Pairing: W/S
Rating: NC-17
Notes: This is set in the 4th season. Spike does *not* have the chip, Angel sired him and used the right of the sire thing to make Spike help the Scoobies. A bit AU~
Spoilers: Up till the 4th season
Distribution: Like it? Take it! Just tell me where it’s going though!
Feedback: Don’t make me beg.. I hate begging!
Disclaimer: I own nothing- Joss & Company own all.. *pouts* wouldn’t mind owning Spike though- can we say yumminess?
Thanks: To Susi- the *best* beta ever- thank you *so* much for all your help!! :-)
// indicates flashback
<> indicates thought
** indicates emphasis
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Part 1- Mind Games
Willow relaxed into her chair and watched the sun set. She loved this time of the day, it was always gorgeous, no matter the season. No matter what was going on in her life, she could always look up at the sky and take comfort in it’s simple pleasure. She sat there, sipping her hot tea and nibbling on a cookie, staring into the sky and watching how the pinks, purples, and light blues all blended together so well, like a perfect picture. She sighed and slowly her mind started to drift and yet again, like so many other times, she found herself, drowning in memories.
// "Why’d you do it?" Willow asked, her cool façade quickly slipping away as the tension was growing thicker.
"I’m sorry Will, please forgive me, I’m sorry- really sor-"
Willow held up her hand to stop the pointless apology and asked again with more resolve, "I said, why’d you do it?"
"I don’t know" she whispered quietly.
"Oh, so you don’t know *why* exactly you went behind my back and did only god knows what things to my boyfriend? I trusted you Buffy, you were my *best* friend and you abused that trust and took advantage of me."
"Will, I’m sorry, *please* I’m begging you, forgive me," Buffy’s lower lip started to quiver as she gave way to tears.
"How long?" Willow’s voice carried an icy tone. <You will *not* crack- you can’t>
"It was only today, I don’t know *why* I did it but I just- god it’s hard to explain- it all happened so fast."
"Right, and *that’s* your excuse?"
"I’m not excusing myself Will. I don’t *deserve* your forgiveness but I’m asking for it anyhow. Please- if you really have to be pissed at somebody then direct it towards me, not Spike. It’s not his fault!"
"How the hell is it *not* his fault? This kind of thing sorta involves *two* people Buffy, what? Did he just lay there and let you molest his body or something?"
"Look, I talked him into it ok? I admit it, I’m a lying and scheming whore that talked my best friend’s boyfriend into having sex with me."
"Ahh, so you *do* admit it. You really *did* have sex with him then. My god Buffy, I cannot believe you! You know what- I’m not even going to *waste* my time. Screw this! I’m leaving." Willow went into the master bedroom of the apartment that she shared with Spike. She gathered her belongings with shaky hands and stuffed them into her suitcase. Not really paying attention to Buffy’s figure standing in the doorway crying and trying to convince her otherwise. She was too involved in her thoughts. <I thought today was supposed to be a happy day too.> She had come home from the grocery store, deciding beforehand that she was going to make Spike a surprise dinner. She skipped her classes for the day just so she could prepare. She came home early, expecting Spike to be in bed sleeping, well.. he was in bed alright and he was sleeping, just not alone. No, he was there in bed, with her best friend. It made her sick and she had almost heaved right on the spot. The scent of sex was still heavy in the air and it became all too obvious. The love of her life had just cheated on her, with her best friend. She came back to reality at the sound of Buffy’s sobbing voice. She looked to the corner where Buffy was crouching by, her head in her arms.
"Please Will, don’t leave, not like this. Please!"
"Too late, you should’ve thought of the consequences of your actions *before* you went and screwed my boyfriend, excuse me, ex-boyfriend. Speaking of the bastard, where the fuck is he?"
"Right here." Spike stood leaning against the doorframe, his ice blue eyes scanning the room, taking everything in.
"Where the hell were you? I expected that you and Slutty, as you so like to call her, over there would’ve been too exerted to even move," Willow sneered, blinking back tears.
"What are you doing?" he asked evenly, too evenly.
"What does it *look* like I’m doing?" Willow stuffed the last of her essential things into her suitcase and started to zip it up.
"Are you leaving?"
"You think? What gave it away?"
Suddenly Spike’s even and calm mask faded away as he came up behind Willow, trying to embrace her.
"Willow luv, please don’t leave."
She laughed, it was a cruel laugh. One that chilled both Spike and Buffy down to their very core. "No point in staying. I have nothing left here. Hard to believe that I could lose two of the most important figures in my life in just one day."
"Willow please, I’m begging you- don’t leave. At least let us explain," Buffy said quietly from her corner. She looked up but Willow refused to meet her eye.
"And what? Listen to the lies that you’re bound to fabricate? No, I’ve had *enough* of the screwing around, literally in both your cases. I’m leaving." She walked into the main room, Buffy and Spike trailing her.
"Luv, please, don’t do this. Please!" Spike’s desolate tone did nothing to soften Willow’s icy and resolved exterior. "Just let us explain."
"Fine- you want to explain? Ok- explain this- how could you guys have done it? *Why* did you do it?" Willow whipped around to face Buffy, "Does our friendship mean *nothing* to you?"
Buffy opened her mouth to respond but Willow cut her off, "And you" she turned her icy glare to Spike, "You fucking asshole! We’ve been together for 2 years! 2 years! And you just throw it all away by sleeping with my best friend! I thought you of all people would know how it felt to have the person that you love with all your heart cheat on you- but no- you go and screw me over anyway- what exactly was I?- just a convenience until you found something better?" She held up her hand to stop the pleads that were bound to come, "I don’t want to hear it" And without a word of goodbye, Willow Rosenberg walked out of the apartment that she had called a home for the past year.//
~^~**~^~
Willow got up, the sun had set and it was getting cold. She went back into her hotel room and laid on the bed. It had been two weeks since she had left, without so much as a glance back, and it *still* hurt like hell. She knew she had to go back though, she had to go back for the ones that didn’t betray her. For Giles, Xander and even Anya. She smiled at the thought of them. She had called them earlier today to tell them that she was fine and they were nothing if not supportive. She had a long talk with Giles about what she was planning to do and had another equally long talk with Xander though his conversation went a little differently. He filled her in, in the things she *really* wanted to know. Spike and Buffy had been going through hell, not just physically but mentally too. He explained how all three of them had sat the two down and interrogated them about what the hell had happened to make her leave so abruptly. At the end, to say the trio was pissed off would have been an understatement. Giles was pacing around his living room floor, making the clucking sound. Xander sat in his chair, gripping the arms so hard that his knuckles were turning white, obviously trying hard to restrain himself from doing physical damage. Anya however took the more forward step and pressed the guilt even farther. She always was a master of the human mind. At the end of the conversation the decision was made, Willow would stay in the guestroom of the apartment that Xander and Anya had and that she was to come home, tomorrow. She hung up the phone with mixed feelings. She was happy that she had at least *some* supportive friends, she still felt the after effects of the betrayal though. She was sad, peeved, and tired all mixed up into one. For the first week she could barely fall asleep, the pain was too much and she ended up crying herself to sleep every night. It slowly got better though, but not much. Even to that very day she would wake up wishing that she was in Spike’s arms, despite what he did. She still loved him.
~^~**~^~
The demon rejoiced in the news that he had just received from one of his minions. Everything was going *exactly* as planned. The two key figures in the powerful witch’s life had lost her trust. He had figured that she would run away but tomorrow she was coming back and he could follow through with his plans. He smiled an evil smile, thinking about how easy it all went. All it took was some simple mind bending and voila- his plan was set into motion. Soon, he would have *exactly* what he had worked so hard to gain, soon.
Part 2- After Effects
Willow stood outside Giles’s apartment. She was nervously wringing her hands together, still debating if she was actually going inside or not. <you can do this.. you can do this..> she repeated the mantra over and over again in her head as she walked up the steps and tapped lightly on the door.
~^~**~^~
The tension was thick in the living room of Giles’s apartment. They were all awaiting Willow’s return. Spike leaned against the wall, closed his eyes, trying to control his feelings. He couldn’t believe what an *idiot* <no, that’s just putting it lightly, *very* lightly> he was. He didn’t know *why* he had done it. It seemed like he was going through a daze and when the actions were actually happening the *real* him could do nothing but watch as he threw his life away by doing the one thing that would hurt his beloved the most. <Something’s bloody wrong.. I can feel it> He was brought out of his thoughts with a gentle rapping on the door, <she’s here>
~^~**~^~
Buffy sat on a chair, her arms crossed on the table and her chin resting on her forearms. They were all waiting for Willow to come back, quietly not to mention. None of them really talked anymore, well they talked just not to her or Spike. She sighed, <*what* were you *thinking* Summers? Were you even thinking at *all*?> Her thoughts drifted back to that day, the day she screwed up her life in more ways then she ever thought possible. When Willow asked her *why* she honestly didn’t know *why*. It all happened so fast and she couldn’t even control her own movements. It was as if someone possessed her body and she could do nothing but let it happen, she was completely powerless. But of course Willow would never believe her if she told her that, she was having a hard time convincing herself of that fact but it was the truth. <Something’s going on.. *something* or *somebody* is fucking with us.. I *know* it> She turned her head slightly at hearing the knock on the front door, <she’s back>
~^~**~^~
The tapping repeated itself again, the 5 figures stood frozen, in shock? No, mostly in not knowing *what* to do. Giles finally snapped out of it and ran to door, flinging it open. Willow took a step back, surprised by the force that the door opened.
"Hey Giles," she said quietly, a soft smile gracing her small face.
"Willow, you’re back!" was all Giles could get out before he stepped forward and embraced the girl, he had thought of as a daughter for so many years, in a tight hug.
"Come in, come in," Giles waved her in and then closed the door as Willow stood awkwardly in the center, the smile still there until her eyes rested on Spike. Their eyes met and immediately Willow felt tears spring alive but before her condition worsened, Xander charged ahead and grabbed her tightly, "I missed ya Willster. Welcome back."
She smiled warmly at him and returned his hug but couldn’t help looking past his shoulder, meeting Spike’s eyes again. "I’m sorry," he mouthed.
She shook her head and pulled out of Xander’s embrace to be returned into another’s, Anya’s. "You’re back! We all missed you!" Anya said giddily, she whispered quietly for Willow’s ears only, "If it makes you feel any better, I made their lives pure hell."
Willow chuckled softly and whispered back, "Thanks Anya." She let go of the former demon and did a quick scan of the room, it was obvious no one knew what to do. They were all looking at her to take the lead. <well.. you knew this was gonna happen- so just go with it> she sighed softly before speaking, "So, Giles. Any new demons or apocalypsey things that we need to research on?"
~^~**~^~
After 2 hours of extensive research on the latest demon that was threatening to open the Hellmouth, Willow quickly said her goodbyes and started her walk home. She had originally decided to stay with Xander and Anya but something inside her was just telling her to move back to her old house. She didn’t know *why* because the last thing she wanted right now was to be alone but for some reason she ended up convincing them that she would be better off staying at home. <why does something feel.. off?> Before she could further analyze her thoughts she heard her name being called. She turned around to see Spike running up to her.
"Red! Wait up!"
"What do you want Spike?" she said in an annoyed tone, hoping to get him away.
"We need to talk"
"Uh.. no we don’t!"
"Luv, you have to give me a chance to explain-"
"Explain what Spike? That you slept with my best friend? That you betrayed my trust? That you made me love you?" She whispered the last part, but Spike caught it.
"Oh luv," Spike moved quickly and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close.
Willow was too emotionally exhausted to move away from him. She sobbed quietly and they stood there for a few minutes before she regained her composure and pushed him away, "No, I can’t let you do this to me. I can’t just forgive you like that. I *won’t* let myself be weak and just be charmed back in. Goodbye Spike." And with that she walked away, at a frantic pace. She ended up walking a block before breaking out in a full out run, running away from the past, running away from the pain, but mostly running away from the vulnerability. She was *this* close from giving in to his sweet talk. <That was a close one Rosenberg, don’t, I repeat, *don’t* let him get to you. You need to spend some *serious* time and think about this whole situation for a bit> When she reached her house she was not only emotionally but also physically tired but it felt good. It seemed like when she was running, the only thing she could focus on was the journey ahead of her instead of being lost in thoughts that seemed to be haunting her. She bounded up the stairs and drew a bath, <I gotta face this sometime, time to give this whole thing some *serious* thought>
~^~**~^~
The demon smiled to himself again, his cockiness getting the best of him. The witch was doing precisely what he wanted her to do, she was shutting the vampire and slayer off from her. The rest of that little group of hers would be powerless to prevent what was bound to happen. A few more details and everything would be set.
~^~**~^~
"What’s wrong?" Xander asked as he joined Willow on the front porch of the Rosenberg residence.
"Nothing... just thinking."
"Not working, you can’t fool the Xan-man here... now seriously, tell me what’s bothering my lil Willster."
She let out a small chuckle before replying, "Thanks Xander. I’m just thinking about" she paused and let out a big sigh, "everything."
He waited patiently for her to continue.
"It just feels weird, ya know? I mean everyone’s trying to act normal and I go along with it but when I’m alone with my thoughts.. it just.. it just scares me.. and I just want to go back and believe that it never happened but.. I know that it did. And I don’t know why it happened.. even after thinking about it for only the gods above know for how long," she choked back a sob and straightened her back before continuing on, "Am I not good enough Xander? Is that why he did this to me? Why she did it to me? I keep on thinking that somehow this is my fault.. it isn’t.. right? It’s not my fault, is it? I don’t deserve this.. do I?" her voice carried an almost hysterical tone.
He wrapped his arms around her and rocked her back and forth until she calmed down a bit. He spoke calmly and evenly, "Willow.. none of this is your fault. Don’t even think it, you’re the victim here. I still can’t believe they could do something like this, that they would stoop this low. They don’t deserve *you* Willow.. not the other way around. You deserve nothing but the best and from now on that’s all you’re going to get." He tightened his grip on her, reassuring her that he spoke nothing but the truth.
~^~**~^~
<Someone’s here> Willow’s eyes popped open when the thought passed through her mind. Shooting up in bed, she reached over to turn on the light. The sleepy redhead squinted her eyes for a second, adjusting to the bright light before she moved off the bed and reached for the doorknob. After hearing nothing, Willow slowly opened it and cautiously walked down the hall. She was halfway down the stairs before her mind immediately processed who was in her house, <Spike>
"Why are you here?" She said into the dark. She walked further down the stairs and flipped on the switch. The room was suddenly bathed with light and she saw that he was sitting on the couch, staring right at her.
"We need to talk luv."
"I told you already.. I don’t want to hear it."
"Well, you might not want to hear it but I’m going to tell you anyway."
"You just don’t get it do you? *I* *don’t* *care* anymore. Whatever lies that are bound to come out of your mouth, I don’t want to hear them. So please see yourself out now," she finished calmly before walking into the kitchen. She was desperate for whatever extra time she could buy to compose herself. She knew he wasn’t going to leave that easily. And she was right.
Spike followed her into the kitchen and pulled her around. Willow stumbled backwards and her hands grasped for the counter to steady herself. He put both of his hands on the counter, effectively trapping her without actually touching her.
He began in a calm and hard voice, "Then I’ll make you care, I’m not giving you up that easily. I love you Willow!" The last part was voiced with pure emotion.
"Then why’d you cheat on me? With Buffy of all people." She whispered, willing herself not to cry.
"Something’s in the air luv, something’s.. wrong." He lifted his head as if examining the atmosphere surrounding them. He gently raised her chin with one finger, "Can't you feel it?"
Hesitantly she nodded. He removed his hands and backed away a step. "Will you hear me out now?"
Again, she nodded her head silently.
Part 3- Wait
"That day.. everything happened so quickly. It was as if someone or something was controlling me, making me do things that I didn’t want to do, that I have *never* even imagined of doing," Spike paused and looked up to see if she understood, but Willow stared intently at her cup of tea. He forced out a sigh from his dead lungs. "The Slayer means nothing to me luv, I only put up with the daft bint for you. Because I love you. Willow-" he tried to move closer to her but she only backed away more. She cleared her throat and then spoke.
"Do you think something hellmouthy is at work here?"
Spike nodded, his ice blue eyes pleading, begging her to just see the truth they held. She looked up slowly and when their eyes met, she saw. She saw the truth in his words and the infinite amount of love that he had for her. <No, no! You *can’t* do this!! He *cheated* on you! WITH BUFFY! You can’t just forgive him for that! *NO*> She straightened her back. <But it wasn’t his fault, something is messing with us, all of us. He tried to control his actions but he obviously couldn’t- he was helpless- you know he would never intentionally do this to you!> Willow shook her head in confusion, her thoughts in a jumble. When she looked up again she saw that Spike was looking at her with a look of curiosity and worry. "We have to call Giles."
~^~**~^~
"Ok, alright- ok- We’ll be over there in about 20 minutes- ok- don’t worry- I won’t- ok- ok- bye," Willow hung up the phone and turned towards the bleached blonde that was leaning casually against the doorframe. She opened her mouth to speak but Spike cut her off.
"20 minutes- Yeah I heard."
"Ok.. so umm.. we should get going then."
Just as she was about to open the door he spoke up, "Do you believe me?"
Willow cocked her head to the side, her face showing confusion. "About what?"
"When I told you that I love you."
She tensed and shifted her weight from one foot to the other. She cleared her throat before replying, "Loved being the key word here."
"*LOVE*" Spike emphasized, "I *LOVE* you. Only you Willow"
Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, "I know."
~^~**~^~
The walk to Giles’s apartment was made in deafening silence. Spike had tried repeatedly to bring the love-subject up but every time she silenced him with a simple look. By the end of the walk he had given up for that night but definitely not for good. Willow sat on Giles’s couch, silently sipping her soda. She had had enough tea for one night. They were all awaiting Buffy’s arrival.
Buffy rushed into the quiet apartment, her movements frantic, "Ok- Ok- I’m here- what’s wrong Giles?!"
Her hazel eyes surveyed the room and she saw that everyone, everyone being Spike, Giles, and Willow, were all calm and composed. The next time she spoke she lowered her voice down an octave, "Sorry. Hey Will- Spike."
"Sit down Buffy, we have some things we need to talk about," Giles nodded towards the couch.
Buffy got an uneasy feeling in her stomach, <why do I have a feeling that the news is *not* going to be of the good?>
~^~**~^~
Buffy sat back in her seat and let out a big sigh, <so it is true- something really *is* screwing with us.. whoever is behind this is going to get a *major* ass kicking.. messing with m->
"Buffy!" Giles repeated, a bit louder this time.
Buffy’s head snapped up as she realized that Giles was talking to her, she grinned sheepishly, "Sorry- just thinking- what were you saying?"
"We should get started on the research immediately, this issue must be resolved as soon as possible."
"Do you want me to call Xander and Anya?" Willow asked, standing up and stretching.
"No, we're enough people for tonight but we’ll inform them in the morning."
Willow nodded and grabbed a book off the table, "Let’s get started then."
~^~*~^~
The demon cursed the vampire for his strong will. He could bend his mind but only to a certain extent. <This is not good.. this is *not* good> They are getting closer to discovering him- and when they'd discover him, they’d discover his mistress. The demon cringed as he thought of all the punishments he would receive. His mistress would not like this. He had to fix this- *fast*.
~^~**~^~
Buffy slammed the book down on the table and slid it across the table in frustration. "This is getting us nowhere!" She stood up in a hurry, her chair tumbling to the ground. "I’m going to Willie’s and see if I can get some more information."
Willow jumped at the sound of Buffy slamming the door. She let out a sigh, "She’s right. We don’t have enough to go on. All we know is that *something* is messing with our heads but we don’t even know if it’s actually a demon or something.. something else."
Giles opened his mouth to protest but Willow cut him off, "I know Giles- we won’t give up but until we get more information about *what* we’re looking for there’s no point in researching."
"Alright, you two," Giles waved his hands in their direction, "Go home- get some rest and meet back here at sunset tomorrow."
~^~**~^~
"Do you want me to walk you home pet?" Spike asked as soon as they were out of Giles’s apartment.
Willow glanced at Spike and felt a tinge in her heart, <my god.. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him that.. vulnerable> She gave him a small smile, "Yeah, if you wouldn’t mind."
The walk itself was made in silence, both minds racing with various thoughts. It wasn’t until they reached Willow’s doorstep that either of them actually spoke.
"So- ummm." She clasped her hands together and looked down at the ground, trying not to meet his gaze. "Thanks for umm.. you know- walking with me."
"No problem ducks," he paused as if waiting for her to say something, "I’ll see you tomorrow then." He began to start on his way home when he heard a soft voice.
"Spike?"
He turned around, a hopeful look upon his face, "Yeah luv?"
"I- umm- I.. err." She cleared her throat a few times, "Wait for me- ok?"
His face lit up with those words, knowing exactly what she was referring to, "For eternity" And with that he turned around and continued his walk home with a new swing in his step.
Part 4- Belonging
"So- what’d you find out?" Willow asked as she plopped herself down onto the couch. Xander threw her a can of pop as he stole the box of donuts from Anya. Spike was in the corner, looking out the window and Buffy was front and center, prepared to announce her newly found information. Giles walked into the room, quietly sipping his tea. Buffy waited for him to sit down before beginning.
"A whole lot actually. It always amazes me what a simple pounding will get you. Ok- apparently there’s a new big bad in town, the only thing is no one knows who this big bad is. The kicker- it’s a she. The thing is she gets this Bakape demon to do all her dirty work."
"So basically we've to find this Bakape-demon-thing and pound him for info," Xander rubbed his hands together, "So- anyone up for a little torture?"
"Not so easy Xan." Buffy leaned forward before continuing, "Think about it for a sec- if this big bad is this careful about not divulging any info bout herself- then she obviously would pick a trusted demon to do her dirty work."
"Do they have a name for her?" Willow asked, taking a sip out of her pop can.
"They call her mistress"
"That.. helps" Willow began to massage her forehead, <I feel a headache coming on>
"Wait- you said that a Bakape demon is working for her?" Anya asked.
"Yeah, why?"
"Do you know how powerful a Bakape demon actually is?"
Anya looked around, only blank faces were staring back at her. "Ok- let’s just say that the Bakape demon is definitely up there. I’ve only met one in my years and believe me- very powerful. The last one I met didn’t take orders from anybody."
"Wait- why are they considered to be so powerful though?" Willow asked from her seat, <this can’t be good>
"Mind control," Spike answered from his corner, "They can bend the mind to fit their needs and the victim never knows. The only way to escape it is to have a strong will. You can overpower it’s control over you but there aren’t many cases of it."
"So is that what happened to you guys?" Xander waved his hands in the direction of Buffy, Willow and Spike.
"Yeah, I think so," Willow nodded and then turned to Giles, "So- research?" At Giles’s nod they all got up and headed for the books.
~^~**~^~
"I think I got something" Willow hit a few keys of her laptop before speaking up again, "Ok- mind control demon.. blah blah blah.. we know this already- ah hah! Ok to kill it- A Bakape demon’s power source is located on it’s forehead in the form of a gem. To successfully kill the demon one must destroy the power source." She looked up, "ok- so we know how to kill it now."
"Does it say where we could usually find one?" Buffy asked, twirling a stake in one hand.
"Umm.. let me see" After a couple more clicks with the mouse she spoke up again, "They can adjust to most environments but they dislike damp areas." A pout began to form when inspiration suddenly struck her, "Wait- you said that this Bakape demon was working for this mistress character right? Well- why don’t we start there instead? I can start looking to see if there have been any female buyers for new houses or maybe renters and you can go around the warehouse area to see if anybody has got anything set up there. Since this demon doesn’t like damp areas it takes lakes and underground areas off the list." She glanced over at Spike and saw that he seemed to be in deep thought, an agitated look on his face, <wonder what’s bothering him>
"Ughh.. I really don’t feel like searching anymore- can we do this tomorrow?" Buffy whined.
Giles let out a sigh and pinched the bridge of his nose, "Go on then!" He waved his hand towards the door.
"Thanks Giles! Bye guys!" Buffy squealed, rushing out the door.
Willow shook her head grinning and began to pack up her stuff. When she was done she saw that Spike was still sitting in the corner, the same agitated look on his face. She walked up to him and nudged him. He shook his head and blinked a few times and then looked up at her. "Walk me home?"
~^~**~^~
"So." she began nervously, "What were you.. umm.. thinking about?"
"This demon.. and it’s mistress- they’re bad news, luv."
"Thank you Mr. stating the obvious" She joked trying to bring a smile to his face. She saw the look on his face and quieted down. They walked a few more steps in silence when suddenly something clicked in her mind, "You know something don’t you?"
He began to walk faster, as if trying to avoid the subject.
"What is it Spike?"
He whipped around, finally facing her, with amber eyes. "I *won’t* let him take you away from me! She was the *last* time. *You* *are* *mine*!" Before she could conjure up a reply he was gone. <damn vampiric speed.. what the hell is going on?>
~^~**~^~
Buffy sat in the seat of the diner, tapping her fingers against the table, waiting for Willow to arrive. She looked down at the table, staring at the design, trying to chase away her nervousness. She looked up when she heard someone call her name.
"Hey Buffy!"
"Hey Will!"
"So- um.."
Buffy held up her hand to stop her, "Before you get started just let me talk- ok? I just wanted to apologize. I never would do anything to intentionally hurt you, you know this. You’re my best friend Will, and you always will be. I’m sorry that I didn’t have enough will power to override that demon’s control over me but I was just in a daze. I was so confused- I honestly had no idea what the hell I was doing. I’m sorry Will, I really am. If you never forgive me, I’ll understand. Or if you’re actually willing to be my friend again, I’ll give you as much time as you need but I just," she took a big breath before continuing on, "I just wanted to make sure that you knew that I’m *really* *really* sorry." She clasped her hands together and dug her nails into her skin, waiting for an answer. What she got, was definitely the last thing she expected. She looked up to see that she was now wrapped around in the redhead’s arms, tightly not to mention. "Thank you Will," she whispered before she gave way to tears.
~^~**~^~
"I need to ask you something."
"Shoot."
"Did you.. did you," Willow looked up at the ceiling and tried to calm her nerves, "Did you *want* to do stuff with Spike?"
Buffy nearly choked on her milkshake. "No Will! Never- believe me. I mean Blondie is nice to me sometimes and everything but just- *NO* I have *never* thought of him like that."
Willow rose an eyebrow at her comment, knowing she was lying.
Buffy looked up guiltily, "Ok Ok! So I might have stared at his ass a couple of times but seriously- it was always a look but don’t touch kind of thing."
"Ok, well that makes me feel better."
"Don’t be nervous around me Will, we have to put the past behind us, even if it is kinda screwed up. You can talk to me bout anything," the blonde slayer leaned over and touched Willow’s hand, "I’ll always be here for you. I don’t want things to be awkward between us. I want things to be like what they were- before all this."
She gave Buffy a small smile.
"Speaking of Spike, what’s up between you two anyway?"
"I don’t know Buff- it’s so weird- the mixed feelings I have. I mean- I *want* to forgive him, I do- so badly. I mean it’s not even his fault- but this whole experience is kind of like a nightmare come true. When I found you two together, everything just spinned out of control and it was like I lost my grip on reality." She shook her head, "I just need time.. I love him so much though.. I hope he can wait for me."
"He will- believe me, he will. He loves you Will, it’s as simple as that. And you know when Spike loves someone- he’s completely devoted."
"I know- but I can’t lose him Buffy- I just can’t."
"Well, you know what you have to do."
Willow leaned back into the vinyl seat and closed her eyes for a brief moment.
"So have you talked to him lately?"
"Yeah, actually I have.. it was so weird .. something’s bothering him Buff.. I could feel it."
Buffy munched on a French fry, "Did you ask him 'bout it?"
"Yeah- and then he got all defensive and told me that I was his and that "he"," she used her fingers to do air quotes, "wouldn’t take me away from him and that "she"," yet again she did air quotes, "was the last time."
"Damn pronouns!"
"Thanks Buffy- because that’s really helping me right now" Willow commented dryly.
"Sorry- just thought you needed some comic relief," Buffy took a sip out of her milkshake, "Look- he was probably just really steamed when you asked him, funny how a vampire can be steamed- Is that even- ohh.. getting off track- what was I saying? Oh yeah- he was probably just really mad then- give him some time to cool off and then talk to him about it again." She swirled the straw around her glass a couple of times, thinning out the milkshake.
"I’m gonna trust you on this one and just go with what you’re saying."
"Good, now Giles gave us the night off and it’s too late to go to the Bronze so what do you think of going to Blockbuster and renting some movies? I could really use some Brad Pitt right now."
"Lead the way."
Part 5- Reconcile
Willow sat on her bed, her mind racing. Buffy’s words kept repeating over and over in her mind, "You know what you have to do" <*Do* you know what you have to do?> She sighed and moved into a more comfortable position, lying on her stomach and resting her head against her crossed forearms. <You have to forgive him, it’s not his fault> The image of Buffy and him lying together in bed flashed through her mind. <It wasn’t under his control though> She let out a frustrated groan, <how many times have I thought this over already?> She shook her head and let her mind drift to happier memories. The first time they kissed, the first time they made love, and the first time he whispered those three little words in that oh-so-sexy tone that made her stomach flutter. Her lips turned up into a small smile as she remembered all this. <I love him> Her smile grew bigger as she realized her mind was made up. She got up and headed for the bathroom, <he’s waited long enough>
~^~**~^~
It wasn’t working. It *wasn’t* working. She was no longer affected by his control. He had tried to hurt her with what he thought would work best, the image of *them* together. It didn’t work though. *Shit*
"Did you fix it?"
The demon cleared his throat, "Fix what mistress?"
"Naughty boy- don’t lie." She shook a finger at him.
"Everything will be fine mistress, everything will be fine." He hated to have her upset, he had to find some way to fix this. He just had to.
~^~**~^~
Willow knocked on the door to their apartment <his apartment> she mentally corrected. After getting no answer she knocked again, a bit louder this time. She waited a few seconds before opening up her purse to look for her keys. She opened the door quietly, <what am I doing? Just gonna add breaking and entering to my list of things I never should have done.. although is this considered breaking and entering because technically I did knock and this *was* our apartment.. wait- I’m getting off track aren’t I?> she shook off her babbling thoughts as she walked quietly to the main bedroom, dropping her purse on the couch on the way. She opened the door carefully and stepped into the room. The covers were strewn about and it looked like someone had just gotten up, <that’s odd.. I won-> Before she could finish her thought she was pushed up against the wall, with force but not enough to harm her.
"Spike!" she squeaked out.
He placed his hands on either side of her, yet again trapping her. <déjà vu>
"What are you doing here Red?" He leaned down and breathed in her scent, <hmm.. I missed that, fear mixed with arousal.>
"I just umm.. I just.. I wanted to come.. and umm… you know- errmm.. talk," she was having a hard time forming complete sentences, <too close! too close> her mind was screaming but her body didn’t seem to be getting that.
"Talk ehh?" He lowered his mouth to her right ear and began to nibble on her earlobe. Cool hands began to work their way up her shirt. <*mine*.. only *mine* and *never* his!>
"Hmmm.. Spike.. that feels nice." <wait a sec- you’re supposed to be.. oohh.. that tickles> She let out a small giggle as he drew small designs with his finger tips on her abdomen. <no! no! no! talking- yes talking! You’re supposed to be finding out.. hmmm.. what’s.. wrong.. with-> Her mind seemed to stop working as his mouth made its way down to her neck, alternating between sucking and nibbling. <screw it> She brought her hands up to his neck and lifted his head, then guiding his mouth to her own. After the first touch, both had lost control. They became lost in the taste of each other. <too long- too long> Willow pushed at her lover's chest a little, signaling him to back up towards the bed. Somehow they made it to the bed without falling over each other. The petite redhead pushed Spike down onto the bed, took her shirt off and threw it over her head, all in one fluid motion. Her lips turned up into a mischievous grin as she pounced on the vampire and attacked his mouth. His hands found their way to her ass and he gave her a hard squeeze before starting to unzip her skirt. Willow pulled him up by his shirt and wriggled out of her skirt. The blonde demon started to lift up his shirt while his little pixie worked on his pants, all the while still kissing. They finally broke the kiss in order for him to take his shirt off and again, she pushed him down. Willow moved him up the bed and he leaned against the headboard, completely naked. She began to crawl up his body and when her lips were hovering just a few centimeters above his, she lowered her head and gave his lower lip a little nip. The redhead pulled back and straddled him, his fully erect member only an inch away from her ass. His hands were gripping her hips as she undid her bra, and then throwing it to the side. She lowered her head to his neck and bit down, no doubt wanting to leave a bruise. That was the last straw for Spike. He flipped them over, ripped off her panties and plunged into her waiting core. When he was fully embedded within her, he paused for a moment- letting her adjust to him. After a few moments, she moved her hips a little, signaling him to continue. He brought both her hands to the headboard and she immediately latched onto it. The vampire kept one hand on her hip, guiding their motions. He balanced his weight so only a minimum was on his forearm that was keeping his upper body from collapsing onto the panting redhead below him. He began to thrust faster and harder, getting closer and closer to the edge.
"Who.. do.. you.. belong.. to?" Spike grunted out between thrusts.
Willow bit her lower lip, and met his gaze. The intense love in his eyes no longer frightened her like it did only a couple of days before. She knew that he could see the love was returned when he looked into her own.
"Tell me Willow!" Spike let out a moan as he plunged in even deeper. "Tell me!"
"Only you Spike," Willow breathed out, "only you."
With those words he sped up his movements and began to pump in and out of her even faster then before. He felt her tighten around him and then heard her scream her release, "SPIKE!"
He thrusted three more times before roaring her name and emptying his cool seed into her quaking womb. Spike wanted to be embedded forever in her hot little body, but after some moments he rolled off of her and pulled the covers up over their naked and exhausted bodies.
"Thanks for waiting," she murmured before falling asleep in his arms.
"I always will luv, I always will." He pulled her body against his tightly, <mine>
Part 6- Mirage
"Will you tell me now?" Willow asked quietly, still savoring the feel of his strong arms wrapped around her.
Spike was quiet for a few moments, "The demon, he took her away from me, Dru. By that time she was so out of it that she had no idea what she was doing and so she went with him. She became an obsession of his and so when she said she wanted "her Spike" back, he got jealous and staked her. He killed her right in front of me. She was running to me, babbling about the stars and he just shoved a stake through her heart. And she dissipated into dust before my very eyes." He forced out an unneeded sigh and continued, "He promised me that he would get his revenge one day. And now he’s back, messing with us. I’m not going to let him take you away from me, you’re mine, Willow. Not gonna let you go, ever." He tightened his grip on her and began to nuzzle her neck.
"Yours Spike, only yours." She turned around and faced him, her lips meeting his.
~^~**~^~
Willow looked over at Buffy and saw the blonde slayer wink at her. She grinned and leaned further back into Spike. She turned her head and met Xander’s gaze. He gave her a small smile, obviously approving. She sighed and turned her focus back to Giles who was talking at the moment, <oops.. should’ve paid attention>
"..why don’t you all just get started looking for what I said"
Willow looked up guiltily but headed for the computer anyway. She turned to face Spike, shielding her head from Giles’s view. "So- what did he say?"
He raised an eyebrow, "Wasn’t paying attention, luv?"
"Shut up!" She slapped him playfully across the chest, "Seriously- what are we supposed to be looking for?"
"*You*" he emphasized "of all people should know, it was your idea."
"Huh?"
"Remember the other day, female renters, buyers, etc. Any of this sound familiar?"
"Oh," she swirled around in her chair and faced the monitor. "You’re hilarious by the way," she commented in a dry tone.
"Yeah- but you love me anyway," he said in a hopeful tone. She still hadn’t said the words yet. He knew she did but he wanted to hear them for more reassurance.
"Yeah, I do."
~^~**~^~
"Ok- here’s what I got," Willow spoke up, "there’s been 2 new female buyers for houses. I checked it out, one of them bought an average house and the other, a mansion. As for female renters, nobody new."
"Let’s check the mansion first," Buffy decided. "What’s the addy, Will?"
"17 Dean Circle."
Buffy looked up, trying to figure out where exactly that was. "It’s in River Woods," Willow added.
"I’m gonna go check it out then."
"Alone?" the redhead asked, worried for her friend’s safety.
"Well," the blonde turned to Xander and Anya.
"I think we’re gonna stay here and hold the fort," Xander said matter-of-factly.
"In other words grope and make googly eyes at each other?" Buffy asked sweetly.
Giles walked into the room to see Xander flip Buffy off. "What’s going on now?"
Buffy turned to Willow and Spike, "You guys gonna come with?"
Willow glanced up at Spike and saw his "doesn’t really matter to me" face and turned back to Buffy and nodded yes.
"Ok, me, Will and Spike are gonna go check out a lead."
"No attacking or fighting then?" Giles asked.
"Nope, we should be violence free tonight." The slayer answered confidently.
"Hmmm.. but bring along something just in case," he warned.
"Got it Giles," she replied, heading for the weapons box.
~^~**~^~
"Ow! Ow! Ow! Ow!" Buffy pouted as she glared at the big rock on the ground.
"Aren’t slayers supposed to have that agility factor and *not* run into inanimate objects?"
"Shut up Spike!" She shot another accusing glare at the rock, "it wasn’t there a minute ago."
"Shhh!" Willow held a finger to her lips, "the light’s on." She pointed at the top window.
"Come on, follow me," Buffy waved her hand, signaling for them to follow.
"Careful Slayer- oh look- another rock. Don’t want to walk into more of those pesky little things, now do we?"
"Real funny Spike, *real* funny!"
The three stood still, looking up at the window. "Ok, we gotta get up there somehow," Willow turned to Spike, "boost her up."
"What?" he looked puzzled.
"Boost.. her.. up" she repeated, more slowly this time.
He still looked puzzled.
She rolled her eyes. "Ughh," she turned to Buffy, "you know what I’m mean, right?"
"Yeah- got it." She pulled Spike up to the wall. "Ok, hold out your hands like that.. there we go.. now don’t drop me!" she warned.
Spike’s back was facing Willow as she was watching in amusement.
"Hey- .. I think I see something.. 'kay.. never mind.. there’s nobody in there." She heard a muffled cry but she couldn’t turn around to see without losing her balance, "Spike, let me down!"
As soon as her feet landed on the ground, a well known female voice asked, "Sneaking around now are we? Thought you’d be smarter then that."
Buffy turned pale as she saw who the voice belonged to, "Faith"
Part 7- Revealed
"But then again it is *you* so what could I expect?"
"Fai-Faith?" Buffy looked around, noticing that Willow was no longer standing in her original position. "Where is she?"
"Why, whoever are you speaking of?" Faith asked, suddenly acting innocent.
"*Where* *is* *she*?" Buffy said again, more forcefully this time.
"Don't worry B, she'll be fine.. for awhile" And with that she disappeared.
"How- Wha- What the *hell* just happened?" Buffy walked over to where Faith stood only a few moments ago, "Where the fuck did she go?"
"Illusion" Spike had finally got over his initial shock and now.. well.. he was *pissed* <he took her.. she's mine!!! *mine*>
"What?"
"She was never really there. The Bakape probably channeled into our minds and made us think that she was there but she never was."
"Ughh!" Buffy threw her hands up in the air, "We have to go get her! We have to go in there *now* and get her *back*!" She picked up the axe that she had dropped on the ground previously and began to stomp towards the front door. When she looked back she saw that Spike wasn't following, "Why are you not following me?"
"Slow down for a sec Slayer and *think* about this" He paused and waited for her to calm down, "If Faith somehow got a demon as powerful as a Bakape to work with her then she obviously has learned a few things in the past years. Now from what I heard from Red she sounded like a nasty lil' bitch to begin with so we don't want to go into this fight unprepared." He saw the worried but understanding look on her face and decided to comfort her a bit, "Don't worry Slayer- we'll get her back" <we have to>
~^~**~^~
"Giles!" Buffy yelled as she made her way into the apartment with Spike.
Moments later she saw Giles race down the stairs, his hair mussed and his eyes tired, "What's the matter Buffy?"
"Trouble- we have to get Xander and Anya here- *now*"
~^~**~^~
"She did *what*?" Xander asked shaking his head in disbelief.
"The Bakape demon created an illusion and so she just disappeared out of nowhere- I think it was to buy time or something like that"
"So- Willow's with them now?"
At Buffy's affirmative nod, Xander exploded, "So what the hell are *we* still doing *here*? We should be rescuing her not just sitting here discussing and reviewing!!!" After he was done he saw that no one was moving, except for Buffy who was now shifting uncomfortably in her seat, "Why are we *not* moving?????"
"Calm down honey" Anya coaxed putting a reassuring hand on his shoulder, "We don't know anything about what's been going on with Faith or how strong she is. If we go into this fight blind and get ourselves killed it won't do Willow any good."
"I know- but I'm just.. worried." He put his head in his hands, "She's my best friend, An"
"Shhh.. shhh" Anya pulled him into her arms and began to rock him back and forth slowly. "What are we gonna do?"
~^~**~^~
The three others in the group sat frozen, shocked, needless to say at the scene before them. They had to figure out something- and quick.
"We need info- and *fast*" Buffy stated, getting out of her seat, "I'm going to Willy's to see if he knows anything new" <he better>
When Buffy left, Spike finally spoke up. He turned to Giles and began slowly, "We need reinforcements Watcher."
Giles nodded, understanding who he was talking about.
~^~**~^~
Buffy returned to the apartment an hour later with no new information gained. "Nothing- absolutely nothing" She began to pace frantically around the living room, "What are we going to do? We have to save her? God- what if she's already dead? No- I can't go there! We're gonna save her- I know it- We have to- We have to!" Giles walked up to the hysterical slayer and wrapped his arms tightly around her, "Calm yourself Buffy- be strong- be strong for Willow"
"I'm so worried Giles" the tears now streaming freely down her face, "If anything happens to her-"
"Shhhh- it's ok- just breathe- be strong"
"Be strong- I have to be- for her- strong" she repeated unsurely. "Strong"
~^~**~^~
The room was quiet as all five occupants were fast asleep, well.. at least four of them were. Buffy looked up at the ceiling from her position on the floor and closed her eyes tightly, trying to force herself to sleep. At least in her dreams she could find comfort. Comfort from the fear and anger she was feeling at the moment. The fear that she might lose one of her best friends.. again- she had only gained her back for so short of a time before she slipped through her fingers- yet again. <don't go there Summers- just don't> The anger directed at Faith mostly but not only at her, it was also directed towards herself. <If I had been more careful- I should've known- I should've *known*> She sighed, shaking her head tiredly, <we'll get her back.. we'll get her back> she repeated again and again, trying to convince herself.
She was brought out of her thoughts with the urgent pounding on Giles's door.
"I'm awake! I'm awake!" Xander yelled as the upper half of his body bolted upright off the couch. He turned to Buffy with a curious look, "Who's at the door?"
"I don't know", she whispered out shakily, <it can't be Faith- can it? Oh my god- what if? NO! NO! Don't go there- just *don't*> She got up and made her way to the door, suddenly afraid of what she would find on the other side of the door.
Her hand gripped the door knob as her other fumbled with the locks. She breathed in a deep breath and prepared herself for what she was about to find.
"Oh god"
Part 8- Dreams
She was there in his dreams. She was only a couple feet away from him, staring off into the sunset, the first one he's seen in quite a while. Only a couple feet away, but it seemed like a million miles. He reached out his hand, trying to reach her, to bring her into his arms where she would be safe but the harder he reached, the farther she seemed to be. Suddenly the scene changed. He was now in the middle of a cold, stone room. But he wasn't alone. His supersensitive hearing picked up a heartbeat, a steady one that was beating only a few feet behind him. He turned around with caution, a part of him fearing what he would find. "Willow" Her head was hanging down and she was chained to the wall. He tried to move towards her but he found that he couldn't move. A ferocious growl spilled from his lips as he realized the position he was in. Suddenly he sensed movement from her previously still body. Her head shot up as if she knew who was in the room with her. One single word was whispered before his dream ended and reality was put in place of it, "Help"
Spike's eyes popped open as he awoke from his dream <more like nightmare> "Help" The word began to repeat itself over and over in that desolate tone of hers in his mind. He *wanted* to help but he bloody well couldn't. <Bloody *fuck*> His demon roared with rage at the thought of him simply sitting there while his mate was suffering. He gripped the sides of the chairs, trying to regain control. <It won't help *her* if you lose control- *get* *a* *grip*! > Suddenly his head snapped up as he felt a familiar tingling that traveled throughout his whole body. <Peaches>
~^~**~^~
"Angel?" Buffy blinked a few times, she turned around and looked at Xander, "I'm not seeing things am I? Is he really there?"
"Umm.. yeah- Deadboy- what are you doing here?"
"I called for help" Giles answered for the vampire who was now feeling a *tad* bit uncomfortable. "Come in Angel"
"Thanks"
"Wh- Help?" Buffy finally regained her voice and managed to sputter the words out.
"We can't handle Faith alone."
"Why didn't you tell us earlier?" Anya asked sleepily from her spot on the couch.
"Slipped my mind" Giles said apologetically.
"I'm guessing there's a lot more that you have to tell me" Angel stated.
"I suggest you sit down"
~^~**~^~
Angel walked further into the room until he noticed the bleached blonde demon sitting in the corner.
" `ello Poof"
"Spike" he gritted through his teeth, "Why are you here?" Seeing the smirk on his childe's face he figured he wasn't going to get an answer so he turned around and faced the Scoobies, "Why is he here?"
Before any of them could answer, Spike piped up, "You should bloody well know Peaches- after all- it was *you* who forced me to work with the soddin' group"
Angel suppressed a growl and then turned to Giles, "What's going on?"
~^~**~^~
"Love?" Angel repeated incredulously.
At the affirmative nod from all the Scoobies he asked, "And you're all ok with that?"
Yet again, they all nodded quietly, "Can somebody please say something?" Angel requested irritably.
"Nice to know you still have that *great* personality Deadboy" Xander quipped. He noticed the glares that he was receiving from Buffy and Giles and quieted down but not before speaking in his own defense, "*What*? He said to say something."
"That's not really the most important issue at hand here though. We need your help to get Willow back. We have no idea *what* the hell is going through Faith's mind but with what we've seen so far- it ain't good." Buffy stated calmly. <Be strong- for Willow- *strong*>
"What can I do to help?"
"Can you find out what Faith's been up to lately? I mean Will is usually the one that takes care of the net research.." Buffy sentence was never finished as the blonde was having a hard time maintaining the balance of her emotions. She cleared her throat before continuing on, "Anyway- Can you find out where she has been, who she's been in contact with, or any new powers or strengths she may have gained over the years?"
"I'll talk to some of my contacts and see what I can find out" Angel replied with a nod.
With Angel's words everyone spread out over the room to do whatever they had to do. Xander went straight to the kitchen to well.. eat. Anya went back to her previous task, sleeping and Buffy began to prepare weapons for the fight ahead. Giles on the other hand picked up a book and began to read up more on the Bakape demon to see if they could get the upper hand in the fight by maybe overpowering it. Through all these various motions, Spike and Angel's eyes never left each other.
"Talk, Outside, *Now*" Angel mouthed.
Part 9- Confessions
"Two years Spike, two years and you never spoke a word about your relationship with Willow to me! Do you really hate me that much childe?"
Spike looked up, surprised to find so much pain laced in Angel's brown eyes, "No" He forced out a sigh, "I don't hate you. I never did" His expression grew more serious as he continued on, "You left me Angelus. Do you remember that? We were inseperable for over a century and one day you just up and left- and after all that you just expect me to open up when you decide you want to come back into my unlife?" he paused as he realized his voice was growing louder with every word. "It doesn't work like that" he said coldly. Spike clenched his jaw and closed his eyes as he struggled to regain control, "I loved you Angelus. And in some ways- I still do. But I can't just let go and forget the past that easily so we can be friends. Not after that."
After a long moment, Spike began to walk towards Giles's door leaving his shocked sire alone to contemplate the meaning of his words when he heard Angel whisper out, "I'm sorry." The words thundered through the silent night.
Spike paused and balled his hand into a fist, trying to regain control, "I know"
~^~**~^~
Angel walked out of the kitchen with a grim look on his face. He glanced over at Spike who was still refusing to look at him after their talk. His attention was then drawn to Giles as the Watcher asked if he found any new information. Angel shook his head negatively, "Nothing."
The Watcher let out a big sigh and motioned for Angel to take a seat, "I may have an idea."
~^~**~^~
"A spell?" Buffy repeated incredulously, "*That's* your master plan?"
"It'll weaken her defenses, perhaps even freeze her completely if we catch her off guard which would give you the upper hand" Giles explained calmly.
"What about the demon?" the blonde Slayer asked still not believeing that his idea could actually work.
"We'll" he looked to Xander and Anya, "lure the demon away and if you can get Faith alone this just might work," Giles began to pace around the living room floor.
"Because if he's not there he can't intercept," Xander finished nodding his head in understandment.
"Precisely," Giles smiled, he was glad at least *someone* understood. Seeing Buffy's disapproving look he sighed, "It's all we got."
Buffy looked down, knowing the truth in his words, it *was* all they got and time was already running short, <Willow could already be dead.. Stop it Summers! No point in wasting time thinking useless thoughts. You have to be strong> She looked up, her expression hardened, "Alright, let's do it."
~^~**~^~
"They're planning something. I can feel it. Your little Scooby Gang would risk everything to save you Red." Faith smiled evilly as she circled Willow who was chained to a wall.
"Don't do this Faith. You still have a chance to turn back," Willow tried to reason.
"And what? Join your little group? Please" the brunette scoffed and held up a hand in rejection, "Spare me."
Willow tried another tactic, "Why are you doing this?"
Faith cocked her head to side, thinking of an appropriate answer, "Revenge is fun- isn't it?"
Suddenly both heads turned as a crash was heard from the far side of the house. Faith turned back to face Willow who was struggling against the chains and also trying to figure out what was going on. "Looks like I was right. Now- don't move!" she taunted before heading off in the direction of the sound.
~^~**~^~
"You think she heard it?" Buffy asked as she squinted her eyes trying to see through the darkness of the hallway, "And shut up Spike. Don't say whatever it was you were about to say. I'm askin Angel"
"Bit touchy now aren't we Slayer?"
"Will you two stop it!? Yeah, she heard it Buffy" Angel reassured.
The three halted their steps as they reached the end of the hallway. It was split into two new passages. Angel let out an unneeded sigh, "Looks like we're splitting up. Spike you go that way- look for Willow. Buffy and I will go this way"
At the nod of the two blondes, the three restarted their steps and moved towards their specified routes.
"Spike"
The bleached blonde turned around to face Angel's worried chocolate eyes, "Yeah?"
"Be careful"
Spike paused a moment before replying, "You too Angelus"
~^~**~^~
Buffy and Angel continued down the dimly lighted hallway. The blonde Slayer's nerves were on the edge, "Where the hell is she?" she gritted out impatiently.
"That eager to see me B? Awww" Faith placed a hand against her heart, "I'm touched"
Not wasting another moment Buffy threw the bottle of potion that Giles had prepared earlier down at Faith's feet and yelled out, "Congelo"
The brunette Slayer found herself paralyzed as she struggled to move.
"It worked!" Buffy stated surprisedly. She walked up to Faith's unmoving body and grabbed her around her neck, "You don't know how long I've been waiting to do this"
"Wait! Don't kill her!" Angel yelled out urgently.
Buffy whipped her head around in shock, her grip tightening around Faith's neck, "Why the hell not?!"
He looked away from his former love's piercing gaze, "Because I love her"
Part 10- Revived
"You *what*?" Buffy screeched. Before Angel could answer, Faith unfroze and used the blonde's shocked state to her advantage. She twisted Buffy's arm to loosen the grip that she currently had on her neck. Buffy stumbled back a few steps, still dazed and confused, and Faith kicked her in the abdomen, effectively sending her flying into Angel.
"Nice to know you still care" The brunette slayer met Angel's pained and tortured eyes and gave him a genuine smile before running down the hallway. Faith pressed a button on the wall and then continued her running. After a few moments Buffy regained her strength and pushed herself off Angel, shooting him a quick glare, and ran after Faith. She soon ran into an invisible barrier, she pounded her fist against it a few times before turning around, deciding to rest for now. When she turned around Angel was standing a few feet away from her, the tortured and guilty look still on his face. Buffy merely ignored it and briskly walked right passed him. Angel quickened his steps to catch up to her. When they were out of the mansion he finally spoke up, "At least let me explain"
"No reason to Angel- your life- your decisions- your consequences that you have to deal with" she returned coldly.
"Don't you even care at all?"
"No" she quickened her steps.
~^~**~^~
Anya looked frantically to Xander, their plan was *not* working. Ok- yeah they had lured the demon away, which surprised the ex-demon in the first place but they were having a hard time keeping him busy. Giles was already knocked unconscious and Xander wasn't far behind. <Shit!> She had to figure out something- *soon*
~^~**~^~
"Buffy" Angel tried again, "Buffy- will you at least *look* at me?"
Buffy turned around, a bored expression on her face, she crossed her arms and began to tap her foot then looked at him expectantly, "Well?"
"You're actually gonna let me explain?"
"If you don't start talking- I'm not gonna- so get on with it"
"I didn't want you to find out this way Buffy, but I really do love her"
Buffy looked at him incredulously, "Ok- how did this happen?"
"Remember when she came to me for help?" At Buffy's affirmative nod he continued on, "That was when this all began. I started to fall for her then and when she left, I convinced myself into believing that I just cared about her a lot and not in that way but I lied to you guys when I told you all that I didn't know what she had been up to. She would call me occasionally and sometimes I would even get letters from her about her travels. She's grown up a lot, and it's part of the reason why I was so shocked the first time I heard from Giles that Faith was involved in all this" he shook his head, "I thought she changed" he said to himself more then to Buffy. "I began to fall harder for her and when I finally saw her, I realized the truth- I *do* love her" He finally looked up to meet Buffy's eyes and saw understanding in the Slayer's hazel eyes. Angel continued to return her gaze, waiting patiently for a reaction or answer.
"You do realize that you just made all this so much more complicated?"
Angel let out a small laugh, "Yeah- believe me I know"
~^~**~^~
"Anyanka" the demon acknowledged as he kicked Xander's unmoving body one last time.
"Hi" Anya gave a little tinkle wave, "See I don't actually know your name so I can't really return the greeting"
"So it's true"
"What?" Anya asked, her brows furrowed in confusion.
"You really are human now. I didn't believe it when I first heard it but now you're here in the flesh right in front of me."
"Ok- umm- that's great but are you going to kill me? because I *really* don't want to die. Especially not now, I finally just got used to this damn human body"
"Don't worry- I'm not going to kill you, I have other plans for you" Those were the last words that she heard before she saw a fist flying at her. Anya's limp body fell into the grasps of the Bakape demon. He began his walk back to the mansion.
~^~**~^~
Spike continued his walk down the hallway. <Didn't I just pass that painting? Bloody hell.. I'm lost> His ears perked up when he heard voices coming from the other side of the wall. <Is that who I think it is? No, it can't be- it just bleedin well can't- not possible> He shook his head, <bloody hell- I'm turning senile> The bleached blonde demon continued down the path until he reached a door. As the door opened he caught the last words of the sentence that was being spoken, "Hurry little tree"
~^~**~^~
Willow looked up when she heard someone enter the room. She blinked a few times and she was almost positive that her mind was messing with her. <It can't be- it's just *not* possible> She closed her eyes tightly as she felt the cold hand caress her cheek. Her eyes shot open when she felt herself being released from the chains.
"Are you real?" the redhead asked, her voice trembling from fear.
"Of course I am lovey, the bad man is gone now but he will be coming back soon. We must hurry little tree"
Willow blinked her eyes a few times, still not believing what she was seeing, <but I thought.. what the *hell*?> She reached out her hand and touched the raven haired vampiress on the shoulder and stuttered out, "D-Drusilla?"