Willow sighed, laying back. She blinked bleary eyes at the stars and giggled. "There's so many stars out tonight."

Spike glanced up. "You are drunk, luv. There aren't that many."

"Was Dru really crazy? Did the stars really talk to her?" Willow looked over at Spike, who was sitting up next to her. Her eyes were wide and curious.

Spike found himself getting lost in the green orbs. Staring into those eyes, it amazed Spike that the question about his former Princess didn't hurt his heart like it used to. < I'm getting over Dru! I really do belong to Red. > "Yea, luv, the stars did, as did Ms. Edith. I don't think she was really crazy though. She was usually right on the dot about her visions. She just. . .she was a child. Angelus really broke her down." He spoke the last sentence quietly.

"Do you love Angelus?"

"Angelus or that Poof that has my sire's body?"

Willow took his hand. "Either of them."

Spike stretched out next to her, reaching over to run his fingertips down her arm. He studied the stars. She had turned her head and was watching him, and the tick in his cheek. "I love my Sire, obviously," he said softly. "I'm not sure about the soul. I think. . .with the way my life is now, with this chip, if he and I could spend time together without trying to kill each other, we might get along. But he pushes me away, because I remind him of everything he used to be. I push him away because he reminds me of everything he's not."

Willow sighed. "Angel's not a bad guy. The whole losing your soul thing is kinda scary, but he's doing good, or he's trying to anyway." She turned to him, propping her cheek up on her palm. "So. I've asked about your past loves. Do you want to know about Oz?"

"Dogboy? Not much to know. He was stupid for giving you up. But then, I got the good end of the deal."

She blushed. "I have to tell you something no one knows."

"What's that, pet?" He reached up and ran his fingers through her hair. He smiled, running the pad of his thumb over her lips.

"I've had a. . .sorta. . .um. . .a little crush on you since you kidnapped me."

Spike's eyebrow rose. "Is that so, luv?"

"Yea," she said, blushing. "There was something about your pain over losing Dru. . .it showed how much of a man you were. Of course, threatening the witch casting the spell and shoving a bottle in her face wasn't exactly the right way to go about it, *but* it was understandable, as you were drunk, just like I think I'm drunk now." She giggled.

Spike sat up. "If I hadn't of had that chip, the night I came to kill Slutty, would you have fought me when I would have bitten you?"

"Of course, silly!" she giggled, slapping him on the back. "I'm the Slayer' s best friend! I'm supposed to fight vampires!" She grinned up at him. "I wouldn't have fought you hard though," she said softly. "Only for show."

Spike growled, happy with the idea of Willow being with him forever. "Red, it's bloody hot out here. . ."

"You should cool me off," she said seductively.

He leaned down, kissing her hard. His lips traveled along her jaw, teased her ear, ran down her neck, and over her jugular. He pulled the tender skin into his mouth and sucked as hard as he could, forcing the demon to stay down.

Willow moaned, arching her back against him. "Oh, goddess," she whispered. "Spike. . ."

He sat up, licking his lips. He wanted to taste her, to sink his fangs in her supple skin. He could taste the blood under her skin, waiting to be drunk. "Willow. . ."

She opened her eyes. "Spike," she whispered, "make love to me." She reached up and pulled his shirt off.

He frowned when he saw she was pouting. "Pet, what is it?"

She reached up, tracing the few remaining traces of the word RED on his chest. "It's almost gone. There won't even be a scar," she whispered softly.

Spike captured her hand and brought it to his mouth, kissing each of her knuckles. "I'm a vampire, luv. I heal almost completely. There would have to be seriously deep cutting for it to stay."

Her eyes filled with tears. "Does that mean that I don't own you anymore?"

He smiled, leaning over to kiss her gently. He pulled up, running his fingers through her hair. "Willow, you will always own me. Forever."

With a giggle, Willow shot up and attacked him, pushing him over. She started kissing his chest, teasing him. "I love you, Spike," she said playfully.

He grabbed her hair and pulled her head up. "I love you too, Willow."

She smiled and began to kiss him, long and passionately.

*-*-*-*

Spike laid Willow down in her bed. She reached for him, murmuring in her sleep. "Don't leave, Spike. . ."

"I have to, Red. I have things to do today."

The corners of her lips tugged down into a frown. "But I will be back tonight," he continued, "and we will do something special. I promise."

Spike was rewarded with a sleepy smile. "Nighty, night, my Big Bad Spikey."

He chuckled and kissed her. "Love you, Red."

"Mmm. . .love," she whispered, turning away from him.

Spike smiled, tucking her in. He checked her room to make sure all the doors were locked and she was safe. He glanced at his watch. "Two hours till Sunrise." He sighed. "I hate my bloody life." He walked out of Willow's house and lit a cigarette. He pulled out a cell phone, scrolled down the list, and hit *send*.

He smoked as he waited patiently.

"Hello?" The voice was groggy, having woken up from a deep sleep.

"Rise and shine!" Spike sang.

"What do *you* want?"

"You, don't you know? I want you more than bloody life itself," Spike purred.

"Cut the shit, Spike. Why are you calling me?"

"I'm coming to see you."

"WHAT? No. That's not happening."

"Sorry, no such luck, ducks. I'll be there really soon. . ."

"Why are you coming, Spike?"

Spike swallowed, knowing this would forever change the relationship. "I need your help."

There was a lengthy silence on the other end.

"Hello?" Spike said softly, expecting a dial tone.

"I'll see you in a bit."

"Thanks." Spike hung up. "Damn it. The things you do for those you love." He walked to his apartment, hopped in the Desoto, and drove off into the night.