~Part One~

Willow looked up and sighed. She knew he was watching her silently from the other side of the room. He thought he was being clever, yeah right.

She was sitting in the Magic Box for a routine scooby meeting. They had just finished a catch up on what was dead and who wasn't. She looked around the shop fondly, Buffy was there with Dawn and Anya was sitting on Xanders lap. Giles was fussing around in the kitchen and Spike was standing in the shadows, staring at her, again. Willow didn't know why, he just did.

It was hard for her after Tara left. With Tara she had always felt whole and complete and now there seemed just to be some sort of emptiness. It was getting easier though. She no longer cried and her heart was starting to heal. Ever since Tara said she had to leave without giving reason, Willow had been shattered but now she was slowly coming back into one piece. She understood now why Tara had to leave even if she didn't know the reason. There was just something in there relationship that was missing. Tara just noticed it first and had left in order to save Willows heart from eventually being broken much worse than it would with just her leaving.

Willow had been so caught up in her thoughts of Tara she got a shock when Anya broke the silence.

"Ah, are we finished here? Cos I want Xander to give me an orgasm and we cant do it here." Xander blushed at his girlfriends' words and whispered, "Ah honey, didn't we talk about speaking like that?"

"Yes but I still want an orgasm" Dawn giggled and Buffy put her hands over her ears.

"Yes go on. Get out of here" Buffy smiled at her friends as they got up to leave. She was glad Giles was in the kitchen.

"Well we had better get going too, You've got school tomorrow Dawny." Dawn pulled a face but got up anyway. "Want to walk with us Will?"

Willow looked up from her lap top and chanced a glance at Spike. He looked away quickly. Willow smiled and said, "No thanks, I'll walk home by myself" She had a sneaking suspicion something was going on with Spike and tonight she intended to find out.
 

~Part Two~

Giles walked in and looked around surprised to find the shop suddenly deserted.

"Ah Willow, Where did everyone go?"

"Home to sleep or have orgasms" Willow giggled at the stunned look on Giles's face. Every so often she liked to shock them with a little out of shellyness.

Spike was still lurking in the shadows and she didn't miss the amused smirk on his face. She gave him a follow my lead look and said to Giles.

"Well I think I'll go do the same." Giles cocked an eyebrow but didn't say anything. Spike then casually walked over to Willow and put an arm round her. "I might be able to help with that" He smirked.

"Thanks Spike, That would be great I'm really not in the mood for DIY tonight." She picked up her laptop and with Spikes arm still firmly around her shoulders walked out of the shop leaving a very stunned Giles behind.

As soon as they were out of ear shot the two burst into hysterical laughter. "Did you see his face!" Willow gasped when she got her breath back, "It was a classic!"

Spike smiled and said "Sure did love, I didn't know you were such a little devil!"

"Well I have my moments."

In the silence that followed they both suddenly realised spike's arm was still around Willows shoulders.

*Oh Goddess, why is his arm still there? Hey what am I talking about I have a gorgeous vampire with his arm around me, what am I complaining for? Hang on Vampire! Oh Goddess*

Similar thoughts were whizzing around Spikes brain.

#Oh shit this is it. She is so gonna stake me now, and me without my teeth. Hang on she's not moving away but maybe she just hasn't noticed yet. Ok slowly pull away, just pretend that nothing is wrong. What the hell am I talking about I want my arm to stay there, oh shit. #

They walked on still laughing slightly, neither one wanting to pull away first. Finally Spike gathered his nerve and pulled away. Willow looked over at him with a questioning look on her face. "Um Spike, What was that, I mean the arm and the…" Willow realised she'd run out of things to say.

Spike just stood there and then said well someone had to hold you up while you were laughing #Idiot Idiot #

"Oh of course. *Damn* So um do you want to come in for coffee or a cup of blood or something?" Not really noticing it, they had reached the small house she used to share with Tara. "Since Tara left it's been a little empty and lonely living in that house all by myself, I could use some company." *Please say yes*

"Oh Sure that would be nice, um yeah." Willow smiled and started walking up the path with Spike following slowly, watching her back.
 

~Part Three~

Willow felt his eyes on her as she walked up the path towards the front door. Ever since he had started watching her like that she could always feel him. It wasn't like the feeling she had got when Tara used to watch her. Then it had been a sweet shiver up and down her spine. With Spike it was deeper. She tried to explain how to herself but she couldn't. Something was definitely going on that she didn't know about. And she wasn't sure how she felt about it.

Willow dived into her woven bag and pulled out her keys. She slipped them into the lock and pulled the door open. As she walked inside she realised that Spike wasn't following.

"If you want me to come in Pet, I'm gonna need an invitation."

He smirked and looked at her beautiful face in the darkness. Her perfect pale skin and bright emerald green eyes. But it was her hair that intrigued him most. The way it floated around her face in a red cloud. If he had breath, it would have been taken away every time he looked at her. He knew that she had been feeling him watching her. He tried not to be obvious, but the witch was way too powerful to not get the vibrations he must have been sending her.

Willow smiled and turned red. "Oh sure come in, Spike that is, no other vampires that can hear me, but hey why would they, vampires aren't interested in my house, My house is very non-vampirey but not to you Spike cos you were supposed to be here…" She stopped when she got an amused look from Spike and realised she had been babbling.

*Hang on, why was I babbling, I only babble when I'm nervous. Am I nervous? Why would I be? This is Spike, Spike who cant hurt me Spike so it's all good*

"Pet you really need to get a grip on those vocal cords of yours." Spike smiled. He loved the way she did that.

"Umm. Yeah. So are you coming in or not?" Spike walked in and looked around. It was a nice place. The sorta place you felt at home in even when you first walked in the door.

"Nice place, I like it, You said something about a cup of blood?"

"Oh yeah sure, come on through to the kitchen. I only have pig's blood is that ok?" Willow said while walking into the kitchen.

"Sure ducks, I'm surprised you have blood here at all. Hang on, Why do you have blood here? You're not hiding an vampire boyfriend around here or something are you? # please say no #

"Course not silly, You are the only vampire in my life, The only one I don't try to kill anyway."

Spikes heart swelled. Wow. She didn't want to kill him. That was pretty big. He followed her into the kitchen and sat down at the table. Willow joined him and placed a cup of blood and a cup of coffee on the table. She looked at him for a while. And then felt it. A sharp tug at her heart. It didn't hurt but she knew what it meant. She had the same feeling when she first started to like Tara, and Oz. *Oh Goddess*

Spike Grinned.
 

~Part Four~

"You OK Pet?" Spike was still grinning. He knew what she had felt he could tell by the look on her face. It was something a lot of witches felt when they developed a little crush that was supposed to be something more.

"Yes, Thankyou. Spike, I think you should go."

"What so soon" Willow knew he was mocking her but it wasn't to be nasty, he was making light of the situation. What she felt was unnerving and he knew that she was feeling it, so he tried to make her laugh. Willow was not in the mood for laughing.

"Yes Spike. Now. See my resolve face? That means I mean it. Go." Really him going was the last thing she wanted. She needed some company and someone to talk to. She almost changed her mind and asked him to stay but she thought better of it. Spike was getting up to leave anyway.

"Well, Bye then Pet. Thanks for the dinner" he grinned again and let himself out leaving Willow sitting by herself at the kitchen table.

An hour later, she was still there. Thinking.

*What happened back there. There is no way I am falling for Spike. But why did I get the heart pull and the feelings when he was watching me. *

Thinking of him watching her brought an image of his ice blue eyes to he mind. He was beautiful. In an evil and sinister type of way, but yes he was beautiful. She never would have thought of describing Spike as beautiful but now it seemed the only word that fit him. Beautiful.

*No No No I do not think Spike is beautiful, I am not falling for him, Hey who am I kidding I think my heart made it pretty clear that I am. Ugh this is so confusing. I need to talk to someone. *

She thought of calling Buffy but then realise that she would only go and stake Spike in response. There was Xander but he probably wouldn't understand either. She was just about to give up when the phone rang. Looking at her watch she wondered who could be calling at this hour of the night. It was 1 o'clock.

"Hello"

"Willow, this is Giles, I need you to come to the Magic Box now."

"Sure is anything wrong"

"N-Nothing life threatening, a prophecy of sorts actually , I think, but you had better come immediately."

"Sure I'll be right there."

Willow hung up the phone, grabbed he bag and went out the door. Something was definitely wrong.
 

~Part Five~

Willow entered the Magic Box to find the entire Scooby Gang there, even Dawn, which was a surprise. But as she looked around she realised she didn't feel it. Spike wasn't here.

"Hi guys! What's up?"

Something in their faces stopped her short. She was right when she thought something was wrong. Just then Giles appeared and sighed.

"Ah Willow. You're here. There is s-something you need to see."

Willow took the book from his hands and read. There was a passage written in Latin but Willow quickly translated it. It read-
 

On the day of the turning of the Year a great evil will be unleashed
None will stop it but the Saviour
From the joining of enemies will come this Saviour
Born from love and fuelled from lovers past.
The undead one who was born to love though no soul resides within him
Will join with the Powered tree to create the Power that will save the world.
Only the joining of these two beings will stop the world from end.
 

When Willow stopped reading and looked up to see the ashen faces of her friends she realised just why they looked so down. It was easy to see who the prophecy was about and what they had to do. She wanted to laugh out loud. Now she realised why Spike wasn't here. The prophecy was about him. And her. The others thought he would rather walk in day light rather than fulfil the prophecy but she knew better.

"So all I have to do is marry Spike. Big deal."

"Look at her the poor thing. She's in denial." Buffy's remark brought a smile to Willows lips.

"Well I don't really have a choice now do I?"

Giles was the next to speak, "Willow, we don't expect you to g-go through with this. It may be wrong, getting married is a very big step."

"No Giles, I'm cool. It won't be so bad. So when do we do this?"

"Ah according to the dates given, ah well you see, umm…"

"Giles spit it out."

"Tomorrow"

"Oh. Well that doesn't leave us much time now does it? There is just one thing though. Who wants to tell Spike?"

Silence greeted her remark.

*Oh great, looks like it's up to me then. Oh well. This is going to be fun! *

"Are you sure you want to do this Will?" Buffy looked at her best friend and smiled a somewhat nervous smile.

"Buffy! Would you stop asking me that? I've told you I have no choice and anyway, I love him."

Buffy looked at her friends worried expression. Why couldn't she just accept what was going to happen.

"But Will you know it doesn't have to be him." Buffy had been trying to talk Willow out of the wedding ever since it had been arranged, which was about two hours ago.

"Buffy, Remember the prophecy? I have no choice. We'll make it work." She wasn't about to tell her that this was her dream come true. Ever since the first pull of her heart she had wanted to be with Spike forever.

Just then Anya bustled into the room with the dress. It was beautiful "Hi Buffy, Hi Willow." She Chirped. Shopping always put Anya in a good mood

"Here Willow, get this on" Willow pulled the dress over her head. It was simple but beautiful. It took them about ten more minutes and then she was ready. After some more giggled chatter they headed down stairs.

The wedding wasn't taking place in a church, for obvious reasons, It wouldn't agree with the groom. They walked into the lounge room. Spike looked up and the sight of his soon to be bride took his breath away, well it would have if he had any breath.

Giles stood up and said, "Well we must be ready then"

Spike stood up in front of the makeshift altar and took Willows hand. Giles said some complicated Latin words and then indicated for them to swap rings. To Willows surprise Spike produced an amazing ring. It was a black moonstone surrounded by diamonds. Giles then said in English

"Well in the matter of tradition I suppose you'd better kiss the bride."

Spike tentatively kissed Willow on the lips. It seemed to be over when the kiss turned into a passionate embrace. They eventually pulled away gasping for breath when Giles said, "Well that's it then. You two had better go over to the hotel for your honeymoon." They both nodded not quite sure what had just happened. Willow kissed Buffy, Xander Giles Dawn and Anya goodbye and with that they left into the warm night air.

In Spikes car they sat silently. The occasional comment was said but nothing much. When they neared the hotel Spike pulled over to the side of the road,

"Look Willow, before we do this there's something I need you to know. The love spell that Giles put on me so I would willingly marry you…"

"Yes?" Willow questioned.

"Well he didn't really put it on me. I told him I didn't need it. I love you Willow. What I'm feeling isn't because of some spell."

He waited for her stormy response and for her to jump out of the car and walk home. But instead she lent over and kissed him slowly on the lips. Spike was shocked but he immediately kissed her back. After what seemed like forever she pulled away, Spike smiled wistfully at her. He knew that she couldn't really love him. He knew it was her way of reassuring him so he wouldn't leave. She was only thinking of the state of the world

"Spike there's something you should know too. Giles didn't put the spell on me either. I told him I loved you anyway." Spike was even more shocked now. The witch loved him. She really loved him. He lent forward and kissed her again before pulling back out onto the road grinning.

When they got to the hotel Willow waited with their bags while Spike went and got the key to their room. They went up in the lift and got out. Giles had been nice enough to book them the honeymoon suite; it had cost a fortune.

*Like I'd put up with anything else. This is my Honeymoon afterall*

Spikes thoughts were similar. # Old guy isn't to bad after all. But then like I'd let Willow settle for anything else.#

When they got to their room Spike lifted her up and carried her inside, shutting the door behind them.

*Oh Goddess. This is so romantic.*

Willow had always pictured this night with Tara. Thinking of her brought a tear to her eye, she brushed it away before her husband could notice and it was then that she realised why Tara had left. Some how she had known what Willow would eventually have to do. Willow thought it was to save her own heart but it was much deeper than that. The thought brought her an amazing amount of peace. She still loved Tara but now it was a different kind of love. She was in love with Spike. Something she would have never thought possible but she was.

Spike had slowly carried her over to the bed and had placed her on it so gently it seemed he thought she might break. She lent over to him and kissed him gently on the mouth.

"I love you Spike"

"I love you too Willow."

And with that he lent over and switched out the light ready to do what it is all good married couples do on their wedding night.
 

~Part Six~

The days following their marriage passed in a flurry of endless nights and warm, sleepy days. As the day approached when they would return home their conversation turned to how they should act when they faced their friends. Should they keep up with the charade of the spell or tell them the truth. Of course Giles already knew but he had agreed to keep silent.

"The way I see it luv is that we have the opportunity to have quite a bit of fun. Slutty and her pals don't know how we fell and I bet we could make them squirm."

"Spike what have I said about calling Buffy that? Just cos you hate her doesn't mean you have to be mean!" Willow tried to look serious but she couldn't help grinning at the pout that was now gracing Spikes handsome face.

"You going to punish me pet?"

"Oh yeah"

40 minutes later Willow looked over at Spike gazing at the stars. "We need to pack Spike."

"I know. I just don't want to have to share you with anyone that's all."

"I'll always be yours Spike. Remember that."

He smiled #Jeez I love her, who would have thought that I would ever be married to the woman of my dreams. #

He looked at her as she started getting their things together. He was sure that most other married couples would never have bothered with
clothes but seeing as neither of them had expected anything from the other, they had both packed an entire case each. Needless to say, the
bags hadn't been opened. In a few short minutes the bags were packed and they were ready to leave.

On the way over to the Magic Box, Willow was slowly forming a plan.

"Spike, Pull over"

He looked at her quizzically but pulled over anyway.

"What's up love?" Willow looked over and saw indeed that something was up but she ignored it.

"I have a plan," Willow said simply. " What we do is, go in and we pretend we hate each other." She smiles at his scowl but continued. " If we can keep it up long enough, even Giles will be fooled. Then when they least expect it, well…"

As Willow outlined the rest of her plan, a grin slowly spread over Spikes face. #This girl really is wicked #

"What do you think?"

"I like it. Watching them squirm will be so much fun."

Spike pulled back onto the road with a huge smile plastered all over his face.

Willow didn't really like the thought of deceiving her friends, but it would be fun none the less. She had missed them in the short while she had been away but not too much. She wasn't really looking forward to the last part of the Prophesy but if they had done everything right, then the world would be safe. There was still one thing that she hadn't figured out yet. She repeated the prophesy over in her mind

* On the day of the turning of the Year a great evil will be unleashed None will stop it but the Saviour
From the joining of enemies will come this Saviour Born from love and fuelled from lovers past.
The undead one who was born to love though no soul resides within him
Will join with the Powered tree to create the Power that will save the world.
Only the joining of these two beings will stop the world from end. *

She knew that on the 31st December some big bad was going to come and the only way they could kill it would be to have her marry Spike.

Then some saviour would be produced who would save the world.
So far she hadn't seen any saviour.
It was supposed to be born from love and fuelled from lovers past.
This was the bit that got her. Lovers past? What did it mean?

She had been so wrapped up in her thoughts she hadn't realised they had stopped out side the Magic Box.

"Ready Red"

She rolled her eyes at his lame joke and leaned over and kissed him. It was so perfect the way they fit together. She pulled back and grinned.

"Lets go have some fun!"
 

She jumped out of the car and walked up to the shop pausing only to give him a wink before she opened the door. She walked into the dark shop to find the whole gang there.

"Hi Guys" She said gloomily. "I'm back"

The entire group rushed to meet her. Before she knew it she was in a nest of scoobies each hugging her as if it was going out of fashion. When they finally let her go Buffy was the first to speak.

"Where's Spike?"

"In the car I think. Not that I care or anything." Confused faces met her words and she said, "Lets just say that Spike isn't the best husband there is"

Buffy sat down in shock. This was not how they had planned it. Just then Spike swaggered in and Willow turned on him with an icy glare.

"Go away Spike" Of course that was the last thing she wanted, but for the plan to work she had to be cruel.

"Make me" was the reply. Willow had to fight not to laugh at the wide eyes of all present as the confrontation continued. She whispered a quick prayer to her Goddess for strength and then said

"Spike, just sit down and Shut up."

The two stared at each other with mock hatred until Buffy interrupted.

"Umm Guys, What happened?"

"Spell didn't work. Or well maybe it wore off. All I know is that Spike is one annoying Vampire."

Giles groaned. "Ah Willow this may not be a good time to tell you this but I didn't put the spell on Spike. He told me he didn't need it. The same way you did. You both told me you loved each other anyway."

He was surprised when she said "Well I thought I loved him, But you try living with the guy." He had expected her to be angry with him. He had expected everything to go smoothly. It wasn't.

"I'm out of here. Coming Dear? Not that I care." She said the words with such venom in her voice Spike cringed. #Note to Self. NEVER get on Willows bad side #

"Of course, Honey" his voice had the same tone Willows had had.

They both then just walked out the Door.

"Umm Buffy," Dawns small voice broke the silence. "What just happened?
 

~Part Seven~

As soon as they were in the car both Willow and Spike burst into laughter.

"That was so mean." Willow managed to get out between sobs of laughter. "I don't think I can keep this up for long. Every time I look at you I can't keep a strait face."

"I know what you mean love"

He leaned over and kissed her once more on the lips and pulled out into the road.

An hour later Spike was busy. Very busy. They were in their bedroom when the phone rang.

"Leave it!" Spike said from his position on the floor where he was doing wicked things to Willow.

"No It might be Buffy, If I don't answer she'll come round and I do not want that to happen"

Spike sighed as Willow stood up.

"Hello? Oh Hi Buffy. What yeah sure. I'll meet you in 10. Ok. Bye."

"What's up ducks"

"I have to go. Sorry, well continue this later" The last part was added with an evil grin and Spikes pout turned into a grin.

#She is sooo gonna get it #
 

10 Minutes later Willow was sitting in the coffee shop she had agreed to meet Buffy in. Buffy for once was right on time.

"Hi Willow, I'd ask how you are but there is no time for small talk. What the hell happened?"

"Nice to see you too!" Willow smiled, Buffy had always wanted all the info at once. "What do you want to know?"

"Everything"

"There's not much to tell, basically we got there and avoided each other. I don't know what made me hate him so much *not that I do* but well you know, he is good at some things."

She raised one perfectly shaped eyebrow and winked at Buffy while going red at the same time.

"You mean, you and Spike, well, um, got… you know?"

"Lets just say Spike is very talented in certain areas." She went red again just thinking about all the areas Spike was talented in. Buffy was shocked. This was Willow! Shy sweet, little Willow. Things like this were too, well, naughty for Willow. Obviously not any more.

"Oh my God Willow! I want details!"

"No way, sorry Buffy. Spikes my husband now and there are some things I just will not share. Although I cant stand the little louse."

Buffy really felt sorry for her friend, being married to such a loser. Not that she had much choice. Damn those powers that be. Grrrr.

"Look Buffy, I have to go. Spikes waiting. I'll catch you later Ok?"

"Sure, See ya."

Willow got up and left the store, happy she was going home to her soulmate.
 

As the days passed, Willow and Spike kept up the act that they weren't happy with their marriage, when in reality neither of them could be happier. It was late one Saturday night when they were in the Magic Box that Willow decided to put their friends out of their misery.

"Guys, I am so bored!"

Willow was sitting on a stool while Spike and the others were all sitting around the table. The rest of the gang only put up with spike because Willow insisted that he always be around. They couldn't understand why, seeing as she hated the guy.

"Wanna have some fun Pet?"

Spike wiggled his eyebrows invitingly. Buffy was just about to tell him to shut the hell up when Willow surprised her by standing up and slowly walking towards Spike until she was standing between his legs. She was giving him a look that was full of lust and wanting and not one person in the room missed it. Willow chanced a look around the room and tried not to laugh at her friends stunned faces. Spike had been right when he said it would be fun to watch them squirm. Buffy was doing her best to cover Dawns eyes. She slowly positioned herself on spikes lap so she was facing him with her legs around his waist.

"What did you have in mind?"

Her voice was deep and sexy. Without waiting for a reply she lent forward and caught his lips in a passionate kiss. When it was over she looked up innocently at the shocked faces of her friends.

"What?"

"Willow, I'm your very best friend and I am only saying this because I think I owe it to all our years playing in the sandbox together, but, WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?"

With that both Willow and Spike cracked up laughing.

"What is so funny?" Xander protested.

"You guys!" Willow explained. "See Spike and I never hated each other. I am in love with him. This whole thing was a scam to watch you squirm, and trust me, seeing the looks on your faces just then was so worth it."

There was a long silence before all at once each and every one of them was doubled over in laughter. It continued for quite a while, each person happy in their merriment when suddenly all noise stopped as the door to the Magic Box opened.

Willow looked up to see the last person she had ever expected to see again.

Tara.
 

~Part Eight~

No one moved, Willow stood up from Spikes lap and just stood there. Her eyes were locked with Tara's. The tenseness in the air was almost
suffocating. Tears started to form in Willows eyes and it wasn't long before she was sobbing. A million thoughts were travelling around her mind.

*Oh Goddess, what is going on. Tara is here. Standing right in front of me. Oh Goddess, what should I do? Help me, this wasn't supposed to happen. Why now? Shit. What am I going to say, oh sorry Tara, you've only been gone a couple of months but hey I got married to an evil blood sucking inactivated Vampire?*

There was still no movement in the room and then surprisingly enough, Dawn was the first to recover.

"Um Hi Tara, come in."

"Th-thankyou Dawny. W-Willow, It's ok. I know."

"How? I mean Hi Tara, Your back," Willow managed between sobs, "But of course you knew that didn't you. Cos you are you, and I'm not, and
Well it was sorta obvious cos your right there back, from well I don't know where exactly, cos you never told me, but…"

Willows incessant rambling was stopped when Spike lay a cool hand over hers. His very touch calmed her. He stood up and whispered soothingly into her ear. She soon stopped crying and looked up slowly at Tara.

"Why are you here?"

"I think you know Willow."

Willow stopped and thought, how could she possibly know? Then it came to her. The prophecy. Born from love and fuelled from lovers past. That had to be it. Taking Willows silence as a sign of her not knowing, Tara spoke.

"I-I was sent to you Willow. The Powers that Be sent me to you. I had to prepare you to love. To show you that you could. I never meant to hurt you Willow, you have to know that."

"I know. But you did that, and I loved you and now I love Spike." She paused a moment and then said " It is the prophecy isn't it. It has something to do with you. You are the lovers past."

Realisation hit the rest of the group. Giles let out a sigh of relief. He had thought he would never figure it out. And now the solution had walked right up to them, literally. Willow was still in shock, but she managed to walk up to Tara and embrace her. Not as a lover, but as a friend. Spike knew better than to be jealous. Willow needed to do this and he understood. When Willow pulled away she spoke.

"Tell us what we need to do."

"I can't. I don't know. The P-Powers would not tell me. I am sorry. But Willow, I do know it is important for you to build your powers. They will be needed."

The blond girl looked down, wishing she could be more of a help.

"You will need some help. I can help you Willow. Please let me help you."

Willow had not performed any magick since the wedding. It was scaring her that all of a sudden she would need to be even more powerful.

"Of course Tara. Thankyou. But not now. I need to go. I will speak to you soon."

Willow looked over at Spike.

"Spike, can you come with me?"

He was at a side in an instant, as they turned to leave he slipped his large hand over her smaller one. He felt peace flow through her. He was glad he was in her life. It would have been to hard for her to do alone. They turned to leave silently, his eyes never leaving her beautiful face. They walked in silence, tears flowing freely down Willows cheeks. It was then that he vowed to himself that he would never leave her. He would always be watching her.
 

~Part Nine~

When they reached the house Willow had stopped crying and was sitting with her head bent down in silence. Spike watched the flickers of emotion cross over her beautiful face. Love, confusion, and then love again.

"Spike," She said suddenly, "Spike, I love you. You know that don't you? I have never loved anything or anyone more in my whole life. What I feel for you is beyond words. Please know that I love you."

"I love you too my sweet. I have never loved anyone more ever, even Drucilla who I was with for over 100 years."

The mention of his ex-lovers name created a strange response within Willow. She did not feel the stab of jealousy that had become so familiar whenever she thought of the crazed vampire. There was only peace.

*I really do love him. I had never realised how much until now. Dear Goddess, never take him away*

Sensing what she was thinking, Spike spoke.

"I will never leave you my love. Always know that. I will never leave you."

Willows face was filled with such joy at his words that Spike felt tears form in his eyes. He lent over and placed a soft kiss on her lips before speaking.

"Lets go inside my love."

With a wicked grin Willow jumped out of the car, her sorrows forgotton.

"Last one inside's a rotten egg!"

She raced up the path and was at the door before Spike was even halfway up the path. She opened the door and ran inside, stopping just inside the door. Turning she poked her tongue out and grinned at Spike.

"Nah Nah Nah Nah Nah! You're a rotten egg!"

"I'll get you for that, Red."

Not if you can't catch me!"

She took off inside the house, Spike close behind. She heard him growl and stopped to laugh when he grabbed her around the waist causing them both to fall to the ground in a tangle of arms and legs.

"Gotcha."

"Yeah, I noticed, how did that happen?"

He grinned and picked her up and quickly carried her to the bedroom.
 

The next day was warm and sunny, typical Sunnydale weather. Willow left the house, unused to the bright light. Ever since becoming married to Spike she had slowly adjusted herself to fit in with his sleeping habits without noticing it. It seemed ages since she had been out in the sun. She slowly started the short walk to the Magic Box. She was meeting Tara for her first magick practice. She didn't know why Tara had insisted on her strengthening her powers. It wasn't as though she wasn't already extremely powerful. Tara knew that so Willow was a little confused. When She arrived at the Magic Box, Tara was already waiting.

"H-hello Willow, are you ready to start?"

"Ready as I'll ever be. What are we gonna do?"

"Research. There are spells you are going to need to learn. Then we'll do some practical stuff."

"You sound like a teacher. You are now one of my favourite people." Willow stopped when she realised what she had said. "Not that you weren't before. I mean of course you were one of my favourite people. I mean you were my girlfriend, and so hey you were my favourite person, I mean you still are, just in a friendy kinda way…"

"Willow, you're babbling."

"Oh, sorry. Lets start shall we?"

"Sure, that sounds good. What do I need to learn?"

"I wrote a list of spells. We should be able to find them in the books stashed around this place."

Willow looked at the list of spells handed to her by Tara. Most of them she had never heard of, but when she looked closer, she realised she already knew how to do each and every one.

"Um Tara, something weird has happened. I've never seen most of these spells but I know them all. How is that possible? I seem to be able to remember all the ingredients and incantations needed. But how?

"I should have seen this coming. The Powers must have given you memory. I don't know how. I've never seen this before."

"Wow, I mean, no more memorising spells, ever. The more I think about it, the more I seem to know. I wonder what else I can do?"

"That I don't know but I think it will be a l-little harder to find out. Why don't we see just what you can do now?"

"Ok, what should I do?"

"Lets start with levitation, see how fast you can lift this book."

"Alright, here I go."

Willow concentrated and before she even thought about it, the book had flown up through the air and punched a hole in the roof. Willow and Tara looked up stunned.

"What just happened Tara?"

"Y-You put a hole in the roof."

"Yeah. Giles is going to be pissed."

"I-I have an idea. See if you can fix it."

"What? You mean put the roof back together. That's impossible, I can't do that. That is extremely advanced magick. I've never even heard of that being done by the world's greatest witches, ever!"

"Just Try."

Willow looked at her sceptically but concentrated anyway. Within a second the roof was whole again. The power Willow was feeling rushing around her body was incredible. She felt herself become light headed and before she could steady herself, she had blacked out completely.
 

~Part Ten~

When Willow woke up she was at home in bed. Spike was next to her, his eyes never leaving her face. Willow was confused. The last thing she remembered was being at the Magic Box with Tara, then there was just blackness. What had happened that could make her pass out like that?
When Spike noticed his love was awake he inwardly breathed a sigh of relief. Willow had been unconscious for over twelve hours. There had been nothing physically wrong with her, it seemed as if she were simply sleeping. Tara had said it was because the burst of magick that had just left her body had drained her of all energy. He had never been so bloody scared in his whole unlife. The thought of losing the little witch who had burrowed her way so deep into his heart was terrifying. He loved her with every inch of his being.

"Willow"

"Spike? What happened? Why am I here?"

"You passed out luv. It was the magick. There was too much of it and your body hasn't learnt to cope with that yet. You'll be ok. I promise you'll always be ok. I love you Willow. Never leave me again. I love you."

Tears started to roll down Spikes pale cheeks as he gathered his bewitching wife into his strong arms. Inwardly he knew he hadn't really been close to losing her, but it really felt that he had. Willow snuggled into his embrace, happy that he loved her so much.

"Spike, as much as I'd like to stay here all night, I really need to call the others to let them know I'm ok. There is also some stuff I'd like to try with this whole new super magick I seem to have got."

"Are you sure that's wise luv? I don't want you to be unconscious for another twelve hours."

"I'm sure. I can feel it Spike, The magick I mean, I can feel it running through my body, now that I know what it is, well I think I can channel it, you know? Use just the right amount. I have a feeling it will be ok this time."

"Ok pet, but please be careful."

Willow nodded and stood up. She was already forming a devious plan. One that would make Spike worrying about her almost nonexistent. As she walked towards the phone, the plan was becoming clearer, and by the time she picked up the phone and dialled the Magic Box, the plan was set.
Willow knew her friends would all be at the Magic Box for a meeting, and she smiled as Anya picked up the phone.

"Hello Magic Box, Please come and spend your money."

"Anya, It's me. Can I speak to Buffy please?" After a short conversation with Buffy where she promised she was all right about seventeen times, Willow hung up the phone and walked back into the bedroom. Spike was still on the bed staring at the ceiling.

"Spike, sit up, I need some help with some stuff. I need you to test me."

Spikes eyebrow went up as she spoke but did what she asked anyway.

"I want you to throw the pillow at me."

"Luv, I hardly think now is the time for a pillow fight."

Willow pulled a face at his lame joke and then said.

"Spike just do it."

Spike didn't need any further telling. He picked up one of the large feather pillows and hurled it at Willow with all the strength of a master vampire. It was halfway between them when it stopped in midair. Spike sat with his mouth open and stared. Just as he was about to speak, the pillow hurtled back towards him and hit him smack in the face. Willow burst into fits of laughter and then grinned at Spikes face. Before he had time to react another pillow was flying at his head. What ensured was a fierce and playful pillow fight in which Spike was sorely beaten. What made it even better was that Willow never left the spot that she was standing on.

"Well, I think I'm getting better. What do you reckon? Should I try out some other stuff?"

"Like what? Nothing too big. Promise?"

"Sure Sure."

*What can I do that is really gonna get him going? Ah yes.*

Willow slowly walked over to where Spike was sitting and positioned herself firmly between his legs. Her eyes were full of lust and love and he could tell that she wanted him. Willow smiled and slowly moved her head. The twinge Spike felt between his legs was indescribable. Something his little witch was doing was making him far to excited than he should be.

"Close your eyes."

Willow spoke in a breathy whisper. Her voice was low and seductive and Spike could only swallow and obey. The next thing he was aware of was that he was no longer in contact with the bed and that Willow was once again doing distracting things to him without even touching him.

"Willow, luv. If I open my eyes I'm not going to see the bed beneath me am I?

"Nup!" Willow Giggled. "This is so much fun. I've never levitated myself before. Or anyone else."

She lent closer to Spike and kissed him fully on the lips.

"Make love to me Spike."

"What, up here? Red, your crazy."

"Sure I'm crazy. Crazy for you. I love you Spike."

"I love you too Red."

He reached for her.
 

~Part Eleven~

Over the next week Willow continued training with Tara and as every day passed she became stronger and stronger. It wasn't long before Willow felt safe to go patrolling with Buffy. She could do all sorts of cool little tricks that made slaying so much easier. With just a simple flick of her wrist she could make a stake materialise in a vampires chest. She enjoyed seeing their stunned faces as they turned to dust. After just 3 weeks of her discovering her super magickal powers, the vampire and demon population was at it's lowest point in history.

"Wow, Will, that was a good one."

Buffy stood amazed as Willow directed a flash of light into a rising vampire. Before it was even out of the ground it had turned to dust.

"Why thankyou kind lady. I think that's all we're going to get tonight. I can't feel any more around."

"What? You mean you can sense vampires now too? Why don't you take over my job? Looks like I'm not really needed any more."

Buffy's remark had been joking but Willow was still hurt. She may have what seemed like super powers now but she still had feelings.

"Buffy, I never meant to take over. I just, I wanted to help, cos helping is of the good isn't it? And anyway, you're still the slayer and I'm not so there!"

Buffy smiled at Willows pout.

"I never meant it like that Will, Please know that. I didn't mean to hurt you what you are doing is great, honest.

*yeah Like you'd know you selfish bitch. Woah woah where did that come from? Willow, why did you just call Buffy a bitch?*

"You ok Will?" Willow looked up and noticed that she had stopped walking. She had been so engrossed with her own thoughts she forgot to walk.

"Sorry Buffy, I have to go."

Then without even thinking about it she made herself vanish and then she was suddenly at her house outside the front door.

*Wow. How'd I do that one? That was cool. Hee hee*

She walked inside through the door without opening it, and went to find Spike. All that slaying vampires with her mind had made her antsy and she desperately wanted Spike to make it all better. She saw the light flash on her answering machine and went to listen to the message.

"Hi W-Willow, it's Tara, I need you to come to the Magick Box as soon as you can. It's important."

*Hmm, Wonder what that was all about*

In an instant she was in the Magick Box and she giggled as her friends almost fell over backwards when the saw her materialise out of a cloud of gold mist. She had added the mist just for effect, it never hurt to look good. Tara was the only one who didn't look surprised. As she looked around, she noticed they were all there except Buffy.

"Hey, Willster, how'd you do that?"

Xander was looking at Willow as if she had just appeared out of thin air, which she had so there wasn't really any surprise.

"Umm, Hi to you too. And to answer you're question, well I just thought about being here and then I was. The mist was just a glamour to make it look good."

She grinned and walked over to where Spike was sitting away from the rest of the group. She casually sat on his lap and wiggled just a little before turning her attention to Tara to see what she had to say. Sensing that the attention was turned to her Tara began to talk.

"A-As you probably noticed, Today is the first of December. That means we have a month until this thing c-comes out of the hell mouth. Last night just exactly what this thing is was sent to me in a dream. I don't know how to describe it to you and there is no point in researching because this thing has never before been seen during recorded history. Willow if you let me t-tap into the power you now hold I can project the image into the air so you can see just what it is you will have to fight.

Willow stood up and gave Tara her hand. When she felt the tingle of magick curl down her arm she closed her eyes and relaxed. When she opened them and saw what was floating in the air above her she had to stifle a scream.

It was...

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