on life in dagaz...

[idolstolemylook]

So it's not bad enough, I'm still on the auction block for Nysgod mate-of-the-year. You have to put me through a re-do of my worst hits in the bargain. At least when you play me without a soul, I get laid once in awhile. Here I can't even get drunk. You know they're not gonna choose me. You don't even want to win this ridiculous contest. So you're only in this to torture me. Isn't that right?

And remind me again why I had to go get a soul to be a good guy?

Comments

[justwillow]

Because you nearly did something we would have killed you for.

[idolstolemylook]

I know, Red. I know. I'm sorry, I didn't mean it that way--I only meant that there's a lot of knowing sadism played out by folks who claim to already have 'em.

[justwillow]

I know. I was just busting your chops.

[And you get a little smile.]

How you doing?

[idolstolemylook]

[Oh, right. What are death threats between old enemies/pals?]

Been better. Then again, sort of feels like borrowed time anyway. Everyone get out of Sunnydale all right?

[justwillow]

Yup. We went our separate ways for a year then went back to the motherland. We moved into a big castle in Scotland. It's cold up there.

[In an odd way she missed you Spike. WE HAVE WEIRD CHEMISTRY.]

[idolstolemylook]

Reunions aside, why would you move to Scotland?

[justwillow]

Easy to hide an army of slayers. I didn't really choose the location. I was on another plane at the time learning to be even more witchy.

[She smiles.]

Got all in touch with the goddessy side of things.

[idolstolemylook]

[Smile.]

Sounds like a good move. You seem... rested. It's good.

... I love these two.

[justwillow]

And you seem alive. And I'm glad.

[She smiles at you Spike.]

I kind of feel compelled to hug. But that would be weird.

me too! I rarely get to play with a Willow!

[idolstolemylook]

Considering my last memory is dying to save you lot, I figure it wouldn't be inappropriate.

Nor spike for me!

[justwillow]

[... Okay then. She walks over and gives you a little hug.]

There. Urge filled.

[noshrimp]

Souls can be very useful, you know. You can trade them for useful services.

[idolstolemylook]

[He hugs quickly, then steps back.]

Yeah, a little weird. Not bad weird. Just... you know.

[Aaaaawkward.]

[idolstolemylook]

I think I traded mine for a chance to die for the woman I love.

Seems fair.

[justwillow]

... I agree. Experiment over. We can't hug without it being weird.

[She shuffles around.]

Um. So. Um. As a- ... Okay, I need to up the awkward some more. But you're kind of the only person I can think of to ask this who won't immediately come back with a giant "no" before I finish talking.

[idolstolemylook]

[Raises eyebrows. Well, this just got weirdly serious, but she's right--he'll hear her out.]

Shoot.

[justwillow]

Well. I kind of- Sort of- well. Um. There was-

[Oh god. How does she even say this.]

There's a demon. And she... and I... well. Um. We kind of- We went there. There is something between us Spike. And the others- they'd be all: "She's a demon, you were evil, what the hell are you doing?" but-

[She sighs. Sitting down with a huff.]

I think I'm in love.

[idolstolemylook]

[Oh goody. Spike sits next to her.]

And here I thought you'd bring me a tough one. [He smiles reassuringly.] Guess I've been on a few different sides of that equation. I know better'n anyone demons can do good. Certainly, they can love. But it's more complicated than that, innit? Seems to me, though, you've earned your stripes. An' none of your little friends has a leg to stand on, in the romance department.

[justwillow]

.... You know us too well.

[She looks at you dryly.]

How hard do you reckon Kennedy'd punch me? Since you know. I'm back at my base of cheating with a giant snake demon lady. Ever heard of Saga Vasuki?

[She shakes her head.]

[idolstolemylook]

[Spike raises an eyebrow.]

Now that changes things a bit. Seems to me the demon's not the biggest problem. If Kennedy's in the picture, you probably have it coming.

[justwillow]

I have something coming. But...

[She shakes her head.]

Nope. No buts. I deserve it.

[noshrimp]

Death is rarely fair. But I suppose that is partially romantic, in a very disturbing sense.

[idolstolemylook]

[Sigh.]

Look, I'm the last one to judge. But seems to me, you've got some decisions to make. Any of them are gonna be hard, but better than letting it all fester. Believe me. Someone's going to find out, and you should know--it'll be worse, the longer you leave it.

[justwillow]

[... And then you get a hand on your shoul- ... No shoulders not right. Knee? Okay. That feels less odd.]

I know. I'm sorry.

[idolstolemylook]

Can't have everything, can we?