~Part 1~
The car drove slowly on the winding curves towards the large house. Xander
was thinking all about his best friend since he was five. In just a couple
of days she was going to get married. But Xander wasn’t very happy. They
were twenty-two. It was a good time to get married. And the guy, Graham,
he
was an all right guy. It was who else was going to show up that Xander
was
worried about.
*************
“I need to see her.” Spike said. Xander glared at him.
“Gee you know considering this is going to be her wedding I’m thinking
no.”
Xander said. Spike glared.
“Look mate all I want to do is apologize.” He said.
“Gee Willow I’m sorry I left you, broke you’re heart, and didn’t even say
goodbye.” Xander mocked. “I really don’t think so dead boy.” Xander said.
He
felt anger surge through him. He pushed Spike up against the wall. “You
practically killed her. After all you’d done to convince her you loved
and
then you left without a word and never came back. I could stake you myself
for what you put her through.” Xander said angrily. Spike nodded.
“I know. That’s why I just want to apologize. Before she gets married I
just want to see her one last time. I don’t want to mess anything up.”
*************
So here Xander was driving up the coast to one of the Rosenburg estates
and
Spike wasn’t going to be to far behind him. Xander knew it wasn’t a good
idea to let him come, but somehow he thought Willow would feel better if
he
apologized.
Buffy sat in the passenger seat of Riley’s car. She was excited with plans
of Willow’s wedding. She was happy to see her best friend looking so good
again. After all she had gone through Graham had been good for her. Buffy
knew they’d be happy together. But she still couldn’t get the image of
Willow crying after she had found Spike’s letter.
************
“Buffy I need you to see something.” Willow said tearfully. Buffy looked
at
her friend who was trying hard not to lose control.
“What is it Will?” Buffy asked. Willow handed her a letter. Buffy unfolded
it and read it.
Dear Red,
I never meant to do much when I came back to Sunnydale, and that bloody
chip was definitely not in the game plan but neither was falling in love.
I
know by the time you find this you are wondering where I am but that I
can’t
tell you. I never wanted to hurt you but I know this will. I don’t know
if
I’m ever coming back pet but I love you.
Spike
Buffy had gone into shock. He had worked so hard to gain all of their trust
and then he had just left. What the hell was he playing? She looked at
Willow and the redhead burst into long held tears. Buffy hugged her trying
vainly to comfort her.
“He’s gone Buffy.” Willow whispered. “He’s gone.”
************
Willow didn’t get over Spike’s departure very quickly. It was worse then
Oz. In two years Spike never sent any word to Willow. It was like he had
vanished. But now it didn’t matter. Willow was happy and in one week she
was
getting married.
“Are you all right Buffy?” Riley asked. Buffy looked at him and smiled.
“Yeah I’m fine.” She said. Riley put one of his hands over Buffy’s and
squeezed it.
“Cool.”
~Part 2~
Willow sat on a bench out side of her parent’s huge home on northern coast
of California awaiting the arrival of her friends. In one week she would
be
Mrs. Graham Morris. The prospect of this was making Willow more excited
then
she had ever imagined. She tapped her fingers on the side of the bench.
It
had been a month since she’d seen her friends. The time had gotten to her.
************
“I’m going to one of my parents’ places up north for a break.” Willow said.
The gang looked at her in shock at the announcement.
“Why Willow?” Xander asked. Willow shrugged.
“I need a vacation. It won’t be for long. Just a few weeks or so.” She
promised.
“All right Willow. Whatever you need is fine.” Buffy said approvingly.
************
So here it was about six weeks later and during that time Graham had
proposed and the wedding had been arranged all around her. It was amazing
how fast things could get done if you were rich. Her mother had taken charge
of everything because Graham was an orphan. She felt sympathy toward him
so
Willow’s parents had adopted him as their own. Finally Riley’s jeep
pulled
up. Buffy was out of the jeep and hugging Willow before Riley had even
stopped.
“I missed you.” Buffy said. Willow sighed.
“I missed you too.” She said. Buffy looked her over.
“You look good.” Buffy said. Willow smiled.
“Thanks mom.” Buffy rolled her eyes.
“That is something my mom would say.” Buffy replied. They both laughed.
Willow pulled Buffy towards the house.
“Let’s go inside. Xander can find us.” Willow said. Buffy smiled.
“Riley we’re heading in.” Buffy said. Riley looked at the massive house
in
front of them.
“If I can’t find you I’ll shoot off a flare.” He said. Buffy laughed and
followed Willow to the house.
“He wouldn’t would he?” Willow asked. Buffy shrugged.
“He might.” She said.
They got into the house and Willow pulled Buffy into the living room. There
was an enormous bay window so they could watch for Xander.
“So what’s up?” Buffy asked as she sat next to Willow on the couch.
“Not much.” Willow replied. Buffy looked at her in disbelief.
“Oh come on you’re getting married in a seven days. Excited?
Nervous?”
“Both.” Willow answered.
“Scared?” Buffy asked.
“A little.” Willow replied. Buffy nodded.
“From what I’ve heard its called cold feet but it happens so don’t worry.”
Buffy said. Willow smiled at her as Buffy looked out the window. Uh oh,
she
thought. “You know what I am going to help Riley with the bags. You just
stay here and wait on Xander.” Buffy said. Willow nodded.
“Ok.” Buffy raced out of the living room and into the front yard. Xander
had just pulled up and right behind him was an unmistakable black De Soto.
Xander looked at the look on Buffy’s face and held up his hands.
“Hold on Buffy! I invited him.” Xander said. Buffy glare turned from Spike
to Xander.
“You did what?” She exclaimed in anger and shock. Xander nodded.
“He came to apologize.” Xander said. Buffy’s glare turned back to Spike.
“I would just like you to know that if Willow approves I will kill you.”
She said through gritting teeth. Spike nodded.
“All right blondie.” He replied. He led the way into the house. Xander
noticed he seemed to know exactly where he was going but he didn’t say
anything. He didn’t was to piss Buffy off any more. When Spike got to the
living room door he looked at Buffy.
“Could you at least go in first?” He asked. Buffy sighed and walked into
the living room.
“Wills someone is outside that wants to see you.” Buffy said.
“Who is it?” Willow asked. Buffy took a step to the side as Spike walked
in.
“Hi red.” He said quietly. Willow looked at him for a moment then she
looked at Buffy.
“Can you leave us alone?” Willow asked. Buffy nodded.
“If you need me I’m right outside and I will have a stake.” Buffy said.
Willow smiled at her friend as she left. Then she turned to her ex-lover.
“What are you doing here?” Willow asked. Spike looked at her.
“I’m here to see you.” He said. Willow shook her head.
“You could’ve seen me at any time. You pick now?” She asked.
“Yeah I know. I wanted to apologize before you got married.” Spike said.
“Where have you been?” Willow asked. For an instant Spike considered
telling her. Then he changed his mind.
“I had to leave.” He said. Willow’s green eyes turned cold and stared
straight into his.
“Why?” She asked. Spike decided to give her half of the truth. She deserves
that much, he thought.
“I didn’t know how to deal with being in love with you.” He said. Willow
sat on the couch in defeat.
“You seemed to deal with Dru pretty well.” She shot. Spike sat next to her.
“That was different pet. Being in lust isn’t quiet like being in love.”
His
hand touched her cheek. “That was nothing compared to what we have.” She
quickly pulled away from him. She had forgotten the way his touch affected
her.
“Had.” Willow corrected. “You’ve been gone for two years Spike. I’m over
it
and it’s in the past.” She said.
“Sorry pet.” He said as he looked at the floor. Then he looked back up
at
her. “I really am sorry for everything,” Willow tried to keep from throwing
herself into his arms. No you don’t love him anymore, she convinced herself.
“I forgive you.” She said quietly. They sat quietly for a moment. “Would
you like to stay here at the house?” Willow offered. Spike smiled at her.
“Yeah I’d like that.” He said.
~Part 3~
The next morning Willow decided she needed to get away. There were four
floors in the estate so it was easy to get lost. She needed some quiet
time.
As she descended down the stairs she bumped into Graham.
“Hey. Did everybody get here all right?” Graham asked. Willow nodded. “Are
you ok?” He asked. Willow looked at him and smiled.
“Yeah I’m fine.” She said. He smiled at her and gave her a quick kiss on
the cheek.
“I have to go do something for your mom but I’ll see you at dinner ok?”
“Yeah that’s fine.” Willow answered. He smiled at her and disappeared up
the stairs. Willow continued down the stairs. Something tugged at her
thoughts. Spike was here in the same house as she was. She hadn’t even
seen
him in two years and now he was just here. I can deal with this, she
thought, I mean its just Spike.
She walked into the kitchen on the bottom floor. She opened the
refrigerator and pulled out a can of coke.
“Hey red.” Spike said from behind her. She almost dropped the can. She
turned and saw him sitting at the kitchen table. Out of all the rooms in
this house he has to be in this one, she thought.
“Hi.” She said. Suddenly she felt very self-conscious. She chose a seat
at
the other end of the table, across from him.
“So how’s it going?” He asked. She nodded.
“Pretty good.” Willow answered casually. “How have things been with you?”
“Never boring pet.” He answered. Willow shivered. Just his voice had that
effect on her. “What were you doing all the way down here?”
“Hiding.” Willow confessed. Spike smiled at her.
“It’s pretty easy to do around this place.” He said looking around the
huge
kitchen. Willow nodded.
“When I was little we used to come here in the summer and I would hide
down
here forever. Until I realized no one was really looking for me. So then
I
came out and went back up to my room.” She smiled as she remembered those
years. Back when the most complicated thing in her life was which pajamas
to
wear to bed and which teddy bears to sleep with so the monsters wouldn’t
get
her.
“So I see it’s still your hiding place.” He said. Willow nodded.
“Actually the funny thing is I was hiding from you.” Willow said. They
both
started laughing.
“So much for that idea red.” Spike said still laughing. She looked at him.
“Where were you all this time?” She asked. He sighed. If he was going to
stick around he was going to have to tell her.
“I was chasing Dru.” He said. Willow looked at him in disbelief. “It’s
true. The last night I saw you I went home to find her waiting for me.
She
wanted to relive the old times.”
“You mean you…you slept with her?” Willow asked. Just the idea hurt.
“No pet!” He said quickly. “But she surely put up a good case. Then she
realized there was you. She told me if I ever saw you again she’d kill
you.
So I decided to chase her down and kill her first. When I saw how much
it
hurt you…” He sighed. “I found her eventually and killed her. But by that
time I knew I couldn’t just come back into you’re life.”
************
Spike walked up to Willow’s door for the millionth time. Bloody idiot,
he
thought, if you love her go in there after her. Suddenly he saw her coming
up the walk to the house and she wasn’t alone. Spike quickly stepped into
the shadows.
“I had so much fun tonight.” Willow said. Graham took her hands into his.
“Well we kicked Buffy and Riley’s butts in pool. That was definitely fun.”
He said. “I never knew you played that well.” Willow blushed.
“I had a very good teacher once.” She said. Graham smiled.
“So when are we getting together again?” He asked. Willow shrugged happily.
“Whenever you want.” She said. He smiled.
“Sounds like a plan.” He said. Then he leaned closer and his lips met with
hers. The kiss didn’t last very long but it made its mark on Spike. He
disappeared into the dark without a sound.
************
“Then I found out while I was in LA that you were getting married. I
couldn’t just keep pretending nothing ever happened between us. So I
convinced Xander to bring me here.” He finished and Willow didn’t say
anything. “I’m sorry red.” He told her again.
“You left because you were afraid Dru would kill me?” Willow asked. Spike
nodded. “But you saw me after you left?”
“I saw you the first time you read the letter. You have no idea how much
I
wanted to come into the room, hold you, and tell you it was all a lie.
But I
couldn’t. I knew Dru to well and she would’ve been right there and we both
would’ve been dead before you can say bloody hell.” He explained. Willow
nodded slowly.
“I understand, You did what you had to do.” She said quietly.
“But I should’ve come back sooner.” He said. Willow shrugged.
“It’s in the past. I say we make a new start.” Willow said bravely.
“Friends?”
“Definitely red.” Spike replied. Willow smiled.
Later that night Willow came down from her room to the dining room. She
saw
Graham and gave him a kiss as he slipped his arm around Willow’s waist.
It
was then she noticed Spike’s gaze. She kissed him a little longer then
necessary. You don’t care anything about him, she convinced herself. He’s
just a friend. But Graham had noticed Spike.
“I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure.” Graham said.
“Graham this is Spike. An old friend of mine from high school.” Willow
said. Graham and Spike shook hands. Old meets new, she thought. And it
seemed they knew this too because they didn’t speak another word to each
other. Willow sat down at the table next to Graham and Buffy sat on her
other side. Spike ended up right across from her.
“So Wills what was this about not having a regular wedding?” Buffy asked.
Willow nodded.
“Yeah I wanted some different. So my dress is not at all formal wedding
wear. I’ll have to show it to you. The ceremony is going to be at night.”
Willow explained. Buffy smiled dreamily.
“That is so cool.” She said. Willow nodded happily. While the girls talked
Xander and Riley discussed military strategies. Xander still remembered
a
few things from that Halloween long ago. Graham interjected a few random
comments but mostly he eyed the blonde across from Willow. They had a past
that Graham was sure of. He could tell in the quick way Willow had
introduced them.
“So how do you know Willow?” Graham asked. Spike looked at him as if just
noticing he was there.
“I knew her when she was in high school.” He said. Graham nodded.
“Yeah I got that. How did you know her? Did you go to school together?”
Graham asked. Spike gave him a mysterious smile.
“You could say we learned a few things together.” Spike said. Graham didn’t
like the way he said that.
“Like what?” Graham asked. Willow had noticed the conversation between
them.
“You know I’m not really that hungry. I’m just gonna go in the living room
and watch a few movies. Why don’t you come with me Graham?” Graham caught
the edge in her voice but agreed. What ever these two had together he could
find out later. She’s mine now, he thought. Willow took his hand and they
left the dining room together. Xander laughed as they left.
“I thought they were supposed to wait for the wedding night for that kind
of stuff.” He snickered. Spike stood up abruptly from the table. He left
without a word. Buffy slapped the back of Xander’s head.
“Why did you say that?” She asked. Xander shrugged.
“He’s gotta get over her eventually.” Xander said. But deep down he was
wishing for something else all together.
Willow and Graham walked through the large halls of the house. He couldn’t
let Spike go.
“Who is that guy?” He asked. Willow shrugged.
“I told you just an old friend.” She insisted. Graham shook his head.
“You two seem to know each other pretty well.” Graham said.
“What makes you say that?” Willow asked.
“Just the way he kept looking at you.” Graham said. Willow acted casual.
“Trust me we’re just friends.” She said. Graham sighed.
“Yeah I know. Look I’m pretty tired from all the stuff I was doing today.
I
think I’m just gonna call it a night. Willow nodded.
“Ok.” She said. Graham gave her a light kiss on the lips and turned back
to
the staircase. Willow sighed. I might as well head up to bed too. She went
back to her room and changed into dark green satin nightgown. It was short
and had spaghetti straps but Willow loved it.
She thought of going to bed but she was too restless. I’ll just go for
a
little walk, she thought. She headed out into the hall and up the stairs
to
the third floor. She walked down the large halls looking at the old
paintings on the walls. Everything overcame her at once. The wedding, Spike
being there, and just life in general. She leaned her back up against the
wall and closed her eyes.
Spike walked down the hallway quietly as if he were a shadow himself. He
couldn’t get the image of the commando kissing Willow out of his head.
My
red, he thought. Not anymore you bloody idiot. He sighed. He had tried
to go
to sleep but sleep wouldn’t come. It was night and he was a vampire, not
a
great time to try and sleep. Then he saw her. She was standing against
the
wall with her eyes closed and her hands behind her back. Her all ready
short
nightgown was just covering the tops of her tanned legs. She looked so
sexy
yet so innocent all at the same time. It was what Spike had always loved
about her. His eyes swept over her body noticing very curve. She looked
like
some kind of goddess. Damn I hate her, he thought. But it was only a lie.
He
hated the way she made him want her.
“Out for a midnight stroll are we red?” Spike asked. Willow eyes
flew open
at the sound of his voice. Her cheeks became very warm. How long has he
been
standing there, Willow wondered. She instantly noticed how good he looked.
He was shirtless wearing only a pair of black pants. His chest looked as
if
the gods had sculpted him. She tore her eyes of his body and up to his
blue
eyes.
“What are you doing up here?” Willow asked.
“Not much. Just out for a little stroll. How about you?” He asked. Willow
didn’t move.
“Pretty much the same.” She said. God he looks good, she thought. Willow
felt a shiver go through her. She had to wrap her arms around herself to
keep from shaking. Spike resisted the urge to wrap his arms around her.
“I
think I’m just going to go to bed.” Spike nodded.
“Yeah me too.” Right after I take a bloody cold shower, he added silently.
They headed down opposite ends of the hall.
You are not in love with him, you are not in love with him, she thought.
He
does not look so unbelievably sexy.
It’s all right mate. It’s just a chit. She didn’t look that good, he
thought, not that gorgeous at all.
~Part 4~
Later that night Willow came down from her room to the dining room. She
saw
Graham and gave him a kiss as he slipped his arm around Willow’s waist.
It
was then she noticed Spike’s gaze. She kissed him a little longer then
necessary. You don’t care anything about him, she convinced herself. He’s
just a friend. But Graham had noticed Spike.
“I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure.” Graham said.
“Graham this is Spike. An old friend of mine from high school.”
Willow said. Graham and Spike shook hands. Old meets new, she thought.
And
it seemed they knew this too because they didn’t speak another word to
each
other. Willow sat down at the table next to Graham and Buffy sat on her
other side. Spike ended up right across from her.
“So Wills what was this about not having a regular wedding?” Buffy asked.
Willow nodded.
“Yeah I wanted some different. So my dress is not at all formal wedding
wear. I’ll have to show it to you. The ceremony is going to be at night.”
Willow explained. Buffy smiled dreamily.
“That is so cool.” She said. Willow nodded happily. While the girls talked
Xander and Riley discussed military strategies. Xander still remembered
a
few things from that Halloween long ago. Graham interjected a few random
comments but mostly he eyed the blonde across from Willow. They had a past
that Graham was sure of. He could tell in the quick way Willow had
introduced them.
“So how do you know Willow?” Graham asked. Spike looked at him as if just
noticing he was there.
“I knew her when she was in high school.” He said. Graham nodded.
“Yeah I got that. How did you know her? Did you go to school together?”
Graham asked. Spike gave him a mysterious smile.
“You could say we learned a few things together.” Spike said. Graham didn’t
like the way he said that.
“Like what?” Graham asked. Willow had noticed the conversation between
them.
“You know I’m not really that hungry. I’m just gonna go in the living room
and watch a few movies. Why don’t you come with me Graham?” Graham caught
the edge in her voice but agreed. What ever these two had together he could
find out later. She’s mine now, he thought. Willow took his hand and they
left the dining room together. Xander laughed as they left.
“I thought they were supposed to wait for the wedding night for that kind
of stuff.” He snickered. Spike stood up abruptly from the table. He left
without a word. Buffy slapped the back of Xander’s head.
“Why did you say that?” She asked. Xander shrugged.
“He’s gotta get over her eventually.” Xander said. But deep down he was
wishing for something else all together.
Willow and Graham walked through the large halls of the house. He couldn’t
let Spike go.
“Who is that guy?” He asked. Willow shrugged.
“I told you just an old friend.” She insisted. Graham shook his head.
“You two seem to know each other pretty well.” Graham said.
“What makes you say that?” Willow asked.
“Just the way he kept looking at you.” Graham said. Willow acted casual.
“Trust me we’re just friends.” She said. Graham sighed.
“Yeah I know. Look I’m pretty tired from all the stuff I was doing today.
I
think I’m just gonna call it a night. Willow nodded.
“Ok.” She said. Graham gave her a light kiss on the lips and turned back
to
the staircase. Willow sighed. I might as well head up to bed too. She went
back to her room and changed into dark green satin nightgown. It was short
and had spaghetti straps but Willow loved it.
She thought of going to bed but she was too restless. I’ll just go for
a
little walk, she thought. She headed out into the hall and up the stairs
to
the third floor. She walked down the large halls looking at the old
paintings on the walls. Everything overcame her at once. The wedding, Spike
being there, and just life in general. She leaned her back up against the
wall and closed her eyes.
Spike walked down the hallway quietly as if he were a shadow himself. He
couldn’t get the image of the commando kissing Willow out of his head.
My
red, he thought. Not anymore you bloody idiot. He sighed. He had tried
to go
to sleep but sleep wouldn’t come. It was night and he was a vampire, not
a
great time to try and sleep. Then he saw her. She was standing against
the
wall with her eyes closed and her hands behind her back. Her all ready
short
nightgown was just covering the tops of her tanned legs. She looked so
sexy
yet so innocent all at the same time. It was what Spike had always loved
about her. His eyes swept over her body noticing very curve. She looked
like
some kind of goddess. Damn I hate her, he thought. But it was only a lie.
He
hated the way she made him want her.
“Out for a midnight stroll are we red?” Spike asked. Willow eyes
flew open
at the sound of his voice. Her cheeks became very warm. How long has he
been
standing there, Willow wondered. She instantly noticed how good he looked.
He was shirtless wearing only a pair of black pants. His chest looked as
if
the gods had sculpted him. She tore her eyes of his body and up to his
blue
eyes.
“What are you doing up here?” Willow asked.
“Not much. Just out for a little stroll. How about you?” He asked. Willow
didn’t move.
“Pretty much the same.” She said. God he looks good, she thought. Willow
felt a shiver go through her. She had to wrap her arms around herself to
keep from shaking. Spike resisted the urge to wrap his arms around her.
“I
think I’m just going to go to bed.” Spike nodded.
“Yeah me too.” Right after I take a bloody cold shower, he added silently.
They headed down opposite ends of the hall.
You are not in love with him, you are not in love with him, she thought.
He
does not look so unbelievably sexy.
It’s all right mate. It’s just a chit. She didn’t look that good, he
thought, not that gorgeous at all.
The next day Willow sat in the living room with Xander watching movies
and
catching up on old times.
“So when is Anya getting here?” She asked. Xander shrugged.
“When she finishes packing.” He said. Willow laughed.
“She couldn’t be that busy with her new job.” Willow said. Xander sighed.
“Ever since she opened that restaurant we haven’t had five minutes together.
How the hell was I suppose to know she could cook that well?” He grumbled.
Willow smiled.
“That’s what a thousand years does to a girl.” She explained. Xander sighed.
“Well I wish someone would undo it.” Just then Spike walked in. This house
isn’t that damn small, she screamed in her mind.
“What are you two up to?” He asked. Willow shrugged.
“Not much.” Xander said. “Why don’t you join us in doing nothing?” Willow
looked at him in shock. Spike shrugged and took a seat in one of the chairs
next to the couch that Xander and Willow occupied. Willow sighed and tried
to concentrate on the movie. Why the hell did Xander do that, she wondered.
Suddenly the romantic flick Willow had originally picked out wasn’t
appealing anymore.
“This movie sucks.” Willow said. Xander nodded.
“Yeah. Find something with a little more action.” He suggested with his
eyes
still on the TV. Willow nodded and stood up to go to the video case. Then
she realized Spike was sitting right under it. I’m going to have to lean
over him to get a movie, she thought, oh boy this’ll be fun. She took a
deep
breath and reached her arms over him. “Sorry.” She muttered. Spike tried
to
look at the TV around her but to no avail. Why does she have to smell so
good, he thought, you are such a Nancy boy get over her.
Just as Willow grabbed the movie she wanted she lost her balance. She tried
to catch herself and ended up right in Spike’s lap. She looked into his
eyes. This was the closest she had been to him in two years. She made no
attempt to move and he made no attempt to move her. For just a moment all
they saw was each other. Then Graham and Riley walked in. Willow quickly
jumped up and fell onto the couch next to Xander.
“Hey guys.” Xander said casually. If he had noticed the chair incident
he
didn’t say anything. Graham looked at Willow for a moment.
“I’m gonna go find a drink.” Spike said. He quickly left pushing past Riley
to make a quick exit. Willow ignored Graham’s stare by looking very
interested in the movie.
You killed Raoul, the girl cried. Several guards quickly tried to detain
her.
Stop it leave her alone, the king ordered. He rushed to the girl’s side.
What ever it is that I have done to wrong you I will make it up I swear,
he
whispered.
Graham looked at her trying to avoid his glance and headed back out the
door. He saw Spike walking down the hall. He broke into a run and caught
up
with him.
“Wait up.” He said. Spike wouldn’t stop so he grabbed his arm. Spike glared
at him.
“What do you want mate?” Spike asked.
“I want you to stop whatever it is you’re trying to do with Willow.” Graham
ordered. Spike laughed.
“I really don’t know what it is you’re talking about.” Spike said.
“I saw how you’ve been looking at her. You don’t try and hide it. I swear
if you do anything to upset her I’ll see to it you be hurt.” Graham said.
“Who said anything about upsetting her? I can’t make her do anything
against her will.” Spike said. Graham glared at her.
“If you do anything with her I’ll kill you.” Graham said.
“Is that a threat?” Spike challenged.
“No it’s a promise.” Graham insisted.
As soon as Graham was out of site Willow bolted to the stairs leading the
basement floor. She ran down the stairs and headed down a hall. Then she
ran
into one of the rooms and closed the door behind her. She looked around.
It
was still decorated with flowered wallpaper and her teddy bears were lined
up on the bed. It had been the room she would escape to when she was little.
Her father had fixed it up for her when he saw she liked it.
She lay down on the bed and curled up into a ball clutching one of her
bears. Tears began to flow down her cheeks. Why can’t it be the way it
was
when I was seven, she wondered. A few minutes later there was a knock at
the
door. Startled she sat up and wiped the tears from her cheeks.
“Come in.” She said quietly. The door opened and Spike looked in at her.
No
matter where she was he could find her.
“Are you all right pet?” He asked. Willow shook her head and broke down
crying. He sat down on the bed and curbed the impulse to put his arms around
her and comfort her.
“I can’t do this.” She said, her voice cracking. “Why won’t it work? Why
can’t we be just friends?” She asked. Spike shook his head.
“We’re not friends. We’ll never be friends. It doesn’t work that way when
you’re in love.” He explained knowingly.
“Why not?” Willow asked. She looked so young to him, so unknowing in the
ways of the world.
“I can’t be like that pet. I’m a vampire. That means I can be only two
things. I’m a killer and a lover. I can’t be anything else. I don’t know
how.” He said. Her eyes told him she had all ready known that.
“What are you when you’re with me?” She asked quietly. Her tears had stopped
now. She knew the answer but she wanted him to say it.
“When I’m even near you, you’re all I see red. There’s nothing in this
world
that I want more but you’re also the only thing I’m denied. Damn it red
I
need you.” Willow turned away.
“I needed you too.” She whispered quietly. “For months I cried my self
to
sleep hoping against hope that I would wake up and you would be there.
But
you never were. That’s why I had to move on. We can’t work. How am I
supposed to know that you won’t run away at the next sign of trouble? Why
can’t e be just friends?”
“Damn it red don’t you see? We can’t even be near each other. I can’t be
just a friend. I don’t want to be.” He said rising from the bed.
“That’s all that’s left.” She said. He looked at her for a moment and
stormed out of the room. Willow began to cry silently. He was right. They
couldn’t be just friends. Even he knew she wanted him too much. But in
four
days she was getting married. That was all there was too it. They were
over.
Spike stormed up the stairs and up onto the main floor. Graham walked
towards him but Spike just pushed past him.
“I’d mind my manners if I were you.” Graham said. Spike stopped and turned
to face him.
“Don’t try me boy.” Spike growled. Graham gave him a cocky grin.
“Looks like some one needs an attitude adjustment.” He said. Spike gave
him
an evil smile. His eyes flashed yellow for an instant.
“And you just the one to teach me.” He said. Graham threw a punch at Spike
and then Spike threw one back. Soon they were at each others’ throats.
Xander and Riley heard the commotion from the living room and headed out
to
the hallway. They tried to get the two suitors off of each other but it
was
no use. Spike and Graham were out for each other’s blood.
Willow could hear the shouts from the room. She ran up the stairs to find
Graham and Spike trying to kill each other. She quickly saw that Graham
wasn’t much of a match for Spike’s strength.
“Stop it!” She screamed. At the sound of her voice the two men stopped
and
looked at her.
“Willow…”
“I don’t want to hear it!” She yelled.
"Red..."
"I said shut up! If you two jerks can’t act like adults then don’t talk
to
me! My wedding is in four days and you two are not going to ruin it with
manly displays of idiocy!” Willow finished her yelling and stormed up to
her
room. She left the two men to stare after her.
“Don’t get on the redhead’s bad side.” Xander suggested. Then he went up
after her.