Pairing: Spike/Willow
Rating: pg13(for now)
Summary: Willow gets thrown into a situation
Distribution: www.redssoulmates.com
Feedback: No feedback..no fic. Lots of feedback..I write more. I thrive on it.
Disclaimer: Don't sue. I don't own any of the characters. I don't make any money from it. All credit goes to Joss.
Spoilers: late season 4
Notes: Spike has the chip. Angel is Spike's sire. No Magic Box. No Tara. Initiative has left town. Buffy and Willow didn't go to college. They took a year off instead.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
~Part: 1~
Willow had spent all day in the public library. Even though she was out of high school now, she loved being surrounded by books. More often than not, she could lose herself in them. She felt as if she was in her element. Willow suddenly looked up at the clock. "Darn," she mumbled. "Only an hour before sundown." She gathered her stuff and left quickly, heading towards Giles' house. As she walked through the streets of Sunnydale, enjoying the last hour of daylight, she remembered she needed to pick something up from her house. <It's on my way there. I'll just run inside, grab the blank disk and leave.> Looking up, she saw the sight in front of her. Her parents cars were in the driveway.
<I wonder what they're doing here? They're never here.> Willow walked up to the door and pushed it open, seeing her mother in the living room. She looked around the room, noting that her father would probably be in his study.
"Willow, I'm glad you're here. We need to talk," her mother told her.
"Just a minute. I'll be right back. I just need to pick up something from my room."
"Willow," she called out but her daughter had already made her way upstairs.
Willow pushed open her door and froze. Her eyes glanced over the room. After the initial shock wore off, she made her way downstairs and saw her mom watching her. "My stuff, where is it? Why is my room empty? There's nothing in it. NOTHING!"
"Now, sweetie. You need to calm down."
Willow took a deep breath but her emotions were still strong. "What did you do with all my stuff?"
"Well, there seems to be a new storage place that opened up; not far from here. The movers came and picked everything up. They were fairly quick about it, actually."
"I'm confused."
"Honey, me and your dad are moving back into the house. Which means you're leaving."
"What?!"
"Well with you living here, it just wouldn't help with the sort of impression that we want to set for people. Our colleagues, our friends, even out clients."
"You can't kick me out. Where will I live? What about college?"
"Well, you have some money in your bank account. You'll need to make a choice. You can either pay your way through college. Of course you'll need to obtain a job because you don't have that much in the account. Or I guess you can try to find a place of your own and work."
Willow was shocked with everything. "I can't believe this is happening."
"I don't see the surprise, Willow. It's not a secret to you that neither one of us have wanted you as a daughter for awhile now. You don't meet our standards with anything you do. You're more of a disappointment than anything else." Sheila looked over at the phone when it started ringing. "You should leave now, Willow. Don't get any ideas. The locks will be changed the minute you leave and our phone number has already been changed." Sheila pointed to a bag in the corner of the room. "That bag in the corner is yours. It has your clothes. And here," she said as she pulled out a piece of paper from her pocket. "This is the address of the storage place. You're not wanted here anymore." She walked away towards the phone as Willow walked towards the door.
~~~*~~~
"Spike."
"Watcher."
"Look, Willow's late. I want you to find her. Make sure she gets here safe."
"You want me to purposely go out and find the chit to make sure she's safe?!"
"That's right."
"I could care less if the lot of you are drained. Send your Slayer."
"I'm sending you."
"And if I refuse?"
"Then I'll be forced to chain you in the bathtub again."
"Bloody hell," he mumbled. "Fine. I'll go and retrieve the girl."
As Giles watched the vampire leave, he returned to his book.
~~~*~~~
Willow hid her bag in a set of bushes near Giles house but far enough away so they wouldn't notice. A couple minutes later, she saw Spike approaching her.
"Witch."
"Hey Spike," she said softly.
"You aware it's after sunset?"
"Yeah, I just..."
"I'm sure your answer is interesting if I actually cared but I don't. Watcher sent me to come get you. Personally I could care less but I was threatened with the being chained in the bathroom bit so here I am." They started walking towards Giles house in complete silence. To Spike, it was unnerving. "Why were you crying, pet?"
"I wasn't..."
"I can smell it."
"Like you really care."
"You're right. I don't." He glanced at her as she focused her eyes on staring straight ahead. Something about the look on her face was unsettling to him.
"Does Giles send you after me often?"
"Here and there."
"I know you hate me and you would've killed me it it wasn't for the chip and I know we're enemies but nest time, when they send you after me. Lie."
"Lie?" <The shy good girl witch was telling him to lie to her friends?> "Wanna give me a reason?"
"Not really. Why do you need one?"
"It's my unlife on the line. I don't fancy becoming dust." Spike stopped with Willow in front of Giles' door.
"Can't tell you Spike so drop the subject."
"Not can't. Won't."
"Can we just go inside now or do you want to tell me how much you can't stand me and my friends?"
Spike took one step closer to her. "Let's get one thing straight," he told her as he stared into her eyes. "I wouldn't have just killed you. I would've turned you. There IS a difference." Spike held eye contact with her for a few more moments and then pushed the door open. "Watcher," he called out. "I brought you the witch."
~Part: 2~
Willow glanced around the room at her friends. She felt like she was there but at the same time she felt like she wasn't. Nothing at that moment felt real. It felt as if she was looking into someone else's life.
Spike glanced around the room. He was beyond bored. He settled his eyes on the redhead. Watching her face expression, he knew something wasn't right. And it seemed that he was the only one that saw it. Looking down at his nails, he started to chip away at the black nail polish. <I wonder why she was crying. Gods below, she the best out of the lot. What do you care? She's a human. Nothing more than a meal if this chip ever comes out.>
Two hours later..........
Giles closed his book and glanced at the people he had come to know as family. "Let's continue this tomorrow, shall we? Buffy, start with Cloverend cemetery. Spike, cover Restfield."
"Was that a question?" Spike asked.
"Just do it," he replied irritated. "You're at opposite ends of the area. If you don't patrol together, there's no fighting."
Willow watched as everyone started to leave, either to go home or to patrol. She slowly turned to the door. When she turned, she saw Spike watching her.
"Need an escort home, Red? Protect you from the evil of the night."
"Oh...um...I'm fine. Armed."
Spike felt a bit of disappointment at her turn down of the offer. He shrugged his shoulders. "Suit yourself." Spike walked out the door and into the darkness.
<Great. Now what?> Willow put the last book on the shelf and walked into the darkness. Gripping the stake tightly, she started to make her way down the street to get her bag out of the bushes.
One hour later.....
Patrol had been slow and Spike was itching for something to do. Something to kill. Someone to shag. He would even settle for just someone to talk to at this point. He strolled out of the graveyard and turned the corner. Spike suddenly stopped and looked at the sight in front of him. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. <Red.> He reopened his eyes and took a couple steps closer to her. Her red hair framed to her body like fire. He glanced over her body, noticing that it was screaming defeat. He also noticed the bag she was holding while staring directly in front of her. Spike looked up and saw what she was looking at. The mansion.
Willow didn't know where to go. She didn't know what to do or even who she could turn to. She felt so alone. Hesitantly, she took a step towards the mansion.
"Wouldn't do that, luv."
Willow spun around, her heart beating frantically, noticing the vampire. "Spike! Wouldn't do what? And what are you doing here?"
"Finished patrol. What are *you* doing here?"
"I was gonna go to the mansion."
"Because you favor being dead?"
Willow crinkled her nose. "Huh?"
"A nest of vampires are in there, pet. Moved in a couple days ago. Let me take you home."
"NO! I-I can't go home."
"Alright," he said slowly. "How about I take you to the Slayer?"
"No! No one can know. I just..."
Spike became concerned even though he knew he shouldn't be. He could see her body gently starting to shake. Strong waves of hurt and anger were coming from her body. Whatever happened to the girl, he knew it had almost broken a part of her. Destroyed a part of the fire that she had burning within her. Spike wrapped his arms around her, holding her close to him. "Sshhh, luv. I don't know what happened but it'll be ok."
Willow broke out of his grasp and took a step back. "Ok? Ok? It's not ok!"
"You can't stand out here all night. And I don't really fancy staying out here all night. Let's go."
"I can't go to see Giles."
"And I'm not taking you there."
"Then where are we going?"
"Let's go," he growled.
Hearing him growl, she jumped and quickly moved to his side. Spike smirked at her movements. That one action actually made him feel like he didn't have a chip in his head.
After walking for ten minutes in silence, Spike stopped which made Willow look up. "We're at a gas station."
"And a liquor store." Spike took a twenty dollar bill out of his pocket and handed it to Willow. "Take this money and buy whatever you want. Food, caffeine..."
"I shouldn't have caffeine. I get..."
"Maybe you should. If you want it, get it. I'm gonna get a bottle of whiskey and I'll meet you out here in five minutes."
"Do you want me to get you anything?"
Spike was taken back at the offer even if it was his money. "Sure, luv. Whatever you'd think I'd like."
Five minutes later, he watched her walking towards him.
"Now where to?"
"Just down the street, pet."
"You gonna drink the whole bottle tonight Spike?" she joked.
"No. You're gonna help me."
"I...uh...I don't drink."
"You do tonight. Look at that, we're here."
"Where is here?"
~Part: 3~
Willow looked in front of her and then at Spike. "It's a crypt," she stated.
"Yeah. So?"
"It's a crypt," she repeated.
"I AM a vampire."
"Well, I'm not."
Spike moved to stand next to her. "And you have so many other choices?" Seeing her face fall, he continued. "Well then, let's go." He started walking forward but noticed she wasn't moving. Grabbing her wrist, he pulled her into the crypt.
When Willow entered the crypt, she found herself in the darkness. <It's dark. This is so not good. I'm in a crypt, in the dark, with a master vampire.> Suddenly she saw a flame before her eyes.
Spike pulled out his lighter and flicked it on. The flame caused a warm glow surrounding them. "I can see fine but I figure you don't really fancy walking around in the dark." Spike pointed to a ladder against the wall. "There it is," he told her. They walked to the ladder in silence. "Down you go, Red."
Willow tried to look down the ladder but only saw darkness. She looked up at him. "I don't think so."
"What?" His patience was running short.
"How do I know there isn't some vamp waiting down there to drain me?"
"There's not. I would sense them."
"And you would tell me the truth because why?"
Spike grabbed the back of her neck, pulling her closer to his body. He suspected the chip never went off because he wasn't trying to hurt her. He leaned his face into her neck and then up to her ear. "The only vamp that will sink his fangs into your skin will be me," he whispered.
Willow listened to his words carefully. His words were deadly and held a sense of promise. She felt a wave of shivers travel through her body.
Spike took a step back from her and started to smirk. "You can either climb down the ladder or I'm gonna throw your ass over my shoulder and carry you down. Your choice."
"I'll go down the ladder," she mumbled.
Willow made it to the lower level, willing her eyes to adjust to the darkness. Moments later, she watched as Spike started lighting candles. The warm light seemed to float around and gave her a sense of comfort. Willow started to look around at the crypt. There was a bed, a small TV, a couch and a styrofoam cooler. She placed her bag against the wall on the floor and looked back at Spike.
He found himself watching her. He wanted to know what was going on. Whatever it was, she couldn't go to her friends. And now she was here with him. "Have a seat, Red." He watched as she slowly moved to the couch and sat down. He grabbed the bottle of whiskey and sat down next to her. "You wanna talk about it?"
"No," she said quickly.
"Then we drink."
~~~*~~~
An hour later, most of the bottle was gone. Spike and Willow had taken turns drinking from it. Most of the hour had been in silence except for the casual conversation. Willow was now leaning against the arm of the couch, her legs stretched out in front of her. She let out a low sigh. "Not wanted," she said out loud. She was talking more to the air than to Spike.
Spike turned his head and cocked it sideways. "What's that, luv?" He knew the alcohol was humming through both of their bodies.
"Not wanted. Never wanted." He could see the unshed tears in her eyes. "Wasn't good enough for them," she whispered softly.
He was staring straight ahead again and closed his eyes when he heard her words. His mind drifted back to his human days. The poet in him declaring his love for one girl who in return crushed his emotions, destroying a part of the man he once was. She claimed he wasn't good enough for her. That he was beneath her. As he reopened his eyes, he let out a low growl. <That was a long time ago, mate. That bitch isn't even worth my thoughts.> Spike realized that he may not know exactly what was going on with Willow, but at the same time he knew a part of what she was feeling. Looking over at the redhead, he noticed her asleep. He let out a smile, a real smile and set the bottle on the floor. Spike stood up and whispered her name. When he didn't receive a response from her, he took off her shoes and socks. Picking up her body, he walked over to the bed and placed her on it gently. Spike draped the sheet over her body and walked over to the food she had bought earlier. He put some of the items in the cooler to keep them cold and kicked off his boots. He shrugged out of his duster, throwing it on the couch, and climbed into the bed next to Willow. Usually he didn't sleep with his clothes on, but he made an exception for the human in his bed.
Spike was laying on his side when he felt her body move closer to his. Her body was nuzzling into his, her head leaning into his chest. He could hear her start to mumble in her sleep. He heard her mumble 'never wanted' and 'disappointment'. He frowned at the thought of what might be going through her mind. Spike wrapped his arms around her body, holding her close to him. "Shh luv," he whispered gently in her ear. He was surprised when his voice seemed to calm her. <You're imagining things, mate.> "I don't know what happened but I'm gonna make it better. You'll see." He closed his eyes and drifted to sleep, taking comfort in sleeping next to a warm body.
~~~*~~~
The next afternoon, Willow opened her eyes slowly. She closed her eyes, mentally trying to wake herself up. Realization then hit her. She was in an embrace. A cold embrace. Opening her eyes again she realized it was Spike. <Spike?> Then she remembered last night. <I was about to go into the mansion when Spike came by. We started to drink and talked for a bit.> Focused on where she was, she then noticed where her hand was. Her arm was draped around his waist and her hand was resting under the bottom of his shirt. Her fingers against his skin.
Spike knew the witch was now awake. He was wondering how she would react. Sometime during the night, her hand came to rest on his skin. The warmth of her hand was heating his whole body. He knew that once she left his crypt, everything would go back to the way it was. His unlife would suck once again. He wasn't ready to let go of her yet.
Willow started to slowly pull away. She didn't want to wake him. She didn't exactly want to move either. Being in his arms was comfortable...content. <Get that thought out of your head right NOW!> After she pulled out of his embrace, she felt the loneliness creep into her body again. Quietly she walked over to her bag.
"I'll turn away if you wanna change you clothes, luv."
Willow spun around. She saw Spike sitting up, halfway leaning against the wall. "Spike! I didn't want to wake you. I tried being quiet."
Spike started to chuckle. "You were, luv. I decided to sit up when you left my arms."
"Um...about that..."
"Don't worry about it. Whatever you wanna say, I've already heard it. I'll turn around so you can change. You're probably crawling to get out of here." Spike turned towards the wall to give her her privacy.
"Not really," she mumbled. Pulling out a t-shirt and a pair of jeans, she changed quickly. "You can turn around now."
Spike climbed out of the bed and stalked towards her. "Did you mean what you said?"
"What?"
"You said not really. You didn't mind staying here...with me?"
"No," she told him softly. "Why would I mind?" The only thing she heard was silence. "I guess I should get going."
"Right then. You can leave your bag here if you want. Pick it up after the scooby meeting. That way your friends won't suspect and you don't have to dig through bushes to find it."
"Thanks." Willow sat her bag back down. "Thanks for everything."
"It was just one night, luv." He watched as Willow climbed the ladder and disappeared. He sat down on the bed and held his head in his hands. "Bloody hell! What am I doing?"
~Part: 4~
Hours later.....
The Scooby meeting was unusually, slow which allowed Willow's mind to drift and think about her current situation. She was pulled out of her thoughts when she heard Buffy talking to her.
"So Willow, what's going on?" Buffy asked.
A wave of fear went through her body at the idea of them knowing. "What...what do you mean?"
"I called your house last night but I got a recording. It said the phone number had changed. What gives?"
Willow could feel Spike's eyes watching her. "Oh that. My parents came home and uh...decided to change the number."
"Do you know the new one?"
"Not yet."
"When you get it, I want it."
"Yeah," Willow softly replied. She watched as Buffy stood up and started up a conversation with Xander. Willow let her eyes drift until they reached Spike. Their eyes locked with each other's for a moment before she looked away.
<Her parents? What the bloody hell is going on?>
"Perhaps it's time for patrol," Giles stated. When no one moved he continued. "Buffy. Spike. Patrol."
"Right then."
About two hours later.....
Willow had made her way back to the crypt. She picked up her bag but realized she still didn't have anywhere to go. Letting out a loud sigh, she put the bag back down. Willow pulled out her stake and sat at the end of the bed, waiting for Spike to come back. She didn't have to wait long. Moments later, she saw a figure descend down the ladder. Willow gripped the stake tighter just in case it wasn't him.
As Spike hit the floor, he turned quickly; feeling another presence. He stared at her for a moment before he spoke up. "Red?" He then saw the stake in her hand. "You gonna stake me now?"
"What?" She looked down at her hand. "Oh, um no. It was for...in case someone came in here. Someone that wasn't you."
"So...what can I do for you, Red?"
"I just came for my bag."
Spike looked at the bag against the wall. "Well...it's right where you left it." He looked back at Willow seeing the thoughtful _expression on her face. "What's going on?"
"I need a favor."
"Don't do favors."
Willow started biting her bottom lip. "What about deals? You make deals."
"What do you need, witch?"
"I don't have anywhere else to go. Can I stay here tonight?"
"We did that last night. Let me take you home."
"NO!" Willow hopped off the bed and grabbed her bag, heading towards the ladder. "I'll find somewhere else to stay."
"Wait," he growled. "What do I get in return? This is a deal after all."
"What do you want?"
"Your blood?"
"Not in your unlife."
"I can make it very enjoyable," he purred.
"No."
"How about we leave it as you owe me?"
"No blood and no sex."
"Luv, you take away all of my fun hobbies." Seeing her serious and pleading _expression, he relented. "It's a deal. Now let's go."
"Go?"
"If you're gonna stay with me tonight, you need to get some food in you. I know a place."
"I don't think..."
"I'm not asking. I'm telling you. And you're hungry. My car is right outside. Go," he growled.
For the next few hours, Willow wasn't concerned about anything. She was actually enjoying herself. Spike had taken her to a small hamburger diner on the outskirts of Sunnydale. He had ordered for both of them. Rare for himself and well done for her. As they waited for the food, they enjoyed each other's company. Conversation. Laughter. Two things that they both seemed to need. Before she knew it, they were headed back to the crypt.
After they climbed down the ladder, Willow turned to look at him but wasn't sure what to say.
He saw her hesitation and decided to help the conversation. "It's late, pet. You should think about getting some sleep."
"Yeah. Thanks for dinner. I was hungry."
"Sure." He watched as she kicked off her shoes and climbed into bed. He lit one candle and moments later joined her. As he crawled into bed, he attempted to place his arm around her. Feeling her body tense, he frowned and slightly pulled away. "Was it that bad?"
Willow turned her head to look at him. The golden flame seemed to soften his features. "Was what that bad?"
"Waking up in my arms," he stated.
"No," she replied softly.
"Let me hold you?" he asked. Before she could say anything, he circled his arm around her body and pulled her close. "I won't hurt you," he whispered looking into her eyes. Spike felt her relax against him and watched her drift off to sleep. He turned his head, blew out the candle and nuzzled into her neck. Hearing a contented sight escape her lips, he let himself fall asleep.
~Part: 5~
The following morning.....
Spike had just woken up when he felt her stir next to him. He watched as she slowly opened her eyes and turned her body to look at him.
Willow turned on her side and saw him lying on his back, with his head turned, watching her. "You're awake."
"That I am, luv." Spike pursed his lips together. "You're not gonna run out the door like yesterday?"
"No," she replied softly. Willow looked into his eyes. "Unless you want me to leave?"
"Not really. It's nice having someone around." <That just sounded like the poof. Say something else.> "Don't take it to heart, luv. Being here by myself...it gets bloody boring."
"Yeah, I guess it would."
Spike sat up and leaned against the headboard. He lit a cigarette and took a drag. "Remember that debt you owe me?"
"Yeah," she said slowly.
"I know what I want."
"You, uh...you do?"
He put out his cigarette and turned to look at her. "I want to know what's going on. I wanna know why you won't tell your friends. And why a decent chit like you has spent the last two nights with a demon like me in this crypt."
"Spike, I can't..."
"It's either that or your blood, Red. Your choice."
"Choice? That's not a choice. I tell you and then what? You insult me? Make fun of me? Gee...can't imagine why I haven't told you sooner?" she sarcastically remarked.
He could see the fire dancing in her eyes and his demon loved it. "Think you got me figured out, pet? You know NOTHING about me except what you might read in those books. Who else are you gonna tell?"
Willow knew he was right. Who else was she gonna tell. She kicked the sheet off and sat up, facing him. "I'm doing this against my better judgment."
"Noted. But I don't care. Now tell me."
"My parents came home and moved back into the house. They had movers pack up my stuff and put it in storage. They changed the locks and the telephone number."
Now he understood the lie she told the Slayer. As Willow continued talking, his demon was thinking of all the ways he would torture her parents.
"They told me I couldn't stay there. It wouldn't set the kind of impression they wanted. They said that I had the money in my account. It was supposed to be used for college but it looks like I'll need it for a place to stay. I don't even know if I really want to go to college anymore."
"Pet..." he started. He wanted to console her. She shouldn't of had to go through this.
Willow brought her hand up to silence him. "There's more."
"More?"
Willow shook her head yes. "They told me I didn't meet their standards. That they didn't want me as a daughter and I was nothing more than a disappointment."
Spike noticed her voice was almost void of emotion. "Luv, all of that...it's not true."
"Maybe it is."
Spike frowned at her statement. "What about your friends?"
"I'm not telling them. I figure Xander will figure it out sooner or later. We've been friends since I was five."
"What are you gonna do?"
"Actually I was thinking of going to L.A. I was thinking about going to see Angel."
"No," he growled.
"No? You can't tell me no."
"Stay here. Let me take care of you."
"I don't need you."
"Maybe not. Maybe I want you to need me." Spike took a deep breath. "I just want you to know you don't have to run to L.A. To him," he spat out.
"This isn't about Angel."
"No it's not. This is about you. Hell, this is even about me. Being needed...just don't go. Stay here."
"Spike..."
"What do you have to lose, pet?" He looked into her eyes as he said the next sentence. "Take a chance on me?"
~Part: 6~
"A chance? You want me to take a chance on you?! You'd kill us if given the chance. You hate us."
"Not all of you," he mumbled.
"Whatever this is...I don't like this. This...this game you're playing. Don't play this game with me. Not right now."
Spikes eyes started to flash golden. "Game? You think this is a bloody game." Once his demon had quieted, he continued. "If that's what you think I'm doing then get the hell out!" His face had become void of _expression.
Willow glared at him. She wanted to give him a chance, she really did but on the other hand she knew he was a vampire. "Fine," she said coldly. "I'll go." She never saw him move to stand in front of her.
Spike used his vampiric speed to move in front of her. He was the only thing blocking her way to opening the door. "I know how you feel Red," he told her with understanding in his voice. "I know how it feels when someone makes you think you're not good enough. When someone makes you think that you're beneath them. When you walk out that door I want you to remember that you had a chance. Had a chance in me. For me to take care of you and you're the one walking away from that. If you'd just let me..."
"Why? So you can somehow use me against Buffy?"
"I'm not Angelus!" he growled. "Might do you some good to remember that."
Willow watched him suspiciously. "What do you get out of this, Spike?"
Spike shook his head a couple of times and then stepped aside. "Just leave," he told her. "Go."
That evening.....
Willow was sitting at her computer at the Magic Box. The rest of the gang had gone on patrol while she looked up a couple of things on 'that contraption'. When the door opened she looked up, seeing Spike.
"Red."
"Hey, Spike. Everyone's on patrol if you wanna catch up to them."
"Actually came to see you." Spike strolled over to her and placed a piece of folded paper next to her computer. He then walked over to the couch and sat down, not knowing what to say.
Willow looked at the piece of paper for a moment before she reached for it. "What's this?" she questioned him.
"You asked me what I get out of it. It's right there on that piece of paper. Go ahead and open it."
Willow picked up the paper and walked over to the couch and sat down next to Spike. She looked at him for a moment and then unfolded the paper twice. She read the following silently:
companionship
friendship (someday)
purpose
Spike watched her read his reasons silently. She then folded up the piece of paper once again and slid it into her pocket. "So, luv...what kind of pizza should WE take back to the crypt?"
"Why do you want to do this?"
"I'm a soulless demon that's been leashed because of a chip. I'm not a white hat and will never be. I don't want to make amends for the things I've done. But taking care of you, it gives me a purpose. You're different than the rest of this lot. I wanted to turn you. You have this amazing fire and I don't want to see it die out."
Willow gave Spike a sincere smile. A smile she felt like she hadn't given anyone in a long time. "We should get a deluxe. Everything on it."
~Part: 7~
Later that evening in the crypt.....
Willow and Spike were both sitting on the couch eating pizza. Willow had so many thoughts rushing through her head, she started to feel like a word search puzzle. <What do I do now? Why isn't Spike saying anything? What will he expect of me? Will he expect anything? What if he changes his mind? What will happen when my friends find out I'm staying with Spike?>
Spike knew her mind was in overdrive. He could tell by the drifted off look on her face. <If nothing else, I'm gonna teach that chit to relax.> "So...what's next?"
His voice pulled her out of her thoughts. She turned her head slightly to look at him. "Next? For what?" she asked.
"Your life, pet. Now that you have a place to stay, you thinkin' about college?"
"I don't know. I mean I've spent most of my life trying to please others. I never really thought about what I want for myself. How to live for myself."
"It's about time you start."
"Well, I guess I'll need to get a job."
"A job?"
"Well yeah. I'll need money."
"Money for what?"
"Well, food is a given cause I don't drink blood. And...a bed."
"What's wrong with my bed?"
"Besides the fact that you sleep in it?"
"You didn't seem to mind these last two nights."
"I don't want to invade your space."
"Pet, look around. You're in a crypt. Us invading each other's space is a pretty much given. Now, like I was saying...you weren't minding so much these last two nights." He saw her blush and took it as a sign of embarrassment. "Guess I'm not good enough," he mumbled. After he said it, he froze and took a chance to look at her. He saw her eyes downcast and could smell the tears that were threatening to fall. Spike wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer to his body. "I'm sorry, luv. I didn't mean it. I didn't mean it," he whispered in her ear over and over.
Willow looked up at him and saw his regret for his comment. She felt him tuck a lock of hair behind her ear. "Why did you say it?"
"I thought you were embarrassed to be here with me. I was told once that I wasn't good enough to be with someone I loved long ago."
"Spike?"
"Hmm."
Willow relaxed in his embrace, feeling the comfort that he was willing to give. "You're more than good enough."
Spike couldn't help but to smile at her confession to him. He started rubbing small circles on her back to comfort her. "What else do you need money for?"
"Why didn't they want me?" she asked softly.
He drifted his hand from her back to her hair. Spike started drifting his fingers through it. "I don't know, luv." <I can't imagine anyone not wanting you. You're a decent chit.> "Sit up and look at me." He watched as she did what she was told. "Forget them," he told her. "I'm gonna take care of you. Now what else do you need?"
Willow started biting her bottom lip trying to think of all of the things she would need. "I'll need to get some clothes."
"Tell you what, I'll take you shopping. You let me pick up the bill."
"Spike, I can't ask you to do that."
"You didn't ask. I offered."
"The money..."
"It's not a big deal, luv. I have a credit card and I have cash. This is part of me taking care of you." He could see her still hesitating, so he decided not to offer anymore. "We're gong shopping tomorrow, luv. Cancel any plans you might have had. You're going to let me pick up the bill and I get to pick at least one of your outfits. Then one night WE'RE gonna go out."
Willow knew she didn't have a choice. He was telling her, not asking her. "The Bronze?"
"We can start there, but there's a place I want to take you."
"Where?" she asked cautiously.
"There's an underground club close by."
"Really? I've never heard of it."
"It caters to demons, pet."
"But I'm not..."
"It's pretty empty during the week, we'll go then."
"Why are we going there?"
"Because that's where I want to take you."
"Spike, I'm human."
He knew her concern was about her safety. "You're a witch, luv. Your scent holds power and they can detect that about you. You're known among demons around here and you had no idea about this, did you?"
"I don't understand."
"How about I explain more tomorrow?"
"You're avoiding the question."
"And you need to get some sleep."
Knowing that he wasn't going to answer anymore of her questions tonight, she reluctantly agreed. She changed her clothes and climbed into bed. Noticing that Spike wasn't going to bed yet, she felt alone. "Are you going on patrol or something?"
"No. I'm staying in."
"Well...um..."
"What is it?"
"Would you join me? I mean you don't have to but I don't feel alone with you next to me and it feels weird without you in the bed and I have no idea why and...I'm shutting up now." Willow slid under the covers and pulled the sheet over her head.
Spike chuckled at her ramble. And for the first time in awhile felt like he was part of somebody's life. He pulled off his shirt and climbed into the bed with her.
Willow felt Spike climb into bed and turned to face him as his arms circled her waist, pulling her closer. "No shirt?"
"Usually I sleep naked. I made an exception for you." Seeing her blush, he started playing with the ends of her hair and felt her relax against him. As she closed her eyes, she snuggled closer to him. Thriving on his comfort.
~Part: 8~
Spike entered the crypt about an hour before sundown and threw the blanket that had protected him to the side. He set his purchases on the floor and made his way down the ladder. When he reached the lower floor, the sight before him made him smile. The redhead was still asleep, wrapped in his sheets. Spike shrugged out of his duster and quietly made his way to Willow.
Spike put one knee on the bed and leaned down to whisper in her ear. "Luv," he started.
"Mmm," was her muffled reply.
"Willow," he whispered. "Need to wake up, pet. We still need to go to the Watcher's."
"Don't wanna," she replied sleepily. Willow slowly opened her eyes and looked at him. Suddenly alarm went through her body. "Spike! What time is it?"
"About an hour before sundown," he replied casually.
She sat up quickly and placed her feet on the floor. "You let me sleep all day."
"I'm a vampire, Red. You'll be keeping my hours soon enough."
"Sorry, but not this girl. And we were supposed to go shopping. Not that I like shopping but...clothes. I need some."
Spike started to chuckle at her ramble. He placed two fingers over her lips to silence her. "I did something," he started.
Her eyes narrowed at him. "What did you do?"
"Climb the ladder, pet."
"What?"
"Just do it."
"There's not gonna be some hungry demon up there waiting to eat me is there?"
"Red," he growled.
Willow climbed the ladder, not knowing what to expect. As she reached the upper level, she looked around, her eyes in shock. "Spike!" she squealed and quickly turned around to face him.
"I went shopping for you. In the sun. I think I deserve something for that."
"What...um...what do you want?"
"I intend to collect later on, pet. You can count on it." <What am I doing? I will not flirt with the witch. She's here for me to take care of her.>
Willow drifted to the bags and started to open them. As she glanced over the clothes, she looked back at Spike with a worried _expression. "Um...Spike? Leather and silk...it's not really me."
"Well I was kinda hoping it would be part of the new you, Red. But for the time being, there's two more bags for you to open. You'll find jeans, t-shirts, that sort of thing." He paused for a moment and watched her as she went through everything. "Go and get ready. We need to leave."
Willow took one of the outfits and climbed back down the ladder. Minutes later, she came back up. She had changed into a pair of jeans and a black semi-form fitting shirt. Spike held out a bag that he had previously hid from her. "What's this?" she asked him.
"A gift."
"Spike, you've given me too many gifts as it is."
"The rest of that was because I told you I would take care of you. This is a gift, pet. Now just open it."
Willow slowly opened the bag and her eyes became wide. She pulled it out and gave Spike a smile. A leather jacket. "I love it! It's beautiful."
Spike took the jacket from her and slipped it around her. Happy that he could make her smile.
~~~*~~~
About thirty minutes later, they arrived at the Magic Box. Spike had stuck to the shadows while they walked over, as the sun was just setting. Now they were sitting around the table, looking aimlessly through books. Willow looked around the room. She was sitting with her 'family'. Giles had always been the father she never really had. He had become a mentor and a friend. Xander and Buffy, who at the moment were clueless as to what was really going on with her. They didn't even notice the clothes or the jacket. And then there was Spike. The vampire that had told her that he would take care of her. That went out and bought her clothes and even a gift. The thought of her sleeping in his bed for the last couple of nights brought a blush to her face. He had been caring and protective. He had been there for her when there was no one else.
After an hour of doing nothing at the Magic Box, she leaned over to Spike. "Do we have to be here?"
"No. Wanna leave, Red?" He watched her shake her head yes and then he stood up. He looked at the rest of the group. "Witch wants to leave. I'm seeing her home."
"Goodnight," Giles told both of them while the others didn't say a word.
Spike and Willow started walking through the streets of Sunnydale towards the crypt. "Thanks for getting me out of there. I just didn't want to sit there."
"Don't have to tell me twice. I..." Spike stopped in mid sentence.
"Spike, what's wrong?"
Spike snaked his arm around her waist and pulled her against his body. "We got company," he whispered. "Play along."
At that moment another vampire jumped out at them which only insured Spike's grip to become more possessive. "Hello, mate. And what can I do for you?"
The vampire looked at him and then at Willow. "Well if you're not gonna drain her, I'll just take her off your hands."
"You think so? You think I'm just gonna hand over what's mine?" he asked the younger vampire with venom in his voice.
"She's got no marks."
Spike tilted Willow's head to the side. "I don't need to leave a mark," he told him. Spike then vamped and lightly scraped one of his fangs across her neck, carefully so he wouldn't break the skin. He slipped back into his human visage and placed a kiss on her neck. Spike looked up at the other vampire, his eyes blazed golden. "Mine," he growled.
~Part: 9~
"Mine," he growled.
Willow didn't move. She could feel the fear coursing through her body. She could hear her own heart beating. She stared at the other vampire for a moment. He wanted to drain her. To kill her. Then she felt a fang being grazed over her neck. Willow wanted to scream and run. Not that she would get very far. <This is Spike. The vampire that's been taking care of you.> For the first time in a long while she was scared. Scared of dying. Scared of what might happen. And if she had to admit...scared of not ever seeing Spike again.
The younger vampire stared at him for a moment before lunging at Willow. Spike pushed her out of the way and reached forward, grabbing onto the other vampire's throat. "You NEVER touch what's mine," he said with venom. Tearing out his throat, he watched as the dust floated to the ground. He slipped back into his human visage and turned around to Willow.
He watched Willow for a moment. She had her arms wrapped around her, trying to comfort what she was feeling. Her eyes were wide and fear was coming off her in waves. He walked over to her, careful not to make any sudden movements. "Pet?" When she didn't respond, he tried again. "Willow?" He watched as she turned her head but didn't say anything to him. Spike wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close to his body. "Are you hurt?"
Willow looked up into his eyes. She could feel her body shaking a bit. "Can we go home now?" she said softly.
<Home? Does she consider the crypt now her home?>
"Spike? I wanna go back to the crypt. I don't wanna be out here anymore."
"Alright, luv." Spike and Willow both started walking away from the dust that settled. He kept a tight grip on Willow. And Willow who didn't seem to mind, kept her body as close as possible to Spike's. <I could've lost the chit tonight if I wasn't around. I'm not ready for that.> And then Spike realized what really happened back there. It wasn't about the attack or the vampire that got dusted. It was about Willow and himself. He realized that he fancied the girl.
As they entered the crypt, Spike let go of her. "Why don't you change and lay down? I know tonight couldn't have been easy for you."
Willow carefully climbed down the ladder and changed into a t-shirt and a pair of shorts. She was sitting on the bed when he came down the ladder. She watched him carefully. Every movement he made.
Spike was oblivious to the girl on his bed watching him. He came down the stairs and kicked off his boots and duster. He peeled off his shirt and reached in the cooler, grabbing a bag of blood. His nerves were a bit frazzled at the idea of someone else trying to hurt Willow. Even more so at the idea of someone else trying to take her away from him. He wasn't ready to part from the girl yet. Spike morphed and bit into the bag, sucking every last drop to calm the demon.
Willow watched as he fed. She knew it was probably a personal thing. But she couldn't tear her eyes away from the sight.
As Spike melted back to his human facade, he threw the bag away and turned around to face Willow. He realized she had been watching him.
"Sorry," Willow said quickly. "I had just never seen you feed before. Not unless it was through a straw."
"You shouldn't have to watch me feed, luv."
"Why? It's a part of you. I don't mind, Spike. You need it to survive and...and I don't want you to become dust," she told him softly.
Spike took a deep breath and relaxed at the thought that it didn't disgust her. "Are you hungry, pet?"
"Yeah, a bit."
"We need to get some groceries soon. You can't survive off this junk."
"Xander does," she replied with a smile.
"Yeah, well I plan on taking care of you so you don't end up like him," he chuckled. Spike reached into the cooler and pulled out a soda and a bag of chips. "Chips in the cooler?"
"It's cold and it makes them crunchy. And I guess I'm weird."
"Not weird, luv. It's the little things about people that makes them different. It's a good different." He took a seat beside her on the bed and handed her the food.
Willow downed the soda and ate the chips in record speed. She was hungrier than she thought. "You're right. We really need to get some groceries."
"Why don't you lay down, pet?"
Willow started biting her bottom lip. "Would you...would you lay down with me?"
"You sure?"
"Yeah. Please?" she added just in case he was thinking of saying no.
About twenty minutes later, they were both laying in bed on top of the covers, staring at the ceiling. "Spike?"
"Yeah, luv."
"About earlier..."
"It's alright, Red. We don't have to do this right now."
"No, I need to say this. If you hadn't been there tonight. I...I would've died. I..."
Spike rolled onto his side and faced Willow.
"I," Willow started again. "I would have never seen you again," she said quietly. She turned her head to look at him. "And that bothers me a lot and I don't know why," she confessed.
Spike trailed his fingers down her cheek and pushed her hair out of the way. He leaned his head to the side and just stared into her eyes.
"Say something, Spike. Please?"
He continued running his fingers across her cheek and then over her lips.
Willow felt her heart start to speed up. "What are you doing?" she whispered.
"Taking what I want," he replied and then pressed his lips to hers.
~Part: 10~
Willow opened her mouth to protest the kiss, which Spike took to his advantage. He deepened the kiss, tasting Willow. Willow let herself relax into the kiss and enjoy it for a moment before she decided how 'wrong' it was. She placed her hands on his chest and gently pushed him away. Spike pulled back with a confused look on his face.
"Spike," she said almost out of breath. "We can't do this."
"We can't? Why the hell not?"
"Because...because..."
"Oh those reasons," he replied dryly.
"I know you feel bad for me or whatever and that's the reason you took me in but we just can't do that, because it always changes things. And I was enjoying things. And then those kinds of things just change everything."
"Would a change be bad, luv?"
Willow started to get up, ignoring his question. "Maybe I should sleep on the couch."
Spike grabbed her wrist and pulled her back down on the bed. "No," he growled. "You're stayin' here," he told her softly. "I'll behave," he reassured her.
Willow knew there was no point in arguing with the vampire when he was in this kind of mood. She settled back down on the bed on her side with her back facing Spike.
Spike knew she wasn't facing him on purpose. He snaked his arm around her waist and pulled her body to his, so his body was spooning hers. He felt Willow bring her hand to his and interlocked their fingers.
"About tonight," he whispered. "I'm not ready to lose you, luv." He felt her relax against him as the words left his lips.
Willow drifted asleep, his words being the last thing she remembered.
~~~*~~~
Willow woke up the next afternoon. Quietly she climbed out of bed and changed her clothes. As she turned around to whisper to Spike that she was going out for a bit, she jumped. Spike was standing in front of her in nothing more than a pair of jeans. "Spike!"
"Going somewhere, luv?"
"I...uh...I was just gonna go see Buffy and Giles."
"Wouldn't be running out on me would you?"
"Running out?" she squeaked.
"After the kiss last night. The one that you thought was so wrong."
"It was wr..."
"No. It. Wasn't." His eyes blazed golden.
Willow let her eyes drift away from his. "I'm going to help research. Will I see you later at the Magic Box?"
Spike placed two fingers under her chin and lifted her gaze to meet his. "Do you want to see me later, Willow?"
The use of her real name wasn't lost on her. "Yes," she whispered.
"Then I'll be there."
Willow suddenly became very nervous. "Well I guess I should just go then."
"I'll see you later, pet." He turned to walk away but her voice brought him back to the moment.
"Spike?"
He turned around. "Yeah, luv." Before he could say anything, he found her lips against his. Closing his eyes, he focused on her scent. He felt her deepen the kiss and he found himself getting lost in her. When she finally pulled away, he started to kiss down her neck until he reached her pulse. Spike nuzzled her neck when he heard the words.
"I'm sorry," she whispered. "I just..."
"Don't be sorry," he said softly. He pulled back to look at her. "I'll see you later." He watched her walk out the door and then Spike fell back on his bed in a content state.
~~~*~~~
Willow glanced at the clock. It was an hour before sundown. She had felt this nagging feeling deep inside her for the last twenty minutes. As each minute passed, the feeling became stronger and stronger. Finally she stood up and looked at Buffy. "I have to go."
"Are you alright?"
"Yeah. There's just something I forgot. I'll try to come back. If not, tomorrow?"
"Yeah, sure." Buffy watched as Willow flew out the door. Buffy shrugged off the anxiety of her best friend and started to train with Giles.
Willow started running through the streets of Sunnydale. She knew something was wrong and she knew it had to do with Spike. She didn't even know how she knew, she just did. When Willow reached the crypt, she threw open the door but didn't see anything out of the ordinary. "SPIKE? Are you down there?" When she didn't hear a response, she climbed down the ladder. "Please let him be ok," she mumbled to herself.
When Willow reached the lower floor, the sight before her made her freeze. Her eyes became wide as they grazed over her body. She felt herself start to hyperventilate. There was blood everywhere. His whole body was covered in bruises and cuts. Willow noticed that his face was even more pale than it usually was. She fell to her knees at the sight. She looked at his body once more and knew he was losing blood...fast. It was only a matter of time before he died from blood loss. He would be gone forever.