Disclaimer: Joss owns them all. I merely play with their minds.
Distribution: Kiss or Kill http://www.qwikpages.com/surfcity/kissorkill/index2.html and Anyone else, just ask
Rating: R
Feedback might get me out of my funk. Who knows? <Shrug>
Notes: Something new. I am in a terrible mood and don't want to ruin any of the ones I'm working on, so I decided to just start something new. I tend to write badly when I'm depressed, so I can start something new to mess up. I'm sure it will be awful, but oh well. I feel like writing....you have been warned. Sigh....Season 4 during Doomed, I think. :/ No Oz or Tara....
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~Part: 1~
Willow stared at Spike, his words penetrating her confused mind. He was right. Buffy didn't need them...they only made things more tough for her friend. Friend. She frowned. Buffy wasn't really their friend anymore. Since college, the slayer had slowly been pushing them all away. She was part of the Iniative now. She didn't need her little shadows anymore. Willow saw Xander's eyes and read the truth there. He too finally understood. They hadn't been helping Buffy, they'd been making it all worse. She almost cried at the expression on her friend's face. To lose Anya to another man and then have to confront your completely uselessness. She knew that a similar look was mirrored on her own face. She was no longer needed. What was she going to do?
Xander looked away from Willow's glassy green eyes, glaring at the wall. He hated Spike. Not for being a vampire, which was bad enough. No, he hated the blonde for saying things that he himself had been thinking for too long. What was the saying, don't shoot the messenger? Well, right now, he really wished he could simply shoot Spike. Maybe then things would finally make sense....or not. He hated his life. It was really quite simple. He saw the same look on Willow's face and knew they were still so much alike it was scary. Best friends forever, he remembered with a slight smile. Or until a slayer came to town and messed their lives up. He corrected himself, not messed up....Buffy just forced them to open their eyes finally. To lose the innocence that had protected them from seeing the evil. To lose that closeness that had always balanced their lives. He missed that sometimes. More often lately. Things had changed and he still, years later, wasn't sure how or why. He just knew that he missed Willow....missed being her best buddy, the one that protected her from Cordy and the others during high school...the one that she always looked at with such love and loyalty....he missed her acceptance of him, of who he really was. She was the only person who knew him, really. To the others, he was just the doofy guy that was cracking jokes and getting doughnuts. Willow had never seen him like that. He missed that.
Most of all, he missed being needed. That was the main reason he had drifted into the affair with Anya. She had needed him. It was the first time in over three years that someone had needed him, Xander Harris. Of course, Anya had left him. She had found someone older with a steady job and a future. She wanted to remain friends, he remembered in disgust. Friends. Like that would happen. He had grown to care about Anya over the last few months. He had even begun to believe that it might be love. And again, he had given his heart to only have it twisted and ripped open before being returned to him. So much for love. The only unconditional love he had ever felt was to and from Willow. She would always love him, that he knew. Over the past months since his friends had started school, he had felt even more at loose ends. His life was a failure. He was a failure. He couldn't keep a job for more than a few weeks, he lived in the basement of his parent's house, he didn't even have a girlfriend anymore. Buffy had stopped even asking him to research or patrol, it was always Willow that wanted him there. He knew that Willow had no idea that not even a week before he had almost killed himself. He had been so close to pulling the trigger and ending his miserable excuse for a life. He still wasn't sure what had stopped him from doing it. He had glanced at a picture of him, Jesse and Willow and simply lowered the gun. He couldn't leave Willow alone, but it was more than that. Committing suicide would be taking the easy way out. Xander Harris may be a lot of things, but he wasn't a quitter.
He saw Willow look at the floor, her green eyes reflecting the pain and truth in Spike's words. He knew that the vampire had simply lashed out, not having any real idea what harm his words would do. Xander had already hit rock bottom the week before so he was able to accept them a bit easier than Willow. He studied the redhead, his brown eyes unreadable. He was worried that she might try something stupid before he realized he was thinking about Willow. She was the strongest person he had ever met, living or undead. So he was left to wonder what affect Spike's words would have on her. Despite Buffy's behaviour over the last few months, the redhead had stuck beside the slayer, performing any task needed with a smile. He had noticed that lately she had seemed to be concerned about Buffy. She also seemed to be alone all the time, the slayer out with Riley or the other boys. He had noticed the strained smiles and the glares at Buffy during research. This wouldn't help the tenuous friendship between the two, he knew. Willow had just realized that she was not needed anymore. He wished he could hug her, but he knew that it was not what she needed at that moment. He simply smiled a familiar smile, hoping she'd know that he still loved her and needed her. She was his reason for living.
Spike shifted uncomfortably. He didn't regret what he had said. It was the truth after all. But, he didn't like the way the girl looked like she might cry and the way the boy was simply staring at her as if he were waiting for a breakdown. The redhead was the only one that had been nice to him during this entire fiasco and he'd had to make her cry. Of course, he was a demon. She should be lucky all she was doing was crying, not that she was yet. He had to admire the way she seemed to accept it and move on. These two intrigued him. Despite the slayer's complete self absorbtion, they stuck by her. The damn bitch would be dead by now if not for these two, yet did she seem gracious? No, she forgot them the first time Studly Soldier came along. He grimaced, again wishing this damn implant were gone so he could paint the town in her blood. Why didn't these annoying humans let him die? He was their enemy for lord's sake. He would kill them both without hesitating. Well, maybe not Red. He always rather wanted to turn her. Spend an eternity or two with her. These thoughts made his cock swell, straining against the worn fabric of his favorites jeans. Cursing he lashed out, "Just let me die."
Willow heard the harshly whispered words and came out of her thoughts. She saw Xander watching her, his eyes concerned. She smiled at him, having accepted the change in her life. She was no longer usefull to Buffy. The slayer didn't need her...didn't need anyone except Riley and his little group. Fine, she could have them. Willow knew she was young...knew that she had a life to live. Maybe a life that didn't include all night research sessions and fighting demons. She looked at Spike, mesmerized by his blue eyes as always. She blinked, fighting the attraction she felt for him. "No. It wouldn't help anything. Besides, who would be around to constantly remind us how useless we are? We need someone to keep us in our places."
Spike arched an eyebrow, "And I'm the lucky bloke that gets that job?"
Willow smiled serenely, "Yes. You have the fortune of keeping us grounded. Besides, you need us. Buffy could care less if you die. She doesn't really care about any of us either so I'd say we are in the same boat right now. We can get you your blood and you can" she shrugged, trailing off, not really sure what he could provide them but knowing she didn't want him dead.
"Enjoy our misery" Xander offered helpfully, knowing that no matter how much he hated Spike, the blonde wasn't near as bad as Angel. Plus, Angel hated him. If he could keep him alive, it would be just a small pain in Angel's broody ass. That made him happy. Plus, it pissed Buffy off to have to help Spike. Another added bonus, Xander realized.
Spike's lips quirked as he thought about it. He would never understand humans, he decided. And these two took the cake. Completely off their rockers. "You two are insane. You know that don't you? As soon as this damn implant is gone, I'll bathe in your blood."
"Oooh.....will you have bubbles?" Xander asked sarcastically.
"Or scented bath powder?" Willow asked, a slight smile crossing her face. She hadn't had very much to smile about lately.
"Completely nuts" Spike muttered, turning away from them before his
twisted in a slight smile. He rather liked them.
~Part: 2~
Willow laughed, the cheery sound surrounding them. She mock glared at Xander, "Why do you always have to bring that up?"
Xander smirked, "Because my dear friend, it is the first image that comes to mind when I think of you."
"Great" Willow groaned, rolling her head back to stare at the sky. "Fourteen years of friendship and you still remember the first day we met."
"How could I forget?" Xander asked, looking at the stars. He, Willow and Spike were laying on blankets out in his back yard, just watching the dark sky. It had been just the night before that things had changed between them. He and Willow had seemed to realize at the same time what they had almost lost, their friendship. Willow had arrived at dusk, ready to spend the night with her best friend.
"Tell me" Spike demanded, images of a cute redhead dancing through his mind. He wanted details of their past....wanted to understand all the private jokes and be a part of their past. He hated not being included.
Xander laughed at the slight whine in the vampire's voice. He heard Willow groan her discomfort and laughed louder, feeling as if no time had passed at all. "It was the first day of kindergarten. I was a mature lad of six, simply sitting in silence at my place." He glared at Willow's snort, "when in walked this angel. The cutest little girl I'd ever seen. Red hair that fluffed around her face. She was wearing overalls that were a pale pink and had a bow in her hair. She looked right at me, her green eyes simply blinking as the teacher told her to take a seat. I knew then that I would do whatever it took to make her my friend....to make her smile." He smiled as he was taken back to that day in Miss Gilliam's class. "She stood in front of me and introduced herself...she seemed so old to me. I told her my name and she smiled, I was a goner. I knew then that I would never let her go. She called me Xander, not being able to pronounce Alexander. It stuck. I wouldn't let anyone call me anything else after that. Drove my mom and dad crazy with my talk about the redhead girl. We've been best friends since."
Willow smiled fondly, "I can't believe you remember all that. You amaze me sometimes Xander."
"What can I say?" Xander asked, "It is the most important event of my life so far. The day we became friends...."
"We met Jesse the next year" Willow remembered, touched that Xander could remember it all so well. She knew that to the others he appeared scatter brained, but she knew what he really was like. He had a heart bigger than the Hellmouth. He was also one of the brightest people she knew...the most caring. She loved being friends with him. "He was such a goofy little thing. After that, we were all inseperable."
"Until" Xander started, pausing. He felt Spike shift and look at them.
"Until what?" Spike asked, curious despite himself.
"Until Darla vamped Jesse and Xander had to kill him" Willow said softly.
"It all changed that night" Xander added. "Willow almost got killed....scared me to death. We started slaying and well, the rest you know."
Spike watched the stars, his opinion of these two rising. "The slayer fucked it all up."
"No" Willow said. "If it hadn't been for her, I would have died too. She saved us. Things just change I guess. People grow up and apart."
"I feel like I'm in a damn Hallmark movie" Spike said, groaning.
"Ahh....poor badass vampire" Xander mocked, his tone amused.
Willow giggled, "Poor Spikey. Dealing with all these human things. However do you do it?"
"It's tough, trust me sweets" Spike said, grinning at the redhead.
"Would you two quit flirting and just quiet down?" Xander asked, mischief in his eyes. He watched Willow turn her head and knew she must be blushing. He saw Spike glare at him before looking at the sky. He had suspected as much. Willow had had a crush on the vampire for months but he had never realized Spike returned the feelings. This was rather interesting in a way. Willow was special, even Spike had seen that.
"Shut up, Chubs" Spike hissed. Flirting was beneath him. He didn't flirt and especially not with some human chit.
"Yeah Xander. Just hush" Willow echoed the vampire. She settled back to watch the sky, glad to be with these two instead of listening to Buffy run on and on about how perfect Riley was. "Tell Spike about the time we all went camping. That was such fun."
Xander smiled, knowing which time she was talking about. He, Jesse and she had gone on a camping trip into the woods behind Jesse's house, simply hanging out and enjoying their friendship. That had been the summer before Jesse had died. He still remembered it and thought now how lucky they had been to survive it knowing what he did now about Sunnydale. He tried to ignore the slightly jealous feelings that went through him at the thought of Willow loving Spike and vice versa, simply concentrating on being with his best friend and what could possibly turn into a new friend. Strange to think of Spike as being a friend, he realize. He sighed mentally, deciding that it would only happen in Sunnydale. He began to describe that weekend in detail, wanting to make Willow laugh as they remembered how easy it had all been then.
Spike turned and watched the redhead as the moron spoke. He had to chuckle at Xander's version of the story. He hated to admit it, but he was happy.
~Part: 3~
Buffy heard the branch break and glanced at Riley, motioning for him to stop. She looked around, her eyes taking in the other soldiers. She frowned, chalking it up to her overactive imagination. She was worried and just hearing things she decided. She became lost in her thoughts as they waited for anything to happen. Willow had been ignoring her. She sighed, knowing she hadn't been the best friend a girl could be lately. But, Willow had never ignored her before. She frowned wondering what had happened. She knew it was her fault. It had to be. This year had been so hard though. So many changes....meeting Riley. She knew she had pushed the others away from her, not wanting them to get hurt because of her. She still blamed herself for Faith, although no one knew this. She always felt as if there was something she could have done. She knew nothing would have changed Faith, but she still felt guilty about it. She just didn't want to risk her friends for her destiny.
Slaying was her calling, not theirs. Even Giles had resigned, reminding her that she was the only one that had the sworn duty. Yet, they had all risked their lives time and again for her. She owed them so much....she honestly didn't know what she would do without them. She had noticed that Xander had seemed withdrawn lately. She had wanted to do something when Anya had left him, but decided he probably prefered being alone. She knew that she had after Angel had left. Of course, Willow hadn't let her. She smiled thinking of her best friend. She would have spent all summer moping if it hadn't been for the redhead. Instead, she had had one of the funnest summers of her life. Maybe she had been wrong. Maybe Xander had needed that same kick in the ass that she had. She suddenly wondered if ignoring it hadn't made it worse for him.
She leaned against the tree, the bark poking through her cotton tank top. She saw Riley pacing and smiled looking at her boyfriend. He was almost too perfect. She had been falling in love with him over the last few months. She wondered what would happen to fuck this one up. Her relationships never seemed to have happy endings. The only man in her life that still loved her was Xander, well besides Giles who was more of a father to her than her own. She watched as Riley began to spar with Forrest and Graham. She enjoyed patrols with the Iniative because she didn't have to worry about them. If they got hurt, it was their fault not hers. She honestly didn't like any of them except Riley and Graham so she didn't care. That not caring freed her up to really fight. She was actually making a difference with them. Of course, she missed the old patrols with the gang. The late night conversations with Willow as they sat on the tombstones waiting for a vampire to a rise....the snacks with Xander as they battled some demon or another. These patrols were more rigid, more structured. But, hadn't Giles told her she needed structure? Besides, she got to spend time with Riley and keep her friends safe. What more could she ask for?
"How is Willow?" Riley asked, finishing his sparring and joining his girlfriend. He loved looking at her. Especially when she was lost in thought. Her eyes became the most beautiful shade. He always knew she was thinking of Willow or the gang. He felt guilty for taking her away from them for patrols. He always squirmed a bit when Willow's green eyes watched him so steadily. He was taking her best friend and she resented him like hell for it, but she wanted said friend to be happy. He understood the position she was in and tried to make it easier by pushing Buffy to research and try to spend time with the girl.
Buffy came out her thoughts, smiling at Riley. She shrugged, "I wouldn't know. She's ignoring me for some reason. I think she's upset that I don't patrol with her anymore. I dunno.....I think I may see if she and Xander want to patrol tomorrow...like old times."
Riley smiled, "They'd probably like that. I feel as if I'm the bad guy, keeping you hostage from them or something. They must hate me."
"How could anyone hate you?" Buffy asked, amusement in her eyes. "I think it's me they hate. I feel as if I'm just screwing everything up....I feel like I'm losing them."
Riley caressed her cheek, frowning at the flash of sadness in her eyes. "They're your best friends. You're trying to protect them. They have to know that. They love you. I see that...I envy that. They're loyal and they have faith in you. I don't think you'll lose them. And you're not screwing everything up. Quit worrying. Maybe she feels like you want to spend more time with me or something. I'd say you should sit down and talk to her....explain that I'm not taking you away or anything. I like Willow. I'd like to consider her a friend too....something tells me she'd be a force to reckon with if she's on your side."
Buffy laughed, "She is. The best friend anyone could ever have. I wouldn't give her up for anything....for anyone. You're right. I should talk to her. There are a lot of unresolved things between us right now....I'd like to clear the air."
Riley nodded, "Good idea. I wonder if we could sneak out of here."
Buffy smiled, a weight lifting as she resolved to speak to not only Willow but Xander also. She knew she had lost him somewhere over the last month. She wanted him back....wanted them both back. She answered, "We could try...."
Her words were stopped as one of the men screamed in pain. She looked to her right and saw that they were surrounded. She and Riley began to fight the demons, men falling around them. She felt claws on her back as a demon grabbed her. She felt blood on her forehead as he threw her over his shoulder, leaving the circle. She saw Riley also being taken as the last survivors were also scooped up. They had been taken hostage, she realized. She thought of Willow and Xander, hoping her friends were safe before darkness overtook her mind.
~Part: 4~
Willow looked at the dark room as she walked inside. She flipped the light on, surprised to see Buffy's bed undisturbed. She sat down, a frown on her pretty face. She tried to ignore the sense of unease, deciding that Buffy must have spent the evening with Riley. But, she reasoned, Buffy always came home to sleep. She had never spent the entire night with Riley, even after two months of sleeping together. She laid back, her eyes looking at the ceiling. She had left Spike and Xander not half an hour before. Xan had wanted her to stay and sleep on the couch, not wanting her to walk back to school at night. She had insisted on sleeping in her own bed, but she had felt Spike following her the entire way. Her protector, she thought fondly.
She was confused about Spike. She knew she was falling for him, a little more each day. But, she wasn't sure where it was going. He had been hanging around them more since they had stopped him from killing himself. Was it merely a need for food or more? She personally hoped for the latter, though she wasn't sure how that would work either. She turned her head, taking in Buffy's empty bed. Groaning, she sat up. She hated this. Still worrying despite everything. She knew though that no matter how mad she got at Buffy, the slayer was her best friend besides Xander. She might want to kill her sometimes, but she did love her.
Moving to the phone, she dialed Riley's number. She frowned even more as it continued ringing. No answer. She began to worry, cursing herself for being so silly. She began to pace, that uneasy feeling again going through her. She sighed, moving to the small address book and finding Graham's number. Graham was the only friend of Riley's that she liked and she knew he would have patrolled that evening with her friend. Maybe he knew where Buffy was. She dialed his number, praying that he knew enough to settle her mind. With everything that had happened in their past, she always liked knowing Buffy was safe at home at the end of the night. She hung the phone up when there was no answer.
Willow logically thought it out. Buffy was not home and it was after three in the morning. She also was not at Riley's, or else neither of them were answering the phone. Knowing Riley's position in the Iniative, she doubted that. Then, to top it off, Graham was not answering. She knew the quiet young man was always home in bed by two am. They had discussed their strange habits one evening at the Bronze after Riley and Buffy had gotten so serious. She gave up. She was worried. Moving to the phone again, she dialed a familiar number.
"Lo?" Xander's sleepy voice said.
"Xan? It's me."
Xander was instantly awake when he heard Willow's worried voice. "Will? What is it?"
"Buffy" Willow said.
"Buffy?" Xander repeated, a puzzled look on his face.
"She's not home yet....."
Xander sighed, "Willow. She's probably out shagging Riley. Please don't worry. I'm sure she got carried away and forgot about calling. You know, forgot you might be worried."
"Xander, I don't know....this is different. I feel like something happened. I mean, Riley isn't answering. Neither is Graham."
"Fuck" Xander said, hating the worry in Willow's voice. "I'll come over. Ok?"
"Thanks" she said softly, hating this. She had just been so mad at Buffy and now would like nothing more than to see her friend walk through the door. "Could you um...."
Xander sighed, a reluctant smile crossing his face, "I'll fetch Spike on the way. Make sure things are sunproof for him. Wouldn't want a pile of ashes."
"Thank you Xander" Willow said, smiling. He had read her mind again. "See you soon."
"See you soon" he echoed, hanging the phone up with a yawn as he reached for his discarded T-shirt.
~Part: 5~
Willow was pacing nervously as she waited for Spike and Xander. She really hoped that Xander hadn't simply rolled over and gone back to sleep. She'd kill him if he had. It had been an hour since she spoke to him, but she knew if he was trying to locate Spike it might take him awhile. She was even more worried though. She had begun calling both Riley and Graham ever ten minutes, praying for an answer from either of them. But, nothing. Just endless ringing. Half an hour ago, she had searched Buffy's desk, finally locating the slayer's address book. She had found the number for Forrest Gates, calling the rude friend of Riley's and also receiving no answer. It was then that she had really started to worry.
She knew that there was no way that they would be out still unless something had gone wrong. For Buffy not to call at all, it must have been terribly wrong. Of course, she might be overreacting. She had to take that chance though. She couldn't think of anyone else to call, so she was left to wait. She glanced at the clock, cursing Xander and his entire family for taking so long. She knew she would be ok if they would just hurry up and get there. She sat down, her head going between her knees as she thought of all the reasonable explanations to explain the missing slayer. There were several that she could think of, but she just couldn't believe any of them.
She looked up as a loud knock sounded on the door. She hurried to it, opening it and finding Xander and Spike. She leaned forward, hitting Xander's arm as hard as she could. She saw him grab his arm and exclaim. "Took you long enough!"
"Damn, Wills. I was asleep. I had to get up, get dressed, then go find Deadboy Junior here. Trust me when I say that lurking in a cemetary this late is not fun without the slayer or back up" Xander defended, moving into the room.
"What's wrong, pet?" Spike asked, seeing the tenseness in her. He moved into the room, thankful for his invitation. He was surprised when she moved into his arms, hugging him after the door closed.
"I'm so worried" she whispered into his chest. She looked up, chewing on her bottom lip. "She isn't home and she isn't at Riley's."
"We care why?" he asked softly, not caring but not wanting to upset her.
"Because, no matter how annoying she is and how selfish she seems, she is my best friend. If it were me, she'd be hunting everywhere."
"If she realized you were missing" Xander said, frowning. "You're really worried aren't you?"
Willow nodded, "Yeah, I am. None of the soldiers are around either. Well, Riley, Forrest and Graham are gone. I don't know any of the others. Do you think I'm just being stupid?"
"You could never be stupid, luv" Spike said, moving her to sit down. He kept his arms around her, noticing the slight smirk on Xander's face. "Don't say a word" he warned, having already gotten a warning from the teen to not hurt Willow.
"Who me? I'm mute boy" Xander said, smiling fondly as Willow snuggled closer to Spike. Somehow, they seemed right to him. He turned a serious face to Willow, "So, none of them are around?"
Willow wasn't sure what Xander and Spike were talking about, but she was in Spike's arms and wasn't really thinking too clearly anyway. "None of them. Do you think she's ok?"
"I'm sure she is. Maybe some big mission went down and they're still debriefing or whatever" Xander said. He was rewarded by Willow's smile as he settled on Buffy's bed. "But, we'll stay until we know for sure. I'm sure she won't mind me borrowing her bed."
"Thank you Xander" Willow said, suddenly blushing as she realized Xander had left it for Spike to share her bed. She hastily added, "Why don't we watch some television or something...much too early to sleep now. Besides, I'm hyped up."
Spike smiled as she babbled, trying to prevent them from laying down to sleep. He knew the moron had left him to sleep with her. He hated to admit it, but he owed the brat. He leaned against the headboard, keeping his arms around her. He settled in as Xander flipped the TV on with a knowing grin before laying on the slayer's bed. He felt Willow relax against him as they began to watch some dopey comedy. He didn't watch the show, instead concentrating on the smell and feel of Willow as they waited to hear from Slutty.
~Part: 6~
Willow moved in her sleep, holding on tighter to her pillow. She shifted her head, wondering what was so cold. She felt the hardness of her pillow and frowned as she pushed at it. Suddenly, green eyes flew open. She looked up, seeing amused blue eyes watching her. She sat up quickly, not realizing she was so close to the edge of the bed. She landed on her ass with a soft hmph. "Ouch."
Spike chuckled, reaching a hand over the side of the bed to help her up. "You ok, pet?"
"Quit laughing" she said, her lips quirking. She took his hand, ignoring the feelings that his simple touch sent through her. "It's not funny."
"Yes, it is" he said, smiling as he looked at her. She had just woken up, yet she looked ravishing.
"Ok. It is" she agreed. "I'm just not use to waking up with someone."
He felt a rush of pleasure at her confession. "Good."
She rolled her eyes, covering a yawn. "What time is it?"
"Too early" a sleepy voice said from the other bed.
Willow looked over and saw Xander laying underneath Buffy's comforter. "It's six o'clock. I guess I should take a shower and get ready for class."
"You're going to class?" Spike asked, softly. He had seen the look of disappointment on her face as she realized Buffy had not snuck in during the night.
"I have to. Maybe she'll be there. I hope" Willow said, giving him a small smile. She went to her closet, pulling out a pair of jeans and shirt. She then went to gather her shower materials, feeling Spike's eyes on her as she performed the daily ritual. She looked at him as she hastily stuck her lace panties and bra in the middle of her jeans and shirt. "I'll be back."
Spike watched her leave, smiling at the color that had flooded her cheeks at his perusal. He fought the urge of joining her in the shower, knowing that a dorm shower at this time would not be empty. Now, during the wee hours of the morning....he felt himself harden as the image of a wet, nude Willow entered his mind. He groaned as he shifted on the bed.
Xander lifted the cover, looking at the vampire as the blonde squirmed on Willow's bed. He laughed, seeing the cold blue eyes stare at him. "Someone has a crush...."
"Shut up" Spike said, glaring at the sleepy eyed boy. "Master vampires do not get crushes."
"Someone is in lust" Xander ammended. He laid his head back down, saying, "She wants you too.....just remember, if you hurt her, I pay someone to kill you." With those words, he covered his head and drifted back to sleep.
Willow entered the room half an hour later, smiling softly as she saw Spike sleeping. She allowed her eyes to roam over his body before she put her things away. She moved to Xander's side and shook him until blurry brown eyes looked at her, "I'm going to class. Keep Spike company ok? It's light now so he's stuck here until dusk. You can use the TV and snacks are in the top drawer of Buffy's dresser. I'll call if she's in class, just so you don't worry."
"I'd worry if she'd not in class" Xander said, frowning. "This doesn't feel right, Wills."
"I know" she agreed softly before kissing his forehead. "Go back to sleep now."
"Have a good day at school" he said, grinning before closing his eyes.
Willow moved to Spike's side and leaned over, brushing her lips against his cool forehead. She whispered, "Sleep well, Spike." She grabbed her book bag and left the room, shutting the door quietly. She headed to class, praying that Buffy would be sitting there with a smile and a goofy explanation.
~Part: 7~
"Miss Rosenberg please stay behind."
Willow looked up, her face still worried. She had been concerned upon finding Buffy's seat empty and had spent most of the class praying that she was overreacting. She nodded at the professor, not really paying attention as the other student left the room. She gathered her stuff and went to the front, standing in front of Walsh. "Yes Ma'am?"
Maggie Walsh raised tired eyes to the young girl, wondering again if she should be doing what she was about to do. After watching the girl's worried look throughout the lecture though, she knew she had no choice. "Miss Rosenberg. Thank you for staying."
"What is it, Professor Walsh?" Willow asked.
"You are Miss Summer's best friend. Am I correct?" Maggie asked, knowing the answer.
"Yes" Willow said. She looked at the woman suspiciously, "What is it? What happened to Buffy?"
Maggie sighed, leaning against her desk. "What I am about to tell you does not leave this room. Is that agreed?"
"Of course" Willow said, desperate for any news.
"You know of Buffy's assisting the Iniative. I normally would assume that she had kept it secret, as she was asked. But, knowing Miss Summers, well, I doubt it remained a secret for more than an hour." Maggie said, smiling slightly.
"I know about it. What happened to Buffy?" Willow demanded.
"There was a patrol last night. Several hostiles were being tracked." Maggie said, glancing away from Willow's concerned gaze. She felt guilt overwhelm her even though she hadn't been responsible for what had happened. She continued, "The demon we were tracking surrounded the unit."
"No" Willow said, shaking her head. "Not Buffy...."
"Several soldiers were killed. Others were taken" Maggie said. "Buffy was taken hostage. As far as I know, she is still alive."
"Thank god" Willow said. "When are they getting out?"
Maggie sighed, "They aren't. The Lefrimky that have the soldiers are wanting to trade for one of our captives. It appears we unknowingly took their leader last week in an attack."
"Give them the thing." Willow said, not believing they were even hesitating.
"We can't" Maggie said. "The hostile was killed during quarantine. We have nothing to trade. I'm afraid they are going to die. The majority of our force was out tracking last night. Most have been captured or killed. We have no one."
"No...you have to do something. My God...this is all your stupid organizations fault. Fix it." Willow said.
"I'm sorry" Maggie said, meaning it. "I can't do anything. My power is limited. This comes from above. The iniative is being closed down. It has proven more of a liabilty than a help, despite our efforts."
"That's an out." Willow said. "I can't lose Buffy."
"I'm losing all of my men, Willow. Riley and Graham and the others. They are almost like children to me." Maggie sighed, looking at Willow helplessly, "I just thought you should know. I didn't want you worried about her. I am sorry, Willow."
"That won't save them" Willow said, pulling her arm from Walsh's grip. "You've been a great help. I hope that helps you sleep at night....their deaths are your fault."
Maggie watched the girl leave, running a hand over her face. She moved to a seat, collapsing into it. She had tried everything she could to get a task force sent to find Riley and the others. Nothing she had said had convinced them. They wanted to save face by shutting it all down and forgetting it ever existed. All hostiles were being released or killed depending on their origin. There was nothing she could do now. She only hoped that they would die quickly.
~Part: 8~
"Ha ha!" Xander yelled triumphantly, placing his pair down. "You lost again, dirt breath."
"This is the stupidist game alive, Chubs" Spike grumbled, not believing he had lost yet another round of Go Fish. "Sure you don't want to bring out that trivia game again?"
Xander shook his head, "Hell no. You cleaned up. All those damn undead years of yours."
Spike rolled his eyes, glancing at the door suddenly. "Willow."
Xander looked at the closed door, then looked back at Spike. "Where?"
Spike stood, his eyes still on the door. "She's crying."
"You can hear her?" Xander asked surprised as he straightened the forgotten cards.
"I can smell them" Spike said, watching as the door opened. He moved quickly, his arms going around Willow before she could collapse on the floor. "Shh, baby....I'm here."
"Buffy" she said, sniffling. She looked at Xander, her eyes sad. She turned her head to bury it in Spike's shirt, inhaling the scent of tobacco and apples. She frowned despite her shock and wondered, apples?
"No..." Xander said, sitting on the bed, his eyes wide. He took her one word to mean so many different things. "Is she hurt?"
Willow moved her head slightly and looked at him. "She was taken by some demon. A lefrimky or something like that. They were retaliating against the initiative and took the entire group hostage. Well, the ones they didn't kill that is."
"Who told you, luv?" Spike asked, moving to sit but keeping her close to him. She moved on the bed, resting on his lap.
"Professor Walsh."
"The evil bitch monster?" Xander asked, his eyes narrowing. "Why would she tell you anything?"
Willow sighed softly, "Riley and Graham were taken. They were her two favorites....almost like kids I think. She was so defeated. The initiative has been closed down because of this. They killed the demon that is wanted in the exchange so they are running away."
"This lefrimky thing....they want to exchange the slayer for some other demon?" Spike asked, trying to follow everything.
"Yes. But there isn't anything to trade. So, all their prisoners will be killed" Willow said, looking at the floor. "Buffy is going to be killed."
Xander frowned. He looked at Spike and then at Willow. "I don't get it."
"Don't get what? Buffy is going to die!" Willow said.
"It would take more than some demon to kill the Buffster" Xander said softly. "Riley is a distraction....he must be. She can't get out and leave him behind. She wouldn't."
Willow nodded, agreeing, "I know. If it was just her, there would be parts of these damn demons everywhere."
"The slayer may be a bitch, but she isn't a quitter" Spike added, thinking.
Willow continued, "I wonder why Walsh told me.....I mean, she said it was because I was Buffy's best friend. Now, I don't know....."
"You said that the initiative has been closed down?" Spike asked.
She nodded, "That's what she said. They were forbidden to get a task force together. Even if they had permission, all their best soldiers were killed or taken. She seemed so hopeless."
Xander suddenly straightened. "I got it. Don't you see, Wills? You were her hope. She knows you help Buffy. Probably figured by letting you know the details, you might be able to swoop in and save them."
Willow straightened and put her hand over her face, "God, I can't believe I didn't see it. She doesn't want them to die, despite what her bosses are telling her. But, why me?"
"She's had you in her class, pet. She's probably seen how caring and brave you are. She has faith in you" Spike said softly, his hand rubbing circles on her back.
"In me?" Willow repeated softly. "No....in us."
Xander smiled crookedly, "Yep. It's an us. We need to go to Giles. With him helping, we might have a chance at getting her out."
Willow smiled, "We knew the demons that are holding her. Walsh even said they had been given a bit of time before having to produce their captive. Oh goddess.....do you think we can really pull this off?"
"Saving the slayer?" Spike asked, smiling slightly.
"Yeah" Xander said, his eyes nervous but hopeful.
"With the right help, you might" Spike said, his eyes moving to Willow's. "The question is, do you think you can do this?"
Willow thought about it, glancing at Xander. She smiled as she nodded, "We can....or we'll die trying."
"Why was I afraid you'd add that" Xander asked, laughing as he smiled at them. It was done. They were going to try to save Buffy and the others. Or die trying.
~Part: 9~
Willow sat down on Giles couch, watching the watcher pace back and forth. She saw Xander look at her and smile wryly. They had been telling Giles what they had learned about Buffy and the others. He had begun pacing, rubbing the spot between his eyes. Spike had gone to the kitchen to feed, leaving Willow to wonder if he was going to help or not. She knew he hated Buffy and would probably be thrilled at the idea that the slayer was going to die. She saw Giles look at her and asked, "So, what do you think?"
Giles sighed, sitting down. "I honestly don't know. I've never heard of a lefrimky before but I'm sure with some research we can find something. What really bothers me is the idea that these demons took down not only a slayer but a group of trained soldiers also. They are not weak."
"I know" Willow said, looking at Xander and then back at Giles. "I don't know if we can save her but I can't not try. I mean, if it were one of us, no matter how much she's pushing us away lately, she'd be there trying to get us. I can't let her down."
"Your courage is noted, but would she want us to risk a suicide mission to save her? What good would that be to her if we all die?" Giles asked, not saying anything Willow hadn't already considered.
"You don't have to help" Xander said, causing Giles to look at him in surprise. "But, Wills and I are going to do it."
"You silly git. Did you really think I'd let you two do this alone?" Spike asked, taking a sip from his mug.
"You're helping?" Willow asked, a smile crossing her face.
"Of course. I can't bloody well let you both die alone now, can I?" Spike asked, raising an eyebrow.
"That's a way to think positive" Giles remarked dryly. "So, where should we begin?"
"We?" Xander said, smiling at the watcher.
Giles sighed, "What would I do all alone when you all die?"
"Talk about positive" Willow said, smiling as Spike sat down beside her. They began to discuss a plan, the shrill sound of the doorbell halting them. Willow stood, glancing at Giles curiously. She opened the door, her eyes widening as she found herself looking at Maggie Walsh. "Dr. Walsh?"
"Willow" Maggie said, glancing at the girl, "I want to help. I want to get them out."
***********
Buffy opened her eyes, groaning as pain shot through her head. She looked blearily around the room she in, not remembering where she was. She saw Riley leaning against the wall, his eyes closed, blood dripping from a wound on his head. Events of the night before flashed to her. The demons and the ambush. She brought a hand up to her head, running a finger over the wound that she feared matched Riley's. She brought her fingers back, seeing the blood on them. Sighing, she glanced at the others, happy to see Graham breathing. Forrest looked bad though. He had fought capture also, wounds covering his face and arms. She glanced down and saw the bruises forming on her own body.
She looked back at Riley, seeing his face that looked more pale than normal. His face was covered in sweat and she looked worriedly at his struggling breathing. She grimaced as she moved from the wall, hearing a clang and feeling something tug at her ankle. She glanced down and frowned when she saw the metal shackles holding her in place. She cursed, moving towards Riley. She made it to him, glad that he was just across from her. She leaned against the wall beside him, putting her arm around his shoulders. He stirred slightly, saying her name weakly before closing his eyes again. She ran her fingers through his hair, wondering if this was finally the time she was going to die. She glanced at the shackles, knowing that once she regained her strength she could easily break it. But, she couldn't leave Riley and the guys. She sighed, praying that Willow knew what was happening. She knew that Willow would save her if she knew where she was. She kissed Riley's forehead as she closed her eyes, trying to forget everything.
~Part: 10~
"Dr Walsh" Giles said, his eyes distrustful as they looked at the woman.
"Mr Giles" she responded, not at all surprised that Willow had gone to the older man for help. She looked at the redhead, handing her a file, "This is all the information we had obtained about the lefrimky. I'm afraid there isn't very much and it doesn't appear to be very accurate."
"Great" Willow said weakly, sighing as she sat on the sofa and spread the file out. She read through the notes, saying, "You're right. This says that they are docile and harmless. I'm sure there are several soldiers that would disagree."
"Our research seems to be lacking" Maggie said softly, making a slight face.
"I'd say so" Willow said, rolling her eyes. "This is definitely not what you described to me earlier. Either you have the wrong demon or the information is fucked up."
"I'd vote for the latter" Maggie said, smiling slightly. That was the first time she had heard Willow curse.
"Would you like some tea?" Giles asked. He didn't trust this woman but he wasn't going to be overly rude to her.
"Thank you" she replied, following him into the kitchen. She had heard of the watcher from Buffy but had never met him. She had to admit he wasn't what she expected. She took the tea, glancing at Willow and her two friends. "Do you believe we have a chance?"
Giles removed his glasses, rubbing the bridge of his nose, "It's too early to say. As of now, we have very little time before the exchange is supposed to have been made, we have no idea what we are fighting, and there are five of us. Our chances don't look great."
"Honesty, a trait I thought lost" Maggie said smiling slightly as she drank her tea.
"No lost, just forgotten by most" he responded, glancing at her. "I said that we had a chance, be it minimal. I've found that we work better under difficult circumstances. If anyone can save Buffy, Willow is the one."
Maggie nodded, looking back at the small redhead. She smiled softly, looking at her student. "She is quite strong. I have to agree, if anyone can save them, Willow can."
~Part: 11~
Willow looked around the room, smiling softly. Xander was sleeping on the floor, his head on the small table. She could see the small trickle of saliva from his drooling. She reached behind her for a blanket, pulling it over his body. She kissed his cheek as he shifted in his sleep. She looked at Giles who had fallen asleep at his desk. Maggie had left about an hour before, vowing to find anything from the computers at the Initiative that she could. Willow shut her books and sighed, rubbing her temples. This was almost like looking for a needle in a haystack. Completely pointless. All of the information was contradictory.
She felt something on her neck and looked up, surprised to see Spike standing behind her. She whimpered softly as he began to massage her neck, rubbing deep and hard. She had almost forgotten he was there, he had been so quiet. She closed her eyes, letting him take away some of her tension.
"Nothing?" he asked softly, feeling the tenseness in her neck.
"No" she said softly. "I can't find anything....."
"Maybe tomorrow" he said, hating seeing her so defeated.
"We're running out of time" Willow said. "I'm beginning to wonder if we're crazy to think we can do anything."
"Don't" Spike said, causing her to look at him is surprise. "You still have time. Research doesn't help, pet. You need to find where they are and kick some ass."
Willow sighed, "We have to know what we're dealing with. Right now, we have no idea. It doesn't help for us to go save Buffy if we get killed right off."
"Always so logical" Spike said, smiling despite himself. "Don't you ever want to throw that caution away and just do something?"
Willow found herself caught by his eyes. She swallowed, saying so quietly he barely heard her, "Yes."
He ran his fingers over her face, "Come with me. Let's find some answers."
"I..." Willow paused, "I don't know what we could find."
Spike smiled, running his finger over her lips, "You never know, luv. It could be exactly what you're looking for."
Willow looked at him, seeing the awareness in his eyes. He wanted her, she realized. She spoke softly, "I'll come with you. Let's go."
~Part: 12~
Willow followed Spike through the dark streets of Sunnydale. She watched him with a curious look. He had told her that they might be able to find out something about Buffy, but so far he was walking just slightly ahead of her with a thoughtful look on his face. She sighed softly, watching as he turned to look at her. She could have sworn from his look that he may have forgotten she was even there. What was on his mind?
Spike ran a hand over his face, pausing as he waited for her to catch up to him. "Sorry, pet. I was lost in thought."
"It's ok. I've been thinking too" Willow said, catching up to him. "Do you think we're going to find anything out?"
Spike nodded, "If there is anything to discover, we'll find it out. I don't like seeing you so worried."
Willow looked at him, a bit surprised by his announcement. She saw the look on his face and realized he was as startled by his words. She smiled softly, "Thank you Spike."
"For what? I haven't done a bloody thing" Spike said, cursing himself for still not being able to help her.
"You've been there" she said, "I know how hard it is for you to have to help save Buffy."
"Not doing it for her, pet" Spike said, taking her hand before she could say anything.
Willow let her fingers entwine with his as they continued to walk. She knew what he hadn't said and felt a tremor of pleasure that he cared enough about her that he was helping save the slayer. She was falling more in love with him every passing moment. She couldn't understand her feelings for him, but she accepted them. She knew they were not going to change, so there was no need to worry about them. She loved Spike.
*************
"Buffy"
Buffy opened her eyes as she heard her name hissed. She looked over and saw Graham looking at her. She smiled, glad to see that he was ok. "Graham. How do you feel?"
The handsome youth ran a hand over his face and shrugged, "Like someone ran over me a few times. What about you?"
Buffy laughed weakly, "About the same. But, I'm starting to feel stronger. Riley is still in and out of consciousness though. He's got a fever and I'm worried."
Graham sighed, his eyes going around the room and looking at his friends. He saw several that were no longer breathing. He closed his eyes, leaning back against the wall. He couldn't believe they had been caught so easily. There had been twenty one of them on patrol. From what he could see with a glance, there were less than ten still alive. All those years of training to fall so easily. He sucked in a breath when his arm hit his side. He felt as if he had some broken ribs, his head felt like someone had hit him with a two by four, and he honestly didn't feel as if he were strong enough to stand much less try to escape. He looked again at his best friend's girlfriend and asked, "Do you think you could make it out?"
"No" Buffy said, her hand still holding Riley's. "My leg was hurt pretty badly. I think it might be broken. Besides that, I couldn't leave you guys alone."
"Damn" Graham said, hitting his fist on the cement beneath them. He sighed, "Forrest is dead."
"What?" Buffy asked, glancing at the man. He was leaning still against the wall, but she could now see that he wasn't breathing. She felt tears in her eyes as she slowly looked at the others. They were either dead or dying, even Riley. She began to cry silently, wondering if there was any chance of making it out of this one alive. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."
"Not your fault" Graham said, his voice thick with emotion as he saw his other best friend dead across from him. He laughed weakly, "We're not going to make it out of this alive are we?"
"Don't think that" Buffy said, feeling Riley stirring behind her. She looked at him, seeing the sweat on his forehead. He was not looking good, his skin clammy to her touch. She put her head against his chest as she cried. She said in a determined voice, "We'll survive. Trust me, Graham. We'll get out of this."
~Part: 13~
"Stay by me, pet. Don't look at anyone." Spike said, pulling the girl in front of him. "They're not going to believe you're mine. Fuck, they'll be able to smell that. You don't carry my scent. Maybe you should just stay out here."
"No. I'm going in" she said, glaring at him. They had already been to Willie's, finding out that this would be their best bet for information about the lefrimky. Now, he was wanting her to stay outside. "Seize the moment. Remember?"
Spike looked at her and saw the fire burning in her eyes. She was bloody marvelous. He leaned forward and claimed her lips, pulling her flush against his body. He heard her soft gasp before she began to return the kiss with equal fervor. He felt her small hands against his neck as she moved closer towards him. Distantly, he heard the sounds of laughter and music coming from the bar, reminding him where they were. He pulled away reluctantly, not wanting to end up taking her there in the dirty alley. She deserved much more. Cursing, he pushed those thoughts away. After the damn slayer was saved. Then he would take her every way and any way that he had dreamed about the past few weeks. More incentive to save the blonde bitch, he thought with a slight smirk. "You argue a good case, pet."
Willow couldn't believe she was so affected from just a kiss. She honestly knew she would have not stopped him had he pushed her against the alley wall and sunk inside her. She felt her face flush at that recognition. She honestly would have given him her virginity against the side of the building. And she wouldn't have regretted it. She took a deep breath, knowing that her next words would surprise him. But, she had to say them. This was too important. "Spike?"
"Yes, luv?" he asked, willing the erection that her sweet, warm kiss had caused down.
"Bite me....make me yours" she said, gulping slightly as she saw the darkening in his eyes. "Please?"
Said erection popped back up full force at her quiet words. He frowned, asking, "Why?"
"You need to make me. You said that they'd be able to um...not smell your scent on me" she said, knowing her face was flaming with embarrassment. "If you bite me, they'll maybe know you intend to um well...you know."
"Make you mine?" he said huskily, searching for every ounce of control he had not to throw away his convictions and shag her there in the alley.
"Yeah" she said, not aware that she sounded so hopeful.
"The implant, pet" he said, cursing as he remembered it. "I can't bite you."
"It should let you. I mean, I want you to so it won't react as if you are trying to kill me." She said, having thought this out logically over the past few nights of dreams. "I won't be in pain....would I?"
He smiled, seeing the logic in her words. His eyes caught on hers as he moved his body closer to her, "You might cry out, pet....but not in pain."
Willow gasped as she felt his cold tongue slide across her neck. Her pulse was racing as she felt the brick of the wall behind her back. His body moved into hers, the fabric of their clothes the only barrier between them. She was still caught by his eyes as she watched his face change. She brushed her fingers across the ridges of his forehead, a small smile on her face as she saw his yellow eyes burning into hers. She moved her head ever so slightly, allowing him direct access to where he needed to bite her. She groaned as she felt his fangs pierce her skin deeply. There was a small prick of pain before she let herself become lost in the gentle suckling of his mouth....the wetness of his tongue as it lapped at the wound...She arched her body against his, feeling the hardness of him through the denim. She dug her fingernails into his leather duster as she let him drink from her, claiming her so they could enter the bar without problems. She felt the surprising softness of his hair brush against her cheek as began to feel lightheaded, holding onto him to remain standing. Finally, he pulled away, his face changing back as his blue eyes looked lovingly into her face. "Mine" he whispered softly, his thumb brushing against the deep wound on her neck. There would be no doubts to anyone that he intended on claiming the girl.
"Yours" she replied back, caught by the possessive look of love and lust in his eyes. For her? She took a deep breath, struggling to stand without clinging to him. "Let's find out some information."
He nodded, reluctantly moving away from her. "We have a slayer to save." And some shagging to do after, he added mentally, taking her hand and walking towards the entrance of the bar.
~Part: 14~
Xander jumped as he heard the door slam shut. He wiped his hand over his face as he tried to wake up. He looked up and saw Willow and Spike standing there. He noticed the way they were holding hands and couldn't keep the smile from crossing his face. They had finally woken up and realized they were in love. Good. He wanted them to be happy. He wasn't jealous of them either. Nope, not at all. He liked being alone. Besides, he had so much that he was thinking about lately. Too much since Anya had left him. He wasn't ready for a new relationship. But, he was glad that they seemed to be making progress. If anyone had told him even a year before that he would one day be happy that his best friend was in love with a vampire, he would have laughed. Now, it just seemed right. "Why are y'all making so much noise? It's early."
"Sorry" Willow said, noticing that it was just five am. "But, we have news."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah" he said, smiling as he began to wake up. "You two are in love. Not news, Wills. I've known that for weeks."
"Xander!" Willow hissed, her face turning red. She glanced at Spike and saw a knowing smile on his face. Sighing, she said, "Ok. Fine. I love Spike. But that isn't what I meant."
"You love me?" Spike asked, watching her face. He suddenly smiled, "You love me, so you tell Chubs before telling me? Anyone else get to know before I do?"
Willow smiled shyly, "I might tell Giles. If I told Buffy, she'd probably freak out. So, I guess Giles is it."
Spike let her hand go as he moved to the table where the watcher was still sleeping. He shook the man awake, "Listen up, man. Willow has something to tell you."
Willow laughed softly as she watched Spike wake Giles. She saw Xander roll his eyes on his way into the kitchen. "If there are any Cocoa Puffs left, make me a bowl?"
"Sure thing, sweets" Xander said, liking the influence she had on the blonde vampire.
"What is it?" Giles asked, shaking Spike off of him. He looked at the girl and smiled, "Willow, you have something to tell me?"
"I'm in love with Spike" she said, nervously. She saw Spike's face and couldn't read his eyes. He seemed happy by the news, but he could just be cruelly playing with her.
"Is that all?" Giles asked, glaring at the blonde vampire. "You woke me from a very pleasant dream to let me hear something I already knew? Damn fool. I need a drink."
Willow almost felt stupid for being so transparent to her friends. Both of them had known her feelings before she had, it seemed. She looked at Spike and saw him moving towards her, those blue eyes on her face. "Um...should we tell them the other?"
"Not yet" Spike said, his voice low. "You have something to tell me, pet?"
"Um...I um...I love you" she said in a rush. She looked at his feet waiting for the laughter. Instead, she felt his fingers move under her chin as he lifted her head. She felt his lips brush against hers as he whispered softly against them, "I love you too, Red."
"Ahem" Xander cleared his throat, moving into the room with a smile. "Here's your Puffs Willow. Deadboy, are you planning on kissing her or just memorizing her mouth for some reason?"
"Sod off" Spike said, smiling as he sat on the sofa, moving Willow beside him. He rather liked Xander, though it would take the threat of death for him to admit that openly. "Eat your cereal, hon. You didn't eat dinner yesterday."
"Yes Dad" she said softly, happiness in her eyes as she began to eat the chocolatey puffs. She saw Giles come back in and roll his eyes as he saw her sitting against Spike. "We have news."
"What was that?" Giles asked, not understanding the girl's words muffled by her food.
"We found the damn slayer" Spike said, smiling at the surprise on the others' faces. He settled back on the sofa, his arm still around Willow's waist. This damn fiasco would be over soon, he knew. Looking at her smiling face, he was happy. She loved him.
~Part: 15~
Willow looked around the room at the dead demons and smiled. She felt Spike swing her into his arms as she laughed, "We did it. We actually killed the bad guys, without the slayer's help."
"Yes, well, the element of surprise helped"Giles said, grimacing as he looked at the green slime on his shirt. Thankfully, it wasn't a favorite.
"This is what your group does?" Maggie asked, having to admit she had enjoyed the rush of adrenaline she had received from fighting the lefrimky. She had actually killed one herself.
"Bloody stupid, isn't it?" Spike asked, grinning as he set Willow down.
"That was...wow" Xander said, not able to explain the rush that being in control had given him. He had not cowered behind Buffy letting her save him. He had fought this battle himself, and won. They all had. "Everyone ok?"
"Just slimy" Willow said, moving over to hug him. She held onto him tightly and whispered, "I love you Xander."
"Love you too Wills" he said, kissing the top of her head. He looked at Spike and said, "Hurt her, and die."
"On that happy note, why don't we see about finding Buffy" Giles said, not wanting the boy and vampire to get into another good natured arguing match about Willow's welfare. He had already heard three since this morning.
"That would be a good idea" Maggie agreed, praying that her boys were ok.
The group checked the house, finally finding a door that led to the basement. "I think this is it" Spike said, "It smells of humans. Also smell the bitch."
"Let's go" Willow said, moving down the stairs carefully. There could still be a lefrimky guarding the prisoners for all she knew. She made it to the bottom of the stairs, her eyes widening as she took in the sight before her. "My God."
"Jesus" Xander said softly, seeing the dead men chained to the walls.
Willow looked around, finally seeing the matted blonde hair of her friend. She moved past everyone until she was kneeling in front of Buffy. "Buffy? Are you ok?"
Buffy came out of her dreams when she heard Willow's voice. She was imagining it again, she realized. She opened her eyes, startled to see Willow there. "Are you another dream?"
Willow smiled slightly, "Nope. We came to save you.....the others...a lot of them are dead."
Buffy nodded, tears in her eyes. "I know. They were hurt during the capture and then bled to death, I guess. We haven't been fed or watered....Riley's...he's not good, but he is alive. Forrest didn't make it."
"What about Graham?" Willow asked, liking the handsome friend of Riley.
"He's hurt but he's strong. He was alive last time I was awake" Buffy said, sitting up. "We're chained in."
Willow reached for the hammer she had brought down and hit the chain as hard she could. It wasn't very strong, breaking easily. "Now you aren't. Can you walk?"
"No. My leg is broken I think" Buffy said, moving to wake Riley up. He opened his eyes and looked blearily at her. "Honey, Willow's here. She saved us. Can you walk?"
"Buffy?" he asked, weakly touching her face. "I can try. So tired."
"Willow, can you help him? I can't make it alone....my leg really hurts" Buffy said, making a face.
Willow turned and looked at Spike, her eyes asking her question. He groaned loudly, moving to her side. "Damn it, Red. The things I do for you. You owe me."
She smiled softly, kissing him briefly in front of a startled Buffy. "I know. Love you, babe."
"Come on, slayer" Spike said, grumbling as he swept the girl into his arms. Her hands went around his neck as she struggled to stay in his embrace. He saw Willow help Riley to his feet, the boy definitely not looking good.
Giles and Maggie checked the other men, finding the ones that were still alive and breaking their chains. They, too, began to help them up the stairs and towards safety. Xander noticed Graham and moved to kneel beside the man. They had met before, but never really spoken. Willow seemed to like the guy though. He broke the chains and put his head against the man's chest. He could hear the faint heartbeat. Good. At least this one good guy that hadn't died.
Graham heard noises and felt someone against him. He opened his eyes, seeing a somewhat familiar face in front of his. He hissed in pain as fingers probed his cracked ribs. Startled brown eyes flew up to look into his. He heard the word Sorry mumbled as the boy moved away. He caught the boy's hand, realizing that this was that Xander kid. The slayer's little friend. He had saved him, Graham realized. He looked around, still holding tightly to Xander's hand, as he saw the dead bodies of his friends and noticed the living ones struggling to get out of this basement. He felt tears on his cheeks as he saw Forrest laying dead, knowing that his best friend was not going to get back up and start telling jokes. He looked back at Xander, seeing the boy still watching him curiously. "Help me."
Xander heard the words spoken softly and knew what it must have taken for this man to speak them. He nodded, his eyes glancing to the right and seeing the dead man and recognizing him as one of the ones that hung out with Riley all the time. Graham had lost a good friend. Xander knew what that was like, memories of Jesse going through his mind. He stood, helping Graham to his feet, his arm going under the bigger man's arms to help him stand. "Come on. Let's get you out of here."
Graham felt pain shoot through him as he stood on his left foot. He groaned, almost collapsing against Xander. He felt the lanky youth stumble slightly underneath his weight, but soon strong arms were keeping him up. He tightened his grip on the boy's hand, saying, "Don't let go."
Xander looked up into dark eyes and frowned, seeing the fear and uncertainty
in their depths. They must have been through so much. He looked ahead and
saw Willow standing at the head of the stairs beside Spike. He smiled slightly,
seeing the love so evident between them. His best friends, he realized.
He hadn't let them down. For once, he had been brave, helping them save
Buffy and the others. They had believed in him, just as Graham seemed to
now. He nodded, using all of his strength to help Graham walk towards the
stairs. He smiled his crooked smile as he responded, "I won't let go, Miller.
Now come on, move it. Don't worry.....I won't let you fall."
read the Sequal 'Stand
By Me'