?" Angel asked as she drew his brows together.

"I'll be fine, Angel. These kind of spells are usually performed by a large group so the energy is spread out. It's just going to make me tired. That's why I need to meditate to ground myself," Willow explained.

"You're not going to try this on me, are you, pet?"

"Spike! I would never do that to you. One moppy broody vampire in my life is enough."

"Hey!" Angel protested her description.

"Besides it's kind of a one shot deal. Once I complete the spell it will be gone."

"What do you mean gone?" Angel asked.

"I won't remember it. The PTB want it that way. I'm not allowed to record it in any fashion or it will be forgotten. I'm going to take a bath. Now, you two, keep your hands to yourselves," she said as she waggled her finger at them.

Spike reached out and touched Angel on the shoulder. Angel touched him back. Willow rolled her eyes. "And I'm supposed to be the youngest person in this room. You two are almost as bad as Xander."

"First Buffy and now Xander. I'm beginning to think you don't love me anymore," Spike pouted.

Willow pursed her lips and blew him a kiss then she turned and walked to the bathroom shutting the door behind her.

She had put her purification supplies in the bathroom earlier. Unfortunately Angel's bathroom wasn't that big. She lit some candles and placed them around the room. She put the stopper in the old fashion claw foot bathtub and turned on the taps. She reached for her make-up bag and removed a small vial of purification oil. She always kept a couple of vials on hand just in case. She poured half the small vial into the running water.

As the tub filled she stripped her clothes off being careful not to knock over any of the candles. Once the tub was filled she gingerly stepped into the hot water. She placed a rolled up towel behind her head.

She let her thoughts drift where they may. They always seemed to come back to the sight of Angel and Spike kissing. She loved them both and some how knew they loved each other. If she couldn't have them it was better they had each other. Spike would probably move down to LA after this was over. Willow felt sad at the thought, but she wanted her friends to be happy. *Oh, Goddess! I'm going to watch them have sex.* The thought equally disturbed and excited her. *This is not relaxing me. I need some music.*

"Spike?" she called out.

Spike opened the door, but didn't enter. The scent of lavender and Willow hit him in the face. "Yes, pet?"

"Spike, can I borrow your CD Player?"

"Sure."

"Oh and can you ask Angel if he has any classical CD s?" she asked as she splashed water on her shoulders.

He heard the water splashing and felt his cock start to stir at the images of naked Willow in the tub. "Sure thing, luv." He closed the door again. He retrieved his CD player from his coat.

Angel looked up from the book he was trying to read. He noticed the bulge in Spike's jeans. "Problem?"

"Here." Spike handed the player and headphones to him. "She wants to listen to some classical music." He slumped down on the couch.

Angel went through his collection and pick out a couple of disks he thought she'd like. He knocked on the door. "Willow?"

"Just a second." He could hear the bath water splashing. "Okay. Come in."

Angel opened the door and peeked around it. She had taken a bath sheet and laid it across the tub. Candle light reflected off her damp skin. The smell of lavender and what he could only describe as Willow filled his senses. "I've got a couple CD s here for you. I wasn't sure exactly what you wanted to listen to."

"Thanks, Angel. Bring it over here, please," she requested when he didn't move from the door. She took the headphones and set them on her ears. "Just put in anything. I don't want to drip on Spike's CD player or Ill have to listen to his music on the way home."

Angel set the player on the low shelf behind her and put in a random CD. When he glanced down he swallowed hard. From the door he couldn't see much of Willow except her head and shoulders, but from right behind her he could see what lay beneath the tent she created. His cock swelled to life with a vengeance. *Oh, God.* Quickly he pressed play and left the room.

He threw himself on the couch beside Spike. Spike lifted his head to glance at Angel. Quickly he took in Angel's aroused state.

Angel groaned as he tried to force the images he'd just seen out of his head. "How do you live with that?" he asked in a strained voice.

"Obviously I'm a masochist," he replied as he closed his eyes.

After she had finished her bath and set the final preparations in motion, Willow summoned Angel and Spike to the bedroom. Both of them had been in an aroused state since the incident in the bathroom. Seeing her in a pair of emerald silk boxers and white tank top pushed them almost to the breaking point.

"Okay. Now it's important you tell me when it's going to happen so I'm finished on time," she said as she settled on the floor. She had placed a circle of small white candles around her. She crawled on her hands and knees lighting each one. Both the vampires groaned at the sight of her firm round ass encased in silk.

Spike couldn't resist torturing her just a little. "When what's going to happen, pet?"

"You know." Her face was turning as red as her hair.

"You mean when Angel cums?"

"Yes. I'm ready."

Both vampires could smell her arousal. "Yes, she is," Spike whispered so only Angel could hear. Both of them began removing their clothes. Spike pulled a stake out of his back pocket and set it on the night stand.

"What's that for?" Willow asked from her seat on the floor.

Angel unzipped his pants as he replied, "Just in case."

"Oh." Willow was completely mesmerized at the sight of these two strong men stripping down to their boxers. Both of them sported a raging erection. *If only that was for me. Focus Will. Focus.*

They kept their boxers on as they moved to the bed. Since this was for Angel Spike pushed him down on the bed. He straddled his sire's hips. His nails raked across Angel's dark nipples. Angel growled his pleasure. His eyes however weren't focused on Spike but on the red head who watched. Spike could see his inattention so he lowered his hand to cup Angel's cock in a firm grip. Angel's eyes flew to Spike's. The blonde head lowered to kiss him. Angel's hands reached up and grasped the blonde hair in his fists. His tongue plundered Spike's mouth. Spike could feel the pre-cum leaking from Angel's throbbing cock. Working quickly he pushed the dark vampire's boxers out of the way and began pumping him with his hand. Angel was wild with desire and he could feel the demon rising to the front.

Spike looked up as Angel's game face slipped in place. "Willow, get started," he said as his hand moved faster.

Willow was awed by the display before her. Spike's voice brought her back to the matter at hand. Slowly she began the incantation. She could feel the power rising inside her and her voice grew louder. The candle flames leaped higher.

As Angel came Angelus broke free. "I'm going to kill that bitch!" he roared as Spike tried to hold his sire down. His fingers bit into Angelus' shoulders as the demon thrashed around trying to get free. "Then I'm going to kill you, you ungrateful bastard."

Willow continued the spell--her reality becoming separated from what was happening in the bedroom.

Angelus' hand reached out for the stake on the bed table. Spike had to try with all his strength to hold the dark vampire down.

"Willow! Hurry up!"

"Maybe I should fuck the little bitch first. Then kill her. She must have the tightest little cunt, don't you think, Spikey? I bet she likes it rough, too," he snarled at Spike. His fingers touched the wooden stake and he inched it closer to his hand.

Willow felt a final serge of power through her body then everything went black.

Angelus grasped the stake in his hand and raised it over Spike's back. He was ready to plunge it into his childe's back. Pain coursed through his body and his fingers released the stake as he fell unconscious.

Spike wasn't willing to trust his sire just yet so he held on to him. He glanced at Willow's still form on the ground. He loosened his hold on Angel and grabbed the fallen stake. He tried to cross Willow's circle but was repelled by the energy surrounding her.

He was tired both physically and emotionally. He sat on the chest at the end of Angel's bed. His gaze alternated between Angel and Willow. He sat like that for hours waiting for movement from either of them.

****

Angel stirred. Spike gripped the stake tighter in his hand. Angel's brown eyes opened and stared at the ceiling. He tried to take an internal inventory. He felt the demon but it was lock safely away. He also felt something he couldn't describe. The memories of a few hours ago rushed back to him. Tears filled his eyes at the horrible things he had said about Willow.

As he struggled to sit up Spike jumped to his feet. He waited to see if Willow's spell had worked. He knew Willow would never forgive him if he staked Angel unnecessarily. He noticed the tracts of blood running down Angel's face. Still he waited. Angel saw Spike ready to pounce should he make a wrong move. His eyes went

to Willow's still form on the floor. "No! Please, Spike, tell me she's okay," he begged.

Spike relaxed his stance a bit. Angelus never begged in his entire undead life. "I think she's okay. I take it it worked."

Angel tried to climb out of bed, but got tangled up in the boxers around his knees. He tugged them back in place. He tried to go to Willow, but was stopped by the same energy wall as Spike. They would have to wait until she woke up. The two of them sat cross legged on the floor to watch over Willow.

****

Willow slowly opened her eyes. In front of her Angel and Spike lay sleeping. Since Angel wasn't a big pile of dust she figured the spell worked. As she sat up the candles fell over like dominoes as the wall protecting her from harm collapsed. The last candle bumped Angel's foot waking him.

His eyes fell on Willow's shaky form. "Willow. You're all right. Spike, wake up," he said as he shook the sleeping blonde. Angel stretched his hand out but didn't' feel the barrier. As he stood he lifted the shaking witch in his arms. "Thank you, Willow. Thank you."

"See. I told you it would work," she whispered weakly.

"Yeah, well it was a little dicey there for a minute," Spike said as he stroked her hair. The backs of his fingers brushed her pale cheek.

"It did happen a little faster than I thought it would."

"Well, sometimes us old geezers have a problem with that," Angel joked as he carried her to the bed. He was just about to set her down when he noticed the mess he and Spike had made. "Spike, there's some fresh sheets in the closet over there."

"Why do I get stuck with all the dirty work?" he mumbled as he pulled the soiled sheet off the bed and grabbed fresh ones out of the closet.

"Angel, put me down," Willow said as she tried to wiggle out of his strong arms.

"What's wrong?"

"I'm going to help Spike make the bed."

Angel shook his head. "No. I'll help Spike." He sat her on the chair in the corner. By the time the two vampires had finished changing the sheets, Willow was sleeping soundly. Angel lifted her and Spike pulled the fresh sheets down. Setting her gently in the middle of the bed, Angel pressed a kiss to her forehead. Looking at his childe tears filled his eyes. "I have no idea how I'm going to repay her for this."

"Little chit will probably tell you it was nothing."

He chuckled. "Probably, but I'll think of something," he said around a yawn. "Think she'd mind if we all slept in the same bed?"

"Not our Willow," Spike answered as he crawled into bed beside the young witch. "Remind me to tell her she snores."

Angel slipped into bed on Willow's other side. "Not that loudly. It's kind of cute."

"Didn't say it wasn't cute. Just to remind me to tell her."

The two vampires curled themselves around her warm body and slowly drifted off. A faint smile graced Willow's face as she snuggled into the cooler bodies surrounding her.
Part 12

Cordelia tossed her purse onto a chair as she walked into Angel's kitchen. Her jaw dropped to her Versace shoes when she saw Spike and Angel. Spike wore only a pair of faded black jeans. Angel had on black cotton slacks and a shirt he left unbuttoned. The two of them stood at the stove shoulder to shoulder. Occasionally Angel would brush his hand against Spike's. He even leaned over and kissed him gently on the cheek and he was actually smiling.

"Okay. Who are you and what have you done with my broody boss?" she asked after she picked her chin off the floor.

Angel turned quickly. "Cordelia. I didn't hear you come in."

"Obviously. Where's Willow?"

"She's still in bed."

Cordy cocked her eyebrow. *Two half naked vamps. Willow's still in bed.* She glanced over her shoulder into the living room. *The couch hasn't been pulled out. I gotta hear about this,* she thought as she turned on her heel and headed for the bedroom. She found the red head snuggled under the covers. "Willow?" she called knocking on the open door.

One green eye popped open. Seeing Cordelia, Willow sat up and motioned her into the room. "Close the door," she whispered.

The tall brunette shut the door behind her. Perching herself on the end of the bed she gave the young witch a hard stare. "You'd better start spilling. What happened to brood boy and fang face out there?" she asked tossing her head in the general direction of the kitchen.

"Why? What are they doing?" The last she'd seen they were fine.

"They're all lovey-dovey out there. And quite frankly it's disturbing."

"Oh, that."

"Yeah, that. What did you do to them?"

"I found a spell to permanently restored Angel's soul."

"Well, since Angel's still wearing cotton, I take it it worked."

"It worked."

"Did you get to take it out for a test drive?" Cordy asked nudging Willow's foot. She watched the blush start at her collar bone and work its way up to her hairline.

"No, Spike did. I had to perform the spell while the curse was being broken," she explained.

"You little voyeur you," she teased. Leaning closer she whispered, "Did you see anything?"

"Not much. I was in a trance through most of it," Willow grumbled. "Then I passed out."

"Isn't that always the case? Are you okay?" While Cordelia and Willow had never been what anyone would call friends, Cordelia respected Willow's ability to pull Angel out of a deep funk with one of her e-mails.

"I'm fine now. Angel insisted on making me breakfast in bed."

"Doesn't look like you put up much of a fight," Cordy commented. "Good for you. Do you want to go shopping later?"

"Sure."

"Great. I'm going to go upstairs and air quote work. I'll see you after breakfast then." She climbed off the bed and exited the room.

Willow remained in bed for a few more minutes. She couldn't hear anything from the other room. *They're probably too busy with each other to remember that I'm starving in here,* she thought as she threw back the covers. She found Angel and Spike talking quietly as they put together her breakfast tray.

"I wish you'd reconsider, Spike," Angel said as he scooped scrambled eggs onto the plate.

"You'd be sick of me in a month, Peaches," he replied as he spread orange marmalade on a piece of whole wheat toast. "Besides then Willow would have to deal with those two morons by herself."

"You're making excuses, Spike. Do you want to move here to LA or not?"

Willow wasn't prepared for the answer so she let out a loud yawn and walked into the kitchen. "Is breakfast ready yet? Or are you planning on starving me?"

"Breakfast is ready, pet," Spike said. He was relieved at the interruption. He wasn't prepared to answer his sire's question just yet.

"Oh, good. Cordelia and I are going shopping today. I'm sure you two can find something to occupy yourselves while we're gone," she said taking the plate Angel handed to her and pulled out a chair.

Angel knelt down beside her chair and took one of her small hands into his own. He looked deep into her green eyes. "Willow, I don't know how I'm going to repay you for what you did."

She tugged her hand loose and picked up her fork. "You can give me your credit card to use," she joked piling her fork with fluffy eggs.

"Done." He stood.

Willow almost dropped her fork. "I was kidding, Angel. Really it was nothing."

Angel and Spike exchanged a look. "Well, I'm not." He pulled his wallet out of his pocket and handed over the platinum Visa. "Buy what ever you want."

Willow took the plastic card and set it on the table beside her plate. Quietly she ate her breakfast. *For someone who doesn't actually eat, Angel sure can cook,* she thought as she swallowed the last bite. She tried to avoid Angel and Spike's glances as she set the plate in the sink and left to take a shower. Knowing Cordelia's shopping stamina she dressed in loose comfortable clothes.

****

Cordelia sat at her desk filling out some paperwork. *If this is supposed to be the computer age, why do we have so much paperwork?* she asked herself as she tried to avoid another papercut. She still hadn't recovered from the one last week. Of course it happened an hour before she went on an audition for hand lotion. Glancing up she noticed Willow standing in the doorway. "Hey. All set?"

"Yep. Ready for a marathon shopping trip," she replied.

"That's the spirit. Let's go." She grabbed her purse and called out to Angel. "We're leaving."

"Cordy, wait," Angel called back.

She rolled her hazel eyes. "I knew I shouldn't have said anything."

Angel walked through the door. "Willow, you forgot my credit card," he said holding it up.

Cordelia's shoulders straightened as she plucked the shiny card out of her boss' hand. "I'll take that."

"Cordelia, give that back." The brunette pouted, but keep her grip on the Visa. "Angel, I told you I was kidding."

He knew he wouldn't be able to persuade Willow to take his card so he put his arm around his assistant's shoulders. In a stage whisper he said, "It has no limit. Go wear it out."

She looked into his brown eyes. There was a light she'd never seen before. A twinge of a conscious she didn't realize she possessed made her asked, "Are you sure?" At his nod she pulled away from him and grabbed Willow's elbow. "We are so out of here."

"We'll go out for dinner tonight," Angel called as the door closed behind the two women.

"That's it? A couple of frocks and a meal? That's how you're going to repay her?" Spike asked leaning against the doorjamb.

"Don't forget Cordelia had my credit card. I expect a Visa bill of at least five grand if I'm lucky. Besides I've got other plans in mind to thank Willow," he said with a crooked grin. "Want to help?"

Spike looked at his sire and smiled.

****

"Cordy," Willow called to the expert power shopper. Her arms were tired from carrying all the shopping bags. *I think my hands are permanently cramped and I don't even want to think about my feet.* The tall brunette stopped in front of a window display. While she carried just as many packages, if not more, she looked as fresh as when they entered the mall four hours ago. Willow trudged over to the window display Cordy was admiring. "Cordelia, are we almost done?"

"Done? We've only covered half the mall." She looked over at the red head as Willow groaned. She looked ready to drop. "I'm sorry. I should have realized you're not trained to power shop. My mother started training me before I could walk. How about we grab something to eat? That should get your strength up. Are your feet sore?"

"They're killing me," Willow replied as they headed for the escalator to the lower level.

"Good."

"What?"

"That means we can go shoe shopping after we eat. Always shop for shoes after you've been on you're feet all day. They swell up . If you buy shoes too early in the day the shoes you buy end up being too small when you wear them. It's a scientific fact," Cordy said knowingly.

"Well, my feet are certainly swelled," she sighed. She glanced from her sneakers to Cordy's feet. *How can she shop in those strapy sandals for four hours.* "Can we put the bags in the car?"

"No. We may have to match shoes to your new wardrobe."

"Can't we just carry a couple of bags and I'll do a spell to transport the clothes we want into the bags when we need them?" Willow asked in desperation.

"You can do that?"

"Yeah."

"Why didn't you say something before?"

"Wasn't desperate enough, I guess," she said with a shrug causing one of the her bags to slip off her shoulder.

After depositing all but a few shopping bags in the car's trunk, the two women returned to the food court. Willow grabbed a Whopper and Cordy picked up some Thai food.

"So which one do you want?" Cordy asked as she stuck a fork full of noodles into her mouth.

Willow finished swallowing her Coke before asking, "What?"

"Spike and Angel. Which one do you want?" she asked innocently.

Willow refrained from spraying Cordy with her soft drink. "Kind of personal, don't you think?"

"No." She paused to take another bite. "Come on. Spill. Are you a chocolate or vanilla kind of gal."

"Huh?"

"Blonde or brunette. I thought you were supposed to be the smart one."

Willow chewed on a few fries before she whispered, "Both."

Cordelia's fork paused in mid-air. Arching one perfectly shaped brow she looked at the blushing red head. "Go, Will. Course you're going to have to work on that blushing thing you do."

"You don't think I'm weird?"

"For wanting both of them? No. Let's face it. They're both total hot. And with your new clothes I think you might be able to pull it off. With my help, of course." She pushed aside her half eaten plate. "Hurry up. We have shoes to buy." The two young women grinned at each other.
Part 13

"Oh, good. You're both here," Cordelia said as she carried bags into the apartment. Angel glanced up from his paper. Willow followed closely behind Cordy with an equal amount of baggage. Cordy glanced at the two vampires. "Don't just sit there. There's more in the car," she told them before moving to deposit everything in the bedroom.

"Come on, Spike, help me carry the couple of frocks she bought," Angel said with a chuckle. He knew Cordelia would leave the bulk of the bags for him and Spike to retrieve.

They brought the rest of the purchases. It wasn't easy, but between the two of them they did it in one trip. "Cordelia, you did leave something for the rest of Los Angeles to buy, didn't you?"

Willow hit Cordelia's shoulder. "I told you we bought too much. We saved the receipts, Angel, so we can take everything back."

Cordy hit her back. "Speak for yourself."

As he passed Willow, Angel dropped a kiss on her forehead. "I was teasing, Will. Did you have fun?"

She blushed as she followed him into the bedroom. "Yeah. Although I wouldn't want to do it again."

"Didn't like spending someone else's money on a ton of clothes?" Spike asked as he dropped his bags on the bed.

"Oh, no. That was fun. I still feel guilty about buying so much, but I was talking about shopping with Cordelia."

The brunette looked up from the bag she was digging through. "Hey!"

"No offense, Cordy, but if shopping was an Olympic event they'd have to give you a platinum medal."

"In that case, thanks," she said as she returned to her digging.

Willow stared at the mountain of shopping bags covering the bed. It was a big bed, too. She noticed Spike nosing through a pink striped Victoria's Secret bag. "Hey! Get out of there," she said as she slapped his hand.

"What? You've seen my boxers," he said as he reluctantly removed his hand from the bag of satin and lace. Pouting he asked, "Did you get me anything?"

"Spike!" Angel reprimanded.

"Actually I got you both presents. And I paid for it with my own money," she said poking through the multitude of bags.

"You didn't have to do that, Willow," Angel said as he watched her. She had an excited energy about her. *Almost like a kid at Christmas except she was giving the gifts and she was Jewish slash Wicca,* he mused.

"I know, but I wanted to. Here's one." She pulled a brown paper bag free of the pile. "Now where did the other one go?" She searched some more before locating the other gift. "Here it is. Angel, this is for letting me stay here with you and letting me use your credit card." She handed over the plain white bag. Turning to Spike, she gave him the brown bag. "And this is for helping me put away the groceries."

Eagerly the peroxide blonde tore into the bag and pulled out a carton of cigarettes and a CD. "Thanks, luv. I was almost out." He glanced at the CD and promptly put it back in the bag. He glared at her. Willow scrunched her nose at him. "Thank you." He placed a gentle kiss on her forehead.

Angel waited for Spike to open his gift first. His childe had always been impatient. He pulled out a beautiful set of drawing pencils and a pack of high quality paper. "Thank you, Willow. They're beautiful." *As if permanently restoring my soul wasn't enough,* he thought as he pressed a kiss to her forehead.

Cordy watched the entire exchange with only a slight case of nausea. "Okay. Out," she ordered, pushing the vampires out of the room. "We have to figure out what to wear tonight. Where are we going, anyway?"

"Sevens," Angel answered.

"Oohh. Going all out on this one, boss. Out." She shut the door behind them. Turning to Willow she grinned. "Let's get started."

****

Spike glanced at the clock on the wall. "Cor, how long does it take to get dressed?" He was ready to go two hours ago.

Angel looked up from his desk. He was playing with his new drawing pencils. Willow had gone all out and purchased some high quality charcoal pencils. "About ten minutes. Per outfit. Another five for accessories. Maybe ten minutes to find the perfect shoes. Then you have to stare over again cuz the first five choices are always a mistake. That's not including hair and make up," he said as he added some shading to his sketch.

The blonde glared at his sire. "You really are a pouf."

"I asked Cordelia once how long it took and she told me in detail," he chuckled.

Both of them looked up when the woman in question cleared her throat. "I would like to introduce the new, and I think improved, Willow Rosenburg. Ta dah," she announced fluttering her arms a la Vanna White.

Willow stepped hesitantly out of the bedroom. She wiped her damp hands on her hips. Cordy slapped her arm. "Stop that," she hissed. The ex-May Queen had managed to take the ex-nerd's normally straight, I'm-not-going-to-do-what-you-want red hair and with only a simple curling iron and a good supply of Angel's hair gel, create a mass of loose curls that tumbled around her face. Despite protest, Cordy had applied make-up in a "look at me cuz I'm gorgeous" statement. Willow insisted on picking out her own outfit. Cordy was pleasantly surprised at her choice. The simple lines of the boat neck, forest green top and straight lined black skirt only drew the eye to her subtle curves. They debated on shoes for the longest time, but finally settled on the knee high dark green suede boots. Angel and Spike both looked shocked. *Oh, Goddess. They hate it.*

Cordy noticed their stunned appearance and smiled. *They love it.* Leaning closer to the nervous red head, she whispered, "Remember what I told you."

"Cordy's rule number one: if I like it who cares what everyone else thinks," she whispered to herself. She repeated it to herself over and over until she began to believe it. *I do like this outfit. It's not my usual comfy clothes, but I look damn good.*

"Well, don't just sit there like lumps. Tell her how good she looks," Cordelia reprimanded the two gapped mouth vamps.

Angel shook himself out of his silence. "You do. Look good, I mean. Beautiful."

"Yeah," Spike added. He was still a little too stunned to form actual sentences.

"Well, have fun," Cordy said as she headed for the door.

"Cordelia, I though you were going with us," Willow said as she followed the brunette to the door.

If Spike had a heartbeat it would have been racing. While her top had a high neckline and hung just passed her waist, it had no back. *Just that one little string,* he thought. He shifted in his seat as his pants got tighter.

"I have a date," Cordy explained as she pulled open the door.

"But...but..."

Cordelia leaned into Willow. "You look great. They want you. Have fun. I want details, well maybe not details, but at least Cliff notes. Just remember everything I told you," she whispered. The the two salivating men she waved. "Tootles." And then she left.

Taking a deep breath, the witch put on her best smile and turned to silent creatures in the living room. "Well, are you ready to go?"

****

Willow moved closer to her dancing partner. She laughed and flirted and was generally pissed at her escorts who had yet to dance with her. *I spend all that time and energy getting dressed. Even let Cordelia do my hair and make up. Just to get their attention and they don't even speak two complete sentences to me all night.* Her partner grasped her hips and pulled up against him. *Well, at least someone wants to sleep with me,* she thought as he ground his pelvis into her.

Glaring at him, she tried to pull his hands off her body. He was very reluctant to let go until he heard a growl right behind him. Turning his head he looked into a pair of angry dark eyes. Quickly he released his hold on the hot red head. A pair of arms encircled her waist from behind. Glancing down at the hands rubbing small circles on her flat tummy she saw the black nail polish. Angel stepped forward to brush up against her front while Spike moved against her back.

"Took you long enough," she said as she draped one arm around Angel's neck and the other around her back to embrace Spike.

"What can I say, pet? We've been in a state of shock since you came out of the bedroom," Spike growled against her neck.

Angel gently bit her earlobe. "In the end we're both here. Isn't that what counts?"

"We'll see," she replied as the three of them continued to move to the throbbing bass music.

Most of the dancers in the club watched the trio with awe. They were quite a sight. A tall dark mysterious man, a lanky bleach blond bombshell and a fiery tempting redhead. The combination was sex personified. The men wanted her and the women wanted to be her.
Part 14

Angel unlocked the door while Spike hugged Willow from behind. His hands slipped under her top. His cool caresses sent shivers up her spine. His lips brushed against the nap of her neck. His tongue flicked out quickly. Her head fell forward to give him better access.

Angel opened the door and removed the flushed red head from his childe's arms. His broad hands slid against the bare skin of her back. Lowering his head he nudged her chin out of the way and placed alternating kisses and licks against her throat. Gently he nipped the base of her throat with his dull teeth. Willow groaned softly. Angel lifted her slight frame into his arms. He kicked the door close.

Willow wrapped her arms around Angel's neck. Setting her lips on his neck she began to kiss, lick and bit at the tender flesh. Her eyes were focused on the blonde trailing behind them. She stretched on hand out to him. He took it and stared deeply into her eyes.

Angel carried her into the bedroom. Once he stopped moving Spike pressed himself into his sire's back and captured Willow's lips with his own. His tongue parted her lips and invaded her mouth. Willow's reached out to dual with his. Spike's right hand cupped the back of Willow's head and the left reached around to stroke Angel's chest.

Angel could feel his childe's body harden and his own responded in kind. Willow pulled her mouth from Spike's and moved to Angel's. While they kissed, Spike released his hold on them and set about turning down the bed. He had to kick a couple of shopping bags out of the way, but he finally pulled the comforter back and shrugged out of his leather duster and button down shirt. He returned to his two soon to be lovers. He lifted Willow out of Angel's arms. With a groan of protest, she pulled her lips from his. A moan of delight passed her lips as her hands began to explore Spike's bared chest.

Spike placed the panting red head on the chest at the foot of Angel's bed. She stood tall and looked down at the two men she desired. Angel worked quickly to remove his pull over sweater. They stood side by side. Without a word between them they set about removing her clothes. Spike unzipped her left boot while Angel took care of the right. Spike's slightly callused fingers caressed behind her knee as he slipped the boot off her foot. Slowly his hand slid up her bare thigh. Willow felt herself grow wetter with desire. Angel pressed his lips to the back of her thigh as he removed the other boot.

Grasping her hips, Spike slowly turned her around. His fingers brushed the base of her back to pull the zipper tab down. Angel tugged at the hem to pull the skirt free of her hips. Both vamps groaned as pair of thong panties came into view.

Willow grew impatient. She turned and reached behind her to unhook the strap across her back. Once it was free she shimmied her shoulders a bit until the silk top started to slip off her shoulders. With an evil grin she brought her hands up to hold the top to her breasts. Glancing behind her she stepped over the foot board onto the mattress. Slowly she walked backwards until her back pressed into the wall. Holding her top in place with one hand she crooked her finger at them. Angel and Spike quickly moved onto the bed.

"You're both wearing too many clothes," she whispered.

Angel pulled at his belt and unfastened his trousers. Spike sat down to pull his boots off. Without looking he tossed them in the corner. He pulled at his button fly jeans. He pushed them off along with his boxers.

Willow's green eyes widened at the sight of his engorged cock. Her white teeth bit into her lip. Tearing her gaze away from the blonde to focus on the brunette. Angel had thrown his trouser over his shoulders. Her breath caught in her throat. While Spike's cock was longer, Angel's was thicker.

"Now who's wearing too many clothes, pet?" Spike asked huskily. He could smell her desire. His blue eyes followed her hands as they squeezed her breasts trying to relieve some of the pressure. He reached up and gently tugged at the hem of the silk top. Her arms lowered and he pulled the material away from her body.

Her body slid down the wall and head board until she was sitting on the mound of pillows. Her knees were pressed against her chest. Angel encircled one ankle and Spike the other. Together they straightened her legs in front of her. Angel moved closer to her and covered her mouth with his own. His tongue brushed gently over her lip.

Spike's hands ran up the insides of her legs gently parting them. Settling between her legs he softly nibbled on her thighs. Willow moaned and arched her hips. Angel cupped her breasts and pinched her pink nipples. Lowering his head he drew one into his mouth and suckled. Her right hand clutched at his dark head while her left pressed Spike closer to her center.

Her entire body was on fire. Spike moved her panties aside to inhale the heavy scent she released. At the first touch of his cold tongue she jumped. Willow dropped her hand from Angel's head to his lap. At her soft touch his cock twitched. Slowly she wrapped her fingers around the pulsing muscle. She let the velvet skin slid against the palm of her hand and with the tip of her finger she smeared the drop of pre-cum around the tip.

Looking him directly in the eye she lifted her finger to her mouth and licked it clean. Angel closed his chocolate brown eyes and threw his head back. He almost came right then.

"Stand up," she whispered.

He stood on unsteady legs. His feet straddled Willow's hips and Spike's head. Taking his hard cock in her hand she pulled him gently to her. Slowly she placed her lips around the head. Her tongue quickly licked at the weeping tip. Angel groaned as he fought back the urge to thrust into her.

Spike tugged at the waist band of her panties. Willow lifted her hips and he slid the black satin down her legs. He returned to his position between her legs and slowly began to drive her insane. Slowly he slid a finger into her wet core. His teeth pulled at her clit. She groaned around Angel's cock in her mouth. Angel groaned at the vibration against his sensitive skin. Spike began to slid his finger in and out of her. Soon he added another finger. *Cor, she's so tight,* he thought as he lapped at her juices. He licked harder at her clit. The mewling sounds coming from her grew louder and more insistent.

Willow wrapped her hands around Angel's thighs as she sucked harder at the cock he thrust in and out of her mouth. Spike's hands and mouth were working her into a frenzy. Angel threw his head back groaned loudly as he came. Willow tried to swallow all the cold seed he spilled into her mouth. Spike sucked harder at her clit as Willow began to cry out. "Yes! Oh, Goddess, yes! Spike! Angel! Oh, yes!"

Her body shook as she came. Spike didn't stop sucking until her body stopped twitching. With a crooked grin, he lifted his head. Angel had collapsed on the bed beside the panting red head. Spike crawled up the bed and licked Willow's chin. Some of Angel's cum had escaped her greedy mouth. Angel lifted his head from the pillow. Leaning over Willow he captured Spike's mouth with his own. He could taste his own release along with Willow's.

Spike slid his tongue across Angel's fangs. Angel accepted Spike's offer of his blood. Sucking boldly on his childe's tongue, Angel's cock surged to life.

Willow watched in fascination as the two vampires in full game face kissed. She didn't think she would be able to move after the intense orgasm she had, but she could feel the tingling in her body start up again. She reached out her hand to touch Spike.

When he felt the warm hand grasp his aching cock, he pulled away from his sire. His closed his yellow eyes to force the demon back down. "No, don't," Willow whispered. He looked into her loving face and found acceptance. She didn't want to deny him what he was. He glanced at Angel for a second. Angel nodded and moved back out of the way.

Willow caught Angel's wrist to stop him. "Don't go."

He smiled gently at her. "I'm not going far." He moved to the far side of the bed.

Spike grasped her hips and pulled her further down the bed. Reclining against the mound of pillows behind her, she watched Spike move up her body planting kisses as he went. He paid particular attention to her breasts. He laved his tongue across the hard nipples, teasing them with his fangs. Willow arched her hips against him. He groaned as the tip of his throbbing cock brushed against her wet pussy. He wanted nothing more than to thrust himself into her deep cavern, but this was for her pleasure so he held back.

She kept her hands busy stroking his shoulders. She could feel his cock at her entrance. He slid the tip inside before pulling back to stroke the entire length against her clit. Growing impatient with his teasing, she dug her short nails into his biceps. Looking into his yellow eyes she moaned, "Do it. Now."

He stared into her green eyes, dark with desire, as he slid into her. He watched her throw her head back as she arched herself into the thrust. Her warm moist folds closed tightly around him. He knew he wouldn't last long. He began a slow steady rhythm stroking in and out. Her hips arched up to meet his downward thrusts. Her nails began clawing at his back as the tension inside her body started to build.

Angel watched the two lovers move in unison. The scent of passion filled his nose. He wrapped his fingers around his hard cock and started to stroke in time with Spike's thrusts. When Willow's fingers drew blood, the metallic scent almost threw him over the edge. Spike growled in frustration. Angel knew he wanted to bite Willow, but couldn't. He moved towards the frantic couple, he placed his mouth to Willow's ear. "May we drink from you?" he asked.

In answer Willow tilted her head for better access. Angel lowered his mouth to the bend of her shoulder. His hand tightened on his own cock as he pulled harder and faster. As his fangs pierced her tender flesh and her sweet blood filled his mouth, his balls tightened and streams of cum spilled over his hand and splashed on to Willow and Spike. Backing off he fell against the pillows to watch Spike's climax. The blonde's mouth replaced his sire's. He lapped at the red elixir. His entire body shook as his cold seed filled Willow's womb. Willow's body tightened it's grip on Spike's spasming cock as the orgasm shook her body. Tears silently washed her cheeks.

Spike kissed the vampire hickey before he pulled out of her and rolled to her side. The three of them lay unmoving as they slowly regained control of their thoughts and bodies. Angel reached to the foot of the bed to pull the sheets over them. Tucking the covers around them, he reached out to brush the tears off of Willow's cheek.

"Are you okay?" he asked quietly.

A silly grin graced her face. "Oh, yeah," she said in a dreamy voice. "I don't think I can move, but I'm okay." She opened her eyes to look at her two lovers. "Was it good for you?"

Angel chuckled before he kissed her softly on the lips. Spike pressed a kiss to her temple. "I could use a cigarette, but my body refuses to move," he said. He watched as Willow's eyes fluttered shut. She tried to keep them open, but he brushed them close. "Sleep." He leaned across the relaxed body to press a kiss to Angel's lips. Both vampires settled down into the bed around the woman they both loved.
Part 15

Cordelia unlocked the office door at eight. For once she was on time or, as she liked to think of it, early. She was surprised to see Willow sitting at her desk working on the computer. "Good morning," she said as she sat on the edge of the desk.

"Morning." Willow continued typing.

Cordy waited a few moments for Willow to say something. "Well?"

"Well, what?" she asked glancing up from the screen. At Cordy's look, she chuckled. "Oh, you wanted Cliff Notes. Okay. We had dinner at Seven's, went to a club after, came home and went to bed."

"A little more expanded version, please," she sighed as she rolled her eyes.

Willow stopped typing and sat back with a big grin. "All right. Dinner was a big nothing. Angel sat there like a big lump. Spike smoked half a pack of cigarettes."

"I thought Seven's was non smoking," Cordy interrupted.

"That's what the manager told him, but try telling Spike something he doesn't want to hear. Anyway, neither of them said anything all through dinner. Well, they did grumble a bit, but I couldn't figure out what they were pissed about. Then after that fun filled hour we went to a club."

"Which one?"

"I don't remember. It was loud and there were a lot of people. I was tired of they're sour mood so I started dancing. I was pretty popular, too. One guy was a little too impressed with me. Next thing I know Angel's scaring him off and I'm dancing with both of them. We got kind of physical on the dance floor and a bouncer suggested we take our act somewhere else. So we came back here." She stopped to see if Cordy would pry for more details.

"And?" Cordy's curiosity didn't let the red head down.

"I have first hand knowledge the spell worked."

"What about Spike?"

"I didn't cast the spell on Spike."

"Willow."

"Spike, too."

"That's all the detail I want. For now. Wait until I'm in a dating slump. Then I'll be pumping you for explicit details." The phone rang. Cordy picked up the receiver. "Angel Investigations. We help the helpless." She looked at Willow as she said, "Oh, hello, Buffy. Willow?" She waited until Willow nodded her head. "Sure, she's right here." She handed the receiver over.

"Hi, Buffy."

"Willow. I, Umm, I just wanted to apologize for the way I behaved earlier. I realize I've been a bitch lately and I'm sorry for taking it out on you. Can you forgive me?"

"I guess. I'm still not happy about how you and Xander have been messing up the house, not to mention Anya and Riley."

"I know. We're really sorry. I promise to do better."

"That's all I ask."

"How's your vacation going? You and Spike aren't ganging up on Angel, are you?"

Willow grinned at the memory of her and Spike doing just that last night. "Angel doesn't seem to mind," she muttered.

"What?"

"No, Spike and I are behaving ourselves." *Yeah, right.* "So any new baddies in Sunnydale?"

"Same old same old. We seem to be in a lull. Anya and Xander are holding down the research fort when they aren't in a terminal lip lock. Riley's helping with the patrolling so everything's covered. Not that we don't miss you, of course."

"Of course."

"Oh, before I forget. You're mom called. She wanted you to call her ASAP."

"Okay, I'll give her a call. Well, I guess I'd better get going. I've got to go shopping with Cordelia."

"Won't that be fun," Buffy said sarcastically.

"She's got me in training to be a power shopper," she replied. Cordelia chuckled.

"Okay, Will. Don't forget to call you're mom. You have her number? I think I've got it her somewhere."

Willow could hear Buffy searching through some papers. "Don't worry about it. I've got it in my cell phone."

"Great, cuz Anya took the message and I can't find where she put the number. Anyway. I'm sorry. Have fun and hurry home."

"Bye, Buffy."

"Bye."

Willow replaced the receiver and turned her attention to the brunette. Cordy didn't bother pretending she was eavesdropping. "So the Buffster apologized?"

"Yes." She pushed herself away from the desk. "I'm going to see if the walking dead are awake yet."

****

She stood in the bedroom doorway. She watched Angel and Spike wrapped in each other's arms. *I'm going to miss them,* she thought sadly. She turned her attention to the piles of shopping bags littering the small bedroom. Moving quietly she gathers some of the bags to carry into the living room. Willow made five more trips to the bedroom until all of her purchases were settled on the floor.

She removed the items from the first bag and started folding her new clothes. She'd forgotten half of what she and Cordelia had bought. "I'm going to need another suitcase to get this stuff home," she muttered to herself as she reviewed her piles.

"I wanted to talk to you about that," Angel said startling Willow.

"Don't do that," she said as she tried to calm her racing heart. "I thought you were still asleep. I didn't wake you, did I?"

"Not really." He sat on the couch. He looked at his folded hands. "I asked Spike to move here to LA with me," he said quietly.

Willow adverted her gaze. She didn't want him to see the hurt she knew would be reflected there. "I know. I heard you talking to him yesterday."

"I wanted to ask you to move here, too," he said. He looked at the small woman who had changed his life with a selfless gesture.

Her green eyes met his deep brown gaze. "You want me to move here, too?"

He knelt beside her on the floor. His large hands captured her small delicate ones. "Of course I want you to move here. I love you, Willow. I want both of you here, but Spike won't come without you."

"I highly doubt that," she said with a grin.

"He won't. He told me that..." He finally caught her double meaning on his words. "When did you get such a wicked humor?"

"Hanging around Spike will do that."

"Will you move here?"

"I don't know. You may not be able to afford me," she said as she glanced at her recent shopping spree.

"Trust me I can. It's not like Spike spends a lot on clothes," he chuckled. He leaned forward to capture her lips with his own.

Willow raised up on her knees and deepened the kiss. Her tongue stroked against Angel's. She pushed him back until she was sprawled on top of him. Her hands quickly unbuttoned his cotton shirt. As her head lowered to scatter kisses on his bared chest she heard someone clear their throat.

Glancing up she saw Spike leaning against the couch. "Is this a private party or can anyone join?" he asked.

"It's very private, but you're in luck cuz you have a standing invitation," she said as she reached out to pull him down to the floor.

Spike looked at his sire. "I take it she said yes."

Angel paused. "Actually, she didn't really answer." He brushed a few strands of red hair off her face. "Well?"

Her eyes moved between the two of them. "I'm going to have to hurry to register at UCLA in time for next semester," she said in answer.

Angel held her closer and Spike joined them on the floor in celebration.

****

Willow hung up the phone. She had called her mother to learn that her parents wanted to sell the house. She explained about her wish to transfer to UCLA which was met with their usual indifference. She sighed.

"What's wrong, pet?" Spike asked. He could see that she was depressed.

"I've got to call Buffy and Xander and tell them they're being evicted. My parents want to sell the house." She chewed on the end of her pen. "I've also got to explain that I'm moving here to LA with you."

"Well, my moving to LA should make the Slayer and the moron happy," he reasoned.

"I'm sure it will, but not happy enough to ignore loosing the house."

"When do they want to put the house on the market?" Angel asked.

"Right away. Well, I can't put it off so I might as well do it." She reached for the cordless handset.

Angel covered her hand. "Tell Buffy she can have the mansion on Crawford Street."

"Are you sure?"

"I'll have the deed transferred into her name by tomorrow morning."

"Thank you, Angel," she said smiling at him. She punched the numbers into the phone feeling a lot better knowing she hadn't just made her friends homeless. "Xander, is Buffy there? No, I need to talk to both of you at the same time." She paused as Xander called Buffy to the other extension. "Hey, Buffy. I've got bad news and good news."

She explained the situation about the house and her moving to LA. There was some yelling but all in all things could have gone worse. After she hung up, she turned to Spike. "We've got to go back to Sunnydale for our stuff and so I can get the house ready for the real estate agent Mom hired."

Spike grimaced at having to go back, but he just knew the Slayer would just throw all his things in the garbage if he didn't. "If we must."

"It shouldn't take more than a couple of days to take care of everything," she told Angel.

Cordelia entered the kitchen clutching her head. "Aspirin? Now," she whispered around the pain piercing her head.

Angel glanced at his lovers. "Looks like I'll have something to keep me busy while you're gone. Hurry back." He kissed both of them before he helped Cordy to the couch.

THE END
 

Interlude I
Interlude II
Interlude III

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