* * * * *
 

The alarm was shrill in the early hours of the morning. For one brief second the red head debated turning it off and going back to bed. But she couldnt, not today of all days. She stretched, careful not to disturb the still forms next to her. With a small smile she wriggled off the end of the bed, dislodging herself from the cool arms of her lovers. They barely stirred as she tiptoed across the room. After a month of exactly the same routine they had learned to sleep through it.

This morning was different though. This morning she was expecting company. She threw on a pair of cut off shorts and a tshirt, quietly letting herself out of the bedroom and shutting the door behind her. She made her way silently through the dark house, her eyes adjusting slowly to the dim light coming in through the windows. There was at least half an hour until sunrise, enough time to make some coffee. She hoped her friends would be on time.

The smell of coffee had drifted through most of the house when she first heard the dull sound of the doorbell. Bare feet padded softly across the marble floor, carefully looking through the peephole before opening the door. "Hey guys." Willow smiled at her friends happily, inviting them into the house.

"Will." The smile on Buffy's face was sad. She held up a paper bag. "Mom cooked blueberry muffins for breakfast." She grinned. "And made us a picnic to take for lunch. In honor of your birthday and all." Buffy's voice trembled over the sentence.

"You'll have to thank her for me." Willow said softly. Joyce had turned down the invitation to spend the day with them. Willow could understand and didn't blame her. This was a special day, one she would share with Buffy and Xander only. Not even Riley and Anya had wanted to be there. Everyone knew it was best for the three friends to share this together. Her gaze swept to the dark brown eyes of her childhood friend. "Xan..." Her arms wrapped around him in a tight hug. She hadn't been sure that even he would come. He still hadn't accepted her decision, even knowing for three years hadnt made things any easier for him.

Xander held her in his arms, enjoying the feel of her warm body against him. It was hard knowing that this was one of the last times he would be able to hold her in his arms and feel her warmth, feel her heart flutter against his chest, feel her breathe. A lifetime wouldnt be enough to prepare him for this day, much less three years. But it was her decision, and he either accepted it or lost her. Forever. "Happy Birthday, Wills."

"Oh!" Willow cried suddenly. "Grab some coffee. Its almost time!" She ran through the house to the patio doors, leaving her friends to get their own
refreshments. She didn't want to miss this moment.

The smooth stonework of the patio was still damp with dew, a few birds calling out softly to one another in those last moments before sunrise. She breathed in the still cool air, enjoying the way it chilled her lungs, relishing every small sensation. The patio chair creaked slightly as she sat down, tucking her legs underneath her and gazing into the rapidly brightening horizon. This was her favorite part of the morning, something she had watched dutifully every day for the past month. She barely noticed her friends join her, her attention instead focused on the way the dark night slowly lightened to a pale blue, the first golden rays of sunrise playing across the endless wonder of the sky. She watched until the burning orb of the sun forced her to turn away, blinking tears from her eyes.

Buffy patted her friend's hand gently. She couldn't begin to understand what the red head was going through. She couldnt imagine looking at a sunrise and knowing she'd never see another. Unbidden, tears welled up in her own eyes. She forced them away with a sad smile. This was Willow's day and she wasn't going to ruin it for her. One look at the grim determination in Xander's eyes let her know that he felt the same way. "So..." Buffy sighed, hating to break the moment Willow was in. But they didn't have that much time. The boys had insisted that they have her home by sunset. Time was wasting. "Ready to get this day started, birthday girl?"

* * *

Willow smiled, leaning back on the blanket her friends had spread over the sand for their picnic. She could hear some children splashing in the water, the sound of their playing mingling with her friends's voices as she closed her eyes, soaking in the warm sunshine. The day had been perfect so far. They had started with a walk, just strolling through the streets of Sunnydale, remembering the past years with fond stories before finally making their way to the park. She closed her eyes, remembering the way Xander had pushed her and Buffy on the swings. Higher and higher. Like he had done to her when they were little. It had been well past one before they had finally made their way to the beach, laying out the generous feast
Buffy's mom had prepared.

"Come on, Wills," Xander gave her one of his goofy smiles, his soft voice shaking her out of her thoughts. "Eat." He shook a twinkie in front of her
face, teasing her with its creamy goodness. She smiled, grabbing it from him and taking a bite, her eyes never leaving the warm blue sky overhead. "More?" Xander offered her a sandwich. His face fell when she shook her head. "You really should eat something..."

"Why, Xan?" Willow smiled. "Its not like I wont be able to ever eat that stuff again." She sat up, pulling him into a hug and holding her arm out until
Buffy joined them in the embrace. Her voice was choked with emotion when she finally spoke again. "I'm still going to be basically the same person. Its not like I'm dying or anything. Except, well, I guess in a way I am. But its not the permanent kind of death. I'm still gonna be there for you guys. Always ready to be hacker girl or witch girl or...."

Xander chuckled, blinking away the tears that had formed in his eyes long enough to jump in and end her babbling. "Or Deadgirl? How about Brood Girl?"

Willow smiled at him, glad that he could at least find a little bit of humor in the situation. "I love you guys. Never forget that. You will always be my
best friends. Nothing will ever change that." Her eyes shifted to the darknening sky. The day really had gone by too quick. She had no regrets though. Never any regrets.

"We should get you home," Buffy smiled, noticing for herself the rapidly setting sun. "Hate to spoil your night with the guys killing me for not getting you home in time." They gathered the remains of the picnic and made their way back to the car in silence.

"Drop me off first?" Xander asked quietly as they neared his neighborhood. Willow looked at him, sadness pooling in her eyes. "I'm sorry, Will, I just need to go home." He squeezed her hand reassuringly, his thumb tracing over her warm skin one last time as the car came to a stop outside the house his shared with Anya. "Call me in a few days...when you're settled." She smiled, brushing a kiss across his cheek before he hopped out of the car.

"Dont worry about him." Buffy reassured her friend. "He will always love you as a friend. It will just take a little getting used to." She saw the red head nod out of the corner of her eye. She decided to try a different tactic - changing the subject. "So did Angel and Spike decide who gets to do it?"

That brought a smile to the girl's face. She giggled. "Yep. But they're not telling me. Its a *surprise*." She snickered. "I honestly dont care who does it...I love them equally and its understood that I belong to each of them as they both belong to me."

"Guess you find out soon enough, though." The blonde forced her own sadness to the back of her mind as she stopped the car in front of her friend's house. She wasn't losing her friend, after all. Things were just going to be...different. She leaned across the car to hug her one last time. "I love you, Wills. Tell them that if they hurt you more than necessary I will stake them..." Seeing the look of horror on the red head's face she amended quickly, "Well maybe not stake...but something painful."

Willow smiled. "I'll have Angel call you when its done just to let you know how things go and I'll call you myself in a few days." With a final squeeze to Buffy's hand she climbed out of the car, watching it roll down the street until she could no longer see it before turning to the house. She could see the warm glow of candlelight through the windows and larger shadows moving from room to room. They were waiting for her.

It was time.

******

They had decorated the house beautifully, Willow decided. Dozens of candles were perched in holders of various shapes and sizes, their light casting
flickering shadows along the walls. A banner had been hung over the fireplace, 'Happy Birthday Willow' written in red lettering on a white background. The gentle strains of Brahms drifted through the air, Angel's touch no doubt. She smiled and closed her eyes, letting the soft music and romantic setting lull her into a sense of peace.

"Happy Birthday, Willow." A husky voice purred in her ear, strong arms wrapping around her as she swayed. She turned, instinctively brushing a kiss across the soft lips of her dark haired lover. "Missed you today, little one."

"Missed you too, my Angel." Her fingers tangled absently in his hair and she knew he could sense her arousal. Being this close to him always got her worked up, and he knew it. He had dressed up for the evening. A burgundy silk shirt was buttoned halfway, exposing a hard chest she knew so well. Leather pants clung like a second skin to his strong legs, and she couldnt resist reaching behind him to grab his ass through the supple material. He moaned softly against her lips.

"I'm feeling left out, pet." Spike drawled, moving to stand behind her. He put his hands on her hips, gently turning her from his sire. She smiled, noticing that he too had dressed up - the white shirt and black jeans suiting him perfectly. He was so sexy and he was hers - for eternity.

Her breath caught in her throat, a warm rush of nervousness shuddering through her. This was it. After tonight the whole eternity thing would be real. She was going to get to spend..well..forever, with these two gorgeous creatures. She smiled and willed her heart to stop racing, meeting Spike's lips for a not so gentle kiss. Angel's hands traced calming lines through the cotton of her shirt. The action was soothing, helping to calm her jumpy nerves.

Spike slowly backed away from the red head, drawing her across the living room to a small table they had set out. A chocolate birthday cake read 'Happy Birthday' in white frosting, one large candle burning brightly in the center. She smiled as they joined her on either side, Angel with his arm around her shoulders, and Spike with his around her waist. It felt so right.

"Make a wish and blow out the candle." Angel whispered. It was time to get the night started. Green eyes slowly closed and he could see her lips move slightly as she silently mouthed her wish before bending to blow out the candle. Spike took a knife from the table, slicing the cake and placing a rather large piece on a plate. The dark haired vampire smiled, leading her to the couch with his childe in tow.

"I really dont want any..." Angel cut off Willow's words with his mouth, his tongue gently filling her mouth. She moaned, leaning into the embrace, a small sigh of disappointment leaving her mouth when he pulled away. "OK. I guess I'll eat a little." After all, it would be the last time she experienced
chocolate in this way. It wouldnt be the same afterwards they had said. Food would lose most of its flavor. She smiled as Spike held a tiny bite of cake to her lips. Chocolate might be the only food she would truly miss.

Angel leaned against the armrest of the couch, drawing Willow in to lie between his legs and against his chest. He watched through half shut eyes as Spike continued to feed her the cake, piece by piece. He had to admire his childe sometimes - he certainly knew how to make the most mundane things, such as eating a slice of cake, into something sensuous. The older vampire could hear Willow's heart fluttering in her chest, the faint scent of her arousal permeating the very air. He shifted slightly, his cock almost painfully hard in its leather binding.

Willow smiled, pushing back against Angel's very obvious erection. She heard him groan softly and shift again, his hardness still pressing against her. She smiled, her tongue snaking out to lick the icing off of the fork Spike was holding to her mouth. His eyes darkened with lust, watching her tongue clean off the fork. He held another bite to her lips, casually brushing some of the icing along her lip. Leaning forward, his slowly licked his way around her lips, removing all evidence of the icing.

"Want some more, pet?" The blonde held up the empty plate. He was really hoping she would say no. They had planned to take the night slow. Start with some cake, make their way to the shower, some nice steamy sex. then, finally, her birthday present from them. But, looking into the passion glazed eyes of his sire, he could see those plans casually getting tossed out the window.

"No, thanks." Willow murmured. Her thoughts were clouded with a mixture of passion and apprehension. They hadn't really discussed what was going to happen tonight. She knew that they would take care of everything and that it would all be perfect. She trusted them with her life. The thought was sort of ironic considering the situation. She arched back against Angel, deliberately rubbing against his leather encased erection. "So what now?"

She felt Angel begin to kiss her neck as Spike moved forward to capture her lips. She was lost in the sensation of their lips, their tongues, their teeth. Biting, kissing, suckling at her skin and lips. She sighed into Spike's mouth, her tongue twining with his in the warmth of their kiss. Was this it? Was it time? Her mind worked to savor every detail. The way her heart was beating in her chest. The way the air was coming in and out of her lungs.

"I want to feel your warmth one last time, Red." Spike murmured into her mouth. He stood, pulling the red head to her feet and leading her slowly into the bedroom, never taking his eyes from hers. He could see his sire still planting tiny kisses along her bare skin as she moved and wished for one brief moment that the older vampire was doing that to him and not her. Not tonight though. Tonight was all about Willow, about making this night special.

Willow smiled when she saw the preparations the two had gone through in the bedroom. There were slips of silk draped from the bedposts in a variety of soft shades. Again there were candles, but these were scented and made the entire room smell like vanilla - Her favorite. On one side of the room a blanket was on the floor, the ingredients for the ritual to come laid out carefully. She laughed when she saw her spellbook laid open to the right page. It was just for backup, she knew. Angel had memorized the entire ritual down to the last detail soon after she had accepted thier
proposal. She could see the Orb of Thessaluh winking in the flickering light of the candles. It was hard to believe that one little ball held her entire future in it. Well, the only future she cared to have anyway.

The vampires let Willow take in the sight of the room patiently, removing their shirts as she continued to commit every detail of the room to memory. With a small growl of impatience Angel gathered her in his arms, kissing her firmly on her soft lips. Her body arched against his instinctively, rubbing against the hardness in his pants. Her hands came between them, scratching lightly at his cool, bare chest. She felt more than saw Spike come up behind her, cupping her breasts through her thin tshirt as he nuzzled at her neck. She felt him gently bite her, not breaking the skin. It was teasing plain and simple. And it made her hot with passion.

Spike heard her moan as he gently nipped and licked at the skin of her neck, careful not to draw blood. There would be plenty of time for that later. He grasped the edge of her shirt, pulling it up slowly to reveal the beautifully pale skin of her stomach. She broke off from kissing his sire long enough for him to remove the shirt. He felt her begin to step backwards as the dark haired vampire urged them forward, towards the bed.

Willow sat down suddenly when the back of her knees hit the bed. She could practically taste her heart beating in the back of her throat. This wasn't her first time with them. There was no reason for her to be nervous. {Well..except for...} Spike's lips crushed against hers, stopping her in mid thought. His tongue gently plundered the depths of her mouth, tasting the hints of chocolate that still resided there. Firmly, he pushed her back onto the bed, watching as she arranged herself on a pillow.

Angel watched from the foot of the bed as the red headed love of his unlife settled on the bed, waiting for them to make the next move. He could feel his cock throbbing in his pants, aching to be released. Steady fingers slowly unzipped the leather pants and he eased them down over his shaft, delighting in the small smile of desire that crossed the red head's lips. Even after years together she had never gotten tired of seeing him, never gotten used to the sight of a man aroused. The small blush on her cheeks only encited him further. Looking into her wide eyes he slowly stroked himself, waiting for Spike to join the action before taking it any further.

Spike saw his sire lose his pants and felt himself become almost unbelievable harder. Shedding his jeans, the blonde moved to the bed, kneeling in between her slightly spread knees. His hands played lightly over her stomach, like ice on her hot flesh. She moaned at the whispery touches, closing her eyes. With a smile, he popped open the button on her shorts, sliding the zipper down. She lifted her hips enough for him to remove the clothing, her eyes still closed, breath still heavy with desire. He made quick work of her bra and underwear, gazing at her body with lust.

Willow felt a cool tongue slowly tease her clit and knew without opening her eyes who it was. She moaned softly, bringing her fingers down to play with Spike's hair as he steadily licked at her wet slit, tasting her. Something pushed lightly at her lips and she opened her eyes. Angel had his cock positioned at her mouth, the tip dripping with tiny drops of pre cum. She opened her mouth, wrapping her lips around his thick length, her tongue swirling around the head. He moaned and began to thrust in and out of her mouth.

Spike groaned at the sight of his sire fucking the little witch's mouth. The sound vibrated against her clit, her hips coming off the bed in a reflexive act of pleasure. Kissing and licking, the blonde made his way to her breasts, taking one pert nipple after the other in his mouth, kissing and nibbling on the hard round buds. His fingers continued what his tongue had started between her legs, slipping in and out of her hot core as his thumb brushed lightly over her aching clit. He heard a loud moan from his sire and looked up in time to see Angel's eyes close as he screamed Willow's name in ecstasy.

Willow swallowed, enjoying the taste of her lover's cum. She pressed down into Spike's fingers, milking Angel's cock of every last drop before releasing it from her lips. Her eyes grew wide with confusion when the dark haired vampire moved off the bed, going to sit on the blanket on the floor.

"The rest is just us, pet." Spike whispered, positioning his throbbing cock at her warm entrance.

"Oh!" Willow murmured, understanding. This was their decision, Spike would be the one turning her - and it was going to happen soon. Her eyes caught Angel's and she called out softly, "I love you." She barely heard his whispered response as Spike plunged into her, filling her wet passage.

Spike eased in and out of her slowly, enjoying the warmth of her body for this one last time. His ice blue eyes met those of the woman underneath him and he saw nothing but love and desire. No regrets, no fears. It was more than he had hoped for. He smiled, kissing her fiercely and beginning to thrust deeper and faster. His tongue left her mouth, licking along her sweat covered neck as she moaned his name. Her body stiffened beneath him, arching slightly into his pounding thrusts as she cried out one final time, her body shuddering with the power of her orgasm.

The sound of his lover finding release was too much for the blonde and he felt himself lose control. With a gentle touch borne entirely of will power he pushed her head to the side, burying his fangs into her neck as he cried out in his own orgasm.

Willow felt his teeth enter her and cried out with the small amount of pain, her hands reaching up to grab at him. The pain was brief, though, replaced quickly with pleasure as she was caught up in the joy of his embrace. Her world narrowed to the sound of him sucking and the slowing beat of her own heart as she felt her life slip away. She could feel the darkness creeping up on her when he pulled away from her neck. This was it - her death. Her body drew in a faltering breath as she felt something come to her lips, dripping slowly across her tongue and down her throat. She swallowed out of reflex alone, letting the warm fluid slide across the back of her throat and into her body. Something was pressed to her lips and she grabbed at it, suckling like a baby.

"I love you..." The words were whispered as her body gasped one last breath, the wrist leaving her bloodstained mouth as darkness enveloped her. Spike looked down into the still face of his childe, his heart filling with love he never thought possible, as the chanting of his sire started in the background.

"I love you too, pet" He wrapped her in his arms, already feeling the changes that were sweeping through her. He felt himself harden at the thought of what they could do with her now. Of what her new appetites would be like and what her immortal body could withstand. The chanting had stopped, it was over, he felt the bed shift as his sire joined them, laying an arm over both of their still forms. This was how it should be - the three of them together.

Forever.

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