Chapter 18

Willow ate her breakfast, after checking that it wasn't poisoned, and got out of bed to head for the bathroom. Two towels hung on the rack, still warm from the dryer, and a shirt and pants were neatly folded and sitting on the toilet lid. Huh – her size and style, even. Was Beatrice reading her mind? Had she been given some file that held everything you need to know about Willow Rosenberg? Not one to look a gift horse in the mouth, Willow showered quickly and dressed.

Looking in the bathroom mirror at her reflection, she smacked her forehead. Duh, Willow! Just teleport yourself home. She focused, gathering her energies, thinking of Tara, and…nothing. Tried again…nothing.

"You can't leave yet, dearie. We haven't even started your training," Beatrice called from somewhere in the house.

Frustrated, Willow flung open the door and marched over to the old woman. "Why not? And what training? I'm not pleased with being held against my will, and trust me, lady, you don't want to mess with me."

Beatrice chuckled. "They don't call redheads fiery for nothing, eh? Willow, you're not here against your will. You couldn't be here, unless you'd already agreed…"

"To what!"

"Why, helping to save the world, of course! Your little friend, the Slayer, doesn't realize it, yet, but her duty extends beyond defending just one Hellmouth. And you, my feisty friend, are going to learn how to guide her."

--------------

"Good morning," Kara greeted. "How did you sleep?"

"Okay. I'm still getting used to not sharing a bed," Tara replied.

"I remember what that was like. Well, the water's still hot, if you want tea, and I'm making waffles."

"Sounds good. Are the girls awake?"

"Ana was. She wakes up at six wanting cereal, then goes back to sleep until Lillian gets up."

"Today's Saturday, isn't it…no pre-school today. How is she liking it?"

"Quite a bit, actually. They do arts and crafts, and play games, and get a story before the session is over. She made friends fast. I know Lillian's feeling a bit left out when Ana talks about her day, but she has to figure out how to close her mind first. At least we have over a year until they start kindergarten."

"Have you found a telepath to teach her, yet?" Tara asked.

Kara shook her head. "No. Lorne's been helping a little, but he doesn't have the same gift, so it's been slow progress. If I have to bind her powers to keep her out of pain, then I'll do it, but I'd rather not. The reversal can be overwhelming. This would be a lot easier if she had a physical gift like Ana's."

"I could contact the Coven. I'd trust Althanea's recommendation," Tara offered.

"That would be great."

----------------

July 2007…

"Five year anniversary. Have any special plans?" Tara asked.

"I'm not sure. I did get Spike a pretty awesome gift, though."

"Oh?"

"Yep. A brand new motorcycle. He's been lusting over the catalog for almost a year. It was a pretty safe bet."

"Does he know how to ride one?" Tara asked.

"Oh, sure. He was around when they were invented, you know. The dealership is delivering it on the 7th, so there's no chance of spoiling the surprise."

"That's a good idea. Joyce said she's still good for taking the girls overnight, so you two will get plenty of time to yourselves."

July 7th…

Kara awoke to having her back massaged. And I'm naked… That wasn't how she had gone to bed last night.

"Taken to stripping me when I'm not even conscious, now?"

"You don't seem to be complaining, pet."

"What if the girls…"

"Already gone. I dropped them off early at Mum's to let you sleep."

"What time is it?" she asked, lifting her head to see the clock.

"Little after 10. Are you hungry?"

"Mmm…"

Spike kissed between her shoulder blades. "Don't move. I'll be right back."

"Okay," she sighed. Kara felt so relaxed, she didn't think she could walk, anyway.

She was nearly asleep again, when he brought in a tray with breakfast on it.

"You made pancakes?"

"No, it was the Tooth Fairy. Since when do you doubt my cooking?"

"Sorry. I'm not awake, yet." Kara rolled over and sat up, tucking the sheet under her arms. Spike set the tray on her lap and lay down next to her with his head propped up on his hand.

"Forgiven. Now, eat up, pet. I have a lot in mind for you today."

"Oh?"

"Mmm-hmm…pretty much all of it involving the bed."

"You don't say," she said, not surprised in the least. He grinned rakishly and held up a strawberry for her to bite.

---------------

"Five and a half years, and you never showed me that move before?" Kara gasped, flopping onto her back in exhaustion.

"If I share all my tricks with you right away, what am I going to do for year 100, hmm?"

"But with the…and the…oh, god…I think I passed out for a minute, there."

"You did, but I won't hold it against you," he teased.

"Ha, ha…I so need a nap."

"We're only just getting started, baby."

--------------

"Mmm, peanut butter…You know, I think your present might be here by now," Kara said later.

"Oh, really? You're only having it delivered today? That's so unlike you, pet."

"Oh, I had it ordered weeks ago, but I didn't want to take the chance of you finding it before today. Maybe you should go look outside?"

"That means getting dressed, though," he pouted, skating a hand along her thigh.

"We have to do that to go to dinner, anyway. Just put on some pants so you don't scare the neighbors."

"Mrs. Schroeder doesn't seem to mind," he said with a smirk, going to the dresser for a pair of jeans.

"Mrs. Schroeder is 87 years old and hasn't seen young, naked flesh in years. Still doesn't mean you should excite the old gal into a heart attack. Besides, you're mine."

"That I am, sweets. And very happily so." He bent down to kiss her, and took her hands. "Get your robe on so you can show me my pressie."

Downstairs, Kara stopped him before opening the door. "Keep your eyes closed until I tell you."

"Alright, luv. Just don't lead me into any walls."

She took his hands and carefully led him outside until they were standing right in front of the bike. "Okay."

His expression was quite comical, with the bugged-out eyes and jaw on the floor. "A Hayabusa? You got me a Hayabusa?" he whispered in shock. It was completely black, helmet included, and freshly shiny. He reached out a hand to touch it in disbelief.

"You like it?"

"Kara…like doesn't begin to cover it. I – you got me a Hayabusa."

"Yeah, I think you covered that," she giggled.

"Luv, this is only the fastest bike made for the street, a thing of beauty…"

"Well, considering that you kept pulling out the brochure to drool on it for nearly a year, I figured it had to be special. Happy five years, baby."

Spike finally came out of his stupor and hauled her against him, seizing her mouth in a voracious kiss. She swayed unsteadily on her feet when he pulled back to let her breathe.

"Stay right there," he commanded.

"Where…?" He was already slipping back into the house. "Crazy vampire…"

Spike was back a minute later with the digital camera. Kara took one look at that and knew where this was going.

"Oh, no! You are not pointing that at me when I look like this. Unh-uh, buster."

"You look gorgeous and freshly shagged. Hop up."

"Spike! Someone might see!"

"Fuck the neighbors. I want to remember this day just like this. My amazing wife gave me an awesome gift after hours of mind-blowing sex…Please?"

"Your insanity must be rubbing off on me," she replied.

He flashed a triumphant grin, and started positioning her as he wanted on the bike. The robe was barely hiding anything by the time he was done. Kara was sure her face must be red as a beet.

"I can't believe we're doing this in the front yard," she muttered.

"You can't tell me you don't get off on public risk, kitten. I know better."

"Are you done, yet?"

"As soon as you lose the robe."

"Unh-uh! Oh, no! You can be the exhibitionist in the family. Leave me out of it."

"Kara, there's no one around. Just two minutes, pet, and then you can go back inside. Just drop it off your arms for two minutes."

"Spike…"

"I'll wear a suit for you tonight."

"Really?" she asked skeptically.

"Even a tie."

"Fine. I'm counting down now."

"That's my fearless girl."

---------------

"I think you'll have to carry me to the car. My legs are broke."

"You're just feeling lazy. Get off that delectable ass and put your shoes on."

"How are you still making with the Energizer Bunny impression? And why aren't you sharing?"

"Is it really that bad, luv?"

"Uh-huh," she pouted.

"Fine…I guess I can carry you down the stairs," he sighed. Spike picked Kara up with ease, walked over to where she could grab her purse, and left the bedroom. He set her down as soon as they reached level ground. "In the car with you. I'll lock up."

"Okay." She walked off towards the garage, hips swaying for full effect.

Bloody temptress…

----------------

Spike had picked a quiet, intimate restaurant by the beach.

"This is nice. You're pretty good with this romantic stuff," Kara complimented.

He lifted her left wrist and kissed the tattoo on the underside. "Only the best for you, luv. You've given me an amazing life I never thought possible, not since the dreams I had as a boy. Five years is only the beginning, Kara. Just a drop in the bucket. I love you so much."

"I love you, too." Her eyes shone with happy tears.

The waiter came to take their orders, interrupting the moment. Once he was gone, Spike slipped Kara's gift across the table.

"Oh, Spike, it's gorgeous!" she gasped. Inside the box was a heart of blue diamonds, on a white gold chain. No wonder he had suggested she wear a blue dress. Spike moved around the table and fastened the chain around her neck.

"Beautiful," he murmured, and kissed the claim mark on her neck before taking his seat again.

"Thank you."

They left immediately after dessert, both eager to reaffirm the claiming vows they had taken on their wedding night. After mutual gasps of "Mine" and "Yours", they fell into a restful sleep, wrapped in each other's arms.

The twins didn't need to be picked up until the next afternoon.

---------------

August 2007…

"Okay, Beatrice, I've gone through every book you've given me and studied every scroll…even made notes. Can I go home now?" Willow asked.

"Not yet, dear. That was just the first group. I'm going to test you on what you've learned, and then we'll get started on the next series of books. If you pass your test, you can write a letter home, though."

"Really? It's been so long since I talked to Tara, or Buffy…I've probably lost my job by now…What is the date, anyway?"

"August 15. Would you like to go to the store with me later?"

"August! I've been here three months! I need to call home now. They're all going to think I've died, or something!"

"Willow, Willow…calm down, dear! Your loved ones know you are safe. They were informed that you had a destiny to fulfill, and you will be returned when that is complete. You talk to Tara in your dreams, yes?"

"Well, yeah…but that's just dreams."

Beatrice clasped Willow's hands in her own, making the girl look at her. "No, Willow. You and your beloved have kept in touch that way. The Powers made it so to ease your separation. Relax, child…I know this isn't easy, but you know what's in store if we don't prepare you and your Slayer for the future. Now, you're going to take a break, and come with me to the market. It's a lovely day, and the fresh air will do you good."

"Beatrice…I've enjoyed our time together, don't get me wrong…but it's hard, being here and out of touch. I've never been away on my own before," Willow admitted.

"I know, dear. Trust me. You'll be stronger for it in the long run."