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~Part: 21~
In the kitchen Spike and Wesley had discovered that while crosses still made him uncomfortable they did not burn Spike. Holy water had little affect on him either, he got a tingly sensation from it but no burns. He was eager to test out the sunlight . Wesley had convinced him to wait on that one until he could talk to Willow. He wanted to make sure she was okay with all of this. If Spike got hurt after all she would experience it as well. That was the only reason Spike even listened to him.
Back in Angel's office Willow and Angel were sitting across from each other not speaking. Angel had apologized but Willow wasn't believing him. She told him how she felt the stake pierce her chest and how painful it was. She wanted an explanation as to why he did it, she wasn't buying his excuse of trying to break the spell. Angel refused to explain to her and so now they were sitting across from each other staring and not speaking.
Angel wasn't happy. How could he explain to her why he did it? If it were just Willow he would tell her in a heartbeat. She would understand, she might not be thrilled but she would understand. The problem was, anything he said to her Spike would know of sooner or later. So he sat there staring at her, trying to intimidate her, to make her back down. She wasn't.
Willow was infuriated. Angel apologized but wouldn't explain his actions. It was stupid! It made no sense! It was like telling the police you had a real good reason for breaking the law but you refuse to give it to them and expect them to just pat you on the head and let you go. She was having none of it! So she sat. Staring at Angel. Wearing her resolve face. He would give in, eventually she always won when she wore her resolve face.
Angel couldn't believe she hadn't backed down yet. He'd given her his best Angelus 'I'm going to kill you very slowly and painfully' look and she just sat there! Damn she was good! He could now see why Spike respected the girl so much. She was tough. He didn't think even Angelus himself would be able to win this contest. He had to come up with an excuse that she would buy that wouldn't give Spike anything to use against him.
He was cracking, she could see it. For a while there she thought she might lose. It was only the fact that she KNEW it was Angel sitting across from her and not Angelus that kept her from running out of the office at one point. He had that 'I'm going to eat you all up' look on his face. She remembered that look. Just the thought of Angelus was enough to make her shudder. Right now she was treated to a new look for Angel. It was a cross between full on brood and determined Vampire. He was plotting. She would bet her life on it.
Angel couldn't come up with one reasonable excuse that she would buy. So he decided on the truth. He would tell her why he wouldn't tell her.
"Willow?"
"Yes Angel? <Ha! I win!>
"I'm not going to tell you why I tried to kill Spike, but I will tell you why I won't tell you."
"Okay..."
"It's personal, I had very personal reasons for what I did last night. If I explain to you then Spike will know as well and I'm not willing to deal with him knowing this."
"Oh. I guess that makes sense. Do I have your word that you won't try it again?"
"Yes. I promise. If I kill Spike it would probably kill you as well. I didn't think about that last night and I'm not willing to lose you."
"Okay. I don't forgive you Angel, but I understand. But you have to understand as well. Spike is my.... well he's something to me, and I won't risk losing him. I will turn you into a rat again, or something worse, if you hurt him. Mabey a bunny, and then I'll give you to Xander as a pet! Anya hates bunnies so she'll scream everytime she sees you. You'll always have a head ache and Xander will pet you and probably pull on your ears!"
"Okay okay! God, you sure know how to threaten a person! Xander and his girlfriend would be worse than crosses and holywater!"
"Isn't that like fore play for vampires?"
"You've been hanging out with Spike too much."
"Nah, not nearly as much as you think. It's just this past week that we've gotten this close. The spell you know. Before that we were just 'sorta' friends. We didn't hang out or anything."
"Oh, it's just you look like you've been friends for along time."
"We know each other inside and out now. We know how the other feels about everything and everyone. It tends to bring you closer. Angel, Spike is a part of me now. I'm not sure I want to end this spell, I think I'd miss having him in my head."
"How does he feel?"
"I can't tell you that. I won't discuss Spike's feelings with anyone. Not about this or anything. Even if you asked me how he felt about last weeks soccer game, or as he calls it football, I wouldn't answer you. I gave him my word."
"I understand Willow, I was only trying to help. Where is Spike anyways?"
"He's in the kitchen with Wesley. They're experimenting on Spike to see if holy water and crosses do anything to him."
"Oh, well lets go find out shall we?"
Willow and Angel walked into the kitchen just as Spike was going to go look for her. Wesley was on the phone with Cordelia who had called to say she wasn't coming in to work. After hearing a short version of what had transpired over the last twelve hours she was glad she had decided to stay home that day. Wesley hung up the phone and turned back to the two Vampires and one witch standing in the kitchen.
Spike was glaring at Angel. Angel was glaring at Spike. Willow was unimpressed and made herself a cup of coffee. After watching the two vampires give each other the evil eye for a while Willow decided to ignore them and talk to Wesley.
"So how did the tests go?"
"Oh well the holy water seemed to just give him a strange tingly sensation and while he still flinched at the sight of a cross it didn't burn him."
"What about the sun?"
"We haven't tested that one yet."
"Why not?"
"I, I wanted to make sure that you were aware of exactly what was happening. If he gets burned you will undoubtably feel it as well. We didn't want to risk it until we spoke to you first."
"I understand, and I know the risks. We need to know this spell has affected us. As a matter of fact I think I'll take Spike and test him right now. Before the growling starts."
"Probably a good idea. Angel and I have some work to do any how and will be especially busy today seeing as Cordelia won't be coming in."
"Cordy's not coming to work?"
"No. It seems that she felt things might be a bit strained today, she said she was taking the day off. I don't much blame her."
"Spike and I will stay out of your way today. Try to get Angel to calm down. Come on Spike, we have things to do."
Willow took Spike's hand and pulled him out of the kichen and away from Angel. She led him to the front door and opened it.
"Let's see if you're still combustible. Come on."
"And if I am?"
"Just stay in the shade and stick your hand out. I don't want you to burn up either you know!"
"Touchy touchy! Fine I'll stick my hand out. There."
"You're not burning. Does it hurt?"
"Nope! Actually feels kinda nice. Warm."
"Go a little further."
"Look, I got one whole arm in the sun!"
"Spike this is great! I'm so happy for you."
"Stay here for a sec, I'm gonna step all the way out."
"Well? How does it feel?"
"Come 'ere luv."
Willow stepped out into the sunlight and Spike pulled her into his arms. He kissed her soundly and held her against his chest. She could feel his emotions running through her. The shock, the happiness and joy. It was over whelming to her, she started to cry. She looked up at Spike and saw the tears running down his face. She reached up and gently wiped them away.
"I can feel you. What you're feeling?"
"I know. I wanted you to. I wanted to share this with you right now, not later."
"It's amazing. It's as if I'm feeling the sun for the first time ever."
"That's because for me it is the first time."
"Thank you."
"For what?"
"For sharing this with me, for trusting me enough to let me see you cry."
"I should thank you luv. Your wonky spell has given me a gift like no other. I have the sun now, and I have you. I couldn't ask for anything more."
"Not even your bite back?"
"No. I don't want it now. If I killed, it would hurt you, I don't ever want to hurt you."
Willow kissed Spike and then they just stood there in front of the building holding each other in the sun.
~Part: 22~
Angel and Wesley went to work, they had a number of cases on the go right now. Wesley was still very concerned about the state of his boss's mental health. It simply wasn't like Angel to act without thinking. The repurcussions of what he did last night could have been drastic. Willow could have died for all they knew. He continued to watch his Boss carefully as he worked.
Angel knew that Wesley was watching him. He couldn't really blame him. What he did the night before was careless, reckless and completely out of character. He was surprised no one had acused him of being Angelus yet. That was usually the first thing people did when he acted differently. That was part of the problem. His friends, if they could be called that, didn't understand him at all. He was expected to remain the cryptic, quiet, brooding Vampire that he was back in Sunnydale. Things change, he had changed. He was beginning to come to terms with his past, he was working hard to earn his redemption. Didn't that mean that he should be able to enjoy life a little? Mabey surrounding himself with people who knew him as he was in Sunnydale wasn't the smartest thing to do. But it was too late to change that. He decided to talk to Wesley, mabey if he could assure him that he wasn't going off the deep end then things at work might return to normal, even if normal wasn't that great to begin with.
"Okay Wes, spit it out."
"Excuse me?"
"You obviously have something to say. You've been watching me since we came in here. If we're going to accomplish anything today we need to deal with this right now."
"Very well. I was just going over what Willow told me about last night. I would like to hear your side of things. I understand the urge to stake Spike, I've thought about it myself quite a few times since he arrived. He is rather rude and annoying, even for a demon."
Angel smiled. He couldn't help it. Leave it to Wesley to break the tension without meaning to.
"It's complicated Wes. I can't even figure out where to begin to explain but I'll try. First off you probably know that I got drunk. Not something I normally do. Well drinking and thinking about Spike is not a good combination. I started thinking about how much pain and torment Willow was going through, how it was mostly my fault and I stupidly decided that killing Spike was the answer."
"I see. But is that all of it? Because as nobel as saving Willow is, I feel that it wasn't the only reason you attacked Spike last night.
Here was the moment he dreaded, he could tell Wesley everything, his jealousy toward Spike, his jealousy toward Willow, his need for acceptance as who and what he is or he could lie to him and keep his feelings bottled up inside. It was a difficult decision. Wesley was a Watcher, that in itself made it hard for him to trust him. Angelus was still a part of who he was, the battle for dominance inside him was ongoing. The demon distrusted the ex-Watcher immensly. But Angel, the souled part of himself trusted Wesley to keep his confidence. He desperately wanted to tell someone who would understand him. Willow would have been a good choice if she were not bonded to his Grand Childe. Not to mention that she was also devoted to said Grand Childe. Angel studied Wesley closely, deciding that he needed to talk to someone and his only other option was Cordelia, so Wesley it was.
Angel took a deep unneeded breath and repeated the entire inner monologue he'd had with himself that morning. He laid everything out on the table so to speak and waited for Wesley's reaction.
Spike and Willow stood outside in the sun for a long time just holding each other. Spike couldn't remember the last time he had felt so at peace. It wasn't even the sun on his face that was doing it. It was the woman in his arms. The woman who had given him more than he ever thought possible. She had given him a reason to continue. He now had a friend, a confidant, someone who understood him better than he understood himself most likely. He had immortality and he had the sun. He only hoped that she shared his immortal state. He didn't know if he could go on with out her.
Willow could still fell Spike's emotions, he hadn't closed himself off from her. She could feel his contentment, knew how much that meant to him. He hadn't been content in a very long time. She was happy. She was happy because he was happy. She was also hungry. It was that fact that forced her to pull herself from his embrace.
"I need to eat something."
"Oh, sorry luv. Shall we head back inside then?"
"You, you could stay out here if you want to."
"Nah, it won't be the same if your not here with me."
Willow smiled at him and started to cry softly. He really meant that, it wasn't just the sun, it was being in the sun with her that made him happy. Spike kissed her quickly and softly on the lips and led her back inside the hotel.
Willow went to the kitchen and took some food out of the fridge, Wesley had brought a few things in with him that morning and she was setting about making herself a salad. Spike heated some blood and sat sipping it at the table and watching her move around the kitchen. He had stopped broadcasting his feelings to her after they had come back inside. It was just as well seeing as he was only thinking of taking her to bed at the moment.
Willow was lost somewhere in her musing over Spike and wasn't paying as much attention to what she was diong as she should have been. That's why she accidentially sliced her finger with the sharp knife instead of the celery stalk she was aiming for. She let out a yelp and Spike, having smelled the blood as soon as she cut herself, was at her side in an instant.
He grabbed her around the waist and spun her to face him. She held out her finger in explanation, looking a little sheepish. He scowled at her for being so careless. No words needed t be spoken, they both knew what the other was thinking. She offered her bleeding finger to him and he quickly accepted the offer.
At the first taste Spike's demon came to the fore. The cut wasn't deep but it was bleeding quite steadily. Spike sucked gently at the wound savoring the taste of her. It was even better than the last time, last time her blood was laced with the taste of fear and repulsion. This time it was full of acceptance and love. Spike groaned audibly when he realized that she loved him. It wasn't just him, this time his feelings were reciprocated. He knew she cared for him, he could feel that through their shared memories but he hadn't realized she loved him. Not until that very moment.
~Part: 23~
Angel waited for Wesley to respond. He was sure he had made a mistake telling the former Watcher about his insecurities, but it was too late to take it back now. He almost didn't realize that Wesley had spoken.
"I'm sorry, I didn't quite hear that."
"I said, Angel, that I understand your predicament. We have all sort of expected certain behaviors from you. It does seem rather selfish now that I think about it. Surely we wouldn't expect Cordelia to behave as the same snobby, stuck up, rich girl that she was back in Sunnydale. Nor do you expect me to show up for work everyday in tweed, and acting like a prig."
"No definately not. I don't think even my vast amounts of patience could put up with the two of you for long if you still behaved that way."
"Yes, but we do still have the Spike and Willow situation to deal with. We still haven't told them that the spell is permenant."
"I don't think that's going to be a problem. Willow has already told me that she doesn't really want to end it now. I think she's in love with him."
"Well if it makes it any easier, I do believe that he feels the same way."
"I know. We should go tell them, besides I want to know if he's sun proof as well."
"I hope that chip never fails. We will al be in for alot of trouble if it does. A Vampire who cannot be staked, is impervious to sunlight, crosses and holy water. It doesn't exactly give me a warm fuzzy feeling."
"I know how you feel."
Wesley followed Angel out of the office and into the kitchen where Willow and Spike were. Spike was still in game face sucking the blood from Willow's finger. It looked to be a very private moment btween the two so they backed away.
Angel was less than pleased with what he saw but he knew that Willow was in no danger. She was smiling and holding on to Spike. He remembered how it felt to have someone willingly offer their blood to him. Buffy had done that for him, it was the most intimate thing you could do for a Vampire, more so than sex even.
They waited untill they could hear movement in the kitchen before entering again. By this time Spike was sitting once again at the table, his mug of pig's blood forgotten, and Willow was finishing making her lunch. Wesley cleared his throat to get their attention.
"I would like to speak with you both about this spell."
"What about it? Have you found some way to end it?"
"No, I'm sorry miss Rosenburg. The doesn't seem to be anyway to break this spell. I'm afraid that you and Spike here will remain bound for as long as you both shall live."
Spike and Willow looked at each other. Both were smiling. Willow suddenly thought about what Wesley had just said. 'As long as you both shall live.' She started to laugh. Spike looked at her trying to figure out what the joke was. Angel and Wesley exchanged a confused look as well.
"Uh, pet? Want to share with the rest of the class?"
"Oh, um, sorry Spike. But I just realized what Wesley said."
"What? that we were stuck with each other? You find that funny?"
"No, he said as long as we both shall live! It sounded like he was marrying us."
Wesley looked as though he had just been struck with something. Angel smiled at Wesley's startled reaction and Spike joined Willow, laughing.
Wesley started to splutter about how it wasn't his intention to imply any such thing. That just made Spike and Willow laugh harder. Even Angel couldn't help but laugh at this. Wesley stammered some form of apology and vacated the kitchen. Angel told Spike and Willow they were welcome to stay if they wanted and then followed Wesley out.
"So pet, do you want to stay?"
"No. I'd really like to go home now."
"Sounds good, but how do we break this to the Scoobies?"
"Oh. I hadn't thought about that. Well, they'll have to accept it. It isn't like they can break the spell or stake you or anything."
"True, but the Slayer'll try anyways."
"Not if I turn her into a rat first!"
"You'd do that for me?"
"Of course. Spike, you're a part of me now. Anyone who hurts you hurts me. If my friends can't understand that then they aren't really my friends. Even Angel came around eventually."
"I wouldn't go that far luv, he's not pleased about this, and he did try to kill me."
"And I punished him for it. He promised not to try it again."
"Mabey we should phone ahead first? Let them know exactly why we came to LA?"
"Yeah I guess. At least that way we'll know what we're up against."
"I forgot to tell you something. The nibblet's on to us."
"Dawn knows? How?"
"Seems she saw me in your room that first night, and then she caught us sneaking out the next morning. She cornered me and asked a few questions. Girl had her mind in the gutter, had to set her staight."
"You told her about the spell?"
"No. I just told her that it wasn't what she was thinking, and that I'd talk to you about mabey clueing her in."
"Well, if anyone is going to accept us, it would be Dawnie."
"That's what I was thinking, be nice to have an ally."
"Why don't we call Dawn before we leave."
Willow and Spike went up to the room to pack their things and call Dawn. After a brief explanation Dawn was thrilled about them being a couple. She warned them that Buffy was extremely annoyed that they took off for LA without telling her why. Also that she had trashed Spike's crypt, more than trashed actually, she had destroyed it. Willow thanked Dawn for the warning and told her that they were heading back right away. Willow sighed and hung up the phone. She turned to face Spike with a sad expression on her face.
"What's wrong pet?"
"Buffy went a little nuts when we left without explanation."
"And? Not like it wasn't expected."
"She did some stuff."
"Slayer's got a temper. Nothing new there. What did she do?"
"She destroyed your crypt."
"So It'll take a few days to clean up. Can I stay with you for a while?"
"Spike, your homeless. Buffy destroyed it. It's a pile of rubble."
"Oh."
"But yes, you can stay with me. Mind you we'll be staying at my parents place. I don't think I'm going to be very welcome in the Summers residence for a while."
"Yeah, sorry 'bout that luv."
"I'm not. I know this started out as another 'Wonky Willow Spell' but I don't regret it. I like having you in my head. Knowing all your deep dark secrets. Even if I do have to take the bad along with the good. It's worth it."
"I feel the same way pet. But we better get out of here before I decide to just take you here and now."
"And that would be a bad thing why?"
"Peaches would bloody well stake me. Again! And although it would be worth it, I don't want to put you through that again."
"Right. I see your point. But then we'd just have a new pet for Xander when we got home."
"What?"
"Oh, I told Angel if he tried anything again that I would turn him into a fluffy little bunny. Then I would give him to Xander as a pet."
"But Anya hates bunnies."
"I know. I told him that too. Told him that she would scream everytime she saw him so he'd always have a head ache. Oh and that Xander would probably pull on his ears."
"You take torture to whole new levels Red. Even when you're trying not to be cruel. I like that about you."
Willow and Spike grabbed their bags and after a quick thank-you and goodbye to Angel and Wesley were on their way back to Sunnydale.
~Part: 24~
The drive back to Sunnydale was made in quiet wonderment. Spike let Willow drive after a while as he was too distracted by seeing everything in the sunlight. She was happy for him, so happy that she had some difficulty paying attention to the road instead of Spike. He was like a child in some ways. The sheer joy he was feeling was evident on his face. She wished that she could see him like this all the time, he was beautiful.
By the time they actually made it into Sunnydale the sun had set and Spike was paying more attention to the problems at hand, namely the Slayer. He wasn't sure how much information he was ready to divulge just yet. If she knew he was releatively unkillable she might decide to test that theory, in depth! He was about to bring this up to Willow when she interrupted his train of thought.
"Hey Spike?"
"Yeah luv?"
"I've been thinking. I don't think we should tell the gang everything right away. I mean I'll tell them about the spell, and the memory sharing but I think we should keep your new found sun fetish and stake free state to ourselves. Buffy might be a little....?"
"Eager to test?"
"Yeah, to put it mildly."
"Works for me pet. But be sure to tell them that you feel my pain, that way she'll be less likely to wail on me for taking you to LA and peaches."
"Good point! I'll tell her that first."
"So where to then? The Slayers?"
"No, we'll swing by the cemetary first, see how bad your crypt is. If there's anything salvageable we'll take it back it to parents place with us. We'll be staying there for a while."
"What about your parents?"
"World cruise, they won't be home for months."
The drive to the cemetary didn't take long, they pulled in as close to Spike's crypt as possible and then walked the rest of the way. The place was trashed. Even if there were some way to get through the pile of rubble Spike was sure there was nothing left to dig for. The Slayer must be well and truely pissed to do this. Shaking her head, Willow took Spike's hand and led him back to the car. They drove back to her parents house and went inside.
Willow unpacked her bag and made herself a sandwich. Spike had taken some blood from Angel's place before they left and he set about heating some up for himself and putting the rest in the fridge. After they had both eaten Willow decided it was time to call the gang and get them all over there. It would be easier if they only had to do this once.
Spike paced back and forth while Willow called everyone. It only took two phone calls, one to Xander's place, and one to Buffy's. Xander and Anya would be there right away while Buffy had to wait for Dawn to get home before they could come. Willow watched Spike pace like a caged tiger. He was wound up pretty tight. She wanted to do something to reassure him. He grabbed his arm and turned him to face her. When he stopped and looked at her with questioning eyes she leaned up and kissed him.
She felt Spike's arms go around her as he returned the kiss. She could feel the tension evaporating from his body. She pressed herself against him and he deepened the kiss. She was lost to him completely. Who knows how long this would have gone on or what it might have led to if the doorbell hadn't rung when it did.
Reluctantly, Willow pulled away from Spike with an annoyed sigh. She smiled at him as he sat on the sofa, then she answered the door.
Xander and Anya came in and Xader gave her a questioning look when he saw Spike there. Willow just acted as though there were no reason for Spike not to be there. As far as she was concerned there wasn't. The usual small talk was made between the girls while Spike and Xander stared at one another in contempt. It was almost a blessing when Buffy and Dawn finally showed up. All Willow wanted to do was tell them what was going on so they could freak out and then they could leave. She wanted to be alone with Spike. She wanted to kiss him again, at the very least.
Buffy walked into thr livingroom with Dawn right behind her. Dawn gave Willow and Spike a smile and went to sit beside Spike. Willow took the seat on the other side of him. Xander and Anya were cuddled up in one of the two chairs so Buffy took the other. Buffy was not happy about Spike being there.
"So Wills, why is Spike here?"
"Yeah Wills, what is the evil undead doing here?"
"Well gee, seeing as how SOMEBODY destroyed his home, Buffy, I brought him here with me."
"What? You automatically assume it was me?"
"Buffy, I know it was, please don't insult my inteligence by trying to say otherwise."
"Fine! It was me. But why did you bring him here? Surely he can find another crypt to stay in."
"I brought him here because I wanted to. I have something I need to tell you. All of you. I would appreciate it if you would just listen without interrupting. When I finish you can all yell and scream as much as you like. Okay?"
"Fine."
"Okay."
"Should Dawn be here for this?"
"Yes Buffy, she should know this too."
"Okay then."
"I'm cool."
"Pet? Isn't there something you were going to say before the explanation?"
"Oh right! Nobody touches Spike. I mean that, I'll turn you into a rat before you could get close enough so don't even attempt it. I have my reasons for this and you will all find out why soon. Okay?"
Willow was wearing her infamous 'resolve face' and everyone nodded their acceptance of the situation though clearly some of them weren't happy about it. Willow explained to them about the spell she cast to find the demon Buffy was tracking, how she mistranslated it and how it bound her and Spike together. She explained about the memory swapping, the seeing through each others eyes ~without the embarassing nudity issue~ and how they could feel each others emotions. She even told them about ratting Angel. She didn't tell them that he actually hit the mark with the stake, just that he had shoved a stake into Spike. After telling them how she relived, in excruciating detail, the entire event they understood why she was so adament about the no touching Spike thing. Then Buffy asked the question they were all thinking.
"Did you find a way to break it, and how soon can we do it?"
"Uh, no we didn't. Actually Wesley's positive that this is permanent."
"As in unbreakable? Forever?"
"Yep. Pretty much."
"Oh, Willow. I'm so sorry. This must be awful for you. How can you stand it? Knowing everything he's done, everything he thinks about?"
"It's not so bad. At first it was hard, there was so much coming at me so fast. Now that it's all day to day it's fine."
Buffy didn't look convinced. Dawn, Spike and Anya had kept completely out of the conversation up until this point. Anya looked over at Spike and raised her eyebrow, he nodded in return and she smiled. 1100 years and you pick up on a few things, like when people are in love. Dawn watched the silent exchange and she pretty much figured it out as well. She squeezed Spike's hand and smiled at him. Spike smiled back. It seemed that him and Willow had some supporters at least.
Xander, in typical fashion was still stuck on the whole 'turning Angel into a rat' thing. He was picturing it in his head. A little chocolate brown rodent with tiny fangs running on a wheel in a metal cage. He could see him scurrying around his new home, burrowing under the woodchips. He wondered if Rat-Angel was still broody as a rodent. He tried to picture Angel as a rat sitting alone in a dark corner brooding. He started to laugh softly, the more he thought about it the harder he laughed until he couldn't control it. Willow and Buffy exchanged a nervous glance before Willow spoke to him.
"Xander? Xander are you okay?"
"Yeah....I'm, I'm....fine...just.....picturing....deadboy as a....rat. Did he, did he....sulk in the corner?"
Willow and Spike looked at each other and burst out laughing. Xander started to laugh again as well. It was a good tension breaker. Willow finally pulled herself together enough to describe to everyone Angel's rat behaviour. Even Buffy had to giggle a little at the mental picture. Willow knew that it wasn't very nice of her to make fun of Angel that way, but the part of her that lived with Spike's humiliation and shame because of him didn't care.
With the tension defused for the time being, Willow suggested that the gang head home so she could get some rest. Xander and Buffy weren't too happy about leaving Spike alone with Willow but had little choice in the matter. Anya hugged Willow goodbye and whispered in her ear that she would support their relationship. Willow was slightly shocked at the ex-demon's perceptiveness but smiled and nodded her thanks all the same. Dawn said goodbye and followed Buffy outside.
As soon as they were gone, Willow found herself with her back pressed up against the door and a very sexy looking vampire pressed up against her front. It didn't take long for them to pick up where they left off. Spike's kiss was like nothing she'd ever experienced before. It was soft yet demanding, passionate and still almost unsure. He tilted her head back so he could get a better angel and she moaned into his mouth. His response was to pull her in tighter. When she was almost dizzy from a lack of oxygen Willow pulled away slightly. She looked into his eyes and saw the need in them, she was sure her own eyes mirrored the expression. She took his hand and silently led him upstairs.
~Part: 25~
Spike followed behind Willow as she led him up the stairs and down the hall to her room. This last week had been somewhat surreal. He was in love, with Willow. That it itself was shocking to him, not that she wasn't completely lovable, it was just that he tended to go for the girls that he knew would ultimately destroy him. When he was human, it was Cecily. He knew she would never feel anything but contempt for him, but he fell for her anyway. Then after he was turned he fell in love with Drucilla. Okay, so mabey he couldn't help that in a way, she was his Sire. But even after the things she allowed her own Sire to do to him, the things she herself, and even worse, Darla did to him, he loved her. He would always be a poor substitute for Angelus as far as she were concerned. After Dru left him he shacked up with that dozy bint Harmony. That was just for a spot of fun though. His next failed attempt at love was with the Slayer. At least she had the sense to put him off before it got too messy. But this was different, Willow was different. She loved him, loved and wanted him. He didn't have to fear rejection from her. So why was he scared?
Willow could practically feel the confusion coming from Spike. She understood why, probably better than he did. She was after all an outside observer. She had come to terms with her feelings for the blond vampire quite easily. That didn't surprise her very much, after all her previous lovers had been a werewolf and a witch. The vampire aspect was practically an after thought, it was Spike himself that gave her pause. He was a mess, the man had more baggage than an airport. If she gave in to her feelings for him it would be forever. They were too much alike in their need for love and acceptance. When she gave her heart to someone it was for keeps. It was the same for Spike. It wasn't their faults that everyone of their past lovers returned their hearts all battered and bloody. She knew that she would have to be the one to settle his doubts.
When they entered her room she closed the door and pulled him into her arms. She kissed him lightly on the mouth and stroked her hand up and down his back in a soothing motion. She laid her cheek against his chest and just held him to her while continuing to rub his back. Finally she felt him respond, his body relaxed into her embrace and he wound his arms around her. He kissed the top of her head and they just stayed that way for a while. Remembering what Spike had done earlier, Willow concentrated on opening herself to him. She sent him all her emotions, her love, commitment, careing, and desire for him. She felt him tense up again with the initial onslaught of it. Gradually as he understood what he was feeling he relaxed again, he returned her gesture and opened himself to her as well.
Acceptance. that was the thing they were both looking for, that and love. They knew now that the other was just as insecure in somethings as they were. This wordless exchange of feeling, fears, doubts, and wants, was exactly the right thing to do. They soothed each others insecurities with this exchange while they built up their need for each other. When Spike lifted Willow's head and kissed her it was like an explosion.
Frantic hands touched each other, clothes were practically shredded in their haste to be rid of them. When finally, they were on the bed and naked things slowed a bit. Passionate kisses and loving touches replaced hurried groping and needy, devouring kisses.
It was like coming home. They knew exactly what the other wanted, what felt good, where to touch. It was as if they had always known, but at the same time it was new, exciting, and extemely intense. Spike knew instinctively that Willow's breasts were extremely sensitive, and that he had to be gentle. Just as she knew that licking the hollow of his throat drove him crazy with desire. With their link still open they could feel each others passion building. Each kiss, lick, or stroke they gave was felt by both of them. When their climax's hit they stopped being seperate beings. There was no begining or end to either of them, they were truely one now.
Spike rolled off of Willow and pulled her close to him. She nestled her head into his chest and sighed in contentment. She had never felt so complete. She could still feel Spike, she liked that, he was purring contentedly. She wondered to herself if they would ever need to speak to each other again. She was surprised when she heard him answer. //Not if I can help it luv, I'm too tired to even move my mouth to speak.//
Willow lifted her head and looked at Spike. //Did you just answer me without speaking?// He smiled at her. //Looks like we have other hidden talents eh?// Willow smiled back. //Sleepy now.// And she put her head back down and closed her eyes. //Night pet.// Spike squeezed her gently. //Mmm, night Spike. Love you.// She squeezed him back. //Love you too.// They both drifted off to sleep, happy for the first time in forever
~Part: 26~
Spike woke up the next morning with a huge grin on his face. He liked this new found bond, got to have mind-blowing sex, go to sleep, then dream about it esentially reliving the whole experience. The only thing that could have made his day better was if he wasn't waking up alone. He wondered where Willow had gotten off to.
Deciding that he was acomplishing nothing by lying in bed he got up and pulled his jeans on and headed downstairs. He found Willow in the kitchen making breakfast and dancing around to the music on the radio. He couldn't remember the last time he had seen her this happy. He just stood in the doorway and watched her for a minute.
Willow had already started the coffee and was in the process of slicing a bagel when she caught a movement out of the corner of her eye. She was so startled that she accidentally cut very deeply into the palm of her hand. She shrieked, dropping the knife onto the counter and grabbing her injured hand. Spike was in front of her istantaniously. He inspected the wound and was shocked to see it closing right before his eyes. He looked up at Willow and saw a similar look of shock on her face as well.
He turned the tap on and pulled her toward the running water to clean her up. What he really wanted to do was lick her clean, but he didn't want to seem insensitive. Willow must have sensed that because she pulled away from the water and offered him her hand.
//You sure luv?// She nodded at him and he leaned in and gemtly licked the blood off of her hand, cleansing each finger and all the way down her arm to catch the very last drops of blood. No matter how many times he thought he couldn't love her more or that his unlife couldn't get any better, Willow did something to surprise him.
"Hey Spike?"
"We back to speaking out loud pet?"
"Um, yeah. This is kinda important and I need to hear it outloud."
"Okay, what?"
"Did....did you just see what I did? I mean there isn't even a scar there now."
"Yeah pet, I saw. I think this indestructable thing works for you too."
"Do you suppose that I'll live forever now? like you?"
"I reckon so. That's what the spell sounded like to me. Plus that watcher git figured as much."
"Wow! So um, how do you feel about long term relationships?"
"Forever long enough for you? I love you pet. I won't leave you, no matter what."
"I love you too Spike. I won't leave you either, I'm not like them, you know that right? I won't hurt you."
"I know, we have alot in common you and I. You know that I won't hurt you either right?"
"Of course. Now we just have to convince the others that you won't."
"Bloody hell. I just know I'm gonna get staked again. How about you tell them the rest of this facsinating little tale while I hide under the bed?"
"Nope. You owe me remember?"
"What?"
"We had a bet, muffin up Angel's nose? Ring any bells?"
"Aw. But luv, I was hoping you'd use that for something really kinky."
"Spike, I hardly think I'd have to coerce you into doing something kinky."
"Too right. Fine, I'll help you tell the bloody scooby gang. But you better turn them to rats before they can hurt me."
"Of course."
"Hey! Why don't you turn them into rats before we tell them?"
"Because that's mean. We're going to invite them to go on a picnic in the park. This afternoon, in the sunshine!"
"Oh I like that idea. The Slayer'll be too bloody gobsmacked to think about staking me."
"That's the general idea."
Phones calls made and invitations given, Willow packed up a picnic lunch and her and Spike loaded up the car and headed for the park. They wanted to get there early to have some time alone before the others showed up.
Willow was sure that if she lived to be a thousand she would never get tired of looking at Spike in the sun. It almost made her want to take a trip to Alaska during their 24 hour a day sunny season. Mabey they could buy a cottage there someday. Watching her vampire enjoy the warm sunny day made her tingle. He was absolutely breathtaking in the sun. The way the light shone off his platinum blond hair, the way it made his blue eyes sparkle, she wondered if he would tan. It got her to thinking what his natural hair colour would look like. Mabey someday she ask him to grow it out.
If Willow was enjoying her time watching Spike in the sun then he was probably twice as pleased watching her. He could see a whole new level of beauty in her when he saw her this way. The way the sun made her hair shine like fire. The way she almost absorbed the warmth right into her soul. He wanted to take her right there on the blanket in the middle of the park, he didn't care who saw them. He made a mental note to get Willow alone in the sun sometime very soon!
As the two lovers sat on the blanket enjoying the sight of each other and deep in thought, they were unaware of the people approaching them.
"OH. MY. GOD! SPIKE?!?"
Then Buffy fainted.
~Part: 27~
Spike and Willow jumped when they heard Buffy's voice. Xander ran to catch Buffy just as she was about to hit the ground. Dawn and Anya just stood there, mouths open, shocked expressions on their faces. Dawn was the first to recover.
"Spike? Your in the sun. How?"
"One of the more pleasant side effects of Red's spell. I can be out in the sun now."
"That is soooo cool!"
"No complaints here."
"I'm very happy for you Spike. You should try to get a tan, you look extra pale in the sunlight."
"Uh, thanks luv. I'll try."
"Xander? Is Buffy okay?"
"She's fine Will, I think she just fainted."
"Oh, well bring her over here and put her on the blanket."
Xander picked Buffy up and carried her to the blanket. He laid her down on it gently and looked at Willow. He saw the way her and Spike were watching each other. Sure they had grown apart recently but he still knew his best friend very well. She was in love. Unfortunately, as far as he was concerned, she was in love with Spike. Xander groaned, what was is with his friends and Vampires?
"Xander, are you okay?"
"Not really. We need to talk Wills."
"Um, can it wait? Spike and I have some...stuff we need to tell you guys. If Buffy ever wakes up that is."
"Fine, but after that, you and me. Okay?"
"Okay."
Buffy came to slowly, she thought she had seen Spike standing in the sunlight. That was impossible, Angel destroyed the Gem of Ammara. So why was she lying on a blanket outside? And why could she hear voices? And why was one of them Spike?
"I know you're awake Slayer, you might as well get up so we can get this over with."
"Spike?"
"No, some other sexy, British, blonde Vampire who has a sudden love of sunlight."
"Wha...How?"
"Willow, luv? I think perhaps you should explain."
"Right. Okay, same rules as last night. No body tries anything funny and I won't have to turn anyone into a rat."
Willow explained the rest of the spells effects to her friends. Anya wasn't surprised in the least, Dawn thought it was cool, especially the talking without actually speaking, Xander was stunned, his best friend was going to live forever, with Spike! And Buffy, well Buffy was as Spike had predicted, completely gobsmacked.
"So, any questions?"
"Oh, I have one. Are you two having orgasms together?"
"Anya! Please don't ask them that."
"Why? I just wanted to know if that link thingy made the sex even better."
"Oh yeah pet. It does."
"See. I didn't say anything wrong. Spike's not embarrassed."
"Okay, does anyone else have any questions? NOT about sex?"
"Where are you guys going to live? I mean Spike's crypt is totalled and you've been living with us and somehow I don't think Buffy wants Spike moving in."
"Don't worry Dawnie, we're staying at my parents place for now. They won't be back for a while."
"Um, not to be the voice of reason or anything, but what happens when Junior here gets that chip out of his head? He's unkillable now."
"I'm not going to."
"Not going to what?"
"Get the chip out. I'm not going to."
"Uh, excuse me while I but in here, but why? You've been going on about getting that chip out since they stuck it in you. Why the sudden turn araound?"
"Because Slayer, as I just told the Whelp, I'm not going to. I have my reasons and they're none of your bloody business!"
"Some how I'm not relieved by that flimsy explanation. The truth Spike, now!"
"Buffy, leave him alone. He said he isn't going to have it removed, he's stopped trying to find a way. I believe him. Let it go."
"I don't trust him Willow."
"I do. I love him."
"This is crazy! Willow you can't love Spike, he's a Vampire, and a male Vampire at that. Hello? Gay now?"
"Oz is a male. I loved him. Tara was the only woman I loved, I guess I tend to think about the PERSON Ilove, not their GENDER. I Love Spike Buffy. You have to accept that. If you can't accept that then I don't see how we can be friends."
"You can't mean that. You would choose him over me?"
"Buffy, you are my friend and I love you, but my life has changed. You, the gang, Sunnydale, this is my present, Spike is my future. Someday all of you, and all of this will be gone. I'm immortal Buffy, I have to think about my future, my very long future."
"And you believe that Spike is that future?"
"Yes. I know he is."
"Fine, I don't like it, but I accept it."
"Good. Xander? How about you?"
"Not happy, but dealing. Is he good to you?"
"Yes. I'm happy Xan, happier than I've been in a long time."
"Then I'm happy for you. Junior? You hurt her and immortal or not I'll find a way to make you pay for it."
"Understood. We done here luv?"
"Yeah, lets go home."
The Scooby gang all headed back to their homes with mixed feelings about Willow's revelations. They said they would deal and they would. It might not be easy but that's what friends did.
~Part 28~
July 2058
Willow and Spike stood at the top of the hill looking down on the town of Sunnydale. It had been a long day for them and they were both quietly thinking. Willow finally broke the silence.
"Spike?"
"Yes luv?"
"I think we should leave."
"Where do you want to go?"
"I don't know, I thought mabey we could travel for a while."
"If that's what you want pet."
"I do. But I think I'd like to stop by and spend some time with Angel first."
"What the bloody hell for?"
"I've given it alot of thought over the years, I think we should try to forgive him. I know that's not what you want to hear, and a part of me agrees but he is your family, and he doesn't even know why you hate him so much. He wasn't there when it happened."
"If he'd been there luv, it wouldn't have happened in the first place."
"I know. But if things had turned out differently, I might not have you now. I can't imagine my life without you. I love you Spike."
"I love you too pet. Fine, We'll go see peaches first. He still in LA?"
"No, he moved to New York after Cordy died."
"Do you want to see them one more time before we leave?"
"Yeah, I'd like that."
Spike and Willow walked hand in hand toward the final resting place of the Scooby gang. Buffy had been the first to go, she was killed in the line of duty. A lucky shot by a stupid fledge, Spike ripped it to pieces but it was too late to save her. Giles went a few years later, peacefully, in his sleep. Anya left Xander shortly after Buffy's death. She decided that she was too young to die yet and living in Sunnydale was too risky. She moved to LA and was murdered by a human within a month. Angel had her body returned to Sunnydale to the only family she really had. Xander mourned her for a long time. Dawn and Xander married when she was 26. It wasn't a big surprise to anyone who knew them. Dawn was a lifeline for Xander when Anya died. A car crash took their lives 3 days ago. The funeral had been that afternoon.
There was no one left in Sunnydale for them to stay for. Dawn and Xander never had any children, what with his upbringing and her being created by monks, they weren't sure they were up to it. Plus they knew what kind of evil lurked in the world and didn't want to bring a new life into it. As they got older, they would pass Willow off as their daughter and Spike as her husband. Angel visited Dawn on rare occasions, he never asked to see Willow or Spike. Dawn always let him know that they were doing fine and that they were still in love.
Willow took a final look at the well cared for row of headstones and sighed. She would miss her friends. Knowing that she would outlive them she had tried to prepare herself for this day, the day when they would all be gone from her. Now that it was here it wasn't easy. She thanked the powers once again for sending Spike into her life. She turned toward her lover and took his hand.
"I'm ready."
"Alright luv, lets go."
"Do you think we'll ever come back Spike?"
"Of course luv, why wouldn't we?"
"I don't know, it just doesn't feel like home anymore."
"As long as I have you by my side, any place feels like home to me."
THE END