"I'm getting tired of hiding this"
"Me too. Only until school ends. Then, we can go away together. Nothing will matter."
"They don't hate me, exactly. They will if they find out about this."
"They won't. We've kept it hidden for two years. Hell, they even thought you really left. We can do this."
"How long is the slayer gone?"
"Until Sunday evening. I'm your all weekend."
"Really?"
"Well, besides being your for the rest of my life yes."
Spike moved his hand over Willow's cheek. "They have no idea, do they?"
"None. Kiss me."
Spike moved his lips over hers, his tongue trailing along her lips, demanding entrance. She gasped when she felt him push her skirt up. He chuckled.
"Someone is being a naughty girl...no panties pet?"
"What can I say? I am in love with a horny old man. Besides, I like to be prepared just in case we get time alone."
"Old? I'll show you old, little girl. I have more stamina than any of these young pups that go to your school."
"Promises, promises" Willow said smiling.
He freed his cock and ran it along her slit. He saw her eyes darken with need. Taking his sweet time, he slowly pushed into her, holding her against the wall of the building. They were so used to sneaking around that, even when they didn't have to, they still did. He couldn't wait to have her in his bed all weekend. He was thrilled that the slayer had left town.
Willow pushed against him, taking him deeper. She felt his hands move under her ass, holding her in place against the cold brick. He had ruined her for anyone else. His touched excited her in a way that no one else could. She couldn't describe the feelings that he brought out in her. Always had. SInce that first night. Nothing had been able to put out the flames.
Spike pumped into her several times. He saw her eyes fluttering as she began to cum. She tightened her hold on his cock, milking his own release from him. He felt his face shift as he bit into her breast. Her warm blood flowed into his mouth as he sucked hungrily. Knowing that he had enough, he pulled away. She caught his mouth with hers as she slid down to a standing position.
Pulling away she smiled, "All weekend. Your bed or mine?"
"I think we should say mine, just in case you get surprise visitors."
"Let's go then luv" she said, imitating his voice.
He put his arm around her waist as they walked out of the alley, both glancing around to make sure that no one was watching. He was getting tired of this charade.
* * * * *
"Spike, why don't you and Willow go look for at the cemetery."
Willow looked up at Giles. "Would you rather me stay here and help research?"
"Yeah, I could look better without having to worry about the chit" Spike protested.
"I would prefer everyone to work in pairs. Xander and Anya are checking the Bronze. Buffy and Riley are looking around Downtown. That leaves you two. Try to put aside your animosity for the evening and work together."
"Sure thing Giles" Willow said smiling. "I'll help the popsicle search."
"Popsicle?" Spike rolled his eyes. "Come on beanpole. The graves await us."
"Beanpole?" Willow demanded harshly as they walked outside.
Giles looked at the others. "Just like children. Always bickering."
Buffy laughed. "I may have to worry about him killing her instead of the nasties."
"He won't kill her. He enjoys their fights." Anya said, standing.
"What?"
She looked at them. "Are you all blind? Those two have been fucking since before I got here. You say I'm stupid."
"No way. Spike was evil then." Xander protested.
"I call them as I see them. Red and Blondie are bumping uglies. Ask them if you don't believe me."
Buffy shook her head in denial. "Willow would have told me."
Anya laughed. "I can just see that conversation. 'Oh, Buffy, by the way. You know that dead stud that tried to kill us all? Well, he and I are having wild, hot monkey sex. Just thought you should know.' Please. She still blushes when we talk about sex. You would have staked his cute ass then berated her. Who cares? It's her body. She got herself a hottie. Be happy. Xander, Come now. Bronze is waiting."
The others looked at the ex-demon in surprise. Had they been blind all these months? Had she seen something that they had chosen to ignore? Buffy shook her head as she tried to remember everything that had happened since Spike had come to town.
"Anya is right" Buffy said softly.
"What?" Xander looked across the table at her.
"About Willow and Spike. I've been thinking about it all night. There has always been this connection between them. I just never paid attention."
"Willow and Spike?" Xander repeated. "You think so?"
"She has lied to us for over two years. I can't believe her."
"She never lied" Anya pointed out. "She just didn't tell the truth. I want to dance."
"I don't" Xander said, his mind reeling at the idea that his friend had been secretly been carrying on an affair with their enemy. "That's why he helped you defeat Angelus."
"I'd wager a guess." Buffy said. "Can you believe it?"
"I wonder if she ever plans on telling us?"
Buffy watched Anya dancing with Riley. "I don't know. I really don't know. I can't trust her anymore. She has proven that her loyalty belongs to him."
"I don't know Buff. This is Willow."
"I know." Buffy said softly.
* * * * *
"You lying bitch." Buffy hissed at Willow.
"Way to be delicate" Anya said.
Willow looked around the room. Giles, Riley, Xander, Anya, Buffy. Everyone was looking at her with a mixture of hatred and disappointment. She sighed. They knew.
"I never lied" Willow said quietly.
"You call fucking one of my..our biggest enemies for years not lying?" Buffy said.
"I love him" Willow said.
"Love? That's a joke. He's using you to get to me." Buffy declared. "Remember? I'm the slayer."
"Who could forget with you reminding me constantly?" Willow said trying to keep her cool.
"Is he a good fuck?" Anya asked. "What? I don't care who sleeps with. He hasn't killed anyone, so I don't see that harm."
"He tried to kill us a dozen times" Xander said, his eyes cold as he looked at Willow. "That time he kidnapped us? What was that about?"
"He had to see me. He reacted when you were there." Willow said quietly.
"He almost killed me."
"Did not. You passed out" Willow said.
"I'm going to stake him. I don't care if he is helping us."
Willow looked at Buffy. "No. He's a better person than Angel ever could imagine being. You let him go."
"Angel has a soul."
"Angelus didn't. He killed Jenny. He tried to kill me. Spike never killed any of us. Sure, he tried. It's expected. He doesn't have a soul and he's still better than Angel."
"You bitch," Buffy said.
"If you kill him, I'll kill you." Willow said softly, her eyes serious. "I will track you down and make you beg for death. Don't push me on this one Buff. I'll win."
"You'd choose him over me?"
"In a heartbeat."
"Which he doesn't have" Xander pointed out.
Willow sighed, "None of you know him. Really know him. I've been with him since shortly after Halloween a couple of years ago. In all that time, he's never once tried to hurt me. He's saved me I don't know how many times. He's even saved every one of you. I don't want to lose you but he has my heart."
"Go then. Run to your little vampire. We don't need you" Buffy said, her voice hard.
"If that's the way you want it" Willow said, blinking back tears. She turned. She felt a hand on her shoulder.
"I don't care what they say, I could care less who you fuck. He saved me. I technically owe him my life. I just wanted you to know." Anya smiled at Willow, letting her know that she at least had one friend.
"Thank you" Willow said softly, squeezing the girl's hand.
Anya watched her leave. Turning, she glared at the others. "That was just bad of you." she turned and left, slamming the door.
* * * * *
Spike saw Willow's face as she entered the apartment. "What's wrong?"
She sat down and looked at him. "They know."
He sat, running his hand through his blond hair. "How?"
"I don't know. Guess they finally noticed. It wasn't pretty."
"What did they do?" he felt anger run through him.
"Nothing. Let's just say that I have one friend right now."
"Who?"
Willow laughed, "Amazingly, Anya. She told them off rather nicely. Reminds me of Cordelia in a lot of ways. Similar personalities."
"We'd better call Peaches."
"I forgot. We can warn him and Cor that they'll probably hear about it. Let them know to act surprised."
"You going to be ok?"
Willow saw the concern in his eyes. "As long as I have you, things are great. We just will be moving to LA a bit sooner than planned."
"The cheerleader will be thrilled."
"So will Angel. I'm sure he's tired of paying her large phone bills."
"They don't that you two girls are so close either do they?"
Willow shook her head. "No. Cordy and I sort of kept it a secret. She moved past Xander when he fucked Faith. Went back to her old group. I helped her through all that. I was happy for her to be able to leave Sunnydale."
"Do I need to watch my back?"
"Yes. I told Buffy that if she hurt you, I'd kill her. I don't know if she believed me or not."
"You told her that, luv?" Spike looked impressed.
"Of course. I can't live without you."
"If she hurts you again, I'll kill her. I won't allow anyone to hurt you."
"I'll see about transferring mid-semester. We can get out of here and just enjoy life. Sound good?"
He kissed her slowly, loving her with his mouth. "Sounds great."
"Go call Angel. I'm sure Buffy will call and whine to him soon enough."
Spike smiled at her, "Peaches can wait. You've had a stressful day. Let me make it better."
He leaned in and kissed her again, his hands running over her tense body.
* * * * *
"They don't even mention your name" Anya said, disgusted at their behavior.
Willow smiled. "That's ok. They are only hurting themselves. I'm getting over it."
"It's been two weeks!" Anya said. "I won't even give Xander sex. He still won't give in."
"Anya, you've done enough. Don't withhold sex on my account."
Anya smiled, "Bet you never thought you'd say that."
"No. You're right."
"So, how is Studly?"
Willow rolled her eyes. "Spike is fine. I think he is glad that he no longer has to play nice with the slayer."
"When did he play nice?" Anya asked amused.
"He tried. That's more than they are doing."
"You sure you're ok?"
"Yes. I have Spike and I have you. I also have a few other friends that don't care who I love."
"I'm glad. This has really shown me a side of Xander that I don't like. He is letting Buffy do his thinking for him."
"Get use to it. Xander is like one of those ping pong balls that goes back and forth. He never knows what he really thinks."
"I've noticed. There are times I hate being human, but there are others when I am glad that I am."
"Getting better?"
"Yes. I thought I loved Xander. Now, I'm not sure. He was the first human I ever became involved with. What do you think?"
"That I am staying out of this." Willow sighed, "Anya, you can't ignore your heart. If it tells you he's the one, he is. If it doesn't, just use him for sex until you find the right one."
"You sound like me."
"I learn quickly" Willow said smiling. "I'd better go. It is almost dusk. Spike will be looking for me. Thanks for dinner."
"Thanks for listening. Give Studly a nice blow job for me."
Willow laughed and shook her head as she left her friend.
Anya watched her new friend leave. She saw the way Willow's face lit up when spoke of Spike. The lust and love that filled her eyes. Anya had been over to visit several times. She saw that they loved each other deeply. She knew that they would die for each other. She sighed. She also knew that she would not die for Xander. She would have even a month ago. Now, the feelings had begun to fade. She wanted someone that looked at her like Spike looked at Willow. She wanted someone that would die for her. She wondered if she would be lucky enough to find someone like that. She paid the check and headed home.
* * * * *
Anya threw the plate in the sink. She glared at Xander.
"Guess who I had lunch with?"
He looked at her. "No one I know I'm sure."
"You're a bastard. You act as though she hasn't been your friend since you peed in a diaper."
"Anya, stop. I don't have to explain myself to you."
"Fine. Just leave. I'm tired of this."
"What?" Xander looked at her in surprise.
"He loves her. She loves him. It is none of your business who she loves. You can't accept that. So, leave. I'd rather be myself than sit here with a hypocrite."
"Hypocrite?"
"Must I mention Cordelia and Faith?"
Xander paled. "Fine. I guess it must be that time of the month. I'll call you tomorrow."
"What-ever" Anya said, watching him leave. She wondered if she had made a bad choice. She felt her heart twist as she imagined life without him. She didn't like his attitude though. Maybe a day apart would do them good.
Her phone rang. "What?"
"Is Willow still with you?"
"Studly? No, she left right before dark. I guess it was almost seven. Why?"
"She isn't here. She didn't call. Something happened. I looked around the neighborhood but didn't see her."
Anya felt a rush of fear shoot through her. "No..."
"I'm worried." the words were spoken softly.
"I'll be right there. We'll find her. Don't worry, Spike. She's fine. I'm sure of it."
"I hope so" the phone hung up.
Anya ran out the door, grabbing her purse on the way.
* * * * *
Willow opened her eyes. Her head was throbbing. She looked around, her eyes widening in fear as she stared.
"Someone's been a naughty girl. Took my Spikey away then took my daddy away from me. Naughty girls have to be punished. Yes, they must be punished."
* * * * *
Angel looked up at Cordelia's white face.
"What's wrong Cordelia?" his deep voice asked.
"Vision" she said sitting down.
"And?" Angel prompted
She shook her head. "Water."
"Water?"
She rolled her eyes. "I need water."
He got her a cup and filled it. "Here."
She drank it down. "We have to go to Sunnydale."
"What?" He demanded.
She looked at him, fear in her eyes. "Willow's in danger. She's going to die if we don't get there."
"Willow? Oh, God. Spike." Angel went to the phone. He called his childe. His words were short. He hung up. "Willow's been missing since this evening. We have to go now."
"You can drive" Cordelia said, grabbing her purse. "Like a bat out of hell, please."
"Look for police." he cautioned.
"I saw Willow and dolls. A lot of dolls." she said softly. "And blood. So much blood. Drive fast."
Angel heard her words. Dolls? He felt a twist in his gut. It couldn't be. He pushed the accelerator down. They needed to get to Sunnydale.
* * * * *
Spike hung up, his face desperate. "Angel and Cordelia are coming."
Anya looked at him, "Buffy and Xander's exes?"
"Friends of mine and Willow." Spike corrected.
"What did they say? How did they know?"
"Cordelia had a vision. Willow is in danger. I can't lose her." Spike said slowly, kicking the table with his large boot.
"You won't. We won't let that happen." Anya declared. "When will they get here?"
"Less than an hour. Peaches will drive. Promise me we'll find her."
Anya looked into his desperate eyes. They were slightly bloody from unwept tears. "I promise. I'll find her or die trying."
Spike nodded, accepting her words. "Stay here until they get here. I'll go out and look some more."
Anya watched him leave. She almost called Xander, but remembered his words. He told her that to them, Willow was dead. She had made her choice and would be forced to live with it. She turned away from the phone, praying for the first time as a human. She prayed that they would find Willow. It had taken her a long time to find a friend. She didn't want to lose her that quickly.
* * * * *
"So, you're Anya?"
"You're Cordelia?"
"I think you have bad taste for dating Xander, but Willow has told me what you've done for her. I have to say thanks for that."
"Same here. Besides, I am too good for Xander. I realized that, with Willow's help. There is more to a relationship than sex."
"Big revelation huh?" Cordelia said.
"You're sad. Why?" Anya asked.
Cordelia shrugged, "Someone I cared about died a few months ago. Still not over it, I guess."
Anya nodded understanding. She saw a dark haired man come to the front door. "Wow."
Angel saw the girl looking at him and smiled slightly. It was Anya, the demon who had wreaked such havoc last year. Willow had told him that she was the only one to stand beside her and Spike. He would be grateful to the girl for that for a long time. He cared very deeply for Spike and Willow. He had never allowed his feelings to be known, knowing their need for secrecy.
"May I come in?"
Anya nodded, almost wiping the drool. She had met Angel last year, during the whole Vamp Willow episode. She had never realized quite how hot he was. Lordy, Buffy was an idiot for letting this one go. She had heard Willow talk about his gentleness....his intelligence...his sensitivity...his cute ass and great pecs.
"Come in."
"Anya" he said, taking her hand.
He felt the electric shock and glanced at her. Her eyes were wide as they stared at each other.
"Shall I put on the smalzy music or can we forget about this little 'moment' and think about Willow?" Cordelia asked.
Angel pulled his hand away, looking sheepishly at them both. "Sorry."
Anya knew suddenly that he was the one. It was just like Willow had described her first meeting with Spike. Well, minus the threat on her life and the violence. She was meant for this man.
"Spike is out looking for her" she kept her eyes on his dark brown ones.
Cordelia rolled her eyes. "Why am I always the one left out? Willow gets a vamp. Angel's making eyes at Anya. My man dies before I can even..." her voice broke.
Anya looked at her, compassion clouding her eyes. She went to the girl and held her.
She glanced at Angel and smiled, "I"m usually a complete bitch. I don't know how to explain the last few weeks. I think Willow's departure forced me to grow up or something. You're gorgeous."
Angel knew that if it were possible, he'd be blushing. "Thanks"
"Excuse me?" Cordelia said sniffling, "This is a ME moment here. You two can flirt after I've finished and we find Willow."
Spike came in. "Angel. I can't find her." he said collapsing in his sire's arms.
Angel and Anya exchanged a wistful glance and then concentrated on the weeping person in their respected embrace.
* * * * *
"Where is she?" Spike said, pacing around the room.
Anya and Cordelia shared a concerned look. It had been twelve hours since Willow had left the restaurant. They hadn't heard from her. Couldn't find her. Nothing.
Angel looked at his childe, "In Cordelia's vision....she saw blood and dolls."
Spike's head shot up and he looked at Angel. "Drusilla."
"Is she back?" Angel asked softly.
"I hadn't heard that she was, but dolls. It has to be."
"Well, I can see that loony bitch taking Willow."
"Cordelia, did you anything that might give us an idea where she is?" Anya asked.
She had never met Drusilla, but she had heard stories from the others. If she had Willow, there was a good chance that her friend was in great danger.
"No" Cordelia said softly. "I just saw the dirt on the floor and the blood. I saw Willow's face and dolls."
"Dirt?" Angel said, his mind racing.
"Let's go see Willie. If Dru's back, he'll know." Spike said, his face becoming emotionless.
"Do you want me to go alone?" Angel asked.
Cold blue eyes looked at him. "No. I promised that I'd always protect her, or die trying. I intend to keep that promise."
Spike looked at the girls. "If you hear anything, page Peaches."
"Be careful" Anya said, looking intently at Angel. He smiled almost shyly.
"Always" he said before leaving.
Anya felt Cordelia's eyes on her. "What?"
Cordelia smiled, "Do I detect an attraction?"
"Maybe. I don't know. I just dumped Xander like yesterday. We need to think about Willow."
"You're right. I hope Dru doesn't have her. That bitch is bad news."
"So I've heard."
"I hate sitting here and doing nothing."
Anya smiled. "Turn the machine on. Let's go look. We're women. We can see things that they would never notice."
Cordelia smiled as she flipped the answering machine on. "I think you and I are going to get along just great."
"I have that feeling too" Anya said smiling.
The two women walked into the night. They needed to find Willow before it was too late.
"Nothing?" she asked softly.
He shook his head and sighed in defeat, "No. You?"
"Not a thing. We looked everywhere." She said, running her hand through her loose locks.
"Spike is having a conversation with Willy as we speak. I use the word conversation lightly."
"How's he doing?" Anya asked.
"Not well. I've never seen him this way. If it is Dru, I think he'd actually kill her."
Anya brought her legs up underneath her. "What happened?"
"Huh?" Angel said. Great way to play off intelligent you silly sap.
She smiled, her eyes a bit amused, "With Willow and Spike. They never gave us details. I just knew that they were involved. How did it all happen? And how did you and miss popularity get to be so close to them?"
Angel sat down and thought a moment, "I guess it won't hurt if I tell you. It started when Spike first came to town. He was after me to heal Dru. Seems he noticed Willow one night, Halloween I think. He became rather obsessed with her. Began to neglect Dru in favor of watching Willow. One night, he saved her, meeting her for the first time. From what they told me, the attraction was instantaneous. Willow told me it was love at first sight. I don't really know. They agreed that it was wise not to let the others know about the friendship that had begun between them."
"So, he played leading hero and the sparks flew?"
Angel smiled, "Something like that. When I lost my soul" he frowned, hating to have to remember that time, "Angelus decided to go after her. He almost killed her. He recognized the scent of his own childe on her. When confronted, Spike admitted to his sire his feeling for the girl. For once, Angelus was understanding. He believed that Spike was planning on doing to her what he had done to Drusilla. He actually gave his permission to Spike to claim the redhead."
"So, daddy approved. Why didn't Angelus tell Buffy?"
"I don't know. In some ways, he really loved Spike. Spike was always a favorite. I think he knew that Willow would make Spike stay in line, so to speak. Make things easier for him to be tamed. It also freed up Dru, who Angelus played with."
"You got your soul back, went to hell, came back and you knew" Anya finished.
"Angelus went crazy. The whole Acathla thing. Spike had to make a deal with the slayer. He wanted to protect Willow from my plans to end the world. In the process, he took Dru away. He knew that she wouldn't happy that her daddy was gone. He told me he gave her to some demons in Brazil. She willingly stayed but promised that things would be set right."
"He came back. Buffy never knew?"
Angel shook his head. "Just once. He kidnapped Willow and Xander. Willow had told him that Xander was trying to get her to love him, so to speak. Well, Spike's jealousy got the better of him. He had planned to scare the whelp away from his Willow. In the process, things got rather out of hand. A tendency of Spike's plans. Buffy thought he left right after that. He didn't. He hasn't been away from Willow for more than a day or two since the beginning. He's going through hell right now."
"So, you played loyal friend and sire and helped them by accepting it."
He smiled, "You've seen them together. They were meant to be. Who am I to judge anyone?"
"And Cordelia?"
"She knew that Xander was never in love with her. She hated being dumped, but Willow wouldn't let her give up. Cordy went back to her crowd, for appearances sake. But, she and Willow had become very good friends. Cordelia learned about Spike on Prom Night. I took Buffy. Spike snuck in and took Willow. Cordelia saw Willow leave and followed. She saw Spike kissing her as they danced under the stars. She told me that it was the most romantic thing she'd ever seen."
"It was" The voice spoke from the doorway. "I realized then that I had to find that kind of love. And, when I did, he was taken away." She smiled through her tears. "Didn't find her?"
"No." Angel said softly.
"How did your man die?" Anya asked.
Cordelia told her a short version. Anya was moved by the emotion in the girl's voice. It seemed that moving away had made the girl grow up. The girl deserved to be happy.
"I must hand it to you" Cordelia said smiling at Anya. "That's the most I've heard him talk in three years."
Angel rolled his eyes, "I talk."
"Uh huh...yep. Must be to yourself, brood boy."
"I can fire you, you know."
Cordelia laughed, "No one could put up with you. I just wanted to say that I approve. She dumped Xander, so she's smart. A bit outspoken and blunt, but she'll keep you on your toes."
"Thanks for the blessing Mom" Angel said, avoiding Anya's red face.
"Not a problem." Cordelia smiled, "Do you think Spike has been able to beat anything out of Willy yet?"
"I hope so. I miss Willow" Anya said, studying the dark vampire underneath her eyes lashes. He stole a few glances at her before turning away. Yes, he was the one. She had no doubts about it.
"He should be back soon." Angel said softly.
He couldn't explain what it was about her that made him so on edge. She affected him in a way that Buffy had in the beginning. Could he fall in love with her? His soul was secured so that wasn't an issue. She may look like a teenager, but inside she was a thousand plus year old demon. Hell, she was older than him. He saw the shyness in her eyes as she glanced at him. Yes, he had not doubts about it. He could fall for her.
Spike came in and looked at them. "Willy may have a lead. He's going to call tomorrow. He thinks he heard someone mention seeing the loony bitch the other night. If she's harmed Willow, she's ash."
They watched him as he went to the window, his hands running over Willow's coat that was on the chair.
* * * * *
Willow cried out in pain as the vampire hit her harder.
"Naughty girl. You must not scream. Makes mommy angry" Dru said, running her fingernails over the deep wounds on the redhead's back. "They haven't come for you yet. Must not care if Princess plays with you."
Willow ignored her words. She had ceased listening to the ramblings of the bitch. The pain was terrible, but she knew that Spike would find her. She hoped he hurried before Dru grew tired of playing.
* * * * *
Anya looked around the cave and fought a smile. She ventured forward and peered into the darkness. Suddenly, a loud "Boo" echoed through the darkness. Startled, she turned. Her laughter filled the air.
"Why did you do that, you old coot?"
"Anyanka, what brings you to my humble abode?" a deep voice said, laughing.
Anya turned serious. "Do you remember Paris? About seven hundred years ago? I saved you...."
"How could I forget? If not for you, I would be no more. I owe you my life."
Anya smiled, "Well, Coot, it's time to clean the slate. I have a need of your influence and power. You may have heard of my unfortunate dismissal."
"Yes. It made the rounds. A human?" he again laughed. "Yes" Anya grumbled. Remembering the reason she was there, she looked at the old demon. "It's like this......"
* * * * *
"Does the little girl hurt?" a voice said in a sing song harmony.
Willow ignored the pain that shot through her abused body. She looked at Drusilla, defiance in her eyes.
Drusilla scowled. "You're no fun. You have to scream. They always scream."
Willow had lost track of time. She knew that she hadn't been in the warehouse for that long. She had been chained from rafters in the ceilings. Her bare feet on the dirt of the floor. She hadn't eaten since that meal with Anya. Feeding her was not high on the list of Drusilla's priorities. Beating her into unconsciousness was, however. She felt the cold hands on her back. She cringed as Dru ran those hands over the marks on her back.
"So warm. Such pretty skin. I wonder what my Spikey will say when he finds your dead body?" Dru brought her hands up to Willow's face. "Maybe I'll keep you. Princess has been so lonely. Would you like that?"
Willow couldn't keep her eyes from widening in fear. Dru laughed and clapped her hands. "Oh...this is fun. Screams now."
Willow bit her lip to keep from screaming as Dru hit her stomach. Spike had better hurry.
* * * * *
Angel looked up as Anya came in to the apartment. She saw him watching her and smiled softly.
"Where have you been?" he asked, trying to keep the worry from his voice. He had woken up this afternoon and had been upset when he hadn't found Anya waiting. Cordelia hadn't know where the girl had gone.
"Were you worried?" she asked hopefully.
He kept his eyes and face unreadable. "Of course not. We were going to try to set up a course of action, and we couldn't find you."
"Oh" Anya said, not keeping the hurt from her voice.
Angel frowned and looked at her. "Maybe a little worried," he relented.
Her smile filled the room. "Really? Well, that's good. Can you get Cordelia and Spike? I have news."
Curious, he went to Spike and Willow's bedroom, calling to Cordelia along the way. He knocked softly and opened the door.
"Spike, you all right?"
The blond vampire glared at him, wiping the bloody tears from his face. "Just dandy, mate. What?"
"Anya has news. She just got in. Wants to meet with us."
Spike nodded, "Let me tell you something. Anya has been a great friend to Red. If you do anything to hurt her, I'll stake you myself."
Angel saw the seriousness in his childe's eyes and smiled softly, "I'll do my best not to hurt her. She's rather special."
"Surprisingly, she has turned out to be." Spike closed his eyes, "Do you think Willow is ok?"
Angel put a comforting hand on his shoulder as he led Spike into the main room. "I hope so....I certainly hope so."
They made it to the living room where Cordelia was talking to Anya. Anya looked up, her eyes worried as they took in Spike's haggard appearance.
"What is it?" he asked the ex-demon as he and Angel sat down.
"I called in some favors....." Anya's words were interrupted by the ringing of the doorbell. She smiled softly, knowing who it would be. "Cordelia, why don't you get that? I need to talk to Angel and Spike."
Grumbling, Cordelia got up and opened the door. The men looked at her sharply as she skrieked.
"Oh my God...DOYLE!" she started crying as she wrapped her arms around the man standing in front of her.
"Doyle?" Angel said, amazement in his voice. He saw the smirk on Anya's face as the dark haired demon came into the room.
"Boss" Doyle said softly, his eyes on Cordelia. "I was dead, wasn't I?"
"Anya, what did you do?" Angel asked.
"Someone owed me a favor, I collected." She said simply.
Cordelia ran to her and hugged her. "I don't know how...Thank you. Thank you so much."
Anya smiled softly, "You deserve happiness. I was just able to provide it. You must be Doyle. I'm Anya."
"Thank you" he said, taking her hand.
Angel and Spike looked at each other and shook their heads. "Amazing."
Spike looked at Anya, "So ducks, why the hell am I here for this touching reunion?"
Anya looked at him and smiled. "Not patient are you?"
He glared at her. Angel waited.
"The other favor I called in? I will know in less than an hour where Dru is hiding Willow."
Spike felt a smile cross his face. "Really? Remind me to thank you when I have Willow back."
Angel chuckled softly, looking at Anya. "Thank you Anya. You may have saved them both."
She smiled at her friends, amazed by the emotions that she felt for them all. Cordelia and Doyle were sitting on the sofa, talking quietly. Spike was again staring at a picture of Willow, running his fingers over the face. Angel sat down beside her, looking intently at her face. She hoped that the old coot called soon. The only missing was Willow. She was needed.
* * * * *
"Got it. Thank you. No, this makes us even. You old coot, you don't owe me anything else. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Whatever. Be careful." Anya hung the phone up and looked at the others. "A warehouse over in Messowbrook."
"She took her out of Sunnydale. Damn it. No wonder we couldn't find her." Angel said, shaking his head.
"Let's go." Spike said, reaching for his duster.
"Yo, vamp boy. Sunlight? Remember that? Can't be a lot of good to Willow if you're a pile of dust." Cordelia said, her hand firmly holding Doyle's. She didn't know why she was lucky enough to get him back, but she didn't want to let go now that he was here. She smiled at Anya. The ex-demon had never been a friend, but now she owed her more than she had ever owed anyone. The girl had brought her Doyle back to her.
Spike scowled, "Damn. Forgot the time."
"Boss, why don't you give me that address and I'll go take a look around? I can have it staked out for you two when dusk falls." Doyle offered. He knew that in an indirect way Willow was responsible for him being back. If she hadn't been kidnapped, Anya never would have met Cordelia and the chain of events that took place would have been very different.
"I'll go too" Cordelia said, smiling at Doyle. Tonight, Willow would be back. She would have both her love and her friend where they belonged, with her.
"Thank you mate" Spike said, nodding at Doyle.
Anya wrote the address down and handed it to Angel. "I'll go with the other day timers. See you boys tonight."
Spike saw Angel watch her leave and grinned. "Seems the poof has gone soft again. Won't Willow be surprised when she sees all that has happened?"
"Yes, she will be. Only a few more hours."
* * * * *
Willow heard a shrill scream. She opened her eyes and looked at the door. She heard noises coming from the rest of the warehouse. She stood up, grimacing from the pain in her feet. Drusilla had put broken glass underneath them the night before. Seems she thought Willow wasn't in enough pain. Willow was rather proud. After the first day, she hadn't screamed. She'd just think about Spike and hope he would come for her. She closed her eyes as she felt the glass ground into her foot.
"Luv" the word was spoken softly from the door.
She looked at him and smiled. He came forward, the others behind him. She distantly heard a gasp, Cordelia perhaps, but her attention was focused on Spike. He reached up and unfastened the restraints. He grabbed her up into his arms, kissing her desperately. She heard him whispering in her ear how much he loved her.
"You came." she said softly, kissing him back.
"Let's get her out of here" Angel said, squeezing Anya's hand at the sight of Willow. She was covered in blood and marks. His eyes swept over the scene, taking in the whips and the knives laying on the table. He also saw the glass. He was glad that they had found her. She didn't look like she would have lasted much longer.
* * * * *
Willow smiled at Spike. "I missed you." He stared at her, "I'm sorry. This was my fault."
She put her fingers against his lips. "Shh. It was Dru's fault. I survived."
"She won't bother you again," he said softly.
Willow nodded. She'd heard Cordelia say that Spike had staked the loony vampire as soon as they had entered the warehouse. She couldn't believe that he had done that, but she was rather relieved. She'd rather not have to worry about facing the woman again.
"You ok?"
He laughed as he took her hand, "You ask me that? I should be asking you that."
"What can I say?" she smiled softly. "What's up with Anya and Angel?"
He laughed louder, "You can see it too?"
She grinned, "I'd have to be blind not to. I can see them together. She's turned out to be a much better person than I ever would have imagined. I can't believe she got Doyle back. Cordelia is overjoyed."
"Did she mention how she was able to do that?" he asked curiously.
"No details. She said that had he not been half demon, it wouldn't have worked. That was it though. I'm happy for Cordelia. She does truly love him. Anya seems happy."
"I must say, even Peaches is an improvement on that moron."
"Did Buffy and the others even know what happened?"
"No. Why should they? Peaches hasn't even called her. He can't believe they acted the way that they did."
"Spike" Willow slowly smiled as she ran her hands over his arm.
"Pet" he smirked, "You're in pain. Can't be doing any of that."
She pouted. "Doesn't hurt that much. The healing spell I did helped a lot. That bath was nice too."
He chuckled, remembering what he had done to her in the bath. "Incorrigible brat."
"You love me anyway" she said smiling.
"That I do. That I do." he kissed her softly.
* * * * *
Cool hands drifted over her foot. She sighed as lips touched her leg. It had taken all night, but she had finally been able to wear Spike down. His lips trailed up her leg. She felt herself wetten at his touch.
His mouth found her center and she arched up. Crying out, she moved her hands down to his blond head. She began to move against his face. His tongue began to stoke her on the inside. His nose rubbing against her clit, causing tremors to spread through her body.
Spike felt her hands on his head, moving him closer to her essence. He smiled against her skin. He moved his hand up, running a finger over her. He moved his head and took her swollen nub in his mouth. He thrust two fingers deep inside her wet passage. She moaned loudly as his teeth scraped her sensitive clit. He began a rhythm with his hand, moving his other hand up to squeeze her breast. He took her hard nipple between his thumb and finger and twisted.
Willow felt her breath leave her at the sensations she was experiencing. She felt her stomach tighten as she screamed out his name. Her thighs clenched around his head, keeping him in place as she had her first orgasm. Spike licked and sucked her through another before moving up and claiming her lips.
"You ready?" he asked, smiling at the passion in her eyes.
She answered him by thrusting up against his hard cock, taking him easily into her soaked passage. He groaned as her hot, tight channel enveloped him. He moved slowly, trying to remember her injuries. He kept his mouth on hers, his tongue sweeping through her mouth. He felt her teeth nibble on his tongue and he began to speed up.
Soon, he was thrusting deeply and quickly. She met each thrust, running her hands over his pale, smooth back. She wrapped her legs around him, joining her ankles and pushing him against her. She felt herself tightening. Her fingernails dug deep into his back as she had her third orgasm of the evening. He joined her in release, flooding her wet center with his cold seed. She gave herself a moment to recapture her breath.
"Sleep now" she said tiredly, smiling at him.
He kissed her again and moved beside her, taking her into his arms. He watched her face as she drifted off to sleep. He smiled softly as he closed his eyes, soon joining her in slumber.
* * * * *
Cordelia watched Spike and Willow. She smiled and snuggled down closer to Doyle. She felt his lips on the back of her neck. She sighed contentedly.
Willow looked at the people in the room. Her friends. Amazing how things could change in such a short time. The year before, the only people who would have been there weren't there at all. In fact, she hadn't spoken to any of them in a month. She realized now just how false their friendship had been. She altered her previous thought. Last year, she'd had Cordelia, Spike and Angel, even if no one had been aware of that. She had known, and that was what mattered.
"You feeling ok?" Anya asked, taking Willow's hand.
"Yes. A little pain but things heal."
Angel snorted. "Things must have been fine last night."
Willow felt herself blush. She and Spike were not used to sharing the apartment and had forgotten Angel's pressence during their reunion the night before.
Anya chuckled. "Oh, sex. I'm glad. Sex is good. Miss it myself."
"Have you spoken to Xander?" Willow asked, keeping her eyes on Angel. He had moved forward and was watching them intently.
"No. He left a message, whining as usual. Wanting to know where I was. I erased it. I've been trying to avoid the places I know he might be."
Willow sighed. "I hate this town. I can't wait to leave."
"Are you two still coming to LA at the end of this term?" Cordelia asked.
Anya turned her head, not wanting to think about her friend leaving. Soon, she'd be alone.
"No" Spike said quietly. He waited until the voices died down, "We're going back with you all in a few days. Red has decided that she has missed enough school not to catch up so easily. That with the pain in walking, well, it's easier to leave now."
"You can't leave me." Anya said, not knowing how desperate she sounded.
Willow looked pointedly at Angel, then smiled at the girl. "Will you do me a favor?"
"What?" Anya said, her voice lifeless.
"Will you and Angel go pick me up some Tylenol? Take Angel with you."
Anya nodded and looked at Angel, "You want to go?"
Angel smiled. "Who could resist such an invitation?"
Willow and the others watched them leave. Cordelia smiled, "Do you think he'll say anything?"
"He'd better or I'll stake him myself. They go well together" Willow said softly, smiling up at Spike, "Not as good as us, but she's better for him than Buffy."
"A pitbull would be better than the slayer." Spike commented.
"Angel is better looking than Xander. She's good for him. You're kidnapping seemed to make her grow up. She still has that bluntness and attitude, but she's not as obsessed about sex as you told me she was."
"Too bad" Doyle said, nuzzling Cordelia's neck, "Brood boy needs to get laid. Might lighten him up a bit."
"You're terrible" Cordelia said, laughing. She kissed him softly.
Willow shook her head and looked at Spike. "You about to puke yet?"
"Nah. Getting used to the sweet sap. Just slightly nauseous."
"That's my boy" she said kissing him deeply.
* * * * *
"So...." Anya said quietly, looking into the darkness.
"So..." Angel said, smiling.
"You're leaving in three days."
"Yep. Got a business to run."
"Cordelia told me about that private eye gig. Says you never make any money."
Angel laughed, "Cordelia loves to complain. She would hate to admit it, but she likes helping people, with or without the money."
"Bet you're glad to have Doyle back. Seeing as he's your partner and all."
"That was nice of you...what you did for Cordelia."
"Nice?" she made a face, "Never thought I'd see the day I, Anyanka, would be considered nice." She spat out the last word.
"Anya, not Anyanka. The same as I am Angel, not Angelus."
"I know" she smiled slightly. "I'll run in and get that Tylenol. Hide in case you see the slayer."
Angel grumbled but moved to the alley. He had no inclination to run into Buffy. He stood in the alley and thought over everything. When he saw Anya come back, he moved to her. "That was fast."
"I want to get back" Anya said, knowing that she really wanted to spend as much time with him as she could.
"Come to LA" Angel said, walking ahead of her.
She froze, "What?"
He turned and smiled, "Come. To. LA. With Willow and Spike. You have nothing keeping you here. Your friend is leaving. Join her...."
"Is that all?" she asked softly.
He looked at her seriously, "No. I think I could fall in love with you. I want the chance to find out. Being completely selfish, if you must know."
"Not selfish. I'd like that. You're unlike anyone I've ever met. I don't know why I couldn't see it when we first met."
"We both had a lot happening to us. I have a feeling that it wasn't time for us. Maybe it is now. What do you say?"
Anya began to walk. He watched her and moved to catch up to her. "Well?"
"I'd really miss Willow when she leaves...even miss Studly a bit."
"Anya" his tone had lost its patience. He had bared his heart and she was acting rather flippitant.
She mumbled something. He grabbed her shoulder and turned her to face him. "What? I didn't hear you."
"I said, I think I'll like LA. After all, everyone I care about will be there."
"You'll come?"
She rolled her eyes, "To be as old as you are, you sure don't understand things very well. I mean..."
Her words were caught by his mouth as he kissed her softly. She moved in closer, her arms going around his shoulders.
Willow smiled and let the curtain drop. She went to Spike and sat on his lap. "Looks like Anya will be coming with us."
He kissed her deeply, holding her close to him. Things would be great
in LA. They'd have their friends and they'd have each other. The most important
things in life.
read the sequal 'Shades
of the Past'