Spike heard the constant ringing in his ears. Scowling, he flayed on the bed,
his arms hitting the empty space beside him. His eyes opened when he realized
the ringing was that of the telephone. He scowled, picking up the white
receiver and barking, "What?"
 

"Someone wakes up rather cranky, don't they?" an amused and vaguely familiar
voice said.
 

Spike frowned, "Who the bloody fuck is this?" he demanded, his blue eyes
searching for a cigarette. He found one laying on the table beside his bed
and felt relief go through him.
 

"You don't remember me?"
 

"Should I?" Spike asked, lighting the smoke and taking a long drag.
 

"Ah, now I'm hurt," the man said, chuckling softly.
 

"Krimsty?" Spike asked, recognizing the laugh.
 

"Yes, it is I," Krimsty said.
 

"What do you have for me?" Spike asked, hope evident in his blue eyes.
 

"It might mean nothing, but it might mean something," Krimsty said, his tone
serious as the amusement left it.
 

"Get on with it already," Spike said, rolling his eyes at the demon's
dramatics.
 

"The Initiative, as you called it, has been destroyed."
 

"What?" Spike said, his mouth opened slightly. He forgot about the cigarette
until it fell on his leg. He cursed, picking it up from his leg and rubbing
at the burn it had made. Talk about a wake up call.
 

"It was destroyed," Krimsty repeated softly.
 

"What a laugh," Spike said, smiling. "How?"
 

"That is actually why I phoned you," Krimsty said. "I want into a bloke that
was being kept there. He told me that they had made him crazy. When I asked
him to explain, he said he saw the handle go down as if someone was pushing
it."
 

"What fucking handle are you talking about?" Spike asked, trying to follow
the demon's words.
 

"The one that released the cages. He then told me that he saw a gun picked up
and that it floated in front of his cell. He believe it was afteraffects of
the drugs. I of course immediately thought of you and your search."
 

"You're saying this thing stalking Willow went into the Initiative, released
the demons and such and then shot some of the soldier boys?" Spike asked.
 

"No, I'm merely saying that it is an odd coincidence. Don't you think?"
Krimsty said.
 

"Very odd," Spike replied. "I don't know whether to hate the guy for stalking
Willow or thank him for destroying those damn soldiers."
 

"I would suggest thinking of ideas to why he would destroy that group in
particular. There must be some justification for his actions, in my opinion,"
Krimsty said.
 

Spike nodded, "Yeah, you're right. You know, you're a smart one, Krimsty."
 

"I do try," he replied in an amused voice.
 

"Thanks for the information," Spike said, his mind already trying to decide
why, beside good taste, and how a demon would enter the headquarters of the
initiative and destroy it. He needed to talk to Peaches and the others. They
might have some ideas.
 

"If I hear anything else, I will phone," Krimsty said.
 

"Hey, wait, chap. Let me give you a number where I can be reached," Spike
said, knowing he wouldn't be home until dawn. He gave the demon Peache's cell
number. "If a poofy sounding twit answers, you got the right number."
 

"I will be in touch, Spike. And good luck," Krimsty said, smiling slightly as
he hung the phone up.
 

"Gotta talk to Peaches," Spike said standing and heading towards the door. He
stopped, glancing down. "Clothes first, then Peaches."

I'LL BE SEEING YOU (22/?)
 

Willow sighed as she paced around the room. She had called the hospital, not
surprised to hear that Xander had checked himself out the night before. She
had to smile wondering how Angel had enjoyed that surprise homecoming. She
had called Xander's house, telling him about the Initiative. He had
surprisingly agreed with Buffy and Riley by telling her to stay home. She was
already going crazy being cooped up inside. She wouldn't be able to see
Spike, which was really tough. She was starting to fall more deeply in love
with him and being away from him wasn't easy. It was stupid really, since she
had no idea how he really felt about her. Sure, he was acting all protective
but it could be just because he considered her a friend. At times, it seemed
like so much more. The way he would look at her...the things his eyes said
without being verbalized. Of course, she could be reading anything into those
looks.
 

She sat down, groaning. How could people not leave their rooms? She turned
the TV on, hearing nothing on the news about the dozens upon dozens of dead
people that were laying at the headquarters for the Initiative. She wasn't
surprised. She flipped channels wishing there was something interesting on to
occupy her mind. She also secretly hoped that Spike would either sneak in to
see her or call her to check on her. She found an old Cary Grant comedy on
AMC and decided that it was better than nothing. She stood and left the room,
walking towards the bathroom. She really hated using the dorm restroom now,
knowing that someone had watched her shower. She found herself looking around
nervously, not having any idea if *he* was there watching her.
 

She hurriedly did her business, washing her face and such. She went back to
her room, seeing that the door was still shut. She went inside, shutting it
immediately after her. She stood in the center of her room, relaxing and
trying to feel another presence. She sighed in relief when she felt nothing.
She went to her bed, sitting cross legged as she became involved in watching
Cary Grant being wooed by Katherine Hepburn. She laughed, trying to forget
about everything that had happened. She continued to glance at the phone
during commercials for the first half of the movie. Finally, she found
herself just watching the film. When the phone did ring, she jumped. Laughing
softly at her own silliness, she answered the phone.
 

"Hello," she said, her voice still slightly breathless from her nervousness.
 

"Red? Everything fine?"
 

She smiled when she heard Spike's worried voice, "I'm fine. I was just
watching a movie and the phone ringing surprised me."
 

"Glad that was all," he said quietly. "Heard about the demon hunters getting
killed. Suppose we aren't lucky enough that Slutty was there, huh?"
 

She laughed, "No, Buffy is fine as is Riley. Don't know any of the others."
 

"Just my luck," he said, smiling as he heard her laugh. He saw the slight
smirk cross his sire's lips and frowned, turning away from the knowing look
in those brown eyes. He could give his own knowing looks from the scent of
his sire's release that practically covered the fold out sofa bed. He didn't
see the moron acting guilty so he didn't think anything too tasty had
happened, but if Angel had cum, well, that would be enough for a few knowing
looks in his opinion. "So, really, you're fine? You don't need me to come by
and check on you or anything?"
 

Xander snorted at Spike's rather blatant attempt for an invitation to visit
Willow. He leaned closer to Angel, trying to ignore the attraction he felt.
An attraction that only intensified the more time they spent together. He
whispered, "Could he be any more obvious?"
 

"Subtlety was never Spike's best quality," Angel said dryly. He smiled when
he saw Spike's middle finger aimed in his direction.
 

Willow sighed softly, wishing Spike were there to simply hold her and whisper
in that seductive voice that everything would be fine. "I wouldn't mind some
company, but it's getting late. Buffy might be back tonight, depending on
what they find I guess. She didn't seem all that worried about me, but there
was a slight twinge of worry which could mean something. Did that make as
little sense as it did to me?"
 

Spike had to laugh, "No, I understood you. Hmm...should I be worried about
that?"
 

Willow laughed, "Oh hush. I guess it would be better if you stayed in
tonight. I'd hate for you to get hurt by accident during their sweeps
tonight. Why don't you stay with Xander? Besides, with Angel there, they need
a chaperone."
 

Spike snorted, "Think I might be a tad late for that, pet."
 

"Oh really?" she asked, curious. "What happened?"
 

"Just some interesting smells," he commented lazily, glancing at his sire and
seeing the dark haired vampire shift in his seat. Oh yeah, he had some
ammunition now.
 

"Sounds...smelly," she said, laughing softly. "Thanks for calling, Spike."
 

"Had to check on my pet," he said softly, wondering if he sounded as sappy as
he thought. God, he was pathetic. He heard her soft sigh and smiled. Who gave
a bloody fuck anymore anyway? For her, he could be pathetic.
 

"Keep an eye on Xander for me, K?" she asked, her finger playing with the
phone cord. "I worry about him."
 

"Of course, luv," he said, hating to hang the phone up.
 

"Take care of yourself too, Spike. Promise me you'll stay there tonight, OK?
I don't want to worry about you...."
 

"Promise," he said, touched that she would be concerned about him. "You'd
better get some sleep. Class tomorrow, right?"
 

"Yeah," she said, "Good night, Spike. I'll see you tomorrow."
 

"Tomorrow," he echoed, adding before he hung up the phone, "Sweet dreams,
luv."

I'LL BE SEEING YOU (23/?)
 

Buffy sighed, "Riley, I think we've found the few demons that were stupid
enough to stay in Sunnydale."
 

"You may be right," Riley said, taking a deep breath and counting slowly to
ten. If he had to hear much more of her whining, he honestly thought he might
rip her tongue out.
 

"Can we go back to your room then?" she asked, glancing down and grimacing as
she saw the dirt and goo covering her clothes. "I really need a shower."
 

"Yeah, you do," he said, agreeing with her. "Why don't you go on back and
take a shower?"
 

"Where are you going?" she asked, watching him stare into the thick trees of
the park.
 

"I'm still a commander, Buffy. Even if the Initiative has been destroyed, it
is my duty to make sure everything is safe and secure. I probably won't be
back until the morning."
 

"I can stay and help," she offered, hating when he used the chosen duty
excuse. She knew it all too well, having used it herself for years.
 

"No, that is quite all right," Riley said. "I just plan to do a final sweep
through town and check on the others."
 

"If you're sure you don't need me," she said, wondering what was happening
between them. He had been changing the past few months and she had to admit
that she didn't like the changes.
 

"I don't need you at all," he said, "be careful on your way back to the dorm."
 

"You too, sweetie," she said, kissing him. She frowned when he moved his
head, his eyes staring at something in the distance. Her lips connected with
his cheek instead of his mouth, much to her chagrin. She sighed, walking away
from him as he continued to stare into the trees.
 

When he was sure that Buffy was gone, he turned and headed back towards the
campus. It had taken all his patience not to simply send her away today. She
was so damn annoying at times. And what was worse was that she seemed to have
no idea how undesirable she really was. She was too damn stupid to realize he
had no interest in her. He couldn't wait until it was finally time to claim
his Willow. Soon, he knew it would be time. The initiative was gone. They no
longer stood between him and his love. Soon, nothing would be keeping them
apart. He smiled as he headed towards her dorm, willing himself invisible as
he stepped onto campus.

I'LL BE SEEING YOU (24/?)
 

Willow hung the phone up, a surprised look on her face. She had just gotten a
call from Xander. It seemed that Buffy had left him a message on his machine
telling him to stay in that night and explaining about the Initiative. He
hadn't heard the message until just then when he had noticed the blinking
light. He had called her to get her to chat and find out how boring staying
in the dorms truly was and had just remembered to mention the call. She
couldn't believe that Buffy had actually called him. That was something the
pre-college Buffy would have done. Since she had gotten to college, actually
since she had gotten involved with Riley, she had changed. And unfortunately,
it was not good changes. She had been pretty much ignoring Willow and Xander
most of the year. Willow could understand the slayer's reasoning when she
seriously thought about it. Her understanding did not make it easier to deal
with. She had lost her friend, being pushed away in favor of some group of
guys that used guns and did experimentations. That was what really hurt. The
easy way that Buffy had discarded her, Xander and Giles. As if they were
never needed at all.
 

She sighed, trying to fit the call of warning to Xander into Buffy's attitude
of late. She really must have been worried about these demons. Of course,
Willow had to understand that the blond had lost numerous friends at the
uprising that day. Maybe that had forced her into remembering that her old
friends were still alive. Willow looked at the phone, deciding to make the
call. She spoke to Giles for a few moments, having woken him. He confirmed
that Buffy had also phoned him shortly after the uprising to warn him to stay
inside that night. Willow told him to get back to sleep and hung up, a small
glimmer of hope that Buffy might be slowly coming back to normal. Either that
or she knew that with the others all dead, she would need them. Willow knew
it was rather crass to think of her friend in such a way, but she knew Buffy.
She had learned to accept the slayer, good and bad. And, one of the girl's
worst qualities was her tendancy to be self centered and her habit of using
people close to her.
 

Willow knew that is was unlikely the girl had suddenly realized she had
pushed all of her friends away, but she also didn't think Buffy's first
thought about finding out that the initiative had been destroyed was that she
would need more people to use. It wasn't likely she would ever understand
Buffy, so she didn't see any reason she should start trying to now. If Buffy
wanted to rebuild their friendship, it would take some time but she wouldn't
refuse to try. She missed having a female friend, but there was so much
between them now. And her feelings for Spike would definitely not cause a
good reaction. She got up and grabbed her towel, knowing she had to take a
very fast shower. Thinking could wait. She'd just wait and see how Buffy
acted and let time be the deciding factor. If they couldn't rebuild their
friendship, well, she didn't really care either way. She had Spike and Xander
and Angel after all.
 

She went to the bathroom, showering quickly. She wasted no time in lingering,
and showered facing the curtain. That way she could see if it moved. She
didn't want to have a replay of the other time when some unknown person had
watched her shower. She finished her shower, dressing again before walking
back to her dorm room. She went inside, again pausing to see if she felt some
weirdness in the air. When she felt nothing, she smiled, turning off the
light and getting into bed. She glanced at the clock and saw that it was four
am. She hadn't realized it was so late, smiling as she realized that she and
Xander were both wide awake when most normal people were sleeping. She knew
part of it was because of the nightly patrols they had grown accustomed to
performing during high school and the other reason was their friendship with
Spike. They had started keeping vampire's hours sometime during sophomore
year and she hadn't stopped. She lay awake for awhile before drifting into an
easy sleep.
 

Riley waited until he heard the soft even breathing before moving from the
closet. Willow's smell covered her clothes and he had spent his time waiting
for her to fall asleep simply smelling them and running his hands over the
material. He walked into the room, his eyes finding Willow where she lay
sleeping on her bed. He moved to her bed, sitting on the edge. He brushed his
fingers over her face, watching her mouth open as his finger outlined her
lips. He watched her tongue creep out and run along her lip as she whimpered
in her sleep. He felt himself harden from her gesture and reached down to
unfasten his pants. He freed his cock as he slowly moved the sheet down her
body. His eyes took in her pert breasts straining against the soft cotton of
her tank top. He left the sheet around her waist, not wanting to wake her.
 

He began to stroke his cock as he watched her sleep. She was so damn
beautiful. So unaware of how striking she truly was. He let himself listen to
her breathing, hearing the soft noises she made as she dreamed. He moved his
free hand to the bottom of her tank top. Gently, he started to move it up
towards her breasts. He continued stroking his cock as her flat stomach came
into view. He jerked his hand away when she moved, her hand flying to her
left as she adjusted herself on the bed. The action caused the shirt to ride
up to below her breasts. He quickened his strokes as he moved his hand over
her breasts, not touching but getting as close as he could. He leaned over,
brushing her lips with his as he felt himself cum. He sat up, his eyes still
on her face. He removed his hand from his cock, wanting her to taste him.
Needing her to taste him. He moved his finger to her lips, outlining them
with his cum covered finger. He leaned over and ran his tongue over her lips,
cleaning his seed off of them. He got to his feet, knowing that he needed to
leave.
 

He tucked his cock back into his pants, wiping his hand on a washcloth he
found near Buffy's bed. He then moved back to Willow's bed, pulling her tank
top back down and moving the sheet back up to cover her. Kissing her lips one
more time, he whispered, "Soon," before moving towards the dorm room door. He
frowned as he realized that anyone could walk in and hurt her. He would have
to see about getting a lock for the door. He knew he could convince Buffy
that it would be for her safety. He could even get a key from Buffy. It would
be a way to keep everyone away from his Willow. Everyone except him, of
course. He looked back at her and smiled, wondering if she would have any
memory of the special night they had just shared. Well, soon she would be
right there with him. Begging him for more and pleading with him to take her
to heaven. He sighed, hoping that it wouldn't be much longer. He hated living
without her. He left the room, closing the door as he left her to her dreams.

I'LL BE SEEING YOU (25/?)
 

"She's bored out of her mind," Xander said as he faced the two vampires after
hanging up the phone.
 

"Could you imagine being stuck in that small room alone for hours?" Spike
asked, shuddering in disgust.
 

"Better than being stuck with alone with you for hours," Angel remarked dryly.
 

"Sod off, you bleeding wanker," Spike said, rolling his eyes. "She sounded ok
though? Just bored?"
 

"She was fine," Xander said, sharing a smile with Angel. Spike had been
pacing like a caged animal most of the night, much to his amusement. The
blond had finally calmed down when Xander had started telling Angel stories
about his childhood with Willow. Then, of course, when Xander had gotten
hoarse from talking and answering questions about Willow, Spike had been on
his feet again moving like a caged tiger. Angel had finally been the one to
suggest calling Willow and checking on her just to get Spike to settle down.
It was when Xander went to make the call, after Spike had said he had already
talked to her once that day and had no intention of appearing desperate
around her, that Xander had noticed the blinking light. He had been surprised
to hear Buffy's voice of warning. "Bored, but fine."
 

"Good," Spike said, sitting down and tapping his foot on the table. "Can't
believe I'm stuck here with you two wankers all day."
 

"As if being with you is a treat," Angel said, rolling his eyes at his
favorite childe.
 

"You used to like being with me," Spike said with a smirk.
 

"William," Angel snapped, his tone warning.
 

Spike raised his eyebrow at his sire's tone before he looked away. "Do we
have any ideas who this bastard is that is stalking Willow?"
 

"Nothing more than we knew yesterday," Xander said with a sigh. He grimaced,
a slight pain running through his body as he bumped into the table. He
grunted in pain, sitting down where he stood. "Ow. That hurt."
 

"Did you take your medication?" Angel asked, frowning as he looked at Xander
sitting on the floor.
 

"Yes, Mom. I took the pain pills. They weren't meant to help if I stupidly
run into a damn table," Xander said, getting to his feet and moving to the
couch.
 

"My source said that he heard rumor that an invisible man started all the
trouble at the damn soldier place," Spike said, having planned to wait to
share this news until Willow was with them. But, if he was stuck with the two
sods for another day, well, maybe they would think of something he hadn't.
 

"You're joking?" Xander said, laughing dryly. "Great. Just great. This guy
sure gets around doesn't he?"
 

"Why would he want to destroy the initiative?" Angel asked, his expression
thoughtful.
 

"Why wouldn't he?" Spike asked, his hatred for the organization that had
given him the damn implant evident in his tone.
 

"Well, from stalking Willow to beating Xander up to destroying an entire
military operation...it doesn't make a lot of sense," Angel said.
 

"Maybe he felt the initiative was a threat to Willow," Xander said.
 

"What?" Spike asked.
 

"Nothing," Xander said, shrugging. "Just a stray thought."
 

"Xander, what did you mean?" Angel asked softly.
 

"I mean, he beat me up because he considered me a threat for some reason.
Maybe something with the initiative was threatening Willow. I mean, you got
Buffy involved with it plus all her little friends. It could have been any
random thing really. Hell, who said he has to have a reason. He is some demon
after all," Xander said, sighing as he ran his hand through his hair.
 

"You look tired," Angel said, "Why don't we discuss this tomorrow? We can ask
Willow when she gets here if anyone involved with the initiative has
threatened her in any way or if someone could have mistaken her relationship
with any of the members as this guy appeared to do with you and her."
 

"Sleep?" Spike said, his tone disgusted.
 

"Yes, sleep," Angel said, knowing that Xander was in more pain than he wished
to admit. "This problem will still be here tomorrow. I don't think we need to
come up with a solution immediately."
 

"Fine," Spike spat out, moving to the armchair and sitting down. "We sleep
then we figure out who I need to kill to protect Willow."
 

"I'm with Spike on that one," Xander said, yawning. "Tomorrow, we brainstorm
once WIlls arrives. Maybe she will know something that will help."
 

Xander got up and walked into the bathroom, moving slowly. He had thought he
was doing much better, but running into that table had hurt like hell. Angel
watched him and heard a snort. Facing his childe, he raised an eyebrow and
looked at Spike. "Not a word, brat."
 

Spike snorted again as he shifted in the chair trying to get comfortable,
"Sure, Daddy. Whatever you say. Sweet dreams, Peaches."

I'LL BE SEEING YOU (26/?)
 

"Where have you been?"
 

Riley frowned as he faced Buffy. He had assumed she would be asleep by now,
three hours having gone by since he had sent her to his room. "I was doing a
final sweep. After all, making sure the students are safe is part of my duty."
 

"We did a sweep of most of the campus before we headed towards the city,"
Buffy reminded. "Remember? We said that it would be better to ensure the
students' safety before leaving the grounds?"
 

"I can fucking remember what I said," Riley said sharply. He saw her flinch
and calmed himself. He thought of Willow and how she looked while sleeping.
He felt himself begin to harden at the image of his cum on her sweet lips.
 

"Well, excuse me," Buffy said, her tone miffed as she looked at him toss his
keys on the dresser. "I was just worried."
 

"Sorry, but it's been an extremely long day," Riley said, running a hand
through his hair. "I lost quite a few friends and mentors today. Forgive me
for being a bit preoccupied."
 

"Honey, I'm sorry," she said, moving to stand and walk towards him. She
frowned when he moved to avoid her comforting embrace. She moved back to his
bed, sitting down and watching him with curious eyes.
 

Riley pulled his shirt over his head, the muscles in his back flexing from
his movements. He glanced down and saw the remains of scratches that Buffy
had made the week before. Thankfully, they had almost faded. He couldn't go
to his Willow with marks from that whore on his skin. He'd have to fuck the
slayer until it was time to make Willow his, knowing that that was the only
way to keep her away from his redhead. He had no intentions of his Willow
being tainted by that nasty bitch. He glanced at Buffy, trying to hide the
disgust in his eyes as he looked at the woman he had honestly thought he
could love all those months ago. Why had he been so stupid? So blinded by her
smile and body and face that he had not seen what the pretty face concealed.
He had not seen the blatant selfishness, the lack of goodness in her soul,
the casual disregard for those around her. Now, his eyes were open. He could
see exactly who Buffy Summers was, and he didn't like her.
 

"Taking a shower?" she asked, trying to keep the annoyance out of her voice.
 

He nodded, "Yeah. I'm pretty sweaty from all that fighting." He considered
his options for the evening. He could shower then fuck her then shower again
or he could fuck her then shower or he could simply fuck her in the shower.
The latter sounded better than the other choices, just because it saved him
time. He could wash her juices off of him before he smelled of her. With that
decision in mind, he asked, "Want to shower with me?"
 

Buffy looked into his eyes, expecting to see desire. Instead, she saw
complete disinterest. He did not want her. That knowledge stunned her and all
she could do was shake her head. She smiled, "No. I'm pretty tired. I think
I'd like to sleep."
 

"If you're sure," he said, relief evident in his voice. He grabbed his stuff
and headed towards the shower.
 

Buffy watched the door shut and frowned. Riley didn't want her. She found
herself wondering if this was something new or if it had been there before
and she just hadn't seen it. She also wondered if it was only because he was
tired and had had a tough day with everything happening at the Initiative.
That had to be it, she decided. He was just too tired to make love. Content,
she smiled as she laid down to sleep. She truly was tired, worn out from the
exhaustive search for demons all night. She closed her eyes, deciding to give
Riley a couple of days to recover from his loss before becoming worried that
he no longer wanted her.

I'LL BE SEEING YOU (27/?)
 

Spike moved around the room, his blue eyes searching the darkness. He saw his
sire laying on the fold out bed, the mortal laying beside him. He smiled
slightly, wondering if those two knew they were lusting for each other.
Remembering how his sire had treated the boy that evening, he realized that
it could very well be more than just lust. He hadn't seen Angel look at
anyone like that in a long time. Memories of his early days, before the soul
and Drusilla flashed through his mind. A time when he and Angelus had made
each other happy, killing and shagging and just having fun. He shook his head
slightly, freeing his mind of those memories. He hated to admit it, but he
was rather disappointed in how he had been back then. He knew that Willow
would never tolerate those antics and through her eyes he could see just what
a fucking wanker he had been. He had matured over the years, even though it
had taken a redhaired Goddess to make him realize it.
 

He heard the even breathing of Xander, noticing the slight hitch in breath
every little bit. The poor bloke's ribs must be hurting something awful, he
realized. It was a bit difficult for him to believe the boy had just been in
the hospital not two days before. Xander was a strong one, even if he didn't
know it. Spike turned and began to pace again. He was restless. He hated
this, being cooped up in the basement. He knew that he had promised Willow
that he wouldn't go out. She was already worried enough about this stalking
demon without him adding to her burden. Of course, he could rationalize that
she would never have to know he had left the basement. But, knowing his damn
luck, he'd get caught first thing. Then, she'd hate him and never trust him
again. He groaned, cursing the all too human emotions that went coursing
through his veins while thinking of her.
 

He hated humans. They were weak and needy. Never very intelligent and always
bloody impossible. Yet, he had fallen in love with one. No one could ever
accuse Willow of being stupid or impossible or even very weak. He had seen
her fight off demons and vampires alike with nary a hair falling in her face.
She was strong, even if she only saw the strength as a connection between her
and the damn slayer. He could see her strenght, even if she could not. He had
spent months observing her and her little friends. He could honestly say that
he knew them all pretty well, from the dork to the slayer to the watcher. Not
that he would ever admit that. No, he'd rather them think he couldn't stand
them at all. That forced them to let their guard down in a way that he
enjoyed. He didn't bloody care for the slayer at all. Even if she hadn't been
his mortal enemy, she was a daft bitch. The watcher wasn't all that bad,
except for his taste of clothes. That man definitely needed to see the inside
of a mall. The moron had grown on him. Another little truth he would never
speak aloud. In a way, Spike realized that the boy was a bit like him in his
youth. His human youth. Before the war and the murdering began. When he had
still been a bit innocent and optimistic.
 

That was before he met Angelus. Before he knew that humans could be as evil
as any demon. He was not a nice man when he had been turned, his reputation
known widely around Europe in certain circles. That had been part of the
attraction on Angelus' part, he knew. The desire to corrupt someone already
so far gone. After the experiment with him had come Drusilla. That time,
Angelus had gone to the other extreme. Innocence and purity instead of
intelligence and evil. He had grown though. Angelus leaving him with
Drusilla, forcing him to accept the care of her....the emotions he had
started to feel for her once he had allowed himself to enjoy her...they had
in a way made him grow up. He knew it was ironic to consider a man that age,
at that time he should have been fifty three, as finally maturing, but it was
the truth. He had had to grow up and take over their little family after
Angelus hasty departure. He could admit now that it had been nice. Being
needed like that. He had enjoyed becoming a master. He still loved the chase
and the scent of fear tinged blood, even if the damn implant prevented him
from doing anything about it. But, he knew in his heart that he would never
be what he had been even a year before. His feelings for Willow had moved him
to an entirely different level than even Drusilla had moved him. For her to
look at him with love in her eyes...for her to choose to remain with him for
eternity...for that, he could give up the pleasure of killing. He would never
drink animal's blood if the implant ever was removed, but, for her, he would
stop feeding before death claimed his victims. Spike sat down on a stray
barstool, a thoughtful look in his eyes.
 

He hadn't realized until that moment, after the internal conversation he had
been having during this moment of insomnia, that he felt so deeply about her.
Sure, he knew he liked her, wanted to shag her, might even be real close to
loving her. After they had found out someone was watching her, wanting to
hurt or possess her or whatever the fuck the damn fool wanted, well, his
demon hadn't been happy with the news that his Red was threatened. That
moment, the moment when he had realized that even his demon wanted to protect
her, he knew he was a goner. A vampire in love with a human. If he wasn't the
posterchild for pathetic loser, he didn't know who was. But, he thought
smiling as he pictured Willow's face and the way he could just imagine she
would look as she breathlessly whispered his name after cumming, pathetic
wasn't all bad.
 

He frowned as he realized that that moment would most likely not be happening
until this damn stalker was taken care of. He was seriously worried that this
demon was the one responsible for the fiasco at the Initiative. While he had
no problems with the damn place being destroyed, it took this stalker to an
entirely different level. The demon had beaten Xander, sure, but there were a
hell of a lot of differences between beating some wimpy mortal up and
completely destroying a military installation and the dozens of people that
had been there. If this rumor of the invisible demon being behind the attack
was true, well, it moved things to an entirely different playing field. It
meant that Willow could be in far greater danger than he had originally
believed. If she continued to anger this demon for whatever reason, it
wouldn't be long before she was the one getting hurt. Spike growled softly at
that idea, not able to control his reaction to the idea of her being in such
danger. He would see her soon, he realized. Not many hours until dawn and
then she would be there beside him, where she belonged.
 

He stood again, moving restlessly through the dark room. He wanted to hurt
something. To take out his frustration at being so bloody helpless in all
this mess. He couldn't do a damn thing to help her. All he could really do
was protect her and keep her safe. And he had plans on doing just that. Maybe
together the four of them could figure out some leads. The next night he
could possibly sneak away and do some hunting of his own. Try to find
something, anything. Until then, he was stuck feeling so fucking weak it
almost hurt. He moved away from the wall before he could give into the
impulse of kicking it or hitting it. He heard a soft sigh and glanced at the
bed.
 

"Spike," Angel spoke softly, having listened to his childe's constant pacing
for what seemed like hours, "get some sleep."
 

"I can't," Spike said, his voice whining slightly.
 

Angel smiled slightly in the darkness, knowing that his favorite childe was
worried about his chosen mate. "You won't be much use to Willow if you're too
tired to help her. Now, get some sleep."
 

Spike smiled at the tone in Angel's voice, remembering a time past. He
laughed softly, moving towards his chair. He sat down, getting comfortable
before replying, "Yes, Daddy."
 

"Cheeky damned brat," Angel cursed softly before unconsciously moving to
snuggle closer to a sleeping Xander.

I'LL BE SEEING YOU (28/?)
 

Willow yawned as she stretched. She sat up in bed, making a face as she tried
to wake up. She had had the most pleasant dream, starring her and Spike. Like
that was anything new. She sighed, wondering what he was doing at that
moment. Probably trying very hard not to kill Xander or Angel. She hoped that
he had done as he promised and stayed in the night before. She hated to think
that some of the patrols might have found him. No, he had sworn he would
remain at Xander's. She trusted him.
 

She got to her feet, running her tongue over her lips. She frowned, tasting
something on her lips. Deciding she must be going crazy, she ran the back of
her hand over her mouth. She must have bitten her lip during sleep was the
only thing she could think of. She shook her head, knowing that she needed to
get ready to visit the boys. She was skipping class that day, knowing that
with so many people dying the day before, most of the classes would be
cancelled anyway. That is, if the school decided to acknowledge the
Initiative and it's fallen members. Either way, she wanted to check on Xander
and to see Angel and Spike. More Spike than Angel of course. It had been
weird not seeing him the night before. She had gotten into a routine of
spending every night with him for at least a little while. Staying in the
dorm alone had been tougher than she would have imagined.
 

She moved to her chair, cursing softly when she kicked the trashcan.
Frowning, she rubbed her toe. It had not been left there. She always kept her
trash beside her desk, not near the dresser. She glanced at Buffy's half of
the room, seeing nothing that seemed to be out of place. She struggled to
remember if she had moved it the night before. No, she knew that when she had
gone to sleep it had been by the desk. She closed her eyes briefly, trying to
ignore the conclusions that this made her draw. Someone had been in her room
as she had slept. Someone had moved her trashcan. She let out a breath, her
arms wrapping themselves around her body. She began to shake, hating this
demon for making her feel so frightened in her own room. It was bad enough
not being able to walk around freely at night or to visit with her friends
openly for fear of someone ending up in the hospital. It was quite another to
have someone in her room going through her things...watching her
sleep....watching her shower. She moved to her closet, pulling out a pair of
jeans and an old sweatshirt. She pulled the clothes on, deciding to postpone
a shower that morning. She'd shower at Xander's before coming back to the
dorm in the evening. That way, she wouldn't have to worry about anyone
sneaking in an watching her.
 

She had just finished dressing when the door opened. She saw Buffy and Riley
enter and sighed. She moved to sit and began to brush her hair. "Hey guys."
 

"Hey Will. Everything all right here last night?" Buffy asked.
 

"Nary a sound," Willow said, shooting her friend a smile. "Did you guys find
anything?"
 

"Yeah. We retrieved several hostiles, but many got away." Riley said, moving
to sit on Buffy's bed. He kept his eyes on Willow's face, able to see her
reflection in the mirror. She was so beautiful in the mornings. Not like
Buffy, who needed make up to even look half way decent. No, his Willow was
glowing all on her own. "Thankfully, they seem to have left Sunnydale."
 

"That's good then," Willow said, glancing in the mirror towards Riley. She
saw his eyes on hers in the mirror and frowned. She looked away, laying the
brush on the dresser. When she looked back up, Riley was watching Buffy. She
let out a breath, realizing that this stalking demon was driving her insane.
She was starting to suspect her friends of watching her now. She really hoped
this nightmare ended soon.
 

"Actually, I'd like to suggest getting a lock for your door," Riley said,
keeping his eyes on Buffy. He didn't want her to get suspicious. Not yet.
 

"A lock?" Buffy said, frowning. "Why?"
 

"Because, not all demons need an invitation," Riley said patiently. His mind
flashed an image of ripping her head off and fucking Willow beside her
unseeing eyes...letting her see in death what she was too damn stupid to see
in life.
 

"That's actually something I was going to suggest," Willow said, turning in
her chair to face them. She was rather surprised he had mentioned it. She
smiled, glad that he cared enough about Buffy to want to protect her. "With
all the weirdness going on at the campus lately, I would feel much safer with
a lock."
 

"I guess I can see that," Buffy said, realizing that while she often spent
most nights with Riley, Willow was stuck in the room alone. She nodded,
"Yeah, that's a good idea. We can get a small lock. God, that means another
key I have to keep up with."
 

Willow smiled at her friend's groaning. "It won't be that bad. You don't
drive so it will be like your only key."
 

"We can make a couple of copies too. That way, you can give an extra to
someone for safe keeping in case you lock yourself out," Riley said smoothly.
 

"Well, that means you'd get a key," Buffy said with a smile and a wink.
 

"I can give one to Xander," Willow said, adding Spike's name to her mental
list.
 

"Yeah, you can give one to Xander," Riley said tightly. "I'll see about
buying one today and installing. It shouldn't be too difficult. And with
Walsh's death, class is going to be cancelled so I'll have time."
 

"Thanks Riley," Willow said, sincerely. She would sleep much better knowing
that there was a lock keeping that bastard demon outside. "I'd better get
going. I'll see you guys later."
 

"Are you going to class?" Buffy asked, having no intention of spending her
day in classes.
 

"Nah. I thought I'd drop in on Xander, maybe grab some lunch and do some
shopping," Willow said, knowing that she planned to spend all day with her
friends.
 

"Have fun," Buffy said with a smile.
 

"I'll try," Willow said, grabbing her laptop as she left the room.
 

"Guess that leaves you and me, honey," Buffy said, her voice seductive.
 

"Oh yay," Riley said, his tone dry. He stood, "I'll head to the hardware
store and find a lock. I'd like to have it in place today."
 

"Well, can I come?" she asked, wondering again if she was merely overreacting
or if Riley was getting tired of her.
 

"Sure," he said, making a face as he glared at her behind her back. Soon, he
would no longer have to be around her. Soon, Willow would be by his sire
where she belonged instead of hanging out with that moronic Xander. She was
his, god damn it. He felt a hand on his arm and looked down, pushing away his
anger as he smiled falsely at Buffy. "Let's go."

I'LL BE SEEING YOU (29/?)
 

Willow knocked on Xander's door, frowning when it did not open. She sighed,
deciding that they must still be sleeping. She had forgotten that it was so
early. She used her key to open the door and entered the dark room. She
smiled as she saw Xander laying on the bed, one arm covering his eyes and
another hanging off the side of the bed. Her eyes widened slightly when she
saw the arm around his waist. She followed it up to Angel's naked chest. She
smiled softly, realizing that the two of them together somehow made sense. At
the moment, that appeared to be one of the only things that did. She moved to
the side of the bed, a wicked smile crossing her face as she sat on the area
of sheet beside Xander.
 

She found a piece of string hanging off the sheet and ripped it off. She
moved it above Xander's nose, letting the frayed end touch his upper lip. She
saw his lip twitch as he shifted in his sleep. She laughed softly, waiting a
moment before moving the string over the tip of his nose. He groaned in his
sleep, moving his hand to swat at his face. She saw Angel shift in his sleep,
moving his arm higher along Xander's waist. She wondered if either of them
was aware of how the other felt. Knowing the men in her life, she figured
that they were completely oblivious. She moved the string along Xander's
face, wishing that he would wake up already.
 

"Having fun, Wills?" Xander asked, his dark eyes opening and staring at her
sleepily. His lips twitched in a grin as he saw her smile.
 

"I didn't know if you'd ever wake up," she responded in a whisper, knowing
that Spike and Angel were still sleeping.
 

"You couldn't simply push me real hard and yell, Xander wake up?" he asked,
wondering what time it was. She seemed particularly bright and cheerful for
far too early in the morning. He glanced at the clock and saw that it was
after ten.
 

"Where's the fun in that?" she asked impishly.
 

"I take it you enjoyed your night of house arrest?" he asked, starting to sit
up. He glanced down, his eyes widening when he saw the arm across his waist.
He looked at Angel, seeing the vampire's sleeping face.
 

"You ok?" Willow asked softly.
 

Xander nodded, "Yeah...just um...well, I understand why I slept so well."
 

Willow smiled, knowing that it was not the time to discuss Xander's feelings
for Angel. Maybe after this entire mess was over the two men would be able to
talk and figure out where they exactly stood. She had known about Xander's
crush on the vampire, but she had never been too sure about Angel's feelings
for Xander. At times she had thought there was something there, while at
others she had thought herself completely crazy. Having seen them sleeping
beside each other, the way that Angel had held Xander in sleep...well, she
was more certain there was something growing between them. "I slept pretty
well too."
 

"Did ya?" he asked, relief in his voice. He knew since this had started
happening that she was having trouble sleeping an entire night. "How many
hours?"
 

Willow smiled, "More than five, Dad."
 

"Good," Xander said, reluctantly moving Angel's arm from around his waist and
getting to his feet. "I need to go to the bathroom. Don't go anywhere."
 

Willow rolled her eyes as he smiled at her. She moved off the bed, knowing
that she didn't want Angel to wake up and mistake her position. She turned on
the overhead light, deciding that the vampires would surely waken upon
hearing her and Xander talking. She froze when she saw blue eyes watching
her. "Spike....you startled me. I thought you were sleeping."
 

He smiled slightly, "Felt you come in. Everything ok luv? You seem flustered."
 

"Things are fine," she said, deciding to wait to mention the moved trash can.
It was probably her imagination anyway. "I stayed in all night and didn't run
into any invisible demons."
 

"You saw Buffy and her boy toy today didn't you?" he asked, placing the
familiar scents and ignoring them.
 

"Yeah," Willow said, knowing from experience that Spike could tell anytime
that she had been around Buffy, Riley, Xander or Giles. He told her that they
were familiar smells, therefor his demon recognized them and usually ignored
them. She wondered what it would be like to smell people like that. Somehow,
she didn't think it would be that fun. He had mentioned that he usually
ignored this particular trait of being a vampire. "They came in this morning
before I left. Said that got some of the demons last night but quite a few
escaped town."
 

Spike frowned, "No mention of our demon I suppose."
 

"I don't think he would be stupid enough to get caught by the slayer," Willow
said softly, remembering that he had spent part of the night before in her
room watching her sleep. Shuddering, she made a face.
 

"It's OK, luv. We'll figure something out as soon as Peaches wakes his lazy
carcass up," Spike said, mistaking her look for fear instead of disgust.
 

"I'm awake," Angel said, his voice sleepy. He sat up, running a hand over his
face. "Does my hair look as bad as it feels?"
 

"Always worried about the damn hair," Spike said, rolling his eyes.
 

"Well, it is his best feature," Willow said, her voice teasing.
 

Angel lifted an eyebrow and glared at her, "And you want my help?"
 

"I love your hair, Angel," she said, laughing. "It is always so...poofy."
 

"Yeah, poofy is right," Spike said, grinning at his sire.
 

"It's too early in the morning to deal with either of you," Angel said,
listening to Willow laugh. He got out of bed, pulling his shirt on as he
stretched. "Is there blood?"
 

"Eeeww," Willow said, wrinkling her nose. "It's too early for that mental
image."
 

"We got to eat to survive, pet," Spike reminded her as he moved towards the
small kitchen area. "Your boy is taking a shower so you'll have to fix the
hair out here."
 

Angel glared at Spike's reference to Xander being his boy but chose to ignore
for Willow's sake. She'd hate him if he beat Spike to a bloody pulp. "Quit
talking about my damn hair," he muttered, moving to find a brush.
 

Willow smiled, leaning back in the chair as she watched Spike fix his and
Angel's breakfast and Angel as he brushed his hair. She could hear the shower
and knew that Xander was there. For the first time in more than a day, she
felt safe. Smiling, she turned on the television and began flipping until she
came across Hey Arnold on nickelodeon. Settling down, she began to watch
Helga fight Arnold while pining for him from afar. She sighed, knowing
exactly what Helga was going through. Unrequited love was a bitch.

I'LL BE SEEING YOU (30/?)
 

Xander walked into the room, a towel around his bare shoulders as he dried
his wet hair. He caught sight of Willow sitting in front of the television, a
soft smile on her face. Spike was sitting in the chair by the couch, his eyes
on Willow. Xander could see the unreadable expression lurking in the blue
depths and found himself wishing that he could read minds. Remembering
Buffy's brief experience with that particular trait, he decided he was better
off not knowing what was on Spike's mind. And, in a way, he was pretty sure
he knew. The invisible demon that was tormenting Willow. He sighed softly,
frowning as he thought again what his friend must be going through. He looked
up, his hand steadily running the towel over his hair. He froze when he
caught Angel's dark eyes on him. He felt a tremor of desire pass over his
body as he saw something very much like lust burning in those dark eyes. He
gulped, wondering if he was seeing things or just dreaming. He moved to the
sofa and sat next to Willow, deliberately shaking his head and sending drops
of water on the amused redhead.
 

"Xander!" she shrieked, turning away from the television to glare at him. "I
didn't even hear you! You really have been hanging around vampires far too
long. Their stealthness is beginning to rub off on you."
 

"You think I'm getting vampy sneaky?" Xander asked, a smile on his face as he
let the towel fall over his shoulders. He felt a few random drops of water
drifting down his chest and wiped at them as he smiled at Willow. He heard a
low groan and glanced at Angel, awareness crackling between the two men as
Angel shifted in his own chair. He heard Spike's knowing chuckle and felt his
face flaming. He glanced at Willow and saw her smile. He rolled his eyes,
glaring at her look of approval. "I'm gonna kill you," he whispered to her as
he stood.
 

Willow just laughed, having witnessed the tension and attraction that existed
between her friends. She watched Xander move to his dresser, pulling out a
faded gray t-shirt. "Aw, you're getting dressed?" she whined, grinning. "And
here I was enjoying the view."
 

"Pet," Spike practically growled at her from his seat. He didn't mind her
being friendly with the moron. After all, the twit was going to be his sire's
lover soon. But, there were limits. Flirting overstepped the boundaries.
 

Willow looked at Spike, a small frown on her face at his harsh tone. "Spike?"
 

"The moron needs to get dressed," Spike said, glaring at her for being amused
at flirting with the mortal. He knew in his mind that she was teasing the boy
about the attraction that was so obvious between him and Angel. But, he
couldn't tell his demon not to react in jealousy.
 

Xander had to smile at Spike's obvious discomfort with Willow's teasing. He
contemplated flirting back but decided that Spike may very well rip his
throat out, implant be damned. Deciding that he rather liked his throat where
it was, he pulled the shirt over his head. He then moved to sit back by
Willow, deciding the best course was to ignore these feelings for Angel and
concentrate on the matter at hand. "Fine, Fang. Since the sight of my bare
chest does nothing for you, I'll keep my shirt on."
 

"Thank God for small favors," Spike said, causing Willow to giggle. He felt a
bit ridiculous at his reaction to the simply teasing and he really hoped that
no one reminded him of it. He glanced at Angel and saw the amusement in those
dark eyes. Somehow, he knew that that was not going to happen.
 

"Can we hold off the serious discussion until Hey Arnold is over?" Willow
asked, trying to keep her tone light. She knew they would be discussing her
stalker and that was a subject she had no desire to dwell on at the moment.
 

"Hey Arnold's on?" Xander said, smiling because he knew Willow well enough to
know that she was putting off the heavy discussion. "Why didn't you tell me?"
 

"Quit whining!" she scolded playfully. "You've only missed the first episode
of a three hour block. "It was the Dino episode, which I know you've seen."
 

"I missed Dino?" he whined, putting his arm on the couch behind her, careful
not to touch her by accident for fear of Spike killing him. "I love Dino."
 

"And here I thought they were mature," Spike said, having to smile at their
reaction to some silly cartoon.
 

"Children at heart, it seems," Angel said, thankful for the light moment.
After the humiliating incident getting caught ogling Xander, he was glad that
they seem to have forgotten it in their reaction to the cartoon. He couldn't
forget it though. He was acting like some randy schoolboy, he decided in
disgust. Like he had never been attracted to anyone before. Yet, in a way, it
was rather nice having such a reaction to someone again. It had been over a
hundred years since someone had occupied his thoughts this way. Glancing at
Spike, he had to smile as he remembered that particular experience. Over a
hundred years, and the attraction was still there, in a secret part of his
soul that he rarely allowed out to play. It was better that way, forgotten in
the past. He had to believe that he and the blond might one day become
friends, of sorts. It almost seemed as if that was beginning on this trip.
Yet, he would never understand Spike so he would not even begin to try to
predict what the blond was feeling.
 

"Hush!" Willow said, smiling at Angel. "Have you ever seen the show?"
 

"I do not watch cartoons," Angel said, his tone lofty.
 

"You don't know what you're missing," Xander said, smiling at Angel. He kept
eye contact a moment longer than needed before reluctantly looking back at
the television.
 

Spike sighed, "We'll watch the damn cartoon then we talk."
 

He moved towards the couch, glaring at Xander pointedly. The boy looked at
him with a confused look on his face before he started to smile. He chuckled
as he stood, saying, "I think I'd like something to eat. Wills? Hungry?"
 

"I could use some caffeine. Soda or coffee. Wait, you'd be making the coffee.
Never mind. Soda is fine. Do you have any doughnuts?"
 

"Do I have doughnuts?" Xander asked, gaping at her. "I will choose to ignore
the coffee comment because I love you. But you dare ask me if I have
doughnuts?"
 

"I'll take that as a yes," she said, smiling as Spike sat beside her in the
spot Xander had vacated. She tried not to look at the vampire, but found her
eyes drawn to his face. He was smiling slightly, his arm on the sofa behind
her head. She sighed, watching Xander smirk before heading towards the
kitchen area. She settled back on the couch, Spike's arm falling slightly to
touch her shoulder.
 

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