*I am surprised they let me walk home all by myself since they think I am so weak and helpless,* Willow thought as she made her way down her street towards her house. *I will not put up with them anymore. I know what will piss them off, I won't let them copy my homework tomorrow. They can do the work themselves for a change; in fact, maybe I won't even do my homework tonight. It's about time I did something unexpected and non-Willowish. It's not like my grade point average can't handle it,* Willow decided as she walked up her driveway.
 

Part 12: Decisions

It had taken him a month to get to Sunnydale, driving only at night, and slightly into the day. A vamp has to get his beauty sleep you know. Now that he was here he had to figure out who he was going to torture first. He mentally went through the list of the slayer's friends. The boy with the weird hair was too boring, the cheerleader was too weak and wouldn't last very long, the other boy was just fucking annoying, and watchers got on his nerves. That left the little witch. "She was kinda fun last time, she was really scared, and might make for some interesting conversation in between torturing sessions.* "The red headed hacker it is." Spike said decisively as he drove through the streets of the small town. *It is too late for her to still be at the library, but she is probably still awake studying.* Spike thought to himself. Maybe if I wait on her front porch I can catch her before she goes inside. I love the way little girls smell when they're scared, I can't wait to torture, what's her name? Willow. That's it, Willow."
 

Part 13: The Quiet, Shy Mousey One

Spike waited in the bushes eagerly, his anticipation and adrenaline growing as he heard footsteps approaching his hiding spot in the bushes by the Rosenburg's front porch.

Willow searched her bag for her keys as she ascended her front steps. However, she was cut short when she heard the bushes to her right moving. She looked up and came face to

face with Spike. "Spike, such a very pleasant surprise." Willow stated calmly, but with pointed sarcasm. "I should have guessed," Willow said exasperatedly. "Everything else has gone wrong today, why not have you show up too!"

Spike, expecting her to be scared shitless, was quite surprised when Willow regarded him with annoyance. He could also tell that she was pissed off about something. Spike was usually the type to tear someone's throat out that treated him the way Willow was. Instead he decided to sit back and see what she would do next, finding the situation amusing.

Despite the little voice inside her that told her to shut up before Spike killed her, she continued, having held everything in for so long she just wanted to unload; even if it was Spike. "I am so damned tired of this. First, I learn that my two supposedly best friends have been going out behind my back. Buffy, Xander, and Giles all treat me like shit, then I get called to the library to find out Cordy's dead, only she isn't cause she's immortal; which adds yet another complication to my already fucked up life. Then I come home to find the same pathetic blood sucking fiend who kidnapped me and Xander so I could do a love spell for him because his slut of a girlfriend left him! All in two weeks. Everything just keeps getting better and better doesn't it?!" Willow felt a lot better after letting some of the stuff that was bothering her out, and was also feeling confident.

Spike wasn't sure whether to be ripping the girl to shreds for yelling at him and calling him a pathetic blood sucking fiend, or be laughing at her surprising out burst. Being in a good mood, he decided on the later and doubled over in a fit of laughter. "Shit, I thought you were the quiet, shy mousey one! You sure are feisty. I have to say I am more than a bit surprised, and quite impressed." He told the red head who stood before him looking irritated by his laughing at her, after a minute or two of gut wrenching laughs.

"Ya, quiet, shy, mousey. That is what everybody thinks. If I were to actually show them even a little of my real personality they would think I was possessed or something. It is so fucking annoying. I can't be myself around any of them, I mean what the hell is wrong with me growing up anyway. They think I am so damn helpless and frail. I am not made out of fucking glass. I won't break. Shit! I want to be treated like a strong capable person." Willow had never cussed so much in her life, and she liked it.

Spike looked her over appraisingly. He had never imagined she had so much fire in her. He had always thought of her as just another one of the slayer's little lemmings, but maybe he had been wrong in that assumption. He was seeing a side of her that even the slayer had not seen according to the hacker. It was interesting and he liked it, matter of fact he wanted to see more of it. "What's the matter luv, get in a tiff wit' your friends?" He asked her, a smile forming on his lips at her reaction.

"A tiff? A tiff?! They are all just assholes plain and simple. Oz left me, and Xander and Buffy are too busy sucking face that they don't pay any attention to me what so ever unless they want to copy my homework, or want me to do something else for them. Giles is the same way. He just expects that I have nothing better to do than research for him. I am fucking tired of them! I am not their damn slave. I just want to have them leave me the fuck alone, I don't need them, and they can do their own damn work! I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't even notice I was gone, until they needed a favor that is!"

"Well luv, it sounds like you are wanting a little change of scenery. If you'd like I might be of some assistance."

"Go on." Willow prompted, the opportunity to get away from Xander, Buffy, and Giles, sounding appealing, even if it did involve Spike. Besides, it would piss off three certain people if they were to find out.

"Well pet, I just purchased a place for myself to stay in while I am in town and I could use a spot of company, as could you, I'd wager." Spike suggested, and for some strange reason Spike found himself actually wanting her company.

*This is a great chance to do something unexpected and spontaneous, like you have wanted to do for so long. Don't think, don't analyze, just do. Follow adventure, pursue the unknown.* "Sure, why not, I don't have anything better to do." She said, feeling bold and daring. Willow went up to her room and packed some clothes, a couple of her spell books, and some supplies, including Amy.

"Well, if the lady is ready.." Spike said gesturing to his car, parked several houses down. "It was nice of you to bring me a bite to eat." He commented as they made their way to the car.

"Huh? Oh, you mean the rat. Her name is Amy and is a friend of mine who turned herself into a rat a couple of months ago when the whole town tried to burn me, her, and Buffy at the stake. So if your fangs come anywhere near her you are going to have a dangerously pissed off witch on your hands! Got it?" Willow emphasized the last two remarks by pointing at him, and giving him an icy stare.

"Sure thing Red. And you are going to have to tell me the rest of that story later." Spike responded as he put her stuff in the back and got into the car.

"So, where we staying?" Willow asked.

Smiling, two people, different in almost every way, except a shared loneliness neither would admit, Spike and Willow drove off into the night.
 

Part 14: Moving In

Willow walked into the large apartment, her eyes moving appraisingly over the living room. In the center of the room was a black leather couch with a glass coffee table with black iron legs in front of it, and a matching end table on one side of the couch. The medium sized

entertainment center on the far wall was surrounded by countless movies and CDs, while magazines, books, and other reading material littered the coffee and end tables. Upon further examination Willow saw several empty food containers and wrappers on the ground by the couch and wadded pieces of paper in and around the trash can in the corner. "I thought you said you just got the place?" Willow questioned as she set her things down. She followed Spike into the kitchen and sat at the counter.

"I did." Spike answered as he got two soda's out of the fridge, placing one in front of Willow, and opening the other one for himself. "I may live off of blood but that doesn't mean I can't have a soda. Human food doesn't do a damn thing for the hunger, but it does taste good." He said, answering her questioning glance when he took a drink.

"So, if you just bought the place, how did you mess it up so fast? I mean Xander has better house keeping skills." Willow commented as she glanced around the kitchen counters that where strewn with dirty dishes and various other items. Spike just glared at her and left the kitchen. Willow rolled her eyes, picked up her bags and followed him down the corridor.

"My room is down there, the door next to it is the library, across from that we got the bathroom, and this'll be your room. I'll leave you to unpack and do, whatever it is you do. I'll be in the front room if ya need me ducks." Spike explained as he gave her a quick tour of the apartment.

She thanked the blonde as he retreated down the hall and proceeded to look around the room. There was a small dresser against the left wall next to a walk in closet. A desk sat against the far wall. She set her suitcase on the black iron four poster bed and put her clothes into the dresser and closet. Next Willow put her hair brush, make up, and other personal items on the top of the dresser. Then she placed Amy's cage on the corner of the desk, along with her lab-top and books and her backpack on the chair. After surveying her work she placed the empty suitcase under the bed, and went into the front room.

When she got to the front room she found Spike watching TV. "'Lo luv. Would ya like somethin' to eat, considering you have been at the library you probably haven't had dinner yet I'd bet. I can make ya a sandwich if ya'd like."

"Actually I am kid of hungry now that you mention it, but I can make myself something, you don't have to." Willow said as she went into the kitchen and looked through the fridge and cupboards in search of something to eat. "You sure have a well stocked kitchen." She commented as she sat on the couch with her food and handed him a soda.

"Like I said, I don't have to eat, but I can. I take it Angel didn't eat?" When she shook her head he went on. "He used to if I remember correctly. Well, anyway, it gives me something to do during the day." Spike turned off the TV and shifted so that he was sitting sideways on the couch and looking straight at her. "Is that all you are eating? No wonder why you are so skinny." He commented, eyeing her plate.

"What's wrong with a salad and orange? It is healthy." She rebutted. "Well for one, there is no dressing on it. And second, if you keep eating 'healthy' you are going to waste away, you are already a toothpick." "For your information, I don't like dressing on my salad, and I am not a toothpick, I am 100 pounds, and am perfectly healthy." "Sure you are pet, why don't we just change the subject, I have a feeling you aren't going to believe me no matter what I say. So why don't you tell me 'bout that time you were almost burned at the stake you mentioned earlier."

That night Spike and Willow talked for hours, with Willow telling him of all the demons they'd faced since he'd left, as well as a more detailed description of why she was so pissed off at Buffy, Xander, and Giles.

"No wonder you were mad at them, personally, I would have beat the shit out of them long ago if they had treated me like that." Spike told her. "Yah, well, I don't have that much guts I guess."

"Well, we'll just have to fix that now won't we luv? They are treatin' you like shit, so don't treat them any better. Ignore the assholes. You have a right to be angry, and don't let them convince you otherwise." He told the redhead. *Why the hell are you tryin' to comfort her, what do you care?* Spike asked himself. *Because you feel sorry for the poor girl, she's been through a lot, not only does she have to worry about vampires and demons, but her only friends are the bitchy slayer, the idiot, and the watcher.* "It is almost sunrise and I am plum tuckered out, so I'm gonna turn in." He said as he got up and stretched his muscles.

"Oh, goddess. Is it really that late already? Shit, I have to go to school in a couple hours." Then Willow thought for a moment, "You know what, I am just going to skip it, screw school, I don't want to go and for the first time in my life I am just not going to go. I don't want to talk to them anyway, and it will be interesting to find out what they do without my homework to copy!" She stated, a smile curling her lips at the last thought.

"There ya go. That's the spirit. I'll see ya tomorrow, or today, that is." With that said, the two new roommates went to bed. *Spike is actually really nice, and normal. Well for a vampire that is. He is a lot of fun to talk to.* Willow thought as she got under the soft navy blue bed sheets. *Well, she sure is amazing, that one. She is feisty, brave, and surprisingly good company. She is intelligent, it's been quite a while since I have had someone to talk to that had a real opinion, and wasn't afraid to say it.* Spike said to himself as he drifted off to sleep.
 

Part 15: Shopping

Laughter filtered through the air as the unlikely friends sat on the couch, watching TV and eating 'breakfast' as was their newly formed routine. As the show ended Willow got up and began cleaning up the plates. "Well pet, what would you like to do now?" Spike questioned as he rose as well, following her into the kitchen.

"I don't know, is anything open this late, or early?" She said while cleaning the dishes and putting away the leftovers. "Humm, lets see. It is 8:00pm now, so we can go see a picture if ya'd like. The only other thing I can think of that's open is the mall. What would ya like to do ducks?"

"Well we just got finished watching TV so I don't really feel like a movie. A trip to the mall doesn't sound too bad though. I am tired of fuzzy sweaters and overalls. I was thinking about getting a new wardrobe to go with my outgoing, semi-bad girl, pissed off at everyone, look." She said smiling. "I didn't make the slightest bit of sense just then, did I?"

"Not completely, but I think I follow ya. Hey, maybe you could get something like what you wore that one year for halloween?" Spike commented offhandedly. "Anyway, we better get goin' if we are going to get you a whole new wardrobe before the stores close in three hours." After grabbing her purse, Willow started out the door, Spike right behind her.

"What do ya think about this one?" Willow asked as she modeled the hip hugging black jeans shorts and black tank top that stopped just above her bellybutton, for the blonde vampire. "Looks nice, you should get it." He said as she headed back into the dressing room to try on yet another outfit. She came back out a couple minutes later in a spaghetti strap white tank that clung to the top of her frame and had an upside down V shaped slit that ran down the middle of her stomach starting an inch above her naval, and brown skirt that ended mid-thigh. "I really like that one luv, it's flirty, yet classy, very you I'd say." He remarked as she turned around, holding her arms out for appraisal.

"Well, that's the last one, I'll go get back in my clothes and we can buy this stuff, grab a bite to eat, an' head home." With that she headed back in the fitting room. "I'll met ya at the register." Spike told her as he slipped out the nearest door.

When he rejoined Willow at the cash register and she paid for the clothes she glared at him as he helped her pick up the bags and take them out to the car. "What?" He asked, looking at her innocently. "You know exactly what." She snapped back. "I just took a nip." He said defensively "Besides, he was a homeless man, no one'll even miss 'em." "Just because no one will notice he is gone, doesn't make him any less dead Spike." She said icily, giving him a look so deadly he might have thought her a vampire, had he not known otherwise.

"Alright, alright, if it'll make you happy I won't kill my meals anymore, but if they really piss me off I can't be held responsible for my actions. Just don't look at me like that, you're givin' me the wiggins, or however you say it." He said with a sigh as they loaded the bags into the back seat. "Thanks!" She said with a smile. "Lets go to Taco Bell, I am starving, then we can go home so I can put away my new clothes before Leno starts."

When they got back to the apartment Willow went into her room to put away her purchases. Spike stood in her doorway for a minute as she hung up the last item. "Show's 'bout to start luv, why don't we go watch it, unless you'd rather do something else." He said, a mischievous look on his face as he tilted his head towards the bed. "Thanks, but some other time k?" She said, giggling; used to his suggestive comments. The pair was about to exit the room when Willow's lab-top beeped from its place on her desk, signaling that she had received an e-mail. "Why don't you go ahead and I'll catch up with you as soon as I see what's up, I've been expecting a message from an online store." Willow said as she headed over to the desk and sat down in front of the computer.

Spike muted the TV and turned around as she entered the room, a frown marring her pretty face. "What is it, my little pixie? What's wrong?" He asked, using his pet nickname for her, as he rose from the couch and strode over to the petite red head, placing his hands on her shoulders.

"The e-mail, it, it was from Buffy. She wanted to know why I hadn't been at school the past few days. She said she went to my house looking for me, and wanted to know where I was and why I hadn't returned her calls." She explained as she took a set on the couch across from the vampire. "I don't know why I am surprised. I knew I couldn't hide from them forever." She ran a shaking hand through her hair and over her face. "I guess, I, well, I don't know. I just don't know if I really want to face them, yet, I guess."

"Well, if you don't want to see them, you don't have to." He told her, putting a reassuring hand on her arm. She shook her head, the light reflecting off her hair making it shine.

"That, that’s not all," she took a deep breath before she continued. "...and I doubt you're gonna to like it." He lifted her head so that she was looking at him instead of her lap. "What is it luv? It's ok, you can tell me." "You promise you won't be mad at me?" She asked him shyly. "Of course I won't get mad at you, now tell Spikey what's wrong and I'll make it all better." He tucked the hair back behind her ear, while she smiled slightly at his remark. "Something happened. Faith, you know the other slayer?" He nodded his understanding and she continued. "Well, Faith and, umm, Faith and, uh, Angel, um, and now, there are kinda, Ang, Angelus issues now."

"What?! You mean the wanker's back?!!" Spike stood abruptly. "D-d-don't be mad at me, please, I'm, I'm sorry." Willow apologized. "Oh, it's ok pet, I'm not mad at you. Why would think I would be mad at you?" Willow studied the hard wood floor closely as he sat back down and put his arm around her. "I, I don't know, it's just, the whole, killing the messenger, and I am so used to being the messenger, and you're my only friend right now, I didn't want you to be mad, I didn't want to be alone, again." "Breathe Will, breathe. It's ok, I'm not mad, and you are NOT alone. I'll always be there, 'k?" He said as he pulled her into his arms and held her against him.

*Why do you care so much about what he thinks? You have been alone most of your life, why should it scare you so much now?* She asked herself. *Duh. Because you like him, a lot even though you're just friends, and the very thought of him being upset at you terrifies you way more then it should. Especially since you have only been friends for two weeks, and he is a soulless vampire who has tried to kill you numerous times. Anyway, why would he want you, plain, dull, Willow, when he could have a beautiful, sexy, woman?*

*Why does the thought of her being upset in any way scare you? Why do you find it so impossible to ever be mad at the beautiful, sweet, kind, innocent little witch? Wow, where did that come from? She's your friend, just your friend, even if you would love to kiss her soft, pink lips. Besides, she wouldn't think of you like that anyway. She probably thinks you're a monster.*

Neither one wanted to end the embrace, both content to be so close to each other. "I'm sorry, about that. Anyway, maybe it would be a good idea if I went to school on Monday. I have missed two weeks already, and with this new Angelus problem I am probably needed to be net-girl." Willow said, reluctantly removing her head from its position against his hard chest.

"Are you sure? Because it's ok if you're not ready."

"No, it's ok. I have to face them sooner or later anyway, might as well get it over with. Besides, what if they need my help?" He smiled at the girl across from him. *She is so caring.* "I can be mad at the assholes later, right now dealing with Angelus is more important than the fact that they have lied to me, used me, and ignored me for weeks." Willow said, anger apparent in her voice. "That still doesn't mean they get to copy my homework though, nope, they can do their own," Spike laughed at her last remark.

"You look tired, why don't you go to bed and we can talk some more in the morning." She nodded and headed off to bed after giving him a quick hug.

That night two separate people, fell asleep both remember how it felt to be in the other's arms, both sure that the other could never share their newly growing feelings, neither aware of how very wrong they were.
 

Part 16: Back to School

Spike woke up and made his way sleepily into the kitchen to make himself a cup of coffee, only to find one awaiting him on the counter. "Willow, have you been up all day?" He asked as he downed the cup and poured himself another. "Ya. Just getting ready." She said, uncertainty heavy in her voice.

"Are you sure about this luv?" He made his way over to her and sat down next to her on the couch. "Ya, I'm just a little nervous, I haven't seen them in two weeks, ya know?" She turned to face him and he took her hands in his. "I know. And it's ok that you are nervous. Just

remember to not let them get to you. If they start treating you bad again, or try to use or take advantage of you, which considering who we are talking about will probably happen, just put your foot down. Anyway, I have lost my train of thought and am just rambling and have no idea where I am going with this so I am going to shut up now before I make a fool of myself, which judging by the look on your face I have already succeeded in doing, so I am going to be quite now."

"Oook. You do that." She said, with a small smile and a slight chuckle. "I better go to bed if I am going to be able to get up and go to school in the morning." She said, getting up from the couch and ruffled his hair as she walked by. "You know, you are really cute when you ramble. "Funny pet, real bloody funny." The sound of laughter followed her into her bedroom.

Willow stood in front of the library doors listening to the sounds of Buffy training, and the occasional grunt from Giles as the slayer got in a good hit, followed by a joke from Xander, offbeat and ill-timed as usual. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves, and walked through the doors, head held high and determination in her step.

The three occupants of the library did a double take as the figure entered the room. She stood in front of them dressed in tight black pants that flared at the bottom over a pair of black heeled sandals, and an equally tight forest green tanktop. A metal chain link belt that hung elegantly from her hips and a black velvet choker with emeralds dangling from it finished the ensemble. Her hair was in a tight ponytail with strands framing her face. She had on thin black eyeliner, dark green eyeshadow, and silver lip gloss.

"W-Willow?" Buffy asked, not believing that the person in front of her was the computer hacker. "You, you....what... happened to you?" "Are you ok?" "Why didn't you return my calls?" "Where have you been?" Why are you dressed like that?"

She was bombarded with questions from the two stunned students and equally flustered librarian. She held up her hand, stopping the flow of question. "Nothing happened to me, I am fine."

Xander, as tactful as Cordy stood up and walked over to Willow looking at her as if she sprouted horns. "Why haven't you returned our calls, me and Buff have called you about 50 times.?!"

"Jeez Xander, chill out. I was busy, I'm sorry but my life doesn't consist of waiting around my house to come running whenever you call me." Willow responded, still upset at them for their behavior two weeks ago.

"You don't have to be so mean. You had us worried, I went by your house and you weren't there, where were you?" Buffy questioned Willow as she hopped up and sat on the check out counter.

"I was at a friend's." Buffy and Xander just looked at her like her horns had been joined by a tail and pointed ears. "What? I'm not allowed to have other friends?" She asked from her perch on the counter.

"No, it's not that. We just didn't know..." Buffy said defensively. "You didn't know what? That I had other friends? Well, I do. The world doesn't revolve around you. Just because you are the slayer doesn't make you that much better than me."

"Leave her alone. What got into you Will? I mean you disappear for two weeks without so much as a word, and you come back all bitchy? And dressed like a tramp. I mean, what, did Cordilia loan you her clothes or something?" Xander said, getting up and standing next to Buffy.

"Bitchy? You guys have been treating me like shit for weeks. Ordering me around like your personal servant, and the minute I try to stand up for myself and make my own decisions I am a bitch? You are pathetic. And I do not look like a tramp!" Willow jumped down off the counter and walked over to them. "I like my outfit. Just because I am not dressed like the goody goody you think I should be doesn't make me a tramp. I am tired of you. All my life I have lived up to everyone's expectations, doing just what everyone wanted me to do. Well, I'm tired of it. I don't want to live up to everybody's standards anymore. I want to be my own person, and if you have a problem with that, then tough shit! I'm out of here." Willow turned on her heel and marched out of the library.

"What was that? That was not Willow. That couldn't have been Willow" Buffy said as she turned to look at her watcher, a bewildered look on her face. "Something happened while she was gone, and I am going to find out what." Before the words were out of her mouth the blonde had grabbed her jacket and was headed after Willow. She followed her to the front of a small apartment complex across town and waited outside while the red head went inside.

Willow stormed into the apartment, slamming the door loudly and throwing her backpack on the ground. "I hate them. I HATE them!" Spike came into the room at the commotion and hurried over to his small roommate.

"What? What is it luv? What happened? Are you ok? Did they hurt you?" Spike asked her as he guided her over to the couch. "It's nothing. It's just Buffy and Xander. Ahrrgg." Willow told him. "They were all upset because I hadn't called them, because nothing is as important as them, I am suppose to dedicate every second I have to them." Sarcasm heavy in her voice. "They asked where I had been, and I told them I was with a friend and you should have seen their faces. It was like they were flabbergasted that I could possibly have any other friends." Spike had a feeling of utter happiness at the thought of her referring to him as a friend to the slayer. "Then they said that I looked like a tramp. Buffy wears little tiny skirts and tops. I know I can't pull off the 'sexy look' but still! It's ok for Buffy and Cordy to dress like this, but not for me. Maybe it's because they are pretty and look better in 'sexy' clothes. I know I'm no Buffy or Cordelia, but I don't look THAT bad." She finished, her eyes wide and her fists clinched in anger. "They are supposed to be my friends. How could they be so mean?"

"It's ok pet. They are just being assholes. Don't listen to a word they said, they don't know what they are talking about. They have no right to be mad at you. You, on the other hand have every right to be upset at them for the way they have been treating you. And you are way too hard on yourself, you are way better than Buffy and Cordelia because you have a terrific personality to go with your great looks."

"You don't have to say that, just to make me feel better. I know I could never compare to someone to like Buffy or Cordelia." Willow said despairingly, looking at her lap.

Spike took his index finger and pulled up her chin so she was looking at him. "I am not saying these things just to make you feel better, I am saying them because they are true." He took her hand and lead her to the mirror in her room. "Look in there and tell me what you see." He said pointing to her reflection in the glass.

She felt really dumb, but took a deep breath and did as he told her. "I, I see Willow, plain ol' boring Willow. Number one nerd of Sunnydale High. A girl who has let people walk all over her, her entire life and never said a word."

Spike took hold of her shoulders and turned her to face him. "You really believe that don't you?" She nodded solemnly. "Oh Will," He softly stroked her check with the back of his hand. "how could you think that?"

"Because, it's true. Ask anyone." The calm acceptance with which she spoke sent a chill down his spine. *How can she not see how gorgeous she is? How great? She told me about how that Cordelia girl and her friends tormented and criticized her, but I never know that she actually believed what they said.*

"Well, let me tell you what I see. I see my best friend. The only person that has looked past the demon, and saw me, and accepted who I am without questions or judgement. I see someone with a great sense of humor, someone who I can talk to about anything and I know she'll listen and understand. I see a compassionate, sweet, loving, trusting, understanding, capable, intelligent, independent, strong willed, beautiful young woman."

"You really believe that?" Disbelief and hope evident in her voice. "Yes, I do, I truly do." A single tear ran down her cheek which he wiped away. "Now I think it would be a good idea if you didn't go to school tomorrow, ok pet?" "No!" She said, whipping the tears away angrily. "I won't hide, like a scared little girl. I won't let them run me out of school, I won't let them have that much control over me. If I do it will mean I am giving up and letting them win. I won't!"

"There's my girl. Now what do you say we go have a good time and forget about them?" She nodded enthusiastically. "Alright, now what shall we do? Oh, I know, why don't we go buy a nice big ice cream cone and go see a picture."

The duo left the apartment and bought ice cream cones at the stand a block down. However, they were unaware of the figure following them as they made their way to the movie theater.

Buffy watched as Willow exited the high priced apartment complex with someone. *Who is that guy she's with? What a sec, he looks familiar, is that? No, it couldn't be, SPIKE? Why is Willow with Spike?* She continued to follow them at a distance and saw them stop and get some ice cream before they kept going.

Willow licked happily at her chocolate cone as Spike ate his strawberry. "Spiiiike?" "Yessss luv?" "Can I have some of your ice cream?" "Depends pet, can I have some of yours?" "Sure." They stopped and exchanged cones. "Ok, that's enough pet, now give it back." "No! Just one more bite." "Pet, give me back my ice cream." "What are you going to do if I don't? Huh tough guy?" "Wiiiillow. I want my ice cream back." "You are such a big baby."

He tried to take the cone out of her hands but she pulled away trying to keep it out of his grasp, but leaned back a little too far and the cone fell out of her hand and landed with a splat on the pavement. "Oops." Glaring at her, he looked at the chocolate cone in his hand, then back at the hacker who was now doubled over in a fit of laughter. "Hey ducks?" Willow looked up at him and was met with her ice cream that Spike pushed into her face. "Heyyy. You got chocolate all over my face, meanie." Spike just laughed at he took in the sight. Willow walked over to him, grabbed the edge of his red silk shirt and wiped off her face with it. Spike looked at her, his eyes dancing and devilish grin formed on his face. "Oh your going to pay for that." With that Willow tore off down the street letting out laughter and high pitched squeals, with Spike hot on her heels, chuckling. Due to his vampiric speed he caught her easily and grabbing her, then he lifted her into the air and spun her around, after he stopped he lowered her slowly to the ground, still holding her close to him.

When her feet touched the ground they were nose to nose. Her face was red and her breathing heavy from the chase. He leaned in, closing the gap between their faces, and lightly touched her lips with his own. He pulled away slightly and looked at her. Willow opened her eyes to find Spike looking at her. He gave her a small smile which was returned by one of her own. "Was that ok?" Spike asked, feeling shy and uncertain for the first time in decades. "Oh ya." She answered breathlessly. "Good, we better go, or were going to be late for the picture."

"Ok."

Spike put his arm around her shoulders, holding her close to him as they walked the last two blocks to the theater. Buffy followed them until they disappeared inside the theater. She then turned around, heading straight to Giles'.
 

Part 17: "What Gives You the Right?"

"Alright class, chapter 20 is due tomorrow, have a good day. Oh, Willow, dear, this message was delivered for you during homeroom." "Thank you Miss Arland." Willow read the note as she left the classroom. "Oh, great, now what?" She muttered to herself as she headed towards the library.

"You wanted to see me?" Willow entered the library to find Buffy, Xander, and Giles huddled around the table.

"Y-yes, why, why don't you have a seat." Willow did as Giles asked her as the others followed suit. "Look, before you say anything I just want to apologize for blowing up at you guys yesterday, I should have at least called and told you I where I was."

"Thank you. And since you brought it up, where did you go, all you said yesterday was that you were staying with a friend."

"Well, like you said, I am staying with a friend in an apartment across town. Why?"

"So you admit it?" Xander asked.

"Admit what? What are you talking about?" Willow questioned, looking from Xander to Giles.

"And you, uh, trust this friend?" Giles asked her cautiously.

"If I didn't trust him, I wouldn't be living with him now would I?" She said with a smile.

"How can you trust him?" The slayer asked, speaking for the first time.

"I don't know exactly, except that when I am with him I feel comfortable and safe, I just KNOW that he won't hurt me. Besides, he's my friend."

Buffy looked at her like she was crazy. "Your friend? Since when is Spike your friend?"

"Wait a minute how did you know I was living with Spike?"

"I saw you with him last night."

"You followed me?"

"Are you insane? Do you have a death wish? This is Spike we are talking about."

"You FOLLOWED me? How dare you! My life is my business, if you want to know something you ask me. You don't spy. If I wanted you to know I would have told you." Willow was furious.

"But you didn't tell us."

"No, I didn't. Because I knew you wouldn't understand. I don't have to tell you every detail of my life. I do have a right to my privacy, don't I? When Angel first came back you didn't tell us."

"That is totally different."

"Why? Because you're the slayer?"

"Willow! Buffy! That's enough." Giles intervened. "Now Willow, earlier you said you trust him, may I ask why?"

"Ya Will. This is Spike. As in pointed teeth, tried to kill us all a bunch of times." Xander added.

"Don't you think that if he was going to hurt me he would have done it by now. But he hasn't. He has, however, given me a place to stay, listened to me, talked to me, hell, he even bought me ice cream. And, I have to say that he has been a better friend than you have lately."

"How do you know that he won't try anything now?" Buffy asked.

"I don't. But I trust him. You guys don't know him."

"He's a vampire, what else is there to know?" Xander questioned.

"He's my friend."

Buffy walked over to her and took her arm. "I want you move out of there, tonight. Now I am going down there with you, we are going to get your stuff, and then we are going to my house."

"I'm not going anywhere. What gives you the right to tell me what to do? It's my life. I won't let you try to control me. Now. Let. Go. Of. Me." As she was leaving the library she turned around and pointed her finger at the slayer. "And stay out of MY life."

Willow stormed through the halls of the school on her way to the doors when she heard her name being called. "I thought I made it very clear that I wanted you to st-" Willow turned around, hand on her hip, ready to yell at whoever it as that had followed her. "Oh, sorry, I thought you were someone else." She said, upon noticing who it was.

"Um, hi. I was wondering if maybe I could borrow a some stuff. See, I was going to do this spell, but I don't have all the ingredients, and I don't have the money to buy them." Anya asked, somewhat uneasily.

"What kind of spell? Because last time you wanted to do a spell it didn't turn out that swell, if I remember correctly." Willow said.

"It is just a spell for Beltane." Anya told her. "It's part of the ritual I'm doing. I have most of the ingredients but there are some I couldn't afford."

"You are going to celebrate Beltane? I didn't know you practiced Wicca. I assumed you just dabbled." Willow said. "What ritual were you planning on doing?" She asked as they walked down the hall.

The two girls were talked animatedly about different ritual formats when Willow realized what time it was. "Shit. It's getting late, I've got to head home. You can come with me and pick up whatever supplies you need if you want." Willow suggested.

"Sure." Anya said, glad that she finally found someone that she had something in common with.

Spike looked up from his book as Willow entered the room, with Anya right behind her. "Hey ducks, who’s your friend?"

"This is Anya, she wanted to borrow a couple things." The hacker answered as she got sodas and chips from the kitchen.

"Anyanka. That's a name I haven't heard in a while. Loved what ya did in London in 1832. It's a pleasure to meet ya." Spike said.

"How did you know who I am?" Anya asked looking from Willow to Spike. "And how would you know I was behind what happened in 1832?

"Well, Spike here is kinda a vampire." Willow told her. "And I told him who you were when I was filling him in on all the lovely happenings since he was here last."

"So you're a vamp? I was wondering why your aura looked like that. Wait, why are you livin' with a vamp? Do you have a soul too?"

"No, he doesn't have a soul." Willow said as Spike got a disgusted look on his face. "I am staying with him because he is my friend."

"Oh, ok, whatever." Anya said, accepting the soda Willow handed her. The two girls went into Willow's room to get the supplies Anya needed. "Nice rat." Anya commented, looking around the other witch's room.

"That's Amy. She turned herself into a rat about two months ago and I have been trying to turn her back, but I haven't had much luck." Willow explained as she took out her ritual supplies for Anya to go through.

"Really? Well, maybe I could help." Anya offered.

"That would be great. I haven't been practicing long and don't know exactly what I am doing." Willow said, excited that she finally was able to find someone she could talk to about witchcraft. "Why don't we get together tomorrow after school?" Anya suggested, equally happy to find someone to do stuff with. She didn't really have any friends and was lonely. Willow quickly agreed.

Once Anya had gotten the things she needed she went home, and they arranged to meet at Spike and Willow's apartment the next day an hour after school got out.

"She seemed like a nice chit." Spike said as Willow closed the door after Anya. "Ya, she is pretty nice. Plus she knows all kinds of spells and stuff, and is a really powerful witch, considering she has been practicing for hundreds of years. What did you mean about London. On second thought, I don't think I want to know."

Spike just smiled. "So, pet, how was your day?"

"Uhh. It was terrible. Turns out, Buffy followed me home last night and her and Xander and Giles were all upset and started yelling at me. They said that I shouldn't trust you and Buffy told me that I had to move out. I understand why they would be worried, but they are taking it too far. I mean just the fact that Buffy followed me was invading my privacy. Then when I tried to talk to them they just wouldn't listen. I tried to explain that you were my friend but they wouldn't even consider the possibility." Tears were flowing from the red head's eyes and Spike placed his arm around her shoulders and wiped the tears off her cheeks.

"It's ok pet. Shhh. It will be ok. They are just being wankers right now. I know you still care about them, and still want to be friends with them. They'll come around, don't worry. Just give it time." He held her to him as she cried and whispered soft, comforting words to her.

They stayed like that for about an hour, until she ran out of tears. "Are you alright ducks?" He asked, worry in his voice.

"Ya. I'll be ok. It's just hard. They have been my only friends and now they are all mad at me, but I'll be ok. I have Anya as a friend now, and we are going to try to de-rat Amy. Plus, I have you, and that is more than I need." He placed a soft kiss on her forehead.

Willow leaned against him, his hard chest under her cheek, and his arms tightly around her, with one hand rubbing soothing patterns on her back. For the rest of the night they sat on the coach and watched TV from the comfort of each other's arms.
 

Part 18: De-Rat-ation

Spike awoke to what sounded like chanting coming from the library on the other side of his bedroom wall. When he opened his door he could see a bright light shining under the door to the library. "What the...?" He approached the door cautiously, and slowly opened it as the light died down.

"Spike!" Willow's voice came to him as he peered into the library. "Shut the door!" He did so quickly and heard muffled voices talking rapidly. Then he heard, "Spike, sweetie, go get some clothes out of my room for Amy please." Willow's voice came to him through the door with an undertone that said 'now or I'll be pissed.' Spike did as she asked without hesitation. He had learned in the three weeks they had lived together that despite Willow being a sweet, overall innocent young woman, she was quite a hellion when pissed off. When he came back, the door opened a crack and Anya stuck her hand out and took the clothes, saying, "Why don't you go get something to eat or whatever and come back in about an hour."

Somewhat confused, but not wanting to get in trouble, Spike left the apartment. When he returned he found Willow, Anya, and a girl he didn't recognize sitting on the couch, talking. "Hi Spike." Willow greeted him warmly as he joined them in the front room. "This is Amy." She said, gesturing to the girl next to her.

"You're the rat?" He asked, earning him a swat on the arm from Willow. "Nice to meet ya luv." The four of them sat and talked for about two hours before Amy and Anya left.
 

Part 19: Welcome Back

After the two other witches left, Willow and Spike took a walk in the clear night. As they made their way down the sidewalk, Willow studied Spike's profile thoughtfully in the moonlight. "What is it, sweet?" Spike asked, squeezing her hand gently.

"I was just thinking."

"'Bout what?" Spike asked as he chewed loudly on his gum.

"Did you know you are the most contradictory person I have ever meet?"

"How's that?"

"Well, you are a vampire, and drink blood, but you love strawberry ice cream, watermelon bubble gum, and frappaccinos. You kill, maim and create havoc and destruction and like it. Yet you have every Disney movie made. You're sweet, and nice, and funny, and smart, and can make me feel better when I'm sad. You used to be my enemy and tried to kill me several times, but now you're my best friend."

"Look who's talkin'. You listen to heavy metal and country. You're all fire and sass, speaking your mind and standing up for yourself, but you are still worried about what others think and always concerned about hurting other people's feelings. You willingly moved in with a soulless vampire who had tried to kill you and your friends."

"You're right, the guys in white coats will be coming for me before ya know it. I'm weird, I'm strange, off my rocker."

Spike stopped her, placing his right hand on her check, and lifted her head so she was looking him straight in the face; her green eyes locked with his clear blue ones. "You're perfect." His leaned in and placed a soft kiss on her lips before he once again took her hand in his and they resumed their walk in comfortable silence.

Spike suddenly stopped and looked around. "What is it?" Before he could answer a figure appeared in front of them.

"Spike, my boy. So nice to see you." Willow drew in a sharp breath, recognizing the voice.

"What do you want, Angelus?"

"Well, I thought I'd take this opportunely to thank you for hitting me over the head with that tire iron."

"Willow, get out of here," Spike said over his shoulder, keeping an eye on his sire. She did as instructed, and was headed back to the apartment, when she ran into someone.

"Where exactly do you think you were going?"

"Faith!"

"Really, Willow, walking alone at night with a soulless vampire? I would think you'd know better. I'm surprised Buffy let you get yourself into such a dangerous situation."

"Let me?" Willow said, surprising Faith with the icy edge to her words. "Buffy doesn't LET me do anything," The hacker practically yelled.

"Ut-oh." Spike said as the two males turned at Willow's fierce exclamation. "Your girl's in for it now."

"Huh?" Angelus was caught off guard by the harsh words from the red-head, having only known the shy, innocent Willow. He was eager to see what would happen.

"Buffy isn't my keeper, she doesn't tell me what to do. And as for me hanging out with Spike, that's my choice, not her's. I don't need anyone to make decisions for me, I am perfectly capable of taking care of my self, damn it!"

"You can, can you?" Faith asked. Having gotten over the initial surprise of quiet, shy little Willow yelling, she was amused, and took hold of her with one hand around her throat.

As soon as he saw Faith grab Willow around the throat, Spike started to run over to her, but Angelus stopped him. "Don't think so, Spike my boy, I'm not finished with you yet."

Not expecting Willow to fight back, Faith was caught off guard when the red head brought her knee into the slayer's stomach, and lifted her arms when Faith's grip loosened. Willow hit the brunette in the jaw with her left hand, followed by an upper cut and a hard right cross while she was still stunned from the first blow. Fueled by her anger at Faith for her statement about Buffy, as well as at Buffy, Xander, and even Giles for their unwillingness to listen to her and their lack of understanding and trust in her and her ability to make her own decisions, the usually timid hacker rained kicks and punches she had learned from watching Buffy onto the surprised and unsuspecting slayer.

Getting her bearings, and recovering from her shock at Willow's behavior, Faith began to fight back. They fought for several minutes before she was able to get in a good enough hit to send Willow to the ground. However, Willow used a move Giles had shown her and kicked out with her leg and knocked Faith's legs out from under her, causing her to fall to the ground across from Willow.

Willow looked over at Faith and began laughing, earning a glare from the brunette. "What are you laughin' at, Red?" She asked as she stood back up. "N-noth..ing......I...was ...just...think-ing....what...Buffy..would.....say...i-if....she..saw....that" Willow managed between giggles. "Sure would make her think twice before she told me I couldn't protect myself." Repressed anger and resentment could be seen plainly on her face as she thought about what she had overheard Buffy telling Xander a month ago in the library before patrol. "Clumsy and uncoordinated my ass. Think I'm too scared and timid to fight, huh? I bet I could kick both Xander and Buffy's asses if I had to."

"Is that what B said?" Faith asked her. "Yeah. She and Xander were talking to Giles about how I'm home alone by myself and am an 'easy target' for vampires. They didn't know I was in the stacks at the time, so they thought they could diss on me. Giles said I was 'too gentle and shy' to fight, so they needed to watch out for me. 'Cause little Willow can't take care of herself." She rolled her eyes as she thought about her 'friends'' opinions of her. "I have been taking care of myself since I was in kindergarten and my parents decided their careers were more important than their only daughter. I can sure as hell keep doin' it."

"Well you certainly did a nice job of kickin' my ass just now." Faith said as she rubbed her jaw. "You sure got some sweet moves there, Red. Where did you learn them anyway?"

"Buffy used to have me keep her company while she trained. You can learn a lot if you just pay attention."

"Well, I got to say, I never would have thought you had it in you. Then again, you were the smart one, weren't ya?"

"That's not that difficult, considering who we're talking about." Willow said, rolling her eyes. Faith just laughed, "That's cold. Funny, but cold."

"Yeah, well, it's true," defended the hacker. "Besides, if they can treat me like shit, I can make one comment. At least I don't take advantage of them and use them. I have been the good girl, the reliable friend, the one who always follows the rules and can be counted on. I have lived up to everyone's expectations, and done what they wanted long enough. For once I would like to do what I want, damn it. And if they don't like it screw them, I don't give a fuck!"

"Woa there. No wonder you got pissed earlier, sound's like B, the twerp, and the tweed man deserve what's comin' to 'em. Man, would I love to see Miss Priss's face when you tell her off. I mean, it's about time someone knocked her off her pedestal."

"I know exactly what you're talking about, she thinks she's so much better than everybody," Willow agreed, as the two girls sat down on one of the park benches. "I'm glad someone else can see that. I think it's great that you're standing up for yourself. They don't deserve you, none of 'em. I say fuck 'em."

"Ya, fuck 'em." Willow said.

As the two girls shared stories of Buffy's bitchy selfishness, Xander's stupidity, and Giles' constant state of blissful ignorance, Spike and Angelus continued to beat the crap out of each other. Both vampires had unresolved issues that had built up over the decades that needed to be taken care of. After several minutes of bashing their former friends, they turned their attention to their respective hotties. "Didn't they used to be friends? I mean before Angel was cursed, weren't they pretty close?" Willow wondered aloud. "Oh yeah. They were close, if you know what I mean," Faith responded with a suggestive wiggle of her eyebrows.

"Oh. OOOHH." Willow's face became red as an image was permanently burned into her mind, which wasn't necessarily a bad thing. A small smile formed on her lips that she quickly smothered, but not before Faith noticed, and gave her own, slightly more naughty grin.

For the next five minutes only the crunch of bones, the thud of bodies falling to the ground, or occasional "Uhhh" and "Shit" and "Oww," followed by "Nice shot," "That had to hurt," or "Faith, did you see that?" or "Fuck, that was a nice upper cut." Could be heard coming from the park.

"Hey, Faith?"

"Yeah?"

"You want to grab something to eat, I'm a little hungry."

"Sure. Lets jet."

"K, wait, shouldn't we tell the testosterone brothers?"

"Probably."

"Hey! Peaches!" Angelus and Spike stopped, mid punch at Willow's call.

"We're gonna grab a bite to eat, then head home, 'k?" Spike looked at Faith, then at the red head, then back at the slayer. After hearing how Willow talked about Faith he was surprised that she would go off alone with her.

"Don't worry blondie, I'll have her back by curfew," Faith said with a smirk, seeing the way Spike was looking between her and Willow.

Willow blew Spike a kiss and the two girls walked off. Both vampires looked at each other. "Did I miss something? I thought they hated each other, and did Willow just call me Peaches?" Angelus questioned the peroxide blonde. "I think they bonded." Spike said to Angelus, then added to himself, *Peaches! I would never have thought Will would say that to his face, I wonder what those two were talking about?* With that the two vampires continued to do their own male version of bonding.

Willow and Faith made their way to the 24 hour gas station to grab some junk food before they headed to Willow and Spike's apartment to make fun of their respective hotties and have some in depth girl talk when someone came up behind them.

"Willow?" The girls turned around and came face to face with a surprised and very pissed bottle blonde slayer.
 

Part 20: New Friends

"Buffy?" Surprise and dread could be heard in the hacker's voice as she acknowledged the presence of the teen. *Not again! I don't want to have to listen to her yell at me and tell me how stupid I am and how wrong my actions are.* "Willow, get away from her!" Buffy said, getting into a fighting stance and eyeing Faith warily. "Hey, Buff, what's up?" Xander questioned, as he came up behind his girlfriend, wondering what made her stop. "Is it a vam... oh shit, Will get back, now." "Excuse me?" Willow asked, annoyed. "Why should I?"

"Willow stop being immature, and get away from her." The blonde slayer said as she slowly began approaching Willow and Faith. "Xander get Will out of here." She instructed her boyfriend as she got ready to attack the other slayer; who, to her surprise was just standing there with an amused smirk on her face. *Oh, this should be funny* Faith thought as she watched the scene unfold; having seen first hand what the red head was capable of when she got pissed off. Xander walked casually over to Willow and took a hold of her arm. "Come on
Wills, lets get you some place safe, while Buffy takes care of Faith."

"I wouldn't do that if I were you." Faith warned Xander. "Some place safe? I don't need you to protect me. Now let go." Willow said as she struggled to free her arm from Xander's grasp. "I know you all think I'm some weakling that you have to protect, but I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself, thank you." Willow practically yelled. "I am sick and tired of you guys trying to control my life, now let go!" Willow continued to fight Xander's hold on her arm, but he refused to let go. Faith took hold of Xander's arm and began pulling him off the red head. "She told you to let go."

"Get away from them!" Buffy yelled as she attacked Faith, pulling her off of Xander. As the two slayers began to fight Willow freed her arm from Xander's hold and grabbed Buffy's arm, pulling her off of Faith. "Buffy get off of her!" Exclaimed the hacker as she stood between the slayers. "Will, what do you think you're doing? Get away from her before you get hurt." Buffy's confusion at the red head's actions showed plainly on her face. "For the last time, I'm not going to get hurt, if Faith was going to hurt me don't you think she would have done it earlier? Not that she didn't try of course, but really; you don't need to take care of me, I have been taking care of myself since I was five. If anyone is going to get hurt it's going to be you two; and Faith's not going to be the only one dishing it out if you don't leave us the hell alone."

"Why are you defending her? This is Faith were talking about here. You know, the psycho that killed the guy and works for the evil Mayor." Xander said, icily. "No shit sherlock. I know who she is, I'm not stupid." Buffy and Xander were both taken aback by the shy hacker's words and the slight venom in her voice. "Why don't you keep your smart ass comments to yourself. If she's such a psycho why did you sleep with her? And she didn't kill him; it was an accident, she thought he was a vampire."

"You hated her just as much as the rest of us, if not more; now you're defending her?" Xander questioned from his position next to Buffy. "I never hated her. I was jealous. For the first time in my life I had a friend I could talk to about guys and do all the other girly things with. Then Faith came and that friend started spending time with her and I was left in the dust. Next thing I know she is fucking my best friend since before I could walk. She was everything I wanted to be but wasn't. She was independent, strong, daring, capable, nobody pushed her around, and guys fell over themselves to get to her. But now; I don't know what I was so bent out of shape
about. You're only my friends as long as I do and act the way you want me to. The minute I step out of your preconceived vision of the good little Willow you turn your backs on me. And even before you weren't really my friends. You used me and took advantage of me and I won't put up with it anymore. I am going to act the way I want, dress the way I want, and hang out with who I want." Buffy and Xander merely stood there speechless, absorbing; or at least attempting to absorb what Willow had said. As Willow and Faith made their way into the gas station to fill up on ice cream and other assorted snack items, two stunned teens looked at
eachother and said one word before they left in the opposite direction.
"Giles."

* * *

"She actually said that? Willow? Giles asked, stunned.

"Yeah. It was so weird. It was like she was someone else." Buffy had a dazed look in her eyes as she sat at the large table in the library. "Do you think she is someone else. Like the vampire Willow?" Xander questioned. "There is just no way that could have been our Willow."

"Maybe she's possessed." The slayer suggested. "Well, let's not jump to conclusions here. It may be W-Willow but it may not. Perhaps there is some super natural force at work here; we do live on a, um, hellmouth. It certainly would explain Willow's strange b-behavior as of late." Giles said as he took off his glasses, cleaned them and returned them to there perch. "It might be a good idea if you two kept a close eye on her for now. She how she acts and then we will decide on the best course of action."

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