Pairing: W/S, W/A, W/S/A
Summary: Angel comes to Sunnydale to help Buffy, but finds a certain red-head won't stay out of his thoughts. Spike is jealous of Angel's new found appreciation for the Witch. He decides to give him a run for his money. From Angel and Spike's POV. Set during `Pangs'.
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters nor do I make a profit from my use of them. Sole ownership belongs to Joss and Co.
Distribution: NHA, anyone else just ask.
Author's Notes: This is supposed to be a combined work of myself and stephy_cats.
Feedback: You know it! ghoztstarz@yahoo.com
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~Part: 1~
(Angel's POV)
Back in good `ole Sunnydale. I don't miss this place as much as I thought I would. I don't know if I ever noticed this before, but the Hellmouth smells different. I know Los Angeles isn't the cleanest, but it's not a dirty smell. Sunnydale smells of death, rotting earth, and magick.
Why am I in Sunnydale? I left for a good reason, but I'm back now because my ex is in danger. Doyle had a vision of Buffy, so being the nice guy that I am, I came to help. I didn't come to see her though. I've been very careful to stay in the shadows. I slipped though, and Xander caught a glimpse of me. Oh well. I'll just have to be more careful.
I'm staying at my old apartment, the one I had before the mansion. I can't go back to the mansion. Too many bad memories. Not that the apartment is any better. This is where I lost my soul in one moment of `perfect happiness'. I don't have nightmares about that night though, no, I have nightmares about being stabbed through the heart and being sent to hell. I have nightmares about five hundred years worth of torture. See if you stay in the mansion after that.
I'm standing outside of Giles' apartment, watching the old gang set up for Thanksgiving dinner. It looks so homey in there. I almost wish I was still a part of their group, but I'm not. Too many things have changed. I've changed, Buffy's changed. I love Buffy, but not in the same way. I see now that our relationship was doomed. She was the embodiment of everything I wanted to be. Alive, human, powerful, full of life. It was like I wanted to live vicariously through her. I know better now.
I look around, waiting for the danger Doyle saw. Nothing. I hope something happens soon. I really don't want to stay here. I hear glass break and look through the windows to see one of the Chumash Indians shooting arrows into the apartment. There's no way to get to him without either going the long way around or going into the apartment and letting myself be seen. The long way it is.
I rush around the side as one of them comes around the corner. He doesn't see me so I am able to surprise him by crouching low to the ground and tripping him with my leg. I then waste no time and break his neck. Walking around the corner I see one of the Chumash Indians at the window. He looks up as I walk closer. He aims and shoots an arrow at me. I duck it, but barely. I get close enough so the arrows won't work. The Indian tosses the bow down and pulls a knife. I easily dodge his attacks. This is too easy. Why did the Powers That Be send me here? I'm sure Buffy could have easily handled herself against them.
I take a quick look in the window and see something I didn't think I'd ever see, not in a million years. Spike. With my concentration elsewhere the Indian is able to take a swipe at me and cut me along the chest. I grab the knife from him. I'm so pissed off right now. This was one of my favorite shirts. I deftly stab him with his own knife in the heart. He goes down and literally goes *poof* into a cloud of green mist. Well, isn't that efficient. Now that I have dispatched of the Indian I look back inside and to Spike. He is tied to a chair. What the hell has been going on? I thought for sure if Buffy and Spike ever fought again that one of them would end up dead. I definitely never expected to see him trussed up in the Watchers living room.
I walk back around to Giles' porch. Willow and some other girl are fighting two of the Indian's, and another is coming up behind them. I jump and swing my leg for a roundhouse kick and land it right in his jaw. He goes down and I reach down and break his neck as well. Three down.
"Angel?" Willow says surprised.
"Yeah, hi," I say and move her out of the way of another attack. This one is putting up more of a fight then the others. He manages to land a few good hits, one of which busts open my lip. I really don't like getting hurt when fighting. It tends to piss me off. He is fighting with a spear. I manage to take it from him and stab him in the gut, and yet another green mist.
"Thanks," Willow says. She's out of breath. The other girl walks into Giles' apartment leaving us to talk. I don't even think she noticed me.
"No problem," I say.
"What are you doing here? I thought you moved to LA?"
"Oh, well, a friend of mine had a vision that Buffy was in danger."
"You want me to tell Buffy—"
"No," I say a little too fast. She looks at me then, really looks at me. Those green eyes can see everything, I truly believe that now.
"Why not Angel? She won't like it that you came here and didn't see her."
She has a point. Why don't I want to see Buffy? That's simple, she still loves me and I don't return those feelings anymore.
"Just please, Willow, don't tell her."
"Fine, but we are so going to have a talk mister," she says waving a finger at me. She's kind of cute when she's angry. Ha, would you look at that. What the hell am I doing now? Calling Buffy's best friend cute. Am I twisted or what? I'm really asking for it now.
"Ok, fine," I say. "Could you please not tell her though?"
Willow looks at me and nods. "Alright. Are you going to stay here or go back to LA?"
"Well, I think I might stay here for a few days. I have a few questions of my own," I say. Why Spike is tied up in Giles' front room for one. Maybe what she's doing later…I sigh. Ok, so admittedly I've always liked Willow. She's loyal, caring, sweet, and does that oh so cute `Resolve Face' when she wants to get her way. She would never like me though, not in any other way but a friend. I bet she still sees me as `Buffy's boyfriend' and therefore off limits. I'll have to change that.
"Ok, so when is a good time?"
"Whenever is good for you. I'm staying at my old apartment."
"Good, I don't think I could walk into that mansion. It always gives me the creeps."
I just nod as a slight shudder runs through me. Creeps is right.
"Alright, bye Angel"
"Bye," I say and do my fade into the shadow thing. I'm good at it, so why let such an exceptional talent go to waste?
I walk back to my apartment and think over the conversation with Willow. It finally dawns on me. Willow, coming to my apartment, to talk to me, alone. Oh, what a tangled web we weave. I let myself in and immediately head for the showers. Contrary to popular belief, vampire's sweat, just as much as humans. It's just slightly tinted red. Unless of course you're like Spike and actually eat food or drink water.
The hot shower feels so good, but I can't stay in it as long as I would like to. I've company coming…at some point. She never did say when she would be over. Might as well prepare. I dress in black slacks and black silk shirt. Grabbing a bag of blood from a cooler filled with ice, I drink it cold. Absolutely disgusting, but I didn't turn the electric back on. I didn't plan on being here that long.
I walk around the small apartment and light some old candle's I'd left. They give a nice soft glow to the apartment. Very…romantic. Oh God. Someone stop me. I'm just digging myself a hole. I clean up what little mess I've made and the months of dust that has settled.
I hate waiting. It's annoying. I decide to read one of the books I left behind in lieu of pacing. No use wearing a hole in the floor. Besides, I don't know if she will actually be here tonight or tomorrow. By three am I decide it won't be tonight and head to bed. I strip down to my boxers and climb in. Months of disuse has taken away the smell of Buffy's perfume. Thank goodness. That was just one more thing I didn't want to deal with.
I finally fell asleep. A nice, peaceful, sleep with no nightmares of torture. That in and of it's self is amazing but the dream I had in its place was…heaven. I dreamt of Willow, with her fire red hair sprawled out in a fan on my pillow. Her pale skin shinning beautifully in the glow of the candles. I dreamed that we just lay together, cuddling, holding each other close. It was nice, different, comforting. That is until a knock on my door woke me from my dream.
I get up, unaware of my current state of undress and walk to the door.
"Who is it?" I ask.
"It's me, Willow." Oh yeah, I'd forgot.
"Just a minute," I say and go to grab a pair of pants. I hurriedly pull them on and grab my discarded shirt, buttoning as I walk to the door. Shit, it's still daylight, I can't open the door. I walk over to where, when the door is opened, it won't kill me and tell her to come in. She opens the door cautiously, making sure I won't get caught by the light. See, thoughtful and caring. She walks the rest of the way in and closes the door. There's only one window in the apartment and it's shaded, for my protection. I go around and light a few more candles to light up this `cave'. I may have excellent night vision, but I don't think Willow is as lucky.
"Have a seat," I say gesturing to one of the two chairs in what would be considered a living room.
"Thanks, but I don't have a lot of time. I came right after class," she says playing nervously with the hem of her shirt.
"Ok, so what did you want to say?"
"Well, why did you come to Sunnydale? I know you said your friend had a vision, whatever that means, but why not just call and warn us? Why travel all the way down here just to play hero from the shadows? I guess I just don't understand. I thought you loved Buffy. But, Xander accidentally blabbed that you were here and Buffy got really mad. She said you should have called. I didn't tell her that you were staying though. She thinks you left. She's probably been trying to call you ever since last night. And here I am rambling on, not letting you get a word in edge-wise. Sorry," Willow said breathing deeply. That was quite a ramble she had going. Amazingly I caught every word.
"I came because I didn't think she would appreciate the call either. I thought she'd tell me she could handle it and not take my advice, so I decided to come and help from the sidelines, out of the way," I said. It was the complete truth.
"Oh, well, that makes sense," she said biting her lower lip. I step closer to her and hear her heart speed up a notch. Her breath is coming faster now. I reach out and gather her chin between my thumb and forefinger, raising her to meet my eyes.
"I'm sorry I put you a difficult position," I kiss her forehead and back up. I couldn't stay that close to her and not gather her to me. Distance is good.
"It's ok. You didn't do it on purpose. You were just trying to help."
Always the forgiving one. She even forgave me for everything Angelus did during his reign here in Sunnydale. I admire her for that even though it's not deserved.
"So, what's with Spike being tied to a chair in Giles' apartment?" I ask her.
"Oh, well, that's kind of a long story. See, there is this government agency called The Initiative. They do experiments on vampires and other demons. They caught him and put this chip in his head that gives an electrical pulse to the brain that goes off when he tries to hurt humans. I don't know how they did it but they did. He ended up not being able to get food and came to Buffy for help," she gave a snort of laughter at that. "I don't know why he did that. Anyways, Buffy, Giles, and Xander didn't trust him so they decided to tie him up. We feed him a few times a day. I actually have to go and baby-sit him today. Buffy is going out with…," she trails off.
"Going out with?" I ask.
"Oh, well, I don't know if I should tell you this."
"It's ok Willow. If Buffy moved on then I'm happy for her."
"Really? Because that's great. Well, I don't mean great that she moved on, but great that you would be happy that she moved on—"
I break off her nervous speech with a hand on her shoulder. She really needs to calm down. Her nervous energy is even making me twitchy.
"Don't worry. I'm fine. I realize now that Buffy and I were somewhat of a lost cause. It could never have worked out. A vampire and a Slayer? It was wishful thinking on our part," I say rubbing some of the tension from her shoulder.
She let's out a sigh. "Alright. So, anyways, I really should go. They might leave Spike alone and well, I don't think that would be right…so, I'll see you later Angel," she says and turns to leave. I pull her back around and give her a hug. She seems startled at first but relaxes into it.
"Be careful Little One," I say and release her. I go back to stand behind the door. She opens it and for a moment looks at me while framed in the wash of sunlight streaming through the door. She looks magnificent; her hair literally sparkles in the light.
"Bye," she says and shuts the door behind her.
I sigh and go to sit down in my chair. I should probably leave Sunnydale; go back to Los Angeles and my little job. I can't seem to convince myself to leave though. There's one thing in Sunnydale that LA just can't compete with…Willow.
~Part: 2~
(Spike's POV)
I yank on my chains. You'd think by now they wouldn't keep me prisoner in the bloody tub. Although, I do appreciate the fear they have of me. Warms a bloke's cold heart. The Watcher went off to go shag some chit from England. So, someone is coming over to `baby- sit' me. I'm the `Big Bad' I don't need to be baby-sat.
Wonder who it will be today? God forbid its Chubs and Demon Girl. They annoy me to no end. The Slayer, hope not. Red, is the best of them. At least she remembers to bloody feed me. Out of all the White Hats, she's the only one I can stand to be around and not have the urge to kill. Turn yes, kill no. She'd make a beautiful vampire.
Before the little love spell I borrowed Red for, I'd never paid much attention to her. I was just like the rest of the vamps here. Kill the Slayer, run the town, bleed it dry. The usual. But that chit, I don't know what it is about her. She just bloody lodged herself in my head and I can't get her out. Then I had to go and try to bite her after the sodding implant. What a cock up that was. Could I have looked more the fool? Bloody Angelus would have laughed his head off he would.
I can hear someone come in. Giles had left not more then 10 minutes ago. Who ever it is, they're late. Nothing new there. I bet half the time they bloody well forget I'm here.
"So, who's come to watch the chained up vampire today?" I asked. Please don't let it be Chubs. If I hear one more smart remark about my bloody hair, I'll crush his wind pipe. Chip or no chip, it'd be worth it.
"It's just me Spike," a female said. Not just any female, but Red. Thank God. I can hear her clanking around in the kitchen, and the microwave turning on. Thoughtful of her. Trust her to think of a bloke's needs. I catch her scent before I actually see her.
She comes in the bathroom, mug of warm blood in hand. She doesn't use the `Kiss the Librarian' mug like everyone else does. They may think its funny, but I bloody well don't. Red is wearing one of those big flow-y types of skirts, all colorful and nauseating. The green shirt she has on with it, now that's an improvement. None of that fluffy stuff, just simple and showing a little more skin then the last time I saw her. I actually had nightmares about that sodding pink fluffy thing attacking me. I was in Brazil with Dru, before she left me, and woke up from the dream. Dru was there with her bloody doll going on about how the stars told her to burn the tree's flowery shirt or some other drivel like that.
"Well, uh, here you go Spike," Red said. She sits on the edge of the tub and leans over to put the straw to my mouth. I drink. Not much else to do is there? I inhale deeply after finishing the blood. Red always smells bloody magnificent. She's not one of those cows that think they need a ton of perfume. Nothing too exotic, not like Dru liked. She liked that fancy stuff that could peel paint. Natural is her scent, with a bit of vanilla, and…the Pouf?!
"So, Red, when do I get out of these chains?" So I can bloody beat my Grandsire to a bloody quivering mass of nothing. What the hell is he doing here? I thought he went to LA. I sigh. As if my un- life couldn't get any worse. Not only is he here in my town, but my Red has got his scent on her!
"Oh, well, I don't see why they haven't let you out yet. I mean it's not like you can actually hurt anyone right?" she says in a rush. Her logic is what I'm counting on. I really want out of these chains. Under different circumstances I wouldn't mind being chained up. I right like it sometimes, but unless Red here is going to get in with me and give me a ride, I don't see the dammed point of them.
"No, Luv. I can't hurt anyone."
"Right, so if I let you out, what would you do?"
"Well," I would go and stake me a ponce-y bugger who can't keep his bloody hands to himself. "Go off on my merry little way I suppose. Why?"
"Well, I don't want you to turn around and have someone kill us. I'm sure you know lots of people, or uh, demons that would help you. Not that you need help, but I just don't want to die, and I don't want my friends to die either. So, unless you promise, or swear, or whatever it is that a vampire does, not to kill me and my friends, I'll let you out. Otherwise, I'll just leave it up to Giles. Who will probably kill me himself if he ever found out I was the one that let you out," she said. The chit about passed out. Marathon-talker indeed.
"See Red, there is a custom, but I don't think you would want to do it," I say.
"What is it?"
"No. It's archaic and old. A binding oath that no vamp can break, but I don't think you'd go for it," I say. I'm a right bastard sometimes. I fight to keep the grin off my face as I see her face light up with interest. She really is a little too gullible sometimes. Have to work on that.
"Really? So, if you were to give me this oath, then you could never break your word right? You wouldn't be able to kill any of us?" she asks.
"That's the basic idea, Pet. So, right, why don't you go and get the keys and we'll get on with it. That way I can get on with my unlife."
I watch as the wheels turn in that pretty little head of hers. If she's as smart as everyone thinks, she won't fall for it. I'm betting on that soft bloody heart of hers. I may be evil, but I know when to play my cards. This little stunt wouldn't have worked on the others.
"Well…I don't know. Explain it to me. Like what does it involve?" she asks. Well, well, would you look at that? I could probably make the whole thing up.
"You see, Red, there some blood, a few words, some pomp. Nothing to it really. Only takes about five minutes. Then…tada…an oath I can never break."
"I see. Are you sure?"
"I really don't fancy being cooped up like this."
She sighs. "Alright. But if anything bad happens I'm holding you responsible. I'll stake you myself."
"Understood."
She gets up, giving me a lingering look before she heads to get the keys. I knew she would do it. I can always count on Red to have a bleeding heart. I hear her searching for the key. She starts to walk back but stalls in the hallway. What the hell now? Red better not be having bloody second thoughts. I guess not because she walks in and stands right in front of me. I have to crane my neck to look up.
"Ok, here's the key," she says holding it up. Is she trying my patience? "Can you do the oath with one hand?"
"Why?" I ask suspiciously. Red's bloody up to something. Trust her to analyze the hell out of it.
"Well, I will unlock one hand. Then, if you work it, then I'll unlock the other hand and your ankles."
"Right, and I'm supposed to agree to this out of the evilness of my heart."
"It's either that or I leave you chained up. Your choice."
Bloody hell she's good. I didn't think she had it in her to be devious. Just about anything would be worth it to be able to taste her blood.
"Fine," I say. Might as well get this over with. I want to get the hell out of here and have a nice little chat with the Magnificent Pouf himself. He'd better have a bloody good reason for being in town and talking to my Red.
"Ok," she says and unlocks my right hand.
"How about the other one, Pet?"
"First the oath, then I'll unlock it."
"Can't blame a bloke for trying. Right, let's get to it then. Normally I would bite you, but seeing as I can't, you need to cut somewhere. Your wrist maybe."
"Oh, yeah. I forgot about the blood part. Umm, hold on. I'll go get a knife," she says and walks out to the kitchen. I would have thought she would be squeamish about the blood. Red, is just full of surprises today. She comes back in with a small knife.
"So, uh, how much blood? Could I just prick a finger?"
"Yeah, I guess. You know, Red, you're making this oath thing a lot harder then it is. Just bloody cut something, and let me have it," I say irritated. I want to get the hell out of here, and she's turning this into sodding twenty questions.
"Fine," she says and deftly cuts the pad of her left thumb. She takes a quick intake of breath at the pain, but the little chit doesn't yelp. There's hope for her yet. She didn't cut deep, but enough that there is already blood welling to the top. I can smell it from over here. Sweet, yet coppery, and full of power and innocence. Too bad I can't drain her. Or, better yet, keep her to taste forever…although, that has possibilities.
"Ok, now what?" she asks.
"Now, let me lick the blood, and you repeat what the first and last line I say. You take a small amount of my blood. Then *poof* instant oath."
She nods and puts her cut thumb in front of my mouth. I inhale deeply. Cor, I miss human blood.
"Blood this oath does take," I say and pull her thumb into my mouth. I suck at the wound, trying to draw the blood out. Her blood is everything I thought it would be and more. It's giving me a sodding hard on. I have to try hard not to hurt her. Last thing I need is the chip going off on me. Would ruin the mood, you know? She pulls her hand away too soon, and I have to hold back a growl. Don't need to scare her away, least not before I get the bloody hell out of here. I let my fangs drop and puncture my wrist, holding it out for her.
"Blood this oath does take," she repeats. Red sticks out her tongue and takes a quick swipe at the blood. Just that little touch makes me want to grab her, but not yet.
"That I will harm none my Red deems worthy," I say and lick my wound closed. She copies my action and sucks on her thumb. Red'd look like a little kid if I didn't have erotic thoughts of pounding her into tomorrow running through my head.
"Sealed, bonded, and never broken."
"Sealed, bonded, and never broken," the Witch repeats. "So, is that it? I don't feel any different."
"Sorry, I was all out of fireworks," I say sarcastically. Just wait though, it'll kick in. "Right, so about the unchaining…"
"Oh, yeah," she says blushing and quickly unlocks the shackles.
Free at last and all that rubbish. I stretch, working the kinks out after sitting in a tub for days. You wouldn't think a dead man would get sore from inactivity, just try it though. You'll see what I mean.
"Right, thanks are in order I believe," I say turning to Red. I pull her to me, and kiss her full on the lips, quickly, and let go. That was just a little to close to what I want to do with her. Best not to scare her off. She is looking at me shocked, a hand making its way to her lips. I smile, one that promises more, and quickly leave the bathroom.
It still light out, so, I don my duster and run for the nearest sewer access. First things first, find a place to hide out. Then, me and the Pouf are going to have a nice little chat.
~Part: 3~
(Angel's POV)
Some might say I've become obsessed, what with my constant thoughts of Willow. Thoughts of how to talk to her, how to touch her. I'm not obsessed, just curious. She's just so…well Willow. I should have left for LA after I talked to her. Should have packed what little I brought and gone back to my life, away from the Scooby's, but I couldn't leave her. Maybe I can ask her to come to LA with me. Tell her I need some computer work done or something. No, that would require me to actually have a computer system for her to work on. As it is, we only have the one Cordelia works off of. Desperate? Me? Never.
I forgot how long it took to get dark here. It seems like the sun has been setting for hours. Which technically it has, but…never mind. I need to get out. Probably should turn on the electric and phone too. That is, if I'm staying. Am I staying? *sigh* Yes I'm staying.
"Thank God," I say as I feel the last of the sun's ray's dip beyond the horizon.
I walk to the door, and stop with my hand on the knob. Where am I going? Well, I was going to go look for Willow, but chances are good that she's within close proximity to Buffy. Not somewhere I want to be. Close to Buffy that is. I'd love to be close to Willow. That is a given now.
Oh, yeah, turn on the electric and phone. I walk out of the dark apartment to go find a phone. I remember there being one just a block from here. I walk purposefully towards the phone. Don't really need to hide my presence here. Buffy never patrolled this area. I pretty much kept control. But, I'm not here anymore, at least as far as she knows. Damn, this is hard. Shadow hopping I go then.
I make it to the phone and realize I don't have any quarters. Can I be just a little more unprepared? Probably, but I'm not going to press my luck. I could probably just break the phone to get some quarters, but I'm the good guy, and this isn't a dire circumstance, so off to the corner market I go.
I walk in the door with a *ding* that let's the attendant know someone has come in. The guy at the counter is young, a kid really. He looks bored reading a comic. I walk up to the counter and place a five dollar bill on the counter.
"I need four quarters," I say.
"You need to buy something," the kid says without looking up. What the hell? Buy something? I don't eat, don't drink…well except for blood and last I knew they didn't sell pigs blood in convenient stores. I look around. Nothing I want. Well, cigarettes maybe. Not like I have to worry about my health.
"Give me a pack of cigarettes," I say. The kid finally looks up at me.
"I.D. please."
"What?"
"Your I.D., so I can check your age," he says exasperated. Check my age? I can't believe it. I've been carded…well doesn't that just top all. I'm 246 years old!
"Look, I just need some change to make a few phone calls. You told me I need to buy something. Trust me when I say I'm old enough for a pack of cigarettes, or just give me the change." This is just ridiculous.
"Oi, he's plenty old enough," a voice says from behind me. I groan. This is not my day. Just not my century to be honest.
"Isn't that right Peaches?"
"Spike," I say turning around to face him.
"Here, I'll get that pack and get one for me if you would," Spike says stepping around me up to the counter. The kid rings up the purchase.
"That's six twenty five," the clerk says. Spike grabs one pack and motions to the clerk.
"You heard the good man. Pay up."
"What? I am not paying for you. Besides, what are you doing out. Last I heard you where a little tied up," I say. Pay up my ass. The clerk was just standing there waiting for his payment. I sighed and pulled another five out of my pocket and placed it on the counter. The clerk took the money, giving me my change and the four quarters I'd originally asked for. I grabbed the cigarettes and walked out of the store pulling a cig out. Shit. No lighter. A light flared to life off to my side. Looks like Spike had followed me out. I gave him a questioning look and he just shrugged. I light the cig and give a nod. What the hell is Sunnydale coming to?
"So, what do you want?" I ask. Everything with Spike comes at a price. I taught him that, or rather Angelus did. Even that little offer of a light will cost something. It's been a while since I've had a cig, well since Angelus' last appearance. I'm kind of not used to forcing myself to breath.
"Same thing every bloke wants. Blood, a good shag, nice spot of violence," he says walking next to me, but out of arms reach. He may be arrogant as hell, but he's not stupid.
"If you were just looking for an ass kicking, all you have to do is ask," I say. What does he want? "But, I've got a few phone calls to make, so if you'll excuse me…"
"Right, just wanted to tell you to stay away from my Red. Got that Peaches?" he said and is gone in a puff of smoke.
I'm floored. Did he say `stay away from his Red'? His Red? When did this happen? She didn't smell like him when I saw her yesterday. Did I mention this just isn't my century?
Nothing I can do about it now, not until I talk to Red, I mean Willow. God knows when I'll get that chance again. I walk to the phone and make my calls. With a little bribery my electric and phone will be on in an hour. Needing blood I head to the butcher shop to stock up for a few days.
Walking up to my apartment I notice someone standing in the shadows at the door. I inhale and find its Willow, but something else hits me as well. Spike. Not the leather and smoke smell, but the blood, the scent unique to him. I growl softly. What the hell has he done now!? Willow apparently heard the growl because she let out a small gasp and her heart rate sped up. Great, just scare the poor girl. God only knows what Spike did to her.
"Willow?" I ask coming out from the shadows. She let's out a sigh of relief and turns to me smiling. I love that smile. Not many people let it reach their eyes the way she does. It's a mark of innocence and utterly beautiful, the way it lights up her whole face.
"Angel! Hi. Uh, I was just, well wondering if you were still here. You are. So, why are you? Not that I mind, though," she said blushing slightly.
"Yeah, still here," I say lamely. Does she want me to stay? Or, what?
"So, do you want to come in? I had the electric turned on," I say opening the door. Our arms brushed lightly, a small shiver running through her and into me. I'm in so much trouble with this one. If only she knew what my dreams consisted of. I stand out side motioning that she should go in first. She does smiling again and dipping her head to hide the blush.
"So, why are you still here Angel?"
"Water?" I ask. She nods. "Well, nothing much going on in LA. I kind of wanted to see some old sites, pick up some things I left."
"Oh," she says slightly disappointed. "Are you going to see Buffy?"
"I actually hadn't planned on it. Why?"
"Well, Buffy thinks you might have left. She called you and Cordelia told her you weren't back yet. So, I don't know if she's keeping an eye out for you or not."
"Right, I'll keep that in mind," I say handing her a glass of water.
"Thanks."
"Can you hold on a second? I have to go make a call." She nods and I go to the phone next to the fridge. Not exactly private, but it will have to do. I call the office.
"Angel Investigations, we help your...I mean--"
"Doyle, don't worry. It's me," I say cutting him off.
"Oh Angel. Hey! So, how'd the thing go with the Blondie? And why aren't you back yet? Cordy says if you come back as your alter-ego she's gonna stake you, mate. I think she means it too." he says.
"I'm not Angelus," I say sighing. "I actually stayed away from Buffy this trip."
"So, why aren't you back yet?"
"I still have…some things to take care of," I say looking over at Willow. She is pretending not to pay attention to the phone conversation. It's a little hard to do in a one room apartment but I appreciate the effort. She looks up at me, staring straight into my eyes. Her looking at me like that almost makes me think she can see straight into my soul. Doyle still talking on the other line makes me look away, "I'll call you later ok?"
"Yeah, but Angel—" I cut him off when I hang up the phone.
I walk back over to Willow. "Sorry about that. I had to call the office."
"Oh, it's uh, it's ok. So," she says nervously tucking a strand of that fiery copper hair behind her ear, "what do you still have to do? Not that it's any of my business. I was just curious. You don't have to tell me if you don't want to."
I smile. Ok, so I grin stupidly. Happy? Yeah, I know. I'm falling for her. Hard. I can't help it. She's just so dammed beautiful, and sweet, and sexy. I'm still staring at her and she's waiting for an answer. Great, just scare her. Though, that isn't fear I smell.
"Well, I wanted to check on Spike," I say. "Ran into him down the street. It seems he got away."
If it was possible her eyes would have popped out of her head. So, something is up. I knew it. Now I just need to find out what.
"Umm, well, see I kind of, well Ikindoflethimgo," she says in a rush. "He didn't like, hurt you or anything did he?"
Hurt me? Let him go? I'm amazed that after everything I've been through this little slip of a girl can still throw me for a loop. She's absolutely full of surprises. Willow's calling my name. My mind is still trying to wrap around what Spike said earlier and what she just said. Something's clicking.
"How did he get you to let him go?"
"Oh, see, I didn't think he should have been chained up like that. It really wasn't necessary. He couldn't even cut me himself for the oath; I had to do it myself. There was the oath, and he said that it was like a Vampire's word of honor or something…," she said. Oath huh? I listen to her as she tells me exactly what happened, and then tells me the wording. One word sticks out and brings a growl from my throat, bonded. He fucking bonded her to him! That's why she smells like him. I smell her fear; think the growl was a little too loud.
"Willow," I say and take a deep breath to calm down. It's not her fault. She didn't know. "You do know what `bonded' means right?"
"Yeah, I thought that was a little odd, but I thought that meant that he like sealed the oath, not…oh, you, you mean…," she asks finally catching on.
"Spike said you were his and told me to stay away from you."
"No. Oh, Angel. I…I didn't mean, that's not what I wanted."
I go to her and pull her into a hug. She's shaking, fear rolling like fog from her. Poor Willow. Spike will pay for this.
"Willow, look at me." I tilt her head to look up at me, tears are rimming her eyes. "I'll take care of this. Ok?"
She nods and hugs me again. Soft and warm, God how I've missed human warmth. I lean down to capture her mouth in a soft kiss. Lightly brushing our lips together, she sighs.
~Part: 4~
(Spikes POV)
Bloody nice to be out of that tub. Out of the chains. Thanks to Red. My Red. I wonder if the bond has taken effect yet. I reach out, feeling my Sire miles away, and Peaches, but no Red yet. What the bloody hell is Peaches still doing in town? Thought for sure he would have left. Don't even know why he came in the first place. Thought the Slayer drove him out of town.
I can't believe the stupid Ponce is staying in that apartment. That's where he `lost it' to the slayer, isn't it? Think he takes that self-deprecation a little too far sometimes. Ah, well, so long as he stays out of my way I'll be happy. Live my unlife the way I want with my Red by my side. Would have thought he'd have gone to that nancy boy mansion he was so bloody in love with.
Wonder where Red is. Should be here with me, shagging me senseless. Ah, well, a bloke can hope can't he? Cor, I need a fag. Maybe a bit of violence. I'd love to beat up on Peaches, but I got this feeling he's on her `friend' list. Why'd I take that dammed oath again? Oh, yeah, got my Red bonded to me and got to taste some of that blood of hers. I could live off her forever. Hmm, not a bad idea that. No, I like her humanity, all warm and pumping.
"Bloody hell!" I swear I didn't just feel what I felt. No, just my imagination taking flight. Thinking too much about Red I was. I didn't just feel her breath on my neck, or smell her standing so close she could've touched me, or her lips on mine.
The feelings leave as quickly as they started. I have to sit down just to keep from toppling over like I'm sloshed. Fag, now. I light up and inhale the smoke into my already dead lungs. So, what was that all about? I can still smell Red on the air, like she's just out of sight. Teach me to use an oath I didn't look up. Bloody just saw it one day. Though, I actually did mean every word I said. Didn't I? I mean, will I really not kill Chubs, and the Slayer? Or the Watcher for that matter? No, damn me to hell, I won't. Not because I like them mind you, but because she asked me.
My God I'm turning into Peaches! No, no, I'm not. Just calm down and breathe. Wait, don't need to breath. No panicking. Ok, I'm all right. Need a bloody drink. Maybe a shag. Wonder where Red is. I wonder what Red was doing. Bloody hell, all this wondering will get me nowhere, fast.
I think I'll head over to Willie's and get me a drink. Nothing like alcohol to numb you. I pull out a cigarette and start walking in the general direction of Willie's though, honestly, I'm not paying a damn bit of attention to where I'm going. Yeah, I know, probably should be paying attention, but I'm not. Just letting my feet take me where they want, and if that leads to alcohol then so be it.
Funny thing is, I swear that Willie's is in the other direction. Bloody hell! I know where I am, smack dab in front of Angel's sodding apartment. I hide in the shadows, waiting for whatever it is that decided to drag me here.
Ahh, I see now. Red comes walking out of the apartment, waving to the bloody Pouf. He's grinning like mad, and even from here I can smell him on her. I should just rip his fucking head off! I growl at him, low and menacing. The Ponce looks up, he knows I'm here...just not where. Shit. He walks towards Willow, probably going to try and walk her home like a dammed knight. Teach me to bloody open my mouth. Red is shaking her head. Good girl, she knows better. She walks off waving to Angel again, and walks...right towards me. What the...?
"Spike?" she whispers.
"Yeah, love," I say stepping from the shadows. Just being near her is driving me mad. Her heat flowing across me. Cor, it feels so dammed good.
"What are you doing here?"
"Well, I...I just wanted to make sure you were ok, and wondering what the Pouf is doing in town. Possibly even why you were at his place. Just the usual stuff Red."
"Oh, well...Angel, he's, he's here because one of his friends had a vision about those Chumash Indians, and Buffy being in trouble. I don't know what he's still doing in town. Why don't you ask him?"
I let out a snort of disgust at the thought of actually talking to the Wanker. Like he'd tell me anyways. I know he's still watching her...us. I can feel his eyes.
"So, Red, walk you home?" I ask extending the crook of my arm, like the gentleman I am. She looks at me warily. Guess the bond isn't in full swing yet on her end. I let out a breath I hadn't known I was holding when she slips her delicate hand over my forearm. Her heat radiates through the duster, warming that area.
We walk in silence for a while. I'm quite content to listen to her breathing, listen to that heart of hers beating in a steady rhythm. The way the lights glint off her hair...bloody hell. I'm waxing poetic. Someone stake me now. Please.
"Spike?" she asks, breaking me from any further embarrassing lines my sodding mind can think up.
"Yeah luv, what is it?"
"Well, it's just that...something Angel said got me thinking. I wanted to ask you about the oath."
I sigh and close my eyes for a second. We stop walking. I should have known the little Witch would have figured it out. Leave it to her to not let a bloke get away with anything. What am I going to tell her? 'Oh, sorry bout that luv, it just slipped out. Didn't mean to bond you to me?' Yeah, that will go over well mate. Just dig your grave...again. Wait...something Angel said? Shit!
"Oh yeah luv? What did the all mighty Pouf have to say that got your brain tweaked?" I ask casually. No need to get mad at her. I can always kill the Ponce later.
"Umm, see he could smell you on me, and he asked what happened. I...I uh, told him, well, everything. He got pretty mad, and told me exactly what being bonded to you meant. I uh, I just wanted to know if you meant to do that? The bonding I mean...because, I'm sure if you didn't I could always find a way to un-bond us or something," she says in a rush. I think I caught only every other word. When Red gets going, she really gets going.
Right, so did I mean to bond her to me? Bloody hell yes I did! Will I tell her that? Probably not. Don't need to scare the chit.
"Well, Red, I can't say that the bonding was part of the plan, but I can't say I mind either," I say and add a little smirk, just for the blush that creeps up her face.
"Oh, umm ok."
"Right, so, off to your dorm is it?"
"Yeah," she says biting her lower lip. My Red looks distressed. I sigh. Should I say something? Be serious and tell her how much she's grown on me...then have her tear me down. No. Little lying never hurt anyone, much.
"Red," I say turning her to face me. I gently tilt her head up to look at me. "Look, I bloody like you ok? You just happen to be the only one of the Scabby Gang I can tolerate for more then two sodding seconds. So, if you want to break the bond then that's fine. Do what you want, but I can't promise to keep the oath then."
There. I said it. Without lying? Bloody hell I'm getting soft. She is just looking at me with those big green eyes. I don't know what she's trying to see, but I can't take the staring. I fumble around for a fag. I light it and start walking again with Red just standing there looking at my back, her eyes boring into me. Damn her! Can't she just be like any other chit, take the bond with a thanks and a shag? No, she's got to bloody analyze it. Pick it apart. Find the real meaning behind everything bloody makes living complicated. When you've unlived for as long as I have you learn to simplify things. Blood, alcohol, fags, shagging, and a place to stay out of the sun. It's all I really need. Well, now Red, but I'm NOT telling her that.
"Coming Red?" I say over my shoulder. She shakes off her thoughts and comes walking briskly up beside me.
"Spike, you're a pain in the butt, you know that?"
"Yeah luv, I do. I've got to have something to amuse myself during the lonely years don't I?"
"Lonely?"
Ok, no more talking for me. Can't keep my bloody gob closed for two seconds before I go off spouting Pouf-like confessions. Instead of answering her, I toss my fag, and pull her close to me. I've already said I'm lonely, might as well show her too.
The Witch is looking up at me, wide eyed, heart racing. I inhale her scent, a mixture of fear, anticipation, and what's this...arousal? Hmm, maybe a good thing this. I slowly lower my lips to hers, never taking my eyes off of her. Letting her see just a little of what I've been going through. Just enough to pull a small gasp from her at the realization. Our lips come together, soft, fluttering kisses. Barely grazing the other. Bloody wonderful it is, but I want more, need more. I take advantage of her parted lips and ease my tongue into her warm mouth. Tracing ever part of her that I can find, teeth, tongue, lips, everything.
Red relaxes in my arms and kisses back. So much more then I could have bloody hoped for. I can taste my Grand-Sire on her tongue, but I don't say or do anything. Besides, where is she now? In my arms. I laugh in my head at the great Ponce. The kiss ends too soon. Humans and their need to breath, always forgetting about that.
Looking at her I can't help but be thankful I don't need to breath. She looks bloody magnificent with her lust filled eyes, and those thoroughly kissed lips. I dip back for more. Kissing, nipping, anything I can do to get me closer to my Red. My lips are on fire, my hands burn. Her heat coursing through me, like fresh blood. Too much, way too bloody much. I can't...just can't. She means too much to me now. Sod it all, but I think I may be falling for the little Witch. Just my luck.
~Part: 5~
Angel's POV
I really wish Willow wouldn't go. I know, pathetic, but she's warm and beautiful. Everything anyone would ever look for all wrapped up into one nice, red haired package. I told her I could help her with her homework. Maybe a little study time. Yeah, ok, that was corny even for me, but I want her near. Need her near me.
"I'll come by tomorrow, ok?" she asks touching my arm gently. I nod silently and pull her into a hug. I don't trust my voice. I'd probably growl or something else to scare her off. I dip my face into the crook of her neck and inhale the sweet aroma that is pure Willow. She tilts her head, baring more of that lovely, milk-like flesh. Does she know what that means to me? To vampires? Probably not. Though the gesture goes straight to my groin, forcing me to suppress yet another growl. I nuzzle the exposed skin, dipping my tongue for just a taste.
Slowly she turns her face back to mine and looks into my eyes with her own emerald orbs. The depths are endless in those eyes, they are to drown in, to lose yourself in. I can imagine looking into those eyes for eternity. Then she does something I didn't expect, she lifts up on to the balls of her feet, brushing her lips lightly across mine. I immediately go to deepen the kiss, my tongue begging for entrance to her heat. Willow parts her lips and I ravage, licking and nipping, sucking on her tongue and lower lip, pulling her closer to me. We both moan into the kiss, wanting to crawl inside of each other. Breathing is something she needs, so I reluctantly pull away with her gasping for air.
That's when I hear him, sense him, smell him. Spike, out there, somewhere growling at mine and Willow's display, though we are guarded in shadows. Willow senses him. I can tell by the slight bunching of her muscles in her back, though I doubt she knows that the bond is working, and has been since it started. The smell of Spike on her has been growing, and is at it's strongest right now. With him near.
"How about I walk you home," I say still holding her in my arms. She pulls away slowly, reluctantly.
"No, it's ok Angel. Besides, I room with Buffy. She might see you," she says. Lifting a hand to my face she traces the line of my jaw and I lean my head into the caress. I nod silently and watch helpless and she retreats. I don't watch her go, afraid I might run after her. Beg her to stay.
Closing my apartment door behind me I lean on it, letting out an unneeded breath. It's too much, just too damned much. Her lips, her eyes, her soft whimpers and moans like so much music to my ears. I'm passed the point of being able to just walk away from her. Passed the point of caring how much I might lose if I fall.
I come to my senses, remembering that this is Sunnydale and Willow, no matter how much she hangs out with Buffy, is just another meal around here. Probably more of a meal being that she does hang out with the Slayer. Walking out of my apartment I set off to follow her, to keep her safe. Yeah, right. Keep her safe. Someone should keep her safe from me.
Looking around I see her standing with someone under a tree, not a block from my apartment. If my heart was beating it would have stopped, and probably broke. A smiling Willow locking her hand on a leather clad arm. Wait, I know that leather. Inhaling I smell smoke, leather, and the scent that is pure Spike. He looks over her shoulder and smiles at me. He actually has the nerve to smile! At me!
They walk off, arm in arm towards Sunnydale University. I follow. Spike knows I'm here, but chooses to ignore me. That's fine. Let him play his little game. Willow now knows about the bond. Though, now that I think about it, she doesn't seem all that worried or upset about it. What's going on? What are all the kisses about then if she would rather be with Spike?
Spike and Willow talk, her asking about the bond. She mentions something about me telling her what it meant. There, now she'll confront him, and it'll all be over. I can comfort her. I know what an evil bastard Spike can be. I taught him after all. Spike stops her and asks her what I told her. He's not happy. I can tell by that slight twitch in his jaw muscle, it's jumping now.
She asks him if he wants to break the bond, going into one of her prescious babbles. Why did she give Spike the option? Why didn't she just tell him she was going to break the bond? I really should check up on this bond. It might be effecting the way she thinks and feels about Spike. Maybe I should get her away from him, let her see exactly what effect the bond actually has on her. Then, when she realizes she will try to break the bond between them. No, I'm not jealous...well maybe just a little. My boy does have good tastes in women. I'll give him that much.
They kiss. How dare he take advatage of her like that!? Spike takes a peek over in my direction, then angle's them so that I get the optimum view. He's doing this for my benifit, and for his. I growl softly, letting him hear my disapproval.
Breaking the kiss they start walking again, with me trailing behind. I really don't need to follow, now that Willow has an escort, but I need to talk to Spike. Actually, I need to pound him into the ground a bit, but that can wait.
They make it to the dorms and Willow walks alone up the stairs. I'm hidden in the shadows off to the side of the building watching Spike watch Willow. He stands there smoking for a minute or two, just watching the doors where she disappeared through. I look up to see if I can find her room, just to make sure. I look back down to find Spike gone. Shit!
"Hello Peaches," Spike says from behind me. I turn around to face him.
"Spike," I say through clenched teeth.
~Part: 6~
Spike's POV
"Hello Peaches," I say from behind him. He turns around to face me.
"Spike," Peaches says through clenched teeth.
Well, well, look at what we have here. The Pouf just won't give up will he? What I wouldn't give to knock that scowl off his face.
"Right, now that we've firmly established who we are, what do you want? Here to play Rapunzel?" I asked taking out a fag and lighting it.
"No, just making sure Willow got home ok. You're not exactly known for your 'Good Intentions'," he says getting in my face. I really hate that you know. It's all posturing and seeing who's got the bigger set. Me? I know I'm good, well, now with this bloody chip I don't know.
"What ever let's you sleep during the long lonely days," I say nonchalantly. "Just so long as you don't have any delusions, Red is mine."
"No, Spike, Willow is her own person. Just because you tricked her into a bond with you doesn't make her yours," he says jabbing a finger into my chest.
"Oh really? Who did she let walk her home? I know you followed us. So, I also know that you heard our little conversation. She didn't want out of the bond, Peaches. Face it. This time, you don't get the girl. Deal with it. Go back to LA with your little cheerleader and ex-Watcher and your attempt at redemption and leave us the hell alone," I say and stomp out my fag. He just stands there, jaw clenching and hands flexing. "That's right. Now, if you don't mind, I've got relatively better things to be going on with..."
"No Spike, that's where you are wrong. The only reason she didn't back out of the bond is to protect her friends, it had nothing to do with any feelings for you," the Pouf says spinning me around to face him again. Always trying to be the domineering one he is. Bloody annoying at times, like now.
"Whatever. I see that you believe that. Won't shatter your illusions. Just so you don't forget, as your neanderthal brain is wont to do, Red is mine."
I didn't see the fist until it was too late to keep it from impacting hard with my face, busting my lower lip. I tasted my own blood. The damn Ponce continued throwing punches and kicks. I could do nothing but block them, and that I'm not doing very well. I'm getting my arse kicked...not my idea of a good bloody time. I am getting sick of this and decide to throw a punch of my own, chip or no chip. I don't care, Pouf's got it coming. The punch lands with exact precision, spinning him. I grab my head expecting pain...but there is none. I roar in delight! This is just too bloody good.
After a few minutes of trying to beat each other bloody he grabs my wrists and holds them at my sides. Stupid bugger. He just looks at me for a minute, then looks down at my cut and bloody lip. I know he can smell the blood, his is just as thick on the air, almost intoxicating like.
What he does next boggles my mind. The Ponce leans in and draws his tongue along the line of blood coming from my lip. He hovers just above my lips, looking into my eyes. I can see flecks of gold flash throughout his brow eyes. His arousal scents the air, and I'm taken aback. This is not what I had planned. I'd just wanted to taunt, maybe throw a few punches and leave. Not this, not this...whatever it is.
"Wha-," I start to ask, but I'm cut off by his tongue that has invaded my mouth. How the hell did he do that? Always forcing himself where he is least wanted, and yet wanted all the more for being there. I give in to the sensations and kiss back, which reassures him enough to let him release my arms. I grab the back of his head and press him closer, wrapping an arm around his waist, pulling him arse first, flush against me. He moans into the kiss letting me take over. Peaches wraps his arms around me and fingers the old scar that had been given to me by Dru, but he'd bitten over it enough times to make it his claim as well. Our hips move convulsively against one another, each of us straining for that friction that guarantee's pleasure.
We are too engrossed in each other to notice the couple that walks up, until one of them gasps then makes an 'Eww' noise. That voice, the tingling along my spine. It can only be one person. The Slayer. Bloody hell, this is just not my night. I break away from Peaches. He doesn't notice Slutty and Capitan Cardboard until I turn his face to look at them.
"Hello Slayer," I say and light up. This should be fun. Slutty catching the love of her life lip-locked to her mortal enemy.
"Uhh, Buffy, hi," The Pouf says lamely. If the bloke could blush he'd be crimson by now. Peaches is floundering, not lookin' at her.
"What the...what was that?" Slutty asked pointing between Peaches and I.
"Well, I see Capitan Cardboard and Peaches haven't taught you anything. That was a kiss you see. It's when--"
"I know what it is!" The Slayer says frantically, cutting me off. "I meant, well, I don't know what I meant. That was just...," she says trailing off and making a disgusted face. Solider Boy is just standing there gaping. Boy's probably never seen two men together, though, he is in the military. Maybe he's just not used to seeing it outside of the barracks.
We stand there for a few minutes. No one is saying a word. Peaches doesn't know what to say, shifting from foot to foot nervously. The Slayer and her boy are still trying to get over their shock of the situation.
"Are you gay Angel?" Slutty asks out of nowhere. I have to hold back the laughter that is threatening to come pouring out. The look on Peaches face is just too much, I let it out in loud guffaws. The look of death he shoots my way does nothing to curb my laughter.
"We're vampires, no inhibitions. Thought you would have read that in those Watcher's Diary's," I say through the tail end of my laughing fit. She looks at me like I'm crazy. Then looks at my wrists. Oh no, Slutty is thinking.
"Why are you lose?" The Slayer asks.
"Wait, they're vampires?" Soldier Boy asks. He gets into a somewhat fighting stance, as if it would matter.
"Oh, yeah. Sorry Riley," The Slayer says. "This is Angel, and Spike."
"But they're vampires," he says. Boy, he catches on quick doesn't he? Must be all that superior military training. Peaches just nods and looks away. Stupid bugger, he's still ashamed of what he is. Figures.
"Yeah, well now that we have that established...why don't you two go shag or whatever it was you were going to do, and leave the Pouf and I to our business."
"We have no business Spike," Peaches says.
"Oh, I think we do, but we will get to that later," I say and turn back to Slutty and Capitan Cardboard. I wave them away with a flick of the wrist. The Slayer looks at me with a look that says 'You did not just shoo me'. Should've known that wouldn't work.
"Wait, I know you from somewhere," Soldier Boy says stepping closer to look at me. Fuck.
"Yeah, I live 'round here."
"No, not around here...you're Hostile 17!" he exclaims and jumps back reaching for his handy phone. Bloody hell. The Slayer looks alarmed and reaches for him, drawing him away and pulling the phone out of his hands. What's this now? Peaches looks at me quizzically.
"Buffy, what are you doing? That's Hostile 17. I have to call Walsh and let her know, then get the men down here to bring him back," Soldier Boy says.
"No, don't. Listen he can't hurt humans ok?" Slutty says.
"But--"
"No, look. Let me talk to them real quick. You go on up to the room and see if Willow is there. Stay there until I come back, then we will talk ok? I'm also keeping the phone," The Slayer says and pushes him off towards the dorm, then walks back to where Peaches and I are standing.
"How did you get out?" she asks, poking me in the chest.
"Oi, what does it matter to you? Like you said to G.I. Joe over there, I can't hurt humans..."
"Did Giles let you go?"
"Again, what does it matter--"
"Willow let him go," Peaches says. Ok, he really needs to be quiet. Is he trying to get me staked here? I look at him pointedly, asking him with my eyes. He just shrugs and looks back to the Slayer who is standing there mouth gaping.
"What did you do to Willow?" The Slayer asks darkly.
"Nothing. You know what a bleeding heart Red is. She couldn't stand to see me trussed up like that. Bloody nice of her if you ask me."
"But I didn't ask you Spike. I swear, if you did something to her I will dust you," she says and stalks off to the dorms.
I turn back to the Ponce and deck him good, knocking him to the ground. He gets back up quickly and growls.
"What was that for?" he asks.
"For bloody telling the Slayer that Red let me go. Are you out of your gourd? You could have gotten me staked! And then where would Red be?" I ask furious. He looks at me confused, then it dawns on him. "Yeah, that'll teach you to bleeding think sometimes."
"I'm...I'm sorry. I guess I'm still not used to the whole bond thing," he says rubbing his face where I punched him. "Look, I've got an idea--"
I laugh cutting him off, "That's a good one."
"Just listen Spike. I don't know what's going on with this, what was it, Hostile 17 crap, but I don't think you are safe here. Why don't you come back to LA with me?"
I stand there stunned. Back to LA? With Peaches? No Slayer, no Soldier Boys, it's almost too good. There's got to be a catch, always is. "Why?" I ask suspiciously.
"For one to get you away from Willow, and for two...I really think Buffy might stake you. You know Willow will end up telling her. They're best friends. Speaking of which, why don't we head back to my apartment to talk?" he says and starts off walking. I just stand there gaping.
So, ok, I knew the Red thing was coming. I'm not stupid, but him worrying about me getting staked is something new. First the kiss, and now this. What the bloody hell is running through that gel slicked mind of his? Might be worth it to find out. I walk to catch up with him lighting a fag and wondering what exactly is going on here.
~Part: 7~
Angel's POV
That was utterly humiliating. I can't believe it. We were right in front of the dorms! I should have known better. Of course that's the most likely place for Buffy to be! Then to have that Riley fellow there as well. Spike, amazingly enough is following my like I asked. Interesting.
What am I going to do? Why did I ask Spike to come back to LA with me? To protect him? From what exactly? More to protect Willow from him, though, I'm not sure he's the biggest threat in Sunnydale anymore. Not after hearing about that Initiative group. What if they find him again? Obviously that Riley fellow is one of them. Why Buffy is dating him, I'll never understand.
What if they find out that Willow is a witch? What would they do to her? She's human, and not really a threat to anyone. I can't imagine that they would actually try to harm her, but you never know. Might do good to invite Willow along, too. Maybe.
Finally he catches up with me. Took him a few. Wonder what's going on in that bleached head of his? There are so many questions and not enough damn answers for my liking. He's being awfully quiet, just walking there next to me. Too quiet for him. He's one of those people, or vampires, that have to constantly be talking, for some reason or another. I think he has what today would be called, Attention Deficit Disorder.
We make it back to my apartment without incident, without words. I silently invite him in and go to heat up some blood for us. I hear him slump down into one of the only chairs in the room, and it groans under his weight. The ding goes off on the microwave and I grab the mugs and go to sit down in the other chair, handing a mug to Spike.
"So," he says exhaling a cloud of smoke, "you want me to run off to the City of Angel with you, eh?"
"That was the idea, Spike," I say and down the blood. One mug just won't do it. There is just something about Spike that grates on me. He causes some reaction within me…I just don't know what.
"What about Red?"
"What about her?" I ask confused. I don't remember saying I was taking Red…err Willow, too. The whole point of taking Spike to LA with me was to get him away from Willow, well, and to keep him from those people that put that chip in his head.
"The bond," he says eyeing me. "Haven't forgot about that have you? Getting forgetful in your old age, Peaches?"
I leap to my feet and stand over him. I meant to do this a while ago, ever since I found out about the bond. I pull back and hit him square in the face. The chair falls over with him in it. There, I feel better now. I walk back to my chair and sit down calmly. Spike is sitting up on his elbows just looking at me. The ice blue of his eyes turning yellow for a second, just enough to show what he thought of that little act. Fine, be pissed. Right now, he deserves it.
"Right, now that that's out of your system, can we get back to what we were bloody talking about? Or do you feel the need to trade blows for a bit? I'm itching for a bit of violence myself right about now," he says. Righting the chair, he stays standing kind of shaking loose, readying for a fight.
"Sit," I say tersely. He gives me a strange look, like he wasn't expecting that, but ends up sitting anyways.
"So…," he says, his voice trailing off.
"Are you coming to LA with me or not?" I ask. He sits silently, thinking. "For all I care you can sit here and let those government people come and prod at your head some more. God knows they won't mess anything up in there. However, I'd rather not see that happen if I can do anything about it. So, are you coming?"
"Well, see that's where we run into a problem," he says throwing a leg over the chair and lighting up.
"What problem?" I ask. I really don't want to know what he has conjured up. Spike is quick and devious, no matter how much he pretends otherwise. He could have rivaled Angelus if he'd half a mind to. I never understood why he didn't. Questions for another time.
"Money, smokes, blood, and a place to lay my dead bones. Can't have me just wandering around your city and getting into trouble can you?" Spike says with a grin. So, there's the catch. Seeing that I've only got the one small apartment, and I definitely don't want him living with me, I think I'll be generous. For now.
"Ok," I say simply. "But—"
"I knew it!" Spike says surging to his feet and cutting me off. "Can't just leave it at a simple `Ok', can you? Always got to bloody be asking for more, until everything I have is yours. So, what is it now Angelus? Do you want the un-beating heart from my chest? How about the breath I don't need? You're already trying to take my Red!"
I'm too stunned to say anything and he looks a little startled by his outburst. I don't know what to say. An apology would just look like I'm placating him, and if I know Spike, he would get even more pissed at that. But, where did this `his' Red, uh Willow, come from? This is the second or third time he's said this. Since when did he develop feelings for Willow? Does she like him? If so, what's she doing kissing me?
Sometimes I wish for the simple life again. Drinking, fucking, sleeping, it was so easy. No thought except for who's paying for the next ale, and how to get the bar maid into the back alley for a quick go. Hell, even being a vampire back then was simple, before I got heavy into bloodlust. All I had to do was find the next donor. And please Darla endlessly, which was no small feat, but I enjoyed it.
"Do you love her?" I ask.
"Do you?"
"I asked first, Spike."
"Doesn't matter does it? Red'll choose you anyways. They always bloody choose you," he says slumping back in the chair and lighting up, again.
"Do you love her?" I ask again.
"Bloody hell, what do you want me to say? No, I don't love the chit. I care about her. I could love her, but that doesn't matter," he says somewhat to himself. "Do you love her? Honestly?"
"Honestly? No, I don't. I care for her a great deal and she's a wonderful human being, but…"
"You still love the Slayer," Spike says for me.
I nod. I don't tell him that I don't love Buffy like I used to, that I know now it was a mistake…something that shouldn't have been. I don't tell him that I as well could love Willow. That I might already. There is just something about Willow. With Buffy it was her liveliness and the fact that she is destined to die young. Willow is just, well, she's shy and quiet, yet at the same time she has this incredible depth to her. You feel like you can talk to her about anything and she won't judge you for it. She's extremely caring to the point of not even worrying about herself if there is someone else in need. Her laugh is just…and her smile is…those eyes… You get my point. She's just Willow.
"So mate, what do we do about Red? Can't leave her here if I am skipping town. She's got to come with me. Where I go little Red is sure to follow," Spike says bringing me out of my thoughts.
"Huh? Why?"
"The bond, ya big Poufter. I don't know the extent of it. I don't know how close she has to stay to me, if she does at all. Are you willing to chance it?"
"Do you remember anything you read about it?! How could you just go and do that to her? She's just an innocent!" I yell. Standing up I go to pace the small apartment.
"I wasn't thinking at the time. Being tied up for almost a month straight tends to shake loose a few marbles. `Sides, it's not like she couldn't end it, if she wanted to."
"Fine. I'll ask her to come to LA too. She can stay with Cordelia, or I could get her a place of her own," I say thinking out loud. "I'll just tell her that I need help with the computer system or something. Then, you can tell her you want her to remove the bond so she can come back here and live her life."
"Works for me, Peaches," Spike says and gets up to leave. "Be seeing you."
The door bangs shut after him. I barely notice it. Sighing, I go and lie down. Great. Now I have to lie to Willow. Get her to come to LA and make sure Spike has Willow remove the bond.
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