Title: Miracle Sessions
Author: Elka
Email: [email protected]
Post Date: 01-01-00
Rating: R
Part: 1 of ?
Distribution: The regulars.
Disclaimer: Joss makes me happy as a clam. Some plot aspects
based loosely on a Christopher Pike novel. Research information
courtesy Encarta. Then of course, all the American pop culture
references. To name a few, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? and
Regis Philbin, Love Connection and Chuck Woolery.
Spoilers: Season four. Spike is unbitey and Oz has left Sunnydale.
Feedback: I'll give you a cookie.
Author's Notes: Something entirely different from me. I did
a couple hours of research for this. A lot of the plot is based
around a group of goddesses from Greek mythology (of which
I devour) called the Graces, related to the Muses. Realism
pretty much ends there. Aglaia never fell; she reigned on Mount
Olympus forever.

To Pea, who forever listens to me whine about my writer's block,
yet still insists on more. In a pod.

Nita, gave me feedback from the beginning.

Happy New Year all over the world!

-----

Aglaia, of the Three, the Triple Goddesses, closed her eyes
as the powers of communication opened between her and the gods
on Mount Olympus.

"Father." She spoke in a trained voice, calmly hiding her frustration.
"I have fulfilled my promise. I have changed the lives of the
mortals you selected. Please, let me return to Olympus. Let
me return to my sisters. To Apollo. And to my love."

"No." The voice of Zeus boomed down to her, making her quiver,
but firmly standing her ground. She couldn't see him, but she
could feel his anger. "You have not, my child. You effected
all but two of those chosen."

"What?" Aglaia was no longer able to suppress her impatience.
"I have given them all the gifts I thought them necessary to
have."

"But you have not, you must see that. There is but one more.
Look down to them and you will observe the mistake you have
made. You have inadvertently forgotten two of the most important
individuals. You disappoint me, daughter. Do not return until
you have corrected the situation."

The connection was ceased, Aglaia was alone in the dark.

"Silly humans." She muttered to herself. "It's a stupid punishment."

"I heard that..." The voice warned.

-----

"You know what? No. Last time I checked, you weren't all powerful
over me. Stop playing God, Spike."

"Oh, come on, baby." Spike leered, grinning. "I'm an Adonis."

Willow rolled her eyes. "What universe are you calling from?
I think it's long distance." She shoved items from one bag
into another. "I'm not letting you drive me. I'll walk."

"Walk? Luv, it's almost two miles. By the time you get there,
it'll be closed and you'll have to turn that pretty, little
ass around and walk back. Bugger. I can get us there in five
minutes. More if Watcher would trade that hunk of junk in for
a better set of wheels..."

"No." Willow interrupted. "I'll just stay here. I don't have
to go out, I mean, no big...pretty, little ass?"

Spike smirked. "Flattery?"

"Will get you nowhere. I'm staying here."

"Final answer?"

"You watch too much television, Reg." She shook her head, refusing
to smile.

"It's either that or spend all my time gumming the Slayer."

"Why do I think you'd like that?"

"Because you're truly delusional, pet."

"I'm delusional?"

"I believe that's what I said."

"For someone with an ego as large as yours and with that hair?"
Willow chuckled. "I'd say you're the delusional one."

"Well, Chuck, everything was going so well until she started
rejecting and insulting me. Call it a hunch, but I got a bad
vibe."

"Why don't you just leave? I'm fine."

"I didn't ask how you were. I asked if you wanted a ride to
that silly disco you're always running off to."

"Is it a crime to spend time with my friends?"

"Of course not..."

"Then stop." Willow interjected. "Good night, Spike." She pushed
him toward the door.

"Sweet dreams, my darling." He smiled widely.

"Bite me."

"How about just a nibble?"

Exasperation. "Get out." The door opened and he found himself
in the hallway.

"I love you, too, ducks."

Slam.

-----
 

-----

Some sort of joy. Aglaia pondered. She must give them something
that would change their lives to atone for her own faults.
The fallen goddess thought about the vampire and the redhead
she had been following. She could see nothing but resentment
from the witch and a playful banter aimed at her courtesy of
the one called Spike. Willow, who truly suited her name, was
cold to his flirtatious attempts, seeing them as nothing but
annoyances, ignoring any deep meaning in them. The tree got
on Aglaia's nerves.

The vampire wasn't much better. She had vehemently protested
dealing with him. She didn't see a just cause in giving him
a joy. He was soulless, walking the darkness without a conscience.
One of the undead. Serving a lost one irritated her.

But there was something. Underneath the jabs and arguments,
there was truth to Spike's constant teasing and coy behaviour.
She could sense an affection on his part for the little redhead.

But Aglaia also found a frigid realism in Willow's rejections.
She took what he said for face value, assuming him male, therefore
believing she couldn't trust him. She put on a fierce game
face, but was really consumed by her own hurt.

Aglaia smiled to herself. She was going to have to play cupid
if she wanted to go home.

-----

"So, spiny guy I saw in the yard of graves is a no big?" Buffy
chewed the cap of her pen, glancing bewildered at her chaotic
notes.

Willow verified the large text on her lap before answering.
"Right. He's just a demon hunter passing through."

Spike took a large bite of the red apple in his hand. He spoke
through chews. "Kill him anyway."

"No." Willow clenched her teeth. "Don't kill him. He's harmless
and will probably be leaving in a few days."

He snorted. "Right. Because you know so much more about demons
then I, myself being of the minority, do."

She snapped the book shut. "Yes, I think I do. I have enough
sense to know not to go around killing innocent demons."

"Innocent demons?" Spike choked out a laugh.

The rest of the Slayerettes groaned.

"Here we go again." Xander announced tiredly.

"I happen to think I'm right this time." Willow confirmed solidly.

"Yes. Statues crumble at your intelligence and the whole bit."
He rolled his eyes. Bored.

"Please." Willow hissed. "Can you even read?"

"I'll have you know I've been reading for over 130 years, I
have." Spike insisted. "Done a lot of things you haven't done."

"Yeah. Like what?"

"How about have a good time? You're always trying to be Miss
Perfect. You never just let loose. You know, take a chance."

"I've taken chances."

"Right." He smirked.

"I have."

"Then take a chance. Go out with me tomorrow night. I'll show
you some fun." Spike challenged, eyeing her.

All eyes flew to Willow; she blushed.

She was unable to control the words that tumbled from her lips.
"Yes."

"What?" Buffy exclaimed in surprise.

Xander and Anya shared a look. Giles removed his glasses.

"Yes." Willow repeated. Her mind screamed no, but her mouth
said yes.

Spike's jaw dropped open. He quickly recovered, throwing her
a confident smile. "Tomorrow it is."

Willow paled.

Aglaia grinned.

-----

-----

"I can't believe I'm doing this." Willow fumbled nervously
with the earring. "Spike just makes me so mad."

Buffy smirked. "But he's a hottie."

"Yeah, in an undead, corpse kind of way."

"Please." The Slayer laughed. "Why do you think he isn't dust?
Those eyes."

"And the fact that he's almost killed you a few times?"

"Ouch."

Buffy pushed herself off the bed, reaching for a think pink
shawl looped over a chair. "Here." She wrapped it around Willow's
shoulders. "Wear this. It matches. Makes you look all virginal
and innocent."

Willow stared at her reflection in the mirror. "Great. Maybe
he'll want my still-beating heart." She nodded. "You know,
as a souvenir for his scrapbook."

"He won't hurt you. And if he does, it's to the dustpan for
him."

"No, he'll just drive me to the brink of insanity then start
going on about how wonderful he is. All in one night. I don't
even know why I agreed. It's like I couldn't say no."

Buffy sighed for her friend. "Well, have fun. I have to do
the patrol thing. I've been skimping lately." She grabbed her
jacket and headed for the door. "Remember, I want details when
you get back tonight." The door opened and she stepped out.
"I won't wait up." She called over her shoulder.

Willow laughed despite herself. She shook her head, adjusting
a strand of hair. "Like I couldn't say no..." She whispered.

-----

Aglaia turned her eyes from the tree, she was pleased with
her. She still kept her simplicity, but added in a touch of
tenacity to make her hard to swallow but pleasing afterwards.
The goddess focussed her attention on Spike.

She liked the vampire, even though he was one of the lost ones.
He had spunk. And bite. And he knew what he wanted, but she
also realised that if he didn't get it, he would simply move
on. Outwardly, he appeared confident, but inside, he was full
of hurt.

Sigh. Such tasks a goddess was faced with.

-----

Spike wanted nothing more to surprise the redhead. She had
been such a thorn in his side, but the thorn throbbed in the
most delightful way. Itching him the right way. She fascinated
him like few mortals did.

He pushed aside his usual red shirt, black jeans ensemble,
opting for light, fitted top, smooth black pants. He stood
in front of the mirror, mocking his lack of appearance. He
did a little spin, running his hands through his dyed hair.

"Wait 'til you get a load of me, ducks."

Spike plucked a single rosebud from a vase on the table in
his room and headed out to pick up his first date in over 125
years.

-----

Aglaia smiled. Rosebud. Nice touch.

-----

-----

The evening was progressing slowly, uneventfully. Willow and
Spike had managed not to kill each other, but there was an
uncomfortable silence between them. The fact that they were
on a real date had finally sunk in and rendered them both unable
to make anything comparable to a conversation.

Spike tapped his fingers boredly on the table. He couldn't
come up with anything to say.

"Ask her to dance..." A whisper drifted in his ear.

The vampire glanced around, looking for the speaker.

Aglaia sighed. Cute, but not too bright, she thought.

"Dance." She tried again. "The music speaks to you."

Spike sat up straighter in his chair. He casually looked to
both sides.

Aglaia rolled her eyes. Good thing he has spunk.

The opening strains of a fairly slow song played through the
shaking speakers. Spike glanced at Willow, she was playing
with the rim of her glass, staring into space.

"Would you like to dance?"

Willow snapped back. "What?"

"Dance, pet, would you like to dance?" He held a hand out to
her.

< When I think, how life used to be,
Always walking in the shadows.
Then I look, at what you've given me,
I feel like dancing on my tip-toes. >

She let her small, warm hand be swallowed by his large, cool
one. Spike stood, leading her to the middle of the dance floor.
They stood eyeing each other.

< I must say, every day I pray,
When I realise you're by my side.
I know I'm truly... >

Willow glanced awkwardly around, setting her gaze to her shoes.
Spike took in her innocence, her apprehension. He breathed
her scent in deeply. She looked beautiful with the dim club
lights shining down on her. He slipped a hand to her waist.

< Blessed for everything you've given me,
Blessed for all the tenderness you show.
Do my best with every breath that's in me,
Blessed to make sure you never go. >

Yes. Aglaia almost patted Spike on the back, she was so very
delighted. Now if only the tree would cooperate. She knew she
had it in her, she just had to get a hold of it. Maybe she
needed a little push.

Willow felt herself step toward Spike, her fingers entwined
with his. She looked up into his waiting eyes. So patient,
so understanding.

< There are times, that test your faith,
'til you think you might surrender.
But I'm not ashamed to say,
that my hopes will grow in splendour. >

Aglaia resisted the urge to start clapping when Spike pushed
Willow into the movement, forcing the sway and flow of her
body against his. The current between them was electric. She
wanted to see a kiss.

< You walked by in the nick of time,
looking like an answered prayer.
You know I'm truly... >

Spike stared at her lips, so full and pink. Glossed lightly,
pouting softly. He wanted so much to kiss them. His human pushed
his angry demon away. He leaned his face close to hers.

< Blessed with love and understanding,
Blessed when I hear you call my name.
Do my best with faith that's never-ending,
Blessed to make sure you feel the same. >

Aglaia perked up. He was going to kiss her. He underestimated
the vampire.

Willow was overtaken by Spike's smokey eyes. Her tired conscience
screamed as he neared.

< Deep inside of me,
You fill me with your gentle touch.
You know I'm truly... >

Aglaia leaned forward, watching the scene unfold excitedly.
As the two mortals were about to share a kiss, a searing pain
shot through her. She doubled over in pain, grabbing her head.

Spike's lips brushed Willow's. She broke the contact with a
whimper. She fell against him, using his strength for support.

"Willow?" He held her up, glancing around. "What is it?"

She looked at him with tears in her eyes. "I don't know."

-----
-----

"Daughter." Zeus boomed. "You're time is fast dwindling. I
will give you until sunset tomorrow or you will be doomed to
a mortal body."

"But, father. If I become human, I will die." Aglaia pleaded
in the pool of light.

"That is all I will say and no more. You're task was explained
to you carefully. You have not fulfilled it."
 

"But..."

"Silence." The God was angered.

Darkness.

-----

"You're sure you're alright now, pet?" Spike guided her through
the people to her dorm door.

"I'm fine." Willow snapped instinctively. "I'm not an invalid."

He pulled his hand away, hurt clouding his vision. "You're..."

"I'm sorry." She interrupted. "That was rude. And heartless."
Willow looked up into his icy blue eyes, sensing the genuine
feeling coming from him. "I'm okay, thanks."

Spike covered up his caring. "Hey. No need to apologise, baby.
Here we are. Want to go in and do some damage?" He sneered.

Willow shook her head in disgust. "Good night." She let herself
in and slammed the door behind her.

Once inside, she leaned against the wood, tipping her head
down. "Heartless." She whispered.

Outside, Spike looked to the floor as he walked away. "Heartless."
He muttered.

-----
-----

"Stupid, stupid male. Stupid males and their stupid male parts
and their stupid penises." Willow muttered as she slammed drawers.

She laid the pajamas on her bed, turning on the small lamp.
She shook her head, vowing to only date fully human boys from
then on.

Willow ducked out of her t-shirt, a wave of dizziness passed
over. She steadied herself on the bed until it went away.

A dull ache commenced in her head as she finished undressing.
The hairbrush she held, stroking through her short, red locks
dropped from her hand as a searing pain shot through her side.
It rushed up her body, in her head.

Willow collapsed on the floor as images flooded her brain.
Clouds of magenta, pillars of blue, people of red, all rushing
by. Voices, singing ones, accusative ones. Thunder, lightning,
rain pounded down around her, so real she could almost feel
it. Soft music laced the vision. The sounds grew in volume,
crashing toward her. She writhed on the floor in pain, her
eyes wide with fear.

She passed out.

-----

Spike kicked himself the whole way back to Giles'. If it hadn't
been for the cockiness of his demon, the night wouldn't have
been ruined. As soon as a hint of innocence, the smallest form
of vulnerability was shown, the demon in him kicked in, putting
up a wall, refusing anyone the privilege of viewing the realness
Spike possessed.

Once in his room, he removed the rosebud from his heavy duster,
crushing the soft, not yet blossomed petals in his strong hand.

"Heartless..."

-----

Aglaia weakly looked down at her the two. She had next to nothing
left to give them. She cared so little about reviving herself,
but of giving the gifts she was sent to give. To finish what
she had started and bring happiness to two people who needed
it most right now.

-----

-----

Willow slept fitfully, unable to ignore the ache in her head
and the pounding in her chest. Breathing was difficult, strained
as she tried to escape nightmares.

Suddenly, in her dreams, she was on a hill. The sun shone brilliantly
upon her, illuminating her hair. The green around her rolled
on for an eternity. A building loomed ahead of her, old, classic,
white columns and guarded by massive statues carved from impressive
marble.

She felt herself pulled into the structure, restraints on her
wrists, led in by two without faces, just blurry forms. Hundreds
of eyes set upon her as she entered, glaring as she was brought
up an aisle to a platform. She sat, unable to look out into
the faces, afraid of what they might see. They had judged her
already, before she could speak, opinions had been formed,
minds made up. She was helpless, lost in a period of injustice.
 

She had felt like she was dying. Like someone had ripped out
her soul. The news was relayed with sullen indifference. Those
dearest and closest betrayed with a deserting hand. Youth wasn't
forgiving. Wasn't accounted for.

Then she wasn't. She wasn't among them. She was standing in
the rain, pouring rain, fleeting down around her. Thunder crashed
and lighting exploded. But she wasn't alone. She had her forgiveness,
her justice. Her love.

Willow woke with a start, jolting up in bed. She pushed back
the covers, throwing clothes on. She ran from the room.

-----
 

-----

Spike twisted and turned in the bed. His nude form wild from
his movements. His face contorted as he dreamed.

It came over him like a blur; the images surrounded him brilliantly.
He watched a figure walk, head bent, eyes cast downward. He
saw the fire, colour in her hair, pale skin glowing to her
bare feet. He felt no fight with his demon, simple peace with
her. He didn't accuse as she thought he did. He simply observed.

He wanted to cry out that he didn't understand. He watched
the scene unfold with confusion. He searched for something
familiar to grasp, but there was nothing. He realised there
never again would be. It was simply live and let live. Die
and let die.

The explanation came, the conviction. But he didn't understand.
He didn't connect.

The rain. The people disappeared, the words, the music. Only
the rain. Thunder. Lightning. He stood alone, empty. Until...

She ran to him, as if in slow motion. He was filled and they
fell. Fell into each other. Until she fell alone.

Spike awoke suddenly, eyes wide from the vision. He rose quickly
from the bed.

-----

Aglaia closed her eyes, pulling tightly on her remaining life
force. She took a laboured breath and reopened her eyes. She
swept her hand shakily to the side.

-----
-----

Willow ran through the rain. It pounded down on her stumbling
form. Thunder sounded and lightning crashed. She tripped on
the slippery leaves, but picked herself back up and ran on.
Her lungs screamed for oxygen, but they were much denied. The
pain in her head grew with every step, yet she only listened
to the pain in her aching heart.

She glanced wildly around the dark plain. The park shone in
hte moonlight, glowing as the rain fell upon it in sheets.

She knew. She could feel it. But she couldn't see. She couldn't
see him.

And then he was there.

Willow ran to the figure, falling into his arms.

"The pain." She cried, her voice almost buried by the crash
of lightning. "So much..."

Spike held her weak body. "The dream..."

"I had it, too."

"What does it..." He was cut off by her lips on his, pushing
almost violently into him.

Minutes went by until Willow broke away. Rain and tears streamed
down her face. "I need you." She managed.

Her admittance almost brought air to Spike's lungs, a beat
to his broken heart, and a soul in his worn form.

Agalia urged Demeter and Gaia to continue their sobs, forcing
the rain upon the two destined lovers.

Willow and Spike fell into each other on the wet grass. They
shed each other's clothing as their lips again met.

They laid entwined on the cold earth, revealing themselves
to each other.

Spike drew in sharply, pausing to take in Willow's moonlit
flesh.

"You're a goddess."

Spike leaned back a bit and smiled, Willow looked at him questioningly.
He kissed her cheek, down to her neck, where he nibbled at
the wet flesh with dull teeth. The taste of her skin and the
rain was like nectar. He felt himself become more excited,
he continued his journey to the valley between her breasts.
The rain streamed down her chest and over her stomach. Spike
suckled on her nipples alternating from one to other, to which
he received a generous dose of sighing and gentle moaning.
Willow ran her fingers through his wet hair, pressing him closer
to her sex.

Spike's gently thrust two fingers inside her. "You're ready."
He whispered. She nodded, beyond the point of control. His
cock managed to find it's way to her pussy. He was in complete
control. He pushed slowly and deliberately. Spike wanted the
feelings to last for an eternity, until the feelings and heights
they reached were unimaginable. Willow mumbled his name in
between gasps. She had never seen Spike that hungry, that passionate
before. He knew she loved every minute of it. She came in multitudes,
one orgasm flowing into the next. He could feel her muscles
milking him for his seed, but Spike would not let himself be
satisfied, not until my Willow had the pleasure she deserved.
After several minutes, he could feel the rising within him.
Spike could no longer restrain himself. It slowly built up
through his cock, like a bomb ticking it's final seconds. Soon
her primal screams were combined with his and the orgasm they
shared was beyond matters of life and death, but of earth and
heaven.

They collapsed together, Spike holding Willow close to him.
He listened to her breathing as it steadied. Her heart as it
slowed to normal.

Then slowed to a stop.

-----

-----

Aglaia drew in a breath, clinging desperately to her irregular
heartbeat. She had little time left, but so much to say so
much to explain.

-----

The rain had stopped.

Spike ran the entire way to Giles', Willow clutched firmly
in his arms. She had come back to him moments after her heart
had stopped. But not a word she spoke. All she did is stare,
with different eyes. Something was lost, but at the same time
it appeared as if something had been gained.

He held her tight to his chest, reassuring himself with every
step that she was still alive. Still with him. She watched
blankly as the scenery flew by.

Her friends stood in a panic when he entered the apartment.
Spike silenced them in a word, telling them quickly what had
happened in the park, leaving out the part about them copulating.

He laid her down on the sofa, covering her soaked body with
a blanket. He knelt on the floor beside her, ignoring the questioning
looks of the Slayerettes. All he could think was of Willow.
All he could feel was of her.

Spike squeezed her hand in his. "Willow?" He asked softly.

Her gaze focussed on his for the first time since they had
made love. She had lost the twinkle in her bright green eyes.
They only stared with a dull blankness. Her voice came out
scratchy, barely above a whisper.

"I'm not Willow."

-----

-----

"I'm not Willow." She repeated weakly after taking in all the
confused stares. "I'm Aglaia. Of the Three."

"The Three? The Graces?" Giles interrupted, grasping.

"Yes."

"But.."

"No. Please. All of you. Let me speak. There is so much I must
say and in so little time I have to say it." She paused to
take in a needed breath and press another tiny hand around
Spike's. He looked at her with unreadable emotion.

"As I said, I'm Aglaia." She began. "Of the three Graces, a
Greek goddess. My two sisters and I were attendants of Aphrodite.
Until the incident. See, mortals don't understand the way the
Gods and Goddesses live. They think all that happens is in
the past, yet it's not. Life on Mount Olympus forges on, ignoring
your modern society. Humans were created out of Chaos. Simply
for peace. We rarely concern ourselves with your lives. Few
Gods and Goddesses are allocated to take care of you. The Muses
are the only ones that do a lot of work with earth dwellers.
In mortal terms, I am a sister to the Muses, although on Olympus,
we're not thought that way. I was the Goddess of Joy, Splendor
and Brightness. I touched lives. Brought happiness along with
my two sisters. We would dance at the galas, entertaining the
guests as Apollo would play his lyre. Almost twenty years ago,
in earth years, but hundreds of years in the heavens, I came
of age. I had always been the ugly of the Three, but when I
turned, I becamse the most beautiful and my sisters were jealous
of me. I became so consumed with the power and fullness of
being envied and looked upon as the best, that I did horrible
things to my sisters. I bedded with both of their husbands.
I had just been wed to my own husband, Hesphaestus, a loving
craftsman among the Gods. My sisters were so infuriated, they
brought me before Zeus and I was judged by all the Gods and
Hades himself. Instead of being killed, which was all I wanted
at that point, I was so full of remorse and self-loathing due
to my actions. They sent me to earth with instructions that
I was to change the lives of a selected group of people. I
had give each a gift which would bring them some sort of joy.
I had no knowledge of my status. Which one was mine. All I
was aware of was that one of them was mine. I was so angry
that I had fallen, I blocked it all out and grew to know myself
as a human. And when the time came, I slowly gave my gifts."

She looked to her friends, eyes-half closed from her weakness.

"Buffy, to you I gave an angel, your Angel. The love you felt
and still feel for him will never be paralleled and I give
you my solemn promise that you will again feel the joy that
you once did."

Her eyes fell on Xander, he tried to avoid her stare, but couldn't.

"Xander, my dear Xander. Friendship is one of the greatest
gifts of all and you returned it to me with undying devotion."

"Giles, knowledge. I spent years working with you to fight
the darkness. You will carry on the task without me."

The Watcher nodded faintly.

"Angel, although he is not here, also recieved a gift. His
soul. Something he was not supposed to be given because those
magics are lost. When Jenny was unable to perform the spell,
I did it."

"Cordelia and Oz were given the same gift, for they both needed
it. Strength, willpower, the option to push themselves to go
on though thick and thin."

"When Oz left, I assumed I was finished, but I still had one
more gift to give to two needing people. But time was running
out. If I did not deliver the gifts, I would be bound to earth
and die on earth. When I began to grow weaker and the pain,
I began to remember, to dream. Until." She set her gaze on
Spike. "Until what happened. And it all came back. Everything.
I remembered it all."

She stopped, closing her eyes to rest a moment. When she reopened
them, she looked upon the group with tearful eyes. "I have
delivered my final gift." She reached to stroke Spike's cheek.
"It is my gift of love. I had to delve deepest within myself
to find it. My time is up here. I have fullfilled my punishment
and may return to Olympus."

Her breathing grew weaker and her voice softer. "Do not be
sad, my friends. I will be very much alive and happy in the
heavens. With my friends and my family. I'm like an angel trying
to get her wings. Remember." She smiled faintly. "Remember
the old thing about a bell ringing everytime an angel recieves
her wings."

Spike brought her shaking hand to his lips and kissed it gently,
letting his tears run down to her flesh. "No."

"Yes." She nodded, turning on her side to face everyone.

"I love you." He whispered.

"And I love you." She managed, barely audible. She squeezed
his hand with the last of strength.

Moments passed, Willow slipped away and her hand fell limply
from Spike's embrace. He laid his head on her still warm fingers,
his shoulders shaking as his pain flowed freely.

The group added their own tears, unable to overcome the emotions
they felt. They didn't speak, just sat and remembered all that
she had told them, all that she had given them.

Several minutes later, the silence was broken.

The telephone rang.

-----

The End.