Parts: 11 - 20
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~Part: 11~
No one spoke the entire way to Willow's house. They entered and she immediately left his side, slowly climbing the stairs and going into her room to get into more comfortable clothes. He collapsed onto her couch, closing his eyes in hopes that he could ignore what he was feeling at the moment. He hit her, and bit her, and hurt her. Things he didn't really want to do, but she had challenged him in public. He may have let it slide if they were alone, but he had a reputation to consider. He didn't know which made him angrier, the fact that he hurt her, or the fact that he felt bad about it. He was evil, he wasn't supposed to feel guilt, and certainly not for hurting someone, it's what he did.
He didn't want to feel bad, but by all that is unholy, he truly did. He wondered if it was a side effect of his claim. May be that could explain it. They had a bond, not a particularly strong one as of now, but a bond nonetheless. Perhaps this feeling was due to their bond, he shuddered at the thought that he was becoming so poufy, so.human. God, he was beginning to hate this town.
Willow made her way to the living room. She had changed into a pair of loose flannel pajama pants and a black tank top. She had cleaned herself up as best as she could, taking off all the make up that covered her face. The bite mark on her neck was red and inflamed and light bruises were beginning to form on her upper arms and her cheek. He looked up and was surprised to see the bruising on her tiny form. He felt another wave of guilt wash over him. She sat on the couch with him, as far away as possible. With downcast eyes, he sighed and attempted to start some sort of conversation.
"Willow-" he hesitated, not knowing how to go about this. "Look, luv, I need to talk to you.I." he just couldn't form the words.
She raised her hand, motioning for him to stop. "Not necessary Spike. I get it. Now," she replied in effort to blow off the touchy subject, "I need to talk to you about tomorrow night. I'll have all the ingredients by sunset, but we can't do the spell here. It needs power, power I just don't have. So I figured that we should go to the library, with it being the hellmouth and all. The gang will all be out on werewolf patrol so no chance for interruptions. Once we're set up, the actual cursing portion of the evening shouldn't take long. Angel will have his soul back, and you can go back to the mansion, and to Drusilla, take back what's yours."
"Yeah," he replied softly. He had almost forgot about Dru. Between dodging Angelus, protecting, talking, and yelling at his little witch, Dru had been the last thing on his mind. Yeah, he was so looking forward to dealing with the nutcase. He wouldn't be in this bloody mess if it weren't for her. Selfish bitch. Why the hell couldn't she just love him? Screw Angelus, he was with her for over a century, didn't that mean anything to her at all? What he wouldn't give to find a woman that truly cared for him, loved him only, not his grandsire.
Then there was Willow. He had no clue what to do about her. He'd be lying to himself if he said she didn't matter, that he didn't care for her. He learned so much about her these past few days. She was so willing to give of herself, even with strangers, with enemies. And she had listened, to his whining, his complaints, and never judged him. And how did he repay her, by insulting her, hurting her. God, she even led him to brood! He wanted to apologize, to make her forgive him, to prove to her how grateful he was for everything she had done to help him. But when he looked at her, he saw nothing, no hint of emotion, not anger, or sadness, nothing. She didn't care about him, and damn it all if he was going to beg her forgiveness if she couldn't care less about him.
She frowned when she looked at him, taking in his stormy blue eyes and sorrowful features. May be he felt bad about what happened. On one hand she wanted nothing more than to sic Buffy on him for doing what he did tonight. But on the other, he didn't want to do it, and he had warned her earlier. She let her anger at his lies and insults cloud her judgment. He could have been worse, much, much worse. She understood his confusion, she was right there with him. She had always been the kind of person that tried to make everyone feel welcome, even those who didn't like her. And Spike had just looked like he was desperately in need of a friend, a confidant. She couldn't help but like him, even just a little. He was just so funny, and charming, and he always had that mischievous glint in his eye. Plus he was dangerous, and she hated to admit that was kind off a turn on. Truthfully, she would be sad to see him go. After tomorrow their agreement was over, no more talking through the night, no more story telling about the `good ole days'. They weren't going to be friends anymore, if they were ever friends at all. She took one look at him and knew he probably couldn't wait to get back to Drusilla, to forget his time with her. She was surprised how much that thought hurt her heart.
They sat together in silence, each not knowing how badly the other felt, how neither wanted for their friendship, if it could be called that, to be over. Spike finally shook his head, not wanting to think depressing thoughts any longer. He looked at her and couldn't stop the smile that broke out at the sight before him. Willow looked so adorable, her knees tucked to her chin, head resting against the arm of the couch, a peaceful expression on her face as she slept. He stood and leaned over to gently pick her up. He carried her up the stairs, taking it slow so as not to wake her. He placed her in her bed, pulling the sheets to her so they rested at her collarbone. He sat down beside her and brushed his hand across her cheek, frowning at the bruise that marred her sweet face.
"I'm so sorry," he muttered softly, knowing he could finally say the words he wanted to all night now that she was asleep. He started when he saw a gentle smile settle on her face.
"S'okay Spike, I know. I forgive you," she replied before drifting further into sleep. He felt a tear trickle down his cheek at her soft-spoken words. He didn't know if he could let her go now, she forgave him; no one had ever done that before. He placed a soft kiss to her forehead.
Then he got up and left her room, shutting the door behind and went to her parent's room to sleep.
~Part: 12~
The next day flew by, it was Saturday, the big day. She had gathered the needed herbs for the curse after she spent some time with Buffy. Now she and Spike were on their way to the high school. Buffy, Xander, and Giles were all patrolling tonight, it was the last night of the full moon and they still had a werewolf to capture. That should keep them busy long enough for she and Spike to do the spell. Her heart was pounding, everything came down to tonight.
They entered the school using a key Willow had swiped from Giles, against the urging of Spike who really wanted to break a window to get inside. They walked into the library, she turned on the lights as he began to set up the candles, and mix the herbs.
Willow sat on top of the library table, taking a deep breath, looking to Spike for reassurance. He gave her a cocky grin, "Let's get the show on the road luv." She smiled and began to chant.
"Quod perditum est, invenietur."
"What is lost, return." Said Spike.
"Nooooo!!" Drusilla wailed. Angelus was immediately at her side. Tears streaked her face as she rocked back and forth.
"What is it love?" She looked into his eyes, she raised a shaky hand to stroke his face.
"They want to take away my Angel. Naughty, naughty boy.he and the fiery witch."
"No one will take me away," she smiled sadly. "They want to give daddy back his icky soul." Angelus straightened. He growled orders to his minions as he grabbed his coat. He told Dru to stay at the mansion as he headed out to stop the little witch from giving him his fluffy soul back.
"Not dead.nor not of the living. Spirits of the interregnum I call." Her breath became harsh as she continued to chant. Spike was becoming increasingly nervous, something bad was coming, and fast.
"Return.I call on." As her head flew back, then snapped forward to stare at the glowing orb, the library doors burst open.
Angelus took in the scene before him, Spike, his impudent childe was there with Willow, and the Orb of Thessulah. With a wave of his hand he entered followed by twenty minions. Spike looked on apprehensively. Willow was not even aware that they were no longer alone. He prayed she would finish soon, he didn't think he could take on twenty vamps and Angelus.
"Te implore, Doamne, nu ingora aceasta rugaminte." And with those words the battle began. Spike wasn't trying to do anything but keep them alive. He protected his witch as best he could. He managed to dust about five minions, but he was steadily losing ground.
Angelus wasn't idle either. Just as he made as if to attack the young witch, reinforcements appeared. Buffy, Xander, and Giles walked into a battle as they carried the werewolf they captured that night into the library. Buffy quickly dropped the wolf as she jumped into the fray, going immediately for Angelus.
"I implore you Lord, do not ignore this request.
Nici mort, nici al finite." Willow's chanting could be heard as the fighting continued. Giles and Xander were able to take out three vamps, but a vampire heading toward Spike pushed the two out of his way, and in doing so pushed them into the walls, which they hit at full force, knocking them both out.
Spike was left with two final minions as Buffy squared off against Angelus. She had pulled out her stake prepared to kill Angelus. This was it, their final fight. They both knew one of them wouldn't make it out alive. They threw and dodged punches and kicks at lightening speed.
"Neither dead, nor of the living.Lasa orbita se fie vasul care-i va transporta, sufletul la el. Let this orb be the vessel that will carry his soul to him."
Spike staked the last of the minions and attempted to make his way to Willow. He saw Buffy and Angelus locked in a battle to the death, he shrugged, his concern was for the witch. Buffy lashed her foot out, hitting Angelus behind the knee and knocking him to the floor. She kicked him again, causing him to falter and fall on his back. She jumped on top of him, ready to plunge the stake into his undead heart.
"Asa sa fie! Asa sa fie! Acum! Acum!" the orb in front of Willow glowed brighter and then went out.
Angelus gasped, his eyes flashed a golden hue. Buffy froze, stake only centimeters away from his chest. She looked into his eyes, the coldness, the hate had disappeared, replaced with immense pain and confusion.
"Angel?!" she whispered, the word filled with hope.
Spike ran to his witch when the orb went out. He caught her in his arms as she passed out. He stood stalk still, listening for a pulse and her breathing. When he heard both be let out an unneeded breath. She would be okay. He saw his grandsire, very much soul-having. And the slayer staring at him, her eyes full of wonder. Damn, she lived. Oh well, beggars can't be choosers. He looked at Willow again, his face automatically softening. He brushed the lightest of kisses across her lips and set her down gently on the table. He slipped a folded piece of paper into her clenched hand, and left before the slayer felt like staking him.
The note read:
"No sooner met but they looked; No sooner looked but they loved; No sooner loved but they sighed; No sooner sighed but they asked one another the reason; No sooner knew the reason but they sought the remedy."
- William Shakespeare -
Never let anyone put you down, you're my witch, may our paths cross again sweet Willow.
Forever Yours, William
~Part: 13~
Two days. It had been two days since she last saw him. Willow didn't know why that surprised her. She knew that once they got Angel back, he wouldn't need her any longer. And after the note he gave her, she more confused than ever. Did she really mean something to him? It seemed like it, but he just left. She sighed and placed his note back on her dresser. She couldn't help but read it all the time. He gave it to her, even signed it with his real name. She just wished she could have said goodbye.
A gentle knocking at her front door brought her out of her revelry. She wondered who would visit her, it was a Monday night, Xander and Cordelia were at the Bronze and she didn't feel like being a third wheel, and Buffy was attached to Angel at the hip, so she stayed home. She understood the slayer's need to be alone with him, but did she ever call to say thanks for restoring my boyfriend's soul, nope.
She was thoroughly amazed to see Angel standing at her door, alone. She invited him in and he reluctantly accepted.
"Willow, I know I don't have a right to be here." she quickly shushed him.
"Angel, that wasn't you," he went to interrupt, but she stopped him. "But we could argue about that forever, so why did you come here?"
They both sat down across from each other. Angel looked at the floor, his fingers steepled under his chin. She stared at him, wondering what possibly could have brought him to her door.
"They're gone."
"Huh? Who is gone Angel?" she questioned, thoroughly perplexed.
"Spike and Dru, they left."
"Oh," she said in a small voice, "They left town?"
"No, the country. I think they were headed south, I'm not sure where."
She simply nodded, sadness filling her being at the thought that he wasn't even in California any more. "Why are you telling me this Angel?"
"He claimed you, I thought you should know, you obviously meant something to him."
She snorted and muttered, "Yeah, not much apparently."
"What was that?" he asked, "I didn't hear you."
She shook her head, "It's nothing. Thanks for letting me know Angel." They both stood, eager for the awkward moment to be over. She led him to her front door and opened it for him. Right before she was about to close it again he spoke.
"Willow?" She opened the door halfway. He finally looked her straight in the eye, "Thank you." She smiled, a happy feeling filling her at his statement.
"You're welcome." She closed the door and sunk into the couch, emptiness flooding her. These past few nights she had gotten used to Spike's laughter filling the house, his soft accented voice regaling her with tales from his past. Now he was gone, and damn him for making her realize how truly lonely she felt. She sighed, gathering inner strength.
It was time to move on.
~Part: 14~
The past seven months passed with relative swiftness. Things were finally coming together for Willow. She was finally over her life long love of Xander. He was still her best friend, but she had come to accept that theirs was a great friendship, but not anything resembling love. And then there was Oz, he was just so sweet. He was so soft-spoken, but he truly cared for her, may be loved her even. They had been together for four months now. It her awhile to feel like herself again after the whole Spike drama. He had been gone for nearly a year and he wasn't coming back. He had Drusilla and he was happy, that was all that mattered. At least that's what she told herself, may be she'd believe it one day.
"Hey," said a quiet voice that made the redhead smile. She turned in her seat to face her boyfriend.
"Hi Oz," she kissed him quickly on the cheek as he sat down beside her. He had just finished his set with the Dingoes and was looking forward to spending some quality Bronzing time with his girlfriend. Xander and Cordelia joined them at their table. Buffy and Angel were both still on the dance floor, writhing to some tribal beat. Considering those two weren't even a couple anymore they still couldn't keep their hands off each other.
"How goes it Oz man?" asked Xander. He had to admit he liked the reserved guitarist. He always thought no one would ever be good enough for his Wills but he found himself impressed by the young man.
"It goes, Dingoes have another gig tomorrow night in L.A., some record execs are rumored to show. Might be cool," he replied. Willow smiled at him, her boyfriend was in a band, how cool was that? And he's not even Jewish, what a rebel. She rested her head on his shoulder as the gang continued to talk about nothing and everything.
Meanwhile, somewhere in Brazil. Spike was trying so very hard to resist the urge to throw Miss Edith out the window. Dru had been chattering on and on to the damned doll for hours now. She kept insisting they had to go back, where she wouldn't tell him.
"My Spike, the stars are whispering to me." He rolled his eyes, he was beginning to ask himself why he hadn't staked her yet. Oh yeah, he loved her, huh, he forgot about that.
"Really now, so what are they saying ducks?" he asked.
"We must go," Oh Bloody Hell! Not this again!
"Well Dru, if we MUST go, why the hell don't you just tell me where already?!?" She whimpered and pouted.
"Spike's yelling at his princess. Don't you love kitten anymore?" He sighed out of frustration, running his hand over his face.
"You know I do Dru, I did take you away with me after all, didn't I?" She smiled brightly.
"We have to go," he glared at her, cursing the stupid bint and her insanity. "To the mouth, where daddy is. I must go. Miss Edith says it's important. So many things to do, naughty people to kill." As she rambled on he began to grab his things, placing them into his Desoto. At least the nutter had finally told him where she *had* to go. The hellmouth it was.
"Well slayer, get ready. The Big Bad is coming back!"
~Part: 15~
He carefully scanned the dance floor of the Bronze, even though he wasn't sure who or what he was looking for. Spike had to get out tonight; Drusilla was driving him up the wall. It had been two weeks since she decided they had to return to the hellmouth and they had just arrived in town. He left her at the mansion, knowing that Angel had moved back into his apartment and the minions had vacated after they left for South America. She probably went hunting after he left, but he couldn't stand another second in her presence.
She would not shut up about Sunnydale and the naughty people she had to kill. Even he was having a hard time deciphering her latest ramblings. But nonetheless he did as she asked. He really was love's bitch.
Spike felt a slight buzz in the back of his mind alerting him to the slayer's appearance. She was walking into the club hand and hand with Angel. They better not be too close, he didn't want a reappearance of Angelus. His eyes followed their movements as they approached and occupied table. Xapper and his annoying cheerleader were there. He saw the anger in the boy's eyes as he looked at his grandsire. He had to laugh, smart boy. The only one missing was his witch.
He wondered whether she or Angel ever told the others about their temporary alliance. May be they pushed her away. He growled at the thought. She didn't deserve that, she was definitely in need of new friends. He was hoping to see her here, and disappointed that she was no where to be seen. But he was kind of glad for that, he had no clue what to say to her.
He saw the group at the table turn and smile as a couple walked towards them. The boy was slightly scrawny, short, with purple hair. He strained to see who the girl was, she was blocked by the boy. He caught a flash of red hair and his eyes narrowed. The boy leaned over and placed a kiss on the girl's lips and then headed toward the stage. His demon raged as he saw who the girl was. Willow. She was his damn it! What the hell was she doing kissing some little punk. True, he was shagging Dru, so it was somewhat a double standard but he didn't care. She bore his mark, no pathetic little git should be touching her.
The boy's band began to play and Willow ran out onto the dance floor to watch him play. She started to dance to the beat of the music. He watched her intently. He had to remind her who she belonged to.
Willow was watching Oz play, he was so cute up on stage with his guitar. Things had finally started to go well. Whenever some problem of the demonic variety would come up, Buffy and the group slayed and all was well. She began to get into the music, not paying attention to anyone around her. She felt strong arms move around her waist. She leaned into the loose embrace. She forgot that Oz was on stage and therefore was not the owner of the arms holding her.
She closed her eyes, giving in to the sensations created by the man behind her. His hands gripped her hips tightly and his lips brushed against the side of her neck. She started when she heard a loud growl. Looking in front of her she saw Angel, fists clenched at his side, visibly trying to reign in his anger.
"Angel?" she asked, he barely spared her a glance. "What's the problem?" she was completely confused as to why he was so upset.
"I think that would be me pet," an amused voice whispered in her ear. Spike nipped her earlobe before pulling back with a smug grin on his face. Her eyes widened at the voice. Her eyes darted to the stage where a very confused Oz was still playing. He was watching her, trying to figure out who the bleach blonde was and how she and Angel knew him.
"Spike!" she squeaked as she turned to face him, moving out of his embrace.
He smiled, "So you do remember me, luv. I'm pleased." He totally ignored Angel as if he posed no threat.
"Spike." Angel growled as he grabbed Willow's wrist and pulled her behind him.
"So we all know my name. Good to see you all soul-having again Peaches. Where's your stake-happy girlfriend?"
"Buffy went to patrol, where's your crazy girlfriend Spike? She leave you for a real vamp?"
"Like you'd know poof," Spike snarled, "Not that it's any of your business, but Dru got hungry so she went hunting, needed a break anyway."
"Why are you here Spike?" he asked slowly.
"What, here as in Sunnydale or here as in the Bronze?"
"Both," Angel sighed.
"Well Dru fancied a change of scenery, Brazil gets boring after a while, so we came back home. As for the Bronze, I dunno. Something just drew me here. Could be the witch, she belongs to me after all. The bond pulled me here."
"Leave Willow alone, she's not your concern."
"Uh, guys, I am right here you know?" Willow reminded them.
"Ah Peaches, ever the knight in tarnished armor. She doesn't need protection from me. After all, I'm not the one who threatened to turn the girl now am I?" He smirked when he saw Angel flinch at the memory. He turned slightly so he faced Willow. "Now there luv, you didn't actually think I had forgotten about you?" he pouted.
She couldn't help the hint of a smile that began at his words. She was about to say how good it was to see him again when a pale hand reached up and rested on Spike's shoulder, trailing down slightly to caress his chest. Dark brown hair framed the delicate face that then rested on his other shoulder.
"Spike," murmured Drusilla, with a slight whine. "Why are you taunting daddy? That's not very nice. Miss Edith thinks you should be punished."
Angel tensed at the appearance of his insane childe. He wasn't worried for himself, but for Willow. Dru was notoriously territorial, and if Spike had half the feelings for the redhead as he suspected, Willow could be in serious danger.
Drusilla hissed at the sight of the young girl standing behind her sire. So this was the little tree that Miss Edith had told her about. Naughty girl, she was taking her Spike away from her. He thought only of this mortal now, not his princess.
Oz had finished his set and was approaching the group cautiously. His senses alerted him to the fact that the couple in front of Angel and Willow were vampires. He got to her as fast as he could.
Spike growled at the sight of the boy holding his witch. He turned and pushed Dru away from him a little so he could look her in the eye.
"Dru, baby, why don't you go home, ok?" When she stuck her lower lip out and pouted he groaned, "Bloody hell, I'll even leave Angel here alone, alright?" She nodded and left the Bronze.
"Why don't you go ahead and leave with her Spike." Willow added. It hurt to see him and Dru together, she could never compete with her. Spike didn't even like her very much, let alone love her enough to leave Dru.
He frowned when she basically asked him to leave. Why was she trying to get rid of him? He held her gaze firmly, "We're not done pet," he promised and then walked outside. Angel relaxed once his childer were gone. He looked at Willow and she gave him a forced smile and waved him off. He left out the back door to help Buffy with patrol.
~Part: 16~
"Who was that?" Oz asked, curious as to why his girlfriend was having familiar conversations with strange vampires.
"Hmmm? Oh, yeah, that was Spike and D-Drusilla." His face registered shock at the names. Buffy and Angel had spoken of the crazy vampiress and her childe. They were extremely dangerous and supposedly not in the country.
Seeing that Oz wanted a real explanation as to why she was dancing and talking with Spike, she asked, "Can we talk about this later please, it's kinda a long story." He agreed and they decided to leave. They walked down the alley by the Bronze when Oz was brutally shoved into a brick wall. He slumped down onto the ground as Willow's gaze flew to his attacker. She began to shake as she looked at Drusilla, waiting for her to make a move.
Dru seemed content to stare at her, then a slow smile began to form. She clucked her tongue.
"Bad girl, does your little wolf know about your thoughts about my Spike?" Willow shook her head with tears in her eyes. "Tsk tsk, my Spike thinks of you too, you know. Not his princess, but he *is* mine deary, he'll always be mine." Dru began to stalk towards the frightened girl. She backed her up against the wall. She reared back her hand, preparing to slash the girl's face with her nails when a strong hand held her steady.
Willow decided she was never more relieved to see Spike in her life. He was in game face, growling loudly, glaring angrily at Dru.
"Touch her and I *will* stake you, understood?!" he threatened. Dru nodded, trying to squirm away from him and out of his grip. He pushed her away harshly. "Go home NOW!" She scampered away quickly. When she was out of sight Spike turned to Willow and with great effort his face changed back into his human guise. He pulled the shaking girl into his arms. She held onto him for dear life.
"S-Spike?" she asked, her voice quivering. He nodded. "Is Oz okay?" his eyes flashed amber at the mention of the boy. He took a quick look at him and could tell he was fine.
"Yeah luv, he'll live." She pulled out of his comforting embrace when she saw Xander and Cordelia round the corner. She pushed him into the shadows and approached them.
"Xander? Could you help Oz?" she asked pleadingly. "He was attacked but he's unconscious. Can you take him home please? And when he wakes up tell him I'm ok?" Xander quickly agreed and he and Cordy helped the boy to his feet.
"Are you ok to get home by yourself Wills?" She nodded and they made their way to the street.
Spike approached her after they left. "You ok luv?"
"Yeah, I'm fine, Oz took the hardest blow."
"Not what I meant pet. I'm sorry about Dru. I didn't know she was going to try to hurt you."
"Wasn't your fault Spike. I don't even know why she's after me in the first place."
He sighed. "Let's get you home, k? This could take awhile." She agreed and he wrapped a comforting arm around her shoulder as they walked back to her house.
~Part: 17~
They found themselves sitting next to each other in Willow's living room, their positions bringing back fond memories of months before. She waited for Spike to say something. He had been unusually quiet on their way to her house. Normally he would crack a stupid joke or start flirting with her just to break the tension.
Spike was staring at nothing in particular, trying to figure out what to tell her. He wasn't about to admit that he had missed her, more so than he ever expected. Or that Dru attacked her because of his feelings for her. This young girl had been through so much in her life, he was even the cause of her pain some of the time. How was she supposed to understand what she meant to him? Hell, he didn't even fully understand the extent of his feelings. He didn't love her, not yet anyways. But he had never had anyone in his life, including Dru, that treated him like she did. She never mocked him because of his emotions, even when his heart lay raw in front of her, she never pitied him. She even tried to comfort him, on many occasions. He could only hope that he mattered to her.
"I am really sorry about Dru, she's my responsibility. When I noticed she hadn't headed home I tried to find her as soon as I could." Willow smiled sweetly, a smile that made his heart ache. He wanted to be the one to make her smile all the time, to make her laugh, to hug her and kiss her.
"I don't know why you keep apologizing Spike. You didn't know she would do that. I don't even know why she did that. She said something about you being *her* Spike. I'm not sure what she was ranting about."
"She's very possessive luv. She doesn't want you anywhere near me."
She let out a tiny laugh, "Why would she care Spike? You love her, you've done so much just so the two of you could be together. I'm not a threat."
"Yeah you are," he mumbled with a sheepish smile. When he saw her expression, full of confusion, knowing she heard his softly spoken statement he attempted to cover his declaration. "I mean, I claimed you and all. We both know the circumstances that led to that but she doesn't. She thinks I want ya or something," he added, not looking her in the eye, so he missed the sadness and hurt that filled her.
"Yeah," she replied with a nervous laugh, trying to disguise the hurt she felt. She had to bite the inside of her cheek to keep the tears at bay. She knew he didn't want her, but it was painful to hear.
"So," said Spike, attempting to shift the topic of their conversation to something he had been wanting to ask all night. "Who was that Oz fellow you and Paingel were with?"
"Why do you care?" she asked quietly, allowing some bitterness to seep into her words.
He was genuinely surprised at the tone of her voice. Hope began to fill him at the thought that may be he was important to her, that she missed him as much as she did her.
"Gotta know if the boy is good enough for my witch, is all." He seethed inwardly at the thought of the mongrel touching her. "Are you two, uh, together?"
She gave him a tight smile, "Yeah, for almost five months now. He's really sweet. He's kinda quiet but the gang has taken to him. Even Xander likes him." By the end of her praise of Oz, she was really smiling, he just brought it out of her.
"It won't last you know." Spike replied, pissed that she obviously cared for the git. She looked up at him in shock. She couldn't believe he had the audacity to say something like that.
"What the hell is that supposed to mean!?" He grinned when he saw that he struck a nerve.
"The *boy* is not enough for you luv. Never will be. You don't want someone *sweet* and *quiet*. No, you my pet, need someone with fire, with passion. Who makes you quiver with anger and lust. Someone who brings out your true nature. The parts of you no one but me knows. The darkness that accompanies the light. No luv, Oz will not last, because you need more. You need a *man*."
She was dumbfounded. How did he know so much about her? Part of her had to acknowledge that he had a point. Oz was great, just not. enough. But what was he implying. Her eyes narrowed in suspicion as he stood and stretched.
"Well ducks, it's been a long night. I'll just be leavin' ya to your thoughts then. And Red," he mentioned as he walked out her door, "Gimme a ring when you're ready for a real man." And with a wink he was gone.
~Part: 18~
Willow tried to wipe off her sweaty palms on her skirt as she waited for Oz to get home. She went to his house that night and was let in by his mother before she left. Oz was finishing up a gig in L.A. and would be back any minute. It had been a week since she had last seen Spike at her house. She took that time to do some serious thinking. Spike was right, about everything. She'd never tell him though, all he needed was a bigger ego. She decided that may be it was best if she and Oz broke up, or at least take a break. She didn't imagine that she would leave him and Spike would come running, spouting words of love. No, she was realistic. She would probably have to listen to him say `I told you so' like a million times, but that was all she expected from him.
The front door swung open and Oz walked in, guitar in hand. He was slightly surprised to see Willow sitting on his couch. He took in her serious face and her nervous hands and could tell her news would not be of the good.
She stood when he entered the family room. He smiled gently, knowing whatever she was about to say to him would be hard on her. After sitting back down and thinking for a couple minutes, she decided the direct approach would work best. Like taking off a band aid, best to do it quickly.
"Oz, um, I'm sorry about what I'm about to say, but I think that may be, it would be best if we didn't see each other anymore." His expression saddened but he nodded, that was what he expected. "I don't want to hurt you," she added quickly, "I'm sorry," she said in almost a whisper.
He took her hand in his, giving her comfort. "I know," he said. He got up, kissed her on the cheek, and went to his room. She sighed sadly, knowing he was hurt and she had been the one to cause it.
She let herself out of his house and set a slow pace as she headed home. As she made her way through the park she heard a twig break and paused. She reached for the bottle of holy water she kept in her pocket for emergencies and picked up her pace.
She nearly ran right into a vampire who was blocking her path. She backed away nervously. She looked around her, there were vampires at each side, no escape. Buffy was patrolling St. Anne's cemetery tonight and was completely on the other side of town. In the back of her mind she wondered why none of them were attacking her.
She heard a soft, feminine giggle and got her answer. Drusilla. She emerged from the shadows cast by the trees, cradling a doll. She tilted her head to the side, studying the girl. "Miss Edith told me about you. She said you were the reason we had to come back home. Spike's heart held another. She says you have to die. You'll bleed such pretty colors."
Willow was shaking, this was it, she was going to die because Spike's loony girlfriend actually thought he had feelings for her. Dru dismissed two of the four minions as she closed in for the kill. So caught up in the girl in front of her, she didn't see one fledgling erupt into a cloud of dust. Her face changed and she lunged at the redhead. Willow squeezed her eyes shut, waiting for the inevitable pain and was shocked when she opened her eyes to look upon the dust that was the crazy vampiress. She looked at her savior, expecting to see Buffy, or may be Angel, but not Spike. Spike who was currently staring at the remains of his lover.
Willow studied his face. His eyes were swimming with pain. She reached out to touch his shoulder but he shied away from her hand. He turned to leave, not saying a word. She took his hand before he took off. He looked at her, his expression full of painful realization. She gently tugged his hand and they left the park, neither speaking, as Drusilla's dust settled on the sidewalk.
~Part: 19~
Willow was curled up in her computer chair just watching Spike. When they got back to her house she immediately led him to her room. She pushed off his duster and sat him down on the end of her bed. Nothing seemed to register to him. She untied the laces on his boots and pulled them off. She stood him up and pulled back her comforter. She laid him down before she started to hang blankets over her windows.
Her eyes filled with unshed tears as she took in the dazed look on his face. This was killing him. He had staked Dru, his love, his unlife. For her. She still couldn't comprehend that. But she wasn't about to ask him why. She was grateful, but what that act implied was astonishing to her. He cared about her enough to kill his Drusilla. Wow.
But right now that didn't matter. Spike was dying inside, and she had to be there for him. She was brought back to the present when he shifted onto his back. That was the first sign of movement she had seen from him in an hour.
".I warned her." he whispered, his voice thick with tears. She got up and slowly walked to him, giving him time to tell her if he wanted her to leave. When he stayed silent she sat down on her bed beside him. She reached out and stroked his face. His eyes closed at the feel of the warmth of her hand on his cheek.
"I'm sorry Spike," she paused, taking a deep breath. "It was my fault." He didn't answer. He simply reached for her hand and pulled her to him. She put her arms around his waist and he held her close to him.
They laid together like that for awhile. No one speaking, words unnecessary. His inner pain lessened a little as she held him. She was there for him yet again. When he needed her the most. He felt no anger towards her, it wasn't her fault. He heard what Dru had said. He should have known she had a reason to come back here. She got what she deserved. He would do anything to protect what belonged to him, those he loved.
Those words sounded strange to him. Ever since he was turned it had all been about Dru. She was his sire and his eternal love. Their bond was probably part of the reason he loved her so much. But he hadn't loved her for awhile. After everything that happened when Angelus came back, he realized that she didn't love him.
Not as much as she loved Angel. And that was the root of their problems. He was never good enough. Her sire was all that mattered. Spike kept her busy until her Angel came back. That thought used to cause him so much pain. He loved her with all he had and it meant nothing to her. Yet she was going to kill Willow because she was, what, jealous? That's a laugh, she can shag her sire in their bed but she thinks he may have feelings for a girl and she tries to kill her.
He knew that he couldn't lie to himself anymore. He always had to push aside his feelings, his needs, his wants because of Dru. Now she was gone and he could finally tell the truth. He loved that selfless girl with her arms around him.
She almost died tonight and she was consoling him. He was the kind of monster that would have killed her and she comforted him. Their relationship was a strange one. He knew she cared for him, but he didn't know if she loved him, or at least could come to love him. He needed her, desperately. He never handled being alone well. Now that his sire was gone he would be by himself. But he realized he wasn't so alone. He gave a small, tired smile as he looked down at the girl in his arms. He placed a soft kiss on the top of her head and fell asleep in her embrace.
~Part: 20~
Willow woke up around nine in the morning, it was Monday and she had missed her first class. She eased away from Spike, smiling as she saw a rare look of peace across his face. She made her way into the kitchen and grabbed the cordless phone. She called Giles, letting him know that she had a long night and she was resting at home today. She figured one of them would see Oz today and assume their break up was the reason for her sudden need for rest. She sat at the island and nibbled on a pear. She wasn't up to a big breakfast. When she finished she went back upstairs, after seeing that Spike was still asleep, she went into the bathroom to take her shower.
Spike heard the shower turn on and opened his eyes. He woke when she had left the bed but pretended to sleep as he went over his plan for the day. He knew she was worried about him, which felt nice considering no one ever worried about him. But he planned to show her that he was done with Dru. Her death no longer caused him heartache. Their relationship had been over for a long time, he had accepted it. Now he had to show his witch that he only wanted her.
She walked back into her room and smiled shyly as she noticed a very awake Spike watching her every move. She grabbed some clothes from her dresser and paused.
"Don't leave on my account luv," he said as he placed his arms behind his head, ready for a show.
She laughed and stuck her tongue out at him before she made her way to her bathroom. He chuckled and got up and followed her. She finished dressing and opened the door, surprised to see Spike waiting for her outside the door. She took him by the hand and led him into the den. It had no windows so he wouldn't burn to a crisp. She set him down on the couch and sat next to him. She lightly grasped his chin and pulled his gaze to hers.
"How are you doing?" she asked, praying that he was alright.
"Better, thanks to you." She smiled sadly.
"But if it wasn't for me you wouldn't have had to stake Drusilla."
"I didn't *have* to stake her, Willow." Her head shot up at his use of her real name. He simply smiled and continued, "Dru was telling the truth you know. About me, my feelings for you." She nodded her head slowly, not wanting to get her hopes up only to be disappointed. "What started as an agreement between enemies became a friendship. And I'll be the first to tell you pet, I don't have friends. But you are such an enigma. You're so strong, but you also will do anything in your power to help others. You even comforted me, a demon who has tried to kill you and your friends many times."
"Spike, you.you're not just some demon. You're special, and you know it," she added when she saw his smug grin. "Of course I care of about you. You're right, I don't know how we became friends, but I wouldn't trade it. You were always honest with me, and I trust you more than anyone." He crowed inside at her praise. He knew she cared for him. "You were even right about Oz. We broke up last night before Drusilla attacked me. He was really sad, I felt so bad. I didn't want to hurt his feelings." He smiled reassuringly.
"So you let the boy go, did you?" At her nod he pulled her into his arms. He placed her head to rest on his shoulder and she let out a tired breath. "Rest luv, you've had a hard couple days I wager. We'll talk more later."
They spent the day watching T.V., talking lightly, and holding onto each other. They didn't talk about Dru or Oz for the rest of the day. Both subjects were closed. Dru was dead, and Oz was out of her life and somehow they had each other. Her mood took a sudden turn as a painful thought came to her.
Spike, being hyper-aware of her body, noticed her tense and waited to hear what had bothered her.
"Spike?" she asked uncertainly. "Now that Dru's gone, are you staying in Sunnydale?" she almost held her breath as she awaited his answer. His took his time in answering her. He stood and pulled her up with him.
"No." Her heart broke at his answer. He was leaving again. It was so hard the first time. And now, so much more had happened. She thought he truly cared about her, and he was leaving her again.
He smiled at her terror-stricken face. She wanted him to stay. Good. He grasped her chin in his hand and drew her eyes to his. Her eyes widened as he leaned down, placing the softest of kisses on her lips. When she gasped in surprise he let his tongue enter her mouth playing with hers until she responded in earnest. She took in a deep breath when he pulled away from her and brought his focus to her neck. She bit her lip as he placed feather-like kisses where his mark was.
She moaned when she felt his fangs enter her neck. She began to feel light-headed and waited for him to stop. But he continued drinking from her, his ardor only increasing as she weakened. She could feel everything slipping away. In the back of her mind, she noticed that he finally stopped drinking.
He held her close and with his free hand he placed a small gash at the base of his neck. He pulled her mouth to it. She resisted at first, but his soft words of encouragement and the feeling of death soon led her to drink from him. She suckled at the wound for a little while longer before she passed out. He swept her into his arms and watched in fascination as she took her final breath. He smiled indulgently.
"Hope you didn't think I'd leave without you," he kissed her rapidly cooling lips. "Welcome to forever pet."
The End