Parts: 21 -30 (End)
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~Part: 21~
Spike couldn't contain a growl when he caught sight of his childe. He and Angel had split up the minute they reached the city, both knowing that they could get more done if they weren't in the other's presence. They would just end up bickering and nothing would be accomplished. He extended his senses, searching for any trace of Willow. He couldn't pick up anything for the longest time. Suddenly, though, he caught a trace of her scent on the breeze. Following in that direction he scoured the street, looking for any sign of her.
He had no idea of what he was going to do when he actually found her, and he would find her, of that he was positive. And he was determined to find her before his blasted grandsire. Their partnership was indeed temporary; the drive to city was horribly tedious. She had to understand that he loved her if he willingly spent time with Angel, especially letting the poofter in his beloved car, all for her.
He saw Angel on the other side of the block, knowing that he too had sensed her. He scanned the area, freezing when he saw a glimpse of red hair. He caught her eye and saw her surprise. He grinned evilly and walked with purposeful steps. He didn't know what he was feeling at that time, he was ecstatic that he actually found her, angry at her for leaving in the first place, and hurt that she didn't believe in his love for her after all he had done. He'd be the first to admit that his comment was stupid, he didn't really mean it, but she wasn't listening to him, and he was so frustrated.
He reached her quickly and gripped her wrist tightly, pulling her to him so she was pressed against him. He heard her exclamation and smiled at her obvious panic. He saw Angel come up behind her, she knew she was trapped. His gripped tightened unconsciously as anger overcame him.
"Let's take a walk, shall we, hmmm?" He started to walk away and she had no choice but to follow. Angel rolled his eyes and trailed behind them. In a matter of minutes they had reached a secluded area, far away from prying eyes. Angel knew that Spike took longer than necessary to get to their destination on purpose. He wanted his childe to worry, to have to guess his mood; he wanted her fears to play with her mind. He didn't want to hurt her, but just give her a taste of what he had been feeling.
Angel made sure to stay a few feet away from the two; he knew this was a private moment. He only had plans to step in if he thought Willow needed him. These two had issues and lingering insecurities to iron out and it was not his place to interfere.
Willow was waiting for Spike to do something, say anything, but he remained silent. She could tell by his posture that he was trying very hard to stay calm, to not give in to his demon's need for violence. His grip never lessened as they stood there.
"I am going to ask you this once pet," he stated, the calmness of his voice making her nervous. "What the hell did you think you were doing getting on a bus out of town?!" He growled warningly at her continued silence.
"I.uh.well, I figured you needed some time to yourself, so I thought, hey, vacation! So, that's why I left, yeah." He smirked at her unease. But his amused expression faded quickly.
"Nice story luv, now I want the truth," he demanded. She became increasingly angry at his condescending tone. She was sick of playing scared, now she was just pissed.
"Fine! You want to know why I left, here it is! You, you're the reason I left. I had no reason to stay. You made it perfectly clear that I was a disappointment. You basically tell me that you regret staking Dru to save me, that I'm just an annoyance, and what, you expect me to run to you with open arms?"
He went to say something, but she didn't let him get a word in.
"I don't get you Spike. You worshipped Dru, who pretty much thought of you as second-best, and yet, here I am, and I love you, only you, and it's not enough! You are all I have, do you get that? You took away everything I knew, my life, and I don't hate you for it, but you tell me you wish you were with her! I don't know if you are just desperate for someone to love you unconditionally that you settled for me, but I won't be a consolation prize, damn it! I want to see you happy, and if that means that you don't want to be with me, then fine. It would hurt, but I would accept it. But you have to decide. Decide whether or not I'm what you want. You can't do that again, throw Dru in my face. I won't stand for it. I refuse to."
"So, what?" Spike finally said. "That's it? We're done? It doesn't work like that. You're mine," she glared at him.
"Are you completely dense?!" she interrupted. Angel couldn't stifle his laughter. "That's not what I said at all! But do *not* treat me as a possession. Yes, I'm you're childe, but I am not your property. I love you, and I don't want to leave you," he visibly relaxed at that statement. "But I'm tired of feeling this way, like I'm your second choice. That because Dru loved Angelus, and not you, you settled for me."
He frowned, honestly unaware of her worries.
"I couldn't handle it, Spike," she whispered, "And I don't want you to tell me to stay if it's not what you really want. I don't want your pity." He shifted, letting go of her wrist, and cupping her face in the palm of his hand.
"Luv," he replied softly. Angel began to feel out of place at the emotional display. "I'm sorry that I ever gave you reason to doubt what I feel for you. I didn't mean what I said, about Dru. I was upset, and it was uncalled for. Know that I love you, you are *not* my second choice. With Dru, I was so used to being pushed aside. Sometimes I forget that you wouldn't do that. I need you, I want you, but you can't go running off every time we fight or I say something foolish. Because, trust me pet, that happens more often than I would like." Angel snorted. "Bloody hell, I even had Peaches here help me find you. I was *that* desperate."
Willow smiled in relief. She glanced behind her sire, to Angel.
"You really worked with Angel?" She laughed at his look of annoyance.
"Can we go home luv? I really want to leave this bleedin' city. Besides, I think it might be past the poof's bedtime." Angel scowled and Willow giggled.
"Yeah Spike," she answered, laughter in her voice, "we can go home." They began to walk down the street, on their way to his car. They reached the car, Angel climbed in the back seat. Spike opened the door for his love, and then headed for the driver's side. Before he got inside, Willow shifted in her seat, looking toward Angel.
"Thanks for helping him Angel." He smiled softly, an emotion she couldn't recognize entering his eyes.
"Anything for you Will," he replied, "Anything for you."
~Part: 22~
Spike had been driving for three hours. Sunrise would be in another hour, but he continued to drive, knowing they would be protected from the deadly rays of the sun. Spike had been awake for almost two days straight, and even with vampire stamina, he was quickly losing energy. He desperately needed sleep, time to replenish his strength.
Willow saw him close his eyes, relief and exhaustion covered his features. She knew he had to be fatigued. It had been a long few days for all three of them. She reached across the front seat, tugging on the sleeve of his duster to get his attention.
"What is it luv?" he asked, eyes on the road.
"Why don't you let one of us drive Spike? You look like you're about to fall asleep right now and it wouldn't do any good to have us get in a car crash in the middle of the day." He nodded in understanding.
"Yeah, but pet," he complained, "You can't drive, we both know that's a fact. And Peaches here, well, I love this car too much to let the poof get behind the wheel." He grinned in satisfaction when he heard Angel growl.
"Spike." she whispered softly, "please, will you just let Angel drive, we could sit the back together, you really should get some rest."
"If I sit back there with you I won't be getting any sleep," he warned her. She rolled her eyes.
"Just let Angel drive, alright?!" she asked in exasperation. He smiled and pulled over. He got out of the driver's side, and walked around to Angel's door. He swung it open with a flourish.
"Come now, sire. You've been relegated to chauffer." Angel snarled at his display but obeyed. Spike fell into the backseat, sprawled out, trying to make himself comfortable. Willow smiled, relieved that he listened to her. Angel got back inside and started up the car.
It had been maybe twenty minutes before Spike had finally drifted off into a restful sleep. Willow turned, making sure he was completely out before speaking.
"Thank you," she said in hushed tones. Angel turned slightly to glance at her before returning his attention to the road.
"No need to thank me Wills."
"You're wrong, you and Spike hate each other, that much is obvious. It must have taken a lot of patience to work with him. Hell, I'm surprised he didn't leave you in Sunnydale."
"He was desperate, he was willing to do anything to get you back. He realized he messed up. It took a lot for him to swallow his pride and allow me to help him. But trust me, Wills, I did this for purely selfish reasons."
She looked at him confused, "Selfish? What was so selfish about it?"
"It would take a lot for me to willingly spend time with Spike, he has this tendency to drive me absolutely insane." She giggled. "So glad to see that amuses you," he added dryly.
"Why Angel, was that sarcasm I heard?" she asked, feigning shock. His expression was purely Angelus.
"There's a lot you don't know about me little one."
"Getting back on topic," she replied, avoiding Angel's rather out of character display. "you never told me why your actions were selfish."
"You were gone Willow. I wanted you back. Not to make Spike feel better, but because, even as a vampire, you mean a lot to me."
She sat back, surprised that he had even admitted that much to her. Angel was never one to talk about his emotions.
"You gave me back my soul, you always showed me compassion, even after our fight in the library, you came to me when you were hurting. I want you to know that means a lot to me. I didn't want to let you down. Besides, the three of us, we're gonna be around for a while, and I have a feeling that if you're going to be living with Spike forever, you're going to need me to keep you from staking him."
"I would think that would be the other way around."
"Give it time Wills, he'll drive you nuts too," he said with a grin. She smiled and scooted closer to the souled vampire.
"Selfish or not, I owe you one."
They drove for another four hours before reaching the city limits of Sunnydale. There was still another two hours until sunset so Willow and Angel attempted to find comfortable positions as they joined Spike in sleep.
Angel awoke before his two companions. The sun had just set. He shook his head, trying to get rid of the lingering feeling of drowsiness. He looked to the backseat. Spike was still passed out, and drooling slightly, he smirked at that sight. Then his gaze landed on Willow. She was curled into a ball, her knees tucked into her chest, her head resting precariously on the window. His face softened as he looked at her. He didn't lie when he said she meant a lot to him. She was here for an eternity now, just like him, and he needed her to understand that he wanted to be her friend, at least.
Willow slowly woke, she could feel Angel's eyes upon her. She smiled shyly and looked to Spike.
"So," she said, breaking the silence, "should we wake Sleeping Beauty?" Angel laughed quietly.
"In a minute." She looked out the window, through the chipped paint she could see the mansion. "I went ahead and brought you home. I can walk back to my apartment."
She smiled, "Thanks Angel. Again." He graced her with another rare smile.
Her eyes widened when he leaned over and placed a soft, lingering kiss on her lips.
"No need to thank me at all little one." He then gave her one last look before he opened the car door and walked away.
~Part: 23~
Angel's rather unexpected goodbye kiss had stunned the redhead into inaction. She sat, not moving a muscle, trying to understand what had possessed Angel. She was only brought out of her thoughts when she heard mumbling, reminding her that she was not the only one in the car.
"But, mum, I don't wanna go to school.gonna be a poet." Willow smiled at his ramblings.
She got out of the front seat and moved to the back. She slid in beside him, straddling him without waking him. She leaned over, her mouth by his ear.
"Spike." she whispered, he began to stir beneath her. "Wake up love," she said, nibbling on his earlobe.
She felt his hands move from their place on the seat to grip her hips. She pulled back, a sly smile on her face as he finally began to wake from his restful sleep.
"Not that I mind luv," he murmured sleepily, "but what are you doin'? Wanna give Peaches a floor show?" she grinned.
"*Angel*," she replied, stressing his name, "is gone, he left a few minutes ago. `Fraid it's just you and me. But," she added, "I'm kinda tired of being in this car, lovely as it is, so move it." She climbed off him before he could protest and hopped out of his car. She waited, hands on her hips, as he took his time getting out of the backseat.
He stretched, grateful that he was finally able to move around. He felt energized, his nap on their way back revived him. He glanced at his childe, noting her exhaustion. It had been a long few days for all of them.
"Spike," she whined, "could you hurry up already? I'm hungry, can we go hunting?" He gave a little laugh and sauntered over to her.
"No hunting for you pet," he smirked at her obvious displeasure. "You've been bad, running away from me, forcing me to ask my bloody grandsire for help, for that you have to be punished. I'm afraid you won't be leaving the mansion until I believe you're truly sorry."
He saw her eyes flash amber and grinned. He picked her up, throwing her over his shoulder and walking purposely into their home. His minions gave them a wide berth as he stalked into the living room and through to the hallway. They each let out a relieved sigh when they heard his bedroom door slam. His childe was finally home, now their master would be back to normal, well, as normal as Spike could be.
Spike prowled the streets of Sunnydale. He had fed, so he wasn't looking for a meal, just taking in the beauty of the night. He had left Willow only an hour ago, knowing she would be asleep for a few hours, he had simply worn her out. He grinned wolfishly at the thought. Oh yeah, she was *definitely* sorry she had left him.
He had just entered a local cemetery, using it as a short-cut back to the mansion, when he picked up a familiar scent. He groaned and turned to face the unwelcome visitor.
"You should be more careful Spike," said a low voice, "Buffy is patrolling now, and she wouldn't hesitate to stake you."
"Thanks for the warning Paingel," he sneered, "but I can take care of myself." He started to walk away but Angel's voice stopped him.
"So where's Willow? She tire of you already?" He smirked and spun to face Angel.
"Nah, mate. She's not going anywhere. Too tired to move last time I saw her." His smile widened when he heard Angel's low growl. "What? You thought she'd leave me, ain't gonna happen. I've worked too hard to keep her with me. Nothing can take her away from me, not even you," he warned.
"I don't know what you're talking about Spike."
"Don't give me that sire," he ridiculed. "I know you better than you know yourself. I know you didn't help me find her so that the two of us could be back together. You loved that she ran to you when she was sad and scared. You want nothing more than to be her knight in shining armor. But it's not gonna happen." He stepped closer.
"You're not making any sense." Angel argued.
"Oh please, Peaches, I know you. That utterly besotted look in your eyes. You don't just *care* for her. You can lie to yourself, but you can't lie to me. You're falling for the chit. But here's the problem. Even if she wasn't mine, she'd never be yours. She doesn't love you, she may care for you, worry about you even, but she'll never love you. Not like she loves me, and she does, you know that much." He paused, letting his words sink in.
"There is a small part of her," he continued, "a piece of her that feels connected to you, now that you're family and all. But do not mistake kindness and pity for affection. You could never be what she needs, what she wants. You're too soul-having, nothing but a pitiful nancy-boy. And trust me, my girl likes her men bad."
Angel's posture was tense, hands clenched at his side.
"Who are you trying to convince, me or you? Admit it, you just hate it that she came to me when she was hurting, when she needed to be comforted and held. That she left you for *me*." He smiled triumphantly at the end of his declaration. His confidence faded when he took in his grandchilde's mischievous grin.
"You're forgetting something Angelus. She left you too." And with that he walked away.
~Part: 24~
Angel was brooding, again. He had perfected it really, he did it so often. But instead of his usual commiserating about the past and things that cannot be changed, he was thinking about the present. More particularly, a girl in the present.
He had tried, albeit half-heartedly, to argue with Spike. To ignore what the younger vampire had accused him of. He didn't love Willow, well, not yet anyways. But she was so lovable, even as a demon. There was just a part of her, so unique to Willow, that even her demon hadn't tainted it.
Ever since his return as the all-mighty Angelus things had been strained between he and Buffy. It was to be expected really. He had tormented her and her friends. Killed her teacher, her watcher's love, of course things would be different now that he was back.
A slayer and a vampire, that was a match that had no hope. Even without his curse to worry about, they would never have lasted. It was a simple fact, he was forever, and she wasn't. She wouldn't even live a full, long life most likely. It just wasn't in the cards for a slayer.
Willow had reminded him that the three of them, Spike included, they were eternal. In reality, they were all he had. The friends he had made here, few that they were, are still human. It is their destiny to die, to exist for a minuscule amount of time, and then disappear. He, in a way, survived death, and because of that, he remained, for all time.
He thought back to his family, not the people who raised him in Ireland, but his true family, his sire, his childer. They were all he had now. Things had changed so much, since he decided to come to this forsaken town, since he decided to make a difference. He gave up everything, was seen as an enemy among his own kind, because of his love for a girl who he could never truly be with. He killed his sire, hurt his childer, and lost his once-obsession at the hands of her own childe. All of this death, this pain, because of him. And he caused all this hurt even while he still had his soul. It rivaled Angelus in a way.
He wanted more than anything to make amends. To prove to those he hurt that he was truly sorry. But more than anything, he just wanted to belong. He had not been simply accepted for who he was in so long. He wasn't even sure he knew just who he was anymore.
He wasn't some drunken lay-about, a flirt who had no real future. He hadn't been that man in centuries. He was not a soulless monster, the Scourge of Europe. He was not a confused, destitute demon, following the slayer around, hoping for any scraps of affection that were passed his way. He hadn't been those things for awhile now.
The real question is, who is he now? Sure, he had his soul back, once again. But he didn't have the undying love of the slayer. She loved him still, but it could never be like it was before. He had no sire to turn to, his childer, those who remained, where scattered across the globe. He never felt so alone.
There had been times, when he was living in Manhattan, feeding off rats in alleys, feeling sorry for himself, when he felt alone. But it wasn't until he made friends, until he mattered to someone, and then ruined it all, it wasn't until then that he truly felt alone.
All that was left of the infamous Order of Aurelius were himself and Spike. He remembered fondly their time in Europe. The carnage, the blood, the camaraderie. They were all that was left. And Willow.
The shy redhead, the girl who always made him feel like one of the group, she was family. The bond that she and Spike shared was enviable. His own relationship with his sire had never been like that. They loved each other, lived for one another. Darla never loved him, hell, he never loved her. He didn't want anything to do with love when he was turned. He felt it made the demon weak. That was one reason he had belittled Spike so much when his soul was gone. Spike felt love for Drusilla, and part of him was repulsed by the obvious weakness, and part of him was dying to feel that kind of emotion himself.
He longed for acceptance, to belong again. He would be lying if he said he didn't miss Spike. It was true that the blonde had this amazing ability to annoy the hell out of him at the drop of a hat, but his William was such an extraordinary creature. He was every bit the evil demon that Watcher's diaries had spoke of, but he also had this unbelievable capacity for emotion. He was loyal, to a fault, he loved with intensity, he was eager to please, desperate for affection, so many things that demons are not usually associated with.
And his grandchilde had an equally astonishing mate. As a human, Willow was so pure, innocent, compassionate and caring. As a demon she all that and more. She no longer cared for her friends, that was expected. But for whatever reason, she still cared for him. She came to him in a time of a need, she had told him to be safe, that she didn't want him hurt. She even had Spike wrapped around her finger.
The blonde would do anything for her, that he was sure of. But what Spike was beginning to realize, was that he too would do anything for her. As a vampire, she was exquisite. Her awkward grace replaced by confidence, she was so much like her sire. Physically strong, but emotionally vulnerable. The scene in San Francisco had proved that she was equal to Spike in every way. They were both terrified that the other would eventually turn the other away.
They needed each other so much that they couldn't see how much they truly loved each other. It wasn't until they each felt fear, fear of really losing the other, that they began to accept that they were inseparable. That past phobias and baggage no longer applied. They accepted one another, faults and all. He wanted someone to accept him like that.
But Angel feared that he had done irreparable damage to his relationship with Spike during his last Angelus `phase'. He wanted nothing more than to build on his friendship with Willow, but he also knew that Spike would not allow it.
No matter what personal issues the couple worked out, he and Spike had a past that was not easily forgotten. Most of it spent in competition. Spike would never understand that he didn't want to take something away from him, he just wanted to be a part of the family he had lost.
So the dark vampire came to a decision. Things were becoming increasingly uneasy between the slayer and company and Spike. This temporary cease-fire between the two was almost up. He could tell that Xander was almost ready to give up on Willow, and Buffy, although horribly saddened was preparing to do her duty, to slay her best friend and her sire. He had to decide whether he would stand beside his former lover, or protect his only family.
After thinking it over exhaustively, he made up his mind. It was time to prove to Spike that blood came before anything else. He would stand by his childer.
~Part: 25~
Giles looked at the somber group huddled before him. Curiously, Angel had yet to make an appearance, not that the watcher minded. They were doing their usual research sessions, Willow's obvious absence still in the forefront of their minds. Something had been bothering Xander, he refused to speak up though, and no one questioned him, knowing dealing with Willow's death was especially hard for him. Even more so when one constantly sees said friend's body walking around, but only a demon inside.
"We have to finish the game before it starts," announced Buffy, her reluctant statement breaking through the silence. Before Xander could question her, she continued. "This mess with Wills, it has to end before people start to die, or, more people that is."
"You should have just staked the bleached wonder when you had the chance," replied Xander snidely.
"Xander!" Giles admonished, "That was highly uncalled for."
"Why?" he asked. "It's her *duty* right? If she had just staked the bastard like she was supposed to none of this would have happened. The Judge would have never shown up, Angel would never gotten a happy, and Spike would never have gone to Wills for help to rid the world of Angelus. From where I sit, it's all her fault."
"Harsh much?" broke in Cordelia. "I mean, you know me, not a big Buffy fan and all, but geez Xander, you can't possibly blame her for *everything*." Buffy remained painfully silent throughout the entire argument.
"I must agree with Ms. Chase," added the librarian. "This is in no way Buffy's fault. There is no telling what may or may not have happened, even with Spike gone. There are no guarantees in life, Xander. You must know that."
Xander flew out of his chair, knocking it over in the process. "*She*," he shouted, pointing at the slayer, "ruined *everything*. We were fine without you! Me, Willow, and Jesse. And then you came along, and the same day Jesse is vamped. I've already lost so many people, now Willow? We were surviving just fine when you weren't here, then you burst into town, and all you bring is death and destruction. I can't help but wonder how my life would have been without you in it. But that's pointless now, isn't it. Because of you Willow is dead, or better yet, undead, and our lives are in their hands."
With that said, he turned on his heel and left the library, not once looking back to his friends.
"Couldn't have said it better myself," sounded a sarcastic voice from behind the stacks. "Wow, Buff, you really know how to clear a room," added the redhead with a smirk. Her sire was practically wrapped around the tiny vampire, his arms holding her securely around her waist.
The slayer felt emotionally exhausted, between the fight with Xander, and now seeing Willow again. Her shoulders sagged.
"Aw, come on Buff, no witty retorts. Wow, you really must be down."
"Shut up," said a low voice, without any real threat.
"Gee, now the watcher's getting all riled up. He fighting your battles for you now Buffy? Oh, and Cordelia," she added as she watched the brunette edge her way to the exit, "it would be rude to leave the party so soon. Sit," she ordered. The girl immediately fell into her chair. "Goody, now we can chat."
Willow sauntered down the few steps that led to the main floor of the library. Spike followed her, not even a foot away. He wanted to stay as close as possible, in case any of them felt the urge to throw any pointy wooden objects.
She hopped up onto the counter, Spike nudged her legs apart so he could rest between them, his back to her chest. The small group stared at the duo, not knowing what they had planned.
"So, everyone was here talking about my untimely demise. I must say it was so sweet to hear poor Xander moaning about things that cannot be changed. He misses me," Spike snorted.
"I feel the sudden need to heave," he murmured. Willow merely giggled and continued.
"So I suppose you'd like to know what I've decided to do with you all. Well, Cordelia was always number one on my hit list, bitch that she is."
"Hey!" yelled Cordy, outraged at her casual statement. "It's not my fault you were a pathetic geek with such losers for friends!"
"Shut your gob you stupid bint!" Spike snarled. Willow leaned down, placing a chaste kiss on his cheek.
"It's ok baby," she cooed, "you may not want to piss him off," she warned Cordelia. "He's really protective. Besides Cordy, you say I had such losers for friends. Well, have you taken a look at who you've been hanging with, hell you're dating Xander. I'd say you're not one to talk."
The redhead sighed before continuing her speech.
"I just felt the need to make you all aware, playtime's over. No more veiled threats, no more taunting. Okay, well, maybe less taunting. Can't take away all my fun. As of now, you all are targets, more so than usual at least. I've been considering putting out a bounty for your heads, but I don't know, may want to finish you off myself. I'll try to keep it interesting for you all."
She pushed her sire away slightly so she could jump off the counter.
"I love the way you think pet," whispered Spike as he gathered her in his arms. She smiled and kissed him deeply. Pulling away from him and taking his hand hers, she headed for the doors.
"Well," she added with a jaunty wave, "it's been fun kiddies. Nighty night."
With that said the stunned and depressed trio was left to ponder everything that had just happened.
Spike and Willow had just entered the mansion when he noticed something was off. Usually, minions would be congregated in the lounge areas, chatting, drinking, it didn't matter. But tonight there was no one in the vicinity. Something made them all scatter.
Spike growled when he figured out what caused the sudden evacuation of the mansion. He took his childe's hand in a tight grip and pulled her into the adjoining room.
"Bloody hell," he growled, "what are you doing here Peaches?!"
~Part: 26~
"Nice to see you too Spike," Angel greeted as he stood to face his childer.
"Not that's it isn't great to see you Angel," added Willow, Spike merely growled. She elbowed him in the ribs and continued, "But what brings you here?"
"I wanted you to know that I know what you are planning, with all the Scoobies."
"And what poof, let me guess. You're here to warn us to stay away from your little friends or we'll find ourselves on the business end of a stake," Spike sneered. Willow wrapped her arms around his waist, whispering to him in an effort to calm him. She felt her sire relax slightly and smiled. She kissed his neck where his pulse should have been and then left his arms to face Angel.
"Is he right?" she questioned, a tinge of anger in her voice.
"No," Spike looked at him warily, knowing better than to trust him. "I know that when it comes to the two of you, more specifically Spike, I haven't always handled things well."
"That's the bloody understatement of the year," mumbled Spike. Angel glared at his boy before continuing.
"But I have spent a lot of time thinking," Spike groaned and Angel growled in warning, "Don't test me boy."
"Just get on with it! Always have to be so damn dramatic Peaches. If you have a point, get to it, or I'll have the boys throw you out."
"Fine," Angel said in a tight voice, "I wanted you to know that while I don't advocate the murder of your former friends Willow, I am not going to abandon you or Spike while you need me."
"I don't know what you're talking about Angelus," replied Spike, "we don't now, nor will we ever, need *you*."
"You need my help. Buffy and the others aren't going to just let you do whatever you please, kill whomever you want. She wants you both dead, you know that. She's the best slayer in recent record, there's no way to know whether you can beat her."
"What are you saying Angel?" wondered Willow.
"I won't help you destroy them Willow, but I don't want to lose you, either of you. You two are the only real family I have. You told me yourself Wills, the three of us, we're forever. The others are not. I know that you probably don't believe me."
"Damn straight," added Spike.
"But I want more than anything to be a part of a family again. It's been so long since I've been happy, I know that I've done some horrible things, mostly to you Spike, but I am asking for a chance. I want to make things better, between all of us."
"Oh please, you can't think that I'd believe this crap sire."
"I am not asking for forgiveness, I know I don't deserve that. But I want to prove to you that I want to help you. I'm on your side."
Willow left her sire's side to examine Angel. She did believe him, that he truly wanted to protect them. But she wasn't sure he was really prepared to side with them.
"Are you sure this is what you want Angel?" she circled him slowly, "Are you prepared to deal with their possible deaths? Are you so willing to ignore the fact that we feed, we kill, not only for survival, but for fun? I want to believe you, but are you ready to put aside your morals to assist us?"
"I am well aware of what you do Willow, you're forgetting I was one half of the Scourge of Europe. I know a lot about death for the fun of it. It bothers me that you kill, yes. But I know that the only real way to stop you both would be to stake you, and I can't do that. I can't let anyone else do that either. I still am going to continue fighting demons, averting apocalypses, but I also want to be part of your family again."
"Don't let him fool you luv, he won't ignore our feeding. This is probably all a ploy to help the slayer dust us good and proper, right mate?"
"I'm not saying it won't be difficult to forget, but I am saying that I have nothing to stick around for except the two of you. I tried to get you to leave, I'm only concerned for your safety, but since I know that Spike is selfish and doesn't listen to the advice of others, I know you won't be leaving. If you refuse to let me help you, then so be it. I am needed in Los Angeles, so give me the word and I'll go. I won't bother you again."
"Why would you go to L.A.? What about you and Buffy?"
"There is no me and Buffy, Willow. There hasn't been an us since I lost my soul. Besides, I refuse to help kill you. If you don't want me to help you, I'll leave. But, please, I'm asking you both to give me a chance to help you. I won't help you hurt them, but I will fight them to save you, either one of you. Will you give me a chance?"
Spike looked angry, but he said nothing. He wanted nothing more than to believe Angel. He missed his family too. With Willow here, things were much better. But his relationship with his grandsire was something he always missed. He and Angelus used to great together. And now that Drusilla was gone, the obsession they fought over was gone. Dru always tore them apart. Maybe Willow would bring them together. He was leery to believe Angel, but he wanted to think that his grandsire chose family over some humans.
He looked up, finding Willow staring at him, a question in her eyes. He shrugged impassively.
"It's up to you ducks," he replied. She grinned and faced Angel.
"Ok Angel. You have your chance. But, if I find out that you're really working for the slayer, I won't hesitate to let Spike stake you." Angel cringed but nodded his agreement.
Spike walked quickly behind her, wrapping his arms possessively around her waist and chest, showing his claim.
"You heard her Angelus. Guess you'll be staying here then." Angel bowed his head slightly in acknowledgement. "Pet," he said, addressing Willow, "you have to be knackered out, why don't you get ready for bed and I'll join you in a minute." She nodded and kissed him lightly before heading up the stairs.
"Don't be long." he smiled and promised he'd be with her soon.
Angel watched his grandchilde warily, not knowing why he wanted to speak with him alone.
"She believes you Angelus. But I know you better than anyone. If I find out you are playing some game, you'll pay. If you break her trust, I'll crucify you. Hear me?"
"I get it Spike. I don't want to let you or her down. We're blood Spike, that's everything. Blood is life, I know my word doesn't mean anything to you, but I swear on my blood Spike, I will not betray you." They stood staring at each other for a few minutes, each sizing the other up. When he was satisfied that Angel wasn't lying he made his way to the stairs.
"Might wanna find yourself a bed sire, the sun will be up soon. I'd show you to one, but I have a childe to attend to."
~Part: 27~
What was he doing here? That's all Angel kept asking himself. He knew why he was here. He wanted his family back. But he could have just made things much worse. He meant it when he said he refused to attack Buffy and the others, but he was willing to fight them to protect his childer. He just didn't know if he was ready to deal with the prospect of being partly responsible for the possible death of the woman he once loved.
Sleep evaded him, not surprisingly. He had found a room on the second floor, probably Drusilla's, to stay in. He turned on his side, staring blankly at the door, lost in thought.
"You're not ready." said a small voice from the now open doorway. Angel's eyes flew to the new arrival.
"Ready for what, Willow?" he questioned, pulling himself into a sitting position.
"Ready to let them go." She moved away from the door, closing it softly and taking a seat next to him on the bed. He went to speak but she shushed him.
"It's okay, Angel. I understand, believe me. You love Buffy."
"You're wrong," he interrupted. She looked at him curiously. "I *loved* Buffy. But things have changed, ever since my reemergence as Angelus, she won't look at me the same way she used to. I understand it, I don't look at her the way I used to either. She's not my entire world. But I will admit, it bothers me that I may help kill her."
"I would *never* do that to you," she assured him, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "I know that you want to stand by us, I admire that you are so willing to help us, even with your soul. But I know it would kill you to hurt someone you once loved."
"I won't just stand here and let them try to kill you both," he added.
"I know. What I am saying is that maybe it would be better if you didn't know our plans. I know you want to protect us, and that's fine, but it may be best to keep you in the dark, so to speak."
"No," he insisted. "You can leave out specific details, but I need to know where you are going, just in case. I would be of no help if you didn't tell me where you were. I.I can't lose you both."
She smiled at his admission.
"Luv?" interrupted a quiet voice. Willow turned to face her sire, who had now joined them in Angel's room. She beckoned to him, reaching out her arm to pull him to her. Spike reluctantly sat on the bed next to her, keeping his distance from Angel.
"What are you doing in here, pet?" he asked as he tucked her hair behind her ear, placing a soft kiss on top of her head, before pulling her closer to him. His chin rested comfortably on her shoulder.
Angel took notice of the subtle possessive display. Spike was making it clear that she belonged to him, but Angel was all too well aware of that.
"Just talking," she answered with a little shrug. "I was worried about Angel." Spike snorted in disgust.
"Why are you worried about Peaches, here?" he questioned with a slight nod toward the dark haired vampire.
"I didn't know if he would be able to help us. If he could deal with hurting friends."
Spike stood, pulling her up to meet him, making sure she was far away from Angel.
"That's not for you to worry about, Red," he admonished. "Angelus can take care of himself. Now let's allow Peaches to get some shut eye. He definitely needs his beauty sleep," he added with a chuckle.
Willow hit him playfully, but he caught her hand, then tucked her under his arm.
"He didn't mean that," she said, looking toward Angel. The brunette smiled, and Spike growled.
"Yes he did, Wills. But it's okay. I'm used to it. Spike was always grumpy when he wakes up in the middle of the day. No worries," he assured her.
"Enough!" Spike snarled, annoyed that they were talking about him like he wasn't there. "Let's go to bed, pet." Willow nodded and kissed him on the cheek, allowing him to lead her out of the room.
~~~*~~~
"Don't do that again, luv," Spike warned the redhead when they entered their room.
"What?" she asked, honestly curious.
"Leave me to go to Angel." he replied faintly.
"Spike," she started, holding his face in the palms of her hands. "I don't want Angel."
"I know pet," he stopped her, "that's not what I meant. I just, well, I don't trust the bastard. If you want to speak with him, tell me and I'll go with you. I just don't want him to hurt you."
"He won't hurt me, Spike."
"Just." he interrupted her, looking at her intently. "promise me. Okay?"
"Yeah, I promise," she assured him. He smiled indulgently and hugged her to him. She buried her face in the crook of his neck, occasionally placing tiny kisses and nips at the base of his neck.
His fingers threaded through her hair, pulling her away so he could look at her beautiful face.
"I love you, so bloody much." She pulled him into a gentle kiss. She grinned as she pushed him away lightly.
"I love you too, Spike, only you."
He mock sighed, looking suddenly bored.
"Well, luv, to be sure, I think you should show me." he added with a sly grin.
"You want me to show you how much I love you?" at his nod, she smirked, "Oh, that is *so* doable."
~Part: 28~
"Where is he?!" shouted an outraged Buffy, stomping her foot like a petulant child.
"Uh, who?" Giles asked with a sheepish look. He hadn't even known his slayer was in the room.
"Angel!" she growled. She had just spent the past two hours patrolling her usual haunts, hoping to run into the elusive vampire. It had been three days since she had seen him last and it was beginning to get on her nerves.
"It's been days, Giles! I still haven't seen him. I gave up waiting and went to his apartment yesterday, while the sun was up, and he wasn't there!" she whined, partly concerned but mostly annoyed.
"And how is that, in anyway, a bad thing?" asked Xander with an uncharacteristic sneer. "I figure if Deadboy decided to go ahead and disappear, I think we should be grateful."
"Xander! Shut up! I.I'm just worried. I know he's stealth-boy and all that, but his apartment looks untouched. Even some of his clothes were gone,"
"I really wouldn't worry," added Giles sagely. "He may be out of town, he'll be back." The blonde slumped into her chair, shifting restlessly as silence once again invaded the library. She got bored quickly, so she began glancing around the room. She noticed something different.
"Hey, Xan. Where's Cordy?" The boy shrugged indifferently.
"Dunno, probably at home, or the Bronze."
"Your girlfriend's missing and you don't care?" she asked indignantly.
"Haven't really spoken to her lately. I think she's mad at me, I don't care." She sighed and brushed the topic aside.
~~~*~~~
Cordelia walked out of the Bronze, ditching Harmony and her various other followers. She had spent the night solo, alternating between dancing with the quarterback of the football team, and lamenting about her boyfriend's change in attitude.
She was about halfway to her house when she began to hear footsteps. They didn't belong to one person, but two, possibly three. Her pace picked up as she cursed herself for leaving her car at home. She started at the sound of laughter behind her. She turned, blindly reaching for the cross in her jacket. She paled visibly when she saw the group that had been following her.
There stood Willow, Spike at her side, and more surprisingly, Angel behind her.
"Angelus?" she asked uncertainly. He wasn't clothed in leather, but she couldn't think of any other reason he would be with the sadistic couple.
"Hardly," the redhead answered with a snort. "Angel," she turned to address him, "you might want to take a walk," she suggested with a slight smile. He hesitated, giving Cordelia a brief, sorrowful look, and turned away.
"Angel!!" the young girl implored, "Please, you can't leave me here!" he never stopped his retreat, not even looking back once.
Cordelia was so in shock that Angel had just left her to her possible death that she ignored the two remaining vampires. Spike sighed in boredom as the daft chit just stood there, jaw hanging open.
"Well, pet," Spike said, bringing Cordelia's attention back to them as he spoke to Willow, "now that Daddy dearest is gone, what shall we do?" The redhead grinned and eyed Cordy.
"I dunno. We could kill her now, but where's the fun in that? Maybe a little torture is in order? What do you think, Cordy?" she added, as her human face gave way to her demon's. "Die now, or do you feel like playing?"
The brunette finally came out of her stupor, panic flaring in her. Her eyes darted around, searching for anyway out. She screeched and ran, knowing she most likely would not get away, but she refused to stick around for more friendly banter.
Willow looked to her sire, taking in his feral grin, she growled playfully and started after the frightened girl, the scent of her fear permeating the air. Spike followed them, taking a short cut through an alley and coming to a stop right in front of Cordelia, making the girl halt in her tracks. She couldn't control the tears that began to form when she saw Willow coming up behind her.
"Please." she whispered, praying for some kind of mercy. Willow merely clucked her tongue.
"That was very naughty of you, running away before the fun could start. But," she drawled, closing in on the terrified girl. "since you begged so nicely." she reached up, wiping the tears from her cheek, "I'll make it quick." With that her other hand shot out, gripping her head, and with a sharp twist, broke the girl's neck.
"Not hungry?" her sire inquired, wondering why she didn't feed. She shrugged.
"She probably wouldn't taste very good. Besides, the real fun is in the presentation," she added with a sly grin. He smirked and lifted the girl's body off the ground where she had fallen in a heap. He threw her over his shoulder and reached out for his childe's hand. She took it and allowed him to lead her to their destination. The night was only getting started.
~~~*~~~
"Are we done Giles?" Buffy whined, wiping the sweat of her brow as her watcher locked up the weapon's cabinet. They had finished another bout of training and she was officially exhausted.
The watcher looked back at his charges. Xander was half-asleep, head cradled in his arms, the book he had been reading from quickly forgotten. Buffy was extremely tired, she had finished all her patrols for the evening, and had dutifully done her training, so he figured that he should send them home. It was nearly one in the morning now.
"Hello, hello!" announced a cheery voice from the double doors in front of them. The trio froze at the sight of their former friend lounging in the doorway. "What's with all the sad faces?" Willow complained with a frown. "Cheer up, I brought you all a present!" she exclaimed.
"I.I really don't want a present." said Xander nervously, fully awake now.
"Oh, but Xan, you'll really love this one. It's especially from me to you."
With that said, Spike burst through the doors, unceremoniously dumping the cheerleader's broken body on the library floor. Giles, Buffy, and Xander couldn't move, so traumatized by the sight of their friend's lifeless eyes staring back at them.
Willow smiled happily and joined Spike as they walked out of the high school, the image of their terrified faces permanently etched in her mind. They arrived back at the mansion a little while later, seeing Angel waiting for them in the sitting room.
"Is it done?" Angel questioned, anguish obvious in his voice. The small vampire nodded. He said nothing more, and left them to go to bed, wondering if he made the right decision, yet again.
"Come on, luv. Forget the poof," encouraged Spike at her worried expression, "let's celebrate."
~Part: 29~
It had been two days since the death of Cordelia; the funeral had taken place early that afternoon. Things were quiet at the Crawford street mansion. The sun had yet to set; another thirty minutes remained until the vampires could roam free without fear of the deadly rays. But all was not well within.
Willow hovered nervously outside Angel’s door. It wasn’t like her, to feel like this. Not guilty, no, she felt no sorrow for killing the cheerleader. But she truly felt awkward. Angel had made his decision, he would be there for her and Spike. But she knew that his allegiance was hurting him. He wasn’t one who could sit by and watch others be hurt, no matter how much they deserved it. His soul was repelled by the idea. She just didn’t know what to do. He wanted to be there, with them. But he was brooding even more than before. She didn’t know if he could really handle it.
She watched him lying on the bed, on his side, back to her. He wasn’t moving but she knew he was awake. He didn’t make a move to acknowledge her presence and a little piece of her died at the thought that she was responsible for his pain. But this needed to be done, and he knew it. She couldn’t turn back, especially not now.
With a frown Willow pushed herself away from the doorframe she had previously been leaning on. She could hear the minions below, on the first floor, milling about in preparation for the night’s hunt. She turned her back to the souled vampire and walked somberly down the hall and into her bedroom that she shared with her sire. She smiled weakly as she saw Spike awake, leaning back on one elbow as he watched her walk into the room. He saw how sad she seemed and beckoned to her to join him.
Crawling into bed, she wrapped herself around him and sighed in contentment.
“What’s the matter, pet?” he asked softly as he played with her hair entwined with his fingers.
“I think he hates me,” she confided with a frustrated sigh. He growled lowly and held her a bit tighter.
“Should have never let the prat stay here,” he muttered. “He doesn’t hate you, love. No one could. But he’s confused and when Angelus is confused, he’s a royal pain in the arse. Don’t let it get to you. He knew what he was getting himself into. He’s to blame for any pain he’s feeling.”
“I know all that Spike. I don’t know why, but I hate knowing that he’s
hurting. He’s family; I don’t like to see him in pain. It’s that damn soul.
That’s what is hurting him. Maybe we could remove-”
“Don’t even think it!” he demanded. “Trust me, love. Peaches is an improvement. The old Angelus, he wasn’t that bad. We had our disputes, we fought a lot in fact, but he was my mentor. You know as well as I that post-soul Angelus doesn’t play with a full deck. He’s not the same, and he’s too dangerous to us without it. No, pet, the soul doesn’t go anywhere.”
“Okay,” she agreed softly, hating it when he scolded her. “I just…is this right? Should we continue or would it be better for all of us to just leave? Angel could come with us, and we could put this whole town behind us.”
“Not that simple, ducks. I know you want to stop his suffering, lord knows why, but it doesn’t end when we leave this sodding town. Angel hates to see us feed, period. It hurts more now because he knows them all, they were friends, but he can’t stand that we kill at all. No matter where we go, we will still hunt, and he will still despise that part of us. He can deny himself, but we aren’t under his control and he hates that he can’t stop us. That’s Paingel’s problem, not mine, and certainly not yours. Leave the wanker be, if he can stomach the idea of our feeding, then maybe there’s a chance for him yet. But if not, he can be the one to leave, he’s done it before. After he got his soul, he ran, then he came back, tried to be part of the family again. But he hated what we were, what he was, and so he left again. This isn’t new, Willow. I don’t want you to get your hopes up. I’d give him a month tops before he packs his bags and disappears.”
She nodded and buried her head in his chest. He petted her hair as he lay there, seething. He hated what Angel’s mere presence was doing to her. Before, she never questioned her actions, herself. They were demons, they shouldn’t have to. But then comes Peaches and he messes it all up. Now she was unsure, depressed at the thought that she might be disappointing her grandsire. The ponce always had to mess up a good thing, didn’t he? Maybe they should leave, she needed new surroundings. He was tempted to take her to London, back to his old stomping grounds. He longed to take her away from everything that hurt her during her mortal existence. But if they went anywhere, Angel was not going to come with them. He wouldn’t allow it. He was the one person that could still do damage to his girl and he wasn’t about to let him. Besides, he didn’t trust Angel’s motives. Spike knew that Angel had feelings for his witch and if he left the country with them, there be no more thoughts of the damn slayer. Angel would be free to go after his childe and he couldn’t let that happen. No, they would stay. For now. Until he could rid himself of Angelus’ presence entirely.
Willow nuzzled his neck, placing a tiny kiss on his jaw and sighing.
“You’re so good to me,” she murmured with a small smile. He grinned pushed her away from him gently and laid her on her back. He shifted to lie between her legs as he nipped at her neck and purred.
“Baby, you have no idea how good I can be…”
~~~*~~~
Angel watched Spike leave silently. The fledglings had left the moment the sun went down but Spike remained indoors for another hour before leaving to hunt. Surprisingly he left Willow at the mansion. He knew why the blonde did it though. Buffy may be hurting but she wouldn’t hesitate to stake the redhead if she saw her. So for her own safety, Spike went out alone, probably going to bring his childe back someone to eat.
He knew Willow was worried about him and the thought brought a sorrowful smile onto his face. He didn’t know why she still cared about him, but he loved her more for it. She was very much the demon her sire turned her into, but she loved Spike, maybe even loved him; there was still a part of her that was simply Willow. Making his way down the hall he pushed the door to her bedroom open and barely contained a grimace as the scent of her and Spike’s recent coupling hit his nose. Resisting a growl, he continued inside, knocking lightly on the door as he entered to announce his presence.
“Hey,” she greeted with a hesitant smile.
“Hi,” he said, with a bow of his head.
“It’s good to see you up and around. You’ve been alone too long,” she reprimanded. “It’s not good for you, you know?”
“You worry about me too much,” he commented with a small smirk. “I’ve just been thinking, but I’m fine.” She didn’t look like she believed him but she held her tongue.
“I’m glad to see you’re okay,” she replied, moving to hug him tightly.
He loved the feeling of her in his arms and wasn’t ready to let her go just yet. She made no move to leave his embrace when he didn’t release her and they remained together, holding each other. She gently pushed him away when she realized how long they had been hugging and smiled reassuringly at him.
“Can I ask you something?” she questioned. He nodded and waited. “Well, you said that you came here for us, and well…us includes Spike. But you haven’t really made an effort to talk to him. So I was wondering, why *did* you come here?”
“You,” he stated softly. Her eyebrows rose in surprise and he continued. “I didn’t lie, Willow. I do want all of us to be family again, Spike included. But my relationship with him is strained, at best. What really pushed me to come here was you. I know you are different, it’s expected. But I want to get to know you again. I just wanted the opportunity to be your friend again, and not your enemy.”
Moving to stand closer to her, he stood in front of her, looking down into her eyes. His hand rose to graze her cheek as he smiled.
“You mean a lot to me, little one,” he whispered. She watched with wide eyes as he leaned down slowly before closing them at the feel of his lips on hers. His kiss was gentle and loving and she sighed, causing him to deepen the kiss. He went to pull her even closer but the feel of his hands on her waist caused her to stop and pull away from him.
Giving him a small smile, to show she wasn’t angry with him, she walked away, heading to the door. She turned to face him again before she left.
“You mean a lot to me too, Angel,” she admitted, her eyes suddenly sad as she thought of her sire. “But I can’t do this, not to Spike. I…I love him and I can’t hurt him. Please understand?” He nodded slowly, knowing she was right. He didn’t want to hurt Spike but he couldn’t control himself around her.
“I understand, Will. I do,” he promised as he watched her walk away.
~Part: 30~
Spike watched his childe with a critical eye. Something had happened, nothing drastic, but something nonetheless. She seemed a bit fidgety, nervous. She was keeping secrets and she was about to learn that she wasn’t allowed to keep secrets from him. It wouldn’t be tolerated.
Willow was seated on a burgundy velvet couch, eyes firmly planted on the floor. She wasn’t sure what to say to Spike. She wanted to tell him about the kiss with Angel, but she knew he would be furious. She just wasn’t sure who he would take his anger out on. She may care for Angel, but if someone was going to be punished, she’d rather it be him.
She felt the cushions dip beneath her as her sire moved to sit next to her. She felt his icy fingers trail the line of her jaw and turned to face him hesitantly. He granted her a genuine smile and cocked his head to the side in a questioning manner.
“Anything happen while I was out, pet?” he asked conversationally, his voice soft and in no way intimidating.
She shrugged and looked away. That simple reaction revealed so much. His grip on her chin tightened and she looked to him in surprise.
“What happened?” he ground out between clenched teeth. Her eyes were wide as she tried to think of an answer that would pacify him.
“N-Nothing really,” she started, “after you left, Angel came into our room, to say hi. We just talked for a minute…”
“Then?” he prompted; his voice low.
“He, uh, kissed me,” she answered quietly. His hand released her and she turned away. Spike sat back, shaking his head. A sad smirk on his face as he realized his grandsire hadn’t changed in all those years. Still too arrogant to play second fiddle. He just had to have everything, no matter who it hurt.
“That it?” he asked bluntly. She nodded frantically.
“I stopped him. I told him I couldn’t do that, not to you. He said he understood.” The blonde snorted and looked her in the eye.
“He doesn’t understand, ducks. He just said that so you wouldn’t be pissed at him.” He sighed as he thought of what to do to rid himself of his Angel-problem. He knew Willow was tiring of their little game in Sunnydale and was anxious to leave. But he refused to leave until he found a way to ditch Angel. There was no way the three of them were traveling to parts unknown. Angel would take advantage of every chance alone with the witch, try to seduce her. He wouldn’t allow it.
He saw the fear, worry, and guilt that were written upon her face and smiled slightly, knowing she didn’t want the poof. Unfortunately, she still cared for Angel, so staking the prat was out of the question. Too many questions.
A wicked grin broke out on his face as he thought of the perfect solution. It would rid him of Peaches for all of eternity and Willow wouldn’t suspect any fowl play on his part. Now he simply had to work out the details. If he played this right, she’d never think he was behind Angel’s disappearance.
“So what did the poof want, besides to kiss you?” She frowned, trying to remember.
“We didn’t talk that long, actually. I asked him why he was really here, since he really hasn’t made any attempt to be nice to you.”
“And what did Angelus say?”
“He said he does care for you, but that he was here because he wants to get to know me again. He wanted to be my friend.” This caused her sire to burst out in laughter.
“Oh love, don’t tell me you fell for that prattle? Peaches doesn’t have friends. He never will, doesn’t have any use for them. No, pet, he doesn’t want you as a friend. He just wants you.”
“No,” she argued, unwilling to believe that Angel would mess with her head like that. “No, he said he understood what I wanted. That I wouldn’t be with him. He wouldn’t lie to me.”
“Don’t be so bloody naïve,” he sneered. “Angelus would lie to you to your pretty little face if he thought it would get you into bed. Trust me, pet. Soul or not, he’s still a demon, through and through. You’re precious Angel is no bleeding saint.” He saw the look of uncertainty and a bit of anger at his words on her face and twisted the knife deeper.
“Let me guess,” he continued, thinking back to all those years watching Angelus. “He spoke very quietly, always keeping eye contact. Used little endearments, pet names to reel you in. Looked all pensive and sincere.”
“Yeah,” she acknowledged.
“Typical,” he sighed. “I’m amazed, personally. You’d think he’d change his act after a century or so.”
“What do you mean?” she questioned. She was torn been humiliation that she had let Angel play with her like that, and anger that he even assumed she wanted him.
“That’s how Angelus always lured in those bloody society chits before taking ‘em into some alley and draining the stupid bints. Always fell for it too. He’d paste on a charming smile, talk with a hint of brogue, and they’d swoon. Pathetic.”
Frowning, Willow looked once again to the floor. She didn’t know what to think or feel. But right now, anger was winning the battle for her emotions.
“Face it, love. You aren’t anything more than a conquest. He doesn’t love you,” he told her, lying with every word. “He never could. It’s still all about that sodding slayer with him. But he has no problem using you to relieve his…tension. You’re the perfect candidate. I mean, on one hand you represent everything good and nice. Hell, you were the slayer’s best friend. And on the other hand, you’re a demon, like him. It’s the best of both worlds to him. Guess if he can’t do the bitch, then her best friend would be a decent substitute. I’d wager he’d be thinking about the bint as he used you to get off.”
He looked on with a satisfied smirk at seeing how tense she was. He stood and kissed her on the top of the head.
“Well, I’m right knackered. I’m off to bed. See you in a bit, love.” She remained silent as she watched him leave. She felt ashamed thinking that Angel actually cared for her. She knew Spike was right, after all, he wouldn’t lie to her. She stood slowly. There was still a bit of darkness left, so most of the minions were gone, she observed as she climbed the stairs. Pausing at the top of the staircase, she debated whether to join Spike or not but decided she had one last person to deal with before going to bed.
Spike listened as the redhead walked past their room, heading to Peaches, no doubt. He grinned, knowing Angel was in for it.
~~~*~~~
The knock that sounded on his door woke Angel from his brooding. He opened it slowly and smiled when he saw Willow on the other side. He ushered her inside and noted the stiffness in her gait and wondered what was the matter.
“What can I do for you, little one?” The use of his nickname for her caused her to glare at him with narrowed eyes.
“What are you trying to pull?” she shouted. He took an unconscious step back, surprised by her anger.
“I don’t understand.”
“Sure you don’t,” she said with a roll of her eyes. “How dare you! How dare you come into our home and play these games!”
“What are you talking about, Willow?”
“I can’t believe I ever thought you really wanted to be my friend. I can’t believe I was stupid enough to believe that you cared for Spike.”
“I do, I do want to be your friend. And I really do care about Spike,” he argued.
“Liar. Did you kiss me just to piss him off? Or is it because you can’t have Buffy so you settled for me? Whatever your excuse is, I don’t care. I refuse to do this any longer. You don’t care about me. If you did you wouldn’t play with my head like this. And you certainly don’t care about Spike. You know how he feels about you. You know he doesn’t trust you. And how do you repay him when he goes out on a limb and invites you into his home? You kiss me! Did you just want to use me to prove you’re the bigger badder vampire? Everything has to be about you, doesn’t it?!”
“Will,” he pleaded, not knowing where this was coming from. “I wasn’t using you. I do care for you both. I…I think I could love you. Please, just calm down,” he begged as he stepped closer to her, trying to pull her into his arms.
Struggling out of his grasp, she reared back her hand and slapped him. His face registered shock and pain at her attack.
“Stay away from me,” she demanded, walking to the door. “I will not be a pawn in your games, Angelus,” she hissed. “I used to think we could be friends. I used to think you could be trusted. I refuse to be another one of your conquests. You can rot in hell for all I care.” With that, she stalked out of his room and practically ran out of the mansion.
Blue eyes watched her departure, a wide, triumphant smile on Spike’s face. That couldn’t have worked out better if he tried. His girl believed every word he said; never knowing they were all utter lies. That didn’t matter, she’d never find out. He strode into Angel’s room, seeing his grandsire sitting on the edge of his bed, fighting back tears.
“I think you made her mad,” he drawled with a chuckle, causing Angel to look to him.
“What did you do, you bastard?” Angel asked dejectedly.
“What I had to,” he answered vaguely. “You won’t win Angelus. She’s mine, not yours. Never yours. This must kill you,” he added with amused eyes. “The mighty Angelus actually lost the girl. There’s a first for everything, now isn’t there? Shows good taste on her part, I figure.”
“Guess you weren’t enough for her,” the blonde continued, “It’s almost funny. I mean, you weren’t man enough for the slayer, and you’re not demon enough for Willow. Almost poetic. Poor Angel; doesn’t fit in anywhere…”
Angel stood and turned his back to his grandchilde, staring blankly out the lone window in the room. He never noticed Spike’s fingers idly playing with something hidden up his sleeve. Sighing, the blonde walked to the elder vampire, clapping him on the back.
“Tough luck, that,” he said, unsympathetically. “Well, there’s always next time.” His hand left Angel’s back, securing its purchase on the item as it slid out from his sleeve. “Oh, wait, mate. I forgot…there won’t be a next time,” he growled as he shoved the stake into Angel’s back.
He watched with rapt attention as Angel turned to him, a look of betrayal and hurt on his face before it turned to dust, falling swiftly to the floor.
Spike took one last look at the remainders of Angelus and brushed off his shirt and pants. He ambled out of the bedroom, calling out for his favored minion. His orders were precise and simple.
“I want Angel’s room cleaned out. Make it look like he packed a couple bags and took off. And have someone get rid of that damn pile of dust.” The fledgling nodded and recruited a couple of others to help.
Spike went downstairs, too elated to go to bed. Besides he had to deal with his childe when she got back.
~~~*~~~
An hour passed before the redhead walked back to the mansion, the scowl she had been wearing fading when she saw Spike waiting for her.
“I thought you were going to bed?” she asked as he stood to join her.
“Heard yelling. Just wanted to see if you were okay.”
“I’m fine,” she assured him. “But I should probably talk to Angel before we go to bed. I said some harsh things before.”
“You want to apologize?” he questioned, frowning.
“No, I just want to talk to him more rationally.” He shrugged and took her hand, following her up the stairs and to Angel’s room.
The door was slightly ajar. Willow pushed it open and took in the state of the bedroom. The bed was made, the doors to the closet open, the space empty. His luggage was gone as well. Nothing personal that belonged to Angel remained. She looked to Spike, confused.
“What happened?”
“Looks like the wanker did us all a favor and left,” he sneered in contempt, “I told you he’d pack up and leave eventually. It’s what the prig does best.” She sighed in slight disappointment. True, she was angry with him, but she didn’t expect him to be so cowardly as to just leave. Spike saw that she believed him and hid a smile. Coming up behind her, he wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her against him and placing a soft kiss on her neck.
“Well, love. With Peaches gone, not much keeping us here.” She nodded and turned in his embrace.
“Yeah,” she replied, frustrated. She was so sick of this place. “Guess not, so what now? I’m tired of the slayer. She’s no fun. And now that Angel’s gone, I don’t know. I’m really beginning to hate this town.”
“How does Europe sound, love? Will that stave away your boredom?”
“Sounds heavenly,” she answered with a small grin of her own. “You sure you want to leave? What if he comes back?”
“Don’t worry about him. The sod’s probably long gone. This isn’t about him, it’s about you. You mentioned starting over, new beginnings and all that rot. You up for it?”
“Of course,” she replied, kissing him quickly and resting her head on his shoulder.
“Then start packing your bags, Red. We leave tomorrow night.”
“I love you,” he grinned and held her tighter.
“Love you too, pet,” he whispered, knowing he’d never have to share her. “It’s just you and me, baby. For all eternity…”
The End.