Buffy and Spike fought the demon's men as Willow began the spell. She was nervous and her voice shook as she recited the words. Giles was suppose to be there helping. His lady friend had arrived unexpectedly, causing Willow to have to do this alone. She saw Riley and Xander fighting off the men from the other direction. Anya nodded at her. It was time.

Willow stood and allowed the words to go through her. The demon turned from fighting Buffy and started to move towards her. She kept her eyes on him, her fear pushed to the back of her mind. The wind picked up as she got neared the end of the spell. Her red hair flew across her face, her small hands trying to keep it out of her mouth.

Spike reached the demon and began fighting, trying to keep it from his friend. He sensed her fear and knew that the demon did too. He could hear her words and knew she was almost done. Suddenly, the demon faced him and threw him against the wall. He grunted with pain as he heard a bone break.

Willow saw Spike fly and felt her heart speed up. He needed to be ok. She turned back, and came face to face with the demon. He grabbed her head, his hand covering her ear and chin. She finished the words with a yell as pain coursed through her. The demon groaned as it disappeared in a bright light. Willow held her head and fell to her knees.

Buffy helped Spike up. She still didn't trust him, but he had proven a faithful ally the last few months. His eyes roamed over everyone, making sure that they were ok. He saw Willow on the ground rushed over to her, ignoring the pain in his leg.

"Willow. You did it. He's gone, pet" he said, his hand touching her back.

Willow looked up sharply. "Spike? Are you ok?"

"Yes pet. Just a broken bone. It will mend soon enough." He had turned away, glancing at the others. "We had better leave."

Willow looked at him, fear in her eyes. "No" she started to repeat over and over as she rocked in place.

"What?" he looked at her.

She felt tears in her eyes, "I can't hear you."

"I can't hear you" Willow repeated again.

She knew she had said the words. She couldn't hear anything. It was total silence except for a low ringing that was in the back of her head. She shook her head sharply, as though this action would suddenly force the sounds to come through.

Spike looked at her. Surprisingly she saw concern in those beautiful blue eyes. He had never struck her as the type to care if anything happened to any of them. He was only helping them in exchange for food and for his own safety. It had been a little over four months since his capture by the initiative. The gang was still trying to find a way to reverse his implant and stop the experiments. Riley had told them all that he knew, but it was still too early to make a move. They were in limbo.

She saw his mouth move, her attention focused on his lips. Thin but full. She felt herself wondering what he tasted like, again. That thought had often entered her mind, especially after her botched spell in November. Buffy groaned about Spike taste, but Willow was dying to experience it. She saw that he had quit talking. She felt a slight flush as she realized that she was still looking at his lips. Lips that were set in a smirk. He had noticed her attention on them.

The ringing was fading, replaced by nothing. There was just silence. She saw the others watching her curiously. They had no idea what was happening either. She felt Spike's hand on her arm. With his help, she stood. Her green eyes skittered around the alley, seeing a car go down the street. She didn't hear it. She started to fall, only standing with Spike's help.

She finally realized that the demon must have done something to her before he had died. His large hand on her face. The pain that she had felt. She felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to look at Buffy. Her friend was talking, motioning to the others. She saw worry in the blonde's eyes. She sighed. She needed to see Giles. She opened her mouth, not hearing her words.

"Take me to Giles." the words were soft but a little louder than usual. Buffy and the others looked at each other then back at Willow.

She saw Buffy's mouth move. "Why?" she imagined was what her friend had said.

Willow laughed slightly. She said dryly, not hearing the lack of emotion in her own voice, "It would appear that I'm deaf."

Spike saw the look of acceptance in the green eyes. He felt something go through him. She didn't deserve that. The watcher would have to fix it. That was all. Her fragileness at that moment...the determination he saw her trying to gather, it made him recall Drusilla. Before his dark Princess had gone completely insane. The same look would be in her eyes when she tried to fight the madness. She had eventually tired of the fight, giving in to the insanity that she had fought.

Spike saw the long scrape on Willow's leg. The blood was flowing slowly and he felt his demon start to rise at the scent. Shaking it off, he reached over and swept her into his arms. She couldn't walk back to the watcher's house. If she did, it would take them forever to get there. He wanted answers now. He had been unable to save Dru from her demons. He would find a way to save the redhead.

Willow gasped as Spike took hold of her. Her arm went around his neck, trying to keep hold. She saw the surprise in her friend's faces. She saw his lips move as he called something out to Buffy. She hated the silence. She saw Buffy and the others began to walk beside them. She knew that he was taking her to Giles. She laid her head against his shoulder. She had a terrible headache that was just getting worse.

Willow tried not to think about the hard chest that she laying against. She fought the urge to run her free hand over the developed muscles that she moved against with each step. She did give in to the temptation of smelling him. She breathed in deeply, inhaling the scent that was Spike. He smelled of cigarettes, old leather and...she smiled, vanilla. She moved her face closer to his neck, until she was actually touching his soft, cool skin. She wanted so badly to taste him. To see if his skin tasted of the vanilla that his scent tempted her with. She felt him move his arms, bringing her head away from him.

She flushed, turning her head into his shoulder. He couldn't know what she had almost done. She would never face him if he found out about her infatuation. She instead began to think what she was facing.

Spike let out an internal sigh as the girl moved her mouth away from his neck. For a brief moment, he would have sworn that she was either about to bite him or kiss him. Either one brought forth images that he would be better off not having. Now was not the time to begin lusting after the slayer's little friend. He only hoped that the loss of hearing was a direct result of the demon's demise and not something permanent. He saw the watcher's apartment ahead and began to walk faster. He needed to get her warm, soft body out of his arms before his own body had an embarrassing reaction.

**********

Giles answered the door in his robe. He saw Spike carrying Willow and knew that something was wrong. He moved to the side, allowing them all to come in.

"What happened?"

"The bloody demon did something to her" Spike said. The blond sat Willow down on the sofe and turned to Giles, his eyes yellow. "She shouldn't have been doing the spell alone. The demon was strong. I hope your fuck was worth what she is going through." Spike hissed out.

Giles saw the anger and concern in the yellow eyes that glared at him. "It was a simple spell. I was confidant that Willow would have no problems with it. Why are you so upset, if you don't mind my asking?"

Spike moved forward, intent on showing the watcher just how upset he was. He felt a hand on his arm and turned, his features going back to his human face. "Yes pet?" he asked softly.

Willow had seen the way that Spike was moving toward Giles. She had no idea why he was so angry. She was the one that couldn't hear anything. She shook her head at him, glancing at Giles. "Leave him alone" she said quietly.

"It's his fault" Spike said, again glaring at the watcher.

Willow saw the mouth move but couldn't hear the words. She saw Giles look guilty and understood what Spike was doing. "Not his fault. Demon's fault."

Spike laughed harshly. He knew Willow couldn't understand what he was saying. He saw Buffy look at him, a small smile on her lips as she sat down. Her eyes darted from him back to Willow. Damn it, he was playing the hero. He was getting soft. He looked at Giles, "Fix her" the words were said with threat and promise.

Giles gulped at seeing Spike so close to how he had used to be. He wondered why the implant hadn't kicked in yet. Then, he realized that the vampire had done nothing more than speak to him. It was his attitude that projected evil. "What's wrong with you Willow?"

Willow saw Giles say something. She looked at Spike, her eyes imploring. He knew automatically what she wanted. "I seem to have run into a problem with the demon" she said as Spike went to retrieve what she needed.

"Yes?" Giles prompted as the others looked at him wearily.

Buffy hoped that he could get Willow's hearing back. She hated the idea that her friend would suffer for something that wasn't even her responsibility. Buffy watched as Spike thrust a tablet of paper and a marker at Giles before taking a seat next to Willow. The vampire kept his eyes focused on her friend except to glare occasionally at Giles. She was reminded of the way that he had acted around Drusilla when they had first come to Sunnydale. She knew she should be worried, but she saw the worry in his eyes. She knew all about Willow's secret crush. She had been best friend's with her for years. She suddenly was struck dumb with the possibility that the feeling was mutual.

"He took my hearing." Willow said, seeing Giles looking at the tablet with open curiosity.

"Excuse me?"

"She's bleeding deaf watcher. Now, fix it."

"What?" Giles said looking at Buffy. Seeing her serious expression, he felt guilt spread through him.

"I'm deaf" Willow said again.

She still couldn't use to not hearing her own voice. She felt Spike's cool hand take hers and squeeze it. Somehow he knew that she was feeling a bit overwhelmed. His touch reassured her and she told Giles what had happened. She had no idea if she was speaking too softly or too loud. She was trying to keep her voice the same as it usually was. She hated all of them looking at her with pity in their eyes. Anya was speaking to Xander. Xander nodded and kissed her.

"Well, I will see what I can find."Giles saw Willow look frustrated and realized that she couldn't hear him. He wrote his words on the paper, handing it to her.

"See if it is only temporary" Willow said after reading. "I can't stand this" she whispered.

"It may be a side effect of the spell. I'll begin the research now. Willow should get some sleep."

"What about classes?" Buffy asked.

"It would be better if she missed until we figure this out. It would be easier to explain illness than temporary deafness."

"I can't leave her alone" Buffy said glancing at her friend. She saw Willow glaring at them angrily. Remembering, she reached for the table and wrote the plan out for her friend.

"I agree that school would be a problem. I can't stay alone though" Willow said softly. "I couldn't hear if there was a fire or anything...."

"She's staying with me" Spike said, challenging them to disagree. He brought her attention to him. Slowly, he spoke clearly, his lips forming the words. "You stay with me until this is resolved."

Willow was able to make out most of his words. She saw Stay me resolved. He wanted her to stay with him. She felt a small rush of pleasure fill her.

"She can't stay with deadboy" Xander said.

"Do you have a better suggestion?" Buffy said.

"No" Xander admitted. "I just don't like him being her babysitter."

Spike was up in a flash, Xander's neck in his hands, "She is an adult. She doesn't need a baby sitter. I will be watching out for her and trying to help her get use to this. Don't ever refer to her as incompetent again."

Xander nodded, breathing in much needed air when the vampire released him.

Spike turned and saw Willow watching him with an unreadable expression in her green eyes. "We need to get you some things for your stay. Come along luv."

Willow reached for his arm, her head almost bursting from the pain. She flinched and gripped his arm tightly. She felt his hand on her waist, bringing her into his lean body. She felt his chin on her head as he ran his hand down her back, trying to soothe the pain. He waited until she was steady before walking her out of the apartment.

"Well, this has been fun" Anya said, "But we have Willow taken care of for now. I'm leaving. Xander, come."

Xander followed her, saying goodbye.

Giles looked at Buffy. "Do you think she is safe with him?"

Buffy smiled, "You didn't see the way he fought to keep the demon away from her. Someone has a crush. She is safer with him than anywhere, I'd say." Her expression turned serious, "Can we fix this?"

Giles sighed, "I don't know...I just don't know."

**********

Willow followed Spike into his apartment. He had only lived there for a little over a month. He had been released from Giles' custody when they had realized that he was seriously going to stay and help them until his implant could be removed.

"Hungry?" he pantomimed eating.

"Thirsty" Willow said.

He went to the kitchen and got a glass. He filled it with ice cubes and put some water in it. She took it eagerly, drinking it down. He refilled it adding more cubes. Smiling slightly, he took her hand and led her to the bedroom. She looked at him questioningly.

He took the table and wrote the words as he spoke them, "I only have one bed. I'll take the sofa. Do you need anything?"

Willow looked at the sofa then at the bed. "I'll take the sofa."

He wrote, "Let me be the gentleman once. I rarely get the chance anymore."

She smiled softly, "You get to be more than you realize...."

"I'm not soft luv. Get that sappy look out of those pretty green eyes."

Willow read the words and her smile beamed, "You think I have pretty eyes?"

He turned from her, ignoring her question. He knew it was cowardly, but he couldn't answer it..not now. He got a pillow and a blanket. Remembering, he picked up the tablet again.

"Bathroom is across the hall and to the left. Only other room in the place. And, I " he paused, looking uncomfortable. "Sleep nude. Just thought you should be warned."

He left the room, shutting the door.

Willow read the words, her face turning red. Her breathing quickened as she imagined him getting ready for bed. He slept nude. It was like temptation beckoned her. She moved to the door, wondering if she could do it. Sighing, she moved away. She couldn't. It would be invading his privacy. Besides, she would be here until they figured something out. She couldn't risk the mortification if he found out she had peaked.

She got dressed for bed. His room smelled of him. She could make out vanilla and cinnamon on his pillows and sheets. Strange scent for a vampire. She laid down. Her mind brought forth images of him in this very bed. She felt a tingle between her legs. She whimpered slightly as her mind began to play out one of her many fantasies. She was actually in Spike's bed. Too bad he wasn't with her.

She was a virgin. She had had a chance with Oz, her high school boyfriend, but had waited. It hadn't seemed right. Soon after her refusal, she had learned that he had several groupies on the road. She had never regretted her choice. When Spike had returned, he had invaded her mind. There was something so sexy...so naughty about him. She couldn't explain her reaction. She had felt it even when he was bad.....when it was wrong.

She felt the itch begin to get worse as she imagined him taking her. She began to move on the bed trying to alleviate the unfamiliar feeling. His scent filled her nose. She felt the satin cool against her feverish skin. She sat up, taking her shirt off. She laid back down, imagining that the coolness was his touch. She removed the pillowcase and began to run it along her breasts. She had never had this intense need before. She was about to do something that she had never even thought of doing. She moaned as the pillow case touched her erect nipple.

In the living room, Spike sat straight up when he heard the moan. She must be in pain. He moved quickly, opening the door to his bedroom. He froze as his eyes took in his bed. His cock hardened instantly.

Spike watched the redhead on his bed. He felt relief that she couldn't hear him. He was free to watch her. His large hand went to his aching cock. He rubbed the head, feeling his pre-cum that was already leaking. He continued to watch, unable to move his eyes.

Willow kicked the covers down to the bottom of the bed. She was so hot. She had never felt this way. It was too intense. She stripped her boxers off and lay completely nude on Spike's bed.

She ran her hand, covered in the cool satin, along her breast. She moved her other hand up to twist her nipple. Her eyes were closed. In her mind, it was Spike doing all of these things to her. She could still smell the vanilla. She felt that terrible itch spread. She moved the hand down her body, savoring the coolness as it touched her ribs...down her stomach until it reached her secret place. She continued to knead her breast with her free hand. She ran the satin over her slit. She could feel the wetness as it seeped through the cold material. She brought the hand up and removed the pillow case. It had gotten warm during her activities.

Her eyes caught on the glass of water sitting beside the bed. She reached over and removed an ice cube. She ran her fingers along it, small beads of water dripping down her arm. She moved it back down between her legs. She touched her nub with it and cried out. It was so very cold on her hot skin. She ran the ice cube along her wetness. Small beads of water dripped into her inner core. She ran the cube along her slit, slowly pushing it into her. She arched up at the uncommon intrusion. She stopped, enjoying the coldness.

In her mind, it was Spike about to take her...to accept her virginity. She thrust the cube in and out. She wished that it was bigger. She was so empty. She needed him so badly. She pushed the cube in and let it sit, slowly melting inside her warmth. She ran her thumb along her nub, tremors of pleasure shooting through her. She rubbed faster, her hands still twisting her nipples. She couldn't hear the moans and whimpers that she was making. She felt her body tense as her mind exploded.

"Spike..." She screamed out as her first orgasm hit her.

Spike felt his seed spill onto his hand. He had fought himself not to cum until she did. When he had seen her thrust the ice cube inside her, where he wanted to be, he'd almost shot off. Hearing her scream his name...knowing that it was him that she was thinking of...it was too much. He brought his hand to his mouth, licking his own release from it. His eyes watched as she drowsily pulled the sheet up covering her lovely body.

He realized suddenly why she had used the ice instead of her own fingers. The ice was cold....better representing him. He groaned as he felt his cock swell again at that knowledge. He shut the door and went back to the sofa. He closed his eyes, imagining being the one taking her. Soon, he shot his second load of the evening.

His eyes glanced to the closed door. He really hoped that the watcher would fix everything soon. If she stayed with him too long, he didn't know if he could keep his control. It was killing him now to sit and not go into the bedroom and fuck her until she screamed his name over and over. Maybe they would have an answer in the morning.

**********

Willow screamed loudly. Spike sat up and ran into the bedroom. This scream had terror throughout it. He saw her shaking in the middle of the bed. Sometime in the night she had put on one of his t-shirts. He sat on the bed, taking her trembling figure into his arms.

He whispered soothing words, forgetting that she couldn't hear them.

"It was bad...there was so much pain. My head feels terrible. You were there and you died. I couldn't handle it."

Spike heard her words. She had a nightmare about him dying? That was what had her terrified? He ran his hands over her back until her sobs ceased. He tried to stand, but she held tightly onto him. He laid beside her on the bed until she fell asleep. His own eyes drifted closed.

Willow woke up. Her head no longer throbbed. She felt something cold behind her and looked. She froze. Spike was sleeping beside her. She remembered the nightmare. Remembered him coming to her and offering comfort. She let her eyes wander over him. She saw his hard erection and gasped softly. Wow.

Spike heard her wake up. He felt her shift. He could now feel her eyes on him. He knew his cock was hard. He had been dreaming about taking her before waking. Now, he had nowhere to hide. He felt fingers touch him. He moaned softly at the tentative touch. She was inspecting him as though he were going up for sale.

Willow knew she shouldn't, but he was sleeping. She may never have the opportunity. She moved down, her eyes taking in his length. She never knew they were this big. How could they fit? She saw something glistening on the tip and licked her lips. She looked up and saw that his eyes were still closed. She reached over and wiped her tongue over the tip. It moved slightly at her touch. She moved back, giggling. She ran her tongue over it again, enjoying the flavor that was distinctly Spike. She licked again and again, never actually taking him into her mouth.

She saw his arm move and jumped back. She got out of bed and went into the bathroom. She couldn't let him know what she had done.

Spike heard the door shut and groaned. The little hacker was getting to him. He moved his hand down to bring himself the pleasure that she had denied. He shot himself over his hand, moaning her name. He sat up and pulled on a pair of jeans. He pulled the sheets off the bed. They needed watched after last night. A scent wafter up to him. He brought the sheet closer, breathing in the scent of her release from the night before. Shaking himself, he remade the bed while she showered. Hopefully, the watcher had found something.

He made her coffee and waited. Willow, where are you.

"I'm right here Spike" she said, stopping. Her eyes got wide. "I heard you!"

"I didn't say anything pet. I just thought it." he wrote the words, wondering what had happened.

Looking at her, he thought, Willow, did you enjoy your shower?

"Yes, but I think I used up the hot water." She saw his face. "You didn't say that aloud did you?"

He shook his head. "We need to see the watcher."

**********

Willow saw Giles stare at her. She shook her head. "Nothing."

She saw his mouth move.

"Pet, can you hear anything?"

"No, Spike. I told you. I can't hear him. I can't hear anyone but you."

Spike looked at them, questions in his eyes.

"Can you explain it?" he asked the watcher.

"After the demon died, who touched her?"

"Spike" Buffy said. "He was the only one that touched her. I reached for her shoulder, but he didn't let me touch her. He did it himself."

"She stayed with you last night. Did anything happen?"

Spike froze as memories went through his mind. "She had a nightmare. She dreamed that I died. Said something about her head killing her."

"I would assume then that this is cause by what the demon passes on to her. Since Spike is the only one that had contact with her before and after it took place, she can now read his thoughts."

"What?"

"Only the ones directed at her" Giles added.

"Willow. The watcher said we have some sort of bond caused by the demon."

Willow nodded. She had already figured that one out. "Is this temporary?"

"I may have a reversal spell that will remove the imprint that the demon made on her mind. It will take me a few days to find it, but after that things will be normal."

Spike thought the information to Willow. Buffy watched as he held her friend's hand. She saw the slight flush on Willow's features. Something had happened the night before. She'd bet Mr. Pointy on it.

"So, I only have to last three more days at the most?" Willow asked softly, enjoying the feel of Spike's coolness on her hand.

"Hopefully I'll find it sooner" Giles said, sighing. He felt terrible that this had happened to the girl. Had he been there, the demon never would have attacked her.

"I can handle three days." Willow said. She looked at Spike, "Can you?"

"Anything for you luv" he thought to her. Out loud he said, "Yes."

Willow blushed at the words that entered her mind. Anything? She wondered about that. Sighing, she knew he was just being nice for some odd reason. Three days of sleeping in his bed. She felt the rush of desire. Maybe she could seduce him before the end of that time. She could always have another nightmare, faked of course. Get him in her bed and then...

"Let's go luv."

She looked up, startled.

Spike almost groaned at the lust and desire in her eyes. He could smell her faint arousal. Three days? It would be hell.

**********

Willow watched the television. She never realize how awful these programs looked. Since she couldn't hear anything, she had to just watch. Spike's TV was old and was not equipped with closed captioning. Sighing, she remembered it would only be three more days.

"Want to play cards?"

She turned towards Spike and smiled. "Yes. If I have to watch Bart one more minute I might scream."

Willow sat at the table and watched him shuffle the cards expertly. "What are we playing."

"Strip poker?" he mind thought her.

She shook her head. "Not a chance. I like my clothes right where they are."

Willow's mind was suddenly filled with images of Spike losing his shirt...his pants...his socks...she knew that he didn't wear underwear so it would only take a few hands for his flesh to bared for her eyes. She sucked at poker though. No, she'd have to wait.

"Too bad" Spike muttered out loud.

"Oh, I know." Willow said smiling.

Three hours later, Spike threw the cards down in disgust. His mind was tired from trying to talk to her and to concentrate on the cards.

"I give up" he thought. "I hate this damn game."

"Uh oh, someone's a bad loser" Willow said, bringing the pieces of candy towards her.

"Sore loser luv. Not a bad loser." he corrected smiling.

"I'll share the candy" she said.

"Nah, keep it. I hate that bloody game."

She laughed. "You can play poker but you hate go fish?"

He watched her face as she laughed. The worry and concern of the last day fled her face. She was happy. He had made her smile and laugh. Her green eyes shone with amusement. She took a sip of soda and wiped her mouth with her tongue as she began to shuffle the cards.

"God, how I want you" he thought. He froze when he saw her drop the cards and look at him, her eyes wide with knowledge. He cursed softly. He had forgotten the mind link.

"You want me?" Willow said softly.

"I didn't mean to say that" he thought to her. He ran his hand through his hair. Damn it. He still had three days to last.

"I want you" she said softly. She hated not being able to hear his voice. She wanted to hear him say the words in that sexy voice.

"We can't luv" he protested. He saw the need in her eyes and felt himself harden.

"I need you" she whispered, knowing that it was true. She couldn't sleep another night in that bed without him inside her.

"Are you sure?" he asked, his eyes staring intently at her.

"Please" she said softly.

He stood from the table, moving towards her slowly. His blue eyes roamed over her face. She was his. He reached for her, leaning down to taste her lips. She taste of soda and sweetness. He moved closer, hearing her groan as he plundered her mouth. He moved her in tight against him, bringing her in contact with his erection.

Willow felt his hardness against her stomach. She moved closer to him, needing to feel him. She couldn't breathe. She pulled away and took his hand. She walked into his bedroom and slowly began to strip. She felt his hands on hers.

"Let me" he demanded softly in her mind. She was captured by the desire she saw in his eyes. He pushed her shirt over her head and unclasped her bra. His mouth found her breast, sucking it into his mouth. His tongue swirled around first one nipple then the other. He knelt in front of her and carefully removed her jeans.

She put her hands on his shoulder as she lifted first one leg then the other. Soon, she stood before him wearing only her panties and a shy smile.

"Beautiful" he thought to her. He saw the flush that spread over her skin. He hadn't been with a human in almost a hundred years. He hoped that he could remember to be gentle. He didn't want to do anything to hurt his red haired goddess. He moved his mouth towards the juncture between her thighs. He inhaled her scent, feeling his cock harden even more. He ran his tongue over her panties, finding them soaked with her secretions.

Willow moved her hand up to cup her breast. She twisted the nipple between her fingers as he continued to tease her. Finally, she felt the panties ripped off. His cold tongue touched her causing her to move closer to him. She began to moan as he lapped up her juices. She felt his nose rub against her nub, sending pleasure vibrations down every nerve ending. She started when she felt his finger lightly run over her ass. She soon lost all thought as her orgasm hit her.

Spike loved the essence of her. So warm, so good. He could have feasted on her all day. He felt her tighten her grip on his shoulder as she screamed out her release. He wondered briefly if she was always so loud or if it was due to the deafness. He loved hearing her sounds, the moans, the grunts, the screams. He hoped that they didn't go away when her deafness did.

Willow was shocked as Spike stayed on his knees. His hands kneaded her ass cheeks as he continued to lap at her. She closed her eyes as everything went out of her mind. She concentrated on him and what he was making her feel. She felt his finger again cross her hole. She felt him move it in circles just barely touching her. She moved backwards to the exploring finger.

Spike chuckled as she tried to capture his finger. He brought that hand around and plunged the finger into her wetness, causing her to moan again. He moved it back to her ass and slowly began to enter her from behind. She froze as his tongue thrust into her slit and her ass was violated. It was too much. She exploded again, her hands tightening in his blond hair.

He heard her gasping for breath and moved. Her juices covering his face as he smiled at her. "More pet?" he thought to her.

"Oh, goddess, yes" she begged. He swept her up and laid her on the bed. His mouth met hers, his tongue giving her a taste of her own juices.

Spike stood by the bed, his eyes taking in the goddess that was waiting for him. Her taste was still in his mouth. He let his eyes roam over her mussed hair, the pink lips begging to be kissed, the breasts that had fit so perfectly in his hands, the wet slit that was asking to be filled. She was beautiful. And she was his.

"Please" she begged.

He smiled as he began to strip. Her eyes watched as each piece of flesh was revealed to her. He was perfect. She honestly thought that someone must have taken marble and made him in the essence of the perfect man. His chest was muscled, but not overly. She saw a light scattering of dark hair right above the top of his jeans. What did Cordelia call that? A happy trail. Because if you followed it down, you'd be quite happy. She knew now what the cheerleader had meant.

She waited as he unzipped his jeans. He pushed them down and stood. His eyes on her. She gasped as she saw his hardened penis. She had seen it earlier, but only by sneaking a peak. This time, it was standing in all its glory. She saw the tip glistening and remembered what he had tasted like.

"You sure" he mind thought her.

"Please. Make me yours" she said softly.

"With pleasure" he smiled as she blushed when she received his thoughts.

He knelt on the bed and slowly crawled up her body, his eyes taking on a predatory look. She was his. He caught her lips with his mouth. He nibbled on her bottom lip, biting softly with his bare teeth. She ran her tongue over his teeth, her eyes needy.

He thrust his tongue into her mouth, running his hard cock over her wet passage. She arched up at the contact. It was taking all of his control not to just enter her and fuck her hard. He knew that she was a virgin. He had heard the others talk of it. He was glad. He would be her first...and her last.

"Please Spike" she begged softly.

"Now luv" he said smiling as he reached down between their bodies.

Willow felt Spike run his hands over her wetness. She again arched up towards his cold body. She needed him inside her. She felt him move his hard cock and rub it lightly across her slit. His hand came back up, bracing itself beside her. She felt him slowly start to slide inside.

Impatient, she arched up gasping at the pain as her virgin barrier was broken.

"Give it a minute, pet" he said in her mind.

She waited a moment, adjusting the size of him. She had never thought that he would fit. As it was, they joined together perfectly. It was almost as though she were made for him. Spike kissed her face as he slowly began to move inside her.

She was so warm and tight. He was lucky that he hadn't embarrassed himself by shooting off immediately. She began to moan softly as he continued to move inside her.

She was in heaven. This was great. It was better than great. She looked at him, seeing the emotion in his eyes. He cared for her. It was strange. A week before she would have admitted to having a crush but never thinking things would go this far. He moved his head to her chest, taking one nipple into his cold mouth.

"Oh my...heaven..." she whispered....

"My own taste of heaven" he thought to her as he softly nipped at her breast.

She felt the tightening in her stomach and lower as he began to move faster. She arched up to meet him. He was going so deep. She could feel his balls hit her as he thrust. She felt her breath quicken. Soon, she tightened her hold on him as she screamed out her release. Spike felt her muscles contract around his cock, milking his own release. His cold seed spilled deep inside her.

"You ok?" he asked, his eyes watching her face for regrets.

"Wonderful" she smiled, her eyes shining with satisfaction.

"Yes it was" he said, kissing her mouth.

Willow pulled his head away and looked at him intently, "Can we do it again?"

**********

Willow walked into the silent apartment, a smile on her face. She saw Buffy wave to her and waved back. Spike had his hand on the small of her back as he guided her into the room. She wondered if her face was like a neon sign flashing, Virgin No More....Great sex with a vampire last night..and the night before.... Chuckling softly at that image, she sat down.

"What's so funny?" Spike asked her as he sat down beside her, his leg touching hers.

She just shook her head slightly. She looked around the room, noticing the television on. She saw Xander and Anya talking to Giles. This silence was terrible. She had a new respect for the people that had to live with this. She knew that if she had choice, though, she'd rather be deaf than blind. She knew that losing her sight would have been too hard to deal with, even temporarily.

Spike watched her think. He sometimes wished that he could get inside her mind. He was getting used to the mind thoughts. He still sometimes slipped up, speaking out loud instead of in his mind. He was thrilled that the watcher had found the reversal spell. He hated the pain that she was going through. He knew that it wasn't physically painful. It was the look in her eyes as she watched the others talk, knowing she couldn't understand them.

"Spike, tell Willow that I want details. Vivid details" Buffy said smiling at him. Her eyes held knowledge at what had happened between him and her friend.

He grinned wryly, "That obvious?"

Buffy just laughed, "Details."

Willow saw her friend speaking to Spike and felt a rush of jealousy. She saw him smile and Buffy laughed. She hated not knowing what they were laughing about.

"Buffy guessed our secret pet. She said she wants details when you can hear her responses."

Willow suddenly smiled. That's what they were discussing. "Sorry Buffy. I don't kiss and tell."

Spike shook his head as the slayer laughed. He saw the Watcher bring forth some supplies.

"Ready to begin?" Giles asked.

Spike relayed his words back to Willow.

"Yes. Please." Willow said, her voice determined.

Giles began the spell. He wished all his might that this would work. It was the only thing he had found that seemed like it would. He had no idea of knowing what the demon had exactly done to the girl. It would work. When it was finished, he looked at Willow.

"Do you hear me?"

Willow gasped, holding tightly onto Spike's hand. She closed her eyes, her mind working overtime. She said softly, "It didn't work."

"No" Spike said softly. He took Willow's weeping form into his arms. He ran his hands over her back, trying to calm her down.

"It should have worked" Giles said, re-reading the spell. "Unless there was something more than just a reaction."

Buffy looked at Xander and Anya who were sitting there in shock. Everyone had assumed that all would be well. It wasn't. Willow was still unable to hear anything. "What else could it have been?" she asked Giles.

Spike moved his head to look at the watcher. He wanted to be angry, but he knew the man was feeling guilty enough. He just wanted Willow happy.

"It may have been a transference." Giles said quietly. "The demon may have 'given' her some of his powers when he knew he was dying. He was known as a mind reader, if you will remember. There is a chance that he attempted a transference but died before it could fully take affect. That would explain her being able to read Spike's thoughts. It would also be an explanation to why she went deaf."

"Fix it" Buffy demanded. She moved to the couch and hugged Willow from behind. Her friend was suffering. She knew it had to be terrible to not hear anything. She also had no intention of having Willow go through the hell of mind reading. She had had to deal with that herself. It was not fun. Not at all.

"If that is what we are dealing with, there is nothing I can do" Giles said. He saw the anger in Spike's eyes and clarified, "It will have to run its course. We can hope that he didn't have a deep affect on her. It could fade away any time."

"Could?" Xander said looking at Giles.

"It also might last until she dies." Giles said, his face heart broken.

"We won't let that happen" Buffy said, tears in her eyes at what her friend was facing. Willow had to know that she would be there for her....to help her through this.

"She may never hear again?" Spike asked, putting his mouth on her head. She shifted and looked up at him, tears in her green eyes.

"What are you talking about?" she asked.

He relayed their conversation, seeing the fear enter her gaze.

"Forever?" she said quietly. "I don't know if I can do this...."

"You have me. We can get through this together. Besides, the watcher said it could fade anytime."

"Spike, be realistic. How long can I survive in Sunnydale if I can't hear? I can not be a prisoner, staying at home scared. Deaf until I die he said. Well, that may not be very long."

"Do not say that. We will find an answer. I won't let you go." his blue eyes flashed determination.

"I love you" she whispered, kissing him gently.

He didn't know what to say at her proclamation. Instead, he kissed her reassuringly.

**********

Willow kissed Spike and watched him leave. He was helping Buffy and the others on patrol. There had been several deaths lately that seemed to indicate yet another demon.

It had been two days since her life had changed even more. The spell Giles tried hadn't worked. She had to accept that there was a good chance she would never hear again. She could already tell the small differences. She hadn't really seen Anya or Xander since that first night. They seemed to be avoiding her. It wasn't like her deafness was catching. Giles was guilty. He was still blaming himself for what had happened. Nothing she said could change that. It had gotten to the point where he could hardly look at her.

Buffy. Willow smiled when she thought about her best friend. She had proven exactly what a great friend she was. The day before she had come over baring gifts. She had bought Spike a new TV that had closed captioning. She had also brought Willow several books on sign language and dealing with deafness. She had written to Willow. Telling her everything that was happening in her mind. In some ways, that had been better than when they had just sat around talking. Buffy had allowed her insecurities, her worries out for Willow to see.

She had told Willow that she would not rest until the deafness was gone. Willow had laughed and told her that it wasn't something she could slay. Buffy had broken down in tears, blaming herself. Willow couldn't understand why everyone wanted to take the blame. The only one to blame was a dead demon. Willow knew that Buffy was trying so hard to make things easy on her. The TV had been great. The books were a nice touch. Willow felt glad that someone had adjusted to the situation well.

She hadn't. She was trying to keep a brave face. She didn't want them to feel worse. Spike was an angel. She never would have imagined how good he could be. Considering that he was their enemy not six months before. Now, he was her savior. If it wasn't him, she knew she might have done something drastic. He was so patient. He didn't treat her as though she were going to break. He had accepted it as part of her and moved on. She was trying desperately to follow his example.

This was the first time she had been alone since the whole fiasco started. She had not been able to hear, but had known that he was in the apartment with her. Now, she had no one. She sat in the chair, the silence in her mind growing even greater. What she would give to just hear the drip of the faucet....to hear Xander tell one of his silly jokes...to even hear Anya demand sex....she wanted to hear the words come from Spike's lips as he claimed her. He was so gentle....so understanding. Nothing like what she would have thought a soulless vampire to be.

She had noticed that he had gotten great at thinking thoughts at her. He rarely opened his mouth when they were alone. He told her everything. His voice was her lifesaver. It was the only thing she could hear except for the silence and her own thoughts. She laid her head on the back of the sofa and sighed. How was she going to make it through this if it was permanent? She knew that Spike and Buffy would help. But, could she be brave enough to deal with it? The future could only give her that answer.

**********

Willow sat in the chair reading a book. She was trying to find some link to her deafness and the demon. She was trying to adapt, but it was so hard. She never realized just how she depended on her hearing. What is that saying, don't what you have until it's gone? It was true.

She felt a hand on her shoulder and yelped. Startled, she looked into Buffy's eyes.

She watched Buffy try to sign something to her and sighed. "Buffy, just write it. I have no idea what you're saying."

Buffy smiled and got the tablet. 'Did you find anything?'

"Nothing. It looks like I need to get used to not hearing anything."

'Bad attitude Wills. We'll figure this out.'

"When did you become miss mary sunshine? You know what I hate the most?"

Buffy shook her head and waited.

"I can't hear Spike....when we make love. I only hear when he thinks things to me. I have no idea what he sounds like. If he moans...if he grunts when he cums. That's what I really miss the most. What if I never hear him?"

'You can hear him in your mind. That's better than nothing isn't it? Soon you'll be able to hear those things you mentioned. Speaking of....details. You've lived here with him for a little over two weeks.'

"I love him" Willow said softly. "He makes me feel complete. I think he's what I've been looking for forever. He understands me. Does that sound as sappy as I think it does?"

'Not sappy. Just sweet. He cares for you. He bugs Giles constantly for a cure. Has he told you that he loves you yet?'

"He won't. He's still a vampire. He can't love a human. He may care but that will be all."

'You're wrong. Angel loved me.'

"An exception. No offense, but I am getting a headache. I think I'd like to sleep for a bit. Thanks for coming over."

'Luv you Wills.'

Buffy stood up and started to leave. She noticed a familiar blond head going back down the stairs. Spike. How long had he listened to Willow speak? Buffy really hoped her friend was wrong. Willow deserved to have Spike love her. She kissed Willow's cheek and left, turning in the opposite direction that the vampire had taken.

***********

The door opened and closed. Willow sat on the couch, reading the latest Friends episode. It somehow wasn't as funny when she only read the words. She sighed as she flipped the station. MTV. Even worse. She missed music. It had been three weeks since she had heard a song. She would even love to hear some of Xander's terrible country music.

"Pet, why so sad?"

She looked over at Spike and smiled softly. "Missing music. Missing voices. Missing laughter. I didn't hear you come in. Wait, how could I?"

"Why don't you get dressed. I'll take you out to eat. Would you like that luv?"

"No. I won't be able to hear the waiter when he asks me for my order. I'll feel stupid if someone comes up to me and I can't hear them."

"I'll help you, pet. Just get dressed. I have a surprise for you."

"Surprise?" Willow smiled, her self pity forgotten. "Give me five minutes."

Spike chuckled as she ran into the bedroom. He was growing used to her being here. He almost hated the idea of her getting her hearing back. When she did, she wouldn't need him anymore. She'd leave and go back to her friends. He frowned when he thought of her leaving him. The damn slayer was right. He was falling in love with the mortal. Peaches would laugh over that one. Him, William the Bloody, a god damn knight in shining armor. Who would have believed it?

Willow was out in ten minutes. She had taken a quick shower before getting dressed. She came out wearing a pair of black jeans and a green shirt. She wasn't too proud to admit that she knew she looked damn good in green. Half of her wardrobe consisted of the color. She hadn't known what to wear, so she had gone casual.

Spike smiled and took her hand. He walked across the town with her, growling at any threats to her. She was his. His scent covered her, unknown to her. He had already announced his ownership of the red head to the local vampires. They knew better than to mess with her.

Willow looked at Spike, "Why are we here? I can't hear the music."

"Trust me" he said, smiling as he led her inside.

The bar was crowded. She had never been to this one before. It was filled with vampires. She knew suddenly why she had avoided it. Spike led her to the dance floor, taking a place right by the stage. A local band was playing, oblivious to the identity of most of the crowd.

Spike saw her scowl at him, "Close your eyes and feel."

Willow did as she said. She felt the vibrations under her feet. Smiling, she began to move softly to the music. It was almost as though she could hear it.

Spike joined her in the slow dance. The music was fast, but it was taking her time to get used to feeling it rather than hearing it. The band was one that he had heard before. They were actually rather good and played the pub every weekend. He began to sing the words softly to her mind.

Heaven. She was in his arms. He was singing the words and she could feel the beat. She hadn't realized just how much she took for granted. She had to thank him for showing her the possibilities. "I love you so much" she said quietly, for his ears only.

Spike said the words out loud, not letting her know them, "I love you too Red."

**********

Spike ran his hand over her sweat soaked body. Her eyes watched him. He left no patch of skin untouched. He could sense her growing desire. His own erection throbbed between his thighs. He was taking it slow....teasing her.

"Spike" she whined as he again briefly brushed her wet passage before continuing onward. She arched up. He smiled at her and used his free hand to hold her to the bed, his hand splayed out on her flat stomach.

"No begging" he scolded before deliberately touching her wet nub and moving down her leg. She groaned in disgust as he continued to play.

His cold lips began to follow the path of his hand. She whimpered when he began to lick and bite her flesh. After another ten minutes of this torture, his tongue touched her throbbing clit. She cried out as he began to lap at her juices. She came almost immediately. She felt his head move slightly and wondered if he was laughing at her. She hated not being able to hear him. He thrust a finger into her, twisting it, adding another and then another. She began to move against his seeking fingers, plunging downwards as his tongue continued its assault on her clit.

Spike felt her tighten again as she screamed his name. He removed his fingers and moved up her body. He entered her deeply, his mouth capturing hers. He was so hard, he knew it would take long for him. He thrust a few times before his release overtook him. He bit into her neck, his tongue lapping at her blood as he flooded her passage with his cold seed.

Willow closed her eyes. She was exhausted. She distantly thought she heard someone say Love you, but decided she must be sleeping. Spike moved out of her, laying at her side. His arms went possessively around her sleeping form. His head laid beside hers on the pillow.

**********

The bed shifted as Spike rejoined her. She opened one eye and lazily looked at him.

"Where did you go?"

"Nowhere."

"I woke up and you were gone" Willow tried to keep the worry from her voice.

"The slayer called. Needed some help with a gang of nasties. Didn't want to wake you up."

"Oh"

That one word said a multitude of things. Spike sighed and kissed her face. "I was only gone a short time. I thought you'd sleep right through it."

"It's ok. I was just worried."

"I should have told you." he said, running his lips over neck.

"Spike, don't worry about it. I overreacted. I just wondered what would happen if something happened while I was alone. I just got scared."

Spike looked up, his blue eyes on hers. Her eyes indeed showed a trace of fear. He had messed up. The one time he'd forgotten to tell her he was going out, she had become frightened. He pulled her tight against him.

"I'm sorry. I was stupid. I didn't think."

"My fault. Goddess, I'm getting too clingy. I swore I'd never get like that."

"It won't happen again. I promise."

Willow closed her eyes and enjoyed his arms around her. She felt his mouth on her neck again. She was glad he was back. She knew that her problem was not going to get helped by her exile into his apartment. Tomorrow, she'd have him call Buffy. She needed to start taking control of her life again. She slowly drifted off to sleep again, back in the arms of her lover.

**********

"Spike asked my to come by." Buffy wrote.

"I know. I needed to talk to you."

Buffy smiled at the familiar sparkle in her friend's eyes. She hadn't seen that in weeks. "What do you need?"

Willow read the words and returned the smile. "I need help. I've been reading those books you brought. There is a lot of interesting information. I really need to learn sign language. I need to be able to communicate with people other than Spike."

Buffy nodded, "It's about time. I've been trying to learn the last couple of weeks. It isn't that bad. I've been picking it up pretty quickly. Well, the letters that is. Riley has been helping. He wanted to learn too, so that he can talk to you."

Willow smiled as she read that her friend and Riley had been practicing. She still hadn't seen anyone other than Buffy and Spike in over a week. She had assumed that Riley wasn't interested in seeing her.

"I'm glad it isn't that bad. I usually pick things up quickly. I just need someone to practice with. Spike isn't very patient."

Buffy said, knowing that Willow couldn't hear her, "That's an understatement."

"Heard that slayer." Spike almost smiled at her as he came into the room.

"You smiled....and it wasn't sarcastic. Is everything ok Spike?"

Spike rolled his eyes as he kissed Willow's cheek. She was excited about her plans to adapt. He was happy for her. For a brief time, he'd wondered if she would ever truly accept what had happened. Her face was flushed and her eyes were bright.

"I'm going to learn sign language" she proclaimed proudly.

"Why you'd want to talk to that daft girl is beyond me" he thought to her.

"Spike! Be nice." Willow scolded him laughing softly.

He sat down, his arm around her waist. "Slayer, I hate to admit it, but thank you."

Buffy looked at him. "I am really worried. Maybe we should take your temperature or something."

Willow saw Buffy talking but assumed it didn't concern her. She reached for one of the books on the table.

"Just shut yar trap and listen. I won't be repeating myself. All she's had was you and me. If you hadn't tried so hard...." his eyes became serious.

Buffy smiled, "She's my best friend. It's my job to make things easy on her. Hell, she needs someone too. She's in love with you after all."

Spike rolled his head, the serious moment broken by the slayer. He knew that she had heard what he meant to say. He wouldn't think about it anymore. He sat back and listened as Willow and Buffy chattered, one with her voice the other with her marker.

**********

Willow relaxed as Spike's finger their job. She sighed and adjusted the pillow. He was giving her a massage. Her back was putty in his magical hands. He started at her neck, slowly easing the tension. He continued lower, concentrating on ridding her of stress and nothing else.

Willow was nude on the bed. She knew that he was nude also. Yet, there was nothing sexual about any of it. He was too busy trying to help her to think about sex. She felt him move lower still. She whimpered slightly when she felt his hard cock resting lightly on her ass cheeks. Maybe he wasn't as oblivious to the situation as he was trying to act.

She felt herself wetten even more as he began to push her muscles underneath his hands. Each move he made caused his erection to rub against her. There were a few times that the head rubbed against her hole. She felt his lips touch her shoulder blade and arched up at the cold contact.

She let everything leave her mind. She was so wet. He hadn't even touched her yet and she was almost ready to cum. She began to move her ass against his cock. She smiled into the pillow when he smacked her ass cheek.

"Not now luv. Horny little thing...." he chuckled in her mind.

She felt her breathing quicken as he again touched his mouth to her back. His teeth ran over flesh, nipping behind his kneading fingers. It was all too much. Too many feelings in her at the moment.

She moaned as she came. She began to move against the sheets, trying to get friction. Again, he swatted her ass.

"Luv, what do you want?"

"I want you Spike. Only you. Please."

She felt him enter her wetness, plunging deep. She cried out as his fingers found her aching clit. He moved quickly, the massage having excited him as much as it had her. She began to say his name in a mantra as he entered her deeply and quickly. Soon, she came again, squeezing his cock and milking his cold seed into her womb. She felt him move and lay beside her.

Smiling, she looked at him, "Great way to ease stress, lover."

She saw him laugh, wishing she could hear it. "Horny little vixen" he said softly in her mind as he kissed her.

**********

"I'm sorry Willow. I can't find anything." Giles said.

"She can't hear you" Buffy reminded, rolling her eyes. She slowly began to sign out a short version of what he had said.

Willow watched her friend's hand move. She began to decipher the words, "Nothing. Giles. Sorry."

Buffy beamed and clapped. "Yes!"

Willow laughed, "Only took a week of trying. I didn't even have to look at my reference guide."

"Proud of you pet" Spike said in her mind as he kissed the top of her head. "Good going slayer."

"I try" Buffy said modestly, the smirk on her lips contradicting her words.

She saw the door open as Xander and Anya came in. They were talking, their hands all over each other. She saw Xander freeze when he saw Willow's presence.

She watched as he began to back up, ready to leave. Anya glared at him and moved forward. Touching Willow's shoulder, she offered a smile.

"Anya! How are you?"

Buffy watched in amazement as Anya began to sign a reply. Willow's eyes watched carefully. Her eyebrows creased a few times, but Anya repeated the gestures slowly.

"Things good. Sorry Xander is a prick." Willow giggled at that statement. "I didn't know you could sign."

Anya spoke as she replied, "Learn a lot in a thousand years." She sat down beside Buffy and grabbed a magazine.

Buffy saw that Xander had indeed left. She didn't understand why he would talk to Willow. She knew it was hard for him to see his friend so changed, but it was worse for Willow that he ignored her. She exchanged a glance with Spike and saw him smiling at her friend. She wondered what he talked about. Willow laughed softly and blushed. She had a good idea what he had said.

"Is the TV good?" Buffy signed.

"Yes. But it is horrible to try to watch a movie. The captioning is so ugh sometimes. It drives me crazy. I can say that is something I miss. I can't follow half of the ones I start. Luckily, I've seen most of them. It is better on TV programs. I can usually figure those out with Spike's help."

Giles asked Spike to ask her if there was any sound coming to her at all. She said that there wasn't. He moved to his chair and sat down.

"It's been five weeks. Everything that I've read suggests that it would have already begun to clear up if it is going to."

"What are you saying, mate?"

"I'm afraid that it may be permanent."

Willow watched Giles' mouth move. She had begun to pick up lip reading by watching the people on TV. She saw him say permanent and knew what he meant. She gripped Spike's hand tightly. She would be ok. She had to be ok.

**********

"Spike. I don't like that smile" Willow said as he sat her down.

"Don't trust me pet?"

"Of course I trust you. I just don't like that mischievous smirk of yours."

"Just sit back and hush."

"Yes sir." Willow made a face at his back. She saw the bowl of popcorn and reached for it. She saw him put a movie in the VCR and hit start. He was making her watch something. She really wasn't in the mood to try to understand some new film.

He sat down beside her, his arm going around her shoulders. He saw her expression and laughed, "Just watch."

She watched as the movie began to play. She laughed. It was a foreign film. All the words were in subtitles. She could understand it. She leaned forward, becoming engrossed in the plot.

Spike watched her through the entire movie. He smiled when she smiled. Laughed when she laughed. Watched as she cried. He ran his finger over her cheek and caught the tears. He loved her. Somewhere along the way, it had happened. He knew he shouldn't. She was human after all. He was still a demon.

He moved her into his arms as she watched the final part of the movie. He had rented her some french film, La something or other. It was about an ill fated romance between two people who were meant to be. In the end, they didn't take a chance and went their separate ways. They ended up alone for the remainder of their lives. They meet up again in old age as the woman lies on her deathbed. They still love each other. As she dies, he holds her in his arms.

He knew that Willow would love it. It actually had made him think. He was about to make the same mistake as the characters in the movie. He couldn't leave her. He had to break down and admit his feelings. He was not an emotional guy. Hadn't been when he was human. Still wasn't. He wasn't going to lose her though.

"Thank you" Willow said softly as the credits began to roll. "That's the first thing in over a month that I've understood."

He ran his hand over her shoulder, "I love you"

Willow froze. She had heard the words but didn't believe them. She looked up into his eyes, wanting to know what they told her.

Willow stared in Spike's blue eyes. The words echoing through her mind. She was probably hearing things. He couldn't have sent her those words.

"I love you, pet" he thought to her again.

Spike smiled softly as her eyes lit up. She glowed.

"Really? Did you just say those words?"

"No."

"What?" Willow looked at him.

He smiled wider, "I thought them. My mouth didn't move."

"You jerk. I love you too."

"Are you sure? I'm a killer. If this implant wasn't here I'd probably have killed all your friends."

Willow laughed, "You can kill Xander if it gets removed. Just none of the others."

"Chubs would leave a bad taste in my mouth. But, that's not the point. Are you sure?"

She looked into his eyes, amazed that he could think she wouldn't accept his love. "Are you sure? I mean, I most likely will be deaf until I die. Can you live with that?"

"Something might still happen."

"No. It won't. I've accepted it. I won't be able to hear again. Hey, it could be worse. We did get rid of the baddy. And, I'm doing ok. I have you and Buffy...and Anya, surprisingly. Giles will eventually get over the guilt thing. Do you want to be chained to a deaf human forever?"

"Forever? My own private heaven for eternity." he smiled as he sent the words.

"Forever buddy. I have no plans on letting you go."

"I think I can manage. Just don't make me learn that sign language stuff. It confuses the hell out of me."

"Deal." She said laughing at him.

"This is the first time in over a month that you've looked like your normal self..when we weren't in bed that is."

She blushed, "Had to bring that up didn't you? This is the first time, besides being in bed, when I've been truly happy. I love you."

"Love you too pet. So, I get to snack on the moron when I get this thing out of my head?"

She smacked him. "We've just confessed our love and pledged to be together for eternity, and you want to think about Chubs?"

He laughed when he heard her use his nickname for Xander. "You have something better in mind?"

"You. Naked. Screaming my name, in my mind so I can hear it."

"Race you to the bed" he said, standing smoothly, swinging her into his arms. His mouth met hers as he sent her the message, "I win."

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