“Giles, we really need to do something about Black and pretty quickly too.”
Two weeks later, Willow sighed deeply and moved away from the window seat in
Buffy’s room to lean on Angel’s shoulder with an air of someone coming home.
Without even thinking about it, she ran her fingers through his hair,
returning his soft smile before returning her gaze once again to the
Watcher. “Because the man is well on his way to being worse than Wesley.”

“Too late, baby, he’s already worse than Wyndham-Pryce.” The vampire growled
as he drew her down to sit between his legs on the bed. He wrapped his arms
around her waist and drew her back against his chest. “He was actually
waiting for you in the shadows when you came back down tonight.”

She shuddered. “That explains the creepy feeling I got earlier. “ She turned
slightly in his embrace to look at him, eyes narrowing. “It also explains
why Doyle emerged so abruptly from the library.”

“That was Cord.” He leant his chin on her shoulder. “I think she thought I
was going to hit him.”

“Now I wonder where she got that impression from.” Giles mused thoughtfully,
his eyebrow raised in sheer amusement. “Angel?”

“Most probably because I had every intention of actually doing so.”

“You really don’t like him do you Angel.” Buffy put in, clearly amused as
she watched her two best friends interact with each other. Willow had just
rammed her elbow into Angel’s ribs, shaking her head at him and he merely
grinned down at her, catching her lips in a soft kiss. “And no-one’s going
to change your mind are they, you stubborn vampire.”

“That’s very funny, Buffy, especially coming from you.” The vampire replied
as he returned his chin to Willow’s shoulder. “You’ve said yourself that
there’s something about him that just doesn’t feel right and ever since I’ve
been home, I’ve seen it too.”

“What do you mean, Angel?” Giles sat down on the window seat Willow had
vacated. “I know the girls have wanted to talk to me about him, but what’s
your problem with him.”

“Other than the fact he irritates you!” Buffy murmured, grinning
unrepentantly in face of the glare he sent her.

“Last night when we joined Laura for patrol, he spent more time staring at
Will than doing his job.” As the petite girl in his arms shuddered again, he
tightened his grip around her waist. “You have to see the look in his eyes,
Giles. He’s…” He stopped for a moment at a loss for the word he wanted.

“Obsessed.” Buffy put in, her own eyes darkening as she watcher her friend
sink even closer into the vampire’s embrace. “Will, I know you said that you
weren’t telling, but what did you mean by Spike kept him under control.”

Willow sighed heavily. She had only ever discussed the younger Watcher’s
unhealthy interest in her with Spike before now, keeping the information
from the others in the forlorn hope that it was only her imagination. The
younger vampire had merely accepted her misgivings without questions for
once and as she had told Angel weeks before, run interference.

“Willow.” Giles leant forward as he caught the look in the redhead’s eyes.
“I think it’s time you told us just what’s been going on, young lady.”

“And why it’s taken until now to let the rest of us in.” Angel added as he
ran his fingers down the side of her face.

“Because like I said, I’d been hoping I was wrong.” She rested her head
against his arm. “From the moment Black arrived to be Laura’s Watcher, I’ve
had this strange feeling he’s been watching me and the only reason, I told
Spike was because he’d noticed something as well.”

“So that’s why he kept appearing all of a sudden. As protective as he of you
two, it was just a little out of character and I had begun to wonder.” Giles
said thoughtfully. “I need to think about this.”

“Giles…” Buffy began.

“Buffy, I know this is important. Remember, I’m the one whose been dealing
with Laura when she returns from late patrol.” He stood up. “I have some
work to do. Let’s hope that Cordelia and Doyle joining them these past
couple of weeks has helped... again.”

“Don’t badger the man, Buffy.” Willow murmured just as the other girl was
about to say something. “Do you want some help, Giles.”

“Not tonight, Willow. It’s just a pet project of mine.” He smiled at the
little redhead, then moved to the door. “And before I forget, Buffy, your
mother said to remind you about an early night. The doctor will be here
tomorrow morning.” With that said, he closed the door behind him.

“Oh such joy!” Buffy sank back into her chair, much to the amusement of
Willow and Angel, an extremely disgruntled expression on her pretty face. “I
am so beginning to believe that all doctors are vampire wannabe’s.”

“Buff!” Willow exclaimed trying hard not to laugh. She swung her legs over
Angel’s so that she was now leaning against his shoulder. He tightened his
arm around her waist, resting his hand on her knee and she covered it with
her own. “That’s a terrible thing to say!”

“Well, it’s still true. They’ve managed to get more blood out of me this
last year than any vampire ever has… present vampire excluded.” The Slayer
replied unrepentantly. Her eyes however sparkled mischievously.

“You never change, do you Buffy.” Angel shook his head in mock
disappointment as Willow buried her face against his chest, her whole body
shaking in silent laughter. “You’re incorrigible.”

“Not at this point, Angel.” She looked at her two friends thoughtfully. She
hadn’t missed the signs that shouted the new level of intimacy between her
two friends. “There’s something that I need to ask you two, and I really
want you to think about it.”

“Goes almost without saying.”

Willow emerged again as her friend fell silent. Glancing up at Angel, he
caught the knowing look in her green eyes and leant down slightly. “Want to
bet that it has something to do with Spike?” She murmured, brushing her lips
against his cheek.

“You’re on, baby. We’ll discuss terms later.” He responded in the same tone,
turning his head to catch her lips with his own for a brief moment. Raising
his head, he returned his gaze to the Slayer. “All right, Buffy, what do you
want us to do, or at least consider?”

Buffy continued to look at them thoughtfully then took in a deep breath. “I
want you… need you to find Spike for me.”

“You win, little one.” Angel murmured making Willow grin.

The blonde however pouted in mock anger. “The pair of you could at least
pretend to be surprised.”

“Oh come off it, Buffy.” Willow shot back. “You’ve been leading up to this
for days.”

“Geez Wills, you really know how to burst someone’s bubble, don’t you.”
Buffy pouted again in mock anger but the grin lurking in her eyes sort of
ruined the effect. “Well, will you look for the peroxide pest. He’s more
likely to respond to you two than me or Giles.”

The couple shared a speaking look before Angel answered for them. “It really
does go without saying, Buffy. Of course we’ll get hold of the annoying
childe of mine.”

“If we really must.” Willow inserted the look on her face making the other
two laugh.
*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*

Just after sunset the following day, Willow sat with her legs curled under
her, looking down at the mobile phone in her lap, a strange look on her
face. “I don’t know why you’re insisting I call him.” She glared slightly at
the vampire stretched out on the grass beside her. “Perhaps you should,
you’re his sire after all.”

“Will, after what you’ve told me, I think your voice is the one he’d rather
hear.” Angel plucked the phone out of her lap and gently curled her fingers
round it. “Call my childe, little one.”

With a deep sigh, she touched three buttons. As she waited to be connected,
she turned slightly to face him. “I really doubt he’s even got it turned on,
Angel. You know what…”

“Hello!” Spike’s familiar voice came clearly across the line and she looked
at it stunned.

“Well answer him, Will.” Angel murmured in amusement, gently moving the
phone back to her ear.

She did so, just in time to be yelled at. “Who the hell is this? Say
something you bloody idiot.”

Grimacing, she held the phone away from her ear for a moment, then returned
it.

“Spike, it’s…” She eventually got out, hitting the vampire beside her as he
started to laugh silently. “It’s Willow, Spike. I’m back.”

“Red! What the… pet, are you alright?”

“I’m fine… now, Spike.” A sense of relief shot through the redhead and she
collapsed on to Angel’s chest. “It’s time to come home, Junior. Buffy want
to see you, but don’t expect an apology.”

“She better not expect one from me either.” The younger vampire growled.

“And Giles want his book so you better have it.”

“Of course I’ve bloody got it. What the heck do you think took me so long?
Red, what the hell is going on? One moment you won’t even talk to me, now…”

“Come home and I’ll fill you in. I promise. Where are you now?”

“Junction to LA. I was going to annoy the Great Poof.”

Angel grabbed the phone from her at this point, resting his arm around her.
“Never was one for respect were you William.”

“Peaches! What the hell are you doing in Sunnyhell?”

“Like Willow said, you’ll find out when you get here. Push that wreck of
yours as hard as you can. Meet us in the Park.”

“I’ll be there in an hour at most and it’s not a wreck, Angelus. Alright,
it’s not like yours but it ain’t a wreck!”

“Yes it is, especially if you hit the welcome sign as usual.” Willow
snatched the phone back, recognising the signs of a familiar argument.
“Rumour is they’ve had it reinforced because some pain in the neck keeps on
knocking it down.”

“Feeling the love, Red.” The younger vampire signed off quickly, much to the
amusement of his sire. Especially as he didn’t disagree with her.

Willow slipped the phone into his jacket pocket, then leant both arms on his
chest. Meeting his laughing gaze, her own started to sparkle. “What’s so
funny, you.”

“Nothing important.” He ran his fingers through her hair and drew her down
into a kiss that sent shudders through them both. “What do you want to do
while we wait?”

“Oh, I have an idea.” She grinned, kissing him quickly. “The thought of
making out seems to come to mind rather prominently.”

He rolled them over, so he was looking down into her green eyes. “I always
knew you and I were on the same wavelength, Will.” He brushed a lock of hair
back. “But a little less out in the open.”

“Shelter near the entrance Spike will probably use.” She replied
distractedly as she pulled him down for a longer deeper kiss. She found
herself squealing a moment later as she was suddenly lifted into the air and
thrown him over his shoulder. “Angel!”

He merely laughed, tensing as she hit him on the back. Moments later, she
found herself being slid down his body increasing the tension running
through them both. She wrapped her arms around his neck, running her hands
into his hair.

“Do you know just how beautiful you look in the moonlight.” He murmured
running his hand down her back. “Almost ethereal.”

“Keep telling me and I may start to believe you.” She murmured, pulling his
head down to kiss him. “Love you Angel.”

“Love you too, Willow.” He murmured when they broke apart so that she could
breathe. His lips wondered across her soft skin, drawing groans of pleasure
from her. He drew her down to the seat, drawing her down, legs either side
of his hips.

Within seconds, both were lost in the sense and taste of the other. Hands
gently caressed as they held each other closer, exploring each other as much
as they dared considering where they were. Even so his shirt some how fell
open allowing her small hands access to roam. His hands were inside her open
borrowed shirt, caressing and holding her close.

His deep-throated growls filled the shelter as her lips roamed over his neck
nipping and tasting, interspersed with Willow’s with sensual mews. Sounds
that were only broken as they returned frequently to taste each other’s
lips, tongues duelling in a war both were winning.

So involved were they in each other, neither saw or even felt the arrival of
the tall lanky peroxide blonde vampire less than an hour later. A slow smile
grew on his handsome face as he watched his sire and the petite redhead for
a moment before he moved away. ‘Well that definitely explains why Peaches is
back in Sunnyhell.’ He thought to himself, then grinned. ‘About damn time
too!’

Putting out the cigarette, he turned back to the shelter. “Peaches, Red,
where are you?” He called in a low voice, knowing the other vampire would
hear. Slight rustling sounds answered him and his smile became a knowing
smirk.

Willow emerged first, running her hands through her hair. Catching sight of
the blonde vampire, she gave a low cry of joy. “Spike!”

She threw herself into his arms and he swung her round in a circle. Lowering
her to her feet, he cupped her face in both hands and looked deep into her
sparking green eyes, noting the changes. He wasn’t slow in noting how
completely alive she now was and in a way she had never been before. “Well
I’ll be damned. You really are back aren’t you Red and with a bloody
vengeance!”

“You have no idea just how much, Spike.” She murmured giggling as a sudden
low-throated growl had him dropping his hands but not before he had snatched
a kiss. She glanced over her shoulder at the dark-haired vampire and her
smile seemed to take on a completely different level of happiness. “And I’m
right where I want to be as well… perhaps for the first time in my life.”
“Yeah, couldn’t help but notice that, pet.” He replied, unable to resist the
opportunity to tease her. “Especially just a moment ago.”

“Spike!” Blushing violently, she hit him hard before seeking refuge in
Angel’s chest as he came up behind her. “Goddess, there are times when I
hate you.” She continued, her voice muffled in his shirt. “You are such a
pain in the neck and I mean that literally.”

Angel wrapped his arms about her, glaring in mock anger at his smirking
childe. “You really can’t help yourself can you, Spike.”

“Where’s the fun, Peaches. Any way, Red will get her revenge eventually.”

“Count on it.” Willow promised grimly as she emerged again.

Spike merely grinned. “So fancy telling me what the problem is, Red. Why the
sudden rush?”

“Spike…” Her voice broke slightly and she looked back up at Angel, her eyes
dimming. “Angel, oh Goddess, Angel, I can’t.”

The younger vampire did not miss the way his sire tightened his hold around
her, nor did he miss the way it was both possessive and comforting at the
same time. As he did so, he recalled the situation as it had been before he
had left Sunnydale. ‘Oh bloody hell!’ He thought to himself.

He turned his now concerned gaze to Angel. “You know something, Peaches, I
get the sudden feeling that bloody fool Black is one of these problems.”

“One of them.” The elder vampire replied almost absently. He was more
concerned with Willow as she was shivering violently in his arms and he ran
his hand down her back. “Willow, if you really feel you can’t I’ll do it.”
He raised her face to his. “You’re not alone in this, remember.”

“I know that, but I have to do this. I promised I would.” She raised her
hand to his cheek in silent thanks, then turned and grabbed Spike’s hands.
“Spike, it’s… its Buffy…”

*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*/*

A week later, Spike ran his hand through the practice board, his face
clenched in fury. It was the only way he had found of coping with the
information the petite redhead and the slayer had thrown at him. It was a
given fact that Slayers died young but Buffy Summers was not only a Slayer.
She was The Slayer and his friend, someone he cared for deeply. Even though
he would never admit it out loud.

His violent act was rewarded with a slow handclap and he swung round to find
Cordelia in the doorway, a peculiar smile on her face. “Very impressive,
Spike. The evil board vanquished once and for all. Giles is going to start
making you pay for them, you know.”

“What the hell do you want, Cordelia?” He snarled at his sire’s secretary as
he started to pick up the fractured pieces of wood, throwing them into the
bin. Or is this just one of your passing sarcastic visits.”

“Will’s looking for you.” The brunette shrugged off the rude comment, immune
to them. “She’s with Giles and Angel in the library.”

“Slayer awake? And I thought you were out with the other one tonight?”

“You know she’s not awake at this time of night these days, Spike.” Cordelia
picked up a piece of wood he had missed. “And I was. I came back early.”

“And you’re other half?” He asked with a start of a smirk.

“Don’t push it, Blondie.” She growled. “Doyle’s keeping them distracted as
we can set the confrontation scene."
He started to move past her, then stopped as she caught hold of his shirt.
Raising an eyebrow, he looked at her. “Cordelia?”

“I may not have said it last week, Spike but it is nice seeing you again.
Even under these circumstances.” She looked up at him, eyes full of tears.
“And I mean that honestly.”

He flicked a finger against her cheek. “Ditto pet. You coming for the
fireworks.”

“I so hope you are joking, Spike. As if I would miss this.” She exclaimed as
they started to walk towards the library. “I have been waiting to see
Black’s face when he’s finally told about Willow and Angel. So has Laura.
It’s going to be the highlight of her month… and mine.”

“You’ve always been a right spiteful little cat, haven’t you, pet.” The
vampire grinned appreciatively. “It’s one of the reasons I’ve always liked
you.”

“You haven’t seen what Wills has had to put up with during the last couple
of days. You’ve been too busy beating up practice boards. It’s just been
sheer luck that I have.” The young women grimaced at the memory. She held up
a finger and thumb. “Angel has been this far from doing an Angelus on him,
believe me, Spike.”

Spike frowned. He knew as well as any of them just how anchored the elder
vampire’s soul was. He had seen Willow perform the spell after all. “So
what’s stopping him.”

“Willow of course.” The brunette replied with a grin. “Cue resolve look plus
puppy eyes and Angel stops dead in his tracks.”

“Well of course he does pet. Peaches is a bloody vampire after all.” His
quick dry response had her in hysterics and she was still laughing when they
entered the library. At the combined raised eyebrow of all three current
occupants, he shrugged nonchalantly. “She thinks I said something.”

“Yes, it’s one of your main failings from what I’ve seen.” Giles murmured,
looking up from the book he had been reading. “It happens every time you
open your mouth.”

From her seat on top of the table, Willow burst into laughter. “Giles, what
a horrible thing to say. The same could be said of all of us.”

“One main difference, sweetheart.” Angel rested his arms behind her, a
wicked smile on his face. “We tend to think first.”

“Oh Spike thinks, Angel.” Willow shifted slightly so she could lean against
his shoulder, defending the younger vampire. The mischievous twinkle
lighting up her green eyes though had them all waiting in anticipation. “How
else can he be so outrageous.”

“Thanks a lot, Red.” Spike glared at her in mock anger leaning against the
nearest bookcase. “Who needs enemies when I’ve got a pal like you.”

“Could say the same for you, Spike.” Willow looked up at Angel, eyes
sparkling merrily. “And I most probably have.”

He bent down and kissed the tip of her nose, then look over to the Watcher.
“Just how are we going to do this, Giles.” His hand slipped round Willow’s
waist as she rested her own on top of it. “Because I really think you should
let me have a quiet word with him still.”

“Angel!” Willow slapped his leg. “We’re trying to do this without blood
shed.”

“Besides its so darn hard to get it out of the carpet.” Cordelia murmured as
she sat down on a nearby chair. “How many times do I have to tell you that,
Boss.”

“Cordelia, would you mind!” Giles inserted before things got out of hand.

“Besides he only needs to take one look at you two right now and he’ll
know.” Cordelia grinned at the blond vampire who grinned back.

“Know what?” Black himself asked as he moved into the library.

“Peaches and Red are an item.”

His response to Spike’s blasé announcement surprised them all.

“He didn’t say anything!” Buffy repeated incredulously the following day.

“Not a single syllable, darling.” Doyle replied as he pulled the curtains
shut. “The girls look positively disappointed. Come to think of it, so did
Spike and Angel.”

Buffy shook her head, frowning deeply. “This doesn’t feel right, Doyle. That
man is almost drowning his obsession. He wouldn’t just let this go pass
without doing something. He’s up to something. He just has to be.”

The Irishman moved to her bedside. “I know exactly how you’re feeling,
Buffy. The only thing is he’s agreed to leave at the end of the week. What
can he do?”

“Giles has found someone to replace him?” The blonde exclaimed, eyes
lighting up.

“More like selected him.” Her mother replied as she joined her daughter and
the half-demon. “And he should fit in this crazy house with ease.”

“Well, what’s his name?” Buffy asked impatiently. “Details, mom.”

“Richard Howard.” Joyce grinned. “From what I overheard, Willow most
definitely approves. It seems she has talked quite frequently with Ricky via
e-mail and she likes him.”

“Which means the Boss will like him.” Doyle grinned as he bent down and
kissed Buffy on the forehead. “I’ll see you later beautiful. I promised Red
I’d get the princess off her back for a while by taking her shopping.”

“Heaven help you, Doyle, you’re going to need the patience of every Irish
saint in existence.” Buffy grinned impishly. “Where is Willow by the way? I
haven’t seen her yet today.”

Doyle and Joyce Summers shared a speaking look. The previous day Laura had
returned from school, murmuring about the sudden peculiar behaviour of a
girl in her class, and Willow’s curiosity had been stirred. As much as she
hated the idea of Buffy dying, she also knew that there had to be a new
Slayer and she had volunteered to investigate.

“Well, where is she?” Buffy repeated.

“She’s meeting Laura at school.” Joyce replied. “I think I heard her say
something about going over to see Amy as well.”

“Sounds like our Willow.” Buffy smiled fondly. “Is Oz at home as well?”

“Arrived home this morning.” Her mother replied, smoothing down the
bedspread. “I think she wanted to tell him about her and Angel in person,
but as far as I know, they should both be coming back here with Willow and
Laura.”

“Oh good. I hope Oz brings his guitar with him. I haven’t heard him play in
ages.”

Little did they expect what actually happened.
 

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