END OF INNOCENCE (17/?)
 

Willow paused at the door, glancing at Xander. She smiled as she saw the look
in his eyes. Her pretty boy was hungry, so very hungry for the darkness. She
moved her hand over his face causing him to look at her. It had been nearly
seven weeks since she had died. At times, it seemed so much less. She could
still remember living, being warm and alive. Spike told her that in time she
would forget, that her memories would become distant and seem only like a
dream. She rather looked forward to that day. Memories were something that
held no interest to her. Not those memories at least. She was making new
memories though. Each day she had more moments to cherish and treasure. Those
memories, her demon would keep safe. Looking at Xander, she thought of the
only human memories worth keeping. All of them were of him, of their
friendship. Those she would be sad to lose. Even her demon enjoyed reliving
those images. Soon, they would be gone. Replaced by the new memories.
Memories of her lovely boy with darkness in his eyes and blood on his face.
So pretty.
 

"What?" Xander asked, squirming slightly under the intensity of her look.
 

"You're mine," Willow said, moving her fingers over his face. She watched him
smile, the goofy grin a contradiction to the seriousness of her statement.
She moved her hand down to grip his chin, watching as his eyes widened at the
slight pain, "Do you understand?"
 

"Yes," he said, relaxing as she loosened her grip. He glanced at the door,
knowing that Riley was behind it. He couldn't control the eagerness he felt,
the need to hear that bastard scream. He knew he should be worried about
those thoughts, but he had started to get used to them. They were a part of
him. Besides, Willow wanted him despite those urges. She wanted him.
 

"Good," she smiled as she kissed him roughly. "Now, I'm playing a little game
with Riley. Do you promise to play nice?"
 

"Nice?" Xander laughed softly, "I'm always nice, Wills."
 

"But not too nice," she ammended with a smile. She took a step back, "Follow
my lead, baby. You sure you want to play? It can get a bit...nasty."
 

"I want to play," Xander hissed, blaming Riley for everything that had gone
wrong in his life. He knew it wasn't the boy's fault, but to Xander Riley
signaled the downfall for the entire group. He wanted Riley to pay.
 

Willow nodded, "I knew that." She leaned forward again, moving her mouth to
his ear, "His screams are delicious. So loud, so full of fear."
 

"Are they?" he whispered, watching as she moved back and nodded.
 

"Oh yeah," she smiled, saying the words needed to start the game. Before
Xander's eyes, her face seemed to change.
 

"Oh my God," Xander whispered as she winked at him.
 

Willow laughed, moving to open the door. She tossed her head, the illusion of
blonde hair shimmering as Buffy's face smiled, "Let the games begin."

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