Willow woke early, she hadn't slept well at all. Her mind kept replaying last night's events. As she sat up she saw a bag sitting on the dresser next to her laptop. It hadn't been there when she went to sleep, that meant someone had been in her room. Spike had been in her room, she knew that she should do the spell to un-invite him from her house, but she also knew in her heart that he would not hurt her.  She walked across the room, picking up the bag and going back to the bed.  As she sat down she reached in the bag and pulled out a stuffed bear.  Turning the bear so she could see the front she smiled slightly at the image before her.

The bear was all white except for its eyes and nose, and had white wings sewn to the back, on its head she saw two small horns poking out from in front of its ears. It was holding a small red pillow with the words "The devil made me do it" embroidered on it.

Willow hugged the bear to her chest smiling.  Her smile began to fade as she thought again about last night. Spike couldn't really believe a stuffed bear would make up for killing people, could he? She sighed and reached in the bag again this time pulling out a folded piece of paper.

I know can't erase what you saw last night.
I may have a plan though.
Just need some time to work out the details.
I understand you won't see me right now.
I just want to talk to you.
Even if it's on the computer only.
I'll be online waiting for you
Every night.
Please talk to me.

Willow folded the note and set it next to the bear. He said he had a plan. She hoped it was something that would work. She wasn't ready to talk to him yet though. He had to give her more time. She glanced at the clock realizing she needed to get ready for school.  She grabbed the note and hid it in her closet with all the other things she didn't want her parents to find, before going to take her shower.
 

~Part 12~ Heart

Spike sat at the on the floor in front of the small table, he had been searching through them for hours. First it had taken hours to find them, then searching through hundreds of little messages for the one's he wanted.  The table was covered with hundreds of candy hearts. He had been sending Willow gifts for almost two weeks now and she still hadn't tried to contact him. He remembered Dru telling him once how romantic these candies were. All he knew was this had to work he was running out of ideas.

He threw the last of the hearts into the bag and headed out the door. Just like every other night he would leave the bag for Willow to find in the morning.

~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~

Willow opened her eyes and immediately looked at the dresser. Every morning for two weeks there had been something there when she woke. It still amazed her that he was getting in and out of her room without her hearing a thing. She had a whole new collection of stuffed animals, he had left candy a couple times, even a bouquet of night blooming flowers one night, he had left her homemade cd's, three of them, one of songs about being sorry, one with songs about forgiveness, and the last one had been her favorite songs. With each gift had been a note similar to the first one.  She had been thinking about it a lot and had already decided to contact him tonight. He said he had a plan she at least wanted to give him a chance to
tell her the details.

She saw a small red bag on sitting on her dresser. She grabbed it and quickly returned to the bed to open it. She peered inside the bag and smiled. Dumping the contents on her bed she felt her smile grow wider as she looked at hundreds of little candy hearts.  She picked up a small handful and looked at the messages. Laughing she set them back on the bed and searched through them. They all had the same few messages, Miss you, Call me, E-mail me, and Be mine, <this must have taken him hours> she thought as she collected all the candy into the bag again.
 

~Part 13~ Call Him

"Hey Will, whatcha got today?" Xander asked as Willow closed her locker.

"Hearts." Willow said.

"Huh?"

"Candy hearts." Willow said.

"That's too sweet Willow, call the poor guy." Buffy said joining the group.

"You guys don't understand." Willow said.

"He isn't a crazed demon unleashed into the internet right?" Xander asked.

"No, not exactly." Willow said, "I met him and everything."

"Then what's the problem? You like him right? He obviously likes you, I mean, he's been leaving gifts for two weeks just to get you to talk to him." Buffy said.

"He um, he has a habit, that I'm not sure I can live with." Willow said.

"He's not into drugs is he?" Xander asked.

"NO." Willow said.

"Then call him already." Xander and Buffy both replied as they walked into class.

"All right tonight. I'll call tonight." Willow said taking her seat.
 

~Part 14~ She Called

"Hello."

"Hi, Spike."

"Willow."

"Yeah. We need to talk."

"I was beginning to think you wouldn't call."

"I wasn't going too. Buffy and Xander convinced me to give you a chance."

"The slayer?"

"Well, she didn't know it was You."

"Right."

"Thank you for all the gifts. The hearts must have taken hours."

"You have no idea."

"You said you have a plan, about feeding."

"I have to feed, and I won't live on animal blood Willow."

"Then I don't see how."

"Hear me out okay."

"Okay."

"I have to feed, but I don't have to kill.  Some vampires, now this is not something I've ever been fond of but, feed from willing humans."

"Okay not understanding? Willing?"

"Some humans like the sensation of being bit. They want to experience it. They pay vampires to bite them."

"Why?"

"The sensation is um, erotic, I guess you could say. For the vampires it allows them to feed, but because there are no deaths no one hunts them, and they get easy cash."

"And you would do this."

"If it will make it better for us yes."

"I guess I can live with that, I mean, if know one dies, and everyone is willing."

"So then we can see each other again? I really do miss you."

"Tomorrow, my house?"

"See you then Bye."

"Bye."
 

~Part 15~ Homework

Willow glanced up from her book at the sound outside the French doors.  She smiled and waved when she saw Spike peering through the glass.  Spike opened the doors and stepped inside moving to stand behind her.

"Whatcha doing?" Spike asked.

"Homework. I'm really sorry Spike but this paper is taking longer than I thought." Willow said turning to face him.

"No problem. Can I help?" Spike asked.

"Well, I don't know. I mean do you want to?"

"As long as it's not math." Spike said, "Never been good with numbers."

"It's history."  Willow replied, "American History."

"Well not my best subject, spent most of my time in Europe, until recently." Spike said, "But maybe if you need help with typing, or something."

"No typing, I pretty much typed as I wrote, computers." Willow said gesturing to her desk, "Oh wait I know, can you proof read, spelling is fine,
cause of spell check, but you can make sure everything makes sense."

"Sure." Spike said.

Willow printed out a draft of her paper handing it along with a pen to Spike. He took the offered objects and lay across her bed and began to read.

"Just mark anything you think needs to be changed and I'll finish this bibliography, then we can go back and make the changes." Willow said.

~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~

Spike glanced up from the paper several times as he read, he couldn't believe he was sitting here reading a high school paper that was damn near perfect anyway. Willow didn't need someone to proof read; he knew that.  He didn't say anything because he was happy she still wanted him around.

He finished reading the last paragraph and set the pen and paper down, sitting up on the edge of the bed.

"Finished Red." Spike said,

"Great," Willow responded turning from the computer, "So am I.  Perfect timing. Are there a lot of changes?"

"Just a couple of typos." Spike said shrugging and moving behind her.

They fixed the typos within minutes, and Willow hit the print key and turned to face Spike.

"Thanks.  What do you want to do now?" Willow asked.

"It's late, and you have school in the morning, why don't we do something tomorrow?" Spike suggested.

"Okay. My parents are going away for the weekend. Why don't I make us dinner?" Willow said then frowning, "Oh, you don't eat."

"I don't have too, but I can." Spike said, "I like food."

"Really?" Willow said smiling again.

Spike looked at the girl, amazed still that it took so little to make her happy yet her friends couldn't manage do it.  "Yeah, really. See you after sunset." He said heading out the doors and off her balcony.

Willow watched until he had moved out of sight before turning back to her room to put her books away and get ready for bed. Her mind whirling with what to make for dinner tomorrow.
 

~Part 16~ Dinner

“Just finish setting the table and putting the potatoes in a bowl and the chicken should be ready.” Joyce said removing the apron she had been wearing.

“Thank you so much Mrs. Summers.  I thought I could do this dinner thing and then I remembered, can’t cook.” Willow said following the older woman to the front door.

“Not a problem Willow. Enjoy your date.” Joyce said picking up her purse and heading out the door.

~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~

Spike watched from the shadows at the top of the stairs.  He had come in through the bedroom when he saw a car out front.  He didn’t know whose it was and didn’t want to be caught.    He waited until Willow had closed the door and headed back toward the dining room before moving.

He had wondered how Willow was going to make dinner.  She had told him before that she didn’t really know how to cook.  He moved quietly down the stairs and into the dining room.  He stood at the door way for several minutes watching her finish setting the table and retrieving a salad and a bottle of wine from the kitchen.  As she put the last of the items on the table he moved behind her and spoke.

“Not early am I?” He said leaning close to whisper in her ear.

He chuckled softly when Willow jumped and spun around.

“God Spike I didn’t even hear you come in.” She said facing the vampire.

“Came in from your room, while Buffy’s mum was here.”

“So no chance of you believing I cooked this myself?” She said smiling.

“Sorry.” Spike shrugged.

“Well then Dinner’s ready.” Willow said as they moved to take their seats.

~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~

Willow looked at the empty bottle of wine and the almost empty one next to it on the table in front of the couch.  She was drunk, she knew that, what she didn’t understand is how she could be this drunk and Spike was fine. She reached for the bottle again to refill her glass when a hand shot out and grabbed it from her reach.

“C’mon Spike give it me.” Willow said moving toward the vampire.

“You’ve had way too much already.” Spike said holding the bottle out of her reach.

“No, I want more.”

“Let’s talk some more then I’ll give it back.” Spike suggested.

“No now.” Willow said reaching across his lap but loosing her balance and falling with her head resting on his thighs.

“No. Talk first.” Spike said setting the bottle behind him.

“Fine. Tell me more stories.” Willow moaned making herself more comfortable.

“Stories about you this time.” Spike said.

“Nothing to tell.” Willow said.

~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~

“Must be Luv.” Spike said slightly irritated by the fact she didn’t think she had anything interesting to tell.

“No, lived here forever. Only interesting things in my life you already know. Help the slayer fight evil, want to be a witch.” Willow said sadly.

“Must be more. First love?” Spike suggested.

“Xander.” Willow said.

“No, please tell me it wasn’t that moron.”

“Sorry. But yeah it was. Until the Cordiela thing anyway.” Willow said.

“Okay then first kiss. And please don’t say Xander.” Spike said.

“Sorry again. Fifth grade…”

“Real kiss Pet. Not a peck in grade school.” Spike said smiling slightly when he saw the blush creeping into her face. “And I think you need to sit up now.”

“un huh, comfy now,” Willow said settling her head on his lap, “Never had a…” Willow’s answer was cut off by the ringing telephone.

~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~

“Hello.” Willow said then “Oh, hi Buffy.”

She listened for a moment.

“Yes he is.”

Another moment.

“No its fine. What do you want?” Willow said just wanting to finish the conversation.

After a moment of listening to her friend while making faces obviously not liking what she was hearing.

“I told you no Buffy. I don’t have a date, and I don’t want to be a fifth wheel.”

She listened again to Buffy’s reasons why.

“No. You know its not me. I can’t just be someone else for the night.” Willow said repeating the same argument from earlier.

“Fine I’ll think about okay.”

“Bye Buffy.” She said hanging up the phone.

~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~

Spike’s curiosity had been peeked by the conversation. Willow always wanted to do things with her friends.

“What’s up?” He asked. “Some big nasty thing to kill?”

“Worse, Bronze Masquerade Party.” Willow moaned her had beginning to hurt.

“Why don’t you want to go?”

“Everyone runs around in costumes and masks, not supposed to remove your mask all night. Just seems silly to me. Besides everyone will have a date but me.” Willow said quietly.

“Everyone has masks.” Spike said a plan forming in his mind.

"Yeah. Silly right?”

“Actually. Maybe you can have a date.” Spike said.

“How?” Willow asked.

“Costume and mask can disguise me.”

“But if Buffy or Angel figure out who you are…” Willow said.

“Let me worry about that.” Spike said then moving closer, “Now back to the topic of a kiss…”
 

~Part 17~ Masquerade

Willow walked into the crowded club and spotted her friends immediately, she saw no sign of Spike, but the sun had just set so he probably wasn’t here yet. She took a deep breath and headed toward the table the others were at. As she walked she noticed a group of guys watching her, blushing deeply she pulled her coat closed around her.  She still couldn’t believe she let Buffy talk her into this outfit. At least the mask meant no one would no it was her.

Buffy had taken Willow shopping earlier in the week, telling her she needed to take a risk on the costume, if she wanted to get ‘Will’s’ attention she needed to shock him.  So Willow had finally relented and let Buffy pick out a short red skirt and a black shirt that ended just below her breast.   Buffy had also found a red mask that covered that upper half of Willow’s face.

Clutching the coat tightly against her body Willow approached the table.

“Hey Will. Nice coat.” Xander said.

“Hi Willow.” Buffy and Cordiela said in unison.

“Hey guys.” Willow said sitting next to Buffy still holding her coat closed.

“Plan on taking off the coat Willow.” Cordiela asked.

“No.”

“C’mon Will take off the coat.”  Buffy said encouragingly.

“No, this was a bad idea.” Willow said, “It’s just not me.”

“What’s not you?” Angel asked coming up behind Willow.

“Uh, my costume.” Willow said.

“It is you Will. You just always hide that part of you.” Buffy said.

“Because that part of me is supposed to be hidden.” Willow responded.

“Why?” asked another voice from behind Willow.

“Because…” Willow’s answered trailed off as she turned and saw Spike standing beside Angel.

Actually he didn’t look much like Spike. He was wearing a black tuxedo, and his hair was curly instead of combed back, it was also very black instead of the usual white-blonde. The accent was still British but sounding much more like Giles. He also had a red mask that covered most of his face.

“Hi.” Spike said after a moment.

“Hey.” Willow said smiling.

“Gonna introduce us Willow?” Cordiela asked looking at the man next to Willow.

“Sorry.” Willow said turning to face her friends. “ Everyone this is Will. Will this is Buffy, Xander, Cordiela, and Angel.” Willow said indicating each of her friends.

~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~

“So what part of you should be hidden?” Spike asked.

“The parts under this coat.” Willow said blushing.

“Unless your not wearing anything under that coat I say take it off already Will.” Xander said.

Willow blushed again, Spike scowled at the boy across the table. He didn’t like her friends embarrassing her.  He moved to sit between Willow and the Cheerleader as Angel moved to sit next to Buffy.

“Willow you look good just take it off already.” Buffy said.

“Fine.” Willow said standing up and removing the coat.

When she set the coat down everyone at the table fell silent.  Spike’s jaw dropped and he forced himself to close his mouth.  When he finally drew his eyes away from the red head he scowled at the other two men at the table who were still staring at her.

“Wi-Willow you look…” Spike started.

“Yeah, Will you…” Xander began before being hit in the back of the head by Cordiela.

“That’s enough Xander.” Cordiela said then facing Willow. “Wow. You look great.  Who would have thought beneath all those fuzzy sweaters.”

“They’re right Willow you look great.” Angel said quietly.

“See I told you Will.” Buffy said smugly.

“So Will do you go to our school?” Cordiela asked turning her attention to Spike.

“Oh no. I go to the university.” Spike answered quickly.

“Willow want to dance.” Spike asked.

“Sure.” Willow responded as Spike pulled her toward the dance floor.

~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~

As they started dancing Spike pulled Willow close to him as she wrapped her arms around his neck.  They moved quietly to the music for a minute before either of them spoke.

“Willow that outfit really is…” Spike began.

“I know it’s not me.  I look silly and…”

“Didn’t say that Pet.  You look great.” Spike answered, “Just different for you.”

“You’re not just saying that.” Willow said quietly.

“No. I love the new look.”

“Yours is impressive too.” Willow said.

“Thanks.”

“The hair and the accent…” Willow began.

“The hair is just a wash, the accent, well, let’s just say I can be anyone I want to be.” Spike answered.

“You don’t think Buffy recognized you do you?” Willow asked.

“No.” Spike answered.

Willow was relieved that Spike could look and sound so different. If Buffy found out about this she would stake him and she would never hear the end of it.

~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~

Angel watched the couple on the dance floor. Will seemed familiar, he wasn’t sure why just yet, but he had the definite impression that he had met him before.

“Something wrong?” Buffy asked.

“No.” Angel said.

“Will seems really nice doesn’t he? And Willow seems so happy with him.” Buffy said.

“Yeah he does, I guess.” Angel answered still watching the dance floor.

“Okay I know she looks hot, but if you don’t stop staring…” Buffy said.

“It’s not that…” Angel began, “Never mind.”

~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~

When everyone was gathered at the table again conversation quickly got back around to Will. Spike answered most questions quickly and easily, with only a minimum of lying.  He was from England, he had traveled a lot, he was independently wealthy, and his parents had died.  He also said he had noticed Willow last year.  Not a lie really, he had seen her, just then she had been the slayer’s friend.

What worried Spike as he talked was the way Angel was watching him.  If anyone at this table would recognize him it would be Angel.  Angel had known him before he started using the cockney accent.  Angel had known him when his hair was dark.  He had to be careful to not say anything that would give him away to the other vampire.  He had purposely avoided being at the table when Angel wasn’t so the slayer wouldn’t sense a vampire’s presence so he didn’t think she even suspected anything.

“I’m sorry Cordiela did you ask me something?” Spike said realizing the girl had spoken to him.

“Yeah. I asked if you had met Willow’s parents yet?”

“No I haven’t yet.  Willow and I have mainly spent time alone.” Spike answered squeezing Willow’s hand under the table.

“Will, where are you from in England?  I spent some time there once myself.” Angel asked.

“London.”

“Nice city.  Haven’t been there in years though.” Angel said watching his reaction too closely for Spike’s liking.

“Willow, I love this song.  Want to dance again?” Spike asked needing to get away from the table.

~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~

Angel watched as the couple headed toward the dance floor followed by Xander and Cordiela.  He had finally figured it out.  Will reminded him of Spike.  A nicer Spike, but definitely Spike.  He wasn’t positive, and he couldn’t believe Willow wouldn’t recognize the vampire but he needed to know.

“Buffy, what do you know about Will?” Angel asked.

“Not much.  Mostly what he told us tonight.  Why?”

“I have a feeling.  I don’t want to go into it now, but are you sure he’s safe?”

“Willow says he is.  Says she checked him out, you know after the whole Moloch thing she’s kinda paranoid.”

“Okay.” Angel said, “I’m going to take off now, I’ll see you tomorrow Okay?”

“Want me to walk you home.” Buffy asked.

“No.  I’m fine.” Angel said kissed her quickly and headed out the door.

~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~

“Willow we need to get out of here.” Spike said as they moved to the music.

“Why? Everyone loves you.” Willow said resting her head on his chest.

“Yeah, Angel doesn’t.” Spike said.

“What?” Willow raised her head to look at him.

“Angel is suspicious.  I think it’s best we leave before he figures it out.”

“All right.  Lets go.”

Willow and Spike headed back to the table and said good-bye to Buffy and grabbed Willow’s coat and headed out the door.
 

~Part 18~ Walking Home

The couple headed down the street unaware of the figure following in the shadows.  A few blocks from the club they both removed their masks and slowed their steps.

“Do you really think Angel suspects?” Willow asked nervously.

“I’m don’t think he knows, but he is suspicious.” Spike answered, “I think this is going to be the last group gathering for me.”

“Damn. How could he know?” Willow asked, “I barely recognized you.”

“He’s known me a very long time Luv.”

As they walked Spike reached over and took Willow’s hand.  They walked the rest of the way in silence until they reached Willow’s house.

!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~

Angel watched the couple as they left the Bronze following them to Willow’s house. He still couldn’t believe Willow’s new boyfriend was Spike. What was the girl thinking. All Angel could hope for was that it hadn’t gone too far.  He followed making sure they didn’t see him.

So Spike knew he had at least suspected something.  Part of Angel didn’t know what to think. Spike had to be using her to get to him or Buffy, but if that were true why risk being found out by coming to the party.  The other part of him said that if Spike would risk coming to the party tonight he must actually care for Willow.

As they approached Willow’s house Angel moved into the shadows to try and find out what was going on.

~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~

“Do you want to come in. My parents are gone again.” Willow said when they reached her front door.

“No, I need to be going in case anyone decides to stop by after the party.” Spike replied.

“Yeah guess you’re right.” Willow said reaching for the door.

Spike leaned forward and lowered his head to Willow’s placing a gentle kiss on her lips before pulling away slightly keeping his arms around her waist.

“Wha-why?” Willow stuttered.

“First kiss.” Spike said turning and walking away.
 

~Part 19~ Followed

Angel watched as the couple separated, Willow heading into her house, Spike turning and heading down the street.  He had to do something.  He stood for a moment contemplating his choices.

He could try talking to Willow, try to make her see reason.  He could follow and confront Spike, see if he could figure out what he was up to or at least get him to leave town.  He also had the option of just going home and ignoring the whole thing, and see what happens.  He knew he wouldn’t choose that option, obviously the easiest option but not the safest for anyone involved.  His last option was to go to Buffy or Giles and tell them what he saw and let them deal with it.  He wasn’t happy with that option either.  Buffy would want to protect her friend and would most likely end up dead, if she went after Spike half-cocked.

Shaking his head, he decided his best option was Spike.  So he quickly headed down the street in the direction he had seen the younger vampire go.  He found the blonde vampire relatively fast heading toward the factory district.  Surely Spike wasn’t staying in this area, if he was news of him being in town would be out already.  He followed at a distance as Spike headed into a small bar at the edge of town. Angel quietly slipped in a few seconds later, staying in the shadows hoping to remain unnoticed.

Angel watched as Spike approached the bar and spoke to the bartender for minute before heading to the back of the bar and through a door in the shadows. He saw a woman follow a few seconds later. Angel waited for several moments before heading to the door and slipping into a small hallway.  Angel’s eyes quickly adjusted to the darkness and he saw several doors and small windows lining both sides of the hall.

He moved slowly down the hall, peeking into windows.  Finally at the third window he saw the familiar blonde head sitting in a chair.  The woman he had seen earlier sitting in his lap.  Angel watched as Spike’s demon came forward and he bit the woman. Angel stood watching in shock as Spike fed from the girl.

~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~

Angel knew these things existed.  He had heard about them for years.  Vampires being paid by humans who liked the sensation of a vampire feeding from them.  He knew many vampires did it.  It was a safe way to get food.  No dead bodies, no hunting parties, and a secure flow of money.

What surprised Angel was that Spike was doing it.  Spike liked the chase, he enjoyed being hunted, he considered it a challenge.  Obtaining blood this way wasn’t something Angel thought Spike would ever consider.  Spike enjoyed the violence of the kill too much.  Now Angel was sure Spike had to be up to something, he couldn’t imagine what though.

~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~

Angel was jarred out of his thoughts when he heard voices in the room.  The woman was getting up.  He watched as she handed Spike money.  Angel quickly moved down the hall and out into the bar before Spike or the woman could leave the room.

Angel hid in the shadows again and watched as the woman walked out of the bar.  After several more minutes Spike walked into the bar taking a seat at the of the long bar as the bartender approached with a drink.

Angel watched for several moments before slipping out unnoticed.  He had to think before he could confront Spike.  He had no idea what the vampire could be up to that had him willing to do something that had to make him so unhappy.
 

~Part 20~ Confrontations

Angel hid in the shadows outside Willow’s house.  He had watched Spike enter a couple hours ago, and they had been sitting at the kitchen table for an hour now, both of them hunched over a book.  He still hadn’t figured out what was going on with Spike.

Spike must be in town to get to him or more likely Buffy.  If his plan entailed getting close to the Slayer Willow was his best choice to go through.  Xander’s feelings about vampires were to harsh for Spike to get near him.  Giles was a watcher, it would be too hard for Spike to even consider conning him.  Cordiela was well, Cordiela, he wouldn’t give the two of them an hour together before someone was dead.  And in this particular case his money wasn’t necessarily on Spike coming out the winner.

Willow on the other hand was the most vulnerable.  Buffy had said she met ‘Will’ on the Internet, that he was in college but had seen Willow around.  ‘Will’ paid a lot of attention to her.  Spike could be very charming when he wanted to be, and knew how to lavish attention on someone when it suited him.  Willow was so used to being the wall flower and blending in to the background as nothing special that receiving half the attention Spike was capable of could be all it would take.  Add to that a sad story to gain sympathy once she knew who he was, and he could easily get into her life.

What Angel still hadn’t figured out was what he saw last night.  In all the years Angel had struggled to survive feeding off of animals and rodents he had never been willing to humiliate himself by turning to the places that took money from people who wanted vampires to bite them.  Somehow that seemed worse to him that feeding from animal blood.  He knew Spike could still feed, so he didn’t understand why Spike would resort to that.  He could easily keep a low profile in Sunnydale and still feed.  He needed to know what Spike was up to before he could go to Buffy.

He would have to do something tonight.

~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~

Spike walked quietly down the streets of Sunnydale to the apartment he had rented when he first arrived in town.  He still couldn’t believe he had just spent the entire evening doing homework with a high school girl.  What was even more amazing to him was that it made him happy.  He stopped and turned around, sure he had heard something there.  Nothing was behind him, he shrugged and continued home, but couldn’t shake the feeling that he was being followed.

He and Willow were going to see a movie tomorrow night.  They were showing some cartoon that Willow said was her favorite, but Buffy and Xander weren’t interested in.  She had said she was just going to rent it on video later but he had insisted he would take her.  Now he, the Big Bad, was going to see some Disney cartoon.

As he entered his apartment building he stopped again and turned still not able to shake the feeling that something was behind him.  Sighing quietly the continued up to his apartment.

~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~

Willow stepped out of the shower, and her mind wandered to the evening she had just spent with Spike.  He had brought a take out dinner with him.  Then they had spent the evening working on another history paper.  He was more help than she had thought.  She kept forgetting that he was so much older that he appeared.  Her paper this time had been on the Korean War.  Spike had been full of stories, some he had experienced, some were things he had heard from others.

She finished drying her hair and moved into her bedroom, laying out her clothes for the morning and putting her books back into her backpack.  She climbed into bed and drifted off to sleep smiling at the memory of the small kiss Spike had placed on her lips before leaving that night.

~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~

Spike stepped out of the bathroom brushing through his hair with his fingers as he walked toward the living room.  He jumped slightly when he saw the figure sitting on the couch.

“So you found me.” He said moving toward the couch. “Wondered how long it would take.”

“Why are you here?” Angel said standing up.

“Nice to see you too.”

“Not here to be polite.  Why are you here and what are you doing with Willow?” Angel said quietly moving toward the younger vampire. “I want answers.”

“What if I don’t want to give them?” Spike said, “You’ll do what? Run and tell the Slayer?”

“If you hurt Willow…”

“What ever you haven’t frightened me in years Angelus.” Spike said turning to move into the kitchen.

“Spike if you’re after me or Buffy just come after us directly leave Willow alone.” Angel said following behind, “She doesn’t deserve to be hurt physically or otherwise.”

“Let me let you in on secret.  Not everything revolves around you and the Slayer.” Spike said turning to face the darker vampire.

“Stay away from her.”

“No.”

“I’m not playing games here Spike.  I’m not going to let you hurt her.” Angel said backing the blonde vampire against the wall. “Tell me what you want with her.”

“None of your business. I’m not here to bother the slayer.  If I was she would’ve known I was here by now.” Spike said pushing Angel away from him.

“Just leave then.”

“No.” Spike said.

Angel sighed quietly to himself before raising his fist and connecting it with Spike’s nose.

~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~!~

Willow was awakened by the quiet knocking on the French doors.  She rolled over to peer out the lace curtained windows.  Seeing Angel she quickly got out of bed and opened the doors.

“Angel why?”

“Can I come in?”

“Sorry.  Come in Angel.” Willow said moving back to allow him in.

“Willow I don’t know how to ask this but…”

“Just say it Angel.”

“You know that Will is Spike right.” Angel asked hesitantly.

“Uh,  Yes of course I knew that.” Willow responded.

“Then why…” Angel began.

“He hasn’t hurt anyone.  Hasn’t tried to hurt me.” Willow said, “Besides everyone else has somebody why shouldn’t I?”

“He’s a vampire.” Angel answered.

“So are you.”

“Yes but…”

“I know its different.  Look Spike isn’t going to hurt anyone while he’s here okay.  So if I want to see him that’s my business right?”

“How can you be so sure?” Angel asked. “This could all be a plan to…”

“Its not.” Willow answered sitting down on her bed. “When he came back to Sunnydale he was after Buffy then he changed his mind.  He isn’t going to hurt her or anyone else.  He’s not even feeding anymore.”

“I-I know.  That I’m still not sure I understand.” Angel answered.

“I asked him not to.” Willow said.  “I couldn’t stand the idea that he was killing people so he agreed to find another way…”

“You’re saying he’s, that he’s… Because you didn’t like it?” Angel asked still not believing what he was hearing tonight.

“Yes.  Look you’re not going to stop me.  If I believe for one second Spike will hurt anyone I’ll tell you or Buffy.  But at the moment he’s making me very happy.” Willow said. “You’re not going to tell Buffy are you?”

“I should.” Angel said then at Willow’s frown, “I won’t as long as I don’t have a reason to believe he’s a danger.  But Willow you need to promise to be careful and tell me if you have any reason no matter how small to believe something’s changed.”

“I will.” Willow responded, “Good night Angel.”

“Good night Willow. Be careful.” Angel said moving toward the door. “Oh and Willow.  You might not see Spike for a few days.”

“Why.”

“He kind of lost a fight tonight.” Angel said quickly before disappearing off the balcony.

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