JE SOUHAITE: REALITY TV.
6
When the world stopped so all passengers could disembark, Spike realised that he was in the Factory. A non- burnt out Factory. He looked around and suddenly there was a flash of light and a figure appeared on the floor. A leather clad figure with fiery red hair. She looked up and Spike gasped. It was Willow. A pale Willow wearing clothes so tight they were almost painted on. Her make up was dark and seductive; her lips a cherry red that promised things that sent a shiver right through Spike. She was a Goddess in tight leather. His jaw hung open in astonishment.
She cast her hooded eyes around at the empty factory.
�This is weird.�
With a grace that reminded Spike of sleek jungle predators in Africa, she stood and slinked towards the door, her hips sashaying in an unconsciously provocative walk. She touched her palm against the door feeling for warmth; for daylight.
A wolfish grin that made little Spike stand to attention graced her features as she opened the door and sloped out onto the street.
Spike�s eyes were drawn to her tiny waist, emphasized by the binding leather as it swayed in front of him evoking images of things that would get him dusted should the Slayer ever find out.
Spike heard children laughing and screaming as they stalked the street side by side, him unable to take his eyes off her exquisite form.
As she walked a confused look was on her face. It seemed like to her this was all alien, she had been used to fear in humans not laughter and it was disconcerting to have them pass so near and not be afraid. When a scream sounded out, she spun searching for something but the lost look came back when she realised it was a scream of pleasure.
It was that lost look that made Spike groan, she reminded him so much of Drusilla. Dark, beautiful, deadly and innocent. He had never wanted anything so much as he wanted to touch this crimson haired siren and sink into her cool oblivion. She was perfect. He had known the witch had some serious talent but this was beyond his wildest expectations, he was walking around hard enough to poke holes in concrete and she had only said three words.
An old woman approached and stuttered
�E-e-excuse me, young lady...�
Willow snarled down at the woman obviously unhappy at the audacity of this meagre human at addressing her. The woman stammered some more and walked away. Willow�s face fell. The woman hadn�t even screamed. She rolled her eyes annoyed and headed towards the Bronze.
Spike couldn�t take his eyes off her as she slunk into the Bronze, a slow prowling number matching her movements playing in the background.
She looked around, watching the punters play pool and ignoring the few that dared to look askance at her leather attire.
She pouted forlornly as she stared around, a guy in a leather jacket looked like he was about to make a move but was put off by the edge of danger that emanated from her form.
Spike sat on the edge of the pool table just as some guy knocked into her.
The guy looked up and Spike recognized him, an evil grin spread across his face.
�Hey!� the dumb jock recognized her, and looked her up and down �Rosenberg? What are you doing, trick-or-treating? You're supposed to be at home doing my history report. I flunk that class; you're in big trouble with Snyder. Till we graduate, I own your ass.�
Spike chuckled �Big mistake.�
She raised her eyes and looked at him with weary amusement.
�Bored now.�
She shoved the heel of her hand squarely into his chest and gave a light push, sending him flying onto a pool table next to a gleeful Spike. Percy landed hard on his back, and his momentum forced him to fall off the table in a tumble of arms and legs. Several guys around them stared shocked at the spectacle.
�Whoa, whoa, whoa, man!�
�Hey!�
�What's up with *that*, man?�
�What the hey?�
Willow now had the attention of a crowd as she sauntered over to the stunned Percy.
�I'm having a terrible night.� She pouted and reached down grabbing him by the throat, she lifted him up and Spike, from his vantage point could see her fingernails biting into his flesh, causing bruises.
�Wanna make it better?�
Percy panicked and tried to hit her, his eyes going wide as she blocked him without effort, she began to smirk as Percy choked.
Spike was giggling now in maniacal glee, his expression one of pure delight- until he saw Xander.
�Uh oh!� he sang, a twinkle in his eye.
Xander came up behind the watching boys, eager to get in on the fun.
�What's going on? Is there a funny thing?�
The guys laughingly pointed over at the two of them who had their hands wrapped around each others throats.
Xander misinterpreted the situation and rushed up yanking Percy off Willow.
�Back off! You stay the hell away from her!� he yelled at the jock.
Percy choked out an �Okay! Sure!� before he scrambled away.
Spike sighed �Trust you to stop the fun.� He pulled out another cigarette watching the new scene with keen interest.
Xander turned to make sure Willow was unhurt and Spike laughed at the gob-smacked look on his face as he took in Willow�s clothes.
The laughter faded as Spike saw Willow�s face light up at seeing Xander. �Xander!�
Spike glared at the moron before puffing on his smoke.
�He�s a ponce love, don�t be fooled.�
Xander couldn�t get over her clothes �Will, changing the look not an idle threat with you.�
�You're alive!� she beamed and hugged him.
Spike rolled his eyes �Unfortunately.�
She ran her hands over his neck and back and Xander�s expression turned uneasy.
�Uh... Will, this is verging on naughty touching here. Don't wanna fall back on bad habits.�
Willow smiled.
Xander suddenly jumped back �Hands! Hands in new places!�
�Hey now!� Spike jumped up outraged as he realised where Willow�s hands had just gone.
Willow stepped back looking at Xander with Spike�s favourite expressions for the moron; Disbelief, revulsion and confusion
�You're alive.�
�Unfortunately.� Spike repeated still annoyed and more than a little jealous.
Xander nodded �You mentioned that before. Will, are you okay?�
�No! Everything's different.� she said plaintively and Spike reached for her trying to convey comfort.
�It�s okay pet.�
He suddenly scented the Slayer.
�Shit, pet we have to go.�
Buffy came up and looked at Xander �Oh. There you are.�
�Hey, Buff.� Xander said never taking his eyes of Willow.
Buffy smiled clearly not recognizing the girl �Aren't you gonna introduce me to you�re... Holy *God*, you're Willow.�
Spike suddenly wondered how, exactly he had fallen in love with this stupid bint. She was a few haemoglobins short of a blood bag.
�You.� the hatred was evident in Willow�s voice.
Buffy had obviously realized why Willow would be dressing like this and tried to be a good friend.
�You know what? I, I like the look. It's, um... it's, it's extreme, but it, it, it
looks good, you know, it's a leather thing, and, uh... I said extreme already, right?� she said to Xander.
�I don't like you.� Willow spat.
�Me neither.� Spike volunteered glad that it was the truth.
Buffy was hurt �Will, I'm sorry about today. You know how my foot likes to live in my mouth. But you know... y-you really didn't have to prove anything.
�Leaving now.� Willow said after looking at both of them in disgust, they were human and below her notice.
�Will, gotta say, not lovin' the new you.� Xander said sadly.
Buffy was still willing to make it up �Will, wait...�
She grabbed Willow's arm from behind and turned her around.
Willow vamped and roared at Buffy �Get off me!�
Buffy and Xander weren�t the only ones who stood speechless in the Bronze. Spike�s jaw had dropped, his cigarette falling from his open fingers as his eyes�and other places bulged.
She was�her demon was� Spike swallowed deeply and forced down his immediate reaction. He hadn�t felt this horny since his early fledgling days. She was perfection, her demon was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen- even more so that the one bestowed on his dark Princess. She was dangerous and innocent and he was falling faster than gravity would allow. He raced out after her, not wanting to let her out of his sight.
7
As Spike came out of the Bronze into an alley he saw two Vampires creep up on his new obsession.
�Willow Rosenberg.� one of them snarled.
�I'm not supposed to talk to strangers.� she said in a voice that was so like her human counterpart Spike smiled softly and then shook himself.
�Then we won't talk.� Replied the less than astute Vampire and they both tried to attack her.
Spike had the opportunity to look at the Vampire as she fought with poetry and elegance. She kicked one Vampire and flipped the other as he grabbed at her. She half- turned and kicked the others head. She blocked their attempts to attack her like she was swatting flies and quickly had them cowering in fear. She snapped the first one�s wrist and held him down.
�You made me cranky.� She admonished softly.
�There's been a mistake here. We were sent after a human.� he panted like he had to breathe.
�Really? Who do you work for?� She seemed intrigued.
�I'm not telling you a thing.� His meagre attempt at denial was halted abruptly when she gave a half smile and broke one of his fingers.
�Who do you work for?� she repeated.
�Wilkins. The Mayor.�
She grabbed another finger and broke it.
�*Who* do you work for?� she fluttered her lashes suggestively.
�You.�
�He finally gets it.� Spike cheered as she dropped the guys arm and let him up. She faced both Vampires.
�Get your friends. Bring them here. The world's no fun anymore. We're gonna make it the way it was. Starting with the Bronze.�
The Vampire nodded obediently at his new boss.
�Yeah you go love, oh I could see us together as eternal...oh crap-� Spike yelled as the ground began to swirl.
�No I want to stay here!� he yelled.
But contrary to his desire he was suddenly in the library watching Buffy and Xander walk in with detached faces, their very posture indicating their deep silence.
�Oh thank you.� He said thoroughly pissed off �I was standing with the love of my unlife. Now I�m here with you wankers.� He growled and tried to rush them only to end up in front of Giles who had heard them come in.
�Oh, Buffy. I thought you were going out tonight. I didn't expect...� he paused taking in their expressions.
�What is it?�
Spike leaned against the counter still annoyed beyond belief at having to leave Willow. He listened as Buffy and Xander explained what had happened to Willow.
They all sat on the stairs to the stacks, detached and staring off into space.
Like their whole world had crumbled, which it had.
Giles dangled his glasses from his hands and Xander idly handled a cross, making Spike a little uneasy.
�This isn't real.�
Spike rolled his eyes �Yeah because that would make it go away.�
Buffy agreed numbly �I can't feel anything. Arms, legs, anything.�
�Let�s test that theory.� Spike groused.
�She was truly the finest of all of us.�
�Yep.� Spike agreed.
�Way better than me.� Xander added.
�Much, much better.� Giles said decisively.
�It's all my fault.� Xander bowed his head.
�Why do you say that?� Giles looked askance at him.
�Statistical probability.�
Spike snorted.
�No, it's me. I-it's me. I'm the one that called her reliable. She must have gone out and gotten attacked, which she never would have done if I hadn't have called her reliable. And now my best friend is...� Buffy trailed off.
Spike felt a presence and turned to see Willow walk in behind him
�What's going on?� she asked.
Spike smiled at her innocent look. The smiley faces on her pink jumper were growing on him. She was such a contrast to her other self but at the same time he could see the parts that went into making her demon self.
They all looked up at her surprise written all over their face. Xander lifted his cross in some sort of involuntary defence.
Willow noticed their sad faces.
�Jeez, who died?� when their faces didn�t change she was taken aback and realised she may have gotten it right
�Oh, God! Who died?�
In answer Xander jumped up pointed his cross at Willow's face.
�Back! Get back, demon!�
Willow looked concerned at Xander like he had flipped out or something.
Xander was briefly confused when she didn�t cower from the religious icon and peered at it in confusion. He shook it.
Spike couldn�t help the laugh that burst through. He brushed at his eyes.
�Hell, you people are better than T.V.�
Buffy and Giles watched her as she ignored the cross and slowly approached.
�Willow, you're alive?� her voice broke.
Willow was puzzled �Aren't I usually?�
Without any further hesitation, Buffy ran the few yards to her best friend and hugged her hard and close.
�Oh!� Buffy exclaimed at her friend�s warmth.
Before Willow could let out more than a quiet �Oof� Xander too had his arms around her hugging her for all she was worth.
�I love you guys, too?� she said hesitantly.
Spike rolled his eyes, jealous at her attention and words.
�Yeah okay enough already.� He muttered.
The hug went on for far too long in Spike�s estimation before Willow said �Okay. Oxygen becoming an issue.�
Buffy and Xander moved back, both smiling watery smiles. Willow smiled back totally unsure of what was going on. She turned to the most logical choice and most level headed person to help her out.
�Giles, what's going on with these...?�
Before she could finish she found herself being warmly embraced in an armful of tweed from the normally reserved Watcher.
�Oh!� her eyes wide.
�Hey now!� Spike yelled �Get you mitts off her, you old perv, he�s copping a feel, pet. Lecherous old fart. LET HER GO.�
Willow groaned a little from the tightness of the hug and Giles released her, a little embarrassed at his emotional display.
�Oh. Sorry.�
He stepped back and Willow looked really uneasy.
�It's really nice that you guys missed me. Say, you all didn't happen to do a bunch of drugs, did ya?� she asked accusingly.
�That would explain an awful lot love.� Spike agreed as he moved closer, keeping an eye on the Watcher. �But I think they missed you.� He traced the curve of her cheek with his fingers.
�Will, we saw you at the Bronze. A vampire.� Xander explained.
�I'm not a *vampire*.� she said half insulted.
�I am.� Spike offered �I could do you too.� The more he thought about it the more he liked the idea, Willow as his childe, devoted only to him.
�You are.� Buffy paused at Willow�s look �I-I mean, you, you were.
Giles, planning on jumping in with an explanation any time soon?� she asked desperately.
Giles stammered �Well, uh... something... something, um, very strange is happening.�
Spike snorted again as Xander remarked facetiously.
�Can you believe the Watcher's Council let this guy go?�
Spike watched Willow as she smiled sweetly; he felt his heart skip and the air thud in his ears. Then he was in the Bronze.
�Well that was relatively painless.� He said thankfully.
He watched as Anya walked up to the bar and sat down.
�What a day. Gimme a beer.�
The bartender just looked at her �I.D.� he stated
Anya gave him an incredulous look.
�I.D.� he repeated.
�I'm eleven hundred and twenty years old! Just gimme a friggin' beer!� she yelled.
�Oh that�ll show him.� Spike remarked �I swear you and the moron are made for each other.�
�I.D.� the guy repeated clearly unimpressed.
�Gimme a Coke.� She gave in.
Spike got up and wandered around the club wondering where either Willow was right now. He saw the stupid Wolf boy on the stage with another tall dumb looking guy and wondered what he was doing.
�Man, we need a roadie. Other bands have roadies.� The tall dumb guy said wistfully.
�Well, other bands know more than three chords. Your professional bands can play up to six, sometimes seven *completely* different chords.� The Wolf quipped but it seemed to go right over the other�s head.
�That's just, like, fruity jazz bands.�
�Anyhow what are you talking about Roadies for? You have Willow.� Spike spat �You gonna cheat on her, I�ll tell�� he trailed off as he realised how that sounded.
�Oz.�
Spike turned slightly.
�Oh great Wolf boy and the poof. Match made in a gel tube.�
�Hey, man. You looking for Buffy?�
�As always.� Angel said with a wry smile.
Spike decided then and there that he was over Buffy. No way was he following in his daft Sire�s footsteps.
�Well, no sightings as of yet, but I think she said she'd show.�
The door opened and several Vampires walked in fanning out in standard formation. They were in full vamp face and people began to back away in fear. The Vampire that had attacked Willow in the Alley came in last and grabbed a boy, throwing him into a table.
�Oh look if it ain�t Curly.� Spike smirked at Angel�s sudden attention.
�That doesn't look good.� Wolf boy said
�Oh you ain�t seen nothing yet.� Spike rocked on his heels.
Curly took centre stage �EVERYBODY, SHUT UP! Alright. Nobody cause any trouble or try to leave... and nobody gets hurt.�
Angel turned slightly to Oz �Why don't I believe him?�
The kid responded just as quietly �Well, he lacks credibility.�
�Can you get outta here?� Wolf boy asked Angel.
�Skylight in the roof. I can make it.�
�Yeah he�ll use his Poofy Angel wings.� Spike nodded smugly.
�I think we need some backup.�
�I think I'm needed here.� Angel countered and Spike shook his head
�Poof!�
�Ten to one. Could get pointless.�
The door to the Bronze opened again and Spike stood straighter as Willow entered. She was looking very pleased and smiled as she reached the centre of the room, the now empty dance floor.
She glided into the centre of the room and looked around blissfully.
�Look. Everyone's all afraid. It's just like old times.� She purred.
Wolf boy stared at her with a look of utmost shock and horror on his face which was mirrored by Angel.
�Get Buffy. Do it now.�
Spike chuckled as Angel spun on his heel and begun climbing the stage ropes to the roof.
Tall and dumb leaned closer to Oz and whispered in awe.
�Dude, check out your girlfriend.�
Spike spared him a glare before jumping down off the stage to stand by his girl. Well would be his girl if he wasn�t invisible.
She sauntered leisurely over to a girl alone at a table.
�What's your name?� she asked sweetly.
�Sandy.� said the girl, with the right amount of fear in her voice.
Spike watched as Willow lightly brushed her fingers along Sandy's arm and slowly pulled her onto the dance floor where everyone was watching them raptly.
�You don't have to be afraid... just to please me. If you're all good boys and girls, we'll make you young and strong forever and ever.�
She turned the squirming girl around and stroked her head.
�We'll have fun.� She grinned and grabbed Sandy�s head pulling it to the side and licking the girls� neck.
�If you're not...�
She glared around, daring anyone to interrupt and vamped out roaring in primal warning as she bit down.
Spike was so proud he was ready to burst.
�Questions? Comments?� she said as she dropped the drained girl to the floor. Spike laughed riotously.
�Oh girl, me and you are gonna have a ball!�
�Willow. You don't wanna do this.� Gasped the wolf horrified.
Spike tried to drape his arm over her shoulders and was disappointed when his arm just went straight through her.
�I don't? But I'm so good at it.� She replied with a smirk.
�Who *did* this to you?� his voice was low with horror.
�I know you. You're a White Hat. How come you're talking to me like we're friends?� she seemed positively confused.
�Beats me,� Spike said �why you were dating the ponce in the first place!�
Anya slowly came up behind her.
�'Cause he thinks you're someone else. He thinks you're the Willow that belongs in *this* reality.�
�She does belong here.� Spike growled.
�Another me?� she replied intrigued.
�You know this isn't your world, right? I mean, you know you don't belong here.�
When Willow spoke again her tone was wistful �No. This is a dumb world. In my world there are people in chains, and we can ride them like ponies.�
Spike swallowed, all the blood in his head rushing�elsewhere at her innocently phrased statement. She was amazing, a walking, talking contradiction. Around her he seemed to be a walking, talking hormone.
�You wanna get back there.�
Willow pouted �Yeah.�
�So do I.�
Spike snorted �Who gives a flying- oh crap.�
8
The next thing Spike knew he was standing in the library at the school. Again. They were all sitting around quietly looking perturbed.
�And this is the crack team that foils my plans.� He said subconsciously moving closer to Willow �Deep, deep shame.�
�This is creepy. I don't like the thought that there's a vampire out there that looks like me.�
Her sad voice made Spike turn to her and he stopped himself just before he hugged her, knowing full well that his arms would go straight through. It was odd, he loved to touch and yet he had never really touched Willow, well when he got back that would all change.
�Not looks like. Is.� Xander maintained.
�It was exactly you, Will, every detail. Except for your not being a dominatrix. As far as we know.�
Willow rolled her eyes and grinned �Oh, right. Me and Oz play 'Mistress of Pain' every night.�
�That wanker!� Spike growled until he realised she was joking and relaxed. Still he was impressed that she could joke at a time like this.
�Did anyone else just go to a scary visual place?� Xander asked raising his hand.
�Oh, yeah.� Buffy added and even Giles looked a little off.
�Not so scary.� Spike muttered as he kicked at the bin, his mind awhirl with all the fabulous things he could do with chains.
They all looked up as Angel made an entrance, it was noisy and he was breathing hard like he had been running.
�Buffy, I... I just... Something's happened that...� he looked at Buffy and Xander �Willow's dead.�
Spike smirked as Buffy and Xander nodded deliberately. Willow straightened up and Angel turned at the noise.
�Hey, Willow.� He said distractedly.
He looked at Buffy and Xander as if wondering why they hadn�t reacted. Xander raised his eyebrows at Angel and Spike rolled his eyes.
�Dumbass.� He snarled.
Angel did a double take at Willow.
�Ah clicked did it?� Spike knew his Sire could be oblivious but this was just conformation.
�Wait a second.�
�We're *right* there with you, buddy.�
Buddy? Since when had Xander ever been pals with the great Poof? Spike suddenly felt a swell of jealousy. They were *his* crew now, even if they hated each other. He knew that Harris had always been a firm opposer of the Souled one, it was the only thing they ever had in common. So why the sudden empathy? Maybe Willow was enough to bring them together and if that was the case then maybe when he got back to Sunnydale and made Willow his, maybe him and Xander could�could what? Be friends? His thoughts were caught when the Slayer spoke
�We saw her, too, at the Bronze.�
�Okay. She's there now with a cadre of vampires looking to party.�
It was as if that was the signal for battle, they all got up and in the place of a bunch of tired and bored teens was a crack fighting troop of hardened soldiers.
�We can figure out who she is *after* we stop the feeding frenzy.�
Spike lagged behind as they moved out into the hallway his mind still working away at his thought on the dynamics of the Scooby gang. Wouldn�t it just bite his Sire�s arse if he were to come back and hear that Spike had made himself a member of the Scooby gang? An actual member, not just an outsider. It made him smile and he was so lost in thought that he didn�t realise that they had stopped in the hallway until he walked through the Slayer.
�No, I don't want her in combat yet. Not around civilians.� Giles was saying to which Xander cheered.
�Hear, hear.�
�What did I miss?� Spike said aloud.
�Guys? What are we gonna do with me? The...other... me?�
�Well I could offer suggestions?� Spike leered and as if they could hear him the three other men shuffled their feet and looked away embarrassed.
�Dirty perverts!� he scoffed.
�I don't know, Will. I mean, we just have to stop them.� Buffy soothed and Willow nodded almost appeased.
�I-I get that. I just kind of wanted to know...Oh! Hey, uh, go. I-I'll catch up.�
Spike watched them go and wondered which to follow. His mind was made up as he watched Willow�s ass sashay away.
9
He kept his eyes pinned to her lovely figure as she leapt up to reach over the counter. Her butt stuck up in the air and he grinned, he could really get used to that sight!
He felt someone behind him but before he could turn, they had their arm around Willow.
�Alone at last.� She gloated.
Spike stared in amazement. Two Willow�s. One Vampire and one human; one the sexy siren of darkness and the other, the epitome of innocence and sweetness. Heaven and hell together.
He felt himself grow aroused as he stared at them, what he wouldn�t give to be able to touch them right now.
The Vampire Willow turned her other self around and eyed her outfit
�Well, look at me. I'm all fuzzy.�
�Yeah but cute.� Spike said with a grin.
�What do I want with you? Uh...� human Willow frowned and Spike just knew she was trying to work out how this situation affected her grammar.
Vampire Willow elaborated �Your little school friend Anya said that you're the one that brought me here. She said that you could get me back to my world.�
�Oh. Oh! Oops!�
�But I don't know...� she continued with a wicked grin �I kinda *like* the idea of the two of us.�
�Oh me too.� Spike hissed it was a fantasy comes true.
�We could be quite a team, if you came around to *my* way of thinking.�
Willow looked at her uncertainly �Would that mean we have to snuggle?�
�Oh please God yes.� Spike felt his trousers get tighter.
�What do you say? Wanna be bad?� she licked her neck.
�This just can't get more disturbing.� Human Willow freaked out.
�Ack! Ew! No more! You're really starting to freak me out!� she flapped her hands and tried to leave but her Vampire double stepped in the way. Willow picked up the cross that Xander had tried to stop her with and waved it at the Vampire, it had about as much success with Vamp Willow as it had with the human one. She batted it away and picked Willow up, throwing her across the counter.
Willow landed with a crash, hitting her head hard against the metal filing cabinet.
�Ow!�
�Hey don�t damage the merchandise!� Spike growled.
Vampire Willow stalked around the counter �You don't wanna play; I guess I can't force you. Oh, wait. I can.�
Spike ran up behind her in time to see Willow fire a gun at the Vampire, it hit her chest dead centre.
�Bitch.� moaned the Vampire as she fell to the floor.
�Good shot pet.� He said relieved. Spike watched Willow get off her butt and run down the corridor anxiously calling the Scooby�s back. He was getting more and more confused. On the one hand he had this deadly Vampire who�s darkness excited him and on the other he had the sweet innocence of the human which he wanted to bask in. which one did he want more?
Willow came back in followed by the gang and she stared gesturing wildly.
�Look at her!� she squealed �She�s out.�
�Good shot Wills.� Buffy said impressed.
Angel and Xander dragged Vampire Willow by the arms into the book cage.
Giles stared dumbfounded �It's extraordinary.�
Willow glared at him �It's horrible! That's me as a vampire? I'm so evil and... skanky. And I think I'm kinda gay.�
Spike burst out laughing �And this worries you? Oh I bet blonde witch would just love that!�
�Willow, just remember, a vampire's personality has nothing to do with the person it was.� Buffy reassured her and Willow nodded almost comforted until Angel turned back.
�Well, actually... That's a good point.� He finished off Buffy�s glare
�Whipped and Tactless, no wonder you get on with the bloody cheerleader.� Spike rolled his eyes.
Xander broke the silence �So, uh, what do we do now?�
�We still have to get to the Bronze.� Giles reminded them.
�Well, even if they're supposed to wait for her they may start feeding. Vampires are not notoriously reliable.�
�So we charge in, much in the style of John Wayne?� Xander�s tone was hopeful.
�High casualty risk. I haven't any other plan, though.� Giles confessed as he took his glasses off to clean them.
�Uh, I have a really bad idea.� Buffy raised her hand. Spike leaned forward intrigued, only to be suddenly put off balance and land in a heap on the floor in front of the Bronze.
�Dammit Hallie!� he growled.
Angel dropped down from the roof of the Bronze onto a crate, then down to the pavement.
�They're still in a holding pattern. That's good. It means they must really be afraid of you.�
Spike turned and his jaw dropped, Willow was wearing her Vampire double�s costume, her flushed skin making a stark contrast to the tight black leather. Her chest expanded, pushing at the binding corset which in turn pushed her breasts up and out. It was an eyeful. One which Spike appreciated.
�Who wouldn't be?� she mocked a she tried to get comfortable in the tight leather.
�Are you okay in that?� Buffy asked.
�It's a little binding. I guess vampires really don't have to breathe.� she looked down �Gosh, look at those.�
Spike looked up to find all three men doing exactly that.
�Oy eyes off, she�s mine!� he growled indignantly.
�Um, ahem, Willow, you, uh, you go in and defuse the situation as best you can. At least try and get some of them to come out and even up the odds a bit.� Giles stammered trying to take his eyes away from her cleavage.
Buffy apparently didn�t notice �First sign of trouble, you give us a signal. We come in hard and fast.�
�What *is* the signal?� Xander wanted to know.
�Me screaming.� Willow nodded.
Angel looked around �Giles, you and Xander wait by the back entrance.�
�Good.� Giles nodded and they left.
�Watcher taking orders from a Vamp, and you wondered why you were fired?� Spike tutted.
�Now, you're sure you're up to this?� Buffy was asking Willow.
�Don't worry. I won't do anything that could be interpreted as brave.� She beamed at Buffy and Spike felt his heart give a lurch.
�She�s walking right into the lions den, you sods do something.�
�We'll be right outside.�
Willow nodded and twisted uncomfortably in the leather. She took a deep breath and knocked with firm resolve.
�No pet, you don�t knock!� he groaned as he followed her inside.
10
�Hi. I'm back.� She smiled.
�Did you find the girl?� the Vampire asked her, it was the one Spike had dubbed curly.
�Yep. I did.� Willow responded.
�Where is she?� Anya asked annoyed.
�I killed her.� She answered with a little hesitation.
Willow continued despite Anya�s look of stunned disbelief �And sucked her blood, as we vampires do.�
After a moment she turned to the vampire on the door.
�You know, I think maybe I heard something out there. Why don't you go check?�
Spike couldn�t help but smirk as her sweet voice, like that would fool anyone with half a brain.
Anya glared �H-how could you kill her? She was our best shot at getting your world back.�
�I don't like that you dare question me.� Willow stalked around �Maybe I'll have my minions take you out back and kill you horribly.� She gave a little smile, clearly enjoying herself. She looked towards the stage and gave a little wave to the Wolf.
�Vampires. Always thinking with your teeth.� Anya groused.
Willow responded haughtily �She bothered me. She's so weak and accommodating. She's always letting people walk all over her, and then she gets cranky with her friends for no reason. I just *couldn't* let her live.�
�Ho, are we letting out a little angst pet?� Spike hopped up and sat on the edge of the stage.
�You know, he's been gone for a while. Why don't you go check on him?� she said to the nearest vampire and patted him on the shoulder.
�Well, Boss, since that plan is out, why don't we get with the killing?�
Willow started.
�I don't know if I feel like killing anymore.� she ignored the cautious stares of the Vampires and walked around, desperately trying to come up with a plan. �I'm so bored. I-it would be like shooting fish in a barrel. Where's the fun?�
�With all due respect, Boss, the fun would be the eating.�
�No Red has a point,� Spike mused �This would be more fun if there was a chase. Fledges today are just so impatient.�
�Maybe we should let everyone go, and give them a thirty second head start.�
�I�m game.� Spike said pleasantly �a chase makes the blood taste better.�
�Wait a minute.� Anya said resolutely.
�No! I *like* my plan.� Willow frowned.
�Oh, nice try.� Any snickered.
�I think you�ve been made pet.� But Spike could have saved his little revelation as Willow had already gotten it.
�Okay, let's get to the killing. Why don't we start with her?� she pointed to Anya.
Anya glared in disgust �Why don't we start with you? If she's a vampire, then I'm the creature from the black lagoon.�
Willow took a few steps back as the Vampires edged towards her. Spike jumped up and stood in front of her in a totally pointless, but oddly gallant gesture.
Anya sagged as she realised what the fact that human Willow stood in front of her probably meant.
�So where is she?�
Willow shrugged �She who? I told you I -I killed her.� She stammered unconvincingly.
�I'm just so tired of being around human beings and all their baggage. I-I don't care if I ever get my powers back.�
�I think he should eat you.�
�The only one eating Willow will be me!� Spike growled.
�This girl has a history of mental problems dating back to early childhood. I'm a blood-sucking fiend! Look at my outfit!� Willow tried desperately.
Curly shook his head �A human. I should have smelled it right away.�
�A human? Oh, yeah? Could a human do this?� with that Willow let a shriek that would have done a banshee proud and Spike who had been standing right next to her covered his sensitive ears.
�Sure. Yeah. Humans do that. Yeah.�
�Yeah. Yeah, I think, yeah.� Anya and Curly responded simultaneously.
The door to the Bronze opened and Buffy and Angel came storming in much in the style of John Wayne. Buffy rolled over a pool table and grabbed a pool cue, smacking several Vampires with it on her way to the centre of the room.
Spike turned just as Anya approached Willow with a smile.
�Don�t let her get away with that pet.� He cautioned and Willow pulled back her fist and smacked Anya sending her sprawling to the floor unconscious.
�Go you.� Spike said impressed staring down at the comatose Anya.
�Ow! Ow! Ow! Happy, but ow!� Willow shook her aching fist and Oz grabbed her by the arm pulling her onto the stage and away from the fighting.
�Hey wolf boy, hands off the girl.� Spike glared but being ghostly he couldn�t smack Oz as hard as he wished. He saw Angel fighting in the midst of the fray and wished heartily that he could be there protecting his Willow. Strange how he now thought of her as his Willow, he hadn�t even spoken to her much and now he couldn�t imagine his unlife without her.
He followed Oz who was dragging Willow towards the back when the Vampire version of Willow appeared in Vamp face, crashed into him and threw him as far as her strength could, right into that daft boy who had been singing.
�No more snuggles?� Willow tried but the Vampire was having none of it, she punched her making her fly into the drum kit where the cymbals went down with a crash.
Spike could hear noises from the back, figuring that Giles and the moron had found their way in and were aiding the fight, it didn�t help his nerves however because the Vampire Willow had her human counterpart by the throat and was slowly choking the life out of her.
�Help her!� Spike bellowed at Buffy who was fighting with Curly. She was attacking him with a pool cue whilst being attacked by another vamp.
�Stop bleeding playing and help!� he screamed at Buffy.
He looked around but Angel, too, was fighting with a vamp.
�Angelus! Stop pissing about!� he knew that Angelus would never have had this much trouble with a fledgling.
Willow whimpered and started to go blue. Buffy seemed to hear and looked up to see her friend in a chokehold. She went pale and killed the Vampire in a business like way before running to her friend�s aid.
�About sodding time!� Spike sighed in relief
Buffy leaped up onto the stage and went to stab down hard with the pool cue into Vampire Willow's back with it, when Willow�s hoarse shout reached her ears.
�BUFFY, NO!�
Instead of staking the Vampire, Buffy just grabbed her and pulled her off, letting Willow get some much needed oxygen. Angel appeared just as she got her in a secure lock.
�About time you showed up.� Spike said in disgust kneeling down to inspect Willow�s throat.
Willow stood up and gingerly massaged her neck.
�Nice reflexes.� She managed.
Buffy shrugged �Well, I work out.�
Vampire Willow pouted �This world's no fun.�
Willow smiled sadly �You noticed that, too?�
11
Spike blinked at when he opened his eyes again he was in the factory where he had first seen his beloved Vampire Willow.
�So back again.� He sighed and watched as Giles, Anya and Oz finished setting up for the spell to send her away.
Xander stepped close to the Vampire Willow, whilst Angel had his eyes firmly fixed on her. Spike growled at him.
�Oy mate, your bird is over there, this one is spoken for�and that one.� He gestured at human Willow.
�So, um, in your reality, I'm like this bad-ass vampire, huh? People afraid of me?� Xander said.
Both Spike and Vampire Willow rolled their eyes at him in exasperation but like usual Xander was oblivious
�Oh, yeah. I'm bad.�
Spike followed the wolf who walked over to his Willow and Buffy who were conversing.
�I'm not sure about releasing this thing into the wild, Will. It is a demon.� Buffy said uncertainly.
�I just can't kill her.� Willow said softly.
�No. Me, neither.� Buffy sighed.
Willow carried on as if trying to explain herself �I mean, I know she's not me. We have a big nothing in common, but... still.�
Surprisingly Buffy seemed to understand �There but for the grace of getting bit.�
�Again.� Spike stood by Willow �If only I hadn�t been chipped.�
�We send her back to her world, and she stands a chance. It's the way it should be anyway.� Willow smiled and walked over to her Vampire self whilst Giles admonished Anya.
�Uh, we're about ready here. Don't you try any tricks now dear.�
Anya was sulking �I don't need tricks. When I get my powers back, you will all grovel before me.�
Both Willows and Spike rolled their eyes and shook their heads at her delusions of grandeur.
�As if. You become Xander�s lap dog.� Spike smirked.
�Yes, uh, if you, uh, Willow-s, would like to, uh, complete the circle.�
Willow looked at the Vampire �Good luck. Try not to kill people.� She smiled warmly at the stoic Vampire and hugged her.
The Vampire looked strange for a second and then hugged her back reaching down and�
�Hands! Hands!� Willow squeaked and danced back out of reach. Vampire Willow gave her a wicked, knowing smile and they walked over to the circle.
Spike knelt in front of the Vampire and looked her straight in the face.
�I�ll miss you pet.� He traced her face with his fingers, not touching her. �But I know what I want.� He looked over his shoulder to where Willow was laughing at something Buffy said.
Spike stood back as the scene froze and Hallie appeared.
�So they send her back.� He said sadly.
�Yes, it was disappointing but such a fun time was had. Willow learned something about her self and gave them all quite a scare.�
�I can see why it�s a favourite.� He nodded as the scene around them spun and he found himself back in the bar with his whisky in front of him.
He picked it up and downed it in one go, trying to assuage his seasickness before pouring himself another.
�Now you see why that girl is too much for you?�
Spike stared at her �Are you kidding, with her at my side we�d have the Slayer dead in a matter of hours, we�d take over the Hellmouth and-�
�Sure. I didn�t mean the Vampire version William.� Halfrek snorted
�I meant the human Willow is just as much if not more, what with her witchy powers now which are stronger than any of you can imagine and she�d be more than a handful.�
�I�d love the challenge.� Spike leered and then remembered himself and who he was talking to �But the Vampire version was a treat, her demon was magnificent.�
�But she�s not a Vampire and I saw you William. You want her as a human. Too bad you won�t have her.�
Spike growled at Halfrek and her ability to see through him. She was right; he did want the human and knew that he couldn�t have her; she was with that waste of space of a girlfriend, believing herself in love. As much as he had loved and adored the Vampire version, he was drawn by the human Willow�s soft sweetness and warmth, her loyalty and stubbornness, things she still had even though she was older. Although he had admired the cunning of the Vampire he knew that right now she would be too much for him, at least while he had the chip. He sagged in realisation �Yeah I guess, what with the chip and all. Plus Buffy still thinks I�m in love with her and-�
�She�s with Tara?� Halfrek seemed amused.
�Yeah, one more obstacle.� He sighed and finished his drink �I just wish she wasn�t gay.�
�Wish granted.�