"What are you thinking about, luv?" Spike pulled Willow onto his lap, brushing stray pieces of hair from her face.

"Nothing."

"Don’t try to fob me off with a ‘nothing’, pet. I know how you think, know when you’re upset. Now tell me what’s goin’ on in that head of yours."

She sighed. "Spike."

"Yes. . .?’

"No, I’m thinking about Spike."

Spike smirked. "Thinking about me?" His hand slid seductively up her thigh. "What exactly were you thinking about me?"

Willow smacked his hand. "The other Spike."

Spike scowled. "Why the hell are you thinkin’ about that bloody sod?"

"I wonder what he’s up to. He seemed so lonely."

"Well, that may be. . .but you’re not keeping him company!"

"I didn’t say I wanted to keep him company. I’m just curious." Spike still continued to pout, his lower lip protruded a bit. She leaned over to nibble on it, sucking it in her mouth. He made a sound that was akin to a purr as she opened his mouth with her tongue and kissed him throughly. She then pressed her forehead to his. "One Spike is all I need in my life."

Spike was pacified but still insatiable. "Why don’t we go upstairs and you can make it up to me properly?"

Willow smirked. He was putty in her hands. She stood up and tossed him a impish smile before she darted for the stairs. "Last one to the bedroom has to be on the bottom!"

"You’re on, pet!" He raced after her, but not too fast. Spike loved being on the bottom.

Spike could hardly contain himself. He paced the floor, glancing at her every now and then. But Willow slept soundly in the big wrought iron bed. So trusting and innocent, free of nightmares and cares about the world. A bare arm clutched the covers to her body. She lay on her side, her chest rising and falling in at an even pace. Her small white hand was tucked under chin, artless as any child. But the body of a woman lay under the flimsy covering .

Spike’s fingertips itched, looking wasn’t enough. He wanted to touch Willow too. His hands longed to acquaint themselves with the silkiness waves of her crimson hair. His fingers wanted to glide over the creamy perfection of her smooth skin. Spike wanted to touch his tongue to the small cinnamon freckles that dotted her body. It was bloody well driving him insane.

She was so close to him, yet so far away. It didn’t help that he had carnal knowledge of the other Willow. He knew what pleasures awaited him when she gave in to him. And she would. It was only a matter of time. In his a mind a wicked voice urged him on. Telling him to ease his torment. With shaking legs, he made his way to her bedside. Spike sat down carefully, his hands twisting in the coverlet that shielded her body from his eyes.

Willow’s eyes fluttered open, unfocused from sleeping. She blinked a few times, frowning at the light. She saw Spike sitting there and gasped. She discreetly pulled the cover back from her chest to gaze down. She was dressed in a pale green nightgown. "Did you-"

"No, I didn’t, pet." She looked relieved. "One of the female minions did." He was a little offended. "I don’t take advantage of girls who’ve passed out." Well, thought about it but didn’t do it.

"But abducting them and holding them against their will is okay?" She tugged the cover, wanting to cover her throat up as well but Spike’s hold on the fabric made it impossible.

She had a point, time for a subject change. "Hungry?"

She grimaced. She couldn’t stomach food right now. "No. Where’s Giles?"

"Downstairs." Her eyes widened. " Don’t worry, he’s just got a few bumps and bruises. He’s no worse for the wear. For now."

"For now?!? You’re mean you’re going to hurt him later?"

Spike let out an exasperated sigh, the Watcher was something he didn’t want to talk about. "Let’s discuss something else, alright?"

"No, I find that subject fascinating."

Spike stood on his feet, crossing his arms. Willow quickly pulled the cover up to her chin. She was a fiery little thing and he loved that she wasn’t just giving in to him, but he had to make something clear. "And around here, pet, I’m the boss and we play by my rules. If you don’t something unfortunate might happen."

Willow shuddered. That was obviously a threat, if she didn’t cooperate he’d kill Giles. She lowered her eyes. "I understand."

"Good girl." He said, sitting back down on the bed. His hand rested on her blanket-covered thigh. It slowly trailed up the length of her body, across her belly, between her breasts, and up to her fingers which clenched the blanket. "Why are you so afraid? Don’t you know why I brought you here?"

"N-no." His fingers began to gently pry the blanket away. He pressed soft kisses on them as he did so. Willow had no choice but to let him peel it from her body.

Now, she was lying before him draped only in the flimsy satin nightgown which outlined her body . "So beautiful." He crooned. His hand shook as he placed his fingers on her collarbone and traced the surface before it lowered to the neck line of her nightgown. He slipped a hand inside. "I don’t want to hurt you, Willow. I only want to bring you pleasure."

"No!" Willow cried, but her body betrayed her, heated to his touch. Lay open to his hands. She knew she should move, fight him. But her muscles were warmed, her limbs were too heavy to move. It as if his touch made her weaken.

"Don’t tell me no." His cool hand cupped a breast, causing the nipple to harden. "I can feel your heart beat picking up, your starting to breath faster, and your blood is making your skin flush. You want this as much as I want to give it to you." he brought his mouth down to hers, brushing against the tightly sealed lips. Silently urging her to invite him in.

"I-I--" She opened her mouth to protest and his tongue snaked out to outline her lips, teasing them. His fingers still continued to gently knead her breast, wringing a moan from her. It was if he already knew her body, knew just where to touch her.

"Master?" A man’s voice called. There was a note of panic in it.

Spike snarled, demon face coming to the fore. He turned around to face the impudent minion. "What the hell are you doing here? I said I wasn’t supposed to be disturbed! Do you understand?" He shielded Willow from the minion’s view with his body.

"The Watcher is awake, he got loose from his bonds and he’s starting to make trouble." Xander said.

Spike took a deep and calming but unnecessary breath. "Can’t you bloody sods do anything on your own?"

Xander shook his head. "He’s already dusted two of us. We have trapped him downstairs for the most part, but–"

"Fine, I’ll go downstairs and take care of this." Spike removed his hand from Willow’s breast. Then stood up, gazing at her hungrily. "I’ll be back son."

"Please don’t hurt him!" Willow cried.

A slow smile spread across his handsome face. "What would his life be worth to you, pet?"

"Anything." She promised rashly. She didn’t want Giles hurt because of her.

"Anything?" The vampire’s mind flashed with a dozen images of what ‘anything’ could encompass. His nostril flared.

"Anything." Willow said in small voice.

"You’ve got yourself a deal, pet." He pulled the cover back over her body. "Stay in bed, I’ll be up soon."

Spike turned to his minion. "Stay with her!" He strode out the door and she heard a key turn in the lock.

"X-Xander?" Willow sat upright in the bed.

"It’s me alright. You okay, Wills?"

"Why do you care?" She said bitterly.

"I do care." Xander sat down on a chair beside the bed. "What a vampire was like before he was turned determines what he’s like once he’s a vampire."

"So, you’re saying that you aren’t all that bad?"

"Yes."

Willow rolled her eyes. "Then we can add kidnaping and killing to your list of hobbies? Because before you were turned, you only collected comic books and liked playing video games. All in all I’d say you’ve changed Xander."

"I. . .for the most part, I am a demon, Willow. But I remember you. Remember what you meant to me. He pointed to the doorway Spike had left through. " I also hate that guy. Do you know I’ve been a minion hanging around the Sunnydale for quite a while and he has never noticed me ? Came across me the other night and. . .Wham! I can’t get rid of the guy, he asks me all sorts of questions about you. Talks about you constantly. I think he’s in love with you."

"No, you mean he’s fixated on me, there’s a big difference."

"You don’t think love is a fixation of sorts? It just so happens that when you are in love the other person is also fixated on you." Xander said, looking at her carefully.

Great, now he’s making sense. "I still don’t feel anything for him." Willow crossed her arms over her chest. "I really did used to care about you, though."

"I know." Xander said softly. " I really cared about you too. Still do."

Willow looked at him hopefully. "Then help me escape."

"He’d never do that, luv. He knows I ‘d be forced to dust him." Spike drawled, walking into the room with a self-assured stride.

"You can go now." He said to Xander, not looking away from Willow.

Xander opened his mouth to protest when Willow shook her head ‘no’. He was no match for Spike in a physical contest. She might have made an ally that she could use to her advantage later and she needed him undusty. And maybe, just maybe there was some Xander left in him somewhere. Some vein of goodness that hadn’t been tapped out. "It’s okay, Xander." The young vampire left, sending one searching look at the both of them before he closed the door.

"Alone again." Spike said. He sat down on the bed beside her. "Let’s define ‘anything’."

"He has to be stopped!" Willow shouted.

"Why?" Spike said as he watched the two would-be lovers in the pale orb that Willow held.

"Because he ‘s going to force himself on her!" She smacked his chest. "I thought you were more of a gentleman."

"I am. He’s not. Besides, she doesn’t look that upset." He looked at the bewildered pleasure on that world’s Willow as the vampire pressed his mouth to her neck and gently nipped. "Why don’t we try a game like that, pet? I could ‘kidnap’ you and then–"

"Focus!" She said.

"Fine, I’m focused. What do you want to do about it?"

"I’m going there and I’m gonna give him a piece of my mind!"

Spike scowled, he could imagine how his counterpart would react to that. Two Willow’s defying him with snapping green eyes and blazing red hair, identical flushes on their pale cheeks. "I’m coming with you!" He declared. "Wanker’d probably try to keep you both."

"And you are such a paragon of virtue?"

"Can’t be helped, pet, she’s you. I find you completely irresistible."

"Did anyone ever tell you that you have a way with words? Now, let’s go before he mauls her." Willow hurriedly ran to her magickal supplies.

"It feels good, doesn’t it? Just let yourself relax. That’s a girl." Spike brought her fingertips to his mouth to kiss them and suck them into his mouth.

"How did you know? How did you know that I’d–"

He pulled one wet digit from the cool chamber of his mouth. "That you’d like this?" He smiled smugly at her hasty nod. "Because I know your body, every delectable inch of it. " He brought his hand to her satin clad hip. "I know that you have a small brown birthmark there." Willow gasped and he continued. Spike cupped her right breast through the gown. "There’s a large freckle on the underside of this breast."

A flash of light illuminated the room. "That’s enough Willow body geography!"

"Bloody hell!" Spike 2turned to see the other world’s Willow standing there with her hands on her hips, looking very angry. Behind her stood the other Spike. He smirked at them both. "Well, did you miss me, pet? How about a kiss? I know I wouldn’t mind one."

Willow pulled a crossbow from behind her back. "How about getting the hell away from me?" He frowned. "I mean her!"

Willow looked around Spike 2's form to see her almost identical twin and another Spike standing there. She looked from them to Spike 2 and back again. "Did you drug me?" Then, her eyes rolled back in her head and she passed out.
 

~Part 12~

Willow 2 woke up with a start. She was still in Spike 2's bed, still clothed in a nightgown. The two Spikes appeared to be arguing furiously. The other Willow was pacing, she stopped when she saw her twin had woken up. "Are you okay?" She asked with concern, walking over to sit on the bed.

"Yes, I-I’m fine. But what’s going on?"

"Are you familiar with the term ‘Hellmouth’?"

"Yes, Mr. Giles explained it to me."

"Good. Did you work with Buffy, too?" Willow asked curious about her other self. Maybe she could take a few short cuts in explaining things if that was the case.

"No." She thought a moment. "Giles said she was a Slayer, though. Did you know her?"

"We were the best of friends." Willow said, sadness in her voice. She sighed. "But, back to the matter at hand. Good, so you know what a Hellmouth is. Strange things happen on it."

"Like vampires and demons?" She looked meaningfully at the two Spikes were still arguing.

"Yes." Willow said dryly. "Well, we -- the other Spike and myself, are from another Sunnydale."

"Oh, another Sunnydale." Willow 2 frowned. "And you are. . .together?"

"Yes, we are."

"But he’s a demon." Willow 2 said in a hushed voice.

Willow patted the other’s girl hand and smiled fondly, lost in a memory. "Yes, he is."

Willow 2 scowled. "What’s wrong with you?"

"Trust me on this." Spike blew a ring of smoke. "Kidnaping never works when it comes to human women."

"It doesn’t?" Spike 2 looked disappointed. " Humans have no sense of romance?"

"Fraid not." He bent forward and spoke in a conspiratorial. "They don’t even like to be tortured."

"They’re missing a lot of fun if you ask me."

Spike shrugged. "They have strange ways." He looked at Willow. "But sometimes they’re not all that bad."

"Well, I think it my plan was working justfine until you showed up!"

"No, it wasn’t, mate. Trust me on that. You know I kidnapped my Willow once , too."

"See? It does work. She’s with you now."

"No, it doesn’t work. I nearly ate her."

"Stupid sod."

" I know."

"How did you two know what I was doing anyway?"

"Willow and I were watchin’ you two in a glass orb of hers and she got right mad. You’re lucky she didn’t turn you into a toad or something." Spike winced.

Spike 2 smiled slyly. "Tell you what, mate. Why don’t you go on home and work things out with both Willows."

"Over my dead body!"

Spike 2 grinned. "Bit late for that, mate."

Spike scowled. "Hands off my Willow." He cast a speculative look at the bed where the two Willows were talking. " But I say its high time you shared with me, I shared my Willow with you."

"Never gonna happen, mate."

"I think you’re crazy." Willow 2 insisted. " I don’t care how good he is at. . .at. . .things." She gulped. Who knew what would’ve happened if their counterparts hadn’t shown up? What would it have felt like to. . .back to business. "Did you know he has Giles downstairs?"

"Goddess! I forgot about Giles." Willow exclaimed.

"Yes, he tried to make an escape attempt and Spike ‘stopped’ him."

Willow got to her feet and stomped over to Spike 2 angrily. Without thinking she delivered a stinging slap to his cheek. "You are such a. . .Errrr! I can’t think of something awful enough to call you! You’re just. . .just. . a bad, bad, bad vampire." she finished lamely.

"Ooh foreplay! Knew you missed me." Spike 2 quirked an eyebrow at her and patted his leg. "Sit on my lap and give me a proper kiss hello, pet."

"Stop that!" Spike shouted angrily.

Willow rolled her eyes. tugged on Spike 2's hand. "Let’s go, you’re coming with me."

The vampire chuckled. "Want me all to yourself, eh? You’re an eager little thing."

Willow had reached the limit of her patience. She picked him up off his feet by magick, letting him hover two feet in the air. " No, what I am is starting to get cranky. And believe me, you don’t want that ."

"Of course not, pet." Spike 2 said, relaxing when she lowered him to his feet.

"Let’s go get Giles."

He dutifully obeyed her. Sure is beautiful when she’s angry. Spike 2 cast a look at Willow 2 before he left. "I’ll be right back, luv." He glared at the other Spike. "You keep your hands to yourself." The two of them exited the room.

Willow 2 sat huddled on the bed looking forlorn. It tore at Spike, stirring his protective instincts. "How are you holding up, pet?"

"I’m okay I guess." She sighed. "This day just can’t get any weirder."

"I wouldn’t say that if I were you. When you do, it usually does get much weirder."

Willow 2 chuckled, disarmed by his humor. " Can I ask you some questions?" Spike nodded. "You and the other me are really together?"

"Absolutely." Spike got to his feet and sat at the end of her bed. She tensed but she didn’t move away. "I’m in love with her."

"I thought demons couldn’t love."

"Most of ‘em can’t. Me and the other Spike are special blokes though." Spike wanted the two of them get together. He knew how much he loved Willow, he wanted the other Spike to feel that kind of love. "Why don’t you give him a chance? "

"Because he kills people? He probably wants to kill me, make me into another demon."

Spike laughed, he really doubted Spike 2 wanted another encounter with Vamp Willow. "No, I don’t think he wants to make you a vampire, pet."

She tilted her head to the side. "Do you kill people still?"

"Can’t. Have a chip." She frowned. "Long story, pet. Let’s just say that it prevents me from killing."

" Willow is okay with the fact that you used to kill?"

"You might say I’m doing penance for my many sins, fighting the good fight and that rot. " Spike said gruffly. It was obvious to her that he enjoyed what he was doing but couldn’t admit it.

"And you really love her?"

"More than unlife itself."

"Hmmm, the other you fell in love with the other me when he visited you." Willow took a deep breath. Say that five times fast! "He must want a replacement."

"No, luv, he doesn’t’." Spike reached over and cupped her chin. "He loves you, Willow Rosenberg, in all your forms. Its your soul that Spike finds so attractive."

"Are you saying that you love me too?"

Spike winked at the blushing girl."What’s not to love?"

"I’m so sorry, Giles." Willow breathed as she untied him and gingerly checked over his wounds. Thankfully, they were minor.

"Quite alright." Giles said with quiet self-control. He rose to his feet and rubbed his wrists, they were raw from the ropes he’d been bound with. He looked at this girl. She wasn’t the same person, somehow he knew that. This one had power. She was able to get Spike to release him, he almost seemed fearful of her. "Where do you come from, my dear? I’d like the whole story."

"I’ll tell you all about it, I promise." She turned to glare at Spike 2 who was still furious about all the dust on his carpet. She’d dusted all of Spike’s minions with a fireball. "Serves you right, you undead bully."

"Did you have to dust them all?"

"I left one." Willow pointed to Xander, who stood quaking by the glass doors.

"That git doesn’t count, he’s pretty much useless."

"Your lucky I left you that much. " She regarded her old friend. "I just couldn’t dust Xander." Then she turned to look at Spike 2. "Actually it had nothing to do with you."

"Don’t push me, little girl."

"Thicken!" The air around the vampire solidified. Willow had created a force field, leaving him blocked in a cube of space. "Wanna finish that threat, Mr. Big and Bad?"

Spike 2 growled. "No! Now will you let me out?" She did so and he trudged upstairs behind her and the Watcher.

That evening, the Watcher returned home very confused by the encounter but with a great deal of material for entries in his Watcher’s diary. He had left Willow 2 in the company of her other self and the two vampires. He’d seen what the girl could do and knew she would defend herself against Spike 2 if need be. Giles knew the other Spike was ‘chipped’ and therefore harmless.

*********

"You have to woo a lady." Spike said to his counterpart. They were in a large room in the Crawford St. mansion. The two Willows were quietly comparing notes on their lives when the two vampires had exited the room.

"Wooing? You really are housebroken, aren’t you?"

"Be quiet, you stupid sod. Just remember who is sleeping with Willow and who is sleeping alone!"

"Fine." He was about willing to do anything if it would win him her heart. "What should I do?"

"Listen carefully, you’ve got to have a plan."

As Spike began to talk his twin began to smile, she would soon belong to him.

Willow was jealous. "You actually went to Oxford?"

"Yes, I’ve been studying there for two years."

"Wow!" She scooted closer to the other girl. "Do you have tea time? Have you gone to see Big Ben? Do you know what ‘bangers and mash’ are?"

Willow 2 laughed. "Yes to all three! Willow, it’s so much fun there! I’m surprised you didn’t go, I really have enjoyed England. But what about you? Where did you decide to go? I’m sure you had lots of offers, too. Was it Harvard? Yale?" She wondered what her life would be like if she’d gone there.

"UC Sunnydale." She admitted.

"What’s wrong with you?"

"Hey! I’ll have you know that I–"

"No, seriously, what’s wrong with you? Staying in Sunnydale. . .AKA demon central. Dating a blood-sucking fiend! Going to UC Sunnydale when you could have gone anywhere!"

"I stayed there to fight evil."

"No, you stayed here to date evil."

"Spike played no part in my decision making process! And who are you to judge my life?"

"I’m you!" Willow 2 huffed. "Wouldn’t you rather have my life than your own?"

"No, I wouldn’t want your life. You haven’t had the experiences I’ve had. I’ve helped save more people than I can count. Increased my witchy powers tenfold. A-And. . . know how many apocalypse I’ve helped stop? Seven! Count ‘em, SEVEN! So, put that in your crumpet!"

"What’s all the racket about?" Spike asked as he came in the door. He walked to Willow and kissed her upturned mouth. "You alright, pet?"

"Fine." She murmured. "We just had a difference of opinion."

"And here I thought you girls would be the best of friends."

The two witches exchanged sheepish smile and said. "Sorry, Willow." In unison and then they laughed. Spike smiled at both of the two beautiful red heads.

Spike 2 walked in the door, he looked nervous. And he was wearing a pair of dress pants and a red silk shirt. He tugged at the collar. Spike glared at him. "Sorry, I’m new to this." He approached Willow 2 carefully. He spread his hands, put a smile on his devastatingly handsome face and asked. "Would you go on a date with me?"

Willow 2 cocked her head to the side, studying him carefully. "No."
 

~Part 13~

"No? No?!?" Spike 2 whipped his head around to glare at his double. "You said this would work!" He went to the other side of the room and viciously kicked a chair. "Argh!! What the bloody hell is wrong with you?" He fastened his eyes on Willow 2 and then gestured to other Willow. "She loves him! You should love me! It’s the way things are supposed to be." He ran his hands through his hair in a jerky motion. "Bloody hell! What do you want from me?!?"

Willow 2 had been frightened at first. Now she was mad. She stood up. "What do I want from you? Nothing! You want something from me and I’ll be damned if I’m going to give it to you! And as for why I’m not in love with you?" She pretended to think about it and then begin holding up fingers as she listed reasons. "Let’s see. I hardly know you. You’re a soulless demon. You kill people for fun and food. You’ve been stalking me. You kidnapped me. You kidnapped Giles. You–"

"Let’s try to be calm about this." Spike interjected, not liking the way things were going. Playing bloody cupid. . .he really was becoming the biggest poof ever. Angel might be in danger of losing his tiara.

Then he had an idea.

Spike gave Willow 2 his most boyish smile. The smile that lured countless women in dark alleys with him for a ‘drink’. The smile that allowed him to get out of trouble with Drusilla even when he’d done something horrible. She couldn’t help but return it. "Have dinner with me." It wasn’t a question.

"Alright." Willow 2 agreed automatically then clapped a hand over her mouth. How did he do that? She opened her mouth to take it back.

"None of that, luv. You agreed, it’s not nice to go back on your word, now is it?"

Spike 2 growled, vamping out. "You’re not going anywhere with her, mate."

Willow flashed Spike a hurt look. She knew it was really her that he was taking out and why he wanted to do it . . .but it still stung. Spike went to her immediately and spoke in a low tone. "I’m in love with you, pet. I love her because she’s you but I’m not in love with her." She threw her arms around him and kissed him.

Spike 2 got a very crafty look in his eye. He had figured out what his double was up to and was able to see past his jealousy and protective instincts. She needed to know what kind of vampire he evolved into, what he was like in a relationship. "I’ll let her go with you." He offered magnanimously. His eyes warned Spike what he would do to him if he touched his Willow.

Willow 2 raised an eyebrow. "I don’t remember asking you or even needing your permission to go anywhere."

Spike 2 pressed a hand to his forehead. Bloody other Spike better be a bleedin’ miracle worker.

At exactly 9 p.m., Spike and Willow 2 arrived at Milano’s Italian restaurant. The waiter brought them a big bowlful of hot garlic bread and their drinks. Spike had ordered a beer and Willow 2 got an iced tea to drink. "We’d like to place our orders now, mate." Spike said.

"Very good, sir. What will you have?" The waiter said.

"Fettuccini alfredo with shrimp. The lady will have the vegetarian lasagne. We’d both like caesar side salads with our meal" The waiter nodded and walked off to turn in their order.

Spike watched the young redhead. She smoothed the red napkin on her lap repeatedly and looked at the black marble table they sat at. "So, luv, why don’t you want to go out with me?" He took a piece of garlic bread and took a bite.

She took one too. "It’s not you. It’s him." She spread her hands. "I don’t know what to do. He just keeps coming at me. He won’t give me a chance to catch my breath or to get to know him or to even think about it."

"That’s his way." Spike decided he should give her some perspective. "This Spike has never had a serious relationship as far as I know. He’s new to the whole idea. As for myself, my first serious relationship was with a beautiful vampiress named Drusilla." He smiled in memory. "I loved her so much that it sometimes seemed as if we were the only two vampires on the planet. I adored her, would do anything to please her."

Willow was awed, he had obviously been very much in love with the woman. "What happened?’

"She went out with a chaos demon. Left me all alone." He said bitterly.

"I heard they had antlers." She’d seen a book about demons in the magick shoppe near college and had been disgusted by what she had found out.

"And slime."

Spike 2 regarded the little red head as she sat at the table. "Well, what do you want to do, pet?"

Willow rolled her eyes. "Not sleeping with you."

"I didn’t make any offers!" Spike 2 said indignantly.

"You were about to." Willow lowered her eyes. " It was different before, I wasn’t with Spike. Now I am, I love him."

Spike 2 smiled. "Glad to hear it, pet. If you were mine, I wouldn’t share you either."

"Could we play a game?"

"Guess we could." He said thoughtfully. "We don’t have a pack of cards though. The only other games I know are played by demons and they require some. . .goat parts."

"Eww!" Willow held out her hands. " I know! Let me read your head."

"Uh, luv, I thought we established that there would be none of that." He smiled. "Not that I won’t be more than willing–"

"The thing on top of your shoulders!" She glared at him. "You know, phrenology."

"You wanna read the bumps on my noggin’?"

"Yep, it’s supposed to tell your future and all about yourself."

"Alright." He sat down in front of he. "Like he’d pass up a chance to have her hands in his hair.

"Just relax." She slid her hands over his scalp, murmuring an incantation. He was going to be a new vampire. No more killing for sport.

"You tried to kill Willow before?"

"Uh, yeah." This wasn’t going as well as he had hoped. "It only happened once. Or, er, actually twice. But I never did it!"

"Twice!?!" She shouted. "And she dates you now?"

"Uh, yeah."

"She needs therapy." Willow 2 shook her head.

"Now hold on just a minute, missy. We had our ups and down but we’re happy now. I don’t kill and she doesn’t curse me with a soul. It’s a happy medium."

"I can see that." She said snidely.

"Listen up, let me tell you a little something about Willow. Let you know why I love her so much. It all started when I was captured by these pansy ass soldier blokes who called themselves ‘ The Initiative.’"

"Bloody hell!"

"Don’t be such a baby."

"Why does my bleedin’ head hurt? What did you do to me, witch?"

"Nothing." Willow looked away, focusing on the ceiling tiles. "Now. Let’s talk about dating me."

"I already am." He said deadpan. He did not want to talk about this.

"No, the other you is."

"In which case, I bloody well can’t."

"Would you stop? Don’t you want me?" She chastised.

"Desperately." He gave her a look that defined sin. She shivered. He winked.

"Stop that!" She scooted a little further away from him. "Listen. If you’re going to ever be with the other me, you have to understand a few things about me in particular and women in general."

"Bloody hell!" He stood and began to pace in front of her, his frustration showing. "There shouldn’t be a way to lecture about love. It should be about passion. Romance. There should not be a manual!"

"Oh, but there is." She smiled at his shocked expression, and with a wiggle of her fingers behind her back and a book appeared in them. It was a little spell she had made up for her and Buffy while in class. While it looked like a regular book and appeared to be complete from cover to cover, it was a book she could write through thought. When either she or Buffy concentrated on what they wanted to say, it would appear in the book and they could pass it back in forth in class. In this case, she could watch Spike 2 through a glowy sphere and think of the instructions she wanted him to follow. She tossed it in his lap.

Spike 2 held the book gingerly as if it were crawling with little nasties and read the cover. "Vampires Who Love Women . . .Who Hate Vampires. Cute, pet. But I don’t think so."

Alright fine. He wanted to be difficult. She could be difficult, too. She grinned and looked at him. He shrank back. He wasn’t sure what she meant to do, but the last time she had given him that look he had met up with the vamp side of her. "Luv?"

"But I suppose the real moment that I started to appreciate her was on Thanksgiving. You should’ve seen her with those ghost Indians. She was so brave. Hell, she was downright fierce." He leaned back in his chair, a smile coming to his face as he pictured the scene in his mind. "She grabbed this shovel and just started pounding on them." He stood up and held his hands in pantomime. He pretended to be hitting something with it. "Why. Won’t. You. Die!" He feigned several hard hits with the last word. Then settled back down in his seat. "It was bleedin’ fantastic, as good or better than any Slayer."

He’s so cute when he’s excited about something, even if it was about her ‘evil’ twin’s penchant for smacking demons with things. "You don’t say."

"I do!" He warmed to his story. "This one time, I was chasing her and her little friend down the hallway. She whacked this ninny I hired to work for me with a marble bust, nearly split his skull open." He frowned. "Guess I tried to kill her three times."

Willow 2 wasn’t sure how she felt about that, but she didn’t miss the unmistakable pride in his voice when he talked about the other her. "But she got away from you?"

"Actually, the Slayer showed up and ruined everything. . .as Slayers do."

" She does great stuff like that too. She’s not all ‘fighty’ though, got herself a tender heart, y’know. When I was tied up in the Watcher’s bathroom–"

Willow 2 turned green and put down her fork, lasagne forgotten. "I don’t think I want to hear this story." So help her, if those two had. . .ick. . .with Giles.

"It’s not that kind of story, pet." Spike said, grinning wickedly. "Though, if you’d like to hear about those I’m more than willing to oblige you. Could even give you a demo, if you’d like." He couldn’t resist teasing her.

"N-no." She’d almost said yes. "Continue." She waived her hand.

"Anyway, she was good to me when the Watcher had me tied up, because he wanted information, nothing else! She brought me blood, watched Passions with me."

He was almost like a regular man. A six foot tall charming man who seethed with sexuality. Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to date Spike 2, just maybe.

"Do you believe in fairy tales, Spike?"

"No." He crossed his arms. Where the bloody hell was this headed?

"Oh. Did you hear of one called The Frog Prince?"

"No." He couldn’t see where this is going.

"Well, this beautiful princess found this frog one day, he retrieved a gold ball that she had lost while playing near the well. He asked to eat off her plate and sleep beside her every night. She was very cruel to the frog, resenting his presence. But one day, she kissed him. Do you know what happens next?"

"She got a wart?"

"No, he turned into a prince."

"I see. That’s fascinating. Remind me to rent the Disney movie. This has sod all to do with me, though."

"Actually, its going to come true for you."

"You’re going to turn me into a bleedin; frog?!?!?" He yelped, backing away from her.

"Only for a few minutes, silly. Don’t get so upset."

"Upset! You’re gonna make me green and give me webbed feet!"

"You’ve got a point, Spike. I hate frogs." He breathed a sigh of relief. "How about a toad?"

"A toa–‘ribbit’." Spike 2 now sat at her feet, an enormous brown toad.

Willow smiled. "Now, let me explain this while I have a chance to do it uninterrupted. If you don’t follow my rules, I’m going to turn you into a toad for two minutes at a time." The toad hopped up and down and she thought she heard a ‘bloody hell’ when it croaked. She snapped her fingers.

Spike 2 looked down at his familiar black jeans and t shirt and heaved a sigh of relief. "You don’t play fair, luv." He gave her small smile, admiring her grit.

"And?"

"And I’ll do it."

"I’ll do it."

"You will?" Spike was elated. "You won’t regret this, luv. He’ll make you very happy."

"I’ll give him a shot, I guess."

"Don’t worry, now. Willow and I will keep an eye on you." He grabbed up her wrap and put it around her slender shoulders. Then, he placed a kiss on the top of her head. "Let’s get you home now."
 

~Part 14a~

"Now that is what I call a big screen, luv." Spike said, sitting back on the couch and putting his feet up on the coffee table.

"Knew you’d like it." She pushed his feet down and he gave her an unrepentant smile. She shrugged it off and settled into his arms to watch the enormous glowing screen of light that she had created. It was the size of a wide screen television and enabled them to view their counterparts in the other world.

They had arrived just a few hours ago back in their own dimension. Spike had hugged Willow 2 goodbye. Then, Willow had taken Willow 2 back to Giles and given him a lengthy explanation of the Hellmouthy events. She hadn’t escaped without a description of her Sunnydale and the differences in that world. She had advised Willow 2 to not let Giles know she was dating Spike 2. It would only anger the Watcher and bring out his Ripper side. Then, she’d had to debrief her counterpart on who and what Ripper was.

Before she’d left through the portal she created, she had written Spike 2 a few directions for the date. Spike 2 had given Spike a very male, back-slapping goodbye hug. Then, he had tried to get much more than kiss on the cheek from Willow before he left. Spike had promptly threatened to dust him. The other vampire had merely grinned and kissed Willow in a lingering way that made Spike vamp out. Luckily, she managed to get both of them through the portal before blood was shed.

"So, when does the show begin, luv?"

Back to the present. "Pretty soon. He’s supposed to have her over for a late supper."

"Go over the game plan with me one more time, pet."

"Essentially I gave him some guidelines for dating me in the book. I will write more as I see fit. When he disobeys, I’m going to toad him."

"Toad? Did you just say toad?" Spike gulped.

"Yes." She smiled at him. "Something wrong?"

"Bloody hell! You didn’t say a word about that before." He clenched his jaw. " You know how you feel about frogs?" She nodded. "I feel that way about toads. Gah!" He shivered. "How could you do that to me. . .er. . .him?"

"He isn’t afraid of them." She said defensively. Then she decided to press him for more information about this toad hang-up of his."Why don’t you tell me why they bother you so much?"

"‘Alright I’ll tell you even though you didn’t want to listen before. " She motioned for him to continue, there would be time for blame later. " Drusilla and I were in a swamp once. She said that we should hop around like a toad or some rot. I told her to shut her gob because toads don’t live in swamps but frogs do."

"That was rude."

"I know. Living with a crazy woman for over a century isn’t easy, pet. Sometimes, I got upset." He said simply. "I had a lot to be worried about too. We had also been run out of a small English hamlet by a really angry crowd."

"Why?"

"I ate a nun."

"Oh, Spike." She said with disapproval.

"I was hungry! And I had to do something while Drusilla was in the confessional."

"She went to confession?"

"All the bloody time." He chuckled. " That reminds me, Angelus and I used to play a game. We’d eat a priest then we’d take turns playing the priest for Drusilla and she’d confess to us. We’d come up with all sorts of ways–"

"That’s about enough of that." Willow said, feeling a little ill.

"Errr, right. That was the bad old days, I’m a changed vampire." He winked at her to let her know he wasn’t completely tame. " Anyway. . .I made fun of her a bit. Y’know how couples go on. I made fun of her sire and there may have been a comment about his parentage. Well, Dru got mad so she dug around in her warped memory and found a changing spell."

"A changing spell?"

"Yep, it made me into an animal of her choice slowly. It took me a week to turn into a gigantic toad. My voice deepened and I started to croak. I even started hopping. My skin roughened up and I began to. . . to. . .to crave flies."

"Eww!"

"You’re telling me! It took me nearly two months to convince her to turn me back. Do you know how hard it is to exist on insects and the occasional--"

"Please stop!" She took a deep breath. "No wonder you don’t like them."

He sighed. "It’s over now, but I don’t ever want be a toad again." He grinned at her. "I guess it made me feel better to talk about. Thank you, luv." He kissed the top of her head. He thought for a moment."But I can stand seeing him turn into one. Bloody sod deserves it for not treating her like the lady she is. And for hitting on you."

Willow gave him a pleased smile and sweet kiss on the mouth. Spike responded by pulling her closer, he pulled her on his lap and wrapped his arms around her. "Let’s watch, pet."

Spike 2 surveyed his handiwork. It was just as Willow had ordered. He’d had his minions drag a small cafe size table up to the balcony outside his bedroom. It overlooked the lush gardens below. A crisp white tablecloth lay on the wrought iron table. The place setting was Herringbone china which had come with his place. A red rose lay across each of their plates. Several chafing dishes sat on another large table in his room. They were filled with food that was still be warmed. A small refrigerator held their salads. Mozart played in the background on his stereo system. A silver bucket held a bottle of champagne. He lit two candelabras which were filled with ivory taper candles. Perfect.

"She’s here." Xander appeared in the doorway, he had been sent to collect Willow 2 from Giles’ house.

"I can see that. Get out." Spike 2 said, eyes devouring Willow 2. She wore a green dress that was very modest but flattering. It had a sweetheart neckline and came down to her knees. The slight breeze blowing from the balcony, made the skirt ripple around her.

"Spike." She acknowledged. Then, she pointedly turned to Xander. "Thank you for the ride, Xand. I’ll talk to you later." The young vampire backed out of the room.

"Alone at last." Spike 2 said. She was a vision.

"I can see that. Alone. We’re very alone." Her eyes strayed to the enormous bed in the corner. Spike 2 had ordered his minions to put new sheets on the bed and tidy up the room.

"Don’t worry, pet. I won’t hurt you." He gave her that silky smile of his that let her know that even if he did devour her, it might not be so terrible.

Willow 2 lifted her chin high. "I’m not afraid of you." In fact, she had a bottle of holy water in her purse and a big cross around her neck, though it was tucked under the neckline of her dress.

"I can see that." Spike 2 said smoothly. "Would you like some champagne?"

Willow smiled, delighted. "I’d like that." She’d always loved the crisp bubbly taste. Sometimes, she’d taken a few sips of it during her parent’s parties.

He popped the cork and poured them two glasses. "Shall we?" He offered his arm to her, mindful of Willow’s directions to be polite.

She did so and he walked her to the table. She let him pull the chair out for her. Willow 2 sat down and Spike could smell vanilla perfume she wore, it was warmed by her body. His hands tightened on the back of the chair. He wanted to press his mouth to her neck, inhale the scent from her skin. He closed his eyes, fighting the impulse. He should have fed before she came over, but he’d been too involved in his preparations.

"Would you like your salad?" Spike 2 offered solicitously.

"Yes, thank you." Willow 2 took another sip of champagne. He could be very gentlemanly when he chose. Maybe Willow hadn’t made such a mistake in choosing his counterpart for a boyfriend.

He set the chilled plate before her and filled her champagne glass. Then he sat down with his own plate of salad. Willow 2 took a forkful of the mixed greens which were coated in a light layer of homemade vinaigrette dressing. It was very good. "This is delicious."

"I’ll send your compliments to the chef." Actually, Spike 2 had asked a minion of his to turn a chef just for this meal. He mentally patted himself on the back. It had been worth all the effort.

After they finished their salads, Spike removed the roses from their plates, placing them on the table. Then he came back with sauteed sirloin steak tips with baked potatoes and crusty rolls. She noted that Spike’s meat was almost rare but chose to ignore it. They made small talk during the meal, mostly about England or music trends. They picked topics that were unlikely to be offensive to either one of them. The meal was truly delicious and the company was just as good. She felt herself relaxing in his presence, opening up to him.

Spike went to retrieve their desserts and a carafe filled with coffee. Everything was going so well, she was being herself around him. He’d even been able to coax a few laughs from her. It was time for the second phase of his plan.

The dessert was mocha cheesecake with a chocolate cookie crust. It was slathered in chocolate sauce and had red strawberries as a garnish. She was already full and she probably shouldn’t eat it. But she really wanted to. Willow 2 bit her lip, chocolate was her downfall. Spike 2 watched her carefully as she wrestled with temptation. She drug one ripe berry through the chocolate sauce. She held it suspended in the air for a moment, debating. He took an unnecessary breath as she placed it in her mouth and closed her eyes to relish the taste .

So, sometimes she gave in to her darker cravings. He felt like cheering or kissing the dab of chocolate from her rosebud mouth. Spike 2 eyed the book which was lying on his bed. Let’s see how far he could push this.

"This is boring, pet." Spike whined, arm still around her. She was laying against his side. "And now I’m hungry."

Willow ignored his complaints. "I’m amazed he’s behaving himself. I thought I was going to have to toad him several times."

Right now Spike didn’t really care. He wanted to get some food and then make love to Willow. He didn’t want to watch the Spike and Willow version of ‘Real World.’ "Yes, he’s a regular choir boy. Can we go now? Or do you want to watch them do the bloody dishes?"

"Spike!" She smacked his arm. "I have to keep an eye on her. Spike can’t be trusted."

"Hey!"

"Him, not you."

"Fine. We’ll watch. But if they don’t do something interesting soon, I’m taking you out of here. . .by force if necessary." He leered at her. She grinned back at him and then turned her attention to the screen.

"Is it good?" Spike 2 asked, his voice was husky. Her pleasure was evident on her face.

"Very." Willow 2 purred, lost in a chocolate rush. She absently licked the back of the fork and then speared another bite.

His eyes were heavy lidded. "It even feels good doesn’t it? Giving in. "

She closed her eyes, savoring the sensation. She hadn’t been a good girl at all tonight. Good girls don’t go out with vampires. Or eat decadent desserts three feet away from a man’s bed. She swallowed and then locked eyes with him. "Yes." A very different hunger lay in those blue depths. She cursed herself for responding to him.

He swallowed, standing up and moving around the table deliberately. He didn’t stop until he towered over her. "You want to give in, don’t you?"

"How did you. . .uh, no I don’t." Bad save, Willow! Why don’t you tell him you wore a matching panty and bra set and shaved your legs just in case?

"Give in, pet." He braced a hand against the back of her chair and the other on the table, she was now pinned in. "You won’t regret it."

"I-I don’t want to. I don’t want you."

"I see." He got closer to her, she could feel the coolness radiating from his body as he brushed his nose against her own. "If you don’t want me, then this shouldn’t bother you."

She took a deep breath, trying to calm down her rocketing pulse. "I-I don’t feel anything."

His tongue darted out to moisten his lips and her eyes were riveted there. "Then what if I–" He brought his mouth to the corner of hers and kissed her softly. "Do this."

"Spike!"

"What?"

"I can’t see." He had pounced on her just after Spike 2 had brought out dessert.

"Really? Well I can." Spike continued to lean over her, pinning her to the couch. "Come on, pet, we’ve got better things to do. I really don’t wanna see those two discuss merry old England one more time, do you?"

She shoved him and he reluctantly righted himself, sitting next to her. He looked at the screen. "Bloody hell! This is better than HBO."

"What the–"

". . .hell are you trying to do to me?" The words were whispered and weak. She was giving in to his sensual assault on her senses. The champagne that they had both consumed wasn’t helping either. She wasn’t drunk by any means but it allowed a warmth to settle into her muscles, allowed her to ease into his touch.

Spike feathered a series of kisses down her jaw line before he answered. "I’m trying to tempt you." He gathered her limp body up in his arms and placed her upon the bed. "I want you." He groaned as he settled over her. "Give yourself to me."

"I shouldn’t." She swallowed, trying to ignore how good his body felt pressed to hers.

"Don’t worry about what you should do. What do you want to do?"

"I don’t even know." She breathed.

"So innocent. Why don’t I tell you about what I want." Spike 2 pressed his mouth to her neck, inhaling her scent. He felt himself harden. "I want you -- body, mind, heart, and soul. I want to be your world, I won’t settle for anything less. I want to be your lover. Your friend. Your everything."

She didn’t know what to say, what to do. She couldn’t deny it any longer. She wanted Spike. With hardly any effort, she could fall for him. Just like that other Willow had done for that other Spike. What if they were really meant to be together?

She was giving in. He could see it in her eyes. She would be his, be by his side for eternity. He captured his mouth with his own, it was hard and demanding. She responded without hesitation. Willow 2 closed her eyes and brought her hands up to run through his tousled hair. He released her mouth, continuing to lay over her. "I love you, Willow Rosenberg."

"I-"

"Croak" Suddenly there was no spike. Only a big brown toad on her abdomen. She shrieked. The toad croaked. She jumped up, sending it to the floor where it commenced to hop up and down about two foot off the ground. It was croaking furiously, and Willow 2 swore she heard expletives coming from its mouth. This was too much. She’d almost lost her virginity and gods know what else to a vampire who had just morphed into a toad. "Never go out on a date when you live on the Hellmouth!" She cried, running from the room. Luckily, she met Xander out in the hall who offered to take her back home.

"You ruined a soddin’ beautiful moment, Red."

"He was trying to force himself on her!"

"Oh yeah, she looked like she was having an awful time. Yup. Uh-huh."

"Men!" She shook her head. She gestured to the screen letting Spike 2 resume his normal appearance.

"Are you happy?" Spike 2 growled. Willow assumed he was ranting at her. He was kicking trash cans and bed posts in order to vent his fury. "Leave me alone! My love life is none of your bleedin’ business!"

"He has a point, Willow." Spike admonished. "Let the two of them work it out. You’re other self is a smart gel, she won’t let that bloke boss her around. You and I worked out alright, didn’t we?"

"I suppose so." Willow murmured thoughtfully. She was feeling a little bad. Her other self was an intelligent young woman, she could make her own decisions.

" I know so." Spike gathered up the two magickal texts that were laying on the coffee table. "I’m going to put this away for safe keeping. We’re going to let them take this at their own pace, alright?"

"Alright."

Spike disappeared into the other room, presumably to hide the books. He returned with a devilish smile. "No more casting spells in another world for just now. But I do have a couple of other things you could do."

"Really? Like what?"

"Feel like role playing?"

"I guess so." She blushed a becoming shade of red.

Willow lay on her bed, she tried to look sad and angsty but she felt excited, like her nerve endings were sizzling. A knock sounded on the door. "Come in."

Spike walked in. He looked around the room curiously and then at her. His eyes brushed over her entire body.

"Spike!" She squeaked as she hastily stood up. "What do you w-want? A spell? I can do that."

"No." His tongue rimmed his lips. "I didn’t come for a spell." He slid his duster off his shoulders and then took off his outer shirt. He got closer to her, like a panther stalking his prey.

"Then what did you come for? " She murmured.

"You." She gasped at his words and his actions. He stripped off his t-shirt. His chest was muscled and smoothed, like a marble statue. Then he unbuckled his belt.

"I-I’ll scream!" She threatened.

Spike’s nostrils flared. "I know you’re a screamer." Then, Spike seized her and crushed her body to his own. "I’ve been dreaming of this since I held you hostage at the factory." He muttered.

"You have?" Willow felt a rush of desire flow through her. He wasn’t roleplaying this portion. They had both thought about this the night he had come to her dorm room.

In answer he kissed her savagely and toppled her body to the mattress. She’d never seen him so uncontrolled, so primal. He ripped at her shirt, sending buttons flying. Then he roughly pulled her jeans down, he didn’t hurt her but he wasn’t the gentle tender lover that she’d been with before. It was arousing.

He shucked off his jeans, and his erection sprang free. It was impossibly hard. She moaned and lifted her hips up to him. With a cry, he sheathed himself inside her, no preliminaries. It was a wild coupling, they couldn’t wait any more for foreplay. Spike’s mouth twisted into an animal like snarl as he thrust hard inside her. At each stroke he gave a small groan. He slid a hand between their bodies and manipulated her clitoris, sending her into orgasm. He soon followed, collapsing on top of her with a cry.

"Red?"

"Yes?" She said, sleepily.

"I should have done this last year when I came to your dorm."

"Yes, you should have." Willow said, feathering kisses along his neck. She giggled and playfully nipped his neck. "But can you imagine what the Initiative soldiers would have thought?"

"They could stand a few pointers." They both laughed. Then, Spike brought her hand to his mouth and kissed her finger tips. "I love you."

"I love you, too."

Two weeks had passed. Willow kept her promise and hadn’t spied on them. It was killing her! She was often tempted to look in on them but Spike would catch with her that guilty smile on her face. Or she would stop herself at the last minute.

She just had to know how the were getting on, she didn’t want the other Willow to be lonely. Spike was the vampire for her if she would only admit it. She grinned, glad that she had found her way to Spike eventually. They were meant for each other. She didn’t know why she hadn’t seen it before meeting his other self. For the most part, their lives were wonderful. Well, except for living on the Hellmouth.

The only stumbling block they had come across so far was his wish to sire her. He didn’t want to lose her and he often asked her if she would let him. He knew that she could temporarily deactivate the chip but Willow wasn’t willing to be a demon. Giving her a soul wouldn’t work either, than she and Spike couldn’t ever make love again. But they had time to figure this out, she was still young. There were other things that were possible -- spells, darker magicks.

Willow shook of her melancholy thoughts. Time to worry about other Spike and Willow. Surely, a little sneak peak wouldn’t hurt.

In the other world. . .

Spike stood on Giles’ doorstep. He felt like a ninny, bringing chocolates and roses, taking her home to a bleedin’ Watcher’s house. Least I’m not composing poems for her. Why the hell am I doing this? Then Willow stepped into his arms and laid her head on his shoulder. Oh, yeah, that’s why. Because the thought of being without her makes you want to take a stroll in the sun, you bloody poof. "Goodnight, Red." He murmured, inhaling the sweet scent of strawberries that seemed to cling to her form.

"Goodnight, Spike." She turned her mouth up for his kiss, just like she’d done for the past six dates. It never ceased to amaze him, that she would trust him. Let him kiss her and touch her, monster that he was. Wooing wasn’t easy but she was well worth the effort it took. He’d do anything for her. His lips gently pressed down on hers, savoring the softness of her mouth. She leaned into him, unconsciously. Her pale hands slid around his waist and stroked the muscles of his back, kneading his shoulder blades. He bit back a groan.

Willow felt almost boneless. She wondered if he knew the effect he had on her. One little kiss and she turned into this mindless pool of nerves. When she was with him, all she could do was feel, no thinking was even possible. She was starting to obsess about him. Little things. Like the way he moved his mouth when he spoke. She noticed that he sometimes sucked in his cheeks when he was staring at her, it made his cheekbones sharper and more prominent. Goddess help her, she wanted to trace them with her fingers, know them with her mouth.

He released her, finally. It was getting harder and harder to part at night. He wanted her to come home with him, let him show her with his body how he felt about her. But she wasn’t ready. Not yet. She seemed stunned, standing there watching him with a perplexed expression. He couldn’t help the pleased smile that twisted his mouth as he said. " Pay attention. You need to get inside, luv." She seemed to snap out of it and nodded, flushing a fetching shade of red. He opened the door and she stepped inside, he closed the door and whistled as he walked back to his own digs. Soon, very soon she’ll be mine.

Just as he cut through the park, his stomach began growling. That other Willow had taken his ability to feed. But it had gotten him his Willow, so it was one thing that he was willing to overlook. Willow meant more to him than any amount of pleasure he got from blood ever would.

It wasn’t the only change he had made for his Willow. He’d ordered his minions to refrain from killing. They still hunted and fed on humans, but there was a no killing order. That had been difficult. He’d had to stake several of them before they started towing the line. He’d almost made friends with the Watcher. If you could call it that, Rupert Giles still had no use for vampires but he appreciated the no killing order as well as some information on the local demon population that Spike had provided. He shook his head, never imagining that he’d be helping a Watcher or dating a witch. Unlife is funny sometimes.

Looking around, Spike noticed a young woman sitting on a park bench, clutching her knee. His mouth watered as he noted the small crimson river flowing from her wound. She also had several wounds on her arm, though they didn’t have much blood. Such a pity. He eyed her hungrily as he stalked towards her. "Havin’ some trouble, ducks?" He noted the skates at her feet. He shook his head in disgust. Humans. Only they would strap wheels to their feet and then try to roll around on hard concrete surfaces.

The dark haired young woman blushed. "Uh, no. Not really, only a scrape."

"Are you sure? That might need some bandaging." He sat down next to her and put his arm around the back of the bench.

"Oh, uh. I don’t think so." She thought something was amiss. She was right. Spike grinned as he used his fist to knock her unconscious. He growled as the pain sliced through his skull. "Bloody hell!" He looked heavenward, feeling the other Willow’s presence again. "I know what you did to me, witch. But I found away around your chip! I still feed on humans, I just can’t kill them anymore!" He lowered his head to his victim’s knee and began to lap up the blood as if in defiance.

Back in our Sunnydale. . .

Willow stomped her foot. How dare he? He should surrender to his own fate and find an animal blood supplier like her Spike had done. Than she looked at him once more, bathed in the light of her view sphere and started to laugh. No one could keep Spike down it seemed. Maybe she should tell Willow about the spell to numb his chip pain. Nah, not yet. He needs to get adjusted to not killing humans first.

At least those two were getting along. She was wondering if she’d have to cast a love spell or something.

"Hey, bit, come here for a second."

Dawn walked over to where Spike sat on the bier in his crypt. "What?"

"I have something to show you and you have to promise not to tell."

"Depends on what it is."

"A ring."

"Ooh. I bet I know who its for." Dawn grinned at him.

"Caught me, it’s for Red." He produced the ring, tugging it out of his tight jeans pocket. "What do you think?"

"It’s beautiful!" She exclaimed, stroking the black velvet box as she gazed at the ring. It was a ruby set between two emeralds. "Uh, Spike, where did you get the–"

"The cash to pay for it?" He vamped out. "You could say I got a discount from the shop keeper. He’d been in Sunny D long enough to know what was what, didn’t have to explain what I am. Other than that, a very stupid blighter though. Didn’t even know how special this was." He took the ring box back from her.

She looked at him, wide-eyed for a moment before she burst into helpless laughter. "You’re terrible."

"Thank you." He beamed. "Compliments will get you everywhere."

"What do you mean ‘special?’"

He gave her a crafty look. "This ring gives life. Eternal life." It was yet another thing to like about Dawn. As The Key should would be around forever, the magickal energy would preserve her body. He would never lose Willow or Dawn. That thought

made him very happy.

"Eternal life?" She breathed. Then she thought a moment. "It won’t hurt Willow, will it?" She was very afraid of losing more people from her life. She wanted to keep everyone she had.

"Of course not, pidge, I plan on her being around a very long time. This ring’s called the Vaexian Gem. It grants eternal life to it’s owner, no side effects like bumpy foreheads and the need for blood." He said proudly, knowing he wouldn’t lose his Willow to a demon who took over her body. "It’ll protect her. Once it’s on her finger, it magically seals to her, coming off only when she wills it so."

She hugged him, happy that he was happy. "She’s going to say yes, you know."

"You really think so?" He knew she loved him but he couldn’t’ help but be a bit apprehensive. Always afraid that he wouldn’t be chosen.

"I know she will." She stroked the leather lapel of his jacket. "You’re so handsome and cool and–" She broke off when she felt a blush stain her cheeks.

"Do go on, nibblet. What else?"

"Nothing. I was just being nice."

"Uh huh." He smiled, pleased by her school girl crush on him. He loved her as a baby sister but he still felt proud that he was crush-worthy. Yeah, he was still the Big Bad. "Am I cuter than Angel?"

She grinned impishly. "I wouldn’t go that far."

He growled and seized her in a bear hug, holding her squirming and giggling form in the air. "You were saying?"

"You’re the cutest! I promise!"

"Better than Xander?"

"Way better! Much better taste in clothes too."

He let her go. "Like I said, compliments will get you everywhere."

"Will it get me a cappuccino from the Espresso Pump?"

He snarled playfully, still in vamp face. "Absolutely, pidge. It’ll have to be to go though doubt they’ll let us stay after I threaten him. I could go for a mocha right about now anyway." He took her by the arm and escorted her out to his ride.

"So, bit, I have something to ask you."

She took a sip of her coffee as they sat in his car. "Ask away." Why did he look so pensive? Then she thought about the ring and couldn’t’ resist the opportunity to tease him. "Wait a second, if your going to ask me to marry you if Willow says ‘no’, you should know that there are laws against that. And I just have two words for you. Jail bait."

Spike threw his head back and laughed. When he calmed down he took her hand in his. "Nah, bit, I love you. But not that way. I’ll leave the cradle robbing to Angel." She giggled and he turned mock serious. "If he ever asks you to go anywhere with him, just say ‘no’, okay? Actually, say ‘no’ to everything he asks of you -- training, going to the movies, or doing that poofy Tai Chi. Say no to Angel! There should be a bloody public service campaign about that."

She rolled her eyes. "What did you really want to ask me?"

"Will you stand up for me?"

"You mean, like, in a fight?"

He chuckled and then tried to appear oh-so-casual. "At the alter, when I marry Willow. I’d like you to be my best man."

"Spike. . .I’m not a man. Or a woman. Not yet, at least."

"I know. But the only bloody men I know to take that roll are Giles, Xander, or. . .Angel." The last word was forced out. "I don’t like any of those wankers near as much as I like you."

She looked down, a little hurt."I’m your, what, fourth choice?"

"Only by gender, bit. I was trying to this properly, I’m a man so I get a man for the job." He thought a moment."But then I thought about me being a vampire marrying a witch on the Hellmouth. All bets are off, y’know?" She nodded. "Besides, I know Red will ask Xander, so he’ll be in the ceremony anyway. I’ll be damned if I know why she puts up with that boy." He chucked her under the chin. "You’re my first real choice. Other than Red, you’re the only thing I like about Sunnydale." He tilted his head to side. " Say you’ll do it. Be my best pidge."

She laughed."Alright, I’ll do it. But is that my official title?"

He grinned again. "No, I don’t suppose that would work. Friend of the Groom? The Groom’s Other Best Girl?"

"The Key to the Ceremony?"

"The Little Bad?"

They downed their coffees and continued to make up bad titles for her part of the ceremony.

In the other world. . .

Willow looked around the Bronze as she made her way to the table Spike was saving for them. "Sorry, I’m late. I had to meet Giles for some magick training. I think he’s try to turn me in to Willow the Witchy Slayer."

"Huh? Not following you there, pet."

"Giles doesn’t have a Slayer and I think he’s thrilled to have someone to train again. He wants me to use my magickal abilities to fight demons."

Spike smiled. "If you need weapons training, I’m willing to oblige you, ducks." His eyes promised that there would be lots of ‘accidental’ body contact during those bouts.

"I might take you up on that offer." Willow looked at the dance floor and writhing teenage bodies on it. She saw Xander dancing with a young woman. She knew that the brunette would only suffer a ‘really gross hickey’ in valley girl speak. It was amazing but she and Xander had reformed their friendship. It was as strong as ever now.

"What are you thinking about, pet?"

"Xander."

"That tosser?" He gestured to him "You’re thinking about him, when you’re sitting this close to me?"

Provoking his jealousy was somewhat fun but she decided to put him out of his misery. "You’re all I think about." His eyes flared with a dark hunger. "Would you dance with me?"

"Absolutely." Spike stood up instantly and offered her his hand to lead her to the dance floor. They seemed to meld into each other as they began to sway to the music. The song was soft and seductive and it seemed to work its own magick on their bodies as well as their hearts and minds. Spike swung her around and brought her back to rest against his chest, he lowered his nose into her fragrant hair and clutched her waist as they continued to move together as one.

In our Sunnydale. . .

"So, bit, I have something to ask you."

She took a sip of her coffee as they sat in his car. "Ask away." Why did he look so pensive? Then she thought about the ring and couldn’t’ resist the opportunity to tease him. "Wait a second, if your going to ask me to marry you if Willow says ‘no’, you should know that there are laws against that. And I just have two words for you. Jail bait."

Spike threw his head back and laughed. When he calmed down he took her hand in his. "Nah, bit, I love you. But not that way. I’ll leave the cradle robbing to Angel." She giggled and he turned mock serious. "If he ever asks you to go anywhere with him, just say ‘no’, okay? Actually, say ‘no’ to everything he asks of you -- training, going to the movies, or doing that poofy Tai Chi. Say no to Angel! There should be a bloody public service campaign about that."

She rolled her eyes. "What did you really want to ask me?"

"Will you stand up for me?"

"You mean, like, in a fight?"

He chuckled and then tried to appear oh-so-casual. "At the alter, when I marry Willow. I’d like you to be my best man."

"Spike. . .I’m not a man. Or a woman. Not yet, at least."

"I know. But the only bloody men I know to take that roll are Giles, Xander, or. . .Angel." The last word was forced out. "I don’t like any of those wankers near as much as I like you."

She looked down, a little hurt."I’m your, what, fourth choice?"

"Only by gender, bit. I was trying to this properly, I’m a man so I have to get a man for the job." He thought a moment."But then I thought about me being a vampire fighting the good fight and marrying a witch on the Hellmouth. All bets are off, y’know?" She nodded. "Besides, I know Red will ask Xander, so he’ll be in the ceremony anyway. I’ll be damned if I know why she puts up with that boy." He chucked Dawn under the chin. "You’re my first real choice. Other than Red, you’re the only thing I like about Sunnydale. Well, that and the flowering onions they make at the Bronze." He tilted his head to side, serious again. " Say you’ll do it. Be my best pidge."

She laughed."Alright, I’ll do it. But is that my official title?"

He grinned again. "No, I don’t suppose that would work. Friend of the Groom? The Groom’s Other Best Girl?"

"The Key to the Ceremony?"

"The Little Bad?"

They downed their coffees and continued to make up bad titles for her part of the ceremony.

Willow walked in the door of her parent’s house. "Hello? Spike?"

An arm snaked around her waist and a blind fold was placed gently over her eyes. "It’s me, pet."

She couldn’t keep the excitement out of her voice. "What are you doing?"

"It’s a surprise." He led her to the couch and sat her down upon it. "I’m going to give you some presents and you have to guess what they are by touch. Are you game, Red?"

"Yes." She beamed. "I love surprises."

"I hope so." He muttered. But he produced his first gift and placed her fingers on it.

"Velvety. " She rubbed her fingers together. "A flower?"

"Good! Yes it is, luv. But what kind?"

She brought her fingers to her nose. "Roses!"

"You’re right. Next gift."

He handed her a gift bag and placed her hands on the layers of tissue paper. She pulled those away nimbly. Her hands rested on a satiny cloud of fabric. "A nightgown?"

"You guessed right. What color do you think it is?"

"Easy. You like me in red."

"Caught me." Then he placed the velvet box in her hand. "But can you guess what this is?"

Willow’s hand trembled as she lifted the lid, she listened to the soft squeak it gave as it opened. She could feel the cool fire of the gemstones with her fingers. "Oh, Spike–"

He whisked off the blindfold and when she looked at him he knelt at her feet. "I love you, Willow Rosenberg. I want to be with you for all of eternity."

"Oh, Spike." She whispered brokenly. "I want that too, but I can’t be a dem–"

"I won’t turn you, luv." He took the ring out of the box. "This stone makes you immortal."

She looked at it carefully. "I know this one. I ran across it while researching. How did you. . .when did you? I just--"

"Never mind that, pet. I love you. Will you marry me?"

"Yes!" He gave her a smile filled with such disbelieving joy she fell into his arms and kissed every available inch of skin. When they finally pulled apart, he slipped the ring on her finger. There was a crackle of electricity and a flash of light, now it was magickally fused to her finger.

"Forever." Spike murmured as he ran his finger along the band.

"Forever."

"It feels like I’ve wanted you forever." He ground out against her mouth. They had driven to his house from the Bronze in a hurry.

She couldn’t even answer him as she struggled to get closer to him. She couldn’t get close enough it seemed. She wanted to be a part of him, never be separated from him again. Spike swept her up in his arms and ascended the grande stair case.

Willow blushed, clinging to him as he raced down the hall. He flung open the door to his bedroom and kicked it shut behind him. She couldn’t believe how animalistic and uncontrolled he was.

Spike set her down on his bed, his nostrils flared and he was panting. "I want you, Willow."

"I want you too." It was important for him to here the words. " I think I might be in love with you."

"I know I’m in love with you." He sank down at her feet and pressed a reverent kiss to her hand.

"Show me." She said, aching to feel his hands on her body.

Spike dove for her shoes, taking them off and her socks as well. He wanted to do this right. He needed to get himself under control. He didn’t want to give her any reason to back away from him or their relationship.

"Uh, Spike."

Oh no. If he could have held his breath, he would have. He feared the worst. "Yes, pet?"

"You won’t turn into a toad again, will you?"

He chuckled, sliding a hand over her skirt. "No, I guarantee it. I already told you that was your other self, having a fun time with me."

"Okay."

He smiled again to reassure her before he reached for her skirt. He slid it down her hips, enjoying the pale flesh that it revealed. A tiny triangle of red silk shielded her womanhood from his view. "Beautiful." He crooned. His hands then found their way to her shirt. He unbuttoned it carefully even though his hands were quaking. He spread it apart and bent his mouth to rest against her navel.

Spike’s tongue traced a moist circle around it and then up her body. He paused over her breasts, brushing them with the back of his knuckles through the fabric. Then he undid the clasp and took the soft mound in his hands.

Willow undulated against him as he played her body like a fine instrument. He knew just where to touch. Or taste. She cried out as his cool lips worried a nipple. Then his fingers slid to other nipple to give it attention as well. When he had her reduced to bundle of nerves he seized her mouth once more. He branded her with his mouth, his hands. She wanted no other.

"Please, Spike." She finally called out. She needed him to ease this unbearable ache from within.

He smiled against her mouth before sliding a sly hand between her legs. His fingers pressed the silk inside her, teasing her honied sex with practiced movements. His fingers plucked at her clitoris. He wanted her mindless and quivering with need. Needing him. He wrenched the silk from her body with a hard tug.

"Please." She gasped out.

He knew that he could reach between her legs, give her an orgasm that way. He was selfish though, he wanted to be inside her when she had her first bout of pleasure. He stood up abruptly.

"No, don’t go." She moaned, squeezing her legs together.

"I’m not going anywhere, luv." He made short work of his t-shirt and his jeans. They lay on the floor in a heap. He wore a pair of black briefs. Spike slowly lowered them, giving Willow her first complete view of a naked man. "I wanted to take this slow, pet, but I can’t. I need to be inside you. "

"I was hoping you’d say that." She said with a small smile. Willow parted her legs and he leaped on the bed. He thrust inside her then, filling her to the brim. She cried out at the lost of her virginity and the feel of him, cool and strong between her legs. He looked down at her and she nodded her assurance. Soon, that painful pleasure was gone. All she felt was fullness and power as he stroked her from within in the most intimate of ways.

Willow shut her eyes, wrapping her arms around him. She felt like she was on fire, she was flushed and her breath came out in little moans. She moved against, seeking a union that would come eventually. That’s when it hit her, a flash of pleasure so intense that she had to close her eyes. She keened and screamed out his name as it rushed through her body.

He followed soon after, crying out her name as well.

Afterward, she lay with her head on his chest. They were peaceful, as if they had both come home. The place they were supposed to be.

"I love you, Spike."

"I love you too, Willow."

"We should have done this a long time ago."

"Probably. But I’m not complaining. Are you?"

"Nope." She pressed a kiss to his chest and gave him an impish look. "Can we do it again?"

"I was hoping you’d say that."

Back in the other Sunnydale. . .

Spike lay next to Willow in bed. He was spooned up against her, smoking a cigarette. "Those to finally got together, eh?"

"Yep. I’m sorry. I couldn’t resist snooping."

"It’s fine with me, Red. I just wanted them to get together." He nuzzled her neck. "Are we going to tell him about the ring? And tell her how to make the chip pain go away?"

"Eventually. I don’t want to push them." She traced a pattern on the back of his hand. "Actually, I have a new project now."

Spike tensed. "What did you do now?"

"I found a Spike for VampWillow."

"Willow!"

"She was lonely!"

"Well, alright, I guess. She was kind of lonely. But doesn’t that Spike already have a Willow?"

"No, she was killed by Darla in his world. This one has never even met her." She bit her lip. "Actually, I have others to think about as well." She ticked them off on her fingers. "There’s the world where you were never vamped. I thought I’d pair William up with the Willow that’s living in the world where Spike was killed on Parent-Teacher night. Then there’s the one where Spike was given a soul and--"

"Let’s take a look-see at VampWillow and the Willow-less Spike, alright? We’ll worry about the rest later." Spike wouldn’t wish the horror of living without Willow on any Spike but he was still leery of this new venture.

Willow knew he’d eventually cave in. She raised up on an elbow and gestured for a view screen to appear. She rested back against him, cradled in the arms of the vampire she loved. His kissed the top of her head and together they watched the scene unfold.

VampWillow lay sprawled on her wrought iron bed. She stroked the red satin sheets idly. This place could be so boring sometimes. She rolled over, and heard a distant scream in the night. That’s nice. She gave a small smile which quickly turned to a frown. It’d be nicer if I were making someone scream though.

"What the bleedin’ hell is going on?"

VampWillow whirled to see William the Bloody standing over her bed with a perplexed look on his face. A wicked smile spread across her seemingly angelic features. "Puppy."

"Puppy?" He glanced around his feet. "Where?"

"No, silly. You’re my new puppy."

"Is that what you brought me here for, you bloody bint?" Spike snarled, his demonic features coming to the fore. He’d had enough of women using him.

VampWillow squealed with delight. "Want me to make you scream?" She looked at him from under her eyelashes.

Spike took stock of the situation and scantily clad vampire before him. There were worse fates in life. He had a feeling that she would never bore him, or leave him like some faithless women he knew. She was a real beauty too. Unlife hadn’t been the same since Drusilla left, maybe she could make it better. "What have you got in mind, pet?"

"My name’s Willow." He nodded. She crawled to the edge of the bed giving him an enticing view of all her charms and opened a cedar chest full of ‘vampire toys’. Whips, chains, more leather than he’d ever seen before, and even some things he wasn’t even sure how to use. "Take your pick, puppy."

Spike grinned before he reached over and yanked her up and into his arms. "First of all, pet, my name is Spike. Don’t forget it. Ever." He kissed her hard on the mouth, just the way she liked. He pulled away from her. "Second, you can make scream but I get the same opportunity with you." He ran a thumb over her swollen lips. "What do you say?"

"Yes, Spike." She kissed him again and they fell to the bed in a frenzy. VampWillow ran her fingers through his short spiky hair. They were going to have a wonderful Unlife together. She gave up a silent thanks to her human counterpart and then lost herself in her very own Spike’s kiss.

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