Willow looked up when she heard the sound of rustling paper. She saw Giles looking into space with an odd expression on his face. Her green eyes moved from the paper to the envelope he was currently tapping on the table. "Bad news?"
"Hmm?" he looked at her and smiled, "No, sorry. I'm just a bit surprised."
"Can I be nosy and ask?" she asked with a smile.
"It's from an old colleague from the council," he elaborated, a thoughtful expression in his eyes.
"This is worse than pulling teeth," she laughed softly, closing her book. "Giles, what is it?"
"He's asked me to come to London to help them, to rejoin the council," Giles explained.
"Move there?" she frowned.
"No, not permanently," he looked at the letter. "They need my help for a few months, at the most."
"Are you going to go? I thought you didn't like the council," she said, a bit confused that he appeared interested in the idea.
"I don't like the archaic rules that they follow, Willow, but I believe they have a great purpose," he said. "I'm not yet sure how I will answer his request. Things are rather calm at the moment, but it is always such a tentative balance in Sunnydale."
"You want to go," she said softly, smiling, "I kind of understand. It's been kind of boring lately. With Spike helping Buffy, there's not a lot for the rest of us to do. If it would only be for a short time, I say go for it."
"Go for what?" Buffy asked as she and Spike came into the magic store. She sat down on the sofa beside Willow, stretching as her hazel eyes looked at the dirt stains on the knees of her jeans.
"Missed you tonight, Red," Spike said as he sat on the other side of Willow, close enough to feel her but not close enough to bother her. It was getting more difficult, being with her yet not having her. It had been several months since Tara had died. He'd been rid of the chip for what seemed like ages. Yet, he was still patiently waiting for Willow to come to him. He'd thought he hit a snag, two weeks ago when the slayer lost her little boy toy. As it was, it had actually made Willow depend on him a bit more. He was by no means a patient man and the past months had him rather tense. Things were going according to plan, though. Even the small surprises had only changed things, not ruined them. She was growing closer to him, falling in love with him. He knew that it wouldn't be much longer until she felt the same for him as he felt for her. Well, minus the obsessive behavior maybe.
"Really?" she smiled at him, looking at the floor before looking back at Giles. She saw that he clearly wasn't in a sharing mood concerning his offer to go to London so she said, "I was telling Giles that I think I'd like to go out for dinner soon. You know, dress up and go to somewhere kind of nice. It's been ages since I've eaten in a real restaurant."
Spike's eyes narrowed as he saw that she was clearly lying. No, not lying, just not telling them the truth. He gave her a smile as he said, "I can take you out any night that you want, luv."
"Yeah, we can make it an event," Buffy said. "Since Mom went to Buenos Aires, fast food has started to get tiresome."
"It has, hasn't it?" Willow smiled. "When does Joyce get back?"
Buffy shrugged, "I don't know. First, she starts feeling sick. Then, she's flying across the world to discover some artist. I doubt she comes back until she finds something that makes her happy."
"Is everything going well in her absence?" Giles asked his slayer.
"Yeah. Since Spike took over the spare room to keep an eye on us and to scare away all the baddies," Buffy said with a smile, "no one has tried anything at all."
"And you're certain it is no trouble, staying with them until Joyce returns?" Giles asked the vampire, relieved that there was someone looking out for the girls.
"It's nothing," Spike assured them, his eyes moving to Willow. "Would like to go get some dinner, Red?"
"Maybe we can try that new cafe that opened up last week," Buffy suggested.
"Sure, that would be great," Willow said, taking Spike's hand as he pulled her to her feet. She looked at Giles and smiled, "I'll talk to you tomorrow, Giles."
He nodded, watching the three leave. By the time the door had shut, his mind was made up. He would go to London where he was needed.
~Part 21~
"How was patrol tonight?" Willow asked after the three of them had placed their drink orders.
"Slow," Buffy said, making a face. "Not even any newbies to defang."
"You say that like it's a bad thing," Willow laughed.
"The slayer likes to fight," Spike said, looking at the menu. "She gets a wee bit frustrated when there's no one to kill."
"Thank you Dr. Spike," Buffy said with a roll of her hazel eyes.
"Sorry, luv. I'm not role playing with you," Spike said before winking at a giggling Willow, "Red, on the other hand, can play doctor with me anytime she wants."
"There will be none of that," Willow smiled, "besides, I'd probably have to sue you for malpractice. I doubt you play by the rules."
"You never have fun when you play by the rules," Spike said with a hint of promise in his voice.
"Ahem," Buffy cleared her throat, frowning as Willow glanced at her then looked back at Spike. "Enough flirting for now. Wills, what are you ordering?"
"I don't know yet. What sounds good?" Willow asked as she felt heat spread over her face. She'd been caught flirting again. Tara hadn't been gone four months and here she was blatantly flirting. Don't go there, she cautioned herself before she focused on the menu.
Spike looked at Buffy as his eyes narrowed, hating that she was always around now. He could tolerate her for Willow's sake, for now, but this went beyond tolerance. He could never get a moment alone with Willow anymore. How was he supposed to seduce Willow into wanting him when the damn slayer was constantly around? Daft bitch didn't seem to realize that he was doing her a favor, allowing her a friendship with Willow. She should realize her place and step down, content to be alive. If he didn't know that it was too soon for Willow to trust him and to openly love him, he'd have taken care of the slayer months ago. In a way, though, he needed her presence in Willow's life at the moment. She was able to take care of Willow when he couldn't. Until she was truly his, body and heart and soul, he had to let the damn slayer live.
He glanced at the table, collecting his thoughts. Don't blow it, Spike my boy. You've got it all planned. Things are working perfectly. You will not let some jealous bitch ruin it all. The witch is dead. Slayer's Mom is out of the way. The watcher is the next to go. Piece by piece it's all falling into place. One stupid, rash move can make it all fall down. All that work for nothing. He looked back up, knowing that he had Willow. If she discovered the truth, she would run and push him away but he could still force her into loving him. And she could very well become what Drusilla had been. No, there would be no forcing. She would come to him willingly, ask him to love her for eternity. With resolve, he looked at Buffy and gave her a half smile, "What do you think I should order, slayer?"
"Willow and I could split a shrimp Caesar salad," Buffy said, knowing that in the past few weeks of eating out with Spike that he would order something for her and Willow to snack on along with their own food so that it would appear he had eaten.
"Is that good for you, pet?" he asked Willow, his voice softening as she smiled at him.
"Salad is always good," she declared before verbally debating the choices for her own meal, laughing as Buffy and Spike joined her in the debate, adding their own opinions.
~Part 22~
"You're going then," Willow said with a soft smile.
"Yes," Giles nodded, looking at the redhead. "I feel that it is a good time, plus, quite honestly, I could use a bit of a vacation."
"I understand," she laughed. "You're happy, then?"
"Not happy to be leaving Sunnydale, but I must admit that I'm a bit excited," he smiled sheepishly. "The last year or so, it seems as if I haven't been needed here. Between you and Buffy and the others, now Spike, well, I've been rather lost."
"We do need you, Giles," she said, hoping that he had no doubts to his place in their lives.
"As a father," he smiled, "which is a true honor, Willow. I'm very proud of all of you. I've watched you children mature and grow up before my eyes. In many ways, I feel as if I *am* your father."
"You know that we love you," Willow said, "we'll support whatever you decide to do. It will be a change, not having you here. But, you'd be back, right?"
"I will be back, Willow," he assured her, seeing the difficulty she was having with his news. "It will only be for a few months. I doubt you'll even realize that I'm gone."
"I doubt that," she smiled weakly, "when are you telling the others?"
"Tonight," he sighed. "I leave tomorrow. I asked you to come by here for a reason, Willow."
"So soon?" she shook her head, "What reason?"
"I'd like for you to watch over things for me here," he said, "I'm letting Anya run the store for me, but I would like for you to keep an eye on it. I trust her, but I'd like to know she has someone to help if needed. And Buffy, could you help her?"
"You don't even have to ask that, Giles," Willow said. "Anya knows she can talk to me if she has any problems. And Buffy? Come on. I'd never leave her to do it all alone."
"I knew that," he said, "it just reassures me to hear it. This will be the first time that I've been away from all of you for any length of time. I must say, I'm excited to be working again, but I'm also a bit scared."
"You'll do great," she gave him a confident smile, "you can help the council and then get back home. I'll take care of them, Giles. You don't have to worry."
"I know that you will," he smiled. "I trust that you won't mention anything to Buffy or Spike about this?"
"My lips are sealed," she made a gesture of zipping. "Speaking of the terrible twosome, I'd better get going. I told them I'd meet them after patrol and I'd rather avoid the inquisition that would follow me being late."
"Run along. I'm just going to finish my packing," he said, waving her out the door before he turned to survey the apartment, trying to decide what he might need for the three months in England.
~Part 23~
"What?" Buffy demanded, looking at her watcher in shock.
"I'm going to London for a few months," Giles repeated.
"Why?" Buffy asked, frowning as she sat down on the couch next to Willow. She felt the redhead take her hand and squeeze.
"The council has asked for my assistance," Giles explained, giving her a smile. "It shall only be for three months, sooner if they dislike my methods of helping."
"And I get the store?" Anya said, clearly delighted by that idea. As an afterthought, she said, "Oh, we'll miss you of course. So, I'll be in charge?"
"I thought the council weren't our friends," Xander said, not really liking the idea of Giles being gone for so long.
"Xander, they asked for my help," Giles said patiently, seeing clearly that his family was upset at the news of his departure. All but Spike who didn't seem to care one way or the other, which wasn't very surprising. "I couldn't very well tell them no."
"Why not?" Buffy asked, thrusting her lower lip out as she glared at him, "It's real easy. Heck, you tell me no enough, you should be an expert at saying the word!"
"Buffy, breathe," Willow said softly, giving Giles a wry smile. She had warned him that it wouldn't be easy.
"But, Wills, he's going for three months. Three months!" Buffy said, making a face. "And I'm being a selfish brat, aren't I?"
"As if that's something new?" Spike asked dryly, smirking as the slayer stuck her tongue out at him.
Buffy turned to Giles and smiled sheepishly, "I'm sorry. I don't want you to go. If that makes me selfish, tough. But, I understand why you want to go. Just promise me that you'll make them regret ever firing you."
"I'll do my best," Giles promised, giving her a smile. "I do have time before my flight leaves. May I suggest going out for a farewell dinner, my treat."
"No, our treat," Xander said, giving Giles a look that dared him to object. "You're the one leaving. Least we can do is pay."
"But you can use the money you were going to use for souvenirs," Anya decided with a smile.
"You knew, didn't you?" Buffy asked Willow as they got to their feet, preparing to leave. She gave the redhead an accusing look as she said, "You didn't seem at all surprised. Why didn't you tell me?"
"It wasn't my secret to tell," Willow said simply, smiling as Spike held her coat for her to put on.
"You should have prepared me for this," Buffy said, giving her friend a stern look. "But I'll forgive you this time."
"Thanks," Willow said, laughing as she shook her head at Buffy. "Come on, slayer. Let's go have a great farewell dinner so he makes it less than three months."
"I wonder if he needs any help," Spike mused, his eyes watching the others. "He could take the moron with him. Maybe leave him there."
"Be nice," Willow scolded, smacking his chest as she laughed, noticing that he grabbed her hand and moved it between them, keeping it firmly in his. A warm feeling passed over her at the gesture and she smiled, walking beside him as they followed the others.
~Part 24~
Willow sighed as she watched the plane disappear into the dark clouds above. She leaned against Spike, thankful for the support his body was giving her. If he hadn't been holding her, she wasn't sure if she'd be standing. Giles was really and truly gone. She knew it was only for three months, but she felt as if she would never see him again. She kept thinking that, once he got to London, he wouldn't want to come back. She knew that he had felt rather useless since high school. The store had done wonders in his attitude, but he still seemed rather aimless. Since deciding to go help the council, she'd seen glimpses of the old Giles, the man with the mission. He'd been alive again, in a way that he hadn't since defeating the mayor. If it meant his happiness, she could accept whatever he did. It didn't mean that it didn't hurt to see the man she considered a father going away for an indefinite amount of time.
She turned to face the others, seeing tears in Buffy's eyes and a sad look on Xander and Anya's face. She sighed as she said, "Well, that wasn't too bad."
"He'll be back," Buffy said, giving Willow a look before she asked softly, "Won't he?"
"I'm sure he will be," Willow said giving her friend a smile.
"I don't know," Xander said with a shrug, "he seemed pretty happy to be leaving this place. If I were him, I'd be glad to be outta here too. I just, I don't know. It didn't seem like he was leaving for a three month trip. You know?"
"He said good-bye like he won't return," Anya said, understanding Xander's words. She hugged her fiance, not really sure what to say or do in a situation like this. She glanced at Spike and saw that he was silently listening, his arm around Willow's waist. She could tell that he was as left out as she was, having not known Giles for as long as the others and not really having the same nature of a relationship, the bond not as deep as the other three. In Spike's case, he just didn't care either way.
"We need to stop this," Willow said with a laugh. "He just left and we're already deciding that he won't come back. He's got three months. We'll just have to wait and see."
"Willow's right," Xander said with a smile at his oldest friend. "We've got plenty of time to worry later. Let's go."
"I need to go to the bathroom," Buffy said as she saw the women's room. She wiped her face with the back of her hand, saying, "I need to wash my face."
"Me too," Xander said, "it's a pretty long drive back. Anyone else need to go?"
"Come on," Buffy took Willow's hand, smiling as her friend moved out of Spike's embrace to accompany her. "Anya?"
"I'm fine," Anya said, watching as Xander went further down to the men's room. She glanced at Spike who was watching Willow's departure. She smiled as she looked out the large window, watching another plane take off. "You're good for her."
"What?" Spike glanced at Anya, having not realized the ex-demon had remained. His attention had been focused on Willow, helping her deal with the watcher's leaving.
"Willow. You're good for her," Anya said, looking at him. "She needs you. Losing Tara and now Giles. It's nice to know she's got you."
"She does," he said, studying the woman, "have me, that is. I'm not going anywhere."
"Have you told her, yet?" Anya asked. "How you really feel? About the chip?"
"No," Spike said sharply, eyes narrowing. "It's not time yet."
"She's falling for you, Spike," Anya said softly, having watched her friend over the last few weeks. "I don't want to see her hurt."
"You won't," Spike assured her before his eyes moved back to the bathroom door as he saw her coming towards him, a smile crossing her face as their eyes met. Without the slightest hesitation, she moved back into his arms as they left the airport and walked towards the car.
~Part 25~
"I feel so popular," Buffy said as she entered the living room, the mail in her right hand. "We got postcards from Mom and Giles."
Willow smiled as she eagerly took the mail, "Are they doing okay?"
"Mom is loving her search for the perfect artist," Buffy said, making a face. "She seems to be so enjoying it that she doesn't even pretend that she's going to be coming home anytime soon. You'd think she could have found a dozen artists in six weeks."
"Buffy, she's having fun. You can hear how excited she's been when she's called us," Willow pointed out, understanding that Buffy wasn't used to not having her mother around, but also knowing that Joyce had waited to travel until Buffy was old enough, unlike her own parents.
"I know, but she's my Mom," Buffy whined, "I miss her."
"Giles says he's enjoying his work," Willow said, reading the postcard from the former watcher. She finished his note and looked at Buffy, a frown on her face, "He doesn't even mention missing Sunnydale. Three weeks he's been gone, and he doesn't miss us?"
"I'm sure he misses us," Buffy said, sighing, "or maybe not. Why is it that everyone we love is leaving us and not seeming to care?"
Willow smiled sadly, "It does rather seem that way, doesn't it?"
"I mean, I'm happy for Mom and Giles, don't get me wrong. It's just, they both left at nearly the same time. I know they'll be back, but it's weird," Buffy shook her head.
"Talking about yourself again, slayer?" Spike asked as he entered the living room, stretching as he covered a yawn.
"Ha, ha, ha," Buffy said as she showed him her middle finger.
"Sorry, luv. You're not my type," Spike said with a smirk as his blue eyes found Willow's amused green ones. "Morning, Red."
"It's afternoon, Spike," she said with a small smile as her eyes moved over his bare chest. She was going to buy him some shirts, she decided. Lots of long sleeve, baggy shirts that would conceal his body from her hungry eyes. She reluctantly tore her eyes away from his body to find Buffy watching her.
"Enjoying the view, Wills?" Buffy asked sweetly as her best friend blushed. She rolled her eyes, having watched the same scene for the past week and a half. Spike had suddenly decided to appear in the afternoon shirtless, having to know that doing so made Willow slightly unbalanced. It was rather fun to watch those two, plus Spike did have a very nice chest so the view wasn't all that bad, not that she was looking. Spike was not her type. Besides, he was so devoted to Willow that no one else even registered in his mind.
"Shut up, Buffy," Willow said, mortified that Buffy had just called her on the ogling in front of Spike.
Spike smiled as he moved towards the kitchen, deciding not to comment on the slayer's words. He knew that Willow was looking, could feel her eyes on him as clearly as he could feel her touch. She wanted him. Was nearly to the point of acknowledging her desire. He also thought she might be in love with him. Nothing had been said, but her eyes followed him as his did her. He was trying to be patient, trying not to rush her, but he was growing tired of waiting. It had been months since he had lost the implant, and he was still waiting and watching. It hadn't really been that bad, if he were honest. He'd been given a chance to get to know her, to become her friend, to learn everything about her. He had her trust and friendship before he had her love. That was better than anything he had originally planned. Hell, he slept down the hall from her, having been invited to move in by the slayer of all people.
The damn slayer. She had changed things a bit. When he had originally devised his plan, he had only two goals: claim Willow and kill Buffy. He had been told something years before that he thought might have been useful in killing the slayer. He had tried, watching her even while he only wanted to be with Willow. It hadn't worked, stalking after her had taught him nothing except that he couldn't stand the selfish bitch. So he had concentrated on his plans for Willow. Of course, there, his only real plan had been to remove Tara. Once that was done, he had stepped in and be honest with Willow. He didn't want anything ever coming between them, the little witch's death the only snag. And Willow would not learn his part in that, not until it no longer mattered to her. If Willow did indeed love him, it was because she wanted to. She had not fallen in love with an act, with someone other than the real Spike. That part of his plan was nearly accomplished. There were still things to work out, some changes he had made after the initial rash, kill them all plan.
Buffy had become a huge problem, more so than he ever would have imagined. Her friendship with Willow was strong, the bond so clear to anyone. He loathed it, was envious of it, was jealous of the damn slayer, but he also accepted it. Willow was the woman he loved. Her best friend was someone that he hated. A bit of a cliche, but true. The problem was, over the last couple of months, after watching Buffy with Willow, after seeing just how much she cared about his Red, after seeing how happy she made Willow and the lengths she would go to protect his girl, he no longer hated her. He respected her, which annoyed him. He almost liked her, sometimes. It messed up his plans. Even if Willow went to him willingly, if she became his in every way, that damn connection with Buffy wouldn't just go away. If he killed Buffy, in the end, he could still lose Willow. Angelus had told him that to kill Buffy, you had to love her. Well, he certainly didn't love her, tolerance being a better word for what he felt for her, but he had studied her and knew how he could kill her. He had the knowledge, and it was rather satisfying. Angelus had been right, though. Hating her clouded the vision, made you lose when fighting her. The irony? Now that he knew how to kill her, he no longer had the desire.
He walked back into the living room after feeding, his eyes finding Willow as she talked to Buffy. As if she knew she was being watched, she turned and looked at him, smiling a special smile before returning to her conversation. He moved to sit beside her, propping his feet on the table as he turned his attention to the TV, listening to their chatter and relaxing as Willow leaned against him unconsciously. He was still reworking his grand plan, but, for now, there was no hurry. He was content to let things continue as they were with the only exception being his and Willow's relationship. That was going to move forward, hopefully very soon. He smiled slightly as his fingers moved to brush her hair as she and Buffy continued talking about school. Soon.
~Part: 26~
Willow continued searching her closet, not able to find anything that suited her. She groaned as she picked up yet another dress before dismissing it. She heard her door open and glanced at Buffy, grimacing, "This is pointless. I don't have anything to wear. I'm staying home."
"No, you're not," Buffy corrected with a smile as she shut the door and moved to sit on her best friend's bed. "You have a closet full of clothes, as do I. You're taller than me, but we're nearly the same size. You could borrow something."
"No, I should just stay home," Willow said, shaking her head. She was more nervous than she had been in longer than she could remember. This was silly. She was acting stupid.
"You know," Buffy studied Willow for a second before smiling, "I have the perfect dress. I've never worn it. I bought it on sale because it was gorgeous, but the color isn't good on me. On you, it would be ravishing. I just know it. Will you try it?"
"I don't know," Willow started but Buffy had already left the room, going to retrieve the perfect dress. When the slayer returned, she was surprised to see Buffy carrying a green dress. "You don't like green."
"I told you it looked terrible on me," Buffy said, making a face. "Okay, fine. You caught me. I bought you this when you told me about the date. I passed the boutique and saw it in the window and just knew you should wear it tonight. For luck, if you will."
"Buffy, it's not really a date," Willow said, smiling at her friend, "It's just Spike. Thanks for the dress, though."
"Just Spike?" Buffy repeated, rolling her eyes. "I'm not buying, Wills. I know you. I know that you are falling for him. If you'd told me six months ago, I'd have thought you were crazy. Now, though, well, it makes sense. I think he loves you, and you deserve that so much! Please wear the dress."
"Let me try it on," Willow said, giving in to her friend. She couldn't deny Buffy's words. Sure, it was a date with Spike. They'd gone out most nights for the last five months. But, this was different. He'd asked her in a way that made it more serious, as if it were the first step in a real relationship instead of just friends hanging out. She might be wrong, which would be embarrassing, but she hoped that it meant he might want her in his life. She took the dress from Buffy, looking at her friend in surprise, "Silk?"
Buffy smiled, "I wanted you to feel sexy and confident. Silk is good for that."
"Should I be worried that you are encouraging me to be sexy on a date with Spike?" Willow asked as she removed her shorts and T-shirt. Clad in cotton panties and a bra, she began to unfold the dress.
"I'm not encouraging, merely supportive of any decision you make. Willow! You can't wear cotton," Buffy said, rolling her eyes. "What if you let him get past first base?"
"Good God, Buffy. I don't plan to have sex with him on the first date!" Willow said, her skin turning a delightful shade of pink as the slayer seemed to read her mind.
Buffy smiled knowingly, "You don't have to plan. Sometimes things just happen. I guess what you're wearing really isn't that important. I mean, Spike would love you in anything."
Willow looked down at the white cotton and frowned, "Not that I think he will be seeing them, but maybe you're right. White cotton with a silk dress isn't very sexy."
"Wills, you're sexy in your own way. Don't listen to me," Buffy said, "I'm just happy for you and don't want you nervous."
"I know," Willow gave her a smile, "you're a great friend, Buffy, and you're right. If I'm planning on seducing Spike tonight, I shouldn't wear cotton."
"Seducing, huh?" Buffy arched a brow, "What happened to not getting past first base? Naughty, naughty Willow."
Willow shrugged as she went to her drawer and found black lace panties and a matching bra. She glanced at Buffy, "Am I terrible? Tara hasn't even been dead for half a year, and here I am talking about seducing Spike."
"You're not terrible," Buffy said. "And I doubt you have to worry too much about seducing Spike. I have a feeling he'll be doing the seducing. He's waited for you for months. I'm sure he's been going crazy. I mean, he's not the most patient man I've ever met."
"That's an understatement," Willow continued the conversation as she entered the bathroom, changing her bra and panties then slipping the silk dress on.
"Wow," Buffy gasped when she saw Willow. She smiled, "You look gorgeous."
"Really?" Willow moved to look in the mirror, studying herself. "This dress is amazing."
The dark green silk caressed curves she wasn't aware of, a scoop neck giving the hint of cleavage without being too revealing, a tight waist that fell into a skirt that fell past her knees with a slit on the right side that showed off nearly her entire leg. Buffy had picked the perfect dress for her. Sexy but not showy. Her friend knew her too well. She looked in the mirror and saw the sparkle in her green eyes, the flush to her cheeks, the nervous anticipation in her eyes. She felt sexy.
"You need stockings," Buffy decided, "not hose. You'll drive him crazy all night every time you move your leg. Oh, let me do your hair. I want something that will make him want to run his fingers through it."
"You're evil, slayer," Willow decided as Buffy continued to discuss what she needed to complete the image of seduction she was trying for. She felt brave, as if she could actually go out and seduce Spike. It had taken her nearly a month to get up the courage to start trying to move their relationship past friendship, weeks to get him to ask her out in a way that might be construed as relationship building. She had lied to Buffy, earlier. Tonight, she wanted Spike. Wanted to feel his touch, his lips, his caress, his hands. The vision had occupied her mind for weeks, had consumed her during her sleeping hours and some of her waking. She was so ready for him, needed him more than she'd ever needed anyone. Tonight, if he asked, she was his.
~Part 27~
"I wonder where he's going to take you," Buffy said as she glanced at the clock. It was less than twenty minutes until Spike was supposed to pick up Willow for their date. The redhead was dressed and waiting, giving them time to talk before the vampire's arrival.
"He wouldn't tell me," Willow smiled. "He just said to wear something nice and to leave the rest to him."
Buffy smiled as she looked at her best friend. She honestly couldn't remember seeing the redhead this happy in quite some time. There was excitement in her green eyes, a smile that hadn't left her face in hours, and a nervous anticipation that Buffy could recognize. And it was all because of Spike. That still floored the slayer in many ways. To think that her former enemy would be the cause of such happiness in her best friend. She had to admit that Spike had been good for Willow. She still felt slightly guilty when she thought of the time months before when she had been rude to him, thinking that he had a crush on her. Now, she could look back and realize that it had always been Willow.
It didn't bother her, to think of Spike and Willow together. Sure, part of her, the slayer part, still found it difficult to trust him. He was a vampire after all. He didn't even have a soul, just a piece of metal that could default at any time. That worried her, truthfully. She knew that Spike would kill them all if the chip wasn't working. She also knew that someday the chip would become inactive. Technology never lasted for very long, and it scared her to think about that day. She didn't let Willow know about her fears. She wasn't worried about Willow, in a forever death kind of way. Spike loved the redhead, in the forever after, sired by me kind of way. The rest of them, she worried about. She honestly hoped that she would already be gone before that day ever came. She was a slayer. She'd probably die young. As long as Spike was on their side, she could die knowing that he would look after Willow and the others. It gave her a small amount of peace to know that. If his implant deactivated before her death, it would put her in a situation she didn't want to be in. She didn't want to fight him. She didn't want Willow to have to choose between her love and her friends. It wasn't fair. She'd had to make that choice years before and didn't want her best friend going through that.
Buffy shook her head slightly, not dwelling on the future. It was stupid to do so. She had learned to concentrate on the here and now, to enjoy the present. At the moment, Spike was just what Willow needed. Buffy knew that she couldn't have done it alone. Hated to acknowledge that Spike had become sort of a friend over the past few months. Liked seeing Willow falling in love again. Was a bit jealous that Willow had fallen in love with Spike. Since Riley had left, the three of them, her, Willow and Spike, had become a bit like the three musketeers. They went out together, went on patrols, hung out. It was nice, being with her best friend, even if it meant sharing it with Spike. Buffy had realized weeks before that she had a bit of a crush on Willow. She'd always loved the redhead, but her feelings were becoming a bit different. Of course, she wasn't going to act on them. It was probably just a reaction to Riley leaving her and Willow being there for her. Buffy had never found herself attracted to another woman before, so it was a bit confusing but she liked to think that she was handling it with maturity.
"Buffy, you in there?" Willow asked again, laughing as the slayer looked at her.
"Sorry, Will," Buffy made a face. "I was just thinking. I wonder where he's going to take you."
"I honestly don't care," Willow admitted with a smile, "as long as I'm with him, I'm always happy."
"I've noticed," Buffy said dryly, though her words were lightened by the amusement in her hazel eyes.
"You're sure that I look okay?" Willow asked again, looking down at her dress. She felt sexy, the silk and stockings causing wonderful sensations against her bare skin.
"You'll knock him dead," Buffy said before laughing. "Oh wait, he's already dead!"
"That was horrible," Willow groaned, her eyes widening when she heard the doorbell. "Oh my God, he's here."
"Stop it," Buffy warned, shaking her head. "You look gorgeous. And don't worry about the seduction. I don't think you'll have to do anything except be yourself."
"Thanks," Willow said with a smile as Buffy opened the door.
"Wow Fang, you look good," Buffy said in greeting as she smiled at Spike.
~Part 28~
Spike looked at the smiling slayer, rolling his eyes as he moved past her. He couldn't figure her out, not really caring enough to waste the time trying. He froze when he entered the living room, knowing that his breath would have caught had he been alive. "Willow," he only said her name, unable to form any other words.
Willow blushed as his eyes moved over her slowly, their blue depths flashing with desire as he huskily whispered her name. She felt a tightening in her tummy as his eyes met hers, licking her lips as she glanced at him. She was surprised to find him wearing black slacks instead of his jeans. His T-shirt had been left at home in favor of a blue shirt that had way too many buttons for her own good. The shirt looked good on him, bringing out the color in his hair and eyes. She watched him move, noticing that the shirt was silk. A wave of heat rushed over her as she wondered how she could possibly make it through the night without attacking him. She finally spoke, "Spike."
"Yes, we know. You Spike, you Willow," Buffy said, leaning against the doorway watching the two with amusement. "Don't growl at me, Blondie."
"Don't you have somewhere to be, slayer?" Spike asked, not taking his eyes off Willow.
"Nope," Buffy said with a smile, watching as Willow flushed under Spike's scrutiny.
"Well, we do," he said, holding out his hand to Willow. His voice lowered as he said, "You're breathtaking, luv."
Willow smiled at his compliment, taking his hand as she moved towards him. She wanted to kiss him. Wanted nothing more at that moment than to feel his lips on hers, his body against hers. She watched as his eyes darkened, wondering if he had somehow read her mind. She watched as he lifted her hand, lowering his face until his wet lips brushed against her palm. She sucked in a breath as his tongue darted over her skin, his eyes still on hers. She knew, at that moment, that tonight she was going to be his. She gave him a shy smile as she said, "We should go," she started to follow him from the room, his hand still holding hers. She glanced at Buffy, blushing as the slayer winked at her and gave her a thumbs up sign. She mouthed the words, "Don't wait up," before winking at her best friend, following Spike out into the night.
~Part: 29~
Spike opened the car door and helped Willow inside. He had borrowed the slayer's car for his date with the redhead. Once she was settled comfortable, he shut her door and went to the driver's side. Getting in, he started it and headed down the street. He looked at Willow and smiled, not able to believe that they were really on a date. She'd said yes, had dressed up in her pretty dress for him, was now sitting beside him, where she belonged him.
"You look beautiful tonight," Spike told Willow, watching as she blushed at his compliment.
"So do you," Willow told him, deciding that she was already blushing so she could go ahead and be honest with him. "I mean, you look very handsome."
"I feel a bit weird," he confessed with a sheepish smile as he pulled a car to a stop at the park. He wasn't sure yet where they were going so he figured it would be better to stop and think. He added, "I'm not really used to wearing such fancy clothes."
"You wear them well," she replied, her eyes widening slightly when she realized what she had said and how she had said it.
"Cor, luv," he groaned slightly as he heard her husky words, noticing the lusty way her green eyes moved over his body.
He'd promised himself that he'd try to go slow, this being their first date without the slayer around. He finally had her to himself, and he wanted to enjoy every moment of it. He planned to take her to dinner and then to a movie. Traditional activities for a first date, or so he had heard. He'd never really been on a date before so he was a bit at a loss. All he really wanted to do was take her somewhere private and spend several days making love to her, tasting her and teasing her and feeling her tight warmth around him and just being with her. He wanted her to want the same thing, though, which meant taking it slow and seducing her, mind, body and soul.
"Are you okay?" she asked softly, hearing him groan. She saw the look in his eyes and froze, heat washing over her body as her heartbeat sped up. She felt a fluttering in her tummy as his blue eyes caught hers. It would appear that Buffy might have been right. It didn't seem like she would have to do much seducing at all.
"Fine, pet," he smiled at her as he took her hand. "I thought we'd go get some dinner. Are you hungry?"
"God, yes," she whispered, her eyes moving to look at his lips as she spoke. She was starving, for Spike.
She'd been having the feelings for a long time, since before Tara's death if she were completely honest. She'd hesitated accepting her feelings, acknowledging them, because she felt guilty moving on so quickly after her lover had died. Now, though, she couldn't ignore them any longer. It was time to admit the truth. Not only had it been several months, but she and Tara had drifted apart far before her lover's death. It had been long enough that she didn't feel like she was betraying Tara's memory by wanting Spike.
"What do you want, Willow?" Spike asked softly, his eyes catching hers. He could smell the sweet scent of her arousal, could see that she was no longer running from her feelings for him. He'd let it be her choice, he decided. He didn't want her to have any regrets, knowing that he'd risk losing her if he acted before she was ready. If she kept looking at him like that, though, like he was dessert and she was starving, well, he might not be able to keep control for much longer. It had been so long, so much waiting and taking things slow, and patience was not one of his virtues. He couldn't complain. It was worth it for Willow.
"You," she whispered, relaxing as she said the word. She gave him a small smile as she repeated it, "You. I want you, Spike."
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