Rating: PG (this part) Later R or NC-17
Disclaimer: All characters belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy, Fox, UPN, WB.
Spoilers: This part has some vague spoilers for season 7. And there will be spoilers for season 6.
Summary: Willow and Spike have to work together to stop murders.
Author’s Notes:
1) Takes place after season 7 or towards end of 7.
2) Xander and Anya are still together (Sorry but I'm still not happy about the whole breakup thing.
3) Giles is back in Sunnydale. Or Never left, which ever you prefer.
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~Part: 1~
Giles flipped the sign to Closed as the last customer left the store. Everyone would be arriving soon and he wasn’t looking forward to it. No one would be happy about what he had to say today. Fortunately he could count on them to do what had to be done. He began going through the day’s receipts as he waited for their arrival.
“Pizza’s here.” Xander said walking through the door carrying two large pizza boxes and followed by Anya.
“I wanted to go out tonight.” Anya said flopping down in a chair with a sigh. “Why couldn’t we have done this earlier?”
“I’ve already explained that. “Giles sighed. “I need Spike here too. So it had to wait until sunset.”
“Will it be over quickly then?”
“I hope so.”
“Hope so what?” Buffy asked coming in followed by Dawn and Willow.
“That this will be over quickly.” Anya answered.
“Then let’s get started.” Buffy said looking at Giles. “I want to patrol early so we can go to the Bronze.”
“As soon as Spike…”
“Right here Watcher.” Spike jumped up on the counter behind Giles and facing the rest of the group.
“All right then, if everyone’s ready.” Giles waited patiently while everyone grabbed pizza and took a seat. “You’ve all heard about the murders at that resort right?”
Everyone nodded. “They’ve all been in pairs, right? On some island.” Willow said.
“Yes. Three sets of couples have disappeared. The police have only found 4 bodies. But they are assuming that the other two bodies haven’t been found yet.” Giles clarified.
“I read about this at school.” Dawn said, “The police think it’s some kind of serial killer.”
“Then what does that have to do with us?” Anya asked flipping through a magazine. “We don’t do serial killers.”
“All the blood was drained from the victims.” Dawn explained.
“Vamps?” Xander asked.
“Looks like it.” Giles said. “That’s where we come in.”
“Right I go in and kill some vamps.” Buffy said standing up and grabbing a stake. “You in Spike?”
“Nothin’ else to do.” Spike was bored with the whole meeting they didn’t need him here for vamps.
“Yes well, first of all we don’t know who the vampire is, or if it’s only one. It could be several.” Giles said gesturing for Buffy to sit back down. “Second, you can’t go. If it’s an organized group of vampires, which is what it appears to be, you’ll be spotted fast.”
“’Course, if they’ve organized we aren’t talking about fledglings. They’ll sense a slayer in a second.” Spike agreed.
“Third, this resort is um… it’s for…”
“It’s a sex resort.” Dawn said smiling. Then seeing the shocked stares of everyone at the table, “What, I told you I read about it. Read a paper sometime.”
“Well, yes. Dawn is correct. Which means you couldn’t go alone anyway.” Giles removed his glasses and began cleaning them. “It has to be a couple.”
“We’ll go.” Anya volunteered.
“No. You two don’t posses the abilities we’ll need to have once there. And well, quite honestly I don’t believe you would accomplish anything at all.” Giles responded.
“I’ll go with Buffy then.” Xander suggested. “Then we’ll still have someone to take on the vampires.”
“No.” Buffy, Giles, and Anya all shouted.
“Buffy can’t go.” Giles repeated. “And we need more than physical strength. The Council has already been on the island to investigate and couldn’t find any thing. We need to send someone that can get information on the people there quickly.”
“Giles are you saying….” Willow said paling as she began to comprehend what Giles was trying so hard not to say. They needed someone that could do the research, find information fast, that was she, but they needed the strength thing too. That only left…
“Yes.” Giles said turning to face the redhead.
“Will what’s wrong?” Xander asked noticing the color had drained from his friends face.
“Giles wants me to…” Willow began stuttering, “and he wants Sp…”
“No.” Buffy said standing, “No way are you suggesting that Willow and Spike go to some sex resort together.”
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Spike watched the scene in front of him with amusement. The Watcher wanted to send him to some sex club with the Witch. He hadn’t really thought about her that way in a long time, after all she had spent the last couple years with Tara, and he had been just as preoccupied with the Slayer. But it wasn’t like he objected to the idea.
As soon as Buffy and Xander realized what Giles was saying the yelling had started. Spike noticed though, that Willow hadn’t said a word, she just sat quietly staring at the others. Dawn and Anya were watching with amusement, occasionally whispering to each other. Spike had considered offering his opinion of the plan but decided nobody wanted to hear him, and saying anything would just likely get him staked. He did, however, decide to move closer to the group and went and took the seat next to Willow.
“You can’t be serious Giles.” Xander yelled. “He’s evil. What if he hurts her.”
“He’s right. We know it is possible.” Buffy added.
“Spike do you plan on hurting Willow?” Giles asked without looking at the vampire.
“Sure. Soon as we’re alone I plan to drain her.” He glanced at Buffy who was already reaching for a stake.
“God Buffy, he’s kidding.” Dawn said moving the stake away from her sister.
“Does anyone care what I think?” Willow stood up and shouted over her friends.
“Will?” Buffy and Xander both turned to face her.
“Yeah, me. The one that is actually involved in this whole thing.” She turned to face Giles, “Is there any other way?”
“You’re the only one with enough knowledge to find information on the people there. As I said the Council already tried and couldn’t find anything. Without resorting to magic you can’t efficiently defend yourself if there’s danger. Other than Spike the only other option I can see is Angel.”
“No!” Buffy and Spike both jumped from their seats.
“I mean, uh, Angel’s busy, you know with Connor and all.” Buffy said quickly.
“Right, and Angel at a sex club. Could end badly for everyone.” Spike added.
“Exactly.” Giles said quietly. “Which is why I didn’t propose it as an option in the beginning.”
“Then I’ll do it.” Willow said quietly as she returned to her seat. “How soon do we have to do this?”
“In a hurry to be alone with me?” Spike leaned over and whispered in her ear.
“Do I have time to do some research on this place first?” Willow said ignoring Spike’s comment except for the blush creeping up her neck.
“Yes.” Giles replied, “It should be a few days at least. I have to contact the Council with the necessary information to make the reservations.”
~Part: 2~
Willow pulled the last sheet of paper from the printer and shut off the computer. She still had a lot of stuff to go through before they left tomorrow evening. The resort wasn’t as bad as she first thought though. It was a resort for couples that were experiencing problems. It offered seminars on a lot of things, trust and communication as well as more erotic things.
“It’s not to late to back out.” Xander said walking up behind her and pulling a chair over.
“Yes it is. If I don’t do this and people die it will be my fault.”
“Will.” Xander reached out for her hand, “That isn’t true. We can’t stop every vamp.”
“But we might be able to stop these ones.” Willow insisted then holding up the stack of papers, “So gonna help me with these.”
“Research. I live for it.” Xander said reaching for the stack.
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Spike grabbed his duster and headed out of the crypt right after sunset. They were leaving tomorrow night so this was their last chance to discuss any concerns. His only real worry was that Willow wasn’t going to be able to pull this off and get them both killed. She hadn’t even been able to look at him this last week let alone let him touch her.
“Spike.” Buffy said stepping from the shadows as Spike rounded the corner.
“Slayer.”
“Tell Giles you won’t do this.” She said moving forward.
“No.” He reached in his pocket for a cigarette and lit it before continuing, “Too late now anyway.”
“If you hurt her…”
“Why would I hurt her?” Spike asked, “Wait, are you jealous?”
“What?”
“That’s it isn’t it.” Spike smirked at the shocked expression on Buffy’s face, “You just don’t want me alone with the witch.”
“Spike touch her and I’ll…”
“You’ll stake me. Heard it all before.” He said walking past her.
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“This is a list of all the seminars the victims had in common.” Willow said gesturing toward a printout next to her. “This is a list of one’s that at least two couples attended but not all of them.”
“What’s this one?” Dawn said holding up another paper.
“They all seemed to prefer this restaurant and had the same counselor.” Willow pointed out the points on the sheet Dawn held. “They all had different cabins though. So I don’t think that had anything to do with it.”
“You had a chance to look over the information the Council sent?” Giles asked looking over the papers Willow had with her.
“Sure. They did a pretty thorough job on the people they checked out. But they didn’t check into staff, just the counselors and executives. If those people are involved you probably wouldn’t be able to find anything.” Willow explained. “But I did call the resort and make arrangements for us to be in the seminars that the victims attended as well as having the same counselor.”
“Um, pet?” Spike said looking over the list of seminars they were scheduled to attend. “A lot of these are during the day.”
“Yeah. I asked about night ones.” Willow turned toward Spike, “A lot of them didn’t offer any. But the manager assured me that they have experience with guests with ‘special needs’, their words not mine, and it wouldn’t be a problem. All the cabins have some kind of tunnel access to the main building which only has shaded windows.”
“They’re accustomed to Spike’s ‘special needs’?” Xander asked.
“That’s what they said. They also said the fridge would be stocked for him as well as me.”
“Any thing else we need to discuss then?” Giles asked.
“One other problem that I can see. What if they monitor phone calls?” Buffy asked. “They won’t be able to call for help.”
“I thought of that. They could easily monitor our phone calls. They’re more unlikely to monitor computer use. I asked if they allowed it. He said, they discourage too much outside contact during the stay, but understand that some people must have access so they have no problem with me bringing my laptop.”
“How will that help?” Giles asked.
“Buffy’s phone can receive email. If we have a problem we can send her a message.”
“But I can’t reply.” Buffy said.
“You can email me, if it’s not an emergency. If it is an emergency just get your ass to the island.” Willow explained.
“Okay then I guess that’s all.” Giles said.
~Part: 3~
Spike glanced over to the passenger side of the car. She needed to relax if they were going to do this. She barely spoke to him since Giles had told them of his plan. Spike still couldn’t believe that Giles suggested it or that the Slayer and the Watcher’s Council agreed to it. The place was accustomed to vampire guests which was good, he didn’t have to hide what he was all the time, or explain the blood in the fridge to anyone. But a vampire with a human was bound to call attention to them, which would be even worse if Willow acted afraid of him.
“Can’t move any farther away without opening the door Luv.”
“What?” Willow responded. She still wasn’t happy about this, Spike made her nervous, he picked on her all the time. She knew it was because he could get a reaction from her, but that didn’t make her feel better. Now she had to spend a week, pretending to be in love with him, okay so not a total problem, she used to have a crush on him. But it wasn’t like he felt the same way. Cause sure, a vampire like Spike would be in love with her. But how could she do this if he spent the whole week trying to make her angry.
“You’ve been huddled against that door since we pulled out of the Slayer’s driveway.” Spike explained, “We have to convince a lot of people that we’re in love and want help to make it better right?” At Willow’s nod he continued. “If you can’t even sit next to me in the car how do you plan on pulling this off?”
“I can do this Spike. But I don’t have to like it.”
Sighing, Spike pulled the car off the highway to the side of the road. “Prove it.” He turned to face her.
“Excuse me?”
“Prove it. I don’t want to be dust this weekend so if you can’t do this I want to know now.”
“How do you expect me to prove to you that I can lie?” Willow continued to stare out the window.
“I’m sure you can think of something.” He replied smirking at her.
Fine he didn’t think she could convince people that she wanted him, he wanted her to prove it. She could do that. She slowly turned toward Spike, damn that smirk, she thought, it has to go. Smiling slightly trying to hide her nervousness, she leaned forward moving her hands to his shoulders she lowered her head to kiss him.
Spike watched her head move toward his in shock. He never expected this, still half believing she wouldn’t go through with it he sat motionless waiting for her to pull away. Okay, she was kissing him, not pulling away. When he felt her teeth nip at his bottom lip he moved his hands to her waist pulling her closer as he opened his mouth to her tongue.
When Willow felt Spike’s hands sliding up her sides she pulled her head away from him and moved back to the passenger seat. “Convinced?”
“Uh?” Spike replied staring at her.
“Convinced I can make people believe we’re a couple?” She clarified smiling slightly, that had been kind of fun.
“Uh, yeah.” Spike turned back toward the steering wheel and started the car. This was going to be a long week, the witch was just full of surprises.
~Part: 4~
Spike stopped the car in front of the main building. They still had a few hours before dawn but he was tired and wanted to get checked in and get some sleep before they started. He reached over and nudged Willow, who had fallen asleep during the ferry ride over.
“We’re there Pet.” Spike said when she opened her eyes.
“’Kay.” Willow mumbled sitting up. “Check in yet?”
“No. Thought you’d like to join me for that.”
“Fine.” Willow said opening the door and getting out of the car. “At least there isn’t a lot for us to have to do today.”
“Sure. But you didn’t get the counseling times. Just seminars.” Spike followed behind Willow as she headed toward the door.
“They said they try to keep everything scheduled as close as possible so you don’t have to make a lot of trips back and forth from the cabin.”
They walked through the door to the empty lobby. Spotting a desk on the far wall Willow headed to it, while Spike wandered around looking at various artwork and trying to spot any sign of someone being there.
“Hello.” Willow said loudly spotting someone on the phone in a small office behind the desk.
“I’m sorry. I Didn’t here you come in.” The man said coming out of the office. “You haven’t been here long have you?”
“No just arrived.” Willow handed him the copy of the reservation confirmation the Council had sent Giles.
“Ah, yes Miss Rosenberg. I have your information right here.” He reached under the counter and handed her two room cards and several papers. “This is a copy of your complete itinerary for the next week. Today will be a light day for you, just a meeting with your counselor, and one seminar. If you have any questions you can call the desk from your cabin. Your cabin, by the way, is the last one on the left of this building. We’ve stocked it for you with plenty, for both you and um, William, but if you require anything else just let us know.”
“Thank you. Right now all I’m really concerned with is sleep. We’ve been driving all night.” Willow turned to face a bored looking Spike watching from a distance. “Ready Spi… Will?”
“Let’s go.” He said heading back toward the car.
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Spike headed for the fridge as soon as they had the bags in from the car. Willow went to the bedroom to unpack some of her things.
“They really did stock blood.” Spike said grabbing a bag and began searching cupboards for a mug.
“Oh look a gift… Oh.” Willow said stopping short as she approached the basket and realized what was in it.
“A gift what?” Spike walked into the room carrying his mug.
“A gift basket but it’s not uh, what one usually puts in one.” Willow could feel the blush covering her face.
“What’d you expect?” Spike moved closer to examine the contents of the basket, “It is a sex resort.” Spike began pulling out several bottles of lotions, as well as various sex toys.
“But still, I mean, this is filled with… you know what, I don’t even know what half of this is…”
“Well this one is…”
“And I don’t want to know.” Willow grabbed the item from Spike’s hand throwing it back in the basket. “Not like we’re going to be using them.”
“Want to Witch?” Spike smirked as her blush grew deeper.
“No.” Willow said quickly, “What I want is to take a shower as soon as I find my…” She looked up from the suitcase she had been searching through, “Damn it Spike.” She said to the closed door.
“Can always join me Luv.” He suggested from the other side of the door.
Willow pulled her laptop out, and quickly hooked it up to the phone line. Might as well get some work done while I wait for him, she thought as she began typing.
“All done Pet.” Spike said coming out of the bathroom in jeans with a towel slung over his shoulders. “Find anything.”
"No. Not much to go on yet. And I have a name.” Willow said grabbing her things and heading for the bathroom.
“I know.” Spike said as the door closed.
~Part: 5~
Spike leaned back in the chair of the counselor’s office. He was listening just enough to make sure he didn’t attract attention because of inconsistencies in their stories. Willow and Greg, the counselor, were discussing why they had come.
“We love each other, we really do.” Willow explained, “It’s just that sometimes I feel like he…”
“Like he what?”
“Like he doesn’t respect my friends, and therefore doesn’t really respect me.”
“What?” Spike said sitting up.
“You don’t respect my friends.”
“What the bloody hell does that have to do with how I feel about you?” Spike angrily began searching for the pack of cigarettes he left in the cabin.
Greg sat back in his chair, deciding it was probably best to let them work this out themselves.
“I chose my friends, so if you don’t respect them, how can you respect me.” Willow explained, “They are a reflection of who I am.”
“Oh come on. How can anyone respect Harris?”
“Xander is…” Willow started then shut her mouth, okay, she thought, so Xander might be hard to argue, “But Giles he’s…”
“I’m not that bad to Giles, and I like the dem… Anya.” Spike corrected himself.
“What about Buffy?” Willow pointed out.
“Right. I forgot how well they all treat me.”
“William maybe you could try a little harder to make an effort with her friends. If it’s that important to her.” Greg suggested.
“What’s the point?” Spike was staring at Willow now. This was all still just a game right? “They have no respect for me. Never have.”
“That’s not true? Buffy must respect you she…”
“She fucked me Luv. Didn’t require respect, just a need.”
“Yeah see that’s another problem. I always feel like I’m second best… No, you know what, not even second, third best. After Buffy and Dru.”
“What the hell does Dru have to do with anything?”
“You loved Dru for, well forever. Then Buffy.” Willow said quietly, “How can I possibly compare?”
“Dru is in the past. You know that.” Spike said baffled by the truly sad sound in Willow’s voice. “Neither of them have anything to do with now.”
“You slept with my best friend as say it doesn’t matter?”
“Her best friend?” Greg asked now wondering how deep their problems may actually go.
“We weren’t together then. God, you with the blonde witch.”
“I don’t think name calling is going to…”
“No it’s okay.” Willow interrupted. “She was a witch.”
“Oh, then okay.”
“Still it wasn’t like you were emotionally attached to Tara. Buffy was my friend.”
“I’m sorry, look at the time.” Greg said breaking in again to the argument, “You need to get going if you’re going to make your seminar. But we will continue this at our next meeting.”
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“What the hell was that back there?” Spike asked as he followed Willow down the hall.
“What?”
“I’m mean to your friends? You’re third best?”
“You are. And as far as you’re concerned I am.” She replied without looking at him.
“You are still playing a role though right?” Spike countered, “That’s all this is isn’t it?”
“Of course. I just figured if we stick to things that are basically true we’d be less likely to forget our stories.”
“Makes sense I guess. What is this seminar anyway?” Spike followed Willow through a door into a small classroom.
“Trust.”
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Willow sat staring ahead, but only vaguely listening to anything being said. This was a trust seminar after all. She was still thinking about the meeting with Greg. The things they had said back there had been weird, but true. Spike was mean to her friends, he did love Buffy and Dru more than he loved her. On the other hand though, he was with Buffy when she was with Tara, and Buffy and Xander didn’t respect her anymore than he respected them.
“Willow, do you trust William?” Val, the seminar instructor interrupted her thoughts.
“Trust William?” Willow stalled. She trusted Spike right? She did that whole summer that Buffy was gone. Even before that really, every time they needed Dawn protected they sent her to him. Okay, so there were some trust issues for a while when he returned to Sunnydale with a soul. But that’s not really fair because, evil demon controlling him, so… “Well, with my life yes, but…”
“But what?”
“I don’t know if this will make any sense at all, it doesn’t really to me either. “ Willow explained, “If I was in danger, I have no doubt in my mind that Spike would do everything he could to protect me. But at the same time, Spike also holds a lot of power to hurt me emotionally. I don’t trust that he wouldn’t use that power. I’ve seen him hurt people he cared about and in that way I don’t trust him.”
She doesn’t trust me, Spike thought, why wouldn’t she trust me? Okay so yeah, I tried to kill her once. Well okay, twice, but that was years ago. It’s not like she’s a saint either, he had heard about the whole vengeance witch out to destroy the world. The story had actually kind of impressed him, at the time, he would never had thought she had it in her. She wasn’t even making sense really, she trusted him to save her life, but not with her emotions. Well it did make sense, he thought, if he’d learned anything from Angelus and Darla it was that emotions could be a much more painful torture than death, even a slow one.
“Spike let’s go.” Willow said nudging him.
“Where? Is it over?” He said pulling out of his thoughts.
“No. We get to go have some kind of trust race.” She started walking out the door, Spike following behind, “We get to take turns being blindfolded and having to trust the other one. Play games with this and I’ll stake you myself.”
“What do we have to do?” Spike asked now wishing he had been paying more attention.
“Some kind of maze. First I’ll be blindfolded and you have to lead me through by telling me what to do. Stuff like mud is used for obstacles, Then I have to lead you through one.”
“Can’t bloody wait.” Spike muttered as he followed her into the new room.
~Part: 6~
Willow slammed the door as she entered the cabin. The trust obstacle course thing hadn’t been that bad but they had decided they didn’t feel like eating out tonight so Spike had stopped at the restaurant in the main building to pick up dinner.
She decided to take a quick shower before Spike came back. Coming out of the bathroom toweling off her hair she quickly put on a pair of boxers and a t-shirt that she had brought to sleep in. Then she quickly hooked up her laptop and began a searching for information on Greg and Val. Neither of them seemed suspicious to her and Spike was certain they weren’t vampires but it wouldn’t hurt to look anyway.
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“I’m back pet.” Spike yelled coming through the door carrying several bags.
“In here.” Willow began shutting down the computer.
“Find anything?”
“Not a damn thing. Well actually a lot. They both have a normal human history, nothing out of the ordinary.” Willow moved the computer to the dresser and turned back to the vampire. “Whatcha bring?”
“A little of everything. Not sure what you liked.” He said holding up the bags.
“Great I’m starved.” Willow said walking past him into the living room.
Willow began pulling containers out of the bags while Spike went to the cabinets to find silverware and plates. “Wine?” Willow said holding up two bottles.
“Thought we could both use a drink tonight.” Spike smiled returning to the couch with the needed items.
“Good point.”
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Two hours later Willow and Spike were sitting on the couch surrounded by empty containers, one empty bottle of wine on the floor and the other sitting on the table next to Willow.
“So what is it?” Willow asked looking seriously at Spike.
“What is what?” Spike looked at the redhead wondering if he had too much to drink because he had no idea what she was talking about.
“Pay attention. You said you know I have a name. What is it?”
Sure it’s all my fault I didn’t know you were asking about a conversation from eight hours ago.” Spike muttered.
“Don’t try to change the subject. What is it?” Willow looked at her empty glass and picked up the bottle, shaking it when she nothing came out. “I want more wine.”
“Don’t think you need anymore wine Willow.” Spike said taking the empty bottle from her.
“Go get more wine Spike.” Willow said smiling at him. “Please.”
“I think you’ve had enough.”
“I’m an adult Spike. You can’t tell me how much wine I can have.” She said angrily.
“Your right. But I don’t have to get it for you.” Spike smirked.
“Fine I’ll get it myself.” Willow said standing up, swaying slightly before regaining her balance.
“Do that Pet.” Spike said leaning back on the couch to watch her stagger out of the room. No way would she make it all the way to the main building.
Spike began picking up the trash thrown around the room from dinner. Stuffing several containers into one of the bags, he heard a scream from the bedroom. Well, not a scream exactly, he thought as he headed to the bedroom, more like a squeal so he was pretty sure he knew what happened but decided he best go in there and save her from herself.
“Willow.” Spike said walking through the bedroom stepping over the discarded clothing on the floor. “That’s really not a good idea Luv.” He stepped out onto the back porch.
“It’s a hot tub Spike.” She smiled at him from the bubbling water.
“I know what it is. Spike moved closer and knelt at the side, “But you really shouldn’t be in there.”
“It feels good. Get in.”
“No. You are going to be really sorry if you don’t.” Spike insisted.
“You are such a party pooper Spike. What could possibly happen.” Willow sank lower in the water.
“You are going to be really sick Willow. Get out please. Somehow the Slayer will find a way to blame me for this if you don’t.”
“Fine I’ll get out.” Willow sighed and stuck her tongue out at the vampire.
Willow raised herself out of the water. “Happy now.” She said as she climbed the steps and approached the vampire.
“Bloody hell Witch.” Spike said standing up and quickly turned to grab a towel. “Where the hell are your clothes?”
“You don’t wear clothes in a hot tub silly.” Willow giggled as Spike wrapped around her.
“Bathing suit Pet.” Spike groaned. She was going be kill him this week. The kiss yesterday and now this, what the hell was she thinking about? Wasn’t she supposed to be gay?
“It’s a sex club Spike. Bathing suits not highly recommended.” Willow moved closer to him as she secured the towel. “Less sexy.”
“Less sexy is good.” Spike backed up a couple steps. “Please go put your clothes back on.” He turned is back to her.
“You’re not being a very good boyfriend Spike.” Willow pouted.
“I’m not your boyfriend.” Spike pointed out still not looking at her. A couple seconds later he heard the door close and he sat down in a chair with a sigh. He better stay out here a few minutes before going in.
Spike remained in the chair until he didn’t here any sound from inside the room. With any luck she passed out, he thought as he approached the door, sliding it open slowly.
“Bloody hell.” He muttered as saw Willow still wrapped in the towel lying across the bed crying. Approaching the bed slowly, “What’s wrong?”
“You’re not my boyfriend.” She said looking up at the very confused vampire.
“You knew that Luv.”
“Why doesn’t anyone want me?” She sat up facing him tears still coming from her eyes.
“No wants… You lost me now.” Spike ran his hand through his hair trying to follow the conversation.
“No. One. Wants. Me.” Willow repeated more slowly. “Not Xander, not Oz, not even you and you loved Harmony.”
“Xander?”
“Yeah. I loved Xander since well forever and then he and Cordelia and then Anya.”
“Luv, you know that Harris has no taste at all right?” Spike said trying to soothe her. “Dog boy obviously doesn’t either. But that doesn’t mean that no one… What about Tara? She loved you. And who says I don’t want you?”
“Tara’s gone. Now I’m al…” Willow looked up at him as his words registered, “You told me to get clothes on.”
“Yeah. You’re drunk Pet. That’s why I…”
“You find me repulsive. Admit it.” Willow said sadly. “You couldn’t even bring yourself to come inside with me.”
“Repulsive? You think that’s why I stayed out…” Spike groaned, “If I thought you were repulsive would this have happened?” he asked glancing down, Willow’s gaze following his.
“Is that because…” Willow smiled, “I did that?”
“Yeah.” Spike smiled when he finally saw the smile on her face. “Trust me wouldn’t have happened if you disgusted me.”
Willow leaned forward pressing her lips to his. He wound his arms around her waist pulling her closer as she deepened the kiss, her tongue sliding into his mouth. Spike moaned when he felt her towel loosen as she moved closer to him. His hands sliding up her sides, brushing her breasts.
“Spike.” Willow moaned moving closer her hands moving across his chest, reaching for his waistband.
“Willow wait.” Spike pulled away taking her hands and moving them away from him. “Your drunk Pet.”
“Don’t wanna.” Willow tried to reach for him again. Spike moved off the bed.
“We have to stop. We’ll both regret this tomorrow.” He said turning away from her as she remained on the bed. “You’ll regret it because you don’t know what the hell your doing right now. And I’ll sure as hell regret the Slayer staking me for it.”
Spike waited expecting a response when none came, “Willow?”
Turning around he repeated her name again. As he approached the bed, “Bloody hell.” He sighed, “She’s sleeping. I try to be all noble and she goes to sleep.” He raised her up slightly moving the wet towel away from her and pulling the covers back placing her under them before returning to the living room to finish cleaning up dinner.
~Part: 7 ~
Willow reached a hand out from under the blankets and hit the snooze on the alarm clock. Her head hurt, she would just sleep a few more minutes. She turned over and her eyes shot open when she encountered the hard male chest next to her.
“Spike.” She muttered realizing where she was and why. Of course he’s here, not like I’d make him sleep on the couch or something. Rolling away from him she again opened her eyes in shock. Okay, she thought, I know why I’m in bed with a vampire, but where the hell are my clothes? Think Willow, what happened last night?
She sat up on the bed pulling the blanket with her. Noticing Spike’s discarded t-shirt she reached for it pulling it over her head, and began pacing the room. Glancing back at the bed and seeing the now uncovered Spike still in his boxers she sighed in relief. Okay he’s dressed, sort of, she thought, that’s good. Why she wasn’t was still a mystery though. I remember dinner, she thought, Spike brought wine with dinner. We were getting along great, talking laughing, drinking. Still not an explanation for no clothes though, what the hell happened after dinner?
Sitting back down on the bed she tried to remember more of the events of the previous night, glancing at the clock she decided she could still sleep a little longer before they had to be up. Resetting the alarm she decided to wait and ask Spike about it when they were both awake.
Spike felt Willow’s breathing steady as she began to sleep again. He had been awake for a while now, he knew she didn’t remember what happened, and decided it was best to not let her know he was awake just yet. Though she did lie back down, so she either remembered or wasn’t that concerned.
He felt Willow shift next to him. Still feigning sleep he rolled to his side, resting his arm across her stomach and pulling her against him. Fighting a smile he moved his hand over her stomach toward her breasts. He felt her nipples harden under his hand as it brushed over them, as well as Willow’s sharp intake of breath. He stilled his hand for a moment sure that she would push him away any second.
Willow slowly let out her breath, he’s still sleeping, she thought, doesn’t even know it’s me. I need to wake him up now, she thought as his hand moved again against her breast this time sliding back down to her stomach. When his hand started to move in circles across her stomach pulling the t-shirt up she tried to move away only to find her thighs trapped underneath one of his.
Spike immediately moved his thigh over both of hers when she started to pull away. He slowly moved his hand under her shirt, cupping a breast in his hand, rubbing his thumb against the nipple.
Smiling at her gasp as she once again tried to move away he tightened his thigh against her legs pressing his erection against her hip.
Willow stilled again. I really need to stop this, she thought just before all possibility of thought left her as Spike’s hand began to travel back down her stomach, this time moving lower as she felt his lips move against her neck. Turning her head, seeking his lips with her own, she jumped when the shrill sound of the alarm sounded again.
“Damn it.” She said pulling away from Spike, “Get up.”
“We could stay here Pet.” Spike suggested opening his eyes and pulling her back against him.
“Spike we have to… Whatever happened last night… I was drunk and…” Willow stuttered trying to move away from before realizing he was laughing, “Hey, what did happen last night?”
“What do you think happened last night?” He asked raising an eyebrow.
“Me first.” Willow insisted.
“’Kay.” Spike said once again reaching for her t-shirt.
“Not what I meant. I don’t want to…”
“Yes you do.” He pulled at the shirt again.
“Spike no.” Willow pulled away as he let go of her shirt, “I don’t know what happened last night, but… Why won’t you just tell me?”
“Whatever you remember is probably right.” Spike replied vaguely, standing up and heading toward the shower.
“Spike!” Willow yelled as he shut the door, “Damn vampire if I remembered would I be asking.”
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“I’m here with you not them aren’t I?” Spike asked angrily. They were at another meeting with Greg and once again the subject of Buffy and Dru came up.
“Yes but that doesn’t mean you love me, just that I’m available.” Willow countered.
Greg leaned back in his chair and listened to the interaction between the couple in front of him. The girl was very insecure about how William felt about her, unfortunately he seemed oblivious to her insecurity. William seemed to care about her but for whatever reason he wouldn’t just tell her.
“William, maybe you need to reassure Willow that she is the woman you want to be with right now.” Greg suggested calmly.
“How many times have I said it just today.” Spike countered leaning back in the chair and glaring at the redhead next to him.
“They’re just words Spike. Oz told me the same thing. You’re the only one I want to be with, blah blah, blah. Then he slept with Veruca.” Willow returned the vampire’s glare.
“What the hell would you like me to do then?”
“I may have a suggestion.” Greg interrupted, not sure how they would receive his idea. When both had turned their attention to him he continued, “You are a vampire correct?”
“Yeah.”
“Why haven’t you claimed her?”
“Claimed?” Willow asked not sure she was following the conversation any longer.
“Why haven’t I…” Spike leaned back in his chair, he should have thought of this, hell Giles should have thought about this after all he’s the responsible one. “I didn’t think it was necessary.”
“Maybe it is. If she doesn’t feel secure with this relationship it could give her the reassurance that words alone don’t offer.”
“Someone want to explain please?” Willow said standing up, “What the hell are you two talking about?”
“Time’s up isn’t it?” Spike standing up and pulling Willow toward the door, she wasn’t going to like this and he didn’t want to explain it in here.
“Um well yes.” Greg responded, “You’ll consider my suggestion then?”
“Yeah, sure.” Spike said pulling an angry Willow behind him.
“See you both this evening at dinner.” Greg said as the door closed quickly as the couple left his office.
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Spike followed a still very angry Willow into the cabin. She had barely spoken to him since they left Greg’s office. She wanted an explanation of claiming, it wasn’t that he wasn’t going to tell her but he didn’t think it was smart to do it during the massage class. Of course not telling her had only caused her take her anger out on him during that same class, stretching slightly as he pushed the door closed behind him, he went to the fridge to locate a bag of blood.
“How long you gonna be mad Pet?” He asked pouring the blood into a mug and sticking it the microwave.
“’Till you tell me what the hell is going on.” Willow replied sitting on the couch and glaring at the vampire.
“Told you I’d tell you when we were alone.” Spike pulled the mug out and went to sit beside the redhead. “Just promise me that you aren’t going to stake me or call the Slayer in to stake me. This is kinda the Watcher’s fault too. He should have realized someone would notice. Not like he could’ve expected me to think of stuff like this, you all know I’m not exactly great at thinking things through and… Why are you laughing?”
“You’re babbling. Almost as bad as me.” Willow bit her bottom lip trying to contain the laughter.
“Glad to amuse you.” Spike set the mug down. “Promise?”
“Yeah. What is claiming?”
“I don’t know why I didn’t think about this before. Of course if there’s vampires here they would know…”
”Spike…”
“Sorry. Claiming would mean biting you.” Spike said warily.
“Biting?”
“Yeah. When a vampire chooses a mate, they usually bite them. It’s deep but not deadly.”
“But… But you can’t.” Willow stuttered, “The chip.”
“Biting doesn’t always have to hurt Pet.”
“How can it not?” Willow asked confused.
“Angel bit Buffy right? So did Dracula.” Spike started then after Willow’s nod, “Did she ever say it was painful?”
“No. But Dracula kinda hypnotized her, and she loved A…” Willow’s voice trailed off when Spike raised an eyebrow. “You mean if…”
“Yep.”
“But I don’t. We aren’t in…”
“Doesn’t have to be love.”
“The people involved are gonna be suspicious if we don’t?” Willow asked slowly when Spike nodded, “Are you sure it won’t hurt?”
“No guarantees Luv.” Spike said, “But I’ll do my best. After all it’ll hurt me as much as you.” He gestured toward his head.
“Let’s do it then.” Willow said, “Um how are we…”
“Jean said to practice those massages.”
“’Kay. Give me a minute all right?” Willow said heading to the bedroom.
“Just holler when you’re ready.” Spike said standing up and heading to the sink with his mug.
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Spike walked into the bedroom at Willow’s call, to find her lying on her stomach on the bed wearing a bathing suit. “Ready?”
“As I’m gonna be I guess.” Willow replied.
“Any preference in oil?” Spike said searching through the contents of the basket that was still sitting on the dresser. “Think they gave us every possible scent.”
“Doesn’t matter. You pick.” Willow adjusted the pillow under her head.
Spike quickly chose oil and began pulling off his T-shirt.
“What are you doing?” Willow said watching him nervously.
“Don’t wanna get oil on my shirt.” Spike tossed the shirt on the chair and moved to sit on the bed next to Willow. “If this isn’t going to hurt, you need to relax.”
“I’m trying.” Willow began then let out a moan as she felt Spike’s hands and the cold oil touch her back.
“Sorry Luv. Can’t warm it in my hands.” Spike whispered as he moved his hands across her shoulder’s gently working the muscles under his hands.
“Just wasn’t expecting it.” Willow muttered trying to arch her back into his hands.
The room remained quiet except for the occasional sigh from Willow as Spike’s hands roamed across her back. She closed her eyes as his hands moved down to her lower back skimming the edge of the bottoms of her suit, his fingers splaying across her waist has he worked the tense muscles in her back, before sliding back up and brushing lightly against her breasts.
“Spike?” Willow asked quietly, not sure she wanted to disturb the peace they seemed to have achieved.
“Yeah Pet?”
“Why won’t you tell me what happened last night?”
“I did tell you.”
“No you said ‘what you think happened is probably right’. That’s not an answer.”
“Tell me what you remember and I’ll tell you if you’re right.”
“Promise?”
“Yep.” Spike answered moving closer as he continued his massage.
“All I remember is having dinner, then I kind of remember the hot tub, then us kissing and that’s it.”
“’Bout covers it.” Spike said quietly leaning closer to her ear.
“Then why was I naked?”
“’Cause I’m a bad boyfriend.”
“Uh?” Willow said then moaned, “You are really good at this.”
“Thanks. You were in the hot tub. Didn’t bother with a suit. We argued, you went in the bedroom, said I was a bad boyfriend. I tried to uh, prove you wrong. And you passed out.”
“So all we did was kiss. Really?” Willow said flipping over to face Spike.
“Yeah.” He moved his hands across her stomach gently rubbing in circles. “You know if we’re gonna… we should probably…”
“Right.” Willow said sitting up as she reached for Spike pulling his head toward hers.
“Willow?” Spike said cautiously.
“Kiss me first ‘kay.”
Spike let out an unneeded breath as he lowered his head to hers. Willow moaned has as he deepened the kiss, trying to move closer to him. Pulling away so she could breathe he began to leave small kisses across her chin as moved toward her neck. His hands moved from her waist sliding up to her breasts, smirking slightly as she arched against him. When she moved her head to the side giving him better access to her neck he gently sank his fangs into her. Moaning at the taste of human blood he pulled her even closer as his hands moved to the back of the bikini top trying to unfasten it.
“Spike.” Willow moaned. “Spike please.”
Feeling her tense against him he gently pushed her back on the bed sliding one hand down to press against her. As his hand moved against her through the bottoms of her suit she pressed against his hand feeling her orgasm building.
“Spike.” She cried again as he pushed her over the edge holding her until he felt her breathing start to calm. He pulled his fangs from her neck and lifted his head to look at her.
“Did it hurt?” He asked smirking.
“What do you think?” Willow asked, “Actually kind of wondering why people object to being bit right now.”
“Not usually like that. Normally we would relish causing pain.”
“Be a lot more vampires this way though.” She suggested.
“I’ll keep that in mind.” Spike smiled, “What’s on the schedule tonight?”
“That big welcome dinner thing.” Willow glanced at the clock, “Which we really need to get ready for.” She jumped off the bed and ran for the bathroom, “I shower first this time.” She said slamming the door behind her.
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After closing the door Willow leaned against it. She wondered silently how she was ever going to survive the rest of this week. How was she supposed to resist Spike if she didn’t really want to. And more importantly how was she going to explain the bite to her friends when this was over.
~Part: 8~
Willow sat in front of the vanity table in the bedroom as she finished applying her makeup. As she put the last of the brushes away Spike stepped out of the bathroom.
“I’m almost….” Willow said turning toward the vampire, “Spike? You own a suit?”
“Watcher thought I might need one while I was here.” Spike shrugged, “You look great.”
“Thanks.” Willow stood and headed across the room. “Ready?”
“We have to go?” Spike asked watching her, “We could stay here and…”
“And I spent an hour getting ready for nothing, and this is the best way for us to meet all of the staff.” She said heading toward the door.
“Fine.” Spike sulked as he followed her outside.
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Spike watched Willow chat quietly with the other two couples at their table. He watched as she listened intently to the woman across from her explaining why she decided to visit this place.
“How long we have to stay Luv?” Spike whispered.
“Spike we barely finished dinner. We need to stay longer.” Willow whispered back, “You’d be less bored if you actually showed interest in other people.”
“These people are not why we’re here.”
Before Willow could respond, a man stepped up to the microphone on the stage to welcome everyone and introduce the band. When he left the stage and the band started playing everyone began to mingle and dance.
“C’mon let’s split up for a while and talk to some people.” Willow said when they were alone at the table. “Maybe we can find something out.”
Willow left Spike at the table and began to work her way through the crowd, stopping occasionally to speak to people. Spike rose and began to make his way through the crowd a few moments later. He wandered through the people picking up pieces of their conversations, listening for anything that could be of use.
After a several minutes of this Spike decided to make his way to the balcony for a cigarette. As he neared the balcony, cigarette already in hand, he stopped as he neared the doors, someone was out there already.
“There a couple of potential candidates that I’ve met.” Spike recognized the voice as belonging to Jean the instructor from that mornings massage class.
“Couples?” A man asked.
“One, but I don’t think it’s a good idea. A lot of press lately about disappearing couples.” Jean said, “But have you met the red head that came in yesterday?”
“The one with the vampire?” Spike moved closer to the window when he realized they were talking about Willow.
“I know it’s a risk Jack, but she seems perfect. The vampire is the only one she has. From what I understand she has no family, but she does have a fairly large inheritance.”
“Are they taking my Hike?” Jack asked.
“I checked their itinerary, and yeah, tomorrow.”
“Then I’ll talk to you after I meet them. I don’t need any trouble with vampires, the police are enough.”
Spike moved away from the doorway when he heard the pair start to move toward him. He headed back inside and began looking for Willow.
“Let’s dance.” Spike said approaching Willow who was now talking to Val.
“Spike I’m…”
“We need to dance now.” Spike insisted.
“Oh, um, Val can we…” Willow stuttered.
“Of course. This place is about couples right?” Val reassured smiling.
“Thanks.” Spike pulled Willow onto the dance floor.
“What the hell’s going on?” Willow demanded when they were on the dance floor.
Glancing around and seeing Jack not far from them on the floor, Spike pulled her closer, “Just want to dance.”
“Right whatever.” Willow muttered.
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Willow kicked off her high heels as soon as she entered the cabin. Spike followed her in and closed the door.
“Why do you wear those if they hurt?”
“They look good.” Willow responded. “So what happened back there to inspire the sudden need to dance.”
“Oh, yeah. I overheard that massage instructor talking to some guy, about potential candidates.”
“Jean really, are you sure, she seemed so nice.” Willow said grabbing shorts and a tank top and going into the bathroom pushing the door slightly closed.
“I’m sure. The guy’s name was Jack. And apparently we have a Hike with him tomorrow. How are we hiking, by the way?” Spike shrugged out of his jacket and tie.
“Night hike.” Willow answered coming back out, “He a vampire?”
“No, either is Jean.” Spike said lying back on the bed, “They appear to be totally human.”
“How do you know we’re going on the hike? I didn’t tell you.”
“You’re one of the candidates. Jack’s hesitant though because of me being a vampire and all. Maybe we should skip the hike.”
“I think we need to go. Find out more about this Jack.” Willow pulled out her computer and quickly started searching for information. “Didn’t happen to catch a last name did you?”
“Yeah, cause when people are talking to co-workers they always use first and last names.” Spike said moving to sit behind her. Whatcha doin’?”
“Well I’m trying to search for information but we don’t have much to go on. Then I’m emailing Buffy to let her know what we’ve found.”
“What do we have to do in the morning?”
“Why?”
“Saw a pool in a window free room in the main building.”
“Wanna go swimming. We don’t have anything until one. Then it’s just a meeting with Greg and the hike thing after dark.”
“Then I’m gonna get something to eat.” Spike said heading to the kitchenette.
“I’m gonna get some sleep. So we can get an early start tomorrow.” Willow said setting her laptop on the floor and turning off the light.
~Part: 9~
Willow followed Spike as he moved quickly through the dimly lit tunnel. He had woke her up before dawn wanting to head to the pool right away. Which was why it was barely sunrise and she was still half asleep heading toward the pool.
“Coming Pet?” Spike asked turning his head slightly toward her.
“Yeah. Don’t see why we couldn’t do this in a few hours.” Willow muttered.
“Told you, it’ll wake you up, make you feel better all day.” Spike pushed open the door to the pool and headed inside without glancing back at the sleepy witch. “’Sides this way we have the whole pool to ourselves.”
“Sure need lots of room.” Willow said pushing the door closed, “Spike you know I don’t swim right?”
“You don’t swim?” Spike threw the towels he was carrying on a nearby chair, “How is that possible you Scoobies are always going to the beach.”
“Right and Xander swims. Buffy and I lay on the beach and watch.” Willow explained. “Much like I’ll be doing today, difference is, of course, today I can’t tan.” She sat down on a lounge chair and removed her robe, leaning back she closed her eyes determined to ignore the vampire looming over her.
“Fine.” Spike said turning his attention toward the pool.
Willow relaxed when she heard a splash, realizing Spike had decided to swim without her. Just as she started to doze off she felt several drops of cold water hit her legs. I’ll just ignore it, she thought. The few drops of water were quickly followed by a large splash effectively waking her and causing her to jump out of the chair.
“What the hell are you doing?” She yelled facing the vampire.
“I’m bored.” Spike said quickly swimming to the other side of the pool.
“So amuse yourself.” She said grabbing a towel and briskly wiping water from her hair.
“I am.” Spike smiled and splashed at her again, “Get in and I’ll stop.” He finished at her frustrated scream.
“I don’t swim.”
“So, this side is three feet deep. Hardly gonna drown.” Spike reached for her arm quickly pulling her into the water with him, then swimming to the other end of the pool.
“You are so gonna pay for that vampire.” Willow said coming up from the water sputtering.
“Gotta catch me first.” Spike said safely treading water at the other end.
“Can’t stay over there forever.” Willow said moving to sit on the steps at the shallow end.
“Can actually. Don’t breathe, even if I go under doesn’t really matter.”
“We’ll see.” Willow said smiling and moving her hands quickly under the water. As she finished speaking a small wave came up next to Spike covering him with water.
“That was cheating Witch.” Spike quickly recovered and began swimming toward the shallow end.
“Bored.” Willow smiled. “Spike don’t…” She began backing away from the approaching vampire as he reached for her hand pulling her back into the water and moving toward the center of the pool.
“Trust me.” Spike said before pulling Willow over him as he layback pulling them both under water. As they came up for air Spike grabbed Willow’s waist pulling her against him and leaning down to kiss her.
“Hi!” A woman said as she came through the door, “Oh, uh, sorry are we…”
“Bloody hell.” Spike muttered as Willow pulled away.
“No, no, We were uh, just leaving anyway.” Willow said quickly making her way to the steps and leaving the pool.
~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!
“Are you sure this is a good idea?” Willow asked as she followed Spike to the main building. “If this Jack guy is who we’re looking for, do we really want to go in the woods at night with him?”
“Only way to find proof. ‘Sides if we stay behind it’ll draw more attention since he’s already interested in you.”
“Still we could just have Buffy come out here and…”
“Do what?” Spike asked facing her, “He’s human and we have no real proof.”
“You’re right I guess.” Willow muttered, “But I’m so not nature girl.”
“You’ll survive.” Spike said as they approached the small group forming in the lobby.
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“From here we are going to separate into couple, every one find a private spot to be alone. Then we can meet back here in a couple hours.” Jack said as the group approached a small clearing.
“Let’s go.” Spike said pulling Willow’s hand and dragging her into the trees.
“Where are we going?” Willow asked stumbling behind him. “And slow down please.”
“Sorry.” Spike slowed his pace, “Don’t know where yet.”
“How are we going to find out anything if we’re away from everyone else?”
“Don’t know that either. But if we stick with Jack he’s going to be suspicious.”
Spike continued down the small path until he found another clearing. “Here’s good.” He said dropping the blanket he’d been carrying on the ground.
“Thank God.” Willow muttered picking the blanket back up and spreading it out before sitting down on it. “I don’t know how we’re going to get any proof, unless he actually makes a move at me, the couples are always so isolated.”
“Then that’s what we need to do.” Spike sat down next to her, “We need them to go after you.”
“Right, how are they going to do that with you around all the time?”
“Don’t know.”
“You’ve been saying that a lot today. What do you know?”
“Um…” Spike murmured as he reached out pulling her across his lap, “That I’m really sorry we were interrupted earlier.” He said as he lowered his head to kiss her.
“Me too.” Willow muttered when he pulled away.
“Then Lets pick up where we…” Spike began only to be interrupted by a loud scream, “Bloody hell.”
“Who was that?” Willow sat up quickly.
“Let’s go find out.” Spike said standing and reaching down to help her up. “Guessing this is how he gets his victims.”
They made there way quickly in the direction of the scream. Finally finding another clearing with a blanket spread out as well as a bottle of wine and two glasses. “Who was here?” Willow asked as others began to gather around them.
“Not sure.” One woman answered, didn’t really pay attention to where everyone went.
After a few more minutes all the couples were gathered around the empty blanket. “So now we just need to know who’s missing.” Spike said, “Besides Jack that is.” He whispered to Willow.
“Does anyone know the names of everyone on this hike?” Willow asked.
As everyone began to shake there heads trying to remember who was with them, that wasn’t now Jack finally stepped through the trees.
“What happened?” Jack asked as he approached the group.
“We all heard a scream, then we got here the blanket was empty.” One man offered, as several others nodded in agreement.
“Jack looked at his clipboard checking off names. “Okay I suggest everyone head back to their cabins, while I contact the staff and management so we can begin searching for the others. Most likely they just saw something and ran away. I’m sure they’re somewhere nearby.”
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“I don’t like this Spike.” Willow said as they entered the cabin. “Those people are not lost in the woods somewhere. A fuzzy little creature didn’t scare them.”
“Course not, that was a scream of pure terror.” Spike agreed.
“I’m going to try seeing what I can find on Jack again. Then I’ll let Buffy know another couple disappeared.”
“I’ll head back out see what’s going on with the search.”
“How?” Willow asked, “Without drawing attention?”
“Vampire Luv.” Spike replied, “Can go just about anywhere unnoticed but I figured I’d offer to help in the search. Unless the whole damn staff is in on it, they’ll probably be grateful for the help.”
“’Kay.” Willow was already pulling out her computer.
~Part: 10~
Spike rolled over opening his eyes quickly when he encountered the empty bed. Willow had been there when he came home shortly before dawn. He had decided to wait and not wake her, he hadn’t really learned that much last night anyway.
“Willow.” He called sitting up and quickly reaching for his jeans.
“In here.” Willow answered.
Spike walked into the living area to find Willow already at her computer. “You’re up early.” He said walking past her to the kitchen and filling a mug with blood.
“Not really. It’s almost noon.” She commented without looking up from the computer. “You got back kind of late. Why didn’t you wake me?”
“No point.” Spike retrieved the mug from the microwave and took a drink, “Not really anything new to tell you. Talked to the employees, helped search. No one has any idea what’s happening to these people, but are worried that it’s going to scare people away. Only new information is that Jack and Jean didn’t join the search.”
“So they are the vampires then?” Willow looked up from her computer.
“No. I would sense it if they were.” Spike sat across from her, “Could be working for one though.”
“Well that’s going to be impossible to figure out.”
“Yeah. Didn’t we have a meeting or something this morning?”
“Cancelled it. Figured you could use the sleep. They were so happy for your help last night they didn’t even argue.” Willow said resuming her typing. “But I said we would still do the bonding thing this afternoon.”
“Bonding thing?”
“Yeah. You have a meeting with all the men. I have one with all the women.”
“Willow I don’t want…”
“Jack will be at the men’s. Jean at the women’s.”
“Fine.” Spike got up and rinsed his mug, “What are you doing?”
“Was trying to do some research. But still can’t find anything. Now I’m checking my e-mail.”
“Anything interesting?”
“No.” Willow said then, “Wait one from Buffy.”
“What’s it say?” He said moving behind her.
“She wants to come up here.” Willow said already hitting the reply button. “Her and Giles are worried.”
“If they come up here they’ll ruin everything.”
“That’s what I’m telling them.” Willow said finishing her letter and hitting send.
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“Do you know how much I don’t want to do this?” Spike whined as he and Willow made their way through the tunnels to the main building.
“Get over it. It’ll give you another chance to talk to Jack.” Willow pushed open the door to the main building. “If it all goes well today maybe we can take another look at that basket tonight.” She quickly kissed him and waved as she headed toward the conference room she was supposed to be meeting the other women in.
“Holding you to that Red.” He yelled after her as he turned to head in the other direction.
~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~
Several hours later Spike returned to the cabin carrying a large bag of food. They had agreed they would just eat in the room tonight so he had stopped to pick up dinner on his way out. He had also checked with the front desk to make sure the women were also done with their meeting, so the food wouldn’t get cold waiting for Willow to return.
“Red, guess who wasn’t at the meeting?” He said closing the cabin door behind him.
“Willow.” He called out when he didn’t receive a response, “I brought dinner.”
He set the food on the table and headed into the bedroom looking for Willow. He knocked on the bathroom door, when she didn’t answer he pushed the door open. Then he moved to quickly check outside.
Grabbing the phone he called the main building and was told no they didn’t actually see Willow leave after the meeting, and yes they were sure the building was empty except for the restaurants, did he want them to check there. Spike waiting impatiently for the man to return to the phone, he had paged her in both restaurants and she didn’t answer so he would assume she had already left.
“Do you want me to contact the management Sir?” The man asked nervously when Spike had finished cursing.
“No. I’ll find her myself.” Spike answered before slamming down the receiver.
Spike walked over to where Willow had left her laptop on. “Now I just need to figure out how to use this thing.” He muttered as he sat down.
After figuring out how to access Willow’s email he quickly began typing.
Willow’s missing. I know who took her but I don’t know where she is. Get here Now.
~Part: 11~
Willow opened her eyes slowly. Her head hurt. Think, Willow, she thought to herself, what the hell happened? She remembered going to the main building with Spike. But she didn’t remember making it to her meeting. As her eyes began to focus, she fought back a wave of nausea she tried to move her arms and realized she was tied to the chair she was sitting in. Looking down she realized they had also tied her legs.
“You’re awake. We were worried.” Jack said approaching her.
“Wouldn’t have had to be worried if you hadn’t hit me to begin with.” She said looking up at him.
“We had to have you though.” He said pulling a chair up beside her. “Almost passed you up. Don’t usually go after guests with vampires. Too dangerous.”
“What made me so special?” Willow asked quietly, knowing she just needed to bide her time until Spike found her.
“You’re innocence.” He answered, “I find that the more innocent a human is, the better vampire they make.”
At that response Willow started laughing. “You took me because you think I’m innocent?” At Jack’s nod, “You are so wrong. I’m not innocent.”
“I saw you with the vampire. You blush constantly.” Jean said stepping from the shadows.
“Maybe but honestly, you two didn’t do your research at all if you think I’m all pure and innocent.” She said laughing again.
“I don’t like being laughed at little girl.” Jack said his eyes glowing yellow for a second.
“You are a vampire.” Willow said her laughter dying. “Are you one too?” She asked looking at Jean.
“No. I just work with him. I see more people than he does. Easier for me to locate candidates.”
“And you picked me because I seem so harmless?” Willow smiled again, “Do you know who I am?”
“Vampire’s girlfriend.” Jean replied, “Kind of odd that William would pick such a shy person but still maybe he’s into that.”
“Ever hear of Sunnydale?” Willow asked watching Jack.
“Slayer lives there.” Jack replied, “You aren’t the slayer I would know.”
“No I’m definitely not the Slayer.” Willow assured him. “Know anything else about Sunnydale? From around a year or so ago?”
Jean looked at her blankly. Obviously she knows nothing and just follows directions, Willow thought turning her attention back to the vampire. “It was almost destroyed by a mega powerful witch, but she’s dead.” Jack replied, “Do you have a point here?”
“Willow turned her head slightly, glancing at the window. Spike was out there, along with Buffy and Giles.
~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~
“Spike.” Spike jumped slightly at the sound of Willow’s voice, he never did get used to her doing that mind thing, “Can you hear me?”
“Yeah. The Slayer and Watcher are here.” Spike replied.
“I saw them. Don’t come in just yet. Any of You.”
“Willow I can’t just stand here and…” Buffy jumped into the conversation.
“If we don’t find out what they’re up to and you stake Jack, someone else will take his place.” Willow explained.
“She’s right.” Giles said placing a hand on Buffy’s shoulder. “Best we can do is wait. Willow let us know when you’re ready.”
“You’ll know.” She assured them.
~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~
“Are you sure the Witch is dead?” Willow asked Jack.
“Heard she was gone. Disappeared.”
“Gone isn’t dead.” Willow said smiling, he wasn’t catching on at all. They apparently didn’t bother to check any of Greg’s records and had no idea she was a witch, or they were just that stupid.
“Gone, dead, what difference does it make to the plan?” Jean asked impatiently.
“What is the plan? Just easy kills?” Willow asked.
“Started out that way.” Jack explained, “Of course we turn special people like you.”
“And of course we kill mostly wealthy people gives us a chance to charge great deal of money to their credit cards before the police are notified.”
“You can’t have that much time.” Willow said prompting them to continue their story.
“Sure we do. Resort doesn’t want to report the disappearances, bad publicity, so they search usually a couple days before calling the cops.”
“Other vampires work at the club?” Willow asked needing to know how far this extended.
“To risky. Might be spotted by vampire guests.” Jack replied.
“Why aren’t you spotted?” Willow asked, something she had been genuinely wondering about.
“I use a spell to hide it. Gives the impression of a heartbeat.”
“You know magic?”
“A little.” Jack replied.
~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!
“What the hell is going on in there?” Buffy asked growing impatient with waiting.
“She’s playing with him.” Spike answered, he had been able to hear most of the conversation through the window, and had a good idea what Willow was doing.
~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~
“You know a little magic huh?” Willow said smiling again. “Well, guess what Jack. I know a lot.”
~Part: 12~
“You’re a witch?” Jack asked, “Could be interesting, never turned a witch before.”
“You still don’t get it?” Willow smiled, “Let me help, I’m from Sunnydale.”
“You already told us that.” Jack replied impatiently.
“I’m a witch from Sunnydale.” Willow tried again, he’s definitely not the smartest vampire around, she thought, a smile crossing her face as she saw Jean moving toward the door. “Don’t go yet.” She said quietly her eyes flashing black, “We’re just getting started.” She finished as the door slammed closed behind Jean.
“I-I’m not.” Jean stammered jumping as the door slammed closed.
“You’re that Witch?” Jack asked finally catching on. “I thought she was dead.”
“You were wrong.” Willow smiled as he moved closer to her.
“A witch with your kind of power could make an unstoppable vampire.” He said still advancing.
“Maybe but thing is I like being alive.” Willow responded.
“Who says you have a choice.” Jack said now standing directly in front of Willow.
“I always have a choice.” Willow said, the rope holding her hands falling to the floor she stood up.
Seeing Willow occupied with Jack, Jean once again turned toward the door, pulling on the handle. “It won’t open.” Willow said glancing at the door.
Jack grabbed Willow’s arm trying to pull her closer to him. Willow easily moved away from him. “You do know you can’t win this right?” Willow said facing Jack again.
“Why?”
“You have to be close to me. I on the other hand can do this.” Willow said raising one hand up and smiling as Jack also began to rise. “I can do this too.” She began to squeeze the raised hand into a fist.
“You’re chocking him.” Jean shouted as Jack began to struggle.
“Yeah but vampire.” Willow said eyes still on Jack. “Can’t kill him this way.”
~~!~!~~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~
“Spike what’s going on?” Buffy asked again.
“Let’s go.” Spike said standing up. “She doesn’t seem to need us but now’s as good a time as any.”
~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~
“You have to let him go eventually.” Jean said.
“Sure.” Willow said as the door opened and Buffy, Giles, and Spike ran in. Giles grabbed Jean as Spike and Buffy went to Willow and Jack. “Like now.” Willow said dropping the vampire in front of Buffy who quickly staked him.
“You okay?” Spike asked Willow as Buffy wiped vampire dust from her jeans.
“Fine.” Willow said, “Actually that was kind of fun.”
“Will are you sure you’re…” Buffy began.
“Could use some help.” Giles said still holding on to a struggling Jean.
“Sorry.” Buffy, Spike and Willow muttered as Spike tossed Giles the rope lying on the floor behind the chair.
As Giles tied Jean to a chair they began discussing what they would do with her.
“We can turn her over to the police.” Willow suggested.
“With what proof?” Spiked asked. “She’ll deny everything she told you.”
“We get a taped confession.” Willow suggested, “There’s a tape recorder in my purse if you want to go get it.”
“I’m not going to confess again.” Jean said from behind them.
“Sure you will.” Buffy said smiling at her. “If she could try to choke a vampire imagine what she could do to you.”
“Good point.” Spike said smirking. “Want to hear what she did to the last human that pissed her off?”
“Al-alright. I’ll do it.” Jean stammered.
“That’s better.” Willow said. “Let’s call the police and get her on tape I want to go home.”
~Part: 13~
“Pizza’s here.” Xander said walking into the magic shop carrying two pizza boxes.
“Heard you kicked ass Willow.” Anya said following Xander in.
“Who would have thought you could do all that alone.” Buffy said grabbing a slice of pizza.
“I didn’t do it alone. Spike figured most of it out.” Willow said.
“Okay so I guess Spike deserves some credit. But at least you don’t have to spend anymore time with him.” Buffy said.
“I liked spending time with him.” Willow muttered.
“What?” Xander and Buffy asked simultaneously.
“I had fun this week. Well except for, you know, being kidnapped and almost killed.”
“Do you love him?” Anya asked.
“What?” Buffy and Xander both say again.
“Doesn’t matter either way. He doesn’t love me.” Willow said quietly, ignoring her two shocked friends.
“Who says?” Spike said from the doorway. “Red I believe I was promised something if I went to that men’s bonding thing.”
“Oh, uh, yeah I did didn’t I?” Willow stammered. “Uh, Now?”
“That’s what I was thinking.” Spike said smirking. “It’s at my place.”
“Okay then.” Willow smiled standing up, “Uh guys I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” She grabbed her coat and followed Spike back to the basement.
“What the hell was that?” Xander asked angrily.
“They love each other.” Dawn said. “You two really never saw it did you?”
“NO!” Buffy shouted. “No she wouldn’t…”
“She does.” Anya said.
He’s a vampire.” Buffy said looking at Giles, “Tell them.”
“I’m sorry Buffy. I’m really not surprised.”
“Yeah. You two need to lighten up.” Anya said.
“If we don’t?” Xander asked.
“You lose you’re best friend.” Dawn answered. “Just be happy for her.”
“I don’t like him.” Xander insisted.
“You don’t have to.” Giles responded. “But Willow does so we have to accept it. The way she accepted both Cordelia and Anya and,” he turned his attention to Buffy, “The way she accepted Angel.”
“Keeping Willow means accepting Spike then we have to do it.” Buffy said to Xander after a few moments, “I can do that I guess.”
“Me too.” Xander agreed.
“So everyone happy now?” Dawn asked.
“Not happy but we can live with it.” Buffy replied.
“Close enough.” Anya agreed.
The end.