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************

It wasn't hard to find Willow's old house. The trees were taller, thicker, the streets were newly paved, but the houses were exactly the same. Spike sauntered up the path, letting his trench flair out behind him. The game was about to begin. It never hurt to make a grand entrance.

The porch was dark, but to a vampire's eyes the figure sitting there was as distinctive as if she were all dressed in neon, like the young seemed to fancy these days. They spotted each other simultaneously. Both took a second to assess the other. Spike grinned.

Willow stepped into the light. Her sick-clothes were gone, replaced by a simple cotton shirt and jean shorts. Her feet were in soft sandals. A dark bag hung over one shoulder. Spike admired the simplicity of the outfit. Willow had dressed for maneuverability and speed.

*************

Willow nearly choked. Spike had been wearing the trench coat in her hospital room, but underneath he had worn a light colored shirt and slacks. Now Spike stood before her the way she best remembered him, in black and red. From the beat up boots to the red silk shirt, the outfit was exactly the same and the meaning wasn't lost on Willow. The clothes represented Spike at the height of his power.

Deliberately, Willow gathered up her red hair and tied it into a pony tail. Spike kept his eyes on her, watching her eyes, her body and her hands all at once. Then she stepped down off the porch. "Well, I'm here. You're here. How do we start this thing?" Willow tried not to smile. I sounded just like Buffy!

Spike placed his hands in the great trench. "How about you surrender, and we go back to my place for a little fun?"

Willow almost laughed. He was sort of attractive in a dark demonic way. What am I thinking?? Willow ignored her fuzzy bunny feelings for Spike. He was a killer, pure and simple. "I don't think so."

Spike shrugged. "Oh well, it was worth a shot. We could have saved a lot of time. I am going to win, Willow."

"I don't think so. I've killed a lot of vampires." It was true. Willow had dusted dozens of vampires. But none she had liked or loved? How did Buffy kill Angel? This is not the same. I don't love . . Spike?

Spike rolled his eyes. "And I've killed more people then you've met in your entire lifetime, so let's give the 'I'm not afraid of you' crap a rest. You came here for a fight, so did I."

Willow didn't want to turn Spike into a pile of ashes. Then again Willow didn't want to become a vampire. She searched his blue eyes for a way out of this. Why? Why did he have to pick me? She lowered her eyes. The only way out of this was death. Spike would become dust and she would die of old age. Then her soul would go to heaven, and his soul . . . "Then let's fight."

Faster then lightening, Willow lifted her left wrist and flicked it. The tiny cross bow launched its deadly bolt. Spike's body whipped around from the force of the blow. He hit the ground. Willow grinned. Lowering her wrist, she ran off into the night.

*************

Impact. Spike felt his body crash to the ground. Pained seared through him. Sitting up he tore out the wooden bolt. She had struck his left shoulder, a deliberate miss. The girl was good.

Spike stood. "Maybe I should just go home now. What am I saying? This is even more fun then I thought." Spike merged with the shadows, slipping with them off after Willow.

*************

Willow scanned the streets. Nothing. Everything was dark and quiet. She reloaded the tiny crossbow. She doubted she would get another bolt into him. The element of surprise was gone. Then why did I use it to deliberately taunt him? I should have dusted him. Willow frowned. The truth was she didn't want to kill him. I just have to fight him off until sunrise. By the next nightfall I should begin aging and he'll have to let me die.

A dark scary feeling roared up in the pit of her stomach. I'm not afraid of dying. But she was. Death was what she had wanted last night. She was old. Oz was gone. Her children were grown, hell even her grandchildren were mostly grown! There was no place in there left for an ex-demon hunter. But now, she was young again. All right, it was a supernatural youth, but she was strong again. And when you're strong, death is an abstract thing. It happens to others. It doesn't truly exist for you. Then every once in awhile you realize death is very real and the fear of it can make you crazy. I am not afraid to die. "Liar." Willow breathed.

*************

Willow was near. Spike could almost taste her light scent on the breeze. To have that scent around for eternity would be perfect. Add to that scent the taste of fresh blood . . Spike shivered. He had to catch her.

Circling a giant oak, he caught another breath of her scent. Moving quickly, he hoped to surprise her. Unfortunately it was Spike who was surprised. He stepped out into the open. Beneath his feet lay a pile of cords. "What the hell?"

Spike was scooped up into the net. The net ascended quickly. Growling in disgust, Spike glared down at the diminutive red head.

"Sorry Spike. You don't get to win this time."

She wasn't smiling. If this was her victory, she should be smiling. "And what do you win, Willow? A swift death after the sun sets tomorrow?"

She wouldn't meet his eyes. "I'm sure you'll get out before sunrise. I really don't want to hurt you. Being undead just isn't for me."

"And being all dead is? Willow, the worms will devour your corpse. Plants will be slaughtered by the hundreds to adorn your coffin. They will honor your death with their own. Your family will visit at first, out of love, then out of obligation, then not at all. You will be forgotten. Your friends will be forgotten. Is that what you want?"

The girl frowned.

"Smile Willow. I am caught. Your death is assured." Spike slipped a hand into his pocket. An old style switchblade, the kind that were completely illegal in this day and age, sat comfortably within. Slowly freeing the switchblade, he watched her struggle with herself. Her face dropped into her hands.

"I don't know." She whispered, her faith shaken.

*************** I spent my whole life stopping things -like him- kill. He's just another one of them. He's trying to trick me. God, I don't want to die. Stop it! I am not young. I am eighty-two years old. It's time to do what's right one last time. Willow lifted her head.

Spike had his hands above his head. They were tugging on the netting. His blue eyes were filled with emotion. Concern? For me? She glared at him. Her face dropped into her famous 'resolved face'. Then Spike grinned like the devil. A glint of silver flashed. The net dropped. Spike dropped, landing neatly on the ground like a cat.

Distraction! Her mind screamed. He wanted to keep you here long enough for him to escape!! She backed away from the blond vampire. "No. Nononononononono! She chanted, running off down the street. Her hand was stuffed into her slayerette bag.

I am so stupid! How could I underestimate him like that? Time for recriminations later Rosenberg. Ideas replaced panic. Get to a church.! Willow changed direction, heading north. Halfway there she glanced behind her. The road was empty. She was alone. "Spike?"

****************

Spike stood leaning against the tree. Willow wasn't the meek little girl Angel had talked about. Angel had been too obsessed with the Slayer to realize the potential in Willow. What a fighter! The net trap was a classic battle strategy. Angel was a fool to go for the blond, he should have vamped the red head then. She would have killed Buffy inside of a week.

There was only one advantage Spike had, other then unnatural strength and good fashion sense, he was older then quite a few of those battle strategies.

****************

Willow was still two blocks from the nearest church. She sat. Her breathing was ragged. Running had been stupid. Panic had wasted a lot of her energy. She was a seasoned demon hunter. She should know better. Opening her bag of tricks, she tossed the empty holy water jar. It was just extra weight now. She pulled a wickedly sharp chunk of wood out. Tucking it into her jeans, she stood and moved on.

The church sat quietly, its doors opened invitingly. Candlelight spilled warmly onto the steps. Willow walked to them. She heard something swish, turning her head she saw nothing, then the light on her face slowly faded to nothing. Willow's head snapped forward. Spike stood between her and the church.

Stepping back, Willow raised her stake, but Spike caught her hand. With a sharp twist, Willow's wrist snapped and the stake fell from nerveless fingers. Willow cried out. I'm caught!

*****************

Spike winced when the bones snapped so easily. The stake clattered to the pavement. He was sorry he had to hurt her, but he needed time. Time to get her back to the mansion before sunrise. She twisted and squirmed in his grasp. Applying pressure to her broken limb made her stop fast.

Lifting her into his arms, he pulled her away from the safety of the church. "Ah, Willow, aren't you Jewish?" She bit his arm and he almost let her go. Almost. He carried her back to the tree she had thought she had caught him in.

Spike gently laid her down on the grass around the tree. "Told you I would win."

Willow glared up at him. Angry green eyes flashed at his merry blue. Then her eyes slid away. "Please don't. Spike, I don't want to be a vampire. Please. It's too late for anything between us. Let me die."

Her voice was soft, sad and persuasive. Spike sighed, "Why? Why is it too late for us? I know we've never been together. We've never even kissed, really. But I also know we could be great together. We will be great together." Spike's face shifted.

*******************

Willow couldn't look into those horrible eyes. Demon yellow had replaced the icy blue. Spike pressed her down and the smell of crushed grass and damp soil filled her lungs. This was the moment every slayer or demon hunter fears, to be helpless in the arms of your enemy. Unbidden, tears welled up in Willow's eye's spilling down her face and into the grass.

*******************

Spike paused. Tears were running down her cheeks. I don't want her like this. He released her wrists. Hissing, he pushed away from her. She just lay there, crying. Her wrist was cradled against her body. Disgusted, Spike turned away.

*******************

Willow watched the vampire turn away. Confused, she sat up. Why did he stop? She shakily got to her feet. Spike didn't move. He just sat in the grass with his back to her. Run. Run away as fast as you can! Willow frowned. Run! Her mind shrieked. What the hell's the matter with you?? Run!!! Still Willow stayed, just staring at him sitting in the grass.

"Well? What are you waiting for Willow?"

"Wh-what? But you c-caught me. You won." Confusion filled every corner of her mind. But Spike just sat in the grass.

"Run. I've given up. Go back to your family. Say your good-byes. Spend the day with your loved ones and pass away quietly in the night. I won't try and stop you. You've won."

Willow walked around to where she could face the vampire. "Run?"

He kept his blue eyes to the ground. Only half lifting them to acknowledge her voice. "Yes."

Willow through her arms up in the air in disgust. "After all this???" She waved at the tree, the grass and the streets. "You're just done now? You're just giving up??? Oh, well I guess you really didn't love me then, huh? Did you?"

Willow was hurt, and confused and not sure why she felt hurt and confused. She should be happy. She wasn't. She fell down into the grass so he would have to meet her eyes. They were filled with loneliness and dark emotions.

"You don't want to be with me. I think you bloody damned proved that didn't you? I won't have you sulking around for eternity. So I am not going to change you. You are free."

"Free?" Willow stared at him.

Angrily Spike answered, "Yes. Damn you. How many ways are you going to make me say it??"

Willow leaned in towards the vampire. She was an inch away from his face. His eyes were curious as she moved in a little closer. Then she breathed, "Thankyou."

Before she could move away, Spike closed the gap between them. His lips met hers. Surprised, Willow didn't pull away. Electricity seemed to leap from him to her. Willow leaned into the kiss, slipping her hands under the leather trench to wrap around him.

****************

Spike held on to the slight body. The kiss had been bold, almost impulsive like stealing. Now it felt right. He broke off the first kiss before she could, and quickly kissed her again. Willow wasn't leaving. She continued to meet his kisses, her lips full of warmth. Her breath on his face and in his mouth felt like lava.

A fourth and fifth kiss happened. Her hands were now firmly encircled around him. She might deny it later, but she was definitely feeling something. Her breathing was rapid, her kisses intense. Spike tilted his head, kissing her throat.

*****************

Willow felt his lips on her throat. The feeling of his lips there was like a sharp pain. She relaxed as he continued just to kiss her throat. He kissed her lips again. Emotions swirled all around in her head and Willow suddenly wished she had more then one day left. Maybe the incubus could keep me young for a few more days . . .

She slid backward, laying down in the grass. Spike leaned over her. She wasn't afraid of him this time. His lips kissed hers, then they went to her throat again. A nervous thrill went through her. She did her best to ignore it. Spike had said she won. He wouldn't. Would he?

The second before she could escape, she felt it. A sharp pain as his fangs buried themselves in her throat. The wash of good feelings that came with it, did nothing to numb the panic. Willow tried to struggle, but her body was still caught up in the good feelings.

*****************

Warmth rushed into his mouth, almost burning him. Last time he had had to be careful. This time he drank of her with mad abandon. Kissing her had proved, at least to him, that they were meant to be together. You don't thank someone with a kissing session that long. Her blood burned down his throat into his stomach.

They would be together. Deep down he had been right. She wanted to be with him. It didn't matter how it happened. All he needed to know was that it needed to happen.

*****************

Willow's left hand slid up under the trench coat. The broken right had gone numb near when the kissing had started. Why? Why did I let him touch me? I'm so stupid. Now we'll both die. Her left hand grabbed the switchblade. Flicking it open slowly, Willow jammed it into Spike's chest.

*****************

Pain. Spike let go of the girl. She dropped to the grass. Blood was streaming from his chest. The blade was buried to the hilt. He ripped it free. Anger clouded his demon eyes. His hands encircled her throat.

"Do it." She whispered weakly. "Kill me."

Spike squeezed. It would be so simple to kill her. A little pressure. Or a slight twist. Then Willow was gone. Spike began to laugh.

"You almost had me there Red. Actually, you've done me a bit of a favor." Spike grinned. He tore his shirt open.

*****************

Willow was so close to death. She could feel it. She was almost disappointed when he didn't snap her neck.Keep him busy long enough for the loss of blood to kill you. Willow nodded. Exsanguination was supposed to be a very gentle way to die.

Everything seemed to be working, until Spike started to laugh. Willow tried not to panic as he grabbed hold of her mouth. Forcing it open, he leaned over her. Blood from the chest wound bled into her mouth. Choking, and sputtering, Willow tried to keep the blood out. But she felt it slide past her tongue and trickle down her throat.

*****************

Spike continued to hold her mouth open, even though Willow had stopped struggling. She was too damn sneaky. Even her weakness couldn't be trusted. Then she just began swallowing the blood. It had stopped running down her clothes.

Her hand, left hand reached up to touch him. Spike pulled her up out of the grass, close to him. Her lips touched his chest. She continued to drink. Is she mine? Did she want to be mine? He laid her on the grass gently. The wound on his chest was already closing. Now all he had to do was take her to the mansion and wait.

****************

Now all she had to do was wait. But she couldn't resist taunting him first. She motioned for him to lean closer. Spike moved down to catch her words. She glanced into his blue eyes and whispered.

"I drank a about a gallon of holy water, before we met on the porch."

****************

Spike fell back away from her. Shock. "Holy water???"
She hadn't wanted to be changed!! She had taken precautions in case he had caught her, or convinced her to give in. Damn her! Damn her insane need to die!!!

The burning in his stomach wasn't warmth it was holy water. He glared down at the red haired demon hunter. "We could both die."

"We will both die." She whispered slipping into the death before the change.

Spike glared at her. Sweat broke out on his brow. The burning was still coursing through his body. But he hadn't turned into a pile of ash yet. Lifting her, he stumbled behind her old house. His car sat there. Placing her inside, he walked around to the driver's side. The sky was growing warm.

"One thing you didn't reckon with Red. You spent the whole night running. You probably sweated most of the holy water out of your system. You didn't win, yet. I still have a chance. Come tomorrow night, that is, if we are still both alive, we are going to have to have a chat about this desperate need you have to win. It's not healthy."

The End. (For now.)