DISCLAIMER: I do not own Buffy, Angel, Willow, Giles, Faith, or any of the characters portrayed here, nope ..They are the property of The WB, Fox Studios, possibly the UPN, Joss and many others I don’t know. I own the plot thought.
Rating: R
Pairing: Willow/Spike/Angel
Location: My website, Tarnished Halo - www.angelfire.com/tv/NocturnalWillow/index.html
Author’s notes: This is the sequel to Unity. Thank you all for the wonderful feedback.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
~Part: 1~
Willow woke up feeling dazed. She wasn't aware of the two strong vampires beside her. She moaned in her sleep, wanting to hold on to the dream that they were here, that she wasn't alone, yet again. She found it never really got easier being alone, that was just one of those clichés. Willow really hated those. She finally willed herself to sit up, as her body was telling her she couldn't postpone the inevitable. She felt a little sore when she sat up. She shook her head and uttered a loud "eep" as she saw the sleeping blonde vampire on one side of her. She then heard a rumbling sound to her right. She doubled the "epp" in pitch and volume as her brain registered the other vampire. Her mouth fell open and the sheet covering her bare breasts fell. "Morning lover."
"A-A-Angel?" Willow asked.
"Yeah the pouf is still here, all souled up…. here we go… " Spike replied. He then went to touch Willow's breast. She was then aware of her own state of nakedness.
"Spike?" Willow said.
"It's really us. What happened?" Angel asked. He winced when he saw the bite marks on either side of her neck. "We hurt you."
"No… I mean I don't feel hurt, maybe a tad sore but…"
Angel then motioned to her neck. Her hand found the marks. She shivered, as the feeling of them was erotic, she moaned. "Not drained."
"We claimed you." Angel said, sounding almost said.
"Is that bad?" Willow asked.
"No. Not in the strictest sense. You are family to us. Vampires, we take care of our own. You are under our care and protection."
"I feel strange."
"That is an understatement." Angel said.
"What do you mean?" Willow asked.
"My soul, its still here." Angel saw the tear forming in her eyes. "Willow, last night… was beyond paradise. No one has ever made me feel like that…even now….I want you so bad. I need to be near you."
" Red, this is strange, I have never nor has Angelus ever claimed a human before."
"But you guys hate each other."
"Not in the strictest sense. We might have our issues with each other, but I still care for him as my child. Even when he fought against us, I always gave him an out before the fight. Spike being the pain in the ass he always has been, doesn't always make the best decisions."
"That mate, is because you are a pounce compared to my sire, so I have to antagonize you. Gives my un-life a purpose." Spike said, with a grin.
Willow was not really sure what to do. All she knew was her body was demanding she get to the bathroom. But then she realized that she was naked. "Umm guys… or vamps… can you guys close your eyes…"
"Why?" Spike asked.
"I need to get out of bed."
"We don't mind looking at you naked Willow. In fact, we rather enjoy feasting on your sinful body." Angel said.
"Modest here!" Willow said, trying not to blush under the glaze of her men.
Spike chuckled. "It's sort of cute, considering all the sinful things we did last night that she worries about a little modesty now."
"I can blind you both magically." Willow suggested. The vamps groaned and closed their eyes. Willow got out of bed as quickly as she could. Her body was still recovering from the vigorous lovemaking. Willow looked in the mirror, glad to see a reflection looking back at her. Her eyes fell upon her neck, seeing two very visible bite marks. She ran her fingers over them. She moaned as she remembered just how good it felt to have their fangs in her. She washed her face and noticed her knuckles were discolored. She remembered punching the mirror. She remembered bleeding profusely, but her knuckles were almost completely healed.
She grabbed the large white robe and slipped inside it, loving the softness of the cotton against her skin. She saw that the vampires had been waiting for her. Both vamps were shirtless and she wanted them. "Tell me more about the claim."
"Well, you are considered family to us. " Spike said.
Willow flashed her knuckles. "Spike, they should not be healed yet."
"Since you have blinded to us, you will share in some of our traits. Humans haven't bonded to vamps for quite some time, it was rare in my day, and rarer still."
"Perhaps, we should we should see Giles." Willow said.
"It's still light out. We can wait here until you get back, Lover." Angel said, looking at her. She knew that both vampires wanted her. But she knew she had to figure out what to do. She had walked over to her closet.
She soon found herself face to face with Angel. She unconsciously licked her lips. She marveled at how wonderful his body was. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. She felt his strong hands untie her robe and let in fall to the floor. She moaned as his hands slid down her bare back, making her shiver. His hands rested on her ass and he pulled her up to him. She felt him walk her against the wall. As they kissed his fingers went into her sweet spot. She broke off the kiss and was panting. "So wet."
Willow whimpered as his fingers left her. She felt his arms move her legs and she nearly screamed as he slid inside her. She never had been in this position before and he felt so deep inside her. Angel began moaning and murmuring her praises as he brought her to a powerful orgasm. He then slowed his movements inside her. Willow felt him reposition her so more of her weight was on him. She felt Spike nearby and reached out. She felt his hands all over her. Angel grinned, as Spike began touching her as well. Spike had managed to clear off a dresser. Angel put Willow on it. Angel then moved out of the way and let Spike feel her warmth. Spike growled as he slid into her. Willow moaned. Angel had coaxed Willow to lean back on the dress. When she did he kissed her deeply. Angel's hands were all over her breasts, his hands squeezing while his thumb flicked over her nipples. Willow's hands reached out for Angel's cock. He stayed still as her hand began pumping his shaft. "Angel… taste me." Willow whimpered.
Angel leaned forward and let his tongue flick over her clit. Willow then took his cock into her warm mouth. Willow moaned, groaned and purred as she felt Angel's tongue and Spike wonderful cock deep inside her. Spike was in heaven, he had to be, between watching his sire lick Willow and the feeling of her hot body he was ready to cum. He picked up the pace, letting anybody know he was ready to cum. He then did. Angel for his part was also on the edge, watching his child slide in and out of Willow was hot, especially from the angle he had. Her scent, and the wonderful mouth she had Willow. He pulled out of her mouth. She went to protest, but with his enhanced speed he was buried deep in her. Willow moaned as he began to thrust hard into her. Willow was beyond complete sentences. She kept trying to match him thrust for thrust. Spike grinned and smacked Angel's backside, driving him deeper into the witch. Angel groaned, as the sensation was wonderful. He then felt Spike's had by his sack. Spike massaged it and soon Angel came. Willow then pulled Angel to her and bit him as hard as she could, drawing blood. Angel used the same holes from the previous evening. He only tasted. Willow then looked at Spike, and licked her bloody lips. Spike then used the new bite and slid his fangs into her, giving her a last orgasm. She also bit him as hard as she could, also drawing blood.
She took a quick shower and got dressed, picking out a sweater that hid her bites. Both vampires pulled her into a hug and kiss. "If you need us, we will be there." Spike told her.
~Part: 2~
She carefully checked her reflection, using the scarf to make sure the bites were covered up. She smiled and walked out of their arms and out the door. She tentatively walked out of her dorm. She saw the sunlight filtering in through the windows. She felt nervous. She sidestepped the sun, occasionally running her fingers in the sunlight. She felt very relieved when she didn't get smoky or flamey.
She felt nervous as she walked to the Magic Box. She missed the feeling of her vampires. She smiled as she said it in her head, her vampires. She felt this odd tingle in her toes as she entered the Magic Box. She smiled when she saw her best friend. "Hey Wills, you look nice today." The blond said.
"Thanks Buffy. Anything going on?"
"Nope, just did the Valentines Dance with Riley. It could work. But you look… you have a glow." Buffy said.
"Thanks, amazing what a good solid night's sleep can do to a person." Willow said. She felt uncomfortable as if everyone were looking at her differently. She was still figuring everything out for herself. What have I gotten myself into, Willow mused in her mind. Buffy then went into the training area and the tingle Willow felt had totally disappeared. Willow shook her head as Angel's words rang in her ears, picking up some vamp traits. Willow made a mental about being able to detect Buffy as a slayer. Willow then went to the books. She needed to know what she had unknowingly gotten herself into last night and renewed this afternoon. She remembered wishing to not be alone anymore, to have someone who would always be there for here, that wouldn't die and was loyal. Well, she thought, Spike, way in the loyalty department, to Drucilla anyway. Angel had a demon in him, but was able to control it and love. But his soul? She knew he had more than one powerful orgasm. Hell she even offered her blood to him. She felt so confused. She didn't even hear Anya asking if she was okay. "I'm sorry Anya, I'm not feeling too good."
"I'm sorry things are hard for you. I do mean that, not because it is custom to say, but if I had my powers back, your wish would be my command." Anya said.
Willow smiled. "Thank you Anya, it means a lot."
"Remember, I have connections in the vengeance underworld, let me know."
"I will."
The rest of the day went fine, until Cordelia and Gunn entered the Magic Box. "Willow?"
"Here. Hello is everything ok?" Willow asked wondering why they had a tragic look on their faces.
"I had a vision. You were bitten." Cordelia said.
Willow turned red. "Are you sure?"
"Yeah… my visions are right on, except with the Powerball numbers."
"Well I will try and be careful." Willow said.
"Where was the envisioned attack?" Xander asked.
"In a dorm, I think. Willow, when did you wear scarves?" Cordelia asked.
"New look." Willow said. She flinched as Gunn removed the scarf. On both sides of her neck were the distinct marks, one was more healed than the other.
"Who did this to you?" Buffy asked. Willow knew this wasn't good.
"It's a kinda long story." Willow said.
"I knew she looked happier this morning." Anya said.
"They didn't hurt me. I am still trying to remember everything, but my memory is hazy."
"Willow, who did this to you?" Giles asked.
"Angel and Spike." Willow whispered.
"What????" Buffy said. Willow knew that Buffy might hurt her vamps. That though made Willow nearly see red, blood red. She felt very protective of them.
"They didn't hurt me." Willow said.
"They bit you." Cordelia said. "Did they both bite you?"
"Oh yeah." Willow said with a dreamy look in her eyes.
"What the hell is going on?" Xander asked.
"They claimed me." Willow said. She saw Giles' face change color.
"Claimed?" Gunn said.
"Yeah… it's all still a little blurry to me."
"Willow, when a vampire… claims... a person, there are acts of intimacy involved." Giles said.
"That there was." Willow said, again with the dreamy look.
"Willow… if Angel gets too happy…" Buffy said.
"I wish I knew, he is still Angel, all soul bound and feeling both good and guilty. It is strange." Willow said.
"The curse…" Buffy said.
"I don't know either…. I mean I am not an expert on" Willow paused as the idea ran through her head, like a freight train. "...Lost... old… magics… and …cures: Willow said, turning her head to Anya. "Anya is though."
"That I am." Anya said, smiling at the compliment.
"Anya, I need you to look at the curse. It's Romany."
"Oh good, I love the Romany. They were … clients." Anya said. Willow then smiled and pulled out her laptop. She did the necessary pointing and clicking. She showed Anya the curse.
"Its small." Anya said.
"Huh?"
"The screen. Can you make it bigger?" Anya said.
Willow then printed out the curse. Anya was smiling as she read it, which made Xander nervous. Everyone watched her facial expressions. In her head, Anya knew the suspense was killing them. She decided to make them sweat a little bit. "Where did you get this Willow?"
"From a computer program. Jenny, she created a program to decipher the old texts."
"Well this ain't the original curse."
"But he was Angel...and he still is… and the …. we ...he.. did… and his soul… still here…."Willow babbled on. Anya stopped suppressing her smile.
"I know. The original curse had a loophole; there is no one moment of happiness. The soul is forever condemned in the demon's body." Anya said.
"That is good." Willow said.
"So which vampire claimed you?" Anya asked.
"They both did. I claimed them as they claimed me."
"Oh wow… you are a lucky girl. Two very powerful vampires claimed you. I mean William and Angelus were never the sharing kind of vamps. "
"It's so new to me. They said I was family to them now." Willow said.
"How do we break the claim?" Buffy asked.
"Buffy, claims aren't broken." Anya said.
"How did they get to you?" Xander asked, more curious than anything else.
"I tried to do a spell to de rat Amy. I guess I wished for a couple things."
"Like my ex-boyfriend?" Buffy asked.
"Not specifically. I didn't want to be alone anymore. I wanted someone who was loyal and wouldn't stray. Someone who wouldn't leave or die on me, someone who could control his inner demon and still be with me. Spike came over first, then Angel showed up soon and there were fireworks." Willow said.
"Fireworks?"
"Well we started kissing and then there were the fireworks…" Willow said.
"Lucky girl got some three way action." Anya said.
"Anya!" Willow said, blushing.
"Well I wasn't sure if they would have gotten it. And I really am not good at drawing pictures. You know denial isn't just a river in Egypt." Anya said.
"Are you coming LA with us?" Gunn asked.
"We haven’t thought it over yet." Willow answered.
"Willow is staying here, with her friends where she belongs." Buffy said sweetly.
"Buffy!" Willow admonished.
"We can help you deal." Buffy said.
"Like you helped me deal with Oz." Willow thought she said softly, but apparently everyone heard her.
"Willow, how can you say that…." Buffy asked.
"Say what Buffy… Let's face it. All you are trying to do is hook me up with one of Riley's little commando buddies. I am not ready yet."
"All you did was sit around and mope." Buffy said.
"And what you are the getting over it queen?"
"You have no idea what I went through." Buffy said defensively.
"You never gave us the chance, you bailed on us. You left us behind. You left us to do your job. You left us not even knowing if you were alive or dead. DO you know how many nights Giles and I pulled all-nighters, checking morgues, his connections, anything to find out if you were even still alive. You never even grace us that peace of mind. Do you know just how m any nights your mother cried herself to sleep thinking her little was dead? Do you know how hard it was Buffy? Why do you think I jumped into the magics, huh? We didn't have slayer strength or slayer healing; we became targets for you. Don't you dare preach to me..." Willow said, not caring that she was yelling.
"Willow, be reasonable." Buffy whined, or that was how it sounded.
"I am reasonable. I mean at least Xander was trying; even Anya, always trying to hook me up with the vengeance. They just let me take my time, no pressure. " Willow said. It was that point the said vampires walked into the building. Willow smiled and hugged them both. "I missed you guys."
"We missed you little one." Angel said, placing a kiss on her forehead. She smiled and Spike took to opportunity to plunder her mouth with his tongue. Angel chuckled, enjoying the shocked reactions of everyone present, except Anya who was smiling proudly. "Spike, I think our girl might need to breathe now." Angel said.
Spike gently broke his kiss off. Willow was smiling. "Must you be such a show off William?"
"Come on the look on the moron's face was worth it." Spike said.
"The moron has a name, his name is Xander." Willow said.
"I can't believe what you guys did to her." Buffy accused.
"Buffy a claim isn't something that is forced. When a vampire and human have a claim, the vampire must ask and the human must want the claim. Even if she says yes, if she doesn't want it, it can't happen. We didn't force her into anything." Angel said.
"So now what?" Gunn asked.
"Well, the choice is really up to Willow. She is beyond welcome to come to LA with me or she can stay here, the offers is also good to Spike." Angel said.
"I wish I knew." She said.
"You could stay here." Xander said.
"Just remember Xander, they claimed her, and she claimed them. Wherever she stays, they will too." Anya said.
"Well as much as Deadboy and Fangless here annoy me, I want Willow to stay here." Xander said.
"Good boy!" Anya said and patted his thigh.
"You have my support in this Willow." Giles said.
"Don't look at me, I hate this arrangement." Buffy said.
"I won't stay if I'm not wanted." Willow said.
"Willow, I want you to stay here, I just want them to go away." Buffy calmly said.
"How big is your place?" Willow said, looking to Angel.
"It's a hotel, or was. I am buying it and restoring it. I do need someone with a good hand at the building trades to oversee the process. I lack familiarity with California building codes." Angel said, making eye contact with Xander.
"I can help you with that. I mean if Willow is moving out there, I need to know she is someplace safe." Xander said.
"Do I have vacation pay?" Anya asked.
"I can't believe you guys are discussing this. Willow has bound herself to two of our most vicious enemies and you are okay with it?" Buffy said, her stake now visible and she was ready to attack.
"Kill them and you lose her." Anya said. "She is bound to them. Their deaths will end up killing her, after she goes insane. Are you willing to do that to your friend?"
"I'm sorry Will, but I can't do this… not now…" Buffy said and left.
Angel and Spike both took Willow into their arms comforting her as she began to cry. Giles had told the vampires that he would be home if they or Willow should need anything. He then closed the shop. Giles had known everyone's emotions were on overdrive. Willow thanked Giles for his support and hugged him. He watched as Angel and Spike walked Willow home.
Willow looked around her dorm. She looked at the vampires. "No one is in there, at least anyone with a heartbeat." Angel said.
"Willow, we do need to talk about what we are going to do." Spike said.
~Part: 3~
"I think LA might be our best option." Spike said.
"I know. I just feel guilty for leaving the hellmouth." Willow said.
"Little one, we are only a couple hours away, they can always call us if they need us. The whole group is welcomed. I don't mind."
"Thank you for offering that job to Xander." Willow said.
"Your smile is thanks enough." Angel said.
"You are so whipped." Spike said.
"You are too, Boy." Angel said.
"So what happened now?"
"Well, Angel Investigations could always use a talented wiccan and well as an additional vampire. "
"But what do you want?" Willow asked.
"I want to be near you. Just like Spike. As vampires we always travel, so that makes us more flexible. This place is your home."
"The place where you are supposed to feel safe, have a comfortable knowledge of the area. As vampires, it's just another place. Like the pouf here, I just want to be near you, it can be here, London, we could even raise hell at Vatican City." Spike said.
"It's over rated." Angel said.
Willow smiled. " I guess I should pack, huh?"
Spike smiled. "I got a better idea…"
"Oh no…." Angel said.
"Let's get you some new clothes. Something to show off those wonderful breasts you have."
"And leather… a nice short skirt, or tight pants to show off that fantastic ass." Angel said. Both vampires saw the deep flush of her skin.
"Sire, you should have felt that sweet ass. It was so warm, like velvet." Spike purred.
"Ok… pack now… get smutty later huh?" Willow asked.
She then looked at Angel who started stripping. Her eyes became fixated on his fully naked and fully aroused state. "Damn you..." She muttered. "Spike, I think you're right. I will need new clothes."
"Leather doesn't rip like fabric doesn't rip. Plus a corset will push those sweet breasts up closer." Spike added. He then walked over to Willow. He began undressing her in front of his sire. Willow didn't fuss. "I want to watch you and my sire. I want him to feel you like I did last night."
Willow mumbled something unintelligible, which Spike took as an okay. Sure enough Angel put Willow on the bed, on all fours. His face found her wet spot. Spike watched as his sire took his time making sure she was wet enough then stretched her with his fingers. Willow moaned and soon Angel found himself buried in her. Willow had kept her eyes closed, focusing on the pleasure that Angel had brought her. Spike just watched as his sire took the witch to a powerful orgasm. Spike found himself playing with his cock, just watching them he found himself coming along with the witch and his sire.
Willow decided upon a nice hot bath, since her body was tender from the affections of her vampires. She was just about asleep when Angel walked into the bathroom. "We need to head back to the Magic box, Cordelia had had a vision."
"Okay." Willow then got up.
"I sent Spike out. He is picking up an outfit for you. I picked it out. He hasn't event seen it." Angel said, with a big grin.
"Will I like it?" Willow asked.
"I hope so." Angel said. Willow just shook her head. She wasn't disappointed as Spike came in through the door in a few minutes.
"Did you peek, boy?" Angel sneered.
"Nope, honest. So Red, put it on already, the suspense in killing me." Spike said, handed her the box and stole a kiss from her. Willow grinned and took the packages. In the bathroom, she smiled as she looked at the outfit. He remembered. She got what she could on then called Angel to help her with the rest. She smiled as he stealthy entered the bathroom with her. Angel took his time finishing her corset.
"You remembered?"
"When I first saw you in this, that was when I realized you were hot. I looked at not as Buffy's friend, but as a woman. Then you had that game face. As a vampire, you radiated power and sex. I was so turned on." Angel told her.
"Think Spike will like it?"
"I know he will. Are you alright?" Angel asked her. He could sense her indecision.
"I will be. I know that I love you and I love Spike. I want to be with both of you. I hope that the gang here will be okay with this. I never meant to hurt them. "
"Are you ever going to come out of there?" Spike asked.
"Soon." Willow said.
"I must say, I was proud of you, when you lost your temper with Buffy."
"I shouldn't have done that." Willow said.
"I think it's cute. I remember when Buffy snuck off to a college party. You hollered at me about a cup of coffee. I liked that." Angel said. He then kissed her deeply. "We should get out there or he'll get pissy." Willow then began giggling.
Willow then departed the bathroom, with Angel directly behind her. His hand was placed on her hip. Willow and Angel saw Spike drink her in with his eyes, as if seeing her for the first time. "Red… you look succulent."
"Thank you. Did Angel ever tell you about vampire me?"
"When were you a vampire?" Spike asked.
"She was so hot, calling me Puppy. She wore this exact outfit. It was the first time I noticed Willow's wonderful ass." Angel said.
"Did you like when I called you Puppy?" Willow asked Angel.
"It was interesting." Angel said.
"Don't let his soul fool you, Angelus is a kinky bastard. " Spike said, before assaulting Willow's mouth.
"We have work to do. Later, childe we shall get Willow to play." Angel said. With that they left to meet up and Giles' house to kill whatever it was Cordelia saw in her vision.
~Part: 4~
Willow couldn't believe just how fast time flew by. She was still close to Xander, Anya and Giles. She had left Sunnydale only one year ago. She was happy with her life in LA. She was finishing up her school. She had made new friends. Her friends were pretty cool and clueless. Spike and Angel had been played off as her best friends. Angel knew that one of her friends wanted Spike in the worst way. Angel decided to act like Spike's boyfriend. Spike was glaring daggers at him, but the girl backed off. Willow even loved the act. She was hanging out in the lobby. She was still tired form the patrol last night. In truth she was tired because her two vampire boyfriends were feeling frisky. She finally told them she was shot.
She saw how Angel was being even nicer to her today. Wesley knew that at times the vampires drove her completely crazy. He then offered to take Willow out for coffee. She readily agreed. Willow put on her sunglasses and headed out to the sunshine. "Rough night?" Wes asked.
"Yeah. Sometimes they get so wound up." Willow said.
"Don't forget Angel had to endure a lot of loneliness for a long time. He's bound to be… affectionate."
"I know that, but Spike is driving me crazy. I just wish he wouldn't antagonize Angel so much. I don't want to spend eternity with them having their little pissing contests." Willow said, sipping her Frapachino on the beach.
"That bad huh?"
"Yeah… At times. I just get crabby because between the two of them they are smothering me."
"They mean well." Wes said.
"I know. That is why it gets hard to stay mad at them. But when Spike gets too annoying to Angel, I give Angel a little extra sweetness. " Willow said with a grin.
"This had nothing to do with the recent bout of homesickness, does it?" Wes asked.
"Probably. I mean I know it's been hard on them; it's been hard on me. I mean my body is changing. I can sense and feel things I have never seen before. Did you know I have been replaced? They now have a witch with their little crew and she's handy with the magic, great with research. I feel so alone at times." Willow said and wiped a tear from her eyes.
"Willow, you are not easily replaceable. I admit to saying I would be quite lost without you here."
"Thanks Wes, we should get back. I needed this."
"Its alright, I enjoy being able to talk to you out here. I mean I feel like they watch me like a hawk around you. I mean they growl when I hug you."
"Its okay, I go shopping with Cordelia on their tab. It's my own little form of payback." Willow said laughing. With that they finished their beloved Starbucks and went back to the hotel. Her laughter stopped when she entered the hotel. She knew something had happened.
"What did we miss?"
"Giles called. It's Buffy's mom. She's sick." Angel said.
"Is she.."
"She is alive, but in the hospital. They found a shadow on her brain. I told Giles we would be there at sundown."
"Give me the keys." Willow said.
"Willow…" Spike said.
"No, I am leaving now, give me the keys or I'll hotwire the damn car."
"Willow, you don't know how to." Angel said.
"Spike taught me." Willow said with a deadly grin.
"Spike!" Angel growled.
"What? It was fun." Spike said.
Angel walked over to her and pulled her into a hug. "Be careful. We will be there at sundown."
"I know. Make arrangements in the hotel in town." Willow said as she took the keys from him and gave him a deep kiss. She then looked at Spike she gave him a small smile then broke off into a full run and jumped on him, knocking him off the chair and onto the floor. She kissed him deep. She felt his hard cock demanding to be touched. She then got up off him and walked out the door. Angel was grinning, as he understood his child's predicament. "Don't start Peaches."
~Part: 5~
Willow calmly drove to the Magic Box. She felt scared as she drove down the once familiar streets. As she drove around to park, she felt like this place was home anymore. It was different. Then she realized that somewhere along the way, she was different. She kept her dark sunglasses on as sometimes, light hurt her eyes. She entered the store quietly. She smiled at Anya who was thanking a customer for her patronage. Willow laughed, only Anya. "Hey Willow, you look awesome."
"Thanks Anya. Where is everybody?"
"Xander is working, Giles is at the hospital trying to talk sense into the stubborn one. Dawn is in school."
"How is Joyce?"
"Same, she gets out of it at times, her memory falters. I don't know." Anya said, looking sad.
"How is Buffy handling it?"
"She is not really. She is very bitchy. Xander said it's not nice to say, but its true."
"She will be thrilled with my being here."
"Oh she isn't." Anya said. "But Xander and I are."
"She still hates us. I wish she would just…."
"Don't make wishes on the hellmouth." Anya said.
"You back in the business?"
"No, but you never know." Anya said and winked. Anya walked away to answer the ringing phone. Willow saw her expression change. Willow tried to listen but the voices were just too soft. She then heard Anya softly hang up the phone. "She passed away in surgery." Anya said and began crying. Willow felt her eyes tear up. She saw the customer ready to buy. She walked away from Anya and rang up the item. As soon as the place was empty, they locked the doors and went to Giles' house. Willow picked up her cell phone and called Angel to tell him. They said they would meet her at Giles'.
Willow just sat there and held Xander and Anya. Buffy had brought Dawn. Willow wasn't sure who to comfort, she tried to hug Buffy, but the slayer sidestepped her effort. Willow then gave Dawn a gentle hug. She began reciting her memories of Joyce Summers, the things she would miss the most about her. Xander had mentioned the way she would give you good advice in a way that you never knew you were being advised. The entire group was moved as Spike remembered her. His first memory was of her with the axe, protecting her clan. He told her how Joyce was a good listener, how she never judged. He broke down as he remembered how she consoled him about his loss of Drucilla and how he would keep her company while Buffy was away at college. Buffy surprised everyone the room by hugging Spike and crying earnestly on his shoulder.
Spike looked to his mate and his sire. They nodded and he held his former nemesis as she cried. The vampires had made sure everyone had gotten home safely. Angel noticed how quiet Willow was. "Are you alright?"
"I'm holding up." She said, wiping a tear.
"The first death is probably the hardest." Angel said.
"First death?" Willow said, looking very confused.
"Willow, by binding yourself to us, you share our traits. You won't age; you will be immortal. At some point, your friends will fade away. They might resent you in their old age and bitterness. But at some point, the world you know will fade away. It's partly why vampires wander. When you stay too long in some place, you realize how disconnected you feel. But it continues on. As vampires, we continue on." Angel said pulling her closer to him.
"Can we freeze time?" Willow asked.
"In theory, it can be done. But you have me and you have Spike. That is partly why vampires travel in some sort of grouping. It gives you a false sense of self."
"Think some time they can forgive me?" Willow asked.
"In time they will, Love, in time. So shall we leave this place, bring you home?" Spike asked his lover.
"Where is home, exactly?" Willow asked.
"We've got palaces all over the world." Spike interjected.
"But where is home?" Willow asked.
"I can show you where I lived, and where I died. Amazingly enough I bought those places. I have kept them." Spike said.
"Galway is lovely this time of year. I can show you the grave I dug my way out of."
"So where you each died, that is where you called home?" Willow asked.
"I guess." Angel said.
"So I don't have a home." Willow said.
"We can make a home Willow, here, in Rome anywhere you want." Angel told his girl.
"Sunnydale isn't home to me, not anymore." Willow said.
"Let's go back to the hotel." Spike said as he pulled Willow into his arms.
"I'd like that." Willow said.
THE END