The Price

Author: Jessie

Pairing:W/S

Disclaimer: not mine - never was- just borrowing them for a while!

Spoilers: none

Timeline: Set after Oz has left,-sorry but there is no Tara!

Rating: PG 13 (for rude words)

Feedback: I live for it!!!-myrealitygirl@y...

Beta : Krystle

Dedication :For Sophie (sorry there's no Angel-maybe next time)J

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~    

~Part: 1~

Willow sat hunched over Giles's desk, trying in vain to ignore the loving couples sitting mere feet away.

Xander and Anya were groping each other in the arm chair, Anya curled up in Xander's lap - Willow didn't think she had ever seen Anya sit anywhere else but on Xander's lap.

Over on the sofa Buffy and Riley were cuddling and whispering cutely. Buffy looked happy at last and Willow was glad for her.

Meanwhile Spike sat watching T.V. One leg thrown over the arm of the chair, his whole presence exuding a quiet sexuality - which Willow was pretty sure no-one else in the room had picked up on. She was acutely aware of Spike's every move - had been for almost two months now - not that he or anybody else had guessed, of that she was sure.

"Willow?" Buffy called, she'd been calling her friend for the last couple of minutes - but it was obvious that she was miles away.

>Either thinking of Oz (bastard), or day dreaming over spike again (eww)> Buffy thought.  

Buffy knew her friend had a thing for the bleached vampire, she didn't understand the attraction but she thought they kinda fitted: the uber evil Vs the super sweet = CUTENESS!

"Willow!" Buffy tried again - pleased when Willow spun around to look at her, her face flushed .

>Uh huh! Spike thoughts!> Buffy grinned

"Oh. Sorry Buffy, this book… um really absorbing!"

"Yeah- what is it?" Buffy asked, amused at her friends lame excuse.

"Err - the history of - um Fyoral demons-nasty things-MUCUS-gross" Willow stammered.

"Sounds right fascinating, Red, but if you don't mind some of us are trying to watch 'Passions.'"

Spike growled from the corner, his eyes never leaving the screen. He never saw the hurt flash across Willow's features - but Buffy did.

"Oh sorry," Willow whispered, rising slowly she dashed into the kitchen, holding her side as she went.

Buffy was livid - the pain she saw flash across Willow's face angered her.

Walking past Spike's chair she smacked him around the back of the head-hard!

"You ever speak to Willow like that again and I'll put my foot through that damn T.V then through you - got it?" she hissed.

Spike raised surprised eyes to hers "What? Only talking to the chit - bloody hell gets to be so a man can't pass comment these days," he moaned.

"Oh you can chat till your lips fall off for all I care - but when you chat to Willow make sure you keep a civil tongue in your head, understand?" Buffy told him, her voice low and threatening.

She turned and headed into the kitchen to find Willow - leaving a very surprised Spike watching her back.

"You okay?" Buffy asked her friend, seeing her sitting forlornly on the counter top.

"Yeah - not his fault I annoy him - must be sick of being forced to be here with me" Willow's eyes flashed to Buffy's "Us - I mean he must be sick of us" she babbled, her face flushing with embarrassment.

"He can leave whenever he wants Willow - you know that. Maybe he likes us a bit now, you know got to know us all a little and realises that we're not so bad," Buffy told her friend.

Just then the front door opened and Giles entered, carrying a huge bag.

"I think this is the reason he stays," Willow told her softly.

"Huh?" Buffy frowned.

"Watch," Willow told her, looking out in to the main room.

"About bloody time. What did ya do - drain the sodding cows yourself?" Spike fumed, jumping up and grabbing the bag from Giles's hands.

"And your very welcome," Giles sighed, sinking into the overstuffed armchair that Spike had vacated and closing his eyes as Spike stalked into the kitchen.

"You could have at least said thank you," Buffy groused as Spike marched in and began putting his blood into the fridge.

"Gonna start on about the Watcher now too! I'm evil remember, `sides not like I didn't earn it - saved your precious Red 'ere didn't I? Nearly demon food last night wasn't she?" He shouted.

>Why the hell is she on my back all the bloody time lately - helping the scoobies-doin' my bit! Stupid mortals!!!< Spike fumed to himself.

Willow dropped her head, her eyes on the floor. "Thank you," she whispered.

Spike swung round, anger still on his face until he saw her. Startled by the witches demeanour. She had been terrified last night, her fear coming off her in waves - but she'd stood her ground until the spell had been cast, got thrown almost twenty feet in the process, but she had got back up and kept going. Now she looked as fearful, she wouldn't look him in the eye- and Spike was pissed off about that.

"S'okay. Got paid didn't I? No harm done." he told her, watching her closely.

He'd been doing that a lot for the last month or so. He knew she was a nice kid - best of the Scoobies. Although he had started to notice that she was a pretty little thing and smart too. Her brain amazed him at times - she could do just about anything on that computer of hers - decrypt files, shut down power grids or alarms. Willow was nearly always the first one to find whatever demon they were killing that week in Giles's vast library - in short she was a great person. Sweet, kind, clever, sexy as hell but the girl didn't seem to realise any of this - he had forgotten how many times she referred to herself as a nerd! She didn't seem to realise that she wasn't a nerd anymore - not his Red.

<HIS?? Where the hell did that come from?> Spike thought shocked.

"Well thanks anyway," Willow told him softly, carefully sliding off of the counter top, slower than usual.

As soon as her feet hit the floor she gasped as a burning pain sliced through her side.

"Willow?" Buffy asked stepping forward quickly, only to have Spike beat her to it.

"Red? You okay pet?" he asked, concern in his voice.

"Uh huh - think that I bruised a couple of ribs last night is all," she told him her face white with pain.

"Let me look," Spike told her. Before she could react he tugged her shirt up exposing her rib cage.

He swore softly when he saw the ugly blue and black bruise marking her pale skin- it was nearly as big as his hand, it spanned her left side almost completely.

"Spike!" Willow cried when she felt his cool fingers touch her skin.

"Sorry pet - I don't understand how in the hell this happened? I thought I got you out of the way." he told her, trailing his fingers over her marked skin, his eyes never leaving hers.

"I think it must have been when the demon first hit me, I think I hit a tombstone or something," she told him, green eyes meeting blue.

"You mean right at the start? I thought you missed it! You mean to say that that even though that wanker of a demon broke at least 3 of your ribs you still did the spell?" An awful thought suddenly hit him. "I pushed you out of the way!!! That must have hurt like hell! Hey why didn't the chip go off then?" he frowned.

"You didn't want to hurt me did you? You didn't know I was already hurt so that's why the chip didn't react. Anyway I'll be fine. I had better be going. My parents are going away and they want me to be there when they leave. Not like I haven't done this a hundred times before." She told him, walking around them both she headed into the lounge.

Spike watched her slow progress as she said goodbye to the others and heard her promise Giles she'd finish up the research next night.

His eyes didn't leave her until she closed the door softly behind her.

"Spike?" Buffy asked, astonished at the depth of feeling she had just witnessed in his eyes.

"What? Gonna tell me I failed the job? Take my payment away? I don't blame you - how could I have been so bloody stupid? I should have seen she was hurt. I pushed her over Slayer! I pushed her to the ground, I can't imagine the pain she must have been in and she didn't say a damn word." He fumed.

"You heard what she said - it wasn't your fault. I wondered if you'd do me another favour?" Buffy explained. A plan had formed in her mind when she had seen the emotion on Spikes face. He knew Willow had been hurt and he had hurt too because of it.

"What's that then Slayer - `coz right now I'd be happy to crush some skulls for you," he told her, the anger at his failure still fresh in his mind.

"Nothing like that - it's Willow," she told him.

Spike frowned "What about her?"

"You heard her say her parents are going away - AGAIN! - I wondered if you would keep her company?" Buffy explained.

Spike's mouth fell open. "You want me to WHAT?"

"I'd pay you - $200 dollars. Look their gone for a month, so that's $50 bucks a week," she told him.

"I don't understand your gonna pay me $200 dollars to baby sit the witch? Why can't you do it? Gonna be too busy with G.I. Joe?" he asked, anger in his voice.

"Some friend you are," he told her.

"No - look I don't want you to babysit her, more like be a friend. I don't want her to know about the money obviously Spike - but I just want her to come out with us again. She won't be on her own if you're there, she won't feel like a fifth wheel," she told him patiently.

"Go where?" he hedged

"The Bronze, pizza, movies, bowling, Espresso Pump - you know fun stuff, couply stuff. She hasn't done any of that since Oz left, you must have noticed?" She asked, praying silently that he'd agree.

Spike nodded "I've noticed - but I still don't get why me? Why not get one of Captain America's army pals to take her out?"

"Because she needs a friend right now, someone who won't push for more. She's lonely Spike and I think that when your not being so - I don't know - Spike-Like you actually like her, well more than the rest of us anyway. So?" she finished hoping beyond hope he'd agree. She knew Willow would kill her if she ever found out - but she didn't like seeing her friend unhappy. If the only way to cheer her up was giving Spike a push in her direction then she'd overlook the fact that he was once their enemy.

She knew Willow fancied him, could see it everytime she looked at him - that was why Buffy always put them together during battles, she knew Spike would protect her and vice versa.

Spike considered the option carefully. He'd get to spend time with Red, get paid, and more importantly he wouldn't feel so lonely all the time. A fact that he hadn't realised until that moment. Being stuck with the Scoobies was only made bearable by Willow's presence. Seeing her smile when she walked through the door in the evenings always made his anger vanish. She seemed to have a calming effect on everyone - even demon-girl wasn't so annoying when she was around. The joking banter and laughter always seemed to radiate from her. He knew she was lonely, he saw the way she looked at Anya and Xander, Buffy and Riley - god even Giles and Olivia, when she was in town. She missed having someone who was hers -just hers - he could do that for a month - be Willow's.

"Okay got yourself a deal. How you want to play this then?" he asked

"Great, you go over to Willow's tomorrow night, I'll call and ask her to go to 'The Bronze', she'll refuse but if you say your going too and would she like to tag along. She'd go if she knew she wasn't going to be left alone at the table when we dance and whatnot, so what do you think?" she smiled, pleased with her plan.

"Why am I going over to her house?" he asked

Buffy sighed "Do I have to think of everything! Your an evil vampire, I'm sure you can come up with a plausible lie!"

"Tell her I was wondering how her ribs were - yeah that'd work. But why would she go with me - as you so nicely said I AM an evil vampire?" he queried

"Trust me Spike if you ask her she'll go. So be there by seven thirty, I'll call at eight. Thanks for doing this, I don't like seeing her sad," she told him truthfully.

"S'okay - I'm getting paid for the pleasure, I mean the pleasure of annoying Xander and the others," he finished quickly.

Buffy hid her smile. "Don't worry about them I'll tell them your gonna ask her out because you feel guilty or something, they won't give you any trouble. Well until tomorrow then?"

"Until tomorrow," Spike nodded as she left.

Grabbing a cup of blood he finished it in one go - thinking over Buffy's comment about Willow going out if he asked her.

>Wonder why?< he mused.

~Part: 2~

At seven thirty Spike stood on Willow's doorstep wondering what the hell he was doing.

He had spent all day analysing his motives and the only conclusion he had come up with, which he hadn't liked one bit, he was turning into PEACHES!.

He shook his head in disgust at his sire, but also himself-all it took was a pair of pretty green eyes and William/Spike was sunk.

He had seen it throughout his unlife, first there was Cecily - she turned him down flat, next came Drusilla - she turned him. Then Harmony, Spike grimaced at the memory, okay so she was his major mistake-but now Willow?-all she had done so far had made him want to protect her, comfort her and - dammit - keep her safe.  

< Why on earth would William the Bloody care if a mortal was lonely or not?.>  

Spike tossed his cigarette to one side and turned to go.

It was then he heard it, a sharp cry of pain coming from the back of Willow's house.

Taking off at breakneck speed, he hammered on the back door- screaming her name.

"Willow!"  fear in his voice-fear for her.

"Spike? - what are you doing here ?" Willow asked throwing open the door.

Shocked to see Spike in full vamp face on her doorstep, she took a step back.

"You okay?- I heard a cry " willing his demon back down.

"Come in Spike - I'm fine" Willow replied, closing the door behind him.

"But the noise?" Spike frowned "you were in pain-I heard it"

"I reached up to get a coffee mug and forgot about my ribs" touched to know he cared.

 "Thanks for coming to my rescue though"

"Anytime Pet, so how are the ribs today?" Spike asked hopping onto the countertop.

"Better. I did a healing charm on them which seems to have helped a little. So what brings you around here anyway-oh not that I don't want your company" she finished hurriedly.

Spike smiled "Thought I'd see how you were, plus not a lot to do around Sunnydale when you can't terrorise people" he told her lighting a cigarette.

"Oh your bored huh?, no Big Bad to kill?" she joked, a little disappointed that boredom was the only reason for his visit.

"Yeah kinda-Plus i wanted to see you. So I'm not keeping you from anything am if-if your waiting for a date or something i could leave. Sure your new fella Wouldn't want to run into a handsome man like me leaving your house" he Spike asked casually, although he felt anything but.

Willow laughed " No - no date for Willow, I'm just gonna order pizza and watch some T.V. My parents left yesterday so I'm flying solo for a while" she told him.

"No date- but its Saturday night, isn't it the law that every teenage needs a date for Saturday night?" Spike asked, tilting his head at her sad expression.

"Did i say something wrong pet?" he frowned

Willow shook her head "nothing wrong-I think the terminally dumped aren't allowed dates, at least that's how it seems sometimes" she replied quietly.

Spike knew she had been upset before he got there, he could smell her tears in the air-he wondered if she was thinking of the Wolf and was angry with himself when he realised how interested in that he was.

"Better of without Dogboy pet. Showed he wasn't the loyal sort when he took up with his Were-bitch ,need to get out and about, find someone new." He told her .

"I know but he was my Oz ya know ,thought I loved him and I can't believe I'm sitting in my kitchen having this discussion with you" she laughed.

"Sorry pet-if you want me to go." he told her, standing.

Willow was on her feet in a second, a slight gasp, as she did "No its fine just thought you'd have more interesting places to be than here"

Just as Spike was about to speak the phone rang.

Willow reached for it "Oh hi Buffy, yeah I'm fine-What? Oh, em no I don't  think so. Buffy don't pout-look I have a visitor and it's not a good time okay- who? oh well it's Spike. No I'm not asking him that-no I can't" Willow explained to the petulant Slayer.

Spike smiled as he saw a blush creeping up her cheeks.

"What can't you ask me pet?" he whispered so only she could hear.

Covering the phone she whispered "told me to bring you along with me" she told him.

"along where?" he asked amused at her flustered expression.

"The Bronze-new band no fee" she explained

Spike thought for a moment "Sounds okay-could do with a beer and some loud music-would you mind if I tag along Red?" he asked softly, his voice deepening with every word.

Willow shook her head in amazement.

 "Of course not"

Spike took the phone from Willows limp hand " see you later Slayer we're be there in half an hour" he told a spluttering Buffy, then hung up the phone.

Willow stood in front of him in shock.

"Better go change luv-not that those shorts aren't lovely, but not quite the Bonze are they" he told her, his eyes locked with her own.

Willow looked down at herself then back at him, he would be fine in his clothes-wearing his trademark tight black jeans and t-shirt, with his duster hanging on his muscled frame.

"I'll be back in fifteen minutes" she told him heading for the door.

Spike settled himself in front of the T.V, he knew from experience that girl time was not the same as real time.  

When she came back downstairs in under fifteen minutes to say Spike was surprised was an understatement.

Turning to her he noticed how cute she looked. Wearing dark blue jeans, that fit like a second skin - a white t- shirt with a kitten on the front, the hem didn't quite reach the top of her jeans and Spike could see a narrow strip of pale skin.

Willow sat on the couch next to him and leant down to pull her short boots on - she winced as pain lanced her side and she straightened slowly. Looking at him through lowered lashes she sighed dramatically.

 "No boots for me huh?" smiling despite the fiery pain.

Her smile turned to surprise as Spike knelt in front of her and took her small foot in his large cool hand, sliding it in to her boot. She raised shocked eyes to his.

"I'll help" he said simply - Willow blushed.

 " You don't have to but thanks".

Spike shrugged "My fault you got hurt pet, least I can do" he told her, tying the laces securely.

Willow frowned "It wasn't your fault - if I remember rightly you were fighting a couple of the demons minions when he threw me".

Spike looked up at her, his eyes grazing over the bruise on her side - before he could stop himself his fingers lightly brushed across it.

Willow stilled at the sensation, her eyes flashing to his. "Sorry anyway" he mumbled, standing quickly.

Willow stood in front of him "I don't blame you, it was an accident -  come on lets go before Buffy sends out a search party" she smiled.

Spike nodded as he watched her pull her jacket form the hall closet, watching as she slowly slid her arms into it - her teeth catching her lower lip in pain. She seemed determined to not let on she was in hurting, Spike sighed and stepping behind her, helping her pull the garment on.

"Thanks" she told him ,grabbing her purse and keys from a nearby table. Spike said nothing as she locked up and they started off in the direction of 'The Bronze'.

After a few minutes Willow began chattering on about nothing in particular - anything to get a response from him, Spike smiled as she babbled and chatted happily back.

Willow looked up at him and grinned, stumbling as she did over a raised kerb stone "arrgh" she squealed - "Watch it pet" Spike told her catching her easily, putting his arm around her shoulders he pulled her close to him, Willow looked up at him with raised eyebrows.

Spike laughed at her expression "Don't want you falling at my feet now do we Red?" ,Willow giggled then slapped his stomach.

 "Ego much" she laughed as he continued to hold her the rest of the way.

'The Bronze' loomed into sight, teenager hustled and bustled about - some in groups most in couples. They were all there for the same thing beer (or coffee for the under twenty-one crowd),good music and company. Willow looked at them all and decided the real reason they were there was so they wasn't alone- she knew that was why she usually came.  

When she'd been with Oz it was different, she had gone to be with him and support his band - she had felt loved, but that feeling was long gone, it disappeared the moment she had caught him with that slag Veruca - apt name - she really was just a nasty growth that you wanted to go freeze out, and like her name she was a painful experience never wanting to be repeated.

After walking past the bouncer, the unlikely pair entered the dimly lit club. The music throbbed around them and Willow was relieved to see that band seemed to be going down well, they certainly made up in style what they lacked in talent.

Willow was a little surprised that Spike still had his arm around her as they searched for Buffy and the gang.

Spotting them at a table in the corner, Willow pointed them out to Spike and they made their way through the throng.

Buffy was surprised to see to Spike with his arm curled around her best friend- although Willow didn't seem to mind so why should she?

Hello's were exchanged along with a few insults. "Fang" "Whelp" Willow smiled at the pair and shook her head, rising she began asking if anyone needed a refill. Spike touched her shoulder and she turned - "My round pet. What can I get ya?" he asked.

"Oh soda thanks" she answered smiling as she saw him struggling to remember what everyone else wanted.

"Don't worry Spikey I'll help" Buffy told him - leading the way to the bar. Willow frowned at her friend.  

< okay Buffy helping Spike, right when did we land in bizarro world and why didn't anyone tell me. >  Willow thought.

"It's great to see her here Spike - thanks" Buffy told the blonde vampire.

Spike just shrugged his shoulders "What your paying me for in'it?" he answered fighting his way to the front of the queue.

Buffy frowned at his reaction "Well - anyway thanks, em if you don't want to do it again ......." she told him leaving the question hanging between them.

"She'd been crying when I got there" he told her abruptly.

Buffy looked up at him "Why ? - what happened?"

Spike shrugged "Dunno-didn't ask"

"I bet it was her bloody parents" Buffy fumed.

Spike turned quickly, his eyes flashing gold "What they beat her something?" he asked his voice dangerously low.

Buffy shook her head stopping him- "No nothing like that- in fact I think it could be worse, they ignore her" Buffy explained.

Spike lifted a brow "Thought most teenagers would love that"

"NO you don't understand - they've done it her whole life. Every wondered why Willow has such little self-confidence, because she has been told her whole life she's worthless. Trust me Spike I've heard them do it-it's plain evil. Take a good look around Willow's house next time your there Spike, you'll see what I mean".

Spike looked at her as she lifted the tray and began weaving her way back to the table.  

<What the hell did she mean by that last remark> he wondered as he paid the bartender.

Spike was surprised at how enjoyable the rest of the night was. The first half hour or so had been Scooby stuff mainly - that was until Anya demanded they stop.

"I'm bored - talk about something else"

This was followed by Xander trying to explain proper manners to his girlfriend, which sent Spike and Anya into a long discussion on how stupid mortals were. Soon they were all good naturedly laughing at each other. Picking out faults and past misdemeanours, Willow made sure Spike wasn't left out ,she even gave Xander a dirty look when he said something out of line to him.

All too soon the evening was drawing to a close, and slow songs were being played by the overly styled band on stage. Soon the only ones sitting at the table were Spike and Willow.

Willow turned to him "So - have fun?" she asked.

Spike smiled at the redhead "Yeah more than I thought I would anyway"

Willow nodded happily "See we're not a bad bunch"

Spike looked out on to the dance floor and saw Buffy cast a sad look in Willow's direction.

Turning to Willow he saw sadness and envy etched on her features, her hands nervously ripping a coaster to pieces-as she watched her friends dancing together.

Spike gently took her hand and pulled her up - looking down into surprised green eyes he asked softly "Wanna dance pet?"

Willow nodded shyly - letting him lead her out on to the dance floor.

Spike joined his arms loosely around her waist, mindful of holding her to tight, Willow placed hers around his neck.

Moving slowly he saw Buffy smile, he just shrugged his shoulders.

Willow looked up at him "Thanks for coming with me tonight Spike"

"Anytime" he whispered as she laid her head against his chest.

As the slow songs ended, the gang started making their way home.

Walking together as a group, Spike didn't even realise that he had his arm around Willow as they walked.

Coming to the corner where they went their separate ways, plans were being formed for the next night.

"Movies?" Anya asked

"Nah-let's leave that for the weekend-how about bowling?" Xander put in

"Buffy always wins- Pizza?" Riley cut in

"Don't think so-late patrol means indigestion-I know how about we meet up at the 'Espresso pump' around 7-ish see what we fancy then?" Buffy asked the group.

This was met with a chorus of approval by all - except Willow.

Spike looked at her sad face "Not gonna go Pet?"

Willow shook her head "no - em -studying" she told them lamely.

"Okay - I guess we're not going guys" he told the assembled Scoobies.

"We?"

"Oh wasn't I invited Red?" Spike frowned

"No-no of course you were - ARE - I just thought you wouldn't....." Willow stammered

"Hate coffee but they make great hot chocolate, love those little marshmallows with a passion " he grinned

Willow laughed.

Xander and Buffy exchanged a look - a smile passing between them at seeing their friend happy again.

"So you two in then?" Buffy asked Willow.

"Uh huh" Willow nodded

" See you guys-Willow you gonna be okay walking home ?-I wanna make a quick sweep through the cemetery on my way "

"S'kay' Slayer I'll get her home safe" Spike mumbled.

"Bye guys see you tomorrow!" Willow called as she headed off into the night with Spike.

That was how the next two weeks went.

Spike would pick Willow up - they'd meet the gang -head off whatever was planned that evening . They had gone bowling the previous evening (Buffy had won).

Spike realised they were a nice group - a family of rejects that didn't fit anywhere else but together.

They had the whole dynamic right there: Joyce was the mom - Giles the Dad - Buffy and Willow Sisters - Xander, the annoying big brother-Anya the odd girlfriend - Riley the steady 'all American' boyfriend and Spike! well he always put himself as the crazy neighbour, or the slightly eccentric uncle.

Whatever they were, they fit.

Xander, Riley and Spike were getting along quite chummy - they stilled called each other vile names but the malice had been replaced with humour, typical male behaviour really.

Willow was returning to her old self - to which Anya constantly remarked on - Buffy just couldn't have been happier.

This was the first evening in two weeks when they weren't meeting up and Willow was bored.

The Slayer had training and Anya was doing inventory so it was decided that they would all meet up the next night for a movie marathon at Buffy's.

Willow sat on her sofa and looked around her lounge - feeling lonelier than ever, the house was so quiet.

When all of a sudden there was a bang on the door.

"Who's there?" a scared voice asked.

"Just me Pet, gonna let me in?"

"Spike?" Willow frowned opening the door.

Walking in he dumped his bounty on the sofa - Pizza,video,bottle of wine.

" 'Ello Red" Spike grinned at her surprised face.

"I thought..... I mean what are you.........Hi Spike" she finished laughing.

"Hi Pet - I got lonely-not interrupting am I?"

"No-what's all this?" indicating to the stuff he dumped on the sofa.

"Dinner and a movie - well kinda - pizza and a video is the best I could come up with" he grinned.

"With a pretty good bottle of wine if I'm not mistaken-what's the occasion?"

Willow laughed as Spike shrugged his duster off and laid it over the back of the closet chair.

"Nothing - just thought you might like it - so where's ya wine glasses?"

Willow set off into the kitchen to find some.

Spike prowled around the room , realising that this was the first time he had been inside for any length of time since their first date.

< DATE? > he frowned

Also he couldn't get Buffy's statement out of his head from that night.

<Take a good look around her house next time your there, you'll see what I mean>

It was as he was glancing around that Willow came in to the room - two long flutes in her hand, when it suddenly struck him.

"There's no pictures of you" he blurted out.

Willow stopped dead, colour draining from her face.

"Oh em no I guess there's not"

"Why?- I bet you were a real cute kid" he asked, frowning at her reaction.

"Willow?"

He saw the tears shining in her eyes and went to walk towards her.

"No, I mean it's okay - just-um-my parents they said -em- they don't need any-what with me being a constant reminder and all" she finished weakly.

Surprised that Spike was standing in front of her, she hadn't seen him move.

< Damn vampire speed >

"Constant reminder-of what?"

Willow sat on the edge of the sofa, carefully putting the glasses on the table.

Looking up at his puzzled expression she knew she had to tell him.

"A mistake" her voice little more than a whisper.

Spike sat next to her "What mistake?" ,a chill creeping up his spine at her pained expression.

"Me" she whispered, tears falling silently.

"Jesus" he cried, gathering her on to his lap, his arms around her, Willow crawled over him, trying to hide her shame.

"I'm sorry - I shouldn't have asked - shush Pet please" he whispered. He knew her heart was breaking, could feel her tears wetting his shirt but she didn't make a sound.

"S'not your fault I'm not wanted Spike" she whispered into his neck.

Her hot breath on his skin making him hold her tighter.

"Willow I don't understand-how the hell could you ever be unwanted?" he asked, she pulled back and looked at him - her eyes a stormy green full of sorrow.

Sighing she told him "It's not their fault, you see they never wanted children - I was an accident - when mom fell for me they knew they couldn't get rid of it, I mean me - religion you see - so I was born. I never knew anything was wrong until I was 5 or 6 years old. That was when I heard them" she whispered - not looking at him.

"Heard what Red?"

"I shouldn't have been listening, it was nearly my birthday and I really wanted a puppy - I snuck up to the kitchen door one night hoping they would be talking about my presents. They wasn't"

"What did you hear?"

"They were saying they should have got rid of me - I didn't understand what they meant at the time-but then they were trying to figure out who they could dump me with over summer vacation, they said they were sick of me being around - Mom, mom said I had ruined her career, that I was constantly needing attention. So I went back to bed and  from that moment on I tried to be a  different Willow" she whispered.

"Different how?"

"I was the perfect child, or at least I tried to be. I never cried, I ate my greens, did my homework, never answered back-didn't speak unless spoken too. I just wanted them to love me a little bit - prove to them that I could be a good girl- I failed I guess-whatever I did I was still me, ha I never mentioned the puppy again"

Spike held her close "Your a great person red, your special to alot of people"

"No - I'm not you see I realised that if my parents knew I was nothing then how could anyone else see me as anything else. So now I keep out of their way as much as possible - it's been pretty easy really since I was 14 - they have been away on business trips for 2 or 3 months at a time, only back for a week or so then their off again."

"They left you alone for months when you were 14 ! -in this town?- who the hell looked after you?" he raged

"I did, I'm sorry Spike I didn't mean to upset you-you can go now" as she tried to stand, her eyes downcast, Spike pulled her back on his lap.

"I'm not going anywhere Red, you haven't upset me" he told her softly.

Willow looked at him, a sad smile on her lips.

"didn't mean to dump all that on you - I'll put the movie on huh?"

"No-I wanna hold you a bit longer - do you mind?" he whispered

Willow shook her head, letting him pull her tight into his embrace.

"I am gonna tell you something and I want you to listen okay?- you are an amazing person, you have friends who would go to hell and back for you-and you know I mean that literally-don't ever think your nothing pet please" he whispered

"I'll try - I promise"

Spike looked at her and saw that she didn't believe a word of it.

Her parents were damn fools! - couldn't they see what a truly special daughter they had. She had so much time, respect, compassion for everyone and everything that it astounded him.

She had befriended a vampire, treated him like a man not a demon, been friends with a slayer - hell she had helped save the world on numerous occasions and still these people who were meant to be her family treated her like she was invisible. Spike wished he didn't have the damn chip, he'd make them realise- just before he ate their cold hearts before their very eyes.

Willow could see the anger coming Spike in waves, thinking she was to blame she pulled into herself a little more.

She had never wanted Spike to know - to find out she was less than a person. Dipping her head to her chest she sighed ,memories of her childhood threatening to choke her.

Her parents had never known she'd heard them, they never knew that their red headed little girl had stood outside of the door and heard her life pulled to shreds-if they did think she had changed it was never discussed or mentioned. Maybe she hadn't tried hard enough? maybe she could have done better.

She knew they had never agreed with her being friends with Xander or Jessie-they knew what her parents were like, they had heard their cutting remarks and snide comments - she'd tried to hide it from them but they knew.

That was the only thing in her life that she did to ever upset them, and she was so glad she had because otherwise she would have no-one, no Buffy, Giles, Joyce, Anya, Riley and now Spike to call friends.

"Red?"

"Sorry - miles away-bet you wish I was. You come over here for a nice evening and instead I land all this rubbish on you-I'm sorry Spike. I really would understand if you had to leave, I won't hold it against you, then tomorrow when I see you at Buffy's we can pretend it never happened ,what do you think?" she asked, smiling hopefully

Spike shook his head "Do you really think I could forget what you've told me?, you almost broke my heart" he whispered

"Oh I never meant...."

"Dammit Willow - stop apologising!-when are you going to see that none of this was your doing-this is abuse you understand that right. You were a little girl hearing all that crap-how in the hell do you think that any of this is your fault!"

"Years of practice?" she smiled little

Spike chuckled and bent down, brushing his cool lips to hers.

Willow gasped, as she did Spike took that moment to slip his tongue between her lips, tasting her gently.

Willow curled her small hands in to his hair and kissed him back, all her emotions being poured into him.

After many minutes Spike pulled back, allowing her much needed breath.

"Wow" she whispered

"Couldn't have said it better myself Pet" he laughed, dipping to her lips once again.

The rest of the evening was spent talking and kissing , okay so mainly kissing.

As the evening drew to a close Spike knew what he had to do.

"Willow can I meet you at Buffy's tomorrow?-I have an errand I need to run first" Spike asked as he stood on her doorstep saying goodnight.

"Of course-night Spike"

"Night Red, sweet dreams" he whispered

Half an hour later he left.(saying goodnight properly takes time ya know!)

Willow went to bed floating on air.

< He kissed me! > She thought dreamily, sliding into bed.

Unknown to her a dark shadow watched outside her house.

Guilt eating him up.

< Gotta put an end to this > he thought, waiting until her house went dark before he left.

~Part: 3~

The next night Spike arrived at Buffy's early.

"We need to talk," he told her as soon as she opened the door.

"What's wrong?-Willow is she ..."

"Willow's fine-well as fine as anyone can be when they've been told their not good enough their entire lives. Why the hell didn't you tell me?" he raged

"Wasn't my story to tell - Spike if she wanted you to know it had to come from her. Understand now why I won't have you put her down or snap at her, she's heard it enough. So what do you need to talk to me about?" she asked leading him into the kitchen.

"I can't do this anymore. I can't pretend to like Willow, it's driving me insane!"

"We had a deal Spike! - she has been so happy these last two weeks, you've done that" Buffy told him.

"Yeah - well not anymore! Here's the money you paid me. I'm out"

A loud crash behind them had them both spinning around.

Willow stood there - videos at her feet - her face white, lip trembling, her eyes huge and full of unshed tears.

"Sorry - I didn't mean to. I'll go i, I, I" she stammered looking from one shocked face to the other.

"Willow" Buffy whispered, seeing the confusion and hurt on her friends face.

"I'm sorry Buffy; I should have learned not to eavesdrop by now. Never hear anything good huh? I'm going, I should have knocked, I just walked straight in. I had no right." she rambled her voice thin.

Spike took a step towards her and her hands came up "Don't" she pleaded.

"You don't understand pet?-let me explain" he asked

Willow shook her head.

 "No I understand, and thank you. You got me out of the house at least. I'm sorry I wasn't more fun-it must have been awfully dull for you. And all that drama last night, if I'd known I'd have never rambled on. Buffy I think you should know Spike deserves a raise after his performance last night. He really made me think I was someone special, that he wanted to hear all about my dreary little problems. Do you know Spike you should be on the stage-I believed every word, every kiss" she rasped, her breathing coming fast.

"Kiss?" Buffy whispered looking at Spike.

"He didn't tell you?-I thought he would have put that as overtime - having to kiss the lips of Willow must warrant a couple of extra bucks at least. It must have been hell for you Spike-having me touch you, kiss you"  

"Willow sit down, please Red you're scaring me" Spike told her, he could see every bit of fight leaving the red head.

Not a bit of colour was left in her cheeks; her eyes were flat and dull.

"No, I'm leaving now-bye, I'm sorry I can't stay tonight tell the others I said hi " she raved, turning quickly she stumbled.

Spike shot out a hand and caught her; she jumped back as if she'd been burned.

"Don't touch me" she whispered.

Spike dropped her hand but not before he had turned her to face him.

"I can explain" he told her.

"Explain what? My supposed friend paid a neutered vampire to go out with me."

"Willow please listen-I came over here..." Spike started, only to be cut off by Willow.

"To what?-tell her the gory details?, tell her how I poured out my heart to you, told you things I've never told anyone else. Have a good laugh did you-oh poor pathetic, unloved Willow. No wonder her own parents despise her. Her friends lie and play tricks on her, her boy..., YOU pretend to to like her!-for what Spike? How much did she have to pay you? How much did it cost her to have you kiss me last night, make me feel wanted, hold me while I cried, how much money did it cost to get you to tell me I'm special, I'm someone-I'm important. God I do not understand any of this. I should have known something was up the first time you went out with us. You have always hated me -why did I let myself think that you had changed. What was the price of fooling me-how much was I worth?" she cried.

"Willow don't" Spike begged, scared of depth of sadness he could see in her eyes.

"HOW MUCH?!" she screamed

Buffy jumped - she had never seen such sadness on one person before.

< oh my god what have I done? >

"Does it really matter?" Spike muttered, defeated.

Willow looked at him sadness etched on her face "I Know I haven't for my entire existence. Thought you were all different though. Thought you all cared for me at least a little-should have realised sooner, people always do you see, at first they like me like Oz did then they see- see the real me and see I'm nothing-not special am I Spike. Just stupid to believe in anyone. I just wish you weren't such a good actor, because for the first time ever I let someone in. Here take this," she whispered handing him a cheque -it was made out to her for over a hundred thousand dollars.

"I'll sign it over to you"

"Red?" he frowned, looking at the signature-Ira Rosenberg.

"That's why I'm here early-I needed to talk to a friend-needed some help to find a new place to live. I'm homeless-or should that be, hopeless?-never mind whatever it is I'm it"

"Willow-what's going on?" Buffy asked, stepping forward she went to touch Willow's arm, but Willow pulled away-turning slightly-trying in vain to hide the tears spilling down her ashen face.

"My parents-they sent me this, this morning, along with a long letter-finally told me they wanted me out of their lives, they're buying me out. They want me out of the house by the end of the month-  want to sell it and move somewhere safer. Told me they didn't see any point with living with the charade any longer, that I must have known how hard it was for them to accept me as a daughter. How they hoped maybe I could have become someone special but as it was I hadn't seemed to be able to accomplish that. They won't be coming back to Sunnydale-and asked if I'd send their personal belongs on to them. See Spike you were right kinda- I am worth alot!-you have it though, you earned every cent" She sobbed.

Turning quickly she ran out of the front door, down the path and straight across the street-she never saw the car coming.

Spike and Buffy did-they saw her fragile body tossed into the air like a rag doll.

"WILLOW!" they screamed running to her. Buffy pulled her cell phone from her pocket and dialled 911.

Spike knelt next to her "Oh god-Willow wake up-come on Red please," he whispered, brushing her hair gently from her face.

Her body lay twisted on the pavement, her heartbeat erratic.

It was faint but it was there, Spike could hear it.

In the distance he heard Xander and Anya arrive, heard Xander's shout when he realised who lay broken on the ground.

After what seemed like an eternity, he heard sirens in the distance.

"Red helps on its way, I'm sorry," he whispered, her eyes fluttered open.

"Spike?" she whispered

"Yes pet-oh god I'm sorry, your gonna be okay Red, gotta be okay" he told her lightly taking her hands.

"Don't bother my parents with this," she whispered-before falling unconscious.

Spike sat in shocked silence as the ambulance arrived. Medics talking in hushed tones as they gently moved her to a gurney then in to the ambulance.

"Spike?" Buffy said softly, crouching down beside him "Come on we're following them to the hospital"

"Did you hear what she said-she doesn't want to BOTHER them-she could die and she doesn't want to bother them?. I can't lose her Buffy-I love her," he told her, his blue eyes pleading for understanding.

"I know-come on your gonna want be there when she wakes up right?" Buffy told him-pulling him to his feet.

Spike nodded dumbly and let her lead him to Xander's car-Xander was in a state of shock, sitting in silence in the front seat.

Anya drove, following the ambulance to the hospital-praying to every god that she could remember to keep Willow safe, she was a sweet kid and by the looks of it the cute vampire had finally realised what Anya had known all along-that he and Willow were meant to be together.

Giles arrived a few minutes after they got there, thanking god he had his 'dreaded' cell phone with him for a change.

They sat for hours waiting for news, Buffy cried softly. Xander held her tight - his face white and impassive. Anya went back and forwards, buying endless cups of coffee. Giles paced and cleaned his glasses.

And Spike, he sat in the corner-not looking at anyone, not speaking- not knowing for the first time in his unlife what he was going to do.

He had caused all this-Willow had got hurt because of him, because he let Buffy pay him to take her out.

He had wanted to anyway, had liked her for a long time. He'd tried to hide it behind snide comments and hurtful remarks-never knowing that what he was doing was only making her think that her parents had been right all along. That she was nothing, a nuisance who should be either avoided or belittled at every opportunity.

He thought back over the past few months-how every time he'd snap at her she'd turn or leave the room-had she been crying?,thinking that he was right?. That she was a nerd, a groupie, a spoilt child who deserved no thought at all.

God how could he have been so blind-every night when she left Giles house,a house full of chatter and friendship-she'd walked the streets of Sunnyhell alone. Buffy or Xander would walk with her sometimes but on the nights they were busy or out slaying she had been alone-while he sat and brooded in Giles apartment, hating his existence, not realising that the young girl he was beginning to think about in every waking moment was entering an empty heartless house-alone.

No one there to ask how her day was, to watch telly with, no one to hear her if she had a nightmare, to hold her in the dark when she screamed in terror.

She had been alone most of her life, he understood now why the Scooby's were so special to her, they were the only family she had ever known.

Now he had made her think, in what could have been her last few moments on this god forsaken planet, that the friends she did have had lied to her too.

"How did this happen? What the fuck was she doing running in the street?-I thought we were going to all be at your house-was she late? Was a demon chasing her? WHAT?" Xander exploded suddenly.

"My fault, I upset her-made her cry-made her think I had played a trick on her, she was running from me," Spike told him-his voice holding no emotion.

Xander sprang from the chair, launching himself across the room.

Aiming blows where ever he could, Spike didn't even try to defend himself.

He welcomed every punch.

"Xander stop!-it's my fault, stop it" Buffy cried pulling him off of the vampire.

Spike sat there blood on his face, listening to the slayer explain what had happened.

"I knew something had to up! I knew you must have been playing some damn sick joke. Have you any idea what you've done to her?-she calls me every night Spike-we chat about everything we've done all day- these last two weeks all she has talked about is you. I told her to be careful-know what she said. - 'Spike would never hurt me, he's a good guy now,'- she thought you'd changed" Xander told him-his voice full of anger.

"Xander it was my idea, I just wanted them to get together -I wanted them to realise that they liked each other" Buffy whispered.

Spike looked at her but said nothing.

Giles coughed quietly, breaking the silence "I really think her parents should be informed"

"No" Spike growled.

"They'll be worried, I know she says they don't care but I'm sure that can't be true" Giles insisted.

Spike turned to look at him and asked coldly "Why not? Plenty of parents disown their children mate"

"He's right Giles, I've known her alot longer than any of you, they really don't give a damn about her," Xander told him quietly remembering the coldness in her house "they never have"

"Then their fools! - she is one of the sweetest people I have ever met!" Giles raged.

"Yeah but that doesn't mean her parents saw it. I love her Giles but I don't think she even knows what the word means" Spike said softly.

Xander looked at him in shock for a moment "She does Spike-I've loved her since kindergarten-we've been friends a long time and she knows how to love unconditionally, she loves her parents even though they treat her like dirt, so if you mean what you said-if you truly love her keep telling her until she believes it"

Spike nodded.

A short time later her doctor appeared "Are you related to Miss Rosenberg?" he asked the group.

They stood as one - "We're her family" Giles told him firmly.

"Is she going to be okay?" Spike asked, almost afraid to hear the answer.

"She's broken her right leg and fractured her wrist, we've set both of those-she also has a couple of broken ribs and a pretty severe concussion-but apart from that and some minor cuts and bruises she got off very lightly" he told them.

Buffy hugged Xander and Anya, Giles shook the doctors' hand while Spike gazed at the ceiling thanking whichever god had helped her.

"How long will she have to stay here?" he asked softly

"At least 6 weeks. It is a bad break and it's going to require surgery-um I know it's not a very pleasant thing to ask. Why does someone so young have her own insurance? I understand from her records that her parents are both still living, its normal practice for them to pay this sort of thing?" the doctor asked Giles frowning.

"I had no idea she had-will it cover everything she needs?" Giles asked-suddenly worried about how they would pay if the doctor told them otherwise.

Since he'd been fired from the Council he didn't have a lot of cash coming in-also he was trying to get some funds together to start a business-he needed to feel like he was in charge of his own destiny again.

However, he would gladly give every penny he had if it meant Willow would be okay.

Looking around at Buffy, Xander, Anya and Spike-he suddenly realised he thought of them of his own-shaking his head ruefully at what Spike would think of that.

"Make sure she has the best-private room the works-I'm paying" Spike informed the group.

"Oh-well that's fine um Mr?"

"Thomas- William Thomas-where do I fill out the forms?" Spike told the startled doctor, his face paler than usual, eyes stormy through worry.

"Right this way Mr Thomas" he told his ushering Spike into a side room.

"William Thomas?" Buffy whispered looking at Giles "Where the hell is he going to get the money to pay for all this?"

"I would imagine that Spike has money put away-he never struck me as a poor man. I suspect that there's a good deal we don't know about him" Giles smiled-watching the door Spike had disappeared behind.

Ten minutes later he appeared, stuffing a credit card into his pocket.

"Doc said one of us can go and see her for a couple of minutes-who wants to go?" he asked-his eyes telling them he wanted to but needing their permission.

Xander looked at him closely-"You go, tell her we're all out here and be back to see her tomorrow."

Spike nodded in gratitude "Thanks" he whispered, moving slowly towards Willow's door.

Willow lay on the bed-the only colour on her slight form was her fiery hair that lay lank round her head like a halo.

Spike looked at her, her arm in a cast already, her leg in some temporary splint, waiting for surgery, a large cut over her right eye.

Sitting next to the bed, he took her uninjured hand in his own-she felt so cold to his touch.

"Pet?" he whispered.

Willow's eyes flickered open slowly.

"Spike? What's going on?  Where am I?" she asked, wincing at the pain behind her eyes.

"Your in hospital pet, you got hit by a car remember?"

"Oh god-oh Spike the other people? Are they okay?" she asked quickly

Spike nodded "They're fine" amazed at the wealth of her compassion.

Willow frowned-trying to catch a memory that wouldn't come.

"How?-how did it ..." she stopped suddenly and her eyes got wide as the memories crashed in on her.

"Oh-you-I remember. We argued you and Buffy -the money, my parents. I'm, I can't-go Spike I don't want to see you "she whispered.

"I'll go for now-but I'll be back until you listen to me" he warned her gently.

"You'll have a long wait-please just go," she moaned turning her face away from him.

He knew she was crying-he could see her shoulders shaking. The hardest thing he had every done was leave her at that moment.

As soon as he stepped out of the doors, the others ran to him.

"How is she?" Giles asked

"Pretty beaten up-she remembered what had happened-why she ran" Spike told them.

When suddenly he crumpled, his knee's giving way "Spike?" Buffy shouted kneeling next to him.

Giles looked at the vampire "He's okay- I think today has just got to him. Come on Spike let's get you home and fed huh?" Giles told him-helping him to his feet.

"I'll be here tomorrow-have to make her see I love her" Spike mumbled.

"Come on guys-time to go." Buffy told them.

As they passed Willows room Spike could hear her soft sobs - "She's crying" he told the watcher.

"She needs to-to let the shock of the accident out of her system- come on we'll all be back tomorrow."

Spike smiled in thanks and let the ex-watcher direct him to his car.

~~~*~~~

For over a week Spike went to the hospital, every time he walked into Willow's room she turned away and refused to look at him.  

The routine became the same: he walked in, she turned away, he left and sat outside of her room, his head in his hands-for hours.

He knew how she was from reports from the others.

It had taken days for Willow to agree to speak to Buffy - she told her friend she was forgiven but forbid her to utter Spike's name or the reason she was laying in a hospital bed.

Spike understood her reasoning - Buffy may have had the idea but Spike was the one who had carried it out.

He was the one who had danced with her that first night, encouraged her to go out.

Spike realised that she must be thinking back to every conversation they'd had, every smile or laugh they'd shared -every compliment he'd given her or touch he'd stolen.

She would be remembering them and think they had all been lies, that when he smiled or laughed - he was laughing at her-not with her.

Playing her for a fool.

He felt sick when he thought of how she must be remembering the night they kissed, she had poured her heart out to him-told him things about herself she hadn't even wanted to think about herself.

Now she thought she had bored him, made him see how pathetic she really was, that he kissed her out of some weird bet, not because he wanted to-had been craving to for weeks.

Giles had commented on her quietness, Xander had told him one day that it wasn't 'HIS' Willow in that room-the girl he had known for so long had gone, Buffy told him she'd cut her hair-mumbling something about "making it easier to deal with in hospital".

Anya explained that she had received a message from D'Hoffran-he had heard Willow's cry of betrayal all the way to his plane of existence.

Anya had told D'Hoffran of Willow and Spike's plight and he had agreed to call Halfrek off.

He had always liked the little witch-he would help her if she called him.

 Anya was told, "If she calls me by name Anyanka I will not ignore her plea-do you understand me?" -Anya did and prayed for Spike's sake that she never did.

~~~*~~~

It was at the end of her second week that Spike decided he had to make her listen.

He asked the others to stay away from the hospital; he needed to see her alone.

When he entered her room, she wasn't there-looking around he noticed her wash bag and towel were missing, so sitting down he waited for her return.

"What are you doing here?" a hard voice asked from the door twenty minutes later.

Turning round he saw her, her hair damp-eyes cold, sitting in a wheelchair.

"I'm here everyday pet - I sit outside" he whispered, shocked at how different she looked. Her hair was shorter-a lot shorter, it used to hang halfway down her back now it was chin length, her face thinner- almost gaunt, dark circles under blank eyes.

"I like your hair, Buffy told me you'd cut it, but not how short" he whispered, scared to speak to loudly incase she ordered him to leave.

"Thought I could do with a change, new hair, new home-when I find one-all in all a new me" Willow answered, wheeling herself over to the windows.

"Nothing wrong with the old you pet" Spike frowned.

Willow's icy laugh chilled him "Nothing a personality transplant wouldn't have fixed huh?"

"Willow?"

"What's up Spike? Why have you come to see little old me? Needed some extra cash?"

"Pet...." he began.

"Not you're pet," she snapped.

"Dammit Willow, look at me," he shouted.

Willow turned slowly, dull green eyes lifting to his "Why?-Wanna see if I'll cry over you again? Anna see the reaction when you tell me your sorry see if I believe you?-trust me I won't. I know I was stupid believing a demon - I won't make the same mistake twice"

"I'm sorry," he told her simply.

"Yeah fine whatever-bye Spike" Willow's eyes held no emotion, nothing.

"I've missed you Red, missed talking to you, laughing with you-our dates with the gang..."

"They weren't dates and you damn well know it-you were no more than Buffy's errand boy-Buffy tells you I'm lonely, sad, whatever -offers you some cash and hey presto no more sad Willow right?" she told him softly.

"That's not how it was and you know it. I'll admit that when Buffy suggested it I took her up on the offer, but then the more I got to know you the more I liked YOU. I went to Buffy that night to tell her it was off, that if I spent time with you it was because I wanted to, not because I was being paid to. Hell I was even going to tell you about it when I took you home. We kissed Red, do you really think I did that for money?" he raged, scared at how much the girl he'd known had changed.

"How the hell would I know?-maybe you thought you'd get over time- just think if you'd got in to bed you might have got a raise!" she shouted back.

"What's really going on here Willow, this isn't all me is it?-the hair the attitude something else has happened-spill" he demanded.

"I've decided a change may be good-thought maybe I should try what my parents do-not care. It's easy really-should have done it years ago" she laughed bitterly, the sound hard and brittle.

"Your parents? They've been here haven't they?"

"Giles thought I should let them know that I wouldn't be out of the house on time-they came by last week" not looking him-her mind on some point in the past.

"I TOLD HIM TO KEEP THOSE FUCKING PEOPLE AWAY! What the hell did they say to you?-What rubbish did they stuff in your head now?" he demanded.

"They told me not to worry about my stuff" her voice barely a whisper "they've put it in storage for me-nice huh?, asked me where I was going when I get out of here-told them I didn't know" her voice hitched ,the first sign of emotion he had seen since he'd been there.

"And?" he whispered, taking her cold fingers in his, her hand lay limp but she didn't pull away.

"Said I'd better find somewhere soon - the house has been sold. I'm homeless Spike," she told him, hers eyes meeting his as the reality of her situation tumbled in on her.

"No, no your not. You have friends Willow-we'll help-sort everything out. The money they gave you is at Buffy's. We'll figure something out. I know - there's an apartment going in my building-fancy that Pet?-us being neighbours?" he asked softly.

"I really don't care anymore-oh god I can't believe this is happening to me, I'm not a bad person am I Spike?" she asked.

"No Pet it's because you're such a sweet girl this is happening, those bastards didn't deserve a daughter like you." he whispered, wiping the tears from her face.

"I think they'd agree with that-should have flushed me" her voice cracking as sobs broke through her throat.

Spike shook his head puzzled.

"Flushed you?-I don't understand Red?" he asked lifting her gently from the chair, sitting them both on the bed.

Willow raised sad eyes to his.

"My mom-she should have had an abortion-should have flushed me, been better for everyone" she whispered, hating her weakness, hating needing him, hating herself most of all for being born.

Spike closed his eyes " Shit-Willow don't you ever think that. Why do you think those people are right?-you are an amazing woman a powerful witch-with friends who love you" he raged.

"But my parents are meant to love me too? There must be something wrong about me if I was hated from conception let alone birth. I ruined their lives just by being me-now that IS something special huh?" she whispered, tears falling silently.

"They're fools pet, you didn't do anything wrong-your not a bad person. You didn't ruin their lives; all you did was become what any sane person would want in a child-compassionate, kind, caring, intelligent, beautiful"

Willow shook her head "Stop please, no more lies Spike I can't take it"

"I'm not lying, why the new hair really Luv? What was said?" he asked.

"Mom thought maybe I should try look a little more like a grown up- long hair equals little girl to them-so I cut it off" she told him

"You?" he frowned

"After they left I got angry I guess-just started cutting chunks off. Buffy came in the next day and went crazy-got her mom to come tidy it up for me. Joyce told me I took out my anger to them on myself-I just thought I'd change who I was," she answered.

"Why should you change who you are?" he frowned

"Well the other me certainly wasn't working was it?-thought if I changed my hair, attitude, moved to a new town I could be a different Willow-someone who people would want to know, respect maybe even love one day" she told him quietly.

"Your going to move away?" his voice calm-although he felt anything but.

"Not much to keep me here, it's not as if I'll be missed. The Scooby's will do fine without me, Giles can do any spells that need doing and Anya is great with the research so I think I'll clear out- new start, new me, new everything" she told him.

"ENOUGH!" he shouted

Willow flinched "Spike?"

"I've had it-I've pussy footed around you long enough!-I DON'T WANT YOU TO LEAVE!"

Willow stared at him "Why?"

"I LOVE YOU DAMMIT!!!"

Willow shook her head "no, no you don't" she whispered

Spike lowered his lips to hers, kissing her softly - passion consumed him as he felt her hands clutch his shoulders.

"Spike stop please I can't do this" she moaned

"Why not?- I love you Willow, I want to be with you-I know I hurt you I know I lied to you but I promise you I'll never do anything like that again" he told her, looking deep in to her eyes. Ice blue meeting fiery green.  

"I don't know-Spike you broke my heart, I'm not sure I believe you anymore, I'm not even sure I want to. I have had enough people in my life playing mind games with me-I don't think I could stand it again." she told him honestly.

Spike looked into her eyes, saw the defeat, and pain shining back at him.

"Well I'll just have to make you believe me then won't I? I'm not going to give up on this pet-on us." he told her softly.

"Spike."

"Please Willow-give me a chance. I'll never be able to make you understand how sorry I am. Can we try and back to how it was before?- can we at least be friends and see where that takes us?"

Willow couldn't believe that 'William the Bloody' was begging her for a second chance. She saw he was telling the truth, but still she didn't know if she could trust him with her heart.

"Okay-friends-I've missed you " she told him, laughing when he hugged her tight "Not as much I've missed you-had to put up with the bloody Scooby's for company, don't leave me again Pet" he pleaded, happy beyond words when he heard her laugh.

"Right-I guess be better call the gang in then to start 'operation Willow' huh?" she told him.

"That we should Luv, that we should".

~Part: 4~

For the next 3 weeks Willow's hospital room became a hive of activity, her bed was covered in wallpaper samples, fabric swatches, and paint charts.

Spike had managed to talk to the owner of his apartment building and she now rented a nice single bedroom apartment ,with balcony (Anya loved that) that was two doors down from Spike.

So now, it was all hands on deck to get it painted and furnished for when she came home.

They also had to get all her personal belongs out of storage-which her parents had so 'kindly' put there.

Spike and Willow had been getting along fine, neither spoke about the reason she was in the hospital or why she had run from him.

Spike was scared to bring it up again for fear of hurting her- he wanted to be with her so much that if the only way he could be was as a friend that would have to suffice.

Willow on the other hand dreaded the thought of 'the incident`, as she had come to think of it, being mentioned.

She was so embarrassed by the whole thing.

She had taken Spike into her confidence only to have him reveal it was all a lie-everything she'd felt, everything they'd shared had been because he was being paid-he hadn't wanted to be there - and she knew that in some part of her she had known that all along.

Therefore, an uneasy truce had formed-as the weeks had past the friendship they had shared slowly resurfaced until finally they were laughing and teasing as they used to.

Spike knew it wasn't the same - she wasn't the same, maybe never would be.

And it was all his fault - he hadn't experienced guilt in over a hundred years - he had forgotten how bitter it tasted.

He just wanted her to be happy, be comfortable with him again - he knew she was the moment they started arguing over her choice of furniture for the apartment.

"No Spike - I mean it no leather!" Willow told him forcefully-a certain redheaded vampire popping in to her mind at the suggestion.

"But its lovely pet, all smooshy and cool against your skin" he whined.

Willow rolled her eyes "Listen I have my reasons for not liking leather okay?"

Spike began to pace around the room, his leather duster sweeping round his heels.

"Look Spike I know you have a thing for leather..." Willow began wearily - she really didn't want Spike to know about the other Willow.

Spike turned and raised an eyebrow.

"Do you now pet?" he leered, his eyes full of humour.

"Hey mister-mind out of the gutter-stop grinning, there will be no grinning while I'm telling you this" she laughed as he stalked towards her.

He had been like this for days, coming around her room after sunset- staying until the early hours.

The nurses had tried to throw him out until Willow explained he worked the night shift and that was the only hours he could visit.

Spike had given them the puppy dog eyes and pouty lips and the nurses all but melted.

A few had taken to bring him coffee when they made their own-or even hot chocolate with mini marshmallows - a few had even offered to fetch him dinner.

"From where Mcblood bank?" Willow whispered for his ears only.

Smiling at her joke, he had told them nicely that he would be fine as long as they'd let him see his Willow.

< His Willow > the redhead sighed < If only >

Snapping back to the present, Willow realised that you should never let your mind wander when you had a sexy vampire stalking around a hospital room.

"Spike-behave, okay if you promise to behave I'll tell you why I hate leather" She told him, laughing at his antics.

As he skulked and pouted his way around the room, pacing like a caged tiger. Turning in circles so his coat fanned out around him.

"Who do you think you are Batman?" Willow laughed.

"Nah- I leave the superhero stuff to peaches, gonna tell me?" he asked

Willow sighed knowing she really had no choice "On one condition - you stop fluttering about and come and sit down. I know you're bored but come on, your making me dizzy.

"Not bored" he whispered.

Willow choose to ignore the remark "Gonna sit down?" she asked, smiling as he pouted.

"Okay then Red - so spill it already, some of us have to be out of here by sunrise!" he told her hopping gently on to the end of her bed.

"Now when I tell you this I want no laughing-it was no laughing matter-agreed?" she asked him.

Spike nodded vigorously.

"Okay well last year Anya, well I and Anya kinda did a spell..."

"And let me guess Pet-it went a bit wonky?" he grinned

"Hey I resent that!-well Yeah-but in a major way, it opened a door to an alternate universe, where there was another Willow" she told him slowly.

"TWO WILLOWS-be still my heart-oh wait a minute it already is," he laughed, laying an open palm on his chest.

"Well yeah there were two of us, but the other me was a little, well not like me"

"Not such a sweetheart huh? Bit bitchy was she?" he grinned, frowning slightly as a blush crept up her cheeks "Pet?"

"She was a … a.. A vampire" she stammered, looking anywhere but at him.

"A VAMPIRE!" he cried, hopping off the bed in shock "Really?"

"Uh-huh, she wore a really tight corset cat suit thing, all black leather and binding-I could hardly breathe" she told him quickly.

"You wore it?-I'm confused pet-why did you wear it?"

His brain painting pictures in leather, his body responding to the images flashing through his mind.

"I had too, the other ... me, she had taken hostages in 'The Bronze`, I had to pretend to be her to get them out-so now no more leather for this girl. The vamp me liked it way to much, oh that and the licking"

"Licking?-I'm afraid to ask Pet, she liked licking?-who? " he groaned

"Me-kinda took a shine to the fuzzy me" she grinned

"Ooo I know-the pink one with the lilac underneath?-must be a vamp thing that sweater pet-sure got me hot and bothered when I first saw you in it, remember?" he told her, lust and love in his eyes at the memories.

"Oh-well note to self: when I seduce spike wear the fuzzy sweater" she joked

"Please do," he whispered, his lips dangerously close to her now, he had moved so he was standing right in front of her.

Willow looked up at him "Spike?-er so no leather okay?" she whispered

"No leather, promise-although I bet you looked smashing luv," he whispered.

She ducked her head blushing "Well Buffy said that Angel hadn't been able to keep his eyes off me" she whispered.

Spike exploded "Poof - he see you in that!-hey where the hell was I?" he moaned.

"Chasing Dru".

"Oh sorry I missed that though," Spike told her softly.

Her eyes flicked to his and she wondered if he meant it.

"Oh um well on to paint for the bathroom" she murmed, looking at the paint chart on her bed.

Spike willed his body to behave "Yeah-what do you fancy pet?" he asked looking at them himself.

Willow glanced at him out of the corner of her eye.

< You >

"Pet?" Spike asked softly

"I'm er not sure what do you think?"

For the next hour, they argued and laughed over colour samples- finally deciding on white and silver.

"Soothing" Willow argued

"Bland" the vampire moaned, but finally conceded that yes it was her apartment.

"But remember Pet-I'm designing your bedroom okay-no arguments-my gift to you" Spike told her

"Yes I remember, but if there is any leather I will burn the fuzzy sweater and make you watch" she warned

"Don't even joke about it Red" he laughed glancing at his watch- surprised to see it was 3am already.

"Guess I should be off Luv-you need your rest" he whispered, hating this moment when he had to leave her.

"I'll be home soon-then you can visit at more normal hours" she told him.

"Any news on that yet?" he asked

"The doctor told me I should be home by next weekend, so you better get going on that bedroom Spike-cos I'm gonna need somewhere to lay my hat" smiling as he nodded.

Spike paused and looked at her - she looked so different from the Willow who had come into the hospital-and it wasn't just the hair.

She seemed calmer, more grown up-like she had suddenly realised that her parents scorn and ridicule was finally over and now she could be the Willow she wanted be, the Willow she should have been allowed to be all along.

"Night Spike-see you when I see you" She told him softly.

Walking over to her bed, he leant down and pressed his forehead to hers, blue ice meeting green fire.

He saw her start at the contact-every night she said the same thing- thinking that he wouldn't return the next night.

"I'll be back tomorrow-well today now-at sunset, like always" he whispered.

"You know you don't have to ....." she started to say only to have Spike cut her off with a heart melting kiss.

It was the first time he'd kissed her since the night before the accident-he had wanted to so many times-tonight he decided he couldn't wait any longer.

Kissing her softly, soft nips at her lips until they opened on a sigh, his tongue sliding into the sweet cavern of her mouth-their tongues duelling for a moment until she surrendered to him and the sensations that flooded her body.

Her arms slipped softly around his neck pulling him closer to her, she could feel his hands resting gently on her thighs, his thumbs moving in slow circles.

Willow sighed again as he slowly pulled back, looking deep into her eyes. She could see the need and wanting reflected back at her, knowing her eyes showed the same thing.

"Spike-I thought…, friends - we were going to try at being just friends?" she whispered, shocked at her reaction to him, at the feelings that had slammed through her at his soft touch.

"We are friends pet-always will be-I 'm sorry if I upset you I just needed..." He mumbled.

"Needed what?" she frowned

"To taste you-touch you, never meant to step out of line Red" he told her quickly.

Scared that his rash action had somehow offended her.

"You didn't, night Spike-I'll see you tomorrow" she told him, reaching up she pulled him down for one final soft kiss.

Spike stared at her as a huge smile plastered itself to his face, touching his lips with his fingertips "night pet" he whispered leaving quietly.

Willow lay back on the pillows and stared at the ceiling, a soft smile on her face.

< I kissed him, me, I kissed HIM! > she mused in wonder.

Turning on her side, she dreamed of a blonde vampire and a certain fuzzy pink sweater.

~~~*~~~

A week later Willow found herself being driven, by a very happy Xander, to her new home.

>From what she could make out from his happy chatter the Slayer and Anya had nearly come to blows over the colour of throw cushions for her new couch.

"You should have seen them Will it was scary-Giles had to separate them in the end-I think Anya won though, trust me when I say you never mess with her when it comes to colour co-ordination" he laughed.

Willow smiled "How is the rest of the apartment? All finished? You know lounge, bathroom, kitchen er bedroom?" she hedged-giving him a sideways glance.

"Uh-huh don't even try and get any of Spike's secrets from me, I've been ordered by his Vamp ness that if you hear one word he's going to burn my comic book collection" he told her with a shudder.

"Awww come on Xand - as if he'd even know," she moaned.

"No way-besides he's worked really hard on that room, wouldn't be fair if I told you his surprise now would it?"

"You don't want to hurt his feelings do you?" she asked amazed

"No-I know he's a vampire, and a royal pain in the butt at times but he cares about you, and that makes me kind of like him" he told her smiling at the shocked expression on her face.

"He told you he cares about me?" wonder filling her voice.

"Pretty obvious to anyone who watching, plus he told me he...dammit he loves you Will-told me when we were waiting to find out how you were after the accident. I beat the crap out of him and he didn't care because he knew it was his fault you were hurt. Look I can't believe I'm even saying this but give him a chance, he loves you wants to take care of you-let him - about time someone did" he told her, pulling up outside the apartment buildinG.

"He just felt guilty" she replied, the words sounding wrong to her own ears.

"Do you really believe that anymore Willow?"

Willow shook her head, knowing that what Xander was saying was truth.

Xander watched as the realisation hit Willow, he saw her eyes brim with tears; she turned to him a smile on her face.

"He really does love me doesn't he?"

"Yep-head over heels I'd say. So ready to put peroxide boy out of his misery?-pet" he grinned.

Willow nodded, as they made their way to the door of the apartment.

Willow was so happy to be free of the cast that had encased her leg, she limped slightly but the doctors had assured her that it would fade in time. She was completely healed now, the gash on her head would leave a faint scar but nothing too nasty looking.

"Is anyone waiting for me inside?" she whispered as they stopped outside the door.

Xander hugged her "yeah, I think Spike said he'd by later-wanted to give you some space and he knew Anya and Buffy had girl time planned so…"

"Here we go then" she said opening the door to her new home.

It was beautiful, exactly as she'd planned it-her eyes strayed to the many photos scattered around.

Faces of her friends gazed at her. There was Willow, Xander and Jessie in one-taken maybe a month before he died-her eyes misted at she looked at her lost friend.

<He had so much going for him-he was a smart kid even though he hid it well>

Willow looked up at Xander and saw his eyes were resting on the same photograph.

"The three stooges huh?"

Xander nodded, hugging her to his side.

"Who …?" she queried, gesturing towards the photos.

"Spike's idea" Buffy told the puzzled witch.

Willow nodded, understanding their meaning.

She saw the door to her new bedroom, it was closed tight.

"Should I wait for Spike do you think?" she asked the assembled group.

"He told me to let you see it-knew you'd be impatient" Xander grinned as Willow slowly made her way to the door.

Taking a deep breath she griped the door handle and turned the door swung open to reveal a dream.

The walls were white, as was the carpet-to break up the starkness there was bold artwork all over the walls, a huge piece in reds and gold's hung above a massive bed-4 people could fit easily.

Willow stepped inside, there was pine furniture and heavy gold and white brocade curtains at the window, she smiled when she saw them.

"No pesky daylight getting through those puppies" Buffy laughed.

Willow blushed and in turning caught sight of a framed photo on the bedside cabinet.

Walking closer she realised it was one that had been taken by Giles, before they had all gone to the bronze one night.

The three guys stood at the back, their girls in front of them.

Xander and Anya were mid hug, both looking at the camera and smiling like loons, Riley stood behind Buffy his arms around her waist, her hands laying over them, his chin resting softly on the top of her head-they looked so happy - content.

Then Willow forced herself to look at herself and Spike-what she saw almost stopped her heart, she sat heavily on the edge of the bed-In the picture Willow was looking directly at the camera, Spike's arms wrapped around her loosely, but it was his face that had caught her attention.

He wasn't looking at the camera at all, he was looking at her, and she could see the love in his eyes in that unguarded moment.

"Um I think we should go, give you a chance to get your bearings," Buffy told her, seeing the confusion and understanding dawning on her best friends face.

"Thanks guys I am a little tired," she told them.

"Well bye Willow, Spike said he'd be round at about 5 to see you, I think he wanted some alone time, so we're gonna go bronzing it tonight but we'll be here bright and early tomorrow okay?-" Xander told her.

"Okay-bye guys and thanks for this it's great" she called after them.

"BYE!" they called.

Moments later she heard the door close.

Willow lay back on the bed and felt sleep tugging at her, taking her under.

~~~*~~~

Spike knocked softly on the door at 5 o'clock precisely-he could hear a faint shuffling sound from inside-then the door opened.

"Hi Spike" Willow said shyly.

Spike smiled at the redhead "How you feeling pet?" he asked.

"Better-er come in"

"Thanks-so em did you like your room?" Spike asked-terrified of the answer.

Willow shook her head slowly-Spike's shoulders sagged "Oh-sorry-I'll change it for you-anything you want" he mumbled.

"Sorry Spike but I didn't like it...I LOVED IT!" She cried hugging him tightly.

It took a moment for her words to seep through to his brain but the soft warm body wrapped around him certainly woke him up.

Catching her around the waist, he lifted her in the air-spinning them both madly, his laughter blending with hers.

"STOP-I'll be sick" Willow laughed as the room whizzed past in a blur.

Spike set her down gently, keeping hold of her-only until her balance returned of course.

"You really liked it?-your not just saying that because if there's anyth...."

Pressing a finger to his lips Willow stopped him mid sentence, looking in to his eyes she told him softly.

"It's perfect-the most beautiful room I have ever seen"

"Oh - that's great" Spike replied, completely at a loss for words at the sincerity he saw on her face.

Walking slowly to the sofa Willow sat down and looked up at him.

"And the photographs were wonderful-especially the one of me, Jessie and Xander-where on earth did you find it?" she asked frowning.

"I went to see Jessie's mom - she wanted to know how you and Xander were, said she misses you, wants you to go visit when your feeling better" he said quietly, sitting next to her.

He saw the tears well in her eyes "She said that? - Really? - We have missed her so much but we didn't know if she wanted us to go over there, you know if it would be too hard on her seeing us again. She's a lovely lady isn't she Spike? - how was she coping?" she sniffed, surprised at how much she realised she had missed her.

Spike put his arm round Willow's shoulders "She is a lovely lady-she seems to be coping okay, I take it from what Xander said your friend was killed by Darla" his voice soft.

Willow shook her head sadly "No-Darla turned him but it was Xander who staked him, Jessie was in the Bronze with Luke -I think he was a minion of the master-anyway Xander tried to talk to him but he ended up staking his best friend" she whispered, the loss of Jessie rising in her heart all over again.

"Shush pet-Xander didn't kill his friend - if the boy had just been turned he was almost all demon then - you see when you get turned the demon is there right away but it takes longer for your own personality to seep through. No wonder Xander hates all vamps with a - what is you say pet - 'a fiery passion'?"

Willow smiled a little at his choice of words and nodded - looking up at him, she could see he felt ashamed for what one of his brethren had done. It still amazed her that he didn't have his soul but he could feel guilt and love and compassion for another. Maybe it was because now he wasn't feeding off humans anymore he was seeing people as people again - instead of 'happy meals on legs'.

"Xander doesn't hate you - he told me on the way here"

Spike looked at her with surprise on his face "He doesn't?" he frowned

Willow shook her head "Uh-huh - actually we had quite a little chat about you"

"You did? Should I be worried?" he asked, tilting his head in a wondering sort of way.

Willow looked at him seriously "Uh-uh - he said you told him you loved me"

Spike mouth dropped open "He did?-then what pet?"

"He said for a vamp you're a nice guy," Willow whispered looking up in to his concerned face.

"And?"

"And if you loved me I should give you a chance - give US a chance"

"Oh! - and what do you think of that?" he asked his voice low and rough.

"I think I'm ready to take a chance" she murmed - bring his head down to meet her lips.

Spike groaned low in his throat - his Willow was kissing him!

< HIS WILLOW! >

Spike ran his hands softly over her hair, cupping her face in his large palms.

Willow pulled back and raised dazed eyes to his "You think you'll be okay with that?" she whispered against his lips.

Spike caught her lips with his own, showing her his answer.

Spike had always believed that actions were louder than words-and at that moment, he was shouting it from the rooftops - WILLOW WAS HIS!

~~~*~~~

A long time later Spike and Willow lay stretched out on her sofa, Willow's head on his chest.

"Um Spike?" she whispered

"Mm Pet?"

"Do you think we should move?"

"Depends where too luv" he chuckled

Willow slapped his stomach lightly "Mind out of the gutter - there will be no HAVING - of me Just yet! My ribs are still sore," she giggled

"I know - just teasing, when your ready I will be - trust me I WILL be! So what we gonna do all evening then Red?" he laughed, knowing that he'd have to take things slow with her and finding ,to his surprise, he didn't mind one bit.

"Well Xander mentioned something about the gang going to the 'Bronze' tonight-we could go surprise them," she told him.

Spike nodded "sounds like a plan-so I guess I better go get spruced up huh?-don't want your friends thinking your dating a bum" he laughed.

"Absolutely-now off you go and meet me back here in 20 minutes-go on be off with you," she laughed ushering him out the door.

"You sure are bossy luv," he moaned.

"And you wouldn't have me any other way, now scoot mister" shutting the door on his laughter.

Willow walked in to the bedroom and began searching for something to wear.

Just then a thought came to her and she dug around the wardrobe until she found it, smiling happily she set about getting ready.

~~~*~~~

18 minutes later the doorbell rang-Willow opened the door and was immediately swept in to a tight embrace, Spike's lips crushed against her own-her heart almost stopped over the passion she felt - and she knew he was reining most of it in so he wouldn't frighten her off.

Willow's scrambled brain told her that when they did eventually make love - his passion would take her to heights that Oz had only ever dreamed of.

She felt a blush creeping up her neck just at the thought of it.

< Bad Willow-naughty thoughts-behave > then she paused.

< Hey he's my boyfriend dammit !,listen here brain I can have as many naughty thoughts as I like - and if he makes love as well as he kisses then -  ZOWIE!! !>.

Spike finally raised his head and looked at her flushed face "Hello Luv" he whispered sexily.

"What did I do to deserve that?" she asked.

"I forgot to kiss you when I left-you chucked me out too quick! Then I had to kiss you hello-so you got the double whammy!" he laughed.

Willow smiled, then her eyes widened as she saw what he was wearing.

"Wow - What's the occasion?-you look great" she told him.

He stood there grinning dressed in tight black jeans, a pale blue shirt and his trusty duster.

"You're the occasion pet-want to make you proud to be seen with me don't I?"

Willow smiled "I think you could do that if you were naked"-then she stopped dead and realised what she had said.

Spike's grin turned leery-his eyebrow quirking at her "Really?"

"Oops-forget I said it slip of the tongue," she babbled.

"Okay-by the way you look very pretty too-even if all I can see is your jeans and leather jacket. So are we ready or would you rather stay here and snuggle for a while?" he grinned.

"Snuggles later, 'Bronze' now," she told him, laughing as he pouted.

"I'm gonna hold you to that" he muttered as she closed the door to her apartment and locked the door behind them.

"You can hold me as long as you want," she whispered, squealing when he leant down and swept her in to his arms.

"SPIKE!-put me down you'll drop me!" she cried, holding on round his neck tightly.

Spike shook his head "Never-anyway you said I could hold you so I am- also my cars in the shop and you can't walk all the way to the 'Bronze' can you?"

"You can't carry me all the way there! - I'm too heavy!" she told him.

"Piffle-anyway I like carrying you-your all soft and snugly"

"You make me sound like a marshmallow" Willow pouted-secretly loving the feeling of Spike holding her so close.

"I love marshmallows pet-I wonder how you'd taste covered in chocolate" he grinned.

Willow looked at him and winked "Maybe if you're a good boy you might find out" she whispered.

The flirting carried on all the way to the 'Bronze'- Spike and Willow was stopped by the bouncer at the door.

"Is she okay?" he grinned-he knew both of them well and had heard of Willow's accident, it was obvious for anyone to see that the pale English guy was besotted with her-he was happy for the little redhead -she hadn't been around the club so much since that guitarist had left her.

< Musicians! >

"He has accosted me!-would you kindly tell him he can't carry me in there?" Willow told him in her most indignant voice-she would have carried it off if she hadn't been laughing so much.

"How things going Jeff?-would you mind opening the door for me, I kinda got my hands full at the moment" Spike grinned at the bouncer, totally ignoring the spluttering girl in his arms.

"Certainly Spike-and it's great to see you up and about Willow, well you're UP at least," he laughed as he opened the door for Spike.

Willow swatted Spike's shoulder "You are not going to carry me through the club" she told him - people were already staring.

< He wouldn't dare! >

Sighing slightly as he started off - < Okay, so he would! >

Willow was not surprised to see the envy on many of the girl's face that they passed.

Spike stopped and looked around, searching for the Scooby's in the crowd.

"Over there-in the corner" Willow told him-pointing to her left.

Spike nodded and strode over towards them.

Buffy saw them first and her mouth fell open, Riley frowned and turned to see what she was looking at - quickly followed by the incredulous stares of both Anya and Xander.

"Hi guys" Willow said waving, as if it was the most natural thing in the world to be carried by a vampire.

"Hi Will - er I take it you too are okay?" Xander asked frowning from one to the other.

Spike nodded and sat down-he was still holding Willow so she was now sitting on his lap.

"We're great mate-thanks," he told Xander seriously.

Xander got what he was talking about and nodded a smile on his lips.

"Er would you two like a drink?" Buffy asked - grinning like a loon at her friends.

< Did I just think of Spike as a friend?-better get used to it girl- looks like he's here to stay >

"Yes please soda-Spike?" Willow asked

"Same please"

"Riley come help" Buffy asked, pulling her boyfriend after her.

"Hi - Bye" he joked as he was pulled through the crowd

Xander and Anya looked at the cuddling pair "Do we look that cute when we're together?" Anya asked, marvelling at the cutesome twosome.

"Hey-master vampire here pet, I'm not cute!" Spike insisted.

Xander laughed "No no of course not-snuggling with your honey, not cute at all!"

Spike grinned, "Well if you put it like that"

"Men!" Anya and Willow sighed at the same time.

Just then Anya's favourite song came on and she dragged Xander off to the dance floor.

"Spike could you let me up for a sec I need to take my coat off" she told him.

Spike lowered her to the floor gently, mindful of her leg, and helped her with her coat.

When he saw what she was wearing underneath he froze, then dropping her coat quickly he hauled her back on to his lap.

"You're wearing the fuzzy number," he whispered in her ear.

Willow shivered "I know"

"Do you remember what you said in the hospital?" he whispered

Willow nodded her eyes never leaving his "When I seduce you I was going to wear this" she told him softly.

"Am I right in thinking...?"

Willow nodded again, sighing as his lips covered hers.

"HEY - enough with the smooches already!" Buffy scolded as she came back to the table.

"Sod off Slayer" Spike growled good-naturedly.

"Hasn't lost his charm has he " Riley laughed as Willow blushed.

"Nah-and I wouldn't want him any other way"

"See - she likes me " Spike grinned

"I love you remember" Willow whispered.

Buffy and Riley exchanged a grin - who'd have thunk it a witch and a vampire- in love.

"Never gonna forget" Spike told her softly.

Anya and Xander had made it back to the table in time for their heartfelt declarations of love.

"AWW cute!" Anya laughed as she saw Spike scowl at her.

"Would you please stop saying that- so what 'Big Bad' we fighting this week?" he asked, grinning at the ex-demon as she cooed at them.

Willow laid her head against his shoulder and listened as Buffy outlined the 'Demon of the week'.

Willow smiled at her friends as they all came up with plans and idea's about fighting the evil in Sunnyhell - she had never felt so happy and safe.

Spike looked down at the soft smile on her face "What you thinking pet?" he whispered.

"That I'm very lucky to have a family like this - and to have a man like you to love," she told him.

"I think we're the lucky ones pet - we have you"

Kissing her softly, he held her close as Xander started detailing some huge plan that included among other things chasing the demon with Furbies? (Well they scared him).

Spike thought for a second about how he had got here - with these people - Slayer, ex-demon, soldier boy, whelp ( he wasn't a bad kid- a touch odd but hey) and of course HIS witch.

Holding the redhead tight, he thanked god that he had.

For the first time in 120 years he realised he was home.  

THE END!

back