Spike came out of the stacks, Willow behind him. She was clutching his hand tightly, her fingernails biting into his skin drawing blood. She had seen him...heard that laugh. She had spent four years preparing herself for it, but she had fallen apart inside. She collected herself and looked up at her old friends. She was surprised to see that Amy had joined the group. She saw a dark haired girl she didn't recognize. The slayer that had taken Kendra's place. She was still alive, it seemed.
"Willow?" Amy said, smiling.
She got up to hug her old friend and was surprised to see her pull back, looking at her with dead eyes. There was no emotion in them at all. She felt a shiver of fear go through her at the girl's expression.
"Amy." Willow said, nodding.
"So, this is the infamous Willow? Not what I expected at all. Who is this hottie?" Faith asked, looking Spike over like he was a hunk of meat. She practically salivated. "What is it today with these fine vamps, B?"
Buffy just shook her head. "Faith, a few things have happened since you two went to LA last week."
Buffy and the others brought Faith and Amy up to speed. Willow sat, looking at the door Damien had exited. She hated to have to ask, but she was afraid that she needed their help. She didn't want to explain things, but she knew now that she would not be able to defeat him. In the four years since she had seen him, he had gotten even more obnoxious. She couldn't go back. She wouldn't go back.
Spike watched Willow's face as she thought. He
had been surprised when she had taken his hand. It was the first time that
she had touched him. Usually, he was the one comforting her. He realized
just how scared she was. He had wanted nothing more than to leave the stack
and stake the bastard. He knew Willow was here. She was in danger. He hoped
she'd realize that they had to trust the slayer and the others. He knew
it would be difficult for her to speak of that time. She had never even
told him the details. He could imagine what it had been like just going
based on what Dru had told him before dying. Right now, he'd help her through
it. Her old friends would listen. It seemed that it was their only chance
at finishing their vendetta and moving on with their lives, together.