Rating: PG-13
Summary: Anya is determined to get her friends together.
Spoilers: Through Season four, a bit of Season Five because Dawn is here.
Author's Notes: Spike has no romantic feelings toward Buffy because, well, it's just wrong on so many levels. Plus there is no real mention of Tara.
Disclaimer: I own nothing, I promise!
Feedback: I need it like oxygen!
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~Part: 1~
The room was completely silent with the exception of the sound of pages being turned. Anya looked up from the dusty book she was reading, looking around the store with pride. She, Xander, Willow, and Giles sat in the Magic Box, doing their usual end-of-the-world research. She smiled a little as she saw two customers enter and begin to browse. It was mid-afternoon and her day had been going amazingly well so far.
The door opened once again as the former demon rose from her chair to take her place behind the cash register. She glanced at the newest entrant and sighed when she saw it was only Buffy. It wasn't that she didn't want to see the slayer, but she wouldn't be spending money and that was disappointing.
"Hey Buff," greeted the witch cheerfully as the blonde fell into a nearby chair.
"Hey Wills, you're early," she observed.
"Yeah, class got canceled," the redhead shrugged. The slayer nodded and checked her watch. Groaning in displeasure, she moved to stand. "Where you going?"
"Dawn is getting out of school in thirty. Gotta go pick her up."
"Let me," offered Willow, "I've been sitting around for awhile, I need a change of scenery." Buffy smiled happily and tossed her the car keys. "Oh, is it okay if I take her with me on a couple errands real quick while I'm out?"
"Not a problem. Thanks, Wills. You're a lifesaver." The girl left to meet Dawn at school and the remaining members of the Scooby gang returned to their reading.
~~~*~~~
Two hours passed by and Anya officially closed shop for the night just as Spike strode into the store. Buffy rolled her eyes when she caught sight of the ever-arrogant vampire and Xander grunted in annoyance.
"Evening all," in an attempt to be civil, after all, Red always got right pissed at him if he tried to start fights. "Demon girl," he greeted with a nod of his head. He took a quick look around, frowning slightly when he didn't see the witch or Nibblet. "Where are Red and Lil' Bit?" Buffy turned to him with a raised eyebrow.
"Out." He snorted at her answer.
"Their running errands, Blondie," elaborated Anya as she joined Xander at the table. Spike dropped onto the couch and sighed in boredom. The bell on the door jangled, announcing the newcomers. Anya smirked when she saw how Spike's eyes lit up at the sight of Willow walking inside. She was closely followed by Dawn who practically threw her book bag on the ground.
"Careful with those, Dawnie," advised the redhead, "You have to be nicer to your books."
"I don't know why, they haven't done anything for me." she grumbled as she sat next to Spike on the couch. He put an arm around her shoulders.
"What's the matter, nibblet?" She sighed.
"I got a D on my history paper. You know, the one about World War I. My teacher is giving me the chance to rewrite it but I thought I had done really well on that one. I'm not sure what to do to make it better." Anya got a wicked gleam in her eye as an idea came to her.
"Well, why not have Willow and Spike help you?" she proposed. At Xander and Buffy's displeased faces she explained. "Well, Willow is book girl, right? She always did well in school, so she's the logical choice."
"And Spike?" questioned the slayer. "Where does he come in?"
"Hello? Spike is over a hundred years old, must we forget. He *lived* through it," she answered. The slayer reluctantly agreed. Spike had to admit he was rather pleased with her idea. He got to spend time with his two favorite girls and the slayer couldn't complain.
Willow shuffled her feet awkwardly as she listened to Anya explain why she and Spike should work together. She didn't have any problems with the bleach blonde, but just thinking about spending all that time alone with him made her a little nervous. It didn't matter that Dawn would be there. How was she supposed to act cool and composed when the gorgeous vampire would only be feet away.
"That okay with you, Wills?" asked Dawn. Willow looked to the girl and immediately gave in as she saw the puppy eyes.
"Yeah, Dawnie. That's fine. Anything I can do to help. But is that okay with Spike?" she questioned, gesturing to the unusually quiet vampire.
"How could I pass up a chance to regale you with fascinating stories of my past adventures?" he answered dramatically. "I'll do it. But we can't work here. Too many distractions." The witch sighed.
"We can work at my parent's house. Nobody's there and I have a computer you can work on, Dawn." The teenager nodded happily and smiled at her friends.
"Well, come on then," announced Spike as he moved to usher the two out of the room, "Might as well get to work now. Nothing better to do." Dawn stood, gathering her things and Willow moved slowly toward the door. She turned just before they left, remembering to tell Buffy something.
"Buff, I think I'll just stay at my house tonight, I'll see you tomorrow." They said their goodbyes and left. Buffy turned to face her remaining friends and froze at Anya's triumphant grin.
"What's got you so happy?"
"Nothing," she answered innocently. She was so tired of seeing the coy looks back and forth, the way their eyes lit up when the other entered the room. Willow was so head over heels for Spike, and vice versa. She hoped that this would give the vampire and the witch the final push they needed to finally get together.
~Part: 2~
"So, as I was saying.I knew there was one person still hiding in the bloody house. So I crept around the back and I heard this heartbeat coming from the cellar. So I throw open the door and."
"Spike!!" screeched the redhead as she walked back into her living room. Spike had been telling them of the war and the devastation, it was rather fascinating. He was an amazing storyteller as it was. She had left to get something to drink and she heard whispering, which bothered her. So, it was no surprise to her when she realized that Spike had definitely strayed from battle stories and was trying to tell Dawn about a kill he made in between all the fighting.
"Stay on topic, Blondie!" she warned with a slight frown. "Buffy will kill me if she finds out I let you tell Dawn stuff like that."
"Aw, Wills," whined the teen, "it was just getting to the good part!" She was met with Willow's famous resolve face and sighed. "Fine, fine."
"Good," the redhead added with a decisive nod. "Now, we need to finish this paper Dawnie. When did you say it was due?"
"I didn't, but.well.it's kinda due tomorrow." she mumbled.
"What?! You didn't tell me you just had today to do it. It's already the middle of the night!" exclaimed the panicked witch.
"I know, isn't it majorly unfair. I told Mr. Quinn that I needed more time but he said that I had enough the first time. Jerk." Willow was pacing back and forth by now and Spike watched her movements with hooded eyes.
"Okay, here's what we'll do. You and Spike work on war stories. Stick to the facts," she ordered, eyes firmly on the blonde's. She was in school mode, her crush on the vampire was no longer a concern. "Finish the paper, do your best. When you're done, I'll call Buffy to pick you up. Um, I'll review your writing while you're in bed. I don't have class tomorrow so I'll come by your house and pick you up for school. By then I should have edited your paper so you can turn it in, sound good?"
"Yup. Sorry about that Wills." She brushed off her worries.
"Just get started. And Spike, please just help her finish." she looked at the clock seeing it was after one in the morning. "You can stay here tonight. It will probably be close to sunrise when I finish so you can crash here. If that's okay?"
"Aw, pet. You don't have to make excuses just to get me to bed." he drawled with a grin.
"Not now, Fang. Gotta help Dawnie, then I will be happy to blush and stammer per usual." Dawn laughed outright at Willow's frank comment and Spike raised an eyebrow. He couldn't help but admire how ravishing she looked when she was on a mission. All flustered and determined, he felt the familiar stirring of lust that he always had around her but shook it off. Help Dawn first, then, when Nibblet goes home, he'd see about doing something about it. After all, it would be just him and Red, all alone in this house, all day long. She couldn't resist him much longer, he just knew it.
~~~*~~~
Dawn blinked rapidly in a vain attempt to keep her eyes open. It was nearing three in the morning but she had just finished her rewrite.
"Wills!" she yelled excitedly. "I'm done, oh there is a God!" The redhead laughed and stood, stretching. Spike watched her with narrow eyes as she twisted and turned.
"Ok, well, I'll call your sister. She should be back from patrol by now." Dawn waited until the witch had left to her father's study before turning to the vampire.
"So when are you gonna tell her that you are totally in love with her, cuz you know she's oblivious about things like that?" Spike stared at her in shock and shook himself out of his stupor.
"Don't know where you came up with that, Bit, but I'm not in love with the chit. I mean, sure she's the only decent one in the bunch, present company excluded. She's all adorable with the babbling and blushing, but she's just a kid."
"Yeah, you're not in love with her," she scoffed. "You just go around praising your enemies. And she's not a kid! And you know why she does all that babbling and blushing?"
"Nervous habit?" he guessed and she rolled her eyes.
"Because she likes you, you undead idiot!" she exclaimed. "So don't just sit there, make a move Spike! Do something about it!"
"Do something about what?" inquired the redhead as she strolled back into the room.
"Argh!" screeched Dawn, "I love you Wills but you have *the* worst timing!"
"Um, sorry," stammered Willow as she looked a Spike in an attempt to figure out what she was talking about but he wouldn't look her in the eye. "Dawnie, Buffy will be here in about ten minutes so get your stuff ready. Remember, I'll be by around seven in the morning to take you to school."
"Sure Will. Thanks for everything." The teenager tried to think of a way to get her to leave again before her sister showed up so she could talk to Spike. "Um, Will, I was wondering if I could borrow your sweater for tomorrow? You know, the blue one with the flowers, which is in your room, upstairs.not here?"
"That was very subtle Dawnie, but sure. I'll be right back," she agreed with a suspicious look. Dawn spun to face the bleach blonde when they were alone again.
"Alright Spike, listen to me. Whether you want to admit it or not, I know you have feelings for her. I think you two would be good together and I *know* she likes you too. So while I'm gone you better tell her. If I find out tomorrow that you haven't made a move you're in for it!" she warned. He chuckled at her attempt at a threat.
"And what are you gonna do, Nibblet? Sic big sis on me?"
"Nope," she said with a decidedly evil grin, "I'll tell Willow myself." He growled at the thought and her smile widened. She heard a knock at the door at the same time Willow came walking down the stairs.
Dawn let her sister in and turned to Willow. She gave her a quick hug, thanking her once more and taking the sweater she asked for. She ran to Spike, giving him a kiss on the cheek and a mischievous grin before leaving with Buffy.
"What was that all about?" asked the redhead as she fell onto the couch. Spike shrugged and joined her on the sofa.
"You know Bit, she's a strange one," he replied. Sighing, she reluctantly moved to her laptop that was sitting on the coffee table.
"Well, I better get started on editing. Um, there's blood in the fridge if you're hungry," she added awkwardly.
"Nah, I'm fine, but thanks pet. Do you mind if I watch TV? Will it be too loud?"
"You can turn it on. I figure if I could study with Buffy and Xander around, then the television won't bother me." He laughed and hit the on button. The TV flared to life but his gaze wasn't focused on the picture in front of him, instead he studied the girl before him.
~~~*~~~
It was four thirty in the morning when Willow was finally done. Dawn had actually done a really good job, but the redhead was a consummate perfectionist. She turned off her laptop and shifted to take a look at Spike. The blonde was currently enthralled in watching 'Johnny Bravo' which brought an amused smile to her face. Who knew the Big Bad liked cartoons?
She moved to the couch once again, taking a seat next to the blonde. Without a word he turned and placed his hands on her shoulders. Even though she was surprised by his movements she couldn't help but sigh as he worked the kinks out of her shoulders and back. Her chin fell to her chest as the blonde continued his ministrations.
A few minutes later he reluctantly stopped his massage and settled back against the couch, smiling a little when she rested against his chest. He knew she was tired and he didn't mind her using him as a pillow. He rested his chin on the top of her head as he went back to watching cartoons, letting her even breathing relax him as she fell asleep.
Willow was slowly coming back to consciousness, shifting slightly, wondering why her pillow was so hard. She turned on her side, moving her hands from her sides to the material underneath her head. She tried to fluff her pillow but a rumble of laughter stopped her from any further touching. She opened her eyes, surprised to see Spike watching her intently. She shrieked a little and jumped but he caught her before she could tumble off the sofa.
He placed her on his lap, smiling at her embarrassed face.
"Nice dream, luv?"
"Uh, what time is it?" she stammered. She couldn't believe she had fallen asleep on Spike and basically tried to feel him up as she woke.
"A little before six."
"Oh," she murmured, and then a thought came to her. "Um, why am I on top of you?" His eyes darkened at her statement but he tried to keep his face impassive.
"You tell me, ducks. Apparently you thought I'd make a comfy pillow."
"Uh, yeah. What I meant is why am I *still* on top of you?"
"I don't know, but you don't see me complaining." She blushed and he chuckled. He raised a hand to her face, brushing her hair away from her face and tucking it behind her ear. She glanced at him in surprise, amazed to see the multitude of feelings in his usually distant and teasing eyes.
She couldn't help it when her gaze traveled to his mouth and she unconsciously licked her lips. He saw this and growled lowly before tightening his grip on her waist and threading his fingers through her hair as he pulled her to him.
Lips of Spike! That is all her usually highly functional brain could come up with. She sighed in pleasure and allowed him to deepen the heated kiss. He felt so good and she had no choice but to kiss him back.
He finally released her, letting her take in much needed air. She took deep breaths and tried to comprehend what just happened. One minute she was just sitting there, the next she was making out with Spike. That wasn't a bad thing necessarily but she did feel a bit awkward just sitting on top of him as they stared at each other.
The loud chiming of her mother's grandfather clock broke her out of her thoughts. She scrambled out of his lap and stumbled to the stairs.
"Um, I have to take Dawn to school. I gotta go shower.uh, yeah." she sputtered as she ran out of the room.
He exhaled and ran a hand over his face. Well, he messed that up. Now she was all nervous and jittery around him, all because of one kiss. But, what a kiss.
~Part: 3~
Pulling up to the Summers home, Willow took a deep breath to calm her thoughts. She had rushed out of her house as soon as she had finished her shower and got dressed. She called out a quick goodbye to Spike, deciding to avoid the awkward conversation that awaited them. She had to admit, she felt a little bad ignoring him like that, after all, he had been so helpful with Dawn the night before, but in all honesty she didn't know what to say to him. It didn't seem like saying 'Sorry I fell asleep on you, felt you up, kissed you, then bolted', was enough.
She shook herself, determined not to let Dawn know something was bothering her. The teen had always been too inquisitive for her own good. She smiled as the young brunette practically skipped toward the car.
"Hey Wills!" she greeted with an enormous grin.
"What's got you so happy, Dawnie?" She brushed the question off with one of her own.
"So, anything interesting happen last night?" she asked eagerly.
"Uh, n-no." the redhead stuttered, looking anywhere but at the girl next to her.
"Nothing? You seem a bit jumpy considering nothing happened. Spike didn't say anything to you?"
"Nope," she answered truthfully. "I finished your paper, sat down, fell asleep, woke up, took a shower, and here I am," she finished, skipping a few key details.
"That's it?" she questioned with a raised brow.
"Yup," she replied as she started the car, turning on the radio to avoid any further questions. Dawn snuck a look at her friend, knowing she was hiding something. Oh well, she'd wait until after school. Once they were back at the Magic Box she'd get some answers. Maybe Anya would help. Spike would join them after sunset; the she'd corner them and get some answers. She smiled, liking her plan more and more.
~~~*~~~
After dropping Dawn off at the school, Willow decided to stop by the Magic Box. Anya would be there and she wasn't in the mood to go to school today. She was tired, having only slept for about two hours, but she couldn't go home for a nap. Her thoughts were too confusing to allow her to have a peaceful rest; besides, the object of her concern was currently sitting at her house. She felt bad, just leaving Spike all alone all day, but she wasn't sure what to say to him. Part of her wanted to forget what happened that morning, knowing it would only complicate things. She was also afraid he would want the same, in her heart knowing his rejection would crush her. So she was determined to act as if nothing happened, maybe they could just forget it.
Pushing the door open, she saw Anya scoot out of the backroom, a fake smile plastered on her face, her usual expression when greeting customers. She relaxed when she saw it was only Willow.
"Hi," she said with a smile, the witch returned her friendly smile and took a seat at their table.
"Hey, An. Do you need any help today? I'm kinda free for the day."
"Really?" she asked skeptically, "I thought Fangless was keeping you company today?"
"Spike!" she squeaked, "Um, no, he can entertain himself. Besides, I had things to do today."
"Like take Dawn to school and hang out here?" she asked, quite amused.
"Well, I have to pick her up, too," she grumbled.
"Come on Red, why don't you wanna spend time with our resident vamp? He doesn't bite, well; he might if you ask nicely."
"Anya! It's just.well, it's Spike. Not exactly the best company one could ask for, what with the snarling and general complaining. Plus the insults, can't forget the insults."
"Oh please, when was the last time he insulted *you*?"
"Tuesday, what's your point?"
"Listen to me; forget all the sarcastic comments, the whining and complaining. Who is the one person who Spike is always nice to?"
"Dawn."
"Ugh, you're hopeless!" Anya exclaimed, taking a seat next to her. "He *likes* you, he loves Dawn like a sister, true, but he really *likes* you. Trust me."
"Are you on something? Spike doesn't like me, he tolerates me, you too, and he hates Xander and Buffy. Believe me, he doesn't like me. Why are you pushing this anyway?"
"Because you two are ridiculous. I see you watching him when you think he's not looking, he does the same. All those shy glances, gets real annoying. I don't know why you don't just jump the guy."
"What?! There will be no jumping of Spike! God, could this conversation get any weirder?"
"Oh you have to admit, he's handsome."
"Well, yeah, he's absolutely gorgeous." Anya smirked at her agreement.
"So then what's the problem? You want him, he wants you, what's stopping you?"
"Um, let's see," she started with a roll of her eyes, "First, Buffy will never be okay with this. Xander would freak. Besides, he *doesn't* want me. Even though he kissed me, he didn't *really* kiss me.I mean, it was probably an accident." she rambled without thinking. Anya grinned widely as she heard her innocent babbling. So that's why the poor girl wouldn't go home. Apparently she and Spike had a bit of an encounter, and the silly girl was nervous.
"There was kissing?" she asked impatiently. "Why didn't you tell me there was kissing? Come on, spill. Was it good?"
"Oh yeah.very good," she replied dreamily.
"So he kissed you, then what?"
"Well, I kinda ran. But I mean, he didn't mean to kiss me, it was impulsive. I had to leave, it would have been all embarrassing if I stayed. I can see it now, he'd just tell me that he was sorry, he wasn't thinking. Tell me that I'm a sweet girl but he doesn't want me. Please, Anya, I can do without that. I got enough of it from Oz. I mean, he was supposed to love me, and then he just left. Why would Spike, of all people, want me when I couldn't even get Oz to stay?"
"So you just ran away? Idiot child. It doesn't matter that Oz left, good riddance. You said it yourself, Spike is gorgeous, and he does want you, no matter what you think. If he kissed you it wasn't an accident. Tell me, did he trip and land on your lips?"
"No," she whispered, turning red.
"Then get over your worries and shag the man," the former demon added with a laugh. "But until then, you can help me with customers today." She nodded and they got to work.
~~~*~~~
Hours flew by as the two went about their day at the shop. Willow checked the clock and saw it was nearly four. She picked up her keys and said goodbye to her friend as she left to pick up Dawn.
Seeing the redhead leaving, Anya went into the back and reached for the phone. She tapped her foot impatiently as it rang, waiting for the person on the other end to pick up.
"Yeah," drawled a husky voice, annoyed at being disturbed.
"Spike, get off your pale ass and get to the store, now," ordered Anya. He grunted and sighed.
"Don't think so, demon girl. It's still a bit sunny for my taste."
"Get here now or I tell Buffy about your little make out session with our witch," she said sweetly.
"Bloody hell, fine you stupid bint. I'll take the sodding tunnels. Give me fifteen minutes," he replied gruffly. She smiled as he slammed the phone down and she sauntered out to the front to meet him.
~~~*~~~
Willow and Dawn walked into the Magic Shop, laughing at a joke Dawn heard at school. The redhead took a look around, surprised to see that Anya wasn't around, she wasn't one to usually leave her precious store unattended. Shrugging it off she sat with Dawn on the couch and let her head fall back to rest on the back of the sofa.
"What's the matter, Wills? You've seemed stressed today." Dawn shifted when she heard Anya's laughter.
"Sure the girl's stressed, after all, she and tall, dark, and homicidal were making out all day." Spike held back a chuckle at Willow's outraged shriek and Dawn's delighted giggle. Anya had dragged him over here, telling him she was too frustrated with him to play games any longer. She was bound and determined to prove to him that Willow felt the same way he did. So there he was, hiding unceremoniously in the storeroom, listening to every word that was uttered.
"Will! Is that why you were so tense this morning? It's about time! Why aren't you with him now?" questioned Dawn. Willow couldn't stop the embarrassed blush that covered her face.
"Take a breath, Dawnie. It wasn't a big deal. I sorta just woke up on top of him, and then we kinda kissed. Don't make such a big deal out of it."
"Wait, you were on top of him? Why did you leave that out?!" yelled an annoyed former demon.
"I-well, I.ugh, that made things better," she mumbled sarcastically.
"Will, you *have* to find Spike. I don't know why you're just sitting around here when you and he could be having a much better time together," commented the teenager.
"Yeah," she said with a snort, "that would not be of the fun variety. I mean, you want me to walk up to Spike, tell him I think I might actually love him, so he can what? Laugh in my face, I think not. Just let it go. We'll pretend nothing happened and life can continue as we know it," she said decisively. "Now with that said, let's get to work."
"Okay, Red," decided Anya with a sly grin. "I just need some mandrake root from the storage room, could you get that for me?"
"No more talk of Spike?" she demanded and the demon nodded slowly and smiled at Dawn as the redhead walked to the doorway. Opening the door she didn't have anytime to prepare herself before she felt a hand grip her wrist and she was pulled into a heated kiss.
Dawn squealed when she saw Spike standing behind the door and Anya just watched on smugly as the two continued to kiss, unaware of their audience. When Spike's hands began to travel a little lower, Anya cleared her throat. She had no problem watching them together, but Dawn shouldn't be here for the show.
Willow dropped her head to his shoulder as she remembered where she was. Looking up shyly into blue eyes, she sighed.
"What was that for?" she murmured.
"Because I love you, you daft chit," he answered with a grin. She giggled and relaxed in his embrace. A thought came to her and she pulled away slightly.
"What are you doing here? The sun's still up." He snorted and pulled her closer again.
"Yeah, well, demon girl threatened to sic the bloody slayer on me if I didn't show up here. She swore there was something I couldn't miss." She went to ask yet another question and he sighed, knowing there was only one way to shut her up. He kissed her softly, his fingers threading through her hair.
Dawn sighed, watching two of her favorite people finally find each other.
"That's just so cute." she said with a grin.
"What's so cute?" asked a perky Buffy as she and Xander walked through the front door. "Whatcha watching.oh my *God*!" she screeched as she caught sight of her best friend kissing the evil undead. The room was suddenly silent, the only noise heard was the thud of Xander's unconscious body hitting the floor. Anya merely rolled her eyes at the theatrics.
Willow looked to her friends, smiling sheepishly, "Um, hi?" Buffy only made a few undistinguishable vowel sounds before she stopped trying to even speak. The redhead sighed, knowing this would be a long night.
The End...