~Part 1~

Willow jumped when she heard the knock on the door. Spike wouldn't knock it's his apartment. She walked over to the door and saw the face of the security guard through the peephole. She pulled the door open as far as the chain would allow, peering out she saw Darla and the guard supporting an unconscious Spike. She flung the door open before anyone could say anything.

"What did you do to him?" She asked angrily looking at Darla.

"I didn't do anything to him." Darla said, "Are you going to let us bring him in so I can explain?"

Willow, still suspicious, stepped back allowing them to enter. The guard helped Darla to bring Spike into the bedroom and place him on the bed. After the guard had left the vampire turned to Willow.

"You're Willow right?" Darla asked eyeing the young girl.

"Yeah, and you're Darla. So what did you do to him?" Willow asked still suspicious.

"Nothing. He did it to himself. He wanted to make that boy pay. He did, but when he stabbed him, he collapsed. I don't know what happened. I hope you can fix it. I have to leave the sun will be up soon." Darla said and left the apartment before Willow could get any more information.

<Oh God the chip. If he actually killed Ryan the chip must of done something> Willow thought as she looked at the unconscious vampire. She walked over to the bed; kneeling next to Spike she touched his head softly.

"Don't worry Spike, I'll fix this. You are not dying because of me." She said and left the room.

Willow ran into the living room and grabbed the phone dialing it quickly.

"Hi Giles." She said into the phone.

"Yeah, it's me, get the others and meet me at the shop as soon as possible." Willow said.

Willow listened for a moment.

"I know what time it is. This is an emergency okay." Willow said hanging up the phone.

Willow walked back into the bedroom and dressed quickly. She moved to the side of the bed again and bent to kiss the vampire's cheek.

"I'll get you help, I promise. I'll be back soon." She whispered to Spike.

"Please be okay." She whispered as she walked out the door.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Everyone was waiting at the magic shop when Willow walked in. She looked at her friends sitting at the table still half asleep.

"We need to get that chip out of Spike's head now." She said as soon as she closed the door.

"Willow, that can't be done." Giles said.

"He's dying Giles. The chip is killing him." Willow said.

"He's fine Will. He's pulling some sort of stunt to make you find a way to remove it." Buffy said.

"No. He's dying. He's not even conscious. He hurt someone tonight badly, maybe killed them I'm not sure but something happened to the chip when he did." Willow explained quickly.

"Will, if he killed someone I for one am not going to be on the save Spike campaign." Xander said.

"I'm not going to let him die for me." Willow said flatly.

"Die for you?" Giles asked.

"The man he killed, he did it for me." Willow said tears forming in her eyes.

"Will, that doesn't make sense." Buffy said confused.

"I haven't been out of town. I was raped. My date." Willow said. "Spike found me that night. He's been helping me. Last night he went after the guy that. And now he's dying!"

"Willow, why." Buffy began.

"Not now Buffy. I'm saving Spike, you can all help me or not, but I have to help him now." Willow said determinedly.

Willow moved past the others and headed up the stairs to search the books upstairs.

"I may know a doctor that can help him." Giles said. "Willow are you sure we should do this, I mean he could become a killer again."

"He won't Giles, please." She said hopefully.

Giles walked over to the phone while the others moved to start looking through books for information that may help Spike.
 

~Part 2~

Giles hung up the phone and returned to the group. Calling Willow to join them he took a seat at the large table.

"He can help Spike. At least he thinks he can. He's never done this before. He'll be here in a couple hours." Giles said when everyone was around the table.

"I'm going to go to him now then. Here's the address," Willow said scribbling on a sheet of paper, "Bring him as soon as he arrives."

"This isn't the crypt." Buffy said reading the address.

"No, it's his apartment." Willow said grabbing her jacket and heading out the door.

"Okay, Willow went to Spike when she was in trouble." Buffy said angrily.

"Buffy we don't know her reasons." Giles said reasonably.

"Still, Spike?" Buffy asked.

"He did seem to help her though. He risked the chip to avenge her wrong." Anya said. "I for one am impressed."

"I guess. Still she should have come to us." Xander said.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The doctor had been in the bedroom with Spike for too long as far as Willow was concerned. He wasn't removing the chip yet, only checking to see where it was. She was pacing the length of the living room as Giles and Buffy sat watching quietly.

"Willow, relax he will be out soon." Giles said.

Before Willow could respond the bedroom door opened and the doctor stepped out. Walking into the living room he looked sadly at the trio watching him.

"I don't know where the chip is. I could probably remove it if I knew where it was, but it's not right under the skin as I had hoped." The doctor said.

"We have to get it out. I mean it is what's causing this right?" Willow asked nervously.

"Yes it is." The doctor answered, "But without a way to locate it."

"I have an idea!" Buffy said.

The others all turned to look at Buffy.

"Willow remember that spell you did to find the remote control for the stereo last year." Buffy said excitedly.

"Yeah, it's supposed to be able to locate small electrical appliances. It could work, we could try anyway." Willow said feeling hopeful again.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Giles and Buffy waited in the living room while the doctor and Willow went into the bedroom to try the spell.

Willow moved to sit next to the vampire who still wasn't moving. <He looks dead> Willow thought before realizing that technically he is dead. She sat on the bed and began chanting quietly. After a few moments they saw a small light forming at the base of Spike's neck. The doctor turned him over to get a better look at where the light was forming.

"This could be dangerous, but I think I can remove it." The doctor said.

"Thank you." Willow said smiling slightly.

"I need you to stay though. If you leave the spell will be broken right?" The doctor said watching the frightened girl closely.

"Yeah. If I leave it will assume I found what I was looking for." Willow said.

"Okay let's get to work then." The doctor said.
 

~Part 3~

"They've been in there too long Giles." Buffy said pacing the floor.

"Buffy it is brain surgery." Giles said.

"I know but I wish they would tell us something." Buffy said nervously.

"Careful now Buffy." Giles said smiling at the slayer. "Someone may get the idea you're concerned about Spike."

"I'm not. Well okay I am, I mean, he has been trying to help a little lately. And if this happened because he was protecting Willow then." Buffy's voice trailed off when she heard a door open.

The doctor walked into the room and looked at the watcher and slayer who were waiting for him.

"I was able to remove the chip. The consequences of that are yet to be seen. He isn't conscious yet. Willow said she'd stay and care for him. If the chip was making him harmless, I don't know what may happen now. When he heals he may be dangerous."

"He'll live though." Buffy asked hesitantly.

"I believe so. I'll be back in a couple days to check him." The doctor said and walked out the door.

Buffy looked at Giles and the pair headed to the bedroom to check on Spike and Willow. Willow was lying on the bed next to the vampire her eyes closed and one arm resting across his chest.

"Willow I can stay with him tonight." Buffy said quietly.

"No. I'm staying here. He needs me." Willow said.

"Will, the chip is gone now. He could be dangerous if he wakes up." Buffy explained.

"The doctor told me. Buffy, he won't hurt me. I know he won't." Willow said obviously resolved.

"Willow, surely you understand that we can't know what will happen when he wakes." Giles said.

"I'm staying. Alone." Willow said to her friends, "Go home. If I need anything I'll call okay."

"If you're sure." Buffy said.

At Willow's nod Buffy and Giles turned and walked out of the apartment leaving her alone with Spike.

"Spike please be okay. Just wake up a little let me know you're okay." Willow said quietly.

When he didn't respond she laid her head back on his shoulder and heard a small groan escape his lips at the pressure. She felt his arm move slightly to rest on the small of her back. Smiling slightly at the movement the red head closed her eyes and slept.
 

~Part 4~

Willow woke in the early evening. She looked at the vampire sleeping next to her. She had felt him move slightly in his sleep a few times. The doctor had told her to watch his eyes, make sure the blood was diminishing in them. Willow sat up and leaned over him, gently lifting his eyelids they weren't as red as they had been last night, still bloodshot but better. Willow gently left the bed and headed for the kitchen. The doctor had said to make sure Spike fed, often. He had explained that vampires needed blood to heal.

Willow returned to the bedroom carrying a mug with warmed blood and knelt beside Spike. She set the mug on the table next to the bed and reached for the vampire, nudging him gently.

"Spike." She said quietly shaking the vampire slightly.

She heard him groan softly but he didn't open his eyes.

"Spike can you hear me?"

She again heard the soft moan.

"Spike please you need to feed." Willow pleaded.

Finally she saw his eyes open slightly. Breathing a sigh of relief she picked up the mug and placed one hand under the vampire's head raising it slightly.

"Drink. Spike the doctor says you have to so you can heal." Willow said softly.

She placed the mug at the vampire's lips and tipped it gently so he could drink. She held the mug until he had drained the last drop from it. After returning the mug to the table she gently laid Spike's head back on the pillow, kissing his cheek softly she stood and left the room to let him sleep.

Willow stayed awake most of the night, feeding Spike every few hours. She didn't know how often the doctor meant for her to feed him, but he had said the blood would help him heal.  Spike was starting to respond more when she went in the room. She was concerned about his face though, for most of the evening he had been in game face, the doctor had warned her that could happen but it was still kind of freaky.

Willow was sitting on the couch watching television just before dawn when she heard noise in the bedroom. She ran into the room to see what had happened. She found Spike still on the bed but he was thrashing around and moaning.

"Spike!" She said trying to gain the vampire's attention as she moved closer to the bed.

"Spike please." She said as reached the bed.

Willow reached down grasping the vampire's shoulders trying to stop his thrashing. She didn't want him to hurt himself. She kept repeating his name, hoping he could hear her.

Spike could hear the soft voice saying his name; he could feel the warm hands on his shoulders. What he couldn't do was get past the pain. He wanted to answer her, but the pain was so fierce. He did start to relax again though, somehow hearing her voice was getting through, it was helping him to relax.

When Spike had stopped moving again, Willow moved her hands from his shoulders and crossed the room. She quickly changed clothes and slipped under the covers next to him. Wrapping her arm around his body she put her head on his shoulder and drifted off to sleep. <Spike would be okay. The doctor would be back tomorrow> Willow thought as her eyes closed.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Willow was in the kitchen preparing more blood for Spike when she heard the knock on the door. She walked over and peered through the peephole. She stepped back quickly and opened the door to Buffy and the doctor.

"Hi." Willow said stepping back to allow them to enter.

"Hey Will. Decided to bring the doctor over so I could see if you needed anything." Buffy said.

"Just need to know he'll be okay." Willow said.

"I'll just be a minute." The doctor said and headed into the bedroom to check the patient.

After they heard the door close behind the doctor Buffy turned to Willow.

"How is he?" Buffy asked concern showing in her voice.

"I don't know. Buffy, he isn't even aware of what's happening. At least I don't think he is. I mean he'll wake up enough to feed when I bring the blood but then he sleeps again. Early this morning I was watching T.V. and he started thrashing around and moaning. I think he's in pain and I can't stop it." Willow said crying.

Buffy hugged her friend for a moment before speaking again. Choosing her words carefully Buffy began to speak.

"Willow I want him to be okay. I do. But I'm worried about how safe it is for you to be here alone." Buffy said.

"I told you last night he wouldn't hurt me." Willow said.

"I know, but Will you said yourself he doesn't even know what's happening." Buffy said.

"I'm staying. Alone Buffy." Willow said forcefully.

The doctor walked back into the living room, and waited for the two young women to notice him.

"He is doing better. I think he'll be okay." The doctor said.

"Are you sure?" Willow asked.

"As sure as I can be. Keep making sure he feeds. The blood is important. That's about all you can do for now. That and make sure he's comfortable." The doctor said.

"Pain. Willow said he was in pain." Buffy said quickly.

Buffy wasn't sure why but she knew she didn't want Spike to suffer, not this way. The doctor reached into his bag and handed a small vial to Willow.

"If he's in pain you can give him this. Only a small amount at a time and only if you're sure he's in pain. It's a mystical pain reliever and can be dangerous." The doctor explained.

"Thank you so much." Willow said.

Willow walked Buffy and the doctor to the door. The doctor handed her a paper with a phone number written on it telling her to call if she needed him. Buffy hugged her friend and promised to stop by again in a couple days.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Willow was in the kitchen cleaning the mugs she had used to feed Spike all day when she heard another knock at the door. She turned and eyed the door suspiciously, who would be here at this hour. She walked over to the door and looked out. Stepping back she pulled the door open as far as the chain allowed.

"What do you want?" Willow asked.

"Is he okay?" Darla asked quietly. "Look I don't plan on hurting you. Hell, you're Spike's friend, the Slayer's friend, and Angel's friend if I hurt you I'd
be dust within an hour."

Willow stepped back and unlatched the door, letting the vampire enter.

"He's doing better. Giles found a doctor that could remove the chip. He thinks he'll be okay, but I'm worried. He doesn't seem to be coming around at all." Willow said leading Darla into the bedroom.

Darla walked over to the bed and looked at the younger vampire. He looked weak, sick. Better than the other night, but still not good.

"Is he feeding?" Darla said turning to the girl.

"I've been bringing him blood every three or four hours." Willow said.

"What kind?" Darla asked.

"Kind?" Willow asked confused.

"What kind of blood is it?" Darla said. "You know what can I see it?"

"Sure." Willow said.

The two women walked into the kitchen. Willow gestured to the refrigerator. Darla walked over and opened it pulling out several bags filled with blood. She held them up examining them.

"These are animal blood." Darla said returning them to the refrigerator.

"Yes, I mean I guess."

"He needs human blood." Darla said.

"What?" Willow asked.

"Human blood. He will heal faster with human blood." Darla explained, "Kind of like, if you were sick and ate junk food, you wouldn't heal as quickly as if you ate a diet of healthy food."

"He's been using this blood for a year and Angel."

"A healthy vampire can live on animal blood, but human blood is better for them. You need to find a way to get him some human blood."  Darla said.

"I'll try." Willow said quietly.

"I'll go now. I'm leaving Sunnydale." Darla said walking toward the door.

Willow walked Darla to the door. As she closed the door behind the vampire she leaned against it. <Spike needed human blood. What the hell was she supposed to do, go out to the street and club some innocent person and drag them up here for Spike to feed> She thought. As she moved back toward the kitchen another thought occurred to her. It was dangerous but maybe it would work if she were careful.
 

~Part 5~

Willow walked into the bedroom nervously; she knew she had to do this. Darla said Spike needed human blood to heal. Willow sat at the edge of the bed next to Spike. She gently touched his face running her fingers over the ridges, she was getting used to seeing this face, she still preferred the regular Spike face but it didn't scare her so much anymore. She knew doing this could kill her, if she couldn't stop him, he could drain her. She also knew this was a chance she had to take. Helping her is why he was like this to begin with. She had to do what was necessary to help him.

"Spike." Willow said gently shaking the sleeping vampire.

Spike moaned softly. He could hear her speaking to him, saying his name. He felt more comfortable knowing she was there, but he couldn't wake himself enough to speak to her. There was still too much pain.

"Spike, wake up. Its time to eat." Willow said nudging the vampire again.

She knew he was going to need to be awake for this. It wasn't like holding a mug to his mouth. He was going to have to bite her. She smiled softly when she saw his eyes open.

She leaned closer to him, hoping he would figure it out on his own. She frowned when she felt him turn his face away from her.

"Spike you have to drink. Darla was here, she says you need human blood." Willow said turning his head back toward her.

Spike lay there blurrily watching Willow. She seemed to want him to drink from her. He knew he couldn't do that. It was too dangerous. She must be crazy to even think he would. So unable to do anything else he just lay there and looked at her through his half open eyes.

Willow waited a moment for some sign that he understood what she wanted him to do. After realizing he either didn't understand or wouldn't do it, she left the bedroom again. <Okay, Rosenberg now what> she thought as she walked into the bathroom. She saw her razor sitting on the edge of the sink. She looked at it for a minute. This idea was even more dangerous, she could cut to deep and not be able to stop the bleeding but it may be the only way for him to get human blood right now. She picked up the razor removed the blade and walked back into the bedroom with it.

When she moved to the bed and sat down, she saw that Spike's eyes were still semi-open. She watched him for a minute, still a little afraid of what she knew she had to do. Finally picking up the blade she had set next to her she set it against her wrist hesitantly. She knew if she wasn't careful she could kill herself. She gently ran the blade across her wrist slowly, gently just enough to puncture the skin and cause blood to start flowing from the incision. When the blood was flowing steadily she used her other hand to hold Spike's head steady and placed her wrist against his mouth.

Spike watched what she was doing helplessly. She was determined to do this. He tried to move his head away when she placed her wrist over his mouth but right now she was stronger than he was. When he tasted the blood on his lips he couldn't fight her anymore he let himself drink.

Willow felt the pressure of Spike's mouth against her wrist. She could feel his tongue lapping at the blood flowing from her. She sat patiently while he drank, knowing this was what would help him. She could control it this way too. If Spike didn't stop she would be able to pull away and stop him. As he drank, Willow could feel herself becoming weak. When she started to become dizzy she gently pulled her arm from his mouth. She moved her hand that was holding his head and placed it over the cut applying the pressure she hoped would stop the bleeding. She sat for a moment waiting for the dizziness to subside before leaving the bedroom to find a bandage for the wound.

Spike watched Willow leave the room. He knew the human blood had been what he needed but he could hurt her or kill her. He wanted to tell her to find another way of getting blood but he still wasn't strong enough to speak. He needed to sleep again, and he felt his eyes closing and himself drifting back to sleep.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Willow walked into the living room after bandaging her wound. She knew she couldn't let him feed from her every time. So if he needed human blood she had to find another way. <Right because I know how to get human blood without killing someone> she thought as she moved to the kitchen to find something for dinner. She glanced at the clock <great almost one in the morning and I want dinner. I'm seriously starting to live by vampire hours> she thought pulling a frozen dinner out of the freezer and popping it in the microwave. She needed to find someone she could trust to get human blood for her. She could try Willy's but she wasn't sure how much she could depend on him not getting his blood without killing. As she  removed her dinner from the microwave a thought hit her. There was someone who might be able to help her, someone she could trust. She quickly ate her dinner then grabbed the phone; dialing quickly she waited impatiently for an answer.

"Hello." She said as soon as she heard the voice at the other end.

"Angel Investigations." She heard Cordiela's voice say.

"Hi, Cordy. It's Willow."

"Hey. What's up? You haven't emailed me in a while." Cordiela said happy to hear from her friend.

"I've been busy. I'm sorry Cordy, but this is kind of an emergency is Angel around?"

"Yeah. Is something wrong?" Cordiela asked worried.

"It's a long story and I have to explain it all to Angel already so he can tell you okay. And I'll email you within a couple days. Promise." Willow said.

"All right. Hang on a sec."

Willow waited patiently while Cordiela located the vampire.

"Willow what's wrong? Are you okay?" Angel said picking up the phone.

"I'm fine now. To make a long story short someone hurt me, Spike found me, and helped me. Then he decided to get even, his chip exploded and now he's is really sick Angel." Willow said without taking a breath.

"Someone hurt you and Spike helped you?" Angel asked skeptically.

"Yeah. Then he got Darla to help him find and kill the guy. It made the chip explode or something, Giles found a doctor that could remove it, but Spike isn't getting better. Darla came here to see if he was okay, said he wasn't healing because he needed human blood."

"She's probably right. He'll heal faster on human blood." Angel said.

"That's what she said. Problem is I don't know how to get human blood. I let him feed from me tonight. But I can't keep doing that." Willow explained.

"I'll try to get you some. It may take a couple days though." Angel said quietly.

"Okay. I can let him feed from me until then." Willow said.

"Willow, if he takes too much." Angel began.

"I know it'll kill me. I'll give him animal blood to supplement and only let him drink from me a couple times a day." Willow said.

"Okay, where do I bring the blood?" Angel asked.

Willow quickly gave him the address and told him to explain to Cordiela and she would email her friend soon. After hanging up with Angel, Willow dialed Buffy's number. She knew Buffy wouldn't be home now. She was either patrolling or with Riley, so she waited for the answering machine to pick up.

"Hey Buffy it's Willow. I need a favor. Can you bring me my laptop as soon as you can? Thanks a million."  Willow said then hung up the phone.

She warmed some blood in the microwave and took it in to Spike. She knew she was too weak to let him feed from her again. She woke him and fed him quickly. After rinsing his mug she went back in the bedroom and quickly changed and lay down next to the sleeping vampire.
 

~Part 6~

Spike woke in the early morning. He could feel the warmth of a body pressed against his, warming him. He opened his eyes trying to focus on the woman next to him.  He still wasn't sure exactly what had been happening. He remembered following Darla and that guy. He could remember watching Darla torture the bastard. He remembered hitting him then picking up the dagger. What he couldn't remember was the time between  picking up the dagger and hearing Willow's voice through the pain. He needed to find out what happened. Right now though he needed to rest again.

Willow woke not long after Spike fell asleep. She had felt his slight movements and was pleased that he was waking a little on his own now. She got out of bed and quickly showered and dressed. Spike was sleeping again and she wanted to get everything done before he woke again. She went into the kitchen and grabbed some yogurt for breakfast. After finishing she went to check on Spike again.

Spike heard her walk into the room and opened his eyes to look at her. She looked so sad. He wanted to reassure her that he would be okay. He opened his mouth and tried to speak, but couldn't get his voice to cooperate.

"It's okay Spike. Don't try to talk yet." Willow said gently.

She sat on the bed next to him.  He was more awake this time; hopefully he would understand what she wanted from him this time.

"Spike, Darla and Angel say if you don't get human blood you aren't going to heal." Willow began.

Spike nodded his head slightly. The movement caused too much pain so he stopped and watched her again.

"Angel says he'll get you the blood you need but it's going to take a few days. You can't wait that long. You have to drink from me." Willow continued.

Spike opened his mouth to speak. Willow heard a small sound come from him, but nothing she could make out. Frustrated at this Spike shook his head slowly.

"Yes. Spike you have too." Willow said. "Just don't take too much okay. I trust you."

Spike felt the tears in his eyes. She trusted him. No one had trusted him in a very long time. Question was could he trust himself. Actually could he even do it, the chip wouldn't allow him to hurt her. He opened his eyes to speak again.

"Chip?" Spike was able to get the single word out this time.

"You don't remember? No of course not, you weren't exactly conscious at the time, Giles found a doctor to remove it. When you hurt Ryan, which I want details on when you feel better, the chip exploded or something."

Willow smiled slightly at the look on the vampire's face. He looked kind of surprised and pleased, hard to tell though since he still had on his game face.

"Are you ready?" Willow said.

Spike again shook his head.

"You have to." Willow said, "If you don't do it this way then I cut myself again. We both know that is more dangerous than if you do it yourself. I could cut too deep."

Spike frowned at the witch but nodded his agreement. Willow leaned over him, she was wearing a shirt that had a low neckline and had put her hair in a ponytail so it would be easier for him.

Spike raised his head slowly, inhaling her scent. He didn't smell fear. She did trust him; he didn't know why she would still trust him if the chip was gone but she did. For some reason that made him happier than he'd been in a very long time.

"Closer." He whispered. He couldn't quite get his head up to her neck.

Willow lowered her neck closer to him. Using her arms to brace herself from putting too much weight on him. She gasps slightly when she felt his fangs pierce her skin. It didn't hurt not really, it was just different, she would probably get used to it.

Spike felt her blood pumping against his mouth. He drank slowly. He had to be careful; he didn't want to kill her. It had been so long since he had tasted human blood. Finally when he felt her pulse start to slow slightly he moved his head away.

Willow remained still for a moment, feeling slightly faint. When she sat up, she looked at the vampire on the bed. He had stopped on his own; she knew she could trust him. She smiled at him. He smiled slightly.

"Okay now before you sleep again we need to discuss something." Willow said.

Spike nodded he wasn't sure he could speak right now just the act of feeding had tired him.

"Your face, we need to do something about it." Willow said matter of factly.

Spike just looked at her confused. What was wrong with his face?

It took Willow a moment to realize the problem <he probably doesn't realize it> she thought.

"You have been in game face since that night. I don't like it." Willow said.

Spike looked at her and nodded. He closed his eyes, Willow thought he was sleeping again but slowly his face began to shift. She watched as the ridges evaporated and his face returned to the familiar one. He opened his eyes and looked at her again with a small smile.

"Thank you." She said then kissed his cheek. "I'm going to go eat something, you get some rest."

 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Willow was eating lunch when there was a knock on the door. She walked over and opened it.

"Hey Buffy." Willow said as her friend walked in.

"Hi. Got your message." Buffy replied handing over the requested item.

"Thanks. Starting to get a little bored. Spike is still sleeping most of the time." Willow said.

Buffy followed Willow into the kitchen and sat across from her friend.

"Want anything to eat?" Willow asked. "Don't have much left but help yourself."

"No thanks." Buffy said, "How is he doing?"

"Better. He's waking on his own now. He spoke a few words earlier. But he's still really weak." Willow said.

"That's great. I know you might not believe it Will, but I don't want him to die." Buffy said.

Willow eyed her friend suspiciously.

"I don't Really. I know I say I do, but honestly I'd miss him. Who would I fight with? He's a challenge, I need that." Buffy explained.

"I actually think I understand." Willow said smiling.

"Good. It sounds strange but I've had chances to kill him, hundreds since the chip, and he's had chances to kill me, but for some reason we never do." Buffy said.

Hearing her friend say these things made Willow feel better about what she wanted to ask, but before she could say it. Buffy stood up and grabbed Willow's head tilting it to the side.

"I'm going to stake that bastard." Buffy said angrily looking at the bite marks on her friend's neck.

"Buffy wait you don't understand." Willow said grabbing Buffy's arm.

"He fed from you, what else is there to understand?"

"I made him do it." Willow said simply.

"What?" Buffy asked confused.

"He wasn't getting better Buffy. Then Darla came here to see if he was okay. She said he needed human blood to heal. I made him drink from my arm." Willow said extending her arm to the slayer.

"Willow that was."

"Dangerous I know. But it helped." Willow said quietly.

"But your neck, you didn't do that I see the bite." Buffy said.

"I convinced him to do it. My cutting myself is dangerous, I risk not being able to stop the bleeding." Willow explained, "It's only for a few days, I called Angel. He's going to bring me human blood."

"Willow this is so dangerous." Buffy said, "You don't know what he'll do when he regains his strength."

"He could have killed me this morning when he fed, but he didn't he stopped on his own." Willow said.

"I don't like this Will."

"It's not up to you." Willow said. "And Buffy please don't tell the others okay."

"All right."

"Buffy can you do me a favor?" Willow asked hesitantly now.

"Sure, whatcha need?" Buffy said.

"Stay here for a couple hours. I need to get more groceries." Willow said.

"No problem." Buffy said.

"Are you sure? Buffy you have to be nice to him." Willow said.

"I will. Go. Do your shopping." Buffy said.

"Thank you." Willow said.

Willow put her plate in the sink and went into the bedroom. She saw Spike's eyes open as soon as she walked through the door. Walking over to the bed, she sat next to him.

"Feeling better?" Willow asked.

Spike smiled.

"Hungry?"

Spike nodded his head slightly.

"Okay. I have to go out, I need more food. Buffy's here, I'll let her know to bring you some blood." Willow said.

Spike frowned at this news.

"I know. She's not really happy about it either. But you're both going to have to deal. I won't be long." Willow said kissing the vampire's cheek softly.

Willow walked to the closet grabbing her purse and jacket. As she walked to the door she turned and looked at the vampire on the bed.

"Oh and Spike," She said smiling, "Be nice."

Buffy was sitting on the couch when Willow walked back into the room.

"He needs to be fed, Buffy." Willow said.

"I am not letting him." Buffy began.

"In the fridge, I don't expect you to let him feed from you, besides he knows we have to alternate. He needs to eat every couple hours right now, and he can't feed from me that often." Willow said.

"Fine, I'll feed him." Buffy said grudgingly.

"Thanks I'll hurry I promise." Willow said as she walked out the door.
 

~Part 7~

Willow was eating her dinner; she had just fed Spike who was napping now, when there was a knock on the door. She walked and opened the door to Angel.

"Hey." Willow said.

"Hi." Angel responded holding a large paper bag out to the red head.

"Sorry come in." Willow said.

Angel walked in and set the bag on the counter. He turned back to Willow before he spoke.

"First question are you okay?"  Angel asked, "Cordiela told me the rest of what happened."

"I'm fine, still don't like being alone. But other than that."

"Darla didn't hurt you did she? Or try to?" Angel asked.

"No. Actually she said she couldn't hurt me because she would be dust in an hour if she did. Said she was leaving Sunnydale." Willow answered.

"Okay, then how's Spike?"

"Doing better, becoming really obnoxious now, so I think he is definitely healing." Willow answered.

"Anything I can do for you while I'm here?" Angel asked.

"No." Willow responded.

"Can I see Spike, I'd like to talk to him?" Angel asked.

"Sure, he might be sleeping though." Willow said. "You know what Angel, since you're here could you help me move him out here. He's still a little weak to walk, maybe being out here for a while will make him feel better."

"No problem, but if I get him out here how." Angel began.

"I'll worry about that when I have to." Willow said.

Willow and Angel walked down the hall to Spike's bedroom. Spike opened his eyes when he heard the movement in the doorway.

"Oh great the poof is here." Spike said looking at Angel.

"Spike be nice." Willow said sternly.

"Not gonna happen." Angel said quietly. "I can handle him Willow. Can I talk to him alone?"

"Sure." Willow said and walked out closing the door behind her.

Angel waited until he heard Willow's retreating footsteps before speaking to the younger vampire.

"How are you feeling?" Angel asked.

"Bored." Spike replied.

"So better then. When I talked to Willow three days ago, you couldn't stay awake long enough to be bored." Angel said.

"Yeah, I'm feeling better, still to bloody weak though." Spike said angrily, "At least I can sit a little and feed myself now."

"About the feeding yourself." Angel began.

"I won't hurt Red." Spike said simply, "She said you were bringing blood, so I shouldn't have to feed off her at all anymore."

"She cares about you Spike, you know that right?" Angel said quietly watching Spike closely.

"Yeah. Big part of why I won't feed from her anymore. She's been hurt a lot and I don't plan on adding to it." Spike said.

"Why?" Angel asked, " A year ago you wouldn't have thought twice about it."

"Things change." Spike said quietly, "Haven't wanted to hurt her in a long time."

"Because of the chip." Angel said.

"That's what I thought too. Then she made me drink from her, she said she trusted me. No one has trusted me in a long time, I think I like it."

"Okay. I have no choice but to trust you on this because I don't think I can get her to leave. But understand that if she gets hurt you are dust." Angel said.

"Right, you know what would my day be without someone threatening me?" Spike said smiling.

"Willow asked me to move you to the couch if you want to go in the other room." Angel said.

"Thanks." Spike said.

Angel helped Spike pull himself into a sitting position and waited for him to move his legs over the side of the bed.

"Could you do one other thing for me before you leave?" Spike asked after he was sitting on the edge of the bed.

"What?" Angel asked suspiciously.

It took Spike a moment to answer; Angel knew how difficult it was for the younger vampire to ask for help. He also knew that asking him in particular was killing Spike.

"Help me into the shower." Spike said.

"Let's go."

Angel helped Spike into the bathroom so he could shower. Once Spike was standing safely inside the tub and Angel was confident he could stand in one place on his own he returned to the bedroom to find a change of clothes for the younger vampire. He returned to the bathroom and helped Spike from the shower, then helped him dress.

Willow was washing dishes when she heard the two vampires entering the living room. She walked into the bedroom and grabbed a couple pillows for Spike while Angel helped him onto the couch. Once Spike was settled, Angel said his goodbyes and left with Willow's promise to call him if she needed anything else.

"Feel better out here Spike?" Willow asked.

"Yeah. How do we intend to get back to the bedroom though?" Spike asked.

"Not sure. I can call Buffy if necessary." Willow said thinking about the problem.

"Not bloody likely. No way is the Slayer going to see me helpless." Spike said.

"You are not helpless." Willow stated.

"Yes I am. I couldn't even get myself into the shower." Spike said angrily.

"It takes time to heal." Willow replied as she put away the rest of her dishes. "Are you hungry?"

"No. I want to do something." Spike replied.

"Such as?" Willow asked returning to the couch.

"Let's play a game." Spike answered.

"You have board games here?" Willow asked.

"No. I do have cards though." Spike said, "In the drawer next to the stove."

"What are we going to play?"

"Poker?" Spike asked.

"Don't know how." Willow said.

"Black Jack?" Spike asked.

"No money." Willow said.

"We can bet something else." Spike said smiling.

"L-like what?" Willow stuttered.

"We could play strip blackjack." Spike suggested.

Spike's smile grew as he watched the pink color creeping up Willow's neck.

"Kidding Pet. I don't want you to strip." Spike said, "Well I do but not if I can't even move off this bloody couch." He finished leering slightly at the
embarrassed witch.

Spike choked back a laugh, as Willow's cheeks quickly became the color of her hair.

"Relax Red. I told you nothing happens unless you initiate it." Spike said.

"What are we playing for then?" Willow asked hesitantly this time, though relieved that Spike was obviously getting back to his old self.

"Information." Spike said. "Winner gets to ask the loser a question and the loser has to answer honestly."

"O-okay." Willow said.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Angel walked into the magic shop just as Anya was coming to lock the doors.

"You're Angel right? I remember you from last Thanksgiving." Anya said when she saw him.

"Hi." Angel said looking past her for Buffy or Giles.

"Buffy is on her way. Giles and Xander are in the back. Everyone has been waiting for you." Anya said.

Angel quietly followed Anya to the back of the store. Giles and Xander both turned when the heard the door opening.

"Hey Dead Boy's here." Xander said.

"Xander. Please don't start already." Giles said rubbing his forehead.

"Yes Xander. He is quite handsome, and polite I don't understand why you don't like him." Anya said.

"Uh, Well yes hello Angel. Buffy should be any." Giles trailed off as the back door opened.

"Good Angel you're here already." Buffy said closing the door and removing her coat.

"Why did you ask me to come here?" Angel asked.

"Yes, well you know about Spike correct?" Giles asked.

"Yeah, I just came from there." Angel said.

"So you also know Willow is there with him?" Xander said.

"Yes." Angel answered beginning to wish the group would get to the point.

"They are afraid Spike will hurt Willow." Anya stated noticing the vampire's impatience.

"I don't think Willow is in any real danger from Spike." Angel said.

"Angel with out the chip he could go back to being." Buffy began.

Angel looked at the group. They knew a lot about vampires but there was a lot they didn't understand too. He didn't much feel like explaining it tonight but obviously he was going to have to.

"Look I don't have a lot of time but let me explain some things that you probably don't know about vampires, well Giles and Anya may have heard it, and some things about Spike specifically." Angel began.

Angel waited while everyone grabbed chairs and settled in for what he was going to tell them.

"When a vampire is first turned they need to feed quickly and often. While we are young killing and feeding control everything we do. The blood lust is overpowering. As we age we need to feed less often, so the blood lust isn't as strong. Granted here on the slayer-guarded hellmouth relatively few vampires make it past the blood lust stage. But when we do everything becomes more about the game, the challenge, we do kill to feed when necessary but we like a challenge more than the act of killing. That's why Spike keeps coming back here. Buffy is a challenge to him." Looking directly at Buffy before continuing, "Can you honestly say that Spike has never had an opportunity to kill you?"

Buffy looked at him and shook her head. She knew Spike could have killed her on several occasions if he had really wanted to.

"He didn't kill you or any of you for that matter because he wants you alive." Angel concluded. "Now on to Spike, you all know what he was like with Dru. When Spike cares about someone or something it consumes his whole existence. From what I understand about the night he found Willow he didn't have to stop and help her, he could have walked past her. He didn't. I'm not saying he's in love with her, I don't know, what I do know is that he wants to protect her, he cares about her. I think he cares about all of you. Remember the chip prevented him from personally hurting anyone; it
didn't prevent him from masterminding something. And it certainly didn't mean he had to stay here and help all of you. He could have gone to find Dru again or any of the Masters family he would have been protected. But he didn't he stayed and helped."

"Are you sure she's safe?" Giles asked.

"No. I can't guarantee Spike wouldn't hurt her. I can't control him. I can only say I don't believe he will."

"Okay, Willow said Darla brought him home that night, and she's been there since." Xander said.

"As long as Darla considers Willow as Spike's friend and assuming Spike does nothing to piss her off Darla won't be a threat." Angel said.

"Okay, I guess we have to accept this, I mean Willow won't leave, she says she trusts him and you say Spike won't hurt her." Buffy said still not happy about the situation.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Spike shuffled and dealt the cards quickly. Deciding it was best to let Willow win the first couple hands so she would relax, he quickly lost the first hand.

"Okay what do you want to know?" Spike asked.

"Um. Well." Willow hesitated.

"Just ask Red. I can take it." Spike said quietly.

"What did you ever see in Harmony?" Willow asked.

"I don't think you really want an honest answer to that." Spike said.

"You said loser had to answer."

"If I do you are going to turn that lovely shade of red again." Spike said smirking the witch's embarrassment as she realized what he was saying.

"Oh. Okay then deal again." Willow said quietly.

Spike dealt again. This time he won the hand. Willow looked nervously at the vampire as he picked up the cards, while considering his question.

There were so many things he was curious about. He knew if he wasn't careful though she would bolt and he would never find out anything.

"Xander." Spike said.

"What about him?" Willow asked.

"When I was here a couple years ago, you know for the love spell, you were really lusting after the twit. Why?" Spike asked.

"Xander has a lot of good qualities. He's kind and funny and." Willow began wanting to defend her friend. Then looking at Spike's face and the laughter he was trying so hard to hide. "Fine you're right he's a twit. Okay, he was the only guy, until Oz anyway, that showed any interest in me beyond someone to do their homework."

Spike frowned slightly at her answer. She really had no idea about how attractive she is. If the idiots she went to school with didn't see it well then they really weren't worth the effort. Spike shuffled the cards again and dealt another hand. Willow looked at the cards he had dealt her. She had twenty, smiling slightly she told him she would stay.

Spike looked at his cards, he knew she had a good hand; she didn't exactly have a poker face, so he decided he might as well take another card. He smiled at Willow and flipped his cards over. Twenty-one. He smiled at the curse he heard her mutter.

"Such language. What would your friends think?" Spike said cleaning the card up once more.

"Just ask your question." Willow said.

"Fine. Why did dog-boy leave?" Spike asked.

"Oz left because he wants to learn to control the wolf." Willow answered honestly.

"Why?" Spike said.

"One question only. Deal." Willow said.

They played several more hands, Spike winning them all and asking more questions about Oz and other guys she liked in high school. Finally she won another hand.

"Why did you come back here?" Willow said.

"Why?" Spike asked, "The Gem of Amara." Spike answered.

"No after that, when Oz took it to L.A. you followed then you came back again. Why?" Willow asked.

"The challenge. Contrary to popular belief I don't enjoy killing just to kill, not anymore at least. I enjoy the challenge of fighting, honing the skills. I
get that here, the only other place it would even be likely is in L.A. with Angel. But he doesn't really like playing that game very much, Buffy does." Spike answered.

Spike dealt the cards again. Willow had blackjack.

"Why did you help me that night in the park?" Willow asked, she was still curious she had never gotten a straight answer from him on that one.

"I told you if I left you there the slayer would kick my ass." Spike said.

"Not good enough. I didn't know you were there until you spoke. You could have went right past me and she never would have known you even knew."

"That is the reason." Spike said then looking at the face that was clearly saying this game wasn't continuing until he answered. "All right. I couldn't
stand to see you hurt."

Willow didn't reply just continued to look at the vampire. She hadn't expected that answer. She didn't know what to say now.

"Let's do something else now." Spike said setting the cards aside.

"Okay." Willow said, "Hungry yet?" Willow asked.

"Yeah." Spike answered.

Spike sat silently flipping through the cable channels looking for something to watch while Willow warmed some of the blood Angel had delivered.
 

~Part 8~

Spike sat on the couch watching Willow making lunch for herself. It had been almost three weeks since he had found her in the park. He was feeling better now and could care for himself. He didn't want her to leave, but knew he couldn't allow her to keep hiding out here.  She needed to at least go to class or out with her friends. Willow finished making her sandwich and headed to the couch carrying her plate and a mug for Spike. Sitting next to him she handed him the mug.

"Red we need to talk." Spike said.

"Sure." Willow said taking a bite of her sandwich.

"You need to get out of here." Spike said simply.

"No." Willow said.

"So then you plan on never leaving here again?" Spike asked.

"Yes." Willow said quietly, "I mean, you took care of me when I needed it and now you."

"Have recovered Luv. I don't need you here to feed me anymore. I also really don't need a maid." Spike said, " There are other reasons I can think of to keep you locked up here, but I don't think you're ready for those yet."

Willow felt the color creeping to her face as he leered at her. She knew he was saying that just to make her blush but she couldn't help it.

"I don't want to be alone. I can't." Willow began her eyes filling with tears.

"Willow, I didn't say you couldn't stay here. You can stay here as long as you want." Spike said reaching for the crying girl. "But you have left this apartment twice in two weeks. You left more on the first week but only because I was with you. You can't stay locked in here away from everyone. If you do you'll turn into, well, Angel."

"Angel?" Willow said looking confused.

"Yeah. Don't want you to become all broody now do we?" Spike said smiling.

"No." Willow said smiling slightly.

"So if you don't want to move home. How about going to class?" Spike suggested.

"A-Alone? I mean Buffy dropped all her classes." Willow said nervously.

"Okay not ready for classes then. How about going out with your friends?" Spike suggested, "The Bronze?"

"Will you come too?"

"If that's what you want. I don't know how welcome I'll be with them though." Spike said.

"I'll go if you go." Willow said.

"Call the slayer then. Make the plans." Spike answered.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Spike and Willow walked into the Bronze looking around for the others. Spike noticed Xander at a table on the far side of the club and pointed him out to the red head.  Willow took his hand and quickly led the vampire to the table.

"Hi." Willow said as they approached the table.

"Will. Hi." Xander said and immediately moved to hug his friend.

Xander's smile vanished when he felt his friend stiffen at his touch. He moved away not sure how to react.

"Are you okay?" Xander asked noticing Spike's grip on Willow's hand tighten slightly.

"I'm fine." Willow said trying to force a small smile for her friend.

Willow hadn't meant to react that way when Xander hugged her but she couldn't stop herself. Intellectually she knew this was Xander, her friend
for as long as she could remember, but her mind couldn't quite control the rest of her that was reacting in fear to being touched. Before she could
apologize to Xander, Buffy and Anya approached the table.

"Hey Willow." Buffy said.

"Hello Willow. Buffy said you wanted to come here tonight." Anya said, then looking at Spike, " Hi Spike. You killed that man that hurt Willow. You would make a great vengeance demon."

"Hi Anya." Willow said.

"Yeah. Thanks. I think." Spike said slightly confused by the girls comment.

"Where's Riley?" Willow asked.

"He'll be here soon. Said he had something to do first." Buffy said.

Spike left Willow at the table with her friends and went to get drinks for everyone. He watched the table as he waited for the drinks. He saw Buffy try to hug Willow and sighed as he watched Willow stiffen and pull away. If she was reacting this way to her friends she would never be able to get out among strangers again. Not that he was in any hurry to have her leave his apartment. He liked the company, hell he liked her. He liked making her blush, and making her smile. He liked holding her at night while she slept. He didn't like her being afraid though. The bartender returned with the drinks, Spike picked them up and carried them over to the table.

"Wanna dance Spike?" Buffy asked after he had set down their drinks.

"What?"

"Dance with me." She repeated this time as more of a command.

Buffy grabbed the vampire's hand and pulled him onto the dance floor. Spike looked back at Willow and tried to pull away from the slayer as he saw the fear in the red heads eyes.

"C'mon it's not like I'm going to stake you on the dance floor." Buffy said.

"Couldn't if you wanted to." Spike said automatically.

"Just wanna talk." Buffy said as they began moving to the music. "You don't seem to still be sick from the chip."

"Nope. Fully recovered." Spike answered, "See I knew you cared."

"Whatever." Buffy said, "Why are you keeping Willow at the apartment then?"

"I'm not keeping her there."

"Right. Why would she stay with you by choice?" Buffy asked.

"Know what Slayer. I think you're asking the wrong questions. Maybe it's not so much why she would stay with me as it is why she doesn't want to go to the lot of you." Spike said.

"What?"

"When I found her that night I wanted to take her to you, or the watcher. She said no. She was with me for a whole week before I went after that bastard. Not once in that time did she want to go back to you or even talk to you. Why?" Spike asked.

"I don't believe you." Buffy said angrily, "You were making her stay."

"Right. If that's what you want to believe then fine. I don't really care what you think. However, I will not make her go with you until she's ready."

"She is ready now." Buffy said.

"She can't even stand for you or the boy to." Spike's voice trailed off when he heard Willow scream.

Spike and Buffy both turned and raced back to the table. Xander and Anya were both standing next to Willow trying their best to comfort her without touching her. A man around their age was standing behind Anya, staring at the scene in front of him. Spike pushed passed all three and went to the shaking red head.

"Red, what happened?" Spike said pulling her against him.

"Nothing. I. he just. wanted to.. Dance." Willow said between sobs against his shoulder.

Buffy had pulled Xander and Anya to the side to find out what happened. Spike growled slightly as he looked past the scoobies to the man behind them.

"It's okay Pet. Maybe we shouldn't have done this tonight." Spike said soothingly to the girl." I want you to stay here with the slayer for a minute okay?"

"Yeah." Willow said quietly.

"Slayer." Spike said.

"Is she okay?" Buffy asked walking over to them.

"Just scared. Sit with her a minute okay." Spike said the got up and walked away from the table.

As Spike moved past the man that had approached Willow he grabbed him pulling him along behind. When they had walked out of the building he pushed him against the wall.

"What did you do to her?" Spike asked angrily.

"Nothing. I asked her to dance and she." The boy stammered.

"Did you touch her?" Spike said quietly.

"Maybe but just her." His voice trailed into a small scream as he saw the vampire's face change.

"Don't touch things that aren't yours. It could get you hurt fast. Understand?" Spike said leaning close to the boy.

Spike waited until he felt the boy nod before stepping way. He turned and headed back toward the door as he heard the boy running down the alley. As he opened the door he ran into Xander.

"What do you want?" Spike said.

"What did you do to him? He didn't do anything to Willow." Xander said angrily.

"I didn't hurt him. Just scared him a little." Spike said.

"You didn't. Why?"

"I don't have to kill everyone that pisses me off." Spike said, "You are beginning to look like a really good meal though."

Spike pushed past Xander before he could respond and headed back to the table to retrieve Willow and take her home.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"I'm sorry." Willow said as she and Spike walked into the apartment.

"Why?" Spike said.

"At the Bronze."

"I shouldn't have left you alone." Spike said.

"You can't be everywhere I go." Willow said.

"True. Oh wait. Remember a few weeks ago when you needed something to tell Buffy?" Spike asked smiling.

"Yeah, oh you said to tell her I was your." Willow said blushing as she remembered the conversation.

"Right so you could just stay here. Buffy already thinks I'm holding you here anyway." Spike said feeling guilty for trying to force her out in the first place.

"That's why she wanted to dance?" Willow asked.

"Yeah." Spike said, "Didn't much like hearing that you were here because you wanted to be."

"Now I'm really sorry." Willow said sullenly.

"Remember no brooding allowed." Spike said reaching for her cheek.

"I can't walk around the rest of my life afraid of men."

"You're not afraid of me." Spike said.

"But that's different you." Willow said.

"I'm what? A friend. I felt your reaction to the twit." Spike said.

Willow wanted to tell him he wasn't just a friend. She trusted him more than she could trust anyone else. He made her feel strong, and pretty. She loved Xander she really did, but him and Buffy and even Giles always acted as if she was helpless. She was good for magic and research but they never treated her like she was as strong as they were.

"You treat me differently than he does." Willow said quietly.

"How?" Spike asked, "Because I make you blush?"

"Kind of." Willow said, "Actually this sounds really silly since you were protecting me tonight, but Xander and the others act like I'm helpless and they have to protect me from everything."

"They mean well." Spike said.

"Sure they do. They protect me from all the evil demons that show up, but when an evil human shows up I don't know what the hell to do." Willow said tears in her eyes again.

"They think you aren't strong. But you are Willow. You have more power than you know. You just need to learn to have more confidence in that power." Spike said hugging her to him.

"I don't know how." Willow said. "It hurts too much to be around people, afraid that any second one will."

"You still need to heal too." Spike said, "The visible wounds are gone but the one's inside are still there. Maybe we can do this together."

"How?"

"Believe it or not I don't want to go back to evil Spike. Part of me likes working for the good guys for a change. I need to learn how to do that, it was easy with the chip, I had to suppress the urge to kill, but it's different now. And I will help you learn to trust again, use the power you have, and get out among people again."

"Are you sure?" Willow asked.

"Yeah." Spike said. "We will work through this together.
 

~Part 9~

Spike eased his arm away from the sleeping redhead, gently easing himself off the bed. He had a plan on getting Willow out among people again. He didn't think her friends would be of any real help. He knew they meant well but they were pushing her at the Bronze. They wanted to touch her make sure she was okay, he understood that, but she wasn't ready for that. He also didn't think he could help her by taking her out among strangers again. The Bronze had been a bad idea. He should have realized someone would approach her. That guy hadn't done anything really. He knew he had to take her somewhere with people that would want to help her, people that knew her, but would be willing to let her adjust on her own. Then Angel had called to see if Willow needed him to bring more human blood, that's when it occurred to him that the poof was the perfect answer. Angel and the cheerleader were Willow's friends, the watcher knew her too; they would be willing to help without pushing. Spike stood
watching her for a moment to make sure she was sleeping before walking out of the room to make his phone call. He walked into the kitchen and picked up the phone dialing the number quickly.

"Hello." Came the familiar voice.

"Hey, Peaches."

"Spike?" Angel asked.

"Anyone else call you Peaches?" Spike asked.

"What do you want?"

"I want your help." Spike said simply still not believing he was going to Angel for help.

"You want my help?" Angel asked confused.

"Yeah. Look I thought I was helping Willow last night by making her go the Bronze. The Slayer thinks I'm going to hurt Willow, and the moron well he's a moron. Anyway going out was a bad idea. She got frightened and we are back at the beginning again." Spike said hurriedly.

"What does this have to do with me?" Angel asked impatiently.

"Can I bring her to L.A. Look she needs to get out and be with people other than me. Her friends here push too hard because they don't want her around me. I thought if we were with you she could get used to being around people again, with familiar people that she trusts, and people that won't push too hard."

"When do you want to come?" Angel asked.

"We could leave at sunset tomorrow." Spike said.

"Fine. Spike understand something, I will not allow you to go on killing rampage here. I won't hesitate to stake you." Angel said not sure what to expect from the new Spike.

"Right. Ever the loving Grandfather aren't you?" Spike said, "Anyway that falls in with part of my deal with Willow, I'm going to learn to be a poof. So I figured might as well learn from the best."

"I'm not a." Angel began, "Never mind. I'll be expecting you tomorrow. I'll talk to the others in the morning."

"Thanks. Make sure everyone understands not to touch her okay. It really makes her freak." Spike said.

Before Angel could reply a scream came from Spike's bedroom. Spike slammed the phone down and raced to the bedroom.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Spike ran to the side of the bed reaching for the screaming girl. Her thrashing had caused the sheets to tangle around her legs.

"Willow." Spike said pulling Willow against his body.

Spike held Willow against him until he felt her body relax against him. She rested her head on his shoulder; he could feel the tears on his skin. He
rubbed his hand on her back soothing her.

"It's okay Pet." Spike said quietly, "I'm here."

"Spike." Willow said as her sobs subsided.

"Yeah Luv."

"I was so scared. I couldn't get away." Willow said quietly.

"I know. It's over now. He can't hurt you again." Spike said holding her tightly.

"You left." She responded simply.

"Luv, what did you do while I was sick?" Spike asked. "I couldn't hold you then."

"I slept next to you. I could feel you here with me." Willow said.

"I'm sorry I won't leave again. Right now let's get some sleep tomorrows a big day." Spike said laying her back on the bed and moving beside her wrapping his arms around her.

"Okay." Willow said moving closer to the vampire and falling asleep quickly.
 

~Part 10~

"Willow's coming here?" Cordiela asked.

"Yeah." Angel began.

"With Spike?" Wesley interrupted.

"Yes." Angel began again.

"Spike, the vampire that kidnapped and tortured you last year?" Gunn interrupted.

"You know this would go a lot quicker, and maybe I could even finish before they arrive if you'd all shut up." Angel said angrily.

"Sorry." The other three said in unison.

"Spike is bringing Willow here tonight. I don't know how long they will be here." Angel said when he had their attention. "You all know that Willow was raped?"

Angel waited until all three nodded their heads.

"She is very sensitive right now. Spike tried to take her out to the Bronze, thought she needed to be around people. It didn't work. Buffy and the others are pushing her too hard; they want her away from Spike. That is why he's bringing her here, so she can be around people that won't push." Angel said.

"I thought you said the chip had been removed from his head?" Wesley asked.

"It has. He says part of his deal with Willow is to learn to not be a killer anymore. Along with helping Willow I don't see why we can't help him deal with this new good side of himself." Angel answered.

"Help Spike to be good. I just can't see it. Are you sure we can't stake him?" Cordiela asked.

"No staking. Listen Cordiela, he deserves a chance." Angel answered.

"I don't know how much Spike I can take Angel." Cordiela responded.

"Cordiela I don't see why we can't let the past be in the past if he wants to change." Wesley said.

"Never met him have you?" Cordiela said looking at he ex-watcher.

"No. I've read."

Cordiela smiled knowing within a few hours of their arrival she wouldn't be the only one wanting a stake.

"Wesley, Gunn, Cordy's right. You two haven't met Spike." Angel said, knowing that having the younger vampire here wouldn't be easy, "Spike has a way of, how can I put this?"

"Annoying the hell out of everyone he meets." Cordiela supplied.

"Well yeah." Angel said, "He will do everything he can to piss you off. If he sees he's annoying you, he'll get worse. The best thing to do is keep him busy. When he gets bored is when he is at his worst."

"Can't we just ignore him?" Gunn asked.

At that comment Cordiela and Angel both laughed.

"What?" Gunn asked. "I mean really it was that funny, it made Angel laugh."

"You can try to ignore him. But you will probably fail." Angel said. "Trust me, I lived with him for generations it's harder than you think. And just so
you all know, no one is to touch Willow. Spike says it frightens her."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"I don't see why we're here." Willow said as she got out of the car.

"Because Pet, you need to be around people. Obviously going out wasn't the right plan." Spike replied having repeated this answer several times on the drive from Sunnydale.

Spike got out of the car and grabbed the bags from the trunk. They headed up the walk to the hotel that Angel was using as an office. As they walked through the door they passed a man on his way out.

"Hey, you must be Willow right?" He said looking at the small red head.

"Yeah." Willow answered moving closer to Spike.

"I'm Gunn. I work with Angel."

"Oh, Cordy's mentioned you." Willow said relaxing slightly.

"Got to go kill some vamps. I'll catch you all tomorrow." Gunn said before heading to his truck.

Willow and Spike continued into the hotel. Spike set the bags down inside the door, as Willow moved down the steps and surveyed the large lobby.

"He uses this as an office?" Willow asked.

"That's what he says." Spike said moving down the steps behind Willow.

The door behind the desk opened and Cordiela stepped out. Spotting the couple in the lobby she let out a small squeal before racing over to them shouting for Angel.

"Will. Hi, I'm so glad you came to visit. I really do miss seeing people from Sunnydale." Cordiela said moving toward the red head.

Cordiela saw her friend tense as she moved closer and heard the low growl from the vampire beside her and stopped short.

"Sorry." Cordiela said, "Got carried away. Hello Spike."

"Hi Princess." Spike said, "Where's the Poof?"

"He's not a." Cordiela began.

"Don't bother." Willow and Spike both interrupted as Angel came down the steps.

"Hi." Willow said quietly.

"Hi. Really glad you came to visit." Angel said moving into the lobby.

"Thanks."

"Are you guys tired I can show you your rooms." Cordiela said.

"Rooms?" Willow asked nervously.

"Yeah as in two." Cordy replied.

"I can't I mean I." Willow began.

"You want one room?" Angel asked.

"Nightmares." Spike said simply.

"Okay then I can show you your room if you're tired." Cordy said confused.

"Actually if it's not a problem, I mean I know it's late, but I'm really hungry." Willow said.

"Not a problem, there's an all night diner down the street." Angel suggested.

"Thanks." Willow said, "I'm afraid I'm beginning to get vampire hours."

"Aren't we all?" Cordiela asked as she grabbed her purse from behind the desk.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Angel and Cordiela watched as Spike and Willow retreated up the steps to their room. After they had rounded the corner at the top of the stairs Cordiela turned to Angel.

"She seems so afraid, I mean Willow was always so timid, but she started to not be. Now she's that shy thing from high school again." Cordiela said quietly.

"I know. But Spike he seems."

"Really protective. Angel when they first got here, before you came down, I forgot and went to hug her and he growled at me." Cordiela said.

"He won't hurt you, I promise, but make sure you don't touch her, not unless she touches you first. If he thinks she's being threatened in any way." Angel said.

"It's almost like he loves her." Cordiela said.

"Yeah, it is." Angel said quietly, smiling slightly.

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