Love and Darkness and My Crossbow

by Eris Goddess of Discord

Warlocks and demons and new girlfriends collide in the Scooby realm.

8. Chapter Eight: The Lingering Crepuscule

DISCLAIMER: No infringement of copyright is intended. You know the drill, anyone appearing on or mentioned on BtVS are ME's. New characters introduced here are mine.

SUMMARY: Silly rabbit, kinks are for kids. It's party time and we all know about parties held by the Scoobies.

WARNING: Angst, language, slanguage and general wackiness.

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Love And Darkness And My Crossbow

by Eris © 2002 -- All rights reserved.

Chapter Eight: The Lingering Crepuscule

* * * * * * * * * *

Willow loved mornings, mornings were her time. She loved waking up after a good nights sleep, loved the thrill of what the day would bring, and the challenge of how much she could get accomplished before it was time to return to slumber. For the most part, she adhered to the adage about the early bird and worm, only never liked to fully roll it around in her brain because of the misleading message. Why was it the bird who prospered if the worm got up just as early, if not earlier -- poor little worm, oh well, too much to think about so early in the morning?

Willow also liked the feel of the sun rising and twinking through the window at her and the warm snugglies of the covers, pillows and her lover as they luxuriously molded to her body. Something about mornings made her extremely touchy feely and extra frisky. Tara was a person not so of the mornings, and she used to love to watch her sleep till she just couldn't stand it any more and tenderly began to coax her from slumber by covering her with soft kisses and gentle caresses leading to a most wonderful start to any day.

With Rue, it was different, sensitive to her stirrings, she'd meet Willow's just waking, heavy fluttering eyelids with wide eyed eager adoration. She didn't seem to have a tween mode that she could catch, she was awake when she drifted off and awake when she awoke. Just once now she wanted to be able to watch her sleep and gently rouse her from the land of Nod with much smoochies but it was not to be, not yet. But, little annoyances like the not sleeping had a tendency to be overlooked in exchange for the perks of the good as she was slowly becoming more accustomed to Willow's daytime and even better attuned to her daytime desires.

Willow breathed a deep fulfilled sigh and beamed as she snuggled back into her pillow. She was exhausted but in the very utmost of good ways. Looking to her girlfriend, she rolled over and placed her head on her chest, hugging her tight. This morning was of the good, she hadn't been this happy in so long and never wanted the feeling to dissipate. Nibbling at her flesh she moved up greedily kissing thank yous into her jaw and ear. Then something struck her, taking notice for the first time she saw not a blissful, gratified expression but a somber, contemplative look on her partner's face. "Wha-what's the matter?" She asked anxiety inducing a slight quaver in her voice.

Rue was very surprised she was paying attention to her. She never did -- or rather, the other never did before, especially after an intense session. She wasn't used to the little stuff, the attention, the always asking her opinion, or all the idle chit chat. She shrugged, "Speak when spoken."

Willow hated that. "No. No quiet. Is something wrong? Did I do something wrong?" She hesitated and furrowed her brow, "Or...not do something?"

"No. Everything is good. It's all good..." She assured.

Unfortunately her tone carried a verbal but-face, "But, what?" Willow coaxed.

"It's just--"

"What're you thinking?"

She sighed. "Whether I should give you something."

"Oh?" 'Phew, no crisis just quandary.' "Something else? There's more even after two hours?" Willow was intrigued now and pulled at her.

Rue hesitated trouble continuing to play at her brow. She pulled away, leaned over the side of the bed and took a small item from the nightstand drawer holding it up.

"Ooo, presents!" Willow smiled wide, "Never a question. Always a big yes." She nuzzled her and held out her hand.

It was a velvet ring box.

"I've seen that. It was in the container of stuff Buffy salvaged from your coat."

Rue nodded and sheepishly handed it to her.

Willow opened it. Inside were two rings, two exactly the same. A red stone design with four smaller blue white stones and what looked like two crescent moons on either side. She couldn't make out the type of metal, silver, maybe, and the stones she'd never seen anything like them. "Oh, they're so! They're beautiful. Very old?"

Rue nodded her head, yes. "Forged in the eleventh century."

Removing one ring from the box she examined it carefully. "Are they rubies?"

"No, it's a bloodstone. The two stones, once one, bond the wearers until death..." she quirked an eyebrow, "or dismemberment do part."

"So, romantic... in that Hellmouthy kinda way." She moved to try it on but Rue stopped her grabbing her hand.

"Don't! I don't want you to wear it till you're ready. Once you put it on you can't take it off, unless..."

"Dead or defingered. Gotcha." She joked.

Rue looked at her sullen, "You have to be absolutely sure because the bond is permanent. If you're not sure heaven can become hell."

Willow continued to gaze at the treasure, "Where did you get them from?"

"I got them from you--her. They're the rings of the Master. She *inherited* when she took position."

"Oh?" Realization registered on her face, "How?--"

"It takes from the wearer in return for giving its gift." Rue pointed to the inside of the ring. "Blood."

"Figures it'd be a blood thing, vampires an all."

"It's more than that. So much more." Becca's eyes glazed over in memory. "That's why you have to be sure. No doubt." Crawling over she whispered in her ear. "You can have a taste, if you want."

Willow cocked her head and quirked an eyebrow.

Using her fingernail, Rue cut the palm of her hand then took the two rings and smeared the stones with her blood. Holding the stones together for a moment Willow watched as they pulsated slightly. She then separated them and put one on. Willow held out her hand and she slid the ring onto her finger. "It takes a moment for it to work. You'll know when."

Willow stared at the ring it was very beautiful. Suddenly her mind began to tingle. "Wow, I can feel -- you. I mean really feel you you like when we-- you know."

"I know." Rue thought a moment before a wicked grin crossed her face. "Try this." She took Willow's hand bringing it to her face beneath her nose and inhaled deep, keeping her eyes on Willow to gage her reaction. Willow twitched her nose. Rue smiled then ran her tongue over the back of her hand and down her finger gently nibbling at it and running it over the texture pads then sucking it into her mouth. Willow opened her mouth slightly and licked at her lips. "Oh wow. That's, that's weird."

"All you need do is concentrate and you can tap into any of my senses. And vice versa." 'And you don't have to struggle with the telepathy anymore either.' She sent. 'It's there if you want it.'

'I could see how this could go horribly horribly wrong.'

Rue laid her back on the pillow hovering above her then ran her fingers over the length of her body, 'But when it's right... it's unbelievable.' She kissed her then licked a trail down the sensitive flesh just below her collar bone and began to work her way down.

Willow gasped and closed her eyes, it was amazing, yet a bit disorienting at first till she fully understood. Not only could she physically feel and taste Rue, but she could also taste what she was tasting, and feel what she was feeling, at the same time she could sense her emotions and thoughts about the happenings. Oh wow, sensory overload. This was wondrous. She abruptly stretched out her arms and gripped the headboard at the rush of incredible new sensations coming from all over. Every time she thought she had reached the ultimate, Rue opened her up to a new mind blowing experience. She writhed with pleasure arching her back then released the headboard to clutch at Rue's hair.

But Rue suddenly disengaged contact and carefully disentangled her hand from her hair.

Willow's eyes snapped open, "Wh-what are you doing? Oh, Goddess, don't stop." She begged.

"Taking the ring off." Rue said simply, "Like I said, you need to be sure. No doubts, coz I'd hate to see you lose a finger." She put Willow's ring back in the box and put the box in the nightstand drawer. "It'll be here whenever you decide." She tapped her ring, "And I'll know when you make that decision."

Willow lay there as if her body had just been flash blinded, her senses seemingly deadened. Just that little sampling was enough to change her perceptions forever. "That is one cruel and dirty trick." She announced.

Rue put an arm around her and placed her head on her shoulder gazing into her eyes. "So then, you can imagine what it was like to not have a choice."

"Oh." Sympathy danced across her pretty features as she ran her fingers through her hair. She didn't even try to imagine what it was like. While the good was seemingly unbelievable the bad must have been unequaled. She knew what she felt when the dark overcame her and she wanted to hurt people, but to live for it and do some of the things like from the Polaroids, or worse. It must have been torture. Then she thought, what if she was wearing the ring when she did torture the girl? What kind of impression would that leave, when someone declares their love for you, if she ever did, then does something like that. No wonder Bec is sooo messed up in the head. "I'm so sorry."

"I have a choice now." She said quietly lowering her eyes uncertain at her own forwardness.

Willow felt like tearing up. How could she even look at her? After all that, all she had been through, she was still able to trust, and more than willing to trust *her*, she who bore the face of the person who hurt her the most in this life. She pulled her close. But after long moments Willow again began to feel soft hands beginning to roam. "What are you doing?" She asked as if she didn't know.

She grinned wickedly, "Just finishing what I started."

She eagerly returned the grin, "Oh, well don't let me stand in your way then."

"Stand, sit, lie down, pick your pleasure." She traced tiny circles on her stomach. "What's your kink?"

"Ooo, morning kinks. So kinky in the mornings. And to think some folks prefer sleeping to kinkage."

"Sleeping can be good."

Willow threw her a look. "How would you know? You never asleep."

She affected a faux pout. "I sleep."

"Where? You never asleep." She giggled.

Her eyes twinkled and she glanced at Willow knowingly, "I can do this in my sleep..." Then without warning pulled her close eliciting a squeal. "...But it's way more fun when I'm awake." And began to nibble at her stomach.

Willow closed her eyes, laid back and stroked her hair. She was forced to agree, but still, she made a silent vow to herself she would eventually catch her asleep if it killed her.

* * * * * * * * * *

Willow and Rue were now running late, their early morning antics having caused them to miss the Xander express. Just arriving at the Magic Box Willow would now have to sprint across town to get to the campus and her morning class. Rue had attempted to drop her off first but Willow insisted she had business to discuss with Anya first.

"Where is your girlfriend? She's late." Anya piped up eyeing her watch.

"She's not late. How can she be late? It's not like she's punching a time clock or anything."

Anya passed her the look. "Did you not see the time clock in the back? I had it installed during the renovation. Right after the hot tub and massage table."

"Oh." Willow blinked disapprovingly.

A few moments later Rue slid in the door and jumped down the stairs, a tray of coffees in hand. "Latte." She announced plopping them on the counter in front of Anya and raced into the back.

"You might as well stay back there and grab all the Peruvian summoning tapestries. We need to color coordinate them and sort them by size and invocation strength." She yelled.

"Okay." Came from the back.

Willow put her stuff on the counter and slowly made her way towards Anya. She scratched her head and crossed her arms trying to figure out the best way to broach her subject with her. "So, uh, how's it going with you?"

"What since yesterday?" She shot back.

"Yeah, okee." Willow rocked on her heels, the awkward hanging thick in the air. They had never been one with the small talk so she decided to dive in and get it over with. Besides which she was in kind of a time crunch sitch. "Anya, how, uh, is Becca doing? Buffy and I were talking the other day and she mentioned something that kinda got me thinking."

Anya was only half listening as she ticked off figures on a clipboard and answered, "As her employer, I can't give her a proper evaluation, it hasn't been three months yet."

Willow sighed, this was hard enough as it was for her, "No, I don't mean an employee evaluation. I mean, how does she seem to you? Does she seem normal? 'Oh God, look who I'm asking.' She fidgeted with her hands. "I know that's kind of a stupid question."

"Yes, it is. Trying to define normal is like trying to define the meaning of life. Can't be done and shouldn't be attempted this early in the morning before one has had proper liquid stimuli."

Willow groaned.

Anya put down her clipboard, tilted her head and looked at the witch. "What has Buffy put in your head?" She placed her hands on her shoulders. "She's *doing* fine. In fact I like having her around, makes life just that little bit easier. I only have to tell her things once, now that I know the secret. I can honestly say I wish I had more non paid employees just like her." She smiled a big 'I hope that helps' smile, released her, then grabbed her duster and headed off to the knickknack shelves.

Willow flashed confused face at the demoness' words and shook her head. "Secret? What are you talking about?"

"Her crux. You coulda said something but it's okay, it didn't take me long. I'll say, who ever had her before you certainly did their job, they cracked her. The conditioning is total. You must be so proud." She gushed.

Suddenly this friendly conversation had Twilight Zoned and she couldn't believe her ears. "Conditioning?" She parroted.

Anya halted her cleaning, cocked her head and scrunched her face. "Is there an echo in here or did one of your spells go wrong again? Hello, with the repeating."

Willow expelled a big exasperated breath becoming emotional. "Anya, what are you saying?"

"What am I saying? What are you playing at? You know she's been completely mind fucked around the bend. How do you think I get her to do stuff around the shop?" She confided fluttering her duster about.

"What?" Willow's mood began to take a turn for the grim.

"Oh yeah, I lie and tell her you'll be angry if she doesn't do something." She chirped with a smile replacing a statuette.

"You bitch. That's horrible." She growled her arms shooting to her sides and clenching her fists.

"You're angry with me?" Anya was astonished, "So, like what? You're the only one allowed to manipulate her?"

"Nooo." Willow shot back. "I don't do that." She defended.

Anya was trying to understand but not quite comprehending as she headed back to the counter. "So, it's a private puppet show with you as the only patron, eh? Is that how it goes?"

"Shut up! I don't." She was beginning to bubble now and the temperature began to drop in the room.

"You most certainly do," Anya attested, "because you're the one who showed it to me." She breathed and raised her hands, "You can't honestly think she'd love you like she does without a little mental mind stirring?" She emphasized her point by removing the lid of her beverage, dipping her swizzle stick in, exaggeratedly stirring it, then taking a big gulp. "Ooo, hot." She almost spit it out and quietly cussed at her stupidity.

That struck like a stake to the chest. Willow glared at her unsure just how to react.

"What?" She looked back at her candidly.

Willow's emotional state ran the gamut. She was appalled and livid over the frankness of the demoness yet she couldn't know fully the girl's past with evil vampy her, she was also very much, extremey-type late now, so instead of arguing or breaking down she loudly snatched her coffee, snatched her stuff, turned on her heel and hurried off to class. Anya was a kook. Why was she talking to her? Why was she even listening to her? Letting her get to her? Then again, she seemed to like Rue a lot so why would she lie? No, she'd ignore it, her, and concentrate on not falling on her face as she raced off to class.

"Where did Willow go?" Rue asked returning from the storeroom arms loaded with tapestries.

"Off to class, I guess."

Rue stood there despondent face on. "She didn't say good bye."

"She's awful testy this morning." Anya commented sipping her coffee.

* * * * * * * * * *

Buffy checked her watch for the umpteenth time. There was still plenty left before her next student appointment so she punched disagreeably at the keys of her computer and frowned. As much as Willow loved this little electronic box she abhorred it. Sighing she began writing down some addresses and titles then highlighted a text selection and clicked the mouse. Her printer began to groan and buzz. She meandered about another site, highlighted more text and clicked the mouse. Hopefully this would help. She got up and went to the printer, standing over it, arms folded, as if that might make it go just a wee bit faster.

She checked her watch again and returned to her desk with the stack of papers placing them in a file folder and putting that into her shoulder bag. Lunch hour seemed like it was days away. But she promised to stop by the gymnasium and dine with Xander. It'd been a while since they hung out, just the two of them. Afterwards, she'd make her way over to the new library and see if they might have any of these selections she'd written on her Hello Kitty notepad.

* * * * * * * * * *

Willow sat in Psyche class completely lost in Zoneland. Thoughts of Anya and Bec played at her mind. Her tape recorder lay somewhere in the bottom of her shoulder bag and her class notes page remained white, crisp and uncluttered. She fingered her pen with the fuzzy fluffy topper and absent- mindedly sipped her latte.

* * * * * * * * * *

Once again, Cranston was on the prowl. Life as usual went on all around him in the park. Joggers, bicyclists, dog walkers, squirrels, and children.

He spied a young boy with a balloon. His mother had seated herself on a bench not too far away with a gaggle of other mothers and was engaged in conversation. This was his opportunity. Using his powers he easily manipulated the balloon in the air pulling it from the child's grasp. It bobbed and played as he drew it in his direction. The child instinctively following. No one noticed.

Holding out his hand the balloon obeyed his will and came to him. He took it by the string and waited for his prey. The little boy bounced around the bush all smiles and excitement. Cranston knelt graciously, returning the smile and held out the string to the child. He neared to grasp it, as he did, Cranston snatched the child, threw up a dark barrier spell and dragged him into the security of the thicket.

* * * * * * * * * *

Willow sat in the Computer Science Lab completely lost in Zoneland. Thoughts of Anya and Bec played at her mind. Her tape recorder lay somewhere in the bottom of her shoulder bag and her class notes screen remained textless and uncluttered as the motionless cursor blinked. She fingered her pen with the fuzzy fluffy topper and absent-mindedly sipped her latte.

* * * * * * * * * *

Anya looked about, 'Where is that girl?" She thought. 'She went out with the trash and recycling like a half an hour ago. Did she slip in when I was helping that couple with the Reketsi Shaman robes?' Anya opened the door to the training room and called out. No response. The door to the basement was closed too. Opening the back door she peered out into the alleyway behind the shop. Becca was still down by the dumpsters looking at something. What? Anya didn't see anything but a slight flash maybe a play of the light reflecting off of one of the parked car bumpers. "Becca!" She yelled.

The girl about jumped then turned and looked.

The glint moved, dissipating.

"Taking the trash out is not a complicated thing unless you make it so. What in blue blazes are you doing back here?"

She looked about like she'd suddenly lost something. "Um, nothing."

Anya shifted her weight impatiently. "You're not still brooding about Willow leaving you are you?"

"No."

She cocked her head, her suspicious nature taking over. "What did you find in that dumpster?"

"Nothing." Rue replied finally tossing the bags in.

"If you did find anything worth anything it's shop property so technically it'd belong to the Magic Box."

"There's nothing but trash and crunched cardboard here." She reiterated.

Anya threw her a to worry glance. "So, basically then you're admitting you're fascinated by reeky dumpsters?"

Becca played at the recycle cart. "Um."

"Look." Anya sighed, "I don't really have time to play 'What's My Kinky Fetish' today, now get back in here. I want you to lock up. I have important vengeance business to attend to and I'd like a little time to relax, prepare and make with the pretty before the party tonight."

Her spirits began to lighten. "You're letting me lock up?" She said shock faced as she rolled the cart back inside.

"Yes. I've already counted out the register and there's really nothing you can fuck up too badly in just one hour. Besides, today is our slow night and Willow will be here, so, if you do, she can probably fix it." Anya grabbed her by the arm making sure she had her attention, then waggled an index finger at her, "What's our motto?"

"Anya, I really don't like the motto."

"It's not for you to like. Now what's our motto?"

Rue sighed, "The customer is there to rob you blind so be wary of five finger discounters."

"And?"

She scowled. "Your friends do not count as customers."

"And the last one?"

She quirked an eyebrow at her. "How does that apply, I don't have any friends outside the Scoobies."

"Never mind. The last one?"

"No free sampling for Willow."

"Good. *You* especially remember that last one. Girlfriend or no girlfriend."

"Willow's not doing any magic."

"That's right, and this rule keeps it that way."

"That and the bracelet will." She smiled.

* * * * * * * * * *

Willow sat in Advance Linguistics class completely lost in Zoneland. Thoughts of Anya and Bec played at her mind. Her tape recorder lay somewhere in the bottom of her shoulder bag and her class notes page remained white, crisp and uncluttered. She fingered her pen with the fuzzy fluffy topper and absent-mindedly sipped her latte.

* * * * * * * * * *

It was lunch time and the once busily gabbing park moms were now beginning the gathering process, calling to their children for packaged lunches on nearby picnic tables and benches or scooping them up into strollers, bike seats and car seats, retreating to their houses and kitchens till another day.

Getting up, one mom searched the playground area for her son. When she didn't spy him she called out, "Tommy? Tommy?"

Exiting the thicket a boy adjusted the string of a balloon now tied to his wrist. He cleared his throat making an eerie, deep beyond his years, gravelly coughing and pulled at a strange fold on his neck, smoothing the skin down.

"Tommy!" The mother called at seeing him and waved him in. "Come on, it's time for lunch."

A wide innocent grin crossed the boy's face and he giggled and waved. But it wasn't right. He tried again affecting a higher pitch to his laughter then nodded to himself satisfied with the sound. Clearing his throat once more he raced off towards his mother, arms wide. "Mommy!"

Unaware she kneeled and greeted him with a big hug and a kiss and the two strolled down the path hand in hand.

* * * * * * * * * *

Buffy and Xander sat on one of the newly installed retractable bleachers, remnants of their lunch spread about them. They quietly munched and looked at one another. Neither knew how long the quiet was lingering. Finally Buffy broke the silence. "Xander, I'm worried about Anya."

'And so it begins...' He thought. "Anya? Buff, I thought this was us time? You time. Me time. Talking about us time." He sighed with concern and put down his canned peaches confessing. "Me too."

"I think there's something going on with her being a demon again she's not telling us."

"And I'd be right up there on her list of confidants about that now, wouldn't I." He half joked.

"Sorry." She uneasily picked at her apple.

"It's okay. But if your saying you've noticed she seems unhappy--Even more so than my completely dashing her against the rocks of matrimony, then yes, I've noticed it too. But she won't talk to me and I don't blame her. I was going to ask Becca, see if she'd find out." He paused a moment remembering back to the other day in the shower room. "Now I'm not so sure."

"They seem to have hit it off quite well." She half heartedly smirked.

"Too well. Cut from the same cloth almost." He acknowledged.

They passed a glance between them then shuddered.

"I warned Willow it wasn't a good idea to leave them alone all day together."

"I'm worried about her too." He quickly disclosed. "She really scared me this time. More than the endy worldy thing. The amounts of energy she's been channeling and the cold disregard. You didn't see her with those guys."

"I saw enough." She flashed him a downcast glance. "Between her and Becca we've got a problem."

He shook his head in disagreement, "No, I think Becca's actually good for Willow." Then stared at her in all seriousness. "Bec's fine as long as Willow's fine. Now, when Willow goes all not fine--" He shrugged and raised his hands for emphasis.

Buffy quirked an eyebrow shooting him a to worry glance. "What, you think she might hurt Wil?"

He shook his head. "No, Wil's gonna hurt her. Then we've got your problem."

The quiet returned and they frowned at one another, both resting chins on knuckles and an elbow on a knee. The class bell heralded the end of B Lunch period.

"We deserve our own soap." Buffy moaned.

"Only if it's a Mexican one." Xander agreed. "And I get to be Raoul the well muscled, well oiled, drink bearing, pool boy."

* * * * * * * * * *

Willow sat in her Women's Studies group completely lost in Zoneland. Thoughts of Anya and Bec played at her mind. Her tape recorder lay somewhere in the bottom of her shoulder bag and her class notes page remained white, crisp and uncluttered. She fingered her pen with the fuzzy fluffy topper and absent-mindedly sipped her latte.

* * * * * * * * * *

Banishing her Anya acquired angsty doubt demon to the pit of her stomach and back of her brain, Willow tossed another empty cup in the trash and dashed off back to the Magic Shop. Strangely though, despite her mental conflict she felt good, all tingly and vibrateylike. Now, whether it was pure unadulterated guilt, sheer geeker joy, or the four double mocha lattes she'd consumed so far that day to drive away the funk and get back on track, Willow had thoroughly crossed over into full blown babble mode by the time she arrived at her destination.

Rue was quite taken aback, this was new, she'd never experienced this before. Willow didn't do this -- ever. She'd watched her spin about the shop like a Teletubby on crack, burning off some of this newfound, excitable energy till closing time, and enjoyed the impromptu, unabashed friskage up against the front door right before they set the alarm. She'd listened quietly to her talk, steadily building steam from the moment she walked in till they turned the lock, and mindfully continued as they walked all over and through down town, and non stop the entire trip back to the house. Once there, she had hoped she would finally run out of things to say but still, it persisted.

Willow suddenly kissed her and held her face, passionate about something. Rue's heart skipped a beat. She had no clue what she was on about or what brought this on. She must have missed something, staring deeply into her eyes she nodded her head like she had heard every word, then leaned in and nuzzled her ear. She preferred a more aggressive Willow and if this was what went along with it, then she could endure it, it wasn't that bad... Willow wrapped her arms around her delighted and continued the geyser of words. Rue spiritedly began working her way down her neck listening intently however, she found herself losing her concentration. Her brain couldn't seem to coordinate the flood of new verbal information with the retrieval of memory of favorable physical behavior Willow preferred. She worked her way back up to her cheek and Willow said something she didn't quite catch. She stopped, pulled her head back and looked at her, "Wha?" Willow wound her fingers roughly through her hair and repeated what she had said, amazingly accelerating her verbal assault seemingly without taking a breath. Rue nodded in acknowledgment returning to her cheek. Willow pawed at her and her words suddenly became fragmented. Good sign. She clutched at Rue's face and Rue kissed her hard and deep quelling the flow for a spell but no sooner did she pull her attentions away, the lips again resumed their flurry.

Rue kissed a line down her throat feeling the vibrations and gentle motion of her larynx, occasionally nodding her head in acceptance of her utterances, and traveled down onto the cleft of her collar bone. She continued to listen then suddenly ceased her activity as Willow finally breathed deep and stopped making sense completely. No matter, it didn't stop the stream of babble. A slight smile began to form on Rue's lips. She closed her eyes and seriously concentrated on concentrating but it wasn't working. Before she realized it, she let slip a snort and found herself trying to stifle soft giggling.

She caught and chastised herself biting her lip to stop. How dare she, but it kept going and it tickled her to no end. She buried her face in Willow's chest trying to keep control, desperately trying not to listen, but it was not to be. Damn her enhanced ears, she could feel the words cascading all around her, burrowing into her flesh and could contain it no more, she burst out laughing.

It took Willow a bit to even realize before she responded, "Stopped? Why stopping?" Confusion splayed across her pretty face.

Rue fell to her knees and rolled on the floor, eyes filled with tears unable to halt her gigglefit. She barely managed to get out. "I'm sorry." Followed by, "Forgive me," before she spied the look on her face and a whole new wave of laugh riot washed over her. She curled up into a fetal ball holding her stomach and trying to hide her face trying to curtail the laughter. "I've never heard you do that. I-it's--"

"Stupid. I know. I can't seem to stop myself sometimes." Willow rolled her eyes and smirked. "Coffee doesn't exactly help much either. I should listen to Buffy more. She says when I drink it my tongue becomes hinged in the middle and--" She stared down at Rue who was beginning to calm down some, giggles subsiding. "--You don't care cause I'm still Miss Mile-A-Minute with the making of the no sense babbling."

She rolled onto her back grinning widely, body still spasming from the laughing and looked up at Willow, standing arms folded, peering down at her. Wiping the tears from her eyes she sniffed, "Forgive. Don't punish me." And reached out touching her leg gently running the backs of her fingers up and down it, affecting an air of innocence.

Willow stared down at her, pursed her lips and smiled crookedly, she looked so swexy and inviting like that. The uncharacteristic emotional outburst from her usually stoic girlfriend was really turning her on. She wanted more. "Oh, I'm going to punish you all right." She said dropping to her knees. Slipping one hand under the bough of her neck and the other through her arm, she raised her off the floor slightly and played at her lips then kissed her and slid her hands down her sides till she reached her waist, whereupon she began to tickle her.

Rue jumped, startled by Willow's actions. She was completely unused to being tickled, for a moment she didn't know how to react, then she yelped instinctively and found herself unable to keep from squirming and laughing at Willow's gentle touches and probes. The look on her face, she was enjoying it just as much as she was. She smiled, retaliated, and Willow squealed with delight. She pulled her to the rug next to her and they wrestled about playfully relishing in the new.

"Minor coming through." Dawn announced holding her bowl aloft and stepping over them to get to the TV, turning it on, grabbing the remote and stepping back over them to plop down on the couch and start movie night early. She aimlessly flipped channels and began munching on her popcorn, "Hey, down in front." She griped at her friends' antics, "Geez, you two are so childish." She sighed.

Willow and Rue paused at her words and turned, "Childish?" Willow repeated and passed a glance to Rue, 'You thinking what I'm thinking?' She sent.

'I am now.' She grinned wickedly. They sat up and began to crawl over to the couch.

Dawn spied the intent on their faces, "No." She warned putting down the remote and warily bringing her socked feet up onto the couch, but they kept coming towards her. "Willow, no. Bec, n-no, no, NO!" She screamed as they closed in.

"TICKLE FIGHT!" They screamed grabbing at her. As a last defense she screeched and threw a hand full of popcorn at them before they wrenched her from the couch and proceeded to inflict a heapin' healthy dose of good tickleage on the girl.

At that moment, laden like a Grand Canyon pack mule, Xander opened the front door and heard the ruckus in the living room. He looked at the tangle of girls, "Whoa, God is gonna strike me blind." He commented at the sight.

Between breaths and loud laughter Dawn called to him, "Help, Xander!"

Willow sat up. "Yes, Xander, help, save her." She mocked just like when Dawn was young.

"...And deaf as well." He finished. Smirking goofily he speedily set his grocery bags on the dining room table returning with a triumphant. "Never fear, the Xandman is here!" And theatrically pulled some faux superhero/pro wrestling muscle poses, to wit the girls sniggered and snorted. Then, "Evil tickle monsters beware!" he dived in for some good old fashioned girlie groping, secure in the fact that these hands, doing fun things in fun places, belonged to real honest to God girls.

After a time, Buffy's shrill voice was heard from the porch, "Xander! Where'd you go? The car's still full of gro--" She eyed the group in the living room who had now brought pillows into the fight too.

"Come on in Buff, the water's fine." He enticed.

She shifted her weight, shook her head and with an exasperated glance continued on into the kitchen, arms full of party plump grocery bags.

Outside, Anya and Kursk strolled up the walk to Buffy's house. "Huh? The door's open." Anya announced slightly hesitant, a big déjà vu washing over her. Listening carefully she heard the ruckus in the living room and quirked an eyebrow. "I guess they're up to something." She peered about the grounds then slowly they climbed the stairs. She knocked quietly then popped her head in, to her surprise everyone was in a big undulating pile on the living room floor. "Oh," she said startled, "looks like we've arrived just in time for the beginning of orgy night at the Summers' residence." She grinned wickedly and tugged at her boyfriend's arm. "Hurry Kursk, let's make sure we get a good spot." And dragged him into the living room pushing him to the couch and jumping into his lap.

Buffy returned from the kitchen to find Anya and Kursk had arrived and were now making out on the couch. She stood in the doorway, hands on hips, cringed and shook her head.

If Buffy wouldn't come to the fun, Xander decided he'd just have to bring her to it. He disentangled himself from the fray, got pillow pummeled, got dragged back, got up, ran over to Buffy and swept her from her feet before she could protest. He carried her back to the living room and plopped her down in the middle of the melee.

Buffy got it from all sides then pulled a pillow away from Dawn and finally began to lighten up. A little. She tossed a few pillows and made a few whoops but was soon back to All Business All the Time Buffy, "Hey, come on guys, enough already, groceries." She reiterated impatiently. "Ya'll want this party started, right?"

"We bought Frito-Lay Skeezy Cheese®!" Xander announced between dodges and hits.

"Skeezy Cheese® to the victorious!" Yelled Willow, "Gro-cer-ies!" and tossed her pillow at Xander, pushing Rue down to climb to her feet.

"Gro-cer-ies!" Dawn echoed and pummeled him and Rue as she tried to escape to go to the door. "Last one to the car eats Buffy's cooking!" She yelled and took off, Xander and Becca not far behind.

Anya stopped kissing Kursk long enough to hear the words. "Fuck that." She jumped up then eyed Buffy who was the only one remaining, "No offense." She said and dashed to the foyer and out the door after them leaving Buffy alone on the floor.

"Works every time." Buffy beamed smoothing her tresses back into place and righting her top.

Kursk sat quietly on the sofa munching on the popcorn staring at her goofily.

"Hello." She said maladroit.

He just smiled.

* * * * * * * * * *

Later: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Rue stood at the side of the house near the garage looking at nothing and argued. "I don't know why you can't just--" She halted as though she had just been cut off and listened intently then started again. "But I'm sure it wouldn't..." She sighed and kicked at the ground. "All right. I just wish you could stay." She waited seeming to listen again, "Okay, yeah, I guess you're right. And this is necessary, right?" She looked and nodded her head, "Okay. Is it gonna hurt?" She held out her hands and from seemingly nowhere bolts of bluish white light shot out into her fingers and palms, "ARrrgghhh!" She closed her eyes and gritted her teeth into the pain, then suddenly there was a blinding flash and she was thrown back onto the ground.

Spike looked on undetected from his hiding spot in the darkened garage perplexed by her actions.

Rue began to stir and expelled a breath, "Ow!" Then climbed back to her feet clutching her stomach. "My tummy is all clenchylike ... Hello, electricity!" She held up her hands showing off the burns to no one. "Yes, that hurt very much, thank you." She brushed at her clothing. "No, it's okay as long as it works. If it doesn't work then I'll be cross." She smiled at nothing then headed around the corner to the garage to get the barbecue grill. She smelled him before she saw him and somehow wasn't surprised.

From the shadows Spike struck his lighter and puffed his cigarette to life. "Okay, Fifi, try explaining your way outta that little display." He closed it loudly and stuck it back in his pocket waiting to hear her explanation.

"I don't answer to you." She said spying the grill and pushing past him.

"Sorry, but that poses too many questions. A little were-y weirdness, a little murder I can ignore, but lightning bolts from nowhere?" He shook his head.

She turned to him and got in his face, "Look, fly outta here, Batman. We're even."

"Were." He corrected. "I've forgotten all about the graveyard goings on the other night. But you see, this is new." He scratched his head.

"You son of a bitch!" She bubbled over.

"Yeah, a little blackmail goes a long way in my case." He grinned smugly taking a long drag on his cigarette.

* * * * * * * * * *

Later still: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Buffy opened the back door.

"Hello, Buffy." Clem grinned from behind a large bag of stuffs.

"Hi, Clem." She smiled. "Come on in."

"Thank you for inviting me, I do so love a party."

"Well, we like having you." She beamed.

"I've brought some party supplies for tonight's festivities." He raised the bag then set it on the counter and piqued a floppy ear as a round of hollers came from the living room. "Sounds like you've got a house full already."

"Nah, just the usual gang giving the ol' Playstation a workout."

"Do you need any help?" He offered ever diligent.

"Nope. Anya and I have got the cooking and Xander and Rue did the briquettes, lighter fluid, and the sending away of the fire marshal, so go and enjoy."

He nodded sweetly and turned to leave, then turned back and leaned over, "Just so you know, some of the favors are from Spike. He didn't want me to say anything but, you know..." He winked and lumbered off.

A big round of "CLEM." Came from the living room.

* * * * * * * * * *

Even later still: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"I just don't see the point of sports, professional or otherwise." Anya said as she kept close watch of the basketball game from the grill. However, she did like to see her boyfriend in motion. The way his scales rippled when he moved and how his butt filled out and flexed beneath his tight pants. This excited her. "Xander tried explaining it to me but with the exception of the betting part it's all fairly moot. And sweaty. Not in the good way, either."

"It's all about the testosterone." Buffy said bringing over a plate of buns and taking note a few of the burgers were nearing done done. "Anya, you want me to do that so you can play some hoops?"

"No, that's okay we'd like to avoid any unplanned visits to the hospital tonight, but thanks." She quipped still unduly preoccupied with the activity.

* * * * * * * * * *

Not that much later: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Put your mouth where the game is." Xander gestured and tossed Anya the ball. "If you can critique from the sidelines you can play. I don't think one more player on the girls' side will make any difference," He said smugly, "right, guys?"

Clem smiled weakly and shrugged at the girls apologetically.

Kursk stood emotionless at the ready.

Willow leaned back into Rue and Dawn, "Just one lightning bolt, please?" She held up her fingers and gestured, "Just a teensy small one."

Resuming play Clem took the ball out and bobbed and weaved as Dawn blocked him. Then tossed it to Xander as he faked around Willow into the clear. Xander took the ball then passed it to Kursk for the dunk.

Anya did her best to block him but not having a clue she wasn't very good. All of a sudden an idea came to her. She purposefully collided with him opening her arms and hugging him tight to block his shot. "This is fun. I think I can maybe get to liking basketball."

Everyone stopped.

"Foul." Xander cried and hung his head.

"Ohhaaeyoooh, that's a new move." Willow smirked with amusement.

"This game just got interesting." Rue whispered into her ear as she grabbed her from behind.

"Anya, you just fouled him out, there's no touching in basketball." Xander informed wiping his forehead.

"Well, there should be." She protested as she seductively clung to him.

"Ew." Dawn exclaimed.

"What's a game where they allow touching?" She asked biting at him.

"Touch football?" Clem helped.

"Oooo, let's play that instead." She urged.

"No." Xander objected. "We're playing basketball. Now Kursk gets a free throw."

"And kisses if he gets the ball through the net thingy." She declared releasing him with a little hop of excitement.

"Anya, you're on our team, remember." Willow reminded. "If he makes a point the guys are closer to winning. You don't want him to make any points."

"Oh, okay." She nodded then turned back to Kursk. "Kursk, if you miss the basket I'll let you lick my..."

"Awwww, gross." Dawn announced through a serious cringe. "I'm never gonna be able to look at sports the same way again, thanks."

* * * * * * * * * *

Just a little bit later: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Willow abandoned the game a little more than half way through, for her it was way past time for a time out. Grabbing a ginger ale from the cooler she popped the top and sat at the picnic table quite breathless. Even though it was cool she was beginning to heat up and finally feeling the peak of her caffeine high. She kept a keen eye on her girlfriend who seemed in her element against the big demon Kursk. So agile and strong, suddenly she felt the bad creeping up again. No, she needed to stop it. Be positive. She watched as Anya passed the ball to Dawn, who lined up her shot and took it. Rue then jumped over Xander's head to guide it to the hoop to score points for their side. She stood and cheered then almost snorted some soda out her nose when Xander fired off his objections to superhuman powers and cheating.

"I think Anya's finally grasped the concept of sports." Buffy commented setting down a big platter of chicken.

"You think?" She mused, "I thought she was just doing her job evening the odds for the gals."

Buffy chuckled, "What by punishing Xander with the ball?"

"Aw, hey, that was an accident." She defended voice chocked full of mischief.

"Mm-hm, the ball just accidentally bounced off his crotch...twice." She grinned maniacally.

Willow shrugged. "Anya said she was lousy at sports."

Buffy sat down next to her on the bench. "You certainly have your game pants on tonight."

"Please, they were dribbling circles around me." She rebuffed all modest, then became animated. "Literally in the first half. Did you see?"

Buffy sniggered. "But you were holding our own without the magicks I might add."

"And you were hiding out over here like always. Why don't you play?"

"Nah, I'm not good at that stuff."

"And I am? Hello, Miss Computer Geek Whose as Uncoordinated as Something Really Really Uncoordinated here. I was such the b-baller back in highschool." She quipped then evil flashed across her face. "Just remove the stick and go play."

"Hey!" Buffy objected. "Foul."

* * * * * * * * * *

And a bit more: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The light was finally beginning to fade on the horizon as the plates and cups were passed about, filled and emptied repeatedly. The loud excitable crazy talk had slowed to quiet sated tummy talk as the friends relaxed, buddied up and enjoyed each other's company.

Buffy and Willow sat at the end of the picnic table quietly girly gabbing almost like old times.

"She does this thing with her tongue..." Willow rambled in hushed tones.

Buffy stared at her tight-lipped attempting to keep the ick factor look on her face to a minimum. She wanted to be there for her friend but unfortunately her mind kept repeating, 'Ew.' As she spoke she glanced past her, across the way to the fold out table where Becca and Dawn were eating their dinners and joking with Xander trying to stick fries up his nose. Buffy watched Becca bite into her burger, the ketchup and mustard squirting onto the side of her face. She tried to look away but her eyes wouldn't obey, stupid eyes, all else fell away except for Willow's words and the girl's mouth. The condiments stained its corner as it moved, chewing and laughing, then her tongue swept out and licked away the excess. Buffy blinked and pulled herself out of it with a start, "Okay, need to know basis!" She blurted out uncomfortably interrupting Willow to make stop the girl talk, "Burger?" She asked abruptly shoving the platter in her face.

At the other end of the picnic table Anya was surprised by Clem's announcement.

"It's true. About a month now." He beamed a giant snaggletoothy grin.

"How wonderful for you, Clem. Why haven't you said anything before this?"

"Well, I wanted to be sure, you know, that we were really gonna click first." He said glancing Xander's way knowingly.

Anya pursed her lips and nodded. "So, where did you meet?"

"Over at the 24 hour Big K-Mart. I was restocking on kitty litter and getting Spike more socks and T-shirts when I spied her browsing the Jaclyn Smith collection." His eyes glazed over at the sweet memory. "At first I thought I was dreaming, and when she came over and spoke to me." His eyes brightened and danced. "I thought I was going to faint and wet myself, she was so...SO."

"Oh, is that how your species attracts a date?" Anya asked truly interested.

"No," he shook his head embarrassed, the tips of his ears blushing. "that would be me just completely mortified. So, you can imagine my surprise when she said she had a fetish for beefy men." He paused for a bite of garlic toast then continued. "I was so happy I had the kittens in my car, they are such a great icebreaker."

Anya nodded in agreement as she wiped some barbecue sauce from Kursk's lip. "Yeah, cuts right to the chase especially with those homodaemous types."

"Yup, demon's best friend is his kitten..." Clem quipped.

* * * * * * * * * *

Just a smidgen more later: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After dinner the Scoobies mulled about the lawn furniture and hammock, an impromptu game of R-rated Truth or Dare breaking out keeping everyone close in anticipation of dessert; assorted pies, pastries and ice cream.

"Dessert's on, guys!" Willow called scooping out some ice cream and licking her finger.

Clem leaned over picking Dawn off his shoulders and set her down, she grabbed them both bowls as Willow scooped heaping helpings of the frozen dessert onto them. Dawn then nabbed a can of Reddi Whip and came up behind Rue, "Bec." The girl turned and she squirted the frosty topping across her cheek, then giggled and dashed away.

She frowned turning to Willow who laughed, kissed her and licked at it, then handed her a bowl, "Eat." Rue chased Dawn around a bit, claiming the can and threatening imitation whipped creamy vengeance but they soon returned to the table, the call of the tasty treats too tempting and settled in to chow down. Rue shoved almost the entire slice of pie into her mouth and reached around the glass of milk Willow had set out to grab a soda and suck it down, it wasn't until she actually chewed and swallowed a bit that she noticed. She grabbed Dawn by the shoulder -- hard.

The girl winced and turned about. "Hey?"

Rue's eyes were wide. "Was that peanut butter?" She choked out around her full mouth, lips covered in whipped cream.

Dawn looked at the bowls, then stuck her finger in for a taste. "Oh God!" She screamed jumping up. "Spit it out!" And began to hit her on the back.

Willow and the rest looked to see what the commotion was about.

Rue spat what she had in her mouth out and began washing it out with the soda. She cast Dawn a to worry glance. "I swallowed part of it."

"Bec? What's going on?!" Willow questioned bewildered.

"Run, upstairs, come on!" The urgency was clear in Dawn's voice as she pushed her towards the house.

"What is it?" Anya asked actually concerned as they flew by.

Dawn grabbed her by the arm. "The peanut butter." Then bolted into the house with Rue.

Anya got up and inspected the remaining pie in the bowl then threw Willow a disgusted look. "Peanut butter, are you crazy?!" She hastily turned and to follow the girls but Willow stopped her.

"Anya what?"

She glared at her. "Becca is allergic to peanuts." Then turned back to the table and picked up the glass of milk handing it back to her, "And incredibly lactose intolerant." She retreated into the house muttering. "Unbelievable. This house is definitely cursed." And yelled out. "Make sure she doesn't faint."

Willow stood there her mouth open, emotions running the gamut, "...She never said anything." She looked about to the others for reprieve. "I swear." Then fear spurring her, ran into the house after them. Upstairs she stopped in the hall outside the bathroom afraid to go in, so she leaned against the wall and listened as the pair attended to Rue.

"How's your breathing?" Anya asked grabbing a wash cloth.

Rue gestured her okay and mumbled, "...but my lips are tingling." Then cringed and leaned over tossing her evenings cuisine into the bowl.

"What's the matter with *her*?" Anya scolded running the water over the cloth.

"I guess she didn't think." Dawn replied as she brushed back Rue's hair and rubbed her back.

"Really?" She sneered sarcastically. "And what's the matter with *you*?" She directed at Rue who was hang dog over the toilet. "Why'd you eat it?"

"She gave it to me. I trust her. She'd never hurt me." She blurted out between heaves.

"Wake up, jackass. What do you call this?" She grabbed her wrist to check her pulse.

"Not intentional." She excused and leaned back to sit against the wall as her spasms subsided somewhat.

Anya roughly wiped the sides of her mouth with the cloth then felt her forehead. "She's cooler than normal...I think." She looked to Dawn.

Dawn felt her head and nodded, still worried. "What else do we do?" She whispered.

Anya went back to the sink and ran the warm water over the cloth. "Depends on how allergic she is." She handed it to Dawn then held herself and chewed on her finger. "But adrenaline is good. If we get her adrenaline pumping that should counteract the anaphylaxis, keep her airways from swelling shut. We need to watch her closely for the next few hours or so."

"I think I'm okay." Rue said squeezing Dawn's arm for reassurance as she placed the cloth to her head. "If not, I'll be back in ten." She joked breezily.

"That's not funny!" Anya barked. Her tone was sharp as a tack and even made Willow jump.

Dawn was confused. "What? What's she talking about?"

"About dying." She glared at the girl then shifted back to the other, her inflection still raw. "It's not funny. You'll find out soon enough what'll do you."

Willow's breath caught in her throat and she bit at her lip.

"Do what?" Dawn was completely lost.

"Never you mind." She hushed her. "You." She grabbed Rue by the arm. "You need to change or something, get it out of your system."

"I can't, I can't concentrate." She groaned still clutching at her stomach.

"Well, you better." Anya's brain began to tick. "Don't make me toss you out that window or some such nonsense." She threatened.

Willow's apprehension got the better of her when Anya's bedside manner began needing some CPR and she finally found the nerve to round the corner. "Bec?" She said softly seeing the girl in obvious distress.

At the sight and sound of Willow she sucked it up, burying the pain, putting up the front. Show no weakness. No infirmity means nothing to prey on.

Anya turned and voiced her displeasure. "Oh, Lucretia Borgia finally shows up."

"Anya, stop it." Rue ordered.

Willow witnessed her girlfriend's sudden change in conduct, the putting on of the brave and hesitantly entered the room wondering if she was actually doing more harm than good, "Bec, sweetie, you okay?" She slowly crossed over to her and dropped to her knees on the tile. "I-I don't know what to say." She sputtered out.

Anya put her hands on her hips. "How about, I'm sorry for poisoning you and potentially killing you. That'd be a good starting point."

"Anya." Dawn hushed giving Willow the wash cloth and getting up. "Come on." She motioned for the couple to have some them time.

But she persisted. "I don't know, can we trust Catherine de Medici to be alone with her?"

"Anya!" Dawn scolded all at once becoming older and assertive pushing the demoness out of bathroom ahead of her.

"Heeyy with the--" She objected as Dawn closed the door.

Once gone Willow continued. "Bec, I'm sooo sorry. Why didn't you say something? Why didn't you tell me?" She appealed as she gently dabbed her face with the cloth.

Rue lowered her head and diverted her eyes.

She knew that response. That was Becspeak for, 'Don't make me say this. You won't like it.' Her eyes went wide. "You didn't tell me, did you?" She frantically searched her memory. "When? I-I--"

"Spoonerz, on Hamilton." Rue jogged wearily but kept her stoic.

Recognition struck her like a brick. "Oh Goddess, the parfait! The peanut parfait! Oh, Bec, how could I be so stupid?" She moaned. "Especially, since I couldn't kiss you for hours after. Sweetie, I'm sorry..." Willow automatically tripped into babble mode only this time in the opposite direction.

Rue listened as best she could through her haze at the steady flow of fear and guilt and regret and sad pouring from Willow. The stream of happy babble was one thing, but this, this was not of the good. Willow was treading down Anya's spin trail and she had to make it stop. It had to cease. This, she just didn't know how to deal with from her lover. "Shhh, please." She leaned up and futilely clutched at her attempting to alleviate her fears. "Shhh, it's okay."

But it wasn't, not to Willow. "No, no, it's not, you could have *died*. *I* could have killed you."

Rue gently rocked back and forth and through gritted teeth said. "I told you, you won't get rid of me that way."

Willow pulled away disturbed by the words and spat. "Don't joke!"

"I'm not." She replied meekly hanging her head.

Willow closed her eyes and sighed she didn't mean to yell she just couldn't understand Bec's casuality about death. Her way of coping with it was not to deal, but to push it as far away as she could. The fear and hatred of it she felt seemed likely to consume her if she paid it any mind and making light of the subject was impossible to even fathom.

"I'm sorry." She reached out apologetically. Anya was right, she was cooler than normal and now it seemed perspiring from the strain of covering it up. "Stop what your doing." She pleaded.

Rue looked up at her not following.

"Brave face. You don't need to do it. If you hurt I need to know to make it better. You have nothing to prove to me."

Rue let out a small sigh and her face contorted in anguish.

"Come on let's get you off the cold floor and warmed up a bit." She helped pull her girlfriend to her feet.

"Ooo, spinning." She remarked as the room went all quavery and she suddenly leaned into her with her full weight no holding back like the other time.

Willow noticed her grip tighten and braced herself. She was heavy, make her knees buckle and hit the floor heavy. At least she was listening. Damn.

Outside Anya was climbing the stairs again, Willow was nearly glad to see her for a helping hand. "Anya the door." She indicated with a head bob.

"What? You're not taking her to lie down are you?" She sounded disapprovingly.

"Yes, we need to keep her warm." She huffed from her exertion.

"No, she needs a push to get the toxins out of her system, not to lie there and drown in them. You want her warm, make her blood pump, do laps or sit- ups or have wild, noisy sex."

"Anya, please."

But Anya grabbed Rue by the other arm, "No, take her downstairs, make her shift." And jerked her towards the stairs almost knocking the pair on their butt.

"Okay, still spinning here." Rue announced closing her eyes. "Oh, bad idea." And pulled way from her clinging to Willow even tighter, the nauseous beginning to creep back in.

"Ooof," Willow inadvertently exclaimed at Rue's increased imposure on her person. "Anya," she implored, "she's got low blood pressure she'll pass out if we push to hard, now open the bedroom door."

But she wasn't hearing her. "Listen to me, if you don't Emeril her and kick her immune system up a notch she's still in the danger zone."

"Anya she can't even stand, just open the door."

"Have you heard a word I've said?""

"NOW, Anya!"

"Fine she's your girlfriend, your responsibility." Anya opened the door and took Rue's other arm again assisting to guide her into the room then released her to fall exhausted onto the bed. Anya then turned to Willow and affected the tone. "Do me a favor, when you kill this one too, don't go all endy worldy when I say I told you so."

"Excuse me?!" Willow was outraged at her brazenness.

"Gonna be able to stack 'em like cord wood soon." She mumbled under her breath.

Willow began to twitch and stepped forward into the demon's face. "Anya, I don't know what you're playing at but quit. consider this my thirty-second warning."

Buffy heard the commotion from downstairs and popped her head in. "Guys? Is everything all right?"

"I'm not sure," Anya looked at her, query plastered across her face, switching to the sweet sarcastic tone that was really annoying to all, "can we refer to Willow as the black widow of Sunnydale when she's not married to them?"

Buffy's face went wide at the blunt comment and was followed by a low clicking noise emanating from the back of her throat that was usually attributed to Giles.

"OUT!" Willow ordered with an incensed arm raising finger point.

"Don't fight." Rue managed at barely a whisper distressed at their bickering.

"I'm not finished yet, since I have to work tonight, I'd better give this to Becca *now*-- while she's alive."

"Get out or I swear you're going out the wall." Willow roared as the temperature dropped slightly.

But she disregarded her choosing to return to Rue's side, "Here, Becca." She handed her a box. "I'll see you in the morning, I hope."

"What is that?" Willow growled.

"Something between me and Becca."

Willow went over and Rue held out the box to her, "It's to help you." She said weakly then buried her face in the bedspread.

Opening the box she removed the object, examined it, then cast Anya an evil stare.

"I think you know what it's for." Anya said, then pivoted on her heel and left the room heading back downstairs.

Buffy took it from Willow. "It's a bracelet, isn't it?" She twirled it about. "A little clunky but then big is in."

Willow snatched the bracelet back and dashed out after her and down the stairs. "Anya, you have no right giving Becca this." She fumed waving it in her face then pushing it at her.

"Hey, she came to me for help." She defended becoming highly animated. "You know I don't care what you do. Go all dark and veiny, fly about the room like a piñata, suck Sunnydale dry, I don't give a shit. As long as it doesn't involve busting up the shop again, whoop it up. Party down, or ... you pick the appropriate current slang palaver."

"Oh, very cute," Willow sneered sarcastically, "but find another hobby, I don't need you constantly meddling in my affairs."

"Your affairs?" She was kind of shocked, "here we go, making it about you again. Do you ever stop to think about someone else? It takes two to make a thing go right, if I remember the song lyrics correctly."

"Whoa, am I hearing this? Coming from you of all people?"

"Yes, me, I may be socially confused and lacking a good deal of hip cultural references but I know how to treat those that I claim I love."

"What?"

Rue slowly, unsteadily descended the stairs leaning into the wall.

Buffy tried to intervene, "Guys, take a breath and chill before--" But they pushed her out of the way and went for it.

"You heard me. You treat Becca like shit. You don't deserve her."

"I treat her like shit? What about you--what you told me?"

She waved her arms about, "Just following your lead."

"Anya, don't fight." Rue begged crossing into the living room almost stumbling.

Buffy caught her and steadied her hoisting her up.

Xander entered the living room followed by the rest of the gang. "Hey, ladies, they can hear you in Carlton, what's going on?" He asked.

"None of your business!" They yelled in unison then returned to bickering without missing a beat.

"I'm not hurting her, I love her." She rebuffed.

"Do you? Or is she just convenient coz she fulfills your fancy? Rolls over like the good dog..." She turned to Rue. "No offense." Then back again in one flowing move not missing a beat, "...at its master's voice?"

"Crossing the line, now." Willow warned yet she persisted.

"Rebecca will never get well if she stays with you." Anya folded her arms defiantly and tilted her head, "Do you even care if she dies?"

That last comment finally tripped Willow's switch. "That's it, Anya!" A magic breeze blew up, electricity crackled in the air and Willow's eyes went black, "Happy now? You've succeeded in pissing me off." She held out her arm, opened her hand and an energy ball began forming.

"Wil, no." Buffy moved at light speed to position herself between Willow and Anya but before either could react Rue grabbed her shoulder.

"Willow." Her voice was coarse and strained.

Willow jerked about and saw Rue's hand had changed.

"S'bout damn time!" Anya retorted.

She had her head lowered and clutched at her eyebrow. As she looked up the Scoobies saw a bit of the wolf. Her lip was curled in pain revealing the enlarged predatory canines, her eyes reflecting an eerie red glow and a sign of Baphomet burned bright on her forehead, a slight trickle of blood wandering down her brow. The sight snapped Willow back to normal and as the darkness seeped away Rue dropped to the floor.

"Bec!" Willow yelled falling to her knees. She threw her arm around her and grasped her hand tightly. Watching as her hand returned to normal, the blazing sign of Baphomet on her forehead rotated back into a pentagram and slowly began to fade away, "You okay?"

Rue was visibly shaken, "I dunno. It happened again. I-I couldn't stop it." She wiped at her forehead repeatedly but the symbol and blood were gone, "It pulled the wolf out of me."

Willow looked at her, her eyes beginning to well up.

"The... black reached down inside me and took hold like the last time." She looked around frantic, "I-I need to get outta here. I don't wanna hurt anyone." She tried to get to her feet to flee but Willow held her firm.

"Shhh, you're all right. You won't." She held her fast, "I'm sorry." A tear trickled down her face, "It's my fault, but it's gone, all gone." Looking to Anya she said, "Anya, get the bracelet."

"Bracelet, shmacelet." She piffled. "I must say, Rebecca, you are way more patient and tolerant than I give you credit for. I thought you'd never change. I don't mind taking a few lumps from an angry werebaddie now that I'm my old self again, but I certainly wasn't looking forward to Willow whipping up a dark magic high colonic. Thank me it worked before she blew."

"Worked?" Buffy echoed.

"Yes. What do you think's been going on? Hello, I've been trying to get Becca to shift."

"What?" Willow whined.

Anya knelt next to her, "I guess you are human after all." And patted her shoulder. "Feel better, I'll see you at work." She rose with a contagious grin. "Come on Kursk." Taking his hand she addressed Buffy sweetly. "Thank you for yet another memorable experience at your house, Buffy, between Becca's almost dying and my life being threatened I don't know which was more exciting." She opened the front door and exited pausing but a moment to add, "Only next time just count me out of Anaphylaxis And A Movie night. Bye." She and Kursk strolled off into the darkness.

"What the Hell just happened here?" Buffy appealed completely stupefied.

* * * * * * * * * *

After taking care of the exterior cleanup Buffy, Xander and Willow huddled in the kitchen doing the dishes and dishing the discussion.

"Stop you're giving me too much power." Willow argued.

"No, I'm not." Buffy said honestly closing the fridge. "Don't you see that? You drive her to do everything, anything - to be. When you two aren't together she shuts down like a light bulb. Not so much now, but... you need only talk to Anya for confirms."

"I have, that's all she raved about the first couple of days." So, if everyone including Anya were telling her this there must be some truth to it she thought. "I can't believe it."

"It's true, Wil, we all notice it." Buffy said licking a spoon. "She obeys your every command. Fulfills your slightest wish."

"She's Jeannie to your Major Nelson." Xander smiled from stocking the dishwasher.

The girls shot him a disapproving glance but Buffy didn't disagree.

Dawn entered the kitchen and threw a bag of popcorn into the microwave.

"No, no, it's not like that... is it?" She thought back running things through her mind, "Where the Hell have I been?"

"Happyland."

"Oh God, I almost killed my girlfriend." Willow bemoaned.

"Just so you know," Dawn helped, "she hates coffee. I mean ree-ally hates it."

Willow crinkled her brown and cringed. "Why am I the last to know? How come she isn't telling me this?"

"She wants to please you." Xander offered.

Wil moved to debate but Buffy stopped her, "It's as simple as that." She said then went and pulled a file folder out of her work bag, "I've done some research at work. All her symptoms--"

"Symptoms? There are symptoms?" Willow interrupted.

"All her symptoms point to a... Stockholm Syndrome dealy." She handed the folder to Willow.

"I've heard of that. That's--"

"The hostage affliction."

* * * * * * * * * *

While in the living room: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Let's put in a movie already." Clem shuffled through the stack on the shelf Xander had gotten from the Video Hut. He held up "The Godfather" with a grimace, "I think we've had enough high drama for tonight." And tossed it to the floor. "How about "Moulin Rouge"?" He held it up for Rue and a just returning Dawn's approval.

The gals had changed into their night togs and dragged out some pillows and blankets to get more comfy. Rue was over the feeling iffy yet still kinda drained. "Please! God no!" She moaned at the sight of it, "Willow watches that over and over and over till I feel like my brain has turned to mush. She even has it on in the background sometimes when she studies. I can't take it anymore. If I see that sniffle bag one more time I'm not going to be responsible for my actions. I might just try and stake myself in the front yard."

Clem quickly tossed it to the ground too.

"So tell her." Dawn urged plopping down next to her and handing her the bowl of popcorn.

"But she likes it." She smiled crookedly unfolding a blanket.

She hit her with a pillow. "You're fucking hopeless. Excuse my French."

She nodded. "I'm beginning to see that."

"Hey, we've also got "Resident Evil." Clem announced. They exchanged a glance, shook their heads and down onto the floor it went. "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", "Killer Clowns from Outer Space", "The Fast and the Furious", and "Chocolate."

"Clowns." Said Dawn.

"Clowns." Rue seconded

"Clowns it is." Clem agreed and popped the disc in.

* * * * * * * * * *

Cranston triumphantly returned to his abode freeing himself of his latest acquisition. 'Like taking candy from a baby.' He puffed with pride chuckling at his in-joke and carefully hung up his trophy, but his good spirit was all too short lived as he had business to finally attend to. Crossing to his bag he removed the idol from its storage, fingering it in disgust. He was most unhappy, his supposed foolproof plan had been thoroughly thwarted, after which he angrily stuffed the demon away not wishing to see it again till his wrath had subsided. He was beginning to lose some serious faith in this pathetic excuse for a demon he had conjured up. If this were the best the hell planes had to offer surely he was better off without him.

Repeating the ancient words and uttering the proper tones the demon was once more released unto this world.

The warlock crossed his arms and affected an air of dissatisfaction. "So, what do we have to say for ourselves?"

The demon blinked in the low light and sought its words carefully. "I'm sorry, Master."

Cranston jerked his arms apart, clenched his fists shaking them in anger and kicked at the ground. "We had them." He lunged at his servant waggling an irate finger inches from its face. "We had the slayer and the girl. And *you* let them slip through your fingers. *You* and *these* stupid idiots." He tossed a bandy arm about the air indicating his inanimate minions.

"I'm sorry, Master, but the vengeance demon was the immediate threat. I had no choice but to dispatch it. It came to destroy us--you." He offered in cool inviting tones. "It was all I could do to keep it at bay."

"Well, *where* did she come from?" He asked suspiciously beginning to pace, "*How* did she know where to find us?"

"I don't have that answer, Master. And anything I might suggest would only incur your wrath further."

"Heh, the first smart thing you've uttered this night." Silvermane played at his goatee and paced. "That undertaking took immense power. I was counting on the girl to restore it and then some..."

The demon nodded its understanding.

"...But because of your foolishness I was nearly brought back to square one."

"I do... have another plan." Bthozopth began hesitantly his glowing eyes darkening slightly.

Cranston swiveled about face wide, "What?!? No! I make the plans from now on. You will follow my orders to the letter or you will never breath fresh air again." He grabbed the idol holding it aloft. "And as a lesson you will sleep again to be summoned only you when I need you."

* * * * * * * * * *

A few hours later: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Chinese epic was beautiful and soothing, so much so, most of the Scoobies had drifted away to dreamland under its influence, but Rue needed a break from the fantasy, from reality, and silently slipped out the kitchen door. Sitting on the steps outside she breathed in the crisp California winter air and stared up at the starry sky. Tonight had been one suck of a night and it wasn't over yet. Spike sauntered out of the darkness and sat next to her puffing on his cigarette. "Spike, not tonight. I'm not well." She began resting her head on her hand.

"So I heard. Your turtledove went and poisoned you."

"No! Willow wouldn't do that--I mean *didn't*."

"So you did it yourself then?"

* * * * *

Willow awoke to the sounds of a softly sniffling Clem. She looked about, Dawn was passed out on the floor next to her. Xander and Buffy on the couch, but Rue was absent. "Clem, where's Bec?" She whispered rising to her feet.

"Kitchen ... drink." He sobbed.

But the kitchen was dark as she entered. Padding across the linoleum she heard the voices outside. Quietly moving to the door, she shifted the curtain slightly and peered out listening.

* * * * *

"No. It was a mistake--"

"She knew you were allergic, yet accidentally fed you the poison?"

"Spike, shut up." She barked temper beginning to flare.

"What? I just wanna know how come Miss Cares-Not-Demon-Woman and Lil Sis know your nots and your beloved doesn't?"

She waved a hand around frustrated with him. "I don't know. She forgot, okay. She has a lot to worry about besides me. A lot."

"Forgot." He repeated, puffed his smoke, pursed his lips and nodded. "Forgot what kills you?"

She slugged him but the force behind it was lacking.

"Don't go all getting angry with me." He coughed. "I'd take the time to learn what ails my special girl." He paused and lowered his gaze. "She'd take priority over anything else." He finished eyeing her silk boxers and paltry half tank. They sat quiet for a bit then, slowly, carefully he reached out and put his arm around her shoulder fully expecting to get it twisted off or tossed out into the grass, but she didn't. Maybe it was because she was ill, maybe it was because she was obviously chilly, he didn't know, didn't care, so he continued, "Like you pay attention to her. I bet there's not a thing you don't know."

"There's plenty." She protested.

He egged her on.

"I don't know much about her past." She shrugged.

"P'shh, not much you need to know there, luv. She's always been Miss Goody- Goody-Three-Cheers-for-Book- Learnin' long as I've known her."

She chuckled.

"Always with the computer and her nose buried in that damn library till Sabrina the College-Aged Witch swept her off her feet."

"Ah, Tara." She nodded.

"Yeah..." He was surprised she said her name, then thought the better of the direction his words were going. "Maybe I'd better--"

"No, it's okay." She said hollow. "She's part of her. No denying it. She thinks of her. Dreams of her. Even smells of her." She waved a thumb behind her indicating the building. "Permeates the house on stuffy days."

Willow hadn't realized.

"And Anya's told me all about the dark stuff. More than once. Usually when it's slow or she wants to show off a new fixture or addition to the shop, so..." She looked somberly at her feet and shifted uncomfortably. "Love like that doesn't die... I understand."

He took a drag on his cigarette, thought it over for a moment then continued, "She had a bloke before her, a chappie named Oz. Come to think of it, he was like you, a werewolf, goin' all hairy scary each month. They'd lock him in a crypt over near my old place. He left coz of the beast inside, so she turned to beauty for comfort." Taking in the last drag he flicked his butt out into the grass and expelled a large puff of smoke leaning in. "Now she's got both...in you."

She stayed silent for a moment then raised her eyes and met his. "Spike that was really hokey."

He drew back, "Too much?"

She nodded, "A bit."

Reaching inside his duster with his cigarette hand he pulled a flask from a pocket and smiled. "Made you feel better though." Then offered it to her.

She grinned and lowered her head. "Yeah, it did." Declining the drink she patting his knee. "You're a piece of work, you are."

"What me?" He mocked removing his arm to undo the cap and take a good swig.

"Buttering me up like that."

"Wasn't butter. It's the truth."

"Oh, from an honest vampire, no less." She smirked.

"Yeah, well, these soul thingys really do mess a fella up." He shrugged.

Suddenly, playful, she leaned into him bringing her face up next to his. "We're two of a kind, we play at being big n' bad but really, deep down inside, we're just pussy cats."

He could feel her breasts brush against him and the heat from her skin, she was so close he wanted to lurch forward and kiss her but as he suspected when he moved, she bobbed her face teasing him with wicked smiles. So, he grabbed her by the waist instead, eager to join the game. Touch her. "You're just a kitten, deary. Me, I've been de-wilded." Then took another swig tossing the flask to the deck and sniffed the air. "Neutered, if you will."

"Oh, come now," She wriggled in his grasp, "you and I know that's not true."

Willow's heart sank.

"Bloody well is." He attested petting her.

"Really? Okay, slick." She rose and descended the stairs, standing she put her hands on his knees then knelt in front of him and began running them up and down his thighs seductively. Sliding her hands up onto his chest she said. "Prove it."

Willow had seen enough. She turned on her heel and headed back up the stairs.

Turning her back, Rue sat on the stair between his legs and leaned back into him exposing her neck.

He thought about it. Seriously he did. Long moments passed but then he raised his hand and pushed her shirt back up and patted her shoulder. "No, luv, I pass tonight. Why don't we go and share a warm mug?"

* * * * * * * * * *

Buffy yawned, she spied a Willowlike form dashing up the stairs, and stretched herself awake.

"Oh good, you're up." Clem cooed very softly. "I was just going to leave but didn't want to wake you."

"That's okay, Clem. I'd rather you did than wake up come daylight with couch neck." She scratched and stood with another little stretch. "You want any of the leftovers to take with you? There's a plenty."

They headed into the kitchen just as Spike and Rue came in from the cold.

"Rebecca, I thought you went to bed?" Clem sounded surprised.

"Needed some air." She replied rubbing her hands together.

"That's not exactly appropriate attire to be out and about in this time of year." He stated simply pointing out the obvious. Rue looked down then folded her arms to cover up the obvious. "Spike?"

"Yeah, um, a bit nipply--I mean nippy tonight." He answered with a head scratch evasively taking down a mug and reaching into the fridge for a pouch.

"Okay what are you two up to?" Buffy asked, suspicious face firmly sported.

Spike threw her an overly critical gaze. "What, can't a vampire talk to a werewolf--"

"Shapeshifter." Rue interjected.

"Shapeshifter." He corrected. "Without getting the third degree?"

Buffy folded her arms and frowned exasperated. "No, not when said vampire is denying lusting after said shapeshifter, and said shapeshifter is currently attached to here and un aforementioned unstable witch."

He pushed the button on the microwave and the turntable began to spin.

"Hey, who wants to share some leftovers?" Clem interrupted trying to lighten the mood by holding up a bag of Skeezy Cheese and shaking it enticingly at Spike.

"Nah, just a bit o' the red to warm my bones and I'm off. Wouldn't want to be accused of loitering about without a hall pass, Principal Summers."

The microwave beeped and Rue removed the mug thirstily taking a large sip.

"Okay, ew level five," Buffy chimed and took the cup from her. "You shouldn't be drinking this, this can't be good for you. And..." Then directed at Spike, "Don't be giving her stuff like that."

"Me?" He shifted about amazed she could twist that into his fault as well.

Buffy took Rue by the arm and ushered her toward the dining room. "You, don't you need to be with Willow or something? NOW?"

* * * * * * * * * *

Rue closed the door behind her and silently slipped across the floor to bed. Pulling back the covers she impishly climbed in. But Willow was awake, waiting and in a mood. She was hurt and angry and this side of crying, yelling and throwing things. "Where have you been?" She asked her tone unduly stern.

Rue was a little surprised. "S-sorry, I thought I'd get back before you woke." She couldn't help but sense Willow's heightened emotions and moved to offer comfort and kiss her shoulder.

But Willow blocked her jerking her shoulder away. "Where were you?" The words were sharp and accusatory.

Rue was taken aback. "I needed a drink ... and some air." She replied cautiously.

"And?" Tripped off her tongue like a slap hanging in the air.

"And?" She shifted her eyes about unsure searching for a clue to her turmoil. "Um... I got a drink and some air?"

"Don't lie!" She snapped fidgety with fury and pain.

Rue cocked her head wounded still not following at all.

"I saw you with Spike." She growled.

"He's always creeping about somewhere." She offered innocently.

"How could you?" She screeched voice beginning to crack. "I thought we loved one another?" The little quaver revealing just how close she was to tripping.

"I do love you." She replied cheerily then thought on Willow's words. "How could I what?"

"Have sex with Spike!" She near sobbed.

"What?! I didn't have sex with Spike." She refuted. "We talked."

"Talked?" Accusey pitch returned. "I saw you! That's *NOT* what I saw. You-- you were all over him with the touching." She was incensed, her eyes burning with rage.

Rue was flustered. "He's a vampire." This was normal behavior for her, but Willow was still angry, she didn't understand why. "I tease him is all." She shrugged. Suddenly Willow's implication became clear. "Oh no, Willow, no. I'm yours and yours alone." Panicked she grabbed her by the upper arms emphatic. "I love you! We didn't *do* anything. He's not allowed. He put his arm around me, it was cool out, I played him. But I would never think of having sex with him unless you told me to." She released her and raised a hand. "I won't come within ten feet of him, ever again i-if it's your wish. Swears."

Willow heard the appeal and believed, Rue had never lied to her yet, but her brain was kinda sticking on the one sentence. "You'd have sex with someone if I told you to?"

She tilted her head as if there was ever any doubt. "Of course."

'Oh Goddess.' She held her head in her hands and gently shook it in disbelief. When would it end? She didn't understand, why was she shocked? She shouldn't be. This was just another injustice in the seemingly endless line of wrongs imposed on the girl by her counterpart. But she had to know. "Did *she* ever tell you to?"

"Yes."

"And did you?"

"With a few. Most times it was a game, I'd seduce the competition, take them off guard then eliminate them." She snorted with pride.

"...But the few?"

"A few I had to with." She cast her eyes downward and played at her fingernail then peered up from under her hair smiling wickedly "Others she liked to watch."

"Oh Goddess." She breathed.

Rue chuckled at her bashful demeanor, that childlike quality tickled her so and she continued inching closer. "She'd get soo jealous though..." Willow allowed her to kiss her shoulder. "Seeing someone else with me..." she breathed in her ear. "Running their hands over me... touching me," she slid her hand under Willow's shirt. "She'd call for blood. S'how I knew."

Willow aroused, closed her eyes and tilted her head back. "Knew?" She echoed.

But Rue cradled her head tilting it back up and Willow opened her eyes, green meeting brown, intensely, earnestly staring. "That *she* loved me. If *she* truly didn't, she wouldn't care *who* had me or *what* they'd do to me, but she did. She denied them. Kept me all to herself."

Willow wrapped her arms about her neck discerning her cryptic and allowed herself to be gingerly lowered to the pillow.

Nuzzling near her ear Rue purred. "Private property. Just the way *she* wants it. This body--hers alone. However *you* want it."

* * * * * * * * * *

To be continued in Chapter 9