"D-Don't you love me anymore Willow?" Tara cried. "That's it Tara. I'm not sure if I ever really did." Tara looked devastated. "I'm not saying this to hurt you , Tara. I loved you, but not like. . . " "Oz?" Now Willow looked hurt. She remembered when Oz left her. She had asked him the same question, Tara had just asked her. Tara was suddenly angry. "I-I can't believe you! A-All we've gone through together. You'll be sorry." "Tara please. I'm sorry. Don't be so angry. I know how you feel. Oz hurt m-" "No y-you don't! You b-both loved each other. But you're acting like you never l-loved me. You don't know what it feels like to love somebody s-so much who doesn't love you back because they've got someone e-else in their heart." "We can still be friends-" "S-screw you!" Willow's mouth dropped in shock. "Tara. Maybe it was too soon after Oz. Maybe I needed time to myself, or to be with someone not so serious. Maybe I needed some fun" "What? y-you wanna s-skank around?!" Willow got angry "No! I-" "You'll see. You'll see what it's like" "What?" "You'll see" "Tara-" "G-Get out!" "We sh-" "Get out!" Willow left slamming the door behind her.

"Willow" Buffy was surprised to see an upset Willow at her door. "Can I come in?" "Yea, of course. What happened?" "I did it. She wasn't happy." "Oh, Wills" Buffy hugged her friend. "You had to do it. She'll get over it. Don't beat yourself up for being honest." "yea, I know" "I gotta patrol. I was supposed to go out with Riley, but I can come back he-" "No, that's ok. Go out. Have fun. Slay. I don't really think I'm up for talkin' about it. I don't mind being alone for a little while. But do you mind if I stay here tonight? I don't wanna deal with my mom's questions tonight." "Sure. Noone'll bother you here. All house, All Empty, All the time." Buffy gave her a little smile, Willow gave a weak one in return.

"What are you doing here, Red?" Spike sat on the stool next to her "Drowning my troubles" She lifted a glass of purple liquid. "Is that a Closet Demon Ice Tea?" "Yep." "That can really mess you up, Pet" "I don't need a watcher Spike. Have a Bloody, Bloody Mary" They motioned to the bartender. " Where's the little Wicca woman?" Willow turned looking into Spike's face, he could see she was already half-toasted. "It's over. That's why I'm here." "Sorry, love. Didn't mean to bring up the bad." "Ah. She didn't have to get so bitchy, witchy, whatever. Both. I was just being honest. God, I feel so guilty." Spike laid a hand on her shoulder "Well, don't. You should never feel bad for being honest." "That's what so great about you Spike. You're so honest. You're like I'm a vampire, with a chip in my head, and no soul in my being. Screw you. I'll kick your ass. 'Cept you have that cool accent. I love that about you." he smiled. "What? The attitude or the accent?" "both" "I'm sure you have a little attitude in you too. You just gotta learn to let it out once in awhile." Willow was staring into Spike's eyes. "Where's Harmony?" She asked into her glass. "ugh. home" "Problems?" "She's bloody annoying" Willow burst out laughing and gave a little snort. Spike's mouth opened in surprise and he gave a little laugh at her. "Geez, you're not stuck with her for eternity are you?" "Ahh. . ." Spike rolled his eyes and took a large gulp of his drink.

"I mean, sure, I ripped his head off, but I had good reason to be angry. He bled on me on the way down. Besides, I had to be sure he was dead, Right?" Spike slowly turned to Willow. She was out. Her head down on the bar. A little drool on the side of her mouth. Spike finished his drink. "You want I should call a cab?" "You do and you'll be pulling the phone out of your ass" Spike didn't trust a cabby alone with Willow unconscious. "Please Spike, everyone knows about the chip in your head." The human bartender smirked. "Yea, well, See ya later" Spike told him as he threw Willow over his shoulder. As they reached Buffy's, he slid her down across his arms. He walked up the front stairs quietly as he looked over her. Her skin looked so soft and pale. He laid her down on the rocking porch sofa. "Mm. . . Spike" She mumbled as she rolled up. He smiled at her then walked across the street next to a tree to watch over her until Buffy came home.

Buffy and Riley walked up the porch steps laughing. "Buffy" Riley pointed to Willow. "Willow?" Buffy stepped closer to her. "what are you doing?" "I was talking to S-" Willow opened her eyes "Who were you talking to?" Buffy asked. "uh, S-Santa Claus" Spike laughed. "I was asking for a clue for Christmas." "Come on, Get inside." Riley and Buffy helped her inside and to the couch. Buffy tried to talk to her, but she said she was tired and curled up on the couch and closed her eyes. Riley shrugged at Buffy, then they ran up the stairs and into her bedroom. Willow opened her eyes and stared at the ceiling. She could hear Buffy and Riley upstairs, going at it. "Good thing Buffy's mom isn't here" Willow sighed and pulled a pillow over her head. Spike saw this through the window "Bloody idiots" he said angrily at Buffy and Riley.

Willow stared into the photo album she was supposed to be packing. "You ok Willster?" Xander laid a hand on her shoulder. CRASH! They turned to Anya. "Whoops!" Anya looked down at her feet where a broken candle holder lay. "Sorry Willow" Willow looked at it. "It's Tara's" "oh" Anya shrugged and continued packing. Willow and Xander laughed. "Well?" Xander waited. "Huh?" Willow still stared at the picture, thinking how easier life in high school now seemed. And it hadn't been that easy. Xander took the album and looked at the picture. It was an old picture. Buffy, Xander, Cordy, Willow and Oz sat outside, the sun in their eyes a smile on their lips. "Is this what- You miss Oz?" Xander looked at Willow. "Huh?" Willow heard, but was confused. "Is he why you broke up with Tara?" "Don't you know me at all Xander?" he shrugged like a kid who knows he did something wrong, but not what. "Oz, isn't the reason. I miss him, but not like that."

"So, I ran into this demon last night. I thought we could research, but I asked Spike to come too, so maybe we can find out what it is, how to get rid of it, and do it." "What did it look like?" Xander asked Buffy. "Well, actually at first, I thought it was a vampire. A really big, really strong, really quiet vampire" "That'd be an Akashan demon." Everyone turned to see Spike by the door. "Hmm he can be helpful."Giles said as he waved a bill in front of Spike "Nah, thanks, I'm cool" Spike's eyes were on Willow. He walked up behind her while the others exchanged shocked looks at his refusal of the money. " How ya doing, Red?" she smiled at Spike "I'm ok. How are you?" "Verge of Blissful. Got rid of Harmony." "You broke up with her?" Willow's eyes went wide. "What are you guys whispering about?" Buffy pulled Willow away from Spike "Wouldn't you like to know?" Spike smirked at the Slayer. "Tell us about this demon, Spike" Giles began. "I don't know. Slayer's being rude. Gl-" Giles waved the bill in front of him again. Spike took it and saw Willow smiling at him.

Spike fell back to walk beside Willow "Now that we've rid the world of an Akashan Demon, I was wondering if you could do me a bit of a favor, love." "Sure." "Don't you want to know what it is first?" Spike asked amused Willow was so quick to agree. "I figure you know me well enough, to know what I'll do and what I won't" Spike grinned thinking back. "I did. People change." "So do vampires. . . .Why are you looking at me like that?" "I was remembering the last time I kidnapped you to do a spell." "You're not kidnapping me" "Aren't I?" Spike grabbed Willow's hand and pulled her running down the street. "Hey! Where are you guys going?!" Xander yelled at them. "Gotta do something!" Willow yelled over her shoulder "Willow!" Buffy yelled sternly. "I'll call you later!" They turned a corner and were out of sight. "What's up with those two?" Anya asked as she wrapped her arms around Xander. "I don't know, but I don't like it. "Buffy said still staring at the corner where they had disappeared. After picking up some supplies, Willow and Spike were back in Spike's crypt. "Is she obsessing or stalking?" Willow asked, preparing for the spell. "Nah, but you know Harmony. She's not too good at taking a hint." Willow smiled "Guess Spike's going back to the bachelor living alone thing." Spike gave her a sly look. "yea, it's great. You can do what you want, when you want , and you don't have to worry about someone nagging you to pick up your jacket, or stop throwing around your clothes." "Yea, I can't wait for my parents to leave on vacation" "They're leaving you in that house all alone, all summer?" "Yea, for most of it, anyway" "Aren't you afraid to be alone?" "Not really. I've got the Wicca thing, And friends who fight, . . . the bad." Spike laughed at her innocent child-like way. Willow quirked her head and looked at him strangely. "Turn off all other lights. These should be the only light in the room" She said as she lit the black candles in front of them. Spike turned out all the other lights and sat back down across from Willow. "Alright Red. let's do a de-invite"

Spike and Willow were on her porch talking, when the door flew open. "Willow" "Mom!" "You didn't call" Willow rolled her eyes. "Sorry" "Who's your friend?" Will's mom looked at Spike, who gave her a big dashing smile. "Mom, this is Spike. Spike, ...Mom." Before Spike could respond Willow's mom crossed her arms. "Got a real name?" "Mom! I'll be in in a minute" Willow's mom took another long glance at Spike, and walked inside "Sorry. Anyway, I'm still a little worried about Tara. I don't know how she's doing or if she's so mad she's gonna do a spell on me" "Yea, if she did we might find ourselves on a floor, making out, . . . engaged." Spike stressed the last word. "I'm never gonna be forgiven for that one am I? Giles still thinks his vision isn't back where it should be" Spike smiled. Willow stared at him sweetly thinking 'he can be hot, but sometimes, he's just lovely' "What?" Spike said defensively. "Nothing. You look nice when you give a genuine smile." There was a short silence between them that seemed to last for hours. "I gotta get inside, before my dad comes out and asks you how old you are" Spike grunted a laugh. Willow stared at him smiling as she backed up to the door. "Night, Spike" "Night, Love" She gave him a small smile before rushing inside, and leaning on the door. "He's cute" Willow's mom said staring at her daughter. "You have no idea" Willow said quietly as she climbed the stairs to her bedroom.

"Where'd you and Spike run off to last night?" Buffy stared sternly at Willow. "He needed a favor. A spell." "You shouldn't take off with him, alone." "Ok, mom" Willow gave her a sweet innocent look "So, what kind of spell?" "Just a little de-invite to keep certain vampires out" "Harmony?" "Yep." "What happened there? Did he finally realize what a ditz she is?" "Don't know, Where's Riley?" "Don't know" Buffy mocked Willow. "What's the plan for tonight?" "I'm thinking Bronze. We can hook you up with a-. . .someone." Willow gave her a strange look. "Sorry, I'm not sure what you, . . . you know are into right now. So tell me, so I can help you look. " "I'm not looking. But if I were. It be a guy. Maybe blonde. Sweet. Smart. . ." Willow's thoughts drifted off. "You might as well go over to the girl list, cause finding a guy like that, around here, is virtually impossible. I'm not sharing Riley" "Ok, then. he can be a dark haired" "Ok, so someone like Angel, only with, . . . a reflection." Willow was surprised to hear Buffy bring up Angel with out pain in her face or voice. 'Maybe she's finally over him' Willow thought. "Who care's about a reflection. As long as I can see him" They laughed.

"Buffy, I can't wear that! That was a Halloween costume" "Willow its sexy. You've got a nice little body. Show it off." "Yea" Buffy agreed with Anya. "Come on. There tight leather pants, with this corset-y top thing. You'll look so hot! Oh, we gotta find the shoes." Anya dug into the closet. Buffy and Willow stared at her strangely. "Yea, because that'll help me find Mr. Sweet & Smart." "Forget him! Have fun tonight." Buffy waved her hand "Ok. only if I'm not standing out too much from you guys." " I don't have anything like that." Buffy said eyes wide. "I do! I'm right behind you, Willow." Anya jumped up excitedly. "Ok, Why don't you fix me a drink Buffy, I'll need it." Buffy grinned and ran down the stairs.

"Well, I'd say our plan worked. Will's having fun, and she's definitely getting some interested looks from quite a few guys" "yea" Riley responded staring at Willow out on the dance floor. Buffy shoved him. "ugh! sorry" "Course no one's had the guts to come up and talk to her yet. Maybe cause she's hanging with us weirdoes?" "Speak for yourself, strange one" Anya stared at Xander. "Please Anya, You're the one who runs up there every minute and a half to ask if you can have Xander back" "You're right. Due for another." Anya jumped off her seat and headed towards them. "Hey Slayer!" Buffy turned to see Spike glaring at her "Why aren't you doing your job? I almost got robbed by two Lat-gid demons" "It's my night off Spike. Go away." Spike followed Buffy's stare to the dance floor "Whoa! Who's the hottie with the kink twins?" The trio walked closer to the table "No Bloody Way!" Spike was in shock. "Way" Riley grinned at Spike. The others reached the table and Willow turned her eyes from Xander to look at the ones at the table. Spike caught a whiff of her, all warm and excited. "Hey, Spike" Willow smiled. Spike took a close up view of her "Hey Red. Nice look on you" Willow laughed. "What?" Willow leaned into Spike to be heard over the noise. "It's my Halloween 'Vampiress' costume." She blushed at admitting such a thing to him. "Well, it works" Spike admitted. "Thanks. Go away now" Buffy shooed him with a wave of her hand. "Buffy. Be nice. With Spike here, I don't look so much like a . . . 5th wheel" "Well, who's gonna talk to you with loser spice here?" "Well no one's talked to me yet." "They're probably intimidated by you, pet. They don't think they can handle you. They're probably right too" He said the last part in her ear, making her blush again. "Or maybe they've seen her in here before, so now they think she's Sybil." Willow slapped Xander's arm and pouted. "Sheppard?" Buffy asked. "No. Sybil, You know. Multiple personalities?" "oh, yea" Buffy squirmed down in her seat. A new song started. "Oh, Baby! This is a sexy song. Let's go." Anya pulled Xander onto the dance floor. "There go the kink twins-" "Perverts!" Willow shouted laughing at them. "What say we go show them up, Pet?" Willow stared at Spike giving her a sly grin "ok" Willow gulped down the rest of her drink and ran off with Spike. "Xander didn't spike her drink did he?" Riley smiled ready to make a joke "No pun intended." She made him stop. "He's just doing her a favor. Come on. Spike and Willow?" Riley laughed. "Yea, I guess you're right." Buffy smiled and kissed Riley.

"Hey! Just another thanks." Willow walked into Spike's crypt. It was pretty dim, but she found Spike asleep on the couch. He lay there again, only in jeans, but they were slightly unbuttoned. Willow began to lean over to look-"Hey!" Spike's arm reached up and grabbed Willow, almost making her drop her cookies. "What are you doing?" "I was just wondering boxers or briefs" "What?" Spike let go looking at her confused. "uh. I brought cookies." She showed him the plate and sat them down slowly. Spike sat up and ran his hands through his hair. He could tell that he had scared her. Her heart was beating rapidly. "uh, Sorry Red." he said looking forward instead of at her beside him. "It's okay. I shouldn't of snuck up beside ya." "are these the ones you made to make up for the spell you put on us?" Yeah. well, no. Same recipe. Different cookies. I added a little blood, for flavor" Spike turned to her slowly. "Where did you get blood?" "I know you keep some at Giles's place. I should go. I didn't mean to-uh" she looked down on the couch sorry to have woken him up. "It's alright. Sun'll be down soon anyway." Spike grabbed a cookie "I don't suppose, you want one?" "uh-no. Thanks" "Too bad, I'm sure they're delicious." He took a bite and seemed to be enjoying it. "I gotta get to Buffy's. I'm patrolling with her tonight." Willow turned to leave. "Willow?" She turned smiling. She loved her name from his mouth "hmm?" "Be careful." Spike looked seriously concerned. He knew how yummy Willow was in the eyes of a vampire. "It's okay. Buffy does most of the work. I just carry some of the weapons and give her somebody to talk to." Willow smiled and left.

I'm telling you, man. She's so beautiful. Her skin is so white. You'd swear her skin 'as never seen sunlight. . .ever-" "And she's human?" the Chaos demon next to Spike asked. "Yeah. And her hair. Her hair is like a waterfall of blood with the sun shining through it-" "How would you know?" "Would you stop bloody interrupting?!" Spike yelled at the demon "ugh!(he grunted) She smells bloody wonderful. I could pick her out in a crowd of a thousand, in one room." "What does she think of you?" the demon smirked. Spike turned from his drink to the demon "Are you kidding? She loves me." "Sure." "She does. I mean why wouldn't she? I'm funny (he stands up), I'm hot, I-" "You're drunk" "I'm drunk. Wait." Spike turned to the demon and passed out on the floor.

"Oh, bloody hell." Spike groaned as he stood. He looked around and realized he was in the alley of the bar. He checked his pockets. Empty. "F*cking Chaos Demon!" He began to brush off his clothes. "oh, disgusting." he spat feeling the dirty, grimy back-alley elements clinging to him. "Ey, Giles, Come on let me in!" Spike pounded on the door. "Dear God, what happened to you?" Giles made a face and attempted to cover his nose. "Let me in! the sun is still up a bit, if you haven't noticed. It doesn't help the smell any." Giles stepped inside , letting Spike enter. Spike threw the blanket down in front of Giles's door and walked in. Giles looked at Spike standing there with a pile of clothes in his arms strangely. "Couldn't you have changed before you came?" "I need a shower." Spike said annoyed. I agree with you there" Giles began to light scented candles in his apartment. Spike threw down his pile of clothes. "It's not like I did this on purpose Rupert. I had a bit to drink last night. I passed out. A-bloody Chaos Demon took my money, and threw me in the alley.. . . in God knows what. I woke up before the sun rose, and ran home. Passed out there too" Spike said the last part quietly (embarrassed). Giles almost laughed out loud. "Any-way. I know it's bad. I'm airing out my crypt as we speak. Can I use your shower?" "Yes, of course." Giles was still trying not to laugh. "Aren't you worried someone will go into your crypt and mess about with your things?" Spike took off his boots "Nah. Red put a spell on it for me. Say could you wash these clothes for me? Spike took off his shirt, as he walked to Giles bathroom. "Why don't you burn them?" Spike looked at the dirty shirt and then at the jeans he still wore."Alright." Spike stepped into the bathroom and a moment later his jeans were thrown out to meet his shirt already on the floor. "I swear, it's like having children." Giles whined as he picked up the pile of clothes. As Giles was stuffing them into a bag, Willow solemnly walked in his place. "Hey, Giles wh-what's that smell?" "I'm not exactly sure." Giles tied the bag. "Oh. Well, I left a spell book here, I desperately need. Mind if I look?" "No. Help yourself. I'm going to throw this out." Giles walked out. "He should really take his garbage out more often." Willow said to herself as she began her search. "Uh! I feel so much better!" Spike stepped into the living room. Willow had been crouched down looking for her book and now she sat up. "Willow!" Spike was surprised. "Spike" Willow said slowly, then she looked him up and down. He was wet and naked except for a little white towel covering his mid-section. 'O, God. He looks so good.' Willow thought. She stared at his legs. It's not something she was used to seeing. It's not like spike ran around in shorts all the time. Spike felt Willow's eyes on him. Immediately, he became self-conscious, and that freaked him out. He knew he looked good. He had never questioned that since he became a vampire. He suddenly realized what the look Willow was staring up at him with meant. She liked it. She definitely liked what she saw. So, cocky Spike (no pun intended) made an appearance. He walked over to her. She was still on her knees. He stood over her. "What are you doing, Red?" "Um...I was..." her eyes darted all across his body, not until she looked away, was she able to finish her sentence. "looking for a spell book." "oh." He reached his hand out to help her up. She reached out her hand and Spike pulled her up quickly and easily. Her body bumped right into his "oops, sorry" She took a step back 'wait. what was that, I felt, under that towel' She thought to herself. "I'm not" Spike grinned at her slyly. Just then, Giles walked back in "Even the rats didn't want anything to do with your dirty smell- Willow! uh, yes. I forgot" Giles looked at the two standing only inches apart. "Spike. kindly get dressed would you?" Giles picked up the pile of clothes from the chair, accidentally dropping them. He picked up the shirt and the pants "Uh, Spike seems you forgot-" "Don't wear any." Spike still looked at Willow. She turned to Giles, then understood. She immediately blushed, and backed away. Giles threw Spike's clothes at him. Spike started to open his towel. "In another room, please" Giles removed his glasses and pinched his nose at Spike's ability to get to him so easily. "oh, yea. Right" Spike nodded and walked back into the bathroom. Giles saw Willow standing with her eyes wide. "You know, I think I saw that book of yours" He put his glasses back on and walked to his desk "Is this it?" "Yeah! thanks Giles" "Anything I can help with?" "Nah. I don't think so." Willow knew Giles would tell her she was being silly and paranoid. "Well, let me know if you need anything." Willow cringed. Giles knew about her break up with Tara and was feeling sorry for her."Sure. I'm fine. Thanks" She lifted the book and left his apartment. Giles stood there wondering if Willow was really "fine". he remembered what had happened last time she had a difficult break-up and dabbled with magic. Giles played with his glasses, and checked his vision by staring at a clock across the room. Spike ambled out of the bathroom. he didn't see Willow. "Where's Willow?" Giles raised questioning eyebrows at him "Red, where is she?" She left. I imagine she-" Spike was already out the door tracking her. He had to run to catch up to her She was in a hurry. "Hey!" She jumped, grabbing her chest, then looked at Spike "Don't do that!" She scolded. "Sorry. Why so jumpy?" Willow didn't answer, just kept her pace "Why in such a hurry?" She stopped and looked at him "Why the 3rd degree?" "Pet, I wouldn't call it the 3rd degree." "ok. Why the . . . 2nd degree?" her voice softened. "Just making polite conversation. And you seemed a bit distracted and anxious today." "I've had a horrible day, the worst part being I get into a fight with everyone I talk to. I think Tara put a spell on me...or on my sweater." "Wha-" Spike looked amazed and amused. "Don't laugh. Either help, or go away" "Oh with such options..." She expected him to leave. Instead, he grabbed her book. "So what exactly are we looking for, Pet?" "I don't know. A spell to remove hers, or a spell to see if she really did put a spell on me" "I thought it was your sweater?" Spike teased. Willow rolled her eyes as she climbed the stairs to her house. "It makes more sense if you knew the whole story." Willow opened her door and walked inside. "I haven't worn the sweater since I-we-...broke up. It was sticking out of my dresser when I brought it back." She checked to see if he was listening as he stood statue still on her porch. "Today, I put it on. Woke up late, ran out of hot water in the shower, . . ." Spike nodded as the image focused in his mind. ". . . I get into an argument with my mom. Instead of I love you, I miss you. It was like uh! go! get out of here! and 'Don't ruin the house, or break anything, or have any parties'." Willow sighed and leaned on the back of the loveseat. That doesn-" Spike tried to walk in, but couldn't. Willow laughed. "Does that hurt? or just holds you out?" "It can hurt. If I run from back..." Spike stepped off the porch ready to demonstrate for her he began to run up her walkway to the door. "Spike, Come in!" It was too late to stop right. Spike tumbled in only finding his balance after dropping her book and grabbing a table by the stairs. After watching Spike to make sure he was alright and not angry, she picked up the book. "Just wanted the book." She said quietly."Sure" He answered sarcastically, as he checked out her house. "You want anything?" He looked her up and down (unnoticed). "Nah, I'm alright. Thanks" "OK. You start looking (she handed him the book) and I'll get the cursed sweater" Willow hopped up the stairs. Spike looked at the book, tossed it onto the coffee table and ran up the stairs to her room, but fell back when he reached her doorway. "oh sh*t! Spike!" Willow ran out to him. Spike lay semi-stunned in her hall. "You okay?" He didn't answer. "My room has it's own de-invite" Spike looked at her staring over him worriedly. "Did you just say shit?" She covered her mouth, surprised at herself. She helped him up. "Want to let me in? Room looks pretty interesting" "Not on the first date" She saw his eyebrow quirk up. "Just kiddin' Let's go." Willow ran down the stairs. Spike sighed semi-amused and frustrated. He started down the stairs. "Love, I don't want to fight, but I don't want you to be paranoid about this." he reached the bottom of the stairs and looked over at her. She stared at him considerately. "Put on the sweater. We'll 'hang' or whatever, and if we argue, fight, whatever, (he smiled) we'll use the book. If not, you're not cursed and you let it go." Willow thought about it. "What'll we do?" Spike grinned at her question.

"What are you doing here anyway?" Xander said defensively to Spike, after Spike had said something offensive. "Are you guys getting along in here?" Willow yelled from the kitchen. "No! Xander's being rude." Spike smirked at him. "Just wait 'till Buffy gets back from patrolling." "Xander! be nice. "Willow walked into the room and handed a mug to Spike. "What about us?" Xander said jealous. "You want a cup of warm blood, you daft fu-"Willow stopped Spike with a hand on his shoulder and a stern look on her face. "I figure you can drink that now, and not yuk anyone out at the dinner table. And you guys, Please be nice. For Giles. Be grown up enough for one day to not argue like two year olds."" "I think we argue like six year olds, but yea, whatever." Xander kissed Willow on the side of her head as Spike and Anya looked on jealously.

"Oh, Willow, that was wonderful" Giles smiled as he rubbed his stomach. "Thanks. Yea! Time for gifts!" Willow clapped her hands quietly but happily. Spike couldn't help a small smile. Xander noticed. "Ok. My gift was just gonna be that I scanned and typed all of that big ol' Ancient Demon book for you, but after all that typing, I decided to get you this" Giles opened the prettily wrapped box carefully. "Oh, rip it open! You know you're just gonna throw away the paper anyway." Giles looked at Xander disapprovingly. Giles looked at the box, trying to figure out what it was. "It's one of those thingys so you can read out loud what you want typed, and it'll type for you" "Oh. It's wonderful. I'm sure to use it often" He stared back at the stacks of old books he wanted input into his computer. Spike stared at Willow. Her eyes sparkled and her smile was so sweet. "Ok. This is from me and Anya." Xander passed the gift over. "What did we get him?" Xander asked Anya. Before she could answer "Babs does Britain?" Giles looked confused as he fixed his glasses and tried to read the back cover of the tape. "You got him British porn?!" "Hey. That was hard to find." Everyone held back laughter. Everyone except Giles, who was embarrassed, and Willow who was worried it had ruined Giles's birthday celebration. "I thought single men like those. You had a closet full of them before we-" "Anya!" Xander laughed nervously. "Anyway" Buffy handed a gift bag to Giles. He reached down into the bag and pulled out a book. "Oh. Another book to input. Thank you Buffy, Riley" Giles smiled politely. "Isn't it supposed to be a gift for him? Something that makes his life better, not yours?" "Shut up, Spike. I don't see you with a gift." Buffy gave him a hard stare. He only returned it with a hard stare of his own. "Buffy-" "Why do you always defend him?!" Buffy glared at Willow. "I wasn't going to defend him. I was just gonna say he did get something." Willow's voice was calm, but she was upset. Willow and Spike walked to the closet and pulled a big rectangle box out. "This is from you, Spike?" Giles stared at the big box with shiny paper and a big bow. "Red, wrapped it." Spike smiled at Willow. "Well, thank you Spike" "Open it before you thank me, or are you afraid?" Giles was apprehensive, but remembered Willow had wrapped it. She must know what it is. Everyone watched as Giles pulled out a semi-new guitar. Giles was in awe and speechless. "Yea, barely used" "You didn't-?" Giles started worried. "I can't remember? (Spike pointed to his head(chip) Xander hmpfted.) he was a demon" "Oh, in that case. Thank you, very much." "No problem, Rupert."

The sun pouring through the windows woke Willow up. "Spike? Spike?!" She shot up, remembering the effect of the sun on him. She began to look for any hint of ashes or dust. Nothing. Besides a little ordinary house dust-wait. Willow picked up a piece of paper

Sorry.

"Damn! Should've gone to my room. No sunlight in there."

Willow fought the urge to go to Spike's crypt. She knew deep down she had wanted it to happen. There had always been something intriguing about Spike, besides the fact that he was a vampire hottie. And after the chip was implanted, she had gotten to see more of him than the smart-ass vampire hottie. She tried to tell herself it couldn't work, but she couldn't help but wonder what it would be like if they tried. She knew though, that she'd have to let go of the semi-scared, proper, do-the-right-thing, all-too-innocent part of herself and surrender a bit more to the part that wanted, needed to be lusted after, touched, and be a little bad. Willow sighed to herself in the bathtub wishing she had someone to talk to about it. Instead she closed her eyes and replayed the night before, in her mind. Part of her wished she hadn't stopped him.

"Giles don't you ever get tired of being the smart, dependable one?" He looked at Willow thoughtfully. "Don't you ever wanna be...-" "Dumb and untrustworthy?" he hid a smile. "You know what I mean." Willow sighed and fell onto a chair. "Does this have something to do with Spike?" Willow sat up in her chair. "What?" "I've noticed you two,...seem to have become...friends. I know he seems...fun or whatever, but you must never forget what he is. A vampire without a soul. He is basically evil." "I don't think he's evil. He doesn't hurt anyone-" "Because of the chip." "But there's more to him." Willow ran over and sat facing Giles on the couch "You have to have seen it. When you talk to him. And he's serious, and smart, and sweet-" Willow looked up into Giles' face afraid she may have said too much. "I'll admit that sometimes, he...I forget what he is. But we shouldn't. He's a soulless vampire." Giles was hoping to stick it in her head. "But if he isn't? Soulless, I mean. He doesn't seem evil. He helps us-" "For money." "He's changed. I know it's probably because the chip, but still he's changed. Maybe his doing good and changing has helped him regain his soul, or maybe he can." "Willow" Giles said softly trying to calm her. "He wouldn't be the same if he regained his soul. He'd be like Angel. Serious, Brooding, feeling unworthy-" "Angel could be fun. He's a great guy. He used to laugh at me-with me." "Yes, only you seemed to have that effect on him. That's why he cares for you so much. You're sweet innocence. It's who you are, Willow. And we love you just the way you are. You don't have to try to change yourself." Willow turned and sat back, defeated. 'Maybe he's right' she thought to herself. "And about Spike? Look at Angelus. I worry about what might happen when that chip in Spike doesn't work anymore. I worry about the chaos and destruction he might cause" Giles stood, and walked away. 'I thought maybe if he had changed. But maybe Giles is right. He'll go right back to his old ways.' A knock on the door brought Willow back from her thoughts. She opened the door to find Spike leaning on the door frame. "oh. hi." She blurted out nervously. "Hey." Spike said in a husky voice that made Willow shudder. "Uh. Giles is...here somewhere. I gotta go." "Wait. I was kind of looking for you." "oh. I gotta go patrolling with Buffy." "Can I come along? I could kick some bad demon ass." 'Takes one to know one' Willow tried to think coldly. "I don't think so. You and Buffy? Not a good idea." She tried to get by, but he stood in her way. "Ok. Then, Come see me after." "Uh, can't. Staying with Buffy tonight." She lied. "Then tomorrow morning. Keep me company." "I don't know-" She tried to get by again. "Awe. come on, Red." Spike was trying to sexily cute and charming, but was beginning to feel like he was begging. "Ok. We'll se. Gotta go. Tell Giles I left. Please?" He nodded and she stared at him for a moment, then walked away. Giles came back into the living room. "Spike. Where's Willow?" "Went patrolling with the Slayer" "But Riley was-oh, yes. Well, what can I do for you?" "Just came to see how you're enjoying the new guitar" "oh very much, thank you. I tuned it and played a few songs last night. It was great." "Very confident aren't you?" "I meant the guitar." Spike grinned at him. "Let's hear something." "You want to hear my songs? Are you sure you like-" "I've lived a long time, Watcher. I like all kinds of music. 'Cept country and maybe rap." Giles laughed and grabbed his guitar.

"Hey guys!" Riley jumped and raised the stake in his hand. Buffy tried not to laugh at him while Willow looked at him strangely. "Sorry. You startled me." "I startled you?" Willow smiled as she walked up. I thought I'd patrol with you." "You're not trying to get out of your night are you? Cause tonight's my night." Riley raised an eyebrow at her. "No, just want to help."