*****

Willow's POV:

This is so boring! Oh goddess, even Buffy's gone to sleep - and drooling! Damn, I wish I were at Giles with Angel... and Spike.

I thought Psychology was supposed to be interesting! Walsh is blathering on about what's needed in the review on Monday, but I can't really concentrate, and Buffy is fast asleep. All I can think about is Angel. He's getting better since his last vision. The last few days have been very quiet and he's only had minor ones. He's fully healed, but now I'm concerned about this mating they both want to carry out.

That's another reason I want to go to Giles. I need to see what I can find out about this vampire mating ritual. I just have a strange feeling about it. Except, I can't go yet. I have a Wicca meeting after this class, and I so want to see Tara again. She's really pretty and her eyes...

"Hmmm..." Buffy shifts in her chair, and I realise she's awake.

"Man, that was an exciting class, huh?" I comment, as she opens her eyes.

Buffy blinks a couple of times and looks around, a little confused. "Oh yeah, well..." she mumbles, totally oblivious to what Professor Walsh has been talking about.

I just can't resist it. "And the last twenty minutes was a revelation. She just laid out everything we need to know for the final. I'd hate to have missed that."

For a moment, Buffy's eyes widen and then she realises I've been bluffing. We collect our papers, and she grins at me. "Just tell me I didn't snore," she answers.

We talk companionably as we walk out, but we're joined by that annoying Riley. They start throwing comments around about Buffy's dream. Sometimes, I just wish they'd get it together and he'd just shag the girl! Oh goddess, now I sound like Spike! I just miss Angel! I need him, and since Buffy isn't getting any, neither am I! I quickly excuse myself and head off to my Wicca meeting. I hope I can get to talk to Tara again.

Spike's POV:

Food! Food! Doesn't this man have any decent food? I mean vegetables, rice, and pasta - who needs that rubbish? I want biscuits, chocolate, marshmallows! I sigh. Looks like I'll be having to go out and do some shopping *again*. But I wanted to watch Passions with Angel. Damn it!

Ooo, what's this? Damn! Empty box of Weetabix.

Giles walks in from the front room, after he's finished talking on the phone to someone. He gives me a disapproving stare, but I continue me search for something decent to eat.

"Have you heard of a group called "The Gentlemen"?" Giles asks me, putting down a note pad.

Ahh! Found it! I pull out a bottle of peanut butter and a bag of crackers. Damn good stuff peanut butter. It goes so smoothly onto cool vampire skin. Particularly one vampire, who's currently asleep in front of the TV.

"Group of what?" I ask confused, not really listening to a word he says.

"The Gentlemen," Giles stresses, his voice getting that annoyed edge. I've been hearing that a lot lately. I can't think why.

"Dunno," I answer, grabbing my stuff. Passions starts in a few minutes, and I want to get comfy on top of Angel.

"You're certain?"

What's this an interrogation?

"No... But we are out of Weetabix," I remind him. He should really be a better host.

"We are out of Weetabix because you ate it all... Again!"

"Get some more." Damn if these humans aren't just thick. I run out of stuff, they should buy more to replace it. Do I have to think of everything? Now, was there something Angel wanted? Hmmm... nah, he'll have to go with the peanut butter.

"I thought vampires were supposed to eat blood," Giles comments, a disgusted look on his face.

Yep, as thick as a plank these humans. I sigh. "Yep. Well, sometimes I like to crumble up the Weetabix in the blood - gives it a little texture." And they think I'm a little slow!

I roll my eyes at his pale features and walk into the front room. Angel shifts with my presence and I sit beside him. He had a small vision earlier, which was the reason behind Giles' phone call. It has left him drained and tried. He'd better wake up soon though; I want some action during Passions. Even if it is only necking and a little feel up.

"Since the picture you just painted means I'll never touch food of any kind again, you'll just have to pick it up yourself."

Huh! There's no need to get huffy. "Sissy," I call at Giles retreating back.

"Don't pick on him, Spike," a sleepy voice murmurs from the sofa.

I grin and lean down over my lover. His eyes are partially open, and I kiss his parted lips. He opens up wider under the pressure of my mouth, allowing my tongue to sweep inside, tasting him fully.

"Only peanut butter, then?" he complains, as I pull away from his soft lips.

"You could have peanut buttered Spike," I answer, leaning down to kiss him again, while scooping out a handful of the creamy brown substance.

Willow's POV:

Oh goddess, what a load of idiots! Fools! Children! Stupid Wicca group! They don't know the first thing about magic!

I sigh, and look over the desk at Tara. I feel my cheeks flush, as I gaze upon her perfect features. She's so pretty. I just can't get over it. It's terrible, but when I'm around her I get all flustered and hot! She's the only thing good about the Wicca group. Actually, she was the one to suggest this.

We left the group early, and came here to the Magic Shop. I told her about the mating ritual between my two vampires. I didn't tell her of our relationship, because... Well, I didn't want her to think I was spoken for. She suggested coming to the magic shop and researching about this vampire ritual. She could see that I was concerned about it. It's amazing how she notices such small things about me. Not even Angel knows how worried I am about it. Tara caught onto that straight away.

"Here," she says, holding out an open book, "this s-seems... to err, be concerning a blood ritual."

For a moment, I don't reply. I just love the way she stutters. It's nice and so... She looks at me strangely, and she seems even more nervous. I quickly take the book and smile at her. I look down and notice the words 'blood dance'. I start to read.

Oh dear!

Spike's POV:

Hmmm, tasty. Angel's skin is so soft under my tongue. I lick away the peanut butter covering his pert male nipple. He groans and stretches beneath me. His hips rocking desperately into mine at my soft touch. Damn, I wish we could both be naked right now. I urgently want to touch him, to rub peanut butter over that silky, hard penis of his. I can't though, because Giles has banned it!

No SEX in the house. Doesn't mean I can't touch him, and drive us both to the edge, now does it?

"Ewww, Spike! Angel!"

Bloody hell!

"Giles, Spike is sexually attacking Angel on your couch!"

I look up from Angel's naked chest, and give him one last, long lick. Xander and Anya stare opened mouthed at us, with wide, shocked eyes. Oh please, as if they aren't shagging all the time when they are alone!

"I'm not shagging him! Look, he still has his jeans on!"

"Spike!" Angel hisses, as I pull away from his hips. Everyone looks down at Angel's huge hard-on stretching the soft material of his jeans. He instantly pulls me back against his chest, covering his embarrassing erection.

"Spike, get off Angel!" Giles hollers from the kitchen.

We both sigh and sit up. We so need to find a home off our own. Angel strokes through my hair, putting it into place and I lean into his touch. Bugger, I love him so much. It's damn sickening.

*****
Part 2:

Angel's POV:

"I... Umm, need you to take Angel and Spike for a few days," Giles tells Xander.

"What?" Spike and Xander yell at the same time. Both of them jump up, staring at each other dangerously.

"We are not staying with him! There's only one bed!!" Spike exclaims. Xander instantly pulls a face, knowing exactly what Spike means. Does he always think about sex? Whoops, just remembered this is Spike I'm talking about.

"Spike..." I interrupt. He throws me a harsh glance.

"No Angel, we aren't staying with him!" he growls back. "We have something important to do!" He gives me a knowing look. I know we planned to do the mating ritual this weekend. Tomorrow, in fact.

"Well, you're not staying here!" Giles shouts back, then calms again. He sighs and returns to the normal Giles voice. "I have a friend who's coming to town, and I'd like us to be alone."

"Oh, you mean an orgasm friend?" Anya nods understandingly, and I swear Giles turns five shades brighter.

"We don't give a fuck! Angel and me are going somewhere else with weekend!" Spike yells in fury. I catch his hand and give him a warning look. I don't want them to know what we have planned. I won't have them interfering with our mating.

"I don't think that's safe, Spike. Angel needs constant surveillance..." Giles starts in his lecturing mode.

"He'll never leave the bedroom, luv," Spike answers slyly.

"Spike!" Xander exclaims, covering his ears.

I smile at the boy's apparent distaste for homosexual activities. It is really a little over the top. Makes me wonder if he's got something to hide. Spike especially catches on to that part.

"In fact, he won't be leaving the bed. He'll be all naked, hard and dripping. Me astride him, running my mouth up and down that..."

"Spike!!!" All three humans scream. I swear that Xander looks like he's going to pass out at any moment.

"Angel!!" At that moment our conversation is interrupted by the lithe figure of Willow running through the door. She looks pale and panicked, flying directly into my arms.

"Willow!" I cry, holding her tight. "Is something wrong? Are you hurt?" I ask, as she buries her face into my shoulder. I smell sudden tears and she grasps my shoulders.

"I-I... the..." Willow draws away from my shoulder, and looks me directly in the eye. She's about to say something, but then remembers other people are with us. "It's nothing, err... bad psych day," she sighs. She gives me a look that says this is far from nothing, but it's something best discussed without the whole Scooby gang here.

"Hey, they can stay at Willow's!" Xander comments, looking decidedly pleased with himself.

"Well, if that's okay..." Giles starts looking at the girl in my arms.

So starts another whole conversation about Giles sex life, and where we are allowed to live while his friend visits. In the end, it's decided that Willow's is the best place, thank god, and we pack what little belongings we have. I know that when we get there, Willow's sure to tell me what's wrong. And I'm not looking forward to it. In fact, it's something I'm dreading because I know what her question shall be.

Later - At Willow's home:

"But why!?" Willow cries for the sixth time. "It's so dangerous; I could lose both of you!" She's been sobbing her heart out for the last 2 hours.

"Because I wanna fucking mate with him!" Spike yells in return. He has no tact, and this only upsets Willow even more.

"You want to risk Angel dying just so you can screw him!" She bellows back, eyes filling with more tears.

Off course, the worse has happened. As I feared. Willow has discovered about the Vampire mating ritual. I don't know how because it's not a publicly discussed, and as far as I know we vampires have never told humans about it. But that's not the point now. Willow knows and she's dead set against Spike and I performing it.

"Willow! Spike! Please, shouting won't help anything!" I interrupt before the name calling starts again.

"But Angel, you could die!" Willow wails again.

"I could die at any time, Willow. These visions are tearing me apart; this mating - bonding - could even help that situation. And I... I want this, mo cumhacht. I want to mate with Spike." I sit down, and stare at both my beloveds. They face each other as if ready to fight, fists clenched, and faces red with anger.

"You could die," Willow whispers sadly. "I don't want to lose you."

"I know, Willow. And you won't, I promise."

Willow moves before me, and kneels at my feet. She takes my large hands into her tiny, warm ones. "I love you so much, my Angel. I've only just found you," she tells me, as her soft fingers stroke the cool skin of my palms.

Behind her, Spike flings himself into the nearest chair and pouts. It's so cute, I wish I could kiss him, but I need to comfort Willow. He rolls his eyes at me and lights a fag. I think that was permission to reassure Willow, and set her mind at rest. I lean down and pull the petite girl into my arms and settle her on my lap. I kiss her forehead, and wrap my arms around her waist.

"Willow, what you've read is true. The mating ritual is very dangerous. No one ever tries it unless they are truly sure that their chosen is perfectly matched with them. We must be matched in strength, intelligence, and desire. With Spike, those are conditions I know we can fulfil."

"But..." she interrupts, her wet face rubbing into my neck.

"I know there are other factors, but I want this, Willow. No, more than that - we need this. My visions are leaving me more and more drained. You know that last time I only had a short, insignificant one, and even then had convulsions that broke my arm again. If this bond works, it will bind me and Spike together. We shall share strength, and it's said that the bond can also increase our power. If that's true, surely that's going to help me - yes?" I kiss her forehead, and hold her tighter.

"Yes... I agree with all that... but," Willow moans, "but you won't want me..."

I laugh softly and kiss her again. "I shall always want you. You are my strength, mo cumhacht. You are part of me, Willow, for always."

This time Willow turns in my embrace and wraps her arms around my shoulders. "You promise to be careful during the ceremony?" she begs.

My heart swells at her courage. She's desperately afraid, but she's going to let us carry out our mating ritual. "I promise, "I whisper, as I kiss her ear.

Willow hot little hands drift down to my waist and rip open my jeans. I groan as she pulls my half-erect cock out and pumps me hard. I know what she wants. She kisses me fiercely. She's terrified and needs the contact. I don't deny her this, and it's been so long since I could touch her. My second lover. I grab hold of the bottom of her skirt - thanking her goddess she chose not to wear jeans today - and push it up around her waist. Her panties are quickly torn away, and I lift her over my straining cock.

"Angel!" Willow screams, as I slam her down onto my length. She bucks against me, taking me deep into her hot centre. Our mating is wild and unrestrained. We clutch and kiss with abandonment, our bodies crashing together. I smell her need, and I reach down between us to run my finger over her clit. Moments later, Willow bellows my name in orgasm. Her clenching muscles send me immediately over the edge and I fill her with cooling sperm.

Finally, we collapse together, our arms holding tight. Willow pants softly into my ear, and I can feel her fears abating. She trusts me and I shall be forever grateful.

"Good show," Spike comments from his place across the room. "You could have made it last a little longer, though."

I snarl and Willow laughs, as she blushes a deep red.

Spike's POV:

Finally! Willow's has got everything out her system - even managed to squeeze in a quick shag with Angel. Not that I really mind, she is part of our bond. We are all part of the three - connected to Angel. She has as much right to him as I do.

"Spike? Are you sure you want to do the mating tomorrow? I mean... it's okay if you wanna wait..."

I turn to face Angel, and conclude he's been trying to talk to me while I've been lost in thought. After Willow left we fed, and sat down to discuss our plans. Things aren't like I thought they would be. There is so much bloody planning, and so many preparations to make. It isn't just kiss - bite - shag. Even though I wish it was. There is a whole ritual to perform, *boring* challenges and tasks to be fulfilled *mega boring*, and only then I can shag him *Yay*!

"I'll understand. I can wait. I would... if you didn't want..."

"Angel, shut up!" I snap. "Don't you dare go on about me not wanting you! I want to fuck you right now!"

"Oh," Angel answers, staring at me wide eyed.

Okay, I didn't mean to shout, but he really pisses me off with the whole "woe am I and no one wants me" act.

"Look pet, I wanna mate with you. Yes, I know the little chit said it's dangerous, I already knew that I and I still want to. Okay?" I lean forward and take hold of Angel's large fingered hand. His skin is smooth under my touch, and I rub my thumb into the palm of his hand. Angel moans softly at my touch and I grin.

"Yes, Spike," he whimpers, as I continue to stroke his hand.

He's so easy!

"I want it now, luv," I tell him, continuing my soft movements.

"N-now?" Angel stutters.

"Yeah, now," I repeat.

Angel's POV:

Spike wants to mate with me... now?! I stare for a long moment at his serene face. There's no worry in his eyes, or fear. He's not afraid. While me - I'm bloody terrified - using Spike's phrase. Mating rituals are very rare in vampire society. Many have tried, but so few have succeeded in actually completing the whole ritual. I've never even met a mated pair. They say that we become even more powerful. That it's possible to gain power from the dark world, as the ritual takes place.

The dark world is what we call the place we go to during the ritual. It's very hard to understand. Darla told me about the rituals long ago, but even she didn't comprehend it all. I know we have to prepare ourselves, and then we move into what many cultures call the vision quest or dreamscape. We will be challenged - in what way - I have no idea. No one's lived to tell Darla what happened after that.

"Now?" I repeat again.

Spike looks at me as if I've grown a third eye and then he grins. "You're just as scared as the witch is, aren't you, luv?"

"I'm not... yes," I whisper softly. It's true, I'm scared and totally unsure if this is the right thing to do. "I want this, Spike. I want to mate with you."

"Then that's all that matters, Angel-baby," Spike answers, huskily.

Now this is new. Spike gets to his feet and stands before me. His long, dark duster drops to the ground and he kneels between my legs. He pushes them further apart until we are chest to chest. His slim, long fingers slide over my thighs and rest at my waist.

"Were do you... want to... do it," I pant. I swear he's setting me on fire with just these light touches.

"The forest, under the moon as you should know."

"Hmmmm..." I reply. Spike's gentle fingers move higher, as if to unfasten my shirt, but then he moves away. "Spike!" I growl. I want his fingers back - touching me - damn well undressing me!

"Later luv, you know you should only have sex after the wedding," he shouts back, as he waltzes into Willow's kitchen.

Damn, Childe!

*****
Part 3:

Spike's POV:

Ahh! Food! I grab some marshmallows, chocolates, chips, soda, and whiskey. Want more could you want for a wedding feast? Oh god! I've got to stop thinking that word! Vampires don't have weddings! They have dangerous, blood letting rituals! Okay?!

Right, dangerous rituals, where one, or both of the participants could die. Oh bugger! What have I got myself into?!

Yet, I won't show Angel I'm as scared shitless as he is. I'm the Big Bad! I might have a chip, but I'm not ensoul-ed or anything.

"Okay, it's tonight."

At first his voice startles me, but then I relax into my Sire's strong embrace. His hard, tall body presses against my back, and I have to grin at the little problem I've left him with. His shaft presses into the crease of my butt, rubbing against the rough denim.

"Right-o! I've got the food, you can get the knives," I answer, quickly moving out off his embrace. I've really got to get a hold of myself. We need all our strength for the ritual - not a quick shag before hand.

Angel sighs when he realises that he's not going to get a hold of my hot little bod. He grabs his bag and pulls out a pair of long, sharp, silver knives. Then a long object wrapped in bearskin. Now that peaks my interest, because it smells damn bad.

"What's that?" I ask, as I pop some chips into my mouth.

Angel grins and carefully lays the object on the table. "I managed to save these from the Master's caves," he answers. He unwraps the objects and reveals four incredibly long teeth. "They are said to be teeth from the original demon that created the vampire race. In the ritual you can use ivory copies, but I wanted... well, I wanted to do ours right."

Damn, he makes it sounds like they are our wedding rings. "There're perfect, luv," I reply, giving a little shudder. Oh shit, I do not like this one bit. Those teeth are enormous, and sure to damn well hurt!

Angel rewraps the teeth, collects the knives, and gathers up a couple of Willow's blankets. I stuff the food into a plastic bag. "Ready pet?"

"Yes, m' ionin," Angel replies. His use of Irish Gaelic always softens me. I actually think I love him more each time he says those words. His dark eyes find mine, and I see how much he does want this.

Wow! I've never noticed how expressive Angel's eyes are. They are large, wide and soft. Dark brown - just like swirling chocolate. I let my eyes travel down to his straight nose, and then his perfect moist lips. I lick my own just thinking about kissing his mouth. I think about how perfect they would be attached around my cock. I groan, and realise I'm sporting my own hard-on. Damn! He didn't even have to touch me and I'm rock hard. I suddenly grin, what is it going to be like when we are mated? Will he only have to walk into the room to make me want to shag him?

Angel holds out his hand to me as we leave Willow's home. For a moment, I hesitate. I'm not a girl, and I won't be treated as one.

Oh bugger! I stretch out my own hand and take his. His large fingers curl around mine and he leads us forward. Though the back garden and away from the houses, towards the Sunnydale forest.

Angel's POV:

We move quickly away from the light of the houses and deep into the small forest. The woods grow thick, hiding the moon. I start to wonder where Spike is taking me, and then we arrive in a little opening. I gasp at the perfection. Large shrouding trees surround the grassy knoll, the greenery creating a beautiful back drop to our ritual. In the centre, is a flattened area with a small burned circle in the grass. I suppose the local youth like coming here, too.

"Go get some firewood, luv," Spike suggests, as he drops the food bag, and takes the other items from me.

I nod, wordlessly, and take off into the trees. I quickly get a large bundle together and return to Spike. I'm amazed by him. He's arranging the blankets, getting out the knives, and unwrapping the teeth. I'm shocked at how he's acting. He's helping. Setting things up, and telling *me* how to make a fire. I hand him the firewood. He grins at me and sets it out, pulling his lighter from his duster pocket to light it.

A small blaze starts and then catches the dried wood. The fire burns bright and for a moment we both just stare into the flickering flames.

"We should begin..." I start.

"Yes," Spike answers, softly. His voice totally different to what I'm used to. Husky and refined.

I slowly stand and start to unbutton my shirt. In seconds, deft fingers stop me.

"Let me, luv," Spike murmurs.

I nod, and his fingers slide up to my shirt buttons. He flicks them open easily, moving down my chest until he reaches the bottom and pulls it open. He pushes the cotton from my shoulders, and then runs his hands over my abs to reach the end of my T-shirt. I sigh, biting my lip, at his gentle, feather-like touch. Spike's eyes seem to gleam as he pulls my T-shirt apart with a loud rendering rip. I growl in reply at him ripping my shirt, but I don't stop him. He pushes it from my shoulders, throwing it to the ground.

"Oh, pet," he sighs, "your so fucking perfect." He reaches up, running thin fingers over my chest. He strokes my nipples; palming each one, then moving on to caress the indentation of my navel. I groan loudly, as he moves lower and starts to unzip my jeans. His fingers catch the waistband and he pulls them down. My cock flings free, erect and dripping.

"Hmmm, happy to see me, luv?" he whispers. He licks his lips at the sight, and I shudder with desire.

"Oh, Spike," I reply in a lustful moan.

I'd be begging him to touch me, if we could. This ritual isn't about sex... yet. I lift my leg, as he pulls off my jeans, followed by shoes and socks. Finally, I'm naked and Spike steps back.

"You're gonna be mine, pet," he informs me, as if I were I five year old. His voice is so sure about what's happening.

I wish I could return the favour. Yet, I'm terrified. Spike doesn't seem to be affected by this ritual. Maybe it's the lack of soul... but I don't think so. Spike's so full of human emotions and reactions.

"You going to undress me, poof?" he raises.

He smiles and uses that word I despise. It's not in anger this time. He's playing with me.

"I think I could manage that," I answer with a grin of my own, "bleach boy."

Spike gives a little laugh and lifts his scared eyebrow. I glide towards him slowly, watching his eyes as he takes me in. I can feel myself blushing, as he gives my naked body the once over. His gaze lingering on my erect length. He licks his lips again, and I'm wishing that he could me licking me instead. I bring my hands to his shoulders and push his leather duster back. It slips from his shoulders, and I give a tug, pulling his arms free. The leather drops to the floor, and Spike sighs.

Next, I remove his red shirt. I can't resist anymore. Spike's making all these sighs and his eyes! They are driving me insane. I lean forward and kiss his lips.

"Naughty luv." He laughs and leans back, away from my face.

I pull a face, which only makes him chuckle more, but return to the job at hand. I lift his T-shirt, pulling it over his head and drop it on the growing pile of clothing. I love his naked chest. The solid muscles, the pale flesh, the pink nipples, and the ribs that are clearly defined. I slide my hands down his firm muscles, catching the top of his tight - oh so tight, black jeans. I unzip them, watching as his dick of pale flesh pokes out of the hole. Looks like I'm not the only one who's anxious.

I have to pull myself away from his cock, stopping myself from sucking it in. I push his jeans down to his ankles, and then struggle to untie his Docs. He laughs as I huff, tying to unpick all the damn knots he puts in them. Instead of trying, I use vampire strength and just shred the laces.

"Hey, them's me Docs! I've had them for twenty years!"

Yeah, right! More like two, Spike's clothing hasn't been looked after all that well. He doesn't fold them, wash them or anything. He wears and wears until they fall off, and then buys - err, steals - more just the same. No taste, my Childe.

Spike's POV:

Oh bugger, Angel's so bloody gorgeous with the moonlight shining off his pale skin. Yet, it's not as white as mine is. Angel's skin has a tanned look; it's his brown pigments. Makes his little nipples brown too. Damn, I'd love to lick my tongue around them right now! Suck on them, make them hard and bite... Nope, I can't. The ritual can't be sexual to start with.

Angel finishes removing my shoes, and then rises to his feet. I look up into lust glazed eyes, and realise he's having problems keeping his hands off me too. I smile at him, noticing that worry is returning to his features. I can tell he's scared shitless by this. It surprises me. I'd always thought Angel was so strong, and unafraid of everything. Yet, I don't show the fear I might have. I want this. I want him.

For a long moment, we don't move. Just stare. Stare at each other's naked bodies. Damn, he's big. I give him another luscious grin and he blushes again. I just can't get over blushing Angel. Humans couldn't tell, but I can.

"Are you ready?" Angel asks, and I draw my gaze away from his heavenly bod. His voice is more than nervous.

"Yep," I answer, assuredly.

Angel gives a shaky smile, and leads me over to the fire. He picks up the large teeth. I shiver at the sight, but smile back at him. I won't show him, but I'm dreading this part. It's not that I don't like pain, because I do... it's just that. Well, there... Oh shit, I've got to do this.

Angel hands me the first tooth. I take it gingerly.

"Do it now," Angel says, preparing himself. His body tense and rigid. I take a deep breath and plunge the razor sharp tooth into his chest muscle, pushing it straight down.

"Argh!" Angel screams, his body arching in agony. He manages to keep standing, and tries to hold back more cries of pain. I continue to push the tooth down, shoving it into his chest muscle. It glides under his skin and then I tilt it. Blood spurts from a second hole as the tip of the tooth breaks through the skin. I remove my shaking hand and stare at my Angel's bloodied chest. There in his right pectoral is the large, sharp, demon tooth. Blood flows from the wound, covering his front.

For a moment, Angel rocks on his feet and I'm afraid he's going to fall.

"I'm okay..." he mumbles.

I pick up the next tooth and place it in Angel's trembling hand. I shudder at the sight. I prepare myself for the pain, biting my lip. Angel takes a firm hold of the tooth, and brings it down quickly.

Fuck!! I feel as though I'm being staked, as Angel shoves the tooth through my ab muscle, exactly in the same place as his. This part of the ritual is necessary. It's a bloodletting, a sacrifice to the dark power. We are vampires, and blood is all we are.

Angel's POV:

I scream in agony, as Spike impales me on the second tooth. I take up his second and repeat the action. Now both sides of our chests are pieced with a large demon fang. Blood flows over our skin, and I feel myself weaken. This is the first part of the ritual. The blood letting. Vampires have a belief in what we call the dark power. It's the original power that created all vampires - the first demon. It's believed that power exists in each and every vampire, it is the spark of un-life that creates our individual demon. The blood letting sacrifice is to awaken that dark power within us. To bind us to the first - the beginning.

"Spi... ke..." I cry suddenly, as my feet give way. I fall to the grass, my vision darkening. I try to steady myself, with my hands, but my skin is slick with blood and I collapse into the grass. Seconds later, I feel a body fall beside me.

"An.. gel..." He gasps, trying to call to me through the blinding pain.

My body starts to spasm. I try to cry out to Spike. I can't! My mouth is frozen. Oh crap!

Spike's POV:

What the hell? One second I'm lying bleeding on the ground next to Angel, and the next, I'm lying in a green field with the...

"Fuck!! Sunlight!" I scream.

I jump up, looking for cover, and then suddenly realise that I'm not burning up. I start to jump around, because this is all new and... Hey! Where's Angel?

I look around desperately trying to find my Lover. Is this the real world? Am I immune to sunlight? Or...

Just under a tree, not far from me I notice a crouched figure.

"Angel!"

I run across the field towards the tree. I can make out my Sire crouched below the branches. He scared of the light I realise.

"Will!" he shouts suddenly. Dark eyes find mine, and he holds a hand out. "The sun!"

"Angel, the sun doesn't hurt!" I cry, collapsing on my knees before him.

"What?" His cool hands searches over my body, looking for burns. He finds none. "But the sun!"

"I know, but it's not burning, Angel. Try it." I tighten my hand around his and pull at his reluctant body. He shivers, but rises to his feet. "Trust me, luv."

I pull Angel forward and he steps into the light. First his hand and foot, and then the rest of his heavenly body. He gasps as the sunlight caresses his skin. I gasp to. Fuck, he's so damn hot! I reach up with my free hand and run my fingers across his brown chest. Hey! He's suntanned!

There are no signs of the demon teeth, no scars or blood, just whole, healthy human looking skin. I run my fingers across his chest, picking up the feeling of warmth and then rest over his left nipple. Hs heart is beating!

"You're alive."

*****
Part 4:

Angel's POV:

Alive?

I don't feel it. I don't feel any different to what I did before the blood letting.

I lift my hand, resting it on my chest. Nothing. I'm cool and still very dead.

"I'm still dead, Spike," I answer. I touch his chest and gasp. Spike is still pale, but his skin has this healthy blush, and when I touch him, I can feel his heat. "No, you're alive."

"Don't be stupid, Mate," Spike laughs, "I'm no... Sire, what's going on?" Since this ritual began, Spike actually looks worried.

I shake my, "I don't know. I don't know what happens next. Darla told me about the blood letting, but she didn't know anyone who had returned from the next step."

"We're in a dreamscape kinda place then?"

"Yes, I assume so."

"So why would I want you human?" Spike asks me, totally confused.

I laugh nervously, "Why would I want you human?"

"So err... what happens now then?" Spike questions again. He looks around the peaceful landscape.

"I don't know," I reply.

I haven't a clue what happens next. This is not what I expected. Here we stand in the middle of a green field, with the sun shining. Spike says I'm alive, but my senses are telling me I'm the dead one. I can't imagine what this has to do with a vampire mating ritual. I was thinking - fire and brimstone. A little of hell, or something along those lines.

"We just stand here then?" Spike presses closer to me, his face brushing my chest.

"Maybe," I groan. His touch is electric. It burns my cool skin.

"You're so warm," Spike mumbles into my flesh. His tongue flicks out and laps the nearest nipple. "You taste good, luv." Spike takes the nipple into his mouth and starts to suck.

I groan loudly, my hand slipping up his body to cup his head, holding him firmly to my chest. Oh bugger, this feels so good! Spike's warm tongue starts to lap at my skin, his teeth nibbling at my male teat. We continue to hold hands, our fingers massaging each other...

Suddenly, a rumble of thunder echoes around us. The ground trembles, and starts to crumble beneath our feet.

"Shit!" Spike yells.

"Spike!" I scream as the land beneath my feet falls away. I lose my grasp on his hand and I fall. Spike yells, trying to reach for me, but I'm beyond his reach. I fall... and fall.

Spike's POV:

"Angel! Angel!"

Thunder rumbles around me, making the ground shake. Angel fell into a deep ravine and I can't see him anymore. The landscape is falling away, but the ground beneath my feet is solid. The sun vanishes above me, leaving nothing but darkness. There is no moon, nor stars, but there is light from somewhere.

"Angel!" I scream down into the ravine. He doesn't answer.

"Shit!" I yell. I'm naked and alone. I have no protection, and I've even lost Angel.

"Well, well, you're fucking useless, aren't you, roller boy?"

I gasp at the sound of that voice, getting to my feet and looking around frantically. Nothing! No one's here.

"My little Spikey,"

"Dru!" I yell, spinning around looking for her.

"I've come home, my luv," she replies. I turn and turn, and then...

There before me stands my beloved Drusilla. She's dressed in that beautiful black dress. It fits her so perfectly, flowing and tight in all the right places.

"We can be together, my Spikey." She reaches out to touch me, her fingers brushing my skin. They are so cold!

"You fucking left me!" I yell at her, "just go back to your bloody chaos demon!"

"We can be one!" she cries, reaching for me again. Her fingers brush my cock, and in second I'm limp.

It's an incredibly strange feeling. I've never had that trouble with Angel. I've been hard and desperate for him nearly everyday since....

Angel.

Shit, this is a test!

"Fuck off!" I bellow at Drusilla shoving her back. She vanishes before she hits the ground. I move back to the ravine and kneel again.

"Angel!" I scream.

"Spike!"

Yes! He can hear me. I try and find a handhold in the edge of the ravine, but there's none. The rock is as smooth as glass. I can't reach him! I would have to jump to get down there.

"Angel!"

"Spike, thank god you can hear me! Oh, Spike, Darla was here. You should be careful!"

Ah, sounds like he's had his own visitor too.

"Already had one pet," I shout back, "got rid of her!"

"Me too," he replies, a sound of pride in his voice. "Can you find a way down?"

"No! The rock is like glass... Angel! I hear something! What's happening!"

Angel's POV:

There is a rumbling all around me - as if the air itself is speaking. The air sparks and the rumbling gets even louder... and louder... and LOUDER!

"Spike!" I yell, feeling as though my eardrums are going to crack. A light flashes, and then there is darkness. "Spike," I scream again.

"Right here," I almost jump out of my skin, as his voice sounds right behind my ear. Surely... Just a second ago... Oh, I give up. This place is too weird! "Angel, do you know what's happening?"

"No, I haven't got a clue. I think we're just going to have to take things as they come." I reach out into the darkness, and I touch his hand. He clasps mine, and we hold onto each other tightly.

"So! You're finally here." A voice booms out in the unending darkness.

I try to strain my eyes, looking around, but I can't make anything out, not even with my vampire eyesight. I feel Spike's other hand grab my arm and I can tell he's trying to see too.

"Who are you?" I call out.

"You are the seer. The other is your soul."

"What the fuck are you talking about?" Spike yells. He's scared and he hates feeling that. I touch his hand on my arm, trying to get him to calm down.

"Yes," I answer. I try and tell Spike through our touch to be quiet. "I guess I'm the seer now, and I also have a soul. Spike is..."

"Your lover. The keeper of your sanity and your soul. You came to mate with him. To be bound."

"Yes," I reply.

The silence lasts for minutes on end, maybe even an hour. During that time, I take Spike in my arms and hold him tight. He's so afraid. I can smell it, feel it. He hates this, ever since he was born as a vampire and had to dig himself out of grave, he can't stand total darkness. I remember it well, awaking in your grave, the smell of disturbed earth, the weight of it all around you, and the total darkness. Six feet under, not a speck of light gets in. That's why you dig, and dig hard, you need the light more than the food, and when you emerge, it's like standing under the blessed sun. It's so bright and pure, the night touches you and you are one with it forever.

"It is time, you must choose."

"Time? Time for what? Who the fuck are you?" Spike screams, his nerves getting the better of him.

Suddenly, before Spike can finish his sentence, we're standing in an Victorian living room... no wait, it's later than that... and before us sits an old man. He's Spike's height, wearing small wire glasses with pure blue eyes. He stares from his seat into a burning fire. He could be around 70, and beside him he has a paper and pen. I look down and notice the flowing script I recognise, and a book of poems.

"Sire, look. That book, it says poems by William Montague. That's me! But hey, I'm bloody old!"

"You're human," I reply.

Spike gives me the strangest look, but before he can say anything more, a door opens and a hoard of children charge in.

"Grandpa! Grandpa! Come see! Cathy's going to put the angel on the tree! Grandpa!" The children grab the old man's hands and pull him from his chair. He laughs with them, his face a mask of lines - lines of joy. Then we are alone again. The door shuts and darkness closes in.

"What the fuck was that about?"

"It was your life, William, the life you would have had had I not killed you." My eyes fill with tears when I think about the life I have denied my Childe. The family, the children, the masses of grandchildren. He would have died a happy old man. For the first time, I wonder... did I do right in denying him that.

The next second, light returns and we're standing in an alley.

"Oh lord," I cry.

"Sire?" Spike turns to me, that odd look still in his eyes.

"I was turned here," I look around - everything is the same - perfect. I shall never forget this place; it was my last dying memory. The moment I regret all my life. My accepting of Darla's proposal. I wanted what she offered, and said yes, even before I knew what the deal was. I was an incredibly stupid child.

From the far corner of the alley, I hear a voice. It's me... talking to my friend. I'm saying something about my father's silver. Then footsteps, I turn and spot Darla standing at the end of the alley.

"I have to stop this." I step forward, walking towards my Sire.

*****