GOING ONCE (31/?)
 

Willow entered the room behind Maurice and gasped, her eyes wide as she
looked around. They were outside, the moon high above. In front of her were
rows and rows of tall hedges. She couldn't see the other side. "Jesus."
 

"Wonderful, isn't it?" Maurice said, proud of his creation. "It's my
labyrinth, my maze. I add little more every few months. It's massive, I know,
but it was created by magic and is well hidden from prying eyes."
 

"We have to get through that to win?" Spike asked, making a face. He'd had no
idea the maze was quite so elaborate. He had assumed that it would be a nice
little adventure for Willow but it looked like an impossible game.
 

"It's actually not that difficult," Maurice said, stressing the word that.
"Of course, I have set up obstacles to overcome along with finding the
correct path, but none are dangerous. It will take the two of you working
together to succeed, so push aside any differences that may exist between the
two of you."
 

"Differences?" Willow said, wondering if secret love and a desire to jump
Spike's bones would constitute a difference.
 

"We're friends, mate. No differences at all," Spike said, wishing he could be
so certain. After last night, he no longer truly believed his own words.
 

"It's nearly midnight," Willow said, looking at her watch. "How long does it
usually take to make it through the maze?"
 

"The quickest has been twelve hours," Maurice said, thinking back. "The
longest several days."
 

"Fuck, I can't be out here past dawn," Spike said, scowling.
 

"I have thought of that," Maurice said. "Many of my clients have the same
'sun problem' as you. Hence the dome."
 

Willow looked and was able to see the dome he was speaking about, "It keeps
the sunlight out?"
 

"No. The light can come in, but the rays are reflected. There shall be
sunlight in the morning, but no poofy mess of dust for our friend here,"
Maurice said with a smile.
 

"You mean, I'll be able to be in the sun and not be at risk?" Spike asked,
his eyes widening as he imagined being able to make love with Willow in the
sunlight, even one time. Cock hardening at the idea, he moved closer to the
maze. "When do we start?"
 

"I've yet to lose one of my clients over the past fifty years so I'm pretty
certain that the dome works. With the aid of magic, anything is possible,
no?" Maurice said, winking at a stunned Willow.
 

"He'll be able to be in the sun?" Willow asked softly, wondering what he
looked like bathed in the sun's rays. Buffy had fought him in the sun, but
hadn't paid any attention to the details of his appearance. Willow smiled,
knowing how excited he must be for this chance. She looked at Maurice and
repeated Spike's question, "When do we start?"
 

"The entrance is there. Remember that you must both stay together to complete
the game successfully. Other than that, enjoy your adventure," Maurice said,
smiling as they both started to move towards the entrance. He waited until
they had entered before turning and going back into the house.