Spike chewed his bottom lip, then growled at Angel. His eyes flashed yellow. "Hell no!" he hissed. "I am not letting your demon bond to my demon!"

Willow was quiet. She knew, as soon as Angel said what would happen, that her soul was to be bonded to his. She would do it for the safety of her baby. But without Spike's help, they couldn't. There wasn't another demon that they could trust for him to bond his demon to. She looked down at her hands, tears filling her eyes. She had decided in the short time she'd been there that she wanted to stay in LA. She and Cordelia were getting along really well, and she had decided that she adored Wesley and Gunn.

And of course, she loved Angel.

Spike glanced over and saw the crushed look on Willow's face. He knew she wanted to stay, and that she wouldn't if the soul couldn't be anchored. She was too scared for her child's life. Spike panicked, worried that she would bolt from him, knowing he wouldn't help her. "Baby," he said softly, going to her, taking her hands. He knelt in front of her. "I can't... I can't spend the rest of my life bonded to Peaches. I will kill him." And yet, deep within, his demon was roaring with the knowledge that he could be bonded to the demon of his Sire, permanently and forever.

She glanced up at him, tears in her green eyes. "That's fine. I should go back to Sunnydale anyway. I have school there."

"Willow, I don't want you on the Hellmouth," he whispered quietly.

She shivered when he said her given name. "Spike, I wanted..."

"To stay here. Yes, I know." He swallowed hard, looking down. He sighed unnecessarily and then looked up at her. "Fine. If you want me to bond to Peaches, I will. But... I better get something in return. Blood, or sex, or cigarettes or something."

Willow burst into tears, throwing her arms around him. "Thank you, Spike, thank you thank you!"

Spike held her close, burying his face in her neck. He took a deep breath, inhaling her scent. He closed his eyes and tried to keep himself from falling for her more than he already had. Of course, it didn't work.

She pulled away and smiled at Angel over his shoulder. "And the soul...?"

"Yours," he said softly.

Spike turned his head, growling softly at Angel. "So you will be bonded to her too?"

"Yes," Angel replied.

"No," Spike said. "Do the cheerleader, or the watcher. Or even the hunter here. But not Red."

"Spike," Angel said in an enticing voice. "If I bond with Willow, she won't age unless I'm dead."

Spike opened his mouth, then shut it. "She'll be immortal?"

"As long as I'm alive," Angel said. "So she will always be here to be with us..."

Willow digested that information. "What about my baby? Will she age?"

"I... I can write a clause that will protect the baby from the bonding," Wesley said.

"Ok, then I say let's do it," Willow said.

"I have everything, we just need another person. We have Cordelia, Gunn, and me... we just need someone to sit in the fourth corner," Wesley said.

"Who do we trust enough to do that?" Angel asked.

"I don't know, we could get someone from Sunny -" Wesley started.

"NO!" Spike, Willow, and Angel all yelled at once.

"Ok, not Sunnydale," Wesley said, sitting back. "Who?"

There was a loud crash outside the door. Angel walked to the door and pulled it open. "David Nabbit?" He frowned at the genius lurking around the office. Then he brightened up. "David Nabbit!! You want to help us with a spell?"

"Really?" David brightened. "Can I?"

"Sure, come on in. We have our fourth," Angel chuckled, shutting the door behind David.

"This is so cool! I'm going to be a part of a spell!" David exclaimed.

"Who are you?" Willow asked softly.

"David Nabbit. Who are you?"

"*You* are David Nabbit? I'm Willow Rosenberg. Wow! I have read all about you! I have some of your programs on my laptop. I really like the database you did. I use it to keep up with the..." Willow paused, looking at Angel for help.

"It's ok, Little One," he said. "David knows about demons."

"All the demons we've encountered," Willow finished.

"Cool!" David cried. "You use my program for demon hunting?" He frowned. "Unless you like them... then that's not too cool. . ."

"Just Angel and Spike." Willow nodded to Spike.

David turned to the blonde vampire. "You are a demon?"

Spike, who wasn't enjoying the attention that Willow was giving David, let his game face slide on. "I'm a vampire."

"Like Angel! Have you known him long?" David asked.

Spike stared at the man eager for knowledge. "Aren't you scared at all?"

David crossed his arms and smiled. "I would be, if we met in a dark alley. But with you standing here with Angel and Cordelia, I figured you wouldn't hurt me. So have you known him long?"

Spike rolled his eyes. "Dad, when did you change me again?"

David spun to Angel. "You made him? Cool!"

Angel grimaced. "Cool isn't exactly the word that I would have used."

Spike laughed, sauntering to his Sire. "Come on, dad, you enjoyed it that night." He waggled an eyebrow at Angel.

"Spike, stop it," Angel growled. "Let's just do the spell and get it over with!"

"What kind of spell are we doing?" David piped up.

"We are binding Angel's soul to Willow, and his demon to Spike," Gunn answered.

"Why would you do that?" the genius' eyebrows knitted together.

"I'm pregnant... before you ask," Willow said, noticing that David's mouth was opening to ask who the father was, "the father is my ex-boyfriend. He was a werewolf."

"Do you think your baby is going to be a little puppy?"

Willow started to finish her story, then paused, thinking of that. "Oh, goddess, I hope not." Her bottom lip quivered and fresh tears filled her eyes.

"Bloody hell, look what you did!" Spike exclaimed, hugging the witch.

"I'm... I'm sorry. I didn't think that... I didn't mean to..." David stuttered.

"It's ok, David," Cordelia said smoothly. "She's emotional, and didn't plan this at all. Why don't you and I go into the kitchen and I will tell you the story. We will give her time to calm down."

David nodded, his face filled with concern. He looked at Angel. "I didn't mean to hurt your friend."

Angel clasped David's shoulder. "I know, David. Cordelia will explain the story to you."

David followed the former cheerleader out of the room.

Willow was sobbing on Spike's shoulder. He was looking at Angel with a look of pain on his face. "Can you help me here? She's a wreck!"

Angel went to his childe and friend. He started stroking her back. "Willow, I'm sure that the baby won't be a dog." He winced at his choice of words. "I'm sure that it will be just fine."

Willow looked up at Angel, her eyes red from crying. "Do you think that she will be ok?"

"I'm sure she will be 100% human."

"Goddess, I hope so. I want a baby, not a dog!" She sniffed, wiping her nose.

Spike ran his fingers through silky red hair. "And if she is a puppy, pet, we will still love her all the same."

She glanced at Spike. "You will love my baby?" Her green eyes were filled with hope.

"Just like I love her mother," he replied softly.

She smiled through tears. "Spike, thank you for everything." She hugged him tightly. She sniffed. "Now, someone go get David and Delia so we can get this spell going. I'm tired."

*-*-*-*

Cordelia and David had rejoined the group, helping Wesley and Gunn set up the materials for the spell. Willow, Angel, and Spike had gone to the kitchen to make sure one last time that they were ready for what was about to happen.

"Are we ready?" Wesley asked the other three people in the room.

Cordelia and Gunn nodded their heads in affirmation while David Nabbit seemed to be bouncing around excitedly at finally being able to help his new friends.

"Okay, Cordelia, you need to sit here, across from me. Gunn, over there, on her right. Mr. Nabbit... David, please sit on her left." Wesley directed the small group.

Once everybody was sitting where they were supposed to, Wesley called out to the next room, and waited for Angel, Willow and Spike to join them.

*-*-*-*

"Are you sure about this?" Angel asked Willow carefully. He knew he wanted this, more than he thought he could want anything. His soul being bound to the woman he loved, while his demon would be bound to his childe. His favorite Childe. Oh how he had missed William.

Willow smiled reassuringly. "I'm sure. I want to stay." She turned to look at Spike who was watching the exchange carefully. "We want to stay."

Angel looked over at Spike and raised an eyebrow in question.

"Oh, Bloody Hell, Peaches, why do you have to make everything so difficult?" he asked exasperated.

Angel's lips quirked slightly, recognizing that that was the best he could hope for in reassurance from Spike.

"They're waiting." Willow spoke softly, silently questioning whether he was ready.

"Lets go then." Angel entered the room in question and felt a sense of extreme anticipation hit him. Soon, everything would be different.

He would be bonded to both Willow and Spike, quite possibly for eternity. His demon wouldn't plague him with the struggle anymore, however it would be much closer to the surface. How would that change him? How would that change his relationship to those people in this room? Those people he considered friends, and in some cases, family?

Wesley instructed the three to sit in a circle inside the circle they had already made. He handed a dagger and a medium sized bowl to Willow. "You first."

Willow smiled slightly as she took the knife. She cut herself before anyone even realized what she was doing.

"Easy, Luv." Spike told her gently as he watched her blood drip into the bowl. He could smell the intoxicating aroma as it wafted through the room. It was strong, and powerful, and utterly Willow.

Angel could smell it too. It was arousing his demon as he watched Spike take the knife and slice into his pale skin, adding his vampire blood to the bowl. His demon howled in anticipation as the scent of the mixture hit his nostrils.

Spike's blue eyes locked with Angel's brown as he handed the weapon and bowl over to Angel. The older vampire took it hesitatingly at first, knowing this was his last chance to back out. What did he want to? Sure it would change his life, but more than that, it would change the lives of the two people he loved more than life itself. Was that fair to them? His demon roared at him, telling him to be selfish for once in his souled existence. He wasn't condemning them to an eternity of darkness, just an eternity with him. That wasn't so bad. Angel agreed.

He took the tip of the blade and cut into his skin, watching as his blood started to drip into the bowl. As his blood mixed with theirs, a new scent seemed to overwhelm his senses. He heard Wesley and the others start to chant as he brought the bowl to his lips. He felt his demon roar as the power of the blood washed over him.

Turning towards Spike, Angel held the bowl out. Spike's hands reached out and together they guided the bowl to the younger vampire's lips as Angel spoke the words which would forever change him.

"To you, I bind my demon. For now, for eternity."

Spike repeated the words before allowing Angel to take full possession of the bowl.

Angel turned to Willow, who had been watching the exchange in fascination. She couldn't help the anticipation that was beginning to overwhelm her. She wasn't concerned about the ritual itself, or about the blood she had to ingest. Wesley had assured her it was harmless to the baby. But the magnitude of what they were undertaking was enormous. This was her life. Forever changed by the two men she loved though, beyond reason. The two men, she knew, despite their constant protests to the contrary, loved each other deeply as well.

Willow reached out with her hands and clasped the outside rim of the bowl. Wesley continued to chant with their friends as they guided the bowl to her mouth. As the thick liquid slid down her throat, Angel spoke the words which would connect them together for all time.

"To you, I bind my Soul, for now, for eternity."

As the empty bowl was placed on the ground, and the chant was completed; there was a bright light that engulfed the three of them. It circled them in a swirl of colors, moving from one vampire to the other, and then through Willow, and back again.

Soon it was all over, and the room was enveloped in silence.

*-*-*-*

"Well," David said, sitting back. "How does everyone feel?"

Willow stood up and stretched. She edged at the circle of salt with her toe, breaking the circle. "I don't feel any different. Do you two?"

"I still hate Peaches here," Spike nodded, standing up. He walked past Willow, going to the kitchen to get blood.

"I just want to sit in a corner and read. Away from him," Angel said, nodding his head towards the kitchen where Spike went.

Willow sighed. "Didn't work."

"But I saw all the swirling lights and all that," David said, disappointed.

"It's ok, David," Cordelia said. "Sometimes spells just don't work at all."

Willow wrung her hands. "Or, they work wrong," she said softly, remembering her luck with the My Will Be Done spell.

Angel put his hand on Willow's shoulder. "It's going to be ok, Willow. I'm sure nothing bad will happen. Though, I still think it's funny that Spike had to go fall in love with the Slayer."

"Yea," Spike said, sticking his head out from around the corner. "She was bloody marvelous to shag." He smirked, knowing his sire would hurt for days

Cordelia winced. she thought.

Angel grinned at his childe, a hint of mischievousness dancing in his brown eyes. "You know, Spike, I can say, other than myself, I think you are the only vampire to ever shag a Slayer. I have an excuse, having the soul and all. And of all the vampires in the world, you, the Big Bad, slept with the Slayer."

Spike's mouth dropped open, as did everyone else's. "You aren't upset?"

Willow frowned, crossing her arms. She looked at Spike. "You slept with Buffy? She didn't tell me that."

"What?" Spike asked, looking at Willow. "Slept with Buffy? Oh, god no! I didn't sleep with Buffy at all! I was just saying that to upset him... and he didn't get upset."

"William, my boy, I've been around for over two centuries. Buffy may have been a beautiful girl, but she's moved on, and so have I. Besides, she'll be dead soon. She is the Slayer." He glanced at Willow. "I know she's your friend, and I'm sorry, Wills, but it's the truth."

Everyone stared at him. "What?" he asked.

"Bloody insane if you ask me," Spike muttered, walking back into the kitchen.

"You aren't upset?" Cordelia asked.

"Over the Slayer?" Angel laughed, causing everyone's eyebrows to rise. Then his laughter stopped. "Oh, Christ. I'm not upset." He looked around, a look of fear in his eyes. "I should be upset, right?"

"You should go into spiraling depression for days," Cordelia said. "Brood endlessly, driving us nuts."

Angel crossed his arms, a frown on his face. "I just don't. . .feel it. I mean, she's the *Slayer*. What the hell was I thinking?"

"Who's Buffy? What's a Slayer?" David interrupted.

*-*-*-*

The next day was even more awkward than the day before. Spike walked around the office grumbling about life in general. Angel locked himself away in his office, brooding in the dark. Willow and Cordelia were in front of the computer, doing research for the current case they were working on.

"I just don't get it," Willow said softly. She rubbed her face. "This case makes no sense."

"Sometimes the ones that are just off the street are so much harder than the ones the PTB send me. With them, we know exactly what we are dealing with, what to stop. With these, we actually have to detect things." Cordelia visibly shuddered.

Willow giggled. "I hope everything works out between the three of us. I really want to stay."

"God, Will, I want you to. There are no women in this office! Just men! However, things have gotten to be more fun since Gunn's been around; he goes out with me. Wesley feels too self conscious, and you know Brood Boy."

Willow glanced towards Angel's office. "I can't believe he's going to brood because he wasn't upset about Buffy. I'd almost rather him brood about her."

Cordelia giggled. "Let's go out tonight."

"What?"

"Let's go out. Gunn'll go. We will have a great time. Maybe pick up a man or two."

"Like I need another man," Willow moaned.

Cordelia smiled. "We will have a great time. I promise."

*-*-*-*

Spike pulled out two mugs, humming to himself. He opened the small refrigerator and pulled out a bag of blood, filling the two mugs full. He put the mugs in the microwave and watched the green numbers count down to zero.

He pulled the mugs out after the beep. "Dinner time," he said to himself, carrying the mugs into the main office.

Willow glanced up and smiled. "Hey, Spike. How sweet! You are bringing Angel lunch."

Spike stopped in his tracks, looking down. He stared at the second mug in shock. "Bloody Hell! I'm bringing Peaches lunch!"

Cordelia's perfectly shaped eyebrow rose. "You didn't know you were bringing him lunch?"

"I... I wasn't even thinking, I was just doing my normal routine." Spike frowned. "I don't like this. I don't feel... sod it! I'm leaving." He tipped his head back, drinking his mug quickly. "I can't be here with *him*," he nodded to Angel, who was standing at the door to his office watching his child.

"Can't I at least have my blood?" Angel asked.

Spike narrowed his eyes and walked to the trashcan. Keeping his eyes locked with his sire's, the younger vampire poured the blood in the garbage. "No, you can't."

"EWW!" Cordelia said, jumping up. "Look, here, Spike, you may have some issues with Broody here, but damn it! I have to clean this office, and I would appreciate it if you wouldn't make a mess!"

Spike turned to Cordelia, game face sliding on. "Guess what, Cheerleader. I don't give a damn what you appreciate. I'm not here to make your life any easier. I don't want to be here at all!"

Angel growled, launching himself at Spike. He slammed the younger vampire into the wall, gripping his neck tightly. He squeezed, his yellow eyes glaring into his childe's same yellow orbs. "Apologize," he hissed.

"What?" Spike choked.

"Apologize to Cordelia for saying that. You will not treat her with disrespect, Spike, or I will dust you myself," Angel hissed angrily.

Spike stared into the depths of Angel's eyes, amazed. He could see glimpses of Angelus, the *real* Angelus. "I'm not apologizing to the soddin' human." Angel may have been on the verge of being his true sire, but Spike refused to apologize to a human.

"Give me a stake, Cordelia," Angel said calmly. "I'm putting an end to this right now."

"NO!" Willow cried. "Stop it! STOP YOUR FIGHTING!"

Everyone turned to her, shocked that she had tears running down her face. "Let him go, Angel," she sniffed.

"And let him wreck havoc on my life as usual?" Angel asked. "I don't think so, Willow."

Spike pushed Angel away angrily. "Wreck havoc on *your* life? Yea, do you know how much the whole soul issue has completely been a bloody mess of *my* life? Things were great; we were a family. Then you had to go off with Darla and eat the gypsy girl. And then you left! How do you know Dru and I would have turned you away?"

"Darla did," Angel said, crossing his arms, locking his jaw.

"Well, we weren't Darla." He shoved Angel angrily. "Get out of my bloody way." He stormed out of the office.

Willow glared at Angel. "Don't you *ever* try to kill him again. If you do, so help me Goddess, you will never see either of us again."

Angel blinked in shock. "But, Willow..."

"No, Angel. I don't want to hear anything from you right now. I'm going upstairs to help Wesley and Gunn work on the apartment." She stormed out of the office.

Cordelia sat back. "Thanks for defending my honor."

Angel sighed, sitting down. "What's happening to me, Cordelia? I would have said something, but normally, I wouldn't have gone that close to staking him. Only back... only when he angered me before the soul would I have even considered dusting him."

Cordelia leaned forward. "Sounds like part of the spell worked. Your demon is coming a little closer to the surface." She clasped his hand. "As long as you don't turn the demon on us, I don't mind."

Angel looked at Cordelia in horror. "No! I could never! He likes you guys too much. I mean, not may people stand up to him without that much fear. Both you and Wesley..." Angel closed his eyes, pain flashing on his face at the memory of being Angelus for a night.

"Because we knew it wasn't real. If it were real, Angel, I'd run like hell."

Angel chuckled softly. "Thanks, Cordelia."

*-*-*-*

"How do I look?" Willow spun around. She was wearing a pair of comfortable leather pants and a dark green silk poet's shirt. A pair of black Doc Martins and a black leather vest completed her outfit.

"Gorgeous. You will find a man tonight," Cordelia proclaimed.

"I don't need a man!" Willow giggled. "I have plenty around here. Sex is bad, remember?"

"If you say so," Cordelia smiled. "I'm not convinced yet, I might have to look around and see if I can learn that lesson myself." She winked.

"Well, when there are demon babies in the morning, don't come crying to me."

Cordelia's laughter rang through the office. "Fine. Come on, let's go see if Gunn and Wesley are ready."

The elevator ride down to the first floor where the two men lived was short. Willow opened the door and looked up, a small smile gracing her features unconsciously. "Hey, Angel," she said softly. She hadn't seen him all day, and had been somewhat worried about him, but being in his presence calmed her. She could already feel her frazzled nerves dissipating.

He turned around and smiled warmly. "Little One." He hugged her. "You look... you look wonderful."

"Thanks," she blushed. "Are you going with us?"

"Yea," Angel said. "I am looking forward to having a good time."

Cordelia looked at Angel in disbelief. "You? Going out? Having a good time? Where is the Angel I know, and can you keep him there?"

Angel smiled. "I don't know if I should be complimented or offended."

"Complimented," Cordelia smiled.

"Ok," Gunn said into the phone. "I'll see you there... yea, we are coming... I promise! We aren't like that... telling you to show up somewhere, and then not showing up... ok, see you in a few... bye." He hung up the phone. "I called David, he's gonna meet us there."

"You are inviting David?" Cordelia asked.

Gunn shrugged. "It was our illustrious boss' idea."

Cordelia turned to Angel. "I thought he annoyed you."

"He does, but he helped us with the spell. And besides, everyone needs to get out and have a good time every once in a while. If I can do it, David Nabbit can do it. So come on," Angel said.

The group gathered their things, Wesley taking the quiet moment to compliment Cordelia on her outfit. She threw him a smile.

"Are you ok, Little One?" Angel said softly, allowing himself to drop back with Willow. They followed the group at a leisurely pace.

"I am worried about Spike."

Angel closed his eyes. "He's ok, kitten. I would know if something were wrong."

"I just wish you didn't have to hate each other so much," Willow scowled.

"I don't hate my childe," Angel said, glancing at the redhead. She looked at him in surprise. He continued, "Most of what I do is a reaction to the anger he feels for me. And his anger is more that I left him, not because he really *hates* me, per say. Plus, I'm not that good of a vampire..."

"Oh, don't say that!" Willow said, putting her hand on his arm. "You are a great vampire! You have the whole stealth thing going for you, and you look really cool with the game face, and you are strong, and I'm sure that if you applied yourself more, you could be an even better vampire."

"Willow, when vampirism constitutes as killing innocents, drinking their blood, and causing general mayhem, I don't really mind that I'm a bad vampire. However, it does put a strain on the whole sire/childe relationship."

She interlocked her fingers with his, marveling at how much bigger his hand was than hers. "Do you regret changing him?"

"Not for one second. Willow, William was the most beautiful man I'd ever laid eyes on. From the second I saw his soft brown hair and those blue eyes, I knew he would be mine." Angel ran his thumb across her palm. "I never let him go. I held him the entire time he was going through the change." He smiled softly. "He was a bastard from the beginning, always defying me, standing up to me... my first childe, Penn, hated him. Penn would disobey me and I would hurt him. Badly. William would disobey me, and I would laugh with joy. I don't know what it was about him that amused me so, but he did. I loved every minute of it. He was the closest thing to an equal that I've ever known."

"Will he come back?" Willow asked softly.

"He loves you, Willow. He will be back. He won't allow himself to leave you here with me."

Willow sighed. "Yea, I guess so."

"I know my boy too well. He will be back. Now stop worrying, Little One, we are supposed to be having a good time tonight."

*-*-*-*

Willow sighed, resting her chin on her hands. She'd danced most of the night, and just wanted to sit for a while. Angel had hovered around her most of the night, making sure no one tried to hurt her. Cordelia was on the dance floor, dancing between Gunn, Wesley, and David. All four of them had drunk a little more than they usually would, and were at the point in the night where they were just partaking in the party and having a good time.

Willow hadn't drunk anything, with the baby coming. Angel also remained sober; he decided he would be the one who took care of everyone. Willow smiled softly, feeling Angel run his fingers through her hair. "You have such silky hair, Little One," he said softly into her ear.

She shuddered, closing her eyes. His voice was low and deep, and rather seductive. "Angel..."

"Bloody hell, Peaches, can't keep your hands off her, can you?"

Willow's eyes flew open and she turned, seeing Spike standing there. She jumped off her chair and into his arms. "You are still alive!" she cried, hugging him tightly.

Startled, Spike wrapped his arms around Willow. "Yea," he said. "Did you think I wouldn't be?"

"I just worried," she said softly.

He smiled down at her. "Thanks, pet. Not many of you worry about me anymore." He threw a dirty look at Angel.

Angel's face remained emotionless.

"Spike, do you want to join us?" Willow asked softly.

"Sure," he grumbled. "Why not?" He pulled up a chair between Willow and Angel.

Angel raised an eyebrow. "You are sitting next to me?"

"Rather sit next to you than to let her sit by you," Spike muttered angrily.
"She's mine, Peaches."

Willow crossed her arms. "I happen to not belong to anyone, thank you."

Both of them looked at her. "Now that's not true, pet. You are mine."

"But, Willow, my soul is bonded to your soul!" Angel cried.

"Actually," Willow said, "I don't think the spell worked. I think Angel is just in a wiggy mood. And as for you, Blondie, you haven't even tried to kiss me or ask me out on a date, or anything. I'm going to dance with someone."

"Who?" both of them asked possessively, leaning forward.

"It doesn't matter, as long as he's not either of you." Willow spun around and walked out to the dance floor. It didn't take but just a minute for a tall, handsome guy to sweep her up in his arms and dance her around the floor.

Spike leaned back, growling low in his chest. "I say we kill him."

"Eviscerate him," Angel agreed.

Spike turned his head slightly, eyebrow cocked. "Really?"

Angel caught Spike's hopeful look and smiled. "I wish. The soul is still too much in control. But that doesn't mean I can't dream."

"Evisceration. It's best with the spikes, you know," Spike murmured.

"I always wondered where that came from."

"Some chit I was trying to eat in... I think 1912, she tried to kill me with a rusty old spike. I turned it on her. Fortunately, there was a Watcher and a Slayer nearby, and the Watcher went on and on in the diaries about the insane brown haired vampire who killed with spikes. So I kept a few for the fun of it. Dru started calling me Spikey, and it stuck." Spike shrugged. "I have a hard time remembering my name is William now."

"William," Angel said softly, his lips inches from the blonde's ear.

Spike suppressed a shudder. "You... you were talking about gutting the bloke with his hands on Willow?"

"Can you imagine how warm the blood would be if we cut into him, slicing the flesh so cleanly, drinking him as he howled in pain... the screams... I miss the screams, William..."

"So do I," Spike murmured, his eyes locked on Willow's dancing form.

Angel was watching her too, imagining being with her, sharing her with his favorite childe. He ran his fingertips along Spike's neck. "And then going to his house and finding his sisters... listening to their pain filled cries as we shove the dead body in the house..."

"Would we burn them to death?" Spike asked, his voice hopeful. He was lost in the moment, in the memories of pillaging with his sire.

"If you wanted to, my boy," Angel whispered. He brushed his lips against Spike's ear, causing the younger vampire to jump slightly. "Watching the fire roar, watching the shadows play on your face, bringing out the highlights in your brown hair..." He chuckled softly. "Though I suppose now I would be watching the fire make your hair shine."

Spike turned suddenly, grabbing Angel's shirt and pulling him inches from his face. "I can't kill, damn it. I cannot kill with this bloody chip in my head. I think we should shag."

Angel blinked in surprise. "What?"

"You wanker! You have gotten me so turned on now, I want to shag or kill, and I can't kill! We need to leave. Now."

Angel smirked, slipping his hand in Spike's lap, cupping his erection. "So I see." He stood up and pulled his jacket on. "Gotta get the kiddies. Most of them are sloshed, and I can't leave them here to their own devices."

"No," Spike growled. "Now. I need this now. I don't want the Poofy Ballerina..."

Angel grabbed Spike by the shirt and yanked the younger man to his body. "If you don't stop calling me a ballerina, I'll make it hurt, boy."

Spike shuddered. "With holy water and crosses?"

A devilish grin formed on Angel's lips. "Holy water and crosses."

"Get the children. We are leaving now."

*-*-*-*

"I don't understand something," Cordelia slurred. "We were having such a good time. Why are we leaving again?"

"Because," Angel said softly, "we needed to get back home."

"Wait, wait," Wesley said, spinning around. He had his finger pointed straight up, as if to make a point. "I... have..." Gunn caught him and held him up as he swayed. "I have alcohol in my apartment. We can... move the furniture and turn the radio up, and get pissed!"

Cordelia's laughter rang through the street. "I think that sounds like a great idea!" She turned to Willow. "Willow, would you dance with me?" She took the girl in her arms and spun her around the small group.

Giggling, Willow pulled out of her arms. "No, I think I'm going to call Sunnydale. I need to talk to Xander."

Cordelia smiled. "Xander," she purred. "I miss him sometimes. Occasionally. Tell him I said hello."

"I'll be sure to do that." Willow glanced at Spike and Angel. They were walking next to each other, with a good three feet between them. They were both tense- Willow could swear that Spike's eyes flashed yellow when he glanced at her. She sighed, looking away. They were fighting, again. It was because of them Willow was calling Xander.

*-*-*-*

Willow sighed, waiting for the phone to be answered. "Hello?"

"Anya?"

"Yea..." Her voice sounded suspicious. "Who is this?"

"It's Willow. Can I talk to Xander?"

"Well, are you going to keep him long? We were about to..."

"I don't need to know about it," Willow said, shifting uncomfortably. "I promise I will try not to keep him long, I just need to talk to him."

"Fine, just hurry," Anya said, her voice bored. "Xander, phone."

"Hello?" Xander sounded like he'd just woken up.

"Xander," Willow said softly. She lay down on her bed, curling into a ball. She didn't know if it was good to call Xander, but she needed to talk to someone. She figured Buffy wouldn't be the right person to call. Of all the people in the world, Xander still understood her the best.

"Willow," Xander said, picking up on the distress in his oldest friend's voice. "What is it? Is everything ok?"

"Xander, there's so much going on right now, and... I don't even know where to start." Tears filled her eyes. "I have to tell you some things, and you won't be happy with it at all... but I need you to listen to me, not judge me."

Xander swallowed hard. "Willow, you are my best friend. I love you. There's nothing you could do that could make me not love you." He fidgeted with his tee shirt, worried about what she would say. He imagined the worse: he was never going to be able to see her again, for some horrible supernatural reason.

"First, I'm pregnant. It's Oz's... when he was here, back in May, we slept together."

"Oh, god, Willow, are you... ok?" Xander suddenly felt much older than he ever had his entire life. He was twenty years old, as was his best friend, and she was having a child! "I can't even take care of myself... granted, you do really well taking care of yourself, but still! How... how are you going to do this?"

"I'm not staying in Sunnydale."

Xander's heart dropped and tears filled his eyes. "No," he whispered. "You can't leave home. Where are you going? Are your parents..."

"No," Willow spat. "My parents wouldn't notice, nor would they probably care. I'm moving to LA."

"Ok, LA is better, I can come see you in LA..." Xander was suddenly quiet as his mind tried to make the connection.

"Xan -"

"Shh... I'm thinking about this for a moment." Xander was quiet, then: "DEADBOY!?"

Willow pulled the phone away from her ear, wincing. She waited for a moment, listening from afar as Xander rant and raved, cursing everything Angel ever was and ever would be. Willow sobbed softly, her best friend's words about the souled vampire hurting her more than she thought possible.

"Ok, I'm sorry," Xander said softly. "Willow, honey, are you crying?"

"Xander," she sobbed. "He wants to take care of me. Him and Spike, but..."

"Him and Spike? Willow, they don't get along. And what about Angelus? Aren't you worried about that?" Xander got up and started pacing. "Aren't you worried that he will come back and kill the kid?"

"That's why we did the bonding spell."

"The... what?" Xander asked. He had a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach. "The what kind of spell?"

"We bonded his soul to me, and his demon to Spike. Angelus will never fully come back. He is more Angelusy now, but he's still really good." Willow sighed. "I'm supposed to live forever."

"Forever? Willow, forever is a really long time," Xander said, his mind swimming. "What are you going to do 500 years from now?"

"I don't know," Willow said softly. "I just can't stay in Sunnydale, and I can't be in LA with Angel and run the risk of him turning into Angelus."

"How is Spike handling all of this?" Xander asked, settling back into the bed. Anya had long since fallen asleep, which pleased Xander. The girl didn't have any idea about anything that was going on, therefore, she couldn't accidentally tell Buffy about it.

"Not well. They are fighting. That's all they do, is fight. I honestly don't know how I'm going to handle an eternity with the two of them."

Xander lay down, burrowing under the covers. "Willow, it's going to be ok. I'm... I'm glad that you called to tell me this, even if you did tell Deadboy and Deadboy Jr. first."

"Please, Xander, don't tell Buffy," Willow begged, lying on her bed. She pulled the covers to her neck and sighed, closing her eyes. Tears slid down her cheeks, she'd been softly crying through the entire phone call.

"I won't," he promised. "I love you, Wills."

"I love you too, Xander." She leaned over and hung up.

*-*-*-*

Angel slammed Spike against the wall. Spike closed yellow eyes in a mixture of pain and pleasure. He growled and clawed at his Sire, who dodged the younger man's nails. "I'll get you," he hissed with a mischievous smile.

Angel's smile matched his childe's. "No, my boy, I will get you. That's the way it always will be. I'll always be in control."

Spike leaned up, nipping at his sire's skin. "No, you won't, Peaches. I'm much stronger than I was when you left me years ago. I was merely a childe of Angelus..."

"Favorite childe," Angel purred.

A slight smile surrounded fangs. "I was merely favorite childe of Angelus. Now I am Spike! The Big Bad! Master Vampire! Favorite Childe of Angelus!"

"And I'm still Angelus," Angel purred, leaning down to sink his fangs in his childe's neck.

Spike groaned, running his fingers through his sire's hair. It had been so long since the older man had drunk from him. Spike clutched brown hair tightly and pulled his head closer to him. Angel drank eagerly, enjoying the taste of his childe's blood. He pressed his body against the smaller body of Spike, wanting to feel skin against skin.

Spike blinked, jolting out of a lust induced haze. "Wait... wait, this isn't... this isn't right." He pulled Angel's head away from his neck. "Stop."

Angel growled. "What is it, boy? What's not right?"

"Willow. We need her, we need to be with her."

Angel blinked, his human mask smoothing out his features. "You're right. This wouldn't be complete without her."

Spike leaned up and licked the remaining blood off Angel's chin and lips. "Come on, Pops, let's go get our girl."

Angel grinned. "I like the way you think, Master Vampire."

Spike shivered at Angel's acknowledgment. He couldn't remember the last time the older man had acknowledged that he was more than just his childe. "Yea, yea, come on," he grumbled, not wanting Angel to know how much that recognition affected him. "Let's go make it up to our woman."

Angel shook his head, chuckling. "Our woman."

Spike flashed Angel a grin. "She's the mum of our child, pops."

Angel laughed out loud at that thought. "Never thought we'd have a kid."

"You know what the worst part is?" Spike grinned as they stepped into the elevator to go upstairs to Willow's apartment.

"What's that, William?" Angel asked.

"We are probably gonna be soddin' poofs around the kid. Cuddling it and loving it and changing diapers... baby talk..." He made a face.

Angel coughed to hide his chuckle. "Yea, how horrible," he said in a monotone voice.

"You are going to bloody love it, Poof."

*-*-*-*

"Willow..."

"Red..."

Willow moaned, her mind swimming. She was trying to pull herself out of a crying and sleep-induced haze, but she just wanted to remain in the dark where she knew nothing could bother her.

She gasped slightly, feeling fingers caress her nipples. "Oh goddess," she moaned. There were hands all over her body. Caressing her skin, teasing her nipples, stroking her thighs, her feet, and her arms, even dipping into her sex... She forced open her eyes to find Angel and Spike were leaning over her, smiling.

"Wake up, luv," Spike said.

"Little One," Angel grinned.

She looked from Spike to Angel, back to Spike. "What's wrong? What are you doing here? Why are you two getting along?" She said sitting up quickly, covering her now naked body with the covers. She wasn't scared, or even mad, just surprised by the way the two of them seemed to be suddenly getting along so well. "How did I get naked?" she asked, narrowing her eyes and looking at Spike.

Spike laughed, sitting back on his heels. "Not me, pet. Poof did that."

Angel grinned, failing an attempt to look innocent. "Sorry sweets, couldn't restrain myself."

"Oh, god, you two are possessed," Willow whispered.

They both laughed. "No, pet, not possessed," Spike said, leaning forward. He stole a kiss from the startled redhead. "I just think the bond finally taken effect."

"You mean..." Willow said, realization washing over her face.

"Undoubtedly we will still fight," Angel said, "but not like before."

She frowned. "Why are you still going to fight?" the witch asked softly.

Angel stole a glance at his childe. "Because Spike, being my equal, will try to best me. It's our way."

Spike turned to Angel, his mouth gaping open. Angel reached over grabbed Spike's chin, and snapped his mouth shut. "That's not an attractive look on you, William."

"Equal?" Spike whispered. "That's better than you calling me Master Vampire."

"That's not saying much," Angel smirked. "Remember, I have a soul."

Spike frowned, mulling over that thought. "Why you... bloody poof!" He launched at Angel, knocking the older vampire off the bed. The two started to wrestle.

Willow yelped, fearing the worst. She leaned over the edge of the bed so concerned about them, she forgot about her very obvious nakedness. It took her a moment to realize that they weren't really fighting, only pouncing on each other and growling for effect. Willow sat back. "They are like... big playful tigers." She smiled, watching them. They were both shirtless, wearing nothing but jeans. They weren't in game face, and actually appeared to be having a good time.

A heat filled Willow's loins watching them as, after slamming Angel to the floor, Spike leaned down and placed a lingering kiss on his lips before the older vampire flipped them. Willow smiled softly. Becoming aware of her nakedness she cleared her throat and dropped the sheet, "Excuse me..." she said, "but I believe you came up here for me...?"

The vampires stopped, looked up at her. Angel gave Spike a lascivious grin... "I say we get her," the brunette said.

"Most definitely," the blonde said.

Willow's delighted squeals were heard throughout the building when the two vampires leaped into her bed.

*-*-*-*

Spike growled at Angel, low and dangerous.

Angel growled back. "I'm still in control, boy."

"I can take control from you, Sire."

"I doubt it." The two launched at each other, game faces on, fighting with a roar.

Willow stirred on the bed, waking up from the noise. She looked over at the fighting vampires. "Goddess, will you two *stop* please?"

The two vampires looked at each other, then Willow. "Sorry for waking you, pet," Spike said. He snaked his arm around Angel subtly.

"Yeah," Angel said sheepishly. "It's just that this whelp thinks he cantake control over me, when he *knows* I am the dominant one here."

Spike growled, putting Angel in a headlock. "Got ya, dad." He threw his head back and laughed.

Angel roared at his childe. He twisted his body and managed to lock his legs around Spike's waist.

"GUYS!" Willow cried.

"Ok, this is uncomfortable," Angel said, his legs around Spike and his head still in a headlock. "Let go, William."

"Not until you do, Angelus."

"On the count of three," Angel said. "One. Two. Three."

They held on to each other, neither letting go.

"You didn't let go," Spike said.

"You didn't either," Angel replied.

"NOW!" Willow yelled.

The vampires pulled away from each other quickly. "Sorry," both of them said again.

"Stop being sorry and get in bed with me," Willow said. She smiled.

The two vampires grinned at each other and crawled into bed with Willow. Angel was on her left, Spike was on her right. They curled to her and placed a head on her chest. She sighed, wrapping her arms around her two mates. "I love you guys," she said softly.

"Love you too," they both said softly.

The three mates slipped into a deep slumber.

*-*-*-*

Willow fidgeted outside of Giles' apartment. "I'm not looking forward to this."

"She won't hurt you," Spike said. "I will kill the Slayer if she tries."

"Spike has a point. We won't let her hurt you," Angel agreed.

"She's going to be so mad," Willow whispered. "At least Xander knows, and won't freak." She sighed, resting her hand on her belly. She was starting to show somewhat.

"Let's just go in and get it over with, pet," Spike said softly.

Willow pushed the door open. "Hey, guys," she said softly, glancing behind her at Angel and Spike.

"Wills!" Xander cried, jumping up. He ran to his best friend and hugged her tightly. He glanced behind Willow and smiled slightly. "Spike, Deadboy. How are the two of you?" The two vampires nodded at Xander, glad the man was putting Willow before any feelings of animosity he might have against them.

"Angel?" Buffy asked quietly, glancing at Riley. Riley grimaced.

"Come on in, guys," Willow said. The three walked in and sat down on the couch. "I have to talk to you, everyone."

"Don't interrupt her, or I'll rip your bloody heads off," Spike growled.

"Wait," Anya said, "before you start. Willow, are you gaining weight? You look... different."

Willow glanced down at her slightly swelling belly. "Yeah, well... there is a little weight gain there..."

"She's having our baby!" Spike beamed, wrapping his arm around Willow.

"SPIKE!" Willow cried.

"WHAT?" Buffy and Riley yelled at once.

Xander sat back, crossing his arms, waiting for the fireworks to start. He glanced at Willow with a nod, letting her know he was there for her. Willow smiled at him.

"Both of them at the same time?" Anya asked. "I didn't think that was possible."

"Angel," Willow looked up at the older vampire, a pleading look on her face. "Help."

Angel growled. "Ok, this is how it is," he said angrily. "Willow's pregnant. She and Spike came to me. He is mine, she is mine, I belong to them. Spike and I are the father. If any of you have a problem with it, then Spike'll rip your head off."

Willow blinked at her mate. "O... k. That's not exactly how I would say it, but yeah, that's pretty much it."

"No," Buffy snarled. "You do *not* belong to him. No one belongs to Angel. He... he was mine."

"He's mine now," Willow's eyes flashed angrily.

"And mine," Spike chuckled. He squeezed Angel's shoulder, glancing over the redhead to smile at his sire.

"And I'm theirs." Angel's eyes caught Buffy's. His chocolate orbs flashed yellow. "And if you dare try to do anything to change that, I will kill you myself, Slayer."

"Angel," she said quietly, "you are different."

"It's the demon, Bitchy," Spike said. "Demon hates you. Always has."

"How? Why? What's going on here?" Buffy said, her voice close to breaking into sobs.

Willow sighed. "I am moving to Angel's. I don't want to raise her on the Hellmouth. Too dangerous here." She caressed her stomach possessively. "Spike and I went to Angel's, but we were scared Angelus would come back and hurt her. We don't want that at all."

Angel growled dangerously and placed his hand over Willow's. "If someone even thinks of hurting Willow or the baby, it won't be pretty."

Giles watched the three, his mind clicking. "You bonded with him," he said softly. "Both of you."

Willow nodded. "I am bonded with his soul, anchoring it."

"And I have his demon," Spike continued, "bringing him closer to the surface. But he still does the poofy detective thing, and I suspect he always will. He is still one of the good guys." He sighed loudly for dramatics.

Angel reached up and slapped his childe on the back of the head. "Respect, boy. You need to learn some."

Spike's grin was devious. "When you give me something to respect, mate, I will."

Angel's demon came forth completely. "Boy. . .don't make me embarrass you here in front of everyone."

"Oh, goddess, you guys." Willow sighed. "Ever since their demons bonded, they've been so playful."

"Playful?" Buffy choked. "This is playful? I'd hate to see what they were like if they were angry with each other."

"Not pretty," Willow replied, wincing at the memory of the two vampires' first fight after the bonding spell.

"Willow, I don't agree with this," Buffy said.

"I don't care," Willow said.

Buffy sighed, standing up. She went to Willow and kneeled before her. "Willow..."

Spike and Angel growled dangerously. Buffy ignored them. "Willow, come on."

"What?" Willow asked. "I'm not going with you."

Buffy stood up, grabbing Willow's hand. She pulled the redhead up. "Come on, Willow. You are staying with us. We will help you watch the baby. Vampires, go back to LA before I stake the both of you."

Spike stood up. "Get your hands off of her," he hissed.

Angel followed Spike to his feet. He put his hand on Spike's shoulder. "Let me. I've been wanting to do this for so long."

Spike smiled. "Be my guest, luv."

Angel smiled at Buffy, his human mask looking soft and caring. "Buffy, she is mine. If you don't remove your hands from her at this instant, I will remove them for you." Even though his face was soft, his voice was filled with malice.

"I'd like to see you try," Buffy retorted.

Angel looked at Giles. "Giles, please tell your Slayer to leave Willow alone." His soul didn't want to kill Buffy, even though the demon was screaming for her blood on his hands. However, his soul knew that if she didn't cease and desist, he would kill her with no hint of guilt.

Giles stepped forward. "I... would do what he says. He will hurt you."

"No, he won't," Buffy said, flipping her hair behind her shoulder. "He couldn't two years ago, and he can't now. He still has feelings for me." She looked at Willow, whose rage was clear on her face. "Sorry, Wills, but he does."

Angel reached out and grabbed Buffy's ponytail. He yanked the Slayer to his body. His demon pushed forth and he wrapped his arm around her body, running his fangs along her neck. "I could kill you right now," he said, his voice dangerous and silky.

Buffy shuddered in his arms, realizing just how close she was to death. Angel was serious. "Angelus," she said. "Don't do this."

"Leave my mate alone," he hissed. "If I ever see you touch her again, I will rip your spleen out and eat it. And then I will let my boy drain you.You aren't even worth me taking the time to drain." He pushed the Slayer away. "Not even worth draining," he repeated angrily.

Buffy spun around in a rage. "You bastard!" she hissed. A stake fell out of her many hiding places into her hand. She had a look of fury in her eyes. She launched herself at her ex-lover.

Time seemed to slow down to the occupants of Giles' home as Buffy sailed through the air.

"Buffy, don't!" Giles cried, knowing that if Angel caught the Slayer, she would be dead.

"Angelus!" Spike howled, his demon pushing forth to help his Sire.

"NO!" Willow choked, closing her eyes. She felt a white hot power pass through her veins. She didn't know what was going on, only that she had to protect Angel.

A scream of pain jostled Willow out of her concentration. She opened her eyes and gasped at the scene before her.

An unknown force had thrown everyone back. Everyone but her, Angel, and Spike. Buffy was pulling herself up from her place beside the wall she'd hit. She cradled her head gingerly. "Fuck, Wills! That hurt!"

Spike stared at the witch in shock. He had never seen anything like what he had seen moments before. The redhead had closed her eyes. He felt a dangerous energy swirling around the room, tugging at his body, but not enough to move him. However, everyone else in the room had been thrown back, away from them. The three bonded mates were being protected. "Damn, pet."

Willow turned glowing emerald eyes to the dazed Slayer. "If you ever touch either of my mates again, I will kill you myself."

"Fine," Buffy said, swallowing hard at the thought of losing Willow. "I hate this, I just want you to know. However, if you think that you have to dedicate your life to two undead demons-"

"You are such a bitch," Willow hissed. "You have no clue what I'm going through, and obviously, you don't care."

"You are right, Willow. I don't care. You are throwing your life away to two demons, and this baby?" She waved her hand over Willow, indicating the child she carried. "It's going to grow up to be one fucked up child," she hissed out of anger.

"Buffy!" Riley cried, shocked that his girlfriend would say something like that to her best friend.

Willow's lips were a thin line of rage. "I hate you, Buffy Summers." She turned and walked out, the two bewildered vampires on her heels.

"Perfect, Buffy," Xander hissed. "Now she's *really* going to want to come back to Sunnydale to visit us."

"God, shut up, Xander," Buffy grumbled.

"Listen, Slayer," Xander said quietly, "she's been my friend for fourteen years. I'm not going to let your stupidity keep the two of us from being friends. She's going through a hard time, and I need to be there for her." He spun on his heel and walked out.

"Willow!" he cried, trying to stop the three before they left Giles' courtyard. They turned as one and watched Xander. The two vampires were watching him cautiously, while Willow was holding herself back from hugging him.

Xander shuffled his feet under the trio's glare. "I'm sorry about that, about Buffy being a bitch. But don't let that stop you from coming home."

"Why would I want to come back here?" Willow asked, looking down as tears filled her eyes. "Buffy hates me, she probably thinks I planned this to get Angel."

"Buffy's self-centered. She thinks the entire world revolves around her." Xander stepped forward. "It doesn't, you know. It revolves around your little one." He reached out and gingerly put his hand on Willow's tummy, ready to step back if the vampires decided to attack him.

Willow placed her hand on top of Xander's. "Thanks, Xand."

"Hey, what can I say?" he asked, engulfing her in a hug. "You are my best friend. Besides, kiddo's gonna need his Uncle Xander."

Willow lit up. "Yea. I mean, who will she have to teach her the Snoopy Dance?"

"Yea," he smiled at her. "I'm... glad you are doing this. I know that they will protect you, and the baby. I'm just going to... miss you."

Willow hugged him tightly. "You know you can always come and visit whenever you want to," she said, pulling back enough to grace him with a beautiful smile.

"As long as Deadboy and Deadboy Jr. don't try to kill me, I would love to come visit," he chuckled.

Willow smiled. "I'll make sure they don't."

Xander laughed. "Because of Bitchy back there, I think I will be spending a lot of time in LA."

Willow glanced back at the vampires, smirking at them. "Good," she said, turning back to Xander. "I need to have time away from them every once in a while." She leaned up and kissed his cheek.

*-*-*-*

To be continued...