The small redhead burst through the crypt's entrance sobbing
hysterically. When she finally spotted Spike sitting in a corner,
cigarette firmly attached to his mouth, she began a high-speed, tear
filled explanation of her circumstances.
"What did I do wrong, Spike? I thought it was going to be different,
different than last time. But it's not. And…and, I knew
when I
started this that he couldn't want me. I knew he had feelings
for
her, he always has. Does he care about me at all? Why?"
each word
the Wicca spoke was infused with a sadness that even Spike had never
witnessed in a human before. "He hurt me." This last sentence
was
said in a pitiful whisper. It seemed to Spike that her soul was
open
for his perusal, and the soul-searing pain was clearly written upon
her face.
Looking at her, Spike realized that she was the only one who truly
gave a flying fuck about him. It hurt him that she hurt, and
all he
wanted was to make her feel better.
"Ah, pet, come `ere." He entreated. The fragile techno-pagan
could
not, or would not answer, but she fell into his offered embrace.
And, in a gesture eerily reminiscent of his treatment of the insane
Miss Dru, he stroked up and down her back while clutching her tightly
to his chest. They stayed like that for what seemed like forever.
Willow had finally calmed down.
Even though Spike knew that his next question would break the fragile
tranquility that the petite girl had gained he needed to know.
"Red, who is he?" he prodded gently, planning in his mind the
immeasurable torture that he would inflict (or have someone else
inflict) on her behalf. In a sudden burst of clarity the words
spoken earlier came back to him, and he knew without a doubt who the
girl had spoken of.
"It's him isn't it? It's that bloody lout you call your boyfriend.
I'll rip his damn head…AHH," the agony from the chip raced through
his body.
"No Spike, just…just take me away…I can't…I can't be here with him,
with her. Please Spike I need to leave. Help me get away."
Willow
begged.
"Her?" in that moment he knew exactly what had happened, and who had
been the main participants. He knew how she must feel… "Nevermind,
we'll leave as soon as we get your stuff, and we won't come back
until you want to, okay?"
"Your, your coming with me?" she questioned, not believing he would
be serious.
"Of course I am. Bloody hell, Red! Do you think I'm just
going to
leave you alone? I know what you went through with the wolf,
and if
I know anything it's going to be worse this time."
"We'll have to go to my house, and then on to the shop. I have
to
return a few books I borrowed to Giles." Willow said, still slightly
chocking on her sobs.
"Fine pet, but I want to get out of here as soon as possible.
And do
you know where you want to go?" he asked wanting to get a direction
for their little `vacation.'
"Yes, I do know where. We're going to the only place that Xander
and
Buffy will never check. Los Angeles.