****
Part 1

Willow was sitting on her bed, wallowing in misery when the knock came at her dorm room door. Without even looking to see who it was she hollered for them to come in. She jumped when she saw the bleached blonde vampire enter her room.

"Spike."

"Hello, pet. Didn’t the slayer ever tell you not to invite people in before finding out if they were friendly or not,’ Spike taunted as he took in the frightened girl in front of him. Willow backed up against the wall, trying to put as much space between her and Spike as she could in the little room.

"What are you doing here Spike?" Willow asked through her fear. "I thought you were going to go back and make Dru fall in love with you again."

 

Spike shrugged his shoulders."Plans changed. Thought it would be more fun to bother the Slayer and her little friends," Spike explained. "Speaking of which, where is the little blonde bimbo. I want to thank her for the hospitality that her friends showed me."

"What friends?" Willow asked confused.

"Her little commando friends. They captured me and locked me up," Spike told her. "Didn’t count on my escaping though."

"Commandos!" Willow exclaimed. She remembered Buffy talking about running into some Commandos on Halloween. Spike looked over at the red head.

"Yeah, commandos. Bastards tried to drug me with the blood they gave me."

"Spike, I’m sorry, I really am," Willow apologized, meaning it. "But Buffy doesn’t have anything to do with commandos or capturing you."

"And why should I believe you?" Spike asked. Willow suddenly noticed where Spike’s gaze was falling and she put her hands up to her neck.

"Umm, Spike," she said, trying to keep the fear out of her voice. "How about I let Buffy know you stopped by and then she can go out and hunt for you and the two of you can fight it out."

Spike shook his head, advancing on the shaking form on the bed. "How about I let her know that I was here by leaving her a little gift." Spike grabbed Willow, drawing her closer to him, before leaning his head in to bite her. Just as Willow had prepared herself for her death, she heard Spike scream in pain.

"Bloody hell," he screamed.

"What’s wrong?"

"I can’t seem to bite you," Spike said once the pain in his head disappeared. He looked over at Willow and was surprised to see tears in her eyes. "Pet?"

"It’s okay," she told him. "I understand. I mean, why would anyone want to bite me. I’m just plain ole Willow who can’t even hang onto her boyfriend. You can have your choice of people to have for dinner, what would you want to do with me. I’m a big ugly nobody."

 

Spike couldn’t believe his ears. Here was this beautiful creature in front of him and all she could do was knock herself."You are anything but ugly or a nobody," Willow snorted in disbelief.

"Yeah, right, that’s why you can’t bite me."

"It’s not that I don’t want to bite you, pet. I just can’t." To prove his point to both himself and to her, Spike attacked her again only to be stopped when the pain in his head returned. "Damn it, what did those bastards do to me?"

Willow could see that Spike was in real pain and she felt sorry for him, which didn’t surprise her. SHe had felt a connection with the blonde vampire ever since he had kidnapped her and Xander the year before to do that love spell. She knew what he was going through when you loved someone who didn’t love you back. And she knew now what it felt like when the person that you love leaves you for someone else. Willow tentatively put her arms around Spike."I don’t know what they did to you Spike, but I promise to help you find out."

"Why?" Spike was confused. Not only was he unable to bite, even after he attacked her, she was willing to help him. He had never had anyone ever really be nice to him, not even Drusilla.

Willow shrugged her shoulders, "I don’t know. I think it might be because you didn’t kill me and Xander last year." Spike went to remind her of his attack on her earlier. "Yeah, yeah, I know, but since you couldn’t bite me, I don’t think that counts." Suddenly something that Spike had said earlier entered her mind. "Spike, why did you say that I wasn’t ugly?"

Spike looked away from the red head that was sitting so close to him. There was something about her that affected him and he wasn’t sure if he liked it or not. He had always thought that Angel was a wuss because of how he let mortals affect him, but here he was, William the Bloody, being affected by a little red head.

"Spike?" Willow questioned him again. "What did you mean?"

Spike took in an unneeded breathe. "I mean, that you are a beautiful, vibrant, exciting woman. I noticed that the first time I ever saw you, hiding in the shadows of the slayer."

"Yeah, well, if that’s the case, why can’t I even keep my boyfriend?"

"Because the wolf is a bleeding idiot," Spike stated. "I don’t know what he did to hurt you so much, but trust me, he isn’t worth any of your tears."

Willow’s eyes filled with water as she saw the sincerity in Spike’s eyes. She allowed him to comfort her as she released the tears that she had been holding back because her friends were tired of listening to her crying.

 

Outside Stevenson Hall, a group of men dressed in fatigues were holding something in front of them."Sir, it’s Hostile 17. He is with a non-hostile," a man said into a walkie-talkie. "No sir, we have no idea whether the implant is working or not. He has not made a move to attack the human." He waited for a response. "Understood."

The man turned to the others in the group. "Forrest, Graham we go in 5."

"Understood Riley."

 

Willow had finally stopped crying, but Spike refused to release the teenager. For some reason, it felt right to him for her to be in his arms and he was in no hurry to let her go. Willow, for her part, felt comfortable in his arms and actually found herself starting to like the vampire that had tried to kill her so many times in the past few years. She looked at him, her green eyes meeting his blue and felt as if she was losing herself in them. She couldn’t help herself but lean up to see if his lips were really all that cold. Then chaos happened.The room was suddenly blanketed with darkness. Willow started to panic, but she calmed down as she felt Spike put a protective arm around her. They heard the fire alarm go off, and Spike could smell smoke coming from the hall.

"Come on, Pet. We have to get out of here,’ Spike told Willow, lifting her from the bed.

"Okay." Willow allowed herself to be led from the room, but as soon as they had reached the door, it was bashed open. Three men surged into the room, all wearing fatigues and gas masks. Spike shoved Willow behind him, trying to protect her from the invaders.

The first man through the door went after Spike. Spike went to hit the man, only to find himself in pain. The man punched Spike but was hit from behind by Willow holding a chair. Spike smiled at the red head. He reached out a hand to her, which she took willingly.

"Shall we go, luv?"

"Yes." Spike lifted Willow up in his arms and pushed his way through the remaining two commandos. One of them raised his gun to stop the pair only to be confronted by an angry slayer. Buffy kicked the gun out of his hand, allowing Spike and Willow to escape. Buffy watched helplessly as her best friend was carried away by her worst enemy. SHe went over to the last commando still standing, grabbing him by his collar. She pulled off his gas mask, stunned to see the handsome face underneath.

"Riley?"

"Buffy?"

"What are you doing?" They both said at the same time.

 

Spike ran, carrying Willow until he was sure that they were safe. When he finally put her down, he was surprised when she didn’t immediately draw away from him. Instead he found her arms tightly wrapped around his neck.

"Pet, are you okay?" Willow nodded into his chest.

"Are those the guys that captured you?"

"Yes." Suddenly a noise came from the bushes by them. Willow and Spike turned to see Anya emerging from them.

"Anya," Willow asked, "what are you doing?"

"Hiding. Saw some soldier boys taking down a demon and I didn’t want to be next on their list," the former vengeance demon replied.

"But you aren’t a demon anymore," Willow said, knowing exactly who Anya meant by "soldier boys".

"Yeah, well, I wasn’t in the mood to take any chances. I’ve heard of these guys, they are no good," Anya explained. "They’re capturing all kinds of demons, good and bad."

"Tell me about it," Spike said. Anya turned to look at the blonde vampire.

"And you are?"

"Spike’s the name." Anya was startled when she heard the introduction. Xander had told her about some of the things that Spike had done to the scooby gang and she was intrigued as to why Willow appeared to be with him so willingly. Willow could see the question in Anya’a eyes.

"We were just attacked by the same soldier boys. Spike got us out of there." Willow looked over at Spike. "What do you think we should do? I’m sure they looking for you still and, now, they’ll be looking for me."

"We have to get out of town," Spike said simply. "Someplace they won’t be looking for us."

"We can always go to LA. I’m sure Angel would help us." Spike groaned at the mention of his sire’s name. "Spike, he’s my friend and I’m sure he’ll want to know what is going on here."

"Well you two aren’t leaving me here alone with those guys going around," Anya told them. "If you’re going, so am I."

"Fine, we’ll go see Peaches," Spike sighed. Anya and Willow couldn’t help but giggle at the pained expression on his face. Spike put his arm around Willow’s waist, pulling her closer to him, as the three headed toward the parking lot where Spike’s car was parked. They knew that whoever was chasing them would probably locate them soon if they didn’t move and they wanted to get out of town quickly. By the time the commandos got to the last known location of the trio, Spike, Willow and Anya were well on their way to Los Angeles and help.

 

*****

Part 2

 

Willow and Anya wearily climbed the steps to Angel Investigations. They had left Spike in the car, since it was morning and he didn’t exactly relish the idea of turning to dust after escaping from the Initiative. Willow turned the knob, praying that it was unlocked and was happy to see that her prayers were answered as it turned easily.

"Hello," she called into the empty office. She heard some shuffling coming from the back office and watched as Cordelia emerged, looking slightly rumpled.

"Willow," the brunette shouted as she came over and hugged the hacker, "what are you doing here?" Cordelia stepped back and noticed that Anya was there also. "Anya."

"Hello," Anya said, somewhat nervously. She knew that Cordelia didn’t like her because of the fact that she was with Xander. Not to mention, the whole vengeance demon thing.

"We need your help," Willow said, cutting the tension in the room. "Well, yours and Angel’s."

"What do you need?" Angel asked as he emerged from the office that Cordelia had just left, tucking in his shirt. Willow grinned as she realized what she had interrupted.

"Sorry, didn’t know you were busy," she teased. Cordelia blushed while Angel just grinned. "Can’t the two of you keep your hands off each other for just a little while?"

"That’s what I keep asking them Red," came the reply from behind Anya. Willow turned around and smiled as Doyle entered the office.

"Doyle," she said as she hugged the half demon.

"Hey darlin. Whose your friend?" Doyle said as he turned to Anya. He liked what he saw. There was something about her that seemed to beckon to him.

"This is Anya," Willow told him. Doyle did a light bow and kissed Anya’s hand, making the girl practically swoon.

"Pleasure to meet you princess," he said, not letting go of her hand.

"It’s all mine, I’m sure," Anya returned, immediately feeling drawn to this stranger.

Angel cleared his throat, drawing the attention back to why Anya and Willow had come to LA. "So what’s the problem? And how did you guys get here so early?"

Willow jumped as she remembered who was waiting downstairs in the car. "Spike," she shouted. Angel was about to ask what his wayward childe had done now, but Willow continued speaking. "He drove us. He’s downstairs in the car. He needs to get into the garage so he can come up and talk to you."

"And why would Angel want to let Spike in?" Cordelia asked, not happy with the fact that Spike was in LA at all, considering his last visit consisted of torturing Angel.

"Something happened to him," Willow explained. "He’s all unbitey and can’t fight. Some soldier guys did something to him."

"What do you mean soldier guys?" Angel was curious and angry. He might not get along with his eldest childe, but he didn’t like the idea of something or someone harming him. Well, other than himself, he thought.

"These guys dressed in fatigues are going around town, taking out demons and vampires," Anya told the others. "They must have captured Spike, but he escaped somehow."

"How did you know about them Anya?" Cordelia asked, not quite trusting the woman who had wrecked havoc on Sunnydale by helping the vampire Willow to come to their reality.

"I saw them taking down a demon friend of mine," Anya stated simply. "Wasn’t pretty. I’ve heard of these guys too. Lots of demons and vamps have been disappearing and no one has heard from them since."

"What do you mean, a demon friend of yours?" Doyle asked, trying to find out why this beautiful girl was friends with demons and afraid of demon hunters. Cordelia and Angel hadn’t told him about her and was curious about Anya.

Anya just kinda looked down, not wanting to tell Doyle about her past, and she didn’t have to. Cordelia did it for her. "Oh, she’s a former vengeance demon. Now one without her powers." Anya looked up at Doyle, waiting to see some form of disgust on his face and was happy to see acceptance there instead.

"Tell me about it sometime?" He asked. Anya nodded her head gladly, feeling like she had finally found someone who might truly accept her, good and bad. Not like Xander, who only accepted the good, especially in bed.

"Ummm, hello, Spike? Commandos?" Cordelia interrupted again.

"Oh yeah, Spike," Willow said. "Can someone let him into the garage, please?"

"I’ll do it," Doyle volunteered, offering his arm to Anya. "Care to join me?"

"Sure," she happily accepted and the two of them made their way from the office to the garage to let in the bleached blonde vampire. Once they were gone, Angel and Cordelia turned their attention to Willow.

"Okay, tell us what happened, Willow," Angel asked as he motioned for the witch to take a seat. Once she did, she started to explain what had happened the night before.

"Well, Spike made a little visit to my dorm room last night and not thinking about it, I invited him in without looking to see who it was." Willow raised her hand as she saw that Angel was about to admonish her for that. "Yeah, yeah, yeah I know. Really stupid thing to do, but it’s too late now. Well anyway we were talking and he made to bite me, but as you can see, it didn’t succeed."

"Why not?"

"As soon as he went for my neck, he got some major pain. Wasn’t exactly pretty to look at. Well, we started talking and I told him that I understood him not wanting to bite me and all, so he tried again. Once more, no luck, only pain. Well, we just sitting there, talking when suddenly the lights went out and we smelled smoke. Then these commando guys burst through my door and attacked. Spike went to hit one of them, but couldn’t without being in pain, so I clobbered him with my desk chair. Spike and I then took off and ran into Anya. Now we’re here."

Angel and Cordelia looked at each other. They didn’t know what to make of the information that they had just been given. It didn’t make any sense. And it bothered Angel that someone had harmed Spike. Cordelia noticed the tension in Angel’s shoulders and went over to him, gently giving him a back rub. He reached up and grabbed her hands, pulling her close to him. She gave him a light kiss on the cheek, as Willow smiled at the couple.

 

She had been surprised when Cordelia had told her about Angel and her being together. But that surprise turned into happiness when Willow came to visit the couple a week later and saw how much Angel had changed from Buffy’s brood boy into a man who was a little more willing to laugh and joke. And the fact that she had found a spell to anchor his soul only made the couple even more joyful. But, of course, Willow didn’t feel the need to share any of her information with her room mate, knowing that, although Buffy was moving on, she wouldn’t exactly be thrilled with the fact that Angel was doing the same.

"Do you have any idea who these guys were?" Angel finally asked.

 

Willow shook her head. "No, they had gas masks on, so I couldn’t see their faces. I don’t know if Spike could recognize any of them."

"You bet your ass, I’d be able to recognize the bastards that did this to me,’ Spike said, announcing his presence in the office. He took in the sight of Cordelia and Angel together and smiled. "Bloody hell, you’ve fallen for another one haven’t you? At least she’s a sight prettier than that damned slayer."

"Spike," Willow admonished. "Behave." Angel looked surprised as he saw Spike actually look apologetic after Willow’s admonishment. He wondered what was going in his childe’s head.

"Sorry," Spike apologized as he took a seat by Willow. Willow reached over and grabbed his hand, having grown comfortable with it on the drive to Los Angeles.

"Thank you," she mouthed to him as he looked over at her. Cordelia didn’t miss the exchange and was curious about the apparent change in relationship between the vampire and the hacker. She couldn’t wait to get the details.

"So, who were they Spike?" Angel questioned, wanting to get as many details as possible about whoever had done this.

"I don’t know," Spike admitted, shrugging his shoulders. "Bunch of soldier boys and lab techs. They were using us as some kind of lab rats for their little experiments. I got out of there before they could do anything on me." Spike thought a moment about the fact that he couldn’t hurt anyone living. "Well, almost anything."

"Willow told us that you couldn’t hurt anyone. Says you get a pain or something. What does it feel like?" Cordelia found herself not as frightened of the blonde now that she knew that he couldn’t hurt her. Angel had told her a lot about his days with Spike, before Dru, and she could see what had attracted Angelus to the man. She hoped that maybe if he was harmless now, that the friendship between the two men could be repaired. She knew how much that would mean to Angel and, in turn, to herself.

"Yeah, it’s like a thousand needles going into my brain," Spike told them. "Not really pleasant, if you know what I mean."

"And it only happens when you go to attack someone?"

"Yeah. Whether it’s to bite or to hit," Spike grumbled. "Not exactly ideal for a bad ass vamp like myself."

"You’ll learn to live with it," Angel commented, attempting to hide the smirk at his childe’s behavior, but failing miserably.

"And I’ll help," Willow added, staring at Spike who returned her gaze. He squeezed her hand lightly, thanking her. Willow smiled before turning back to Angel. "So, do you think you can help us figure out what is going on? I mean, as much as I’m sure that Buffy could use the help with getting rid of the vamps and all, I’m thinking that this group is not of the good."

"I would have to agree with you," Angel said. Suddenly a crash was heard from the back of the room where Anya and Doyle had been standing, quietly talking to themselves. The four turned to see Anya huddled worriedly over a prone Doyle. Cordelia rushed over to him as Angel went to grab the bottle of whiskey that he knew Doyle would want once the vision had passed.

"What happened to him?" Anya asked worried about the man.

"Vision," Cordelia stated simply. Anya looked over at the brunette, surprised. She had heard of how the Powers That Be sometimes grant the gift of visions to mortals, but had never met one before. She had wanted to know some more, but stopped herself when she saw Doyle recovering from the pain.

"Here," Angel said, handing the half-demon the whiskey. Doyle took a deep gulp before looking up at the concerned faces surrounding him. "What did you see?"

"Commando boys. Here. With them was a blonde girl. Pretty tough looking if you ask me," Doyle explained. The five people from Sunnydale looked at each other as soon as Doyle said that a blonde girl was with them. All of them had the same thought, with only Spike speaking it aloud.

"Bloody hell, the slayer."
 

****

"Doyle, get the girls downstairs. Take them out by the tunnels," Angel shouted as Buffy entered the office of Angel Investigation, flanked by five men dressed in commando gear. Doyle recognized them from his vision.

"I’m not leaving you, Angel," Cordelia shouted as Doyle began pulling her toward the elevator. She broke free of Doyle’s grip and ran over to the souled vampire, grabbing his hand. "I’m not going anywhere without you."

Buffy looked over at Cordelia and Angel, trying to take in what she was seeing. She wasn’t happy. "Angel," she said coursely.

"Buffy," Angel replied, holding Cordelia closer to him. "What are you doing here? And who are these people?" Angel made a motion, sweeping over the commandos that had entered with her and who were holding some form of weapon on the group that had been in the office.

"We came here looking for Spike," Buffy explained, pointedly ignoring Cordelia’s hold on her ex-boyfriend. "He took Willow from the dorm last night and I thought you might be know where he would take her."

"He brought me here, Buffy, just like I asked him to," Willow replied, coming out of the shadows, her hand tightly holding Spike’s.

"Willow," Buffy breathed a sigh of relief at the sight of her best friend being okay. She ran over to the red head, pulling her into a tight hug, never noticing the reluctance of her best friend. "I was so worried about you when I saw Spike take off with you."

"Well, as you can see, I’m just fine," Willow told her as she finally broke the hug. She quickly placed her hand back in Spike’s cool grasp earning her a hard glare from the newcomers. Buffy saw this and the look on her face let Willow know that she wasn’t too happy about it.

"So I can see," Buffy spit out. "So I take it you let Spike take you. He didn’t kidnap you."

Willow nodded her head. "He helped me out when they broke in," Willow said pointing over to the commandos, noticing who the leader was. "Riley?"

"Hello Willow," Riley said coming over to stand behind Buffy. He had his gun pointed directly at Spike. "I take it your Hostile 17."

"The name is Spike, little boy," Spike growled out. Willow put squeezed his hand, calming him. "And I didn’t kidnap Red. I got her out of there when you and your lot came barging into her room. I didn’t like the idea of her getting hurt."

"You mean, by someone other than you," Buffy stated.

"I mean, by anyone, slayer," Spike replied, staring at Buffy, his face full of malice.

"Well, you didn’t have to worry about anything Spike. They weren’t interested in Willow. Only you," Buffy explained. "They don’t have any interest in a human."

"Oh, so that makes them kidnapping demons okay?" Anya asked, surprising Buffy who hadn’t seen her there. "I mean, as long as mortals are safe, who cares about demons."

"Exactly," Buffy replied, glad to see that at least someone saw the good that the Initiative was doing. She hadn’t been happy when she had discovered the secret life that Riley had been living, but considering everything that she had kept secret because of her being the Slayer, she understood. And the fact that they were actually helping her in taking out some the vampire population was an added benefit.

"And you felt the need to bring them here why?" Cordelia asked, angry that Buffy had brought soldiers that hunted demons to an office that belonged to a souled vampire and a half demon. She wasn’t exactly in a friendly mood.

"Because I thought Angel would know where Spike would have taken Willow and I was right,’ Buffy told her. "We just came here for Spike and Willow, then we’ll leave."

"You’re insane if you think that I’m going to go peacefully back to Sunnyhell with you and your soldier boys," Spike informed the blonde girl. "It’s not my idea of a good time to have some experiments done on me like I’m some kind of lab rat."

"Riley," Forrest called his commander, motioning for him to come over to him.

"What is it?"

"I’m getting some interesting readings here." Riley looked down at what Forrest was holding in his hand. Everyone else in the room watched as Riley’s expression turned from disbelief to astonishment. "What the hell?

"What’s wrong Riley?" Buffy asked.

"Buffy, we may have more trouble here then we thought," he told the girl that he was interested in. Buffy walked over to him to see what had rattled him so much.

"What are you talking about. We’ve got Spike and we outnumber him by a large margin. No trouble."

"Except for the fact that he isn’t the only hostile in the room," Riley pointed out. He looked over at Angel. "He’s reading as a vampire." He turned his attention to Doyle and Anya, "And those two aren’t entirely human either."

"Yeah, so," Buffy questioning, surprising the commandos with her lack of surprise over the revelation that there were more hostiles in the room than Spike.

"You knew?" Riley asked.

"Of course," Buffy stated nonchalantly. Angel was taking the oppurtunity given to him by the commandos and Buffy’s conversation to slowly make his way to the elevator, motioning for the others to do the same. No one noticed the movement.

"Then how can you be so calm about this?" Riley wondered, looking at the girl beside him. "And why didn’t you bother to mention that fact to Walsh when we were in debriefing?"

"I didn’t think it was that big of a deal,’ Buffy shrugged. "I only knew about Angel being a vampire. He’s Spike’s, Hostile 17’s, sire. But he’s a good guy."

"No vampires are good guys," Riley pointed out. "They’re eveil bloodsucking fiends."

"Not Angel," Buffy explained. "He’s got his soul and he fights the bad guys now." Riley signaled that he understood that, so Buffy explained about Anya and Doyle. "Anya is human now, but she used to be a vengeance demon. She lost her powers. And the other guy, I’m guessing is Doyle. He’s only half demon. At least, if I remember right. I never meet him before. And I wasn’t exactly expecting Anya and Doyle to be here when we arrived. I mean, Angel used to be one of those people that hated company. Always a loner."

"Well, we’ll have to take them all in with us," Buffy was about to protest this when she was silenced by Riley raising his hand. "Orders. All hostiles, whether good or bad, have to be taken to the lab."

Buffy didn’t like what Riley was saying, although she knew that he was right. She also knew that there was no way that they were going to let Cordelia and Willow go because of the fact that they were apparently so close to the two vampires and Buffy was curious as to why. She knew that there was no way that Willow would willingly leave with Spike but yet she hadn’t missed the fact that the two were holding hands. Nor had she missed the by play between Angel and Cordelia, but Buffy was sure that Angel was still in love with him. Why would he and Cordelia be so close. Buffy understood that the only way she was going to get any answers was if everyone came back with them to Sunnydale. SHe knew that the odds were good, though, that once Angel and the others were captured, that they wouldn’t be let go but she was willing to take the risk.

"Fine, then, let’s get this over with." Buffy told Riley, turning back to where Angel and Cordelia had been standing. SHe was surprised to see them no longer there, and then she heard the elevator. Buffy and the commandos rushed over just in time to see the six people in question falling out of sight.

Graham found the stairs that led down to Angel’s apartment and the commandos ran downstairs, hoping to catch up with the three escaping couples. They entered Angel’s apartment and found it vacant. The fours hostiles and two mortals had escaped, leaving behind five confused commandos and one very pissed slayer.

*****

Part 4

"That was too close for comfort if you ask me," Cordelia said. Cordelia, Angel and the others were jammed into Spike’s car, heading away from Angel Investigations and Buffy’s group of commandos. The six people had escaped through the tunnels and into the garage housing Spike’s car. They had no idea where they were going, but just knew that they needed to get away as quickly as possible.

"I can’t believe that she actually brought those people with her," Willow said. "I mean, if those people capture vampires and demons, why bring them to Angel?"

"Because she’s a complete and utter ditz," Spike muttered from the driver’s seat. "What more did you expect from her? Her to make sense and think things through? That’s why she has her watcher. He does her thinking for her."

"Giles," Willow exclaimed. "Maybe he knows something about those guys and why Buffy was with them. Besides, I want to let him know that we’re okay and what happened."

"Here, you can use this," Cordelia offered Willow her cell phone.

"Thanks," Willow quickly punched in the number to the former librarian. She heard it picked up on the first ring.

"Hello."

"Giles, it’s me Willow."

"Willow, thank god," Giles relieved voice was heard saying. At the mention of her name, Willow could hear Xander in the background demanding to speak with her. "We heard that Spike kidnapped you again. Did you escape?"

"Well, not exactly. It’s a long story. And it doesn’t involve kidnapping of any kind."

"What are you talking about? Did you go with Spike voluntarily?" Giles asked, confused by Willow’s statement.

"Spike had come to the dorms last night to kill me, but something stopped him," Willow explained. "Giles, what do you know about the commandos going around and capturing vampires and demons."

"Not much, really. I just found out about them last night when Buffy told us about what had happened when she went back to your room."

"They did something, Giles. They did something to Spike," Willow’s voice had a worried tone to it. "He can’t hurt people. At all. Not even hitting them."

"I see," Giles said, taking in the information that Willow was giving him. He had been intrigued with the group of people that had come to his home the night before looking for Willow. The fact that their job helped his slayer boosted their image in his eyes. "Where are you now, Willow?"

"On the PCH heading out of LA. Buffy and her friends came to Angel’s office. Needless to say they were a bit surprised to see, not only Spike, but another vampire, a half demon and a former vengeance demon in the office also."

"Former vengeance demon," Giles exclaimed. "Anya’s with you?"

"Yes. She watched as those soldier guys took down one of her friends. She decided that maybe Sunnydale wasn’t exactly conducive to a healthy living."

"I can see where she might make that assumption," Giles replied. "SO what happened when the Initiative arrived at Angel’s?"

"Initiative?"

"Yes, that’s what they are called," Giles explained. "They are a government agency that specializes in capturing and examining demons and vampires. They have apparently been doing so in Sunnydale for about three years."

"And yet we never heard of them. Go figure. Well, anyway, they came barging into Angel’s office looking for Spike. Then, when they discovered the stuff about Angel, Doyle and Anya, they decided that they had to take them too. And me and Cordelia for good measure, since we were there willingly."

"And how did Buffy react to that?"

"She was going to let them," Willow said, hurt at her friend’s betrayal. "She didn’t have a problem with them taking all of us, Giles. Not even Angel."

Giles was surprised at his Slayer’s seeming lack of concern over her friends’ well-being. He understood why she wouldn’t have a problem with them doing anything to Spike, but to include Willow and the others was beyond him.

"We had to get out of there, and we did. I just wanted to let you know that me and Anya were okay. Didn’t want you or Xander to worry."

"Thank you Willow. Where are you going to go?"

"We don’t know. I don’t think it would be a good idea to come back to Sunnydale, not with those Initiative guys looking for us. And LA is now off limits too."

"Well, you will let me know as soon as you decide something won’t you?"

"Yes, Giles. I promise."

"Good. Give everyone my best."

"I will. And thank you Giles," Willow said before disconnecting the phone. She handed it back to Cordelia. "Thanks. And Giles send everyone his best."

"So what did he say?" Anya asked, anxious about the people that were now chasing them.

"They’re some kind of government agency known as the Initiative. Apparently, they capture vampires and such, and then do experiments on them."

"Bloody hell," Spike swore, thinking about what might have been done to him while he was unconscious.

"Giles didn’t know much more about them other than that. I’m guessing that they didn’t have time to get into all the little details, other than the fact that they have been in Sunnydale for a long time." Willow frowned as she thought about everything that had happened in the past four years and realized that, if the Initiative had truly been around that long, that Angel could have been captured.

"My god," Cordelia breathed in sharply, the same realization coming to her, "they could have captured you when you were still in Sunnydale."

"But they didn’t," Angel said, holding the brunette close to him. "I’m fine and we’re going to be okay." Willow smiled at the couple.

"Okay, all. Hate to break up this little love fest, but do we have any idea of where we are going to head."

"I’m thinking out of California might be a good idea," Doyle volunteered. Everyone in the car agreed with that statement.

"Any ideas as to where?" Willow asked.

"Ummm, Cordelia, can I use your phone?" Anya asked.

"Sure," Cordelia handed the girl her phone. "Why?"

"I’m going to call in a marker from an old acquaintance," Anya smiled as she thought of the man she was about to speak to. She grabbed her purse, finding her address book and quickly dialed the number in that she wanted.

"Dojo," an accented voice answered.

"Hello, MacLeod, long time no speak."

"What the hell?" The man on the other end yelled. "Anyanaka?"

"That would be me," she cheerfully quipped. "How ya been Duncan?"

"Well, I was doing pretty good until this call. What do you want?"

"I’m calling in that favor," Anya said. She heard the other man swear over the line and smiled. ‘Now now now, that is no way to behave when speaking to a teenager," she teased as the other people in the car laughed at the tone she was using.

"Teenager my ass. You’re older than I am."

"Well, not anymore and that’s why I need your help," Anya said, losing her joking manner. "Some friends and I are in major trouble and we need a place to hide out for a bit. Figured you and Methos might be willing to pay up on your debts."

"What debt does Methos owe you?" Duncan asked, wondering why the vengeance demon was coming to him for help instead of taking care of whatever the problem is herself. Not to mention, what might have happened that caused Methos to owe her a favor.

"That’s for him to tell you if he wants. Or me, if you give me enough liquor," Anya laughed again.

"So will you help us?"

"Will this make us even?"

"Yup," Anya answered, knowing already what the answer was going to be.

"Fine. When can I expect you?"

"In a day or so. Thanks Duncan."

"Yeah, just so long as this makes us even and afterwards, I don’t have to hear from you again."

"You love me and you know it," Anya teased before hanging up the phone.

"Old friend, I take it," Doyle asked, enjoying the feeling of having Anya in his lap.

"You could say that. Helped him out once and I’m just calling in the favor."

"So where are we headed then pet?"

"Seacover Washington."

****

Part 5

"Hello," Anya called as the three couples entered the empty dojo. They had just arrived in Seacover and had headed right over to MacLeod's, wanting nothing more than a shower and some sleep. Maybe some food but that wasn't as high up on the scale as the first two. Anya led the way into the darkened gym, looking around for the immortal owner wondering exactly how harsh his reception would be. "Mac," she called again.

"Well, well, well, Anyanka, I was hoping I would never have to see you again," a voice called out. They could hear the Scottish accent in it and wondered again what exactly Anya did to have the owner of the voice in her debt. "And, yet, here you are on my doorstep asking for help."

Anya shrugged her shoulders. "What can I say, times change. Did you get in touch with Methos?"

"Yes, he'll be here shortly," the man said as he finally entered the dojo, turning on the overhead lights as he did so, temporally blinding the occupants. Once their vision was cleared they were surprised to see a man who appeared to be in his mid thirties with longish brown hair in front of them, holding a sword of all things. Spike and Angel pulled Willow and Cordelia tighter against them in case the man did anything that even looked like an attack. Anya just smiled at him.

"Relax, Duncan, I already told you that I'm not here to cause you any trouble. I just need your help," Anya told him. "Nothing more."

Duncan finally looked away from Anya and took in the other five people that were with her. "Who are your friends?" Anya turned to face the people that she arrived with.

"Well, that's Angel and his girlfriend Cordelia. Willow and Spike, possible love connection going there, which is very interesting. And this is Doyle, just met him the other night. He works with Angel and Cordelia back in LA," Anya finished. Duncan looked over the group of people standing in his dojo and wondered what he had gotten himself into. There was something about this particular group of people that sent his senses on overload. Something telling him that they weren't your average group of humans and it wasn't that they were friends of Anya's.

"Why do you need my help, Anyanka? Why don't you just take care of whatever problem you have?" Duncan turned his attention back to the girl in front of him. He watched as she fidgeted before giving him an answer.

"Ummm, well, I don't have my powers anymore."

"What?" The six people turned quickly when the voice screamed from behind. "What are you talking about?"

"You," Angel whispered as he looked at the new arrival. Cordelia looked over at her boyfriend and saw recognition in his eyes.

"Angel, do you know him?" Angel nodded his head as the new arrival glanced over at him, his eyes growing cold as he saw who was standing in the shadows.

"Angelus," the man hissed.

"Patrick," Angel growled back, "I thought you were dead."

"Yes, well, despite your best attempts, I am still alive and more than happy to continue our last fight."

"Methos you know him?" Duncan asked, wondering what the hell Anyanka had gotten him into.

"Bastard killed me about a hundred years ago back in London," Methos replied, his eyes never leaving Angel.

"And yet here you are alive," Willow said, silently asking the question as to how.

"He's immortal," Anya supplied. "But I didn't know that you knew Angel. Damn Fang, you took down Methos, I am impressed, even if you didn't have a soul at the time."

"What do you mean immortal?" Cordelia asked, moving to put herself between the two men. She didn't know what was going on but she wasn't willing to risk anything or anyone hurting the man she loved.

"I thought they were only a legend," Spike muttered.

"Yeah, well, most people think that vampires are a legend too," Methos spit out. He removed his sword from his jacket, raising it threatingly at Angel.

"Bloody hell," Spike swore as he, Anya and Willow all joined Cordelia in separating the two men. Duncan just looked on in confusion. He shook his head. "Peaches, you never could just kill your victims could you?"

"Spike," Angel growled. He was grateful for the way his friends were trying to protect him but he didn't want any of them to get hurt due to him. He gently started pushing them out of the way. "This is between Patrick and I."

"I go by Adam now," Methos told him. "What are you doing here, Angelus?"

"I go by Angel now," the souled vampire informed him. "Have for over eighty years."

"Tell me now why I shouldn't kill you considering how well our last meeting went," Methos glared at the dark haired man in front of him.

"Because he isn't the same person he was a hundred years ago," Cordelia offered, worried about Angel. "He has his soul now. Has for over eighty years." Methos looked at the other people with Angel who all nodded their heads. He saw the disgust on the blonde man face as he confirmed the information.

"And that should stop me from killing him why?"

"Because if you kill him, I will kill you," Cordelia said with a coldness that scared the people who knew her.

"And you are?"

"Cordelia Chase. His girlfriend," she said proudly, taking Angel's hand in hers. Methos took this in and decided that maybe it wouldn't be worth the trouble that he would be in if he attacked the vampire. Finally he turned to face the girl that had caused him to be there.

"Anyanka," he said formally. "It has been too long."

Six hundred or so years," the girl grinned. "Give or take a century. How have you been, Adam?" She emphasized his new name.

"Been better, been worse, depends on what trouble the boy scout has gotten me in," Methos laughed as he went and hugged the former demon. "So are the stories true? Are you really a mortal now?"

"Yup, have been for over a year now," Anya said, returning the hug. "All because of that one over there too." Anya pointed over at Cordelia who looked down at something on the floor. "Made a wish, granted it, had a bit of a problem and lost my powers."

"Wait a minute, Methos you're actually glad to see Anyanka?" Duncan asked in disbelief. His dealings with the vengeance demon had left him with nothing but a major bad taste in his mouth and he didn't understand how Methos could be happy t o see her.

"Sure. I mean, it's not like she's done anything any worse that I have in my past," Anya snorted.

"I don't think that's even possible and I go by Anya now. I mean, you and Angel can't be the only ones who get to change names," Anya laughed.

"So, what is this trouble you're in? MacLeod said something about you needing a place to hide out for awhile."

"Yeah, it's a long story and we're kind of tired. Can we please go somewhere where we can sit down?" Anya asked. That's when Duncan and Methos both noticed how weary all of the visitors were.

"Come on upstairs to the loft. You can get comfortable up there," Duncan offered, suddenly curious as to what brought Anya and her rather unusual group of friends to him for help.

"Thanks Duncan," Anya replied. She took Doyle's hand and the eight people went up to Duncan's loft. When they entered, Willow and Cordelia oohed and aahed over many of Duncan's antiques.

"Wow, this place is great," Cordelia commented, before turning back to face Methos. "So, if you're an immortal how old are you exactly."

"Much older than I look," Methos answered cryptically. Cordelia just raised her eyebrow and Methos found himself looking at a woman who does not take no for an answer. He shrugged his shoulders. "Not sure really. Lost count after I turned five thousand."

"Five thousand," Willow exclaimed, falling back into the couch. Spike quickly joined her, pulling her petite form against his body. "Wow and I though Anya was old." When Anya shot the red head a look, Willow began to babble. "But I mean, she looks good for someone over a thousand years old. I mean, considering she just graduated high school with us and if she had her powers I would be a vampire somewhere and I tend to babble a lot when I'm nervous and I'll shut up now." Everyone grinned at the excited witch, Spike taking her chin in his hand and giving her a little kiss.

"It's all right, luv, we know what you meant." Willow smiled at him.

"So, tell me, what exactly are we hiding you from?" Duncan said, trying to get back to the topic of conversation.

"A group of wannabe demon hunters. They captured Spike the other night. He escaped, went to Willow's room because he knew her from the last time he was in Sunnydale." Anya saw Methos stiffen at the mention of Sunnydale. "Methos?"

"You live on the Hellmouth?" He questioned.

"Yeah, that's where I've been since I've been mortal. Cordelia and Willow both grew up there. How do you know about it?"

"I've been around," he answered. "These demon hunters, were they dressed like commandos." He watched as the six people all nodded their heads. "Damn."

"Methos, what is it?" Duncan asked warily. He had never seen the older immortal this upset over something.

"The Initiative. They aren't just demon hunters. They hunt immortals also. They're the ones that have Amanda and Richie."
 

~~~~~
Part 6

"What do you mean, have Ritchie and Amanda?" Duncan demanded after Methos told him what he had learned. "Ritchie is on his road trip and Amanda is supposed to be off somewhere in Europe last I heard."

"Well, they got Ritchie, from what I understand, in Sunnydale. Supposedly someone saw him and Frances Marx fighting. He was captured while he was recovering from the Quickening. That was almost a week ago?"

"What about Amanda?"

"Picked up three days ago in Pari. Don't know how they got her or how they knew about her. She arrived in Sunnydale last night. Her watcher got lucky in tracking them. He got a funny feeling about those guys and contacted Joe. He knew that Joe would take the information right to you."

"If they've had Ritchie for so long, not to mention Amanda, why are you telling me this just now?" Duncan demanded, angry and upset at the thought that his sometime girlfriend and his protegee were in danger and that he hadn't even been told by those he trusted.

"I just found out about it myself," Methos replied. He could see the way Duncan was trying to control his anger and felt bad for his friend. He knew that the news he had just receive would not be taken well and that there would be no way that the Scot would his friends to stay captured for long. "Ritchie's watcher didn't want it known that he lost his charge. He only admitted it once it was known about Amanda. Said it sounded like the same people. Joe told me as soon as he found out. I came right here to tell you. Figured that Anyanka would be able to help us, even if she was mortal."

"Wait a minute," Anya interrupted, "we just escaped from those guys and now you want me to go back. I don't think so."

"If you want our help, you will," Duncan informed her.

"Give me one good reason why I should," Anya demanded.

"Because Amanda made sure you had a little necklace returned to you about two hundred and fifty years ago," Duncan stated, effectively ending whatever argument Anya was going to attempt to mount. She fell back against Doyle, who wrapped his arms around her. "So what can you tell us about these guys?"

"Not much," Willow answered from her spot beside Spike. "Our friend Giles didn't know all that much. Only that they were some kind of government agency that specialized in capturing and examining demons. He didn't know exactly what that meant and we didn't exactly stick around to ask them when they broke into Angel's office. We were a bit more concerned with escaping then in getting answers, especially since they decided they wanted to take us all back to Sunnydale."

"Why all of you?" Methos questioned. "I understand Anyanka and Angelus, but what about the rest of you?" Willow looked around at the others, who nodded their heads showing that it was okay for her to tell the two immortals about their guests.

"Okay, here's the deal," Willow began, "you know about Anya being a former demon. Not to mention angel being a vampire. Well, Spike's a vampire also. In fact, Angel is his sire." Duncan and Methos looked between the two distinctly different vampires, both remembering the tension between the two, even when Spike was defending Angel. In the dojo. "It's a long story, " Willow continued. "Doyle over there is a Brakken demon. Well, half anyway. And he also has the honor of being graced with very painful visions by the Powers That Be."

"What about you and her?" Duncan asked, pointing towards Cordelia, who was sitting on Angel's lap. Willow blushed slightly.

"Well, I'm kinda a witch," she replied.

"And I'm just a girlfriend. Nothing demony about me," Cordelia answered, a little put off that she was the only truly mortal person in the room.

"Unless she's shopping and then look out," Angel teased, squeezing her waist, "nothing like my Queen C on the loose with a gold card,. Especially when its mine." Everyone in the room laughed, including Cordelia.

"How did they find you at Angel's?"

"That would be because of Buffy." As she saw Methos and Duncan's confused stares, Willow explained. "My now ex best friend, Angel's former girlfriend and the present slayer."

"Wait a minute," Methos exclaimed, "you dated a Slayer?" Angel nodded his head.

"Not one of my prouder moments," he stated. "It cost me a lot and it still is."

"What do you mean?"

"Remember me telling you downstairs about my soul?" Methos nodded his head. "Apparently there was a clause that the gypsies never bothered telling anyone about. If I was to ever find even just one moment of true happiness, where the guilt of what I had done no longer bothered me, than I would once again lose my soul. That one moment happened with Buffy and Angelus was let loose to terrorize Sunnydale in general and Buffy's friends in particular. And terrorize them I did."

"No, not you," Cordelia protested, taking up the argument that she and Willow often had with the dark vampire. "Angelus. Someone who is never coming back." Angel smiled at his lover. "Get it through that thick skull of yours that the two of you are completely different."

"I will, eventually. Thanks." Angel faced the two immortals again. "Anyway, while Angelus was loose, he decided to open a portal to hell be reawakening the demon, Acathla. Luckily, between Buffy and Willow, that didn't happen. Willow restored my soul while Buffy and I were fighting, effectively ending the fight, but not soon enough. Buffy had to send me to hell to close the portal." The two immortals gasped at just the thought of someone going to hell. Sure, Methos was pretty sure that he was going there, when and if someone ever got lucky enough to take his head. His being a member of the Four Horsemen almost assured him of that, but to actually be in the same room as someone that had survived hell was something that he wasn't prepared for.

"How did you get back?" Angel shrugged his shoulders.

"Don't really know. I tried to figure it out when I first got back, but I've stopped wondering at this point. It doesn't seem that important anymore. I just know that I've been given a second chance at life, and, "looking up at Cordelia, "love by the Powers That Be and I don't intend to waste a minute of it. I want to enjoy it." Duncan took in the affection that was between Cordelia and Angel, recognizing it for what it was.

"IF the curse doesn't allow you a moment of happiness, how is it that you and Cordelia are lovers?" The two people in question stared at Duncan, surprised at his observation. "It's obvious with every touch and look between the two of you. A closeness that says you know each other completely." Angel and Cordelia were embarrassed by MacLoed's statement and Cordelia answered for the two of them.

"The PTB's at work again. They wanted to reward Angel for all the good he's been doing as he tried to make up for what Angelus did. They made his soul permanent. That way Angelus can never return and Angel can live a semi-normal life."

"What about Buffy? If you were all so close, why won't she help you? Why is she helping the other people?" Duncan asked. To him, friendship included loyalty, no matter what.

"Bloody chit, chose her new boy toy over her best friend and the love of her life," Spike growled. "She's the one that brought the damn commandos to Peaches' in the first place. Even said that they could take everyone in the office, including Red here." Spike fought to keep his demon at bay at the mere thought of Willow in the hands of the bastards that had captured him. "For that, she pays."

"In that case, I'd say its time to make some plans to get our friends out and shut those people down," Duncan said. The other seven in the room agreed. "Then let's get planning."

~~~~

"Pet, are you okay?"

"Spike, what's going to happen?" Spike had gone looking for Willow after she had disappeared while they were planning their attack on the Initiative compound. He had become worried by how silent she had been after explaining what had happened to Spike to Duncan and Methos. It wasn't like her to be quiet and he didn't like seeing her like that. When he had finally found her on the fire escape outside of the dojo, sitting in the dark, he cursed under his breath, vowing to make the Slayer pay for hurting her.

"I don't know," he replied honestly. "I won't let them hurt you, though. I promise you that." Spike sat down beside the petite red head and wrapped his arm around her shoulder. Willow moved closer to him and he breathed in the smell that could only be described as Willow.

"Let me guess, you want to be the one that hurts me right?" Willow teased, drawing a chuckle from the vampire.

"Bloody right about that one," he answered back, before becoming serious again. "Actually, I don't think I could hurt you even if I wanted to, which I don't. Something's changed."

What?" Willow asked, tilting her head to look up at Spike.

"You." At the red head's confused look, Spike continued. "I saw it last year when I had you and the moron in that warehouse. You stood up to me. You were afraid and yet you still stood up to me. And the other night, in your room, you offered to let me try and bite you again after we discovered that I couldn't. Not to mention helping me when those damn commandos broke in. You have this inner fire that just seems to call to me. I can't get you out of my head."

"Is that a good thing?" Spike cupped Willow's cheek with his hand.

"A very good thing," he assured her. "I meant it when I said that I had noticed you before. And I wasn't lying when I said that I would turn in if I could. I think you and I would be great together. You are everything that I have ever wanted in a woman and then some." Willow actually found herself smiling at Spike's words. She had always harbored a secret crush on the blonde, even though he was a soulless, bloodsucking demon. His love and devotion to the insane vampire Drusilla had given her a sense of the gentleness and compassion that had gone along with the viciousness. It was obvious how much he could care for someone, even teaming up with Buffy to stop Angelus because he wanted his dark princess back. It was that same soft side that he was showing her right now.

"I think we would be good together also, but what about Drusilla?" Willow questioned, wanting to know how Spike felt about the vampiress.

"What about her?" He asked, surprised that Willow hadn't been completely turned off by the idea of him turning her.

"What would you do if she came back?" Willow continued. "I mean, would you go running back to her? Would you want her and I to share you? What?" Spike was confused by Willow's questions. ‘She sounds like she's afraid I would leave her.' Then it hit him. ‘Red's jealous. She has feelings for me.' Spike's face broke into a huge grin at the thought of the hacker caring for him.

"Pet, if Dru decided to ever come back, I can promise you that it wouldn't affect the way I feel about you." When Willow went to protest, Spike silenced her by placing his finger on her lips. "No, I wouldn't go back to her, or want the two of you to share me. I'm a one woman vampire and you are the woman that I want."

"Really?"

"Really." With that, Spike leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on Willow's mouth. He pulled back slightly, afraid that he might have pushed too far, too fast. Willow wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him to her and chased those thoughts away. Their lips met again, this time much harder and needier. Spike ran his tongue along Willow's lips, encouraging her to open her mouth to him and when she did so, he plundered her mouth with his tongue. Their tongues battled for control, neither losing. Spike pulled Willow closer, one hand on her back, the other running through her hair and still she wasn't close enough. When Willow finally had to break the kiss in order to get some much needed oxygen into her lungs, Spike started placing kisses all over her face and up and down her exposed throat. She leaned her head back, resting it on the step behind her, giving Spike better access to her throat which he took full advantage of. Willow moaned as he gently nipped at her throat, their hands busy exploring the other's body. All of their pent up emotions, the ones that they had been bottling up for months, came flowing out as their bodies demanded more and more contact.

Spike pulled Willow on top of him so that she was straddling his legs, his hands finding their way under the short skirt that she was wearing and pushed her against his straining erection, both people moaning at the contact and needing more. Willow and Spike kissed hungrily as she removed his duster and then his shirt, baring his chest to her nimble fingers. Her mouth left his and she placed a trail of wet kisses down his throat. She bit his Adam's apple, causing Spike to growl and thrust up into her crotch. He could feel her warmth through the fabric that separate them and it was driving him crazy.

"Red," he moaned, taking her hips into his hands and thrusting up into her.

"Goddess, Spike," she breathed heavily, throwing her head back. Spike looked up at her, thinking that she looking like a goddess, and he needed to see more. He lifted off the shirt that she wearing to reveal a pink lace bra. He could see her erect nipples through the sheer fabric and brought his mouth to one of the buds, taking it into his mouth and rolling it with his tongue. His hand found its way to the nest of curls that lay under Willow's panties and Spike ran his finger over her clit, causing Willow to shudder. Spike couldn't believe how wet she was. He ripped the confining undergarment from Willow's body and thrust a finger into her tight hole.

"Spike," she moaned as the blonde began to pump, first one and then two digits deep inside of her. Her body felt like it was on fire. She didn't know anything could feel like this. Spike's mouth moved to her other nipple and repeated his previous actions as Willow began to rise and fall in the same rythmn as Spike's fingers. He couldn't believe how tight she was or how passionate. In all his years, he had never had a woman react like this and it made him want to truly claim Willow as his. All he wanted was to be buried inside of her. He felt her inner walls begin to convulse as her orgasm overtook her. He continued to pump her with his fingers as she rode out her orgasm. His mouth left her breast and reclaimed hers.

"Red," he groaned, his own need overtaking him. "I need you."

"Goddess, yes, Spike," Willow whispered, her breath coming in spurts as her hands fumbled for Spike's zipper, finally freeing his bulging erection.

"Are you sure, Red?" The blonde asked, wanting to make sure that Willow truly did want him.

"Make me yours Spike," she told him. That was all he needed to hear. Spike pulled her toward him, kissing her deeply at the same time positioning her so that he could enter her. When Willow felt Spike's cock at her entrance, Willow knew that what was happening was right and then she stopped thinking all together as Spike thrust into her.

"Oh Red," Spike moaned as he felt Willow's sleek, tight walls engulf his length. "Willow."

"Spike, please," Willow begged. Spike used his hands to raise and lower Willow over him. He knew that it wouldn't be long. He could already feel his balls tightening. His fingers found Willow's engorged clit and rubbed it, again causing her to scream his name, before burying her face in his neck and biting down on his throat. That was all it took for Spike. His game face emerged as he felt his own orgasm overtaking him. Willow bared her neck to him, silently giving him permission. Spike sank his fangs into the bared flesh, gently suckling at the sweet blood that flowed under the skin at the same time as he came, filling Willow with his cold seed. Spike withdrew his fangs from Willow's neck, his human features returning as he gently licked at the trickle of blood that still seeped from her neck.

"Mine," he purred.

"Yours," Willow agreed. "Mine."

"Yours." Spike held Willow close, both reveling in the other person's love.

Spike and Willow arrived back at Duncan's apartment, holding hands and grinning, only to find everyone but Angel and Cordelia gone. The couple were sitting on the couch, engrossed in, what appeared to be a very deep discussion. Neither person turned to face the new arrivals until Spike cleared his throat, drawing their attention.

"I was wondering if the two of you were ever going to come back in," Angel said. "I was beginning to think that you were just going to stay out on the fire escape all night." Cordelia and Angel grinned as they saw the blush that began to crawl up Willow's face. Spike, for his part, had an amused expression on his own face as he realized that his sire and his girlfriend knew exactly what had transpired between himself and the young hacker. "Spike, why don't you and I leave the girls to talk while we go and get something to eat."

"Can you get us something to eat too, sweetie?" Cordelia asked. "You know what I like."

"That I do," Angel replied, giving Cordelia a kiss. He stood up and walked over to where his childe and Willow were still standing. "Come on Spike."

"I'm not going anywhere with you," Spike stated, knowing that, once alone, Angel would probably give the younger vampire a lecture about his relationship with Willow. That is, if Angel didn't stake him first. Angel grabbed Spike by his collar and forcibly moved him towards the elevator.

"We won't be long." With that said, the two vampires were gone. Willow looked towards where the vampires had disappeared to, a worried expression on her face.

"Don't worry," Cordelia told her. "Angel won't hurt him. Much." Cordelia signaled for the red head to join her on the couch. "So.....?"

"So what?"

"So you and Spike are together. Gotta say, I didn't see that one coming, but then again, I didn't see me and Angel hooking up either so I guess I shouldn't be all that surprised. I mean, I know you had a crush on him last year." Cordelia's face broke into a huge grin. "So, on the fire escape, huh" Quite the little exhibitionist aren't you?" Willow's previous blush grew redder and she looked down at the floor.

"Ummmm, well, how did you know?"

"Hey, sometime having vampiric hearing can be a burden." Willow's head shot up.

"You mean Angel heard?" Cordelia nodded her head. "Okay, I think I'll just go somewhere to die now. Does everyone know?" The brunette shook her head to the relief of Willow.

"Just Angel, me and Anya," she answered. "Although that may change considering how much that girl likes to talk about sex."

"How did Anya find out?"

"She was looking out the window and saw you." Willow groaned. She still couldn't believe that she and Spike had actually had sex on the fire escape and now, finding out that they had been seen and heard by their friends, she was completely mortified.

"So what's the real reason Angel forced Spike to go out with him?" Willow wanted to know, suddenly afraid of what might happen between the two vampires. "He's not going to hurt hm is he?" Cordelia laughed.

"Only if Spike gives him the wrong answers." Willow looked at the former cheerleader, confused.

"What do you mean, gives him the wrong answers? What are the questions going to be?"

"Oh you know, the usual kind of thing," Cordelia stated. "How does Spike feel about you? What are his intentions towards you? Does he plan to turn you? Pretty much the standard questions any concerned father might ask. Plus a threat or two to make sure that Spike doesn't hurt you, just for good measure of course. Nothing major."

""So Angel's okay with this?" Cordelia nodded her head.

"Yup, you have nothing to worry about," Cordelia reassured the witch. "Except keeping up your strength. IF Spike's anything like his sire, you're going to need it." Willow's blush came back full force as she realized exactly what Cordelia meant by her comment.

"How often?" She managed to say.

"As often as possible and then some." Both girls broke into giggles. "Trust me, you'll be getting plenty of exercise, if you know what I mean."

"I have a pretty good idea. Goddess what I have gotten myself into?"

~~~~~

"One very interesting family." Angel and a grumbling Spike were walking along the streets of Seacouver. Little had been said between the two vampires since leaving the loft, both waiting for the other to start.. They had gotten themselves something to eat from the local supermarket, Spike bitching about having to drink animal's blood. He had tried to go after a homeless man, when Angel's back had been turned, only to discover that the implant in his head was still working, despite having been able to feed off of Willow earlier. Finally, when Spike couldn't take his sire's silence any longer, he decided to speak.

"Okay, Peaches, is this where you lecture me about getting myself involved with Red, because I know you have a good idea of what happened between the two of us," Spike said.

"No lecture Spike," Angel replied. "Why bother when I already know that you wouldn't listen to a word I say. You're too bullheaded."

"Then why drag me away from her?"

"I just though we should talk." Spike looked at the older vampire.

"About what?" The blonde asked, a bit on the wary side.

"About what you plan on doing with Willow." Spike's face broke into a huge grin as he though of exactly what he would like to do with the petite red head. Angel saw it and smacked him upside his head.

"Hey," Spike yelled. "What the bloody hell was that for?"

"As much as I know it enjoys living there, get your mind out of the gutter Spike," Angel ordered. "That isn't what I meant and you know it. What do you want with Willow. She isn't your usual type. The major difference being she's alive. Do you plan on keeping her that way or do you plan on turning her?" Spike shrugged his shoulders.

"Originally I wanted to turn her. I think she'll make one hell of a vampire." Angel was reminded of the vampire Willow that he had seen the year before and had to admit that Spike was right. Willow would make a beautiful vampire. But, she would also make a very deadly one and he didn't know if he like that.

"You said originally."

"Yeah, but now, I don't know. Something's changed Peaches. As hard as it is to believe, I've fallen in love with the chit," the blonde explained. "She's got this innocence that surrounds her, even after everything that she's seen and been through and I don't want to see that extinguished. On most people, it would as annoying as hell but on her, it is extremely attractive. It's what makes her Willow. So, to answer your question, no I have no plans to turn her, unless she asks. And then, only if we can find a way to curse her with her soul, only permanently. Happy?" Angel nodded his head, glad that Spike cared that much for Willow. He could hear how much the blonde cared for the witch in his voice and was happy that Spike had gotten over the hurt he had felt over Drusilla's abadonedment.

"What about Drusilla?" Angel inquired. Spike shrugged his shoulders.

"What about her? Dru's in Brazil."

"And if she came back?" The dark vampire prodded.

"If she came back then nothing," Spike answered. "Like I told Willow, Red's the one I want to be with. Dru's the past. There will always be a part of me that cares for her, but Red is who I belong with now."

"Good. I only have one more thing and then end of lecture." Angel stopped and looked at his childe. "If you even think of hurting Willow, no matter the reason, I will kill you myself. Understand?"

"Understood."

"Fine, now let's get the girls something to eat and get back to the loft. I don't like the idea of them being alone together," Angel said.

"Afraid something might happen to them?"

"No. That they'll start comparing notes."

~~~~~~~~
Part 9

"Okay, is it safe to come in or do you want us to wait a little longer?" Anya teased, as she and the others entered Duncan's loft.

"Kiss off, Anya," Willow muttered from the sofa where she was curled up beside Spike.

"No prob," Anya replied, drawing Doyle to her and giving him a deep kiss. Cordelia, Angel, Willow and Spike all stared at the couple, who didn't stop kissing until it became necessary to breathe. "Is that what you had in mind?" Anya asked, never breaking off eye contact with the half demon.

"Not really, but whatever works," Willow shrugged. "So when did this happen?"

"What can I say," Anya said, "I know what I like and I go after it."

"And it gets her in more trouble than it can be worth," Methos added, earning a glare from the former demon. "Hey, you've had more than your share of fun at my expense, its only fair that I get to return the favor sometimes." Anya's glare turned into a grin at the truth of the statement.

"In that case, I better be careful," she threw back playfully. "You've got a few centuries of catching up to do." This time it was Methos' turn to smile as Anya turned her attention back to the four people that had stayed behind. "Well, now that all the loving thing is done with, do you want to know what we came up with to rescue Duncan's friends?"

"What did you guys think of?" Angel asked, glad for a change of subject.

"Well, we figured that Willow, being the computer guru that she is, should be able to hack into the Initiative's systems," Anya explained. "You know, do that whole hacking thing, finding out what their weaknesses are, how many men there are and, hopefully, where they are holding Ritchie and Amanda."

"I can do that, but where will I get the computer?" Willow said, glad to finally be doing something that she was good at.

"I have one at my home," Methos replied. "State of the art, complete with cable hook-up. Comes in handy when you're hiding your tracks so you should have no problem in using it to hack into their systems." Methos sent a flirtatious grin at the young red head, causing Spike to growl and pull her closer to him. Methos just laughed at the possessiveness of the blonde vampire. "Calm down, Blondie. I'm not stupid enough to go after a master vampire's mate. I can think of easier ways of dying. But, I'm Immortal, not dead and you have to admit, you can't help but look at your young lady friend."

"Just make sure that's all you do," Spike growled. Willow's heart sped up as she listened to Spike threaten someone for just looking at her. She had never had someone react that way to her and it made her feel glad. Here she was little Willow Rosenberg, involved with a master vampire and hanging out with Immortals. Nope, definitely not a usual life.

"Well, what do we do then?" Cordelia questioned, trying to get the conversation away from the blushing Willow and back to the subject at hand. "I mean, its not like we can go blazing with guns drawn, is it." When she saw Methos, Duncan, Anya and Doyle looking at each other, the realization that that's exactly what they had planned dawned on her. "No way, that's your plan."

"Not all of it," Duncan stated. "At least, not all of it. We've only been able to come up with a preliminary plan. We'll finalize it once we have a better idea of what we're up against."

"What are we going to do about Buffy?" Willow asked, bringing up a subject none of the members of the Sunnydale group had wanted to talk about just yet. She knew, though, that it had to be brought up before they returned to Sunnydale.

"I say take the bitch out and be done with it," Spike grumbled, remembering the blonde Slayer that has caused him nothing but trouble since the day he arrived in Sunnydale. It would make him extremely happy to see her cold, dead body at his feet, but he also knew that it would hurt Willow to see her friend killed.

"Well, hopefully it won't come to that," Angel reprimanded his childe. The souled vampire didn't think he would be able to truly hurt his ex, but he could still vividly recall the look on her face when Buffy barged into his office with the commandos. Not to mention, he was afraid that the blonde would do something to try and harm his relationship with Cordelia.

"Maybe that Watcher fellow would be willing to help us," Doyle suggested. Willow beamed at the Bracken, causing him to blush slightly as he truly noticed how pretty she was.

"That's a great idea," the red head exclaimed. "Maybe Giles will be able to give us some more information, or make it so that Buffy isn't there when we are. Keep her out of harm's way."

"You can use my phone if you want to call him," Duncan offered. Willow went over to the phone and dialed in the familiar number.

"Giles?"

"Willow, thank god. Where are you?" The relieved Watcher asked as soon as he heard the young girl's voice on the phone. "Are you all okay?"

"We're fine, Giles. All of us," she replied. "We're with some friends of Anya's. But we've got a problem."

"What is it?"

"It turns out that the Initiative has captured two of their friends and we want to get them out."

"How can I help?" Willow breathed a sigh of relief as Giles volunteered to help without even having been asked.

"We need to know everything about the Initiative, and we may need you to help us with a distraction for Buffy," Willow explained. "She might be angry with me because of the whole Spike thing, but I still don't want to see her hurt and I can't guarantee her safety if she's at this lab when we are."

"I'll see what I can do, but it will be difficult," Giles admitted. "It appears that she and one of the commandos, Riley Finn, have become involved in more than a professional way." There was something in the way that Giles said that that made Willow wince at the implications. If Buffy was that involved with the Initiative than there was more than a good chance that, no matter what they did, there would be no way to keep her from getting hurt.

"Just do your best, Giles. That's all we can ask of you."

"So, how are you and Anya? Xander is worried about her." At the mention of her best friend, Willow looked over at the former vengeance demon that was happily snuggled up to Doyle. She could tell the Anya was happy with the other man, but that didn't mean that she wanted to see Xander hurt when he found out about them.

"We're good. All of us. Including Spike," Willow couldn't help but add.

"And Spike still can't hurt people?"

"No, he's still unable to hurt people." Willow debated on telling Giles about her blossoming friendship with the blonde vampire but decided that it would be best for all involved if the truth came out before everything happened. "Umm, Giles, there's something you need to know about me and Spike."

"What is it?"

"Well, ummm, we'rekindatogetherasinIthinkI'vefalleninlovewithhim," she hurriedly said.

"Could you please repeat that Willow," Giles asked. "It sounded like you said that you were falling in love with Spike."

"I did." There was nothing on the line but silence. "Giles?" Are you still there?"

"I'm here. I'm just trying to process everything."

"I hope you're okay with this. I mean, you're more of a father to me than my own father."

"Willow, I understand. In a way, I suspected something like this might happen. It explains why Spike didn't harm you last year when he had the chance. Tell him he had better take care of you or else I'll stake him myself." Willow couldn't help but smile.

"I will and I'll call you tomorrow to let you know when we're coming back."

"I look forward to hearing from you again. Be careful."

"We will. And, Giles, thanks." Willow hung up the phone and looked at her friends, both new and old. "Well, that went easier than I thought it would."

"He's going to help us," Spike asked, surprised at the fact that a Watcher would willing go against his Slayer.

"Yup. But he said to tell you, Spike, that if you even think of hurting me, he'll stake you himself."

"Damn, threatened twice in one day. Must be a record."

"Not for you, Spike. Not for you." Angel grinned as Spike just smiled sheepishly.
 

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